Chapter Three

The Royal Guards just looked at the elder princess, as she motioned for the one at her side forward. "This one told me about their plot, to murder my dear sister." Celestia said, placing a hand on to the skittish guard's shoulder. "He was to be apart f it, but saw the wrong in such traitorous actions. So, instead of helping them, he informed me about what was transpiring."

The Royal Guard looked at one another, then one of them walked up to the skittish guard. "You will be coming with me." He ordered, the skittish guard nodded and followed the other.

"Good." Celestia smiled, before looking around at the other Royal Guards. "Now, if you all do not mind, I wish to speak with my sister and her protector… Oh, and none of you will speak about what transpired, understood?"

The Royal Guards all nodded, not ones to defy their princess, and started to leave the three. Celestia waited until the last guard left, then she walked up to her younger sister. "S-Sister, I know what you are about to say… I will say this; I was not-?"

Luna cut herself off, rendered speechless, the moment Ceelstia suddenly brought her into a tight embrace. "I was so worried about you, dear sister… if they had carried out such a terrible act." The pure white alicorn stifled, trying to hold back the tears of joy. "I am so glad you are unharmed. If I had lost you again, I do not know what I would have done."

Luna just stood there, surprised by the sudden hug, and listened to Celestia's words. After the older sister finished, Luna smiled, and simply returned the hug. "I-I know, sister… I know." She said, gently rubbing her sister's back.

Not that Talon didn't mind tender moments, like this one, he just didn't bother with them. Sheathing his sword, the Gryphon picked his helmet back up, and went for his shield. "Talon Moonfeather." The name completely froze him; it had been many moons since he heard its entirety.

Turning around, Talon eyed Celestia with his red eyes. "How did you know my full name, Princess?" He asked her, the white alicorn giving him a passive look, while Luna had one of confusion.

"I had my suspicions, when I was informed of a Gryphon Mercenary, with black wings and armor, entering Equestria… Calling himself 'Talon' and killed the most dangerous pirate captain on our shores." Celestia answered, before using her magic to pull the cloak from Talon's shield, revealing the black kite-wall shield. Luna's eyes widen, when she saw the white crescent moon, with a crimson star at its center, as the crest. "But the strength and skill you have displayed, along with that crest, prove my suspicions."

Luna did not understand what her sister said. "Sister… What are you talking about? What does this have to do about my protector?" She asked, looking up at the elder princess.

"It means, Luna…" Celestia looked down at Luna, smiling. "You're the luckiest mare alive." That further confused her, making Celestia giggle. "Before you, stands a fine example of a descendant to the former Gryphon Empire's Royal Imperial Knights and Honor Guard to the Royal Family. Clan Moonfeather, the most elite of them all." Talon went wide eyed, shocked that she knew that, while Luna gave a surprised look. "Yes, I know of Clan Moonfeather, along with the Gryphon Empire's fall."

"How much?" Talon asked, picking his shield up from the ground.

Celestia nodded towards his question. "The Royals, I sheltered, spoke of the Gryphonstone's loss, the rebellious clans attacking the Imperial Palace… And Clan Moonfeather's heroic last stand, while the Royal Family escaped." Luna looked between the two, wondering why she had not heard of this before. "I promised them, to keep this all secret, and did not share the empire's fall with the public, or with other kingdoms."

Talon gave a nod, feeling like he needed to acknowledge how long she has kept her word. "Then you know what that means, with me being Princess Luna's protector."

Celestia gave a confirming nod, while Luna continued being confused. "What is going on here!?" She cried, screaming upward and made Celestia to look down at her.

"Oh, forgot I didn't explain that to you." Celestia apologized, rubbing the back of her head. "Clan Moonfeather is a Gryphon Warrior Clan, that formed a family bond before your crescent moon. Their warriors ere renowned in martial skill, and soon became the Royal Imperial Knights, charged with protecting the Royal Family." Celestia eyed Talon, looking at his abnormally large stature. "If is said one of their warriors, are worth ten of our Royal Guard."

That impressed Luna, knowing that meant she had one of the strongest warriors protecting her now along with acting as a deterrent against Nightmare Moon's return. "That was nearly a century ago. "Talon piped in, walking up to Luna. "My lady, the night grows late… You should get some rest."

"He is right." Celestia agreed, nodding at the notion. "We all should get some rest… The history lesson can wait until tomorrow."

Luna nodded, as she walked towards the entrance, but remembered what happened moments ago. "Um, Sir Talon?" The Gryphon walked up next to her, shield and helmet in hand. "W-Would you mind escorting us to our room?"

He gave a nod. "I am sworn to protect you; until the time you feel the contract has been fulfilled my contract." Talon answered, the two walking into the castle, after said Gryphon put his helmet back on.

-The Next Day-

Luna sat next to her sister, within the throne room. She was nervous, staring at a group of kneeling Royal Guards, each having their helmets pulled off to show their faces. These were the ones who planned her assassination, and many others if last night's attempt had failed. At their front, knelt their ring leader, the stallion that planned their treacherous plans and ordered these band of-would-be assassins… The Royal Guard Unicorn Captain, Sun Beam.

Luna really wished she had Talon right now, the Imperial Knight proved to be a skilled protector. But Celesta suggested that she wait to reveal him, and had planned something for a big revelation. "S-Sister? Are you sure about this?" Luna whispered, leaning closer to the white alicorn.

Celestia gave a nod, smiling at her younger sister, before glaring at the kneeling Royal Guard and their Captain. "Captain Beam, I am sure you are aware of why I called you and the others behind you?" She asked, barely restrained anger within her voice.

The normal Royal Guards flinched at her words, hearing the anger, but Sun Beam remained passive as a statue. "Yes, your majesty. This is for my actions, in attempting to subvert your judgement." He answered, looking up at Celestia. "My men were just following orders, only I hold the blame."

"Normally, I would commend your words… But, from what I found out about last night, those three were acting on more than orders, and personal feelings towards my sister." Celestia corrected, Sun Beam remaining passive about her words. "I will not ignore your years of service, and will tie their fate to yours."

"Your majesty?" Sun Beam had become confused by her words. He glanced back at the five guards behind him, then back to the white alicorn. "What do you mean by that?"

Celestia smirked at the question. "Simple, Captain, like the days of old, you shall champion your cause… Facing off against one who champions my sister." Luna then realized what her older sister had been planning. "If you win, then their punishment will be light… But, if you lose? Then they shall receive a punishment of the champion's choice."

Sun Beam just looked up at his Princess, then at Luna for a brief moment, and nodded. "I accept your challenge, Princess."

"Then, prepare for your duel, Captain Beam." Celestia looked at the surrounding Royal Guard. "Remove them from my sight, and prepare Captain or his duel within the next hour!" The Royal Guards nodded, removing the prisoners from the Royal Throneroom.

"Sister, are you sure about this?" Luna asked, looking up at her older sister. "I man, Captain Beam is a highly trained Royal Guard Captain… Sir Talon is a Mercenary, despite his grand legacy."

Celestia smirked down at her sister. "You said Talon defeated those three guards with just his sword, correct?"

Luna gave a nod. "Yes, he gave me his shield, in case one got past him." She raised an eyebrow, not understanding. "What does hat have to do with anything?"

Celestia started down the throne's step, with Luna right behind her. "I did not mention this, but…" She stepped, causing Luna to, and looked back at her younger sister. "The Imperial Knights of Clan Moonfeather are masters to the art of Shield and Sword."

-With Captain Sun Beam-

"Sir, are you sure about this?" One of the other prisoners asked, as they were escorted back to the castle dungeons. "You have no idea who is championing Princess Luna… This could be dangerous."

Sun Beam smirked at his subordinate, shaking his head. "None of the veteran guards will support Princess Luna's claim, not willing to relinquish what support they have gained from the nobles." He started, looking at the younger guardsman. "Not to mention, there is no recruit that can best. We are fine, my lad."

"But… What about Lieutenant Armor? Surely, he will champion her.' The guard asked.

That notion caused Sun Beam to laugh a bit. "That colt scout? Please." The Captain shook his head, bearing a confident grin. "He cannot step in, due to conflict of interest. If he wins, then he will be the new Captain. Not to mention, he is Princess Cadence's coltfriend, he cannot intervene because he is her champion… He won't be a problem, at all."