To be Awakened

Chapter 4: Confrontation.

Cling!
Cling!
Thud!

The sharp sound of metal striking against metal, wood and stone filled Cadance's ears as she made her way back toward the camp, urging her to move with greater speed. She resisted the urge to take flight, bound by protocol.

Flying at her maximum speed would have swiftly transported her there, almost instantly. Yet, doing so might have meant leaving her husband and making herself vulnerable. Even her fastest pace outstripped the guards' abilities, even those with wings.

Teleportation wasn't an option either; Luna had recounted enough cautionary tales about teleporting in the midst of battle. Aside from the split second of disorientation, it was essentially a declaration to enemies that one was present and ready to face whatever weapons they may employ.

Casting a glance backward, Cadance noted her husband keeping up commendably, though the guards were slightly trailing. Daring, and especially Caballeron, were quite a ways back, but she also didn’t expect them to be instrumental in stopping the fight. Her attention shifted back to her husband, observing him as he seemingly formulated a plan to address the unfolding situation. She couldn't help but wonder, was this the sensation Twilight experienced when she was caught off-guard?

Just as she contemplated further, her focus was redirected to a gathering of creatures ahead, their attention locked onto something captivating. A slight wave of relief washed over the princess's heart as she realized the camp wasn't under attack, but rather embroiled in some form of localized combat. The resonating clang of metal blades meeting was an all too familiar sound for Cadance, having spent centuries around soldiers and her husband. The sound had become almost second nature to her.

Yet, as she attempted to peer over the crowd of creatures, they loomed above her in an unusual configuration, given that she was one of the tallest ponies in the realm. Even though she shared their line of sight, attempting to see what they were witnessing was an odd experience for her. The amalgamation of diamond dogs, yaks, a few abyssinians, and other creatures created an obstruction that rendered it nearly impossible for her to discern the actual events unfolding.

"Move out of the way!" A commanding voice pierced the din from Cadance's side, startling her. Her husband had taken charge, ordering the scattering crowd to part, and surprisingly, they complied. Some of the creatures shot him angry glances, but ultimately heeded his command. He looked back at them with a demeanor as stern as a sergeant addressing new recruits.

This momentary opening allowed Cadance, her husband, and the accompanying guards to position themselves within a protective formation. With the pathway cleared, they began to navigate their way through the crowd, pushing forward to unveil the mystery that'd captured everyone's attention. The group broke through the crowd, revealing the unfolding scene. If the situation were less serious, the sight within Cadance's line of sight might have prompted a chuckle from her.

With a bemused expression, she surveyed the assemblage: a zebra, a unicorn, a diamond dog, a representative from Saddle Arabia, and a griffin. Her mind raced, and behind her signature armor, she contemplated what was missing—Abyssinians and seaquestrians. However, she knew that the seaquestrians were yet to arrive, traversing the distant waters to join the others. As for the remaining Abyssinians, they were likely aiding the other creatures on their arid journey here, perhaps pocketing a few bits for themselves along the way.

The humor of the situation was dampened, however, by the brutal combat underway. Five creatures, their faces contorted with readiness to inflict harm, clashed in a deadly dance. Their weapons struck out like venomous snakes, each blow aimed at landing a killing strike, as they awaited the perfect opening to deliver the fatal blow.

The zebra wielded his twisted wooden spear with a fluid grace, skillfully utilizing gravity, hooves, and even his mouth to maneuver it. He performed spins and flips, lunging at the unicorn.

Meanwhile, the unicorn wielded a rapier embossed with magic, deftly parrying and dodging the zebra's spear strikes while launching precise counterattacks. Their battle unfolded in a flurry of skillful moves.

In the midst of the clash, a wide swing from a diamond dog's stone club, seeming to be a broken-off piece of stalactite, forced the combatants to separate, creating a spray of sand between them. "Almost had those foolish ponies, and that zebra!" the diamond dog growled.

The equines delivered a pair of well-placed kicks from the side, catching the diamond dog off-guard. Despite stumbling, the diamond dog quickly regained his footing, using his massive arm to block the next kick.

The Saddle Arabian glared at the diamond dog, her patience worn thin. "You brute! How dare you tangle with a lady's hair!" She swiftly draws her shamshir, ready to defend herself.

A nearby griffin threw three daggers at her, but she adeptly deflected them using her weapon. She then raised her scimitar, prepared to face the challenge.

"Sorry, Missy, but laying your hands on my boss isn't happening," the griffin remarked, her annoyance evident as she looked upon the ongoing fight that her boss had embroiled her in.

As tension hung in the air, the assembled adversaries exchanged glances, each calculating their next move. With a synchronized sense of timing, they all sprang into action, reigniting the battle with a surge of energy and determination.

As Shining Armor and Princess Cadance observed the ongoing battle, their attention wasn't solely focused on the clash between the combatants. Their gaze swept across the crowd that had gathered, a raucous assembly cheering on the fight with an almost feverish enthusiasm. Bets were being placed, wagers were made, and spectators engaged in a lively exchange over which participant would meet their end first.

“So much for all the races coming together in harmony for the dig,” panted Caballeron, finally catching up. “We’ve been here less than a day, and already, they’re at each other’s throats.”

“Sounds like it’s your time to shine,” elbowed Daring back. “Don’t you regularly settle this kind of conflict with your little band of mercenaries?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed. “When mercenaries deal in shares, fewer bodies means bigger cuts for the survivors. Plus, we don’t have conflicts this early, because there’s still too much work to do.”

“Fix it anyway.”

“An excellent suggestion. I’ll divide your pay five ways as an incentive to not kill each other!”

Shining Armor found himself growing increasingly disheartened by the scene before him. The idea of betting on creatures fighting to the death, especially ponies, left a sour taste in his mouth. He viewed it as a pointless and dishonorable act, one devoid of any semblance of integrity. He couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment towards those who reveled in such a barbaric display.

Cadance, on the other hoof, brought a broader perspective to the situation. With her experiences beyond Equestria, she recognized that such behavior wasn't uncommon in many warrior-driven cultures. Gladiator-style fights and colosseum battles were almost the norm among certain races, particularly in places like the Griffin Empire and the Zebra Alliance.

As the two slowly made their way closer to the fray, she observed that the intensity of the battle only seemed to escalate, with each participant fighting with heightened ferocity. Amidst the clashing of weapons and the roars of the crowd, a stark contrast emerged between Shining Armor's moral qualms and Cadance's understanding of the wider world. As the battle raged on, it was clear that this arena held a mirror to the diverse perspectives and beliefs that populated their world. Cadance could not help but to think.

As the griffin moved to parry the zebras' spear thrust with her main-gauche, the zebra displayed his agility, deftly dodging a swing from the diamond dog.

The unicorn was preparing to cast a spell, but his focus was broken by the griffin, throwing another dagger at him. Swiftly, the dagger was blocked by the Saddle Arabian's blade.

In a matter of moments, a silent agreement seemed to pass between the pony and the Saddle Arabian, an unspoken understanding forged amidst the chaos.

Though the zebra appeared to stand alone, there was a noticeable absence of concern on his face. The griffin stood in defense of her boss, the diamond dog, and the unicorn had just formed a battlefield bond with the Saddle Arabian. They were all collaborating, a unity that could have posed a threat. Yet, the zebra's smile hinted at a hidden confidence.

With the spear in hoof, he swung at the diamond dog. The hound attempted to catch the spear, a move that turned out to be a grave error. The zebra's well-timed maneuver exploited the pliability of his polearm, allowing him to flip over the diamond dog and deliver a swift flatstrike, knocking him onto his back. The griffin, taken aback by the sudden action, quickly retreated to protect her boss.

Meanwhile, the unicorn charged forward to attack the momentarily defenseless zebra. The zebra countered by kicking up sand, blinding the unicorn and seizing the opportunity. In a swift motion, he lunged forward with his spear, aiming for a quick strike against the unicorn that was tossed aside by the Saddle Arabian’s scimitar, missing his shoulder by a hair’s breadth.

The diamond dog managed to recover, leaping back into the fray, swinging his club down with the full force of his weight, and the griffin revealed her grit, launching another throwing knife that only just grazed the zebra, shaving off some of the hair on his chest.

The unicorn regained his composure, readying a spell, and the Saddle Arabian swung her formidable blade. Each participant was primed for a potentially lethal strike against the others, a tense tableau of imminent conflict.

"I command you to stop!!!"

The booming voice cut through the air, silencing the chaotic scene in an instant. Cadance's horn blazed with radiant light as her magic intervened, causing the combatants' strikes to narrowly miss each other by a hair's breadth. All movement ceased, hooves and claws instinctively rising to cover ears against the overpowering sound. The desert seemed to hold its breath, the grains of sand suspended in eerie stillness.

Most of the spectators scattered, leaving behind a hushed quiet that settled over the desert landscape. Only the faint rustle of sand carried by the wind disrupted the serenity. Cadance's aura crackled with authority and anger, her steps resolute as she advanced toward the epicenter of turmoil. The tense expressions on the combatants' faces shifted, their defiance giving way to rapt attention as they registered the presence of the angered alicorn.

With each deliberate step, Cadance approached the group of instigators, her movements resonating with power and purpose. Before a single word left her lips, she drew in a deep breath, gathering her resolve. As she exhaled, her words flowed, a blend of frustration and concern threading her inquiry.

"Can any of you explain why five individuals were on the precipice of bloodshed? And more crucially, why shouldn't I have you all imprisoned for your actions?"

Her question hung in the desert air, her unwavering gaze penetrating their resistance.

Soon, Shining Armor stood at her side, his presence carrying a mix of determination and simmering anger, mirroring the tumultuous atmosphere of the desert scene.

The zebra clicked his tongue, his distinct accent coloring his words. "Pony's notion, they control with moves; reckon they rule the world, with sun and moon to prove," he remarked, a touch of disdain lacing his tone. His gaze shifted toward the princess and the prince, a glint of intrigue sparking in his eyes. "I've wondered 'bout your kind, how you tower over all… Seems like your subjects learn it, from leaders who stand tall," he added, his distaste for their perceived authority evident in his words.

Cadance, ever composed in her diplomatic role, maintained her mask even as Shining Armor remained unfazed by his provocation. However, her guards displayed less restraint, their reactions more palpable.

Cadance wasn't naïve, though. A mere glance at the zebra was enough to realize he was no ordinary member of his kind. His tattoos told a story, marking his place in the hierarchy, and she understood exactly what he was.

Cadance clicked her tongue, mirroring his gesture with a smile. "Alleengroper, it's a pleasure to greet you. From the plains of Farasi, visitors are rare and few. Yet you speak within couplets, an odd choice, it’s true; Warrior, not alchemist, 'tis the caste you pursue."

Cadance knew the rhyming thing was a popular practice among zebras, often used to confound foreigners and those unfamiliar with their culture. It allowed them to manipulate situations more freely. But her two-year stay in the zebra capital of Zebrat during her earlier days as a princess had familiarized her with their tactics.

More importantly, she had called him correctly by his title. She had not called him a guard, or even a knight. Even the general term “warrior” had not come from her lips. She had said “alleengroper,” which meant she knew his status as an elite knight, under the direct order of the king, himself.

Cadance’s attention switched rapidly to the diamond dog. She had some questions for him, but he was more focused on the Saddle Arabian, leering at her decorative garb.

“What do you want now, dog?” she huffed, her grip tightening around the hilt of her blade. “I’m not in any mood to commune with brutish savages right now.”

The hound’s expression changed, a low growl preceding his shift to more imposing tones. "I don't recall asking the camp's carriage for their thoughts! If I wanted your lips to part, I'd cast some jewels your way!"

Before the situation could escalate any further, Shining Armor intervened, his command sharp. "Quiet!" He glared at the diamond dog.

Cadance discerned the futility of the exchange, realizing it would be a dead-end if the bickering continued. "Aside from engaging in passive aggression, care to voice your grievance?"

The zebra took a moment to assess the pink princess before replying, "Your soldier endeavored to impose authority on me. For that, he was liable to forfeit his life."

The unicorn snorted, remarking, "Thought Canterlot's ponies were dramatic."

The zebra narrowed his eyes at the unicorn.

Princess Cadance raised a hoof to interrupt, her uncertainty about the position of this particular pony evident. "I apologize for one of my…" She paused, not fully aware of the specific role this particular pony held. "Advanced Scout Leader, reinstated Solar Guard, and First Knight," Cadance offered, wincing internally.

This position was typically reserved for the royal guard's elite, a segment of the military fiercely loyal to Celestia and often dismissive of other princesses.

"I doubt we need to spill blood over a mere misunderstanding," Cadance suggested, hoping to defuse the tension.

The zebra grit his teeth, seemingly on the verge of speaking before being interrupted by the sound of another angry zebra.

"Abrafo! Less than ten minutes gone, and you're in a brawl, oh what a con!" Zecora reproached, her tone a mix of frustration and dismay.

Her bodyguard, another zebra, looked sheepish and undone. "Elite warrior? My flank," she remarked, her annoyance on full display.

Abrafo let out a breath as he turned towards Zecora and raised a hoof to his chest. "Mungoma, it is nice to see you. I thought you were on the other side of the camp."

There was a word Cadance hadn’t heard in a long time. Again, studying with the zebras had granted her time to learn about their culture, and while it was lost on most of the surrounding crowd, Cadance knew that there was little difference between a mungoma and an apothecary.

"You dare, like a fool, to break my rules?! It was peace that I sought, but you act like the mules!"

Cadance, Shining Armor, and Daring Do stood in surprise as the zebra voiced her displeasure, but Caballeron was still enjoying the spectacle, leaning against a nearby boulder. Zecora angrily stomped towards the zebra until they were face-to-face.

The diamond dog started to snicker, turning toward his griffin companion. "Hahaha, stripey’s in trouble with other stripey pony!"

Zecora swiftly turned toward the diamond dog, her gaze piercing and cold, setting him straight with just one look, his demeanor controlled.

Abrafo kept a stoic face as he responded to Zecora, "I am a bodyguard, not a servant. I do not have to follow your orders. This is about protection. And I assume you figured out what was happening because of your... apprentice…" He said the last word with a hint of disgust.

Zecora frowned at Abrafo, her patience wearing thin. "Fine then," she exhales, "instead of fighting, let the protection begin. Embarrass not our tribe; that's not our way within. Do your job, shield me well, avoid a needless end, and in doing so, shield yourself when darkness here descends."

The zebra seemed offended by that statement, but raised his hoof and saluted, placing it close to his heart. "Yes, ma'am.”

Cadance chose not to interfere in the two's conversation but couldn't help but sense the emotional state of the stallions and the mare. Surprisingly, she could feel the love emanating from the stallion's heart.

A small giggle escaped her lips, and Zecora abruptly turned her gaze towards the alicorn. However, she quickly stopped upon realizing who Cadance was. A look of shock came over Zecora's face as she recognized the princess's presence amidst her rage. "Princess, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were here. Pardon us this societal smear."

Cadance maintained her royal façade and smiled down at the zebra. "No problem, but it looks like you'd’ve handled things well. Twilight mentioned you were in Farasi. If we had known beforehoof, we would have sent our letter earlier inviting you here."

Taking a moment to survey her surroundings, Cadance recalled the importance of having a private conversation. She glanced at her guards and then turned to them. "Let's find a more secure location," she said. The guards promptly formed a square formation and began to leave, returning to their tents. Cadance paused, looking at the other creatures present. "I would like all of you to come with me, as well.”

The diamond dog and griffin exchanged uncertain glances, but everyone else reluctantly followed her lead. Daring Do and Caballeron simply observed quietly as they moved along.

Zecora and her guard followed on their left flank, the guard moving between the princess and zebra. It took a minute for Zecora to understand the princess's intent, but then she chuckled softly. "I see, Princess, your aim is now quite clear. You've called me for my skills in alchemy, I fear."

Princess Cadance couldn't help but smile at the irony. "Yes, that's right, though it seems like you've ended up here anyway."

Shining Armor followed along, keeping a watchful eye on the guards and the other creatures in the camp. He listened intently to the conversation between his wife and Zecora.

Cadance stole a few glances at Shining Armor, noting his stoic demeanor. "Zecora, I've heard rumors lately that you've taken on a student. Is that true?" She shifted her gaze from the guard to Zecora, awaiting her response.

"Yes, two disciples I've chosen with care, to pass on secrets, knowledge we'll share. Summoned to teach from my own tribe's fold, yet they allowed an outsider, I was told." Zecora huffed with a trace of frustration, as if the imposed limitations caused irritation. "As if they could dictate my lessons' reach, but with the elders’ approval, I did agree to teach. New techniques and wisdom, a precious find for my people's sake, to enrich and bind. Ingredients from the Everfree I've brought; a treasure trove of knowledge, as I sought."

"Your decision to teach both kinds," Abrafo remarked, sarcasm clearly dripping from his words, "was quite commendable."

Zecora simply ignored the remark from Abrafo and continued, "So, yes, I think you know one of them; Apple Bloom. My oldest student, close to initiation, I assume. And Zeb, a young zebra, a fast learner indeed, close to his initiation, for knowledge, they both feed." She felt a swell of pride; she had nurtured her students well. Their commitment to learning had flourished, a source of deep satisfaction within her.

Cadance giggled, sensing the love emanating from Zecora. "Hopefully, one day, I'll finally experience the joy of training my own student. I wonder if Flurry Heart's current focus on the blade is just a phase, or just more captivating for her than love or politics."

Shining Armor attempted to conceal his grin but failed, prompting Cadance to playfully bump him with her wing. As the guards faced forward, keeping a vigilant watch, the other tagalongs casually tuned in to the conversation. Some were slightly curious about the zebra's connections to a princess, while others found the dialogue uninteresting but not too prolonged.

They reached their destination—a colossal tent positioned close to the center of everything. The guards halted, transitioning into a wider formation, as two guards entered the tent. The original guide turned to the two royals. "Princess, Captain, this is your tent," he announced.

Shining Armor was the first to respond, letting his wife conclude the conversation. "Have the proper enchantments been added to the area?" he inquired.

The guard pony swiftly addressed the question. "Yes, sir. If you want me to bring the Magi to confirm the princess's blueprints, I will."

Shining Armor took a moment to examine it. His horn slightly glowed before his magic was immediately pinged away. Surprise flashed for only a second before he smiled.

"Twiley really outdid herself this time. The blueprints will be unnecessary. Everything seems to be properly set up."

The guide saluted Shining Armor and the princess before returning to his position. Once the guard was back in place, Cadance concluded the conversation, casting a seemingly normal look at the oversized tent. With the same smile, she walked in.

The others prepared to follow, but Shining Armor stopped them. "You might want to hold on a minute."

The diamond dog and the griffin appeared confused, while the others seemed uninterested or had an inkling of what was going on. Before anyone could speak, Shining Armor took the lead.

"Who formally gave you permission to enter?" A shimmer of magic dissipated from around the tent.

Daring Do was the first to spot tiny runes artistically crafted into the material. "This must have cost a pretty bit…"

The Saddle Arabian took an even closer look. "Impressive. Multiple runes layered on top of each other in the material, plus the magic output. If I didn't know better, I would assume an alicorn made this."

The diamond dog blew a raspberry. "More horn-y magic. What's new?" he said with diminishing interest.

The Saddle Arabian chose not to respond to the crude remark. However, Shining Armor caught on to what she said. "How do you know it's not made by an alicorn?" he questioned.

The mare gave him a smile before simply stating, "It's not perfect."

Shining Armor waited for a further explanation that never came, and the Saddle Arabian walked into the tent. Slightly dumbfounded, he grumbled and scrutinized the tent once more.

Zecora giggled slightly but walked in, Daring Do following her with an annoyed grimace. The diamond dog and the griffin seemed equally confused, but entered, regardless. Caballeron appeared indifferent, but followed everyone else.

Abrafo, at the back of the line, stopped and looked at the captain. "Do you want me to tell you?" he asked.

Shining Armor paused for a minute, then finally grumbled, "No, I'll figure it out…"

The zebra shrugged his shoulders and entered the tent. A few minutes later, Shining Armor walked in as well, wearing a slightly irritated look. Two guards inside immediately saluted him.

The first noticeable difference inside of the tent was the slight coolness within as compared to the outside heat. He no longer felt the oppressive climate bearing down on him. It dawned on him that there was likely an enchantment regulating the temperature. He breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to escape the hot desert sun.

As he turned towards the guards, they maintained their salute. "Where can I find my wife and the guests?"

"I think they went to the main meeting room, sir."

Shining Armor turned and walked toward the opposite end of the tent. Upon opening the entrance, a lavish yurt unfolded before him—an organized and fancy space. He took a few moments to marvel at the room before spotting his wife and their guests seated around a table. Cadance was serving tea with an odd-looking elephant-shaped tea kettle. Crafted with jewels and emanating a peculiar tranquil magic, three large gemstones rested on the sides, and one sat on top, where Cadance was pouring water into it.

"Can we move this along? We’re very busy," Shining Armor sighed, turning towards the hound with a look of irritation. He wasn’t any more angry with this one than the other fighters, but some of his ire from dealing with Alpha was still clinging to him.

"If you're going to discipline us, do it already,” the diamond dog snorted back. “I will take my five lashings and leave."

Shining Armor was taken aback, having not been aware that the diamond dogs' discipline was that harsh.

Cadance, however, remained impassive as she poured herself a cup of tea. "What kind of tea do you like to drink, Mr. …?" she inquired, waiting to learn the diamond dog's name.

The diamond dog glanced up at her, bemused, but grumbled out "Max," with some impatience.

Cadence used her magic to float over a cup towards the diamond dog, the pink glow dissipating after reaching him. "Mr. Max, what kind of tea do you drink?"

“Tea?” Max looked into Cadance’s cup, and saw the light brown fluid sitting in it. “Is that what you call it? We, the diamond dogs, have our own word for dirty water: Mud.”

Cadance could not help the chuckle, knowing that the diamond dogs did not live as civilly as most of the other races. She decided to keep her opinions to herself. "It’s tea, and it's quite delicious for mud water."

Max seemed to relent. "I do not drink this “tea,” but if you have whiskey…?"

Cadance raised an eyebrow. "This early?"

Max just let out the grumble.

Cadence looked at the pot and used her magic to seemingly rub on one of the jewels. It lit up a different color, and Cadance grabbed the cup again with her magic, floating it towards the teapot and pouring. "Stable whiskey. I hope you like it. It's a little sweeter than most of the others the Griffins make, but it's still as delicious."

The griffin let out a small chirp. "Sorry, Princess, if you think that piss water has anything on a smooth glass of griffin whiskey, you've been living a little too long in your candy-coated castle."

Before Cadance could say anything, Shining Armor responded. "Do not talk to her like that, griffin!"

The griffin raised an eyebrow before giving Shining Armor a beaky smile. "Gilda."

Shining Armor looked at his wife, who gave him a smile, visibly calming him down. "I would appreciate it if you did not speak to my wife like that."

Gilda relented, but not before eyeing up the stallion. Max then let out a chuckle, and the Saddle Arabian scoffed. "Savages…"

Cadance coughed to redirect the conversation. That seemed enough to halt the next round of petty insults and meaningless sniping at each other.

"Before we talk about what happened and before I ask any questions, does anybody else want anything to drink?"

Zecora, snapped out of her staring at the teapot, realizing it was some kind of magical apparatus, decided to request a drink. "If tea is what you offer, I’d like an herbal grey. Something robust to soothe away the stress I’ve found today.”

“I’ll second that,” added Daring, raising her hoof. “While I wasn’t just embarrassed in front of the whole camp, something herbal sounds really nice.”

“I’ll take some of that whiskey,” chimed Caballeron.

“You would,” scoffed Daring. “You’ve gone, what, two hours without a brandy in your hoof?”

“You’re one to talk,” he smirked back. “Or perhaps you forget that we were riding in the same compartment?”

“Don’t remind me…”

Cadance chuckled and poured drinks for all three of them, again from the same pot, but it was pretty clear that the amber liquid in Caballeron’s teacup was not the same as the dark brew Zecora and Daring had.

“Something plain,” said Abrafo. “I’m not big on tea.”

“Finally, some sense from you,” sneered the unicorn. “Perhaps a green tea, or just some water.”

As Cadance poured him something off-white and slightly murky, she looked up at him. “I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.”

“That’s because I didn’t give it,” he answered back.

“Would you care to, now?”

“Yeah,” chuckled Abrafo. “Give us your name. I’d like to see what we can do with it.”

“It’s not a toy to be played with. You may refer to me as sir, master, or master-knight.”

Shining grabbed him hard by the shoulder. “Let me remind you, sir, that you were personally selected by Celestia herself to be in attendance. If you cause such issues here as to be a nuisance, I can always send back a report to her with a recommendation for your dismissal. Let me ask my wife’s question once more so you can remember it: Would you care to tell us something as inconsequential as your name, or would you like to be sent back to Canterlot to tell Celestia why you were removed from service?”

The unicorn sighed. “Solar guard, knight Flash Bang.”

“Sounds like somepony can’t last in bed,” snorted Abrafo. “What’s the matter, no ga–”

He yelped as Zecora grabbed him by the ear unexpectedly. “You shame your kin with your poisoned words! Such loathsome speech is for the birds!”

“I’ll pick up where he left off, then,” said Gilda, flapping her wings for effect. “Or is it because when a mare sees what you’re packing, she bails in a flash?”

“Such vulgarity,” gagged the Saddle Arabian. “You may call me Amira. I am referred to by my kind as Amira the Blade-Dancer, if you wish to call me that, instead.”

“Amira,” nodded Cadance. “How do you like your tea?”

“Something fruity and spiced, if you should have it. If not, I am amenable to whatever you have that has no alcohol. I must insist that I abstain from alcohol.”

“Of course,” smiled Cadance, pouring a brown liquid. It settled out to being light brown at the top and dark at the bottom. She then turned and poured the same drink for Abrafo as she had for Flash Bang. Finally, she poured a very thick white liquid for her husband, almost creamy, and sent it over to him with her magic. “Now, we are all sitting comfortably. Or in the case of my darling husband, standing? We all have our tea? We’re ready to talk about what happened out there today?”

Daring suddenly stopped mid-sip. She wasn’t sure what she could add to the discussion, as she hadn’t been involved in the fight. She glanced at Caballeron, who was aerating his whiskey so he could smell the aroma. He didn’t seem remotely worried about being caught in this meeting he had nothing to do with.

“Good,” smiled Cadance. “Now. What on Equis possessed you all to think that drawing your weapons in camp was a good idea? Hm?”