He sat by the fire. His stiff bones creaking as he tried to fight against the light breeze. He thought back to all he had done in his long life, it all seemed so meaningless as he sat by the fire alone. All his friends long gone from the world, and here he sat alone, with naught but himself for company. As he reached forward to stoke the flames, he felt the light push on himself as reality was shoved aside and someone stepped through the newly made tear.
Without looking up he spoke. "Hello, Discord." Hearing the Draconequus stretch himself out.
"Hello, Sean." Discord finally spoke, butchering his name after getting himself into a comfortable position.
"You know that's not how you pronounce my name Dissy," he snarked at the Draconequus.
"Oh, but I know how you ever so much love your nicknames Sean," he coolly replied picking at his talon. Sean leaned back onto his palms, letting out a sigh, he let his arms support himself as he looked up at the sky. He looked over at Discord for the first time since his arrival.
"Tonight’s the night, eh?"
Discord looked up at the stars for a moment, "Seems it is my old friend, you kno-"
"No," he shouted, swiftly cutting him off. "Discord, I loved this world, but I’m old as can be, I welcome death tonight." Letting out another sigh he laid down onto his back, looking up at the stars.
Discord watched his old friend as he watched the stars for the last time. Looking back up to the stars he saw a beautiful comet streak across the sky. A single shuttering breath beside him signaled the end. He could feel the life leave his old friend as he sat there watching the stars, and in the silence of the mountains, the Draconequus let himself cry. Discord wept, remembering how it all began when Sean graced this world with his presence. He let a smile grace his face, as the memories came to him.
~~~
"What do you mean the spell matrix is collapsing?" Minrus Ironheart screamed at the much smaller Taur.
"Just that, my lord, Maester Thunderspeak sent me as soon as he noticed the anomaly. He believes the shields will be down within the hour!" He said,
his voice growing more and more frantic as he spoke.
Ironheart reached down and pulled his great maul from the side of his throne. "Swiftrunner!" he shouted across the throne room. A very lithe Taur came running at his call, falling to one knee and bowing his head as he came close to his lord. "No time for pleasantries boy, muster the troops. Thunderspeak has sent word. The walls will fall within the hour, muster any able bodied Taur and see to it my city does not fall this day," he boomed down at the younger General. Swiftrunner quickly hopped to his hooves and after a quick salute shot off from the room at full charge; a war horn that was at his hip swiftly raising to his lips.
Ironheart hoisted his hammer over his shoulder as he began to plod his way from his throne.
"With me, squire!" He boomed, noticing the squire looking around in a mild panic. Ironheart plodded out of his tiny keep, if one could call it such; it was closer to a normal home just with a large sitting room centered on a throne. In times such as these, space was a luxury few Taurs could afford. As Ironheart marched down the hill his home was situated on, gazing down at the city from the vantage his home offered: cramped would be the word most would use to describe it. Pushed together through the conflict with their foe. Little free space was left in the fortified walls for the growing population. Houses sat nary wall to wall. Their fields nearly nonexistent as they attempted to expand.
However to Ironheart it was home, situated at the bottom of a massive sheer cliff meant they only needed to focus on defending from one side. He looked out further to the eight massive stone pillars that stood as their defense. Deep Speakers atop each weaving their spells, the mass of glowing runes plastering the pillars glowing a sickly green as the shields pulsed out connecting each pillar.
Ironheart marched through the city, droves of Taur falling into step behind him as he marched. As he drew closer to the wall he saw the dreaded beast. Something that had been the bane of the Taur for millennia. The Dragon known as Kuolema. A massive black scaled, crazed thing. The only reason their defenses held was because in time past a great hero had cleaved the beast’s wings from its body, rendering it unable to fly.
Ironheart watched in morbid fascination as the beast threw itself against the wall, again and again. Seeing the walls flicker Ironheart knew he must rally his people and drive the beast off once more. With a grim face, he stepped onto a small podium a squire had set out.
"My fellow Taur!" His voice boomed out, amplified by the glowing rune carved into the nape of his neck. "I rally you all here today to put an end to this disgusting creature that has plagued us for generations! It is time for Kuolema to face his proper judgment in Tartarus!" The gathered Taur let out a massive cheer as their leader spoke, bashing weapons to shield and stomping their hooves, causing the very ground to quiver at their combined bulk.
Ironheart stepped down from his box, and positioned himself at the front of his force. Raising his hammer above his head as silence fell upon his troops. They watched the beast throw itself against the shield and watched it quiver one final time, before shattering into ethereal pieces. Ironheart let his hammer drop and let out a war cry as he charged the dragon, his troops following suit on well trained hooves.
The massacre that followed was the stuff of legends, hundreds of Taur falling in the first wave, crushed under the dragon’s bulk as it hurled itself through the barrier. Skidding to a stop on its side, it slowly rolled over. It looked over at an approaching taur, letting out a huge burst of flames. Many of the taur rose their shields in anticipation, runes on their arms and shields glowing a sickly green that enhanced their natural strength and that of their shields as they braced for the impact.
A few of the slower taur who failed to raise their shields in time were bathed in flames, reduced to nothing more than a charred corpses. The taur that had been successful, met the flames head on, pouring energy into reinforcing runes on their shields. As the flames died down, more fell, as the wounds from the gaps in their shield wall and magical exhaustion set in.
Those who fell were left behind in the ensuing charge. Preferring to trample them, than leave them to be played with by the dragon should they fail in their endeavor. Steel met scale as the mass of taur charged the beast. Cracking the ill maintained armor. Kuolema seemingly amused by his newfound playthings simply swatted a dozen of them aside.
The runes on the armor of the minotaurs flared like lit magnesium, as they were sent flying, now fully drained of their magical reserves. Several taur rushed to fill the void, bashing away at the things natural armaments. All the While Kuolema continued to smash away at them with a sadistic glee. Knowing there was no retreat the Minotaur fought on, wailing away at the creature as it handedly slaughtered them.
As the battle raged on, the young squire Jarapak watched on in terrified fascination. Droves of Taur falling continuously at the talons of Kuolema. Fear sparked within him and he began to chant, pouring his life energy into a teleportation spell, hoping to flee the carnage. However, with so many casting, and so much chaos around himself, he delved into a force his maester had warned him to never tap into: the world’s chaotic essence.
With the planet fueling the spell, he felt the worlds power flood into himself. Overriding any semblance of control he’d once had. The spell spiraled out of control as he simple attempted to stem the massive influx of energy. The Taur all felt the shift, as reality ripped, opening like a maw that snatched their foe from the world. They lost nearly three thousand Taur that day, and almost half the city.
However, the dragon was ripped from where it stood and something was left in its place, a small babe tucked into a wicker basket with a small metal name plate affixed to it. In an elegant script it read, Sean.
~~~
Jarapak took in the young babe he had brought forth, raising him as his own while he continued his training among the other mages. The village had flourished in this time, no longer condemned to their small borders. They had renamed the village to Yraofield after one of the first flowers to bloom on the blighted land as they expanded. After fifteen long years Jarapak was appointed head mage of the city, for both his great deed and the successful training of his son.
Sean had grown strong in this time, no longer a babe, but a young man. He proudly displayed his rune markings and scars he had earned both from the training taken from his father, and the master at arms and other Taur. However, we must remember, humans are all chaotic and curious creatures. Many in the city were still weary of a creature brought forth with the chaotic magic of the world. So as the city grew all knew two names: Jarapak the Dragon Slayer, and Sean the Human.
~~~
Sean sat atop one of the tallest buildings in Yraofield, watching the airship approach. It was a monstrous thing, slow and lumbering through the sky. Its three large balloons pushing aside the cloud cover as it approached. Its approach was slow, but Sean knew when it would arrive. The same ship came every five years to bring a Taur delegation to the Equestrians to mull over peace treaties and trade agreements. A rather dull affair if you were to ask anyone other than Sean, who in all his years was never allowed to leave the walls of the city.
He felt caged, locked away from the world he oh-so wanted to explore. He had pleaded and begged his father to take him five years ago when the delegation last went, but was denied. Sean stood and all but leapt from the spire he sat atop, deftly swinging from handhold to handhold, as he descended. He soon threw himself into an open window, landing in a brightly lit if dusty and disorderly study. As his feet hit the floor with an audible thump, a sharp “no.” Exited the mouth of the Taur situated at the writing desk on the far side of the room.
“But why not father!?” Sean all but whined at the gruff looking Taur shrouded in a royal blue robe.
“Because you are still too young boy. You do not listen, how many times have we told you not to climb the blasted building!” His father deadpanned.
“A few times,” Sean replied meekly looking away.
“Sean we've had at least three Taur fall off just this week alone!” His father all but screamed at him.
“It’s not my fault their hooves can’t grip worth a damn!” Sean rebuked.
“You see, Sean, this is why we will not bring you, you let your temper cloud your judgment. Yes, I will admit, they may be at fault more so than yourself. But, it was still your actions that inevitably lead to their injuries. Sean, I will take you when you are ready, fret not youngling.”
“Father, I'm fifteen, near a man. I hate that you still call me youngling.” He said, glaring at his father.
Attempting to suppress his laugh so he could speak, Jarapak began. “And I am at least thirty years your senior Sean, and you are my son. You will always be my youngling.” he finished. A loving smile on his face.
Sean crossed his arms, and turned his body away from his father, before turning his head and sticking out his tongue. “I still wish to go! I hate being cooped up in the city, I want to see something different.” Sean whined as he plopped himself down into a sack chair near the open window.
“I know Sean,” he said sighing. “I'll see what I can do about maybe getting you into one of the hunting parties before I leave; I can't very well train you while I'm in Canterlot anyhow.”
A grin overtook Sean’s face, “Really father!?” he cried out enthusiastically. “You've always said I couldn't go out with them before!”
“Well,” his father began, pausing slightly grinning at his son’s antics before continuing. “I need to give you something to do, else you’ll sneak onto the blasted ship.” Jarapak looked curiously at his son, as a nasty grin overcame the boy’s face. “Don't you dare youngling, if I catch you on that ship I will strip your hide!” Jarapak ordered in a raised voice, rising to his hooves bumping the desk in his rush and spilling his ink well.
“See you tonight, father!” Sean hollered as he deftly fled from his well-positioned seating and out the window from whence he came.
Jarapak sat backwards into his chair, running a large hand down his face while letting out a sigh. “What am I to do with that boy?” He groaned, looking down towards his paperwork he finally spotted the spilled inkwell that had ruined much of the work he had spent his morning on. “Bother.”
Sean shimmied down the building with a practiced ease. Swinging from handhold to foothold, until he landed heavily on the road, startling a few Taur going about their business. He flashed them an apologetic smile before taking off down the road at a sprint; the runes on his legs flashing with each impact.
As he drew near his destination he slowed. Before him sat a small yurt on the outskirts of town, the hides with which it was made frayed with age and disrepair. Poking his head into the yurt he was assaulted with the scent of stale mead and unwashed bodies.
“Seestin!” He called into the tent. He was replied to with a groan. He watched as a large pile of skins began to move.
“Who ith it?” A giant baritone voice strained out, as a huge Taur climbed out.
“Wanna spar?” The boy asked as his friend turned to face him.
“Gimmie a minute.” Seestin boomed. Grabbing a knocked-over pitcher and downing what little remained as he stood, clad in nothing but an under cloth. Sean retreated from the yurt. Aiming to give his friend some time to rise and clothe himself. Seestin exited a few moments later, clad in heavily studded leather armor and a massive broadsword on his back.
Sean flashed him a grin, “Another long night?”
“You know how those lasses can be, don’t give me a damn moment to collect myself when I’ve the drink in me.”
With a wicked grin on himself Sean said, “well, if you picked one of them the rest would back off. Unless you want to make like an Equestrian and make a herd?” Seestin gave Sean a playful slap to the back of the head, before walking off towards the field behind his home they often used to train.
As they stood face-to-face, they shared a knowing grin, both lowering their stances as they reached towards their respective weapons. Sean felt his hand wrap around the worn leather grip of his sword. He had spent years perfecting it, and it was a simple-looking thing truth be told. Nearly five and a half feet in length and nearly half a foot wide. Forged with some of the best steel he could find. A large fuller running down the length, filled with runes.
His smile grew as he pulled it from its scabbard, relishing the feeling of the blade grinding into the sheath.
They faced off against each other, their faces going blank as they began to circle, each waiting for the other to lunge first. They slowed, Sean flexing his muscles causing the runes on his arms to flare. Seestin hopped backwards, Sean's feint working almost too well. He lept forward bringing his sword up from the downward angle he had held. Seestin lowering his arms and catching Sean’s blade with his cross-guard, before snapping his blade upwards and kicking sean in the chest.
Sean reeled at the blow, skidding backwards into the ground, the breath knocked from him. Seestin pounced then. Bringing his blade down in a long over hand arc. Sean ripped his right hand upwards, aiming to use the flat of his blade to shield himself. Temporarily dragging the tip of the blade along the ground, Sean felt the blade slam into his a second later. Knocking the blade from his hand and into his chest. Taking the wind from him once again. Looking up he saw Seestin looking down at him, a grin on his face as he held his sword point to his throat. He let out a groan as he was hauled to his feet by the outstretched hand.
They continued like that for hours, only stopping as the sun set. They both lay on the ground thoroughly exhausted. “I’m going to miss this Seestin,” Sean called over from his seated position.
“Your dad decided to let you go?” Seestin replied, shock evident in his voice.
“Oh gods forbid it no, but I’m getting on the ship one way or another.” Sean stated, an indisputable tone to his voice.
“You know he'll have your hide for that. That old man can take a lot, but I think this might be the time he snaps, Sean.”
“I know, but I’m sick of being caged here. I feel like a bird who can't spread their wings. It's,” with a slight pause he continued. “It's terrifying Seestin, the idea of all the things I’m missing on out there. I wanna roam like the Roving. And if it means I must be branded an exile to escape, don’t think I won’t do it.”
Letting out a large sigh, the Taur turned to his friend, “Sean, I've been your friend for the past nine years, I know damn well you will and that’s what’s so crazy about you. I've seen you take down Taur twice my size because they got in the way of something, or someone you wanted,” he paused and a grin overcame his face. “Like that griffin gal you were sweet on last year, remember her?”
The sound of flesh connecting could be heard as Sean snarked, “You leave her outta this. She was a fine one though.”
“That she was, took down ol' Dunner when he wouldn’t leave 'er alone.”
“Aye, the look on his face when she threw em clean across the bar after he got a little too frisky was something to remember.”
“That it was.” Seestin strained as he pushed himself to his hooves. “I best be heading in Sean, I’ll see you when I see you, I guess.”
“Later, Sees,” he called from his prone position, he stayed there for a few more moments watching the sunset before he shot up to his feet and began the trek back to his home.
~~~
The sun had long since set as Sean approached the mage tower. He glanced at the front door before grinning to himself. Leaping up he grabbed the post above the door on which a sign once hung from and pulled himself up. Continuing his climb to the top, grabbing jutting stones with a practiced ease. He soon crawled into the window of his small room, placing his sword on a small hook beside his cot.
“Get down here Sean, foods getting cold!” A voice boomed from the kitchen.
“Coming father!” He shouted back, as he threw on a thin dirty white tunic. “Damn bastard needs to stop tagging my window.” He muttered under his breath.
“I’m not dead yet boy, you can speak your mind then!” Was suddenly shouted across the home. Not bothering to hide the groan. He rolled his neck and eyes as he descended the small rise his room was situated on, walking into the kitchen where his father sat eating the stew he had prepared. Helping himself to a bowl, from the hanging pot he plopped down in the chair across from his father.
Jarapak pointed his spoon at his son as he swallowed. “I spoke with Krutus today. He says ‘long as you behave yourself, you've a spot on the party tomorrow morn.’” Sean looked up at him in surprise.
“Doesn’t the ship leave tomorrow too?” He asked hesitantly
“That it does, can’t have you sneaking on board now can I?” His father quipped, shooting him a mirthful grin.
Sean let a frown over come his face as he idly stirred his soup. Looking down at his son he let out a sigh, “it’s not that I don't trust ya sean. I just know how damn impulsive ya can be sometimes. I mean, remember when you tried to get us more honey because we were short while making mead? Ya were red fer weeks after!” His father letting out a hearty chuckle
“Ya, I remember. Didn't know wasps weren't the ones that made honey,” he chuckled shaking his head at the memory.
“That all I’m saying here sean.” His voice softening, “I don't want ya making any choices you’ll truly regret. Things get a bit heated during the debates. Things can be said in anger, and it wouldn't be just you taking the blows. It could affect everyone in Minos.” He finished smiling softly at his son.
“I know father. I just want to see something aside from the city walls. It's just frustrating.” He replied, his face downcast, and the somber atmosphere returning.
The meal was finished in relative silence after that. The dishes were washed and stowed away and the leftovers were covered. Sean retired to his room soon after. Grabbing a sturdy leather rucksack from beneath his cot.
He first packed a few sets of clothing, gently folding them to conserve space. He followed it with his apprentice robes incase he was found out. It was a teal green in color covered in hundreds of dark green symbols, with a massive hood. Traditionally worn over a young apprentices horns.
Lacking horns Sean had difficulty with the huge hood normally. However he refused to have it shortened. Citing it would come in handy eventually. He next packed a large water skin. Filled of course, followed by rations and a tooth brush. Lastly he packed a large leather bound tome, filled with maps, and other useful traveling resources should the worse come.
He finished by strapping his sword to the side of the pack. Eyeing the release tabs on the sheath, double checking that they could still be released for a quick draw. Sean let out a content sigh, before setting out his clothing for the following day. Stripping down to his under cloth, he crawled into bed, forgoing a blanket.
He let the cool night air wash over him as he lay there. Having planned out his route of boarding three years prior, he had little concern for the following day. However he still found himself unable to sleep.
He mulled over his plan once more. It was rather simple in essence. Harder however in execution. He would climb the clock tower near the air docks early tomorrow. He’d use the grounding cables until he was nearly beside the ship.
Then leaping across, he would land safely on the bags, and would wait out there. Simple no? Using a speed rune as well as a levitation rune, it should be easy enough, Right? Right!? Sean grumbled to himself as he rolled over. No point in backing down now. He had spent far too long enchanting those discs at this point.
He rolled over once again. Looking at the two lightly glowing hair thick disks of raw iron. Smiling at last, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him.
~~~
Sean rose before the sun the following day, sneaking from his room and into the kitchen. He softly opened a cabnet before pulling out a thin steel bowl, before sneaking over to the cooking pot dangling about the merrily popping ember of what remained of yesterday's fire. Pushing aside some of the congealed top layer with the rim of the bowl, he took a healthy amount into it before resealing the pot. Pressing down solidly on the wooden lid. Cursing the lids seal for the umpteenth time.
Sean lightly poured some energy into the markings on the bowl, smiling to himself as the contents began to writhe and boil. He happily sipped the broth of his stew, humming lightly. Smiling further as a warm feeling settled into his stomach.
Having finished his breakfast Sean returned to his room. Donning today's dress.
Changing his undercloth first he then donned a set of sturdy pants, slipping on his knife belt into the accompanying loops. While slipping a long curved dagger onto the belt. Following he donned a light white tunic. Before reaching under his bed and pulling out an inconspicuous, if a bit tall, pair of boots.
Tying them tight, he clicked the heels. Watching the two small curved claw like appendages shoot out from the front. He smiled down at the modified climbing spurs. Having finished with his foot wear Sean then began to buckle on a thick leather coat with gloves permanently affixed to the sleeves. Small steel spurs were sewn into the fingertips for added grip. Donning his rucksack, Sean finished by tucking the two very important disks into his pocket.
Sean paused, and just stood there for some time. Looking over his room, quite possibly for the last time. It was plain and simple, no posters adorning the walls, or any pleasantries.
There were however racks of various smithing and leather working tools adorning the walls. No space was wasted, making the most of the small amount of storage space.
Turning he walked towards the window, giving the room one last look. Before slipping away, into the early dawn.
Author's Note
This story wouldn't have been possible without the help of Soren Mercer, Kilobytes and Azriel. Thanks for all the help!
Sean stared up at the massive building that loomed before him, his eyes peeled for any signs of loose brickwork and crumbling mortars he traced his path out. The clocktower was easily one of the tallest buildings in the village, towering well above the docked airships and offering a perfect launch point to reach the airships
He took in a large gulp of air to steady himself before clicking his heels, snapping out his boots modified climbing spurs. Planting the spurs firmly into the mortar, Sean began his assent. He scrambled up the side of the building, only stopping to give himself a break once he was halfway up the tower.
The sun, having peaked over the horizon, gave him just the right amount of light to plan his route. Sean glanced upwards, spotting a brick that protruded slightly from the wall. Reaching out, he used the spurs fitted to his fingers to grasp the brick and pull himself up. As he pulled himself up though, the brick shifted in the wall before pulling free.
Panicking as the brick came free, Sean grasped wildly at the wall as his feet scrambled for purchase. His spurs finally found purchase in the stone work and he breathed a sigh of relief, his position on the wall stable once again. He flinched, glancing downwards as he heard the chunks of brick smashing on the ground below.
Momentarily overtaken by vertigo, Sean quickly returned his view skywards towards his destination. After a calming breath he resumed his climb. Deciding to pick which outcroppings he’d go for with more caution. Sean soon had his destination within sight. The large platform that traced the underside of each of the clock faces.
Sean groaned as he hauled himself upwards and over the lip, before kneeling down on the platform. Safe for now, he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, before he flopped down letting the stress slowly leave his system. He laid there for some time, sweat dripping off him from the climb and the heavy clothing. Turning his head he watched as the sun slowly rose, and grinned to himself. He was oh so close.
Leaping to his feet he slowly rounded the tower. Keeping as close as possible to the clock face and away from the ledge. He knew the drop would kill him if he fell, he had no illusions about his mortality. He inched along slowly coming face to face with his target. Moored not a hundred feet away was the Oath of Harmony.
He grinned to himself. Haphazardly pulling out one of the iron disks from his pocket, as he walked towards the grounding lines for the tower. He carefully lined himself up, judging the distance as best he could by eye, his arm extended measuring with his thumb.
His grin widening he snapped the thin iron disc with his thumb, activating the enchantment. His eyes widened in horror a second later, as he slowly began to float. Rolling forward in the air Sean desperately grabbed at the ledge he had stood upon as his free hand fumbled into his pocket for the second disc. Chanting under his breath all the while.
The runes on his legs slowly glowed brighter as he neared the end of his chant. Sean felt the disc in his pocket snap as he finished his chant, time seeming to slow to a crawl around him as his senses enhanced. He felt his muscles twitch under the enormous tension.
Sean released that pressure all at once, one goal fixed in his mind. ‘Get to the balloon.’ He felt the stone work he was launching himself from crack at the pressure he exerted upon it as he lept towards his goal. Ever so slowly time dragged to a crawl as Sean began to soar drawing ever nearer to the airship.
Sean began to feel the effects of his levitation enchantment fade as he drew closer, acting accordingly he tucked himself into a roll, hoping to gain a few more inches. At the last second he snapped out of the roll diving at the netting that that held the airship’s balloon closest to him in place.
He felt the tip of his glove brush the rope as the enchantment finally wore off. His entire body went rigid as panic set in as he began to fall. ‘Is this how it ends?’ he thought to himself momentarily. A scowl overcame his face, ‘no!’ he screamed internally ‘this isn't where I'll die’ his scowl becoming twisted with rage.
‘Get over here rope!’ He mentally commanded, his entire body glowed a deep green for a split second as wisps of energy flowed off him as he reached out magically for the rope. He felt the snap as the rope obeyed and connected with his hand, causing a momentary throb of pain. Closing his fingers around the rope he let his body relax if only for a second, before he slammed into the side of the balloon.
Sean let out an audible groan into the balloon as he dangled limply, only the strength of his arm keeping him from death. He slowly reached up with his left hand, grabbing another fist full of life giving rope.
He slowly pulled himself upwards, the exhaustion of the ordeal quickly evaporated any remaining traces of adrenaline. “Never again,” he muttered over and over, as he gradually pulled himself towards the topside of the balloon. He reached his destination after what felt like an eternity. His lungs and muscles screaming in protest, a light trickle of blood dribbled down his upper lip.
After reaching a safe distance from the edge, he not so gently flopped face first onto the balloon. He grumbled, reaching over his shoulder and into his rucksack he pulled out his water skin. Taking a hearty drink he capped it before stowing it. Sitting up he quickly double checked his gear, looking for any tears or bent buckles.
Finding nothing wrong, he returned to his seated position relaxing slightly. Sean looked out over Yraofield from his new vantage point. He picked out the mage tower first, followed by the Head Chieftains home. Situated on the old hill, one of the few things left untouched after the war. He then traced out the different crops in the fields, situated just outside the city walls, their summer crops nearly ready for harvest.
He leaned backwards resting on his elbows, a large smile overcoming his face as he looked out over the place he called home. He might think the place a living tartarus at times, but Tartarus be damned it would always be home. The ship's engines slowly rumbled to life. The tall tale growl signifying their departure as the behemoth began to move. Laying back with a grin on his face, Sean just took in the sight of the sky, screaming internally, excited that he would finally see something different.
~~~
It was on the third day that Sean realized his first major mistake. He sat in sullen silence as the storm beat down around him, as he curled around his rucksack trying to keep warm. He was miserable to say the least. It had been raining since he woke, who knows how long ago. There didn't seem to be a reprieve in sight however.
As far as the eye could see were gloomy clouds. Sighing Sean resumed his shivering. With nothing else to occupy his addled mind and to try and improve his miserable mood, he began thinking of all the fun things he might discover in the new city. He had heard through the grapevine about just a handful of the magnificent sights in Canterlot.
From the royal gardens, to the hedge maze, and the cities majestic golden spires. Even the Everfree, a cursed forest at the base of the mountain seemed to gain some notoriety as word spread about it after the Nightmare Moon incident. Sean had also heard tales about the city’s library and its, “unrivaled collection.”
Maybe the wonderbolts would even be performing while he was there. No sense wasting his time with books if the wonderbolts were in town. Sean couldn't keep the giddy grin off his face as he giggled to himself. His excitement would have been evident if anyone had been watching.
As he calmed himself down from his excited jittery laughter. Sean looked upwards allowing the rain to trickle down his face. It was at this moment, distracted by the rain and sky, that Sean learned his second and most important lesson in air travel. Turbulence. A massive gust blew in and rocked the ship. Sending Sean tumbling towards the gap in between the primary and secondary balloon.
Sean let out a yelp as he rolled, panic taking hold of him as he clutched his rucksack tight. He quickly slipped through the gap with all the grace of an ostrich. He drew his eyes tight as he was thrown from side to side, before being thrown free from his puffy prison. Sean's eyes shot open as he felt gravity’s tyrannical grip tighten around him while leaving his stomach behind, his eyes widened further as he shot a glance at the rapidly approaching deck.
Sean’s body quickly covered itself in ethereal armour as he hit the deck back first. Punching through the deck he plummeted into a cabin’s awaiting bed before bouncing a few times. He let out a long groan as he lay there. Pain occasionally pulsed through him as a reminder that he hadn’t bit the big one.
“Bout time ya came down boy,” a familiar voice snarked at him from a writing desk near the end of the bed. He laid there for a moment attempting to place the voice, before his eye’s shot open as he finally placed it in his pain addled mind.
Sean let out an uneasy chuckle. “Uh, hello father. Fancy seeing you here,” he said as he sat up on the bed.
The large taur turned in his chair before flourishing his hand, causing the bits and pieces of the ceiling and decking to fly back into the proper homes. Jarapak visibly deflated as soon as the final piece of the ceiling was back into place obviously exhausted by the act. All along the room runes lit up as the ceiling was put back together piece by piece.
“Son, I think it's time we talk.”
“I’m so sorry father, but I needed to get away. I can barely stand it anymore, it-”
Jarapak cut him off by raising a hand. “Sean I’m not mad at you, honestly I fully expected you’d find your way onto the ship one way or another.” He paused giving a grin at his son’s confused expression. “We need to talk about something else, something that should never have been kept from you in the first place.” Jarapak couldn't suppress his smile as his son looked at him like a confused pup.
“Sean you know that fifteen years ago I was the one to finally banish Kuolema after his four-hundred year reign of terror yes?” Sean nodded in the affirmative. As he hoped to finally hear the courageous tale of his father slaying the beast.
Jarapak heaved a great sigh as he studied his son's face before continuing. “Sean, when I sent Kuolema away… I was scared and desperate. I was not yet fully trained, and as such I'm not entirely sure where the beast ended up. However when I did accidently send the beast away something, or rather someone traded places with it.” He said emphasizing on his small part in the battle.
Realization dawned on Sean's face at this. His father wasn't some great hero; he was simply a scared young bull attempting to flee the carnage. “So what was it that came through father?” Sean asked his face a twisted grimace as he tried to process the new information.
“Sean what came through wasn't something, but someone. It was a wee babe no more than a few months old if I had to guess.”
Sean's jaw dropped at that as his confusion skyrocketed. It hit him suddenly, and hard at that. He was the child.
Jarapak grinned as he watched his son mentally assemble the puzzle, as his expression slowly gave away that he’d finally put the last piece into place.
“Yes, that babe was you Sean. And no, you aren't a taur at all like you were led to believe.”
Sean stared up at his father as his world came crashing down around him. “I-if I'm not a taur, t-then what am I?” he asked almost timidly, dreading the answer.
“You’re what's known as a human. To most nowadays they exist only in myths and legends. The taur, and a few of the older races know differently, however. The humans were once a prosperous race, trading goods with all. It’s even said deep within their legends that they were the one’s to have forged the very flesh we inhabit giving us life, and sentience long ago.”
“S-so I'm the last?” Sean asked almost in tears. Jarapak lept from his chair pulling his son into a tight hug.
“Sean we don’t know for sure what caused the humans to ‘go the way of the jackalope’ as it were. However, I had to have brought you forth from somewhere.”
Sean looked up at his father as tears ran down his cheeks. “S-so there's a chance?” he sobbed desperately clawing at any hope.
“Yes, Sean there is a possibility that there are still other humans about. However, I must finish my tale to give you some perceptive as to why this was kept from you.”
Sean not so delicately wiped the trail of snot attempting to escape from his nasal cavity before steeling himself. Content Jarapak leaned back once again into his chair.
Jarapak soon resumed his tale once they were both positioned comfortably again. “Sean, over four-hundred years ago a human runner came to the city gate bearing a warning. A crazed dragon was headed towards our city. One thought slain and left for dead thousands of years before. It seeked vengeance for some foul deed done to it that none could even remember. That beast was-”
“Kuolema,” Sean interjected warped in the tale his father was spinning for him.
His father let a cheshire grin spread across his face as he found his son slowly piecing together the information. “Yes, she came forth to warn us of the beasts approach. She had run for days until her message was delivered, and died shortly thereafter near the throne of our High Chieftain.”
“Sean, you must understand that many taur were scared when you arrived. There is a deep seated fear in many that the arrival of a human brings chaos and destruction. Far too many resent your very existence for that reason. They believe you will bring about the fall of Minos,” his father finished with a flourish.
“But, that's complete foolishness!” Sean all but roared, outraged that he had been shunned by others for his race that he hadn’t even known he’d belonged to until five minutes ago.
“Sean, you must remember what I’ve told you,” Jarapak interjected before his son could go on an angry rant.
Sean let out a deep sigh following a breathing exercise he had been taught long ago. “At the heart of every legend there is a grain of truth; be it the mundane or the extraordinary.” He rehearsed in a monotone voice. “I realize that father, but this is just, it’s just!”
“Silly, yes I know youngling, but you know our culture better than most taur even. We are not ones for change. When an idea takes root it spreads like a cancer. I do, however, have one piece of information you might like.”
Sean perked up at this, his mood rapidly switching from the near rage to curiosity in record time.
“I was able to get ahold of some of the old trade agreements, as difficult as that was.”
Sean paused at that, his expression shifting to confusion, he racked his mind attempting to recall what he knew of official trade agreements. They would obviously have a manifesto of sorts, detailing cargo, and where…. He paused as the thought struck him, they would have where they were bound as well as what port they would be coming from!
Sean's eyes lit up. “So you know where their city use to be?!”
Jarapak’s grin grew as he watched his son pop off the bed in excitement. “I don't know exactly where, but I was able to figure out the general location. The city's borders should be somewhere over the Yana mountains.”
Sean's face fell at that. “But that's Yak territory,” he mumbled.
Jarapak leaned back into his chair scratching his chin. “So long as you keep clear of the valley I doubt they'd give you any trouble, just stay out o’sight.”
Sean let a grin over come his face. “Staying out of sight I can do”
“Just like how ya stayed hidden the whole trip boy?” Jarapak let out a booming laugh at the sight of his sons displeased expression.
“It's not my fault none of the books I read mentioned that the ship sways like nothing else, damn thing bucked me off.”
“Yes, yes, blame it all on the books Sean,” Jarapak chuckled.
Sean shot him a glare, before laughing along side him. Sean spoke once their laughter had died down. “So if you knew I was coming does that mean I have my own room?”
Jarapak stood rolling his eyes. “Yup, I've got a room for ya.”
Sean followed his father as he stepped out of the cabin, honestly expecting to be placed next door. He was pleasantly surprised when they headed further into the bowels of the ship. As they descended he felt the temperature steadily rise around him. As they reached the last deck the heat from the boilers became sweltering.
Jarapak lead Sean to a soot laden door before knocking. The door was opened by a very gruff and dirty gray earth pony stallion covered in overalls and grease. “Dis ‘ere the one you were tellin’ of?” he asked, giving Sean a quick look over.
“That it is, Steam Burn, took him long enough to come down from the balloon but he’s your problem now.” Jarapak spoke before turning to walk away.
Sean looked back at his father in disbelief.
“Close that mouth boy, we’ve work to do,” Steam Burn casually tossed out before turning and walking back into the boiler room.
Sean slowly shook off the shock as he entered the room, removing his rapidly drying jacket and rucksack before tossing them both in a corner. ‘I'll need to oil that blade later,’ he mentally noted as he looked around.
“Now dis ‘ere is the most important thing I’ll be showin ya,” Steam said, drawing Sean’s attention. Looking over Sean saw the pony pointing at a bright red valve, he tilted his head in confusion. “Dis ere be the safety valve fer the whole ship. You ever hear an alarm blarin’ down ‘ere you best turn it.” Sean nodded furiously in acknowledgement.
Sean spent the rest of the morning being shown the ropes of running the boiler. He was shown all the pressures gauges he was responsible for monitoring, and all the corresponding valves. He was also shown where the coal was kept even deeper in the ship. As it would be his responsibility to stock both the coal box and the furnace.
The work was sweltering, and Sean finished each day of work drenched, and exhausted. It was thankless work, but oddly satisfying. It was around midday on the third week of their departure when the tedium of the routine Sean had fallen into was broken.
Sean watched one of the pressure read outs as it slowly dropped. “Burn, sir!” Sean shouted out over the racket of the room.
“What is it boy!” Steam shouted.
“I think we have a problem.”
Steam Burn sighed as he trotted over, before he stared at the read out till his eyes went wide as saucers. It wasn’t long before Steam seemed possessed by panic as he ran for the horn shaped pipe that was used to communicate across the ship.
“What’s going on up there, what idiot put the engines at full speed!” he shouted into the poor pipe just as a blaring alarm began to ring out. “Boy get to stoke’n that furnace!” Steam Burn screamed out to Sean.
Sean, sensing the urgency in his voice quickly obeyed as Steam Burn scrambled to turn seemingly random nobs. The alarm’s steady scream droned on as the room’s temperature soared. Sean desperately threw shovels full of coal into the furnace to help fuel the rapidly expanding inferno.
“I thought I was suppose to hit the release valve if the alarm went off,” Sean asked as Steam burn drew near.
“I would have told ya to as well if ya hadn't noticed that pressure read out. Which woulda been the end o’us too. I'm not an assumin’ pony but Imma make an educated guess and say there's a ship that's been followin’ us a might too long.”
“Pirates?” Sean threw out as he continued to feed the furnace.
“Maybe. You go down and get another crate o’coal for now, I'll keep ‘er fed.” Steam said as he took the shovel from Sean.
“Aye, sir!” Sean called out giving a mock salute, before scampering off. Steam scoffed before turning back to the furnace.
“Damn foals,” he muttered shaking his head.
Sean ran deeper into the ship, deftly avoiding the flood of ponies scrambling to their positions all over the ship. Sean slipped past the crowded and into the cargo hold, he came to a stop in front of his quarry. The pile of crates all adorning an image of the substance within.
Grabbing a crate, he paused as he heard a light whimper from within the pile of boxes. Setting down his crate, Sean shifted a few of the boxes around before stacking them to the side. He quickly revealed a small cubby hole two boxes in width and one box high. What laid within shocked him. There laying on the floor, was a griffin bound and gagged.
Sean just gaped momentarily at the sight. Shaking his head clear his drew his dagger rushing to cut the griffins bindings. The griffin let out a muffled squawk as she felt her bindings cut, before bringing her claw up to rip the blindfold away from her face.
“Are you ok?” Sean asked tentatively as he backed away, watching the griffin as she looked around.
“W-where am I,” she asked timidly
“You’re on a ship headed towards Equestria from the Minotaur lands, are you ok?” He asked, concern evident in his voice.
“As ok as I can be after coming to all tied up,” she snapped at him.
Finally able to get a good look at the griffin Sean was quick to scan over her for injuries. She had the rear half of a panther, and white feathers tipped in a deep black. A black beak, with a few white speckles, and her eyes a beautiful light blue.
Realization quickly dawned on Sean as he discovered he recognized her. “Rhea!” Sean almost squeaked out as he moved closer.
The griffin in question looked up at him, taking him in for the first time since having her blindfold removed. “Sean!” she cried out as she lunged towards him, pulling him into a hug.
Sean squeezed her gently before letting her go with a light blush coloring his cheeks. The alarm blared again and Sean clamored back to his feet.
“I need to get one of these crates back to the boiler, come with me and we can sort out what happened once they figure out what's going on top side.”
The griffon gave him a rueful grin. “Not just trying to get me into your room again are you?”
Sean felt his face grow hot as he blushed. “N-no, I just n-need to get the coal to the furnace, there's a ship chasing us,” he stammered out as Rhea let out a chuckle.
“Never change, Sean,” she muttered shaking her head.
The pair made their way back to the boiler room, each carrying a crate of coal. As they pushed open the door Steam burn raised an eyebrow.
“And who’s this now?” he questioned skeptically. Rhea gave a quick bow before introducing herself.
“I’m Rhea, Sean here found me. Some ass drugged and chicknapped me, I was buried under some of the coal crates.”
“Not quite sure what a donkey would want with a griffon, but you’re free to stay here for now, as long as you stay outta the way,” Steam replied returning to fiddling with a strange looking knob.
Rhea slapped a claw to her face at the mention of donkey, “damn cultural differences,” she muttered under her breath as she moved to help Sean unload the coal crates near the furnace.
Sean swiftly pried open one of the new crates before plunging a shovel into it, before throwing the scoop of coal into the furnace.
Rhea perched herself on the unopened crate. “Last I heard you weren't allowed outside of town, what changed?” she asked as she got herself comfortable.
“I kinda snuck out,” he replied as he continued to shovel coal in the furnace.
“Ohhh, bad Sean!” she cooed, giggling lightly. “Won't daddy be displeased once he finds out?” she cooed sarcastically.
“He's actually on the ship, and not as angry as I thought he would be. Still stuffed me back here, but it's not too bad.” He said as he planted the shovel into the crate, before turning to the gauges and checking the pressures.
“Oh real-” Rhea was cut off as a earth shattering boom rocked the ship causing her to let out a surprised squeak before nearly falling from her newfound perch.
“What in Tartarus was that!” Sean screamed, turning to Steam.
Raising a hoof he replied, “That was a confirmation of your earlier assumption, and the starboard cannons, hitting another ship.” Steam answers, pausing slightly halfway into the sentence for dramatic effect.
“Earlier assumption?” Rhea asked turning to look at Steam
“Pirates.” He stated simply.
Rheas eyes bugged out as she mustered a weak, “Oh.”
“No need to fret little chick, were plenty safe down here. Why they thought it was a good idea to attack a ship this size, and with the minotaur delegation onboard, is beyond me but it's their loss.” Steam called out, simply shrugging off their concern.
“Sean, you’re insane,” she called out turning to look at him. He simply gave a shrug not turning to look as he tossed more coal into the furnace.
“Go big or go home.” Sean called out as he worked.
“Boys,” Rhea muttered as she shook her head.
The ship rocked as a decidedly closer boom rang out.
“Engineering is gonna be pissed!” Steam cackled out as he continued his work.
Sean and Rhea gave him a questioning look as they heard another boom, before a chorus of cheers rang out over the ship.
“Sounds like we got hit,” the old stallion cackled to the two, answering their unsaid question.
“How is that somthing to laugh about!” Sean and Rhea both cried panic evident in their voices.
Steam Burn gave the wall a gentle tap. “I’ve been working on this ship since the day it launched seventy-five years ago, I’ve been through more attempted raids on this beauty then I care to admit. Just let the colts upstairs deal with the problem, and we’ll make sure we can keep moving.”
With that bit of input they resumed their work in silence, stocking the furnace and monitoring pressures and turning seemingly random valves.
“You can lay off now Steam, we managed to put em down,” a voice echoed from the communication pipe.
“Next time you better damn well give us some sort o’warning Gambit, I almost cut power to the engines!” Steam burn screamed into the pipe.
“We really need to upgrade our warning system down there,” echoed back softly.
Steam let out an aggravated snarl before returning to his work cracking open valves to the hiss of escaping steam.
As they finished leveling out the system Sean's stomach let out a growl. He grinned sheepishly as the others in the room all turned to stare at him.
“Go and put some food in ya boy, the ship won't burn down while you're away, and when you’re done with that take the lass up to see the cap’n.”
“Will do boss!” he said happily once again giving a mock salute.
Rhea hopped off the box she was on and followed Sean out as they headed towards the cafeteria.
“So is it always this exciting here?” Rhea asked as they walked.
“No, its normally really bland, everything just kinda bleeds together. Especially in the boiler room.”
Rhea scoffed as she stretched her wings, “at least you weren't tied up for however long I was, I'm still trying to get the cramps out of my wings.”
Rhea waggled her eyebrows as she caught Sean staring at them. “See something you like lover boy?” she questioned teasingly.
“Definitely,” Sean mumbled under his breath as he faced straight ahead, his face a new shade of crimson.
“I'll keep that in mind,” she cooed just a little louder then Sean.
Sean's eyes went wide as he realised she had heard him, and he felt his face flare up even further as he quickened his pace, leaving the laughing griffin behind.
They soon arrived at the cafeteria, a few other minotaurs and ponies lined up waiting for their lunches.
Sean and Rhea quickly filled in joining them in wait.
“So what all do you remember before the ship?” Sean asked, trying to make conversation as they waited.
“I know I was in a bar, I was talking to a,” she paused momentarily as she thought. “A green unicorn, then I remember waking up, tied up blind and gagged,” she said letting out a sigh.
Sean began to gently rub her back in an attempt to comfort her. If her pushing into his hand and letting out a light purring was any indication… it was working. They were soon served their food by a grumpy looking earth pony, the meal making a disgusting sound as the white chunky paste disconnected itself from the serving spoon and schlooped down onto their trays. Once they had their food Sean lead them over to a table.
“Hey Ire!” Sean called out to the seated unicorn as they approached. Turning his head to see the approaching party, Ire’s eyes shot open as he laid his eyes on the griffon next to Sean.
“You!” Rhea screeched out her food tray clatering to the floor.
“N-now look here ma-” he attempted to stammer out before he got a face full of angry griffon. Rhea leapt into a dive, crashing into her target and knocking them both to the floor, sending the table toppling over as they went down.
Minotaur and pony alike called out to them, enraged at their food being spilled all over themselves. Sean sighed to himself before attempting to join the fray, only to receive a buck to the chest as his ethereal armor flared in response to the force of the blow that sent him flying into a small pegasus.
“Hey, don't you hit Lily you brute!” A slightly larger unicorn mare called out before launching her now empty lunch tray at him. Sean deftly dodged from his seated position. As the tray sailed across the room to smack a large minotaur who proceeded to leap at the offending unicorn.
It soon spiraled into a full out brawl. Hooves and hands connected with unprotected flesh, as they attempted to sooth their newfound rage.
An angry voice suddenly boomed out, “What is going on here!”
The fighting stopped abruptly, no one daring to move as the angry Minotaur surveyed the room. Jarapak continued to look over the room, his eyes glowering. He pointed to the three that had instigated the brawl.
“You three come with me. Now,” his tone leaving no place for argument.
The three followed meekly heads hung low. As they were lead through hushed whispers began to spread questioning what could have happened. They were soon led to a large set of double doors. Jarapak threw them open revealed a large table. Surrounded by multiple chairs.
“Sit,” Jarapak commanded. They all rushed towards the seats clambering to please the obviously enraged Taur.
“Now, from the top, what happened,” Jarapak all but demanded.
The three in question began to speak over each other, slowly raising their voices to be heard over the other. Jarapak’s face quickly grew red as he watched the children squabble.
“One at a time!” He suddenly shouted out the irritation clear on his face. “Now miss, Rhea was it? Why don't you start us off,” he said turning to look at the griffin. A facade of calm covering his face as he clasped his hands on the table.
Rhea looked up sheepishly before nodding. “Well, it all started about,” she gave a slight pause turning to Sean. “How long ago did the ship leave port?”
“About three and a half weeks now I think,” he spoke after a moment of thought.
“Well, we’ll go with that for now, about three and half weeks ago I was abducted from The Prancing Mule, a bar outside of Yraofield. I believe I was drugged or had a spell placed on me, because next thing I know Sean is cutting my bindings and helping me out from under a stack of coal crates.”
Jarapak stared at her for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he attempted to find any untruths in her statement. Jarapak leaned back in his chair crossing his arms he turned his glare towards Love Ire.
“I’m assuming since you attacked him on sight you believe Love Ire here to be the one that drugged you?”
Rhea looked the pony over for a moment before settling her sights on his cutie mark.
“Yeah, he was the last one I can remember speaking to, and I’d remember that stupid cutie mark anywhere,” she said gesturing to his cutie mark of two damaged hearts bumping into one another as if butting heads.
Jarapak brought a hand to his face as he muttered under his breath. Once finished he turned to Love Ire.
“And what have you to say to these accusations Love Ire?”
“I’ve done no such thing,” he stated crossing his forelegs on the table.
“What didn't you do Ire?” Jarapak questioned his gaze narrowing.
“I will not sit by and have my name slandered like this!” he shouted rising to his hooves.
“Sit. Down.” Jarapak seethed at him as the rage barely held back through clenched teeth.
“I will not be slandered!” he called out as he began to make his way towards the door.
Jarapak leaned back in his chair crossing his arms, he looked at the far wall, simply letting his voice carry as he spoke.
“We could always have you tried in Minos, Ire. It was in Minos you committed your crime.”
Love Ire froze at this statement slowly turning to face the massive taur, his eyes wide.
Jarapak let a grin fall onto his face as he continued. “And I believe you know what the punishment for calfnapping is.” He let the statement hang in the air for a moment allowing Ire to soak in the information.
After a moment Ire slowly made his way back to his seat, a pained expression on his face as he climbed into the chair.
“Yes, I know what the punishment is.” Ire called out meekly, his head hung low.
“Good, then this should be quick. What have you to say to the crimes of which you stand accused.” Jarapak replied as he folded his hand onto the table.
“I say they are slander of the highest nature,” he called out triumphantly having pondered his words for a moment.
Jarapak let out a sigh before trying again. “Do you deny that of which you stand accused.”
Love Ire pondered his words even longer this time. A thoughtful expression on his face all the while. “I do not deny that these slanders hold some amount of truth.”
Jarapak slammed his fist into the table his face seething with rage. “Ire, I am done playing nice, did you or did you not calfnap young Rhea here.”
Ire thought long and hard before speaking, as a grin overcame his face. “There's no way I could have calfnapped Rhea, as I was too busy loading the ship!” he exclaimed happily, only for Japaraks horns to light up a deep red. Everyone in the room looked up at the now glowing pieces of dermal bone.
Ire’s face fell slightly, “Shoot, I was sure I had it there.”
Jarapak reached across the table snatching Ire by the throat and pulling him to his face.
“I Jarapak, Head Mage to Head chieftain Irelas Ironhoof, hereby place you under arrest for the calfnapping and unlawful imprisonment of Rhea Cloudbreaker. You are to expect a lawful and dutiful trial at our earliest convenience.”
He growled out to the now trembling stallion before throwing him towards the door. Ire impacted the ground hard bouncing slightly before coming to a stop.
“Guards!” Jarapak called out the doors slamming open as two taur in full plate armor rushed into the room brandishing spears.
“See that this one is locked away in the brig, he is to stay there under watch,” he ordered.
The guards quickly scooped up the now sobbing stallion as he attempted to curl into a ball before carrying him away. The two remaining parties in the room stared on in shock as the stallion was drug away.
“Can you really not turn him over to the Equestrians father?” Sean asked after the doors were closed again.
“Gods forbid it no!” he laughed slapping his knee. “But, he will certainly be far more cooperative once we do.”
Sean and Rhea shared a confused look, before looking back over to the taur now nearly falling to the floor in his fit of laughter.
“I-um, we also were wondering about accommodations for Rhea while we're here,” Sean spoke up thoroughly confused at his father's behaviour.
Looking up at them Jarapak wiped a tear from his eye before flicking it to the floor. “Ah yes, we could put you in Ire’s old room, but something tells me you already know where you wish to bunk,” he finished giving her a sly smile.
Sean simply tilted his head in confusion momentarily before the realization hit him, his face going a nice shade of crimson as he did his best to meld into the chair. The two shared a laugh at the boy's expense before continuing.
“But in all seriousness, there is a free bunk in Sean's room should you wish to claim it.”
Rhea heaved a sigh before speaking, “I do owe him a life debt, and my father would brand me if I didn't pay it. So be it, I’ll be bunking with the boy.”
Jarapak let out a hearty chuckle. “Yes, make sure the stupid boy stays alive, there are tough times ahead,” he finished muttering the last part before seemingly disappearing into thought.
The two shared a look again before turning their eyes back to the Minotaur. They both shrugged before standing and making to leave the room. As sean closed the door he called out, “see you later, father.”
“Yes, yes later,” was quietly mumbled in reply as Jarapak’s gaze bored into the fare wall, before Sean shut the door.
The pair began walking back towards the boiler room. Silence raining as neither quite knew what to speak of. Sean was the first to break the silence. “So, what was that life dept you were talking about back there?” he asked bluntly.
Rhea nearly tripped before catching herself her beak scrunching up. “Well,” she began, almost immediately pausing. “In griffin culture when someone saves your life, be it from death or imprisonment of some kind, your life is normally theirs to do with as they please.”
“So when does that end?” Sean asked thoroughly avoiding the question Rhea dreaded.
“Well, normally when I save you from a similar fate or death.”
“Neat,” Sean commented idly ending the conversation.
The rest of the walk back to the boiler was spent in silence. The walk was short but seemed to drag on forever as they marched. Finally they reached the destination to the sound of shouting.
“Where is that damn boy he shoulda been back ‘ere hours ago!” The familiar voice of Steam Burn called out from behind the door, unaware of their presence.
Sean slowly looked over to Rhea his face going pale, before he pushed the door open a crack peaking in. Steam billowed out as the door was opened thick droplets of water pooling on his face.
“There ya are boy, thought ya might o’ fallen in the Lou!”
Sean gave him a sheepish smile, “sorry we took so long Steam Burn, but I do have some good news.”
“Oh,” steam commented idle raising an eyebrow as he work on fixing a pipe that had obviously burst near the door.
“We caught the stallion that calfnapped Rhea!” he exclaimed happily, hoping to evade any sort of punishment steam may have had planned for him.
“Oh really now? Who done it?” he questioned now giving them his full attention.
“It was a stallion named Love Ire,” Rhea interjected poking her head past sean.
Steam burn dropped the wrench he had been holding in his fetlock as he stared at her in momentary shock. “Ar-are ya sure?” he asked his tone almost pleading.
“As sure as the four,” Rhea piped up. “Why do you know him?” She asked.
“I would hope I would know my own son,” he growled out. “The boilers yours for the rest o’today Sean, you know how to put er’ on idle,” he growled as he pushed past Sean and Rhea, stomping off towards the brig.
~~~
Sean all but crawled towards his room running the boiler alone having taken its toll on him.
“You know I could help you right?” Rhea pipped up matching Sean's snail like pace towards their room.
“It's fine,” he groaned. Bracing on the wall for support. Rhea rolled her eyes before bumping her hip into the exhausted human who proceeded to fall onto her back.
“That's what I thought,” she muttered giving a small snort as she marched through the halls.
“I can walk Rhea,” Sean whined as he laid across her back.
“I know you can, but I want to get to the room tonight,” she snarked. “Now how much further. You might not be heavy, but you're not exactly light either.”
“Its room 35,” Sean grumbled. Sean turned his head watching Rheas tail slowly sway side to side, the motion calming him, urging him to sleep, his eyelids grew heavier suddenly, urging him to sleep. He blinked letting out a great yawn, before ever so slowly sleep took him.
The sound of light snoring soon greeted Rhea’s ears she gave a knowing smirk as she marched on glancing at the numbers adorning each door as she passed. She soon came upon her destination. Turning the brass knob revealed a plain room. Clothes littered the floor, a bunk bed tucked into the left rear corner of the room, and rucksack and sword on the top bunk, the bottom bunks sheets disheveled. A disorganized writing desk sat on the far right wall papers stren all over it.
“Men,” she muttered shaking her head. She placed Sean as gently as she could manage onto the bottom bunk. She watched as he curled into a tight ball blindly grabbing for the blanket. She gave a smile a she carefully tucked him in, smiling further as Sean let out a tiny content sigh.
Rhea soon climbed onto the top bunk, before gently lowering the rucksack down before settling in herself.
“Never change Sean,” she muttered as she let the sandgriffin do his work, and drifted off to sleep.
Author's Note
Big thanks to Azriel and scootalooftw for all their help with editing.
