Horse of Cards

by Midnight Ice Cream

Seventeenth Chapter

“Sparkling my dear.” Earthheart comes out of his office practically carrying poor Blueberry Hill. He looks even worse than when he came in. “Would you kindly keep Private Blueberry Hill company? He’s not in the best situation at the moment. I would help him myself, however I have incredibly pressing matters. Also, you are a much more comforting presence than myself.” That’s simply untrue.

“Of course.”

“Thank you.” I stand up to help support him. “Needn’t worry about that. You’ve done more than your fair share of carrying ponies. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thanks. Is he, alright?”

“I’m not entirely sure. What I do know is that he needs emotional support. You have been through much of what he has. I’m sure he’ll be able to relate.”

“Alright, I’ll try my best.”

The walk to the sick bay is incredibly slow as Blueberry Hill staggers with Earthheart’s aid to his bed. When we finally do arrive he collapses into his bed. “Thank you Captain.” He looks incredibly grateful. “I needed that.”

“Again, you should see the doctor.”

“Thanks Sir, but I’ll pass. If I start to get better maybe, but I’m at least choosing how I go.”

“Very well private. I shan’t argue this, I have more important issues to argue. That bastard Shining Armor!”

“Oh?”

“Well, you see. Apparently the Crystal Guard shan’t be working with the Royal Guard and the Army. It’s patently ridiculous, but what can a pony do?”

“That bastard. How does he think he’s gonna protect himself?”

“I don’t know, it’s foolish honestly.” Earthheart sits beside us. “I’d respect his decision if I didn’t know how terribly he ran things. How well do you remember Flash Sentry?”

“Not very, I wasn’t in there for long under him.”

“It was quite an incompetent leadership to say the least. I hope he knows what he’s doing.” Earthheart stands up again. “Still, I have to officially respond to that.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“Not at all, I hope you get better. Now Sparkling, if he turns worse, please call for me. This pony is a hero, and deserves to be treated like one.”

“Of course Sir.”

And with that he leaves.

It takes quite a long moment before he breaks the silence. “I like talking to ponies. You know, talking shop just there, made me feel better. Gave me a purpose. You know, life goes on with or without you. I’ve been so worked up on dying, I forgot what living’s all about.”

“Well I’m glad you at least feel a little better.” I say. “Is there anything I can get you? Water? Food?”

“Would it be wrong to ask for some cake?”

“Not at all.”

“Yea, I’d like me some cake.”

“I’ll be right back. There’s a cake shop not five minutes away. Is there anything you’d particularly like?”

“I know it’s cliche, but I’d like me something with blueberries on it.”

“No problem.”

I return ten minutes later with a lemon and blueberry pound cake. It brings a smile to my face to see him so happy receiving it. “Thank you darlin’.” It doesn’t take him long before he’s scoffing that stuff down. “You are a wonder.” His mouth is covered in blueberries. “Captain’s got a good assistant, I’ll give him that.”

“Why thank you.”

There’s a brief pause. “This is really nice cake.” He says. “I ain't had cake like this in a long time. I guess I’m just new to Canterlot. I come from a town up north, a small place. You’ll never have heard of it. It’s nothing to speak of but it’s my home. I could have had a steady life up there. Got a job as a lumberjack like my pappy, and lived on mama’s beautiful blueberry pies.”

“So why did you sign up?”

“Same reason as most I guess. I was bored, and you know. Ponies get patriotic don’t they? So I joined up. I know it’s not long ago, but it feels like a lifetime. It really gives you a sense of perspective when you nearly get fireballed, and wake up in a hospital miles away from home.”

“I can only imagine.”

“What did you see?”

I take a moment to compose myself. “Well I saw the fight, or more like the end of it between Princess Celestia and that dragon. The ponies of Goldford armed themselves and warned him. At that point the dragon flew away. Celestia was hurt really badly.”

“Shit, I am lucky.”

“You certainly are.”

“I don’t know why though.” He stares blankly. “You think you can make a difference, and boom! It’s all gone. What would even change if I die?”

Poor stallion. He’s been through a lot. “I suppose you make that meaning. Seize the day, find something worth living for. Your family maybe? But you’re definitely not worthless.”

“What keeps you going? You know, with your job and such.

This question really hits me. It takes me a moment to admit it but honestly “I don’t know.” I say aloud. “I suppose I’ve just got to do this job. I admire Earthheart and want to help him do his job. You see…” I trail off. “He saved my life, literally. Do you remember the first changeling invasion? Well my father died there, and he saved me.”

“I’m truly sorry.”

“Thank you, I’m over it. It happened a long time ago. But I just don’t feel safe in this world. Anything like that could happen again.”

“You’re right.”

“And that’s why I’ve got to do my bit to stop it.”

“You’re absolutely right.”

Do you consider me cruel? Do you think I’m a monster? I can’t comment on that. However if you honestly think that my motivations are bad, I can give you a reference to my history. I did not have enough affection for that changeling for more than basic first aid. Sparkling needed to keep him alive. She is much more capable of love than I’ll ever be. You might be asking as to why I gave away crucial strategic information regarding the Crystal Empire. Once again, I couldn’t possibly comment. You will find out soon enough though. Oh don’t give me that look, you know the reason is good. You’re trying to bait me into telling you why, aren’t you? Honestly, you don’t even know what you want. It’d spoil the events that are about to unfold. Anyway, I’m fairly sure you have at least some idea don’t you?

Other than that, how are you? By my judgment it’s been at least a week in your time. Strange to think it’s been mere hours over here. I’ve just finished my day, quite the arduous one I might add. Anyway I just wanted to pop in. I’m too tired to do anything interesting with my evening. Unless. No. I was given a note by Her Majesty earlier today, I must stop her. Far more important things are going to happen soon. She’ll be needed in Canterlot.

*****

Celestia is sat on her couch. “Ahhh Sunshine. Nice to see you, I’m glad you could visit.”

“A pleasure to be here Celestia.”

“Sit down, please.” I obey. “So what brings you here?”

“Celestia, before I begin, I want to ask you something. You want to give up power?”

“I do.”

“How badly?”

“Oh I long to be able to do what I want.” I move closer to her.

“Now, how flexible are your morals? I might have an opportunity for you. If not, this situation can just as easily be resolved by proper means. Naturally the choice is yours.”