The sound of wagons jostling through the rugged terrain and the soft crunching of hooves against snow bathed the crowd of pony making their slow, arduous trek through the vast expanses of northern Equestria as well as drawing closer to the southern border of the Crystal Empire. Blaze clenched his eyes closed once again as a gale threw a flurry of snow into the faces of the ponies. Frost clung to his scarf and edges of his armor, which he had changed out before they had left the Everfree. An earth pony guard trotted up beside Blaze, giving a nod instead of stopping for a salute.
“Sir, where exactly are we headed,” The guard asked, looking back towards the vast herd of ponies, “Several of the ponies are becoming concerned that we aren’t exactly heading for anywhere in particular and morale isn’t doing too well as consequences, as well as the recent battle.”
“We are heading to somewhere Greyhield won’t expect, thus giving us an edge since he won’t know where to attack.” Blaze replied. “We need to train more, get our A game to an A plus game, if not even better.” He stated. “The reptilous are a tough nut to crack, and currently there is nopony in the world that we have ease of contact with that can deal with them with any efficiency.”
“So where exactly is this secret hiding place?” The guard asked again. “Is it a suburb of the Crystal Empire’s capital?” Blaze shook his head, using his magic to tighten his scarf as the breeze picked up again.
“No, it’s an old city that we haven’t used in centuries.” Blaze replied. “To explain, back when Equestria was first formed, contrary to popular belief, they were as accepting of one another. The leaders and the ponies that had been there were very accepting of one another and wanted to instantly combine their nations, but most of the civilian populace was opposed to it. So, to get what they wanted without leaving the majority’s good graces, they made a plan by which they would make cities. The three tribes would make their own capitals, which would have rule over the kingdom, basically making three capitals that all had the same power and confirmed motions of government with each other. Alongside these cities they made what were called conglomerate cities, which were cities that mixed the populaces of the three into one area.”
“This is all very informative as foal’s school and all, but what does this have to do with where we’re going?” The guard asked, only to have another gale strike him with a mass of snow, as if chastising him for being rude.
“Well, the three cities were Stalliongrad, being the earth pony capital, Cloudsdale, being the pegasus capital, and the City of the Unicorns, which, after Discord’s reign, was lost.” Blaze explained. “We always assumed that it had been set to ruin by Discord’s magic since nopony we sent came back and nopony was received from their end.”
“So, if we believe it’s in ruin,” The guard began as he shook the snow from his face, “Why are we trying to settle in it? Wouldn’t it be better for everypony to be in a well kept area?”
“Well, yes it would be, but being previously well kept means that its probably know about, thus making it a prime target for Greyhield’s attacks, something we’re looking to avoid with this location.” Blaze replied. “The fact it probably isn’t in good conditions is why I ordered the use of so many wagons for so many purposes; we’ll use the wood from them to path any holes in the walls, and so, problem solved.”
“Alright, I’ll inform the other ponies so we can continue without murmuring about not going anywhere specific.” The guard said with a sigh, “Instead they’ll start grumbling about going to an old, dilapidated ruin instead of somewhere that’s at least in one piece.”
“Well, you can tell the civilians if they want to complain they can, but I won’t have any guards complaining in this army.” Blaze said as the guard fell back into formation. Blaze looked ahead, the gales becoming more a more frequent, forcing him to set up a shield around his eyes so he could see without having ice fly into his eyes. Suddenly, he seemingly broke through the snow and was faced with a massive city, the snow storm seeming to encircle the massive structure, as if produced and restricted by magic.
Blaze looked behind him at the ponies appearing through the wall of swirling snow, each looking as white, frostbitten, and shocked as the last. Blaze turned again and began walking towards the ancient city, shaking a bit of snow from his armor with each step. Eventually he came to front gate, looking up at the surprisingly well kept doors. He gave a tentative push, and the one door creaked as it opened slightly. Blaze looked over the doors before using his magic to opening both of the massive halves of the portal.
The roads, surprisingly clear of stones, glistened in the sun’s light. Blaze looked up and saw the blue sky above, something he really hadn’t been expecting. The buildings around the road were frosted, there windows clear of frost, and even slightly fogged, as if the inside of the houses and other various buildings were being heated somehow after all the years. Slowly, certain things began to make Blaze question certain aspects of the town and the story that had come to be known.
The group of ponies continued to walk down the streets towards the rising spires of the castle in the distance. Soon, the last of the rearguard came through the gates, closing them in their wake. Suddenly a mass of black figures surrounded the ponies. The guards reacted quickly, surrounding the ponies, pointing their weapons towards the figures.
A plethora of unicorns flashed into existence, while earth ponies swarmed in from the alleyways and rooftops while pegasi swooped in from above. Blaze looked at the ponies that surrounded them, each wearing antiquated armor, bearing no semblance to any of his guards save for race and color in certain cases.
“Hold, we mean no harm, we come seeking refuge!” Blaze shouted, unlatching his sheath from his armor, letting it topple to the path below as he looked at the ponies around the group. “We are refugees, we are worn and tired and seek rest; we came bearing no ill intent.” He continued.
“If you come with no ill will, why do your stallions still have their weapons at the ready for a fight?” An elderly voice asked, soon paired with the frail figure of a light blue unicorn with a golden and white striped mane who wore a light cloak that billowed in the gentle breeze.
“They are merely doing so being as they are unsure if you bear any ill will towards us.” Blaze explained. “Many of the stallions who raise arms have their families in the crowd they surround. Surely you understand the feelings of a father towards his children and a son to his mother and a husband to his wife?”
“Indeed, but if you came here seeking refuge; why are you surprised when guards swarm you upon entering without hailing the guards, surely you understand our position?” The elderly pony replied. “At any rate, if you really are who you say you really are; then why come you so long after the last group of ponies that came to our gates?”
“Last group of ponies? You mean there were others?” Blaze asked, the whole thing being news to him. “We weren’t aware of any other ponies coming to this place, though I suppose the fact you are here would point to such a fact.”
“During the days of Discord’s reign, which by your appearance would herald his continued prosperity, many ponies came here, seeking refuge since Discord thought he had ended us after destroying the great mountain, allowing the winds to carry to cold to our doors.” The elderly stallion explained.
“Discord’s reign? Sir, Discord was removed millennia ago, and only rose to power for a day or two since.” Blaze stated, looking unsure at the elderly pony.
“You mean that none have even thought of coming to contact us even though we received so many who asked for help?” The pony asked; bewildered at what he was hearing.
“I’m sorry, but those who survived thought you had been overcome and were gone. We only came here because we thought that since it was so long gone that our enemy wouldn’t find us, giving us the time we needed to prepare.” Blaze responded.
“And what enemy may this be, if not Discord?” The pony asked, giving a questioning glare at the mass of ponies that were looking at the warriors around them.
“We are pursued by Greyhield, the dragon of old, and his armies.” Blaze replied. “They took Canterlot, the princess and several other important ponies.”
“So Greyhield has returned has he?” The pony said, pondering this for a few seconds. “You and your ponies may stay in our walls for as long as you wish, but I require your presence in my chambers, there are matters that still need to be discussed.”
“Of course, and if it pleases you, may my soldiers have access to your forge? We left our previous location with great haste, and I fear their armor and weapons may not be in the fairest of states at the moment.” Blaze asked.
“Of course, now if you will, please follow me. My ponies will escort yours to a safe location where they can rest and have their equipment repaired or remade if necessary.” The pony replied. Blaze nodded while using his magic to secure his sword to his side once again.
Blaze followed the elder into the grand chamber, the main hall in the words of Canterlot, or any other city or castle in Equestria besides this one. As they had walked, Blaze had told the stallion of the events that had led up to the exodus of the pony to the City of Unicorns.
“And so it appeared best for us to come here for safety, seeing as barely any pony remembered its existence, and we figure Greyhield would probably have a hard time remembering it as well.” Blaze finished the story as he massive steel braced, oaken door closed behind them, sending a low booming sound through the hall.
“It seems Greyhield’s years in banishment have served him for nothing better than to sharpen his wit and increase his wrath against us all.” The pony observed.
“That raises a question actually.” Blaze began. “How do you know Greyhield? I’m not entirely clear on his history. As far as I know, he first appeared around a thousand years ago.”
“That is as far off from the truth as you could probably get.” The elder replied, as he continued down the hall towards the pulpit at the opposite end of the room. “Come, I’ll show you the truth of the matter.” The pony stepped behind the wooden stand and opened the massive book that rested on its surface.
“What is this?” Blaze asked as he watched page after page flip by, each filled with either lines of fancy writing or a painting of some pony or another.
“This is the great record,” the elder replied, “Being of such a proud history there is no reason to not record it, in fact, it’s almost illegal to not record something of importance. We’ll add your arrival soon enough, but for now.” The last page landed, revealing the drawing of a small group of ponies facing a gigantic dragon. “Greyhield first emerged during the time Queen Platinum reigned over these halls.”
“Queen Platinum? You mean she actually became a queen? The Heartwarming story almost makes it seem she stayed a princess for the rest of her life… though I suppose it was always a possibility since the story never really covered the events that came after the founding of Equestria.” Blaze though aloud. He looked at the pages before him, the drawing of the highest quality, and the page beside it detailing the events depicted in the picture. “Am I to take it that this is an account of Greyhield’s first appearance?”
“Indeed, Greyhield first appeared a few decades after Equestria was first founded.” The pony replied. “He ravaged town and cities, setting each to flame without mercy. He killed off any armed forces we sent at him until we sent the queen’s own son and a small force of elites. They ended it all with the prince banishing Greyhield to the stars. He then briefly reappeared before Discord began his reign. He set certain things in motion while he was still around, though we did not see it. When we saw he had returned, we didn’t even care if he wasn’t rampaging. The fact had been established that if he was trusted and left alone, it wouldn’t be to terribly long into the future before he destroyed town after town.”
“We can only guess he’s gearing up for that now, but on a much larger scale.” Blaze stated. “He’s in control of an entire army; he very well may take out all of Equestria.” The elderly pony nodded slowly while shutting the book.
“And you purpose to stop him with your own armed forces?” The pony asked, stepping down from the pulpit, Blaze descending behind him quickly. “It is a large task that only the greatest of ponies should be engaged in. Are you sure you are up to the task, young colt?” Blaze looked to the smooth, stone flooring with a sigh.
“In all honesty, I’m just the head trainer, and barely even that. I shouldn’t be in the lead at all.” Blaze replied. “I’m only taking up the mantle of leadership because the last captain was a friend of mine… and I feel I owe it to him. If I could, I’d pass the position to another, but none seem to want it, nor do any of those still alive really seem capable of leading us.” The elder seemed to think a long time on Blaze’s words as they continued out the all. Finally, the elder turned as they stood in front of the door.
“It has been said that the mark of a true leader isn’t absolute confidence in his own abilities, but faith in the capabilities of his comrades.” The elderly pony stated. “Sometimes it’s better to have a leader who isn’t sure of his worth as such. It will be a rough start, but more often than not, that type of leader grows with and into their army. Sometimes it’s better to be a part of the whole than the head of the heard.” The pony finished while pushing the door open. “Think it over, and decide whether you’ll maintain your position or give it to the first bidder. Don’t let others despise your youth.”
“Sir,” Blaze began, the pony turning to look at him, “The fact I am so young in comparison to those who have similar roles as mine is a major obstacle. I’m younger than at least four fifths of our army, if not more.”
“If I may say one thing, young colt,” The elder cut Blaze off, “In our culture, if a pony takes a position through adverse circumstances and shows their capabilities even though their age be a good measure less than the common pony to enter such position, we say they were a heaven sent and take it as a sign that their rule was meant to be a long one since they began so early. Just because an elder finds it annoying that a young one knows more than they do doesn’t mean the young pony should forfeit their strength for the convenience of those around him. In fact, if they truly are thinking of the benefit of the many, they really should let their talent shine so that all may reap the good that comes from it.”
“Sir…” Blaze began feebly.
“You may not be fully tempered, you may not have your potential fully realized, but you are starting to show t hat you are more than the average pony at you age.” The elder continued.
“That’s only because I read books on the military and trained under somepony capable, I’m nothing special.” Blaze interjected. The elder smirked and shook his head.
“You mustn’t simply say you aren’t special because you’ve had failures in the past. Everypony has suffered losses.” The elder replied. “Some ponies are born into greatness, others have it given to them, and others work hard to achieve it, yet none of these are less than the others if the pony doesn’t let the power get to their head. The fact that you deny yourself greatness is not bad, but it certainly isn’t good. Your stallions depend on you, even those who wish you taken from your position. Even if they don’t realize it yet, they depend on you because of your skill, no matter how much they deny it.” Blaze lifted a hoof and opened his mouth for a reply, but none came. His hoof slowly lower back to the ground as the elder walked on.
“Sir,” Blaze began; the elder looking back at him, “What’s your name?” Blaze asked after running out of other options of discussion.
“I am Iron Resolve, son of Valid Grandeur. What is your name?” Resolve replied.
“My name is Blaze Eternal, son of Flame Eternal.” He replied, the elderly pony’s eye lighting up with some form of recognition. Resolve gave a nod and a smile.
“Blaze Eternal, I feel even your name says you shall accomplish great things.” Resolve stated. “Don’t let any tell you that you aren’t worthy to lead this army, for I believe, and I shall be blunt, that you are the only pony so suited and so able to take on such a challenge.” Resolve finished before walking off, out of sight.
Blaze thought about what he had said, standing still for several minutes, unsure what to make of it all. Finally, he began making his way to the other ponies, ensuring his friends were alright being the foremost thing on his mind.