Torn Apart

That afternoon, I entered Fort Equigis. A bunch of stallions from all parts of the Kingdom were there. We began conversing over recent events. After a few minutes, the chit-chat was abruptly ended by a loud and sudden “Attention!” We all formed a straight line. A rather large stallion approached us, escorted by two privates. “Gents” he spoke “You have come here, to fight for the Princess, is that true?” “Aye sir!” we responded. “You have come here, to teach Luna and her army that they cannot simply break away from Equestria is that true?” Aye sir!” we yelled out again. “So, I shall make you a soldier! My name, is Dashstar, I will be your instructor, your mentor, your master, whatever you wish to call it. Fall in on the Corporal; he will issue you your uniform, equipment, and rations!” We quickly ran over to him and proceeded to make a line. Each stallion was given one slouch hat, one jacket, one pair of trousers, one pair of combat boots, knapsack, tin plate, tin cup, fork, knife, spoon, blanket, one shelter half, one canteen, a few pieces of salt pork, and one rifle with bayonet. After outfitting ourselves, we were given a tour of the fort, which lasted until night time. At that point, Tattoo sounded off, and we retired for the evening into our tents. Let me tell you, I have never had a worst night rest than at my first night at the fort. We were crowded six into a tent that was no bigger than a twin size bed. I barely got any sleep that night.\

I was suddenly awoken from my slumber by the sound of the bugle. Reveille was sounding off. Being half awake, I put on my trousers, shirt, and hat and stumbled outside. Stallions were slowly but surely, pouring out of their tents and forming on the fire pit, trying to stay warm. “Fall in for roll call!” Dashstar shouted out. We proceeded to make a line on a side of the row of tents. Dashstar walked and stopped across from us, followed by a sergeant. “When your name is called, answer with ‘here sir!’”. The sergeant then proceeded to open his book and call out names. “Pacemaker” “Here sir!”, “Bull’s-eye” “Here sir!”, “Stardust” “Here sir!”, “Paradox”, I proceeded to let out a formal “Here sir!”. The list continued until all men were labeled present and accounted for. At that, the sergeant gave Dashstar a salute, and walked away.

“Gentlecourts” Dashstar spoke, “I have a feeling that you all are spoiling for a go at Luna’s army. That is good! But first, we must train you to be a soldier! Your stay here will last two weeks, after that you will be sent off to the war. First week, will consist of maneuvers and marching orders. Second, will consist of weapon training. After your stay here is over, you will be professional, and well trained soldiers. Now, go eat breakfast, you’re gonna need it. Dismissed.” We then proceeded to take out our salt pork and chow down. During my “feast” A stallion walked up to me “You’re…Paradox right?” “Yes I am, and who do I have the honor of meeting?” I replied. “The name’s Bulls-eye.” “Ah yes, pleasure to meet you Bulls-eye.” “Just wanted to say, if ya need anypony to talk to, I’m the one.” “Aye, I’ll keep that in mind.” He then proceeded to walk off somewhere into the crowd. I continued eating.

On the first week, we learned basic marching orders, maneuvers. We were drilled until Dashstar was satisfied with us for the day. We were drilled until every man could perform each maneuver in his sleep! On the second, we perfected ourselves with our weapon. Bayonet drill was intense. I know we all hoped we would never have to use it. The mere idea of a piece of sharp steel going through me, made me want to gag. The two weeks seemed to fly by. On the first day of the 3rd week, we were assembled for a dress parade. At the end, we were presented with two flags, one being our nation’s flag, and the other one, which were our regimental colors. They were a beautiful sight. They read “First Canterlot Volunteers”. We then packed up, and marched out to the Ponyville depot. We boarded the train to the Whitetail Woods, where most of Luna’s Army was concentrating. The sound of the railroad car put me to sleep.