Prelude to Equestria

High above in the clouds, a vast kingdom rested steadily under Luna’s beautiful night sky. The colorful lights from the pathways illuminated the kingdom as though there was a silent celebration under the moonlight. Guards walked the paths, while few and far between the night wanderers trotted, milling about and enjoying the wondrous night. The stars twinkled far off in the heavens as the sparse clouds drifted slowly around the lofty kingdom of Wintersing. It rested upon a large blanket of clouds which swayed softly as the gentle winds passed through, as though it were a flowing plain of lush grasses.

A young pegasus sat atop his nimbus, alone, overlooking the city. His light grey coat and dark blue mane almost made him one with the night sky, as he rested upon his cloud. “What am I to do? I dare not flee, I have too much passion for my kin and those I love. I don’t want to die, yet I am not afraid of death. What I fear is leaving her, alone, something I have always feared. Who will love her if I fall?... It is an unfair question for her lover to ask, but it is a question all of my kin ask and yet they do not want the answer. I know the answer and that is not I, yet I ask you for reassurance, reassurance that I will have your strength, the strength to be her lover, and that my question will not need an answer.” He sat and pondered aloud for quite some time under the light of the moon.

A small piece of cloud softly brushed against him, a wing delicately coupled him closely. The pegasus on the nimbus did not fret, and turned only to find his lover cuddling next to him. Her violet eyes shot to him like an arrow through his heart. He had always found her eyes so mesmerising even when they had first met. He knew this was Luna’s chosen spark of love. She moved closer to him and nudged his muzzle. A small spark of electricity flashed between the two as they smiled. “Why must you do this to me my love? You should be in bed, with me,” she said softly.

He turned to the moonlit city as his smile faded. “You know I would, if not for my leaving tomorrow,” he said.

She brushed his head with her wing as he turned to look at her. “Culza, please, you need your rest… That should be even more reason to be with me,” she pleaded.

He looked at her and then back to the city. “I cannot bear leaving you. You know where I am going tomorrow…” he replied.

She kept a slight smile upon her face and looked at him in concern. “Culza, I know of your duty tomorrow; you should feel honored to serve her. I do not fear for you, because Luna is your guide... You know we can never truly be separated, our love is already intertwined,” she whispered to him.

Culza sighed and turned back to her. “Luna has blessed me with such a strong mare. How could I be so blind, you are my strength, my will to live, and my world. I will not go a passing day without thinking of you Starla, even to my last breath,” he said to her as his eyes glazed over, shimmering in the moonlight.

Tears began to roll down Starla’s cheeks as Culza held her closely. Culza lowered his cloud as they drifted towards their home. When they arrived they danced together, swaying back and forth until they reached their sleeping chamber. The night finally caught up with them as they laid next to one another. The calming sight of her next to him eased his mind of the pain. As Culza looked at her, he felt that they were the only two in existence. His faith which had been shrouded by the thought of leaving was strong again and he felt joy in himself. Culza closed his eyes with Sarla in his mind and slowly fell asleep.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

The sun broke through the darkness of night, bleeding forth the slow dawning of day. The cloud kingdom's enormous spires embraced the dim light from the morning sun. The darkened clouds changed to a lighter shade of blue. The flags flown for the night goddess were withdrawn and the banners of Celestia were raised.

Culza lifted the sheets off of himself and got out of bed. He stretched limb from limb while giving out a yawn. He could smell spice in the air from the kitchen. Starla had already gotten up to make him his meal. Culza trotted into the kitchen to find her cutting the spicy peppers that smelled so good, while some boiled in a small pot next to her. He moved to her and kissed her cheek. “Good morning my love,” he said.

Starla stopped cutting the spicy goods and looked to him with a joyful smile. “Good morning love; I don't want you to leave hungry, so I’m going to make you your favorite meal,” she said happily.

Culza smiled and wrapped his wing around her. “I’ll enjoy every bit of it,” he replied.

Starla embraced his hug. “I hope you do my love because I tried my best to make this one of the tastiest meals you’ll come to eat, so go ahead and take your seat at the table,” she said.

Culza nodded and released her from his wings and sat at the table. He watched her as she cut the vegetables and peppers into pieces. She slid the small pieces into a bowl with her knife and dropped them into the boiling pot. He could not bear to look at her anymore, for this could be the last time he would see her. He poured himself a glass of blueberry juice which had been set up on the table and took a drink.

Starla took out a ladle from a drawer and dipped it into the boiling broth. She took the steaming broth and poured a little into the same bowl. The broth’s scent filled the air even more so as she poured it from the ladle. She took the hot bowl and placed it in front of him on the table. She then served herself a bowl and some juice, taking a seat across from him.

She looked to him and reached out her forelegs across the table. “Let this meal, if it is our last, be one to remember my love,” she said as a tear streamed down her face.

Culza touched hooves with her. He looked down to his bowl and then to her with a warming smile. “It won't be our last meal together. I will return to you, there is no need to cry. You were strong last night, now I need you to keep that strength,” he said.

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back her tears. “I just wish you didn't have to leave… I'm going to miss you,” she said.

Culza smiled. “And I am going to miss you too, but do not trouble yourself with that yet. I am still here, and far from gone,” He looked back to his steaming bowl. “Let’s eat our meal love, before it becomes too cold and your hard work is not enjoyed at its best,” he said, picking up his spoon.

Starla nodded and patted her tears away with a dinner cloth. They sat quietly at the dinner table, eating their meals. Every so often they would look to one another and smile, then continue eating. They could hear the morning winds outside their window and could see the cloud colors change as the sun slowly arose, illuminating their floating empire.

Their meals had been finished and the time for suiting up had come. Culza trotted into their chamber while Starla trailed behind him. In the corner of the room there was a chest which held Culza’s uniform and armor. Above that was his sword which was hanging above the chest.

Starla opened the chest and began to pull out its contents. She wrapped a tunic around him as well as a belt and a sheath for his sword. She then slipped on his hoof covers and then braided his mane. She mounted his breast plate across his chest and then strapped on his boots. The final piece was his helmet, which she held for a moment in her forelegs. She was unable to complete the task.

Culza nudged her snout and looked her in the eyes. No words were spoken and she kissed him one last time before he had to go and placed the helmet over his head. Culza picked up his sword, placed it in his sheath, and began to trot towards the door as Starla followed. Culza stopped just before leaving and turned to her. “Just remember what I told you, and keep your heart with the gods,” he said.

She hung her head as tears streamed down. “I will,” Starla replied.

He knew their was nothing more to say than what had already been said. If he had stayed any longer he knew only heartbreak would follow. Culza turned and headed off towards the city, fearing to look back. The sun was still just over the horizon line and the city’s lights began to fade out. He trotted through the quiet neighborhood knowing many soldiers were preparing for their unknown fate.

He could see some other warriors trotting down the way, talking amongst one another quietly. Culza had almost forgot that he was going to meet his friends by the local market.

I hope they're still there, this morning is just going downhill for me, he thought to himself.

The market was closed and a few more soldiers dressed in the same uniforms passed by, but his friends were nowhere in sight. He waited a few minutes to see if they might have been running late as well.

They’re gone; I must have been too slow.

As he was about to leave he could hear his name being called out from behind him. “Hey! Culza!” the familiar voice yelled out. He turned around and could see Poltin, a blue coated stallion with a white mane, loping towards him. Behind him trotted Vinard, a red coated, green haired stallion, dressed in uniform.

“It’s good to see you Culza! I almost didn't wake up this morning,” Poltin said.

Culza smiled at the sight of them and raised his hoof to greet them. “Ah, sleeping in again huh? Well it’s good you made it, and here I thought I was late. Let’s head over to the sanctum,” he said.

Poltin and Vinard nodded to one another as they all started to trot down the pathway. A few other soldiers were a ways behind them, headed in the same direction. The morning sun’s rays lit their coats and shining helmets as the city was barely waking.

Poltin trotted up next to Culza. “You guys are so lucky, being able to serve our empire is an honor to us all and to the gods… are you nervous?” he asked.

Culza shook his head, then looked up though as to think for a second. “Well, I guess I’m a bit nervous, though I have been pondering, why we are even going in the first place? We have been at peace for quite some time now,” he replied.

“Hmm, well I've heard that the emperor himself gave the order, and if it’s his order, then it is the gods’ will,” Poltin stated

Culza looked to Vinard, who was trotting quietly beside Poltin. “Hmm, I can't argue with that... Why are you so quiet Vinard?” Culza asked.

Vinard cleared his throat. “I'm not for this suicidal mission the emperor is sending us on, but who am I to defy the gods. I just hope that we make it through this,” he said.

“Are you afraid Vinard?” Culza asked.

“I am fearful of this war, not because of death itself, but because of the consequences it will bring to all of us. What I fear is the burden of survival, knowing that we must kill to live, kill another mare’s love, another father’s colt, another mother’s filly. I don't want to kill them. I don’t want to kill anyone. I just want what’s best for our great empire, but it seems the only way to achieve that goal is through violence and aggression. I just pray that the gods give us a swift victory, so that less lives can be lost,” Vinard explained.

“I understand, but we just have to do our best to cope with those burdens. We are the chosen race. We were born into this conflict for a reason; it is all a test of our faith to our gods,” Culza stated.

“You're right about that, and I wouldn’t dare deny our birth right, it would be an insult to Celestia herself... I love my kin, and the empire, I have faith that we will prevail.” Vinard said.

“Its good to see a slight change of heart, Vinard,” Culza said.

Vinard just shrugged as he couldn't think of anything to say. They trotted down the road and all conversation stopped amongst them. The soldiers in front of them had also stopped talking. The sounds of the winds howled through the city as it grazed past their feathers. The three trotted silently as the morning sun lifted higher in the sky, bringing forth its warmth.

Early risers, workers and business pegasi alike, stepped from their homes to start their day. Out of respect, every pegasus that came across a soldier in uniform would bow before them before continuing on their way. Though it seemed like a lot of pegasi were out and about, the city remained quiet.

Vinard finally broke the silence after they had trotted for a few minutes. “My father used to tell me the stories of his survival during the last great war. He had always told me that he had envied the dead, for they would suffer no more, and were better off than the living. He doesn't speak of them anymore.... His tales keep running through my head, now more than ever. It’s making me anxious to get through with this,” Vinard explained.

“My father never told me his stories of the war, though, as a child, I never wanted to hear them anyways,” Culza replied.

“I wish I could have heard tales from my father... but his service to the empire took him straight to the fields, gods bless him,” Poltin said, head facing the ground.

“They were all heroes, Poltin. You will have your time to serve,” Culza replied.

“Look, we’ve reached the holy sanctum,” Vinard said quietly.

The path grew in size as it led to a large crystal gate. Two towers spiraled up to the sky, where pegasi marksmen sat atop their roost. Cirrus, the emperor's elite guard, also stood watch at the gate, allowing the soldiers entrance. There were more guards quietly trotting high upon the sanctum walls which surrounded the dome that covered the entire sanctum. Though the dome was transparent, the inside was shrouded in a magical mist.

Hundreds of pegasi were already standing near the gate, mostly pegasi citizens and soldiers who had not yet trotted through. Mothers and fathers were saying their goodbyes to their loving sons; tears were shed as they trotted through the gate, but nothing more.

They trotted up to the gate where Culza looked to his friends. “My mother is waiting for me near the tower. I am going to go and talk with her, and say my goodbyes.” He then looked to Poltin. “You’re a good friend Poltin, but I believe it is about that time, for we will soon be entering the sanctum…” Culza said somberly.

Poltin gave a sad look to Culza and Vinard. “I hope to see you again, friends; sister’s blessings, and may your blades bring truth,” he said, taking a step back and turning, to return home.

“I’ll meet you back here at the gate; my mother also awaits my arrival.” Vinard said to Culza.

Culza nodded and the two split to different directions, falling into the large crowd of weeping and heartbroken pegasi. Culza’s mother was behind the colossal spiraling tower, near the wall, sitting on a cloud. She wore a velvet blue cloak and wool lined cloth boots. Her dark blue coat and cyan mane were rough and aged. When Culza approached she flew from the cloud and came closer to him.

Culza reached out to hug his mother as she embraced his hold. “I’m so happy to see you Mom… I just wish this wasn’t the reasoning,” he said, still holding her.

“I wouldn't miss this, as much as it pains me.” She pulled back to look at him, her eyes red with tears. “You look just like your father in that uniform…. He’d be so proud of his son,” she said, sobbing quietly.

Culza stood quietly with a smile, enjoying his mother's presence. She pulled the amulet she had been wearing off and held it in her hoof. It was a sapphire that had been cut into the shape of a crescent, the sign of Luna. A silver brace held the sapphire gem in place. The chain it hung from was also a glimmering silver.

“This is yours now Culza; your father gave it to me, and now I’m giving it to you.... It will protect you, just like it protected your father in battle,” she said, putting the amulet around his neck.

He looked to her and smiled. “Thanks Mom, I’ll make sure I take care of it,” he said before kissing her on the forehead.

She touched his cheek with her wing. “Go on my son, and be safe,” she said, pushing him along as tears dripped from her eyes.

Culza didn't want to see his mother cry anymore and decided to leave to the gate. When he reached it he turned to look for his mother one last time, but she had vanished. Vinard was already trotting up to Culza, having just finished saying his goodbyes. Vinard nudged Culza’s shoulder. “I know it’s hard, but we are so much closer now, and there’s no turning back,” he said.

“I know, let’s go through the gate,” Culza said.

The fog seemed to dissipate as they trotted through but not completely. The sanctum was clear now, and they could see the full view of the beautiful garden which had been blocked by the wall and fog. There were trees with all sorts of different colored crystals on them which swayed in the gentle breeze. As they looked closer they realized that these crystals were growing off of the branches themselves. The color spectrum of these magnificent minerals ranged in many, creating a rainbow like effect which was cast upon the sanctum.

“This place is huge, Vinard, I just can’t believe we are actually trotting in it. I feel honored.” Culza said, baffled at the colossal beauty.

“That you should, my mother said it’s one of the largest structures built by any pony, and we have the honor of housing it here in the pegasi kingdom. Just another reason to believe that we were the chosen ones,” Vinard replied.

As they approached the main structure at the dome’s center, two massive statues stood at the entrance. One statue, of Luna, had eyes that glowed a bright blue, and the other, of Celestia, had eyes that glowed a brilliant white.

Massive supports held up the sanctum’s crystal walls, which had beautifully carved inlays that skirted its premises. The pathway leading to the structure, which was a good stretch from the walls to the sanctum, was covered on both sides with colorful flowers of all variations. The large stain glass windows held the tales of legends and heroes from the past.

They trotted past the large statues which stood as tall as the trees and went into the sanctum. They could see, even from where they were, that there were a few hundred ponies suited up in armor sitting at intricately carved crystal pews. As they trotted into the structure they were awed by the colossal interior. The beautiful colors cast upon the walls from the sun’s rays were making the already magnificent room look like the fields themselves. Artwork depicted out of The Bridal were carved, cut, painted, and sculpted all about the prestigious foundation, further fulfilling that sensation.

As they trotted through the doors they saw the high point in which their emperor would be speaking. They looked around the room and noticed that the majority of the soldiers were young pegasi around the same age. They took their seats near the back, as those seats were the only ones available, and talked amongst one another quietly.

Vinard whispered to Culza, “I thought we were going to be early; I guess we didn't call it a night soon enough.”

“I would have to agree. This place is full of ponies; now I feel bad for not waking any earlier,” Culza said.

Culza put his hoof to his forehead and whispered to himself, “Oh sisters forgive me, I hope I haven’t failed thee yet.”

“Ah, nonsense Culza, we arrived late. The gods do not expect perfection, just good faith, and so long as we are here to serve, then we shall be on good terms,” Vinard said.

Culza nodded and smiled to Vinard and they sat quietly. A few minutes past and more soldiers came through the entrance. They sat near Vinard and Culza but kept quiet or talked with their company. Culza turned to Vinard. “This will be the first time we have seen the new emperor; the last time we saw the emperor was during our grand blessing into the Wintersing academy,” Culza said.

“It’s true, I have not seen him since then either. He rarely comes out of his castle and has most of his servants do his work. He really doesn't come out unless it is a major occasion… like this one.” Vinard replied.

The door to the sanctum closed and the two guards stood silent as statues. It was quiet and all were settled upon their seats, ears raised as the clicking of polished hooves knocked along the marble floors. The echoing rattled all around and the attention was focused at the center high point. Velvet blue and white banners laced in gold draped from the top floor. A prim and straight edged looking stallion stood atop the high point. His blue and white robes could be defined by all pegasi to be of religious value.

He cleared his throat. “All stand in respect for our emperor.”

They all stood still and obedient as they heard even more hooves approach the speaking area. The emperor and two guards stood near the clergypony. All eyes and ears were on the emperor now. He lifted his hoof and began to speak.

“Brothers, for quite some time we have been denied our right to lead our fellow kinsmen, to act out our god given purpose as guardians of these lands, or to feed the plants which need feeding. The light which we bring has been suppressed for too long. It is time we take the fight to our kin once again. If they are not willing to join us then we will make them through force. Our time has come to be the race we were created to be. By Celestia’s power and Luna’s ambition we will prove victorious,” the emperor stated.

The clergypony looked to the emperor and bowed. The emperor nodded to him and turned back to the soldiers on the lower floor. “Now brothers, the decree of battle,” the emperor said.

The clergypony stepped forward and opened the Divinity’s Bridal. He raised his hoof and all bowed, even the emperor. “Celestia says, ‘Let thy sun shine from thee in darkness to bring all those in shadows enlightenment.’ Luna says, ‘Let the night heal thy pains for my love shall cast upon thee to bring good faith and fortune.’ Glory to thy Sisters,” he finished.

The mass of soldiers all replied in unison, “Glory to thy Sisters!”

The clergypony stepped aside and the emperor trotted to the high point facing the mass of troops. “Your leaders are the chosen disciples of the gods; let them guide you to victory! Now, go my brothers,” the emperor said.

Hundreds of pegasi stood and headed to their meeting locations. Culza looked to Vinard. “I’m already nervous, but the emperor's soldiers are strong; we will prevail,” Culza said.

Vinard nodded. “The gods are with us as they always have been. Our mission will be a success,” he replied. They both trotted out to leave the sanctum. As they passed through the massive entryway there were priests standing at both sides of the doors. They were holding silver rods with soft white bristles on their ends, which resembled the tail of a pony. The priests dipped the extravagant brush into the vat of holy water and began to toss it onto the warriors as they had begun to leave. The water was blessed by the emperor himself and was a token of protection.

The priests repeated many sayings of an inspiring nature such as, “Through the gods and for the emperor,” and, “Wings for the true blood.” The words rang in Culza’s head and slowly began to lift his uneased spirits.

Vinard looked to Culza as they left the large dome. “It’s time to fly,” Vinard said, spreading his wings and otherwise stretching his limbs.

Culza nodded and they, along with hundreds of others, took to the skies. While soaring through the clouds they rallied into their flight formations, linking up with their flight leaders, or with the veterans of their forces. One of the biggest pegasi Culza and Vinard had ever seen was joining them on this mission. Captain Dreath Horizon was one of the very few who could fly in full plate with a greatsword which most average pegasi could not wield. Dreath’s wings had a much greater spread than the others and his eyes were an unnatural yellow. He was given the task of leading them into battle by the emperor himself.

No words were spoken during the flight as they had to be quiet and stay focused. There were clouds focused around them to conceal their ranks and to give them the element of surprise. However, every now and again the Cloud Cloakers would get tired and some other pony would have to switch places. Special teams of Storm Bringers scouted ahead to create clouds and bring a stormfront forward. This would give them the element of surprise, and though the clouds were obvious, they were still concealed within mist.

Certain pairs of pegasi were carrying large amounts of spears wrapped in fabric. Every other warrior had their blade sheathed at their side. The cold winds were of no bother to the pegasi, shielded by their magical fields of wind resistance. The flight took hours but nonetheless they were ready to fight and die for the emperor.

Thunder rolled across the vast field known as the front. A small gap from which only the pegasi could see out of opened. A Storm Bringer approached the captain. “Sir, we’re approaching the first camp.”

The captain looked to his warriors and then to the scout. “We are nearing the first strike point. Prepare the spears,” Dreath ordered.

Spears were now being passed around to the soldiers. Culza and Vinard took one each and waited for their captain's command to begin the assault. Culza looked to Vinard. He could see the bravery in him, the fearlessness. Vinard nodded to him and looked back to the captain. Dreath’s hoofs pointed in the direction of the camp. “Forward, and await my signal,” Dreath said.

They flew calmly now as a tiny window opened below the captain. Culza’s heart was thumping now, as he eyed Dreath for the signal. It was almost quiet, with only the sound of the thunder. The calming color of the clouds eased his mind for the coming battle. He took it all in before Dreath motioned the signal. Culza hurtled his spear into the mist, as did all of his fellow soldiers. Dreath roared out to his stallions, “Dive!”

Culza and Vinared dipped into the mist and followed behind their falling spears. They could see the large camp now where their enemies were loping about. They could hear and see the arrows flying towards them as their brothers were pelted by them. The spears pierced more than enough enemies to clear a landing zone. Culza landed near a few stationary structures which were sheltering soldiers from their attack.

“Kill the dogs!” one of his enemies shouted. Culza drew his sword and then picked out a spear from the ground. Two of his comrades landed near him and drew their weapons for the attack. Two earth ponies charged them with their spears pointed forward. Culza hurtled the spear, which flew past one of the charging ponies, which was enough to make the pony stumble during his charge. The other charging spearpony struck Culza’s comrade in the neck, forcing him to the ground. Culza was in a bit of shock, but shook it off. He swung his sword forcing it into the snout guard of the earth pony's helm. The thick armor took most of the blow, however, his face was bloodied as Culza’s victim let out a shrill shriek. Culza swung again, this time cutting his snout clear off of his face. Blood sprayed all about Culza’s helmet and breast plate as his enemy laid twitching and screeching on the floor.

His still standing ally picked up a spear and threw it at another charging enemy, striking the target through the mouth. Culza called out to Vinard for he had lost his friend during the landing. “Vinard! Where are you!” He could not get any response nor could he see him. There was a nearby tent, which would have been his first guess to find Vinard. He rushed into the shelter hoping for the best.

There on the ground was Vinard, struggling with an earth pony who was attempting to drive a knife through him. Culza galloped to Vinard and swung his sword at his enemy. Yet again the thick armor proved too strong as the earth pony gave out a yelp. He swung once more driving it into the earth pony’s spine. Grunts and sounds of pain came from his mouth. Culza ripped out his sword and shoved the pony off of his prone friend. Vinard picked up his sword. “This is much worse than I thought.” He glanced to the dead and battered earth pony on the floor. “This is only the beginning Culza, for this bloodshed must not be in vain,” he said.

Culza looked at his kill and back to Vinard. “They are in The Fields now, and they will soon know our rightful place! Now, let’s finish this, for the emperor!” he shouted, galloping out of the tent.

They charged out of the tent, blades at the ready. They saw many soldiers that had spears driven into their bodies squirming about. Most of the enemies were cleared out quite quickly. Culza looked around for the captain but could only see lesser pegasi and earth ponies. Then he saw the captain, who was carrying a head by its mane. Dreath trotted calmly out of a tent, blood dripping down his plate mail. He dropped the lifeless white coated face, which thudded to the ground. “Victory is ours!” Dreath shouted.

Culza and Vinard could see a few stragglers still fighting for their lives. The pegasi outnumbered the very few remaining earth ponies who were not willing to surrender. However, their deaths soon dawned upon them and the camp became quiet. The only sound that could be heard was that of the small droplets of rain from their coming storm.

Captain Dreath rallied his troops around him. “We will soon press on to the next camp. Those who are too weak to fly or can no longer fight, burn our fallen brethren and head back to Wintersing. Let the emperor and our kin know of our success. The rest of you are with me; we will finish this fight for the emperor!” Dreath shouted. He gave the motion to move out. No one dared question his authority. Many of them had already begun to pick up what spears were still good, restocking their spear holding companions. They flapped their wings and took to the skies. Low clouds had already been moved onto the area by the Storm Bringers to conceal the large ascending force.

As they moved further into the earth pony lines and on to the next camp they saw an increase of fortification. A scout broke through the clouds and approached Dreath, gliding near him. “Sir, the next camp is only three miles from our current location and roughly one thousand feet below from our flight level.” Dreath nodded with approval and the scout flew back out.

They flew for a bit longer, until the cloud window opened underneath Dreath. The fog was now a ways behind their forces, allowing the captain to see the land mass. Dreath looked to the spear bearers. “Prepare for the assault,” he commanded. Culza received a spear, as well as Vinard, who had both been quiet, just like the rest of their comrades.

Culza’s head was spinning from all of this chaos and bloodshed. The tales which his father had left him were now a reality. He tried to drive it out of his head but his attempt failed. The body language and facial expressions apparent upon his fellow pegasi brethren were of no help. Sorrow, despair, loss, and fear were all conjured into their cloud of death. Culza could not say anything, but what he was really thinking was that he had wanted to be home with his lover, something he was sure most others wanted as well. He didnt even want to think of who he had just killed. He felt sick and was disgusted with himself, but could not do anything about it.

Dreath raised his hoof. “We are over the second camp. Prepare to drop.“ All of them readied their spears, and then the hoof dropped. They thrust down their spears to the ground below as they had done before and dived into the grey mist, following their deadly hell shower. The camp was much larger, than the last, however, with the large force of pegasi descending upon it, it seemed it would be taken quickly. The spears fell upon the camp as the pegasi swooped down upon the earth ponies. Once the pegasi were grounded upon the death ridden camp, they found that the earth pony resistance was much heavier than that of the last.

The terrifyingly skilled earth pony warriors killed a great number of Dreath’s troops. Culza could see the skilled fighters and hardened veterans cut down his brethren as though their training in the academy meant nothing. Dreath toppled through many of his enemies, tearing them open with his massive sword. With skilled maneuverability the Capitan launched himself into the air and struck his enemies from above, sometimes splitting their spines or mangling their heads. Vinard and Culza managed to stay close to one another. This time around they fought side by side and faced their enemies together. In a short period of time the camp was taken and only a few stragglers remained.

Culza and Vinard fought their way to a group of tents which looked as though they housed a few troops, with various pots and miscellaneous wares scattered about. Vinard looked over to Culza and said quietly, “I’ll check out these three and you check check out the others.”

Culza nodded in reply and approached the tents cautiously. Sword drawn, he approached the first tent and slowly peered through the tent drape. He could only hear the battle in the background as sweat dripped down his face. He moved the drape and swept into the tent. It was empty. Only a few spears which had ripped through the tent and sleeping rolls could be found lying around. Culza was turning to leave when he noticed a necklace hanging from a wooden post that was lodged in the ground inside the tent. It was a beautiful necklace made up of silver holding in place a white diamond.

He thought about Starla and paused, looking at the necklace in his hoof. It is so beautiful, this could only have been the work of a crystal pony gem smith. Such a valued treasure should not be left for barbarians or raiders. If I leave it, it will be destroyed or stolen along with all other valuables left here in the camp. I could give it to Starla...

He tucked the necklace under his breastplate where it wouldn't be lost and left the tent. When he came out he saw Vinard creep out of the tent across from him, giving him the “okay it’s clear” nod. Culza moved down to the next tent he didn't know what to expect as his heart raced faster than his hooves were moving him. His body shook as he pulled back the drapes on the tent, but before he could open it, he heard wheezing and heavy breathing. A rough and gurgling voice said slowly, “Snicks... is, is that you?”

Culza froze as his eyes widened and his heart almost stopped. He pushed the drape to the side and stepped into the tent. He slowly trotted towards an earth pony who was lying in his bed with a spear stuck in his side. The earth pony’s eyes narrowed as he was moving his limbs slowly. Blood was steadily flowing from his wound. The bloodied earth pony cringed at Culza. “I hope my brothers kill you, you winged beast,” he said, coughing up blood.

Culza did not feel angry, nor did he show any emotional response to his words. He stood there looking at the slowly dying pony. The wounded earth pony took his last breath. “You’re just a monster… No glory in the fields…” His body stopped moving while Culza stood over him. The blood still poured from his body and onto his bed roll. Culza could hear swords ringing and cries of agony. He dropped to his knees, eyes still fixed on the pierced pony. Vinard came into the tent. “Culza what's wrong?” he asked, nudging Culza’s shoulder.

Culza got up slowly and turned to his friend. “I feel sick, just a little, but I’ll be fine,” he replied.

“Okay, are you sure you’re alright?” Vinard asked again, looking over to the body.

“I’m sure” Culza clarified.

“Okay then, did you find anything?” Vinard questioned.

“No, no its all clear…” Culza replied.

“Then lets move out. On your hooves soldier,” Vinard said, lifting him up. Culza pulled himself together and willingly lifted himself up. As they left the tent Culza looked back at the body, seeing that the ponys face had not changed from its emotionless state, then slowly trotted out of the tent.

As they left the tent they could hear their fellow pegasi shouting out to them. “Don't let them escape!” Two earth pony messengers, a good distance away from them, were moving into the forest. Vinard pulled a spear from the ground and charged after them. Culza took one up and did the same.
Vinard could see that one had already been speared before getting into the forest. A few earth pony warriors came to the messengers aid to slow down their attackers.

Culza shouted to one of his fellow soldiers that was closer to the camp, “Find the captain and warn him of the messenger!”

Dreath was trotting about the camp reveling in their victory when one of his fellow warriors approached him in a hurry. “Captain! A messenger escaped through the forest path, we followed to pursue him when we were cut off by more of their filth,” said the panting soldier.

Dreath looked around the camp and then looked to a group of pegasi who had gathered around him awaiting further orders. “With me, quickly now, to the skies! Storm Bringers we need cover in the forest, get to it!” Dreath ordered, as they flew off into the air. Soon enough the entire force mopped up the rest of the camp with in minutes of his leaving. They quickly tailed behind him killing any stragglers and looking for anypony who could possibly be alive.

The Storm Bringers moved through the forest as fast as they could, bringing forth the thick layer of fog that was masking the rest of their force. They flew through the fog and heard the messengers hooves pounding on the forest floor. Soon enough they heard the galloping stop and the forest was quiet. Dreath ordered his troops to move to the forest floor and they slowly descended. He sniffed the air and looked to his comrades. “Hoof me your spear soldier. Scan the area; I can smell his filth,” he said quietly, motioning his hoof left and then right.

The spearpony hoofed him the spear before slowly creeping into the fog with the rest of his brethren. Dreath didn't move and the forest was quiet again. Even his own soldiers could barely be heard in the distance. He slowly lifted his spear and with a powerful thrusting of his weapon it flew directly into the messenger’s shoulder, pinning the unfortunate target to a tree.

Culza and Vinard had barely caught up to him along with the rest of the force. By that time they had already been trotting up from behind their captain. Dreath moved over to the pinned messenger and drew his sword. They all watched as Dreath swung his sword into the messenger’s neck. The sheer snapping sound crackled through the forest as the pinned pony’s head rolled off. He pulled the spear from the lifeless body and looked over the the spearpony. “Look in that bag, sergeant,” Dreath said, hoofing it back to him.

The spearpony rummaged through the bag as all of them watched in silence. Culza looked at the dead earth pony next to Dreath. He closed his eyes, bowed his head and began to pray to Celestia.

Sister of the sun, may our light shine true, and may our fellow fallen kin rest easy in the Fields of Harmony.

Culza heard the sergeant chuckle quietly. “Sir, all I found were some trinkets and these,” the sergeant said. Culza could see the two letters being hoofed to the captain, who turned to the rest of his men and held them up. “These are messages to the other outposts we took earlier, those pathetic excuses for front line defences. Now it is time we take out their last outpost,” he said in his rough voice, putting the letters in his small bag.

The sergeant looked to the captain with displeasure. “Sir, the men are tired, and those camps were much smaller than our scouts report this one is,” he said.

The captain glared at the sergeant. “Warriors do not rest! We’ve pushed this far; by the emperor I will destroy these filthy creatures with every last sword and shield I have! And if you have a problem with that I'll cut you down myself for insubordination! Do you understand me, sergeant?”

The sergeant snarled. “Yes, sir,” he relented, as he prepared for flight. The sound of wings bellowed through the forest and soon silence clung to the trees.

The Storm Bringers had already moved ahead while the main force tailed behind them. They were not moving as fast as they had been during the first assault for the soldiers were now near exhaustion. Culza panned to all of his brethren, he could see the dead expressions every pony held. Blood covered armor and shields, blades and spears. Cuts and gashes lay in those who bravely came along knowing they could have just left. Culza knew that they could have returned home to their families, but they hadn’t; they decided to stay and fight.

The brave souls knew that death had already taken many of their comrades to the Fields, but held to their orders and their oaths. They would die for the emperor and listen to their god appointed leaders at all costs. The mass of troops prepared for the final assault. As done before, the spears were hoofed out to every pony who could bear one.

The captain was scoping the ground when a different scout flew up next to him. “Sir, the final target is in sight. It’s roughly a mile ahead and thirteen-hundred feet below our altitude,” the scout explained.

Dreath nodded and they slowly began their descent to get a few hundred feet closer. Dreath said to his troops, “On my signal.” He raised his hoof. Culza was more nervous than before; his body was full of adrenalin and yet he was tired and sore. His stomach was now rumbling, for the last meal he had eaten was Starla’s soup. Culza’s eyes could not see the fortress, but his judgment was left in the sight of their leader who knew exactly where it was. Dreath’s hoof dropped and Culza threw his spear right into the grey mist.

Only a few seconds after the spears flew, Dreath and the rest of the warriors dived down into the unknown. They fell like rain from their cloud, descending to what could have been their imminent dooms. Just past the cloud wall they could see the fortress, perched up next to a rocky cliff overlooking the front. This was not like the other fortifications, which they had attacked just hours ago. Its walls and structures were constructed of steel, iron, and wood. Atop the wall he could see weapons of war that sent chills down his spine. The earth pony tools of death, known to them as bolter cannons, were a pegasus army's worst nightmare.

Culza cried out in a mix of anger and fear, “Sisters give me strength!” He could see the many, still standing, ponies galloping to their bolters as he dove as quickly as he could. The bolts had begun to fly towards them. Culza heard the swift pieces of metal zip past his head while countless fellow soldiers were being punctured around him. Vinard had been next to him the entire time and was blessed enough to have been spared from the spray of death.

The earth ponies were more fortified in this stronghold than they had been in prior camps. In all of their previous battles they had only found tents, with only a few metal structures. Though this post was covered in heavily-armed earth pony soldiers, along with their bolter cannons, the pegasi force still had them outnumbered. Culza and Vinard landed on top of the wall, where they had a good view of the whole courtyard. Bodies of the earth pony soldiers lay pinned to the ground, pierced by spears. Their limbs twitched as they reached for their swords in an attempt to fend for their lives.

Culza looked to them with discomfort, but did not bother with killing any of them. He stayed focused on the still standing threats, which were all around him. Culza and Vinard had their swords drawn as they charged into battle, fighting their enemies along the walls. Pegasi forces swooped into the base, taking out guards along the walls and landing in the courtyard. Swords rang and spears were thrown as the pegasi onslaught continued. Culza had just pulled his sword from an earth pony warrior when Vinard called for his help.

Culza saw him fighting two earth pony warriors. He galloped to his comrade as fast as he could. Along the way he picked up a spear and thrusted it toward one of them, ripping into his enemy’s face. The limp body shook as its sword dropped and it rolled over the wall. The young earth pony warrior clashed swords with Vinard. Pushing off of Vinard’s sword, the earth pony spun around and kicked him in the chest, almost sending him over the wall. Another pegasus landed near Vinard to aid in the fight.

The pegasus helped Vinard up as Culza fought the young earth soldier. The other two pegasi rushed to flank behind their unfortunate enemy. To no surprise to the pegasi, the young Goldhoof soldier stood his ground, barely fighting off all three of them. Then, from behind, Vinard came with a sword ripping through his chest. A black-maned, grey-coated earth pony stood behind him as he pulled the sword from his body. His face contorted with pain, Vinard dropped his sword and fell over. “No!” Culza cried out, still fighting the threat in front of him.

The pegasus turned to swing his sword, but missed, and instead kicked Vinard’s killer over the edge of the wall and into the courtyard. Culza grew angry. Fear was no longer on his mind; there was only rage. His sword began to glow a brilliant blue and pulsated with an electrical energy. His eyes turned a white-blue fire, emitting a slight glow. Culza swung his blade, burning straight through the metal and cutting the earth pony’s sword in two. Culza’s blade sliced once more, cutting from the shoulder to the neck.

The pony’s head clung on by a small portion of sizzling flesh and melted platemail. The shambling pony stepped back and forth, then flopped to the ground with no further motion. Culza stood before the sizzling body, breathing heavily. His sword slowly died out and his eyes turned back to their original original state. He rushed to his friend’s side while the other pegasus stood in shock.

Culza looked into his friends drained eyes. “Why... this can’t be! No, I was right here, I could have saved you…” Culza held Vinard’s body up, blood slowly beginning to cover his forelegs and clothing. Tears rolled from his eyes as he sat with his friend. “Your father was right, I do envy the dead.” He slowly pulled off his helmet. “For you have to suffer no more, and if I do not die...” Culza closed Vinard’s eyes. “Then I will suffer… you were the first friend I ever met...” he said somberly under his breath.

A horn sounded off in the courtyard and the earth ponies began to retreat into their fortress. The pegasus standing behind Culza spoke. “Look I’m sorry for your loss, but we have to finish this; don't let his death be in vain.”

Culza looked up to him and nodded. He gently lay his fallen friend’s head down and flew to the gate. His brethren chanted, “Heretics, heretics, heretics...” over and over, and soon Culza began to chant it as well. The gate was being hacked open by anypony who had brought an axe or hammer. The door began to crack along its wooden sections, making the door unstable.

A spear jetted out from the other side of the gate, stabbing one of the pegasi. Just as that had been done, another pegasus pulled the wounded soldier out from the doorway. Dreath lifted his hoof and the chanting stopped. Culza flew closer to the gate, eventually landing near it. Dreath slowly trotted to the gate, the clanking of his heavy armor seemingly drowning out all other sound. Dreath turned to his troops. “He’s mine,” he ordered. Without warning, he spun around and kicked the gate, almost breaking it off of its hinges.

He strutted into the structure as all of the pegasi stood watching at the gate. Culza could see Vinard’s killer standing before Dreath, armed with with a sword and shield. He grew angry but would not disobey his orders. The two stared one another down until the captain finally drew his sword, a menacing grin falling upon his face. A loud battle cry filled the room as the the captain charged the fiend. Dreath swung his great sword towards his target, barely missing as the defender rolled to the left. The earth soldier picked himself back up, swinging his sword at Dreath.

The captain bashed the earth pony's sword from his hoof, causing him to stagger back, still holding on to his shield. The captain swung his great sword once again, but the earth warrior blocked it with his shield. Another blow came down on the shield, breaking the staggering earth pony’s fetlock and causing him to drop his shield. Giving out a yelp, he jumped for his sword.

The earth pony managed to swipe up his sword, though he was still cringing in pain, as Dreath charged towards him. The earth pony swung his blade, breaking Dreath’s charge, but missed his swing. The captain stopped and brandished his sword wildly towards his enemy.

In the midst of their combat, the large pegasus’ heavy blade cut open his enemy’s hind leg, crippling his target’s step, and causing the pony to fumble backwards. Culza watched as his captain was going to finish his friend's killer. The armored pegasus lifted his sword to make his deadly blow, but before he could the fiend jumped to his side. The massive blade came down upon the wooden floor with such colossal force that it embedded itself into the ground.

The earth pony stood as fast as he could and took advantage of Dreath’s mistake. With a quick slice to Dreath’s face the earth warrior cut through his helmet, tearing his eye in half, leaving a nasty wound. Blood spewed from Dreath’s face as he shielded his eye, shouting in pain. Culza grabbed a spear and rushed to aid his captain.

Culza could see the earth soldier limping to his shield as blood ran from his foreleg and hind leg. He stood shaking from pain and weariness. Culza went with his allies to surround the heretic and cornered the fiend. Off in the distance another horn gave way. Culza knew that his enemies were coming with more reinforcements.

One of the pegasi standing next to Culza charged their staggered enemy with his spear at point. The defender bashed the spear out of the way with his shield and drove his blade into the pegasus’ neck. Culza followed behind him with his spear, thrusting it into his enemy’s side, penetrating through the armor.

Culza pushed the spear in further as the blood gushed out from his victim’s side. His fellow pegasi looked to one another, and then to the speared earth pony. A voice from the gate called out to them. “We need to get out of here; we are outnumbered!” Culza pulled the spear out of his enemy’s blood drenched side and galloped for the gate.

Culza could see his fellow soldiers fleeing to the skies as a large group of earth ponies charged from one side of the fortress into the far side of the courtyard. He could see Dreath on a wall shouting orders. “Goldhoof reinforcements have arrived! To the skies my brothers!” Culza rushed to Vinard’s body, where he pulled with all of his might but was not strong enough to pick his friend’s corpse up. Suddenly, the same pegasus who fought alongside him when Vinard died flew down and helped lift Vinard’s lifeless body off of the wall.

They flew into the mist that the Storm Bringers had created in order for their forces to escape into the clouds. The sight of his own men made him sigh in relief. However, he was still bearing his friend, which made the situation worse. Not many pegasi flew with them this time; the uplifted force he had started with was now a whittled down, broken spirit heading to where they had wished they had never left.

Culza looked to the pegasus which helped him in carrying his friend. “Thanks…. You don't know what this means to me,” he said somberly.

The pegasus turned to Culza and gave a friendly smile, but turned away as the smile faded. No words were said to one another after that. The was just silence and the calming sound of wind. The long flight home was hard and tiresome, as the soldiers were all flying slow and giving very little in the way of conversation or expression. Dreath was quiet the entire flight back, a bandage now over his eye. The medical pegasi created a stretcher out of crystalised cloud for Vinard’s body.

The sun was setting and the pegasi were tired. Just as they flew over a few clouds, off into the distance they could see their beautiful city of Wintersing. Culza whispered to himself, “We’ve made it old friend. You’re home...”

“Just remember what I told you, and keep your heart with the gods.”