The Lunar Rebellion has tipped Equestria into Civil War. Families are split, cities burn all because of Nightmare moon. Celestia is still stunned by the horrific destrution of the Twin Crown Captial, she has become withdrawn and still refuses to use
The Lunar Rebellion has thrown Equestria into a bloody Civil War. Families are torn asunder and cities burn, all because of Nightmare Moon. Meanwhile, Celestia is still stunned by the horrific destruction of the Twin Crown Capital, causing her to be withdrawn and reluctant to use the Elements of Harmony.
The Story follows that of Sergeant Star Watch and his squad of loyal Lunar Guardsmen who refused to follow Nightmare Moon in her rebellion against her sister, Princess Celestia. Rejected by those they're fighting with and deemed traitors by their former comrades, the Lunar Guardsmen are pitted in a difficult position. Their honour and trustworthiness now destroyed, he and the other Lunar Guardsmen must rebuild their reputation before they have any chance to help fight against the Lunar Rebellion.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please leave a small critique/comment to help me improve. On Haitus, due to RL issues (see blog post) Cover art done by Seto: http://seto1337.deviantart.com/
Why my beloved Princess Luna became possessed and became Nightmare Moon, I have no idea. What I do know is this - Both my fellow loyalist Lunar Guardsmen and I are still viewed with suspicion, despite the fact that Princess Celestia has deemed us loyal to her. Though it is understandable why. The majority of the Lunar Guardsmen blindly follow her, even as Nightmare Moon. We few who still love our dear Luna broke our hearts and took up arms against her.
This shall be the first document recording our view of the events that have transpired. Around a quarter of us in the Royal Guard Division opposed Nightmare Moon at the start. Yet her power was too great, and the others soon moved against us, crushing our rebellion. Those who were uncertain of their loyalty made the difficult choice - follow the possessed Nightmare Moon or join us who were cast down.
Our rebellion may have forced Nightmare Moon to act sooner than she had planned. She refused to lower the moon and attacked the Royal Capital of the Twin Princesses. The attack was brutal and those defending it had no warning. Celestia only managed to escape with the Elements of Harmony by the noble sacrifice of the last few Royal Guards that remained. It was a massacre. Hundreds were killed in the attack and thousands more died in the firestorm afterwards. From what I’ve heard, when Princess Celestia had flown a fair distance, she turned around and nearly lost control of her flight. Before her eyes, the once glorious capital city burned to ashes while the screams of those burning to death were carried on the wind to her. The magical fallout of that first battle has had a major effect on the surrounding woodland. We do not know what the long term effects are, but for now it’s a no go zone.
The fifty of us who opposed Nightmare Moon and survived traipsed our way to the small castle of Canterlot. It was nothing but a small, uncomplicated, and poorly maintained castle built on a side of a mountain. It had small mining village at the foot of its crumbling walls. Soon as we were within a short distance the garrison sally forth to engage us in battle. When they neared us, we surrendered as we could not put up a resistance. Even if we had wished to do so, we were in no fighting condition after opposing Nightmare Moon.
Unceremoniously, we were thrown into cells within a small tunnel within castle grounds. They were damp and poorly drained. We stayed in these dank cells for what felt like years. Every so often, we were randomly taken away to be interrogated. They beat us to the edge of death just to get any useful information out of us. When we finally were moved out of those cells and moved into a dormitory in the castle grounds- we were astounded by the change that had overcome the small castle. No longer was it poorly maintained, nor small. The entire castle grounds had been turned into a military encampment, the fortifications had been repaired and expanded. We were informed that we were deemed loyal to the Twin Crown rather than to the rebellion. Yet we were to remain under house arrest until deemed otherwise. At my suggestion the only surviving officer who was with us, Lieutenant Fire Bolt, managed to acquire a blank book and asked me to write the first entery.
The true moon shall be restored, long live Princess Luna.
Sergeant Star Watch of the Lunar Guardsmen; first entry of the loyalist Lunar Guardsmen Company logbook
Fear. Panic. Despair. This is what Star Watch felt as he and his fellow rebels were being routed from the Princess Luna's castle. The rebellion had failed, hundreds had fallen. More fell to the left and right of Star Watch, killed by crossbow bolts and spells.
All that mattered to him was getting his section safely out of the castle. Even if it cost him his life. Typhoon hovered just in front of him, Boulder stood to his left. The pain from his wound, which was inflicted earlier, was slowing him down. His slowed pace meant the other two were getting ahead. The trio neared the last gatehouse of the castle, hope was rose within Star Watch's heart.
A bright flash occurred between them and the gatehouse. In the epicentre of the flash stood fully armoured unicorn. The armour was midnight blue plate, it covered the unicorn from horn to hoof. The only thing visible of the actual unicorn was the magenta horn, already pulsating with another spell.
“You seemed to have failed to learn the lessons I taught you, Star Watch,” spoke the armoured unicorn, in a feminine voice, “for that it shall be your undoing. The rebellion will not leave this castle, my pupil. Princess Luna shall be the sole ruler of Equestria!”
Star Watch dodged to the right to avoid her spell. The magical eletric bolts missed Star Watch, however it struck Boulder square in the chest. His maile ensured the electric current hit every part of his body. His corpse landed on the ground with a loud thud.
“Boulder!” shrieked Typhoon, as she took flight.
“No don’t!” yelled Star Watch.
Typhoon charged head long towards the armoured unicorn. A small dagger held in her hoofs. Smiling, the unicorn fired a quick fire spell roasting the Pegasus. Typhoon's cry of pain was abrupt as the flames stole her life. The unicorn had to sidestep to avoid her flying corpse, moments later it crashed into the ground with a sickening crunch.
“No Typhoon!" shouted Star Watch in dismay, "Damn you... why didn’t you agree to join us? You know what she has become!”
“No matter what our Princess has become, we shall be loyal to her. I shall keep my oath, unlike you oath breaker!” retored the Unicorn. Followed by her mocking laughter.
With this, Star Watch charged towards the now laughing unicorn. This time she did not charge a spell but braced, readying for the incoming charge. Star Watch crashed into the unicorn hard with his shoulder, denting the plate slightly. Using his own momentum against him, she tripped Star Watch sending him tumbling against a wall of a nearby building.
“This is farewell Lance-Corporal Star Watch, I’m sorry it had to end this way. The oath comes first above all else, you should know this”
From his position on the floor, he saw pair of metal encased hoof heading to his face. Blackness came upon Star Watch, as he felt his life force leave him...
From his resting place, an ashen coloured Earth Pony, turned his head to look at his subordinate. His black mane obsured his eyes. Apprising the questioning Pegasus, he sighed and returned to observing the limited view. The window was the only source of light for the three ponies in the small room on the first floor, and it did not have the most aesthetically pleasing view. It provided an veiw nontheless. From his position the he observed the on-going panicked preparations outside. Armoured ponies running to and fro amidst the chaotic crowds in the inner bailey of the castle.
While their internship within the tunnel was only three months, much had changed outside. The sight before his eyes made him admire the skill of the carpenters and masons of this small outpost. This once tiny castle upon his arrival had undergone a major transformation. From an insignificant outpost, it was suddenly filled with various accommodations and other facilities within the walls. Tthe training field, the Keep and some temporary accommodation were visible from through the window. The echoing sounds of repeated hammer blows over the hubbub of the milling ponies, informed the ashen colt that numerous smithies were still at work within the castle. Seeing as she got no reply, the auburn pegasus trotted over flicked her beige mane into the colt’s face. Grunting, the pony turned his head and gave a quick glare.
“Come on Star, stop day dreaming and talk to me”.
“I day dream when I want to Chaser, however I was taking in the surroundings” he lied.
“Best excuse for day dreaming” she chuckled, “if we were on guard duty on the armoury. You would have clipped me round the ear for saying that. You’ve been taking in the surroundings for the past twelve days since we’ve been in here! Or has some mare caught your eye?”
“Ha, to too much on my plate to be thinking about that. Also, this isn’t an armoury. It’s a trumped up prison cell” he replied in a monotonous voice.
Eyeing up the teasing Pegasus, Star Watch decided to try to give her a kick in the ribs. Typhoon Chaser hopped just out of reach before his hoofs made contact. Grinning, she returned to her bed, making sure not to tread on the sleeping Earth Pony splayed out across the floor.
The so called prison cell was a rather spartan in nature. It was built within one of the new wooden barracks erected in the past three months. The room contained a oaken door and the walls were made from pine logs with a partly concealed guardrobe. The beds provided for the three ponies were just a pile of hay with a blanket covering it. Looking away from the Pegasus, Star gazed at his sleeping companion. The catalina blue earth pony seemed to sleep wherever he pleased. Mind, it’d be funny when he realises that his cambridge blue mane is soaking in the cold porridge from breakfast, thought Star Watch.
“Look at him, he’s sleeping so soundly like a foal. Shame you can’t do that Chaser”.
“Ha, somebody has to be the social one. What with you being anti-social all the time and Boulder sleeping like the rock he is”.
“Social? More like a social disaster, you keep scaring people”.
Typhoon Chaser gave a breif chuckel before she rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. After being a week in the room she had memorised each nott and tree ring in the ceiling above her bed. The wait was starting to drain her of energy. There was only so much to do locked up in a small room. While Star and Boulder provided some entertainment, being cooped with them for the past week or so without a break was just proving too much for her to handle. Sure they were nice guys, but only if you could interact with other ponies every so often down at the tavern.
There was a jangle of keys and the door of the cell was opened. A pair of heavily armoured earth ponies stepped through the door way. Underneath all that maille and padded armour it was impossible to see anything of the pair bar their eyes. Eyes full of loathing and hate. The more elaborately armoured pony stepped forward grunting.
“Commander Iron Flank has ordered us to take you to him sergeant Star Watch. Your companions shall remain here”.
“And what is the honour of such a summons?” queried Star as he turned to look at the leading guard.
“That is none of your concern traitor. After what happened at the capital I’m amazed that commander Iron Flank didn’t just order for your executions when he was informed about you lot” retorted the Guard. His eyes were ablaze with hate and that of bereavement.
Star moved towards the door as gestured by the second guard. He felt the daggers that he was looked upon from the guard. He was escorted out of the cell with the door slamming shut behind him. Marching down the stairs to the ground floor and out of the building. Star felt the atmosphere around him change. The milling crowds appeared to shift in a different manner ,and the number of armoured ponies in the crowd seemed to double within an instant. As he was marched towards the imposing stone keep. Star felt all eyes around fixed upon him, sending a shiver up his spine. __________________________________________________________________________________
Standing on the top of the keep, an aged grey unicorn looking over the crenellation observed the Lunar Guardsman being escorted out of the new prison block towards the keep. Drawing a deep breath, he sighed. His white mane flexed in the wind that was blowing from the north.Hhe turned to the rapidly approaching hoof steps across the stone flagged roof of the keep.
“Commander Iron Flank?”
The aged unicorn paused to appraise the young midnight blue unicorn, with her ultramarine blue mane wafting in the wind. Iron Flank stepped back from the crenellation and cleared his throat.
“Yes, Vine?”
“A royal messenger has arrived sir” squeaked the sectary.
“Great, just what I needed yet another thing to deal with. Vine, might as well see him at the same time as my…. discussion with the two Lunar Guardsmen”.
“Yes Sir!” looking sheepishly at Iron Flank spoke again, “If you don’t mind my saying, isn’t that unwise?”
“No, his message can be given to me afterwards. I want him as a non-Canterlot resident to witness something and rely it back to the high command”.
Saluting, the young mare trotted off at a brisk pace towards the turret that contained the stairs leading down of the roof. Chuckling Iron Flank turned back to overlooking the army and bastion he had been placed in charge of. Recalling the state it was in when he arrived....
Just two days after the massacre of the capital, colonel Iron Flank was brought out of retirement and pressed back into active service. As a form of apology he supposed, he was granted the rank of Field marshal making him the highest ranked officer within this region of Equestria. Iron Flank was briefed on the move that he was to take charge of Canterlot Castle and turn it into the regional military centre. He was to be placed in charge of whatever forces were garrisoned at Canterlot and the 8th Celestial Legion that was already marching to Canterlot.
Upon arrival Iron Flank as horrified by the poor state of repair the outpost was in. Undergoing a quick tour of the castle he noted numerous issues with the castle. The keep was unused and in ruins. The only barracks was only partly useable due to a number of holes in the roof. The barracks if in full state of repair may have been able to house a full company with equipment. Yet in a few days he was going to have to house an army numbering six thousand in Canterlot. If the issue of housing an army was not enough, Iron Flank was informed upon his arrival that around fifty Lunar Guardsmen were held captive in the castle cells. What he was going to do with these captives eluded him at the time so he relegated them to the back of his mind.
The small mining village at the base of the walls held around three hundred residents, primarily unicorn miners or masons. Using this group of skilled unicorns, he started the construction of thirty barracks within the walls to house the Legion one completed. Lucky the castle grounds was vast and empty, since it was originally going to be built into a citadel though the project was deemed unnecessary. As such, all the new constructions could easily be contained within the grounds of the castle. From a tactical stand point, the castle was appalling. The pre-existing defences were unusable and the keep needed a complete rebuild. Restoring the walls and keep became his second highest priority. A week after arriving at the castle, the 8th Celestial Legion arrived. They camped within the walls devoted completing the accommodations. The workforce now numbering just under seven thousand made quick work of finishing the thirty barracks within the month. Giving them a few days’ rest, Iron Flank set them onto rebuilding the walls and keep of Canterlot Castle.
With his main issues now having been dealt with, Iron Flank turned his attention to the captives held within his cells. For over a month these Traitors had been ignored, with them only being given their daily rations. Delegating, Iron Flank had ordered one of the colonels to interrogate the prisoners over a period of one week. After which, he was to report his findings. The week passed and the colonel gave his report; they appeared loyal to the twin crowns but still held loyalties to Princess Luna. They claimed that they had rebelled against Princess Luna, believing her to be possessed by an ethereal creature. Those that survived the rebellion fled here. Acknowledging his findings, Iron Flank deemed that a new prison block would be built to house these…. loyalist Lunar Guardsmen and that they were to be given rations equal to that of the Celestial Legion soldiers. __________________________________________________________________________________
The distant clap of thunder returned him to his sense. Looking towards the Royal Forest in the far distance he could see a large storm from developing. While majority of weather in Equestria was controlled by the pegasi, the magical fallout around the destroyed capital seemed to have a strange affect creating weather without intervention. Shaking his head, his thoughts returned to the matter at hand; the Royal messenger and the two Lunar Guardsmen waiting for him in the meeting room.
Trotting down the stairwell two floors, he could hear raised voices echoing along the corridor. As he approached the meeting room it only grew louder. Sensing something wrong. Iron Flank quickened his pace, using his magic to open the double oaken door of the Keep’s meeting room. The sight before him took him aback. Three of his men and a aquamarine coloured Lunar Guardsman, were lying unconscious on the floor. In the centre of the room two fighting ponies. He instantly recognised one as the royal messenger, due to the armour he was wearing. The other he assumed was likely the Lunar Sergeant he had requested.
“What in the name of Celestia are you two doing?! You can’t fight here. This is the war room!” Iron Flank barked, “Cease this nonsense at once!”
Pausing, the royal messenger turned to say something, when a blow from Star Watch struck him unconscious to the floor. Seeming to only now just noticing the presence of the officer, Star turned to look at the fallen ponies in the room. He then looked back to Iron Flank with guards now readily pouring into the room behind the officer. Sensing the bloodlust and hatred of these ponies. Star Watch decided to throw himself at the mercy of this aged unicorn.
“Sergeant Star Watch, Sir! Of the Lunar Guardsmen, Royal Guard Division, Second Company, Forth Platoon. Sir!” barked Star Watch, saluting as he did so. . “No the best first impression Sergeant, I think you have some explaining to do” commented Iron Flank as he acknowledge Star’s salute.
Star Watch felt like he was like he was being paraded before the castle occupants. The milling crowd nearby had stopped in their activities. All eyes were upon him, some indifferent, but many hostile. They stood still in total silence. With only the noise of activity from elsewhere within the castle being audible.
The keep soon loomed before him. While it was still under construction, it was still an imposing building spanning over a hundred feet into the air. His passing had at first caused silence, now he heard hostile mutterings crown the crowd that were directed at him. He felt exposed and vulnerable before the hostile crowd. Star was glad as he passed through the small fortified entrance of the keep. While not knowing what fate laid in wait for him, it was likely to be better than to be lynched by an angry mob he mused.
Inside, he travelled through a myriad of passageways. Twice Star was heading up spiral staircases. Heads turned and made comments at his passing. After a couple of minuites of walking, Star was directed round another corner. Before him stood a pair of large foreboding oaken doors re-enforced by steel bars. It was most likely designed for the room beyond to be the last stand should the castle, and keep be captured, he thought. Standing in front of the door was a trio of lightly armoured earth ponies in conversation. Noticing him and his escort, the trio moved towards them.
“I’ve brought him as ordered, I’m heading to the training grounds,” gruffly stated by the elaborately armoured escort. With a grunt, he left and was followed by the other escort. Watching them both leave, the second escourt looked back at him. Rather than seeing rage or contempt he saw concern in those soft eyes. Feeling a hoof on his back, he looked over his shoulder to see a smirking guard.
“What?”
“Come on, save that kind of stuff when you’re not a prisoner of war,” chuckled the pale yellow guard.
While the guard leading him appeared friendly, the other two seemed less impressed. Ushering Star on, the guards entered with him into what seemed like a large meeting hall with a map unrolled across a large table. Being led across the near empty room, he saw that the map had a number of markers pinned to it. The map most likely marking the locations of the Celestial Legions, loyalist towns and rebel held towns. As he approached where he assumed where he was being taken to, he recognised the aquamarine coloured Unicorn. As he drew nearer, the unicorn noticed his approached and smiled. Once the guards had deposited him in the corner, Star gave the Unicorn a brisk salute.
“Come now Star Watch, no need for that”.
“Yes commander… how have you been? I haven’t seen you since we were captured,” concern plainly audible in Star Watch’s tone.
“Overall ok, better than some of the others that were with us. Also, what did I say?”
“Yes…… Lieutenant Red Bolt”.
“Hmmm, that’ll have to do,” sighed Red Bolt continued, “seems like something is up. Out of those we came here with, us two are the highest ranked. Remember?”
Star brought his hoof to his face as realisation dawned upon him for his reason being summoned here. Something important is going to happen, he though, but what? Sitting there thinking, he stared ahead oblivious to his superior’s questions. Realising that Star Watch was in a world of his own, Fire Bolt went quiet.
His mind at first though that they were probably going to be moved to a more secure location. Making sure that they cannot aid their traitorous brethren in the civil war. After a few minutes he started to think about other things. As his thoughts strayed, he recalled what Cloud had said about mares. This moved to him remebering those soft eyes of that guard from earlier. Shaking his head, he returned to reality as a shrill shout reverberated in the room.
“WHAT are these filthy traitorous scum doing in the beating heart of this command centre!?” shrieked a pure white Earth pony, the voice ear splittingly painful. He stood in the door way with his left hoof pointing accusingly at the pair on the other side of the room.
The three guards turned to look at the new arrival in shock. The shrieking Unicorn was wearing Golden Plate armour. It symbolised his position within the elite of the Celestia Legion; a member of the Royal Guard Battalion. Star was amazed that a royal guard has survived the flattening of the capital.
Without waiting for an answer, the white stallion charged the bewildered Lunar Guardsmen. The three guard ponies, while caught flat footed in shock, moved to intervene standing in the way of the charging pony. Checking his charge he confronted them.
“You dare stand in my way? These traitors have caused you to turn against Celestia!”
Without giving any of the three guards a chance to counter the accusation, the stallion smashed two of their heads together with his hoofs, knocking them senseless. Their padded armour prevented them from receiving a more serious injury. Snapping out of the confusion caused by the irrational zealot’s arrival, the third took a step back narrowly avoiding a head-butt. Turning around in preparation to buck, the guard saw the bewildered Star Watch and Fire Bolt watching on stunned as the events unfolded. Lapsing in concentration, the guard’s buck went too high. Using this opportunity to his advantage, the royal guard ducked under and flipped the poor stallion into the air. Landing on his back the last thing the Earth Pony saw before blacking out, was a pair of armoured hoofs en-route to trample his face. __________________________________________________________________________________
Star Watch saw the events unfold as if in slow motion. Even with this perceived slow motion he was unable to take in what he saw. The loud white stallion had smashed two of the lightly armoured guards head together with the third narrowly avoiding a follow up attack. As the pony turned to buck, he made eye contact with him. Star saw the familiar emotion in his eyes, confusion and fear. Those were all too familiar to him, the look of one not understanding why his fellow pony had turned on him. Looking past him he saw the white stallion duck low to avoid the attack, swiftly followed by flipping him over and stomping on his face.
Snorting, the golden armoured pony advanced towards Star Watch and Fire Bolt. Picking up pace, he was in full gallop when he reached the pair. When the stallion crashed into them did Star finally snapped out of the daze that had took hold of them. Thrown a few feet by the charge, Star landed heavily and painfully on the cold, hard floor. Looking up, he saw Fire Bolt crash head first into the wall with a loud crack echoing around the room.
Star Watcher was a patient pony, one who lives up to his name, watching the stars one has to be. This had made him a perfect candidate serving in the Royal Division of the Lunar Guardsmen, on those long nights on guard duty. Yet, seeing his commander, one of the few ponies he knew personally before the rebellion, crack his head against the wall sent him into a fury. With a roar and ignoring the searing pain in his chest, Star Watch lifted himself up on to his hoofs. On his hoof, he charged towards the stallion in blind rage.
The royal guard laughed. He believed that the injured and unarmoured Star Watch was already good as beaten. Side stepping the charge, he started to turn to give the final blow. Yet an unexpected searing pain rippled through the stallion’s shoulder. While he didn’t sense any blood, the royal guard took a few steps away from Star Watch. Reappraising his foe, he stole a quick glance at the shoulder struck. The armour on the joint had always been a major weakness in the design, now that joint was slightly dented.
“Lucky blow,” he Snorted, looking back at his foe.
Star Watch did not reply. While rage had taken a hold of him, Star did not allow it to control him. Channelling the anger, he felt his movements and perception improve while his strength seemed to have a force of a sledge hammer. His opponent seemed to allow his rage control him allowing his judgment and combat performance to be clouded. Thus decrease his effectiveness. Star knew how to use his to his advantage.
Each incoming blow, Star Watch dodged or parried. Not all of them he could parry fully, but the blows that landed were significantly weakened. As time passed on the royal guard’s blows became more frantic, becoming more like a brawler than a solider. Sensing an opening, Star Watch struck again on the same shoulder he had earlier. While the pain of hitting the armour was unbearable, he just gritted his teeth. The effect on the other pony was telling with him roaring in rage marking that the blow had done what it had intended to do. The stallion's armour was now restricting his movements due to the shoulder joint jamming.
Something distracted the other stallion, Star did not notice what as he was being too focused on defeating the pony that had injured one of the few ponies he would consider a friend. His opponent turned away, so using this chance Star Watch slammed both of his forelegs into the back of the foe's head. The blow knocked the golden armoured pony out, looking up Star Watch noticed what had distracted his opponent.
In the doorway was an aged grey unicorn, and from the way he held himself was likely to be an officer. Either side of this unicorn was members of the garrison charging into the room, clearly filled with bloodlust seeing their fallen comrades. Realising that these guards would likely see him as the instigator. Star Watch threw himself at the mercy of the grey unicorn realising it was proberbly of the only way of getting out of this alive.
“Sergeant Star Watch, Sir! Of the Lunar Guardsmen, Royal Guard Division, Second Company, Forth Platoon, Second Section. Sir!” barked Star Watch, saluting as he did so.
“No the best first impression Sergeant, I think you have some explaining to do” commented the grey unicorn as he acknowledge Star’s salute.
“Yes Sir! This Royal Guard entered, accused the three guards of being traitors and then attacked them, sir!”
“Strange behaviour for a Royal Guard, Sergeant, don’t you think?” inclining his head, the grey unicorn continued.
“Unless the stress of whatever he has been under got to him. Sir”.
The unicorn gestured to the guards entering the room. The guards lowered their weapons and started to move their comrades out of the room.
“Yes, Sergeant, that is a possibility. That or you and your commander tried to escape and he arrived just in time to prevent your escape. We shall see if your story is true when the guards come round, though somebody like you is unlikely to lie to a superior. Don’t look like that, I know more about you than you think. I am Field Marshal Iron Flank, and you Sergeant are one lucky pony”.
Turning to leave, Iron Flank leaned over to a pair of guards and said wispered something in their ears. The guards grabbed Star Watch towards the door, indicating that he was to follow the Field Marshal. The trio followed Iron Flank back outside the keep and headed towards what seemed to be a medical centre. Once again, those outside watched him. This time however, there was a lot more fear in their eyes.
The nurses and the few doctors in the building paid no heed to the four ponies that had entered, they were focusing on their job. Iron Flank went over to a nurse and had a short conversation. Star Watch was unable to hear their convocation over noise, but he assumed that he was asking for the location of the injured from the incident in the room. A few minutes later, Iron Flank returned.
“Your friend and the royal guard have been put in a secure ward rooms. The guards have been placed in a normal one. Who should we see first?”
Realising that this question had been addressed to him, cleared his throat.
“I would recommend your guards, so you can get filled in by men who you can trust. Sir”.
“Good answer,” chuckling he continued, “but would it not be better for you to see a doctor first sergeant? You have a number of nasty injuries and by the looks of it a broken rib or two as well”.
Sheepishly, Star Watch looked down. He found this old unicorn much more welcoming than most of the Celestial Legionaries he had encounter so far in this castle. His clam and seeming all knowing appearance seemed to oose a feeling that no matter what; you can trust him. Iron Flank requested the escort to wait at the hospital entrance. Leading him down a corridor to the left, Star saw the efficiently in the building set up, with all the emergency facilities just by the entrance and the non-emergency further into the building.
After walking for a few minutes, Iron Flank knocked politely on a door. Few moments later a grumpy looking Pegasus doctor opened the door.
“What?! You nurses have already been told that-“
“White Hoof, it’s me” interrupted Iron Flank, seemingly use to the doctor’s reaction.
“Oh, good afternoon Sir. This is unexpected visit, how may I help you?” exclaimed the pale green Pegasus.
“My friend here,” Iron Flank waved a hoof in Star Watch’s direction, “needs some attention. Been in a bit of a scrap the old boy has”.
“Has he now?” White hoof trotted over to inspect Star Watch, “Some basic injuries, not too bad excluding that damaged rib cage. We’ll need to have a look at that black eye, are you eating enough? No, of course not soldiers never do. Huh, I haven’t seen you before, ah yes, your one of the Lunar Guardsmen, aren’t you?”
“Doctor Hoof!” exclaimed Iron Flank, “enough prattle and just patch him up. Yes, he is one of the Lunar Guardsmen. No, I don’t require a guard with him. No, I don’t need a check-up. Just get on and patch him up, I’m in a hurry”.
Star Watch stood there observing the Pegasus in morbid curiosity. This doctor seemed just to talk whatever was on his mind, and by the way Iron Flank talked to him, it seemed that he knew him well enough to answer his questions before he even asked them. The doctor ushered him into his office moving him out of the corridor. In the room was a bed, a couple of cupboards and desk with a chair behind it. Gently pushed onto the bed, White Hoof grabbed a few things and got to work. It took a few minutes for him to tend to the external wounds, stitching the nastier ones close.Giving the ocasional riermand to Star Watch whenever he moved to got comfy.
“Ok, now I’m going to deal with the rib. This will hurt”, calmly spoke the doctor.
Bracing himself, Star watch grunted as the doctor tended to his broken ribs. The pain was bad, but not as painful as the pain he still felt hanging in his heart. It took a while before the doctor was satisfied by his work. Content, he wrapped Star Watch’s chest in bandages to make sure that the ribs would stay set in place.
“Ok, now no getting in fights while this heals. Yet, knowing you military types that is unlikely. Get out of here, rust is probably getting impatient”.
“Rust?” inquired Star Watch.
“My personal nick name for the old unicorn. Iron rusts when it gets old and without proper care, so Rust! You get it right?”
Giving the odd Doctor a concern look, Star left the room and re-joined Iron Flank in the hall way. Nodding, he took Star back the way they came.
“Little enteric, our head doctor White Hoofs, though he makes it up in his medical and administrative skills. We would be hard pressed if it wasn’t for ponies like White Hoofs being put in key roles" stated Iron Flanks. Having noticed Star Watch’s concern over the doctor’s personality.
“Sir, if you don’t mind me asking but, why are you being so nice to me? I mean, nearly eveypony here is trying to rip me apart. Well, apart from the medical staff here…”
“Why? I’m just that sort of person, plus one should lead by example. Just because you might have been a member of the Lunar Guardsmen does not mean that you are part of the rebellion. If we descend and partake in our hate, we would surely fall as Princess Luna did into Nightmare moon. Don’t look so shocked, I read all fifty statements along with infomation from interrogations.Plus somebody of my rank is privy to all but the highest secrets. I guess I’m one of the few ponies bar the high command and Celestia, within the Celestial Legions, that knows what happened.... Anyway, we’re here”.
Here was a room with a single guard standing outside. Saluting, the guard unlocked and then opened the door to allow Iron Flank and Star Watch inside. In the room was a single bed, with Red Bolt resting. He stirred at the sound of the pair entering he looked over.
“Ah; Field Marshal, Star Watch. Hello. Forgive me if I don’t get up, I’ve been ordered to stay in bed by the doctor”.
Rushing over, Star Watch started to fuss over him. He set about asking numerous questions without giving the injured unicorn a chance to answer.
“Oi, stop it now! You’re acting like an old mare fussing over her foal who just tripped,” laughed Red Bolt.
“Yes, settle down Sergeant. Now, while this is not the circumstances I wished to put this proposal forward but I shall. The reason I had summoned you both to the keep which led to this unfortunate situation is as follows”, clearing his throat, iron Flank adopted a serious demeanour. “I have deemed that you and your men are truly loyal to the Twin Crowns of Equestria. If I had my way I would put such skilled fighters as your company at the heart of the action. However, due to the violent nature of the opening attacks of the civil war has darkened the hearts of many, creating an aura of fear and hate towards any associated with the Lunar Guardsmen. As such, I cannot have you walking about openly. While you may be loyal, others think not. Your reputation is ruined, and a hope of a normal life for you has ended.”
Iron Flank paused, making sure the information sunk in.
“Nethertheless, I wish that we can use you in your capacity as fighters. Until your reputation improves this will not occur. Thus, I have decided to intervene and this is where you come into this Sergeant Star Watch. You and what remains of your section to be exact sergeant. The section will carry out menial task within the castle under supervision. As people get used to seeing your Lunar Guardsmen, I can have more of the company out and about doing work. This frees up my men to do more important jobs while improving your reputation. No matter what though, there will be a stigma on your heads, a reputation take years to build and moments to destroy. In time I may be able to put you to good use in this war. There is a long road ahead of you before that stigma has left your heads”.
Looking over the pair in the room, Iron Flank noted the smug realisation on the lieutenant’s features and a blank look on Star watch’s.
“Sergeant, the remains of your squad will be the flagship of this project. No matter how small, avoid causing any confrontation when working. In time, I hope you use you as freely as the birds in the sky. Until that day, work hard and it will arrive. Do your Princess Lunar Proud, help us fight Nightmare Moon and find a way to return her back to the kind hearted pony she was”.
Knocking on the door, Iron Flank looked back to the pair. Hoping that had realise what he was trying to say. The guard opened the door and he went to go through it but turned back to add something;
“I will give you a few minutes together to discuss my proposal. I have a few things I need to sort out. Let the guard know when you have come to a decision. Good day gentlecolts”.
With this he left the room and the door slammed shut, leaving the pair alone.
Upon leaving the secured hospital room, Iron Flank sighed. His scheme nearly ended in disaster before he even had a chance to reveal it. He chided himself for now sending the Royal Guard to the war room while the two Lunar Guardsmen were there. The joys of hindsight, he thought begrudgingly. While the statement given by Star Watch seemed the truth, Iron Flank decided to make sure that he had all the facts before pursuing any action.
Being place in charge of one quarter of Equestria and directly in charge of the 8th Celestial Legion, gave the old Unicorn enough to worry about without now having to deal with this incident. Looking either way along the corridor, he gained his bearings and headed towards a set of stairs. A few minutes later and having to ask for directions after getting lost on a few occasions, Iron Flank reached a small ward with only four beds. As he neared the door, Iron Flank heard raised voices emanating from the room.
“Oooooh! Stop that, stay still! How else am I supposed to treat you?” shilled an annoyed mare’s voice.
“I’ll heal in time, keep that bloody syringe away from me!” yelled a gruff voice. Probably one of the injured guards, assumed Iron Flank.
“Yes, but this will make you heal faster!”
“Not bucking likely”.
“Ah pipe it Copper,” intervened a third voice, “shut your trap and take it like the stallion you are”.
“Easy for you to say!” retorted the first, “have you seen the size of that needle?!”
Realising this would probably keep going, Iron Flank entered the room. While the shouting had alerted him for what to expect, the sight before him was a tad more excessive than he had imagined. Inside the room were two occupied beds with another two spare. In the centre of the room was a rather exasperated looking Pegasus nurse chasing a bandaged sinopia coloured Earth pony. In the nearest occupied bed was a smitten coloured Earth Pony trying not to laugh, while the bed on the far side the bed next to the window had a fully bandaged pony who’s amber eyes were the only visible feature.
Soon as he entered, the pair of guards stopped and saluted. Using this chance, the nurse plunged the syringe into the now still Earth Pony, resulting in a yelp from the unfortunate pony. Cussing under his breath lowered his salute, rubbing the spot where the syringe had pierced his skin. The bandage pony however, remained unmoving in his bed.
“Well gentlecolts, I hope that you are recovering well,” spoke Iron Flank, trying to stifle a chuckle, “so what actually happened in the command room? I’ve heard one side of the story, what are yours? Please include your names and ranks”.
The grumbling pony standing in the room, watched the nurse move to tend the bandaged pony before speaking in a low gruff voice.
“Legionary Copper Hoof, Sir. We were guarding the war room, those Lunar Guardsmen blighters riled up that Royal Guard by existing, so he assumed we were traitors”.
“Aye,” interjected the smitten Earth Pony, “Private Steel Mane, while I don’t like those Luna guys- they seem better than the Celestial Royal Guard at the moment. At least they didn’t clip us round the head for doing our job”.
“Neither of you are lying? Remember, lying to a superior is a crime and making wild accusations of a Royal Guard can be deemed treason,” Iron Flank decided to make sure that his point hit home, “if you are lying you may be joining the Lunar Guardsmen in the prison!”
A cough from the far side of the ward drew their attention. The amber eyed guard seemed to finally stir from wherever her mind had roamed to. She turned attention to Iron Flank, ignoring the nurse tending to her injuries.
“Corporal Amber Defiance, Sir. What these two said is true, though no provocation was given. While I was not present I can vouch for them Sir”.
“Oh? How can you vouch for an event that you were not present at… miss?” replied Iron Flank.
“Because, Sir, I know these two. While I refuse to trust them with my bits, they’re a good pair. They won’t lie to an officer, to an NCO maybe, but not to an officer".
“All right, if you’re sure. May I ask- if you’re not the guard who got trampled in the war room…. How did you get injured then?”
“Ah, well erm sir, there was an accident on the training fields,” looking down, with an embarrassed tone Amber continued her account, “I was training and failed to notice my surroundings. That’s all there is to it really, sir”.
“Ok, I won’t press the issue. Thank you all for your information. Ah yes, Legionary Copper Hoof, please try not to make the nurse’s job any harder than it already is,” with this parting remark, Iron Flank left the ward.
Once their commander had left, the nurse refocused her attention to Copper Hoof. She was not amused that she had to deal with a patent with trypanophobia, moreover with him showing her up in front of the commander. Still, she had a job to do. Making a mental note to make Cooper Hoof’s stay a living hell she made sure that the amber eyed pony was recovering.
Amber Defiance ignored the nurse, returning to what she had been musing over. While this deep though had led to her… incident earlier she couldn’t help herself. Why were these Lunar Guardsmen here? Why are they not fighting for the Princess they swore to? Similar questions kept bubbling up in her mind, and yet no matter how deeply Amber thought, she was unable to answer the majority of them. All she knew for certain was that the Lunar Guardsmen were supposed to have loyalty so zealous in nature to Princess Luna they would kill themselves on her word. So the issue of the fifty Luna Guardsmen willing to walk away from Luna confused her to no end.
She had longed for a chance to meet the prisoners when she had first heard about them when she had arrived along with the legion. After weeks of persistence badgering of her CO she had managed to get a duty, abet a short one, to escort the Lunar Guardsmen second in command. The downside was that the other escort, Corporal Wroth, his hatred of the Lunar Guardsmen existed long before the rebellion though nopony knew why. All they knew is that his hatred grew all the stronger after the first attack. Amber could understand why his hatred, and the creation of many other hateful ponies, had grown after the attack. Which was all the more reason to hear from the perspective of those who had been at the heart of Luna’s organisation, though Amber, rather than listening to hearsay.
When the nurse had finished tending to her, Amber turned over in her bed drifting off to sleep watching the eclipsed sun set behind the horizon. As it has done dozens of times since the start of the Lunar Rebellion. __________________________________________________________________________________
“So Star,” spoke Lieutenant Bolt, watching the Field Marshal leave the room, “what shall we do?”
“Well Red Bolt, sir. It’s a.... interesting idea. Can we trust him though? We’ve been locked up for weeks and treated worse than rock bottom. Now he expects us to jump at this with open hearts?”
“Do we have any other choice Star? If Nightmare moon wins, we’ll be executed as traitors. If Celestial wins who knows what she shall do to Princess Luna and her name shall never be cleared. All that will happen while we rot in prison waiting for things to happen to us. If we grasp this chance we can forge our own destiny! Prove Luna’s innocence and clear the Lunar Guardsmen name! ”
The change occurring in front of Star Watch took him aback. For after their defeat, all of them had broken spirits. None had any real energy or lacklustre on their long march. Even when their conditions had improved during their detainment only a handful, likes those in Star Watch’s section, improved. Red Bolt was not one of those that had improved, yet Star Watch observed as his battered commander revitalise. Hope etched across his face, more so within his deep violet eyes.
“Well, I may have been too cynical. Yet you can see where coming from sir?”
“Yes yes, but this is our chance!” noticing the continuing lack of enthusiasm on Star Watch’s part, Red Bold decided to curb his own, “well.... ok, there is bound to be a major catch. Most likely that we won’t be seeing any combat till the war is over, but it’s bound to be better than suck in a tiny room for Luna knows how long!”
“Ok, if you’re so set on it sir. I’ll support you agreeing with this scheme, but I must add on the record with reluctance Red” “Noted, Star, I’ll note it down in the company war diary. Now he told us to fetch him soon as we reached an accord, shall we postpone that? We don’t know when next we’ll be able to meet”.
Stealing a quick glance over his shoulder, Star Watch nodded.
“Now look, neither of us really know each other that well Star. You were a lowly corporal and I was the new officer. Sure I’ve heard rumours about you in the mess, but you know how rumours get”.
“Yes I do, but I can say the big main one is true... can I just leave it at that?”
“Just leave it at THAT?! But you were-“
The door opened interrupting Red Bolt’s outburst. Standing in the door way was one of the Guards assigned at the door. “Have either of you made your decision? If not I’ll be escorting the pair of you back to your, quarters”.
The pair looked at one another, clear frustration etched onto Red Bolt’s face. Nodding, Red Bolt turned to the Guard. “Yes we have, please inform Field Marshal Iron Flank that we have”.
___________
The eclipsed sun had set for a few hours before Star Watch was escorted back to his quarters. Much to his dismay the other two were still wide awake.
“Sarge!” exclaimed Typhoon Chaser, embracing him in a tight hug much to his annoyance, “We thought you were a gonner!” “Alright, now Chaser, you can let go now. I’ll explain what happened”.
“I don’t want to!” she wailed.
“Come on. Let Sergeant go now Typhoon” calmly spoke Brawny Boulder, placing a hoof on TyphoonChaser, “we don’t want a repeat of what happened last time”
Eyeing up the Catalina Blue Pony, Typhoon Chaser realised her grip on Star Watch. Trotting to her bed, pausing only to flick her beige tail in Boulder’s face, she sat down in a slight huff.
“Spoil sport”, snorted Typhoon Chaser.
“Ok... now that both of you have calmed down. I’ll tell you what happed after I was escorted to the keep” Star Watch spoke in his monotone voice trying to ignore the jesters and funny faces being made by Cloud Chaser.
The wind wiped through the trees, rustling the dead leaves. Ever since the opening battle of the rebellion, the royal wood was irreversibly changed. The trees of this particular clearing were dying back, with wilder plants overgrowing the decaying trunks. There was neither singing of the birds nor the movement of any woodland creatures, the silence punctuated only by that of the wind.
“Come on, why were we posted ‘ere. We’re in the middle of nowhere Corp”.
“Cause we were told to Dawning, just keep your eyes peeled for any of those rebels”.
Dawning didn’t like his new corporal, she was not very talkative at all he felt. Dawning Saddle looked forward to the other side of the clearing. An overgrown path through the wood, on the opposite side behind Dawning was another trail. What appeared to be an overgrown clearing was actually an old staging post, with the rotten remains of the old building just visible in the long grass. It was located roughly half way between the Twin Crown City and Canterlot on one of the many trails between the two. The clearing was a few miles into the forest and was being used as an advanced position for the Celestial Legion.
“Corp, it ain’t ‘alf creepy ‘ere. What ‘appened to all the animals?”
“Shut up. If any Lunar is within a few leagues they would hear you”.
Dawning eyed up his new NCO. She was wearing maille that covered majority of her cream coloured torso. Though unlike the richer or higher ranked members of the Legion it didn’t cover her legs, nor was she wearing a maille coif. Lucky mare, thought Dawning, as he looked over his own padded armour. It covered his ginger fur and it was the only protection he could afford when called up.
The wind changed from a light breeze to a harsh gust. Tearing the dead leaves off the trees and picking up some dirt, the gust blew the debris past the pair. Like how it arrived, the gust disappeared in an instant.
“Cor, that didn’t ‘elp with atmosphere. Eh corp?”.
With her lack of response and the oppressive atmosphere, Dawning quickly trotted over to look the mare over. She seemed ok, he thought, she’s just ignoring me now. Still unsure, Dawning lightly pushed Sweet Snaps on the shoulder. With this, her body collapsed into a pile of dust contained within her armour. Her helmet landing with a metallic thud, as it landed on her maille.
“By Celestia! No no no no no no! This can’t be happening. She was just there, I mean, she was just standing there! I, I’ve got to get out of here!”
With that, he turned towards the overgrown trail leading towards Canterlot. Not risking a glance of his shoulder he fled the clearing. His panicked cries and his rush through the trail were audible for minutes. Silence returned to the clearing, leaving the only all too natural sounds dominate. From the opposing clearing emerged a pair of ponies, one Pegasus and the other a Unicorn.
“Marm, why did you let the other one go?” spoke an unarmoured Pegasus, his grey fur easily blending in with the woodland.
“Why, my dear Jungle? Morale plays an important part of the war, disappearing comrades will damage that. Yet consider this; the stories this one will tell in the mess hall. That, is a more effective method than letting them live in the hope that those who disappeared are still alive. Weaker the morale, the more likely they are to break in battle. I will prove to the other eight that my method is just as effective as their own” calmly spoke the taller, fully armoured Unicorn, her pate armour glinting in the sunset glow.
“I can understand, thank you. I can see why Nightmare Moon granted you her boon and that Midnight Blue plate. Surely though, this will take a long time to take the desired affect?”
“Yes, it will take time. Longer we do this, the more powerful the rumours will be, thus more effective! Come Jungle, we must leave and deal with our next objective. This time there will be no survivors”.
With this, Jungle stood next to the armoured Unicorn. Her magenta horn glowed with a spell being readied. A bright flash and they were gone. They left only a heap of maille with dust from within being blown away on the evening breeze, the only evidence that anypony was there in the first place.
_____________________________________________
Star Watch, Typhoon Chaser and Brawny Boulder were escorted out of their cell, and marched towards a small administrative building by a pair of guards. The day was nearly done and the eclipsed sun was setting. It had been a few days since Iron Flank had summoned him to the keep. So, Star Watch thought, the gears that started to turn are now tacking affect. Star noticed that the ponies still reacted in the same manner as last time; cold and hateful.
“Sta-“
“Sussh, not now Chaser” whispered Star Watch, keeping a wary eye on the escorts.
Their escort stoically marched them into a small empty office in the left wing of building, on the ground floor. There was a bench just large enough for four ponies to sit on, with a large desk facing it. Everything else in the room was bare. No books on the book shelf, open draws filled with nothing. Even the name plaque had nothing in it. To put it simply, it was a disused office.
“Wait here, the two others will be joining you shortly” spoke one of the escorts.
“There are two other Lunar Guardsmen joining us?” enquired Star Watch
“Ba. No, a pair of proper ponies not some Lunar trash”.
Typhoon opened her mouth to make a quick retort, yet seeing Boulder’s expression however, she decided otherwise. Minutes of silence passed, however the elusive pair had not arrived. Through the small window behind the desk, the trio observed the eclipsed sun pass below the castle wall. With the oncoming darkness, the guards pulled out a number of candles from their personage and set about lighting them. The candles lit the room, seemingly more bright than the sun had managed.
The candles had burnt down by a third before the door opened. First walked in a pale yellow Earth Pony, quickly followed by Nyanja coloured Unicorn behind; with their entrance the two guards saluted. The Unicorn retuned their salute, he looked around the office and then sat down on the chair behind the desk.
“Good evening Luna Guardsmen, I shall make this quick. I, am Major Warding Maille and I have been given the task of handling all matter that relate to you and your comrades residing in this castle. While you may wish to be here, I do not. I shall follow my orders, you shall follow MINE. Is that clear?” he looked at the three sitting on the small bench, without any objections he continued, “As of now, this office is now the administrative and command centre of all the Lunar Guardsmen in this castle. Therefore, you shall report here for any mission briefings or debriefings unless told otherwise. The other pony here with me is Corporal Amber Defiance, as of this moment she is promoted to the rank of sergeant and she will be in charge of your section. Sergeant Defiance, if you would be so kind?”
“Yes Sir. I am charged with the task of ensuring that you conduct yourselves correctly during missions. Over time, as Field Marshal Flank hopes, it will get the garrison and population of Canterlot use to your presence. Questions?”
Typhoon Chaser looked passed Brawny Boulder to Star Watch. Seeing her expression, he rolled his eyes and nodded. With this, Typhoon raised a hoof.
“Yes Private.... Chaser?”
“Why is your head mostly covered in bandages? Sergeant” she asked, adding Amber’s rank in as a second thought. “Tha... that is none of your concern Private! Any questions relevant to the situation at hoof?”
Deciding best to interject before Typhoon asked again, mainly for the sake of the seemingly embarrassed mare. Star Watch cleared his throat.
“Yes, when is our first mission and what shall it entail?” calmly spoke Star Watch, carefully observing her.
“Seems like somepony has sense” piped up Warding Maille, “Your first mission starts at 0900 tomorrow. Sergeant Defiance will collect you at that time and will brief you en-route. If that is all, you all are dismissed. Amber, please escort the Lunar Guardsmen back to their barracks, you won’t be needed the aid of their current escort. Though please be careful as it’s rather dark even with the candles”.
“Yes Sir”, with this Amber Defiance saluted and turned towards the trio on the bench, “Come on, time we got going”.
Ushering the three Lunar Guardsmen, Amber stole a quick glance over her shoulder. Behind she saw a momentarily lapse in Major Maille’s composure. From his stoic stance, she briefly saw before the door shut, a weary pony out of his depth rather than the well composed major. Much like us all, she thought.
“Do you need anything Iron, before I take my leave?”
“No Vine thank you. Actually, thinking about it, yes there is something. Pass me those reports so I can have a read of them in bed” waved Iron Flank towards a folder on a small cabinet.
Vine Skipper walked over, picking up the folder and assaying the contents as he passed them to Iron Flank.
“Casualty reports, sir”.
“Yes Vine, and more of these strange deaths. Look at this one; possessions found, no remains, presumed dead. While uncommon, these seem to be occurring more frequently. Losses while fighting is expected, these, well it’s different isn’t it?”
“What should we do then to deal with these issues, sir?”
“Blast if I know Vine. Find a magical performer? There is not much we can do Vine. That will be all for tonight, thank you”
“Good night sir”
Giving a quick nod, Vine Skipper left his superiors quarters. The quarters were larger and more significantly lavish than the other rooms in the castle, but more Spartan than his peers. The walls were mostly bare but for a number of banners. Iron Flank was reclining on his four poster bed, with the reports scattered around him. Only a single candle located on a bedside table illuminated the room, and more importantly to Iron Flank, the dozen of reports scattered across his bed.
This is the life, he thought, sat alone in the dark reading over casualty reports. It’s time like this that I really miss you Cinnamon Nectar. Damn, half of these reports are just injuries during training, no fatalities luckily. Seems like 3rd Battalion had a minor skirmish... and that report from earlier. What is causing it!
Looking out of his small window, Iron Flank saw the moon rise slowly towards its zenith in the sky. Realising that no answer was coming anytime soon, Iron Flank decided it would be wise to get some rest. He was aware that he would have to be well rested and in the best state of mind, to deal with what tomorrow would surely bring.
The inner bailey of the castle was only relatively dark. Numerous braziers and touches burnt to cast light upon the area. While still dark, it would have been difficult to conceal one’s own presence. All of this, Star Watch noticed with a glance upon leaving the administrative building. He was in the lead of the group, with Amber taking up the rear. Good position to take, when escorting alone he thought.
“Tell me Amber, now that we’re away from your new commander. Why were you chosen for this task?”
“Sergeant Defiance, to you, Sergeant Watch. The reason, I was hoof picked by Iron Flank. I’m not entirely sure, most likely since I’m not going to make everything you do fail or try to backstab you. I don’t like you Lunar Guardsmen, but I refuse to judge a book by its cover. One day at a time”.
“That’s a good stance to take, but many have very good reasons not to. After the massacre and following casualties in the war...”
“We’ve all lost somebody. I’m living according to my mother’s creed” Amber stopped walking, then spoke again in a subdued voice, “it was the last thing she said to me when we saw each other last”.
“I’m sorry. I shou-”
“Why!” she snapped, “Death comes to us all and we part for the eternal herd. You had nothing to do with her untimely passing. Why she died is also none of your business, so don’t even ask how she died”.
“I didn’t mean t-“
“It doesn’t matter what you meant, I need no sympathy from you. All I need from you is to follow your orders, not to be some back alley quack. We’re here, I’m sure that you won’t be killed en-route to your room. May Celestia protect you, I’m sure most in this castle won’t”.
With that, Amber stormed off towards one of the other barracks within the compound. She left a stunned Star Watch, with his two colleagues, at the entrance to the Lunar Guardsmen barracks.
“I don’t know about you Sarge, but I think you’ve gotten into her bad books already” sniggered Brawny Boulder.
“I wouldn’t want to be in your hoofs tomorrow Star. Tartarus hath no fury like a mare scorned” chimed up Typhoon Chaser.
“I didn’t see either of you step in to help, nor did either of you say anything earlier. What gives?”
“I can’t speak for stone face, but why should I step in to stop a lovers spat?” Typhoon instantly regretted saying this as she narrowly dodged a kick from Star Watch, “whoa joke, joke! Ok, that was in bad taste. But she was placed in charge of you, not us. As such, we answer to you not her”.
“Great argument, come on let’s get inside. Chaser, you’re an idiot” snorted Star Watch.
“Takes one to know one” chuckled Typhoon, quickly darting inside before Star could try to kick her again.
“Sarge, I know she drives you up the wall. Yet she means well, she was only trying to cheer you up”.
“I know Boulder. However her methods are lacking. Come on, best get to our rooms before she decides to lock us out of our room. I don’t want to find a guard and explain that we got locked out”.
With this, Star Watch trotted inside with Boulder shortly following him. Sounds of an argument broke out minutes later, quickly followed by a chorus of the other residents yelling for the trio to shut up. Typhoon Chaser’s cackling laughter echoed across the night’s sky.
The small convoy made slow progress along the road heading away from Canterlot. It had only progressed a few miles since it had broken camp earlier. Much to the irritation of Zeal Ranger. His job as a messenger required speed so important communiques would be delivered on time. Yet here he was, slowly slogging across the countryside ensuring a collection of old waggons arrived safely to their destination.
“When I get back to high command. Oh, that old stallion wished he didn’t mess with me, oh no. First shall be the formal report, then the formal complaint…”
“Errr… Captain Ranger? You’re talking to yourself again, sir”.
“What?! Ne-never mind that. Tell me again lieutenant Blaze, how long will it take us to reach Buckingham?”
With this the russet coloured Pegasus paused and turned to look at the column. Scratching his chin, he stood there for a few minutes observing the convoy slowly pass.
“Weeelllll, if we maintain this rate… I’d say around four days?”
“Damnation. I could make three return trips in that time on my own”.
“Yes, but could you do it without risk? Even a mighty Celestial Guardsman can be killed by a single bolt” snidely replied Blaze.
The now sour faced captain decided to cut his losses and walked towards the front of the convoy, ignoring the lieutenant. The convoy commander had earned himself the wroth bubbling up within the captain. However, after the punishment meted out upon him from the field marshal. Ranger knew to lose his temper now would make his situation worse than it already was.
A gentle breeze picked up, helping reduce the sticky humidity plaguing the convoy. Zeal Ranger stole an opportunity to close his eyes, allowing a moment of peace to overcome him. Even with the noise from the convoy, Ranger could hear the breeze rustle the leaves of the nearby plants. A quiet bird song chirped its pleasant tune, helping him to calm down. Nirvana is where you make it, thought Ranger. Yet his reprieve was interrupted with sounds of panicked shouting and the sound snapping wood.
Snapping to, he rushed over towards the sound of the commotion at the centre of the convoy. Rather than seeing the expected Lunar raiding party, all Ranger saw was an overturned waggon with its cargo of ore spilled across the road. In front of the waggon was lieutenant Blaze and a small collection of other ponies. Looking through the crowd Ranger spotted a white Pegasus, which he assumed, was having a severe panic attack.
“Come on Hazel, breath. You know those stories are baloney. You even said so yourself the other week!” spoke a teal coloured unicorn in the crowd. With his pleading tones, the young Pegasus looked up to him, tears still streaming down her face.
“Y-you s-s-say t-tha-t n-now… you w-w-weren’t there when-“, with this, she began to cry again.
The small crowd dispersed with many clearing the damaged waggon and its spilt cargo off the road to allow the rest of the convoy past. Her friend, assumed Ranger, took the distressed mare to one side and appeared to be having a quite word.
“Damn it, everybody is on edge. This was bound to happen sooner or later” growled Blaze, “Those blasted rumours combined with the disappearances… this war hasn’t even started to reach full swing”.
“Hang on, what rumours?” enquired Ranger.
“Well, it’s to be expected that you weren’t privy to them captain. Being locked up and all. It all started a few weeks back, ponies just disappeared from their positions in the Royal Wood. We blamed enemy action, of course. One day, a stallion returned to Canterlot half crazed ranting about how a gust of wind turned his NCO to dust before his very eyes. We just thought he was delirious from stress. Naturally, we put his raving behind us… but more cases like this kept occurring... It has put everybody on edge,” with this Lieutenant Blaze waved a hoof at the sobbing mare, “some more than others. Whether it’s enemy action or not, that forest is a killer”.
“Tell us again how this is supposed to regain our credibility?”
Placing his shovel down, Star Watch looked over to the complaining Pegasus. She was hitched to a large waggon, filled to the top with earth.
“Because Chaser, we’re doing something to help them. Be grateful we’re not working on the dung waggon emptying the cesspools, then you’ll have something to moan about”.
Glaring back, Typhoon Chaser stuck her tongue out at him.
“Enough Typhoon, the waggon is full enough. Get moving before someone from the garrison yells at you again” yelled Brawny Boulder from down in the moat.
With a tut, Typhoon Chaser moved slowly off down the slope from the town towards another work gang. From his pervious rota on the waggon a few days earlier, Star Watch had learned that the spoil was being used to build a palisade at the small mining village further down the mountain. Not that’ll help much he sombrely thought. Looking down into the moat, Star Watch saw that Brawny Boulder had paused in his work and was looking up at him.
“Need a hoof down sergeant?”
“No need, I can manage on my own”.
Picking up his shovel, Star Watch jumped down into the moat with a thud. Looking back to where he was standing, Star Watch estimated that it was around eight feet deep now and had reached bedrock. They had both been busy deepening the shallow moat surrounding the castle in shifts along with the castle garrison. Whereas Typhoon Chaser had been tasked for today with carrying the spoil down to the mining town. For the past few weeks they had spent doing this, moving earth from one place to another. All in all, the Star Watch found it a drain but he carried on as he always had.
“We’re nearly finished what we can do with the tools they’ve given us… you know I’m a strong one, but even I need tools Star to deal with bed rock”.
“I know, just... they still don’t trust us enough. Still, at least the other teams have started to warm up to us. It’s not much but at least it’s something”.
“……”
“I don’t get you Boulder, you’re such an anti-social bugger. Fine, let’s get back to work” sighed Star Watch. Having gone as deep as possible, the pair set about to widen the moat. Through the course of the afternoon, they had managed to fill Typhoon Chaser’s waggon twice. As the eclipsed sun started to set, the trio kept working- much to Typhoon’s annoyance.
“Sergeant Star Watch?” a high pitched male voice cried out above the trio.
Turning to look up at the voice, Star Watch appraised the pony standing on the lip of the moat. In the diminishing light he was able to distinguish that the pony was wearing maille but was unable to see within the helmet. . “I’m Star Watch”.
“Field Marshal Iron Flank wishes to see you… so get out of that hole you’ve been digging”.
“And my two platoon members?” inquired Star Watch.
“They stay here. Move it, or I’ll find a way to make you move faster!”
Quickly glancing back at Typhoon and Brawny, Star Watch shrugged and climbed out of the moat. Upon reaching the top he was able to get a closer look at the messenger. The stallion was a foot shorter than Star Watch, and from what little he could see, his coat appeared to be Catawba in colour.
“Sorry for the harsh tones Sargent. My name is Snowflake Weld. We need to get moving. Don’t, want, to keep the old man waiting!”
Star realised what had been bothering him. Having been able to see the stallion up close, allowed an idea that stirring in the back of his mind to come to fruition. He’s too damn young not even an adult, thought Star Watch, then again- so was I….
“It’s really sweet that thou calls me mother, but do not say that” replied a tender, abet sorrowful mare’s voice. Pushing the young colt gingerly off her.
“Sorry mother”.
The ashen coloured colt, was practicing against a mannequin with his bearded Hoof-Axe. Its head matched the shape of his cutie mark. Each swing was elegant and every blow upon the training dummy looked like an art form within itself. The mare admired her ward’s skill, such a skilful child yet such an unfortunate start to his life . “Now, today is a very special day. As you know, today thou will be getting your new mother-“
“NOOO you’re my mother!” the young colt wailed. . “Please don’t, thou knoweth that this day would come sooner or later. I have cared for thee since thou were barely out of your crib. Now… I hast found thee, a, a good home” as each word left her mouth, she could feel the lump in her throat grow ever larger.
“Bu- but I don’t want a, new mother! I just want to stay with you” tears were visibly pouring down his face.
“I, I know this won’t be easy for thee, or myself. Nevertheless, she is a good pony, I know her well”.
“Yo-you do?”
“Yes, she serves in the guard. In fact little one, she’s a captain! Isn’t that a fine thing?”
“I guess so” he sniffed.
“Now, go and clean thy self. She is due any minute, thou don’t want to look like a wet blanket now, do thee?”
“No, mother… whats her name?”
“Her name? I haven’t told thou? Oh dear, her name is Nocturnal Lance, rather befitting for her job”.
“It’s a nice name…”
“That it is. Now, off you go. No buts, go!”
“Yes, mother… also, can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Could I have my name changed to the first thing we did together?”
“I suppose so, but I’ll have to talk with Nocturnal Lance when she arrives” at this point, she levitated a handkerchief and wiped his face, “now then, that’s made a start. Get going!”
The young colt left the room. With his departure, the room grew colder. Silence reigned in the circular room, only the gentle breathing of the mare broke the silence. Looking around the circular room, she could see remnants of his earlier years behind his training weapons. Small toys and bears strewn into the corners, now these items have a layer of dust.
“I have failed as a mother…” she cried aloud.
A loud knocking reverberated through the building, forcing her to stop her trail of thought. Leaving the room she proceeded through a number of corridors, heading towards the knocking. She arrived at the building’s entrance hall, overly extravagant in her opinion, and proceeded to the entrance. Her magic reached out to open the door, allowing the admittance of a magenta coloured unicorn. Upon crossing the threshold the unicorn saluted.
“Marm, I’ve come to collect my ward- son”.
“Thank thee Captain… I’m, sorry to see him go but….. thou understand?”
“Yes marm. I’m... sorry you have to do this. I haven’t seen you happy until you took him in…”
“Your sympathies are noted, captain”.
“So where is the little one?”
“Washing his face, he should be here soon. He made a little request of me you know? He wants to be officially renamed”.
“Really now? I hope it isn’t something melodramatic or macho is it? I hate it when people change their names for such petty reasons, just to they can have a cool name”.
The pair pause their talk when they heard a door slam and shouting further in the house.
“Why don’t thou ask him thyself captain? I’M DOWN HERE DEAR”.
The little colt quickly trotted down to the pair by the entrance, pausing at the bottom of the stairs upon seeing the magenta unicorn.
“Hi, errrr-“ he stammered.
“Nocturnal Lance, that is my name. What is your name little one?”
“Frolicking Promenade, madam… so you’re my new mother?”
“Yes dear,” pausing to look at the other mare, Nocturnal Lance saw her nod she continued, “I’ve been told you wish to change your name. Tell me, Promenade, what is it you wish to be called?”
“I wished to be named after what I first did when I first arrived here” he replied.
“And what is that pray?” the magenta unicorn enquired
“We went onto the roof and watched the stars until I fell asleep…. So I want a name to help me remember that”.
“Well, that is quite different than I was expecting. Promenade, since it’s your name, what would you feel would be best to help you remember?”
The young colt sat, raising his hoof to his chin while pondering. After a few minutes, he looked up into Nocturnal Lance’s eyes.
Private Weld ushered Star Watch through the castle compound. A small number of ponies wondered around, traveling between different buildings. From the summons and the route they were taking, Star Watch surmised they were heading to the administration centre.
A few minutes later, Star Watch as pushed into the office he previously visited. From what was a relatively empty office from his pervious visit, the room was now filled with various piles of books and documents that overfilled the shelves. Those that could not fit into the shelves were spread across the floor and desk like an ocean wave spilling across a beach.
“Hello?” weakly spoke Star, “Officer Maille?”
Muttering could be heard behind the desk, quickly followed by paper cascading off the desk to reveal the rather tired face of Warding Maille.
“Can’t you see- oh it’s you, sorry for the mess, still trying to organise it. Iron Flank would have stayed… however as you can see there isn’t much room”.
“yyyyeeesssss, so what in Equestria is all this? More importantly, why am I here?”
“Oh you know, this and that, mainly records and forms relating to you Luna Guardsmen. As to why you’re here,” at this Warding Maille rummaged through the papers on his desk. Finding what he sought, Maille passed over a sealed envelope, “this should provide the answer. It’s a new set of orders for you, and only you”.
Star turned over the envelope a few times taking note of the crimson coloured wax seal. The seal itself was a simple shield in design, with an embattled stylisation across the centre.
“Simplistic seal,” mused Star, “what about briefing?”
“Iron Flank was going to…. but he said the contents of the letter should be enough for you. Before you ask, no I have no clue as to the contents of that letter”.
“Alright, do you need any help here? You seem a, well, a little overwhelmed sir”.
Giving Star Watch a puzzled look, Warding Maille proceeded to look around the office. To Star, the office appeared even more chaotic than when he first stepped into the room. Shaking his head, Warding looked back to Star Watch and smiled. “No I’m fine. Goodbye Sargent- also don’t show anybody else that letter”.
As the eclipsed sun set, darkness reigned over mountain. Without the light, the work gangs could not accomplish their work along the walls. Cries of officers echoed off the mountain cliffs as tried ponies retired to their barracks. Others however, choose to make merry in the little free time they had and travelled into Taverns of Canterlot. Drunken songs poured out into the darkness of the streets while the ponies within drank their sorrows and fears away.
Star Watch sat in one of the smaller taverns, watching his subordinates and fellow Lunar Loyalists make fools of themselves in their drunken antics. The Prancing Pony had become the unofficial watering hole for them, as more of them were allowed to roam free. Aside from them, the only other ponies within was the barstallion, Bill, and a couple of ponies from the local watch. Undoubtedly there to keep tabs on any potential problems.
His eyes rested on Typhoon Chaser, the auburn Pegasus had decided to stand upon one of the tables to help embellish her story. One drunken swing, while dramatizing her story toppled her off the table to land on one of those who had listened in. A drunken cheer dominated the tavern before the other ponies returned to their pervious conversations. Shaking his head, Star Watch picked up his empty tankard and made his way over to the bar.
“Another pint of beer?” enquired the barstallion.
“No thanks Bill, I’m going to head off” replied Star.
“You sure? What about a gill or two of beer then?” hope firmly etched across his face.
“No more tonight Bill, you won’t be getting any more bits off me tonight”.
Nodding his acknowledgment the barstallion turned to serve other ponies more willing to part with their coin. Stepping out into the cool night, he paused to feel the cool autumn breeze. With it colthood memories surfaced. Smiling, Star shuck his head dismissing them. Now is not the time, thought Star Watch, for now it is the time for action. Star Watch wondered through the empty streets of Canterlot, muffled discussions and sobbing echoed through the shut windows as he passed.
Canterlot was not the most elegant town at its founding, built for practicality over aesthetics as an industrial town. With the onset of the war and the numerous refugees the town had, it had grown exponentially. Combined with the issues that came with such rapid expansion. Shelters were built in haste and whatever materials available to hoof. Built densely and with no organised layout, the new construction rapidly turned into various slums. The law of the land held no sway within those narrow lanes, the layout simply made patrolling the areas untenable for the local Watch Houses. As such, the Watch sort to govern the main thoroughfares and leave the management of the slums to those whom resided within them.
Star Watch entered one of the older slums in Canterlot. The narrow lanes and high building felt increasingly claustrophobic for him. What little light the moon made no impact upon the darkness of the street, Star Watch found it increasingly difficult to see his own hooves as he placed them on the cobble stones.
What felt like hours of wandering through the various lanes and the occasional dead end, Star Watch finally reached his destination. The house had no visible difference to those around it, a small single story house build of stone quarried from the mountainside. Tentatively, Star Watch approached the door and knocked. A few moments later, a rather angry looking moss green Unicorn with a warm black mane opened the door.
“What do you want?” asked the Unicorn. A stallion.
“Hollow Tears?” spoke Star.
“Who’s asking?! It’s one in the morning for Celestia’s sake”.
“The stallion that cries in the night”.
The unicorn seemed stunned by Star Watch’s statement. Shock quickly left his face to be replaced with a disconcerting smile.
“You’re late”.
“I’m sorry, this place is a rabbit warren. I got lost” Star Watch sheepishly replied, “Shall we get started?”
“Yes. Come in”.
Hollow Tears steps back from the door, allowing Star Watch to enter. A small candle illuminated the room behind the door. Bar the bed, a chest and a firebox for cooking, the room was empty. Dust and dirt covered majority of the room.
“Sit, I’ll make us a cuppa”.
Looking around, Star Watch decided to sit down on the bed. Silence reigned as Hollow Tears lit a small fire and gathered items he needed for the pair to have some tea. He watched as the unicorn drops a few tea leaves into a kettle, then placing it on the firebox. Minutes passed until Hollow Tears seemed satisfied and he poured two cups of tea. Hollow Tears levitated a cup over to Star Watch.
“Take a drink”.
“Do you know why I was sent here? My orders only told me to meet you here” inquired Star Watch, as he took hold of the cup.
“Tea now, business later”.
Silence returned to the room, Star preoccupied himself by partaking in his black tea. It must be close to midnight, though Star Watch, can’t blame him for not being talkative at this time of night. When he had nearly finished his tea, Hollow Tears looked up from his own cup.
“Do you have any ideas as to why you are here? No? Well, I could say my work is that of a blow you see. It stumps up, better than working as a dollymop” a grin crossed the unicorn’s face, “You have no idea what am saying do you?”
Star Watch shook his head.
“Don’t be poked up about it, it’s my upbringing that did it. Sure I sound like I come from the area, but I was from Trottingham. Anyway, the reason to why you’re here…. I’ve been hunting for any agents of Nightmaremoon in the rookeries- slums to you. I’ve located a rather large cell and seems like Ironflank has decided that I need some help in dealing with it”.
“So I’m here on a sting operation?
“You could say that. Come on, we’d best get going”
With that, Hollow Tears stood up and made towards the door opening it with this telekinesis. Following his lead, Star Watch got off the bed and joined the unicorn waiting by the now open door. Taking the hint, Star Watch crossed the threshold back into the small cold-de-sac. The cool of the night washed over as he stepped out of the small house. Failing to hear Hollow Tears follow, he turned to see what was keeping the unicorn.
Something hard hit, Star Watch in the back of the head. Searing pain was all he could feel as he collapsed into the cobbles below. Darkness quickly overcame the injured Earth Pony. The sound of a kettle being dropped was the last thing he heard before Star Watch fell into unconscious.
