//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: "Preparations" // Story: The War for the Ring...Enters Equestria // by mint20 //------------------------------// Chapter 5: “Preparations” The War for the Ring...Enters Equestria Twilight Sparkle's Point of View Time Since Arrival: 4 hours, 45 minutes Location: My Library “Twilight. All of us need to talk,” said Rainbow Dash. I looked up from my book, seeing all of my dearest friends looking at me. They all had sorrowful looks on their faces. “What is it?” I asked, but I was already pretty sure what this was about. “Well...you see-” Fluttershy began, then she broke out crying. I felt my own eyes starting to water. “This is about what we...did...during the battle, isn't it?” I said in a shaking voice. “Yeah,” responded Rainbow Dash. Even she seemed sullen, her cocky attitude gone. I said, “Now, girls,” and that was it. I broke down crying hard. I tried to stop, but the floodgates were well and truly open . You see, it had been a thousand years since Equestria was last at war, and the years of peace had brought new values and aspects to Pony culture. The most notable is that the taking of a life is considered the greatest crime somepony could commit. In doing so, you are basically saying that you believe that the one you just killed is beyond all redemption, and they are better off dead. In the middle of this weap-fest, the door opened and in came Gandalf, Boromir, and Aragorn. “What is the matter?” exclaimed Boromir, seeing our tears. “I know what,” said Aragorn quietly. “Was this your first time taking lives?” I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “Is that all? Wow,” Boromir said shaking his head. Aragorn turned and stared at him, aghast. I do not know why, but what he said made me livid. “What?” I yelled. “Are we too peaceful? Are we too kind for you? Would you prefer a society of murders and thieves? Nopony in Equestria has not had to kill in longer than anypony can remember, so forgive us if we are not instantly ready to kill. Gah! The very thought of murder is a disease! In your society, do you kill and fight like it is no big deal?” I could tell that Boromir's temper had flared in turn. He started, “At Gondor-.” Aragorn cut him off with a hand. “That's enough, Boromir,” he said in a calm, yet firm, voice. “Go outside and watch over the Halflings.” Boromir clearly wanted to argue, but decided against it. He stomped out of my library, slamming the door behind him. “Now,” said Aragorn, “tell me what you six are thinking.” “We-Well,” Fluttershy began, drying some of her tears with a hoof. “None of us have ever k-killed before, and...” she couldn't continue, breaking down into new and worse sobs. Rainbow spoke up, “It's not that we cannot kill it's just that, well...” she broke off. I saw tears in her eyes. Even the great Dash had sentiment deep down, within her. She did not continue, but shook her head sorrowfully. Gandalf said, “Now, allow me to tell you something about Orcs. They are vile, foul, and ruthless, but they were not always this way. Rather, they were once Elves. However, dark powers, looking to breed an army, used black magic to twist and subject them to their will. Now, they are disheveled and evil. There is no hope for them. Some people theorize, however, that deep, deep down within, the Elf that gave them their life is still alive. Regardless, the best thing you can do for an Orc is kill it.” Before I could respond, Aragorn jumped in. “Now, I know next to nothing about you or your people. But know this. What you did out there, while it may be ugly, and nobody wants to do it, what you did is the bravest and greatest thing you can do. You chose to stand against a foe that would probably have killed-” I flinched at the word killed, “or enslaved all of your people. And while you may have been afraid, you did not allow fear to stop you. You Ponies have committed the highest act of honor. Not many Soldiers of Gondor can claim so much.” I looked around, and saw my friends looking better. I felt my own mood improving. “Now,” Aragorn continued, “we all know that the Orcs will probably return. And I need to know if I can count on you to fight again. Yes, you will have to kill. If you cannot bear that idea, then speak now. Remember, when you fight, you do not fight to take. You fight to defend and protect. If you take one life, then you probably have saved hundreds, if not thousands more.” After this little pep rally, I felt loads better. “Thank you Aragorn. You have no idea how much that helped me.” I saw all my friends nodding their assent.” “Oh, I think I do,” he responded. “You're not the only ones who have had to come to terms with killing.” That word still sent a shiver down my spine. “That is all very well and good,” Gandalf said, “but now we have other pressing matters to address. How long should we expect for these reinforcements to arrive?” I looked at my notes, saying, “If my calculations are correct and they took the railroad, they should have arrived an hour and a half ago.” Right on cue, a distinct-sounding trumpet blew. “Oh. There they are.” Commander Thunder Mask's Point of View Time Since Arrival: 4 hours, 50 minutes Location: Half a kilometer from Ponyville “Sound the horn again,” I ordered. Without hesitation, the Unicorn to my left sounded the trumpet a third time. “Commander, I see something!” Shining Armor, who was to my right said. He pointed to “it” with a hoof. Following the hoof, I saw the strangest sight I have ever seen. There were three creatures running toward us. They all stood on two legs, but one was much shorter than the other two. The shorter one carried a huge battle-ax like it was as light as dagger, the more rugged-looking one had a longer sword. The third creature carried a graceful-looking bow and had several arrow shafts that appeared over its shoulder. He was most likely wearing a quiver of some kind. “Sir, your orders?” my Second, Lightning Rage, asked me. I hesitated, then said, “We will proceed as though these creatures are neutral. Have the Legion stand at attention. If they make the slightest move with their weapons, attack first, ask questions later.” “Yes, sir!” Lightning Rage yelled, then turned and started barking out orders to the Ponies under his command. “Sir? What do we do now?” asked Shining Armor. He had completed the tasks I had set him before we left Canterlot in just over an hour. I had to admire his spirit. “Now, we wait.” (5 minutes later...) “Who are you?” asked the middle-height, rugged creature, belligerently. I stifled my anger at this disrespect and responded, “I may ask the same of you.” I tried to speak calmly, but my voice was slightly tinted with anger. This creature sighed, looked at me like I was an uninteresting bug, and replied, “I am Boromir. This is Legolas and Gimli. Now, who are you?” “You are in no position to ask the questions here, stranger!” yelled Lightning Rage. “You are an unknown creature in our country. We have received vague reports of an enemy known as Orcs. Seeing as we have no idea what these Orcs look like, you are under suspicion.” Legolas stepped forward. “Please trust me when I say, we are not Orcs. We fought with a group called the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony to repel the Orcs.” I snorted, then said, “Impressive claim, but can you prove it? Face the facts, I have no way of telling whether or not you are telling the truth. Forgive me if I have learned something in my several years serving in the military. I was not raised the the rank of Commander because I trusted everypony I met.” “Well, I think you should hold your tongue and speak with respect! You need to learn to pick your battles!” Boromir replied. That was the last straw. I lost my temper then. “Look around you. Do you see an army loyal to you? No. You don't. That is because you are the intruders on this land. I could have ordered the mares and stallions under my command to kill you when we first saw you, but I decided to hear you about, in the off-chance you were not these Orcs I have been hearing about. Seeing as you have been nothing but rude, combative, and uncivilized, I am regretting my choice. So, until I receive evidence to the contrary, consider yourself under arrest by the Equestrian Armed Forces for obstructing a military operation.” To reinforce my order, twenty of my soldiers surrounded the three creatures and leveled their spears at them. Boromir must have realized how deep in the hole he was, and shut up. “Now, please drop your weapons on the ground and do not move.” Legolas and Gimli complied without hesitating. They seemed to realize that they should bite their tongues until they have to means to prove their claims. However, Boromir looked at me, his anger on his face hardening into hate, and said, “Make me.” My eyes narrowed into a line. “So be it then!” I stepped forward and drew my sword. “Give us room!” I bellowed to my soldiers. “Sir, I don't think this is a good idea...” said Shining Armor. In my anger, I ignored him. “Boromir, don't do this. You shouldn't-” Legolas started. Boromir cut him off, drawing his own sword. “Listen to him. Don't fight-” Gimli added, only to be cut off as well. “Make your move, coward,” Boromir shot at me, trying to anger me into making a mistake. However, I knew that letting your enemy gloat you and anger you means you will probably lose. I quickly emptied my mind of all emotions (easier said then done), and decided to let him strike the first blow. He dashed forward, aiming a vicious right slash that would have taken me across my chest. However, I was ready, and brought my sword to clash with his. His stroke had a great amount of strength in it, but nothing else. I felt none of balance and agility that I teach all of my students to use. I feinted to his left, then changed the blow and attempted to strike his head. He saw through the trick and blocked my strike. He shot his sword forward, trying to impale me through my chest with a thrust. I pulled a risky trick I had used a few times before and danced around the blade, locked his hilt with my blade, and pulled forward sharply. He lost his balance and fell forward. I swung a savage blow to his head, tilting my blade so I struck with the flat part, as opposed to the razor-sharp edge. I did hold back a little, because I wanted to take him alive and conscious. He collapsed onto the ground, moaning. He was dazed, but alive and conscious, just like I had hoped. “Take his sword,” I told Lightning Rage. “And bind his...hooves.” I did not let my anger show again. Boromir recovered enough to lift his head. When he did, he saw thirty separate spear points leveled at him. “Give us your sword,” Lightning Rage ordered. Reluctantly, and stewing with anger and hate, he surrendered his sword, muttering curses. “Gag him too,” I decided. At that, Boromir glared openly at me. I read the message easily. Another time, it said. “Now for you two,” I said, turning to face them. I remembered their actions, complying instantly to my wishes. I felt my face soften. “Do I need to teach you two a lesson as well?” They shook their heads. I carefully looked into their eyes and saw that they felt absolutely no fear. Despite my defeat of their companion, they were not scared or angry in the slightest. Rather, I saw the light of respect in their eyes. I was curious, but stifled the emotion and instead asked, “Now, do you know anypony here?” Gimli nodded and said, “Yes, as we said, we met six of your kind. They identified themselves as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony.” Before I could say anything, Lightning Rage said, “Sir! Twelve creatures approaching! Six appear to be Ponies. The other six are two-legged.” “Let them come,” I said. “I think I know who they are.” Twilight Sparkle's Point of View Time Since Arrival: 5 hours, 10 minutes Location: Near Ponyville “Well, I hope they know what they are doing,” Gandalf said. “From what I have seen, military strength is very low on the priorities list for this country.” I shot him a scathing look. “Commander Thunder Mask has seen plenty of combat and has learned strategy from the best Ponies in Equestria. His tactics are amazing. What's more, he is said to be the best sword on the entire planet. Not even the Princesses can fight him sword-to-sword.” “That may be true,” Gandalf conceded, “but what if he isn't commanding this force? The Commander must have other duties than leading a group of soldiers to an uncertain threat.” I hesitated, than replied, “You are right, of course.” Gandalf opened his mouth to reply, but I cut him off. “However, Princess Celestia knows me personally, and she trusts my judgment. I said that Ponyville may be attacked soon. Now, Celestia is many things, but stupid is not one of them. She would not send anypony but the Commander to oversee the defense of one of the most important cities in Equestria.” “We will see,” Gandalf responded. “Shall we go met this army?” “Let's,” replied Aragorn. We ran towards the group of Ponies. “Glad you decided to join us,” said one of the Ponies there. He wore armor and a uniform, and the badge of rank indicated he was a colonel. I ignored his sarcasm and looked for the Commander. “Looking for somepony, Miss Twilight Sparkle?” a deep, yet light and cheery sounding voice said behind me. Despite the humor in it, the voice had an underlying note of authority that told me the speaker was a Pony that was used to others following his orders. Just from the voice alone, I knew that the Commander was right behind me. “Yes sir,” I said, as respectfully as I could, turning around slowly, “In fact, I was looking for you. Wait, how did you know who I am?” He snickered to himself. I must say, the Commander was an imposing figure. He stood around one and a half times my height, and had a light gray coat. His mane and tail was fiery orange with a gold sheen. Also orange, his cutie mark was a simple image of crossed swords. Regaining himself, the Commander said, “Are you kidding? Everypony has heard of the famous Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, who have saved Equestria from eternal night, a reign of chaos, and fought–and crushed–an entire army of Changelings in the Battle of Canterlot without one injury. A better question would be how I couldn't know who you are. That is of no matter now. What is the situation here?” At this, the Fellowship looked to us with something approaching awe. I hesitated and asked, “What do you mean?” “I mean, what has happened? No offense, but your letter was not very clear. Also, do you know these creatures?” He gestured to them with a hoof. “They claim to have met and fought with you.” I followed the hoof and saw Gimli and Legolas under light guard. “Yes, we know them, but what happened to...” I trailed off as I saw Boromir on the ground, tied up and gagged. “Commander, may I ask as to the meaning of this?” “Certainly. This creatures came out to meet us about a half hour ago. The one you see bound and gagged was foolish enough to disobey me, insult me, and attack me with his sword. So I stopped him. Forcefully.” “Is this true?” asked Gandalf, with an edge to his voice. He looked very angry. Boromir looked up at Gandalf, and seemed to weigh whether or not to tell the truth. After a moment, he slowly nodded. “Why you little–” Gandalf broke off, sputtering and acting enraged. “You have threatened the entire Fellowship and alienated the one leader of the entire army that these Ponies have– for what? Why? Because you could not contain your pride for two seconds?” The Commander shifted uneasily. “Sir, I was not offended...well, that badly. I am willing to let this pass, if this Boromir apologizes to me.” Gandalf glared at Boromir and said, “He will, won't you?” Boromir hesitated, then nodded. One of the soldiers removed his gag and untied him. He muttered a soft “Sorry,” then walked back and joined his fellows. If the Commander was frustrated by Boromir, he gave no outward signs of it. “Well, now that we sorted that out,” he began, “tell me, what is the situation here? What happened?” I gathered my thoughts and said, “Sir, I had discovered a curious spell in my studies. After thinking about it for a few hours, I decided to cast it...” I relayed the story, from beginning to end for the Commander. He was a good listener, though his eyes met in a frown partway though the story. He did not interrupt, though, and waited for me to be done. “So, let me get this straight. You discovered an odd spell you have never seen before that was written by the most powerful Unicorn mage of all time, and instead of, oh, I don't know, informing the Princesses or seeking help of other Unicorns, you decide to cast it in your home? That's like me testing to see if my sword is sharp by trying to cut my leg off!” I hung my head, feeling tears start to form in my eyes. The Commander must have seen that he had gotten his point across and said, in a softer voice, “Well, it is of no matter now. What is done is done. The important thing now is sealing this portal. Do you know how to seal it?” I hesitated, then said, “No. But if I have more time, I am sure I could figure it out.” “Okay. Do you think that these Orcs will return?” I looked the Commander in the eye and said, “I am certain they will.” The Commander thought everything over and said, “Alright, so the portal is in your library, correct?” I nodded. “Bring me a map of Ponyville. I have a plan.” Commander Thunder Mask Point of View Time After Arrival: 5 hours, 55 minutes Location: Town Hall, Ponyville “...and we will station companies here, here, and here,” I said, indicating the places on the map. “Anypony have any questions?” I looked around to the colonels. “Nopony? Good. You have your orders, then.” The five colonels saluted, then left the building. I sighed and closed my eyes. With only five hundred Ponies at my command, it is going to be a trick to hold Ponyville against any large hostile force, I thought. Ponyville isn’t exactly easily defendable. That is one of the hard truths. Ponyville, unlike both Canterlot and Cloudsdale, was built during a time of peace. As a result, roads tend to be lazy and wind around, taking scenic routes. In addition, there are no walls and most of the streets are wide, making it impossible to easily block roads. I considered sending for more forces, then dismissed the idea. We had commandeered the railroad once already today. Other Ponies would want to use it. In that case, it would take two or three days for additional forces to make it on hoof. I only realized that I had started to doze when I heard swords clashing. I bolted upright and ran out the door. Twilight wasn't kidding. Two-legged figures were spilling out of the library, clad in black armor. The fifty Ponies I had stationed outside were doing well in holding them back. From what I could tell, none of them had been slain yet. That could change fast, however. I turned away for the fighting and ran back indoors. “It is time,” I said to the Bearers. They were already geared up and ready. I grabbed my sword, belted it on, and turned to the door. “Sir? What about your armor?” Rarity asked me. I turned and gave her my best devil smile. “Armor? I need no armor.”