06-MR-1204
I wasn't the only pony to notice smoke trailing up into the sky last night. The guards on duty, who were much more attentive at the time than I, alerted the Guard-Captain immediately, and we were on the move again within the hour. We just stopped for a short break and to take a bite to eat.
Guard-Captain Shining Armor and Captain Ironhoof are discussing battle plans again, only this time they're also considering a possible attack from behind. If the smoke we saw last night was from a camp of a changeling splinter group, that would mean that our adversary is aware of our presence and is likely waiting ahead of us with an ambush prepared. If we were to engage the main group, the splinter group could attack us from behind, throwing us into a chaotic battle on two fronts. It doesn't take a strategic genius to recognize an opportune pincer movement as obvious as this.
Alternatively, it is very possible that our stalkers are reinforcements sent by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, along with additional supplies. We could definitely use the support, but the positivity we've all been emitting nights before has disappeared, like dew evaporating and leaving behind a fog of pessimism.
I offered to fly out and see if I could confirm who was following us. The two commanding officers are currently considering the idea.
Time to get moving, will write later.
*
I came back after a two hour flight with a report. I managed to find what I believe to be the source of the smoke that caused so much panic. It was from a crude, unprofessionally made campfire, which pretty much rules out the possibility of additional horsepower. The campsite itself was small and there weren't too many clues, but the lack of prints suggest either a very small group or a squad of flyers. I didn't encounter any other flying creatures during my trip, bird, beast, or changeling, but that could mean numerous things. Perhaps whatever are chasing us are very stealthy flyers, or maybe they're just really slow, and I missed them on my way, or maybe I'm just really unobservant.
Sparky's calling me over. We're having a meeting right now.
*
After a good half hour of deliberation, we have decided on a course of action.
Continuing our pursuit of the fleeing changelings is foolish if we're being chased by the enemy as well. An attack from behind would likely prove fatal for the entire party. Instead, we will focus our energy on engaging our pursuers. While the number of changelings we would face if we encountered the main enemy group is unknown, we at least have some inkling of the size of the group behind us. Based on the size of the camp found earlier, the number of hunters isn't large, no bigger than your basic squad of four. We can take them.
There was some debate on whether it was wise to simply let the larger main group go free. We'd lose the opportunity find the core changeling headquarters, but on the other hoof focusing our energies on the changelings behind us presents the possibility of capturing another changeling, and we can always try pulling that information from that prisoner.
For the time being, I will continue monitoring the activities of both groups, but more focus will be placed on the group behind us in order to determine their path and the best position for an ambush. I've got a busy day tomorrow, better get some sleep.
*
07-MR-1204
I had to cut reconnaissance short today. I must've slept on my wing funny last night, because I had a little trouble taking off and staying airborne. There wasn't much to report, besides another depressing weather update. The clouds have become thicker and heavier than ever and at a faster rate than I had assumed. Weather in the Arctic just isn't natural, so unpredictable. I wish I could have done more, but we'd need an entire army of pegasi to contain the upcoming blizzard. I'd say we have maybe a week before it hits at full strength.
Lunch break's over, I'll write again before bed.
*
No stars or moonlight tonight. Can't even tell if this is legible. Guess I'll turn in early tonight.
*
08-MR-1204
We awoke today not by the usual rays of the sun. The clouds have hidden them away and have become so thick I've had trouble getting through them. My vision was limited, and I had to spend almost an entire hour kicking away clouds before I could continue scouting.
That hour and energy proved well spent, however, as it was during my little chore that I noticed another camp, only this time occupied. It was difficult to make out details, but we do know now that our pursuer(s? I only saw one figure) are indeed equine in structure and, rather oddly, larger than the average pony. A different breed of changeling perhaps? Shimmer says that she's never heard of separate breeds, considering how the ability to transform and immediately alter one's structure would negate the need for specialization. She admits that the idea is possible and would make a wonderful thesis topic.
*
Shimmer's Notes, for future reference:
- Specialized changeling types? To be explored. Hopeful for live capture of potential specimen, dubbed 'Specimen C*I'. Will advise extra caution when dealing with Specimen C*I.
- Potential reasons for specialization
+ For varying jobs - unlikely, task of infiltration seems universal among changelings, rely mainly on disguises anyways, specific for direct combat? Possible
+ Random chance mutation - not enough info on genetic makeup to explore hypothesis
+ Shape based on differing diets - not enough info on physiology to expand
+ Designation of rank - the invasion of Canterlot saw changelings with bluer skin and with more layers, similar in
appearance to crude armor, also consider unique appearance of the q-
*
Shimmer's been with the Guard-Captain and Captain Ironhoof for sometime. I wonder what was so urgent? Just my luck, she spilled ink all over my coat's, and I have no means to clean it. Speaking of which, I think I'm beginning to reek. This mission has taken a far greater toil on me than I'm comfortable admitting.
Break's over, here's hoping there's a moon tonight.
*
A heavy atmosphere rests on our camp. We ate our meals in silence and went to bed in silence. No jests from Tick about my little 'diary' or trivia about the tundra from Sparky tonight. Nopony feels like talking.
Guard-Captain Shining Armor called for a meeting before dinner. At his side sat Shimmer, who seemed to be finding more interest in the snowy ground than our eyes. The Guard-Captain opened by telling us Shimmer had made some "very interesting" observations. Those chosen words may have had a hint of humor in them but the way he spoke them sent a chill down my spine. The word 'interesting' has never filled me with more apprehension.
Guard-Captain Shining Armor nodded to Captain Ironhoof, who continued with a quick recap of the prior events, specifically the planned ambush as defense for the upcoming attack from behind and the blizzard threatening above. He then went through a few additional details for the preemptive strike and the ambushing spot, which would be at a small crag of a buried hill. The higher ground would provided some leverage for our unicorn guards acting as improv snipers.
At this point we were all becoming impatient, and PFC Tick became our collective voice by raising his hoof and asking about the "very interesting" observations. As much as I agreed with the sentiment behind Tick's rudeness, I still had to jump in to reprimand him.
Surprisingly, Captain Ironhoof was not offended, and merely turned to Shimmer. With great reluctance, she looked back at him, then took a deep breath and began to speak.
"There is a strong likelihood that the group behind us consists of the changeling queen."
If we thought the tundra was cold before, it was nothing compared to the frost that came with Shimmer's declaration. The stories of the changeling queen and her near conquest of Canterlot are well known, even as far as the Crystal Empire. We had all heard about the strange slender being that defeat Princess Celestia in combat, but they had just been stories to entertain and thrill. In our eyes, I suppose Chrysalis felt like nothing more than a myth or a legend.
Now, when the odds of actually facing such a monster are so high, she has never seemed more real. Or more frightening.
Murmurs broke out among us, much of which was discouraging. Like the dying embers of a campfire exposed to the wind, the last bits of hope we had were being snuffed out. The Guard-Captain grew angry and called for order. Not one of us could meet his glare as his burning eyes swept over us. He questioned our abilities, our honor, our resolve, asking us whether we were truly guards of Equestria and of ponykind if we couldn't even bring ourselves to fight an opponent stronger than us. If honor and duty weren't important enough to us, what about our lives? Whether we fought or not, whether we prepared for the ambush or not, Chrysalis would still personally attack our rear. Death was inevitable if we did not try to fight, he said to us all before adjourning the meeting.
Guard-Captain Shining Armor is an excellent guard and a great tactician and leader, but there's a reason why his wife writes all his addresses and speeches. Morale is at an all-time low. As a guard I cannot say I am afraid of death. I will say, however, that I do not want to die.
*
09-MR-1204
Today's flight is just to the established ambush point. I'm just to scout ahead to make sure the path is clear.
The weight of depression is still strong among us but especially noticeable on Shimmer. Poor mare, this isn't something any civilian should have to face. I hope I can find time to talk to her. I don't know if I can muster any encouragement, but I've got to try at the very least.
*
Shimmer's been avoiding me all lunch break, I'll try again before bedtime.
We've made good progress already and should arrive at the crag in a couple of hours. Nothing else to report.
*
Preparations for battle are currently underway. A few makeshift trenches and ditches were dug haphazardly, more to hinder movement than to provide cover. If it starts snowing, there won't be much point in them.
Captain Ironhoof and his guards are stationed on top of the crag and are stocked with a small supply of sticks and stones. They're not much, but in the magical grasps of an experienced unicorn such riffraff can become deadly missiles. I just hope their aim is decent.
The Guard-Captain will be joining the rest of us down on the battlefield. Strategically, it would be wiser for him to be with the other unicorns and assist from the higher vantage point. Then again, if we're really only dealing with a single enemy, I'm not entirely certain how effective a sniping team will be. It will depend on whether our opponent strikes from above or charges forward. Whatever Shining Armor's rationale is, none of us seem willing to question his decision. Honestly, I'm sure many of the guards are relieved to know the Guard-Captain will be fighting along sides them.
As the sole pegasus, I have given the very unique role of being bait. Okay, maybe that's oversimplified. Thing is, if Chrysalis does fly into her attack, she'll likely try to take out any opposing fliers. My job is to warn everypony else of her attack, then keep her distracted while Captain Ironhoof and his guards try to shoot her down. It's not a very pleasant job, and since keeping an eye out for the enemy is part of my duties, sleep is another big concern. Without any other pegasi to relieve me, I'll have to stay up all night, and the prohibition of fire means no coffee. Even tea sounds good now.
Come to think of it, why don't we have more pegasus guards in the Crystal Empire? This is a serious oversight on the administration's behalf and is probably something Her Royal Council of Protection should seriously look into.
It has been agreed that we cannot allow a civilian to participate in fight, but letting Shimmer out of sight could be just as dangerous for her. She will be with Captain Ironhoof, and at the first sign of danger she is to hide behind the base of the crag. It's not much of a plan, but you work with what you've got.
Shimmer doesn't seem entirely pleased with the arrangement but has not complained. I haven't gotten the chance to talk, but it's a little too late tonight. Maybe tomorrow, during breakfast.
Anyways, I'd better put this away. I'm suppose to be on permanent watch duty. Yay.
*
10-MR-1204
Clouds make horrible beds. They're fluffy, yes, and softer than any pillow, but they're also extremely cold and very wet. I wonder if making a bed wetting joke would be too juvenile for this sort of report. Probably not, considering some of the examples I've seen.
I finally got some alone time with Shimmer. She handed me a mug of coffee she helped make with her magic. It's just barely lukewarm and is bitterer than pickled crabapples, but the caffeine is much appreciated.
I asked her what was bothering her and if I could do anything to help. We spent the next minute or so sipping coffee in silence. Well, my break was just about over, and I had gotten up right before Shimmer opened her mouth and um'ed. After a few um's and uh's, I learned that the poor lady was suffering from an unwarranted sense of guilt. She said that she couldn't help but blame herself for the bad news and for the low morale among the guards.
Again, I repeat, unwarranted. Yes, learning that we would be facing a monstrous creature that could probably tear us apart without effort definitely put us in a pretty sad mood, but it was better knowing that now than learning that in the battle. The one thing worse than fighting an unpleasant enemy is having to face an unpleasant surprise.
I tried to explain that to her, but it didn't exactly cheer her up. I plan to talk to her again during the next break.
*
Shimmer still looks a little unhappy, but she contributes that to stress and exhaustion, which I can understand. Everypony's feeling fatigued right now. We spent most of the time just talking. The subject didn't matter, as long as it didn't involve the current crisis. I don't remember how, but we eventually began discussing old exes. I blame the cold and tiredness.
She let it slip out that she was afraid. Almost immediately, a flustered Shimmer tried to backtrack and deny it.
I wanted to tell her how scared I was, how much I wished I was back at home, where it was warmer and safer. I wanted to tell her how frighten I was, of fighting that monster of a queen, of dying, of losing any chance I had of asking her out to that nice cafe I once escorted a visiting Princess Twilight Sparkle to.
Instead, I promised Shimmer that everything was going to be alright. If I was half as cool as I wished I was, I would have reminded her my promise to show her auroras.
Stupid bug queen, ruining everything. I'm going to crush her myself, if I don't get crushed first.
*