What Hath Joined Together

Chapter 8

                                                                                  Setting Sail Alone

The rest of the evening flew by. At dinner, both Steel Wind and Sharp Spear seemed as sober as they could possibly be. While they recounted their days' work to Flash—whether by luck or shrewd skill, their hangovers had gone undetected—he half-listened, mentally replaying his encounter with Clover.

While he still questioned if she had been fully honest with him, especially regarding that bruise, Flash decided that he would stand beside his words and his inward vow. His thoughts wandered to Orion in the dungeons below. Four weeks. Can a stallion like him even make it that long? Time spent locked down there changes ponies' minds.

Nevertheless, Flash Sentry did his best to shrug the day's events off and appear normal before his two friends. He even joined in their laughter when appropriate, though he ate his dinner with a bit of haste. His room and his books called to him now; the prospect of more bizarre happenings made him less than keen on another aimless wandering.

After he finished dinner, he bid his two friends goodnight, parting ways with them. He trotted out of the Great Hall with purpose, intent on reaching his room as soon as possible.

Despite his haste, Flash hadn't made it more than a few steps into the corridor before a gruff voice called out his name. "Flash Sentry!"

Spinning around, Flash saw it was none other than Captain Ironhoof who was heading towards him, wearing full armor and a stern expression. He fought back the urge to cringe or flinch, fear sparking within him.

Oh, dammit, Vigilance...

"Good evening, Captain," Flash said with a quick bow. He stood straight as he rose, avoiding the eyes of his superior as he was acknowledged.

"Come with me, Flash," Ironhoof ordered, turning on his hooves. With a snap of his muzzle towards the stairs, he added, "Now."

"Yes, Captain."

While he followed alongside his captain, Flash could only mentally curse himself. Five years, and now, within the past few days, I've screwed up three times. I'm sure Ironhoof knows now about the other two.

I'm glad Greyhoof isn't seeing this...

Although he entertained the idea of asking Ironhoof what was going on this time, he chose to remain silent. Even if his small act of mercy would turn out to have been a mistake, he would not dig his grave further by acting insubordinate. Ironhoof's determined visage and forceful steps challenged the mere thought of that notion.

Besides, a part of him piped, remember what Greyhoof said. Be strong.

Their journey took a series of unexpected turns, many more than Flash had expected. Rather than making their way towards the Captain's quarters, Ironhoof led him up towards the Royal chambers. The guards there, who eyed Flash Sentry with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, parted for the two.

Then, Ironhoof led Flash Sentry through the hallway he recognized as leading to Princess Celestia's chambers. He swallowed hard and counted the torches on the wall as a distraction, keeping pace with his superior's heavy hooves.

Princess Celestia? Oh, horseapples, I've really done it... I should have known! Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Finally, they arrived. Ironhoof nodded to Night Watch, who knocked on the door of the chamber.

Night Watch called through the door, "Your Highness? Captain Ironhoof and Sir Flash Sentry are here."

A golden aura gently opened the doors to the three. Princess Celestia stood beyond the threshold—smiling, to Flash's great relief.