Chapter 3
Fire on the horizon
"And here is your room," said Twilight, who pushed open the crystalline door with her magic. Xanadu had to duck to fit into the room normally outfitted for the comfort of ponies. Unfortunately, that meant his bed was half his size, and he had to lean his head down so he didn't bump it on the ceiling. "Sorry about the size, I'll send out a request for a bigger bed."
"Yes, that would be most appreciated," replied Xanadu, who placed his rucksack on the floor next to him, the sack being just a tad too big for the shelf.
"I really am sorry," Twilight said again. "It's just that you came so suddenly, and for some reason, I wasn't informed in the slightest." Why would princess Celestia not tell her about the arrival of two new servants? One of them being, in case you forgot, a GOBLIN!
"I'm certain the princess has her reasons," said Flash. "Perhaps she's busy. From what I hear from the grapevine, she's calling for dignitaries from all over equestria, and even from several surrounding kingdoms."
"Again, why am I not informed of these things?" asked a now pouting Twilight.
"I am certain that is hardly the princess's fault," Xanadu said, his hand raised. "She personally summoned me, so she clearly had time to write letters. The messenger probably got lost." As if on queue, a loud burp rang out from downstairs. "What was that?"
"The messenger, I'll be right back," said Twilight. The princess rushed downstairs to check on her assistant, leaving the two new bodyguards alone together in awkward silence.
"So..." said Flash.
"So..." replied Xanadu. Not much was said after that.
---
Twilight galloped down the stairs, to find her five friends standing around Spike, who was holding the letter which had sprung from his mouth moments ago. Twilight stopped in front of spike, taking the letter. "Thank you, spike," she said.
She was about to open the letter when Applejack nudged her on the shoulder. "So uh, Twi. How's um..." Applejack cocked her head towards the stairs. "The goblin guy?"
"The goblin guy?" asked Twilight.
"What? I don't know his name."
"Oh, it's Xanadu."
"Fine, how is Xanadu?"
Twilight shrugged. "He's alright. I'll have to have some workers come by here and make his room a bit bigger, but I think he'll like it."
"Think we can trust him?"
"He was personally sent here by Princess Celestia, why wouldn't I think he was trustworthy?"
"But why didn't she tell you ahead of time? And forging a letter isn't exactly hard," said Rainbow dash floating in the air with her hooves on her hips. "How do we know she really sent him?"
"Well maybe if you guys let me open this letter from the princess, maybe we'll find out," Twilight said, stopping the other two in their tracks. She opened the letter with her magic, reading the contents.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
By now you must have received your two new bodyguards. I apologize for the surprise one of them must have been to you, but I can promise you that Xanadu is completely trustworthy. I would've notified you sooner of his coming, if not for some urgent matters that have come up recently. Matters that concern you. As such, you and your two guards will report to my castle in Canterlot immediately. There is much to discuss, and precious little time to discuss it.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia...
Twilight looked up at her friends, concern painting her features. The other five were equally nervous. The princess's words suggested she was immensely troubled, which has never lead to good things in the past. "I...I guess I need to head to Canterlot," said Twilight.
"You sure you don't need us?" asked Rarity.
"If the princess wanted all of us, she would've specified for all of us. I'll be back soon. Spike, you're in charge of the house until I return." Spike gave a salute to the princess as she walked up the stairs.
~~~
"Is that so?" asked Xanadu, who was now sitting on the floor for obvious reasons.
"Indeed," replied Flash with a smirk. "And the best part, he still doesn't know where Rachael is." Both men gave devious chuckles at Flash's story.
Twilight ran up the stairs, stopping in front of the two. "Sorry Xanadu, but you'll have to settle in later. We've been summoned by Princess Celestia."
Xanadu rose to his feet, dusting off the lower half of his coat and donning his hat. "Very well. Lead the way Princess," he said. Flash also rose from his seat and nodded in agreement.
As the three made their way down the steps and towards the door, Rainbow floated down in front of Xanadu. "hey, you're Twilight's bodyguard, right?" she asked.
"Indeed," replied Xanadu with a nod.
The blue pegasus prodded his chest with her hoof. "You better do your job." With that warning, she flew out of the way.
"I will, I promise." Xanadu caught up with Twilight, who opened the door to find a carriage already prepared for them.
Before Twilight joined her two guards in the carriage, she looked back at her friends one last time. "It'll be fine, I promise," she said as she entered the vehicle. The two Pegasi in the front whinnied as they took to the sky.
Applejack looked on with the other five. "I do hope you're right, Twi," she said under her breath.
~~~
The streets of Canterlot were crowded like they had never been before. Ponies gathered from all around to see the new arrivals. Lords and Ladies, Kings and Queens, rulers of every kingdom Equestria had good relations with (or those who simply owed the princesses favors) were flocking to the castle at the center of the pristine metropolis.
Pack Grandmaster White fang of the northern white wolves strode down the lane, his two guards at his sides. Their stride reflected their noble but fierce nature.
Not far behind him was the Prince of Yakyakistan, also joined by his two servants. Their stride was one of pride and strength.
Further ahead of them both was Queen She'lara of the eastern Cheetah republic. Her stride was a far brisker walk than her colleagues behind her.
And behind them all was Gilda of the Griffons. Due to her kingdom only now getting back on its feet, she was the closest thing they had to a leader. And her only escort was her Grandfather. Her stride was tight and quiet, for even the brash Gilda knew the gravity of the situation around her, and was completely at a loss for what she would do once at the castle.
The doors to the castle slowly opened, allowing the nobles inside. Meanwhile, Twilight's carriage touched down in the pegasi hangar on the western wall. Twilight, Flash and Xanadu stepped out and made their way towards the throne room.
~~~
Celestia stared out of the window next to her throne, bags beneath her eyes. A hoof gently patted her on the back, causing her to turn to see Luna, giving her a reassuring smile. Celestia smiled back as best as she could. The doors opened and in walked the nobles, with Twilight bringing up the rear.
Twilight rushed to the princess's side. "Princess," she said.
"Hello Twilight," replied Celestia. "I'm glad you could make it. Cadance should be here soon, and then we will begin." Celestia looked over to Xanadu, who simply nodded.
It didn't take long for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to arrive. But before pleasantries could be exchanged between Twilight and her brother, Celestia stomped her hoof, causing a large map to be erected in the center of the room, as well as catching everyone's attention. "I apologize for the suddenness of my summoning you here, as well as my wish to get to the point. But there is little time to lose. So, I will just tell you what you're all here to be told." Everyone in the room gathered around the map, while Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight took their places at the side of their fellow princesses.
"As many of you already know, one of the main factors that has kept Equestria relatively safe for so long is my ability to have premonitions of the future in my dreams. I have had yet another, and it is this dream that has brought you all here today."
"So Princess," said Whitefang. "What dream has the mighty alicorns so spooked that they would call upon our assistance?"
"The Goblin kingdom. It is my belief that they intend to wage war upon us." The entire room went still with shock. Twilight and Cadance looked to their senior in disbelief.
"That is a mighty claim, Princess," said the Yak prince. "The goblins are a purely defensive people, and have rarely had contact with Equestria. What reason could they have?"
"I know not," Celestia admitted. "All I know is that it will happen soon."
"Then tell us this," growled She'lara. "Why is there a goblin among you?"
"Sir Xanadu is a trusted friend," replied Celestia. "When I informed him of what was going to happen, he immediately volunteered to help however he could."
"And how exactly does he plan on helping?" asked Gilda, who got her second wind.
Celestia turned to Xanadu and nodded. Xanadu nodded back and stepped forward. "I know the goblin military inside and out. I may not be able to completely prepare you for what is coming, but I can tell you vital information on what it is you're up against."
"Well, what are you waiting for?" asked Whitefang.
Xanadu took a deep breath before speaking...