Daring Do and the Treasure of Kings

“Some of you may ask what exactly it is an archeologist does.  It’s not a particularly glamorous profession, but it does expand your mind.”

The tan mare picked up a piece of chalk in her mouth via a special holder and wrote the word “FACT” in large letters.  “Archeologists look for facts, not truth.  So if you’re looking to be the next stallion or mare to definitively change history, I’m sorry to disappoint you.”  A few ponies chuckled

The pegasus put down her chalk and faced her university class, flicking her head to get her dark gray mane out of her eyes.  She was dressed in a white button down, the sleeves rolled up.  As she turned, she displayed her cutie mark, a compass rose.  “As I said before, archeologists are not the movies.  So forget traveling to remote jungles and lost temples, forget maps, and forget notions that a big “X” will mark the spot.”

A loud bell rang above her signaling the end of class as the colts and fillies began to pack their things.  “We’ll start early Equestrian studies next class so everypony make sure to read at least the first three chapters of Starswirl the Bearded’s The Sisters Faust,” she said above the rising voices.

As her erased the board, an older blue unicorn with a black mane and the cutie mark of a dictionary squeezed past the leaving students.  He was dressed in a dark blue suit with white stripes, white shirt and black tie.  The academic smiled as he saw the mare stacking her books neatly. “Good to have you back, Daring,” he said closing the door.

She lifted her head and grinned from ear to ear, “Books, I’ve got it.”

Musty Books, dean of Canterlot University trotted closer, a gleam in his eye, “You’re sure?”  From a saddlebag under her desk, Daring carefully lifted a sparkling statue and placed it on the desk.  Two beautiful jackals, carved intricately out of sapphire faced away from each other, their ears carved so perfectly, they seemed paper-thin.  Set into the crystal itself was a large gem that sparkled brilliantly in the light.

“Dear Celestia…” the unicorn muttered, his horn glowing with white magic as he looked it over.  “This is exquisite!  Your name will certainly be…again, the toast of this university!”  Daring only laughed and shouldered her bags before walking out into the hall with a still entranced Books.  “How’s the wing?” he asked, finally tearing his eyes away from the Sapphire Statue and placing it in his saddlebag.

“Doing just fine,” Daring said with a smile, “Actually Books, I need your help with something.”

“Of course!” he replied with enthusiasm.  “The entire institution is at your disposal you know.”

The pegasus mare just laughed.  “That’s not quite what I had in mind Books.  I just need some information about a book I was sent.”  By this time, the two ponies had reached Daring’s office.  The mare withdrew a key from her bag and opened the door marked, “Deidre Do, PhD.  Department of Archeology.”  “I always hated that name,” Daring muttered as she entered.  Books only chuckled.

The inside of Daring’s office better reflected her mind than the neat and orderly classroom she taught in.  Archeology books teetered dangerously on tall stacks while artifacts from around the world were crammed carefully onto shelves.  A stack of ungraded term papers sat in the “In” box on Daring’s desk.  Books carefully moved a box of rare Roaman scrolls off of the only other chair in her office and sat down.  Daring dropped her bag on her desk and retrieved the journal from under a stack of books, sitting in her office chair.

“This is what I wanted to show you,” she said, tossing the small book to her friend.  Books caught it with his magic and opened the old pages.

“Property of Bran LeBronc, Captain of the West Wind,” he read aloud.

“That came with the morning mailpony, no return address,” Daring said thinking back to that morning.  Derpy, her accident-prone mailpony had landed…well crashed into her mailbox, sending letters across her yard.  Daring was pretty used to her mannerisms and cheerfully greeted her, signed for the mysterious package, and tossed the gray mare a breakfast muffin.  The pegasus shook her blonde mane out of her eyes and thanked Daring through a mouthful of chocolate chip before gathering her spilt mail and flying down the street, immediately taking out another poor mailbox.  Daring shook her head at the memory.

“I’ve already read up on what I could about LeBronc,” Daring said leaning back.  “Apparently he was quite the airman, one the first generation coming from oceangoing ships to airships.  He served with distinction as a regular sailor in the Equestrian Royal Navy during the Griffon Crisis.  Afterwards, he was promoted to captain and helped test fly many of the new ships.”

Daring pulled a book out from under a half eaten daisy sandwich and opened it to one of the many dog-eared pages.  “This particular journal comes from when he was put in charge of an important cross sea voyage from Saddle Arabia to here.  The Istallian government had paid for Equestrian goods in gold bars that year and they were being transported here to be melted down for bits.”

The pegasus looked up to see Books was staring deeply into the pages of the little journal.  Sometimes he can be such an egghead, she thought.  Rolling her eyes she continued, “Anyway, the story goes that the ship got caught in a storm and was ambushed out at sea by pirates, the gold stolen, with no survivors.  The wreckage recovered later showed signs of a violent attack.  LeBronc and his crew were listed as missing, probably KIA.”

“But obviously, the journal here describes events beyond the time of the sinking of his ship so that can’t be true,” Books replied.  Daring nodded, agreeing that the journal’s appearance now was quite the mystery.

“So what do you think?” she asked him.

He shut the book and looked out the window above her desk for a long time, his head in his hoof.  “Have you heard about the Treasure of Kings?” he asked finally.

Daring chuckled.  “Every filly and colt has heard about the Treasure of Kings.”

Books leaned back in his chair, “Please enlighten me then.”

“The Treasure of Kings is a myth.  A story told to little colts and fillies when they want to play pirates.  It’s supposed to be this big pile of loot all the early pirates amassed before the government started cracking down on them.  Problem is, no pony knows where it is because they kept killing each other over it, afraid they would betray each other and take it all for themselves.”

“What would you say if I told you the treasure was real?”

“I’d say you’re pulling my leg you old nag,” Daring laughed, her gray tail swishing back and forth.

Books simply smiled, stood up and gestured for Daring to follow him.  The two left her office and trotted across the main campus quad to the library.  Deep in the reference section, Books pulled a dusty old tome off the shelf and brought it to one of the many study tables.  He flipped through it slowly until he stopped at an illustration.

Daring did not think much of it.  It was an old wood carving print of a large island, dominated by a tall volcano in the center.  “And what exactly am I looking at?”

Books sighed like an exasperated old teacher, which he was.  “The island in this book has gone by many names, some referring to it as King’s Isle, Pirate’s Cove, and Treasure Island.  In the beginning, seafaring pirates would stash their treasure on the island because of its unique nature with the local tides.  Once a month, the tides drop low enough that a secret entrance is above sea level.  Pirates would bring their loot to the island, deposit it somewhere deep inside, and then leave, the water soon rising enough to cover it and protect their loot.”

Book’s levitated another book over to the table.  “There’s a trove of documents from captured pirates saying that mountains of gold, gems, etc. were hidden on said island.  But over time, the stories became less and less common, probably because they wanted to keep the location secret.  Eventually it faded into legend, but there’s a grain of truth in every legend as they say.”

Now he had her interest.  “So what you’re saying is, this island here, is the legendary treasure trove of pirates that everyone has been searching for and the reason no one’s found it is because ninety-percent of the time it’s covered in water?”

“Precisely.”

“So what does the book say about finding it huh?”  Daring snatched it Books’ hooves and started to flip back through the pages.

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.  It is said that only a true pirate can follow the signs left behind by their brethren to the islands location.”

“I’ll take that as a personal challenge,” Daring said with a smile, tucking the journal into her saddlebag.  With a flick of her tail, she turned for the door.  Before she left, she stopped and turned, calling back to him, “Tell my class I’ll be taking an extended vacation.”

Daring had quickly put her affairs in order at the university office, promising that this time she would be able to turn in class grades when she was supposed to.  Trotting quickly back to her office, she used a wing to sweep her notes and books into a saddlebag to take with her.  She always got excited when a new adventure presented itself, the nervous energy was making her want to pull a Sonic Rainboom right there.

As she crossed the main quad, Daring spread her wings and took to the sky heading for her house in the countryside outside of Canterlot.  She loved the feeling of the wind in her mane and wings as she sped through the air.  With a grin, she pushed her recently healed wings a little harder and went into a little aileron roll, careful not reinjure herself so soon.  Laughing, she banked and dove down to her house.

The sturdy two-story brick building sat on a large acre of land, surrounded by lush green grass, an uncommon home for a pegasus.  Daring was actually much happier on the ground that high in the air like most pegasai, and while she did love flying, Daring had spent much of her life digging through dirt and sand rather than clouds.  It made her feel connected to her work.  Plus there was something to be said about not having to remake your entire home after a storm passed, or after careless ponies careened through your bathroom wall.

Daring landed on her doorstep with a soft crunch of gravel under her hooves.  A quick glance down the path to her lopsided mailbox made her sigh, a small smile on her muzzle.  I’ll fix it later, she thought, digging into her bag.  She pulled out her key and unlocked the front door.

The inside could not be described as anything other than an explosion of world cultures.  A decorative bow from the ponies of Neighpal adorned the spot above her fireplace.  Books about far off lands, and some that no longer existed packed her bookshelves alongside small statues of ponies, dragons, and other creatures.  Paintings from the famous artist Picolto greeted ponies that wandered into Daring’s sitting room while a priceless chandelier from Istalia decorated her ceiling over the dining room table.  The grandest room of them all however was Daring’s study.  The room was completely soundproof, except for a window where she could look out at the sky and the grounds.  Ancient books filled the shelves and two crossed sabers hung from the wall when she used to be a fencer.  A rich mahogany desk allowed her to work in peace and anything that she needed was at her hooftips.  It truly was a living museum.

Her mother was the one who really inspired her current profession.  As a young filly, Deana Do had taken her to a dig in Neighgypt where Deanna had been in charge of excavating the tomb of a long lost predator culture.  Daring fell in love almost immediately with the profession.  Yes it was hard work, something pegasai were not usually known for, but the rewards of her effort helped uncover a hidden crypt that Deana’s team had almost completely overlooked.

Until lately, her mother had been her biggest support when she went into the field.  But due to a recent archeological…obsession, she had become rather intolerable.  Very short tempered, constantly sighing and pointing out her mistakes, much like a teacher would with a troublesome pupil.

Daring continued upstairs where the decorations became much more spartan.  Her private office was mainly filled with charts and reference books, ship schedules and a long list of contacts from Indoponia to the Crystal Empire.  Next-door was her bedroom, a private area for her to relax from adventures and unwind.  Her nightstand had a black and white photo of a smiling middle-aged Deana holding an infant Daring, the pith helmet she was wearing slipping down over her eyes; it was clearly too big for the little filly.

Daring grabbed a suitcase in her teeth from under her bed and began to fill every pocket.  “Compass,” she murmured, “maps, books, clothes…” She opened her closet and withdrew several military desert field shirts and threw them into her bag.  A bullwhip went into the bag, along with a holstered Colt revolver.  “Never can be too cautious,” she said.  Finally with a contended sigh, she withdrew her mother’s aged pith helmet.  Settling it on her head, she turned back and forth in the mirror striking various action poses.  It wasn’t until she heard a hoof on her door downstairs, that she paused her modeling with a blush and placed the helmet in the bag.

“Hey there Dr. Do!  I brought your mail!” Derpy said happily as the explorer opened the door, her lopsided eyes making her cheerful demeanor all the more pronounced.

“Derpy I thought you delivered all my mail this morning?”

“Oh you did?  My bad.”  The gray mare reached into her bag, “This was marked urgent for you down at the office and I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow.  I know how busy you are.”

“Why don’t you come in? I’m actually just packing for another expedition.”

Derpy practically flew in past Daring to the kitchen, almost knocking over a full set of Royal Guard armor, a gift from the Royal Military Academy.  “An adventure?” she asked full of excitement and wonder.  “Ooo where?”

Daring laughed and shut the door and went into the kitchen knowing what she was looking for.  Opening a cabinet, she removed a tin of muffins and set it on the table.  “I’m actually going to set up an expedition to look for a long lost treasure.”

“Sounds awesome!”

Daring looked down at the letter for the first time.  It was addressed all the way from Los Pegasus, Coltifornia.  Curious, she broke the seal and began to read.  To Ms. Deidre Do…Daring winced but continued:

To Ms. Deidre Do,

Greetings! My name is Benny Factor.  I am a partner of Blueblood, Factor, and Rich.  I wish to extend to you my warmest regards on the success of your recent expedition and offer you our support in future endeavors.

The rest of the letter contained a bunch of legal mumbo-jumbo, but the intention was clear.  Should the explorer need a backer in any of her exploits, this Benny Factor would be all too willing to help fund her exploits.  Daring grinned ear-to-ear, even her wings rippling in excitement, secure in the knowledge that she would get support for her new expedition.

Should you accept the above conditions and wish to make use of our services, a ship will be ready for you at the Canterlot Sky Harbor.  Ask for a Captain Flush.

Daring decided she would finish packing quickly and meet with him as soon as possible to arrange transport to Los Pegasus.  She did not want to lose a single minute.  Meanwhile Derpy apologized about the late mail delivery, something about, “not knowing what went wrong,” and started to leave, saying she had some deliveries to finish.  Daring bade her friend goodbye and watched as Derpy disappeared back to the post office, a trail of loose letters flying from her satchel.

Daring galloped back upstairs and filled a few more bags quickly with books, equipment, and other traveling odds and ends before carrying them out the door.  Finally, when she was sure she had everything, Daring slipped on her trademark field shirt, bucking her holster to her side, and placed the helmet on her head.  She was ready for adventure.  The mare grabbed her things from the doorstep and took off, bound for the Sky Harbor.

Across the street, a griffon in a dark suit lowered his newspaper as he watched the tan pegasus fly off.  Rising from the bench, he climbed into a waiting carriage and dropped a few bits into the tray.  “Canterlot Sky Harbor if you please.  And be quick about it,” he said in a low voice.

The Canterlot Sky Harbor rested on the edge of the city; a teeming crowd of merchants, adventure seekers, tourists, and soldiers all converging on the docks.  The shipyard was built in four tiers against the side of the city and mountain, leaving room for ships to dock easily.  The topmost deck was reserved for military transports, second for tourists and passengers, third for cargo, and fourth for only the largest ships and everypony else.  Large cargo ships offloaded crates of foreign spices and goods while sleek military corvettes policed the main approaches of the shipping lanes.

Daring was not a stranger to the massive harbor, but it still awed her every time she arrived.  Above her, a massive military transport blocked out the midday sun, it’s solar sails flashing like fire as they absorbed the light’s rays.  Airship technology had only marginally advanced since the early days, canvas sails substituted for solar sails to provide extra power.  The combination of sunlight and crystal energy allowed construction of massive engines on larger boats and powering the decks of cannons aboard warships.  Daring flapped her wings and spiraled down to the top deck.

The docks themselves teemed with ponies.  Airmen disembarked, heading for their favorite watering holes along the walls.  Vendors in the street hawked their wares from exotic faraway lands to ponies passing by.  Daring even saw two unicorn twins touting the rejuvenative qualities of their special cider.  Though her mouth salivated at the thought of a cool bottle, she smartly reasoned it was probably a scam.  In fact it was not long before two guards appeared, telling them that they were under arrest for fraud.

The Chief Harbormaster’s office was strangely quiet, with only a hoofful of ponies waiting for appointments.  Most ponies just dealt with the local Harbormaster for the specific deck.  Daring approached a graying, pale blue stallion with glasses and asked for Captain Royal Flush.

“Oh you mean Roy?” he sniffed.  “Probably down on Deck 3 gambling, and whorsing away his paycheck I reckon.”

“Oh thank you very…wait what?”

Roy was drunk.  He had lost half his purse in a poker game with a suave unicorn and mule, then started to drink the rest away.  A half bottle of hard cider was already burning in his gut and he was not about to stop.  He wore an old pair of flying goggles around his neck and a brown jacket, with slits cut in the back for his wings.  So inebriated was he, that he could not support his wings, leaving them drooped off his frame, hiding his “lucky” cutie mark, a royal flush.

“What a load of horsefeathers,” he slurred, his breath blowing his short dark mane out of his eyes.  “I’m not lucky, I’m bucking cursed.” The barkeep simply nodded.  “I mean, what good is having such a lucky cutie mark when all I do is lose!”  He smashed his hoof on the bar in drunken rage.

“Are you Royal Flush?”

Roy looked up to see an angel, wings outstretched, her head framed by a halo, glowing in the light from the saloon door, slowly advancing towards him.  Roy slumped from the stool and landed on his back with a groan.  “An angel!” he cried out. “Are you finally here to take me from this awful world to paradise?”

“What?”

Roy squinted carefully as she came into focus.  She was a pegasus, not an angel, though no less beautiful.  A helmet sat atop her pretty gray mane, destroying his illusion it was actually a halo.  But what really captured his attention were her deep red-violet eyes.  “You’re Royal Flush right?” she asked again.

Roy groaned, “Yes.  Who’s asking?”

“I need a flight to Coltifornia.  You come highly recommended, but looking at you right now I’m starting to have my doubts.”

“Help me up would you?”  Daring extended a hoof and helped the airship captain to his hooves.  “What’s your name pretty filly?”

“Daring Do.”

“Wait, the famous explorer and treasure hunter?”

“Not a treasure hunter, just an academic who likes working in the field.  You’ve heard of me?”

“Heard of you?” Roy said as Daring wrapped a foreleg over his shoulder and boosted him up, “Hell, I was told to be ready by my employer at a moment’s notice if you asked for my assistance.”

Daring rolled her eyes.  “That clearly didn't work out now did it?”  She slapped a a few bits on the counter for his drinks and helped him out the door.

The two pegasai swayed down the boardwalk, Roy occasionally muttering directions and vaguely pointing down the docks toward his ship.  “It’s too damn bright out here,” he said, lifting his goggles up so the tint damped the light trying to burn his eyes.

“Listen Royal, if you’re too drunk…”

“Please I’m fine, it’s not like it’s the first time.  And call me Roy. Everyone does,” he said with a small grin.

“ROY!”

“As if to prove my point…” Behind them, one very angry griffon in a suit glared at the pair, his eyes fuming.  The crowd quickly stepped back, recognizing a challenge when they saw it.

“You slippery drunkard, you’re not getting away this time!  You owe me money and I ain’t leaving until I get it!”

“Oh yeah?” Roy said, staggering forward, “I’d like to see you try!”  Before Daring could speak up, the griffon pulled out a revolver and leveled it at Roy’s head.  A scream from a mare in the crowd made his blood run cold

“Oh horsefeathers…”