After weeks of planning and preparation, Hearth's Warming Eve had arrived. Canterlot was decorated from top to bottom in the usual holiday regalia, with streamers of red, green and gold lining the streets and symbols of good fortune adorning store fronts and homes alike. A thick layer of snow had fallen overnight and given the city a glittering blanket of soft powder, and its citizens greeted each other warmly and exchanged gifts. Later, they would share meals and tall tales, laughing and drinking into the late hours of Equestria's most celebrated day.

For many of them it would be a bittersweet event, a reminder of the loved ones away at war, and on seemingly every street corner vendors sold trinkets and prayer idols for numerous faiths. Far overhead, silhouetted against an occluded sun, pegasus couriers darted by with saddlebags loaded with well-wishes from distant relatives, some of them flying fast enough to leave colored trails behind. At no other time did Equestria feel quite so alive as it did on Hearth's Warming Eve.

For Tercio, it hardly felt like much of a celebration at all. A mere two days after having the truth of his existence revealed to him by Celestia, he was expected to smile and warmly greet everyone who trotted by as he stood at his post outside of the palace's front entrance. He shivered with every gust of wind, the cold burrowing into his skin and causing his still-healing scars to ache and throb, made worse by the lethargy that had overtaken him since learning of his origins. Wishing for nothing more than a full day's rest, he stood as straight and tall as his spear with his shield placed before him to protect him, at least partially, from the stinging, blowing snow.

"Happy Hearth's Warming," he said as politely as he could manage, nodding to a mare wrapped in winter clothes as she approached the open doors of the grand entrance hall. The middle-aged pegasus smiled back and disappeared around the corner, another pony who had likely heard the same greeting half a dozen times before reaching him.

Tercio's first day back since his disastrous visit home felt decidedly underwhelming. Security was tight this year, and nearly all of the Praetorian Guard was on display around the premises, which meant he was in for a long day of looking important but doing nothing of value. It was an inglorious return, even if the apothecary had advised him to avoid unnecessary stress for a while, lest his wounds heal improperly.

A faint chorus of voices called out from further down the line, out near the tall, iron gates and past the communal gardens. It was echoed twice before it was loud enough to be understood, and Tercio snapped to attention at once.

"Officer on grounds!" he shouted, letting those behind him know to send the order back. On busy days he could expect to do so more than a dozen times, possibly far more. Canterlot Castle did not lack for high-ranking ponies, especially during holidays. A pair of figures approached from the well-trodden path down the hill, a mare and a stallion. The stallion's wooden right foreleg clacked on the ground as he came closer, then stopped.

"Krosus, good to see you're back," Imperator Stonewall said as he pulled a hood down from his head.

"Glad to be back, sir."

"Honey, you remember Tercio, don't you?"

The mare at his side -- Radiance, Tercio remembered -- nodded and smiled, still fetching in her older years. "How could I forget? So wonderful to see you again, dearie. Happy Hearth's Warming."

"You as well, ma'am." Tercio rolled his shoulders and let out a sigh of relief, the first real movement he'd made in hours. "I'm surprised to see you here today, sir. I was under the impression that senior officers had the day off."

"We do, but I wanted to stop by and pick up a few things from my service quarters," Stonewall clarified. "When you serve as long as I have you're practically married to your job. As second wives go, it could be worse," he chuckled. "How long have you been out here?"

"No idea. Feels like an eternity," Tercio said.

"Right, then, I could use a little help moving a few things around to get to what I need. Since I'm all old and decrepit, and you're tall and ugly, you're just who I need. Follow me." Stonewall and his wife began trotting off, and Tercio joined with them after only a slight hesitation. "Don't worry about your post, they can do without your pomp for a bit. Besides, you could probably use the opportunity to escape the cold."

Tercio couldn't very well argue that. "Appreciated, sir."

It was a short walk to the Praetorian quarters, with Stonewall making idle chat with his wife about the palace and how the holiday was "bad for security". Radiance would look up at Tercio and roll her eyes at such things, saying that he took his job too seriously sometimes. Tercio just laughed to himself, amused to see the normally unshakable Stonewall getting poked fun at by his better half.

"Here we are," Stonewall said. "We won't be too long. Come on, Krosus, let's put your grotesque monkey arms to work."

Radiance gave Tercio a look. "Does he always say such things to you? That's not very nice."

"You get used to it," Tercio answered amusedly. "It's harmless, don't worry."

"You're not getting paid to chat up my wife, Krosus," Stonewall shouted from around the corner, already in his chamber.

"Coming, sir!" He heard Radiance giggle as he ran off.

A stack of chests awaited him as he entered the Imperator's personal quarters, lining the western wall and stacked as high as himself. Most of them were marked with a scroll that was secured to the front with a wax stamp and a short description of what lie inside, ranging from transfer and recruitment paperwork to field exercise results and harvest schedules.

"Should be around here somewhere." Stonewall examined each chest in turn, muttering to himself about their contents. "Not that one...or that one...didn't know I still had those...ah, here we are." He stood on his hind legs and tapped a hoof against a dusty, oaken container roughly half the size of the others, stacked near the top. "Grab that for me, would you? Had to have a unicorn move it up there a while ago. Damned fancy magic."

Tercio did as he was asked, gingerly pulling the box out and dusting the top before passing it down.

"Thanks. I've got a nephew-in-law who wants to join the Guard, and I promised him I'd show him some of the things I collected during my younger years." Stonewall lifted the lid and began to sort through a pile of mementos, old medals and keepsakes. "So, I hear your leave was...eventful."

"You could say that," Tercio replied cautiously, wondering how much Stonewall knew.

"Head home with visions of mother's cooking and father's tall tales, and come back with a sword wound. So much for a fit of relaxation away from duty, eh? Shame, that." When Tercio remained quiet, Stonewall pressed on. "I stopped by the medicae facilities when you were unconscious, you know. You may be ugly as sin but you're a good soldier, and I wanted to make sure you'd be alright. Could hardly believe what I heard. Your brother -- Victus, I believe? -- told me some fantastical story about battling the 'dark magic' within you, said you thrust that fancy sword right into your chest in an attempt to destroy it once and for all. Is it true?"

"Yes, sir," Tercio admitted. "All of it. I was determined to no longer be its puppet, even if it potentially cost me my life. Damn near did, too. I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for the sacrifice of Nocturne and the quick thinking of my family..."

"Hmm. Well, I've seen some strange things in my time, but someone being brought back from the dead? That's a new one entirely. You're a lucky bastard, Krosus." Satisfied with the small collection of trinkets, Stonewall closed the box and latched it shut, giving it to Tercio to place back in the pile. "In any case, it's good that you're fit for duty again. And don't worry, I didn't tell the others what happened to you. Thought I'd leave it up to you to decide that bit."

Tercio pushed the small container into place as Stonewall placed his collected items into a small saddlebag. It was the first, and possibly only, opportunity he'd have for a while to speak with his superior in private, yet saying what he wanted to was still difficult. Gathering his courage but failing to find the proper words, he scrambled to get the issue off his chest once and for all.

"She told me everything," he blurted out. "The princess, I mean."

Stonewall stopped in his tracks. "What do you mean, 'everything'? Speak clearly, son."

"Celestia, she shared her memories with me, sir. I don't know how, but she did. She said it was time I knew the truth about where I came from. So we went to this hidden room in the library and she told me -- or showed me, rather -- a lot of things that I...that I have had a hard time coming to terms with. I know all of it now. The other humans, the cave -- you."

For the first time Tercio saw Stonewall look plainly surprised, which quickly faded to concern. "Hold on," Stonewall said after a pause. He approached the doorway and spoke down the hall. "Radiance, why don't you go get yourself something to eat? I may be a while. There's a lot to look through." Once his wife answered, he returned to the room and shut the heavy door behind him. "Sit down, Krosus." He motioned to a pair of large cushions on the floor, taking a seat across from Tercio. "I suppose it was inevitable that you'd find out at some point. Go on, then, tell me what you know."

Tercio went over everything he could remember: the tale of the dark-skinned human who lashed out as soon as he was pulled from his own world, the mountainous man who slayed deer and pony alike in a blind rage, and the crystalline cave where he saw himself being rescued. Stonewall listened intently, holding his tongue until Tercio had his say.

"Everything I've done has been in service of my country," Tercio said, "yet it did not offer me the common courtesy of the truth. I have spent my entire life under false pretenses."

"You weren't ready to know," Stonewall replied bluntly.

"Sir?"

"Yes, it's true; I, and the others with me, knew your true past. Obviously I can't deny that. But it was for your own good." He stuck out a hoof as Tercio started to object. "Let's say for a moment that we did tell you all of this before now. Suppose I approached you as a child and told you that you were not the first human, that your family had not found you lying in a field, and that you existed in our world solely to act as a mindless weapon for the deerfolk. Would it have been any easier to accept? Or would it have changed the course of your life? Look me in the eyes and tell me you would have still become a Praetorian if you'd known."

Tercio had no answer.

"As I thought. Here's the thing about being in a position of authority, Krosus: sometimes you have to keep secrets, even if you wish otherwise, because this job is about more than the needs of oneself. When you joined the Guard, myself and the other officers knew about it the same day. Some of them objected to your presence, or were even outright hostile in their words, but ultimately it wasn't our decision.

When you moved up to the Royal Guard, Princess Luna herself demanded that you be placed back into the rank and file. She knew about your...power, for lack of a better word, and she feared it. Knowing what we know now, maybe she felt you were some sort of threat to her own plans. I can only speculate. Ultimately, it was Celestia who ordered that you should be given a chance to prove your worth, a stance she maintains to this day. The generosity of the princess seems boundless at times. Wisdom that comes from age, I suppose."

"Would you have given me that same chance?" Tercio asked.

"No, probably not. To be honest, I objected to your joining the Praetorian Guard. While I've never 'seen' the brutality of the Second for myself -- Celestia has never shared her memories with anyone else in my time that I know of -- I've heard the stories from her and Luna. I wasn't about to let a berserker loose in my ranks. That day at the training ring, when you attacked Polaris, well...that was the day I'd feared for a long time. I was ready to let you rot away in a cell."

It was a memory Tercio was all too familiar with. The image of Polaris lying on the ground, broken and battered, was one he would never forget, nor truly forgive himself for. "Had I been in your position, sir, I would have done the same, I think."

"You would have if you cared for your stallions. The princess, of course, saw otherwise. She trusted you, despite you trying your damnedest to kill her in the throne room not long after."

"I wasn't aware anyone else knew about that," Tercio ashamedly stated.

"It's my job to know. I watched you like a hawk, Krosus. It was only after the assassin's assault on the cavern that I began to change my mind. You were still a danger to us all, but I've seen you grow and mature to fight against...whatever it is that's inside you. That time when we were up in the mountains for training, and you spoke to me in my tent? That was the first time I thought you might be able to take control of yourself once and for all. I didn't think you'd have to kill yourself to do so, but that's a level of dedication I'm not sure even I could match." He pointed to Tercio's chest. "Not sure I could jab a sword through my own guts. Don't go doing that again."

"It's not an experience I'm eager to repeat, sir."

"Good. We're short on personnel as is. For what it's worth, you've become a fine soldier, and after seeing you in combat more than once, well, I no longer regret taking you in. Odd though you may be in stature, and odder yet in affliction, myself and several others would likely be dead if it weren't for you. So consider this the closest you're going to get to a nod of approval. I don't do that hugging shit with anyone but my wife."

Tercio chuckled. "Thank you, sir. I truly appreciate it. I couldn't ask for a better C.O."

"You're damned right you couldn't! What else am I supposed to do, hand you over to those limp-dicked layabouts in the 7th? Like hell."

"And thank you for being honest with me about my past. It is still something I must learn to live with, and it is not an easy thing, but I will do what I must."

"Had to come out at some point," Stonewall said with a shrug. "Wasn't sure how you were going to react, but you've taken it better than I'd have thought."

"I spent so much time being angry and upset over the last couple of days that it's left me drained, sir. I'm ready to just go back to being a soldier."

"Good to hear it. If you're curious: no one else in the barracks knows about your past. I leave it up to you to tell them, or not, whatever your choice may be." Stonewall saluted with his foreleg over his chest, waited for Tercio to return the gesture, and pushed himself up from the cushion. "Oh, and one more thing before you return to your post."

"Yes, sir?"

"I'm fully aware of your...involvement...with the princess."

Tercio felt his face turn pale. "Involvement? I'm not sure--"

"You can't bullshit a bullshitter, Krosus. I've seen how often you get assigned to night guard duty, or how frequently she requests your presence. I'm not going to chide you for it, or say that it's a terrible idea -- after all, you're an adult, and I'm sure you're well aware of the potential ramifications of falling for her -- just...be careful, and don't be too hard on her for waiting to tell you everything. Celestia is rarely wrong in her decisions, which, I suppose, comes from centuries of experience with such things. If she said she had a good reason for keeping your past hidden, then she meant it."

There was no use in denying it. For an old stallion, Stonewall was still as sharp as the blade at his side.

"I didn't think it was so obvious. How long have you known?" Tercio asked.

"I had some idea for a while, but it was during this last month that my suspicions came to a head. The time you two spend together, the constant worrying while you were in the apothecary's care, even the way you speak of her around the others, it all sort of clicked into place. If you ask me, you're both damned lucky and damned foolish to be in a relationship with the most powerful and beautiful mare in existence."

Tercio gave a sigh and said, "Foolish is certainly what it feels like at the moment. I've not seen her since she shared her memories. I wouldn't know what to say."

"I'm hardly a hopeless romantic, but when things get difficult with my wife I always seek to speak to her plainly. Trust me, she'll appreciate the honesty." Stonewall shook his head. "Gods, look at me. Giving romance advice to a human who's in it with a demigoddess. What the hell happened to being a grumpy old fuck?" He stuck a hoof against Tercio's chest. "Oh, and if you tell anyone about this conversation I'll be forced to arrange your 'accidental' fall off the side of the city. Are we clear?"

"As crystal, sir."

"Damned right." Stonewall double checked the bag at his side and slid his hood up. "Suppose that's enough chatting like a couple of old hens for one day. I've got a wife waiting impatiently for me, and you have to return to freezing your balls off."

Battle-Master Gilias soared high above the winding plains of western Whitetail, enjoying the cold air flowing over her feathers and the clean, crisp scent of a winter sky. If she closed her eyes she could almost imagine she was back home in Skytalon, before she'd become an unexpectedly involved part of Equestria's war effort.

What had started as a secretive collaboration with the diminutive ponies had turned into a campaign rife with combat and challenge; there was always someone to fight, be it whitetail patrols or the misguided bastards who followed Nightmare Moon.

Or rather, there used to always be someone to fight. Whitetail hadn't won a major engagement for months, and with Princess Celestia unwilling to lay proper siege to the capital things had turned into a stalemate. Even the cultist camps had dried up after the assault on the mountain stronghold. No, there wasn't much action to be found these days, but she could always head out and clear her thoughts under the pretense of a scouting mission. Swooping down just above the low cloud cover, she lazily rolled onto her back and dipped beneath the snow-packed overcast, watching the ground flash by with a yawn and a much-needed scratch under her chest armor. It wouldn't be long before she'd have to turn back, else she'd end up catching a berating from some tight-assed Imperator or Centurion for crossing into Cervidaen territory.

They can wait, she thought with a smirk. No use wasting a prime flying day. Besides, she figured, it's not like the redtail could hope to catch her even if they did figure out who she was. They'd shown as much interest in the war as she'd shown in their petty blood-feuds, and that suited her just fine. It meant more time to herself.

The serene silence was broken by the distant squawking of countless birds, and when Gilias looked ahead she could see a flock of small, dark figures so massive that it seemed to form a solid wall. Curious, she flew out to the source of the commotion.

The smell hit her keen senses before anything else, a rancid, pungent cloud that pulled the air from her lungs and brought tears to her eyes. Coughing and struggling to fly straight and level, she quickly rose above the ground, above the mass of birds, and hovered in place.

Her eyes widened as the flock dispersed beneath her. Bodies, thousands of them, had been left to rot in a tightly packed square, covered with a thick layer of snow. Holding her breath, she darted to the ground with a powerful flap, shooing away dozens of carrion birds. The dead were from all walks of life -- ponies, deer, griffons, even zebras. To the last they wore dark blue cloaks emblazoned with a crescent moon, many still covered in stolen or repurposed armor that had done little to keep them safe, their faces frozen in deathly screams. Hollow eye sockets stared up at her, the first victims of the birds' feeding frenzy. Ugly wounds covered the ground in a sheen of iced-over blood and entrails.

A long, sharpened blade of conical crystal stuck out from the chest of a nearby pony, one of many, and Gilias yanked it from the body, examining the intricate pattern of lettering that ran along its fuller and down to the basket hilt.

The deer had done this, no doubt about it. Somehow they'd managed to round up and slaughter a veritable army of Nightmare Moon followers -- but how?

With no way to know for sure Gilias took the skies, forcing her way past the cacophonous screeching and cawing that threatened to deafen her, and headed back to the Legion encampment as fast as her wings could carry her.

"This had better be worth the trip, Vinawyll."

"It will be, my friends. I promise you."

"Good, because I may never be dry again at this rate."

In an old ruin a small group of whitetail huddled around a crackling fire, shivering as a gust of cold, damp wind drifted in from the weathered, vine-covered entrance. A winter thunderstorm raged outside and blew sheets of freezing rain that stung like a swarm of insects, forcing its way through every crack and imperfection to pool in small puddles across the rough stone floor.

Chancellor Vinawyll thanked the ancestors for the cavernous room he and the others took shelter in even as he cursed the weather. Layers of warm robes only did so much to keep out the damnable chill and torrential downpour of the northwestern territory, far removed from the comfort of Evinwiir.

Seated around him were four of his most loyal followers: Karix, Faendwin, Syndris and Halladros. Senators to the last, they had proven the most ardent in seeing Vinawyll's unification plan come to fruition. Though their numbers were small, their voices were among the most respected in the Senate, and Vinawyll intended to use them to change the course of a war that was all but lost.

"How can we ask Whitetail to persevere if we cannot do the same?" Vinawyll asked, inching closer to the fire.

"I would much rather do so from the warmth of my own chambers, Chancellor," Syndris said.

None among them could be sure how long they had been waiting but, between the insufferable cold and the harsh rain, it certainly felt like the better part of a day. Vinawyll nibbled at a cake made of oats, honey and fruit as he warmed himself, mostly ignoring the small talk between the politicos who even now bickered about the proper course of action. He grumbled to himself at the path the war had forced him to take.

Whitetail was falling to the Equestrian invaders, that much was clear to even the most ardent of nationalists. No amount of reassurances could hide the vast fields of campfires and tents that waited just beyond siege range of Evinwiir's walls, and more mothers lost their sons with every passing day. Food stores had dwindled to their lowest point in Whitetail history, while mobs of hungry, desperate citizens threatened to overthrow the government if decisive action was not taken.

But decisive action was easier said than done, especially with the Equestrians outnumbering their own surviving military three to one. New pony troops frequently rotated in, while weary ones were sent back to enjoy their "Hearth's Warming" holiday and return in good spirits and full strength. It was infuriating and thoroughly depressing to think about; even if Whitetail survived the war, he might not.

Which was exactly why he and his closest senators had volunteered to travel for two days straight, through the middle of the worst winter weather he could remember, for a chance at redemption. Vinawyll closed his eyes and thought of home, thought of being warm in his own bed with his favorite doe servant, and he soon drifted off to sleep, exhausted both emotionally and physically.

South-west of the Whitetail capital, Battle-Master Gilias was coming upon the fortified Legion encampment that served as the de facto command post for the regional Guard units. Hundreds of ponies milled about beneath her, but there was only one she cared to find. She stopped and looked around, finding the distinctive, familiar silhouette of a pegasus clad in silver armor with a red crest and cloak.

"Victus! Coming in behind you!"

Victus turned just in time to see Gilias skid to a halt in the snow-covered grass. He took a step back in surprise. The normally calm and collected griffon put her claws on her legs and let out heavy breaths that fogged in the air, unable to speak until she rested back on all fours.

"Are you alright, Gilias? You seem troubled."

"I'm fine," Gilias said as she regained her composure. "A couple thousand moon-worshipers, though, are not. Can we speak somewhere a little warmer? If I had any balls I'd be freezing them off right now."

"Of course. Come." He jerked his head toward a nearby circular tent, one reserved for officers and squad leaders. They found it empty as they stepped inside and, more importantly, a fire was burning in the center. Wisps of white smoke drifted up to a hole in the roof. Gilias reached around and unhooked the buckle on her chest armor, letting it clatter to the ground. Scars of pink, mended flesh marred her plumage, some of them trailing all the way to where her feathers stopped and her brown coat of coarse fur began.

"You'd think I'd be used to the cold after living in Skytalon for so long, but this weather is just so draining on your body after a while." She pulled a flask from a leather pouch and took a deep pull, giving a decidedly bird-like squawk as it burned down her throat and into her stomach. "Fuck me, that's some strong booze. Just what I needed." She offered it to Victus with a shake.

"I'm afraid I'm on duty," he said.

"So am I. Never stopped me before." A moment later she produced a rolled-up map and tossed it over. Victus picked it up and unfurled it, cocking his head inquisitively at the circle of black ink that had been hastily placed somewhere near the border. Two words were scrawled beneath it.

"'Bad shit'?" he read aloud. "You're going to have to explain that one to me, Gilias."

"The assholes I mentioned earlier. I was flying along the border with Cervidae when I saw this huge flock of birds circling over something. Naturally I went to take a look, and that's when I found them: thousands of dead Nightmare Moon followers splayed across the ground. Run through, every last one of 'em."

Victus furrowed his brow. "Not one survivor?"

"Not a single one. If the quinn-blade wounds didn't get 'em, the cold would have. Looks like our deer friends have been busier than we thought."

"You're sure of this? It's hard to imagine the whitetail being capable of such a thing with their forces so depleted."

"I pulled one of the weapons from the body of a cultist myself. Green, crystalline, polished to a mirror shine, just like the dozens of others I saw. That's a deer blade, no doubt. No one else has reported this?"

"No, not that I'm aware of," Victus said. "Admittedly our patrol strength along the Whitetail/Cervidae border is less than ideal, but we hardly ever encounter any combat out that way." He looked a the map again. "Thousands of cultists struck down. I can't say I mourn their loss."

"That makes two of us."

The flap of the tent opened, and Steel Spark stepped half-way into the room before stopping. "Oh, my mistake, Victus. I, uh, wasn't aware you were busy. If now is a bad time..."

"It's fine. The Battle-Master here has discovered something quite strange. If you'd like to join us, we could--"

"No, no, that's, umm, that's alright. I have things I should be doing. Come find me when you're done." Steel Spark cleared his throat. "Good day, Gilias. Victus." He left just as suddenly as he'd appeared.

"Have you ever seen Steel Spark act so strangely?" Victus asked as he turned back to Gilias. "He is not normally so...skittish."

Gilias laughed to herself and took another drink. "Yeah, he's been that way since before your return from home. At least, when I'm around."

"What, is he afraid of you? I find that highly amusing if it's true."

"Might be. I think it's just nerves, though."

"What makes you say that?"

Gilias shrugged. "Because I let him fuck me a few times," she said casually.

"You what?"

"Yeah. After the assault on the Nightmare encampment in the Midlands. Before we went into battle I passingly told him that if he proved himself in combat he could have his way with me, provided he found a warm bed. He saved my ass twice that day, so it was only polite to offer my ass in return. He's been kinda weird ever since."

Victus' mouth hung open as he struggled to find the words. "I...b-but you...I'm not sure..." He buried his face in his hooves. "Gods give me strength. I have enough issues without my squad burying their faces in each others' loins."

"Who are you, my father? Combat is stressful, and there's no better stress reliever, I say. You should try it some time."

"What, with you?"

"Well..." Gilias smirked.

"Nevermind," Victus said quickly. "Let's just get back to the topic at hoof, alright?"

"Fine, fine, have it your way. I mean, you could have it your way if you wanted. Just get me some alcohol first."

"Returning to the topic at hoof," he raised his voice, "I want to know what happened to those cultists. Do you have any thoughts?"

Gilias rubbed her chin. "Hmm...initially, I'd say the whitetail are making a show of force. Slaughtering that many followers would show that their military is still strong, while simultaneously giving a morale boost to their citizens by ridding them of the nuisance that's plagued them arguably more than our own military has. Don't forget, most whitetail think we're heartless murderers and fawn-eaters. Wipe out the Nightmare Moon assholes -- and in larger numbers than even we did at the Midlands, no less -- and you're free to focus the collective anger and resentment of the nation at your enemy. From a military and political perspective it makes sense."

Victus nodded. "I suppose it does. Do you really think the whitetail are capable of such a thing in their current state?"

"Honestly? Not really. I think they had outside help. Mercenaries, maybe, or Cervidaen bands supporting them in secret. It wouldn't be the first time we've found the redtail helping their cousins."

Getting up from his cushion, Victus tucked the map into a pouch on his foreleg. "General Phalanx will want to know about this. In the mean time, I'm going to increase patrols along the Cervidaen border. Maybe whoever did this is still in the area."

Gilias stood up with a stretch. "Couldn't hurt to look around. Let me know when you need me, I'm going to catch some sleep. Alone, if Steel Spark asks. You'd think he was a puppy with the way he's acting." The steel clasp of her chest armor clicked back into place. "You know where to find me."

"Chancellor! Chancellor, wake up!"

Vinawyll groggily opened his eyes as someone shook him awake. The fire was still burning, but the rain appeared to have stopped. "Karix? What's going on?"

"They're here! Hurry up and make yourself presentable!"

Quickly he threw off his robes, shivering at the suddenly cold air against his skin, and placed an emerald sash across his shoulders and around his neck. Golden trinkets were floated onto his antlers, secured by small loops of delicate chain. The freezing gusts helped snap him out of his stupor.

"Am I missing anything?" he asked.

"I don't think so," Karix said.

"Where are the others?"

"Awaiting you in the next room."

"Then let us waste no time. Whitetail's future depends on it."

With a deep, calming breath Vinawyll adopted his most regal, commanding posture and marched himself under the arched doorway. It led down a short hall, his hooves clacking on the worn stone, and emptied into a moderately sized, rectangular meeting hall. The other senators stood in the entrance, blocking his way under the pretense of primping and fixing his decorations.

"Do watch your words," Senator Halladros said.

"And do not be quick to buy into their promises. They owe us nothing, and we owe them nothing. Not yet," another senator, Faendwin, the most senior of their number, added in a whisper.

Chancellor Vinawyll peeked over the senator's shoulder, seeing only a row of green armor, shining armor plates. "I can handle myself, I assure you. That said...wish me luck. History changes today, my friends."

The senators parted and took their tiered seats overlooking the proceedings. Gathering himself, Vinawyll stepped out with his head held high.

"May I present Chancellor Vinawyll Sepsis of Evinwiir, third of our age." An orderly in glittering robes announced his presence, and he stepped to the middle of the room, bowing deeply in respect. "Chancellor Vinawyll Sepsis, allow me to introduce you to our most esteemed leader, our light in the darkness, the shining example of all deerkind: Empress Elinwynn of Cervidae, First of the Court, and her adviser and sibling, Brother-General Corvalix."

There would be no going back now. Whatever happened in the next few minutes of negotiations, Whitetail would forever be changed for it. Vinawyll spoke confidently as he kept his head low.

"Your Highness, it is with the utmost joy that I welcome you to our great nation of Whitetail. We have eagerly awaited your presence."

Empress Elinwynn stepped forward and bowed lightly in return, clad in simple, elegant robes of dark blue and gold that draped to the floor. Vinawyll was struck by her beauty, having heard tales many times, but never meeting her in the flesh. She was indeed the ideal of deerkind, just as her orderly had said.

"Please, arise, my dear Chancellor. We are equals here, in this place our two peoples once called home." She ran a hoof along the wall and smiled. "Centuries ago, whitetail and redtail shared an audience in this great theater. Though it is old, and worn, and lacking the luster it once held, it is still here. Still strong. It can be great again, if only we could set aside our differences."

Vinawyll looked to his senators, who nodded in support. "It could be. Your esteemed brother has shared many a conversation with me over the last several months, and it is through him that I hear such grand rhetoric and lofty promises couched in honeyed words. Can you truly back them up with actions? Decisive actions?"

Elinwynn giggled at the thought. "Chancellor Vinawyll, I have already done your nation a great favor. It is a shame you are not aware of it."

"What favor?" Vinawyll asked cautiously.

"Out west, towards the border. If you send a scout, you will find the bodies of three thousand Nightmare Moon followers, slain to the last."

Vinawyll lifted a surprised foreleg. "Three thousand? How did you--"

"I have my ways. The details matter not, only the results. I have effectively ended the disturbances they have been causing you. There may be scattered pockets of resistance left in the wilderness, but never again will they mass in numbers great enough to be a threat." She smiled sweetly. "You're welcome."

The chancellor was speechless. "That was...truly unexpected. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. Now, let's discuss this silly little war, shall we? I do believe you've waited long enough."