POV Heart Path. Reincarnated unicorn stallion 700 years ago. Continuation.

Author's note: I was too much inspired at the beginning of this chapter, but I also warned about it in the story description.

Night time has already come into its own. Now I'm in one small bed with a beautiful and at times shy mare who looks at me expectantly. I was lying on my back, and Flicker was lying on my stomach, and she also has very interesting plans for my body for this night! It was really great! I didn't expect Night Flicker to show such restraint, because she paid a lot of attention to petting and kissing. She was clearly delaying the moment, and I liked it. I felt that she didn’t want to put pressure on me, but her rubbing against my lower abdomen naturally left me no choice. At some point, Night Flicker began to slowly bend over and tickle my face with her mane. But her lips reached their goal. There’s nothing you won’t guess! But just the opposite! She began kissing my chest and smoothly rose to my neck, and at the same time she stroked my sides with her hooves all the time. This is was unforgettable bliss...

"Do you think I'm in the mood for quick sex? But ... I can't promise you that because ... ooh." Flicker asked me with a mischievous grin.

All this time, three candles were burning on the table, so the light in the room allowed me to see the face of this mare. But I want to note that in the light of these candles, her white and yellow mane looks just magical! And combined with her kind smile and caring caresses ... I understand why she has such a name. It definitely suits her.

"No. I actually figured we'd enjoy the night and intimacy as long as possible! So ... I'm impressed with your skills! Oh ... I think it's really good that I took off this armor." I said in a low voice, trying to get a better look at the face of this mare. And, believe me, I wanted to remember this mare.

Night Flicker laid all its weight on my chest, which made it a little difficult for me to breathe, but I did not complain. Almost ... It's just that my spine, like any pony's, is not quite designed to lie on my back for a long time. So it hurt a little. But all these complaints went to a far corner when Night Flicker began to lick my face and ears. Especially EARS! Perhaps in any pony, this part of the body is a rather erogenous zone.

"Aha! Heart Path. So you like it?"

I pulled this mare by the neck and began kissing instead of answering. I loved kissing Night Flicker. And I tell you, as an experienced pony in these matters, I know the difference in kissing different mares. Night Flicker had its own peculiarity. She could feel the rhythm of my heart and breath. And so she skillfully adapted herself to caress my lips in time with her lips and tongue. And it was just amazing. And I can only be ashamed to ask her about it! Where does this experience come from?

I took her face in my hooves and looked lovingly into her shining mischievous eyes. "Flicker, tell me what you find good in me?" I was really interested.

Flicker smiled, bit her lower lip slightly, and began to gently run her hoof along my neck and chest. “You asked a very unexpected Heart Path question. I know that you just appeared in our village yesterday. At this moment, I brought various orders to the tables of our guests. But when you entered this tavern with your pegasus friend, I stood in the corner and watched with curiosity two unfamiliar pony soldiers. And although we live in a difficult time, and you could be the scouts of changelings, I still felt that you are the same ponies as we are. I saw how your eyes still retained their sparkle from the experienced emotions. It seemed that you were the same soldier who saw death with your own eyes, so you were worried, but tried to maintain your dignity. As a greeting, you praised the reign of our Princess Celestia! And although I know that many ponies are very neutral about her reign, I always liked our princess!" Flicker sighed and looked thoughtfully into my eyes. “Your way of getting attention really influenced me. Although I know that not only for me, but also for my friends. And how you can easily communicate with a mare without thinking about the consequences piqued my curiosity! And after you left your room this morning to order breakfast, Sunny Kiss told me how kind you were to her. I will not go into details. You yourself know this very well. So, even this morning, you and your friends are performing a feat by engaging in battle with these robbers! The time has passed very unusual for all the ponies in this village, and I am watching you unnoticed. I saw you protecting two griffins and I saw sparks in your eyes. But deep down, I felt that you were mentally asking these stallions to calm down. And the moment your sword pressed against the chest of this stallion, my heart began to jump, and all this time you ... you did not notice my presence. And I stood quietly around the corner at the entrance to the tavern's kitchen. All this time I looked at you with tears in my eyes and prayed to Celestia that she would help you! Please, Celestia! Do not let bloodshed! Anyway, there was a lot of it..." A lone tear rolled from Flicker's eyes and fell on my face.

So I realized that at the moment when I desperately and prayerfully needed Celestia's help, I was not alone. Flicker looked at me all the time. And perhaps, and I have no doubt that this is exactly the case, for this reason Princess Celestia herself used her magic to meet with me. I looked into Flicker's eyes during her revelation and began to understand a lot... Damned war, because of it I cannot calmly love and be loved. Even before I joined the Legion, I had the same problems. Therefore, you need to find the reason for something else. However, Flicker's words impressed me. And, of course, her manner of speaking to me in a slightly timid voice, and then sharply showing a more daring and gentle act.

I continued to stroke Flicker on the back and definitely enjoyed this intimate conversation. “Do you know Flicker? You are a very good and kind mare...” My left hoof began to carefully remove her mane so that her face was better visible. “And you are very beautiful! But ... I have questions, would you agree to answer me?"

Flicker smiled and rubbed lightly against my belly. Her eyes narrowed. "I seem to have a little guess about what question you want to ask. You probably wonder why I live in this village and still can't find myself a stallion?"

"It really is. You guessed it. And I'm really interested to know, because when I came to this village with my friends, I saw that there were quite a few stallions." I said and looked with curiosity into those beautiful golden eyes.

Flicker chuckled slightly, but then gave me an apologetic response. "Sorry. It's just a little funny for me to remember something. Yes, about three dozen stallions live in this village. And about seventy mares, well, a few foals. And of course, there have already been cases when drunken stallions simply ran away from their families to spend time in this tavern. They drank wine and sometimes cast lustful glances at me. Several times I even kissed, with a stallion, but did not feel passion for him or for something higher. Maybe that's why I'm still a lonely mare, although I have a best friend, Sunny Kiss, and I will answer your other questions right away. When I was sixteen years old, my parents and I, as well as my older brother, moved to this colony, as our government offered a good discount on land plots, as well as tax breaks for immigrants. A year has passed, and I am already a mare that has entered ... puberty. And I had to find myself a job. Therefore, I left my parental home and came to this village with my new friend Sunny Kiss. We left the port town because we heard from friends that in this village, in the local tavern "Drunken Mare", maids are required. Of course, this is not the kind of work that two young mares can dream of, but we had to start somewhere. And so it happened. Therefore, I have been working in this tavern for almost half a year now. And about a month ago, another mare came to us, named Azura. And she very much asked to give her a job at least for the first time. So the old stallion Ebenezer Beck agreed. Well, well, it was more fun for us in such a company. Although as far as I could understand ... you know Azura. This was evident from the way she behaved in relation to you. This is still a mystery to me, but I may also learn the truth from you. If you do not mind."

I sighed softly at the mention of Azura. Rather, mare-changeling, who ten years ago managed to kindle a lot of passion and love in my heart. Then she disappeared for ten years and met me under unexpected circumstances. And in the end she admitted that she was able to give birth to a daughter after our first meeting. A daughter conceived by passion and fueled by love.

"You're right in your guesses. I really know Azura. And I ... still remember her. And that day when we first met. But it all turned out very unusual. Our "date" lasted only one day, and the next morning, she ran away from me, leaving a bittersweet residue in my soul. And I'm still in love with this mare, but that unpleasant aftertaste and bitterness due to her long absence in my life will hinder a little, so that I could be with this mare again. I'm just afraid of losing her again, and carrying suffering in my heart for years." With the final words, I removed my hoof from her back and began to pinch my eyes. I really had a hard time restraining myself from crying. Of course, I couldn't tell her that Azura is actually a changeling princess named Emerald. This also gave me a little sadness and anxiety.

Flicker sensed my emotions and began to calm me down. She slowly removed my hoof from my face to place it on her back, but closer to her tail. And then she slowly began to lick my cheeks with her tongue and smoothly moved her lips to mine. Her kiss was gentle and clearly began to calm me down. I began to gradually forget about anxious feelings. And my hoof began stroking her ass, which, of course, worked when she slapped me with her tail. She moaned softly against my lips. And I realized that we were both starting to get aroused again. After all, you always need to take time to relieve stress.

Night Flicker laid her head on my chest, and her hoof moved smoothly, stroking my side. "Thanks for being honest with me. But I would like to postpone this conversation until a more appropriate time. Now I am as excited as you are, so I propose to start more interesting business." Flicker said and I began to feel how she began to rub her pussy against my ready-to-fight stallion organ.

"And thank you for understanding me and trying to calm me down. But ... actually, I don't mind a sweeter activity" I said and bit Flicker on the ear slightly.

And of course I began to feel her arousal with all my nerve endings. So I couldn't stand this teasing for too long. I firmly grabbed Flicker by the waist with my hooves, and turned her over onto her back, and I myself was on her stomach.

"Aaah! What are you, Heart Path?" Flicker asked me and at the same time wrapped her hooves around me and began to pull her lips for a kiss.

"I am the one who will comfort you, just as you will me!" I said already in a slightly passionate whisper. To which Flicker chuckled just as passionately.

I began kissing this mare with a special passion, rubbing my belly against her all the time, and penetrating my tongue into her mouth. But she was also on edge, so she was not averse to playing with me. Our tongues began to caress each other, and at that moment my penis began to rest against her already swollen and excited pussy. She opened her eyes wide, but still continued to kiss me. At that moment, I began to smoothly move the walls of her flower, and smoothly enter it. I started having fun from the first seconds, just like her. So I closed my eyes slightly and began to moan. Oh ... it was a little narrow ... but I loved it.

Flicker broke away from our kiss, a small grimace appeared on her face, and then she pressed her face against my shoulder, continuing to moan slightly painfully. But I was in the same boat with her, continuing the smooth penetration into her pussy, and now I got such great pleasure, which I have not experienced in my life. And because of all this sexual activity, I had a question that I just wanted an answer to.

"Oh. Flicker! Are you a virgin?" I asked, and with difficulty reached the depths, from which my eyes began to roll funny, and my mane to climb into my open mouth.

Night Flicker looked into my eyes again, her mouth open with pleasure. "Yeah! Welcome, stallion! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do now? Because I didn't have a ... stallion inside yet ... oh. I have not yet experienced such pleasure, although this is my third heat. Oh-oh" Flicker said in a squeaky voice, but in her eyes, passion and even, perhaps, love was clearly read at this moment.

I continued to slowly push into her pussy, all the while feeling the walls of her vagina tightly shrink on my cock, and of course it was a great feeling. "Well, I already guessed by the way you squeeze me so strong. But there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I like it! Except, I have never made love to a virgin mare! But now I get very good and sweet experience of these sensations. But why didn't you tell me about it earlier?"

Night Flicker was breathing deeply, but she was already getting used to these new sensations for her body. I understand that she still had an experience of intimacy, as I understood this from our kisses with her. But, she turned out to be a virgin mare, and of course I was glad of that.

Flicker moaned again, squeaky, and looked shy again. But in order not to seem so timid in front of me and take part in our love affair, she decided to gently bite my neck and then got to my ear. "Aah ... ah ... yeah ... I don't think you need an answer to your question now, stallion! I guess I'll give you the answers ... oooh ... later! Don't stop! I like this new thing for me feeling. I've been thinking about this for a year. How it happens. But my friend Sunny Kiss, prepared me a little for such an event. Ooohh... Now don't get distracted and speed up your pace!"

I let Flicker play with her tongue in my ear. Yes, I sometimes enjoy talking to a mare during sex. I have always been amused by this moment. As a mare moans trying to give me an answer. And it sometimes helped me distract myself a little so that I didn't come to a climax much earlier. And it always worked! Therefore, I experienced more than just bodily satisfaction. But Flicker, who is already starting to literally gnaw my ear, at the moment when I began to accelerate the pace, all the while feeling the walls of her vagina convulsively caress my penis. And it gradually drew me closer to the end.

Flicker tore her head off my ear and tossed her back onto the pillow, causing her mane to stick partly to her face from sweat and partly to crumble. At the same time, she moaned loudly and hugged me tighter with her hooves, trying to keep me in her pussy for as long as possible! And I think at this moment you understand why this is so. I just hope she gets her first sexual pleasure to the fullest! I kept pressing against Flicker's body and felt the fluid flow down my penis and the walls of her vagina began to contract convulsively. And, of course, I rolled my eyes with pleasure and began to shoot one after another trickles of my semen, constantly mixing our love juices. Damn it, I hope she has a spare sheet here!

I dropped my head on her neck and sparks lit up in my eyes. I ended up like I never finished in my life. Perhaps it was a completely new feeling for me, because I could go blind for two seconds! My breathing quickened too, and my heart was pounding in my chest. But I felt the same way as Flicker. Orgasm and many warm feelings for this gentle and beautiful mare.

Flicker looked me in the eyes with her mouth parted and breathed heavily, all the while trying to push harder on me with her squeezing channel, which instinctively milks my cock. Her right hoof began stroking my face gently.

“Oh ... So this is the same feeling at the end of mating, from which my wings of love grew, and I felt like flying in the night sky? How sparks flashed in my eyes. I ... Oh ... I love this feeling of closeness with the stallion." Flicker whispered, continuing to moan slightly as I was still moving in her canal, damp from our juices.

I, too, still could not regulate my breathing, since this no longer virgin mare literally milked me with greed of hunger to the fullest. “O yes! Welcome to our club, Flicker! Oh ... Flicker. You were great! But ... now we're both tired. We need to change the sheets and get some sleep." I spoke in a whisper and kissed Flicker, to which she responded in kind.

“Yes, you were just a miracle too. You gave me a wonderful night. You're right, I have a few sheets in the closet.” Flicker said and laughed lightly and sweetly, although she still looked me in the eyes ... with love.

Then we quietly put things in order and went to bed, constantly clinging to each other. I think I fell in love again. Yes ... one more time. And I don't want to lose this mare either. I really liked her. And I already know that our feelings are mutual.

Seven hours passed.

I didn't even understand how I could fall asleep so quickly. But when one of my eyes opened with difficulty, I immediately wanted to close it. The morning dawn was already visible in the window. Another day has come. I am lying in some ... small bed next to the mare, who now sleeps on my back and snores blissfully. My memory started working again. And of course I spent the night with Flicker. But now I really need to go to the stallion room.

I had to literally crawl out from under Flicker, who hugged me with her hooves. The voices of two ponies were heard in the street. And they spoke clearly in panic! I hastened to don my scale armor and attach the gladius belt. I would not like to be in an unpleasant situation. Flicker, however, woke up, and with sleepy but loving eyes looked at me at the moment when I raised my front hooves up to put on the armor. Not an easy procedure and I still do not envy earth ponies and pegasus who do the same. But we are soldiers and must get used to such difficulties.

Outside the window came the cry of a mare. "Faster! Announce ALARM in the VILLAGE!!!"

I heard a cry that clearly belonged to ... a familiar mare! Sandy Glow! This is her voice! I ran to the window and saw the same familiar mare in scaly armor talking to the dean of the legionnaires. It was Sandy, but there were 2 other aerial reconnaissance mares standing next to her. Her appearance in this village, and still so early, I do not like. But the very feelings that disturbed my heart a few hours ago are giving a signal again! Oh Celestia ... I hope you don't leave me in trouble again.

"What's happening?" Flicker said as she rubbed her eyes with her hoof. But after these words, she got out of bed and ran to the window.

"I don't like that either! But it looks like something happened." I shouted over my shoulder and ran out of her room. I still wanted to go to the toilet ... But in the second-floor corridor I met Quick Strike.

Quick Strike, how wonderful, was already dressed in his praetorian armor. He threw me an inquiring glance, but I did not answer him. I was always glad that this pegasus still maintains discipline. I ran out of the toilet and ran into the common washroom and started rinsing my face. My light violet hooves were shaking with what I felt. And that was the sixth sense. The feeling that trouble is approaching, and the same panic on the street at such an early stage also speaks volumes.

"Hurry! All PONY! General evacuation!" Someone shouted the voice of a stallion who ran into the first floor. Probably someone from the legionnaires.

Flicker, who had already run out of her room, ran up to me. Her mane was tousled and she was clearly on edge. She quickly kissed me on the lips, still remembering what happened between us that night. But then she looked at me with a panicked face, "What's going on?"

I kissed the mare back, and then felt my sword with my hoof. “I’ll find out ...” but I didn’t have time to finish.

"What the hell is going on?" Valiant said as he left the room. But he was already wearing armor and his weapons.

Valiant and Azura left our room and looked at me, but I pointed my hoof in the direction of the stairs and ran to find out the circumstances of the morning panic. All the ponies ran after me, including Quick Strike, who literally caressed Sunny Kiss with his wing. When we got down to the first floor, I saw the tavern owner packing his things in a bag. The door of the tavern opened, and a familiar mare ran into it. Sandy Glow.

Sandy Glow ran up to me and gave me a friendly hug. But her face was worried and her hooves trembled slightly. “We must leave this village immediately! All local ponies have been ordered to evacuate to the legion's camp. And then our ships will take all the ponies to the nearest port of our kingdom. We are leaving this place. This order came from Celestia herself two hours ago. On the other side of this colony, a large-scale landing of troops was observed. Just listen! About one and a half thousand griffins and minotaurs! They continue to land and build siege weapons! These are two dozen heavy Onagra (stone throwers), Ballistas. An advanced winged detachment of griffins entered the battle with our outposts. I flew to this village as fast as I could!"

All ponies were certainly shocked by these words. But as soon as I was about to answer Sandy Glow, panic screams were heard from the village and we all ran out into the street. I began to gaze intently at the morning sky, my eyes began to widen with horror!

Several fiery stones began to crash into the square, and one managed to hit the roof of the village headman's house. The fire started. The screams and panic of the running ponies drowned out the ringing of the alarm bell installed on the watchtower. Only miraculously, these fiery shells did not hit the running ponies.

"Valiant! Quickly roll our cart out of the barn, and help the workers of the tavern to load. Quick Strike help the rest of the ponies in this village! Give the order to the commander of the legionnaire squad, let them take all the local ponies under guard to escort them to our camp." I looked into the eyes of Sandy Glow, who at that moment watched as the firestone landed in the center of the square and only miraculously did not crush two fleeing soldiers. "Sandy! Stop Panic! You must return to the legion camp and request reinforcements to meet the evacuated village ponies! I'm afraid we won't be able to make it! Their vanguard units are likely to set off in pursuit as soon as they finish their artillery barrage. Fly faster!" I gave the order and, without waiting for an answer, ran to my unicorn archers.

Sandy and three other mares from her party took to the skies and flew towards the camp. My unicorn scouts had already run up to me, but behind me I heard the cry of a familiar pony who caught up with me. It was Azura and saddlebags were already attached on her back, and a gladius in a scabbard dangled from her belt. She approached me with a determined look. Carts were already moving past us on the road, some of them were filled with crying foals.

"Let me help Heart Path! I heard you say that we may not have time to evacuate everyone! I want to be by your side at this moment..." Azura almost begged me. And I could understand her, because I do not want to lose her in this crowd of running ponies.

I just wanted to answer when our pegasus landed next to me. Quick Strike ran up to me and tugged at my neck to explain his panicky behavior. “We have to leave, I just flew around the village. From the direction of the forest, I noticed several dozen warriors. Among them were changelings and griffins. Apparently, they were not going to attack us from the air, as they were afraid to get hit by flying shells! Their artillery, which is now throwing burning stones at this village..."

His words really started to give some clarity. So there will be a chase for us again. "Thank you Quick Strike, now take Azura and the other mares, harness our cart, and head to the Legion camp! Send Valiant to me. I need all the archers."

"But why are the griffins and minotaurs attacking us? Have they declared war on us?" One of the unicorns asked.

"Yes, that is right." I answered briefly, to which I heard indignant voices in my unit.

Azura did not stop and decided to show stubbornness. "No! I won't leave without you!"

Quick Strike looked at us like we were crazy. "So what are you planning to do? There are only seven of you! Why does it seem to me that you are crazy?" Our friend Pegasus spoke angrily.

But at that moment, one of the unicorns decided to distract us. "Fuck your stupid ideas!" He pointed to the sky with his hoof and we followed his gaze and decided that it was time to run away.

"I agree we must run!" The second unicorn shouted.

When we left the dangerous place, a few seconds later several burning stones fell there. For all this moment, we almost lost our lives. We ran to the tavern where Valiant and the other mares were putting their personal belongings into our cart. All that can be saved. But this is not the case, because it is essential to save lives. The old proprietor came out of the tavern and, with shouts of curses, threw a barrel of wine into our cart. Indeed, a valuable cargo.

I stopped by Valiant and decided to see all the ponies in our small group. "Valiant! We need to ambush this forest. But there will be only seven of us. I just hope that we can stop the enemy, and there, perhaps, the reinforcements of the Legionnaires can approach us in time. I hope Sandy Glow has already reached the Legion camp and will be able to forward the request to our commander."

At that moment, all the ponies began to look at each other and nod their heads. Despair was written on the faces of all the ponies, but also an understanding of their fate.

"Not! There are eight of us ponies!” Azura said and took my bow out of the cart to hang on her back.

“We are nine ponies with combat experience! And don't forget that I am a former Praetorian, which means that I can fight as if there were two of me! So there are ten of us!" Said Quick Strike and looked at me seriously. "And don't you dare to persuade me to leave you to run like a coward to the legion's camp while you are about to make a crazy move. In the end, these ponies will take our wagon themselves. A squad of legionnaires will help them."

I smiled at all these ponies, who looked at me with hope and were ready to come to terms with their fate. But I smiled at this moment and noticed how Night Flicker and Sunny Kiss ran up to us. They looked at us with great anxiety.

Night Flicker came closer to me and pulled me with her hoof to start kissing, and of course I answered her with the same reciprocity. However, Sunny Kiss did the same for Quick Strike.

"Don't worry, baby, we will be fine. You will see. We will return to our camp and I will definitely find you!" Quick Strike said and stroked Sunny Kiss's back with his wing.

When I quietly separated our kiss from Flicker, she began to cry. "Please ... Promise me that trouble will not happen to you. And find me in the camp, I will wait for you."

I sighed softly and hugged this mare tightly. "I'll find you! And now you have to hurry, we have about ten more minutes..." But I didn't have time to finish when I noticed that the owner of the tavern had rolled out another barrel to put it in the cart.

Another roar of falling stones of fire started to start a fire in the village and it started to spur me on strongly. Therefore, I waved my hoof towards the forest and the last cart with our mares and the owner of the tavern went into the forest along a country road. But I got an idea. So I ran to our cart, which was being carried by one of the Legionnaires, and two mares and the old owner of the tavern were walking nearby. Using my magic, I took out a bag with our equipment. It contained healing potions and several signal arrows. But for my plan, I needed something else, so I decided to put pressure on the innkeeper.

But when I ran to this cart and my nose felt a sharp smell of alcohol, which caused a grimace on my face. "Ugh, are these barrels of alcohol?"

The tavern owner, who was sitting in this cart, drew attention to me. “This is really alcohol, ninety-six percent of the strength. I kept it in the basement just in case. In the end, I sometimes need to disinfect...” Said the old stallion, but I hastened to interrupt his long explanations, as time is too precious for all of us.

"Um ... Um ... I think we can take these two barrels of alcohol for military purposes, what do you think about that?" I asked and looked at this stallion with hope.

But he only narrowed his eyes and looked at me in bewilderment. "I understand everything, and of course I have no right to deny you this request. But nevertheless I am tormented by curiosity ... How are you going to use such a valuable product?"

I and my squad continued to walk at a brisk pace behind our wagon. But when we were allowed to take these two barrels of alcohol, the cart stopped and two of our unicorns began to unload them. And it seems they, too, began to understand my plan, because in anticipation they began to rub their hooves. But Valiant, Quick Strike and Azura also looked at me with curiosity.

"Maybe you can share your plan with us. Because I doubt this is a great time for fun!" Quick Strike said.

"We'll camouflage these two barrels in the bushes near this road." I said seriously and began to take out the signal arrows to divide them into our entire small detachment. “When their group gets close enough, at my signal, we will fire signal arrows at these wine barrels! We will set fire and explosion on the road. And then we will make several volleys of our arrows to sweep away the ranks of the enemy. But remember. This means that we have to disguise ourselves in the bushes and emit a large number of ambushed soldiers! To do this, everyone will shout out commands to control a large detachment. It will be a scam, because we do not have such a composition. Try not to expose your asses in vain! Come on! Let's run into the forest faster!" I started giving commands.

Valiant came up to me and patted me on the shoulder. "Great plan, commander." My friend said and ran with the other unicorns to hide these barrels of alcohol in the bushes.

We continued to run along this road, as our position was already out of sight, which means that the last ponies left to cover the retreat were us. We stopped and began to hide behind trees, covering our positions with bushes. I think this would be a suitable place for an ambush, but in the distance there was already the noise and voices of the approaching vanguard of the enemy. Next to me was Azura, who was very serious and crouched holding my bow and one signal arrow in her hooves. Hope it works. Oh... Celestia, be generous with your blessings. I hope see you again.

Ten minutes passed, Azura and I watched the road out of the bushes. Our small detachment was able to position itself correctly on both sides of the road. I gently touched Azura's shoulder to get her attention. She carefully turned her head to look at me. But I clearly saw the fear in her eyes! In the end, she will have to shoot her fellow tribesmen from her old hive.

“Try not to miss it. And in case of a critical complaint, be with me!" I whispered in her ear and pointed with my hoof to the road along which the enemy detachment pursuing us was walking.

I counted about two dozen lightly armed griffins and changelings. And many of them conducted aerial reconnaissance, and also tried to hide behind trees. This was quite expected of them. I began to listen to what they were saying.

“Hmm ... I can smell cowards running away! These ponies were in such a hurry that they left a lot of interesting things in their homes." One of the griffins spoke up.

"Yes. I can only envy the guys from the trophy team .. Okay, don't relax! We are ordered to pursue these ponies so that we can take prisoners if possible!" Said the second griffin.

At that moment, I held my breath and quietly prayed to Celestia. When the first ten griffins and changelings passed our trap, and Azura was already aiming at one of the trunks, I brought my horn to the fuse on her arrow and lit it. I saw several sparks appear in other bushes. And the changelings seem to have noticed this, too, as they began to stop and hiss at the bushes.

Time passed for a second and I shouted the order as loud as possible, instilling fear in our pursuers. "Open fire!" And at that moment I heard the whistle of several arrows.

The signal arrows reached their targets and after two seconds, multiple explosions rang out! Barrels of wine burst into flames and the shockwaves began spilling the burning contents onto the griffins and changelings. And again screams of pain, killed and wounded. And again the spirit of terrible death appeared in this forest. Screams of panic and running griffins and changelings trying to put out the fire. But they were bad at it. I began to hear the voices of my friends giving orders to a non-existent company of soldiers. And at the same time, they were aiming fire trying to destroy the soaring Changelings and Griffins. In the first minute from their detachment suffered heavy losses.

And again a volley of our archers, and again the screams of the dying. As a result, the rest of the enemy decided to abandon their plans and try to escape back. But at the same time, they tried to shoot back from their bows, but could not accurately determine the positions of the disguised scouts.

This morning was truly memorable. On the road, lit by the morning sun and fire from trees and bushes, lay many corpses, our pursuers. All this time, I sat next to Azura and showed her the targets. And she really turned out to be a capable and dexterous archer, even in the form of an earth pony.

A lot of smoke has started in this part of the forest, and this should definitely serve as a signal for our Legion camp. Now that we can get rid of our pursuers, it's time to run! Run without looking back towards our camp. And I just hope that the command at this moment, is taking measures to save all the ponies in this part of the colony. After all, as far as I can understand, at least two of our Quinqueremes will be loaded for peaceful ponies to take them to the port of our kingdom. But what happens next? Time will tell.

Our little squad began to get out of their hiding places and cough up the smoke. "Damn it! Gotta get out of here." Said one unicorns.

But we had already entered the road and, realizing that there were no losses among us, we did not think for a long time, so now, leaving dust from our hooves in a fast gallop, we ran along this forest path. Maybe we can catch up with our ponies. And we won't get into trouble again!

Valiant and Azura ran alongside each other. "Azura, you're done! Nice shot!" Valiant said and playfully slapped his tail against the side of our friend. To which she replied with the same gesture towards Valiant.

I liked how well all the ponies on my team worked together, so I decided to give more confidence and compliment my friends. "Hey! If we survive, I will ask the command that you be in my squad, as well as Quick Strike! So all of you, worked hard. But let's not relax." I said while continuing to run in this small battle group.

Quick Strike caught up with me and decided to get my attention. "What do you think? What will happen next? After all, their vanguard will soon realize that it was a trap! Damn, the image of a burning griffin will not leave my head for a long time!"

"I believe that we will be able to better understand the legion's plan of further actions when we arrive at the camp. But something tells me that our legion will refuse to fight! Since I am not sure that during this time our losses have been replenished, and we do not have land artillery, and the enemy has something that leaves us no chance. And I don’t want to rely on ship Ballistas. I think Celestia will help us." I answered by continuing to run and think about the meaning of my life. Probably it is now, everyone thinks about it.

Quick Strike, oddly enough, took my words ... as seriously as possible, but only at that moment decided to joke. “I remember about Celestia and your ... almost intimate relationship with her ... I just want to remind you that if she stops time again and I’m around, ask her to kiss me ... at least on the cheek! After all, don't be greedy!" Quick Strike said in a low voice so the other ponies wouldn't hear us. However, I noticed a twitch in the ear of Valiant and Azura running ahead of us.

“Ha ha! What a strange time for jokes! But I have not forgotten about your request. But what will Sunny Kiss say to that when she finds out about Celestia? This is strange ... I just noticed the paradox of this whole complaint. Do you want to kiss two sunny mares?“ I asked for Quick Strike and I saw him start covering his embarrassed expression with his wing. He started laughing.

“Ha ha ha! Oh yeah ... Sunny Kiss put me on a great show tonight! I never knew that earth ponies could be such wonderful masters of pegasus wings, but in general, her lovemaking was very hot!" Answered Quick Strike in a cheerful voice.

"I'm pretty sure it was, because Sunny Kiss is a very hot and seductive mare!" Then I switched to a whisper, leaning closer to the Quick Strike ear. "For example, Azura knows very well what it means to be in the image of my body!" Of course, I wanted to joke a little to defuse the situation. After all, now, during our march, there were moments of calm.

“Heh. Actually, when you and Valiant were walking around the village last night, Emerald and I had a pretty heart-to-heart talk as she helped me wash the bathroom and looked after my wings. So I know the details of your meeting with her. I'm impressed! But okay ... don't get distracted! We need to be vigilant as we run through this forest. Later, I'll take to the sky to do my reconnaissance." Quick Strike answered me. All this time, we continued our running march, as the closing of our formation.

All this time we continued to run along a country road in this forest, and only occasionally I turned around and saw a lot of smoke rising over the forest. I hope we haven't done any serious damage to the local fauna! But I believe that we will be forgiven. The feeling that this is not all the troubles on our poor heads did not leave me. Oh! Night Flicker, I pray that you will make it to the Legion camp without incident...

Approximately forty minutes passed.

Our entire small detachment was tired and thirsty, because all this time we ran without stopping. After all, any delay can cost us our lives. And we must remember that we are opposed by an army of griffins and changelings, which means they can easily catch up with us using their wings! But yes ... they also had minotaurs, which, as far as I understand, play the role of artillerymen of their siege weapons. And this will be logical, because not all creatures will be able to lift a large stone.

Quick Strike, which some time ago already flew over the forest for reconnaissance, rushed down. After landing, he immediately caught up with me. “From the side of the village, a large detachment of pilots was seen in the sky! I can't say for sure, since they can partially hide in the forest and in the clouds! Listen to me carefully, Heart Path! There are a lot of them, on the order of several hundred! Heck! They would catch up with us in fifteen minutes, since it was clear from them that they were holding the formation and were not going to pursue us. But it looks like they decided to attack our camp, and suddenly and with large forces!"

Judging by this information, my heart, which was already hurting all these days, began to beat again, as if it wanted to leave my body! "Heck! Attention to all ponies! Fast gallop! With the last bit of strength, if you want a chance for life!" I shouted to our squad, and all the ponies ran as quickly as possible. “Quick Strike! I know that you are already tired, but take the final push! The lives of many ponies will depend on it! Fly to our camp and warn the command about what you see!"

Quick Strike nodded to me and yelled as it took off. "I will do whatever it takes, commander!" After that, we all watched as he flew over our heads again and flew to the camp, right through this forest.

After five minutes of fast gallop.

One of the unicorns stopped to wait for me, and when I was able to catch up with him, we continued our run. "Commander. About two hundred meters away from me, I noticed the shimmering silhouettes of some ponies in the forest. "

“Hmm. Perhaps this is the reinforcement that was sent to us for the meeting! Although ... I may well be wrong. Okay, let's go, then we'll find out, but in case of danger, everyone must be ready!" I shouted the last words to be heard. And I saw unicorns running, using their telekinesis to reach their bows from their belt and grip one arrow in their teeth. Even Valiant did the same. Unfortunately Azura had my bow right now ... Hopefully this is the right move. Well, if that's not the case, then we might be in trouble. Only now I am very tired of thinking a lot!

I’m getting scared for all these ponies! What if ... Help them Celestia!

We were approaching the approximate meeting place with reinforcements, but the feeling of anxiety literally hit the head and heart! I decided to get my gladius with the help of magic. A detachment of griffins numbering several hundred is moving behind us, and perhaps we will not have time to hide in the camp. But we must hope! I decided to increase my concentration on magic and tightened my grip on the sword with my telekinesis, which hovered in front of my eyes. I will be willing to give my life as dearly as possible!

Two minutes later.

Suddenly, a magic blow was struck along this road, and our entire detachment in fear stopped and took up a defense along the perimeter, forming a ring. The ponies appeared from behind the trees and bushes. But it was ... as far as I know, Princess Celestia's elite squad! There were unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasus. They were all in gold armor and purple sun cloaks. The earth ponies blocked our path and aimed their spears at us. The unicorns shone with their horns, from the preparation of battle magic. Pegasus hovered over our heads and aimed at us with bows and pilums.

And from the formation of the earth ponies, a centurion-unicorn and another wizard-unicorn appeared. These guys surrounded us tightly. And I seem to understand their plan. They don't trust us because we can be changelings! The unicorn centurion looked at us with obvious disbelief at the moment when we were literally tired of this run, but were still ready for battle. Even if he is the last fight...

“Lay down your arms immediately! You are surrounded, so I do not advise you to do stupid things! And if, after our magician checks you with a scan spell, we find that you are changelings, you will be captured or killed on the spot!" The centurion shouted in a threatening voice.

I didn't like what this haughty unicorn said. I walked out of our ring, still holding the sword in my magical grip. “We also have no reason to trust you! My name is Heart Path! I'm the dean of this squad, we serve in the 1st Marine Legion. And I will not give the order to lay down arms! For the simple reason that now several hundred griffins are flying after us!"

“Are you brave enough to die with your squad? You do not understand? If I swing my hoof, you will be destroyed in seconds! Boy don't be a fool!" The centurion yelled at me with growing fury in his voice.

But at that moment, our feelings were mutual. "Not! I will not give such an order! You have a choice - trust us and get ready to defend yourself! Because while we figure it out, the griffins will cover us! Be careful and just trust us! We have no more than five minutes!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that all the ponies around began to look at us like we were crazy, but sparks lit up in their eyes. They understood what might await us at such a moment, death from their own or others... Voices were already heard in my detachment. This is the voice of a pony who is ready to accept his end, but will be loyal to his commander.

"Us to all end..." One of the unicorns in the squad said, but continued to stand in a circle and aim his bow at these ponies, potential opponents. "We can only fire one volley..."

But then I heard Valiant's voice on our line. “Heart Path ... you already know. It was an honor for me to be your friend and battle brother!" Valiant said and covered Azura with his body, who at that moment lowered her head and whispered something softly.

All the ponies around us at that moment began to whisper. All this time, I looked into the eyes of this centurion, and a hostile bond began to form between us. But we were in the minority and in our eyes there was complete contempt for death! We have already seen her in various terrible guises!

“I count to THREE! And if after that you do not obey the requirements ... you will all be killed! And I do not care what you call your name, as well as belonging to our naval legion! Such information could have been obtained by the changeling scouts!" The centurion said in a self-confident voice and began to approach us along with the other soldiers, all the while closing the ring.

From the side of the camp came the noise of many hooves, as well as the silhouettes of about a hundred pegasus. They were running in our direction, and this distracted this elite squad a little. When several dozen praetorian pegasus approached us at the head of a snow-white mare ... with a long pink mane and purple eyes, in commander's armor (a helmet with a purple transverse crest, clearly belonging to the rank of admiral), then all the ponies dispersed.

The line of earth ponies parted and bowed to the admiral, including this centurion.

"Enough!" Shouted the imperious, and very familiar voice of the mare-admiral! "Remove your weapons immediately and leave these ponies alone! We have no time! Everypony to take up defensive positions!" This admiral mare continued to command.

A smile gradually began to appear on my face. And tears of gratitude flowed from my eyes again. Immediately after I saw the familiar amulet on the neck of this beautiful and graceful mare, who is wearing the admiral's armor. Oh yeah. I recognized her. I could not stand the emotions rushing over me and my composure was already broken! During these days I have already said goodbye to my life more than once, but every time my friends and I survived! And all this thanks to our experience, a lot of luck, and of course... Princess Celestia!

I sheathed my sword at my waist and ran to the mare. At this moment, many ponies looked at us as wary as possible, and even the centurion pulled out his sword, just in case. But right after I hugged this mare, making a little noise from the friction of our armor, she answered me there, just before that she took off her helmet with her hoof and threw it aside! All the ponies looked at us as something unusual and began to whisper. I even felt the reaction of my friends.

I brought my face to this mare's ear. “I ... I am your eternal debtor! Forgive me Celestia that I cannot behave more professionally in front of nearly two hundred ponies! But ... I have lived a short life, but now I am happy that you are here, as if it would be my only dream! Oh ... Celestia ... I hope you..." All this time I was whispering in the ear of the mare whom I hugged. And I felt calm and hope in my heart. But I did not have time to finish my words.

There were screams among the ponies! The commanders were giving orders, and I heard the earth ponies, with the clang of their armor and shields, trying to get around us in order to protect us. Griffins appeared in the sky and in the forest and attacked us in a rage. But before that, a volley of arrows flew at us from the sky. The screams of the injured ponies echoed everywhere. The unicorn battle mages began to form magic shields, but it was too late for me.

"AAAI!" I gritted my teeth in pain as sparks flashed in my eyes and a grimace appeared on my face from the sensation of sharp back pain.

“Oh no, no! Heart Path! We are under attack, everyone into battle!" These were the words of the disguised Princess Celestia. These were the last words I heard, and then it began to darken in my eyes.

I felt like an arrow had pierced me, but the armor could absorb some of the force of the blow. But the pain was such that I began to lose my last strength after almost an hour of running in this forest. I looked into the face of this mare, who, with a frightened face, also looked into my dull eyes.

She started giving orders again, but I had already stopped hearing her voice, but I continued to see how she hugs me with her strong and loving, caring embraces, gently puts my body on the ground. Celestia's tears began to drip on my face, and I noticed how my friends began to run up to me. But the mare, who was squatting, holding my body in her hooves, shouted something to my friends and they stopped as if in fright. Although I already began to see dimly. My hearing returned for a few seconds, and Celestia's whispering came into my ear. My vision began to blur and the pain no longer made sense, mentally I was already ready for this.

"You will live! I give you my word! " The disguised Celestia said and raised her hoof to her chest to remove this magical amulet from her neck (which partially changes her appearance, but does not change her voice and eye color).

My vision continued to cloud my vision, but I could still feel and see the image. And so I was in the arms of our beloved Princess Celestia, whose horn shone with a bright and dazzling light of magic. I stopped feeling pain, but after a few seconds I finally lost consciousness. And yet I still retained the image of Celestia crying, hugging my body. I began to feel how my body took on a weightless state and flew through the air.

An unknown amount of time has passed...

My feelings gradually began to return to normal. I felt that I was lying on my left side, and part of my back was numb. It seemed to me that part of my body froze a little. The whole body was heavy, the eyelids were difficult to open. Gradually I began to hear with my ears and feel the hooves. I felt especially strongly that someone was lying on my neck and warming me. At the same time, this unknown body snored quietly. Gradually, the senses of my body returned to me, and now I felt as if someone's hoof stroking my left side. Well, now I began to feel moisture on my neck, and apparently it was tears.

“Please survive Heart Path. I want everything to be fine with you. Our princess has done a lot for all of us. But you were someone special to her. Because I have never seen anything in my life. Celestia was so kind and caring to you, as if you meant a lot to her! I still cannot believe it, like many other ponies on this ship, that among us was the princess herself who took command of this squadron. I hope you wake up soon..." Whispered the familiar voice of the mare.

With great effort, I opened my eyes and began to analyze the situation. It was dark, which meant it was night. I was lying on a very comfortable couch, covered with a sheet up to my waist. This cabin was rather small and decorated with wood. There was a bedside table and a small table on which three candles were burning. There was a small window above my head through which moonlight filtered through. I also began to feel that our room was a little erratic ... sea wiggle. EXACTLY! It looks like I'm on a ship, and we are now at sea. But I do not recognize the environment, and such conditions in the cabin are definitely new to me. Although this cabin was small, it was still better.

I tried to budge and pushed the sheet off with my right hoof, then began stroking Flicker's head gently.

"Oh! You finally woke up! Heart Path! I am very glad that you finally feel better! Please, talk to me!" Flicker spoke in a fit of passion and emotion, and at the same time she climbed out of my bed and began to look me in the eyes. But after that she slightly smiled at my lively gaze and kissed me lightly on the lips.

"I..." My throat was hoarse with thirst. "I'm thirsty." That's all I could say. And I felt how difficult these words are for me. I paid for it myself, which made my body heavy again and my hoof fell onto the bed.

Flicker looked at me with a caring and anxious look. "Wait please. Don't sleep again! I'll pour you some water now. After all, you are already unconscious ... for almost three days ... and you need to eat and take medicine!" At the last words, Flicker could not help himself tears, and pressed her hooves to her eyes.

Flicker ran to the table where there was a decanter of water and some kind of food. After she poured a mug and held it in one hoof, she again came up to me. "Can you get up?" Flicker asked in the same gentle and caring voice.

"Oh ... I ... I'll Try."

I had to make every effort and with a grimace on my face I was still able to sit on the bed with my legs dangling. But the sea roll made itself felt, so it became difficult for me to keep my balance. I fell on my side again. Damned wound!

Flicker looked at me anxiously, but was still squatting by my bed, and then held a mug of water to my hoof. I was able to apply my congenital kinesis of the hooves and pull this mug to my limb.

"Let me help you." Flicker said, and tucked her right hoof under my neck to help me up. And she succeeded.

I forced out a forced smile. "Thank you Flicker." After that, I started drinking this water and felt the life-giving moisture flowing down my throat, which caused my throat to tingle a little. I coughed slightly.

"Quiet, Heart Path. Take your time and drink in small sips!" Flicker chided me, and in her voice I felt an almost motherly concern.

I chuckled a little when I drank this water, from which I spilled a few drops on my chest. “Thanks again to Flicker! But I'm afraid that my words of gratitude will not be enough ... only, unfortunately, I am now too weak to thank you properly.

Flicker smiled, accepting my mood, although her eyes were still glistening with tears. “This will make it easier for you! Glory to Celestia, and I have to thank her more than once for the fact that she personally pulled you out of this Tartarus...” Flicker said and quietly turned away from me. Emotions again. Tears again. And this is understandable. Probably all this time she was next to me, while I was passed out.

Flicker removed the empty mug from my hooves and returned to the table to put it back. Then she went to the bedside table, opened it and took out some kind of potion. “Listen to me carefully, Heart Path. Now I will give you this medicine, you must try to drink to the last drop. This is exactly what the ship's doctors told me to do." Flicker said in a serious voice, but I saw love in her eyes.

I nodded my head gently, trying to maintain my strength, took this medicine in my hooves, and then started drinking again. And by the way, the taste was sweetish.

“Well, that's great. As I understand it from the doctors' instructions, this healing potion will allow your body to recover faster. In the forest where you were injured, your armor saved you and ... well, Celestia also put all her strength and magic to save your life. When the battle took place, several dozen pony soldiers were wounded, and your friend Valiant Romantic was also wounded, but he was more fortunate than you. When he covered Azura with his body, enemy arrows flew at him, but only one hit him So healing potions quickly restored him. In fact, Valiant, Azura, and Quick Strike visited you when you were in a magical coma." Flicker sighed heavily and did not look me in the eye. “It gave you a chance to survive, but you lost a lot of blood, so a donor was urgently needed." Flicker slowly raised her face and met my gaze. "You have a rare blood type because the unicorn doctors were able to determine it. The fourth group is a positive Rh factor. This is the same blood type as mine. That's why I was the first to volunteer to help you..." Without hesitation, Flicker brought her face closer to mine, and our lips met, although I could find the strength to reciprocate her. "This is why you are a part of me. My blood!” Flicker whispered in a particularly loving voice. Ooh Celestia...

I gained strength and hugged this mare by the neck. “After that, I am definitely immensely grateful to you. If only I pray often for you. Although I think that I just need to restore my strength and I can thank you properly!" I said in a playful tone. After that, I sniffed her face and realized that I was getting better. Apparently this medicine has already begun to act on my body.

Flicker chuckled at my neck, then pulled back to look me in the eye. “You are incorrigible! But I love it ... It means that our beloved Heart Path has returned to us! Oh ... I almost forgot! Eventually, I volunteered for the Legion as my friend Sunny Kiss. We now serve as orderlies in the First Marine Legion. So excuse me Heart, but I need to check on a few more sick and injured people. But I will send Azura to you, she will feed you and will look after you until morning." Then she looked at me with a sly grin. “I remember our revelation with you. And I remember that ... you still love her. She asked me to warn her as soon as possible as soon as you wake up. I think ... that you mean as much to her as you do to me, or ... ah, Princess Celestia! I have no idea when you became close to our princess! And such gossip now circulates among all the ponies on this ship! By the way, welcome aboard Big Caravel "Retribution Equestria"! We managed to find out that this is the only ship of this class. This is the flagship of our squadron of nine ships. Well, in general, I think all the details can be found out in time. And Celestia clearly has a surprise for you, which she asked not to tell anyone about. Until the time comes."

I was a little shocked by this information, but Flicker had already left the room, rubbing her nose against my face and licking my cheek. This means that I will be alone with my thoughts for a while.

The rocking on the ship became more and more perceptible to me. Although I drank the medicine, I began to feel nauseous. "Oh shit!" I swore and fell out of bed. "Oooh. You can get used to it, but I'm not in a position to show my experience as a Marine!" I said to myself.

I barely got up off the floor and only now noticed that a bandage was put on my back, which was already loosened. "Oooh." I mumbled in annoyance.

After several attempts, I was still able to get up and hold on to the edge of the bed with my hooves, but the feeling of many of the needs of my body made itself felt more and more. For example, I wanted to go to the toilet! Well, where are the necessary amenities here?

"Damn it! I guess I'll have to deal with this myself." I said to myself and tried to gather all my strength and turned to leave this small cabin.

But as soon as I began to approach the door, I heard the knock of two pairs of hooves and the familiar voice outside the door, which greeted some pony. The door opened and Azura entered.

In the dimly lit cabin, her face began to glow with happiness and she hurried to me to hug! "Heart Path! Finally you were able to come to your senses!" Azura spoke and began to press my head to her chest. And of course I couldn't resist.

I freed myself from our embrace and stroked Azura's cheek with a forced smile on my face. "Yes. I'm better now. Thank you for taking care of me. But I need to go to the toilet. Can you help me and show me where this stallion room is on this ship?"

"Oh. Of course. Follow me. Can you walk on your own?" Azura asked me with concern.

"I will try. Medicine is already starting to act, but I am still weak, so I can fall. And I, as a stallion, will be ashamed to ask you to carry me ..." I said and smiled slightly.

Azura also slightly grinned and then opened the door, after which we went out into a narrow corridor, which was a little littered with various boxes. Along the corridor were about nine more cabins of the ship's infirmary. Well, I love how this ship is designed. But I will learn more about this in more detail. in the corridor was the ship's doctor on duty, who, sitting at the table, kept some notes in the parchment of the scrolls. He turned his attention to Azura and me.

"Oh, so you are same Heart Path that several mares, including PRINCESS Celestia, care so much about! Who, by her decree, took over the supreme command of the entire Equestria fleet! I am amazed! Let me shake your hoof as a token of my respect! And most likely I won't wash this hoof for at least three days!" The unicorn doctor said, and without waiting for an answer, he came up and, taking a military stance, put his hoof to his head.

I smiled at the doctor's manners and held out my hoof to him, after which he began to shake it. And Azura started rolling her eyes.

“Oh, forgive me! I dare not detain you and your companion any longer, Optio Heart Path! In any case, do not hesitate to contact our nurses or other doctors for information." Said Unicorn-doctor and again taking up a fighting stance, he said goodbye to us and went to check on other patients in their cabins.

“What a good doctor! Heh. What's going on here? But now there is no need to answer." I said, referring to Azura as we walked down the corridor.

"Yes, we have already arrived." Azura with her hoof opened the door to some more spacious room, but there were all the necessary amenities for the sick on the ship. Or officers...

When I finished my work and was able to wash my face in the same way with refreshing water, I began to feel like my back at the site of my wound began to itch. And there was a strong desire to scratch this place. This means that the medicine is making its effect more and more every time. After I finished my business and left this room into the corridor, where Azura was quietly waiting for me. By the way, I just noticed that there was a bandage on her shoulder, indicating that she belongs to the First Fleet Legion and holds the position of an orderly.

"Oh, so you're done already. Then let's go back to your cabin, I think it won't hurt you to have a little supper. And be in my company. I know you have a lot of questions for me." Azura spoke as we walked down the hallway and finally got to my room.

"Yes. Eating, this is what I really want now! I'm hungry like a minotaur!" I said and pretended to widen my eyes and rub my belly with my hoof.

"Oh, I do not doubt this Heart Path!" Azura said opening the door to my room and then we entered together. And yet I already started to feel better. I was just hungry.

I sat down on a chair near the table and leaned back on the back, after which I carefully watched Azura's actions. "Azura, please lock the door."

Azura turned her head abruptly towards me and looked at me in surprise. But after a few seconds of my silence and the calm expression on my face, she understood my intentions. Therefore, she put the dishes on the table and went to the door to lock it, and after that she used her magic and her body was covered with green flames. And here again in front of me stands my beloved Emerald, whose eyes in the light of these candles shone simply enchantingly.

"Well? Did you miss me?" Princess Emerald asked me with a mischievous smile.

"Of course! But now I ..." I did not finish speaking and looked at the Emerald with one eye. "Do you remember how I courted you ten years ago?"

Emerald shook her head slightly and continued to smile. Apparently she, like me, remembers everything that happened that day. And even our hot and playful sex. "Oh yes! I remember everything perfectly! So now I am courting you a little." Azura said and began to put some vegetables wrapped in cabbage and seasoned with sauce into my plate.

I held out a spoon with my hoof and began to eat this delicious and mouth-watering dish. Oh, I know Her Majesty's Navy has excellent food! Emerald all this time closely followed my actions, putting her hooves under her chin. But I had already finished and, naturally, I had many unresolved questions. Emerald collected the dishes on a special tray.

“Wait for me five minutes. I'll be back soon, I need to carry and wash the dishes. And then I will go to our friend Valiant Romantic. I need to warn him that you are already awake. In fact, he is now on duty on the artillery deck. Therefore, he cannot come to you. Although you know him more than I do, he will flee this post, leaving behind an assistant.” Said Emerald and again used magic to transform into Azura.

Indeed, I will have many questions, but I will be patient. "Well. I will definitely wait for you! And besides ... where am I going from this ship? I had no plans to escape!"

I was left alone, waiting for my friends and trying to understand what was happening. I am on the newest ship in Equestria, which is part of the squadron and is under the personal command of Celestia. Hmm ... And this doctor in the hallway called me Optio. But why? As a result, as far as I remember, I was awarded the title Decanus (squad leader). What happens, I have been promoted in rank and position? I will wait for my friends and get details from them. And in the morning I'll try to find Celestia, I think she will be as happy to see me as I am!

Author's note: Optio assistant to the centurion, replaced the centurion in battle if he was injured.

Time passed and I began to feel sleepy again. Therefore, I coiled my head and at that moment my friends entered the room. Valiant looked at me with a friendly smile and tried to hug me. But I responded in kind.

"Oh Valiant! Do not soul me as if an eternity has passed! Although in fact, I'm also glad that everything is fine with you in the end." I spoke in a hoarse voice, and at the same time began to tap weakly on my friend's back with my hoof.

Valiant chuckled and still hugged me tightly and friendly. "Ha. Come on brother! You have no right to complain! We all personally saw how you hugged our admiral, and then one of the arrows hit you. Then magic happens and Princess Celestia herself hugs you! And what should I call you after that?"

“Apparently the mare's comforter stallion? Yes Yes. I know this ... I didn't tell you that I knew Celestia personally, but I just didn't feel like bragging about it! In the end, I will be considered a joker. And then they'll kick me out of the army because I was mentally retarded?” I said, and only then Valiant let me go.

And here we are, three, in the dimly lit cockpit of this warship. Azura closed the door again and turned into an Emerald to be a little closer to me. After all, she knows full well that I love her true changeling princess look. In it, she is simply beautiful. It was deep night outside, and only the sound of the sea reminded us that we were not on land. And now there is a war, at any moment a fleet of griffins may appear and then a real Tartarus will begin, only in the sea.

Valiant walked over to my bed and looked at it in more detail a little, looked at me with a mischievous grin. "Well, I guess you won't mind if you tell me these details? Plus I'm sure you want to know a lot too!" Valiant said, and unceremoniously jumped onto my bed, then yawned and showed me with his hoof that I could speak. Here is impudent!

"Hey! What the hell are you doing Valiant? You actually seem to be on an artillery watch!" I was indignant at the behavior of my friend and out of the corner of my eye noticed how Emerald, hiding behind its hoofed hooves, would laugh at our jokes.

"Yes. After all, we are now part of the crew of this ship. And you too! And Quick Strike! We are all temporarily serving on this flagship! But you're right ... I left my mate on duty on the deck that houses our ballistae. Yes, and I will answer your next question in advance. Celestia personally gave the order to send us to her ship. You, Quick Strike, me and..." Valiant looked at Emerald with a seductive smile. "And Azura. We serve one starboard ballista. I'll show you everything tomorrow. But I think if everything goes well with us, and during the voyage we are not attacked by a fleet of griffins! There is still a danger of a sudden collision at sea. Although aerial reconnaissance constantly reports that a large squadron of ships of the Griffin Kingdom is cruising about hundreds of miles from our position! Our new centurion will explain the details to you tomorrow." Valiant Romantic said and began to sniff the sheet. "Wow. Does your bed smell like a mare? Familiar smell!"

Emerald shook her head and decided to reproach Valiant, her eyes flashed green for a moment. “As if you don’t know who has been caring for our wounded friend all this time! Stop taunting Heart Path, Valiant! I think one Quick Strike is enough. I've already noticed what kind of relationship you have with him. Each time you try to remind the Heart Path that it emits the scent of another mare that had bodily contact with it! To be honest, this is of course funny and all, but please ... let's not do this so often! After all, if you haven't forgotten, I also had an affinity with our friend! And take my word for it, it was great!" Emerald said it in a little emotional outburst, and she turned her head to me and winked.

Valiant felt a little embarrassed but eventually apologized to us. "Yes. Perhaps you are right. And I apologize, although I did not say it in order to offend." Valiant said and yawned again. Yes, indeed, it is clear that he is tired. Unlike me. I slept for three whole days!

"Come on! I was not offended, but ... I wanted to ask, how are you doing? In the end, a lot could have happened in these three days." I asked hopefully and began to slowly look from Emerald to Valiant.

I noticed how their faces began to change into a sadder hue. But Valiant spoke first. "Look, I don't think this is really a good topic of conversation right now. And besides, I have to get back on duty, Quick Strike will be replacing me in an hour." Valiant said in a hoarse and obviously sleepy voice, and then, jumping off my bed, he walked towards the door. But on the way, he stopped next to Emerald and put a hoof on her shoulder and stroked her gently. "Emerald, please take care Heart Path. In the end ... I cannot believe that you cannot love, but only experience passion and attraction! During all this time, I began to realize that this sounds like bullshit. Although forgive me if I misunderstand something."

Emerald stroked the Valiant's hoof. “I myself do not know what is happening to me. Once I saw how my body and magical energy began to turn into lighter shades, but all this was due to the fact that Heart Path was ready to sincerely and voluntarily share its loving and passionate energy." Then she lowered her head sadly, from- for which her mane began to cover part of her face. "I need to find this "Keeper Peace", then I can find out the truth and, perhaps, somehow correct our curse. In fact, I have not died in soul, only thanks to both of you. You and Heart Path ... You both love me so much. Taking me into your hearts as I am is an ugly changeling!" At the last words, Emerald burst into tears and lifted her hooves to demonstratively show the holes in them. Then her holey wings began to rise, and at the end of all this she bared her fangs and stuck out a snake tongue. All this created a truly formidable look.

It didn't work for me and Valiant. So I jumped off the chair and walked closer to Emerald, hugging her tightly and tenderly with my hooves, from which the pupils of her eyes narrowed, like a cat's. Valiant also joined us. At some point, Emerald felt a double rush of energy into her body when we clearly gave her our love. The emerald began to gently stroke our backs with its hooves, and a weak magical light appeared in our hut, which ran in waves over the body Princess Emerald.

I am a little worried about this magical phenomenon, which again begins to change the Emerald's appearance to a lighter one, and the holes in her hooves are closing up. "ABOUT! Stop! We don't need this light show! What if someone sees or hears this? I certainly don't mind, but could you turn into Azura again? In the end, we need to keep this a secret."

But Emerald rolled her eyes and just changed the magic, turned into Azura again. "Sure. I understand." Azura said in a whisper and let go of our embrace.

Valiant walked to the door and turned his head to look at us again. “Okay, I have to go, and you have fun here! And be careful." Valiant said and left, closing the door behind him.

And so I again remained alone with Azura, but now it is deep night and the medicine that I drank a little began its effect, asking me to rest more. I went to the bed and beckoned Azura with my hoof. "Will you keep me company until morning? In the end, Night Flicker promised me that you would look after me." I said and jumped onto the bed. "But not what SEX! Although I..."

Azura quickly jumped on my bed and did not let me finish a word, because after two seconds I caressed her tongue in my mouth. I realized that she missed me and perhaps needed me. After all, Valiant is certainly good, but ... apparently not enough to be a passionate lover. Therefore, he is Valiant Romantic and it was not for nothing that he was called that!

Azura freed herself from our kiss and lay down on my stomach with eyes burning with passion. "I already understood that you will not mind!" Azura said with a slight grin and slightly closed her eyelids in a seductive manner.

In this guise, her eyes still had the same greenish tint. The mane is bright yellow in length just above the shoulders.

"Ay! Careful, I still need to improve my health. And you just touched my healing wound with your hoof...” I whined in a joking tone.

Azura quietly got off my body and lay down next to me, adopting an apologetic expression on her face. “Sorry, Heart. I just missed you so much ... and worried about you just as much! By the way, Valiant and I brought your personal bag to this ship. She is in your cabin, where the Marine personnel of this ship are located.” Azura said and gently kissed me on the cheek, to which I simply hugged her hoof in return.

My eyes began to close slowly, and I felt the warmth of the body of the mare lying next to me. "Thank you for your trouble. But now we need to sleep, and I don't mind if you warm my body until morning. Hmm ... in the officer's cabin?"

“Good night Heart Path. Check with Princess Celestia in the morning for details. I was already in her admiral's cabin. Strange, but she knows very well who I really am. And she was not surprised. On the contrary, she promised to help me. She showed concern for me. She let me stay with you. She happily accepted my zeal to volunteer for the Marine Corps. And tomorrow ... the details will be tomorrow.” Azura whispered in my ear and stroked me gently with her hoof.

But in response, I only smiled. “I knew she would help us ... Good night, Azura. Emerald".

In response, Azura quietly covered both of us with a blanket and hugged me with her hoof in order to press her body closer to mine and give me her warmth. So we fell asleep.

Six hours passed. The ship "Retribution Equestria".

"Umm ... come on! It tickles me. Let me sleep!" I could not open my eyes because someone's light blinded me, and I already realized that it was morning. But some pony is persistently trying to wake me up. It tickles my nose with a feather. Stop. Feather? "Well, I'll kick your ass now Quick Strike!" I shouted in a fit of passion and, without opening my eyes, pulled this pony's neck to the bed! But at the same time I heard someone's feminine squeal! I quietly opened my eyes...

"Um ... I certainly understand ... that you are very happy to see me Heart Path. But I am not Quick Strike."

My eyes narrowed like needles at such a ridiculous setting. “Forgive me, Celestia! I really thought that only one friend of mine was capable of such pranks." I said at the same time the head of Princess Celestia was pressed to my chest with my hoof. Her eyes looked into mine, and we both had a little bewilderment. Then I let go of her neck and she took a deep breath with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

“Actually, I should have asked for forgiveness. I should have woken you up in a more gentle way ... Although, to be honest, I sometimes like being a playful mare. And I don't mind if you hold me as tight as you can. Just try not to do it in front of other ponies.” Celestia said and held out her hoof to help me up.

I smiled at this really unusual, but certainly beautiful mare. "Princess Celestia. I will never forget your manners, which surprised me so unexpectedly. And I want to say many words of gratitude to you for saving my life, but I'm afraid it will take us at least five hours. Because between these words I will kiss you wherever you let me!" I said in a completely serious voice, and there was a playful mischief on my face. And of course my words made Celestia a little embarrassed, and her wings began to rise up.

I got out of bed and, as I understood, Azura left this cabin a little earlier than me. It was just me and Celestia. The sunbeams were already breaking through the window, and the sound of the sea was still heard. I went to the table and poured myself a glass of water from a decanter, out of the corner of my eye looked at Celestia, who all this time looked expectantly and watched my actions. Her wings began to twitch slightly, and her mane and tail, as always magnificent in their magical manner, fluttered and filled a third of this cabin.

Celestia cleared her throat slightly to get my attention, but she liked my behavior nonetheless. Namely, that in her presence I behave quite freely. Ofcourse, why not? We almost ended up in the same bed, so I have nothing to fear.

“Sorry, Celestia. I am listening really carefully.“ I said and tried to remove these bandages as they were uncomfortable.

But Celestia turned on the magic and decided to help me a little. “Let me help you Heart Path. Indeed, at today's awards ceremony, which will be held on the upper deck of the ship, you need to look more presentable. Then I would like to personally organize an excursion for you. Well, I invite you and your friends to my cabin so that we can have breakfast together and discuss plans for the future. Including plans for war in the presence of other ship captains. As you already know, now our squadron of nine ships is heading to the port. Royal Naval Hospital. There we will disembark refugees and receive reinforcements for the Marines and other sailors. You will find out the details later." Celestia then changed her magic again and teleported in front of me the armor of the lorica segmental, which can only be worn by commanders above the Decans in archery squads or legionnaires of the heavy infantry.

I slowly touched this new armor with my hoof and my eyes began to tremble and my head again began to have thoughts demanding to calm my curiosity. After all, my old light scaly armor was most likely damaged.

"But this armor is only worn by junior officers in my unit! I ... have I been promoted?" I asked, although I was already beginning to understand Celestia's answer. I just wanted to hear it from her while I put this new armor on my body.

“Perhaps because you were resourceful during your assignment and were able to give more time to the retreating village ponies. And for your skillful command of the squad. You and your friends will be able to receive this honor. And besides, I am Princess Celestia, and I know better that such a reward will be appropriate for you! Now please hurry up, you already made me reveal this surprise." Celestia said and quietly walked out of my cabin, where two Praetorian unicorn guards were waiting for her.

I quickly dealt with the fasteners of this armor, and then went out into the corridor and went to the restroom to tidy up my face and mane. When I finished my morning business and went out into the corridor, there was already one of the Praetorian Guards waiting for me, who put his hoof in a welcoming manner.

"Please, Hearty Path, if you are ready, follow me to the upper deck. In about ten minutes, the ceremony will begin. By the way, let me congratulate you personally. And pay your respects as Princess Celestia herself will host the ceremony on this ship." Said the unicorn guardsman.

I nodded to him, and together we went up to the upper deck, passing through the casemates and the lower deck, which contained five ballistas from each side of the ship. Several Marine Corps ponies stood beside this weapon.

On the upper deck were the bulk of the ship's crew and the Marines, who stood in two lines and looked into the center, where stood Princess Celestia, dressed in the armor of a fleet admiral. The captain of this ship was standing next to her, as far as I understood. An old earth pony with a scar on his face. He, too, was wearing the armor of a senior naval officer and a purple cloak.

I noticed that Quick Strike moved his hoof away from the crowd to get my attention, where all my friends and my little squad of unicorn archers were standing. I hurried to them, trying to pass unnoticed behind the backs of other ponies, but nevertheless I accidentally stepped on someone's tail! After apologizing to this pony, I went up to my friends and threw short but joyful greetings, we, as expected, stood up, focusing all our attention on Princess Celestia.

"I'm glad you finally feel better!" Quick Strike, who was on my left, told me in a whisper.

To my right stood the Valiant Romantic. "Yes. I'm glad too ... for all of us. Glory to Celestia, we are still alive! " Valiant whispered to me.

At that moment, Celestia, who was reading the pony names and giving a speech celebrating our exploits and dedication to the cause, gave her opinion to our group.

"Decanus Heart Path. Come to me!" Celestia said in an imperious voice.

When I approached and stood in front of Celestia, I bowed to her in respect. "Decanus, Heart Path, has arrived at your command, your majesty!"

"Heart Path! For your resourcefulness and courage during the execution of your assignment, as well as the rescue of retreating civilians, you are awarded one of the honorary awards of our kingdom!" Celestia used her magic and, using telekinesis, pulled out a gold medal with the sign of the sun and crossed swords in the center from the award box. She put this award around my neck with a purple ribbon. "You are honored with the Equestria Order of Courage!"

I looked at this Equestria Order of Courage with trepidation and then slowly turned my gaze to Celestia, but she changed her magic again and put a helmet on my head with two long white feathers on the sides. And I guess whose feathers they are ...

Celestia looked at me and nodded slightly, unnoticed by others. “Plus, thanks to your commanding skills and experience during this military campaign, you have proven that you deserve to be your unit's Optio! These feathers are on your helmet as a distinctive feature that indicates your position in the unit. You become the deputy unit commander. Detachment of archers and scouts in the 1st Marine Legion.“ Then she turned to the line of soldiers who had been watching the ceremony closely all this time. “Centurion Iron Fortune, come to me!” Celestia said in an imperious tone.

Author's note: This is what Optio looks like. Pay attention to the helmet. This is the type of armor I describe on a pony.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a familiar stallion who came and stood next to me. I recognized this stallion. It was he who commanded a detachment of heavy infantry on the first day of our battle. And miraculously survived. So now he is the commander of our squad!? Well this is amazing news! I think now that I am his deputy, we will work well together.

He also bowed to Celestia and smiled slightly at me. And just as it should be, army etiquette made a report to Princess Celestia.

"As far as I know, you are familiar with each other. Considering the reports that I read. So I decided that now it is best for you to serve together. And by doing so, I united your units from the heavy infantry of earth ponies and unicorn archers. Thus, you become a combined naval legion assault unit! I hope you can serve together and continue to show your experience and courage for the glory of Equestria!" Celestia said and then gave us the order to return to duty.

When I returned to my group of friends, while sporting a brand new commander's helmet with feathers from Celestia herself. Well, in any case, I think so. I'll have to ask her personally about it. After all, as far as I can know her feathers are a special gift! And only she knows how much blessing and good luck they can bring in battle.

The ceremony continued, and Princess Celestia also summoned Valiant and Quick Strike. They also received their promotion and the Order of Courage. They are now Decanus in my unit and are taking command as my personal assistants.

When the awards ceremony was over and all the ponies began to disperse to their duty stations on this ship. Celestia called off her escorting guards and headed towards us. But we noticed this and decided to approach her ourselves. But at that moment a messenger pegasus came down from the sky at fast speed onto our deck. When he ran up to Celestia, several Praetorian unicorns immediately checked him with a scanning spell. It is not surprising, such security measures are now very important for us.

"Your Majesty Princess Celestia, I beg your pardon for such a sudden appearance! But as soon as it became known throughout the fleet that you took command personally, I hastened to you! I have an urgent message for you from the port city where our Royal Sea Hospital." Said pegasus, and handed the scroll with the message to the princess and waited for her orders.

Celestia hurried to read this report and I began to notice how her expression began to smoothly change to angry. I even started to notice little lights in her eyes!

Celestia looked at all the ponies that were on the deck and had not yet moved far, and now they were looking at her, waiting for news. "Attention to all ponies! Send orders to the entire squadron! Full FORWARD! We are in full swing with all sails and oars! Use the additional powers of pegasus and unicorn! Our port-hospital is under siege by an armada of griffin ships!"

At that moment, my heart began to skip a beat, and my expression began to take on a warlike tone again!

Author's Note

Greetings to all readers! As always, thank you for not ignoring this story. Yes. I know that this story has a very protracted plot, but I assure you this part is just a drop in the ocean. By the way about the sea. An epic naval battle is expected in the next chapter. I will try to put my imagination and skills into this work as best and interestingly as possible, so that this description is not dry, but as dynamic as possible!