The Temple of Vodros. Located in the deep forests near the kingdom of Griffonstone, it was a long forgotten relic of a long forgotten empire. The Icarians, as they were called, were said to be the predecessors of pegasi, maybe even griffins too, and their advanced culture and empire spread over most of Equestria.
Years ago, it would have been foolish to have gone into griffin territory, but with the world now known of the dissolving of the Griffin Empire, the griffins themselves seemed to no longer care. Either way, it didn't stop a certain archaeologist from attempting to find out its secrets.
The architecture of the temple for its time was nothing less than remarkable. Many of the walls depicted pictures of what Icarian culture had been like during that time. Unfortunately, one of those walls ended up getting knocked down as the result of a swift buck into it.
As the dust settled, a young pegasus with a pith helmet stuck her head through the gap and as she expected, there was another chamber. If there was one thing Daring Do learned in her adventures, everything wasn't always what it seemed. She walked slowly down the chamber, always mindful of anything that resembled a trap.
She was doing fine until she stepped on a section of floor that gave way almost immediately. Having wings had saved her a number of times and as she jumped back right away she could hear the slithering and hissing of the occupants of the pit below. “Snakes,” she murmured. “It's always snakes…”
The room was dimly lit but as she continued forward she noticed the hallway in front contained columns of light in a horizontal pattern that alternated between the top and bottom portions of the walls. Daring took a tennis ball out of her bag and tossed it so it would bounce and knock into the columns of light.
The action was instant: arrows shot out at lightning speed and bounced off the opposite wall. The arrows looked sharp and if Daring had to guess, the tips were fused with poison. She had to give the Icarians credit for their creativity: nowhere else would you find a prehistoric version of the dreaded laser grid.
Deciding not to take any chances, she slowly and carefully floated above and below the beams of light. It took longer than expected but at this rate she preferred slow and steady and remaining alive as well. After finally clearing the last obstacle, she had reached her target.
Just across a small walkway was the Icarian Stone, a small ocean blue stone the size of a tennis ball. Now Daring wished she had kept the ball after all. After walking across she now stood in front of it, her adrenaline pumping and sweat slowly crawling down her back.
She took a deep breath and very slowly lifted up the stone. To her surprise, nothing happened and she let out a small sigh of relief.
“Very good Daring Do. Well done indeed.” Her moment of calmness was interrupted as she felt tension in her back again. She turned around slowly, already knowing who to expect. The voice belonged to an earth pony with a small beard and moustache and a monocle on his left eye, accompanied by, she assumed, two of his thugs.
“Hello High Top, and here I thought I gave you the slip in Trottingham,” Daring said with an innocent smile.
High Top chuckled, clearly amused. “My dear, you obviously do not know that I know Trottingham much better than you. But you do have my thanks for getting the stone. Now please, hoof it over.”
Daring was wondering how they got past the traps so easily. Perhaps acquiring the stone shut off the traps? How utterly generous of the Icarians...but she had a plan. “How about we meet halfway? After all, I braved the worst for your sorry flank.”
High Top shrugged. “Very well...but no tricks. You're obviously outnumbered and I don't see any wiggle room to fly out of.”
“Gosh, you know me so well…” She counted her steps and stopped after six. At least the stallion was true to his word. Once they stood in front of her, she couldn't help but grin. “There's just one thing…”
“What's that?” Suddenly the ground around them gave out and the three fell into a pit as Daring flew above them.
“The ground's a little uneven in parts. Sure hope there aren't any snakes down there.” She then pocketed the stone. “By the way High Top, these artifacts aren't yours to sell, they belong in a museum!”
“CURSE YOU DARING DO!” High Top's voice rang out throughout the temple as Daring Do flew out towards the horizon.
Daring Do
and the Lost City of Icarus
Two weeks later…
Daring Do was currently in Manehattan for a book signing event at the Manehattan National Library. Not that she particularly wanted to be there but her publisher practically begged her to come, explaining that it would boost her sales. Of course, she couldn't argue with that she really needed that money in the first place.
Despite her feelings, Daring put on a smile and was patient when any of her readers asked any questions, especially when they were complicated. Signing her name as A.K. Yearling was as natural as it came to her but even now it still felt odd. The pseudonym was for her protection, as many ponies, griffins, you named it wanted her dead. Luckily, none of her fans (okay only a few) have met Daring Do in person and none of her enemies ever met A.K. Yearling (if any had read her books, the best they could conclude was Yearling interviewed Daring Do personally). It wasn't until a young filly came up to her earlier that she started questioning herself.
“Um...how did you come up with Daring Do and what inspired you to write these kind of stories?”
Daring paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. The first was easy: even without them being based on true events she always had a love for adventure. Her father had been an archaeologist like herself, but he never had the adventures she had. But why did she write all these stories? What she saw as real her fans saw as fiction.
“Daring Do relates to me in a way,” she said. “We both love adventure. But what I enjoy most is giving readers an idea of what is out there for them. Life is full of possibilities but you don't need to be an archaeologist to explore them. Just do what Daring does and follow your dreams.”
It must have been good enough for the filly smiled and gave Daring her book, which happened to be Sapphire Stone, her first adventure. Daring smiled a real smile for once and signed the book.
It was only for an hour but it felt like forever. There was one last pony, a unicorn stallion who seemed a bit old for these types of stories but hey, to each their own. “Oh, no this isn't for me, my daughter is sick but she begged me to come see you and get her book signed.”
That made more sense, but something still seemed off about the unicorn. As Daring opened the cover, she noticed the writing on the top right of the first page.
832 Baker St.
Meet me there in half an hour. We have much to discuss Miss Do.
Daringhad a good pokerface so despite the surprise, her face remained neutral as she signed the book. “Tell your daughter I hope she feels better.” The unicorn nodded in thanks before leaving.
After packing up her things, she spent the next twenty minutes at the café next door drinking a cup of tea as she constantly glanced at the clock. This wasn't the first time she was approached by Canterlot officials. There were times when certain artifacts absolutely had to be kept away from certain individuals or groups and by the sound of it the Icarian Stone was one of those artifacts.
Daring then left the café and headed towards Baker Street. Once she found 832, she went up to the door and knocked three times. The door opened and the unicorn from before stood there and nodded, stepping to the side and said, “Please come in.”
Daring went inside and immediately looked around the house. “You don't have a daughter, do you?”
The unicorn chuckled. “Was it that obvious? No, but if I did I'm sure she'd be a fan as well. Anyway, there's someone else here to see you and we have much to talk about.”
He then led her to his study, where a rather large griffin was sitting on a couch reading a book. He looked up and his eyes lit up immediately. “Ah, Daring Do my friend!” He got up quickly and went over, giving the mare a big hug. “It is great to see you!”
Daring smiled. “Good to see you too Pierre.” Daring only had a few friends she could trust, and Pierre happened to be one of them. To be honest, it's hard not to like him since he wasn't the typical griffin.
“Ah, I forgot to introduce you,” Pierre said, looking at the unicorn. “Zis is Lieutenant Commander Manewaring, Army Intelligence.”
“Intelligence?” Daring asked. “It's that important?"
“I wouldn't necessarily be exaggerating if I said it comes from Princess Celestia herself,” Manewaring stated. This just got more interesting.
“Yes, yes,” Pierre said impatiently. “That can wait.” He turned to Daring and smiled widely. “So...did you get it?”
“Of course. But do you mind if I take this off?” Daring asked as she took off her hat, glasses, and coat. She then went through her bag and took out the Icarian Stone.
Pierre almost cackled as he took it from her and gazed at it closely. “Magnifique!** Daring my dear you deliver once again! Any trouble while you were zhere?”
Daring shrugged as she sat on the couch. “The usual, but it took care of itself. You know, if I got caught by any griffins I'd probably be locked up in the Gulag right now.”
Pierre snorted and waved his claw in dismissal. “No such zhing and you would've been lucky to have run into one griffin over zhere.”
“Ahem.”
Pierre looked over and sighed. “My apologies. Please lieutenant.”
Manewaring stood up straight and cleared his throat. “Intelligence has been picking up a lot of activity on the Griffin mainland. Changeling activity.”
Daring couldn't help but see Pierre with the same sour look on his face. “Are they expanding their territory?”
“Changelings can only do so by creating more hives,” Manewaring explained. “But we haven't seen any evidence to prove that. But they're looking for something.”
“I'm guessing this has to do with that stone?” Daring asked.
“What purpose would it have?” Pierre wondered. “Such a zhing wouldn't exist if it didn't have a connection to the Icarians.”
“The Icarians supposedly were an advanced race that exceeded even us,” Daring stated. “So...our bug friends want a way to take over Equestria again huh?”
Manewaring motioned them over to a table where a map of Equestria sat. There were three circles around the area to the north of Griffonstone. “This area has the largest concentration of changelings.
“The Crystal Mountains?” Daring asked. “So they're excavating…”
“And they're damn efficient at it too,” Manewaring said. “Arriving by train is too risky so we managed to get you on a cruise to the Griffin mainland. There's a professor currently in Trottingham who you'll meet up with before travelling overseas.”
“He knows more of ze Icarians zhan anyone else,” Pierre said. “He'll be quite helpful.”
Daring looked back and forth between the two. “So when do I leave?”
“Tomorrow morning,” Manewaring said. “You can sleep here tonight of course. I take it you already have everything you need?”
“Just in case,” Daring grinned.
“I wish you all ze luck zhen,” Pierre said. “Changelings are no joke...us griffins know from experience.”
The next morning Daring woke up early, remembering her seven o'clock departure for Trottingham. She quickly took a shower, ate breakfast and thanked Manewaring for his hospitality. She decided to don her usual outfit, minus the pith helmet, which was currently in her bag. Where she was going, A.K. Yearling wouldn't be needed.
Once she reached the port she didn't have to wait long before the ship began boarding. Once she was seated, she glanced around to see if she was getting any unexpected attention. Surprisingly, no one seemed to be paying her any mind but part of her wondered if any of these ponies were indeed changeling agents.
Maybe, she thought, but she doubted she would get much attention until she met with the professor...what was his name again? Clever Clogs, that what it was. He taught over at Trottingham University as a professor of World History, but somehow Daring doubted he was teaching Icarian culture to his students.
The cruise took only about an hour and soon she found herself in the city of Trottingham again only after two weeks. She hailed a carriage for Mr. Clogs’ address, which Manewaring gave her as well. To her surprise, the address didn't match that of a college professor.
Of all the houses on the street, the professor's was the largest and it stuck out like a sore thumb. That being said, it was still an impressive building and once again Daring wondered how much they were being paid at the university. Once she got up to the door she didn't even have to knock for the door opened on its own.
There in the doorway stood a brown pegasus wearing a green turtleneck with a wide grin. “Miss Daring Do what an honor it is! To see the mare in the flesh, some of my students would e dying right now!”
Daring sighed. “A fan are we, professor?”
“Well, if you want to put it that way,” Clogs said. “I rather enjoy the historical background you put into your books, meaning...you were once a professor yourself am I right?”
Daring was impressed. “A short period of my time but yes. Graduated from Vanhoover University with a major in history.”
“Which makes perfect sense,” Clogs replied. He the turned serious. “You weren't followed correct?”
Daring rolled her eyes. “I'm guessing you were informed then?”
“Of course I was and let me tell you the changeling threat is very real,” Clogs said. “Thankfully I haven't met any strange ponies yet...hence why I wanted to see if my deduction was correct. No hesitation is a good sign that you're the real deal. Anyway, we have much to discuss so let's take this to my study.”
The study was both homey and cluttered with books. The professor already had a number of books opened. “So what exactly can you tell me about the Icarians?”
Clever Clogs chuckled. “It's a long list Miss Do but what I can say is essentially the Icarians were the forerunners of this planet many centuries ago. As far as anyone knows, they could fly...but it's possible they may have had magical abilities as well.”
“Like alicorns?” Daring asked.
“Hmm...hard to say,” the professor replied. “The pictures depicted in these books don't show any horns...but still considering there are now three races it's possible we all were bestowed one part of the Icarian race.”
“Wings, power like the unicorns, and the strength of earth ponies?” Daring pondered.
Clogs smiled. “Makes you wonder doesn't it? But the Crystal Mountains of all places? Who would've thought? There must be some sort of ruins there!”
“That or it could be the changelings fortifying a position between the Crystal Empire and Canterlot,” Daring said with a smile. “But personally I am hoping for the former.” She then went into her bag and brought out the Icarian Stone. “And perhaps you know what this does?”
The professor suddenly looked like a colt getting a brand new console. “So you do have it!” He gently took it and studied it closely for a few minutes. “Yes…” He then pulled over a book. “In this picture, the Icarians are surrounding a small object such as this. No doubt the stone was important to their empire...but for what purpose?”
“Honestly it just looks like a jewel,” Daring said, shrugging.
“Looks can be deceiving.” Clogs then laughed. “This reminds me...every year at the beginning of the semester I remind my students that no story is concrete and then I explain about Hearth's Warming.
“Most of the tale is true, but certain parts are dumbed down since its too intense for foals. The three tribes fought over the land of Equestria but what history tells us is how they actually went to war, which then caused the wendigos to appear.”
“That would make sense…” Daring agreed. “But you have to admit, between the three races, the unicorns were the most powerful.”
“Indeed,” the professor replied. “But once the wendigos came, they had no choice but to work together. And that was how our country was founded. Back to my point though, I do believe the Stone had a major purpose during the age of the Icarians.”
“Now we just need to get to the Crystal Mountains, unseen I might add,” Daring asked. “Know anypony who can help us?”
Clogs smiled. “As a matter of fact I do.”
After the professor had gathered some of his notes and books into a small bag, the two of them headed towards the port but instead of seeing ships, Daring noticed a large airship. Actually large was kind of an understatement: most airships were large to begin with but this particular ship looked like a warship. Regardless of legalities, an airship would prove to be a faster alternative to a standard ship.
The apparent owner was a large earth pony with an equally large mustache, currently inspecting the engine. “Dmitri!” Clogs called out to him.
The pony quickly popped his head out and looked over. “Ah, Clever Clogs my old friend!” Dmitri went over and gave the professor a big hug, laughing all the while. “It's been some time! University treating you well?”
“As always,” Clogs replied. “But we need a favor from you.”
Dmitri's smile then faded and he looked concerned.”Dah...I had a feeling...but I'm afraid this is bad timing...money is tight.”
“We're prepared to settle a price, for fuel costs and such,” Daring said.
Dmitri looked at her closely. “You look familiar…”
“Dmitri, allow me to introduce Daring Do in the flesh,” Clogs said.
“What!? She does exist!?” Dmitri yelled. “This is… wait a minute how do I know this is truly her?” Daring said nothing but put on her pith helmet. “...Okay now I have no doubts! But I see what you're doing here, no wonder they call you 'Clever’, trying to sucker me in by having Miss Do mention me in her next story by portraying me as the much needed pilot to get to your destination.”
“Is that what you're asking…?” Daring asked.
“PLEASE!” Dmitri suddenly went to her and grabbed her hooves. “My daughter loves your books and would be so happy to know I both met you and helped you in your adventure!”
“I'll... consider it…”
Dmitri then reigned himself back and cleared his throat. “Very well, we'll discuss the price once we reach wherever you're going. I just need to refuel real quick.”
“Just one question…” Daring looked at the modifications, which included a flamethrower, harpoon gun, and two gun turrets, one in the front and the other in the back of the ship. “Are these legal?”
Dmitri grinned. “Ah but Miss Do, since when did legalities ever bother you?”
A half hour later they were flying northeast towards the large mountain range ahead. “I'll land near the base of the mountains,” Dmitri said. “It's the closest I can get without risking getting hit with the rough winds.”
“If the changelings truly are there, they'd see us coming in anyway,” Daring said. “It's a long haul but at least we won't be detected.”
“A lost city deep inside the mountains...who knew?” Clever Clogs asked.
“Just be careful,” Daring reminded him. “I can't have you getting lost or falling off a cliff.”
Clogs scoffed. “Miss Do, I may be no archaeologist but I've been on plenty of expeditions.”
“You ever had changelings shooting magic at you?” Daring asked. That managed to bring him down to earth. “Still...it is a nice view...even if it's a little chilly.”
Daring had read books about the Crystal Empire, how the mountains here provided protection from invading armies. Of course, few ponies ever tried to invade and failed miserably, at least to her knowledge. And the fact that the changelings were at their doorstep? It's both a bold and disturbing move for the changelings.
“Ah, nothing beats the cool, crisp mountain breeze,” Dmitri said as he piloted the ship. “I hope you're getting your payment ready professor.”
“Yes, yes I already have it for you you old pirate,” Clogs said impatiently.
“Your words wound me,” Dmitri said, feigning a grimace. He looked at Daring. “Clever and I are old acquaintances as you can tell. I've been taking him all over Equestria for the past few years.”
“All over Equestria?” Daring asked.
“Well, not so much north,” Clever replied. “Not a fan of the cold.”
Dmitri laughed. “Ponies like I thrive in the cold. And believe me, those mountains aren't going to be nice and toasty.”
Soon the ship started making its descent towards the foot of the mountains. There weren't any posts nearby so Dmitri could practically land anywhere. Once they made a soft landing in the grass, Dmitri dropped the loading ramp, despite the fact his fellow riders were pegasi. “It's a habit.”
“Well, the good news is that these mountains contain multiple entry was,” Clever said. “The bad news is that it can be like a maze in there.” He then handed Dmitri a large bag of bits.
“I thank you,” Dmitri said. “Will you be needing me any further?”
“Honestly, if things go well, which they probably won't, maybe,” Daring said. “But most likely not.”
“Then I wish you well on your journey,” Dmitri said. “As my daughter always says, 'Don’t let the bugs win!’”
