Chapter 8

The Governor of Dogburn. Flory.

At his whim, a small army of heavily armed and armored doges could descend upon a town and raze it to the ground.
And now the same governor was a servant to a minute purple pony. and there was nothing he could do about it.
Who knew the items she had were so damned expensive. Who carries that amount of valuables in bags anyways?

He paced around his room, the little pony was due back today to claim him in service. It injured his pride to no end. But, he’d go through with it nonetheless. It meant his people wouldn’t suffer financially.

The town clock chimed.

The Governor glanced at the window, finally halting. Pulling his eyes away, he strode to a chest in the corner, bending on one knee and throwing the latches open. His eyes rolled over a number of items. The first he withdrew was an iron breastplate. Armor he hadn’t worn since they first started working on the city. It still shined from the last time he had maintained it, but dents and chips scarred the surface, dating back to monster attacks before the fortifications had been stable. He hadn't been Governor back then. Just a Dog like any other, working to make a better life for themselves. Flory pulled the simple piece on. He tightened the straps and winced. Governor life had been good it seemed.

He bent forwards again and pulled out his old mining bag, checking over the many pockets and provisions for tools. The canteen was still in working order, and the fabric was as sturdy as ever. It still had the smell of the mines. How many times had he or his comrades fared days away from camp just fine because of these bags and the supplies they held? He gathered the rest of the chests’ contents and packed them away.

Flory stood, looping his arms through the straps. The click of the door was final.

The armory and foundry were at the center of town, rather large buildings positioned next to each other that radiated enough heat to keep homes warm on the coldest nights for a distance away. Dogs moved from one to the other constantly.

Inside the armory dogs toiled endlessly against the heat. Ears and short-trimmed fur covered. Arms and armor to protect their kin came to form under their skilled paws.

Flory passed through the open doorway and within a minute the deafening clamor came to a startled halt, the workers stiffened to attention.

"Governor." The head of the watch approached Flory, pulling off his earmuffs and saluting, his eyes passing over the armor and bag curiously. "How can I assist you?"

"I need a wrist sword. Standard issue. And the accompanying maintenance kit, thanks." Flory's statement was polite, and almost a question.

"Yes Governor." The armorer nodded then walked to the back of the armory, perusing the racks lined up across the floor. He returned with an oval shaped metal object with a curious mechanism on it, leather straps dangling off the sides. He handed the contraption over.

The Governor looked over the invention fondly. The standard Diamond Dog design wrist sword. it was the invention of a Dog who was tired of having to fumble around to draw a sword, and even carry the thing, while working. Being caught unarmed had been a plight of many of the other Dogs as well who had toiled clearing out the caverns that would house their homes. So the ingenious Dog came up with the idea to have a contraption that would be worn on the wrist, but could house a sturdy blade. Since then, Dogs had been able to work and protect themselves with minimum disruption.

He strapped the wrist sword to his forearm deftly. The weight felt odd after so long. For a test he slid his free thumb under a nook under the inside edge. With a hiss of steel, the levers and gears on the top slid back and the oval opened, a thick blade about a foot and a half shooting out. He grasped the handle that swung free of the blade. and slowly moved the blade around, feeling the weight and handling of the weapon. The armorer returned with a maintenance kit which the Governor accepted with a nod of thanks. As he left the clamor slowly trickled back, he heard a shout and the full force returned.

‘My master’, it had finally sank in fully to him. He was now a servant. He had to answer to every beck and call of a tiny pony. And a damn pup at that. He had to take the hit for the sake of his people. They couldn’t just tell the little pony to begone and ignore the debt. That was dishonorable and the way of the savage Dogs. And what more. it was minimal he knew. Especially considering the saved lives.

He eyed the walls of the main surface tunnel as he made his way topside, it had taken some time to repair the structural damage caused by the cave-in. As he walked Spot hurried to his side, followed by the thundering form of Rover.

“Governor, you don’t have to do this. It will dent our treasury, but this is an absolute indignity.”

Flory kept his eyes straight, “I leave Dogburn in your paws Spot.”

“The thought of you serving that little pup sickens me, my Lord. ” Rover rumbled from behind.

“It’s only for a short time,” He responded as much to himself as to them. "Besides, if she takes me around Equestria I can see what is going on there. Maybe even find something we can use to better our people, who knows. None of us have ever been there."

"True, The majority of Equestria is across the ocean," Spot mused, "I didn't think of that, sort of a recon mission maybe?"

“Yes” Flory continued “I want Celestia to stop looking down on Diamond Dogs which in turn gives us a bad reputation with the ponies. We can change that if she’ll bother to even care.”

The trio stepped into the light, squinting to even see. A few guards patrolled the surface making sure monsters didn't make their way down to the city. After the earlier attack, efforts to secure the tunnels were redoubled.

To all three's surprise, Mabu was already there. She eyed each of the Dogs in turn.

It had been two months, but the foal didn't seem much different, perhaps only that her mane and tail were slightly longer. It amused Flory slightly to see her eyes hover on the Knight for a moment, corners narrowing slightly.

Flory turned and looked at the pair, "Well this looks like this is it. Spot, I trust you to take care of things for me."

"Yes Governor," Spot nodded, "Everything should be okay."

"Leave the defense to me my Lord!" Rover brought his forearm over his chest, "I'll ensure that our people come to no harm."

Flory glanced between the two and smiled, he had good people, "Excellent, well with this I lea-"

The Governor was cut short by sudden galloping of hooves coming from the tunnel. Those gathered turned to see an armored Pegasus galloping towards them. Flory winced, knowing just who it was.

‘Sketchy.’ Sketchy was part of the pack. About as much of a Pony as he was.

She had been adopted as a tiny pup, when Dogburn workers were sifting through the wreckage of an outlying pony settlement that had been razed to the ground by their more savage kin. Shoved in a cabinet that had fallen under debris, she had been the only survivor. That had been almost a decade ago.

Mabu gazed at the flustered Pegasus, taking in the white fur and a light green mane. she had to be about the same age as Mabu was herself, maybe a year or two older at the most. Her feathers were in disarray, badly groomed. And her limbs were thick under her barding, more muscled than most of the Pegasi she knew in Ponyville. The filly trotted over to the Governor with a concerned look on her face.

"I return from a long range patrol of our territory looking for Savage incursions and I find our Lord missing when I try to deliver my report. Then, not only is he not available, I hear he is now working for a Pegasus from Equestria?" She stared at him, hooves pressed into the dirt, then swiftly turned, trotting towards Mabu, "This little Pony? She is not one of the pack! Since when does she have the right to have command over our Lord? This is beyond my comprehension. I'm sure something was organized, or something happened, but, " She turned her head back at Flory, "I really dislike being left out of the loop." She turned back towards the smaller pony, "Especially for something this important.”

Sketchy circled around Mabu, eyeing her like an eagle would a mouse. "Mabu watched her unaffectedly, merely arching an eyebrow. She was about to make a smart remark but-

"Sketchy, there was a loss of expensive items belonging to the pony." Both of the Pegasi looked over, Rover had moved towards Sketchy, His voice was about the same as ever, but, there seemed to be a softness around his eyes, perhaps in the way they didn't wrinkle like they did when he looked at Mabu. ...Could he...be gentle towards the odd Pegasus? She had hardly thought it was possible out of the pompous Dog. And to a Pony no-less. How amusing.

Sketchy turned away from the giant with swishing tail and mane, catching Mabu in the eyes, not flinching like she noticed most people did when they first stared into them. "Well why the Lord Governor, pup? Why not me or any of us? Why must you humiliate him in such a manner as this? A Dog of his status a servant to a little pony like you? It disgusts me, take my service! I insist! I will not let this stand!" Sketchy Thumped the ground aggressively as she spoke, but the only return was a look as apathetic as ever.

It seemed Rover was about to speak, but the Governor cut in, intervening before a fight could break out. "Sketchy, she requested that I server her. I have decided that I would do something for my people instead of sitting in the safety of my mansion. The death of our comrades affects me greatly, I want to do something to give back to the community."

She opened her mouth, but was interrupted in her own turn, "Our Lord has made his decision, we will manage. That is enough Sketchy."

"But Uncle!" Sketchy protested, startling Mabu greatly. That brute of a Dog was an uncle... To...

There was probably a story there, but it wasn't her business.

"Sketchy-Dee." Was all he replied, the filly instantly quited, looking disgruntled to no end.

Mabu turned to the surrounding Dogs, "Well,seeing as all this confusion has been settled, I accept this Dog into my service, we'll be on our way." It was all she could do to not smirk with a bit of smug pride as she trotted away at a leisurely pace, leading Flory off with her.

She could have sworn she heard Sketchy growling like a Dog. She must have been raised by them.

"So where to first?" Flory finally asked when the settlement was fading from view, "Canterlot? Cloudsdale? Maybe even across the ocean to Manehatten?"

The pony chuckled lightly, "Oh, we're not going to Equestria."

Flory's face crinkled,"We're not going to Equestria?"

"Not at all."

Chapter 9

The fire crackled merrily, dancing like a figure wielding a well practiced sword, edges glowing against the black.

Flory stared through the flames, absent-mindedly flipping the bacon in his pan.This was the last he'd have for a long time he guessed. Mabu was sprawled on the grass on the other side of the fire, glancing through myriad maps with a bored expression. The pup wore expressions unbefitting her age, he thought, but held his tongue.

He glanced at the stars above him, unadjusted to the sight. Countless lights in the sky. It was a bit unnerving. A spring breeze sent the flames into a rage, throwing sparks of light up to match them.

It had been a long tedious day.

The pair had walked mostly in silence.He had tried to stir up conversation a few times, but the words had quickly died off. It seemed the pup preferred to think to herself than chat.

His back was sore.

The Dog stood, stretching and walking off a distance with nothing more than a glance from the foal. He observed his surroundings, chewing on a strip thoughtfully.

The land Dogburn was in was comprised of large, shrubby, rolling hills spreading in every direction. They were on top of a rather large one and it seemed as if one could stare into the distance forever. Right before the world was swallowed by the night, he could see the edge of the sea.

Flory reached into the pocket of his leggings, pulling out a folded sheet of paper. He stared at the square for a moment, running his thumb over the weird smooth surface that covered the paper, it was completely clear, and something his people could not make. He unfolded the map, running a finger over the markings. Spot had given it to him when they were barely more than pups.His finger landed on the spot she had shown him that Dogburn was at.

How far could he be now?

His city, Dogburn was a child to him. If asked, he never knew how else to explain it. Sure it was just a cave and some tunnels to some. But all the work of the Dogs, all the work of his friends and citizens, no, his family, it had turned it into something beautiful. It had turned lonely stone into something warm and living. He’d never leave his home.

He’d do whatever it took to protect it.

"What's that?"

Flory turned, below him, the pup looked up quizzically. He frowned and looked back to the distance. "A map."

"Oh." He heard the sound of steps, glancing back he saw her heading back to the fire.
He stared at the horizon, map loose in his paws.

"Can I see?"

The sound startled him. She was back. He held back a chuckle, ‘child’.

"Very well." He answered then frowned, realizing the pup only came up to about his knees. With a small sigh he headed back towards the fire.

"Oh." Her eyes passed over the page as Flory sat. "All the lines."

"Yeah. Dogburn’s about here." He said pointing to the spot and the illegible Ancient.

"Istanbul..."

Chapter 10

Flory pressed a paw to his eyes, grunting and trying to rub the sleep away. It seemed that morning was clawing its way into the sky. Waking was slow in coming though.

‘Not much meat left’ The Dog thought, sitting up and wondering where they were headed, it made enough sense to think distant lands could have different ways of eating meat. That troubled him. Nether, the wild pigs in the area were a far cry from the pink little things to be found in Pony settlements.

The thought of pigs was enough to bring thoughts of childhood and coming to age to his mind. He pondered them while stirring the fire back to life, while gathering his sleeping roll, while packing his backpack.

And still the pup slept on. ‘She must have fallen asleep right before I woke’ He thought. The Pony had taken the second shift in watching for monsters in the night. He padded over to where she was rolled up loosely in a blanket, grass in her mane. A small smile lit his face, it looked so serene. “Wakey, wakey little one.” He chuckled, prodding her prone form.

A small groan emitted from the little pony. Flory kneeled down and lightly shook the little Pegasus. The small return sound was almost a growl, the pups’ eyes cracked open.

“What?” She spat venomously. It really only amused Flory as he rose back to his paws.

“Time to wake up and enjoy a new day Mabu.” He replied matter-of-fact. “You wouldn’t want
to miss such a fine sunrise would you?”

The Pegasus groaned and rose slowly.

. . .

“So where are we going first mistress?” Flory’s voice was almost mocking.

The Pegasus paused in her eating, but kept her eyes on their surroundings, the pair was walking again. She had decided to eat on the road.

“Well, the dock’s this way right?” The pup asked, utterly confusing him. After a few silent seconds she reiterated, “I was talking to one of your guards, he told me that your city has an outlying dock. In this direction.”

It finally dawned on the Dog what the heck she was talking about.

Dogburn had an outlying dock village. Spot oversaw most of the logistics with that so he hardly had anything to do with it.

“Yeah, it is.”

The Docks were located a day and a half walk from Dogburn. While it was true that it was out of the way, and a walk, it was also a tactical advantage. Since the docks were far, they could not be used to attack Dogburn with.

A caravan came from the docks every week with fish and trade.

“You! Lower that Gently! Gently! Eh, Move that crate over there!”
The docks were as loud and boisterous as ever, it seemed that they were preparing a caravan at the moment. A shaggy brown Dog with a workman's apron was ordering the workers about and yelling at them to move faster

For the life of him, Flory just couldn’t remember the Dog’s name, but he looked…. Familiar. But seeing that this Dog seemed to be to be the Dock master he had little choice. “Oi!”

“Who in the blazes needs me now?! If it’s about that fish go talk to—Oh. Gov’nor?” The barking Dog turned, pausing mid-yell. “What’re ya doin’ here?” There was a long scar over his right eye, and while he was acting gruff, his eyes were kind.

‘R…r….What the hell is it?’

“We need a boat to Ferrentona. And your nations are trading partners. Do you know when the next one is leaving?” The pup was as blunt as ever, Flory had to stop a wince.
The Dock master glanced at Flory curiously for a moment and then back to the Pony, “Nice to meet you…?”

“Mabu.”

“Ah my name’s Replekia; I’m the boss ‘round here.” He said then turned around and barked an order at a Dog who had stopped to stare. “Well,” he said turning back to Flory, “Ya need a boat eh Gov’nor? Onna trip?”

“Something like that.”

“Well you’re lucky as the Nether, tomorrow’s caravan day. That timing was quite a trick. The Zebras are prepping their ship to launch off tomorrow, they tend to stay a day or two, it’s a week and a half trip- still better than a months’ walk.” He chuckled.

Mabu glanced between the two Dogs as they talked, it always got tedious. With little fail, she seemed to be disregarded as a child if there was someone with more years nearby. Pain in the flank. The two chattered on annoyingly. Finally she found herself following behind the Governor; Replekia had pointed them in the direction of the inn, saying that he’d go talk to the Ferrentonans himself.

“You seem to be a rather quiet Pony.”

The voice distracted Mabu from her glass of cider; she had been aimlessly staring at the bubbles as they rose to the top.

“What of it Governor?”

It was the chuckle that made her look up, “I’m not the Gov’nor lass.” And so it wasn’t, Replika was in front of her, paws on the table.

“You need something?” The foal rose, and the mug with her, to a rather well hidden look of surprise on the Dog’s part, “It’s getting late.”

“Well I was telling the Gov’nor that the ships’ all set up, but I figured I’d stop by and say hi to you, not every day we get a Pony ‘round these parts.”

“I’m sure you’re not wrong.” She moved past him heading towards the stairs.

“Tell me little Pony, for such a young one, you’ve quite an eye for business.”

She froze, “Hmm?”

“An experienced businessman knows a trader when he sees one.”

“I’ve heard that.”

“You can call me Flory by the way, there’s really no use in calling me Governor all the time, and I’m not much of one at the moment.” The Dog was watching the waves bouncing off the side of the ship as it cut through the water.

“Flory is your last name?” Mabu was sitting facing away from the waves, complexion a bit off, and they had only been at sea for a few hours. The pup had been chatting about her mercantilism the night before. Flory had walked down the stairs at dawn to find the pair chatting. He had a feeling they hadn’t slept. He almost shuddered at the thought of economists.

“Nah, my first name. Don’t really use my last.” He shrugged.

“But you really should have more of your guard around the port, bad business sense. All of your exports and imports go through there. It’s funny, in a weird way it’s like Replekia runs the economy.”

“Don’t get carried away now,” The dog began to say in amusement, but his tone quickly changed, “Hey are you all right-“

The pup was leaning over the railing; Flory looked away, stomach twisting. It’d be a long week.

And it was.

“Our water is running low.” Mabu worried aloud, hooves burning against the sand.

“Don’t fret so much. I’ve walked this road before, we’ll be there soon.” Something deep in the Governor’s stomach twisted. He felt sickened, asking the Zebras for help. Dogburn owed them so much. Ferrentona had helped the young nation get its paws on the ground when it was most needed, and the debt had not been paid yet.

“Are you sure?” She nickered uncomfortably, but Flory just shrugged.

“Worse comes to worse we die.” …”No need for that look, it was a joke.”

The pup looked as if she were about to die, but Flory just seemed uncomfortable, his armor was in his bag, it was to warm to wear the metal and not singe fur.

‘At least she can keep a meal now.’ He thought to himself, trudging through the beating sun, after being stuck with her for a week, abet most of that having her away at the side of the ship, at least he could say she wasn’t so bad. If only she would talk. He still couldn’t get an easy conversation out of her. Really he had a list of things that worked in his head: 1) selling and buying stuff –eh nope, 2)try and figure out her plans –so far not much success, and 3) tick her off – at least that had possibilities.

If the guards in the port town had only had warning- the pair wouldn’t be walking to the capital alone. At least the road ran parallel with the Nile, else it would be hotter. But Zebrica was still a bit of a walk, or rather, there was a bit of a walk to the outpost.

It seemed ages to the filly, just sand, more sand, and more sand. She wondered how many cubic tonnes of sand she could have possibly traveled over… and then she thought about food… and then the radio…and then radios filled with sand… and then that building right over there that’s made of sand…

Her eyes pulled up, a building loomed out of the distance, separating itself somehow out of the sand around it, even though it was sand bricks itself. It was with nothing but relief that she saw the guards when they finally reached it half an hour later.

The forms of the Zebras could have easily been mistaken for ponies from a distance, but once within sight, anyone with decent knowledge would know the difference. Ponies didn’t have stripes like that, white, black, or any other hue. There were multiple guards standing at the outpost, and as the pair began climbing the last dune, one cantered down towards them. She was wearing armor, though it appeared more traditional over practical, adorned with bits of shell and feathers, braided leather folded over itself in a pretty way. A helm covered her ears but had a slit down the center which let her mane stick out wildly like a bird’s crest. Yet- the goggles she wore were clearly functional enough. Mabu envied them, and made a mental note to carry a pair around with her. Sand in her eyes- no end to it.

She stared at them quizzically for a moment, then gave a start at the Dog. “Governor, it has been a while friend. Are you perhaps coming to visit our fair Empress and the good chairman?”

“Not quite but it would be helpful.” He answered before the pup could, amused by her annoyed tail thrashing.

“Then we will prepare a boat for you to take the Nile, would you care to stay the night or a while?”

Flory glanced at the pony, “Yes, I would be most grateful for that. Thank you m’lady.”

“We welcome you always in our lands, Governor and Dogs you are our friends.”

“What do you mean you knew there was an outpost here? You couldn’t tell me sooner?” The pony whined as soon as they walked into the building. He flipped around and paced towards Flory, hooves clacking off the sandstone bricks the circular structure was made out of. Her ears were flicking in annoyance. The dog stepped back, suppressing a chuckle and trying to look guilty.

“Pony of little size, there’s been a bit too much sun in your eyes.”

Mabu froze instantly; an awkward look on her face. Flory had to cover his own with a paw, unable to stop his shoulders from shaking. It was rather comical, watching her turn around.

A male zebra stood across the room leaning against a wall. He pointed his nose in the direction of a cup of water sitting on a table not far from him. “Angst from the sun is seen often here, drink up or you’ll be worse off my dear.”

Mabu eyed him; he wasn’t dressed like the other zebras. While a pair of goggles hung around his neck, he wore tight unadorned leathers, and his suit had a hood. His tail was braided and tied at the end, and his ears were pierced with studs. A folded red bandana ran over his forehead, and saddlebags hung clamped to his sides snugly by a pair of crossed belts. “Who are you?”

“My name is Braffles,” He responded with a smirk. “I’m a courier you see, information’s my hobby.”

“Oh really now?”

“I work for Her Highness, among her couriers I’m the best.”

‘Courier my tail,’ Flory thought to himself, the only info he carried was what he collected.

“So what are you and the Governor doing in this place? He has a city to watch over, to care for with grace.”

“That’s my concern.” The filly nearly growled, snatching the cup up and marching past the Zebra and into the next room.

Braffles leaned his head against the wall and fell into a fit of giggles. “That’s some Pony you have there. Then again, she might be nicer when she wakes up.”

Flory leaned back against the wall and stared at the doorway, arms crossed, “Maybe, you on another one of your trips?”

“Yeah, off to see my Master. She lives in Equestria.”

“Really now?”

“Yep, but I’m off. Good luck Governor.” He grinned walking across the room.

“Braffles?”

“Yeah?”

“Why do Zebras rhyme to some and not others?”

The Zebra stopped in the doorway, staring out at the sand, “It’s a sign of trust. Rhyming makes us seem mysterious to outsiders and those we do not let become close. It also reminds us to keep on our hooves.”

“Why on Earth would you trust me?”

“Because, Flory duLill, you owe our nation far too much. And we could end you in an instant.”
Then the door clicked.

Chapter 11

The trees were different here. In her travels, Mabu had seen palms, but never this many. They lined the sides of the river, obviously planted, shedding shade on those in the boat.

She pulled her eyes down towards the others, watching from her seat in the back of the boat. Flory was laughing and joking with the Zebras, it seemed that Dogburn and Ferrentona were close allies, on friendly terms. For once though, she wasn’t really listening, she was concentrating on not losing her breakfast.

…

“Mabu?”

Something was, annoying.

“Mabu wake up, get off the boat.”

She really hated annoying things.

“You sure we should do that?”
….
“Go ahead I guess.”
….
…
….”HOLY CRUD!” Mabu shouted, pulling her head off the wood board it had just impacted.
She looked around, one of the guards was chuckling good-naturedly, a hoof on the side of the boat, she was the only one actually in it. The filly sighed, her head not quite… happy.

The city was huge. Larger than any she had seen, even Manehattan, which tried to touch the sky. They must have been going down the river and through the city for ages, it stretched out in either direction endlessly.

She got out numbly, feeling more dwarfed than usual.

“Welcome to the city of Zairo.” One of the guards muttered, then nodding to the other, hopped into the boat.

“Shall we go to the palace? It is the city’s chalice. Though the empress would have had no prior word of you, she’d be happy to make time, I’m sure it is true.” It seemed that somehow the Zebra was bragging. But not in a bad way. “This way if you do not mind, it is easy to lose your way you will find.”

“Are you sure this will get us closer? Why not just go to their libraries?” Mabu spoke, slightly hushed to the Dog, as they followed a smidge behind the guard.

“You said you’re after information on Masters still right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well think about it, the best way to get information is to go to the top straight off the bat. I have those connections.”

“…”

“It’s fine. You’re a pup. Wouldn’t expect you to think that way.”

“…Flory….”

The Dog chuckled.

Zebras walked everywhere around them, a blinding crowd of stripes and cloaks.

…

“I’ll need to take your staff and bags please, so as to put concerns of safety at ease.”

To Flory’s surprise, the pup neither complained or denied their request. To his shock, it was her mouth that she used to pull off the bags and sheath, oddly clumsy motions at best. He had never seen her do anything by paw….err mouth. Perhaps this was why?

“Thank you miss, in safety we will hold this.”

The pup dodged his confused eyes.

…

“The Empress will see you.” A new male guard spoke, opening the vast doors to the throne room. The Zebra Empress reclined on a couch placed on a pedestal at the far side of the chamber. It was a well shaded hallway, but two rows of symmetrical arched windows looked out onto the city far below them. Mabu’s eyes were caught by the endless span of sandstone roofs that stretched out into ever direction of the desert. She couldn’t help it.

Flory walked ahead unbowed, as if meeting an equal, she bit back the discomfort of lacking her stave and the sight of the of the evenly spaced guards along the wall. She caught up to the Governor and walked even to him, he was her servant after all, so his status was hers … right?

“Empress,” Flory bowed slightly at the waist, head straight up and facing hers, a sign of respect but not one of demotion. Mabu curtsied at his side, eyes up as well, though nervously. She saw the Empress glance at her for a moment, expression unreadable.

“Governor.” She tilted her head slightly in response. “And-?”

“Mabu Fenna.” Why is talking hard?

“Welcome to Our country. There are many things to see here and Our resources are vast, tell me Us Governor, with what is your task?”

To Mabu’s relief, Flory answered, “We are searching for remains of Masters.”

The Empress looked on with the same level gaze, “Masters? It is Humans you seek? Through almost all Our tomes you may take a peek, and If your wish is there, to Our ruins and pyramids
We will lead you, to see if your luck may fare.”

Flory glanced at Mabu who nodded slightly, “That would be a welcome gesture.” He dipped his own head again.

“Tell us, Governor. Is this charge the younglings’?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” She turned to look down at Mabu, “If you would wish, to Our guard will escort you to the library. There with hope you with find information merry. Tomorrow at dusk, after a good rest and with cooling sands, Our guard will lead you to the treasures of our lands. May your day be cool.” She nodded to a guard who stepped off the wall, “Governor, if you will stay. To make words with you We pray.”

“Aye Your Majesty.”

The filly numbly followed behind the guard, barely hearing the click of the wood door behind her. She couldn’t remember her heart so loud in her ears other than a fight. …Well. There was the once. She closed her eyes for a moment and followed.

…

“Leave the room. We command it.” The Empress spoke sternly, a guard behind her right shoulder bent softly murmured something into her ear. “We said evacuate the room. We have private affairs to attend to. The Governor is trusted by Us.” Her voice froze the desert air. The guards filtered out.

The Empress stood, “This way please.” Her voice was softer as she led the way into a small alcove behind the couch, she nudged a brick and the wall slid away, revealing a spiraling flight of stairs.

“Governor, why don’t you tell me the story of this?” She sighed and began the climb up.

…

“And that’s how it happened.” Flory rubbed the back of his neck as the Empress shooed the guards in front of her door away to patrol the ends of the corridor. She beckoned him into her chambers, and walked through a darkened room covered in dark silks and into the doorway of a balcony that took up the entire wall of the room.

The door clicked under his paws, he moved to stand in the shadow next to her.

“Are you sure of what you are getting into? All journeys come with peril.”

“I’ve not much of a choice do I?”

“You always have a choice in every action you take.” She muttered, looking up at him longways, her gaze as piercing as ever. “Governor, If you will,” The Empress walked out onto her balcony, surveying Zairo beneath her.

“Yes?” The movement from the shadow was harsh. The midday sun nearly blinding him.

“That foals’ name was Mabu you said?”

“Aye?”

The empress let out a single dark chuckle, turning her head just enough that a single eye gazed at him past her braided mane. “Let me tell you a tale.”

“Yes?” Flory crossed his arms, standing stiffly but looking away.

“Long do traditions hold, whether new or whether old.
In pony lands, across the sea. A tradition they have held for eternity.
Not all practice, yet do most. For the house of their society, this is a post.
When a babe is born under moon or sun, the honor of naming belongs to one.
In each town resides a sage, a unicorn of wisdom and age.
They bestow a name upon the child, a power which is strange and wild.
For you see, into time they have peered, the truth of those named is seared, what is named will always be.
Into the soul they see. What they name corresponds to what they will be.”

“What are you saying Hezaru?” He couldn’t help but nearly bark.

She returned his outburst with a smirk. And turned to face him, the sun in perfect alignment with her back, she gleamed as bright as the gold she wore. “Pony names are nearly always prophetic. And that foal will be no good fortune to you.”

“I do not understand.”

“Then another tale for you.
Far across these desert sands and all across the Zebra lands,
Countless languages have been spoken here, to our own, some distant, some near.
But in many such languages, especially the old…
In the ancient languages of our foremares, fear is the emotion that one would hold...
Perhaps it is true of not all, but that name would prophesize fall.
Ashes and dust, fires and burn, destruction and death, that is what you will learn.
For these things are the meaning of that word. Do not say now that you haven’t heard.”

“So You’re saying that “Mabu” means ‘Destruction’?”

“Aye.”