Blaze limped into the hall, a guard on either side ready to catch him if his legs failed him. Blaze quickly took a seat at the head of the table, looking over the lieutenants and other officers as he did, each battered and bruised, though they all seemed to have a certain hopeful aura about them that the last meeting had been missing.
"Stallions of the council, congratulations on a victory well deserved." Blaze began, "The reptilous forces were successfully repelled due to your hard work and dedication." The stallions all nodded, smiling and grinning at each other, a wave of relief finally flowing over them as the tension built up before, during, and after the battle at last released.
"Your planning won us the day, we just followed orders." One of the ponies said, several grunts of agreement passing over the group. "You are the one who deserve congratulations on this occasion, for bringing us the victory, and continually performing far beyond our expectations." The ponies began stomping their hooves in agreement, filling the hall with the rumble of applause. Blaze lifted his hoof, dismissing the applause.
"We may have won the battle, but it was at a great cost." Blaze stated as the room calmed down. "Through the course of the past two battles, we've lost two thirds of the army we had when we left the unicorn city, while as the only confirmed losses we have inflicted on their side was taking down thirteen to fifteen divisions. Their losses, according to our reports, seem to be more on the lines of a fifth of their force, which translates to an obvious disadvantage." The mood of the stallions in the room became decisively dark as Blaze continued with his reports.
"We haven't drafted every stallion at our disposal. There are still means of raising our numbers back to our previous standard while as reptilous are all fully employed in the war by what we can tell." One of the stallions pointed out. Blaze shook his head slowly, pulling out one of the many binders of papers which found its way to the stallion's hooves as Blaze tossed in with a wave of magic.
"The stallions left at our disposal are already quite limited. If we had them all brought in, we would restore a fourth of what we loss, and then cripple our food supplies. The number of stallions we left out of the draft was calculated with extreme precision to allow us to have enough stallions on the fields to grow crops for the army and have enough left for relief efforts that will be started once we take back a city we lost."
"So we are effectively stuck with only being able to take a small portion of the stallions that aren't enlisted so that we can maintain enough food production to supply our forces and have a functional excess that can be used to help retrieved cities?" Stone Wall asked as he rifled through the pages, looking over each of their contents quickly.
"No, we cannot take out a small amount of stallions. Because of what we outlined when we selected those for the draft and those to stay and farm, we cannot take any of them out for a variety of reasons. Once we free a city, we will have more stallions at our disposal, which will doubtlessly enter our forces, meaning we will need more food for them, so we have effectively made it so we can't gather more troops as long as we cannot supply more immediate farmers and farm land." Blaze said looking over each of the ponies around him.
"So we have to take an offensive posture." Stone Wall muttered. "Fantastic, and now we have fewer troops than ever." The rest of the stallions seemed to reflect his opinion as they looked over the reports.
"There is something that may help us in this time, though." Blaze commented. "While I was recovering from the last battle, a plan came to me that might just help us a great deal if implemented correctly. I have to give credit to some of your weekly reports for being one of the main... fountains of inspiration." Blaze set out another few reams of papers strung together hastily.
"And what exactly does this plan need to work, how does it work, and how fast does it work. But above all of that, what is the possibility of it actually working without a hitch?" One of the ponies asked, looking at the massive pile of papers that had been deposited on the table.
"Those questions will be answered in due time, but first, let me explain." Blaze took the highest folder of papers and gave it to Stone Wall as he began. "It has been noticed by many of you that we are rife with many stallions who seem willing to keep up with the training we have given, and then a number who wish to go farther, seemingly finding some measure of discontentment at how slow they are forced to progress because of fellows who are less receptive to the methods of training employed amongst our ranks. As you all know, this problem occurred a hundred years ago, much as it is today, and so resulted in the formation of the branches of the guard."
"This is all common history, Blaze, give us something we don't know." A pegasus spat as he tossed the papers in front of him farther down the table.
"I am getting to it, just have patience. As I was saying, the Royal and the Equestrian Guard owe their existence as separate entities from the E.U.P. because of this unlevel playing field amongst the guards." Blaze continued as he looked at some of his papers. "I doubt many ponies after all this time would be very willing to have yet another branch added to the guards just to facilitate the training of a select few ponies..." A low murmur rolled over the room, confirming what Blaze had said, "And so I suggest making a subdivision within the Royal Guard to give us a method of giving the few more apt soldiers a venue through which they can realize their full capabilities."
"WHAT? You intend to make a subdivision within the very Royal Guard and you think that is better than just making an entirely different branch?" The same pegasus shouted, rising to his hooves in a furious state.
"Yes, that is exactly what I'm after!" Blaze shouted as he rose to his hooves, his mane flashing black briefly, causing the pegasus to sit back down as the young unicorn took a few deep breaths. "This group of soldiers will be no more than a division, and most likely a brigade if ponies act as I expect. If I find an unlevel scenario in that group, I intend to divide it even further until I can find the absolute best fighter and hone their skills to perfection. Trust me; this was not an easy plan to make. I am against making Equestria any more militarized than it has already become through this war, but certain actions are necessary if we are to survive this war." The stallions around him looked at each other, exchanging worried glances and near silent words as the atmosphere in the room grew all the more tense.
"I for one am for this decision." Stone Wall said as he stood from his seat. "It’s about time we allowed those better than others to excel and allow the rest of the crowd play catch-up. Having an Elite squad of soldiers will definitely benefit us in the long run, no matter how uncomfortable it might be to some of us currently."
"I believe certain questions are in order before a vote can actually be taken and considered a valid one." One of the older stallions commented. "One really good question I want an answer for, is who will be training these recruit for this specialized force? Not that I really have to ask."
"There will be no recruits entering this program." Blaze replied. "There will be transfers, and as for leadership, I will be head trainer while Stone Wall will be the head of its movements. He has proven himself an effective in battle commander, more so than any of us. I doubt there will be too many objections to that suggestion." Blaze stated, looking around at the ponies who seemed more than content with their answer.
"Well, you can count me among them who think this is a good idea." One of the stallions said as he stood up. Slowly, the entire room was standing, professing how they felt the idea was the next logical conclusion for the army and how good of an idea it was, though some of the later ponies to stand seemed to be standing more out of being one of the two or three from the over thirty ponies that wanted to stay seated than actually thinking it was a good idea.
"I suppose that means we'll have to start testing to see who will get in to the group." Stone Wall commented with a smirk. "I suppose you have a series of rigorous test you want to put them through before having them join up." Blaze nodded in response. "Well, if that is all the business we have, then I..."
"Hold on, there is one more thing some of us lieutenants wanted to put before the council for consideration." One of the younger warriors said as he rose to his hooves. Stone Wall nodded to the pony before sitting down, listening expectantly as the pony went on. "For nearly two years Blaze has trained our soldiers, been the source for the largest portion of our military council in tactics and over all actions that should and shouldn't be taken." The majority of the ponies nodded in agreement at this statement, though their expressions seemed to show the variety of thoughts that stemmed from this premise. "Several of us have talked about this a great deal, and have come to a conclusion, which we want to put up for voting."
"Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!" One of the stallions said scoffing.
"Very well, we wish to ask for the council to vote on the proposal to give the pony, Blaze Eternal, an actual rank in our military." The pony said, garnering a veritable rainbow of reactions. "Many of the stallions in the training fields have already taken to calling you the Captain, though mostly when you are not present so as to not offend, but many of us believe that you should actually receive a rank due to the fact you veritably lead us, those do so through counseling, which may or may not be taken, and through example, which is subject to the same reaction. We believe it would be best if you receive a real rank and lead us in that way, since, as it appears at the moment, you have done your best to not only leads us to victory, but almost seem to ensure victory while present, especially considering recent events."
"You lot are actually serious about giving this pony a rank? He hasn't even gone through basic training, much less a graduate from a military school that would gain him the qualifications to be a leading officer off this army, or any army for that matter." One of the older stallions said, looking over the ponies of the council.
"Sir," Flint began as he walked up from the edge of the room, where he had been observing from, "I was a substantial part in the training this pony in many military disciplines. I had him learn through a great deal from the reading of many tactics and techniques of battle, as well as the many minute intricacies of warfare; and I can attest to his substantial amount of progress. If any pony is deserving of military honors, it is this pony, who has not only come up with many of the plans that have won the day for you on multiple occasion, but has also beaten many of your high ranking officers in combat over power disputes. Need I remind you he gain his position as military liaison and head trainer through beating of the former captain and then beat Lieutenant Stone Wall when you all didn't agree with him?"
"He does speak truth; Blaze has shown himself quite the capable warrior and leader. I have yet to even see him rest until absolutely necessary." Another pony added. "Could we ask for a better leader than what Blaze offers us?"
"He could be older..." One of the lieutenants muttered under his breath.
"Maybe we are looking at that aspect incorrectly," Stone Wall began, looking around him at the stallions, each nearing their mid-thirties, if not further than that, "Maybe his youth is an asset. Think, have we ever had a hardier candidate for leadership, one who has been cut, beaten, and otherwise broken and has time and again recovered with great speed? Wounds that might take a stallion of our age range more than three weeks can be taken care of in a week by him because of him being younger, not only that, but he also has displayed a certain imagination in battle plans that he has come up with, and I have yet to see them fail in a massive scale."
"I believe if we are to discuss these matters effectively, we must ask for Blaze to be removed from the premises, so that perhaps the words we may not say of him before him may be said, and that all minds may be spoken on this matter with nothing held back so that we do not offend." The eldest of the ponies calmly stated. Most of the stallions seemed to agree with this sentiment, a great many of those going so far as to nod openly. "Please, if you would remove yourself from the area for the sake of free discourse, it would be most appreciated." Blaze nodded and stood up, quickly making his way towards the doors of the hall. "Oh, and Blaze," The pony called after him, "I'd suggest doing the irregular thing and taking a rest while we talk. You'll have a new group of ponies to train harder than ever once we adjourn for the day, and if you get a rank, it will only make things more difficult for you, so I suggest taking your last opportunity to rest while we talk." Blaze hesitated for a moment at the door, slowly nodding before finally pushing the door open with a hoof and walking out, the doors closing behind him in the glow of the guards' magic enveloping them.
Blaze walked back up to the doors of the hall while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He had actually taken the stallions advice and had taken a short rest in his quarters. He had been recently awakened by a messenger that informed him while bringing him out of a rather nice dream that the council had come to a decision. He definitely did feel quite rejuvenated, his old wounds didn't seem to hurt as much as before either, which was a great relief.
As Blaze pushed the doors open, he already knew the answer, as the lieutenants stood before him, the table set to the side. Blaze walked up towards the ponies, Stone Wall and Flint joining him, taking their places to ensure he wouldn't fall, or perhaps they were just to be his escort to the end of the isle. The lieutenants all seem to have their best poker faces on as he approached, none of them betraying their perspective on the decision that had been made. Blaze finally reached the end of the stretch of carpet that had been laid out on the floor, coming face to face with the eldest of the lieutenants.
"Blaze Eternal, the lieutenants of the Equestrian army have convened with the express purpose to ask the question amongst ourselves whether or not you should receive an official rank that you may carry on the work you have already done so far with a greater efficiency." The stallion stated in a crisp and clear voice that echoed off of the empty walls of Winterglade's town hall. "Your age, aptitude in battle, proficiency in creating and using tactics were all factors we considered, and lead to our eventual answer. Initially, this answer was purposed to make you a Captain of the Royal Guard," The stallion stated, his words making Blaze slightly confused as he continued, "But this decision was ruled to be ineffective, and almost a sort of injustice." Blaze forced himself to show no reaction as he stood still before the ponies. True, he had trained for such things, but the whirlwind of questions inside of him pressed him ever harder to ask for answers. "We have instead decided on a number of actions." One of the younger stallions stepped forwards with a pillow holding a variety of medals and insignias.
"Lieutenant Stone Wall," The pony with the pillow in his magic began, "You have received a variety of commendations. For you acts of valor and courage, we award you the rank of Captain of the Royal Guard, may you live long years and serve your princesses and country well, especially in these days of calamity and turmoil." The pony pilled the new insignia on to Stone Wall's uniform before placing a medallion around his neck; a medal Blaze recognized to be The Captain's Medallion. The unicorn pushed a bit of magic into the essence of the medal, causing Stone Wall's cutie mark to appear on the opposite side of the medal as the Royal Seal of the Sisters.
"I accept this medallion and the responsibilities that it entails." Stone Wall said confidently. The pony who presented the medal gave a small nod before offering the pillow to another pony.
"Glowing Flint," A second pony began, taking the pillow from the first, "You have been shown to be an integral part of our forces, helping to defeat many threats, while constantly putting yourself in danger to remove others from the same. For these reasons, among others, we award you the rank of Lieutenant of the Royal Guard, and in so doing take the place of Stone Wall in the command of his division. May you serve long years and do us all proud during these dark days of tribulation that we are in, and are yet to face." The pony pinned the insignia on to Flint's newly acquired uniform before passing the pillow to the elder of the lieutenants.
"I humbly accept this rank and will endeavor to fill the shoe of my predecessor. May I live to be half as successful, it will have been enough." Flint stated calmly, Stone Wall appearing slightly less comfortable as he finished.
"Finally we come to you, Blaze Eternal," The stallion said with a small hint of a smile, "Blaze Eternal, you have received massive amounts of commendations, as well as almost innumerable amounts of testimonials in the form of reports soldiers have filed that state your valor, courage, and willingness to die for your country and the ponies that live in it. You have shown aptitude in tactics, formulating new plans when all other ponies seem to be stumped as to what should be done. You also show great expertise in swordplay and the use of attack spells that have helped more than once in a battle. For these reasons, among others that if we were to name them we would have to stay here until the war has ended itself, we have decided to name you the Major of the Equestrian Army." The stallion then pinned the medal on Blaze's uniform. "I must warn you however, that this position has not been given to a pony for a great many years. There is a legacy to fill, and it may prove to be one to match, there is opposition, and it may prove harsh, there are evils unknown ahead for us all, and it may all prove too much for any one stallion, so stay strong and fight on." Blaze nodded slowly, looking over the stallions that gathered before him.
"I promise to do my utmost to make you all, and all of the ponies of Equestria, proud of me, and of the army that I lead into battle." Blaze stated. "Together we will stop Greyhield and his force, and together, we will take back what he has taken from us all." The ponies began cheering and stomping their hooves as the ceremony came to a close.
"You all best run off," The stallion said as the cheers subsided, "The war stops for nopony, and that applies especially to ponies who have just received their ranks, and probably more so to ponies who intend to make an entirely new division appear within the ranks before the sun sets." Flint, Stone Wall, and Blaze all nodded, quickly leaving the hall, heading off towards their places, with Stone Wall and Blaze walking off together towards the training grounds.
Blaze walked up on the platform, Stone Wall by his side, as he looked over the mass of soldiers. It hit Blaze once again how much smaller they were than when they had first left the city of the unicorns. The stallions stood stone still in the freezing snow, a stray breeze washing some of the outer most ranks with a fresh blanket of snow.
"Stallions of the Equestrian Army, the stallions of the War Council have discussed and approved a plan that has a great many ramifications for all of you." Blaze began, pacing back and forth in front of them. "We have noticed during training that certain stallions fight better, learn faster, or simply try much harder than others that surround them. You may not know them, even if you are one, you may not know it. For those who worked harder than their comrades, I congratulate you. Even though you hadn't been told, you trained hard, and have maintained since before that and even after that, a reputation of working hard, and attempting to keep yourself in peek form." Blaze said, scanning over the expressions of the stallions as he took a moment to let his words sink in.
"The stallions of the council have agreed that such ponies are at a disadvantage for the fact that they are held back by their companions, who do not train as hard, or are less capable than they are. Because of this, we have taken an initiative to create a subsection within the Royal Guard which will be under my direct training, and unlike my previous endeavors in training you, I will not let you go at a relaxed pace; I will not ease you into a new routine. This group will train harder for longer periods of time. You will wake up before everypony else and go to sleep later than everypony else. Your meal times will not be a time for conversation, you will have little to no time of your own, and any time you do receive will be very limited.
"Now, we have made a list of those who will be accepted for this training, but before we go to those ponies and have them called to our new training field, I will allow any stallion who was not elected for this to step forward and participate in this new training routine. Nopony as of yet knows those names except me, so if your name is on the list and you step forward, just take it as a sign that you will be joining, both from your own volition, and out of obligation. If a pony who joins later feels unable to continue, they will be allowed to rejoin the normal force, but will in so doing have to go through one last grueling activity before being allowed to leave, this also applies to those who were enlisted. So all those who wish to join this new force, please step forward, but know that once you do, it may be that much harder to step back in line with the rest of your comrades." Once he had finished, several stallions stepped forward, with the volunteers that were further back or farther inside the group making their way around their comrades before reaching the front, though the vast majority stayed still, standing like statues in the cold weather. Blaze nodded to Stone Wall as a group of ponies began placing a scarf on each of the soldiers that had stepped forward.
Blaze stood before the group of stallions that had been selected and had elected to become part of the new division. There were fifty-nine ponies in all, twenty-seven of which had actually been originally selected. They stood out in the open fields around the town instead of the sheltered park at the middle of town, the snow from the previous battle still raging on as the pegasi found themselves much more busy dealing with other things to deal with the already activated snow clouds.
"Alright soldiers, this will be our first day training together, and if you want to continue down this path, I suggest you start impressing me. From now on, if one of you fails in any measure, each of you pays. If one of you can't run fast enough to keep up, you will continue to run until that pony has completed the original goal. If we go past meal time to finish training then we will all go without food. So if you want to eat, I suggest either weeding out the weak as fast as possible or learning to help each other." Blaze said as he paced in front of the stallions. "There will be no complaining in our ranks. If you are injured or think you won't be able to continue a certain activity due to medical conditions, a nurse will check you over to ensure, and you will then take the exiting exam if they confirm what you say. But for as long as you are here, we will train you to survive the harshest of all conditions and come out of it all with enough left in you to do it all again. The exiting exam will most likely push you past your limits since it is designed to both give deserters one last lesson and a pain that will remind them that they had a chance they decided had a road to hard to take. The exiting exam has no mercy on anypony, and is designed to make you wish you never were born. If during the test you change your mind, you can stop and rejoin our ranks, but if you fail while wanting to leave, you will continue to attempt the test until you pass. Now, let's begin training you lot for your exiting exam. You'll all run fifteen laps around this town while holding a weight. For unicorns, it is our highest performance anti-magic boulder that you must maintain above your head's height at all times, for earth ponies it will be two hundred and fifty pounds of saddle bags, and for pegasi, it will be one hundred fifty pound wing weights. For those who think fifteen laps and your assigned weights are too little, pick up an extra saddlebag weight and get going. Now let's get galloping!" Blaze roared, lifting his boulder above his head and a saddlebag weight onto his back before charging off.
"I hope you know what you just did to those stallions." Stone Wall muttered as he galloped alongside Blaze, his own boulder floating above his head level, though farther off to the left, while his saddlebag weights jostled against his sides.
"I figure it this way," Blaze replied as he jumped over a rock, "If any of those stallions doesn't take an extra set of weights, they aren't ready for this program." Stone Wall sighed as he fell in behind Blaze. Soon the thunder of heavy hoof steps roared across the fields as the stallions raced around the town, a flurry of snow bellowing from their course. The sun soon began to set over the stallions as they continued on, the cold of the night fought off by their constant galloping.