Emissary Anon: Chapter 1 (Negotiations)

>The wagon comes to a complete stop.

>”What is your business here?”

>”We come from the kingdom of Erreda, across the Erin Sea. We have business with your Queen.”

>Princess, you dumbass. Business with the Princess.

>”There is no queen here, be on your way.”

>”I don’t take orders from some guard.”

>You sigh and stand up, stepping out of the wagon’s rear.

>”Leave now, I will not say so again.”

>You fasten your cloak and walk towards the front.

 

>”We’re going forward with or-“

“Silence Acus! Not a word more.”

>He shuts his trap before he gets you in deeper shit.

>”You lead this Caravan?”

“Yes sir I do. I am Sir Anon of Glaemar, I apologize for my fellows behavior.”

>”What is your business, Anon of Glaemar?”

“I come at the behest of my lord, King John. I serve as his emissary to discuss relations between our two kingdoms.”

>You look back towards your driver who bows his head in shame.

“I believe my comrade has something he’d like to say.”

 

>You stare him down; spite lies heavy on his words.

>”Apologies sir.”

>”Apology accepted,” the guard says pleased at his disdain.

“I don’t mean to keep you, but could we continue on?

>”Yes sir, but I must ask that your friends wait outside.”

>You nod, flicking a gold bit to Acus.

“Don’t spend it all in one place.”

>The guard smiles and steps aside.

>”Welcome to Canterlot.”

 

>You pass through the checkpoint and into the city.

>For the most part the ponies pay you no mind.

>They seem to be more concerned with their own affairs than a foreigner.

>A few scoff at you in disgust, but it never turns into anything more than that.

>These rich snobs are exactly the sort of people you wanted to avoid.

>Their lives revolve around wealth, nothing more.

>What things you would do to them…

 

>You’re stopped by an elderly couple who pass in front of you.

“Excuse me.”

>”Sorry sonny I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s quite alright sir. Have a nice day.”

>”You too,” he says walking off.

>Gotta love old people. They may smell weird, but they’re respectful.

>That’s more than you can say for everyone else.

>”Watch where you’re going!”

>Speaking of which…

 

>You turn to the commotion, the couple and some noble in a confrontation.

>”I’m very sorry sir.”

>”Sorry? That’s all you have to say? This is worth more than you in blood you hear me!”

>They’re obviously scared of him, but they stand their ground nonetheless.

>A few guards notice the trio, but keep to themselves.

>Some guards they are.

 

>”Please, we meant no harm. I’m sure-“

>”Don’t give me that hogwash. I’ll have you pay for every bit you’ve cost me.”

“Is there a problem here?”

>The noble runs his eyes over you, his disapproval prevalent.

>”What rock did you crawl from under?”

>You ignore his remark.

“Is this man bothering you two?”

>”Well, we’re partly to blame…” How modest.

>”Can’t even own up the blame. Go back to the lower districts where you belong.”

>This guy just won’t shut up.

 

“If you have a problem with them, you have a problem with me. Are we clear?

>”You won’t intimidate me welp.”

>You visibly run your hand over your sword, maintaining eye contact.

“Are we clear?”

>A small bead of sweat runs down his face.

>”Crystal.”

“Good.” You turn and look at the crowd that has gathered.

“Nothing to see here folks. Go on with your business.”

 

>They disperse, the noble fleeing in the mess.

>”Oh thank you. Thank you so much.”

“No problem, just keep those eyes open okay?”

>”Will do,” he laughs.

>You head up the street having done your good deed for the day.

>The streets grow barren the closer you get to the castle.

>Less civilians, but more guards. They watch you like a hawk.

>You’ll have to mind your manners.

 

>”Business?” the gatekeeper asks.

“Royal. I request audience with your Princess.”

>The guard looks at you questionably.

>You reach into your satchel, the guards preparing themselves to your amusement.

>You pull out a scroll with the Erreda insignia molded onto it.

“Deliver this to your princess. That should grant me an audience.”

>The gatekeeper nods his head to a fellow guard who takes the scroll from you.

>”Just following protocol.”

“I understand.”

 

>The guard heads through the gate and into the grounds, leaving you with the rest of his unit.

>Awkward is an understatement for how you felt.

>The guards stare at you, and you just stare right back.

>Just a few more days and you’ll be headed back home.

>This place doesn’t sit right with you, it’s too nice.

>You can appreciate a certain degree of it, but it’s strangely overabundant in this land.

>It’s almost too good to be true.

 

>The gate creaks open, the messenger nodding towards the gatekeeper.

>”You’re clear to proceed.”

>You take a step forward, the guard blocking your path.

>”However, we must ask you to relinquish your weapons.”

“Yeah yeah, protocol and all I get it.”

>You undo the straps binding your sword and hand it to the guard.

>Kneeling down, you withdraw both knives from your calves, tossing them in front of him.

>”Anything else?”

 

“Just give me a second alright,” you reply jokingly.

>You reach into your sleeves, untying the leather bonds inside.

>After a few more straps the gauntlet falls loosely off your arm, its blade secure within.

>You hand it over, the last of your weapons taken from you.

“I expect those to be as good as I left them.”

>”They’ll be safe with us.”

>Somehow you doubt that very much.

>You shouldn’t keep royalty waiting so you step through the gate and into the courtyard.

 

>You head straight for the door, the guards opening it for you.

>You thank them and go inside the castle.

>The walls stretch upwards making you feel small in comparison.

>It’s a bit too shiny for your taste. You enjoy a more rustic aesthetic.

>”So you’re the foreigner we’ve been expecting?”

>You turn to look at the purple pony addressing you.

“I believe I am. Pleasure to meet you Miss…”

>”Sparkle, but call me Twilight.”

“As you wish Twilight.”

 

>She leads you down the hallway.

>”How was your trip if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Uneventful.”

>”I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Peace is a luxury, not a burden. I welcome it with open arms.”

>”Oh, I thought that your people… never mind.”

>She didn’t need to say it, you got the picture.

>Sad to say, but she’s actually correct.

>Your kind wouldn’t have gotten this far without their violent demeanor.

 

>The two of you enter a large circular chamber.

>A fire burns at each side of the room, a stone table lying in the middle.

>”The princesses should be here shortly. Please take a seat.”

>You do so, Twilight sitting at the side.

>There you sit, twiddling your thumbs until they arrive.

>You go over your lines in your head, recalling the do’s and don’ts of diplomacy.

>The king was fairly vague about what action he wanted you to take.

>Who knows what goes on in that brain of his?

 

>”I would guess many things.”

>You stand and bow.

“Princess Celestia, it is an honor to meet you.”

>”Please, sit. We have much to discuss.”

“I was led to believe that Princess Luna would be joining us.”

>”She had a prior engagement to attend. You understand.”

“Of course. So,” you say straightening up, “Shall we start?”

 

>”Agreed, and for the record what is your name?”

“Anon. I’ll be acting as King John’s emissary in his stead.”

>”Anon. A curious name. What does it mean?”

>No one’s asked you that before. You didn’t even ask that.

“I don’t know. Now onto the terms…”

>”Why did he choose you?”

“Excuse me ma’am?”

>”Why are you here? It’s a simple question.”

>This is seriously annoying.

 

“I was asked to.”

>”Why?”

“Why do you care?” you snap at her.

>The room falls silent after your outburst.

>It’s not like you to go off the handle like that.

“Apologies, I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”

>”Accepted. Do you still care to know why?”

>You nod embarrassed at your lack of control.

>”You interest me Sir Anon of Glaemar. More than the others of your kind.”

 

“How did you know- I spoke my title.”

>She smiles lightly, “You didn’t need to.”

>The gears in your head begin to turn before you realize what she means.

“Tampering with a person’s mind is not an act I’d call friendly.”

>”I had to be sure I could trust you, now I can.”

“You hand out your trust too willingly princess. That’ll turn against you one day.”

>”Perhaps, but you… I can trust you.”

>You lean back in your seat.

“No. You really can’t.”

 

>You clear your head and focus on the present.

“Can we please focus on the task at hand? Every second is precious.”

>”You’re right,” she says pulling out the scroll from earlier.

>”Did you get a chance to read this?”

“No, it was strictly for your eyes only.”

>She nods and hands it over to Twilight.

>”Princess Celestia, I, King John, the ruler of the Erreda and its provinces, greet you. My forefathers were all rulers of Erreda and now I have taken the throne. Upon the excavation of my father’s archives, I learned of your dealings with both him and those before. I wish to continue this bond between our two nations.”

 

>”This is wonderful news princess. There’s so much we could learn.”

>”Please continue Twilight…”

>”As a symbol of our cooperation, I would like to propose a… Marriage?”

“Finish it,” you say hanging on every word.

>”…between our two families. Anon will provide any information you require about our available bachelors. I hope for a speedy reply. ~King John.”

>You’re utterly speechless at this.

>The king has made some wacked out decisions before, but this? This is crossing the line.

 

>”What do you think Twilight?”

>“I don’t know what to say. This wasn’t something I thought would happen.”

>”And you?” she asks, her eyes trained on you.

>You clear your throat and straighten back up.

“It’s my King’s wish, and I must help in whatever way I can.”

>Even if you don’t agree with him, that doesn’t give you the right to disobey him.

>”I believe we can make this work,” Celestia states.

 

>”Princess!”

>”I have negotiated with his kind before besides, this could be better for us in the long run.”

>”I understand that, but doesn’t this seem a bit ridiculous to you?”

>”Yes it does, but it will help bring our two nations together. It’s for the best.”

>Seems you and Twilight are the only ones that find this fishy.

>”I trust you princess.”

>You were hoping they would have rejected the idea, but alas there goes your weekend…

“I offer my full cooperation. My knowledge is yours.”

>Celestia smiles, “I’ll hold you to that.”

 

>Three hours later and you’re beat.

>”I think that should do it for tonight, don’t you agree?”

“Whatever you say princess.”

>”Twilight, could you lead Anon out?”

>”Of course. Follow me.”

>The two of you leave the chamber, Celestia staying behind to look through the list you presented her.

>Hopefully she finds one of them to her liking, but who knows.

 

>”Celestia has arranged a room for you to stay in the city.”

“That was nice of her, but I’d like to stay with my men. They get a little rowdy without supervision.”

>”I’ll have her know. May I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

>”Those people you listed… How are they really? I could tell you were focusing on their positive traits.”

”I wouldn’t touch them with a ten foot stick if that’s what your asking, but they’re John’s heirs, so I have to make them sound upstanding.”

>”That bad?” she sighs. “Things will get interesting once everything’s said and done.”

 

>The two of you reach the gate.

>”Your equipment sir.”

>You thank him and begin stowing your weapons.

>”You certainly came prepared,” Twilight says.

“I’m just a soldier, this is nothing for me.”

>”Wait… Why did your King send a soldier as his emissary?”

“Maybe I’m just that charming ey?” you reply with a wink.

 

>She rolls her eyes playfully.

>”Oh no, you hath swept me off my feet,” she jokes.

“No such luck yet I’m afraid.”

>You finish tying your gauntlet and look back to Twilight.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

>”Until then, Sir Anon of Glaemar.”

“Please, just Anon will do.”

>”Good night Anon.”

 

>You walk through the barren streets, the night’s breeze flowing through your hair.

>Your tip your head to the city guard as you pass outside the city’s walls.

>”Night sir.”

>You ask him where your friends disembarked.

>He points to an inn just outside, shadows thrashing about within.

“I told him one thing, and he fucks that up too.”

>”Need some help?”

“No, I’ve got this.”

 

>You swing the door open, one of your men falling face first into the ground.

>You kick him in the gut and step over his bellowing form.

>Tables are thrown about and torn apart, some of your fellows engaged in a bar fight.

>Placing two fingers in your mouth, you release an ear piercing whistle, silencing the lot of them.

“Form up!” you shout, the drunken buffoons lazily getting in line.

>You walk down the line taking count, all but one present.

“Where the hell is Acus?”

 

>You hear some commotion on the second level and head upstairs.

>You bring your head up to one of the doors, muffled sobs coming from inside.

>Pulling your head back, you kick open the door, Acus holding down a mare on a bed.

“I said form up!”

>He staggers over, towering above you, ale heavy on his breath.

>”And what if I don’t?”

>You smile, kneeing him hard in the groin.

“That.”

 

>You kick him down the stairs and look at the traumatized mare.

“Did he… you know…”

>She shakes her head, tears rolling down her face.

“Get somewhere safe now. This is no place for a young lady to be.”

>She jumps out the window and flies off, hopefully back home.

>You head downstairs yourself, making sure to stomp extra loud.

“I don’t expect a lot from you, but this? This crosses every line I made.”

>Acus rolls into line, trying his best to stand up straight.

 

“I asked for good ol’ soldiers, and what do I get? A bunch of inbred heathens trying to fuck whatever moves.

>Acus bows his head in shame.

“I’ve dealt with insubordinate troops, but right now, I don’t want to deal with it.”

>There’s too much shit going on for this to be added on as well.

“Pack up and head home. You’re not going to be my headache.”

>One of the soldiers breaks rank, “But sir…”

“Shut it. Pack up. Leave… Now!”

 

>They stand there like a bunch of brain-dead manticores.

“Did I fucking stutter? Git!”

>Finally they start moving, picking up their junk and fixing what they broke.

>One by one they head out the door, leaving the place devoid of life besides you and the barkeep.

>”Thanks for that. They made quite a ruckus.”

“If you want to pay me back you could offer me a room.”

>He’s happy to oblige, handing you a key.

“Also, you may need a new door for room B. I may have broken it.”

 

>”With what they paid me, I can renovate this whole darnn place.”

“One gold bit right?”

>”Yeah, how did you know?”

>Their death will be slow and painful.

“Lucky guess.”

>You walk back upstairs, avoiding the piles of vomit.

>The door you broke is almost completely off its hinges.

>You unlock the next door and head inside.

 

>You once again take off your multitude of weapons, stowing them next to your bed.

>You consider undressing, but find that your fucks given meter has reached zero.

>That’s an all-time low for you.

>You lie down and blow out the lantern.

>The bed itself is grainy and several lumps dig into your backside.

>It’s one of the most comfortable things you’ve ever slept on.

>You close your eyes and drift into a nice slumber.

 

>Morning comes a bit quicker than you’d like, but there’s no avoiding that.

>The barkeep brought up some towels and directed you to the washroom.

>It’s nice to talk to someone who’s not a total ass.

>Finishing your wash you dry off and gear back up.

>You thank the barkeep and walk outside, a construction crew approaching.

>He wasn’t shitting about renovating the whole place.

>You pass the guard on the way back inside.

>You wonder if that guy ever sleeps.

 

>The ponies keep their distance from you like before.

>It seems after your incident yesterday, they’ve taken more precautions to you.

>You don’t spot the old couple which dims your day already.

>They aren’t here to appeal to you, so you can’t hold it against them.

>The gatekeeper is still there with a cold face.

“Geez don’t you guys take a break?”

>You quickly hand over your weapons and enter the grounds.

 

>Twilight meets you at the doors like before.

>”Good morning Anon. How was your night?”

“You don’t want to know.”

>She takes your word for it and both of you go back to the chamber.

“Did Celestia come to a decision yet?”

>”She hasn’t finalized her choice, though she did say that she had eliminated some of the choices.”

“Well that’s good to hear.”

 

>Celestia enters after a few minutes of waiting.

>”Good morning you two, I hoped you had a pleasant rest.”

>”He doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“Not that I have to say anything.”

>”I will respect your privacy.”

>A benevolent leader, say it ain’t so.

“So shall we get down to brass tacks?”

>They look confused at the phrase. You really need to cut back on the phrases.

“Down to business,” you clarify, “Where are we on the candidates?”

 

>Celestia brings out the list and sets it before you.

“Alright let’s see here…”

>All the names are crossed out, well that’s new.

“These are the only available choices. You have to pick one.”

>”No I don’t. They are not acceptable.”

>You can’t let this deal go under.

>King John doesn’t take too kindly to those who resist him.

>One of them has to go through.

 

“Why not Roland? He’s a distinguished soldier with several commendations for valor.

>”He has a short temper and drinks heavily as well.”

>Fair enough. His knack for getting into bar fights is well known.

“Brock. He’s quiet and doesn’t drink. That’s something.”

>”Yes, but his accounts of theft and burglary are many.”

>Right again. She isn’t making this easy on you.

>Your loathing of them are probably what tipped her off.

 

>You go down the list, name per name, each one disqualified.

“How about Kirk?”

>”Do you really need to ask?”

“Well I don’t know what else to say. That’s all of his heirs from top to bottom.”

>”You know, you said before that I couldn’t trust you. At the time I didn’t know what you meant.”

>Twilight perks up at the change of direction.

>”Now I can understand why.”

 

>”I reviewed that list, and sent my findings to your King. He wrote something particularly interesting in his reply. Do you know what that is?”

>You could take a guess.

>”The list wasn’t as complete as you made it out to be.”

>”Who was missing?” Twilight asks.

>Does she really have to ask? I thought she was being pretty clear.

>”The Prince of Glaemar, though we know him as Sir Anon. Isn’t that right?”

>You sigh, rubbing your temples.

“Yeah… It is…”