The Knights Trinity

Chapter Twenty Three: So it Begins!

Twilight paced anxiously behind Anthony as he read to himself. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had to know what was written inside the magic tome. She placed her hooves onto the back of Anthony’s chair and peered over his shoulder. She stared at the odd scribbling as if she was trying to will it into Equestrian. Anthony had refused to read the book until he had gained a level of control over his magic and now the waiting was driving her mad.
With a sigh Twilight stepped back down and a frustrated groan slipped from her throat. Anthony got the hint and set the book down on the table.

“What’s it say?” asked Twilight impatiently.

“The first part here has just been an explanation of magic lore and somewhat of a crash course in controlling magical energies. Apparently there I three types of human magic users. The first are magicians, they use hand gestures to summon and build magic then use a chant to release it as a spell. Second are the wizards. They already possess magic but must chant a spell to activate it. The third and most powerful are mages. They have control over huge reserves of magical energy and can release it into a spell simply by knowing what a spell is or how it functions. Then there are several levels in each category depending on the ability of the magic user to cast more advanced spells, or even chaining spells together.”

“So that means you’re a mage! You were able to summon a barrier simply from watching me do it, and you have all but mastered the levitation and minor attack spells already. That’s amazing!” exclaim Twilight. “That means you should be able to use all kinds of spells. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Hold on Twilly, I would fall under an apprentice at best with my knowledge of magic right now. I don’t think it’s gonna be that easy as you think. From what I understand activating a spell and controlling it are to separate things. There are warnings in here about losing control of a spell and it backfiring on the caster. I don’t wanna just jump in here feet first and end up hurting myself or somebody else.”

“So we start small and move up just like I did. But, we’ll have to work on spells more practical to our situation. I doubt making a minotaur grow a mustache will win the war.
So we will start with a simple teleportation spell.”

Twilight tossed a broom out onto the floor and looked at Anthony expectantly.

Anthony looked at the broom and back to Twilight.

“Come on Anthony, it’s a basic spell. Just focus on the object and then visualize were you want it to go. Start small and just send it to the other side of the room.”

Anthony shrugged his shoulders and raised his arm. His hand glowed blue as the broom started to as well.

The broom raised up off the floor and BOOM! With a flash it exploded into tiny pieces.

“I’ll go get the eggs.” said Twilight with an awkward chuckle.

While he waited Anthony thumbed through the old manuscript when he realized the spell names were all written in latin. One by one he turned the pages and carefully read the names of each spell until he found one titled Lanuae Magicae. His college classes in Latin had finally paid off. After reading the spell over and over again in his head he flipped back to the start of the book and started reading.

He quickly found that he had to not only control the spell but also the amount of magic he used to cast it. With a sigh he leaned back in his chair. It was going to be a long night he thought to himself as he heard Twilight walk back into the room.

…..

The following week a package arrived at the castle. As promised, inside were four functional hoof blades, and the armored chest piece of Quick Hoof’s design.

“What are these?” asked Rainbow Dash, turning the contraption over in her hooves.

Her right hoof hit the trigger plate causing the eight inch blade to shoot outward stopping just short of her nose.

“Careful with that!” remarked Dustin taking the device from her.

He quickly read the included instructions and asked Rainbow Dash to stick out her hooves. After securing the blades to her front legs Rainbow Dash hoovered in the air and struck the trigger plates together fully extending both blades.

“These are awesome!” she exclaimed doing mid air karate against an imaginary foe.

“I just hope we can come up with a training plan for the recruits and get enough of them built in time for them to be useful.”

With that Dustin stopped in at Rarity’s shop with a special request. He needed a bag that would sit between the wings of his armor without impede his flight. After some quick measurements and an argument about color Rarity insured him she would have something put together by that evening.

The next morning Dustin and Rainbow Dash set out for the Wonderbolt academy.

“Good Morning Ma’am” said Spitfire with a stiff salute as Rainbow Dash approached.

Rainbow Dash saluted back before looking around the academy.

“This place sure looks different.”

“I promised the General we would surpass all his expectations and I meant it. I can’t wait to show him what we’ve completed in such a short time. Where is he anyway?”

“Oh, he’ll be here soon.”

“We’ll have to come up with a way to help him get here quicker then a balloon ride. Maybe a pegasus drawn chariot, we have a few reserves that could cut his travel time in half.”

Rainbow Dash simply smiled as an odd shadow past over them both. SpitFire looked up just in time to see Dustin burst through a nearby cloud in a dive. He leveled out, fully extending his wings before gently landing at Rainbow Dash’s side.

“I don’t think he’ll need it!” replied Rainbow Dash with a quick rise of her eyebrows.

Dustin’s wings folded in against his back as he looked down at the stunned SpitFire.

“It looks like you’ve been busy Commander.” said Dustin with a nod of approval.

SpitFire shook her head and gathered herself before responding.

“Y-yes Sir. With the additional barracks and four recruits to a room we can adequately house four hundred. The infirmary has been expanded and the second chow hall is in the works. I also took the liberty to research the old combat training course layout that use to be here and it’s reconstruction will be done in a day or two.”

“Excellent work SpitFire, I’m truly impressed. Did you identify any new pegasi for assistant instructors?”

“Yes Sir. We called in the Wonderbolt Reserves. Soarin and Thunder Lane have already started teaching them the new training regiment. We also just received the first order of uniforms and supplies, so we can start accepting recruits whenever your ready.”

Dustin pulled his new pack off his back pulling out the hoof blades and armor. He looked them over carefully before handing them to Rainbow Dash. She quickly dawned the gear as Spitfire watched questioningly.

“Check this out!” said Rainbow Dash as she raised off the ground and struck the trigger plates together. The blades jutted outward as Rainbow struck a combat ready pose.

“I know it’s short notice, but we have a new weapon to train with. The problem is we don’t have any real tactics for their use yet. I was wondering what you thought. It has to be simple, preferably a rapid attack and disengagement method with focus on fighting in pairs. Maybe a distract and attack plan or just simply double teaming a single target.
We have some time to work up a training program, because the recruits will have to be taught the basics first.”

Dustin removed the other hoof blades and the instructions from his bag and inspected them before handing the weapons to Spitfire.

“I think we can work with these.” she replied with a grin. Just give us a little time. So how about a tour of the new facilities?”

“That would be great.” said Dustin as he and Rainbow Dash let SpitFire take the lead.

As promised Spitfire had exceeded Dustin’s expectations. Each barracks room was outfitted with two bunk beds and four foot lockers. The training area’s had been expanded to accommodate the increase in new recruits. The updated infirmary and the new chow hall were nearing completion.

“We’ve also built a modest house for you, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo if you decide to stay here at the academy for any extended period of time.” said Spitfire as they walked towards the command building.

“But, there is one more thing I wanted to show you.” she added with a smile.

She lead them up the stairs to the center of the top floor and stopped. Dustin looked at the large wooden door and ran his hand over the pegasus insignia which had been skillfully engraved into it. Spitfire pushed the door open, slowly revealing the room behind it.

“We kinda figured you should have your own offices.”

Dustin stepped inside and looked around. The hardwood desk and high back chair were built to his size. The walls were adorn with paintings of the former Wonderbolt leaders and various memorabilia. There was even a large window behind the desk which overlooked the training area. Dustin walked to the window and looked outside. He quickly spotted Soarin leading the other Wonderbolts through the training routine Rainbow Dash had showed them.

“That door over there connects into Rainbow Dash’s new office as well. So what do you think General?”

Dustin sat down in his new chair, running his hands along the large desk.

“I’m impressed Spitfire! Now I have a task for you and you alone.”

SpitFire was taken aback by the sudden seriousness in Dustin’s voice.

“What would that be Sir?” she asked hesitantly

“In here you can call me Dustin for starters. But as the recruits are being trained I need a list of the stronger fliers. They’ll have to be fast with the ability to carry another pony off the battlefield. A lot of ponies are going to be wounded or killed. It will take a fast strong pony that will grab the wounded off the frontline and carry them to safety to be treated. It’s a dangerous job and I need reliable ponies to fill the position. I will also need a list of our weak fliers as well. They will be placed in a special unit called the Storm Guard. They will manipulate storm clouds to rain lightening down on our enemies. Then I need the top twenty ponies to complete the training. They will be promoted to flight leader positions, but you will have to test their leadership ability under high stress situations. Force them to give orders knowing they are sending a pony to his or her death.”

“Now just a minute Dustin.” said Spitfire with a snort. “Are you suggesting we are going to send soldiers on deliberate suicide missions?”

“No I am not. But, I have seen situations where orders had to be given which endangered a soldiers life more then usual to complete a mission. They have to be able to give that order and select the pony with the skills needed to successfully carry out that task.”

Spitfire shook her head and looked down at the floor. She tried to imagine a situation where such an order would need to be given, and questioned if even she could give it.

“I am notifying Canterlot in the morning that this facility is ready and the recruits will be arriving at weeks end. Rainbow Dash and I will return the day before the recruits get here. I would like to address them in person. You are dismissed.”

“Yes Sir.” replied Spitfire with a salute before turning to leave.

“Spitfire! Keep up the good work!”

The pegasus simply nodded as she walked out of the office concealing the broad smile that crossed her face.

…...

Aura’s muscles burned and he was having trouble breathing the cold mountain air, but he couldn’t stop. He knew the boundary to the Crystal Empire was close, and Shining Armor had to be told what happened. Suddenly the blowing snow gave way to sunlight and warmth as he charged through the magical barrier. With a grunt he hit the ground and slid to a stop. Waves of light throbbed across the barrier where he had entered alerting a nearby patrol to the intrusion. The guard ponies quickly picked him up and carried him to the hospital before sending word to the castle of Aura’s return.

“Where is he?” asked Shining Armor as he walked into the hospital.

“Right this way.” replied a nurse with a bow.

The two guards in the hallway saluted as Shining Armor approached.

“He’s been asking to speak with you since we found him sir.” said one of the guards opening the door for the prince.

“I was to late.” blurted Aura as Shining Armor entered the room. “I found the fortress but Queen Chrystalis beat us there. She and her swarm have freed Kerrib from his prison. There was nothing I could do.”

Aura collapsed into the bed reaching out for his friend.

“I heard him Shining! Aura said softly whith a quiver in his voice. I could feel the rage in that war cry!”

“It’s alright Aura. You did good, now get some rest.”

Shining Armor closed the door softly and broke into a dead gallop back to the castle. He crashed through the throne room door grabbing a quill and several of the special snowflakes.

“What’s going on honey? Asked Cadence running to her husbands side.

Shining Armor simply ignored the question as he wrote furiously. When he finished the last message he opened the window tossing the snowflakes into the wind.

“Guards!” he shouted as he turned to Candence.

Four guards rushed into the throne room.

“What’s wrong Sir?”

“Kerrib has been freed by Chrystalis and the changelings.”

Candence’s hoof covered her mouth as she gasped at the news.

“Double the patrols and report anything suspicious. We also need to reinforce the barrier to the hard light shield I taught you. Set up the rotation for the guards on duty to recharge the hard shield every six hours.”

“Right away Sir.” replied the four guards in unison before charging out of the room.

“Now what?” asked Cadence as she walked over and placed her head against Shining Armor’s neck.

“We hope these human’s are as good as the oracle claimed.”

….…

Anthony and Adrian watched as the new instructors finished their training for the day. It had been hard and the work showed on the ponies faces.

“So what do you think?” asked Adrian

“We could probably bring in the recruits next week to start building discipline and physical fitness as long as you are around to supervise. That would ensure things are going smoothly while I start teaching some of the instructors the new combat training regiment. I suppose you want to welcome recruits in true Infantry fashion anyway.” replied Anthony with a grin.

“Well, it is kind of a tradition so I see no reason why we shouldn’t do it here as well.”

Adrian whistled loudly catching the attention of the instructors. They all turned and ran, forming up quickly in front of the two humans.

“Listen up!” shouted Adrian when they had all assembled. Your doing good work out there. Next week the first batch of recruits and the logistics team will arrive. There will be a lot of supply wagons to be unloaded and some work over the final preparations. We will take two days to issue out equipment and let them get settled in, then the fun will start. I will be present to supervise and assist wherever I am needed. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to address them with myself or Anthony directly. Dismissed!”

“I’ll let you finish up here. I’ll go back to the castle and get a message off to the Princesses.” said Anthony with a wave as he headed down the road.

On the outskirts of Ponyville Anthony stopped and closed his eyes. The cool evening breeze felt good on his face. Were they really about to train an army of ponies to lead into battle? He thought about everything that had happened over the past few months. The more he thought about it the crazier it all seemed. He knew in his heart that it was real, but his head still had a problem accepting it all. What if we did find a way home now? Would we go? Could I go? He laughed out loud at the thought of explaining were he had been to his friends and family. They’d have me committed for sure.

“ANTHONY! ANTHONY!” yelled Twilight as she ran bringing him out of this train of thought.

“Whoa, Twilight whats wrong?” he asked running to meet her.

“A message from the my brother in the Crystal Empire.” she panted holding out the snowflake with her magic.

Anthony carefully took it from her in fear of damaging it. Much to his surprise it was no different the holding a piece of paper. As he looked at it the snowflake opened on its own revealing the message inside.

Twilly:

My old friend Aura has located Kerrib’s Fortress. However, Chrysalis and the changlings were already there. They have used their magic to break the Crystal Prison, freeing Kerrib and the remnants of his army.

Anthony folded the snowflake closed and held it out to Twilight. He didn’t need to read the rest.

“We need to get to the castle. There is a lot of work to do and I’m afraid we are now fighting time as well.”

The couple charged back to the castle and ran straight to the study. Twilight laid out quills and parchment on the the desk and she quickly joined Anthony in writing letters.

“SPIKE! SPIIIIKKEE!” shouted Twilight, her voice carrying throughout the castle.

“What’s up Twilight?” asked the purple dragon moments before he was nearly buried in a pile of scrolls.

“Send those to Princess Celestia she’ll make sure they get to the right ponies.”

Spike looked over the pile and took a deep breath. One by one the letters ignited in green flame and burned from existence.

“What’s going on Twilight? Did something happen?”

Twilight sealed another scroll and passed it to him.

“I’ll explain in a minute.” was all she said as she started writing again.

“HEY SPIKE!” called Dustin from the hallway. “Where you at buddy? I need ya to send a letter for me.”

Spike let out a sigh and his shoulders slumped.

“Coming!” he yelled walking out of the study.

Dustin walked up, tossing the letter to Spike.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“SSSPPPIIIIKKKEEE!” came Twilight's call from the other room.

“Gggrrrrr”

“What’s going on?” asked Dustin seeing Spike’s obvious frustration.

“I don’t know. Twilight and Anthony ran in here and started writing scroll after scroll. I can’t even count how many I’ve sent so far!”

Dustin walked into the study and looked over Anthony’s shoulder as he wrote.

“OH SHIT! That raises the urgency a little bit.” remarked Dustin as he read what Anthony had written.

Anthony paused for a moment and looked up at him questioningly.

“The Flight Academy is ready, I just sent a letter to get the word out. We will start taking in recruits at the end of the week.”

“Good.” replied Anthony before he returned to writing. “Will you run down to the training camp and let Adrian know?”

Dustin turned and started towards the door patting Spike on the shoulder as he passed.

“Hang in there buddy I think its gonna get a little crazy around here.”

…..

Kerrib and Chrysalis looked down from the deck as the giant warship raised slowly off the ground.

“I shall return to our homeland and rally the clans. Soon the skies will be filled with Minotaur warships. With my army we shall sweep across this land like a plague, claiming all that we conquer!” yelled Kerrib as he raised his ax into the air.

The war cries of his remaining troops echoed within the fortress walls, as weapons clanged against armor and shields.

“VENGENCE SHALL BE OURS!” added Chrysalis, to the swarm hoovering overhead.

Kerrib called out to Indigo as he lowered his ax.

“Prepare my fortress for an attack, and see to it my soldiers are ready when I return.”

“As you command my lord. It shall be done.”

Indigo watched as the warship rose higher. Once he was sure it had reached a safe distance he started to repeat an ancient spell.

“Ovara Hitomi Ipora Clesti”

His hands were covered in a red aura and he raised them up over his head. A crimson ball formed over the castle and started to dome out in every direction. Droplets of blood trickled out of Indigo’s nose as he chanted louder and faster until the barrier reached the ground.

The minotaurs cheered as black smoke bellowed out of the warship and its propellers started to turn driving it forward towards the horizon.

“All right you useless calves, its time to get working!” yelled Indigo licking the blood from his lip.

The sound of steel on steel resounded in the court yard as the blacksmith’s started forges, and warriors practiced their skills.

The trip back to his homeland was long. During the day Kerrib and the crew practiced and honed their skills, working through the training each had learned as a calf. At night in the torch light they recounted tales of glorious battles and remembrance of fallen comrades. On the nineth day Kerrib stood with his hands on the wooden railing and looked out at the moonlight reflecting off the endless ocean ocean. He thought of his campaign against the humans and how his victory had been stolen away from him. It would not happen again!
He would stand before the council, rally the clans and build an army. But, what if the council refused him? The exploits of the Thunderfist Clan would surely be remembered even now. But still, Could he steep so low as to muster the outcasts and fallen clans? Those whom would fight without honor. He already had by accepting the offer from Chrysalis. However she had been able to provide valuable information. His grip on the railing grew tighter and tighter as he fought a mental war within himself.

“You seem tense my lord.” came Chrysalis’ voice from behind him. “I could use a little magic to ease your troubled mind.

“Keep your foul magic away from me assassin.” replied Kerrib not bothering to look back at the changeling queen. “I may have agreed to this alliance but I still do not trust you.”

“Come now my Lord Kerrib. We are not so different.”

The oakwood railing cracked and splintered under the minotaur’s powerful grasp.

“We are NOTHING alike!” yelled Kerrib as he spun around. His ax stopping just short of Chrysalis’s neck.

“You plot and scheme, relying on disguise and deception. A true warrior faces his enemies head on and is rewarded with victory though his own efforts. That is how you EARN honor and glory.”

“When the war begins I will prove my resolve and my power. There is a time and place for deception indeed, but there are also times for brute force as well.”

“For your sake Chrysalis, I hope you don’t make me regret my decision.” replied the hulking minotaur as he lowered his ax and walked away.

I wicked smile crossed Chrysalis’ face.

“Oh you WILL regret your decision! When the time is right.” she thought to herself, suppressing an evil laugh.

Kerrib sat in silence in his cabin staring at a map of this home land. Had so much time truly pasted? What of his clan, his family and friends? Would his name even be remembered?

He shook his head clearing these thoughts from his mind. That was a bridge he would cross when the time arrived.