Shadow was roused early the next morning by a servant and surprisingly had breakfast delivered on a tray. Eating quickly and dawning the new set of clothes presented to her she hurried to Valkradian's study. Last night he had informed her that there were important matters to attend too and when woken to hurry.

Jogging down the hallway she burst into his study and he was nowhere in sight, a servant stood quietly before beckoning to her and departing. Following down the hallway it stopped in front of a wall and motioned for her to "enter."

Looking the wall over she gingerly placed her hand against it and moments later it slid aside revealing another passage that went deeper into the earth. Stepping inside the hallway the stone door slid closed behind her and the only light was a single crystal to her right. Peering off into the inky darkness she pulled it free gently and began walking.

Having been trained to spot traps Shadow could tell this hallway was heavily protected but all the defences were silent, inert. Reaching the end she had three doors but one was open and turning into it she walked down a hallway then a flight of stairs.

Whatever was down here Valkardian had gone to great lengths to make certain no one would ever disturb it. Multiple doors became present and one was open, walking inside she was greeted by the sight of a vast armory. Weapons of every kind lined the walls including racks of armor for a small company.

One set however was set apart from the rest, standing on its own in the middle facing her. Beside it two racks with weapons, equipment and a shield waited her. Shadow approached the suit of armor and marveled at its exquisite construction and design.

Every fantasy book she had ever read always had armor designed by "evil" being inky black and wicked looking with spikes and blades hanging off to scare others but this was not the case. The full set of plate armor was a deep, dark blue with red and gold runes bending and twisting in elaborate designs across its surface.

No spikes adorned its surface but the gauntlets with its carefully jointed fingers held a small row of sharpened knobs. Running her hand overs it polished surface she was mesmerized by its beauty but practicality in design. It was a tight fitting suit of armor made just for the wearer and would fit them like a second skin while allowing them to turn and pivot as if they were not wearing armor at all.

The breastplate was sectioned off into many carefully joined plates leaving no gaps to stab through as they overlapped but the helmet grabbed her attention the most. It was truly a thing of beauty, made to fit a pony perfectly and allow the ears to move freely but remain fully protected. A crest ran along the back with a purple plume that stood up proudly and arched down the back.

However it was the design's on the surface that grabbed her attention more than anything. While the suit was elaborately decorated with runes and design's the helmet was absolutely smothered in them. Each line of runes was carefully placed to make it appear as if the wearer was bestial in some way. Feral. While it was a truly beautiful design it made her wonder what she would look like wearing it.

This was hers right? Looking it over carefully Shadow checked the back and found two spaces for wings and a long chain of smaller armor pieces to attach to the wearers rings. It was not made for a pegasi though because of how it lacked any under cutting straps, the segments were designed to adhere somehow directly to the wing securely without having to pierce the wing or membrane...

"Eeeehehehehe!" Shadow bounced in place happily. This was indeed her armor.

"Well dont stand there put it on already."

"AHH! Oh its just you..."

"Yes it is "just" me. Now put it on and make certain it fits properly."

Shadow tightened her gambeson then pulled the breastplate free and slid it on, Valkardian helped her with the wing attachments explaining their function and how to get them on and off. It took quite a while but after she had donned her armor Shadow openly admitted it was much lighter than the training armor she had been forced to wear. That was the point however.

A mirror was on one side of the room and looking herself over she smiled at her reflection. The armor suited her so perfectly it was scary and slipping the helmet on a strange sensation washed over her causing Shadow to jump slightly.

"This armor has enough enchantments to keep you alive without the need to eat, drink or sleep for weeks. However, it must be allowed to recharge if you call on that power. Most of the enchantments are neutral and active at all times such as granting you greater stamina and the ability to regenerate your wounds. Others must be called upon such as seeing heat, cold, living creatures, magical aura's, etc. I have a small book for you to read on the suit so you understand it better."

"Doesnt the enemy have weapons that cancel out magic?"

"Yes but this armor is also very special in another way. It is made of pure dalthrick."

She shook her head.

"Dalthrick is one of the most rare metals on the planet. When I say RARE I mean it is so rare I have to recycle every scrap piece of metal I can get my hands on to remake anything. In six thousand years I have only found maybe five hundred pounds of it. The metal is extremely durable and accepting of enchantments but also so hard that well... Hammering one piece out to make one of those segments can take days. Easily."

"Must be frustrating..."

"Well worth the protection though. You will find MOST weapons will fail to penetrate the armor what so ever. Powerful magic will still be a danger but so long as you keep a shield handy you can let it adsorb the blow instead of your armor. That shield is made of a lighter metal but is plated to give extra protection. It weighs less than your tower shield so you can move it easily. Oh and you will find that the end point on the kite shield... Just hit someone's out stretched leg and it will most likely cut into it armor or not. Don't hit your own leg with it mind you."

"This is awesome..."

"I am glad you like it. Also there are no open eye-holes, long story but you can still see out clearly. Technically speaking though I never tried it myself if you shielded yourself in a bubble you could stay underwater for quite a while and breathe normally. It is a very handy suit of armor..."

"You made this specially for me?"

"No... It was to be my gift to Blood Lily but... I did not get around to delivering it on time."

Shadow looked down at her armor letting it sink in. She would probably be alive or at least died of old age had she gotten the armor on time. A gift to one of his only friends that failed to arrive when it was needed most.

"I will make certain it is put to good use."

"Please do."

"Valkardian, lately I have been thinking and when the war comes to its close that would mean we have to "rescue" Celestia and Luna..."

"Correct."

"I finished reading another book on my peoples history and what was done to them... I have been wanting revenge for what happened. It makes me so angry I do not feel like lifting a finger to help either of them, let them die for all I care."

"Will you?"

"Part of me screams yes but another says there are more important things at stake."

"There is nothing wrong with desiring revenge, it is a very important part of being ALIVE. The desire to see justice done when the world has refused to see it carried out. Your other half is correct though, greater things are at stake and any feelings or desires of revenge must be pushed aside for this to work. I too want revenge for some things but know better. That is simply how the world works sometimes."

"It's not right that they will walk free again."

"I never said they would "walk free" now did I?"

"Extortion?"

Valkardian nodded.

"A price is to be paid one way or another and they will deliver. Ancient promises were made and I intend to collect. Now. Grab your equipment there and follow me."

Shadow nodded and quickly dawned her new equipment or put it into the provided "bag of holding" as he called it. She grinned while looking the shield over before putting it away. Emblazoned on the front of it was a cave lily. While Shadow may not have known Blood Lily in life she could seek out her own little revenge in this war by making bastards who were doing the same that had been done to her family pay dearly.

"Oh... Here, watch this before we enter."

Valkardian stopped and handed Shadow a viewing crystal and accepting it she closed her eyes and permitted the energy to bypass the armors shielding to watch its contents. A spectacular birds eye view of Canterlot Castle was laid out but it was the two standing on the balcony that drew the most attention.

Watching and listening as Steelshod went through his speech she felt disgusted and angry. As the ponies went from silent loathing to absolute joy at the promise of endless milk and honey she almost severed the connection. How could they be so gullible? It was obvious to anyone with half a brain-cell that he was toying with them!

His remarks about new enemies made her prickle but it was when he had stopped talking and turned to Celestia that the situation sunk in quickly. While the crowd was incapable of hearing his whispering whatever kept silent vigil heard every last word of the threat.

It faded to black and handing the crystal back he waited a moment before speaking.

"That was yesterday. Two days ago the Crystal Empire fell in the shortest battle yet, it lasted all of five minutes. Cadence is also prisoner now and that leaves Twilight. Now. Before we go in I want to warn you to be on your best behavior. Act every part the soldier. Understood?"

"Yes?" Shadow watched him nod slowly before tapping the door, it slid open quickly and walking in she glanced around the vast room and froze when her eyes fell on three figures that terrified her.

"Shadow. Allow me to introduce to you General Herr Blutlanze, Ritter Albtraum and Graf Nacht Klinge."

She stared as the three pony skeletons stared back at her with their glowing orbs for eyes. Two were armored similarly to her but had different crests on their breastplates. Blutlanze simply nodded to her as his eerie yellow orbs traced over her before going back to the massive map on the wall. Albtraum ignored her entirely while Nacht Klinge was dressed in robes and continued to study her with a piercing stare from her green orbs.

"Shadow, draw your attention to the map."

Valkardian walked over to the map and stood beside them examining the map and walking carefully as if they would tear into her at any moment she followed and stood beside him.

The map was truly immense going from floor to ceiling some ten feet up and wider. All of Equestria was laid out clearly on the crystalline surface as magic powered it giving them a more three dimensional view of everything. Tokens with numbers attached were all over the map and some had lines drawn showing where they might be going.

Blutlanze was more focused on the North Eastern part of the map and Albtraum was looking back and forth with what she could only guess was disinterest save for one narrow corridor. Natch however made Shadow shiver she never took her eyes off of her for one second.

Tugging on her link with Valkardian she pleaded to know what was going on and who they were but more than anything why the one in robes kept "glaring" at her.

"Blutlanze and Albtraum are death knights in my service, Nacht is a liche."

"That does not explain very much!"

He raised his hands a moment and beckoned them all away from the map for a moment.

"Very well then, if it bothers you that much. Herr Blutlanze is one of my generals, he commands my forces in another part of the caves keeping the trog's contained whenever they try and break out. Ritter Albtraum does the same but also aids me in keeping tabs on the world above. Graf Nacht Klinge commands some of my more... "Special" troops in battle that require a more magical touch and greater focus to control."

"I thought you were alone down here..."

Nacht spoke up first with a voice that seemed to echo up from her chest. "Our High Lord is truly a recluse, rarely venturing out nor allowing any in so it is only logical you would assume that."

"Graf Nacht Klinge, we are not here to observe but plan for war." Herr Blutlanze seemed annoying with the interruption as his low voice echoed around the room.

Albtraum had already turned back to the map again. "Forgive Herr Blutlanze, he lacks a sense of humor and despises wasting time... Now. Who are you then hmm?"

"Shadow Moon. Valkardians... I am not really sure."

"You are one of my generals as of today Shadow. Congratulations."

"You have much to prove of yourself to deserve such an honor at so young an age!" Blutlanze appeared to be glaring at her before turning away.

"He is right Shadow but your knowledge of the world above and how its terrain works far exceeds that of any other officer or general I command."

"How many do you have like them then? What is a Death Knight? Liche?"

"You really thought I was doing all of this alone? You must think very highly of my abilities. No, I require help to carry out things on this scale, the strain of having to command multiple armies across the vast Underworld would be to great. Now then."

"A Death Knight is exactly that, an undead knight. Mind you they are quite different from the living ones above, they have... "Special talents" when it comes to combat and command. A liche on the other hand is an undead wizard that can control death as easily as breathing, does it surprise you to see a non-unicorn a liche now that you know what she is?"

Shadow looked Nacht over and nodded.

"Good, because she is from a time when ancient magics were still known in many circles. That one harnessed them and pickled herself so well with runes that when her body gave out she continued to live on."

"What about the othe-"

"They made an agreement with me long ago, one for revenge on a large scale the other... You will have to ask Ritter Albtraum."

"You are forgetting something Valkardian." Nacht's voice still made her shiver.

"Ah. Yes. Shadow, you will be learning to use rune magic, a crash course but Graf Nacht here will explain how it works because you will most certainly be going up against it. Now your training also included plenty of explanations but she will give you greater detail and even show you how to harness it."

Nacht nodded slowly.

"So what kind of forces does she command then?"

"I am standing right here little one. Valkardian has placed his Bone Dragons at my command, they can be... Temperamental because of how the magic of their life still clings to them so a direct hand is needed to keep them under control."

"Wow."

If Nacht could smile she was, Shadow could feel it in how the air in the room changed slightly. Watching them talk quietly was less physical and more mental as their tones, glowing orbs for eyes and little bodily movements expressed their emotions in place of flesh.

One High Lord, Lord, Lady and knight. With saints only knew how many more of them stalking the dark tunnels in preparation for the war. Looking at he map Shadow noticed a good portion was fogged heavily blocking her view of a good portion of the Underworld.

"You are hiding things from me again!"

"Of course. Security reasons only, I do trust you Shadow but some things are better left unknown to you for now."

She nodded as plans were laid out. It seemed that the other three already had their own instructions before her arrival and were now fine tuning things. Herr Blutlanze was to join Valkardian with his own army when the final trap was set, in the meantime he was to keep track of Shadow's movements and aid if needed.

Ritter Albtraum had the most interesting assignment though, besides being the spy master he was also going to be carrying out a few hand picked assassinations here and there to sow a little chaos and keep them off balance.

His assurance that the assassins would be more than a match for their unsuspecting prey made Shadow wonder. If Valkardian considered skeletons soldiers, gargoyles as guardians, wraiths for scouts... What freakish invention of his counted as an assassin? She did not want to find out.

The sheer number of forces that waited below was mesmerizing though. Shadow knew he had more than just a division or two but what she was seeing went far and beyond that. How long had he been planning to invade? The time involved to make such vast hoards was astounding and glancing over the force compositions it was clear to her that if Steelshod thought this would be an easy victory he was sorely mistaken.

Somewhere in that mass of tokens was her own forces, waiting.

A small blip on the top of the map drew her attention when the map flickered back to the surface again. The Crystal Empire refugee camp was clearly marked with soldiers present and civilian population but there was a little mark indicating infantry to their West. Shadow focused on it trying to read it and jumped with a small yelp when a translucent magical text popped in front of her face with the pertinent information.

*Sigh* "Calm yourself girl! The map is not going to eat you! Harness its power!" Herr Blutlanze had annoyance in his voice but never turned around. It was a little embarrassing to be a "general" now and have the other's see her as unworthy of the honor. Maybe they were right, she had done little to earn their faith.

"Crystal Empire Rebels? One regiment... 376."

"Aye. Some of the soldiers refused to surrender, ran, regrouped and are now camped some forty three miles West of the refugee camp. Most of the soldiers however were loaded onto trains and taken over here... Many were sent back to the camp later but some remained and have since... Lets just say "disappeared" hm?"

Albtraum had turned and watched her for a moment before pointing out locations and what was going on.

"So Steelshod took the ones who would resist despite the surrender and "resolved" the issue quietly without raising alarm?"

"That is what my spies have reported. Going to be many new rows of well fertilized pine trees out there now."

"Any other rebel forces?"

"None outside of Ponyville. Look at the newspapers behind you."

Turning around and shifting through them each proudly proclaimed their new Emperor and Empress, a new day for Equestria as Celestia had buried the hatchet despite the bad blood. All that remained was a new enemy for them to focus on.

"So we are the new enemy. He is playing us."

"A bit of both actually. We have to invade no matter what so the ponies hating us is a moot point. Chrysalis will probably be perturbed by this as well but we shall see. More importantly is that his plan to invade my realm is put on hold now that his fleet is bereft of its war machines."

The map flickered back and forth between the Underworld and the surface again as they continued to argue about her course of action now.

"I believe your best course of action will be to invade Western Equestria and move South East. The plan is to make him think you are on a harvesting expedition in a mock attempt to build up my forces. Dont worry about the bodies after a battle, Nacht will take care of that. You are to focus on keeping up the illusion and convince him your ultimate target is somewhere... Here. East of Los Pegasus"

"Steelshod will think we are going to attack Dodge Junction then the other cities right? Pick of the various noble's along the way to limit his numbers, he will actually think we are growing an army because you lack the numbers to attack him directly right?"

"Close enough."

"Okay. So where is my army?"

"Prepared and waiting, what I want you to do now is memorize this..." The map flickered back to the Underworld but with new markers. "Those are entrances to the Underworld and portals you can use if need be. MEMORIZE THEM! You will have a map of your own but you will NOT mark ANYTHING on the map! Keep it locked away in your mind."

"Are you worried I might be captured?"

"Not really but if the map gets dropped for whatever reason I do not want them gleaning anything from it."

"Wont your plan make him throw everything at Ponyville?"

"Not really no. They are toying with them and having a new enemy suddenly appear I will become priority over them. As of four days ago the rail line leading south is firmly in their hands. Taking Ponyville is basically... Past tense now. They already control what is most important so this little plan will not give them any great worry."

"But they still might."

Herr Blutlanze turned. "Your Lord knows what he is doing. Trust him! You are his general whether I approve or not. Follow your orders and carry out the plan!"

"MMmm. She is right though. Unfortunately the only way to bolster them so they wind up in a prolonged siege would be that little rabble up North. Not that it would help, they need a few battalions not a regiment."

"My lord we can ill afford to send our own forces to aid them, it would give everything away."

"Yes but there must be another solution waiting somewhere, not ALL of them could have so easily thrown in the towel already. Someone must be ready to rebel in number somewhere. Graf Nacht Klinge. Take Shadow and teach her."

"Yes my lord. Shadow?"

It was eerie following the liche out and back into the mansion and then into the garden. A large table had been set up with papers, stones and crystals laid out.

"Now first let me warn you that unlike unicorn magic the use of runes drains your own energy more heavily. Use it too much and you will die though I do not expect you to master anything over the next three days you will still have a good grasp of how it works and what to look out for. Ready?"

"Yes."

"Very good. Now let us start with how to channel power."

Graf Nacht Klinge was an outstanding teacher surpassing Valkardian's abilities by far. Perhaps being dead for so long gave her the patience only a saint could hope for but after a day and a half she never slowed or showed a shortage of patience.

It was weird not having to sleep or eat though, the lessons took priority and that meant sticking with it. Not that she did not enjoy the lessons either, understanding how her armor was made and how to play on flaws in anothers armor if she could see and understand their runes it truly was valuable information.

Ancient powers long forgotten... Any sentient being could potentially use the runes and channel energy through them but the risks were great to those untrained in their use. It came to an abrupt end however when Valkardian arrived and asked Shadow to join him so she could see something.

Hooves clacked along the corridor as a green light bathed the walls in its eerie glow. The little group of creatures walked quickly and with purpose only stopping when they reached a stone door. A clawed hand reached out and tapped a button opening it and filing in they took their positions while the largest one sat in the chair and waited with her hands on the table, fingers interwoven.

Patience was a virtue for her kind but it was not a terribly long wait before the other door opened revealing two figures one decked out and ready for war.

"Worried are we?"

"Not at all Chrysalis just a little surprised is all. This little room of mine has had quite a bit of use these past few days."

"Mmm... Interesting construct you have there... So life like. When was it we last spoke?"

"The first time was the last time. Your mother introduced you before trying one of her little stunts and then you both left. Alive."

"As if you did not enjoy her little stunts."

"Why are you here?"

"One of my drones was in Canterlot during Steelshod's little "speech" and learned some valuable information. Perhaps a trade is in order?"

"Are you saying my own spy network is inferior?"

"Not at all!" She shifted a little give him a better view. "I just thought you might like to know a few little tidbits that were picked up."

"What could you possibly know that I do not already? That Steelshod plans to attack me? He has the princesses save one held prisoner in Canterlot? Using them as leverage? What do you know."

*Tut, tut* "First a deal."

"No deal. Either you tell me what is so almighty important that you risked coming here after breaking our agreement or I walk out that door."

Chrysalis twitched slightly.

"Very well... As you should already know Equestria's new "Emperor" plans to use us both as his scapegoats. Whichever of us he goes for first will be the focus of his armies. As for myself he plans to exterminate a little hamlet called Sunny Vale and blame me for it."

"Wouldn't be the first time a population disappeared on your account."

*Hisss!* Her face contorted in anger before she calmed down. "I do not murder! Not like you anyway."

"No you just parasite off a host until they drop dead of "natural causes."

"I do what I must or my hive's survival."

"How does his intent to kill you in any way affect me?"

"None what so ever but during his little private speech a few tidbits slipped out but more importantly... I know where their horns are kept."

"Joy to the world. I intend to take the city and you know it. They will be in my hands either way."

"Mmmm. Perhaps. But I imagine you having a princess to use as leverage against either the rebels or him would be advantageous... Correct?"

"You have a princess hidden away in your bountiful cleavage then?"

She leaned back a moment and smiled broadly.

"No but I know when one will be available for... Transfer."

"Transfer? I take it then he plans to send Cadence to Ponyville to try and force a surrender."

"Yes! But only I know which train she will be on!"

"Could be useful..."

"Oh it will be more than useful because I know more! Shall we... Strike a deal?"

Valkardian eyed her for several minutes as Chrysalis slowly slid forward leaning onto the table and laying her head in the palm of her upturned hands and acted all the part of a charmer.

"What is your price."

"Excellent! I know you have no use for Equestria and only want to keep your precious "status quo" maintained and I will do so. Just give me half."

"Half?"

"Half of Equestria, to do with as I please. They will be in no position to negotiate after the war is over and even with my own forces... Depleted as you well know from your spies..."

"You intend to use it as a chance to rebuild then conquer the other half. Do you really think I will fall for that?"

"I am telling the truth! *sigh* This war will leave them so riled up that by the time I am at full strength again they could destroy me. Had Steelshod never come I would not be here but his little war changed everything for the worse."

"Not so easy to infiltrate anymore?"

"No... I have already lost several drones to his forces."

"So how exactly did you sneak into Canterlot then, the lions den."

She closed her eyes and growled.

"Luck. Lots of luck. My drone almost died trying to get out. While I may have broken our earlier deal I will not break this one."

"No deal but I will give you one in return."

"Oh? Do tell."

"When this is all over you can have at them for all I care but you will avoid North Eastern Equestria and until I say otherwise Dodge Junction. If you ever so much as send a single spy into those two regions I will burn your hive to the ground and you will join your grandmother as my slave."

"Ohhh... Kinky!"

"Cough up your information."

"Cadence will be on a train bound for Ponyville day after tomorrow. First train, third car. Do not worry they did not find my other spy, only the one that found the location of the horns."

"And where are they then?"

"I could get them for you..."

"Oh and what are you asking for now?"

"What my mother offered you..."

Chrysalis leaned forward and pulled her arms in emphasizing her breasts while giving a seductive look.

"Right. I am not interested in marrying you."

"Oh come now, just give me some of your gene's to propagate a couple of drones, that is all I ask."

"Chrysalis..."

Shadow watched quietly standing at attention. This was becoming a little too much as the insectoid pony tried to seduce Valkardian. Chrysalis leaned forward even more threatening to have her breasts spill out revealing just the tops of her neon green aureola's before stopping. Valkardian's eyes traced down and he smiled making Shadow worry.

"You know Chrysalis. I really do enjoy the show you are putting on. Truly, it would be wonderful to see the full package standing on the table but... Pass. I intend to keep my testicles right where they are."

"Come now! I rarely do that and only to my enemies! It would be the best night of your life!"

"I imagine it would be but no. I would sooner sleep with Celestia while she holds a dagger to my back."

"Hmp. Your loss. I must admit it was hilarious that she wore a white dress during the coronation. The queen of black widows... She should have been required to wear a black dress and dye her coat black. Never will I understand what you saw in that caniving bitch."

"A change of heart. Taken too far however."

"Feh. My mother offered you the world not... Cakes and dancing pastel ponies."

"Still not interested. I enjoy what I have and can KEEP it."

"No drive... No ambition... Well you have ambition but you could be so much more... Think about it, you would rule below and I Equestria from above. I do not care to rule the world like my mother and it would be perfect."

"Except for the constant headache of putting down endless rebellions."

"Comes with the crown dear."

"Not in my case."

"Touche. Such a waste... So our deal stands then?"

"Yes. One princess and I will not lift a finger after the war."

"Oh you want me to grab her now?"

"It would be best. I understand you two have an interesting history."

"Not really but her husband... Hmhmhm!"

"Deliver me one Princess Cadence and not only will I slaughter your greatest enemy before he smites your gorgeous ass but you also have the guarantee of neutrality. I remind you of Ruby if you think of betraying me."

"Pah! While I may have broken our little agreement I made certain it would cause you no trouble! While I have my plans I do not care to risk my hive's survival like she did. Oh and here is another tidbit as a show of good faith..."

"I am listening."

"Steelshod is calling a gathering of Celestia and Luna's old officer corp in Caterlot today. He is hoping to get their forces to sign on and fight you. I give this information freely in good faith and as apology for any inconvenience I may have caused you."

"Hm."

Chrysalis stood and approached Shadow and examined her closely. She did not budge and inch and remained as still as a statue while the creature looked her over.

"Whoever you are... You are doing a very good job pretending to be a statue or are very disciplined..."

Turning she walked off with a seductive sway in her step keeping a close eye on Valkardian as he watched her leave. When the door had closed behind them he stood and beckoned Shadow over.

"Queen Chrysalis of the changelings..."

"She has a thing for you?"

"Not like that, for her it is all politics and power, mind you she could make a wonderful wife in bed but she has a heart darker than a black hole. It is the way of her species however." He shrugged. "I can not blame her for being as she was made but that does not mean I am going to play along. Time for you to return to your studies."

"Is she going to betray you?"

"Maybe. Probably. It is their way. So long as you keep a strong face and iron fist held over them they will adhere to any agreement. Blink and they strike."

"Cheery bunch. Did you ever take their offers seriously in the past?"

"No. I must admit having such a fine specimen for a wife would be a joy her insidious side far outweighs it. A shame."

"You never told her where to deliver Cadence..."

"Here. This is a meeting point and also transfer area. I suspect that after you have left there will be a royal guest chained below."

"Chained below? Your not going to actually save her?"

"Oh yes but mostly to my own ends. If Chrysalis can pull this off and mind you she WILL pull it off... That one is as underhanded and deceitful as they come... I can use Cadence as leverage against both sides. Ponyville will refuse to surrender so long as she lives and can be used to rally the Crystal Ponies to try and break the siege or at least drag things out."

"And the meeting taking place?"

"Time will tell. However if Luna has lapsed back to her old ways Steelshod might be making a serious mistake in trying to rally her old officers to his cause. We just have to wait and see."

Author's Notes:

Thank you for continuing to read the story. I am having one hell of a time finding anyone willing to read the story at all beyond the first chapter or giving reviews. If you would, please pass the story along to those who might be interested.

This is not a short story as you can see, it is a long novel.