John Sampson Returns Chapter Ten

I feel movement . . . under my wing. I lift my wing and Galinda makes a beeline for the toilet. Folding my wing, I stand, stretch, and wait my turn. When I return, Galinda is stretching.

“Oh, John, I am so, so sore and so, so happy,” Galinda croons.

So I start grooming her with particular attention to the sore spots. Galinda is loving it and leaning into me. There’s nothing but loud purring and soft moaning in the room until, “Twenty minutes. We need to get to Lonely Crag.”

It’s a routine raising with a smaller crowd. I’m becoming ordinary in Griffonstone. Good. Time for the next step.

Granger and Gerald are waiting at the table.

“Thank you. Last night was peaceful,” Gerald smiles.

I explain, “We are sore from all of the exercise. But it did have an effect.”

“More wing?” Gerald asks.

I nod, “More wing, more Galinda, and more magic. And Gerald, you need to show me where to store meat. There’s a bunch of Dragon left and I owe you for feeding two active Alicorns.”

Granger speaks up, “We’d have to throw another feast to use it. There’s not enough of us in the castle to eat it before it spoils.”

“Not a problem. All I need is containers. Any kind of container from a bag to a room as long as it completely surrounds the meat. I can put a stasis spell on it and the meat will age at about the rate of two days per year. It’s a less powerful version of my pocket,” I explain.

We end up selecting a row of cabinets and a large pantry for spelling. Granger now has a bunch of high power food lockers filled with exotic meat.

I address Granger, “Granger, my good friend, I want to thank you for everything from sending Gerald and Galinda to alert us, to being a very patient host, to educating an ignorant foreigner, to giving me a wonderful mate. We will be back fairly soon. At the very least I will provide transportation to the succession ceremony. But it is time to introduce Canterlot to Galinda.”

“John, you’re family. Come as often and stay as long as you want. This is your home and it’s a joy to have you here,” Granger returns.

I gather Galinda and suggest, “Get anything personal that you need, anything formal for a state occasion, and any weapons and armor you want. I can carry it.”

Several scarves, a pendant, and a sword with scabbard are it. The armor and two vests no longer fit. We take off from the balcony and as soon as we have safe altitude, I teleport us to two hundred yards over the Castle in Canterlot. Circling, we lose altitude until we can land on my favorite balcony.

Taking the stairs down, “You’ve been here before. Pick a small room for your stuff and private retreat,” as I call up her private items.

“It looks lost in a whole room,” Galinda sighs

I reassure, “Don’t worry, we’re going to add to it shortly. Right now we need to find Twilight and bring her up to date.”

As we pass out into the main hall, “When we find Twilight, it’s likely that Spike will be with her. I have to have a talk with him about what I did to those Dragons. Even if he asks you directly, tell him that I ordered you to refer all questions to me.”

The Throne Room is quiet. The door to Twilight’s Tower is unlocked.

I announce myself, “Honey, I’m home!”

From above, “We’re in the library.” It’s Spike.

As we go up the stairs, “Twilight, you’re not going to believe what followed me home.”

Twilight meets us at the top of the stairs, “Hello, . . Galinda. John, you’ve been up to something?”

“Not me, “ I protest, “I wanted to ease her into it but the sun overruled me.”

Twilight smiles at Galinda, “Well it looks damned good on you. Look around here. This is the best magic library in Equestria. John got scary spending time here. When your horn comes in, use it. I’ll help you but sometimes unrestrained curiosity is the best way.”

“Thank you, Twilight. I’ll try not to intrude too much,” Galinda says.

Twilight swings on me, “John! Have you explained anything to her yet?”

“Hey, we’re fifteen minutes out of Griffonstone. I wanted to let you know we’re here first thing,” I try to defend myself.

Turning back to Galinda, Twilight exclaims, “Stallions! Can’t live with them. Can’t live without them. Galinda, this is your home now. I mean the whole Castle, not just any part. John’s quarters are his because they put him in the middle of the balcony, Throne Room, and his business office. Luna’s are a mirror image on the other side of the Throne Room. This is my tower because I made it not because I own it. We all sleep where we want and eat where we want and go where we want. I’m your lead mare. It’s my duty to help you be a happy part of the herd. Come to me any time for any reason.”

I elaborate, “You remember about Alicorns can’t be bashful? Your going to get more of the same. Staff and Guard move around us all the time taking care of the details of running the house and government. They watch us for our safety and convenience. You’ll come to rely on it as much as on the air around us.”

A very thoughtful Galinda ponders, “I remember how there always seemed to be Guardponies in the background when we were here before. And I’ve watched you just say you wanted something and it happened. But it never occurred to me that there was this kind of organization behind it. You keep saying that being Royal is nothing like average Ponies expect and I’m beginning to understand what you really mean.”

Laying it out, “We’ll get you in the program when we leave here. You’ll get a Guard ID and we’ll talk about your rank and training. You can even have a Guard Sector apartment if you want it. Weapons and armor will have to wait until you finish growing. Formal wear, on the other hand, we’ll start on today. We have a lot of ceremony and attention coming soon,” I explain.

Twilight picks it up, “One of the reasons we thought it wise to ease you into this is all of the attention that will be focused here next week. Every race and political power in existence will be here to get a look at Celestia’s replacement and evaluate his strength. And now you may get even more attention. You’re not a Pony and you are visibly ascending. Every single spy and diplomat will want to know, how did you do it? Because if you can do it, maybe they can too and Alicorns are the ultimate power in Equestria.”

My turn, “The politics are going to be wild enough. Just how attached to the Pony herd are you? How firm is the Pony / Griffon alliance? Is there room for x race in the alliance? Because Ponies and Griffons together represent more military might than any other possible grouping in Equestria.”

A rather shocked Galinda states, “I’m sticking with you. You can explain it to them.”

I nod, “That’s best but there are limits. A lot of very capable diplomats are going to be trying to get you alone for various reasons. Smooth will be a big help. She knows the Castle and the protocols. Trust her judgment. I’m going to try to derail a lot of the questions by introducing you and flat out explaining ascension and the pitfalls.”

“This is going to be worse than the Dragons, isn’t it?” Galinda moans.

I agree, “Yes it is. This bunch is much subtler and more devious. And while we’re on the subject, Twilight, can I swap sidekicks with you for an hour or less?”

Twilight nods, “Why don’t you use the kitchen and if you run long we’ll just join you for lunch.”

“My very plan. Besides, I want some of that tea. Come on, Spike.”

I settle in at the kitchen table while Spike busies himself making the tea.

I begin, “I asked everypony to not tell you anything about how we ended ‘the Dragon problem’ because nopony knows the entire story besides me and some of it isn’t very nice. This is my burden. Forget any rumors you have heard, I guarantee you that reality is worse.”

I lay out the whole, coldly calculated plan from deriving the pattern of their attacks to putting the fear of the Pony Monster into the Lord of Dragons. Then I admitting to using that fear to claim the hoards and rub in my magic strength to reinforce the lesson.

“Spike, I am not ashamed of anything that I did. I saved a lot of lives on all sides and prevented a nasty war. On top of that, I made friends with the Griffons and got a really hot mate out of the deal. But there is one thing that I must confess. After that Dragon barfed up a belly full of dead Ponies that had obviously been eaten alive and I looked over and saw a partly digested infant in the mass, I started enjoying myself. I devoted the entire strength of my considerable talent to making that Dragon feel pain. I served that Dragon at a feast that night and was proud of it. His name was ‘Coal’.”

Spike studies the whole mess carefully, then, “John, I’m sure what you expect from me. You made a great plan and it must have worked because you had a new treaty in less than a day. Four Dragons killed is nothing compared to over a hundred Ponies so I can’t call you vindictive. Eating the Dragons makes perfect sense in the context of convincing the Lord of Dragons that he has a super predator to worry about. You might feel guilty about acting like a super predator but it is who you are and I don’t see where enjoying it changed anything you did. Ponies should be very happy to have somepony like you able to stand up for them, no matter who or what attacks. Is that what you wanted to know?”

I’m happier, but, “My first priority is to be honest with you. Killing Dragons caught in the act of killing Ponies is no big deal but I wanted you to hear it direct from me that I ate them too. That’s a step beyond. And there’s one more thing, I still have a lot of meat. Those were big Dragons and it could take me a year to eat all of them. I am considering serving them to some of our visitors as evidence of the force of a treaty with me. Or I could just send it all to the sun and forget about it. What I won’t do is something that offends you. So what I’m doing is asking your permission to continue to be an asshole. The symbolism is useful and the flavor is something that has been missing from my life for four centuries but your opinion is more important to me than any of that.”

“Damn you, John. I’m a predator too, remember? And how well do I know that it’s hard to find good meat in the middle of Pony civilization. That’s a lot of temptation you’re dangling in front of me,” Spike agonizes.

“Spike, why shouldn’t you share a little of the misery. We’ve got a week to figure it out so think on it. I could put it all in food lockers in my quarters and no inventory could be kept with Galinda in the house. It wouldn’t last forever but it would allow time and a strong reason to work something permanent out. The rest is one hundred percent a matter of individual conscience.”

Spike stays in the kitchen to organize lunch while I collect Galinda. We hit the Clerk’s office in the Guard sector first. While all the papers are being readied, I introduce the new Galinda to Far Trail.

“I’m honored, Your Majesties.”

Pushing the door closed, “Informal, please. I don’t care and Galinda is still adjusting to the formality of Canterlot. What I really want to talk about is fitting Galinda and the Guard together. She is a fully blooded warrior by Griffonstone standards and I have witnessed her scaring the literal crap out of an adult Dragon by sheer force of personality. I have reservations about any kind of group training before her ascension stabilizes, for safety reasons, but she needs some kind of command status. Recommendations?”

Far Trail considers for a moment, “I assume that she will training in magic with you. I have no trouble calling her an aide or apprentice and assigning a rank of Captain under your tutelage. That will put her beside Smooth and if they are going to work and train together, that would be best.”

I agree, “That’s pretty much my exact conclusion so consider it confirmed. She’s going to need a guide until she learns the Castle and I want an extra watch on her until all the foreign visitors leave. Her obvious ascension is going to attract attention. Speaking of visitors, how are we doing with accommodations? I could put up the Griffons.”

“You probably should. When they can’t get to Galinda, her family will be next,” Far Trail reminds me.

“I plan to cut off as much of that as I can. Early on I will introduce Galinda and tell everypony I can how to ascend. When they get to the mind walk with an Alicorn part, most will lose interest. The ones that don’t will either be welcomed or exposed,” I detail.

A little more paperwork and we promise to return in the morning for the ID. Luna is next. Walking in the door, I hear activity in the kitchen.

“Hello, Luna. I’ve got something to show you,” I call out.

Sam replies, “Come join us for lunch.”

Luna is at the table, “Hello My Great Friend John and My New Friend Galinda. We have been hearing stories about both of you. I can see that some of them were understated.”

Chuckling, I ask, “Oh? Who’s been talking?”

Luna lists, “My moon tells me that the sun is proud of Galinda and waiting for ‘the other one’. The cleanup crew found half a Dragon on the beach and a lot of wild stories about the ‘Monster Eating Stallion’ began. And a Unicorn sent to check on you reported that all of Griffonstone was shut down to watch you two cloud dancing. Please remember that you still owe me a cloud dance.”

With mock defensiveness, “Hey, take that up with your sister. You were next in line when she started blowing things up. Seriously, have you checked on her?”

Luna looks somber, “She is adapting. Fast Freddie seems to have adopted her and is helping her cope. I see the wisdom in your solution but it hurts me every time I see such greatness reduced to almost nothing.”

Galinda is looking confused so I explain, “This is a herd secret. Your father is the only one outside the herd to know. Celestia went completely mad. The mountain I’m fixing was her attempt to kill me. She came within a hair’s breadth of killing Luna. I returned her to foalhood and put her on my farm to grow a new, healthy personality. I could find no other solution that didn’t end in her death and possibly that of a lot of other Ponies. Learning of this is why your father dropped all objections to our foals being raised by Pony wizards until they have mastered their magic.”

Luna brightens, “What do you two want for lunch?”

Galinda asks, “Do you have smoked salmon? John promised me that unlimited smoked salmon is one of the fringe benefits. Small fruit is also good.”

I add, “And rice for me.”

Sam replies, “We will have to order the salmon and rice from the cafeteria?”

Galinda decides, “Just give me small fruit for a snack.”

I confirm, “The same for me.”

We snack and small talk for a while, then I have an idea, “Luna, you know we can’t dance at night. So how about you instruct Galinda on the history of the Royal Herd and maybe a little horn safety while I put in some Throne time. Then the next day, we’ll have our fun?”

Luna studies my offer, then, “You will pay me back four to one if you fail for any reason at all. Don’t forget this was the second time you failed me.”

Galinda had another of those ‘Huh’ moments, “Why can’t you two dance at night? I thought night was Luna’s time.”

“Last time John covered me at night, the stars wobbled and some Ponies panicked. So we promised we wouldn’t do that again,” Luna explains.

“Galinda, we need to go find Smooth. She needs to be ready for tonight’s lowering and she has the Court list,” as I start for the door.

We cross the Throne Room and yep, the brown chair is there.

In my kitchen, I tell Galinda, “Find two big platters and put them on the table,” while I hunt for food bags.

When we are both successful, I call out a slab of Dragon and divide it into bite sized chunks. Everything that doesn’t fit on a platter goes into a bag. We both eat and when the platters are empty, I do it again. This time most of the meat goes into a bag and the third time all of the meat goes into a bag. Moving everything out of one locker on the end, I fill it with the bags.

“We’ll do more of that later but for at least a little while, food is ready. Now, let’s check the office,” I direct.

Smooth is there, along with a small mountain of paper.

“Smooth, what are you doing?”

Smooth looks up, “Your job, Lover Colt.”

Then she stands up. She’s been doing quite well for herself too. There’s clearly an ascent going on here.

I applaud, “And I bet those wings are something too.”

With a light blush, she spreads and it’s obvious she’s no longer a simple Pegasus.

“Day. Yum. This is going to be a very interesting month. Smooth, we need to get you ready for tonight’s lowering but first, what’s the Court list look like?”

“You’ve got about three days of personal problems. Nothing big yet but we’re sure to get a bumper crop of diplomats after the succession ceremony,” Smooth describes.

“Okay. Set me up for a full day tomorrow in order of sign up.” I order, “Then meet me in the main bedroom. We have a mind walk before lowering.”

Smooth opens the hall door and hands two sheets from the list to the Guardpony waiting out there. A short instruction later, we are all headed for the bedroom.

“Galinda, a watch isn’t needed here. You can stay, or explore the Castle, or talk to Twilight, or even take a nap. Just don’t leave the Castle without an escort.”

Smooth and I get comfortable and make the touch. It’s a short but intense lesson in the proper way to use a horn and not get hurt. When we come out, Galinda is watching.

“You didn’t have to do that, Galinda,” I point out.

So Galinda points out, “John, you can’t always be the watcher. I like watching over you.”

“Okay. Right now we have twenty minutes to lowering and you need to watch that from a safe distance. Smooth, we are about to get some answers to several big questions.”

Smooth eyes me suspiciously, “What are you up to, John?”

“The sun is responsible for Galinda’s accelerated ascension and the sun is asking for ‘the other one’. So we are going to see if that’s you.”

“And just what is this going to involve?” Smooth asks.

“You are going to stand next to me when I lower the sun. If the sun wants to, it will speak to you.”

Galinda speaks up, “That’s exactly what happened to me. I wanted to stand near him to prove to myself that I had overcome the fear I felt the first time I saw him touch the sun. The sun spoke to me of love and a gift. The gift is this sudden growth spurt.”

Smooth looks thoughtful, “Why didn’t you just say so? Let’s go.”

Luna and Sam are already on the balcony. We wait a bit then I turn on my raiment and count down. When the moment comes, I send my magic out. A golden tendril immediately returns and touches me briefly. It jumps to Smooth and explores her for several seconds. It withdraws as the sun slips below the horizon.

“Smooth?”

Awestruck, she looks at me, “Galinda is right, it loves us. And it gave me something.”

“Let’s go get some dinner.” As I turn and start down the stairs.

Galinda is waiting for us in the kitchen and has three bags on the table with plates.

I warn Smooth, “The contents of those bags is something new. It will help a lot with your growing wings but you might want to get some fruit to go with it.”

I dump a bag for Galinda and another for me.

I offer one of my bite sized pieces to Smooth, “Sample.”

She bites carefully, then, “This is very good meat. Where did you get this?”

“From a beach on Horseshoe Bay. This is Dragon thigh from the first Dragon that got caught eating Ponies. Think of it as treaty enforcement.”

“So that wild story of half a Dragon laying on the beach is true?”

“Yep. After he barfed up a half digested infant, I butchered him alive and ate his dripping flesh right in front of him. Galinda stood beside me eating a chunk of him and taunted his buddy so bad the adult Dragon lost it in complete terror.”

Smooth is worried, “But what about the treaty?”

“This is the treaty. If you eat a Pony or Griffon, the Terrible Pony Monster will eat you. I have a lot of this meat left and I’m thinking of serving it to some of our visitors as proof of the strength of a treaty.”

I eat all of my bag, Smooth eats most of her’s, and Galinda eats everything else including the fruit. The morning is going to be interesting. We settle on the bed pad with Galinda right and Smooth left. I cover both with my wings and go straight to sleep thinking of how good life is getting.