Quashed

Boneshatter stood with Ironblood and Arrow at the entrance hall for the Castle of Friendship. Well-rested and freshly groomed, they awaited the Princess Twilight Sparkle. Arrow was fidgeting nervously, unsure of whether or not this plan would work. With a reassuring pat on the shoulder from Boneshatter, he slowed his pacing and took long deep breaths.

Finally, the princess arrived to greed her guests by bursting through the doors. "You have news of Princess Celestia!?"

As she skidded to a stop in front of them, Ironblood held out his hand to calm her down. "We do. She's fine for now, but we believe she may yet be in danger. Two attempts were made on her life last night, so she's under our protection for the time being."

"Can you take me to see her? I need to know she's alright!"

Boneshatter stepped forward. "We certainly intend to let you see her. In fact, we've come to escort you to Canterlot Castle, where she currently is."

Twilight spread her wings. "No offense, but I'd rather fly there. It'll be faster."

Ironblood shook his head. "That's not a wise idea, Princess. You see, we minotaurs of the house Hornburg believe that whoever tried to kill Princess Celestia and Princess Luna may also be targeting you."

Twilight folded her wings. "How certain are you of that?"

"Not at all, answered Boneshatter. "It's just a hunch at this point, but if they're attacking Princess Celestia, it's a fair assumption that you're on their list. Have you noticed anything strange lately?"

Twilight thought long and hard, but couldn't think of anything out of the ordinary. "I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anything."

"I see. Well, we'd like to take you to Canterlot Castle anyway. As of this morning, we've begun implementing new safety measures that our leader, Chief Steelhorn, is overseeing."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "I know that name. Why do I know that name?"

"He's the head of house Hornburg," proclaimed Ironblood proudly. "He's lead our clan into a new age of prosperity and safety."

The connection became clear to Twilight. "Wasn't he also the protector of the minotaur king a few years ago?"

Boneshatter and Ironblood nodded. "He's the reason our king died of age, rather than by assassination."

Twilight smiled. "Then I trust that he'll do the same with Celestia." She stepped out of the castle and took her place in the carriage. "Take me to see him, and then to the princesses."

The carriage ride back to Canterlot was a quick one. Twilight was allowed to watch as the guards changed their positions according to Steelhorn's new orders. Even though Canterlot was usually very busy, it was even busier today as the guards received their instructions. While it was certainly hectic, Twilight knew very well the chaos that came from reorganizing anything.

The carriage came into the castle, and after a quick search to make sure nothing had happened to the carriage that could pose a danger, Twilight was escorted to the same conference room Celestia and Luna had reunited in the day before. Steelhorn was sitting behind the table, going over a list of plans with a pair of stonemasons. Seeing Twilight, he hurried along his explanations, pointing out the place where they should begin their work, the gatehouse. Twilight didn't have a great look at the plans, but was able to see the inclusion of a recessed portcullis behind a drawbridge. Very simple adjustments, but no doubt powerful ones.

The doors closed, leaving Twilight alone with the three minotaurs. Steelhorn sat down and gestured for Twilight to do the same, which she did. "I hear you've been put in charge of securing our future," she said. "If what I hear is true, you were also a contractor for the minotaur king until recently."

"You hear correctly," nodded Stellhorn. "King Minos was threatened countless times, and he now rests in his tomb, having expired in his bed naught but two weeks prior."

"I have to wonder, then, what it is that brought you here. Shouldn't you be protecting the next king of the minotaurs?"

Steelhorn shook his head. "The next king has yet to be decided. Indeed, it could come to pass that I am named the next king. In fact, we're all hoping for such a decree. However, there are a few obstacles that I must face for that."

"So, why aren't you facing those challenges? Surely you should be focusing on that?"

"We face a threat greater than we can hope to conquer, Princess. Four thousand warriors are preparing to storm my home and slaughter my family. Our army is only five hundred strong. To face this task alone is suicide. And so, we must take to using a power we do not yet have. We need the magic of friendship."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "The elements of harmony aren't available to be loaned out--"

"I'm not talking about the elements of harmony," snorted Steelhorn. "We need an ally. A strong one. All of our allied states flock to us for our strength because they cannot defend themselves. Were we to ask for their aid, they would send their finest fighters. However, that amounts to little more than a farmer with a pitchfork. We need more than what they can give. On top of that, if we were to be wiped away, there would be nothing keeping them safe. If they are to survive, we must save them. If we are to save them, Equestria must save us."

Twilight nodded. "What can I do to help?"

Steelhorn smiled and slid the third and final ring across the table. "I already have full control of the Canterlot military. In a month, that will expand to cover all of Equestria. In the meantime, I need all of Equestria's princesses under my command."

Twilight picked up the ring and was filled with unease. "This is a magic-blocking ring."

"It is. Put it on."

Twilight dropped it back onto the table and stepped back. "I want to talk to Celestia."

"You will," smiled Steelhorn. "Because I'm going to take you to her. Right after you put on that ring."

Twilight shook her head and took another step back, right into the arms of Boneshatter. He grasped her shoulders and held down her arms. "This would be much easier if you would cooperate with us." Ironblood picked up the ring and brought it over to the princess, grabbing her by the throat and holding her head steady. Her breathing became raspy and ragged as he slipped the ring tightly over her horn.

Steelhorn smiled. "Welcome to my service, Princess Twilight Sparkle."