Moving Forward

“And so begins the second meeting of the, uh... let's keep it short.”

Once the terrifying creature had destroyed tents nearest to the river, the rest of the party, thankfully, were easy to locate and physically unharmed. Berry rejoined the rest of her party, and they hastened to the closest border of the forest.

The hydra, rightly renamed scylla by Fan for the several heads of dogs it contained, thrashed about uncontrollably. It obliterated the walls, the farming plot, and by the time they started the meeting, the scylla seemed to have got bored. It sunk into the river, disappearing under a bout of bubbles. The only inhabitants near the river were a group of what Berry assumed were Everfree breeds of hairy cow. She spied on them through the flames of a hastily crafted fire that she and the rest were sitting around.

“So, as a proficient leader and esteemed merchant, I know that our priority, right now, is to place blame... so why wasn't I told ANYTHING earlier?”

Nest glanced at Fan to her right, then at Sweet. “You two were closest when it happened.”

Sweet didn't respond, looking at the floor.

“Listen,” Fan started. “When I saw it rising out the waters, I shouted out. If you think I was supposed to fight it, you're dead wrong.”

“I'm pretty sure I told you as soon as possible, Berry,” Shale said. “There is nothing we could've done about it, really.”

“Not trying to change the conversation or anything,” Juniper added, “but who told us we shouldn't settle on the river?”

“I agree, let's not change the conversation,” said Berry quickly. “The thing is we, or I, didn't get any info whatsoever about a massive skill-thing rampaging through the river. The blame, clearly, goes to Pegas.”

“Yeah, I agree,” Fan remarked. “Folly on 'em for not figuring it out. Can we leave now?”

“I’m not a fan of big scary serpent-dogs either,” Nest added.

“Oh, we’re not leaving. Not til we get the bits.”

“Can we actually talk about what we need to do, then?” Shale asked.

“That's what I'm getting to,” Berry said. “The colony leaders Ignitus, Embers, and mayor Naphtha didn't do their job to research. My plan, foremost, is to get the army down here and sort this out.

“Now I know what you're thinking, but I know how to do this. The army ain't out of the question since I've got contacts, friends who'll help us out. They can get rid of the beasts for us, and we'll be able to get this farm back to what it is meant to be. Sure, it'll take a bit longer, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.”

Berry decided not to mention expenses. They weren't going to pay for it, obviously; the army pay, which she would no doubt be asked of, was her problem. She remembered the line from Embers, “Any payments you make in our name tax your profit.” It wasn’t something she liked thinking of.

If it turned out that sending a squad from Cloudsdale would cost too much, she could always change her tune. The expense still worried her, that and her seeds, which she would have to buy more of too. They weren't easy to get hold of, though her issue was not the time, but the money spent, the loans added onto her already fragile wealth... was it worth it?

“Permission to speak without you throwing whatever I say into the trash?” asked Shale.

“Don't count on it. Speak.”

“I think, personally, that we should cut our losses before they grow on us.” Berry half suspected her of mind reading. “This is ridiculous,” she continued. “...we're trying to provide food to a group that live nowhere near civilisation, fend monsters off every day, and their only resources are trees and a special sparkly rock. Was it ever going to work?”

“That 'special sparkly rock' is what bits are made of, Shale. And what about the half a year they've stood up so far?” Berry pointed out. “The Pegas lived on rations, true, and it probably won't support more than it has without closer imports, but hey, nopony's starved yet. They might if we don't help 'em, sure, and we might be out of a job too.”

Shale couldn't reply. Neither did anyone else, showing what she knew as dumbstruck faces. Berry thought odd that they didn’t reply, but took it as a victory, small as it may be. She began to get on her hooves, having sat for a while, saying “Well, good that's settled. Next order is to get back to Pegas, I'll send a letter, and-”

She bumped into someone as she got up. Fan was sitting right next to her. She turned around, “Oh, sorry, I didn't-”

The cow-like monster, bursting with muscles and far taller than her, looked at her just in front of where Fan should be. She saw them near the river, and assumed it walked over while she was unaware. Sweet was opposite her side of the fire, stood up, and leaning in a defensive pose, scuffing her hoof on the dirt.

Berry screamed, jumping a heartbeat while backing away from the beast. “What the? Uh...” She looked at Sweet and Juniper, who were staring back at her.

“Little help?”

“There's... more behind you,” uttered Sweet.

Berry looked behind her. She saw at least another dozen of varying sizes but similar colour, standing in a mismatched line.

The first one between her and Fan roared, drawing everyone's attention. He spoke into the fire, not looking at anypony in particular. “Wawipik, son of Pikkilo, is the chief you speak to now. Why, featherhooves, did you anger the riverdogs? Speak quick.”

“A-anger it?” Berry asked, shocked to find the beast was capable of speaking. She aimed to look tough against Wawipik, raising her muzzle. “It attacked our camp!”

Wawi arched his head back to her. “Foolish featherhoof, the riverdogs dwells in peace. She angers when those disrupt her, and only that way. This,” he raised a hoof at the destroyed remains of the river camp, “Angered her. She will be trouble for our travel across the river for three suns. Explain your reason.”

“A... uh, a farm. D'you understand what a farm is? Y-... you do eat plants, right?” She pointed at a bunch of daisies surrounded by long grass. “Flora?”

“We eat from the plains, yes. Continue.”

“Well, uh, we needed to farm. For our home nearby. It’s that simple, we just needed, and still need, to feed and water ourselves, as I'm sure you need too.” She stood up, donning a forced grin. “See? Really no threat to anypony. Now, if you’d mind stepping back to your friends…?”

“You will feed elsewhere. This is her land, not yours. She settled here first, just as we have settled on the other side of this lake, and the plains beyond. You will retreat to your shelters as your second punishment. Your first,” he said, his eyes rising just above eye level, “is your wear, so that you personally remember. I want your hat, and the rest.”

Berry blinked at him in disbelief. The purple velvet cost hundreds. “My clothes? You're... not serious, right? You want my coat? I'll freeze! Surely there's a better way. Maybe you want a talk with the colony mayor, straighten things out?”

“Your talk is pointless. I have made my decision, and you will follow it.”

“B-but...” she stuttered, walking back.

Wawi kept stepping closer as she did so, within breath-smelling range. It smelt of dung. “My tribe solves dispute with honourable combat. Some will call me too merciful for giving frail lambs a choice. Do you deny it?”

Berry’s eyes darted between Wawi and the other cow beasts. “Uh, I... please, this is ridiculous!” Wawi stepped closer.

“Berry,” Shale shouted. “Say no, please say no!”

“...No!” Wawi stopped moving toward her at the word, but towered above waiting. She halted too and gulped, her face painted red as she took of her hat, offering it to him.  “...T-there, see? Is that what you want?”

He glanced at the floor and back up to her. “Other wear, too.”

She placed it on the floor, tortured that she had to dirty the beautiful cap. Next was her coat, which slid off as she lightly bit on to pull it down. Naked, she felt a horrible chill pass through her.

Wawi nodded to one of the others, whom she assumed was female, who bit onto the garments and slung them on her back, walking off to merge into the crowd with the purple velvet draped over her greasy, brownish hair. Berry winced.

Wawi narrowed his eyes at her. “I shall leave for now. So will you, forever. Warn those who live in the walled settlement close by... not one of you is born to live here. Do not expect the pleasantries of speak again. We will fight next time.”

The hulking masses of muscle turned, and left as abruptly as they entered.

~~

The way back to Pegas was awkward, with light concealed by the trees, and the roots tripping up those that didn't watch out.

“They ain't getting a single drop of that river,” Berry said, gritting teeth. “This means war.”

“Uh, I don't think that's a good idea, Berry,” Shale said. “Couldn’t we, you know, opt for a safer and less ‘fighting terrifying monsters’ approach?”

“No time for that. I'm going straight to high command with this, and we’ll sort ‘em out good. If they think they can soil my clothes, my status, they have another thing coming.”

Fan shrugged. “Eh... we're stayin’ for longer?”

“Oh yeah,” Berry replied. “ Wawi's gonna be my new hat.”

~~

Berry went to Advisor Ignitus first. He was the unofficial 'head' of Pegas who dealt with the rules and actions of the colony firsthoof, and was eager enough to talk with Berry as soon as he could.

“Ah.” The greying stallion stared at a pot of flowers in the middle of the table after Berry detailed the day's events. “It sounds like you encountered the local bison population. My condolences for your clothes.”

Berry was given some spare miner's cloth in the meantime. Itchy, disgusting things. “I may never see my clothes again, Lord Ignitus. They’re threatening t’ start up a fight. It's time you sent an army to deal with that kind of threat.”

“This encounter was the first we've had with the bison to date,” Ignitus said, stroking his beard. “It is strange to see a clearly intelligent society so against civilisation... but to answer you, Berry, I don't have an army. When you step outside, look around. Do your eyes catch a bastion of defence, held strong by spears and hoof alike? Not a chance, unless you're mad, blind, or both.”

“Then we'll send for one,” Berry stated.

“Damnation,” Ignitus spluttered, eyes narrow. “Do you understand the cost of what you are proposing?”

“D' you know the cost of Pegasopolis?” Berry replied. “Cuz I'm pretty sure a mountain of silver's worth more than a hundred soldiers' monthly wage. It's the only way we're gonna make this sustainable.”

“I had my thoughts that we had enough bloodshed from the war. I didn't chance a single thought that a merchant, of all of us, would be the one to renew it.”

The door to the meeting room opened, drawing their attentions. The doorpony entered the room and spoke.

“Sorry for interrupting my lord. Ma'am, Lady Naptha wishes to talk to you.”

Berry glanced at Ignitus. “You don't get 'em to bow, huh?”

He sighed, a hoof firmly on his cheek. “We make them pay respects in their job, not pointless gestures,” he muttered. “Hasten yourself to join the mayor. Give me some time to think this disaster over. Go on, leave.”

“Alright,” Berry said standing up. “But before I go, I ask to remember what you're risking, my lord. If the Crystal Empire lost their mountains, they'd have nothing to trade. Canterlot owns the unicorn range, Manehatten has tonnes of iron-bearing rock under it's wing. Cloudsdale has... clouds, and ‘til we learn how to mine them, we're pretty broke.”

Berry left the stallion in what she assumed was deep thought, letting the doorpony lead the way outside of the town hall.

“So, uh, where do meetings take place if the meeting hall is occupied?” Berry asked.

The mare chuckled. “Where else? Over a saucer of Pastur's finest cider, no doubt.”

She'd noticed the new delivery of food from the excess of boxes and barrels near the chariot hub, but no pony seemed at the least interested. Common knowledge told her that the food was rationed, so she presumed that Ignitus kept everyone's suppers lean to make it last. Unfortunately, no new cups had been ordered. Berry let the doorpony leave as she entered the pub, finding her way to Naptha's table. The mare was younger than her sister, and had a lighter complexion. Rather than a drink, she had a clay statue in front of her.

She spoke as Berry sat down. “I heard you were having a meeting with Ignitus.”

“My lady, I’ve just come back. There are only five ponies on the planet that could've told you. May I ask who it was?”

Naptha looked at her plainly. “None, actually. This little beauty told me.”

On closer inspection, the statue resembled a cactus, with the spines drawn out to merge with an arch surrounding it. Berry was confused by her statement. “Excuse me, your highness?”

“This fine thing was brought to me by one of the mares posted on the walls. She said it was left by a group of bison, not long ago. Though I haven't seen one personally, I've heard stories that those tribes send these sorts of things as a message, to forewarn danger.” She looked down at the statue. “She told me she saw your party enter the colony just before the bison arrived. After that, I was finding you. The leader, from what I’ve been told.”

“Sounds like a scary omen. We'd better get prepared for the fight.”

Naptha looked at her curiously. “I agree to do something, but not the way you are. If you are thinking that we should send for spear forces, you are dead wrong.”

Berry thought to laugh at her, but knew better. She had the feelings that the mare was new to her station, and she deserved to be given benefit of the doubt. “My lady, there ain't a strong enough military presence in the colony. If this statue presents danger, then how d'you think you're going to defend against them?”

“With information. We do not know how large our enemy is to begin with.”

“That information won't do anything by itself, and it's all the better to keep ourselves safe with soldiers,” Berry said. “Besides, I saw close to twenty or so at the river. You said yourself that you’ve heard stories of these... bison. I bet there’s plenty more.”

“But this is the point I am trying make, Berrytail, merchant of Hibernia; we don't know much about them, really not enough to make a safe judgement. I know more about you from a brief introduction than I do them… my understanding is that they eat the same as us, and they live in tribes. That is all...” Naptha eyed her. “But it says a lot, doesn't it?”

“You're saying that if they eat like us, they must have something to eat.” She shook her head instinctively. “I get it, your highness, but I don't know if it's really in our best interests, nor theirs. I think that whole 'foreseeing danger' thing is evidence enough, don't you?”

“I think it is evidence that they have no reason to like us yet. I think there is plenty of reason to see that it is in our best interests, seeing as the miners need food. Not only that, but I think sending troops over would cause more problems than it would solve. I do not want unicorns to think we are starting a war again, do I?”

“The horn-heads are too far from here to see a peep, if y'don't believe me, ask somepony here.” She gestured to the other tables. “It's... all good to think about making friends, your highness, but this is frankly ridicu— in the end it's the choice of Ignitus, and myself. He'll judge what's the better choice, and, no offense, but I know my trade, and I know what's best for a trader. Seems like he does too.”

“Now,” Naphtha said firmly, raising a hoof. “While Ignitus sent the letter, he does not hold the key to your pay. Though he does most of the work, and I thank him for it, he appointed me as mayor. I'll tell him when I'm right and he'll obey. He's obliged to do so.  You'll do what I say, and I'm telling you not to hire and additional soldiers, to protect you, the colony, or anyone else as long as you stay.”

Berry felt sudden anger course through her. “So the letter was a lie to begin with?”

“Your job, as of now, is to gain food for the colony without using violence. Would you prefer not to do it? I agree that you had your fair share, angering the local tribes and that... we could always find somepony else, and I could oversee your time in jail for disruption of peace in that provoking river scheme of yours.”

“I see how it is,” Berry said. “I'll do the job. But y'haven't made this easy on me or your colony, your highness. You’ll be the one they look to when we’re driven out of Pegas by a bunch of monsters.”

“Very good.” The mare waved a hoof at her. “You may leave now.”

~~

Berry despised being given rules to work her job, especially by somepony who'd never made a bit in her life, she bet. It wasn't worth it to go back to Ignitus. He wasn't even calling the shots anymore; no, her job was decided for her, and now she had to stick to it like a fly on a web. Arguing further would be pointless. She almost felt similar to Fan, wanting the job to end.

But there was pay. Maybe. Naphtha seemed to hint that it was still a possibility. No, of course she'd be paid. Ignitus was a stallion of his word, and even if Naphtha was to deny her, Ignitus would overrule her if he deemed it wrong.

But to deem it wrong, she needed him on her side. Suddenly it was worth seeing Ignitus.

Berry hopped along to town hall, and pushed open the meeting room door. He was there still, and looked up as she rejoined.

“So you've had some time to think, huh?”

Ignitus grumbled. “Yes... your proposal is expensive, but may, perhaps, defend us better from the monsters, and not only your friends in the river. I assume you shall try to make me pay for it, correct?”

“No, actually... the plan was that I did.” She knew he wouldn’t agree to it any other way.

Ignitus perked up. “Humph. Very well then, I suppose there's no reason to stop you.”

Berry sighed. “Precisely... Out of curiosity, you wouldn't happen to know anything about Bison culture, would'ya?”

“No, of course not. I suppose the lady wants to know?”

“Well....”  she petered off. “Not exactly. There has been a change of plans, though. Mayor Naphtha happens to like 'em.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. She pleaded for them to be saved when the soldiers come. Naturally, I knew it couldn't work. The bison are the ones provoking us, after all, and they've a habit of taking things they don't own. Now, I thought to myself: why upset the poor mayor mare?” She started talking sidelong to the mayor. “And then, I figured it out. Why send soldiers at all? The river was my first mistake, not the bison. Turns out, the bison are our solution... and I need to know all about 'em, anything you have.”

Berry turned back to Ignitus. His posture was ambivalent, and she couldn't work out if he'd seen through her lie.

Ignitus huffed. “My knowledge is the best you'll get, and all I can tell you is they live in the great plains to the south. Nopony gives a rabbit's whiskers about the bison here. They hardly know them, after all. Sounds like you need a book from the great library.”

Berry perked up, excited by the words. “Great library, you say? Heh, and I thought I'd seen everything there was to offer here.”

He scrunched his mouth. “You have. It's in Maredon, a city to the west of here.”

Berry's heart plummeted. She swore the words were familiar, and they were, the Great Library of Maredon, a prize wonder of the unicorns. Getting in there as a pegasus after the war was hard enough, but trying to buy a book about bison, who just so happened to border the land your queen took in a peace deal? It was impossible to negotiate a price.

“There's gotta be another place.”

Ignitus shrugged, his hooves facing up. “How should I know? I've heard next to nothing about these bison tribes but that they like purple velvet. The horn-heads try to keep up a presence of knowledge half the time, and that library would be your best bet. You could try zebra territory, perhaps.”

“Y'know three words I learnt from travelling in zebra territory? Dehydration, giant scorpions. No... I think Maredon's the only chance I'm gonna get, and it's probably the only place that's written the book I need.”

“It's a shame I don't know anymore, really,” Ignitus said. “I was meant to explore the bison lands.”

Berry's eyebrow rose. “How’d that turn out?”

“Back when the war was fully undergo. I was an explorer, a scout for the army. There was a big plot of land beneath Canterlot-owned territory on the world map, and my team was told to explore it. We split up, covering more ground, me taking the short straw deep into the middle of Everfree. When I found our silver mountain, I reported back as quick as I could. Now I own the mountain, fancy that.”

She smirked. “Y' aren't the type to let an opportunity pass.”

“No, I suppose not,” Ignitus said. He looked towards the door.

Berry noticed, and got up from her chair. “It shows. I'll have that book in no time, m'lord. Y' can bet on me to get this over n'done.”

“I hope so,” he replied, looking back at her. He was going to speak, but stopped himself, pausing awkwardly for a moment.

“The river cost us enough time already,” Ignitus muttered. “Stay safe.”