The King's War Ch1

 A Message From the King

                 Princess Celestia Stood next to Princess Luna as she looked over the conference room, “I’ve gathered you here for this emergency meeting for one reason, as you know tension in the griffon kingdom between the king and his subjects is getting worse. Well I just received a message this morning stating that it just broke out into a civil war.”
As soon as princess Celestia said that, the ponies in the room started talking about their next actions.
Captain Fleurir spoke first, “We need to increase security on the border between Equestria and the Griffon kingdoms, otherwise they will use Equestria as a bridge to get past defensive positions.”
Major Dust spoke next, “No what we need to do right now is establish a neutral stance with both nations. that way we won’t be dragged into this conflict.”

                  Star Bolt stood up, “Why should we do anything at all?”
When that was said the room went silent as Commander Mist leaned toward Star Bolt and whispered, “This is not the time, nor the place for this Captain.”
Princess Luna added, “Actually, I agree with Captain Bolt. For what reason should we treat this action any different than how we’ve been treating it while the controversy was rising.”
Princess Celestia held up the message and replied, “Because of this, it reads:”
 
Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria

                It has been brought to my attention that a civil war has broken out between my royal forces and the vile rebels who have sworn to take my crown for themselves. In light of this act of war, I ask that you as a neighboring nation, who usually stays neutral in this situation, will provide support in this desperate time of need. My subjects and my kingdom are at risk, and I see it invaluable that you stand aside and watch as they start to suffer and or fall to the rebel invasion. If you will not comply with our plea for military support, then we will consider you hostile and take action against you as we would an invading nation. though we would hate to break the treaty binding us to international peace, we will do so for the safety of my kingdom and its subjects. We pray you will do what’s right, for the safety of both our subjects.

Sincerely
King Arathan Harpy IV (The Fourth)
High Ruler/King of the Griffon Kingdoms
 
                 When Princess Celestia finished the message, Captain Bolt Yelled, “THAT LITTLE… CUB, IS THREATENING US!!!”
Commander Mist spoke next, “Calm down Sparky, there is no reason to let it get to you. Your majesty have you and Princess Luna come to a decision on what we should do next?”
Princess Celestia sighed, “Well, it might be best to comply with his request and s…”
“ARE YOU CRAZY, YOUR MAJESTY!”
Commander Mist quickly replied to Captain Bolt’s outburst, “CAPTAIN! Remember who you’re speaking to! The princess has made her decision, as royal guards we must follow her orders.”

                  Captain Fleurir commented, “I kinda agree with Captain Bolt, the griffon king is trying to threaten Equestria as if we were weak… I think we should just let them fall to the rebel factions. Surely they have reason for revolting against their king anyway, right?”
Major Dust replied, “Captain Colt is too naive to know what’s best for Equestria, he needs to understand that some fights must be fought, even if it’s avoidable.”
Captain Bolt stood up from his chair, “You got something to say to me Dusty? Just because you’re a mare doesn’t mean I'm not willing to take yo…”
“ENOUGH! First of all, we are not going to start a brawl in this conference room. And second, You will respect your superior officers Bolt!”

                 Feeling agitated from Commander Mist’s outburst; Captain Bolt sat back down and kept quiet. Major Dust went back to her previous subject, “Commander, what do you think should be done about this?”
Commander Mist started to think to himself, “The griffon kingdom is a war mongering nation who favor their military strength over all else. If we refuse to help, then they will waste no time in occupying our bordering cities like Stalliongrad and Trottingham. To make matters worse, they won’t show mercy to the residence, all ponies will be at risk. I wouldn’t even rule out that they will gather and imprison their own citizens who are, know, or even speak with ponies.”

                 Princess Celestia spoke, “Whatever happens I want to keep my subjects as far away from this mess as possible. If anything King Harpy will carry out his words and name us as enemies to the griffon kingdoms so we need to decide now what must be done. Does anypony have any ideas?”
all the officers in the room started thinking to themselves while Captain Bolt was the only one to raise his hoof. As soon as he saw it, Commander Mist reached up and pulled Captain Bolts hoof down, “you better not do anymore to embarrass yourself Sparky… you’re on thin ice as is.”
Princess Celestia saw Commander Mist and Captain Bolt’s actions, but she chose to ignore it and continue waiting for another pony to say something. Princess Luna however chose to acknowledge him, “Sister, I believe Captain Bolt has an idea. Go ahead captain.”

                 Commander Mist felt nervous as Captain Bolt stood up and spoke, “Your majesty I think we should just ignore the king’s request, or… threat as I would call it… and then increase security on the borders. This will show that we…”
“Are ready to go to war? Taking this action will not only make it look like we want to fight, but it will give Equestria a bad name.”
Captain Bolt looked at Major Dust and replied, “Well then what do you suggest we do Major Dusty? Just sit here and let them treat us like a doormat? I don’t know about you, but as Captain of the Royal Guards I won’t allow Canterlot to fall.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “Sparky… you’re Captain of the Royal Guard… meaning you’re in command of Canterlot’s Royal Force. We are talking about all of Equestria, there is a lot more at stake here.”

                 Princess Celestia spoke next, “Commander, what would you say if I were to send you to the griffon kingdom along with a hoof full of soldiers?”
Commander Mist smiled as he replied, “I would say that I have the perfect soldiers for the job.”
Captain Bolt sighed in disappointment at the princess’s decision. Then Princess Celestia continued, “Then get those soldiers ready…. You will be leaving for the griffon kingdom in the morning.”
Major Dust spoke next, “What sort of things should we bring your majesty?”
“We?”
“Yes, if Commander Mist goes to the griffon kingdom then I'll go with him as second in command. As always I stick by his side.”

                 Princess Celestia smiled as she shook her head, “Actually, I'm going to send Captain Bolt on your place.”
Everypony in the room to include Princess Luna spoke at the exact same time, “WHAT!?!”
Princess Celestia explained, “Captain Bolt, you have proven yourself to be strong, loyal, dependable, and brave through your time in the royal guard… however you have also proven yourself to be disrespectful, overbearing, overconfident and above all, Undisciplined. But I think that is partially our fault. While Commander Mist and Major Dust have gained their experience through missions and actions that are far beyond your place of duty, you have been staying in the castle seeing to minor and possibly unnecessary tasks around the city. I think that this mission will not only teach you discipline… but it will also give you a chance to get away from Canterlot. Of course we will be promoting you to Major so that you will no longer be Captain of the Royal Guard.”

                Major Dust asked, “If that’s your decision your majesty… but what will I do during all this?”
Princess Celestia replied, “Major, you will take place as the temporary Commander until Commander Mist and his forces return from this mission. I would also like you Captain Fleurir to take the position as captain of the royal guard.”
Captain Fleurir Replied, “Thank you your majesty… I'll do my best.”
Princess Celestia continued, “Well Major do you have anything to add?”
Major Bolt replied, “So let me get this straight… you want to promote me so you can send me to the griffon kingdom right?”

              Princess Celestia replied, “Yes, I think it will further assist you in controlling the Lightning Orb too. do you accept?”
Captain Bolt sighted, “Well I don’t… but far be it for me to refuse to follow orders from my princess, so I'll do it.”
Princess Celestia didn’t like the tone that he answered in, but she hid her concerns and smiled, “Very good. Commander give me a list of the soldiers you wish to send by this evening and tell them to pack their formal uniform.”
Commander Mist was confused, “Formal? Why?”
“It’s costmary for the king to throw a social gathering every time the Griffon Kingdom declares war… even if it’s on their own citizens. During this ball, you will be representing Equestria so I would like you to be on your best behavior. And any order the Griffon King give will be followed. Is that understood?”

                Commander Mist nodded his head, “Of course your majesty. I won’t let you down.”
Princess Celestia smiled and replied, “I though you would learn by now commander… I never expect you to let me down, that’s why I trust you and your soldiers will complete this mission without a problem. This meeting is adjourned, Captain Fleurir, Commander Dust… Please see to your new duties and be ready to take them over tomorrow morning. Major Bolt, Commander Mist. Get the names of the soldiers you’re going to take with you and have the list for me by the evening.”

                 As everypony in the room stood up, Princess Luna spoke, “Star? Can you stay for a few minutes… I want to speak with you.”
When the rest of the ponies left the room and the door closed behind them leaving Luna and Major Bolt alone, she spoke, “I could tell that there was something on your mind when sister told you about your new mission… do you want to talk about it?”
Major Bolt sighed, “Your maje…”
“Luna…”
“Oh… right… Luna… I really don’t think I'm the pony for this position, why not send Major Dust? She has been Commander Mist’s right hoof for years now. In fact I'm surprised they aren’t married though I still think there is something going on between them two.”

               Princess Luna trotted over to Major Bolt and sat in the chair next to him, “You know, I completely agree with her decision. Let’s face it, you’re a strong stallion and a good soldier… but you tend to talk when you shouldn’t and you also carry on your actions despite what your superior officers say. Though you have never questioned or disobeyed an order that I or sister have given you. never the less, I think this mission will be good for you… but… please be careful. This is the first time you will actually be fighting in a war, and I don’t want you to get yourself seriously hurt. Not to mention, you will be following King Harpy’s orders. If you say or do something that disrespects them then you could end up executed. So please Star Bolt, don’t do anything that could get you in trouble, promise me?”
Major Bolt felt a little offended but out of the two sisters, he wanted nothing more than to make Luna happy so he replied, “I promise Luna, I won’t do anything to threaten my or anypony else’s life. You have my word.”
Princess Luna smiled “Thank you Star Bolt, that makes me feel better.”

                Outside the conference room, all the other Officers were leaning against the door trying to hear what was being said inside, Commander Mist whispered to the others, “I didn’t catch the end of that last sentence, did anypony else?”
Captain Fleurir replied, “I think she said she trusts him.”
Major dust added, “She said she trusts his word… do you think he will tell her how he feels?”
Commander Bolt Replied, “Come on Sparky, quit dallying and just tell her already.”
“Did she tell him yet?”

                All three Officers jumped away from the door as if they were caught stealing, then they realized the voice that asked the question was Princess Celestia who was listening through the door above their heads. Commander Mist spoke, “Uh… your majesty?”
Princess Celestia replied, “What?... She’s my sister.”
Then the door opened with all four ponies standing suspiciously in the doorway. Princess Luna asked, “Um… Tia? What are you four doing?”
Thinking fast Princess Celestia replied, “Shame on you three… trying to listen in on Luna and Major Bolt’s conversation… I’d expect better from officers of my Royal Guard.”

                Both Princess Luna and Major Bolt blushed as the three officers sighed in disbelief of Princess Celestia's betrayal. Then Commander Mist spoke, “Well if you will excuse us, Major Bolt and I have work to do. shall we?”
Major Bolt hesitated about the situation before he started following commander Mist. While they were on the walkway between the Royal Castle and the Soldiers barracks, Commander Mist asked, “So… Sparky… did you tell her?”
Major Bolt replied, “Tell who what exactly?”
Mist smiled, “You know who… Princess Luna. did you tell her how you feel yet?”

                Major Bolt sighed, “I don’t know why you always seem to think there is something between Princess Luna and me… we are just good friends, that’s it.”
Mist shook his head, “She’s a fine mare who seems to feel the same way you do… you should tell her your feelings before it’s too late.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “There is nothing between the two of us. Besides, you need to start thinking about yourself. Exactly how old are you? and you’ve yet to find a wife? I figured by now you would at least be dating Dusty or something.”

                Commander Mist couldn’t help but laugh at the comment, “Nice try… Major Dust and I have a history but it’s simply that of a teacher and student. Trust me she may joke around all the time about it, but there is no attraction between the two of us.”
“Really? How about Captain Fleurir? She may be a little young for you but she seems to be your type.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “no she is too young, not to mention she seems like a good soldier and all but she isn’t my type.”
Major Bolt laughed, “Well it’s not like you would attempt to get with princess Celestia or something like that.”

                Commander Mist didn’t react with the comment at all, in fact he continued trotting without paying attention to the matter, so Major Bolt continued, “Wait a second… you mean, there is something between you two?”
“Was.”
Commander Mist had Major Bolt’s full attention now. “Alright start talking, Exactly what went between you two?”
Commander Mist started to blush as he answered, well about fifteen years ago when I was a lieutenant, I asked her to The Grand Galloping Gala.”
“And?…”
“… She turned me down…”
“… Wait… what?... That’s it!”

                Commander Mist sighed as he replied, “I felt devastated, and here I thought I would get the chance to tell her how I felt, but I was wrong. Anyway, when the night of the gala arrived I did what I could to try to avoid her but as a royal guard I still had to guard her. Well that night the Prime Minister of the Prance decided to come to Equestria for the gala, but he was bothering her. You know, continuously asking her to dance, trying to hang around her when she had continuously asked him to leave her alone. But then she made up some story and told him that I was her date. Well naturally as drunk as he was he challenged me to a duel for her honor… well I don’t want to say he was weak… but the duel was over before I began.”

                Major Bolt was amazed, “You beat up a foreign diplomat?”
Mist replied, "Actually, as I was leading him outside to begin the duel, he tried to attack me from behind and fell down the stairs. When he woke up, he had no memory of the event. But since then, every time a diplomat is a guest at the gala, she has me pose as her date to prevent any further incidents. And to keep her appearance up. later we talked and I discovered that the feeling I had was only temporary. You know… puppy love, I don’t know if she ever had feelings for me but I do know that she turned me down that time just to show me that it was only a crush.”
“So that’s it… you were done with Mares for good after that?”
Commander Mist replied, “I haven’t had time for mares.”

                Major Bolt shook his head, “We have got to find you a mare… unless you’re… you know… that way… then… a stallion?”
Commander Mist shook his head, “First off, NO! I'm not that way… and second I think you need to deal with your own love problems first… I mean have you even though about asking Princess Luna to the Gala?”
Star Bolt opened the large double doors leading into the barracks as he replied, “Once again, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
As soon as the doors were opened, the Sergeant Major called to the soldiers, “ATTENTION! COMMANDER ON THE FLOOR!”

                Almost immediately all the soldiers rushed and made a formation in front of Commander Mist, then The Sergeant Major looked down each row of soldiers before trotting up to commander Mist and speaking, “Commander, all soldiers are accounted for and present Sir!”
Commander Mist replied, “Thank you Storm… I'll take it from here. Soldiers! I came with some rather troubling news! The Griffon Kingdom has erupted in a Civil War. Princess Celestia though it would be best to support our neighbors in this time of need. I will need Fifty Soldiers Total. That will include Sergeant Major Storm, Myself and the Recently Promoted Major Bolt who will be second in command.”

                A quiet comment was heard somewhere in the middle of the formation, “Second in command?… so if Mist dies then we die too.”
Though it was, quietly spoken Major Bolt heard it clearly and stepped forward, “WHO SAID THAT! STEP OUT IMMEDIATELY!”
Of all the soldiers one particular soldier looked nervous so Major Bolt called him out, “YOU!! WHAT’S YOUR NAME!!!”
The soldier nervously replied, “S-Snow Sir! Sergeant Frances Snow!... SIR!”

                Captain Bolt spoke, “I’m sorry… do you have a problem with me? is there some reason you doubt my abilities as a leader? Or do you think you have the skills to beat me one on one?... ANSWER ME THAT!?!”
Snow nervously tried to answer, “No, sir I uh… I just…”
“YOU JUST WHAT?”
“N-nothing sir! I shouldn’t have said that, my apologies sir! I'm sorry.”
Major Bolt replied, “Well I'm not. Pack your bags Sergeant. You’re the first to go. What’s the count now Commander? forty nine to include us?”
Commander Mist sighed, “Yep, Storm gather the names and have them prepare to move out by morning.”
Sergeant Major Storm nodded his head, “Yes commander.”

                Major Bolt looked Sergeant Snow in the eye and smiled, “Have a nice sleep… Sergeant. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.”
Star Bolt turned around and left the barracks without saying anything else. After he was gone, Storm spoke, “Well… that was interesting. Will he be like this the whole trip?”
Commander Mist sighed, “If it makes you feel any better I was against him going with us.”
“You might want to watch him commander, his attitude is dangerous. It’s likely to get him killed out there.”
Commander Mist replied, “If they don’t kill him with that attitude then I will. But something seems… off.”
Storm asked, “What do you mean by… Off?”
Commander Mist replied, “I don’t know… call it a hunch… but I think this war isn’t going to be as simple as just exterminating a few unruly rebels.”

                Sergeant Major Storm replied, “Well if anything I'll be here to help all I can. I did some alterations to your spear; I balanced out the weight in both the blade and shaft so it should be easier to control now. And as for the Major,… he still needs to choose a weapon. his sword fighting is mediocre at best and his archery is terrible. Then don’t get me started on how he handles a chain mace. I'm still trying to get his blood stains out of the wood grip.”
Commander Mist chuckled a little, “Well he puts too much trust in his lightning orb… but he barely has control over it so, I don’t think it will help him much.”
“Luna knows him better than anypony, did she suggest something?”

                Commander Mist shook his head as he smiled, “As a matter of fact she did, she wants him to carry a shield… to keep him safe.”
“A shield?”
“A shield.”
Storm smiled, “She always puts others before herself… We better keep him safe out there, I couldn’t bear to see her face if something were to happen to him.”
Commander Mist nodded, “Maybe this will change him. he is like a son to me so I really hope he will get his head on straight after this. Get me those names, and have them ready in the morning, also tell them to pack something formal too. When we arrive we will be going to a ball.”