It All Has to End...

The slow steady clop of his hooves echoing off of the great stone walls were all that the general could hear. Amongst the stillness of the Equestrian castle, the white stallion was among the few ponies that stirred within the grand halls of their home. The palace had long since emptied of all of its servants and grand entertainers that came here to try and seek favor with their deity. Offering up gifts and respect all for the chance that the sisters might grant them some of their wisdom. How he despised them all.

After several long minutes spent in the deafening silence did he reach his destination, too large wooden doors engraved with the skill of every master craftsman within the realm as an offering to their highnesses. The twin suns loomed above him as he raised up his hoof and pounded upon them in three successive knocks. The resounding echo that wailed around him was almost enough to make him cringe. Disturbing the silence left a guilty pit somewhere at the back of his mind, but there were matters that required her highness' attention.

Upon its iron hinges, the door to his right began to creak inward and he waited till there was enough space that he could enter undeterred. His mouth opened to declare his presence, but the words fell short as he stared at an empty bed, the blankets draped over the side lazily. From the large windows beyond, one of the curtains swung inward and he caught a glimpse of white and pink. Stepping around the satin heap of blankets and moving to step out into the night time air, the General found who he was searching for.

"Your highness," the cream colored unicorn stated, his tone flat and unemotional.

The somewhat taller pony standing near the edge of the tower balcony stirred and swiveled her head to glance over her shoulder at him. The long pink pane along her neck flowed like water in the gentle evening breeze.

"Good evening, General Iron,” she said, voice sweet like honey as she addressed the unicorn behind her. "I hope that all is well that you would come to see me so late on this starry night." Her eyes turned upward at the many burning bodies of light flecking the midnight sky.

The generals eyes remained forward, not staring directly at the goddess of the sun. “I apologize for disturbing you, your highness, but you gave strict instruction that the news I bring could not wait.” The unicorn’s voice was always the same, always that deep monotone that befitted someone of his rank.

The princess’ demeanor became more serious, head turning forward again as she gazed down upon the dark city below. “You found him then?” she inquired, flatly, the silence that came from behind her giving her the answer she sought. “And where is he?”

The general moved forward alongside her, tilting his head down toward the capitol the same as she had. “He’s here.”

The princess’ head whirled toward him at that, ears flicking high above her head. “He’s here?” she repeated, gazing down at her trusted advisor. “Are you sure?”

The unicorn nodded his head, blue two tone mane bobbing with the motion as for the first time they made eye contact with each other. “Seems he is here on business of some sort. One of our scouts found him drowning in a local pub near the less… favorable districts.” His lip twitched a bit, imagining how anypony could land themselves in such a place.

Despite the general’s own displeased demeanor, the mare next to him seemed to positively brighten at the news, tilting her head up and inhaling deeply as the corners of her lips curved upward. “We should consider ourselves blessed that we are so fortunate.” she hummed happily, “It will be much easier to procure an audience with him if he is within the capitol.”

The general stared up into his princess’ happy expression, face contorted with his own thoughts as he let out a heavy sigh and turned his gaze downward.

Hearing his breathy exclamation, the mare glanced down at her friend, knowing that their was something on his mind that he was withholding from their conversation. “If you would have words with me, General, then you know all you must do is speak them.”

There was a brief moment of hesitation as the stallion rolled his tongue against his teeth, biting back his thoughts from escaping his mouth before he had a chance to arrange them in the proper way. “I have my doubts in the level of trust your are willing to grant him, your highness,” - the words were calculated carefully as he continued - “Forgive me if I have stepped beyond my bounds, but I did some digging into your request and I’m not sure I agree that it should be him we send.” The unicorn refused to make eye contact with her, the princess’ surely to be upset that he would question her.

Indeed the alicorn was, her gaze toward her companion on the balcony far less delicate than it had been only moments ago. Still, she could not blame the unicorn for being cautious, after all it had been by her bidding that he was tasked with protecting their city.

“I know that my decision is not one that you would make yourself, but I’m asking you to have faith in me old friend. If we are to succeed, we’ll be needing someone that can walk unnoticed where either of us cannot.” Still the unicorn grimaced out into the darkness, her assurance doing little to quell his trepidations. The princess smiled softly and placed her hoof upon his shoulder, gaining the general’s attention as she spoke to him. “Ease be in your heart, general. We can trust him.” she stated, the resoluteness behind her tone making him nod up at her.

With another sigh, the stallion nodded and once again resumed his monotonous state. “I will send out the guards to collect him then.” he said, turning to leave, but the light giggle coming from the princess was reason enough for him to pause.

“That won’t be necessary, General Iron.” she trilled back at him, casting her eyes upward with a smirk. “I believe that I have a much simpler solution to our task.”

He cocked his eyebrow at the alicorn, curious as to what plans she was forming in her head, but dipped his head respectfully at her wishes and made his leave. “Yes, Celestia.”