Canterlot Academy Trials

The next day…

Dorm Block Epsilon had its next mission: Sail out to Trotsylvania and make contact with Grimrose’s parents so they could possibly locate Bonetail in the Kobold Canyon. The reason why it was so important was due to the fact that, not only was Bonetail a high-level threat to everyone’s safety, but he also was the only one who knew how to counter Odu Eransa’s newfound power thanks to ingesting dragon blood. Fitting that a lich dragon would know such a thing.

But in order to reach the Kobold Canyon in the first place, they had to sail out on the water. Trotsylvania was just northwest of the Dragon Lands and halfway across the world from where mainland Equestria was located. Just north of the Zebrican continent to be precise.

So with the help of the newly christened Captain Marrow of the SS Apodemus, they’d be on their way. The rat man was still getting used to the concept of being captain though, and had acquired some books from Smolder on how to be a proper leader to a rag-tag group.

“Hey Marrow,” Nebula called out to the rat beastman who was on the upper deck with a book in his paw, “Everything going well?”

“Hm? Yeah, pard,” he replied with a happy chitter, “With Pollux gone, I’m finally able to come into my own and think about what I want for our future.”

The unicorn stallion raised a brow, then shot the rat a knowing grin, “You’re not gonna turn to random raids are you?”

“What? No of course not!” Marrow squeaked in protest, “First off, I’m going to make sure every member of the crew is aware of what’s going on, and put our tasks to a majority vote before we do anything.”

“Good. So you’re only gonna commit a bit of thievery here and there then?” Nebula asked, wondering how these rodent pirates would get along, “Maybe hunt for treasure?”

“Honestly, yeah!” Marrow squealed with excitement at the prospect of hunting for highly valued treasure and artifacts. “If there’s somethin’ me and the crew can find and split the spoils on, I’d be happy to venture out for it!”

“Well considering where we’re headed next, you just might find something,” Nebula added with a smile, “The Kobold Canyon is basically a mining town where kobolds…mine for materials like magic crystals.”

Marrow’s rat ears twitched at the mention of kobolds. “Oh! Those are the wingless dragons, yeah?”

“Yup,” Nebula nodded, “Though they’re more like lizards or gator-folk. From my studies, their outer scale layer is much thicker and more hardened akin to armor. It’s an evolutionary divide since they don’t breathe fire and can’t fly like dragons can.”

“Oooh…” Marrow’s tail flicked as he listened to the stallion enlighten him with his knowledge of the race, “Tell me more, pard!”

Nebula gave a sheepish chuckle, “Well I’m flattered, but I really only know so much from my time with history books. Never met a real one I’m afraid. But I think we’ll have a chance once we’re there. Who knows, we might even get a chance to find some treasure while we’re there too.”

“Dadgummit I hope so!” Marrow squealed, “If I’m gonna be a good cap’n, I need’ta get us into some treasure!”

“Well first we’ll need the permission of Grimrose’s parents to enter,” Nebula replied as he stood up and trotted down the steps of the upper deck to the main deck, “I’ll come back to you if anything comes up.”

“Gotcha, pard!”

Nebula trotted down where other rodentfolk were hard at work either prepping cannons, weapons, or taking supply numbers. It seemed that Marrow had, so far at least, managed to rally them together under an organized banner.

‘Good to see. Hopefully it stays that way…’

Soon enough, he’d see Grimrose looking out over the ocean from the port side of the ship. He’d trot up to her and ask, “...hey, everything alright, Rose?”

The pegasus mare had her usual neutral expression. “...yes. We’ll need to get my parents’ approval to enter the Canyon.”

“Mind telling me more about it?”

“The Canyon is actually an old mining town that dates back centuries,” she continued, “Kobolds have been living there forever and have been granted protection by my family--the Orcus Family--in exchange for their cooperation in mining the materials that exist there.”

Nebula nodded with an interested expression in his eyes, “Hrm…okay, I follow so far. What do they mine exactly?”

“Power crystals,” Grimrose droned, “Crystals that are used in everything from currency and scrolls, to more complicated things like enchanted armor, and even magical technology like firearms.”

“Pheeeeew. Woah…that shit sounds valuable,” Nebula replied with an impressed whistle, “I guess that’s why it’s so rare, huh?”

“Pretty much,” Grimrose confirmed his statement, “You’ll see when we get there. But it can also be used as a fuel source. Hence why only a certain amount of territories have laid claim to the mines and its exports. Trotsylvania, the Dragon Lands, and Saddle Arabia have a massive stake in these mines for instance.”

“Yikes. Hopefully it doesn’t result in a boiling pot due to encroaching power imbalance,” Nebula muttered concerningly.

Rose shook her head, “Don’t worry. All the parties involved have to agree to a contract. Breaking it wouldn’t do much good for anyone. But what I’m worried about is…”

“Your parents, right?” Nebula supported her with a hoof on her shoulder, “...don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll treat us right. We’re your friends and family too, Rose. You know that.”

“I…” She was unable to respond. Nebula’s confident smile had caused her to smile as well. “...you’re right. Maybe I’m being a bit pessimistic about it. I’ll…try and stay positive.”

“That’s the spirit!” Nebula continued to encourage her with his proud tone, “We got this, Rose. There’s nothing we can’t handle.”

Rose would continue to smile for him on the outside, but on the inside, she couldn’t help but think, ‘...but can I handle my own self-hatred…?’