//------------------------------// // The Drums of War // Story: Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold // by Dropbear //------------------------------// “Move it! Pull harder and watch those wheels!” James frowned under his helmet while he watched the squad of guards pull the final ballista into place. Now a full twenty of the siege machines were lined up on the staging grounds, each accompanied by a covered cart containing their spare ammunition. The weapon operators were already trotting about, preforming some final checks and ensuring the devices were ready for the coming war. Standing on the wooden observation platform, he turned to gaze at the source of armoured hoof-beats. Aligned in ten blocks of fifty and each led by a sergeant, hundreds of crystal pony guards performed a co-ordinated marching drill over in a cleared field. The midday sun glinted off of their crystal armour and halberd points, the mass of guards moving with the impeccable timing that only military training could produce. Behind them followed the changelings picked to march out upon Equestria. They numbered less at only three-hundred, and moved in loose formations rather than in organised columns, but James knew they fulfilled their vital role of light infantry with distinction. With light steel plate, flight, and limited magic they brought manoeuvrability and a surprising ranged punch to back up the main lines, and that was not even taking their swords into account. They were ideal skirmishers, and he knew from personal experience with them that they’d prove to be deadly to the unprepared foe. Making to turn for the stairs leading down, he paused at the unified sound of splintering wood. Over to the south was the archery range, a full one-hundred lined up awaiting their turn to shoot. He watched the next ten crystal ponies step up, aim their crossbows at the target boards, then let loose with their bolts. He continued on down the stairs, not needing to watch the results to know that the soldiers had quickly learned the relatively new weapons. Despite the combat prowess that he had just witnessed, James still had a frown on his face when he reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘Of course something had to go and set him off,’ he thought, walking through the snowy field that separated the training grounds from the city’s western district. ‘Such a shame, things actually seemed to be getting along fine for a while. Now he’s gone and plunged this city into a war it doesn’t need, or have much of a chance of winning.’ James didn’t doubt the training, equipment, or resolve of the Empire’s troops. In his opinion they made fine warriors for such a technology-lacking race. The problem in his mind was pressing, and obviously not one that Chalmers had paid much attention to. ‘While Equestria doesn’t know what we’re bringing, neither do we know what they possess.’ He sighed, almost half-way towards the first building that made up the city’s military district. The very fact that the city had until the day before been covered by a magical environmental barrier was proof enough that the upcoming fights were not going to be as simple as Chalmers likely expected. Sure, they had enchanted gems on their side, but from what he had heard from the changelings was that the Equestrians were even more versed in magic. If Equestria’s citizens incorporated various forms of magic into their daily lives, then what would their military forces bring? “I almost regret not taking Elijah’s place,” he muttered under his breath while continuing to walk. It was half true. While the occultist would have been infinitely more useful with analysing and neutralizing the opposing army’s arcane armaments, James had no desire to be watching over the irritating Queen Chrysalis. She was far too hot-tempered for his liking, and he already had one tantrum-prone ruler to deal with. On that point, he looked up once he heard his boots clack on cobblestone. He’d reached the city limits, the snow-covered buildings unusually silent. No laughter or any other joyful sound echoed through the empty streets, not even that of the off-duty guards that usually populated the district in their free time. The city was effectively dead, the cold and snow driving many to shelter inside of their warm houses. Such cold didn’t bother him thanks to his armour, James not even flinching when a heavy gust blew snow flacks through the street. Instead he continued for the largest building dedicated to the military, the towering command centre’s sparkling new grey stone blocks easy to spot despite the snow. No one rushed to stop him when he reached the heavy wood and metal door, not a guard in sight. He knocked on the front of it three times, and waited for entry. A vision slot in the middle of the door opened, James not even having to kneel down and look through it before it was hastily closed and the lock on the door unlatched. It swung open a crack and a halberd was pointed out, accompanied by a helmeted head and a pair of dull pink eyes. “Apologies, sir,” the red-coated stallion muttered. The halberd was withdrawn and the door opened all the way to allow entry, James brushing the snow off of his armour before stepping inside. “I understand,” he nodded, noticing the second guard standing beside the first. Also a stallion, the pony’s grey coat was likewise missing its crystal sheen. Even the armour somehow seemed duller, almost matching the guards’ spirits. “These are worrying times after all.” “You don’t say,” the guard murmured, before trotting to the second locked door at the back of the short corridor. He knocked on the metal surface, a vison slit opening just like before. “Visitor for the Emperor, the other human.” “He should come back later,” a female voice replied. James frowned, already put out by the behaviour of the guards, and walked towards the door. “Why?” He was close enough now to be able to see the set of blue eyes that looked out at him from the slit. “The Captain’s here,” the guard on the other side of the door answered. “He’s been arguing with the Emperor for a while now. Also, that orange dragon-thing is with them and causing more trouble.” “Orthodox,” James sighed. “As if things weren’t bad enough.” As if on cue, muffled yelling could be heard from somewhere behind the door. “I’d recommend you come back later,” the guard repeated. James thought it over, but only for an instant. While the suggestion was sound and honestly the choice he would have taken in different circumstances, he had a duty to ensure that Nigel didn’t completely lose control of the situation. He counted his ex-squad leader as a great friend, and they had both gone through a lot together, but Chalmers’ mood was temperamental at the best of times. In addition, the guard had mentioned that Captain Strategy was present. Knowing the Captain, and able to guess that Strategy was likely voicing the same concerns that he was planning to, only added to the problem. James had a decent respect for Strategy and the creatures that inhabited the city, but it was like a midget throwing a rock at a professional boxer. Chalmers wouldn’t back down easily, and James feared that his current mood wouldn’t prevent him from lashing out at Strategy if the wrong thing was said. “No,” he answered after thinking it through. “I’m somewhat obligated to keep the peace, and despite my better judgement I believe it would be best for me to speak to the Emperor.” The vison slit was slid shut, and the lock on the second door was undone. “Suit yourself then, don’t say we didn’t warn you.” James waited for the door to swing open before he moved forwards, with a nod to the guards he let behind. He emerged into the new room, the large main area of the command centre seeming… off. The guard with a green coat shut the door behind him, the mare locking it once again before returning to attention beside it. James looked around, his mood not improving at what he saw. The room, lit up by flickering illumination gems and filled with tables laden with maps and plans, bustled with dour activity that was far from the liveliness that he had come to expect from the Crystal Empire citizens. Ponies dragged their hooves when they moved, kept their heads bowed, and seemed to refrain from conversing with one-another. The few changeling officers among them seemed just as melancholy, although James supposed that it was less to do with the loss of the Crystal Heart’s effects and more to do with the results of the loss upon their crystal pony comrades. There was little chatter or general noise save for the clinking of armour, which allowed the raised voices from the small back room to be heard even more clearly. “Once again, with the assault underway there would be no need to hold back most of our forces for defence! A small number of guards to watch over the city would be-“ “With all due respect, Emperor, that’s far too risky. The Crystal Empire is at its most vulnerable, and we can’t afford to commit all of our troops to a war we likely can’t win!” “We have to win it, without that Crystal Heart this city is completely fucked!” Shaking his head, James gathered himself and moved towards the room at the lull in the conversation. Pushing open the unlocked door, he stepped in to be greeted with a unusual sight. Captain Strategy had evidently leapt up onto the large central planning table, crystal figures of castles and ponies were scattered on the table and floor while the Captain’s four armoured hooves were planted firmly on a map of the Crystal Empire and Equestria. Nigel was dressed in plate armour that looked like it was straight from early Terran history, a sword and mace holstered on his belt. Both were staring off at each other, James guessing that Strategy was using the table so that the difference in height was no hindrance to the argument. “Sup James,” Orthodox greeted, the lizard lazily lounging on a cushioned chair. Going off the way Orthodox was carefully sharpening his teeth with the blade on his armoured tail-tip, the argument had been going on for some time. “Don’t even bother, Nigel’s got one of ‘those’ things going on and the pony’s almost as bad. I can’t even get a word in edgewa-“ “Orthodox,” Nigel snarled. “Shut it.” “See?” “You’re not helping,” Strategy followed up, visibly straining to keep his anger in check. A hoof was pointed towards Nigel. “I’m trying to explain to the Emperor as to why leaving the city nearly defenceless to attack Equestria is a bad idea, but he just refuses to listen. Having you chime in with nonsense helps no one and achieves nothing.” James stared at the Captain as the tirade finished. He’d never seen Strategy act with such hostility, and he noted that the Captain’s coat also lacked its crystal shimmer. ‘Has the loss of the gem really affected them magically? At first I thought it was just a general sense of loss, but now…’ “I’m actually here regarding that, and I was hoping-“ “Good,” Nigel cut him off. “Maybe you can convince Strategy.” After a glare from the Captain, Nigel continued. “It’s simple. The Equestrian town on the border is an obvious first target. It’s close to the city, full to the brim with their military forces, and even sits near a few iron mines. If we attack there it will be a decisive victory, we take out lots of their guards and show the Equestrians that they’ve gone and fucked up.” “The problem is,” Strategy cut in during the pause. “The Emperor has taken over nine-hundred of our troops for this attack, an attack that will really achieve nothing substantial. That leaves only a few hundred to defend a city that is worried and in trouble. The crops are dying thanks to the snow, Equestria could very well march in like they did before, and that’s not even ruling out a possible betrayal by the griffons.” Strategy sighed, before his face hardened again. “Trust me, I have nothing against finding the Crystal Heart and retrieving it, but attempting a full-on assault against a prepared Equestria is a fool’s folly! They outnumber our entire population by hundreds of thousands!” “We don’t retrieve the Crystal Heart, and it’s game over anyway,” Nigel growled with his arms crossed. “So far Strategy, you’ve failed to come up with anything better.” James was getting sick of the way both were acting. “I agree.” “See?” gloated Nigel with a smug smirk towards Strategy. “Actually,” James continued with a finger raised. “I’m agreeing with both of you on this one.” Before either could interrupt him, he explained further. “Strategy is right in saying that an attack is foolish, because quite frankly it is. I don’t know what’s set you off Nigel, but charging your army at the enemy is not the way to go without a better plan. I seriously think that you’re underestimating our foes, and you need to remember that any rash actions could lead to large casualties on our side as well.” “However, I’m sure that both of you agree that the priority we need to focus on is the retrieval of the Crystal Heart. In my opinion, a straight up attack is useless at the current time and it will achieve nothing.” “Then what do you suggest?” Nigel grunted. “Simple,” James nodded towards Orthodox. “Why send an army in when you have some very capable agents on hand? For starters we have a squad of spies already situated in the border town that will be able to provide us with any information about troop composition, or even about the Crystal Heart if we’re lucky. Myself and Orthodox are more than capable with a simple item retrieval leaving the main forces free to def-“ “No.” James sighed at Nigel’s interruption. “What?” “It’s too late for that; this is something that we have to do ourselves. Equestria has stepped over the line this time. I was actually almost about to just let them be, but then they go and pull this shit. We’ll march upon their town, devastate their troops there, then take it and force their hand. We don’t need to be sneaky, it’s time to show them that they can’t just push us around. Now James, you can either help or you can stay back here and dig in, I don’t care which.” ‘He’s finally lost it, hasn’t he?’ “Nigel, don’t be-“ “Enough!” Slamming a fist down upon the table, Nigel glared at them all. “Tonight we march on the town, and catch them unawares.” The Emperor walked up and tapped him on the chest with a finger. “Nothing you can say will stop this from happening, if the equestrians want a war then I’m happy to give them one. Now, if anyone wants to stay here and continue to argue then fine with me, but I’m going to actually go and get things done.” With that, Chalmers stormed out of the room without bothering to shut the door behind him. “Stubborn fool,” James muttered, before he looked back up at the sound of a chair scraping along the ground. “Sorry bro,” Orthodox smiled while he walked out to follow Nigel. “But you know me. He’s promising a war and I intend to enjoy myself a little. Good luck with your whole ‘wait and see’ approach.” It didn’t bother him overly much, expecting Orthodox to take that line of thinking. However, it was when Strategy sighed and made to follow that he interjected. “Captain? I’d have thought that you would have more sense .” “I do,” Strategy answered with a shake of his head. “However, I have a duty to my Emperor and to my troops. If he’s made up his mind to make this reckless attack against Equestria, then at least I can be there to try and minimise the damage.” Nodding, James reached out a hand towards the pony soldier. “I understand, good luck.” Strategy returned the nod and met the hand with a hoof. “Thanks, I’ll need it.” Withdrawing his hoof, Strategy gestured with his head towards the open door. “Listen, while I’m gone I’d appreciate it if you could help supervise the defences and… if I don’t… well-” “I’ll ensure to look out for Advisor Sparkling as well.” For the first time that day, James saw Strategy smile. “Thanks Agent, hopefully things won’t turn out as badly as I fear.” Watching Strategy trot out after Chalmers and Orthodox, James shook his head again. ‘I honestly doubt that anything good can come from this, Captain.’ “Shill, wake up.” “Huh?” Blinking open her eyes, Shill yawned and looked around the gloomy room. The darkness was no barrier to her thanks to her changeling eyes, so Buzz was easy to spot while he stood by their window. Or rather, the pegasus Heartflame was easy to see. Taking note of her Sergeant’s use of his pony disguise, she rolled off of her side of the queen bed and changed to her own once all four hooves were on the ground. A faint flash of green later and Raindrops was there instead. Trotting over towards Buzz while giving her blue pegasus wings a ruffle, she paused behind him. “What is it?” “Look,” Buzz whispered, moving across so she could look out of the curtains as well. Thanks to their inn room being on the third and tallest floor, Shill could see a large swath of the town they had been assigned to and even see into the sprawling Equestrian military camp that had formed over the past week. Searching the lines of blue and white tents, she couldn’t spot anything suspicious. “Down by the café where we had lunch yesterday, the Griffons.” Following his directions, she looked down just in time to catch sight of the last of roughly sixty griffons in armour touch down upon the paved street. Noticing what looked like blood covering a few, her breath caught in her throat when she realised that they had flown in from the direction of the Crystal Empire. “What are griffons doing here?” she mumbled, more to herself than to Buzz. “Aren’t they on our side?” Before she could puzzle it out or Buzz could answer, a horde of equestrian guards rushed towards the landed griffons with spears and swords drawn. The dark street lit up with the glows of horns as unicorns prepared combat spells, armoured pegasi filling the area and blocking off all escape routes. Moe ponies continued to flood in, and within moments the griffons were outnumbered by at least two-to-one. Buzz cracked the window, but all they could interpret from the shouts, yells, and angry squawks was that everyone was confused as to what was going on. Trying to listen in, with zero results, Shill almost jumped out of her fake fur when Buzz suddenly darted for the door. “B- Heartflame?” It was no use, Buzz already gone with the sound of his hooffalls on wood getting fainter. Shill looked out of the window again, searching for what had set him off. She quickly made to follow him when she too spotted the large heart-shaped gem that one of the griffons was showing to an Equestrian guard. Buzz forced himself to slow his pace when he drew closer to the commotion, taking care to remain unseen. Slowing to a trot in the deserted side-street, he darted to the left wall when he spotted five equestrian soldiers up ahead. Their backs were towards him while they focused on the griffons, but he didn’t want to risk it. Instead, he flapped his feathered wings as quietly as he could manage and gently flew up towards a balcony just ahead of him. Softly landing next to a flower-pot, he glanced at the curtain-covered glass door and hoped that the adjacent room was either empty or that any occupants would continue to sleep. Peering out over the edge, he managed to catch some legible words thanks to his closer proximity to the griffons. “-telling you that this is the real Crystal Heart! Look you stupid pony, I’ve lost much of my soldiers thanks to your treacherous politicians in Canterlot and I intend to get something out of it!” There was more uproar, Equestrian guards and griffons shouting at each other once again. Buzz’s heart jolted when someone else landed on the balcony behind him, before he felt Shill’s familiar presence over the hive link. ‘It’s just me,’ he heard in his head. His fellow moved to crouch alongside him. ‘What’s happening?’ ‘So far it seems like these griffons have stolen the Crystal Heart and are trying to convince the Equestrians that it’s the real one.’ ‘Is it the real one?’ ‘It sure looks real to me,’ he replied, before he stared at the Heart. The gem had caught more than just his attention, the ponies and griffons also ceasing their arguments and looking towards it as a soft blue glow lit it up. Buzz froze when he felt a brief burst of energy from it, before the glow died out to leave a dull crystal once more. ‘Yeah, that’s the real one, all right.’ Guessing that Shill had felt it too, Buzz watched two unicorn guards take the gem from the apparent griffon leader. It was placed down upon a table belonging to the nearby cafe, one guard keeping an eye on it while the other returned to watching the griffons. He didn’t know what to do. Making a move on the gem would certainly blow their cover, but they couldn’t just stand by and let it be bartered away by some griffons. ‘We could always gather the others and attempt to steal it back during transport. There would be less guards, we could easily overtake any convoy, and it’d likely be the most successful plan. Then, we’d all have to return to the Crystal Empire immediately in case the Equestrians take the opportunity to attack.’ He grimaced at the odds. ‘What do you think, Shill?’ There was no response, Buzz turning around to see that his comrade was no longer there. ‘Shill?’ Touching down upon the street, Raindrops eyed the mass of guards ahead of her. She crept forwards, sticking to the shadows with the hope that her dark blue coat would help her stay out of sight. Keeping her hooffalls quiet, she stalked towards the table that contained the Crystal Heart while maintaining careful watch over the ponies and griffons while they continued to argue with each other. A single guard was overlooking the Heart, a young pegasus stallion who was obviously far more concerned with being shanked by a griffon to properly pay attention to the dull gem. He had his back towards the table, Shill almost scoffing at how safe the Equestrians assumed it was. ‘Shill, what are you thinking!?’ She ignored Buzz, knowing that he’d just try to stop her. Continuing to sneak forwards, she came within just a few body-lengths of the table. Up ahead, three of the griffons started to make threatening gestures towards the guards corralling them. It was a needed distraction, the guard before her starting forwards to assist in quelling the unrest. ‘Shill, stop. Now is not the time.’ ‘We have no choice,’ she thought back. ‘If the Heart is stolen then we’ll be under Equestria’s command once again!’ Thinking of all of the ones relying on her back home, crystal ponies and changelings alike, she took a deep breath and reached out with her wings. Grasping the gem in her feathers, she grunted at how heavy it was. Straining, she struggled to bring it towards herself and finally managed to remove it from the table. Shill stared at the Crystal Heart, the gem held tightly with her borrowed wings. She’d done it. Looking up, she started to back away from all of the commotion. Not a single soul had noticed. Turning around, she began to quickly trot and then gallop down the street, a giddy grin forming when she realised that there was no sound of armoured hooves pursuing her. ‘I’ve done it!’ she thought out loud, ducking around a corner with the rear entrance to the side street that Buzz was hiding in her goal. ‘I’ve got the Heart!’ ‘I saw,’ Buzz congratulated. ‘I can’t believe that you just trotted up and took it!’ Shill felt a surge of pride at his words. ‘I’ll make my way around to you.’ ‘No, don’t. Take the gem to the first exfile point and wait for me. The Equestrians will be scouring the entire town once they realise what’s happened, so I have to order the others to leave. We’ll make our way back to the Crystal Empire via Hoofsdale.’ ‘Sounds like a plan,’ she thought back, skidding around another corner. Back from the street with the café, she could hear numerous shouts of alarm rise up. ‘Uh oh…’ ‘We’re out of time, run!’ Shill drove herself forwards even harder, her hooves beating a furious pace upon the road. Panting, she ignored the fatigue and pressed on, knowing that she held the fate of the Empire in her wings. There was a measure of fear at being caught, but she squashed it down and used it to provide a massive boost of motivation instead. She was so close, the sounds of the searching guards getting fainter and fainter. Until she heard it. “Stop! Thief!” Looking back behind her, Shill’s breath caught when she spotted the three large griffons pursuing her at a fast pace. The gap was rapidly closing, the heavy armour on the large apex predators not even seeming to slow them down. ‘Shill? What was-‘ ‘I’m sorry, get the others to safety and apologise to the Emperor for me,’ was all she had time to reply. A sharp blow to the back of her head halted her escape then and there, Shill thankfully passing out before she tripped over her own hooves and came crashing down upon the road. Levigust pulled his fist back and relaxed his claws. Touching down onto the road with Clawigula and Swiftius beside him, he glared at the unconscious pegasus that was still cradling the gem in her wings. Taking note of the green blood that was oozing out of the many small cuts in the fur, he distastefully gave the fallen creature a poke with his left talon. A flash of green magic flared up, revealing the true form just as the first waves of Equestrian guards caught up with them. “Of course this place is infested with changelings,” he growled, soon surrounded by Equestrian guards. “Typical Equestrian security.” Before any could beat him to it, he picked up the crystal from the ground and passed it to Swiftius. “Do not repeat their mistakes, from now on that gem doesn’t leave your talons until I say otherwise.” Swiftius nodded, Levigust stepping back just in time when two unicorns rushed past him. Both went for the changeling, the first keeping a close eye on it while the second put his ear to a chitin-covered chest. “It’s still breathing,” the guard stated with a nod to his colleague. “Get some chains.” “No.” Both looked towards him, Levigust pointing a claw towards the changeling. “It’s my prisoner, the same situation as my gem.” “I think not, Griffon.” Scowling, he turned around to face the pony Lieutenant who was named ‘Stampson’. The prissy unicorn daintily trotted up to him, meeting his gaze with the cold distain of a noble looking upon a peasant. “They are mine,” Levigust argued back. “If you want them, you give us the payment owed to us as well as that weasly bureaucrat that got my soldiers killed! Good help doesn’t come easy, you know!” “I am not in the position to pay you anything, let alone-“ “Then take me to your thrice-dammed Princesses then!” The stare from Stampson turned into a glare. “You will not refer to either Princess Celestia, nor Luna, like that ever again.” Levigust stepped towards the pony. The other guards around the Lieutenant jolted back, but surprisingly Stampson stood his ground. “Make me.” Stampson’s glare never wavered. “I have enough soldiers to arrest you all right now,” the Lieutenant calmly replied. “I’m sure the Griffon Emperor would be very interested to receive you back in his talons, considering your attire and apparent career choice.” Levigust followed Stampson’s eyes, the pony pointedly glancing at the laurel wreath symbol of the Griffon army. “Go ahead and try it.” “Ha, such fire!” Stampson scoffed and moved back. “No, honestly I would prefer to see you properly reimbursed for your troubles. After all, you have brought us the legitimate Crystal Heart and aided in the apprehension of a spy.” Levigust raised an eye. “So, you’ll meet our demands?” “I can’t, but I’m sure the Princesses can. That gem,” Levigust glanced to the crystal that Swiftius held tight. “Is exactly what we need at this current time. I’m sure that Princess Celestia would be more than happy to work out a deal for it.” “I’m sure she can.” Relaxing slightly, Levigust pointed towards the changeling. “And the spy?” “We’ll be more than happy to provide transport for it,” Stampson smiled. “After all, I’m sure it will prove to be good value to you… and to us.” A cold wind blew through the valley, Lieutenant Enigma wincing at the chill while he continued to trot towards the Lead Researcher’s tent. His armour helped keep him warm, but it was his exposed snout that was the real problem. The cold irritated the scar that made up a large part of his face, Enigma resisting the urge to scratch it. Plodding along, he passed a group of five changelings that swung left to give him a wide berth. Enigma smirked to himself at their efforts, the Queen’s attempted rebellion having died a very swift death once she had confronted the human that he himself was now seeking an audience with. Moving up towards the tent, he paused at the entrance. From within came a clink and a brief burst of laughter, Enigma doing the polite thing and clearing his throat. “Hello, Lead Researcher? I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have an urgent message from the Crystal Empire.” There was a brief moment before the human’s voice raised in reply. “Ah, very good. Come in, Lieutenant, we’re just having tea.” ’‘We’re’?’ he thought, moving through the tent flap. After making sure that it was closed behind him, and taking a second to sigh happily at the welcomed warmth, he turned around to see just what was going on. He had to admit, it was far from what he had been expecting. A steaming kettle sat upon the top of a glowing orange cube in the middle of the room. Also on the table along with it was numerous containers and spoons, their contents a mystery. At opposite ends of the small round table sat the Lead Researcher and the Queen, Elijah daintily sipping from a tea cup while Chrysalis held hers in her magical field. “Ah, Lieutenant,” Elijah greeted. “Come, sit down and join us for tea! The Queen and myself are spending this wonderful morning discussing the plans for the future, isn’t that right?” Chrysalis jolted in her seat, Enigma noticing her tea cup shake in her magical grip. “Y-yes,” she nodded, lacking all trace of venom in her voice. “It’s a… wonderful morning.” Enigma raised an eye but didn’t point out her odd behavior. Instead, he moved towards the offered fold-out seat and took it. The Lead Researcher passed a plain white tea cup towards him, the steamy brown liquid within not exactly appealing. “Sugar?” “No, thank you,” he replied with the hopes of getting the meeting over quickly. “It’s fine as is.” Taking a sip, he managed to resist wincing at the taste. “Sir, we do have a problem we need to talk about.” Elijah raised his eyebrows. “But Lieutenant, I assure you that Chrysalis here has promised to be on her best behavior.” “…I’m sure she has,” Enigma answered after a hesitant look towards the silent queen. Putting his tea cup down, he took a breath. “But, I’m afraid that it’s more than her…” he glanced at Chrysalis again. “Ah, ‘grievance-solving’ attempts.” “It was dead then alive again…” was all Chrysalis murmured to herself Enigma doing a double take. ‘Wait… what did I miss?’ When the Queen took a long draught of her tea, he decided to just push the unanswered question out of his mind. “What I mean, Lead Researcher, is that I’ve just received news from a Crystal Empire messenger. The city was attacked by a mercenary force and, while they were beaten back, some of the surviving attackers managed to steal the Crystal Heart while the guards were occupied with the fighting.” “Well,” Elijah muttered. “That is a rather concerning set-back.” “Correct, and to make matters worse the Emperor has made plans to attack Equestria within the week.” “Really?” Both looked towards Chrysalis, the Queen actually seeming to brighten. “Really.” “Ha!” she laughed, a wicked grin crossing her features. “Maybe he is not as stupid as I thought!” “Oh, I wouldn’t count on that.” Elijah’s slight smile grew while Chrysalis halted her laughing and shrunk in her seat under his gaze. “Nigel is… a rather impulsive individual. I very much doubt that he has acted with much thought unto the matter.” He paused to take another sip of tea. “Take for instance his acquiring of the title of ‘Emperor’, his rather unusual choice to marry a member of a non-aligned species, his general timing, and now this spat of his with Equestria.” “I wouldn’t exactly call it a ‘spat’,” Enigma cautiously corrected. “There is some heated history surrounding it, after all.” “Regardless,” dismissed Elijah with a hand wave. “Compared to the usual business we deal with, it seems far more like a personal issue to me. However, he theft of the Heart is rather concerning, when you consider its effects and the resulting loss of such. What else accompanied this news, I’m assuming that a request for more supplies was attached?” Enigma winced. “Not quite. Due to the plans to march out, the Emperor has ordered that we send back half of our soldiers in order to bolster the defences of the city. Of course I intend to refuse, given the recent attempts-“ “Send them back,” Elijah interrupted with a hum. “Sir?” Enigma tilted his head. “We will have more than enough troops, Lieutenant. The majority of the changelings have settled in and have already begun work in the mines, we have ample supplies of food, our location makes it easy to defend from any external threats, and any internal disorder has been… rather mute since I had my talk with the Queen.” Enigma glanced at Chrysalis, the Queen keeping quiet with her head bowed. “I can assure you that she’s no longer a threat to our plans or the future of your race. Queen Chrysalis has proved to be rather pleasant company and I’m actually considering allowing her some additional privileges in return for her promised cooperation with our efforts.” Elijah smiled warmly at Chrysalis, who only shrunk further. “Isn’t that right? You’ve been very cooperative.” Chrysalis’ cup was shaking in her grasp. “O-of course,” she answered, avoiding eye contact with the human. “I only want the best for my subjects and… the Crystal Empire means us well.” Then, her gaze was turned to him. “I’m…” “Your Majesty…” Elijah prompted when she hesitated. Enigma caught the brief flash of green that flared up from a finger. “Do go on, I’m sure you remember our previous talk?” “I’m sorry for my behavior and attempts to take over,” Chrysalis rushed out as if a knife was held to her throat. “I was rude to you and treated you and everyone else like an inferior. All I desire is for you all to be happy and safe, and that’s why I’m deciding to help the Crystal Empire.” The green glow died out, Chrysalis visibly giving a sigh of relief. “Very good,” Elijah praised. “Nice behavior and politeness when talking to other changelings is wonderful, and so good to see from you. We’ve got some work to do, but improvement is certainly possible.” Enigma had so many questions he both wanted and feared to ask, but had no chance to think further before attention was once again paid to him. “Is that all, Lieutenant?” “There is one thing,” he began to answer, wise enough to not argue the human’s decision. “Are you not leaving to lend assistance? Equestria is powerful, especially in the field of magic.” “I would love to,” sighed Elijah with a nod. “There would be so much to learn, as well as tracking down Rainbow Horse…” he seemed to drift off for a few seconds, before he shook his head. “But alas, I have responsibilities here. If Nigel required my presence then he would have requested it, as it is it seems that he believes himself capable of handling it himself.” There was a shrug. “Besides, he still has your comrades at his side, and both Orthodox and James are more than proficient with causing carnage on, and off, the battlefield.” When Elijah started refilling his cup with more tea, before doing the same for Chrysalis, Enigma took it as a sign that the meeting was over. Pushing his barely-touched cup away, he forced a smile and nodded. “Very well, I’ll organise for the troops to leave and oversee the preparations.” Leaving the seat and standing up, he saluted the both of them before making to leave. “Very good,” Elijah spoke from behind him. “Oh, one more thing…” Enigma paused and turned. “Sir?” “You don’t need to drink tea if you don’t like it.” Elijah took a sip of his own, his eyes never leaving him. “It’s hardly something I’d kill for.” Chrysalis choking mid-mouthful provided the distraction needed. While Elijah was busy fussing over her with a napkin, Enigma took the chance and hastily made his way out through the tent flaps and into the freedom offered by the outside. ‘I actually feel sorry for her,’ he thought, rather keen to occupy himself far away from the large tent. “There, all clean. Next time, remember that the tea goes inside and not out.” Elijah pulled away, all remains of the tea that had spluttered onto Chrysalis’ front gone. Tossing the napkin aside, he picked up his own cup. While Chrysalis was trying very hard to keep herself calm and regain control of her breathing, he chuckled lightly. “Ah, that was quite the spot of fun that the dear Lieutenant afforded us, was it not?” Chrysalis glared at him in response, Elijah’s smile never wavering. “Oh, cheer up Chrysalis. No one likes a sour puss.” Nigel paced around outside, the soldiers around him occasionally glancing at him with worry. “I’ll show them,” he muttered, swinging his mace at an innocent sapling that was already dying from the cold. “Try and ruin my Empire…” The wood shattered under the weight of the mace, frozen leafs falling onto the snow-dusted ground. They were soon crushed under his steel boot, and he glared at the metaphor he saw. ‘Just beginning to get going, and then of course it just has to go wrong.’ He resumed his pacing, glancing up at the sound of clanking metal. A detachment of a hundred assorted guards was filing onto the rally field. There were five large wagons amongst them, the covered and steel-plated carts loaded with boxes of crossbow bolts, extra weapons, armour, food, love-gems, medical supplies, and water. Behind them he could see another group of wagons, no doubt also filled with the much needed supplies for an army. Captain Strategy hadn’t been very happy with his plan, but Nigel couldn’t fault the stallion’s ability to organise an army in outstanding time. Already the field was filled with close to a thousand soldiers and twenty ballista, more than enough force to crush whatever measly troops Equestria had to offer. All he had to do was wait until his extra defenders arrived from the changeling camp, a compromise he’d worked out with Strategy. ‘It’s been a day since I sent that messenger,’ he grumbled quietly. ‘Surely it doesn’t take that long.’ Troops continued to fill the field, joining in with the training drills already being conducted. Halberds and swords were being sharpened, armour was cleaned, marches were taking place, and to the far left squads were practicing the proven ‘ruby’ formation, with changeling troops firing from behind a wall of halberds at some very unfortunate snow-bags. The air was filled with energy, far from the peaceful effects of the Crystal Heart. Changeling, crystal pony, and livid human alike were ready for the trails to come. They were finally striking back at the foe they all despised, and for the first time in two days Nigel actually cracked a smile. They were ready. “Emperor, I’m sorry.” Nigel turned towards the male voice, and he spotted a crystal pony guard and a fully-armoured changeling trotting towards from the direction of the city. The changeling looked a little unsteady, the soldier accompanying it occasionally glancing back. “Sorry for what?” he asked, smile evaporating. Staring at the guard, perhaps more than needed, he frowned when the changeling almost tripped over. “Is that soldier drunk on the job or something?” “Uh…” the young crystal stallion begun, stopping just before him and seeming to shrink down. “It’s not… I mean…” It was then that the changeling lifted the helmet visor, Nigel sighing when he recognised her. “Don’t be so mean to Private Shale, I ordered him to help me.” She grinned, giving a very awkward spin. “So, how do I look?” He met her smile with a deadpan stare, already guessing as to what she was planning. “No.” Momentarily taken aback, Reflection quickly recovered and nodded at the private who had assisted her. “Thank you soldier, if you could just leave us.” “Certainly, Empress,” Shale rushed out, snapping off a salute before briskly trotting towards the rest of the soldiers. Reflection waited until he was out of earshot before continuing. “I’m not arguing this with you. If you’re going to go off and fight then I intend to be at your side through it all. I am not, Nigel, going to sit back while you get banished again or worse.” She hardened her stare. “I made some stupid decisions in that prison cell thanks to it, and I’m not going to take no for an answer.” “You are not going to go, it’s too-“ “Dangerous?” Reflection rolled her eyes. “You don’t think I don’t know that? I’m ready, and as long as it’s with you then I’m ready for whatever danger awaits.” She gave a pointed glance downwards to herself. “I had Iron give me some fitted armour, I know how to remove it and put it on, and one of the guards even gave me a basic lesson about swords.” Another glance, this time to the sword sheathed at her side. “Adding to that, I’ve been taking lessons from the soldiers on how to use my magic offensively.” “How?” Nigel remained firm, not wanting to give in to her demands. While she was determined and he was admittedly not thinking straight, it was too much risk. Somehow, judging from the look in her eyes, even he doubted that he’d win this one. Reflection maintained her glare. “In my spare time when you were away doing Emperor things. After I’d gone out to talk to our subjects, I’d always head out to the training area for changeling magic. The Sergeants taught me how to focus, hence why I can do this.” With that as the only warning, she turned to the left and aimed her horn at the ground. A sharp crack rang out, drawing the attention of several soldiers, as a fizzling green bolt shot from the horn to obliterate a circle of snow. Nigel stared at the head-sized hole she had made, blackened ground visible amongst the melted snow. “See? I can defend myself easily enough.” Looking back from the hole towards her, he shook his head. “An enemy soldier is very different from the ground, Reflection.” “I don’t care,” she growled. “I’m going. If you don’t want me going with you then I’ll just wait until the army leaves then follow.” It was another stare off, Reflection adjusting her stance while Nigel glared at her. Her return gaze was equally stubborn, the two not speaking for a while before Nigel snorted and broke eye contact. “Fine, do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He turned and stormed off towards a gathering of army officers, the clanking of metal that followed him an obvious indicator of Reflection’s decision. Nigel scowled, his frustration at the current circumstances burying the pride that he had secretly felt over her choice to stay with him despite the danger. Still, he refused to acknowledge her all the way to the officers, the five crystal ponies and four changelings hurriedly saluting once they had noticed his presence. Strategy was also there, however the Captain was too busy examining a map on a small, portable table to either notice… or care. The officers, Nigel currently being unable to remember their names, all radiated unease while his gaze scanned them. “Soldiers,” he greeted sternly. “The reason for this chit-chat?” “I’m going over our plans with them,” Strategy spoke up, not taking his eyes off of the map.. “We need all of the help we can get, after all.” “We have plans?” Reflection asked, trotting up to peer at the map. Strategy turned to her, paused for a second, then just shook his head before looking back at the map. “Aside from ‘attack and hope for the best’? Not a chance.” Before Nigel even had a chance to defend his strategic genius, a flurry of activity from the left of them drew their attention. Even Strategy looked over when a mixed group of guards raced towards them with the upmost urgency. “Emperor! Captain!” the guard at the lead shouted over the clattering of metal. Nigel shared a look with Strategy, before moving forwards to meet the oncoming group. Reflection followed behind, leaving the ten officers behind at the map. “What is it?” he asked, momentarily forgetting his anger. At his words, an unarmored changeling pushed his way through and bowed. “I’m so sorry, Emperor, but I bring terrible news.” Nigel didn’t say anything, the changeling resuming after a pause. “I’m in charge of the infiltrators assigned to watch over the pony border town. Last night a large number of griffons landed and were involved in an argument with the equestrian guards. These griffons had the Crystal Heart in their possession.” “So they did go that way…” Strategy murmured, Nigel neglecting to gloat about being right at the current moment. “One of my subordinates, and the soldier I was partnered up with, attempted to retrieve the Heart while our enemies were distracting each other.” The changeling winced. “Unfortunately, she has been captured and was taken away in a chariot by the Equestrians. They also took the Crystal Heart and the Griffons, with Canterlot being their destination.” Once again the spy paused, awaiting a reply. ‘Damn,’ Nigel thought to himself while maintaining an even gaze. ‘Canterlot, that certainly complicates matters. Those princesses have us by the balls, so we need to stack the decks.’ “So, you didn’t go after your comrade to save her?” he inquired, frowning slightly. The changeling shook his head. “No Emperor. Believe me, I would gladly have attempted a rescue, but I was unable to do so at the time.” Shuffling, he shifted so that the cloth bag he was carrying fell to the snow. His horn lit up and five scrolls of parchment floated out from the top. “I had an obligation to ensure the rest of the recon team managed to get out, a choice I’m sure was correct considering how the Equestrians began to search for more changelings. In addition, this information had to be safeguarded.” Snatching the first scroll from the magical grip, Chalmers unfurled it with a scowl. His eyes went over the details listed down, accompanied by a sketchy map with numerous areas circled. Numbers were placed next to dates, the last one being two-thousand and twelve. “Troop movements, garrisons, and an approximant number,” explained the spy. “As you can see, Sir, the Equestrians have been steadily building up their troops.” The second and third scrolls were also snared and examined, Nigel pursing his lips while everyone watching awaited his commentary. Then, after a few minutes, he calmly rolled the scrolls back up and returned them to the provider. “You did well,” he finally acknowledged with a nod. “The capture of one of our soldiers is a blow, as is the continued theft of the Heart, but all is not lost. The information that you and you’re team has retrieved will serve us well.” Nigel then turned and started to walk off towards the main army, a slight smile on his face. “Emperor, what are we to do?” Strategy enquired from behind. “It’s simple, we attack them at once.” He ignored the murmurs while he continued to walk away, the clanking of Reflection’s armour soon starting up to follow him once more. ‘Yes, and after we take that town, we’ll have hundreds of bargaining chips that Celestia and Luna will be completely unable to ignore…’ Chalmers chuckled at the thought, secure in the knowledge that this plan had no possibility of failing at all. ‘It shall be glorious.’ Celestia stared at the excited guard-stallion in front of her. A small smile was on her face while she nodded silently and took a sip of tea. ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck-‘ “I see,” she nodded again, taking a gulp of tea. “So, we have the Crystal Heart in our possession then?” “Yes, Princess,” the Sergeant replied. “The mercenaries that retrieved it are currently still in the courtyard guarding it, although they are demanding that we pay them a hefty sum if we wish to keep it.” ‘I don’t want to keep it. I want that thing as far away from Equestria as possible.’ “And if we don’t pay?” ‘Not that we really can, with the treasury practically empty.’ “Then they claim that they will take their prize and sell it to the next bidder. Their leader believes that such a large and unusual gem will fetch a pretty price on the open market, and from what I can gather he is convinced that he is owed for his troubles either way.” “Then he’s a fool,” Celestia accidently muttered out-loud, the guard tilting his head at her. “Princess?” Sighing, Celestia placed her teacup down on the table beside her throne. “It’s like this, my little pony. The Emperor of the Crystal Empire is not going to be happy that we are suddenly in possession of the artifact that means so much to his people. Since the mercenaries have brought it here first, it will appear to an outside observer that we in fact hired them for the task.” “But, Princess, forgive me for the question. Isn’t having the Crystal Heart a good thing for us? We could use it to force their surrender, or even maintain some sort of control over them.” “Out of the question. It was those lines of thinking, and the mistakes made because of them, that led to this situation in the first place.” Pausing to calm herself before she showed any emotion that would panic the guard, she refocused on him. “Besides, that plan may work against a rational enemy, but the Emperor is currently far from rational.” Tapping a hoof against the throne, Celestia sighed. “Still, I suppose that the effort in securing the Heart deserves some commendation. Please, send in the mercenary leader so I may speak to him.” “As you wish.” While the guard trotted off, Celestia frowned and concentrated on her breathing. ‘Such a horrid turn of events, this will bring the Crystal Empire to our door for sure. One can only hope that the Emperor does not hastily make a decision that leads to all-out war.’ To be honest, she realised that it was a rather unlikely hope. Her thinking was broken by the sound of hooves on stone approaching, Celestia glancing to the left to spot her sister yawning wide. “Did I miss much?” Luna inquired, Celestia giving her an even look. “Well, aside from the Crystal Heart sitting in our castle courtyard and the Crystal Empire about to declare all-out war, not much.” “Ah, good.” It took Luna a few seconds to catch on, her eyes widening. “Wait… the Crystal Heart?” Celestia nodded. “Truly, sister? How in Tartarus-“ “Griffon mercenaries apparently attempting to sell it off,” she interrupted with a visible frown. Luna must have noticed. “You care not for them?” “I dislike the idea of mercenaries,” admitted Celestia, while Luna sat down in the throne beside her. “Creatures that provide violence in exchange for coin are dangerously close to criminals in my mind. There was mention of the griffon leader demanding compensation for some loss, so I doubt their acquisition of the Heart was peaceful.” Luna shifted in her seat. “But, Sister, you cannot deny that such creatures often can prove useful.” “True,” she conceded with a sigh. “But it is risky to put one’s trust in such dubious sources. Granted, they have delivered a great blow to the Crystal Empire and chose to offer us a chance to purchase an admittedly useful bargaining piece, but there is always the fact that a mercenary only obeys coin and nothing else. Currently, we want for wealth while the Crystal Empire has plenty.” “You’re worried that the griffons may stray from our side if they are not compensated accordingly?” “I am.” “And that the Crystal Empire would have no qualms with hiring such unsavory characters?” Celestia nodded. In return, Luna hummed and sat back in her throne. “Well, then it seems obvious that we must out-bid the Crystal Empire, or at least convince these mercenaries that switching sides would prove less than ideal for them.” ‘If only it was so simple, Luna.’ Celestia had no time to word her thought correctly, before there was the clacking of armoured hooves and talons upon stone. From the main doors, five armed pegasus guards and three griffons entered the throne room in silence. Eying the newcomers, Celestia shifted in her seat and ensured that she re-enforced her calm demeanor. While unarmed, she knew that griffons were dangerous creatures. Their natural claws were as deadly as any dagger, and the scars that adorned her guests hinted at a past where such natural tools were likely used. Each griffon had heavy iron breast-plates on, and her guards watched the mercs warily while simultaneously saluting. “Princesses,” the guard Sergeant from earlier greeted. “The mercenaries, as you asked for.” ‘I believe I requested just the leader,’ she thought, the pegasi moving to the sides of the room. Eyeing the three griffons, she took note of their large frames and, more curiously, the defaced symbols of the Griffon Empire that adorned their armour. “Princess Celestia,” greeted the middle griffon with a surprisingly graceful bow. “My name is Levigust, and I’ve been brought here by your guards in regards to the proposal I have.” “As I’ve been told,” she replied with a nod and a smile. “I must say, it is a… interesting one.” “We were surprised to hear of such an achievement,” Luna chimed in. “It mustn’t have been a simple task, to retrieve such an item from such a prepared city.” Levigust frowned. “I lost over twenty-five of my troops, that crystal is all I have to show for it.” That gave Celestia pause. ‘Twenty-five?’ It was a terrible number to think about, and evidently the question hit a nerve with the griffon leader. “Yes, twenty-five of my griffons cut down in their prime for naught,” Levigust almost spat, the pegasi guards watching him with much care from the sides. The griffon’s narrowed eyes gazed first at Celestia, then rested on Luna. “All lost in an attempt to retrieve a princess that had already been rescued!” She had to concentrate, only a slight eye twitch giving away her confusion. “I’m sorry, what?” “Don’t give me that!” Levigust growled with a talon pointing right at her. The guards at the sides rested their wings on their weapons. “Your contact assured us that we would be paid the rest of our fee upon completion of our mission, from your treasury no less! So, imagine our surprise when the Princess your government hired us to rescue was already long gone!” Things were going from bad to worse. With not much left to say, and still reeling from what had been said, Celestia gave Levigust a sympathetic look. “I understand your grievances, and I’m incredibly sorry for your loss, but I’m afraid…” she paused, glancing at her guards and back. “I’m afraid that I never authorised any such hiring or rescue attempt. Whoever you spoke to was acting on no authority of mine.” Levigust took an enraged step forwards, the royal guards moving to combat him. He paused, however, although his talon was still outstretched. “Lies! That’s impossible! Of course you had to… had to…” He trailed off, Celestia sharing a glance with Luna. Levigust however was clenching and unclenching his talons, a deadly calm soon overtaking his features. “How could I have let that rat trick me so?” After the muttering and a few moments, he looked back up. “Well then, it seems as if I’ve been deceived by either yourself or your nobles. Given what I know of your… naivety, I doubt you’d have the cunning to betray me so.” Celestia let the rather untruthful insult go, considering it seemed as if she had been given a way out. “Fine,” Levigust stepped back, maintaining his calm façade. Celestia, however, could tell that inside he was seething with pure rage. “My offer still stands.” Sighing, there was only one reply she could give. “I’m sorry,” she apologised. “Despite what we stand to gain from such a transaction and my genuine wish to see you somewhat repaid for the deception you suffered, we are unable to pay any large amount at the current time.” “Not able to pay?” Celestia kept a close eye on Levigust, the griffon almost shaking on the spot while his eye twitched. “I’m afraid so.” There was no violent outburst like she, and evidently her guards judging by their ready stances, expected. Instead, Levigust merely spat on the floor in a severe show of disrespect and glared at her. “Fine, have it your way, Celestia. We’ll take the Crystal Heart and prisoner, and sell them to whoever will pay us enough!” “An unfortunate turn of events,” said Luna, her voiced tinged with a tone of warning. Celestia however was too taken-aback to even think ill of Levigust, her mind playing one of his words over and over again. ‘Wait… what prisoner?’ Chains clinked and the magical inhibitor tingled when Shill moved to adjust her spot on the cold grey stone. Sitting on the cell floor was far preferable in her mind, the harsh surface a better alternative than the simple bed of pokey straw. For the tenth time that hour she raised her foreleg to her head, rubbing the sore spot on the back of her head. Her hoof met bandages, either the Equestrians or Griffons at least having had enough compassion to bandage it up while she was unconscious. For the hundredth time she examined her cell guards, two pegasi standing on each side of the cell door with two unicorns guarding her from the opposite wall. They had neglected to even try to communicate with her, but to be honest Shill didn’t really expect them to. It was an open-and-shut case, she was an enemy of their country and was not likely to be getting out of the cell anytime soon. Once again, her eyes switched to staring at the simple water bowl at the side of the cell. The water within was fresh and clean, having been changed naught but an hour ago, but despite that and her growing thirst there was no way she was going to take a drink. ‘It’s probably drugged,’ she thought to herself, staring back at the cage bars. ‘Some attempt to get me to spill information. Well, water or no water, these ponies won’t be getting anything from me.’ Almost on que, her stomach growled. Shill scowled and tried to ignore it. ‘I won’t give in.’ She had left her supply of love-gems in the inn room, and that meant that there had been none for the Equestrians to bring back with her. She figured that she had about a week, two at tops, before starvation would begin to take a toll on her resolve. “… although it’s said nothing at all. It’s just been sitting there.” Shill’s ears pricked up at the approaching female voices. “Well, Lieutenant, one can hardly expect casual conversation considering the circumstances. I trust that no harm has befallen the changeling?” “No, Princess. Aside from the minor initial injuries sustained during the arrest, nothing at all.” “Good, keep it that way. What do you think Luna?” “Information is power, Sister. We should use this chance while we have it.” The hoof steps drew closer, accompanied by an odd clacking sound. “Good luck with that,” a single male voice huffed. “Judging from the way their guards fought us, and your own lack of spine when it comes to the violent side of conflict, you won’t be getting much out of it.” “I assure you, Levigust, as Princess of the Night I am more than capable of interrogating a single changeling.” With that, Shill looked up when her new visitors turned the corner to step in front of her cell. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw the Equestrian unicorn officer, the griffon mercenary leader, and not only one but two Equestrian princesses. “So, this is the changeling,” Princess Luna scoffed. “Hardly a terrifying adversary.” Shill elected to remain silent, merely staring right back at them. “I don’t know if it’s a soldier or not, but I’m glad you have disabled the magic,” added Levigust with a glance towards her horn. “Do not underestimate them, Princess of the Night, I’ve seen soldiers lose half of their heads to changeling magic bolts.” At his words the pony lieutenant took a quick step back, and Luna remained stoic while Celestia leaned forwards. “Very correct,” the sun princess murmured, before attempting a smile. “Hello there, changeling. Please, I do not wish you any harm. Could you please tell us your name so we may stop referring to you as ‘it’ in your presence?” Shill didn’t respond, Celestia nodding her head after a few moments. “I see. I’m saddened by your choice.” “I can make her talk,” the griffon, Levigust, threatened. ‘Just you try it, feather-brain.’ “That will not be needed.” Celestia sighed, giving Levigust a side-ways look. “It…” the Princess paused to give her a quick examination. “She is safely secure in this cell, so there is no need for any unsavory actions.” “She is my prisoner, and if I wish to remove her from this cell that’s what I will do. I hear that certain parties are always interested in purchasing… exotic goods.” The long, hard look that Celestia gave the griffon said more than any words, Levigust quickly shutting his beak. “My Sister and I seek to remind you that such transactions are now strictly forbidden in Equestria,” Luna said with an even gaze. “One would do well to take heed of that, lest one finds himself on the same side of the bars as our current prisoner… except in a cell with only the darkness for company.” Celestia made no move to counter her sister’s threat towards the mercenary, instead she merely smiled and refocused on Shill. “I doubt such occurrences will even happen, even less so if our guest eventually co-operates. So, let us try again. Changeling, what does the Emperor want?” Shill turned her glare from Levigust towards Celestia, pursing her lips at the query. After all, it wasn’t really a secret… “The Emperor wants what the Crystal Empire wants,” she replied even, noting a raised eyebrow from Luna. “He wants revenge for what you both did to him, revenge for what you both did to us the Crystal Empire, and he wants to make sure that nothing threatens the Crystal Empire again.” Luna stepped forwards. “Does your Emperor want what the Empire wants, or do the crystal ponies and changelings merely think that they want what he wants?” “The Crystal Empire was the happiest place I had ever known,” Shill bit back. “Was, before you and Celestia went and ruined it for us all. Now you’re faced with the consequences of your attempts to rule us, and it’s not going to be pretty.” She smirked at Celestia, crossing her forelegs in defiance. “You’re scared, aren’t you? You know that our army is better, and that the Emperor will know how to use it.” “Are you scared, little changeling?” Luna narrowed her eyes. “You speak much ill against us, while locked in a cell far away from your armies and your Emperor.” She didn’t let Luna’s veiled threat faze her. The chains clinked when she sat up straight and looked Luna right in the eyes. “I’m not afraid of dying here, Princess. I don’t fear you, your sister, or whatever you can hope to do to me. I’ll die for my city if needed, and I’m ready to do that right now.” There was silence for a long moment, even Levigust not speaking. It was broken by an unexpected and soft laugh from Celestia. “And that’s the real problem, isn’t it?” “Is something funny?” Shill hissed. Likewise, Luna and Levigust were also looking at Celestia in confusion. “Sister?” The cell lock was unlatched by a golden glow, the barred door swinging open on perfectly oiled hinges. Shill held her ground when Celestia trotted in, the alicorn towering over her sitting form. Then, in a move that took even her by surprise, Celestia sat down upon the cold stone. The sun Princess didn’t even flinch when her rump touched the dusty floor, and she merely extended a shoed foreleg towards Shill. It was quickly withdrawn when fangs were bared in warning, Celestia sighing and shaking her head. “You don’t understand, do you changeling? Your… death, and the death of any pony or changeling, is something I would deeply love to avoid. The very last thing I want is for you or your fellows to throw your lives away, and take the lives of my subjects, all over a matter that I desperately wish had never occurred.” Shill snorted. “No, you just want to rule over us so we can be ‘good’ little ponies and changelings.” “That’s not correct,” Celestia replied. “I admit that I once held that line of thought, and while I still believe your Emperor to be a danger to the safety of my subjects, I can see that what I did…” there was a pause, Shill noticing that Luna was staring at Celestia during it. “…was wrong. My decision created a rift between our two nations, a divide that grows ever wider as time passes.” There was another sigh from Celestia. “Please, all that I want is for our peoples to co-exist in harmony again like we used to. Back before I made that misguided decision to banish your Emperor and install an unpopular ruler in his place.” She straitened up. “But, I still do not accept that your Emperor’s attempted decision to butcher the fleeing elk was correct. However, I must admit that my judgement at the time was clouded by my own panic and horror.” Shill made to interject, but Celestia beat her to it. “A judgement that wasn’t mine to thrust upon your nation, I now admit.” The trotting of armoured hooves interrupted the conversation, a single guard approaching Celestia from around the corner. Both princess looked towards him, but the solar guard predictably went for Celestia and stopped to whisper in her ear for a few moments. The Sun Princess’s face fell, even her mane seeming to deflate. “How many dead?” There was another set of whispers, Celestia relaxing somewhat. “I see, any signs of further attacks?” The guard shook his head, Celestia biting her lip. Then, the Princess looked towards Shill, her eyes suddenly lighting up. “Thank you Sergeant. My sister and I shall be back in the throne room to discuss our moves shortly. Please keep us informed of any other developments.” Shill watched the guard stallion salute and leave as ordered, hope brewing deep within. From what she had gathered, some kind of attack had happened. She’d happily bet her chitin that the Emperor had heard of her capture from Buzz, and was currently in the process of tearing Equestria apart to get both her and the Heart back. Celestia appeared to have arrived at the same conclusion, however the warm smile was remarkably out of place. “All of that time searching for a desperate spell, wasted,” Celestia softly chuckled. “Sister, what do you mean?” inquired Luna with a tilt of her head. “Can I have my prisoner already?” demanded Levigust, evidently annoyed enough to finally speak again. They were both silenced when Celestia held up a foreleg. “I have a solution that will benefit all parties involved,” Celestia started to answer. “It is admittedly based on the faint hope that Emperor Chalmers will even speak to me without attempting to take my life, but it seems to be the best and most bloodless way to end this conflict.” “I don’t give a feather about your conflict, I just want-“ “You will get plenty of money as compensation if this works,” Celestia reassured. Shill remained silent, not liking where the conversation was going. “It’s a simple agreement that we must all reach. Luna, you and I will travel to meet with the Emperor in person, on behalf of Equestria. Levigust, you will also be present. With us shall be the Crystal Heart and the changeling before us.” Luna raised an eye. “Sister, you don’t mean to…” “In exchange for the return of the Crystal Heart, the changeling, and the withdrawal of Equestrian troops from the border, I will seek for the Crystal Empire to cease any hostility and sign a non-aggression pact with us. In addition, I will request that they adequately compensate the griffon mercenaries considering that the Crystal Heart and changeling were secured by them.” “Pah!” Levigust laughed. “So your big plan is to use my goods to barter for your gain? You’re not well known for humor, Celestia, but this certainly seems like one big joke.” He snorted, talons clacking on the stone while he turned to leave. “I expect my prisoner to be released back into the custody of my troops within the hour. I might as well just sell them back to the Crystal myself, and leave you fools to get whatever comes to you.” He began to walk away. Celestia merely sighed, and cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Levigust, but how exactly do you plan to sell the Heart and changeling back to the Emperor?” “Simple,” Levigust scoffed, having paused his exit. “I approach him as a mercenary, state my price which is well within his means to provide, and commence the transaction. If no deal is reached then I simply go elsewhere like I originally planned.” Before he had the chance to turn away again, Celestia refocused on Shill. “Changeling, how would your Emperor react to such a proposal?” Shill, already immersed in thinking about what Celestia had thought of, looked up. Hesitating, she glanced at the griffon. “When you took the Heart, did you kill any guards?” Levigust shook his head. “No, we did not. I specifically ordered so that there was a chance of future employment with your nation.” Glancing towards Celestia and Luna then back, he scowled. “Some guards were injured, however that hardly makes up for the numbers that I lost.” “Then the Emperor’s reaction will be to just kill you, then take the Heart,” Shill informed. “He’s a kind ruler, but as with the Elk and the Diamond Dogs, if you hurt any of us then he won’t hesitate in killing you.” Celestia nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. “She tells the truth, I have seen such actions before.” The shudder that ran down her wasn’t missed by anyone. Levigust paused, before turning around to face Celestia once more. “So, you are proposing to make the deal on my behalf, in exchange for adding in your own terms?” “Yes, that is correct.” Luna stepped into the cell. “Sister, while I admire your plan, there is one thing overlooked. How will we even get close to Emperor Chalmers without being placed in mortal danger? Their army possesses much in the way of combat magic and war machines, any Equestrian including us would be shot out of the sky long before our shouts for armistice would reach their ears.” “We are lucky enough to have a messenger that will have no issue getting to the Emperor safely,” reassured Celestia, her focus going back on Shill. “That is, if she wishes to help us end the war before any more blood is needlessly spilt.” Initially scowling at the way Celestia worded it, Shill thought the proposition over. While she doubted that the Emperor would accept a deal that essentially only returned stolen property and herself, she remembered when they weren’t at war and constantly fearful of an Equestrian attack. ‘Well,’ she thought to herself. ‘All that’s she asking me for is to request a meeting with the Emperor for her. That’s not too much to ask, is it?’