The rest of Arin’s morning was spent with Honey Rose in her new room. She had brought some basic adventure books to get started with; she even brought her old pair of reading glasses. On her, they looked absolutely adorable – bubbly sweet pony with glasses? Who knew that cuteness could stop hearts.

By now, Arin had picked up the gist of the language; it wasn’t similar to Seraph by any means, but there were some bits to latch on to. Some syllables were combined, and the alphabet was shorter than his own. By lunch, he was able to read aloud. Slowly. Like a toddler mimicking an opera singer. Or something like that.

A maid delivered two meals to them both, a simpler meal of bread, cheese, and assorted berries with a hearty broth to dip into.

“You should eat quick; especially if you want to be on time for super-important-Knight practice or whatever.” Honey jabbed, smiling smugly. “Mister Oh-So-Valiant Hero.”

“Oh yeah, about that. I was wondering if you wanted to spectate? At least your constant teasing will push me to do better.” Arin scooped up some of the creamy vegetable soup. No meat today, it seems. He wasn’t disappointed; the food was always delicious.

“Definitely. I’m sure there will be a crowd, too – if what you said is true, the Princess should have a free schedule. Maybe I could be her friend, too. Honey, friends with the Ruler of Equestria. I could write a novel on that.”

“Pfft, you’d misspell her name in the first paragraph.” Finishing up his grapes, Arin patted off his shirt and dashed to his feet.

“I didn’t say it would be a good novel.” She replied, bouncing over to the door. “C’mon, I want to see you get your flank kicked by a royal guard. There’s a club for that, actually – but I can’t talk about it.”

A quick turn of the knob, several wrong turns, and lots of directions from guards (and an inevitable escort) finally led them to the ‘main’ garden. The only difference was the fact that it wasn’t enclosed by any means; it was built into the mountain, with a footpath leading up the slopes beyond. Coupled with much more wildlife than expected.

Regardless, it retained a beauty hard to measure in words. Fountains and running water broke the quiet, burbling timidly in the midday sun. Bird song livened the mood, flowers of vast varieties lining stone pathways and dotting the world in color. A cool breeze chilled the air, showing signs of the coming autumn.

And of course, waiting there was Princess Celestia, Princess Cadence; both sitting on a blanket, enjoying a cup of tea. And Shining Armor – along with five other fresh faces, all stallions with varying coats and colors, none of which he recognized immediately, until a voice called out to him.

“Hey Arin!” Vapor Cloud called, a soft purple mane cut short on his head, a warm orange coat filling his body. He bore a burning pinion of a feather for a cutiemark, his wings tensing. “Thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“Aha! A voice I recognize! You guarded my door once, right?”

“Sure did, my name is Vapor Cloud by the way. Since we’re not, y’know, technically on duty for this.” He gave a wink out of sight from Shining, and Arin nodded.

“Good to put a name to a… well, different colored face. You know, I had a feeling you would be orange. Something about that voice – it just gave me that picture.”

Arin offered a hand to shake, and Vapor took it – clenching it tight in his ‘invisible’ grip, as the Seraph had begun to call it. Ponies could just… grip things. It was always weird to him.

“Welcome Arin, and Honey to.” Celestia gave a soft bow to golden-maned mare, the Earth pony blushing. She replied with her own bow – though so much deeper and with the utmost respect.

Oddly enough, Arin never felt the urge to bow. Something about her friendly demeanor, and the fact she wanted to be his friend – it just gave him the feeling that it would be wrong.

Cadence spoke next, her smile warm and full of… an expression he couldn’t read. But it was there, and it gave him a flutter in his stomach. Did she know something he didn’t?

“Hello Arin, it’s nice to see you again. I’m sorry for the improper meeting from before – I hope you can forgive me?” Her wing shuffled, a little head popping out from underneath. It was absolutely adorable! A tiny pony, hidden beneath her mother’s wing? How come he didn’t know this was a thing!

“Oh! And this would be Flurry Heart, Shining and I’s lovely daughter. Isn’t that right?” She pressed her pink muzzle to the filly, who gave a coo. Hiding back under her wing to avoid too many nuzzles from her affectionate mommy.

Arin couldn’t help but give a soft ‘d’aww’ at the sight.

“At attention!” Shining demanded, stomping a hoof. The five soldiers lined up, Honey flank-checking her pupil to push him into line. He stood up straight, standing a head above Shining Armor – easily, maybe more.

“Alright, you all know the drill. Today is going to be fun!I have plans lined out for each and every one of you – tests to outline your capabilities not as an offensive powerhouse, but an observant sentry. From this moment on, of the six of you gathered here – only three will qualify as a Princess’s Personal Guard, of which you will be assigned based on choice of the Princess. And I’m happy to say, this isn’t your typical march and other boring mess. In fact, it’s going to be quite unique; I thought of it myself.”

He marched around the group of stallions, Arin included. “Today, I am not looking for disqualifications based on history or injury. Being a Elite Guard is much different than a Royal Guard – you need more than just a clean record to be suited for the job.”

He spun on his hooves, continuing his aggressive march. “There are only three things I am looking for today. Strength, Endurance, and Perception. Do I make myself clear?”

“Sir yes sir!” The stallions sounded, with Arin botching his a second late; “Sir yes sir!”

“Wonderful! I am not judging a fish’s ability to climb today. All tasks can be completed by all parties. There will be rules for each task I give. I will not repeat myself. Is that clear?”

“Sir yes sir!”

“Very good. Left! Forward Canter!” Shining took the lead in a strong burst of speed, Arin almost stumbling with the sudden order. He wasn’t military trained, but he caught on quick – and began to dash to keep up.

His size difference helped, allowing him to keep pace – for now – without too much difficulty. Just above a jog, not really a run or a sprint – a hard pace, but his weeks working the field in summer, the forge in winter, all gave him the endurance he needed.

They took a clear path through the garden, Arin taking a moment to catch the last few sights of tame animals and wonderful flowers as they approached the base of a long path.

“Form a line! Move, soldiers!” Shining said sternly, stopping just short of the trail. Before them sat a long table – lined with six crossbows and quivers. Shining gave a cough, beginning to explain.

“Your first task is a test of perception. Before you is weaponry – you are all to share the same type of weapon for this task. The bolts provided are magic based. This is not a test of accuracy. Up this path lay twelve targets scattered among the trees. They are small, they are the size of tea saucers and a solid gray. You are each given twelve bolts to fire with. The first participate to fire at a target within a reasonable area will change the color of the target to their bolt’s color, matching the rest in their quiver and the marker on their crossbow. The participate with the least amount of targets hit is disqualified. Stallions, obtain your weapons!”

His sharp, barking order followed a quick dash for the crossbows. Arin was easily able to clip his on to his pants, loading his crossbow in his hand. It was a light draw, with a massive trigger – perfectly sized for a hoof.

Vapor Wave fumbled with his quiver, spilling his bolts on the ground. Cursing under his breath, he bent to start picking them up.

“Form up, move out!” Shining Armor called, drawing the attention of the group. The Unicorns were quick, and instantly fell in line – but Vapor Wave and another pegasi were having trouble.

“Need some help?” Arin asked, quickly stooping to scoop up all the bolts. A flash of his nimble fingers, and it was secured to Vapor’s belt.

“What are you doing? Keep up with the group! I can handle myself-”

“Ah shut up, Vapor. Just take the help and get going. You, c’mere – I’ll put it on.” Arin swatted Vapor’s flank, pushing him to rejoin with the others as they disappeared behind the treeline. He gave a curt nod, before galloping to keep up.

With a snap, the quiver stuck snuggly to the stallion’s waist. He was quiet the whole time, only watching in confusion. “Aren’t you worried about being disqualified?”

“You think I’m qualified to begin with?” The Seraph laughed, helping him load his crossbow. “I offered to join, Luna put me up to it. What’s your name, Soldier?”

Arin took ahold of his own crossbow, dashing into the woods with the blue maned stallion by his side. “Flash Sentry, but you can just call me Flash. You’re Arin, right?” He said, flapping his wings to pull ahead.

“Yeah, c’mon, they’re just up ahead.” Arin sprinted forward, focusing in on the group. Flash Sentry sliding to a stop behind him, turning the crossbow to the left and firing.

Confused, Arin could hear the small sound of tinkling in the distance. Shining called out, “The First target has been hit. Eleven left. Keep up.”

Slowing his pace as he caught up to Vapor on the back, Flash trotted up beside him. “Nope, I don’t think you’re qualified at all. Thanks for the help though.” He gave a cocky smile, his tail flicking.

“Yeah, you’re welcome. Just trying to help.” Arin said. He did feel a pang of rivalry hit him with how he spoke down to him, and he wanted nothing more than to turn the crossbow on the stallion and pop him in the flank – but he resisted the urge, fighting himself.

You’re a different person now. Don’t let your time in Erenorn influence you. He told himself, breathing in a sigh. You are here to experience this, nothing more. Success will come with persistance, if it’s meant to be.

Vapor Wave slowed his trot as Flash pulled ahead, keeping his eye on Arin. “You alright? You look like you wanted to kick his ass for a moment there.”

“Yeah yeah, fine. Just letting some demons go. I don’t expect to qualify, I just want to give it my best.” Arin replied, examining his crossbow. A hoof darted across his chest, stopping him in his place. Vapor gave him a nod, his eyes pointing to a small target hidden in the trees.

As if taking the cue, Arin pointed his crossbow up at it, and fired. A soft tinkling followed, the target painting green.

“Two of twelve targets have been hit, showing some promise, I see.” Shining called out, withdrawing a small slate from his saddle bag. His eyebrows knitted, turning back to look at Arin before trotting onward.

“Let’s keep moving, Vapor. I owe you a target.” Arin reloaded his crossbow, turning his eyes to the trees.

Several minutes passed as they kept a slow trot through the hiking trail. Another two targets were taken – one by Flash, and another by one of the Unicorns up front.

“I will give this one warning. Up ahead the terrain becomes rough. You will need to pay attention to your hooves if you want to keep them intact. There are pitfalls for those who keep their eyes above the ground. Those who falter will be rescued by Recon.”

“Vapor, keep your eye out for targets. I’ll keep an eye out for anything below the knees.”

“On it. First one is mine.”

Within a minute, Arin’s hand shot out against Vapor’s chest, moving him around a pothole that could have led to a twisted ankle – or worse. Ahead, one of the Unicorns darted forward at something white in the leaves – stumbling and crashing as he hit a hole. Flash Sentry passed him at a steady trot, taking this moment to score a third target, cantering around his fallen comrade like the obstacle he was.

Arin approached cautiously from behind, offering a hand to the fallen Unicorn. He had a light blue mane, and a dark coat. Groaning, he gently took the aid – standing up.

“Why help me? I can barely walk, leave me. I’m weak. The Princess needs a strong guard, not an idiot who can’t see a stupid hole.”

“The only thing weak about you is your belief in yourself. Get up, before I start carrying you.” Arin tugged him to his hooves, letting him rest his weight against him for the moment.

“Thanks… Ice Lance, by the way. I was hoping that would be my first target.” He shook his aching hoof, testing his weight on it. “Fuck… it hurts. I don’t think I can go on.”

“You’ve got this. C’mon, lean on me. We’ll at least get you through this forest, so you don’t have to wait for a cart to roll around.” Arin began forward, letting the Unicorn limp against him. Falling behind wasn’t a big issue for him, he had a target. At the very least, he could say he got one.

“Only seven targets left. The Soldier with the lowest score will be disqualified. Keep moving, I didn’t invite colts did I?”

To the left, Arin could just notice it. The gleam of a white plate, hidden in the shade with only a fleck of light touching the rim. He gave a whistle to Vapor, who missed his chance when another Unicorn’s bolt struck true, just before him.

“And that makes six! Ice Lance, you have zero. If you want this position you have to earn it! Move!”

More marching followed, with Arin guiding Vapor and Ice around holes, the other two scanning the trees for targets. Ice quickly got his first – popping it with Arin’s help – and Vapor took his second. The third Unicorn up front got his first, leaving them with onlytwo targets left for the path. As they made it around the bend, Shining gave another announcement.

“The path gets worse from here, before turning back to calmer ground. Two targets. The only ones allowed to fire from now on are Arin, Ice Lance, and Cinder Court. The Stallion who doesn’t nail a target is disqualified. All others, Crossbows away.”

“I’ll make you a deal, Ice. I’ll keep an eye on the ground, you get the next target – then we swap, and you watch the ground, and I get the next target. Sound good?”

“I can do that. Again… thank you. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.”

More potholes took over the road, as the trail grew more dense in fauna. They were nearing the summit, it seemed. Arin gently pushed the injured Unicorn to the left, avoiding a steep dip in the trail, as he took aim at another target. That familiar tinkle of chimes road the wind, as Shining called out.

“Arin, Cinder Court, you have one chance to qualify. Don’t waste it.” Shining said, as the trees began to thin. The sunlight added to the difficulty, the last target hidden in the shadows beneath boughs of the trees. With his eyes to the woods, the entered the last clearing.

And he saw it. His crossbow raised up, aiming for the target and – the sound of chimes broke his aim. It shifted red, and his eyes darted ahead to the front of the group.

Flash gave a triumphant smile, pointing to the target for Cinder. Arin sighed. Oh well.

“Alright, wonderful work all. Let’s reach the summit and we’ll talk.” Shining said, as all weapons were holstered to their quivers.

Sighing, Arin kept pace with the group, helping Ice Lance stick to his hooves through the rocky trail. As the trees cleared and they stood on the calm mountain, the piles of snow braced against the stony path. Arin giving a cool shiver.

Perhaps being close Sir Lance the whole way eased the chill of the mountain air.

“The scores are as follows: Flash Sentry, with three points, is qualified! Vapor Cloud, Cinder Court, Scorch Shot, Ice Lance, with two points, also qualify! And Arin, with one point, qualifies.”

Arin sighed; at least he could give Luna a story. Wait.

“Huh? I… I qualify?” Arin asked, his jaw falling open. “I only got one target.”

“Yes, but you also did something important; you worked for the benefit of others, at the cost of your own chances of scoring a point. In truth, this wasn’t just a test of perception, it was a test of empathy. And by these marks, I am willing to give you three bonus points, giving you a total score of four. Flash, you gain one bonus point for assisting Scorch Shot, giving you a total of four. Vapor Cloud, you worked in tandem with Arin and Ice Lance to pick out targets and avoid obstacles, you and Ice Lance are awarded one point.”

“Then who is disqualified, Captain?” Flash Sentry asked, almost sneering at Arin from the corner of Shining’s vision. “Surely this thing isn’t guard material. And by my count, that would mean Cinder and Scorch both failed with two points.”

“I wasn’t finished speaking. I have deductions to make as well. Flash Sentry, you threw your comrades to the wind to achieve your goals. When Ice Lance tripped dashing for a target, you not only ignored him – but went for the target instead. You will be deducted two points, giving you a total of two.”

“What! Why? That’s not part of the objective!”

“A guard to the Princess is not meant to directly engage threats unless no other options exist. You are meant to protect your charge at all costs; this spreads to this task. By ignoring those around you, you put them – and yourself – at risk. The target was identified by Ice Lance first. I will instead grant him a point, giving him four, to make up for the two points deducted from you.”

“This is insane! If the threat is the targets, then I prevailed! I eliminated the most targets!”

“Are you judging my orders invalid, Soldier?” Shining growled, looming over the blue maned pegasi. He quickly backed down, his tail darting between his legs. “It takes more than quick reflexes to guard royalty, and opportunistic ventures will get you nothing but a dead charge. Do you understand?”

“Yes Sir!” He said, backing up a bit.

“Now you know my reasoning for this. Flash Sentry, you are disqualified on the grounds of being apathetic to your brothers in arms. That attitude has no place here in the Royal Guard. Return to the barracks immediately. DISMISSED!”

The last word came out like a bark, and the stallion quickly took to the sky – flying back towards the castle.

“Now, let’s return for the next task.” Shining said, completely unphased. “Ice Lance – if you are unfit to continue, you may visit the medical ward for treatment. You will be given an Honorable Dismissal from these trials, allowing you to return on another day. Do you wish to continue?”

“Yes sir. My hoof isn’t broken or sprained – just shocked from the fall. I should be fine by the time we return, and the pain stops.”

“Very well. Forward, march! Eyes to the ground, don’t break formation – one row, behind!” Shining Armor marched through the woods, leading the pack back down the mountain.

Arin sighed. Well, maybe he’s more qualified than he thought.