Chapter 28

Glacial Cave, near the Crystal Empire

Cheerilee let out surprised whinny as a drop of ice cold water hit the end of her snout. Despite her rude awakening, she still had enough sense to survey her surroundings. The first thing she noticed was that she was inside of a cave. It was, of course, still cold but not enough to threaten her health. Even so, she wondered why she wasn’t feeling the chills. She realized that something…or rather somepony was keeping her warm.

Much to her utter embarrassment, the teacher found that she was being snuggled by one of the sovereigns of Equestria. Despite her initial embarrassment, she had to admit that Luna’s fur was incredibly soft so no use wasting it right? Cheerilee closed her eyes and rested her head into the crook of Luna’s neck, silently thanking the princess that she was warm and alive.

Luna smiled upon witnessing her new friend’s gratitude. It had been ages since anypony had thanked her for anything and it stirred a warm feeling in her chest, she had long since forgotten. As gentle as she could, the alicorn nudged Cheerilee with one of her wings.

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest my friend but we really must make hast to find proper shelter.”

Cheerilee yawned. “Oh sorry I’m just so sleepy.”

“Ah well that tends to happen when one encounters a Windigo.”

“Yes, I remember that you mentioned it earlier but how did it manage to trap me so easily?”

“In order to absorb the life force of ponies, they often lure their victims with their honeyed words and physical beauty. It is fortunate that I was here to drive the creature away, otherwise you would have been devoured.”

Cheerilee’s ears flattened against her head as a slight blush rose to her cheeks. How could she have been so foolish as to have listened to that vile creature? She was a smart mare, so why didn’t she resist? The answer was pathetically simple: She didn’t want to resist. Cheerilee was only a mortal pony. She had needs of both the physical and emotional variety…and lately those needs had been severely neglected, due to her busy lifestyle.

“Princess, I’m sorry…I-I should have been stronger.”

“Shhh there’s no reason to be ashamed Cheerilee. You were exhausted from the cold and my spell. I was more than happy to assist you, considering that we are in this predicament due to an error in my spell casting. In fact, it is I who should be ashamed. I shouldn’t have gotten so startled over something as banal as a mug smashing upon the ground. I’m…so very sorry.”

“Dwelling on our failures won’t get us anywhere right now. Why don’t we use that energy to try and find a way to the Crystal Empire?”

Luna nodded. “That certainly seems like a sensible course of action. I was just about to suggest that we venture out, so that we may gather our bearings. Although we should probably consider foraging for some food as well, since the cold weather tends to sap one’s energy quicker than normal.”

Both mares emerged from the cave to find the early morning sun hanging low in the sky. It’s warming rays giving little comfort in the bitter cold. But at least the storm they had been through earlier had since cleared up, allowing them to survey their surroundings with greater ease. All they could see was vast stretches of snowy wasteland, stretching in every direction.

Luna let out a frustrated sigh, pounding one of her hooves into the ground. She had no idea how far they were from the Imperial City. For all she knew, they could dozens if not hundreds of miles away. Finding food in a barren wasteland such as this would prove to be equally difficult. Yes, there were a few species of pine along with some berry bushes that grew in the north but Luna feared that they were too far from any liquid sources of water to find any.

Luna’s thoughts were interrupted when she felt Cheerilee tapping her on the shoulder. At first she didn’t really react, other than being mildly annoyed. The mild tapping changed to violent shaking as Cheerilee grabbed her by the shoulders, desperate to get her attention.

“Princess are you awake in there? Helloooo Equestria to Princess Luna!”

Luna blushed. “Oh ermm…sorry Cheerilee I was lost in thought. What’s wrong?”

“I think I just saw an airship on the horizon. If we could somehow signal them, they might be able to rescue us.”

“Really? That is highly unusual, considering how remote this area is. Are you sure you weren’t just seeing a mirage?”

“I’m sure of it! There isn’t anything else out here for miles. Besides, it couldn’t possibly hurt to check it out considering that we have to move out of here anyway.”

“You do have a point. I shall investigate this supposed dirigible but make sure to stay here. I don’t need you wandering off and freezing to death.”

Cheerilee crossed her fore-hooves. “I’ll have you know that I’m not some air-headed filly. I’m a grown mare princess; I can look after myself properly.”

“Cheerilee, I didn’t mean to sound condescending. I’m just concerned for your safety. I very nearly lost you to that Windigo earlier and I wouldn’t ever be able to forgive myself if you died out here.”

“Luna, I had no idea you cared about me so much. Am I…really that important to you?”

“It is not just because you are my subject but also because you are my friend. You see, before I was banished I had sequestered myself away from my subjects because I was jealous of how they praised my sister’s day and yet…they never seemed to appreciate my night. As a result I didn’t really have anypony I could truly call a friend and I think that helped lead to my downfall. It is important now more than ever, that I cherish and preserve any friendships that I gain.”

Luna’s wings flared in surprise as she felt Cheerilee wrap her in a tight hug. “Even if I’m the only friend you ever make, I swear that I won’t let the darkness take you again. I promise. Go ahead and catch up with the airship, I’ll stay right here.”

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CISS Airship: Summer Breeze, en route to the Crystal Empire

Chancellor Minos sat in a plush chair sipping a glass of apple brandy. He chuckled to himself, realizing how very well his plans were going. His wayward daughter had been found a few days ago cavorting with a local pegasus, which suited him just fine. If his daughter was distracted by a potential love interest, she wouldn’t have any reason to move around. Such a situation made it all too easy to keep tabs on her. Furthermore, the ruins he had been searching decades for had finally been found. Unfortunately, there was one last piece of the puzzle he needed to obtain.

According to the ancient texts, a second key was needed along with the siren’s song in order to open the door. It was some kind of crystal amulet, worn by the creator of the temple itself. He was said to have been an absurdly powerful mage and lived to be over five hundred years old. Minos didn’t give too much credence to the extended lifespan theory, but he did believe the amulet itself contained a great deal of magical energy.

The only problem was that the amulet had supposedly been given over to the Crystal Empire thousands of years ago as a token of friendship…and perhaps as a way to prevent it from being used. Minos doubted those air-headed ponies had any idea what they possessed. Oh yes, he would go to the empire and woo its empress on the pretext of a diplomatic visit and ever so politely request the amulet back. The ram’s musings were cut short when he heard a voice crackle over the intercom.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you sir, but you might want to come to the bridge.”

Minos sighed. “I trust that it’s something important?”

“Yes sir. We’ve spotted a couple of ponies out in the wastes. One of them flew up to the bridge and is requesting assistance.”

“Very well, give me a few minutes.”

As Minos trotted onto the bridge he was greeted by the comms officer, who gave him a quick salute. Sure enough, a large winged mare was standing across from the helm with an anxious expression on her face. With a wave of his hoof he signaled all of the staff to go about their business.

“Greetings miss, to whom do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good day to you sir, I am Princess Luna of Equestria and I’ve come aboard your ship to ask for some assistance. My companion and I became stranded in the wastes due to a faulty teleportation spell. I fear that if I don’t find proper food and shelter for my friend, she might very well perish. I humbly ask that you allow us to board your ship, until we arrive in the Crystal Empire.”

Minos held her hoof and kissed it. “Where are my manners? I had no idea I was dealing with Equestrian royalty! Of course you may stay aboard my ship; it would terribly cruel of me to let the both of you suffer out in that miserable weather. As fate would have it, I too am headed to the Crystal Empire so it’s no problem at all.”

“You have my eternal gratitude. Although, if I may ask, what is your name? I wish to thank you properly.”

“I am Chancellor Minos of the Confederation of Independent Sheep States. I insist that you call me Minos because titles become so cumbersome over time, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I heartily agree! If I am to call you Minos, then I must also insist that you address me as Luna. It’s only fair, after all.”

“Excellent. Rest assured, you and your friend will be accommodated properly for the duration of our journey. Just tell us where to find her and we’ll get her on board in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”

Cheerilee was genuinely surprised to find that Luna had not only gotten the airship’s attention but they were more than willing to help. In fact, she had never seen such an ornately decorated ship in her entire life. The inside of it was fancier than some of the hotels in Canterlot she stayed in during various teacher conferences. One of the attendants had provided her with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and now she was sitting on a couch alongside Luna, discussing things with the ship’s owner.

The owner was a ram, which was unusual because they were a fairly reclusive species. Cheerilee tried her best not to stare but she couldn’t help it, he was the first actual sheep she’d ever seen in person. But despite the initial awkwardness, he was both respectful and polite towards them. He looked to be middle aged, due to the streaks of grey in his mane and he wore a tight-fitting purple toga which was accented by a gold clasp on the chest.

While his clothing was certainly stylish, what caught teacher’s attention were his eyes. They were icy blue pools that glinted with a certain intelligence and charm. She felt as if he was up to something but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it.

Minos clapped his hooves. “We should be arriving in the Crystal City in just under ten minutes.”
“I thought it would take far longer than that. This ship truly is a marvel of engineering!”

“Indeed it is Ms. Cheerilee. The Summer Breeze is the fastest airship in the CISS fleet. She averages about twenty knots even on a windy day. It took my engineers nearly half a decade to build her but it was well worth the wait…and the gold.”

“I’m quite curious Chancellor, why have you decided to visit the empire? The islands are a considerable distance from here and it can’t be cheap to fly this ship.”

“Once again you are correct. You must understand that I am the first Chancellor in hundreds of years to broker diplomacy between the CISS and Equestria. My predecessors were rather fond of their isolation and I decided that such thinking was backwards. It is only natural that I would want to extend my hoof in friendship towards other pony nations, such as the empire.”

Luna cocked her eyebrow. “Surely you seek more than friendship in such an endeavor. A nation does not run solely on good will, after all.”

“I’m afraid you’ve caught me red-hooved. I also wish to broker some trade agreements. It would help both of our nations, since you have goods I want and your people desire ours as well. We sheep are an island nation, so we rely heavily on trade to keep our economy running as well as to stock some of our supplies. You could say that our very survival depends on it!”

“It is refreshing to see a leader that lays his desires bare. I find myself quite disgusted over those snobbish fops in Canterlot who disguise their greed through pleasantries. The next time one of those fools attempt to woo me, I shall ram my plot into their face so hard it shall break their teeth! HOW IS THAT FOR KISSING PLOT!?”

Minos chuckled. “I think that you and I are going to get along quite well. I am truly grateful that I don’t have to deal with nobles, but senators can be just as annoying. Such is the burden of power no?”

Before Luna could respond the captain’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Sorry to disturb everyone but we have just arrived at the imperial docks. Boarding procedures shouldn’t take any more than a few minutes.”

“Not a problem Captain. Once we are properly docked you have my permission to take your men to any local tavern of your choosing, for drinks and nourishment. Think of it as a token of my gratitude for a job well done.”

“Aye sir! Oh, I should also mention that a contingent of the imperial guard seeks permission to board for inspection. Should I allow them aboard sir?”

“Hmm yes allow them to board. The faster we go through customs, the faster I can meet the empress.”

As Minos, Cheerilee and Luna made their way to the exit hatch they were greeted by several crystal pony guards in steel armor. Oddly enough, their captain wasn’t a crystal pony but rather a pegasus that had taken on the same crystal sheen. He had an orange coat and a dark blue mane that was cut short to accommodate his helmet. The purple and silver armor he wore obscured his cutie mark but they assumed it must have been something military related.

The stallion also sported a pointy goatee, which Luna thought made him look rather dashing. But the most striking feature he had was his missing eye, or rather the glowing sapphire which replaced it. One of the officers handed him a scroll detailing the ship’s cargo, crew and nation of origin. After giving it a quick scan, he motioned the three of them to follow him.

“On behalf of Empress Cadence, I welcome you to the Crystal Empire. My name is Commander Sentry and I shall be your escort for the remainder of your stay. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the throne room.”

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Cadence’s Throne Room, The Crystal Empire

The empress sat on her throne conversing with her finance minister over this year’s budget for the Crystal Fair. She tried her best to listen but couldn’t help stifling a yawn. Finance was always boring and it didn’t help that her minister was terrible at keeping track of time. It was almost lunch time and if she didn’t get something to eat soon, she’d fall asleep and have a very cranky minister on her hooves.

Thankfully her monotony was broken when she saw Flash Sentry and a group of others follow him into the throne room. Cadence immediately recognized that one of the ponies was her Aunt and so without hesitation she bolted off the throne and tackle hugged the mare.

“Oh Auntie Luna, It’s so good to see you!”

Luna gave her a quick nuzzle. “Likewise my niece. I apologize for not arriving sooner, but my companion and I ran into some complications. However, Chancellor Minos was kind enough to provide us with transportation.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Had I known I would’ve sent a search party. Anyway, your room has been ready for some time. If you wish to freshen up and rest, it’s the third room to the right down the hall.”

“Excellent. I don’t mean to sound rude, but what of my companion? She has gone through the same ordeal as I have and I’m certain she’ll want to rest as well.”

Cadence blushed. “Ermm…well you see, I only really have one room prepared. I wasn’t expecting you to bring anypony else with you.”

“I see…”

“Oh but don’t worry! The room is plenty big enough just so long as your friend doesn’t mind sharing.”

Cheerilee shrugged. “I don’t mind. It certainly beats freezing to death.”

Flash Sentry chuckled. “Oh ho, well that’s typical Cadence for ya. She gets all caught up in the preparations for the Crystal Fair and forgets about us common folk.”

“C’mon Flashie that was one time! I told you I was sorry that I forgot about our anniversary, cut me some slack.”

“I know you’ve got your hooves full sweetheart. Celestia knows I do too. But still…that cut me deep. What’s a stallion to do?”

Cadence narrowed her eyes. “You certainly weren’t complaining after we had make up sex…”

“And that is why I’m the luckiest stallion alive!”

Minos cleared this throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt but I’ve come a very long way from home and I’d appreciate an audience…if that’s not too much to ask.”

“Heh right, I’m sorry sir. Flashie and I tend to get carried away sometimes. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I caught your name.”

“That’s because I never gave it. I am Chancellor Minos from the CISS and I’ve come here to make a few proposals. The first of which is: I want the CISS and Crystal empire to broker some kind of trade agreement, which shall cement a bond of friendship between our nations as well as fill our coffers.”

“Well…I’d be lying if I said that the empire wasn’t looking for potential allies. I think we could work something out. What do you think Auntie?”

“It seems reasonable. The CISS has shown it is willing to extend the olive branch to ponykind, so I see no reason not to accept. I’m sure that Tia will be happy to forge another alliance as well.”

“Ok, then that settles it. I’ll draft a trade agreement within the next few days. Does that suit you Chancellor?”

“Yes, I believe that shall work. However…there is one other thing we must discuss.”

Cadence cocked her head. “Alright and what would that be?”

“I know this may seem trivial but please hear me out. Long ago, my people came to the Crystal Empire and gave the emperor an amulet. It is a priceless relic with great cultural significance to the sheep. I would only ask that we take it back to the islands, so that it might find a home inside of one of our museums. Please…it would mean great deal to me personally and to my people. Would you do me the honor of granting this small favor?”

Cadence grabbed his hoof and held it. “Who am I to deny a people their sacred relic? Besides it’s probably just been sitting around collecting dust anyway.”

“Thank you your majesty, you have no idea how happy this makes me!”