The Dusk Alliance

Chapter two

1 week later

Tactic sat alone in his personal train car. His bag and coat resting on the bench next to him the corner of the old photo hanging out of the pocket. His mind was still on what the princess had told him and considering his options this would be the first one to pick up. His brown eyes stared out to the desert wasteland that was known as the Mild west. The high peaks of the Pillars could be seen far off in the distinct the only sign of the changeling hives. But that was not the reason he was here, it was around that time of year that the buffalo would be passing through Appaloosa on their yearly stamped. As Tactic watched the sands and cactus roll past him the first sign of pony life could be seen. Closing his eyes slowly and taking one last breath he stood up and donned his coat covering his cutie mark from sight. Soon following up with his saddle bag filled with everything he would need. The train's whistle let out its shrill cry and that was his queue to leave.

Standing on the platform in his Sunday best was Slat kicker the owner of the only saloon in the mild west. The grey stallion wore a double crested vest with a white under shirt. He was sporting a thick black moustache and sharp slick hair to match a single monocle resting on his left cheek to shield his green eyes. Standing taller than Tactic by a good head and a half he would offer a kind smile.

"Glad to see your trip was safe tactic." he said with a small but still noticeable city accent.

"That it was Salt, Is everything prepared liked I asked in my letter?" Tactic asked as he walked to his old friend and offered a hoof.

"It is and I have sent word to the chief as well so there will be no alarm tomorrow." Salt said while accepting the hoof shake before walking with Tactic back to the Salt-a-Lick. The green building was a three story tall building with city design worthy of standing up to the worst of storms. The first floor held the saloon as well as some tables for the games of cards. The second floor had living quarters for any guest who could pay well enough and room for storage. The top floor was Salt's own home with a tower on top of that bearing the town flag. Pushing the door open the patrons gave their cheers to see Salt return, hoping for more drinks.

"If you please excuse me Tactic, But as you can see work calls. Here is your key and I will have your meal sent up in a second." Salt said handing tactic the small key before turning to the bar to start his afternoon shift.

"Thanks salt." was all Tactic had to say before making his way up the stairs and into his room. Opening the door he was greeted with a warm bed with brown sheets, a dresser on the door wall and two windows that looked down to the town’s main square, all in all a very nice room. Lifting his bags off him pulled out the photograph and looked at it more intently. The picture showed a Tactic sitting in the middle of his squad. A Pegasus flew over head giving a wink, a unicorn was looking away hiding half of his face with a frown; Salt Kicker was leaning on top of a large barrel his monocle switched out with a high power scope. And behind them all stood a large buffalo with three feathers hanging from each ear. One of his horns was broken and a large bag hanging on his right side. That all had smiles save for the unicorn but it would make Tactic laugh every time he saw it. Flipping it over there was a list of names on the back grabbing a pencil he put a check next to Slat Kicker's name, tapping the next name slowly.

"Greenleaf's next..." Tactic mumbled to himself as he sat on the bed next to his bag.

"You know that’s going to be almost impossible to get him to join us again, right?" Salt said from the doorway holding a plate of food for Tactic the two just exchanged glances. Sitting down Salt looked to his friend and was about to say something before a loud crash was heard down stairs. Both of them jumped quickly looking to the door. The two stallions were on their hind legs almost drawing the weapons from their hidden places. Tactic giving a nod led the way as the two made their way down stairs.