When the allied army occupied the Sudramoar battlements the day after my attack, I was not with them. I couldn’t stand the thought of seeing all of those bodies. Killing was horrible and I’d already done a lot of it in the past.
This was something different. I was personally responsible for snuffing out thousands of lives in a few minutes. That was a lot of blood on my hooves. What had Princess Celestia said about killing?
It was disharmony. All killing? She had used the word flippantly at the time but it was probably all killing… but how did that balance against all the lives I’d saved?
Gray Maelstrom wandered into my tent unannounced, interrupting my thoughts. She came over to where I was lying on my cot and softly ruffled my mane. “Feeling any better?”
“Honestly, no. The weight of reality is settling in now.”
“Ah, well, that was bound to happen. I wanted to let you know that General Ironhoof has sent for Minister Sombra and the negotiators. They’ll be heading off to meet with King Kronson as soon as they arrive.
“You might be suffering, but at least know that the war is likely over. You saved a lot of lives and now that the shock has worn off, they’re calling you the Hero of Rindaire Valley. Nobody hates you, but I understand you have to work through your process. I’m here for you when you need me.”
She patted my head and trotted out of the tent. The Hero of Rindaire Valley. How about that? Kill thousands of gryphons and you’re a hero. I’d have rather been a hero for something else. Like hoofball. I was a pretty good hoofball player. I wonder if the Equestria Hoofball League had any openings?
With a groan, I pulled myself off my cot and put on my chainmail. Would it even be necessary to wear it? Better safe than sorry. It would be horrible to be this close to seeing Crystal and ended up dead due to something silly like a lack of armor and a lucky sword slash.
It was time to face the day. Live with the consequences. I did what was necessary while hiding behind the mask of Dread Knight. There would be no helmet and visor today, though. Just me. Me: the pony that bargained with dragons and eradicated an army.
I pushed the flap of my tent open and the sun poured in on me. It was brighter than ever for some reason and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. That was when I found myself staring at all of my dragoons in parade formation.
“Attention!” Captain Brynja called.
The group as a whole snapped to.
“What is this?” I asked.
“We have waited for you, zir. We are all here for you. You alwayz make zure we get the help we need. Now we are here for you.”
Whether it was the bright sun hitting my dark chainmail or the sentiment, I felt warmer. “I see. Thank you all. At ease.”
They relaxed a little, but not too much. “What is on our agenda, Captain?”
“We have no agenda today, zir. General Ironhoof felt we would not be necezzary for thiz operation. We’ve been given R-and-R. What would you like to do?”
Rest and relaxation? That made sense. Dragoons aren’t exactly the type of unit you use to occupy fixed fortifications. Plus, we’d done our share. More than our share. The last thing I needed was more soldiering today. A casual flight would have been nice, but I wasn’t going to take off my chainmail just to be able to barely get off the ground.
“Zir?” Brynja asked softly.
“I’m fine, just thinking.” It was probably going to be over soon. King Kronson couldn’t fight on. Not on two fronts and not with one whole army destroyed. A glimmer of hope cut through all of the pain inside. I might go home after all. It was time for a little inspiration. For me and for them.
“Dragoons, today is the first day I can remember where the end was truly in sight. We might have more fighting to do, we might not, but in either case I can’t imagine we’re long for this war.
“You’ve done an excellent job getting here. Now you and I are going to have to do the hardest part: survive. What we’ve seen and done here was far beyond what most ponies or gryphons will ever deal with. I am carrying a lot of scars. Most of them are mental.
“So I’m going to give you one last standing order. The most important one. When you get home, you are ordered to survive. You will find someone to talk to. You will go to veteran’s groups. You will try your best to get to anyone that can understand and, if you can’t, you’ll come to me. That goes for you gryphons, too. Am I being clear?”
As a unit, my dragoons bellowed, “Yes, sir!”
“Good. I’m going to need you, too, and I’m going to have to do all of those things. I’ve been bad about it in the past, so to ensure I’m not a hypocrite, I’ll change. I’m going to do my best to leave the soldier here and I, Silent Knight, will come home.”
“I’ll come home,” they repeated solemnly.
The weight of it all started to close in on me again. We were going to go home. How would that feel? What would it be like? My nose wrinkled and I fought back tears. Crystal…
I shook my head, pushing away the dark thoughts. When I found my voice, I asked, “Does anyone have a hoofball? If we’re on R-and-R, let’s break up and play a few games.”
Captain Brynja turned, “Zomeone find a hoofzball. Zteal one if necezzary.”
There were some chuckles at that and several of my dragoons went off to presumably find hoofballs.
Brynja leaned close to me. “What iz hoofzball?”
“It is an amazing game. Let me tell you all about it.”
☾
My black dragoons had not moved our camp once the Rindaire Valley citadel had been occupied by the allied army. A roof may have been nice, but our tents were fine and the weather was cooperating. Plus, to be frank, I just didn’t want to be in that place, and they knew it.
Thus, while the other units shifted any of the undamaged bolt throwers to the opposite battlements, settled into the bunks of their enemies, and prepared for defense, we remained where we were. No orders had come down to the contrary. As far as I was concerned, I’d never set hoof in that citadel.
Another couple of days had passed before several airships from the north arrived and were tied off to the battlements. Those, I presumed, were the negotiators. It was time to pressure King Kronson into surrender.
My officers and I were sitting around a campfire when I caught sight of a group of ponies approaching us. It was a whole section of palace guards with one obsidian stallion in between them.
We all stood up as they approached. “Minister Sombra. This is a surprise,” I said.
He waved a hoof, gesturing for us all to sit. I didn’t. “Truly, Major? You bring us to the cusp of victory, force open negotiations, and are surprised that I’d visit? To be honest, I thought you’d be up there at the forefront. General Ironhoof feels you’d be happier here, however.”
“The general knows me well.”
The minister nodded and took a seat. “I came to thank you. To thank you all, actually. You’ve all personally carried much of this burden for the kingdom of Equestria. You’ve helped us stand by our friends and allies. There is nothing more harmonious.
“Friendship is important. Loyalty is beyond necessary. The Black Dragoons exhibit these qualities in the face of the horrors of war. Therefore, on behalf of a grateful kingdom, I thank you.”
Captain Brynja and I briefly exchanged glances. As did the rest of my officers. Gratitude wasn’t anything we wanted. It was tough to figure out how to respond. I couldn’t not say something, however.
“Well, Minister… we appreciate that recognition. We just did our part, nothing more.”
Minister Sombra chuckled. “Humble as ever. At any rate, I do have some news that I know will actually motivate you. Early this morning, a messenger from King Kronson arrived, offering a ten-day armistice and an invitation to his castle. We accepted both.”
“It iz over?” Captain Brynja asked in disbelief.
“For ten days, yes. Although I doubt we’ll see much more aggression regardless. Thanks to Major Knight, there is no leverage for negotiation on Kronson’s part. He has no northern army, he holds no heavy defenses between here and there. If he chooses to fight on… well… suffice to say, the outcome would be his permanent removal from power.”
Ten days. Ten days where there would be no fighting, no killing. When was the last time that happened? Two years ago. We’d been here almost two years.
“Major, could we have a private word before I go?” Minister Sombra asked, breaking my train of thought. He was standing. When had he gotten up?
“Yes, Minister. Of course,” I replied before trotting towards my tent.
Once we were inside, the minister lowered his voice. “That was a brilliant strategy, Major. If you don’t mind me asking, how could you possibly know Matron Ragnhild?”
He knew her name? Why would he… well, actually, he was old enough. I mean, not old. He’d lived in those times. “She’d tried to claim Alicorn Spire and I negotiated her migration away from it. That is what gave me the idea.”
“Brilliant! You didn’t give away the kingdom, though, did you?”
I shook my head. “No, sir. I negotiated as myself for myself. The cost was purely personal.”
His brow arched. “You had something worthy of a dragon flight?”
“I did, sir, though what that was I wish to keep between myself and the matron. I hope you understand.”
He waved it off with a hoof. “Completely fine. If you say it is personal, I have no right to pry. Any chance we’d have access to her again? I only ask for the sake of negotiations. That would be a powerful card.”
Use the dragons again? I hoped not. On what? Quickly, I shook my head. “No, sir, our bargain was concluded and I don’t have anything of value left. Equestria might, but the cost would be very high.”
He nodded. “I figured as much. Still, Kronson won’t know that. It is a shame Mentor Nocturna has moved on. She had a way with the matron. Different times, though.” He reached out and sat a hoof on my shoulder.
“Major, I know this war has taken a toll on you and everypony else. It is clear to me that in these times, we’ve moved far away from the art of combat and making the hard choices.
“You’re an exemplary figure in an age of peace. Do not be ashamed of that. If you ever need to talk to a pony from a time where your skills were more… appropriate, don’t hesitate to call on me.”
“I… yes, Minister. Thank you.”
The minister withdrew and replied, “My pleasure. Oh, and I actually came here to reward you and your dragoons.”
Great, a medal. Yay!
“The Black Dragoons will be receiving the Equestrian Unit Citation.”
Yup, another medal. At least this one was a unit award.
“And you’re all going home.”
How was I going to explain that a little— “What? Minister?”
“Major, you’ve already done the heavy lifting. You and all of your lancers. This war may not end, but the major fighting is done. The princesses and I agree that enough is enough for you all.
“You’re being deactivated and sent home, effective immediately. The Black Dragoons will be the first back. All of you. Any gryphon that wants to become a citizen of Equestria just needs to show up in Canterlot with the rest of you. Your kingdom and your princesses are grateful.
“I’ve arranged for you to go home on the new TMS Honor. She’ll arrive quite soon. Sooner than you might even imagine. Pack your kit and get ready. In a week or so, you’ll be seeing Equestria.”
My hooves started to tremble. We were going home. We were going home! Oh… we were going home. Excitement, fear, joy, dread. I felt them all at once. “Thank you!”
He smiled. “Gladly. Enjoy informing your lancers. Now, I’ve got to go negotiate with a stuffed chicken. Good day, Major.”
“Good day, sir!”
Once he had left my tent, I trotted in a nervous circle. We were going home. Right away. We were going home! There wouldn’t even be time to send a letter. I’d just show up. Would she like that? She might not like that. Of course she’d like that!
My heart raced. I’d be able to get home before she heard about Rindaire Valley. Well… maybe. Probably not. I’d need to explain. I did it for her. No! Don’t say that. I did it to save lives.
I could figure that out on the trip back. I rushed out of the tent. “Everyone, fall in! Fall in right now!”
The camp had been in a state of relaxed lounging. Now it was controlled chaos as all of my dragoons rushed into their positions, ready for action.
It was only seconds for them to build our formation. “Minister Sombra wanted to thank us all on behalf of the Kingdom of Equestria. He does not speak for Nordanver, but I’m sure King Ranald is grateful, too. We’re also getting a unit citation. For what that is worth.”
There weren’t any actual grumbles in the ranks, but I could read them in the faces. A soldier knows another soldier’s expressions.
“Most important of all, however, we’re going home. We’ve been deactivated.”
The roaring cheer that followed was loud enough that it was likely heard at the Rindaire Valley citadel. It may have been heard in King Kronson’s castle for all I knew. It was one of unbridled glee and relief.
My ponies and gryphons started hugging each other, the formation falling apart. All military order was lost and that was fine by me.
“There is more,” I shouted into the revelry.
That brought the volume down a little as all of the eyes returned to me.
“We’re to leave immediately. All of us. Any gryphon dragoon that wishes to be a citizen of Equestria will be accepted without question. Otherwise we’ll drop you off at home on our way back. So let’s pack this camp up and get out of here! The Honor is going to take us home. We’re coming home!”
I’ve never seen soldiers so eager to break a camp down. Captain Brynja rushed over and threw her claws around me in a hug. I embraced her back, chuckling. “Captain, how inappropriate.”
“Iz for ze cute one. I can really be a citizen?”
“You can. Not just a guest of our kingdom. You can even see Tumble!”
Captain Brynja’s feathers fluffed out and she shook with joy. “I’m going to go pack right now!”
That made me chuckle. Her sheer excitement was infectious. Packing was a good idea. I returned to my tent and opened my trunk. The first things that went in it were my dragoon armor, Retribution, and Stratus Knight’s sword. I wouldn’t need those for a while.
I covered them all with my blanket and campaign cloak. Out of sight, out of mind. I started to pull my chainmail off but couldn’t bring myself to do so. Better safe than sorry.
In went my books, my letters, my documents, and everything else. The last thing to lay on top was my uniform. Throughout the entire war, it was doubtful I’d even worn it once. What was the point? Still, an officer needed his uniform.
Before I left, I really should at least let Maelstrom know. Perhaps Exemplar Ferrel, too, but I didn’t want any prophecies dropped on me. I poked my head out of my tent and motioned at the nearest dragoon. “Send a runner to find Senior Warrant Officer Maelstrom. Ask her to come down, please.”
“Yes, sir!”
I finished up my packing and pushed my trunk out of the flap. Once that was done, I stared to break down the simple cot, small desk, and travel chair. Those things all belonged to the army. We’d need to account for all that. For now, they just ended up outside of my tent, leaving it bare.
With whatever time I had left before Gray Maelstrom arrived, I started to take my tent down. Halfway through the process, several of my sergeants came over, interrupted me, shooed me off, and finished the job. I know how to deal with a tent! I’m not that much of an officer.
“Wow, they won’t even let you take your tent down?” Maelstrom’s voice came from behind me.
I looked back. “No, evidently majors aren’t qualified in the art of tent removal.”
“Rough stuff. What’s up?” She looked around and realized we were, more or less, surrounded by soldiers. “Uh, sir.”
The excitement I felt deflated a bit. Painted was going to have to stay. We were getting to leave but she was stuck here. Was that fair? Should I volunteer to stay? No… right? She wouldn’t want that. I didn’t want that. I wanted to go home. Was I really going to stay until the last pony had left?
“Silent Knight?”
“We… uh…”
“We… okay, we who? Me and you?”
“The dragoons…”
Gray Maelstrom nodded. “Okay, we the dragoons. What?”
“Going home.”
She blinked and then grinned. “Really? They’re sending you home?”
“Yes! I’m sorry.”
Maelstrom looped a hoof around me and hugged me tight. “Don’t be sorry! Why are you sorry?”
I slipped my forehooves around her and embraced her back. “You have to stay. I’m so sorry!”
She snorted. “Okay, you most certainly can’t be sorry about that. Listen up, I won’t be here much longer either. I’ll even bet you ten bits we’re out of here within a month. So don’t be sorry for me.”
“Okay,” I mumbled.
She leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “If you’re really sorry, though, do me a favor. When you get back, go find my husband Verd and give him a kiss for me, okay?”
“Okay.”
After letting me go, she grinned. “Did you really call for me to just say goodbye and sorry?”
I nodded.
“You’re an incredibly sweet pony.” She winked. “Give your wife my love and tell her I’ll see her soon. I also expect you to make some appointments when you get back. Alright?”
“Alright. I’ll do all of that. I promise.”
“Good. Well, you best hurry up. I’ve got to get back to the citadel. You literally pulled me out of a meeting with the unit commander. He thought if Major Knight was calling, it would be serious.
“And I’m not saying this isn’t serious, it just isn’t military business. Which was even better. Thank you for getting me out of that meeting. I hate his meetings. Every day with his stand-up meetings!”
“Glad I could help. Do you need a hall pass to get back?” I asked.
Gray Maelstrom’s ears wiggled and she smiled. “We’ll see, door stallion. Safe trip.”
“You too, when you do.”
“Yup!” She waved a hoof as she started to trot very slowly towards the citadel. At that pace, it was very likely she’d miss the rest of her meeting. Oh well.
From overhead, the sounds of an approaching airship trickled into the camp. The TMS Honor was approaching us. She was a Knight class battleship and would serve as the new standard bearer for General Ironhoof.
She’d been delayed a few times as newer advances were added on. Truth be told, she was probably the most modern ship in existence. Which was kind of ironic. She’d missed the war. Lucky her.
When she came to a stop above us, I waved over some of my lancers. “Someone fly me up there, please, I’m ready to get out of here.”
Captain Brynja loped over on all fours, leapt and grabbed me around the waist, and started flying upwards. “With pleazure, zir!”
Within a few seconds, her enthusiasm drained a bit and she grunted, “Oooph, you’re heavy.”
From below, one of the pegasus sergeants flew up and set his hooves on my chest, pushing upwards. That made the going a lot easier. Within another minute or so, we were on the main deck.
My dragoons were coming aboard, too, bringing trunks, bags, and everything left of our camp.
From the command deck, a gray earth pony in a captain’s uniform came down. He watched the chaos with mild amusement before coming over to me. “Major, we’re to head straight to Canterlot after we drop off any gryphons that wish to remain here. We’ve seen to it that your ride will be quite comfortable. It is an honor to have you aboard.” He offered a hoof.
I took it and shook it firmly, eagerly, excitedly. “Captain, the honor is mine. Please get us home.”
He grinned. “You bet. We’ll be on our way as soon as everyone is settled.”
☾
The TMS Honor was not nearly as fast as the Reciprocity, but that was alright. It was still a lot faster than a surface ship and it didn’t make me seasick. Our journey had already been three days and we had some more to go.
To my surprise, zero of my gryphons decided to remain in Nordanver. Not one. They made up almost a third of our unit and they all chose to leave. Those with families simply planned to send for them. That was fine by me. They’d earned this.
The ponies were explaining to them how things worked in Equestria. How to behave, how to rent a place to live, and the hardest thing, how to get food. Ponies and gryphons had extremely different diets, and restaurants in Equestria did not serve gryphon food. They served alternatives.
I just laid on the foredeck watching them all. Nobody outside of the naval ponies were in armor or uniform. Rank wasn’t a consideration. We were going home. All of us. I’d need to put together some plan to resettle my gryphons. Of course, the kingdom already had programs for that, but I wasn’t going to break ranks and leave them to somepony else’s care.
Chances were our unit would be disbanded officially. Most of the new army units would be. Equestria’s standing army would, hopefully, go back to the small size it started as. That left me curious about what I would do. Who would need a wounded major whose primary experience was combat arms?
There was zero chance I’d be staying in the army. That was a fact. I’d put in my transfer return paperwork immediately. I’d be a royal guard or nothing. I could deal with that later, though. First, how was I going to surprise Crystal?
She lived in Canterlot with Winterspear during the week and in our place in the Crystal Empire during the weekend. She also traveled a decent amount for her career. What if she wasn’t home?
How should I approach her? Would she know me? Would I look the same? What about my wing?
“Major?”
The captain was standing over me. I blinked. “Yes?”
“We will arrive in two days for sure. Has everything been satisfactory?”
“Captain, this has been the nicest few days we’ve had in two years. Do you happen to know what is waiting for us?”
He nodded. “I have some orders for you, yes. I held off on giving them just so you could relax.”
My ear flicked. “Bad orders?”
“No, just… perhaps frustrating after being gone so long. Everypony coming back… sorry, I mean everyone… has to go through a processing center. The largest is in Canterlot. It takes a few hours, then you’re released to see your loved ones. Although you have to come back every day for two months.”
“Why?”
He cleared his throat. “Adjusting back to a peaceful life doesn’t happen overnight. There have been some incidents. Not that a lot of ponies have come back as a whole, but there was a steady stream of wounded. I ferried a lot of them home prior to getting this command.”
“I understand. We’ll be sure to follow the orders. It makes sense, though. To be honest, I feel a bit exposed just not being in my chainmail. I’m worried someone might shoot at me with a crossbow.”
“Exactly. Things like that. The other good part of this is that the unit will stay together so everyone can help everyone else adjust.”
“Smart thinking. Well, thank you for letting me know. I’ll let the others in on it so they have appropriate expectations.”
As the captain wandered off, I sighed. One more hoop to go through. One more hoop between me and my wife. That’s okay. She was worth the wait.