10:30 AM, Twistspire, North Griffonia, 1003 y.a.b., 34th day of Fall.

Built below the crag of a mountain, Twistspire was the Capital of North Griffonia. Unlike Canterlot, it was not covered in perfect marble and bright colors, but brown wood and grey stone. To the west, on the far shore of the Tibus river, were the cities new coal powered factories, producing weapons, consumer goods, and the airships floating above the capital. Stone towers of the Great Clans dotted the city, the tower’s height an indication of the clan’s wealth, power, and access to reliable architects. In the center of the city stood three great buildings; the Muhtesem, the royal castle and seat of the Ironclaw Clan, the Kilise, a grand cathedral of the Semith faith, and the Kavga, the Great Arena. It was the first day in the Prophet’s Mercy, a five day celebration for all the faithful. The morning praises to the Sky had ended, and as many Griffons as possible were crammed into the Kavga.

Open to the Sky, the Kavga was the largest arena in all the Griffon Kingdoms, the round structure able to seat over a hundred thousand Everyone, from commoners to the Royal family, come to prove their mettle under the open Sky. Air was thick with the smell of sweat, sand, and steel. While the iron smell of blood once was common in the pit, fights were no longer to the death. The rowdy crowds had rioted when King Rhosus II “ruined” the Arena, even setting fire to a large portion of the capital in protest. Yet the reforms remained.

King Rhosus Ironclaw II was sitting in the royal box, watching as two combatants entered the arena. Behind the King stood the guards, with their platemail and halberds, prepared to fight off physical attack (or hold back the occasional drunken brawl), and the hippogriff Court Wizard, Hywel of the Scything Guild, crystal staff in claw to fight off arcane assaults. Before Rhosus was his only child by blood, heir apparent to the throne, Norah, and her newlywed husband, Richard. To Rhosus’ left stood the seat of the Queen, one that had been empty for seven years. To Rhosus’ right sat his young adoptive son, Alexander, the child of the late King Gryphus II, and two empty chairs, normally reserved for the Alex’s brother, Darius, and sister, Cassandra. They were not sitting in the box, because they were in the arena.

Darius and Cassandra stood 20 feet apart. They were in full armor and wings bound to their body. Both of their blades were covered in cloth padding. Darius held a great two clawed axe, with a heavy blade, a spike on the end, and a hook on the blade’s opposing side. He was standing up on his hind legs to a full height, a head higher than his younger sister. Cassandra was holding a much smaller arming axe in one hand, with the buckler shield of the Youth Brigade strapped to her other hand. Cassandra was hunched over, ready to pounce.

Darius gave a full bow to his sister. Cassandra rolled her eyes and gave a nod. They both retook their stances, lowered their helmet’s visors, ready for the signal.

On the inside edge of the arena, the judged pulled out a pistol. She took out her horn of gunpowder, half cocked the mechanism, poured some gunpowder into the pan, poured more down the barrel, pushed the powder down with a ramrod, fully cocked the mechanism, lifted the pistol above her head, and fired.

Cassandra jumped forward, diving under Darius’ swing, throwing a quick strike to the exposed leg.

The judge held up a white flag in her left hand, “Leg injury!”

Darius smacked Cassandra with the end of his weapon before she could get in another hit. He swung again with the blade. Cassandra deflected the blow with her buckler, causing the axe to hit the ground. Darius twisted the axe, and pulled back, catching Cassandra’s knee in the hook and sending her to the ground.

The judge held up a white flag in her right hand, “Leg injury! Back injury!”

Cassandra got her knee out of the hook and got to her feet. Darius changed up his tactics, using the spike as a spear point and threw out jab after jab to prevent Cassandra from gaining an oopening.

Cassandra found one anyway. When Darius over extended with a jab, she grabbed the hook of the axe, pounced forward, and jumped at Darius. He didn’t have time to step out of the way as Cassandra hit a blow between the lightly armored point between the shoulder and the neck. She sailed over her brother’s shoulder, and landed on her front claws.

The judge held up a red flag in her left hand, “Bleeding Out! Five…Four...”

Darius quickly swung his axe around. Cassandra tried to dodge away, but got a full hit to the side and was sent rolling along the ground.

The Judge held a red flag in her right hand, “Fatal blow.”

Cassandra hit the ground in frustration.

The judge stood up, “Cassandra and Darius, of clan Ironclaw, you have struck what would be lethal blows against the other. Therefore, I declare No Winner.”

Darius walked over to her sister, holding out a hand, “You’re improving.”

“Shut up you cheap shot asshole,” Cassandra said as she took the hand.

Darius pulled his sister to her feet, and they each helped the other out of their wing bindings. Once freed, they both took to the air, and flew over to the royal box.

Alex ran up and hugged his siblings, “You were amazing! Swiping Cassandra off her feet, doing that jump attack, it was so cool!”

“Don’t worry, in a few years, I’m going to beat you up with it at well,” Cassandra said as she rubbed Alex’s head.

“That didn’t seem like a victory to me,” Norah stated, “Shall we discuss it with the judge?”

“Cassandra. You know the rules,” King Rhosus said, “In a real fight-”

“-As long as their eyes are open and they are breathing, even the most wounded are a threat,” Cassandra stated, “I know, I know. You have told me a hundred times.”

“Maybe one day you will listen,” Norah said with a smile.

Cassandra glared at her adoptive sister, “Maybe one day you will have the wings to actually face me in the sand…”

“You’re going to attack an ambassador?” Norah said in faux shock.

Cassandra ignored Norah as she tried to untie her plate mail. Norah stood up and undid the hard to reach knots.

“Thanks,” Cassandra said as she sat down, taking off the buckler.

“Norah, please relax,” Rhosus said, “You should just be enjoying yourself. You have delayed your honeymoon long enough with work as it is. You deserve a break.”

“Father, it’s fine,” Norah smiled to her father, “You haven’t taken a single day since the day you put on that crown.”

Rhosus turned to the empty chair, "... Please don’t waste your youth, I want you to enjoy life while you can.”

“Why won’t you believe when I say I enjoy work?” Norah asked.

“Because you gotten so good at lying you’re lying to yourself,” Rhosus stated with a serious face. Norah returned the face, father and daughter staring each other down. They both broke, and they chuckled.

Norah turned to help Darius, but Richard grabbed her back, “I can take care of him.”

Cassandra smirked, “Darius would prefer that a man takes off his clothes.”

“Cassandra!”

3:58 PM, Fairbrittle Station, North Griffonia, 1003 y.a.b., 34th day of Fall.

What once been an empty platform just two weeks before had become a hub of activity. Builders, miners, executives, and journalists had started to flood into the town from all across Equestria and North Griffonia, along with the building and mining equipment. All the workers had brought with them a demand for new housing, entertainment, and places to dine. The sleepy village was quickly turning into a boom town. The locals had complained for a few days, but the Railroad had negotiated very good terms with the existing populace.

Janie of clan Wroughtline stood on the platform, watching as the newest train from Equestria pulled in, her Griffon eyes keeping a look out for any journalists. There was too much work, it could not be halted for five days, even for the most important holiday, despite the Railway having to pay a fortune in bonuses. Jaine looked around. A nervous looking light orange unicorn tinkering with her camera walked off the locomotive.

“Least this one is nice enough to put ‘press’ on her hat,” Jaine thought as she walked over to the pony, “Welcome to Fairbrittle.”

The unicorn nearly jumped out of her skin.

Jaine quelled the urge to roll her eyes. “I take it you never seen a Griffon before.”

The unicorn stuttered, “Well, no… just not this close… not that it’s a-a…,” she breathed in, “I’m sorry, my name is Lens Flash, and this is my first assignment abroad.”

“Well, then welcome to North Griffonia as well,” Jaine said, “I will be your guide today.”

“My guide?” Lens Flash asked.

“We are doing a lot of construction,” Jaine explained, “And we’ve had a few too many cases of the press causing interruptions and delays.”

“Oh.” Len Flare opened her saddle bag with her magic and levitated some bits into Jaine’s claw. “Here you go.”

Jaine stared down at the coins in her claw, before letting out a big sigh.

“Oh, is it not enough?” Lens Flare looked back into her saddle bag, “I’m so sorry, I-

“We are not in Griffonstone,” Jaine said flatly.

Lens turned to the Griffon. “Excuse me?”

“We are not in Griffonstone,” Jaine repeated as she walked over and dumped the bits back into the saddlebag, “You do not need to pay us to breath.”

“But, I thought it was the capital, and all Griffons…”

“No” Jaine interrupted, “We bowed to the greed of Griffonstone, but that was over four hundred years ago. In North Griffonia, we believe there is more to life than just coin. Besides, the Railroad is already paying me, why do you think I need your money as well?”

“I’m sorry, didn’t know,” Len Flare looking down at the ground, “I’ve been… interested in griffons… I was just told… well…”

Jaine put her claw against her chest. “That Griffons only value the gold of their horde?”

Lens Flare looked ashamed, but nodded.

Jaine shook her head. “Here, we actually take pride in mastering a craft for it’s own sake. Accuse a Griffon around here of greed and they will punch you in the face.”

Lens Flare giggled, till she saw the absolute seriousness in Jaine’s face.

“Sky above let this day get brighter…” Jaine thought to herself. She turned around, and said, “Now, come on and let’s go to the mines…”

“No!” Lens Flash stated suddenly, “I… have heard enough about rocks for one day.”

Jaine raised her eye brow.

Lens Flare rubbed the back of her head. “The… pony I was next to on the train would only talk about rocks for nine hours. After that, I would like to report on the town itself and all the progress that has been made.”

“Well, I will happily show you around,” Jaine said as she smiled, “Just followed me.”

Jaine led Lens Flare through the town to the ever growing marketplace, past stalls selling oats, wheat, fish, and meat. Jaine kept an eye on Lens, and noticed the pony’s discomfort.

“She’s probably never been to a proper market or seen so much meat in her life, the smell must be killing her” Jaine reasoned in her head, “But why is she only taking pictures of the stalls run by Griffons?”

“So how do... “ Lens Flared stammered a bit, “...Griffons spend their free time around here?”

“The same ways ponies do,” Jaine said in deadpan, “We go to the pub, sing…”

“Not as often or as loudly as ponies. How the hell are they always able to coordinate those musical numbers on the spot?” Jaine mused to herself, “...wrestle, go to the archery range-”

“Archery?” Lens Flare interrupted, “You mean like bows and arrows?”

“...Yeah,” Jaine said.

“Oh, can we go see that now?” Lens Flare said with sudden enthusiasm.

“Ok… the range is this way…” Jaine indicated, “What is this pony’s deal?”

Lens Flare, with a confident stride followed Jaine to the edge of the town.

“Is there any particular reason you’re so interested in archery?” Jaine asked.

“Oh… well… I always have been interested in… archery,” Lens Flare stated, “I always loved watching ponies firing off the elemental arrows into the target.”

“Archery is a little different in the Griffon Kingdoms,” Jaine explained as she crested the hill, “All we have is simple steel, feather, and wood. Also, we don’t fire from stationary bows on the ground, we fire from the sky.”

The archery range came into view. Griffons were flying in the air, gracefully firing at targets far below.

CLICK.

Jaine turned to Lens Flare, watching as the pony switched out one photographic plate for another, snapping another picture.

“Let’s go to that hill,” Lens Flare pointed across the archery range, “I think I will get the best picture from there.”

Jaine raised her eyebrow, but complied. “Alright, what is this pony up to? A corporate spy would be trying to find out where the coal is, or what we are using to dig with, expenses… Why is this filly so interested in bows?”

Jaine looked over to Lens Flare, taking a picture of a strong male Griffon, squeezing his back muscles together before releasing another arrow. Lens was studying every muscle fiber, every ridge, taking as many photos as her camera allowed.

“Oh Sky, she is a feather fucker,” Jaine realized in her head, “How could someone that ignorant of griffons… Sky above, she was probably staring at my ass this entire time.”

Lens Flare only stopped taking photographs just to replace the bulb on her camera, then gleefully taking more pictures, completely unaware of of Jaine slowly growing look of disgust.

“I mean… I don’t mind ponies, but ponies and griffons being together is just fucking unnatural… wait, shit,”Jaine flinched as disturbing mental images flooded her head.

“I think I have what I need,” Lens Flare stated happily.

“I’m sure you do,” Jaine thought as she turned back to town, “Alright, come wi-follow me.”

Jaine walked besides Lens Flare, making sure the Lens wasn’t taking any more glances. Lens, however, seem satisfied. After a silent walk that seemed to go onto for an eternity, they finally came to the press tent.

“The photograph developement room is on your left, the beds are on the other end,” Jaine indicated, “If you have any questions or want to see anything else, ask for a guide. I hope you have a nice day.”

“Thank you,” Lens Flare nodded holding out a hoof, “It’s been a wonderful day, I am so glad I met you.”

Jaine grabbed the hoof and quickly shook it, “Same… here.”

As soon as Lens Flare withdrew her hoof, Jaine took off to the sky, hoping to find some hard whisky to crush the mental images. Lens Flare turned around and immediately moved to the photograph darkroom.

She closed the curtains, and looked around. The only thing that greeted her was red light. Lens pulled out the undeveloped photographic plates and. She counted out the last ten photos she had taken, and threw the rest in the trash. Lens magically lowered the first plate into the first chemical tray. Lens waited, and then pulled the negative from the tray. Lens smiled, seeing the image. A strong male Griffon, holding a bow, with the town clearly in the background..

10:09 AM, Canterlot, Equestria, 1003 Y.A.B., 39th day of Fall.

Fleur Dis Lee longed on Fancy Pant’s back. It was another beautiful noble tea party. With the exception of Fleur, the nobles were beautifully dressed, talking up made up rumors and spreading the smallest of slandors. Like children, they were playing a game of pretend. Pretend they found each others jokes funny. Pretend they that they liked the food and were not wishing to just scoff down a hay burger. Pretend that they were not bleeding bits with every step they took. Pretend to not notice that loyal husband was not taking peeks at Fleur’s naked form. Pretend to not notice the loyal wives were stealing glances at Fancy’s flank. That is what these kinds of parties had become, a great game of double thought, trying to find out who was faltering at the game without revealing the fact they knew their was any game being played.

Even Fleur was playing her own deception. Any who looked at him dismissed her as a trophy, as much of Fancy’s clothing as the tie. She was just Fancy’s Prench “actress,” who could barely speak a word of Equestrian, who barely knew or understood what was going on around her, who heard nothing, saw nothing, and likely thought nothing. There is no reason to worry about where she was looking, or what was said near her ears.

All another lie.

When Fancy decided to drop all his plans and join this party uninvited (which the host pretended was just a mishap, blaming the postal service for losing the invitation to such a noble of Fancy’s rank), she was watching, she was listening. She heard the host stammered speech, she saw the sweat, she heard the whispers that Fancy wasn’t supposed to be here, she saw the majority of the voting nobles was here for what was supposed to be a small tea gathering, Apple Oats, Fancy’s voting vassals, and Avidity Prix herself. Fleur saw the court messenger entering through the door, and the general lack of surprise at the sudden appearance.

Fleur rubbed Fancy’s side and whispered into his ear, “Porte....”

Fancy turned from his conversation, and looked at the door.

“Emergency gathering of the Seats!” the messenger cried, “Gather at the Seats immediately.”

Flue followed her husband as they all moved to the Seats of Nobility. Fleur listened to her fellow nobles, or rather would’ve, if any of them were saying anything. No whispers of confusion, nopony was turning to anyone else to seek knowledge or guidance. All the nobles marched in silence.

When Fleur sat in her chair next to Fancy, she looked around the Seats. Avidity was already sitting in the Seat of the High Horn, her cutie mark of a purple Aster surrounded by golden sphere proudly on display, with the widest of smiles and the straightest of postures. All of Avidity’s vassals were present, as were all the nobles in her “faction.” Most of the neutral nobles, who couldn’t be relied for a vote without gifts and some serious promises, were present. Many of Fancy’s allies, such as Apple Oats, and almost all of Fancy’s vassals, were absent. Most of the ones who were here were looking forward, doing everything they could to avoid Fancy’s eye contact. Worst of all, Princess Celestia was no where in sight.

As soon as the last noble was seated, Avidity spoke, “Ladies and gentlecolts of the Seats, I come with a heavy heart to tell you of an immediately threat to all of Equestria. I have just received photographic evidence that the Griffons are arming Fairbrittle for war.”

Several projectors came to life, showing griffons firing bows with Fairbrittle clearly in the background.

Avidity waited for the gasps of shock to subside before continuing, “In direct violation of the Treaty of Transfer of the North West Lands, the Griffon King is arming the populace, making sure every Griffon there is ready for war. Soon, I predict they will enslave the ponies of Fairbrittle to die in the coal mines, and fly west to bring ruin to all we hold noble and dear. If we act quickly, we may be able to halt this malicious plot, and allow Equestria to continue to live in peace. “In the name of the founders, in witnes-”

“I invoke my right to speak,” Fancy Pants shouted at the top of his lungs, “Against this act of war.”

Avidity’s expression didn’t change. She magically lifted the hourglass onto her podium, “It is your right.”

Fancy turned to Fleur, kissed her cheek, and whispered, “Find Celestia.”

Fancy walked down the aisle towards the lifted podium. Fluer left casually without speaking, as if to simply visit the privy, and caught one last glance at the High Horn. Avidity wasn’t even looking at Fancy, she was staring intently at the hourglass, watching each speck of sand fall down.

As soon as Fleur was out the door, the deception fell, and she broke out into an all out gallop. She ran out of the forum, startling the guards, but for once Fleur was not paying attention to her surroundings. The only things she cared about were herself, the castle, and everything in between. Fleur dived and weaved through the market, straight jumping over a fruit cart, and through one of the stands. She was filthy hair and complexion was a mess, there were screams of anger behind her, but none of that mattered.

Fleur was at the gates. It had only been a minute, there were two guards who could help, there was still plenty of time.

“Celestia needs to go to the Seats of Nobility immediately,” Fluer blurted out.

The guards stood there, staring at the seemingly crazed tall pony covered in juices, olive oil, and other assorted market goods.

One of the guards held out a hoog, “Ma’am, if you would please calm down... ”

“I am Fleur Dis Lee, and as a Noble Consort to Duke Fancy Pants, I demand to see Celestia to prevent a war.”

The guards looked at each other. Fleur’s internal clock told her that another precious minute had been wasted.

The second guard, gripping his spear more tightly, stated, “Princess Celestia cannot be reached, she is currently bringing her first year students around the city.”

“Then wake Princess Luna, and have her go to the Seats of Nobility.”

The stomachs of the two guards seemed to completely drop out. Their pupils dilated, and they began to sweat as looks of pure dread formed on their face.

Fleur felt as another precious minute was wasted away, “C’est des conneries!!”

She left the useless guards in the dust, regaining her gallope. She looked everywhere, trying to move as fast as possible while also looking at everything. Another minute passed. In the corner of Fleur’s eye, she saw a perfect shade of white. Celestia was flying through the, magically holding her students up on journey through the skies over Canterlot.

And they happened to be going over a stretch of buildings and away from the street Fleur currently was on.

“Merde!” Fleur sprinted down an alleyway, hoping it would come out to the other side of the street. She smashed against several trash cans and over a bum taking a nap. However, she was on the otherside.

“CELESTIA!” Fleur shouted at the sky in desperation, yelling between heaves of breath.

Two Pegasus guards landed in front of Fleur, and silently moved in to subdue her. Celestia landed in front of them and held out a wing. Her guards bowed their heads and backed off.

“Fleur?” Celestia said as she landed with her students, “What is-”

“Avidity, Vote, Seats, Griffons, War, NOW.”

Princess Celestia turned to her guards, “Take the students back to the school.”

In a swift motion of her wings, sending everypony around her away, Celestia was immediately in the air, and flew straight to the Seats of Nobility. There was no time to go through the door, so Celestia took a note out of Rainbow Dash’s book.

She smash straight through the window, spreading glass and screams throughout the room. Celestia smashed into the ground, sending marble flying in all directions.

“I INVOKE THE ROYAL RIGHT TO SPEAK!”

All of the nobles with any kind of sense cowered to Celestia's wraith. Avidity ignored the Princess, and pulled two notes of paper, a small envelope, a seal, a quill, a lit candle, and a tiny jar filled with green powder. She swept the pen over the papers, put the papers in the envelope, sealed the envelope shut, dumped all the green powder into the candle flame, lit her horn, and magically sent the envelope on it’s way.

“Your majesty, I am deeply sorry to say this, but we have already voted.”

Meanwhile, at the Equestria-Griffonia border…

Grand Prix looked at his watch for the seventh time in the last minute. Before him was a small train, waiting on an off shoot of the main tracks, and the assembled Unicorns-at-Arms of House Prix. All seventy three of them.

The assembled mares and stallions scattered about in what was supposed to be a straight line. Many were leaning against the train, adjusting the straps of their armor in a vain attempt to make the platemail comfortable. Others were chatting, letting their spears sit in the dirt. Two of the supposed soldiers were asleep. Grand Prix had long since given up trying to install discipline in them.

“Did the vote stretch on? Is there something blocking the letter?” Grand Prix thought, “This isn’t my fault… this can’t be, but my bitch wife will-”

In a green flame, an envelope appeared before Grand Prix. In an instant, the envelope was ripped apart. Inclosed was an official document of the Noble Seats, and a note. On the note there were only two letters, written with Avidity’s normal flair.

GO.

“Unicorns of House Prix!” Grand Prix shouted to the column, “We are out to liberate Equestrian land and its citizens! I expect no resistance, but we must prepared to do whatever it takes! Start the engine, next stop is Fairbrittle!”

Grand Prix proudly watched as the assembled mob, shuffled it’s way back onto the train, ignoring how many of his soldiers were holding their spears upside down. A servant walked to Grand Prix with a bottle, “Do you wish to celebrate this occasion sir?”

Grand Prix greedily grabbed the bottle in his magic, but didn’t pull off the cork. Grand looked down at his foreleg, pulled down the chainmail to cover a large bruise, and handed the bottle back, “I… I’m… not thirsty.”

The servant reeled back, “But sir, it’s almost one o’clock. By now this would be your thi-…”

Grand Prix magically grabbed the collar of the servant, “I. Am. Not. Thirsty.” Grand stepped onto the train, but gave one more long look at the bottle, “... Leave it in my cabin. Do not tell my wife.”

The whistle blew, and the train was in motion.

Meanwhile in Canterlot...

The nobility cowered in their chairs as Celestia made her way up to the podium. The small regal smile was gone. It was replaced by a scowl of anger, one which many the nobles had only seen when Celestia faced down Chrysallis.

Celestia took her seat. “I have ruled Equestria for over a thousand years, and I have never seen such a disrespect for the peace and security of the realm. No noble has ever made such a blatant attempt to trigger a war, and by all the laws of Equestria, the Seats do not have the authority to invade sovereign nation. You will repeal this travesty, and publically apologize for wasting everypony’s time.”

Avidity pulled out her copy of the treaty, “Again, I must apologize, but you are simply mistaken. The treaty that handed over Fairbrittle and the surrounded land stated and I quote ‘Must, perpetually, be free of all arms, armours, and instruments of war.’ As the images clearly show, the Griffons have ignored that agreement, bringing their bows to rain death from the skies. To what end, I can only guess. Since they are breaching the treaty, the treaty no longer applies. Since the treaty no longer applies, the land returns to Equestria and put back under it’s rightful Lordship. So, I am not invading a sovereign nation, I am removing trespassers from my land.”

Celestia didn’t appear to move, but a large crack suddenly formed in her podium, “Archery is the most common sport in all of the Griffon Kingdoms. Those Griffons are at an archery range. Those bows are as much of a weapon as a child’s hoof ball.”

Avidity eyes went wide, her smile faded into a look of horror. “Really? I truly didn’t know. How could I assume…” She held her head low in shame. “I… really do owe you all an apology.”

Avidity looked back up, the wicked smile back in place. “I apologize for ever assuming that we could trust these children. If we cannot trust the Griffons to give up their toys, then there is no way we can trust them to rule over Equestrian citizens.”

Celestia’s podium cracked even more. “This action is far overstepping the power of the Nobility! You have forgotten your place-”

“NO!” Avidity shouted in return, “I believe you have forgotten your place. You rule Equestria because of the will of these Seats, and that will is entirely subject to change. It is clear that after a thousand years, that to has slipped from your mind. For only showing up to this emergency session after we have held vote, for damaging architecture that even predates your birth, and forgetting where the power in Equestria derives.”

Celestia remained silent, staring at Avidity with stern eyes,

“Such a shame,” Avidity shook her head, “It is clear all that needed to be said is said. I thank you all for coming on such short notice. The emergency has been resolved, you are all dismissed.”

With the exception of Fancy Pants, the gathered nobles, clamored out of the door, unwilling to be around the Princess’ anger for another second. Celestia stood in place, locked eyes with the smiling Avidity, before finally turning around, and walking out in silence.

3:25 PM, Fairbrittle, North Griffonia 1003 Y.A.B., 39th day of Fall

Jaine was antsy as she hovered in the air. The final day of Mercy, an entire day of fasting, till the sun set and the Feast begins. The Feast of Mercy was less than three hours away, and she was downwind from the town. She could smell the giant fire pits, already preparing the day’s meal. Jaine took a deep breath. “That must be the fried tuna… oh Sky, how long has it been since I had some fresh tuna?”

Yet, here she was, on watch. Jaine checked the Railroad’s watch again. “It’s alright Jaine… just watch the horizon, and ignore the delicious smells. Do not let it affect your mind, like make you think you’re seeing a train’s smoke trail on the horizon…”

Jaine stared at the horizon, trying to blink the hallucination away. It wasn’t going anywhere. She lifted up her binoculars. It wasn’t a hallucination.

Jaine checked her manifest. There was only one train scheduled, a freight train filled with supplies, and it had already come six hours ago.

Jaine lifted up her binoculars again. It was a passenger train, but it only had three passenger carts. Most importantly, it clearly was NOT an United EG engine. In fact, from the bright colors and the heart shaped window, it looked like it was from the Friendship Express, who had no business deal to use United EG tracks, or operate in North Griffonia. Jaine reached for her belt, pulled out her horn, and gave one loud blow to indicate a train’s immediate arrival, and two short blows to indicate the train was completely unscheduled and unknown. From the station, a horn blared back, indicating the message was received.

Jaine continued to watch the train as it passed the mile mark, “... I wonder why they haven’t pulled the stop horn yet…”

She watched the train as it got closer and closer. It looked like it was still moving a bit too fast. Jaine pulled out the watch, and timed how quickly it past the three quarter mile mark.

The train hadn’t started breaking.

Jaine pulled out the horn and blew multiple times. They had a runaway train. She flew back to the station, blowing into the horn as hard and as often as she could. As Jaine landed on the platform, crews ran or flew past her. The freight train was still sitting on the main tracks, directly inline for the oncoming Friendship Express.

Griffons and ponies, everyone from bystanders and to the station master himself, desperately pushed the engine and the cars to move them onto the station’s passing track. Engineers piled coal into the engine and tried to get a fire going. The Friendship Express finally blew it’s stopping whistle, but it was too late, there just wasn’t enough track left for that train to stop in time.

Jaine joined the mob, pushing the train and carts inch by inch. It was moving, but the Friendship Express was almost in the station, the crowd could hear the screeching breaks. Finally, the freight train’s last car was clear, and an engineer switched the tracks seconds before the runaway Friendship Express went straight through the station, and came to a screeching halt a hundred feet further down the line.

The station master, a gruff griffon landed at the cab’s door. “I do not care what you are here for. For your complete and utter disregard for the safety of this station, we are going to turn you around and you can fu-”

A spear point came from the cab, held right against the griffon’s chin, held in the magical grip of Grand Prix. The train horn blared twice, and slightly sick looking unicorn troops filed out of the passenger cars.

Grand Prix stepped in front of his troops, “For your complete and utter disregard for the signed accord between our two nations, by order of the High Horn and under the Authority of the Seats of Nobility, Fairbrittle and all the surrounding land has been returned to it’s rightful place under Equestrian rule. We are giving all the griffons in this town one hour to vacate.”

Grand Prix stood strong before his troops, staying silent against the uproar of anger and confusion. In his mind he was accessing the situation. Grand tallied the ever larger and angrier groups of Griffons around him. Grand tallied how few troops he had, and how little time he had to train them since Avidity had forced this plan upon him. Grand tallied all the drinks he should have had by this time of day and how much easier it would of been to ignore the lopsided mathematics of this situation. Finally, Grand tallied the amount of sweat that was rolling down his neck.

“They-y just pretend to be brutes, but they are all greedy cowards,” Grand Prix lied to himself, “Avidity will be happy, the family will be saved, and she will stop caring who I am with or what I put down my throat… I’m probably being merciful to even giving them a chance to retreat. Yeah, there is no way a bunch of greedy feathers could actually take unicorns in a fight… Yes, they are going to retreat… please let them retreat...”

The earth pony mayor Exec, and the well dressed heads of the mining operation, Quarry Stone and Adrian Falling, walked between the soldiers and crowd.

Exec took the order from Grand Prix, “It has the proper seals. It’s a legitimate order.”

Quarry stamped her hoof. “But this is North Griffonia, Equestria is no longer a legitimate authority here.”

Grand Prix’s magic snatched the paper back, “The Seats of Nobility are the oldest and most legitimate authority for any pony.” Grand Prix’s eyes looked between Quarry and Adrian, and noted how similarly they were dressed. “Clearly you decided you to ‘renounce’ your Equestiran heritage.”

Adrian stepped forward. “As co-representative of Equestria-Griffonia United, I am giving you one minute to vacate this town.”

The collective Griffons surrounding the small unicorn force started shouting, picking up anything within reach as a club. They moved closer and closer to Grand Prix and his force.

“STOP!”

An old Griffon in the robes of a Sister of the Sky landed on top of the train car, holding out the symbol of the Semith faith, the wings of the prophet. “Have you all forgotten what day it is? Our prophet Sema was sentenced to die, but she received mercy. Today is not a day for any bloodshed. Today is not the day for war."

Faithful griffons hung their heads in shame.

"We cannot choose death. This noble has forced our hands. Clearly there will be no peaceful action if we stay. Thus, we must leave.” The Sister of the Sky looked over the side of the train car, and down at Grand Prix, “Tomorrow will be the day for retribution.” She jumped into the air, and flew East. One by one, the crowd of griffons dispersed, some flying to their tents to grab as much as they could fly with, while others immediately flew off to the nearest city in North Griffonia.”

Adrian turned to Quarry, “Quarry, I… I need to… I just wanted to say…” She pulled Quarry into a hug. “ I… we will all be back soon.”

“You better be back soon partner,” Quarry said as she hugged back, “I won’t be able to spend all this money on my own.”

Adrian rubbed Quarry’s main. “You… could come with me.”

Quarry looked into Adrian eyes with confusion. “You’re going to carry me all they way out of Fairbrittle?”

Adrian rubbed the back of his head. “Well, I…”

Quarry put a hoof on Adrian’s cheek. “It will be fine, you will be back in a couple of days, and everything will be sorted out.”

Adrian smiled and nodded. “Yeah, this will all be taken care of… goodbye partner.”

Quarry returned the smile. “Goodbye partner.”

Adrian took off and headed East with the rest of the griffon flock.

Quarry turned to Grand Prix, a fire behind her eyes. “As co-representative of Equestria-Griffonia United, please get on that train and go. The griffons are going to want your head for this.”

Grand Prix turned to Quarry. “Ah, so you are Quarry?”

Quarry nodded. “Yes, and even if you try to hide behind the protection of Celestia, Unit-”

Grand Prix slammed the shaft of his spear against the side of Quarry’s head, knocking her to the ground. He turned to his stunned troops. “Since EG United has never made any deal with the rightful liege of these lands, we are seizing all EG United property and arresting all EG United employees as trespassers. Mayor, I will require your help to determine who is and isn’t a proper resident of this town.”

Grand Prix walked passed the dazed Quarry. “Lock her, and anypony else you find, up.”

Meanwhile in the Fairbrittle mines…

“Igneous rock, Igneous rock, kick the Metamorphic out of the way…” Maud thought up a new rock poem in her head. She was part of the front digging force, creating the main mine shaft as crews set up the ceiling support behind her. Even though the manager had made her slow down so the rest of the staff can keep pace, Maud had never been happier.

There was shouting. Maud ignored it. The rest of the ponies were leaving. Maud ignored it. Three shadows formed on the wall. Maud ignored it. A spear was held at her throat. Maud sighed, she couldn’t ignore it.

A unicorn soldier, who was clearly not comfortable with being underground, held out the spear. “By-y the order of the Noble consort, Grand Prix, I demand you stop kicking that wall and come with us immediately.”

Maud looked at the spear point. “Carbon-steel, dull and slightly rusting.”

The soldier looked at the walls. “What? What does that… nevermind, come out of hole now or I will have to forcibly detain you!”

Maud grabbed the spear head in her teeth, twisted her head, broke the spear head right off, chewed on it, swallowed the metal, and went back to work. That soldier ran out of the cave screaming, his two fellows followed. Maud was again alone with the earth, but not for long.

Four ponies came up behind her. Maud turned around to face Grand Prix. Without saying anything, Grand Prix blasted Maud with a beam of magic, burning her skin and sending Maud to the ground.

7:03 PM, Twistspire, North Griffonia, 1003 y.a.b., 39th day of Fall.

The Feast of Mercy in Twistspire was the greatest feast of the year. Everyone in the city took their tables and chairs into the streets, forming a long, branching, interconnected table table for all to sit at. Everyone spends the day baking and cooking, frying and roasting, as much food as they can. It was a day to show a household’s mastery of the kitchen, to share their creations, and prove their culinary skills are greater than their neighbors. In the middle of the city was the grandest tables of all, the tables of the King.

Merchants and nobles vied for an invitation within the city’s central square, by bringing in the best food and best entertainment for all to city. While the Final Day of Mercy was a day without bloodshed, it was always a day of conflict.

King Rhosus sat across from Maria, Mother of the Kilise and the Matriarch of the Semith faith in North Griffonia. Between them, in theory at least, was the city’s direct center. Norah, and Richard were to Rhosus’ left, Darius, Cassandra, and Alexander were to Rhosus’ right. The Court Wizard Hywel and several of the guards stood behind their King, although the guards switched out often so everyone could enjoy the Feast. Cassandra had a seat, but as usual she was leaning against Darius’ chair instead, chatting away with Hywel on the matter of food and the arcane. The chair next to Alexander was empty, and Rhosus was silently praying to the Sky that it would not be filled.

Unfortunately, his prayers were not answered. A middle aged, white feathered griffon, dressed in her red cape and adorned with her old crown, walked down the path between the tables.

A courtier stood up, “Elena of Clan Fireeye, Queen Consort of the late King Gryphus III, is present before the Sky.”

A guard moved in front of Elena, so she handed over her sword. She gave an extremely low and overly dramatic bow to the King. “Rhosus.”

Rhosus eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “Elena.”

“Mom!” Alexander flew into his mother’s arms.

Elena rubbed her youngest child’s back. “Oh Alex, you grown so much since I saw you,” Elena turned to Rhosus. “Four months ago.”

Darius stood up and embraced Elena in a large hug, “It’s so good to see you…”

Cassandra held out her claw.

Elena looked at her daughter, “Cassandra, do you think you’re too old to give the one who birthed you a hug?”

Cassandra didn’t say anything, but quickly wrapped her claws around Elena’s stomach, let go, and walked back to the table. Cassandra leaned against Norah’s seat, and continued her conversation with Hywel.

Elena beak clenched as she looked at her daughter and the hippogriff she was talking to, eyes lingering on Hywel’s cloven hooves, “Cassandra Ironclaw, please take your seat over here. It’s been so long, we need to talk.”

Cassandra ignored her.

Elena looked betrayed, giving a dirty look to Rhosus, but she sat down.

An awkward silence fell over the royal family. Rhosus prayed for something to break the silence. Unfortunately, his prayer was answered.

A griffon came over the roof of the city’s square, flying down to the king. The guards moved to intercept, but Rhosus held up a claw. The small griffon was wearing wind goggles and the pendant of a noble’s messenger, with a scroll tied to her claw. The messenger landed behind the King, breathing heavily. The guards reflexively surrounded her. The messenger undid the knot, and held out the scroll. Hywel grabbed it, checking it for poisons, spells, and even gunpowder. When he found none, Hywel handed it to King Rhosus.

The King unrolled the scroll and read the message. A silence fell over the crowd as they all turned to their King. Rhosus blinked in shock, and read the message again, his mind rejecting the absurdity, “No… no, Equestria of all places…”

“Messenger,” Rhosus stated, “What is your name?”

The messenger stopped massaging her exhausted wings. “Lucy of Clan Gemholme, sir.”

“Lucy, is this true?” Rhosus asked in a dejected voice, “Did you see this with your own eyes?”

Lucy looked at the ground, “While I wasn’t there, I saw our kin fleeing from the East, weak from a long flight, and heard from a few of them before I was sent here to deliver the message to you.”

Rhosus looked around to the crowds, “All the Mothers of the faith, all heads of the Great clans, meet me in my court. I will need council on how to respond to an act of war by... Equestria.”

Author's Note

All times indicate the time it is in Canterlot. No location within the story will be more than two hours offset from Canterlot itself, so you do not have to worry to much about timezones.

King Rhosus, Darius, Cassandra, and Alexander

Court Wizard Hywel

Historical Notes: Trains throughout history always have taken a long time to come to a full stop. Improvement in breaking systems have been counteracted by increases in train hauling weights, thus increasing a train's inertia. That is why going under the train crossing signals is an extremely stupid thing to do. The train can see your car stuck on the tracks for over a mile, but by the time the conductor sees you it is far to late for them to bring the train to a halt.

Watching people fight has been a form of entertainment since ancient times. While the amount of blood and death varied, although even the famous Roman Gladiators often lived to fight another day, violence has been a spectacle, and in many ways continues to be a spectacle.

Great games were often used as a way to please the populace, but has backfired countless times. In the late eastern Roman Empire (normally called the Byzantine Empire, although the Empire was still officially Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων, Imperial Rome), had Chariot Racing. The main teams, the Blues and the Greens, were one part sport team, one part political party, and one part uncontrolled mob, who rioted and even one point burned down a huge chunk of Constantinople (including the original Hagia Sophia) whenever the Emperor blatantly went against their wishes.