Spike had been getting stressed with campaigning a war against Valencia and Monquista. He was taking a bit of a vacation to Panethos, childhood home to folk legend Harry Trotter. The area was considered lawless, there weren't too many guards in the area, and that was a problem long before Spike was even born. This wasn't just a vacation, he was on a bit of a business trip. He was seeking people who would be willing to fight for the Crown in the war. Places like this were the most vulnerable to enemy attacks because of the lack of guards.

As Spike stepped off his ship with Twilight by his side, he said to himself, "Dear lord, I'd heard the rumors of how bad Panethos is, but I didn't think those rumors were such an understatement."

Suddenly, gunshots could be heard, and a unicorn was seen running out of a saloon, with a bartender coming out yelling half-heartedly, "Help, thief, thief... oh why do I even bother?"

Spike shot the fleeing unicorn in the knee, sending him to the ground, and actually surprising the nearby people. As Spike walked up to the injured unicorn, he offered a hand saying, "Normally I'd send you to prison, but I have more important priorities. With how fast you run, you could make a decent scout."

The unicorn was holding his knee in pain, "Freakin' psycho! Who the hell are you!?"

Spike introduced himself, "Spike Drake, Prince of Equestria, at your service."

As people heard him introduce himself, they murmured to each other, the unicorn saying, "What would a royal be doing in Panethos? You don't give a shit about us!"

Spike retracted his hand and said, "I care for the safety of all Equestrians. We are in the middle of a war with Valencia and Monquista." before looking to see a poster hung up about it, "And it seems that even in this lawless section of the realm, the war is public knowledge. We need men and women fighting for our way of life, and if needed, I will pardon a few petty criminals. Including pay."

The unicorn stood up slowly and asked, "You're serious? I thought those posters were just false rumors."

The paper-colt came out of the paper company and said, "It's true! The Monquistans attacked a docked ship on the castle's docks! I just got back from an internship in Canterlot, it was all over the news!"

The people muttered, the paper-colt had nothing to gain from lying, before cheering to Spike and Twilight, "Long live the crown!"

Spike smiled lightly, happy that people were supportive even though they had little knowledge of the war. Spike mingled with the townsfolk, but Twilight saw a man watching them from an alley, only for him to completely disappear as a tumbleweed blew by.

She whispered to Spike, "I think we might be being watched Spike." before pointing to the same man who appeared in front of the clocktower.

As Spike walked towards the man, another tumbleweed went by and he was gone. He asked around, "Has anyone seen a man in a black cloak who appears and disappears?"

The priest from the church walked over to them, and told them, "I believe that may have been Old Man Trotter. He comes to the church to donate fairly often, but he rarely does anything else in town. If you're interested, he lives in the mansion up at Boot Hill."

Spike was shocked to hear the name 'Old Man Trotter'. He thought Harry Trotter was just a folk tale, he never thought he was real. He thanked the priest and headed to Boot Hill, which he assumed was a graveyard based on the name, but it was a very nice house with a well-kept garden, blooming with beautiful flowers, even in this dry, arid atmosphere.

The man from town walked out of the front door of the mansion and chuckled lightly, "It seems I drew your attention in town."

Spike nodded, "It's hard to miss a man like yourself in such a lawless part of Equestria."

The man chuckled again, with a bit of a cough, "I suppose that's true. But an old man like me prefers to keep to himself. Yet, it's not every day I see the royal family in my hometown."

Spike smiled likely, "Fair enough old man. You must be Old Man Trotter. I never thought you were real, you were just a character in my favorite book as a child."

The man lowered his hood, "Yes, many people say that. My name is Harry Trotter. I once attended the Canterlot Magic Academy, but in my age, I'm little more than a hermit."

"With an incredibly well-kept garden at that. Why were you trying to gain my attention? Were you hoping to tell me something?"

Old Man Trotter nodded, "Indeed, I don't go out into town very often, I'm seen as an old coot who holds fast to the traditions of old."

Spike smiled, "Such a man isn't common in this day and age. It's an honor to meet you."

"The honor is all mine. I wish to give you something. Please, follow me." before returning to his house.

Spike and Twilight followed him, and Twilight whistled impressively when she saw all the magic artifacts that hung in Mr. Trotter's house. "This place is like a private museum; you could charge admission in a place like this."

Old Man Trotter chuckled, "You're not the first person to say that. Anyway, here it is. This artifact was entrusted to me by Starswirl the Bearded." before picking up a crystal rod and handing it to Spike, "Starswirl was my mentor, he gave me this and told me to give it to the dragon with an Orichalcum Eye, who came in a time of crisis. You came to Panethos to inspire the people here to fight for their realm. I can think of none other who deserves this."

As Spike touched the rod when it was handed to him, he saw visions of the future and smiled, "Well, I know one thing for certain..."

Old Man Trotter winked, "You're not retiring any time soon?" and chuckled as Spike stood shocked, and told him, "Don't worry, I don't invade peoples' minds."

Spike smiled, "Thank you Mr. Trotter. It would be an honor if you were to join us as the Court Mage."

Trotter smiled back, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm too old to teach magic these days. But it's a good thing to have met the man who Starswirl told me about. Go forth with pride and wisdom." before returning to a rocking chair and dozing off a bit.

As Spike left Old Man Trotter's house, he saw people lining up in front of the docks, many with a bag of gold to get a stagecoach to Canterlot. He spoke, "To those wishing to support the war effort, keep your gold, the royal family will pay your expenses to get to the capital."

The people cheered and threw their hats in the air. As Spike returned to his ship, Twilight asked him, "Spike, may I ask what you saw when you touched that rod?"

Spike chuckled, "I would tell you, but where's the fun in that? I will tell you this, I'll be in this live for a long time to come. I'm not retiring for a long, long time."

And so, in an attempt to inspire the common people in the war effort, Spike has met the fabled Harry Trotter. A vision was given to him of his future, and while he will not share what he saw, he knows now that retirement is not in his future, for a long time.

Next Chapter: Revolt in Puerto Mico Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 27 Minutes