Spike had his blade pointed to the ground, both hands on it as he stood at stiff attention. "The mission was a success, Sir!" he spoke in crisp tones, endeavoring to get it just right.
"At ease." Laud nodded with appreciation. "Let's start with the broad strokes. How did it go?"
"He saw some of Canterlot, but we didn't stay long. He was impressed with Celestia's hospitality, went off with her to see Tartarus--"
"--What?" That faintly tickled some distant portion of his memory, familiar, but... "What is Tartarus?"
"A bad place for bad people." Spike shrugged as if it was no big deal. "They came back from that and he was still happy, then we came home, basically. Oh!" He snapped back to attention. "I took part in a duel!"
Duel? "You are a squire, you should not be called to duels often. Was someone speaking that ill of me and mine that you felt the urge to--"
"--nothing that terrible," cut in Spike, holding up his hands, his poor sword suddenly falling over without him holding it. He scrambled to get it back up into position, keeping a hand on it. "I ran into an old friend and he mentioned he knew how to use a sword too, so we sparred."
"Ah, a friendly match." His expression brightened, fear of the worst fading. "Did--How did it go?"
Spike blew over the claws of his free hand. "I showed him he had some practice ahead of him. Oh, he may come by hoping to have a chance with you. His name's Blueblood, Prince Blueblood, not a bad pony."
"Very good, but tell me first, are there political meanings to besting the prince of Equestria? As my squire, I would hope this is something you considered."
"Oh, of course! I mean, prince isn't really a title. I mean, I guess it is, kinda, but not one anypony cares much about. It just means he has all the bits he wants, and is expected to attend royal social functions." He shrugged softly. "With how happy he was to cross blades with a real fighter, it seemed like it was only good news for me."
"A good sport?" Laud set a hand on his small squire's shoulder, the same that led to the hand that held his blade. "That does put the mind at ease. Be cautious, for the idle nobility can become quite wicked if they feel slighted. Speaking of that, you will become nobility yourself, and that could be you, so do not permit your hands to become idle. A knight should always have something in need of their attention."
"Yes, Sir!" He saluted with his free hand, then pulled his sword up, sheathing it at last, a practice blade though it remained. "So, I did good, right?"
"You did very good." He considered a moment. "Where did Father Gregor go after your return?"
"He went off to his ship, he looked full of thought or something. He didn't look like he wanted to talk just that moment, so I didn't pry." Spike shrugged softly before looking around. "How were things while we were gone?"
"Uneventful of major things, but the small concerns were there and dealt with as best I could." He glanced to Spike's false sword. "We are fast approaching the day you deserve to have real steel at your hip. In large, you have shown respectful of it. I would... rather commission one myself." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I could order one, from the ship above, but where is the romance in that?"
Spike hiked a thumb back at Ponyville. "Don't we have a blacksmith in town? Someone's gotta be making those horseshoes." To say nothing of the many other metal items that dotted the castle around him. "Wait, are you serious?" He clapped his hands together with a big smile. "Time for a real sword?"
"There is a... troubling wind. I can't put my finger on it, but we should be ready for it, which means being armed. I would rather you be ready for this than to assume all will be well." He walked past Spike, heading for the door. "You are right. It is a failing on my part that I disparage pony artisanship. It is a weapon, and an extension of the one that holds it. You deserve a proper weapon."
"You're kidding." A new pony approached from within the castle, Bon Bon scowling at the two of them. "Already? What'd he do to get bumped up to wielding a real sword?"
"A sword?!" Twilight's head peeked out of the kitchen. "Spike?!" She vanished, appearing beside Spike and grabbing him protectively.
Spike wriggled in his caretaker's grasp and popped free. "Hey, you already agreed I could be a squire, and that means a sword eventually, a real one." He patted the practice one at his hips.
"He crossed blades with a noble and proved victorious, and comported himself well beside," explained Laud. "The times ahead will test us, but I feel he is ready to face them. Bon Bon, you are a warrior, where would you go to have a proper blade forged?"
Bon Bon's dour expression lightened a little. "Well, since you're consulting me..." She thrust a hoof past everyone into town. "There's a blacksmith I'd trust, but... leave the order to me to place. Spike, up." She pointed towards her back. "We're going."
"What, like that?" It was all so sudden!
"Before she changes her mind," advised Laud with a bit of a smile, already reaching for a pouch of bits and holding it towards Bon Bon. "See that it is sized properly for him."
Bon Bon snatched the bag in her teeth. "It'll be better than you could have dreamed." Once Spike was mounted, she trotted off with him, heading down the hill towards Ponyville.
Twilight put a hoof to the side of her head. "Of course, he did ask already, but it's still... hard to face it actually happening. My little Spike, with a real sword... And not just to borrow."
"It will be his until he chooses to set it down." Laud watched Bon Bon become smaller as she descended. "Our wife thirsts for importance. This is a fine chance for her to make a real impact, without risking herself or what she carries."
"Hm? Oh! Yes, of course. Lyra!" She held up a hoof to her mouth to amplify her voice as she turned back into the castle.
Lyra scrambled down the stairs, almost tripping along the way. "What's up?!"
"Bon Bon went into town to get Spike a sword." Twilight pointed the way. "Just thought you should know."
"Thanks." She bobbed her head, then her ears went up. "Spike's getting a real sword? Awesome! What'd he do?"
Twilight shrugged softly. "Something about defeating a noble with it? I didn't know we had nobles that used swords."
"Apparently you have at least one." Laud approached Lyra. "I feel I haven't give you your due. It was at your hoof that this all began in motion. We should spend some time together."
Lyra's cheeks began to warm rapidly. "O-oh! Yeah, that... would be nice." She closed the distance and nuzzled into the back of one of his hands. "But no foals. One's enough for the family at a time, sheesh."
Twilight blanched at that, taking half a step back. "Yes, preparing for one is already stressful enough." Suddenly a hoof clopped against her cheek. "What if she has twins?! Wait, no, she... would have mentioned two names then... Okay, okay, no twins, probably..." She started to wander off, recovering from her self-imposed fear.
Bon Bon carried Spike rapidly through town, trotting along with a determined look on her face.
"Hey Bonnie." Carrot Top waved from her stand. "It's been too long since I was able to get one of your sweet pick-me-ups. When are you opening the store back up?"
Bon Bon paused, looking towards her friend. "If it were up to me, yesterday would work, but it isn't. My herd has me pinned down and won't let me do anything until I finish being fat and disgusting."
Carrot blinked softly. "You look as slim as ever. Who's calling you fat?! I'll shove a carrot right up--"
"--I'm fine," cut in Bon Bon with a soft chuckle. "I'm taking Spike here to get a gift."
Spike waved when talked about. "We're gonna get a sword, a real one!"
Carrot Top peered at Spike and the fake sword dangling from his hips. "Huh wow. Is Twilight alright with that?"
Bon Bon snorted softly. "Come on, you know me better than that."
"Yeah yeah." Carrot waved it away. "You wouldn't be here if you hadn't checked. Hey, for the road." She grabbed a carrot in her mouth and held it towards Bon Bon. "To health!"
Bon Bon closed the distance and chomped down on the other end of the carrot, taking it from Carrot Top. "Thanks."
"Eat, you're working for two, right?" She giggled softly. "Have fun shopping!"
Spike offered a thumbs up. "I plan to. Onwards, loyal steed, to proper equipment!"
Bon Bon turned an ear back at him. "Your 'loyal steed' can leave you in the dirt if you press your luck, Spike."
"Yes, Ma'am."
She trotted onwards with a satisfied little smirk.
His people were happy to have him back, as he was to be back among them. "My faithful, we approach a dire time, a testing of our convictions," spoke Father Gregor with an unusually serious tone. "As a faithful of Amalthea, I must bring light to all that would have it, whatever form that may take. The people of this land shine as few others do, each with guileless eyes unclouded with many of the petty concerns that burden the common man. They are as children, even as they struggle with very adult problems and with mature dedication." The time to be coy had passed, in his eyes.
"I must ask you all to declare your loyalties. Will you defend these creatures of light from the ugliest of human sins, or will your loyalty to stone and gold shine more brightly? I feel certain the time will soon come when one will have to choose a side, and I would have that be done now."
One of his dedicents bowed their head low at the grave tone and words. "Father, what has been spoken that would summon such dire tidings from your lips? Ever faithful have you been to the church."
"And ever faithful shall I remain, but loyalty to the church as a whole does not mean I will agree with everyone within it, nor they with I. News of my findings were met with curt dismissal. Either they will change their mind, or they will act as they have hinted. I will not be caught unawares. If you feel them right, you may rejoin them above. I will not harm a fellow man of faith, and you have all served me well these years." He brought his hands to his chest. "You are my children, and to raise a hand against you is beyond what I would wish. Be true to your heart, that we can part peacefully."
The air grew heavy with the tension of the question. An admission was being called for, one way or the other. A willingness to cross steel and pistol against other clergymen, or to be called upon to do the same to Father Gregor in time, likely.
A younger lad raised a hand. "I am at your side, Father Gregor. Never have you acted in a way the Pancreator would not smile on. I would rather die in your brilliance than skulk in the shadows for a moment longer in this mortal shell."
Voices of approval rippled through the crowd of priests and guards, others raising their hands.
But not all.
A smaller ship meant as a sort of life boat took off in a brilliant display of smoke and fire, launching up towards the larger ships in orbit, carrying with it word that Father Gregor expected the worst, and was preparing for it. The lines had been drawn.
Damn, Father Gregor is astute.
I'm glad to be proven wrong... I just hope his conviction holds strong least I be proven wright.
The thing that really troubles Father Gregor now, is well he knows the word of the snake.
Bad enough that those who desire riches move to inform against him, even worse that whose desire for riches exceed even their own survival, so they may consume from within.
I hope that the Ponyville Blacksmith will be true to legends, one or the other or even both. Grizzled retired mastecraftsman who wants a quiet retirement, but not too quiet, and the young enthustiastic materials engineer who accidentally solved the problem that in the past lead the banning of certain manipulation and work practices involved in weapon creation, and some that couldnt occur due to the different parts being from countries in conflict?
Well, it seemed a good idea at the time.
then again, wouldnt Spike being able to Fire Breath send his weapon to the target, through shields, be a little over the top? Especially if its still dragon breath heated when it arrives?
I thought Gregor would be a dick when I first saw him. I was wrong.
Once this prep is done, it's time to fight!
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Relegion brings out the best and the worst of man, which side it amplifies depends on the individual.
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As an agnostic atheist with religious and irreligious friends, I know that all too well.
The religious people I meet are either the kindest people this side of the universe or quite literally want me to suffer extraordinarily.
Hmmm, only thing Gregor can do now is wait. Unless outright warning Harkwood estate of the apparent intent would appear insubordinate.
BonBon knows the requirements, and perhaps a little extra features may be added to Spikes' weapon? Laud did say "real sword" after all.
Friendship will prevail!
Keep going! ;)
Here's hoping Gregor warns Laud, if he hasn't already. Glad to see he's one of the good guys though
I don't think letting those people go was a mistake for Gregor. He reduced the number of potential mutineers and sent a message to the opposition by affirming his stance, which might just sway some to his point of view or at least to stay out of a conflict. Either way, it had to be done. He couldn't cunningly play a game of deception with his fellow churchgoers. That's just not the type of man he is, apparently!
My first thought at Bon Bon's reply was that the sword will be enchanted to scale with his size, and then I imagined a giant grownup Spike with a sword bigger than a house!
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He just gets the classical flaming sword. Problem? Those swords can only be fully engulfed, so can't be wielded withour incinerating the wielder.
Which isn't a problem for a dragon.
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An enemy given an avenue of retreat will generally not become desperate. And my respect for Gregor grows by leaps and bounds. One thing to judge, another to embrace and defend in the disfavor of your peers.
Gregor continues to prove his worth, and by extension makes for a fine example of humanity's best. Even as his peers display humanity's worst.
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Rather mediocre than worst.
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The difference between mediocre and worst has often been simply a matter of sufficient time in which to commit atrocity having passed.
The plot thickens!
Also holy balls is Father Gregor as astute as they come!