The sound of the toilet flushing told Floreat that it was somewhere between half-six and seven O'clock in the morning. Marvelling at her sons bizarre ability to wake up so early only on weekends, she folded the bed-clothes off herself and climbed out of bed. As she fastened her dressing gown, she heard Leofric's hoof-steps on the hallway. With a smile, she opened the door and followed him into the kitchen after using the bathroom herself.
Leofric having already started his breakfast, was seated at the large dining table.
'Gōdne morgen modor, hope I didn't wake you.' he said, looking up from his cereal
'No, it's all right - I was getting up anyway.' she replied
'Oh, good!' he said cheerfully, returning to munching the large bowl of Muesli
'So, what are your plans for today honey?'
'Itwortidgestardonweadingfawthwersbuuk.' he replied, cheeks bulging
'Sorry, didn't catch any of that.' Floreat told him, frowning
'Do you want to try swallowing and trying again?'
Leofric shrugged, and swallowed as if resigning himself to her inability to understand what to him seemed a perfectly clear answer.
'I said "I thought I'd get started on reading father's book." mum.' he repeated before taking another big spoonful.
'Right.' Floreat replied, resigned to the fact that her sons eating habits were hardly what she'd call "civilized"
She made her way to the kitchen and put some bread into the toaster
'I'm done, I'm off to my room now mum, see you at lunchtime!'
Leofric placed his now empty bowl on the side-board with a clatter and a pungent aroma met her nose.
'Oh no you don't! Not before you've had a shower and put your washing on.' she chided him, nose wrinkled from the strong scent of teenage colt
'Aww, but mum!'
'Don't "Aww, but mum!" me, young man. Shower! Then put a load of your clothes in the machine.' she said sternly
'Fine.' he grumbled as he made his way down the hall-way
'Good. And don't leave your clothes on floor this time!' she called out
'I won't!' he called back, and it wasn't long before she heard the sound of the shower.
Half an hour later, Leofric poked his head in the room.
'All right mum, I've put a load of washing on, can I please start reading dads' book now?'
'If you must, off you go.' she told him with a smile
'Woo-Hoo!' he exulted, jumping in triumph and tearing off to his room
As his hoof-steps clumped down the passage, Floreat shook her head with weary mirth at her sons' seemingly boundless energy.
Leofric closed the door with a sense of excited nervousness - what his auntie Rarity's friend Pinkie would call "nervouscited".
He lay stomach-down on his bed, and opened the thick volume.
"A collection of my thoughts, and the account of my life in Equestria" read the title page
'How do I begin to explain how I came to be where I am today? It is all so complicated. I suppose I had best start at the event that - well - started this new adventure.
It was 2010, and I was a Lieutenant in the Blues & Royals. I had graduated within the top 10% in my officers class at Sandhurst, and so far I had received glowing commendations from senior officers, including my C.O. We were heading to Camp Bastion, and I was part of a group scouring the road for signs of IED's or possible ambush points as the convoy crawled slowly a few feet behind us. For mile after mile, there was nothing, just the dessert and the unrelenting heat, and I was sweating up a storm under my Osprey body armour.
It was a dangerous combination, the heat made the men think of water and shade - not the mission. And the long time spent looking for threats that never eventuated bred complacency and boredom.
Some of them began gossiping, talking football and women. Some even were talking of the strange happening near the Philippines.
'Oi No talking! Eyes peeled and mind on task at hand!' I chided my platoon
'Sorry sir.' came the echoed reply
A few moments later, one of my men detected something, and subtly gave the signal
I looked down at the spot indicated, and I was in no doubt that it was an IED. I took a few steps back to asses the situation
Looking around, I couldn't see any insurgents, but that didn't mean that they weren't up in the hills above, watching us.
'All right men, fan out, keep your eyes peeled, I'm calling in the bomb team.' I told them
And at that moment, the device detonated, probably triggered by remote control from observers in the hills. I was dimly aware of great pain and then I blacked out.
I woke up some time later in a military hospital, I felt like I had been out all night drinking, my head was throbbing, and my mouth was parched.
'Water.' I called feebly
Not surprisingly, there was no answer, so I attempted to call a little louder -without success.
It was then that I noticed that something was clasped in my right hand -something with a button.
Looking down I saw that it was a call button. I pressed it, and soon after a nurse was by my side.
I thought that with this nurse looking after me, I'd be healthy in no time.
'How can I help, sir?' she asked in a voice as sweet as honey
'Water.' I croaked
And she went to get it,
Soon after drinking I went back to sleep.
For most of the next week I slept, My whole body either ached, or was numb. It was a full fortnight before I found out about loosing my leg. And though the doctors held out hope, I knew my left arm might as well be gone too, as damaged as it was. By that time, the doctors considered me stable enough to be shipped back to Blighty.
As soon as I had come to terms with the loss of my leg, I was informed that the army was starting the process of giving me a medical discharge. That really knocked my confidence as I worried how I would provide for myself outside of the Army. After a week of moping, news came that Princess Celestia had decided to come and visit the hospital, I became motivated to make a good impression on this important visitor.
For the next fortnight, I worked hard at my rehab, making great advances in my use of the prosthetic leg.
On the morning of the visit, I woke early to prepare. I showered, shaved and otherwise groomed myself meticulously.
By the time I was done, the sun had risen. I hopped into my room from the en-suite I looked with pride at my uniform; the tunic and trousers were newly dry-cleaned and the boots I had polished to a mirror sheen.
'Damn buttons!' I said loudly, as I tried for the umpteenth time to fasten my collar button one handed
At that there was a knock on the door.
'Enter!' I called
An orderly entered my room, looking sheepish.
'Sorry to disturb you sir, but I couldn't help hearing you. Would you like me to help you sir?'
'No, thank you Corporal, I can manage ' I told him as politely as possible
And manage I did, dressing myself to parade-ground perfection just in time for Celestia's tour of my wing of the hospital.
As I was giving myself one last look over, I heard Celestia walk down the corridor. I had limped over to the door and opened it and as Celestia came by, I stood to attention and saluted.
I could see she was looking at me with a piercing gaze, shrewd and compassionate at the same time.
I wished she would speak or move on with some subtle recognition because my stump was aching - I still wasn't used to the prosthetic.
'What is your name?' Celestia asked me gently
'Lieutenant Cenwulf Fisher, your Highness.' I replied
'Do you mind my asking how you got your injuries?'
'A roadside bomb, Ma’am, had to lose my leg and my arm has nerve damage, so I can't do much with any more. So, once I'm healed up I'll be out of the army and on veterans benefits mostly.' I replied
By that stage, my stump was burning, and it took all my effort to stay upright
'I'm sorry to hear that, I can tell that you are a dedicated soldier.'
'That I am your highness, why I'd give anything to be able to serve again!' I said, and a wince of pain crossed my face for the merest of moments but she must have spotted it.
'Oh, my dear man, please take a seat. No need to stand on my account' she insisted gently
'Thank you, your Highness.' I said and sank with relief into the armchair
She watched me with awe at my dedication, and seemed to be pondering something.
'Perhaps I can help, how would you like the opportunity to see places that no one else from your world has seen?'
'I'd love it!' I replied, hope welling up inside me
'Well then, I can heal you if you agree to join my royal guards. I could do with a soldier of your dedication.' she replied
I was suspicious, why make it conditional?
'Why must I agree to go to Equestria and serve you before you'll heal me?' I asked
'Because if I heal you, and you don't go to Equestria, the spell will wear off without the magic of Equestria to sustain it. The process would be extremely painful.' she explained
This was an opportunity that I never thought I'd get - I could continue being a soldier! But I would have to leave everything behind forever.
'I'm very tempted, but can I have some time to think it over?' I asked her
'Of course. I will be in on Earth for a few more weeks, think it over, discuss it with your family and before I leave I shall return to hear your answer.'
'Thank you, your Highness.' I said saluting from my armchair
Over the next few weeks I had weighed up my options. I had talked to my parents, who as ever, were supportive of anything I chose to do.
I even consulted the rune-sticks and watched for any omens. And on the Saturday of Celestia's last week visiting Britain, I got one.
I was sitting on the veranda, absent mindedly watching the golden leaves of autumn swirl in the puffs of wind when it came. As I was marvelling at the many hues of dead and dying leaves, a pair of ravens landed on a nearby ash tree.
'Caw, caw!' they called raucously
I eyed them warily 'Woden.' I said softly, glancing at the Valknut tattoo on my right forearm.
Woden is enigmatic, capricious and even his most dedicated followers might (and often do) find that his favour can result in their deaths as easily as it does their living. If the two ravens were his, a warrior was wise to be concerned. I was convinced that they were a sign from the God that he wanted me to remain a warrior, and so I nodded to the ravens.
'All right, I'll do it!' I called to them, and without a sound, they took flight, heading north
I wheeled myself back inside, smiling for the first time in weeks.
'Hello Cenwulf! You're looking chipper!' called the receptionist
'Yes! Please let whoever needs to know that I've decided to accept Celestia's offer. I'm going to Equestria!' I shouted as I wheeled down the corridor
And so it was that I found myself at the portal between our worlds in a private VIP room with Celestia and her entourage.
'Are you ready for this mister Cenwulf?' she asked me once again
I nodded 'I am.'
She closed her eyes, and with a golden glow from her horn, Celestia cast a spell. I felt a warmth spreading down my weakened left arm and in my stump. To my amazement, I felt strength returning to my arm. Soon, it seemed as good as ever - maybe even more than before! Even better, attached to my stump was a shinning gold leg which was solid and felt exactly the same as my natural leg. Oddly, my arm seemed to emit a dim gold light, but I didn't care, I was whole again and ready to take on any adventure that Equestria had to offer.
That was over a year ago, and now I was returning to Canterlot after one of regular months long patrols of the western marches near the Diamond Dog border. It had been a long ride and I was eager for rest. I shifted in my saddle, trying to ease the dull ache in my backside. As I threaded my way through the streets of Canterlot, I was aware of the stares of several ponies. I couldn't blame them - here I was riding a creature that looked so like them, yet lacked their intellect. Moreover, I was wearing armour and carrying weapons from almost one thousand years ago. One of the watching ponies was a florist who I noticed was looking me over head to foot. Had she been human, I might have stopped to chat, or at least flash her a smile - but she was a pony so I carried on to the castle to give my report to the captain.
'Leofric! Lunch time honey!' called his mother, and with great reluctance he slipped a bookmark into the book and closed the cover.
'Coming mother!' he bellowed
'So what's for lunch mum?' he asked, trotting into the dining room
'Vegetarian quiche. And we have visitors too.' she replied, busying herself at the stove
'We do? Who?' he asked
'There he is, my favourite nephew! And aren't you looking handsome today!' came a refined mares' voice
Leofric turned to find his auntie Rarity standing behind him.
'Auntie Rarity! What brings you all the way here?' he asked her
'Can't a God-mother and honorary auntie simply come and visit from time to time?' she replied innocently
'RARITY!' came a loud shout before Leofric could respond
Rarity's younger sister Sweetie Belle entered the room, levitating a pile of boxes, bags, and fabrics.
'I've been helping you with these all morning! You take them now!'
'And - I may have brought some new clothes and such for you to try.' Rarity said with a nervous laugh
But Leofric barely heard her. His heart was racing, his mouth was dry and his chest felt tight.
'Hello Sweetie Belle.' he said, his voice cracking as he spoke
Leofric turned bright red, before regaining his composure
He cleared his throat theatrically before repeating in a falsely deep voice 'Hello, Sweetie Belle.'
She suppressed a giggle, 'Hello Leofric.'
'So - er, you're helping your sister huh?' he said, grasping at a conversation topic
'Yeah, but I can't stay, I have somewhere else to be, so bye.' she said
'Thank you for your help Sweetie.' Rarity said gratefully
'Remember, you owe me one sis!' Sweetie Belle intoned as she passed her sister on the way out.
'So, I'll serve up shall I?' Floreat said cheerily
'Please do, I am simply famished!' Rarity replied
Leofric ate his lunch in silence, scarcely looking up.
'Leofric, darling; What's wrong, usually you talk more than you eat.' his mother asked
'Oh, it's just that he's disappointed that Sweetie Belle didn't stay.'
'Hmm, why would that be?'
'Oh, you didn't know? He has the most adorable crush on her! Isn't that right Leofric?' Rarity replied, with a teasing glance at her "nephew"
Leofric meanwhile, was tomato red 'It's not a crush. Besides, she's dating Button Mash.' he mumbled
'Oh, don't be embarrassed, I think it's sweet. It reminds me of Spike and I when I was younger.' Rarity said soothingly
The rest of lunch passed without incident, and then Rarity insisted on trying out the clothes she had made for him and trying out how certain fabrics and colour combinations looked on him.
'Très bien!' Rarity said happily as she made a final note of what worked and what didn't
'Now, all that we have to do is measure you - you're growing up so fast!'
Leofric patiently stood still, occasionally lifting an arm or turning around as Rarity took his measurements.
'Sorry to run out on you auntie, but I'm in the middle of a good book!' he told her
'It's quite all right darling, Your mother tells me you want to learn more about your father. Go, read.'
'Speaking of which, that book looks like it has had bits cut out of it mum, what's up with that?'
'Well there were certain parts in the original that aren't suitable for young eyes, so I left them out.' his mother replied
'Oh, all right then. Bye auntie Rarity, thanks for all the cool stuff!' he yelled, dashing off to his room.
The book was exactly where he'd left it, and he lost no time in diving back into it.
But he skipped ahead, as the next bit was boring stuff like making reports, and repairing armour. finally he found something exciting, the word "Changelings".
I had finally found my destination- a brick and stone building with a tastefully tiled roof. Overhead, the shop’s sign read "Fuller's Forge" in impressive wrought iron script. I entered the shop which was filled with all sorts of common household equipment, oddly the store was unattended. Normally, I would have been greeted by the owner, or his human apprentice; Jason, who was one of the reasons why I patronised this smithy.
'Hello!" I called out to the empty shop, reaching for my seax
The clop of hooves preceded the arrival of a unicorn stallion with a grey beard and moustache .His chesnut coat which had lost its lustre betrayed his age, yet his cutie mark – a pair of tongs and a hammer still had a vibrant shine on it. This was Steel Strike, son of the late Lustrous Fuller who founded the forge.
'Yes, how can I help -oh!' his question trailed off into a perfect expression of surprise 'Cenwulf, it's a pleasure to see you back! What have you got for me this time?'
'The same thing as always I'm afraid, master Strike.' I said ruefully, producing my hauberk 'I just can't seem to keep it rust free up in those misty hills.'
'Not to worry my lad, I can have it fixed up in no time! Just come on through the back.'
'Thanks, I know how busy you are with your work.' I said, and made my way to the work area at the back of the shop.
'Oh, it's nothing. It just so happens I was just about to start work on something, but I can slip you in first. Jason will at least be glad to see you.'
'Jason, wæs þú hál!' I called out to the apprentice smith, who was busy preparing the forge
'I'm good! Just getting the forge ready, as you can see. What have you got for us this time?'
'It's my hauberk again, no matter how hard I try, I can't seen to keep the rust off it. And a few of the links have rusted right through.'
'That's a simple enough job! ' Steel Strike replied cheerfully 'Give it here and I'll have the new links in place, then you can do the rest yourself.'
'What?' I cried in protest
'It'll be a good lesson for you - to encourage you to take better care of your gear. I don't know why you don't use modern cleaning products, you'd never have so much trouble that way.' Jason said as he worked the bellows
'You know I don't like that modern stuff, I prefer the old ways. Besides, it's cheaper that way.' I replied, as Steel Strike selected the right link size
'Fair enough, so when are you heading out again?' he asked,
'I don't know, the Captain said that as part of the increased security, I'm to patrol the city for the next few months. You know, for the wedding and all.'
'Oh, right, that's coming up soon. I suppose in a way it's setting a wolf to watch the sheep.' Jason replied with a laugh
'Perhaps, but these sheep are in no need of protection. Certainly not Captain Shining Armor - he is going all out to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you ask me, it's a lot of worry over nothing - no one would dare attack the wedding.'
As I left the smithy with my newly repaired and polished hauberk, I had no idea just how wrong I was.
It was the morning of the wedding, and I had reported to the captain for the days orders. In spite of all the stress he was under, he showed few signs of the intermittent dizziness that he'd been suffering from. In fact he seemed much better today.
'I want you to keep an eye out for any suspicious characters, anypony that looks out of place or not acting as they should. Understand?' he asked the assembled guards
'Yes Sir!' came the collective response from all of us
'Good, then to your posts!'
'Just a moment lieutenant, I have a special task for you.' he said as I made to file out with the other guards
'Sir?'
'At the ceremony, I want you to stay hidden, and if anything does happen, I want you to go as quick as possible and secure Princess Luna. Make sure nothing happens to her if she could be in danger. Can you do that? '
'Yes, sir!' I affirmed.
And with a nod, I was dismissed.
The wedding seemed to be going on without any fuss, Celestia was about to pronounce Cadence and Shining Armor as married.
'Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you– '
'Stop!' came a cry - it was the sister of the groom,Twilight
'Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?' Cadence sobbed, 'Why does she have to ruin my special day?'
'Because it's not your special day! It's mine!'
A second Princess Cadence! What was going on?
What followed happened so fast. The first Cadence changed into a bug-like pony form, and Celestia engaged her in combat, only to be swiftly defeated. My first instinct was to charge forward and attack, but I remembered my orders and made off towards Luna's chambers.
As I made my way down the deserted corridor, I heard a disturbance within on of the VIP bedrooms.
I drew my seax, and cautiously entered the room which looked like it had been ransacked.
'I am an officer of the Royal Guards! I know you're here, so show yourself!
I saw the bed rattle, and as I looked closer I could dimly make out a form cowering beneath it.
'Right, out from under the bed, now. I give to the count of five before I run you though.'
At that, Prince Blueblood slid himself sheepishly from beneath his bed.
'Who are you?' he demanded haughtily
'Never mind that, just follow me! And keep up, I don't have time for dawdling!' I replied, striding quickly from the room
'But - I..'
'Now!' I bellowed as I picked up pace, which had him running alongside me in an instant
Before long, I had reached Princess Luna's chambers, and without taking time to knock, I burst through the doors, Prince Blueblood huffing and puffing as he followed.
The noise awoke Luna who was not pleased at the interruption of her rest.
'What is the meaning of this? Why hast thou disturbed mine repose?'
'Forgive me your Highness, but the Castle is under attack and I have orders to secure your safety.'
'You wish for me to hide, while we are under attack? Nay, I shall go out and smite the enemy! Where is my sister? How does she fare?'
'I'm sorry Princess, she was defeated, that is why I must ensure your safety at all costs. You know what would happen if we lost you as well. So please, stay here - I will guard you.'
'Very well then, I shall stay here.'
'Thank you, Princess, if you can, please use whatever protective spells you know, I want to make sure this room is secure.'
'I can do this with ease, but what, may I ask will you do?'
'But he's just a HUMAN, and there's only one of him.What can he do against all those...things?' Blueblood sneered
'That's right, I'm a human.' I began testily
'Yes, and you can't even do magic, so what good will-'
'Quiet! I hear something!' I said cutting him off
I went to the door, and listened, and the sound that I heard gave me hope, for it was the sound of boots running.
I slipped out of the room and as I expected, a small group of soldiers came into view. When they saw me, they stopped, and noticing my rank insignia, they saluted.
'Sir! Is there anything we can do to help? asked their Corporal
'Yes, I have Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood in this room, I want you to help me guard them, I'm going to make this room a safe zone. How many are you?'
'Just us twelve at the moment sir, but our C.O has called for support, ETA is 15 minutes, rendezvous is the main gate. He says we're going to evacuate civilians, but sent us to help the E.U.P.'
'Excellent! Guard this room - no one and nopony goes in our out.'
'Yes, sir!' he replied, saluting
Leaving the 12 men to guard the Princess (and Blueblood) I went to assist the other guards.
As I approached the main gate, I saw and heard a commotion, it was "Prince Blueblood" clearly trying to gain entry, but the E.U.P sentries were refusing to let him pass.
With a sigh, I readied my rifle, hoping against hope that they'd stand firm. But as I watched, the two guards quailed under his temper, and stepped aside.
'Damn!' I said, adjusting my aim
As the "Prince" made to step through the arch, I fired.
As the echo of the shot died away, I watched the impostor sink to the ground, blood blossoming on his pristine white uniform.
I slipped the strap over my shoulder, and began walking towards the crowd.
'You've killed Prince Blueblood!' called one of the guards in shock
'That wasn't the Prince.' I replied
'What? How do you know that?' asked the other
'Because I just got done rescuing the real prince, who I found hiding under his bed.'
Somepony in the crowd gasped 'Look the prince! He's changing!'
As I watched, the "prince" slowly morphed into the form of a changeling, a puddle of green blood around its dead body.
It was bigger than most, and clad in black, angular armour.
Turning, I addressed the crowd.
'If I could have everypony's attention! Please listen carefully, I shall say this only once!' I called out
The crowd stopped murmuring and everypony looked towards me.
'Right, that's good! By order of her highness, Princess Luna you are all asked to return to your homes until further notice. Any pony without official clearance seen on the streets will be treated as a Changling. I don't think I need to tell you what that means. Luckily, they cannot assume human form and there happens to be a contingent of soldiers here as part of the Earth delegations to celebrate the wedding, they will be here soon to escort you home.'
No sooner had I finished speaking, three large vehicles arrived, the middle one a large truck with rows of seats inside. The ponies lined up and did their best to climb in, some having to be helped up.
The last one to enter was a unicorn mare, and I watched as she made to climb in. She was almost there, when her rear hooves slipped on the ladder.
'Don't worry miss, I've got you.' I assured her with a smile, as I caught her
She said nothing, but simply stared vacantly into my eyes.
It was then that I realised that she was the one that had been eyeing me up all those months ago. And I now suspected she was one of those mares that had a "thing" about humans.
'Y-yes, thank you.' she said eventually, squirming somewhat
I just wanted this to be over, so I put her in without much ceremony
'Well, that's the lot then.' I yelled, banging the side of the truck
'Leofric! There's someone here to see you!' called his mother
Leofric looked up, and was surprised to see that the sun was beginning to set.
'Who is it?' he bellowed back
'Just come and see!' came the reply
With a sigh, he got up, and stomped into the living room
'This had better be important, I was just getting to the good part of the Changling invasion.' he sulked
'Perhaps you'd like to hear it first hand?' came a mirthful voice from behind him
Leofric froze, he hardly dared to believe that he had heard that voice.
He turned, and standing there - in his usual armour was his father.
Cenwulf "Gold-hand" Fisher, captain in the Royal Guards, Lord of the Western Marches had returned home!
'Wæs hāl, son.' he said with a grin
'Dad! When did you get back?' Leofric asked incredulously
'Oh, about an hour ago.' he replied casually
'But then why wait till now to tell me?'
'Son, as much a father wants to be re-united with his children, he wants to be re-united with his wife more.'
'I don't get it.' Leofric said, frowning
'You will son, you will!' Cenwulf chuckled, tousling his hair
'All right, Lets go eat dinner!' called Floreat cheerfully.
'Good idea, I'm famished! I'm sure your mother's got something tasty prepared for us.' Cenwulf told his son
'Right dear?' he added, with a wink to his wife