The usual crowd of conversing students, professors, and all others trotting about the grounds of the Royal Academy immediately filled the courtyard, for at Canterlot the arrival of some well known official was always a great event, especially when said pony, as was the case with Kibitz, possessed the means to affect funding of the Academy.
Meanwhile, Kibitz walked on, and was approaching the great doors of the main building, but slowly, and with such a stern attitude that the spectators, always in fear of losing their livelihood, began to ask one another what ill fortune would overtake the Academy. However, those possessing more intimate knowledge of the Academy's workings knew that if there had been any foul play, her majesty's would not have sent a workhorse like Kibitz, for he merely served as an aide to the Princess', and the means for their subjects to reach them, should they be unable to meet face to face.
Outside the great doors, beside the Rector, there stood a young stallion, well read and keen of eye, who watched every movement of the aged official with barely contained anticipation. The value anxiety which he felt was noticed by a few in the crowd, who became relieved, surmising that whatever reason for Kibitz arrival would not affect themselves.
On seeing the old stallion approach, the young scholar extended a greeting, hoping nopony would see his jitteriness. He was a tall, lithe young stallion, with fine dark eyes and a silver mane; his whole manner bespoke a disposition peculiar to those sheltered in foalhood, intelligent in all but those aspects of life which one must experience firsthand.
"Good to see you again Alhazen," said Kibitz. "You are looking pretty gloomy. This should be a happy day for you."
"I'm terribly sorry sir," said the young stallion, "I have not travelled since coming to Canterlot. I'm afraid to admit, I'm a bit nervous."
"It is quite a ways from Canterlot," said the Rector. "I assume Her Majesty's have approved our expedition then."
"With some reservation, yes," said Kibitz. "You understand sir, the duty of Our Majesty's are to the security of their subjects. It required a great deal to convince Dimondia to permit your little excursion so close to their borders. These are dangerous lands, and while the government of Dimondia has guaranteed the safety of your expedition, neither Princess Celestia nor Princess Luna are convinced of your safety."
"Well, Sir Kibitz," said the Rector with firm resolution, "we all put ourselves at risk when engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. That Dimondia should grant us safety, should be seen as a way forward between our two nations. Diamond Dogs, while well-meaning, are not always the most diplomatic."
"I suppose so," said Kibitz as they made their way inside. "The Princess is certainly grateful the Diamond Dogs didn't damage the ruins during their operations. History is far too precious a thing to be lost over a few gems. I take it everything is in order?"
"I had everything prepared in advance the moment I got word from my colleagues in Dimondia. Take my word for it, I have spared no expense in ensuring the excavation proceeds smoothly."
As they were just entering the Rector's office the young stallion said: "Sir, I just wanted to say, I'm very grateful Princess Luna permitted me to participate in the expedition."
"Don't be so humble, you've earned the opportunity. Princess Luna thinks as fondly of you as her sister does Princess Twilight."
At last they seated themselves. Kibitz groaned softly, joints cracking as he stretched his back outward. His horn glowed, and various papers floated from his saddlebag and placed neatly atop the large wooden table.
"And now, Sir Alhazen," said Kibitz, "here are the necessary documents for your trip to Dimondia. If you would look over them we can put the finishing touches and get you on the next train. I must discuss with Sir Cherwell here the necessary details for the expedition. Please read through them carefully. I would much rather you avoid any incidents during your time spent."
While the young stallion was looking over his paperwork, the Rector whom Kibitz had announced under the name of Cherwell seated himself at his desk. He was a unicorn entering middle age, of unprepossessing countenance, and miserly in disposition. But he possessed that quality of experience that made him, to the irritation of others, indispensable.
"This expedition will do good for the Academy," said Cherwell.
"Yes, Yes, you've stressed that a great deal," snapped Kibitz. "I should imagine the board of trustees have a great deal of interest as well."
"This Academy produces a number of distinguished ponies, many of whom have contributed greatly to Equestria. But the board needs more than a few good eggs. They must be reminded of the importance of this Academy. The expedition in Dimondia will do just that."
"I should like to remind you," said Kibitz sharply, "that the Royal Court has invested a great deal as well, and would rather not see its promising students being thrown into a potentially hazardous situation."
"Is that your opinion?" asked Cherwell. "Princess Luna seemed fine with letting Alhazen participate."
"I am only expressing my own concerns," said Kibitz. "But they are concerns I share with Her Majesty's."
"You can relax Kibitz," said Cherwell peevishly. "I would not put others in any risk I would not take myself. Besides such experiences are rare for ponies these days. I would like our students the opportunity, especially ones like Alhazen."
The pair although speaking in a low whisper, could still be heard by Alhazen, nearly done looking over his papers. He was not oblivious to the value of his intellect, nor did he believe it necessary to flaunt it. That he should stir so much confidence from Princess Luna, was enough to stroke the young stallions ego, and he permitted himself a small bit of pride.
"Well, Alhazen," said Cherwell, "are you nearly finished?"
"Just about, sir."
"Now, I should remind you that while you're in Dimondia you are an acting representative to Equestria. You may not have an official title, but what you do will reflect on the rest of us."
"I'll do my best, sir."
"Just be mindful," said Kibitz, ignoring the servility of the Rector. "At the end of the day the Diamond Dogs simply want to be treated with respect."
"May I ask how the Diamond Dogs found the ruins?" asked Alhazen.
"Just bumped into it while sniffing about for gems," said Cherwell. "We should be thankfully they didn't just take it apart."
Kibitz gave a hard look to Cherwell. "The area was rich with gems, an important commodity in Dimondia, and Equestria," he said. "When they found the ruins they informed the Emissary. From what we know, the structures were certainly built by ponies, but not like any we have on record."
"A new civilization perhaps?" asked Alhazen.
"It is possible," replied Kibitz. "But we won't know anything for certain until the expedition is complete."
Alhazen sorted the papers together, and after Kibitz looked them over, he placed the papers into the saddlebag.
"Well now that that's sorted out we can get you on board to Dimondia."
"If you would excuse me sir, I would like to visit my mother first. Celestia help me, if I don't at least say goodbye to her I'll never hear the end of it coming back."
"Quite all right, Alhazen."
"And, do you know if I will be able to mail her?" he asked.
"Oh, I believe so, though I don't believe you'll be provided the same service as here in Canterlot. At any rate, we'll have someone to collect letters while you're there."
Alhazen smiled.
"Well then, I'll meet you at the station. But be quick, the trains are running on a tight schedule."
Thereupon the young stallion trotted to the courtyard and flew off from there. With a smile on his face Kibitz, glanced after him from the window till he flew out of view.
On turning round he looked at Cherwell and said: "It is not often Equestria is blessed with somepony like him. Celestia help you should anything happen to him. I certainly know Luna won't offer any."
