“Tell me then, why we left the Far North fifteen hundred years ago.” Father Brenan asked, though it was more of a statement.

“Because...” Tempest tried to recall what he had been saying for the past hour, but could barely remember any of it. “There was trouble?”

The priest shrugged. “Trouble is one way to put it. What kind of trouble?”

“The evil kind.” Guessed the blue-grey pegasus. Brenan looked at her flatly.

“The evil kind?” Repeated he.

“Yeah! The kind that's all... smoke... and glow... and evil.” Tempest said, not even convincing herself that she had a fragment of correctness in her answer. I can't stop saying things that make me look stupid! she groaned to herself.

“Well, if we were having this conversation a thousand years prior, I'm sure you'd be right. The legends say a great evil drove us from the Far North, but it is increasingly believed that famine and overpopulation were the main factors in our migration south. The land simply couldn't support so many, we had no choice but to leave. Unfortunately we ran into the alicorns, and the rest... Well, you know the story.” Explained the priest. “I honestly don't know why I still bother, Tempest. You have no interest in this, and I can't force you to care...”

“It's for Snowy's sake, really.” Admitted Tempest. “She wants to know about all this boring stuff, so I bring her along so your talent for dryness isn't put to waste. It's all negated by the fact she isn't here today.” Sighed the rightful Queen of Highcrest. “Where'd she get off to anyway?”

“Last I saw, Snowy has been off making friends.” Brenan said.

“Snowy doesn't talk to people she doesn't know...” Replied Tempest, narrowing her eyes.

“We've been working very hard on that.” The old priest countered, with a slight smile. That's not surprising. Even her little speech problem has been lessening in the past few months... “She's around somewhere, I'm sure of it. Go, find her.” Brenan dismissed her. Tempest quickly rushed out of the tent, and took the air, cloak rippling in the wind when not being disturbed by her wings. The sun was setting, and it was already turning into a cool spring night. It didn't take long for the pegasus to isolate her friend's scent from the general smell of humans. Shit, death, smoke. That's what Turaz liked to say. Although, Tempest doubted it was much different for the ponies of Equestria. Perhaps the stench of civilization is more accurate, rather than just humanity. Snowy's particular smell stood out in it's own indescribable way, just as the smells of Aharôs, Turaz, Eberis, Brenan, Hearth, and the rest of her pegasi did. Tempest followed her nose, which quickly brought her down to the common soldier's camp, the largest and most chaotic of the multitude of sections in Prince Aharôs's army.

Snowy was sitting at a fire, with three rough-looking men, in varying states of combat-readiness. None saw Tempest's approach. “Fancy finding you out here.” The blue-grey pegasus said, announcing her presence.

“Oh!” Squeaked Snowy, jumping up and turning in fright. “Tempest, it's- alright, it's only you.” She sighed in apparent relief, sitting down again. “You- You should join us.”

“Expecting someone else?” Tempest asked, entering the circle and sitting beside her friend.

“Uh-”

“Snowy's a bit paranoid, we think.” Remarked one of the soldiers. “Of course, you probably know her better than any of us.”

“No doubt.” Agreed Tempest. “You know who I am, but I don't know you.” She prompted, pointing to all of them with a hoof.

“I'm Krîzov.” Said the one who had just spoken. His clothing was simple but well-cleaned, and he was the most armored of all, looking ready to go into battle at a moment's notice.

“Heran.” Grunted the second, with the slightest accent, by far the biggest of the bunch, ragged and tough looking. He wore only the brown uniform coat of the Loiar armies, though there was often nothing uniform about the uniforms other than the color brown.

“Bâl!” Cheerfully greeted the final of the three, who seemed too young to be here. Bâl, like the other two, wore the coat, but like Krîzov, had on some degree of armor. “How might I serve, Queen Tempest?” He asked, standing and bowing.

“Take it easy, soldier.” She commanded, imitating Sir Turaz's way with his troops as best she could. “Snowy is scared stiff of most people... So much so that I'm doing the talking for her out of habit right now.” The beige pegasus nodded vigorously in affirmation. “It's a bit odd to see her out with strangers, and humans at that.”

“It's a bit of a- a long story, Tempest.” Snowy said.

“It's our fault, really. Completely ours.” Krîzov interrupted, looking just the slightest hint guilty. “She was just wandering around this morning, looking rather dreary, so we started following, asking her questions. Took a good hour to get her to make a sound beyond nervous stuttering.” Tempest frowned and narrowed her eyes.

“You harassed my friend- a noblemare at that- into talking to you?” She asked, unhappy at the idea.

“In short, yes.” Agreed Bâl, smiling happily. “But then she found her courage, it seems, and started responding.”

“It- It reminded me of how you first approached me.” Noted Snowy. Tempest cringed, remembering how badly she had scared the poor filly, regardless of the fact she had been five and Snowy had been eight. “This time, it only took- took them an hour, not three weeks.” Perhaps Brenan is right, perhaps Snowy is getting better about all this. A Snowy with fear no longer dominating her actions... That could be a very good thing.

“You don't wake up expecting something like this, you know?” Tempest nodded. Oh, I know that feeling. “None of us had actually seen an Equestrian before, so we were very curious. We've spent most of the day learning about Equestria and Equestrians. She already knows more about Sarathûl than we do, though!” Krîzov laughed. “Bâl had never been six miles from his family's farm before the Prince called his banners. Heran hadn't been further upriver than Geradan, either.”

“I've never been past Vatherîon, myself.” Remarked Tempest.

“That's as far from home as I've been too.” Continued Krîzov. “At least westward. I went to the Barrier Islands once. Not much there but rock and scrub-brush.”

“We're hoping that Verâd is just the first step in a long adventure.” Bâl said eagerly. “There's a whole world out there, just waiting to be seen!”

“I know what you mean...” Tempest sighed.

“We- We'll see it one day, Tempest.” Assured Snowy, smiling hopefully at the blue-grey pegasus.

“I'd like to see Halîska.” Heran said out of the blue, staring into the fire. “My family is from there.”

“Halîska?” Asked Tempest, thinking back to her hours of map-staring. “Isn't that just a farming region somewhere in the Empire?”

“It's still my homeland, your grace.” Replied Heran. “Everyone should see their homeland at least once.”

“O- O- Only if it's worth seeing.” Snowy piped up, a dark look flying across her face as she stumbled on her words.

“I heard rumors that some lord in Halîska is petitioning the Emperor to raise the land to a kingdom.” Bâl whispered, looking from side to side. Tempest glanced too; talk of the Empire seemed to attract Duke Îrilôs, no matter where they were. But no man with icy blue eyes appeared, they were safe. “The Halîskai are a tough, strong people who have been through much. I think they deserve to be elevated to a kingdom.”

“Too many kings as it is.” Disagreed Krîzov.

“What does Halîska have to do with us, though?” Asked Tempest, confused on the important of a patch of farmland.

“Nothing at all.” Heran stated. “We were talking about the Far North before you arrived, your grace.” Your grace? Wondered Tempest. That must be how they address royalty in that part of the continent.

“What a coincidence.” Dryly noted the rightful Queen of Highcrest. “I just came from a lesson about the Far North.”

“Did you learn- did you learn anything?” Snowy asked, ears pricking up in alertness.

“No.”

“Oh...” Sighed the beige pegasus. “I just find that whole region fascinating.”

“I don't see why.” Krîzov grumbled. “Just a bunch of cold trees and rocks. I don't know why anyone would live there.”

“That's why no one actually lives there, fool.” Heran stated. “God gave us the Grey Shadow so we could claim this land instead.”

“Indeed.” Bâl nodded. “The alicorns' time had passed, mankind took his place at the top of the world, just as it ought to be. No offense intended towards you, Equestrians.”

“None taken, we dislike the alicorns too.” Tempest replied, feeling the dull embers of the fact the alicorns had all but ruined her family still burning within her.

“Well, you do, they've never done anything to me personally...” Said Snowy cautiously, very aware of the fact she was of the minority opinion.

“You don't hate anyone or anything, Snowy.” Tempest said, patting Snowy's back playfully. “You're a force of goodwill.”

“She certainly sounds like one.” Noted Krîzov. He shifted in his armor, leaning forward over the fire. “If I didn't know any better, I'd say she converted to the Faith and follows it better than any of us.”

“The human Faith is for humans, don't be absurd.” Dismissed the blue-grey pegasus.

“Well, it's actually not.” Piped up Bâl. “Our village priest always said that God was a universal force, for all creatures. It was man's destiny to spread the good word to all other races, just as it had been spread to ours.”

“That's absurd too!” Krîzov protested. “We were the first to receive the word. There were simply no other races that could give it to us.”

“None that we know of!” Countered Bâl, raising a finger. “Alicorns and dragons didn't give it to us, but that doesn't rule out anything else.”

“Maybe there's clues in the Far North.” Suggested Snowy.

“Exactly!” Agreed the young soldier. “All the more reason to go back there!”

“Or you could focus on things that actually exist.” Tempest said. The other four individuals turned to look at her, with varying expressions of incredulity.

“Excuse me?” Asked Krîzov.

“What exactly did you just imply?” Heran questioned.

“Oh, shit.” Swore the blue-grey pegasus. “That was a really poor choice of words, sorry. I was just trying to say that you shouldn't waste time on clues of a mystery race that might not even exist. I didn't mean to say anything about the rest of that.” Tempest gestured broadly with a hoof to the sky, a human hand motion for heaven.

“Heh, even queens apologize to us.” Bâl observed humorously.

“It's against your credit that I'm not much of a queen.” Shot back Tempest dryly. The young human begrudgingly agreed. Time passed on, until the sun set and the moon began to rise in the east, the waxing crescent that it was.

“I really have to wonder how it works.” Mused Krîzov to himself, out loud. “It just doesn't make sense that any living creature could move something so big.”

“The moon doesn't look big.” Remarked Tempest.

“But it- it has to be! Look at the shadow on it.” Snowy interjected. “That's our shadow. The world's shadow.” The shadow of the world... If Snowy was right, and the moon was big, then how far away was it, that allowed it to hold a shadow of that size? Such scale made Tempest feel very insignificant, even more than usual. The pegasus looked uncertainly to her friend.

“And I'm supposed to fight the elder sister of the pony that can move such an object?” She asked.

“I wouldn't recommend it.” Heran said, shaking his head. “Just get her into the open and shoot her a lot.”

“Wisdom.” Agreed Bâl. I wish it was that simple, Tempest thought to herself. “Well, it's time to sleep. Tomorrow is the last day before we reach Seshîlîon. Got to be rested up for battle, right?”

“A sound choice, my friend.” Krîzov affirmed. “It's been very enlightening to meet real Equestrians, I can't thank you enough for your time.”

“You're- you're welcome.” Quietly said Snowy with a nod. Everyone said their farewells, and they departed. The three humans went to their nearby tent, Snowy and Tempest headed back to their camp, and to the tent they shared. The beige pegasus had few friends, and only one of them was in the Blackwind camp, so it had been up to Tempest to secure her anything more than a blanket. In the end, that had meant putting her in Tempest's own tent; and constructing a makeshift divider with twine and a sheet.

Tempest slept nervously that night, as she had ever since they crossed into Verâd last week, when they left the northern fork of the river Aiô behind. So far, nothing was different from Athair, but every step northeast brought her closer and closer to the last thing she wanted to do. The pegasus woke up from nightmares she couldn't remember twice, perhaps even thrice. Tempest wasn't sure, it all started to blur together. Fuck it! I'm getting up now, she decided, cringing at the feel of her sweat-covered coat. Luna must have been preparing to lower the moon, because the eastern sky was just a shade lighter than the west. Still, it was quite dark out... The only people awake at this hour were the camp watch, who'd be sleeping on the supply wagons during the day's march.

Tempest quietly flew out to a nearby stream, and gave herself an impromptu bath. The cold water was far superior to cold sweat, though it'd be some time before her mane and tail dried out. She returned to her own tent and retrieved only her traveling cloak out of it, before walking over to Snowy's resting spot.

“Get up.” She whispered, gently tugging on Snowy's light blue-and-blue striped mane.

“Mmh...” Groaned Snowy, muffled by her pillow.

“Up, your queen commands it!” Tempest ordered as quietly as she could.

“Why...” The mare grumbled. She rolled over and tried to face away, but Tempest moved her back with little trouble.

“Because I can't sleep and I don't want to be alone right now.” Explained the blue-grey pegasus, feeling rather ashamed. Snowy slowly pushed herself up, looking concerned.

“Al- Alright...” She yawned. “I understand.” Tempest tossed Snowy's own cloak to her. “Where are we going?”

“Not far.” It was the her plan to go for a morning flight off into the country, nothing too serious at all. Tempest's vision of not far was different from Snowy's, however, as the beige mare stated her discomfort with moving away such a distance from the camp, with the sun still not up.

“There might be bandits! Or- or Verâdîm scouts!” She protested, looking nervously at the ground they flew over.

“We're not near any road or major river, we'll be fine.” Tempest assured her. After half an hour's flight, it was clear that the sun was indeed rising; and the local wildlife began to emerge. Beyond the farms near the major rivers and cities, Verâd, like Athair, was a rather unique landscape. Most of the wild land on this side of the coastal mountains was open grasses, dotted by copses of trees. There were many lone trees as well, not to mention lines of trees that had obviously been planted along roads and lanes that were long washed out or overgrown. Aharôs had called it an oak savannah, but Tempest noted that the trees were far more diverse than just oak, and realized she didn't actually know what a savannah was supposed to be. There was a general air of stillness about everything, despite the emerging light. Tempest rather liked it.

When Celestia's light finally did break the horizon, Snowy landed near a stream, already looking tired. Tempest followed her down. “I hope Aharôs doesn't want you involved in the battle, it's been barely half an hour and you're ready to quit.”

“I'm not- not a strong flier, am I?” The beige pegasus asked rhetorically, as she laid down. Tempest shook her head. “I suppose it's for the best.”

“Yeah, it really is. I mean, if you were sent into battle, I'd be so busy worrying about you that I wouldn't have time to worry for myself.” Admitted Tempest. Though I'm sure many would approve of such a measure...

“I'm glad someone would look out for me.” Snowy commented, resigned to the fact that she had the worst of both worlds. She looked around at the cluster of trees, lit a golden-orange in the dawn's rays. “At least it will be a beautiful day.”

“Yeah.” Tempest breathed deeply, enjoying the smell of life all around her. Brief as this might turn out to be, it was a good respite from the looming conflict that overshadowed everything she did. Something caught her ear's attention, and she turned around to look in its direction. “You hear that?” Asked she.

“I think...” Snowy replied, cautiously standing back up. Tempest trotted off through the trees, followed by Snowy. Slowly, the sound became more defined, and Tempest beamed in delight. She dashed forward for the last few yards, before finding the target of her attention.

“Bees!” She exclaimed.

“Bees.” Agreed Snowy, moving up next to her. Inside a large, long-fallen log, there was a hive of bees, buzzing around about their business. They were the large, fuzzy, black and gold variety; the kind the humans brought south a millennium and a half ago. The northerly giant bee, the main supplier of honey across Sarathûl. The northerly giant, like the zôsha, the mountain eagle, and about a dozen other assorted animals from the Far North, was one of the species that seemed distinctly out of place in the world, being just a little too different from the animals native to Old Alicornia and Equestria. But unlike the zôsha or mountain eagle, the northerly giant bee had managed to thrive with humans and in the wild as well. This particular hive must've been feral, Tempest saw no signs of any keeper.

“Bees are the best.” Tempest stated, slowly getting closer to the hive.

“Careful, Tempest!” Whispered Snowy, despite the fact the insects probably didn't care about the sounds she made. “They might sting!”

“The northerly giant is a very docile bee, Snowy.” Chided the blue-grey pegasus. “They only attack if you provoke them. I know how to handle them.” Snowy frowned in anxiousness, too afraid to follow. “They've got better things to do than sting me.” Tempest assured her.

“If you say so...”

“See?” Tempest said, standing a few feet from the log as the bees flew in and out. “I'm not doing anything to them, they're not going to do anything to me. It's a mutual agreement, shaped from thousands of years of co-existence with humans.” She stated. “Though heaven help you if you do start messing with them.”

“What happens then?” Asked Snowy, taking a few tentative steps forward.

“Then you die.” Tempest said, with a smile. “They can sting you as many times as they want, like wasps.”

“Like wasps?!” Cringed the beige mare, stopping her advance.

“Equestrian honeybees can't do that, their stingers usually fall out after they attack once. Not the northerly giant, though. No, their venom is strong. I've heard stories of full-grown men being killed by a swarm.” Tempest went on, looking at the bees flying around her. “They can bite, too. Much bigger than they look from back there.”

“How big..?” Snowy asked, looking ready to retreat.

“I'd give the average worker a length of two inches.” Estimated Tempest, looking closely at a specimen on a flower nearby. “I've seen queens twice the size.”

“But they are docile, r- right?”

“Yeah, just respect their power, you'll be fine.” Repeated Tempest. Snowy slowly walked over to her, wide-open eyes never leaving the hive. She let out a breath of relief as she sat down. “There's hundreds of little cells in there, you know. Maybe thousands for a hive this big.” Tempest pointed at the log. “They'll spend all spring and all summer raising their young and preparing the honey. Maybe a good deal of fall, too, if the flowers last that long. The hive shuts down in the winter, hopefully they'll last through it and begin again next year.”

“I hope so too.” Commented Snowy.

“Apiaries usually take less than half the honey produced come harvest time. A strong hive is worth more than the honey it makes to the humans. If a hive is weak, they'll take all the honey at the start of winter and finish it off quickly.” Tempest continued on. “It's really best to open a hive as little as possible, it's believed that the bees keep the internal conditions specially regulated. There's a lot of records of hives that are opened many times usually are weaker and end up failing, as opposed to hives left almost undisturbed. No one is really sure why this is, though... Some people think it helps them fight disease.”

“I've known you ten years, but- but I had no idea you knew this much about bees.” Snowy said, amused but interested.

“I like bees.” Replied the blue-grey pegasus.

“It sounds like you've got more than a passing fancy about them.” Deduced Snowy. Tempest looked off in the opposite direction.

“After everyone left, except you and the others, I decided being queen wasn't worth it... So I thought I should become a beekeeper instead.” She said.

“That's so cute!” Exclaimed the beige pegasus, giggling. Tempest blushed, and scowled at her.

“Beekeeping is a very valid profession.” She defended.

“I don't- I don't doubt it.” Snowy replied. “I think it's a fine notion.”

“But only a notion.” Sighed Tempest. “I've got a kingdom to take, and wars to fight. No time for bees.”

“Maybe not.” Agreed the other mare, with a tinge of sadness. “If you lose, you could still do it.”

“Tempest, the beekeeper... Sounds better than Tempest, second Blackwind killed by Celestia.” Agreed the blue-grey pegasus. Aharôs would never stand for that. Neither would Celestia, come to think of it. She'd much rather see me dead and my line extinguished, once and for all.

“If you start your own apiary, I'll be right there with you.” Snowy declared. “No matter what we have to go through.”

“You might lack for courage, but you certainly don't lack for loyalty.” Noted Tempest. Snowy smiled proudly, pleased at having one of her few strengths recognized for once. Tempest gave one last glance to the hive. “But I guess we should head back now, no doubt the Prince wants to talk to me about tomorrow.”

“Yeah, that seems likely.” Agreed the beige mare. “I regret not getting out more from Nikadîon and the coast mountains. This is so... so, different, but it's so nice...” She lamented, looking over the grasses and trees.

“I know what you mean. I guess it's true what they say then: you never know what you have until it's gone.” Tempest said. “Well, we'll be back soon enough, then we'll have time to explore it all.”

“Watch Aharôs take us over the Dashavon after this, just because you said that.” Snowy remarked with a small laugh.

“That wouldn't be so bad either.”

The journey back to camp took longer, mostly because the wind was now against them, and Tempest had to slow her pace so Snowy could keep up. What had taken half an hour the first time took nearly a full hour the second time; the sun was well up when they spotted camp. Aharôs won't be pleased, I bet... When they reached the edge, Coldstar was there waiting for them.

“My queen, you return.” She acknowledged, looking surprised at Snowy's presence. “I hope you knocked a backbone into her.” Remarked the blue pegasus. Tempest scowled in irritation.

“Yeah, sure.” Grumbled she.

“Really?” Asked Coldstar. “And here I was thinking you were-” The soldier stopped mid-sentence, looking as if she had suddenly realized something. “Never mind, my queen. Prince Aharôs wants to see you.” Coldstar quickly flew off. Snowy had a blank expression on, having gotten used to Coldstar's hostility.

“Drunkard.” Tempest muttered under her breath. “Let's go see what Aharôs wants...”

“Yeah.” Agreed Snowy. The entire camp was quickly packing itself up now, as various regiments assembled and began to fall into marching order. Aharôs's tent was still up, as was Îrilôs's. Being nobility, they'd have someone else clean up after them. Above it flew the white banner of Athair, bearing the blue flower. This particular banner had a crown over the flower, which was the King's banner... A bold statement by Aharôs, signaling that he was de facto ruler of Athair.

“My queen, there you are!” Greeted Sir Turaz, who was standing outside the tent.

“We've been looking all over for you.” Duke Îrilôs noted, popping out from the tent's flap. “Come in.”

“I'll just- just wait outside...” Snowy attempted to dismiss herself, wanting nothing to do with the human leadership.

“No, you too, Lady Farpeak.” The Imperial Envoy gestured for them to come in. That's strange... Tempest thought. Snowy isn't any use to them at all, what could they want her for? Inside, Aharôs and Sir Eberis were looking over a large map of Verâd and Athair, spread over a collapsable table. Mayor Pashal stood off to the side, looking mildly amused by something. Sidâl too was present, Tempest saw, much to her uncomfortableness. Several other minor nobles were present, none of which Tempest had any idea of knowing who they were. Most of the leaders of major houses were off with Prince Reshîv already.

“We've been waiting.” Aharôs stated, looking up.

“Sorry.” Said Tempest. “I... couldn't sleep. It took a little longer to get back here than I thought.”

“I wonder why.” The stern Prince replied, glancing at Snowy. She flinched, and moved closer to Tempest. “In any case, we've already been over the battle plans regarding Seshîlîon. Most of that doesn't concern you, Tempest. We just need you and your pegasi to fly up and direct artillery.”

“That sounds... simple enough, I guess.” Tempest mused. Cannons aren't exactly accurate, how do I direct those? she wondered.

“What we really need is Snowy.” The Prince announced, gesturing to the other mare. Snowy's eyes widened, and her mouth opened, but no words came out.

“Why?” Asked the blue-grey pegasus in her place. “What use could she be to you? Everyone never stops mentioning how useless she is.”

“We all know Lady Farpeak is far from the ideal pegasus, though I don't believe I have ever partaken in pointing it out to her. Recent developments have made some of the skills she possesses suddenly useful to our cause.” Explained Aharôs. “Namely, her mathematical talent. Father Brenan has spoken of it many times, now we put it to the test.”

“Math helps us win this war?” Questioned Tempest, unsure of how that could do anything to help them now. Aharôs didn't answer, but lifted up something from under the table with the help of Sir Eberis. It looked like a long, finned tube, made of canvas and metal. “What is that?”

“This,” Aharôs said, “is a rocket.”

“It's entirely driven by the burning of black powder.” Duke Îrilôs interjected, stepping forward. “It flies high up, and then dives down over the walls of the enemy. As you can see, the tip of the rocket is made of metal.” Obviously. The metal seemed to be almost cracked, though. “We've carved it up to make it break easier. Inside, there is an explosive charge, and when it goes off, it will send shards of metal flying every which way. It's taken me seven years to perfect, and not without a lot of help either.”

“So this rocket of yours, it goes straight past defenses and attacks the enemy directly?” Tempest figured. It was a sound idea, though she was very unsure on the specifics.

“Essentially, yes. It all began-” Îrilôs started to say.

“No stories right now.” Interrupted Aharôs. “Just say what needs to be said, we need to move soon.” The Imperial Envoy sighed, quite loudly.

“Fine. Until Sidâl turned up, I'd never gotten the rocket to explode properly, nor been able to figure out how to make it go where I wanted it to go. He solved these problems at Sturaj, God knows how, and we've been building more ever since.” Continued Îrilôs. “The last remaining obstacle is that we need to calculate the angle of launch and the distance for launching, which no one in this tent knows how to do... Except Lady Farpeak.” The Duke said, smiling craftily. Snowy glanced to the rocket, to Îrilôs, to the Prince, back to the rocket, and then to Tempest, looking bewildered.

“I- I- I- I don't... I don't know if- if-” She attempted to speak, but ended up tripping on her own words. “It's- no, I can't. I'm not- I don't want to- to be a part of this. I can't!” Can't? Tempest questioned. Then she remembered what Snowy said, back at Nikadîon: God's law and man's law are often at odds.

“Our host is asking this of you, Snowy.” Tempest whispered, as calmly as she could. “Neither of us can refuse.”

“But- but-” She tried to protest, looking very afraid of something. The beige mare looked down at her hooves. “I guess I don't have a choice.”

“No, not really.” Agreed Tempest, apologetically.

“V-Very well.” Snowy said louder, enough so that the humans heard.

“Excellent.” Announced Îrilôs.

“You're all dismissed.” Prince Aharôs stated, waving them out. “Be ready to march in ten minutes.” The assembly bowed, and filtered out of the tent. Sidâl nodded to Tempest as he passed.

“I hope we can talk again soon.” He said, before moving on.

“I hope not.” Tempest muttered. Soon enough, only Snowy, Aharôs, and she were left.

“Snowy, wait outside. I think Tempest wants a word with me.” Ordered the Prince. The other mare silently obeyed, practically bolting out of the tent. Tempest didn't speak, however. “I know you have something to say.”

“Do you?” Asked Tempest, trying not to sound too upset.

“I've raised you for ten and a half years, Tempest.” Aharôs replied. “I know you better than you know yourself, sometimes.”

“Fine, I'll go with it.” The pegasus said, scowling. “What exactly were you thinking, Aharôs?”

“I needed someone that can make the rockets practical. Snowy is that someone.” He answered, clasping his hands together. “I regret it has to be her, but I don't have a choice either.”

“Why not Brenan? He can do math better than Snowy!”

“Brenan is a priest, he can only kill under one circumstance, and he made it clear that aiming the rockets would make him partially responsible at least, for whoever dies from them.” Said the Prince. He shook his head. “I didn't want it to be Snowy. Contrary to your opinion, you're not the only one who knows her. I'm quite aware of how seriously she takes her values. In fact, I might be more aware than you.”

“Likely.” Grumbled Tempest.

“Unlike Brenan, Snowy has taken no binding oaths. Snowy is also supposed to be a soldier, this is what she was raised to do.” Continued the Prince. “Try as we did, we couldn't raise her to do anything close to what you are capable of. She can do math, though. And that is an ever-increasingly important part of war in the last century, as Îrilôs has pointed out to me.”

“But- She's Snowy!” The pegasus exclaimed.

“I'm aware.”

“It's really a bad idea to make her do something like this, it'll tear her up for weeks!” She stated. Aharôs looked at her for a moment, then nodded slowly.

“Good... That's the proper reaction. The business of war is serious, and we must remember the consequences. I can think of no one better than Snowy for such a thing.” Aharôs spoke, turning to the map. “We have rampaged through Verâd for twenty years, with no end in sight. Until now. I mean to end this by any means necessary, something Reshîv has failed to do time and time again. I would rather Snowy look at this and share my horror, than for some belligerent like Mayor Pashal to look at this in glee. Do you understand?”

“...No.” Answered Tempest. She honestly wasn't sure what Aharôs was trying to get at.

“That's fine. Some things can't be put into words easily.”

“I just think that you don't understand.” The pegasus said back. This caused Aharôs to laugh, a very rare sound.

“You sound like Reshîv when he was your age. Believe me, Tempest, I've gone through all this before, just with him.” He leaned closer, and lowered his voice. “You're a far superior person, however.”

“Uh, thanks.” Said Tempest, feeling awkward but a little proud at the same time. “Is that all?”

“Is it? You're the one that wanted to talk to me, not the other way around.” Aharôs turned away and walked to where his armor was laid out. It was a dull grey-silver color, inlaid with gold. Tempest swallowed nervously, once again reminded of the impending battle.

“Yeah, that's all. I guess I'll see you later.” She said, leaving the tent. Snowy was sitting outside, pointedly not looking at Sir Turaz, who was also waiting outside. “Let's go.” Tempest stated quietly, spreading her wings. Snowy silently flew after her. Indeed, silence was the rule of the day, for the most part, as the two pegasi separated themselves from both the main column and their own group. Snowy had a look of conflict about her, and Tempest felt it was her duty to make sure it didn't boil over into anything dangerous. Mostly dangerous to herself, mused the blue-grey pegasus. She'd try and do something stupid, like fly off to who knew where, not realizing she's got nothing to help her survive out there.

When nightfall came, there was a brief stop to eat, and then the column moved out again. Redfern was the first to spot Seshîlîon, just an hour after sunset, and word quickly spread out through the column. They camped a few miles from the Verâdîm castle, a good ways behind a low ridge, and the humans spent a good deal of effort erecting defensive measures to keep out raiders. Just as had happened the night before, Tempest did not sleep well. The same now went for Snowy too. At one point, Tempest got up and looked outside at the night sky, up at the moon.

I wonder if they can see me? she thought to herself. The moon stared back, unanswering. They said the Nightlord not only controlled the moon, but ruled the dreamworld as well. Can Luna do the same? Maybe she trying to exhaust me before I even get to Equestria... Such a thought was chilling. To enter the mind of an individual, to attack it in the deepest recesses and know its greatest weaknesses and greatest fears... I don't stand a chance against something that can do that.

But what if that was what Luna wanted her to think?

What if the whole plan was for Tempest to second-guess everything she did?

“Madness...” Tempest whispered under her breath. “Madness!” Suddenly, Celestia seemed like a mundane brute in comparison to her little sister's web of shadows.

“Madness?” Asked someone she hadn't seen. Tempest jumped and tried to face the newcomer, wherever it was. Out of the shadows emerged Sidâl, stepping into the pale white light of the moon. He was clothed too heavily for the season, for some strange purpose. Come to think of it, he's always clothed too heavily. “I hear you've been having trouble sleeping.”

“Who told you that?” Asked the pegasus, eyes narrowing and ears beginning to flatten against her head.

“You did, this morning.” Replied Sidâl, who stopped his advance several feet from her. “Specifically, you told Prince Aharôs, but I was in the room. A man remembers, does he not?” Tempest immediately felt stupid, a far too common occurrence for her liking.

“Yeah, that's right.” Recalled the pegasus. “Why are you out here at this hour?”

“I don't have much need for sleep anymore, thus, I'm often awake. But you, Queen Tempest of Highcrest, you have need for sleep.” Sidâl said, reaching inside his coat to some unknown pocket. He took out something that shined in the moonlight. “This should help calm yourself, and perhaps your friend too if she sticks near enough.” The man extended his hand, and Tempest moved to look closer. It seemed to be a little crystal, colored darkly, but still possessing a sheen.

“What is it?” Asked Tempest, suspicious of the would-be gift.

“Something I picked up in the West.” Replied Sidâl, still offering the small object.

“West... The lands bordering the far side of Lazkadai?” Questioned the pegasus, recalling the just how blank the maps were on many of those regions.

“Further. West, west as far as west goes.” Sidâl said, a subtle energy seeping into his voice. “What's the saying? To the edge of the world, and beyond.” Tempest's hostility fragmented, and evaporated. She had never met anyone who had gone beyond Lazkadai before, let alone further!

“What's beyond the edge?” She asked, sounding more like a mystified filly than a queen.

“Nothing.” Stated Sidâl, before a knowing smile came across his face. “Everything!” He nearly exclaimed. The pegasus blinked, confused by the conflicting statements the man had made. “I have seen things you would never believe, young Tempest. So many things.” Sidâl looked off into the night's abyss, filled with a million lights.

“Maybe I'll go there one day.” Tempest said quietly.

“Maybe you will. Maybe you won't.” Replied Sidâl. “But that's enough of my memories. What was it he said, again? You have a hard journey ahead of you, Tempest. Get some sleep.” Sidâl returned his hand to his pocket, but this time it emerged with a little burlap bag, which he put the crystal in. Tempest picked it up between her teeth. “It's the fortieth day of spring, right?”

“Fâôfna fa fortief.” Agreed the Pegasus, through the bag in her teeth.

“Fâôsna the fortieth, good.” Sidâl nodded to himself. “Right on time. I must go. Sleep well, young Tempest.” The man walked off into the darkness, back the way he came, disappearing as quickly as he had approached. That was unusual, Tempest said to herself, but completely in line with what I expected. What did Tempest expect? Something she didn't expect at all. At least there weren't any indecent questions this time.

Sidâl's little crystal did everything he said it would. For the first time that week, Tempest slept soundly, and without fear or nervousness. In the morning, Snowy remarked on how peaceful it had been after she went back to sleep the second time. Of course, morning was relative to the hour, dawn was still beyond the horizon when Hearth woke them up. Snowy had to calculate the launch angle and distance for the Prince's new rockets; Tempest needed to don her armor. It was mostly a silent affair, all the pegasi had been to battle before, excluding their queen, and their hostage-turned-guest.

“Are you ready?” Asked Hearth, after he placed the helmet on her head.

“As ready as I'll ever be, uncle.” Responded Tempest, shaking her head about to test the straps. They held, as was to be expected of such high quality work.

“No fighting for you today, unless things go terribly wrong. I'd say they won't, but...” Hearth looked a bit guilty. “This is Aharôs Loiar we're with, his life has a habit of going wrong.”

“At least he's got a kingdom.” Grumbled the younger Blackwind. The two walked out into the light, from the armory tent the pegasi had been given to use; not a simple task for Tempest with two swords pointing back along her forelegs. Files of Athairîm troops were already make their way out of camp, in full armor, banners and sigils flying high in the pre-dawn light. Rows of pikemen flanked by arequbesiers, halberdiers, and standard men-at-arms streamed out whichever way on their pre-determined paths up to the low ridge. “This doesn't seem like preparation for a siege.” Noted Tempest, watching knights and cavalrymen ride by.

“If you had come to yesterday's war meeting, you'd know that Prince Aharôs doesn't intend a siege.”

“What?” Asked Tempest, confused. “Is he going to storm a castle on the first day?”

“You'll see.” Said Hearth. The two flew up to the low ridge, and just as the sun began to rise in the east, Tempest saw the vast array of cannons lined up on the top. Just below them were the rockets, tilted towards the sky for whatever reason. The army of Prince Aharôs was assembling beyond those, a line of assault columns in near-perfect formation, more suited to a field battle than a siege.

“He really is going to attack immediately!” Gasped Tempest, heart sinking as she imagined the levels of carnage that were going to ensue. About a thousand yards distant was Seshîlîon, a pentagon of a castle, with arrowhead-shaped turrets, rather than the old round ones Tempest had seen along the river Aiô. Above the central keep flew the deep green banner of Verâd, bearing a silver swallow. Tempest felt her stomach begin to flutter, as she saw the golden light of morning reflected on what surely were soldiers of the castle's garrison on the ramparts and walls. Hearth moved up the ridge, to a cluster of standards and tables. Opposing the Verâdîm swallow was the Loiar flower, which itself was accompanied by the confusing black-and-white checks and the plain red that was surely Duke Îrilôs's banner, and to Tempest's great surprise, the silver and black cyclone of House Blackwind. There was Prince Aharôs, the Imperial Envoy, Sir Turaz, and many others from the previous day. Oddly, Sidâl was not among them. Also waiting was Coldstar and Streaming Breeze. Everyone was in some form of armor, and they were all armed.

“Good morning, Tempest.” Aharôs greeted, without a hint of cheer.

“How does everyone get here before me?” The Queen of Highcrest asked, in a weak attempt to take some of the edge off her growing unease.

“Magic.” Dryly stated Mayor Pashal. “I thought you Equestrians would know of such things.” Coldstar opened her mouth, but was prodded into silence by Hearth.

“Today,” began Prince Aharôs, “is the beginning of the end of the Verâdîm rebellion. For twenty years, my father, and then Prince Reshîv, have dealt with them leniently. But always, they have raised arms again.” Aharôs drew his sword, and pointed it at Seshîlîon. “No more. When I am finished here, Verâd will be put in its rightful place. This campaign will be short, efficient, and successful. If a castle refuses to yield, flatten it. If a city stands against us, raze it. If the peasants revolt, destroy them. We will burn Verâd to the ground if we must. I would rather be the king of ashes than have my authority contested by this lot. Is that understood?”

“We do.” Was the unanimous answer.

“Good.” Aharôs waved them off, as he sheathed his sword, and picked up a bright red flag that had been leaning against the table.

“I hope Snowy got her numbers right.” Îrilôs said quietly, but loud enough that Tempest heard.

“She did.” Affirmed the blue-grey pegasus. She's too afraid of what everyone else would do if she got them wrong.

“Tempest, take your pegasi to the air, work out who reports to us, and who observes the battle.” Ordered the Prince.

“As you command.” Tempest replied, nodding her head. A small voice asked why a queen was showing deference to a prince.

“Now, the gloves come off.” Aharôs said to no one in particular. He picked up the red flag, waved it from left to right, and then swung it down. Nothing happened for a few seconds...

And that's when Tempest heard the roar. Dozens upon dozens of Îrilôs's rockets screamed upwards, white smoke and flame pouring out, as they raced into the sky. Some went astray, others came apart in flight, but the majority arced up and up, until they ran out of their flame and turned down... Right into Seshîlîon. She didn't see what exactly happened, but a series of explosions ripped across the tops of the walls and the courtyards. Those are too clean to be black powder explosions, Tempest noted, eyeing the lack of white smoke with a touch of disturbance.

A sharp horn blast sounded, and the Athairîm cannons opened fire. Further down the ridge, the drumbeats began, and the columns moved forward. “Have you gone mad?” Tempest questioned sharply.

“No.” Said Aharôs, with a collected look. “Now take to the sky, Tempest.” The pegasus ignored him, and put her hoof down.

“Why are you sending them to charge at a wall? That's suicide!”

“Get in the air, and find the most lightly defended section.” Ordered Aharôs firmly. “Streaming Breeze carries the flares. Mark the section, and by the time those men get there, there won't be a wall to charge at.”

“Cannons don't work that fast, Aharôs.” Protested Tempest, spreading her wings nonetheless. A dangerous cunning shone in the pale grey eyes of the Prince.

“Who said anything about cannons?”

Author's note: Sweet mother of mercy, we're actually gonna have a battle next chapter! I wonder what Aharôs has planned? Also, I made Photoshop STFU and do what it was supposed to do, and made you guys the maps I promised a while ago. This shows Verâd, Athair, and some surrounding areas. If you can't see it well, tell me, I'll figure out how to fix it.

Map of Locations

Map of Polities