Two weeks ago, Free Lancer was chosen as an emissary for Canterlot. Every measure imaginable was taken to properly educate him in all things Equestrian; the last four centuries of convalescence in the Retirement Estates has made much knowledge of others ponies woefully inaccurate. A cadre of Equestrian ponies, three unicorns, three Pegasi, and three Earth ponies, were sent to the Retirement Estates as instructors. During the last fortnight, Free Lancer was informed about all things related to Equestrian politics, society, culture, etiquette, geography, and economics. Lancer’s head was so full of information and statistics his head was fit to burst! Yet, in twenty-four hours, he and his select staff were northward bound on an express train to Canterlot. All that data would, in some manner or another, prove useful there.

The train ride would be a nightmare for Free Lancer. Since foaling, Lancer has suffered an intractable case of claustrophobia. Small spaces were Lancer’s bane; even the expansive passenger rail cars of the express would not suppress his terror. Even at home in Free Manor, he couldn’t go into another room without the Manor staff opening up all available doors and windows to prevent a claustrophobic panic attack. With that, he barely manages around the Manor. A six hour train ride to the heart of Equestria cooped up in a sardine tin would test his resolve to the limit!

In the morning, Lancer along with Free Fall, were taking the train from the railway station in the Retirement Estates capitol of Cumulus. There were others along for the ride; members of his legions Lancer had called to be part of his diplomatic staff. Those in the company were:

Liberty Belle-Free lancer’s chief lieutenant and head of his security detail.

Free Radical- Lancer’s Sergeant Major in the Westfold Legions. He was serves as an expert chemist.

Sovereign Realm- Lancer’s private councilor and advocate; Sovereign also used his talents as the Legions resident lawyer.

Free Reign- Lancer’s key strategist, also his sister-in-law. Her husband is Lancer’s older brother, Cry of Freedom.

Free Reign has her own agenda for joining in the company. Cry of Freedom left on a quest for the Grand Council eight seasons ago. It was a secret mission to shore up and reinforce the wards and seals keeping the dread Shadowkin from this dimension. She had kept in touch with him through letters to the western most outposts where he was being stationed. Their correspondence kept up for a month and a half before he was discovered missing. He thus far not returned.

It was Free Reign’s belief that authorities in Canterlot may have information concerning Cry’s whereabouts. Lancer didn’t have it in him to dissuade her; he was also hoping there were answers to be found in Canterlot. Cry and Reign were still newlyweds when he disappeared. They were discussing so many future plans, like foals, houses, and Lancer becoming an uncle. Such talk ended when Cry was declared missing in action…

Most of this day was spent on preparations for the long voyage. Lancer had packed three suitcases worth of essential items for his time in Canterlot and Equestria proper. One case was packed with clothes and armor. Another was stuffed with knick-knacks from home. The third case was loaded with supplies from his office in the Manor and his study (parchment, ink bottles wrapped in tissue paper, quills, pencils, a stapler, a three hole punch and even a pencil sharpener.) Lancer was scribbling outstanding orders for his legions as midnight approached. Freedom Rings was already appointed Stewardess of The Manor. The old mare had served this post before.

Lancer’s parents, Roam Free ( Thunder Colt stallion) and Hard Luck (an Earth Pony mare), had on several occasions given rings this position, especially when they were called up for long range patrol. She was Stewardess when Roam and Luck had a fatal encounter with Changelings that made Cry and Lancer orphans. She managed the Manor until such time as both Cry and Lancer were of age to command the legions. Freedom Rings was a little reluctant to take that mantle once more. Nothing Lancer or Free Fall said could convince her to take the post once again. It took Free Reign’s teary pleads for Rings to accept the job.

The last few items Lancer wanted to take with him were collected in a large duffel bag. Among those items were his buckwheat pillow, his favorite fleece blanket, his plush toys (a toy giant panda, a toy red panda, and a toy koala), plus his favorite flannel pajamas. All this and more was bundled into this duffel and would with him when he boarded the train. If there was any chance of Lancer getting through this adventure with the train, these articles would be of essential import.

Confident all was in “ready-ready” state, Free Lancer went to bed shortly before one in the morning. An hour after retiring to bed, he found that sleep was not forthcoming; his anxieties of the coming day weighed too heavily on his mind. In the hours before dawn, Lancer paced round about the Manor, practicing speeches to the tapestries. It would be a couple of hours after dawn before the procession went down to Cumulus.

It was with great relief to Free Lancer that, just a few minutes after dawn, Indelible Spark showed up. She was escorted by none other than Quantifiable Tangent. Quantifiable was also a Primus Legate but one that rivaled Free Lancer. This was bound to be an interesting send off…

“Hail, Legate Free Lancer!” cried Quantified.

“Well met, Legate Quantified Tangent!”

Sparki and Quantified trotted up to Lancer as he paced about the Grand Hall. Given that both ponies were coming in heavy laden, it surprised Lancer that the whole Manor wasn’t awoken by the clamor they made. Both ponies were clad in armor; Indelible Spark was sporting the latest in ornamental jewelry as well. For every hoof fall they pair made, there was a raucous din to follow.

“Horns and hooves, Sparki, with that much metal on you, it’s a small wonder you haven’t woken up that gelding, Free Fall!”

Sparki was prepared to respond but Quantified cut across her.

“Legate Free Lancer, that is no way to speak to a filly-in-waiting!”

“So sayeth the colt?” Lancer retorted.

“Quantified, Lancer, please…”

Again, Quantified cuts across her.

“It behooves me, Legate Free Lancer, to educate you in the finer points of etiquette…”

“It behooves you nothing,” Lancer spat, “to teach me etiquette, manners, or anything else for the matter, ‘Quanty!’ You are in my home as and seeing as is my home, I can speak freely about anything to anyone in whatever manner I deem appropriate! Effe why eye, Sparki and I have been friends since long before you knew her. We have been friends since we were foals. In a point of fact, our mothers were the dearest of friends and would always visit each others home. Our houses have always been very close. There is no formality between us.”

In disgust, Quantified said, “Legate Free Lancer! That- That is- so vulgar!”

Free Lancer sneered at Quantified and was about to goad him further when Sparki intervened.

“Quantified Tangent, Free Lancer, I have had is enough of this foolishness.”

Both stallions were stunned into silence; Lancer was equal parts amazed and dumbfounded at Sparki’s assertiveness.

“Lady Indelible-.”

“Quantified, please, it is his home-.”

“But Legate Free Lancer is acting uncouth-.”

“I have every right to be when unwelcome guests are calling.”

“Legate-!”

Sparki cuts across him now, “I only asked you to accompany me to Free Manor. You were not petitioned to escort me inside, if my memory serves me.”

“Lady Indelible, if I may…”

“No, Quantified! I will be fine here. Withdraw for now.”

“Milda-!”

“You heard the filly,” Lancer declared, “move you like have a purpose.”

Quantified growled, upset by this sudden turn of events. Yet, he could see no way to win this round of debate, so he turned on hoof and cantered out. He was in the air seconds after crossing the Free Manor threshold.

“Good riddance,” Free Lancer huffed.

“He means well,” Sparki said.

“Maybe, but come on, Sparki, that arrogant, pompous colt thinks himself to be Mustang’s gift to Equestria! It’s a miracle he doesn’t rip himself apart every time he’s in your general vicinity, for how stiff and pressed he makes himself. Nice pick in courtiers, by the way.”

“Lancey, please, not now…”

Lancer sighs and says, “I know, Sparki. The old houses, they have old ties. Your engagement to that- cadet, was probably arranged at your foaling, if not sooner.”

“Most likely,” Sparki lamented, “nothing to be done.”

“Thunder rolls lightning strikes.”

Sparki nods her consent.

“Let’s forget that awful business. Can I get something to drink?”

“Oh yes, that would suit me fine. Do have any zap apple cider?”

Lancer replies, “Methinks we still have some of the old vintage lying around. Come, let’s retire to the kitchen.”

Lancer and Sparki canter to the kitchen, where the Manor culinary staff was already preparing for the fast break of the morning. Chef of the Manor, Free Form, was preparing a meal of blue grass as Lancer and Sparki came into the kitchen. He bowed his head as Free Lancer passed.

“Blue grass today, Free Form?”

“Aye, sir,” Form answered, “me last meal inna manor, fer a spell.”

“What makes you say that?”

Free Form makes a disgusted sigh and says, “Milord, ye cannae leave without meh! Wo is gonnae cook yer meals? Cater yer dinnae parties? Fill yer pantries?”

“Free Form,” Lancer starts, “I appreciate your tireless service. You make three squares meals everyday that are both elegant and delectable. Yet, I think that it might be best you remain here.”

“Milord, why?”

“Your services are best utilized feeding the legions. The procession has enough members as it is without adding you and your staff. If I did add you and your crew, our load out would be so heavy that the train won’t leave the station!”

“I think I see…”

“I’m very sorry, Free Form. If it’s any consolation, you can send me a lemon meringue pie every week, okay?”

“Alright…” Free From sighs dejectedly.

“Okay, a crate of your most delicious baked goods. Boxed individually, of course.”

Free Form brightened at the thought.

“Now, maychance the Lord and myself have some breakfast now, Free Form?” queried Sparki.

“Aye, Lassie, let me stoke the stove…!”

Within minutes, two steaming plates of blue grass and raspberry pancakes were served to two noble ponies. Included in the meal were whole oat toast, frosted carrot cake, a rich cocoa mousse and zap apple cider. It was a breakfast feast befitting a king, to honor the wayfarer.

Lancer eats heartily. He cleans his plate of food and drains his goblet thrice. Indelible Spark eats more than her fill. She has drained her goblet seven times. Sparki was always partial to zap apple cider. Considering the vintage of the cider, Lancer worries that Sparki may get a little tipsy. Shortly after the flatware and dishes are removed form the table, Sparki strikes up a conversation.

“You must be so excited to be on a quest!”

Responding, Lancer answers, “The word you’re looking for is ‘anxious.’ I haven’t slept so in the past few days; I couldn’t sleep at all last night, truth be told.”

“I noticed,” Sparki says, “the last few nights, your lanterns have been burning well into the early morning hours. Such a schedule isn’t very healthy, you know.”

Free Lancer nods, “I know that. It’s just these preparations for this quest has consumed all my waking thoughts as of late. The last fortnight, my every hour is spent in organizing this whole adventure. These plans now seem to leech into my dreaming… My sleep is less than restful.”

“It’s a very important mission,” Sparki says, “The Great Masters have entrusted you to perform an important task. After four centuries of inactivity, we Thunder Colts may finally return to active service! The very thought sends me aflutter… And from what I hear, this Twilight Sparkle is rather fetching, for a short hair.”

“She’s cute, granted,” Lancer concedes, “but my mission is to learn the Harmonious Magicks, not romance somepony. It’s been many a moon since I’ve been a love struck colt, Sparki.”

Sparki smiles broadly. “That’s good to hear.”

“Why is that?”

“Oh… I just wouldn’t want your big heartbroken so far from home…”

Lancer looks at Sparki quizzically. “Go on, pull the other one!”

“I’m serious, Lancey,” Sparki declares, “You’re important. You may not realize it, but you hold a lot of sway. Quantified acts the way he does around you because you intimidate him!”

“Intimdate‽” Lancer asks incredulously, “He has ten seasons on me and is a pure bred Thunder Colt to boot! Yet I intimidate him‽ What could I have that he doesn’t?”

Sparki sighs then says, “You don’t understand… Even before word came of the ‘magic princess,’ your name was whispered through the halls of the Senate. Even the Great Council spoke of you. Rumors abound that Great Father Spark is campaigning for you take on a bigger role in the Council! Haven’t you ever wondered why Free Manor, despite is relatively miniscule size, has a legate, A primus legate even, in command when a centurion could the same job at less expense?”

“That has crossed my mind.”

Has it crossed your mind that your magic is far stronger than other Thunder Colt in the Retirement Estates save for the Great Masters?”

“I admit I haven’t given it much thought…”

“Maybe you haven’t but others certainly have. My father once spoke about it. ‘The blood of Mustang must run through that colt’s veins.’ I am not sure what he meant or even what that means, but my father never incurs the Patron Saint’s name. No in the House of Spark does! Neither, as for as my knowledge can attest, does anypony else in the Retirement Estates!! Save for those in the House of Free, I suppose.”

“Your point being?”

“Invoking the name of Patron Saint is taboo. I don’t even think The Great Masters invoke it! Albeit I have yet to see any members of Free Manor receive any repercussions for doing so!”

“I was wondering why ponies flinch when I say ‘Mustang.’”

Indelible Spark proves his point by wincing at the mention of that venerable appellation.

“Sparki, could you stop that?”

“Apologies, Free Lancer, it just cannot be helped.”

Lancer narrows his eyes. He knows Indelible well enough to know all her idiosyncrasies. When she gets apologetic, he knows she is hiding something. Typically, it’s a secret. She is definitely withholding something…

“Do you have something on your mind, Sparki?”

Indelible avoids his gaze.

“Sparki…!”

She doesn’t dare hold his glare.

“Out with it, Indelible Spark!”

Indelible hesitates a moment then asks, “Lancer, we are friends, right?”

“Rrrrright…”

“We have also known each other since we were foals…”

“This is true.”

“We have no secrets between us, yes? We tell each other everything, right?”

“Right on both counts,” Lancer starts, then adds with a disgusted snort, “now get on with it, Sparki!”

Indelible winces then declaims, “Free Lancer, I have a confession to make. Before you take leave on your quest, it must need to known that I- have fallen in- l-love with you. There is no room in my heart for anyone, even that wind bag Quantified Tangent. It would please me to no end that, on your return, you would make me your ‘mare-to-be.’ What say you, Primus Legate?”

Lancer shakes his head in disbelief. “Oh, Sparki, you silly filly…”

“Lancey-?”

“How long have you been keeping this secret?” Lancer asks.

“It- it wasn’t a secret…”

“Let me rephrase,” Lancer says, “How long have you felt this way?”

She answers, “It feels like forever but it started to intensify about two seasons ago, I think.”

Lancer hisses, sotto voce, “By the name of Mustang!”

“Lancer, your language-!”

Lancer gives Sparki a raised eyebrow coupled to his fiercest glare. It’s then that he notices the clock. It tells him that in one half hour, the procession will arrive to collect him. From there, it is a six hour ride through the very pits of Tartarus to deposit the diplomatic corps and himself at the very seat of Equestrian power.

“Look, Sparki, I don’t have a lot of time. Can we talk about this some other time?”

“We may not have another time-!”

Free Lancer rises to take his leave…

“Lancey, wait-!”

His hind fore legs have just stepped onto the uppermost stair of the stair case leading to the Grand Hall.

“Free Lancer! Please, I need to know,” Indelible pleads, “Do- do you l- l-love- m-m-me?”

Lancer then turns to answer her, “In a way, Sparki. You- you’re a lovely filly, Indelible Spark. Any colt or stallion would incredibly lucky to call you their filly friend and terminally psychotic for letting you go.”

“What are you saying, Lancey?”

“What I’m saying is, I love you but not in the way you think. I can’t reciprocate your feelings in a way you’ll like. In all honesty, I think of you as the little sister I never had. Sparki, I’m so sorry, I can’t-.”

It’s at this moment that the procession arrives early. The clamor of hoof beats garners both ponies attention. Free Lancer, sensing an opportunity to flee this awkward conversation, gallops off to meet them. The ornamental cloaks of the company contrast sharply against the grey morning light. Indelible Spark watches from her vantage point in the mess hall as Free Lancer and company load his luggage into waiting chariots. The others in the diplomatic corps left two days earlier as part of an advance cadre. They were in Canterlot awaiting Lancers arrival.

When all of his baggage was loaded and secured to chariots, the procession trotted off, bound for Cumulus and all points beyond. He wasn’t there to see Indelible Spark breakdown into tears…

Author's Note

One day, I hope to write an entire manual of Thunder Colt manners and social niceties. (Hint! Contractions are big no-no!) Another thing of note and something that will come up later as the story continues, is that the Thunder Colts share similarities with a number of human world cultures. Some of their colloquialisms are drawn from the British (Monty Python fan here!), others are derived from regional US lexicon. Also of note: Mustang is the Patron Saint of the Thunder Colts. In legend, he is said to be the very first Thunder Colt that Discord created. He rebelled from The Lord of Chaos' service within days of his creation and according to some sources, is said to be the inspiration for the Great Schism. More on that later…