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// Ch13 Friends on the Horizon 
// Story: A Charred Stone 
// by Priceless911 
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                The whistling sounds could be heard easily as the cloud of flying arrows came down as the arrowheads shredded the stationary target like a rainstorm of daggers. As I stood on the firing line right in front of my formation of archers, I smiled as I called, “Good, Again! Thirty five degrees up, twenty degrees left!”
As I stood looking down range, I could hear the creaking of all the bows behind me as they aimed over my head. After hearing the creaks I called, “RELEASE!!!”
With that order, a shadow made by the arrows crossed over my body as the volley flew over my head cutting through the snow that was falling around us. Deciding that this would be the last shot, I watched closely as the arrows flew through the air and fell onto the target shredding it all the more as the once disk shaped target now resembled a porcupine.
Seeing all arrows either hit or land near their mark, I smiled as I turned to my formation and spoke, “Good Job Soldiers! I know this cold had given you a challenge for training, but I'm glad to see that it hasn’t handicapped you in any way. For this, I will give you the remainder of the day for personal time. Those of you with prior duties, see to it that you aren’t late. As for the rest of you, FALL OUT!”
With that order, the formation stood at attention as they replied, “MA’AM!!!”
With that said, the formation of archers started to disperse as another soldier trotted to me and spoke, “Lieutenant! Permission to speak freely?”
I looked back, “Granted…”
the soldier continued, “Ma’am… A few others and I wish to continue training. Is it alright?”
Smiling at the commitment that the soldier showed, I looked at Sergeant Tunder as I asked, “Sergeant? Do you mind continuing training?”
The sergeant stood at attention, as he replied, “no ma’am… I would happily assist them in practice.”
I nodded my head as I replied, “very well then. Stay as long as you like, but if it gets too cold, then you better get inside. Frost bite is no joke.”
The soldiers stood at attention and replied, “Ma’am.”
As they moved back to the line to continued training, I started watching from behind the firing line. It’s been three months since I received my first set of soldiers, and though I was one hundred back then, my number is now two hundred and fifty archers. And I don’t like to gloat, but each and every one is very skilled, thanks to me.
As I watched my soldiers run through the same drill that I was doing a few seconds ago, I was surprised when Commander Bolt started trotting into the area as I saluted him and spoke, “Afternoon sir, come to see how training was going?”
Commander Bolt nodded as he looked at the damaged target and replied, “I see it’s going well. You really are the best, training this many soldiers, to fire so precisely. I'm a little envious that I couldn’t train them as well as you.”
I smiled with pride as I looked at him and replied, “It’s easy to train soldiers whey they are as precise as mine. Both in accuracy, and attention. I never have to repeat myself.”
Commander Bolt nodded as he smiled, “Good, I'm happy I don’t have to bust a few of their skulls for you. So what’s the color you’re wearing today? Light green?”
I smiled, “Gracious green. I decided that I would go easy on my troops if they showed motivation today. And despite the cold they all seem eager to train today.”
Commander Bolt smiled as he looked back at the training soldiers and replied, “I’ll say, anyways, we have a problem that needs addressing. That’s why I'm here.”
Hearing the serious tone in his voice I asked, “What kind of problem?”
Commander Bolt looked at me as he replied, “one that can’t be discussed here… I’ve arranged a meeting in the conference tent in twenty minutes. Make sure you get some food first. If what I hear is true… this could be a long day for us.”
As Commander Bolt turned to leave, I had to ask, “Is it bad news commander?”
Commander Bolt replied as he left, “Yes… it is.”
Leaving with only that said. Commander Bolt trotted away as I looked back at my training soldiers. As I watched them train using the same drills that I usually run them through, I started to wonder what the bad news could be. But since I wasn’t given very much detail, I decided to do as I was told and get something to eat.
Later just as instructed, I arrived at the conference tent as the guard standing outside opened it and spoke, “Ma’am Commander Bolt is waiting inside.”
As I passed the guards I replied, “Thanks, carry on.”
As I entered, I saw Commander Bolt, Captain Storm, and Lieutenant Snow sitting around a map that was sitting in the center of a table. As I entered Commander Bolt looked at me and spoke, “lieutenant, glade you made it, now we can get started.”
As I approached the only empty seat I asked, “is everything ok sir?”
As I sat down he replied, “Well, I suppose first thing is first. Captain? Has your second scout team returned yet?”
Captain Storm nodded his head, “Yes sir, they did.”
“And?”
Captain Storm sighed, “They reported the same thing… An army of Celestial Crusaders is on the way here. Their numbers… about seven hundred ponies.”
As soon as I heard the news, I felt nervous as lieutenant Snow replied, “Are you certain? I thought we lost track of those barbarians almost a month ago.”
Captain Storm nodded his head, “yes… things have been quiet since the army that set up camp next to the mountain left… but I think things are gonna get loud soon.”
I had to speak next, “are they going to attack us?”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “most likely… Captain, did they have a commander banner flying?”
Captain Storm shook his head, “no… but what I understand from the report is that they are being led by a female officer. A pink unicorn.”
Both Commander Bolt and Lieutenant Snow looked at each other as I replied, “From what you understand?”
Captain storm replied, “Well I wasn’t there personally, but I trust the word of my soldiers who say she was trotting at the front of the army.”
Commander Bolt started thinking to himself, “a pink unicorn mare… I can’t think of a single officer who fits that description… at least not an active officer.”
I gave the commander a curious look as Lieutenant Snow replied, “You don’t suppose she could have pulled herself from retirement for this conflict… do you commander?”
Turning my curious look to Lieutenant Snow, Commander Bolt replied, “If Commander Mist asked her… then she very well could have.”
I placed my same confused stare back on Commander Bolt as Captain Storm spoke, “it is possible… but we can’t insinuate anything until we see her for ourselves, After all it’s been almost ten months since the war began, it’s very possible it could be a lower officer climbed up the ranks to that position.”
Commander Bolt nodded, “maybe… Nevertheless, we need to prep our soldiers. If it is an open field battle then it could turn out to be deadly, and seeing that they have a hundred fifty more soldiers then us, could also make things tricky… but as I’ve said before, numbers don’t make the battle, tactics do.”
Captain Storm nodded his head, “then what are our orders commander? What should we do to prepare.”
Commander Bolt thought to himself as he replied, “decrease internal duties, and focus on external defenses.”
Lieutenant Snow spoke, “And what duties would that insinuate?”
Commander Bolt pointed to the map at the area closeted to the north and replied, “If we meet on an open field, then this would be our battleground. I want you to place multiple trenches in the back of this vicinity with a command bunker somewhere in the rear. From here we can at least set up a small system to evacuate wounded soldiers amongst the fighting.”
Looking at the map I replied, “you want us to dig trenches in this area?... how long will that take?”
Commander Bolt replied, “If we have enough soldiers working on it… it could take us about a day and a half. However, we will need a large number from each of your units. The rest should put all focus on weapon preparations, guard shifts, and scouting. We need everypony ready for what’s on the horizon… literally.”
As I thought to myself, I replied, “alright… I can try to convince my soldiers to volunteer for the scouting. Their keen eyes can spot a breezy at a hundred meters.”
Commander Bolt gave me a smile that seemed a little… sinister as he replied, “I'm sure it won’t be hard to get volunteers… word amongst the ranks says that a lot of them are quite fond of you. In fact they even gave you a title… what was it Captain?”
Captain Storm replied, “the um… Gem of the Nightmare Legion.”
I gave Captain Storm a confused look as I blushed, “W-what?”
Lieutenant Snow added, “It suits you fondly Ms. Stone. Quite the compliment.”
Still blushing I looked at Lieutenant Snow and replied, “Don’t call me Ms. Stone! It makes me feel… weird.”
Commander Bolt chuckled, “Don’t take it personally Lieutenant. It’s common for a few of your subordinates to have a crush on you. Just remember we are professionals and should always act the part.”
I was certain that my face was now red as I tried to defend myself, “But Sir… I… I mean they…”
Captain Storm tried to change the subject, “anyways, if Lieutenant Stone’s soldiers take the scouting, then I think it’s only fair that my troops take the trenches and bunker. They are the strongest of our soldiers.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “agreed, Snow, your solders will handle security and weapons prep. I would suggest Captain Storm for this but he is right about his soldiers being the strongest. We will need their effort to have the battlefield ready.”
Lieutenant Snow nodded his head, “understood sir, I will allow them to be the ones to rummage through the dirt. I on the other hoof will deal with matters inside the camp.”
Captain Storm gave Snow a discerning stare, as I continued holding my silence from the embarrassment of the earlier topic. Ignoring both, Commander Bolt spoke, “Then we are decided; Lieutenant Stone, Have your archers set up in both the towers and in leading scout parties. Notify me as soon as they come within view of the camp.”
Knowing I was being addressed, I looked at Commander Bolt and nodded my head, “yes sir… I will.”
With that, Commander Bolt stood up and replied, “Then you all know your orders. When the enemy army is in sight I want you three to come to me at the north part of the camp for further instruction.”
Everypony to include myself stood up as we replied, “Yes sir.”
Then we all turned towards the door as we exited the tent, although as I started to exit, Commander Bolt stopped me, “Lieutenant Stone… Could you stay for a sec? I need to talk to you.”
Doing as I was told I stood by the door until Captain Storm and Lieutenant Snow were gone, then Commander Bolt approached me and spoke, “I wanted to talk to you about the earlier subject… I'm sorry if you felt a little embarrassed, I was only trying to pull tension away from the main subject. It’s been a while since any of us have seen combat, and if I'm not mistaken this will be your first official battle. I just wanted to lighten the mood a little.”
Feeling a little better after his apology, I replied, “It’s fine sir… I just wasn’t expecting it is all… so nopony really calls me that?”
Commander Bolt smiled a little as he replied, “Well… I didn’t say that… it is true that some of your troops do find you appealing but you shouldn’t take it personally. In times of stress, everypony likes to find ways to take their mind off the war. And even I have often thought about love as a replacement for bloodshed. Just remember, as an officer your main objecting is to lead these soldiers with full intent of both completing your mission and keeping them alive. So don’t let things like this get to you.”
I lowered my head and gave myself a calming sigh as I replied, “Understood sir, and thanks for the words of advice, it really helps.”
Commander Bolt smiled as he replied, “if you need any more advice feel free to ask. As your commander, I will always help my soldiers. Now if I remember right you have soldiers to pass orders too.”
Saluting him I replied, “Yes sir, thank you sir.”
Commander Bolt saluted me back as we both stopped and exited the tent but as we started to part ways, he said one last thing, “Oh, and lieutenant… if it makes you feel any better, I can see what makes you so appealing to them.”
Leaving me stunned, Commander Bolt trotted away without so much as a second glance as he trotted away and left me standing there. I could feel my face turning red with embarrassment again but this time… it wasn’t troubling as before… in fact, I somehow felt… happy. Thinking that I could somehow be misunderstanding the situation I shook it off as I turned back to the archery range and continued off to give my soldiers their instruction.
A few hour later as dusk started approaching, I was in my quarters trying to keep warm as I heard a voice outside, “Lieutenant Stone, it’s Sergeant Tunder! Permission to enter Ma’am?”
Looking toward the entrance I replied, “Granted.”
As the soldier entered my tent he saluted as he spoke, “Ma’am, sorry for the intrusion, but the enemy force is approaching the horizon.”
Knowing that the commander would want to know I asked, “How close are they?”
He replied, “They should be in view in about ten minutes.”
Reacting to the news, I replied as I picked up my bow and quiver, “Go inform Captain Storm and Lieutenant Snow. Tell them that I’ve gone to meet the commander at the northern border. Then gather the rest of the scouting parties and have them return to get some rest. As for the guards in the towers, have somepony relieve them so they can get warm. With night approaching it will only get colder.”
Sergeant Tunder saluted me as he replied, “Yes Ma’am!”
With that said, the soldier left my tent as he went to follow his orders. When he was gone, I put on my bow and quiver as I left my tent to meet Commander Bolt at the northern part of the camp where he was directing the soldiers digging the trench. As I approached him, I spoke, “Sir, the enemy is approaching, we should have visual soon.”
Commander Bolt looked into the distance as he replied, “Understood… do the others know?”
I replied, “Yes sir I had Sergeant Tunder spread the word inform them.”
“Good, then stand by till they arrive.”
Nodding my head in reply to his orders, Commander Bolt and I stood on the spot looking at the direction that the enemy was supposed to come from as Captain Storm and Lieutenant Snow arrived.
As soon as the two approached, Captain Storm spoke, “Evening Sir, Lieutenant. Everything going as planed?”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Yes, your soldiers are almost finished with the main trench. If they pull an all-nighter, they can finish the bunker before midnight. However, I think we can wait on that. If the enemy is approaching then they will need all the strength they have for battle. I wouldn’t want to risk your soldiers’ b…”
Before Commander Bolt could finish, one of my lookouts approached me as he spoke, “Ma’am! Enemy on the Horizon!”
Reacting to the soldiers warning we all looked to the horizon as we could see the spears of the front line pike ponied peering over the hills, as the ponies carrying them slowly emerged. Reacting to the sight Commander Bolt mumbled, “Well, here we go.” He called out to the soldiers, “Everypony get back to your perspective unit! Notify them that I want everypony accounted for and prepared for battle! Once you’re ready, wait for your officer’s instructions! I don’t want anypony launching the attack without direct instruction from your commanding officer. How clear am I?”
The surrounding soldiers jumped to attention as they all replied in a booming voice, “CRYSTAL SIR!!!”
With that, the soldiers quickly left the area to do as they were told, but before Storm, Snow, or I could do anything, Commander Bolt looked at us and spoke, “You three stay here, we need to pre…”
Before the commander could finish, a light caught my eye as I looked at the enemy and spoke, “Sir… a signal arrow!”
As we all looked back at the enemy army, a second signal arrow went up as Commander Bolt spoke, “Yellow… then Green.”
Lieutenant Snow spoke, “It would appear that our nemesis would like to speak with is before engaging in battle.”
Captain Storm spoke next, “Good, this will allow us to identify our enemy officer.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head, “Agreed, Lieutenant Stone… Sent a response. We accept the meeting request.”
Nodding my head, I pulled a green signal arrow as I struck it along the ground, igniting it before sending it into the sky.
As the arrow flew into the sky and was easily seen by both armies, Commander Bolt looked back at us and spoke, “I want you three with me when we meet the enemy officer. Are you ready?”
As Commander Bolt looked at each of us, we all nodded our heads as Captain Storm answered for us all, “We have our weapons so we are ready on your order sir.”
Commander Bolt smiled as he turned towards the enemy and started trotting out into the empty field that sat between the two armies, “Then let’s go see them.”
Following his lead, Storm, Snow, and I started trotting a few paces behind Commander Bolt as we made our way out into the field. Before reaching the center of the open area, we started to see a small force of enemy soldiers trotting out to meet us, all led by a pink mare. After stopping in the center of the field, we watched as captain Storm mumbled, “So she really did come out of retirement. I didn’t think she of all mares would come back to the royal guards.”
Since Snow, Storm and I were behind Commander Bolt, He didn’t hear him, as I had to ask, “Wait… you know her?”
Lieutenant Snow replied, “I should say so, she was well known throughout the royal guards for many years, however, seeing her here when she boasted of retirement seems… rather odd.”
By the time he finished talking, the enemy party met us, as the leading mare spoke, “Commander Star Bolt…”
Commander Bolt replied without an expression, “Colonel Amber Dust…”
The colonel replied, “Your looking well, despite your treachery… but seeing you with a commander’s insignia seems… unusual. Then again I suppose even you had to grow up at some point right Colt?”
Commander Bolt smiled slightly, “the same goes for seeing you in armor again. So what brought you back Miss Dusty?”
Colonel Dust’s expression became serious as she replied, “it was a request… From Commander Mist.”
When that was said, Commander Bolt’s expression also became serious as he replied, “oh… I see. So how is the commander doing after all this time?”
Colonel Dust replied, “He’s… still trying to figure things out. But as you are, he plans to fight this thing to the end. Which is one reason why I'm here.”
Commander Bolt’s tone changed as he replied, “Reason… and what reason is that?”
Colonel Dust sighed deeply as she sat down and gave Commander Bolt an unhappy stare, “Commander Bolt… I humbly ask that you lay down your weapons and surrender. As a former friend, I hoped we wouldn’t have to go to battle against one another. So please… Surrender now.”
I couldn’t believe it; she met us with a large army only to request a surrender. Confused as to what was going on, Storm, Snow, and I looked at Commander Bolt as he replied, “I don’t like this any more than you, but your request… is denied. As commander of the Nightmare Legion… I can’t back down because of a request, even from a friend. The only way this war ends, is with Princess Celestia’s relinquish of the sun’s control. Then and only then can Princess Luna’s night’s last forever. So if that’s all you have to say, then I would make a request of my own, Take your army, and go home.”
With that said, Commander Bolt started to turn to leave her with that as his last words, but before he could take two steps, she spoke, “Wait!” Commander Bolt stopped but didn’t look at her as she continued, “I… I can’t do that… I… I have my orders too. Do you know what they are?”
Commander Bolt turned to look at Colonel Dust as tears started to build in her eyes, “My… my orders… are to meet you in combat… and kill you. These orders were given to me… by Commander Mist… and… when he said that… he said it with almost no emotion at all. He said it as if he truly meant it. Do… do you know what it’s like… hearing him say such things… with almost no regrets in his tone?... it… it hurts… knowing how close you two were all those years. And hearing him say such words… it truly hurts. It was like hearing him order me to kill his own son and mean it. How… how could he say such things… and how could you… give him reason for saying it. He loved you like a son. He raised you himself how could you betray him for something as simple as a foal-hood cru…”
“Watch it…”
When he said that, the tone of Commander Bolt’s voice sent chills up my spine as he replied, “Before you continue… you better watch what you say. I agree that I dislike this conflict and that if I could, I would do everything I can to convince Commander Mist to defect… but... I will not abandon Princess Luna. Not now, not ever.”
Colonel Dust took a step forward, “You mean Nightmare Moon… right?...”
Commander Bolt didn’t reply to the comment, instead, he sighed as he spoke, “Since it would seem that you won’t leave, and I won’t surrender, then I would guess that we are going to battle. Might I suggest waiting till morning? That way both our soldier can be well rested. And we can call it a fair fight.”
Knowing that her plea was for nothing Colonel Dust sighed as she replied, “Agreed… till morning then, we shall send a signal when prepared.”
Commander Bolt nodded his head as he turned to leave, “Very well…. Until tomorrow then.”
As Commander Bolt turned around, Colonel dust spoke, “oh… and commander?” Commander Bolt stopped as she continued, “It really was good seeing you again… Commander Colt.”
Commander Bolt turned to look at her as he replied with a smile, “As it was seeing you, Colonel Dusty.”
Leaving those as their last words, the two turned and parted ways as Storm, Snow and I started following Commander Bolt back to our front line.
As we approached our camp, Commander Bolt looked at us and spoke, “Tell your soldiers to stand down for the night. Cancel all guard shifts and allow each one to get rest, if I know Colonel Dust, and I do, she won’t be trying anything funny while we sleep. You are dismissed.”
With nothing more to say to us, Commander Bolt started trotting away as I looked at Captain Storm and asked, “is… is he serious? Will Commander Bolt truly fight with somepony he considered a friend?”
Captain Storm nodded his head, “if he must… he will. He and Colonel Dust have never been on the best terms; more like a love-hate relationship. But still even this battle will be painful to us.”
Although I understood this, I still had one more thing to ask, “Commander Bolt mentioned that he was doing this for Princess Luna… I understand that Nightmare Moon was Princess Luna… but is his loyalty to the princess reason enough for him to raise his sword to his old friends?”
Lieutenant Snow snickered a little as he replied, “I wouldn’t call it loyalty per say… on the contrary I would call it devotion in the name of lo…”
“Snow!...”
Hearing the seriousness of his superior’s tone, Lieutenant Snow silenced himself as Captain Storm gave me a serious look and spoke, “lieutenant… what is your… relationship with the commander?”
I gave him a strange look as I replied, “relationship?... he trained me… what else is there?”
Captain Storm sighed with relief as he replied with a dark and serious tone, “good… I didn’t want to say anything hurtful. Listen lieutenant, Commander Bolt and Princess Luna have a connection. One that goes beyond the simple protector, and protected scenario. Though most of it is just rumors, I would suggest not talking to him directly about this. Just know that Commander Bolt has his reasons for fighting and that he wants nothing more than to complete his goal. The best thing I can tell you is to always trust in your commander’s orders as I do. Understand?”
It seemed strange that Captain Storm who usually spoke in friendly tones was now talking as if he were giving me a direct order… or threat. Never the less, despite his warning, I have always had trust in Commander Bolt’s intentions, so I replied, “of course sir… don’t I always?”
The serious expression on his face turned to an embarrassed smile as he replied, “Sorry… I almost forgot who I was talking too. I think the cold and the stress of this day may have gotten to me. Maybe it’s time to get some rest as Commander Bolt said.”
I nodded my head as I agreed, “Yea… it’s a good thing that we are getting this time to rest before the battle tomorrow. It’s already cold enough out here.”
As we all turned to part ways, Captain Storm replied, “True… and it’s only going to get colder.”