The camp was a scene of busy activity. Carts and airships were loaded, tents - or those that remained - were packed, and soldiers gathered up personal items.
Most of the great Changeling army that had gathered was in the act of dispersing or had already dispersed. The majority of the hives showed no intention of joining the war in the east; they were content merely to have won their liberty once again. James, Shining, and the Princesses had all tried to reason with them, but with little effect. Queen Nocturnal had questioned their right to ask that her hive risk their lives in another war when her people and Equestria had only been the briefest of allies. Antennae had declined as well - although her refusal was much more polite, which was all the more admirable given the fact that her wound from the battle was still healing. The others had simply not answered and left.
Metamorphosis had listened, and was still on the fence about such a conflict. She did admit that, while the war raged, love would be difficult to acquire - while not absolutely necessary, as other emotions could also be harvested, it was more potent than the others. She was also grateful that Equestria had freed her and her people, as was Camilla. The main issue, as with the other Queens, was the idea of battling hundreds of miles away from homes that were already safe, especially as Equestria was already winning that conflict. But neither of them ruled out an intervention entirely.
James and most of the other high ranking officers and officials had been hard at work the past few days preparing to head out to the east. The fighting there continued, with large scale skirmishes and minor battles being told of in the papers that reached them. It sounded as though the Equestrian army was advancing, though the going was slow due to the forests they encountered. By all accounts, the enemy hadn't given up and weren't ready to see reason. Perhaps their ability to slow the Equestrian advance gave them confidence that they might be able to manage a turnaround. If that was so, they weren't reckoning on the fact that the war was going against them. The blockades put in effect by Saddle Arabia were hurting their economy badly, and food was becoming harder for them to get.
The day after the peace was signed, Celestia had given a speech to all the factions involved in the now wrapped up western conflict. A few of the defeated, including Amalda herself, had listened, but most remained home rather than face the victors.
Amalda had listened quietly, conspicuous in the crowd due to her white chitin. After the speech was over, Cadence had quickly found her. James had watched, worried, as the young Changeling Queen turned to face, her, her actions peaceful but her eyes defiant.
"I just want you to know that I don't blame you or your subjects for the attack on Canterlot," Cadence said quietly. "That was your mother's work, and I know now that the regular drones had no choice in the matter."
"Hmm," Amalda grunted, nodding.
"Hopefully, this misstep between our peoples can be forgiven with time, and we can spread the joys of friendship with each other."
Amalda nodded again.
"I know it's going to be tough, rebuilding after this war. But you can do it. If necessary, I'll transfer some materials from the Crystal Empire to help, and to show there's no hard feelings."
"That would be helpful, thank you."
The two rulers bowed to one another, and then went their separate ways.
It was the first time James had heard of any Crystal Empire, and he had asked Cadence about it. She'd seemed embarrassed that he hadn't gotten the news until now; the army in the west hadn't had a decent connection to the media until recently. She'd told him everything about it.
"That's why Shining had to go 'up north' at one point," James nodded after she'd finished.
"Yes, we both had to go north. I'm just glad we were able to find the Crystal heart and get it working; I still get headache when I remember how much work I had to put into the shield."
"Do you think the king's gone for good?" James asked. "You said witnesses say he exploded into several pieces when he was expelled."
"I... I'm not sure. I think he's... gone, but then, there was no body or body parts to find, not up till now, at least."
"Can we expect any sort of reinforcement or at least supply from there? Forgive me for asking, but any help in beating the Griffons would be welcome."
"Not right now. The city's still recovering from it's time in slavery, and the fact that they've been lost in time a thousand years. Food might be plentiful, but everything in town is still operating in a medieval fashion, and it will take time before we can suitably modernize them."
"I see. Are you an independent monarch now?"
"That's another thing I'm not sure of yet. But I'll never stop loving my aunts, or my Twilight, that's for sure."
"And love can't be manufactured."
"Precisely. Even my magic can't bring up love that's non-existent; it can only inflate that which already exists. And, between you and me, I think that just makes the emotion even more precious."
"Of course." James had looked to a soldier standing nearby. "You got the time?"
"Sure, it's two-thirty."
"Thank you. Sorry, Princess, but I have work to do."
"Naturally. Take care of yourself, James."
"I'll try."
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In the end, Metamorphosis had agreed to join the conflict on the side of Equestria. Camilla had quickly followed suit. Neither Queen would be personally coming to the fray; both had some serious work to be done, setting their hives in order. However, the commanders they set in charge of the expeditionary forces were competent and decent enough.
It had been a surprise for everyone when Amalda had offered a thousand of her own soldiers for the war. "I am well aware that we've shed blood for wicked purposes during the conflict between us," she had said. "I am also aware that nothing I, or any one that is not a God, can do can bring back those we've slain. However, I hope to make amends, at least part way, by offering this contingent."
There had been a long silence. Then Celestia had stepped forward. "I accept this offering. I can see no treachery in your eyes, young one. I hope we can correspond properly sometime soon."
"I accept it as well," Luna had added. "You are indeed young, yet you harbor much nobility within you, in spite of being the child of an evil tyrant. I think we can expect greatness from you in your time."
Some Equestrian soldiers had grumbled at the idea of fighting alongside their former enemies, but in the end, they remained loyal to their Princesses. That night, all had celebrated the end of the war.
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A week after the peace was made, James thought back to the events of the past month or so as the train in Appleloosa filled with soldiers and equipment. He was already seating the in front car, with Shining and the rest of the army's leading officers.
As the train began moving, James was glad he had time to just sit and relax for a bit. The army had been marching most of the time; the only time they stopped was mostly to eat and sleep, and to rest when the troops were tired. Four thousand Equestrian soldiers and about the same number of Changelings had been overjoyed to finally reach Appleloosa. The latter had disguised themselves as ponies in order to keep the peace, and to keep the public from panicking. They were allies - most of them willingly - but Equestrian citizens as a whole could not be expected to trust that fact, even though it had been announced in the news. Already, from a copy of a newspaper he had read today, there had been people who had been bashing the idea of allying with their former enemies. Their objections were loud and concerned.
He wasn't sure what to make of the problem. It would be a while before Changelings were trusted by a significant number of the population, even though they had helped - been the deciding factor, really - in the offensive that saw the fall of a hollow empire. All he could do was fight the war and finish it. He had no political power, and, being the only human being in this world, he probably couldn't expect to have any. Military power, he had - to an extent. In any case, while he may have been liked by the soldiers, much of the civilian population had a different view.
He pushed those thoughts aside. No one could do everything; the only thing someone could do was what they could do. Racism couldn't be killed in a day. He pulled a book out of his bag - one detailing the Carolinas Campaign in 1865 - and began to read.
James, though a Unionist himself, couldn't' help admiring the men who had fought on the other side, especially those who continued the hopeless fight into 1865, when the war was lost for them. The ferocity with which the Confederates fought at Bentonville naturally caught his eye.
Men are drawn toward last stands, even the ones that are hopeless, pointless, or both. Of course, that might hold true for our enemies. The griffons had made it clear they would not give up on their own, in spite of the overwhelming weight of advantages their foes held over them. So be it. If we have to shatter their army with force, I will. Their king will be the one to blame for the whole mess. If not for him, this foolish and wasteful conflict need not have occurred... except maybe that out west.
His eyes rested on what might have been the most noted picture of the battle; a Union charge against a Confederate battery late in the fighting (though, as the notice under the picture stated, the battery was later recaptured). Even with their cause in ruins, the Rebels had fought well, and he admired their courage. With Lee having surrendered before the battle took place, though, there had been, like the battle of New Orleans in 1815, no point to the fighting, although naturally, the men who had fought the battle hadn't heard about it yet.
Hopefully the enemy aren't so drawn to such an ending... or to something even worse. But from everything I've seen so far...
"Looks like fierce fighting," Shining said as his eye caught the same image James had.
"Hmm. Hopefully our enemies don't fight with similar valor."
"Don't I wish. We'd have won by now if they were like that. But you and I know better, and so does the rest of the army."
"Yeah." James leaned back against the seat. "Hopefully, the boys who fought out west will take them as seriously as we do."
"I hope so," the stallion answered, frowning. "Some of them don't seem to think the griffons are much to talk about."
"The experience will come soon enough. And we'll tell them different, before they go into battle. I'm not sure whether they'll listen, but we have to try."
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The train car as cramped. James found it hard to get comfortable, but had eventually managed to fall asleep. He managed to catch up on rest the next day, as the train didn't stop except to pick up more coal and water for the engine and food and water for the soldiers; this was no express.
Resting, reading, eating, drinking, and sleeping were about the only things he or anyone else could do. He heard grumbling, but not of a mutinous nature, for which he was grateful. Occasionally, someone would find something remotely fun to try, which would naturally draw attention as long as the event lasted, which was usually not for very long, after which boredom sunk back in.
After the train had stopped in a junction past Ponyville - the train hadn't even made a pretention of stopping there - the engineer told them that the brakes and numerous water pipes had been discovered to be faulty; Equestrian locomotives weren't used to hauling thousands of soldiers, artillery and equipment all at once, or at least this one wasn't. In any event, it would take a few hours to replace the worn parts.
After talking about it briefly, the commanders had decided to let the troops stretch their legs. It was a very popular decision, as within moments, the air was full of the noise of thundering hooves and doors were crowded with soldiers trying to get out; in a couple cases, numerous individuals had tried to go through a door at once and got stuck. James giggled behind a hand as the conductor and a pair of soldiers attempted to extricate five who had foolishly tried to exit all at once, and who, as a result, completely blocked the doorway.
When the car was mostly empty, James got up and stretched. He heard numerous cracking noises, mostly in his legs. At one point, he stretched too far, and the new injury in his shoulder flared. He clutched at it, and in the process fell down, rather painfully, to the floor. He got back up, muttering angrily, and left the car, towing his bag behind him.
It was a pleasant place to stop. Unlike the heat of the Appleloosan desert, the field where the junction had stopped was full of grass, high enough to touch his knees, and a breeze blew across his face, dulling the summer heat. Soldiers began taking out food they'd stored up and eating it, as if this were a big, organized picnic; a some even took a few bites of grass. The Changelings in their ranks shed their disguises, at lest for the moment, and laid down.
"Beats the desert any day," he said quietly to himself.
He sat down on the steps of the car - on the side facing away from the sun - and closed his eyes, taking in the peaceful moment.
"Huh, there's a pegasus coming in from Canterlot," a Royal Guard said, looking at the sky. "Wonder what he wants. Probably some reporter looking for a story."
"Or maybe a mail pony on his daily run," another said.
"Nah; looks like he's coming down."
James looked around, but the flying pony wasn't within his eyesight; likely, it had already descended on the other side of the train. Whatever the individual was doing, James couldn't see it. With a reluctant sigh, he stood up - more cracking of stiff bones - and walked to the other side.
A blue pegasus with a tan mane was talking with most of the other commanders, including a Changeling and Shining Armor, who were speaking at length with the newcomer.
"What's going on?" James asked, coming up.
"Ah, General Lavigne, excellent," the pony said, bowing in his direction. "I'm from the railroad company that owns the line around here. Unfortunately, a bridge on the direct route to Trottingham has collapsed; three other trains barely escaped falling to their doom in the past day alone, and we've only just started getting the message out."
James groaned. "Enemy activity? This far west?"
"I do not know, sir. However, the only reroute is through Canterlot."
"Which will take us well out of our way and add more time to our journey," James muttered. "Lovely. How did you know where to find us?"
"Fairly simple; I followed the line until I saw your train."
"I see." James put a hand to his chin trying to think.
"I doubt the bridge's collapse is due to the griffons," Shining put in. "It was probably an act of nature that caused it. I don't believe that any of them have managed to get around our army to the northeast, or we'd have likely heard about it much sooner."
"Whatever the reason, it's bad news for us," James replied; he wasn't looking forward to having an even longer trip to make."
"I have a second piece of news, as well," the pegasus said. "Princess Celestia heard about the bridge, and she wants the army to disembark in Canterlot."
"Which will further delay the arrival of the reinforcements that we are bringing to that front," another officer mumbled.
The newcomer shrugged. "I don't give the orders, sir; I just carry the message. Celestia wants the train to stop in Canterlot, and that's that."
James looked at the others, who all looked from him to each other and back again. He didn't like having to extend the journey, and he couldn't see a good reason why this was being ordered. On the other hand, he was certain that the pegasus was no Changeling in disguise trying to deceive them, not when Chrysalis had been defeated a week and a half ago.
Ultimately, they decided to give her to Metamorphosis; given her sense of justice, and powerful personality, I understand why. It might have been a mistake to imprison her in Canterlot, given the availability of emotions there.
That thought aside, he wasn't thrilled. Militarily. That failed to account for the part that really did want to enter the city and see a few familiar faces again. And being able to sleep in a bed, even for just a night, instead of on the hard ground or on a train seat was very alluring. Ultimately, the Princesses would have their reasons for doing this. And the messenger was right; he and the others didn't really have a choice, and no one was about to mutiny, so the course was clear.
"Right," he said, sighing, "Canterlot it is."
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It took another day to arrive in the city. By now, James' back was bothering him quite insistently, though thankfully not very painfully. The brief respite in the field had been a tonic for the chronic boredom the army had been experiencing. However, that ailment had begun to creep back in when the train finally pulled into the station. Night had fallen, and the army debarked by streetlight and lanterns.
A disguised Changeling breathed in deeply. "I can practically taste the emotions already," he sighed.
"Don't be an idiot," one of his companions replied sharply. "You start sucking emotions off them here and now, you'll be in jail before you really get to enjoy any of it."
"Yeah, but still, it feels almost like a buffet is waiting for us."
"Just don't start digging in. You'll have a lot more than just ponies to fear if you fall for it, that I promise you. And the Queen forbade it anyway."
The first one sighed again, but didn't start anything.
Hopefully, our allies can keep themselves under control. This city probably feels like a smorgasbord to them, and I can't really blame them for being hungry. Then again, they're bound and bred to obey their Queens, and therefore probably won't cause any trouble.
It took a while for things to get organized. Luckily, there were a few barracks at the castle for the Royal Guards who could rest there, and no doubt catch up with their comrades. The regulars had some empty hotels and vacant apartments with which to stay the night, which had all been prepared for them.
James watched as his troops dispersed. He could practically feel their relief at being able to sleep somewhere other than a train. He had insisted that they carry their weapons with them; in the event that some emergency happened, he didn't want them to be caught without some means to defend themselves. He doubted that such a need would arise, but then, anything could happen in the middle of a war, and it paid to be prepared.
"General Armor! General Lavigne!" a Guard stallion said, walking up to them. "Princesses Celestia and Luna have bade that you spend the night in the palace."
"I guess we have no choice," James said, looking at his companion, though he said it without any real reluctance and with more than a hint of amusement.
Shining snorted, then said to the Guard, "Lead on."
"And please try to keep us away from any reporters," James asked, more seriously this time.
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After being magically scanned by the palace guards - I wonder if I'll ever get used to that tingling sensation - James and Shining were allowed inside the grounds. To their surprise, a small tent city was set up there.
"What's all this?" James asked.
The Guard who had been leading them stopped and turned his head around. "Princesses Celestia and Luna heard that the soldiers coming here would be short of living space, so they decided to allow some of them to bunk here for the night."
"You sure that's safe?"
"If we can't keep their Royal Highnesses safe, we're not the Royal Guard."
James didn't reply. Shining chuckled, and said, "That's the Guard for you."
"Still, hopefully there are enough facilities here to see to the needs of these guys."
"Their Highnesses gave them the run of the place," the Guard answered. "Anyone wants food, they can go to he dining hall and get some."
"I see. I'm still not sure why we were told to stop in the city, though."
"Their Highnesses have a reason." The Guard continued walking in silence for a moment, then, almost reluctantly, added, "Rumor has it that it has something to do with boosting morale for the civilian population, convince 'em the war's going to be won."
"I see," James said, though that was only partly true.
The Guard led them through the palace hallways until they came to the closed doors of the throne room. "The guests of their Highnesses have arrived," he said to the pair protecting the door.
They both nodded. "They've been waiting," an orange earth pony on the left - on James' left, anyway - and added, "please, go in."
The doors opened. James and Shining entered the room; their guide stayed back in the hallway.
Celestia and Luna sat on gilded thrones, both watching the newcomers with smiles on their faces. "Welcome, Shining and James," Celestia greeted in a warm voice. "We are both pleased that you've arrived safely in Canterlot."
"It has been too long since we've been able to treat with our top commanders in a peaceful situation, detached, immediately, at least, from business," Luna put in.
"I'm just glad to be off that train," James said. "I'm still stiff from sitting and trying to sleep in the same seat for two days straight."
"That can be taken care of," Celestia answered.
"And if riding the train is causing you pain, we could have airships deliver you to your destination," her sister offered.
"Maybe the train doesn't look too bad after all," James whispered to himself; he had a fear of heights.
"What was that?"
"Nothing important."
Luna made a concerned sort of grunting noise, but added nothing further.
"I'm just glad to be back home," Shining said, sounding happy. "I'm looking forward to the day this war ends for good."
"You've done a magnificent job of doing that," Luna said. "Thanks to you both, and thousands of our soldiers and the efforts of our allies, we've defeated a dangerous foe and made friends of the Changeling race, or at least brought us up from hostility to various states ranging from indifferent to good... depending on which hive one refers to."
"Thanks should really be given to the troops who didn't make it back," Shining replied, as James was opening his mouth to say the same thing.
Celestia and Luna both bowed their heads. "We acknowledge their noble sacrifice,"Celestia said mournfully. "My sister and I are going to do what we can for the grieving families, and to see that the dead, both ours and theirs, receive the proper respect."
"In addition, I've set our best architects to make plans for a monument to our fallen soldiers," Luna added, "to be constructed in the capital, in a location where all can see and remember the loss we've sustained to maintain our peoples' freedom and sovereignty from our enemies."
After a moment of collective silence, Celestia spoke up again. "It is in part due to the victory we've won out west, and the casualties we've suffered, that I decided to have our former western units disembark here upon learning of the collapsed bridge on the line."
"Does anyone know what caused that to happen by now?" James asked quickly
"Indeed we do," Celestia answered. "The builders who inspected the structure found that the bridge had been overgrown with various plants that got into many small cracks and there expanded, eventually causing it's collapse. There were no enemy troops involved, if that's what you're thinking, as we've scouted the area out thoroughly for any trace of griffon incursion."
"An old structure, weaken by nature and time," Luna said. "A new one is already being planned, based on modern designs."
"To get back on track - if you'll pardon the pun," Celestia said, chuckling a little, "I've chosen to stage a victory parade in Canterlot, in celebration of our western triumph, and to give our subjects hope that this conflict will soon be won; in addition to the morale boost, I intend to remind our ponies of the cost of the conflict, and to remember and honor the lives of those who fell to ensure our liberty."
James' mouth quivered slightly on the word "subjects," but he was sure it was slight enough that nobody noticed. In general, though, he approved of the idea, though he was still somewhat concerned that this would delay reinforcements to the east.
Something must have shown on his face, because Celestia added, "Is there something wrong, James?"
"Well... yes, there is. Every minute we're here is another that we're not out east, helping to finish the war the griffons started. And every day we delay may be more Equestrian soldiers that don't reach the front lines to help shorten the conflict."
"I understand your concerns," Celestia said, nodding sympathetically. "Luna and I discussed the problem at length. We decided to temporarily suspend operations there until your force can reach them."
"If it's enemy action you're afraid of, don't be," Luna added. "They have 'shot their bolt,' to use the common phrase, and we outnumber them by more than two to one. With reinforcements heading eastward, including the ones you lead, and more allied troops arriving, that will soon increase to a three to one advantage, or very close to it. I don't expect any trouble from an enemy attack."
"Nor do I," Celestia said. "All the same, we are going to make this go by as fast as possible. In fact, we intend for you to be on your way by early evening."
"Hopefully the troops will have their fill of being kissed by then," James muttered with amusement.
That brought a laugh out of all present.
"Hopefully they will," Luna agreed, still chuckling. "But nevertheless, our troops will have their hooves full tomorrow with the parade and redeployment. I'll ask the railroad companies if they can't spare any cars that are more comfortable, if that can be arranged and if you're adverse to flying."
"I'll take that," James said immediately.
"Good. As for your summons here, I'd said initially that we weren't discussing business, and yet we've been doing just that for the past several minutes."
"The outcome of the war is important," James said seriously.
"I wasn't saying that it wasn't. However, you've been out in the field for most of your time in Equestria. It grieves me and my sister that your stay has been so filled with violence an bloodshed. I would have loved for you to have come in peacetime."
"And as for you, Shining Armor," Celestia said, dipping her head toward the stallion, "I also regret that the months after your wedding have been filled with conflict, instead of joy and wonder, as they should have been."
"My duty is to Equestria, and to the Equestrian throne," Shining answered. "I can never forget that."
"I would never ask you to." Celestia sighed. "None of us ever wanted this war. If I could have made peace with the griffon king, I would have, as well as with Chrysalis. Unfortunately, neither of them would listen to appeals of peace. they called for conflict instead."
'They will regret it," James said. "They've paid for it; Chrysalis is a prisoner, never to see the light of day again, and her hive now paying for her actions. The griffons got whipped again and again, and we'll do it yet again if they're fool enough to continue."
"That's the point. I'd rather not have to whip them, as you put it."
"Regardless," Luna said firmly, "they have chosen war. War they have received. War they shall receive, if they don't surrender."
James tried to stifle a yawn, but failed.
"I can see that you're both tired," Celestia said. "I'd advise you both to get a shower and get some rest for tomorrow. You've more than earned it."
"Thank you," James replied. "I'll get on that. Hopefully we can talk again tomorrow, and not end up just discussing the war."
"I hope so too."
"Sweet dreams to both of you," Luna said. "I'll try to protect you both from nightmares this night."
James nodded. Shinning said, "My thanks."
"Now go, both of you. We all have a busy day to prepare for tomorrow."
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