The Price of Peace

Chapters

Prologue
The Call to Arms
Make Ready for War
Calm Before the Storm

Prologue

Prologue

On the continent of Aryte, there lie four countries that have co-existed with each other for millennia on end. These four countries have never ceased to bicker betwixt one another about anything and everything for an untold amount of time, with skirmishes and even a war almost breaking out among them as a result.

Internal affairs always seem to halt their feuds though and every so often, there comes a time of peace and harmony between the four nations.

The first country, The Kingdom of Vers, is home to the race known as the griffins. A proud and arrogant breed of warriors, the griffins rely on an eons old tradition of the hierarchy system based on their religion to keep their kingdom from falling into chaos and ruin. They control the mountainous western half of Aryte and are the most technologically advanced among the four races.

The second country is known as The Land of Equestria. This large nation takes up both the northern and central parts of Aryte and is home to a race called the ponies. The ponies are a peaceful and kind-hearted breed of herbivores that, though have faced hardships and battle in the past, prefer to try and be the sowers of peace and harmony among the four kingdoms. Their nation follows a much kinder version of the hierarchy system and have been ruled by a dynasty of alicorns for ages untold, being interrupted only once by the rule of Discord.

The third nation that lies on Aryte is known as The United Republic of Zebras. This country is made up of large, nomadic tribes of a white and black striped race known as zebras. These tribes banded together some time ago and formed a loose democratic government made up of elders from the different tribes. Zebras are a very mysterious and superstitious race that prefer to keep to themselves unless provoked. They inhabit the southern half of the continent, which is filled with mostly desert and few forests.

The last kingdom that calls the land of Aryte home is known as The Kingdom of Skriiod. This imperialistic country is home to the power hungry race named the darastrixs or the dragons. They occupy the eastern sector of the continent, with a line of volcanoes marking their border. Out of the four races, the dragons are by far the most dangerous and cunning of them all. Their kingdom was built upon the soul purpose and idea of both militarism and imperialism. The government is a totalitarianism dictatorship that is constantly changing leaders, depending on which war lord has the most power. Dragons, like griffins, are a proud and arrogant race of warriors, that have an innate lust for battle. The one thing that sets the dragons apart from the other races though is this: they are the pinnacle of greed. Most conflicts among the four kingdoms have started and ended with the greed of the dragons.

Greed fueled them for countless years until, a few centuries ago, they retreated behind their borders and inadvertently ushered in one of the rare eras of peace on the continent; a respite from the usual bickering and threats. Though sadly, it seems the centuries long peace will soon be at an end...

Pipsqueak shuffled his hooves in both overwhelming excitement and mind numbing nervousness.This was it, this was the day he'd finally be done with it. It had been a good run but now he was ready for everything to be resolved. He was ready for high-school to be over and all he had to do was walk up those steps and he'd be free.

He smiled at the thought of never having to endure it again, he was was able to finally forge his own path in life. School would never trouble him again! Well, except for college that is. He sighed and rolled his eyes a little as he thought about the lecture his parents had given him the night before about the importance of going to college. It was only the fifteenth-billion time they had reminded him of it.

Coming back to himself, Pip noticed that his friend in front of him, Spike, was in the process of climbing the steps to the platform and claiming his diploma. He grinned a little at the sight before him because, unlike Pip and the rest of the senior class, Spike was almost seven years older then them all.

About four years before, Spike had decided that he wanted to try and find a job outside of helping Twilight around the library. When he started looking around and applying though, every potential employer informed him of the fact that he needed a high-school degree before they could hire him.

So he had to go to school all over again, even though he was, at the time, twenty-one by pony standards. Though their differences in age were definitely substantial, Pip and Spike eventually became friends. Almost brothers, some might say about the two of them.

As Spike received his diploma and began shaking the hooves of the different ponies that represented each of their high-school classes, Pip's ears perked as he heard, "Our next graduate is Mr. Pipsqueak Advenicci, graduating with Magna Cum Laude!"

Their was applause as Pip walked up the wooden steps and took his diploma from his principle and proceeded to shake the hooves of many who congratulated him with warm smiles and encouraging words. The young stallion beamed as he descended the exit stairs and took his seat among his peers.

Once every pony had received his and her dues, the principle made his closing remarks, reminding them of their duty and responsibility to the world that they were about to head into. When all was said and done, the principle smiled at the young ponies before him and announced, "So I conclude and declare, that this, the 75th graduating class of Ponyville Highschool, has made us all very proud and finally passed!"

Their was momentous applause from the parents and relatives present as the former students stood with a cheer and threw their hats into the air, not caring where they landed or if they would find them. There was a great many tears, congratulating, excitement and much more.

Pipsqueak made his way through the bustling crowd of ponies towards Spike, his parents, and Twilight Sparkle. He was greeted with hugs and kisses from his mom, a smile and firm hoof shake from his father and a bro hoof from Spike. Twilight pulled both Pip and Spike into a hug, saying, "Congratulations to you both! How does it feel to have graduated?"

Both young males broke the hug with the mare and looked at each other before saying in union, "Awesome!"

They all laughed as Spike went up and, putting an arm around Twi's neck, said, "Speaking of me graduating, this means that I'm finally free from school work, which also means we can have some little... one-on-one time after the grad party"

Twilight blushed as she playfully elbowed Spike in the stomach, giggling while she did so. Pipsqueak smiled at the two. It had been almost two years since Spike had had a change of heart towards his friend and found that he harbored affection for her. It had taken a day and a half for Spike to work up the courage to ask Twilight to dinner and the two had been inseparably ever since.

Pip, still grinning a little, rolled his eyes and said, "Alright, if you're done flirting like a school filly, we should be getting to the after party or else Rumble's gonna eat all the pie AND somehow get drunk at the same time like the last party."

Spike chuckled and replied, "Yeah, I guess you're right, though it was pretty funny last time..."

Pip and Twilight both gave the drake a hard look, to which he responded with a toothy smile. "Fine."

Kissing Twilight, Spike started on his way towards the center of Ponyville, where the high school always had their graduation after party. Hugging his parents a again, Pipsqueak promised he'd be home soon and started after the dragon, who was already half-way down the road.

Catching up to him, Pip saw that Spike had lit a cigarette and was in the process of smoking it. As the pony gagged a little from the fumes, he had the odd thought about how Spike's scales weren't as bright as they once had been, due to the smoking.

It was somewhat startling to look back over the years and see how the two of them had changed. Pip had gone from a tiny, pirate loving colt to a young, handsome stallion; a globe for exploration proudly displayed on his flank as his Cutie Mark. Spike, on the other hoof, had gone from a little dragon assistant to an adolescent drake who stood almost six feet, six inches tall and with a pair of wings proudly displayed on his back.

Pipsqueak was interrupted from his thoughts as multiple, loud voices could be heard coming from the center of the town. The sweet sound of laughter filled the area around the pavilion as ponies, graduates only (the center had been barred off to all but the newly former students), partook of the food, drink, and games that had been set up all around for the enjoyment of the many.

Spike and Pip were let through the make shift entrance that had been set up and immediately were swarmed by friends who wanted to either talk, offer a drink, or share in a drink. Before either could answer any of the questions thrown at them, they all heard somepony shout over the noise, saying, "Drink off!"

Everypony laughed and cheered as they all headed towards the drink table, Spike extinguishing his cig along the way. Reaching the table, the ponies formed a circle around the two drinkers, Rumble and Featherweight. They both had already started on the hard cider and were slowly turning redder by the half minute.

The two stallions went to the rhythmic chant of, "Drink! Drink! Drink!", to which they happily obliged. After a while though, it looked like Rumble was beginning to sway a little and became slower in his gulping. A few minutes later, Featherweight followed. They both progressively became slower and slower in their drinking until Rumble simply stopped and stood still for a moment.

He then promptly fell to his for knees and regurgitated everything he had just drank. So in other words: he puked his guts out.

There was a mixture of disgusted "Ew's!" from the mares and roaring laughter from the stallions as Rumble was helped up by others and supported as he swayed dangerously, threatening to topple right onto his face. Pipe and Spike shared in the laughter as the crowd began to break up to different parts of the party.

The two of them enjoyed themselves and the company of their friends for hours until, when they both were exhausted and a little buzzed, found a table to sit at to contently sip their drinks. Mind wandering, Pipsqueak decided it was about the right time to try and convince his friend to reconsider his career choice.

Again.

"Hey Spike... What do you think you'll be doing in the next, oh, five years from now?" Not the best approach but I've tried everything else he thought.

The dragon sighed and replied, "Pip, for the last time, yes, I am still going to join the militia. No matter how many times you or Twilight try to get me to do something else, it will all be for not in the end. Besides, you know what's going on near the northern borders. I can't just sit around and do nothing about it!"

Pip stayed silent for a few minutes. He could think of no other argument to make. Except maybe a fool's one. "You would fight against your kin?"

Spike's demeanor hardened as he replied curtly, "They are no kin of mine. I might be of the same blood and look like them but I am NOTHING like them. The ponies are and always have been my kin."

Before the young stallion could say another word, a booming horn sounded all across the slowly expanding town. Silence came upon the all the ponies present as another call vibrated through the air, followed by a voice amplified by magic. It said, "TO THE EDGE OF TOWN: COME! TO ALL PONIES WHO HEAR: COME! I BEAR AN ORDER FROM THE PRINCESSES! COME!"

There was hesitation for but a moment before everypony began making their way towards the place from where the herald's voice had come from. Spike, Pip and the rest of the grads all left the center of town and followed the flow of ponies to the edge of the town, where the road to Canterlot met Ponyville's.

As the ponies walked, the reactions to the summoning could be clearly seen on their muzzles. Some wore an expression of confusion, others of anxiety, still more of excitement. In everpony though, there was an underling fear that could be seen no matter how hard they tried to hide it.

The town's ponies all arrived at where the herald had voiced his calling and were met by a rather large, white unicorn garbed in the armor of the Royal Guard. He wore a grim look in his face that sent murmuring through the entire crowd that was gathered before him.

When the guard saw that all from the town were before him, he once again began to speak in his booming voice but without the help of magic this time. Clearing his throat, he proclaimed, "At war! Equestria is at war! By decree of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, all able bodied stallions over the age of sixteen are required to serve in the newly formed Equestrian Nation Army, excluding the infirm and disabled! The officer that has been put in control of this district will be here in a matter of hours to collect those who are to join! If you have a musket, bring it along! A representative will also be with him, to help organize the war effort in this town!"

Immediately, there was a roar of both questions and outrage following the startling announcement. One question that pierced the air though hushed the uproar of uneasiness and was thus: "Who in the name of all things good and holy would declare war on Equestria?!"

There was silence as the unicorn took a moment before answering with only two words.

"The dragons."

The Call to Arms

Chapter 1: The Call to Arms

October 16, 1489

You cannot prevent and prepare for war at the same time. ~Albert Einstein

Silence fell over the crowd of those present as the herald's words sunk in and the full meaning came crashing down upon them. Then, as if a hydra had landed in the mists of them, the inhabitants of Ponyville exploded in an outcry of astonishment, anger, and fear as ponies began frantically scrambling about and asking questions all at the same time.

"What do you mean the dragons?! They've been gone for hundreds of years!"

"How come we don't get a say in whether we fight or not?!"

"I've got a wife and foals! Who's to care for them if I die on some forsaken battlefield?!"

"I'm too young to go off and die!"

The unfortunate herald that had brought the news tried his best the calm the mob before him but was unable to do so, even with the help of his magically enhanced voice. When it seemed as if the sky itself would fall from the explosive pandemonium that was happening in front of him, the unicorn charged and fired a stun spell over the frantic ponies.

Immediately, all activity came to a halt as the spell took effect. Seizing the moment, the herald once again magnified his voice and said, "Please! Everypony calm down! I understand that this news frightens and angers you. I feel the same way! Right now though, I need you all to please be as orderly as possible and make the necessary preparations for the arrival of the two officials. If you have any further questions, ask them and they will be answered."

Everypony hesitated for a minute or so, unsure of what to do with themselves. As if a switch had been flipped in their brains though, that quickly changed. Part of the gathering, mare and stallion alike, made a beeline for the herald, while another part slowly began making their way back into the town, scared and somber faced. The rest of the shell-shocked ponies stood where they were, unable to make a decision of who to follow, some outright fainting to the ground.

Pipsqueak and Spike, on the other hand, were apart of the ones heading back to town to prepare. Well, really it was a grim faced, determined Spike trotting his way back with Pipsqueak frantically trying to catch up to the drake as he pulled himself from indecision. Coming into step with his friend, Pip looked at him nervously, trying to find something to say but failing to do so.

He racked his brain for anything, ANYTHING, that he could say but he came up with nothing. What could be said in a situation like this? Not much came to mind. When your very world seemed to be starting to fall apart around you, not many had the peace of mind nor the courage to speak what was needed to be said.

Seeing as Pip couldn't find something to say, Spike started rattling off a list of things that needed to be done before the officer arrived for them.

"We'll need to go to our houses first and get our muskets, along with anything light and essential to take with us for the journey to wherever the officer is taking us. After we do that, meet back at Twi's house so we can consolidate what we've collected. I would suggest simply your gun, ammo, food, and cloths. Period. I'll meet you there in half an hour."

With that, Spike changed direction and headed away towards his apartment, since he didn't live with Twilight anymore. Pipsqueak stared after his friend for a moment before slowly, turning and heading towards his own home. Thoughts of what to come were swirling around inside his head, threatening to cause him to fall from pure shock.

His heartbeat quickened as he began to think. He would be going to war. To fight and to give his last breath against beings he only knew of because of his friend and books. Spike and most stallions he knew would be joining him in training, battle, and quite possibly in death. He would be fighting alongside his own father: Brawny Hooves.

How could all this be happening? Why was it all happening? He didn't know how to fight, let alone how to be a soldier. The closest knowledge he had was on how to use and shoot a musket and even then he wasn't close to being a crack shot at it.

Pip had never been one for fighting; instead, he had always tried to be the peacemaker between anyponies who were fighting. Spike, on the other hand, had a very different way in resolving conflicts. If two ponies were fighting, whether with words or with hooves, he would always go up to them and simply roar as loud as he possibly could.

That always shut the fighters up.

This wasn't a petty schoolyard fight anymore though, this was the real deal. Nothing either Pip or Spike did could change what was happening.

His thoughts turned to his mother. What would she do? Now that both her husband and son would be away to war, who be there for her? Would the ones assigned to guard the town be able to protect her? Or would there even be guards to protect the town? After all, most soldiers would be needed at the fronts.

His thoughts continued to engulf him in worry and fear as he made it to the front door of his house and proceeded inside to gather his supplies. He went to one of the closets first and grabbed two saddlebags, one for him and one for his father.

When he had retrieved the bags, he went into the kitchen and began gathering food for the two stallions. After he had filled about a quarter of each satchel with food, he went up to his room first and then his parent's to gather a single set of winter coverings. He and his father wouldn't need them now but they would be thankful when snow began to fall in a few months.

As Pip descended the steps to the living room below, he was only slightly startled as he saw his father sitting on the couch, both muskets propped on on the edge, sorting through ammo for the both of them. Neither father nor son spoke as Pip walked the rest of the way down, set down the bags. sat next to Brawn and began sorting ammunition as well.

As they did so, Pipsqueak's mother, Summer Wind, stood behind his father with her head on his shoulder, tears streaming down from her eyes. Every few moments he would nuzzle her face to try and comfort her as he and Pip, after sorting all the ammo, put the powder, primer caps, and musket balls in their respective saddlebags.

When they had finished this task, the three ponies seemed to be still for minutes, the sound of Summer's weeping and the breathing of all present being the only thing that could be heard. Pip decided that, after ten minutes had passed, they would have to start heading to Twilight's, 'lest the heartbreak immobilize them where they were.

"Mom, dad; we need to start walking toward Twi's, Spike will be expecting us there."

Ever so slowly, his parents walked over to the door, where Pip had gotten up and stood by, and opened it. Outside, the commotion of the towns-ponies wasn't helping the situation in the slightest. Back and forth ponies of all ages ran, screams and crying were still heard. Tempers flared; some ponies even getting into brawls right in the middle street.

The demeanor of Pipsqueak and his family though weren't affected by the anarchy going on around them though, it was all blocked out as they made their way towards the library. They didn't bother to knock as they got to the door and proceeded inside without a thought.

What they saw in the library as they opened the door only added to the heartbreak the small family was feeling. In the middle of the room, where he sat in the floor, Spike held Twilight against him tightly with his eyes closed. Twilight was pressed against him as much as physically possible and was crying quietly into his chest, her sniffs heard every few moments.

The scene caused Pip's mother to break down even more as she- quite literally- fell into his father's hooves and they also slumped to the floor, clinging to each other as if for their very lives. In some ways, their lives did depend on it, even if it was emotionally.

Pipsqueak quietly shut the door and simply stood where he was, head bowed in respect for the moment that was unraveling before him. The slight awkwardness of it all had disappeared out the window, in wake of the depressing mood that had befallen them all. Time passed painfully slow but still, all in the room stayed firmly where they were, as if one little thing could break the fragile tension that had started to build.

In the end, it was more than a little noise that broke the silence in the library as a deep, booming horn sounded from the edge of town, signaling the arrival of the officials.

They must be ahead of their time table if they've arrived this early Pip thought, as conflicted feelings began to well up inside of him.

The young stallion quietly went to where Spike's own weapon and bag had fallen and picked them up carefully. His attuned hearing catching the sound of hoof steps, the drake opened his eyes a little and saw Pip approaching him with his supplies.

Hanging on to Twilight for a few more desperate moments, he finally found the strength to pull away from her and rise from the floor before grimly accepting his things. Twilight also rose from the floor and pressed herself against his side, nuzzling him as she continued to cry.

Spike kept an arm around her, with his gun cradled in the crook of his opposite arm and the bag strapped across his back. Pip then walked over to where his father and mother had collapsed to the floor in each others hooves. Gently nudging Brawny Hooves, Pip moved onto to stand by the door of the library treehouse.

His father looked up at his son, nodded knowingly and helped his sobbing wife up as he also rose from the wooden floor. Brawn collected his musket from the floor where he had carelessly dropped it and supported his wife as she leaned against him. His saddlebag had been prevented from slipping from his back due to the straps around the stallions underbelly.

The door to the house was opened and the five stepped out into the autumn sun, a light breeze rushing through the town, bringing with red, orange, and yellow leafs from the trees around town. It would have been beautiful to watch watch but the eerie silence that filled the town killed any thought of that instantly.

The soundlessness was almost painful, due to the fact that only minutes before, there had been absolute and total chaos throughout the town. Now though.... now it was a sight to behold as the inhabitants of Ponyville forlornly made their way towards the road to Canterlot, where the horn had been blown.

As the mob of ponies, which numbered at around eight-hundred fifty mares and stallions (adult and children), got closer and closer to the edge of town, anxious and fearful whispers began spreading like wildfire through the mass. When they did make it to the road, they found the sight strangely odd.

A hastily constructed stage had been set up, with only two ponies currently on it as the herald from earlier had decided to make a hurried exit before the officer and official got to the town. Behind the stage, a detachment of about fifty or so soldiers waited in formation, ready to escort to new recruits to the staging area.

Leaning over to Spike, Pip whispered, "Why don't they just use the stage in the middle of town?"

Without taking his eyes off the stage or the ponies on it, Spike replied, "They took it down for the Running of the Leaves, remember?"

Pip thought for a moment before nodding his head and, coming to a stop in front of the stage, looked back at the stallions who occupied it. The first, an Earth pony who Pip assumed was the military officer, wore gold plated armor that encased his entire body in protection, except for his dark black tail. A helmet was fit snugly on his head, and covered all but his eyes and a small section of the front of the muzzle, from which grey fur could barely be seen. At his side was strapped a hoof-and-a-half sword, with the tip of the scabbard about an inch from the ground. A musket was slung across his back, with the powder, balls, and primer caps in their respective bags that were also slung around him.

The most peculiar thing though, was the fact that the officer was standing on his hind legs at the podium. This fact only escalated the whispers that were rapidly spreading through the crowd when the ponies realized how he was standing in a stance that they had only ever seen Pinky Pie do before.

The representative of the government was a unicorn stallion with a brown coat and a black tail who wore a scholar's robes with his hood down. He looked so out of place with the soldiers behind him, the officer in front of him and the skittish towns ponies around him, it almost made Pip laugh a little.

Almost.

The officer, who looked to be around twenty-eight or so, looked back at the representative, who in turn nodded and his horn lit up. The officer turned his head back around and began to speak in a loud voice, amplified by magic.

"Ponies of Ponyville, may I have your attention. I am Second Lieutenant Silent Night of the newly formed Equestrian National Army. I know all of you are scared now but, rest assured that the stallions of your town will be fighting to defend you and our land from those who would destroy us. Since we are short on time, I must ask that, at this moment in time, that all stallions sixteen and older step forward and proceed to where my detachment behind the stage is waiting. They will form you into ranks and we will soon be off. I suggest you say your final goodbyes now. Thank you."

With that, the officer stepped away from the podium and off the stage, to where his detachment was formed and ready to organize. There was no movement for a moment or two but, eventually, a stallion Pip knew was Big Macintosh, stepped forward after a tearful goodbye from his sisters.

After him came Mr. Cake, his wife and fifteen year old teens waving tearfully behind him. "You take care of your mother and sis, you hear?" he called to his son.

After Mr. Cake, stallion after stallion came forward, often after a somber and weeping filled farewell. Cries of anguish and loss filled the air as, one by one, the male half of the group assembled dwindled to almost nothing.

Spike looked at Twilight and Pip and his father looked at Summer Wind. In an instant, Spike and Twi were locked in a passionate and heartbreaking kiss and Pip and his family were in a lung squeezing group hug that threatened to break any resolve the men had of leaving for war.

The scene lasted for a half a minute before the young couple broke apart and the family pulled away for the last time. As the two stallions and dragon looked into the eyes of the women before them, they whispered a quiet goodbye before starting for the detachment of soldiers and recruits, who had already formed a loose formation. Twilight and Summer Wind supported each other as the three walked away.

The depressing mood, however, was unexpectedly and loudly broken as the three got closer to the detachment. the lieutenant did a quick double take as he looked at Spike and quickly exclaimed, "You, halt!"

The two stallions stopped as Spike did and looked warily at the approaching officer.

"What is your name?" Lieutenant Night demanded of the young drake.

"Spike sir!"

"Spike huh? Well Mr.Spike, I must ask you to please lay down your weapon and supplies and put your hands behind your back. You're under arrest."

"What?!" exclaimed Pip and Brawn as they stepped in between the officer and Spike. This drew the attention stares of all those around them and the area went deathly silent.

Spike, to his credit, had only reacted with a grim and knowing frown before hiding his emotions behind a stony, neutral look. Gently pushing the two stallions in front of him aside, the dragon stepped a half a foot closer to the lieutenant, causing the officer to noticeably stiffen and the soldiers around them to rise to their hind legs and partially draw their weapons.

Spike's eyes seemed to pierce through Silent Night's very soul until he slowly reached his clawed hand up. This was received by the sound of muskets cocking as the detachment of soldiers all aimed at him. Spike's hand continued up though to where his weapon was slung over his shoulder.

Gripping it, Spike pulled it off of his shoulder and slowly and gently lowered it to the ground, where he also took off his pack and set it next to the gun. Coming to stand straight again, the drake put his hands on his head and said, "You have nothing to fear from me. I assume you're going to take me to some sort of camp?"

The lieutenant relaxed and waved two of his men forward, while the rest cautiously lowered their weapons. The two came forward and, taking his hands, bound them with cuffs.

"Yes. You'll be sent to the prison camp being constructed in the south, near the city of New Colteans."

Pip and Brawn, who had been watching with astonished expressions on their faces, started to take a step towards Spike to try and help but the dragon glanced at them and shook his head, saying, "It's not worth it Pip, I'm with the ponies, not against them. 'Sides, I'll be fine."

Pipsqueak stared at his friend for a moment before his father pulled him back a foot or two, and led him towards where the rest of the recruits were in formation.

Twilight, who had been watching the whole thing from afar, seemed to come to her senses and sprinted to where Spike was. As she approach, a few soldiers tried to block her but she slipped around them and made it to her lover. She glared at Lieutenant Night as she hugged Spike.

"By whose orders are you taking this drake?! He has done nothing to deserve being thrown into a prison camp! If it's just because he's a dragon, I can personally vouch for the fact that he will fight to his last breath for every last pony in Equestria!"

Spike was somewhat taken aback by Twilight's sudden rage and courage. He hadn't seen or heard her rant like this in almost eight years. Before he could try and calm her though, Silent Night fixed a stern look on her as he replied, "This is also ordered by Princess' Celestia and Luna: 'All non-ponies who currently reside in Equestria are to be detained in various prison camps throughout the country in an effort to help better protect the citizens of this land from harm and sabotage.' I'm sorry Miss but this proclamation applies to every non-pony. No exceptions."

Before she could think of a retort of her own, Spike bent his head down and quietly shushed her as he said, "It's alright Twi, the Princess' are only trying to protect all of you. I can't say I blame them for making something like this. Either way though, I can take care of myself just fine. I love you but I need you to let go of me for a while." He meant it boh physically and emotionally.

Slowly, ever so slowly, Twilight released her grip on him before she finally let him go and they led him away to a chariot nearby that was pulled by two pegasis.

"Mr. Pen Stroke, I am in need of your carriage for the time being." Lieutenant Night called to the representative on the stage.

The unicorn sighed and replied, "Very well, it'll most likely get confiscated for the war effort anyway."

The officer nodded as the two soldiers led Spike into the carriage, which promptly took off shortly afterwards. Pip watched until it was out of sight and, when it was, whispered, "We will meet again my friend."

As he turned away from the out of sight chariot he briefly wondered why they all weren't taking the train to Canterlot. Then he remembered that the track coming in and out of the town was getting new tracks because the old ones were so rusted, a train could hardly run on them any longer.

His and the other stallion's heads snapped around as Lieutenant Night began shouting out commands to the soldiers and new recruits.

"About face! Stay in formation men! To Canterlot! Forward, march!"

With that, the group of about three hundred fifty stallions, including the detachment of fifty soldiers, set off down the road towards the capital city. The recruits were, to say the least, completely out of sync. To fix this, the lieutenant and his detachment began sounding off a running cadence, to help them get the beat.

"Alright men, you will repeat after me:

Sittin' on a mountain top, beating my drum

Sittin' on a mountain top, beating my drum

Beat it so hard that the MP's come

Beat it so hard that the MP's come

I said MP, MP, don't arrest me

I said MP, MP, don't arrest me

Arrest that leg behind the tree

Arrest that leg behind the tree

He stole the whiskey, I stole the wine

He stole the whiskey, I stole the wine

All I ever do is double-time

All I ever do is double-time

All the way to Canterlot they went.

Twilight stayed rooted to where she stood as she watched the chariot with Spike fly away and then the group of stallions from Ponyville begin lightly jogging away, singing something about stealing alcohol then running double time. The mare was too engrossed in her thoughts though to pay attention to anything at the moment.

She just couldn't get over the fact that her teacher, her friend, had been the one who had sent Spike to some prison camp in the south. The mere thought of Princess Celestia even thinking of sending Spike away was difficult to comprehend for Twilight, mostly because the Princess considered Spike her own son. In a roundabout sort of way.

The Element of Magic was pulled from her contemplation as Summer Wind came up beside her and put a hoof on her shoulder, a sad smile on her face. Twilight returned the smile and didn't resist when she was lead back towards the stage, where the representative was speaking at the podium.

"... Also, along with organizing and collecting any extra blankets, winter clothes and maybe even metals, a Raid Watch will be set up. This will be an extra security measure that will help support the soldiers who are being detached to guard the town. I have a sheet here with me that contains the schedule that will be set up for the Watch and the ponies who will be running it. This is a courtesy from the mayor, who volunteered the best ponies that she could think of for the job. Furthermore, there will now be rations for various supplies, which include food, materials....."

What the representative was going to say next faded into the background as Twilight quietly slipped away from the crowd and galloped to a nearby alley. A determined looked was etched on her face as she shut her eyes tightly in concentration for what she was about to do.

Assuming that a force field had been set up around the city, the mare knew it was going to be that much harder to get into the throne room of the royal palace. A headache set in as her horn began to glow brightly for a few seconds. She couldn't let the spell go awry, if she did- she shuddered when she thought about the pain.

The spell reached it's climax, a blinding flash and in an instant, she was gone. Twilight flew through the empty space in which she was traveling, a horrible tugging sensation on every part of her body made her want to scream from the pain but she resisted the urge to. The tugging pain only meant that she has successfully passed through the forcefield that guarded the capital city.

Twilight appeared a moment later with a thud that resounded throughout the throne room for a few moments before finally dying away into nothingness. Opening her eyes, she lifted her head to get a look around at her surroundings. Her cheeks immediately flushed as she saw where she had landed.

Right in the middle of what looked and felt like a strategizing map on a table surrounded by five ponies and two alicorns, all in armor, with very bewildered looks on their faces. Nopony moved or said anything until one of the ponies behind her asked with a questioning tone, "Twily?"

Twilight's head snapped around to see the confused face of Shining Armor behind her. "Shining!" the mare exclaimed as she quickly scrambled off the table to pull her brother into a hug. Shining, still slightly shocked at seeing his sister appear directly in front of him,returned the hug quickly before pulling away.

"Twily, what are you doing here?"

Before Twilight could reply, Princess Celestia seemed to see the need to parrot Shining Armor.

"Yes, Twilight, what are you doing here?"

The Element of Magic turned towards her teacher, her smile fading when she remembered why she had come. Trying to keep her composer for just a few more seconds, she asked, "Princess, might I have a word with you in private?"

Celestia nodded her head and motioned towards the door off to the right of her throne. "We may speak in there."

Inclining her head, Twilight began walking towards the door. As she walked, she heard the Princess say, "I'm terribly sorry sister and generals, I will be but a moment."

Twilight stopped and turned her head to look at Shining Armor, a question forming on her lips. He silenced her with a motion of his hoof though and mouthed, "Later."

A surprised expression on her face, she turned back towards the door and walked to it. How could she not have thought of it? Of course Shining Armor would be promoted if there was a war, he was the best suited to be a general after all. That and the fact that you were Captain of the Royal Guard and married to a princess didn't hurt your chances either.

Reaching the door, Twilight opened it and stepped into what looked to be a simple relaxation and reclining room. Plush couches and chairs were set around the small room, pillows with exotic fabrics and designs adorning them. The mare went and stood in the middle of the room as Celestia walked in and quietly shut the door behind her.

"Now, my dear student, what is it that you needed to speak with me about? I am needed elsewhere at the moment." the alicorn said, a hint of impatience underlining her tone.

Twilight composed herself, took several deep breaths before practically shouting at Celestia. "Why did you send Spike away to a prison camp?! He's practically your son! As a matter of fact why did you send ANY non-pony to a prison camp?! They deserve to have a chance and be free but instead, you just had to see the need to throw a bunch of beings that you don't even know into camps that they'll most likely die in! I thought you were a kind and compassionate ruler but I see who you really are now: a tyrant!"

Unshed tears gleamed in the mare's eyes as she glared defiantly at her teacher. The Princess was utterly shocked by her student's outburst and accusations. She had never thought Twilight would ever blow up in such a way. The initial shock though was quickly replaced by anger and guilt.

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE! HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF SUCH CRUEL THINGS! HOW DARE YOU CALL ME A TYRANT! I AND MY SISTER PASSED THE LAW AS A PRECAUTIONARY TO TRY AND HELP THE HOMEFRONT! HOW ELSE WOULD YOU HAVE ME AND LUNA PROTECT OUR SUBJECTS AND KINGDOM, IF WE HAVE TO FIGHT BOTH INVADERS AND BEINGS FROM INSIDE OUR OWN COUNTRY?!!!

The fact that she had used the Royal Canterlot voice was cause of heart attack enough but coupled with the fact that the Princess' statements cut through the fog that had clouded Twilight's mind was almost enough to make her pass out. She refrained from doing so however and simply stood staring at the Princess, tears finally rolling down her cheeks.

Princess Celestia took several deep breaths before sighing and, walking over to her student, embraced her with both a forehoof and wing. Twilight leaned into the embrace and pressed her face against her teacher's soft fur, continuing to sob with fervor.

After a few minutes of silence passed between the two ponies, Princess Celestia gently pulled away, prompting the Element of Magic to look up at the white alicorn and wipe her eyes.

The Princess offered a sad smile and said, "Twilight, I know how you feel. I didn't want to have to sentence all the non-ponies to camps, especially Spike, but there's no other option we have at the moment. Even if I did released just Spike, there's no telling what the other prisoners, and ponies for that fact, will do. They'd probably try and kill him out of fear anyways, never mind if he's fighting for us. I'm sorry Twilight but Spike and the other non-ponies will have to be kept in camps for the foreseeable future, both for their safety and ours. Now, I must get back to the war council, we have to split the new recruits into different military groups."

Celestia turned and began walking towards the door. As she opened it though, she turned her head to look at Twilight and said, "I almost forgot: your brother will be the Commanding General of one of the army groups so he'll be far from danger, rest assured."

With that, she walked out of the room and shut the door, leaving the mare inside in a state of loss. What was she suppose to do now? She couldn't just sit around and do nothing in Ponyville while Spike sat in some camp with a war raging around them.

Her brow furrowed in thought for a few moments before an idea popped into her mind. It's foolish and will most likely end horribly but, if it saves Spike, it'll be worth it. A dangerous smile etched itself on her face as the idea formed into a plan. That was it.

She was going to find and break Spike out of prison.

Make Ready for War

Chapter 2: Make Ready for War

October 16-17, 1489

War is the only game in which it doesn't pay to have the home-court advantage. ~Dick Motta

Pipsqueak heaved in great gulps of air as he jogged alongside his father and the rest of the stallions from Ponyville. The young stallion had thought he had been in relatively good physical condition at the time of the call to arms. The last few hours, however, had clearly proven otherwise, for both himself and the rest of the male inhabitants of his town.

The fact that the detachment of soldiers who had come with Lieutenant Silent Night were barely winded from the continuous running, only helped the recruits feel inferior to them. Which was not a good feeling. Not many of the recruits running thought much about it though, the pain in their hooves from the non- stop jogging was enough for them to think about at the time.

It was clear that many of them had not done a hard days work in a good long while.

The group of new recruits were covered in sweat that made their fur glisten like diamonds in the evening sun, almost mimicking the shine of the lieutenant and his subordinate's different armor. It was like a descension of brilliance in the shine of the reflection from the sun.

First came Lieutenant Night's gold plated armor that blinded any who dare lay an eye upon him, as if for some unknown retribution to the world. The second were the slightly duller silver plated suits of armor that the rest of the soldier's under Night's command wore. It was of the same design as Silent Night's, with full body protection and the same type of helmet. The third, of course, were the simply the coats of the recruits.

The radiance of the armor and sweat began to recede, however, as dusk lay upon them like a thief in the night. Canterlot was quickly approaching and, even from where they were on the road, you could just make out the city resting almost peacefully on the side of it's mountain.

Though the key word was almost. The city turned military citadel was still many, many miles away.

The contingency of stallions all stared at the beautiful sight of the star in the sky falling behind the mountain, before slowing slipping below the horizon. Night crept into existence and the moon rose and the few unicorns in the group lit their horns to help shed light upon the road.

They continued to run as the stars also began revealing themselves in the night sky, completing the eons old ritual that brought insurmountable beauty to the midnight around them. The light from the sky and the light from the unicorn's horns was the only illumination for the group for quite some time before they began seeing a strange line of bobbing lanterns start to weave their way in the forest to the group's left.

The recruits and the detachment of soldiers were coming over the crest of a hill, so it wasn't difficult for them to see the lanterns. The line of lights continued to grow in length and number until the river-like line was easily over a mile long and a half mile wide, prompting Big Macintosh, who was near the front of the group, to ask the question that had been on everypony's minds.

"Lieutenant sir? What do ya reckon those line of lights down yonder in the forest are? Uh, sir."

Pipsqueak wasn't close enough to Silent Night to see his facial expression as he answered but, by the tone of his voice, he could tell the lieutenant did not want to breech the current subject anytime soon.

"It is a result of one of the princess's new proclamations," he replied steely. "That, gentlemen, is a line of refugees made up of non-ponies headed to a camp about two and a quarter miles from here. I believe the camp's correct designation is Prison Camp 36-Bravo-15-Alpha."

There was silence as the lieutenant's word sunk into the group, partially because some were afraid to ask how he knew the exact designation of the prison. The feelings of the recruits, due to Silent Night's explanation, produced a symphony of mixed feelings among the stallions.

Some felt pity and remorse for those who were being discriminated just because they weren't ponies. Others felt a sense of justice and security at the thought of non-ponies not being given the chance to backstab Equestria when the time came.

So what if a few others were locked away? they thought. Didn't that just help make Equestria safer for them all? Others still didn't have anything to think about the non-ponies. Many were too caught up in the fear of war to think about anything other than self-preservation.

Even if the closest skirmishes was almost four hundred and twenty miles away, at the very borders of the countries.

Lieutenant Night, after he felt the silence had gone on long enough, shouted to the group, "Alright boys, time to learn another cadence! You know the drill, so repeat after me!"

"Up in the morning right be ‘fore dawn

Up in the morning right be ‘fore dawn

Roll out of bed and put my steel boots on

Roll out of bed and put my steel boots on

Eat my breakfast too damn soon

Eat my breakfast too damn soon

Hungry as a hound dog by noon

Hungry as a hound dog by noon

Went to the mess hall on my knees

Went to the mess hall on my knees

"Mess Sergeant, Mess Sergeant feed me please!"

"Mess Sergeant, Mess Sergeant feed me please!"

Mess Sergeant said witha big ol'grin

Mess Sergeant said witha big ol'grin

"If you wanna be quick you gotta be thin"

"If you wanna be quick you gotta be thin"

Up in the morning at the break of day

Up in the morning at the break of day

Working so hard we never play

Working so hard we never play

Running through the jungle where the sun don't shine

Running through the jungle where the sun don't shine

All I do is double time

All I do is double time

They continued to sing this and learn other chants and military cadences as the lieutenant and his recruits jogged through the night. Only twice did the stallions stop to rest, eat, and drink before getting right back up and continuing the run towards the city.

Eventually, at around four hours after midnight, the current road the tired and ragged ponies were on began to merge with other paths and small highways as they got closer and closer to Canterlot. With the coming of the merging of the roads, there also came the emergence of other units such as the one from Ponyville.

At first it was stark silence between the different groups but the feeling of awkwardness passed after only a minute as stallions in between units began calling out to each other. It started with just their name and town but before long, connections were starting to be made.

"Thunderlane; Ponyville!"

"Flat Top; Florence! I got a sister in Ponyville! You know a Carrot Top?!"

"Do I know a Carrot Top? She's my wife! So you're the brother I never got to meet?!"

"Yeah, I am!........Wait, Carrot Top's married?!"

Conversations like this and on other subjects began spreading throughout the masses as more and more units merged with the road to Canterlot. Thankfully, the recruiters and their charges could all fit on the row, due to the fact that the way to Canterlot had been widened into a large highway.

As Pip looked all around him, he saw that the number of recruits in each of the units varied greatly. The largest group that he saw probably had, at least, five thousand recruits in it. The smallest having around fifteen to twenty-five stallions, detachment of soldiers and all.

More and more groups came onto the highway and packed in behind, in front and beside the recruits from Ponyville. Silent Night and the other recruiters saw that each of their units were beginning to crowd each other. They did their best to try and fix the problem by making the different assemblies have at least six feet between them and their comrades.

This caused all the different bands of stallions to form a crude line that stretched almost two miles back.

When the factions had all sorted out again, Pip looked around and began to think. Surely there were many, many more stallions within Equestria. What he saw could not be all there was. Where were the stallions from the cities? Manehatten, St. Ponysburge, Hoofington, Stalliongrad; this couldn't be all they were sending.

Looking towards his left, he saw one of the soldiers for his outfit at the edge of the pack, just barely inside the light of the unicorn lights. Being in the middle of the pack, Pip had to jog forward and sideways in between the other stallions to get within speaking range.

Falling into step beside the armored pegasis, Pip cleared his throat and asked, "Uh, sir?"

The soldier glanced at Pipsqueak before replying, "Yes recruit?"

"I was wondering, where are all of the other stallions? You know, the ones from the big cities? 'Cause I know that Equestria has more stallions then this." Even if the mares do try to make it known otherwise he thought with grim amusement.

The guard didn't miss a beat as he once again replied, "You are right, there are more stallions in Equestria then which are present. You see, the recruiters who first were sent out across the country, did in fact go to the big cities first. There, they collected tens of thousands of stallions for the military. After they returned with their load of recruits, two days were given to process, at minimum, at least half of those stallions before the rest of the recruiters were sent out to the smaller towns and hamlets.

"That was about a day and a half ago. The other half of those recruits from the cities should almost be done with processing and shipping off to each of the three armies that are being formed."

Pipsqueak was silent as he digested the information that he had just been given. At least there aren't so few of us that we're being led to the slaughter. Still, how many ponies have been in any kind of fight like this? Pip was still trying hard to wrap his head around all of this.

Not even his grandfather's grandfather had had to fight in any war of this scale or caliber and yet now, he would... He shook his head. If he kept himself worried like this with all of these thoughts, he'd be an cranky old one before he was twenty. Heck, he wasn't even nineteen yet!

Pip was shaken from his thoughts as he heard the guard next to him got real close to his ear as they jogged and, speaking loudly, tried to get his attention.

"Hey, kid, you alright? You spaced out there for a second."

Pip blinked a couple of times before replying, "Yeah, sorry, just have a lot on my mind right now."

The soldier nodded his head sympathetically. "I know what you mean, we all do. If it's any help, the best way to get your mind off of everything for just a few moments is to dance."

Pipsqueak looked at him and raised and eyebrow. "Dance?" he asked, somewhat awestruck at the ridiculousness of the suggestion.

The soldier smiled underneath his helmet, the mask of being a soldier coming off for just a minute.

"Yeah, dance. It does wonders, trust me. Why, back when-"

"Private Lightning Strike! You are assigned as an escort to these recruits! That does not mean you have the liberty to speak with them freely!"

Lieutenant Night still seemed to be in a bad mood from hours ago. Pipsqueak would have never guessed a stallion could brood for so long.

"Yes sir!" Lightning called immediately, slipping back into his soldiering routine. "Maybe we can talk later. If not, it was good meeting you." he whispered to Pip.

Pipsqueak nodded and began jogging away from the private. At this point, the different assemblies had come within about a half a mile from the city gates. Unfortunately, this also meant that the line of units had come to almost a complete stand still on the highway.

After seeing that getting through the forcefield and to the city itself would take well over two or three hours, the stallions from Ponyville and most everywhere else collapsed to the ground and were asleep in a matter of seconds. The recruiters didn't really have a problem with this, just as long as they would get their sorry butts up every half hour or so when the line moved a few feet.

When Pipsqueak, his father and the rest of the Ponyville stallions fell to the ground, everything became a blur of motion and time for them all. First they were asleep, than awake, than asleep again, eating around what seemed to be a fire, mumbling something about home.

The list went on and on. At one point, Pip could have sworn that one of the princesses had flown from the city fortress itself just to plant a kiss right on his lips.

When both his fatigue and the ramblings of his mind finally ceased and he was completely rested, he opened his eyes to a surprising sight. A flood of fear, apprehension, adrenalin and a little excitement filled Pip as he saw that the group was halfway through the forcefield.

He himself was about three feet from crossing the threshold, which he saw opened for about a minute at a time. His father, who he saw had already crossed through, called out to him through the protective bubble. Pip could only make out muffles but he rose a hoof in reply anyway.

Waiting for the opportune moment, Pip slipped through the opening in the forcefield and hastily trotted up to where the rest of the stallions were lined up. On the inside of the field, about fifteen feet from the opening, were three tables almost ten feet apart. At each of the tables sat three uniformed stallions with very long sheets of parchment.

Before Pip could say a word to his father, he heard Lieutenant Night call start to give instructions to them all.

"Recruits, listen up! The guards will come by and number you off! You will go to the line that corresponds with the number you are given! When you've been processed, follow the directions of the processor! This will be the last time I see almost all of you! So farewell and Godspeed!"

With his informational concluded, Silent Night and his soldiers promptly began numbering the stallions from Ponyville, the numbers being one through three. Pip clenched his jaw as one of them came over to him and his father and gave them their numbers.

Pointing to Pip first, he said, "One." Then his father with, "Two". The last stallion in line, Mr. Cake, was, of course, given three.

The soldiers continued to number until all was given then they promptly formed off to the side and marched away, Lieutenant Night leading them.

Pipsqueak stood rooted in place for a moment, stunned. His father and him would be separated. He turned towards Brawny Hooves, not knowing what to say. Pip's father simply shook his head before, in turn, looking at his son.

He seemed to think for a moment before he spoke both solemnly and with raw emotion showing. "Son," he said, "I want you to remember to write to your mother while you're away. Be safe. Don't take any unnecessary risks, unless it saves a pony's life. I love you son, your mother does to."

Brawn had always tried to be tough, to match his muscular appearance but this one time, when he was parting with his son, he couldn't pretend. As he finished his impromptu speech, Brawn had to look away for fear of Pip seeing the unshed tears in his eyes.

Pip was somewhat speechless. He would have never thought his father would be as emotional as he was being now. Before he could say anything in reply, his father had already parted ways with Pip and was headed to his line. The young stallion almost called out to him but thought better of it.

Trotting over to the processing line, he got at the back and was somewhat surprised to find that the present line he was in was moving exponentially faster than the one he had previously been in. Within ten minutes time, he was at the front, staring into the tired but stoned face officer that managed the table.

Being a unicorn, he immediately shoved a quill into Pip's face and drolled, "Sign your first, and if you have one, your last name in the designated box. Also, put your town or city from which you are from."

Pipsqueak hurriedly complied, taking the quill in his mouth and jotting down what was requested from him. Just as he put the last letter for 'Ponyville, the quill was ripped from his mouth as the processor spoke once again.

"That will do kid. Welcome to The Army of the Everfree. Head to the train station double quick, you and your army will be the first to leave once everypony's been sorted out. Be on your way."

Pip began to leave but was stopped as the officer hastily said, "Buck! I almost forgot."

Motioning to Pipsqueak to come closer, the officer took a stamp and, after dunking it in ink, pressed it the side of the young stallion's neck. Pip was surprised at the action but couldn't ask the meaning of it as the processor pointed and said, "The stations that way. Now go! We're all on a time crunch."

Nodding his head, Pip trotted away and in the direction of the train station. He looked around as he jogged and saw other stallions making their way to the station as well, as it looked like some had been sleeping on the ground, waiting for this moment.

City ponies he thought.

He also saw marks in their neck and assumed that must have been what he had been given as well. The mark was of a white crescent moon, surrounded by a small amount of darkness. This puzzled Pipsqueak. Why make the mark like it was? If he was in The Army of the Everfree, why was it's identifying symbol of a moon?

Deciding that he needed to know, Pip looked to his right and asked the stallion beside him, "Excuse me sir but do you know why the marks on our necks are of the moon? 'Cause I was under the impression that we're in The Army of the Everfree."

The stallion looked at him and replied after a moment, "I was thinking the same thing a few minutes ago. The only thing I can think of that would make any sense is that we're being commanded by Princess Luna. Why else would they put her Cutie Mark to identify us?"

Pip didn't answer the rhetorical question as he thought about the his fellow recruit's explanation. It did seem logical that if they would use the Princess' Cutie Mark as identification if she was leading them. Still though, Pip found it a little odd.

He continued to mull this over in his mind as he and the other stallions entered the station and boarded the train. It was interesting sight to behold. To help add more riding space to the train, box cars from seemingly every depot in Equestria had been added.

Luckily for Pip, he was the third last on the final passenger car before it was blocked off and every other pony was made to fit in the box cars.

Pipsqueak squeezed into a seat near the very back of the his train car, trying not to attract any attention. He didn't bother starting any conversation with the stallions around him, most were already passed out. If he had heard right, The Army of the Everfree would be stationed in Hoofington so it would take at least a day to get to their destination.

Seeing as they all would be in the same seat for quite some time, the young adult laid his head against the back of the seat and closed his eyes as the train whistled and began pulling out from the station.

Hoofington huh? That's really far from here.... and really cold.......

While Pipsqueak and the rest of the stallions of Equestria were shipped to their different armies to train for the rising conflict, a certain purple and green dragon was just landing on the outskirts of New Colteans, inside a certain camp that would be home to him and many others for the foreseeable future.

Spike, waking from the jolt that came from landing, yawned as he sat up straight. After trying to stretch a little, he rubbed as much sleep from his eyes as he could with his shoulders. His arms had long since fallen asleep from where they were cuffed behind his back.

Spike shook the cold limbs, trying in vain to restore some of the circulation that had been lost. Failing to do so, he looked around the cab as the carriage rolled to a stop. Yep, they were still staring at him. Just like they had for the past five hours or so.

He wondered if the unicorn soldiers who had been sitting in the cab with him were actually staring at him or if they had fallen asleep with their eyes open and their armor was holding them in place. He suppressed a laugh; the mere thought of it had actually lightened his mood a little, considering the circumstances.

Then he really started to think about it again and the one happy thought that had emerged disappeared almost as quickly as it had come.

Sighing, he looked out the window to the left at the lights that made up the prison camp. For such as dark and depressing place at midnight, it was very well lit. Spotlights and what looked like street lamps lit every square foot of the camp, with guards posted throughout it as well. Each guard carried a standard musket and short sword.

The camp was square shaped, so guard towers were set up at each of the corners, with a tower in between the corners also. The towers were equipped with both spotlights and a new invention that had just been introduced that had been named the 'repeater carbine.'

The carbine was a new type of gun that allowed the shooter on the tower to fire off multiple shots before having to reload, using a lever on the side to reload for you. The way this was done was by putting a musket ball in a tube like container, then connecting the tube with a brass igniter that had been filled with just enough gunpowder to fire the steel ball only.

A thin divider was put in between the igniter and the tube when the new bullet was made into one piece. These new bullets would be loaded into a long, vertical piece of brass, which was called a 'magazine'. The guns were normally mounted as they needed to be reinforced in case the weapon backfired, which made it too heavy for infantry to carry.

The guns were still prototypes however and even with the reinforcement of magic and steel, the gun had a nasty tendency to jam, backfire, and explode due to the problem of overheating too quickly.

Spike shook his head. He had learned about the repeaters long before they had been put into testing phase. His girlfriend WAS Twilight Sparkle after all and she had been called in as the local expert on magic for the project to begin with. She eventually quit, not wanting to be involved with the invention of another death machine.

The drake was pulled from his studying as one of the guards called from the open door to the carriage. "Let's go dragon! We haven't got all night!"

Spike looked back around to his right and saw that his escorts had already vacated the carriage and were waiting by the door, glaring at him through the slits in their helmets. Fixing his face into an expression that would have made the sun freeze, Spike said not a word as he exited the cab of the carriage.

Taking up positions in front and behind him, the unicorn in the rear position called back to the two pegasis drivers, "Take a little rest while you can, we won't be long! "

Not waiting for a reply, Spike's guards escorted him across the middle of the compound, where they had landed, over to the building with a sign over it that read 'Commandante' on it. A small set of steps led up to the door the raised, one level building, where a guard was posted.

Looking around groggily, the guard shook his head and stepped forward when he saw the trio. Brandished his musket, he recited in a bored toned, "Halt! Who goes there?"

"New prisoner for you tonight Joe. Just picked him up a few hours ago back in Ponyville." replied the guard in front.

"Ah, I see. Well, you guys know the drill. I'll take him from here and make sure the boss sees him and all that jazz."

"Alright, he's all yours... Hey Joe? Didn't this place still need like half the camp built the last time we were here?" The second escort inquired after he had 'handed' Spike over to the guard.

Spike watched as Joe seemed to shudder a little before replying, "The major made us work all day and night, non-stop, to make sure this place was completed and ready by the time the first batch of prisoners came in."

The two escorts, who were at the bottom of the steps now, made pained expressions before saying empathetically, "Bet that was a field of daisies. Anyway Joe, we'll see you around I guess. The lieutenant will be all over us if we're not back to base before he is."

Saluting the guard, the two escorts made their way back to the carriage, which took off quicker than expected. Spike and the guard, Joe, looked on as it flew away into the night.

Turning around and grabbing Spikes arm, Joe said, "Come on dragon, the major will probably still be in his office, he usually is at this hour. He'll want you processed and set in one of the barracks before dawn sets in. I've only been under him for a week or so but, I have to say, this guy is vying for general or something. He's starting' to strike me as a nut, I mean...."

Spike tuned to the guard's sleep induced ramblings as he was escorted through the door to the building, into what looked like a secretary's office/sleeping quarters. The room was small, about twenty-four by twenty-four, with two desks, one close to each of the side walls. Filing cabinets were set all round the room.

The desk on the left seemed to be just in case it was needed, nothing but a neat little typewriter sitting on top of a clean surface. The other desk, however, was covered in papers, a used and worn typewriter set up. A fold up cot was set up behind the desk, a mare sound asleep in it.

The dragon was somewhat surprised at the arrangement but had no time to think about it as he was led through the room as quietly as could be before stopping at the door opposite the first but on the other side of the room. Joe lightly knocked on the entry way.

Grabbing and turning the doorknob, the guard quickly opened the door, led Spike inside, and shut it just as quickly and quietly. The room they were in now was an office, specifically for the commanding officer of the camp. The room was decently sized, not overly much but not too small either.

The office was completely bland, except for an extensive desk, two chairs in front of it, and a small filing cabinet with what looked like an equally small liquor set sitting on top of it. On the desk lay only paperwork, a locked cigar box, and a nameplate set front and centered that read: Stomping One.

The major himself sat behind the desk, an icey expression of his own to meet Spike's. He was an earth pony that looked about somewhere in his thirties and could give Big Mac a run for his money in both size and muscle. The stallion was a silver color, with a black mane and tail. His eyes were the color of blood, which seemed to be the dominated thought on his mind.

He must have done something to alter his appearance. No pony's natural look could be this Spike thought as he studied the officer.

Joe walked in front of the desk, snapped a salute and said, "Sir, we have a new prisoner. Two stallions from Lieutenant Night's outfit came by a few minutes ago to drop off this here dragon into our care. I-"

The major held up a hoof to cut Joe off and said, "Thank you private, that will be all for now. Wait outside till I call for you to escort him to his new barracks."

The private seemed to want to say something for a moment before saying, "Yes sir." He saluted the major before turning hoof and walking out of the room, being careful as to not wake the sleeping mare in the other room.

When the door was shut, the major wasted no time in waiting to speak. "Listen, dragon, I'm going to make this short, simple and to the point. You are here because you're not a pony. End of discussion. This means that while you are in here, you are no longer a citizen of this great land that you have corrupted with your filth. It means you have no rights, no liberties, no freedom. You are a prisoner of the highest order and you will be treated as such.

"With that being said, there are rules you will be follow to the letter. First Rule: No speaking to the guards. I do not want you corrupting their minds with your forked speech. Second Rule: Role call will be held every two hours and there will be barack inspections three times a day. I will not give you the time to do or think of trying any escape. Third Rule: Lights out in the barracks by nine 'o'clock sharp. Fourth Rule: I can and will censor your mail or I may just choose not to let you have it all. The Final Rule: If you do anything that displeases me in anyway, you will be thrown into the cooler for thirty days, if not more.

"Now then, do I make myself clear?"

Spike stared into Stomping One's cold eyes with a mixture of anger, loathing and hate. If he knew any better, he'd rip this racist pony's throat out faster then Rainbow Dash could fly. The drake immediately locked those violent, gore filled thoughts into the back of his mind.

He was with the ponies, not against them.

Spike breathed in through his nose then out through his mouth, letting his hate filled thoughts flow out from him, leaving him in a state of complacency. The change of mood did not go unnoticed by the over strict and racist pony. In fact, it only served to anger Stomping One.

"Well dragon? Do I make myself clear? Or am I speaking to intricately for you to understand? Can you even speak, rock for brains? What about it, bastard born?! Speak up!"

Spike knew that the major was trying to provoke him into attacking, that he couldn't wait to try and get the drake executed for insubordination. He wouldn't bite the bait however, no matter how tempting it was to act. He would hold back for Twilight, Celestia, himself but most importantly, for Adonai.

With this in mind, Spike simply said, "I understand perfectly sir. I will do as you have instructed."

Anger flashed through Stomping One's eyes at the dragon's simple response. Before he could say anything else however, he was interrupted as Private Joe once again entered the room, shutting the door behind him.

"Sir." he said, saluting.

"What do you want private?! Didn't I tell you to only come back in when I called you?!" the major practically shouted.

Private Joe kept a straight and composed face as he replied, "Yes sir, you did but I came to remind the major that role call is in ten minutes. It would be an opportune time to introduce the prisoner into one of the barracks."

Stomping One, still breathing heavily, took a few minutes to think on the private's suggestion. Eventually, his breathing calmed and, composing himself, replied, "Yes, I think that would be acceptable."

Turning to look at Spike again, he said, "You will be assigned to a barracks with griffons and zebras only, I can't have you with other dragons. Otherwise, you'd be plotting within a day of meeting each other. Luckily, we only have four dragons, including yourself, so it won't be a problem on choosing a barracks."

The major stood up from his chair and made his way to and through the door, Joe and Spike following behind him.

"Thanks for the save" Spike mumbled, being sure that Stomping One couldn't hear him.

Private Joe nodded in return and mumbled in return, "Private Donut Joe. If you ever need anything just call me."

Spike also nodded, the name striking a note of vague remembrance in his head from the name being spoken. He was led back through the front of the building and out into the compound, where an assortment of griffons, and zebras were standing in formation. They looked to number around six hundred or so.

Barely visible and scattered throughout the group, were three dragons. Spike couldn't make out their scale color or gender from afar though and was forced to guess on the information. Looking beyond his fellow prisoners, the new arrival glanced at the lay out of the barracks, scolding himself for not taking notice sooner.

The huts were lined up in five rows of three, being spaced about fifteen feet apart for the front, back and sides. Prison guards patrolled all around them constantly, checking inside occasionally for any unusual activity. Each barracks looked to be about twenty meters long and almost eight meters wide.

The accounting of the prisoners was nearing completion when Spike was brought over to stand by the major in front of the assembly, Private Joe standing off to the side.

"All present and accounted for sir!" a unicorn came up and said, saluting to Stomping One.

The major saluted in return and, addressing the formation, shouted, "Prisoners, we have a new arrival tonight! I do not know this dragon's name nor do I care what the buck it is! He will be staying with us for quite some time and I want you all to make his stay as unpleasant and unbearable as possible. That is all; dismissed!"

With that, the formation broke up and began to walk back to their huts. Stomping One turned to the guard that had called role and instructed, "Put the new arrival in barracks number three."

The unicorn nodded and, moving behind him, prodded Spike with the tip of his horn. Taking this as a sign to move, Spike began walking towards the last barracks on the front row, a sign indicating that it was barracks number three. Coming to the door, the unicorn used his magic to remove the bindings from his prisoner's wrists before opening the door itself.

Zebras and griffons were all climbing into their bunks when the door to their hut swing open to reveal a dragon and unicorn standing in the open. Spike was shoved into the building before the door was slammed shut behind him, leaving him in the middle of the room with stares boring into his skull.

The dragon simply looked around and said, "Spike."

He then spotted an empty bunk beneath that of a zebra that looked to be around twenty six. Laying upon the bunk, the zebra looked from her bunk above at the drake for a moment before disappearing again from his sight. Spike shrugged and closed his eyes, not really caring at the present time.

He would have plenty of time to get to know his fellow inmates when he woke up in two hours for roll call.

Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 3: Calm Before the Storm

October 17-22, 1489

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

-Psalm 18:34 [King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)]

Twilight Sparkle was almost to the point of pure, unadulterated, hysterics.

After speaking with Princess Celestia, the unicorn had tried to teleport back through the barrier that had been erected for Canterlot but, to her dismay, had found that it was now impossible to pass through. The weaknesses that she had previously exploited no longer seemed to exist anywhere in the shield.

The princess must have figured out how I got to the castle and 'plugged the leaks' so to speak in the force-field. Twilight rationalized to herself.

Fine, if she couldn't get through by magical means, it looked like she was exited the capital turned citadel the old fashion way: sprinting.

Twilight dashed through the door for the powder room and proceeded to leave the throne room in her dust, ignoring the looks she received by everypony around the table, with the exception of Princess Celestia. The Solar Princess simply seemed to stare with a sad, knowing expression as her pupil disappeared out of the massive double doors.

Twilight ran as fast as she could through the corridors of the castle, expertly weaving her way through the maze of halls that were already filled with ponies. The military officers and servants alike stopped to watch as Celestia's student shot past them as if her life depended upon it.

In a way, in Twilight's mind, it did.

Finally reaching the castle gates, the mare skidded to a halt as she impatiently waited for the guards protecting the golden fortifications to open them and allow her to carry on. As she waited for a few moments, she noticed that not all of the Royal Guard had been sent to the front when the initial fighting had broken out.

A few still seemed to call the castle grounds their domain of assignment.

When the gates were finally opened, Twilight wasted no time in darting through the barricade and hastily making her way down the crowded streets that were clogged to the brim with stallions from every corner of Equestria. Twilight tried to push, shout, and squeeze her way through the mass of males but it all was for not.

In her frantic search for a way through the crowd, Twilight couldn't help but notice that from almost every window of every high-rise building around them, a head or two of the Canterlotian inhabitants stuck out and watched as the new soldiers walked past.

It had an strange eeriness to it, despite the overwhelming noise that seemed to smash against her poor ears.

Becoming fed up with the situation before her, the unicorn almost screamed in frustration until she remembered something she should have thought of minutes ago. Rolling her eyes and mentally berated herself for being so lax in her memory, Twilight closed her eyes and, concentrating, pulled her self through null space until she reached a huge wall that forced her from the nether void.

She landed hard onto the grass below her as the magic plugs in the force-field pulled her rather violently from her teleportation. Twilight lifted her aching head and smiled when she saw that her jump had worked. The field had pulled her out exactly where she had intended to be.

About thirty yards to her left was the break in the force-field she had been looking for, the one that the stallions were using to access the city. Picking herself up, Twilight quickly made her way to the opening and slipped through, much to the puzzlement of the stallions who had not yet made it through the barrier and to the ones who already had.

The mare paid no heed to them however as she rushed by and hightailed it to a nearby group of trees about a hundred yards from the city. There she stopped to catch her breath and rest a little as she watched the capital from afar. She noticed that, at that particular moment, a train with enormous length was allowed through the barrier and proceeded into the Canterlot station.

Troop transport Twilight absentmindedly thought.

Seeing as her breathing was back to normal, the mare once again squeezed her eyes shut as her lorn lit up. This would be a longer jump then previously and, with the absence of adrenaline, it would cost much of her strength.

Fixing her mind on her destination, Twilight was sucked into the moving space of nothing as she traveled along to Ponyville. Coming to her treehouse, the mare exited the space of time and was deposited in the middle of the room. She staggered a bit as hunger beset her stomach.

Shakily, she walked to her kitchen and made herself a late lunch, trying hard not to break down in tears in the absence of her usual cook. It was around two o'clock and the mare wanted to pack and sneak away as soon as she could. There was no time to waste if she was to save Spike.

Quickly wolfing down the two sandwiches she had made, Twilight drank some water before she began searching her house, collecting any useful items she thought she would need for her trip. Most of the things she would bring were essentials such as money, food, water, and a few maps.

Over an hour and a half passed before the mare looked and saw that she had procured everything she thought she would need. It had taken her longer then she had expected due to the fact that she had debated with herself numerous times over if what she was bringing would be needed or not.

Stowing the last item into her saddle bag, Twilight strapped it across her back and, after doing a once over of her library just to be safe, proceeded to the door. It was only as she got it that a knock came from outside, slightly startling the unicorn as she had had her mind elsewhere.

Trying to calm her beating heart, Twilight slowly opened the door to reveal a shaking Fluttershy on her doorstep.

Puzzled and worried by the sight before her, the Element of Magic asked, "Fluttershy? Is everything alright? Did something happen to Angel?"

Fluttershy's eyes met Twilights for a few soundless moments and what the unicorn saw within threatened to break her heart in two. The sadness that shown from Fluttershy's eyes was unlike anything she had ever seen from the pegasus. Granted, she had seen some pretty rough moments in her friend's life but never sorrow of this magnatude.

"Twilight," the mare said quietly, "would... would you mind if I came in for a few minutes? If it's not too much trouble, I mean. Rainbow Dash is in Cloudsdale with her mother right now so I thought........ If you're too busy though, it's okay, I can find somepony else....."

The yellow pegasus had already seemingly talked herself out of why she had come in the first place and was already turning around to walk away when Twilight answered, "No! No, it's okay, you can come in. you should know by now that I never turn a friend away."

Backing inside the treehouse, the unicorn made room for Fluttershy to come past the threshold after the pegasus had briefly hesitated before entering the library. Closing the door, Twilight motioned towards the small couch she had put near the western wall, where a break in the bookcases had been made for extra space.

Sitting down, the mare was offered a drink of some kind, to which she graciously declined. Twilight sat down beside her friend and, after a long silence had ensued, asked in a soothing voice, "What troubles you Fluttershy? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Fluttershy opened her mouth, as if to reply but then shut it again, shaking just a tad bit more. The shy mare worked her jaw a little as tears formed in her eyes and threatened to unleash floods if they were ever released. Her heart once again aching for her friend, Twilight put a foreleg around Fluttershy's should and ask, "Shy?"

It was then her lip began to tremble and tears began to spill down her cheeks as the pegasus answered the unicorn with not but emotions alone. Twilight pulled her into a gentle embrace as the dam broke and Fluttershy began weeping so hard that her tears soaked all the way through Twilight's fur.

In between her hiccups and hitches of breath, Fluttershy was able to get out a few words. "H-he's g-gone! Big Mac i-is gone! W-why did h-he have t-to leave Twilight? Why d-did anypony h-have to l-leave? W-why couldn't t-the dragons j-just le-eave u-us alone?! We di-dn't d-do anything t-to t-them!"

Twilight refrained from answering as Fluttershy released her pent up stress and anxiety through her tears.

Almost a half an hour past before the mare's breathing slowly began to revert back to normal and the flow of tears finally seemed to eb. Lifting her head from Twilight's shoulder, Fluttershy wiped her puffy eyes as she sniffed a few times before taking a deep breath and saying in a shaky voice, "Thank you Twilight for listening to my sobs. I think I should be going now, Angel bunny will be getting worried by now."

Twilight offered a soft smile as they both rose from the sofa. "You're welcome Fluttershy, I know how you feel. It's not easy having the one you love torn from you in an instant."

Fluttershy smiled weakly in return as she walked over to the door and proceeded out of the library.

As the door shut once more, it gave Twilight a moment to pause and rethink about what she was doing. The short time she had just spent with Fluttershy helped serve to remind her that she wasn't the only pony hurting from the loss of their significant other.

Is it selfish that I'm going to break out *just** Spike? Am I justified in what I'm doing?*

Twilight debated herself over these as she began to lose her nerve. On one side, she loved Spike and wanted to see him free and helping the country he cherished. On the other hand, however, she wasn't the only one to have somepony taken and maybe thrown into prison.

Furthermore, she realized it would be selfish to try and save just Spike. If she could get Spike out, what was stopping her from getting other non-ponies out too?

She pondered this for a minutes or so until she nodded her head firmly, resolve restored. If she was going to get Spike, she was going to get others out too.

Twilight began going over her simple, daring plan inside her head as she walked out of the library and started down the path that headed to the front of town. I can't tell anyone where I'm going obviously. I'm going to have to teleport at intervals, so I don't immediately collapse from exhaustion when I reach New Colteans. Once I get into the city, I'll have to lay low near wherever the camp is located. Letters I can send directly to Spike, seeing as the wards around the camp are most likely rudimentary at best. I'll have to make sure after I get him and maybe even a few others out, to bring him up to speed on the rest of my plan. Yeah, that will work.

Coming from her thoughts, the unicorn saw that she had reached the edge of her town. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, its rays casting long, eerie shadows out across the land. Looking around and behind her, Twilight saw that there were none around to witness her escape of sorts.

A grim expression set on her face, Twilight closed her eyes and extended her mind outwards, trying to establish north, south, east, and west. Once she had done that, she located and planned out her route to New Colteans, which would consist of four jumps.

The route would take her through the town of Prance, which meant her first jump would take her half to the town, the next into the town itself, the third jump halfway to New Colteans and the fourth jump depositing her into the city. It would be somewhat difficult, seeing as she was traveling close to halfway across the continent.

Her destination locked into her mind, Twilight's horn lit up and, in a moment's instant, there was a flash and she was gone.

The moon had just reached it's zenith when the mare's horn ceased to glow, the different mapping materials were dropped and she leaned back into her desk chair to look over what she had created in a matter of four short hours. It was adequate for the present time she had decided. More elaborate plans would be drawn up as the months wore on and the recruits training progressed.

Princess Luna's face showed no emotion as she studied the tactical map that she had composed, absentmindedly rubbing her eyes a little as she did so. It had been so long since she had last fabricated plans of this magnitude; at least two centuries before her banishment to the moon.

Not much had changed in weaponry and armor, she had observed. Only a few advancements had been made in Equestria, The Kingdom of Skriiod, and the U.R.Z. She did notice, however, that The Kingdom of Vers had, by far, made the most improvements since her time. The griffons had always been the most advanced among the four species.

The princess couldn't idle over weaponry and equipment now though, that would be for later. Now, she needed to go over her map once more, just to be sure she hadn't left any information or detail out of it. It would only make her look foolish to have skimmed over a subject that needed to be covered in the war meeting about an hour from then.

The previous meeting in the throne room was to try and decide the initiate troop placements and equipment. Seeing as the meeting place had been changed, so would the topic of subject. Looking to the multi-scaled illustration, the Princess mentally went through and recited the three different armies and their stations, along with any information she would give at the briefing.

Okay, The Army of the Everfree station is to the north, in the the city of Hoofington. They number at two-hundred thousand strong, with one-hundred thousand earthponies, sixty thousand pegasus, and twenty-five thousand unicorns. Their ordinance is standard, with various weapons, armor and enough supplies to last up to six months. The Chief Commanders are General Silver Star of the First Corp, General Blinding Flash of the Second Corp and I myself as General of the Army.

The Army of the Elements is stationed to the south-west, in the city of St. Ponysburge. Both The Army of the Everfree and the Elements are posted nearest to the volcanic borders of Skriiod. The Army of the Elements also is numbered at two-hundred thousand troops, identical to the amount of earth ponies, pegasis, and unicorns. They too are equipped with standard ordinance. Their Chief Commanders are General Fleet Foot of the First Corp, General Taval of the Second Corp, and Celly as it's General of the Army.

Lastly comes The Army of Canterlot. They are to be posted here in the capital as the reserve army for the time being. As of right now, the first two armies are at full strength and will be moving out by the time the meeting is scheduled to begin. The Army of Canterlot is only at half strength right now, so the rest of the war council will probably be ranting about that little tidbit. Maybe Celestia and I can-.

Princess Luna's thoughts were cut off as a knock was heard. Knowing it was a soldier coming to escort her to the war council, the princess called out, "One moment please."

Luna summoned her royal regalia and swiftly assembling it upon herself, she rolled the tactical map up before stowing it within the breastplate of her regalia. Straightening, the princess strode to the door and, taking hold of it with magic, unlocked and opened it.

As it was opened, Luna was met with a salute from an earthpony major who was being barred with muskets by two of her personal guard, Wer Gavir di wer Thurkear or The Order of the Night. These stallions were the characters of many bedtime stories parents told their foals late at night to have them go to sleep.

These were the bat-like stallions who were chosen and raised from birth to serve and protect the Lunar Princess till their last breath. There weren't as many in the Order as in previous years though, Luna hadn't decided to resurrect her guard for a number of years after her return from the moon. Thus, there were six stallions who made up the Order and all of them were barely twenty three.

Even being so few in number, the princess' guard would escort her to the front and be with her at all times. Celestia had also been guarded by an Order once upon a time but now, as Luna had found out, her sister had long since disbanded The Order of Light. She had, instead, opted for the Royal Guards and soldiers she was protected by at the present time.

Luna, coming from her thought, nodded to her guards and they proceeded to pull their muskets apart, stoic expressions never leaving their faces. Walking out and to the right, the major fell into step with her as Luna's guards flanked them both.

The four ponies walked down the hall, took a left down another hallway and, after a few more twists and turns, came to their destination. The four stood in one of the oldest parts of the castle, one that which was built onto the mountain itself. In front of them was a single, steel door.

The door was sealed and locked by both physical and magical means, preventing anypony except the princess' and their commanders from entering. Few knew of this particular door's existence, as it was hidden in the shadows in a section of the palace that was often banned from entering.

The only ponies who were still alive to know what lay behind it were the two alicorns and five generals currently meeting in the eons old war room.

Turning her head to look at the soldier, Princess Luna commanded, "You are dismissed major; return to your post."

The officer snapped a salute before turning about and quickly disappearing behind the bend of a nearby wall. As the princess turned again to the door, Luna's guards took up their posts on either side of impenetrable slab of metal and proceeded to become like living statues.

Closing her eyes and lighting her horn, Luna expanded her consciousness toward the steel door and it's wards. Upon meeting resistance, the princess firmly asserted her magical presence against the wards, forcing them to examine her.

Recognizing the feel of the one who had cast the wards, the enchanted walls moved aside for the princess, who advanced forward unto the physical locks that also barred her way. Unlocking them, she was finally able to gain dominance over the steel and the door promptly swung inward.

Stepping through the threshold, Luna quickly shut and re-sealed the door behind her before looking upon the ponies awaiting her arrival. Gathered around a round, stone table in the middle of the room sat her sister and their five commanders. Posted throughout the room were the personal guards of the commanders and of Celestia.

The different sets of guards usually rotated on who was posted where both inside and outside of the room. The room itself was of very band sorts, seeing as it's walls and floor was covered with a coat of steel to help reinforce the stone from which the room was carved.

No other features or items were found in the chamber, except for vents in the ceiling that had been carved out and installed to help circulate air into the otherwise closed off area.

Walking over to the table, the soldiers in the room all came to attention, the commanders rising from their seats in respect. Princess Celestia also rose and greeted Luna as the guards were commanded at ease, along with the generals assembled.

Both the commanders relaxed but remained standing, so as to see to the map from a better vantage point.

Clearing her throat and laying the map out on the stone for all to see, Princess Luna cleared her throat and began her briefing.

"Gentlecolts and sister of mine, I have pondered the discussions and questions from our earlier meeting in the throne room and I think I have come up with solutions to all of them. So, I will spend the next few minutes laying out the conclusions I have wrought but with no questions until I am finished. Am I understood?"

"Yes princess" the five replied.

Nodding her head, Luna pointed a hoof at the map and began her briefing, just like she had planned. "You all know that, at the present time, we have three armies divided and ready to begin training. The Army of the Everfree will be based in the north at the city of Hoofington, with over two-hundred thousand troops strong. Intelligence believes that the draconic city of Wintek, which lies one-hundred seventy miles across their dormant volcanic borders from Hoofington, will be where the dragons will likely amass their forces first. For this reason, I will taking direct command of the army, with Generals Silver Star and Blinding Flash as my corp commanders."

Silver Star, an earthpony, and Blinding Flash, a pegasus, both dipped their heads is acceptance.

The princess continued, saying, "The Army of the Elements will be stationed in the south-west, at St.Ponysburge, one-hundred fifty-five miles across the border from the draconic city of Marfedelom. They also number at two-hundred thousand troops. My sister has deemed it appropriate to also take command of the army, due to fact it is close to a potential staging area for the enemy. She has chosen Generals Fleet Foot and Taval to lead her corps."

Both the pegasis and unicorn inclined their heads.

"Finally, we have The Army of Canterlot. While the first two armies are fully equipped in ponies and ordinance, The Army of Canterlot is only currently at half strength and looks like it will stay that way for the foreseeable future, due the shortage of supplies and stallions. In light of this, the job of commanding the reserve forces falls to the every capable General Shining Armor. He will be responsible for the reserved forces, the homefront's moral and for the defense of this city."

If Shining Armor was surprised by his new assignment, he didn't show it. He simply nodded his head like his fellow generals and showed no emotion about his placement. In fact, it seemed to Luna that the former Captain of the Royal Guard was taking the news quite well.

"That concludes my end of this briefing. If anypony has any questions about their assignments or anything that we have discussed here today, I will hear them now."

Silence.

Nodding her head, Luna concluded the brief meeting with thus. "Very well then, my sister will bring the rest of you up to speed on what ordinance and supplies you will be getting for the next few months while the recruits train. I must make my way to Hoofington now, my troops will be arriving in a few days and I need to prepare a few things."

Without another word, the princess turned about and, after unlocking the door, proceeded outside, sealing it behind her. Luna's guards fell into place with their princess as the three ponies exited the restricted area of the castle. Luna would need only to collect a few winter clothes for the journey, the rest of what she would need was being transported with her army.

Sending one of her guards to fetch her clothing and the other to alert the rest of her guard, Luna walked out into the castle courtyard and summoned a carriage to be brought around. The soldiers guarding the courtyard quickly moved to comply and within ten minutes, a carriage being pulled by two privates landed in front of her.

By this time, the rest of Luna's Order had assembled around her. Two went up and relieved the privates from their duties, while the next two took position inside the carriage with the princess after she got in. The last two took up positions on either side of the carriage, supplying an escort while in the air.

"Let us be off then, my friends. We have no use staying here any longer than we must, We have an army to train."

With that, the carriage took off into the night, the sound of a train whistle echoing through the night.

Pipsqueak was jolted awake as the train lurched to a halt, wheels squeaking loudly as they slid across the track. He blinked his eyes a few times and shook his head, trying hard to rid himself of the grogginess that was assailing his head. He cracked his neck and tried to stretch his aching muscles as the train lurched once more before finally coming to a complete stand still.

Pip's breath came out in puffs of smoke as the stallion shivered slightly as he turned to see out the window that snow was falling at a steady pace. Even in mid October it seemed like winter had already set in for the next few months. If this was what it was like in the fall, Pipsqueak dreaded to know how cold it would be when the winter months actually arrived.

It looked to be about midday, if the the position of the sun behind the clouds was anything to go by.

Pip looked away from the window to see that his fellow recruits were beginning to gather what little possessions they had brought with them and stand to depart from the train. The young male likewise did the same as the stallions in front of him began moving forward and out of the train.

Pipsqueak followed and, upon disembarking from the locomotive, was immediately bombarded with sights, smells, and sounds completely foreign to him. All around him, ponies milled about, shouting was heard all across the platform and the smell of burning coal permeated everything nearby.

He and the rest of the recruits were led in lines out of the station and into the city itself, only after nearly ten minutes of pushing and shoving though. It was outside the station that Pipsqueak got a good look of the city he would be calling his home for the next few months.

He looked to be near the north-eastern end of the city. A giant stone wall rose up behind him and, when he saw it, made him feel very small. The wall looked to be about six stories in height and was at least nine feet thick. It encompassed the entire city in it's protectiveness, for it had been originally built nearly a thousand years before when a similar situation of violence had arisen.

The wall had ended up being constructed for not as the conflict had smoothly been diverted towards a more peaceful end but it was still kept in the event should another event arise. Now, nearly an eon later, it would finally be put to the use for which it had been intended.

Pipsqueak was jarred from his gazing as multiple officers began shouting throughout the crowd of recruits. They were all directed towards the city center, where they were going to be addressed by the General of the Army before being processed into a specific corp and units.

Not really having a choice in the matter, Pip was swept with the crowd of recruits towards the center, passing multiple high rises and other buildings with ponies hanging out of almost every window. Most ponies in the windows cheered as loud as they could, raining confetti down upon the new soldiers in welcome to their city.

However, Pip noticed a few ponies who simply watched with grim faces as the soldiers marched to the center of the city. It was if they had already seen the future and it had been a grim future indeed.

Somewhat puzzled, the stallion pushed those thoughts out of his head. They were of no use to him. He instead focused on the fact that snow had ceased falling from the clouds above them.

The army arrived in the square that was the center of town, where a stage was set up. Tens of thousands of soldiers tried to back into the moderately sized square as others poured into the connecting streets and roads that led elsewhere into the metropolis.

When it seemed as if the majority of the army were in the general area of the monstrous stage, a contingent of officers, led by two who looked to be of lofty stature, proceeded up the stairs of the stage and to the chairs lined there upon it.

A podium had been placed at the front of the stage and it was from thus that an earthpony rose from his chair after a few minutes and began to speak.

One of his aids amplified his voice by magic as the general began speaking to the crowd before him.

"Stallions of Equestria! I am General Silver Star, commander of the First Corp in The Army of the Everfree. Let me first formally welcome you into the Equestrian National Army. Only twice before in recorded history has our people amassed in such numbers and strength. Now, I know many of you are scared and frightened over both your families and your own lives. Let me assure you now, I and my fellow commanders will do everything in our power to bring you home once again.

"With that being said, you will have to be trained to fight if you ever want that chance. In a few moments, after our General of the Army speaks, you will be given instructions that will help lead you into one of many units forming. Those guidelines will be given in a few short moments. Without further ado then, I present to you all the General of the Army for our army, Princess Luna!"

There were cheers and applause as the princess swooped down from one of the nearby buildings, mane flowing in the wind, her Royal Regalia polished to a dark shine as it reflected specks of sunlight that managed to break through the cloud cover.

Pip watched with awe as Princess Luna gracefully landed upon the stage, head held, a commanding aura radiating from her very presence. As the cheers died down, the princess began to speak, saying, "My dear subjects! I thank you all for answering the call my sister and I sent out across the land, nopony knows more about your sacrifices then we do, so I thank you!" A pause before continuing. "The journey ahead of us is long, arduous, and very deadly but let me assure you now, we will prevail against this beast of an enemy! You will live to tell our grandfoals about the day that The Army of the Everfree repelled the invading forces of the west and vanquished them forever!"

More cheers and applause rose from the crowd as Pip looked awe with shock and surprise. The princess was practically promising every single stallion that they would go home from this as heros, without even a single dead. The young stallion didn't know much about a fight but he did know that no matter how strong the opponent, both combatants usually went away injured in some way.

He hoped and prayed for the sake of them all that Princess Luna followed through with her promises.

"Now, to begin your training as defenders of this great land! You will be divided into different corps, divisions, brigades, regiments and so on. You will train with your fellow recruit, helping and guiding one another until both of you are perfectionist and experts at what you do! The greatest ability on the battlefield is being able to trust the pony next to you with your life. I must depart now but I will be watching you all from afar with great interest. Fare thee all well!"

Her speech concluded, Princess Luna took to the air once more and quickly disappeared behind a highrise. Another officer came to the podium then and began giving orders.

"Alright recruits, listen up! I will be giving these orders only once so if you miss them, well then sucks for you! There are sections of the city that have already been cleared of residence and are ready for use from our army. When I call out an area, you will head to it's corresponding direction. This shouldn't take very long from here. When you get to your assigned encampments, however, it will be longer. There, your new corp will set to assigning you to different subunits. Here we go: if you were recruited from northern and/or southern Equestria, head to the western edge of the city. If you were recruited from the eastern and/or western Equestria, head to the north-western edge of the city!"

Everything after that was a blur for Pipsqueak. He was dragged through the crowd to the north-western edge of the city, then he was stuck in line for hours, then he was getting gear, a fight broke out nearby. Ponies shouting at him to hurry up into his new barracks.

By the time it was all over, it was well past two in the morning and Pip was lying in his new bunk, eyelids threatening to slam shut any minute. The barracks he had been assigned to was supposedly the old militia and guard barracks that housed the citizen protectors of the city.

The militias had all been disbanded and merged into the ENA however and now, this particular barracks belonged to Pipsqueak's Company, which was called Swift Company. If he remembered correctly, his full designation was 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Swift Company, 6th Battalion, 8th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corp.

It made his head hurt just thinking about it.

Pip hadn't paid any attention as to who was in his Company or if he knew anypony at all. There would be time for that in the morning. Right then, he was just tired and wanted to get to sleep. Maybe when he woke up, this had all been just a nightmare.

A freaky, vivid, painful nightmare.