The world has been at war for six years, and the conflict has almost reached its bitter end. One last push into enemy territory will win the war for the Alliance between Equestria and the Crystal Empire — but only if Flurry Heart and the forces she commands are willing to bear the cost, and Twilight Sparkle will allow them to bear it.

Artificer's Guildmaster Spike wasn't there when they made their decision, and it's too late to change what happened afterwards. All he can do now is piece together what led up to the fateful last days of the Second War, and do what little he can to protect the creatures who survived it.

A dual sequel to my short story "And I Hope You Die" and GaPJaxie's novel Around the World in 81 Days (And Other Problems Caused by Leap Years), written to be understandable for people who have read neither. My entry for the Imposing Sovereigns IV contest, using the prompt "Flurry Heart/Strength."