Senator Praxilus ducked to avoid a piece of fruit. It hadn't been aimed for him, but rather, for someone behind him. In return, angered shouts and curses shot across the packed streets, the verbal battles sometimes turning to physical ones as the supporters of Whitetail and Cervidae faced off.

"Redtail lovers!"

"Defeatists!"

"Go get fucked by Celestia's horn!"

The yelling grew to an uproar, one of many such confrontations Praxilus had seen since he'd left his home on the other side of the city. Ahead, a doe pleaded with a merchant. Her voice was drowned out by the commotion behind her, and he approached to see what was the matter.

"Please, my family is relying on me to return with food!" Tears ran down the doe's face, staining her light coat. The merchant sneered at her.

"You know the price."

"But I can't pay that much! How could you charge thirty darics for a sack of flour?"

"I should charge you twice as much, pony sympathizer! Thirty darics or you get nothing!"

Praxilus slammed a coin on the stall's oaken counter. "Five darics. And I suggest you do not attempt to gouge your customers again, merchant, else you will be hocking your wares from Evinwiir's dungeons. Understood?"

The merchant's face flushed with recognition. "Of-of course, Senator. My apologies..."

A hefty sack of flour floated onto the doe's back. She was speechless for a moment, then bowed her head in admiration.

"Thank you so much! Thank you! I need to get home!"

He watched her leave, then turned back to the buck who was now far less brave with someone of import standing before him.

"Remember what I said, Balisyn. I don't forget names -- or misdeeds -- easily."

The senator carried on, past the throngs of citizens , the senate building seeming so far away on the cold, blustery morning. He sighed, wishing he could fix it all with a thought.

All throughout Evinwiir it was the same: one step removed from anarchy. Word of Cervidaen soldiers north of the city had spread, and increasingly alarmist rumors seemed to be the norm, sharply dividing the populace between those loyal to Whitetail and those who were eager for their redtail cousins to rejoin them. It would have been a difficult situation under ideal circumstances, but with the added food shortages Evinwiir was as volatile as the very aetherflame that defended its walls.

Reports of murders and thefts had risen dramatically, and every street corner was a potential riot waiting to happen. In the distance, pillars of smoke marked where shops had been burned to the ground, victims of panic, fear and hatred, their goods stripped to nothing by those looking to take advantage of the chaos. A trio of soldiers rushed past, crystalline spears held high, on their way to some unknown quarrel.

A resounding crash, like nearby thunder, sounded as Praxilus reached the normally well-kept gardens of the senate hall's garden walkway, now strewn with debris. He looked up just in time to see a swing-arm siege device explode in a shower of splintered wood, green flame and chunks of granite not even two hundred yards away. The Equestrians had found their mark yet again, sending a stone projectile over the ramparts to smash one of the few working Whitetail defenses. It would be a matter of days before every last weapon had fallen, and then what? Praxilus wasn't eager to find out.

A pair of guards stood watch outside of the grand entry to the senate chambers. They saluted as he approached, but crossed their spears to bar his path all the same.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked. "The senate convenes not even an hour from now, I must be inside if I am to do my job."

One of the soldiers, a younger buck, offered a sympathetic frown. "I'm sorry, Senator Praxilus, but we have been forbidden from granting you access by order of Chancellor Vinawyll and Empress Elinwynn."

Praxilus furrowed his brow. "You take orders from Elinwynn now, do you? I was not aware she was part of the Whitetail chain of command. Let me in."

"Brother-General Corvalix has made it so," the buck said. "Those are our orders. I'm truly sorry."

Another distant clatter, another siege engine or segment of the wall that had fallen.

"Do you hear that? That is the sound of our very nation being destroyed, bit by bit. If you don't move those spears right now, Whitetail has no future. Do you understand? Now please, step aside."

The younger soldier looked at his comrade nervously, but the other shook his head.

"Orders are orders, Senator. Return to your home until you are called upon."

"This is ridiculous! I am not moving until--" there, a ray of hope. Two senators walking past the open doors. "Senator Alyys! Senator Gwindihr!"

The two looked in his direction, spoke something to one another, and approached.

"Senator Praxilus, we were hoping we'd see you here," Alyys said.

"These guards tell me I'm not allowed within my own place of work. Is there something I'm not aware of?"

They looked at each other. "It would be best if we discussed this in private."

Together the three of them went around to the side of the building, where a small storage shed sat unoccupied, protected from the chaos beyond by a tall fence. Senator Gwindihr checked their surroundings before speaking, finding them sufficiently away from prying ears.

"You've a lot of courage coming here, Praxilus -- or perhaps you've simply lost your mind. To be honest, I'd expected to hear that you'd been found with a knife in your heart after your spat with the empress. I'm glad to see my concerns were misplaced."

"For now, anyway," Praxilus said. "Can you believe this? I spoke my mind against that damned doe, and now I'm unable to do my duties! I am an elected official, just like the rest of you! She has no right to keep me from my post! Neither does the good chancellor, for that matter. This is not just inexcusable, it's illegal."

"Not according to your fellows, it's not," Senator Alyys said. "They held a vote in your absence condemning you for your 'unnecessary outburst' and 'conduct unbecoming of a senator.'"

"Standing up for the people of Whitetail is apparently tantamount to high treason now," Praxilus muttered. Things had changed so quickly since the damned Cervidaen empress showed up. Was no one else willing to see past her vague platitudes? "So, what? I am no longer a senator? Just because that dwahlniir wills it?"

"You maintain your rank, but for the time being you are not welcome within the senatorial chambers."

Praxilus laughed bitterly. "Unbelievable! To think my word carries no weight; and here I had hoped my impassioned speech would leave some sort of mark on those present. Apparently I was wasting my time."

"For what it's worth, we're with you," Alyys said, his tone hopeful.

"You are?" Praxilus' ears perked.

"Indeed. We're just as sick of this conflict as you. It's been a long, painful war that could have ended months ago if only Chancellor Vinawyll would have surrendered as Celestia asked."

"And things are only getting worse," Gwindihr added. "Immediately after your departure the senate voted on granting cooperative rule to Elinwynn, officially making her word the same as Vinawyll's. Whitetail is a subservient state to Cervidae in all but name and title, now. It is a sad day for our nation."

Praxilus felt the color drain from his face. "And how many voted for this measure?"

"Eleven in favor, five against -- ourselves, you in absence, plus Faenar and Qaal'in-- and three undecided, all of which eventually changed their vote to support the majority. The law of the land was amended immediately, officially making co-rule in a time of war a legal precedent."

"Just us," Praxilus said. He felt a knot in the pit of his stomach, a sickness that left a bitter taste in his mouth. "We're the only ones who didn't agree to this madness..."

"So it seems."

He took a moment to let the news sink in. It was surreal, almost unfathomable that his compatriots would kowtow so quickly. Were they truly so few among them who cared for Whitetail above their own worthless positions? He knew the 'old guard' were steadfast in their ways, but to see it to such an extent...

He leaned against the shed and sighed deeply, his hooves rubbing his temples.

"Is there any good news to come from this?"

Senator Alyys shrugged. "So far, Whitetail and Cervidae are still separate nations, though for how long, well...who can say at this point?"

"Not long at all, if you ask me," Gwindihr said. "Soon the Cervidaen Regulars will begin marching south, supported by Corvalix's precious Exemplars, and then we'll see a whole new start to the war with Equestria. Evinwiir will be free from bombardment and blockade, and Elinwynn will be hailed as a hero -- and Vinawyll with her, of course."

"And that'll be that." Alyys pointed to the walls. "The battles will move away from the city, and everyone will forget that they were played for fools by the very leaders they'd chosen. At that point, it won't matter if Equestria is destroyed or not, so long as it's out of sight and out of mind. It'll be a redtail war, and the people will love them for it."

Short though his tenure as senator may have been, Praxilus had never felt truly helpless until that very moment. What was his voice against so many others who had sided against him? It was like screaming into a whirlwind, pointless and futile.

"So what now? Am I supposed to return to my home and pretend Whitetail isn't going to pieces around me? I cannot sit idly and watch everything I've worked for be for naught! Elinwynn made not have slit my throat just yet, but I am under no illusion that it shall remain so forever. I ought to storm in there and--"

"We want to join you," Alyys said.

Praxilus blinked. "What?"

"We want to join you, Praxilus. We know about Brother-Commander Caethil, how he plans to defect -- and we know you want to join him."

"I've no idea what you're talking about. Defection? Don't be ridiculous." Praxilus couldn't be too careful, even around those who claimed to be his friends and equals. And yet, if they were serious about it...

"We know because Caethil himself approached us. Apparently being a captain of the guard puts him in a position to know who is and isn't his ally."

"Yes, do put your mind at ease," Gwindihr said. "We spoke with him last night. He is most displeased with the current state of Evinwiir, to say the least. He fully believes that Whitetail will fall to the redtail just as sure as this city, and he wants no part of it. He offered to take us with him when you finally leave."

"And what did you say?" Praxilus asked.

"We had no answer then and there, but now that we've had time to think about it...we're on board with the idea."

He could hardly believe what he was hearing. Caethil had assured him that their plan would go unmentioned to anyone else, yet here stood two of his fellow senators ready to abandon everything.

"Let me make something clear," he said in a low voice. "If you do this, if you strike out for Equestria with me, you will be branded as traitors for as long as Elinwynn and her ilk have any sort of influence over Whitetail. Your assets will be seized, your homes burnt to the ground, your families hunted. You will be a kill on sight for anyone loyal to this false regime." He stuck a hoof to his chest. "I do this because I have no family of my own, and whatever possessions I may have can always be replaced. I leave in the hopes that one day I may return to Whitetail as it used to be, and if by some miracle that does happen, and the people do forgive me for leaving them, I can make things right once more."

"I've already sent my family away to live with relatives in the far north. They'll be quite safe there," Alyys said.

"And mine have been away from Evinwiir since the Equestrians approached the walls." Gwindihr made an x-shape over his chest with a hoof. "Spirits of the ancestors willing, they will remain safe until this conflict has ended. As for our possessions, well...they are only material things."

A great commotion started in the distance, shouting and swearing from a crowd of deer.

"Evinwiir is going to change very soon, and not for the better. Whatever happens in Evinwiir soon spreads to the rest of Whitetail. I do not wish to be here for it. Please, Praxilus, let us join you and Caethil. Whitetail will need deer who still believe in it after it's been through so much. We can be those deer."

Praxilus looked over his fellows, his compatriots who spoke with such conviction. It could all still be a ruse, he thought, but surely they would have seen fit to end his life by now if they were untrue. He decided to take a chance.

"Very well," he said at last. "If Caethil vouches for you, then I welcome you at my side, my friends. And you're right: Whitetail will need us. Who better to help the people of this great nation in rebuilding than those of us who wish for a better society?"

The stags bowed their heads, emerald ribbons of silk swaying on their antlers.

"Thank you, Praxilus. Truly, thank you."

Alyys asked the question on everyone's minds: "So...what now?"

"Return to the senate chamber," Praxilus said. "We must keep up the illusion of normalcy for the time being. Who knows? Perhaps the senate will see fit to reverse those ridiculous changes and toss the redtail out."

"Fat chance of that," Gwindihr said.

"Unfortunately, you're likely right. I will speak with Caethil tonight, as Evinwiir slumbers, and I will return to you on the morrow. Do you know where the Fabled Forest is?"

"The cook house? Of course."

"Good. I will wait for you there at noon with the details of our extrication. Be prepared to leave after we eat, and bring only when you can carry on your back. Dress for warmth, but do not bring anything that may mark you as someone of importance. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Alyys said, both of them nodding.

"Alright then. This is certainly an unexpected turn of events, but a welcome one, to know that I am not the only one who is disgusted by Elinwynn and Vinawyll's flagrant trouncing of our laws and blatant disregard for our people." Praxilus placed a foreleg on the shoulder of each of his new-found brothers in defection. This could actually work.

"My friends, the best of luck to us all, and may the ancestors watch over us. If Chancellor Artellus is among them, I would hope he smiles upon our intentions. He would be sick to see what his beloved Whitetail has become."

"Indeed, he is missed," Gwindihr said.

"Missed, but not forgotten," Alyys added.

Praxilus set his jaw in resolve. There was no turning back now.

"We do this for a brighter future. Let us hope there is still one left for Whitetail."

In the pre-dawn hours of Evinwiir's eastern district, Brother-Commander Caethil yawned and sipped at a cup of pine tea that floated beside him. His hoofsteps echoed through the empty streets, muffled by the crunch of fresh snowfall. It was a bitingly cold night, though thankfully free of the howling winds of the day prior.

He looked to the patched clouds above and sighed. Sleep had eluded him for several days now, shot as his nerves were. So much to worry about, so many things to plan for and consider. What had started as a simple plan to defect to Equestria had somehow ended up involving his entire unit, three senators, and more variables than he could have possibly imagined.

There was still a comfort and familiarity to Evinwiir, the place that had been his home for more than twenty years since he'd joined the Whitetail Army in his youth. Every shop front, bath house, home and military building that he passed felt like he was saying good-bye to an old friend. He hoped to return here, one day, and walk its cobblestone streets once more. Perhaps start a family, as his mother was always encouraging him to do.

But those ambitions may as well have been the dreams of another stag entirely. For now there was much to do, and not nearly enough time to do it.

The next twenty-four hours would either change his life completely, or, more likely, bring it to an end. He wondered what would be said of him, of his bucks who had chosen to join him. Likely those he fled from would brand him a traitor, a defeatist. His name would be stricken from the record, and he would be declared an enemy of the state.

Traitor.

The word soured in his mouth like bitter medicine. Two decades of service, nearly a dozen battles against the Equestrians, countless skirmishes with thieves and cultists and all manner of creatures who would see him dead -- all for naught. He, who had dedicated his life to the nation he loved, who had bled and toiled for something greater than himself.

A terrible anger welled up inside him. If only Chancellor Artellus had not been slain. If only Chancellor Vinawyll had not been so damned stubborn and cowardly. If only Empress Elinwynn and her contemptible brother hadn't been called upon to reignite a war that was all but over.

If only.

No, there could be no doubt about it. Whitetail had been poisoned from within. Throwing himself at the blades of Equestria's soldiers for a cause he no longer believed in was not something he could imagine himself doing -- and if he couldn't, then how could he ask those under his command to? It was fortunate that they believed as he did and were loyal to the Whitetail of old, not to the twisted beast it had become.

Caethil imagined them preparing themselves for what could be their last hours, packing supplies of food, medicine and protection from the elements. The trek to Equestria would be long and dangerous, pursued by their own comrades on one side and Equestrian patrols on the other. He just had to find the Legion, as Baer'barisater had instructed.

He hoped the zebra was right.

Before he left Evinwiir, however, there was one last thing he had to do.

"Brother-Commander Caethil, I'm surprised to see you out at this hour." A sentry stood guard at the entrance to the Alchemical and Arcane building, saluting halfheartedly. A small fire pit off to one side kept him warm as he leaned against the entryway and yawned.

"It's been a rather complicated night, I'm afraid," Caethil said. "I thought I might stop by and see what our colleagues have come up with to help fight back the tide of Equestrian vermin."

The guard chuckled. "Vermin is right. Destructive ones at that." With a stretch he stood up straighter, regaining some semblance of military bearing. "You'll forgive me, sir, I was not aware you were coming out this way, else I'd have arranged for an escort. These are dangerous times for lone wanderers, I'm afraid. I'm sure you've seen the violence for yourself."

"No need, Brother-Sergeant, though I appreciate the offer. I assure you I can handle myself."

"Of course, sir. You're free to enter if you like, though most of the magii are home for the evening."

"Most?" Caethil asked, cursing his luck. He'd hoped to find it empty.

"Sister-Magii Trelis and her assistant have been working through the night on something or other. I'm sure they'd be glad to see a friendly face."

Caethil put on a feigned smile. It had to be Trelis...

"Let us hope so, Brother-Sergeant. Do try to stay warm out here, won't you?"

"As best I can, sir. If you need anything, please let me know. I'll be here until sunrise."

Caethil saluted, getting one in return, and stepped through the narrow arch. A set of short stairs led to the building, the words "Military Use Only" scrawled across a pair of plain doors. He took a breath to steel himself, then pushed them open.

The Alchemical and Arcane research building was a surprisingly unassuming place at first glance. Bare rock walls, dirtied by time and use, met a low ceiling and equally rough floor. Stacks of crates and earthenware pots occupied every corner and outcropping, and shelves of basic supplies ran from one end to the other. Caethil had to stoop his head to avoid scraping the tips of his antlers, something he had never fully grown used to.

The facade of a plain warehouse gave way as he approached a worn segment of the western wall. With a brief moment of concentration he focused his magic, the wall shimmering and rippling at his touch. Motes of light clung to his skin as he stepped through the barrier, the entrance giving way to a second, smaller staircase that opened into an expansive set of rooms.

Here was the real facility, one of the foremost places of research into the magical arts in all of Whitetail. Within its confines some of the greatest advances of deerkind had been discovered -- ironbark-backed quinn-plate, aetherflame, water purification contraptions. All manner of potions, mixes, spells and arcane scrawls. Some of the very things Whitetail citizens took for granted had started here.

These days, it was devoted entirely to the war effort, its state-appointed researchers devising new and efficient ways of killing their enemies and driving the 'invaders' back to their lands.

Caethil carefully searched through the scrolls and order-plates that sat atop low tables, looking for anything that might lead him to one creation in particular. Finding nothing nearby, he trotted down a short hallway to a separate wing of the facility. Voices caught his ear, echoing off the walls from some room beyond. They were light, and feminine. He swore under his breath.

A pair of whitetail does, one slightly older than the other, were busily conversing with each other over an iron cauldron. Purple sashes marked them as arcane researchers, their unit's symbol -- a whirlwind between a pair of haunting eyes trimmed in gold -- adorning the side that hung down to their chests.

He did not know who the younger doe could be, but he instantly recognized the other. A lump caught in his throat, and he had to compose himself before drawing their attention.

"Good evening, my ladies," he said. The assistant jumped and gave a yelp of surprise.

"Caethil? What are you doing here?" Trelis asked, not showing a hint of being caught off guard. She was a middle-aged doe who had not lost a step as long as he'd known her, with eyes that shone like sapphires. The sight of her still took his breath away.

"I couldn't sleep," Caethil answered. "My mind has been rather occupied of late, as you'd probably imagine. I thought I might come by and see what our best and brightest have been up to." He bowed before her. "It's...it's good to see you again, Trelis. I mean that."

An awkward silence hung between them.

"Ah, forgive me for not introducing my new assistant," Trelis said at last. "This is Magii-Apprentice Lelowyn. She's just arrived from the academy in Rosewood Harbor. Lelowyn, this is Brother-Commander Caethil of the 12th Capital Guard."

"15th, now," Caethil corrected her. He bowed in courtesy for the new doe. "A pleasure to meet you, Lelowyn. You've just finished your schooling, yet they assigned you to the 9th Arcane? I'm impressed. Most have to work for years to even have a hope of attaining a position here."

"It's nothing, really, I just got lucky," Lelowyn said bashfully. "Oh, I'm sorry, uh...a pleasure to meet you, too. I wasn't expecting anyone to come by. Sorry if I startled you when I was, um, startled. I can get immersed in these things sometimes."

"No need to worry. If you're training under Trelis, you must be of great interest to Whitetail. I'm sure you'll do us proud."

Caethil took a step closer and peered into the cauldron. A swirling, sparkling mix of pink, blue and purple liquids gave off a strange, almost earthy smell. His heart sank as he realized what it was.

"Lelowyn, would you mind arranging a few things for me?" Trelis asked, floating a scroll. "The others left a mess in here earlier, and we're going to need the space later on. And keep an eye out for anymore drift root, please."

The young doe looked at them both, perhaps sensing that her presence was not welcome at that moment, and nodded. "Of course, Sister, as you wish."

Taking the scroll in an unsteady cloud of crackling magic, Lelowyn headed down the hall to a supply room, then shut the door behind her. Trelis immediately stepped closer.

"What are you really doing here?" she demanded. "I thought I made it clear I didn't want to speak to you anymore."

"Don't flatter yourself, Trelis, I didn't come here for you," Caethil bit back, put on the defensive.

Trelis scoffed. "Really? You just happened to show up here in the middle of the night? If you're looking for an apology then I'm afraid--"

"You have to leave Evinwiir. Immediately." Skeptical eyes returned his glare.

"What in the world are you talking about? Caethil, I've neither the time nor the patience for your games, so if you would be so kind as to leave me to my duties, I would appreciate it."

Caethil motioned to the outside world with a jerk of his head.

"Do you know what's going on out there as we speak?"

"The Equestrians lay siege to us, as they have been for months. That's why I'm here in the first place. I didn't think I'd have to explain that to you."

"I don't mean that," Caethil said. "A complete takeover, Trelis. That is what's happening. Whitetail no longer belongs to the whitetail, but to the Cervidaens."

"The redtail? You think they're invaders?" Trelis laughed. "Please. They've come to help us for once. You should be applauding their aid, not denouncing it as some sort of coup!"

"You have not seen them as I have," Caethil insisted. "We should have put an end to this war long ago, yet here we are on the precipice of a new start to it! Chancellor Vinawyll is a coward and a liar, and now he is a pawn to Empress Elinwynn."

Trelis furrowed her brow. "Careful, Brother-Commander," she said, putting an emphasis on his rank, "else you might be mistaken for a treasonous cur by those with far less tolerance than myself."

"Treason be damned!" he shouted. "Elinwynn does not care for you, or me, or any whitetail in this land. Once this war has ended, we will be assimilated into her empire, and she'll have finally accomplished what nine generations of her wretched family could not. Thousands, tens of thousands, will die on both sides before there is finally peace. If she wins, and the Equestrians fall, we will be nothing but expendable has-beens in her eyes. All of Whitetail will suffer. I cannot allow that to happen."

"And what, o' mighty warrior, do you intend to do? March down there and drive a blade through Elinwynn herself?" Trelis gave a dismissive laugh. "This sort of behavior -- the grandstanding, the ridiculous self-importance -- is exactly why I left you. Go home, Caethil. Drown your sorrows, as you're wont to do. Do not bother me again."

A fire raged within Caethil as Trelis returned to her table, already having dismissed him. He wanted to shout her down, to drag her down to the halls of strategy and show her the smug redtail officers who had shown up and immediately taken control; but he doubted it would have mattered. Those who served under the banner of the 9th Arcane were loyal to a fault...even if it meant they couldn't be loyal to anyone else.

"Let me ask you: what is it you think you're working on, exactly?" He pointed to the cauldron in the corner. "It seems the 9th has finally moved on from trying to summon yet another human-creature -- though given the tales of this 'Tercio' perhaps they should have tried harder -- and I don't see any tamed dragons around here, so perhaps you could enlighten me."

Trelis set a scroll down and gave an annoyed sigh.

"What the 9th creates is none of your business. You are a soldier, not a researcher. I doubt you would understand even if I told you."

"Humor me."

"I humored you for seven months. I'm done. Leave."

Caethil pressed on. "Did they tell you it's some sort of medicinal potion? Treatment for the wounded?" Trelis did not answer him, keeping her eyes cast down at a thick tome filled with text and drawings. "I take it you have not seen what remains of the Nightmare Moon encampment in the Midlands. Not surprising, considering they hardly allow you to leave Evinwiir. Shame, I think you'd be interested in what's there."

"Is there a point to this?" Trelis asked in annoyance.

"There is, in fact. You see, a few weeks ago I was asked to head up a small contingent of soldiers to remove the bodies of the cultist scum that had been left by the Equestrians. It was quite a sight. I can only imagine the battle that took place there." He could still see the aftermath as clear as day: hundreds of arrows lodged in barricades, shattered structures of wood and earth, weapons of all kinds scattered about like a child's discarded toys. Bodies that had been burned, frozen, decapitated -- mutilated by blade and hoof and spell. "I must say, I'm impressed the ponies managed to take that place at all."

"All these months and you still underestimate them. No wonder you're still a Brother-Commander after your colleagues have moved on."

Caethil ignored her insult. "While I was moving remains from a large tent, I saw a trio of does who had made a final stand. Two whitetail and a redtail, all within mere steps of each other. Though they had fallen in battle, what surprised me was the amount of damage that had been inflicted on the surrounding area. There were long lines of scorch marks and webs of magical energy burned into the ground, and their antlers --short for ours and tall for the redtail, of course -- had blackened and turned brittle from what I can only assume was an overload of power; not something you'd typically see from seasoned casters.

"I searched through their saddle bags and found several empty vials, but one of the whitetail had one that was half-full. It was a strange mixture of colors, and when I focused my magic on its container it seethed and bubbled. Does that sound familiar?"

Trelis looked to the cauldron, then to Caethil. "Shouldn't you be telling your commanding officer about this? If the darkness worshipers are intercepting shipments of our potions then we need to put a stop to it, but such things are not my concern."

"That's just it," Caethil said, "they didn't intercept any shipments! Those potions were given to them by the redtail."

If Trelis had any reaction to such news, she hid it well.

"That's quite an accusation you're making. I trust you can provide evidence for such claims?"

"I have my reasons to believe. After I found the vial I brought it to the attention of a specialist with the 23rd Alchemical. He, in turn, pointed me to none other than Brother-General Corvalix. When I met with him, I asked if he had seen such a thing before. He said that he had, claiming it was a creation of the Nightmare Moon followers. Whether he was misinformed, or did not care to inform me of its true purpose, I cannot say. I was dismissed after he stated that he would be keeping an eye on the cults, but something about it felt...off. Corvalix may have the gift of deceit like his damnable sister, but I could tell there was more to it.

"A few days later I was talking with Brother-Captain Ridaan, who was just returning from a skirmish with the cultists near the Lake of Embers. He said that he had lost half a dozen bucks to a single doe, a whitetail. From what he told me, the doe had been surrounded and trapped in a thicket. He thought she was going to surrender, but instead she downed a vial of fluid and immediately grew tenfold in power. From what he says, she flew into a fury and shrugged off half a dozen blade attacks. It took his entire squad to bring her down. And when they finally did, he saw black tendrils of dark magic within her eyes."

By now Trelis had begun to pay attention in earnest, though her skeptical look had not faded. Occasionally she would look down at her book, or to the swirling mixture at her side.

"If what you're saying is true, then I see no cause for alarm. Magical enhancement potions have been created and used for generations. We're simply trying to refine it. It is unfortunate that it fell into the wrong hooves, but such is the way of things sometimes."

"Then you do know what you're working on," Caethil said, more of a statement than a question.

She pursed her lips in annoyance. "I am one of the lead researchers, Caethil. Even you should be smart enough to realize what that entails." She lowered her voice and said, "I suggest you do not tell anyone else about this, for your sake. What we do here is none of your concern."

"Even when it means the deaths of countless whitetail?"

"We are giving an edge to our soldiers. Ancestors know they could use it in the sorry state our military finds itself in."

Caethil stamped a hoof on the research tome. "It is not going to our soldiers, Trelis! The cultists, the redtail...everyone is getting it except us! If this is truly a potion meant to help Whitetail, then why are we not receiving any? Why has it been hidden from our knowledge?" He stepped closer, until he was face to face with her. "I'll tell you why: because our true enemy is Cervidae. It always has been. What remains of the Nightmare Moon followers are being used against us. You are too blind to see the snake even as it coils around your neck."

She laughed. "And what would you have me do? Abandon a lifetime of dedication, decades of research into all manner of creations? The only snake I see is the one standing before me."

"Please, Trelis, just listen to me," Caethil said, nearly begging in desperation. "I don't want to see anything happen to you. Think of me what you like, but I couldn't stand to see you tossed to the side once Elinwynn and her brother gain full control of Whitetail. Chancellor Vinawyll is a puppet, and you only remain safe now because he is still in power. This potion you and the others have been working on will only bring about countless deaths, and not just for the Equestrian." He placed a hoof against her chest. "We may not be able to stop this war from escalating, but we can make sure it doesn't cost any more lives than necessary."

Trelis pushed her way past him, muttering to herself.

"Where are you going?" Caethil asked as he scrambled to keep up with her.

"To find the Brother-Sergeant outside. I've had enough of your ridiculous accusations. You should have never come here, Caethil."

He stopped in front of her, sticking a foreleg out to bar her path.

"Trelis, you have to believe me. I am only--"

"I said move."

Caethil was suddenly lifted off his hooves and tossed aside, landing in a heap as streamers of magic dissolved from his body. Trelis was already half way up the entrance hall to the hidden door before he caught up again. He began to speak, only to find a dagger floating inches from his throat.

"You always were stubborn," she said, jabbing it forward for emphasis so that it scraped against the short hairs of his coat. "Perhaps you're right, and Empress Elinwynn is here to see Whitetail reduced to a subservient state. Maybe Corvalix doesn't give a damn about any of us. But if you think for one second that I am going to throw my life away for your rampant speculations, you are very wrong."

He remained silent until Trelis lowered her weapon. Above them, a loud rumble and crash sounded, no doubt from another wayward Equestrian projectile. Trelis continued up to the barrier, pushing her way through with a brief crackle of energy.

"I am only trying to help you!" Caethil called to her. She ignored him and picked up her pace. "Trelis! Trelis!"

The wall nearest to Caethil exploded in. Chunks of masonry and heavy stone thudded off the ground, showering him with a spray of rock splinters and dirt that cut into his skin. His world tumbled end over end before he came to a rest near the barrier. His body ached. Dazed and weary he slowly pushed himself back up to his knees, noticing drops of blood staining the uneven ground underneath him.

Trelis was standing over him with a look of disgust and anger. Through the hole in the wall he could hear the collective panic of Evinwiir, the shouts of terror and the screams of the injured. Deep, heavy impacts sounded from all around him, a terrible fusillade.

"You believe Cervidae is our enemy? Listen to them out there, Caethil. The cries of families. The desperate pleas of the dying. The Equestrians grow tired of our defiance. We need the redtail to save us from destruction. Maybe you see that now."

Caethil coughed, and a stabbing pain dug into his side. He tried to speak, but his breath caught in his throat. Trelis gave him one final look -- more of pity than anything -- and turned to find the guard stationed just beyond the spiral staircase outside.

"Wait...Trelis, wait..." he finally managed.

"What is it now, Caethil? Do not think to beg. You are pathetic enough as is."

"No, not begging. I'm...I'm sorry."

Trelis sneered at him. "It is too late for--"

A chunk of stone smashed into her head from the side, and she dropped to the ground in a heap. Blood trickled from just under her ear.

Caethil lowered his head, the glow of magic fading from his antlers as he hobbled over to her.

"I'm sorry," he said again. A touch of his hoof to her neck; her heart was still beating. He gave a deep exhale of relief. He could have killed her -- perhaps should have killed her. The future of Whitetail was bigger than any one doe, yet as he stood over her unconscious form he knew he could not bring himself to put an end to her. Different though she was from when they were so much closer, he still held onto the memory of what she had meant to him.

"I hope you'll forgive me one day. I have to do this."

The barrier rippled around him as he passed through it once more, this time grabbing a burning torch from a wall sconce along the way. The walls continued to shake, even this far down. How ironic it would be, he thought in morbid amusement, if he met his end by an Equestrian catapult before he could set his plan in motion.

Magii-Apprentice Lelowyn came galloping around a corner, skidding to a halt in a fit of panic. Her eyes were wide and her breaths shallow, and she cowered as another impact sent a dull roar through the building. A structure must have collapsed close-by.

"B-Brother-Commander! What's happening? Where's Trelis? I heard this commotion and then everything started shaking and I didn't know where--"

"Easy, easy, Lelowyn," he said calmly. "It's alright. The Equestrians are making their presence known, but we are safe here."

She gasped as she noticed his injuries. "You're hurt! What happened?"

"I'll be fine. I was walking with Trelis when the bombardment started. I came down here to find you." Caethil spoke slowly and evenly. "Lelowyn, I need you to help me. Can you do that?" She nodded. "Good. Sister-Magii Trelis has been injured. She is just outside of the barrier. A piece of rock knocked her unconscious during the opening volley."

"Ancestors watch over us," Lelowyn said with a hoof to her mouth, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "What can I do?"

"Grab any medical supplies you can and go to her. Find the guard outside and tell him you need assistance, but do not put yourself in harm's way until the danger has passed. Go!"

Lelowyn immediately started gathering small vials of healing potions and bandages, stuffing them into her bag she kept around her neck. As she did, Caethil painfully made his way to Trelis' work station. All of her supplies and research books sat in neat rows or filled shelves that lined the wall. In the corner, near a heavy wooden table, the cauldron still churned and swirled in a trio of bright colors.

"So much trouble for such an innocent-looking creation," he said to himself. He had to laugh; a few months ago he would have eagerly embraced anything that let them kill the ponies outside their walls faster. Now he found himself actively sabotaging his own people to save the very same. He assured himself it would be worth it in the end. With the enhancement potion out of the way, and the very sky seemingly falling upon Evinwiir, he would have to push his plans forward.

One thing at a time.

Gathering everything flammable he could find into a pile, Caethil dumped the cauldron out and dropped the torch. It immediately spread with a rush of heat and air, singing the hairs of his coat along one side of his body. He stood and watched the pyre burn for a moment, clouds of pink and purple and blue rising with glittering sparkles and flashes of energy.

Satisfied, he hobbled back to the entryway. Flasks popped and exploded behind him as the flames fed on the 9th Arcane's bountiful resources, soon turning into a roaring inferno that would consume the building in its entirety within a matter of minutes.

Back in the open air of the partially destroyed facade above, Caethil saw Lelowyn rushing toward the entrance. He gave a final, pained look to Trelis, then disappeared through the hole in the wall and out into the night.