This story is a prequel to Crysis Commander's Black Sun Nation.

For over two decades, Equestria has been torn asunder by civil war. Thousands have fallen, and most of the country lays in shambles. Canterlot is one of the last bastions of those loyal to the monarchy, the Royalists.

With the Rebel army knocking on the city's gate, Celestia's last hope for victory is an age-old book. Sealed an locked away by Starswirl himself, she hopes that his knowledge will aid her in such a crucial time. She could not have been more wrong.

I would particularly like to thank Crysis Commander, since his story had inspired this prequel. He had also been so kind as to help me with the editing.

The cover picture was taken by Luc Viatour and is used under the GNU Free Documentation License.