“Chariots you said?”

Sauron looked at the “chariots” prepared for him and Shining armor, together with a small escort made up from ten Pegasus’s to accompany them in their flight towards the encampment where the soldiers train. To say simply, these chariots would be better for parades then to actually defend someone in the air.

These chariots were rather small, but they weren’t made for guests like him only for ponies like Shining Armor. The chariots were wooden and painted purple, royal purple. Each chariot was pulled by four Pegasus guards. A pair of reins was to his disposal resting on the edge of his chariot. It didn’t look bad.

The front of the chariots had the emblem of the Crystal Empire made from probably metal or wood too. Sauron didn’t stand close enough and didn’t also care much about that detail. From the side you could tell it was a winged heart. For chariots they were a little too long for his tastes but it is acceptable as it is.

“Yes, chariots, is something wrong?”

“No, I’m just surprised they’re so small.”

“For you, for us ponies its perfect, but I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Shining stepped on his chariot, and took the reins with his magic. Sauron sighed and did the same thing; he stepped on the small chariot and took the reins too. It was funny to see himself standing on such a thing. There was no seat whatsoever, he didn’t expect one either way, it was meant for ponies.

The wheels looked like they were made out of brass, but in reality it was just a cover for the wooden wheels . It was attached to them by very small never seen by him screws. Sauron tied the reins around his right hand and awaited the pegasi to start flying. He was a little stressed as he didn’t want to fall of the chariot.

“Alright, let’s go then.” Shining said.

The pegasi started to walk and then they galloped, before going into the air they unfolded their wings and jumped up while flapping their wings. Sauron had to balance himself on the chariot, it surprisingly was quite easy for him. Although, he had to pull the reins in order to stay on his legs. He didn’t pull hard enough for the ponies to lose their momentum.

Sauron found himself in the air together with Shining who was flying in his chariot a few meters away. The chariots encircled the palace, together with the escort made out of ten pegasi. As they encircled the palace Sauron could finally get a better look from a bird's perspective. The city was wonderful, entirely made out of crystal.

Normal ponies, ordinary peasants, weaklings not worth more than a penny in his eyes flooded the streets, going to work, to buy bread, maybe even for a meeting? Some probably had a bad day, someone close has died. Maybe they have been robbed, a pickpocket met them today and they don’t know it yet?

The roofs that were destroyed by the storm were all repaired. The homes were all fine, the streets reflected the sunlight to the point it looked like the crystal street melt to the point it became white from heat. Some buildings were bigger and were not made out of crystal, some were made from ordinary bricks. The buildings still looked beautifully, he would say, the creator of the city really had to be an elf inside.

Everything looked clean, it was an Utopia, he would spend a lot of Morian Mythril in order to buy or conquer this city. The Crystal Heart still cast the barrier over the Crystal Empire. The barrier wasn’t visible in the sky, but the closer it got to the ground the more visible it was. They flew high but not high enough to reach the clouds.

Sauron could see that in the distance, there was a small village visible not so far from the city. He doesn’t have a map, he didn’t even see a map of this world. He might as well request one when they get back, or he will see some while in the camp. They flew towards the forest from which he came, but more to the west.

Flurry Heart was raining while he appeared in the world, she got lost and unfortunately she found a dragon instead of a flag. She had big amounts of luck that he was there, he didn’t even know what to do but he felt weird. Something made him protect the child he saw, he knew she was a child, he heard it in her voice and pleads.

Children do have a place in his soul, they are the hundred percent of the future. If he had Gondor in his grasp, he would have to focus on indoctrination of those children. They should know who is their ruler and lord for ever and ever. To mine the hidden skills for his own gain, from simple farmers to engineers. He would have to link everything to Mordor and more importantly to himself.

Where he is, there is Mordor. Where his eyesight reaches, there are his territories. Where his will is noticed and seen carried out by actions of his subjects. There is he, and the cycle begins anew. Until one of the following is no more. Then there is the border of his land, but in a matter of days, maybe weeks, the border will disappear.

There is no force that can stop him, not right now that he is alive and stronger. He said it plenty of times, but he may once again say it. If somehow, he won’t be able to return, he would have to start his conquests and worship of the creator thru wars, and of course, forcing his will and ideas on others. He doesn’t comprehend why can’t other beings accept his ideology, his image of how the world should be! He understands that making himself the ruler sounds selfish, but the most intelligent and powerful should be the rulers, he is a Maia, he is chosen to do this.

While Sauron was thinking, the barriers border was closing in. Sauron prepared for the upcoming potential impact. As the pegasi went thru it, he also was touched by the magical field. He felt being pushed, but very weakly. He could even dare to say it felt nice, comfortable. Warm and friendly, but as he was half way thru, he heard a small and weak whisper. Belonging to a voice nor female or male, deep in void, drained from life yet still it had hope.

“Change…”

The voice called out, Sauron’s expression remained emotionless, he didn’t feel anything invade his mind, it was a simple message said to him. It had to be the Crystal Heart for sure. He looked behind himself, as they flew forwards he looked at the palace, at the bottom in the center. He focused his eyesight on the Crystal Heart.

“Is everything alright?” A voice asked.

Sauron looked at the one who spoke, it was Shining Armor and no one other who said those words. Sauron shook his head mentally and his expression lost its emotionless state. He had a small smile, his eyes were not as narrowed as before and he didn’t look frustrated. He looked like a person who has a good heart and is always happy to help those in need.

“No, what made you think there was a problem.” Sauron responded kindly.

“You looked as if you saw a ghost a moment ago.”

Sauron let out an ice melting chuckle. “Oh really? I can assure you nothing like that happened, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Shining nodded, both flew over the forest. Sauron thought about a good way to start a chat in order to improve his relations. He could start talking about the military, but he’d rather leave it for later when they land. He could start with other things, such as how he became the Prince of the Crystal Empire, what did he study, he had to well-educated in order to climb so high up.

Then again… there was another option. He could ask about his family, maybe even say something about Arda in return but the guards around are to huge of a risk. He doesn’t doubt these guards will be loyal and never speak for what they would hear here. Outside forces is what concerns him, the wrong guards in the wrong place and someone knows everything you don’t want him to know. Mind manipulation, brainwashing, illusions, dominating with the users own will.

“So, How do you like it here in the Empire?”

Sauron looked at the prince who started the conversation, he choose an easy topic Sauron can talk about for years even. He thought about how he likes it in the Empire and lot of things are not as he would like them to be. Especially the fact they still didn’t fix the guard problem right away. Of course Sauron won’t say it out loud, he has to say only good things and then maybe a few worse so that it may look natural.

“The Empire is beautiful; the city being made entirely from crystal is something breathtaking.” Sauron said with a friendly and cheerful tone.

“Glad to hear that, the Crystal ponies gather from time to time to clean the whole city together.”

Sauron was interested. “Truly? Everyone? No exceptions?”

“Yep, well maybe some really grumpy old ponies who also can’t lift a broom up do not take part in the cleaning. Without counting in them, even foals do take part in it.” Shining said proudly.

“Now that is something interesting. From what I know, there are no such gatherings back from where I come from.”

Truthfully, Sauron didn’t know if such things exist in Arda, or in Middle-Earth. Even if it did, he wouldn’t care, he doesn’t really interest himself in events like that. Of course when there are bigger holidays, it is good to know about them and what you do there. Why the holidays exist in the first place, who made it. Maybe even add a prestigious present to the party in the form of his visit. That would never happen, of course it all was a giant joke.

However he was surprised to hear what Shining has just said. Ponies together uniting to clean the city together so that it may look beautiful? That is wonderful, perfect he would say. It would be nice to see men and elves do the same under his rule! Then again, it would only bring them away from work, and he needs the coin.

The solidarity between the rich and the poor in that time is probably better than anywhere in the world. Taking care of the environment, taking care of the animals that are sick and hurt, charity and various other things. This unites citizens and strengthens national unity. Mordor doesn’t need such things, all Mordor needs is him, his Nazgûl and of course some of his less worth orcs. Grog is also a very important substance that Mordor needs.

“Interesting.”

“What else do the ponies do in this land?”

Shining looked at him with a smirk. “Well, they will do, the Grand Galloping Gala will happen in the Crystal Empire, you are more than invited.”

Sauron looked at the Prince confused. “Grand Galloping Gala? What sort of Gala is that?”

Shining took a deep breath and started. “The Grand Galloping Gala is to celebrate the completion of Canterlot after Equestria was founded. Twilights know more details about it, but the Gala itself is meant for high class ponies. The Empire as a Brother nation will held the Gala!”

“I don’t know how big Canterlot is, but I assume its big, you’re sure all the guests will find a place in the City.”

“Of course they will, the Palace may look small but when you go inside it look bigger then on the outside.”

“I do not doubt your words, and thank you for the invitation.” Sauron added. “Other than talking, partying, eating wonderful deserts, is there something special?”

“If Cadence will have an idea to add something, then yes I guarantee you there will be something special. Other than that, everything you can expect there to be, will be at its finest quality and quantity.”

Sauron eyes widened a bit, he looked at Shining with a doubting but still friendly look. “I don’t know what to think, it sounds very expensive and the fact you’re honest really surprises me.”

Shining narrowed his eyes. “How do you know for sure that I’m honest?”

Sauron let out a small laugh; it was a honest laugh that pointed its pointing finger at the stupidity of the Question. It was a warm and firm laugh, but a small one.

“First of all if the Gala would be held in the Crystal Empire, and as you said I would be invited. So I would see if what you said is true.” Sauron answered and gave a taunting look towards Shining. “Not to mention that you told me, your sister Princess Twilight knows more about the Gala. If the Gala wouldn’t be held in the Crystal Empire, it would mean that you lied to me.”

Shining looked straight avoiding Eye contact, for Sauron it was enough to know that he made him shut up, but no. He won’t stop here, he will make him know that what he said was stupid and he will humiliate him before his own guards. Of course, he doesn’t know that Shining feels defeated already, how would he? It’s like he Sauron, is a brilliant diplomat and talker, or is he?

“If you lied to me, it wouldn’t be nice thing to do, it would also show me that you don’t want to have a honest, friendly relationship with me... Going back to the quality of different foods and drinks on the Gala you mentioned, you have to be saying the truth or else your words you said, wouldn’t have the same value in comparison to the reality. Furthermore, showing that you wanted to make yourself seen as a pony that can provide anything.”

Sauron paused and took a small breath in. “In the end you’d be a giant liar and idiot for thinking there would be no consequences of your words.”

The guards that were flying next to them, all looked at each other holding their internal laugh in themselves as they have been witnesses of their Prince getting owned by his guest. The roasting of Prince Shining Armor was intense, even more burning and painful then Tartarus roasting its prisoners.

“I hope I answered your question, besides, I’m very good at knowing who lies and who tells the truth.”

Shining Armor with a defeated look answered. “Yes you did.”

Sauron and Shining Armor were close to the camp inside of the forest, it wasn’t too far away, perhaps one hour on foot if not more from the order s of the city. Sauron saw a wide dirt road going thru the forest, it probably is one of the main ways of getting into the camp by foot. Sauron could see that there was something in the forest.

As they flew closer and closer, the camp was becoming more visible with each moment, it was like a small village that was protected with a wooden wall. He could say that the camp was looking like a ordinary Rohirrim settlement. That was bigger than Edoras, way bigger than Edoras. This camp at least had a decent wall and like that city who was the cunt of all capitals for Eru’s sake.

The barracks had red roofs, and were placed near each other in rows of seven. There were two main gates, one was in the north and the other in the west but slightly to the south due to the camps not perfect circular radius. Every three hundred meters there was a fragile wooden tower with archers or maybe a unicorn stationing there.

The camp looked like it cold house four thousand ponies, but he could be wrong, Half of it was reserved for the barrack and some bigger buildings, perhaps the bath for all those soldiers? Maybe was brothel for mares that have committed crimes and have received this as their punishment. Not a bad idea, these soldiers need some stress losing activities.

If here was a tyrant, somewhere in the future he should order every stallion from the age of fifteen to go once every day with a mare out. If the stallion will have fun, he won’t have any more strength to rebel and he will also be satisfied with what he has done during the day. Sex is solution to most stressful things, he tried it once. Yet the booming increase of population would be horrific, and with that comes war to help out.

You would just send these soldiers if they don’t prove to have special skills into battle and let them conquer in your name and for our country until the land you want to poses and rule over doesn’t become yours.

Which is basically what he is doing with his orcs, simple as that. Some would love to get away from him, so he orders them to breed like rabbits. There is no wife, and family in Mordor. An Orc sees an she Orc and he takes her and does the magic. She is impregnated and he goes away to fight for him. Orcs are a lesser race in Arda, they also will be second class citizens after he gets his hands on the men and Elves eventually.

Sombra did the same thing and he managed to have his special ponies be happy. Of course you always need more and more people in order to survive. You need those taxpayers and those workers to construct weapons and build buildings. This is how countries work, you need people to build the state on them.

Culture, traditions, you can make that up and while years pass by something will happen for sure, a war will break out. An invader says hello and asks for some sugar. There will be plenty of potential sources on which you can base your countries history, in the beginning, you need to forcefully keep it united.

But enough of talking, the camp had an armory placed opposite the barracks, you could say that fifty two percent of the camp was meant for training the rest was for ponies to sleep. The camp was basically a large training center point for foot infantry and archers, he doesn’t have a clue how and where the Pegasus train. He can see that the earth ponies definitely have to run at least five if not more circles around the camp. The ground close to the walls was used plenty of times, to the point no grass grows there any longer.

There was only bare plain dirt and sand around, the camp was also equipped with a small obstacle course, with weird black thick circles placed on the ground. There were training dummies located at the right side of the obstacle course. Probably meant for pikemen to train. The Archers had their place on the other side of the obstacle course.

In the middle of the camp, there was a made out of stone, thick and well build house. Sauron’s assumption was that the pony responsible for the camp is living there, together with others who train separately the earth ponies, Pegasus and unicorns. It looked like a mayor's house in a small Gondorian city, white stone, western stylish columns and a bit of Neo-Númenorian touch.

Those large windows didn’t play well with the building, the camp was also a defensive point in the Empires lasts lines just before the city Itself. Then again, a camp Depp in the forest for an decent army to station ready to assist, by attacking from the back was not too stupid. It actually was smart, but there was a problem, the camp was for newbies as Shining said.

The civilians conscripted would only get a quick training, and how to handle a weapon tutorial to then march into the battle. The camp was not too far away from the city meaning it could take a decent amount of citizens from it in order to prepare supplies in the form of amateur infantry. Not to mention, that it could be taken by an good organized assault rather quickly.

The walls although quite thick, are made from wood. It would be easy for an Unicorn to set it on fire, or maybe even blast it to pieces with a powerful fireball that would have some force carried with it. Flying beasts would have no problem flying over the walls, and the walls themselves can’t risk having cauldrons filled with tar to have burning arrows.

There is nothing else in the way, you break the gate and you’re inside. Three, maybe four ologs are needed and three minutes, and that’s all, his army would be in. Not to mention the wargs climbing the walls, or even jumping on them if some manage to do that. Catapults are just a detail that proves his point further, the ponies can’t defend themselves.

He doesn’t exactly see where would the unicorns fight and train, but a big chunk in the eastern part is empty, perhaps there the unicorns train their magic. Fighting each other, if needed, they can also train with the archers and regular earth ponies in the art of close combat. He would personally order to build a small hill in this place.

Or just move the camp somewhere higher, so that the camp might be secured from one side with a hillside or an clif down. Personally he would look for a place where the camp would have just one way in, where it would be plain. A cliff, even if the camp would be placed on a hilltop, he’d have it protected from at least one side with a sharp slope that would tire the enemy out while they would go up.

That’s basically all, thicken the walls slightly, make the towers and walls from stone. Upgrade the gates and strengthen them with iron. Increase the radius so that more places to train and to live would be built. The camp would become a small military fortress for an army of at least five thousand ponies. Add a few blacksmith or make an small district only for weapons makers and blacksmith’s.

If he ran this country for a year, he would fix this problem in less than a month! He doesn’t exactly know how big this country is, but it is called an empire. He is only left to assume it's half as big as Harad and perhaps twice as big as Mordor. Sauron looked at the camp, he also noticed the guards started to slowly fly down rather than straight as they did before.

“We’re close to our destination!” Said Shining.

Sauron nodded in response, the guards started to fly towards the camp slowly and with precision. Sauron could hear a trumpet, the ponies on towers probably signal the camp to prepare and hail their Prince. In moments Sauron could see every color the rainbow has flooding the dirty paths in the camp wearing their crystal Armor.

The ponies all galloped to the middle and formed a rectangle, as he thought; about four thousand ponies were in this camp. Not a bad number for a nation like this, then again war here wasn’t seen for an millennium. The crystal Empire disappeared with Sombra as he remembers. The pones don’t necessarily need a large military if they are landlocked from every side.

The small army was ready to guest their prince, the amount of time they needed to get ready was impressive. Sauron was shocked to see horses be so organized, he was even more confused, by the fact, he liked something about the pony military. Sauron had to try and balance himself out while not falling out of the chariot.

The guards flied down and the camp was getting dangerously closer, the ponies were also moving pretty fast. As they moved down someone exited the lonely building in the middle and with him eight other ponies too. The pony walking forwards was an unicorn, an old unicorn. He had a dark yellow coat and something around his neck. It looked like a strange whistle, but he could be mistaken.

The guards met with the ground and stopped flying, the chariot hit the ground lightly and Sauron didn’t have to watch out for unwanted accidents. The guards galloped forwards and with step after step they slowed down. Shining’s chariots was before him, the guards accompanying them also landed on the ground and looked a little tired.

They stopped right before the weird pony, the ponies behind him carried flags of the crystal empire in their hooves. They sat and what’s even weirder, is that their armor had saddles on them. He wasn’t joking, hey had saddles on their backs. He didn’t see saddles on the back of normal ponies. Perhaps this is some weird decoration for parade armor.

Shining was the first to step off his chariot, he walked towards the old unicorn. The unicorn bowed his head and after him did the eight ponies. The eight seemed to be the ones responsible for training; he saw three earth ponies, two unicorns and three Pegasus’s. Shining Armor approached the old unicorn and placed his hoof on his shoulder. While Sauron made his way towards them.

“How are the recruits doing?”

“Like always, the first days was light, but after your visit, we will start on forging a sword from that young Iron we just dug out from homes.” Said the pony with his old voice.

Both of them shared a small laugh, the unicorn has however stopped when he saw Sauron standing behind and slowly approaching the two. Shining Armor looked behind and immediately introduced the pony with Sauron.

“This my dear friend is both my and Cadence’s guest.”

Sauron didn’t want to really talk but he stepped forwards and greeted the chieftain of the camp.

“Greetings.” Said the Dark Lord.

“It’s an Honor to know you, name is New Order.” The unicorn extended his hoof to shake Sauron’s hand.

Sauron did shake the unicorns hoof and responded. “Sauron.”

“Yes, Sauron is not from around here, If it’s not a problem you could show him a few things around and later I’ll join you.”

“Of course! We’ll do it right away, however, may I know from where exactly you come from?”

Sauron looked at Shining, to tell him with his eyesight not to tell this old unicorn he is not of this world. He doesn’t need more questions to be answered, especially when it comes to unicorns that don’t matter even in the slightest to him. Sauron stopped looking at Shining and looked back at the unicorns.

“Mordor, a place far away, not in this land or anywhere close.”

“Beyond the Grand Duchy of Dearna?”

Sauron nodded. “Yes.” He wasn't sure where that country is, but propably far from here.

The unicorn seemed to look, sad? He probably was sorry for him being so far away. Well technically the number that indicates how far from Mordor he is, close to infinity as he broke the boundaries of reality between the world and moved through the fabric of the universe. He isn’t far from Mordor, this world doesn’t work in his situation.

“Well anyways, before I address the recruits, I have a question.” Shining started and looked at the training ponies.

Sauron looked at the Prince who looked at the ponies behind the yellow Unicorn with his eyes burning with anger and hate. In moments Shining’s expression turned into one of a tyrant and a sadist who only wants to see pain of those that stand before him. He looked worse than his orcs when they smile!

“Who was responsible for my daughter's near death!”

Shining yelled so loud that the windows shook and Sauron wanted to cover his years. The Horn of the Prince was glowing with his magic as he increased the sound of his voice. The yellow Unicorn gulped and didn’t ask questions, those behind him started to shake in fear before the Prince. Sauron finally got to look at an angry pony in this world.

“If not for him!” Shining pointed at Sauron. “She would have been burned, or eaten by a bucking independent dragon!” He yelled this time without mimicking the royal Canterlot voice.

The ponies looked at him with shock and also awe that he managed to save Flurry Heart from the painful Death in an Dragons mouth or belly. Perhaps even being squished by the dragon just because the dragon felt like it. The ponies however were almost pissing themselves when they thought about the punishment they may get if the culprit won’t admit his fault.

“Oh! No one is brave enough to say ‘it’s my fault’ but is brave enough to defend citizens from-Faust forbid-bandits and maybe even war!”

Sauron nodded mentally to these words, it was truly sad to see none of them trying to even point their colleague who did this. It basically means that they value friendship more than their countries ruler and future Princess if Cadence and Shining dies. If it was in Mordor, he would have simply read everyone’s mind at the same time and kill the one responsible for the crime.

Shining looked at them, as the ponies breathed heavily, he looked bloodthirsty and he didn’t want to give up on this. He breathed heavily himself. Sauron watched from Behind as the ponies looked him in the eyes from time to time. He only looked back, and allowed them to partially witness some fear, in the form of messing with their mentality each time they looked at him. To make them, feel empty inside, cold and warm at the same time, to maybe drive them a little crazy and help Shining out.

“I give you ten minutes! If the one responsible won’t come forth, I’ll check who was assigned to the training at the time.” Shining looked back at the dark yellow Unicorn. “You two may go, I’ll join you later.”

Shining proceed to go and address the recruits, while Sauron and the old Unicorn exchanged looks and the Unicorn stood up. Sauron followed the unicorn to the right, still looking at the ponies who Shining shouted on, he already suspected one pony to be the one responsible for Flurry Hearts near death.

Don't worry, two more chapter and you'll see slaughter! Death! Defience and treason!
You'll see the main six talking with Sauron, some hilarity will occur. Good stuff is on the way.

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