//------------------------------//
// Betrayal. 
// Story: The Equestrian Civil War. 
// by Grandore 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 2: Betrayal.
 
It was dusk when they arrived in Canterlot’s courtyard, and they were immediately ushered into the throne room, where every pony stood in attention when Celestia stood up in front of the crowd. “I would like to officially welcome you all to the Solar Empire,” She said scanning and seeing the anxious faces, “And for those of you who wish to begin their training now….I am sorry it will begin tomorrow at sunrise. Now the Royal Guards will take you to your living quarters. Enjoy your night.” She finished. And everypony left except for Twilight, Rarity, Grandore, and Archmane. “Thank you for staying” Celestia said after the room was empty, “Follow me,” She said stepping down from the throne and led them through a series of corridors until they reached a room that was at the top of one of the many towers in Canterlot. The room consisted of a long table, six chairs, and windows on each wall. Celestia took her place at the end of the table infront of one of the windows, while the four ponies took the seats on the sides of the table, Twilight next to Rarity, and Archmane next to Grandore. “This is where the five of us will meet from now on. Tonight, however I will assign you all your roles in the army.” Celestia said. “I will lead us, but under the circumstances, I need to make the public appearances. So, Twilight, I assign you as Grand Admiral of the army. You will Command in my place. Under your command are three captains, one of which,” She said looking to Rarity, “Rarity you are captain of the ground forces, and you will also be the Recruiting officer, is that alright with you?” Rarity nodded.

“Who’s the others?” Twilight said.

“Oh, some of them you know quite well, the other you met once or twice, their joining us tonight, actually.” She said, then the door opened, revealing a White pony in gold and purple armor, and a pink alicorn, and a yellow pegasus who walked in with him.  As the ponies approached the table. The one in the armor was taking his helmet off and laying it on the table, Revealing a light blue and cobalt colored mane.

“Shining Armor! Cadence!” Twilight said running to them and hugging them, “Oh its been so long!”

“Yes it has, Twi,” Shining armor said and Cadence smiled at her, Then they noticed Grandore and Archmane.

“Are you two who I think you are?” Cadence said, “Grandore and Archmane?” She said and they nodded, “It’s a pleasure” She said.

“Its our pleasure.” The two unicorns said and bowed and stood back.

“Spitfire here will be commanding the airforce, while Shining Armor commands the Unicorns, Twilight.” Celestia said motioning to the yellow Pegasus, who smiled. “Cadence, I will need you for public appearances with me, and to lead medical.” Cadence nodded.

“What about us?” Grandore said, Archmane staring intently at the Princess.

“You two are too valuable, I need you to stay here with me.” Celestia said. And everypony in the room looked at her, shocked.

“Do you know how powerful they are!” Twilight exclaimed, almost yelling. “Grandore’s one of the strongest unicorns in all of Equestria! Archmane is…a bit weaker, but he’s his apprentice!”

“Twilight, I’m nowhere as strong as you, considering you’re her protégé and the element of magic, afterall.” Grandore said.

“And they are too valuable. They must stay.” Celestia said.

“No we won’t.” Everypony looked at the voice of Archmane, who was glaring at Celestia. “You have already decided that, afterall.” He added, smiling.

“You are smart, Archmane, or can you just see the future?” She said, laughing at her own comment, “Yes, I do. I’m assigning you two to lead the Special Operations Squad, Lightbringer.”

“Well now, Special operations? When will we get our recruits?” Grandore said.

“You will receive them tomorrow when they are assigned. Two ponies will be given, an Earthpony, and a Pegasus, top of their class.” Celestia said. And little did the ponies notice, it was already near midnight, and a pegasus guard burst into the tower room. 

“Princess Celestia! I have important news from our spies!” the guard said.

“What is it?” They all said in unison.

“Luna gained around two-hundred ponies. 3 we’re promoted on the spot. One was put as Flight Marshal, Her name is Rainbow Dash.” All the ponies looked in shock, Rarity and Twilight were most affected. “The other was promoted to Special Forces, her squad name is P.A.R.T.Y, her name is Pinkie Pie.” Twilight and Rarity had tears going down their face by then. “And the last one was assigned to her group, his name is Thunder Flash.”