"I promised that you would be warm, and you are.  I promised you would be protected, and you will be.  I will forge for you armor and arms, and you will serve me well.  Now, I have need of you, those among you who are strong and brave enough to fight.  Become my first warriors and scouts, to protect the others and to find threats and boons for our new settlement.  I will teach you what you need, be it how to fight or how to pass unseen.  Those of you who wish to be the shield and sword and eyes of the settlement, remain after all are dismissed."  The ponies exchanged various glances among themselves; fear still hung over these escaped slaves, but the spark that had been set mere hours ago had grown, and several eyes already glinted with the hint of flame.