In Service of Equestria

Unexpected Orders

Early evening was befalling the Crystal Empire. In the square under the castle there sat the Crystal Heart under a glass case on it's pedestal. A lone sentry in a ceremonial uniform paced back and forth in front of it; taking ten paces, turning towards the shrine and pausing ten seconds before turning and waiting an additional ten seconds before repeating the process going the other way. The precise movements of the guard was to be in respect for the thousand years the empire was missing, and this duty was one of the highest honors a guard could earn.

Phalanx stood in a small room adjacent to the throne room as he adjusted the fit of his ceremonial uniform over his white fur. A cutie mark of the helm of the royal guard with a shield similar to the roman scutum easily visible on his flank. His red mane was cut so it was a thin flat strip onto his head. Besides the fact that he had lost his right wing there was little that looked out of place on the veteran guard. A fellow guard looked him over before giving an approving nod.

"You look good" The guard said before stepping aside for Phalanx to exit the room.

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Phalanx exited, a guard waiting outside dressed like the sentry outside the Crystal Heart. After taking 20 paces the sentry followed. The sound of their hoofsteps echoing in perfect unison. Phalanx's mind was elsewhere as he made his way through the side of the throne room before turning in the center and heading outside.

After this you'll no longer be a guard. You get to live a happy peaceful life --Phalanx's left eye gave a slight twitch-- The killer, the war drunk pegasus, THEY gave all, you didn't

Phalanx was now outside, the brisk evening air silenced his thoughts as he marched in front of the crowed that had formed to see the ceremony that had happened several times a day. Sometimes honored guests and even the regal sisters Celestia and Luna had come to watch the ceremony that was suggested by Shining Armor himself. The sentry patrolling, now stopped and facing the heart waited as Phalanx started the ceremony.

"Mares and Gentlecolts," Phalanx's voice boomed "may I have your attention please. My name is Staff Sergeant Phalanx, of the Second Guard Detachment, Equistrian Royal Guard, Guard of Honor: Crystal Heart. The ceremony you are about to witness is the changing of the guard. In keeping with the dignity of this ceremony, it is requested that everypony remain silent and STANDING. Thank you."

With he faced and marched to the sentry that was about to take the post, looking over his uniform and weapon, putting on a small spectacle as the weapon twirled in his hooves with ease, the crowd watching in silent amazement as he then returned the weapon and the ceremony continued.

1...2...3...Salute..... His thoughts now only focusing on the ceremony as the three guards preformed each move with discipline that only those that had really served or practiced drill themselves could really appreciate. Even to those expert eyes the ceremony was perfect in it's movements. And now as Phalanx and the relieved sentry were marching back to the castle as the new one took up the patrol.

Now his thoughts once again went back to echoes of guilt and his stomach was twisting in knots but he refused to show it as he entered the room where he was adjusting his uniform and quickly changed out of it. Hanging it up and let out a defeatist sigh.

"Gents, it's been a pleasure" He said through a forced smile, looking to the few stallions in the room.

The few guards in the room stomped their hooves in applause as one walked to him and handed him a small sealed envelope, "take care Staff Sergeant."

Phalanx opened his final orders and read it, looking a little perplexed as picked up his uniform and carefully packed it into one of his sattlebags, the other holding a few journals and faded photos. Phalanx made his way into the throne with all his worldly possessions  and found Prince Shining Armor waiting at the base of the steps to the thrones. Phalanx marching up to the unicorn and stood at attention.

"Staff Sergeant Phalanx, reporting as order sir"

Shining Armor turned to Phalanx before he spoke. "At ease, I have one last duty I need to ask of you."

Phalanx relaxed only slightly as his eyes seemed to be fixed on something a thousand yards away, "understood sir."

"The castle is busy getting ready for the arrival of Princesses Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, as well as the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony. But it seems that another task has been" --pausing he cleared his throught-- "overlooked, so I need you to wait in the garden. Princess Luna will arrive shortly and I need you to show her around the capital and stall while we get her quarters and welcome ready"

Phalanx paused before replying, "I'm not exactly the most fun loving guard, sir"

Shining Armor gave an understanding nod, "no... but you also don't have any duties and your train doesn't leave till morning. It sounds like you'll have a lot of free time on your hands till then and the Captain has told me you don't sleep much anymore."

Phalanx's nostrils flared before he nodded "understood sir."

With that Phalanx stood again at attention before turning and making his way to the garden on one of the balconies of the castle and set his bags down before taking a seat on bench in the center. He stretched his hooves and turned as his bones cracked and popped before he looked to the stars.

"A few hours left brothers, I promise."

"Till what?"

Phalanx's heart froze as he stood and looked to see Princess Luna standing behind him, her eyes meeting his as he struggled to find the words. Her eyes seemed to pierce his soul with an accusatory look in them, but how could that be. Maybe it was just mild paranoia and nothing else.

Shaking the uneasy feeling and as the icy fear that had clutched his heart for that second faded he gave a small smile and gave a small bow.

"It's nothing, Your Majesty, my name is Staff Sergeant Phalanx and I've been asked to give you a tour of the Crystal Empire."