Spike set the scroll down, one of his claws tapping on the stem of his quill. He had been writing, or at least been making attempts at it, for nigh onto half the day. Gylom had been gracious enough to give him a free day, excusing it to Glenn as a period that would allow his muscles to actually rebuild into stronger versions, an excuse that Glenn accepted hesitantly. The papers before Spike were filled with his splendid script, perfected over years of writing letters. He read over it, unimpressed by what he had come up with. Indeed he had practiced his writing style, but his ability to transfer his thought in an eloquent manner had not caught on as well.
As he continually read over and over his pile of papers that composed a rather wretched soundly letter, the sound of his door squealing on its hinges broke him from his thoughts. He turned in his seat to see who had entered, only to see a common reptilous soldier, standing at attention.
"What is it soldier?" Spike inquired, setting his quill into the ink pot on his desk. The guard, surprisingly, remained silent, not answering immediately. "Are you alright, what's wrong?" The soldier visibly gulped, and stepped to the side, revealing Celestia and Luna, standing quite menacingly. Spike jumped to his feet, his chair clattering to the side in his haste as he drew his word, pointing it without reservations at the two pony princesses. "Celestia, how did you get free?" Spike asked incredulously.
"Good reaction time Spike," Gylom's voice said from outside of the room, the dark figure landing to the side of the two, rather still alicorns, "It appears all that training really is paying off." Spike didn't relax, even as Glenn spoke in a rather calm tone.
"Is this really a time to be discussing the effectiveness of my training?" Spike asked hesitantly. "I mean, the two most powerful alicorns of Equestria are right here, not surrounded by any guard, or any form of escort besides you, that guard, and me."
"There isn't any reason to be concerned," Glenn replied calmly, "The two princesses are well within our power. Isn't that right, ponies?" Glenn asked, his lips parting into the first sign of a smile, or any real emotion, that Spike had seen on Glenn.
"Yes, Master Glenn, we are well within your power." The two princesses said in a calm, almost monotone version of their usual voices. "We obey your commands with pleasure." Spike blinked, unsure what to make of it all.
"Can I get an explanation for why the princesses are well within our power and why they seem to be..., I don't know, out of it?" Spike asked, his sword still at the ready, though his stance was slightly more complaisant.
"I'll let Lord Greyhield explain that to you personally." Glenn replied. "I was sent here to bring you to Greyhield's throne room for your official inauguration to the reptilous army as a full fledge general." Glenn stated, motioning for Spike to come along. After a moment hesitation, Spike sheathed his sword, and walked out, taking a brief moment to throw his shield over his back.
Spike entered the grand hall, the entirety of Greyhield's massive army lining the sides of the passage to the throne. The numbers of reptilous, madrahciah, changelings, diamond dogs, and every other manner of creatures of natural and even celestial origin that stood in perfect attention astounded Spike, as he had seen how the very same creature he now saw standing in orderly rows would attack ravenously when provoked, without any sense of direction or any type of order. At the end of the long hallway, Spike saw Greyhield's grand throne, much more massive and ornate than the throne he usually sat in the regular meeting room.
Standing by the massive dragon was Gylom and his colonels, along with Glenn's colonels, though Glenn was still standing beside Spike as he entered the hall. Spike stopped a moment, taking in all of the sights to be seen around him, a sense of amazement coming over him as he looked over each of the soldiers around him, his thoughts only interrupted as the massive entry doors were shut with a resounding boom that echoed about the room, only making the hall seem that much bigger as it did.
Spike felt Glenn pushing him from behind, causing to stumble forward a few steps. Spike gave Glenn a look that spoke volumes of how fed up he was beginning to feel about the constant prodding of the reptilous general, but he moved past it soon enough, and began walking down the hallway, a line of reptilous moving forward, unsheathing their swords, crossing their blades with the reptilous in front of them. As Spike advanced, the reptilous lifted their swords, allowing him to pass slowly as the immensity of the horde that had assembled in the horde continued to sink into Spike's mind.
Spike finally came past the last two reptilous, who, as soon as he had passed, lowered their swords before sheathing their blades and stepping back into line along with their comrades. Spike looked up and saw Greyhield, who seemed all the bigger when compared with the size of his own army. In a motion of instinct, rather than a conscious choice, Spike kneeled before the great dragon, overcome with a sense of awe.
"Spike," Greyhield began, his gigantic booming voice bouncing off the cavernous walls of the hall, "This day, it pleases me, as well as all the armed forces under my command, to grant you a position in our most noble fighting force. This day, with consent of all the soldiers, and with my blessing, we offer you the position of Commanding General of the Riders, which shall charge into battle under your direction, with your banner above their heads. Do you accept this offer?" Greyhield asked, more in the form of a rhetorical question, the answer already apparent to all those present.
"I humbly accept your most gracious offer, Lord Greyhield." Spike answered, a strange sensation coming over him strange as the words came from his mouth, but felt as if they had been spoken by another.
"Then I hereby, with great gladness, present you with the mantle of the Rider's General," Greyhield replied, a reptilous coming forward, holding a deep crimson cloak that had a golden chain that linked the two steel pauldrons that would settle nicely on his shoulders, "And the choice of your stead." Spike slowly rose as Greyhield motioned towards the side. Spike looked towards where he pointed, and saw the two princesses. Spike felt sick, a feeling of despair coming over him as he realized exactly what Greyhield was going for, and what it would signify.
"I-I... choose," Spike stammered, gulping nervously as he racked his mind over the choice, "I choose... Celestia as my stead..." Spike stated, feeling very sick, almost woozy as a reptilous brought Celestia forward with a lead wrapped around her muzzle. Spike took the lead, the sick feeling in his stomach growing larger every second that he held the rope that bound Celestia.
"A wise choice, General Spike," Greyhield congratulated, "From thence forth, you shall ride Celestia, the ponies' princess of the sun, into battle." Greyhield slowly adopted a rather sinister looking smile and he looked at the princess. "And so the bringer of the sun, of light, and of life, shall become the herald of despair, of darkness, and of death." Spike swallowed loudly, feeling sicker than ever before as the massive horde of soldiers began to chant Greyhield's and his names.
Greyhield circled around Spike, Celestia, and Luna, his usual unreadable expression blocking out any readings Spike might have obtained from facial expressions.
"I suppose the question of how I made the two princesses so obedient is burning in your mind at the moment, General." Greyhield guessed as he completed another pass, only to break off to walk towards his ornate throne.
"Yes, it is cause for wonderment on my part." Spike replied, using his most polite language possible. "In my experience with them throughout my years in their courts, I have never known them to be complaisant with enemies unless they believed it to bring them an advantage which they could abuse later on." Spike explained, hoping not to offend the rather large dragon lord.
"Indeed, it is well known to me that they are quite... abstinent in their own opinions. I also realize that, on occasion, they have a stroke of tactical genius, but I assure you, that it is no cleverness on their own part that causes their sudden obedient disposition." Greyhield explained. "You are, of course, familiar with Discord's corruption spell, and Sombra's dark magic."
"Y-yes," Spike nodded, "I've had personal experience with the effects of both, though one was a bit more of a personal encounter than an observation of effects." Spike shook slightly, the doorway in Sombra's castle coming back to mind.
"Of course, well, to continue, I have made a combination of the two and used it to my advantage." Greyhield continued. "The gem aspect of Sombra's spell, along with the false reality construct, and the personality alteration of Discord's spell are mixed into one receptacle." Greyhield said, an aura of magic forming around one of his claws, which also formed around the colors of the princesses, which were both revealed to have a dark gem that crackled with dark magic. "The construct produced by Sombra's spell causes them to see the world in a different way that it really is. In this case, they see the world in a scenario in which they are fighting, and winning, in a war against me. Discord's part in the spell simply allows their mind to know it’s not real, yet still believe it with all their might, allowing responses to questions posed to them, along with the ability to control their actions without breaking the construct." Spike looked at the collars, a wave a nausea coming over him, though he succeeded at keeping his last meal inside of his body, though he once again had to confirm the fact that food doesn't taste as good the second time.
"So this means that they... are unaware of what they are doing and are completely willing to do... whatever we tell them to?" Spike asked uneasily. Greyhield nodded slowly.
"They are completely in our power, completely under our control, without a desire, or ability to break free from the spell that restrains them." Greyhield replied.
Spike stood before the massive ranks of the riders that he was in command of, his crimson cloak fluttering in the slight motion of air that made its way through the caves. Most of his soldier road large timberwolves, diamond dogs, but nearly none of them rode any type of pony, except his colonel, who rode Luna, yet another thing that made him feel far more uncomfortable.
"Riders of Greyhield," his colonel, Galintrent if Spike heard correctly, began, pacing back and forth in front of the ranks upon ranks of mounted soldiers, "You've gathered here today to meet you're new commanding officer. It has pleased Greyhield to place General Spike over you all, and you'll treat him with the same level of respect as Gylom and Glenn, if not more." The reptilouses gave a massive roar, which put a smile on Spike's face. Spike lightly snapped Celestia's reigns, causing her to walk forward slowly towards the line of soldiers, and with a practiced ease Spike didn't even have, he turned and began riding parallel to the soldiers.
"So you lot are the Riders of Greyhield?" Spike asked scornfully. "I'll see if you are worthy of carrying the name of Greyhield, much less the title of riders." Spike pulled Celestia's reigns, coming to a stop before turning towards the far end of the cave. Along the way was a massive horde of training dummies set up, some holding up pikes, while others had swords and shields. "I want one charge to destroy each of those targets, am I understood?"
"Sir, yes sir!" The reptilous shouted in unison. Spike lifted his lance, the tip pointing to the ceiling before he swung his forward, snapping Celestia's reigns as he did, his mount responding immediately, charging forward towards the targets, a smile growing on Spike as he neared the mass of targets.
The sound of quill scratching paper echoed through Spike's room, his fifth edition of the same letter turning out a small measure better than the fourth, though as he looked over it, he still found inexplicable flaw after inexplicable flaw. Phrases, mannerisms, terminologies, and the all around composition of his letter just rang something slightly off. Spike tapped his claw on his quill, rattling his mind for ideas, but he couldn't find anything that truly fit the bill he was going for. Once again, the door opened behind him, but instead of a regular guard standing in the doorway, was his colonel with the two princesses behind him.
"General, the soldiers are ready for the daily training, we are waiting on you." Galintrent stated plainly. Spike looked down at his letters, giving a sigh as he stood up, setting the quill into the pot. Spike took a second to get his cloak on, making sure the pauldron slipped over his shoulders before picking up his shield and lance.
"Then we best not keep them waiting too much longer." Spike replied, taking Celestia's reigns in his claws, a slight feeling of dread still whelming up inside of his stomach as he did. He took a second to touch his side, confirming quickly his sword was, in fact, in its usual place.
"Are we going to the usual training cave?" Galintrent asked before mounting Luna, who continued her usual look, as if she didn't realize anything was off about wearing armor, carrying a reptilous and his gear, something that still made Spike wonder how exactly Greyhield had managed to make the collars work on the two noble princesses. "Sir?" Galintrent said, jolting Spike from his thoughts.
"Eh, No," Spike replied slowly, mounting Celestia as he did, "I think it would be best to practice in the open air for at least today. Air quality has been shown to correlate to the quality of the results given." Spike stated, hoping his rather lame excuse would be acceptable enough to the reptilous colonel, seeing as the real reason he actually wanted to practice outside was far from just being about the air quality of the space in which they practiced. He also wanted to see the world around him once more before attacking his first target, since he had barely had had time to go outside since his first arrival to the mountain castle.
"Very well, I'll go on ahead and inform the troops of the change in location." Galintrent replied, snapping Luna's reigns and charging off towards where the riders usually assembled before training. Spike sighed, leaning forward to stroke the side of Celestia's neck.
"I'm sorry for what has happened to you." Spike whispered into her ear. "I can't imagine how it must be to have no freedom to do what you want to do." Spike slowly sat back up, lightly flicking her reigns, the princess of the sun entering a light trot.
Spike and the rest of his division of the army emerged from a secret entrance that let out into a forest that sat at the base of the mountains. Spike took in a deep breath, letting the musty scent of his surroundings calm his mind, his muscles relaxing for a second as the sounds of the forest soothed his ears.
"Form two companies, we're going to put on our own mach war today." Galintrent order the soldiers, effectively ruining the moment of peace Spike had been attempting to enjoy. The soldiers nodded, several attaching blunting blocks over the sharp points of the spears and blades of their swords. Spike flicked the reigns, several soldiers following after him, joining his company of the war that was about to break out in the quiet forest.
"Sir, what's the plan of attack?" One of the soldiers asked as they rode away, his colonel staying behind to command the other company. Spike wracked his mind for an effective tactic for the terrain he was dealing with, an idea coming to him with a smile.
"Our plan of attack is quite simple, but will require a bit of effort, and a great deal of coordination amongst all of our soldiers." Spike replied, leaning forward slightly, Celestia responding immediately by picking up some speed. “This is what we’ll do…”
Spike sat on Celestia, scanning the forest for any signs of Galintrent’s soldiers, but he could neither hear nor see any signs of them. Spike motioned for the reptilous riding diamond dogs to begin the advance. The leader of that division nodded and began moving forward, his mount moving silently through the underbrush, the group of soldiers disappearing with almost frightening speed for their size. Spike adjusted his posture, stroking the side of Celestia’s neck as he waited with tense anticipation.
“Do you have any thoughts on the situation, Celestia?” Spike whispered into her ear, keeping his senses on the lookout for any signs of his, or even Galintrent’s, soldiers.
"I have no real knowledge of Galintrent's choice tactics and fighting style, so I cannot accurately determine how he will act in battle." Celestia replied blandly. Spike nodded slowly, the lack of Celestia's usual motherly tone making Spike feel more and more off. Suddenly, the snap of a twig drew the attention of all of Spike and all of his soldiers. Spike leaned forward, looking closer to see what the bush, that sound came from, concealed. As he did, a small rabbit scurried forward, and a collective sigh rolled over Spike's soldiers.
"They're upon us..." Spike muttered, "Soldiers, they're on us, take your positions." Spike ordered in a lower voice, only slightly audible to his soldiers. The reptilous quickly brought up their shields and readied their weapons. Just as they did, a mass of Galintrent's soldiers, with Galintrent heading them, broke out from the underbrush. Spike snapped Celestia's reigns, lowering his lance into position with the two meter gap he had not promising much in the way of effectiveness. Spike, surprising took out one of the timberwolves mounts of one of the soldiers, sending the reptilous flying forward, slamming into a tree. Spike dropped his lance, drawing his sword, which gave a satisfying hiss as it came out of the scabbard.
"Encircle them, no escapes!" Galintrent shouted, his soldiers quickly reacting, as they began riding in circles around the group of riders, occasionally swinging a sword out to keep their prey in check. Spike struck out, tripping one of the passing soldier's diamond dogs. Spike gave a loud, shrill whistle, causing several birds to flutter from the trees. Galintrent charged straight at Spike, and as he closed the gap, a diamond dog mounted soldier tackled him off of Luna. Spike grinned, snapping Celestia's reigns as several other of his scouts came back taking down a few of the riders that rode around the small group of timberwolf riders.
Spike smashed one of the riders across the chest, knocking him clean off of his mount, the diamond dog charging off, seemingly unaware that its rider was gone. Spike pulled Celestia's reigns back, and with a slight shift of weight, he directed Celestia into a turn, allowing him to get off another strike on a passing enemy. Spike's grin grew wider, almost as if he were mad, as he snapped Celestia's reign, charging towards the dismounted Galintrent. As Spike passed, he jumped off of Celestia, tackling his colonel to the ground.
"What are you doing, General?" Galintrent hissed as Spike lifted him in a head lock. Spike made another harsh whistle, and when he did, six of his riders surrounded him, weapons drawn. Spike planted his sword into the ground, taking out a knife, putting it to Galintrent's throat.
"Finishing this quickly." Spike whispered his reply to his colonel. "Riders of Galintrent!" Spike roared, his smile growing wider as he felt a wave of battle charged confidence. "I have your commander; I'd throw your weapons down if you want to have him back."
"You expect that trick to work?" Galintrent asked, completely stunned, but only had Spike's smile to reply to his question. "You really need more experience in the battlefield if that's the case." Spike tightened his head lock in response.
"You don't know me well enough to judge what I'm thinking at the moment." Spike replied in a hushed tone. "Riders of Galintrent, give me your reply!" Spike shouted once more.
"Our answer to you is that you better let our commander go." One soldier replied. "We out number have beyond reason for you to be making demands on us." Spike nodded, leaning closer to Galintrent.
"Checkmate, game, set, match." Spike whispered before throwing his head back and giving an extremely loud whistle that descended in tone as it continued. Spike looked back towards the remaining soldiers on Galintrent's side with a devilish smile.
"You might not have noticed," Spike began, "But doesn't it seem like there are several soldiers not present?" He asked as the sound of a mass of riders echoed around them, a horde of both timberwolf and diamond dog riders surrounding them. "Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that that little fact now tips the table in my favor. Or is it possible for you to beat more soldiers that have yet to actually fight in this battle?" The reptilous looked around them, completely stunned at the swift entry of their foes. One of Galintrent soldiers dropped his sword, shortly followed by the sounds of clinking metal and clunking wood as the other reptilous dropped their weapons.
"Well played, General, I guess you do have a few good tricks up your sleeve." Galintrent said as Spikelet him go. "I hope that I never have to be on the receiving end of one of your attacks again." Spike nodded, sheathing his knife while removing his sword from the ground, all the while still smiling.