Together with Shining and New Order, Sauron went where the regular soldiers train. It was nothing more than a large field with dummies made from wheat placed on a cross with a face made out of a bucket. Simply saying, literally nothing worth of attention. Between the dummies was enough space for the ponies to fight hoof on hoof in a brawl to test their natural fighting skills.

This is was a disgrace to everything he has ever seen, no gym was even in this place. What are they, working on farms for the locals? Something would at least come out of that, he would organize the hell out of this place to the point you’d fit ten more areas in! However he has already talked about it, no need to repeat the subject.

Like, why? Who would even benefit from this useless camp! Yes he understands it can produce fresh meat for the wars. He understands that it can be a good training place for new recruits that later will go somewhere else. The Empire has so much land on which forests grow, it's sad to see they won’t cut out a few more trees in order to build up the place.

Yet it is stupid not to aim for both numbers, while the population is high and quality when there’s much time to improve on the recruits. It’s a shame this has to exist, he would burn this camp, he would literally do worse than Galadriel did to Dol Guldur after three invasions by the Witch-King. Two thousand and ninety years of pure history and usefulness are gone.

While Sauron looked at the wide field of nothingness and pure sadness that just demanded to lay waste in his mind by seeing the horrifying state of this camp. He shook his head. Shining Armor and New Order were talking to him something, he ignored it completely. He doesn’t have the mental strength that is worth such an punishment of listening to both of them.

Sauron looked behind himself, in the distance were the barracks, while almost in the middle was the home of the governor and the teaching ponies. He would put a gym right here. Build paths and add some more dummies to where the regular soldiers train. Make the unicorns sturdy illusions, Add a second wall from wood and upgrade the previous one with rock. Make outposts outside the encampment for the soldiers to go and train there some of their skills, like archery or speed.

Make it a Mordor style fortress for the region. Raise a hill and perhaps even raise the whole camp upwards with his strength. An easy task, it only would need a few minutes for him to achieve everything properly. He as a Maia before he joined Morgoth, added a few things into the world, but just a few minor things.

After the whole world was created, you needed to, make it better, which is why from time to time a river or a small canyon had to be curved in the earth so that the land may look better. Enough of that, he has no interest in staying here any longer he might as well ask a few more questions and ask to go back to the City. Right now, this camp is the worst thing he possibly has seen so far.

“Is there any point in this camp whatsoever?”

“What do you mean by that?” Shining asked taking that question personally.

“There’s nothing here, not even stuff, stuff to lift.” Sauron looked at him with his blazing gaze, he said it with a tired voice full of disappointment.

“Well, yes. For instance young newbies can learn the basics, and even ponies with no future as a guard may try and learn a few things with a sword.” Shining said with a optimistic tone.

Sauron just looked away, he rolled his eyes and breathed out slowly. “Arming up citizens?”

“Not exactly, they volunteer for the sake of the country. If needed they know they’ll be called.”

Sauron nodded, his hands behind his back, he looked one more time at the field, he literally felt utter nonsense unspoken beaming from this camp. He wanted out this instant, he wanted to squish every pony in the camp for being here. Why did he even agree to come here? He wanted to know what bothers Shining Armor, and talk to him.

Looking at this, makes him want to do bad things to the ponies, not because of how miserable they are, but because of the weakness that they as a nation are, just weak, an easy goal. He could right now, with his pure mind and will kill New Order, break his horn, take control of Shining Armor in an instant. While lay ruins to this camp, summon shadow and darkness in a giant vortex that would disintegrate and swallow everything.

March on the City, wield lighting and magic, use illusions to trick the ponies and soldiers in thinking that the princesses are the enemy he is. Corrupt the landscape and with time pierce the whole region with his influence. Construct powerful weapons and capture powerful artefacts, have thousands of hostages, with the elements probably in the city, he would be invincible.

However there is something keeping him from doing this, something tells him he doesn’t need to do just that. He could focus on what he wanted to focus on, the officials and the elites in the county, to become the true ruler of the Empire from behind. And when the time comes backstab Cadence, throw that Flurry Heart into a dungeon or dominate her mind with his will. Declare war if necessary, and demand a treaty promising good care of the royalty for exchange of a demilitarized zone stretching along the border of the Empire and Equestria forty miles into the land.

That would be just a portion of what he would demand, of course he would use his skills in order to achieve diplomatic contact with other realms and form alliances. Promise them prestige and gold, land and perhaps even the possibility of being immortal. Anything that might be suitable for their tastes he would promise and give at first, then stop, with time slowly increasing their thirst of more and therefore addicting them to himself.

“Twilight and her friends are probably already in the palace by now, do you have any more questions? Ask we won’t come back for some time.”

Sauron wanted to go back, he was pleased with the decision Shining has made. However he debated in his mind if he did have any questions about the camp. He didn’t, it was miserable enough to be not in his interest .Sauron shrugged and responded with a calm and cold tone as always.

“No.” Said the Dark Lord, cold enough for the ponies to fear the chilly wind.

“Alright then, New Order, keep the camp in check. We are going back to the palace.” Shining said.

“Of course, you can count on me.” The pony bowed his head to these orders.

Sauron went after Shining towards the chariots that were guarded by the pegasi who seemed to talk about something. While going by, Shining eyes the swords that lay against the wall of the housing apartment of the governor and the teachers. He looked at them weirdly and Sauron also glanced at them.

Normal, steel swords, regular hide hilt with a well-made blade. It looks well balanced, the pommel was round and made from steel too. The cross guard could be a little longer, but what do you expect from equipment for recruits to be like? The grip’s leather was brown while the rest of the sword was basically metal and that’s all.

‘Amateur Gondorian craftsmanship’ Thought Sauron.

All of a sudden Shining Armor stopped, Sauron stopped too. Why did they stop, has something happened, has Shining located something dangerous worth of attention and action? No? Oh, it seems he was expecting too much, the prince just looked at the two swords and hummed under his breath. Sauron wanted to snap his own neck.

“Do you mind having a small duel?”

Sauron looked at the Prince with a raised eyebrow. That was a surprise, he didn’t think the pony might suggest a sword fight. He wasn’t to good at fighting in close combat, he could taunt and trick the prince to make him lose miserably while humiliating him. He’d rather be using magic then fight with a sword at close range. Most fights ended badly for him, however a quick duel might not be the worst idea.

“Sure, why not. You want to have a sword fight?”

“Yep, I need to move my bones a little.” Shining responded.

“Wonderful, let me get you proper equipment!” New Order said from behind.

“No need for this, these two there will be fine”.

The two swords were illuminated with Shining’s magic, the sound could be heard, he levitated the swords over to them, Sauron took his sword in his hand and eyed it carefully. He could see minor cracks on the blade. The grip itself felt weird, as if it was never used before by anyone in fact. Sauron could however note they were polished good and he could see his reflection in the blade.

“Now, let’s set up the rules. Let’s do it changing turns K?”

Sauron nodded in response.

“Good, I’ll go first. No dirty tricks, like sand in the eyes or aiming for sensitive ‘weak points’.”

“No charging.” Sauron said next.

Shining Raised his eyebrow. “Really? Uhhh, only swords and no help with hoofs or hands.”

“No barrage of random unjustified attacks.” Sauron said after Shining.

Shining was getting nervous. “No help from outsiders.” He looked at new Oder who smiled simply and looked away whistling.

“No running.” Sauron finished.

“Alright, let’s get into positions.” Shining said ready.

Sauron took seven steps back and held his word tightly in his right hand where his ring was. He’d prefer his mace but a sword is fine too, maces are not as commonly used as you’d think. He likes maces, you can just splatter your enemy with a mace with no repercussions. Can break the enemies block, destroy his shield, wipe out entire battalions.

He as a Maia, without himself in his armor he is able to send soldiers flying, he has more strength then one would think because of his nature. He is strong enough to hold a pony like Celestia in his arms without breaking a sweat. The matter of becoming slightly bigger was just to make sure he would handle the weight, he did!

The ponies in the barracks got interested and peaked out their windows to see the battle, some went outside to observe the struggle. There was at least a few hundred heads sticking out of all the windows of the barracks. Sauron ignored the crowds and focused on his enemy Shining Armor. He might as well play with the prince.

“Go!” New Order yelled.

Shining started to move forwards, Sauron took one careful step towards his enemy, he wanted to place his second hand on the hilt but he sticked to the plan he had in his head. The unicorn was closing in, normally he’d charged by now, yet the rule was not to charge. Sauron kept on maintaining the eye contact while from time to time releasing some of his true self out in the form of breaking one’s mind.

His flaming gaze was dangerous, he could literally make Shining trip right now if he wanted to make it so. The prince’s will was strong but not strong enough for him. Dark Lord of Mordor made one more tiny step forwards placing his right foot onwards towards the enemy. That’s when Shining armor attacked with a weak piercing attack aimed at Sauron’s left shoulder.

The Dark Lord blocked the incoming attack with his sword and pushed the sword held in Shining magic away. While weakening the Shining’s grip on the sword slightly while doing so. The two moved like two cheetah move around their prey. Sauron wanted to play defensively. Trying to trick Shining into a trap.

The Prince took one step forwards and launched one strong horizontal attack aiming for the head, Sauron blocked the attack, he immediately threw the sword away on the left side and took an large step backwards. Shining wanted to deliver a clean straight cut from the left but Sauron again blocked the attack this time himself attacking the incoming sword.

If not for Shining Magic the sword would have flown away, but thanks to the magic he could keep the sword by himself. Sauron again awaited the enemies attack. However he wanted to provoke the action, he launched a false attack aiming at Shining torso dashing forwards like a arrow, and immediately with amazing unseen by anyone speed, returned to his position

While Shining wanted to block the attack and pin Sauron’s sword down to then himself dash forward and stop at his neck the Prince was under great surprise when Sauron’s sword wasn’t there anymore. Shining decided to take a offensive path, he walked forwards sometimes going a little to the right or left, constantly attacking Sauron while Holding his blade before him.

Sauron however caught the blade in a panel break. The two of them struggled to overpower the other with Sauron baiting the Prince to use much force to the point he started sweating. Sauron’s own hand started to shake from the force behind the pressure and he retreated his sword. He was like light, so fast he has moved and placed his sword onto his blade and pointed it to the ground burying the tip of Shining’s sword in the dirt.

Shining couldn’t tell how did Sauron achieve this, the only thing he saw was some very weak like yellowish aura around him. It disappeared very quickly. He felt played, Sauron if not for the rule that they can’t use their body parts to help themselves would simply kick the Prince and then start being the one on the offensive in exchange.

Sauron needed to think of something quickly, he decided it would be better to retreat and let Shining’s anger carry him and bait him again in a trap like this. Sauron took a few steps to the side and one forwards to gain ground. Shining attacked from the left side and aimed at Sauron’s left kidney and thigh.

The Dark Lord parried the attack, in return the dark lord placed his left hand on the sword, pushed the sword away with Shining doing a step back. He then again held the sword in his right palm and decided to do some offensive attacks from the above and the upper left. Sauron’s attacks were strong, quick, yet his movement was very slow and minor.

Sauron Kneeled and tried to stab the Prince yet the Prince responded by blocking the attack by using his swords blade like a shield that blocked the piercing sharpness of Sauron’s swords tip. Sauron stood up and attacked again, this time from the right upwards towards the Princes head. Sauron made a fatal mistake, Shining now could simply send his swords forwards and place it on his neck.

Yet the Dark Lord saw this mistake took a big step towards the enemy, while placing his left hand o the sword. Therefore the Dark Lord was now fighting with the pony for dominance as they stood literally two feet from each other. Shining wanted to push and Sauron too, yet Sauron glared at shining with his scary gaze and made him think twice.

Shining efforts on holding the line were small, Sauron used this and pushed the prince away that dangerously lost some of his balance. The Dark Lord without mercy, attacked the Prince from the upper right side, the Prince with luck managed to move his sword there. When the attack bounced off Sauron did a pirouette like an elf and attacked from the other side with way more force then before.

Shining sword moved drastically to the right side, he saw the incoming attack of Sauron from the same direction. He dashed forwards and slithered on the ground while holding his sword forwards. Sauron missed and jumped away, while a piece of his clothing was cut because of the attack Shining committed.

Sauron breathed heavily, not because he was tired, because he actually felt some fear back there, he looked at his vesture the Heart gave him and looked at the small hole in the bottom left abdomen. Sauron wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The Prince walked forwards and Sauron too. Both of them wanted to end the fight, both wanted to be victorious so that both-surprisingly-may share their victory to Twilight. While Shining additionally wanted to do it to Everypony he knew in the world that could look with a smirk on Sauron near in the future.

Sauron placed his left hand on the hilt and attacked from the right side, he retreated and held his sword close left, pointing at Shining armor just like his Nazgûl. The Prince went forwards and attacked at Sauron low right side, to aim at his leg, but Sauron retreated his leg and he himself tried to stab the Prince. However Shining’s sword came from the right and changed the course of the sword and Sauron’s attack.

Sauron was way to experienced to know what traps Shining may prepare and also he wasn’t good at fighting in close combat. Shining however was better and he wielded a weapon he knew good how to wield. While Sauron for a very long time didn’t wield a sword and his skills are still rusty. Both stood on opposite sides and both had similar experience in fighting.

Sauron had his pluses and Shining his. However Sauron had a deceiving mind, a sinister plan and a lot of to accomplish. Therefore Sauron looked at Shining, deep into his soul and moved very slowly forwards. The Prince did make one step forwards while having his sword above his head shielding him from any incoming attack.

The Prince attacked Sauron by a surprise dashing forward and doing a small charge that looked like a attempt to do a quick stab, stab. Sauron parried the attack but didn’t respond with his own attack, he let Shining continue his heavy and light combos of attacks from the right and left. Aiming at his left and chest. Sauron looked at the Prince in the eyes the whole time while he was doing his attacks. Eventually he stopped to take a breath in.

Sauron came into action, attacking at the center of Shining chest, this one mighty dash forwards that almost ended very badly for both sides. Sauron got a little carried away but adrenaline is always good for the fight. Either way, it was me to initiate plan B into action. Sauron let himself be a easy target. He tried to block and parry the attacks, however Shining got more serious and it seemed his skills were starting to slightly show its rusty side.

Sauron was avoiding the attacks by not blocking them but by just getting away from the sword. It might have looked like running but it was just an tactical retreat to bait the Prince. Sauron awaited the right moment to dash forwards, he still kept on maintaining eye contact with the Prince who seemed to be uncomfortable with the fact he was looking at him the whole time.

Shining got more unexpected and random, chaotic so to say yet sill his moves had some sort of momentum and pattern. Left, left, horizontal, upwards and backwards from the left, forwards and to the right. Sauron waited for Shining to attacks by aiming at his gut, yet it seemed the Prince needed some sort of a hint to lay his eyes on that weak point Sauron planned on creating.

Sauron left his guard down, intentionally and revealed his hips by moving his arms higher, Shining caught the bait. Sauron in that exact moment used his sword to impale it into the ground and make from it an obstacle for Shining’s attack. He acted as if he was in panic and did it quickly, while maintaining eye contact. Shining retreated his blade and he saw the opportunity to touch Sauron’s throat with the tip of his sword and end the fight.

Shining looked at Sauron, his eyes seemed to give a small burst of light, Sauron then tried to flip to the right side, so Shining in order to stop him wanted to quickly move forwards and immediately pin him down by standing over him when the foe tries to stand up. Yet Shining tripped, for some odd reason, he felt something under his hind left leg.

He lost control and fell over losing the magical grip on his sword, he wanted to quickly stand up and take Sauron’s sword. When Shining was ready to turn on his back, he saw no other than Sauron standing over him with the sword over his head, he held it downwards holding it in a reverse grip.

Shining gulped hard, he shook his head, he could have sworn that Sauron wasn’t here, he couldn’t get back, he would have to use magic and teleport or freeze time. He lost, to Sauron, he didn’t think he’d manage to achieve such a failure. Sauron wasn’t even that good, he was well trained but not well enough!

The crowds at the barracks all murmured and some yells could have been heard, you could say there was a small party going on inside of the barracks. Whispers and sometimes even chairs or wooden objects could be heard breaking in the distance. New Order himself was fascinated by the outcome and also interested in the stupidity of the Prince.

“How?” Asked Shining.

“You made the wrong step.” Sauron answered simply, coldly and emotionless.

Sauron dropped the sword, and looked at Shining Armor who still was in shock. He reached out with his hand to help him stand up. He didn’t know why he did that, he just did, he felt it was good to do so, that it was good to help the looser in the dirt he just won with. He felt weird doing this, he felt, weaker and less powerful by doing such a thing.

Shining grabbed Sauron’s hand and Sauron pulled Shining back up on his feet. This was a good fight, yet he still didn’t understand, how did Sauron win when he rolled over the other direction, it was weird. Was that a illusion? Did his mind play him and he lost because of a mirage like in a desert? Sauron placed his hand on Shining shoulder and smirked.

“Let’s get back to the City, it was a good fight, I have to say.”

“Yes, indeed it was.” Shining said, not sure if he should take his defeat like a man, or like a teenager.

“Now, my Prince, you need to learn how to choose your steps carefully!” New Order cried out loud.

“Why is that?”

“What you did was terrifying, to go forwards just like th-”

“Now, leave your ruler alone will you?” Sauron spoke cutting the old uniron off, striking him in his heart with his stone cold gaze, even when is eyes were like two volcanos. “One mistake, doesn’t mean something is wrong, yes there is a problem. Like a machine, it can break or make a failure, but it doesn’t mean you should throw it away, every machine can do a failure, it doesn’t mean it's bad. It was a duel for fun, for strengthening relations, there’s no need for lecturing!”

Sauron looked at the old Unicorn and then at Shining Armor and he looked at him with offense and disgust, cringe and frustration. His face a mixture of emotions of both bad and good, if you’d call them good even.

“To allow your subject to just say such things to you? I would do something on your place.” Sauron whispered into Shining’s ear.

Shining Armor liked New Order and didn’t take what he was about to say personally, everyone makes failures ad in the military failures are unacceptable. Sauron had a point, the duel was for fun, even if it looked rigged, however he needs to go back to the city and not waste more time in the camp. New Order might lecture him later on how to improve.

“Yes, we should get back, let’s go.” Shining said, giving new Order a stare.

The two of them walked towards the pegasi guarding the chariots, Sauron was very happy that he won, he had to use some minor tricks that involved illusions but that’s just a small detail nobody should care about. Shining’s mind was way weaker when he got angry and frustrated he couldn’t win as quickly as he wanted to win.

New Order saluted and went back to his apartment together with the other teachers that asked him about the fight beaten the two. Sauron could feel that the wind was strong, a little weird he should say. The wind was like never before, it held strength and emotions of great value, as if made by beings great and powerful…

Sauron’s hair were moving in the light breeze, so innocent so calm, Sauron didn’t like this wind, it felt bad, it felt aggressive and dangerous. It also felt warm, a breeze he’d call a small wind before the rainstorm. He looked up at the sky, to see the clouds, the clouds covered the skies with their presence, and they looked heavy and moved very fast.

Sauron didn’t trust the wind, one reason was because of the Vala Manwë that in some way could be connected to this world, he may not know. Perhaps this is somehow linked to Arda. The second, was because of history and experience with the eagles. The rage that fueled Mount Doom's explosions didn’t send such treacherous winds like the one he feels on his skin.

“What is it, come we have to hurry! The wind may block us from flying back if it gets stronger.” Said the unicorn.

The wind indeed got stronger, but not because of natural circumstances, it was because of something else, he didn’t like that a bit. Sauron walked towards the chariots observing the skies for movement of any particular enemies. Sauron didn’t want to fly back to the city in case the danger would follow them and prolong his vacation in this world.

The trees moved and leafs fell, Sauron looked around himself, he looked at the trees and at the small hills visible in the distance, he looked at the clouds moving like spirits in a hurry to find something. If they’re quick enough they might get to the city and warn the guards for danger just in case something decides to occur. The wind Is to dangerous.

Sauron walked faster towards the chariots, Shining was already on his. Sauron walked forwards looking upwards every few moments to inspect the skies. He with his magic prepared his reins. He stood on his chariot and looked one more time at the sky, receiving a stare from Shining, he looked up himself to find nothing but clouds ready to pour down the rain.

Shining raised his hoof and took a breath in to give the order to fly forwards towards the Empire. Sauron pierced the clouds with his sight, searching for shadows roaming on the surface of the clouds, he looked at the shadows, he could see something terribly big and a lot of smaller versions. Like a swarm of a hundred it moved fast making the clouds move with them because of the might of their wings.

Wide wings, long bodies and necks, scales and horns. He knew of this image, he knew of the shadows and to whom they belonged to…

“Fly to the city.” Cried Shining.

As he said it, Sauron eyes widened, he felt a amazing force of wind move the trees, shake the towers and even move him. The pegasi looked at themselves and started to gallop. However Sauron pulled the reins to himself stopping his chariot immediately after the pegasi even made a step forward. He looked at the Prince and yelled.

“Stop!”

The pegasi topped as the voice was so strong and firm it reaped thru the ground and cracked the wood under Sauron, the windows shook and the ponies of all the nearby regions gained his attention…

“Dragons!”

Shining expression saddened, and he looked up, he looked as the dragons were descending down upon them. Small ones, younglings and a few bigger ones to guide them, around twenty five or so. They flew towards the ground dive-bombing to make an fiery assault on the camp. Meaning that every cadet will burn alive…

The dragons opened their mouths, Shining yelled with his horn lit in order to make his voice heard by everyone.

“Take cover! Dragon napalm!”

His voice roared through the camp, the ponies soon escaped their barracks and onto the field. Shining Armor however had no choice then to cast a barrier over him and Sauron to protect themselves from the incoming fire that will burn a good chunk of the camp in a moment. Shining wanted to cast the barrier, yet Sauron put his hand up, and from his palm a light erupted making a round yellowish, a little grey in color shield made from pure magical energy.

It covered the area around them, while the light coming from his hand looked as if he was holding a star in his hand. The dragons came and breathed fire right at them, they took turns and three different attacks were executed. First the Dragons breathed normal fire, with different colors, spreading waste around the camp.

Shining watched in horror as the house where New Order lived burned and almost fell from the fires pressure. The second attack were fireballs that were shoot from their mouths, one hit directly their barrier. It shrunk a tiny bit, but Sauron managed to hold it up. Smoke was all they could see, while hearing Sauron’s magic, it was a weird Sound, familiar to the one of their horns being lit on.

The last attack was simple, the dragons flew over the battlefield and spread the fires by creating winds that also threw living bodies into the air. For Sauron it was nothing to fight against, he survived worse and he could do a lot better than the Dragons.

As the forces stopped Pushing on Sauron’s own small barrier, he released it, sending the flames around away destroying even more around of them. The house of the governor was completely in dire situation. The wave was powerful enough to break some, of the now a giant block of charcoal, before a governor's home’s walls.

Sauron looked at Shining seriously, while the Prince was still in shock, and emotions flooded his mind.

“You take care of the weaklings, I’ll take care of the dragons.”

With that, Shining charged into the battle, extinguishing the flames, fighting his way over to the barracks. In hope, some of the soldiers aren’t burned…

Isn't it nice? We see some death and gore happening now, and there will be only action for the future, no more boring chapters.

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