Book 8 / Chapter 2
The Reaper
(Year 5, Month 6, Day 2)
As the moonlight reflected off the clear seas, Few sailors operated on the main deck of the Bloody Tide as Captain Sail and the rest of the crew were gathered in the galley as they listened to Daring Do’s story, “He looked at me and asked, Do you really think you of all ponies, can outrun this tiger? And I looked back and replied, the tiger? I only need to outrun you!”
Not able to contain it anymore, the skilled explorer started laughing at the end of her joke as everypony in the room followed suit and began laughing at the hilarious story. As they did Princess Skystar quailed her laughter long enough to speak, “It almost reminds me of that time when I was a filly. When the storm king ran us down into the sea w-“
“CAPTAIN SAIL!!!”
Pausing at the interruption, Princess Skystar and the rest of the room looked to the stairs as General Arnold entered in a fit of anger, and started approaching the sea captain who sat with a mug in his hoof as he smiled, “Well look who’s back. Come to complain more about how the waves make your aristocratic tummy hurt? Or would ya like to give your two bit about how I run my ship again?”
Ignoring the captain, General Arnold spoke, “Drinking? Laughing? And carrying on as if we were in safe waters? You’re supposed to be a disciplined captain in charge of a respectable ship! And here you are, half drunk, and conversing with the princess as if she were some port harlot? Do you have any shame?”
Captain Sail calmly stood up from his seat as he replied, “Mr. Arnold? My ship runs smoother then the summer tide. And though part of my crew are a bit tanked, I guarantee that if any threat makes itself known, they will be ready to take it down. Tonight just happens to be a special occasion. It’s been a while since we had royalty abroad and I felt it be better if we ease the sea boredom with tales of plenty and merriment. Now if her majesty objects to this, then I will be happy to hit the rack and allow my crew to do the same.” He looked at princess Skystar, “Majesty?”
Princess Skystar gave General Arnold an annoyed look as she spoke, “General, we are having fun. And every creature here is trustworthy so, why are you making it a big deal?”
General Arnold pointed at Captain Sail as he replied, “Every creature here is not trustworthy. He!!! Is a pirate Captain! One of the scourges of the sea. It’s been his ships that have pillaged and plagued our own for decades. The fact that the queen decided to trust him for the first time in three decades is beyond me.”
Zeil could feel that every member of the crew became nervous of the threat made towards the captain as Pinpoint stood and spoke, “You will mind your tone when you speak to the ca-“
Captain Sail raised his hoof to silence his quartermaster as the captain smiled, “Ya say I pledged ya for decades? First off, I’ve been nothing if not respectable to agreement between the hippogriff queen and I about stayin’ clear of her shores. So any pirate ship blightin’ her was not my own. Second, the whole premise of bein’ a pirate is to live free of law and rule. So for me to have any ship under my control in your waters is impossible since… I have no fleet to call my own. And third… technically… I am no longer a pirate. So you’re fears, are misplaced boyo…”
Hearing the obvious disrespect in the captain’s tone, General Arnold replied, “If you’re not a pirate anymore… then prove it… Tell me how to find Pirate Cove?”
Captain Sail smiled, “Pirate Cove? Lad I didn’t figure ya for a believer of fairy tales. S’pose you yourself are a bit tanked, aye?”
Seeing the escalating situation Princess Skystar stood up as she spoke, “General, maybe you should get some sleep. You’re just being paranoid so why don’t you take the rest of the night off and get some rest. Or… You could join us for a little fun.”
With an angry tone, General Arnold turned towards the stairs and trotted away as he replied, “If it’s all the same to you… I’d rather not… I’ll die before I drop my guard to a pirate.”
After the general trotted lower into the ships decks, Princess Skystar looked to Captain Sail as she spoke, “Sorry captain, I don’t know what’s gotten into General Arnold lately. He has been acting funny since we left Mount Eris.”
Captain Sail shook his head as he replied, “No need to explain majesty, It’s expected to suspect an ex pirate to be anything other than honest. But if there is anything I respect its loyalty.”
Princess Skystar gave him a curious look as Silver interrupted, “Speaking of which… wasn’t it an agreement between you and my mother that you wouldn’t fly red sails anymore?”
Captain Sail smiled, “It was, but with the passing of your mother, rest her soul… so too passes our agreement. But don’t worry lass, I still uphold the part about not attacking innocent ship and flying my old roger. But let’s talk about that later…” He looked at another sailor, “Tone Deaf, play us a tune. Make it one to raise spirits and… raise spirits too.”
With a fiddle in hoof, Tone Deaf, a unicorn in the corner of the room stood and started playing a song as everypony in the room started bobbing and swaying to the lively sea shanty as they all started forgetting the tension of the passing moment.
As the night progressed, it wasn’t long before Silver called to Captain Sail, “Hey captain! Tell the one about why they call you the Crimson Ghost Hunter!”
Zeil was sitting next to the captain as the old sailor smiled, “That old tale? Wouldn’t ya rather hear something more to date?”
Although Zeil was curious, he didn’t say anything as the princess spoke first, “Ohh, but I want to hear about that? I heard you were one of the most feared pirates in all the seas.”
Jim who was sitting next to her replied, “Not just that, the only other pirate as feared as Captain Sail happened to be the captain’s target.”
Princess Skystar was surprised, “Really?”
Pinpoint looked at Captain Sail as he spoke, “Looks like the herd has spoken captain, would you like to entertain them with the tale or should I?”
Captain Sail smiled as he held his hoof out, “Be my guest. You and Miss Do know it better then I now anyways.”
Daring smiled as she stood and spoke, “Many years ago… and I mean years as in three centuries. There was a great and terrifying pirate that pledged the seas. This pirate known as Captain Iron Hoof wasn’t only the most feared pirate in history. He was nicknamed the Ghost since anypony who was caught in his spyglass never again saw the sunrise over the horizon. Iron Hoof would sink them without mercy and without survivors. Then one day he vanished into a hurricane and was never seen again. Only ships still turned up missing. Sometimes they would even be found floating of the coast of any kingdom with no crew or bodies on board. These strange disappearances were blamed on Captain Iron Hoof well into modern day. He would hunt ships, sink them where they sat, and left none to tell the tale… that is until.”
Daring Do looked at her uncle as Pinpoint smiled as he finished, “Iron Hoof left one to tell the tale. Be it an accident, I was that one.”
Princess Skystar and Zeil were both surprised as the princess replied, “Really? You mean you fought against him?”
Pinpoint chuckled, “Not really a fight, when you face him unarmed. The ship I was on, the Annabelle had no guns to defend herself. So Captain Sail set out to flee the area as quickly as he could… to no avail. The Iron Wing closed in on us, and destroyed us without warnin’ or mercy. I was tossed overboard during the scuffle, but that was the only reason I survived. Captain Sail… and everypony on board, went down with the ship.”
Zeil was confused, “Captain Sail?”
Daring replied, “Senior, Captain Sail’s Father was the captain of the Annabelle.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… and like any good sailor he went down with the ship.”
Zeil nodded, “Ah… I see. So you set out to hunt Iron Hoof for what happened to your father. Hence, the Crimson Ghost Hunter.”
Captain Sail nodded, “You’re just as cleaver as ya look, Mr. Knight. I commandeered myself a ship and set out on a voyage to find, and kill that ghost.”
Silver chuckled, “Commandeered? You stole a royal frigate from Princess Celestia. That and to make the matter worse, you left my mother at the altar. Who at the time, was training to become the reaper.”
Zeil was confused as Princess Skystar replied, “Reaper? You mean the reaper of the Cutters?”
Zeil looked at the princess as he asked, “Reaper?”
Princess Skystar explained, “The Cutters were a secret army of assassins that worked for princess Celestia back before Princess Luna was freed from the moon. They were so dangerous, they could stop wars from starting, and any who faced them either died or denied their existence in fear that they would hunt them down if they spoke.”
Zeil nodded, “Oh… I guess tha- wait…” Zeil looked back to Captain Sail in surprise as he replied to an earlier comment, “You stole a royal frigate from Princess Celestia?”
Tapping the table twice as if he were patting the ship on the back, Captain Sail replied, “Aye I did lad… the very ship that you stand on at this moment. I took her from my father’s shipyard and set out to find Iron Hoof.”
Jim who was sitting at a different table overheard the story as he turn around and spoke, “And that very hunt took Captain Sail to my island. The Isle of Home in the Leviathan Sea.”
Daring looked at Pinpoint, “And that’s where you met Aunt Aqua right?”
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye it is.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Our search took us too many places and many good stories… but… there were bad also.”
Captain Sail’s mood fell into depression as the table seemed to do the same as Daring replied, “That’s right… that was when you met Siren wasn’t it.”
Captain Sail nodded as he said only one word before taking a swig of his mug, “Aye…”
With the mood seemingly killed by bad memories, Daring Do decided to change it as she stood up approached Tone Deaf and whispered a request into his ear. As he heard her request the musician smiled, “Ah, a beautiful one. Right away lassie.”
With that Tone Deaf started playing a slower tune then what started the night as Daring Do stood in the open and readied herself to sing. As the melancholy tone played, the rowdy herd of pirates all but silenced themselves in respect for the song as Daring Do started to sing, “When I was just a lass, so young and complete, I fell for a lad, so stunning and sweet, He spoke of a treasure, far out passed the shore, Then left late one mornin’, for treasure’s galore… All-o-wait for all-o-ways, for a sailor at sea. For he seeks out his dream, then will come home to me. Oh the days they will change, and time she will pass. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways till he comes home at last. All-o-wait for all-o-ways till he comes home at last.”
As the song played, Zeil could feel the mood of the room as everypony in the room was filled with a peace that could only be found in the beautiful lyrics of the song. However, there was one other feeling in the room that was felt by only one of the sailors. This feeling was deep and agonizing pain. As Zeil looked to Captain Sail, who held his smiling expression that hid this pain. As Zeil felt curious of the captain’s hidden pain, Daring continued onto the second verse as she sang, “A decade has passed, and my loyalty stay, for here I have waited, while my lover’s away. But my faith still is strong as I burden this weight. So here onto you, I will say I’ll-o-wait… Oh All-o-wait for all-o-ways, for a sailor’s at sea. Till he seeks out his dream, and then comes home to me. Oh the days they will change, and time she will pass. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways till he comes home at last All-o-wait for all-o-ways till he comes home at last.”
As the second verse ended, the melody of the song seemed to slow, as Daring continued with a tone to match the slowing melody, “Oh it’s four decades passed… as I lay weak and frail. Looking out the old window, hoping to see his sail. But my eyes they grow heavy, as I try not to cry, for he won’t be beside me… for my final goodbye… All-o-wait for all-o-ways, is my sailor at sea? Has he sought out his fortune, will he come home to me? They laid me to rest, in a grave on the shore. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways, forever and more. All-o-wait for all-o-ways, forever and more.”
As the melody slowly came to an end, the room started to applaud the beautiful song as Daring smiled peacefully while Captain Sail spoke from his seat, “Well done lass… very well done. She… she would be pleased.”
Daring Do smiled as she looked at Captain Sail and replied, “I doubt I could ever sing like her captain… even if I never met her, I’m sure I could never hold a candle to the Siren of the Cove.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Whether ya can or ya can’t, the sentiment is appreciated all the same. Thank you lass” He stood, “S’pose I’ve had a bit too much excitement for one night. I’ll leave ya to your merriment gents, but remember, I expect all hooves on deck in the mornin’… aye?”
The crew nodded in agreement as Captain Sail turned to the stairs leading to the upper decks. As he left Zeil could feel a deep emotion of pain and misery in the expressionless captain as Zeil watched the captain leave. Seeing Zeil watching the captain, Pinpoint Saw this as he looked into his drink and spoke, “I hope you will excuse the Captain. Siren was, special to him. In fact she was the only mare that I can honestly say, held a place in the captain’s heart.”
From the amount of pain Zeil could feel in Captain Sail, he could have easily guessed what had happened, but he asked anyway, “Was?...”
Daring Do sat back at the table as she replied, “Siren… she… passed away. In the fight against Iron Hoof, and when that happened… Captain Sail was never quite the same after that.”
Princess Skystar looked down in sadness as she replied, “I remember mother telling me this story… it was the reason she hated Captain Sail so much. She said, she can overlook every crime he committed, but… she will never overlook what happened to Siren.”
Jim smiled, “You know, if I remember right, Queen Novo was changed by Siren’s death too.”
Princess Skystar was curious, “Really? How so?”
Jim continued, “Well I was only a colt when it happened. But before Siren died, Queen Novo was smiley and bubbly, a lot like you actually. She seemed so carefree and playful.”
The princess was surprised, “What? You mean miss Serious-brooding-queen was like me?”
Jim smiled but before he could reply, Daring Do stood up, “Well, I’ll leave you to that story. I’m gonna hit the hey. I’ll see you in the morning.”
The group nodded as Zeil spoke, “Alright, well g’night Daring.”
Daring Do smiled as she turned away, “Good night.”
When she was gone, Jim went on to tell about how Queen Novo used to be, as Silver stepped away from the table and caught up with daring, “Hey Dazzy. Wait up? Do you want somepony to lay with? I’ll always be happy to lay with you Dazzy.”
Daring Do gave her an annoyed look, “Thanks but no thanks, I’ll be fine laying by myself.”
Silver gave her an accusatory look, “Really… and what about Sir Zeil…”
Daring Do replied, “What about him?”
Silver smiled sinisterly, “You two have been traveling for over a week now… have you two… laid with each other?”
Daring Do blushed slightly as she shook her head, “I told you, it’s not like that. We are just friends, that’s it.”
Silver replied, “And as just friends… did you ever ask him yourself?”
“About what?”
Silver replied, “About the wooden pergola forest… about what you found there and about the rumors of the last creatures there… did you ever actually talk to him about it yourself?”
Daring Do shook her head as she replied, “No… because I trust him. Sure he is hiding something… but… whatever it is, he doesn’t want to harm anypony, and… that’s good enough for me.”
Silver replied, “And why do you trust him so much? A zebra you just met?”
Daring shook her head as she trotted towards the stairs, “He is a knight and a hero to more than one kingdom. How can I not, now if you will excuse me… I’m tired and want to get some sleep.”
As Daring Do trotted away Silver replied, “So it’s the hero types you go for?”
Daring replied with a dismissive tone “Good night Silver I’ll see you in the morning.”
As Daring Do trotted down the stairs into the lower decks Silver mumbled to herself, “Fine… then if you won’t ask him about it… I will.”
As Silver trotted back to the table, Pinpoint was gone and the princess was laughing at Jim’s words as she spoke, “I can’t believe she would say that? Mother was always so serious about everything. To think she was care free enough to joke around like that.”
Jim smiled, “I know, to be honest… She was so peaceful and caring. It was always good when she visited home…she kinda lit up the island with her very presence… a lot like… you princess. A smile that just… makes you forget everything bad around you.”
As the two hippogriff’s looked at each other and smiled, Zeil could see what was happening as he looked into his drink and tried to ignore the building feelings. However, Silver managed to break the moment as she trotted up and spoke, “Sorry I needed to tell Daring something… what did I miss? Wait where did Pinpoint go?”
With the interruption, both Jim and Princess Skystar snapped out of their trance as they both blushed and looked away from each other as Zeil smiled and replied, “Oh, he went to talk with the captain. Says he wanted to give a nightly report before the captain bedded down.”
Nodding Silver replied, “Ah I got ya… anyways… I was wondering Sir Zeil, could I speak with you for a minute… you know… in private?”
With her emotions hard to read Zeil asked, “Really? I guess that’s fine.”
Silver smiled, “Well, then… lets head up on deck. We can talk outside.”
She looked at the two hippogriffs as she spoke, “If you will excuse us your majesty.”
Princess Skystar was still blushing at the earlier interruption as she replied, “N-no… its fine…”
As the two started to leave the table, Silver picked up her scythe and followed Zeil as the cloaked mare smiled, “Looks like Jimbo and the princess are getting a little close aren’t they?”
Zeil nodded, “Yea, birds of a feather I guess.”
Silver replied, “Seems love has had its hoof in a lot of things lately.”
Zeil replied, “You don’t know the half of it.”
After reaching the main deck, Zeil and Silver trotted to the ships starboard railing as Silver looked into the sea. As Zeil leaned against the railing next to her and did the same, Silver spoke, “Dazzy told me about what you did for both Spring Haven and Lilith. I’m impressed, saving one kingdom is something in itself, but saving two and being recognized by both their royals… you must really be something.”
Zeil smiled slightly as he replied, “Well, I just happen to be there at the time. It’s not like I planned it.”
Silver smiled, “Humble too… you really are something aren’t you. Dazzy tells me you’re on your way to Equestria? Do you live there?”
Zeil shook his head, “No… but… there is somepony there I care about that I need to see.”
Silver nodded, “Ah… so love is toying with your life too. Well if there is one thing Equestria has, its beautiful mares.”
Zeil smiled, “So what about you? Do you live there or are you just passing through?”
Silver looked into the sea as she replied, “Actually, I’m on my way there to see… I guess you’d call him my mechanic.”
Zeil was confused, “Mechanic?”
Silver chuckled, “It’s a long story… but… I myself actually came from Canterlot. But… it’s been a while since I’ve been home. I had to get a break after one of the… I wanna say six times the city was attacked in the past few years.”
Hearing that made Zeil chuckle as he replied, “Now that you mention it, Canterlot does get attacked often doesn’t it? I guess others think that a kingdom of ponies being kind and tolerant of each other would be an easy target.”
Silver smiled, “Yea I guess so… the last attack I saw before I left was a strange one too… seems there was a special event going on in Canterlot… I think… it was a wedding.”
Though it was in the back of his mind, he assumed it was something else as he replied, “A wedding?”
Silver nodded, “Yea… some princess was marrying a royal guard captain and… Queen Chrysalis and her swarm of changeling decided to take the opportunity to attack the city.”
After hearing that Zeil started to feel nervous as he replied, “Really?”
Silver nodded, “Yea… it was a big thing since Twilight Sparkle and her friend couldn’t use the element of harmony to defeat her. Then… when we though all hope was lost, Shinning Armor, and Princess Cadence used their own love to defeat queen chrysalis, toss all the changelings out of Canterlot and far beyond the borders of Equestria. Though something strange seemed to happen after that…”
Silver stopped leaning against the rail as her tone changed, “One of the many changelings that attacked Canterlot… wasn’t thrown as far as the rest. In fact, he tumbled his way into the Everfree forest… and quite literally crashed into the life of the Enchantress that lived there. Then, doing what changelings do… he fooled the poor mare… pretended to be in love with her, all so that she would tend to his wounds, and, get this… he wanted her to teach him magic too.”
Silver chuckled as if it was all a joke to her, as a deep feeling of dread fell upon Zeil as he held his silence while she finished her laugh and continued, “But… like the rest… Shining Armor and Twilight sparkle tracked the fool down, and banished him far from Equestria so that he would no longer be a threat to anypony. But ya know… I’ve sorta wondered… What would have become of that poor mare, should that changeling had stayed? And what fate would have befallen the kingdom if his skill of magic would become too strong? Or better yet…” Silver shifted her eyes to Zeil as the slits in her nocturnal irises narrowed to resemble the cross section of a sword, “What will that changeling do… should he succeed, in returning to Equestria?…”
All of a sudden, the feeling of dread was filled with fear, as Zeil looked to the mare, who was staring daggers at him with an expression that confirmed her theory, and an aura of hostility. Slowly Zeil turned completely to her as he took a step back and glared as he spoke, “Who… who are you?...”
Silver replied as she readied her scythe for a fight, “That story that the princess told you about the cutters is true. An army of assassins who fought in the shadow of the crown and killed any who were threats to Equestria. My mother was the leader of that group also known as, the reaper. And when she died, I took that name and carried on her legacy and though we disbanded after twilight defeated Nightmare Moon, we still kept a close eye on things of interest… such as, Queen Chrysalis’s most loyal drone.”
As Zeil backed away from the threatening mare he soon found himself against one of the ships cannons as his hind hoof tapped against a rammer bar that was sitting against the large weapon. Picking up the bare and holding it at the ready, Zeil replied, “And what do you want with me?”
When Silver saw Zeil using the cannon’s rammer bar to defend himself, she could only chuckle as she replied, “I only want to know one thing… What do you intend to do when you return to Equestria?”
Zeil replied, “I’m going to meet with Zecora… and tell her the truth.”
Silvia’s expression became angry as she replied, “Don’t lie to me… you can drop this whole, I’m a changeling in love crap. I know you have better intentions then that. So tell me the truth, what are you going to do.”
Zeil’s expression became angry as he replied, “If you won’t believe the truth… then what make you so sure you will believe a lie. Your just like Shining Armor… you don’t care what I’ll tell you, because in your eyes… I’m just a changeling!... your enemy. And that’s all I’ll ever be to you.”
With that Zeil swung the rammer bar as Silver easily took one swing of her scythe as she sliced through the wooden tool at a diagonal angle cutting off the blunt rammer and leaving the end of the wooden tool with a sharpened tip. After cutting the head of the tool away, Zeil took the time to back away from the cannon and further onto the center of the main deck as Silver became angry at Zeil’s attempt to harm her, “So that it then isn’t it… you’re going back to get your revenge on Equestria aren’t you?”
With that Silver charged at Zeil as she swung her scythe towards his head leaving the quick changeling to duck under the attack.
When that attack failed Silver spoke again, “And the Wooden pergola Forest… was that a test of what you intend to do to Equestria?”
As Zeil backed away his eyes widened, “Wh-what?”
Silver smiled, “Your expression says it all… so you were there… and you know what happened… Don’t you!!!”
With that Silver swung her scythe again only this time when Zeil dodged the attack he charged passed her guard with his makeshift spear as he lunged it towards the mare hitting her in the chest. At first Silver thought he had imbedded the sharpened end of the staff into her chest, but after taking a few steps back she realized that he used the blunt end of the staff as she looked to Zeil and continued, “Tell me… what happened there? What did you do to that village?”
Zeil held his weapon at the ready as he replied in anger, “Like I said… you wouldn’t believe the truth even if I said it… unless I’m the bad guy at the end of my explanation… you won’t believe me. That’s just how it is being a changeling.”
Silvia sighed as she replied, “Fine… if it’s come to this… then I have no choice. I honestly didn’t want to hurt you since Dazzy is in-… Likes you so much… But looks like I’m going to have to kill you.”
Though Zeil knew he didn’t have a chance against her, he still readied himself for the attack as he replied, “Then do what you got to do… just remember that I intend to get back to Zecora, and I won’t let you stand in my way.”
With that the two lunged forward to attack the other but as they did, a gunshot rang out as a large caliber bullet flew between the two and imbedded itself into the deck a few feet between them as the two fighters reacted to the shot by stopping what they were doing and looking to the top deck of the ship. Up on the higher deck, Captain Sail, Pinpoint, and Powder Keg stood glaring at the two fighters in anger as the gunner pointed his musket at the two with smoke still pouring out of the barrel from its recent shot. As Powder Keg lowered the musket Jim, Daring Do, Princess Skystar and a few other members of the crew rushed onto the deck in response to the gunshot.
As soon as the group reached the main deck, their eyes first locked onto the captain of the ship, then panned down at who the captain was looking at as Zeil and Silver soon found themselves as the center of attention for the entire ship. With all eyes on the two fighting, Captain Sail looked to Pinpoint as he spoke loudly enough for the crew to hear, “Mr. Point! As my Quartermaster, you of all ponies aboard this ship know the rules that I set down to all members of my crew… so… if you would, inform Sir Zeil and Miss Mist of my rule on brawlin’.”
Pinpoint looked to the two as he replied, “All sailors caught brawlin’, whether they be cargo, crew, or passengers. Will be keelhauled for the offence, then hung out to dry in the hot sun for the remainder of the voyage.”
After hearing that, Daring Do looked at the two as she mumbled in shock, “Zeil… Silver?”
The two didn’t respond as Captain Sail spoke up, “Luckily since I don’t recall a point at which this particular rule was explained to either of ya… I’ll overlook it just this once. However… if one of you so much as curses in the direction of the other… I’ll do more than just keelhaul you both… I’ll toss you overboard. Am I clear Sir Zeil?” Zeil nodded as the captain’s eyes shifted to Silver, “And you Miss Mist?”
Silver nodded as she replied, “Yes captain… clear as crystal.”
Captain Sail nodded as he replied, “Good… now if you will excuse me… I’ve had enough fun for one night. I’m hitting the rack and I would advise the rest of you to do the same.”
As that was said, Captain Sail started down the steps onto the main deck to go to his quarters as Pinpoint spoke up, “You heard the captain gents! Time to get some sleep. Those on night duty get to your stations, the rest of ya get to your quarters! Move it, we have an early day tomorrow and we expect all hooves on deck in the mornin’.”
As the crew started to go below, Daring ducked out of the way and hid behind one of the masts as she listened in on Silver and Zeil as Silver lowered her weapon and Zeil put away the broken tool in his hooves. After most of the crew was gone, Silver spoke, “Alright Sir Zeil… I guess, I’ll accept your reason to return to Equestria… but first I have to know. Daring went to the Wooden Pergola Forest and found evidence that you had something to do with the mystery there. So tell me the truth… what happened to that village?”
Zeil replied, “First… tell me what you know… I’d rather fill in the blanks then to explain the whole thing.”
Trying to avoid any further confrontation, Silver replied, Daring says she went to the Wooden Pergola Forest to investigate a new mystery that is about a year old. In less than one night, all one thousand residents of the Pergola Village just seemed to disappear overnight. There were obvious signs of vicious animal attacks to include damaged furniture doors and blood stains. But there were no bodies, bones or any sign of the residents anywhere. All that was found was the remains of an earth pony that had been tied to a stone pedestal in the town’s chapel by black vines. But what was strange was that it appeared that the earth pony had starved to death, but there were no signs of struggled in his final moments. A natural reaction to any starving creature, pony or otherwise would be to struggle to find food but he showed no such attempts… it’s as if he just sat and waited to die. And when she searched the royal guard post, she found a criminal file on a desk that had your name on it, pinning you as a suspect for a murder that happened earlier a few days prior not to mention a destroyed jail cell which according to the file, was the cell you were placed in.”
Zeil nodded, “And that’s all you know?”
Silver nodded, “Yes… so the question remains… what part did you play in that?”
Zeil took a bracing breath as he sat down and replied, “I don’t know the whole story, but… from my understanding that earthpony in the chapel was the one responsible for the whole thing. I don’t know what he did, but somehow he killed every griffin in that village and even tried to kill me in the process.”
Silver nodded, “But how? What did he do to cause all of this, and what happened to their bodies?”
Zeil shook his head, “Honestly, I don’t know… all I know is that I was saved by a stranger in black. He broke me out of that cell and said he would kill that pony.”
Silver replied, “So… he killed him?”
Hiding the truth, Zeil shook his head, “I don’t know… after I was free, I wasn’t going to take any chances… I left that city and fled. Even I know when I can’t win, and that fight… I couldn’t risk losing my chance to speak with Zecora. So… I didn’t take it. I left that village and didn’t look back.”
Silver replied with a skeptic look, “So… you… a changeling who helped two kingdoms from disasters, decided to just leave without so much as an attempt to help?”
Zeil nodded, “Whoever that zebra was… he was much stronger then I was. So if he was trying to stop that evil earth pony, I felt it better to just stay out of his way.”
Silver tried to get more information, “So… he was a zebra. Did he have a name?”
Zeil shook his head, “He told me to call him the mage. And that I didn’t need to know any more about him. Said it was taboo or something. With the creepy beasts roaming around trying to kill everyone, I decided to just let it be and get out of there.”
Silver thought to herself for a few minutes as she replied, “Well… I know your still hiding something from me… but… I guess I can trust you.”
Zeil was surprised, “Really?”
Silver shrugged her shoulders, “I was thinking about what you said earlier. About how being a changeling meant that your my enemy and no matter what you say I won’t believe you… well… your partially right. When we hold a grudge against one or more of a particular race we tend to view the entire race as untrustworthy… and that’s wrong. The actions of the many shouldn’t be pre-determined by the actions of a few. So… I’ll accept your answer, even if I know your still hiding something.”
Zeil sighed in relief, “Thanks Silver, it make me feel better that y-”
“Don’t get any idea’s… I still don’t trust you or your excuse… but I don’t want to get further in hot water with Dazzy so… for now, I’ll accept what your telling me. And… I guess since I don’t have any real reason to… I won’t try to kill you anymore.”
Not sure how to respond to that Zeil replied, “Um… thanks?”
Silver chuckled, “Look, Dazzy likes you a lot, and… just… don’t break her trust. She is a good friend and I…”
Zeil smiled, “You’re in love with her. I know…”
Silver replied with a skeptic tone, “You got a problem with that?...”
Zeil shook his head, “Not at all, I’ve come across a few who were attracted to the same gender so I don’t mind it one bit.”
Silver sighed, “That’s not what I’m… ya know what… never mind this trip is getting too mushy for me anyways.”
Zeil nodded and yawned as he turned away, “It’s getting late… if we are getting up early, I better get some rest.”
Smiling, Silver turned to the sea as she replied, “You go ahead… I’m a bat pony. The night is where I shine.”
Zeil nodded, as he turned away, “Suit yourself… good night Silver… and… thanks again.”
Smiling at their unspoken agreement, Silver nodded back as Zeil went below deck and into the ship. After he was gone, Daring Do stepped out from behind the mast as Silver spoke, “You satisfied with his answer? He told me all that happened, and it sounds like he isn’t the mastermind behind the Pergola Village mystery.”
Daring Do nodded as she replied, “I didn’t think he was… when he told me his story about Lilith, all I saw was a stallion who is so determined to do the right thing that he is willing to risk his own life to do it.”
Silver looked at Daring, “You think he is trying to reconcile for his past?”
Daring shrugged her shoulders, “I’m not sure… maybe… wait… what do you mean by that? What past?”
Silver smiled, “Don’t worry about it… but… you know what’s driving him don’t you?”
Daring looked at the sea as she approached the railing, “Yea… I do.”
Silver continued, “He is driven to get back to Zecora.”
Daring didn’t reply, instead she only gave a disappointed nod as Silver continued, “I’m sorry to say it, but… he is already in love with another mare. And it’s serious since he even attempted to fight me to get to her.”
Daring Do nodded again as she replied, “Not that it any of my business since I told you already that we are just friend.”
Silver smiled, “Hide it all you want Dazzy, I know you, and I know you like him… but… just humor me with this question. If you were in love with him, like you are… what will you do knowing that he is in love with another mare... hypothetically speaking?”
Daring Do sighed, “Hypothetically speaking… I’d back off, if he is in love then who am I to interfere with it?” She smiled, “I will admit it though… if I were to fall in love… it would be with a guy who sticks to his morals.”
Daring nodded as she rubbed her chest, “Yea… when given the chance to kill me with that staff, he dodged it entirely and used the blunt end instead of the sharp tip so I guess he isn’t all bad.”
Daring Do chuckled to hide her pain, “See? Now isn’t that a stallion worth pining over? Wait… what exactly did I miss just now?”
Silver smiled, “Oh nothing, just a simple argument over nothing.”
In Captain Sail’s Quarters Pinpoint smiled at Captain Sail as he spoke, “Quite the night egh captain… kinda reminds me of that voyage across the albatross sea.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Which one, the one where the forecastle caught fire or the one where Mr. Keg blew up that experimental cannon of his?”
Pinpoint asked, “Wasn’t that the same voyage?”
“Not likely, I keelhauled three sailors that first time.”
Pinpoint nodded, “Ah that’s right. Either way it was an interesting voyage.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… but we shall see how this one fairs in the mornin’. I trust your skills haven’t fallen enough not to see it?”
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye I did… the clouds rushin’ and the humidity risin’. There’s a storm on the horizon… a big one at that.”
Captain Sail nodded as he looked out the back window of his quarters, “Aye, by daybreak it will be on us and the seas won’t take kindly to it. When that happens I want the princess and her party to stay below deck for their safety. Miss Do will be fine, but I can’t trust that the rest of her group have their sea legs just yet.”
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye captain… and what about the snake on board? He may use this distraction to bear his fangs.”
Captain Sail nodded, “After the commotion he made tonight, it would be wise that he stay low, but I think your right.” He looked at the princess’s locked chest as he spoke, “Whatever his game… I’m curtain he will be after this blasted thing. So to keep in good graces with her highness, we must ensure its safety."
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye captain, it will be safe.”
Looking deeply at the chest Captain Sail mumbled, “I never thought to see this cursed thing on my ship again. But, if it will finally settle our relationship problem with Queen Novo, then I’ll do what I must for the crew.”
Pinpoint nodded, “Aye… seems fitting. After all, Siren was the guardian of this relic back in the day. To be protecting it yourself, seems rightly poetic.”
Captain Sail nodded, “S’pose it is.”
Pinpoint spoke, “Seems Queen Novo is ready to put what you did behind her and forgive you… are you ready to do the same?”
Captain Sail hesitated for a moment before replying in a dismissive tone, “Get your rest Mr Point. I want you awake and on deck when the rain starts.”
Annoyed that Captain Sail dodged the question, Pinpoint could only sigh as he replied, “Aye Captain, see ya in the mornin’.”
With that said Pinpoint turned and left the quarters as Captain Sail placed his hoof on top of the chest and mumbled to himself, “Not yet lass… you can’t claim me until you pay what’s owed. A song… as promised.”