Shadow read over the letter from home but unlike the usual letters this one did not bring any joy or happiness only a feeling of greater worry for her distant family. Now that the nobles held the reigns of power to a greater extent they were wasting no time and had already begun to build up their strength of arms while the propaganda campaign continued to erode Celestia.

Despite it a large majority were remaining loyal to Celestia but as time wore on the malcontents gravitated towards the nobles and while her mother thought it was not going to be a problem Shadow knew better. Another month had passed already and the nobles had amassed a sizable little army so far numbering about a hundred thousand. Scattered around Equestria they were no threat but should they all be brought together it would be a real problem.

Making matters worse was Valkardian keeping tabs on every little thing going on above including stacks of newspapers and viewing crystals and whenever she was not training Shadow would read and watch. It put her on edge seeing the world slowly unravel, going feral as different factions sought to suck just a little more power out of the situation thus hoping to guarantee their future.

Luna had not helped much as far as "public relations" had gone, raising her own forces to match the nobles but Celestia had cut her off trying to avoid an internal "cold war" as Valkardian had put it. Civil war was out of the question as none seemed willing to rise up against Celestia just yet but that had already been accounted for.

It did not take long to see what they were planning and how they would act "innocent" in their treachery. Equestria was divided into large states and only two remained under Celestia's direct control, the same two directly in the path of an oncoming army. When the hammer fell it would be blamed on her since the Nobles had indeed protected their own regions but it had been Celestia once again who dropped the ball.

With most of her forces now under the command of nobles it also meant that the grand total she could muster was in the tens of thousands at best and Lord Silverblood had already taken care of them: fodder to be swept aside by the larger army or scattered across the southern frontier since the nobles all strangely refused to garrison the outposts.

Shooting back Luna had with-held her own forces and kept them close at hand which was being used as an excuse by a few nobles to raise fears that Celestia did not trust them. It was a complete nightmare and nothing seemed to be working one way or another now.

Shadow flipped to a letter from her brother and he was not so optimistic. So far the bat ponies had remained neutral much to the anger of Luna who declared they were her personal servants, something to do with "the night." Their small numbers however meant that the nobles overlooked them so it would appear that they could ride the war out but her brother had no idea war was even on the books.

Still, he somehow believed that once all the anger and bad blood died off a little things would quiet down somewhat but his words were marred with doubt. Raising armies was no cheap task and taxes were rising rapidly and if things kept up the economy would be taking a nose dive.

Folding the letter back up and putting them all away Shadow let out a long sigh and fidgeted wondering how much longer this game would play out before either Luna or Steelshod made the first move. While Celestia was still convinced in the goodness of others with "harmony and friendship" was somehow going to win out while Luna was slipping back to her "ancient ways."

"Thirty-Four nobles... Each commanding a small army that continues to grow. Loyal, hand picked officers..."

"So what is your assessment then?"

Shadow let out a startled scree and jumped from her seat as Valkardian walked past her and sat down.

"Well?"

"Why do you insist on sneaking up on me?!"

"You asked me once how I stayed sane after all this time. Enjoying the little things is one of them."

Gritting her teeth she glared back at him.

"I am glad you find me so entertaining..."

"Mmm. Now about your muttering when I came in..."

"It still seems impossible to pull off but now with Luna sitting in Canterlot with a small, loyal army of her own... How could they pull it off now? Lure them out and hope they fall for it? If they tried the other noble armies would have to make a move against Steelshod immediately or face desertion and even mutiny."

"True. However I already know a few answers to your questions which is why I am here. You will be taking a day off from training to tie up a loose end for me."

"Loose end? Wait. All that stealth training was not to prepare me to slit some ponies throat was it?"

"No, no, no. Nothing like that but maybe later. Before the war begins there are certain items out there that would be better off sealed away till it is all over. You will be tasked with retrieving one of the most important."

"Which is...?"

"The crystal heart."

Shadow's face went blank for a moment as his words sank in before her features contorted.

"Are you insane?! STEAL the CRYSTAL HEART?!"

"Quite sane actually. If allowed to fall into Steelshod's hands he could use it against me."

"How exactly?"

"Lets just say the "power of love" does not mix well with necromancy and leave it at that. While it would not be an insurmountable issue it remains one that can be nipped in the bud now before he nips it."

"Don't the crystal ponies need it to stay alive?"

"Not at all. It protects them and drives off the arctic cold but they can live without it just fine though they would have to move further south."

"You want me to turn the Crystal Empire into a bunch of refugees?"

"No. You are going to swap out the crystal heart with a fake that will do basically the same thing for a shorter period of time."

"You made one?"

"I was around when it was made. The replacement will do all the same things the current one does but it has a few select flaws I built into it. They will be none the wiser till it is too late anyway and Steelshod will be denied a powerful artifact."

"So I am supposed to just slip in, nick their most treasured artifact, replace it and run back here with it?"

"Correct."

"If they catch me what are my odds of not being hung?"

He smiled. "Not very good considering the circumstances."

"Riiight..."

"Dont worry you will have plenty of help should you need it."

"Such as?!"

"A company of soldiers and some gargoyles if you need them. A wraith will be added too but I must warn you not to get them close to the artifact until it is sealed away properly."

"Okay so when are you sending me?"

"I suspect Steelshod is almost ready to make his move. As of this morning his army is in the first staging area in its entirety, all he has to do now is make the final move. However, he is showing signs of hesitation with Luna controlling her own army so I imagine whatever plan he is cooking up needs a little more time to finalize."

"How long do we have?"

"Well the old plan they followed was a four to six month time table, you are four months into your training now and they are holding for another month it would seem. Two weeks then you go."

"Why two weeks?"

"Trading out the artifact too early or seizing it in their case would tip everything off too early. What I have is a fake, convincing but still fake and will be detected in time. Two weeks gives them time to make up their minds and set things into motion once more yet still allow you to head them off. Timing is key for all of our plans."

Shadow nodded and looked down at her letters from home running her fingers on the only connection she had left with them.

"Shadow. Do not concern yourself with the fate of your family, it is out of your hands."

"Why?"

"Because it has already been taken care of."

As the train screeched to a halt at the station a myriad of ponies waited to greet them. Tourism was booming with the heightened tensions and with the Crystal Empire pushing for tourism it was now the place to go in order to escape the madness. Stepping off with her one suitcase and looking around Shadow followed the throng as they were ushered off towards the crystalline city.

So far everything was working perfectly. A special pouch was attached to her side but Valkardian had changed his mind and given her an extra company of soldiers to use if need be while her recall crystal hung around her neck as a fake amulet. Seeing things with her own eyes instead of from his "spies" perspective she was convinced he was being paranoid.

Still it was critically important to not botch this no matter what and that meant taking all precautions available to them. A funny thought crossed her mind as they continued to hustle towards the city: visit the princess here and spill the beans.

Fatal? Maybe. Would it actually help? No. If there was one thing Shadow knew now was that even warning them would solve nothing not that they would listen. "Oh hey. Crazy bat pony says she was sent by evil wizard living underground to steal the heart before enemy army does!" While she could provide locations and names by the time they actually looked into it she would be drugged up in the nearest mental institution.

Leaving the gaggle of tourists to wander on her own Shadow pretended to know where she was going even smiling and waving at the occasional passerby. Twisting and winding her way around the streets she slipped into a storage building and flew up onto a tall stack of boxes and waited while replaying the plan over and over again in her mind.

As night fell her hiding spot remained unchecked and opening her suitcase Shadow pulled out her sword belt and the pouches she required. Making one last check of her equipment and the pouch holding her little army Shadow peaked out the window and watched as the sun and moon traded places.

Cracking the door open and peering out into the gloom light from windows cast shadows on the streets while street-lamps gave off an eerie glow that barely illuminated their surroundings. Exiting the building and shutting the door Shadow flapped her wings a few times and glided along from rooftop to rooftop zigzagging away from areas that showed more signs of activity.

If there was one major fault of the soldiers here it was that they never looked up. Shadow avoided their patrols but never once did any of them even bother to look up. In the distance the Crystal Heart was clearly visible for any and all to see located directly below the castle in probably the most brightly illuminated area in the entire city.

Landing on a roof carefully and trying not to slide off its smooth crystal surface she watched the guard's come and go for a short time figuring out how best to snatch the crystal and run. Flying closer and leaving her pouch of soldiers on the roof she flew in a semi-circle around the castle till she was looking straight towards her former roost.

Removing the fake heart from its protective pouch she took a deep breath and shot off the roof flying as fast as her wings would allow. Zipping over the heads of two guards that never left their positions Shadow slowed as she approached the crystal and yanked the sealing bag open and stuffed it over the heart and yanked the cord sealing it inside. Shoving the fake heart into place it began to slowly spin and glow like its predecessor had.

Flapping her wings hard and lifting up the first shouts of alarm sounded from the guards she had flown over and two more on the far side began to turn. Rushing forward to grab her Shadow darted over the heads of other's as they turned and shot into the night sky snatching her pouch on the way.

There was no great cry of alarm behind her only confused shouts, they had not seen her change the artifact.

"That quick then? Nothing more to add?"

"No. They saw me but I do not think they noticed me changing the hearts."

"If they had of it would not really matter... What would Cadence say anyhow?" He shook his head a moment. "My fellow citizens, a bat stole our beloved crystal heart last night but replaced it with this other one! Why, we have no idea."

"So you don't think they will tell anyone even if they find out?"

"Would you?"

Shadow shook her head.

"Where did we go wrong sister?"

Luna stared out at the silent streets below as large patrols marched along them from her tower. Celestia was half asleep as it was and just finishing going over a scroll that had just arrived from Lord Silverblood inviting her to a party at an estate in Western Equestria.

"We have not gone wrong. So long as we hold on to harmony this will all blow over eventually. They are half right after all, I neglected the military for so long it came back to bite me."

"Are you not worried about a military coup?!"

"No. My little ponies would never do that and you know in your heart it is true."

"Yes but there are those that would and if gathered..."

"Sister, please. I am exhausted enough already, how many times have we discussed this? You already have an army sufficient to challenge the other nobles."

Luna let out a sigh and sat on one of the plush chairs.

"Whilst true I feel we are missing something... Will you be going to the party?"

"Hm? Oh. Yes. While Silverblood may be... Problematic at times he is trying his best to keep ponies from turning on each other. It is a good plan you have to admit, hold a large party for various nobles and dignitaries to show goodwill and quel public fears."

"What if-"

"No Luna. Those times are long behind us. Everything is different now, we saw to that remember?"

"Yes sister."

"Hmm... Next month on the thirteenth... Plenty of time to prepare. Will you be coming?"

"No, one of us should remain here just in case-."

"Luna..."

Princess Luna stood and ruffled her wings in agitation before walking onto the balcony and flying away leaving Celestia to examine her invitation again.

"Sire. The mercenaries have arrived."

Steelshod looked up from the map's and piles of documents as the messenger walked up and handed him one more scroll to add to the pile.

"Very good then. LEAVE."

Head still looking at his hooves the messenger backed away quickly before turning away and leaving the large tent. Unrolling the scroll and reading over it he smiled to himself, it had been rather pricey but hiring as many cut-throats as he could find was going to pay off.

Reading over their numbers his smile fell a little but it would still be worth it to have a cadre to call upon to terrorize any that got in his way. Once the ponies were outraged he would have them hung to appease the teeming throngs and their small feeble minds would rejoice that justice was being carried out.

Glancing back at the other message that arrived a few days ago from "Lord" Silverblood he read over it again. The time table was locked now, it was the thirteenth or never. Celestia would not be missed for a couple of days allowing his army to make use of the rail system to breach Canterlot's new defenses.

Mulling his options over again he grabbed a quill and began to write out new orders for his agents in Canterlot. It would not hurt to have a backup plan.

Shadow watched through the eyes of whatever was keeping tabs on the enemy fleet. That morning a flurry of new activity spread as ships began to take on additional soldiers while the camp was prepared for movement. Some fifteen thousand soldiers were preparing to leave while a small force of a few thousand rabble gathered up.

It would be a slow march along the coast to the nearest rail line but trains were already being diverted slowly with one boxcar after another to ferry as many of them as possible. It was surreal seeing everything play out slowly for months then watching the world suddenly lurch into action all at the same time.

The Crystal Heart was not missed, life was continuing on as it always had but she knew better. Valkardian was busy doing "something else" again allowing Shadow to spend her time freely now that the last crystal had been utilized. Now it was a waiting game. Wait to see who blinked first or stumbled and she did not like it one bit.

Shadow Dancer flipped through the various letters tossing most into the fireplace before settling on another letter from her daughter Shadow Moon. Quickly tearing it open and reading over it she smiled happily, her daughter was still somewhere in Saddle Arabia and moving towards Zebrica at the moment.

As to when she would return again... Well that had been brushed off again but a few months ago her "package" had arrived. Looking at the various items sent Shadow's mother smiled at how bright their little home had become with its new additions, how she could ever have afforded this was beyond her comprehension but none of it was stolen.

"Bright! Another letter from our little Shadow!"

Turning into the dining room where her husband and son at finishing breakfast they began to bicker about their forlorn family member but were cut off by a knocking on the door. Handing the letter to Bright Moon and hurrying to the door as another set of hard knocks rang out Shadow Dancer quickly pulled it open and stared at the tall unicorn standing outside.

Looking him over curiously for a moment she did not have much time to consider his odd appearance before he handed her a box and asked her to sign for it.

"What is it?"

He only shrugged and said no payment was due and signing for it walked off. Watching the stranger go she closed the door and brought the package back to the dining room. Curiosity abounded as they all wanted to know who if it was from Shadow Moon but it was instead marked as having come from a tourist-bureau.

Opening it up and peering inside they pulled out a small pile of papers and a series of tickets.

"All expenses paid... Three week vacation to... Appleloosa? Where is that?"

Night Ray put it down and looked to his mother.

"It says we won a trip... Did you sign us up for anything?"

"No."

Bright Moon took the papers from them and read with care before sitting back down confused.

"It says we were put in by our daughter Shadow... Huh. Must have been... How many years ago was it when she was down that way? Guess our name came up, says if we want to reject the offer to send an immediate telegram so they can do a new drawing."

They all exchanged looks for a minute before Night Ray spoke up.

"So its real?"

"Yup! Here are the tickets, hotel reservation and that upon arrival a check will be given by a representative... Just one problem. Night Streak and Shadow Moon's ticket is here but they are not HERE!"

"Well we can telegraph Night Streak in Canterlot."

"What about my sister?"

"I figure she knew we would be the only ones going if we won."

"Soo...?"

Looks were exchanged before smiles broke out.

"Lets go. Says here we need to be there before the tenth of next month. Plenty of time to inform your sister."

"Just try it."

"Its black paste. It even smells funny."

"Just eat it."

Shadow took a careful bite of the bread covered heavily in the black paste and chewed cautiously.

"Two questions... First off how did you make peanuts grow down here and second why is is black and smell this way?"

"Magic is strange that way."

She kept chewing as the flavor of the strange substance danced across her taste buds. Today he was treating her to the more... Unusual aspects of cave flora. It also served as a good way to spend time waiting on things to resolve themselves above. An army marched quickly south while a fleet followed, rail cars were in position and everything was a dull as ever down here.

One perk though was that since everything had been stalled it meant she now had more time to train without having it forced in and go back to having free time again. Yet while she had time off Valkardian was busier than ever, constantly rushing off after their dinner's or conversations and locking himself away.

"So why did you have me set up the chess board like this?"

Shadow looked back down at the board and its carefully arranged pieces. As to why Valkardian had placed all his pieces in various positions then told her to arrange her own however she wanted rather than just play piqued at her curiosity.

"I want to prove a point to you on how one or two pieces can make all the difference in war. Sometime a single piece can mean so much loosing it costs you everything."

"Like the king or queen?"

"No that is too obvious. Too many focus on those two powerful pieces without ever realizing how much damage a simple pawn can do."

Shadow took another bite from her bread with its tar black topping.

"Today you learn how quickly things can unravel. You are finished now yes?"

He gestured at the board and she nodded quickly.

"Good... What would happen if I yanked this piece here? How has your plan changed?"

Watching him remove one of her rooks she cringed a little but shrugged before swallowing.

"Not much, I just shift this piece here to compensate."

"Good but..."

His finger traced a path across the board showing a new opening in her strategy allowing him to alter not just her plan but the security of her pieces on that side.

"Now if I remove this one here too..."

"Alright. Whats your point?"

"All too often plans are created that do not allow for a great deal of leniency. They are rigid. Hard as stone. When that stone is cracked from an unforeseen event it takes little to shatter it. Furthermore a plan set in stone does not account for unpredictability."

"Right. So?"

*Sigh* "Shadow. When you arranged this board you did it in such a way that you never expected me to break the "rule's" by removing a piece from play. You trusted I would act fairly."

"So your saying its okay to cheat?"

"Yes. Cheat. Lie. Be underhanded to your enemies and subvert them, never assume they will play fairly or openly on an even battlefield. When you form your plan's make them malleable so you can adjust them as events unfold."

"By your own logic then I should lie and cheat when I deal with you?"

He looked up from the board and tilted his head slightly.

"Am I your enemy?"

"...No..."

"What am I to you then?"

"Warden... Teacher." It was true she knew but there was more to it than that now.

"True enough."

Valkardian stood and began to leave the room but she had a question.

"When ARE we going to attack?"

"Soon enough. Another month or two at most if they proceed normally."

That left her one month to get in as much training as possible, it was strange though. At first she had headaches from the process involving the crystals but it had stopped halfway through and while that part of training was over the bulk of her time remained spent on using that information. Things just seemed to flow better and her thinking had become sharper, more violent when confronted with a new scenario rather than hold back.

"One month left..."

Shadow looked at the board and shifted a few pieces around before sitting in his old chair to see things from his perspective. A lot could happen in one month.