55. Silent Knight, Cadet - Part 3
The sun was at its highest point for the day and the heat was setting in. It was abnormal; we were supposed to be in the end of fall and yet it felt like midsummer. I was sitting under a tree in the academy courtyard, trying to enjoy my lunch break. The shade helped but, in general, it was miserably hot. It also didn’t help that I was wearing my cadet’s uniform. I’d take armor any day over wool clothing.
“You are Silent Knight, are you not?”
I opened one eye to find Cobalt standing over me. He looked awful. His thick mane was plastered against his head and his uniform was a mess. My guess was that he was even less acclimated to the heat than us locals.
I nodded. “I am. What can I do for you?”
“I understand that you help other ponies. Do you help anypony, or only ones that are not near you in the ratings?” he asked.
Softly, I chuckled and shook my head. “Anypony, depending on what you need help with. I’m not an expert in most areas. What did you have in mind?”
The frost pony moved into the shade. “The other ponies look up to you. They do not seem to relate to me at all. I cannot be an officer if ponies cannot or will not speak to me.”
What a strange world I found myself in, where another pony came to me for advice on how to relate to other ponies. This poor cadet had it all wrong but I was willing to try. I rose and replied, “You’re right about that. I think it’s because you’re an imposing figure and they don’t know what to think of you yet.”
His brow raised. “Imposing how?”
“Think about it. I’m a pretty big stallion. You and I are about the same height and build, but you look bigger because your coat is thicker. Plus, you have that mane. Surely you notice in our hoof-to-hoof combat training that your opponents hesitate to engage you.”
Cobalt stood silently and was probably thinking it over. Finally, he said, “I thought they were frightened of my combat prowess.”
That made me chuckle. “You’re good, there is no doubt there. But you’re not so insurmountable that that alone scares them. It’s your figure. It’s an advantage in that situation.”
He frowned. “I see… but now I’m not sure I see a way to fix this. I can’t be a different pony. What do you suggest?”
“I’m no expert but I think that part of what you’ll have to do is approach other ponies first, whether you need something from them or not. Like you did with me. Introduce yourself, spend some time with them, maybe even share a little bit about yourself and learn about them,” I explained.
The frost pony’s violet eyes fixed mine for a moment before he looked up at the tree. “What you’ve said makes sense. Where I come from, it is considered rude to inquire about other ponies’ business. If they don’t offer, you don’t ask.”
“You must feel like everypony here is rude, then. Canterlot ponies are curious by nature.”
He nodded idly. “So I have discovered. What is special enough to warrant this curiosity in me?”
“Nopony here has ever seen a frost pony… or a pony with a lion-like mane. They stare at crystal ponies, too. New and different is interesting. For instance, if I were curious, I’d want to know whether or not frost ponies had disappeared with the Crystal Empire or not.”
Cobalt shook his head. “We did not. We live much further north. When they disappeared, we assumed the worst and kept to ourselves, lest the same happen to us.”
“And that is profoundly interesting. A group of ponies in a frozen wasteland living on their own for over a thousand years. You have your own culture, art, and customs that may shed light on our own society or history.”
The pony let out a light sigh. “And I am to just stand and be interrogated so that I am approachable?”
I laughed and shook my head. “No, you’re not going to be interrogated, and the ponies here would consider it rude if you didn’t ask your own questions. Consider it—” I thought it over. “An intelligence exchange. They ask, you answer. You ask, they answer.”
He stood in silence again, contemplating that concept. “What do I ask about?”
That was a tougher question. Ponies that weren’t used to asking anything might ask some wildly inappropriate things. “Just… general things. You might ask what they’re interested in or what hobbies they have.”
“I see.”
We stood in silence for a while. My best guess was that he was trying to come up with something to ask me. I was willing to wait.
“Do… pegasus families… typically leave cloud cities?” he finally asked.
It was good enough for a start. I nodded, “They do. Not always together, though. My parents live in Cloudsdale, and my sister and I live here.”
“I see. Do you not miss your parents?”
I coughed lightly and tried to answer that one in my head first. I didn’t want to discourage Cobalt. After a moment, I shrugged. “My parents and I aren’t really close. To be honest, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized my father is not a nice pony… I can’t say I miss him most days. Maybe the idea of him, though. How about you?”
“I see,” he repeated before following up with a nod. “Very much so. I miss my little siblings and my parents. Our family is very close and being away has been a strain.” He then shifted and added, “I hope it’s okay that my family is close. I’m not trying to one-up you.”
I shook my head. “No, most ponies’ families are like yours. I hope you’ll get to see them again soon. We should probably head back inside, though. It’s close to the end of lunch.”
Cobalt replied, “Yes. Well… this has been… awkward, but thank you.”
“No problem at all.”
☾
My quarters looked different than usual. Winterspear had been making herself at home even though she claimed to spend most of her time at Iridescence’s place. Not that I minded. Everything was decorated for Hearth’s Warming Eve and I was feeling the spirit.
“Alright, be a good colt and blow out the candle,” Winterspear said as she sat a cupcake down in front of me.
“You know I don’t really care about my birthday, right?”
“Yes, I do, but I care and I almost lost you this year, so shut up and do this for me, okay?”
I shrugged and blew the candle out. “Thank you for this. The place looks great. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help.”
Winterspear shook her head. “You’re in school. It is a miracle you got enough liberty for the holiday. We can spend more time together after you graduate.”
“That’s true. Perhaps we can even double date.”
“Come again?” My sister looked confused.
“Crystal Wishes and I with you and Iridescence,” I explained.
Winterspear just stared at me. “Seriously?”
“Yup, seriously. We’re going to date.”
She blinked. “What? She is into stallions? But I thought she was with Velvet Step.”
I held up a hoof. “Honest to Luna. She doesn’t like mares like that.”
“She could have fooled me!”
“Fillyfooled you?” I tried not to grin.
My sister groaned and shook her head. “No more jokes for you.”
I stuck my tongue out at her and then smiled. “I asked her out and she said yes. She and Velvet were extremely excited about it. So… we’re going to go out. Which is a lot easier than the signals I was getting. I thought I was going to have to date them together.”
Winterspear looped her hooves around me to hug. “It is about time you got back out there. When you… found us, I was worried you weren’t going to bounce back. It was all Royal Guard stuff. What happened?”
Softly, I nuzzled her cheek and hugged her. “I almost got killed and realized I wanted more in life than that Celestia Cross. Nearly dying puts a lot into perspective… like how it isn’t worth it to stay mad at a sibling, or a friend. Or finally figuring out you’ll never find that certain approval because it won’t ever come. A pony can get caught up focusing on those things and then suddenly everything is over, and what is left?”
“You’re not a colt anymore,” she whispered softly to me as we cuddled.
I shook my head. “No, but I’ll always need my big sister and if she ever needs me, I’ll be there for her.”
She squeezed me and replied, “I love you… Moving here was the best thing I ever did.”
“I love you, too. And I’m glad you did.”
My sister gave me one more squeeze before leaning back and peering at me. “Did you really think you were going to figure out a way to date them both?”
Sometimes I regret that I have a solid memory and recount stories accurately. Too accurately. “I did.”
“Ambitious.”
My brow arched and I peered at her. “Ambitious, huh?”
She laughed and playfully shoved me. “Ambitious, hilarious, foolish, insane, and other similar words. Stick to one. You’ll live longer.”
I huffed in mock offense. “I’ll keep that in mind!”
☾
I sat quietly at my desk, looking down at the test booklet in front of me. It had been a challenge, it had been stressful, it had even been confusing, and it was nothing like the tests back in the Royal Guard Academy. This test had been full of ethics questions, hypothetical situations, and scenarios that ended up with ponies dying no matter what.
That was what bothered me the most. Hypothetical, non-existent ponies dying really bothered me. It was the nature of being in command, though, and I had made the best decisions I could. That was really all that the guard asked for. I just expected better from myself.
Now the test was over for me. I felt pretty confident with my answers but I was concerned I had finished too soon. Most of the other cadets were still working. Onyx was sitting back and scratching his head. Cobalt had his eyes closed. I shrugged and waited for the time to expire.
Waiting gave me a moment to reflect on everything I had learned. Being a royal guard was all about making sure you did what you were supposed to. There was always a pony around to tell you exactly what to do. Being a Royal Guard officer wasn’t the same. A pony was expected to make decisions and take responsibility for them. Those decisions might be measured in lives.
It was a frightening prospect but I had faith I could handle it. I had already sent ponies into battle and lives had been lost. Now I was going to be responsible for my actions and theirs.
At the head of the room, the small clock chimed and the sergeant major rose. “Alright, cadets, that is time. Pencils down. Bring your exams up and go on your way.”
Some of the other ponies made sounds of dismay. I rose and approached the desk at the front and set my booklet on it. Briefly, I nodded to the instructor and he returned it. Now there was nothing to do but wait.
☾
A group of ponies stood huddled around the scroll that had been posted on the wall outside of the classroom. I waited patiently as they shouldered each other aside to look. It was a spectacle. Some ponies looked and their heads fell immediately. They would not be graduating. With any luck, they’d just be held back a class.
Other ponies, seemingly unaware of their failed peers, would cheer, dance, or do some other obnoxiously loud activity. Cody fit into that category. These ponies would graduate and receive their commission.
I felt the presence of Onyx to my side and he asked, “Look yet?”
“No.”
“Worried.”
“No.”
He snorted and shook his head. “Not you. Me. Go look.”
That made me chuckle on the inside. Cooly, I nodded and got up to go take a look. The ponies had dispersed and were breaking into groups of congratulations and consolations. When I got to the list, the chuckle on the inside broke out.
I read the parchment loudly over my shoulder, “Number one in the class. Onyx Mace.”
The stallion got up and grumbled on his way over, “Not funny.”
I tapped the parchment and said louder, “Number one in the class. Onyx Mace!”
He shouldered me aside and looked at the parchment in confusion and disbelief. “How?”
“No clue. It certainly isn’t your social skills.”
That made him snort. That was generally as close to a laugh as Onyx got. He slid his hoof down. “Number ten. Silent Knight. Pretty good."
“Agreed,” I replied before looking at the list again. There was one more name I wanted to see. Cobalt Thane, number twelve.
Onyx turned and said, “Get your stuff. Drinks are on me.”
If Onyx knew anything, it was tradition—and tradition stated that the number one pony had to buy the drinks. I was more than happy to oblige him in that as we headed off to the Spearhead.
☾
Winterspear helped me straighten my uniform. She carefully aligned all of my medals and then slipped the Celestia Cross around my neck.
“There. Perfect,” she said. She was dressed in her armor and it had been buffed to an immaculate shine. My sister had an important role to play today.
“To be honest, I’m shocked it is already over,” I admitted. “Twelve weeks just flew by.”
“Such is getting older,” Winterspear replied. “I’ll see you after the ceremony. Congratulations!” She went to hug me but then stopped. “Hugs can wait… Wouldn’t want to muss up your uniform.”
I nodded and headed out for the academy. After checking in, I found Onyx. We stood together as we waited for instruction for our pass-in-review. His eyes occasionally dipped to the medal around my neck. It caught the attention of several other cadets and soon we had a small crowd.
Gently, I deflected questions until I was rescued by the sound of Sergeant Major Blackhoof coming in. He was in his ceremonial guard armor and it was polished to a high shine.
“Ponies, today is the first day of your new life. When you cross that field, whoever you were will be gone. In the place of that pony will be a new, stronger version. That is a necessity because the roles you take on from here on out will not be easy. Your successes and failures will be measured in lives. Never forget that. Fall in!”
The pony who I was would be gone? Could that really be the case? Could simply marching across this field really turn me into a new Silent Knight? Maybe he was right, but I quickly shook the thought away and started to assemble.
We all fell into formation. The top-performing cadets moved into the front and I was placed on the wing of the first rank. I had done pretty well while I was here, and so had Onyx—though for him that was an understatement.
I was going to miss him. After today, we would go our separate ways. We all would.
The drummers started drumming and we began to march in place. The instructors pushed the large doors to the academy headquarters open and we began to move forwards in perfect step. Waves of cheers hit us as we crossed the threshold. The families and friends of the cadets were in the stands to share the special day. When I had graduated from the guard academy, if you could call it that, there was nopony there to cheer me on. This time, however, I had a whole section.
In exact time and rhythm, we marched across the field. When we reached the midpoint, we perfectly pivoted to face the crowd in a maneuver that made us look like a wave of rushing water. At the head of the field, in front of the stands, was a dais where the commandant of the academy was waiting with his senior staff.
“Company halt!” the senior instructor called and we did so. The commandant began to speak but I honestly wasn’t paying much attention to him. It was all pretty standard: duty, honor, responsibility, et cetera. My mind was focused on the crowd and how I had found a life I’d never expected.
Iridescence and Winterspear were there in ceremonial armor. They really did make a good couple. It had been so difficult to adjust to but I was glad my sister was happy. After my run in with the gryphons, I had let go of any lingering resentment. It just seemed petty at that point. Today, they were there and looked as proud as anypony else.
Miley Hooves was beside them dressed in her armor, which really contrasted with Runic Phial who, evidently, looked great in a suit and top hat. The little mare was holding hooves with him, full of confidence and glee. She certainly had come a long way and I was so glad to have paired her with Runic. They were good for each other… and they had been good to me.
Velvet Step was there, too, in a lovely summer dress. She sat close—but not too close—to Crystal Wishes. There wasn’t a more loyal friend than she. Velvet had invested a lot of her time and energy into putting Crystal and I together. I could never repay her for that.
And then there was Crystal herself. She was in the most elegant of gowns. Nopony else could have held a candle to how she looked that day. Her blonde and pink mane wasn’t in the braid; instead, she had left it long and flowing, and it accented the shimmering silver gown she wore. Radiant would be the only word to describe her. I was certain I’d have that memory of her for the rest of my life.
Last, but certainly not least, Princess Luna rounded out my cheering section. She was my surrogate mother, more or less. I was not certain if I really protected her as much as she protected me. I also didn’t care. We loved and protected each other like families ought to. Normal families, anyway.
Princess Luna sat next to two empty seats. I’d invited my parents. That seemed to be a foolish gesture but it honestly didn’t bother me that they didn’t come. My real family was there, and a pony couldn’t have asked for a better one.
“And so I charge each and every one of you to remember one thing for your entire career: we do not exist to cause war or conflict. We exist to ensure peace. In everything you do, try and promote peace and harmony, and our world will be a better place for it,” the commandant continued. “Mares and gentleponies, it is my pleasure to present to you this season’s graduates!”
The stands erupted into cheers and hoof stomping. It was deafening, but it also felt right.
Sergeant Major Blackhoof shouted, “Fall out and be pinned!”
We broke ranks and started off individually towards the stands. I reached out a hoof to briefly touch Onyx’s shoulder. “Been a pleasure,” I said.
“Likewise,” he replied before heading off to find his wife. I’d probably never see him again, but that was okay. That is the nature of the Guard. We were brothers even at a distance.
My gaggle of ponies found me. There was a lot of individual cheering.
“Silent Knight, we have a surprise for you,” Princess Luna said with her wings spread wide to keep something hidden. I tilted my head and she stepped aside to reveal Shining Armor.
“Sir?”
He smiled and approached. “If you will allow it, I would like to have the honor of pinning you, Cadet.”
A new lieutenant has the right to choose who places their rank pin on their uniform. Usually this is done by a father or family member. I couldn’t think of any pony better for me.
“It would be a privilege,” I said.
Shining Armor stepped in front of me while levitating a small wooden box. Winterspear moved in beside him. The colonel opened the box and carefully removed the silver bar from it. With a combination of magic and hooves, he pinned it on my uniform and stepped fluidly out of the way. I turned ever so slightly to face Winterspear directly.
Winterspear stiffened to perfect attention and lifted her hoof to render my first salute. I returned it crisply and offered her a pure silver twenty-bit piece. It was an old tradition and one I liked. That made it official. I was a lieutenant now.
My friends stomped and cheered while my sister hugged me tightly, tears in her eyes. “So proud!”
“You have done well, Silent Knight,” Princess Luna said as I shook hooves with Shining Armor and Runic.
“Thank you, Princess. This wouldn’t have been possible without you and the colonel. I owe you both a lot.”
Shining Armor shook his head. “You don’t owe me anything. Just keep looking after your ponies. That is all I ask.”
“Verily! Come, it is time for us to celebrate! For on the morrow, we must go back to work!” Princess Luna cheered.
“And so we do!” I replied.
We all left the field together. I made sure to stay beside Crystal Wishes. After all, what sort of officer and gentlepony doesn’t walk with his lady?
The new Silent Knight was right where he should be. He was a Silent Knight who knew there was more to life than a job. A Silent Knight who no longer worried about his family name.
A Silent Knight who was now his own pony.
I truly hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a deeply emotional one for me because, if it isn't obvious, this would be a fitting end for the story.
Silent Knight is not the same pony that started. He has learned that life is about more than being a guard. It is also about love and loss, friends and family, and being a well-rounded pony. To me when I finish this chapter I see nothing but hope and good things for him in his future which is why this serves as the right way to wrap things up.
When I set out to write Memoirs of a Royal Guard I never imagined it would be as successful as it has been. You, dear readers, have been a blessing and have made the journey wonderful. I was never sure I'd make it this far and I certainly never really expected to go much further.
Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm. I'm pleased to say that this isn't "the end" but it is the conclusion of what we'll call "book one" of Silent Knight's life.
When I start up again I'll be moving on to the next phase which will deal with different issues. I plan to keep the same general format but there will be some tweaks and changes. I'm not 100% decided if I'll continue the story here or do a direct sequel. I'm certainly open to thoughts there.
Once again I want to express my appreciation for you all and I look forward to sharing more stories with you!
If you are enjoying this story, please consider taking a look at Crystal and my's website QuillnBlade.com for extra content such as mini stories, an Ask Us form to submit questions, responses to said questions, and special rewards for the awesome folks who support our Patreon.
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What a great end to a great story, cannot wait to see more from you.
*claps* Bravo, good sir! Bravo.
And in the words of Trigger. "Congrats on the bar."
without the whole "strange missing ponies that luna's trying to find" ...
i wouldn't mind that as an ending. very well done.
I like it when a story ends on a good note, and this is definitely a good way to end this part. It was wonderful to see how Silent grew from a nervous basic guard to the capable and strong officer he is now.
If I could up-vote this again, I would.
For the record as well, I would recommend calling this one finished and starting a fresh story as a sequel.
Nicely done. Yes it could really be a nice ending. The premise of the story was really good and SK social akwardness was really a fun way to get hooked.
The really sad part is really his mother not even showing off. I think his father is a disgrace to the guards, I can understand he doesn't agree with his son be an officer, but just don't caring like that is really aweful.
That was fun, may I have another? Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
Very nicely done, sir! Glad I joined in on this in time to catch the ending.
And with that, Memoirs draws to a close.
It's been a real pleasure to read this story, and I also feel a bit sad that it's coming to a close. I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel and any other works you decide to write.
I just saw how Silent and Twilight are so much alike...
Gentle Phial. Imagnation runs so wild...
Now the only thing to do is wait for issue 2. Ask: Do your ponies use shelds?
5913704 Goddammit why?! Why did it have to end? Ah well, at least there will be more. I wouldn't mind seeing more from SK's viewpoint, especially if he has to deal with his dad.
5913747
Agreed.
Good way to finish this part of the story. Everything is mostly tied up while other things will lead us into book 2.
Speaking of, if I might make a suggestion, I'd start a sequel rather than adding more to this. I'm writing a side story to Fallout Equestria and planned it to be in three acts. However my first act was 20 chapters long with each one totally over 20000 words. I regret I didn't split it up to make it easier to manage both for myself and my readers.
Just a thought.
Now... onto the next!
I can't help but feel like this was a little... anticlimactic, I guess...?
Great chapter. I'm glad this isn't the end end. Good luck with the next part and thanks for this story.
This is definitely a good point to end the story and start the next part as its own tale. You might attract even more people when you put up the next installment that won't look quite as daunting (this in no way expresses my person feelings and is a best guess at the mind of the average reader) as your current nearly 150k words.
ERMEGERSH THIS IS AMAZING I LITERALLY D'AWWED WHEN LUNA REVEALED SHINING ARMOUR!!!!!!
Okay, yelling over, this was extremely well done. Oh wow. I feel so happy! Thank you!
You did an awesome job with this chapter! Having been to a officer graduation of the US Air Force this is spot on how they go. Nicely done.
You said book one. That means that there's going to be a book two!
So tuching can't wait for the sequel also you are such a good author I am extremely happy that this isn't the end and that we will get more.
I think that quotation mark is oriented wrong, I noticed a few other minor errors while reading too, but not enough to distract from the story.
I look forward to the sequel, I assume it will be collab with Crystal considering the relationship he's just started with her.
I would think that a sequel is warranted. Continuing it in the same story wouldn't work, methinks.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Can't wait to see what is next for Silent Knight.
This does seem to be a fitting end for your story. But something tells me you have more to tell here. Hopefully you decide whether to make a new separate sequel or continue on in this story as another "book". Either way, it is your decision.
*stands and applauds*
Do a Sequal. This story is called "Memoirs of a Royal Guard." So, yeah.
A beautiful story. The world building was top notch as was the character development. The characters feel 'real' if that makes any sense. It feels like they belong. I am also loving your other work Three of hearts and it looks set to follow Memoirs footsteps in terms of brilliance. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Silent Knight.
Man, whatever happens with Cobalt, they need to post him somewhere cool. Incidentally, his speech feels a little different, is that intentional or am I imagining things?
Hahaha!
Wow, graduation already? That was a shorter arc than I was expecting. I suppose that drawing it out particularly long would probably have been more boring than anything, unless it turned out to be a very drama filled class or something.
Don’t think too much on that, Silent, it's really a speech aimed more at the kids than the mustangs. You've been working on becoming that new you all story long.
I can see why this was the original ending, it definitely feels like one.
Thank you.
So ends the adventure of Silent Knight, making way for the next in his saga. Silent Knight 2: ...
... uh...
Silenter Knight...
Dammit....
i would like to see a sequel possible 5 years after the "end" of this story where Silent Knight is possible a Major or Lt. Col and PLHG is up to full combat operationality
I feel your right on this being a great way to put an end to it but a book two is great. So thank you for your story that showed us. I'm sad that I won't get to finish it before I ship out for basic training but I'm happy to know your not going to stop. I hope you do a book two instead of continuing on "book one" due to that great ending and there's many thing I think people want to know so I say do book two.
I liked this story up to this point, and still love it. Shame his parents did show up. and for book one it was good. There is plenty left to build on for Book two. cant wait for it.
Personally, I'd like to see book 2 separated from this, if not simply so I can give another like a favorite, then to give the book a definitive stopping point. As you mentioned, this was meant to be the end of the first book. Things are looking up, there's a, if not bright, then interesting future ahead for the cast. It would also provide an opportunity for a new story title, while Silent Knight is obviously still in the royal guard, his responsibilities have changed drastically since he joined on. I thought of something along the same vein as this story's title as well, maybe "Accounts of a Commanding Officer"? I don't know, just felt like a second book deserves a second title.
Whatever way you swing it though, the story is a superb example of proficient writing. The love and care directed towards its delivery is plain in the depth of both the characters and scenarios. Sadly I can't give more than one like, so I'll settle for emoticons.
Marvelous execution, looking forward to more with ready anticipation.
My joy and hope go out to you.
What Hyrs said. I need more shit to add to my shelf of honor and any sequel of this will certainly be added.
I'm the only one who couldn't help but wonder why Princess Luna and Shining Armour showing up to a cadets graduation seemingly garnered no attention at all? Or did it, but our narrator was just plain oblivious to it?
Nice place to end a book one, and what a journey.
Can you please leave a mention here with a link to the sequel when it airs?
I would also vote for declaring this one "complete" and moving on to a sequel rather than continuing it here. It just feels cleaner to me. Idk.
As long as there is more, I'm happy
Thank you for a truly wonderful story
man, so many feels.
must. have. MOAR!!!!!!
great chapter, tis been good
Impressive ending. It leaves everything open-ended for easy continuation and yet gives a very strong sense of satisfaction. Looking forward to the next 'book'
I want to thank you all for your immensely kind comments. I am overwhelmed by both the volume and positivity of them all. Today I'm going to do my best to give each and every one of you a proper response.
From your feedback it looks like the vast majority of you feel as if I should transition to a sequel story and I believe that will be the route I take. I'm a bit terrified of losing my audience that way but at the end of the day chapter 55 really does feel like an appropriate ending.
The working title for book two is Secrets of a Royal Guard. I expect to launch the first chapter on or around Monday, May 11th. Part of this time is to allow Crystal Wishes to catch up in the time line and for me to rework what I've written to allow a new reader to have some idea what is going on if they pick up Secrets first (that will be a huge challenge. I'm just shooting for "not completely lost."). That and I need to write four more chapters ;)
I'll be doing a brief epilogue with this story that will mostly be fun and silly. It will also have a link to the new story so nobody gets lost. Later this week I'll likely have a blog post put together announcing the Patreon launch and a secret project we've been working on.
Looking forward to seeing you all then!
5916085 That was my goal. It felt like a very satisfying conclusion for me but not one that limited options. Most loose ends were tied up too!
5915635 I get hit in the feels when I read the graduation scene myself. It was a labor of love and I'm glad you like it!
5915612 You're most welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot to me!
5915600 Agreed. There will absolutely be more. I'm far from done telling stories in this universe and there are some things I really do want to share with you all.
5915590 I think Silent Knight wouldn't really be paying attention to that. His focus would be more on the events surrounding himself. And don't worry! I'd already planned a pretty solid transition plan so I don't lose my audience. You'll be informed when Secrets launches.
5915588 I can oblige and I do very much appreciate being on that shelf!
5915496 Pretty much I agree with you. I offered up the question because I don't always know what my readers like. Evidently most feel the way you do! Thank you very much for reading and that comment. It was humbling.
5915336 Thank you! He certainly has grown a lot. There is more to do of course, but he is certainly a different pony and I think a new title will explore that.
5915292 There is certainly more work to do, yes. I'm excited to tell those stories next!
5915031 I hope you have a good experience at basic! Thank you for the support and at least when you get back you'll have a bunch of new chapters to read!
5914917 That will be an interesting time frame. I'm not certain with what I have planned now we'll get there. Secrets is going to be a direct sequel that starts a mere few days later. With that said, I've thought about the time frame you're interested in and when I complete Secrets we may go there.
5914887 Memoirs of a Royal Guard 2: The Silencing. Eh, probably not. Secrets is a sexy title!
5914667 You're very welcome and thank you for reading and commenting!
5914538 I thought the Fillyfooled you line was going to be a killer ;) I'm glad you appreciated it. I'd played with the academy being longer but honestly him going through various training was pretty dull. Especially since this was really the "resolution" to the story. Now we can start fresh with some new sub-plots and resolving a few lingering ones.
5914513 Thank you very much for the high praise! I'm truly glad to have you as a reader and that you're enjoying Three of Hearts too! That is kind of my pet project. I hope to keep the quality you expect going into the next story.
5914496 That does seem to be the prevailing wind. We'll start that up soon!
5914480 Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed how it all came out ^_^
5914401 You're absolutely right I do! I've got a lot to tell actually. My sub-plot board has three big stars on it still.
5914373 I'm glad to hear that! I'm also glad to have you read and comment. I'll certainly have more for you soon =)
5914347 Yeah, I thought so too but I felt a need to feel everyone out. Giving up your "wrapper" so to speak is kind of scary. A fresh story with no favorites, no ups, no "popular update" power, and such is a little daunting. It is the right thing to do here though.
5914115 We'll certainly be collaborating in the same way we have before. Crystal's Wishes will extend into Secrets without interruption.
5914089 It found the feels! I'm glad =D Thank you for reading and the praise! I'm excited to share more with you.
5914079 Absolutely there is. It is already in production and will start launching soon. Stay tuned!
5914052 Authenticity is important to me. I have to occasionally go off course to make things work in Equestria but this wasn't one of those times! I'm really glad you liked it!
5914043 Thank you for all of the comments and or reading! I'm happy I could provide that moment for you. Now I've just got to plan several more for the future ;D
5914021 I do often wonder how much of a turn off the word count is for readers. I agree, two 150,000 word stories is probably less of a challenge than one 300,000. Sequel it is! (I'm also really glad you liked that part).
5913962 Thank you! Yes indeed, I'm not ready to put Silent Knight down yet. There is still a lot he needs to do.
5913884 I can see that. The climax of this story was really during the gryphon arc and his dealing with that. This is more of a conclusion and a set up sort of thing.
5913818 Thank you and agreed. I was feeling like a sequel was the right direction and pretty much you've all confirmed it by majority.
5913747 There will absolutely be more and you won't have to wait too long for it either ;D
5913744 I like the idea of shields honestly. They seem wildly impractical though. Maybe bucklers?
5913704 Thank you for reading! I feel the same way. It is a little bittersweet to move on to another story even if it is a direct continuation. We won't have long to wait though!
5913694 Thank you! I'm glad you jumped in too. Now you can start the new story when it starts!
5913642 Secrets of a Royal Guard, coming to a fan fiction site near you ;D
5913576 His parents really are special ponies for sure. It is despicable for them not to show but, in some ways, it is kind of fitting.
5913558 I'm with you on that. I like stories to end happily too. Even if they have dark or tragic elements I'm always pleased if everything comes out okay in the end.
5913526 Agreed! That is a sub-plot I'll be resolving in the sequel for sure.
5913514 Thank you sir! Been a pleasure =D Now on to the next part!
5913503 Thank you very much! It felt like a good place to pause and take stock. Now I can start a new sequel, change a few things up, and offer some new ideas to you all!
Once again, thank you everyone for your comments and, more importantly, just reading. I've never written 150,000 words for a fiction story before. In fact I've rarely gotten past about 25,000. You keep me motivated and I feel like I can charge hard right into a sequel and keep it going!
Hopefully I managed to get a reply in to everyone (if I didn't it really was an error of omission only). I'll see you all really soon!
And...that was it...the end of part one of easily one of the best stories I've read in my 13 months on this site. Perhaps I'll have to make it my favorite, or at least a close second. My rating? 15/10. Amazing story, it was great as first person and couldn't have been made better in third person.
...but now, what to do in my spare time when I'm not writing?
Oh this is going on my list for sure.
5916523
Maybe you could combine those! Imagine it:
Secrets of a Sexy Guard, starring Sexy Knight. And his friends!
Sexy Wishes, Sexy Step, Sexy Phial, Sexy Hooves, Sexyspear, Sexydescence (?), Sexy Princess Luna, and Adotable.
(Because darn it, we have standards at Rock Bottom of the Barrel Entertainment, Ltd., for at least the next 12 or so years)
i think you should make a direct sequel. for i feel that with all that Silent Knight has bin throw this would be a good way to end this part of his live. plus i think if you continue putting chapters on it my feel a bit stretch and?or a bit off.
but hey
it your story and amazing one at that please keep going and look forward to more "Memoirs of a Royal Guard"
Well that was interesting. It was a nice ride. Truly a wonderful story and it was a privilege to read it. However you have left things unresolved and subplots unfinished. I assume this means that there is going to be a sequel right? Please tell me when/if it is coming out. I can't wait for the continuing adventures in the life of Silent Knight.
My impatience will be my undoing, can't wait for the supposed second book of Silent Knight's life!
5934004 It starts Monday the 11th =)
5920846 The sequel will launch Monday the 11th. Glad you enjoyed the story!
5920558 Thank you ^_^
5917525 Oh you. I was thinking Princess Sexy Times
5917245 I hope the good list! ;)
5916691 Thank you for the high praise! Don't worry, I'll be back shortly with the usual twice a week updates!
5935356
Honestly, I was more expecting you to express concern at the fact that I've clearly been shopping for names at Girl's Costume Warehouse.
5935356 I will be waiting, however impatient I may be.
Ever since the first day of my accounts creation, I have read every chapter. When I caught up with your updates (several times), I would check up on 'Memoirs of a Royal Guard' more than five times a day, every day, and if there wasn't an update I'd have to keep my nerves down-you have wrote great story well worthy of praise.
I am both pleased this fanfic is complete because you have been resilient with this work, unlike many author who give up with such a long story. But I'm also upset because it has been a fun journey with Silent knight and his memoirs, the story cannot be left with so many more possibilities!
I think you should make a sequel to your work. There is 50 chapters in this story know, if you add more chapters for a follow up it could have 100 odd Chapters! Also, I want to know what else happens to silent knight!!!
I love this story and they way it has a connection to 'Crystal's Wishes'.
Keep up the spectacular work- Radiance.