Chapter 6: Grinding Numbers

The Great Equestrian War

I stared at the paper for a moment, then said, "They're bluffing. No way that they would issue such a threat and have the means to back it up. Not against so many nations. No way."

"Are they? The latest numbers from the scouts indicate vast numbers."

I paused. "How many?"

"Fifty thousand at the least. Probably more."

Fifty thousand, I mused. That would definitely not be enough. At least a million combat troops will be required to back up a threat like that...probably more!

"No matter. Message or no message, we must call for aid. Some nations will be ticked that these two can presume to order around the world. Now is the time. Call a summit. Convince that other nations of what has happened, and we will win their sympathies."

"Risky," Princess Celestia said. "War is filled with risk. The trick is knowing which risks to take."

"And how do you know that?" asked Princess Twilight Sparkle.

I turned to her and said, without humor, "You wait until it is over and see who won. Then you know those where the right risks."

"Woah, way to do kill the mood," Princess Twilight said.

I continued to look at her, then asked, "Well, you are our resident expert on all things magical. Can we use the Elements of Harmony? Or, is that not possible due to the Tree of Harmony?"

Princess Twilight started to shuffle through an enormous stack of parchment, while saying, "Short answer: no. Long answer: unless this war lasts fifty years, no. Not without risking all of Equestria."

Princess Celestia leaned forward, interest in her eyes. "Can you tell us why you think that?"

"Certainly," Princess Twilight said. "You see, I was interested by the Tree of Harmony ever since I first saw it. When…"

I tuned out most of the conversation. As they spoke, I started to turn over numbers in my head. Scouts reports fifty thousand. All together, by the end of six months, not counting the Royal Guard, we will probably have three or four legions, almost two armies. About twenty thousand soldiers. If I push it, I might have another legion. Not enough to fight this war, but a start. Now all we need is a way to stall for six months. We can rely on the Crystal Empire, we have always been close allies. What if…

"Princess Twilight," I said, "Have you heard from your zebra friend Zecora lately?"

"Yes," she answered instantly, "she and I are always writing. What do you...oh!"

I nodded. "I'm thinking that we could approach the Zebra Tribes. They are decentralized, I know, but all accounts remember them as brave warriors."

"Maybe," said Princess Celestia. "Also…" She shifted her gaze to Princess Twilight. "Do I remember something about a MDT with the Buffalo Nations?"

"What is this you speak of?" I asked, intrigued.

Princess Twilight gasped. "Oh yes! As you may know, Chief Thunderhooves, a Buffalo leader, lead his tribe in riot against the Ponies of Appleosa some years ago. My friends and I managed to resolve it without loss of life. Recently, I visited the Buffalo and spoke to their leaders. And now, we have-" she shuffled through the parchment and pulled out an official-looking document. "this. On this sheet, signed by the 'Chief of Chiefs' of the Buffalo, is an agreement of mutual defense. If one nation is attacked, the other is to come to its aid."

I felt my eyebrows go up. "Just how many buffalo warriors are there?" I asked, not trusting my memory.

"Thousands. Tens of thousands. And each one is strong, noble, and willing to fight alongside us."

"Excellent," I said. "Its not enough, but they should gave us a little room to breathe. When can we count upon them to arrive?"

Princess Twilight glanced to Princess Celestia, then said, "If I sound the alarm, they will most likely start massing their armies immediately. It should be one or two months before they are ready."

"Got it," I replied. "What about the Crystal Armies? Refresh me on the strength of their forces."

"Well, we don't know for sure. According to the comprehensive battle report given to us by Princess Cadence, the Crystal Ponies lost two and a half percent of their enlisted army in the battle for the Crystal Capitol. That is four thousand, nine hundred, ninety-five combat troops of the two hundred two thousand, nine hundred soldiers. Just under ten percent of their fifty thousand-soldier standing army."

I whistled lowly. "How many casualties did they inflict in turn?" I quired.

"Exactly five thousand, four hundred, twenty one bodies were found. You see, when a Crystal Pony is swayed by King Sombra, they lose their crystal shine and their coats turn a darker shade."

"Good to know. Anyways, what is the status of their armies?"

"As of this report, if you count every soldier that they have enlisted, one hundred, ninety seven thousand, nine hundred and five soldiers enlisted. However, it is likely that some of them have gone over to Sombra. Perhaps a fairer number is around one hundred seventy thousand."

"Good. Maybe we aren't as screwed as I first thought."

"Don't be so quick to say that," cautioned Princess Celestia. "We haven't even thought about the Dragons yet."

The cold hoof of fear seized my heart. "Please tell me that they haven't allied with the enemy."

"No," Princess Celestia said. I breathed a sigh of relief. "However, the enemy has sent many diplomatic missions to the Dragons. They are an old, proud, and aloof race, and they will be slow to anger. However, if they are angered, I shutter to think what might happen."

I closed my eyes briefly, then opened them. "Well, if the Dragons turn on us, we will just have to improvise. At any rate, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

"Alright," Princess Twilight said. "Now, I need to reach out to the Buffalo."

"If I may make a suggestion, Princess?" I quired. She nodded. "Times are getting dark and dangerous. May I suggest that I escort you to the meeting? If my calculations are correct, you will be passing through Appleosa. That is dangerously close to Changeling territory."

She considered it for a moment. "But don't you need to stay here and train your troops?"

I said, "Yes. However, my generals can do that. More important is the safety of the Princesses. Equestria can not risk losing one of you."

Princess Twilight shifted, looking uncomfortable. However, after a moment, she nodded slowly. "Very well. However, if we are to travel together, I must insist that you stop calling me Princess."

I smiled and nodded. "Deal, Twilight. Now, when are we departing?"

She said, "Whenever you're ready, Commander."