Storms On the Horizon: Ch. 15

Storms On the Horizon, Chapter 15
         Home Fires

  When traveling alone, time tends to pass on quite the slow side. The solitude also affords a pony much time for reflection. The airborne chariot ride was particularly bumpy, given the speed of its travel, but its lone occupant hardly felt it, lost in thought as he was.

  "Forgive my interruption, sir," one of the pulling ponies spoke over the rushing wind. "but you've hardly spoken a word since our departure last night. Is everything all right?"

  "My apologies, soldier." the well-armored unicorn stallion called back. "I know I haven't been much for conversation, but I'm a bit troubled."

  "Might I ask what about, sir?"

  "The faster you get us to Canterlot, the faster you'll find out. Double time!"

  "You heard him, boys! Let's pick up the pace!"

  The chariot lurched as the four pegasi set their shoulders to their harnesses.

  How did this happen? The stallion was beyond confused. Everything had gone to pieces upon arrival of that letter...

-------------------------

  Roughly twelve hours earlier saw the same unicorn back home, going about his usual evening duties.

  "All right, soldiers, form up! I want all of you on high alert. I have been receiving word of sentient storms appearing in multiple locations in southern Equestria. As of right now, we do not know if this is more changeling activity, but lack of knowledge is all the more reason for us to be on our guard. Is that clear?"

  "Crystal, sir!" was the unanimous response.

  "Very good. Dismissed!" The stallion watched as each of the armored ponies took his leave. Just as the last of his soldiers was leaving, something airborne caught his eye.

  "Sir! Sir, your attention, if I may!"

  There were no other ponies around, so this pegasus was very obviously addressing the ground-bound stallion. As this flying pony grew closer, his golden armor and blue plumed helmed identified him as a Canterlot guard, and his saddlebags as a messenger. He had been flying nonstop, as he was out of breath and nearly collapsed upon landing.

  "I'm...glad I found...you, sir... I come...bearing a message...from Canterlot...addressed directly to you, sir..."

  "Easy now, soldier." the unicorn cautioned, quickly moving to support the fatigued messenger. "Canterlot is easily a twelve hour flight. That's hardly a possible flight for a lone messenger."

  "This letter comes...from the quill of Princess Celestia's desk... It is of the...utmost importance..."

  "Very well." the armored unicorn replied. "May I have this message then?"

  "Of course, sir." A short span of time produced a scroll from the messenger's bags. This was in turn presented to the unicorn.

  As he read this message, his eyes grew dark with worry. "I see the reason for your hurry... Thank you for notifying my of this. There are matters I need to attend to. Please, feel free to recuperate here in the barracks before you return to Canterlot." Without waiting for an answer, the armored stallion turned and galloped away. There was one other pony that needed to see this.

  The stallion's trip across the impromptu camp took him through a sea of tents before finally reaching one single, massive tent. He nosed the flap aside and entered, proceeding toward the back. For all its size, this tent was nearly empty, occupied by all of two ponies and a lone table. He approached the taller of the two ponies, the one who had her back to him.

  The shorter of the two ponies leaned closer to their companion and whispered, "Begging your pardon, your Majesty, but it appears we have company."

  As she turned to greet this company, the pink alicorn knew something was wrong when she saw who it was. "Oh my... Pardon me..." She hurriedly excused herself from the conversation and ran to meet the newcomer.

  "There's...something I need to show you." he said before any other words could be spoken. "Let's go back to our tent for a moment."

  One would have had to have been blind to not have seen the rolled-up scroll floating alongside the stallion, and the alicorn most certainly was not. "What's in that letter? Is that what-"

  "Cadance, please. This is something we ought to keep between us."

  The alicorn cast a glance around the outside of the tent before ducking back inside. "All right, Shining Armor, you're starting to worry me. What is in that letter?" Cadance asked a second time.

  "Do you want to read it or should I?"

  "Let me see it."

  Blue magic replaced magenta as the scroll traded possession and unfurled itself before the alicorn's eyes.

  Though he could not see the words upon the parchment, Shining Armor read along with his wife, following her eyes and watching their reaction. "Oh my goodness..." Cadance clapped a hoof to her mouth in shock and worriedly looked toward the stallion. "When did you get this letter?"

  "A few moments ago. This is the first I've heard of it. It was flown in directly from Canterlot, but even then, it's a good twelve hour flight, and who knows what could have happened in that time. That's why I'm leaving for Canterlot tonight. I have to see what's going on with my own eyes."

  "Tonight!?" Cadance jumped in front of the armored stallion as he turned to leave. "Honey, I know that this is about Twilight, but is that really the best decision right now? Besides, Princess Celestia explicitly told you you didn't need to come. She doesn't know exactly what she's up against. It could be dangerous!"

  "More dangerous than the changeling attack on Canterlot? I find that hard to believe. Let's say that I don't go, though. What am I supposed to do? Sit here in camp, obsessing over what might be happening to my little sister? You know I can't do that, Cadance. For all intents and purposes, Twilight is your sister, too. Can you honestly say that you'd be able to accomplish anything here without knowing what's happening back in Canterlot?"

  Cadance bit her lip and looked away. "No... But, at the same time, I don't want anything to happen to you either." she whispered, poking Shining Armor in the chest.

  "I'll be fine, Cadi. " he assured, resting his chin upon her forehead. "I promise. I'll send you a letter as soon as I know more, okay?"

  "I'll be waiting..." she murmured, softly kissing the stallion's cheek.

  The unicorn quickly returned the gesture of affection before galloping from the tent, leaving Cadance staring after him.

  "Please, be careful..."

-------------------------

  Shining Armor shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus on the task before him; now was not the time for daydreaming. The spired towers of Centerlot were finally coming into view.

  "Canterlot at eleven o' clock low, sir!"

  "Very good. Circle around the palace and set us down on the chariot run on the cliffside."

  "Sir, yes, sir!"

  The chariot shuddered as the pegasi slowed their rate of travel to cut a wide arc around the front of Canterlot's towers. The white strip that was the runway came up fast, growing closer and closer to the chariot wheels until...

  Dnk!

  No sooner had the vehicle's wheels skimmed the ground, than Shining Armor leapt from the chariot and began running. His service in the Canterlot military told the stallion that there would be a tunnel at the end of the runway, carved right into the mountainside that led straight into the palace. That would be his path.

  His intended course was not to be, however. As Shining Armor neared the tunnel, he saw a group of four Canterlot guards standing in file across the passage's mouth. They must have seen him coming, given how they tightened together. The unicorn slowed to a trot and finally stopped.

  "What business have you in Canterlot Palace?" One of the four unicorn guards stepped forward, magically hefting the spear at his side.

  "I am Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Canterlot Guard's Unicorn Division 21, here upon a summons from her Majesty, Princess Celestia." The stallion effortlessly rattled off his formal title.

  "I see... This 'summons' you speak of. Present it."

  Inwardly, the armored stallion kicked himself into next week. He had left Celestia's letter back with Cadance. Twelve hours away. "I...do not have it."

  "Then you do not have passage to Canterlot." the unicorn guard replied stiffly.

  "Let me explain, soldier. This is a very important matter, and-"

  "I couldn't agree more, sir. Her Highness Princess Celestia has ordered all of Canterlot's forces to be on the highest of alerts. Her Majesty has reason to believe that there is an impostor within the palace walls, and the city has been locked down until further notice."

  "May I speak with the Princess then? She will be able to verify my summons."

  "I've no doubt she could." the spear toting guard answered. "But, I have my orders. You passage to the palace is not allowed. I can send one of my guards to request her Majesty's presence here, but until such time as I am told otherwise, you may not pass." The guard made a quick nod to one of the identically-clad unicorns, who promptly spun around and galloped off down the tunnel.

  The guard's rapid flight quickly carried him down the passage and back to the palace. He paused for a moment, as if gathering his bearings. Then, just as abruptly as he had stopped, he was off again. Given that his particular post was primarily upon the outskirts of Canterlot, the guard was unfamiliar with the numerous halls and corridors of the palace interior. Therefore, it took him longer than usual to find the ornately emblazoned door that marked the chambers of the Sun Goddess. Oddly enough, the door was ever so slightly ajar. A cautious hoof slid the door open. "Your Majesty?" The guard paused with the door halfway open; he wasn't expecting to see three alicorns within the room.

  Before the armor-clad stallion could respond, the transparent alicorn turned to face him. She slowly shook her head and held a hoof to her lips, requesting his silence.

  Stunned beyond words, the guard nodded dumbly. He backed out of the room, latching the door behind him. Princess Celestia was not available; a plan B was needed. Another moment of thought and the messenger was away once more.

  Meanwhile, back at the landing strip, tensions had been steadily mounting. Yes, Shining Armor was probably ranked higher than the guards blocking his path, but he was in no position to overrule orders given directly from the Princess, especially without any form of proof of his presence. His many years of service enabled him to sit (somewhat) patiently and wait for the confirmation that would allow him to pass. The four pegasi that had accompanied him, however...

  Not so much...

  One of the four chariot pulling pegasi (who had been grumbling the entire time) finally had had enough. He leapt to his hooves, exclaiming, "This is ridiculous! We've been sitting here for half an hour! This is the Captain of the Canterlot Guard!"

  "Who still cannot overturn commands that come directly from her Majesty." Shining Armor curtly reminded him.

  "How do we even know he has those orders!? Can't you just pull rank on this oaf!?"

  Before the pegasus could blink, Shining Armor was in his face, less than a nose away. "Put a latch on that tongue of yours, Thunderhead. I was serving alongside these ponies long before you had you cutie mark. Be mindful of how you speak of my brothers, lest you want me to pull rank on you... Is that clear?"

  "Y-yes, sir..."

  "Be thankful that it was my ear that heard that comment and not General Headwind's. A quip like that would have you grounded for a month, at the very least, if not removed from active service indefinitely.

  "Unless my ears deceive me, that was my name used in a threatening manner.."

  The three unicorn guards blocking the tunnel parted at the arrival of the new voice. Through them strode a re-armored General Headwind. "What's all this?"

  Respect led Shining Armor to salute the decorated pony. "General Headwind, sir!"

  The pegasus nodded in response before turning to the younger pony. He had indeed heard enough of the prior conversation to answer the question he was about to ask. "I hear you've been disrespecting your brothers in arms... What truth is there to that?"

  "Y-yes, s-sir..." Thunderhead stammered under the steely gaze of Canterlot's general. "i-it won't h-happen again... S-sir..."

  "I should hope not. At attention, soldier; I want to ask you something."

  The young pegasus sprang to attention, salute and all. "Sir!"

  "That's better. Now, tell me: Who should a soldier respect the most?"

  "His commanding officer, sir!" Thunderhead barked without a moment's hesitation.

  "Quick thinking, soldier, but you're dead wrong. I don't care if you respect me, you just have to listen to me. You respect your fellow brothers at arms, soldier! They're going to be the ones who will pull your sorry flank out of the fire. They are the ones you respect. Do you follow?"

  "Sir! Yes, sir!"

  "Very good. At ease." The pegasus general turned his gaze back to the unicorn stallion. "It's a pleasure to see you back in Canterlot again, Shining Armor. How are things in the northern mountains? No griffon trouble, I hope?"

  "None to speak of, sir. I come upon the summons of Princess Celestia. I received a letter from her, informing me that something has happened to Twilight. You understand the reason for my impromptu return, yes?"

  "Indeed I do. What time did you receive this letter?"

  "Early yesterday evening. I am well aware that a round trip to the northern mountains requires a full day, so much could have changed since she sent me the message. Perhaps you could fill me in?"

  "I could indeed. Twilight is safe within the palace, under constant surveillance."

  "'Constant surveillance?'" Shining Armor parroted. "Her Majesty didn't mention anything of that sort. What else has occurred?"

  "After the Princess returned Twilight to the palace, you sister was able to give us reason to the recent attacks upon the Elements of Harmony. Without going too far into the detail of the 'how,' know that Nightmare Moon is intending to use the Elements to give herself form again. I trust you can see why this constant surveillance is of the utmost importance."

  Shining Armor nodded slowly, his thoughts churning. The changeling queen was clever and cunning, but to say that her own power paled in comparison to that of a true alicorn would be an insult to the very word itself. As if Nightmare Moon wasn't enough of a threat herself, the Elements of Harmony possessed near-limitless magical potential. "That...is far more serious than I had anticipated..." he replied at length. "I can see why the city is on lockdown."

  "And thus, you see why you have been denied passage to the palace..." Headwind added, in much the same tone as the unicorn guard. "However... I am giving you one chance to convince me that you are indeed Shining Armor. Think carefully."

  A moment's pondering and Shining Armor motioned for the general to approach him. What passed from mouth to ear went unheard by all others present, but they could see Headwind's eyes widen for an instant.

  The pegasus general stepped backward and nodded solemnly. "Well played, Shining Armor. You have earned passage, but on one condition. Until Princess Celestia awakes from her slumber and is informed of your presence, you and your escorts shall be accompanied at all times. I am not taking any chances whatsoever. You will stand guard with Lieutenant Jet Stream outside Miss Fluttershy's room until the princess grants you full priviliges."

  "Understood, sir."

  Without another word spoken between them, Headwind turned and made his way down the tunnel. The slightest flick of his tail instructed the unicorn stallion to follow.

  "What in Equestria did you say to him?" Thunderhead quickly whispered before Shining Armor left earshot.

  "It was something regarding his cutie mark, and that's all you need to know, Thunderhead." Shining Armor shot back. "Form up, stallions!" he then called to the rest of his ponies. "We're entering Canterlot palace; I want you on your best behavior!"

  "Yes, sir!"

  "Very good. Follow me." It had been a couple months since Shining Armor had been within this tunnel, but litle had changed. Truth be told, though, Headwind could have turned and lay a hoof across his cheek, and the unicorn wouldn't notice until his cheek started swelling. Twily... What's going on? This is bad... He sighed inwardly. I've never really understood this 'Elements of Harmony' business...

  "Oof-!" The Captain of the guard bumped into the general with a metallic thunk! as Headwind pulled up short before him.

  "I didn't expect to see you out of your room, Miss Rarity."

  "I was spreading Princess Celestia's order regarding the additional guards..." The mare trailed off at the glimpse of movement behind Headwind. "Shining Armor?"

  "Good morning, Rarity. I hear you've been doing well."

  "I should say the same. I hear you've been stationed in the northern mountains. A harsh assignment, to be sure. What brings you back to Canterlot so soon?"

  He sighed and removed his helmet. "In a word, Twilight." In light of the silent, confused look from the Element of Generosity, he continued. "Cadance and I received a letter from Princess Celestia, informing us that something had happened to Twilight. General Headwind, however, tells me that she's doing just fine. I'd just like to see her for myself."

  "She's actually just inside this room." Jet Stream nodded to the slightly cracked door. "I don't think a quick look inside would be out of the question."

  After waiting for Headwind's eventual affirmation, Shining Armor quietly knocked on the door and pushed it open, causing a minor creak.

  Rainbow Dash was the first (and only) to notice the small noises. "Twilight? We've got company..."

  "What?" The mare turned her purple eyes to follow her friend's words. "Shining Armor?" Magic moved Fluttershy's wing, so Twilight could slide off the bed without disturbing her. "What are you doing here?" she asked quietly, giving the stallion a quick hug which was met with an equally quick kiss.

  "I received a letter from Princess Celestia saying that you had been foalnapped, but it must have been written in a hurry, as it said nothing else."

  The multi-hued pegasus joined the brother-sister pair, a sheepish grin on her face. "About that... You...uh...wouldn't have gotten that letter if I had been just a little bit faster..."

  "Nonsense, Rainbow Dash. I know you put every bit of wingpower you had into that Rainboom and I'm glad you did." Twilight nudged the pegasus affectionately.

  "Whoever it was outran a Sonic Rainboom?" Shining Armor was legitimately surprised.

  "More like 'knocked me out of the air and walked away from it.'" she growled. "So, how's the family then?" she added, changing the subject.

  "Worried, just like myself. Cadance will be relieved to hear you're all doing well. Especially you, kiddo. You weren't hurt, were you?"

  Twilight involutarily winced, remembering the slaps she'd received to force compliance. "No, I wasn't... A couple guards were, though..." she put in under her breath.

  Shining Armor sighed. "I follow... You've got to understand that when a pony enters the-"

  "I know, I know... 'When a pony enters the Royal Guard, they sacrifice their lives to the Royal Family.' I just didn't know that that meant me, too. I never asked for ponies to throw themselves in harm's way for me. How is that fair?"

  "Not everything is fair, kiddo. It's not always so cut-and-dry. I'm told that Nightmare Moon is back on the agenda. What are we looking at regarding her?"

  "Nightmare Moon wants to fuse herself with the Elements. Nopony quite knows how that's going to work, though."

  A second series of knocks upon the door immediately followed Twilight's voice. " I do apologize for the interruption, Twilight, dear, but we do have quite the pressing matter at hoof."

  "Rarity? What happened with the sinkstone?"

  "Therein lies our problem, darling..."

  Shining Armor cast a sidelong glance at the similarly colored unicorn mare that stepped up beside him. "It sounds like you've been doing your homework, Rarity. Would you mind bringing me up to speed?"

  "Not at all. In the interest of time, though, I'll keep it brief. The sinkstone in question was found to be reacting, as it were, to the magic from another stone, somewhere within the palace."

  "'Another stone?'" Twilight echoed. "No, no, no! How could I have forgotten!?" Forgoing the usual levitation spell, the Element of Magic grabbed the tactical case still attached to her leg and ripped it off, throwing it to the ground.

  Rarity jumped backwards as the combat knife bounced from its sheath and spun along the marble floor. "Gracious, Twilight! What could possibly be the problem?"

  "When I was in captivity, one of the guards that was with me helped me remove my sinkstone... He placed it..." Magic finally upended the case, shaking it wildly. "...in this bag..." Obviously, nothing came from this, all the flares expended earlier. "There's nothing in it... No! I'm so stupid!"

  While Twilight had been fruitlessly searching the empty case, Rarity had been inspecting the discarded blade, her own magic turning it over and over. When the case was finally tossed away in a similar manner, Rarity retreived that too and returned the sharpened steel to its proper home. "Heavens above, Twilight! Calm down! A misplaced sinkstone is hardly the end of the world."

  "It might as well be! Who knows what that sinkstone could be used for!?" Twilight repeatedly, if a little roughly, tapped a hoof against her temples, nervously dancing in place. "Think, think, think!"

  Rarity's own hoof caught Twilight's as it went in to rap upon the lavender mare's skull again. "Twilight, please, calm down. As of right now, we believe this sinkstone is only being used for disguising magic. Besides, magic is like knitting, Twilight; mistakes can be undone. As we speak, Zecora and the princesses are scouring the archives for any spells we can use."

  "About that..." A second interruption produced a second additional face as Headwind joined the company. "The reason I'm here is because Princesses are unavailable at the moment. I'm told they are asleep, as I most likely should be. I trust you can behave yourself, Shining Armor?"

  "Of course, sir."

  The pegasus nodded curtly. "Very good. In that case, Jet Stream, I leave you in charge. Ladies, if you'll excuse me." Just as quickly as he had entered the room, Headwind turned and left.

  "What about that?" Twilight gestured after the absent general. "He just told us that the princesses are asleep! Who's looking for the spell now!?"

  "All right, Twilight, you really need to take it down a notch." Rainbow Dash cut in. "He didn't say anything about Zecora leaving; she must still be looking. Take it easy."

  "Please do, Twilight." Rarity added. "This is not the time for us to lose ourselves."

  The star-marked pony glanced to each of the three ponies before her. Each one had a similar look in their eyes; concern.

  Through some silent consensus, Rarity spoke for the three of them. "Twilight, you're worried, we can understand that. But you would do well to know that we have all been equally as worried about you. I shan't have you recite what you have experienced in the past twenty-four hours, but Celestia knows it certainly wasn't pleasant. We're just concerned, darling; we're all in this together, and we can't do it without you."

  The Element of Magic smiled. Her tone had returned to a much calmer level. "Thanks, Rarity... We are in this as a team. Whatever happens, we'll face it together, right?"

  "Absolutely." Rarity extended a hoof in camaraderie.

  "Believe it, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash added her hoof to the center, atop Rarity's, with Twilight following suit.

  The three mares all glanced toward Shining Armor. "Well?" the lavender unicorn asked?

  "'Well' what?" the stallion replied.

  "Don't give me that. You're in this with us... BBBFF."

  The white stallion shrugged. "Since I don't seem to have a choice, I'm with you, sis'!" One final hoof joined the huddle. "Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Canterlot Guard, at your service!"

  Given all the yelling going on in her room, it was amazing that Fluttershy had been able to sleep through it all. At least until Shining Armor's proud proclamation, that is. She slowly came to, her tired body protesting the disturbance of her slumber. The usual long stretch followed, and she rolled over to see if she could find sleep buried somewhere within the downy blankets.

  The sweet embrace of sleep had long since fled from the mare this day, however. Her eyes flew open and her attention flew out the window. She saw it, but she didn't want to believe it. Bit by bit, that rank, musty smell started filling her nose. She felt the strong heat falling upon her wings. Instinctively, her breathing quickened, with her heartbeat rising to match. She bolted to the wrought-iron window, praying that her eyes were playing tricks on her. "Celestia, no..."

  "Fluttershy...?" Rarity politely ushered Rainbow Dash aside and approached the Element of Kindness, drawing the attention of her peers. "What is it, dear?"

  The pegasus remained silent, her gaze locked on something outside.

  "Fluttershy? What's wrong?" the unicorn repeated.

  Without warning, the pegasus spun around to face the others. She said nothing, but her wide eyes spoke enough. Before any question could be issued, Fluttershy flew from the window and out the door.

  Rainbow Dash jumped from Fluttershy's path, watching as she blew by. "Hold up, 'Shy!" The blue pegasus flared her own wings and took off in pursuit. "Come back!"

  When the gust from Rainbow's take-off subsided, Rarity ganced at Twilight. "Whatever do you suppose is the matter?"

  "I don't know... She must have seen something outside." Twilight wandered over to the window to see for herself.

  "Goodness, Rainbow Dash..." Rarity muttered to herself. "Warn somepony before you do that. It'll take me hours to restyle my mane..."

  "Rarity, let that go for a minute and come here."

  With a sigh of resignation, Rarity ceased fidgeting with her windblown coiffure and joined her friend at the window. "Is that what she saw? That smoke?"

  "I guess so... But I don't see why she-"

  "Twilight. Look, near the base of the smoke."

  "What? It's just a...lot of trees... Oh no..."

-------------------------

  Rainbow Dash pulled a tight turn as she shot out of Fluttershy's room after the panicked pegasus. "Fluttershy! What's gotten under your feathers?"

  The head start that Fluttershy had over her friend let her turn the corner into Applejack's room before she was caught. Throwing subtlety to the wind, the winged pony pounced upon the bed and began bouncing upon it in a filly-like manner. "Applejack! Applejack, wake up! Wake up!"

  It took about three bounces before the apple-bucking cowpony came to. "Who...? Fluttershy? Darlin', what in the name of all things red an' delicious has gotten into you!?"

  "Quickly! The window! Go look out the window!"

  "Ah'd love to, sugarcube... Jus' as soon as ya stop that gol-darned bouncin'!" Applejack protested, against the earthquake plaguing her mattress.

  The pegasus obliged, allowing a rather disgruntled Applejack to retrieve her ejected hat. "Now then, what's all this that's got yer tail in a knot?"

  Fluttershy jumped from the bed, creating a clack! upon the marbled floor. "There's something outside you need to see!"

  Another clack! of hooves on marble brought attention to Rainbow Dash's arrival. "There you are, Fluttershy! What's goin' on with you?" These words bounced uselessly off the yellow pony's back, forcing the Element of Loyalty to approach her at the window. "Hello? Earth to Fluttershy... What's up?"

  Fluttershy had since grown tired of repeating herself, so she instead took the cyan pony's cheeks between her hooves and pointed her gaze out the window.

  Rainbow Dash was used to seeing Ponyville from altitude, and knew exactly where the plume of smoke was coming from. "Uhhh... AJ... You really need to see this..."

  "Lan' sakes, RD..." the farmer pony sighed. "Not you too..." Applejack's tone was flat and uninterested, probably on account of her impromptu wake-up call. When her green eyes were finally drawn out the window, she understood the strange behavior. "No... It can't be... That's Sweet Apple Acres!!"