John Sampson Returns Chapter Fifteen

Zero four hundred, my internal alarm is right on the money. I stand and slip off to the hall bathroom. When I look back in, Smooth has won the race for the master bath because Galinda doesn’t seem to be trying. Oh, she’s having too much fun with the look on Granger’s face when he wakes up and realizes that the protective magic he’s been feeling all night is coming from his little Galinda. I send Gerald to the hall bath and myself to the kitchen. Knowing what’s coming I put the big tea pot on and give it a little help. Smooth comes in just in time to start brewing.

Gerald settles next to me, “I left Granger in the hall toilet. It may take him a few minutes.”

Gertrude trickles in next, “John, you told me but I didn’t understand the strength of it. And then it’s coming from my Galinda. This is driving home how much our daughter has grown in just a few days with you. I think even Granger is shaken.”

The object of all this emotion walks in next. Looking sheepish, “I didn’t mean to upset everypony.”

Gertrude walks to Galinda and hugs her, “Darling, we’re not upset, we’re proud!”

A faintly red eyed Granger walks in and joins the hug. I am thinking of how my birth family would feel if they could see me now, after they got over the total freakout that is.

The tea is poured and everypony settles down to plan a big day.

I reveal my plans, “After the raising, I’m going to take note of who shows up to watch that I haven’t met before and spend the day tracking all of them down. Anypony that feels brave and doesn’t get drafted by Twilight can join me.”

Another cup of tea and we’re off to the cafeteria in formation. When we get there, there’s a line out the door and down the hall. The last Pony in line sees us and taps on the Pony in front of her then walks in a half circle to behind us. Each Pony in line does the same until we are inside the cafeteria. The reason for the line becomes obvious. Even with extra tables crowded in, every place is filled except for one large table in the center of the room. Colonel Far Trail is sitting there by herself. When she sees us, she stands and gestures. Smooth breaks off to turn in our orders while the rest of us settle at that table.

A confused Gertrude turns to me, “What is going on? I thought you didn’t assume your rank until after breakfast.”

Smiling, “It’s the game of honor we play. I will not assert my rank unless it’s a serious emergency and they won’t deny me in any way. So I will not walk by the line to get in and they will not stand in front of me which means that we get what you saw. Each Pony chooses to walk behind us as their personal gift to us. To me it means more than any compelled homage.”

I catch Smooth waving at me so I stand for better vision and make a tray train out of every tray that she touches. With Smooth bringing up the rear, I float them all to our table.

Smooth is amused about something, “I asked how they get our orders ready so fast. They said that half of the Castle staff is ordering the same thing as you now so they just make huge batches before everypony gets here.”

Gertrude bursts out laughing and Granger stares at her for a moment, “What is so funny about an efficient kitchen?”

Gertrude manages to choke out, “Ask him about wearing a bucket.”

That starts me and Galinda laughing so I have to explain, “While we were shopping, we talked about the Royal life and all of the public scrutiny. I made the comment that I could walk through Canterlot with a bucket on my head and before the week was out half of Canterlot would be wearing buckets. And here we have half of the staff eating my diet.”

Far Trail snorts, “Only half wearing buckets? I’d bet on more. Think about it, to get near half of the staff we have to have a bunch of Unicorns and Earth Ponies eating meat.”

I’m chuckling, “I wouldn’t worry about it because most of them are only going to eat a few mouthfuls and move on. Remember that I’ve been an Earth Pony.”

We have a little small talk and I warn Far Trail that I’m going to be visiting today but we vacate the table as quickly as practical. Saluting the room is interesting because the hall bows too. Leaving the herd in my quarters, I go up to do my morning duty. There is a crowd in the courtyard and a lot of them are from out of town. I see the Hippogriffs and Minotaurs that I’ve already met plus some strange Griffons. Also, there’s several Zebra, some Yaks, a Buffalo, and a couple of Horses in the audience. This is going to be a busy day. When I get back to the main room the mares are all huddled in one corner but Granger and Gerald are waiting.

Gerald warns me, “They’re up to some dark plot they won’t share with us.”

I walk over to them, “If you need anything, even me, just stick your head out of any door and tell the Guardpony standing there.”

Smooth smiles at me, “You mean that’s all there is to it? If I’d known that I’d have been covered several times by now.”

“Show me your horn,” I demand, ignoring the giggles in the background.

Dammit! She’s got two fully formed bands and a large bulge of skin at the base about to erupt a third band.

“Finish growing that third band and get your wings in shape. Your time is near,” as I concentrate on keeping my own wings down.

Gerald, Granger, and I set out for the Throne Room in search of Twilight. All the Thrones are there against the back wall including three very nice chairs just beyond my Throne. The door to the courtyard is a few yards past the last chair. Twilight is supervising as Ponies paint scrupulously measured lines and numbers on the floor.

After a little breath and several rubs, I ask Twilight, “Do you know where the horses are bunking? And where Spike is?”

She replies, “Spike is in my tower and the Saddle Arabians are in tents next to the river just outside the main gate.”

“Any messages for Spike?”

Twilight thinks for several seconds, “No, he has plenty to keep him busy for most of today.

Turning to Granger and Gerald, “I need about ten private minutes with Spike. You can check out the courtyard or expect me at the main gate in fifteen minutes.”

As they start towards the courtyard door, I teleport to Twilight’s front door. The Guardponies at the door jump, bow, and open the door for me. Spike is in the library with huge stacks of paper spread around him.

“Damn, Spike, she said you had a day’s work and she wasn’t kidding.”

“I don’t mind this at all. All I’m doing is making cards for guideponies. We’ll fill in the names tonight when it’s too late for any more arrivals. Each Pony will show a delegation where to stand and how to line up in the Grand Procession. It’s calm and quiet in here.”

I agree, “It’s a bit tedious for my taste but I can see how it’s better than drawing lines on the floor with microscopic precision. And speaking of taste, do we have a decision?”

Spike hems and haws and does everything but look directly at me.

Speaking softly, “Spike, my Colt, I will help you in any way I can. You can take a middle way like only private use until it is gone. Or available only until the end of the celebration then leftovers destroyed or anything else you can imagine. But this is stallion training. You have to make the final decision and you have to make it in the next ten minutes.”

Spike looks at me with desperation in his eyes, “Why do we have to do this right now?”

Sighing, “Because I have this feeling that Twilight is going to need you to do more than just secretary work and it’s my job to get you ready. You just missed a chance to become Lord of Dragons. That’s what reminded me that I haven’t been doing my job as Herd Stallion and mentoring my Colt.”

Spike is stunned, “Wha. . . Are you saying that you could have put me in as Lord of Dragons?”

I nod, “It was one of the options. I think you’ll end up there someday anyway. But no matter what, you are going to take an increasing role in running Equestria. That’s the price for having a Sire and Dam in the Royal Herd.”

“Wait a minute! You’re not going to make me leave Twilight, are you?” asks a very disturbed Spike.

“Of course not. But one of these millennia you will grow up and want to be your own Dragon. Until then you will work you way up to Twilight’s Second in Command so when you do leave the nest, you will be the best, strongest Dragon in Equestria.”

Spike is much calmer but still confused, “I like the idea, John, but how am I going to be the strongest Dragon and still fit in the Castle?”

“The same way I do. Right now we could teleport into the middle of a herd of Dragons and every one of them would run away screaming about ‘the terrible Pony Monster’. Galinda has that kind of strength and so do you if you’ll get out of your comfortable rut and develop it. That’s what I’m pushing you to do.”

“Does Twilight know what you’re doing?”

“Yes, generally. She also knows that colt training is primarily stallion business and trusts me to do it right. Your ten minutes is nearly up.”

Spike looks like he’s trying to pass a pineapple.

I offer encouragement, “Spike, there are no wrong answers. Do what makes Spike happy.”

He scrunches his eyes, pops them open, and declares, “Serve it then keep anything left private after the reception. It’s weird but I want all of Equestria to know that my sire eats trouble!”

I’m teaching now, “It’s not weird, Spike, it’s exactly what I want too. I’m making a display of strength, saying without threatening that strangers would rather be my friend because my enemies tend to end badly.”

Spike goes back to his work and I go downstairs to get enough room to spread. Teleporting to fifty yards over the courtyard, I glide a circle and spot Granger.

Gliding in next to them, “I’ve got to make a stop in the kitchen. We’re going to serve Dragon tomorrow.”

Two very happy Griffons follow me through a double door near the corner of the courtyard. Inside we locate the head chef and explain what is coming to him. Twilight had warned him of the possibility so he is prepared. I stack several tables high with Dragon tail then drag two obsessed Griffons back out to the courtyard.

We cross the courtyard and re-enter the Castle via my private door. The mares are in the main room still and damned if Galinda and Smooth haven’t figured out how to mind walk with each other. Gertrude is watching and places a claw over her beak asking for silence. I nod and we back out quietly. Cutting through the offices, we exit into the main hall and head for the main gate.

Sure enough, in the park next to the river, we have tents, very big, very nice tents with Horses moving around. There’s a couple of wagons too so this bunch are professional travelers. They have the wagons and tents positioned to create a central yard between them so I aim myself at that yard.

“Halt! Identify yourself and drop all weapons,” as a large brightly dressed grey Horse advances from between the wagons wielding a big curved sword.

I make a couple of more steps to prove I’m not afraid of him and erect a soft shield just in case he has a friend with a bow, “Hello. I’m Prince John, your host. And you are?”

“None of your concern, Pony,” he spits out.

That was a mistake. “Foolish foal. You draw weapons on me in my own home and then can’t even work up the nuts to name yourself? You’re asking for a spanking to teach you respect.”

He sneers, “Why should I respect an unarmed weakling?”

Then he made his big mistake, he raised his sword and stepped toward me. He opened his mouth to say something but I beat him to it. With full command voice, “Call your sire out here so I can properly place the blame for this insult!”

“Call to arms for the king’s guard!” and he takes another step towards me.

So I call my big sword, turn on my ‘sun suit’, and wait. Two colts come around the end of the left wagon, a single colt comes around the right wagon, and a beefy middle aged stallion walks up behind the fool.

The stallion blinks once, “Your Majesty?”

“Is this your colt?” I ask.

“They all are, Your Majesty,” he answers.

“And this is their first time in Equestria?” I ask again.

“The first time for all of us, Your Highness,” he answers again.

I nod, “Do I have your permission to educate your colts?”

He’s confused, “Sire?”

I make it plain, “Your colt is rude, disrespectful, without honor, and stupid. He taunted me, raised his weapon, and advanced on me when he thought I was unarmed. I had the last five visitors that did that gelded.”

The stallion is visibly shaken, “Your Majesty! We were guaranteed safe passage.”

“And you have it. You have my word that I’ll do no serious physical damage to your colts. Or I could have you home in Saddle Arabia before you can draw another breath. But make no mistake, I will tolerate neither disrespect nor dishonor in my home.”

All four colts advance another step so I drop a stasis spell on them.

“And my opinion of your leadership is plummeting,” addressing the stallion, “Any of my Guard that escalated a situation without orders would land in a Badlands outpost before they could fart.”

A young, pearly white stallion steps out from between the wagons. Looking around, he turns to the older stallion and asks, “What is going on here. Are we under attack?”

The older stallion replies, “Prince John says he was,” pointing to me with his nose.

The younger stallion looks at me and asks, “Is this so?”

I’m getting really pissed now so I crank up the brightness a notch and treat them to full wing threat display. Both visibly cower. Taking several deep breaths in a row, I fold my wings, turn the ‘sun suit’ off, and put the sword away. I promised to protect them but from me?

Starting over, “Hello. I’m Prince John Sampson, Herd Stallion for Equestria, Commandant of the Royal Guard, and sun god. Behind me are King Granger and Prince Gerald of Griffonstone, good friends of mine. We’re here to welcome you to Canterlot and answer any questions you may have.”

The young stallion steps forward, “I am Horsein bin Saddle, younger brother of King Admin bin Saddle. This is Captain Fard bin Ali of the King’s Guard and the frozen ones are his colts. I hope they aren’t permanently frozen.”

“No, all I ever wanted to do was teach them some manners. The one closest to you particularly annoyed me because he threatened me when he thought I was defenseless. He needs to learn better than that or he has a short life expectancy in Equestria.”

Horsein is cautious, “I was told that Ponies are a peaceful race. Are we in that much danger?”

I consider my next words carefully, “Ponies are very peaceful by nature. One of the reasons for this is the amount of powerful magic in daily use. I have a four year old colt that can pull any of your loaded wagons all by himself. There is a family in Ponyville that is exempt from natural law. And Dragons call me ‘the Terrible Pony Monster’. Harmony is what keeps us from hurting each other. Visitors need to learn that they either join the Ponies or walk very softly.”

Captain Fard pulls Horsein into a whispered conference. After a minute or two it gets real intense. After several more minutes, I’ve had enough, “Prince Horsein, if your Captain can’t adjust to the reality of Equestria I can offer him a ride home.”

Horsein blinks at me, “Can you hear us?”

I smile, “No but your Captain and his colts have all displayed contempt for Ponies in general. Anypony in Equestria can glance at me and know that I’m an extremely powerful wizard. Yet the colt there called me ‘an unarmed weakling’. I would rather just send him home than try to keep him out of trouble as long as he is here.”

Horsein considers the idea, “It would take a month to get replacements here so what would be the point? I couldn’t leave the mares unprotected even if I chose to take the risk.”

I suggest, “I can offer you all the Royal Guard you could want or just move you into the Castle.”

He shakes his head, “No, even without considering pride or trust, I would still need teams for the wagons.”

“Okay, then how about a shortcut home. You could bring replacements back at the same time. Your total travel time would be several minutes.”

Horsein is startled, “This is possible?”

I nod, “Yes. In fact, if we can’t work something out I am going to drop you, tents, wagons, and all right in front of the main gate of Ridya. Granger, how did you get here?”

Granger steps up beside me, “Our whole flock stepped through a portal from my castle to your Castle. Gerald has told me that you opened one from Canterlot to Horseshoe Bay that a whole army of rescuers could march through.”

Horsein is looking stunned so I twist the knife, “Most Unicorns can teleport, Alicorns just do it bigger. Are you beginning to understand why you can’t just wander around Canterlot picking fights?”

Fard can no longer contain himself, “Infidel! You use cheap tricks to pass yourself off as a god. There is only one true god and it’s not you.”

Smiling sweetly at him, “If you say one more word not in response to a direct question, you will join your colts in stasis.”

“You. . .” and that’s all for him.

Now Horsein is sneaking up on panic, “Please, leave me some guards!”

And I’m sneaking up on angry again, “Foal, there aren’t enough Horses in Saddle Arabia to protect you from me and no safer place to be than under my protection. Now, do you want to find a way to stay here or do you want to give up and go home? These five are going home in a few minutes.”

Horsein’s ears are down and his eyes wide, “Can I go and speak to my King?”

“Of course. We’ll come out on the main square in front of the palace. Granger, could you please keep an eye on things here for a few minutes?”

Granger nods so I gather the ‘King’s Guard’ together with my magic. Concentrating for a moment, I find my stored waypoint for Ridya and reach. Horses scatter as we come out right in front of the Royal Palace of the Saddle dynasty. I line the frozen guardhorses neatly as Horsein recovers from the shock of his first teleport. As he starts toward the palace gate, I follow until he breaks into a run.

“Prince Horsein, please slow down,” I call, “we don’t want to surprise any more guards, do we.”

He doesn’t reply but he does slow to a fast walk. We breeze right by the gate guards possibly because they are still processing the connection between my shout and their frozen comrades just outside the door. A few yards down the hall, we stop at two large ornate doors with equally ornamental guards. The Prince pauses, composes himself, and nods to the guards.

We walk in to see a large dappled grey stallion seated on a dais listening to several stallions arguing in front of him. He looks up and shows obvious surprise when he recognizes Horsein then a major double take when he spots me.

King Admin speaks, “How is this possible, Brother Horsein? Both of you are supposed to be in Canterlot.”

Bowing his head, “My King, you will have to ask Prince John for the details but we were in Canterlot five minutes ago and he has assured me that we can be back as quickly. We are here because we had a little misunderstanding with Your Guard. Prince John has requested that they be replaced and has been persuasive in showing me the wisdom of this.”

King Admin seems uncertain, “Captain Fard is the most trusted Guard I have. How could he not be able to cope with whatever happened?”

Ears down and clearly distressed, “My King, it appears that Captain Fard may not be the ideal choice for duty in Equestria. The place is not anything like the stories tell. Perhaps you might want to step out to the square and view some of the evidence.”

King Admin, Prince Horsein, the whole Court, and I march out to the square to view five frozen Horses.

The King rounds on me, “Can you reverse this?” he bristles.

Nodding, “Of course. In fact, the most common use for this spell is to keep injured Ponies alive while waiting for medical care. I want you to see my greeting from Saddle Arabia as I saw it.”

I turn all the frozen ones to face away from us and drop the stasis spell.

Fard resumes in mid bellow, “stinking infidel bastard . . .”

King Admin switches from anger to resignation in an instant, “Yes, I understand.”

But I’m not done, “Not completely, I’m afraid. The first colt taunted me and threatened me immediately after I introduced myself as his host. Even worse, he did it because he thought I was unarmed. That is the main reason we are here. I can’t let anypony with this kind of belligerent attitude wander around traumatizing Ponies.”

King Admin thinks for a moment then admits, “I sent my brother and his companions because they were the only family members close enough to make it there in time. Perhaps I . . .”

I interrupt him, “No, that was my mistake. I’m too used to easy travel and thought two weeks was plenty of time. In the future, we will exchange fast couriers and arrange a time for a teleport. That’s pretty much how we are doing it with King Granger. Right now, anypony that wants to can make the return trip with us and I will promise a trip home whenever they want it.”

Suddenly, one of the stallions from the court erupts, “Foolish infidel! How dare you speak to King Admin in that tone? You are alone in the center of our power and we will do with you as we please!”

I’m getting depressed at the thought of trying to find enough sane Saddle Arabians to have a diplomatic relationship.

Feeling tired, I ask, “Do you even understand the concept of ‘honor’? I gave blanket protection to Saddle Arabians in my land and upheld it even when they took up arms against my person. I expect the same courtesy when I visit here. It is, after all, the foundation of peace between nations.”

He’s getting louder and more shrill, “Why would we want peace with a blasphemer like you? Honor lies in killing such as you!”

Feeling depressed now, “May I ask what I have done to earn such wrath? I don’t even know who you are, much less how I could have possibly offended you.”

“Are you mocking me, unbeliever?” he rants on, “You claim godhood to usurp the one true god. How can there be a greater offense than that?”

I can’t help but burst out laughing at that, “Listen, colt, ‘Pony sun god’ is a job title not a claim to any status. I don’t want any worship much less that of a foreigner.” Getting serious and focusing on the zealot, “And please tell me what kind of god is so helpless as to need your defense?” ending with a full bore ears flat and wings out anger display.

The zealot attempts to rear to counter my display but there’s no way he can match my height without wings so he ends up staggering backward and falling.

King Admin is chuckling in the background, “Hisan, I wish your brain was half as big as your heart. Prince John is my guest and you will cease annoying him. In fact, until you have enough stride to step from Ridya to Canterlot, you should probably be extra polite to him.”

I turn and nod to King Admin, “Thank you. I do not want to seem ungraceful but I did promise King Granger that I would be gone for minutes so if we could select a Guard detachment for Prince Horsein?”

King Admin turns to one of the horses behind him, “Have Captain Fahal report immediately with his best squad ready for an extended assignment.”

We get in several minutes of small talk before a squad in full armor comes trotting out of the palace in precise formation. They pull up to a halt in front of King Admin.

A very muscular stallion salutes, “Captain Fahal and squad reporting as ordered, Your Majesty.”

I can already see a difference between this Captain and Fard.

King Admin acknowledges his salute and introduces me, “This is Prince John of Equestria. Tell me what you think about him?”

Captain Fahal eyes me critically, “He’s a Pony no doubt and a very powerful one with all that horn and wings too but there’s more to him that I can’t place.”

Yes! This one has potential. I smile at him, “Very good, Captain. My soul is pure Pony by choice but my body is Horse, Terran Horse. On top of that I have ascended so now it’s simpler to just call me Alicorn.”

When I said that my body was Horse, every ear in a forty yard radius turned straight towards me.

King Admin chuckles, “I believe that explains how you seem to know our ways so well though I am curious just what ‘Terran’ means. And I wonder how one chooses a race?”

“There is one answer to both questions,” I detail, “Terra is the world of my birth, a place far from here in a direction not on any map. And I chose to swear an Oath to separate myself from Terra and become Pony. What you see in front of you is the result.”

King Admin has a short conference with Captain Fahal and Prince Horsein then they all turn to me.

I instruct, “I’m going to open a portal this time. The larger the number being teleported, the harder it is to align them all with the target destination. It will appear as a door in the air. Step through it and keep going on the other side. You will be between the wagons and tents in Prince Horsein’s camp. Go left or right in addition to straight ahead so that you clear the way for those behind you.”

As I open the portal, Captain Fahal barks, “Entry protocol on me!” and places Horsein in the middle of his squad.

I step through and continue, angling to my left, to stop between the wagons. Granger steps forward to greet me and Captain Fahal stiffens behind me.

Over my shoulder, “That is King Granger and his son, Prince Gerald behind him. They’re family.” Facing Granger, “This is Captain Fahal, Prince Horsein’s new Guard. He brought a full squad with him and they seem much sharper than their predecessors.”

Gerald laughs, “Oh well, I was enjoying watching you talk with the last bunch. I think some of your Guard were getting nervous, though.”

The good Captain is looking around but not seeing so I decide to enlighten him, “There’s a squad of Pegasi in light armor for every Royal in Canterlot right now and they have Courier Specialists with them to summon Rapid Response Groups of Earth Ponies and Unicorns if they are engaged. Just look up.”

Captain Fahal’s eyes widen as he beholds twenty plus Pegasi orbiting in neat formations over his head.

I elaborate, “That’s just part of them. Because we have four Royals together, a lot of them are resting just out of sight and not getting each others’ ways. We call it ‘Discrete Cover’.”

Captain Fahal looks me in the eye and bows, “Your Majesty.”

I nod back, “You can ask them for any kind of help by simply signaling or shouting and they will come even if you don’t see them. That’s the kind of thing I came here to tell Prince Horsein when Fard went stupid.”

We have a calm conversation as I bring them up to speed on where and how to do business in Canterlot. I finish by inviting them to breakfast, “I think both of you would benefit from it, particularly Captain Fahal. It’s at five AM in the Castle and any Guardpony you see can direct you to it. Just be warned that we don’t have ranks or titles until after the meal is over.”

Captain Fahal is apologetic, “I thank you, Your Majesty, for the gracious invitation but I eat breakfast with my Horses.”

I’m going to like this Horse. “Bring them. I eat breakfast with my Ponies in the Guard cafeteria.”

Fahal is startled, “This is your regular practice?”

I reply, “I can’t always but the custom is over four centuries old and is a matter of great pride for the Guard here. It doesn’t hurt that several of the Royal Herd have come up through the Guard.”

Fahal is looking intently at Horsein as Horsein says, “We are going to talk about this but I must admit that it intrigues me almost as much as it does Captain Fahal.”

We make our goodbyes and head back up the road to the Castle. A nagging feeling that I have forgotten something crystallizes in my mind.

I ask, “How do you two feel about lunch in the Guard cafeteria? I’ve got something that I need to do there.”

A couple of nods and we have a destination but we don’t exactly get there. Just before the start of the Guard sector, there’s a big paper sign that says ‘Extra Cafeteria’ next to an open door. Inside is a large banquet hall and another paper sign about fifty yards away in the back ‘Order Here’.

Laughing, “Okay, now I’m mad. Somepony beat me to it. This is what I came here to do, have another dining room opened for the extra Ponies.”

Granger is amused, “So you’re mad that your staff is as smart as you?”

On that note, we have a normal cafeteria lunch at a very nice table. Afterwards we make a quick stop at the Royal Jeweler and he promises to replace the silk we used and have some spares delivered to my quarters within the hour. Then we set our sights on the next big challenge, the Zebras. The Guard at their door is sure that they are all three inside so I knock.

“Please come in,” a pleasant voice answers.

As the door opens, I behold a statuesque mare and a pair of colts. All are striped as expected and the mare has a cutie of stacked books but both colts are blank.

I introduce us, “Hello, I’m Prince John and this is King Granger and Prince Gerald. Welcome to Canterlot.”

Bowing deeply, “Thank you, Your Majesties. I am Zebranec, a scholar of history and these are my colts, Stripes and Tiger. We are honored to meet you and hope that we may someday interview you at length.”

This is going to be interesting. With curiosity I remark, “You are different from the only other individual of your race that I have met. She was shorter and spoke in rhyme.”

Zebranec replies, “I am a Plains Zebra. Because we live in the wide open flat plains, speed and endurance are prime characteristics. Mountain Zebras are more compact because balance and surefootedness are important. As a scholar I must speak with many races so I just get out of the habit of rhyming when I’m not at home. It’s one of the reasons I was offered this opportunity, Your Majesty.”

I nod, “First, drop the honorifics in private. We’ve said our hellos, now it’s just a waste of time. Second, are you going to stay here? As an Ambassador? Or a scholar?”

After several false starts, Zebranec answers, “I don’t know. I have been trying to raise the money to come here and research a historical figure, Zecora. I was offered passage and limited support in return for representing my people and reporting to my government the true situation here. What’s next depends on what I report.”

Smiling big, “Have I got a deal for you! Stay right where you are for the time being. I remember Zecora but I didn’t do much more than say ‘hello’. Twilight was a good friend and spent some time with her. And I can say with certainty that after you report my assumption of the Throne and additions to the Royal Herd, your government will want you to stay and observe. Several of us can tell stories that will interest them greatly. We just have to be careful not to use up all the good stories too fast. And I have a price, I want a copy of all of your interviews for the Royal Archive. Explain it any way you want for your government just help me keep the history.”

Zebranec looks like she’s choking and Granger is chuckling, “John, please have some sympathy. The rest of the world doesn’t live at your speed. Give the mare some time to think and catch up.”

Still smiling, “Of course. Nopony is going to do anything until after the ceremony but I can sweeten the deal by offering Tiger and Stripes a better education than they’ll get anywhere else.”

This sets the two colts in motion. They clearly have an opinion but are unsure how to express it.

So I invite them, “Speak your mind. Just don’t be surprised if you get an answer.”

They look at their dam and she nods so Tiger leads off, “Zebranec is a famous scholar and has taught us well.”

Stripes continues, “We are better educated than most right now.”

I nod, “I assumed as much but that’s just the beginning. It simply isn’t possible for any one Pony to know everything. Celestia has had millennia to try and hasn’t come close. Here you can learn Pony culture, and Griffon, and Horse, and Minotaur, and so on and so on. You might also want to learn some military disciplines if you are going to travel much.”

Both colts are bouncing in place and Zebranec is looking very interested so the seed is planted. Gerald has an issue, though.

Gerald asks, “How does anypony tell you two apart?”

Tiger steps forward, “I’m half black.”

Stripes moves next to him, “And I’m half white.”

I’m guessing this isn’t the first time they’ve used that routine but it has Gerald confused.

“Ha!” I exclaim, “That’s not so. You are both solid black with white painted over before you were born. And you are easy to tell apart for me.”

Both colts come to a screeching halt but Zebranec is more practical, “How do you know this?”

I explain, “Look at me. My coat is common where I was born in many variations and with detailed knowledge of its origins. Zebras were used in explanations of the mechanism of it as a striking variation of the same pattern. I am a Bay Horse covered with a lot of white in the womb. My breed is called ‘Paint’ for that reason.”

Zebranec is satisfied but Tiger isn’t, “That still doesn’t explain how you can tell us apart.”

As I walk by Tiger, “Follow me,” and lead him to the other side of the room. Throwing a sound blocking shield behind us, “Any horned Pony can see under your skin and coat. I can see the scars in your body and I’m guessing that you narrowly escaped being eaten.”

A very sober Tiger confirms my guess, “I killed a Lion by myself to earn my warrior rank but the noise attracted four more. I killed one of them before I was rescued but it was close.”

Nodding, “Very well, it’s your story and I don’t know enough of it to tell so I will leave that to you.”

Dropping the shield, I return to Granger and Gerald with Tiger in tow.

Tiger addresses everypony, “Prince John can tell us apart. How and why is a long story that would best be told later.”

Stripes and Granger are both staring at me so, “Granger, you’ve seen the world through my eyes, you know how much more I see.”

Granger nods but Stripes is bouncing again.

Stripes asks, “How are these things possible, that you can see more and share it?”

I’m smiling, “That’s part of the ‘education’ I was offering earlier. The world is a far bigger place than most imagine and it’s filled with wonders.”

We leave the Zebras to consider their futures while we check the preparations in the Throne Room and courtyard. There are a number of visitors and locals already gathered to watch the change of day. Some of them have brought their foals so I’m answering questions while Granger and Gerald hang back and laugh.

The Pegasus colt I’m talking to has noticed them following me and asks, “Who are those two?”

Glancing at them, “The Griffons? They’re with me. I have them along to laugh when I’m funny so that everypony else will know it’s time to laugh.”

Studying the Griffons intently, the colt remarks, “That must be a sweet job just walking around and laughing.”

I nod, “It is. In fact, it’s so good that anypony that wants it will have to challenge him for it.”

The colt considers this for a moment then takes off to flutter over and hover in front of Granger’s face.

“When I get bigger I’m going to challenge you for your job,” the colt declares.

Granger just grins and matches the Pegasus’ tone, “No you’re not. You see this youngster beside me? That’s my cub and I’m training him to take over my job. If you want it you’ll have to challenge him.”

The colt flutters over to confront Gerald, “I’m going to be waiting for you,” and glides back to land beside his sire.

Gerald strikes a highly dramatic pose and, “John! Why didn’t you warn me? Now I’m stalked and hunted.”

Several dignitaries and Nobles are staring at us which just encourages the colt to strut. The locals are mostly laughing so we move on.

As we walk in the door to my quarters, “I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a few minutes,” and I turn to the stairs up to my evening duty. Other than a definite feeling of anticipation, it’s routine.

Dinner is very interesting, though. Both Galinda and Smooth are eating with their magic. It’s not neat or elegant but they are getting bites stationary over their plates long enough for them to grab them with their mouths. Gertrude, Granger, and Gerald are all laughing at the show.

I have to give them credit, “Very good. And I suppose you can both also divide, shape, and meld?”

That gets me synchronized nods.

“How long did you two spend mind walking today?”

They look at each other and Galinda answers, “We didn’t miss lunch too much.”

Smooth continues, “We swapped some memories and compared notes in addition to magic lessons.”

I’m on this, “Don’t you two even think about it. NO! Can you even imagine what will happen if you screw up Twilight’s carefully calculated schedule?”

After dinner we play and groom until finally everypony but me is happily sleeping. I look across my pile and imagine a future filled with growth and strength as I relax into my night.