Shocked by such a sad sight, Star Dancer tried getting the attention of Cutting Winds. The Scholar wanted to see if she could in help in some way, as she couldn't just leave a pony in such a condition. Taking off her Scholar's Cloak, Star was willing give it to the poor mare. But Winds kept on going, not saying anything, not even noticing when Dancer tore her cloak in half and set it upon her. 

Dancer sighed but knew she couldn't do much for the soldier, for she must continue with her mission. She put the half-cloak back on and began to follow the road. Up ahead there were dark and foreboding clouds, and in the distances she heard thunder. But it stayed still, as if the storm's rage was just recently contained. 

She pressed on, knowing in her heart that Torrential Waters had to be nearby. 

After some time, Dancer had to walk as the rain became too heavy to fly in. Mud caked her hooves on the once dusty roads. She could not see very far into the distance, as the rain was so heavy that it began to obscure the view from a distance. Her hood protected her head and saddle, though her flanks were soaked. 

Soon Dancer saw a form of a pony, tall and magnificent and clad in cloak and hat. But instead of the sky coat as the rumors foretold, his coat seemed to be as black as a thunderhead. Running, Dancer did not notice the bodies of the Earthborn soldiers until she tripped over one corpse. She didn't scream, but did gasp at the horrific sight. She stood up, and began to tremble. 

[i] Did he do this?[/i], she thought. [i] What did they do to earn the wrath of Torrential? [/i]

She stood, if a bit queasy, and slowly approached the alicorn. Yes, this was definitely the one that the rumors spoke of, and the Lady Sweeper recalled fondly. But all Dancer could feel was awe - the awe one felt when confronted by the might of nature. The Alicorn turned and faced her. 

She bowed, and said, "Torrential Water? I bring word from your kin, Sliver Sweeper." 

----

Charter was a bit confused by what was on his horn, or why he was bound in the first place. But the Minotaur's orders seemed to be of priority, and he stood waiting for orders. [i]These folk need my help, and Vast would have wanted me to provide that aid in any way[/i], he thought. His spirit was renewed by this sense of purpose. 

The pegasus sailor's question was an odd one, but he took some time to consider it. Grimwing, as the unicorn soon learned the sailor's name as he gave his, had began to give him brief directions in how to prep a ship for the sea. The ship was soon bustling with activity, as were the other craft waiting. Charter began to remember his mother's tales of the sea. Star Harbor was her home before marrying a rather shy scholarly father. They had moved to Manehatten, but often Nectar Sea would recall her adventures in the deep ocean.

As they worked, Charter gave a reply to Grimwing, "The Sailors would tell many tales about Sea Ponies - my sister and I used to go the bars at night. We'd listen to the sailor's stories. There are a good many regarding the Sea Ponies - that they're half-fish, half-equine. Or that they are the decedents of a sunken civilization predating Equestria. Of the more stranger stories that they are the children of ponies as a result of a pact made with Creatures of the Deep, worshiping dark and alien deities from beyond the stars. But I've never seen one myself though."