I've heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
but you don't really care for music do you?
They came quietly and quickly, as he knew they would. Within each and every heart amongst them was a need for justice, a need to see the wrongs righted. It was not that they wanted war, but at this point it seemed unavoidable. It would be a dangerous precedent indeed if they chose to do nothing- forever they would be viewed as the kingdom who had rolled over in the face of the Chamber. But then again- did they stand a chance? Or would it be a blood bath, with their blood staining the soil? He couldn’t, wouldn’t, send them to their deaths. It wasn’t who he was, nor did he want that to be his legacy as king. The king who killed the Gates. They were truly stuck between a rock and a hard place, and it seemed the only way out was to climb to the top. One way or another…
Magnus is the first, and Mast dipped his head solemnly at the buckskin. He could see the recklessness oozing from his skin, and for once Mast appreciated such a thing. Slowly they trickled in, and Mast nodded to each in turn. Their grim faces were clear- they knew this was no ordinary kingdom meeting. The air had taken on a static quality, and the tension was palpable. It flowed through their beautiful trees like a noxious gas, staining even the pure white snows around them with its bitterness. Mast eyed the foal at Wichita’s side, and noted her growing barrel, and his stomach hardened. Soon Camelia was at his side, her own swollen barrel pressing into his. The gray king found himself clenching his jaw as he looked into their faces; the hopeful, the would-be avengers, the apprehensive. Finally though he cleared his throat, stepping forward slightly to better be viewed. “First off, I want to thank you all for coming. To those I’ve not met, I’m Mast, your King.” he said, his voice clear and strong. “As you all know, the Chamber has chosen us as their whipping boy. Their reasons are unclear, but their Queen seems to be on something of a power trip. It is only a matter of time before she brings another kingdom to her doorstep, crying for her head on a platter.” He narrowed his eyes, his voice getting stronger as he let the anger seep into his voice. “I know some of you have been on kingdom visits. I want to know everything. Kronk, what of the Falls? And Magnus, what of the Amazons? If need be, I will go to visit them myself, if that is what they want. We need allies. I know we all want the same thing; justice. But we must cover our bases. We are growing stronger, but the Chamber wields power unlike anything we can compete with. Please don’t mistake me- our hearts our ten times what theirs could even dream of being. But there are fire wielders, and shifters, and the shadow ravens besides. No one has seen the extent of their queens powers, either.” he paused, swallowing hard, “I can remedy that somewhat. Kronk, Magnus? For all of your hard work, the kingdom would be happy to gift you both a set of wings, if you would have them.” he said, offering a small smile to both stallions. Indeed, they were both capable soldiers and above all their hearts were pure. “I want your opinions, your thoughts, and your suggestions. I want each and every bit of information you think it pertinent. Again, I am hungry for the same things you all are. I want to see Fiasko returned, and I want the Chamber to pay for their transgressions- but I will not lead you to war if that is not the direction you would want us to go. King though I may be, I am not a ruthless leader.” With that he fell silent, waiting slightly impatiently to see what all they had to say.
M A S T