//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: The Message // Story: Valor is Magic // by NotSoSubtle //------------------------------// The Message Corporal Sonnet and Lady Rarity took to discussing little nothings as they traveled, and Nova Drive was quite happy that it was so. It left her to focus on navigating them through the dense herd of ponies both in air and upon cloud. The flight to the roof turned out to be more difficult than descending into the stadium. Once landed, most ponies that saw the trio were either awed by Rarity’s wings or intimidated by the Night Order armor, and stood aside. The remainder withered under Nova’s glare and did the same. Yet it would seem the Lady of Generosity would not wish to leave a pony out of a discussion for long, even if that pony was quite occupied with tasks at hoof. “I must say, Colonel Drive,” Rarity said, musing thoughtfully as they trotted through the long hallway on the way to the box seats. “Is Colonel Daybreak usually so…abrasive?” Nova scoffed. “I would not know. We tend to avoid one another whenever possible.” Rarity frowned, and Nova felt the need to qualify. “Though no excuse for his behavior before thee, ‘tis worth mentioning that long flights and battle can strain a pony’s nerves. Colonel Daybreak has seen plenty of both this day and last.” “I was thinking about how he spoke to you, Nova. It was most impolite, and he clearly paid little mind to how you and Sonnet felt. It seemed he got under your skin.” Rarity gave her a concerned look from under her silly hat. “Are you okay?” The colonel blinked and stared at her. Of all things to worry about in a besieged city, and this unicorn wanted to know about a pony’s feelings? Nova smiled. Element of Generosity, indeed. “Thou need not concern thyself, Rarity. Members of the Order have weathered worse.” Rarity’s frown deepened. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “He’s pretty nice, I think.” Sonnet smiled, trying to push more optimism into the conversation. “Most of the other soldiers won’t talk to us at all, and everypony else clears the way when we’re around.” “Well of course!” Rarity said, motioning to Sonnet’s armor. “I mean I love the dark and dangerous motif here, but these pieces just scream ‘don’t touch me’ and ‘be afraid.’ If I had a talk with your supplier I’m sure I cou—” “Nay,” Nova interrupted, worried that Sonnet actually knew their armorer and could arrange such a meeting. “They were designed with that intent by decree of our Princess, as I have already once explained to the corporal.” Sonnet blushed and Nova glanced back to Rarity. “Even if this were not so, there would not be time now.” “Hail, Colonel Drive!” a stallion called from up the hallway. Two night guards flanking a double door snapped to attention as the trio approached, both saluting the colonel. Nova smiled and trotted up to the source of the voice. “Hail, Major Backgammon!” She returned the salute and hoof and followed it with a warm hoofshake, which the unicorn happily accepted. “Pray tell, how was the ceremony?” he asked. “Did the citizens warm as thou hoped?” “They did indeed.” Nova sighed through a smile. “T’was a most gratifying sight to see Luna’s Chosen welcomed among the clouds.” Sonnet nodded happily, her eyes moist. “Silver Mist shall be remembered by many.” “Thou shall hear all about it, but later.” Nova gestured to the door. “At present we must make haste.” Behind her, Rarity cleared her throat. Somehow she made it sound ladylike and dainty. “But,” Nova allowed, rolling her eyes where only Backgammon could see, “I suppose there is time for quick introductions.” She turned and introduced the Lady Rarity of Generosity. The stallion’s immediate reaction was to bow, but Nova stopped him. “By decree of Twilight Sparkle, ponies of the Night Order are to address the Elements as friends, rather than by titles proper to their station.” Backgammon rose, blinking and choosing his words. It was not hard to see the gears turning behind the ever-thoughtful stallion’s eyes. He lowered his muzzle in a courtly nod. “Even so, ‘tis an honor to make the acquaintance of such a lady, and a privilege that she might deem to call me friend. On behalf of the Night Order, welcome.” “My!” Rarity beamed, and glanced to Nova. “Are all the ponies of the Night Order such gentleponies and flatterers?” Taking a step toward the major, she daintily raised a hoof and took on the Order’s manner of speech, grinning like a cat all the while. “And whom, pray tell, might I have the pleasure of calling friend?” Nova gestured to the stallion. “’Tis Major Backgammon to whom you speak: executive officer, student of tactics, and my friend.” Backgammon shook his head. “I assure thee, Lady, the pleasure is entirely my own. Yet even to see such grace I would not see thee delayed further.” He turned to the night guard pegasus beside him; the mare had dutifully remained at attention all the while. “Blue Moon, please announce that the Lady Rarity is here to see our Princess at Her leisure. Sonnet,” he said, facing the pegasus, “With the colonel’s leave, please take her post in her absence. I would hear more of the ceremony from thee.” Nova nodded her approval. Blue Moon entered ahead of them, Sonnet taking her place by the door. Backgammon faced his commanding officer. His eyes shifted about the hallway. “I would ask thee, sir, to wait inside with Her honored guest.” She considered. It was against protocol, but such protocols had been written in a time when such war was thought a memory only. And the Lady of Generosity was no common guest. “Thy advice is sound, Major, and shall be heeded.” “Fare thee well, Major Backgammon.” Rarity donned an exaggerated pouting face, batting her eyes playfully. “Though we must part for now, I should ask thee to not do anything too brash in the days ahead that might rob me of the chance to further enjoy the pleasure of thy kind words and company.” Sonnet hid a smile and stifled a tiny ‘tee-hee.’ Backgammon blushed several shades of red. It was all the more impressive considering the magic imbedded in their armor usually muted such colorations. He said nothing, and just nodded. Nova suppressed the urge to bury her face in her hoof and groan, choosing instead to open the door and usher Rarity in as quickly as possible. “Lady Rarity,” Nova whispered once the door was firmly shut in their wake, “I would have thee know that my friend is quite happily wed.” Rarity tilted her head. “Wait, you thought…” Her confusion dissolved into a giggle. “Don’t worry darling, I would never come between a mare and her stallion, and your friend had the married look all about him.” “Thou could tell?” It was Nova’s turn to be baffled. “How couldst thou tell?” The Lady of Generosity winked. “Magic, darling.” “Thou art kidding, right?” Rarity’s grin changed not in the least, and the lady seemed content to allow the matter to remain a mystery. The Lady of Generosity followed her through the door and there was no more time for such idle chat. After a few moments’ thought, the colonel decided perhaps it was best not to press. But it didn’t keep Nova Drive from wondering. There was almost no wait. Blue Moon had already spoken with the princess, probably interrupting the meeting to do so. Likely the officers present would complain of it later. Good, she thought. Let them fume. Nova would have to listen, but would not care. Nothing and no pony should dare come between the order and their princess, by force or privilege. The sooner the military understood this, the better. Much like the rest of the stadium, the luxury box was half-converted to serve the needs of a nation at war. Also like the rest, the change was improvised and graceless. Tables were covered with local maps or cold buffets like the one Nova had just left. Large, comfortable couches were unceremoniously stacked against the wall in favor of those cheap metal chairs that fold up for storage, but cramp a pony’s rump. Except for the pair of Night Order guards by the balcony door, the dozen or so ponies in the room were clustered around the map table. Most of those wore uniforms with bars of at least major, with some lieutenants hanging around as orderlies. They were packing away papers and files. Nova checked the wall clock; the meeting must have ended early. Behind the table, the Princess of Mercy smiled, shaking hooves with several of the officers and thanking them for their service and advice. Her eyes met Nova’s for a moment, and the smile warmed further. Princess Luna, the Bringer of Moonlight and Defender of Dreams, was always happy to see her servant. Nova had long since surrendered in her efforts to understand how this could be so. Instead, she had chosen to be eternally humbled by such grace. She inclined her head to her Princess in silent thanks. There were proprieties to observe. Nova cleared her throat to make a formal introduction of the Lady of Generosity when Blue Moon, standing beside the princess, twitched an ear. She shot the mare a quick glance. Blue Moon returned it with a twitch of a headshake. Her eyes darted quickly to the princess. Translation: Don’t introduce her. The Princess told me so. Nova resisted a frown. Every pony should come to recognize and respect the Elements, but if her princess had some greater goal in mind, she would not doubt her. She respectfully ushered Rarity aside, where they would be out of the way of the departing ponies being ushered out by Blue Moon. She recognized a few of the officers on their way out. The immense Colonel Globemaster, the stallion managing the logistics effort ferrying ponies and supplies up to the city. He smiled at Rarity, offering nice words regarding her magical wings before departing. Colonel Tacit Blue, an unusually twitchy pegasus stallion with an even more unusual doctorate in magical theory. Tacit nodded and smiled as he passed; he’d been one of the brains behind the stealth armor now used by the Order. The last was Colonel Stratus, formerly Major Stratus of the Wonderbolts in command at their dedicated training field. Nova hadn’t forgotten his face. It was hard not to flinch when she saw him passing by, but she kept at attention. She doubted he’d forgotten her. He hadn’t. He grunted darkly and mumbled something unkind as he passed Nova. She paid it no mind, but she saw a pair of ears twitch on the far side of the table. “Colonel Stratus.” The princess’s use of his name came out as a command. He halted and turned, just short of the door. “Princess.” Princess Luna faced him squarely from across the room, her eyes cross and angry. “Thou hast insulted the captain of my guard. Thou shalt apologize,” the princess declared. “Immediately.” The stallion glanced between the two mares. He casually bowed his head. “I am sorry, Princess Luna. I did not mean to offend.” “Not to Us.” Princess Luna lifted a hoof to indicate Nova Drive. “To her.” Stratus blinked. “But I—” Luna’s hoof came down with a thunderous crack. “Now.” His eye twitched faintly, and he faced Nova again. Stratus spoke slowly, choosing his words. “I was out of line, colonel, and I apologize. In the future, I will not allow my personal feelings to color my words or sully my uniform.” The Princess of the Night continued to glare at him. He hadn’t recanted his feelings, only his words. She tilted her muzzle to the other remaining ranking officer in the room, eyes never leaving Stratus. “General Manifold, there is but one more official matter I wished to discuss. This is Colonel Nova Drive. She commands the Night Order Royal Guard at my behest. Let it be known that she and the other officers of the Order are to be awarded all respect and privileges of officers of equivalent rank in the regular military.” Nova’s heart skipped a beat. Manifold nodded. “Done.” Behind him, his aide scribbled notes on a parchment. Stratus’s eyes narrowed. “Forgive me princess, but Nova Drive, for all her talent, has never attended the academy or any ROTC. It was my understanding that her rank was honorary.” “It was,” the Princess said, stepping closer. “Until this morning. The Order has distinguished itself in battle first against the changeling swarm and yet again last eve. She returns now from a memorial for her friend, slain in yesterday’s clash. She has earned the respect of her fellow defenders in Canterlot, the ponies she ably commands, and both royal sisters.” She sat before him, discarding the royal grammar for one of the few times since Nova had known her. “And I will see you salute her before leaving this room.” Nova blinked furiously. She opened her mouth to speak, to tell her princess that this was entirely unnecessary, that Stratus was perfectly reasonable in his grudge against her. The Princess of Mercy saw this and shot her a stern glance. Be quiet, little pony. Nova closed her mouth again and blinked some more. Stratus ground his teeth and looked like he was going to either hurl his lunch or break something, maybe even both, but he obeyed the princess. It was a twitchy motion, but he raised his hoof to his brow and saluted Nova. He even held it for a moment. While he did, Nova saluted him back, and had no problem doing so. Even if he hadn’t been one of the best fliers and officers she had ever known, he just earned it. She wouldn’t have thought Stratus had it in him, even by royal command. Luna dismissed him. He left in a huff, not looking back. On his way out he seemed ready to slam the door with his hoof, but caught himself and let it go before he followed through with it. The door hung open until Major Backgammon leaned around the doorframe and closed it himself. He spared a moment to lock eyes with Nova Drive. His eyes were wide as saucers. She knew exactly how he felt, and probably looked just the same. He shut the door. For a moment, nopony spoke. Lady Rarity, General Manifold and his aide glanced between the princess and the door. The sounds of busy ponies outside kept the silence from being deafening. “We are sorry that thou had to see that, Rarity, but it could not wait.” The Princess of Mercy sighed. “At least we think he got the message.” The Lady of Generosity’s eyes glistened, her lower lip curled up. She looked like she’d break out into tears any moment. “Nova, I know you told me about this on the way here, and the talk with Daybreak,”—Luna’s ears twitched at the mention of Celestia’s guard captain—“but I simply had no idea. What in Equestria did he say?” “It is of little matter now,” Nova deflected. “I do not fault him.” Rarity batted her eyes, and turned her pout toward the other mare in the room. Princess Luna looked back to the door, her left eye twitching. “He expressed sarcastic surprise that our chosen defender hadn’t been kicked out of the city by the first pegasus who recognized her. He should thank the stars that his punishment was a mere policy change we had planned to enact anyway.” “But…” The unicorn glanced between them. It was plain to see the unicorn connecting the dots in her mind’s eye. Not ten minutes before, Rarity had been able to discern that Backgammon, clad in armor with cosmetic illusions, was married after a short conversation with the stallion. Nova may have been unsure regarding the use of magic, but she was still a perceptive socialite, one who knew of some of the stigma surrounding the order. Stratus hadn’t made the comment out of dislike for the order. It had been personal. It was a long way from knowing what happened or why Stratus and other ponies like him might hate Nova, but it was enough to know that there was a story there, somewhere. She would wonder. Eventually, she would ask somepony. Much of what had happened was public knowledge here in the clouds. And then the Lady Rarity would know. Nova looked away from the Element of Generosity and shut her eyes. “Colonel Nova Drive.” The sudden use of her name snapped Nova from her haze and demanded her attention. She stared wide-eyed at the speaking stallion. General Manifold glowered at her down his muzzle. “When Princess Luna arrived, I tried to insist that the air corps assign additional ponies to protect our princess. She claimed that you and your Order were up to the task.” His eye narrowed. “Are you going to let the griffins walk all over you like Stratus just did?” It was a military question, with a military answer. And as of just a few minutes ago, Nova and the rest of the order were part of the regular military. She lifted her chin and squared her posture. “No, Sir.” “I should hope not,” he snapped. “I don’t know what Princess Luna has done for you, but she made a promise to me. She said that the pegasi of Cloudsdale wouldn’t face our enemies alone. I thought she meant we’d get reinforcements. I thought she’d see to it that we’d get more supplies.” He stepped forward, pacing around Nova as he continued his tirade. “I never imagined—it never even occurred to me that she might come here herself! A princess, one of the diarchy here on the front lines, within earshot of the enemy? Absurd! But here she is, and the impact of her arrival was immediate. Ponies who believed, truly believed they wouldn’t survive the next few days are now fighting like they can win, because she thinks they can win. I don’t know what you think of your princess, but that’s an equine I’d give my wings to save from a papercut. “So I’m gonna ask you one time, colonel,” he almost growled, stopping right in front of her and pressing his muzzle right in her face. “Do I need to assign this fine Equestrian mare more protection?” Nova thought she felt her eye twitch. She knew red anger was starting to color her vision. “No, Sir!” she yelled back at him. He smiled. “Glad to hear it,” he said, then saluted her. The motion was crisp, firm, and most of all honest. “Welcome home, colonel. I wish it were under better circumstances.” Nova stared at him for a moment in shock before remembering to salute him back. Then he offered her his hoof. She shook it. General Manifold glanced over his shoulder. “I hope I wasn’t out of line there, Princess, but it seemed she needed that.” Luna was still staring at him. “What? Oh, um, not at all.” “Thank you. I doubt I’ll need to make a habit of it, though. Judging by this one and the others, you picked your guards from good stock.” He locked eyes with his aide, who had been almost motionless since Nova had first noticed him. The general must have conveyed something, because he collected a few things and headed for the door. Manifold smiled at Rarity. “I must apologize, Rarity, but a formal introduction will have to wait.” He turned to face the princess and offered her a slight bow. “By your leave, princess, I have my duty to attend to.” Princess Luna nodded. The two stallions marched out the door in single file, the general’s aide trotting along behind him like an extension of his will. Backgammon’s hoof was visible for just a moment as he gently shut the door behind them, leaving the three mares alone in the room, quietly staring at the door. “You know,” Rarity finally pondered aloud, “I rather do think he can win this fight.” Nova and her princess both mumbled something in agreement. With Nova’s duty to deliver the Lady Rarity to her princess discharged, she asked for leave to depart. Princess Luna refused it, insisting that Nova remain and make herself comfortable. Nova took a post by the door while the other two mares talked. Nova spent the next ten minutes or so in a mild haze, recovering from several personal shocks. She had little to add to the conversation that followed, anyway. There was something about a Nightmare Night celebration, how Rarity had been out of town, and something else about them reminiscing about a wedding reception and after party. Ah, the changelings. Nova smiled. The first real action the Order had seen had been against those vile bug-ponies. The princess’s chambers had been one of the few remaining pockets of resistance to hold until a wave of magic had swept them from the city; even the much-touted Day Guard had crumbled. At the time, the Order had been under orders to prevent all disruptions to her Highness’s daily rest that she might be rested enough to enjoy the night’s festivities. Princess Luna had later expressed her surprise that her decree had been followed so exactly. She then gave a high directive that in the event of invasion or other national emergency, she should be informed at once regardless of other instructions. “But we must confess,” Princess Luna was saying to Rarity, “At this time we are unsure of where thy talents would be of greatest help here.” “Oh, I haven’t the slightest idea either right now, but I’m sure I’ll work that out soon enough.” Rarity beamed with complete self-assurance. “With Princess Celestia’s decree that the elements should try to inspire our fellow ponies, I just thought it would be best if ponies in charge knew that Rainbow Dash and I had arrived.” “Miss Dash has come as well?” Luna pulled her head back, blinking. “Where is she?” “Doing her duty as Ponyville’s Weather Patrol officer, I’d imagine.” She glanced between the colonel and the princess. “Though I imagine that both of you would have a better idea of what that might entail than I.” Luna leaned back and lifted a hoof. “Truly?” “Why yes. It’s what she wanted to do, after all.” Rarity saw the princess’s apprehension. “Is that going to be a problem?” “‘Tis certainly a great risk,” the princess replied quickly, but then considered. “But she is the Element of Loyalty. We suppose this should have been expected. And…we must sympathize with her desires.” Rarity raised a questioning eyebrow. The Princess of Mercy turned aside. “Rainbow Dash is not the only pony whom others would keep from the field. We cannot, in good conscience, turn her away from her duties so long as she wishes to uphold them. Yet, there is the military to consider. Ponies like Big Wig and Manifold would be beside themselves if they were to find out now. Our sister left very…precise orders in regards to thee and thy friends.” She sighed thoughtfully. “We have made the acquaintance of the Wonderbolt’s captain today. General Manifold has decided to attach her team to the militia to take advantage of their celebrity status. We shall see to it that she is aware of Miss Dash and treats that knowledge with discretion. “As for thee,” she continued, magically collecting a quill and scroll from the map table, “Princess Celestia intended the Elements to have as much freedom in choosing their course as possible. We shall prepare for thee a writ of passage, that you shall have all freedom of movement within the stadium. Should you come across any further need or difficulty, do not hesitate to seek us out. And Colonel Drive, see to it that she is assigned an escort from the Order.” Nova knelt with a smile. “Already done, Highness.” “Really?” Princess Luna asked, giving the parchment to Lady Rarity. “Who hast thou given this duty?” “Corporal Sonnet, Highness. She awaits the Element just outside.” She nodded, a faint twinkle in her eye. “That will be a good match, we think.” The Lady Rarity looked up from the writ, her eyes still wide from reading the words of the princess. Nova had seen that face on dozens of minor officials before. When the Princess of the Night wrote a legal statement, she did not do so in halves. “Thank you so much. Oh, this is far more than I ever would have hoped.” “We only hope it shall be enough.” Luna took a deep breath and let it out, relaxing her shoulders. “We should like to talk more with thee, but for now I must ask that thou depart. I should like some time to speak with Colonel Nova Drive before our next obligation.” Nova blinked. “Of course!” Rarity gushed, practically charging the princess to embrace the much taller mare in a hug. “And if there is anything I can do to help, Princess Luna, do please let me know.” The Princess of the Night was just as surprised by the hug as Nova. “We thank thee for thy kind offer, fair Rarity. Be safe and well in the coming days.” They said their final goodbyes. With Rarity departed, the Princess of Mercy faced Nova Drive, and hung her head. She spoke softly. “We feel a need to apologize to thee, colonel. We should have remembered thy history with Stratus and taken steps to prevent that scene when thou arrived.” “Nay, Princess!” Nova found herself pleading. “’Tis no fault of thine that ponies do not understand thy mercy, and good that so few have such a need.” Luna scowled at the door. “Still, his remark was uncalled for. An officer should know better, and a colonel more besides.” “My shame has come and gone,” Nova replied with truth, confidence, and a bow. “I am thy pony, Highness. Little else matters. Command me.” The Princess shed her frown and smiled. ‘Twas as warm as a late spring eve. “Thy devotion humbles us, Nova. Again our mind drifts back to the old argument, that such supplication is inappropriate in this age and undeserved by thy once-fallen princess.” Nova opened her mouth to speak, but her princess did not give her a chance. The Alicorn of Night drew near and her voice more serious. “But, there is not the time for familiar ramblings. Now is a time we could use something else, as our heart is troubled with choices before us. We are isolated in our position and have need of a confidant, a pony with whom we could speak openly. A pony that felt free to express her own opinions and perspectives.” The princess smiled down warmly at her subject. “Thy princess has need of a friend.” Nova mulled the idea. If ponies like Stratus dominated the military leadership here, her princess might be exactly right. As much as Nova liked Manifold, he hadn’t struck her as the type for small talk. She would need a pony to trust. “What matters might be discussed?” “Certainly the business at hand, but ‘tis hard to say.” The princess blushed and lowered her chin. “We have had less experience with modern friendships than we might have hoped.” That settled it. Nova conducted her chin in a firm nod. “Would’st thou like me to retrieve one for thee, Princess? Perhaps Generosity could serve as thy aid.” Luna’s smile faded into a series of blinks. Nova Drive awaited commands. “Nay,” Luna finally said with a sad sigh, turning away. “Nay. I suppose we shall have to make do without a while longer.” Nova cocked her head to one side, confused. Still, her princess had spoken. “Have you commands for your servant, Highness?” She took a deep breath. “Not so much a command.” Luna motioned to the great map on the table, and they approached it together. “I will have need of my guard in the days ahead.” The pegasus felt her heart jump with pride. “We shall defend thee till death, Princess!” Luna hesitated. “We hope that such sacrifices shall not be needed, but such was not our meaning. General Manifold has relayed the tactical situation here to us, and we have an idea. ‘Tis a bit…unconventional.” She struggled with the term. “Or at least we think that is what this new martial tongue would call it. What matters is that much would depend on the Night Order.” Could it be true? When the princess paused, it took Nova a moment to find her voice again. “My princess means to deploy her servants?” By Moonlight, let it be true! “We would take the field together.” Luna amended. “We have the early conception of a plan that would make use of the Night Order’s strengths, but it will not be easy. I will require thee to be forthright regarding the feasibility of these tactics with thy current numbers, equipment and training. If thou has any doubts—any doubts at all—we trust thee to express them at once. Have we your word on that?” It was all Nova could do to restrain her joyful trembling. “As you command, Highness.” Luna’s smile returned. “Very good. Now, see this spur in the griffin holdings? General Manifold related to me concerns regarding this gap here.” The princess spent almost an hour relating her plan to her servant. It was devious. It was cunning. It was bold. Together they worked out the details. There would be much to prepare, and much would depend on good fortune. Still, if everything went according to plan… “Yes,” Nova said with complete confidence. “This can be done.” “Good.” Luna grinned, eyeing the map. “Make the preparations with the guard. When next we see Manifold again I will express our need for additional support.” Nova nodded. “Some additional unicorns and earth ponies to hold the perimeter would be of great help.” “Indeed. Also, I shall need—” Four hard knocks interrupted her thought. Luna shook her head and bade them enter. A cluster of ponies had gathered outside, visible only over Major Backgammon’s shoulder as he leaned through the open door. “Forgive me Highness, but Colonel Stratus has returned.” He hesitated. “And he’s brought another.” Nova and her Princess exchanged a glance. “Another colonel?” Nova inquired. “Nay, but a stallion who wishes an audience with the prin--What?” He turned to listen to someone outside. “The colonel says he was found escaping from the griffin lines, and demands to speak with thee.” “Let him through!” cried a voice from the hall, the voice of Colonel Stratus. “He must speak to her!” “I will hear him,” the Princess of Mercy declared with the strength of command. Nova snapped into action. “Night Order, see him though. He and the colonel may enter. Backgammon, disperse the crowd!” Moments of frenzied action passed. Once the hall was cleared, Blue Moon escorted a pair of stallions in. Colonel Stratus was the first. He backed through the door. Nova couldn’t understand why—until she saw him supporting the other visitor with a hoof. As he came through, he turned his head for a moment and met Nova’s gaze. He was all business at the moment, his animosity for her apparently set aside. When Nova laid eyes on the second stallion she understood why. He was badly bruised, the likely subject of several severe beatings. Nova could see several shallow cuts on him around his midsection, and part of his ear had been clipped. He walked with a double limp, favoring both a front and hind leg. Half of his feathers had been plucked. Nova felt the stirrings of both pity and rage. There was a chance this stallion might never fly again. “Valiant pony,” the Princess of the Night said, “who art thou?” The light green pegasus lifted his chin. “Canard, Private Second Class,” he droned in a raspy voice. “Serial number two-eight-nine-fou—” He coughed on his hoof. Nova leaned and whispered to Blue Moon. “Get back to the barracks. Inform Nightshade and Moonseed they are needed here. Tell them the princess is safe, but another requires aid.” Blue Moon started to go, but Nova gave her one last instruction. “Bring a stretcher.” Luna continued to address the pegasus throughout. “Thou art in clear need of care, yet would speak with us first. Why?” “I was freed by a griffin who said he’s in command of their forces,” Canard said through pained breaths. “He made me memorize a message meant for the Princess Luna, and when they let me go they were preparing to move civilian prisoners.” The princess scrunched her nose. “Did he threaten to hurt them?” “No, but…they had me count them all myself.” Canard closed his eyes, remembering. His wings twitched. “Five hundred thirty-seven. There wasn’t a full grown stallion in the bunch.” Nova felt her jaw drop, similar shock being expressed throughout the room. Hostages, she swore internally, closing her mouth and grinding her teeth. The cowards threaten to slay defenseless hostages. “Madness,” Colonel Stratus spat with the anger of a curse. “The griffins have gone mad.” “This griffin,” Luna asked, raising a hoof to silence everypony else. “What was his name?” Canard took a few pained breaths before answering. “He called himself ‘Khan Cyrus of Aquila.’” As commander of the Night Order, Nova Drive had believed she had seen her princess angered on at least a few occasions. She was wrong. Luna set her jaw and spread her wings, the tingle of magic filling the room. Nova could have sworn the light in the room dimmed around her princess. “Only for the sakes of those ponies he now threatens,” the Princess of the Night rumbled, “shall we hear the words of our adversary. Tell me this message.”