’The Church of Solar Light is nothing but a bunch of thugs, who pose as a political party for the worship of Her Majesty. I don’t believe they should be a legal entity, and I hope the court of nobles will share this opinion today during the hearing’

~Anonymous Interview for the Canterlot Times, issued on the 13th of Summer, 936 Post Discord.

“Celestia, for having broken rules I was unaware of and shaming myself in your capital city, I offer my blade to you so that I may pledge fealty for the next one-hundred years of my life or until I am pardoned. I will serve twenty-five years for each pony slain. Though I know it’s not enough, I wish to serve a purpose greater than my own to honor their memories.” I said, submitting to fair punishment. Ignorance is not exactly a good excuse. I knelt there for what seemed like minute, waiting for a response. Then, as I was about to look up, I felt the blade lifted from my hands.

“Is that so? Why do you think I should even want you in my service?” Celestia asked calmly, voice cold and steely.

“It is not for me to decide, however my excellence in combat, tactics and strategy are invaluable.” I wasn’t expecting her to want to be convinced. She seemed eager to take advantage of my ignorance earlier. Maybe she thinks I’m up to something. She can rest assured though, I have but honest intent.

“How can you prove this?” She asked.

“Celestia, I think his words have merit.” Said Cadence. I didn’t have to turn my head to know that she had said it. “I knew his trainer well. Erich the Stalwart was the single best swordsman wherever he went. If he spent a considerable amount of time training Corrick, then Corrick will be better than any of your guards, and most of the army. Of this I’m certain.”

“I see,” Celestia paused, “Well then, I believe I’ll make good use of you.” She then laid the flat of the blade on either of my shoulders before reaching out a hand to me. I accepted the help up, and bowed my head. “Sir Corrick, I hereby knight you Sir Corrick the White.” That title is an unexpected honorific, but I said nothing to object. I think I can grow fond of it.

Suddenly I felt a presence on my chest and in my groin. I realized it was Celestia, who had pressed herself against me, staring into my eyes and pressing her leg to my sensitive area. She then slowly slid my sword into its scabbard, rubbing my chest with a sultry hand. She moved her head in very close to my face, and I blushed. Then she leaned further and put her mouth next to my left ear and whispered, “We will discuss your job further in the palace. You better prove useful, or I’ll have to to remove you from my service.” She emphasized her point by drawing a line across my throat with her finger.

“But, should you prove more than useful…” she trailed off. She then kissed my cheek and said, “I like to repay the favor.” My cheeks and ears were hot. I had never received such attention from ladies. I was always too busy soldiering. Even after we captured an enemy town or liberated one of our own, I was always in the camp outside keeping to myself and cleaning my equipment. Meanwhile, the others would have been having a good time in a brothel. Sex for money is a dirty business, especially with such nasty men taking part in it. Well, it was only for money if it was our town and not an enemy’s.

My head came back to reality as it came to mind that I’m staring deeply into Celestia’s eyes. I looked away and mumbled quietly, “Any task you give me, I’m certain I can complete with proper resources and time.” Her leg was still making me uncomfortable with its position, and I could do nothing to quell the redness in my face. I let out an awkward sigh.

“Confident are you? I think that makes me want you to succeed.” Celestia whispered sultrily before pushing me away and looking back to the table. “If no one has any other announcements,” she paused, waiting for anyone to speak up, “then I hereby adjourn this convent.” With that, she closed her eyes and the room filled with a thick fog. It was so blindingly dense that I couldn’t see my arms through it as I waved them around.

I blinked and I was laying in my cell with a couple guards standing outside of it, shouting something incomprehensible. I held my hand to my head as I dizzily got up. If I had eaten anything in the past day I would have thrown up from the nausea that the spinning world caused. Everything was so blurry. I tripped on some of the straw I slept on while walking towards the bars. Just barely was I able to catch myself and break my fall on the bars by clasping my hands around them.

My hearing was slowly coming back to me. “Hey! Quit acting dramatic and get your act together.” came a female guard’s voice. This voice was all too familiar to be without a name at this point, but I still didn’t have hers.

I sputtered and coughed before replying, “You again. What is your name? I run into you too often to not know it by now.”

“My name isn’t going to be sullied by a pathetic monster such as yourself. Now that you’re responsive, put this on.” She threw some items in between the bars, and at my abdomen, causing me to double over. I looked down and it was a pile of clothing and armor. Familiar looking clothing and armor. I hurriedly put it on as soon as I could, and the mare threw my boots in as well. Strapping the metal shin guards over the boots, pauldrons over the top of my surcoat and securing my great helm tightly into place, I felt I was ready to take any blow that my foes could muster. No longer was I weak. With this armor I am strong.

The door to my cell opened and the guards asked me to step out, handing my weapons to me as I did so. I strapped my sword to my left hip, and my dagger on a strip of leather that hung tightly around my chest like a sash. I felt a bit of pride, wearing my armor and donning my sword in the service of someone to whom I’m greatly indebted. I shouldn’t be proud, but for me it was like I was taking my first stride towards retribution and atonement. God must be smiling on me. The mare with the purple plume jabbed my side.

“Alright, Corrick, you are going to meet the Solar Princess in the throne room, before the entirety of the day court. She requested that you have your weapons with you, something about a warrior needing his weapons when he faces judgement. Anyways, have luck on your executi- erm… trial.” I see, so my first orders from the princess are to die. I didn’t know she wanted me to die for my crimes. All is fair I suppose. Death is my responsibility. I will not be able to keep my word on the saving of Equus. This will have been my greatest blunder, and I deserve my punishment.

My escort of guards lead me to the throne room through hallways that were decorated in a much grander scale than Castle Esterfell ever had been. One could steal one of the vases on display and probably be able to live for a year on the funds they’d receive for selling it. And then the stories woven into the beautiful tapestries that were hanged everywhere. There was one of a great mage pony, and another of an evil serpent looking thing. These tapestries must have been based on real happenings, or so I’d bet since this world seems to be beyond me.

We had made it to the door to the throne room. It was gilded with gold, as was most of the building. Two guards stood on either side with spears. Their armor looked different then my escort’s. They wore armor that was bare more than a few pieces of gold around their barrel. They must think they’re safe in the middle of a palace. However, palaces weren’t built for defense like castles. One could storm a palace with a mob of five hundred men and take the thing over. The guards didn’t bat an eye to me, instead they focused on the purple plumed mare.

“Ho, Sergeant, Sir. Reason for entry?” the guard on the right asked.

“Prisoner escort.” the mare replied curtly. The guard then spared a glance towards me. He was uneasy.

“I-Is that the thing that killed four-” the guard stopped before regaining his composure. He put on a straight face and nodded to the mare. His companion ceremoniously walked to the middle of the doors, opening the quickly and gracefully. It was then that the original guard marched through and to the right. His march creating loud hoof steps on the marble floor. Through the door I could see two masses of ponies gathered on either side of a red carpet that flowed down the middle of the room. Surrounding the ponies was a red rope attached to perfectly spaced gold posts. The door lead into the left side of the room, between the ponies and the throne.

The guard cleared his throat before announcing, “Here enters the defendant, your highness.” He said it with a loud and booming voice. He has been doing this job for a while. My escorts pushed me forward, almost making me lose balance as I entered the room. From the moment I was through the doorway I began to walk on my own, armor clinking loudly through the silence of the hall. There were no whispers from the onlookers, just silence. I moseyed my way to the center of the room, where the carpet ended a few meters from the throne.

Upon that very chair sat the… pegacorn… form of Celestia. The Goddess of the Light she was indeed. Sunlight spilled straight through the stained glass windows. It was beautiful and pure, and left my heart satisfied. If this is where I’d be sentenced to death, then so be it. Although, I know I won’t die today. Celestia has something up her sleeve. Something I probably won’t like, but won’t kill me.

As I stood in the center of the room, I dropped to a knee, and bowed before my Princess. As I did so, I unsheath my sword and and held it tip down on the ground as I knelt. It sort of looked as if I were praying to the Goddess, but praying I was not. I have not knelt like this in a long time. As a minor vassal of Titus, I never met him often. The only time I did, I did not bow out of respect. Not for Titus. Not ever.

“My lady,” I said humbly.

“Sir Corrick,” she said excitedly, “It’s been such a long time.” I kept my head down to hide my confusion. She was acting like we were old friends. This was part of her plan, so I would play along.

“Indeed, Princess.”

“Tell me, good friend, why is it that you have come to my kingdom and caused such a ruckus in my capital?” She asked curiously. I looked to her face and she subtly winked at me. That was my que.

“Princess Celestia, I have come to be knighted a vassal to your crown.” I announced, staring at her. I tried to read her expressions but there was a mask she wore. Then she smile and raised an eyebrow.

“Ahh, so you killed four from my army to display your skill?”

“I- Yes, my lady. Though, it was not my intent to kill, only defeat. I got carried away once I saw the spears.” Playing along to her game was quite easy. She practically spoon fed my responses.

“I see… You are considerably skilled to have killed those ponies. They were some of the best I have.” She said softly, then paused as if to weigh the pros and cons of having me a knight under her banner. “Very well, Sir Corrick. You shall be my knight.” She stepped down from her throne, and walked towards me at an agonizingly slow pace.

She stood a little more than a meter away, taking the sword out of my hands with her magic, and laying the flat of the blade on either of my shoulders before sheathing it for me once again. “Now rise, my knight, and answer now to the name of Sir Corrick the White. And as my personal knight, I will place you in command of troops worthy of your caliber. Sergeant Magenta, step forward!”

“Y-yes, your Highness.” The mare who had been a thorn in my side answered meekly. She marched forward and knelt beside me. Well, the pony way of kneeling.

“Please show the new commander of the 88th Heavy Shock Cavalry to his new barracks.” Celestia proudly announced. The mare beside me- Magenta it seemed- flinched before looking up in absolute shock and terror.

“E-excuse me, Princess, but… you don’t mean to say that this monster is the new commander, do you?” She asked worriedly. I myself was surprised to be put in command of troops so soon. I knew she had something up her sleeve, but not this.

“Mean it I do, Sergeant. Now please, this trial is over. Sir Corrick the White will be in need of a tour. Please attend to his every need, and make sure he is well fed, as he did not eat last night.” Celestia confirmed rather resolutely. At the mention of food my stomach growled, rather loudly too, in front of the entire court. “See what I mean?” she giggled.

“But, Princess!” Magenta yelled, exasperated. She then caught a look of the sternest stare I have ever seen, and none other than Celestia was handing it out. “Yes, my liege. Your orders will be fulfilled, to the best of my ability!” The mare shouted, saluting the Princess, then grabbing my arm in her mouth. She then began dragging me out of the room. Through her teeth she said, “Come on, Shir Corrick, letsh get thish tour over with.”

Celestia watched with a grin as the Sergeant dragged her new commander out of the throne room and back through the door they came in from. It was an amusing sight to her, but she could tell that the nobility in the court was very displeased. For all they knew, she just gave away one of the most highly respected positions in the Grand Solar Army of Equestria. But they didn’t know much of what was happening behind the scenes, so Celestia found herself caring very little about the nobility and their opinions. Word that the Crystal Empire has returned has not escaped the mouths of but a scant few generals and advisors.

The side door to the throne room slammed shut as Magenta pulled a human knight kicking and screaming. He shouted things like, “Let me go!” and, “I have legs, allow me to use them!” but it was all in vain. That mare can be fussy, but she does a good job for her temper. Celestia looked back among the crowds of Nobility and commoners, smiling a joyfully fake smile. She wore a mask that fit her face better than any before her. She could even deceive Gods with her ability. That knight being an exception, since he has only been around for less than a single life time. It wouldn’t be fair to compare him to the others yet. That’d be like comparing the gullibility of an adult to a child.

“Ahem,” Celestia cleared her throat before addressing the court, “Excuse me, dearest mares and gentlestallions. Day court is cancelled for today and tomorrow, as I have important business to tend to.” She then stood up and took a step down from the throne, only to pause as she heard cries of outrage from ponies who’d been waiting all day to be heard by her. She felt her blood boil with anger that they dare think their problems were actually worth listening to. They didn’t know better though, so she let her frustrations go with a sigh and asked her guards to escort the displeased masses out of the palace.

With that taken care of, she walked through the palace halls to her intended destination. She gave sideways glances to random bits and baubles that she’d been gifted throughout the years. Silly things that had no value in the face of what she received in turn. Diplomatic relationships and a hoof around the affairs of nations. That was real power. The power to bend nations to your whim with a threat to reveal some skeletons in the closet. Mortals care too much about their precious reputations, and Celestia knew this. It made sense to her too, since their precious lives were so short, where comparatively she could just wait until everyone who hates her dies. Time means very little of it when you have an overabundance of the stuff.

Celestia paused to take a look at a very particular item displayed on the wall. It was a sword with ancient runes etched along the length of the blade. Despite the fairly similar histories of the previous objects, this one differed heavily. It belonged to one of the strongest warriors to fight under the Equestrian banner. They had fought when Equestria was a name to unite those who were afraid of chaos. When Equestria was a dream of a small group of six friends who had set out to make the world a better place. Celestia turned away from the blade and continued walking down the hall to the war room. She had more pressing matters at hand than to revel in fond memories.

As she passed guards, they saluted. When she passed servants, they bowed. Not a single pony in her presence failed to show her their utmost respect. It was silly. To think some of them even believed she was a God. She was, of course, but they came to this conclusion on their own, therefore she did nothing to break the rules. That was not to say she didn’t endorse them and their ways. She couldn’t allow such an opportunity to go to waste. Another public affair that she could wrap a claw around and control. When they want to be controlled it makes it so much easier. They do practically anything she asks, and so she uses that well to her advantage. They make up her most devout soldiers, and are usually the only candidates that are allowed to make it into the special units she has.

The guards that stood in front of the war room right now were such examples of one of those special units. Their armor was some of the most protective armor available, at the cost of mobility. It was blood red and covered them from head to hoof. On the joints, where plates of armor could not be placed, they had mail painted to look like gold. They bore two plumes on their helmets. One of a bright red, and one of a bright yellow. These armor sets also had runic enchantments that made the metal tougher, and- purely for looks- the helmets were enchanted to look empty and silence any noise made inside of the helmet. When a pony had this armor on, they looked like ghosts, and never said anything. Thus they had to telepathically speak to one another and the Princess. Though they only spoke in her presence if it was necessary. Ponies in this unit were the toughest there was to offer, and thus the Honor Guard. Celestia’s personal guard troop that defended her and her most valued commanders.

The honor guards moved their polearms out of Celestia’s way, and silently permitted her entry. She opened the doors and looked into the room to see the Royal Spymaster, as well as the High General. They stood in front of a large table. On that table was a map that showed the known world. They were quietly conversing about something, to which Celestia was sure is the reason she had called them here today. When the two heard the door open, they looked over their shoulders and turned to salute the Princess. With a wave of her hoof, she allowed them to return to their previous state. She walked around the table and calmly observed the map.

“Your majesty, so far it seems that our troops are mobilizing ahead of schedule. By tonight, we estimate that half of the required forces will be in the Crystal Empire and our surrounding territories. The special forces units are at their desired posts, except for the 88th, who, as you asked, are on standby until a new commander is selected.” The High General explained, grinning with desire to please Celestia.

“I see. I have brought good news for you as well. The 88th now has a new commander.” Celestia said. The General looked excited and smug at the same time.

“Ah, has my son finally gotten on your good side?” The General asked, seeming pleased. He brushed his blond mane to the side, and primped his uniform. Celestia had his uniform designed similar to how she pictured Augustus Caesar’s armor would look on a pony, though with added solar emblems.

The Princess sighed, “As if Charming could ever get over his brattiness to try to please me. He still calls me his aunt, as if he just refuse to give a single touch of his childhood like the rest of his possessions.” Celestia questioned why she had even followed through with her promise to give him a position in the military. He was never trained and rarely ever shows up to meetings and never listens to orders handed down to him by superior officers. The only reason he was a soldier was because Celestia made him a promise when he was six, and he never let it go. “I swear, Lord Blueblood, you and I spoiled him far too much when he was little.”

The General did not seem shocked, and kept his grin. He was unlike Celestia though, because his grin was always genuine. He was a big softy underneath his uniform, and he always showed it. It’s too bad that his son took advantage of that, whether Charming knew what he was doing or not. Lord Blueblood then said with a hearty chuckle, “Yes, perhaps we did. As long as he doesn’t hurt himself and doesn’t hurt others, then his antics are somewhat of a petty matter. Wouldn’t you agree, Ma’am?” Unlike his son, Celestia could definitely tell the the General was related to him. Though the blond hair that all of his blood shared was a dead give away.

“I believe you are quite right, Lord Blueblood. However, I hope you’ll understand should he not be appointed High General.” Lord Blueblood shrugged his shoulders, to say that he both understands and doesn’t much care. Like the original Blueblood, the current High General was a firm believer in meritocracy, though her son’s position was a slight nepotistic comprise that he had to make as a parent. Celestia then cleared her throat and continued on, “Anyways, I believe we should return to the pressing matter at hand. Spymaster, report.”

The slender figure dressed like some Count Dracula knock-off was Celestia’s spymaster. He was a thestral with obsidian-colored mane and a pale blue coat. He softly spoke, “Dearest Princess, my spies in Gryphonia have reported that the Gryphons are clueless as to the return of the Crystal Empire. However, when they do find out, they are sure to be very upset to learn that their territory is now under Equestrian control. Many of their forces still lie on their eastern border, intensely skirmishing with the Minotaurans. A war with them will surely distract them from the happenings in the north, but there has been whispers of peace. A meeting is to happen tomorrow, where representatives of the Minotauran Union and Gryphonia will discuss how to settle their land dispute.”

“That sounds like it’d be against my best interests to allow them to make peace.” Celestia coldy remarked, looking at the pieces on the map between the borders of both the Minotaur and Gryphon territories. If they were to go to war, both of them would be weakened after a long stalemate. Neither of those countries will be able to best eachother. Though even in their weakened state, Gryphonia alone may be able to out do Equestria’s troops. It is well known that Equestria has fairly poor troops, and thus often uses diplomacy to weasel its way out of trouble. However, diplomacy will not be an option when it comes to keeping the Crystal Empire. The Gryphons have long heralded this territory as sacred territory. It contained mountains they claimed were home to some god of theirs, and the forests that particular territory also had within them were vital hunting grounds to their already small kingdom.

“Yes, Princess, it certainly seems that way. That is why I went through and planned a special something to stir up trouble. Hired Minotauran mercenaries will be ransacking a tiny village on the border here.” The spymaster pointed to a small village on the southeastern border of Gryphonia. “There will also be an assassin at the peace talk, of course. We’ll be killing the Gryphonian emissary with the closest available agent. She is highly skilled and will make quick work of anything in her way,” the Spymaster smugly laid out his plans. Celestia didn’t seem convinced, though, so he pressed on with his report, because he needed her final consent in order to continue with this plan.

“The Minotauran mercenaries are known patriots of the Minotauran Union, and are quite upset at the Union’s most recent loss of territory to the Gryphons, so they are quite motivated on this attack. They’ve procured proper uniforms to appear as Union troops, so even if they fail, it will appear as if the Minotaurans have attacked.” Celestia nodded to this information, and the Spymaster continued to the assassination part. This would be the easiest part to convince her on, he was sure. “The assassin who will be taking care of the Gryphonian emissary is one from Project Hyperion.” As if to prove his point, he dropped a dossier on the table. In it was information on subject twenty-seven, a mare also known as Crow. Celestia nodded to that too, and stonily looked at that map again.

“Very well, you may continue with this operation. Though this pony from Project Hyperion… I want you to return them to me if the are successful. I have need for her here in Canterlot.” Celestia said.

“Of course, your Highness. Twenty-seven will be by your side the morning after tomorrow. Is that acceptable?” The Spymaster asked, checking his pocket watch.

“Yes. I find that timeline acceptable.” Celestia replied pensively. She seemed lost in thought, and the Spymaster was curious, a trait that often got him in over his head. That trait also got him his job, so it went without saying that it was always wise for him to jump on that curiosity when he got the chance.

“Your Majesty, may I ask why you need twenty-seven? She does happen to be one of my best assassins, which I’m sure you already know from missions in her file.” The Spymaster inquired. Celestia had no clue that this was one of his best assassins. However, now that she knew this, she was even more sure that she needed this one in Canterlot.

Celestia pondered how to answer his question, but decided that open honesty is the only way to keep this stallion from doing something rash. If his curiosity was left unsated, he’d most likely do whatever he could to learn the answer on his own. “Well, Spymaster of mine, the new commander of the 88th will need to be trained to fight ponies, and be under strict surveillance. Who better to do this than the best assassin in Equestria?” This answer shocked both the General and the Spymaster. The General was the first to come up with a follow up question.

“Your Highness,” Lord Blueblood started, “You don’t mean to say that you found someone as inept as my son and put him in charge of a special forces unit, do you?” The General then realized a mistake he had made and spoke up about it, “Not that I mean to question your judgement, my lady. I’m simply asking out of my need to know my subordinates.”

“Ahh, I see. Don’t worry, Lord Blueblood, High General of the Grand Solar Army of Equestria. This commander is not inept in the slightest. He happened to kill four members of the 88th yesterday, so I have no doubts about his combat prowess. He just happens to be an odd fellow with no combat experience against ponies, and my new knight.” Celestia assured him.

“Well then, I simply must meet him as soon as possible, and congratulate this new pony on the position,” Blueblood said.

“I would also like to meet the lucky one, my Princess,” explained the Spymaster.

“Very well. This evening, we shall host a feast to celebrate the knighting of our new commander, and then you may pick his brain to your heart's content. I’ll warn you now, though, he is not a pony.” Celestia then turned from the table and began to leave the room. Before she reached the exit, she turned back around to say one last thing to her highest in command, “The future of Equestria is uncertain. Ahead of us brews a storm that we cannot steer clear of, as we have in the past. From the ashen armies of King Sombra to the war-mongering Gryphons, we are to face many threats together. It is up to us to guarantee that Equestria weathers this storm, and comes out more powerful than ever before.”

And with that, Celestia exited the room, a pair of honor guards tailing her this time.

Author's Note

Fast update, yes? I got a little excited lol. As long is it isn't terrible, am I right?

~ With <3, Explosions.