//------------------------------// // 46. Ironhoof // Story: Trials of a Royal Guard // by Anzel //------------------------------// Twenty pairs of eyes stared at my back while I drew on the chalkboard. This was our final briefing before General Ironhoof arrived in the morning. We were preparing for the largest invasion Equestria had ever experienced. To my knowledge, there had never been this many combat soldiers crossing from a foreign kingdom into Equestria in modern history. Possibly not even in the pre-common era. It was a lot to prepare for in normal circumstances. In my circumstances, there was also the thought lingering in the back of my mind that one or more of these returning ponies might be an unwilling, semi-willing, or fully willing participant in a plot concocted by a faceless enemy. That was disquieting in general, but not unusual for a soldier. Intelligence was never perfect. In fact, it was often best effort. I just had to remind myself over and over that with any operation, you try to understand what you know and what you don’t. Then plan for both as best as you can. It was the unknown unknowns that kept me up at night. My team wasn’t any closer to understanding who or what the Forgotten Winter was. What was equally odd was that Princess Celestia had no knowledge or recollection of Kalinda being alive during either of her lifetimes. “We want to ensure we don’t keep these ponies hemmed up on the ships longer than necessary,” I explained, tapping my chalk on the boxes I’d drawn in my diagram. “That means we’ll have far more standing around in the yard than normal. Thanks to volunteers from the Flower Foundation, we’ll have four times as many letter-writing booths here.” A brown hoof in the back went up. I pointed at the pony attached to it. “Major, are we positive we have enough secure storage for the sheer volume of weapons that we’ll be receiving? So many of these arms were created and shipped over time. Getting it all back is going to be challenging enough. Where are we putting it when we do?” “Good question. The short answer is, yes. We have the space. I won’t be discussing it in this meeting but there will be periodic collections made during the day moving it off site. We won’t be storing it in the receiving facility like normal,” I replied. The weapons were actually going to be stored in the labyrinthine area under Canterlot Castle that had once been home to Star Swirl the Bearded. Most would then be melted down and returned to base metals. This group didn’t need to know that. The pony nodded, and I pressed on. “It is imperative that we scrutinize every document, every piece of equipment, and do our triage appropriately. We’ll have medical staff wandering the ranks listening and looking while our soldiers are waiting. Remember, everypony, if you see something, say something. Dismissed.” I remained where I was, admiring my diagram of the processing facility. I’d captured it pretty well. We’d packed a lot of extra flows into it for this homecoming. Four return lines instead of two, extra activities in the yard, and even some entertainment. Music never hurt anypony. Several of the department heads came over to look at it before leaving. Many jotted down notes and focused on their areas. Everything would go smoothly. That group was ready for tomorrow. Eventually, most them were gone, leaving me with a far smaller audience. “I’m glad that is over! Too many ponies in too small of an area! You should have gotten a bigger room, Silent Knight,” Azurite said, poking at me with a tiny hoof. Every time she did that, it was like being poked with a marshmallow. Hilarious. Radiant Orchid set her own hoof on Azurite’s helmet and pushed it down slightly so that the visor blocked her vision. “It is perfectly sized. You were fine.” “Hey!” Azurite squealed while trying to fix her helmet. “Hush,” Orchid ordered before looking at me and then over to my right. “So, who’s your new friend?” My eyes shifted that way to the nox pony in heavy palace guard armor. His emerald eyes were fixed forwards and he didn’t even so much as twitch an ear in our direction as Orchid spoke directly about him. He was every bit the spitting image of a perfect guard. The only thing that really set him apart from his peers were the draconic wings and tufted ears. “That is Lieutenant Papageno. He’s just received his commission and is in charge of the gate to Princess Luna’s wing. He’s also helping me out.” Radiant Orchid’s head tilted. “With what?” “Making the Royal Guard more palatable to nox ponies,” I replied. That was true. It just wasn’t the only helping he was doing. He, as an almost pure bred nox pony, was also heavily resistant to magic. At least according to Moonglaive. That was a useful pony to have at your side, especially when he looked up to ‘the great Silent Knight.’ Azurite finally fixed her helmet and gave Orchid a light push in failed retaliation. “We have business! We’re not doing business. Get to the business.” “Azurite is right. I have a special assignment for you two,” I said. “Oh yeah? What is that?” Orchid asked. “You and Azurite are going to personally process the headquarters company and staff. That includes General Ironhoof. It has to be perfect. It has to be better than perfect… it has to be flawless. More importantly…” I trailed off and leaned in close. The two mares did the same, looking confused. In a whisper, I finished, “If anypony seems off, violent, or dangerous… you have to flag her or him. These ponies are going to be a table away from the princesses at the banquet and ceremony. The minister and I are very concerned that battle fatigue may make some of them as unstable as I once was.” Azurite gasped and threw her hooves over her mouth so fast that she fell face first into my chest with a thump. The plume of her helmet tickled up under my chin, but I ignored it due to the seriousness of the conversation. Orchid hissed, “Silent, you can’t be serious! They’re heroes!” I kept my tone even, flat, and plain. “So was I. This is an order, Orchid. For the safety of our princesses, our kingdom, and for the ponies who just need help before it happens.” “I don’t like it,” Orchid replied. “Me either! We’re helpers,” Azurite put in, bracing one hoof against me to stand herself back up. “And that is precisely what you’re going to do. You’re going to flag them and send them off to be helped immediately. The sooner that starts, the better. It isn’t like we’re going to lock them up. We’re just not going to put them in striking distance. “Orchid, surely you of anypony understands. You and I used to do the same job. What would you do if you were in my hoofguards?” The mare grumbled something inaudibly as she looked away from me. “I’ll take that as an affirmation of the same action,” I replied before patting Azurite. “And if you do as you’re told, you’ll be my hero. I’ll even get you a new sword if you’re a good filly.” Azurite’s eyes narrowed. “Is that a bribe? Are you trying to bribe me?” “Yes?” “Then offer me sweets, Silent Knight! Who taught you how to bribe? Why would I want a new sword? What am I going to do with a sword?” Using one hoof, I turned the petite mare towards the door. “Shopping spree at Sunridge Sweets, then. Now, both of you are dismissed.” “That is more like it!” Azurite squealed before trotting out happily. Orchid sighed. “I liked it better when life wasn’t this complicated.” I patted her shoulder. “Me, too, but don’t worry. The finish line is in sight. Soon we can go back to being boring ponies doing boring jobs. Not this week, though.” At least, she could. There would be no such boring job for me. “I’d like that. I’m getting too old for this,” she replied before hurrying off to catch up to Azurite. “Their loyalty to you is inspiring,” my nox pony companion said softly. “They’re good friends of mine. They’ve seen me at my best, my worst, and everything in between. They know I’m right and they’ll do what they have to.” He nodded and closed the ground between us. “And yet you kept details from them.” “The less ponies that know everything, the better. They won’t be able to accidentally slip up and show our plans,” I replied. “And you keep details from me?” I smirked. “Without a doubt, Lieutenant. You and I have just met, after all. That should not be construed as a lack of trust, however.” “That is fair, I suppose. But I really must ask, who is Papageno and why can’t I just use my real name?” Why indeed? To be honest, there was no reason whatsoever. Dream Pop was being Dream Pop and had given him a codename. I shrugged. “Papageno is a character from a play. A bird catcher for the Queen of the Night.” “Why would he do that?” “No idea. Come along, Gloam. We’re late for our next meeting.” “Yes, High Marshal,” he replied, falling in behind me. The title was honorific… unearned. I was simply the most knowledgeable Knight of the Moon currently living. It had been Moonlit Star’s idea and Princess Luna had thought it appropriate. She would. She enjoyed doing things like that to me. ☾ Minister Sombra and I stood side by side on the wide dock that spanned between the port’s two highest towers. The wind was quite fierce this far up and I wondered if that fact made earth ponies and unicorns uncomfortable. If I was blown off I’d just fly to safety. If they did they’d best hope somepony catch them. If that thought ever crossed Minister Sombra’s mind, he certainly wasn’t showing it. I suppose the large safety rails made him feel safe. By contrast, some of the staff ponies looked a bit nervous. It might have been the height or the wind, but it could have also been a result of such momentous occasion. The skies over Canterlot were full of feral-looking warships. Every Knight-class battleship was out there. They loomed, large and imposing, and far outclassed the Squire-class cruisers and Archer-class destroyers. We hadn’t been waiting long before the TMS Dread Knight began its final approach. I hadn’t seen her in a long time and she looked wholly out of place above the city. Her armored black balloons, dark wood hull, and bristling bolt throwers were a reminder of her purpose and had no business here. Crystal Wishes had told me in secret that designing the Knight-class battleship had been one of Jet Set’s greatest achievements and biggest sources of guilt. When he’d completed it and saw exactly what he’d brought to life, it was a shock. It horrified him. Why would ponies need something like this and what do we do with them after the war is over? He’d asked Crystal that over and over. She never had an answer, and I was certain that a sensible pony like him would be kept up all night. Airships like these were too expensive to scrap. They were too important to let rot. War had truly come to Equestria and it was now something in all of our minds as a future possibility. All of these airships would be taken to hidden storage facilities across the kingdom and meticulously cared for. Should some other kingdom make war again, they would have to contend with a fearsome fleet. The Dread Knight was close enough now that we could hear the crew shouting back and forth about their docking procedures. Ponies galloped about, grabbing lines and preparing the deck. As she drew nearer and nearer, my heart started to thump in my chest. “Look alive, everypony,” Minister Sombra ordered sharply, grabbing my attention and turning it back to the task at hoof. The ship came to a full stop when it was aligned beside the dock. Large cranes on the towers lowered the ramps into place. This was it. In mere minutes, we would start transitioning the remainder of our army back into civilian life. We only had to wait for— “Attention!” I ordered crisply. General Ironhoof had appeared and was standing at the top of the ramp, looking down at us. At least what was left of him was. The stout, burly pony I’d met years ago was gone. Stress, age, and combat had worn his body down. He was thin, gaunt, and almost as frail as an elder. His coat and mane had lost all of their color. He was now a combination of grey and pale white. All that was left were his eyes. They were as sharp as ever. He strode down the ramp with a commanding presence. Two brigadiers were at his side and a few staff ponies trailed behind. I didn’t recognize any of them and I had served on the staff. When they reached the bottom, they came to attention in front of the minister. “General Ironhoof, today marks a great day for Equestria. It is a day for everypony and one that I am honored to be a part of. It is my duty, honor, and pleasure to welcome you home for good,” Minister Sombra proclaimed. “Thank you, Minister. I often questioned whether I’d ever see this city again. I was wrong to do so. With your permission, I’d like to begin unloading my soldiers.” His eye then caught mine and he turned with a smile. “Silent Knight, it is heartening to see you. I’ve seen the reports on how hard it is to transition home, but you look as healthy as ever.” “Yes, sir. Minister Sombra has looked after me. The transition team is excellent and they’ll take care of our mares and stallions. If I may ask, where is Brigadier Glamour?” Ironhoof’s lips pressed tightly together and he mournfully shook his head. “Her wounds were too much, Silent. She went peacefully under the care of Nordanver doctors not long ago.” I tried not to let the sadness cross my face as I replied, “I understand, sir.” My heart continued to thump. This was not the time, Silent. These ponies are looking at you as a successful case. Minister Sombra cleared his throat. “General, if you would be so kind, order them to stand down and come home. We’ll get you all off these ships and processed in a smooth fashion.” “With pleasure,” General Ironhoof said before turning around to face the Dread Knight. A unicorn stepped up to the general’s side and lit his horn. “Friends, we have come a long way to be here…” As the general spoke, his voice boomed across the sky, amplified by whatever spell the unicorn was using. “Distance, yes, but we all know that is not what I am speaking of. Each of us, one and all, has been pulled, pushed, or dragged through an experience the likes of which ponies have never known. “We’ve held each other’s hooves. We’ve watched those we love pass into the next life. We’ve taken from our enemies and given to our friends. As an army, we have prevailed. As a kingdom, we have done what is just. “Now it is time for us to prevail as individuals once more. I ask that you take one more command from me before I officially disband this host: live. Live every day you have left. Honor the fallen by making your life as good as you possibly can. Live for them, live for yourself, and live for your families. “All units, stand down and prepare for disbandment and reintegration.” From the ships littered across the sky and in the city below, a roar of joy rang out. It echoed off the peaks of Alicorn Spire and reverberated across the kingdom. The war was truly over. A trickle of warmth touched my cheek. I casually flipped my good wing around to touch it. Tears? My tears? They were probably okay on today of all days. Ponies were starting to come down the ramp in good order. Minister Sombra had moved to greet them each personally. I sought my composure before speaking up, “General, if you and your command staff would be inclined to follow me, we have a special processing team for you. We’ll get you done and then you can remain in the yard, if you so choose, to greet all of the others.” General Ironhoof nodded and motioned to one of his staff officers. “Get the others, we’ll go with Silent Knight.” While that pony ran off, he turned back to me. “Any foals yet?” I shook my head. “No, sir. I had some trouble reintegrating at first. Things are better now, but I’ve been focused on getting you and the others home. Perhaps after this.” The old stallion set a hoof on my shoulder. “Don’t wait too long. You may still be young in years. but you’re getting pretty old up top.” He then fished around in his uniform jacket and pulled out a photo. It was full of ponies. Older adults, middle adults, younger adults, and foals. They were standing under a banner that read, ‘We’ll see you soon Great-Grandfather.’ Ironhoof tapped the foal in the middle. “They named that little fella after me. I mean… several of them are named after me, but this is the latest. He’ll be eight weeks old now. I’m going to go see him tonight.” “Yes, you will, sir. Him… all of them. Anypony you like. You’ve earned it.” My voice cracked slightly at the end. The moment was starting to feel overwhelming. I wasn’t sure exactly why, but this felt final. Was this closure? Wasn’t that something Dr. Kitty had talked about so often? “Come on, son, if you do that, you’ll get me started,” Ironhoof whispered before offering me a hoofkerchief. I took it gratefully and dabbed my eyes. “My apologies, sir. I guess this is the first time that the war has felt over. At least to me.” “It looms, doesn’t it?” “Yes. Always. In everything.” The command staff was approaching, so I quickly wiped my face down and stiffened. “Right this way, General.” “Thank you, Major,” he replied as we walked together to one of the towers and into the large elevator contained within. Once everypony was inside and we started on our way down, I ran through the same speech I’d given dozens of times. What was about to happen, who they could reach out to for help, why did certain things feel like they did, when they would be done, and how we’d do it. The atmosphere was far more excited than normal. I was feeling grief, but these ponies weren’t. They were home and it was over. Truly over. Every time I came down this elevator, it was as if it was starting all over again for me. This would be the last time, though. After this group I would be home, too. When we reached the bottom and the door came up, the reintegration staff started cheering and stomping their hooves. The band we’d brought in started with a quiet but upbeat tune. One they used to play at the Grand Galloping Gala. Radiant Orchid trotted towards us and spoke loudly, “Welcome home! I am Master Warrant Officer Orchid and I will be your reintegration coordinator…” she trailed and then shook her head. “No, for you, I am your reintegration concierge. Whatever you need, you come to me.” Orchid then motioned off to the right. “And that little pony there is Master Warrant Officer Azurite. She’s going to be your reintegration processor. She’s the best pony in the kingdom when it comes to paperwork. Let’s get started!” I lingered by the elevator door while the command staff left with Orchid and Azurite. It warmed my heart to see so many familiar faces working together on this. Besides those two, my wife was within shouting distance. She was getting ready for her Flower Foundation speech. My mother was with her, of course. As was my mother-in-law, Dream Pop, Painted Wave, her husband Verd, and several others. Winterspear was here, too… somewhere. She’d be in one of the processing bays getting ready to see patients and make recommendations. She’d be getting a lot of these cases, so why not get an early look? Somehow, my family had shifted from a group of warrior ponies to a group of service ponies. Very few of us were doing what I’d call typical guard work anymore. Even I didn’t do that. What would Stratus think about that? What would he think about his son? Would this have ever been enough? Why was I even thinking about him? With a long breath, I put on my best officer face and started to idly wander around. It was time to do my job. Not the one I’d already done… the one that an ancient alicorn had evidently picked me for. Keep your head down and do your job, son. Always get the job done. I hated this job. It was time to start spying on the very ponies I was also trying to help. To see if there was anything out of the ordinary. After all, it wouldn’t be long before we’d move from this phase and into the awards and celebrations. Why did today, of all days, have to be filled with suspicion and mistrust? Is that truly what it would take to ensure we had harmony? Despite it all, I couldn’t deny the truth. If I wanted to attack both alicorns, this event would be the prime opportunity to do it. Hope that security was lax due to the celebratory nature and then strike. Achieve the goal… whatever the goal is. Not on my watch. No one would lay a hoof on my princess. Princess Luna was too important for that. Just one more mission and then I could be like Ironhoof. Clear the threat, go home to the family. That was all I wanted to do.