For His Future Sovereign

Princess Luna stepped down off her chariot and acknowledged the salute of the royal guards that had come to meet her. She glanced around the courtyard beneath the palace where the fighting had begun. The stone that was not broken, was stained blood and flame.

Celestia had sent her to the city to deliver news of their victory, While she remained behind to recover what had been stolen.

She eyed the first guard to meet her' "Where is Cadence and Shining Armour?"

"I believe they are inside the palace, your Highness. I will inform them of your arrival."

With this, he hastily moved inside. Luna, however, did not hear his reply nor watch him go. Her attention had been drawn by two guards to her far side. Bringing out a fallen comrade and placed him along with the honored dead. All lined up and covered with blankets.

What pulled on Luna's heart the most about this scene was from some of the townsfolk attending them. Delicately laying the newcomer down and covering him. Then a white flower was placed on top, before offering a prayer for the departed soul.

"Princess Luna."

From the corner of her eye, Luna saw Shining Armour approach. Still kitted out in his pristine armor.

"Is she..."

"Flurry Hearts alright. She's with cadence."

"Thank goodness," She sighed in relief.

She looked back at the fallen as yet another pony was brought out of the palace to be laid beside them.

"How many?"

He took in a deep breath, "All of the guards of the third company are gone. A few from the fourth were injured but nothing too serious. As for our civilians, well, several were hurt and I believe some were killed. I don't have exact numbers at the moment.

"The Third? Isn't that commanded by Flash Sentry?"

Shining Armour nodded, "According to the survivors, he held them off just long enough for us to get here."

"What are going to tell Twilight? Does two were close." Luna asked after a long pause.

"I ......I don't know."

"Excuse me, your Highness," Said a guard arriving beside them. Snapping off a salute before addressing Shining Armour, "Sir, Princess Cadence requests your presence."

"Very well, private," He acknowledged. "Lead the way."

The guard snapped off another salute and turned to the palace entrance. The two followed in turn.

"Did you need much resistance entering the palace?"

The captain shook his head, "There was only half a dozen left and they have been subdued."

Luna nodded, "Good. Very good."

"And yourself, your Highness?" He asked carefully. "Was your sister correct as to where the bulk of there group had gone?"

"She was," She replied. Not allowing herself to smile. "We ambushed them just before they got into the Yaket mountains. You can tell the ponies of the Crystal Empire that they need not fear the Dire Claws anymore."

"Can you be sure of this?"

Luna stopped walking and looked him dead in the eye, "Trust me, captain. They won't be bothering any-pony ever again."

Her meaning slowly dawned on him and decided not to ask for any further information on what happened. Despite this, it occurred to him that Luna was concerned about something else and he inquired as to what.

"I fear this will not be the last we hear of this," She sighed. Ushering him to a place where they would not be overheard. "The Dire Claws had close ties across the Griffon Kingdoms and with many of its chieftains. Does who would not see things as we do."

"You fear reprisals?"

"I fear more than that, captain. I believe events that we may not be able to control, have been set in motion. This may only be the beginning."

To be continued....