In an ornate bedroom in Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna spoke to Twilight Sparkle, saying, "Make yourself comfortable now, and We will tell you a tale of the ancient world, not long after Celestia and We moved to Canterlot from the Everfree Forest. It is a tale of a younger and rougher Equestria, long before We succumbed to evil and became Night Mare Moon. But you must promise Us that you will never tell another pony, not even Princess Celestia. Indeed, Celestia least of all."

“Why not, Princess?”

“Because she does not know it, and We would not have her know. When We reach the end of the story you may understand.”

“All right, I promise,” said Twilight, and she got into bed and snuggled under the covers, listening as the princess began her story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It all began (Luna said) as We had finished lowering the Moon in preparation for yielding the sky to Our sister. One of the palace assistants came to Us and said, "Princess, there is a messenger from Saddlebrook who carries an urgent communication."

"Let him enter and report."

A white stallion came in the room gasping for breath. He bore the marks of having galloped a great distance. We called out to the servants, "A drink for the messenger, that he may find his voice!" And turning back to him said, "Now, take your time and tell Us what is so urgent."

Water was brought, and after he had drained it, the messenger spoke. "Your highness, a guard station on the border of Equestria was attacked two days prior. The report was relayed through several of the swiftest ponies at various way stations, but they believe the invading force was making its way toward Saddlebrook.”

We spoke again to the attending servant. “Rouse Our sister, if she is not yet awake, and have her hear this.”

When Celestia had entered and the message was retold, she was ready to fly into action. “I will go at once to repel this!”

“Nay, sister,” We said. “You have not yet raised the sun for today, and there are many duties here in Canterlot that will require your attention. We will go and take charge. Hopefully it is naught but a few brigands, and We shall return forthwith.”

“Very well, Luna. Take care and be safe.”

We received the exact location of the attack from the messenger and flew off into the newly rising sun. When need strikes, We can fly faster and with more endurance than can most of Our subjects. We reached the outpost within half a day.

The border of Equestria in that time lay at a vast untamed wood, not unlike the Everfree Forest of today. Along the edge of the forest several small garrisons had been established to dispel any dangerous creatures that would wander out of the forest. It was to one of these that We traveled. As We landed, We could see the grief and fear on the faces of the eight stallions that met Us at the barracks.

“Who is in command here?” We asked.

One of the stallions stepped forward. “Hail to you, Princess Luna. I am in charge, Guard Captain Summer Storm at your service, your highness.”

“Tell Us what occurred.”

“Ten ponies are stationed at this watch-post regularly, your highness. On each shift, two go to the very edge of the border to keep watch while the remaining eight stay here in the barracks. Two days ago, the pair of watchers on duty saw what appeared to be some of the others emerging from the wood. They were curious as to why others of the troop would enter the woods without them being made aware of it. They hailed the others, but received no response. We have in this guard certain signs and salutes that serve to identify us to each other at need. The two offered some of these signs, but did not receive the proper countersign. At this point they took an aggressive stance. Seeing that their subterfuge was not effective, the enemies formed rank and began hurling weapons. The two guards raised an alarm and the rest of us came galloping to their aid. When we arrived we could see that the enemy comprised nine ponies. What power of illusion they had I do not know, but each of us saw the nine as the other members of the guard, exclusive of himself. We are close friends here and it did us ill to have to attack the faces of our friends. Still, we had the high ground and I believe we could have won the day, but the opposing force was joined by a tenth. None of us got a clear look at him, but I believe he was a great black beast, a bit larger than a pony, and he brought a chill to all hearts. He hurled a spear himself at one of us, and it flew true to its mark, or would have, had another not leaped in front of the first. He took the spear to his heart, and fell.

“The drawn blood seemed to give an unnatural strength and will to the enemy, or perhaps it drained ours. They charged forth and overran us. The black beast moved to the van, too fast for us to get a clear view of him. They marched swiftly on toward Saddlebrook. We raised a large black flag of distress that can be seen from that town, and they sent a small troop to us. I told them what I told you, and they agreed to array the town in defense, and send a message to Canterlot.”

So he concluded his report. We looked upon the ponies, and saw that though their wounds were deep, they wore countenances of hope. We shuddered to think that We were the source of that hope, for We were not quite sure what to do. We spoke again to the captain.

“Ten you say were garrisoned here, and one fell. Yet before Us stand only eight.”

“The other is called Forest Path, your highness. The one who fell was his younger brother. He has refused to leave the body, and I have not seen fit to order him to do so. He has had the watch for two days and has not slept nor eaten.”

“Lead Us to him.”

We had three designs in this request. First, to comfort the soldier whose brother had been slain. Second, to see the site of battle Ourselves, if perhaps it could give Us some clue as to the identity of the assailants. But mostly to buy Us time to think of Our course of action.

As we approached We saw the one called Forest Path, whose green coat had been dyed red with blood. Captain Storm called his name, and he stood to attention.

“Be at ease, soldier,” We said.

He knelt before Us, both out of deference and fatigue. “Your highness,” he said, “forgive me for being absent from my post, but my grief was overwhelming. My brother, you see, took a deathblow meant for me. It is not for the elder brother to bury the younger.” Tears welled in his eyes.

“What was his name, soldier?”

“River, your highness.”

We looked at the body. The dark blue coat bore a terrible wound in its side. We did not wish to look upon such things, but We could not show cowardice by turning Our head.

We stepped back from the others and bent Our head to the ground. With Our horn We caused a mass of earth to rise out of the ground and set itself down next to the hole.

“Forest Path, if you will carry your brother to this resting place, We shall lay such spells upon him as to preserve the body for many years.” He acceded to this, as the other members of his troop bowed their heads.

When the body was lowered We performed the rites We had mentioned, then spoke:

“Farewell, River Path, faithful Equestrian, faithful soldier, faithful brother! To the skies above we commend his soul, to be watched over by Us in the night, by Our sister in the day. From now till the end of time, he shall never be alone, and shall be a beacon for his companions.”

And We moved the displaced earth back into the grave, and shed a tear over the mound to hallow it.

Then We addressed the troop again. “Now We must ask you to put aside your grief. We march at once to Saddlebrook to meet the force again in battle. But some must remain. The march carries a great risk of death, the maintenance relative safety. Who would come with Us?”

All nine of the troop stood to attention and raised a hoof.

“So be it. Captain Storm, have these stallions draw lots for assignments. The two short straws will remain here. But add only six long straws. Forest Path, you are exempt from the draw, and will march at Our side.” He bowed his head in thanks.

When this was done, We faced the two who would stay. “You now hold this station not in defense, but as scouts. If any other invader crosses the border, flee at once to Saddlebrook and find Us, or whoever is in charge. One message has changed the outcome of battles more often than two spears.”

“For you others, gallop with Us now, gallop to Saddlebrook!