A Soldier in Silver Chapter 6

 Some disclaimers:
Tangmare Air Station and "Fetlocks and Fillies" Pub are both owned by Tempestwulf: Used with permission.
Lanceor and Swordred Shieldon are © :GeneralDurandal: Used with permission.
Destrier, Eaglewing, Wildflower and Charger are © littlebittysami. Who is also me, Honeycrisp.

All MLP Settings ™ Hasbro.

“Here” was a pub just outside the station known as “Fetlocks and Fillies.” If a pony was in the Royal Guard of Equestria at any point in their career, you had visited the pub at least once. Only new trainees were unaware of it, as were both Charger and Eaglewing.

Destrier used his magic to open the door and motioned for the colts to take a seat at one of the tables. He then went to the bar and to order drinks for himself and his companions. They would be here today. He was supposed to meet them here after his meeting with Princess Celestia. He wondered if they had any idea what had happened.

Destrier nodded to the bar mare Barley Hops, catching her eye as he waited his turn. It was the way one did these things. One never waved money around or yelled at the barkeep for attention because that was considered vulgar and would most likely get you ignored.  Then your fellow guards would throw you out on your bum for reflecting poorly on them, especially since the proprietor’s son was a member of the Guard.

Destrier knew better, he’d been here when his father was still alive and Courser had taught his son properly.

After getting the drinks for his charges and offering to buy a drink for Barley Hops as well, Destrier went over to the last table nearest to the fire, where his mentor and his son sat.

Lanceor and Swordread Shieldon were the best friends he had in the Guard. The dark red unicorn strode over to the younger, roughly butting shoulders with the stallion that had trained him in combat. It was a ritual greeting for both stallions, a test of strength. But it wasn’t something that they took too seriously. If you were caught by surprise and stumbled, it was something for the other to laugh about at least until the next time.

“I was wondering if you had gotten lost, Knightsbridge.” Swordread laughed, “Late as always.”

The white unicorn was still in his armor, though he had removed his helm. His brown mane was tied up in a top knot. This was just one of the things that made him stand out amongst the guards. Like his friend and his father he bore facial scars, though his was behind his eye, not through it.

“I had some detours along the way.” Destrier answered, wondering if the news had gotten to his friends. Looking at Lanceor, Destrier figured it had. The heavily scarred older unicorn was frowning. To most outsiders this was how the unicorn always looked, but Destrier knew better.  This wasn’t the usual look for the white unicorn with the broken horn and half an ear. It was more…disappointment than out right fury.

“You have left the Guard,” the older unicorn said, pretty much dispensing with the pleasantries. He wasn’t happy about this development at all and it showed.

“I am retired, my master," Destrier said keeping his eye on his commander's face and standing straight and tall. There was no slouching around a pony that was considered by most that knew him as the Supreme Commander of the Royal Guard, even though he hadn't gotten that title. He was Head Captain of Princess Celestia's Personal Guard. "I think it is about time that I did."

“Over a fire with no casualties, Guard or civilian?” growled the white unicorn incredulously. “That certainly doesn’t merit us losing a healer of your caliber, Knightsbridge.”

“I had to leave. They appointed me as liaison between the merchants and the Guard. The merchants were represented by Greenbacks. You know what Greenbacks did. You know how I think of him. Left to my own devices, I would have killed him. I will not dishonor the Royal Guard, the Princesses or you with such a thing. Retiree sounds better than a wanted murderer. ”

Lanceor’s expression became even grimmer, and Swordread swore out loud; he had a very colorful vocabulary. Destrier remembered that at the hospital after the events at the circus, Greenbacks blamed the Royal Guard for the chimera’s attack. As badly injured as he was, Destrier charged him and had to be subdued by Swordread. Lanceor had led the fat little pony away from the ward, and there was a discussion.  Destrier figured there was very little talk involved.

“You have always had Courser’s sense of honor.” Lanceor said, “You do both the Guard and his memory proud. I hate to lose you, but now I understand why you made your choice.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“So where are you going, Red?” asked Swordred, “I know you aren’t staying here.”

“Ponyville, one of my traveling companions is from there.”

“Good. The six chosen by the Elements of Harmony reside there. Having a former member of the Guard watching over them is ideal.”

PART 8

All of the Royal Guard was well aware of Elements of Harmony and the six chosen ponies that could wield their power. Most knew that the chosen six lived in Ponyville. Only a few knew exactly which of the mares in that village the chosen ones were. Of course the Shieldons knew. The Captain of Princess Celestia’s personal guard would know much more that the average guard pony would not. Destrier was only in the know because he was a personal friend of the Shieldons.

“If that is a covert mission you are asking me to take on, I think I should remind you that I am retired,” Destrier said with amusement.

“Mission? Who said anything about a mission?” Lanceor said, and Destrier knew that it was exactly that. “I am just saying that having a retired guard pony there that I can trust would be an ideal situation. The chosen ones need not know that you are watching over them at all.”

“I should get going then. Would you like me send a monthly report then, sir?”

“Perhaps. Maybe send a report every six weeks or so. You should be adjusted to living in Ponyville then. I do expect you to return to Canterlot for Hearths Warming here in the pub.”

As his father and Destrier spoke about the chosen ones, Swordread had made his way over to where Charger and Eaglewing sat. He spoke to them for a short while and returned with a strange expression on his face just as his father mentioned Hearths Warming.

“We will be expecting you for Hearths Warming. It’s tradition after all.” he said, and then he shook his head and spoke with a more serious expression on his face. “Whatever you are planning to do, make sure you take the balloon to Ponyville. Don’t march them to tire the Pegasus out. I don’t think that Eaglewing shuts up; I bet he talks in his sleep. I spoke to him for what - five minutes, and I barely got a word in. I was tempted to hit him with a silencing spell, but I think that he’d try to gesture a conversation with his hooves and mouth words even if he couldn't talk.  He’ll drive you to madness if you choose to hike down the mountain. Spend the bits on yourself and Charger for the balloon. He can fly alongside.”

Swordread knew him too well, for Destrier had been thinking of doing just that. His assessment of Eaglewing was spot on, but then the white unicorn knew what to look for in trainees and could easily spot signs of trouble. He also knew that Destrier was not the most patient of ponies and Eaglewing’s constant droning on and on would wear upon his nerves.

“I think you’re right, as usual.”

“Of course I am. You forget that too often for your own good.”

Destrier chuckled and shook his head. “I will report as frequently as possible once I get settled in Ponyville, sir, and I will be back for Hearths Warming, I wouldn’t miss it. Until that time comes, farewell to you, my friends and brothers.”

With that, Destrier returned to his companions and then shepherded both Charger and Eaglewing out of the pub, nodding to the Shieldons one last time before exiting himself.

Story post: A Soldier In Silver Chapter 5

Disclaimer: Tangmare Air Station is the creation of Tempestwolf.

 I own only the three ponies in this story nothing more. Oh and Buzzcut. I own him, too.  

 

Buzzcut served as resident barber to the Royal Guard ponies ever since Destrier could remember. The gruff midnight blue unicorn spoke very little, but seemed to understand what his customers wanted and finished his cutting and styling quickly. Perhaps that was his gift. Whatever it was, both Destrier and Charger were soon sporting new mane styles that suited both unicorns well.

They paid the customary ten bits each and had just left the shop when they heard the sound of wings and were greeted by the spectacle of Eaglewing hanging upside down in midair. His wings beat rapidly, not unlike a hummingbird. That he had learned that technique in the Academy was certain. 

“Hi there, teach. Whatcha doing?” asked the white Pegasus with a broad smile on his face.

“Leaving town after one more stop,” growled Destrier, who was one that didn’t like to be snuck up upon, especially on his blindside. “This is what I’d suggest you do as well, fire fanner.”

“I would do that, sir but…”

Destrier groaned. He had a very bad feeling about this, and his feelings were usually right on the money. Eaglewing righted himself and landed in front of the commander, his expression now very sober. 

“I’ve no place to go.”

His feeling correct, Destrier cut a glance at Charger, wondering if the colt had the ability to project his thoughts and speak mind to mind with those he had close bonds of friendship with. Such a talent was rare but not completely unheard of.

“You father was just here wasn’t he? Surely you could go home…”

“Dad’s a newlywed, sir. He was just married to a mare that I grew up with in Cloudsdale three days ago. We played together as foals. It’s very awkward, to say the least, sir.”

“I’ll bet.” The scarlet unicorn said dryly. “Are you asking permission to join Charger and myself on our journey?”

“Yes sir!” Eaglewing barked, saluting as he had been trained.  Charger was giving his commander a pleading look, asking to have his friend along.

“All right…”

He was so going to regret this. Destrier walked on ahead, his new charges following behind. He could feel the headache starting already.

“Where are we going?” Eaglewing asked in a stage whisper to Charger.

“To Ponyville, after the commander conducts the rest of his business here in the city.”

“Great! I heard there are lots of cute mares there.”

“My business isn’t here in the city,” Destrier put in. “I never said it was. I need to see some friends but not here, they are at the station.”

The station was better known as Tangmare Air Station. It was on the other side of the mountain from Canterlot, yet not too far away from the city. Several of the pegasi guard pony squadrons were based out of there. Not all, but several. Maneuvers were often held there for new trainees, given the location of the base.

The journey to the station was relatively uneventful, unless one counted the near relentless chatter from Eaglewing. The colt liked to talk and didn’t seem to want to quit. Charger was an interested ear and responded to his friend’s conversation with much enthusiasm. This was not the case with the younger unicorn’s former commanding officer. Try as he might, Eaglewing couldn’t get Destrier to respond to his queries with anything more than a “yes”, “no” or a “maybe”.   It frustrated the flier to no end. But then, Eaglewing talked so randomly and so often that one never knew where exactly to start.

When they arrived at Tangmare, Eaglewing let out a wistful sigh as he watched a group of his fellow pegasi going through their aerial exercises high above. “My squadron is supposed to be practicing battle maneuvers today. I would be up there with them having fun if it wasn’t for last night. What were you planning for the 145^th battalion today, sir?”

“Fire Prevention,” the large stallion answered dryly.

Charger paled a little, and Destrier gave him a sympathetic look; he wasn’t completely heartless.

 “You just need to learn how to control your magic better, colt. Fire generation is an extremely powerful elemental magic and can be both a useful tool and a destructive weapon for its wielder once control is learned.”

“Not much good that’s going to do me now that I’m discharged,” Charger said sounding discouraged. “Not even my dad will teach me anything anymore.”

“You aren’t traveling with a Royal Guard Academy magic instructor or anything like that.”

“You can teach me, sir?”

“What have I been trying to do in the last year, colt? Of course I can teach you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t thank me yet, foal. I may be a difficult task master now that I am teaching you one on one instead of in a classroom with 19 other guard trainees.” He stopped and looked up, a smile appearing on his scarred face. “We’re here.”

Story Post: "A Soldier in Silver" Chapter 3

“No.” the Princess of all of Equestria said firmly. “You will not resign, Destrier. I won’t accept it.”

Destrier’s jaw dropped and he stared at the princess, looking like a landed fish. 

“Permission to speak freely, your Highness?” he said after several moments of awkward silence.

“Permission granted, Commander.”

“I will kill him. I promise you that. If I stay on here as a member of the Guard, I will be tempted to end his life,” Destrier began. “I can’t forgive him or forget what that filthy loathsome little son of a mule did six years ago. I can’t bear the idea of giving him anything, much less having to stand there silently and allow Greenbacks to take from the fund for the families that the Guard set up for those that died in service to Equestria.” 

He paused for a breath, noting that it now was the princess that looked surprised by his words.

“I would sully the very name of the Guard and what little honor I have left, and tear his wretched hide to pieces, as the 'tame' chimera he brought to Canterlot Square did my brothers in arms. I must insist upon you accepting my resignation, your Highness. It may be the only way to prevent me from attacking and killing Greenbacks.”

“Resignations in this matter are undignified,” Celestia said, watching the emotions play across the scarlet unicorn's face. “Retirement would be a better choice. I will allow you to retire from the Royal Guard, Commander.”

Destrier breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Princess.”

“Where are you going to go?” she asked, concerned for her friend. “I can see that Canterlot is out of the question.”

“I don’t know.” Destrier shrugged, “Perhaps to Manehattan, though I am not sure…”

The discussion of where he should go went on for a little while; Destrier had no idea how long he and the Princess talked; all he knew was that this was quite possibly the longest conversation he had ever had with her. 

There was a knock upon the door, and then without waiting to be asked to be admitted, Charger entered the commander’s quarters. The colt looked completely lost and exposed without his armor. Destrier turned to the Princess and noticed that she had stepped out onto the Balcony overlooking the city. He and Charger were effectively alone.

“What is it, colt?” Destrier asked, more than slightly annoyed that Charger had entered his quarters without permission.

“I was wondering, sir….” Charger said, not meeting Destrier’s eye. “I was wondering if you would keep me on here as your valet or something.”

“Go home, son,” The older stallion said, not bothering to hide his irritation. “Go home with your folks.”

“That’s impossible, sir. My father…my father won’t allow me to return home. He says I disgraced the family name with my discharge from the Guard.”

Story: "A Soldier in Silver" Chapter 2

For a moment, Destrier contemplated strangling the Pegasus with one of the curtain pull cords. How he hated hearing that. “Stop Right There, Criminal Scum!” was the new catchphrase amongst the Royal Guards of all of Equestria’s races.  Students used it all the time, bellowing it to one another during training drills until Destrier had enough of it. 

“A fire spell’s a little drastic for catching a simple shoplifter, criminal scum or not, don’t you think?” growled the silver clad officer, striding over to the Pegasus and staring down at him. “Fanning the flames with your wings in order to flush him out is a bit of overcompensation, wouldn’t you say? You both are lucky no one DIED in tonight’s debacle.”

“I agree, Commander,” said Princess Celestia as she entered the room, flanked by General Fireflight, Eaglewing’s commander and another pony that Destrier hadn’t recognized. Others followed, but he wasn’t sure he recognized them either. They were out of Destrier’s limited field of vision. The three in the room bowed as was custom for the Guards when the Princess was present. It was obvious she was very angry.  “Loss of life would have made tonight’s unpleasant spectacle into a disaster of horrific proportions. It’s bad enough that several ponies have lost their livelihoods because of the foolishness these ones caused.”

Destrier stepped away from Eaglewing, now getting a better look at the newcomers. He recognized Charger’s parents; the older grey unicorn’s expression was cold while the colt’s mother looked teary eyed. The Pegasus that had to be Eaglewing’s sire looked frustrated and disappointed. He didn’t look very surprised though. Then his gaze shifted to the plump little unicorn that had entered with Celestia.

It was Greenbacks.

Destrier heard a familiar buzzing in his ears, feeling the first stirrings of rage at the sight of the little fat unicorn even as the Princess started speaking again. Charger and Eaglewing were being drummed out of the Corps. The Equestrian Royal Guards would compensate the shopkeepers, who were being represented by the majority owner-the smug little swaybacked son of a mule himself.

This was the pony that brought that rag tag circus to Canterlot, the one that convinced the skeptical Guards that the Chimera was as docile as a house cat under control of his flea-bitten trainer.

At first everything seemed fine. The circus played for three days without incident.

Then something happened, the spells used to subdue the chimera failed, right in the middle of the afternoon show. The careless trainer was horrifically slaughtered in front of the audience by the beast, the very first to die. It then attacked and maimed or outright killed several foals and their unsuspecting parents, members of a school field trip that had come to see the circus.

The Corps were sent in to control the rampaging animal, to no avail.  It decimated the 145^th. The 72^nd pegasi wing joined in the fight and the creature tore through them like so much paper.  Destrier had been young and filled with stupid bravado, he had charged the brute. It took him down too easily and tore out his left eye.  If it hadn’t been for the timely arrival of Princess Celestia, Destrier might have been killed as well. Only she could control the monster until they could euthanize it, for the chimera was too far gone to rehabilitate. In all thirty died. Fourteen of those killed by the beast were members of both the 145^th Ground Brigade and the 72^nd Air Wing.

All of it had been Greenbacks’ fault.   

Hadn’t Greenbacks pledged to compensate the families of the ponies that had been killed?  Hadn’t he pledged to have a statute made, commemorating the valiant Guard ponies that gave their lives in order to protect the citizens of Canterlot? He did. The nag reneged on each and every promise. And yet here he was, greedily awaiting compensation from the very Guards that he had been directly responsible for murdering fourteen Corps members of only five years prior. Gleefully watching as the Military careers of two promising colts was abruptly ended. Both would have dishonorable discharges on their records.

“Destrier?” Princess Celestia cut into his thoughts, her voice soothing the rage in him that was so very close to the surface. “As Charger’s commanding officer, do you agree to the terms of the settlement with the property owners in Canterlot?”

He nodded, not daring to speak while the shopkeeper remained in the room, knowing that it would be impossible to argue against the settlement, no matter how much he hated Greenbacks.

The group was then escorted from the room by General Fireflight to sign the necessary paperwork; with the exception of Princess Celestia. Destrier regarded her silently for a moment and then spoke.

 “As Charger’s commanding officer I am directly responsible for his actions this night.” He said, his voice quiet and controlled, “As such I am as much to blame as he is, therefore I will be resigning both my position as Commanding Officer of the 145th and as instructor at the Equestrian Royal Guard Academy, effective immediately.”