There is a war coming, and we need to be prepared

Cheshire is an orphan, or at least he was until Princess Celestia showed up at his orphanage home, requesting that all colts older than eight be sent to Canterlot to fight for the Canterlot army. Now, at just barely eight years old, the young colt must face a struggle that is known by many mares and stallions as terrifying and lonely: being different from everypony else. He is the only earth pony in the Canterlot army of powerful pegasi and wise unicorns. Will he break under pressure? Or will his one and only friend be able to help pull him through? And with an anonymous threat sent to Canterlot castle foretelling an age of darkness, will he be enough to save Equestria?