An Elite Guardian

An hour has passed since I arrived, and I was at the head of the army, surrounded by Princess Celestia's Lieutenants, with her at my right.

"I imagine you are curious as to what war you found yourself in," the white alicorn said all of a sudden.

"A little bit," I say. "All I know is that you and your allies are fighting someone named Sombra who has an army that is forever loyal to him."

Celestia sighed. "I'll start at the beginning, then," she said. "Two years ago, an ancient Kingdom known as the Crystal Empire returned. I sent a contingent of Guards to protect it, as well as my sister, Princess Luna, but they were unprepared to defeat Sombra, the cruel ruler of the Empire. Of what I know, he killed each of the guards, and slowly tortured Luna."

"I am sorry for that, Highness," I say. "No one should have to lose a sibling, especially when the both of you are unable to say your goodbyes."

"Thank you, Ruso," Celestia said. "After that, he used enchanted armor on his citizens to brain wash them, and Equestria has been at war with him since then. In fact, a week form today is the anniversary of when he declared my sister dead, and the day he declared war."

"It must be hard," I say. "Not being able to avenge your sister, especially when her killer is in your grasp."

"Indeed it is," she said with a sad sigh. "But I also didn't want this war. It harms both my subjects, and those he is controlling."

"No wise leader would want a war," I say. "I assume things are at a stalemate?"

"Yes, they are," Celestia said. "My forces have been excellent at defending and attacking, but Sombra uses dark magic and magic he stole form my sister before he killed her to enhance his own forces."

"Do you know how he was able to do that," I ask.

"No, I don't," Celestia said. "If i did, I would take it away form him at first chance."

"And, if I may ask," what is the story with your Lieutenants," I ask. "They must have done something impressive to reach that area."

"Indeed they did," Celestia said. "Rainbow Dash leads my air forces, while Lieutenant Pinkamena and Commander Maud, who are sisters, lead the ground forces. When I am not the one giving orders, that is. As for how they became my second in commands, it is due to their abilities. Rainbow is the fastest flier in the air force, while the Pie sisters are my strongest Earth Pony soldiers."

"And what of the unicorns in your army," I ask.

"She is back in Canterlot, making sure that the home defenses are secure," Celestia said before sighing. "It's a shame with her. She was in the last month of her service, when she was going to retire, before this war started, and everypony in the active military had their terms renewed."

"A shame indeed, Princess," I say. "If I may ask, what do you intend to do to me?"

"That depends on how you act," Celestia said. "Nobles may be annoying, but even they know better than to annoy me with Sombra still out, so they won't attack you to your face. At worst, it'll be objects thrown at you. Ponies are, for the most part, xenophobic."

"Let them be afraid of me," I say. "I care not what they think, especially when it is I that is helping to save them. Though, if they wish to keep their fortunes, among other things, they had at least give me the respect I earn to my face."

"That's something we can agree on," Rainbow said from in front of me.

"So, Princess," I said, "what exactly is the status of this war? How much land do both sides have, how many general troops do you have, what is the morale?"

"I couldn't say off the bat," Celestia said. "I'm more a front line leader. Luna would be the planner, the one who knew the details. My unicorn second in command is the one to ask about that. Why do you ask?"

"Because if I am to help you by leading a battalion," I say, "I need the most up-to-date intelligence."

"In that case, I shall see what I can do when we make it to Canterlot," Celestia said.

"When will that be, Highness?"

"A few days," the princess replied. "We are near the Crystal Empire-Equestrian border, which is a hundred miles form Canterlot."

"A dangerous distance," I said. "Do you not have a back up location in the south?"

"No," Celestia said, shaking her head. "The Nobles, before this war, passed a law that in times of war, I can not leave the city for another. They think just my presence will protect them."

"Then they are fools," I say. "A leader should not be stuck to a single location like you are, Highness. Do you not have war time powers?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't," Celestia said. "I never thought there would be a war of this scale or length again since Luna's banishment."

I raised my equivalent of an eye brow, but kept silent. I did not wish to upset her more. "Then let us hope that the nobles do not take advantage of that," I say.

"Agreed," Celestia said. "What are your skills, Ruso?"

"Marksman ship, long range warfare, Highness, and Close quarters, Princess," I say. "If I may ask, why do you ask?"

"So that I can determine which battalion to place you in charge."

"Ah," I say. "Of course."

"Do you still wish to lead a battalion," she asked.

"Indeed I do, Princess," I say.