A deadly silence took over the throne room. Twilight Sparkle was paralysed. She looked back up at her mentor and swallowed – that simply couldn’t be true. It wasn’t something she could do, even with the help of her friends.
— Could you please say that again, Princess?
— The continent of Cervidia is being attacked, Twilight. By an army of creatures that no one was able to identify. The only ones who saw them were the guards of the northern border, and almost all of them have disappeared. One group was able to escape, but they weren’t close enough to catch a clear glimpse of the battle. According to the messengers, the entire area of Ëismark is is not being controlled by the Royal Cervidian Summit any longer. They ask Equestria for help, and I’m putting you and your friends ahead of a Royal Guard detachment. You’ll board a ship tomorrow morning, and then sail all the way to the East Coast of Cervidia, from where you’ll be guided towards the capital in order to plan the defense of the borders.
— No, I can’t do something like this. — disse o unicórnio roxo.
— You can. And you will. They need you.
— But, Princess...
— No “buts”, Twilight. Twice in our History, the deer have helped us. It’s our time to do something, don’t you think so?
— There must be someone more qualified, someone with military experience. Have you thought about asking my brother? Maybe he could solve this!
— You brother’s busy enough commanding the Crystal Empire guards. You know that, Twilight. Furthermore, you six are the Elements of Harmony, a force of ultimate peace. Using warriors will only make the war last longer. Putting you in charge will end it.
— I’m sure we’ll end the war. I just don’t know if it will be the end we desire…
— I trust you, Twilight. After all you and your friends have done, only a fool would think the six greatest heroes of Equestria could disappoint Cervidia.
— I’ve never even been there. I don’t know what to do, or where to go.
— You’ll have a guide. Also, my sister’s going to give you a lesson before you leave. She’s already been to Cervidia more than once since returning from her exile, and is used to the local manners.
— Get it... I’ll do my best.
— Your Best is more than enough, my pupil. You’ll manage to accomplish your mission.
— I hope so, Princess. I’m going to tell the others about it.
Twilight left the throne room and went through the almost-empty halls of the castle. Since a great number of guards getting ready to leave Equestria under her orders, only those of higher ranks kept protecting the Equestrian capital. As she passed Spike, he followed her.
— Have we got a mission, Twilight? — asked excitedly the little dragon.
— Bigger than I expected, Spike. Bigger than anything I’ve ever done. Maybe bigger than my skills can accomplish.
Spike went silent as he heard the last sentence, and went with his friend to the train station, where they got in the first express to Ponyville. Great things were about to come, and he could see it in the unicorn’s eyes.
