Chapters A Dromedary stumbled towards a Saddle Arabian fort, her hump flat as the surrounding desert sands. Her eyes were wide with terror as she gasped, "Please help! The wind horses are coming!" The guards quickly opened the gates, ushering her inside before sealing them shut once more.
One of the commanders rushed down to meet her, his face etched with concern. "Mountain Back! What's happened? Our mages lost all contact with your kingdom!"
The camel clutched at the Saddle Arabian horse, her voice trembling. "My kingdom is gone!" she panted, her words tumbling out in a rush. "They appeared at dawn, as the sun rose. Our archers were blinded when their pegasi launched ice-like feathers at us! Then came the yaks, breaking through our walls as if they were paper! The earth ponies and horses wielded twin blades in their mouths, destroying our enchantments. It allowed those faceless creatures to summon lightning and storms!" Her eyes were distant, reliving the horror. "Their blades cut through our soldiers, turning them to stone!"
She collapsed to the ground, noticing a scratch on her left front leg. The cut sealed itself, hardening like stone. "No," she whispered, "they let me go free. Whatever you do, don't fight them—" Her words were cut short as her entire body turned to stone, leaving the Saddle Arabian general staring in horror.
"We need Equestria," he said, his voice tight with frustration. "Their mages know how to cure petrifaction. Send a diplomat immediately. Whatever these wind horses are, we can't fight against this kind of magic. Send a message to the king at once."
In the distance, a lone wind horse stood watching. Its mane and tail flowed like living smoke, shimmering with an otherworldly light. It turned and galloped away, its hooves stepping onto a breeze as it ran through the air, leaving behind a trail of sparkling dust.
In the capital of the Eversteppe, a vast army surrounded an enormous yurt that housed hundreds of thousands of creatures. They all awaited their Khan's decision following the destruction of Dromedaria. The diarchy of father and son stood before their subjects, their presence commanding silence.
The Khan's body, altered by the magic of the Eversteppe, towered over all. Two curved horns adorned the sides of his head, and his wings, when spread, revealed feathers that burned with an otherworldly fire. Despite a persistent cough, he stood tall and proud.
At the Khans' feet, the Shah of Dromedaria was thrown to the ground. The camel's eyes bulged with fear as he gazed up at the imposing figures.
"Bow," the father commanded, his voice resonating through the yurt. The Shah's chin hit the ground with a thud, as if weighed down by lead.
The Khan continued, his voice a low rumble. "Your governor claimed our kind wasn't welcome in Dromedaria, even after we offered silk, porcelain, and herbs." As the Dromedary attempted to raise his head, a unicorn guard forced his face back to the ground.
"Do you know what happened to that governor?" the Khan mused. A petrified statue floated over the Shah, its mouth filled with silver. "Oh, right!" The Khan's grin faded as the statue crashed to the floor, shattering into countless pieces.
"There is no place for greedy nobles in my empire," he declared, pausing to catch his breath. "Now, for your fate." The Khan's horns glowed with magic, and in a flash, the Shah was transformed into a golden statue. The crowd erupted in cheers, hailing their Khan of Khans.
"Thank you," the Khan said, his voice weary. "You may take your rest." The gathering dispersed, some lingering to start fires while others departed.
The diarchs retreated to their private yurt, the size of a large cabin. As they sat, the father's cough worsened. "Father, your time is slipping away," the son said, worry etched on his face.
"We can't conquer Heihe or Guizhou without you," he added softly.
The elder Khan wheezed, fixing his son with an intense gaze. "You vanquished Sahne!" he whispered fiercely, gripping the younger stallion's sky-blue coat. "So tell me, why can't you defeat their spoiled neighbors?"
He pulled his son closer, his voice barely audible. "The world is unforgiving. Remember, only the grass beneath you and the clouds above forgive. Everyone else outside your clan waits for you to misstep, ready to push you into the abyss!"
The father released his grip, his cough intensifying. "Father!" the son cried, supporting the old stallion as he collapsed.
"Please, don't leave this world. You're the last of our clan," the son pleaded.
The father's eyes locked onto his son's, his gaze unwavering. "I won't be the last, colt. Lead this nation, in war or peace. Keep your enemies under your hooves, never at eye level." With those final words, the elder closed his eyes, his body dissolving into ash as his spirit ascended to the sky.
Later that day, the new Khan addressed his generals, all aware of the first Khan's passing. As he spoke, the Eversteppe's magic altered his body. His unicorn horn split, curving to grow on opposite sides of his head. His coat shimmered, taking on a metallic sheen that reflected the light of the setting sun.
He opened his wings, the feathers glowing with an intense, otherworldly flame. The fire danced along each feather, casting long shadows across the gathered crowd. His voice, strong and clear, rang out across the steppes. "The Eversteppe will spread!"
The response was immediate and thunderous. The wind horses reared up on their hind legs, their ethereal manes whipping in a nonexistent breeze. The Bactrian clans stomped their hooves, creating a rhythmic thunder that shook the earth. The Ice Pegasi beat their wings, sending showers of crystalline snowflakes into the air.
The Mountain Yaks roared their approval, their deep voices echoing off distant peaks. The Wise Reindeers nodded solemnly, their antlers glowing with ancient magic. Even the usually silent shaman unicorns joined in, their horns sparking with arcane energy.
As the cheers died down, the new Khan surveyed his forces. His eyes gleamed with determination and a hint of the power that now coursed through his veins. "We are not just a horde," he declared, his voice carrying to every ear. "We are the future. The old world will crumble before us, and from its ashes, we will forge a new era!"
The assembled creatures stamped and cheered once more, their voices rising in a unified cry that seemed to shake the very foundations of the world. The Eversteppe was on the move, and nothing would stand in its way.
Rainbow was going stir crazy on the boat. “Shouldn’t diplomats be doing this? Why do we have to go to saddle Arabia?” She said flying backwards as twilight read through she could find about the ever steppe.
“Because the Eversteppes are a dangerous land made of endless grasslands that are said to devour all who enter.” Twilight explain. Fluttershy was shacking and attempted to make getaway only for her tail to get caught by Twilight’s magic. “It’s also a Land made up of five tribes who are United by a single khan of khans.” Twilight started to panic, The rest of the girls waited for more information until they noticed that there was nothing else.
“Sugar cube is there anything else?” Applejack asked worried.
Twilight went through the pages but each attempt to read the other pages lead to the letters disappearing. “I don’t understand the other pages, the letters are just disappearing!” Went through the pages only to find them keep being erased, rarity took the book and found it was the same for her.
She fell to the fetal position “This is my worst nightmare.” She spoke having flash backs of Changelings library. Pinky pie gently rubbed twilights back. “I thought I could read it during the journey but I might be cursed!” She breathed heavily, before getting a paper bag.
After getting a from nice couple on best places to visit during your golden years, twilight calmed down. “Ok! Luckily I got these!” She showed them necklaces and ear rings.
“Um I’m not the type for ear rings twilight.” Rainbow dash said this, Rarity had snatched them and put them on.
“Darling you’re finally developing a taste?” Twilight laughed a little before clearing her throat.
“Those are enchanted to translate any language you hear. The necklace translate what you say. So we don’t have any incident’s…” The five looked perplexed.
Spike sighed “She tried saying hello in rock Dog and got banished for life.” Twilight blushed, covering her ears. “Twilight we all make mistakes.” Fluttershy reassured him.
The were welcome very favorably, with crowds cheering for them as they were escorted to the palace. The sultan stood at the height of Celestia, his mane and fur the color of wet sand and his eyes a piercing dark brown. His queen on the other hoof had the color of ocean blue, wearing see through dress, wearing golden bridle as her husband. “We welcome you to our great nation! You should rest but when the moon rises a feast!” Once twilight got her room she looked at the notes on what she could find about the Barbaric steppe before leaving the girls.
The girls however we’re going outside enjoying the Market and the sounds the culture. In the shadows two ponies watched the main six. Applejack looked and noticed two stallions watching them and following them. “Darling this would be perfect on you!” Rarity pulled applejack into the changing room, she was wearing a Orange bridle made of silk and a saddle encrusted with amber gems. “I need to check on something.” She stepped out to see the two stallions having disappeared.
She returned to find Fluttershy wearing a bridle and a saddle with a butterfly. “It’s just marvelous Darling!” Dash looking herself in the mirror wearing gold plate armors covering only essentials.
The feast began as the sun set, bands played behind them while they ate. Twilight sat near the royal couple, she then decided to ask the sultan. “Taquez, Your highness what do know about the Eversteppes?”
He rubbed his beard if trying to jump start his memory. “In my youth my father would hire mercenaries from those lands, to my memory there are five great tribe there. Yet all records from travelers there disappear.” Twilights eyes widened as the queen join in on the conversation.
“The texts about the Eversteppe, their letters all melt or turn to dust. My grandfather made his way to the Eversteppe to reach Mǎ nation for trade agreements. There he saw a tournament of the five tribes, The yaks dueling with their horns, the ice pegasi launching their arrows at targets, the wind horses racing on the clouds, The Bactrians and Reindeer racing in heat and Ice to show their endurance and the Shaman unicorns sing in tones that should be impossible.” He hit his hoof on the table. “Watching all of this an Alicorn with two horns and wings of fire. The moment he raised his hoof the grass grew and everything bore fruit.”
Not only twilight but all of the attendants listening to queen. “The Eversteppe is a land of unending chaos. The yaks drink mare’s milk, the grass is sweet as apples, herbs that cure all and poisons that kill the mightiest stallions. A land of endurance that only few could travel alone, predators roam freely, beasts under the sand devours entire camps of horses. The Eversteppes where the enemies are not the creatures alone but the land it self, creatures born and raised there are different, they’re marked by nature itself and do not follow the rules that we do. The pegasi walk on the earth, while wingless wind ponies run on air. The mages horn do not glow as their voice alone can mold the sky and even speak to the dead. But their eyes, they all cover them as one look from them can curse you, others say that seeing into their eyes will take your soul and merge with the Eversteppes and the Khan told my grandfather to peer into eyes of Shaman during their practice will show you choas, order and never ending change.”
As that wind swept through the room all light sources were blown out or covered the only light was moon light silhouetted by the moon light two Ponies one a wind horse with a grey coat and a ice pegasus with wings glittering in the moon light, a coat like roses and mane crimson as blood.. The wind pony spoke his voice booming. “Khan EnkhTuvan has passed and Khan Amerbold has Taken the throne.”
The mare spoke, aggressively with threatening undertone. “Surrender, pay tribute, offer your soldiers, and you will be rewarded with peace. If you don't, the yaks will collapse your walls, the wind ponies will slice your soldiers and turn their bodies to stone, the reindeer will make it snow, and ice pegasi will make it rain blades of frozen water. And finally, you will be cursed by our unicorns."
The wind pony added, his eyes glowing faintly, "Come to the coronation of our khan, and you will be offered greater liberty than his other subjects." With that, they both disappeared - one flying off, the other seeming to walk on the very air itself.
The sultan and queens did their best from the nobles from panicking. The girls looked at eachother worried at what they had gotten themselves in it.
Amerbold sat in his newly constructed castle, playing a horse head fiddle. The haunting melody echoed through the stone halls. A unicorn mare with a tan coat and dark brown mane approached cautiously, her hooves clicking on the polished floor.
"Sire?" she asked, her voice tinged with reverence and a hint of fear. Amerbold looked up, his face an emotionless mask. He nodded, silently urging her to continue. "We have conquered Heihe. It has fallen to Swift Mind," the mare reported, her chest swelling with pride. A flicker of satisfaction crossed Amerbold's face. He nodded, pleased with his general's success. The mare hesitated before continuing, "Guizhou was invaded, but General Light Step's yaks attacked early. They were forced to retreat."
Suddenly, the mare sensed a change in the air. The Khan seemed to shimmer and fade before her eyes.
On the battlefield, the yaks were fleeing in disarray. Without warning, Amerbold appeared in front them, his wings spread wide. He raised them toward the retreating forces, and a soft light emanated from his body. All those touched by his rays were healed, their wounds closing and strength returning.
Behind them, ice pegasi arrived, their crystalline wings glittering in the sun. Amerbold's voice boomed across the field, "Destroy that fort and return as heroes!"
Reinvigorated, the yaks turned and rushed toward the fort. The ice pegasi arrived and launched an aerial assault, their their frozen wings hitting the archers atop the walls, freezing them on the spot. Under the combined assault, the walls began to crumble.
Amerbold strode through the chaos, his horn glowing with power. Enemy soldiers found themselves inexplicably floating above the ground, then being chocked before consciousness then dropped unceremoniously. They gasped for breath as the Khan entered the palace.
Guards attempted to stop him, but with a single stomp of his hoof, they were flung against the walls. The emperor's horn glowed, and the weaponry in the room began to float, launching toward the Khan. Amerbold teleported around the throne room, easily avoiding the barrage.
In a flash, he appeared before the emperor and slammed his hoof into the ruler's face. The emperor's nose began to bleed as he struggled to stand. Amerbold pushed the emperor's head back, towering over him. "You barbarian!" the emperor spat, blood trickling down his chin. "Mǎ will defeat you!"
Amerbold chuckled, a cold sound devoid of humor. "Maybe," he replied, his voice low and menacing, "but you won't be there to see it."
His horn glowed once more, and the emperor's body began to change. Flesh turned to stone, and in moments, a jade statue stood where the living ruler had been. With a final, contemptuous stomp, Amerbold shattered him.
As he turned toward the door, the sounds of his soldiers raiding the palace filled the air. The conquest of Mǎ had begun, and Amerbold, Khan of the Eversteppe, stood triumphant.
The Khan looked at the Yak who has cost the lives of ten of his Yak bulls, beaten by his commanding general.
The Alicorn stepped to up to him.“I forgive Narahoof so please stand.” Amerbold said with a calm voice. “You’re demoted and stripped of your titles. Until you earn new ones and the spoils you gained should be given to the widows of those Bulls. Stand. " The Yak stood wincing in pain and crying his guilt both mental and physical.
Many mumbling came from the Warriors who agreed with the Khans judgement, healer Unicorn came to the yak but he swatted at them.
"No!" he spoke his voice thundering and dripping with emotions. "This is my punishment I deserved it and thank you khan. But I will heal on my own until I regained my honor." He stepped out the War room.
The Yak General Iron Horns took his seat in the war room washing his hooves of the blood after beating Naranhoof.
“Reports”
Swift mind reported. “We have conquered the territory south of our borders. As ordered we set up some defensive forces at the boarder to Mâ.”
He turned to the unicorn "Fate strider?"
Her eyes were blind folded as it was tradition. “The construction of our first factories are on going as you asked my khan.” Amerbold nodded.
He looked at general Przewalski. “Reports from Saddlarbia?”
He nodded. “Equestrian delegates came, our spies Predict they will be arriving to us in about a moon sir. Though I heard to reports of armies or military assistance."
Amerbold squinted theorizing why this could be. "Either they're here for peace or they under esteemate us."
Fate strider looked around, her gaze if outside of the room. “The king of Saddle Arabia is accepting his position as our tributary but the delegates want to reconsider. The elements of harmony are the Delates sire, we want us to reconsider our demands from Saddlearbia.”
Amerbold sighed, his hoof tapping on the table. “Isn’t their nation’s military so untested they have been defeated multiple times?”
General Iron Horns snorted, his voice gruff. "Aye, Khan. Their Military is a joke. But these Elements of Harmony." He paused, brows furrowed searching for the right words to say.
Mood muncher the young Queen of Eversteppes hives spoke, currently only a nymph, yet spoke with confidence. “A big deal, I mean they defeated chrysalis and she had a massive army.”
Khan raised a brow now interested. “Tell me More mood muncher. What makes them a threat?”
The platinum haired queen Blinked nodded happily. “Well each one presents a powerful magical element and they have defeated discord the spirit of Choas, tirek a centaur with the power to steal magic. Sombra a shadow pony who almost conquered all of Equestria on his own.”
Fate strider twitched, her horned glowed as if galloping through the past. “They’re not to be under estimated yet. Oh my horn they just one trick ponies! I mean if we separate them and keep them from join together, their power is basically useless!”
The room silent as they digest what was told, Amarbold face took On a calculating demeanor. "Any suggestions?"
Swift mind spoke with cunning shining in his eyes. “We invite them and then divide them with what interests them. Finally imprison them and keep separated.”
Iron hoof laughed hitting the table with his hoof. “You ice Pegasi are always cool-headed. I agree, that is the best strategy to deploy."
Fate strider frowned, her blindfold shifted as her brow furrowed. “Their guide will keep them suspicious of us, but Eclipse shine she can easily teleport him home golden vender is the horses name and I see two foals in his future, his wife does not know till he leaves.”
The khan nodded, stepping forward, he spoke with pride. "Yes she is one of our best Shamans, her skill with magic is only matched by your foresight, Fate Strider.”
General Przewalski cleared his throat, eyes narrow in thought. “Let me say, Generosity can run out, Loyalty can be isolated, Honesty can turn to bitter truths, Kindness can be abused, laughter can be Silenced and Magic can be Overwhelmed.”
Amerbold stroked his chin, considering. “An astute observations, General. We must exploit these weaknesses if we are to succeed.”
Swift mind grinned. “Maybe each of us should focus on one of the element and assign each of us to focus on each element, find their weaknesses more closely.”
The Khans Eyes lit up. “Excellent suggestion swift mind. Fate Strider, can you see which of us would be best suited to face each element?”
As the seer began to concentrate, her horn glowing with prophetic energy, the atmosphere in the war room grew tense with anticipation. The fate of their expansion, and perhaps their entire kingdom, could hinge on how they handled these formidable visitors.
Meanwhile, in Saddle Arabia, unaware of the meticulous planning being done against them, Twilight and her friends were making their final preparations. The Crying Mountains loomed in the distance, a daunting barrier between them and the Khan's court. As they packed their saddlebags and checked their supplies, a mix of excitement and apprehension filled the air.
Rainbow Dash zipped around, double-checking everyone's gear. "Alright, everypony! We've got a long journey ahead. Anypony need help with their packs?"
Rarity levitated a few more accessories into her already bulging saddlebag. "Darling, I think I might have overpacked a tad. Could you be a dear and help me organize?"
Applejack rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Rarity, we're goin' on a diplomatic mission, not a fashion show."
"One never knows when a touch of glamour might be needed, Applejack," Rarity replied with a toss of her mane.
Fluttershy gazed nervously at the distant mountains. "Oh my... they look so... imposing. Are you sure we'll be safe?"
Twilight placed a reassuring hoof on her friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. We've faced worse before. Besides, we have each other."
Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly. "Ooh! Ooh! Maybe we can throw a party for the Khan! I bet they've never had an Equestrian-style bash before!"
Golden Vender, their guide, approached the group. "Are you all set? We should get moving if we want to reach the base of the mountains by nightfall."
As they began their journey, the wind picked up, carrying with it an eerie, mournful sound. The ponies exchanged uneasy glances.
"What in tarnation is that noise?" Applejack asked, her ears twitching.
Golden Vender's expression grew solemn. "Ah, you're hearing the cries that give the Crying Mountains their name. It's said it's the mournful cries of a great emperor," he explained as the wind continued to howl. "It's said his anguish formed these mountains."
Twilight's ears perked up with interest. "Fascinating! Can you tell us more about this legend?"
As they walked, Golden Vender recounted the tale. "Long ago, there was an emperor who ruled these lands with wisdom and kindness. But he lost his beloved in a tragic accident. His grief was so profound that it's said he wept for a hundred days and nights. His tears formed rivers, and his wails shaped the very earth, creating these mountains."
Rarity wiped a tear from her eye. "How terribly romantic and tragic!"
Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Come on, it's just the wind. Right?"
Fluttershy shivered. "I don't know... it does sound awfully sad."
As they continued their journey, the crying seemed to grow louder. The ponies huddled closer together, both in awe of the legend and slightly unnerved by the constant wailing of the wind.
Twilight's mind raced with questions. "I wonder if there's any historical basis for this legend. It could provide valuable insights into the culture of the Eversteppe."
Pinkie Pie, ever the optimist, chirped, "Well, if there really is a sad emperor ghost, maybe we can cheer him up! I've got just the party cannon for the job!"
The group chuckled, their spirits lifting slightly despite the haunting atmosphere. As they pressed on towards the looming mountains, each pony couldn't help but wonder what other surprises and challenges awaited them in the mysterious land of the Eversteppe.