Quashed

Steelhorn sat on the throne, watching Luna dance in front of him. She had placed an order with a tailor to have three outfits made. Hers was that of a harem dancer, made from voile and embroidered muslin. Celestia and Twilight, having opted out of working directly with the minotaurs as much as possible, were gifted instead outfits that made them look more akin to what she assumed sex slaves wore.

As Luna danced, her hands would gently caress her abdomen. She was carrying inside of her Steelhorn's child. She knew it was his because only he had been inside of her thus far. She wasn't showing yet, as it had only been a month since their first intercourse, but she could swear that she felt it.

When her dance finished, she bowed, welcoming the applause of the minotaurs. As she stood back up, she moved over to chief Steelhorn and sat down next to him. She was about to ask what he thought of her display when the throne room doors burst open and an armored pegasus darted to the throne, bowing to Steelhorn as he panted for breath. "Urgent news from Fort Friesian!" he gasped, handing a scroll forward.

Boneshatter took the scroll and opened it, reading through it quickly. "That's another fort fallen. This time, we have a description of the assailants. Apparently, it's a mixed army made up of zebras and crystal ponies."

Steelhorn sighed. "Well, the crystal ponies make sense. That's three forts in almost a straight line between here and the Crystal Empire. There's been no deviance from their path to take cities or farmlands, so I have to imagine it's just meant to be a supply chain feeding the crystal army as they make their way here to lay siege to Canterlot. Congratulations to them for such a bold maneuver, but this is where that line stops."

"Shall we cut off their supply chain?" asked Boneshatter. "A quick pincer movement and we'd have them surrounded and unable to return home."

Steelhorn thought for a moment. He turned to the guard who had brought the message. "To the barracks with you. Take some food, water, and rest. You've earned it."

The guard saluted Steelhorn and made his way out of the room.

"If it were just zebras, then I'd agree to that plan," nodded Steelhorn, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "We'd have little issue in dealing with them. The problem is the crystal ponies. If we were to mount a counteroffensive at this juncture, it would likely be seen as unwarranted aggression. There're a few reasons for not sending out a team to collect Princess Cadance, and one of them was to keep the crystal ponies from becoming involved in the conflict. Culturally speaking, they're still a bit too fragile to be placed under my command."

"So what do you plan to do?" asked Boneshatter. "They're clearly marching across Equestria, taking forts as they go. Should we issue a cease and desist order?"

Steelhorn shook his head. "They've made it clear that this is their destination. We'll put forward a command to our own troops to defend against zebra tactics, and increase the guard count around the princesses. If they're en route to Canterlot, I want them at the gate for an open discussion. No bloodshed unless necessary. I want the support of the Equestrian citizens, so I have to ensure that we don't strike first."

Boneshatter stood up. "I'll make sure the word is spread. We'll not fall to the tactics of zebras." He left the room, taking Arrow with him.

Steelhorn turned to Luna. "I was hoping to avoid this, but it seems there is going to be a real battle in the near future, rather than the mock battle we staged a month ago."

Luna steeled herself. "Say the word, and we shall join you on the battlefield."

"No," he replied, "You're too valuable an asset to risk. If you were to be surrounded and captured, we'd all suffer as a result. You may join me for the negotiations, but after that, you must remember that you are carrying precious cargo." He placed his hand on her abdomen, gently caressing her. "This is the key to good relations between the Equestrians and the minotaurs. This child must be protected."

Luna was hesitant to shy away from the protection of Canterlot, but after a few moments, she nodded. "You are correct, Chief Steelhorn. It is best that we stay back a few steps for our own safety. We entrust the protection of the city to you." She hugged him, whispering into his ear, "Do not disappoint us."

Steelhorn stood up. "We have an estimated three days before they arrive. We need to be ready tomorrow at lunch. I'm not taking any risks unless absolutely necessary. I want the towers capped with lookouts at all hours, ready with the bells tolling the moment they see stripe or shimmer. I am to be alerted the very minute they arrive for discussion from atop the barbican."

Scrimshaw and Hardtusk nodded, exiting the castle to spread the second set of orders. The priestess came forward before Steelhorn could issue a command to her. "I will look into the affairs of the zebras, especially as far as the crystal ponies are concerned. There must be something gluing their alliance together, and if I can find it, we can be rid of the zebras without harming the crystal ponies."

Steelhorn nodded. "Do so. I doubt the ponies of Equestria will willingly cause harm to their crystalline friends, and there may even be a bit of carryover as far as the zebras go. If we can return them to their homes without conflict, that would be ideal."

"In the meantime, you need to rest, milord. If you are to head the negotiations table, you must be ready to hold yourself up. We cannot have a tired leader."

Steelhorn rubbed his forehead. "Have some tea prepared for me. I need to calm myself."

Luna slipped her hand into Steelhorn's. "Have it sent to our chambers. We shall do our best to ensure his sleep is very sound. He shall be in a good mood come sunrise."