All of them stepped back as ponies ran forwards to start loading the cannons, watching with interest as they shoved a cylindrical packet of gunpowder into the cannons muzzle, pushed it down with a stick, then repeated the process with the cannonball. They then moved the cannon so it was pointed directly at the opposite side of the river, where there was nothing to aim for as yet. A unicorn stood nearby, a pole with a slow burning fuse at the end held ready in their magic.