Her first week in Ar-Athazîon was a rather dull one, though fortunately not a bad one. Tempest learned some history, some names, made a new acquaintance, and found a way to celebrate Snowy's birthday.

On the morning after her arrival, right after she finished her breakfast with Snowy, they were both summoned to Emperor Îrilôs. They met in what looked like some kind of council chamber, with everything arranged like Aharôs's solar the day they'd gotten that letter from Celestia. This time, though, it was only Tempest, Snowy, Aharôs, Sidâl, Îrilôs, and... a woman? asked Tempest to herself. She was in the same deep green with red and gold that Îrilôs was, and wore a loose veil over her hair. Her eyes were green and her hair was brown, and her face had that regal look to it that Tempest thought was caused by human cheekbones. She didn't know if that was true, though. But why was there a woman here?

“Good morning, Tempest and Snowy.” greeted Îrilôs. It was supposedly uncommon for the Emperor to even address people by name, but then again, Tempest had an uncommon life. “We all know each other here, except for the case of Alaia.” he gestured to the woman, who bowed her head in respect to the two pegasi.

“Good morning.” she said.

“Alaia is the Duchess of Fâharîon.” the Emperor said.

“Wait, I thought you were the Duke of Fâharîon.” Tempest stated. “How can she also be that if-”

“How do you think I got that title?” Îrilôs smiled knowingly. “Why would the duke of an important city be off playing schemer in the backwater realm of Athair? No offense intended, Aharôs.” Aharôs just shrugged. “That is, unless he was only honorary duke.”

“What he's trying to say, is that I'm his wife.” Alaia said, giving Îrilôs the same look she had once seen Sir Turaz's wife give him when he had been caught in a very childish dispute with Tempest. The absence of Turaz here was notable.

“Ah.” said Snowy.

“Well...” Tempest frowned. “Is there anything else important that you have never once mentioned to us before?”

“You have no idea!” laughed Îrilôs, tapping a stack of books on the table. “Why do you think you're here?”

“So you can annoy me?” guessed Tempest.

“Be careful, I'm the Emperor now.” Îrilôs warned, in a joking manner.

“Emperors rank higher than us Kings and Queens.” Aharôs added, in a very serious manner.

“As much as I'd like to banter,” Îrilôs continued right on, “we do have important things to discuss here. After I'd secured my throne, something I'll tell you about another time, I set about doing all the important things my ancestors have done once they were in power. This is something of a... not quite secret. Parts of it are known to the learned, of which some among us are, and of which some among us are... not.” Every person in the room looked at Tempest. She felt her face grow warm. “Tempest, my dear, how closely have you studied our faith?” asked Îrilôs.

“Uh...” Tempest looked away. “Well, there's one god, who is everyone's god, and there's some saints who did... things... Like Aikâlon! He was a king everyone liked, and-” she felt Snowy's hoof on her shoulder. Her friend gave her a look which clearly said that's enough.

“Are you familiar with the Great Enemy?” Empress Alaia asked.

“He was... Vahâdrîn, right?” guessed Tempest. She'd heard that name uttered in fear and contempt before.

“It's bad luck to say his name out loud.” Sidâl remarked, with a knowing smile. “So they say.”

“And you know the story of the Great Enemy? You're already familiar with Saint Aikâlon.” questioned the Empress.

“Aikâlon defeated the Great Enemy.” guessed Tempest. In all honestly, she had no idea at all what had happened. She just knew the names.

“In a roundabout way.” Îrilôs waved a hand dismissively. “Would it be too far to hope that you'd familiar with Âûm and the Alûthrîl as well?”

“What?” Ay-oom? Al-oo-threel? She wasn't familiar with either. They didn't even sound particularly human in name; they flowed off her tongue far too easily.

“That answers that...” sighed Îrilôs. “Alaia, if you'd please...”

“Âûm was the Captain of the Alûthrîl, and they were the vile minions of the Great Enemy.” the Empress told her. “King Aikâlon and others defeated the Great Enemy, but only with the Host of Heaven coming down to Earth to aid them. The Great Enemy and his Alûthrîl were cast back into Hell, and there they were destroyed.”

Sidâl coughed lightly. “However...” the sorcerer began to say.

“However...” Îrilôs continued in a somber tone. “We might have missed one. From a certain point of view.”

Tempest blinked, and exchanged a look with Snowy. “What do you mean?” she asked slowly.

“It's the wraith you told me about yesterday which makes me say this. I unknowingly sent you straight at it; I feel I owe it to you two to tell you why there was a wraith at Kakâdras.” Îrilôs rubbed two fingers on his temple. “As best I can, at least. Snowy, you've told her about wraiths, right?”

“Yes.” nodded Snowy.

“For a long time, it was assumed what demons of the ancient world remained were directionless entities of malice and hate.” Îrilôs began. “By all means, that's how they acted. But, almost exactly a thousand years ago, things started to change... Ar-Athazîon has been threatened by armies many times, but only thrice has it been truly threatened. And every time, a sorcerer calling himself Âûm has led those armies of Hell-spawn, monsters, villains, and other mischief-makers.”

“An ordinary sorcerer like myself does not easily call upon the powers that be.” Sidâl interjected. “The creatures who come at my humble request come because I offer them prey, they are not mine to command.” Tempest shivered. Prey, she thought, recalling that foul frost and blood-chilling sound. “We have a working relationship. A Hell-wraith is far more powerful... It answers to no one, except those who let it out of Hell in the first place.”

“So you're saying...” Tempest took a moment to put it together. “You're saying that one of these Alûthrîl managed to dodge your heavenly host, and is now still trying to fight you?”

“That's a possible explanation.” Îrilôs stressed. “We don't know for sure. It could just be a series of sorcerers with a powerful artifact. It could be men working on orders from some mysterious third party. Or it could actually be Âûm, the lieutenant of the Great Enemy himself.”

“But if that was so,” Alaia said, “we would have known it by now. Korthûnîen would have sent word that we had a very serious problem on our hands. Our sources say that there was no dragon involvement with these sorcerers claiming to be the Captain of the Alûthrîl, so there must be no merit to their claims.”

“I hope so...” Snowy whispered.

“Whatever the wraith was doing at Kakâdras, it had a purpose.” stated Îrilôs. “Someone was commanding it, whoever they might be. It might have been a probe of our defenses, it might have been a distraction from something else, I cannot say. Even the Emperor is not all-knowing, sadly. But that wraith had a job to do there.”

“Which brings up a question of my own.” Aharôs finally spoke. “If Kakâdras had just been slaughtered by a wraith, who left that note at the gate implying Reshîv had hurt Tempest?”

“It is a mystery.” shrugged Sidâl. “Perhaps the wraith is in the service of Reshîv?”

“Hah.” laughed Aharôs, without mirth.

“Oftentimes, such things go unsolved. Wraiths have much more experience to draw on and use against us.” explained Sidâl. “We can only guess at what game it or its master was playing.”

“I don't like not knowing. Especially when this demon got personal with me.” frowned the King of Athair.

“So it goes, I'm afraid.” sighed the Empress. “The Lord of Heaven knows it's happened to Îrilôs and I.”

“Thank you for your time, Tempest and Snowy. I felt you should know this, and now you do. You may take your leave.” Îrilôs gave them the slightest of courteous nods.

“As you wish.” Tempest and Snowy both bowed their heads, and left. When they were in the hall and clear of the retainers at the doors, Snowy turned to her questioningly.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“I think Sidâl was right, as much as I hate to say it. It's a mystery. Not our problem, though.” Tempest said.

“I hope so, I really do.” Snowy replied, frowning.

As the next few days passed, Tempest found herself at a loss of what to do. All her life, she'd been on a schedule of sorts. Train with her pegasi and Turaz, take lessons with Brenan and Aharôs, spend some time with Snowy, read... It had been a simple life, but a disciplined one. Now? Turaz and Aharôs were busy cooking up some kind of plot to deal with Reshîv, Snowy was frequently in the company of the Emperor of all people, and Streaming Breeze... Tempest didn't know her at all. In fact, the thought of approaching her beyond official business made Tempest uneasily anxious. So who knew what the last of the Blackwind soldiers was up to. To pass time, Tempest found herself looking for interesting books in the Imperial Library.

Unfortunately, Tempest's definition of interesting did not match her friend's. She liked books about plants and animals and other nature-related things, that had plenty of illustrations and diagrams. The Imperial Library did not have any such volumes, Tempest discovered after two days of thorough searching. The entire place was uncomfortably warm, as was everywhere else here, really. And that was how she found herself wandering aimlessly through the palace gardens, trying to keep to the shade, when her ears caught a familiar sound.

“Aha!” Tempest exclaimed to herself. “I knew it!” She hopped over a rose bush, using her wings to propel herself. There before her was an apiary, with three hives in wooden boxes under it. Hundreds of bees came and went, carrying their pollen in and sending new workers out. Tempest found a shady spot near the center of the action, and sat down to watch.

About an hour went by, as Tempest observed the comings and goings of the hives. She wondered how hot it was inside those boxes, if it was hot enough outside in the shade to drain all her energy. She wondered if the bees had some kind of way to keep cool; she'd read that termites in distant lands made chimneys in their mounds to cycle hot air out... Did bees do the same? Because of her thoughts, it took her a while to notice that she was no longer alone.

“We meet again, Tempest Blackwind.” It was the brown-haired woman who she had met a few days earlier; Empress Alaia.

“Good day, your majesty.” said Tempest, bowing. Sure is weird not being the highest ranking one around, she thought.

“There's no need for formalities.” said the Empress, smiling. “Well, there is, when we're in public, but we are not.”

“Yes...” agreed Tempest.

“It's beautiful weather we're having.” she said. “But I can't imagine you're enjoying it.”

“I'm afraid not. Fur isn't the best thing to be permanently wearing in such heat.” Tempest scowled at the burning sun. “And this is my summer coat, too. I'd hate to have my winter coat for this...”

“Well, at least you'll be warm when cold comes back. We cannot say the same. Man is a tropical creature, at heart.”

“I thought humans came from the north?” Tempest asked.

“We may have lived there, once, but if man was of the north, would he not have a fur coat of his own?” countered the Empress. “No, I think his origins were in a place more frequently warm than this. Wherever that might be.”

“Wherever that might be...” repeated Tempest. “The same place you got all your animals, I guess.”

“I would not be surprised.” The two were quiet for a bit, watching the insects, until Tempest had a thought occur to you.

“You know, Îrilôs never once mentioned you when we were in Athair.” she said.

“Ours is not a marriage of love, but of convenience.” Alaia replied. “We worked well enough together that we decided we would marry to pool our resources. It's been a successful venture, I'd say!” she laughed. “From second daughter, to duchess, to Empress.” Tempest frowned.

“What happened to the first daughter?” She didn't know if she wanted to find out, given Îrilôs's hint that he'd had to seize power here to become Emperor first. And seizing power usually meant someone died along the way.

“She married a lord with more immediate power than Îrilôs, but neither reckoned that the future Emperor and I would steal Fâharîon once she had left for his lands.” Alaia explained. “Possession is half the law, Tempest. Once we secured the fortress and the city, there was no way they could root us out. Once dear old Katastanîôs recognized his nephew and I as the legitimate rulers... Well, it was only up from there.”

“You two sound like you've had quite some experiences.” remarked Tempest.

“That we have.” the Empress nodded. “But enough of Alaia Latavîr, Empress of Ar-Athazîon. I'd like to hear more about you, Tempest Blackwind, Queen of Highcrest. Walk with me.” Tempest had no choice but to follow the woman, as the left the apiary and went down a paved path rowed by tall, narrow tress. Mercifully, they provided excellent shelter from the sun, and the stone under her hooves was cool to the touch. She had no idea how Alaia managed to keep her hair covered and not even break sweat. Maybe she's just used to this, having lived this far south all her life? That was the most likely explanation.

Tempest told her the series of unfortunate events that had brought her to the cold shores of Athair; her mother's quest for power and recognition, her miscalculation of the alicorns, her ill-fated battle that left her mortally wounded, her shipwreck which finally finished her off and left Tempest with an uncaring uncle and then-Prince Aharôs as the only family remaining. She told the Empress of her ten years in Sarathûl; of the quick desertion of most of the Blackwind army until only a few more than half a dozen others remained, of how the hostage Snowy Farpeak became her only friend, of her training for war, and then her unlikely adventure through Verâd, Athair, Jutan, and the Far North, which had led her here. The only parts she left out was where the Benefactor and Sidâl had been involved, and her personal feelings on the issues.

“You've lived quite a life yourself.” said Alaia. “Just as many experiences as mine, though of a different sort. I'd rather face cousins and courtiers than shadow spirits and wraiths.”

“Yeah...” sighed Tempest. “I've gotten more than I ever bargained for, that's certain enough.”

“I can't imagine how she feels about all this.” Alaia went on.

“Snowy?” guessed Tempest.

“Yes. Snowy is such a sweet girl.” said the Empress. “I've come to like her quite a bit. But I simply have no idea how she's managed to come out of your adventures almost completely unharmed, time and again...”

“She always has been sweet...” Tempest nodded. “Snowy's got enough compassion and empathy to cover for Aharôs.” The Empress smirked at that, she must have known Aharôs by now. “She even felt sorry for the Great Enemy's demons still left on Earth. And then she went right on to face down a wraith when it nearly killed me.”

“It takes a strong soul to love one's foes, and a strong soul to stand against the enemies of God.” the Empress said. “Heaven's spirit is in her, just like it was in Zefîr.” Tempest only recognized the name, it was some religious figure.

“I take you've gotten to know her, then?”

“So I have. Îrilôs and I are giving her the best inside information we can when it comes to what she'll be doing soon.” Alaia stated. “Best to learn from the masters, don't you agree?”

“I do, but what exactly is she going to be doing soon?” wondered Tempest.

“Why, isn't she going to serve as your adviser once you take back Highcrest?”

“Oh, uh... that's actually going to happen? I mean, yes, if by some chance of good fortune, which doesn't happen to me, mind you, I do become the real Queen of Highcrest, I would definitely call on Snowy's intelligence. But... I don't really see it happening, Empress.” Tempest stated.

“You'd best change your outlook, then.” Alaia said, smiling that smile that said I know more than you just like Îrilôs often did. No wonder they got married. I'm worried about what their children would be like... “It is going to happen, my dear Tempest. Soon.”

“How soon?”

“Well, it's too late for anything this year, we still have to deal with the Duke of Echarîon and a local heresy.” Alaia put a finger to her chin. “But 1505... We were thinking spring.”

“S-spring?” choked Tempest. That was only eight months away!

“There's no time like the near present.” said the Empress. “The King of Lûndôvîr has already pledged support for our war with Celestia. Others will fall into line soon enough. We might even be able to deal with the situation in Athair if we get enough lords to answer the former Emperor's call to arms. Technically, using the soldiers who came to fight a holy war for secular struggles is bad practice, but... Well, I'm sure the Lord of Heaven can find the mercy to forgive us poor sinners, don't you?”

“Uh, yeah, sure...” Tempest wasn't really listening anymore.

“You look frightened.” I do? Tempest thought in alarm. She was supposed to be better at hiding what she really thought! “I think Snowy was right about you.”

“What did she say about me?” asked Tempest, slightly worried and slightly curious.

“She told Îrilôs and I that you want no part in this life you were given. That you dream dreadful dreams of the path ahead of you.” Alaia answered. Tempest's ears dropped a little, but she didn't say anything.

They walked on in another stretch of silence, passing rows of immaculately maintained white roses. “I used to get the same ones every night.” Tempest finally said. “They were never pleasant...”

“I have the same dream over and over, too.” the Empress confessed, as she checked under the leaves of a rose. “I am sitting under a starry sky, under a vast, warm plain. There is no moon anywhere to be seen. It's beautiful.”

“I imagine.” commented Tempest.

“I take my harp, and I start to play songs... I can't remember them when I wake up, but they are songs I have never learned, I am sure of it.” She put a finger to her chin, looking at the sky. “And then... a voice sings. I can never see who he is, but his voice sounds old, and sad, but happy too. Like my father's, right before he passed... Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to hear it in waking!” sighed the Empress. “Or to even remember it, at least.”

“I wish I had dreams like that.” said Tempest. “It sounds much nicer than being scared to death.”

“Îrilôs says that you can't miss what you don't know. But I'm not so sure he's right. My husband has a very worldly mind.” she said with a warm smile.

“I don't think he's right either.” Tempest agreed, with far less warmth herself.

“Why so?” the Empress asked.

“Snowy already told you why.” she said. “All I want is to have a quiet, happy life in some remote corner of the world, far from all this... But I don't see it happening. My destiny is elsewhere, I guess.”

“Ah...” Alaia looked thoughtful. “Have faith, Tempest. The Lord of Heaven weaves as it wills; you future may not be what you expect after all. Even in the darkest hour, there is hope, and we are far indeed from that time.”

“I'll try.” Tempest sighed. “Thanks, though.” It was good to have an honest talk with someone other than Snowy for once. They parted ways; Tempest retreating inside as even the heat in the shade became unbearable for her.

Her thoughts were still on her friend when she realized that Snowy's birthday was coming up soon. When she checked the calender that came with her room, it revealed that soon was actually tomorrow. The twenty-ninth of July, by Equestrian dating. Some middle day of summer by human dating. “Huh.” Tempest said to herself. “That sneaked up fast.” What was she going to do?

She used the shared washroom to access Snowy's room. Should I even be in here? Tempest wondered. Well, it's not like Snowy would know she'd been in her room. Little had changed since the other day they first went to the library. A journal and inkpen sat at her bedside table, her books, brushes, and lantern had been moved to the drawers. For a moment, Tempest was tempted to take a look inside the journal, but she thought better of it. She didn't know what secrets Snowy had, but Tempest was sure Snowy wanted them to remain just so.

The real question was, what could she do for her friend's birthday? In years past, Coldstar had tried to make the day pass without notice, given her dislike for the Farpeak girl, but it had never stopped Tempest from doing anything. Even if it had been something as simple as raiding the kitchen for an extra bit of dessert for them to celebrate with. Those days were over, though, for better or for worse. Tempest had a real opportunity to do something now. But what?

Luckily, Emperor Îrilôs came by later that day and inadvertently provided the perfect answer. Later still, Tempest had supper with Streaming Breeze and Snowy.

“So, Snowy, tomorrow is your birthday.” she said.

“Why yes, it is.” nodded Snowy, half-surprised. “I'd almost forgotten about it...”

“I completely forgot about it.” Streaming remarked.

“Well, I nearly did too.” Tempest said. “But, a rare opportunity has come up, to quote Îrilôs himself. One I think you'd like to take with he and I.”

“What do you mean?” Snowy questioned.

Tempest couldn't stop herself from imitating the Emperor's smile; though perhaps she put a little too much giddiness over the knowing. Was this how he felt every day? “Snowy,” she asked, “how would you like to meet a dragon?”

Author's Notes:

Âûm? Alûthrîl? We've heard these wacky John Hood names before, right?