Chapter 1: Give My Regards To Bridleway
The Port of Hobucken was a bit of a dreary place at the best of times, with rusting equipment and aging brick buildings giving it a certain atmosphere of age and decay. With an overcast sky, a drizzling rain that had lasted all day and a strong wind pushing rough waves against the harbor wall it certainly wasn't the kind of place one would want to spend their day. Only dock workers and the crews of the few ships that moored in the harbor made sense to be there, going about their duties with seasoned familiarity to adverse weather.
However, one pony stands out of place with the rest, standing patiently at an empty pier with only a blue rain jacket to protect them from the elements. The stallion's gaze switches constantly between a pocket watch clasped in a light blue magical hue and the rough waters, as if expecting a ship to materialize at any second. He wears a pair of saddlebags and has a small suitcase laying on his back. If he's a sailor waiting to join a ship's crew, he certainly doesn't look cut out for life at sea. If he's a passenger, there's no one else going with him and there's no one to see him off.
A lot of preparation has gone into this trip. His work informed of his resignation with only a week's notice, with the excuse of a 'sudden need of a long-term leave of absence.' The officers' school in Canterlot he planned on attending told he can't make it to the next year's class due to an 'onset of severe health issues.’ His parents know he's going to Zebrica, going to the warzone that is the Kingdom of Warzena, but under the guise he's going there as a journalist and an aid worker. His mother doesn't know of the rifle leaned against his side, wrapped in leather and well taken care. His father has no knowledge of the helmet and gas mask he brought home from Griffonia almost a year ago that are packed away in his saddlebags. A letter postmarked for a week later would reveal the truth, as he couldn't bear to see them worry and cry or try and convince him not to go. Not like they did last time.
With his rent paid a month in advance as a kindness, his belongings given away or stored for safekeeping and the letter bearing the royal seal of Warzena tucked safely in the breast pocket of his shirt, there's no baggage or distractions to keep him from leaving Equestria.
"Now if only the damned ship would get here already…"
That thought dominated his mind, as the ship was already an hour behind schedule. He couldn't even be sure that it had made it to the Celestial Ocean. News reports from Aris made it clear civilian shipping of any flag was at risk of attack from submarines, and that the Hippogriffian Royal Navy was stretched too thin to escort non-vital shipping. The idea of drowning before even setting hoof on Zebrica was an… unsettling one.
To keep his mind off that, he pulled the royal letter out of his pocket and read over it for what had to be the dozenth time.
"By decree of Warzena's highest and his Royal Government, the bearer of this letter is hereby authorized to enlist, completely and entirely of their free will and upon their personal request, in the Warzenian International Legion for the minimum service duration of three months and up until the end of hostilities with Chiropterra…" he mumbled the first paragraph, silently scanning the rest of the letter.
The rest was mostly the type of jargon governments used between themselves to cover their flanks from each other and a list of reasons why the holder may be barred from enlistment and how their time and travel would not be reimbursed. That amused him. Even in the most desperate times, disclaimers were needed in documentation.
At the very bottom, was the physical description and personal information that had been required to send to the Warzenan embassy in Canterlot. Probably some attempt to keep track of the foreign volunteers, and for cataloging in case of the worst happening.
Name: Page Inkwell Turner
Sex: Male
Species/Tribe: Pony/Unicorn
Eye Color: Brown
Coat/Plumage Color: White
Mane/Hair Color: Black
Date Of Birth: 04/17/986
Nationality: Equestrian
The sound of a ship's horn caught his attention, causing him to look up from the letter and place it back as he saw a ship steaming into harbor with smoke billowing from both of its smoke funnels. Even in the rocky seas and for how speedy the little ship was, he could read the name 'Storm Runner' engraved boldly on the side. Finally, the chariot to his Zebrican adventure had arrived. He stepped back as the ship slid into dock, examining the ship as the crew cast mooring lines and dock workers approached to do their part of the work. In typical Hippogriff fashion, the ship looked built for speed with a design that, well, reminded him of a fish. It looked small and on the older side and despite its clear origins from the shipyards of Aris, was crewed by zebras and ponies. Fluttering in the breeze was the naval ensign of Warzena, a flowing blue line on a light brownish background with the royal seal imposed on the center.
He let the sailors work, remaining out of their way even as the gangplank came down. This was a cargo ship first and foremost, which was made clear as sealed wooden crates were ferried down to the dock, full of who knew what. Finding any ship headed for a warzone hadn't been easy, especially when trying to arrive as quickly as possible. This little steamboat had been the only option.
After a while of patiently waiting, a zebra approached him, stopping to give him a look over before speaking.
"You must be our passenger," the zebra spoke in accented Equuish "I am the Storm Runner’s First Mate. Captain Zarmal apologizes for the delay."
"Oh, no need to apologize. I'm just one pony after all. I'm sure there were more important matters," Page responded with a little shrug. "Everything is always late around here anyway."
The zebra nodded and motioned towards the gangplank, "We will be leaving shortly. Please follow me to your quarters."
The zebra turned, then paused and chuckled to himself, muttering something along the lines of '"if one can call them quarters" before continuing. While not instilled with great confidence, Page hefted up his rifles and followed the Zebra. Onboard, the ship was restless, swaying back and forth in the waves and pulling at its moorings. By Celestia's Mercy, Page's sea legs let him follow the First Mate below deck without dropping anything or knocking into anypony. Once down in the hull of the small ship, that cramped feeling only got worse but at least things were warmer and drier than standing in the rain. It only got warmer the further into the ship they went.
Finally, his guide stopped and opened a door at the end of an offshoot hallway, which Page could see over his shoulder led to a small room with a simple bed in the middle and not much else.
"This is where you will stay. It used to be where the ship's coal shovelers slept, before her engines were updated. Very cramped place, near the boilers. Lucky for you, this isn't a ship made for beings like you and me. Much more spacious for us."
Page nodded and shimmied past the zebra, stepping into the room and looking around
"I imagine it is a lot smaller when you have a pair of wings and stand tall as two ponies on top of each other."
The First Mate nodded, "We leave soon. Make yourself comfortable as you can. The trip will be, with the Gods blessing, over soon."
With that, the zebra walked away and Page was left to his devices. He set his suitcase down in the corner, pilling both saddlebags on top of it and pulling off his rain jacket which he unceremoniously tossed somewhere on the floor. He trotted over to the bed, little more than a mattress on a wooden slab with sheets fitted on, and pressed down. He'd been expecting a rock, instead it felt like the thing was ready to split apart at the seams. Maybe this ship was more used to carrying passengers than he thought.
He sat down at the end of the bed, and picked up his rifle, pulling aside the leather it was wrapped in and was happy to see that it seemed that none of the rain had gotten onto it. Not that the MS-36 was a delicate rifle, but better safe than sorry. With the rifle rewrapped, he placed it on top of the pile in the corner and lay back. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, before closing his eyes and letting the world become just noise.
He lay like that for a while, taking in the world around him: the sound of the water splashing against the hull of the ship, the sound of the ships idling engines, the conversations of the crew and behind all of it the unending din of urban life. Even here, in the bowels of a ship sitting in the waters of a small rusty port, the City That Never Sleeps made it clear she continued on. It was a wonderful trance, one he often found himself right before he would fade into sleep.
However, just as his muscles relaxed and he was ready to sleep the trip away, the ship's horn sounded a short call and he slowly rose, knowing that meant departure was soon. He quickly stood and stepped out of his little corner room, making his way to the top deck just as the mooring lines were being cast off. Three short blasts of the horn, and the ship began to move astern.
Page walked over to the railing and rested his front hooves against it, watching the land grow further away. But more and more of the city came into view, with its skyscrapers and blocks upon blocks of apartments, department stores and factories. The jewel of Equus, of the world even, shined brightly with uncountable lights that cut through the gloomy rain. He could see the very top of the Crystaller Building even through the storm. The final sight of the city he'd called home his entire life was the torch grasped by the Statue of Friendship, lit brightly.
None of it was quite as poetic as it'd been the first time he'd left, but he still wished he'd thought to bring a camera to capture the moment.
"Well," he thought, slowly turning away from the railing in order to return to his room "it doesn't particularly matter now, does it? Always time for touching pictures later."
Chapter 2: The Evening Train To Winggarden
The voyage of the Storm Runner was a bit of a meandering one, first sailing south to Baltimare where cargo was taken on. High quality cotton in exchange for machine parts according to the crew. After that, it was east to the small island of Eldoran off the coast of New Mareland in order to take on more fuel and then southeast to the Hippogriffian port of Featherport, where customs investigated the ships cargo and had taken keen interest of the fact a passenger was onboard. Featherport was considered the last safe place for civilian shipping before arriving off the coast of Aris proper, where air patrols kept skulking raiders at bay. Luckily, aside from a storm and a few paranoid whispers of submarines, the ship arrived without trouble. It had taken just over two weeks to cross the Middle Ocean.
Page had stuck to himself for most of the journey, but had grown to like and be liked by the crew, often talking and playing cards with them when time allowed it. His willingness to be of assistance, specifically helping bail out water when some had nearly flooded the engines during rough seas, had probably gone a long way in endearing him to them. But he was still very happy to be on solid land again, and was hanging expectantly over the rail as the ship closed in on his destination: Howlington
Even from afar Page could tell Howlington was quite the city. Its harbor was so large, it made even the large warships docked in their berthings look tiny in comparison. Those ships, with their big guns and airfields floating in the calm waters, reminded him of when Celestia had visited Manehatten for one Summer Sun Festival and the entire Celestial Ocean Fleet had gone on review. He'd only been a colt then, but he felt as awestruck now as he had then. But he couldn't ignore the repair crews working on the obvious damage. Charred metal and twisted steel, the signs of battle.
The Storm Runner took its place among the many vessels. After a quick goodbye to the Captain of the ship, he swaggered down the gangplank, enjoying the salty breeze sweeping through the bay. Just as he was enjoying being able to properly stretch his hooves for the first time in what felt like forever, he spotted a trio of Hippogriffs approaching the ship quickly. Given that one wore a nice suit and was flanked by two griffs in fatigues with armbands reading "MP" on each shoulder, he figured that these weren't customs officials. He slowly set his leather-bound rifle down on the ground next to him, and waited for them.
"Excuse me sir," the one in the suit said, holding out a small golden badge that read 'National Intelligence Agency' at the top as he approached "I'm Agent Peek. I'm going to need you to come with us."
Page nodded and took a wide step away from his rifle. "Ok, not a problem Agent."
His weapon was confiscated by one of the MP's and he was escorted to the Port Authority Building, where his belongings were searched and confiscated before some questioning about his identity. After that, he was escorted to a small side office that seemed turned into a makeshift interrogation room. He waited there for a little over three hours, which he spent trying to figure out exactly what they wanted with him while staring up at the ceiling. He was considering the possibility they'd forgotten about him, when the door to the office opened and he watched the same Agent who'd stopped him at the dock enter. Sitting up straight in his chair, Page nodded to the Hippogriff as they took a seat across from him.
"I apologize for the wait. It took some time for me to find your file, Mister Turner." The Agent spoke, setting a manilla folder on the desk that separated them
"Wasn't aware I had any file on me in Aris, Agent Peek. I hope there's nothing on it that would require my detainment by Hippogriffian authorities."
"We've had it for a few days now. The Warzenian minister sent it over, which he got from the Ambassador in Canterlot. We've been expecting your arrival, as well the arrival of a few others. So this isn't a detainment, just, think of it like an interview. But instead of a job, it determines if I let you walk around or if I send you on a ship and make you the Warzeniens problem."
The agent tapped a claw against the folder while looking down at Page, studying the unicorn briefly.
"Having read this though, I don't think there'll be any issues."
Most of the questions were regarding Page's political beliefs and associations, which he answered truthfully. He wasn't affiliated with any organizations in Aris or Equestria that could be considered radical, the only ties he intended to make and maintain were with the International Legion, he didn't plan on staying in Aris for any period longer than what was mandated by the Warzenian government while under their service. He had come alone with the sole intention of offering his military service to a country in need. His answers seemed to satisfy the Agent, who spent most of the interrogation reading from his manilla folder, making sure what Page was saying matched.
"Well Mister Turner," Agent Peek said, closing the folder and setting it back on the desk "it seems my suspicions were correct. I had some concerns you'd be a raving republican, given your past service in the armed forces of the Aquielian Republic, but taking you at your word you sound like a perfectly reasonable individual. And even not giving you the benefit of taking your word, nothing you've said raises an alarm for me. You are no longer considered a security risk."
"I'm a bit surprised I was considered one at all, if I might be honest with you Agent."
"Well, we're expecting a lot of beings out there who want to join the Legion and we figure not all of them will be safe to keep around without supervision. I'm sure you know the sorts: communist, socialist, fascist and republicans much less reasonable than yourself."
"I suppose I can see your point. Though I do wish you luck on catching every radical who comes by."
"Oh we don't need to catch all of them. Just enough so that they don't get any seditious ideas. Anyway, with your clearance, you are authorized to remain in Aris for up to a week. If by that point you haven't joined the Legion, been rejected or left, you will be considered an illegal alien and face criminal charges and deportation to your country of origin. A pass of safe conduct will be issued to prove your eligibility to stay here. Don't lose it. And, by the grace of the King of Warzena and his treasury, a train ticket will be provided in order to transport you to Winggarden."
Page cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at the last bit. "And the boat over to the mainland?"
"Ah, you mustn't have heard. Askalion is no longer considered safe, so the mustering and training of the Legion will happen on our side of the channel. If I were you, I'd be happy. The entire Royal Navy and the airforce between me and those damn bats."
Page simply nodded. Things changing quickly wasn't all that strange in wartime. Plus, a train ride over the rolling fields of Aris sounded a lot nicer than trying to find anyone willing to sail him to a port that might have been blown off the map already. With all of that settled, Agent Peek left and Page was made to wait more before they returned, pass and ticket in claw. His belongings, excluding his rifle, were returned to him. When he questioned the absence of his weapon, he was told that it would be returned to him when he reached Winggarden. That irked him a bit, but he didn't have much choice in it.
Finally stepping out of the Port Authority, he studied his ticket and found that the train was actually leaving in a couple of hours from Howlington Passenger Station, leaving in the evening and arriving in Winggarden early morning the next day. But given that the station was almost on the other side of town, which he learned by asking a friendly passerby, that didn't leave him much time to dawdle.
Howlington was a fascinating place from a city planners view, with a river cutting it in two. For anyone else, that might have been a headache, but for the Hippogriffs it was an easy mode of transportation. Page watched hundreds of seaponies use the river and its branching canals the same way he used the sidewalks. Those who didn't swim usually simply flew over, landing with grace and getting back into the flow of pedestrian traffic. There were of course bridges for those who didn't want to or couldn't swim or fly and Page trotted over many on his way towards the station. Other than that, it was like any other city he'd been to. Lot's of creatures, lot's of cars, lots of noise. He could say with certainty however, that the populace wasn't as diverse as Manehatten, nor the city and its buildings as large or glamorous. But what he'd do for the Mudson River to be as clear as the one here…
Page made only one stop on his trek, at a little corner restaurant to sit down to eat. It hadn't hit him until then, but skipping breakfast onboard the Storm Runner and then being detained until the mid afternoon had left him starving. It wasn't like the food during his voyage had been very good anyway, and always in the cramped galley. So, being able to sit down and enjoy a juicy hayburger with a side of seaweed fries and a glass of sweet tea felt like a luxury. Mid chew, Page thought about how calm everything felt here. Outside of the warships in harbor, he hadn't seen anything that made it seem he was in a country at war. Being so far north and so far removed from the fighting, that only made sense. Despite that, it put him slightly off that everything could just be so normal. Page continued eating his food and decided to just enjoy the peace and calm instead of question it. He didn't know how much more of that he was going to get after all.
Page reached the station just as dusk was approaching, the day starting to wind down. He stopped to grab a newspaper from a vendor right outside the entrance so he could occupy himself until the train arrived. He found the platform where his train would arrive, which he noticed didn't have many other passengers, then found an empty bench and took a seat.
He started flipping through the paper, how the Home Fleet of the royal navy was in port for repairs following a series of battles with the Colthagian navy, where they decisively crushed the 'false republics ships' in every engagement. The only major damages had come from submarines and torpedo attacks, but even those had failed to sink any warships of significant size. Another article went on to discuss the air war, stating that Zumidia was firmly in the claws of the army air force and they were conducting continuous air attacks on enemy forces, with bombers from Aris flying missions over Chiroptera in the mean time. It all sounded like good news, but Page knew better than to trust the pen of the censors.
The rest of the paper was simply local goings-on, some major news from other regions of the world and advertisements for 'harmony bonds' or notices of recruiting station locations.
He couldn't help but note how the only mention of the war on the ground was an ad urging the reader to donate clothes, foodstuffs and money to the ‘Warzenian Relief Board’ who would use the donations to aid the ‘“beleaguered civilians and soldiers of Warzena who are tiredlessly resisting the Nightmarist forces every single day”. It reminded him of reading papers from Equestria during the Invasion of Olenia, always urging ponies to help in every way with bold heroic language, but never encouraging any actually fighting. Just remembering it made his blood boil. How so many had disregarded the Olenians, left them to their own. Equestria could, should, have stood up!
Maybe the Princesses, maybe the government, maybe they knew why Equestria hadn't. But that didn't make him feel any better, especially when so many asked ‘Why Die For Deer?’. Oh how that slogan angered him. If he hadn't been in Griffonia at the time, he would have crossed the Lunar Bay and fought in the mountains and snow instead of the fields and vineyards. At least he was getting his chance to do something now. Taking a deep breath, Page calmed himself down and flipped to the back of the paper, pulling a pen out of his saddlebag so he could do the crossword. It felt more productive than getting angry about the past.
Just as he was filling in the first word though, someone sat down next to Page. With how many spaces there was to sit, he found it strange someone took the empty spot. Slightly annoyed and curious as to who it was, Page peeked over his paper and found that a male zebra was sitting next to him. He watched as the zebra picked through his belongings, mumbling through a verbal checklist to himself. Page could hear that the zebra was speaking Equish, and by the sound of it didn't have any kind of Zebrican accent. If anything, it was more posh, like something he'd expect out of a wealthier pony. Not intent on bothering this stranger, Page looked down behind the paper again and pushed his glasses back up his snout as they slid down. However, the zebra seemed to notice Page, and turned to look at him.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there." they apologized in an anxious tone
"Eh, don't worry about it." Page responded casually, waving a hoof dismissively
There was a pause of silence, before the zebra spoke up again. "Uh, excuse me sir, sorry again but by chance do you know if this the platform for the train headed to Winggarden in about, oh, hm, in about an hour?"
Page quickly scribbled in another word on his crossword, before setting the newspaper down and nodding to the zebra. "Yes sir, you're in the right place. Oh at least I hope so, I'm waiting for the same train."
"Oh thank goodness." the zebra said, giving Page a smile and relaxing in their seat a bit "Sorry, I'm a bit of a nervous traveler. Always worried I'm in the wrong place. Or that I forgot something. That sort of silly thing."
"Well, you've traveled this far right? What's to be nervous about now?" Page responded, trying to be a little comforting to the zebra
"That's a very very good attitude to have I suppose. You must travel a lot, to be so comfortable with it. Me? I was ill the entire flight over here. Terrible terrible air sickness. Practically stuck with my head in a garbage can…"
Page had to hide an amused look as the zebra seemed to realize they were oversharing a bit, and couldn't help but snicker as the zebra turned away, the white on their face turning red.
"Hey hey, don't sweat it. The first time I went to sea, I was pretty green faced too. Even on my trip over here, during some of the rougher weather, well, I got pretty close to needing to lean over the railing. It happens." Page assured the zebra, watching them turn back to face him "You said flew, right? Like, an airplane?"
"An airship, actually. Sickness aside, it was quite luxurious. Not many other passengers, as I'm sure you can imagine given the… current goings ons. How did you arrive? In one of those cruise ships, or perhaps an ocean liner?"
"Hah! I wish. I arrived today, on a dinky little merchant ship. Was the best I could find on short notice."
"Oh, my, that sounds rather dreadful… Hm, would you mind if I asked, where are you from? Your accent, it sounds very familiar."
"Manehatten. What about you? I can't quite place yours."
"I grew up in Sunny Shoals, a little town south of Fillydelphia. Though truth be told, I spent most of my time in the city itself. It's good to see a fellow Equestrian here."
"So you were born in Equestria? Yeah, that makes sense. Good to see another Equestrian too I guess. What brings you here anyway?"
"Oh, I'm, ummm, visiting family in Zumidia actually. They obviously aren't offering flights directly, otherwise I'd probably be on my way there."
"It's a bit dangerous to go right now, isn't it? Surely the ole family reunion could wait?"
"Well, you have a point but, aren't you getting on the same train? Where are you going at a time like this?"
"Touche, you have me there. I'm going to Warzena, actually. So I'm really no better."
The zebra's eyes widened a bit, clearly surprised to hear where Page was headed. "What compels you to go there? I hear things are very very dangerous, much more so than Zumidia."
"I'm a journalist. I'm going to write an independent article about the conditions there. Hoping to raise attention to the invasion. Make sure it can't escape the public eye. Not here, not in Equestria, not anywhere."
It wasn't a lie, Page was certainly to make use of the pen as much as he was the sword. But this timid zebra didn't need to know any of his business, did he?
"A noble endeavor. I will pray for your safety, mister."
"Uh, thank you. I'll do likewise."
The conversation petered out, with Page returning to the paper and the zebra going back to checking his belongings. Out of curiosity, Page listened to some of the things they'd brought. The list included a water canteen, canned food, bandages, warm weather clothing, a compass and other things that sounded more like a survivalist kit than something for visiting family. Page even had a few of those items in his own saddlebag, which only made sense for where he was going. Looking at the zebra, they seemed the gentle type who might over prepare for a situation. Whatever the case, it didn't much concern Page and he minded his own business until a whistle pierced the air, signaling the arrival of the train.
Without hesitation, he jumped up and watched as the train slowed to a stop. With a call from the conductor of 'all aboard', he was one of the first aboard. He quickly found a seat, slid his suitcase under it and flopped down in the seat, finding it a nice reprieve from the hard metal bench for his back and the long walk for his hooves. With how little good sleep he'd gotten on the trip over, others were just starting to sit down as his eyelids flickered. It would be a long trip after all… Then he felt a presence, and he looked to see that the same zebra was standing over him, a nervous half-grin on their face and a hoof on the armrest of the seat right next to him.
"Sorry, you wouldn't mind if I…"
"Yeah yeah, go ahead don't sweat it." Page said, already a little groggy and trying to rub some of the sudden tiredness out of them
"I just don't, I don't like sitting next to strangers." the zebra said, taking his place next to Page
"I figured we still were strangers, but I getcha."
The zebra pursed his lips and just nodded, turning away from Page, probably embarrassed again. While a bit cranky about not getting to sleep yet, Page let it go and stretched, watching the train slowly fill up. In no time at all, the whistle sounded again, the brakes eased and the train was chugging out of station. In no time at all, the city outside the windows was replaced by rolling green fields of farm fields and grazing land. The river wasn't left behind though, it was like the train tracks followed it which they did for all Page knew. He didn't turn away from the passing scenery until the conductor approached to collect their tickets.
Page produced his ticket from the same breast pocket he kept his other important paperwork in, while the zebra pulled his ticket out from their saddlebag. The conductor inspected both for a moment before punching a hole in both and returning them. As the conductor walked away, Page watched as the zebra took what appeared to be a well used notebook with lots of little colored tabs sticking out of the top. When they opened it and slid their ticket inside, probably for safe keeping, Page could see that the entire two pages they'd opened up to were covered in small, precise writing. But what stood out to him was the envelope that sat right next to the ticket. Even though he only saw it for a moment before the notebook was closed, he could have sworn the wax seal on it was the exact same as on the envelope he carried in his pocket. Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him, or maybe he and this zebra had something in common. That sort of worried him.
"You know," Page said through a sudden yawn "maybe you're right. We shouldn't be strangers. My name's Page. Don't think I caught yours."
The sudden change in attitude seemed to catch his new traveling companion off guard, but they turned to look at him nonetheless. "My name is Pen. But, you can call me Zam if you want. It's short for Zammi before you ask. That's my Zebrican name."
"Alright." Page nodded and stuck a hoof out "A pleasure to meet you Zam."
As the two shook hooves, Page noted that the zebra's hoof and grip felt dainty. That was the only way he could really describe the way it felt. It only affirmed to him that the zebra wasn't someone he would consider 'hard' in any way, which in turn only made him more concerned.
"Why the two names anyway, Zam?"
"Zammi Zavgeshi Zammeal sort of sticks out in Equestria, as I'm sure you can imagine. So my parents gave me the name Pen Stroke to better fit in. But my mother refused to completely sever any connections I might have with my homeland, thus my traditional Zebrican name."
"That sure is a heckuva name. I guess that would stand out like a sore hoof. But that's not really a bad thing, is it?"
"Oh in the circles my family runs in, it most certainly is…"
"Ah. Yeah no offense, but I figured you were the, uhh, gentle type. If you catch my meaning."
Zam let out a short sigh, and mindlessly waved a hoof. "Yes, I suppose I would come across like that. My father was a very successful merchant in Maregypt. He and my mother ran away to Equestria before the Storm King arrived and continued their success."
"Err, ran away?" Page asked, cocking his head to the side, unable to contain his curiosity
"Let's just say that, my mothers family would not have approved of any formal marriage between them."
"They must be quite forgiving if they want to see you then."
That seemed to catch Zam off guard, and after a moment of thinking, the zebra shrugged in response. Page got the feeling that he didn't want to discuss his family any more.
"Well, I guess it's only polite if I tell you a little about myself, right?" Page asked, watching Zam pause again before nodding his head "Well, I can't say my family is as interesting as yours. We've been in Equestria for a long long time. Lived in Manehatten for as long as anyone in the family cares to recall. My parents both work for a printing company. Supposedly founded as one of the first, if not the first, in Equestria. Mom designs layouts and stuff, Dah supervises the actual printing. Myself, well, I'm a journalist as you might ah gathered. I usually find work with one of the larger papers. Nothing glamorous, but it pays the bills. Though sometimes, like now, I'll travel to places to get a real close look at something big going on."
"This isn't your first time going somewhere dangerous like this?"
"Nope. I guess this is my… third time? About a year ago, I went to Aqueilia to cover the revolution. Just after that, before I could catch a boat ride home from that wine soaked land, the war in Tarrin broke out and I was already in the neighborhood so yah know…" Page ended with a shrug
"Right. Of course. Sounds like you know what you're doing." Zam said, slowly looking at the ground and furrowing his brow
"I, well, I guess you could say that. Really I think I just got lucky but, eh, I don't think on it too much."
"Do you, umm, have any advice?"
"Hmm, let's see. One, don't do stupid shit. Never step out into the open or sleep somewhere you know isn't safe. Helps to sleep in shifts if there's someone else around. Yah know, basic shit your gut will probably tell you is a bad idea. Two, always listen to those who know what they're doing, because they probably know better than you ever will. And thirdly, if you feel like you need to duck or someone tells you to, do it then think later. Why do you ask? Worried you might get mixed into some trouble?"
"Uh, well… Sort of? You see, I may have been, hmm, not entirely truthful about my reasons for coming here."
Page nodded slowly and motioned for Zam to continue, assuming his suspicions were indeed true.
"As far as my family is concerned, I am going to Zumidia to live with my family and study my ancestral culture in order to advance my education for a few months before safely returning home. Leaving early if things take a turn for the worse."
"But you have other plans that they don't know about?"
Zam nodded, seeming almost mournful to admit it. "Yes. I'm not going to Zumidia at all. I'm going to Warzena, much like yourself. Only instead to-"
"Join the International Legion." Page interrupted, watching Zam turn to him in confusion with a look that just spoke 'how did you know that?' "I saw the envelope in your notebook."
Page reached into his pocket and produced his own envelope, which made Zam's eyes widen as he saw it had the exact same wax seal. The one that marked both of them as coming from the Warzenian-Equestrian Embassy.
"Yeah I wasn't totally honest either." Page admitted, sliding the envelope back where it belonged "Don't get me wrong, I do plan on covering what's going on. And I did the same thing twice before. But the sword shall come before the pen, if you know what I mean?"
"Yes." Zam said, nodding slowly while looking and sounding relieved all of a sudden "I think I know what you mean… So, you really do know what you're doing?"
"Err, yeah, I guess so." Page said, watching as the gears turned in the zebra's head.
"I think it is very very fortunate that we ran into each other, Page. I must admit, up until the moment I have had doubts about this whole silly venture. Worried I'd be unprepared and that this, uh, adventure might cost me a lot. But I am feeling much more confident now that I knowI am not doing it alone..." Zam trailed off, lost in his thoughts now
Page didn't say anything yet. He felt like he didn't need to. He'd experienced this moment before, where some silent pact was struck. Just that last time, he'd been in Zam's position, the same scrunched over thinking face and all. Celestia, no wonder Max had made fun of him back then! That thought brought a tinge of pain with it, but it didn't stop a small smile from spreading across Page's face. He let Zam think a little more, before placing a hoof on the zebra's shoulder.
"Whatever you're thinking about, don't sweat it. You and me? We're gonna look after each other. Assuming they even send us over there. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the train ride. Alright?"
Zam gently shook his head, as if shaking his thoughts away, and nodded. "Right. You're right. Sorry, I think my head got lost for a moment. Just, it feels good to suddenly have someone looking out for me. You know what I mean? When I thought I'd be going at it alone."
"Yeah. Yeah I know whatcha-" Page interrupted himself with a yawn, that tiredness from earlier showing itself again "I know whatcha mean. Trust me. By Lunas Moon, I am fucking beat."
"Hmmm, well, why don't you rest while I uh, stay up and keep an eye out?" Zam offered sincerely and a little enthusiastically "I mean after all, it'll be, um, good practice for what you said! Right?"
"Hah, yeah I uh, guess so. Especially since them bats, are, well yah know, bats." Page said as he leaned back into his chair, getting snug "Just uh, wake me up in like, four hours or something. We'll switch off till we get there."
Zam nodded excitedly, sitting up straight in his seat as if he was really on alert for something. Page subtly rolled his eyes right before he closed them. The gentle clunking of the train's wheels and the gentle rolling nature of the trip was a soothing sensation, far removed from the harsh rolling and turning of the ocean. With Celestia's warm sun beaming through the window, and feeling safe with a future comrade-in-arms watching over him, Page quickly drifted off into Luna's realm of slumber, though she would pay him no visits today. He didn't mind that one bit.
