The Unicorn Wars: Equestriaby ConstellationChaptersChapter 1: I NovaChapter 2: Welcome to BasicChapter 4:ManehattenChapter 5:Fort Sun GuardChapter 6:WalkingChapter 7:Foal Mountain PassChapter 8:Souls on the EdgeChapter 9:A Show of ForceChapter 10:The Battle for ClefrunChapter 3: Three Months of HellChapter 1: I NovaI Nova the 3rd in my last days wright my side of the Unicorn Wars, when ponies talk of them in the future they will speak of great battles fought with honor against a equal foe, if you are stubborn and willingly blind to this and refuse to see it differently, stop reading now. My account of the wars start two years after the first one started, when I became of age to join the military, 18. "Identification papers,"The guard demanded as I stepped up to the recruiters table. After a second of looking through my papers to make sure I was indeed 18, the guards eyes came back to me. "Son, are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?"The old stallion asked. "Yes sir,"I replied. "OK, I cant turn anyone who wants to join away,"He said shaking his head."just sign here," I quickly took the pen in my light blue magic and dipped it into the inkwell and signed the open line. "Congratulations Privet,"The recruiter said sarcastically."happy birthday, now listen carefully, here's your orders, report to Captain Silver Sword at the recruitment camp in two days just south of town, bring these paper to him, he will take you from there. "Yes Sir,"I said, a huge grin sweeping across my face."thank you Sir." "don't thank me yet."He mumbled as I turned around and went for the door, but I didn't hear him, I was just to proud and exited, I wanted to do my duty for my country, and make my father proud. I came out onto the streets of my beautiful home town "Roam", a small town with some scattered farms and a small square of shops in the center. I took one long breath, the sweet sent of freshly baked loaves of bread filed the air, ponies filled the streets all smiling and happy, even though an ocean away the war was waging, but until the war was over and the "Earth Ponies" where safely contained and posed no threat, would the Unicorn Empire rest. Ever since the new Continent and the barbarians that live there where found the Unicorns tried to bring civilization to the Earth Pony natives, but they wouldn't have it, they would rather act like animals and through sticks at each other, the natives called the Unicorns demons,and conquerors, but all we said we where was peace makers. Standing there smelling the wonderful bread bake made me realize I was starving, my mother would have made something special for my birth day, and I had to tell them the good news about the military. Like a lighting bolt I took off toward home, I ran past the mill, through the gate, up the hill, past Mr, Steel Plow's small farm just out the main gate, after that all sign of civilization vanished and became fields to the right, and woods to the left, I quickly came to the small farm on on the edge of the most beautiful lake in the empire, slowing from sprint to a slow trot, I opened the small wooden gate and entered the yard, at that moment the front door opened and my older brother "Iron Hoe" came out and stopped, his huge form standing there in the door for a second. "Well, perfect timing,"He said finely braking the silents."Mom just sent me to get you." "Come on,"I said bounding up the steps to the door."I've got to tell every pony something important." Me and my brother then continued into the house, making our way toward to kitchen, where on coming in, I found Mother, Father, and my brother quickly joined them siting at the table, then all eyes where on me. "Well, I have good news,"I started."I have joined the military."I finished proudly. At once my brothers eye brows shot up, a look of horror filled my mothers face, and my father just put down his news paper to give me a unreadable look. "Are you joking?"My brother asked a smile creeping onto his face. "No, he's not,"My father said, he was always able to read my face."by the emperor's crown boy what where you thinking." "I, just wanted to serve,"I said confused at there reaction, at this mother started crying," like you did father." "Son, I was drafted,"My father said. "You have to go back,"My mother started."Tell them it was a mistake." "Did you sign the acceptance form,"My father asked urgently."did you get orders." "Yes I signed the acceptance form, and I have orders to report to Captain Silver Sword at the recruitment camp."I answered. "Then its to late,"my father said."He cant get out." My mother started crying again, my brother just sat there, but my father stood up and made his way over to me. "Son, you should have come to us."my father said. "But you always talked so highly about the army,"I said."I thought you would be proud." "The reason I talk so high of the army is because I respect them for doing what they do," He said."and I am proud of you boy, I'm just worried about you." "Don't be worried about me,"I started."I'm an adult now, and beside when I was leaving I saw Maximus go into the recruiters office, I bet we will be stationed at the same place." "Maximus, isn't he that little brown one?"My father asked as if me and him didn't hang out every day since we where 7. "Yes father Tiberius Blade, the little brown one."I said and after I finished speaking a knock came at the door followed by a voice. "Hello,"Maximus called."Nova, its Maximus, I have to tell you something." After maximus announced that he to had joined the military he stayed for supper then went home, after he left the evening chores where done then it was lights out, the night was long, but the next two days where longer, chores seemed to take forever, the sun seemed hotter, and every pony on the farm was quiet, Mother cried through the night, no pony talked at the table, and when the big day came only shadows of the ponies I wanted to say goodbye to where there, after goodbyes where over I started to make my way to town to meet with my best friend maximus and head off to boot camp. Author's Note Nova will not be described in the chapter but here is a description of what he looks like. He has a dark brown coat, black mane, green eyes, light blue magic, and his cutie mark is a blue star going supper nova maximus also wont be described so here's his description. He has a light brown coat, gray brown mane, red eyes, red magic, and his cutie mark is two crossed muskets. Chapter 2: Welcome to BasicThe sun bore down on my back as I walked out the gate of my yard, my family still standing where I left them, I walked on not looking back heading straight for town, slowly they went to work, trying not to think about where I was going. I rounded the corner that went through the forest and my house disappeared from sight, the chilling shadows passed over me and soon even the sound of work at the farm was replaced by birds singing and brooks babbling. *SNAP* I stopped dead in my tracks, something was in the forest and it was watching me, following me. I turned toward where the sound came from and saw it, blue, the kind of blue that didn't appear in the forest naturally, then I heard a sword being pulled from a sheath and saw the blue form move. Then two stallions burst out of the underbrush, a green one with the sword and the blue one was charging a magical attack. Rolling I dodged the flame that burst from his horn charring the ground I was standing on, then the one with the sword took a swing at me, I stepped back with ease, these two where very poorly trained, me and my brother use to train all the time and I liked to think I was pretty good, stepping forward while he attempted to regain his balance I grabbed his sword with my magic and pulled it from his grasp, then I slashed him across his chest, he fell to the ground letting out his last breath as his blood began to pool. At that moment the sword was blown from my grasp by a ball of ice the size of my head, I spun around just in time to shoot down the next one with my own fire, but the bandit was not done yet and I barely jumped away from his next flame spell, in response I sent a lighting bolt arching down his body, frying his skin and charring his internal organs, with a surprised look on his burnt face he collapsed to the ground dead. With the bandits dead I continued down the road, I wasn't hurt but that was not the easiest thing I had done, I had killed bandits before when they attacked my family's farm, but my brother and father had been there and had easily done most of the work. I continued down the path toward town, Maximus had said that he would meet me in the "sleepy Unicorn", his family's tavern, but I knew he couldn't wait all day so I picked up the pace, double timing it toward town. In a small amount of time I could see Mr, Steel Plow's farm and the town gate just past it, trotting into town passing the wood mill I made my way toward the Sleepy Unicorn where my life time friend Maximus waited, I walked through the door and instantly spotted my friend siting at the far table in the darkest corner alone. "Hey, Maximus,"I said, walking up to him."hows things going?" "Not good,"He replied."my mothers been crying all day." "Yeah, my mother did the same,"I said in an understanding way."but, this is what I have to do." "Same here,"Maximus agreed."but I don't want her to worry about me." "I get that,"I said, in finish I added."well get up, we only have four hours to get there." "Yeah, lets go."Maximus said. Off we went toward the southern gate, and as we walked down the path winding through the wood we were joined by others all making their way to the camp, slowly the sun went toward the west and the day grew late, and the now rather large group finely found themselves outside of the huge recruitment camp, there where no walls, just row after row of white tents, in the middle of the camp was one tent larger then the rest flying the flag of the empire, and the banner of the battalion "The Iron Battalion", as we entered camp we where met by a lieutenant who escorted us to the captain, we where all asked for our papers which held our orders, they where gone through before the captain addressed the new recruits. "Alright,"The captain said standing up."all the papers check out, follow the lieutenant that brought you here to get your standard issue gear. Oh and welcome to basic." Chapter 4:ManehattenAuthor's Note This is where the story really begins, the first three chapters where just to get Nova where he was going. Chapter 4:Manehatten I stood on the bow of the ship 'The Sun's Dawn' a transport ship from Spurlin to Manehatten. The journey had taken almost three months and every pony on board was longing to get off, and kiss dry land. I was no acceptation, every day I stood in the same spot, looking east as the ship rocked on the waves, finally on the 7th day of Winter's Frost, in the 58th year of his majesty's reign, I saw land on the horizon. "Land, ho!"The mare in the crows nest shouted. As I continued to stand there my fellow squad mates came stumbling up the stairs and onto the deck, along with the other three squads on board. "Finally,"Pvt. Ice Heart said, She was the only female in the squad, and the one that most openly hated sailing."Land." "Oh well,"Pvt. Swift Steel sighed, he should have joined the navy, not the army."I liked the trip." I was about to say that he should have joined the other branch of the military when I was cut off by the corporal. "What kind of army stallion prefers the water to land?"Cpl. Iron Hide asked. "My kind."Swift Steel Answered, then added."Sir." "I always said you where weird."Pvt. Fire Ball said. "Hey,"A shout from the captain of the ship turned all heads toward him."Go below beck, you're all getting in the way of the crew." After that we all went down below deck as the captain ordered. The tight cramped inside of the ship made me a little claustrophobic, but the ship touched down only a few hours later. As I stepped off the gang plank I took my first look at the small colony of Manehatten. The town had nothing but a wooden wall going around it for protection, the gate didn't look very strong, and there was a hole facing the west. But the town didn't look like it had been attacked, at least not recently. The town center was full of stalls trying to sell there goods, foals playing in the streets, and mares drawing water from the well. The ponies seemed relieved that there where new guards in the small town, even though they clearly hadn't been attacked in quite some time, but just the presence of extra guards makes one feel safer. The Pvt. continued to lead us through the streets as we went toward the barracks, the cold winter wind blew through the street sending a chill down my spine. There was a sweet smell in the air coming from the bakery, the beautiful sent wafted through the street as we went filled me with memories of home, at that point I wanted to walk into the bakery and buy my favorite sweet, a sweet roll baked and covered with honey and chocolate. I snapped out of my thoughts as we rounded the next corner, I then noticed the large barracks at the end of the road, the white stone shined in the sun, its golden rays making it glow. "Alright,"The Pvt. said."you will all be in the forth bunk room, third door down the hall to the right." "Thank you privet,"The sarge said."you're dismissed." "Yes Sir."The privet saluted then turned and walked toward his next post. We all unpacked then nothing else was done that day until supper, we all gathered in the mess hall to have the meal, nothing special, it was only barely better then the rations on the ship. "Attention,"The commander of the guard, Commander Golden Hammer said."Today we will welcome the new boys from command to Manehatten. But tomorrow Hail Storm Squad and The Blazing Hooves Squad will be transferred to fort Sun Guard." The last part caught my attention, my squad was Hail Storm, and we where being already deployed to a front line fort. A fort that had been attacked a lot if the news paper was right. I looked at Maximus and saw the look on his face, he was thinking the same thing I was, this was not looking good, nether of us wanted to be on the front so fast, but here we where. Are squad went straight for bed, if we where moving in the morning (3.00 am) then we needed all the rest we could get. But I took the time that night to write a letter home, so did Maximus I noticed. To: Mom, Dad and Iron Hoe. From: Nova. Dear mom, dad, and bro, I just wanted to write you all a quick letter, to tell you that I have been given a posting. Me and Maximus are being posted at fort Sun Guard, don't worry we will be fine. The trip here took three moths so I wasn't expecting to be given a posting so soon, but they must really need ponies on the front right now. But enough of that, let me tell you about my squad, there's Maximus, Sargent Steel Hoof, Corporal Iron Hide, Privet Swift Steel, Privet Ice Heart, and Privet Fire Ball. there all really great, the sarge can be a bit of a, well, a Sargent, but the corporal is a nice guy, Swift Steel is a bit privet he hardly talks but when you get to know him he's not that bad, Fire Ball is just the opposite he never shuts up he always has something to say, but he's not like mean or anything. Now for Ice Heart, well she's not very sociable, and I don't know much about her, other then she was raised in a military family. But that's about it, I cant wait to here from you soon. Love: Nova. After I finished writing my letter, I put it into a envelope and wrote the address on it, and placed it at the bottom of my bag so I could send it out before we left in the morning. But rest didn't come tonight, after I drifted off into sleep a siren blared and I was siting up not sure what to do. "Grab your gear,"The Sarge yelled."That's an attack siren." Instantly I was on my hooves and was in uniform, my musket flew into my magical grasp and then I was following Maximus and the Sarge out the door. Outside was chaos, every pony was running around trying to get to their station. the Sarge noticed something that I missed because we were now running down a street toward the west, then I remembered. The hole in the wall was being attacked when we got there, the four defenders were way out numbered, and the first wave of earth ponies where almost on them, then I heard a order. "Firing wall!"I was in the front, so I dropped to my belly next to Maximus."Aim."I raised my Musket over the unicorns who had thankfully heard their saviors and had dropped to the ground."Fire!" As the order rang out I pulled the trigger, sending the hammer to make a spark on the dry gun powder in the hallow steel pipe. *Bang* The weapon jerked in my grasp as the ball of lead was sent from the pipe at unknown speed. Then in the same second the first wave of enemies fell, but the next was till coming. As that thought passed through my head, the first four solders fired their weapons. *Bang* "Reload!"The Sargent shouted. At that order the first four stallions fell back down. As I finished clanking the ram rod down the barrel the sarge moved on. "Aim!"He shouted again."Fire!" *Bang* The guns sang in harmony. Shouts and screams where heard from the dying stallions, even as the solders in front of us fired there guns, blood covered the battle field and all I could do was to continue firing. Chapter 5:Fort Sun GuardSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 6:Walking"Wake up,"I heard Maximus whisper into my ear as I was shaken from my sleep. "the Sarge was just summoned to talk to the Captain, I think were going to get a mission." "What?"I asked shaking the sleep out of my eyes."Why would you think that?" "Because, the Sargent from The Blazing Hooves wasn't summoned also,"Maximus stated."and if this was some kind of 'welcome to the fort' thing, wouldn't we all have to go?" "Maximus,"I started, then let out a long yawn."I think your reading to much into it, go back to sleep." As my head hit the pillow a smile spread across my face, as the warm feathers embraced my head, cradling me in its joyous, wonder full, peace full, happy...... "Wake up you laze rats!"The Sarge's voice broke my thoughts, as my eye's shot open and I jumped from my bunk, to stand at attention with the rest of my newly awakened squad."Well, well, well, look at all these pretty stallions, maybe there is a salon on base so you all can get your hooves done?"He said as he walked down the aisle just being a Sargent."Oh, sorry,"He continued, finely noticing the tired eyes on every pony."did I wake you from your beauty sleep?"He asked sarcastically."Well rise and shine, because the Captain just gave me orders, were moving out in two hours, so get your gear and some breakfast."He said."Dismissed." As the Sarge finished I turned toward my trunk that was at the foot of my bed, used my magic to retrieve my gear, then I saw the look on Maximus's face. "So what, you where right."I said to him. "Yeah,"He said."I was, wasn't I." "Shut up."I said jokingly. In response he stuck his tongue out at me. "Very mature, Maximus, very mature."I said, rolling my eyes. We quickly left the barracks after getting our armor and weapons on, and made our way to the mess hall to get some chow, which was just across the square from the number three barracks where we were. I was starving when we got in line, that quickly changed, I looked at the slop that was apparently called food around here and was truly sickened, it was green and slimy, with little black chunks in it, but I saw Fire Ball at a near by table shoveling it in like it was the only thing left on Equuis, so I figured that it was at least edible, or at least not poisonous. Grabbing a tray of food I made my way over to the table that my squad was at, and took the seat next to Maximus, said a silent prayer to 'Robigus', the draconaquis goddess of farming, and patron goddess of my house, and she holds high-influence with the other gods. After my short prayer I grabbed the fork with my magic and took a big scoop of the stuff, instantly I regretted that, it tasted like something only a Pegasus would eat, but then I remembered that I was starving, so I skipped chewing and went straight for swallowing instead, with a hard 'gulp' it went down and was instantly replaced by another, now I knew why Fire Ball was eating so quick, not because he liked it but because it went away faster. Finally finishing off the stuff I quickly downed my glass of water, even that didn't taste right and there was something in the bottom of the cup, maybe a bug? 'This is the front line' I thought to my self. "What was that?"Asked Private Swift Steel."I thought we where getting food?" At that, every pony in the mess burst out laughing, except the chef who stood in the door to the kitchen. "Well, if you don't like it then maybe you shouldn't eat it."He shouted. At that we left the mess and made our way back to our barracks, where the Sarge was waiting patiently, though he wouldn't say it, he was no doubt as tired as the rest of us, well, maybe a little less. "Well, it took you long enough."He said."Form up."He shouted."Right face."At that we all turned right."March."Was his final order as we marched toward the gate. Three hours isn't that long to march, considering what we did at basic. The eighteen miles in three hours is the part that killed me, we were in one heck of a hurry south toward a mountain that now stood proudly before us, Mt. foal named that because it was where the first unicorn foal had died in Equestria. Then we turned west toward the largest mountain in all Equestria, well as far as I know its the largest in the world. But its size didn't matter, I just wanted to get to where ever we where going so we could get this done faster and get back to the fort. "Sarge,"Ice heart said, braking the three hour long silence."where are we going?" The question was fair, I mean we had been traveling for three hours and we still didn't have a clue, but she could have asked it better. "Where ever I say we are going,"The Sarge barked at Ice Heart."and I think you dropped a 'Sir' in there some where." "Yes, Sir,"Ice Heart replied."Sorry Sir." After that we continued in silence again, Ice Heart had stirred up the Sarge by forgetting to use his rank, that always seemed to get him mad, I was just amazed that she of all ponies would forget to use rank when addressing a higher officer, coming from a military family and all. Pushing those thoughts out of my head I changed my attention toward the world around me, the trees where so big here compared to those in my home land, not even the greatest griffon oak was so tall and wide, and these appeared to be some form of red wood, which was highly sought after in the home land and very pricey. Then my eyes widened as my heart stopped, there standing in a small brake in the trees was a bear, but it was much, much bigger then a bear had any right to be, its fur was blue with what looked like stars on it, then its massive head turned and looked at me, saliva dripping from it ungodly jaws. "Sarge."I yelled. "Yes?"He asked turning to look at me, and saw me pointing at the beast."By the gods."He shouted, the the bear started its way toward us, eager for meat."Firing line."The Sarge bellowed at the top of his lungs, getting a huge roar from the monster, at the roar a firing wall was quickly made."Aim for its head."Sarge shouted, and all muskets where instantly locked on its eyes."Fire!" The order was very quickly carried out and our weapons jerked in our grasp as they fired simultaneously, all the lead hitting it mark. The beast let out a furious roar as its sight was ripped from it by our shots, but it didn't die. "reload."The Sargent ordered more calmly this time."Aim,fire" Another crack from the musket's sent the beast to its death as it fell over, and its blood started to pool around its body. The rest of the trip was spent watching the forest like a bunch of scared foals, and we would have been perfectly happy saying so, we were not letting one of those things sneak up on us. Then the Sarge stopped on a hill, looking over a field, from here I could see the pass in the mountain. "Halt,"The Sargent ordered."There it is, that's where we are going." Chapter 7:Foal Mountain Pass"Sarge,"I asked."may I ask, why are we here, Sir?" "That pass,"The Sarge said,pionting toward the road cuting through the mountain just half a mile away."that is Foal Mountain Pass, a key location for the militay, if that pass falls then the suplie line to fort Brittle Stone is cut and we lose all holdings past the Foals Mount." "Is there a attack exspected?"Corperal Iron Hide asked. "Yes,"The Sarge confermed."scouts saw a small fores making it way throu the woods just south of here, estiments have them ariving tommorow." "Sir,"I began."how meny are there?" "The scouts didn't get a exact number,"The Sarge started."but they say its close to twenty, maby therty." "thats funny,"I said pionting toward the woods."it looks more like fifty." At my words the Sargent turned his head to the woods, there just out of the tree line was a large group of earth pony warriors, but they were not alone, hovering just above the earth ponies who were armed with muskets was a Sargent, a Pegasus Sargent. "Those damn Pegasie,"The Sarge grouled."they armed the earth ponies." Pegasie weponry was slitely beter then unicorn weponry, with more rang and accuracy then the wepons we had, they used something called rifeling and we didn't have a clue how they did it. "Urbak ters!"The pegasus shouted."bray."At those words the earth ponies formed a wall and leveled there muskets pointing at us."Getas!"I din't understand a thing he said but I knew when it was time to hit the ground. *BANG* The distinked crack of gun fire rang throu the hills, my heart nearly stoped as I felt the rush of wind from a ball of lead past throu my mane, right betwen my horn and ear, if I had stayed on my hooves I would have had a hole in my head. I looked around to see if anyone was hert, Fire Ball's leng was bleeding prety badly, but he stood and razed his musket enyway. Then the earh ponies let out a yell and started running toward the hill,the pegasie was trieing to get them to stop and form another wall, but only thirty or so heard him and reiformed there wall, this was perfect the ones charging would be moped up and then we would be on a more even playing field, exeped we were on the hie ground. "Form line."The Sargent said."Aim."At that we all toke aim."Fire!" At that order fire exploded from my musket and those around me, and seven earth ponies droped to the ground. "Charge fire spell."The Sarge order knowing that there wasent time to relod." Aim,"All horns pionted at the attackers."Fire." This time it was much more quiet as are attack riped throu the air, but it was much lowder when the fire finely hit the enemy, screems of being bunt alive erupted from them as the spell tore flesh from bone. still the six left charged at us leving no time charge a spell or relod, we had to reort to bayonats. Three were impaled on the bayanet wall we had but the rest got past, one swong at me aiming for my head, I ducked not thinking about who was next to me. *SMACK* The sound of stone striking bone came from my right along with a shout of pain from Ice Heart, I wiped around and swong my musket in a arce slashing a red line down the stalions entier langeth of body, sending him to the next life. I looked away from the fight to make sure Ice was alright, she was holding her left shoulder witch was dislocated and bleeding prety badly, but she was fine. I reterned my atention back to the fiel just in time to throu my self to the ground as the earth ponies fired there next voilie of lead that sailed over my head. "relod!"The Sargent screemed."Fall back just a cuple of hores shows."He belowd, and we instently fallowed his order."Firing wall!"He shouted as we made it to where he wanted us."Aim, fire!" The guns smoked as they let out another berst of death, sending some earth ponies in the front to there erly grave. When the smoke cleard I saw the enemy reloding, then formed a wall and fired again, luck was on our side as it was odveos that they were very porly trained and there shot landed just infront of the wall. "relod!"The Sarge ordered again."Aim for that damn pegasus!"He commanded, and we all aimed for him."Fire!" When I could see past the smoke that bloked my vistion I saw that the pegasie was no longer flying just above the heads of the earth ponies and some of them were gone, the earth ponies wavered for a moment then formed the line again, and took aim at us, but before they got to fire the Sarge gave us orders. "Charge fir spell,"At that we all obayed and charged our spell."Fire!" As we fired so did the enemy just down the hill now, they had slowly been moving up, and as the lead left the barls of there wepons the charged up the hill, seven falling to the fire that was lunched from us, but we took hits as well, they may have been bad shots but at that range anyone could hit us. I was sudenly in pain, my right forleg screemed in agony, I looked down momentaraly forgeting the charging earth ponies, just above my hoof was red and there was a small holl right in the middle of the stain, the pain contiuded to get wores as I sarded at it, then I remembered the earth ponies and looked up. *CRACK* I was throun to the left as a stone mace struck my face, every thing became a blure, shadows moved around locked in combat, mace stuck hide, bayonet slashed back, my head screemed at every little sound, then my vistion became red as blood flowed into my eyes. The last thing I heard was a voise I didn't recognize yelling sommething in a language that was foren to me, the the shadows ran back down the hill, and everything went black. Chapter 8:Souls on the Edge"Vejovis,"I heard a voice calling to the god of health and healing."please hear me, and heal these broken bodies." The voice belonged to Corporal Iron Hide, then I realized I was being carried on a stretcher, or at least a make-shift stretcher, I felt rough bark rubbing against my back as I was moved through the forest. My head pounded with each hoof fall and my stretcher bounced up and down in a steady rhythm making me feel all the more sick. "Sarge,"Maximus said suddenly."Where are we?" "Just north of the fort,"The Sarge responded."just a little more and we'll be there." The short conversation stopped as I heard the Sarge trip and fall, I heard some pony help him up then we were moving again, and with the movement my head started to spin, my stomach threatened to make me throw up, but nothing came, just more rocking. "There!"I heard Fire Ball yell, which set my head on fire."Its the fort." At that I lost consciousness, falling into the world of dreams. My eyes cracked open and let in the light that poured in through the window I was facing, at first it hurt, then my eyes slowly adjusted to it and I could see the room I was in, stone floors and white walls along with two long rows of beds told me I was in a medical-ward, probably at Fort Brittle Stone. The bed next to me was occupied by Swift Steel who was out cold, he had a bandage rapped around his middle section, and his left rear leg was in a splint. Turning my head to the right hurt but when I got it there I saw Ice Heart reading a book, her left shoulder bandaged from where it was hit, but other then that she looked fine. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out, instead I was awarded with a wave of nausea, my head started pounding like a drum and everything started to spin. I must have made some noise because Ice Heart looked up from her book and at me. "Doctor."She called down the hall, and a stallion in a white lab coat, over his white coat came rushing down the hall. "No no no Private,"He started."lay still and don't try to talk."He said as he started a medical scanning spell on my head."You took quite the knock on your noggin." I didn't try to argue with him, my head stopped hurting when I laid back down, the doc seemed satisfied with that and left. "Get back to sleep."Ice Heart ordered, not that she actually could, but I was not going to try anything else, so I closed my eyes and let sleep grip me. My senses came back as I awoke to something touching my face, my eyes shot open, it was dark outside but the medical-ward was well lit, my eyes focused on the one who had caused me to wake up, it was a nurse taking my head bandage off. "Sorry,"She said."just changing your bandage." "Thats OK."I whispered, sounding a little hoarse. "Well,"She said as she started to rap my head in a new bandage."its good that you have your voice back, the doctor said your would probably be unable to speak for a few days."She finished as the bandage was firmly rapped and tied so it would say in place. Then she took off down the hall the way the doc had came, then I looked to see if my comrades were still here, Ice was gone but Swift Steel was still laying just to my left in the same place he was the first time. 'Robigus, please have mercy on Swift Steel,'I prayed in my head.'bring him before the counsel of the gods, and tell Vejovis about him, and me.' It took two more days before I was in condition to get out of the medical- ward, and Swift was barely able to speak on day three, no one in my squad had died in fact Swift had the worst of it, luck was on our side in the battle, those earth ponies were very poorly trained and in the end thats what it all boiled down to, our skill against theirs. The days where hotter here then in my home land, normally the sky over the farm was filled with clouds, but here it was clear all day long, just a rare drifter from time to time, and it never seemed to rain like it did back home, it ether didn't rain, or it poured for hours, never just drizzled. Then on day four I get a letter in the mail from my folks, just the glad to hear from you, hope your alright stuff that parents send, but I read every word twice, happy to hear from them, apparently my brother had a marefriend and dad had some how got a sickness that only foals get, but all-in-all things were fine. By day five I was getting a little bored, I hadn't left the fort since I got there, and I was just dieing for something like patrol duty, but no matter how bored I was at least Swift Steel was getting better, he could now eat solid food instead of that stuff that was all mushy, and I could use my magic again. On day seven we where ordered back to Fort Sun Guard as soon as Swift was back on his hooves. So on day eight we marched off toward the fort, finally getting out of Fort Brittle Stone and on are way back to our post. Chapter 9:A Show of ForceTwo month past quickly, nothing really happened at Fort Sun Guard, just a lot of patrol and guard duty, and a few small battles. But things started to get interesting one day when I came back from my patrol of manehatten. I looked up at the fort on the hill, its lights danced in the dark of the night, obscuring the stars behind it and cutting the moon in half, but the sky was still just as lovely as it usually was. Then I turned my attention back to walking down the slightly steep path just North of the wall. Me and Fire Ball were on patrol tonight, and with no pony else to talk to, he talked to me, all night. I didn't mind the short talks we had in the mess hall, but to talk all night was just to much. Finally we where in side the safety of the wall and the door swung closed behind us, just as the sun broke over the mountains far in the distance. "Uah,"Fire Ball yawned, and said."I'm tired." "Yeah,"I said in agreement."lets hit the sack." "No way,"Fire Ball said."if I don't get some food, I'm going to die." "You do what you want,"I said."but I'm going to bed." At that we went are separate ways, he made a bee line for the mess, and I made a bee line for number three bunker, where I promptly fell face first into my bunk. Peace didn't last long though, as I was ripped from my sleep by Maximus shaking me. "Hey,"He said."Sorry to wake you, but the Sarge told me to tell you when you got back." For a second we just sat there, looking at each other. "Well?"I asked. "Oh right,"Maximus said."We're being moved, south along the ocean." "Why?"I asked. "I don't know,"Maximus started."but some of the guys say there is a large army massing for a counter attack against one of the biggest tribes down there." "When are we leaving?"I inquired. "Here's the part that you and Fire Ball won't like,"Maximus started."were leaving in five hours." "Five hours?!"I yelled."I was up all night and the day before listening to Fire Ball." "Orders are orders."Maximus said as he started down the hall, toward the door. "get some sleep, I've already packed your stuff, I'll come and get you when its time." "Sarge, is there any more to this then just being moved?"I asked as the fort was lost from site as we went down the other side of the hill, heading south. "Yup."The Sarge replied. "Is there anything you can tell us, Sir?"I asked the same question just more directly this time. "Yup."He answered, clearly just trying to annoy me. "Well, what are our orders?"I asked, again. "We're to join up with the 7th legion in a attack against the earth pony city of 'Clefrun',"The Sarge said calmly."then from there we will receive our orders from a Captain Night Guard." "But we're in the 8th legion."I stated. "Yes, but the 7th took heavy loses so they need reinforcements."The Sarge replied. The rest of the trip was spent in silence, as we marched through the country side, very rarely we would come across some towns scattered about, but we never stopped, just marched strait through, only one goal in mind. As fast as we marched the sun still beat us and was setting over the horizon as we set up camp, and had a short meal, nothing special, just some flavorless rations. But as soon as the sun broke over the mountains we were moving again, a hard march for miles with no brakes, but finally our unwavering marching repaid us as we made it to the top of a hill and looked out across the encampment of the 7th legion. Row after row of the white tents that were standard issue, made the recruitment camp look small, very small. All around the massive field, unicorn's were training, some had gleaming steel swords, some shiny muskets, and others used magic as they all practiced group movement, so they could maintain a firing wall while moving backwards, and other formations I was not familiar with. Then our gawking was done as the Sargent silently signaled for us to move forward, we took off down the hill and made straight for the biggest tent, however when we got there we found it was the generals tent, not the captains so we asked for directions to the captains tent, then we were off to see him, eager to pitch our tents and get some rest. We found his tent with ease, and were directed to an open part of the camp and told to pitch our tents there, and so we did. Later we all went to the mess and got our fill of grub, which to my surprise I liked it, it was certainly a lot better then what we got at fort Sun Guard, and sleep was the next step, that part after all the marching, came very easily. But before I allowed sleep to take me, I made a quick prayer to the gods, asking for protection from what tomorrow might bring, for me and my squad. Then I turned over in my bed, pulled up my standard issue wool blanket, closed my eyes, and was out faster then some pony can throw a stone. Chapter 10:The Battle for ClefrunBanners waved, armor stretched and ground, and hooves pounded against the hard dirt of the earth pony home land. There, just half a mile was the city, nothing more then a large town with a mud wall, but inside the unsuspecting city, spies say there is a army, a massive army. I was in right wing with the rest of the reinforcements from 8th, there must have been over two-hundred solders from our legion, but first company was here, they were the best in the whole legion, maybe even the whole army. General Burning Sky stood at the front of the army, his saber drawn and raised as he gave his speech, but I was to far away to hear what he was saying, probably words of encouragement and suggestions to pray to the gods. At that thought I gently pulled off the necklace of Robigus that rested on my neck, I lifted it up above my head and prayed to her. "Robigus,"I stared my prayer."Please hear me, take my prayer to the counsel and ask for blessings on me and my friends, shield us from the death that seeks us, have influence on your divine family for our safety I pray." At the conclusion of my prayer I looked up at the general and put my necklace back on, it would not be long now, soon we would attack the city and many would die, on both sides. It was not long after the general gave his speech that the attack commenced, a horn blew from the front of the army signaling that it was time to advance. Immediately the whole army surged forward, at a slow march. Then a horn bellowed from inside the city, the walls were suddenly covered in solders who took up firing positions and took aim, we were still too far out for them to hit us but that would soon change, they were on a slight hill and a wall, so they had a height advantage, and there weapons had slightly longer range. But we marched on, for what felt like forever we marched strait at a wall of death. Suddenly I was ripped from my thoughts as the enemies on their wall fired their first volley, it cracked through the silence and tore through the air, dirt and dust kicked up from the ground just in front of the first wave, they shot too soon, instantly the general saw the same thing I did, because a split second later I found myself running at full speed toward the wall, I never heard the order but everypony else was running with me. The earth ponies on the wall were frantically trying to reload, but were to slow, we made it to the wall before they even got off another shot, ladders came out of the mass of men in the center of the army then they started to put them up against the wall, but the earth ponies had by this point reloaded, a volley rang from the wall and sent many ponies falling to the ground, then a order came from the general. "Firing walls will fire on my signal."He shouted. "Alright,"The commander of my troop yelled at us."take aim for the top of the wall and wait for the generals orders." Immediately everypony compacted around me and as one we raised our guns toward the heavens. "Fire!",the voice of the general shrieked, just as the enemy on the wall popped up to fire their next round. The sound of exploding gun powder filled the air and a good half of the earth ponies fell back down out of sight. The next wave of bullets came flying from the enemy just as the ladders fell into place on the wall, lead zipped through the air and the poor soul next to me fell to the ground not even making a sound. Pushing the dead stallion next to me out of my head I just heard the next order, to move toward the ladders and get on the wall. As one the whole troop turned and moved toward the ladders, others were already funneling up them long before we got there, taking the wall quickly. "This battle must be almost over,"I thought to myself."the spies reported only three or four hundred, there must have been at least two hundred on the wall, they stand no chance." My thoughts ended as the gate was opened from the inside, two troops from the left wing of the army broke from the rest and moved toward it. Now it was my turn to climb the ladder, one hoof at a time I made my way up, finally climbing over the edge of the wall, I was caught by a sight that turned my stomach, bodies littered the wall, blood flowed over the edge freely like a river, and then my eyes looked beyond the wall, at the city, every building had a solder in the window and on the roof, more guns fired as two troops marched down the street clearing building after building sending every last one of these barbarians to their deaths. I, along with the rest of my squad, and by extension my troop marched down the stairs that led to the wall from the inside and began marching down a street that had not yet been cleared, going from building to building we broke down the door poured in and just fired. This went on and on, sweat started to pour down my face as my legs stared to burn and my eyes stung from all the gun smoke, finally we came to the last house, it was like all the rest, mud brick, no glass in the windows, and a wooden door. Like all the others we formed a square around the door, checked our guns to make sure they were loaded, then kicked in the door, I rushed in accidentally slamming into the side of Swift Steel to make the line lifted my gun like I did so many times to day and with the rest of the troop fired. Slowly the smoke cleared, at the last second I saw what was in the room before the powder exploded, now it lay on the ground bleeding from all the wends, a face filled with terror came out from behind it, a young filly protected by her mothers body from the leaded death we brought, her breathing was heavy and fast as she stared at us, no weapon was anywhere in the house, I was frozen my eyes glowed to the horror in front of me, a accident that we caused that would leave yet another orphan from this war. None of us could look her in the eye, we all just stood there, silence griped the room, she didn't make any noise ether, shock making her silent, if she had picked up a knife and stared to stab each of us, we probably would have stood there and let her, but she did nothing, so we left never even looking her in the eyes, we just left. We marched in silence down the road, the battle was won, a 'decisive victory' the general had said, with acceptable loses. I now know this was not just something to take lightly, the army was serious, and I had blood on my hooves. "Thank the gods,"I thought to myself."at least I'm being transferred." Chapter 3: Three Months of HellI walked into the armory next to Maximus following the lieutenant, the armory was small, and tightly packed with the new recruits and smell of sweat and sulfur. "Sargent,"The lieutenant said loudly."get these new recruits there standard issue." "Yes sir,"The Sargent said snapping off a quick salute."Privet, get out here and help me." Shuffling was heard from the back room followed by what sounded like armor falling down,"Yes sir,"Came a small female voice. Seconds later a privet came out of the back room with uniforms, muskets, and a pack with assorted supplies, powder horns etc. "Alright,"The lieutenant started."This is your standard issue, your new best friend, this musket might save your life one day, this uniform will keep you warm in the winter, and this saber will stop your enemy." After the lieutenant gave his speech we were all escorted to a large empty clearing, where we were told to pitch our tents at the far east end of the camp. "Well,"The lieutenant said."meet your new squad, their your brothers and sisters now." With that the lieutenant left heading back toward the command tent, where he no doubt had some important work that needed to be done. Pitching the tent took two hours, Maximus and I had camped before, but these military tents were totally different, but with trial and error we finally got the cursed thing up. The first day of basic was not so bad, all we had to do was set up a tent, fill out some medical papers, and had supper, granted it was the worse thing me and Maximus had ever eaten, but the next day is when the training started, or so I thought, before the sun was in the sky there was a Sargent screaming in my ear, something about making my bed, then we all ran for nine or ten miles, then came breakfast, then we ran some more, then we all lined up and fired our muskets at a wall until my head was on fire and my ears where ringing, then more damn running, finally the sun went down and we had supper, by the time I got back to the tent I had nothing in me. "See you fine foals tomorrow."The Sargent said mockingly as he ran back toward the tent at the end of our row like he was just as full of energy as he was when he woke up. "Alright,"I panted."a little running every day, I can take that." I then fell into the bed of straw and immediately lost consciousness, the next three days where the same thing, but the next five after that were made increasingly harder with longer firing exercises and more running, but it eventually became easier and easier. Then the first month ended, and the first day of month two we ran twenty miles before breakfast, which was outrageous even for the Sargent, then after a quick breakfast we did half the normal firing drills and the rest we were to practice our offensive magic, fifty minutes of constant firing with magic quickly wore the squad down, half way through two of my comrades over exerted themselves and had to be escorted out toward the medical tent, I did not know much about magic exhaustion only that there had been fatality's in extreme cases, but the training continued, all through the month, and eventually even the two that couldn't do it before where just as strong as me, and I could feel the difference, when I ran I didn't get fatigued, when I cast a spell it was so much easier then when I killed those two bandits in the woods all those days ago. Then the third month of training came, it wasn't as much of shock when the new training came, and this time we all adapted much quicker, we now ran twenty-five miles a day before breakfast then we shot our muskets much more accurately then when we started, we fired our magic longer and with more power then before, I felt so different, so much stronger. Despite how use to basic training me and Maximus were, when the last day came we were sure happy, no more Sargent yelling at us at unspoken hours, no twenty-five mile run, no magic exhaustion, no powder exploding in your ear in an Iron pipe to send little round balls of lead at a wall, we were finally out. "Well, good news,"The lieutenant shouted at us as we assembled."your all fit for duty, and the good captain, gods bless his kind heart, has decided not to break up your little squad. Oh and it doesn't end there, Sargent Steel Hoof will be in command. Oh and your all going to Equestria" As the lieutenant left to get order paper every pony just stood there, we where all thinking the same thing, 'Equestria', that was currently the front of a very nasty war, and then we all had the same after thought. "Shit."We all said in unison as the lieutenant left earshot, even the Sargent joined in.
Chapter 1: I NovaI Nova the 3rd in my last days wright my side of the Unicorn Wars, when ponies talk of them in the future they will speak of great battles fought with honor against a equal foe, if you are stubborn and willingly blind to this and refuse to see it differently, stop reading now. My account of the wars start two years after the first one started, when I became of age to join the military, 18. "Identification papers,"The guard demanded as I stepped up to the recruiters table. After a second of looking through my papers to make sure I was indeed 18, the guards eyes came back to me. "Son, are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?"The old stallion asked. "Yes sir,"I replied. "OK, I cant turn anyone who wants to join away,"He said shaking his head."just sign here," I quickly took the pen in my light blue magic and dipped it into the inkwell and signed the open line. "Congratulations Privet,"The recruiter said sarcastically."happy birthday, now listen carefully, here's your orders, report to Captain Silver Sword at the recruitment camp in two days just south of town, bring these paper to him, he will take you from there. "Yes Sir,"I said, a huge grin sweeping across my face."thank you Sir." "don't thank me yet."He mumbled as I turned around and went for the door, but I didn't hear him, I was just to proud and exited, I wanted to do my duty for my country, and make my father proud. I came out onto the streets of my beautiful home town "Roam", a small town with some scattered farms and a small square of shops in the center. I took one long breath, the sweet sent of freshly baked loaves of bread filed the air, ponies filled the streets all smiling and happy, even though an ocean away the war was waging, but until the war was over and the "Earth Ponies" where safely contained and posed no threat, would the Unicorn Empire rest. Ever since the new Continent and the barbarians that live there where found the Unicorns tried to bring civilization to the Earth Pony natives, but they wouldn't have it, they would rather act like animals and through sticks at each other, the natives called the Unicorns demons,and conquerors, but all we said we where was peace makers. Standing there smelling the wonderful bread bake made me realize I was starving, my mother would have made something special for my birth day, and I had to tell them the good news about the military. Like a lighting bolt I took off toward home, I ran past the mill, through the gate, up the hill, past Mr, Steel Plow's small farm just out the main gate, after that all sign of civilization vanished and became fields to the right, and woods to the left, I quickly came to the small farm on on the edge of the most beautiful lake in the empire, slowing from sprint to a slow trot, I opened the small wooden gate and entered the yard, at that moment the front door opened and my older brother "Iron Hoe" came out and stopped, his huge form standing there in the door for a second. "Well, perfect timing,"He said finely braking the silents."Mom just sent me to get you." "Come on,"I said bounding up the steps to the door."I've got to tell every pony something important." Me and my brother then continued into the house, making our way toward to kitchen, where on coming in, I found Mother, Father, and my brother quickly joined them siting at the table, then all eyes where on me. "Well, I have good news,"I started."I have joined the military."I finished proudly. At once my brothers eye brows shot up, a look of horror filled my mothers face, and my father just put down his news paper to give me a unreadable look. "Are you joking?"My brother asked a smile creeping onto his face. "No, he's not,"My father said, he was always able to read my face."by the emperor's crown boy what where you thinking." "I, just wanted to serve,"I said confused at there reaction, at this mother started crying," like you did father." "Son, I was drafted,"My father said. "You have to go back,"My mother started."Tell them it was a mistake." "Did you sign the acceptance form,"My father asked urgently."did you get orders." "Yes I signed the acceptance form, and I have orders to report to Captain Silver Sword at the recruitment camp."I answered. "Then its to late,"my father said."He cant get out." My mother started crying again, my brother just sat there, but my father stood up and made his way over to me. "Son, you should have come to us."my father said. "But you always talked so highly about the army,"I said."I thought you would be proud." "The reason I talk so high of the army is because I respect them for doing what they do," He said."and I am proud of you boy, I'm just worried about you." "Don't be worried about me,"I started."I'm an adult now, and beside when I was leaving I saw Maximus go into the recruiters office, I bet we will be stationed at the same place." "Maximus, isn't he that little brown one?"My father asked as if me and him didn't hang out every day since we where 7. "Yes father Tiberius Blade, the little brown one."I said and after I finished speaking a knock came at the door followed by a voice. "Hello,"Maximus called."Nova, its Maximus, I have to tell you something." After maximus announced that he to had joined the military he stayed for supper then went home, after he left the evening chores where done then it was lights out, the night was long, but the next two days where longer, chores seemed to take forever, the sun seemed hotter, and every pony on the farm was quiet, Mother cried through the night, no pony talked at the table, and when the big day came only shadows of the ponies I wanted to say goodbye to where there, after goodbyes where over I started to make my way to town to meet with my best friend maximus and head off to boot camp. Author's Note Nova will not be described in the chapter but here is a description of what he looks like. He has a dark brown coat, black mane, green eyes, light blue magic, and his cutie mark is a blue star going supper nova maximus also wont be described so here's his description. He has a light brown coat, gray brown mane, red eyes, red magic, and his cutie mark is two crossed muskets.
Chapter 2: Welcome to BasicThe sun bore down on my back as I walked out the gate of my yard, my family still standing where I left them, I walked on not looking back heading straight for town, slowly they went to work, trying not to think about where I was going. I rounded the corner that went through the forest and my house disappeared from sight, the chilling shadows passed over me and soon even the sound of work at the farm was replaced by birds singing and brooks babbling. *SNAP* I stopped dead in my tracks, something was in the forest and it was watching me, following me. I turned toward where the sound came from and saw it, blue, the kind of blue that didn't appear in the forest naturally, then I heard a sword being pulled from a sheath and saw the blue form move. Then two stallions burst out of the underbrush, a green one with the sword and the blue one was charging a magical attack. Rolling I dodged the flame that burst from his horn charring the ground I was standing on, then the one with the sword took a swing at me, I stepped back with ease, these two where very poorly trained, me and my brother use to train all the time and I liked to think I was pretty good, stepping forward while he attempted to regain his balance I grabbed his sword with my magic and pulled it from his grasp, then I slashed him across his chest, he fell to the ground letting out his last breath as his blood began to pool. At that moment the sword was blown from my grasp by a ball of ice the size of my head, I spun around just in time to shoot down the next one with my own fire, but the bandit was not done yet and I barely jumped away from his next flame spell, in response I sent a lighting bolt arching down his body, frying his skin and charring his internal organs, with a surprised look on his burnt face he collapsed to the ground dead. With the bandits dead I continued down the road, I wasn't hurt but that was not the easiest thing I had done, I had killed bandits before when they attacked my family's farm, but my brother and father had been there and had easily done most of the work. I continued down the path toward town, Maximus had said that he would meet me in the "sleepy Unicorn", his family's tavern, but I knew he couldn't wait all day so I picked up the pace, double timing it toward town. In a small amount of time I could see Mr, Steel Plow's farm and the town gate just past it, trotting into town passing the wood mill I made my way toward the Sleepy Unicorn where my life time friend Maximus waited, I walked through the door and instantly spotted my friend siting at the far table in the darkest corner alone. "Hey, Maximus,"I said, walking up to him."hows things going?" "Not good,"He replied."my mothers been crying all day." "Yeah, my mother did the same,"I said in an understanding way."but, this is what I have to do." "Same here,"Maximus agreed."but I don't want her to worry about me." "I get that,"I said, in finish I added."well get up, we only have four hours to get there." "Yeah, lets go."Maximus said. Off we went toward the southern gate, and as we walked down the path winding through the wood we were joined by others all making their way to the camp, slowly the sun went toward the west and the day grew late, and the now rather large group finely found themselves outside of the huge recruitment camp, there where no walls, just row after row of white tents, in the middle of the camp was one tent larger then the rest flying the flag of the empire, and the banner of the battalion "The Iron Battalion", as we entered camp we where met by a lieutenant who escorted us to the captain, we where all asked for our papers which held our orders, they where gone through before the captain addressed the new recruits. "Alright,"The captain said standing up."all the papers check out, follow the lieutenant that brought you here to get your standard issue gear. Oh and welcome to basic."
Chapter 4:ManehattenAuthor's Note This is where the story really begins, the first three chapters where just to get Nova where he was going. Chapter 4:Manehatten I stood on the bow of the ship 'The Sun's Dawn' a transport ship from Spurlin to Manehatten. The journey had taken almost three months and every pony on board was longing to get off, and kiss dry land. I was no acceptation, every day I stood in the same spot, looking east as the ship rocked on the waves, finally on the 7th day of Winter's Frost, in the 58th year of his majesty's reign, I saw land on the horizon. "Land, ho!"The mare in the crows nest shouted. As I continued to stand there my fellow squad mates came stumbling up the stairs and onto the deck, along with the other three squads on board. "Finally,"Pvt. Ice Heart said, She was the only female in the squad, and the one that most openly hated sailing."Land." "Oh well,"Pvt. Swift Steel sighed, he should have joined the navy, not the army."I liked the trip." I was about to say that he should have joined the other branch of the military when I was cut off by the corporal. "What kind of army stallion prefers the water to land?"Cpl. Iron Hide asked. "My kind."Swift Steel Answered, then added."Sir." "I always said you where weird."Pvt. Fire Ball said. "Hey,"A shout from the captain of the ship turned all heads toward him."Go below beck, you're all getting in the way of the crew." After that we all went down below deck as the captain ordered. The tight cramped inside of the ship made me a little claustrophobic, but the ship touched down only a few hours later. As I stepped off the gang plank I took my first look at the small colony of Manehatten. The town had nothing but a wooden wall going around it for protection, the gate didn't look very strong, and there was a hole facing the west. But the town didn't look like it had been attacked, at least not recently. The town center was full of stalls trying to sell there goods, foals playing in the streets, and mares drawing water from the well. The ponies seemed relieved that there where new guards in the small town, even though they clearly hadn't been attacked in quite some time, but just the presence of extra guards makes one feel safer. The Pvt. continued to lead us through the streets as we went toward the barracks, the cold winter wind blew through the street sending a chill down my spine. There was a sweet smell in the air coming from the bakery, the beautiful sent wafted through the street as we went filled me with memories of home, at that point I wanted to walk into the bakery and buy my favorite sweet, a sweet roll baked and covered with honey and chocolate. I snapped out of my thoughts as we rounded the next corner, I then noticed the large barracks at the end of the road, the white stone shined in the sun, its golden rays making it glow. "Alright,"The Pvt. said."you will all be in the forth bunk room, third door down the hall to the right." "Thank you privet,"The sarge said."you're dismissed." "Yes Sir."The privet saluted then turned and walked toward his next post. We all unpacked then nothing else was done that day until supper, we all gathered in the mess hall to have the meal, nothing special, it was only barely better then the rations on the ship. "Attention,"The commander of the guard, Commander Golden Hammer said."Today we will welcome the new boys from command to Manehatten. But tomorrow Hail Storm Squad and The Blazing Hooves Squad will be transferred to fort Sun Guard." The last part caught my attention, my squad was Hail Storm, and we where being already deployed to a front line fort. A fort that had been attacked a lot if the news paper was right. I looked at Maximus and saw the look on his face, he was thinking the same thing I was, this was not looking good, nether of us wanted to be on the front so fast, but here we where. Are squad went straight for bed, if we where moving in the morning (3.00 am) then we needed all the rest we could get. But I took the time that night to write a letter home, so did Maximus I noticed. To: Mom, Dad and Iron Hoe. From: Nova. Dear mom, dad, and bro, I just wanted to write you all a quick letter, to tell you that I have been given a posting. Me and Maximus are being posted at fort Sun Guard, don't worry we will be fine. The trip here took three moths so I wasn't expecting to be given a posting so soon, but they must really need ponies on the front right now. But enough of that, let me tell you about my squad, there's Maximus, Sargent Steel Hoof, Corporal Iron Hide, Privet Swift Steel, Privet Ice Heart, and Privet Fire Ball. there all really great, the sarge can be a bit of a, well, a Sargent, but the corporal is a nice guy, Swift Steel is a bit privet he hardly talks but when you get to know him he's not that bad, Fire Ball is just the opposite he never shuts up he always has something to say, but he's not like mean or anything. Now for Ice Heart, well she's not very sociable, and I don't know much about her, other then she was raised in a military family. But that's about it, I cant wait to here from you soon. Love: Nova. After I finished writing my letter, I put it into a envelope and wrote the address on it, and placed it at the bottom of my bag so I could send it out before we left in the morning. But rest didn't come tonight, after I drifted off into sleep a siren blared and I was siting up not sure what to do. "Grab your gear,"The Sarge yelled."That's an attack siren." Instantly I was on my hooves and was in uniform, my musket flew into my magical grasp and then I was following Maximus and the Sarge out the door. Outside was chaos, every pony was running around trying to get to their station. the Sarge noticed something that I missed because we were now running down a street toward the west, then I remembered. The hole in the wall was being attacked when we got there, the four defenders were way out numbered, and the first wave of earth ponies where almost on them, then I heard a order. "Firing wall!"I was in the front, so I dropped to my belly next to Maximus."Aim."I raised my Musket over the unicorns who had thankfully heard their saviors and had dropped to the ground."Fire!" As the order rang out I pulled the trigger, sending the hammer to make a spark on the dry gun powder in the hallow steel pipe. *Bang* The weapon jerked in my grasp as the ball of lead was sent from the pipe at unknown speed. Then in the same second the first wave of enemies fell, but the next was till coming. As that thought passed through my head, the first four solders fired their weapons. *Bang* "Reload!"The Sargent shouted. At that order the first four stallions fell back down. As I finished clanking the ram rod down the barrel the sarge moved on. "Aim!"He shouted again."Fire!" *Bang* The guns sang in harmony. Shouts and screams where heard from the dying stallions, even as the solders in front of us fired there guns, blood covered the battle field and all I could do was to continue firing.
Chapter 5:Fort Sun GuardSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 6:Walking"Wake up,"I heard Maximus whisper into my ear as I was shaken from my sleep. "the Sarge was just summoned to talk to the Captain, I think were going to get a mission." "What?"I asked shaking the sleep out of my eyes."Why would you think that?" "Because, the Sargent from The Blazing Hooves wasn't summoned also,"Maximus stated."and if this was some kind of 'welcome to the fort' thing, wouldn't we all have to go?" "Maximus,"I started, then let out a long yawn."I think your reading to much into it, go back to sleep." As my head hit the pillow a smile spread across my face, as the warm feathers embraced my head, cradling me in its joyous, wonder full, peace full, happy...... "Wake up you laze rats!"The Sarge's voice broke my thoughts, as my eye's shot open and I jumped from my bunk, to stand at attention with the rest of my newly awakened squad."Well, well, well, look at all these pretty stallions, maybe there is a salon on base so you all can get your hooves done?"He said as he walked down the aisle just being a Sargent."Oh, sorry,"He continued, finely noticing the tired eyes on every pony."did I wake you from your beauty sleep?"He asked sarcastically."Well rise and shine, because the Captain just gave me orders, were moving out in two hours, so get your gear and some breakfast."He said."Dismissed." As the Sarge finished I turned toward my trunk that was at the foot of my bed, used my magic to retrieve my gear, then I saw the look on Maximus's face. "So what, you where right."I said to him. "Yeah,"He said."I was, wasn't I." "Shut up."I said jokingly. In response he stuck his tongue out at me. "Very mature, Maximus, very mature."I said, rolling my eyes. We quickly left the barracks after getting our armor and weapons on, and made our way to the mess hall to get some chow, which was just across the square from the number three barracks where we were. I was starving when we got in line, that quickly changed, I looked at the slop that was apparently called food around here and was truly sickened, it was green and slimy, with little black chunks in it, but I saw Fire Ball at a near by table shoveling it in like it was the only thing left on Equuis, so I figured that it was at least edible, or at least not poisonous. Grabbing a tray of food I made my way over to the table that my squad was at, and took the seat next to Maximus, said a silent prayer to 'Robigus', the draconaquis goddess of farming, and patron goddess of my house, and she holds high-influence with the other gods. After my short prayer I grabbed the fork with my magic and took a big scoop of the stuff, instantly I regretted that, it tasted like something only a Pegasus would eat, but then I remembered that I was starving, so I skipped chewing and went straight for swallowing instead, with a hard 'gulp' it went down and was instantly replaced by another, now I knew why Fire Ball was eating so quick, not because he liked it but because it went away faster. Finally finishing off the stuff I quickly downed my glass of water, even that didn't taste right and there was something in the bottom of the cup, maybe a bug? 'This is the front line' I thought to my self. "What was that?"Asked Private Swift Steel."I thought we where getting food?" At that, every pony in the mess burst out laughing, except the chef who stood in the door to the kitchen. "Well, if you don't like it then maybe you shouldn't eat it."He shouted. At that we left the mess and made our way back to our barracks, where the Sarge was waiting patiently, though he wouldn't say it, he was no doubt as tired as the rest of us, well, maybe a little less. "Well, it took you long enough."He said."Form up."He shouted."Right face."At that we all turned right."March."Was his final order as we marched toward the gate. Three hours isn't that long to march, considering what we did at basic. The eighteen miles in three hours is the part that killed me, we were in one heck of a hurry south toward a mountain that now stood proudly before us, Mt. foal named that because it was where the first unicorn foal had died in Equestria. Then we turned west toward the largest mountain in all Equestria, well as far as I know its the largest in the world. But its size didn't matter, I just wanted to get to where ever we where going so we could get this done faster and get back to the fort. "Sarge,"Ice heart said, braking the three hour long silence."where are we going?" The question was fair, I mean we had been traveling for three hours and we still didn't have a clue, but she could have asked it better. "Where ever I say we are going,"The Sarge barked at Ice Heart."and I think you dropped a 'Sir' in there some where." "Yes, Sir,"Ice Heart replied."Sorry Sir." After that we continued in silence again, Ice Heart had stirred up the Sarge by forgetting to use his rank, that always seemed to get him mad, I was just amazed that she of all ponies would forget to use rank when addressing a higher officer, coming from a military family and all. Pushing those thoughts out of my head I changed my attention toward the world around me, the trees where so big here compared to those in my home land, not even the greatest griffon oak was so tall and wide, and these appeared to be some form of red wood, which was highly sought after in the home land and very pricey. Then my eyes widened as my heart stopped, there standing in a small brake in the trees was a bear, but it was much, much bigger then a bear had any right to be, its fur was blue with what looked like stars on it, then its massive head turned and looked at me, saliva dripping from it ungodly jaws. "Sarge."I yelled. "Yes?"He asked turning to look at me, and saw me pointing at the beast."By the gods."He shouted, the the bear started its way toward us, eager for meat."Firing line."The Sarge bellowed at the top of his lungs, getting a huge roar from the monster, at the roar a firing wall was quickly made."Aim for its head."Sarge shouted, and all muskets where instantly locked on its eyes."Fire!" The order was very quickly carried out and our weapons jerked in our grasp as they fired simultaneously, all the lead hitting it mark. The beast let out a furious roar as its sight was ripped from it by our shots, but it didn't die. "reload."The Sargent ordered more calmly this time."Aim,fire" Another crack from the musket's sent the beast to its death as it fell over, and its blood started to pool around its body. The rest of the trip was spent watching the forest like a bunch of scared foals, and we would have been perfectly happy saying so, we were not letting one of those things sneak up on us. Then the Sarge stopped on a hill, looking over a field, from here I could see the pass in the mountain. "Halt,"The Sargent ordered."There it is, that's where we are going."
Chapter 7:Foal Mountain Pass"Sarge,"I asked."may I ask, why are we here, Sir?" "That pass,"The Sarge said,pionting toward the road cuting through the mountain just half a mile away."that is Foal Mountain Pass, a key location for the militay, if that pass falls then the suplie line to fort Brittle Stone is cut and we lose all holdings past the Foals Mount." "Is there a attack exspected?"Corperal Iron Hide asked. "Yes,"The Sarge confermed."scouts saw a small fores making it way throu the woods just south of here, estiments have them ariving tommorow." "Sir,"I began."how meny are there?" "The scouts didn't get a exact number,"The Sarge started."but they say its close to twenty, maby therty." "thats funny,"I said pionting toward the woods."it looks more like fifty." At my words the Sargent turned his head to the woods, there just out of the tree line was a large group of earth pony warriors, but they were not alone, hovering just above the earth ponies who were armed with muskets was a Sargent, a Pegasus Sargent. "Those damn Pegasie,"The Sarge grouled."they armed the earth ponies." Pegasie weponry was slitely beter then unicorn weponry, with more rang and accuracy then the wepons we had, they used something called rifeling and we didn't have a clue how they did it. "Urbak ters!"The pegasus shouted."bray."At those words the earth ponies formed a wall and leveled there muskets pointing at us."Getas!"I din't understand a thing he said but I knew when it was time to hit the ground. *BANG* The distinked crack of gun fire rang throu the hills, my heart nearly stoped as I felt the rush of wind from a ball of lead past throu my mane, right betwen my horn and ear, if I had stayed on my hooves I would have had a hole in my head. I looked around to see if anyone was hert, Fire Ball's leng was bleeding prety badly, but he stood and razed his musket enyway. Then the earh ponies let out a yell and started running toward the hill,the pegasie was trieing to get them to stop and form another wall, but only thirty or so heard him and reiformed there wall, this was perfect the ones charging would be moped up and then we would be on a more even playing field, exeped we were on the hie ground. "Form line."The Sargent said."Aim."At that we all toke aim."Fire!" At that order fire exploded from my musket and those around me, and seven earth ponies droped to the ground. "Charge fire spell."The Sarge order knowing that there wasent time to relod." Aim,"All horns pionted at the attackers."Fire." This time it was much more quiet as are attack riped throu the air, but it was much lowder when the fire finely hit the enemy, screems of being bunt alive erupted from them as the spell tore flesh from bone. still the six left charged at us leving no time charge a spell or relod, we had to reort to bayonats. Three were impaled on the bayanet wall we had but the rest got past, one swong at me aiming for my head, I ducked not thinking about who was next to me. *SMACK* The sound of stone striking bone came from my right along with a shout of pain from Ice Heart, I wiped around and swong my musket in a arce slashing a red line down the stalions entier langeth of body, sending him to the next life. I looked away from the fight to make sure Ice was alright, she was holding her left shoulder witch was dislocated and bleeding prety badly, but she was fine. I reterned my atention back to the fiel just in time to throu my self to the ground as the earth ponies fired there next voilie of lead that sailed over my head. "relod!"The Sargent screemed."Fall back just a cuple of hores shows."He belowd, and we instently fallowed his order."Firing wall!"He shouted as we made it to where he wanted us."Aim, fire!" The guns smoked as they let out another berst of death, sending some earth ponies in the front to there erly grave. When the smoke cleard I saw the enemy reloding, then formed a wall and fired again, luck was on our side as it was odveos that they were very porly trained and there shot landed just infront of the wall. "relod!"The Sarge ordered again."Aim for that damn pegasus!"He commanded, and we all aimed for him."Fire!" When I could see past the smoke that bloked my vistion I saw that the pegasie was no longer flying just above the heads of the earth ponies and some of them were gone, the earth ponies wavered for a moment then formed the line again, and took aim at us, but before they got to fire the Sarge gave us orders. "Charge fir spell,"At that we all obayed and charged our spell."Fire!" As we fired so did the enemy just down the hill now, they had slowly been moving up, and as the lead left the barls of there wepons the charged up the hill, seven falling to the fire that was lunched from us, but we took hits as well, they may have been bad shots but at that range anyone could hit us. I was sudenly in pain, my right forleg screemed in agony, I looked down momentaraly forgeting the charging earth ponies, just above my hoof was red and there was a small holl right in the middle of the stain, the pain contiuded to get wores as I sarded at it, then I remembered the earth ponies and looked up. *CRACK* I was throun to the left as a stone mace struck my face, every thing became a blure, shadows moved around locked in combat, mace stuck hide, bayonet slashed back, my head screemed at every little sound, then my vistion became red as blood flowed into my eyes. The last thing I heard was a voise I didn't recognize yelling sommething in a language that was foren to me, the the shadows ran back down the hill, and everything went black.
Chapter 8:Souls on the Edge"Vejovis,"I heard a voice calling to the god of health and healing."please hear me, and heal these broken bodies." The voice belonged to Corporal Iron Hide, then I realized I was being carried on a stretcher, or at least a make-shift stretcher, I felt rough bark rubbing against my back as I was moved through the forest. My head pounded with each hoof fall and my stretcher bounced up and down in a steady rhythm making me feel all the more sick. "Sarge,"Maximus said suddenly."Where are we?" "Just north of the fort,"The Sarge responded."just a little more and we'll be there." The short conversation stopped as I heard the Sarge trip and fall, I heard some pony help him up then we were moving again, and with the movement my head started to spin, my stomach threatened to make me throw up, but nothing came, just more rocking. "There!"I heard Fire Ball yell, which set my head on fire."Its the fort." At that I lost consciousness, falling into the world of dreams. My eyes cracked open and let in the light that poured in through the window I was facing, at first it hurt, then my eyes slowly adjusted to it and I could see the room I was in, stone floors and white walls along with two long rows of beds told me I was in a medical-ward, probably at Fort Brittle Stone. The bed next to me was occupied by Swift Steel who was out cold, he had a bandage rapped around his middle section, and his left rear leg was in a splint. Turning my head to the right hurt but when I got it there I saw Ice Heart reading a book, her left shoulder bandaged from where it was hit, but other then that she looked fine. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out, instead I was awarded with a wave of nausea, my head started pounding like a drum and everything started to spin. I must have made some noise because Ice Heart looked up from her book and at me. "Doctor."She called down the hall, and a stallion in a white lab coat, over his white coat came rushing down the hall. "No no no Private,"He started."lay still and don't try to talk."He said as he started a medical scanning spell on my head."You took quite the knock on your noggin." I didn't try to argue with him, my head stopped hurting when I laid back down, the doc seemed satisfied with that and left. "Get back to sleep."Ice Heart ordered, not that she actually could, but I was not going to try anything else, so I closed my eyes and let sleep grip me. My senses came back as I awoke to something touching my face, my eyes shot open, it was dark outside but the medical-ward was well lit, my eyes focused on the one who had caused me to wake up, it was a nurse taking my head bandage off. "Sorry,"She said."just changing your bandage." "Thats OK."I whispered, sounding a little hoarse. "Well,"She said as she started to rap my head in a new bandage."its good that you have your voice back, the doctor said your would probably be unable to speak for a few days."She finished as the bandage was firmly rapped and tied so it would say in place. Then she took off down the hall the way the doc had came, then I looked to see if my comrades were still here, Ice was gone but Swift Steel was still laying just to my left in the same place he was the first time. 'Robigus, please have mercy on Swift Steel,'I prayed in my head.'bring him before the counsel of the gods, and tell Vejovis about him, and me.' It took two more days before I was in condition to get out of the medical- ward, and Swift was barely able to speak on day three, no one in my squad had died in fact Swift had the worst of it, luck was on our side in the battle, those earth ponies were very poorly trained and in the end thats what it all boiled down to, our skill against theirs. The days where hotter here then in my home land, normally the sky over the farm was filled with clouds, but here it was clear all day long, just a rare drifter from time to time, and it never seemed to rain like it did back home, it ether didn't rain, or it poured for hours, never just drizzled. Then on day four I get a letter in the mail from my folks, just the glad to hear from you, hope your alright stuff that parents send, but I read every word twice, happy to hear from them, apparently my brother had a marefriend and dad had some how got a sickness that only foals get, but all-in-all things were fine. By day five I was getting a little bored, I hadn't left the fort since I got there, and I was just dieing for something like patrol duty, but no matter how bored I was at least Swift Steel was getting better, he could now eat solid food instead of that stuff that was all mushy, and I could use my magic again. On day seven we where ordered back to Fort Sun Guard as soon as Swift was back on his hooves. So on day eight we marched off toward the fort, finally getting out of Fort Brittle Stone and on are way back to our post.
Chapter 9:A Show of ForceTwo month past quickly, nothing really happened at Fort Sun Guard, just a lot of patrol and guard duty, and a few small battles. But things started to get interesting one day when I came back from my patrol of manehatten. I looked up at the fort on the hill, its lights danced in the dark of the night, obscuring the stars behind it and cutting the moon in half, but the sky was still just as lovely as it usually was. Then I turned my attention back to walking down the slightly steep path just North of the wall. Me and Fire Ball were on patrol tonight, and with no pony else to talk to, he talked to me, all night. I didn't mind the short talks we had in the mess hall, but to talk all night was just to much. Finally we where in side the safety of the wall and the door swung closed behind us, just as the sun broke over the mountains far in the distance. "Uah,"Fire Ball yawned, and said."I'm tired." "Yeah,"I said in agreement."lets hit the sack." "No way,"Fire Ball said."if I don't get some food, I'm going to die." "You do what you want,"I said."but I'm going to bed." At that we went are separate ways, he made a bee line for the mess, and I made a bee line for number three bunker, where I promptly fell face first into my bunk. Peace didn't last long though, as I was ripped from my sleep by Maximus shaking me. "Hey,"He said."Sorry to wake you, but the Sarge told me to tell you when you got back." For a second we just sat there, looking at each other. "Well?"I asked. "Oh right,"Maximus said."We're being moved, south along the ocean." "Why?"I asked. "I don't know,"Maximus started."but some of the guys say there is a large army massing for a counter attack against one of the biggest tribes down there." "When are we leaving?"I inquired. "Here's the part that you and Fire Ball won't like,"Maximus started."were leaving in five hours." "Five hours?!"I yelled."I was up all night and the day before listening to Fire Ball." "Orders are orders."Maximus said as he started down the hall, toward the door. "get some sleep, I've already packed your stuff, I'll come and get you when its time." "Sarge, is there any more to this then just being moved?"I asked as the fort was lost from site as we went down the other side of the hill, heading south. "Yup."The Sarge replied. "Is there anything you can tell us, Sir?"I asked the same question just more directly this time. "Yup."He answered, clearly just trying to annoy me. "Well, what are our orders?"I asked, again. "We're to join up with the 7th legion in a attack against the earth pony city of 'Clefrun',"The Sarge said calmly."then from there we will receive our orders from a Captain Night Guard." "But we're in the 8th legion."I stated. "Yes, but the 7th took heavy loses so they need reinforcements."The Sarge replied. The rest of the trip was spent in silence, as we marched through the country side, very rarely we would come across some towns scattered about, but we never stopped, just marched strait through, only one goal in mind. As fast as we marched the sun still beat us and was setting over the horizon as we set up camp, and had a short meal, nothing special, just some flavorless rations. But as soon as the sun broke over the mountains we were moving again, a hard march for miles with no brakes, but finally our unwavering marching repaid us as we made it to the top of a hill and looked out across the encampment of the 7th legion. Row after row of the white tents that were standard issue, made the recruitment camp look small, very small. All around the massive field, unicorn's were training, some had gleaming steel swords, some shiny muskets, and others used magic as they all practiced group movement, so they could maintain a firing wall while moving backwards, and other formations I was not familiar with. Then our gawking was done as the Sargent silently signaled for us to move forward, we took off down the hill and made straight for the biggest tent, however when we got there we found it was the generals tent, not the captains so we asked for directions to the captains tent, then we were off to see him, eager to pitch our tents and get some rest. We found his tent with ease, and were directed to an open part of the camp and told to pitch our tents there, and so we did. Later we all went to the mess and got our fill of grub, which to my surprise I liked it, it was certainly a lot better then what we got at fort Sun Guard, and sleep was the next step, that part after all the marching, came very easily. But before I allowed sleep to take me, I made a quick prayer to the gods, asking for protection from what tomorrow might bring, for me and my squad. Then I turned over in my bed, pulled up my standard issue wool blanket, closed my eyes, and was out faster then some pony can throw a stone.
Chapter 10:The Battle for ClefrunBanners waved, armor stretched and ground, and hooves pounded against the hard dirt of the earth pony home land. There, just half a mile was the city, nothing more then a large town with a mud wall, but inside the unsuspecting city, spies say there is a army, a massive army. I was in right wing with the rest of the reinforcements from 8th, there must have been over two-hundred solders from our legion, but first company was here, they were the best in the whole legion, maybe even the whole army. General Burning Sky stood at the front of the army, his saber drawn and raised as he gave his speech, but I was to far away to hear what he was saying, probably words of encouragement and suggestions to pray to the gods. At that thought I gently pulled off the necklace of Robigus that rested on my neck, I lifted it up above my head and prayed to her. "Robigus,"I stared my prayer."Please hear me, take my prayer to the counsel and ask for blessings on me and my friends, shield us from the death that seeks us, have influence on your divine family for our safety I pray." At the conclusion of my prayer I looked up at the general and put my necklace back on, it would not be long now, soon we would attack the city and many would die, on both sides. It was not long after the general gave his speech that the attack commenced, a horn blew from the front of the army signaling that it was time to advance. Immediately the whole army surged forward, at a slow march. Then a horn bellowed from inside the city, the walls were suddenly covered in solders who took up firing positions and took aim, we were still too far out for them to hit us but that would soon change, they were on a slight hill and a wall, so they had a height advantage, and there weapons had slightly longer range. But we marched on, for what felt like forever we marched strait at a wall of death. Suddenly I was ripped from my thoughts as the enemies on their wall fired their first volley, it cracked through the silence and tore through the air, dirt and dust kicked up from the ground just in front of the first wave, they shot too soon, instantly the general saw the same thing I did, because a split second later I found myself running at full speed toward the wall, I never heard the order but everypony else was running with me. The earth ponies on the wall were frantically trying to reload, but were to slow, we made it to the wall before they even got off another shot, ladders came out of the mass of men in the center of the army then they started to put them up against the wall, but the earth ponies had by this point reloaded, a volley rang from the wall and sent many ponies falling to the ground, then a order came from the general. "Firing walls will fire on my signal."He shouted. "Alright,"The commander of my troop yelled at us."take aim for the top of the wall and wait for the generals orders." Immediately everypony compacted around me and as one we raised our guns toward the heavens. "Fire!",the voice of the general shrieked, just as the enemy on the wall popped up to fire their next round. The sound of exploding gun powder filled the air and a good half of the earth ponies fell back down out of sight. The next wave of bullets came flying from the enemy just as the ladders fell into place on the wall, lead zipped through the air and the poor soul next to me fell to the ground not even making a sound. Pushing the dead stallion next to me out of my head I just heard the next order, to move toward the ladders and get on the wall. As one the whole troop turned and moved toward the ladders, others were already funneling up them long before we got there, taking the wall quickly. "This battle must be almost over,"I thought to myself."the spies reported only three or four hundred, there must have been at least two hundred on the wall, they stand no chance." My thoughts ended as the gate was opened from the inside, two troops from the left wing of the army broke from the rest and moved toward it. Now it was my turn to climb the ladder, one hoof at a time I made my way up, finally climbing over the edge of the wall, I was caught by a sight that turned my stomach, bodies littered the wall, blood flowed over the edge freely like a river, and then my eyes looked beyond the wall, at the city, every building had a solder in the window and on the roof, more guns fired as two troops marched down the street clearing building after building sending every last one of these barbarians to their deaths. I, along with the rest of my squad, and by extension my troop marched down the stairs that led to the wall from the inside and began marching down a street that had not yet been cleared, going from building to building we broke down the door poured in and just fired. This went on and on, sweat started to pour down my face as my legs stared to burn and my eyes stung from all the gun smoke, finally we came to the last house, it was like all the rest, mud brick, no glass in the windows, and a wooden door. Like all the others we formed a square around the door, checked our guns to make sure they were loaded, then kicked in the door, I rushed in accidentally slamming into the side of Swift Steel to make the line lifted my gun like I did so many times to day and with the rest of the troop fired. Slowly the smoke cleared, at the last second I saw what was in the room before the powder exploded, now it lay on the ground bleeding from all the wends, a face filled with terror came out from behind it, a young filly protected by her mothers body from the leaded death we brought, her breathing was heavy and fast as she stared at us, no weapon was anywhere in the house, I was frozen my eyes glowed to the horror in front of me, a accident that we caused that would leave yet another orphan from this war. None of us could look her in the eye, we all just stood there, silence griped the room, she didn't make any noise ether, shock making her silent, if she had picked up a knife and stared to stab each of us, we probably would have stood there and let her, but she did nothing, so we left never even looking her in the eyes, we just left. We marched in silence down the road, the battle was won, a 'decisive victory' the general had said, with acceptable loses. I now know this was not just something to take lightly, the army was serious, and I had blood on my hooves. "Thank the gods,"I thought to myself."at least I'm being transferred."
Chapter 3: Three Months of HellI walked into the armory next to Maximus following the lieutenant, the armory was small, and tightly packed with the new recruits and smell of sweat and sulfur. "Sargent,"The lieutenant said loudly."get these new recruits there standard issue." "Yes sir,"The Sargent said snapping off a quick salute."Privet, get out here and help me." Shuffling was heard from the back room followed by what sounded like armor falling down,"Yes sir,"Came a small female voice. Seconds later a privet came out of the back room with uniforms, muskets, and a pack with assorted supplies, powder horns etc. "Alright,"The lieutenant started."This is your standard issue, your new best friend, this musket might save your life one day, this uniform will keep you warm in the winter, and this saber will stop your enemy." After the lieutenant gave his speech we were all escorted to a large empty clearing, where we were told to pitch our tents at the far east end of the camp. "Well,"The lieutenant said."meet your new squad, their your brothers and sisters now." With that the lieutenant left heading back toward the command tent, where he no doubt had some important work that needed to be done. Pitching the tent took two hours, Maximus and I had camped before, but these military tents were totally different, but with trial and error we finally got the cursed thing up. The first day of basic was not so bad, all we had to do was set up a tent, fill out some medical papers, and had supper, granted it was the worse thing me and Maximus had ever eaten, but the next day is when the training started, or so I thought, before the sun was in the sky there was a Sargent screaming in my ear, something about making my bed, then we all ran for nine or ten miles, then came breakfast, then we ran some more, then we all lined up and fired our muskets at a wall until my head was on fire and my ears where ringing, then more damn running, finally the sun went down and we had supper, by the time I got back to the tent I had nothing in me. "See you fine foals tomorrow."The Sargent said mockingly as he ran back toward the tent at the end of our row like he was just as full of energy as he was when he woke up. "Alright,"I panted."a little running every day, I can take that." I then fell into the bed of straw and immediately lost consciousness, the next three days where the same thing, but the next five after that were made increasingly harder with longer firing exercises and more running, but it eventually became easier and easier. Then the first month ended, and the first day of month two we ran twenty miles before breakfast, which was outrageous even for the Sargent, then after a quick breakfast we did half the normal firing drills and the rest we were to practice our offensive magic, fifty minutes of constant firing with magic quickly wore the squad down, half way through two of my comrades over exerted themselves and had to be escorted out toward the medical tent, I did not know much about magic exhaustion only that there had been fatality's in extreme cases, but the training continued, all through the month, and eventually even the two that couldn't do it before where just as strong as me, and I could feel the difference, when I ran I didn't get fatigued, when I cast a spell it was so much easier then when I killed those two bandits in the woods all those days ago. Then the third month of training came, it wasn't as much of shock when the new training came, and this time we all adapted much quicker, we now ran twenty-five miles a day before breakfast then we shot our muskets much more accurately then when we started, we fired our magic longer and with more power then before, I felt so different, so much stronger. Despite how use to basic training me and Maximus were, when the last day came we were sure happy, no more Sargent yelling at us at unspoken hours, no twenty-five mile run, no magic exhaustion, no powder exploding in your ear in an Iron pipe to send little round balls of lead at a wall, we were finally out. "Well, good news,"The lieutenant shouted at us as we assembled."your all fit for duty, and the good captain, gods bless his kind heart, has decided not to break up your little squad. Oh and it doesn't end there, Sargent Steel Hoof will be in command. Oh and your all going to Equestria" As the lieutenant left to get order paper every pony just stood there, we where all thinking the same thing, 'Equestria', that was currently the front of a very nasty war, and then we all had the same after thought. "Shit."We all said in unison as the lieutenant left earshot, even the Sargent joined in.
