“This way Princess.” The guards led Twilight down the flight of stairs, crossing the palace gardens before arriving at the inner gates. Who else would be waiting there for her than her own brother and captain of the guard.

“Shining!”

“Twiley!”

The siblings locked themselves in a quick hug before her brother turned swiftly to the matter at hoof. “Celestia requested that we both be there to meet this messenger. I don’t know what it’s about, but it can’t be anything too good.”

“Well, we’ll just have to go find out. Are you ready?”

“That’s what I’m supposed to say.” They both shared a brief laugh before they lead the guard towards the outer gates. They walked through the city without any hassle, all the residence seemingly in their homes. Not very characteristic considering the reputation behind the city. When they reached the courtyard they were greeted by the royal sisters, both giving a nod as Twilight and Shinning bowed.

“It is good to see you both, but we have pressing matters to deal with Twilight. You shall accompany me and my sister, Shinning you shall remain here with the guard should things go less that well. We do not know what to expect.

Shinning acknowledged the princesses words, although rather nervous about letting her sister take this on herself. She did have the others to back her up luckily. “What do you know of their kind? They’re just normal ponies, aren’t they?”

“Once I have more time I will explain everything. Just know that they live far off to the East, be it of their own will, braving the harsh desert. They are a grim and warlike clan, tribes almost in a constant state of conflict. Never did I expect them to return to our lands, nor under a single banner.”

“We understand Princess, we will be ready.”

Celestia smiled at Shining Armour as he strode back to prepare his guard. You had to admire his loyalty, for he was a brave soldier and captain. She turned back to face Twilight, placing a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“I will be with you each step of the way.”

“We shall as well.” Luna stepped up, her chest out and her head raised. “We shall act as tradition would have us do.”

“But we must be delicate. Who knows what kind of labours theses ponies have gone through? They may not treat us as kind as we may-”

Before she could finish speaking, the guards cranked open the gates. The heavy doors slowly separated revealing the three ponies who waited on the outside. They were all clad in desert gear and matted armour, but one of them seemed to stand out from the others. He was better armed than his comrades, a long skirmisher slung on his side. His mane was a dusty black and his coat a dulled white. Across his mouth he bore a calm sneer as they entered the city walls.

Celestia saw it fit that she speaks the first words, stepping forward with Twilight and Luna following swiftly. “Welcome to Canterlot our distant kin. Long it has been since any of you have walked in our fair city.”

They offered very little in response, their eyes wandered around the  interior of the great city as if unaware of those standing before them. After a few seconds of silence the leader of the three stood forward, his voice taking the others off guard. It was a tone you could trust and yet you felt it like an uneasy presence.

“We are humble servants and advisers to our lord and ruler, Sil Ran, son of Sim Ran. My name is Azzal Khan, and these are my guard, Seldin and Fairel. We bear word from the high lords and generals who even now rest on your boarder.”

Luna raised her head as if to speak but Celestia quickly cut her off. “If your lords have come to talk peaceful then I respectfully request you lay down your arms. We understand your traditions, but I would not have anypony  feel threatened.”

Azzal seemingly found this funny, his chuckle serving to mock the princess. “We have not come to talk peace. No, we have come to discuss the terms of our arrival, only then will we lay down our arms. For now though I think we’ll hang onto them for a while.”

The princesses were taken back by the sudden change of direction. What did these ponies want. Twilight now stepped forward to meet them, a stern look of determination on her face. “And just what are these terms?”

“A bold one aren't you, and yet still so young. I will tell you my lord’s terms, but be warned that they will not be light.

“All land on the Eastern Border is to handed to us. Canterlot shall be given as tribute to the Lord Sil Ran and all its residence to remove their presence. We will be free to practice our military operations and as such will not take orders from the monarchy. All orders are to go through Sil Ran to be denied or possibly allowed.”

Twilight stood back in almost a small state of shock, only adding to Azzal’s already wide grin. “Oh, and these terms are non-negotiable.” He said mockingly.

Luna’s look of stern confidence seemed to have faded ever so slightly, Twilight slowly backing beside her teacher for guidance. Celestia looked to her sister for help, but then quickly returned to the right mind-set.

“Surely there must be other ways to please your leader without the sacrifice of our land and our city? He cannot expect us to simply pack up and leave without a fight.”

“No Celestia, it is the force that awaits on my order that expects you to. Long have we played subject to your negligence and now we shall claim what is owed to us, whether willingly or by force.”

This was getting out of hoof far too quickly. Luna chose now to muster what she had in her, speaking up in a rather loud tone. “We refuse to meet these terms, nor do I believe his talk of an army. He comes lone with but a few guards, do not fall for his trickery sister.”

“Luna, hush.” Celestia turned to quite her sister before things turned for the worst. “Do not mind my sister, she has much yet to learn.” To this she pouted slightly.

“If you will not agree to our terms then we will have no choice. The city will be ours one way or the other, so prepare yourself. We will make sure no pony will enter nor leave this city”

Celestia’s moral fell to an all-time low as Azzal turned to face the open gates. “Wait, do not act so rashly! My ponies have not wronged yours; there is no need of this act of violence!”

“One thing you will learn very soon Celestia… is that this was never just about one city.”

Twilight had not spoken for a while and felt herself sinking deeper into Celestia’s side for comfort. She did not dare say anything else at fear of only worsening the situation. Luna seemingly was unfazed, but then no pony could trolley understand her thoughts. Celestia of all seemed the most concerned, and as the three messengers strode out the gates, she felt a very mortal chill run up her spine.

“What now, Princess?” Twilight said in a very hushed tone. Celestia did not respond.

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