A Master of Deceit

Remiel wished the bath could have lasted forever. The warm soapy water had felt like a gift from heaven, washing away the blood and grime like it has never even been there. His muscles relaxed and his mind was in a state of bliss. But add the saying goes: "God giveth and God taketh away". His bath was forced to be short, just long enough to get the blood, filth and smell from his body. He had to seem to be eager to meet Red Hoof and at the same time want to impress him. He needed to appear to be submissive and lacking ambition so as not to put the stallion on guard.

Though during his bath he couldn't help but wonder why Red Hoof wanted to meet him now. Logically he should have left Remiel in that room for the night at the very least as a show of power and perhaps make him slightly more worried for his life. Was Red Hoof simply that impatient or was there something more going on? He didn't ponder for long as he finished scrubbing his body free of any dirt, sweat and blood. After his bath he put on the clothes the pink mare had left for him. He was now dressed in a nice, soft, crimson shirt and a similarly comfortable pair of ebony black pants. Remiel wished he knew what materials they were made from. They felt almost like silk yet seemed to be more practical and sturdier. If he found out he'd commission an entire wardrobe of it upon his return home.

With his bath over and now appropriately dressed, Remiel found himself following Crystal Clear down several hallways that were dimly lit with candles. Unfortunately all the blinds we were drawn over the windows, preventing him from seeing outside. It was only slightly frustrating, but also slightly telling. It meant this Red Hoof either didn't want him seeing the surrounding area, or he didn't want to risk anyone looking inside and accidentally seeing him. For all he knew it could be both or neither. This was the hardest part of divining the intent of others, you never really knew what they were thinking. The best one could do was consider every possibility and be prepared for all of them. Once he got a better read on Red Hoof it would get easier, but for now he was in the dark, and it was exhilarating.

Finally Crystal Clear arrived at a pair of double doors and stopped. She raised her right hand and knocked twice. The right door opened and the green pegasus from before poked his head out. He looked at Crystal Clear and then Remiel, who wore a small smile but had a nervous undertone to it. The stallion then opened both doors.

"The thing can enter," the green pegasus said. Crystal Clear took that as a dismissal and turned, giving Remiel a dirty look, and left. Remiel pursed his lips as if acting like he didn't know how to take being called a 'thing' while mentally debating adding the pegasus to his hit list. "Come in." Remiel nodded his head and entered the room, taking in the fact that the pegasus seemed different from their encounter on the road. His horrible grammar was miraculously gone and he had an air of danger that hung around him like an invisible sword that was just waiting to be put to use. He didn't need to use his Sight to tell this pony had no qualms about spilling blood. Remiel dreaded to think what would have happened if he had caught Tinker and the others.

He must be the second in command, Remiel concluded. At the very least he would have to be very careful around this pony. It was clear he would have to be dealt with as well. Remiel entered to the room to find it brightly lit by a roaring fireplace along the back wall and, to his amazement, strange floating crystals that gave off a subtle light. The room appeared to be some manner of study, tall bookshelves lined the walls to his left and right with innumerable books. Near the fireplace were two large cushioned chairs facing one another, each with a small round end table on their right side. The crystals freely hovered around the ceiling, Remiel supposed that was to keep them out of direct eyesight, but he couldn't help but look at them and wonder what they were.

"Marvelous, aren't they?" he heard Red Hoof ask. Remiel's eyes snapped to the chair on the right and saw the stallion smirking at him. "These crystals were found in the local mine. At first everypony dismissed them as 'pretty rocks', but they are so much more than that."

"I see," Remiel said in a thoughtful voice. "Is this some manner of natural reaction within the crystal that causes it glow in places with poor or no lighting?" Red Hoof shook his head.

"Not quite," he replied. "You see, left alone the crystals are nothing special, but recently we've discovered something unique about these particular crystals."

"Pray tell, what have you found?"

"They are capable of absorbing and holding magic," he answered. Remiel's eyes shot wide in surprise, that much wasn't an act.

"Forgive me," Remiel said, carefully picking his words, "my people are woefully ignorant in the ways of magic, but I had assumed magic infected everything from the air we breathe to the ground we walk on. How is it these crystals have to be imbued with magic instead of absorbing it naturally?" Red Hoof grinned at his question.

"Indeed, you are correct in your assumptions. However, simply put, there are two kinds of magic. First there is Wild or Ambient Magic. This magic is naturally occurring and is the source for all magic, though it is also wreak. It lacks purpose and is therefore rendered harmless. The second type of magic is Harnessed Magic. This is where Ambient Magic is absorbed by a living thing, such as ponies for example, and takes on a purpose.

"Now," he continued, "Harnessed Magic is specific to the living thing it takes residence in. For a pegasus such as myself it manifests in our hooves and wings, granting us the ability of flight and the manipulation of the clouds and the weather. It is like a bridge that connects us to the sky. It works similarly with earth ponies, but it's a bridge connecting them to the earth. It's what grants them their strength and natural affinity for farming and other such acts. Unicorns, however, are slightly different in this regard. While they absorb Ambient Magic like the other two types of ponies, they can be more liberal with their use, physically manifesting their Harnessed Magic in the form of spells. Though while they are more free in terms of how they use their magic, they do not possess as strong a bond with the earth or sky and attempting to manipulate either is possible but exhausts them quickly."

"I see," Remiel said, deep in his own thoughts. "So, if I am assuming correctly, these crystals, for one reason or another, are immune to Ambient Magic, but react to Harnessed Magic?"

"Put simply, yes," Red Hoof said smiling. "Though, remember, this is just a very basic explication."

"I understand," Remiel told him. "Still, I'm curious as to why you've resorted to villainy when you could make a fortune with these." Red Hoof chuckled softly.

"You haven't been in Equestria for very long, have you?" Red Hoof asked.

"No," Remiel admitted. "I've arrived here only recently."

"There's no need for crystals such as these," Red Hoof said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Most cities, towns and villages have power plants that turn Ambient Magic into energy and powers all manner of devices."

"Then why are you using these crystals?" Red Hoof's grin widened.

"I think I've humored you enough for now," he said calmly. "Now I believe it's your turn to answer questions." Remiel nodded his head. "No need for us to be uncomfortable though. Please, sit." He gestured to the chair across from him.

"Thank you," Remiel said as he made his way to the chair. He sat and it was remarkably comfortable, but not comfortable to take him off edge. Why was Red Hoof being so hospitable? Remiel had done nothing to prove himself of value, yet Red Hoof was treating him as though they were already friends. Perhaps he was just trying to put Remiel off balance.

"Tell me, why are you interested in helping in my 'villainy' as you called it earlier? After all, you were assaulted by my...cohorts and taken prisoner."

"I would think the reason is obvious," Remiel said with a bright smile. "I enjoy breathing and would like to continue doing so." The stallion gave a hearty laugh at that.

"Who said we were ever going to kill you?" Red Hoof had a dark glint in his eyes.

"Earlier you said I was making my life less valuable, I assumed you planned to...dispose of me." Red Hoof's grin turned into a wicked smile.

"Yes, I did say that, but 'less valuable' doesn't necessarily mean 'worthless'." Remiel didn't like the sound of that. "You do remember the mine I mentioned earlier, yes?" Remiel let his eyes go wide again.

"I...I see," Remiel said in a low, hesitant voice. It would seem that this Red Hoof wasn't merely taking part in armed robbery, but slavery as well. It seemed Remiel had a new reason to despise this stallion with each passing hour.

"So you are brighter than I originally believed," Red Hoof seemed pleased with that. "It usually takes those brought here until they're thrown into the mine to figure it out."

"What is it you're mining for exactly?" Remiel asked, honestly curious. Red Hoof merely raised his right hand and waved his index finger and tutted like one would do to a misbehaving child.

"I told you: your time for asking questions is over," he said with a predatory smile.

"My apologizes, my curiosity and mouth have a tendency to run ahead of my mind." Red Hoof looked honestly amused by Remiel's ramblings, like he was a cat playing with its next kill.

"So tell me, what do you know about my operation here from what you've seen?" Remiel didn't have to think hard.

"From the perspective of the victim, it begins with your cohorts approaching them on the road. They give them a tale of bandits and offer their services as guards. Whether or not the group is taken up on that offer is almost irrelevant."

"Is it now?"

"Indeed. Should the group successfully infiltrate the victim's company than you have them working on the inside and can subdue them with little effort. If the group's offer is turned down though then their role changes from being an infiltration unit to being a scouting party that can relay the number of the target and decide whether the risk outweighs the reward. Either way you will have the upper hand when the main group launches their attack.

"Afterwards," Remiel continued, "you bring them to the mine you mentioned and keep them there to prevent them from disclosing the appearances of your agents. This way not only do you keep the identities of your agents secret but you gain free labor as well. Well, mostly free anyway, you still have to feed them."

"That is very perceptive," Red Hoof complimented, "but it wouldn't take long for the authorities to catch on if my cohorts targeted every traveler on the road. Also, it would be rather difficult to house every victim. If thievery was our main objective. I would run out of space very quickly."

"Of course," Remiel said, pretending to have an epiphany. "The villainy is only a means by which to gain your workers." Red Hoof nodded his head in satisfaction.

"But why would I foalnap workers when I could merely spread word that I'm seeking miners? That would seem far less risky." Remiel had been wondering that as well, but he thought the reason he had was good enough.

"Aside from the free labor?" he asked as a joke. "Whatever it is you're mining is either illegal, or your government would frown upon whom you're selling to." Red Hoof began to clap.

"Well done," he complimented. "Indeed, while these crystals are seemingly worthless to most, they have another, secret, property that makes them very valuable to those outside of Equestria." Remiel allowed himself a small smile.

"That sounds very lucrative," Remiel commented.

"Indeed it is," the stallion agreed. "Now that you have the general idea of my operation here, how can you help me?" That was the million dollar question. From what Remiel could see Red Hoof already had an airtight operation with few flaws. What could Remiel provide that he couldn't do for himself?

"It seems you have little need for someone such as myself. Your operation here is solid, your cohorts are loyal, and your pockets must be as deep as the ocean." The stallion's smile grew darker.

"You are very flattering," the stallion said in an amused tone, "but flattery will not save you from the mines." Remiel allowed himself to appear nervous when he was anything but.

"How do you explain your finances?" Red Hoof gave him a confused look.

"What do you mean?"

"W-Well you must be making a fortune from this, but how do you report your income? I-I mean if you start throwing around large sums of money than it'll be sure to draw attention to where it comes from." The stallion's smile fell away and his eyes narrowed.

"You are correct, I have not been able to be as free with my bits as I'd like. Tell me, do you have a method that would free me from these constraints?"

Powers that be, they don't even know what money laundering is? Remiel was almost disappointed with them, but at least he had his way of being useful. "Yes! You see it is a common practice where I'm from."

"Is it now?"

"Well, common for this type of thing I mean." Red Hoof cocked an eyebrow. "I'm not the most honest businessman either." Red Hoof's smile made a return with that.

"Please, explain your plan to me."

"Happily," Remiel replied. He then went into a deep description of his plan, explaining how if he were to invest his money in businesses of his own, he could put in dirty money, or bits in this case, and then take them back out, effectively laundering his fortune with no one the wiser. Remiel watched as the fascination on the stallion's face grew with each passing moment.

"That's brilliant," he said, clearly thrilled by the plan. "I had never thought of such a thing."

"So," Remiel said nervously.

"Ah, worried about going to the mines are you?" His predatory smile was beginning to get on Remiel's nerves. "I have your plan now, what use are you to me?" Remiel forced himself to gulp.

"W-Well you still need someone to falsify your financial records, and I doubt many of your cohorts are very good with numbers, or keeping track of where your money is at all times. And you'll probably be too busy to maintain them yourself, and." Red Hoof held up a hand to silence him, his eyes almost shining with amusement.

"That's enough, you have made your point. Your are clearly qualified for the position, but how can I be assured you will not betray me?"

"What? Sorry, I mean my life is in your hands. If I displease you then there's not much I could do to oppose you."

"Indeed," Red Hoof agreed, satisfied. It didn't take much to see what made this sick animal tick. He thrived off power and control, nothing more than an intelligent sadist on a power trip. That made him dangerous, but also somewhat predictable. All Remiel had to do was show submission and fear, if he kept feeding Red Hoof that lie then he could turn it into the fool's noose when the time was right. "Now that we're partners in this, I believe it is time for proper introductions."

"O-Of course," Remiel said as he climbed to his feet and held out his right hand. "My name is Remiel Blaz."

"A strange name, but I suppose it befits a strange creature," Red Hoof said, shaking Remiel's hand but refusing to stand. Another show of power. "My name is Crimson Sky, but you will address me as 'Red Hoof'." So 'Red Hoof' was just an alias, but what was the point in telling Remiel his real name?

"Of course," Remiel replied, his head bowed slightly.

"Now, please, sit. I find that I enjoy your company and with business done for the time being I thought we might enjoy some idle chat."

"What would you like to talk about?"

"It would seem that starting with what exactly you are would be a good start. I've done business with griffins, diamond dogs and even dragons on occasion, but I've never seen anything quite like you."

Griffins, diamond dogs and dragons? Remiel asked himself. Ponies weren't the only sapient creatures here? That came as a surprise to Remiel, almost as much as the shock that griffins and dragons were real.

"I'm what's known as a human," Remiel told the stallion. Red Hoof, or rather Crimson Sky, donned a thoughtful look.

"I've never heard of your kind before. From where do you hail?" Remiel debated between the truth and a lie, but seeing as how the stallion seemed well educated telling him the he came from a faraway land seemed idiotic.

"A land known as America," Remiel answered truthfully.

"A-mare-ica?" Crimson Sky asked dubiously. "I've never heard of such a place."

"I'm not surprised. You won't find it on any of your maps." The stallion's eyes went wide with shock.

"The uncharted lands," he said breathlessly. Remiel's eyes went wide with shock as well, more that the stallion was giving him a way out than the term.

"Y-Yes," Remiel said hanging his head.

"Tell me, how did you pass through the tempest?" Remiel had to think quickly.

"You mean the Stormwall?" he asked, trying to buy himself some more time. He could only hope Crimson Sky would buy the lie. The stallion tilted his head to the side.

"Is that what your kind calls it?" he asked. Remiel nodded his head. "Dozens of ships from both Equestria and the Griffin Kingdom have tried to breach that cursed storm but none have ever succeeded. How did you do it?"

"I-I'm not sure," Remiel offered. Crimson Sky's look darkened. "Y-You see, there was this relic I had recently acquired. It was said to have been magic, but such things are only superstition to my people. While I was examining it it began to glow with my touch and the next thing I knew I was waking up on the side of a dirt road when a small family of ponies found me." Crimson Sky's dark look lightened to one of deep thought.

"And where is this relic now?" Remiel pulled up his sleeve and showed him the markings.

"When I woke the relic was gone, but these markings had appeared." Crimson Sky frowned at that.

"Ponyfeathers," he mumbled to himself. Was that supposed to be some manner of profanity? "It must have been some kind of ancient enchantment, but then how did it come into your kind's possession if they don't have magic?"

"I'm uncertain, you see it was part of the king's personal artifacts."

"Oh? And how did you come to possess it?" Remiel allowed himself a small smile.

"I told you, I'm not what you'd call an honest businessman. His Majesty had a sizable gambling debt and offered the relic as payment. I was intrigued and accepted the offer. Damned bastard is probably laughing his head off as we speak." Crimson Sky laughed softly at that.

"Indeed, it would seem he got the better end of the deal." Remiel was still uncertain if Crimson Sky bought the lie, but he seemed to accept it for now. "Please, tell me about your land." Now he'd done it. Remiel quickly dived into a tale about a mythical land he thought up as he went. He told stories of made-up heroes and their deeds. He told tales of kings that ruled peacefully and others so nefarious they caused revolts. Hours passed and Crimson Sky paid rapt attention, lost in Remiel's lies. The only time he broke away from his story weaving was when Crimson Sky called for wine and the pink unicorn from before delivered it with two glasses. She poured one for each of them before turning to leave, and Remiel allowed his eyes to linger on her form. He made it obvious enough Crimson Sky couldn't miss it, and when he looked back to Crimson Sky he saw the look of someone plotting something in his eyes. An hour or so later the stallion raised his hand to silence Remiel.

"Your land sounds truly amazing," Crimson Sky said, a slight look of wonder in his eyes. "Alas the night has grown long and I can hear Princess Luna's realm of dreams calling for me. We will continue this conversation at another time." Remiel made as if to leave when Crimson Sky spoke again. "However, there is one last thing I wish to discuss."

"What would that be?" Remiel asked. Crimson Sky smirked.

"I am not as cold-hearted as you may think. Serve me well and I shall reward you accordingly."

"And if I displease you my punishment will be the mines, correct?" Crimson Sky smiled wide and shook his head.

"You may recall earlier that I gave you an alias as well as my real name." So that's what that was about. "You're a smart stallion, I'm sure I don't have to spell it out for you."

"Since I know your real name that makes me a liability. Throwing me into the mines would only make knowledge of your name spread, and should one of them somehow escape then your identity could possibly be revealed to the authorities." In all honesty it made the stallion seem beyond paranoid, but those in this line of work who aren't don't live long. "You don't need to worry about my priorities." Remiel took a sip of his wine. "I am a man of simple pleasures. The only things I need are money, and beautiful women. Though I suppose here that would be beautiful mares instead." Crimson Sky smiled wickedly at that.

"You and I are not so different as I originally believed," he said.

You have no idea how great the difference is between us, Remiel thought coldly.

"Swift Wing," he looked to the green pegasus, "bring Gentle Touch here if you would." The pegasus nodded his head and left. Remiel eyed his captor warily. With the other pegasus gone a part of his mind fantasized taking the wine bottle and shattering it over the bastard's head then using the broken glass to slit his throat.

Patience, he told himself. Vengeance is a dish to be savored and takes time to prepare. With great resolve Remiel subdued his bloodlust and smiled slightly at the stallion.

"I foresee a very profitable future for both of us." Remiel's smile broadened at that. "I propose a toast. To lucrative friendships." He raised his glass and Remiel followed suit.

"Are there any other kinds worth having?" Remiel asked. Crimson Sky laughed in agreement and they tapped their glasses together. They sipped their wine in silence for a few minutes before Swift Wing returned, the pink unicorn in tow. Crimson Sky smiled and rose to his feet.

"As a show of my generosity, Gentle Touch from this point on will be your personal maid," he declared. He then looked at the unicorn. "You will attend all of his needs from now on. All of his needs. Understood?" The mare quickly nodded her head, her eyes never leaving the floor. Remiel couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. Everything was going better than he had dared hope. "Now, please escort Mr. Blaz to his new quarters." Again the mare nodded her head.

"This way please," she said in a meek voice. Remiel put down his wine glass and rose to follow the unicorn before Crimson Sky stopped him with a hand.

"I'd also like for you to keep those clothes, I'll have more delivered to your room in the morning."

"My thanks, you are very generous." Crimson Sky's smile grew darker.

"These aren't tokens of my kindness, the clothes you're wearing now are reminders of what happens to those who displease me." The information was all there, but Remiel's mind refused to make the connections.

"I'm afraid I don't follow." How Remiel wished he could take back those words.

"They are all that remains of the last two who betrayed my goodwill." Remiel was too stunned to mask his horror at the revelation. The clothing he had thought so luxurious now made his skin crawl and his stomach felt as though it was about spew its contents. These clothes weren't made from cotton or silk, but from the fur of two ponies' coats! Remiel began to feel ill as his mind revised its opinion of the stallion. He had grossly underestimated the stallion's depravity. He wasn't just a bastard, a slaver and a criminal, but a full-fledged monster. Remiel found himself very glad that Tinker and the others had escaped. If Remiel ever harbored any regret for having to kill Crimson Sky it was gone now. Crimson Sky smiled gleefully at Remiel's horror stricken face.

"I shall see you in the morning. May you two have an enjoyable night." With that Crimson Hoof took his leave, and Remiel's horror slowly turned to rage. He was going to take great pleasure in ending that despicable worm's life.