Swordsong, a newly minted corporal in the Royal Guard, is on patrol with her partner Scrimmage when a set of events threatens to send the city spiralling into disaster.

Can the long-suffering ponies of the Royal Guard hold the city together when the streets are all set to catch fire? When chaos and discord attack, can order and discipline survive?

—

[spoiler]The second story in my Swordsong series. These are mostly inspired by Rudyard Kipling's writing, particularly his poems. This one was inspired by my reading of Brown Bess. If you do not want the story spoiled, read no further![/spoiler]






[spoiler]Brown Bess is the name of the British Army Musket in the poem, and described as a lady. In this story, she is the general of the cattle, and responsible for most of the victories of the bovines.[/spoiler]