Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 22, Faith, Part 3.

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The event of dealing with Utopian Vision, the Corps Brigade, and the Blessed Spears, had me quite rattled. All made worse by the fact that we avoided one trap, only to find that we had long trotted into a bigger one. If it wasn't for Lair, her sister, and Fizzy being with up, Star and I would likely be hostages of Bishop Purity Spiral by now. And from what Star had told me, being impregnated by Utopian was likely my fate if we had been taken captive.

The thought sent a cold chill of disgust down my spine.

So, I needed a stiff drink once I got back to camp, which Fizzy provided with her stock of Sparkle-Cola Dark Cherry. The shit was like punching myself in the face with artificial sugar and cheap booze, and worse, the bottles were just plastic covers that didn't pour properly. We actually had to break open the cover to Fizzy’s horror, and found a simple cheap bottle of whisky inside.

“Fim and Flam’s cherry whisky.” Slowtrot read the bottle, “Artificially flavored and sweetened.” He then took a sip from a shot glass and gagged. “Ya… that's certainly a Flim and Flam drink.”

“You've tried it before?” I asked, taking the bottle back.

He nodded. “Cheap booze was everywhere back then, and Flim and Flam tried to corner the market. But it was all recalled for some reason.”

Laughter came from Arras as he trotted over. “Oh I remember that shit, the artificial flavoring and sweaters were highly flammable, and could be used to make cheap molotov Cocktails. If you purify it for higher alcohol proof, it's practically a Celestia damn fire bomb.”

I drank the booze straight from the bottle, gagging, but forced it down. “Sounds dangerous.”

Arras's raised his one goodish eyebrow. “Fuck, how bad was it?”

“Think mind controlling cult with dashed out cursed magic, and you’ll be close.” Star told him.

A long sigh came from Arras's, as he took another bottle, braking its plastic cover, causing Fizzy to faint. “so let me guess, were going to have to deal with it or risk loosing the damned city?” I nodded and he took a long pull from the bottle, practically drinking half of it without gagging. “Just what we needed, more brahminshit. At least the Coven of Clovers and Platinum Guard will be escorting the Sisters of the Sun, so if shit goes down, those innocent mares will be well protected. But what about our kin? I'd be a fool to think the Desperados haven't been targeted.”

“That's hard to tell, but I'd be surprised if none of the Warband haven't been corrupted by Utopian. At least we can be sure the ones at Umberfoal are clean of them, though they're going to be a different problem.” I sermized.

A snort from behind caught me off guard, and Swift took my bottle. “What brahminshit are you slandering my ponies about?” He then chugged the booze before spitting it out, a bit of the spray getting on me. “Fuck, this is some real bad shit!”

Now that he is here, I might as well ask him. “There's an actual mind controlling cult forming in the Red Light District, and it's possible some of the Warband have been compromised. Do you know any of your ponies that spend more time than necessary there?”

He looked down at me like I was a blivering moron. “Bitch… it's the Red Light District, almost all my ponies spend more time than they should there. If I wasn't married, I'd spend time there too.”

Arras's face hoofed. “It's better to ask if any of them don't go there.”

“Reed and Slick don't go near the Red Light District, they hate being around chem dealers.” Swift told us in all seriousness. “Hollow already informed me on the issue, and I'm gathering my more straight edged ponies to deal with it. I'll be putting them under Reed and Slick's direct command while we're in Umberfoal, and have them protect the families until I return.”

Arras's looked genuinely impressed. “Please don't tell me you've gotten into mentats.”

The younger stallion huffed in annoyance. “Oh come off it ya dried corps. I care about my own just as much as you do, and the three of us must act to protect our herds. Be it the fucking tin cans, or from some damnible cult.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Three?”

“Don't get a big head about it Redcap, ya made those tin cans scurry off with their balls in your pocket, and I respect that.” Swift told me before taking a deep breath. “And… after thinking about it, if I was left to defend the Desperados, I'd have fuck it up. I've done a lot of real fighting, but I ain't all that good at fighting with words, that's all.”

Loud Laughter then came from Arras's, as he trotted over and patted Swift on the shoulder. “Now that's the colt I remember, where have ya been son?”

“Don't!” Swift said sternly.

Arras stopped laughing, but held a smirk on his face. “I'll stay here and keep in contact with both Coven and the Guard, along with preparing the camp for a possible fight. I can feel it in my bones that this is going to turn ugly, and if we're not ready, we're going to lose ponies.”

“Agree. And like Harp said, we have more enemies than just the tin cans.” Swift said as he shot me a glance. “If we're caught off guard, then it will only open us for the tin cans to finish us off.”

“That might be what Purity Spiral wants, to get any of our own under her thrall to force the Steel Rangers to attack.” I suggested, but hoped it wasn't. “It would help district everypony as she moves to her true objective.”

“Which is?” Swift then asked. “That I really like to know.”

I looked at Arras, and he shrugged, leaving me to decide for myself. I could lie, but eventually the truth might come out, and this fragile trust I've developed with Swift might crumble. It was also possible that he'd make a wrong move if I lied. “Her real target, what she's after… it’s me.”

That got a chuckle out of Swift. “And what's so special about you?”

“I can open the tomb of Princess Platinum.” I told him. “Even though I'm a bastard, I'm still a direct descent Of Princess Platinum, and Purity wants something in that tomb, I'm sure of it. Also, I think she wants revenge for her own ancestor, meaning it's also an over a thousand year old blood feud.”

Swift clicked his tongue. “That's… if true, is some real brahminshit. But… it would explain why the old fool is so fond of ya. So, how are we doing this?”

“Were first going to talk with the Darkheart’s, if we can get their support, then they might be able to rain in, Purity, and her Blessed Spears. Might as well use religious nutjobs to fight religious nutjobs.” I explained, all while leaving out our original plan, not that it mattered at this point.

Taking a moment to think about it, Swift slowly nodded. “That sounds better than my plan. Though I'd rather not talk to my wife's religious group, their Bishop just creeps me out.”

“Well, sooner the better, considering our position.” Arras told us. “I'll hold down the camp as you youngins solve this clusterfuck.”

I thought about grabbing the last bottle, but felt it wasn't worth the headache, or pissing off Fizzy. “Alright, let's get moving. The longer we wait, the tighter, Purity will pull this noise around our neck.”

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As the Smuggler rolled down the road outside Platinum Hill, I couldn't help but look out at the sea of grass that surrounded us. And it made me wonder if the demon grass hadn't taken over, could this place have helped Equestria recover. Maybe, but there were other problems too, such as the Enclave, and that mutant calling itself the Goddess, both now gone thankfully. Yet, new threats are appearing, and there is no way to tell how dangerous they can become.

“You okay, Harp?” Live Axle asked me.

She sat in the passenger seat next to me in place of Azure, who stayed behind to keep an eye on things. Slowtrot was driving as usual, with Star and Caval in the gunner seat. Fizzy, Swift and the Darkheart sister's all sat in the trailer being pulled behind us. We needed to move quickly, and this was our solution.

“Let's just say I'm not looking forward to what comes next.” I told her.

“True, all this smells of trouble. But I'm sure if Dead was with us, she'd have a good grasp of what to do.” Live said solemnly.

“Maybe, but I do know she'd have been able to break this tension.” I then looked up at Star, who was resting on our G.A.R. turret. “How about you, Star?”

She didn't move, just looking down at me with a sense of foreboding in her eyes. “Nervous, mostly. We're meeting a Blackheart aren't we? Nobles like that were like boogie mares back on the Blackwater. My own so-called mother would threaten me with them, telling me if I didn't shut up, a noble would drag me away to be their pin cushion, or sex slave.”

Live balked at that. “Who the fuck would tell a little foal that!?”

“She was a massive bitch and hated me.” Star said bitterly, then smiled. “And if I play my cards right, I might get the opportunity to beat her shit in for all that she did to me.”

“Right, you said that Setting Sun was Admiral Flintlock Hoots daughter?” Lair asked over our Pipbuck 2000 coms.

“Maybe, I only remember my father mentioning it when I was a foal. That if he found Desponies, and married my mother, he would get to be the captain of the Queen of Knives.” Star explained. “Then he gave me my name and left, likely got himself killed out there since I never saw him again.”

“Sounds like he was working for the wrong master.” Hollow spoke up through our radio. “If he was an Alginate, he should have thrown his lot in with other Privateers, not to some Buccaneer dredges.”

A huff from Lair came loud and clear through the radio. “Sister dear, maybe you should shut up for a moment.”

The radio then cut out and the sound of muffled shouting could be heard further back. If Hollow's mother was anything like her, this was going to be a real pain.

“Say Harp?” Star then asked, getting my attention. “Why are you bringing… that?”

Next to me was Majesty's harp, kept safe in an armored case.

“I have a feeling it will be needed. And who knows, some ponies might enjoy a bit of classical Equestria music.” I said as I patted the case.

The Smuggler bumped, causing everything to rattle, and my attention to return to the ocean of demon grass.

Playing the harp was an option, but I also felt that I might need it for other reasons. Majesty left it with Arras for a reason after all, and soon I might find out. I hoped not, but at this point I needed to be ready for anything.

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Umberfoal came into sight, it being a large tent town surrounded by thick stone walls and ruins. Though the demon grass covered nearly everything around it, I could still see several craters and the remnants of trenches. The entrance to the town had an archway, in which hung several Steel Ranger helmets, all painted in orange and yellow. Off to the side, and made as visible as possible, were several dead ponies hung by the neck, each one with a sign on them denoting a crime.

There was also a crowd near the entrance, watching as a pony was being ready to be hung. A sign on him saying “murder.”

Rolling into a parking lot, there were more Desperados vehicles, of which sported flaming paint jobs, and scalps hanging off the sides. There were also several carts that were distinctively not Desperados, most being merchant carts, or simple transportation. The Warband themselves were on guard, with a few sitting in a nearby tower, long guns at the ready.

“There's one of the Darkheart’s goons.” Live pointed at a mare in a some kind of black uniform with gold trim, with a flat cap on their head of the same color. She was also armed with a chrome and brass rifle that looked a lot like a Grover battle rifle. “There's not many of them here, but they have that look of a killer in their eyes.”

“She also looks like a soldier, uniform and all.” I commented.

“Looks like Equestria Navy, but more black and gold instead of blue and white.” Slowtrot said through the radio.

That… made a lot of sense.

“They're my Fathers sailors,” Lair told us through the radio as we rolled into a parking lot. “Trust me, they are among the best of the best sailors in the seven seas, outside those who work for the main families of course.”

Note to self, don't piss off the professional killers.

Once we came to a stop, I hopped out, order picking up the case with Majesty's harp in it. The others also joined me as we saw the sailor mare trot over to us with unnerving grase.

“Lady Hollow, Lady Lair! It's an honor to see you again.” The mare said with a salute. Up close, I could see that she was another bicorn, but with ivory white horns, a claw mark on one side of her face, and a large tattoo of Lair’s coin on the other side. “Shall I escort you two to see the Lady Nightfall, or Sir Pewter?”

“To our mother of cores, Chum.” Hollow told the mare.

The sailor then eyed the rest of us suspiciously. “And what about these dredges?”

“Careful, Gunner Chum, we do have a few VIP's with us.” Lair said sternly.

Chum didn't look all that happy about that, her eyes drifting to Swift. “Yes, I know of sir Swift, but until the captain gives his blessing, I aint recognize him as one of us.” Swift and Chum then glared at each other for a moment before she glanced over the rest of us. “So, who be the others I should be minding?”

Lair trotted up to me, almost presenting me like a gift. “This is Harp Melody, leader of the Desperados Redcaps, and a pony of higher birth and education. Also, no friend to the Buccaneer, who had wronged her and her family.”

“The Buccaneers wrong us by merely existing, but far enough.” Chum said dismissively, enen eyes Star. “And let me guess, the kelpie here is important?”

Lair smiled wide at that. “You have no idea. This is Star Charter, of the Alginate family, only foal of the Alginate faily head’s eldest son. Also happens to be Flintlock Hoof's granddaughter.”

“Sure, and I'm a Blackheart. Lady Lair, you fucking know better then to believe any old hogwash a pony spews from their asshole.” She then let out a sigh. “I'll take you to your mother, since she's going to want an explanation over our latest guest.”

As the sailor began to march off, with us following, I had to ask Lair, “she's rather… disrespectful for a soldier?”

“She's a privateer, not a soldier. My father only outranks her because he pays her, and she's paid very well to do a job, not to be nice about it.” Lair explained.

“Your father's only captain because we chose to vote him as such, Lady Lair. Please don't think that a few coins is the only reason why we're here.” Chum said sternly.

“He also happens to own your ship, Gunner.” Hollow snipped at him.

That got a laugh out of Chum. “Ownership is very… easily lost out at sea, my Lady.”

Hollow then pouted as we trotted into Umberfoal proper.

This town wasn't much different from the Desperados camp in Platinum Hill, though it was far larger, and with much bigger tents. Some of which looked like shops and other places of service, though most of the signs marking these tents used pictographs, with very little writing on them. There were also traveling merchants here and there in the spaces between the tents, selling their meager junk. I also saw quite a few ponies that just sat about, covered in dirt and thin as rails.

“Let me guess, there's a lot of refugees from the west here?” I asked out loud.

“I aint privy to the shit going on out west, but ya got your hoof on the gold there.” Chum told me. “Not that I give a flying fuck, but every damn day more of em trickle in, and we try and send em to the city, but thees drege land fuckers keep being sent back here.”

Swift let out an annoyed huff. “The piss-ants city folk do let these ponies into their city, something to do with merchant tax, and immigration restrictions. So they just dump these ponies onto us. Scum had been helping us smuggle em in… but I now got the feeling that might have been a mistake if he's in with that Bishop bitch.”

And there it is, more bad news. No way to know how many refugees had been converted, or turned into Corps Brigaders.

As we got deeper into Umberfoal, we could see the pier, where several boats and rafts were docked, along with a few proper buildings that rose out of the ground. There were a lot more ponies down there, along with carts eather loading on or off the boats. Also, the smell of fish hit my nose, but it lacked the salty smell I was familiar with, taking on a more earthy wet smell.

Ponies quickly got out of our way as we trotted to the pier, all under watch by the Warband, who saluted Swift as we passed by. Making quick timing, Chum guided us to one of the brick buildings, a bar that was way too much like the bar in Amethyst Sands, but bigger, and with a second floor. Several more pirate sailors were inside, sitting in strategic locations that let them see everything going on. The Desperados were here too, but were much less vigilant.

Now the bar didn't have anything like the symbols of the Goddess of the Glow, thank Celestia, but it did have a few noticeable symbols of Thorns Chosen here and there. But mostly, the bar was decorated like a Desperados home, with tapestries, painted skulls, and weirdly, metal artwork that resembled motorcycles or guns. One large tapestry looked to be of the second Desperados Ranger war, showing the two factions fighting in great numbers, both up close and firing artillery at each other.

“Lady Nightfall is on the second floor, should I go get sir Pewter?” Chum asked.

Lair nodded. “Please do, and don't mind telling Pitch just yet, I'd rather not deal with him so soon.”

Chum then smirked, “Are you sure, he is your fiancee after all. I'd think you'd want some alone time with him.”

A murderous glare came from Lair, it filled with magic and wrath.

Laughing, Chum trotted off.

Star, Fizzy and I all looked at Lair with wide eyes. “Fiancee!?”

Lair rolled her eyes. “It's an arranged political marriage, nothing I had a choice in.”

Hollow let out a short and curt laugh. “That wouldn't have happened if you had listened to me dear sister, but you had to join that priesthood and piss mother off.”

“Ya ya, you told me this a hundred times already, now let's go.” Lair huffed as she trotted up stairs.

On the second floor, we could smell the distinctive smell of Eucalyptus incense, along with a change of decorum. Gone were the tapestries and painted skulls, and in their place were portraits and sculpture. Paintings of ships were common, but there were a few family portraits of different groups of ponies, with one that looked familiar. “Is that you?” I asked, pointing at a family portrait that had two young twins in it.

“Naw, that's grandmother in her youth. Twins run in the family, and often skip a generation. Her sister was the previous owner of fathers ship, but don't ask us which is which, nopony really knows.” Lair explained.

Hollow then pointed as another portrait, one with a young mare with blue horns and two older ponies that looked absolutely cut up, yet radiated nobility. “Here's our mother before she became a Darkheart. The Bloodstone's are a prominent, if small, family with a distinguished record of producing inquisitors.”

“Grandfather and Grandmother were renowned witch hunters in their heyday. But as you can see from their portraits, it did take a toll on them.” Lair explained.

Seeing this reverence to family made me feel nostalgic, reminding me of when I'd view the portraits of my own family and ancestors. I even saw what I might have looked like if I was a unicorn from the portrait of great grandmother Queen Mythril Melody, who had the same colors as me, but without the gray stripes.

Trotting through an open doorway, which had a solid wooden door that didn't look as though it belonged at all. Maybe imported? We found ourselves in an office bedroom, where an older mare stood, looking very much like the twins, but with beautifully blue horns. The mare kept her red mane in a bun, with a thin drill between each of her horns and ears. She was also decorated in a lot of gold, hanging off her ears, horns, neck, and even the bun. Nightfall then looked over at us, and her eyes were the deepest blue I had ever seen, and they felt as though looking right through me.

“Mother!” Hollow practically squealed as she rushed over for a hug.

“Oh my precious Hollow, it's good to see you in good health. I had become worried when that bitch showed up.” Nightfall's voice was that right amount of depth for an older mare, both alluringly mature and sternly cold.

Hollow let her mother go, and sighed dramatically. “Oh, it was awful mother, just simply dreadful. To think the damnable Blessed Spears would be here, and for their Bishop to insult our family, what disgraceful behavior.”

Nightfall smiled at her daughter, then kissed her on the cheek. “Well it matters not, as I'll see to it that they are properly punished for their insolence.” She then kissed her daughter on the other cheek. “Now why don't you go rest, it's still in the middle of the day for the goddesses sake, you should be sleeping.” Stern eyes then fell onto Swift. “You, worthless son in law, go take my daughter to the guest room, and make sure she gets her beauty sleep!”

Swift let out a huff and trotted to his wife, escorting her out of the room.

Once the doors closed, everything then felt still, and so very cold. Nightfall Darkheart stood up straight, head held high as her eyes looked down at us. “Tell me, Lair, my beloved and troublesome daughter, what in the Prophet's name is fucking going on!? Why are the Blessed Spears doing this far inland, and why is that bitch Purity Spiral breathing my air?”

Lair let out a groan of frustration. “No, are you okay lair, or, did you get enough sleep Lair? Just straight to business?”

Nightfall trotted right up to Lair, getting muzzle to muzzle with her daughter. “You wanted out from this family, so you're being treated as such. I didn't have eight foals for one of my two surviving gems to turn her back on me, ya ungrateful whelp!” She then backed off, a look of disappointment on her face. “If it weren't for your engagement to Bishop Blackheart, I'd have never let you join us on this expedition! So now start talking before I start yelling!”

Glancing back at me for a moment, Lair took a deep breath. “Long story short, Bishop Purity Spiral wants into Princess Platinum's tomb, likely to retrieve an artifact of her ancestor, or some ancient magical mcguffin. The clergy are clearly backing her, likely with the Redrum family's direct involvement. Their goal is clear, since if there is an artifact of Celestia anywhere, it be in that tomb, which would help reestablish their legitimacy over the fleats. And unfortunately, the key to getting into that tomb is right here in this room.”

I curtsied at Nightfall. “Names Harp Melody, Leader of the Desperados Redcaps, daughter of Queen Gilded Gold, a direct descendant of Princess Platinum.”

Nightfall didn't look impressed. “Seriously, she looks like a Zebras failed attempt at an alicorn. What is she anyways?”

I quickly absorbed the magic around me, causing a nearby light to flicker on and shine brightly as a shimmer surrounded me. “I am what's known as a Mirage pony, and trust that my blood has gifted me with great magic.”

The older mare then locked eyes with me, causing me to lose focus and my magic dispersed, leaving me unable to move. “Clearly not great enough to resist my own magic. Now who are you realy?” Nightfall said as she released me from the stare.

I was left… unable to think of an answer. Outside of my word,there wasn't really much I could do to prove my nobility.

A knock then came from behind, and an older bicorn stallion with black horns stood behind us, dressed in a fine suit and a warm smile. His eyes studied me closely, giving off a sense of wisdom that only years of hardship could grant. He then looked up and over at Order, which was holding the case with the harp in it. “Dear sister-in-law, I believe she has an artifact that can help prove herself.”

I was shocked, in disbelief in how he even knew.

“Is that so, Pewter?” She asked. “Then show me it.”

“Order, give me my harp.” I quickly ordered.

My drone beeped and placed the case down, and opened it for me. The golden harp shimmered in its own right, its mythril strings sparkling with magic. “This here is Majesty's golden harp, it will only play for a member of the Equestria royal family.”

I offered it to my friends, with both Star and Fizzy plucking several strings, and getting not a note from the harp, but only a dull thrum. I then plucked one string, and the harp made a note that resonated with magic.

The stallion, Pewter, trotted around me, curiosity on his face. “Now this is fascinating, I can feel the old magics from this, and those symbols, their fey script, not something used for well over a thousand years.”

Nightfall then glared at me, “so, a witch then?”

Pewter let out a light huff, as though amused. “Hardly, this harp is clearly a finely crafted piece of art, and the magic from it is exceptionally pure. If a witch was involved in its making, then the witch hasn't been involved with it for a very long time.”

I raised my eyebrow at him.

“Witches are those who use dangerous and blasphemous magic. Magics not approved by the Prophet's church you see.” Pewter explained before turning back to Nightfall. “This does look authentic, and is an exact match for the one on those old posters from the war. I think we can trust that her words are true.” He then glanced over at Star and winked. “And Lair mentioned you as well, Star Charter, daughter of the Alginate family, and twice removed I am to believe?”

“I think the term was, twice whore born. But thanks for trying to be polite.” Star told him.

“So a bastard, this world already has too many of your sort.” Nightfall scoffed.

Pewter then trotted over Nightfall, each step as quiet as a cat's paw, much like how Lair trotted. “Dear sister-in-law, show some faith. Especially now that real trouble has shown itself. The Blessed Spears have never shown our family any kind of trust, even to the truly faithful like yourself. Maybe this is a sign from the prophet, that we have the weapons in which to fight. I know you don't trust the secret priesthood, nor should you, but we are in this together.”

From a pocket, Nightfall pulled out a metal tin, in which she took out a cigarette. “Fine, I'll show theis nonbelievers some… faith. But why should I care about what Bishop Purity Spiral wants? So long as we have secured plentiful land and familiar connections with the Desperados, the bitch can have the city. She could even burn it down for all I care.”

“Mother-” Lair began to speak, but Nightfall loudly stopped, interrupting her.

“No, you will remain silent, I want the so-called princess to convince me.” Nightfall's eyes fell onto me, filling me with uncertainty. “It does involve her family after all, and if she cannot speak for herself, then I have no interest in even lending an ear.”

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I needed to focus and think. This mare wasn't going to be convinced of anything so long as there was no benefit to her. Ponies like her, I knew them well, though greedy, simple coins could never make them move, nor would emotions. Land and power, that's what matters, for that's how they gain even more power and wealth, where they'd form a legacy in which to pass on. That's what her plan with the Desperados amounted to after all, having Hollow produse a foal with Swift, and use that foal to take control over the Warband. Possibly use that control to then give her family more land and power. But she was also a mare of faith, as far as I knew, and likely distrusted any outsiders greatly.

“Lany Nightfall, first off, I'm no fool to what your plans here are. The hoof that rocks the cradle afterall.” I told her, but did not get a response from her. “That all said, if we lose the city, and Swift is blamed for it, any promise you had with him will be but ash in the wind. As the ownership of anything out in the wasteland is nebulous at best, only backed up by your ability to keep it.” I then plucked a string from the magical harp, making a beautiful sound. “And even if the deal stands, you don't think that Bishop Purity Spiral would not spitefuly come after you, and take all that is yours. It wouldn't be hard for her, as she clearly has supporters higher up, otherwise I doubt they would let her worship some other god.”

Nightfall raised an eyebrow at me, and I continued. “Likely, Purity Spiral is after an artifact, one my own ancestor likely took from her own, one that involves the worship of some old goddesses now only worshiped by cults. Her son was also using some dangerous magic, attempting to enthrall us, and only thanks to your daughters that we managed to get away. So now imagine it, a city in which through both dark and ancient magic, is now under the thrall of Purity Spiral, and you're sitting here, like a fly in her ointment.”

I needed one last thing, a small push. “But, let's say you help us prevent this, something our elder Big Papa would gratefully appreciate. The founder of the Desperados himself, owing you a debt. Imagine, both a rivle removed, and greater influence within the Desperados.”

The room remained silent for a long moment, Nightfall's eyes sizing us all up. “Personally…” she said, stopping to chew on her words before saying any more. “I rather not test my luck with the clergy. I don't need you to know that the Bishop has ponies pulling on her strings, nore that it would be beneficial to help you. But I also know the wrath in which the Clergy will drop if crossed, and trust me, you can never hide from them. That said, one cannot gain great rewards without great risk. And, being able to obtain vast tracts of land… only a fool would turn their nose up at that.”

Nightfall then let out a long sigh. “Leave, I need to talk with my belovedly troublesome daughter in private.”

Lair stepped forward as Pewter trotted past her. “I'll take them to my tent, once you finish informing your mother, come see me there.” Pewter told his niece before addressing us. “Now come with me, there is much we need to discuss.”

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