Daring Do and the Lost City of Icarus

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!’”