The smell of cooking fires was what woke Rainwalker up this morning. He was still getting used to the smell of roasting meat. He rolled out of the small bed of straw and stolen blankets the Nor Menn had given him and set about laying out a trough of food for himself and the few other ponies with him.

Almost two weeks had passed since he had become a "guest" of the Nor Menn. The human warriors had let him sleep in their camp, eat food they stole from Moon and Stars, and sit around their fires. They'd done more than that however when they brought in fleeing slaves they had found in the woods or rescued during their raids.

There were now about twenty five other ponies in the camp besides Rainwalker, most of them Earth Ponies. The Nor Menn kept them under guard but they were free to move about the camp during the day light hours. Rainwalker was the official leader of the ponies now by Ardon's orders and was to see to their needs and welfare.

As he laid out the oats in the wooden trough the Nor Menn had also stolen in one of their raids he watched the Night patrols come in through gate looking tired but pleased with themselves.

"How went it?" He called to them in their own language which he had been struggling to learn.

"Three kills a piece," the leader replied with a grin. Given the scout parties size of fifteen that meant around forty five Moon and Stars troops had been killed that night. Rainwalker grinned and tossed them a salute before returning to his work.

The Nor Menn camp, Broken Stones as they called it was now much larger than it had been when Rainwalker had arrived. They had built a rough wall of timbers and earth around the perimeter along with scaffold towers from which archers could maintain a watch and shoot at approaching foes. Some of the larger stones had been moved against the wall, Ardon said they might break the tones down to widen the wall and make it taller some day. Within the camp itself a few small log buildings had been raised amidst the stones and tents. The Nor Menn had built themselves a drinking hall which they called a Long House and larger command center they called a great hall. A couple of Wagons had been pulled into a ring about which most of Sindarla tended to spend their time. There was even a Smithy, a lumber mill, and green houses. It was clear to Rainwalker that this was not going to be some temporary raiding camp but a full fledged fortress from which the Nor Menn could make strikes and assaults deep into the heart of the Whitetail woods.

Still while the defenses and base were strong the Nor Menn were badly out numbered. There were barely over two hundred of them and the scouts confirmed that the Moon and Stars forces in the region out numbered them by as much as twenty to one, over four thousand ponies in the area loyal to House Moon and Stars. If the Nor Menn were to make progress the army would have to be defeated. To do that they would need more troops.

The plan Rainwalker and Ardon had concocted would hopefully provide for just that and more given that this King Rhaegastar Dragonsfury agree to the plan. Until then the Nor Menn raided the supply caravans and ambushed outlying patrols, always in different spots, usually further to the west. That had been Rainwalker's idea, that way the commanders might think it was Stormwing or their Nhorse allies preforming the raids.

As Rainwalker's fellow ponies arrived to par take of their morning meal, Lethrook arrived; his morning ale still dripping from his beard.

"The Chief wants to see ya," he grunted to Rainwalker.

"Did the message come?" Rainwalker asked.

"Don't know," Lethrook replied with a shrugg of his shoulders. "He didn't say."

Rainwalker nodded and followed the man. He knew Lethrook and many other Nor Menn were still cautious about the ponies. Most they had meet thus far had reportedly tried to kill them. Not that Rainwalker could blame them. Humans were supposed to be fables, used to scare wayward fillies and colts to bed. When monsters out of myth showed up on anyponies door was anypony surprised that they panicked?

They reached the Wooden hall that served as Ardon's command center and the guards let them through. Inside it was dark, the main source of light was a low fire feed by logs, there were no candles and few torches on the walls. There was little nothing the walls and no where to sit. A few tables, low for humans but perfect for ponies were set about, spoils of the raids. Scattered across these were various maps, scrolls, other assorted pieces of paper, empty or partially full drinking mugs, wooden trenchers of food, and various assorted stray weapons.

Ardon was standing at one table speaking with a man in a heavy cloak lined with fur held with a wolf's head brooch. He had a close cut beard and auburn hair, and wore a suit of armor made of leather, plate, and mail. A great sword was slung over his back in a sheath; Rainwalker still marveled at the strength of the Nor Menn to wield such weapons. Two guards similarly equipped though with not as fine gear stood on either side of newcomer, body guards no doubt.

Ardon gave him a nod and motioned to Rainwalker.

"Here he is my lord," he said in the Nor Menn language.

"So I see," the auburn haired man replied turning to face him.

"Rainwalker this is Jarl Robvin Krast, nephew of King Rhaegastar Dragonsfury, Lord of Featherfall and Clan Krast."

He said it slow enough that Rainwalker could understand.

"Jarl Krast, this is Rainwalker."

"A pleasure to meet you my lord," Rainwalker said making a quick bow.

"Likewise," Jarl Krast replied. "You've caused quite a stir in Dragonslanding."

"The King has received our message and sent Jarl Krast to deliver his reply," Ardon explained.

"And what is the King's decision?" Rainwalker asked.

"The King received your message nine days ago," Jarl Krast replied. "He summoned his advisers; Jarls, Chieftains, lords, and priests. For four days we deliberated on your proposal, six days ago the King made his decisions."

"And that is?" Rainwalker said impatiently.

Jarl Krast then pulled up a map and pointed at the city of Stalliongrad.

"The ultimate objective of this campaign will not be to free slaves but the capture of the city of Stalliongrad. To that end the King has granted you permission to commence with a slave rebellion."

Rainwalker grinned, jubilation filling him.

"How exactly is a slave rebellion going to capture Stalliongrad?" Lethrook asked.

"The rebellion is a diversion," Jarl Krast answered. "One to draw out the garrison at Stalliongrad. Once the garrison is in the field, the King will lead an assault upon the city."

"And the garrison?" Ardon asked.

"You are to draw it into these wood lands," Jarl Krast answered. "I will reinforce you with my forces once they are in the field."

"Sounds like a plan," Rainwalker commented.

"There's just one catch," Jarl Krast said raising a hand. "The element of surprise must be maintained. You must ensure that House Moon and Stars knows about a slave rebellion but not we Nor Menn until we attack Stalliongrad."

"So if we must fight, leave no witnesses," Lethrook growled. "Sounds good to me."

"We might not have the forces on hand to preform such an operation," Ardon commented.

"I rode ahead of a column of reinforcements the King has gifted you with," Jarl Krast replied. "The force includes Avariel Healers, men trained in the construction and use of battering rams, additional Snow Striders, Clan Hunters, Raiders, Axe Throwers, Berserkers, and Spearwives. They should be here before dark. Other reinforcements may arrive ahead of my own troops."

Ardon nodded.

"Alright then," he said. "Thank you for your assistance my lord. We've got a busy night ahead of us."

MLP:ED

Sundancer was having an all around crummy evening, for one it was cloudy but their were other reasons. For the past week or so the whole garrison had been on on again off again alert. Patrols and supply shipments had been ambushed. Evidence pointed to raids either by bandits or House Stormwing, regardless the brass didn't like it. Increasing the guards on the supply shipments had reduced the number of attacks, indeed there had been no attacks on the heavy convoys.

Still all the activity had stirred up the local nobles who feared attacks on their manor houses and estates. They had whined and bleated at the commanders at the Camp until the commanders had given in and dispatched troops to protect the noble estates. The nobles had then complained about the soldiers conduct on their lands.

That was dangerous, the troops were being spread to thin. Sure they were well behind the Canterlot Mountains meaning an attack by Earthborn or Whitegold was unlikely but if Stormwing realized what was happening, or worse planning for it, they could sweep aside the divided defenders with ease. Orders were orders however.

Sundancer was stationed at some nobles estate, she couldn't remember his name, nor did she care. The estate was a wide area, including a functioning mine and large plantation grounds. Its supplies were considered valuable to the army, not its owner and his complaining.

She was just taking off into the air on her wings, to join the rest of her unit on night patrol duty when she heard a distant shout from the direction of the estate gates. Then there was more shouting, loud and harsh. Curious she took to the sky and sped towards the commotion.

What she saw made her turn tail and fly straight back for her unit.

A massive force ponies and creatures she didn't recognize were assaulting the gate. They had already over whelmed the sentries and had begun to smash the gates open the a large tree trunk.

Before she could got very far however something hit her from behind and she fell from the sky. Her wings and a few of her bones shattered when she hit the ground. She screamed loudly in pain, hoping that she might at least alert her comrades. She managed to push herself up just as the gates crumpled.

The Horde of invaders poured onto the grounds roaring fierce battle cries, waving weapons and torches in the air. Most passed right by her, advancing towards the mansion and the rest of the estate. Her fellows tumbled from the sky as projectiles hurtled towards them, pegasus ponies tore at them, and strange flying beings assaulted them.

Then she felt something drive into her back, and the world went dark.

MLP:ED

"BRUN IT ALL!" Ardon roared over the shouts of his fellows as they moped up the remaining Moon and Stars troops. The Nor Menn showed no mercy to their enemies, killing them with the savage efficiency he had come to expect. The Portable Rams they built were proving their worth by smashing open store houses, slave pens, and the mansion doors. The estate was not meant to repel an attack of such a scale.

The Pony forces under Rainwalker were proving themselves on the field as well. They fought with years of pent up resentment and hatred, showing no pity and giving no quarter. Where once their were only a few ponies with them there were now over a hundred former slaves in his army. This was the third estate they had hit that night, and at the previous two they had found many slaves willing to rise up against their former masters given the chance.

Sure enough as the Slave Pens were broken open a fresh horde of slaves poured out, confused but eager to be out of their cages.

"Come on every pony!" Rainwalker shouted to the newly freed slaves. "We're making the horn heads pay tonight!"

Though still confused and scared the Slaves were quickly armed and got the gist of what was going on. They set upon their foes, mercilessly cutting the overseers who had once tormented them. Freedom and vengance were huge boosts to morale.

Just then several Nor Menn and Former Slaves came out of the Manor house. Behind them they dragged the terrified Lord of the Estate and his family. Lethrook brought them before Ardon shoved the Lord towards him.

"Look what we found hiding under his bed," Lethrook proclaimed with a laugh.

Several warriors laughed along with Lethrook. The Unicorn Lord looked about ready to piss himself.

"Please!" He all but squeaked. "Take anything you want! Do anything you want! Just please don't hurt me!"

"Chalice!" The lord's wife said suddenly angry.

"Sorry dear but its do or die right now!"

Ardon spat at the Unicorns feet with disgust.

"Coward," he growled before raising his hand and a half sword.

"Mercy!" Chalice cried. "Please mercy!"

"Mercy for your family," Ardon replied. "Not you."

"I can give you bits, slaves, anything you want!"

"You know what? Just kill him," Lord Chalice's wife said bitterly. "I knew I should have listened to my mother when she warned me about you Chalice."

"You're not helping Dazzle!"

"Stretch his neck!" Ardon barked.

The Nor Menn pushed Lord Chalice to the ground and then pulled his head forwards to give Ardon a bigger cutting area.

"NO! I BEG YOU!"

"Beg Hel for mercy," Ardon snarled. "You get none from me."

Then he struck. One of Chalice's children, a foal by the looks of it, gave a small scream as her father's head was separated from his body. Ardon kicked aside the head before motioning to the surviving members of the family.

"Bind them up," he ordered. "Having a few hostages never hurt."

The Nor Menn set about their task without question. As Ardon turned about however he saw Rainwalker approaching with a frown on his face.

"What is it?" Ardon asked.

"Why not just kill them?" Rainwalker asked.

"Hostages are worth more alive than dead," Ardon answered.

"They deserve to die for what they've done," Rainwalker said.

"Perhaps," Ardon replied. "Perhaps not. War is funny that way. Get your lot ready to move we have more targets to hit."

Rainwalker scowled but said no more.

Ardon turned away and waved his sword high in in the air.

"Let's move it out lads!" He called.

That night the white tail woods were awash in flames, terror, and blood. The Nor Menn hit five more manor estates before dawn came and they retreated to their encampment. Three caravan's were looted and burned as they made their way through the forest. Over three hundred unicorns had been slain in battle; by spears, swords, axes, hooves, and clubs of ponies and menn.

From it all however much gold and food had been taken, weapons and armor stolen, books and scrolls looted, and priceless works of art removed. Also well over two thousand slaves were freed from imprisonment and bondage. Those who had known only the whips and truncheons of their masters now knew the free air, to own the sweat of their brows and the labor of their backs. They were free, but they would have to fight to keep it that way.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait. College and stuff slowed the writing process. Next time we finally get a real battle between the Nor Menn and the forces of House Moon and Stars.