Generations

“Prince Romulus! Prince Romulus!”

Romulus stopped mid step as a massager ran down the hall of the castle in a panic pursuit.

“Sorry for the interruption but, your Highness-”

“’His Royal Highness’.” A voice behind the prince said.

The owner came into the massager’s view. A young and fairly attractive griffon walked around the intimidating prince and addressed him directly.

“My uncle is a prince and heir to the throne so it is appropriate to addresses him as His Royal Highness for he is his father’s son.”

The poor massager looked like he was just sentence to death.

The prince, however, was more annoyed with her than him.

“Just relay your massage.” Romulus said to the frightened messenger.

“R-right,” he stood at attention. “I was sent to inform you to meet with your father. Immediately. The zebras have formed an alliance with the elephants and Hannibal himself is leading an army of them down the mountains.”

“Down the mountains? The zebras and elephants are to our south.”

“Yes.” He elaborated, “They have gone around our territory and are coming through our northern border. They have already hit the crystal colonies.”

“Very well.” Romulus said, “I’ll be at his champers in due time.” The massager bowed and took his leave.

Romulus then turned to speak to his niece. “It’s not like you to be mean to our staff, Ocia.”

“You’re right; we are in a foul mood. Placidus, has once again made us very upset and all father would say was that he was only doing his job.”

Ocia would say no more; she knew full well that her uncle would only agree with his cousin, her father, once he knew the details. So she decided to change the subject. “We didn’t think that Equestria was at war with any one, and who is this Hannibal? That name sounds familiar to us.”

The prince began to make his way through the castle with Ocia in tow.

“It should.” Romulus said as they walked together, “He was once my greatest general. Best military mind I have ever seen. He didn’t just exploit your weakness; he also exploited your strengths.”

“So he’s a traitor?” Ocia stated more than asked.

“He’s currently…an enemy.” Romulus answered her, a clear hesitation in his voice.

They came to a forked hallway and Romulus was growing tired of the conversation. ”I can make it from here, Ocia. Just go to your lessons.”

Ocia reluctantly left Romulus as he made the rest of the trip by himself. He arrived shortly after leaving Ocia and didn’t bother knocking he just walked right into his father’s room and found it to be empty.

Looking around Romulus remember some griffon told him that his father’s room was once Celestia’s room and the permanent decorations gave way to that possibility. Romulus wasn’t one for art but he did find the fact that his father had flowers and little ponies aligning his room amusing.

“Oh!” Romulus attention was snapped away from the décor of the walls. “I-I'm sorry m-my prince I thought this room was vacant.” The white cleaning pony dressed up in a maid outfit started to bow her way out.

Romulus never understood why the cleaning mares had to wear that outfit, it served no practical use.

“Again my apolo-OH!” suddenly the mare lurched forward rubbing her rear.

“Ooohohohohohoh” the laugh of an elderly griffin preceded its owner through the door.

A rather large griffon with a red sash draped down his wings walked into the room. His age and experience seem to shine through him like a badge of honor, yet he moved like someone half his age and his eyes lost no luster in his golden years.

The poor mare had been goosed by the emperor of Equestria.

Many would describe Emperor Palaiologos as very high-spirited and caring leader of the people with an endless well of charisma. Palaiologos had few enemies, even among the enemies of the state. In his senior years he has become a grandfather like figure in the minds and eyes of everyone in the castle.

“I'm so sorry child, but you were backing up right into me. Then there is that outfit you’re in plus there is nothing that compares to a mares bottom. I just couldn’t help myself.”

“I-I'm sorry your highness.” The maid said.

“Why are you apologizing my dear? I rather enjoyed myself. I should apologies to you.”

“I'm just a pony your highness.” She answered.

“Oh really?” The old griffon went on. “So does that mean that any griffon may grasp your flank as they see fit?”

The mare could not answer; she only stood there with her mouth agape as sounds of hesitation escaped through its opening.

“Father.” Romulus spoke up. “You can tease the help later we have more important matter to attend to.”

“Forgive my son, child. He got his tactfulness from his mother. His brother is much more charming.” Emperor Palaiologos leaned towards the mare. “And I think he prefers the mares.”

The mare blushed just a little.

“Enough of this!” Romulus bellowed, “Father, we have a country to defend! You, pony, get out!”

The mare couldn’t have run out of that room faster.

Palaiologos turned to his son.

“A good leader is both loved and respected. I hope you will grow to understand this someday.” Palaiologos said to him.

“My people respect me, and my enemies fear me, neither war nor politics slow me down father.” Romulus responded.

“But you are making every one fear you. Are you to tell me everyone is your enemy?”

Romulus stubbornly ignored his father.

Palaiologos admitted defeat to himself and moved on.

“However, your blunt nature has its uses though; which is why I called you here. Tell me son do you think that I should be on the battle field?”

“Your old, father, and the people see you as a passivist instead of a war lord. The old vet and generals know that you carry our family’s knack for war very well but our armies are made of the young. I would send someone who can not only challenge Hannibal but inspire the troops.”

“Then I should send you.” Palaiologos said, “You know him best and your presence on the battle field would inspire confidence. You’re the best bird for the job.”

“I agree father.” Romulus said in a flat voice.

Palaiologos walked closer to his father. A look of concern spread over his face.

“Are you alright with facing your only friend in battle?” Palaiologos asked.

“He will be my friend after the battle, he’s promised me. So I will be alright with it.” Romulus reassured his father.

“If only he was that loyal to Equestria as he is to you.” Palaiologos said in a sad voice, “The last thing a father wants is to send his son to battle, but for our family it’s supposed to be an honor. Very well then, now all of Equestria is behind you for this campaign. There is only one thing I personally wanted to change because of this. You know Borcha?”

“Our treasurer? Yes.” Romulus answered.

“Yea, he’s fired.” Romulus almost laughed at how casual his father was when he said that. “I want our accountant to take over.

“What?! Why?!” Romulus yelled appalled by his father’s choice.

Ignoring the fact that his son just raised his voice at him, Palaiologos calmly answered his question. “Borcha has proved he is unfit for the position. He has allowed half of our army and almost our entire castle and city guards to be in debt with a single black smith. Fortunately this smith has been content with only collecting so much from our tab, he could easily bankrupt the army overnight if he wanted to.”

“But why would you give the position to a pony?!” Romulus interrupted.

To his surprise his father was laughing.

“You have such contempt for ponies, but right now I getting more respect from them then I do from my own son.”

Romulus got the message and shut his beak to let his father finish.

“Now,” Palaiologos continued, “Epicharis has not only kept our own accounts in the green, she has made you and your brother the wealthiest generation in our family’s history. What impressed me is that she did this without making any of our projects or employees suffer from her changes.

“I have made her aware of her promotion and she has already set up a meeting with four of our most prominent leaders to discussed changes and options. I want you meet with her before you make your way north.

“Now, you’re very busy so I’ll let you take your leave. And Romulus, Epicharis is going to need an aid. And Ocia has been begging me for some kind of job to get her into the swing of things around here. So, why do-“

“YOU WANT ONE OF OUR FAMILY MEMEBERS TO WORK FOR A PONY!!”

Before Romulus’ mind registered any movement at all, his father was looking down at him, reared up on his back paws, talons clenched in fist.

The great griffon family is said to have mountain griffons in their blood line, and sometimes there is a throwback. If any doubted this, Palaiologos size would alleviate that.

“Romulus” he spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper, to his son. “You truly have your mother’s manners and prejudice. But the griffon that made you dangerous, the griffon that gave you your demeanor, your knack for battle is standing over you. If you can’t respect me as your father or emperor, then you should respect me for a griffon that can rip you apart.”

The first pony in politics since the Great War 150 years ago. Epic thought to herself as she made her way through the castle.

The castle is covered in oversized doors, rooms, and halls. It was believed that the castle was built to accommodate any sized creature. Others thought it was to intimidate. But the door that Epic was looking for was a small door to a small conference room.

Epic knew she found the right place when she saw Ocia standing by one of the many doors in the hallway.

“Princess Eudocia, I’m very pleased that you agreed to be my aid.” Epic said to her as she approached.

“And I'm please you would have me, Epicharis.” Ocia answered. “But please, I'm your aid call me Ocia until I leave your service.”

Epic smiled at her. She has always liked Ocia; she was more like her uncle Remus than her own parents. Ocia’s parents, like most of the upper class, believe that griffons were superior. Ocia was fair and just, like her great uncle, Epic could easily see her as a great leader someday.

“Only if you call me Epic like all my friends do.” She said.

Ocia gave Epic a warm smile before she turned to open the door and allowed Epic to walk in first. Epic found four griffins of different shapes and political positions sitting at a round conference table. All four stood up when Ocia walked in. Epic recognized all four of them, but they probably didn’t recognize her. She began going over the griffons in her mind sizing them up.

Let’s see here we have:

Lucius, the largest griffon in the room, a gruff, cigar smoking, general. He’s the one in charge of city guards and solders that policed our cities and occupied countries. His division is costing us way more than it needs to.

Demetrius, the Centurion of the Canterlot guards. A very posh griffon, not much of soldier but a good investigator who can play politics quiet well, for a military griffon. Ill need him to push through a lot of reform that I want Canterlot to go through.

Gaius, our yongest senator, his family has their claws in every government project. Most of the time he takes on a role of a lobbyist to move funds to certain projects. He’ll help keep the money flowing.

And Bassianus, one of the longest running senators alive, not much to him, but he does have influence over many senators. He could help push through many of my changes.

“Princess Eudocia.” Demetrius said, “I heard you took some kind of internship, I didn’t know it was with our new treasurer. Will this Epicharis be joining us soon?”

Epic was used to this misunderstanding. Epicharis is a griffon name, so most people believe that she was a griffon. This worked to her advantage, most of the time.

“Oh good, you brought a pony with you.” Lucius said through the cigar in his beak. “Fetch us some wine mare, it’s going to be a long meeting.”

Ocia kept quiet knowing she should let Epic handle this.

Epic quietly walked to the table and sat down.

“You may sit gentlebirds.” She said to them.

Not one of them moved. All four of them stared at her. The air became thick with disdain, as if the griffons were trying to push her out of the room by force of will. Epic just sat there, somehow looking all four of them in the eyes as she silently sat there defiantly. Ocia was smiling to herself; she knew full well that these griffons were in for a very big surprise. As nice and sweet as she is, Epic was also ruthless.

“Young mare.” Bassianus spoke breaking the silence, “What are you doing? Were you invited to this meeting?”

“No.” Epic said, her voice flat and stern. “I scheduled it. I'm Epicharis the new treasurer. I have called you here because there are immediate changes that I want to implement.

“Ha! This must be a joke or a test.” Gaius said. “The Emperor must be having some fun with us.”

“My great uncle is an endearing griffon, but he lacks any humor when bureaucracy is involved.” Ocia said trying to help Epic.

“Gentlebirds, I know who each one of you is, but you don’t know me. However your positions were made possible by me.”

All four griffons look taken back.

“Gaius, your family has its talons in most of Great Griffon Families’ projects and endeavors. Your family has the favor of the emperor and his sons.

“However your family only started doing this recently over the past few years. Your family is not political they are investors, it was I who showed up out of the blue and convinced your great aunt to invest in the Great Griffon Family. After that your family fought hard to get you a seat on the senate in order protect their investments, all of which are paying off. Your family has never been so rich or powerful.

“H-how did you even get to see her? The door would have been shut in your face, pony.” Gaius asked.

He had no objection to what she said; it was the same thing his father told him. He just always assumed it was another griffon that talked to his great aunt.

“Your family thought I was a griffon when they got my letter offering them the opportunity. When I got to their house the keeper of the home thought I was part of the help and I was able to get in without many qualms.

“Bassianus you nearly lost your position when your districted was redrawn and 68% of your district became ponies. I saved it by funneling money through your name and its campaign to projects that help ponies. After that your poll number shot up and your position was safe.

“Lucius your soldiers police our cities and colonies. Many wanted to do away with that and let them police themselves. I convinced enough griffons that such a transition would have place a strain on the colonies causing a chain reaction that would lead to a recession. Saving not only your job but many of your soldiers as well.

“And, Demetrius, Borcha was trying to pin his failure with the city guard on you. I offered to investigate it when Palaiologos nearly had you on the chopping block and that was not a metaphor.

Demetrius gulped.

“Now that you know what I can accomplish let me make one more thing clear to you all. Power is held by the one who controls the flow of money. I now control the flow. I don’t care what your opinion of me is; I'm not here to change your mind about ponies. I'm here to do a job. You can help me do that job or…you can rot under my hooves. Are we in an understanding boys?”

Three of the griffon’s beaks were hanging open. General Lucius was sucking his cigar like a baby.

“Pon- I mean Epicharis if you ever leave your new position, I would love to hire you at a TO, you’d wipe my boys in shape faster than their mothers.”

The general started laughing as the other griffons got control of their beaks.

“Well in that case Epicharis.” said Demetrius, “What’s the first order of business?”

Epic sent Ocia to fetch her uncle Remus. During her meeting it came to light that the coliseum was a huge money pit.

As a free service to the public and no third party endorsements to compensate the lavish games and shows, the coliseum had become an anchor to the economy.

A surprise royal visit would be a great way to find alternative means of funding the structure, and its many forms of entertainment, besides taxes. It was also an excellent excuse to spend time with her beloved in public, without arousing suspicion.

Epic waited patiently in the lobby entrance of the castle. She expected to be waiting a while for Remus as the prince managed many position in the castle and could not drop everything on her summons, although he would love to.

As she paced around the lobby she heard the voice of the most pompous and annoying officer of the city guard, Placidus. His voice was coming just outside of the castle.

Bored waiting for Remus Epic decided to see what the ass of a guard was squawking about now.

“You abomination!”  Epic heard Placidus yell as she pushed opened the large doors to the castle courtyard. He was standing in the way of another griffon…no not a griffon. Epic could see that the creature’s lower half was pony not lion. This was a hippogriff a pony-griffon hybrid

“Your kind are illegal and yet you dare try to step foot into the great griffon family home? Men arrest him; put this freak where we won’t have to set eyes on him again!”

“You’re wasting your time, office-”

Placidus suddenly grabbed the hippogriff by the beak; a cruel smile dance across his face as he started pulling the creature around helplessly.

Epic had enough of this scene.

“Release him Placidus; we pay you to keep the peace not indulge your raciest views.” Epic calmly walked down the steps while her eyes displayed no emotion; she would not allow Placidus the satisfaction of getting under her skin.

Placidus didn’t let go he just looked over his should and glared daggers at Epic. Normally he would have smacked any one that wasn’t a griffon for talking to him like she did, but he knew who she was and what she could do to him.

“Are you talking to me pony? Shouldn’t you be balancing the books for our emperor?” Placidus mocked.

“Yes I should, I also need to finish signing your paycheck. Now stop wasting the government’s money and release him.”

Placidus pulled down on the beak in his talon. Throwing the hippogriff to the ground; he then pinned him there by resting his talon on the back of his neck.

“Wasting time?! How? This eyesore is an illegal creature. A pony has more rights than him.”

Epic mustered enough will as she could to keep her cool. She was an official that answered only to the emperor, letting a lowly officer make her angry in public would cause her to lose face and respect, neither of which she could spare.

“I am going to inform your CO that you need a refresher class on basic law. It is not illegal to be a hippogriff but to procreate one. At this moment you are assaulting a citizen of Equestria.”

Placidus eyes became blood shot as he forced himself to let the hippogriff get up off the ground.

“Thank you miss…”

“Epicharis, I'm the treasurer of Equestria. I’ll make sure that this guard is properly educated.”

The hippogriff took a few moments to preen himself brush the dirt from his flank. Epic politely waited for a response. As she watched him she noticed that he was not like the other hippogriffs that she had seen before. His body showed a level of upkeep and health that you would expect from a well to do griffon or pony.

No sign of malnourishment or poor hygiene that she normally saw in hippogriffs as they were mostly outcast of both pony and griffon alike. She found herself curios of who this creature was.

He finished cleaning himself off and turned to Epic.

“I'm Albius TideWater ambassador of the colonial islands off the west coast.” He turned to Placidus; his beak had dropped as far as it could and his wings were hanging loose to the ground. “Officer, you just assaulted a diplomat, good luck in your career, I do hope you don’t have children.” Albius started to make his way up the step then turned back at the last second. “Oh, and unions between griffon and pony are not illegal in the colonies.”

Epic took a few steps back into the lobby but then decided to make her own remark.

Looking over her own flank, at the soon to be ruined officer, she lowered her eye lids at him an insincere look of sadness, “I almost feel sorry for you.”

Epic made her way back into the lobby before Placidus could comment back. When guards closed the doors behind them, the sound of the ancient wood slamming shut marked the end of Placidus’ career.