Skywhistle paused, then set down her shield, spear, and took off her helmet. As she loosened the straps of her armor, she looked in thought.

"It's...hard to explain. I just know I have to be there. Besides, I don't think I want to stay a Hoplite. They have to do horrible things. They have to do them so often that they could eventually murder a whole city full of fillies and feel nothing. This war's gone on long enough, and fighting until there's one house left cannot be the best way to end it. That's what I believe. I came here...because I hope that there is an answer in these walls."

She took her armor off, and cast it aside. Her whole life's work. The last strings of pride she had left. Now she was naked, besides her sword, but she had to give that up to. She fiddled with the strap holding the sheath to her body, but then her ears pricked and she turned. There was another Pegasus approaching. If they were still loyal, they wouldn't give up until they had given the severed head of the Disgraced to Rainbow Dash herself. Wouldn't that be the highest honor?

Skywhistle drew her sword, and pointed it at Swift Star.

"You there!" She shouted, trying not to let the fear show in her voice. "Why are you here?" There was no question she could kill a common soldier, but could she bring herself to kill her sister-in-arms? Even after deserting, committing a little more treason felt incredibly wrong. She really had to hope that this Pegasus was a deserter like her, and not a glory seeker, still loyal to the flag.