The army started marching, many of them were eager to fight and win glory for themselves as they made their way to the border of Viscaya and Narva fiefs. As they drew closer they saw smoke rising from the border. “What is that?” Sky asks looking to the Lyker captain of his royal guard.

“Smoke sir. Seems there’s something going on.” He says frowning.

“I must know what is going on. Who can we send for reconnaissance?” Sky asks.

“Well if you want a quick answer we have five cavalries that specialize in reconnaissance in the army right now. The Seeking Hackers, War Patrollers, War Troops, Hammer Soldiers, and Seeking Fang.” Lyker informs.

“Have the War Troops find out about this.” Sky orders.

“Send word to the War Troops to ride ahead and find out what is going on. The rest of you, pick up the pace.” Lyker orders.

A messenger runs off to the troops as the rest of the troops starts to march again with increased speed. Soon a few of the one thousand squadrons come riding back. “Overlord, the border is under attack. Seems they are trying to preemptive strike us.”

“Very well. Inform the army we are going to reinforce them.” Sky instructs.

The few troops nod and quickly rides off to relay the news.

“Seems you get to see your first battle sooner than we thought.” Sky says, looking to Twilight riding on a wagon that was carrying supplies.

Twilight frowns a bit at that and tries not to say anything.

The army hastened its pace to the fortress that seemed to be taking a beating with many arrows flying over it and archers firing at an unseen enemy.

“What’s the plan?” Vinyl asks behind him on the saddle.

“They won’t expect us opening the gate and charging right at them with twenty thousand cavalries.” Sky informs.

“But what if this is what they want? A full charge?” Vinyl asks raising an eyebrow.

“That is why I sent the scouts ahead to get me all the info.” Sky says as more riders run up.

It turned out the force was a probing raid with only five thousand soldiers attacking and had already taken major damage, losing two-fifths of their forces. The moment Sky arrived he got cavalry into formation behind the gate and when it opened they charged right through taking the enemy completely off guard and routed and ran them down.

“This is easy.” Twilight observed.

“Those were just a probing raid. This was only a skirmish. Far from a true engagement.” Sky informed as the garrison and army cheered. Though it was mostly those who this was their first campaign who cheered the loudest.

Twilight shakes her head. “Still too easy.”

“Let’s get the army moving. We still have the campaign to do.” Sky instructs, getting the army moving again.

Twilight frowns as she keeps noting down everything. Still, can’t believe that Archmage Celestia sent her here with him.

The army marched forward for days through the fief, noting the mine they secured along the way past it. “This is something, I must admit.” Vinyl says, noting what she can do with the minerals.

“It seems we couldn’t have invaded at a better time. The fief is in internal turmoil.” Sky says reading a message from his changeling spies.

Vinyl hums. “But how far can you go with an animal that is already backed into a corner?”

“Yes, but they are having trouble raising their army with all of this. Seems their ruler was killed at a feast and the guilty party was the heir who was executed.” Sky says.

“Ouch. That’s tough.” Vinyl laminated as she lays on his back.

“Yes and now there is a succession issue. Apparently, that raid was one of the potentials trying to gain legitimacy through plunder.” Sky says.

“Well, he fucked up badly.” Vinyl says grinning.

“Yes, but with our threat, they will try and muster as much as they can.” Sky says.

Vinyl giggles. “Can’t wait to see what he brings.”

“There are currently three potentials. Two with far more influence and power than the third.” Sky informs giving the report to Twilight.

Twilight hums as she reads it over. “I see.” She says writing it down in her notes.

“That kind of information is what entire plans are dictated from.” Sky informs, knowing she wasn’t used to war or at least not seeing it fought.

Twilight kept staring at the papers, trying to figure out everything.

“Now have one of the weather mages discerned the coming weather?” Sky asks.

“They said that in the coming season there will be some rain with a slight chance of lightning storms and high winds from the south. To the northeast, there will be heavy rain with a strong chance of many clouds. To the north, a scattering of clouds with a chance of sun. It will likely be warmer than it has been.” A nearby officer says.

“I see. Then we will march our army straight at them then.” Sky instructs.

“Sir?!” The officer asks shocked.

“We will use their disunity to our advantage and move and secure more territory before they come to meet us in battle.” Sky informs.

“But the weather…?” The officer asks confused.

“Will slow us down so we must race ahead of it and start taking and fortifying our position.” Sky informs.

“…yes sir.” The officer says starting to send out the messages.

“I want the Seeking Hackers, War Patrollers, and War Troops squadrons to constantly ride ahead of us and scout. I need information.” Sky says.

“Sir.” Another officer says running ahead to send the message.

“Eat quickly Twilight. We are moving.” Sky informs.

Twilight looks to him with a big piece of bread in her mouth and quickly chews and eats it as she tries to study the notes.

“Commander, the army seems different from the one from the last campaign, doesn’t it?” A mercenary asks his company’s commander.

“Yeah…who are they?” The commander asks himself.

“Commander, I have been talking to the royal guard and it turns out this is the first professional army that the Overlord has finished making.” The captain of the companies raider cavalry informs.

“I see.” The commander says thinking about it.

“So how many levis did he raise?” One of the mercenaries asks.

“None of the professional armies are levis. These are ponies, griffons, etc whose job it is to be in the army and fight. This is their job. They’re not farmers or merchants they are soldiers. This is a new idea by the overlord.” The captain informs.

“Basically Daisen is saying that they are professional fighters like mercenaries are.” The commander says.

“Wonder how far he will go?” The commander asks himself.

Captain Daisen moved close to him before whispering the royal guard knew that their overlord desired all the provinces, not just Celtica, but to unify the entire warring country. To the commander’s shock as, even though he was ambitious looking for a kingdom of his own, not even he considered the entire country as his goal. The thoughts on this persisted in his mind for the entire march until they came to a stop nearly two days later.

Sky had stopped and had his army make camp on a huge hill overlooking the area with a good water source and started work on building up a defense network, starting with throwing up makeshift fences and digging trenches in the preparation for what was to come. They were less than five days away from the capital and they knew it. They had sent three squadrons to scout constantly for anything new as they worked so not to be caught off guard.

“Anything yet?” Sky asks looking over a map.

“No my lord.” The officer says as Sky waited at his seat, overlooking the field of hilly terrain.

“Big sight, ain’t it?” Vinyl asks, jumping into his lap.

“You would know about that.” Sky whispers into her ear.

Vinyl smirks as she wiggles her flank into his lap. “And you know about mine.” She whispers back.

“So what do you think about Twilight?” Sky whispers into her ear as he watched as his soldiers started setting up towers on the hills.

“The hot shut-in. If she places a skirt and glasses on, it would be better.” Vinyl says chuckling.

“Can you use your powers to start subtly putting mental suggestions in her mind to make her less loyal to Celestia or at least have a new loyalty she can’t just ignore?” Sky whispers into Vinyl’s ear.

Vinyl grins. “Can I suggest her to wear the clothing too?”

“Later down the line first. I want her in my camp and out of Celestia’s.” Sky whispers into her ear, making Vinyl smile more.

Vinyl giggles. “You got it. Now then, you want to stop rubbing my flank?”

“Do you want me to?” Sky whispers into her ear as he smirked.

Vinyl relaxes in his lap. “Nah…you can get more firm if you want.”

“No need to call Rainbow or Bloom.” Sky whispers teasingly.

Vinyl licks her lips at that. “Good.

“So does Bloom intend to have walls built from each gate?” Sky asks.

“No, not enough time.” Vinyl says

“Good.” Sky says rubbing his head.

“My lord, an enemy scout was spotted.” An officer informs.

“Did he see our camp?” Sky asks.

“No. I do not think so.” The officer says worriedly.

“Let the scout see and tell them to slow construction. I want them to think we have been here longer than we have.” Sky instructs.

The officer nods and quickly runs off.

“Want to make it seem like we have been here longer than they think huh?” Vinyl asks the smirking stallion.

“They must be squirming by now.” Sky says holding Rainbow.

Rainbow moans as she brings the pillow over her head. “Yeah, yeah. Let me sleep.”

“Oh, did you not enjoy it my wife?” Sky asks.

Rainbow just moans and waves her hoof at him.

“Are your men ready for a fight?” Sky asks holding her gently.

“Yeah. They are ready for anything.” Rainbow says sighing.

“I don’t think the first three fiefs will give us much trouble. It’s the kingdom bordering the griffon’s that has me concerned most of all for this campaign.” Sky informs.

Rainbow hums as she nuzzles the pillow. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Now tell me, you trying to become a mother quickly or you just love me taking you?” Sky asks.

Rainbow turns her head and looks to him. “Just shut up and hold me.”

“I haven’t stopped my Rainbow.” Sky informs.

Rainbow scoffs and turns her head back to sleep.

“Say it.” Sky says petting her.

“Yeah, yeah, love you.” Rainbow says rolling her eyes.

“And who is my Rainbow?” Sky asks.

“Just let me sleep.” Rainbow says as she kept her eyes closed.

“Who is it?” Sky asks smirking.

“Me. Now let me sleep.” Rainbow says starting to frown.

Sky smiles as he wiggles a little, moving around inside her flank a bit.

Rainbow hits his side and stops him. “Cut it out. Let me sleep.”

“Admit it. You like me inside of you.” Sky says.

Rainbow groans. “I loathe you.”

“What was that?” Sky asks wiggling some more.

Rainbow moans. “Cut it out. Just let me sleep. I need to ready for a battle anytime soon.”

“Oh?” Sky asks before messing with her breast like he was trying to milk her.

Rainbow jumps. “Stop that.” She says pushing his hoof away.

“Then turn around and snuggle with me.” Sky instructs.

Rainbow groans and turns over. “Now let me sleep.”

Sky kisses her before just laying there with her.

“So tell me my vampire, how are things in their city?” Sky asks as Vinyl had just returned as he and Rainbow were putting on their armor.

“Panic is gripping the streets and they put it under martial law trying to keep order.” Vinyl says going to lay on the bed.

“Any signs of troop movements? They know we are here as we let their scout get away to relay the information.” Sky says.

“Well, this will be fun.” Rainbow says shaking her head.

“So tell me, of your three thousand troops, what did you bring mostly? Cavalry, infantry, or archers?” Sky asks putting on his helmet.

“Two thousand cavalry and one thousand infantry.” Rainbow says proudly.

“No archers?” Sky asks looking to her.

“I figure you would have that covered.” Rainbow says.

“True. So now we have to rile them up and get them to attack us. Vinyl, can you go back and make some of them bad mouth the hottest headed of the potential heirs? Saying stuff like he is too much of a coward to face us in combat?” Sky asks.

Vinyl grins and flashes her fangs. “Sure. Will be quite fun.”

“Also, as a reward for this, go to their prison, find a criminal and drain him dry.” Sky instructs.

Vinyl giggles happily. “Oh, you know how to treat such a good guest.”

“Also, did you do that thing I asked of you?” Sky asks.

Vinyl smirks. “All set for you.”

“Thank you.” Sky says before heading out to make his rounds on the camp.

Twilight sighs as this was the tenth day she spent in this camp, waiting for something to happen.

“Professor Sparkle?” A voice asks behind her.

“Spike, right now I am not a professor. I am a court mage.” Twilight reminds looking back at the purple dragon with green spines in some of the guard armor that Celestia has on her guards.

Spike looks a bit worried. “Twilight, I have been watching over you and you haven’t been acting well. Heck, you messed up the schedule a few times.” He says showing a scroll with multiple scribbles over some events.

“It’s just I figured I would constantly have something to do, but all that is happening right now is building and patrolling.” Twilight says.

“You should see my job Sparkle. This is nothing compared what I do sometimes after an accident with a spell.” Spike explains.

“Please stop calling me that. You are my little brother. We aren’t strangers.” Twilight reminds.

“Yet, I am a guard and you are a professor. It wouldn’t be right without calling you by last name.” Spike defends.

“I repeat, I am no longer a professor.” Twilight says bonking him lightly.

Spike rubs his head as he gives a slight frown. “Sparkle, I am too use to you calling you by that name. I can’t escape from it.” Twilight holds up a hoof to him. Spike just frowns as he stares at her. “Just stop. Besides, I am a proctor for you. Not some glorified assistant. As much as I want to.”

“Tell me, Spike, you were with Sunset studying when she was a temporary court mage for a court at war. Was it like this?” Twilight asks.

“Worse. Try blood sometimes at the table.” Spike explains shaking his head.

“I mean was there this much time between battles?” Twilight asks.

“You know those books about the wars that were recorded?” Spike asks, watching her carefully.

“Yes, why?” Twilight asks, raising an eyebrow.

Spike throws his hand toward every single soldier passing by who has a grim expression on their face. “Those books would be placed in the restricted section, read only by the archmage if it recorded every single detail about war. Every single puddle of blood. Every single bead of sweat. Every single loss of light from every single being that is involved that her students can record is in them. The time is not the issue. It’s the horrors that come from it.” Spike admits before sighing. “If you were placed on the front lines to fight, those spells of yours would cripple once you realize what is really going on and you would join all of them. War isn’t as glorious as it is lead to be. That is to motivate the soldiers to fight or join up. It is also very long. Months can pass in between battles.” Spike informs.

Twilight looked at him horrified as Sky walked passed on his daily inspection of the defenses.

Spike sighs before starting to walk off. “I’ll let you contemplate that. I would talk with Overlord Sky at least. He can help you understand more and maybe calm you down.”

The army waited for nearly another week before it finally happened. Scouts ran in and raised the alarm. The enemy was coming.

“Get everything together! I don’t want anything missed or uncovered!” Sky orders as he makes sure his armor is tied against him.

“Finally looks like Vinyl did her job well.” Rainbow says putting on her helmet.

“And they might be more pissed than ever because of that. That helps.” Sky says smirking.

“Sir, a report. The enemy approaches with less than six thousand.” A scout reports on his wildebeest.

Sky smirks to him. “Good. Have also forces get in position. We will let them come to us and try and assault our positions.” Sky says, knowing this fief used mostly bucklers instead of a full shield, making their range of coverage far less than normal.

“Yes, sir.” The scout says riding off to relay the message to everyone.

“It is just as you wanted, to meet the enemy on the ground of your choosing once more. Tell me, have you ever fought a battle unlike this?” Rainbow asks.

“Quite a few. Mostly sieges.” Sky says.

Rainbow raises an eyebrow. “Have you ever fought yourself? Your…magic or simple weapons?”

“I fight on the frontline when necessary, but being at one point in the battle limits my perspective and if I do not know the situation at all points in the battle, how can I make the right call?” Sky asks.

Rainbow stares at him. “So you want to stay back?”

“I want to find where the leader of this army is, then send the archers in reserve to bombard that area with arrows. If we kill their generals their morale will plummet.” Sky says.

“I see…” Rainbow says to herself.

“But I want as little damage done to the army as possible.” Sky says.

“Ah…you want the army.” Rainbow concludes.

“To conserve our strength, yes. I will not waste the lives of my men meeting them in close quarters like this army likes to fight. Their bucklers they using are useful there, but when it comes to blocking arrows…well, that changes matters.” Sky informs.

“That makes sense.” Rainbow says to herself as she thinks about it.

“And if we deal a decisive blow to the army here and then lay siege to the city, their morale will be even worse and be willing to listen to any demands for surrender.” Sky informs.

Rainbow finally looks to him. “You don’t want to constantly attack?”

“Why attack when I can exhaust the enemies through other means. I don’t have as many men as the last two campaigns and I don’t have allies like in Libya so we must fight smarter not harder here.” Sky says.

Rainbow slowly nods as she looks outside to the fields ahead.

“Now let us see if they have any good leadership. Tell me Rainbow, what do you know about that army out there?” Sky asks as Twilight listened in.

“I know they are foolish for doing this maneuver. The rider should have said something about pursuers but he didn’t.” Rainbow says.

“Ah, but did you know this army is used to outnumbering their enemies and overpowering them with those numbers? That they prefer close combat where they make excellent use of their bucklers? Or that they refuse to accept any surrender and like to use flashy tactics like marching their army squarely at an enemy? Or that their chain of command is very loose and their officers are not appointed by ability, but by political connection?” Sky asks.

“I’m guessing to you that this will be an easy win?” Rainbow asks.

“By knowing these details I can form proper strategies to counter them. In the end Rainbow, knowledge is power.” Sky informs.

Rainbow raises an eyebrow as she kept watching him.

“Now stay with me. You and your army will be in reserve for now. With no archers, they can’t aid all that much until they get closer.” Sky informs.

“Seriously? They have been waiting for a fight.” Rainbow argues.

“And they shall have one. At the right time and place. For now, let the untest bloody their hooves and become better soldiers.” Sky says.

“Ah, I get it. That is the second reason for this battle. You want to train your personal army with this battle. Let them fight their first real battle with as little help from the more experienced warriors as possible.” Rainbow says.

“Guilty.” Sky informs.

Rainbow shakes her head amused now. “Oh, Sky. I fell in with a crazy general and ruler.”

“Now let us see if any of the officers have more skill in warfare than arrogance, shall we?” Sky asks before taking flight to the central watch tower that surveyed the entire camp.