//------------------------------// // 15. The Graduate // Story: Secrets of a Royal Guard // by Anzel //------------------------------// “Keep moving! Keep moving!” Orchid shouted at the unit as they galloped around the track. She worked them hard during physical training, but from my perspective that was a benefit. Staying fit as a guard was important. Healthy ponies were less prone to injury and, in situations like Nordanver, were far more likely to survive. That is one of the reasons I always galloped with my enlisted ponies. Not all officers attended unit physical training, but I thought it was best for morale. It also allowed me the opportunity to keep an eye on our newest unofficial members: Crimson Dawn and Tranquil Dusk. They’d asked to work out with me and I’d agreed. “Alright, ponies, that is enough cardio,” Orchid instructed. “Pair off, it is time to work on those hoof-to-hoof combat skills. I don’t want you all getting rusty just because you stand around in the palace halls.” Crimson started to head towards another pony and I reached out a hoof to stop him. “You two just watch for now. If you don’t know how to fall appropriately or pull your blows, you can get hurt. I’ll show you how it is done later.” “Yes, sir,” he said, moving back to the sideline with his sister. Nova approached me looking all sorts of confident. “If you don’t have a partner, sir, I can fix that.” My brow arched. “You sound pretty sure of yourself. Are you certain you want to tangle with me, medic?” Nova’s eyes narrowed and she settled into her fighting stance. “You only get to be the best by learning from the best, sir.” “I wouldn’t say I’m the best, but you’re on.” I shifted back into my own stance and waited. Orchid called, “Now listen up, this is practice! I don’t want anypony getting too crazy. When a pony goes down, that is the point. Fighters ready! Go!” Nova was quick to react to the command and on me instantly. She was fast, way faster than me. Her forehooves caught me in the chest before I could even think about moving. Her blows had been measured and controlled with the right amount of sting to let me know she wasn’t playing. My wings flapped as I hopped back and onto my hindlegs. She came at me again with the same intensity, but this time I was ready and she hadn’t varied her attack much. She swung at me with her right and I caught it in both hooves. Without really thinking it through, I shifted my weight and used her momentum to wheel her over me. The mare flew over my head and landed with a painful thud. My body then moved on muscle memory, stepping over her and lifting a hoof to smash her throat. She was staring up at me wide-eyed while she tried to catch her breath. That was when I turned off autopilot and kept my hoof where it was poised. There would be no strike to follow. Instead, I just turned it over and offered to help her up. “That isn’t any Royal Guard maneuver I’ve ever seen,” she rasped. “Where did you learn that, sir?” She was right about that. Royal guards didn’t put down ponies and follow up with killing blows. As I helped her up, I shook my head. “Sorry about that. Some signals got crossed upstairs.” I’d been practicing that maneuver with a training dummy repeatedly at night. It was one of the first things an initiate learned. “That’s okay. Should we go again?” she asked with less fire than before. I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll try to be better behaved this time.” Nova shook her head. “I can take it, sir. The way I hear it, gryphons don’t play fair when it comes to fighting in close quarters.” “No, they don’t. Are you expecting to run into any gryphons?” I asked as we squared off. “No, but I’d rather not come up short.” “Fair enough,” I replied before adding, “Go!” ☾ The Hay Cafe was busy as usual, which made spotting ponies rather difficult. Every table was filled and none of the patrons looked like a master spy unicorn. My assumption was that Maya was a unicorn due to the voice-throwing spell. I ate my meal very slowly and waited. Normally we’d be speaking by now, but there wasn’t anything normal about these meetings. The server pony came by several times to make sure my food wasn’t the reason for the slow consumption. After the fifth time I’d shooed him away, the voice hit my ears. “What can I do for you?” “We’re going to try to grab the package,” I said into my sandwich. “I’m aware. Was it your idea to keep the locals in the dark?” “Yes.” “Smart. Unfortunately, our mutual annoyance is using local mail carriers for this job. He didn’t want to kick up any fuss by sending the pony express.” My ear flicked in irritation. “We may as well just tell the package where to drop itself off. It would probably yield the same results. What are the odds of success?” Maya’s pause went on longer than normal before she replied, “Not great. The locals aren’t really used to this sort of delivery, and I’m told the mail room is already full. I’d say to expect failure.” I drank from my water glass and then nodded. “Alright. Anything you can do about that?” “No. I’m good, but if I were to involve myself directly, I’m concerned we’d be discovered.” “Alright, I can appreciate your position. Have we had any update on his motivation?” “That is something I’m still working on. Finding the links are difficult. Some carriers went to great lengths to disassociate the package with the sender. It’s obvious, but not provable. I’ll need more time… or the package itself.” “Alright.” I frowned down at my plate. “Listen, assuming this fails, I’m going to use it as an excuse to bow out of the standard work flow. It is pointless.” She paused again. “Agreed… but it will look suspicious.” I shook my head, which may have been a stupid thing to do. Who knew if she could see me? “Not the way I’m planning. I’ll throw a fit about using local carriers. Make unreasonable demands and tick off our postmaster. He’s been itching for a reason to remove me.” “Valid point. I’m on board, then. I’ll hope you’re as good of an actor as you are a soldier,” she said dryly. “Good. Listen, keep working the sender and, if you can, I have an idea. If we’re going to fail, let’s do so in a way that drives the package further north. I want to push it away from the south and towards the sea. Can you do that?” Maya’s tone changed ever so slightly, picking up a hint of curiosity. “Maybe… I could have pony express near the border and suggest the local carriers pick up more routes there. Why?” “I want to have the pony express hot on this package even if they can’t directly interact with it. They can drive it further north and into the sea. Turn the heat way up. Why not force it into a long journey to the one place it thinks it will never be found because no carrier would ever think to look for it there?” “You’re crazy.” “That isn’t a no,” I replied. “I’ll get back to you. Enjoy your lunch.” I turned back to my meal and started eating a bit quicker. That seemed to please the server, at least. ☾ It barely seemed like a moment but a week had flown by. It had been filled with secret late-night practice sessions, spending time with the nox twins, taking Crystal out once, and generally trying to get caught back up on everything that had fallen by the wayside while I was in Haven. Today, I was leaning back in my chair, looking at the three ponies in front of me. One was First Sergeant Storm Rider, Sunny Day’s section NCO. He and I went way back. Generally, up to this point, he’d managed Princess Celestia’s House Guard without too much intervention on my part. He’d brought me two palace guards. The first had a rich blue coat with a two-toned turquoise mane and a medic badge on his armor. His expression was extremely serious. The second guard had a white coat like mine, a turquoise mane that somewhat matched the other pony’s, and a set of gold, square-framed glasses. His badge was unfamiliar to me and had what looked like a bomb on it. “Sergeant, it isn’t that I don’t want to help you, I’m just confused. Why did you bring them here?” I asked. “I couldn’t find their CO,” Storm Rider replied. I nodded. “Okay… what about their company commander?” The blue guard replied, “Out sick, sir.” “Executive officer?” “Paternity leave.” The blue guard’s expression stayed even. My eyes flicked to the first sergeant and I asked, “Who is running this place right now?” Storm Rider cleared his throat. “Well, sir. Lieutenant Day is on vacation, as you know. The section lieutenant for these two is missing in action, their company commander is down, Lieutenant Rook is at captain’s training, and Major Measure is at that ten-day conference in Baltimare. So… it is either you or Lieutenant Brook down in pony resources. I chose you.” Excellent. I was suddenly the de facto palace commander. “Proceed,” I said. The guard with the white coat said, “There isn’t anything to it, sir, honest!” “Gryphon feathers!” the blue guard cut in. “You almost blew up the barracks.” “No! I stopped the barracks from blowing up.” He tapped his badge. “That is what we do!” “But you set the bomb!” “For training purposes only! You’re just too—” “Enough!” I rubbed my temples. “Did the barracks actually blow up and was anypony hurt?” “No, sir!” they repeated in unison. I pointed to the white one. “Name?” “Unwitting Armageddon, sir.” That seemed fitting. Weirdly so. I had to wonder if he was born with that name or chose it for himself later. “Alright, no more training exercises involving live bombs without command approval. Clear?” “Yes, sir!” I looked to the blue one. “Name?” “Deep Blue, sir.” “I appreciate your diligence. Next time, maybe go get a sergeant first before you take out the pony that knows how to disarm the bomb.” “Yes, sir, understood!” “Alright, dismissed. Sergeant, stay here a minute.” The two guards went on their way. Once they were out the door, I stared at Storm Rider. “Seriously? Where is their sergeant? Their first sergeant? Their company sergeant?” The pegasus simply shrugged. “No idea, sir. I just happened to be going by. Glad I was, too, or we might have needed a new barracks down there.” “Fair point. From this moment on, assume I’m in command of the palace. Pass the word that the House Guard is taking over. Also, send somepony to find the palace guard lieutenant in charge of their section or any section. I want him, her, or somepony in my office immediately.” “Yes, sir!” he replied before hurrying out. I got up and followed him to the door shouted, “Sergeant Orchid, Sergeant Iridescence! My office, now!” There was some scrambling from the offices next door before the two mares came out in a hurry and to my office. Both looked shocked. That was probably because I never shouted. “Sir?” Orchid asked in confusion. “Evidently, I am in command of the palace and, evidently, some pony almost blew up a barracks.” Iridescence blinked. “How is that possible, sir?” “There seems to be some problem with officers scheduling their personal lives over their work ones. They all seem to think there are more important things to do than being here.” I rolled my eyes and grumbled, “This is why you can never rely on officers.” “If I could remind the lieutenant that you’re an officer, too…” Orchid put in, a slight grin on her face. “Only in title. Orchid, I want you to go and assume command of the palace guard. I don’t care who is there; stomp them and take over until I get down there. Am I clear?” She blinked but then nodded, “Aye sir.” “Iridescence, you’re in command here. I’m going down to pony resources to inform Lieutenant Brook he is now the palace’s executive officer.” The unicorn nodded and replied, “You can count on me. This will be one less headache for you.” “I certainly hope so. Dismissed, both of you.” They turned to go and I headed the opposite direction. Brook was going to love this. I headed down to the pony resources area and stuck my head into his office. Thankfully, he was there. “At least somepony knows where he is supposed to be,” I said casually as I walked. “Pardon?” Brook replied, looking up from a pile of paperwork. “Every officer above us seems to be missing in action today. The palace guard is running itself. My CO and XO are gone and so are theirs. A few lieutenants are no shows and that means I’m in command and you’re my new executive officer,” I explained. “Come again? Wait, why I am I the XO? I have more seniority than you,” Brooks said as he leaned back in his chair. On that account, he was right. He’d joined the guard sooner than I had and without question had been an officer longer. I tapped a hoof on my armor. “I assumed House Guard trumped pony resources, but if you want to captain this ship, it’s all yours.” Lieutenant Brook shook his head and smiled. “No chance, I just wanted to hear you say it.” “Thanks for that. Listen, in all seriousness though, you and I might be it. So if you can toss all of that paperwork on Azurite’s desk and head out to the courtyard and show off that bar, I’d appreciate it.” “Azurite is on vacation, but yes, I can do that. Are all the lieutenants really gone? Gate, walls, keep, and such?” he asked as he got up and put his helmet on. I’d known that. Obviously, Azurite was on vacation with Sunny. Although he might as well toss the paperwork on her desk anyway. I doubted he’d have any free time now. “Storm Rider couldn’t find one, so let’s assume the worst and hope for the best. Although if you do find one, send her to me.” “Sure thing,” he replied before walking past me. “Thanks,” I replied before I caught sight of his clock. “Wait, where did the day go?” His brow raised. “Into the past, minute by minute. Why?” “I have to go, I have an appointment,” I replied before turning to gallop off. “Wait! You were literally just talking about how every other officer has taken off! Where do I send the lieutenants now?” My ears pinned back. Crystal would forgive me if I was a little late. She’d understand. It wasn’t every day you suddenly became the palace commander. “You’re right. I’ll be in my office, so send them there. I’m going to get a plan in place before I leave.” Lieutenant Brook nodded. “Alright, see you then.” It only took twenty minutes or so for Storm Rider, Orchid, and Brook to round up every officer in the palace. Somehow that amounted to four lieutenants out of a five-section company. One of which had just walked in for her shift. Without hesitation, they’d voted me commander despite my junior status to them. In my mind it was because nopony wanted to take on the responsibility. That was fine with me. I gave them the dressing down they’d earned and laid out my expectations until their CO and XO returned. After that, I put Brook in charge and rushed off as quick as I could to Canterlot Academy. When I snuck into the auditorium, I was almost an hour late. All of the insanity at work had resulted in me missing most of Crystal’s graduation ceremony. That didn’t matter now, though. I’d made it and I was going to watch my marefriend graduate from the back of the auditorium. All the good seats had already been filled. Three years ago, I hadn’t bothered to go to my own graduation, but I still recognized the teachers, principals, and staff members. It amazed me that not only had I gone to school with Crystal, but that we had shared a club together. Of course, my mind had a single focus back then. Dad’s focus. Quickly, I shook my head, chasing those thoughts away. The pony at the podium had started calling names and it was time to pay attention. He finally called “Crystal Wishes” and some polite, quiet stomping started. Without warning, the unmistakable voice of Velvet Step shouted “Woo! Go Crystal! You’re mah gal!” which was followed with quiet laughter. Even from my position, I saw Crystal blush on the stage and her eyes started scanning the crowd. They eventually found me and she smiled. It is hard to miss a large blue-and-white pegasus in full armor. I simply nodded at her and smiled in return. The names went on and on until there were no ponies left to walk across the stage. After that, there were some closing remarks and then everypony was set free. It all made me grateful that I’d skipped mine. If it weren’t for getting to watch my mare, the boredom would have driven me insane. I lingered in the back while Crystal mingled with her parents and friends. They all eventually took their leave, and she and Velvet sought me out. “I’m sorry I was late,” I said. “You wouldn’t believe the day I had.” Crystal shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I know you have a serious job. You were there when it counted.” Velvet squeaked, “I was there, too!” “Yes, and now everypony thinks even more that we’re a couple,” Crystal replied with a smile. “‘You’re mah gal’?” We all laughed. “Now, let’s move on to more fun things.” Crystal smiled up at me. “We’re still having game night at the palace, right?” “Of course,” I replied as we started to head in that direction. Velvet asked, “What are we playing?” “It is a new type of card game,” I explained. “Everypony shares a center pool and you build a deck to use to buy estates and such. The pony with the most in the end wins.” Crystal smiled. “Hmm… interesting. I want to play that Timberwolf game again, too. We’ll just have to make sure not to give Velvet a heart attack.” “I’ll do my best, but I can’t control the princess,” I said before falling quiet. Crystal and Velvet chatted about the graduation ceremony and future plans while we covered the remaining distance to the palace. When we arrived, all of the gate guards snapped to attention as I walked through. By the time we arrived at Princess Luna’s chambers, everypony else had already arrived. The usual crowd of ponies was in attendance for graduation game night, with one addition: Miley Hooves. Our little club was growing and it had gotten to the point where it was easier to have two games running at the same time. I sat with Crystal Wishes, Miley Hooves, and Runic Phial while Princess Luna, Iridescence, Winterspear, and Velvet Step were at the next table. One downside to this was that I wouldn’t be able to coordinate with the princess. She and I were a devastating board game duo. Miley, being new to board games, was struggling a bit. “Sorry, sir…” she said as she just stared at her cards with a furrowed brow. I waved a hoof. “There is no rush, Miley. Tonight is mostly about socializing, anyway.” Princess Luna cackled. “Speak for yourself, Silent Knight! Tonight, we are out for blood!” “Don’t mind her, sweetie,” Crystal Wishes said. “We threw Velvet in front of her so we could get you caught up.” Velvet shot a glare from across the room. “Gee, thanks, Crystal. Love you, too!” Crystal giggled. “We’re not dating anymore, honey. You’ll just have to take Luna on yourself. Just focus… and when she isn’t looking, peek at her cards.” “Such treachery!” the princess said with a gasp. "I remember when this evening was civil.” Iridescence reached for an estate. “Don’t mind me.” Winterspear laughed. “If we keep failing to pay attention, Iridescence is going to win.” “Oh, you hush.” Iridescence slid her card into place and smiled. I chuckled softly and held my cards close to my chest. I was a little behind. My strategy of picking up bigger coins wasn’t exactly paying off. Figuring out what Runic was up to was also proving to be really difficult. He kept buying mines and workshops. It was time for a distraction. “Miley, I noticed that your mane is back to normal,” I said innocently. The little mare huffed a bit and glared at Runic. “Yes… we had a lesson on labels after that.” Runic shrugged. “Could have been worse. The potion caught fire on the rock.” Oh, rookie mistake there, cousin. Even I knew that. “Caught fire? And you still let me try it?” Miley’s voice cracked as she clearly tried to not yell. The stallion looked surprised at her tone. “Only the first few times. By the time you tried, it the formula was down to near zero risk.” I subtly spent my coins and bought an estate. There weren’t many left. “Near zero?!” Miley squealed. “You’re awful,” Crystal whispered to me. “Strategy,” I replied with a serious expression. The evening went on late as usual, with many alliances made and destroyed. The game was interesting, but not a crowd favorite. We also weren’t thrilled about being split up, so the agreement was that we’d all go out and look for games that could accommodate us all. Princess Luna stretched and said out of habit, “Silent Knight, please see Crystal Wishes and Velvet Step home.” “My pleasure,” I replied and motioned to the door. “Ladies?” “Why, thank you, Lieutenant,” Crystal said as she stood up. The three of us left together. It was a familiar walk home: one I’d trodden with Crystal on a lot of occasions. I tagged along in silence while the mares happily discussed Crystal’s liberation from school. “I’m so thrilled to be done. Think of all the free time I will have now!” “Yup! Think of all the sleeping in you can do,” Velvet said with a grin. The pair giggled and prattled on as the building drew closer and closer. We went through the front door and up the stairs to their unit. Outside the door, Velvet announced happily, “I’m just going to head inside and right to my room! See ya, Silent Knight!” She then winked at Crystal and ducked inside. “Bye, Velvet,” I called. Crystal and I stood and stared at each other a moment. Usually, this was the part where we kissed. The mare waited a moment before asking, “Would you like to come in?” My ears perked. It would be nice to spend more time with her, especially since I had been late and then betrayed her twice during game night. I nodded. Her voice lowered and she offered a hoof. “Would you like to stay?” That made sense. It was so late that it was tomorrow already. By the time I got home and fell asleep, I’d barely get any rest before having to get up. So I nodded again and took her hoof. She giggled and replied, “It is more fun when it feels like we’re getting away with something. Come on.” Quietly, I followed along behind her as she led me to her room. That made sense. We’d probably talk some before going to bed, and I wouldn’t want to keep Velvet up. That would be poor sleepover etiquette. “I feel like I missed out on this experience in school,” I whispered. “My parents would never approve. Especially when you were in school,” Crystal whispered back. “Oh? Perhaps I should sleep out here, then. The pillows are fi—woah!” The mare’s grip on my hoof tightened as she tugged me inside her bedroom and shut the door.