Thunderspite

“Any idea what this is about, sir?” asked Blitzwing.

“The princess has some kind of special mission for us,” replied Thunderspite. “That’s all I know.” In fact, the Princess had summoned him from the barracks only a few hours early and told him that she had a very special assignment for him, and to select one of his most trustworthy lieutenants to accompany him.

For Thunderspite, there had been no question that Blitzwing would be the one to accompany him. Blitzwing and Thunderspite had met in basic training years ago, and had been best friends ever since. They were a close match in the sparring ring, and indeed, in most other things as well. Thunderspite knew that it had just been dumb luck that saw him promoted Captain of the Pegasus Corps instead of his friend. In fact, Thunderspite frequently wondered if Blitzwing wouldn’t make a better commander than he. But if Blitzwing ever felt even the barest hint of jealousy, he did a good job of hiding it, and Thunderspite knew he could rely on him completely in all matters. Though Thunderspite was technically Blitzwing’s superior officer, Blitzwing was first and foremost Thunderspite’s closest friend.

The two guards passed through the archway to the great hall, returning the salutes of the sentries as they went. Inside, a few ponies were already waiting, who had apparently also been summoned by the princess. There was Star Strider, Captain of the Unicorn Brigade, and Boulder Hoof, Captain of the Earth Pony Infantry. The only pony there that was not part of the Guard was a mare unicorn whom Thunderspite vaguely recognized as one of the Princess’s students.

The three ponies were standing in a group, exchanging pleasantries. Seeing them approach, Star Strider made the introductions.

“Captain Thunderspite. Lieutenant Blitzwing.” He shook each of their hooves, then turned to introduce the mare. “Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Dawn Glimmer, one of the Princess’s most promising students.” Dawn Glimmer curtsied, then offered her hoof. “Hello, Blitzwing. And hello...Thunderspite.”

Thunderspite was taken aback. Dawn Glimmer’s voice was warm and melodic. She greeted Blitzwing with genuine sincerity, and her inflection indicating that she was genuinely glad to have met him. But when she said Thunderspite’s name... there was a warmth there, and a familiarity. When she looked into his eyes she also smiled coyly, as if she was trying not to laugh at some inner joke. In that moment, Thunderspite was sure that she was the most beautiful mare he had ever laid eyes on.

“A pleasure to meet you, miss,” he heard himself say. Dumbstruck, he continued holding her hoof for a few awkward moments.

The moment that passed between them was not lost on the others. Blitzwing raised an eyebrow and looked back and forth between them. After a moment, Star Strider continued.

“I’ve had the distinct privilege of having Dawn Glimmer as a part-time student of mine. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more promising unicorn.”

“The captain is exaggerating, of course,” said Dawn Glimmer humbly.

“Ah,” was all Thunderspite could think to say.

The moment was interrupted as Princess Celestia entered the hall. The assembled ponies all bowed low as she walked towards them.

“Thank you all for coming.” To the average citizen of Ponyville, the Princess would have sounded like her usual regal self, but those who knew her well knew immediately from her tone that the Princess was gravely concerned about something.

The princess continued. “I’m afraid we don’t have time for pleasantries. If you will all follow me, please." Without stopping, she walked straight through the great hall and led them into the royal chambers. At the end of another hall, they ascended a spiral staircase, until they reached the Princess’ study. Once there, she led them to the far side of the room and out onto the balcony.

It was evening by then, and a few stars were starting to shine through the evening dusk. The Princess went straight to her telescope, peered through, fiddled with the dials, then peered through again. When she had found whatever it was she was looking for, she beckoned the assembled ponies to look through as well.

Thunderspite was first. Looking through the eyepiece, he at first did not see anything. Then, as his eye focused, he thought that he could just make out a faint outline of something, just a lighter blue against the darker blue of the early dusk sky. Thunderspite looked for a moment, not understanding what he was seeing, then stepped aside.

“What is it, Princess?” Thunderspite asked.

Dawn Glimmer was next. She adjusted the knobs slightly, then posed an answer. “A noctilucent cloud, Princess?”

“That’s right,” Princess Celestia answered. Turning to the others she said, “What you are looking at is called a noctilucent cloud. It is very rare, and very seldom seen above Equestria. It is much higher than normal clouds, and it glows of its own inner light.”

The Princess let the others have a turn looking through the telescope before she continued. “However, I do not believe this cloud is natural in origin. I believe it is a city.”

The Princess paused to let that sink in. “Like Cloudsdale, your majesty?” asked Boulder Hoof.

“This city-cloud is much higher than Cloudsdale, but yes.”

“Who lives there, Princess?” asked Blitzwing.

The Princess took a deep breath before answering. “I believe the city is inhabited by creatures known as cloud wraiths.”

Dawn Glimmer gasped.

“What are those, your majesty?” asked Blitzwing.

“Very little is known about the Cloud Wraiths. We do know that long ago, even before my reign, they used to inhabit the land we now call Equestria. We also know that the Cloud Wraiths were masters of a type of magic based on the element of Catalyst, which is still largely unknown to our scientists. They were driven out of Equestria by a terrible blizzard that covered the land in snow for a hundred years, and they were forced to flee into the sky.”

“Why have they returned now, your majesty?” asked Star Strider

“I don’t know.” The Princess took another deep breath. “But their cloud city is headed directly for Canterlot. At its present speed, it will be directly above us in two weeks’ time.”

The Guards exchanged nervous glances. The Princess continued. “This is why I have summoned you all here tonight. I want to avoid a conflict with the cloud wraiths if possible, but I also cannot ignore the possibility that their intentions may be...unfriendly.” She turned to face the assembled Guards.

“Star Strider and Boulder Hoof, I want you two to coordinate the city’s defenses. For all our sakes, I hope it will be an unnecessary precaution.” The two guards saluted. The Princess then turned to the others. “Dawn Glimmer, I have a very special mission for you. I want you to lead a peace envoy to the cloud city. I believe that your... unique talents may be just what’s needed in this situation.” Dawn Glimmer looked nervous, but nodded. “Thunderspite and Blitzwing, you will be Dawn Glimmer’s escorts. I want to make it clear that Dawn Glimmer will be the leader of this mission. The two of you are to defer to her judgement in all matters, but you are to see to her personal safety. However, since this is a peace envoy, you must travel unarmed. You’ll leave first thing in the morning. An airship is being prepared for you, and should be ready by morning." The same look of apprehension crossed both of the pegasi's faces when the Princess said “unarmed,” but they also saluted as they acknowledged the Princess’ instructions.

The Princess looked each of them in the eye for a moment. Her face was grave. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that each of your assignments carries the utmost importance. The fate of Equestria may very well be in your hooves. Are there any questions?”

Those assembled shook their heads. “Then I will leave you all to make your arrangements. Good luck.” They all bowed and turned to leave. Thunderspite was the last out, and as he turned to close the door to the Princess’ study behind him, he saw that the Princess hadn’t moved. Instead, she stood watching them as they left, with a kind of sadness on her face that Thunderspite had never seen before.

“Anything I can get for you, Princess?” Thunderspite was actually offering the princess his company, in case there was anything troubling her that she wanted to discuss. Since taking on the role of Captain of the Guard nearly a year ago, Thunderspite occasionally found himself serving as the Princess’ unofficial advisor and confidant.

“No thank you, Thunderspite. You should rest up for your journey tomorrow.” The Princess’ smile would have fooled anypony that didn’t know her as well. Thunersite offered her a reassuring smile as he closed the doors behind him.

Thunderspite caught up with the others as they descended the spiral staircase.

“Will you be needing any help with your luggage, Miss Dawn Glimmer?” Blitzwing was saying.

“I’m sure I can manage.” She smiled.

“We’ll send a coach for you in the morning,” Thunderspite said, nodding to Blitzwing.

“That would be lovely, Thank you.”

No one said anything else until they were outside again. The Captains quickly exchanged a few words about arrangements to be made, then Star Strider and Boulder Hoof departed.

Thunderspite and Blitzwing turned to Dawn Glimmer. Thunderspite swallowed. “Well, Miss Dawn Glimmer, it seems we’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the coming weeks.”

“It would seem so, Captain.” Those eyes... Thunderspite thought to himself.

“We’ll...see you in the morning then,” he said.

She nodded. “In the morning. It was a pleasure to meet you both.” She offered her hoof to each of them. “Sleep well Blitzwing. Sleep well...Thunderspite.” The tone she used was the same before. Thunderspite watched her go, her tail swishing behind her as she walked.

When he looked back at Blitzwing, his friend had one eyebrow cocked and a bemused smile on his face. Thunderspite ignored him and began walking back to his quarters.

“What do you think, sir?”

“Hmm?” said Thunderspite, distracted. “Oh. I suppose we’ll leave Cloud Dasher in charge of the Corps, under Star Strider and Boulder Hoof...”

“Not the mission, sir. The mare. Dawn Glimmer.”

“Oh. What about her?”

“I’m pretty sure she likes you.”

“And I’m pretty sure we have more pressing matters at hand, Lieutenant.”

“Aw, come off it, Thunderspite. Would it kill you to loosen up a little? How long has it been since your last girlfriend? What was her name, Sun Dancer?”

“Sky Dancer,” Thunderspite said bitterly.

“That must have been what, two years ago? You’ve been single far too long. Time to live it up again.”

“Lieutenant!” Thunderspite snapped. Blitzwing stopped and stood at attention. A second later, Thunderspite’s temper cooled, and he immediately regretted pulling rank on his friend. Nevertheless, the subject irked him, and he had no wish to continue discussing it.

“...assemble on the south lawn at first light," Thunderspite said, regretting his officiousness even as he spoke the words. “Have Cloud Dasher meet us there. And arrange a coach to collect Miss Dawn Glimmer in the morning.”

“Aye aye, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

“Aye aye, sir. Good evening, sir.” Blitzwing saluted, about-faced, and marched away, not offended by Thunderspite’s formality. As he marched away, it occurred to Thunderspite, not for the first time, that he was absolutely undeserving of friend like Blitzwing.