        The Princess chuckled.  “I believe that Mayor Mare would have mounted a challenge, if I had summoned your friends as well.  With nopony to lead any of the teams, she probably would have seceded from the Equestria and joined the buffalo or something.”  Her face turned serious.  “I can assure you that there are detachments of Unicorn and Pegasus Guards, ready to bring your friends here at a moment’s notice, by any means necessary.  As selfish as this expedition seems to my sister, I have taken every precaution.  We will leave tomorrow night, just after moonrise.”