FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Author's Note:

I decided to include the end of the last chapter as reminder of where we are (as it were) rather than starting from the new material.

Gunhilda, in addition to following the "G" naming convention is a "meaningful name" as it is Germanic (Old English etc.) for "Battle-maid".

Sheriff Shire Reeve is a bit of an etymological joke, since Sheriff originally was Shire reeve in Old-English. So essentially his name is his job.

And the title comes from Proverbs 16:18

A few days later, I returned home to my wives and my other children. I was the happiest I'd ever been in my life.

I shut the door behind me and walked into the living room to find Eiderdown sitting on the sofa.

'Good afternoon Eiderdown! Where're the wives and foals? I asked as I hung up my coat.

'They're in the nursery, asleep dear.'

'Goodness Eiderdown, you sound so gloomy! You'd think that someone had died!' I chuckled at my own wit

I turned, and was surprised to see that she had tears in her eyes 'I'm so sorry deary..' she said, and pointed to a small card on the table

'What's this?' I said, and picked it up.

It was a telegram from the Ministry of defence.

'When did this arrive?' I asked

'Only yesterday, a nice young man from the British embassy delivered it. He never explained what it says, but by his expression, I think it is bad news.

'Oh, I'm sure it's nothing.' I said, and with nervousness bubbling to the surface, I opened it.

" To Mr Edmund Johnson,

We regret to inform you..."

I did not need to read any further, I knew that it was indeed bad news, but I felt compelled to continue anyway.

"...that your cousin, Flt. Lt Richard Johnson..." Here, I smiled faintly - He'd reverted to his birth surname after all! "...is missing in action."

The letter detailed how during an escort mission, a large number of enemy fighters were detected, and that Richard and another pilot had engaged them to allow the VIP to get away with the other two escorts. The letter concluded with the usual stuff about sympathies, and how they would keep me informed on the situation. But there was a postscript which caught my eye.

'Your cousin and his fellow pilot have been awarded the Victoria Cross for their selfless decision to engage a numerically superior enemy, knowing that in likelihood they would not survive the encounter. As per his wishes, you will soon receive all his uniforms and decorations, including the Victoria Cross.

I sat down heavily in my armchair. I was numb with shock, I feared the worst, and yet held out hope that he was still alive. The letter crumpled as I closed my fist around it, and I felt tears welling in my eyes.

'Edmund dear, are you alright? Silly me, of course you're not, let me make you a cup of tea.' Eiderdown said gently

'Yeah, I'd like that, thank you Eiderdown.' I replied, blinking back the tears

A few moments later, the high pitched whistle of the kettle sounded, and in a trice Eiderdown had a steaming mug of tea in my hands.

I cautiously blew it and took a sip 'Mmm, this is wonderful, how did you learn to make such great tea?' I asked

'Practice, dear.' came the simple response

My nerves suitably calmed after the tea, I made my way to the nursery.

The nursery was a smaller room separated from the master bedroom by an archway. In a previous life it had been a reading room but now, the desk was replaced by a changing table, Persian rugs had made way for futons and where an old sea chest had once sat were three cots (The twins refused to be separated, and so slept in the same cot)

Lying on their feeding futons were Milky Way, Octavia Trebleclef and Lightning Dust, fast asleep just as Eiderdown had said. Feeling emotionally drained, I grabbed a blanket and lay down to have a nap with them.

A few weeks later, a parcel arrived containing Richard's dress uniform and all the decorations he had been awarded, including his VC. Also included was a journal.

I had never known my brother to be the type to keep a journal, so curious as to its contents, I opened it at a random page.

"February 2 2013

The wedding was good, weird but good. I had a great chat with my little brother, he has grown up to be a decent guy in spite of still being a real swot. Now that I've got some leave, I think I'll spend some time exploring this place. Perhaps I'll challenge that overgrown pigeon to a rematch - once I've healed that is!"

I flipped through a few pages and stopped on March 10.

"So, turns out Gunhilda is pretty decent underneath her attitude -Damn good flier too! We went flying this afternoon (well she flew - I had to make do with a hang-glider) and for a ground griffon she has some nifty moves.

March 15

G invited me to some Griffon cultural festival, so I went and it was actually really interesting. It was in honour of their founder and I got the impression that this was the most important day of their year. It was a real honour to attend."

I flipped forward again.

'May 12

G has become a little strange of late. I catch her staring at me when she thinks I'm not looking, and then she acts like nothing happened. If I press the issue, she gets defensive and refuses to talk until I change the subject."

The journal was full of similar entries, detailing what he had done with this Gunhilda woman before returning to Earth and his correspondence with her afterwards. It seemed like they had become very good friends in the short time they were together. One of the later entries mentioned that he planed on visiting "G" again during his upcoming leave.

That night, I was woken again by the sound of one of the foals crying. I saw that Lightning had already gone to feed, so I knew that this time it was Hurricane.

I went into the nursery, to find her lying on her side with a somewhat pained expression on her face, and Hurricane sucking frantically at her teats.

'What's the matter my dear?' I asked, kneeling next to her

'I'm completely dry! I can't produce enough milk to satisfy him, he's just too thirsty!' she wailed, tears in her eyes

'It's OK Lightning, he can have some of mine.' I heard Milky say from behind us

'Wha - really?' gasped Lightning, scarcely daring to believe the offer

'Yeah; even with the twins, I have more than enough milk.' she replied, nuzzling her sister

She lay down on the futon, and I took Hurricane from his mother, and lay him in front of Milky's teats. He sniffed, hesitated and then eagerly latched onto the nearest teat.

'Wow Lightning, you weren't kidding! The little guy must take after his daddy, he loves milk so!' she exclaimed with a teasing glance my way

Soon, he was done and so I picked him up and patted him on the back until he burped. That done, he nuzzled his head into my shoulder.

'You go to bed, I'll put the little chap to bed myself.' I said, rocking him gently and humming a lullaby

'Thanks dear.' replied Milky, and she and Lightning made their way to the bedroom

Soon Hurricane started to drift off to sleep, so I gently placed him in his cot where he gave a yawn, and closed his eyes and that was it - he was out like a light.

I tiptoed into the bedroom, and slipped under the sheets and I too dropped off in an instant.

After what seemed like a mere second later, I was awoken from my rest by a loud rapping on the front door. Grumbling at the unwelcome intrusion into vital sleeping time, I shuffled zombie-like to the door. When I opened it, I found myself face to face with a very lithe female Griffon.

'Hey! You're Edmund, right?' she snapped without introducing herself

'I am; and you are?' I replied, fighting back a yawn

'Gunhilda, your brother's friend!'

'Oh, so you're Gunhilda!' I exclaimed

'Yeah, and your good-for-nothing brother was supposed to have paid me a visit by now - is he here?'

My heart stuck in my throat. How was I going to tell her the news? If she wanted to, she could do me some real damage.

'Well? Where is he?!' she demanded

'I'm afraid they don't know. He's missing in action.' I answered, opting to tell the plain truth

'Missing in action?! What does that mean? Why can't you humans speak plainly?' she replied irritably

'It means that he was last seen engaging the enemy, and they don't know if he's alive or was killed in action. The fact that they haven't found him or heard of his capture means that...' I explained, trailing off before saying the words I couldn't bring myself to say.

'Means what? What does it mean?!' she asked aggressively

I took a deep breath before saying, 'That they think that he's dead.'

Even on a beaked face I could read the expression on Gunhilda's face. It was the expression of one whose heart was breaking.

She turned, and took a few, halting steps. She stood still for a moment - no, not still - for she trembled almost imperceptibly. Then, without warning, she lifted her head skyward and emitted an ear piercing screech, flared her wings and took off without another word.

'Who in Equestria was that?' I heard Octavia ask as I closed the door

'A friend of Richards' - although I think she thought of him as more than a friend.' I replied, turning to face her

'You mean, she loved him?' she asked, frowning. Her mane was tangled, and her eyes were sleep encrusted and darkly bagged - the late night feedings were taking their toll.

'I think so, my love.' said I

'Do you think your brother felt the same way about her?'

'I don't know love, Richard always was open minded, but I don't know if he was that open minded.'

'Hmm.' she replied thoughtfully 'Well, I'm going...' here her reply was punctuated by a drawn out yawn '...back to sleep.' and with that, she turned tail and returned to the master bedroom.

A week later, Mike arrived to see how I was "holding up".

'Wow, you've got a pretty posh place here M'lud' he said in an exaggeratedly obsequious tone as I showed him around my cosy, but well-appointed cottage.

'It's nice, but it could be nicer.' I replied non-committally, taking my seat

'Come off it, that fridge/freezer there had to have cost eight-hundred bits at least!' he said with a laugh as he too sat down

'One thousand actually.' I said with a hint of a grin 'I am only going to get the very best for my family, Mike.'

'I had no idea being a man-whore paid so well. Maybe I'm in the wrong line of work!' he laughed

I burst into laughter too, and during his all too brief visit, I forgot my sorrows.

A month afterwards, I received another unexpected letter, but this time the contents were much more pleasant - if a little troublesome.

'I've just received a letter from the Mayor of Ponyville, by whom you may remember, I was hired by to sire a foal. Now, she has given birth to a colt that she has named Inkyhooves She invites us to come and visit her. She says she knows that she cannot be part of our family, but that she doesn't want her son to grow up not knowing his father either.' I explained to my wives, whom I had found in the nursery.

'And what do you want?' Octavia asked

'Well, I've heard of ponies born out of a family being discriminated against because they only have one parent, I hear they call them "misborn". I don't want that for any of my children, so I've made a vow that where possible I will be a part of their lives.'

Milky and Octavia were unsure of whether to accept the invitation, but Lightning was adamant.

'Oh come on! He's doing the right thing girls, lets not be jealous - she's not asking to join our family, she's just asking that her foal knows his father. How is that a bad thing? I say we go!' she said fiercely

And so, we made a trip to Ponyville.

'Thank you for coming, I cannot tell you how much it means to me.' Argent Scroll greeted us

'Would you like to see my - our son?' she inquired of me

'Of course, please lead the way.' I replied with a smile

We all crowded in after her, and she led us to her bedroom, where a foal with her coat colour but with a tuft of jet black hair lay in a cot asleep.

'Aww! He is just adorable!' enthused Milky

'Thank you my dear, I couldn't be happier to be a mother.' replied mayor Mare, a faint smile on her lips

'I can see why you named him Inkyhooves.' commented Octavia, as he rolled over with a yawn

He had socks of black fur on his fore-hooves, making it look like he'd dipped them in ink.

Leaving him to sleep, we made our way to the living room.

'When I was about halfway through my pregnancy I stood-down as mayor, and Big Macintosh took over as acting mayor.'

'Doesn't he have his hooves full managing Sweet Apple Acres?' I asked

'Normally yes, but he has let Applejack take care of things - he says he has confidence in her abilities now.'

'And how is he?' I asked

'As mayor? He's doing quite well, the budget has never been so balanced.' she replied sounding both glad that the town was in good hooves and envous that someone else was doing her job

'Do you think he might be persuaded to run for mayor next election?' I asked her

'I don't know, maybe.' she said evasively, 'Perhaps that would be for the best, I am a mother after all.'

After half an hour, we left and I promised to visit regularly

As winter set in, the situation back on earth got worse, with even long time allies having diplomatic spats over seemingly trivial things. The entire planet was under a cloud of dread and suspicion, no one trusted anyone else. The biggest shock was when the portal went into "lock down" with two massive doors built to withstand both magical and conventional attacks being closed on both sides of the portal. In all the years since first contact those doors had only been tested once a year, and knowing that you were cut off from your home was a shock for humans and ponies alike.

The lock down lasted two weeks, and only when it was lifted was it revealed that it had been caused by the proximity of a flotilla of heavily armed mercenaries hired by a group calling themselves "The pure Earth society". They posted a video on the internet declaring that they were the vanguard of a popular uprising to preserve the human species and human society. Several assaults and vandalisms had already been attributed to them. The only arrests made were of the rank and file and those believed to be lower level organisers - the big fish were said to be well connected and well monied.

After think over the situation, I was sat at my desk, writing a letter to Celestia while my wives and foals slept.

Dear Celestia,

I hope you and our foals are doing well. I thought perhaps we could do something to boost morale after the recent events? I had a mind to show the unity between our two worlds by inviting a photographer to take some pictures of us and our children, and maybe make that announcement that your sister has been delaying for some time now?

At the same time I thought it would be nice if all my children could be gathered together with their mothers and we could all have a private get together with the photographer on hand to record the happy occasion.

Yours in love and gratitude,

Edmund

I placed the letter in the green flame of the magic lamp that Celestia had given to me, and in a trice it had burned up and the enchanted ashes whisked off to Canterlot.

Normally I would have waited for a reply, but I knew that she would have to think about it for a while and discuss it with Luna, so I put the kettle on, ready for when the three most wonderful mares in Equestria awoke.

That evening, Celestia's answer arrived and as I read her thin, elegant writing which no hand could have made I was filled with an inexplicable joy and comfort.

Edmund,

Thank you for your letter, I am happy to report that Estel and Goldenmane are both doing well, as am I.

I think your idea is a wonderful one, and I have arranged it for the week after next Wednesday.

I have spoken to Luna, and she and her special somepony have agreed that making the announcement now would greatly help matters.

As to the idea of a private get together, I would love that! When you come, please bring them all, it will be a pleasure to spend some time with you all.

Your dear friend,

Celestia

P.S: While you're in Canterlot, I think it would be good for you to be briefed on the situation, you will be met by my representative in the great corridor on your second day at 2 O' clock.

I immediately wrote a letter to Argent Scroll to tell her of the good news before returning to the nursery.

'Well, that's that sorted.' I said as I picked up Éomer who needed changing

'Do you think she'll come?' asked Milky as she nursed Éowyn and Hurricane

I hope so, I really hope so.' I replied, tossing the dirty nappy into the bin and grabbing the talcum powder

Down on the floor, Lightning Dust was changing Cadenza for Octavia who had fallen asleep whilst feeding her.

'Do you need a hand?' I asked her as I finished with Éomer

'No, I've got it! See?' she said, and to my surprise, she had changed her both quickly and perfectly

'Wow Lightning, That's amazing! I told you you'd make a great mum!' I enthused

'Yeah well, you know..' she said awkwardly, scuffing the floor with a fore-hoof

I did know, she wanted to live up to what she thought I expected of her and so was pushing herself to be "the perfect mother" and no matter how many times I told her to relax, she just wouldn't.

'All right, lets put these guys to bed, and then ourselves eh?' I said, placing Éomer in his and Éowyns cot

After putting all the foals in their cots, I picked up a still sleeping Octavia, and went to bed.

When we got to Canterlot, the security around it was the tightest it had ever been in all my time in Equestria, and I even heard a rumour that the first and only human to serve in Equestria's self defence forces was on hand too.

Our rooms were sumptuous and we had everything on hand that we could ever need, but after the long trip, all we wanted was to make use of was the massive four poster bed.

The next day, we relaxed and took a walk in the castle gardens where we spread a blanket and had a picnic lunch.

The warm autumn sun streamed through the thinning canopy of gold and red leaves as we ate and rested as the foals slept, snuggled all together. It was truly an idyllic scene, which sadly could not last.

My pocket watch rang to alert me that it was time to make my way to my meeting.

'I have to go to that briefing now, my dears, but I'll be back soon.' I promised them and kissed each of the tenderly before leaving

I was met by Princess Twilight Sparkle in the great corridor.

'Welcome, and thank you for coming at such short notice.' she greeted me

'I'm always willing to help in any way I can, but I'm not entirely sure why I'm needed.' I confessed

'Princess Celestia thought that you ought to know a little more about what we are facing, and since both she and Princess Luna are unavailable it falls to me to fill you in.' she said brightly, clearly enjoying the opportunity to show off her knowledge.

'As you know, a long time ago a great evil cursed Alicorns so that they would no longer pose a threat. But now that the spell has been broken, it will seek to remove that threat once and for all.

'You say "it", does that mean it is not - was not flesh and blood?' I asked

'We believe that it was once possessed of a physical form, yes but that it was merely a vessel for a being of incredible power and unknown form.' she replied gravely

'Has no one ever tried to kill it? To vanquish it?'

'Of course, many brave ponies ventured to the enemy's stronghold to attempt it but all failed. It is a little known fact, but King Sombra himself was once considered to be the champion who would defeat the enemy once and for all. He was the most powerful unicorn of his generation, bold and of a steely determination.'

I cast my eye over the massive stained-glass window depicting the defeat of King Sombra. If there was a pony less likely to have been considered the saviour of Ponydom, I had not heard of him.

'So if he was meant to be the champion of Ponydom, what happened?' I asked

'Sombra may have been powerful, but he was also given to excessive pride. This made him susceptible to flattery. When he engaged the enemy in combat, the enemy realised he was out-matched and so fell to out-witting his opponent. Thus, the former pony ceased to be, and Sombra was born.'

'Then what happened? Surely somehow this thing was defeated.'

'Yes, the queen of the Crystal Empire - herself a gifted magic user crafted the crystal heart, a powerful talisman able to amplify the positive emotions of her subjects. The happiness and peace spread across Equestria and the enemy, being of hate, envy and every negative emotion was stripped of his physical form. Thus weakened, he went into hiding for many years. Sombra, his lieutenant and servant fled, fearing the wrath of those he had betrayed and injured. But he was merely bidding his time, learning all he could of the hearts' power and consulting the books left by his master. When he deemed the time was right, he began his attack on the Empire, and soon had killed the king and queen and captured the crystal heart. And so began the slavery of the Crystal empire, the only one to escape was princess Cadence, teleported to Canterlot at the last moment.'

'Celestia said something about what you had learnt about the recent events, and I'm guessing he has something to do with it?' I asked

'Yes, the Princess hoped that the crystal heart would keep it at bay, and it seems she was right. Unfortunately, it has found another method of attack, a place free of magic from which to operate.'

'Earth' I said, my voice hollow

'Yes, I'm afraid so. I won't pretend that our world is perfect, but your world does have much more negativity than Equestria.' she replied sombrely

'So it has gone to our world to exploit the darker aspects of humanity in order to get what it wants, is that it?'

'It seems that way, spreading mistrust, envy, feelings of despair to great effect, as you have seen.' she confirmed with a sad shake of her head

'Thank you for taking the time to bring me up to speed on this, I still don't know what I can do, but I'll do my best.'

'Thank you, now you'll have to excuse me, I really should be getting back to Ponyville.'

'I should be going too, but could I ask you a question first?'

'Um, sure?' she replied uncertainly

'Do you ever feel_unnecessary_ as a Princess? Like you're just there to make up the numbers? And the change can't have been easy for you either.'

'Well, you're right in saying that it was a big change, but I think it's too early to know just what my role is, or where I fit in. Why do you ask?' she added, shooting me a suspicious glance

'I don't know, I just hate to think that anyone feels undervalued or unloved.' I replied with a shrug

Twilight smiled, 'I see now why Celestia loves you so much.'

'Celestia _loves_me?' I inquired numbly

'Ah! No, not at all! Well I mean she does a little, but ....Ohh! I shouldn't have said anything.' she said, blushing bright red

'It's OK, I'll keep mum.' I said, illustrating my meaning by miming closing a zip across my lips

'Thank you Edmund.' she said, and in a flash of light, she teleported, leaving me to ponder the meaning of her words

'Just how does Celestia love me? As an adviser? A friend? Or...no, that was foolish thinking! Only the deluded imagined one of the Princesses falling in love with them in a romantic sense. Eros is what the Greeks called it, and sadly these days that is the kind of love people think of when they hear the the word. But I digress, the important thing was that I went back to my suite, where my family was waiting.

The next day was the day of the big event and the castle was a hive of activity. I dressed in my finest suit and for the sake of simplicity wore only my signet ring as a mark of my status. We were met in the reception room by Celestia, who took us to meet her sister and her special somepony.

'Greetings, your Highness. I'm am happy that you have chosen to make your announcement after...well after recent events. I think it will be well received by all.' I said with a bow

'Greetings your Grace, my sister spoke true when she praised thy wisdom, and thy kindness. Please allow me to introduce my fiancé. Harry, where are you?' she said, looking around

'I'm here my darling, just getting some champagne.' replied a snub nosed and red haired young man dressed in the uniform of a captain in the Blues and Royals.

'May I offer Your Highness my congratulations on your engagement?' I said with a bow as he reached us

'Of course, and please - just call me Harry.' he replied, offering his hand

'All right then, Harry it is.' I said, taking his hand and shaking it

'And who are these lovely ladies?' he asked, looking to the four mares besides me

'Oh, where are my manners! These are my wives, Milky Way, Octavia and Lightning Dust.'

'Your servant, ladies.' he said with his ubiquitous grin

'And this is the former mayor of Ponyville, Argent Scroll, she and I also have a child under...ah.. how do I put it. Under a special arrangement shall we say?'

'Ah yeah, Luna told me about it.' he replied with a nod

'How is the little one?' he asked her kindly

'He is doing well your Highness, thank you.' she replied nervously

'Speaking of foals, where are they sister?' Luna asked

'They're all in the royal nursery, I expect that they will be here soon.'

'All right, I just don't want anything to go wrong.' she answered worriedly

'Don't worry, everything will be fine. You and Harry will make your big announcement and everyone will be very supportive, you'll see. And then we'll have a photo shoot and all will be well.'

A moment later the foals did arrive in their prams pushed along by the royal unicorn nurses. Since the engagement announcement was first we left them in the capable hooves of the nurses, and made our way through the red velvet curtains onto the dais from which the announcement was to be made. The room was packed with local, international and inter-dimensional press, and I was nearly blinded as they took picture after picture.

'Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your attention! Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna of Equestria wishes to make an important announcement!' called out a servant resplendent in dark purple livery, with a silver sash affixed with a crescent moon badge

Hesitating for a moment, Luna stepped forward with Prince Harry and cleared her throat.

'My beloved subjects and dear friends from Earth, I thank you all for coming today. As you can see I am joined here by prince Harry of Wales. The rumours of our relationship were true, we are very much in love, and just recently, Harry proposed to me.'

The assembled press began muttering excitedly, scenting a story and a few flashbulbs went off.

'I am happy to report that I accepted his proposal and that his grandmother has given her assent to our marriage, and we will marry next spring.'

The next few minutes were a whirlwind of questions that both Harry and Luna handled quite well but were exhausted by the end of.

All that remained was for the photos to be taken. First was the photographing of Celestia and myself with Estel and Goldenmane, followed by my family and I, then with Argent Scroll with Inkyhooves and last but not least, the photograph of all of us together.

We all slept well that night, secure in the knowledge that once the news began to spread, the relationship between our two worlds would improve. For my own part, I thought I had secured my family's position and that from now on I would have no more problems - that my hectic life would slow down.

The next day, we were standing on platform 10 of Canterlot station, our train was already half full of passengers as we said our goodbyes.

'Goodbye for now Celestia, I hope we can visit again soon.' I said, and on a whim hugged her

'I'd like that.' she said softly, hugging me in return

Just then the conductor called "All aboard the Express to Trottingham!" and carriage doors began to close.

'Well, we'd best be off!' I said once we had parted

I jumped onto the first class carriage and waved to Celestia with my wives until the train rounded a bend and I lost sight of her.

The next day, I was the only one to rouse, Milky, Lightning and Octavia were content to relax in the nursery, so I decided to listen to a record whilst reading the paper.

I placed the stylus on the record, and eased myself into my armchair and rested my feet on the the footrest as the first song began to play - the death of Siegfried and the funeral march from Götterdammerung. At that precise moment, a loud rap on the door disturbed my enjoyment.

With a grunt of annoyance, I smartly folded the newspaper up, 'I'm coming!' I yelled when the caller rapped urgently on the door knocker.

Grumbling I made my way to the door, and when I opened the door I was greeted by a tall man in a dark suit, and the Sheriff of Trottingham, who in a rather odd twist of fate was actually called Shire Reeve.

'Edward Johnson?' said the man in the dark suit, who was clearly British, judging by his thick Welsh accent

'Ed_mund._' I corrected, my ire raised as yet another person got my name wrong

'Edmund then, you're him?' the man retorted

'I am Edmund Johnson, Earl of Trottingham, yes' I replied coolly, deciding to lay my status on thickly

'I'm from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you to accompany us to the embassy for questioning.' he replied, showing his ID

What, right now?' I replied, dumbfounded at the unexpected turn of events

'Yes, right now; get your coat.' he snapped

'Can I at least say goodbye to my wives?'

He bridled at the word "wives" but nodded curtly, 'Just make it quick - five minutes.'

'Thank you!' I said, and dashed inside

I cleared my throat when I reached the nursery, 'I'm afraid I have to go away for a while.' I said seriously

'Honey, what's wrong?' Milky asked, ears folded with apprehension

'Well, There's this chap from the tax department that wants to have a word with me, so I'm afraid I have to go sort it out.'

I swear her ears drooped even further, if that were possible 'Oh, Ok.' she said in a small voice

I dropped to one knee before her, 'Don't fret my love, I'm sure it will be fine.' I comforted her by stroking her face.

'Now, I'd better hurry up, the man only gave me five minutes. I don't want to keep him waiting.'

'Huh, why I oughta give that jerk a piece of my mind! Coming here to bother you like this, and now he doesn't give you time to say goodbye?' Lightning began to fume

'Calm down, dear. I appreciate the concern, but violence, whilst deserved won't solve anything in this situation.' I said, fighting back a smile

'All right, but I still think he's a jerk.' she conceded moodily

'You're quite right, now be good - all of you. I'll be back soon.' I said and quickly kissed each of them before grabbing my coat and keys

After a short flight in a air chariot, I was in one of the interrogation rooms at the embassy awaiting my interview.

Suddenly, the door opened and the same man and Shire Reeve entered the room.

They sat opposite me and after placing a folder on the table, the man pressed a button on a wall mounted panel.

'Interview of Mr Edmund Johnson, Earl of Trottingham in relation to case number 21819578-DH.13. Interview conducted by myself, Richard Jenkins under the observation of Shire Reeve, Sheriff of Trottingham as representative of the Equestrian authorities. Interview commenced at 11:15am.'

He then pulled a photograph from the folder, and slid it over the table to me.

'Do you recognise that man?' he asked me

'Yes, he was client of mine, name of Harvey, why?' I asked

'You gave legal advice to Mr David Harvey regarding his company he wanted to expand into cross portal trade, is that correct?'

'Yes, he wanted some independent advice on the laws around import duties, investments - that sort of thing.' I replied, knots beginning to form in the pit of my stomach

'What sort of advice did you give? Specifically.'

'He asked about how to avoid running into legal problems, I asked him what sort he meant, and he said he wanted to avoid being accused of fraud.'

'Oh yes, so, what did you tell him?' he replied leaning forward, scenting a lead

'I said that even though he imported things that either side might not buy he should avoid using double invoicing, which is open to abuse by using the pro forma invoice to mask the true value and thereby the duty on imports.' I said, wondering at what he was getting at

'And you told him exactly how it worked, this "double invoicing" method?'

'Well the basics, yes. I mean I wasn't about to spell out the mechanics of how to commit fraud.'

'And is it also true that in addition you advised Mr Harvey about methods of how to avoid taxes? And that he paid you very well in return - far above the average fee?'

'No; on the contrary, I told him that hiding income from cross portal trade was seriously punished. As for his payment, I told him he was being far too generous, but he insisted.'

'Would it surprise you then to learn that Mr Harvey is in jail right now awaiting a hearing on exactly those charges?'

'I'd say yes, but I must confess I had an inkling.' I replied

'Well then, I'm sure you know that due to what you've just told us, there may be a case of complicity to answer.' he intoned gravely

Yes, I understand that, inspector.' I replied bowing my head

'Very well then, I'll get the paperwork for you to sign, then you're free to go.' He replied curtly

'Interview concluded at 11:45am.' he added, and pressed another button on the recording instument

Soon I was alone again in the Spartan room, the florescent light glaring on the white paint, I began to run through my recent life. I had thought I had become so high and mighty, so wonderful. I was a successful lawyer, a Gentleman, a husband to three beautiful mares, a great father and an Earl!

'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.' I said to myself, quoting Proverbs.

'Ha! Still reciting that mumbo-jumbo are we?' came a mocking voice

Instinctively, I turned to the door, wondering if someone had come by, but I was alone.

'Don't bother looking for me, I don't want to be seen - not yet at least.' came the voice

'Who are you, and why do you sound like Richard Dawkins?' I inquired, trying to keep an even tone

'I am the voice of the Lord, the one on high! The true God of all worlds whom all will know and bow before! And I sound like Richard Dawkins because I chose the voice of the one you most dislike to address you with.'

'You're an angel?' I said stupidly

'Hmm, in a manner of speaking, yes, but I don't serve your God, who is but a shadow, a caricature of the one true God.' came the response

'If you say so, but what in the bally hell do you want with me?' I said crossly

'Simple, I want to ruin your day, and you of course. My master sees all, he knows your heart. Thanks to your soft Anglican, wishy-washy, feel good "Kumbaya my Lord" upbringing, you've become just chocked full of love and kindness. If I had a body, I'd be gagging at the stench of it!'

'So that's it then, you're targeting me because I can love? Newsflash, all humans do.' I retorted

'Yes, but so very few have the capacity that you do, we have to take you all out first. Destroy the paragons, and the rest will follow.' he replied languidly

Footsteps could be heard on the linoleum floor of the corridor, and I felt the lifting of a weight that I hadn't been aware of. Presumably, the entity had decided to leave - but for how long?