Ashes

Chapters

I - Monarchy
II - Politics In Wartime
III - The Unexpeted

I - Monarchy

Seven years.

Seven long years of war. Countless dragons on both sides slain in battle, many of them simply trying to survive, or stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. The split between those who supported Dragon Lord Torch and the Refiner’s Fire, the rebellion against him, had widened every day, and it seemed that the numbers of those who bought the rebels’ sermons about “purity” swelled by the week.

But today was not about war. Today is the day we crowned a queen.

I was standing in the “royal” box to our coliseum in Crater. Normally, we held fights and shows, but today it was a coronation, and oh boy, was there a crowd. It looked like the entire city had shown up, and then some. Princess Luna and Empress Cadance came as representatives of Equestria and the Crystal Empire. King Aspen sent his wife Queen Grace as representative of the Deer Kingdom. The hippogriffs came, the Abyssinians came, the Yaks... made their presence known. I was told we even had a pirate captain as one of our VIPs this evening. I was looking forward to that conversation.

“Nervous?” a voice said from beside me. I looked to see that Viing had arrived. As head of Princess-soon-to-be-Queen Ember’s security, general of her armies, and I suspected possibly a bit more, it meant that Ember wasn't far behind him.

“Oh, I’m only the one who will be placing the crown on her head, and giving an inspiring speech in front of thousands before that,” I said with a wry smile.

“Yeah, you're nervous. You best get on with that speech. You know how she feels about formal wear,” Viing said.

I just nodded and waved to a dragon toward the top of the Coliseum standing ready with a gong. As he slammed a ceremonial warhammer against it, the sound resonated throughout the venue, silencing the chatter and calling the attention of all who hadn't already been paying attention.

I stood up and cleared my throat. “Today is the day we truly acknowledge the end of an era,” I said, my voice magnified by the Coliseum’s walls. “Dragon Lord Torch’s reign as our final Dragon Lord will be remembered for eons to come. Let us not forget that his death gave us something stronger than just another Dragon Lord. But a dragon whose strength gave us the power to push back the Refiner’s Fire and turn the tide of the war!”

The crowd’s roars and cheers were deafening. I took this brief moment they’d given me to remember Torch.

It had been two years ago, but I remembered the day that I learned that Torch was dead as though it were yesterday. A force of two hundred rebel dragons had ambushed him; less than forty escaped with their lives, but they had accomplished their goal. Torch had fallen in battle, overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. His death had sent shockwaves throughout the entire Dragonlands, and for a while, I honestly thought that the war was over right then.

Thankfully, I’d been wrong.

After the cheering died down a bit, I continued. “Princess Ember stepped up after her father’s death and showed us what it means to be a true dragon in our darkest hour. She lead us in battle when our survival mattered the most. Now she comes before you all today not as a princess, nor as a mere leader. It is my honor to present…” I stepped to the side to give them an unobstructed view. “Ember!”

Ember stepped through the curtain wearing a flashy red dress with gems and pearlescent metal decorations. The crowd cheered again as she stepped into view. Ember gave a short wave, and instantly the crowds were silent.

Olakaan stepped up with the newly named Bloodstone Crown sitting on a red pillow. It was an elegant piece to be sure when considering it was nothing but broken shards of crystal mere months ago. In his last moments, Torch had destroyed the Bloodstone Scepter, probably wanting to stop the rebels from using it to claim power. It was Olakaan’s idea to use the shards to make the Dragon Queen’s crown.

Ember subtly nodded to me to begin. I took the crown from the pillow Olakaan held, then held it high for all to see. You could've heard a feather drop, it was so quiet. As I lowered the crown onto her head, I spoke. “I now present to you Ember, First Queen of the Dragons! Long may Her Majesty reign!”

As I finished the sentence, I stepped aside and Ember lifted her head with pride. More thunderous roars accompanied by dragons of all kinds firing a blast into the air creating a deadly and beautiful light show. Ember held up a claw and it became silent again.

“Today is a day of celebration, but I feel as if I should remind you all, tomorrow we begin our campaign into enemy territory,” Ember announced, her voice grave. The crowd murmured softly at the reminder. “So today, drink, eat and enjoy yourselves. For on the morrow we begin re-claiming what belongs to us!” She raised her fist into the air and the dragons roared again.

“Now, I present to you for your entertainment, from the southern villages, the Dancers of Fire and Ice!” I called as a troupe of dragon dancers flew into the Coliseum’s staging area, accompanied by booming drums.

“Short and to the point, my Queen, as always,” I bowed to Ember.

“It’s easier for everyone that way. Is the buffet ready for our V.I.P.s?” Ember asked.

“Indeed it is. Shall I escort you, my Queen?” Viing asked.

“You may,” Ember nodded to him. The two of them led our entourage out of the royal box.

The V.I.P. room is where all the representatives came after the speech and coronation. Since it was mostly just the royals and their guards, they actually seemed to relax and “let their hair down” so to speak, while still representing their country with dignity. I, of course, had a plus-one I had brought along. This room had an excellent view of the show outside, while at the same time remaining private enough for us all to talk freely.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” I asked my date.

Niirah looked up at me. Her white-silver scales caught the light perfectly; her dress only accentuated her beauty. “I feel like a doll. When can we get out of here?” she grumbled.

“You could have said ‘no’ when I asked you to come with me. And I’ll remind you that you chose that dress.” I bumped her with a shoulder.

She bumped me back. “I didn’t think we’d be staying to socialize this time.” I gave her a look. “Okay, fine, I should have expected it,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“I promise we’ll be on that ship with Luna and Cadance back to Equestria tonight. But in the meantime, I think two things. One, you look beautiful. Two, you should go see if your brother has a thing for the Queen.”

“What?” she asked, looking as though she wasn’t sure she’d heard me.

“Watch how he looks at her,” I pointed to where Viing was standing. He was following close behind Ember, and he did indeed have a rather peculiar light in his eyes whenever he looked at her. Niirah walked toward him with a very familiar expression on her face.

I grinned at my skilled distraction; part of me did feel a bit sorry for Viing, but the rest of me was laughing internally. I started to wander the room and search for interesting conversation.

“And then Yak smash it!”

Okay. Step one, avoid the Yak Prince. I found Queen Grace and Empress Cadance talking near the vegetarian food table.

“Your elegancies,” I bowed as I approached.

“Speaker! I do appreciate the invite, a Dragon Queen. What a momentous occasion!” Cadance said with excitement.

“I was worried about where you were going with your speech earlier, but you pulled it off in the end,” Grace smiled.

“How are things within your borders?” I asked Queen Grace.

“I'm not sure if you heard, but your Wyvern hunters have gotten particularly…familiar with our citizens. Several half-dragon half-deer foals have been born. The ‘Qilin’ is what we have begun calling them,” she informed me.

My eyes widened at the news. “Really?” I tried to picture what a half-dragon, half-deer creature would look like, but my brain rebelled at the idea. “I think it would be wise to keep that information from our chronicler Olakaan for a time. He’ll talk your ear off with questions.” They laughed at my last comment.

“Speaker if I may ask a personal question?” Cadance asked.

“Of course,” I nodded.

“Why have you not asked that dragoness to marry you yet?” Cadance asked.

I felt my face flushing. I should have figured she’d ask about that, being the ‘Princess of Love’ of all things.

“I am… waiting,” I finally said. “For the right moment. Besides, I still need to carve her a betrothal necklace and that takes a lot of time.”

“What’s important is that you plan to. I practically had to throw the idea in Aspen’s face, he was so oblivious,” Grace joked. “He just gets so focused on keeping the forest safe sometimes that I have to bring him back down to the real world every so often.”

My personal life isn’t really something I wanted to discuss in a room filled with royalty. “If you will excuse me, ladies,” I bowed before leaving.

I went to go see the new Queen Ember when brightly colored feathers caught the corner of my eyes. A Parakeetan female with an emerald pegleg stood talking to the Yak Prince Rutherford. I say talking, I really mean she was listening with a completely bored expression, looking around for an escape, while Rutherford talked about smashing stuff.

I approached and interrupted Rutherford. “Excuse me, Your Highness, but our Chronicler is very interested in Yak Holidays. He was wondering if you’d be kind enough to explain a few to him step by step.”

“Rutherford love to explain Yak traditions! Where Chronicler?” Rutherford yelled. Do yaks even know the meaning of the word “quiet?”

“He’s the Ice Dragon over there in the corner with the pen and notebook,” I pointed.

“I go now!” Rutherford announced loudly before leaving.

“Thanks, I thought I’d never get away. Captain Celaeno," the Parakeetan introduced herself.

“Speaker Krein Ruv. Are you-”

“A Privateer? Pirate? Captain to a bunch of misfits that like to sail the skies?” she asked.

“That is essentially my question.” I nodded.

“I’m more than that,” Celaeno grinned. “I more or less own Kludgetown nowadays. I’ve got Mayor Capper running things and Captain Tempest is cleaning up the streets.”

“‘Tempest?’ As in Tempest Shadow? Second in command of the recently killed Storm King?” I asked, my jaw almost dropping. She just nodded. “I have...some concerns,” I said.

“Everyone knows she was used by the Storm King to further his goals. Nevertheless, she felt like she didn’t belong in Equestria, so Capper and I offered her a chance to change how everyone saw her.”

“And?” I asked.

“Kludgetown is still a home for crime and villainy, but with the three of us in charge, they can only get away with so much now,” Celaeno explained. “You should come to visit sometime. Just don't bring any kids. Not recommended.”

“I’ll think about it. But if I may ask, what is your business here?”

“You are at war, and if I am not mistaken, your adversaries are getting supplies from an unknown source. I would like to offer the service of my ships to help, in exchange for a percentage of any of the seized cargo,” Celaeno offered.

“And what ‘service’ would you and your ships be providing?” I asked.

“Interception and redistribution. We find the enemy supply lines and bring the cargo to you. Well, okay, most of the cargo,” she explained.

That would be mutually beneficial, and having allies that are willing to do dirty work could be helpful in the long run. I'd also rather the criminals be working with us rather than against us.

“Tell you what. I will speak with the queen about it. I will send your Mayor a letter informing you of her decision,” I smiled.

“I will eagerly await that letter. Right now, I gotta fly. My crew gets restless when we've been in port too long. Good night, Speaker.” She gave a dramatic bow, doffing her huge hat.

“And you Captain,” I bowed as well. She turned and left the party without anyone turning their heads. I best get back to what I was doing.

I found Queen Ember sitting on her new throne at the end of the room, talking with Princess Luna. Viing stood vigilant beside her.

I bowed to Queen Ember as I approached them and waited for Ember to give me an acknowledgment. She nodded to me which was good enough.

“Your Highness, and Princess Luna,” I greeted them both. “How does it feel to officially be Queen of the Dragonlands?”

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but so far It feels good.” Ember blinked and sighed, looking up towards the ceiling. “I like to think my father would be proud,” Ember grinned.

“Now that you are Queen, perhaps it is time you start the search for a King?” Luna suggested. I could see Viing stand a little taller at the mention of the crowning of a king.

“I really don’t think that now is the right time for that,” Ember stated. Viing deflated like a popped balloon.

“Come now, Ember,” Luna teased. “Surely you must have your eye on some drake.”

Ember blushed a bit. “Well, maybe…”

“While you two are plotting and scheming over here, I’m gonna go make sure the rest of the guests are having a good time,” I bowed before leaving.

“And send Niirah this way, I wanna catch up,” Ember waved me off. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. She may have matured a lot but sometimes she acts like a teen just because she knows that no dragon is gonna call her out on it.

After finding Niirah and sending her in the Queen’s direction, I continued to mingle among the guests and even bid them farewell as they left one by one. Eventually, everyone except the Princesses had left. While Cadance, Luna, and Niirah said their farewells to Queen Ember, I was speaking with Viing.

“How is Dwiin’s regiment doing?” I asked.

“Torch’s Fire?” Viing asked. “They are still leading the fight on the frontlines. One hundred and fifty fire and stone dragons all working together to push back the enemy. If we keep pushing like this we could be at the Refiner’s Fire homeland by year’s end.”

“You know, Algae is still mad with me.”

“Why? It’s not like you were the one who sent him off to war,” Viing said what I already knew.

“I know that, but she believes that I could have stopped the order,” I informed him. “I’ve tried telling her that Dwiin told me he wanted to go, but she’s still not happy.”

Viing seemed to think a moment. “He was called to battle during a dire time. Perhaps I can request Queen Ember to give a change in the ranks. Give Torch’s Fire some time off. I think it’d be good for morale. I can’t promise anything but I can give it a try.”

“That is all I ask for.” I gave a bow of respect to him and he returned it. “Until next time, my friend.”

“You as well.”

Niirah finally joined us just in time to say goodbye. “Farewell, brother.”

“Take care of our Ambassador, little sister,” Viing instructed.

“Oh, I intend to,” she grinned.

Viing turned to leave with a sigh. “T.M.I...” Niirah just laughed as we departed with the Princesses and their guards..

The airship back to Equestria was waiting for us at Crater’s docks. Niirah and I went down to our cabin in the hull of the ship.

“I cannot wait to get this dress off,” Niirah grumbled, ripping at the fabric.

“Because you hate it, or for other reasons once we’re alone?” I asked.

“Yes,” she answered, smiling at me.

I smiled back at her and nuzzled her cheek. The night sky passed by outside the window, stars winking at us.

We were headed home.

Author's Note

Yes! Finally ready for prying eyes, keep in mind that this story starts a whole seven years after the end of Flames, this is where the Alternate universe really starts taking on a shape of its own.

II - Politics In Wartime

I could hear the morning chorus of birds outside as I stretched my wings, awakening back in my bed at our home. Rubbing my eyes, I remembered all the things I needed to do today. Work until noon, lunch with my sister, meeting with Fancy Pants to discuss current and future events, and lastly dinner with Niirah after her performance. I looked over to where Niirah was supposed to be laying beside me. Her absence meant she must have gotten an early start, a theory that was confirmed by the note she left on my nightstand.

“Went to Algae’s early. I’ll see you tonight, love,” It read.

“That you will,” I mumbled to myself.

I got up and got ready for the day: took a shower, had coffee and breakfast, and checked my mail. After saying a brief good morning to my, groggy and very pregnant, sister-in-law Klo, I knocked on my brother’s door.

“Brother? You awake?” I called.

“No,” Nandak mumbled, his voice heavily muffled.

“It sounds like you are.”

“If I am awake it means I have to go get random food items and put them together to create even weirder foods,” he complained. “You know what she asked for last night? Fish patties on ice cream. Gross.”

“Just open the door, will you?” I barked.

I heard him dragging his claws to his bedroom before opening it. “What? I don’t get many hours of sleep as of late,” he mumbled, blinking and yawning.

“You are gonna meet Kii and I for lunch this time, yes? You flaked the past two times.”

“Klo needed me,” he reasoned.

I sighed. “Yes, I know. That is why we forgave you. However, Kii hasn't seen you since you and Klo came to the last checkup.”

“I know, I know. I’ll do my best, okay?” he practically groaned.

I wasn’t going to get anywhere with this: exhaustion just made my brother even more stubborn than normal. “Okay.” I headed out the door and decided to walk to work

I noticed a pony stepping into a big red glass box on the street corner as I walked past and grabbing a device from a smaller box on the wall. Equestria had made some great strides in their technology, or more accurately, their Magi-Tec over the past seven years. Enchanted bits of wood, glass, and crystals made what every creature called “phones,” which you could use to talk to another pony miles away. Medical Advances extended the life expectancy of most creatures an additional five years.

However, I was not excited about the advantages in weaponry. Especially the things called ‘firearms,’ an advancement unfortunately developed by dragons. Mini-cannons, capable of firing a projectile no bigger than a pebble faster than the eye can see, the biggest and fastest of which were capable of getting through a dragon's natural armor. One of the reasons the death toll of this war jumped up a few hundred in the past two years.

I certainly didn’t need one: with my fire breath supercharged by the Elderspark, I was a super weapon all on my own. That was a subject I didn’t particularly want to think about, but was something my mind visited every so often.

A tooting sound and a foul smoky smell reminded me of another invention: these motorized carriages called ‘cars’ that all the rich were buying around Canterlot. No more need to hire other ponies to pull you to a destination, just drive yourself. They got the job done, but they were ugly and noisy contraptions that gave off a terrible odor. It was times like this I was grateful I was born with wings.

I rounded the corner to the street where all the embassies in Canterlot stood: a roundabout street which had its own gated entrance to Canterlot Castle. In the middle was a diner that served all sorts of food from around the world.

I went off the list of embassies as I passed them. The Yak Embassy I purposely avoided, not because of any ill will, but because it was near impossible to get out of a conversation with a Yak without help. It was made of wood that was unbreakable though. Good thinking on the construction workers’ part.

The Crystal Empire's Embassy was made of (big surprise) crystals. It was easily the most glamorous building. Representative Ruby was a little eager to impress, but she represented her home well enough I suppose. She couldn’t do much worse than her predecessor. He had been caught embezzling funds from royal projects. The Royals didn't take to kindly to that.

The Hippogriff Embassy was a beautiful building, fitting for the very proud creatures. Statues of hippogriffs flanked the front doors, rose vines climbed the walls, and they had a garden on the roof with a great view of the city rooftops and a massive pool filled with aquatic life. The embassy was headed by Ambassador Ocean Flow, a hippogriff who prefers being a seapony. She is kind enough to let me visit on occasion when we have meetings. She and I got along well enough.

The Abbissian Embassy, headed up by Representative Lennix. It looked like a bank, brick walls and bars on the windows. As one of the Dragonlands’ most significant trade partners, other than Equestria, I found him… tolerable. He is a particularly persuasive character, I have to make sure to read everything I sign with him to ensure there are no loopholes.

Then there was the Embassy for all woodland creatures, shared by the Deer and the Kirin. The building was more or less an enormous greenhouse, fogged windows, of course, to keep from prying eyes. Ambassador Wasp of Thicket is a great help with the restoration to the forests in the Dragonlands. He has also been instrumental in turning a few mass graves into something a little less depressing. Representative Mina , while representing the Kirin, she took it upon herself to represent the Qilin (half-dragon, half-deer) as well, even though none were yet adults.

The Griffon Embassy. An intimidating building, taller than the others, and heavily over-guarded, I suspected it was more military post than an embassy. Ambassador Ranger didn’t like me, but then again, he didn’t like Dragons in general really. The way I heard it from Viing, a small army of Refiner’s Fire Soldiers had tried to circle around our defenses three years ago. They circled too far and attacked a small Griffon town thinking it was us. Ambassador Ranger apparently lost some family in that attack. So relations with the griffons are tense, to say the least at the moment.

Then there was the Zebrica Embassy and the Saddle Arabian Embassy. Both were on either side of the Dragonlands Embassy. Simple buildings, the first two floors of which were administrative, the other two were residential housing for their staff.

Finally the Dragonlands Embassy. Our flag flew proudly above our doors, and two dragon statues stood guarding the doors (I mean that literally, they’re stone golems. Olakaan’s work). Dragon-made volcanic bricks made up the outer walls. Our embassy was easily the biggest: dragons aren’t famous for our pride for nothing. I invited the other Ambassadors and Reps over for a lunch once a month. That made me popular with a few of them but not all. Really, I was just glad to have other creatures to talk to.

Opening the front door, I walked past our directory. Two secretary dragons and a security guard sat at the front desk. To the left was Visa assistance, down the right was where new applicants and arrivals went. I took the elevator up to our offices on the third floor.

Reaching the third floor, I headed toward my assistant’s desk. She was there already, of course. Smolder might have been young, sarcastic and had a bit of an attitude, but I didn't really mind as long as she worked hard.

“Good morning, Smolder. Anything noteworthy to mention?”

She had a bit of a raspy voice making her sound a bit like a dude. “Mail on your desk and Ambassador Ranger is calling a meeting in about an hour,” she said, not looking up from her paperwork.

“Meeting? Did he say what about?” I asked.

“His messenger didn't say, just to let you know.” She said that as though I should have expected this. I should have really.

“Call him and tell him I will be there in a few minutes,” I instructed her and she left my office. If I knew Ambassador Ranger, he was only trying to do one thing as of late. Get the griffons involved in the Dragon War, which it seemed as if that was all I was trying to keep him from doing lately.

I sat down in my desk and sifted through all the mail that accumulated while I was at Queen Ember’s coronation. Currency update, currency update, another currency update... another merc group offering their assistance on the frontlines? I flung that in the trash; I’d learned early on that any creature willing to go to war for money was not worth trusting.

I found a letter from Dwiin. I put that in my bag to read at home later.

A letter from the Hippogriff Embassy marked as urgent? I opened the letter. “Speaker Krein, hopefully, you received this before the meeting with Ambassador Ranger, it is imperative that you call me before you go. Ranger claims to have evidence that will force the rest of us to join the Dragon War. —Ocean Flow

Oh. Yeah, that’s urgent. I put the letter down immediately and dialed her number. These were closed phone lines that went directly from embassy to embassy so it was easy to contact one another. The phone only had the chance to ring once. “Speaker?”

“What evidence?” I asked not wasting time.

“You don’t know? Of course, you don’t know. A small town and a couple of farms appear to have been raided by Refiner’s Fire soldiers.”

An alarm bell went off in my head. “What do you mean ‘appeared?’ And where?” I stood and started to gather a few things.

“A small town in Abbissia and, a water farm in Saddle Arabia: there were no survivors from either. And a fish farm to the west of Mount Aris, that family got out. Ranger says they were all hit by dragons. Krein, he has pictures of the damage they caused. They are… difficult to look at. He brought the evidence to Princess Luna this morning and we having an emergency meeting in just a few minutes.” She paused. “Krein, the reason I said ‘it appears as if they attacked’ is because something didn't seem right with the pictures. I couldn’t place it.”

“I’ll see you there,” I hung up and hurried out the door.

Smolder was alarmed to see me rush out. “Something wrong?”

“Emergency meeting. I’ll be at the castle if anyone needs me,” I called over my shoulder.

Back out in the street, I saw the rest of the Ambassadors and Representatives making their way to the gate. I walked quickly after them.

Dragon attacks or not, Ranger was up to something. But what?

It was near eleven in the morning, and for the past hour and a half, I had to listen to Ambassador Ranger present the evidence of the dragons’ attacks on other species, all while making racist and snide comments about dragons. Ranger was part of the Redtail family, as such he looked a hawk-like griffon, but the tail feathers at the base of his tail were a bright red hue.

It would be soon time for me to speak. I had my work cut out for me; with the photographs and witness testimony, combined with his gift for speaking, he indeed made a compelling case. If I didn't know any better, I would have had to let them march troops into the Dragonlands to stop the war from spilling into other territories.

However, I did know better.

“Under Section 24F of the World Peace treaty all our leaders signed, if a civil war crosses into an allied territory, the allied forces, after a majority vote, may provide reinforcement to the government to quell the violence, whether they want help or not,” Ambassador Ranger said, pacing before the room.“This evidence makes it clear to us all that this savagery can no longer be tolerated by our civilizations. We must all vote in favor of acting to stop this mindless butchery before our own kind suffer at the claws of the dragons. Thank you.” He gave a very brief bow and returned to his seat.

“This is indeed very hard and compelling evidence. Before we take that vote, however, we would be remiss if we did not allow Speaker Krein to say something in his Queen’s absence,” Princess Luna reasoned. “Speaker Krein, you have the floor.”

I stood and bowed to her before speaking, ignoring Ranger’s growl. “Thank you, Princess.” I walked up to the front of the room and took a breath. Every eye was upon me.

Step one: debunk the evidence. “Can I ask that the projector operator bring up the thirty-fourth image in the evidence Ambassador Ranger provided? It’s of a stone wall on the farm near Aris.”

The operator did as asked. An almost white stone with burn marks on it. “Note the manner of which this wall was marked,” I said. “Being a fire dragon myself, I know fire burns when I see them, and those are not fire burns. They look more impact burns from lightning to me. There are no dragons that can harness the power of lighting, not in several millennia anyway. Furthermore, I only know of a few creatures that can direct lighting like this. The unlikely theory is unicorns. Magic can do this. However, the more likely scenario is that a thunderbird attacked the fish farm for food. The surviving family claimed that fog moved in just before the attack. Thunderbirds can control the path of lightning as well as weather patterns like the pegasi can.”

There were a few nods of agreement around the room. I saw Ambassador Ranger glaring at me. One attack down, two to go.

“Now can we have the image of the water farm in Saddle Arabia? The one with all the claw marks on the barrels?”

The picture showed claw marks all over the barrels, water spilled all over the place. “Ambassador Dahab, wild guess here but none of the barrels were actually missing? Just destroyed or broken open?” I asked.

Ambassador Dahab. She was an elderly mare, no less beautiful though, her black coat and mane were complimented by her choice of gold clothing. “Yes, how did you know?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Amphitheres,” I said bluntly pointing at the claw marks on the screen. The other creatures all looked at me in confusion. “Think almost bird-sized Wyverns. They travel in massive swarms and can devour a drake in just a few short hours. Nasty bite.”

“Yes, I’m familiar with them,” the Zebrican Ambassador Nomsa nodded, a young but particularly intelligent Zebra. “They are common in our homelands; we call them ‘Winged serpents.’ We use potions to keep them at bay.”

“Up until seven years ago, I thought they were solely a Dragonlands issue,” I admitted. “My brother told me that amphitheres had started moving to other lands. In this regard, I will admit the war is displacing our wildlife and they are looking for new places to thrive. Hence the attack on the water farm: they were looking for water and food.”

“Are thunderbirds also native to the Dragonlands?” Ambassador Ocean Flow asked.

“Indeed they are. Far up north is a thunderbird breeding ground: ‘the Storm Barrens,’ we call it. Not even Refiner’s Fire Soldiers are dumb enough to go in there though, ninety-five percent chance of death by lighting,” I explained. “Pretty at a distance though.”

“So what's your excuse for the Abbissian Town?” Ranger asked, smirking as though he’d thought he’d finally caught me.

I didn't even look at him. “Goblins. Image sixteen please!” I waited for the image to change.

A destroyed town square and a pile of rubble where a clock tower had once stood. On the ground in the bottom right of the photo was a little stone war ax.

I pointed to it. “A goblin's weapon: you can see it’s far too small for even an average dragon. Our goblin friend probably dropped it as he was hauling away armfuls of loot. Surprised you didn't see that, Ranger. You're usually so aware,” I snarked, trying not to smirk at him.

He stood to start yelling at me, but Luna intervened. “Enough! Speaker Krein makes some valid points. It does not appear as though dragons were responsible for these attacks. We will still take a vote to decide whether or not outside involvement in the Dragon War is worth revisiting. All in favor?”

Ambassador Ranger raised his claw instantly. One by one Lennix, Nomsa, Dahab, and the Yakyakistan Ambassador Gregor, all raised a hoof, claw or paw. Five votes, six needed for a majority. And it seemed the majority were in my favor.

“Majority rules. The Dragonlands will continue to handle their affairs alone per their request. Meeting adjourned.” Luna tapped her hoof loudly to signify the decision.

I bowed to her, my way of thanking her for siding with me. Adjourned, I met with all the Ambassadors who sided with me outside the chamber. “I want to thank you all, ” I started.

“We don't want to get involved in your war. Ranger does. The dragons are fighting for peace and want to keep the rest of us out of the war for the same reason. I respect that,” Representative Mina of the Kirin said. Her sage green mane popping against her amber scales, and brown coat.

“But that doesn't mean that we will turn a blind eye if you need help, ” Ocean Flow added.

I rubbed the back of my head and sighed. “If this war takes another turn for the worse. We might not have a choice in the matter.” I admitted.

“What do you mean?” Ambassador Wasp asked, he was your typical brown buck with three pointed antlers. He wore amber colored and green accented robes.

I hesitated for a moment: the kind of information that I was considering revealing were not something that should fall into the wrong ears. But then again, how could I expect them to trust me if I didn’t trust them? Sure that they noticed my hesitation, I took a breath and spoke. “We recently suffered heavy losses during a campaign to reclaim the Frostfire region: we were actually forced back almost everywhere. The truth is, we’re losing, and badly.”

“It sounds like you could use support after all,” Ruby commented. The crystal pony’s red crystal coat faltering momentarily.

“We do, but I want Queen Ember to make the request, not have it taken from her. It would not go over well, especially since she is a new monarch,” I explained.

Ocean Flow nodded. “I understand, it would be better if the Dragonlands asked for assistance.”

“Give me sixty days. If I can't convince her to ask for help by then, I ask you all do whatever you think is right. I intend to do the same,” I informed them.

They all nodded in agreement, and then we dispersed. I looked up at a clock nearby on the wall. It was close to noon. Best I head to lunch with Kii. I could use some time to talk about something other than war.

I was waiting at a restaurant just outside Canterlot Royal Hospital. A place called Bliss, a quiet place with outside seating perfect for dragons. I had ordered Kii’s favorite tea for her while I waited.

While she finished her final four years at Celestia’s School of Magic, Kii was working as a part-time intern at the hospital. She might not have completed school yet, but her knowledge of healing magic was beyond most ponies older than her. As a twelve-year-old, she was fully grown and mature; already she was the same height as our sister Nikta, and a beautiful young dragon. I’ve heard rumors she’s already turned down a few would-be boyfriends. I supposed I’d have to meet some of them someday.

“Big brother!” Kii called to me. I saw her cross the street quickly and up to me. She was wearing her purple special dragon-tailored scrubs.

I stood to hug her. “Baby sister!”

She laughed as we embraced. “I’m not a baby anymore. I’m twelve and fully grown,” she reminded me proudly.

“Ah, but you’ll always be that baby sister I raised from a hatchling.” I smiled as we parted. “So tell me what’s been happening with you.”

We sat down as she started. “Well, Hex has decided to go into show business as a magician. Light Knight has been asking the Army, Navy, and Guard recruiters for info packets, so I think he wants to serve.”

“Has Hex confessed her feelings to him yet?” I asked, sipping my tea.

“No!” she exclaimed and threw her claws up. “It’s frustrating, it’s like when you are reading about two characters in a book, and you know those characters are gonna end up together, but the author is taking forever to make it happen and you are pulling your scales out because you know it’s gonna happen but you don’t know when!” Kii ranted.

I snickered into my tea. “Have you tried helping it along?”

She rolled her eyes, “They are both too oblivious for that. I know because I tried three different times and they missed the hint.”

“That does sound frustrating.”

“It is. I’m close to resorting to extreme methods,” she admitted.

“What kind of extreme methods?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Locking them in a room together until they confess?”

“Something like that,” Kii said. We were both quiet for a few moments. “So enough about me, what about you? I know you can’t talk about ‘Speaker stuff’ but anything else? Like Niirah? How is Niirah?”

I shrugged, “She’s good. She went to see Algae today.”

“Algae still not talking to you?” Kii asked.

I shook my head. “Spoke to Viing while I was at the coronation, he said he might be able to get Dwiin home for a short time.”

“Well that’s good, isn’t it? That means the fighting is going well?” Kii asked. I just held up a claw and wiggled it flat. “That bad, huh?”

“I can’t officially say anything so that is the best you’re gonna get.”

I could tell she wanted to know more, but she’d learned long ago that when I said something was a secret, it was a secret. “Fine. Where is Nandak? He said he’d be here,” Kii asked looking around.

“I tried putting some pressure on him, but Klo does take priority right now,” I reminded her.

“I know. I think on my next day off I’ll see about visiting him.”

Talking about Klo suddenly reminded me of something. “Oh, I wanted to tell you, as you would be the first to know officially.” I leaned in close. “I was gonna go pick a material to carve Niirah’s betrothal necklace out of next week.”

Kii’s eyes went wide and she wrapped me up in a hug, squealing happily. “It’s about time! You gotta make sure you pick something both meaningful and fetching. It’s gotta go with her scales or she’s not gonna wear it.”

“I know, no pressure right?” I asked sarcastically.

Kii must’ve missed that though, “No pressure? No, definitely a lot of pressure. It lets your partner know where you are in your relationship and if your partner is not there like you are it could all come apart at the seams in an instant and you break up and then it gets all awkward for those of us who are still friends-” She finally caught the look on my face. “You were being sarcastic, weren't you?”

“I was. Now I’m nervous. Thanks.”

“No problem. I—” A chirping sound came from her pocket and she pulled out a small flat gem that was flashing on and off. “Dammit. Surprise lesson for us interns, I have to get back,” she pouted.

“No problem. Just glad we could talk at all.”

She stood so she could run back. “Me too. I promise I’ll find time to come over for dinner one of these days.” She placed a sisterly kiss on my cheek. “I’ll see you next week big brother!” she hurried back to the hospital.

“See ya,” I called as she ran out of sight.

“She’s just grown up so fast, and I just want her to slow down,” I sighed.

“You can’t stop them, my friend, you can only guide them, and you’ve guided her well.” Fancy Pants said sagely.

“I know. I can wish though. Anyway, this isn’t why I’m here,” I refocused.

“I know. But I’m afraid that other than the Grand Galloping Gala there are no major events upcoming this year. Any smaller event would do nothing for your reputation at this point, ponies know you to be busy.”

“What about the annual Garden Party?”

“As far as I know, Jet Set and Upper Crust decided to let somepony else host it but nopony has stepped forward,” Fancy Pants informed me.

Hmm. It was important to keep myself in good social graces to try to ensure our alliance with Equestria was stable, so....nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

“Perhaps I could?” I suggested.

I had to give Fancy Pants credit for his control of his expressions: I barely saw his eyebrows raise. “I don't see why you can’t,” he admitted. “If you wish to do so I would send out invitations in the next two weeks and schedule it for two months after the Gala. I can get you a list of all the usual guests, and if you wish to invite a few additionals you are free to do so. You are the host.”

“Sounds good to me. How is Fleur’s modeling business by the way?” I asked.

“Well, since she is no longer a model herself she figured she would teach. She has taken a few young mares to teach as well as a hippogriff, a kirin, and a dragon. Based on her letters, things are going well.”

“You miss her?”

He smiled forlornly. “Most times. But some space, even at our age, is good for us,” he admitted.

“Yeah, I wasn’t gonna say anything but you got a little more grey sprouting just about-” I pointed up to his mane.

He smiled and laughed, “Not all of us have that dragon youth, my friend. And I might not be so spry anymore, but that doesn’t make me old!”

“Alright, alright.” I stood to leave. “Dinner at my house tomorrow?”

“I’ll be there,” Fancy nodded.

I was headed to Niirah’s performance with a bundle of silver roses (Niirah’s favorite) in claw. Since her first shows, she’d become pretty famous in Canterlot for her skills at harp: she did some music for more than a few acting performances and had three records in stores that sold reasonably well. Today was a “fluff concert” as she called them to let her fans know she is still working on music.

I headed toward the back door of the theatre: Niirah put me on a list of visitors allowed to enter this way. A unicorn security guard stood not-so-vigilant by the back door: in fact, as I got closer, I realized that he’d fallen asleep standing up.

“Excuse me,” I said as I approached.

“Ah!” He jumped, “Oh hey, Krein. Here to see Niirah?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Am I that predictable?”

He nodded as he yawned. “Kinda.” He glanced at his list to make sure my name was there, even though we both knew it was. “Go on in,” he said, gesturing vaguely at the door. It looked like he was ready to go back to sleep.

“Thank you.” I walked past him and into the backstage area.

I could hear Niirah's unique brand of harp playing: a light humming sound behind the individual notes. She had been experimenting with sound lately, she thinks that different harmonic frequencies can trigger different emotions in listeners. This one seemed to be happiness, because I felt all my troubles melt away as I listened. I watched from backstage as she played: she was gently stroking the strings of the harp that I’d given her as a gift seven years ago.

As she played she spotted me out of the corner of her eye, and smiled. I smiled back and gave her a wave. I listened to the remainder of her performance without causing any distraction. As the last note faded away, the audience burst into loud applause.

She gave a bow and thanked them all for being there, before stepping off stage and taking her harp with her as the curtains dropped. “Ah, I don't think I'll ever get used to that,” she sighed as she walked offstage with her harp.

“Used to what?” I asked.

“Having adoring fans,” she said as she put her harp away in its case.

“Well, I hope you have time for your number one fan?” I held the flowers out for her.

She smiled. “Silver! You know me so well.” She took them from me and breathed their sent in deep. “Ah. So where are we going for dinner?”

“Well, what are you in the mood for?” I asked.

“I don't know, but I could use something filling, and maybe a drink,” Niirah said, patting her grumbling stomach. “‘Classy’ is not high on my priority list, ‘cause the ‘snacks’ they provided at the meet and greet before the show left me hungrier than before.”

“How about Sandbar’s? Good crowd, food, drinks, and one of the waitresses there, Silverstream, is Ambassador Ocean Flow's daughter, so she could get us a good seat.” I offered the idea.

“Sounds as good as anything right now. Let's go,” she said leaving her harp.

“What about—”

“My agent is gonna deliver it to the house, don't worry,” Niirah interrupted.

“Okay then.” I caught up to her. As we entered the alley and started toward out destination she leaned into me and smiled. I smiled as I lead her through the city.

Sandbar’s was right on the edge of the waterfall that fell from Canterlot. It was decorated with naval themes, and the menu was mostly beach-related foods. I found the place quite lively, and there was the smell of seawater in the air. Outside there was even a place for sea ponies, sea dragons, and any other land-challenged creature to dine underwater.

A lighter pink and two-blue toned mained hippogriff was waiting at the entrance with a very big smile on her face. “Ohmygosh! You must be Speaker Krein, my mom has told me so much about you!” she squealed, her words as fast as an express train. “Are you here to eat? Is this your special somedragon?” I managed to get a nod in somewhere. “I'm, Silverstream I'll be your waitress. Follow me, I think I have an upper deck table for two available. It’s gonna be just perfect for you two!” She led the way upstairs, still chatting happily.

Niirah leaned in close to me. “I’ve never seen a waitress so excited about their job.”

We followed Silverstream through the establishment. As we passed the bar I spotted a familiar dragon.

“Smolder?”

She turned around, but only looked momentarily surprised. “Hey, boss.”

“I didn't know you came here.”

“Well yeah. The bartender, Gallus, makes the best brimstone bonfires in Canterlot. He's also dating my friend Silverstream.” She nodded at a blue griffon standing behind the bar, shaking a mixer. “Our yak friend, Yona, is one of the cooks here and is the only one who knows how I like my fish cooked. Plus, we’re all friends with the owner Sandbar,” she explained.

“Whom is likely out on a date with Ocellus our… Kirin friend, leaving me to deal with this crowd,” The bartender Gallus added bitterly.

“Nice connections,” I nodded. “Anyway, good to see you. I'll see you at work.”

She just waved as I continued to follow Silverstream out to the deck. “Your menus are waiting right there. Can I take your drink order?” she asked, hovering in midair.

I glanced at the wine menu. “That year fifteen-hundred wine from Coltifornia looks tempting,” I said.

“How about we share the bottle?” Niirah suggested.

“Sounds good. We’ll take that,” I told Silverstream.

“Perfect!” she chirped. “I’ll be right back!” She flew off in a blur of feathers.

“So Smolder seems… abrasive,” Niirah observed.

“Yeah, a bit like you were when we first met,” I joked.

“Oh well, when you put it like that… it’s a wonder why you put up with her,” she snickered.

“She is nowhere near as bad as you were, okay?”

“What do you mean ‘were?’” Niirah asked, feigning offense.

“Was it just me you were mean to?” I asked.

She scoffed. “No dragon else was trying to charm me.”

I raised a brow. “So I charmed you, eh?”

“More like seeing you fail is what charmed me,” Niirah joked.

“My grand plan has worked then,” I smiled.

Niirah rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

We exchanged more idle conversation before Silverstream returned with a bottle in a bucket of ice and a pair of glasses. “Year fifteen-hundred wine as promised! Are you ready to order your food?”

“Yes, I'll have the shark burger, with jalapenos, and on a cider bread bun, tater tots on the side please,” I ordered.

“Fried fish and waffles, sunny side eggs well done, and strawberry syrup, please,” Niirah smiled briefly.

“Coming right up!” Silverstream chirped and hopped off happily.

“She is almost as happy as Pinkie Pie,” Niirah commented.

“You've met Pinkie Pie?” I asked.

“Hasn't every creature?” Niirah asked.

“Possibly, I don't know,” I shrugged.

I looked out over at the moon and stars reflecting off the huge pool next to the restaurant, pondering: should I ask Niirah about getting married? It had been seven years, after all. Opinions could change…

“Krein? What’s up?” Niirah asked, touching my claw.

I smiled back at her. “Nothing,” I said.

It could wait until later. Tonight was perfect just the way it was.

Author's Note

First two chapters done with chapter three is in the oven and on its way.

Thumb up, comment something positive, and have a great day.

III - The Unexpeted

I was at Needle & Forge. After all the business they had gotten from dragons and other creatures, they were able to move their shop to a more fashion-centered part of Canterlot, only a few doors down from Rarity's Canterlot Boutique.

Forge was helping me pick out material for Niirah's betrothal necklace, while Needle was helping pick out how it would hang around her neck. “Metal makes her scales itch, so we can't have that be what holds it,” I said.

“But the pendant has to be metal,” Forge added. I nodded.

“Perhaps a velvet backing to prevent the reaction?” Needle suggested.

I nodded. “That could work.” Needle floated over a patch of silver velvet fabric that shone. “Oh yeah, that'll do just fine,” I nodded enthusiastically.

Forge clapped her hooves once. “I have a few choice options here. Silver, steel, gold, any of which can be molded once heated to the right temperature.”

“Not gonna be an issue for me.” I started picking up the different metals and teasing their weight. I liked all three of them. Steel for the shell, silver for the main body of the carving, then some gold to really make it pop. I figure I could find a gem or something on my own to put in the center of it. “I’ll take all three metals. Could you maybe make a steel shell and fill it with the silver so I can carve the metal?”

“What about the gold?” Forge asked.

“Leave it out, I want to add that myself later,” I explained.

“Coming right up. You two figure out what to put it on.” She left to get to work in her forge, leaving Needle and me to brainstorm.

“What if we make a leather collar for strength covered in black satin to keep it comfortable and looking fashionable. I can add a clip of sorts to attach the pendant later,” Needle mused excitedly.

“Sounds good. How fast can you make it?” I asked.

“Give me five minutes, I have plenty of scraps in the back.” He left to start work, leaving me to wonder what gem to use.

I guess that was my biggest issue. I had no idea what gemstone to use. I don't think I even had any idea where to start looking for one either.

It will come to me once I see it. I hope. I sat looking through a photo book of different gemstones while Needle and Forge worked. None of them stood out to me. After a time I was beginning to wonder if I was gonna have to come back tomorrow.

“I’m done!” Needle called from his room in the back.

“Same here,” Forge said from the forge. I never got used to how fast they could work. I could still remember when they couldn’t stand each other.

They both presented their parts of the necklace. The pendant was the size of a large coin and blank, ready for me to carve whatever I chose into it. The band perfectly sized for Niirah, dark and soft to the touch.

“I can't thank you enough for this, both of you. You should consider making betrothal necklace kits. Bet you’d make a pretty bit. Anyway, what do I owe you?” I asked.

“Come on, I’ll ring you up,” Forge said leading me over to the counter. I couldn't wait to get started on this.

Nothing, I am drawing a total blank. I sat in my office trying to think of what to carve for Niirah’s betrothal necklace and I have been having no luck in the idea department. I leaned back in my chair, smoking one of my Criollo cigars. Niirah asked me to not smoke at home cause she thinks it smells.

A knock came from my door. “Come in!” I called, putting the pendant away.

Smolder came in looking a little unsure, which was odd because she was one of the most confident dragons I knew.

“Smolder, is something the matter?” I asked.

“I wanted to ask you a hypothetical political question?” she started, shuffling her claws.

“Okay, shoot.” I sat back in my chair.

“If I knew a creature that has been deemed an enemy of the Dragonlands, but said creature wanted to be allied with us, how would we handle a situation like that?” Smolder asked.

Smolder wasn’t the best at subtlety. “Wow. Asking a tough one there.” I had to think for several seconds. “Um…honestly, I'd want to talk to them before we reached an agreement. And if this ‘hypothetical’ creature is indeed an enemy of us and our allies, I would be hesitant but still willing to hear them out.” I said as honestly as I could. “Why do you ask?”

Smolder rubbed the back of her head. “Yona had a similar question on her citizenship test, and we had a pretty big debate about it the other night. I just wanted to get a pro's opinion.”

“Oh, okay then happy to help,” I nodded.

“I also wanted to ask if it would be okay if I went home early today?” she asked me, shuffling her claws again.

I forced my eyebrows not to rise; I’d gotten pretty good at my poker face in the past few years. This was odd; Smolder almost never went home early.

I looked up at the clock. “You already went and gotten the mail, filed the time schedules, and sent the outgoing mail?” She nodded. “Then I don't see why not.” I put out my cigar.

“Cool, thanks,” she said before bolting. I waited to be sure she was gone before doing what I needed to do next.

After about five minutes of waiting, I pulled a large quartz crystal out from a drawer in my desk. It was a communication crystal that went directly to Queen Ember.

Since the destruction of the Bloodstone Scepter, I have not been able to contact her the same way I did Lord Torch, through my magical brand. Olakaan has been making great strides in harnessing the power of the ancients with runecrafting and alchemy; I’m still not convinced he’s not a magic dragon.

“Zu'u kent tinvaak wah Jud Enkii,” I spoke into the crystal to activate it.

It began to glow and pulse as it worked its magic. Soon a ghostly image of Queen Ember appeared.

“Speaker. How goes things in Equestria?” she asked.

“Well enough, I suppose, your Majesty,” I sighed.

“Is something wrong? That couldn't wait till the meeting with the generals tomorrow?” she asked, a tone of annoyance in her voice.

“You know what it is I am about to bring up,” I answered.

Ember folded her arms. “I know and I still don't want to bring them into it. It is our war, our problem.”

“I understand. And I agree with you, but yesterday we had a close call. The House of Representatives had a five to six vote in our favor.”

“In vote of what?”

“Section 24F of the World Peace treaty you signed. If a civil war, like ours, crosses into an allied territory, like it has, the allied forces, after a majority vote, may provide reinforcement to the government’s armies to quell the violence, whether they want help or not.”

Ember frowned. “Who is on our side?”

“The Princesses, Empress Cadance, Queen Novo, King Aspen, and Rain Shine,” I answered.

She was silent for several seconds. I sucked in a breath, gathering my courage; speaking out of turn to the Dragon Lord was usually a terrible idea. Speaking out of turn to the Dragon Queen equally so.

“My Queen. I beg you to reconsider accepting aid from our allies. The princess could provide security for our wounded and-”

“Enough!” she barked. “I will make no decisions until I have the latest after-action report from our Generals. I will speak to you then, and only then. Is that understood?”

“Yes, my queen.” I started to bow to her, but she cut the spell off before I could. “Dammit,” I mumbled.

I had finally gotten round to reading the letter from Dwiin. It seemed that General Revan, the general commanding Dwiin's unit, had granted some of his unit leave. Dwiin wanted me to meet them as they got off the ship, maybe give them a place to stay.

This seemed like a good idea...until I saw the ending of the letter and realized the ship was coming in today. I had rushed to the docks as the ship was pulling into harbor. It was a Dragon Navy Airship, featuring a black-steel hull, a ram that could break through standard wood hulls, armored balloon, cannons. This thing had teeth, so to speak.

First off the ship was the squad sergeant, a stone dragon by the name of Maant Klov, who had diamond-like-scales and appearance to him. A dedicated soldier, and loyal to his commander.

“Sergeant Klov. A pleasure to finally meet you. Did only your squad get leave?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. We were the only squad in Torch's Fire to be granted leave. The commander was ecstatic when he heard he was included in that list,” Klov informed me.

“Wait, what did you say?” I asked.

“He said ‘the commander got leave,’” Dwiin said coming down the ramp.

“Dwiin! By the Spirits!” I hugged him. “Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have brought Algae with me.”

“I didn't get the chance to send you a letter after I found out. I figured I'd just show up,” Dwiin reasoned.

“Geez, let me have a look at you. Been a while.” I took a step back and examined him.

It certainly had been a while. His natural metal plating had grown over several scars, most of which were on his wings, and he had grown easily double in muscle mass. He was a seasoned warrior now. Surviving six years of war would do that I suppose.

“You look like hell,” I joked.

“Thank you,” he laughed.

I looked at his tired troops and got an idea. “Are they gonna need places to stay? I have housing available in the Undercity if they need it.”

“That would be great,” Klov answered, looking exhausted.

“Let's get you all to the Embassy so we can get you some visitors visas and keys to the temporary housing,” I said, starting to leading the way.

“I haven't seen the new building yet. I left before it was completed,” Dwiin commented.

“I forgot about that. Just wait till you see it, it's really something,” I said to him as we took lead in the group.

“So I know Algae blames you for my decision to go to war. But I hope she can to forgive you. Other than me and the kids, you and Niirah are the closest things she has to family,” Dwiin said as we approached their home.

“Well, Niirah should be here already. She and Algae were hanging out today,” I commented, turning the corner.

When Algae and Dwiin’s eggs hatched, they had had to move out of the little apartment and into a little factory house in the upper city in the warehouse district by the train station. After Dwiin went to war, Algae had made it pretty clear that I wasn't welcome here; I hadn’t been down this way in a very long time.

As we approached the door, Dwiin stopped, looking up apprehensively. “What's the matter?” I asked.

He shifted nervously. “I've been gone five years. I haven't seen Yoz, Lomos, and Stornah since they were but hatchlings. And Kunuk and Gol; I haven't even met them, they don't know me.” He leaned against the wall and sighed. “I'm their father, I should have been here, and not at war.”

“You didn't have a choice, I would've stopped the order if I could, and you know it,” I reasoned.

“I could've disobeyed. Ember wasn't queen yet or even the Dragon Lord, I could've said no. But I chose to follow the order and you know it,” he snapped back.

“You're gonna have to do this at some point. You can't put it off forever,” I pointed out.

“I know. Best do it now before this gets worse.” He took a deep breath.

“I'll go in first if that helps,” I offered him. “Maybe she’ll burn out all her anger on me.”

“It might,” he muttered.

I opened the door to the entryway of the home. “Hello?” I called.

“Hey, love! We're in the living room,” Niirah called.

I stepped inside. Dwiin stayed in the entryway, practically shaking.

I entered the living room. Algae sat there helping Stornah with her homework, and Niirah sat on the couch helping Yoz, while Lomos worked by himself. Kunuk and Gol sat in their playpen.

“Niirah, what is he doing here?” Algae growled, refusing to even look at me. Ouch.

Niirah just looked at me questionably. “I brought a surprise,” I motioned to Dwiin to step out. “Get over here dude.”

Dwiin stepped into the living room with a shy grin on his face. Niirah had to hold a claw over her mouth to keep from exclaiming out. I quickly stepped back.

“Dwiin?” Algae stood and took a slow step toward him as if she was afraid this was a dream.

“It's me, love,” he answered.

Tears leaked from her eyes and she collapsed as she hugged him, rubbing her head against his chin.

“Auntie Niirah, why is mom crying?” Yoz asked.

“Because she's happy, ” Niirah answered.

It took some time for Algae to catch her breath before she started asking questions. “H-how are you here? Your last letter said only your squad was getting leave.”

“I don't know. Last minute orders came from above the General to let me go home with them.”

“Now that I think about it, I think that was me,” I chimed in. “I said something to Viing.”

“I appreciate that,” Dwiin nodded.

“Five years late,” Algae snapped.

“Hey!” Dwiin exclaimed. “He did what he could at the time. He's doing what he can now.”

“I'm gonna try and get Dwiin reinstated as my head of security, I've gone far too long without one. Until then, you need to groom the sergeant of yours to take your place,” I told Dwiin.

“If it means staying here. I'll do whatever it takes,” Dwiin answered.

It was that evening. Niirah and I were in bed winding down; after dinner with Dwiin, Algae, and their kids, sleep was necessary. I lay around Niirah with my head next to her's, and my wing over her body.

“Do you think Algae will ever forgive me?” I asked.

“I want to think she will,” Niirah stated. “She's like family, and family shouldn't hate each other.”

“Yeah.” I kissed her cheek.

“Do you think Ember will accept aid?” Niirah asked me.

“No; she’s too proud for it. But I hope I'm wrong,” I admitted. “You wanna do dinner tomorrow after my meeting with the Queen?”

“I'd be upset if we didn't.” Niirah yawned. “Good night love.”

“Good night.”

Smolder was late, over an hour late. She was never late. She hated being late, cause it was like losing a race to her. I sat in my office with the door open waiting for her to arrive.

I was finalizing the papers for Dwiin's squad while I waited. I had pushed them ahead and granted them visas without finishing the paperwork. I was finishing them now though. No real rush, though: not like I could fire myself.

I managed to get finished before I heard Smolder's hushed voice and the quiet thumping of hoof and claw steps.

“Let me talk to him first. Just stay here and be quiet,” Smolder said before she came and knocked on my door frame.

“You're late,” I said as she stepped inside.

She was looking down at the floor and shuffling her claws again. “I know. I'm sorry. But it was with good reason. I found some creature with vital information about the war.” She said this very fast before I could chastise her further.

“Explain,” I ordered.

“You know that question I asked you yesterday?” she asked.

“The ‘hypothetical’ one?”

She grimaced. “Yes, well…it wasn't hypothetical.”

Kinda guessed that, Smolder. “Did you bring this creature who is supposedly an enemy of dragons with you today?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

I put my claws together and set my elbows on my desk as I rested my chin atop my claws. “You brought a creature, one of that has been declared enemies of dragons, into the Dragonlands Embassy, to speak with a dragon that has a powerful dragon artifact attached to his wrist?”

I think she realized just how much of a mistake this may have been. “Yes,” she said slowly, inching towards the door a bit.

“You didn't think this through entirely did you?” I finally asked.

“No,” she admitted.

“Now that we have that out of the way. You say this creature as information vital to the dragon war?”

“Yes, and he wouldn't have risked this if he didn’t think it wasn’t important,” Smolder said quickly.

Well, this was most definitely against my better judgment. I should have security come in here and arrest them. But I should at least hear “him” out first, it’s not like I’m in much danger. As I said, I have a powerful dragon artifact to help defend myself. I can always arrest them if the information turns out to be bogus.

“I suppose I could give him a chance to explain. Go to the conference room, I will meet you there in a few minutes,” I instructed her.

“Yes!” She hurried out to tell what I assumed as her guest and her friends.

I picked up my telephone and called Dwiin and Algae’s place of residence. “Hello?” Algae’s voice answered.

Of course, it was her. “Algae, it’s Krein. I need to speak with Dwiin.”

She didn’t respond and just gave the phone to Dwiin.

“Hello?” Dwiin answered.

“Dwiin, I need you to come to the Embassy. War-related.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes,” he said and hung up.

I figured I had four minutes to kill before I had to meet Dwiin outside the conference room. So I got my desk straight and files filed. I also wondered what creature he brought with him. A pixie? A goblin? Discord is just annoying, he’s not really an enemy of the Dragonlands, but Queen Ember sure doesn’t like him. Centaurs are apparently our enemies according to an old declaration of war Olakaan found in his father’s library that had been used as a bookmark.

Four minutes later, I heard Dwiin walk up the stairs. That dragon isn’t exactly quiet with his steps. I met him outside my office and signaled him to follow me without a word exchanged between us. We got to the door and I put a claw on the doorknob.

“Stand in the corner, look tough,” I instructed.

“I am tough,” Dwiin stated.

I opened the door. “Exactly.”

Stepping in I saw Smolder, the griffon bartender Gallus, Ambassador Ocean Flow’s daughter Silverstream, the bar owner Sandbar, a yak whom I assumed was their friend Yona, and two Kirin I didn’t recognize, a female and a particularly tall male.

Okay...where was the enemy? “Smolder. As far as I know, we have peace with the Kirin. Is there something I should know?” I asked as I took my seat. Dwiin closed the door behind us taking up the spot he would’ve taken as head of security before.

The taller kirin looked down at himself, “Oh, forgive us, Speaker. This isn’t what we look like. Smolder said these forms would allow us an audience with you.”

My suspicions immediately grew with the thought of possible hidden danger. “What do you mean, ‘these forms?’” I asked.

“Show him. He’ll trust you quicker if you get to the point,” Smolder stated.

“She’s not wrong,” Dwiin commented.

The two kirin exchanged glances and nodded to each other. As they looked back at me a wave of green energy passed over them, revealing their carapasses, insectoid wings, eyes, and various other features.

“Changelings!” Dwiin blurted and started getting into his battle stance.

“Hold fast!” I ordered. “They came to us. We will not attack unless they show some form of aggression.”

Dwiin and I stared at each other, and I could tell what he was thinking: changelings had attacked my home, Niirah, and Kii. I had every reason to hate them.

But my duty as Speaker of the Dragons came first. Whatever my past with these creatures was, I had to give them a chance. Dwiin scowled, but slowly nodded and stood down. But he glared at the changelings, clearly ready to pounce on them and rip them to pieces if they so much as sneezed at me.

I took note of their appearance. The bigger one had light green limbs and head, a darker green body, a shiny purple-green shell on his back protecting purple wings, deep purple eyes and large orange antennas that looked kinda like a moose’s antlers.

The smaller one appeared to be female. She was a light blue, red shell over her wings, and pink membrane in place of a mane and tail, dark blue eyes.

“Thank you, Speaker Krein,” the bigger one stated. “My name is King Thorax. This is Ocellus, one of my citizens that has chosen to live among ponies peacefully.” She waved shyly.

“Is there a reason you risked your neck just to speak with me?” I asked, forcing myself to keep still in my seat.

“Easier to talk with you than your Queen,” he reminded me.

“Fair enough. Let’s get on with this information you said you have?”

“The Dragon War,” Thorax stated. “It was started by the Changeling Queen Chrysalis so she could breed an army of dragon-changeling hybrids. I don’t know what her plan is exactly but I can guess; breed her armies, and take over the dragonlands while the dragons are weakened by war.”

Dwiin and I both glanced at each other. “And do you have any proof of this?” I asked.

King Thorax nodded and tapped his head. “My memories, I have seen early attempts at these beasts. If you have some way to see my memories I ask you to exercise it.”

We did indeed have ways to do that, but we would need either Olakaan here with the help of my sister to work out some kind of rune magic, or we would need to enlist the Princesses help. “Not at the time being,” I answered.

There was a moment of silence. The others in the room were merely watching us. I was really hoping this changeling was wrong. But if what he says is true...yikes. We can't take the chance.

“Would these Changelings be capable of mimicking any dragon abilities?” Dwiin asked.

“Temperature immunities, water breathing, fire breathing, venom spitting, dragon strength, and ferocity. You name it, they’ll have it.” Thorax confirmed.

Dwiin and I both flinched at the thought. “Krein, I need not remind you that if these things are telling the truth, these beasts will essentially be the perfect dragons. We will not be able to kill them,” Dwiin said aloud.

“Unicorn and alicorn magic will still be effective right?” Ocellus asked.

“Most unicorn magic is about as effective as throwing a toothpick at us. Alicorn magic would hurt, though,” I explained.

“This is all assuming they retain that trait in the breeding process. Dragons are also stubborn and unwilling to take orders from anyone other than the Dragon Queen. While I doubt she has a workaround for that, I am unwilling to take the chance,” Dwiin added.

“Neither was I,” Thorax explained. “Which is why I asked Ocellus to reach out with the help of her friends so I could inform you in person. Let me tell you, getting the Council of Queens to agree to that wasn’t easy,” he grimaced.

“Council of Queens?” I asked. “There is more than one?”

“Yes, and before you ask Queen Chrysalis is a rouge, and leads the banished hive. The other five hives suffer because of her actions against the world,” Thorax explained. “I know that most creatures hate us, and I don’t blame you in the slightest. But most of us aren’t like that at all!”

I raised a brow. “If you’re here, does this Counsel of Queens openly offer peace to the Dragonlands?”

He nodded. “Indeed they do, with a condition that I think you will agree with.”

Always a catch. “What’s the catch?”

“Destroy Chrysalis and her abominations. Save the hive, if possible; the Council believes they can still be saved,” Thorax requested.

Save them? Save the monsters that had nearly killed my lover and my little sister? Yeah, not happen-- I thought with anger.

I took a breath. Duty first, Krein. Duty sucks sometimes.

“That will not be easily done. If she is in the Dragonlands, she and her hive will be in Refiner’s Fire territory where they can move unhindered,” Dwiin stated.

“The Council is ready to send our warriors to aid, but you will need more than our support,” Thorax added, looking nervous at the prospect.

I sighed. “I was afraid you were gonna say that.”

I sat there barely listening to the “after action report” the Generals had drummed up. More like “after loss report,” they just prettied it up so it didn’t sound so bad when speaking to our Queen. I had King Thorax waiting just outside the crystal’s range. Some dragons might not like it if he heard how bad we were losing, but if we were to be allies he needed to know. Smolder and her friends were waiting in a different room while this happened. Dwiin stood behind me outside the crystal’s range as well. I wasn't about to be caught alone with a changeling.

“Speaker, Krein,” Ember started after the final general ended her report. “You have been oddly quiet during this meeting, and not just vocally. What is the matter with you?”

At first, I thought about sugarcoating it as the generals did, then I remembered my disdain for that. And I knew Ember hated that, too. “I received some troubling intelligence from a... source,” and so I explained, everything short of showing them that Thorax was in the room with me. Ember silently took it all in, the generals each asked the same questions Dwiin and I asked Thorax and we all came to the same conclusions without actually saying it.

Soon enough the generals and I all became quiet, waiting for our Queen to say something. She looked up at me and spoke, “How do we know this isn’t a ruse? How do we know that this… Council of Queens and this King Thorax isn’t leading us into some changeling trap?”

“Because King Thorax risked being roasted alive just to speak with me, and did so without a disguise,” I waved him to come forward. “Seeing how Dragons are largely immune to Changeling charms, this was particularly risky for him to come alone.”

He entered view of the crystals and gave everydragon a nervous smile and a wave. The generals exchanged glances of uncertainty. Ember’s emotionless warface did her justice. “I see. Your queens wish alliance with us?” she asked coolly.

“We do. Queen Elpida is willing to meet in person if you want,” King Thorax informed her.

“Perhaps another time. Speaker Krein, Olakaan will come to you and confirm if what this King says is true. In the meantime, all our forces will be pulled back to defensive positions and put on high alert,” Ember stated firmly. The generals nodded obediently.

“Speaker Krein, if what King Thorax says turns out to be true: I want you to go to our allies in person and ask for their help. Tell them that we are amassing a massive offensive to end the war in one fell swoop. If you feel it necessary to inform them of Chrysalis' plan do so. Best they trust us.” Ember instructed. “And if he’s lying, burn him to ashes.”

King Thorax swallowed. “I’m not lying!” he protested.

Ember ignored him; I had to give him a quick gesture to get him to shut up.

“Understood. Can I recruit a few dragons for security purposes?” I needed a security team, we needed supplies. I needed somedragon to take my place as Representative until I get back, Olakaan would do. There were a number of things to consider.

Ember nodded.

“I understand, my Queen.” I bowed and the crystal's projections cut out. I let out a long breath; I had my work cut out for me again.

Author's Note

Decisions were made. Consequences to follow.

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