Chapter 8: An Autumn Nightmare

After another unsuccessful practice session where he did not make any further progress, and an all-you-can-research session in the library, Gearhead was glad to be back in Ponyville, even if only for a couple of days: the night of the Grand Galloping Gala was coming up fast.

As had occurred the last time Gearhead had been away, he now had to deal with a minor backlog of devices to deliver and gadgets to create. Fortunately, he could cut off a fair amount of time by using geomancy, while maintaining the quality on his builds fairly well. It was only the pieces that would undergo more major stress that required that he make use of the forge.

Once word got around that Gearhead was back and the shop was open again, interested ponies started coming in again. Although his interest was clearly different, one such visitor was a well-dressed Earth Pony stallion.

“Hello, friend, name’s Filthy Rich. I’m the owner of Rich’s Barnyard Bargains, and I don’t mind telling you that you’re cornering a fine market here in Ponyville, where Barnyard Bargains is the premier retailer.”

“Are we competing with each other, Mister Rich?”

“Ha-ha! No of course not, but you’ve a fine business instinct, young stallion. I’m here to offer you an extremely lucrative business deal that’s sure to help you out a great deal. You see, I’ve noticed that you’re the only worker at this shop. That means that anytime you go someplace else, you have to close up shop. That means that at those times you can’t make any money, and it’s a shame to lose out on profits.

“My solution is simply to draw up a contract so I can sell your products at Barnyard Bargains. Naturally, since they’ll be taking up my shelf space, we’ll split the profits seventy-thirty.”

“Who would get what?”

“Naturally, you’d get the thirty. After all, it reflects the resources used on both sides.”

“Not necessarily, sir. I always use the highest-quality materials possible in my products. As a result I have a reputation for building things that wear very slowly, and that seldom break.”

“And that right there is another problem, since if it doesn’t wear, tear, and break over time, nopony goes looking to buy a replacement. Also, it makes the other retailers look bad, and who wants that?”

“My point is, Mister Rich, that if my products are built to properly reflect the shop’s reputation, the split you have outlined ought to be reversed.”

“But that’s silly, because we’ll be using less expensive materials. That way we can sell everything at extra-cheap bargain prices.”

“Mister Rich, do you see anything on the shop floor that is made with ‘less expensive materials?’”

“No, because you’re using the good stuff. It’s making your overhead costs way too high, my friend. You can easily cut that overhead, reduce costs, and increase profits all the way! All you have to do is take the deal, and you’ll be selling and making money even in your sleep.”

“With all due respect, Mister Rich –“

“I know the sound of a rejection when I hear it, Gearhead my friend, and I’m tellin’ ya you’re making a mistake here. But don’t worry, I’ll give you some time to think about it. We’ll sign the deal before everypony leaves for the Gala!”

“That will not be necessary,”

“In Celestia’s name, why?”

“Because attaching my or my shop’s name, likeness, logo, or reputation to an inferior product is not something I desire in the least. Mister Rich, if I go with your offer, it will ruin the reputation of both. If, on the other hand, you would be willing to keep the quality of my products, or you want to buy and resell my products, I can accept that.”

“Well, just like you there’re things I’m simply not interested in. Best of luck to ya in the business world, though.”

“Like you said, Mister Rich, I fill an interesting niche here in Ponyville, so I doubt I need any change in my luck. May good fortune smile upon you.”

“Well then, right back at ya.” Filthy Rich grinned. “Actually, I like competing even more. Thanks for making things more interesting, kid. I hope ya don’t disappoint!”

“That only happened once. Lesson learned.”

Gearhead pulled up to the long walkway to Canterlot Castle’s entrance in a modified cyclic cart. It rode lower than his original wagon, and seated five ponies comfortably, with some additional space for cargo. The Earth Pony put on the parking brake, and then climbed down so the valet, who had used Gearhead’s wagon to get used to handling a cyclic vehicle, could get in and park the cart.

Gearhead was wearing a jet-black longcoat adorned only by a symbol of two trees rising in a ‘V’ from a field, done in a silver thread outline. The symbol was placed over the left breast. Gearhead had gathered his longer-than-average hair into a short ponytail, secured with a navy blue string. He wore his black dress horseshoes, and his two daggers hung from his belt, just as they had done during the luncheon. For the Gala, Gearhead left his goggles and hat behind.

Gearhead entered the castle, exchanged greetings with Princess Celestia just like everypony else, and moved on to the main hall to wait for the others to arrive. While he was at it, he looked for Princess Cadence and Shining Armour. He saw Prince Blueblood, but did not want to talk to the Unicorn, as Gearhead had come to see him as arrogant and unpleasant. Clearly he did not pay as much attention to his many-times great-aunts’ lessons as their other pupils did.

“Hey Bouya!” Gearhead turned at the sound of the boisterous voice and the use of the unusual nickname. Both let him know who the speaker was long before he saw him. “Oh, it is you. Guess this means my daughter’s eyesight is starting to get better than mine, although I didn’t think I was getting quite that old just yet.”

“It has been some time, Uncle Windwalker.”

“One thing I’ve always liked ‘bout you, Gearhead, is you’re always able to remember a pony’s preferences, even after twelve years.” The burly silver-coated Pegasus wrapped a wing across the Earth Pony’s shoulders.

“Of course he remembers, Dad, a female voice chimed in, “he has to be able to do that to keep all his customers straight.” The speaker was Prism Azure, whose white coat reflected much of her father, although not as much as those startling grey eyes of hers. Gearhead had noticed long ago how they reflected the most dominant colour around the Pegasus filly, so her eye colour seemed to change, almost at random.

“Ah, so business is going well for you?” Azure Wing’s Commander was speaking to Gearhead, but his eyes were glued to his eldest daughter, making her blush. Apparently she was the one tracking his progress, even years after he had stopped going to study at the Wing’s library. Maybe Prism was still curious about Gearhead for being unusual, just as she had been when they first met. Gearhead might have still thought that, if he had not seen the young mare blush – and seeing her with her sky-blue mane done up in a fetching purple dress did nothing to prevent Gearhead from getting a little blush of his own.

Which Windwalker did not miss either, if his laughter was any indication. His lighthearted ribbing, though, was an indication that he liked Gearhead. Maybe if he had not been a Black Sheep, Windwalker would have pushed for a marriage between him and Prism, not only to further solidify the alliance between Herd Verdant and the Azure Wing, but also as an acknowledgement of the close friendship between Gearhead and Prism themselves. But the Azure understood tradition, as they practiced many of their own.

“Where are Contrail and Rook?” Gearhead asked, redirecting the conversation and his train of thought. One of the Azure’s traditions, which Gearhead had encountered during his time researching unusual Pegasus magic, was the grouping of Pegasi from an early age. The tradition came from the military structure of the Pegasus Wing, and the idea that having flyers work together from an early age would foster closer teamwork.

Depending on the size of a generation, a group might consist of three or four Pegasi, thus making up a ‘flight,’ with four or three flights making up a complete ‘squadron,’ and two squadrons a ‘wing.’ The best flyer of each unit would be its commander, and gain command when the unit was deployed into that particular size. Members of the main family were most often paired with members of branch families whom the adults were able to observe played well together.

For Prism, those two best friends and wing-mates had become the speedy Contrail and the dependable Rook. Seeing Prism without her two wing-mates would have been unusual, except only a limited number of ponies ever attended the Gala. Uncle Windwalker, Prism’s own father, was obviously her escort tonight.

“I had to leave them behind tonight,” Prism said, neatly following Gearhead’s joke because she knew as well as he did that she could not have three stallions as her escort.

“Yes, tonight I’m the lucky one,” Windwalker said, and he laughed again. “Or we all are, considering it’s her first time attending.” Prism glared a little at how open her father was being with that bit of information.

“It is my first time as well,” Gearhead said, aiming to sooth an injured ego.

“And who wouldn’t want to show off a talent like yours? In the same way, I want to be able to show off my daughter to the right ponies. What do you think?”

“Oh, she is definitely far lovelier than I remember her,” Gearhead said, rolling with the spirit of things, but also being truthful.

“Oh please, you handsome devil, what was ‘lovely’ about the little bundle of inquisitive energy you probably remember me as?”

“If I had to point to one thing,” Gearhead said, not missing a beat, “it would be that ‘bundle of inquisitive energy.’ Your words,”

“Taken from your mouth, once upon twelve years ago,” Prism winked. Gearhead groaned a little theatrically when he realized she was right, which made Windwalker burst our laughing again.

“Come,” the Commander said to his daughter, “there are still some ponies we must see. See you later, Bouya.” Prism nodded to Gearhead and strode over to rejoin her father. The Earth Pony watched the father and daughter pair move on.

The mares had been looking forward to the Grand Galloping Gala since just after the Summer Sun Celebration, when Princess Celestia sent tickets to Twilight Sparkle. Each of her five friends had her own reasons for wanting to go, and now they could look forward to fulfilling those dreams.

Applejack wanted to sell a bundle of fruit and food to make a fortune, with which she could replace a whole set of farm equipment, and maybe even Granny Smith’s bad hips. With some of the equipment already replaced courtesy of Gearhead’s Gadgets, the odds that Applejack could use tonight’s earnings to help Granny had risen dramatically.

Fluttershy wanted to make new friends with all of the critters that appeared among the rare flowers in the garden.

Pinkie Pie wanted to go because it was a party, and Pinkie Pie loved partying.

Rainbow Dash wanted to hang out with the Wonderbolts, and prove her abilities to them while she was at it.

Rarity wanted to meet Prince Blueblood, to increase her chances of becoming a princess.

Twilight Sparkle wanted to spend quality time with Princess Celestia.

Spike wanted to hang out together with all of his friends. “I don’t understand why Gearhead couldn’t come with us,” he said as he pulled their pumpkin carriage up at the walkway.

“I’m sure he had his reasons,” Fluttershy said.

“And we have our reasons, too. Let’s make this the best night ever!” Rainbow Dash said, and they all charged in to make it so, although they split up almost immediately.

Applejack set up her vendor cart in the courtyard, and fortunately for her, Soarin,’ a member of the Wonderbolts, came by and bought a pie. If the team captain’s comment about the stallion always being hungry after a big show was true, Applejack was lucky to have just been there. Spitfire and Soarin’ strode off, and things were looking up for Applejack… until she realized that the earlier sale had been the exception, not the rule: nopony else seemed to want her food!

Fluttershy went into the garden, and started to bask in the exotic flora. When she heard something whistling a song, however, she immediately wanted to make friends with the singer – who turned out to be a gardener and not a meadow lark. But the night was still young, and she would do anything to befriend the critters.

Pinkie Pie bounced around the party room, hooting, singing, and generally trying to get a laugh. Or for the other ponies to shake their ‘hoof thing.’ Her attempts to shift things over were, unfortunately, largely brushed aside or simply ignored, even when Pinkie got Octavia Melody and the other members of the band to help out.

Rainbow Dash got in with the Wonderbolts easily enough when she saved Soarin’s pie, but hanging out with the flyers Dash admired so much proved more difficult than she had imagined, if only because there was such a big crowd, and the noise was so overwhelming. Rainbow Dash decided to try to wow the Wonderbolts with further acrobatic feats. Unfortunately Spitefire’s attention was often elsewhere.

Rarity quickly spotted Prince Blueblood in the main ballroom, and followed him out into the garden, all the while trying to temper her eagerness without appearing too cold. Watching from a distance, Gearhead did not like where this was going, and decided to follow, if only to confirm whether Blueblood was as arrogant as Gearhead thought he was.

“Hey, Gearhead, what’s going on?” The Earth Pony turned at his second batch of unexpected visitors, still keeping one eye on Blueblood and Rarity.

“I am backstopping one of my friends,” Gearhead said.

“Or maybe you mean ‘stalking,’ the female of the two Unicorn siblings said, teasing him just a little. Gearhead merely shrugged it off.

“No, Prince Blueblood’s attitude had worried me since the first time we spoke, which makes me wonder why Miss Rarity might think he is worthy of her.”

“Eh, good point,” the male, Dusk Shadow, said. “That fellow has always annoyed me.” Dusk was as big a stallion as Big McIntosh, which was unusual for a Unicorn who studied magic as closely as Gearhead remembered him doing. The black-coated, blue-maned stallion must have struck some sort of balance after Gearhead had stopped studying at the Hidden Library. The oldest son of the main bloodline for the Third Conclave of Flowing Shadows was a lot nicer than Gearhead’s own brother, and more sociable than Gearhead had heard Miss Twilight had been before coming to Ponyville.

“Somepony needs to help him adjust his thinking,” Dawn Shadow said. Unlike her big brother, as well as the majority of her family, she had a fair blonde coat and a white mane. From what Gearhead remembered of Dawn’s studies, she also had a knack for Light and Fire Magic – which was also contrary to the rest of her family’s use of Water and Shadow Magic. Perhaps it was this extraordinary streak that had drawn Gearhead and Prism and Dawn together as foals.

“Yes, but who could get through that ego?” Dusk asked.

“Depends upon the opening,” Gearhead said, and he led the siblings in monitoring Rarity’s progress with Blueblood.

Twilight Sparkle made a beeline for Princess Celestia, and was pleased to discover that her mentor wanted her by her side for the entire night. Twilight had so much she wanted to talk about with the princess, but every other second another pair of ponies would come up, and Princess Celestia had to welcome them to the Gala.

Left alone and to his own devices, Spike made a dejected circuit of the grounds, looking for somepony with whom he could just hang out. Everypony seemed busy, and neither Shining Armour nor Princess Cadence was present. Spike decided his time was better spent at Donut Joe’s than at the palace, and left.

Rarity’s initial approach with Blueblood was to point out the beauty of the garden and the nearby roses in particular. When Blueblood agreed and picked a rose, she thought she was on the right track, but then he attached the flower to his own lapel. “It goes with my eyes,” he said. Rarity was shocked, but she was willing to give the prince the benefit of the doubt, and wondered if he was just a bit rough around the edges.

Gearhead watched from what he thought of as a respectful distance until Blueblood refused to cross some ground because it had a puddle on it unless Rarity was willing to cover it with her cloak. Before the cloth could touch the ground, Gearhead snatched it out of the air and put it back on her back. “Please pardon the intrusion: that lovely cloak was about to become soiled.”

“Better it than me,” Blueblood said.

“Is that really how your great-aunts taught you to treat a lady? Because I doubt it greatly.”

“I don’t need to hear lessons on etiquette from some Black Sheep!”

“Then why must I give them, Your Highness? Even as I am, I have found your low behaviour deplorable.”

“You dare besmirch me? I’ll tell the Princess!”

“I rather think she would thank me for the service, although it comes from a pupil.”

“Who would believe that?”

“My friends. The lady here is one of them, which is one of the reasons I could not watch any longer.”

“How dare you think to lecture me. I am royal! I am a prince!”

“Being born into a station does not excuse such poor behaviour, Your Highness. It accords a degree of respect, however poor princes can also be hated by their subjects if they do not treat those same subjects with the respect they are due.”

“What nonsense! I lead, they follow. I am born to rule. It’s that simple.”

“Royalty serve the people. That is what I know.”

“What foal would even think that?”

Gearhead glanced at Rarity. “What do you think?

“I think that if Prince Blueblood ruled it wouldn’t be long before Equestria had its first real rebellion. Everypony loves Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I was holding out for some hope, but he has less charisma than the Apple family plough.”

Blueblood sputtered. “I don’t have to stand for this,” he turned to walk away.

“So then do you admit that you were mistaken?”

“Mistaken? Wrong? Me?!”

“Yes, that would sum it up,” Rarity said.

“That is the final straw! I shall have you drawn and quartered for your insults!”

“I do not think this principality works that way. Why not have a duel instead?

“A no-account Earth Pony could never defeat a noble Unicorn. Very well. Use anything you have, but this will still be over quickly.”

“On your three-count, Your Highness,” Gearhead said. He waved one leg across his eyes, and in the process zipped up the shoe.

It had quickly become obvious to Twilight that she and Celestia would be unable to converse after all. There were simply too many ponies coming to pay their respects to the Princess and hobnob with other influential ponies. Another couple came up, the stallion in a forest green longcoat clearing his throat as they approached.

“Herd Verdant sends its regards, Your Highness,” the stallion said in his too-polished, low voice. “May I present Lady Ivy, third of her name, and my sister.”

“Pleased as always, Lady Ivy,” Princess Celestia said, and she even curtseyed a little back. Twilight took a closer look at this mare for whom Equestria’s ruler seemed to hold so much respect.

Verdant Ivy was an Earth Pony of slightly slighter build when compared to Applejack, but she was certainly stronger than Fluttershy or Rarity. She had a light brown coat and a reddish-brown mane with emerald highlights, done in a style so those highlights flowed back like fountain water or the vines of an exotic plant. She wore a pale green strapless dress where the lace on her bodice was shaped into ivy vines, accenting her appearance. She carried herself with simple elegance and fluidity. But Lady Ivy’s most startling feature was her eyes, for as Twilight made eye contact, she was filled with as full a feeling of wellbeing and warmth as she had ever had, and all of her stress flowed away. “The pleasure is mine, Princess Celestia. Miss Twilight.” The mare’s smile made Twilight’s heart jump. She knows my name?

“And I,” the rough, dark brown stallion continued, “am Lord Vines, sixth of my name and Heir Apparent to the Verdant.” Twilight noticed the emblem on the left side of Vines’s longcoat, a pair of trees growing in a V-pattern from a field, rendered in full colour. She glanced at Princess Celestia, but Vines continued. “Herd Verdant is one of the oldest pony families. We trace our line back to times preceding the foundation of Equestria, and we are, in fact, the oldest farming family still extant. Between all of our branch families and the main family in Hoofington, our produce accounts for over two-thirds of Equestria’s needs. But I’m surprised you don’t already know that.” Lady Ivy placed a warning hoof on Vines’s left leg, silencing him.

“Enjoy the Gala,” Princess Celestia said, thankful once more for Ivy’s presence. The brother and sister pair moved off, Vines in a huff while Lady Ivy cast back an apologetic smile.

“Was all that true?” Twilight asked, watching the two ponies go.

“Unfortunately, yes, and not every member of that family is as gracious as Ivy, or as their parents. It’s a patriarchal Herd, unlike the Apples, so Ivy can’t receive the title. It would be most unfortunate if it fell to somepony as arrogant and prejudiced as ‘Lord’ Vines.

“Welcome to the Gala,”

“One…” Blueblood paused for three seconds, by which time he could have completed the count. “… twothree!” And he immediately unleashed a blast of magical energy aimed at Gearhead’s body.

Gearhead stamped his unshod hoof, sending a piece of earth into the air. It absorbed the blow, but got blasted to pieces. Energy leapt from piece to piece as he reshaped them into ball-like pellets, and then launched those at Blueblood. Most of them missed or fell apart before reaching the target, but one of them struck the white stallion just above his left hoof.

He shrieked. “The travesty. I’ll make you pay for your effrontery!” The Unicorn vanished in a display of magical energy, only to reappear behind Gearhead, angling his horn for a direct thrust.

Gearhead drew the geargem dagger with his tail and intercepted the blow, using the flat of his blade. He used the time he gained to reposition himself more fully against Blueblood, and then he transferred the dagger to his mouth, so he could use the greater strength of his neck muscles. “More the foal, you, for forfeiting your greatest advantage.”

“What do you mean?” Blueblood asked as Gearhead pressed his counterattack and pushed the other back.

“You cannot cast as long as I keep striking your horn, Highness.”

Blueblood widened his eyes, realizing the truth as Gearhead spoke it. And, of course, being an Earth Pony, the other stallion did not have a horn on which to depend. Blueblood tried to backpedal to open a range so he could get back to casting, but Gearhead was right there, and even managed to stick a leg in and trip the Unicorn up. Blueblood looked up to see the point of a sword suddenly in view.

“Perhaps it is not too late, and you can change your views in time to make a great leader of yourself. But until then, may I recommend that you yield?” Blueblood looked like he might argue. “You do not have an offensive posture, and your position is untenable. I need only twist ever so slightly, and I can disrupt any spell you begin to prepare. And this room is rich in magical energies, so easily at my call. You have been bested. Your best course..?”

“I yield,”

Gearhead stood back, sheathed his dagger, and then leaned in to help Blueblood back to his hooves. “A harsh lesson, but one worth remembering: no pony is alone.”

“I see you’re still creating disasters wherever you walk,” a new voice said, smooth as silk. “This sort of action is beneath us, little brother”

“Helping a friend is never beneath anypony, Lord Vines,” Gearhead turned around to face his oldest sibling, which created an opening for Blueblood to discreetly excuse himself.

“Imagine that: you, with a ‘friend.’ Can someone like you really have a friend who looks like that? Or is she using you and you… gifts? You can’t possibly succeed in business and be that naïve… can you?”

“We are friends,” Rarity said. “What I find hard to believe is that you two are brothers. You certainly don’t behave like it.”

“Well, Miss, we haven’t seen one another for awhile. Brother, where are your manners?”

“Miss Rarity, please allow me to introduce you to Lord Vines, the eldest of the Verdant sons, and Lady Ivy, the second-oldest of the Verdant progeny. Lord Vines, Big Sister Ivy, this is Miss Rarity, owner of Carousel Boutique and a dear friend of mine from Ponyville.”

“Ah,” Ivy said, “so this is the famous Rarity. I have seen and enjoyed some of your designs, Miss Rarity. It is a true pleasure to finally meet the Unicorn behind them.”

“The pleasure’s mine, Lady Ivy.”

“Yes it is,” Vines interjected. “Lady Ivy has reminded me that I have one piece of business with you, little brother, and that’s to tell you that Father has decided to use a large portion of your earnings to expand the East Field to the east.”

Gearhead caught his breath for a moment. Expanding a field with another family member’s resources was equal to giving that pony the credit for that field, and everything that came from it, at least on some level. That meant that while Gearhead had never grown or harvested a crop due to the unpredictable nature of his ‘knack,’ he would now get partial credit for every stalk that grew on the field. And to do so in the East Field, expanding to the east, in the direction of the rising sun, was to pin one’s hopes on the future, and not once, but twice.

Normally undertaking such an act would not be a great risk, since the money Gearhead sent back home was earmarked specifically for the sake of Verdant Fields. In this case it was a massive risk, because it was money that Gearhead had earned, and as long as he had the title of ‘Black Sheep,’ he could not be given, or earn, the title of Patriarch. And yet, Father, the current Patriarch, was clearly stating that Gearhead would eventually succeed his father.

Succession in the Verdant was determined along a patriarchal bloodline, as well as through merit. In this case, ‘merit’ was clearly defined in The Codex Verdante as any action resulting in a benefit for the Verdant while sowing, tending to, and/or harvesting the crops at Verdant Fields, or the crops of the Herd as a whole. Vines already held the title ‘Successor’ because he had grown and harvested the most crops out of his male siblings, and because of his ambition to become the next Patriarch.

For Father to take the risk as he had just done was to declare to the Herd Council, and to every member of the Herd who was in the know, that he held more confidence in the Black Sheep to safeguard the Herd’s future than he did in the heir apparent.

Vines’s expression showed that he recognized in Gearhead’s own face that the latter fully understood the implications of Father’s actions, and in the need for Vines to tell Gearhead about them. The oldest of the Verdant children was clear past anger to pure fury, but Ivy was at his side, blunting those flames. She rested one hoof on his leg and looked up into her only older sibling’s eyes, and the heat became a simmer.

“Father wants you to go talk with him,” he said at last, and again Gearhead could see, reflected in his brother’s eyes, that they both knew what that meant: While there were not any laws in the Codex exiling the Black Sheep, it was generally understood that he or she would not return until the mark, the V-trees in silver outline, could be removed. Yet here was Father, calling Gearhead back to talk. It had to be for something extremely important. “I’ve discharged my duties. Now we’ll take our leave of you. Enjoy the Gala.”

But Vines paused and turned back, his expression softening slightly. “Brother, it is good to see how far you’ve come after so long. You are, after all, of the blood of Verdant.” Gearhead nodded, knowing how hard even that small concession had to be.

Ivy, too, paused. She embraced Gearhead, holding him tight. “Little Brother, please be safe. We will all be waiting for the day when you come home to us.” The mare released him and stood back, studying him. “You are already doing wonderfully and admirably.”

Gearhead felt the warmth and well-being flow through him, as was Ivy’s special gift. “Thank you, Big Sister.” Gearhead and Rarity watched as Ivy turned and caught up with an impatient Vines, and then the two of them went back inside the palace.

“That was… intense,” Rarity said. “So you’re actually some kind of royalty in exile?”

“I shall explain to everypony in Ponyville sometime, in full. Now is not the time, and I have much on which to think.”

“Well, not just now, my good sir! Lets enjoy the rest of the Gala together, you and I.”

It seemed, however, that events had conspired so there was little left of the Grand Galloping Gala for the seven friends to enjoy, what with Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash bumping around. Even Ivy’s calming touch and gaze could not stop the falling columns that followed Fluttershy’s bursting into the main ballroom following a whole group of panicking animals. In the end, the only thing the friends could do was to flee to Donut Joe’s – where Spike had been drowning his sorrows in sprinkles. They were soon joined by the Royal Sisters, and were surprised to hear that Princess Celestia had invited them mainly in the hopes that they would liven things up.

“Well then,” Rarity said, “I believe this is the perfect opportunity to cap things off with a little story. That is, if Sir Gearhead doesn’t mind sharing it?”

“Well, since you asked so nicely and I will not have to repeat it…

“It is true that I was born on a farm, that at the age of three my ‘knack’ first manifested to disastrous results, that I worked hard to control my ‘knack,’ and that I set out to master it completely. Here are the specifics:

“I was born on Verdant Field, the farm owned and tended by the main family of Herd Verdant. This is probably the oldest farming family in Equestria, since we can trace our genealogy back to times predating Equestria. It is not, in itself, a noble line, as Lord Vines would have it, simply because it is an old line. Whether or not the Verdant actually has noble blood is something I do not know, as I have never seen the volume containing our genealogy.

“The tradition of taking a colt or filly to the fields for the first time at the age of three is also the tradition of the Name Day. As the day’s name implies, this is when we of the Herd are given our names. Previous to Name Day I was ‘Thirdson,’ as that indicates my birth order ranking. Firstson is Lord Vines, and Seconddaughter is Big Sister Ivy, whom some of you just met at the Gala.

“After my ‘knack’ manifested, I was not simply given the name ‘Gearhead,’ but also the title of ‘Black Sheep.’ The Black Sheep Clause, as recorded in the legislative volume, was created by the Patriarch of about 1,000 years ago in order to protect ponies like me from ridicule and harm, to protect the interests of the Herd, and to motivate one so named to still try to contribute to the good of the Herd. Despite the label and the ridicule that still comes with it, it could easily have been much worse without the Clause. And it is never invoked lightly. This coat and the emblem on it mark me as a Black Sheep to anyone who can recognize it, like Prince Blueblood.

“The Verdant is a patriarchal Herd, which means that my father cannot pass the title of Patriarch to Big Sister Ivy even though she is probably more deserving of it than Lord Vines in the eyes of all concerned. The title is also passed by merit, which is itself defined by how much a pony does on the farm, and for the sake of the farm. Because of what happened on my Name Day, I have never had anything positive to do with the crops, and I have the title of ‘Black Sheep.’ But through meritorious acts, I can earn a lifting of the title. If I do that, I stand a chance to inherit Verdant Fields and the title of Patriarch. That has been my motivation these past long years

“I do not want to concern any of you with the affairs of the Herd, however I feel it is necessary to tell you that Lord Vines may be the least suitable pony to succeed as Patriarch, if not in the Herd’s history then in centuries. He is arrogant, ambitious, harsh, and unaccepting of those who do not fit his idea of usefulness. He will not hesitate to act in any way that he sees as beneficial for the Herd, and that can make him dangerous. Big Sister Ivy has obviously been trying to blunt his ambition and his fury, but there is only so much she can do. Long exposure to Big Sister Ivy’s ability to calm a pony might have even allowed Lord Vines to build up a resistance.”

“How bad could it be if he does get the title?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“There is a Council that helps to govern the Herd, however in emergencies the Patriarch has the ability to veto and deadlock them. Also, the Verdant has enough reach to impact all of Equestria.”

“Vines did say they provide a lot of Equestria’s food,” Twilight said.

“Okay, that’s bad,” Rainbow Dash said. “What do we do?”

“Unfortunately, Lord Vines and some members of the Council do not recognize the Princesses Celestia and Luna as authorities above themselves or the Patriarch. If Lord Vines was to be named Patriarch on my father’s passing, this would become a matter for the Verdant to settle internally. The only way I can do anything is by earning my way out of being the Black Sheep. And apparently, that starts by going back to Verdant Fields and speaking with my father.”

“How long has it been since you’ve been home?” Fluttershy asked.

“It has been ten years,” Gearhead said, “almost to the day.”

Following Father’s directions, Gearhead pulled his wagon up behind the barn. The older stallion opened the back door, and Gearhead drove his vehicle inside, where other ponies would not be able to easily see and identify it. “Please follow me,” Father said shortly, and then he led the way off. Gearhead knew that the Patriarch was not being rude to his second son, but he was probably nervous about all this.

“Is it worth it to take these risks?” Gearhead asked.

“Better to take them than not,” Father said. “Tell me, when you were driving in, did you get the impression that much had changed? Here at the farm, I mean. Not in Hoofington.”

“I cannot say that much in particular is different,” Gearhead admitted.

“Exactly! Vines can say as many times as he likes that we have a long history, but what I’ve come to realize in the years since you left is that those long millennia have been times of stagnation.”

“But the Herd is so large,”

“Well, you’re right that procreation and propagation isn’t a problem, at least not directly,” Father said with a wry grin. “Unfortunately that’s not what I mean. What I do mean is that we’ve been living pretty much the same way since we started farming: similar living conditions. Pretty much identical methods. Until you, Gearhead,” Father turned and poked him in the chest, stopping him cold. “Through invention and innovation, you are a force for change, enabling the rest of us to improve our standard of living and our farming methods. No matter who’s doing the farming, we’re producing much more than we ever have before. That’s why I told Vines to tell you about the East Field.”

“Is that why you are taking these risks?”

“In no small part, my son. See, none of your younger brothers were old enough to be able to strike out on their own paths as potential leaders. Sadly, they’re all following Vines’s example. Just as unfortunately, your younger sisters are too withdrawn to want to lead. That goes for Ivy too, although she would be a compassionate leader. Maybe too much so. Then there’s Vines: overly cocky and overreaching in his ambition, and yet resentful, angry, and exclusive of those who don’t fit his ideas of how ponies should be. You’re the Verdant’s best hope for an innovative future, my boy, and I believe you’ve earned your way out of the Black Sheep Clause. All you and I have to do is convince the Council of that, and that you’re better suited to lead than your brother – in as much as he’s too smart to self-destruct by denouncing you and any other Black Sheep in front of the Council.”

Father had been leading Gearhead around the farm and into one of the unmarked silos. They went down a set of hidden stairs and into an underground passageway. If not for Gearhead’s ability to read the ground, he would have gotten lost in the twists and turns. Finally they came to a chamber with a locked metal door – a door which Gearhead recognized as being made of adamantine!

Father unlocked the door and led the way inside, past several other layers of security. The only object inside the room, other than a light and the pedestal on which it stood, was an open book.

The book was open to a page entitled 'The Black Sheep Clause.' Gearhead spun away, averting his gaze out of awe and respect: this was The Codex Verdante, the book that enshrined both the Herd’s complete genealogy and its laws!

“I hope I don’t have to make it a command,” Father said, knowing full well that Gearhead would never disobey him. The younger stallion turned back and read, memorizing every detail. “That’s better. And now the other thing I must show you.” Father held his right hoof above the book, and it immediately started to turn pages back. It went out of the section dedicated to Herd law, and into the genealogy section. It came to the page that included the current living family, complete with notations about special skills. Living family members were in green ink, while deceased members were written in black. For Gearhead himself it said ‘Verdant Thirdson Gearhead (Black Sheep),’ and it gave the year of his Name Day. “Now, start flipping backwards. Keep going until I tell you to stop.”

Gearhead proceeded to flip pages, scanning before moving on to the one previous. Always, in the main family, there was someone noted as a Black Sheep, and always with the year of his or her Name Day. Some of them also had a concluding year when they earned their way out of the Clause, ahead of the year of their death. Just as often, the named pony remained a Black Sheep.

And then, suddenly, the title of Black Sheep vanished. Or more accurately, as Gearhead was looking farther and farther back in time, it suddenly appeared. Gearhead looked at the dates on that page, and flipped back to the next page to note the date next to the Black Sheep of that generation. It started on a Name Day, whenever there was a member of the family who was a Black Sheep. But before that, he saw as he flipped back further and further, the title simply did not exist, not in the family’s traced history.

“So you noticed,”

“It just… starts. Without any notice at all,” Gearhead said in wonder.

“Yes. Somepony made this condition appear in that generation, and every generation since. Somepony powerful. If you can find an historical record that goes back far enough, you can discover who did this to you, to every Black Sheep before you, and to every Black Sheep to follow. What you do with this information is up to you. But! It was absolutely imperative that you know about this, so you know what’s at stake here.”

“That is a lot of big pieces of information,”

“Yes, and I’m confident that you’ll be able to handle it, but we’re not through here yet, my son.”

“There is more?”

“Yes, and it is one of the most important things you learn today. Think you’re ready for it?”

“I cannot think of much that could have more impact than reading from the Codex, but go on.”

“Actually, it concerns the Codex. As the story goes, my many-times predecessor worked with the Conclave to produce three copies of the complete Codex Verdante. The Codex has several enchantments placed on it, on every copy: translation, preservation, and instant and constant updating of content being among them.”

“And being able to will it to find any page desired,” Gearhead said.

“That too, but there’s something in my story you should be asking about now, you being as smart as you are.”

“Where are each of the copies?”

“A good start. We took two, and presented one each to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as coronation gifts. I’ve no idea where they might be keeping them, but the enchantments prevent the copies from degradation and destruction. The third copy is right here,” Father tapped the book on the podium.

Gearhead blinked. He looked down at the book, then up at his father. “If this is a copy, where is the original?”

“Exactly! The original manuscript, which the Conclave used to create the copies, is in a location known and accessible only to the Patriarch, also by their enchantments. Only the Patriarch can take it out. Only the Patriarch can change the content in any way. That’s one of my duties as Patriarch, but I wonder how Vines would see it?”

“I do not think it is in any good way,” Gearhead said, his mouth going dry. “If he can change the content…” The page to which Father had had the book open when the two of them had come in was the page containing the Black Sheep Clause. It had provided Gearhead with the protection he needed until he could control his geomancy and strike out on his own, but if Vines wanted to exclude anyone who was not useful, that could only mean true exile, and from far too early to result in anything but a life of struggle.

“Now you know what’s at stake in full,” Father said. “I’m sorry to add to your stress, but I don’t think you can go into this blind.”

“No, I appreciate that, Father.”

“You’re the one who’s always giving the family such great equipment for all the right jobs. This time it was my turn.”

“Now I’m better equipped for what lies ahead,” Gearhead said.

“’Better equipped.’ Yeah, I think that reflects the truth. I’m glad you don’t have your brother’s arrogance, even if your creativity in innovation reflects something else he has.”

“Yes?”

“Ambition. You want to succeed and prove yourself more than anyone else. I believe that if you keep doing what you’re doing, with as full awareness as possible, you will succeed.”

“You are ever the philosopher, Father.”

“Coming from my genius son, I’ll take that as the huge compliment it was intended to be.”

Gearhead headed for Ponyville with a smile on his face, despite the problems he now had to shoulder: he needn’t take them on his own anymore, not all of them. He had the support of most of his family, and of his friends. Friends he would find waiting for him in Ponyville.