Chapter 11
Princess Celestia read the paper piled up in front of her and felt a growing sense of worry build up within her. With every sentence she read, she saw nothing but bad news. Reports of terrible comings and bad timing, this was events she wished never to see. Ye now, it was right in front of her.
Letting out a sigh, she put the paper down on the desk and let out a long sigh of frustration. Reports were coming in from Baltimare, reports of the Griffon Navy intruding their coastline and the Griffon Army landing on their shores.
They have landed their troops into their territory and flew their banners above the city of Baltimare, which was quickly abandoned by the local defense force, due to surprise arrival and overwhelming numbers of the enemy.
Celestia couldn’t help but let a grunt at that thought.
One of the largest and crucial cities of the nation, left undefended as the troops stationed there fell back in disarray. She felt anger gently build up, as she raged at the thought of them abandoning their post without even firing a single shot.
To have their forces fall back without a fight was shameful and dignifying. Yet she could not blame her little ponies for galloping away in fear, for fear was something that cannot be stopped. To them, the Griffons must have looked like an unstoppable beast, ready to crush them under their claws.
Her ponies, who had lived with the thought of harmony and peace, had no chance against their first encounter against a race who were bred to fight and conquer.
Letting out another long sigh, she looked up and stared at the council who were gathered in front of her. Despite the helplessness of the nation, she and the ponies present here today were the ones in charge of leading the defense of her nation. They were the ones who would plan the war and show to the ponies that the Griffons weren’t unstoppable and that they too have the power to fight back.
Looking towards Luna, who was sited to her right, she gave a small smile and nod, indicating that she was ready to start the meeting. She then turned her gaze back towards the ponies around her, looking at each one of them and examining those who were present.
Some of the ponies wore bright and golden armored pieces, while other wore suits and dresses. Each of the ponies there represented different branches of the Eqestrian government, from the Royal Guard to the Royal Treasury. All of them were now gathered in this room, to discuss the proper response that they should take against the Griffons.
As Celestia scanned those around her, her eyes soon fell upon a white unicorn mare, who sat in a place that was close to her desk. The mare wore a uniform that was a mishmash of gold, white and black, and sat in a stoic position, as she waited.
But once she noticed that Princess’s gaze upon her, she couldn’t help but feel a small hint of nervousness fall upon her, as drops of sweat streaked down her face.
“Admiral Breeze, how did they manage to slip through our Navy?” Celestia asked, turning towards a white unicorn mare, who wore a matching white uniform.
Unsure whether the Princess was angry or not, the mare gave a shaky response, as she tried her best to hide the feeling.
“I’m sorry Princess, but it was impossible to stop them. Our fleet is just too small to patrol the entire coast, let alone fight off an enemy fleet.
With only ten ships patrolling our eastern coastline, the Griffons had no trouble passing through them, despite the large size of their fleet.”
“So you’re telling me that we had no chance of fending of an invasion fleet?” Celestia asked, with a disappointed tone in her voice.
The admiral sadly nodded her head as she looked at the Princess. “I’m sorry Princess, that task would be impossible at the navy’s current state.”
“What if we get some support from the other naval departments?” Luna asked, speaking up. “If we gather all our naval forces, would that be enough to create a sizable fleet for a counter-attack against the intruding fleet?”
Admiral Breeze gave some though to it, but knew that it still wouldn’t work. “I’m sorry, Princess, but I don’t think it would help us either. We could pull in some ships from the west coast, but it would only add four more rotten hulls to the fray. We just don’t have enough ships to create a counter-attack against the enemy. The best we could do is raid lone ships that are trying to bring supplies back and forth, but I doubt it if it would have a major impact.”
“So we are left helpless in the sea…” Celestia said sighing and looking down.
All this problems were bombarding her every day and it was hard to cope with them all. Throughout her reign, she has never seen a threat this big. Not even the Changeling invasion could compare to this. She was starting to doubt their chances in defending the country, even with the help of the humans she brought.
But she must not give up now, too many ponies counted on her. She was their leader, the one they looked up to. If they saw her falter now, in a time like this, then Equestria might collapse under their own panic. So she must keep it together for her ponies.
“General Stockade, have you any luck against the enemy? Tell us of our chances in repelling them in land?” Luna asked, facing a large and well-built unicorn, who wore the golden armor of the Royal Guard’s Celestial branch.
General Stockade was the acting commander of the combined armies of Equestria, which comprised the Royal Guards and Volunteer Army.
Formerly known as the Captain of the Guard, replacing Shining Armor after he went to the Crystal Empire, Stockade was a middle aged, smart, and stubborn officer, who showed great skill in leadership and order. He had shown great interest in reading up on military tactics and strategy, but the books he used were outdated and written during the time of spears and arrows. Despite the fact that the reference battles were great victories for Equestria five hundred years ago, they were hardly adequate for the use in a battlefield of modern weapons. Yet Stockade continued to read upon them, believing that despite the change of weapons, tactics used in the past would still be effective in this day and age.
Normally, an officer who was stuck in the past would never be chosen for such a high position. Even with the lack of qualifying officers, there were still other ponies who they could have chosen who filled the bill of accepting modern views. But there was one quality that Stockade had that most ponies lacked.
His brilliance in the art of logistics.
A pony who scored high in logistics back in the academy and proved it in action, when he helped reorganize the Guard’s supply and equipment department, Stockade was a master of the art. He could turn any mess into a well-organized pile, with everything labeled and accounted for.
In an army who was having trouble figuring out on where the next wagons of rifles go or where the train load of gunpowder was supposed to be shift, Stockade was the pony who could easily fix the problem. And giving him the proper power was another way on which he could have better control over it all.
Despite Celestia’s doubt on Stockade’s ability to adapt to modern tactics and her fear of him applying it on the field, Celestia believed that, with the advice of Col. Newman and younger officers, Stockade could be able to shed off his old beliefs and change them to more up to date ones.
“Well, your highness, reports say that an army of at least twenty thousand has landed on Horseshoe bay, while more reinforcement, of at least fifteen thousand is expected soon. With the perfect shape of the bay, the Griffons have an area were the enables them to easily unload supplies without being disrupted by the weather the ocean blows upon them.” The General said, glancing towards his reports once in a while.
“What are our chances on containing them and pushing them back?” Celestia questioned. “Do we have any forces there to secure the area and ensure that they won’t breakthrough to the open fields north?”
With the Griffons holding Baltimare, they now threatened to capture the valuable fields that were located to the north of the city. Fields in which hundreds upon hundreds of farmers worked on, helping to feed the large nation with wheat, corn, and many kinds of vegetables the ponies fed on.
If the Griffons were able to capture that, then Equestria would then have trouble feeding itself, while the Griffons took control of it and use it to feed their massive army.
“Well, Princess, from the reports I have received, forces from the local militia have moved out to hold the line and defend Fillydelphia. Five militia regiments from the Fillydelphia and the 1st Manehattan militia regiment, which was rushed in by train, are currently holding the line. Luckily for us, we haven’t been attacked yet. The Griffons have not made a move yet and, I can only conclude, are probably aiting for more supplies and reinforcements. But despite the stalemate and lack of action, we currently don’t have enough forces in the area to push them out of Equestria.” He said sadly.
“What about the volunteer army, how about them? Surely we have raised enough regiments to equal the enemy force?” Luna inquired.
“Well, your highness…” General Cutter began.
Cutter was also an officer promoted to a prominent rank, and like Stockade, he started his career in the Royal Guard. But now he wore a different uniform. For instead of Golden Armor of the Solar Guard, he wore the white and gold coat that was now being issued to the officers of the Volunteer Army. Promoted and put in charge of the large volunteer force, Cutter was a decent officer and was one that seemed to fit the role for an army composed of citizens, as he was a loyal and easily trusted pony.
“….the volunteer army currently has twenty-five thousand ponies, equivalent to what the Griffons currently have on our nation. But the only problem is the fact that they’re training isn’t complete. They have already received most of their weapons, uniforms, and supplies, making them look like a proper army. But that’s what they just are, something that looks. and only looks. like an army. If we fight them now, our chances of victory are low.”
Celestia processed what she was told and remained silent, as she pondered about them. Although they don’t have professional soldiers yet, it was still bad to leave the line thinly defended. The Griffons could attack at moment and she knew that the six militia regiments have no chance of holding the line against an onslaught of professional soldiers. With the volunteer army, they at least have the upside of having equal numbers. Maybe that would even discourage the enemy from making any move, buying Equestria more time.
So she proposed an idea that could make them hold the line, in case of an attack, while giving their soldiers more time to train.
“Well, General, how about gathering the volunteers towards the Fillydelphia line, to join up the militia and hold it.” She said, causing the General to raise his eyebrows and listen with great interest.
“We could bring all our forces there to deny the enemy the chance of breaking out…” She continued. “…yet we would not attack. We would just stay there and dig-in; keeping an eye on them and making sure they don’t do anything. That way, we can train the soldiers, as they stay and defend the line, while denying the enemy the chance to breakout. The Griffons would see the army and hesitate on attacking, while our soldiers train in camps near the front.”
“Well…” Cutter said, thinking it over. “…hmm…it could work, Princess. But we would have to act quickly. Despite General Stockade's on the Griffons staying in Baltimare till they get a sufficient force, the Griffon commander could still surprise us by moving out and meeting our thin line.”
“Yes, General, we must make haste.” Luna said, nodding. “Inform all the volunteer regiments to break camp and march towards Baltimare.”
“Yes, your majesty, I will.” Cutter said with a salute, before nodding vigorously towards the two Princesses.
Stockade then decide to help by adding his own solution to a possible transportation problem
“General, if I may suggest, we should use the railway system to quickly transport your troops in the area. We will commandeer as much trains as we can, so that we would be able to transport a large portion of the force. That is, if your majesties allows us.”
“Yes General, we approve. I believe that we must use every resource available to us if we wish to succeed.” Celestia said before dismissing the meeting.
The next few hours were soon filled with planning for the transportation and organizing that would follow the massive movement. Telegraphs and messages were sent out to every commander, informing them to make haste and prepare for the movement. The great gathering of the Volunteer Army has now begun.
Crowds cheered, flags waved, as company by company of each regiment of the Ponyville Brigade marched down the streets, passing the large group of ponies that gathered on the sides of the streets. Bands began to play up beat tunes to the march, exciting the ponies all around, as the parade made their way through the town center towards Princess Twilight’s Castle.
Leading the long column were the blue coated men of the 220th Pennsylvania.
Looking smart and dominant, they led the way through the town, as they represented themselves as the instructors of the brigade, as well as the symbol between the hastily made alliance between Equestria and the stranded humans.
With brightly polished and sparkling buttons, uniforms so clean that any trace of dirt was nowhere to be found, and sergeants and officers making sure that everyone was in order, the 220th was the perfect example of a model regiment.
Making their way, they made quite a sight for the ponies that crowded the sides of the streets. With a height that was slightly taller than the average pony and a march that involved only two legs, the 220th made a strange sight for the ponies of the town of Ponyville.
But unlike their first encounter, which brought shock and panic to the inhabitants, the 220th now marched through the town with great acceptance and cheers, as the ponies celebrated them as if the men were ponies themselves.
They attracted the attention of all the ponies, as they watched in awe at the creatures Celestia herself summoned, to help them fight the war.
With their sharp look and formidable form, most of the ponies who watched them believed that the war was already won. Surely the Griffons were no match to creatures as strange and exotic as them?
The parade soon made their way to the crystal castle, where Princess Twilight the Elements of Harmony, and Col. Newman watched, from the top of a high balcony.
Seeing the 220th make their way, Newman’s eyes fell upon the colors that were leading the march. The stars and stripes, the white, blue, and red, the symbol and pride of both his regiment and nation, now flying in foreign soil to help protect a country in need.
Despite his distance, Newman could see the tears and holes that littered the once whole flag, evidence of the battles that had been fought by the veteran regiment. The flag has been injured many times, yet it continues to fly above them, as symbol to their testament.
Now the flag flew over here, a peaceful and loving town. But despite the peace in the area, the environment here was only a lull in the flag’s life of war. Bullets have shot the flag before and Newman was sure that it would continue to do so.
Listening to the regimental band play, he could distinguish the familiar tune of ‘Hell on the Wabash’, a tune that has urged men forward in countless amounts of battles, time and time again. The sound of the fifes and drums harmonizing was a glorious and encouraging tune to him, as it reminded him of the internal excitement one gets before a battle. Too bad this was usually spoiled by the events that would usually follow after it.
As the 220th passed in front of them, the heads of the soldiers snapped towards the balcony as a form of salute towards him and the presiding officials. Led by Lt. Col. Warren, the regiment saluted all of them, giving them full honors as they made their way.
Newman returned the gesture, with a sharp salute of his own.
Moving on with the parade, the next regiment to pass was the 1st Ponyville Volunteer Regiment, led by Lt. Col. Big Macintosh. The volunteer regiments of the brigade have yet to have their official commanders, so till they receive them, the command of each regiment went to their respective elected officers.
From the top of the balcony, Newman could recognize the large red stallion, who now wore the white uniform of the volunteers and carried a bright silver scabbard, which contained his brand new officer’s saber.
Throughout the short amount of time he spent leading the regiment, the strong earth pony seemed to have done a great job, as he organized drills and kept them all together. Most of the ponies that were under him followed his orders without hesitation, as they performed them the moment he said it. The ponies obviously liked and trusted him, a good thing for an officer of his command.
Behind the large stallion, was company after company of the thousand pony regiment. With their colors blazing high above, fluttering from the breeze, and ponies marching in great synchronization, the regiment looked a lot more decent compared to the disorganized mob they used to be.
Despite having only two weeks of training, the rigorous and constant drilling the regiment endured has obviously taken its effects upon them, as they marched straight and in great order. The ponies obviously took all their teachings to heart, as they performed the march with excellence and grace.
“I can’t believe that some the ponies down there are ponies that I used to know.” Twilight said, standing beside him as she looked down at the
passing regiment. “Familiar faces, yet different at the same time.”
She then turned to face Newman.
“You did a great job, Colonel. Turning them into soldiers that could help defend Equestria. Just look at them, all lines up and marching, the only time I see those ponies so organized was during cider season.”
Newman gazed upon the marching regiment and watched them pass, as another regiment approached for their turn to present themselves. He then gave a slow nod, as he thought about the brigade he helped train.
“Yes, they do look like fine soldiers.” He said, remembering his observations throughout the two weeks. “They can march, they can shoot, but can they fight?”
“Well, they would be ready to fight in a moment’s notice if we were there with them.” Rainbow Dash called from behind him. Newman made a quick glance towards her and noted the frustrated look on her face.
“Yes…” Applejack said. The orange colored mare nodded her head as she agreed with her fried. “…I reckon that we could have contributed a lot to all of this. Too bad Equestria considers us as national treasures and wants to keep as away from this war. Now I have to see my brother go, while I watch in the sidelines.”
Newman then looked towards Twilight and gave her a questioning look.
The young lavender mare glanced towards her friends, before looking towards Newman and explaining in a soft and quiet voice, not wanting her friends to hear the same explanation again.
“It’s a long story.” She said. “But the short version is that we can’t sign-up due to our various roles. Me being a princess, with various important task, prevents me from being a part of the army, unless I want to be a commander, which I don’t think I can handle. Meanwhile, the rest of the
Elements can’t join, because Equestria fears the bad effects of having them lost in battle. It would be a great blow for morale.”
Newman understood, as he gave a nod. He saw the importance behind the reasoning, but he also understood the frustration of the two mares, to be left behind while their neighbors marched to war.
He then returned his attention towards the parade, to see the third regiment present themselves. They marched in great order like the others and saluted with great enthusiasm towards them, as they felt proud at the great accomplishment of their two weeks of training.
“Do you really think they’re not ready?” Twilgiht asked, wondering if Equestria really was safe against the Griffon invasion.
Newman looked at her directly in the eye and said:
“Whether they are or not, they have to be.”
The loud and exciting songs of the bands were long gone now, replaced by gentler and softer sounds of a single instrument. The relaxing music flowed inside a train’s passenger cabin, trying to fight the drowning sound of the engine as locomotive traveled through the countryside.
Playing her lyre, Lyra tried her best to keep the ponies around her comfortable, as they fought for space in the cramp cabin, trying to find a decent position in which they would sleep. With more ponies than they usually allow stuffed in a cabin, this task was quite a difficult one.
Gently flowing her magic to play the lyre, sweet and calming tunes emitted from the instrument, as Princess’s Luna’s moon glowed outside, shinning a faint light through the cabin windows.
Despite being cramped inside the cabins, one after another, ponies began to fall asleep, tired after the long day’s events. With excitement now gone, the call for sleep was now taking them, as their eyes slowly closed before their minds brought them to the realm of the Princess of the Night.
Lyra herself was waiting for the call for sleep, but despite how long she waited, it just never came.
For some reason, there was a feeling deep inside her, trying to keep her awake. As if some kind of worry, it kept her in constant alert, trying to remind her, trying to keep her from relaxing. But what was it?
Was it the worry of war?
No it couldn’t be. Sure she was afraid of this as anypony else, but she wasn’t so afraid that she couldn’t sleep. Despite the fact they were going to fight a war, she and everypony else were confient that it would be over as soon as it started. With all the training they had received, she believed that the Griffons would be defeated in no time. So it wasn’t the dread of war.
No, this was something else. A feeling that she was missing something, something that she was about to leave behind. A feeling that intensified the farther she went from home.
Maybe that was it. Maybe she was feeling homesick.
The thought of leaving her home, the one where she lived and worked in for years, now being left behind. Maybe this was the cause of her uneasiness. It could be the reason, but she also knew that it couldn’t
She would only miss home because of the thought of leaving the ponies she knew behind. But here, in this regiment, most of the ponies she knew and loved were with her. So what was there to miss, when the ones you will miss were with you?
Sure, she would miss the places she went to, worked at, and hang out at. But she wouldn’t feel homesick, knowing that the ponies she lived with were here. Besides, if this war would be quick, then they would be home in no time.
So she began to ponder again, trying to figure out the cause of this, the feeling that was trying to keep her awake, the feeling that was trying to tell her something. She searched her mind, trying to figure out what she missed, every detail around her.
Soon enough, she suddenly realized what it was. She was happy to have finally known the reason to it, but dread soon hit her when she realized what it was.
Her magic stop, leaving the cabin quiet from her music, as her eyes opened wide in fear and shock from the realization.
“I left the door open!” She screamed, waking up almost everypony in the cabin, including a certain earth pony, who had earlier entrusted her friend on locking up their home before leaving.