Chapter 14-2: What Is Deserved

“What do you mean you don’t know where my Memory Orbs are?!”

Bosco had awakened at around 1am, still looking quite the worse for wear, but much livelier than before. He’d picked up where he left off at his collapse in Whinniepeg.

“There were silver fog monsters too, not just gold, and they stole the Memory Orbs just as we were about to leave to come get you. We thought we’d got them back, but it looks like they swapped them out at some point.”

“Remarkably clever, if you think about it , dahling.” Schwarzwald was present in the room, as were Undertow and I. The three fliers were busy elsewhere.

“Oh, I’m so fucking glad you’re impressed, Schwarzwald!” Bosco’s temperament was definitely altered by his captivity and weakened state.

“Come on, Bosco, don’t be like that.” I tried to calm things down. “We were all fooled. It’s not her fault.”

“No, it’s YOURS!” He began, but his breath caught in his throat, and he had to break off his rant.

Undertow, staying close to him, rubbed his back and offered some water. “Please calm down, Bosco. You are still unwell.”

“I told her not to give up the Orbs! And she ignored me!”

’She’ is right here. “I know, Bosco, and I’m sorry, but I didn’t see any other way to get you back. That golden Alicorn was powerful.”

“You know nothing, Snow. The shit we saw…”

“Bosco!” Undertow interrupted. “This is not the time.”

Breathing raggedly, the two stared each other down. I watched in silence, very disturbed by these developments.

Just what happened in there? Undertow seems okay, but Bosco? Whatever happened really did a number on him. “Bosco… are you really okay? What happened in there?”

“This is not the time, Lady Ice.” Undertow repeated emphatically.

Chastised, I relented, falling into glum silence.

Bosco wasn’t done though. “They weren’t your Orbs to give away, Snowflake. They’re mine. I told you not to give them to him, fake or not, and you ignored me. Why?”

“You were in danger! Undertow was too!”

“Undertow saw what I saw, did she disagree?” He snapped back.

Both of us looked to the Deep Diver. “…The Memory Orbs belong to Bosco, Lady Ice, and are his to do as he wishes with. I do not approve of his putting himself in more danger, but it was his choice and should be respected.”

“But he put you in more danger too!” I cried. This was one point I wasn’t going to back down on. Even if, as she said, Bosco could decide what to do with himself and his Orbs, he shouldn’t be doing it at the expense of Undertow’s safety.

“I still agree with Bosco.”

Anger flashed through me. “Dammit, you’re supposed to be under my protection! Why are you going against the safe path?”

Harsh, disbelieving laughter burst from the colt. “Are you fucking serious?! This? From you? We know what we’re doing, Snowflake! You’re the only one who doesn’t.”

Undertow was not happy either. “Lady Ice, I may be under your protection, but I still have choices to make on my own.” Hurt leaked into her words. “I had hoped that you understood by now.”

“What’s to understand? I’m getting jumped on all sides for trying to keep my friends safe and alive? You’re welcome, by the way!”

“Ah ah ah, Snowflake-dahling, you know that is wrong. Wings already explained it to you. The fog creatures would not have killed them, as they went through too much effort to capture them alive in Whitepony.” Schwarzwald was not helping my case, and I seethed at her for it.

“Well I guess I’m wrong about everything then, aren’t I? I may as well go ahead and go meet Caber Toss by myself, since nobody else likes the decisions I make!”

Sensing that I was not in a particularly happy mood, Undertow relented slightly. “Lady Snow, you know that I will be with you, in this and other enterprises.” Her frown deepened, and a waiver slipped into her voice. “Please do not suggest this again.”

The ‘now look what you did’ look that the bedridden Bosco was shooting me only served to remind me that Undertow really didn’t like this kind of talk. Shame ran through me. I should know better. She’s just back from being kidnapped. So’s Bosco. I shouldn’t be snapping at them like this. They got back safe after all. That’s what matters.

Before any more careless words could be said, Schwarzwald’s communicator beeped, and she excused herself to listen in. It served to break the tension in the room, just a little. “…Look, Bosco…”

He waved me off, still a little angrily. “Just leave it alone, Snow. I need to start figuring out how to find my Memory Orbs. That… probably means that I won’t be coming with you to the Raider meet.” Even with the dark circles around his eyes, he managed to look a little apologetic.

It made me feel terrible. I’d been yelling at a very sick colt. A very sick friend. He needed rest, and help, and really shouldn’t even be considering coming with me to meet some of the Wasteland’s most dangerous ponies. “That’s probably best, Boss Colt.” He managed a weak smile at the nickname. “You take care of yourself. We’ll catch up after.”

He couldn’t hide the relief at my telling him to stay away. He really was shaken up by what he’d been through… or he just wanted to get away from me.

“So…” Schwarzwald re-entered the room, still holding the communicator. “Will you be wanting to travel with us for a little while, Bosco-dahling?”

The suggestion shocked me into speechlessness. What? No!

He blinked at the sudden invitation. “You don’t mind? Will the others?”

I mind! I wished I could say that, but couldn’t form the words out loud.

“Hah! They agreed to work with Snowflake, and they hate her. Having you along will be a lovely experience by contrast.”

“I… that’s, um…”

Why are you even considering this, Bosco?

Come on, Snow, say something! “…You’d keep him safe?” No, dammit! Say you don’t want him to go! He can’t go with Schwarzwald’s group, Breeze might hurt him! Cassie might hurt him! Hell, Schwarzwald might hurt him!

“Of course, mistress, corpses are no fun. Especially handsome colts like him.”

Showing that he still had some coltishness in him, Bosco blushed. “Well, yeah, Schwarz, that’d be great. But why the sudden offer?”

She held up the communicator. “I just spoke with Amber, and she believes that, since you hold the information she seeks, it would be best if I looked after you until we delivered it to her. And on that note…”

She turned to me. “Amber wondered if you would be available for a visit this later today? She wouldn’t elaborate on what she wanted, however it is usually positive if she is taking an interest like this.”

“Today? Uh, where is she?” Who the hell cares? Why aren’t I asking Bosco to stay?

“She is in Lethbridle, in the southern quarter. I can provide you with directions, or she can have somepony meet you at the northern gate. She said to tell you that she would arrange it so that you wouldn’t be bothered when in the city. Assuming Red Ice can keep a low profile for a night, anyway.” Her sinful smile told me that she both doubted my ability, and my intention, to do so.

I turned to Undertow. Help me out here! “Is that enough time to still make the Raider summit tomorrow?”

We both did some quick mental calculations. She finished first. “I believe so, assuming we do not leave too late in the morning.”

The whole thing was still throwing me for a loop. I could have spent more time thinking through everything, but everything on my end seemed maddeningly fine, at least at for now. “…Well, fine then! We’ll go visit Amber. Schwarzwald, can you tell her that I’ll be bringing a guest?”

She gave a mock bow. “At once, mistress.”

To hell with your ‘mistress’!

~~~~~~

“…And please be sure to avoid excess activity, until you are fully recovered.”

Bosco’s communicator, now Undertow’s, crackled as the colt on the other end replied, a hint of put-uponness in his voice. “Yeah, Undertow, I got it, I’ll be taking it easy for a little while. Don’t worry.”

Against his words, she clearly did. “Stay safe, Bosco. Lady Snow and I will see you soon.”

“Yeah, you too. Make sure she looks after you, Undertow, and you watch out for her.” With a small pop, the line went dead.

Without another word, Undertow stashed away the communicator, given to her by Bosco, and continued walking towards Lethbridle with me, with only the sound of our hooves crunching in the falling snow breaking the peace.

I chose not to comment, on either Bosco’s words or his actions in giving Undertow the communicator and not me. Worse still, he agreed with Schwarzwald when she suggested that Undertow not let me access it!

How many times am I going to have to go through this game? First Breeze and Naiara, though it’s not so surprising that Breeze doesn’t want me calling her, then Schwarzwald and Bosco, and now even Undertow is getting a communicator that I can’t use. Undertow! I’d only tried to push the issue one time, shortly after we’d left Hoofshine, which I wasn’t thrilled about either, since the other five were still there and I didn’t want them taking advantage of my hospitality. When I’d raised the issue with Undertow, she’d refused, saying that the communicator still belonged to Bosco, and things had gotten a little heated.

This is all Schwarzwald’s fault! She started this nonsense, and now it’s rubbing off on Bosco and Undertow. They’re supposed to be on MY side! Her stupid games are causing me all kinds of problems.

I wonder if Wings gets as much grief from her as I do? Do the twins?

Does Watcher? That last one gave me pause. I kept pace with Undertow as we walked, along the empty path, though withdrew my attention inwards.

Schwarzwald mentioned something about testing ‘her’. I’d assumed she meant Wings, since she spends most of her time with her, but was she actually talking about me? When I talked to Watcher, he’d been less them impressed after finding out that I wasn’t Princess Cadence. We hadn’t spoken since the cave at Crystal Point, back when I still had my Pipbuck.

My eyes widened. “My Pipbuck!”

Startled by my apparent non-sequitur, Undertow had jumped slightly. “What was that, Lady Snow?”

For the briefest of moments, I regarded her with suspicion, before admonishing myself. Don’t think like that, she’s Undertow. You know her. “N-nothing, Undertow. Just thinking out loud.”

“Would you like to discuss your thoughts?”

“…Nnno, not yet. Sorry, but I’m still working through everything. I’ll let you know if I need your help.”

She stared back, her dark goggles hiding her eyes, like always. “As you say, Lady…” She paused briefly, which triggered a nervous lump in my throat. “…Lady Snow.”

Relieved, the lump began to fade, though didn’t disappear entirely. Would it kill her to take those goggles off for a-no, stop it! That’s not fair. “I’m really sorry, Undertow, I just want to think about stuff on my own for a little while longer.”

Mouth set in a thin line, she nodded and turned forwards again.

After a minute or so, my thoughts returned to the Pipbuck. Wings and Cassie took it, and Watcher had the code to contact me through it. Did he contact them, or Schwarzwald? Do they know more than they’re letting on? How much did I really know about any of them? Were they messing me around?

An hour later, spent in silent contemplation for me, and unreadable silence for Undertow, my fears hadn’t vanished.

Bzzt! “Undertow, you there?”

This time, we both jumped.

The voice was neither Bosco, not Schwarzwald. Confused, Undertow timidly opened the channel. “Who is this?”

“It’s Breeze, ya moron.” We shared a look. Breeze hated Undertow, why was she calling her? “I’m patching Naiara in, says she wants a word.” The abrasive Pegasus couldn’t hide her excitement at hearing from the zebra, which was the only relationship she had, aside from her sister, that she was openly positive about.

I shared some of her elation. “Naiara’s okay? That’s great!”

Sporting her own small smile, Undertow clicked the mic again. “Thank you very much, Aqua Breeze. I would be delighted to talk with Naiara again.”

“Yeah, whatever, monster.” She just couldn’t resist getting a shot in, it seemed, though it lacked her usual fervour.

After a short burst of interference, the background static changed, and a new voice came through the speaker. “Undertow?”

She perked up upon hearing the zebra’s voice. “Naiara, I am here. It is good to hear from you!”

A soft chuckle came through, though it seemed a little off, somehow. “Yeah, sweetie, you too. Are you okay? The fog monsters didn’t hurt you, did they?”

“I am fine, Naiara, thank you. Are you healed? Lady Snow told me that you were injured.”

“Snow did? Is she there?” She sounded less than pleased about this, which stung somewhat.

“She is. Would you like to talk to her?”

Yes!

“Nah, that’s okay.” What?! “I’m fine. Zebra remedies and all. What about Bosco? I hear he got it the worst.”

Grimacing, Undertow nodded, even though Naiara couldn’t see her. “I am afraid so. It… affected him quite strongly, though I am not sure why. He is resting for now, and we will reconvene later.”

Naiara was no happier than Undertow. “Yeah, that’s probably best. Breeze and Schwarzwald won’t let anything happen to him, I’m sure. We just need time to let him work things out.”

“Why doesn’t she want to talk to me?” I hissed to Undertow, trying to get her to relay the message.

Crushingly, an annoyed look and a turned shoulder was all I received.

“Anyway,” Naiara continued. “I still can’t move fast enough to get to Hoofshine Harlots tonight and see Bosco, but Breeze tells me that you and Snow are heading to Lethbridle to meet up with somepony, right?”

She does, does she? Is this Schwarzwald’s doing too? I was getting really worried now. Nobody was behaving normally.

“Yes, that’s correct. Amber Bernstein, I believe was the name.”

“Right, her. Any who, I was thinking I’d meet up with you guys in Lethbridle, and we can all go see her together. I’m up for anything, so long as it means Cept isn’t fussing over me.”

Undertow cocked her head to the side, which was infuriatingly cute since Naiara still couldn’t see her. “Who?”

“Oh, right. You never met him. He’s another zebra in my tribe. It’s not important, except that he overreacts way too much when anyzebra gets hurt.”

There was the slightest of looks in my direction before Undertow responded. “He seems kind.”

Naiara chuckled again. “Too late, Undertow, Breeze already called dibs on him.”

Flustered, Undertow waved her hoof in denial. “Ah, I did not mean…”

“Hehehe. I’ll see you guys at Lethbridle.” With that, the line went dead, before Undertow could respond.

~~~~~~

“WAIT WAIT WAIT, PUT THE WEAPONS AWAY!” Aquamarine and Glacier magical auras blazed as we stood ready for battle.

“At what point, pray tell, did this seem like a good idea, Red Ice?” A short distance away, on the other side of the wall of angry, gun-toting bodyguards, stood Amber Bernstein.

Rather than the elaborate dress from the previous instance, where she had met us in the snowy hills and valleys between Lethbridle and Cefar, she wore a more practical, business-like blouse, though still in a stylish cut. The dress had been a vibrant blue, while this outfit was a restrained grey. The quality still stood out, even to my untrained eye.

It had all been going swimmingly enough, until Naiara’s hood dropped.

Apparently two hundred years and millions of deaths isn’t enough to convince ponies that hating zebras is a waste of time, and takes away good opportunities. I couldn’t help but think that Stable 61 had a point, at least on this matter. The war was too long ago for this still to be happening.

“Amber,” I besieged her. “I give you my word that she isn’t a threat. She’s just here to meet with me, I swear!”

Her haughty gaze remained unchanged. “Your word, you say? Interesting. Don’t move from that spot.” She turned and exited the room for a full minute, leaving us in a very tense standoff with her squad of protectors, none of whom seemed particularly willing to let this go.

“Very well,” she began, re-entering the situation. “I will allow it, this once. However, do call ahead next time.” Her expression, combined with her tone, let us know that she really wasn’t kidding.

The bodyguards reluctantly stood aside, and we fell into step behind her, still flanked by armed ponies. They only stopped when we reached her offices, taking up the entire floor of this high-rise. Bernstein cap coffers apparently ran deep. The building we were in was one of the tallest in Lethbridle, in the heart of the rich district. All the top employers, and highest administration staff, made their homes in this area.

Or so Amber’s aides had informed us as they escorted us up to this floor, before we were passed into the care of Amber’s personal protection platoon.

Said platoon, after bookending us all the way to Amber’s door, arranged themselves along the walls, watching for trouble, as their employer paused at the doors and turned to us. “Would you like to come in?”

It was undoubtedly rude to not look directly at her when we answered, but the excess of guns really drew the eye. “Uh… yes, please.”

I still managed to catch sight of Amber’s warm, welcoming smile, as she spread her hooves wide. “Then I welcome you to my home, at least for the moment. Do come inside, you three.”

She turned, drawing a key from an inside pocket of her blouse, and made to put it into the lock. Just before turning it, she had to stop, and address us again. “oh, yes. Do be so kind as to surrender your weapons before entering. I do not believe that you will attempt to harm me, but my honourable defenders insist upon it.”

They’re not gonna like this answer. “Uh… we don’t have any weapons.”

Her open, friendly smile didn’t fade. “Oh? How surprising. Not often you see a pony with your reputation going unarmed.”

“Well, y’know, unicorns and all…”

Amber seemed to anticipate this, and winked conspiratorially. “Ah yes, the horns. We can hardly remove them, now can we? Or, at least not in a way that will allow them to be reattached later.”

“Heh… heh… heh.” I felt like the laughter might have been expected.

Amber’s eyes panned over to Naiara, who stared back openly. “And you? You are clearly no unicorn.”

Naiara, though still recovering from the slash across along her ribs, puffed herself up in pride. “I don’t need a horn OR weapons.”

Her self-confidence ran straight into Amber’s highbrow scrutiny. “Hmm, yes, I suppose it would be difficult to find somepony willing to supply firearms to an exotic such as yourself.”

“EXOTIC?!” Naiara’s good mood disappeared faster than the fog creatures.

Momentarily forgetting the situation we were in, I jumped in on reflex. “Amber! Don’t call her that, it’s rude!”

Still wearing her now-more-obviously false smile, she showed no regret. “Oh, calling a sub-pony an exotic is rude in Lethbridle? Noted.”

“I’ll sub-pony my hoof up your plot!”

I had to break off my outraged glare to turn and block Naiara from Stompeii Emboli-ing Amber into paste. “Naiara, Naiara, calm down! She’s wrong, I know, but she has friends!”

With my attention focused on Naiara and Amber, I couldn’t see Undertow, but the faint resonance of her familiar water magic, coupled with the guards snapping their guns up, let me know that she was stepping in to help. Good intentions but bad timing, Undertow.

“Did you ask me here, just to insult my friends, Amber?” I was perfectly willing to turn around and leave right now. Schwarzwald could deal with the Bernstein Conclave from now on, and leave us out of it.

Naiara hadn’t even looked at the score of guns being pointed at us, instead bringing herself under control, even while maintaining a glare towards the bigoted mare.

Amber was equal to it, not looking away. For several seconds, nothing happened, as the guards waited for Amber to give the order, while we waited to see how we’d survive this.

Finally, to the surprise of almost all present, Amber cracked a smile. “Come in, Naiara. You too, Red Ice, Undertow.” Apparently sure that we wouldn’t attack while she was facing away, she turned and strolled inside, carefree as can be.

Even more incredible, her guards lowered their weapons and resumed their posts, as if that was nothing new.

We remained in the corridor, slightly lost as to what to do now, with confusion supplanting any anger we might have felt.

“Psst, you’re fine. In you go.” The closest guard, while struggling to rein in his amused smirk, leaned in just enough to break through the trance.

“Were you… with Schwarzwald, Bosco, and I up in the hills? When we caught the Tarantubaas?” I’d been focused on Amber then, and so would have struggled to recognise him.

His smirk grew bashful. “Yeah, kinda. Go on in.” He repeated.

“I don’t remember her being like this back then.” She’d been short with all present, except Schwarzwald, but not outright insulting like she had been just then.

The nameless guard just shrugged. “She was cold.”

~~~~~~

The surprisingly spacious interior of Amber’s property was far more showy than the non-descript exterior. Through the double doors we passed through an atrium, with offices and meeting rooms off to the sides, and an emblem emblazoned everywhere. The bold black ‘B’ with an equally sharp silver ‘C’ curling through the holes adorned every wall. Clearly Amber was proud of her Bernstein Conclave, and didn’t hesitate to make it known.

At the far end of the business area, we climbed a set of lacquered wood stairs to the living area, which incredibly took up another floor all by itself.

Just how much money does this girl have?

Amber was nowhere in sight but, at each corner of the elaborate dwelling, there was always a maid with a spotless apron, or sharply dressed butler, to direct us, always with a respectful bow and without saying a word.

Somehow, they were never there when I looked back.

Naiara, still smarting from the treatment she’d received at the entrance, did not act impressed. “If she’s got this many caps, what’s the point of all this? Are we supposed to be impressed at her ego?”

“Schwarzwald says she works very hard.” I supplied. Naiara shouldn’t have been treated the way she was, but Amber clearly had done very well for herself.

“Then she should boast about that, not about her money.” Groused the zebra, before falling into silence.

Undertow, meanwhile, simply continued to look around quietly, looking as they she was enjoying the peace. She hadn’t really had any since being uprooted from her cabin at Soft Swell Lake, and wasn’t likely to get any in the near future either. There was too much riding on the next few days.

There was a distinct lack of Bernstein Conclave emblems within Amber’s living areas, which could have meant lots of different things.

She might not want to take her work home with her… or it just wouldn’t match the rest of the furniture?

Finally, we emerged into an open area, with cushions arranged in a crescent around a fountain jutting from the wall. Our host was currently reclining on the fountain’s edge, elegantly dipping a hoof into the clear liquid. Her business attire from before was gone, and she was dressed in more simple, casual fabrics. Again, there was an obvious level of quality there.

“Water.” she spoke without looking up. “Completely radiation-free. Purified and triple filtered. May I offer you a drink?” Withdrawing her hoof, she daintily dried it with a towel.

Neither Naiara nor Undertow spoke up, so it fell to me to answer. Amber seemed to respond to good manners, so ignoring the question would undoubtedly be seen as rude. “We’re fine, thank you.”

Better than fine, if things go to hell, since that fountain’s one giant weapon for Undertow.

“As you wish.” Now, she did look up, meeting Naiara’s eyes directly with a smile. “I would like to apologise for my words earlier. I… have had little dealings with non-ponies, and wanted to ascertain who you were as an individual, not just as a zebra. I also wish to clarify that I do not truly believe zebra to be inferior to ponies.”

She bristled at Amber’s words. “I’d be more ready to believe you if you hadn’t had a dozen grunts with guns pointed at us when you were doing your little ‘test’.”

Amber flashed a helpless smile. “The perils of business, I am afraid. I have many competitors, not all of them scrupulous. My protectors are a… necessary evil.”

“Fascinating.” She delivered this deadpan. “What’s your point?”

Amber’s beatific smile didn’t fade. “I merely wished to put you at ease. My bodyguards will not set hoof within my home unless I personally invite them. We do not have to talk as enemies here. And, again, I am sorry for earlier. The way I acted was for a purpose, but I do not claim to be justified in the means to that end.”

“Um… what?” I was pretty lost by this point. Amber was using lots of words, but I still didn’t get it.

An eyebrow was raised. “…I am saying that I do not belief zebra to be ‘exotics’, or ‘sub-ponies’, or anything of the sort. I was testing Naiara. I wanted to see how she reacted to the way I treated her. She calmed very quickly, quite impressive.”

Instead of defusing the situation, Amber’s words put us back on edge. “How do you know my name?”

Along with a slight upward curve in the corner of her lips, Amber’s eyes took on a focused appearance. “You recall that I briefly excused myself? I was in communication with Schwarzwald, and sought her opinion on you and Undertow.”

“What did she tell you?” I blurted instantly, deepening Amber’s calculating gaze. If she’s put Undertow in more danger after Whinniepeg…

“Well, the conversation cost me an extra two thousand caps, though that is irrelevant. Schwarzwald chose not to tell me much beyond your names, instead she focused on your… physiques.”

I don’t know what I expected. “Of course she did. Nothing else?”

“No.” Amber said pointedly. “Nothing else.”

“Two thousand caps for a couple of names? You got jipped, Bernstein.” Naiara couldn’t hide her gloating.

“Oh?” There was scorn in Amber’s retort. “I disagree. It is a small price to pay. There is power in names. Wouldn’t you agree, Red Ice?”

I just made a face. “That’d be more impressive if I hadn’t told the entire Wasteland myself.”

“And look what has happened since you did.” She continued, undeterred. She almost sounded like she expected it. “Your recent actions have driven the powerful ponies of this city to a fever pitch. You called out the Steel Rangers on one side, and Plottawa on the other. Further still, you have been running around, seemingly here, there and everywhere, driving the Raiders to revolution! Do you think Snowflake could have done so?”

“I am Snowflake!”

She turned back to the fountain for a moment. “I wonder just how much longer you will be able to say that with a straight face…”

Her reverie ended as quickly as it began. “But enough of this. I think it high time that I explain why I asked you here, don’t you?”

“Would be nice, unless you wanna insult my friends some more?”

Bidding us sit, she reclined upon a soft cushion before answering. “I’ll remind you that I did apologise for that, and did not mean true offence. No, the reason I called you here is that I have an event planned for tonight, and I believe your unique standing with the various powers of the region will allow you to perfectly assist me.”

She had our attention now. Mine and Naiara’s, at least. Undertow was watching the flowing water in the fountain, though she was probably listening closely. “Assist you with what?”

Familiar confidence graced her cheeks, reminding me of Schwarzwald when she was about to demonstrate her prowess all over the face of the stupid colt at Nightcap’s bar. “I am hosting a social event tonight, at a venue not far from here, with almost all of Lethbridle’s elite, plus a few ponies from further afield. I would like you to survey the crowd during the event, paying attention to any secrets that may be revealed in conversation.”

I shared a confused look with Naiara. “Me? Weren’t you just saying that Red Ice has all the snobs on edge? They won’t tell me anything.”

Again, the Bernstein leader had anticipated this. “How fortunate, for all of us, that they will not know that it is you. The event I speak of is a formal dance. More than that, it is a masquerade ball. Anonymity does wonders when loosening tongues, after all. A gown for your body and cutie mark, with a mask to cover your face, should hide your identity, as I doubt there are any guests who would be able to place your voice, and even fewer who might put the pieces together and discern who you really are.”

Undertow was openly paying attention now, which was good, as I was feeling very lost. “You want me to… go to a party… and dance?”

“Close. I want you to come to a dance party, and listen.”

I still wasn’t putting the pieces together myself. “But… me? I can’t dance.”

She shook her head. “I am not asking you to dance. I am asking you to watch those who do, and those who do not. They may be the more important ponies to listen to.”

“The Bernstein Conclave doesn’t have spies of its own?” Naiara challenged.

“If I did, I would hardly confirm it. If wind were to reach my guests that I was openly having them monitored, I would lose any chance of gaining their favour. I do hope to make a good impression tonight, after all. I am planning on spending considerable time in Lethbridle from now on, and fostering good relationships with the decision makers of the city is my primary goal. Your task will simply be an extra edge in those efforts.”

“But, why?” I asked, still a little unclear on the whole idea.

Amber blinked. “I have already explained… unless you are asking what I am offering in exchange for your services?”

Good point. “…Well I wasn’t, but now I am.”

Her confusion at my confusion didn’t last long, at least openly. “I offer you two rewards for this. The first is simple: 1000 caps to each of you.”

“Each of us?” My two friends hadn’t been mentioned as part of the plan so far.

“Yes. I wish to speak more with Naiara, about her and her zebra, and I do not believe that Undertow would be with you, Red Ice, if not for a good reason. I believe I am correct in thinking that she has noteworthy abilities, yes?”

Oh, I can totally answer this one, at least. “Very much so, yes. Undertow is extremely worthy of note. That is one hundred percent true.” I turned adoring eyes on the blushing filly.

“Yes, Schwarzwald mentioned that you were very fond of her. I am all the more convinced.”

I reluctantly turned away from Undertow, realising that I’d been swept up into the pace of the conversation, and hadn’t been paying her the attention I should have. Especially after Whinniepeg. Gotta watch that. “Did Schwarzwald also tell you what would happen if you try anything funny with ANY of my friends, not just Undertow and Naiara?”

“Not in so many words, but I believe I can guess.” The threat was definitely noticed, though she didn’t immediately turn aggressive. “Three thousand caps, then?”

I held up a hoof. “Hold on, what’s the second thing?”

Cocking her head to the windows running the length of one wall, and the view beyond, Amber made her pitch. “As I said, I shall be staying in Lethbridle for the foreseeable future. So long as you contact me, I propose to put Red Ice, and any associates and acquaintances she wishes, under Bernstein protection within the city walls. I guarantee that you will sleep easy at night, no matter where you choose to make your bed, if you aid me tonight.”

“That’s… very generous.” Naiara was struggling to maintain her anger at the earth mare.

I found myself recalling Schwarzwald’s words from when she made the offer of going to Whitepony for Amber. “Do not fret, dahling, Amber is nothing if not honest. She prides herself on it. Not for any misguided notion of honour, merely that her business partners appreciate it.” This was a business decision, but the terms were not harsh. Amber was willing to pay in caps and, more importantly, with a long-running promise to protect not only me, but also my friends.

It wasn’t clearing my name, but it might allow me to spend time in Lethbridle with my friends. They had nothing keeping them away, but there were plenty of people who’d make things very difficult for Red Ice.

For the short term at least, it was very tempting.

“If Lady Snow agreed to this,” her silence broken, Undertow got straight to the point. “how would you keep her safe?”

“Isn’t she a good little sister?” Naiara couldn’t help herself, even here.

“Well, Undertow, if ‘Lady Snow’ said yes,” Amber made it very clear that she thought the way Undertow addressed me was significant. “then I would offer not only my own personnel to guard her, but also would negotiate a permanent security arrangement with the Lethbridle guards. I would also make sure that as little emphasis was put on her being Red Ice as possible.”

“That is… agreeable.”

Naiara raised a hoof. “Question?”

“Yes?” Amber turned an appraising eye on her.

“You want us at your party tonight, but we aren’t exactly swimming in fancy clothes right now. It’s gonna be hard for us to fit in.”

In response, Amber clapped her hooves together. Suddenly, the room was full of activity, as servants wheeled in racks of evening wear. “While that technically wasn’t a question, it was a good point. Luckily, I planned ahead and prepared a selection. My personal tailors…” three earth ponies, adorned with measuring tape, pins, and other assorted tools, bowed. “…will adjust your choices to fit your measurements. I assure you that they are very good.”

“I get to wear a fancy dress?” Squeaked Naiara delighted at this new development.

All eyes turned to me, waiting on my answer.

~~~~~~