Thunder's Roar

• What do you mean you cannot tell? – Waterfall asked for the third time. - That doesn’t make any sense! They asked you to wait and there must have been a good reason for that. You do realize I heard their discussion earlier too, right?

Amber decided to try and calm her down.

• Waterfall, please…

As Flamespark and Amber reached the village, they realized all the miners have gone back to work. They apparently decided not to waste any more time and simply not to take a break. Waterfall sadly was not working in the mine and she had all the time to bug Amber and Flamespark about Order and her group. Except Flamespark had to go back to his furnace and start working again, so Amber was left alone to face her onslaught.

She gave him a serious look as she continued the assault.

• Don’t you dare to “please” me Amber! I want to get to the bottom of this and I do not care what it takes. Just you wait until the rest hears about all of this.

• Waterfall, calm down! – Amber raised his voice a little. – I am being serious. I cannot tell you and you cannot tell others about what we’ve heard. You will get both Flamespark and me into serious trouble if it happens!

• But…

She frowned her muzzle in disapproval. After a brief pause she stomped with her front hooves.

• I really hope you are not just trying to keep the information away from me. Alright Amber. You’ve won. You can keep your secret, for all I care.

That response made Amber feel very bad. He did not intend to hurt her feelings.

• I promise Waterfall, I do not try to hide anything. You know I wouldn’t. The moment I will be able to talk more freely about this, you will be the first one to hear.

She seemed to lighten up, but only a little.

• It’s not a problem Amber. I am just worried. I am worried about the whole situation, worried about you both. Especially this whole mystery thing… It just does not look too good to me.

You cannot even begin to imagine… - Amber thought as he recalled the draft. More worries was the last thing she needed at this moment though.

• Do not worry; everything is going to be alright. Flamespark and I will just have to leave for a brief moment in the nearest future.

He did not quite check the envelope yet since Flamespark and he have decided to take a look at it together in the evening. They would meet at Amber’s house and talk about the details, to then share the ones they could with Amber’s family. Flamespark left his family in Ponyville when he moved to Northdale, so that was all they could do.

• Come on and cheer up. I need to go back to work now, still have to finish the furniture for tomorrow. – He said hoping he had made her feel at least a little bit better.

She smiled shyly at this, but still seemed pretty stressed.

• Okay, I will try. For now take care, and do not run behind on your work.

After giving her response Waterfall headed for the entrance. As she was going out, she turned around to wave at Amber before closing the door.

Amber did not know what to think of the situation himself either. He looked at the envelope that he has placed on the table and decided to hide it in his cabinet. The last thing he wanted was for somepony else to find and read it.

After that was done he went back to his work allowing his thoughts to drift away.

It was slowly getting dark outside as Amber was working furiously. He worked hard not to let himself think about the past events. The miners should be ending their work day soon, after that he should be able to meet with his family and finally talk about what happened. As he thought that, two loud knocks could be heard behind him.

That for sure was neither his mother nor his father. Both never bothered to knock to the door. Flamespark was a viable guess but he should still be working in his forge for at least one more hour.

• Come in! – Amber said loudly wondering about his guest.

Surely enough the doors opened and surely enough Flamespark appeared behind them. As he cautiously entered the room, he gave Amber an apologizing expression.

• Sorry to interrupt you a little earlier than planned Amber, but I just couldn’t cope with my thoughts. I decided to end the work a little bit earlier today and check out on our draft. And since I am doing it already, why don’t we do it together? After all, your parents will most likely ask for some details.

Amber could not deny the logic behind the words. He nodded and started sorting his tools on the nearby table.

• Just let me put everything in its place and we can begin. – He said as he was doing just that.

Flamespark waited a brief moment for his friend to finish, to then trot to the center of the room closing the door behind him.

• I am getting kind of nervous once again. – He admitted as he put his envelope on the nearby table.

• Give me a second, I will go to my room and grab mine as well. I will meet you here in a moment. – Amber responded as he made his way towards his cabinet.

As he went through his belongings to finally find the precious envelope, he finally bothered to give it a more thorough look. It was made from a strong and somewhat rough paper. In the top right corner he could see some kind of emblem. The emblem was round, with red border. Inside the circle Amber could see few tall buildings, having white walls and golden roofs. He glanced at the center of his letter finding a gentle, straight hoofwriting.

“Royal Office of the Canterlot City

Recipient: Pegasus Amber, village of Northdale.”

Right below that he could find a signature he could not recognize or even read for that matter. He never understood why authorities had such illegible signatures. A weak smile came onto his face as he took the envelope and trotted back to his guest.

Flamespark was waiting at him patiently in the room. After reaching the table, Amber dropped the envelope on the table next to his friend’s. Flamespark looked at them to then face his friend.

• You prefer for us to open one and read it together or each of us to open his own? – he asked.

• Let’s open just one; the other probably has exactly the same massage just aimed at different pony.

His friend nodded to then take his envelope and open it. Inside, two pieces of paper could be seen. One was a latter bearing a strange crest, most likely from Canterlot too. The other was a small, signed piece of paper. As they looked at the smaller one first they realized it was signed by Order and her friends.

“Confirmation of Recruitment

3rd April, current Year

Earth Pony Flamespark was accepted by third recruitment team after a thorough inspection from Unicorn Mint, Earth Pony Flow and Earth Pony Tower. All of them deemed him suitable for the draft, both physically and mentally.”

That didn’t tell them much else then they already knew. Flamespark put the confirmation back into the envelope and folded out the letter.

“Latter of Recruitment

15th March, current Year

Congratulations Earth Pony Flamespark! You have been accepted to the newly formed Equestrian army at a rank of recruit. You will be trained to become professional soldier capable of defending the borders of our kingdom. The draft was ratified by the high council of Equestria in order to create a force capable of fighting in the name of pony kind.

You are forbidden to talk about any sort of details regarding the recruitment. They will be revealed in due time by the council and any sort of disobedience to this rule will be punished. You are allowed however to share the fact of being recruited with your closest family, and with your closest family only. After 6th of April you will be allowed to openly admit you have been officially recruited.

You have been assigned to the eastern management center. You are to reach the city of Crystalward on 11th of April at latest. There you will report to the Recruitment Management showing this very document as a proof. From there you will be assigned to specific regiments for training. Should you decide not to come on time, you will be brought by force.

No special equipment is required; everything you will need will be supported. You and your family will be paid for your service, earning 600 bits on a monthly basis.

Councilor Flux, city of Canterlot”

Amber started feeling uneasily once again. Everything seemed very much already decided, with no chance for them to say no. He really did not understand the reason behind such a sudden and unfair decision.

• Well… - Flamespark started – I guess at least they will not pay us too badly for this.

Amber nodded in silence. On average they earned a bit more since they decided to make crafts together, but the payment was stable and definitely enough to support his family. Amber's thoughts were interrupted by Flamespark.

• Go ahead and check your envelope Amber. Hopefully both of us were assigned to the same place.

Amber quickly scammed through his letter. With a sigh of relief he saw he was also assigned to Crystalward. Not like he expected anything else though; both of them were from the same village and they most probably sorted ponies by their place of living. They could stick together, at least for the time being.

• Luckily for us it seems to be the case. Where is this city of Crystalward by the way? – he asked curiously. He has never heard about such place before.

Flamespark went silent for a brief moment to gather his thoughts.

• It’s actually pretty far away, at least for our standards. We will have to follow the southern road all the way to Sunny Forest. From there we turn to the east till we reach the city. Altogether around four days of fast travel I believe.

• So we have at most three more days before we have to head out if we don’t want to be late? – Amber asked.

• That seems correct – Flamespark answered. – We will have to prepare food for that. Luckily for us we don’t have to take much else. – He turned to face Amber. – You think they will let us decline that?

• I would like to think they will but I seriously doubt it. This will be hard for others to accept though. I guess I will have to take care of that mineshaft quicker than I expected.

Flamespark made a faint smile after hearing the response.

• Tell me about it… I wonder how fast will they send another Blacksmith. I suppose Mr. Gold could still work if our friends are in a serious pinch, but he is not as durable as he used to be.

As Flamespark said that they could hear faint sound of hooves. The sound was getting louder and louder and seemed to be coming from the outside of Amber’s house. The miners must have finished the work for today.

Surely enough after a brief moment the doors shot open and his mother entered first. She was an average sized Pegasus with white fur and deep brown, nicely combed mane. She had beautiful, emerald eyes. Her cutie mark was a small, gray cloud with a few rays of light coming from the borders. She wore a small, silver medallion on her neck.

• Amber, I am… - She looked surprised at the two colts standing next to the table to quickly give a warm smile. – Why hello there Flamespark. It’s always nice to see you here.

• Good evening Mrs. Sunshine. – Flamespark responded.

As she quickly trotted inside she gave Flamespark a serious look.

• Flamespark, how many times do I have to repeat myself? You can just call me Sunshine.

• I am afraid I just can’t help it Mrs. Sunshine.

Sunshine rolled her eyes after hearing that.

• Forget it. – She said with a sigh as she trotted towards her room. – Let me just get myself into a proper shape. Do you want me to make something to drink? Perhaps some tea?

• I think we will be fine without anything mom. – Said Amber. – Where is dad anyway?

• He will be here within a few minutes; he just had to finish the paperwork as usual. Why are you asking?

• We have an important thing that we would like to talk about. – Amber decided to not hide the topic. They would have to tell his parents anyway, so there was little to no point in doing so.

• Alright, we can talk freely when Raindrop is home.

Amber and Flamespark had no other option but to agree and wait for Amber’s father. They did not had to wait long, within a few minutes the doors shot open once again. Raindrop stepped through and glanced at the inside. For some reason he wasn’t as surprised as Sunshine to see Flamespark inside.

• Good evening Flamespark. Nice to see you.

• Nice to see you too Mr. Raindrop. – was his response.

• I heard from the others at the mine that both of you were asked to stay for slightly longer. I figured out you would want to talk about it.

Flamespark simply nodded, while Amber decided to give a more elaborate response.

• You are correct father. We would like to talk about it with both of you. We are just waiting for her to “get herself to proper state”.

Raindrop grinned after hearing that line. Sunshine always cleaned herself patiently and carefully after each day of work at the mine. The weird part was that she was mostly just a messenger throughout the mine, not doing much of physical work. She usually was the pony that needed a bath the least but that did not stop or discourage her from taking it at every possible occasion.

• Do you suppose you could at least give a few hints before she comes here?

Amber and Flamespark exchanged tired looks, afterwards the latter shook his head.

• We would prefer to have to talk about it only once.

The answer visibly made Raindrop a little worried. It seems he still hoped the matter was not anything too serious. He simply nodded in agreement and went to his room to properly sort the paperwork he has been doing.

After a few more minutes Sunshine decided that she was finally ready and presentable enough. She made her way back to Amber and Flamespark grabbing her husband on the way back. They both looked at the two friends expectantly.

• Alright then. – Amber decided to finally start. – I know this will sound a little bit strange. At least it was very strange for us and I think it won’t be any different for you.

• You are getting us seriously worried now. – Said his Mother. – Will you finally get to the point?

Amber nodded faintly.

• As you wish. – He said. – Long story short we’ve been drafted into the Equestrian army. We are to report to Recruitment Managers in Crystalward within a week.

The answer left the two ponies stunned. Raindrop seemed to recover a bit quicker.

• Equestrian army? – He started. – Since when does Equestria have an army? I sure as Tartarus haven’t seen any and I’ve been in quite many places. What is this supposed to mean?

Sunshine seemed to have regained her composure and decided to share her thoughts too.

• And, more importantly, you agreed to this? We need you both here! Not only us two Amber, the whole village needs you!

Amber decided to first answer his mother's question.

• That’s the funny part. We have not agreed for this. We didn’t even have a chance to say either yes or no. We were simply informed we have been drafted, and were given the envelopes with official letter from Canterlot.

Neither of his parents responded, both thinking about what he has just said. Finally, Raindrop decided to ask:

• Can we take a look at it?

Amber suddenly had a strange feeling this will be harder than anticipated.

• I am afraid not. - He said. - We were only allowed to tell you and just you that we are drafted. Flamespark’s family is not here so you are the only ponies we can talk about that with.

The answer left Sunshine deep in her own thoughts, but Amber's father was still not satisfied.

• Hold on a second. – He said. – I still want to know; what is that whole "army" supposed to mean?

Flamespark decided to take the blunder of that question.

• We do not know either. Apparently one is being formed and we are to be a part of it.

This did not calm Raindrop in any way.

• What do we even need an army for? – He raised his voice. – Everything is peaceful, last war was hundreds of years ago. Besides we’ve got the Royal Guards, the Wonderbolts even! That just doesn’t make any sense!

Amber recalled asking similar questions during the draft. There was not much of an answer he could give to his father.

• We asked about that too and did not get the answer. I am sorry dad, we just cannot tell you more because we do not know more.

Raindrop opened his mouth but after a brief moment closed it again without saying anything, at least for the time being. In the meantime, Sunshine decided to break her silence.

• So what is going to happen now? – She asked.

Amber gave his parents a serious look.

• We will have to leave within three days to make it on time. Flamespark and I will try to do as much work as we can, whatever is required for the village. But that doesn’t change the fact we just have to go. We’ve been told that soon a replacement for us will come.

A silence felt as his parents were thinking about the matter. It was clear neither of them liked that idea. All Amber could do was try and calm them down.

• Don’t worry; we will try our best to see if we can get back. I really do not want to spend the rest of my life in army. At least not the best years of my life.

His parents simply nodded, his father deciding to ask:

• What about the villagers? Are we allowed to tell them?

• I am afraid not. – Flamespark answered. – At least not now. Within three days we will be able to tell them we have been drafted and only that. So I guess the very same day we leave.

Sunshine made a loud sigh before deciding to end the conversation.

• Alright then. – She began. - Thanks for telling us at least this much. I think that after these three days we should ask Waterfall for help. She has a few friends here and there, I am sure she will be able to get a bit more information regarding this matter. For now let’s rest. It’s been a hard day for all of us and it will be much easier to think about tomorrow.

Everypony agreed with that, and soon Flamespark left to rest in his own house. Tired almost to the point of collapsing, Amber headed for his room too. As he reached his bed he couldn’t escape the feeling that the future is going to bring only more surprises. And definitely not the good ones.

The next two days passed surprisingly quickly. Amber and Flamespark had a lot of work to complete before their leave. They have been working tirelessly from the very morning till late evening. Amber has managed to secure the new shaft for the future; he has also finished several furniture pieces for the villagers getting a good week ahead of his order schedule. He was constantly going around helping with whatever he could.

Flamespark did no different. He was constantly up, melting and preparing as much ore as he could. He made sure to finish all the crafts he has been ordered to make for the following days, just like Amber did.

This sudden outburst of work obviously did not go without attention. Although Raindrop, Sunshine and Waterfall tried to calm the villagers, few started suspecting something bad is going to happen.

In the evening of their second day from receiving the envelopes it turned out some of the mystery has been already revealed. Neither of them could tell whether it was the council that revealed the information or somepony just happened to have too long of a tongue. Nevertheless, the truth about the nature of the inspection that took place has been revealed. A lot of villagers came to Amber and Flamespark asking them about the draft.

Since they would be leaving in the morning of the next day, they decided to confirm the fact they were recruited into the army and have received various kinds of responses. Some couldn’t believe they had agreed for it, others couldn’t understand the point of army just like Amber’s father. After hearing the news Waterfall tried to get some information out of her friends in various cities, but to no avail.

As the day of their journey came, Amber and Flamespark became extremely nervous. They had everything prepared and ready, but they did not really want to leave. At first they planned to leave simply saying goodbye to their closest friends and quickly move out of the village but that was not the case. When they met in the square in the morning of 6th of April they were greeted by the whole village. Everypony wanted to say goodbye and wish them a fast and safe journey. Most of them also asked them to return as soon as they could.

Waterfall was not too talkative this time around. She simply hugged them both tightly and offered them a small crystal of quartz.

• I have enchanted it myself. – She explained as she handed the gift. – It will allow us to talk every now and then, but it will take a few days to recharge it afterwards. Although it was designed mostly for Unicorns, you can use it too. Just say my name when holding it and it should respond.

Amber saw her using crystals like these multiple times when talking with her friends in different towns. From what he could gather such crystals were either very expensive or extremely hard to make so the gift was truly generous. Flamespark was the first one to speak.

• Thank you Waterfall. – He said. – That was very nice of you.

As they said their last goodbyes they finally managed to set off. They had a long journey ahead of them and a lot of time to talk about their recruitment. Most of their first day of journey they spent on wondering what will happen when they finally reach Crystalward. Will they be allowed to go home? Neither of them wanted to say it aloud, but deeply inside they both knew the answer. Just like the villagers who most likely knew they will not be coming back.

For the journey they have packed various kinds of dried fruits and prepared vegetables as well as everything needed to make a camp. Since it was already middle spring, they could easily refill their water supplies on the way and did not have to take much else then a water flask each.

Their journey was mostly uneventful. The terrain slowly changed from familiar, cold grassland into temperate shrubland as they were getting farther south. At the end of the first day they managed to finally reach the Sunny Forest. Since by that time it was already getting dark, they decided to make a camp and rest. Next day they started following the eastern road just like Flamespark said they would. Even though the area was much warmer, no farms could be seen anywhere yet. They were still too far away from any sort of a big city to see them.

On the third day they have finally managed to reach far enough to the east to see some civilization. Around noon their journey was suddenly interrupted by a very strange sound. After inspecting their belongings it turned out the crystal Waterfall gave them was the source. As they curiously examined the stone, Amber decided to call out Waterfall.

The quartz changed its color suddenly, and a soft but pretty loud voice could be heard.

• Amber? Flamespark? Are you there?

• We are here Waterfall. – Amber said unsure if that will be enough.

Apparently it was because they instantly heard Waterfall’s response.

• Glad to hear that. Alright listen. – A brief pause. - I have talked with a few friends of mine and it turns out this decision is official in every single meaning of this word. If what my friend told me is correct, only a direct order from either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna could change your situation. I am sorry…

Even though he was expecting this, Amber could not help but to be disappointed. Up until now he had a small hope they would be able to return to their previous lives. Turns out nothing could help them now, because they definitely couldn’t count on either Princess suddenly relieving them from the duty.

While Amber was thinking Flamespark was the the one to answer.

• It’s alright Waterfall. We suspected as much. How is the village by the way?

• A lot of us have already started to miss you. – They heard from the crystal. – But it’s not going too bad I guess. Your “replacement” has not arrived yet but I heard they will be sending the ponies pretty soon.

Amber smiled shyly despite the fact Waterfall was obviously not able to see that.

• At least our village is going to be fine. – He said. – Thanks for the information Waterfall.

• No problem. Alright, the stone you are using is running out of energy extremely fast, I would say let’s end here. Hear from you in a week?

• Definitely. – They both said in unison as the stone stopped glowing and returned to its normal color.

Demoralized, they continued their journey for the day in silence. Since they were slowly but surely getting closer to Crystalward they managed to find a tavern to spend the night in. While their rooms were far from great, they were definitely better than sleeping in a camp outside.

Finally, in the morning of their fourth day of travel they arrived in Crystalward. The city’s population consisted mostly of Unicorns and the architecture represented that. The houses were made out of marble and had large, tall windows made of clear glass. The supports for the roofs were made out of wood while the roofs themselves out of high quality clay plates. They were also dyed in various colors, although primarily red. Various kinds of decoration, primarily made out of gold could also be seen. Each house had at least two floors and must have been very expensive to make. Every now and again a tall tower could be seen, their purpose being unknown to the two friends. Precisely as noble Unicorns tend to like. The only exception to this rule Amber has ever met was Waterfall.

They were heading for a road going deep into the city. On each side of the road multiple houses and passages could be seen. This alone told him how small of a village Northdale was; the size of the city only strengthened the feeling. There were all kinds of ponies constantly going through the roads, in either direction.

Amber and Flamespark, taken slightly aback, cautiously followed the main road. Flamespark was the first one to speak.

• So, where is that recruitment center we are to come to?

• I have honestly no idea. I guess we could ask?

It turned out they had to ask three ponies before they could get the answer. And even despite the tips they still managed to get lost and had to start asking once again. They spent a good hour going around the city and trying to find the place they were supposed to enter.

Finally they did find the proper building. It was slightly bigger than the other ones, consisting of three floors, although based on precisely the same architecture as the rest of the city. A few ponies were standing in front of it, chatting casually.

• Here it goes… - Said Amber as he trotted inside, Flamespark following right before him.

They entered a tall, very richly furnished hall. Various cabinets could be seen around the walls, most of them having some kind of decoration on top; be it a statue, a vase or some kind of contraption Amber could not even recognize.

At the end of the hall a working desk could be seen, behind which stood a white Unicorn with blue mane. Right behind the Unicorn stood two Earth Ponies, one being brown and the other orange.

As the two friends trotted towards the group, the Unicorn raised his head from the paperwork.

• More ponies for the draft? I thought we already had everypony sorted.

At least this is not a wrong building. – Amber thought. – It would be kind of shameful to get lost once again.

While Amber was thinking, Flamespark decided to answer the Unicorn's question.

• That is correct Sir, we are here for the draft.

The Unicorn smiled for a brief moment before saying:

• Let us start then. Could I see your recruitment letters?

They both handed him the documents in silence. He glanced at them quickly, also checking the crest. Apparently he could make something out of it, because he put the documents away, satisfied.

• Everything is in order. I know this must be hard for you, but welcome to the Equestrian army. Now, regarding your unit…

He said as he started shuffling through the papers on the table. Amber decided to try one last time. He cleared his throat.

• Excuse me Sir, if I may be so bold as to ask… do we really have nothing to say in this matter? – He tried to remain as kind as possible. Kindness could usually get surprisingly far, at least that is what Amber learned in his short life.

The Unicorn raised his head, visibly surprised. He turned towards the brown Earth Pony to his right.

• Have you heard that Feather? Have you heard what that young colt has just said?

That might have been a mistake. – Amber thought. The Unicorn suddenly froze and then turned back to Amber. He was blushing slightly. Is he… embarrassed?

• Oh my, please excuse that outburst of rudeness. – It seems he indeed was. – You see, this whole week various kinds of ponies from “civilized” places like Fillydelphia or Manehattan stormed into this place, stomping their hoofs as if they were trying to cause an earthquake. I heard many… comments… regarding the recruitment and most are not to be repeated. Then you come here, from a small village on the border of our kingdom, gently addressing me as “Sir” and kindly asking about the matter you must be extremely stressed about. I think my hope in pony kind has been restored.

After saying that, his expression became very sad.

• I am afraid though the news will not be good. I think the recruitment team and the letter made the situation pretty clear. There is nothing you can do to avoid the draft. – He suddenly stopped to continue after a brief pause. – I think I can tell you that this draft has been talked about thoroughly for quite some time. If it was not for Princess Luna’s personal commitment, it would probably not go through. Still, you cannot just deny what one of our princesses commanded.

Princess Luna personally supported this draft? – Amber thought – No wonder Waterfall could do very little to help us. It is pretty strange though… Why would the princess do that?

• Now if you excuse me… - the Unicorn said as he went back to checking his papers.

Within a few minutes the Unicorn checked quite a few documents lying around. As he was glancing through them, he took out the ones he was interested in and put them on the free space to his right. After he found everything he needed, he quickly glanced through the papers once again. Afterwards, he looked at the two friends.

• Very well. By the rules you are to be assigned to the southern recruitment team. At least you are to be assigned there in theory.

Here the Unicorn made a brief yet strong pause. Amber suddenly felt his curiosity rising.

• You see, a very capable captain is in need of a few more ponies. It just so happens his regiment is full on Unicorns but could still squeeze in a few Earth Ponies and precisely one Pegasus. He commands the far north-east unit. I would strongly suggest considering going under his wings.

Feather, as the brown Earth Pony was addressed previously, suddenly became more interested in what was happening.

• You want to assign them there? To the old scoot? What, you want to punish them even more?

Surprised, the Unicorn turned around to face the other pony.

• I do not… - He started.

• You perfectly know what I mean. This colt’s history speaks for itself.

• You might…

• Moreover, most ponies sent there have been done so as a punishment for making problems. You cannot deny that. Do you really want to send them there?

The Unicorn was slowly getting angry at this situation.

• It is somewhat true howe…

• Seriously, I would advise both of…

• Enough Feather! – The Unicorn shouted suddenly. He was staring at the Earth Pony furiously. Feather, finally realizing what he has brought to himself, went silent and backed off. Afterwards the Unicorn faced Amber and Flamespark once again.

• While some of these things might be true – He started. – do not believe every single gossip you hear. I can assign you to either the southern part as per rules, or to the captain I would advise you to choose. It is your call.

Amber was still wondering what has just happened. Apparently, this captain had some weird thing going around him. He wasn’t sure about this whole thing even more now. Was it really worth the risk to try that colt? Being in a regiment that was supposed to be a punishment did not sound too nice either. He has made his decision.

• I think… - Amber started but was quickly and abruptly interrupted by Flamespark.

• If you excuse me Amber. I know all too well when you are about to do something stupid and this just so happens to be the case. – He turned towards the Unicorn. – Sir, if you could please sign us to the regiment of the captain you recommended. – After saying that he gave Amber a serious look. – Both of us.

The Unicorn was visibly pleased after hearing that.

• A wise choice! Let me quickly fill in the report and we will be almost done!

Amber went a little closer to his friend.

• Are you totally sure about that? – He whispered. – I got to say I have my doubts about the captain after hearing this.

• Trust me on this one Amber. – Flamespark whispered back. – I just do not like that Feather pony. I do not like the way he suddenly jumped in either.

• Alright but I really hope we are not getting into some trouble.

As they finished their small conversation the Unicorn raised from his papers yet again.

• His unit is situated on the North-east border of Equestria, as I said previously. If you follow the eastern road out of this city, you will reach a farming village called Carrotslope within roughly a day. Afterwards you just follow the northern road all the way to his barracks. The whole trip should not take longer than three days.

As he said that, he picked two envelopes up from the table in front of him with his magic. They floated to the two ponies, one for each.

• This is the last bit of paperwork you will have to carry with you. These are the confirmation letters. When you reach the barracks, you will be able to start your training.

Amber and Flamespark took their respective envelopes and nodded in agreement.

• Oh, almost forgot. How rude of me. – The Unicorn said with a smile. – My name is Councilor Flux. It was a pleasure to meet you gentlecolts.

They have been talking to a member of high council of Canterlot for the whole time without even realizing it. Moreover, they have been talking to the very same pony who wrote their letters. And it seemed they managed to give a pretty good impression. Flamespark, as usually, was a little faster than his friend to give an answer.

• Thank you Councilor Flux.

• It was my pleasure. – Was Flux’s answer. – Now off you go, you have to reach the barracks before next week or you will be punished. And believe me; you would not want that to happen.

They both thanked Flux once again, and headed off outside. After they were finally through the first part of recruitment, they started wondering what to do. Flamespark wanted to immediately head off to their new barracks, while Amber wanted to remain in the city and regain some of his strength.

After a long struggle Flamespark won. They simply made a small break to restock their supplies to then head east, aiming to reach the barracks as quickly as possible.

Their second journey was pretty much as uneventful as their first. Even less so, since the crystal Waterfall gave them did not yet recharge. They could not contact anypony from their village, so they focused fully on reaching their destination. They kept a nice pace and managed to reach Carrotslope within the same day. There they managed to convince one family of local farmers to let them sleep in for the night.

Next day, after restocking once again, they headed north. The road was slowly becoming worse and worse although it was still in somewhat suitable shape. They could sometimes see hoof marks imprinted on the muddy parts, most likely belonging to other new recruits who were also heading for the barracks.

Amber was definitely not content with the distance they had to cover to get back home from their barracks. They needed at least half a month for travel alone; and he did not quite expect to have too many such breaks. The only thing that cheered him up was the fact it would have been even worse if they were assigned to the southern unit. They would have to travel throughout the whole height of Equestria to reach Northdale.

As they were travelling Amber couldn’t help but the amazed about the size of the world around them. They were still within the borders of Equestria even though they were travelling for almost a week. He started wondering how the world looks after the pony kingdom of Equestria ends. Does it become dark because of the lack of Celestia’s sun? He could not answer that question. He barely knew where the borders of Equestria were and knew precisely nothing what was after them.

Finally, exhausted by the journey, they managed to arrive at their destination. A small outpost could be seen from the hill they got up on. The outpost was built on a large, mostly flattened area. In the center there were training grounds featuring various kinds of racks and target dummies. The road was leading right into the grounds. No pony was training, at least not yet. A lot of them could be seen travelling between buildings or perhaps simply taking a walk.

Left to the training grounds there was a tall building made pretty roughly from wood and some kind of gray stone. It had a shape of a large square, with corners fortified slightly with an extra layer of stone.  The building had 3 floors, and small windows spread out throughout the walls. The top of the building was flat and empty.

Further behind the training grounds a few buildings could be seen. These ones actually had proper roofs, unlike the bigger building on the left. The two building closest to the training grounds also had chimneys.

To the right of the training grounds some kind of an elliptic arena was built. The walls were made from the very same gray stone as the rest of the outpost. Various kinds of wooden platforms with rings could be seen as well. Most likely Pegasi were to train their flying skills there.

• Well then. – Said Flamespark. – We’ve finally arrived.