“There rebels are quite clever.” Commented Duke Îrilôs, as he looked at the Verâdîm helmet, painted dull green and wreathed in leaves and grasses attached with some kind of improvised glue. Tempest, Snowy, and the two humans had finished a private supper some time earlier, and now Aharôs was going on about the sneaky traitors. “This is the kind of armor they've been wearing?”

“Indeed, it is.” Prince Aharôs replied. “Small teams of Verâdîm go around in the woods, pick off our soldiers one by one with crossbows, or even hunting bows. It's taking its toll on the morale of the army.”

“I'm not surprised. I wonder why we've never seen this back at my city of Fâharîon, or anywhere on the river Karthâ.” Mused the Imperial Envoy.

“Because you can't go a day's walk up or down the Karthâ without finding a city bigger than Vatherîon.” Replied Aharôs with a tone of repulsion. “It never ceases to amaze me how you Imperial kind can live in such crowded conditions.”

“And the sheer emptiness of this backwater land is rather eerie at times.” Îrilôs retorted with a smile. Nothing at all seems to dampen his spirits, Tempest commented to herself. The man had been wearing a strange thing on his arm all week, too. A leather and metal vambrace of all things, only on his right arm. The Imperial Envoy offered no explanation, and seemed to pretend it wasn't there. “All you Vûrdashai are loners. Not a single city with over fifteen-thousand people! Indeed, barely more than three hundred per village, it seems.”

“Vûrdashai?” Aharôs muttered, perplexed. Vûrdashai? Tempest too wondered about that. It was known that most humans west and south of the Dashavon called the Tarsen dialect of this region Vûrdasha Tarsen; but the pegasus had never before heard it be used to refer to people.

“In less peripheral areas, Vûrdashai is a general term for anyone from Athair, Verâd, Bîerlas, and Jutan. Formerly, Rûka, Nazan, and Thecha were a part of that definition, but a certain kingdom of the blue flower seems to have acquired those realms!” Îrilôs said with humor.

“Less peripheral?” Echoed Aharôs. The Imperial Envoy only smiled again, and spread his hands, as if to say there was nothing to be done about it.

“It's a hard truth, my prince. The Kingdom of Athair draws less attention in Ar-Athazîon than does Halîska!” Tempest almost winced at that; Halîska hadn't even been granted self-rule by the Emperor. Snowy, sitting at her side, barely stopped herself from giggling. “These rainy realms are neither wealthy nor powerful, Prince Aharôs. There are no centers of trade, no resources of particular value, and only two navigable rivers.” They always says that rivers are the veins carrying the blood of the Empire... “We rarely get anyone from Athair or the other realms coming over to the rest of the continent. You're an isolated people, and content to stay that way. Most of you, at least.”

“It- It's the mountains, my prince.” Snowy spoke up.

“Mountains?” Asked Aharôs, raising an eyebrow at her.

“They w-wall you off, they make you look inward.” The beige pegasus said. Tempest thought about it, and decided there was some merit to the notion.

“It's true.” Agreed Tempest, backing up her friend. “You're always focusing on what happens here. You hardly ever talk about what's going on in the rest of Sarathûl. I'd be surprised if anyone outside of this tent knew anything about what's over the Dashavon.”

“Do you, my Queen?” Asked Îrilôs. Not really...

“Well... Kind of. I've looked at maps.” She replied.

“She's always looking at maps.” Snowy added in.

“Not always. I haven't had time since we left Nikadîon!” Retorted Tempest.

“Well, here's a map for you.” Aharôs pulled a rolled up paper from his collection of maps he always had on hand. This was a well-worn one, as it was the map of Athair and Verâd he'd been using the whole campaign to plot whatever his next move was going to be. “Tell us where we are, Tempest.” The blue-grey pegasus leaned forward, peering at the chart.

“We passed a village named Kaizîn a few days ago...” She began to search the map for any signs of that name. It ought to be near the river Zachîr. But there was no sign of a Kaizîn... “No village of that name on here. There's a Kaishîm, though.”

“That's probably it.” Nodded Aharôs.

“I'd say we're about at least twenty miles from there. More if you don't measure it in a straight line. That puts us...” Tempest's gaze when from the unremarkable village, and landed on their destination. “Just a day or two from Jashenîon.” On this map, the river fortress was marked by a simple diamond. But there were other maps Aharôs had, of the castle and its surrounding lands; Jashenîon was an old structure, but it was located on an island in the middle of the Zachîr, which led to great difficulty in taking it. And soon, they'd be upon it.

“Any ideas on how you're going to remove this obstacle?” Asked Îrilôs. “Perhaps some of Sidâl's trickery?”

“We have a plan coming together.” Aharôs replied. “Once this fortress is gone, only Dônara-Kur remains, a much less defensible city than the fortress we face. Thanks to our campaign and the Duke of Terâd's activities, the lower Zachîr and its east bank are all the Verâdîm rebels really control, and they shall lose the river itself soon enough. It's only a matter of time now. The threat of losing all our progress certainly turned out to be more a phantom than anything else.”

“So it is.” Nodded the Imperial Envoy. “I don't suppose I could convince them to surrender, and save us all time and lives?” Îrilôs stole a glance at the ring he wore, bearing the Imperial seal.

“The Emperor holds little sway over these lands. You're lucky I'm going to be King soon. I may be the only ruler of these four realms that acknowledges his place in the hierarchy of our people.” Stated the Prince. I don't see why, Tempest thought. But if there was one thing she had learned about Aharôs over the years, besides him having almost no sense of humor, it was that he had a preoccupation with order and law. If every other realm forsook the Emperor, Aharôs would continue on loyally. Perhaps the dream of a united mankind kept him loyal, the golden days of an age now passed.

“Alas. But, whatever gets the job done...” Sighed Îrilôs.

“I get my kingdom, the levies go home for harvest, and our professional soldiers sail for Ar-Athazîon and join the Imperial troops to force the Grand Duke of Echarîon and the Count of Tilai to return to their status as direct vassals...”

“And thus securing Imperial control over the lower and middle Karthâ.” Finished the Envoy. Tempest recalled mention of Echarîon and Tilai some time ago, but she wasn't sure when. She wasn't even sure what a Grand Duke was in respect to a Not-Grand Duke. Is that even the proper title? But direct control over the river Karthâ would guarantee an Imperial monopoly on the majority of trade in Sarathûl... She didn't know much about economics, but Tempest did know that a monopoly on trade would be nothing but good for Ar-Athazîon. With such wealth at their disposal, the Taizâres Emperors would be able to actually enforce their control over their supposed vassal realms. Perhaps Îrilôs was right, perhaps there was going to be a renewed strength in the Empire. But I still don't see the humans ever being united again. One thousand, five hundred and four years of dispersal was too long a time for their culture to remain intact enough. Snowy had talked at great length about that before. Still, Îrilôs had cooked up a rather sound plan. All he had left to do was figure out who would try to stop it.

“S-so, what's going to go wrong?” Snowy asked, looking at the Envoy. Îrilôs laughed loudly.

“Everything, my lady! I'm counting on everything to go wrong.” For once, his humor seemed to be completely genuine. He quickly straightened his expression, and pointed at the beige pegasus. “Tempest, my Queen, keep this one close. She's got potential to be Ar-Athazîon material, definitely more than enough to handle whatever little political problems come your way.”

“That's the plan.” Said Tempest. “She might actually have an idea of what I'm supposed to be doing. I sure don't.”

“You're supposed to be preparing yourself for rule in Highcrest.” Prince Aharôs stated, looking annoyed. “What else could you do?”

“Uh... Read maps... Learn about clocks... Run an apiary, I guess.” Suggested the blue-grey pegasus, listing off things she was interested in doing.

“You still haven't given up about the damn bees..!” Muttered Aharôs. Snowy just smiled in knowing. And I never will, either. Tempest almost said, knowing full well her old dream would never happen.

“You can learn all about clockwork and mechanical engineering in Ar-Athazîon.” Suggested Îrilôs. “A good Queen should have a good education.”

Engineering? thought Tempest. “I'm not really good with numbers, so I'll pass.”

“A shame.” Îrilôs said, shaking his head. “They taught me well, I've made all kinds of useful things. Rockets, for instance! And a drastic improvement to the waterworks of the city.”

“Waterworks?” Snowy asked, confused. She looked at Tempest, but Tempest didn't know what those were either.

“Right, you're stuck up here in the peripheral region.” Realized the Imperial Envoy, as Aharôs gave him a dark look. “You see, in Ar-Athazîon, we've pioneered a system of pipes and tubes to bring water to all parts of the city, whenever you want it! And in the palace itself, we have heated water.” He said, like it was the greatest thing in all the world.

“Wondrous.” Grumbled Aharôs, before launching into a lecture on just why Tempest ought to prepare for ruling Highcrest. It continued for some time, with Snowy and the Imperial Envoy looking on awkwardly, before Îrilôs saved her by suggested they retire for the night.

“Thanks.” Whispered Tempest, not believing the pesky Duke of Fâharîon had rescued her from Aharôs's discontent rantings. Truth be told, he did get a bit scary at times, though Tempest had no good reason to be afraid.

“The Prince seems determined to make you Queen of Highcrest, and I'd rather have an ally in Equestria than not.” Explained Îrilôs, as they left the tent. It was a reasonable excuse. Like most nights, it was uneventful. Tempest slowly fell asleep in her shared tent, while Snowy kept a lantern burning for her reading in her part of the space. Of course, thanks to Sidâl's crystal, no nightmares haunted Tempest. In fact, she didn't dream at all; a good thing too. She knew that Luna, Regent of the Moon, commanded the dreamworld, much like her deceased father. If Tempest wasn't dreaming, then that wicked Luna couldn't be up to no good in her mind.

Morning came, and the blue-grey pegasus woke to the sounds of the camp packing up. Time to leave, then. If she didn't get out fast enough, the porters would begin to dismantle her tent with her still in it, as had happened a few times before. Snowy seemed to have been up for at least a few minutes, she had her comb in mouth and was already brushing her tail. How can she get up earlier than me when I go to sleep first?

It was a question without an answer. She threw on her traveling cloak, and made sure it was arranged correctly. After that, it was a matter of making sure her personal items were stored in her one trunk. A glance inside revealed the few things Tempest actually owned. There were a few pieces of jewelry that had belonged to her mother which Tempest never had worn and didn't actually know how to wear, a hundred-year old book for Tarsen calligraphy which she had never mastered, a vibrantly hand-illustrated book on the species of animals humans had brought with them that she had read dozens of times, and a handful of more various things. There was some writing supplies, a small notebook, two toys from her childhood, and of course, a bottle of polish to use on her armor, which could not fit in the trunk. Are these really all the worldly possessions of a queen? she asked herself. It seemed so. Well, at least my subjects will see me as humble... That was a desirable trait in Equestria, wasn't it? It was in Sarathûl, supposedly.

Outside, it was another cloudy day in Verâd. The rains would come and go until the summer solstice, St. Alaia's Day, which was only two weeks hence. Then came the summer season, and hopefully an end to the war. If Tempest understood correctly, Brenan the priest was a member of the Order of St. Alaia, the healers, doctors, and surgeons of mankind. It was also one of the few orders of the clergy dominated by women; indeed, the humans only allowed women to be their surgeons, for whatever reason. “Something about being able to create life...” She muttered quietly. Not quietly enough for Snowy to not hear, though.

“What was that?” She asked, coming outside after she finished with brushing her tail.

“Nothing.” Replied Tempest. “Just thinking out loud.” The beige pegasus made no reply, and threw on her own cloak. It suddenly occurred to Tempest that her companion brushed herself each morning, no matter the circumstances. For what reason? wondered Tempest. A question for another day, though.

“Good morning, my queen.” Greeted Sir Turaz, arriving in his full armor, and bearing his halberd.

“Good morning to you too. How's the eye- uh, or-” The blue-grey pegasus cringed at herself.

“The lack of eye is quite fine.” Replied the knight, placing a hand to the flesh-colored patch which had been placed over the empty socket. “No infections, everything is healing nicely. Brenan says I can get a glass replacement when we go to Vatherîon.”

“You can get replacement eyes?” Tempest asked in wonder.

“They don't do any- anything,” giggled Snowy. “they're just to look more n-normal.”

“Oh.” The supposed Queen of Highcrest felt rather dumb, not a new feeling at all. Then she realized what else Turaz had said. “We're going to Vatherîon?”

“After this is all over.” Answered the one-eyed knight. “Looking forward to the big city, myself.” If Îrilôs were here, he'd start complaining that there were no big cities in Athair. Luckily, Îrilôs wasn't summoned by the thought of his name today. “Well, I must get moving. We have a fortress to reach tonight.” Thus, he departed.

“I guess Aharôs wants us there.” Tempest remarked, preparing for a long day of switching between flying and waiting for the column to catch up. She and Snowy had tried walking a few times, but that didn't seem any easier. The next humans the two encountered was Prince Aharôs, in the company of his usual retinue of Îrilôs, Sidâl, and Eberis. Mayor Pashal was there too. Their zôshai were tied up nearby, they seemed to be ready to move out with the column. “It's like he's surrounding himself with people I don't like.” She commented to Snowy.

“Tempest, you don't l-like anyone. Except me.” Replied her companion.

“Fair point.”

“Kind of you to join us.” Said Pashal, frowning at them, after they had all gone through their ceremonial displays of deference. Tempest was glad the humans got as tired of it as she did, there was an unspoken rule that once people of differing social ranks were familiar with each other, they could dispense with formality. But Pashal was not familiar to either Tempest or Snowy, nor did they desire him to be. Nor did he desire for them to be, for what it mattered.

“Be nice.” Îrilôs told him, still wearing that weird, singular piece of armor. Oddly enough, his eyes were on the southern horizon and nothing else.

“Tempest is a practically a full-grown mare now, she doesn't need people to be nice to her.” Stated Prince Aharôs coldly. “Isn't that right?” He asked, turning to look at her.

“It is.” Agreed Tempest. I'll be sixteen in the fall, I can handle myself against fools like Pashal! Or at least, she told herself she could.

“Just as I thought.” Nodded the Prince of Athair to himself. “Is that letter of yours here yet, Îrilôs?” The Imperial Envoy pulled out a spyglass, and pointed it south, over the heads of the two pegasi.

“Just a few more minutes.” He said.

“Letters can fly now?” Tempest remarked, unsure if she was being serious or just making a weak attempt at wit.

“Don't be stupid, Tempest.” Said Aharôs. “Of course letters can't fly.” I knew that.

“Do you really think we can reach the fortress by night?” Asked Jai Pashal.

“It may be a few hours after night, but we can make it.” Prince Aharôs replied.

“Certainly.” Agreed Sidâl, making his first comment of the day. Even after having been aware of him this long, Tempest still didn't fully feel comfortable with the man. There was just something she didn't like about him. Well, like Turaz said, we don't know what game he's playing... That was a perfectly valid reason not to trust him. Not to mention, his habit of asking far too personal questions. Don't humans abhor such a thing? She thought they did.

“Good to know we'll be meeting up with Prince Reshîv, then.” The Mayor of Sturaj said with approval. That earned him a scowl of distaste from Aharôs.

“Finally.” Said Îrilôs, out of nowhere. Tempest was about to ask him what he was talking about, a shadow passed over her, and a deep instinct caused her to jump back. Snowy squeaked in alarm, and even the zôshai looked up. There was a powerful whoosh of wind, as a massive pair of wings flapped their way to a landing.

“A real mountain eagle!” Remarked Mayor Pashal with awe. Before them was the largest bird in all of Sarathûl, the often-dreaded and always-respected mountain eagle. He was even larger than Tempest imagined; and she knew he was a he by the crest of feathers coming off his head. She guessed that his wingspan was at least fourteen feet, and he stood just as tall as she did, if not taller. Unlike Equestrian birds, the mountain eagle had two claws on each of his wings, and a very long tail, almost like a parrot's. His brown feathers were covered in a glossy, gold sheen, and his beak was a lighter shade of brown rather than any yellow. One glance at his talons was enough to convince anyone that this creature was a force of destruction should he choose to be, they looked heavy enough to crush bones and sharp enough to even perhaps cut the armor of a dragon. Among all animals in the world, the mountain eagle was the only one that was considered anywhere in the realm of equal to humans. The fact that it was said they once preyed on humans may have had something to do with it.

“Well met, Sereshî.” Greeted Îrilôs, inclining his head in respect to the eagle. Of course, Sereshî said nothing back, he couldn't talk. Instead, he seemed to hop onto the leather and metal vambrace Îrilôs wore. Oh... realized Tempest. That's to stop the eagle from crushing his arm into pieces on accident. “I see you've brought my letter.” The Imperial Envoy said, as he unwound the string tying a packet to the eagle's left leg. Tempest noticed that Sereshî seemed to have a collar of sorts, bearing a small round seal, showing none other than the black and silver emblem of the Faith.

“Doubly untouchable.” The blue-grey pegasus whispered. Snowy nodded, eyeing the eagle with interest and caution. Not only was it forbidden to attack a mountain eagle, it was forbidden to attack a messenger bearing any representation of the Banner of Heaven. Anyone who hindered Sereshî was likely to end up dead, very quickly, if the eagle didn't take care of the problem himself first.

“I haven't seen one of these in years.” Said Prince Aharôs. “Always a magnificent sight.”

“Magnificent indeed.” Îrilôs agreed, wiggling his bird-bearing arm. “But heavy. Down, Sereshî, if you'd please.” The eagle obeyed silently, gliding down to the grass. He watched the zôshai intently, though it would be foolish for him to attack one. As the Imperial Envoy read his much-awaited letter, everyone else looked at the revered creature.

“You know, the m-mountain eagle was once so common on heraldry, that most of Sarathûl's nobility had it.” Snowy said quietly. “Emperor Bâlôs III forbid anyone from using it, to- to keep the eagle's image from being diluted.”

“I guess that's why the humans use so many strange symbols now. Like flowers, moths, and fancily-written seals.” Observed Tempest. She had never understood how anyone would have the patience to turn the vertical, linear Tarsen script into an overlapping and layered image of both a word and something else. Anything else, really; she'd seen everything from tigers to lamps done in that style. It must have taken years of practice for any artist to get to that level of ability. To think, on some days I have trouble writing my own name... She didn't like those complex seals.

“Probably so.” Her companion said back. “I like the f-flowers though. I think the Emperor made the right choice on that.”

“I guess.” Tempest didn't care either way. Her family's crest was that of a black cyclone on a silver field. The opposite arrangement of the human Faith's banner, come to think of it.

“Sidâl, you were right!” Suddenly announced Îrilôs, looking up from his letter. “There is a dragon in Ar-Athazîon! Not only one, but two! A certain Nesailon and his mate, Îehara. It seems they did receive our embassy to Korthûnîen all those years ago, after our men had gone through much hardship and peril. Now they are visiting us, to return the favor!”

“Isn't that wonderful.” Noted Mayor Pashal, more focused on the eagle in front of him. Îrilôs continued reading his letter.

“Furthermore, my good friend Kairôs Gadis has been... Lord of Heaven, he's been sent to Equestria.” Sighed the Imperial Envoy, looking unamused. “Uncle, what were you thinking?” He muttered to himself. “Kairôs can't even say Equestria in their own tongue.”

“Ekvestrrîa.” Tempest said under her breath, listening to the word from an Equestrian's point of view. The Tarsen mangling of Ekvestrrîa sounded more natural to her than the actual Equestrian of Equestria.

“He should have sent me, I can actually speak their language fluently.” Îrilôs grumbled on. “Well, at least Kairôs knows how to keep his cool. He'll need it with Celestia.”

“Seleztîa.” Whispered the blue-grey pegasus again. She honestly did not know why the s turned into a z, but there were many little things like that in Tarsen when it came to their neighbors across the sea. Even if incorrect, Seleztîa was the traditional way of saying the name of the Sun Queen's heir in this part of the world.

“We have good news, though. The Emperor has officially recognized Verâd being in a personal union with Athair, and the Imperial Charter has been changed to take that into account.” Îrilôs looked at Aharôs. “My uncle would like to invite you to Ar-Athazîon once you have been crowned, Prince Aharôs. We must welcome the Kingdom of Athair and Verâd as the newest realm in our Empire.”

“A political victory.” Remarked Aharôs. “I'll take it. Is there anything more I should be aware of?”

“I don't think so.” Îrilôs replied, though he was still reading. “Most of this is addressed to me, and me alone. Imperial business, I'm sure you understand.” The Prince nodded.

“It's time for us to get moving, then.” He announced. Snowy and Tempest flew into the air, tying to be careful not to look too much like prey to the predator below. There were rumors that mountain eagles had been able to attack and kill alicorn foals, and sometimes weaker adults, in ancient times. If Sereshî's ancestors could take on them, then Sereshî was certainly capable of taking on Tempest Blackwind, and more than capable of catching Snowy with minimum struggle. Tempest greatly admired the mountain eagle, but she definitely held a good measure of respect and fear towards it as well.

The closer the Athairîm and they got to Jashenîon, the more the landscape evened out. They had left behind the coastal mountains, left behind the foothills, and now they were on the river plain. Once again, the dominating features of the region were the rows of ancient hedges dividing the plots of lands. Such was the interior of Athair and Verâd, not to mention parts of Bîerlas. Over time, Tempest had begun to like it. There was something homely about it all.

After a short while, the two joined up with the other pegasi for easier flying. No one talked during the flight, they were all lost in their own thoughts, absent-mindedly maintaining a slow speed to keep pace with the humans below. Of all the ponies, it was Coldstar who seemed the most focused on something else today. Everyone knew how heavy a drinker Coldstar was, and just how inconsiderate she could be, but Tempest wasn't used to her being quiet. Well, I hardly know any of these ponies, come to think of it. The years rolled on by, they all got older, but Tempest knew about as much of her sworn ponies as she knew about Sir Eberis. That was to say, nothing at all! What might Turaz know? wondered she. He spends more time with them than I do... Perhaps Turaz knew what had happened to Canvas to make him mute and unresponsive.

It became clear that after the sun passed its zenith that Aharôs did not intend to stop for dinner. No pegasus was happy about that, and Tempest was sure that the humans below weren't happy with that either. But, it was an understandable decision. Prince Aharôs was a man with somewhere to be, they could skip a meal.

When the sun began to set, there was still no sign of stopping. Dusk fell, the west glowed pink and night stretched out of the east. One by one, the stars revealed themselves. Wicked dream-haunter or not, Luna does her work well, observed the blue-grey pegasus. An hour went by, and the world was lit by the half-moon above. There was a human legend about the moon, that there was a great castle on it; guarding the way to the world. Of course, that was a silly notion. The humans also claimed that the air got harder and harder to breath as it got higher, and eventually, one wouldn't be able to breathe up high at all. And if the moon was as far away as it was said to be, there was no chance anything could breathe on the moon. So how could there be anything on it? The humans had lots of strange little ideas like that. A castle on the moon was only the beginning of the madness.

“Uh, Tempest?” Came Snowy's quiet voice, interrupting her reflection.

“What?” Replied Tempest.

“A-are you hungry?” Asked her companion again. “I am...”

“Come to think of it, I am.” The blue-grey pegasus agreed, noticing for the first time the sharp lack of food in her stomach. “I guess we could go down and look on the ground.”

“At night?” Snowy questioned, looking down with apprehension. “But isn't it d-dangerous?”

“Well, if you want to stay hungry, you can.” Stated Tempest.

“No... I'll come.” And so the two descended, into the dark fields. From the air, it seemed a bit lighter, the little farmhouses of the peasants gave off a small amount of light. But on the ground, where the hedges blocked everything off, they only had the moon.

“I wouldn't like to get lost in here.” Whispered Tempest.

“Y-yeah...” Answered the other mare, in an equally hushed tone. The tall walls of vegetation seemed to loom high over the little lane they were in. Tempest noted to avoid the ditch to her left.

“Well, there has to be edible plants around. This is farmland, after all.” She stated quietly.

“Why are we whispering?” Snowy asked.

“Because otherwise, I get the feeling everyone will hear us.” The explanation was satisfactory. They walked on down the lane, looking through the wooden gates that interspersed the hedges. Every gate had a sign on it, displaying a name. Kair, Zefîr, Aikâlon, Tamedar, Vashî... Tempest read. Krîzov, Maijâ, Turaz..! Sometimes Tempest forgot that humans often shared names. It made sense that there'd be a Turaz the Peasant somewhere in the world, in addition to Turaz the Knight. She also recognized the name Krîzov; she had met someone by that name before. There were also the common names too, like Kair and Zefîr. It was said that many human names came from their Saints, great and small. But Tempest didn't know what Kair or Zefîr were really known for; aside from that Zefîr was all but synonymous with courage. I should probably more familiar with one of the greatest heroes of humanity.

“Sir Fâôs Jantîr.” Said Snowy, reading a sign on an iron gate, buried in the middle of a longer hedge. “He m-must be the landowner.”

“Only man here with an -ôs name.” Tempest replied. At least they knew who they might end up stealing from.

“I wonder how many times they change the signs...” Her friend thought out loud. “Th-they can't keep the same ones forever. The head of the f-family has to die sometime.”

“They probably change it when he dies, then.” The blue-grey pegasus gave the most obvious answer. She wondered how inheritance laws worked in Verâd. Most realms kept the Imperial law, but some fringe lands broke with Ar-Athazîon and made their own systems; Verâd was probably one of them.

“Tempest!” Whispered Snowy loudly. She had stood up on her hind legs, bracing her forelegs against a gate. “An orchard!” Why she didn't just fly up to see over the gate was beyond even the would-be Queen of Highcrest's reasoning. “I'll bet there's something good in here...”

“I didn't take you for a thief.” Tempest whispered back.

“We're not r-really stealing...” Her companion defended. “Just... Take a few fruits. Nothing they won't m-miss.”

“Why not?” Asked Tempest to herself. They flew over the fence, and to the first tree they found. Apparently, it was an orchard of chakal trees. Just like mountain eagles and zôshai, the humans had brought plants with them from the Far North, and the chakal was the fruit borne of the chakal tree. It was something like an Equestrian pear, soft and sweet, but not as soft as a peach. Tempest knew that it was occasionally used for winemaking, though the humans preferred nîûnas and Equestrian grapes for that art. Not that I'd know the difference between them, they don't let me drink wine. Even Snowy was allowed to, but not Tempest...

The chakals were yet small, given that summer hadn't even formally begun. They were slightly bitter too, not yet all the way ripe. “At least it's food.” Commented Snowy.

“At least.” Agreed the blue-grey pegasus. They ate enough to keep them going until they made camp, and returned to the air. Ahead was a stream of torchlight, snaking along the road below. Fortunately, they hadn't fallen too far behind... Though the others may have wondered where they had gotten off too this time; at night no less! I think everyone's used to our little side-trips by day, but not under cover of darkness. Hopefully that wouldn't land them in trouble.

After what seemed to be half an hour, of slow flying, a new set of lights defined themselves from the horizon. They were nearing the river fortress of Jashenîon, and surrounding it was the besieging army of Prince Reshîv. It was a ring of fire spreading over both banks of the river, with the castle between, sitting on its mid-channel island. Two smaller structures guarded both sides of the bridge that ran right through the fortress. Once they were within a mile, Aharôs's army finally stopped, and immediately got to work arranging everything.

“At last...” Sighed Snowy in relief, as they began their descent. Even in the darkness, Tempest could tell she was greatly worn out by the long flight. To be honest, Tempest was exhausted too, her wing muscles ached. When they hit the ground, it was too disorganized and chaotic to tell where their section of the camp would be. After such a long journey, Snowy wasn't willing to wait for a bed to sleep on, so Tempest was forced to find them some place out of the way. It was decided they'd wait under a small, wide tree. Its branched arced up and out, and then hung down again, making a curtain of leaves around its small trunk.

“This really isn't a time to sleep.” The blue-grey pegasus warned. “By the time our tent is up...”

“C-can't we just stay here till morning?” Snowy asked, yawning. She laid down on the mossy surface, curling up until her tail reached her nose. “It's comfortable enough...”

“No. Don't even think about closing your eyes-” It was too late, Snowy had closed her eyes. Hell, I'll never get her up now! Tempest then yawned too. “This is your fault!” Accused the blue-grey pegasus.

“Mhm...” Came her companion's non-verbal reply. It was only a matter of minutes before the other mare's breathing became more steady, as she drifted into the dreamworld. Might as well join her, Tempest thought. And it'd be a good idea to be here in case anything happens. She too laid down on moss, and it wasn't long until her eyes threatened to close as well. The last thing she did was make sure both their cloaks were fully spread over them, just in case it rained in the night. Then, darkness took her, and Sidâl's crystal did its work of warding off nightmares.

She woke up incredibly thirsty. For a moment, Tempest didn't know where she was, being surrounded by leaves and branches. “Time to go.” She muttered to herself, gently prodding her friend's still-sleeping form. Snowy got up wordlessly and reluctantly, still looking just as tired as she had last night. Together, they sought ought camp, and water. After locating the nearest well, they were soon chanced upon by Streaming Breeze.

“There you two are!” Said the dark red mare sternly. “We've been wondering where you got off to, my Queen.”

“She didn't want to wait to go to sleep.” Tempest pointed accusingly at Snowy, who blinked in confusion. She still didn't seem to be fully awake. “I decided I'd stay with Snowy just in case anything happened. And I was rather tired myself.”

“If you had that level of loyalty to the rest of us, you could reclaim Highcrest with ease.” Commented Streaming Breeze wryly. “Sadly, you waste it all on her.” She nodded towards the beige pegasus. “But I guess that's the result of only having a single friend in the world, my Queen.”

“I guess so.” Agreed Tempest, feeling a slight frown come over her.

“I can't say I don't blame you...” Streaming Breeze said, as she turned away.

Later that day, the two had found their tent. Snowy had gone back to sleep, but Tempest decided it was time to get out her book of animals. After the encounter with Sereshî the mountain eagle, she wanted to find out if there was any information she had forgotten. As Tempest turned through the pages, found memories came back to her from times long passed. The book itself was called Friends of Mankind; Tempest could never tell who the audience of the book was supposed to be. All the vibrant illustrations and rather harmless title seemed to imply it was written for human children, but the actual written information was very precise and detailed. She had to figure that it was meant for anyone who picked it up, young or old.

Like most of her few personal possessions, Friends of Mankind was something she'd always remembered having, even back during the half-remembered days in Highcrest. Her mother had read aloud from it while Tempest looked at the pictures; soon enough, Aharôs had been the one reading from it, and finally the day came when Tempest was old enough to read it on her own. She arrived at the chapter on the mountain eagle, formally known as the khôdaz, which had one of her favorite pictures, of said eagle swooping down on an unfortunate alicorn. Some minutes of reading followed, and she found nothing new except for the fact eagles were able to recognize themselves in a mirror. The only other animal in the book that could do that was the naiatôl, a towering grey beast with curving tusks, small ears, and a long trunk. What was supposed to be a quick review turned into an hour and a half of reading for Tempest.

In time, Snowy woke up, and did her morning ritual, though it was approaching afternoon. No peace could last long though, in Tempest's life, and Aharôs himself turned up at their tent. “Well, you turned up, just like I said.” He announced without any formalities.

“I hope we didn't cause too much of a stir with our absence.” Tempest said.

“Hardly anyone noticed, except me, Turaz, and your pegasi.” Replied Aharôs, stepping inside. He had to hunch over to not hit his head on the canvas above. “And as harsh as it is, I doubt anyone would have cared if just Snowy vanished.”

“Mhm...” Agreed Snowy, still making sure her mane and tail were clean and brushed.

“In any case, we got a messenger earlier. Reshîv is going to be paying us a visit soon, and it would be proper for you to be there.” The Prince gestured towards Tempest. His expression was dark, but she knew it wasn't directed at her. “You can bring your friend too, if you wish.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“Yes, actually. Try not to disappear again, the world isn't as safe as you'd believe.” Aharôs waved two fingers at her. “And if you do go off, at least bring your sword.”

“Understood.” Nodded Tempest. The aging man made to depart, but he turned around again.

“Haven't you read that a thousand times by now?” He questioned, looking at the book.

“A thousand and first wouldn't hurt.” Tempest replied.

“I need to get you new some new content...” Noted Aharôs quietly, actually leaving this time.

“I've got some books you could read.” Offered Snowy, putting down her brush.

“I'll consider it.” Several minutes later, they were making their way to Aharôs's tent, when a golden blast of trumpet sounded through the air. Every soldier looked up, and so did the two pegasi.

“It's him!” Exclaimed someone in the distance.

“Prince Reshîv!” Announced another. Instantly, they were all bowing their heads, as the trotting of zoshai came nearer. Tempest didn't bow, she was a Queen. And she certainly wouldn't bow to Reshîv! Then, there he was.

A young, strong-looking man, with short brown hair and a short brown beard, and the same grey eyes as Aharôs. He was clad in splendidly decorated armor, his zôsha was well-brushed and ornamented. Reshîv cut a sharp figure, and from what Tempest had heard, constituted the perfect form of man in every Athairîm girl's fantasies. I don't see what all the fuss is about, she thought. Perhaps it took a human mind to see human attractiveness.

“Tempest Blackwind!” Prince Reshîv boomed in a hearty voice, a great smile spreading across his face. He stopped his zôsha, dismounted, and walked to her. “It's been a long time, my Queen!”

“Indeed it has, Prince Reshîv.” Tempest replied warily.

“Last I saw you, you were just a little filly.” Said Aharôs's half-brother, still smiling. “You've gotten a lot bigger now. And Lady Snowy!” He greeted, turning to the beige mare. She blinked, and shuffled a little closer to Tempest. “I remember you wouldn't even look me in the eye last we met, let alone speak to me. Can you talk yet?”

“I- I- I was always a-able to talk, my Prince.” She managed to squeak out. “I j-just was a-afraid...”

“Well, you seem to be well on your way to conquering your fears.” Reshîv said with assurance. “It warms my heart. Tell me, Tempest, where's my brother?”

“I think he's in his tent.” Replied Tempest.

“Take me to him, my Queen!” Said Reshîv. They led him on. Snowy gave her a look of uncertainty, which met with Tempest's own confusion. The last time they had met Reshîv had been at Vatherîon, years ago. Tempest must have been nine or ten, making Snowy twelve or thirteen. If anything, Snowy should have known what to expect here, her memory was probably better. The soldiers all bowed silently to Reshîv, but the pegasi could see how excited many were to have him among their ranks. I think we underestimated just how popular he is with everyone who isn't close to Aharôs...

“Welcome to our camp, Prince Reshîv.” Announced Turaz, when they arrived at Aharôs's tent. Outside stood Turaz, Eberis, and Îrilôs with Sereshî.

“Sir Turaz, what happened to you?” Asked the younger of the two Princes, in mild shock.

“A lucky hit.” Said the knight from Surana.

“Ah, Prince Reshîv, it is an honor to meet you.” Smoothly spoke Duke Îrilôs, giving a slight bow. It was likely Îrilôs's duchy could field twice the soldiers that Athair could, and commended thrice the wealth. Yet, he showed his respect. “I am Îrilôs Taizâres, Duke of Fâharîon, and Imperial Envoy to Athair.”

“Hail, Duke Îrilôs.” Said Reshîv, nodding. “What brings the Emperor's dignitaries to our backwater little realm?”

“The Emperor has a personal interest in your family winning Verâd.” Îrilôs answered. “But under the open sky, I'm afraid I cannot say much more.” As usual, Îrilôs just had to rub in the fact he knew much more than he was telling.

“Who is our friend, here?” Asked Reshîv, gesturing to the mountain eagle.

“This is Sereshî. He is fresh from Ar-Athazîon.” Said Îrilôs, looking down to the eagle. He didn't need to look too far, the eagle was but a foot and a half shorter than him.

“We should see Prince Aharôs now.” Sir Turaz prompted. All entered, except Sereshî, who flew off on his own accord.

“Aharôs, my brother!” Greeted Reshîv as he walked in, arms open as if expecting an embrace. With both in the same room for the first time in half a decade, the differences between them were never more clear. Unlike Aharôs, Reshîv showed no signs of stress or age, he was not pale and gaunt, his eyes were not shadowed and sunken, there was no grey overtaking his hair and no weariness about him. Everything about Reshîv screamed of confidence and strength. Aharôs though... Even Tempest had to acknowledge that Aharôs was a meager shadow of Reshîv. Shorter in height and thinner in build, he looked like a man on the verge of failure next to the other.

“Half-brother.” Growled Aharôs, narrowing his eyes. “Half-brother.”

“I haven't seen you in ages, Aharôs! Is that really a way to greet a beloved member of your family?” Questioned Reshîv, smiling as always.

“You'll never be a part of my family.” Coldly stated Aharôs. “Why did you insist on coming here?”

“To make a plan for this pesky castle in our way, of course.” Reshîv said. “And to catch up with my favorite brother.”

“I'm your only half-brother.” Repeated Tempest's Prince. “All the others are dead.”

“I know.” Nodded the other Prince. Turaz and Eberis looked uneasy, and that was enough cause to make Tempest and Snowy uneasy as well.

“Sit.” Commanded Aharôs. Everyone took their seats at a table set beforehand.

“Weren't we to have dinner?” Asked Reshîv.

“That was never in the arrangement.”

“I'm so very disappointed in your cold hospitality, Aharôs.”

“What game is he playing...” Turaz muttered, in Equestrian of all things.

“No idea.” Replied Snowy, also in Equestrian. It occurred to Tempest that Reshîv probably didn't know the language, but they all did.

“Speak Tarsen with guests. I may be cold, but not rude.” Ordered Prince Aharôs to them. “Now, onto business. We have a castle on an island in the middle of a river. What do you have?” So the discussion began, most of it of numbers and logistics that meant little to Tempest. The two Princes moved little markers around on the map. Eventually, they did turn to a subject that interested the blue-grey pegasus. Îrilôs had fetched Sidâl, and Sidâl proposed his own plan.

“I am a man of very special abilities, my Prince.” He said quietly. The too-ordinary man looked from person to person before continuing on. “I would like my abilities to remain unknown, is that understood?” All nodded. “At Seshilîon, I brought down the wall. But it was an old and worn wall, weakened by time. Jashenîon is newer, and it would take several attempts to break it down, with weeks in between them. This is unacceptable to you.”

“What is this notion of yours?” Asked Tempest, speaking for the first time.

“Simple, my dear Queen. We tunnel under the river and under their walls, and I bring down the earth beneath them. The entire thing would collapse in on itself.” Explained Sidâl.

“Tunnel under a river?” Reshîv asked incredulously. “It is not so simply done! The Zachîr is no Karthâ, but it is still deep. The weight of the water would collapse our tunnel before we could collapse their walls, not to mention we'd be going through very wet soil. It cannot be done, Sidâl.”

“No, not by your hands.” Agreed Sidâl, clasping his hands and looking at them. “Nor by mine.”

“Then how is this going to work?” Wondered Sir Turaz, giving the plain man a skeptical look.

“Like I said. Like you know. I am a man of very special abilities.” Sidâl gave a sly smile that made Îrilôs look rough as a peasant.

“What are you going to do, get a unicorn to come and make a shield against water?” Reshîv asked dryly.

“Not far from the truth of it, my Prince.” Sidâl said. He looked from right to left to right again. “I'm afraid I can't be more specific, for your own safety. And mine.”

“I see...” Reshîv looked skeptical too, and more than a little suspicious. At least she sees something too. It would be humorous if Aharôs's nemesis ended up helping Turaz, Snowy, and she to figure out what Sidâl was really up to. Talk went on, as Sidâl showed exactly where he planned to bring down the wall. Aharôs and Reshîv disagreed on how to move troops across, but both eventually decided boats would be the best option. Storming the causeways would be folly. After hours, they concluded their business.

“Tell me, Lady Snowy, are you a soldier now?” Asked Reshîv when they were done. “In all honesty, you don't seem to look the part...”

“N-no.” The beige pegasus said, shaking her head.

“As hard as it is to believe, I think she's actually a good influence on our Queen here.” Interjected Turaz. “Tempest can be just as stormy as her name implies, but Lady Snowy usually keeps her from doing anything too foolish.”

“I see...” Nodded Reshîv. “I see. An adviser of sorts, then.”

“That's my theory.” Added in Îrilôs. “With a little work, I could turn her into a pupil of mine.”

“A pupil of what, exactly?” Asked Turaz.

“Imperial diplomacy, what else?” With that, the Envoy departed.

“Treacherous tasks...” Muttered the now one-eyed knight, as he followed Îrilôs out. Soon it was only Tempest, Snowy, Aharôs, and Reshîv left; then Snowy left as well, in search of food.

“It's been some time since it was only the three of us somewhere.” Said Reshîv.

“So it has.” Agreed Aharôs, on guard as ever.

“I hear you've burnt down a city. With its folk still inside.”

“They were traitors who got what was coming to them.” The heir to the Kingdom defended. “If I had to do it again, I would.”

“You truly are a cold man, Aharôs.” Sighed Reshîv, sitting down again. “Cold, harsh, unyielding. It's no wonder you're so unloved by the people. And dare I say it... even hated.”

“Let them hate me. I do what I must.” Aharôs clenched a fist at his side, frowning. “I'll hate them right back.”

“What a dreary way to live.” Commented his half-brother. “No one will ever want to be near you that way. You're how old, now? Thirty-six? Thirty-seven?” Asked Reshîv to himself. “Still unmarried. Not even betrothed. It's said you take no women in your journeys either. I have to wonder what's going on in inside your head.” Tempest began to feel like they were entering a very awkward area. Aharôs took on an expression of great disdain.

“Are you implying I'm one of those abominations-”

“No. Even I wouldn't go so far as to say that.” Reshîv cut him off. “I'm implying that you've built such a reputation of fear and wrath about you that no woman within three hundred miles would get near you. Given your hatred of anyone who tries to get close to you, though, I'm beginning to think it's on purpose.” The young Prince elaborated. “Why else do you despise me so? Why else do you hate your father's second wife, my own mother? Why else did you drive off so many potential brides? Why else did you try so hard to alienate any friends you could have had? It's almost like you're afraid of anyone getting near you, as if you loathe the very notion. I have to admit, I worry about your state of mind.”

“My state of mind if perfectly fine, Reshîv.” Muttered Aharôs. “I've always hated people, I always will. That does not mean I cannot rule them.”

“There it is.” Reshîv said, waving an arm towards his half-brother. “You think yourself a ruler, not a leader.”

“As if you're any different, questing after glory and whores and the bottom of a wine cup.” Sharply replied Aharôs. Tempest tried to shrink, hoping neither would notice her presence. This might get heated, she worried. Snowy, why didn't I go with you...

“Lord of Heaven, save me!” Pleaded Reshîv mockingly. “Such dreadful austerity! Aharôs, how could you be King when you can't even enjoy yourself? Does everything have to be so miserable with you?” Tempest's Prince didn't answer, he only looked away. “Where did you go so wrong? What caused a perfectly normal young man to turn into this cold, bitter, and hateful soul?” Reshîv waited for a response, but got none. Instead, he turned to the pegasus. “What do you think, Tempest? You Equestrians know how to live.”

“Uh...” She fumbled with words, not knowing what to say. “Um...” Truth be told, she had never given it thought. Aharôs was never cold or hateful towards her. “I've only seen him do it to other people. Not me. So he's not all like that.”

“Well, there is some humanity in you after all, Aharôs. A shame it's only reserved for a foreigner.” Reshîv shook his head, and turned to Tempest. “I mean no offense to you, my Queen, but you are a foreigner...” She shrugged, but she did feel a little offended.

“Tempest is no foreigner.” Replied Aharôs. “Can't speak Equestrian without our accent, acts like one of us, uses our writing... She's doesn't think I notice, but I do.” He does? “There's more human than pony in her spirit.”

“I do believe that's even worse then...” Reshîv sighed again. “She'll never fit in back home.”

“Yes I can!” Retorted Tempest, though it was more an exclamation of defiance than anything else.

“That remains to be seen. Tell me, Tempest, how close are you to your other Equestrians that bear your banner?” Questioned the younger Prince.

“Well, not too close. I don't really know any of them, except Snowy.” Answered Tempest.

“...And that proves my point completely.” Reshîv spread his arms wide open, a look of resignation on his face. “What sorry ways to exist... I'll leave you two to wallow in the sad, bitter isolation you're creating for yourselves. I have a life to live. With others. Just as God meant it to be. I'll be in touch soon.” With that, Reshîv swiftly left. Aharôs and Tempest looked at each other, neither one talking for a moment.

“We don't... wallow in isolation, do we?” The blue-grey pegasus asked when Reshîv was gone.

“No.” Agreed Aharôs. “We simply have less aptitude for the matters of people.”

“Yeah...” Tempest said. “I don't like people either.”

“You've got Snowy, she's people enough. I've got Îrilôs to work with. That's all we need.” Aharôs stated with finality.

“Exactly.” But the words of Reshîv weighed heavily on Tempest's mind.

Author's Notes:

Well, after being mentioned in just about every single Turaz/Tempest chapter, we finally meet Reshîv. No longer is he an off-screen character like Emperor Katastanîos. Fun fun fun fun.
But yeah, readers, someone once said the word "brevity" in my direction, and I spent twelve weeks in the ICU at the local hospital and Obama personally passed healthcare reform to pay for my bills. I hope I'm not boring you all to death with all this exposition, please trust me, it's all for a greater good.
As always, if you have any issues with style or pacing or see any error, just tell me. I enjoy it when people read closely enough to call me out on my mistakes, it makes me like you.