“Major!” the minister’s voice called without warning, resonating through the all-too-thin wall that we shared.
“Coming, sir,” I replied without raising my own voice.
I trotted out of my office and into his. Minister Sombra was standing in front of his desk, levitating a scroll at eye level. A quill lazily danced its way towards the paper, which the minister used to sign it and then rolled it up. All this with a little unicorn magic.
Then the scroll floated to me. “Priority carrier to General Ironhoof. Get it on the fastest ship you can find.”
It was funny that he had to use the word “find.” The fastest ship in the fleet was often the most difficult to find, as the insane pegasi that piloted it had a tendency of taking joy rides. Unfortunately, relieving them wasn’t an easy option. A ship that fast needed certain skillsets and reflexes that most ponies lacked.
“Yes, sir. Is everything alright?”
Minister Sombra. “Very much so. Those are the Army’s final recall orders, including Ironhoof himself. You’ve proven we can handle a brigade. It is time to stop delaying the inevitable and bring everypony home. You’ll obviously need to start preparing for their return and his reception.”
General Ironhoof and the remaining ponies were coming home. That would be the end of it. Thank the alicorns. It was a prospect that no longer bothered me all that much. I just wanted everypony back in Equestria. “What does my timeline look like?”
“At least a month. The orders have to travel there, Ironhoof will need to organize the remaining soldiers, and moving that many back will take the Navy more effort than usual. With that said, ensuring we have a proper welcome for our commanding general is going to make that month feel short.”
“Agreed. I’m already starting on it mentally.” Numerous tasks started to line up in my head. A large welcome home would be necessary. Would that come before or after processing? Before seemed better, but would soldiers go missing and fail to report in?
The docks were also not set up to accommodate as many ships as would be returning. I’d need to coordinate with the Navy to keep the others nearby but away from the city.
Then there was the event itself. A parade was obvious. I’d need to speak to the mayor about that. How about an air show? That would only be fitting, too. A speech from the princesses and other dignitaries.
Absentmindedly, I turned to leave, but felt a light tug on left forehoof as it was caught by the minister’s magic.
“Major.”
Oh, right, he hadn’t dismissed me. “Sir?”
“Once the general is home, you realize we’re done with this particular role. You’re going to need a new position.”
That was true. Shining Armor had made me an offer, but that was dependent on Governor Cadence’s term. I had no plan for the time in between. “Yes, sir.”
“I’ve been very pleased with your ability to execute on the demands I’ve made of you. I’m also sure you’ll be able to have your pick of commands once your final medical clearance comes through.”
His magic released my hoof and he motioned to the wall we shared. “I like our current situation, so I’m going to make you an offer. Stay on as my personal aide. I realize you’re more inclined to be a commander, but the aide to the minister of defense is no paltry position.
“I can also assume that being separated from your wife for so long was tough on you. As my aide, you’ll be unlikely to find yourself in harm’s way again. You can swear to her you’ll come home at night and if you’re delayed, it will be a battle of paperwork, not swords. You don’t have to answer now, but please think about it.”
“Yes, sir. Of course, sir. Thank you very, very much.” I didn’t know what else to say as I trotted out of his office. Now the minister’s offer was pushing into my mental state and shoving some of the planning out. It swirled against Shining Armor’s chief-of-staff.
An aide was a good offer. I’d be busy but safe. Not that I wouldn’t be safe with Shining Armor… but a minister’s aide was almost never reclassified into infantry. A training officer could easily be sent into a gryphon kingdom to train gryphon warriors in yet another gryphon conflict, and I was young enough to have a ton of career left.
My hooves kept moving as I thought over the implications of being the minister’s aide. Would that help Crystal’s status and thus yield more positive benefits for returning veterans? It was a far more public role.
On the other hoof, I loved working with Shining Armor. Being his chief-of-staff meant having ponies reporting to me. It was far less visible, though, but the mentoring would be far superior. It would also be like old times. The times Dr. Kitty says we can’t recapture but only remember fondly. Doing so made me feel light on my hooves, almost as if they weren’t touching the ground.
Then there was another problem. What if I didn’t want either of those roles? Neither of them were true command positions. What about a Palace Guard company? A City Guard company? Wouldn’t that be more in line with my experience? A desk warrior was never really what I’d planned for.
“Excuse me, sir, do you have a pass?” The words ripped me from my thoughts.
“Huh?” I stopped and looked around. I was standing inside the walls of the Wonderbolt Campus. Had I been so deep in thought that I’d just auto-piloted my way here?
“A pass, sir. A campus pass.” It was a navy pony guard challenging me. How had I gotten through the gate? Perhaps I’d just flown over, which I shouldn’t have done due to my armor and the rules. It was muscle memory. This place had been in the back of my mind with the planning.
“No, sorry, I didn’t stop for a pass. I’m Major Knight and I need to speak to the Wonderbolt commander.”
The guard’s head tilted suspiciously but he looked me over and eventually nodded. “Yes, sir. From the minister’s office? That Major Knight?”
“The same.”
He motioned with a hoof. “I can’t let you go alone, but I can escort you up, sir. Since you don’t have a pass.”
“That would be fine.”
We trotted through the campus together, heading towards the main administration building. The whole place had changed a lot while I was gone. The technical flying aspects were played down. All of the colorful banners had been replaced by posters espousing the dedication of those that volunteered to fight.
The ponies here were different, too. There were far less applicants wandering around. The campus wasn’t barren, but it wasn’t filled with reserves, applicants, and young fliers like it used to be. It also seemed like the average age of a Wonderbolt was a lot younger. That, or I just felt old.
When we reached the commander’s office, the guard knocked, and then poked his head in after an acknowledgement. “Sorry to interrupt, sir. Major Knight is here on official business. I thought it might be critical and brought him straight here.”
“Send him in,” came a familiar voice but I wasn’t exactly sure where I’d heard it before.
Once the guard had stepped out of the way and pushed the door open, I realized who was inside: Commander Soarin. I hadn’t even heard about his appointment or promotion.
“This is a bit unexpected but not surprising,” I said as I trotted in.
Soarin shrugged. “Somepony had to step in when Spitfire took command of the Ironhoof. The first two ponies they asked said no so the Wonderbolts got stuck with me.”
The Ironhoof was another Knight class battleship. All of the battleships were named after officers active in the war. “Well, you’re not Spitfire, but I think they chose well. Speaking of Ironhoof, he’s coming home and bringing all of the remaining ponies with him. I’m making arrangements. What will it take to get a Wonderbolts flyover and show?”
“Normally some paperwork, but in this case I’m just going to skip all that and ask when you need us? We’ll pull out all the stops. How does all four teams sound?”
All four teams? I wasn’t aware of any show with them all together. “It sounds amazing. Can you pull it off in a month?”
Soarin tapped a hoof on his desk. “We do what we need to. It was hard enough not allowing everypony to volunteer. This is the least we can do. I’ll put together the best show in a we—“
The door behind me burst open, slamming against my flank armor. I didn’t flinch or even move. That was somewhat of a surprise to me. Doors were rarely deadly to armored ponies but still, a few months ago I may have jumped and drew my sword.
“Oops, sorry!” came a somewhat raspy voice from a rainbow-maned, blue mare that had burst through the door. “Am I interrupting?” She still had her flight goggles on and was in a Wonderbolt flight uniform.
“Yes!” Soarin groaned. “Is this a real emergency or something else?”
“It’s a real emergency. Well… okay, maybe a minor emergency. Actually, it can probably wait. Sorry.”
Soarin sighed and motioned a hoof. “Silent Knight, meet Lieutenant Rainbow Dash. I’m sure you know of her.”
The rainbow mane had given it mostly away. Those were pretty rare. “You joined the Navy?” I blurted.
“Oh, well, yeah. I wanted to be a Wonderbolt and the princesses didn’t allow us to risk our lives in the war, so I had to do my part for my ponies! You know, keep their spirits up! Hey, you’re that stallion that rode a dragon, right?”
My jaw went slack. “Uh… yes, but that is classified.”
Rainbow Dash snorted. “Yes, please, let’s classify something that thousands of ponies saw firsthoof. Anyway, that is some pretty cool stuff. Are you here to become a Wonderbolt? I mean, riding a dragon has to get you some points on the application.”
Soarin cleared his throat. “No, the major is here on official business. We’re going to be working together. Now, if you don’t mind waiting outside, we can take care of your sort-of-not emergency after, okay?”
“You got it, Soarin!” Rainbow Dash grinned before ducking out.
I peered over at the other stallion. He just shook his head.
“Military discipline is lost on her. Anyway, I’ll send over a liaison so we can get this all together. We’ll put together a show that nopony will ever forget.”
“Thank you, I really appreciate this. The minister will, too.”
When I turned to go, Soarin cleared his throat. “On a personal note, I’m glad you’re back. Sunny and Azurite were worried the whole time. Especially after the Harmony. Sunny took Russet’s death really poorly and I wasn’t sure how’d she react to yours if that had happened. You should swing by when you have some free time. They miss you.”
They had both said as much, and it wasn’t like I was avoiding them. Life was just moving too fast now that I was home. There were so many things going on. “I need to do that. I miss them, too. You know how it gets, though.”
Soarin nodded. “Oh, I do. Being a Wonderbolt was hard enough. Getting the big office has eaten up a ton of my free time, but you have to make time. Understand?”
“I do. I’ll reach out soon. For now, I need to go talk to a couple of princesses, a mayor, about forty different officers, and my wife. This is going to take a lot of effort.”
“No kidding. Good luck, Silent!”
“Thanks, I’ll need it,” I replied before heading out.
Rainbow Dash was sitting by the door, bouncing a ball on her head. “See you later!”
I waved and hurried on my way. The mayor would be next. Then the city guard commander. So much to do. So little time.
☾
Princess Luna’s chambers had always felt like home. I’d spent many days and nights in them, both professionally and socially. This evening proved to be a bit of both. I was off duty, but the circumstances of my visit were all business.
The princess was sitting on her large pillow while Moonlit Star and I sat on the couch. I’d brought the journal and shared the particular passage I’d been reading the other day with the two of them.
When I finished reading from the journal, I looked up and said, “I want to see if you can get into Brigadier Hammer’s nightmares. If you can, we don’t need to worry. At least we need not fear dark magic. If you can’t… well, perhaps Moonglaive was right.”
“Yes, I can certainly try. What do you intend to do if I cannot?” Princess Luna asked.
“Indeed,” Moonlit Star mused.
That was an excellent question. One I thought I had the answer for. I flipped the journal open and read aloud, “I’ve been training this small group of knights at my conservatory within Starlight Grotto. There I’ve amassed the knowledge presented to me by Lady Nocturna and how to potentially defeat these cultists. More importantly, I was able to press her on where their powers came from.”
I closed the journal. “If I can find Starlight Grotto and the conservatory within, I might be able to locate something that wasn’t in the Haven Library. Hopefully, we can use that to our advantage. It is clear we’re not the first ponies to deal with this situation.”
Moonlit Star and Princess Luna briefly exchanged glances before turning to me.
“You’ve already been to Starlight Grotto,” Princess Luna said.
“I have?”
She nodded. “That is where you found Tranquil Dusk’s diary. You need merely return and locate the conservatory. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with it. Matron?”
The matron shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Starlight Grotto, much like any city but Haven and this one, is unknown to me. I only ventured here so that I can be by your side.”
She pressed on, “I do know from the books I’ve read within the library that High Marshal Moonglaive had many secrets. To be fair, so did Lady Nocturna. Both are quite vague in much of their writing. At least until you find some of the more personal works.
“They had great respect for each other, but the trust between them was not unconditional. As far as I can tell, anyway. And, as you know, Nocturna deliberately left her knowledge for you, Princess. Perhaps the High Marshal left some to be found by his successor?”
If I’d learned anything, it was that the nox ponies were not as trusting as other ponies. All of these secrets were getting burdensome. I couldn’t even conceive not trusting Princess Luna, even if she had threatened to disappear me. This was especially true since there was a real danger. It was clear that I had to find the conservatory.
“Then I suppose it is time for me to go back to Starlight Grotto. I’d rather not wait to see if you can help Brigadier Hammer. That would just delay our resolution. Plus, the sooner I get there, the sooner I can return. Minister Sombra will notice my absence. My staff is good, but I need to be at the helm.”
Princess Luna softly chuckled. “For a pony that is not on duty, you certainly have a lot of duties.”
I shrugged. “You know me. I’ll get my armor and head out. I remember the way.”
As I moved to stand, Princess Luna’s horn lit and I felt the gentle push of her magic urging me back onto the couch. “No.”
“No?” Moonlit Star and I said in unison.
“Correct: no. We are not sending Silent Knight off on secret missions. Before that can be done, we will discuss this matter with Celestia and make a decision on what to do next. We have enough evidence to have a concern. Perhaps she knows something.”
Moonlit Star stood. “Princess… With all due respect, this is a private matter for our House.”
“And I choose to discuss it with my sister. She is, after all, far more adept with magic than I.” As if to accentuate her point, Princess Luna stood and reached out with her magic once more. Without warning, she pulled her doors open.
Miley Hooves gasped with surprise from behind the little desk that sat on the other side and quickly hopped up. The two house guards didn’t move, but their eyes flicked towards us.
“Sergeant, run along and tell Sunny Day that we’re coming to see Celestia right now.”
“Yes, Princess!” Miley squeaked before literally running off down the hall.
“Come along, you two. The sooner we have this talk, the sooner we may act,” Princess Luna said before striding out in Miley’s wake.
The two house guards fell in behind her, two paces back and one to each side. Moonlit Star and I followed just after them. The expression on the matron’s face was not one of acceptance. Her disapproval was quite obvious. It practically oozed off her and onto the plush carpet.
As we passed by my former office, Midnight Snow popped out and started trotting along with us. “Princess? Where are we going? There isn’t anything on your schedule.” She then turned her head back, caught sight of me, and looked up at the princess.
“Just to see my sister, Lieutenant. There is no need to make a fuss. Sergeant Hooves and the duty guards are more than sufficient to get me across the palace.”
“Of that I have no doubt, Princess. I simply like to be in the loop for official meetings so that I can anticipate your needs. Will this meeting result in a schedule change?”
The princess shook her head as she kept going. “No, not for me at least. Perhaps for Silent Knight.”
“Silent Knight?” Midnight Snow repeated.
“Yes, he might have to work on a project for me.”
We crossed from one wing into the other. All of Sunny’s guards stood to attention as we went by.
“Princess, I’m certain I can handle any project you need completed,” Midnight said. “I’m also certain the major is busy with the minister’s work.”
I felt a sympathy pang in my heart. She was worried about being replaced.
“No, Lieutenant, not in this case. I’m afraid this project will likely require a bit of nox pony blood. Silent Knight is fairly suited to this sort of task.”
“I see,” was all the lieutenant said before falling into step behind the princess.
As we neared Princess Celestia’s chambers, Sunny Day was waiting outside in her perfectly polished armor. Miley was next to her, huffing and puffing a bit.
“Greetings, Princess Luna. Princess Celestia was just winding down for the day but we’ve pulled her away from her book. If you’ll follow me, please,” Sunny said before lighting her horn and opening the door.
How long was Sunny going to pretend to be me? It was starting to get unnerving.
Princess Luna nodded. “Thank you,” she said and trotted through the door. With no other instructions, the rest of us followed her. Including Miley, Sunny, our two house guards, and the two house guards that had been outside Princess Celestia’s door.
As we all came through, Princess Celestia was just coming out of her bedroom, wrapped in a robe. When she saw us all, her eyes grew wide with alarm. “Is something wrong?”
“What? Why would you assume—” Princess Luna stopped and turned to see all of the eyes looking at her. “Ah, I can see how you would think that. Anypony that isn’t an officer or Moonlit Star may wait outside, please.”
Miley huffed, but followed her and Sunny’s guards out.
Once the doors were closed, Princess Luna settled onto a large sitting pillow and patted the one across from her.
She waited until her sister sat before starting, “I believe we’re facing a problem of magical nature and before I send Silent Knight off to deal with it, I have come to discuss it with you. As promised.”
Sunny, looking rather suspiciously our way, trotted over to stand by Princess Celestia’s side. She was the image of professionalism, other than the fact her eyes kept falling on me.
“Oh, I see. What is the problem? It isn’t with the gryphons, is it? That treaty should be honored.”
“No, I doubt they’re involved,” Princess Luna said before explaining everything to her sister. My nightmares, her inability to see them, what was in the journal, and my concerns about Brigadier Hammer.
Princess Celestia had remained quiet, taking it all in, and mulling it over. Finally, she replied, “I don’t see any harm in Silent Knight going and trying to find more information. There isn’t enough to go on yet. If he finds something, I’ll want to see it and remain in the loop.”
Moonlit Star’s ears shot up and she looked to Princess Luna, horror written on her face.
The princess was unswayed by that. “Without a doubt. In the meantime, I was hoping you could look through Star Swirl’s library. Surely he’d know something about this. I can’t imagine it would go unnoticed to the Alicorns of the Day.”
“Perhaps. I’ll start my search first thing in the morning. It is a shame Twilight isn’t here. Her talents would be best suited for this.”
Princess Luna nodded. “Indeed. From the report I saw earlier today, she’ll be home soon enough.” The princess softly patted her sister’s hoof before turning to me. “Very well, then. Silent Knight will be on his way first thing tomorrow. I’d send him now, but I think there is one more mare who needs to approve.”
Princess Celestia chuckled. “Yes. We best not run afoul of her. We have a plan, then. I’m going to go to bed so I can start fresh.”
As Princess Celestia started to rise, Sunny had taken on some kind of nervous tic. It built until she finally put a hoof on the white alicorn and said sternly, “Okay, no, stop! You can’t do this. I’ve tried to be a model guard, but I can’t just listen to this and keep my mouth shut!”
With an arched brow, Princess Celestia inquired, “You dare renege on our agreement after I let Azurite ride me like a foal?”
“Yes! Only because this is serious. I know it is just a trip to some dark, empty city, but he can’t go alone. Yes, they came here to talk to you. That was the right thing to do, but he isn’t cleared for duty. Even if he was, if this was a Royal Guard mission, he wouldn’t go alone.”
Sunny stomped a hoof for emphasis and finished, “So, no, Silent Knight will not be going.”
Midnight Snow, who I’d forgotten was even in the room, chimed in, “Agreed. This is wholly inappropriate.”
The princesses exchanged glances before Luna replied, “And the two of you plan to exert what authority in this matter?”
Sunny tipped her nose up. “Royal Guard authority. Silent Knight, you can’t do this again.” She then turned towards the princesses “This is exactly how he got into trouble before. He’s not your House Guard commander, he doesn’t work for either princess, and the minister hasn’t signed off on this.”
Midnight Snow nodded once again. “The captain is correct. You should request that the minister execute this mission. He’ll assign the appropriate resources.”
Princess Luna snorted. She then pointed a hoof at me. “He’s the only resource that can do this. We don’t exactly have a trove of nox pony guards, and certainly not any with his experience. You want me to fall victim to bureaucracy while we risk Lightning Hammer?”
"There are rules for a reason, Princess," Midnight Snow said with conviction.
“Yeah! Rules really ma—“ Sunny tried to chime in.
Princess Celestia interrupted her. “Of course Sunny doesn’t wish for that. She’s just capitalizing on an opportunity.” She idly swatted Sunny with her tail. “Fine, you can go, too.”
“Thank you!” Sunny chimed before trotting over to me. “Now we’re secret agents together.”
“Wait, Captain! You know this isn’t right,” Midnight Snow urged.
“Feh, rules! Yeah, they kind of matter but now I get to be a part of this so I don’t care. You’ll get used to it, Snow. I’d think after all this time you would be. Come on, Silent, let’s go tell Crystal!”
“Aren’t you on duty?” I asked.
Sunny waved a hoof. “Meh, Snow’s got this covered. I’m only on for another hour, anyway. Move it or lose it, fuzzy ears!” She then grabbed me by the hoof and started tugging me out of the room. “Night, Princess! Sleep well!”
Midnight Snow balked. “This is highly irregular!”
I didn’t stay to argue, though. Evidently, we were going to go tell my wife now. That suited me fine. Princess Luna could argue with her guard commander.
“You know we’re not going until tomorrow,” I said once we were outside of the palace.
Sunny shrugged. “I know, but Soarin and Azurite are both going to be working late tonight, so I have nothing better to do than meddle in your life and I haven’t done that much lately. We’re friends. I love you and I express it by making you miserable.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome!”
Truthfully, I was glad Sunny was going to go with me. To Starlight Grotto, that is. Not to my quarters. Although Crystal might not take this well, and having a pony to watch my back wasn’t a bad thing. I’m pretty sure my mother had been instructing my wife in the art of throwing dinner rolls. That was the real danger I faced. Angry bread.
Hmm... I wonder if Silent Knight will end up creating his own command position. Moonglaive trained ponies to fight these cultists. I wonder if Silent will do the same. Would definitely put him in the command position he'd want.
Angry bread! Super okay!
7738695 Well that sounds interesting.
Dinner rolls are a very, very dangerous weapon when employed correctly. I should know, I've been hit by a few!
I think Luna and Celestia are really going to miss these guys when they pass away. The liven up there life so much.
Gotta go to that starlight ghetto.
A choice between two careers, with the added possibility of forging his own path. Silent has got some serious decision making to do. I love how previously, I would have wondered if he would properly talk about it with others—mainly Crystal—but I think he has learned that's something he should do over the course of his development.
Now, that parade idea there. Rainbow Dash already let us know that what Silent did as Dread Knight isn't exactly secret, and he was already known as somewhat of a war hero. So I wonder if Silent is going to be asked to appear as Dread for the parade.
I also wonder what that would do to him, if he'll even do it.
But for next time, the idea of Sunny tagging along with Silent is a pleasure to look forward to.
Crystal Wishes won't have to worry much, since Silent will be gone for a short time.
And we're back to running secret missions for Princess Luna, just like old times! Only now the Alicorns of the day are in the loop so here's hoping that equates to double the success.
Let's assume that Pinkie and Rainbow Dash were doing USO shows this whole time.
oh lord Sunny is coming along with a secret mission. this is gonna be interesting. I am curious to see wjere the chips will fall when everyone is home from the war, and about the nightmares of the general.
Shits getting real again!
7738695
I could see him heading up some sort of special forces group to deal with issues of a supernatural nature that would be better solved with military force than the Elements of Harmony.
7738956
Which main characters? You mean Quill & Blade Main characters? because really only only main character missing is Crystal and hopefully we'll see this wonderful conversation in the next chapter.
If you mean the Mane 6, they have made almost literally no appearances until a few chapters ago. The fact that Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy or Rarity have even had speaking lines in the story at all is actually (possibly) extremely significant.
Hurray! the old Sunny is back! Now we just need Crystal to come on this assignment too!
Wait a minute, how are they going to get there? it's it in the side of a mountain?
SK - Shouldn't fly long distances
Sunny - Unicorn, can't fly
So what's the plan on that?
And back to Haven we go. At least it's more properly sanctioned this time. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
Ohh I love the suspense.
Im wondering where the Executor has gotten off to. That plot line is still dangling. Its nice to see Sumny and Sulent working together.
Sunny is like another sister to Silent.
Fantastic chapter, Anzel. Love the humor and light-heartedness of this chapter. Looking forward to next chapter!
7738956 And by main characters, what do you mean?
As a baker, I can confirm that angry bread is very real, and very dangerous.
7739694
I assume he’s asking why the protagonist(s) aren’t tagged. They are, but if my assumption is correct then he is assuming that the “Princess Luna” and “Original Character” tags are just there to indicate supporting characters and he’s wondering where the “real” character tags are.
7738695 He certainly seems to have the clout to make some of his own decisions. That certainly seems like a possibility.
7738714 Angry bread is a real danger. You have to be careful!
7738789 They're the primary weapon employed by Wallflower.
7738819 Sad, but true. I think they miss all of their special ponies.
7738855 Nah, that place is two blocks over across the train tracks!
7738889 It is never easy when everypony wants a piece of you. Options are good though!
That is a valid point about the parade. Wouldn't it make sense for him to be in it? Sure! Will he? Who knows!
7738928 One can only hope!
7738956 The Q&B AU is an OC focused AU. The mane six rarely make appearances, and aren't the focus of the story. As such, they're not tagged as that would be misleading.
7738969 That would not be an unreasonable assumption. Rainbow Dash clearly did her part through keeping folks entertained and their minds off the war.
7739115 Sunny is totally a super secret agent! She can do it! She has the power!
7739118 Indeed! It seems to be getting quite real.
7739120 That would be a neat role!
7739268 Starlight Grotto is the one that is at the base of the mountain actually. Midnight's Peak is the one at the top. Besides, they can just call a dragon Uber ;D
7739387 All parties have been informed this time, that is true. It is a help :D
7739489 There is a great deal of excitement for a Sunny + Silent adventure.
7739567 Where indeed... where indeed.
7739628 She is! A really annoying one :) They're a fun pair to write. Polar opposites.
7739694 Well thank you! Enjoy it because everypony dies in the next one. I kid... or do I!
7739724 Expert testimony accepted.
7739732 Could be!
7738695 if he does start a coax up, he may be obligated to a certain dragon.
7739268 umm.. a chariot ride?
.
I can see it now,. A new game called Angry Bread. Croissant s, dinner rolls, mini ciabatta rolls, and naan flat bread to start battling the forces of (this is where I drew a blank) ... Umm... Sugar Griffin's?
7739652
Short Version: Although the Mane 6 are appearing in recent chapters, this is an Alternate Universe and the stories set in this universe aren't about them. It has it's own cast of main and side characters and diverges from the series after the first 2 seasons.
Long version:
The events of this story, the previous 2 Silent Knight stories, as well as the other perspectives and stories in the Quill and Blade Universe take place in a separate timeline. In this timeline, the history of Alicorns is different and as such Twilight Sparkle and Cadence are just unicorns. These stories only stay true to the events of the series up to and including the Canterlot Wedding. The elements of harmony are mentioned but the main stories aren't about them as most of the characters here live in Canterlot.
I would recommend starting from the beginning with the two main storylines following Silent Knight and Crystal Wishes, written by Anzel and Crystal Wishes respectively. There is a lot of material but it is very well written. Also, you can see that the authors interact with and reply to the readers frequently.
Crystal's Wishes
Memoirs of A Royal Guard
It is a lot of material to catch up with so I won't judge if you decide to stick with more digestible stories. I will promise, however that everything Anzel and Crystal writes is delicious.
And thus ends my sales pitch.
7739809 I also feel that Silent's search for the observatory signifies that we're nearing the end of this story.
On another note, it's great to see the sexy Rainbow Dash in this chapter.
As long as it hasn't been teleported for three days, everything should be fine!
"Ready bread rolls! Aim! Fire!"
I want to see this.
it looks as if the war story ark is closing but it is being handed off to a new ark that I am liking and will Sunny ever be impressed the first time she sees Starlight Grotto.
Part of me wants to see this scene:
Silent: Honey! Honey, remember the deep breathing-
Crystal: FUCK THE DEEP BREATHING
it would be a bit out of character, but still funny.
Dinner rolls the second most prominent killer of stallions!!!!!!!
I hope Crystal checks the Expiration Date.
7741126
Lol. He gets home and gets hit in the head by a ninja brick bread. XD
7741261 ...
I said she should check the Expiration Date.
...
Expiration Date.
...
Expiration OH COME ON, I came up with the worst pun I could think of, SOMEONE CALL ME DUMB
I like this new arc and where it's going. Just curious, if you don't mind me asking; what brought on the desire to mention the main six recently?
7741514
I think the issue is that most of us didn't get the joke. I didn't, at least, so that might be causing a few hiccups.
7745174
This entire series is sooo gooooood x3 cant wait for next chapter
Another trip to Haven, and maybe a new Guard division headed by Silent? Perhaps this trilogy will actually become a tetralogy.
Hmmm... remind me, do Knights of the Moon serve the ruler of the House directly, or do they just act for the good of the House of Night? In the former case, it would seem that Luna has a personal army (at least on paper. And it's sole member doesn't really feel like serving her), whereas Celestia doesn't directly control anypony, as there don't seem to be Knights of the Day. On that note, how big is the House of Day? Is all of Equestria basically it? Are royal guards part of the House? Or maybe most of Equestria is not associated with either House? Are there other Houses? This is highly intriguing!
Warning: The end of this comment has some kind of spoiler information.
7739907 Angry Bread, the newest IOS sensation! F2P*
*If you want to play more than 5 minutes every 1 hour you'll need to spend $300 a month.
7740136 There is quite a bit of story left in Trials :D We're past the halfway point though.
7740475 Never trust teleporting in general!
7740479 Wallflower is dangerous with bread!
7740731 Indeed. We're past the War arc and the Recovery arc. This is moving into the final arc (and act) of the story.
7740790 Oh my!
7741060 Research confirms your hypothesis.
7741126 The more expired the better!
7743424 Thank you =) No desire, it is just all part of the master plan ;) The why will be revealed.
7748554 Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it =D
7752085 I can fairly confidently say that this will be the last "of a Royal Guard" serial. That isn't to say there can't be other storylines though.
7753379 Great question.
The Knights of the Moon are an ancient construct that predates Luna the alicorn but did not persist over the generations. As you pointed out, SK is the only one that we know of. It was also never a large enough organization to be an "army" so much as a small group of special ponies. More like the Seal Teams.
Celestia does not have a similar organization to our knowledge as, l like the KotM, any ancient Day Alicorn order has long since been forgotten and/or deprecated. An analogy would be the Unicorn Temple. It still exists but most ponies are unaware of it and don't care.
In ancient times ponies were generally aligned to either Day or Night with a seemingly large majority being Day aligned during the time of Luna's fall. So much so that she felt ignored.
In modern times the houses do not exist. At least, they wouldn't if it were not for Moonlit Star. She, and by extension a lot of her ponies, still swear allegiance to a faction that no longer effectively exists. Princess Celestia has not kept up with something similar. While she was solo ruling there were just "ponies."
7753507 Just so you'll know, I'm really hoping that there will come a chapter where Crystal tells her husband that she is pregnant.
Still waiting for something to go horribly wrong with the end of the war and the returning soldiers, but we're kind of running out of time for that. Well, unless the real problem is going to be the Nightmares and the effect their inflicted dreams might have on a population of somewhat vulnerable ponies.
Hmn, I like Shining's offer more, and I still do not really trust Sombra. Even if he isn't actually bad in this AU, Sombra + Crystal Empire connection + whatever went down way back when + what ever is starting up now makes me think Silent should stay way they heck away from him if he wants to stay out of trouble. The "safe" offer really doesn't feel that safe in the larger context of events.
Yet another interloping Element Bearer.
I highly approve.
In fairness to Celestia seeing the procession and assuming something is wrong, something is wrong.
Hah! And hey, Sunny has experience BBQing bad ponies, she could come in handy on a dangerous mission.
Midnight Snow, why are you so adamant about not including Celestia and her contingent? If this is about pride - Lunar Guards doing things themselves - then get over it. You're all ponies, and if Silent is correct, this is an enemy who cares little for your self-imposed internal divisions. Hell, Luna has a great point: The House of the Day may have another, very helpful perspective on the issue.
Also, I can't believe that Sunny, of all ponies, is being picked to keep Silent grounded. At least she's great company.
And, um... her apparent ability to see Nightmare miasma is kinda' neat too.
No actual typo; I'd just like to request more clarification as Sunny switches who she's addressing.
"Conviction."
"Lose."
angry bread. the new cell phone brony game. just like angry birds, only with re-painted characters.
Have you tried putting a Club™ on the steering wheel?
For now ...
Unless they're impacting your head.
Should be?? Love the certainty there, Celly.
Awww, poor Sunny feels left out.
so glad all the little junior Guards aren't around to hear this.
Just you wait until your wife learns Breadnado!
So... Pony of Shadows? Remnants of Nightmare? Miasma. Cult of Miasma or something?