Shadows of War

Celestia strolled along with the tell stone and wood building of Lakeshire. Some had gardens, other vines running up the side of buildings. It was an old city she knew, built before the founding of Equestria on the bank of what ponies at the time thought to be a great lake. At some point, they learned that the lake was, in fact, the sea, but never bother to change the name.

The great market square of Lakeshire was abuzz with ponies trading all manner of goods, from tea to ancient weapons the shop owner claimed to belong to some great warrior. Celestia greatly doubted that Sir High Spear had owned ten swords, some of which seemed newly forged.

Celestia had been forced to wait for members of the Twelve to arrive in the ancient city. She had hoped that Twilight would have been in Lakeshire, but as she had learned Archangel had moved his seat to the Sanctum; leaving the Twelve to deal with all matters of trade law. Celestia had wanted to set out of the Sanctum but was informed that she would need leave to pass through the land.

This had left Celestia with little to occupy her time, as she knew it foolish to try and keep Discord from spreading chaos. Part of her hoped that disorder would bring Archangel to investigate the cause, sadly it hadn't of yet. Eight Hundred years ago Archangel would have been here within a week with that glowing sword, and his zeal to bring about order. Celestia thought.

So far the Twelve seemed to be corrupt from what Celestia had seen and learned thus far. Lord Highkeep family were once slavers and had dealing with bandits, Lord Ironcreek had many opponents who disappointed or turned up dead. The other Celestia had not heard much of, however there holding were far from Lakeshire.

"Come, and let Mother Coast tell you of your future!" A stallion called out. He stood in front of a caravan wagon. The wagon had chipped paint that showed the wood beneath, two of the wheels had been replaced and had a crystal ball painted on one side.

Been some time since I have seen a traveling fortune teller. Celestia thought, Conponies who tell you what you want to hear, wonder if this one tells mares that they will meet a prince, and stallions they will be rich or great warriors. She laughed to herself.

As Celestia and her guards passed the wagon an old mare peaked out the window. There was something was unsettling about the old mare, It could have been how the old mare's eyes were nearly white or the way they followed Celestia. The old mare didn't say a word to Celestia as she passed.

In the afternoon Celestia was summoned before the Twelve. Their hall was the largest building in the city. Marble walls crowned in silver and gold, tell ancient statues of the original members stood at the entrance of the building. There was a line of ponies waited to be heard, as they had been every day she had come. A few of the nobles had tried to woo Celestia as she waited.

In the meeting, the hall was a table on a platform, with thirteen chairs. The center was empty and most likely was meant for Archangel or Silver if they should wish to take in the running of the kingdom. Lords Highkeep and Ironcreek set in the chairs nearest the center, with Lords Loch, Kinhill, Goldshire, Rapid, Feathers, Joyous, Fireside, Rosehill, Coppereye, and Dragonbane seemingly to be seated in whichever chair was opened when they arrived. All take note of Celestia, but none seemed too pleased to see her.

It was a good hour before she was called forward, "Queen Celestia of Equestria," Lord Highkeep said.

Celestia stepped up to the Twelve, she found them a mix of annoyed and curious. "Thank you, your lordships."

"We understand that you seek to leave to pass through our lands," Highkeep said.

"Yes, unless Archangel sees fit see me here," Celestia said, doing her best to smile.

Highkeep leaned back in his chair, "Sadly his grace rare leave the Sanctum those days, and the roads to the Sanctum are perilous for even a highborn with guards, let alone an alicorn mare. Just the thought of you being taken by those outlaws fills my heart with dread." Highkeep placed a hoof over his heart and feigned emotion.

I could use a glamor spell and order my ship to depart, but getting Discord to play along could be tricky. Celestia thought, knowing it could be easier and cheaper than getting leave from those ponies. "I can ensure you that my guards are more than able to deal with some outlaws."

"That maybe, but we can't take the risk you should fall into their hooves. I mean even his grace could only deal with some many, and let not forget that they would seek to get some halfbreeds out of you." Lord Ironcreek added in.

Well, knew they would play that card. I wonder if Archangel is fully aware of the kind of ponies ruling his kingdom? "I'm fully aware of the risk, but I can ensure that I would be in no danger." Celestia smiled, "Oh, and let not forget I would be most grateful to you for allowing me to cross your lands as it is most important that I speak with Archangel."

"That very well and good, but I am afraid we simply can't allow it. Just the tradeless if something should befall would ruin our market, let alone what your sister would do." Lord Highkeep spoke again, as other whispered between themselves.

"Surely there must be a way, perhaps you could grant me an escort."

There was a whisper between the twelve. Highkeep cleared his throat before he spoke. "We could grant you one, however, what do we have to gain from it?"

Knew it would turn to gold. "I'm sure a thankful queen would lead to far trade treaties, perhaps a reward," Celestia said being careful with her words.

The Twelve talk amongst themselves, Celestia knew they would be eager to gain as they could out of this. It seemed to take an hour before they came to agree on the matter; all the while Celestia sat and waited. "This is most agreeable, but you forgive us we will need to draw up the agreement. Not to say we doubt your word, but we have dealt with many honest ponies who forget their promises."

In other words we don't trust you and want a way to shame if you should try and change the agreement. Celestia mused. "That is very fair, as I would not want to forget something agreed upon." It going to take hours to read the fine plaint, as they are fully aware of three unmarried royals and doubtless several of the nobility. That and best to make sure they are not undercutting other trade partners, however, I fear I may have to give in on some matters for now.

"Very good, Lord Ironcreek and Kinhill will have it done by the morrow," Highkeep said.

"Very well, then I will be back in the morning," Celestia said.

Aborad the Solerwind, Discord had set about making singing tea and changing the laws of gravity in the royal cabin. Celestia had thought it would have been worse, but this was tame next to what she had imaged. How does Fluttershy deal with him every week. I feel the need to pull my mane out within an hour of dealing with Discord.

"Ah, your back. Do you have any idea how to deal it is here?" Discord took a sip of his teacup. "I mean it is hard to spread proper chaos when you can bearly leave the ship, and don't get me started on this sinister chaos about."

"Hm, I thought you love all forms of chaos." Celestia pulled a chair back down to the floor of the cabin.

"Oh, just like you like Sombra's ideas for unity?" Discord said.

Celestia was about to argue but just sighed. "Fair point, what is so sinister?"

Discord smiled, "Oh, haven't you seen it. The way ponies live in fear, how they are ruled by corrupt ponies? How about the talk of slavers, bandits and all manner of outlaws."

"I have been dealing with that for the past two weeks. So hard not to take note of." Celestia took hold of a teacup and the teapot pouring herself a cup.

Discord laughed, "Oh, yes. Tell me have they made you sell half of Equestria to just so we can rescue Twilight from a pony, who is what again." He pulled on his beard. "Right, has been letting her send letters, giving her run his library, oh and is trying to free her from dark magic."

"He is manipulating her, trying to convince her that Devights are real," Celestia said.

"Oh yes, just like ponies made of shadows, nightmares, the crystal empire, dark unicorns and countless other things she has dealt with." Discord poured himself another cup of tea. "Surely you of all ponies should have interest if those myths as you call them are real or not." Discord laughed, "Oh, and let not forget you're talking to a being of pure chaos."

Why does he have to make sense at times. Still, he doesn't know what Archangel is like, even if Devights are real, Archangel is more likely to removed Twilight's head then risk her becoming one. The thought of receiving Twilight's bones with a note of remorse of failing to save her from corrupt passed through Celestia's mind. "I'll just feel happier when we have Twilight back, and I'm sure whatever spell he trying to remove. I'm sure Luna and I are more than able to also remove as well." Not like there two of us or anything, and let not forget we know other powerful sorcerers and mages.