In the following days we moved as quickly as we could whilst maintaining secrecy. ‘Twas no easy task to arrange the transit of an entire clan, and doubly difficult when subterfuge was involved. E’en though Gale had arranged to make it known that I intended to survey the borders to explain my clan’s departure from Cloudsdale, I knew the story could not withstand intense scrutiny of our preparations. On more than one occasion, I gave thanks to Lyequinegus for ensuring that pegasi would not value material goods. Had my clan been as fond of meaningless possessions as the ponies of the ground were, ‘twould have been impossible to manage the task. E’en with only weapons, armor, rations, and other basic necessities being prepared for transportation, the task was considerable.
I was in the midst of speaking with Stalwart regarding his own responsibilities in the matter. Though his greatest talents lay in the shaping of young ponies into proper warriors, he had proven to be an apt sergeant in most other respects as well. Only a fool neglects the value of such capable ponies because their formal rank is low. In the chaos of battle, ‘tis rare for a general to hold effective command over anypony who lies beyond the reach of their voice. ‘Tis the sergeant who directs his ponies in battle, so that the cunning plans of generals might actually be executed. (1)
1: It’s worth mentioning that while Stalwart’s official rank was simply “sergeant,” that rank was much broader and far less formalized in Shadow’s time. The rank had not been broken down into the numerous types of sergeants featured in the modern Guard, so a sergeant could be anything from a mere squad leader to a veteran soldier advising generals. Stalwart would be somewhat equivalent to a modern Command Sergeant Major. While he formally only had the rank and duties of an ordinary sergeant, he frequently served as an advisor both on the affairs of the ordinary soldiers within the clan and other military and practical matters.
Whilst Stalwart seemed focused upon the discussion of his duties inspecting and overseeing the storage of our weapons with his usual commendable efficiency, I could not fail to notice the troubled frown on his face, nor the way his eyes drifted into thought whenever duty did not demand his attention. ‘Twas plain to see that his mind was not wholly upon the task before him.
I made no remark on the matter as he set himself to the task, e’en when he barely glanced at several bundles of wing-blades that were not properly wrapped in their oilcloth. A quick aside to one of the other ponies saw the matter tended to without calling attention to the sergeant’s laxness. To speak to him of the matter in public would only serve to call further attention to his distress. Doing so would be most unseemly, especially in the presence of those under his immediate command.
Thankfully, the sergeant was not long at his task before ‘twas time to see to other matters. The proper storage of weapons is something any sensible soldier knows the value of, so there was little risk that they would be derelict in their duties. Though I still dearly hoped that such would not be the case, in all likelihood their lives would shortly depend upon the quality of their wargear.
Once we were out of sight and earshot of all others, I turned to Stalwart and made my concerns known. “Thou art not fully focused ‘pon thy duties, sergeant. What is the reason for it?”
Stalwart’s ears pressed back flat ‘gainst his skull. “My apologies, m’lady. ‘Tis a matter of neither consequence nor importance, and I’ll not let it linger ‘pon my mind any longer nor distract me from the task at hoof.”
I felt a moment of irritation at his refusal to speak of the matter. “If the matter were unimportant, ‘twould not have distracted thee from thy duties to begin with.” I took a moment to soften my tone with him, for my words were harsher than I’d intended. “Speak of what troubles thee, for it might be that ‘tis within my power to set it right.”
Stalwart gave the matter several moments’ thought, then agreed to it with a nod. “As you wish, m’lady. I have noted that several of our recent preparations do not seem wholly in line with our stated intention of making ready to go on campaign in the event of war. We have shown far too little interest in arranging for a home watch or tending to the thunderforges. We also seem intent upon packing all of our supplies, rather than maintaining a reserve or establishing a supply line.” His voice dropped, and he stepped nearer to me. “I am ... aware that matters between you and the Ephorate have been strained of late. And of your loyalty to former Commander Celestia. These facts suggest a course of action which is not in line with the clan’s stated intentions.”
“I see.” I looked to him and tried to take his measure, but his face remained an impassive mask. Finally, I had no choice but to speak plainly. “If when the time came I ordered thee to do something other than fight for the Ephorate’s cause, what wouldst thou say of it?
Stalwart answered without a moment’s hesitation. “You are my materfamilias. I will follow you to whatever end, m’lady—as would any pony of Clan Kicker.”
Though that declaration warmed my heart, it also surprised me. “I have truly earned their loyalty to such an extent?”
Stalwart gave a quick shake of his head. “Neigh, you have not earned it, m’lady. You have never needed to earn it, for you have had it from the moment you became materfamilias of the clan. You lead and watch over the clan, and in return the clan obeys your orders. That is the way of things.”
I noted that despite his words, Stalwart still seemed troubled. ‘Tis easy to speak of such devotion, but far harder to live it. There was a hollowness to his words, as if they were an oft-repeated litany that he did not entirely believe. After several seconds of pained silence, he spoke once more. “I know my duty and will not shirk from it, m’lady, but that does not mean it is an easy thing. Though I am loyal to the clan above all else, there are others to whom I am bonded. The thought of severing those bonds is a painful one.”
“Thou speakest of thy wife,” I concluded.
“Aye, m’lady, and our daughter.” He averted his eyes, a troubled frown on his face. “I do not know how Sierra would react if I were to ask her to abandon her own clan for mine. The Doos are no less proud of their lineage than we are.”
“None could blame thee for thy distress, then.” Despite our recent disagreements, I was pained by the thought of severing ties with Rightly. For Stalwart, who had wed and sired a foal, the loss would be far keener than I could ever feel. There was a quiet resignation to my voice when I spoke. “I would not sever thy family merely to uphold my own ideals. If thou wouldst ask it of me, I will release thee from thy vows to the clan so that thou might remain with thy wife and child.”
Stalwart was silent for some time before he answered with pained resignation. “I thank you for the offer, m’lady, but if I were to abandon my duties I would no longer be worthy to name myself husband to Sierra nor father to Astra.” He let out a heavy sigh, and there was a note of something akin to desperate hope to his voice when he continued. “Regardless, ‘tis possible that Sierra will choose to accompany me if I ask it of her. If Rightly Doo is as noble a stallion as his reputation suggests, I do not think he would refuse her the chance to join me without loss of honor.”
“Aye, his honor is most precious to him.” The mention of Rightly naturally brought our last meeting to mind. Looking upon the matter with the clarity of hindsight, I had not been entirely fair to him. I had allowed my distress and anger over the attack upon my father to cloud my own judgment. ‘Twas a wholly understandable failing, but a failing nonetheless. Had matters proceeded otherwise, I wonder if I might not be in the midst of planning a departure from Cloudsdale. In all likelihood, politics still would have split us in twain, but we might have found a more amicable ending to things, at the least.
“I’ve your permission to speak to Sierra on the matter, then?” Stalwart asked. “And your blessing to offer her the hospitality of our clan for as long as she might require it?”
“But of course,” I assured him. “I could hardly deny hospitality to the wife of one of my most faithful warriors.” After a moment’s careful thought, I amended my permission. “However, I would ask that thou obtain an oath of silence on the matter should she refuse to accompany thee. I would not have her leave her meeting with thee only to inform Rightly of our plans.”
“A reasonable measure,” he conceded. “Though I hope an unneeded one.”
“As do I.” For a brief moment I stepped out of my role as materfamilias, and offered him a smile. “I wish thee the best of luck in thy endeavour, Stalwart. I see no reason to tarry on the matter: thy duties will abide for the time thou needest to speak to thy wife.”
Stalwart offered a short nod. “Aye, m’lady. You have my thanks.” He offered a final salute and then turned about, moving for the Doo’s clanhold as quickly as he could without seeming to move with undue haste.
That matter attended to, I returned my mind to the greater, though perhaps no less important, tasks at hoof. As I traversed the compound, ensuring that all preparations were continuing apace, my thoughts lingered upon Stalwart’s declaration of loyalty. Would all of my clan feel thus, when they learned of my intentions? I could only pray that they would; ‘twould pain me beyond words if my actions split my own clan in twain.
I was engaged in looking over the thunderforges and seeing to the securing of their latest goods when Father sought me out, Gale serving as his guide. As was his way he greeted me with a hug, partly out of affection and partly so that he could know my location. Once we parted he kept a hoof upon mine, entrusting himself to my care.
The wounds left by the attack ‘pon him still lingered, a reminder of the latest outrage perpetrated by Pegasopolis ‘gainst my clan. Though the wounds he had suffered were not severe, Father no longer healed with the swiftness of a young stallion. My eyes lingered for some time on the half-healed cut along his brow, and for a brief moment I wished that his attacker had lived long enough to fall into my hooves. Though I was proud of my father for showing that neither age nor infirmity had dulled his skills, taking vengeance personally would have been undeniably satisfying.
Father cleared his throat, and I turned my attention away from his wounds and to the pony himself. “Shadow, ‘twould seem that there has been a misunderstanding. My books are being packed away I see no need for such a thing when thou art merely preparing to go on campaign.” He gave an annoyed wave of his free hoof. “Yet when I tried to correct the fools who insisted on packaging them, rather than simply stay the foolishness I was referred further up the chain of command, until at last I stand before thee. I pray thee, put an end to the matter. I’ve already lost my place in the Aristrotelian text I was engaged in the other day.”
“If thou wert parted from reading further works of Aristrotle, then thou shouldst thank me for the great service I’ve done thee,” I jested. I have never enjoyed Aristrotle’s works: they are so dense as to be all but unreadable, and Aristrotle himself is plainly far too impressed by his own intelligence. That is not to say that there was no wisdom to be found in his texts—merely that I found no pleasure and much frustration in reading them.
“Regardless of thine opinion on my choice in philosophers, the fact remains that I’ve been denied my books and the company of anypony to read them to me,” Father groused. “One might question why an old and retired warrior’s books must be packed away if the clan is merely deploying to the battlefront.”
“Let us discuss the matter further in private, Father.” I would have informed him of my intentions to defect from Cloudsdale sooner, were it not for the fact that Father’s duties to the Gerousia had kept him occupied much of late. Hardly surprising, considering all that was passing in Equestria. My presence among the Ephorate’s ranks had been requested more than once, and each request met by pleading that duties to my clan prevented my attendance. I feared that if I left my clanhold and stood before the others they might see some sign of my intentions within my countenance. Or worse, that standing before Rightly once more might make my own resolve waver. Though my absence might arouse some suspicion, considering the manner of my departure when last I left ‘twas likely they would merely attribute it to my lingering fury.
I led Father to my own quarters, Gale still in tow but remaining deferentially silent in the presence of her elders. Once we arrived, my daughter set to ensuring our privacy, whilst I quickly crafted seats for myself and Father. Once we were comfortably seated and ready to proceed, I wasted no further time before addressing the matters at hoof. “Father, I think you should know that I have decided to cut ties with Pegasopolis and depart for Commander Celestia’s court in Canterlot. That is the reason thy books are being prepared for transport.”
Father was silent for some time in the wake of my declaration. When at last he spoke, there was a tension in his voice that spoke of barely contained incredulity and mayhaps e’en a measure of anger. “When it first occurred to me that thou might value loyalty to a failed Commander rightfully deposed by the Ephorate, I assured myself that thy sentiments would not so o’erwhelm thee that they wouldst drive thee to precipitous action. I am displeased to find that I was mistaken in that hope.”
“Precipitous?” I asked incredulously. ”Father, thinkest thou that I have made this decision without careful consideration? I would not abandon Pegasopolis on a whim; I do so because it is the only honorable course left open to me.”
“Honor?” Father frowned at me. “Thou speakest of honor whilst thou plots a betrayal of all Pegasopolis into the hooves of our enemies?”
“Commander Celestia is not our enemy,” I countered, rising from my seat as I did so.
“She is not the Commander of Pegasopolis anymore,” Father answered, his tone strident. “Hast thou forgotten that she was deposed for base incompetence by the Ephorate, in accordance with our ancient laws and traditions?”
“Ancient laws for ancient times.” I scowled at nothing in particular. “The Ephorate has not deposed a Commander for countless centuries.” Luna’s own banishment had happened far too quickly for the Ephorate to attempt such a thing if they even would have wished to. Luna was our Commander, and ‘twas possible that some might have felt it their duty to support her, e’en if she had fallen into darkness. As it was, the clash between Luna and Celestia began and ended before the news of it even reached Cloudsdale.
“The law does not cease to be the law simply on account of being old.” Father argued. “If the ancient laws were no longer needed, we would have removed them. No doubt that was part of what the unicorn whorse Celestia kept at her side intended to do. However, the very same ancient and supposedly irrelevant laws that saw her removed from power were also the ones that established and defined the role of commander to begin with. How can a law be applicable when it defines her powers, yet so ancient as to be wholly irrelevant when it discusses how she might be removed?”
“Pegasopolis has not truly been governed in accordance with the old laws ever since Commander Celestia assumed the office.” By instinct I tried to meet Father’s eyes, though the effort was largely wasted with him. “For good or for ill, Commander Celestia was largely content to leave us to our own devices. Many within Pegasopolis were less than pleased by the news of her planned visit, e’en before we had any cause to complain of how her authority would be exercised. I suspect we’d grown far too content in our effective independence, and feared that she might begin to exercise those powers which were hers by right, but went unused.”
“What we may or may not have feared is of little consequence, ultimately.” Father idly brushed his hooves along the nearby clouds. “Nor is the question of whether the current legal arrangement is ideal for our circumstances. The fact remains that Celestia was removed from office in the proper manner, and that your current plans constitute an act of treason against all of Pegasopolis.” Father turned from me. “Gale, surely thou canst not support the mad course thy mother has set! Reason with her!”
Gale, who had to this remained silent both out of deference to her elders and an understandable wish to not be involved in the argument, squirmed when my father addressed her. After a brief and pained silence, she answered him. “I fully endorse and stand by my mother, whatever course of action she might choose. With respect, grandsire, thou dost not have the right or authority to dispute her in this matter. Though Mother is thy daughter, she is thy materfamilias above all else.”
Though Gale’s words were harsher than I might have chosen, they were not untrue. I offered my own response to father’s previous words. “Though some may call my plans treason ‘gainst Pegasopolis, to act otherwise would be a treason against my conscience.” I stepped forward, and placed a hoof upon my father’s shoulder. “It is not an easy thing to put into words, but I have faith in Commander Celestia and her vision for all of Equestria. I believe that if we stand by her side, we will be the better for it. I know in my heart that she was wrongly removed by the Ephors; that they judge her too harshly for errors made with good intentions, and see wickedness where none exists.” I wrapped a wing ‘round my father’s shoulders and pulled him close to me. “If thou canst not have faith in her, then I ask that thou support my own belief in her, at the least. Didst thou not step down and name me as materfamilias?”
Father was silent for some time, and when he spoke there was a strained quality to his voice. “It may be that I was too hasty in that choice, if thou wouldst lead our clan ‘pon the path of treason and dishonor.”
I withdrew from him, cut to the quick by his words. Pain soon transformed itself into cold anger. “Think what thou wilt, Father. I am materfamilias of the clan and I have given my orders. I do not wish to debate or discuss them any further. The decision is made and thou shalt abide by it, as every member of the clan must.”
Father went stiff at my declaration, and offered a slow, deliberate salute. “As you wish, materfamilias.”
I was stung by the cold formality of his words, but that only made me all the more wroth with him. “Thou art dismissed, Father.” He wasted no time in his departure, e’en shrugging Gale aside when she stepped forward to guide him.
Gale and I spent some time in mutual pained silence. Though I had not expected that Father would be pleased by the news, I had hoped he might not react so poorly that we would quarrel over the matter. It boded ill for the manner in which the rest of my clan might respond to the news of my plans: how many would echo Stalwart’s devotion, and how many would take Father’s position? Would any of those who disapproved of my choice be so displeased that they might even break from the clan? Might I face not only the horror of going to war against my fellow pegasi, but e’en the ignominy of shedding kinsblood? (2) ‘Twas a most upsetting prospect.
2: In Shadow’s time, the killing of family or clan members was considered one of the most heinous acts imaginable, even if the killing occurred in otherwise justified circumstances such as wartime. Both sides in the Rebellion faced frequent difficulties caused by soldiers refusing to battle anypony with whom they shared blood ties.
Gale finally broke the silence. “That ... did not proceed as well as I had hoped it might.”
“Indeed it did not,” I concurred. I stared at the doorway my father had so recently exited from and tried to return my thoughts to the tasks before me. It proved a fruitless endeavour—my mind was now fully occupied with what had passed between Father and I. Once ‘twas plain to see that I would not be able to think ‘pon my duties for some time, I turned to Gale. “I would have privacy for a time. Are there any matters that require my attention, or can the clan continue its preparations without me?”
Gale stepped forward and briefly pressed her side to mine. “I believe we can persevere without thee for a brief while, Mother. There are only a few minor matters I would inform thee of first: rations for three days are set aside in preparation for unforeseen circumstances along the way to Canterlot. Arms and armor have been packed with all due haste and appropriate care to match our supposed goals. I have also sent word through one of my agents to Canterlot—concealed within a present to young Midnight Sparkle, in fact. Also, I have taken the liberty of having Dusk Charger confined to his quarters.”
Though I half-suspected that Gale had mentioned the matter last in the hope that I would fail to note it, her treatment of my new ward did not escape me. “I see. Might I inquire as to why thou hast had thy foster brother treated as a prisoner?”
Gale blinked in surprise at the question. “Need thou e’en ask, Mother? He is a Charger. The security risk posed by his presence in the midst of our secret plans in obvious. If he were to inform his mother of what we intended, the other clans would surely try to stop us.”
I frowned at my daughter. “He is our guest, and we are honor-bound to treat him as such. As is he to respect our clan and its secrets.”
My daughter gave a mournful shake of her head. “Mother, if thou dost continue to believe so blindly in the honor of all ponies, I fear that thou shalt shortly be given cause to regret it. Putting aside that for far too many ponies honor is a thing to be discarded when there is enough at stake to justify it, do not forget that ponies can disagree quite violently as to what honor requires.”
“I am not blind to the ways of the world, Gale,” I answered, a hint of choler entering my voice. “There are those in Pegasopolis who have no decency, but I do not have any reason to count Dusk Charger among their number. At the very least, I would speak to him further on this matter.”
“Art thou certain such would be a worthwhile use of thy time?” Gale inquired. “I cannot imagine anything of use would come of interrogating him. He cannot know of his mother’s intentions beyond the most general of terms, and e’en if he suspected nothing of our intentions prior to his confinement, he must surely have guessed of them by now.” One of her ears flicked, as if dismissing a troublesome insect. “E’en a mind as simple as his could surely grasp that he has been confined in order to prevent him from learning our intentions and betraying us to his mother.”
“Nonetheless, I will speak with him.” I thought on the matter for a moment and reached a conclusion. “There is the possibility that he might be swayed to our cause, though I do not think it likely. There is nothing to be lost in the effort, however. Should that fail, I will have his oath of secrecy and then release him to return to his mother.”
Gale stared at me as though I had grown a horn and proclaimed myself empress of Equestria (3). “Thou wouldst release him with no guarantee of his silence beyond a mere oath? I was fearful enough when there was only a risk that he might find some means to contact his mother—and thou wouldst not only allow him to do so freely, but give up a valuable hostage as well? That is one of the principal aims of fostering, Mother! So long as he is under our power, we have no reason to fear an attack by the Chargers. That thou wouldst not only release him, but do after informing him of our intention to leave Cloudsdale as well ... there is honor, and then there is naive madness.”
3: And ponies say Shadow doesn’t have a sense of humor.
My choler, still seething after the conversation with Father, flared up one more. “Why is it that the highest ‘mongst all of my clan cannot grasp the virtue of obedience? It comes easily enough to the others, yet not my own immediate family. Disapprove of my choices as thou wilt, Gale, but thou shalt abide by them. If I choose to release Dusk Charger, thou shalt abide by it. Are my orders understood?”
Gale quailed back as she grasped how wroth I had become, her ears folded back and her head ducked submissively. “My sincerest apologies, Mother. I meant neither insolence nor disrespect with my words, merely to offer thee what wise counsel I could. If I o’erstepped my bounds, I shall make what amends I can for it.”
As my temper calmed and my humors returned to a proper balance, I waved my daughter’s apology aside. “Think nothing of it; in truth ‘twas I who was o’er harsh with thee. I am still far too troubled by the discussion with Father, and ‘twould seem thou art the target of all my fury, e’en that which thou hast not earned. For that, thou hast my apologies on the matter.”
“No apology is required, Mother.” Gale deferentially ducked her head to me.
“Nonetheless, I offer thee one.” I stepped forward and offered my daughter a brief embrace. Sadly, our pressing duties did not allow for anything longer than that. “Now, I must have words with Dusk Charger. Attend to whatever tasks lie before thee, for we’ve much to do and precious little time to see it done.” As she turned to go, I set a hoof upon her shoulder to arrest her departure. “Do not think we will not have words at some point regarding thy treatment of Dusk. Though I will not discuss it whilst I am still far too wroth with others, I am most displeased with thee.”
Gale shrunk down at the condemnation, and meekly nodded before setting a course to whatever task awaited her. For my part, I made my way to Dusk Charger’s guest quarters. In truth—despite my less than approving words to Gale—I could see the prudence in her measures against Dusk Charger. Though I did not think imprisonment needful in his case, there were certainly many among the clans who would have betrayed our intentions. Though at that time I believed my own kind largely immune to the sorts of corruption commonly found amongst our earthbound kin, I was not blind to the flaws of the pegasi. Honor could easily be twisted to justify terrible acts, and not all who dwelt in clouds clove to it.
Dusk’s guest quarters were quite comfortable by the standards of Pegasopolis, but the presence of a rather large and heavily armed and armored stallion made plain that he was no longer a guest. Dusk himself seemed to have been freshly roused from a brief rest. He could hardly be chastised for his idleness, given that there was precious little else he could do to occupy his time. Especially since, as Father had already noted, those books the clan owned were no longer available. He seemed pleased enough to see me, though that might have been less on account of enjoying my company and more that I simply offered a diversion from his current tedium. “Ephor, it is a pleasure.”
“Likewise, Dusk.” A quick survey of the room revealed that one of the walls was now somewhat diminished, and several small cloud-sculptures had been crafted. ‘Twas unsurprising that Dusk sought whatever diversion he could in his captivity. After some thought, I chose to broach the matter carefully. “I trust thou hast been well?”
“Well enough, m’lady,” he answered, his initial genial smile fading slightly. “I could imagine a far worse prison.”
My pride stung at the remark. I had given Bright my word that her son would be well taken care of, and instead Gale had abused the trust I had granted her. “Thou hast my apologies for Gale’s actions. ‘Twould seem that my earlier reprimand for her shameful behavior did not have the desired effect.”
“Think nothing of the matter,” Dusk offered graciously. “I would not be the cause of discord between mother and daughter. I only pray that Gale might some day cease to be so distrustful of me.” He looked to me, and his eyes turned shrewd. “I must wonder, though, if there is more to the matter than simply her dislike of me. E’en from within my confinement, ‘tis plain to see that your clan has been most active of late.”
“There has been much talk of war,” I answered carefully. “‘Tis only prudent to ensure that my clan is ready for battle.”
“Quite so, m'lady.” His genial smile returned once more. “If I might be so bold as to ask a question of you?” I granted permission to do so with a wave. “If matters do come to war, which side do you intend to take?”
So now we had come to the true matter. I would not demean myself by lying to him, especially when the truth would shortly be revealed regardless. “If it comes to war, I will fight for the true Commander of all Pegasopolis: Celestia.”
Dusk closed his eyes in thought for several seconds, slowly nodding to himself. “That would explain your daughter’s zeal in imprisoning me. I can tell you in confidence that Mother has made it plain that she will take the opposite side. In some ways, I think she desires such a war. She relishes the challenge of it.” He quickly held up a hoof to forestall any comment I might offer. “I do not say that she suffers from bloodlust; she wants no needless wars. However, I think she would enjoy testing herself against the magi of Unicornia, especially the former Archmagus. Mayhaps she e’en desires to meet Celestia herself on the battlefield.”
That last was unexpected, though perhaps unsurprising. In her youth Bright had been an eager duelist, quick to test her skill against anypony who might be her better. I would not hesitate to name her the best warrior of the Ephorate, though I flatter myself that I am a better general, and each of the others has similar strengths. Such was largely a matter of speculation, regardless. The only ephor she’d actually had occasion to meet in battle was Steel Striker in a relatively minor honor duel. She had won, but a bloodless fight is hardly a test of a warrior’s skill.
Dusk spoke once more. “I would advise care, m'lady. If you stand on the other side of the battlefield from Mother, she will seek you as well. I would not wish to see that.”
“Then let us hope war might yet be averted.” I did not relish the prospect of facing Bright Charger in battle, but that is not to say that I feared it. Though Bright had superior skill in straightforward single combat, that merely proved that I would be a fool to face her in such. The lance she favored is a weapon of directness, and my own skills lay in the indirect approach. Only a fool chooses a battle that plays to their opponent’s strengths and neglects their own.
Though I knew the outcome before the question left my lips, I still felt it proper to ask it of him. “Wouldst thou join me in fighting for the true Commander?”
Dusk regretfully shook his head. “I could hardly go to war against my own mother.” He looked to the door, his thoughts no doubt upon the guard lingering outside it to prevent his departure. “Might I ask what is to become of me, then? Am I to remain a prisoner, to be used as leverage against Mother to aid your flight from Cloudsdale?”
“Neigh.” My response drew a surprised blink from Dusk. “I would not hold as a prisoner one whom entered my clanhold as a guest. If thou wilt not join us in Canterlot, then go in peace. I only ask that thou not speak of my intentions to thy mother or any other until my departure is complete.”
Dusk stared at me for several seconds, as if trying to make sense of my words. “Truly? All you would ask of me in return for my release is my silence?”
“I do not ask it as a condition of thy release,” I politely corrected. “I merely ask it.”
Dusk considered me carefully for some time. “I see, so that is the way of it. Very well then, m'lady. You have my word of honor that I’ll not betray your secrets.”
“I asked no oath of thee.” An oath gained under duress has very little value, and for the moment Dusk could still be considered a prisoner.
“I give it freely and of my own accord.” Dusk offered me a deep, respectful nod. “I will further say that if we should meet on the field of battle, I’ll not raise my lance to you.”
“Nor I my blade to thee,” I responded.
To ensure that there would be no misunderstandings on the matter, I walked with Dusk to the gates of the compound. To my surprise, Gale awaited us. No doubt she wished to ensure that he left the compound herself. Dusk offered her a pleasant smile and a polite bow. “M'lady Gale, I am afraid I must leave thy pleasant company. It is often said that absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Gale glowered at the stallion. “Then let us hope that I might spend the rest of my days growing fonder of thee.”
As was his way, Dusk met my daughter’s barbed words with a smile, and then departed our compound.
For the remainder of that day and all the next, we continued at our tasks, making ready for our departure from Cloudsdale. Matters were near readiness now; I intended to depart the next morning. Early enough to hopefully go largely unnoted, but not so early as to arouse suspicion. ‘Twas of the utmost importance that the others believe my stated intention of taking my clan to survey the borders.
In the interests of security, I would not be informing the bulk of my clan of our destination and purpose until after we’d left the city of Cloudsdale. Though it sat ill with me to hold my silence for so long, such was the cruel necessity of the matter. I knew there were some within my clan who would not approve of the defection, and better that they not learn of it until ‘twas too late to stop it. Any who wished to leave the clan and return to Cloudsdale would be allowed to do so, but only once we could be sure their return would not prevent our own departure.
I was in the midst of supervising the final loading of our armor when Gale sought me out, urgently pulling me aside and seeking one of the less occupied areas of the clanhold. The tension in her shoulders and the manner in which her wings gave near-constant aggravated twitches bespoke the urgency of the matter; I had rarely seen her in such a state of upset. “Mother, I have just received word from Manehatten. Apple Tree has been assassinated.”
The news struck me as if it were a blow from a hammer-hoof. The negotiations between Apple Tree and Commander Celestia had been the last real hope of containing the crisis before matters escalated beyond all control. Indeed, if not for those very negotiations, the Ephorate might have given in to Swift Blade’s proposal for war. If the earth pony had been slain, that hope was now ashes. “By whom? For what cause?” If e’en the thinnest thread tied his killer to Celestia...
“I think it matters little who performed the crime and why ‘twas done.” There was a bitterness to the words that I was not accustomed to hearing from my daughter. “E’en if there were not the slightest evidence to support it, many would lay the responsibility for it before Celestia.”
To my dismay, I could not deny that she was right. Commander Celestia was so little trusted by the Ephorate that the mere existence of the crime would be enough to convict her in their eyes. Her enemies in Cloudsdale would certainly be quick to ensure that all others saw it in the worst possible light. “How long do we have before ‘tis common knowledge?”
“Not long, if they are not already aware of it,” Gale answered grimly. “News of this magnitude is hardly the sort of thing that can be learned more quickly through agents than by simply going to the agora and listening to the news of the day.”
I had feared as much. “Then there is little we can do beyond move as swiftly as possible, and hope that will be enough. If—neigh, I fear that if is no longer the proper word. When the Ephorate declares war upon Unicornia, ‘twill be far more difficult to effect our departure.”
My daughter gave a single sharp nod. “I shall give the orders at once, Mother. However, we should make ready for the possibility that the other clans might attempt to stop our departure.”
“Let us hope it does not come to that.” ‘Twas perhaps foolish of me to shy from bloodshed when I would shortly face the rest of Pegasopolis from across the battlefield, but I would prefer that my flight from Cloudsdale be bloodless. Let some other hoof be the first to shed pony blood in this matter.
Fate did not seem inclined to accommodate my desires. We were near to done with our accelerated preparations to fly from Cloudsdale when one of my clan informed me that Swift Blade and Steel Striker were marching on the compound, accompanied by a combined force from their clans. ‘Twas a thing I could not ignore as I had the Ephorate’s summons, so my last, best hope was to meet with them and somehow dissuade them from any action that would foil my plans. I did not think it likely I would succeed in the endeavour; Swift and Steel were not fools, and likely already suspected my intent. Still, e’en the slimmest hope of success should be pursued over resigned acceptance of failure. If nothing else, words might delay them and allow my clan more time to prepare.
Gale and I went out to greet them, accompanied by a force of my own clanponies. I found myself looking to their combat readiness far more than ‘twould be the norm for a simple honor guard.
As we approached, whatever slim hope I might have had that my intentions were unknown faded as soon as I noted the grim countenances of Swift and Steel. There was a tension to them when they noted my approach, the unconscious tightening of muscles and readying of nerves that any warrior would know. ‘Twas a common reaction when facing an enemy. The thought that ‘twas my presence which prompted them to react so was most unsettling. They did not greet me as a fellow ephor, but as a foe with whom they would shortly do battle.
Before Swift Blade could begin another of his attempts at rhetoric, Steel cut to the heart of the matter with his usual bluntness. “Is it peace, Shadow?”
After a moment’s thought, I opted to provide him with the truth. “I pray that it will be, but I do not think it likely. ‘Twould seem that the differences which have arisen in Equestria will not be solved with mere words and debate. You ask if there is still peace between us. I in turn ask you: is Celestia the rightful Commander of Pegasopolis?”
“She is not,” Steel answered simply.
“Celestia of Unicornia was deposed by the Ephorate for her numerous crimes and incompetencies,” Swift Blade declared. “Her removal was done in accordance with the ancient laws first set into place by Lyequinegus herself, and yet you have continued to deny her removal in defiance of reason and custom. Now, by her actions with the earth ponies, she has revealed her true colors. I name her a tyrant and murderer, and call upon you to renounce your loyalty to her or be branded a servant of a would-be usurper of the Commanderate of Pegasopolis.”
“I will not renounce our rightful Commander.” I growled, taking a menacing step forward. “I would further advise you to mind your words, lest I find that I have been given cause to demand the satisfaction of juris ungula.”
Swift withdrew by half a step at my words, but was not cowed for more than the briefest of moments. “So, you would resort to threats of violence now in the name of your Sun Tyrant? How very like your mistress you are.”
He might have spoken further had Steel not placed a restraining hoof on his shoulder. Considering the relative size of the two stallions—Steel being one of the largest and most thickly-built stallions in Pegasopolis, whilst Swift was relatively short and unimposing, the hoof proved ample restraint. Once more, Steel’s words cut directly to the heart of the matter. “Heard you plan to leave. I do not think we can allow it.”
Gale let out an angry hiss when Steel confirmed his knowledge of my plans, whispering to me under my breath, “I warned thee, Mother, that Dusk would betray our plans if thou didst release him.”
“I think if ‘twere Dusk’s doing, the Chargers would be the clan present before us, not the Strikers and Blades,” I corrected her. I thought it more likely that word of our impending departure had reached them through my own clan. Sergeant Stalwart could not have been the only one to grasp my plans and speak with his family on the matter. If but a single wife, husband, or lover decided to have words with the paterfamilias after the conversation...
To my surprise, Swift Blade spoke to the members of my honor guard directly. “Ponies of Clan Kicker. Your materfamilias intends to lead you on a course of treason ‘gainst Pegasopolis itself, and the abandonment of your homes. Will you stand with her?”
Gale stepped forward, defiantly meeting Swift’s eyes. “No Kicker would side against their own clan and mater simply because of the word of an outsider.” I was heartened when my clanponies rumbled in agreement with her remark. “Your accusations roll off a forked tongue, Ephor. Leave this place, and leave us to our business. If you would look to the good of Pegasopolis, I would advise beginning with yourself, for ‘tis your own deficiencies which do so weaken it.”
Swift directed a vaguely contemptuous look towards my daughter. “Bold words, especially for a pony of thy circumstances. So be it then; if the clan stands behind a traitor, then they are traitors all.”
“Treason,” I countered, “is far more a matter of position than morality. I name you a traitor to your rightful Commander, and you name me a traitor to the new government you have formed in the aftermath of your coup. I suppose the matter must be resolved in blood and steel, unless you would face me now in single combat.” I stepped forward and lightly struck him across the face. “You name me traitor? I dispute your words, and challenge you, here and now to juris ungula. Only your heartsblood will satisfy my honor.”
A duel to the death with Swift Blade was not a move I’d considered beforehoof, but now I saw much potential in it. The match would distract all from my clan’s actions, and in striking Swift Blade down I would remove one of the strongest advocates for war. It might even be possible that between removing him and the prestige of a victorious duel, I could salvage some hope of peace ‘tween the ephors and Celestia. ‘Twas a thin hope, but not an impossible one.
Swift Blade considered me for several long moments, one hoof coming up to rub at his bloodied muzzle. After several moments, he reluctantly ducked his head and spoke. “I apologize for the offense my words have given, and withdraw them.” For all his faults, Swift Blade was no fool. He knew that he was unlikely to emerge the victor in a duel ‘tween us. I had hoped that his pride might yet push him to accept the challenge, especially before so many witnesses, but ‘twould seem such was not the case. Wounded pride and loss of face are painful, but heal far more quickly than a mortal blow.
Still, I would leverage my temporary advantage for all that I could. “If thou art too much a coward to face me, then leave my sight along with thy clan.” The insulting casualness of my remark was fully intended, much like twisting the blade after striking a blow. “I would not have my sight disturbed by one who has discarded all honor.”
The Blade clanponies tensed at my words, but ‘twould seem I had at least succeeded in cowing Swift for the moment. For all his skill in politics, his indifferent skill as a warrior had always been a telling weakness. He looked to his clan, and they reluctantly withdrew. “The matter is not yet ended, Shadow.” His parting words rang hollow in the wake of his defeat. Now that he’d been publicly forced to withdraw his words, he could no longer directly challenge me on the matter without diminishing himself e’en further in the eyes of Pegasopolis.
“Well played,” Steel rumbled, offering me a faint nod. “He is correct, though. The Ephorate will meet on the matter. Next time, Bright will be here. Face her in juris if you wish.”
“A small victory is still a victory.” I looked to him for a moment, and then swallowed my own pride and made a personal plea. “In the name of my departed father, Clay Striker, could you not stand aside in this one matter? Grant my clan the right to leave this place without bloodshed, if only for the bond of blood we share.”
Steel reluctantly shook his head. “Would that I could do so, but I cannot. Too dangerous to let you leave. You know us, know how we think. Your clan’s strong enough to cause problems. We let you leave, others will want to. Some share your opinion on Celestia. Few, but enough that an example must be made.”
Though I was heartened by the news that I was not the only mare in all Pegasopolis who still held loyalty to the true Commander, I did not allow it to distract me from the larger matters at hoof. Though I had not expected Steel to stand aside and allow my clan to leave with no further difficulty, it still saddened me to hear it. “So be it then. If you will not stand aside, I shall force my way through.”
“Possible,” Steel grunted. “If your clan agrees.”
Something in the way he said those words made me wary of him. There was a certainty to his tone: he did not merely suspect that I might face dissent within my own ranks, he had reason to think it likely. ‘Twas at that point that another, far more distressing possible explanation for the Ephorate’s prescience sprang to my mind. Mayhaps my intentions were not betrayed by the lover or family of a Kicker, but by one of my own clan. ‘Twas an unpleasant prospect, but I knew that not all agreed with my decision.
I found myself once more curious of Steel’s intentions. Had he meant those words as a taunt, or a warning? Though most would not think it of such a blunt and laconic stallion, his shortness could often make him quite cryptic. ‘Twas not an easy thing to take his measure when he offered those who spoke with him so little to seize upon.
Puzzling through his intentions would have to wait for another day, though. For now, I faced the pressing concerns of my clan. There was nothing for it but to inform them of my intentions, and hope that would stand with me. What hopes I had for secrecy were long past—e’en if none of my honor guard spoke of Swift and Steel’s accusations, they would shortly return with the other ephors and no doubt be quick to repeat their words. Better that I reveal the news myself. “Gale, upon our return to the compound assemble the clan in the training yard. It is time I had words with them.”
Steel directed a curious glance towards me. “Can’t let you leave Pegasopolis without a fight.”
“I see little to be gained for either of us in battle,” I answered him. “At least, not at present. My clan must prepare to depart, and thy clan lacks the numbers to stop mine alone. (4) That is why you came in the company of Swift Blade, is it not? And are your interests not best served by abiding until the other Ephors arrived?”
4: While most records indicate that the Strikers and Kickers were more or less equal in size, conventional military wisdom says that stopping an opponent from withdrawing in good order requires either superior numbers or favorable terrain. The open skies of Cloudsdale, which gave Shadow the option of moving in any direction she wished, favored her forces over Steel’s. While he could certainly make her withdrawal difficult and inflict casualties, he would have a hard time stopping her completely.
Steel regarded me for several moments, then gave a slight nod. “We will abide, then.”
“And I shall see to my clan.” I turned my back on him and made my way back to the clanhold, accompanied by my honor guard. I was thankful that, for the moment, we had avoided open battle with Steel. While we both saw our duties, ‘twould seem neither of us was eager to take matters to the point of bloodshed. I much preferred speaking to my assembled clan over doing battle with a pony who until recently I would have named as friend and ally.
Thankfully, the gathering of the clan proceeded quickly. Many of their number had already gathered ‘pon the walls to bear witness to the heated words that passed ‘tween myself and the other ephors, and of those who had not stopped to watch the spectacle most were going about their assigned duties to prepare for our departure. I had scarce decided what I would say to my clan before they all stood before me, awaiting my words.
I found a suitable position atop the walls on the clanhold, and began. “Ponies of my clan! Brothers, Sisters, Cousins! Nephews, Nieces, Aunts and Uncles! Daughters and Sons, Fathers and Mothers! Hear my words!
“I am sure you have all heard the talk about Pegasopolis, claiming that we have broken ranks with the Ephorate on the matter of Commander Celestia. I say to you now that these rumors are true! The Ephorate has, through the misuse of ancient and long-forgotten laws, wrongfully removed our Commander from her post. Though I strongly disapproved of this measure, I remained loyal to the government out of a sense of duty and obligation.
“How did the Ephorate answer my actions? With lies and betrayal! With the attempted murder of my own father in the streets of Pegasopolis! E’en then, I might have continued to offer them my hoof in friendship, were it not for the latest travesty perpetrated by the usurpers! Not content with removing Celestia from the post of Commander, they now seek needless war with her to remove her from the leadership of the earth ponies, and perhaps all Equestria. Though I am a loyal daughter of Pegasopolis, this travesty cannot go unanswered.
“For these reasons, I have determined that our clan must depart forthwith from the city of Cloudsdale, and make for the Commander’s current capital in Canterlot. From there, we will restore Celestia to her rightful post by whatever means prove necessary. Though I hope that we might yet find a peaceful solution to this matter, prudence demands that I gird myself and my clan for war. I do not lightly lay this course of action, nor ask thee to uproot thyselves from our ancient home on a whim. Yet the dark hour is upon us, and the die is cast. Come.”
The clan met my words with the stoic acceptance I’d hoped to see, and for a few fleeting moments I dared to hope that they would all stand with me. That foolish hope was then dashed when a voice rang up in protest. “Ponies of Clan Kicker! Do not do this!”
The words themselves were no great surprise, but the identity of their speaker cut me to the core.
My father stepped forward, his face a picture of grim resignation. “Shadow, thou hast passed beyond the pale. I cannot allow this ... this madness to continue any further. As thy father, I beg of thee to stay this course here and now.”
I glared down at my father and defiantly shook my head, realizing afterwards that the gesture was likely wasted on him. “My course is set, and I will not be dissuaded from it by any. Not even by thee, my father. For the good of the clan, Pegasopolis, and all Equestria, we must make our stand here.”
“Thou wouldst blacken the name of Clan Kicker for all eternity in the annals of history!” Father shouted. “A thousand years hence, when ponies speak of the Kickers they will say that we were blackguards and betrayers, lead into infamy by a madmare. That is the legacy thou wouldst leave our descendants!”
“Neigh!” I returned, the heat rising in my voice as my choler grew. “I would have history remember that when all the other clans turned ‘gainst their rightful Commander, the Kickers stayed true to Celestia, and led the effort to restore her. I would have the name Kicker be synonymous with duty and devotion to our Commander.”
When Father answered me, there was a quiet fear in his voice that I’d not heard since Father Clay’s passing. “Shadow, I beg of thee, if thou hast any love for me within thy heart, do not do this. Please.”
For a brief moment my resolve shook at his plea, but only a moment. “My father taught me to do that which I believed to be right in my heart, regardless of whosoever stood against me. That if all the world said that I should allow an evil to pass unremarked, ‘twas my duty to stand against the world itself and say ‘neigh, thou art wrong.’ Those were words of great wisdom, and I will heed them now.”
Father’s head hung low, and let loose a heavy sigh. “So be it, then.” He drew in several breaths, then removed a scroll from within his armor, opened it, and declared. “By the authority of the Ephorate of Pegasopolis, I hereby strip thee of the titles of ephor and materfamilias, and assume those duties for myself until such—”
“You do not have the right!” Gale roared at him, charging forward and ripping the scroll from his grasp.
“The right be damned, I have the need!” Father returned just as heatedly. “I will not allow anypony, not even the daughter I love more than life itself, to bring my clan to ruin and damnation.”
The shouting match between my father and daughter quickly gained an undercurrent as my clanponies began murmuring ‘mongst themselves. Already, the consensus I’d hoped to see from my clan seemed to be crumbling in the face of Father’s challenge. I needed to put an end to the matter, and quickly.
“Gale!” My voice rang with all the force and authority I normally reserve for the battlefield. “Father has had a long and difficult day, and is still recovering from his recent injuries at the hooves of one of the Ephorate’s catspaws. I bid thee return him to his quarters at once, that he might rest both body and mind.” Though ‘twas perhaps cruel to imply that Father’s words were the product of an old and feeble mind, ‘twas one of the only ways I could lessen their impact ‘pon the clan.
Father’s pride could not accept my words. “I am no dotard, thou vain, ungrateful whelp!”
“Aye, a dotard would have more sense than thee!” Gale once more shouted at him.
“Stay the flapping of thy tongue!” Father roared as he smote Gale across the cheek.
The sight of my daughter being struck finally drove me to act, flying to the scene and striking Father with sufficient force to knock him from his hooves, sending him sliding more than a ponylength across the clouds before his momentum faded. “ENOUGH!” I looked to my daughter, and after ensuring that she’d suffered no more than a bloodied lip, I whirled upon my father. “You have gone too far, sir! Challenge me for leadership of the clan or recant thy words.”
“A challenge?” Father spat contemptuously, his words producing a faint crimson spray as they left his bloodied mouth. “A blind, old stallion facing a mare in her prime? I think not. However, I do not recant my words, for they are nothing but the truth.”
“Then I have no further choice in the matter.” I stepped forward, put a hoof on Cyclone’s armor and roughly tore the clan insignia from it. “I strip from thee the name and honors of the Clan Kicker. I cast thee from my clanhold and from my heart. May thy name be stricken from the clan’s rolls and records, and from the minds of all those who once knew and loved thee.” I reached forward and ripped off his helm and wing-blades. “May thy very memory be damned for all eternity. Be gone from this place, and never return, not even in death.”
If his blindness did not make such all but impossible, I suspect Cyclone would have tried to strip my insignia as I had his. Since he could not, he instead struck at me with words. “I am ashamed by the fact that I once named you my daughter. That you are now the only surviving piece of my beloved husband is the greatest cruelty imaginable.”
“Begone,” I snarled, “whilst I still allow thee to leave in peace.”
Cyclone slowly made his way to the exit, but paused before he exited the compound. “If any would stand with Pegasopolis and with me,” he announced, “let them do so now.“
To my immense relief, the vast bulk of the Kicker clan did not accept his offer. To my eternal sorrow, he did not leave the compound alone.
I stared after him for some time, before forcing myself to put the matter from my mind and return to the greater tasks before me. I could ill afford to waste time mourning the loss of the parental bond when the duties of clan leadership stood before me. I buried all the pain and sorrow deep within my heart, and turned back to my clan. “Quickly! We’ve much to do, and little time to see it done.” The clan returned to their tasks, but there was a slowness to their movements that had not been present before. ‘Twas plain to see that Cyclone’s departure had struck a blow to our clan’s spirits.
Gale moved to my side, placing a single hoof ‘pon my shoulder. “Mother...” She said nothing more, but her presence at my side standing supportively ‘gainst me spoke volumes.
I only allowed her to offer me a few moments’ comfort before parting from her. “Now is not the time, Gale. The clan’s spirit would be ill-served by seeing me wailing and gnashing my teeth over the departure of a traitor to our cause. We must harden our hearts, and make ready for war. We do not have the time or the right to indulge in the luxury of mourning.”
Within an hour, my clan was ready to leave Cloudsdale. Though my heart grew heavy with doubt as the moment neared, I did not allow such thoughts to enter my mind or show ‘pon my face. If the clan saw my resolve waver, even for a moment, all would be lost.
The ephors met me at the entrance of my compound, each accompanied by the customary honor guard. To my immense distaste, Cyclone was now amongst their number. ‘Twould seem that they had wasted no time in confirming him as my replacement, at least for the moment. ‘Twas most unusual for a member of the Gerousia to leave retirement, but not unprecedented. His own experience in the Ephorate no doubt made him an ideal choice for their current circumstances, though his blindness would be an impediment if he thought to lead an army into battle.
I turned my eyes and thoughts from him, and towards the others. I saw little reason to concern myself with Swift or Steel; their positions were already known to me. Neigh, ‘twas with Rightly and Bright that the matter now rested, so they received the majority of my attention. Rightly’s countenance was one of resignation and sorrow, no doubt as pained by our parting as I was, though he did a poorer job of hiding it. (5) Bright’s expression proved far harder to decipher, though I believed I detected a note of pondering curiosity, as though she had uncovered a particularly intriguing mystery.
5: Or, perhaps more likely, he wasn’t trying to hide his feelings the way Shadow was, since he wouldn’t need to worry about his clan abandoning him at the first sign of perceived weakness.
I stepped forward, meeting their gazes challengingly. “I intend to leave Pegasopolis, until such time as Commander Celestia is restored to her rightful place. If the Ephorate will not allow it, then I shall leave by main force.” I looked over the assembled ranks of the other clans, drawn up around my compound in a rough battle line. “We’ve all the sky to maneuver in, you cannot stop us all from flying. We will escape, and if you try to stop us you will fail and see many of your warriors fall in the process.”
Rightly gazed at me for several long moments, then offered a single mournful shake of his head. “There is no need for such bravado, Shadow. The Ephorate has held a vote, and we’ve decided that your clan will be allowed to leave Cloudsdale in peace.”
“Verily?” I could scarce credit my own ears. Though the news was undeniably heartening, it seemed far too generous a concession. One should always be wary of the generosity of thine enemies.
“Verily,” Swift confirmed, a dark glower on his face. “We did not reach consensus on the matter, but the majority feels that you should be allowed to depart.”
Rightly offered a single nod. “As we have not yet entered a state of war with Unicornia, thou art fully within thy rights as materfamilias to remove thy clan from the city and go wheresoever thou doth wish.” His voice dropped, and he spoke to me in confidence. “I do not wish to do battle with thee, Shadow. Not today, nor on any day hence.”
“Then when war comes, let us pray that we never meet one another on the field,” I answered him. “For if I must choose ‘tween my duty to the Commander and what I wish for in my heart...”
“That is a cruel choice indeed,” Rightly finished grimly. “I pray, for both our sakes, that thou art never forced to make it.” He fell silent for a moment, looking back to Cyclone. “Thy father has already given his pledge that no kinsblood shall be—”
“My father is dead,” I growled, struggling to contain my fury.
Rightly regarded me for a long moment, then gave a sad shake of his head. “As is thy wish. Regardless, Cyclone Kicker has given his pledge that he and those who follow him will not do battle with their kin. I offer my own pledge to thee. Though our clans may come into conflict, I will not seek thee on the field, nor allow any under my command to do violence to thee.”
“For that, I offer my thanks.” I nearly returned his words, but for all that my heart wished to do so my mind cautioned me against it. Though e’en now I loved him, he was the false commander of rebel forces of Pegasopolis. ‘Twould be most foolish to offer him refuge or safety from all under my command when his defeat could well end the war. Perhaps that was the greatest difference ‘tween us: while our hearts and minds were as one, he listened to his heart in this matter, whilst I could not allow myself that indulgence.
As I parted company from Rightly, my attention turned to last of the three ponies who had voted to spare my clan from battle. Though Rightly’s sentimentality was unsurprising and Cyclone’s vote on the matter was to be expected even though he’d been cast out of the clan for his betrayal, I had not expected that Bright would offer me the chance to leave unmolested.
In answer to my unspoken question, Bright offered a tight smile. “You might have made my son a prisoner, and demanded your clan’s release in return for his. Because of that, I will grant freely what you could have taken by force if you were less honorable.” Her smile faded to a tight grimace, as though weighing the vulnerabilities of a target before her lance. “However, I will not make the same promise that my sister’s husband has offered. When war comes, I will best you in honorable combat if we should meet on the field, and bring you back to Pegasopolis in chains.”
“Or mayhaps I shall bring thee before Commander Celestia so bound.” I returned, meeting her gaze with my own. “I suppose we shall see a resolution to the matter soon enough.”
“Indeed we shall,” Bright agreed, an almost eager smile on her face. (6)
6: And thus, Shadow and Bright prove that comparing the size of their lances is not an activity exclusive to stallions.
Rightly stepped forward and pointedly cleared his throat. “Before thy departure, Shadow, I would ask one final boon of thee.” One of his honor guard produced a scroll, which he then passed to me. “A message to Celestia, from the Ephorate. Wouldst thou deliver it into her hooves?”
“I will.” I took the offered scroll and passed it on to one of my own subordinates. “I pray that once this storm has passed, we might once more stand together as friends and comrades.”
“As do we all,” Steel rumbled. “But when next we meet, ‘twill be as enemies.”
I offered him a single sharp nod. “E’en between foes, there can be honor. As the Ephorate has asked a boon of me, I would ask one of it in turn. Final words to Pegasopolis.”
The Ephorate conferred briefly, and Rightly presented their conclusion. “Say what thou wilt, but do not speak too far out of turn. If thou dost provide cause for juris ungula, thou shalt face it.”
“Noted.” I turned to the force of ponies surrounding the clanhold, and found a suitable position from which I might address them. “Warriors of Pegasopolis! I leave you now, not as a coward fleeing in the night, but as a proud warrior going to serve her commander. The only commander I shall ever recognize: Celestia. Though my clan stands firm behind me, Commander Celestia would welcome all who would stand in solidarity with her in the coming struggle. If you love Celestia as I do, stand with me now, and join me in Canterlot.”
I had hoped that my words might sway the crowd, but I am not a particularly gifted speaker. I am competent in the arts of rhetoric, but crowds do not swoon at my words or speak admiringly of my presence. Only a few ponies stepped forward from the ranks, and those I saw clearly all shared strong bonds of family or friendship with my own clan. Still, even one more pony aligned to my cause was a worthy victory.
As I turned to depart, I noted Sergeant Stalwart standing stiffly amongst my honor guard, his eyes locked upon a mare within Rightly’s. After a moment’s reflection, I recognized her as Sierra Doo, his wife. Though no words passed between them, none were needed. Each stood with their own clan, and silently begged the other to break ranks. Neither moved.
I felt an urge to seek out Rightly, and speak those words of love and devotion I’d kept near to my heart for so long. ‘Twas far too late for such a thing, though. All it would do now is further the pain of our parting e’en more. I gently placed a single hoof upon Stalwart’s shoulder. “Sergeant. It is time.”
Stalwart reluctantly tore his eyes away from his wife. “Yes, materfamilias.”
We turned our backs on Cloudsdale, and took wing for Canterlot.
The flight to Canterlot occurred in grim silence. My thoughts, and likely those of all the rest of my clan, lingered upon all that we’d left behind in Cloudsdale. Bonds of friendship and family severed. Lovers left behind, or blossoming love crushed ‘neath the burden of duty and the tides of war. ‘Twas a cruel thing.
Damn the Ephorate for forcing my hoof. Damn Cyclone for splitting my clan and sundering my family. Damn Apple Tree for dying and ending the last hope of peace. Damn Celestia for being blind to her errors until ‘twas too late to correct them. And damn me for standing by her side e’en when all Pegasopolis told me ‘twas madness to do so.
To think this all began with a single filly and her cruel fool of a brother. That the chain of events which had shattered all Equestria and would soon plunge us into civil war could all stem from a single stupid decision made by a single stallion who’d only barely left colthood...
Though we arrived at Canterlot in the dead of the night, the Commander’s royal guard turned out in force to greet us. ‘Twas fortunate that Gale sent word ahead by way of young Midnight to expect our arrival, else we might have met a more hostile reception. Given the current tensions, a large party of armed pegasi would not have received a friendly welcoming in Unicornia.
Immediately upon my arrival, I was escorted to Commander Celestia’s throne room. The lateness of the hour spared us from enduring the presence of too many nobles and courtiers, but not all of them. Though the Commander sat tall and proud on her throne, I could not fail to note the air of weariness that surrounded her. ‘Twas not the sort of exhaustion that could merely be explained away by the late hour at which we arrived, or other such mundane causes. Neigh, the slump in her shoulders and resignation in her eyes bespoke a weariness not of the body, but of the spirit. The burden of leadership lay heavily upon her, and I knew my own arrival and the news I bore would only worsen that.
Despite her worn state, she rose from her throne to greet me with a tired smile. “SHADOW OF THE CLAN KICKER, E’EN IN THESE DARK TIMES, IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE THEE ONCE MORE.”
Ah. I had forgotten that Unicornian court protocol demanded that she deafen everypony who spoke with her in public. I would need to take measures to address that. I saluted my commander, ignoring the disapproving scowls of those nobles who no doubt expected to see me grovel like a dog before her in the Unicornian fashion. Though I might currently be in exile from Pegasopolis pending my commander’s restoration, I was yet a warrior of Pegasopolis and intended to conduct myself as such. “Commander, there is much to discuss and little time in which to say it. Might we speak in privacy?”
“BUT OF COURSE, MY FAITHFUL CHAMPION.” She turned to the nobles. “LEAVE US.” As soon as the last of the nobles departed the room, Commander Celestia cleared her throat, then conjured a glass of water and sipped at it. When she spoke once more, her volume was thankfully reduced to ordinary levels. “Hello, Shadow. As I said, I am glad to see thee once more, though I wish ‘twere in better circumstances. I hope thou art well?”
“As well as can be in these times,” I answered her. “I come bearing news from the Ephorate, and request for my own clan. Our loyalty to you has turned all Cloudsdale against us, and we have fled the city to come hence. Will you offer my clan sanctuary?”
Now that her unicorn subjects had left the room, Commander Celestia felt no need to act the part of monarch, and stepped down from her throne to approach me. Her voice no longer rang with the commanding tones of a queen, but rather the soft-spoken gentleness of a mare who saw another’s pain and wished to soothe it. “Shadow, thou and all thy clan are welcome in Canterlot until the end of my days. So long as I sit upon the throne of Unicornia, thou shalt always have a place here.”
“My thanks, Commander.” ‘Twas a struggle to maintain my composure, but I succeeded. I could well understand the sense of weariness which surrounded her; after all that had passed I was sorely tempted to seek my own bed and linger there for several days.
It seemed cruel, but duty required that I add more to her burdens. “As I said, I have news of the gravest import from the Ephorate.” I produced the scroll Rightly had provided me prior to my departure from Cloudsdale. “I would inform you that this decision was rendered after the Ephorate stripped me of my place in their ranks.”
Celestia took the scroll in her magic, opening it and reading the contents quickly. When she finished, for a moment I thought she might swoon as her emotions overcame her, but she maintained her composure. When she spoke, her voice held all the queenly dignity and composure I had come to expect from her, yet I noted an undercurrent of pain and grief coloring her words. “My thanks to thee for doing thy duty, Shadow. My majordomo will see to thy clan’s accommodations until we can find something more suitable for them. I would ask that thou abidest in the palace as my guest, and that somepony inform my vizier, archmagus, and other high officials that I must speak with them at once.”
She met my eyes, and I saw unshed tears within hers. “We must make ready for war.”