A guard's new life

Three days. It had taken three days for Golden Lance to be called to the princess. During his time of waiting, he tried to continue his work as a royal guard, even if it turned out to be more difficult than he thought. Each time a pony or creature got close to him he was anticipating being called upon. It went so far that Golden Lance started to see someone where there was no one.

His time when he was not on active duty was not much better. As he focused his life completely on being a guard, he didn’t think much about worldly possessions but that didn’t stop him from organizing and reorganizing his few belongings over and over. It went so far that the other guards started to bet on how many times Golden Lance would pack and unpack his back.

On the day he was finally called, his emotionless expression nearly cracked. It would have been a joyous occasion, if the guards close to him when it nearly happened didn’t panic, running around as if the world would end. But who could blame them? Seeing Golden Lance smile could already be seen as a sign for the apocalypse, so their reactions were justified.

As Golden Lance made his way towards princess Twilight Sparkle’s private office, he felt like a new pony. Never in his life would he have thought that he would get the chance to become a personal guard of such importance. He knew that it was not for the princess herself, but she said that the one he would be assigned to is of equal importance and that was enough for him.

His polished armor sparkled in the light during his way to her office. Glances form the other guards and staff members accompanied his every step. He stopped only as he was directly in front of the massive double doors made of a rich, deep wood. The engravings on the door showing a beautiful landscape of Equestria. Golden Lance always wondered why royalty always had so many ornated things but as a soldier and guard, he would never have to think about such things.

Raising his right hove, he knocked on the door. The two guards stationed on both sides glance at him, trying to guess what must go through his head. One, two, three seconds go by before both guards to either side snap back into their perfectly symmetrical positions, as princess Twilight Sparkle’s voice bids Golden Lance to step inside.

One side of the giant door opens ever so slightly. Golden Lance has to squeeze through the gap, as the door wouldn’t open further. Luckily, he can get through, even if it’s just barely. Once he is inside the office, he sees why the door wouldn’t open further. Stacks upon stacks of different books are all over the room. Like a maze the books keep piling up. Stepping inside completely and closing the door behind himself, Golden Lance salutes. “Your highness, guard Golden Lance reporting as requested.”

A soft chuckle sounds from the other side of the large office room. “Please, come and sit. We have things to discuss.” Without hesitation, Golden Lance snakes his way through the stacks of books, not stopping until he spots Equestria’s ruler, sitting behind a wooden desk. The filled shelves on all walls and the stacks of books which cover the floor didn’t seem enough, as the desk barely has any workspace left.

Sinking a bit into the seat in front of the desk, Golden Lance waits for the princess of friendship to begin the probably long conversation they will have. It might not be like this normally, but the change for a special “mission” makes him giddy all over with anticipation. The chair creaks and he fixes his posture as the princess begins.

“First, I would like to thank you for your service to Equestria. I know that you, like many others have gone through more than what a pony or creature should have to go through.” Twilight Sparkle takes a deep breath. Her eyes gaining a sad look, as she remembers some of the harsher times. Shaking her head, she continues. It wouldn’t do her any good to think too much about the past anyway. “Now then. As I have announced in the court yard a couple of days ago, ponies like you, Golden Lance, are given the chance to retire early. That is, if they want to. The choice is yours, but if you were to want to continue serving Equestria as a guard, there would be an individual that would need protection.” Taking a deep breath after such a long sentence, Twilight Sparkle locks eyes with Golden Lance.

“My whole life I wanted to be nothing other than a royal guard and serve Equestria and it’s princesses. Therefor it would be an honor to continue serving pony and creature kind. Even if it means not being directly employed under your highness. I presume that I will be a royal guard in title only then as well.”

It was not a question but Golden Lance summarized the situation pretty much in one go. “Yes, you are correct in your assumption. It would normally not be possible to keep the title of royal guard if you are not directly employed under… well me, but as you would be under employment because of a direct order of mine, not to mention the importance of the creature you would be protecting, your title as well as your status stay the same. You would not be given reports to me or the captain of the royal guards anymore though.”

Golden Lance had to give it to the princess. He knows that she is concerned about every being there is in Equestria. It’s one of the reasons she has his respect. It may not look like it, but he admires her desire to help and serve Equestria as much as she does.

His ears slightly move, as Golden Lance tries to sort his thoughts. The slight smile directed at him ensures him that the princess genuenlly cares about her subjects to such an extent. After all, she came up with a program just for them, to give them the possibility of a job, with less risk of getting into fights that could end with injuries added to the already existing ones.

“I will gladly take the chance to keep serving under the Equestrian crown. I am a royal guard and would like nothing more than to continue being one until the day I am truly incapable of being one.” Golden Lances answer lets a new chuckle escape the princesses’ lips, as a cream colored folder slowly floats towards him, encased in the purple aura, before it stops a couple of inches before his face.

The princess herself unable to see the content of the folder starts to speak, as Golden Lance opens the folder. “I already thought you would say this. This folder contains all the information about your future guard job.” With princess Twilights words, Golden Lance skims through the text written, until his eyes fall onto a picture, pinned to a concern with a paperclip. A unicorn stallion in his mid to late 20’s, moss green fur coat, light thyme colored mand and tail, average height and build. All in all, an average looking pony.

“This is Breezy Bark. I know he might not look like much, but his work is vital for all of Equestria.” Golden Lance looks up from the folder. “After Zecora went back to Zebrica, he opened a potion shop near pony Ville, close to the everfree Forest. He focuses on medical potions to ease pain and cure illnesses.” As the princess continues speaking, Golden Lance can’t understand why a potion maker would be of such importance. His raised eyebrows and tilted head must have given his thoughts away, as Twilight Sparkle elaborates the reasoning for stationing him there.

“Normally a potion maker would not need a guard, but his research and potions brought breakthroughs in the medical field. The potions he made up till today do not cure any illness yet, but the lessened pain and the disinfecting properties exceed by far what other potions on the market are capable of. If he can continue his research and develop even better potions, it would help Equestria in fighting against most any disease, not to mention how many life’s he already changed for the better through his potions.”

Golden Lance thought for a moment but had to agree with the princess. Potions that helped already to such a degree, with potential to get even better, are worth guarding. As the pony himself is still young too, it means that he could achieve much in the future. For him it was clear that this pony was of great importance and why the princess sees him of near equal position as herself. True, he was no ruler and did not achieve what she did, but from what Golden Lance read in the folder, this unicorn could be called royalty when it comes to potions.

Golden Lance’s thoughts get interrupted, as the princess of friendship speaks up again. “As you know, I sent letters regarding the program to the beings I already found which need guarding, before I made the announcement. Therefor they were able to make requests regarding the personality of the guard they might need. You, Golden Lance, fit all his criteria. Breezy Bark even asked to speak to me in person after he received the letter. At first he wanted to decline, saying that he would need no guard, but I was able to convince him, to agree with it, if I could find a guard who does not get distracted, focuses solely on his duty, is a seasoned soldier and does not snoop around where they should not.”

Golden Lance nods as the princess lists the qualities. Apparently, this Breezy Bark knows what he wants and doesn’t seem like the type who wastes his time with nonsense. Just the type of pony he would be honored to serve as a guard. He wouldn’t have noticed that he spaced out, if the princess’ voice didn’t bring him back to reality.

“At first it was difficult to find a guard with such qualifications, but then I remembered that you, Golden Lance, are exactly that. I looked through your files and you are the perfect fit for this job. Therefore, if you agree, you will be sent to Breezy Bark as his personal royal guard.”

Golden Lance didn’t need to be told twice. “Of course, your highness. I will gladly serve as mister Bark’s guard.” Princess Twilight Sparkle smiled to his answer, lifting the folder away from Golden Lance to continue their conversation.

The joy could be heard in her voice, as she lifted a thick stack of papers from a distant shelve towards the royal office desk. “These are the transfer papers. I already have Breezy Bark’s signature so you only need to sign at the bottom before we can start with your transfer preparations.”

It didn’t take long for Golden Lance to sign the transfer papers. They incorporated a special contract which would make him Breezy Bark’s personal guard, but would still let him keep his titles, status and privileges of being a royal guard in the Canterlot castle.

After the papers were signed, it took several hours to discuss the finer details of his transfer and his future job as a personal guard. Golden Lance could feel the strain the conversation caused him once they were done, yet he felt happy, even if he didn’t show it. Standing up, straighten his posture and looking the princess directly in her eyes he thanked her one last time for this opportunity.

“You do not have to thank me Golden Lance. I do all of this so you all can decide your own future.” The sun was already starting to set, enveloping the office in soft orange glow. The princess looked out the window, thinking about her mentor before she turned her attention back to the royal guard standing before her. “How time flies. The sun is already starting to set. You should start preparing for Sunday. We wouldn’t want you to forget anything.”

With a salute and a short bow, Golden Lance excused himself, before making his way back to the giant double door at the other end of the room. Carefully opening it and stepping through the gap between wood once more, he exits the office before closing the door behind him again. Golden Lance gets glances yet again, but he is to focused on all the wonderful structured guard work he will be doing, serving as Breezy Barks guards. Some ponies and creatures had to look twice, thinking Golden Lance might have smiled or even chuckled to himself, while he passed them. This was certainly strange or at the very least unusual.

His happy mood was justified though, even if he made his soon to be ex-coworkers and staff members of the castle run in fright, as he made his way back to the barracks. He had more sorting to do before he would embark on his way to his new position.