Chapter 27: Conspiracy

“We have your word, then, that in exchange for our support you will set Gryphonnia free?” The gryphon representative is saying, as Nimbus Kicker blinks to clear her vision of the disorientation of teleporting down into the caverns where the cabal held their meetings. There are some new faces, and some missing as well; Where the Ivy’s throne had once been now stands a black carved seat of obsidian with the chiropteran representative sitting upright and relaxed. Even the Prench representative is present, a pony whom Nimbus Kicker had only met with twice before.

“Of course. The aristocracy has little stake in Gryphonnia’s fate after Celestia’s reign has been broken.” Platinum Legacy reassures the gryphon. “Truthfully I doubt we could hold onto it even if we wished to. We will have our hooves full combatting the chaos sure to result from Celestia’s fall.”

“Gryphonnia was not part of Equestria during our Liege’s reign.” The Chiropteran follows up, nodding along in agreement. “As such, we have no interest in it. The Reign of Night is for our true Monarch’s chosen, not any foreigners.”

Oh boy. Legacy must be getting nervous, if he’s working together with the ‘lesser races’ at this point. Nimbus Kicker ponders, sitting down at her own throne.

“Well! It has been some time since we have had such a full house. We may feel free to begin.” Platinum Legacy announces.

“Where is Chancellor Ivy? He should be here.” Pluto Critical asks from his own seat across the chamber, eyeing the gryphon seated in Ivy’s usual seat with distrust.

“The late chancellor will not be joining us any longer.” The Chiropteran announces. “House Ivy has fallen. My eyes amongst the guard report it was undone by a traitor from my own people. Whatever he expects to gain following the usurper I know not, but he siezed the Chancellors household with a contingent of Royal Legionnaires.”

“What? Why weren’t we told sooner? We’ve been exposed! It won’t take Celestia’s ponies long to crack that softheaded fool, we should make preparations to go into exile immediately!” Pluto Critical announces, stomping his hooves down.

“There is no need to be so dramatic.” Platinum Legacy retorts. “Please, continue.” he looks towards the Chiropteran once again, who nods in response.

“Our agents have eliminated all members of the Ivy household who knew the details of our operation. My own people will take over operation of the academy.”

Now it’s Nimbus Kicker’s turn to rear up in anger. “You did what? The Ivy’s were a valued ally, not an asset for you to dispose of at the nearest opportunity!” Nimbus Kicker looks around to see how the other houses were taking the news, being met with nods of agreement and murderous glares cast the Chiropteran’s way, save for the singular exception of Platinum Legacy at the front.

“It is an unfortunate necessity to be sure. But it was a necessity.” Platinum legacy states grimly. “We cannot be stopped, not when we’re so close. When Celestia is deposed, Ivy’s next of kin will be restored and honored for their houses role in our ascendancy, but we simply cannot risk exposure.”