The Lunar Rebellion

by Chengar Qordath

Guest Chapter: Manehattan Crisis II

We return to Ephor Swift Blade’s journal and the looming budget crisis facing the Provisional Earth Pony Government. While the issues of supply lines and wartime financing might not interest all readers, they are critical issues to anypony who wants to fight a war. No army can fight on an empty stomach, and it becomes difficult to wage a war without being able to buy materials such as tents, arms and armor, and medical supplies.

The Lunars losing their siege train greatly impeded their ability to lay siege to Canterlot. While the new Acting Commander Bright Charger was able to gather enough supplies from the surrounding countryside to allow her to maintain her army in the short term, it was not enough for an extended siege. That brings us to Swift Blade making some of the most important decisions of the war.

The question on how best to deal with Chancellor Fair Deal eluded me e’en after several days. Arranging a coup was no simple thing. There were many factors to consider: who Fair Deal’s supporters were, where the Manehattan militia stood, how many guards the chancellor had at his disposal, and so forth. If I was to launch a coup ‘gainst Fair Deal, it needed to be done perfectly lest I invite disaster. Thus, I had sent out my children to discover what they could to assist with the upcoming coup.

In the meantime, I had busied myself with my other duties. Presently, I found msyelf drawing up a list of what Acting Commander Bright Charger would require for her army. The list would do me little good until the bits were gathered to use it, but Tax Deed had proven of some use in that regard.

Quick and Skilled returned two days after we received the news about the Battle of Avalon Vale. Desiring to take some time away from our daily worries, I sat met them for lunch on a cloud o’erlooking Manehattan. Of course, sitting down to share a pot of stew with my children came with its own troubles.

“Skilled, cease playing with thy food,” I softly reprimanded.

My youngest looked at me through the corner of her eye, a potato slice balanced precariously on her nose. “I am merely practicing my martial skills, Father.” She weaved her head cautiously to keep the victual in place. “Precise control of one’s body is important to any warrior.”

“Be that as it may, there is a time and place for such a thing.” I nodded towards my other child. “Be like thy brother and show proper manners.” Quick gave his sister an amused grin, which Skilled returned with a glower.

Skilled had always been one to play her games at dinner; as a filly, she had always bored easily and sought diversions to amuse herself. It had taken no small amount of effort on my part to break her of the worst of her habits. Sadly, as happened so often to young warriors who spent time in the Long Patrol, her manners and etiquette had eroded from the experience. I worked so hard to instill.

Time spent in the Long Patrol was often a favored topic of conversation amongst my fellow ephors and geronts—one I could not participate in myself. My younger years had been spent rising within the ranks of those ponies responsible for supplying the daily needs of Pegasopolis, rather than slogging through the woods and mud on the outskirts of civilization. Still, I stood out as the only member of the ephorate who had not spent a tour amongst the ranks of the Long Patrol—something I had been mocked for more than once.

“Thy food is not a bauble. There are better tools with which thou might train.” I gave her a pointed look. “After we have eaten.”

She let out a long sigh. “Aye. Of course, Father.” She flipped the potato into the air with a flick of her nose and caught it in her mouth. Admittedly, it was a fine feat of dexterity, though I still felt it was my duty as her father to express my displeasure with a frown. That took some of the cheer out of the smile she gave me.

I did not mean to be too hard on her, but as the daughter of an Ephor, she needed to maintain a level of respectability. She was not some court fool intended to entertain those around her. Still, perhaps there was some means by which I could raise her spirits. It was not my intent to crush her spirit or energy. “How is thy work with thy wingblades these days? It has been some time since I have seen thee in a practice duel.”

“Probably because there is not a pony ‘mongst all the pegasi around Manehattan worthy of challenging me.” She fished a carrot from her bowl and idly flipped it into her mouth. “I would not bore thee with a contest hardly worthy of the name.”

“I still wish to see thee, even if thy opponents are not thy match. ‘Tis rare that I get to do so as of late.” Thankfully, Skilled had been born with the martial talents of her mother and grandmother rather than my own. Her skill was such that Bright had squired her for a time when Skilled was a filly. That feat had been made somewhat easier due to her mother’s lineage as a Charger, and the materfamilias of the Charger clan, Bright had always had a soft spot where kin were concerned. Skilled had benefitted from the lessons, and with age and experience she might become one of the foremost duelists in Pegasopolis. It filled me with no small amount of pride to see her duel somepony else, and I hoped that I could do so again once the business of war no longer pressed quite so hard.

“Maybe once the quarrels between the earth ponies have settled.” Skilled’s observation echoed my own thoughts.

“Aye, daughter. Thy duties come first.” Satisfied that matters were settled between the two of us, I returned to my meal.

“Father?” Quick piped up. There was hint of hesitation in his tone, but he summoned up the courage to continue. “I was wondering if I could ask you a question. Something has plagued my thoughts for some time now, but I was unsure how best to bring it up with you.”

“Then ask.” I waved for him to speak. “I have never dissuaded my children from speaking their mind when something concerned thee. Speak, and let me address thy question as best as I am able.”

Quick took a bit of time to put his thoughts to words. “I was wondering why you chose to remove Celestia as Commander of Pegasopolis and wage war ‘pon her?”

The weight of the question gave me pause. What had caused my son to ask such a thing now, of all times? Did he perhaps harbor some doubts about the righteousness of our cause? Best to nip this uncertainty in the bud.

Before I could conceive an answer, Skilled was quicker as she made a derisive snort. “Because Celestia is a tyrant. She favors the pampered unicorns in her capital over the warriors of Pegasopolis and is worthy of leading nopony.”

“I do not think it so simple, sister,” Quick said, his tone calm and passive as always. “The Ephors of the last century did not object to Celestia being our Commander. I wonder what has changed since.”

“I will answer thy questions in two parts,” I interrupted, cutting my children off ere their squabbling could become too serious. “First, why I sought to remove Celestia as Commander. To put it simply, I do not think she serves Pegasopolis’ interests anymore, if she e’er did. That she could believe we would mutilate our own children made that plain enough.”

Anypony with any sense could have seen the Clipping of young Swiftwing as the perverse act of a foolish young stallion. In any event, the matter had been dealt with long before Queen Celestia had e’en heard the news. Hammer Striker had taken his life in shame, his memory damned. There had been no need for the queen to bring her pompous unicorn oafs to Cloudsdale. Especially not when they were being led by that thrice-damned mare, Sparkle. Speaking of whom...

“Also, ‘tis clear that Queen Celestia has lost touch with her virtues.” I took a quick sip of my canteen before continuing. “Nopony who would make a foal-slayer like Sunbeam Sparkle her Grand Vizier and Archmagus can claim to be acting virtuously.”

“One could argue that Archmagus Sparkle’s usefulness outweighed her evils,” my son countered. I had sought to nurture my son’s ability to think for himself since the day I had adopted him. Though this did lead to moments where he could be contrary, seemingly for the sake of it, that was a price I was willing to pay to have a pony who would tell me when I was being foolish.

I dismissed my son’s argument with a wave. “Neigh, for a Commander is culpable for his subordinates’ flaws when he knows of them and accepts them. If an officer should put a pony he knows to be a drunkard on guard duty during the night, is it not the officer’s fault when the guard fails in his duty due to partaking of spirits, and several ponies are slain?”

Quick stroked his chin in thought. “In such a situation, the Commander would be at fault,” he grudgingly agreed.

I nodded. “And so it is when a pony in power uses the services of an evil one. Queen Celestia cannot claim to have clean hooves when her Grand Vizier is so steeped in sin. A moral pony does not use their subordinates to deny responsibility for their own actions.”

“The faults of a subordinate lay at the hooves of the pony that put them there to begin with,” Skilled quoted from Lyequingus’ philosophy.

“Just so,” I agreed.

Quick voiced no more objections to my argument, but instead moved onto another question. “And your reasons for wishing to remove Queen Celestia’s crown and appoint a new pony as Chancellor?”

“A more complicated question.” I looked down at Manehattan, watching the earth ponies below go about their business as though there was not a war being waged a few hundred miles away. Such was usually the way of things: we pegasi fought and protected the earth ponies, and they lived their lives in ignorance of our sacrifices. “If I will be honest with my children, it mattered little to me whether Queen Celestia won the election fairly or not.”

Skilled blinked in surprise. “What do you mean, Father? The election was the reason we went to war with the Sun Tyrant. Please, do not tell me that our cause is built ‘pon a lie.”

I raised a hoof to forestall further outbursts. I realized I may have misspoken to my daughter. Skilled had always been more literally minded than Quick, so I had to be more careful in how I worded my answers to her. “Do not misunderstand me, I do believe that Queen Celestia, or at least her supporters, are guilty of foul deeds committed during the election.”

I had to admit to myself that at least some of the late Apple Tree’s followers had also been guilty of their own crimes, especially after meeting the likes of Provisional Chancellor Fair Deal, but I was trying to allay my daughter’s worries rather than make them worse. Doubt could be a poison to a warrior such as her, and one that could be fatal on the battlefield when one did not wield their weapon with absolute confidence, both in their skill with a blade and the righteousness of their cause. Some ponies were better equipped to deal with such doubts than others, and I believed my daughter was best served having nothing undermine the bedrock of her belief in our heroic cause.

“But was it worth going to war over?” Quick asked, refilling his bowl from the thundersteel cooking pot.

“Aye, ‘twas.” I lifted my bowl to Quick, and he accommodated me by filling it. “For as long as Celestia remained both Queen and Chancellor, she would always have a noose round Pegasopolis’ neck. While we have little use for most of the material goods that our earth pony and unicorn cousins adore, e’en the warriors of Pegasopolis cannot live without food, and we would be poor warriors without the enchanted arms and armor they provide us. All our former Commander would have to do to squeeze us would be to deny us the things we need to survive and do our duties.”

A pensive frown worked its way across Skilled’s face. “I admit, that seems ... self-centered, Father.”

I squared my shoulders, showing confidence in my stance. “‘Tis the duty of a leader to do what is best for the ponies that depend ‘pon his leadership. As Ephor, ‘tis my responsibility to lead the pegasi and do what is best for Pegasopolis. In this case, what was best for Pegasopolis was opposing Celestia and her tyranny. As long as she remains in a position of power, there will always be a chance that she could become the Commander of Pegasopolis once more.”

I felt my gaze turn towards the direction of Mount Avalon and the city of Canterlot. “While my fellow Ephors and I are resolute in opposing her, who is to say what our followers will be like? Our desperate struggle with Griffonia and Discord caused us to turn to the Royal Sisters; who is to say that another crisis would not cause us to do so again? Ponies will often choose safety over freedom, and the Queen of Unicornia is a pony with immense power in her own right. As an immortal, she can merely wait for the ideal moment to regain her power. Neigh, we cannot allow her the opportunity to do so, and thus we must remove her from power and have her banished from Equestria.”

“There seems to be wisdom in your words,” Skilled said stiffly. I could tell that while she agreed with me, it only came grudgingly and did not sit well with her. Politics never agreed with some ponies, my daughter amongst them.

“I know what I speak of.” I placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Equestria will be a better place once Celestia has been removed from her throne. Aye, ‘tis likely our unicorn and earth pony cousins will be better served with the pegasi determining Equestria’s course.”

Quick made a pensive frown. “Please forgive me if I misspeak, but do I take it to be your intent for Pegasopolis to be the hegemon of Equestria?”

That was the question, was it not? In truth, I had not spoken of my innermost thoughts with anypony. ‘Twas one thing to discuss removing Celestia from power; ‘twas quite another to speak of making Pegasopolis the foremost nation of Equestria. Though if I could not trust my own children to listen to me on this matter, then with whom could I ever speak of it? “Aye, I think Equestria would be best served by Pegasopolis leading. The Commander and Ephors of our nation are by far the better leaders. We select our leaders based on ability. Far better than the accidents of birth that make up Unicornia’s nobility or the earth pony politicians that are subject to the whims of the mob.”

“I think you might be oversimplifying things,” Quick objected. “You forget the magi, many of whom advance through skill and magical prowess within Unicornia. And there are earth ponies who rise to prominence and are elected based on their merits as well.”

My son did have a point, much to my frustration, but I was not about to so readily relent my own. “True, there are exceptions ‘mongst our cousins, but they are only that: exceptions. We, however, always select the best from our numbers to lead us.” Quick looked as though he were to continue to argue the point, but I forestalled him with an upraised hoof. “Peace, my child. Trust thy father in this. I know that Pegasopolis is not perfect. Our system does favor the great clans and the patrician families, but it still allows for ponies such as myself to rise to positions such as the ephorate. Our history is filled with pegasi who have been adopted by one of the patrician lines to become Ephors. Better than in Unicornia, where being born a bastard causes one to be an object of scorn.”

One of Quick’s ears made the barest flick, but otherwise he showed no other signs of irritation. “It is as you say, Father. I consider the matter at rest.”

“But what about Commander Luna?” Skilled interrupted, inserting herself into the conversation once more. “I wanted to know why you wish to free her from exile. If I can ask, that is.”

I waved to allay her worries. “‘Twas my idea to declare Luna as our Commander in absentia, so the question is fair. But to answer thy question, there are a few reasons why I want to free her from her exile. The first is that I suspect that Queen Celestia did a grave injustice to her sister, and I seek to correct it.”

“Our former Commander claimed that her sister had fallen to madness,” Quick said.

“Aye, so she did,” I allowed. “But I think it likely she lied about the matter. Her sister was clearly the better leader for Equestria, as ‘twas Commander Luna who always led our soldiers in the field, liberated Manehattan, and defeated Equestria’s foes while her sister sat passively on her throne.”

Skilled rubbed her chin. “But why would she lie about her own flesh and blood?”

I stirred my soup as I spoke. “The simplest explanation would be that she had come to fear her little sister’s growing power and influence in Equestria. She was already the Commander, and her sister had been forced to make her a fellow Queen of Unicornia. Her influence with the earth ponies was not insignificant due to her liberation of Manehattan and the protection she had given them over the decades. Simply launching a coup ‘gainst her sister might have caused all of Equestria to rise against her. So she created a lie to keep everypony passive.”

“So a simple power struggle then?” Quick mused. “‘Twould not be the first time siblings have fought one another for the crown.”

I nodded. “Aye, that is my thought. ‘Twould also explain why their battle was decided so swiftly. If prolonged, Commander Luna would have called the pegasi to her side, and together we would have crushed her elder sister. So Queen Celestia made sure to be quick with her coup and exile her sister before Commander Luna could muster her supporters.”

Skilled crossed her forelegs and frowned in contemplation. “And if Queen Celestia is telling the truth, and her sister is mad and seeks to bring about eternal darkness?”

My wings flicked at the uncomfortable thought, for ‘twas an unsettling possibility I did not much care for. “Then we will deal with her as we must. No single pony, alicorn or otherwise, is a match for the combined arms of Pegasopolis. We might e’en be able to capture her and then succeed where her sister failed, and find a means by which to cure her of her madness.” I sipped at my bowl to give me some time to think. “Do not forget the possibility that Queen Celestia has committed kinslaying and has lied to cover for her crime. If ‘tis so, then ‘tis our duty to bring the truth to light and bring justice to our fallen Commander.”

Skilled hummed to herself as she thought. “It does seem to be our duty to ascertain Commander Luna’s fate, either way.”

“Aye, so it is.” I looked at the contents of my bowl as I considered what bringing back Luna would do for our cause. “And do not forget the benefits of getting our true Commander back; she would be the perfect counter to her sister once she is deposed. She could be eternally vigilant ‘gainst her sister’s return to power once this war is over, for ‘tis a risk that future Equestrians might invite her back as the centuries roll on. But I doubt Queen Celestia would be so forgiving o’er being unjustly exiled herself.”

There was also the fact that our earth pony and unicorn cousins would more readily accept pegasi dominance if we had Luna as a figurehead. Many unicorns and earth ponies did not know Acting Commander Rightly, but nearly all had heard of Commander Luna and knew her to be a noble hero of Equestria.

Quick’s ears swiveled as his mind went to work. “I suppose ‘tis worth bearing in mind that ‘twas Commander Luna who raised our ancestors to minor clan status. ‘Twould be dishonorable for us not to do what we could for her in her time of need. She might e’en reward us for our loyalty to her, however delayed it might be.”

“‘Twould be good for Equestria to still have a stalwart defender,” Skilled added. “I have heard ... some of the earth ponies talk about what we would do without Celestia to protect us ‘gainst the likes of Discord and other such fiends.”

I noted the brief pause, and was forced to wonder if there were other pegasi who harbored their own doubts. ‘Twas natural, as  many considered ponykind dependant upon her after centuries of her rule.

I would have to find a way to calm those concerns when I had the time, and maybe e’en bring it up with my fellow Ephors. Though the fact of the matter was that Queen Celestia could not remain in Equestria once she was defeated. ‘Twas simply too much of a risk for her to remain where she could rise to power once again.

“We will find a way without the Queen,” I assured my daughter. “Especially if we can free our true Commander.”

“Though first we will need to find a way to free her,” Quick pointed out. “I doubt her sister will be willing to assist us once we have defeated her.”

“True, but one step at a time.” Talk of the fact that we needed to win the war snapped me back to more immediate concerns. “Speaking of which, we need to speak of what to do concerning the Provisional Chancellor.” Now that I had my children’s attention with the change in topic, I continued. “Skilled, how many soldiers canst thou bring to Manehattan?”

Skilled’s ears wilted a bit. “Not many, I am afraid. I have no more than three hundred pegasi under my command, and they are busy suppressing the Solar militias. We could pull them from such duties for a short time, but they can not stay in Manehattan for long if we do not wish for the countryside to catch aflame again.”  She shook her head with frustration. “I fear the Solar militias’ numbers will only swell once they learn about—what we plan on doing.”

I fought back a grimace. Three hundred would not do to take over and control Manehattan if it came to that. E’en if every pegasus warrior was a matchfor ten earth ponies, we would still be buried under the sheer weight of numbers if it came to a protracted battle. Manehattan had rioted when Apple Tree had been assassinated, and I feared ‘twould result in much the same if I were to slay Chancellor Fair Deal. Looking down, I could see the streets filled with a constant buzz of activity as the industrious earth ponies went about their work. ‘Twas not hard to imagine the whole city becoming like a disturbed anthill once its citizens were provoked.

“Perhaps we should call on the Commander for more troops?” Quick asked deservedly.

I thought over the option for a moment before shaking my head. “I think not. Commander Bright needs all the soldiers she can muster for the siege and other campaigns. Given the trouble we have had pacifying the earth ponies from Manehattan to Fillydelphia, I doubt the advance into the Unicorn Range will be any easier.”

There was also the fact that I did not wish to appear weak before the other Ephors. Begging them for help would do much to discredit me before their eyes, and at a critical time. Rightly had already publicly disgraced me in front of everypony for helping him win a critical battle, and the recent losses amongst the Ephors had changed the balance of power between us. Steel had already seen fit to appoint Bright as our Commander—at least until Rightly could be exchanged as a prisoner—without even consulting me. My fellow Ephors already dismissed me more than I liked, and a failure at this point in time could be very damaging to my influence and ability to help win the war.

I decided to go down a different avenue for help. “How have thy efforts with recruiting the Lunar militias gone?” I had tasked Skilled with trying to build a standing earth pony militia, as Commander Luna had done during the war to liberate Manehattan. While I did not place much faith in the earth ponies’ martial prowess, an earth pony army we could use against the Solars would at least give us more numbers to work with.

“Poorly.” Skilled’s wings flicked in irritation. “I have recruited some earth ponies to join the Free Earth Pony Liberation Army, but not as many as I would like. Many who say they wish to support our cause also do not desire to move away from their farms and hometowns. They say that if they cannot protect their homes and families, then the army we are creating is useless to them. I also lack the ponies to properly train them.”

Curse the earth ponies and their provincial natures! Sometimes I wondered if they could even conceive of a world outside of the little hamlets they lived in. “Maybe I could ask Commander Bright for some sergeants to help with training in my next letter to her. If thou dost not have the ponies for the task, then there is nothing to be done about it. Are there any other troubles?”

“Equipping them has been a nightmare,” my daughter said sourly. “I have asked the mayors around Manehattan if they could allow us to open up their militia armories to equip the army, but they have proven reluctant to do so. What we do receive tends to be the oldest and most worn equipment available. This has done little to help with the Liberation Army’s morale.”

“I would imagine so.” I rubbed at my forehead as the stress built up from the foul news. “I will see what can be done to reverse this when I have dealt with more immediate problems. In any event, it seems we will not have the raw numbers we will need for a direct coup. Quick, hast thou found any allies amongst the earth ponies in the provincial government?”

Quick fiddled with his food, his gaze concentrating on his bowl instead of focusing on me. “Neigh, I have not. For one, I had to be careful how I made my inquiries lest our intentions be made clear to the Chancellor and his supporters. ‘Twould hardly help our cause if Fair Deal learned of our plans.”

I noted my son’s reluctance to continue, his failure clearly weighing upon him. It always put him into a bout of melancholy when he did not meet my expectations in some way, and I had to do what I could to snap him out of it. “I understood the difficulty of thy task when I first gave it to thee. If thou didst thy best, then that is all there is to it. Please, continue.”

With my words to encourage him, Quick spoke again. “I do not think there will be any way to convince the Manehattan militia captain to support us. By your command, I spoke with Humble Pie and discovered that Chancellor Fair Deal has married his sister. In truth, I think that was his main qualification for the position of militia captain of the city.”

“So we will not find an ally in the Manehattan militia,” I grumbled. “What of his political opponents in the city? Surely there must be ponies who oppose him. The earth ponies’ stubborn and argumentative ways are rather infamous.” It would greatly aid our cause if there was a suitable replacement for the Chancellor to fill in the void, were I to remove him by force. While the earth ponies would likely revolt if I tried to rule their government directly, they might not do so if Fair Deal were replaced with a reasonably popular and competent pony.

Quick let out a long sigh. “I am afraid we are in quite the quandary. Most of Fair Deal’s political enemies sympathized with Queen Celestia, so most fled to Fillydelphia when Commander Rightly approached Manehattan. The new chancellor’s hostile attitude towards the magnates did not help, as many of them alo fled . Most of those that are left are the Chancellor’s supporters, and I was not able to discover any organized political resistance to his rule among them.”

“Grand.” I fidgeted with my armor, now finding it to be uncomfortable. “So we have neither the forces needed to take and hold Manehattan nor a political faction we can call upon to assist us.”

Quick leaned in to speak with me. “Perhaps you could attempt to talk with the Chancellor to try and convince him to alter his course? Surely more ponies in his cabinet will see the truth when you point it out to them, and they in turn can use their influence to make him see reason.”

Thinking back onto my last encounter with Chancellor Fair Deal, I felt a deep loathing boil up from within me. “Neigh, I do not think so. Fair is no reasonable pony. Not when he is so consumed with taking revenge on the magnates after a lifetime of struggle. And his cabinet invariably echoes his words. I wouldn’t be surprised if he selected a bunch of minions to fill up those posts instead of selecting more competent ponies like Tax Deed.”

Skilled scooted closer to me so that she could place a hoof on my shoulder. “There would seem to be little harm in trying, Father. What do we have to lose in merely trying to speak with him?”

“Wasted time and effort,” I huffed. “Time we do not have much of if we are to give the army the supplies it needs. Neigh, we need another solution.” A state of melancholy fell over me as I struggled to think of what could be done now, with so many options closed off to me. “Hast either of thee have any more ideas we have not already discussed?”

The three of us sat in silence for a time, deep in thought, our impotence hanging over us. Quick glanced my way as if to speak, but then turned away again.

Desperate for anything to break the silence, I addressed my son. “Hast thou an idea, Quick?”

“Well ... neigh, ‘tis a foolish idea.” His shoulder slumped in defeat. “I would not advise it.”

“Let me be the judge of thy plan.” I patted him on the back to encourage him. “Please, I will not judge thee poorly when we all seek a plan that might stand a chance of working.”

Quick seemed to be paralyzed with indecision before summoning up the will to tell us of his plan. “Very well, Father. Though it might mean angering your fellow Ephors, what I was considering was...”

I heard out his idea and smiled.

Prisoners of war can be a resource in and of themselves, especially the more valuable ones. E’en the noble and dedicated warriors of Pegasopolis can sometimes be captured despite all their best efforts, as was proven when Commander Rightly Doo fell into Loyalist hooves in the latest battle. ‘Tis merely the way of war, and thus ‘tis important to take prisoners of your own when possible. Prisoners can be exchanged, and I would have been surprised if Bright was not having talks to have Rightly exchanged that very moment, if she had not already reached some agreement with Queen Celestia. We had certainly captured a wealth of important prisoners after our victory over Polaris’ army.

Of course, there was the practical consideration of where to hold such valuable prisoners. We had our prisoner-of-war camps, including a prominent one located right outside of Manehattan. The problem with such camps was that they could be difficult to watch o’er, and ‘twould be disastrous if they were taken by enemy forces. Such things were acceptable risks for the common soldier, but not so for our more valuable prisoners. There was also the issue of keeping dangerous prisoners, such as archmagi, under control.

Thus, the Ephorate had a unique solution.

The day after hearing my son’s proposal, I flew north of Manehattan with his sister. After a couple hours of flight, the two of us found a cloud the size of a large building floating over a small forest. As we approached, a trio of pegasi emerged from the cloud and banked around to fly alongside us.

“Ephor Swift Blade,” a light-gray coated mare said, saluting me. “Have you come see the prisoners, Ephor?”

I saluted back, noting the trio of scars that ran down her face—an injury from gryphon reivers. “I have, Warden Iron Cage. If thou wouldst show us the entrance?”

“Of course, Ephor.” She corrected her flight path and lead us into the cloud to reach a landing platform within. 

While Cloud 327 had seemed ordinary from the outside, it had been carved out to create a series of rooms within. Pegasopolis’ prison for its more prestigious captives had a layer of thunderforged steel around it that had been covered by clouds to keep its nature hidden. It was also moved around each night to keep it from being easily noticed or targeted, with only the warden and the Ephorate knowing its planned locations. After all, ‘twas significantly more difficult to raid a target that one could not e’en find.

While Iron Cage spoke with one of her fellow guard about some matter of procedure, my daughter took the moment to lean in towards me. “Are you sure of this plan, Father? I am not sure it is well-advised.”

“I know what I am doing, daughter.” I motioned for her to settle. “Be at peace.”

“But what will the other Ephors think?” she pressed.

“Let me worry about that.” I wrapped a wing around my child to calm her. “This decision will be mine and mine alone. Concentrate on thy part in this, and all will be well.”

“Very well.” While she still did not seem comfortable with what I planned, she at least raised no more protests.

I addressed the warden as she approached us. “Is everything ready for me to enter?”

“‘Tis.” She nodded and led the way deeper into the complex, a squad of her fellow guardponies flanking us. “Might I ask whom you wish to see first, Ephor?”

“Hidden Facts,” I said simply.

Warden Iron raised an eyebrow at that. “The leader of those warlocks?”

I met her gaze evenly. “Aye. Is there a problem?”

“No, ephor.” Iron Cage led us to the part of the prison the contained our captives. I noticed that all the unicorns within also had inhibitor rings placed upon their horns. A necessary precaution with them, especially with more than one archmagus being held here. The guards still had to be cautious though; if the rumors were true, archmagi had managed to break or in some other way circumvent their inhibitor rings in the past.

Still, between the height, the guards, and the rings, Pegasopolis’ prison was nearly inescapable without outside help. Unless one considered a fatal fall to the ground an escape.

Our walk was interrupted when one of our captives yelled from his cell. “Ephor Swift Blade! I must protest the intolerable treatment I received!”

I stopped and turned to look at who had addressed me. At first, I did not recognize the stallion without his comically ornate finery. “Duke Polaris,” I said with a hint of amusement. “What is your protest?” Given the pony making the complaint, I doubted there was any real mistreatment going on, but it could not hurt to be sure. While the Sun Tyrant and her followers were our enemies, ‘twould not do to allow ourselves to fall into barbaric practices such as harming our prisoners without cause.

“Aye, I have several complaints to issue.” The Unicornian duke drew himself up straighter, mustering what dignity he could given the circumstances. “For one, I find the gruel they are feeding us quite unpalatable.”

I glanced at Warden Iron Cage out of the corner of my eye. “Warden, what hast thou been feeding our captives?”

“The same food I have been giving my own soldiers,” she was quick to reply. “I was instructed by Commander Rightly that the ponies entrusted to my care were to be as fairly treated as the situation deemed fit, and I have done my best to follow those orders.”

Duke Polaris snorted derisively. “You have heard of using flavoring, haven't you? Your cause cannot be in such poor shape that at least some salt and pepper cannot be provided.”

“I would not recommend giving them spices, Ephor.” Warden Iron glanced about at the neighboring cells. “I fear what some of the magi might be able to do with such things. We already have to be vigilant ‘gainst them trying to carve runes or use other forms of magic from within their cells as it is, and I do not want to give them components they might use. (1) In any event, we have not received much in the way of spices since I assumed command of this place, so ‘tis a bit of a moot point.”

1. To be fair, this is a somewhat legitimate worry. Salt and pepper both can be used for various spells, rituals, and potions. They would just be extremely difficult for a unicorn to use without direct access to their magic.

The duke sighed at Warden Iron’s report of the situation. “I suppose it would be pointless to press the point further?”

“I am afraid so, my dear duke,” I replied with some smug satisfaction. Though I might have to ask if Warden Iron had been having any other difficulties with supplies. Despite the shortage, undersupplying a high-security prison would be tremendously foolish. “Incidentally, I do advise against grating against your keepers o'erly so. They are more likely to treat you kindly if given kindness in return.”

“I am a gentlestallion of Unicornia,” he stated indignantly. “If I must be treated poorly, I shall endure it with dignity and grace.”

“Excellent. How soon will you start?” Duke Polaris’s only reply to my mocking query was to glower at me in silence. I returned an unconcerned smile. “If you have any complaints or that merit my attention, speak them now. Elsewise, I advise that you endure and enjoy being alive.” I leaned in to give him a toothy grin. “A great many ponies no longer have that privilege. Not after your defeat.”

To my surprise, the duke did not back down, but instead returned with his own smirk. “I have heard your rebellion suffered an even greater one. Is it true?”

The comment bit, but I was careful not to show my irritation. The Battle of Avalon Vale was but a setback, and one we can recover from in short order if I could secure the army’s supplies. Instead of losing my temper, I rolled my eyes dismissively. “Are you truly attempting to bait me? How droll.”

“I am simply making an inquiry,” he said with all the sincerity of a timberwolf sneaking its way into the sheep's pen.

“I am certain.” Not wishing to let Polaris strike with the last barb, I thought of a reply to harm his ego. “Whatever is the matter, my fair duke? Are you so eager to be exchanged?”

Polaris nodded stiffly. “‘Twould be expected if we took prisoners at the last battle. I am Unicornia’s Grand Vizier, and I would return to my queen’s service.”

“I am afraid that is no longer so.” I inspected my hoof with disinterest. “Queen Celestia wasted no time in declaring Sunbeam Sparkle as your replacement ‘pon your defeat.” I let that thought sink in for a moment, and the duke’s eyes narrowed at me. “And I do not think Sunbeam will make great strides towards arranging for your release. A pity for you; it seems this cell will be your home for quite some time.”

Stepping away from the cell, I moved to show my intent to move onward. “Now, if that is all...?”

“There is nothing else I wish to speak with you about,” Polaris said in a huff. He walked to his mattress and sat upon it. “You bore me. So away with you.”

With Duke Polaris’ ego now sorely wounded, I took the opportunity to move onwards. “Now then, warden, may I see Archmagus Hidden Facts?”

“Of course, Ephor.” Warden Iron led me further down the walkway. She stopped and nodded towards a cell. “The archmagus is in there.”

Archmagus Hidden Facts was a tall stallion with a gray coat and a two-toned yellow mane. Coming close to skeletally thin, he appeared to be almost entirely made up of bone and sinew, but stood with a sense of confident authority that had no doubt intimidated more than one magus apprentice in his time. 

“You are Hidden Facts, aye?” I asked.

“Aye, that is me.” The Archmagus of the North March’s eyes looked me up and down, taking a measure of me. “Ephor Swift Blade, I presume?”

“That I am,” I said.

“So what brings you to my wonderful cell?” Archmagus Hidden said with more than a hint of amusement. “I was not aware I had an appointment.” He waved vaguely at the pony in the cell opposite his own, a stallion with a light-brown coat who seemed to be doing his best to stare holes right through Hidden. “Not that I do not mind some new company. I admit, most of my fellow guests do not seem to wish to speak with me. Is that not right, Copper?”

“There is nothing worth discussing with a warlock,” Copper said, vitriol dripping from his words.

Deciding it would be best to keep the two from getting into a war of words, I addressed Archmagus Hidden. “You were not captured as part of any Solar force, correct?”

“Neigh. I came to Commander Rightly's army in the hopes of being welcomed within his ranks.” Annoyance crept into his tone. “Instead his soldiers arrested me and my followers, and I was carted off to this very unique prison. An unfortunate mistake on his part.”

“‘Twas good he did arrest you.” Copper stood up from his cot to better address us. It seemed that the archmagus had recovered quite well from the wounds Lance had given him, though there was still a scar upon his throat, and he spoke with a rasp that I suspected had not been there prior to  his wounding. “You would have brought nothing but pain and misery ‘pon everypony around you. At least here you can commit no more crimes, traitor.”

Archmagus Hidden’s mouth quirked into a grin, his fellow archmagus’ words having not distressed him in the least. “Do not mind him. Traitor, hah! I know not where he gets such ideas.”

Archmagus Copper fixed his counterpart with a menacing scowl. “Had we known the depths of thy corruption, we would have ended you.”

“Then ‘tis fortunate for me you never found out,” Hidden said mockingly. “And really, must you be so closed-minded? I think it has been a long time coming for us to change the old Laws of Magic. They were made by ponies centuries ago who were yet scared of long winters and windigoes and did not have our current understanding of the art. I believe we are more than enlightened enough now to expand beyond old rules and laws. And I hardly see myself as a traitor, for I know which monarch holds my loyalty—and ‘tis not Queen Celestia.”

The wording of Hidden’s statement caught my interest. I had been curious as to why the lunar cultists had contacted me. I had guessed that ‘twas because of the Sun Tyrant’s oppression of him and his fellows for their beliefs, but ‘twould be good to hear from the stallion’s motives from his own mouth. “Who, then? And speak quickly, I have little time to waste and many things to spend it on.”

He shook his head. “Who? Why, my heart is aligned with the Lunar cause and Queen Luna, Ephor. ‘Twas why I sent my messenger to inform you of where you could find Polaris' army was, and compromised his defenses. A very quick and decisive victory, I must say.”

“That is true.” It had been to my surprise when I had been contacted with the information on exactly where Duke Polaris’ army was and how best to strike his position. Such an unexpected and valuable boon had at first made me suspicious of Hidden’s intentions. ‘Twould not be the first time somepony had fallen upon some war-winning intelligence only to be tricked into an ambush. Though in the end it had proven to be true, resulting in Pegasopolis’ greatest victory of the war thus far. “It was why I argued against your imprisonment.”

“An unfortunate decision on your Commander’s part, I am afraid,” he said with sorrow, though I detected some anger in his tone too. Little surprise when he and his followers had been taken prisoner after helping us defeat a common foe. “I imagine your less than satisfactory performance during your last battle with the Solars would have gone quite differently if I and my followers had been there. Our magics would have been most useful to your cause.”

“That could be true,” I mused. Unicorn magic had certainly played its role in allowing the Solars to fight Commander Rightly’s army to a draw and destroy our supply wagons. We might very well have won that battle with the power and options the lunar cultists could have provided us, resulting in a much quicker end to the war. “Mayhaps your imprisonment is something we should correct?”

“Nothing good can come of consorting with warlocks, Ephor,” Copper warned. “They may use honeyed words and offer gifts, but ‘tis only to hide a forked tongue and hidden dagger.”

Hidden snorted at Copper’s remark. “He merely wishes to deny you and your fellow pegasi the valuable resources we would offer you. More enchanted gear, our esoteric knowledge, and the spells and rituals we could bring to bear could make the difference between victory and defeat. Or at the very least, ‘twould mean the difference between a long and bloody war and a swift and victorious one.”

“And what of the price?” Copper shook his head. “Too high, I say. One needs but to look at the history of warlocks to know that nothing but evil can come from consorting with him.”

“Do not be so dramatic, Archmagus,” Hidden said with an air of amused contempt. “‘Tis most unbecoming for a pony of your station.” His grin slowly widened to show some teeth. “And I imagine the Ephor will find the price I give him quite acceptable.”

“The one you are willing to tell the Ephor,” Copper mocked. “I know the way of your kind. You will say you have one goal, but that is only to make your victims complacent.”

Curious, I ignored the Solar Archmagus in favor of his counterpart “Speak thy price, then. If ‘tis within reason...”

Hidden nodded. “I merely ask that we work together to bring Queen Luna back from her exile and return her 'pon her rightful throne.”

I supposed it should not have been much of a surprise that a Lunar cult wished to free their mistress, and if ‘twas so, then we had much in common. “Commander Luna's return would be a boon to Pegasopolis, and all Equestria, and ‘twould bring about a swift and favorable end to the conflict.”

“So it would,” Hidden agreed. “The weak-willed fool who sits on the throne now will not be able to stand before her sister—not with the armies of Pegasopolis behind her. I am sure you can see all the advantages of having a strong, powerful queen and Commander leading Equestria once again?”

“So I can.” I considered the matter for a moment. “And so you would be willing to help me do whatever it took to win the war? I believe we could use your skills in the upcoming days.”

Hidden inclined his head respectfully. “I would be willing to help in whatever way you need, Ephor. My services are at your disposal.”

I nodded to Iron Cage. “Warden, if you would fetch the keys to open Archmagus Hidden Facts’ cell?”

“Do not do this!” Copper slammed his forehooves against the bars of his cell. “He will betray you! It is the very nature of warlocks!” He gave Hidden a death glare. “When we became magi, we all swore an oath. Not just to our queen, but a sacred promise to magic itself. You broke that oath. What loyalty can you offer?”

That was a legitimate question. A pony who had turned traitor once was capable of doing so again, though that seemed unlikely in this situation. I could not see Queen Celestia taking back a pony whose betrayal had slaughtered her army. Much less Sunbeam, given her previous actions towards warlocks. Hidden seemed more than intelligent enough to understand what his actions would mean for him should the Lunar cause fail, and he be captured.

There was also the fact I needed him. With neither resources, ponypower nor time, the Archmagus was likely my one opportunity to launch my coup. In any event, I could mitigate the risks. While Hidden could be a wily opponent, having managed to successfully betray Polaris’ army without anypony suspecting until too late, I could be more clever still. I would keep a close eye on him and watch for betrayal. If he proved to be too dangerous an ally, then he could be dealt with accordingly.

“I believe I can trust your former comrade, Archmagus Copper,” I stated. “He has already aided the Lunar cause in no small way. His actions speak of his motives.”

Hidden smiled. “Aye, so they do.”

The warden returned with the keys and motioned at the door. “Shall I, Ephor?”

I nodded to her. “Aye, go ahead.”

“Do not do this, Ephor.” Copper gave me a serious look, and I could see the desperation behind them. No doubt he saw the disaster this act would cause to his nation. I could hardly blame him from doing what he could for his nation and queen, e’en if he was a fool for supporting the Sun Tyrant. ‘Twas not his fault for being born a unicorn, and thus beholden to a monarch. “It will only end in misery. For all of us. You must believe me. You understand not what type of creature he is.”

I ignored Copper as the warden unlocked the door. Hidden stepped out, a pleased grin on his face. “My thanks, Ephor. I admit, my stay here was becoming quite tedious. Do you not think so, Copper?”

Copper glared balefully. “Mark my words, warlock. Your day will come.”

“Ignore him,” I said dismissively. “We have more important business. Let us take our leave.”

Hidden shot a nasty smirk at his fellow archmagus as we started walking back towards the entrance of the prison. “Do not worry, Copper, I will not forget you here. I am certain we will see one another soon enough.” Copper’s ears wilted in defeat as he watched us go.

I looked to my daughter when we neared the exit. “Skilled, please procure us a chariot so that we can take Hidden from here.”

“Of course, Father.” She dutifully trotted off, leaving me with my newfound ally.

I turned to the unicorn, speaking quietly enough so as to not be overheard. “There are some matters which I would speak with you about.”

Hidden rolled his neck, eliciting a pop. “That surprises me little, if the rumors I have heard are true. I suspect you have met with no small trouble if you have gone against Commander Rightly’s orders and sought my help.”

I grunted and decided not to talk over that specific point. I had not even asked Commander Bright’s permission to do what I was about to. I was depending on the Fourth Axiom, that the Commander in the field had the right to make decisions based on the situation before him to defend my actions when the time came. “‘Tis so, though we are far from the verge of defeat. We have merely suffered a setback. Something I hope to correct quickly with your help.”

“Of which there is much I can give.” He closed his eyes. “I have thought of several plans that I believe could help our cause and wish to discuss with you.”

I quirked an eyebrow. “‘Really? I see your mind is already at work.”

He chuckled. “My dear Ephor, it has been so all my life, especially as of late; I fear there is little else to do while in a cell.”

“I can imagine so,” I said. “We will talk of them in due time, but first I have a more immediate problem to deal with. One I think your talents will be most helpful in solving.”

Hidden’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so? Then pray tell, what is it that plagues your thoughts?”

I told him of my troubles with Provisional Chancellor Fair Deal and the army’s supply problem. From there, we planned.

The Provisional Earth Pony Government had been kind enough to give me a penthouse suite in one of Manehattan’s hotels to make it easier for us to meet, since ‘twould have been rather difficult for them to traverse the skies and clouds to otherwise speak with me. My accommodations contained enough finery that ‘twould not have been out of place in a unicorn noble’s manor. While I had little need of such superfluous luxury, I saw little reason to complain about the space I had been given. Especially when it mostly served as a working area for myself.

Apparently, it had been the same suite Apple Tree’s supporters had rented out for the late farmer-turned-politician during his ill-fated run for chancellor. From my desk, I could even see the patio from which Apple Tree had been thrown to his death. It made me wonder if the facilities had been given to me merely out of convenience or because somepony had hoped to send me some sort of message.

A week later, Fair Deal stepped into my office for a meeting. “Ephor Swift Blade, ‘tis good that we can meet again,” the chancellor said without any warmth. “We have some things I wished for us to speak about.”

“Aye, and much the same is true for myself.” Thankfully, it had not been too difficult to arrange a meeting between the two of us, outside of the time I had to wait to have the meeting. Though in this instance, the wait had played to my own plans. I pointed at one of the chairs opposite of me. “Please, be seated.”

Fair Deal sat and made himself comfortable. “I trust you have been well?”

“As well as could be expected,” I said, nodding. “I have of course been busy with running the war here within Manehattan. Yourself?”

“Much the same.” The Chancellor allowed his strong facade to wane in the privacy of our meeting, his shoulder slumping in weariness Taking a closer examination, I noted the bags under his eyes and the fatigue behind the confident air he held about himself. “Putting the Earth Pony Government back together in the middle of a civil war has not been an easy trial. ‘Tis a shame Apple Tree was murdered like he had been. Otherwise we might have avoided this whole mess to begin with.”

“Mayhaps,” I said neutrally. There seemed to be little reason to bring up how I had sent a message to Apple Tree stating that Pegasopolis would support him in his bid for power whate’er the actual results of the election might have been. The war probably would not have started when it did if not for Pegasopolis’ support for Apple Tree and his followers.

Though in truth, war had probably become inevitable the day Celestia was removed as Commander, at least if we wished to be free of tyranny and rule ourselves. As far as I was concerned, if the Queen of Unicornia was not removed from power completely, she would creep right back to complete sovereignty someday. It might have taken centuries, but an immortal had all the time in the world to scheme.

Instead of giving voice to such thoughts, I steered the conversation to a more social topic. “How fares your family?”

A smile that I readily recognized as paternal pride worked its way onto his features. “They are doing well. Everypony is getting used to moving into the Chancellor’s Residence. Thank you for asking. How fares your own?”

“They are all safe and healthy,” I said. “As much as they can be considering the war, in any event. Quick has been helping me here in Manehattan while my eldest, Elegant, is still serving in the hetairoi. Quick is of course trying to get the Free Earth Pony Army onto its hooves.”

Something imperceptible flashed behind the Chancellor’s eyes. “Aye, about that matter, if you do not mind us moving onto business?”

I inclined my head in agreement. “We may do so.”

“Good.” The stallion’s tone became more serious. “I wanted to inform you that the Earth Pony Government will now be taking a larger role in the war. We have had time to establish ourselves now, and wish to do our part.”

“Verily?” That statement gave me a spark of hope that our earth pony cousins would do their duty in this war, but I reminded myself to be cautious. The Chancellor could have meant many things. “How do you plan on making this contribution?”

“For one, I am pushing Parliament to pass a law officially instating the Free Earth Pony Army for the duration of the war.” Fair Deal gave me a pleased smile. “I thank you for our efforts to put together an army with which to defend ourselves, both from the Solar militia and Unicornia, but my cabinet and I agree that the new army would be best served under earth pony control.”

I did not like the sound of this proposal. I had no confidence in Fair Deal being able to organize or lead an army. Such things should be left to the pegasi, not farmers and merchants. Let the warriors attend to war, as is their place. I could not say that outright, though—not when the Chancellor was being polite. No, I would have to take a different approach. “I think that would be unwise at the moment,” I said diplomatically. “Progress has been slow building the army. We have lacked in recruits thus far, they are not properly equipped yet, and the earth ponies do not know the ways of war. Not like we pegasi do. ‘Tis too soon for them to be fighting without our guardianship to show them the way to victory.”

Fair Deal’s body stiffened. “I respectfully disagree, Ephor. To be frank, I think the slow recruitment you have experienced is because ‘twas not earth ponies recruiting them. I am certain that my own contacts within the Solar earth pony communities will have far better fortune in rallying earth ponies to the flag. My fellow earth ponies are far more likely to listen to their own kin and villagers than they are some pegasus they know nothing about. I suspect the reason you have not been able to convince ponies to open their armories is much the same.”

Curses, I did not have an easy counter for that argument. ‘Twas true that an army was no army if it did not have sufficient bodies and equipment. Still, there was another way to turn this argument around. “But there is still the fact that the earth ponies are neophytes in war, Chancellor. You have no experienced sergeants nor officers who know how to manage an army.”

The chancellor considered the problem for a moment before answering. “That may be true, but who have you put in charge of the army? Your own daughter, neigh?”

“Aye, I have put her in command,” I said cautiously, feeling some sort of trap forming around me.

I saw the confidence building within Fair Deal. “Tell me, within Pegasopolis, would she be considered old and experienced enough to lead an army in the thousands? Like the one we are trying to put together now?”

“Not under ordinary circumstances, but—”

He spoke over me, making me feel like I was naught but some witness in one of his earth pony courts that he was browbeating into submission. “Then ‘twould hardly be appropriate for her to lead this army. Especially an army of raw recruits in need of experienced leaders. And I doubt there is any other pegasus of greater experience ready to take over the position, since I imagine any such pegasi would be stationed near the front lines.” He grinned at me. “Such is your way, is it not?”

I felt myself glowering at the stallion despite my attempts to control my emotions. He had insulted my daughter’s ability. Likely he had also intended a jab at my own person o’er the fact that I was not leading from the front, but I could not dispute his claims.

The chancellor continued speaking ere I could formulate a rebuttal. “Meanwhile, there are earth ponies who have been in fights before, either with monsters on the frontiers, with reivers, or recently ‘gainst the Solar militias. Not to mention there are many earth ponies who are used to positions of leadership—mayors, militia captains, or ponies running their own businesses. And you cannot say that earth ponies cannot fight. Way I have heard it, some gardener earth pony from Canterlot managed to lead a whole group of earth ponies to fight you to a standstill.”

I opened my mouth to speak a protest, but the Chancellor spoke over me once more. “I fully intend to set up committees who will select the best ponies from ‘mongst the recruits. I do not intend for anypony to be put in charge of my fellow earth ponies only for their political influence.”

It seemed that my counterpart had put some thought into his arguments before meeting with me. I admit, I could not think of a reason that would dissuade him from his course. “Very well then,” I said grudgingly. “Do what you feel is best for now.” He may have won this minor round of our verbal joust, but this game had been rigged from the start. “What else did you wish to discuss?”

I could feel the smug satisfaction come off Fair Deal as he grinned. “The second thing I wanted to go over was the situation with the rainwater.”

I had received word that Bright was using rain in an attempt to wear down the shield over Canterlot, and had thought little of the measure while Bright reorganized the army. “What about the rainwater, Chancellor?” I had hoped to discuss the matter of supplying Pegasopolis’ armies first, but I saw little reason not to hear him out on this.

“Commander Bright has been draining our water reserves to use against Canterlot.” The displeasure in Fair Deal’s tone was clear. “I do not know what crazy plan you have that makes you think that raining on Canterlot will make Queen Celestia surrender, but ‘tis making a lot of farmers worried that there is not going to be enough rain left afterwards to water their fields. The ponies along the river that flows out of the mountain are worried about there being a flood. A lot of ponies could lose their homes or even be killed if you use too much water.”

“I am sure the Commander has left enough water to prevent a drought,” I assured him. At least, I hoped that was so. Not having met Bright in person since the last battle, I was not exactly sure what her frame of mind was. It was possible she had let her rage consume her and was only thinking of defeating Celestia and freeing Rightly. “And I will send a letter to her to express your worries about flooding.” It seemed worthwhile to remind Bright of her duties to the earth ponies, even if winning the war was our primary concern. Winning the war only to cause a famine would hardly help Pegasopolis’ cause in the long term.

“That is acceptable, though I plan on sending my own letter as well.” Fair Deal sat back, though he still held himself in a resolute manner. “The next thing I wanted to talk to you about was the supply issue you brought up in our last ... meeting.”

“Ah, yes. That.” I tried to keep any tension out of my voice as the topic turned to the issue I wished to speak of most. “No doubt you have heard about the last battle outside of Canterlot?”

Fair Deal nodded. “I have. The loss of your supply wagons was unfortunate to our cause. Hence why I sat down with my cabinet to come up with an acceptable way for us to supply the army so that they can take Canterlot.”

I leaned back in my chair, now curious about what solution Fair Deal and his cronies might have discovered. I waved for him to continue. Somehow, I doubted it would be an answer I would like, but I might benefit from at least hearing it. If not... “Go on, then. What did you and your cabinet decide upon?”

The chancellor put on a wolfish grin. “‘Tis quite simple, really. You need supplies, and I want to deal with the magnates once and for all. So here is my proposal: you and your warriors help me seize the magnates’ property, and in return, Pegasopolis receives a percentage of the seized goods to help you fight the war.”

That proposal made me sit back in my cushion. ‘Twas not one I had expected at all. I had to admit, it would at least help with our current supply problems. Though that was only my first reaction to the proposal; there were deeper implications to consider. Fair Deal intended to have the noble warriors of Pegasopolis act as little more than enforcers for his political policies. I found that intolerable. We were not mere tools for the earth pony’s political games; we defended Equestria from its enemies, not acted as common thugs used to take the property of one pony to give to another.

I leaned forward, giving Fair Deal a firm look. “I do not find this proposal to be acceptable, Chancellor. Our warriors are not to be used in such a manner. Whate’er your differences with the magnates, ‘tis not our responsibility to resolve them. Certainly not in the way you propose.”

Fair Deal’s demeanor became more frigid as he stared at me. “Then I am afraid that I will have to fall back onto another plan my cabinet and I discussed.”

The way the chancellor said that sounded far too ominous for comfort. “And what is that plan?”

“‘Tis quite simple, Ephor.” He drew himself up to add weight to his statement. “If you and your fellow Ephors will not be reasonable and accept my proposal that will allow you to continue the war, then I fully intend to make a separate peace with Queen Celestia.”

“What!?” I stood up, bumping into my desk in my haste. The sting of the blow was barely felt beneath the shock of what the Chancellor had told me. “What madness do you speak of?!”

If he was disturbed by my loss of composure, he did not show it as he spoke levelly to me. “‘Tis not madness. ‘Tis quite logical, really. Without the supplies the earth ponies offer, you cannot win this war, and I have no intention in seeing my government and my policies go down in defeat with you.”

“T-this is treason!” I sputtered.

Fair Deal met my eyes squarely. “As Chancellor, my first duty is to my fellow earth ponies, Ephor. For too long they have been oppressed by the magnates, breaking their backs for scraps. In truth, I care little if Queen Celestia keeps her crown. She is no longer Chancellor, and she cannot force us to accept her.” He brushed some speck of dirt off his jacket, as though I were of little interest to him. “And from what I hear, she is as sick of this war as anypony. Right now, the war is at a precarious juncture. Unicornia is sitting on the edge of disaster while Pegasopolis cannot press their advantage. Peace is in high demand by many, and I can sell it for a high price to the queen. In exchange for her recognizing my government and revoking her claim on the Chancellorship, I will effectively end this war.” He fixed me with a stern gaze. “Thus I will give myself the breathing room I need to enact my policies and bring equality and freedom to the earth ponies.”

I was all but flabbergasted by the earth pony before me. I could see the Lunar cause falling apart, and all because one madly stubborn earth pony could not see beyond his own stupid struggle with the magnates. He was serious about his proposal, too. Anypony that looked into his eyes could see that.

“So what say you, Ephor?” Fair Deal asked. “Do you accept or reject my offer?” He grinned triumphantly. “Or do you wish to speak with your new Commander about this? I can understand if you need some time to see the right course of action.”

“Neigh, I need no time to make my decision, Chancellor.” I could feel myself shaking with rage. “I thou thee, Fair Deal! Thou art a reprehensible pony. Thou wouldst insult us and fail in thy duties to thy cousin pegasi. Thou wouldst turn on thy allies, the very ones who put you into power to begin with and betray our cause. I refuse to be allied with thee anymore”

The stallion stood and looked at me with contempt. “If that is your answer, then so be it. Though to be fair to your nation, I will send a messenger to Commander Bright Charger to clarify on Pegasopolis’ position lest you make a fool of us all.”

“There is no need.” I moved around the desk to face a pony I had determined to be mine enemy. “For I have a plan that makes thy help obsolete. Archmagus Hidden Facts!”

Fair Deal barely had time to give me a look of confusion before a red beam of magic shot out from seemingly thin air to strike the Chancellor upon the head. He let out a howl of agony as the beam, pouring ever on, drove him to the ground. The magical veil Hidden Facts hid behind slowly dissipated, revealing the archmagus as the source of the spell that had smitten Fair Deal.

“Good, Archmagus,” I said, pleased at seeing the Chancellor’s pain. “And nopony will hear what transpires in this room?”

“Neigh,” Hidden said dispassionately, his full concentration on Fair Deal and maintaining his spell. “My silence spell is more than equal to the task.”

I nodded, feeling my nervousness and choler slowly subsiding. My loss of composure was beneath a pony of my station, but I could hardly be blamed after dealing with such an infuriating individual. “Now then, he will be under your control Archmagus.”

“Aye.” The beam connecting his horn to Fair Deal’s head ceased. The stallion stared dully at nothing, groaning in discomfort. “Though there are limits. Many things can run afoul with a mind control spell. This pony has a surprisingly strong will, so the spell will not last forever. Either he will destroy his psyche fighting my spell, break free of it, or kill himself in order to disobey the orders I give him. Though those should only be worries over the long term. In the short term, the spell is more than adequate for our purposes—especially considering I can watch over him as we complete our plan. The only risk would be if I gave him an order he would consider atrocious. Killing his family, for instance. But we will refrain from any such thing, so ‘tis not a worry.”

“Very well then.” I pulled out a scroll from within my desk and unrolled it on the desk. “Now then, Chancellor. If thou wouldst sign this document inviting the ponies of thy government to a meeting?” I grinned down at him. “There is something I wish to make plain to them all.”

“Do as he commands,” Hidden said firmly to his thrall.

Fair Deal stumbled to his hooves and stepped over to the desk to sign the document.

“My thanks, Chancellor.” I rolled up the scroll, satisfied with my victory over Fair Deal. “I think we have finally reached an accord.”

The next night, I watched as the last of the ponies of the Provisional Earth Pony Government filed into the Manehattan Grand Ballroom from the roof of a nearby building. The ballroom was a large building, made of brick, mortar, and wood. It had been built several centuries ago with the simple utility common to many of the buildings in Manehattan, lacking in the grandeur and decoration of more modern buildings intended to serve the masses. Such things mattered little to me. The building would serve well enough for my purposes.

Quick Blade glided down to land next to me, giving me a quick salute that I returned. “Father, everything that you asked of me is done.”

“Good, and there were no troubles?” I asked, turning away from the ballroom for the moment.

“Nothing that could not be dealt with,” he said firmly.

“Then all is well.” I turned to face Skilled, who stood on the opposite side of me. “And thy warriors are ready to carry out their duties, my daughter?”

There was the briefest hesitation as she spoke. “Aye, they are ready. Though you have not said what is expected of us as of yet.”

I placed a hoof on her shoulder to calm her. “‘Twill come in time. They need only be ready for now.” It had been necessary to keep as much about my plan secret as possible to prevent anypony from suspecting my true intentions. After committing so deeply to my conspiracy, ‘twould only invite disaster for a misspoken word to come to the wrong pony. While I trusted my children, they in turn would be tempted to tell their subordinates of what we were about to do, and they their own subordinates. Neigh, the fewer ponies that knew a secret, the better.

Skilled gave me a long look before nodding. “Of course, Father.”

My children addressed, I walked over to where Archmagus Hidden Facts sat in concentration. He had placed himself at the center of a magic circle made of powders I was not familiar with. Candles placed around the circle were lit, and I had to be careful not to disrupt any of the arcane symbols written upon the roof. The runes glowed with a red light that pulsed with a life of its own. Several of Hidden’s fellow warlocks milled about the roof, chanting and casting spells whose exact purposes I did not know while some of my bondsponies watched them warily. The task had been made easier by the fact that they had been isolated from the other prisoners we had collected during the war. It had been simple enough to convince Rightly to do that much, as many of their fellow prisoners probably would not have hesitated to kill the warlocks when the guards were not watching.

I cleared my throat to gain Hidden’s attention. “How fares your spell?”

“Almost ready,” he said calmly, not even opening his eyes to address me. “The runes and traps are ready, and we have but to wait for everypony to finish entering.” He rolled his shoulders, no doubt stiff from sitting almost perfectly still for so long. “Almost everypony is inside. Patience, Ephor. I am carefully watching over the building with my divination spells; I will strike when the timing is right.”

“Aye, of course. Tell me when to begin.” As with most ponies, I did not enjoy waiting. Not when I was ready to proceed and there was much to fret about. There were any number of things that could go wrong with my plan, things I had little to no control of. I could only hope that the winds of fate were in my favor.

At least Hidden Facts’ mind control spell seemed to be working as intended. Like an obedient soldier, Fair Deal had done his work to collect his cabinet, members of Parliament, and various political supporters and friends to the ballroom for this night, supposedly under the auspice of some grand and important announcement he was to make. Under Hidden’s advice, I had even allowed Fair Deal to hint that his upcoming announcement was over the seizure of the magnates’ property—a subject that would no doubt excite his supporters. Fortune seemed to smile upon me, for the earth ponies gathering seemed to be in the hundreds. I doubted all that I desired would come, but I had contingencies for that also.

After waiting another hour, I heard Archmagus Hidden call out for me. I made my way over to him. “‘Tis time?” I asked.

Hidden’s horn was glowing, and the magic circle and rune glowed and throbbed with ever greater intensity. “Aye, everypony seems to be inside. I will give it a few minutes to allow them to settle. ‘Twould be best for everypony to become bored and complacent ere I unleash my spellwork.”

“I agree, but do not waste too much time,” I said. “I would not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

“I will not.” His horned glowed greater still, and the very air hummed with the energies of his magic. “Go and watch the ballroom if you wish. It should be quite the sight to see.”

“Aye, I think I will do so.” I stepped back over to the edge of the roof overwatching the ballroom. My children were waiting there, speaking quietly to one another, and I noted the glances they shot in my direction. No doubt the two of them were attempting to divine my intentions. Given what they knew, I would not be surprised if at least one of them had figured it out.

The ballroom held my attention. Though I knew what was to come, I felt ‘twas my duty to see this to the end. Without preamble, magical runes and spells worked into the doors of the ballroom all activated simultaneously and closed, their locks magically engaging, and the spells holding them fast against anypony inside.

That was when the inside of the building erupted into fire. Magical runes of fire meticulously placed and hidden with illusions throughout the building had activated, turning the building into an inferno. ‘Twas not more than a couple seconds before the screams started.

Everypony watched in rapt attention for a time as the ballroom and the ponies within burned. I watched most intently of all, for this was my work, my plan, my accomplishment, my responsibility. I could not claim this was a good thing I had done, but ‘twas my duty as Ephor to do whatever was necessary for my fellow pegasi. E’en if it meant doing terrible things.

“F-father,” Skilled said, stunned horror dancing over her features. “This is your design?” She said the words as though she could not believe them.

“Aye,” I said, making sure to sound calm and stoic as the screams picked up in intensity. No doubt those who had survived the initial explosions were desperately attempting to break the doors down, though Hidden had assured me that they would not be breached until long after the fire had done its terrible work. The windows were too high to be easily reached, and had been trapped regardless. Neigh, there was no escape. Mayhaps if my fellow pegasi quickly responded they could do something about the fire and perhaps save a few, but that would not happen. Not when all the pegasi around the city were on standby and soon to be occupied with other duties.

Skilled looked back and forth between me and the ballroom. “What have you done? This is terrible! There were hundreds in there! Surely they did not need to die so horribly!”

“I am afraid they did, daughter.” I faced her properly. “Fair Deal and his ilk were a threat to our cause and to all of Pegasopolis. Slaying Fair Deal alone would only have turned him into a martyr, and would only have resulted in yet another pony like him rising to power. Much the same would have happened if only his inner circle were slain. Neigh, this cancer needed to be completely eradicated from the body.” I waved at the inferno. “And we could not do this task with just blade and steel, for if the earth ponies discover what we have done, they would turn ‘gainst us, and we would lose this war.” I shook my head. “I suspect that they will be better off being ruled by the bureaucrats ‘mongst their number than a bunch of politicians who must abide by the whims of the mob. I already have several in mind who can make up the cabinet, and should be far more pliable to my desires.” (2)

2. Indeed, Swift Blade would end up helping install Tax Deed as the new Provisional Chancellor. It seems Swift had taken special pains to make sure that ponies in the earth pony government bureaucracy were not at the ballroom, even to the point of kidnapping key individuals such as Tax Deed.

“So instead we burned them all alive,” Skilled said bitterly.

I met my daughter’s eyes, unflinchingly. “Aye, so I burned them alive. All of them. For Pegasopolis. So that we may win this war.” I turned away from her. “This sin is my own, daughter. I was the one who ordered this, so do not feel responsible. Instead concentrate on thy duties.”

“And those are?” she spat.

I had underestimated my daughter’s choler opinion on the matter. I had intended for her to do one thing, but decided her brother, who had remained silent thus far, would be better for that task. “Be sure the fire does not spread, and do what thou canst to keep order in the street. I would prefer if the city did not become riotous again. Organize the militia and take charge of them if thou canst. Take only who is needed for the task. Thy brother will need the rest.”

Skilled seemed ready to argue further, but restrained herself. Barely. “Very well, Father.” She said no more as she shot off the rooftop and into the night. Some part of me knew she would never see her beloved father the same way again.

Quick cast his eyes down when I turned to him next. “And your task for me?” There was no enthusiasm in his tone.

I pulled out a scroll and gave it to him. “That is a list of all the ponies who should have been in the ballroom. Take what soldiers thy sister left, confirm who was at the ballroom, and arrest any who were not on suspicion of treason.”

My son gave me a cautious look. “Are we to execute them?”

“I do not think that necessary.” I let out a long sigh. This night was quickly draining me of my vigor. “We will hold them for a time, first on suspicion of treason, and then say ‘tis for their safety once it has been confirmed that they are law-abiding ponies.” I waved at the fire. “After all, if somepony was willing to go to these lengths, who is to say they will not seek to kill those that remain? For our purposes, we need only hold them for the war. Once victory is at hoof, we can allow the earth ponies to have another of their elections.”

“I see,” Quick said with reservation. “Ponies will seek answers for such a terrible thing.”

I shrugged. The screams seemed to be dying down. Little surprise when the heat from the inferno left the walls on the brink collapsing. “So they will. I will allow the earth ponies to investigate as they desire, at least as long as they do not come too close to the truth. If they discover that magic was involved in this travesty, well... The Archmagus of Canterlot is an infamous pyromancer known for terrible acts in the name of her queen, is she not?”

Quick swallowed as he digested that thought. “Aye, ‘tis so.” He shuffled hesitantly. “I will do as you order. Though this might take some time to complete.”

“Be thorough in thy task.” Better to be sure the job was done right than done quickly in this case.

“I will.” He stepped to the edge of the roof but stopped to look back at me. “There were other ways, Father.” With that, he departed from the rooftop, and I could not muster the energy to reply to him at that moment.

That left me alone with the warlocks and my bondponies. I continued to watch the fire, seeing little else to do now that I had issued all the orders I needed to. I almost did not notice when Hidden Facts stepped up next to me.

“You approve of my work?” he asked.

“It did as we designed, so yes.” I glanced at the archmagus. He seemed more skeletal than he had before, with his skin now clinging to his skull more than over. A side effect of the magics he had used, perhaps?

“Good.” Hidden rolled his neck to pop it. “Though I think there is more work to be done to win this war.”

“‘Tis so.” I sighed, not particularly feeling like discussing more of the war at that moment.

“Now that I have proved my worth, I hope you will introduce me to your Commander.” The edges of his mouth turned up into a grin. “No doubt she is planning how she will lay siege to Canterlot, and I desire to be there to give what aid I can.”

“I will make plans for it.” The issue seemed done, but I could not take my eyes away as the roof collapsed. “I think she will be more likely to accept your help than Commander Rightly. Especially considering the role magic had in the last battle.”

“True.” A grin worked its way onto his lips. “Mayhaps I could give her a bit of a peace offering? I have heard of her eldest daughter, Lance, and of her recent accomplishments. The defeat of an archmagus is no small feat, as was nearly capturing Shadow herself. I could help enchant some new arms and armor for her. No doubt a warrior like Bright would appreciate such a gesture.”

“Aye, probably.” I rubbed at my forehead, trying to pull myself out of melancholy. “I will need to tell the Commander what has happened here soon, in any event. I can introduce you two then.”

“Excellent.” He stretched and I heard his joints pop after so many hours of stillness. “There is a matter I wish to bring before her that could help win this war in a single stroke.”

That caused me to raise an eyebrow. “Oh, you have a means to do so?”

Hidden nodded. “Aye. For you see, Queen Luna is indeed alive and well ‘pon the moon, Ephor. That I guarantee you, for I have spoken with our rightful sovereign.”

I nearly jerked upon hearing that news. “That is fortunate news indeed! I had worried her sister had slain her and hidden her foul crime.”

“Neigh, her sister was far too powerful for Queen Celestia to slay outright.” He looked up to stare at the moon. The smoke of the fire partially obscured it, but the outline of the Mare in the Moon was quite clear. “And she has told me of a means by which to free her.”

I turned to face Hidden, my wings flicking with agitation and energy that I had not felt but moments before. “Is that so? I had worried that only her sister was capable of such a feat.”

“‘Twill not be easy, but it can be done,” he said calmly. “Tell me, what do you know of Archmagus Sunbeam Sparkle’s daughter?”

My head tilted, confused by the question. “Not much, I admit. I think I spoke a couple words with her and her mother when they were in Cloudsdale before the war, but that is it.” In truth, a few words with Sunbeam’s ill-fortuned and morbid child were more than enough, and the her smile did not even bear mentioning. Midnight had hardly seemed remarkable except for her peculiarities and for being her mother’s daughter.

“That does not surprise me.” Hidden Facts drew his cloak close around him. “Let me tell you a story. On the night of the winter solstice ten years ago, on the hundredth anniversary of the exile of our true queen...”