//------------------------------//
// Chapter Seven: Empty Promises 
// Story: A Colt's War 
// by Codexwriter476 
//------------------------------//

Night had fallen as the bewildered and defeated grenadiers reached the southern defense line near Canterlot. Stars shined brightly whilst their Royal Guard comrades watched them march past.
"What's the matter? Didn't get whipped hard enough." A guard joked. Big Macintosh left rank and took hold of the cocky guard. The other guards nearby tried to pry him off, but they couldn't maneuver well in the heavy gold armor.
"Ask us that one more time... I dare you." Mac's voice sounded dark, nearly frightening the guard.
"Big Mac. Let 'em go, Too much blood's already been spilled today." Braeburn hobbled next to him. Hesitating, Big Mac snorted in the guards face and shoved him back into his trench. The two soon carried on with the others.
"The hay's his problem?" The guard asked.
"I don't know Keen Eye, but they sure as hay seen more than any pony has." The other guard there replied, watching the column march further behind the lines. 

Camp fires crackled and popped, lighting the way for the grenadiers towards the far rear and the south city gate, where General Lancer was waiting with his staff.
"Captain, why are your men not in proper formation?" He asked Lawrence. Lawrence said nothing. "I asked you a question soldier." Lancer asked again, anger flooding his vocal chords. Again, he said nothing.
"The commander asked you a question, Captain." A Royal guard colonel replied.
"With all due respect sir, now is not the right time." Lawrence finally muttered.
"On the contrary, now is the perfect time to-" the Colonel started again, only to find a pistol barrel pointed at his face.
"Haybrun told me everything, how we're just pawns in your little 'Chess' match you call a war. We're expendable, aren't we?" Lawrence asked. The Colonel still aimed down the barrel. 
"That was only in anger, son. I've meant no foul meaning otherwise." Lancer tried to defend his officer. "Now, tell us what happened." Lawrence slowly lowered the pistol and returned it to his holster.
"They ambushed us, after we declared a cease-fire. The mother buckers."
"Where's General Haybrun?"
"He's in a better place, away from flank holes like you." Lawrence looked to Lancer. "You promised us supplies and reinforcements, yet we had to fend for ourselves."
"Canterlot was under siege at the time, we couldn't lighten the defenses for a dirt town such as Ponyville." A third officer replied.
"Bull! Your not under siege now, We didn't get our flanks blasted off when we even got close to the south line. You almost as dishonorable as that damn Lunar Nightshade!" Lawrence shouted, tears starting to form at his eyes. "Because of you, I've lost my brother. We've lost half our regiments, we've lost Ponyville, and now we're losing the war!" Lancer was speechless. No pony had ever lectured him, not since the Griffon Wars with Haybrun, now he was getting back talk from a grenadier captain.
"That's treasonous talk right there Captain. We could have you shot for such a thing." The Colonel shouted back. "General, I suggest we court-martial him and all these other traitors." He turned to Lancer, who stood still, his mind elsewhere. "Sir?"
--
"He's right you know." Haybrun said. Lancer found himself in a white void, and the only ponies there were him and Haybrun.
"Ever since you became the Commander of the Army, you've made bad decisions after another, costing you men, cities and even fine officers such as myself."
"I've won battles." Lancer claimed to his defense.
"Name one." Haybrun replied, suddenly in Lancer's face. He had him there; he had never won a battle since the Griffon Wars. 
"It's my staff. They're not as experienced like us."
"You were the same when I was your commanding officer, and now your suffering from your rash staff. Had you kept at least one experienced officer, things would have been different." Haybrun said.
"Then tell me, what should I do?" Lancer asked, only to see the void starting to disappear.
"Learn from your mistakes, or you won't last long." Haybrun's voice faded.
--
"Sir." The Colonel asked again. Lancer shook his head.
"uh... what?"
"Should we court-martial Captain Lawrence for threatening your life and treason?" The Colonel asked once more, sounding a bit irritated. He looked to Lawrence, who was still fueled with anger and sorrow.
"No."
"No? but sir.."
"I said no, Colonel!" Lancer barked. The Colonel remained silent. "Now I want you to send a full report to the Ministry immediately, while I handle things here, and I want General Blazer as my new second." The Colonel was shocked.
"But I'm your second in command sir, you can't-"
"Then perhaps you would like to be court-martialed for dereliction of duty." The Colonel zipped his mouth and quickly did as he was told. The third d officer simply stood silent. Lancer then turned back to Lawrence.
"My condolences on your losses. Until your regiments are ready for battle once more, take as much time to recover as you need. I'll see what I can do to get you what you need, Major." Lancer said. Lawrence simply saluted and flew his hoof forward; the column soon started once more into the city.
"You promoted him sir? Why?" the third officer finally spoke.
"I need to start filling some empty promises I once made a friend." Lancer put it simply and went back into the city.

There is a cemetery just near the Grand Canterlot Cathedral on the east side of the city, and was now the resting ground for the fallen grenadiers who were carted out of Ponyville before the ambush, before more were lost at Large River. Ceremonies were short, not to prolong the loss followed by a sad tune. (based off the German military song Ich hatt Eine Kameraden)

'I once had a fellow comrade,
who fought alongside me.
We have once laughed together,
we have once lived together,
Now there is now only me,
Now there is now only me.'

'He was my fellow brother,
since the day we first met here.
We trained and camped together,
but now he's gone forever
Mein Gutte Kamerad
Mein Gutte Kamerad'

Big Mac stood by as each coffin was lowered into the ground, then he looked over to Lawrence, who remained at a single tombstone. He could tell he was crying, but not too loud for all to hear. When the burials were done, the grenadiers left the cemetery for their tents nearby, but Mac went over to Lawrence.
"Are you going to be alright tonight?" He asked, remembering William.
"Give me time, and I'll get better." Lawrence replied, trying to calm down. He was about to Pinkie Promise, but Mac laid a hoof on his, stopping the gesture.
"No more promises." He said, then turned back towards the camp.
"Very well then, Captain." Lawrence said, remaining at the grave. Mac turned back, and his eyes must be playing with him. Sitting alongside him was William, Haybrun and now Sketch, looking onto the grave. He saw Sketch lay his left front hoof on Lawrence, then patting him on the back. He rubbed his eyes and when he looked once more, they were gone, leaving him in the dark and moonlit night.

[Four months later...]
Spring had sprung early in Canterlot and the Lunar forces were finally on the retreat. The Royal Guard 10th Corps under General Cotton Eye had smashed through the Lunar siege works from the east, trapping them in a pocket in which all of them surrendered. The morning rise was a fresh start for the newly refitted Coltgrenadier Brigade under command of the newly promoted Major Lawrence Roberts and his new second Captain Macintosh.
"Morning sir." Macintosh saluted as he entered Lawrence's tent. The sun shine nearly blinded him as he clambered out of the hammock. Stretching, he yawned a morning to Mac.
"Morning Mac. How's the brigade?" 
"Fully recovered, including our good cook Mr. Cakes and my cousin, Lieutenant Braeburn. We got two new companies last week, all from the surrounding area and trained by General Lancer." Mac reported. Lancer had been generous in lending some Royal Guard newbies or flunkies to the brigade, along with fresh uniforms and weapons; but he still wouldn't forgive him for what had happened last year.
"Very well then. That brings us back up to fighting strength of four regiments. Now, what's for breakfast?" He asked cheerfully.
"Same rations unfortunately." Mac groaned. Out of all four months they've been here, they've never gotten a good local meal."
"Wrong. You, me and the officers are going to town for breakfast. Best tell Mr. Cakes to start cooking up the meal we had back at Fort Orchard when you started off. I'm sure that will brighten up the day even further." Lawrence replied. Mac couldn't have agreed more and followed his commanding officer out into the blinding morning light. The grass was green, the sky was cleared by the weather teams and the birds were singing from the trees as the group of grenadier officers walked into town. The streets were clear of snow and alive with ponies going about their business, and one of the finest restaurants in town was made a officer's club. A lone guard stood at the door, and went stiff as the group arrived at the door.
"Morning sirs." He saluted, then recognized the large red stallion from before. "And sorry about that joke a while back sir. I heard news about it and wanted to apologize." 
"Apology accepted soldier." Mac replied and followed the officers inside. The Restaurant interior was the best standards, according to the Canterlot Elite who had the money to buy a meal here, but with the war, most of their money was funding the war efforts so they couldn't go out to eat as often as they use to. To the officers, it was a pleasure to keep it afloat with their military discounts. 
"How many will be seated today?" The clerk asked.
"Table for five please." Lawrence said,
"Make it six." A voice added. Lancer stood behind them. The group snapped to attention, followed by the entire restaurant patrons who were there; mainly officers.
"At ease. I hope this doesn't bother you Major."
"Not at all sir. It beats the usual gruel we call rations." Lawrence joked. Lancer chuckled as well. The clerk led them to a large table near the front window and took their order. 
"I trust everything is well?" Lancer started the conversation. Lawrence lost his hospitality.
"Yes. Thank you for the much need supplies and troops. I'm sure they'll do fine in battle." He replied.
"Major... I just want to end this hostile stalemate. I know you'll never forgive my actions before, but I've learned from my mistakes, by firing my second and replacing him with General Cotton Eye." Lancer admitted. 
"Smart choice. I remember Haybrun telling stories about him and Cotton Eye during the Dog Crusades, the battle of Woof creek so to speak. I hear he's now in charge of both the 10th and 11th Guards." 
"Yes. I plan to let him lead another Corps, but I doubt he could control that many problems."
"Congratulations on retaking Baltimare last month." Macintosh added, remembering the news about the victory.
"Thank you Captain, but now I plan to march on Manehatten; their 'capital' so to speak." Lancer said. Ever since the retreat from Manehatten, the Lunar Republic had made it their impromptu capital once Canterlot was taken. 
"The only way you could reach Manehatten would have to be through Ponyville though." Lawrence noted. Most of the officers lowered their heads. Lancer still couldn't believe it; especially that night outside the south gate.
"Yes, I plan to take back Ponyville before marching onto Manehatten, but I'll need some experienced soldiers." He hinted. "A possible chance for Redemption..." the others didn't seem to care. "...or revenge." Lancer finished. Their ears perked at the word, especially Lawrence.

Once their meals were finished and the bill paid, the six officers remained for a round of cider and to discuss the plans of action against the Lunars at Ponyville.
"A siege would take too long, and a frontal assault across the east town bridge would be suicidal." Lawrence moved his over a napkin map of Ponyville, using some food crumbs as troops.
"Then what about a flanking attack to the west?" Lancer pointed to the opposite end of the napkin.
"We'd need a diversionary brigade, then we can have two Brigades sweep to the south, up through Sweet Apple Acres. My brigade will then advance to the north through the Everfree forest and the second pushing up through the town to help the diversionary brigade. From there, We can force them to the north river here..." Lawrence maneuvered the crumbs towards a spill above the napkin. "...and that's where we'll crush them." He then slammed his hoof onto the crumb by the spill.
"I finally see why Haybrun liked you. Your a tactical mastermind." Lancer was surprised by how much that plan made sense.
"Try and keep up sir, and you'll be marching down Broadmare by this Friday." He joked. The officers gave a rowdy laugh, including Big Mac.
"Is that a promise?" Lancer asked. The laughter suddenly stopped.
"Never make promises you can't keep...." Lawrence growled. "...They're nothing but trouble." The group once again laughed. It was almost ten o'clock as the group finally left the restaurant, the guard saluting them out.
"Now, Major. Stop by the Ministry with the plans as soon as possible. I doubt my officers will have a second glance with a napkin map with crumbs on it." Lancer said.
"I'll have them in tonight sir, right after the ceremony."
"Ceremony? What Ceremony?"
"We're changing the brigade name to Haybrun's Grenadiers, in honor of our fallen commander and fellow grenadiers at Large River. Your welcome to drop by if you want." Lawrence replied.
"Thank you for the offer, but I have other matters back at the Ministry to attend to." Lancer rejected and went on his way. The grenadier officers saluted and went on their way back to the camp.