As the Sentinel's broadsword and Scipio's gladius slammed with an echoing sound of steel, Twilight watched in livid shock as the Sentinel and Scipio traded blow after blow, Sentinel's shield allowing greater defense, but Scipio was quicker, due to being unburdened by not wearing armor.

"You have sharpened your skills!" Scipio cried.

"I did serve you, brother. Do not forget." Sentinel replied, bracing his shield against Scipio. HE then bashed his brother with his shield. Scipio elegantly backflipped, and landed square on the ground.

"I never forget." Scipio cried, rushing forward again. The two brothers weaved a dance of steel and echoes, neither side scoring a hit on the other. Then, Scipio suddenly buckled. Sentinel knocked his weapons away and then….

Scipio was on his knees, Sentinel's greatsword to his throat.

"Do it, then. Kill me." Scipio taunted.

"Never, brother." Sentinel replied. "Do you accept my ward's request?"

"With honor." Scipio said, standing up. He gave a ghoulish cackle.

"Princess of Friendship, I accept your request. My army is with you. First....we need….motivation. Promise me something."

"State it." Twilight replied.

"When we have fulfilled our quest, release us from this ghostly life." Scipio said.

"Granted." Twilight replied.

Scipio gave a bare-toothed smiled.

"WARRIORS!" he cried. For the first time, his soldiers gave a hellish war cry.

"Tonight, we ride to protect Equestria, from tyrants and assassins! Death awaits our success! We will not fall! We will not fail! TONIGHT, WE BATHE IN HELLFIRE!"

The warriors gave the loudest cry that ever hit Twilight's ears. Scipio smiled and glanced at Twilight.

"When you are ready, simply give the call. We will ride on your command."

A ghostly wisp of energy flowed into Twilight's grasp, and she nodded.

"Thank you, Scipio. Sentinel, let's head back to the Empire."

"As you wish."

"I will be coming, too."

Scipio strode forward.

"I need to catch up with the times. My forces shall be ready."

"If you insist." Twilight replied. As the three of them headed back to the cavern entrance, meanwhile, Majesty Blueblood packed a bag with basic necessities. Her father had managed to acquire Saddle Arabian exiles as additional forces, and had paid them with gold looted from the Canterlot Royal Treasury. He had left to negotiate the contract with them, and Majesty had seized her chance.

"Let's hope this works." she said. Charging her horn, she teleported away in a flash.

==========================

"Flare-spell off the gate!"

Shining and Cadance woke in a flash at the cry.

"What's going on?" Cadance asked.

"I'll go see." Shining said. Grabbing his armor, he walked out of the spire and towards the gate, he was shocked to see several guards with raised lances. Then, he raised his eyebrows. Majesty Blueblood stood defiant, a bundle roll on her back.

"What did you come for, traitor?" Shining spat.

"I came for answers." Majesty replied. "I wish for asylum here."

"Why should I grant this?" Shining replied.

"A few reasons. One, father's newest soldiers, Saddle Arabian exiles, are being paid with Gold from the Canterlot Treasury. Two, I've read his documents. He intends to become a king. And three…"

She took out a scroll sealed with the Blueblood crest and handed it to Shining.

"That." she said.

Shining opened it and his eyebrows hit the roof. The scroll contained perfectly drawn defense layouts for the whole of Canterlot which were established by the Unicornian forces.

"Is this real?" Shining asked.

"It's not the original copy." Majesty replied. "I had to draw that myself. Luckily Father's lessons helped me with my drawing skills."

"Seems he taught you one good thing, then."

Both ponies turned to see Twilight, the Sentinel, and what could only be described as a ghost walk up.

"Twilight Sparkle." Majesty said.

"Majesty." Twilight replied. "I see you've met Shining."

"I have." she said. "Let's move this to proper quarters, shall we? I can barely stand."

"You'll be under heavy guard." Shining said,

"Doesn't matter." Majesty replied. The guards escorted the five of them to the castle as the sun rose.

=============

A mercenary knocked on Majesty's door.

No answer.

He knocked again.

No answer.

He opened the door, and to the mercenary's surprise, there was a note on the desk. He opened it, and rushed out.

=============

Amadeus Blueblood fumed in anger as he incinerated the note, the words fresh in his mind. He scowled and threw the ashes to the floor in sheer fury.

If you won't give me the answers I seek, I'll get them myself...Whether you like it or not.

Goodbye, father.

Majesty.