The Unicorn Wars: Griffaniaby ConstellationChaptersChapter 1: A New LandChapter 2: Stinging LeadChapter 3:The Battle of Fort MasserChapter 4:Toward AleisiaChapter 5:To Take Back AleisiaChapter 6;Back to MasserChapter 7:AmbushChapter 8: Mortals and godsChapter 1: A New LandThe ship lunged under my hooves as a wave slammed into the hall again, it had been one long storm after another as soon as we entered the Griffin Sea, and the crew had said that this weather was some of the best they had ever seen on the Griffin Sea. Another wave struck the hall, this one sent me off my hooves and into the guard rail, quickly getting back to my hooves I decided to get off the deck and go below. I quickly made my way to the hatch that led to the inside of the ship and opened it with haste, I then made my way down the overly steep stairs that bridged the top to the bottom, but as I neared the bottom the ship shook signaling that yet another wave had hit it, it also sent me to the bottom the fast way. Standing up I puled the rope that I landed in off me and set a barrel that had been knocked over back up, then I was trampled by a young sailor who very hastily attempted to make his way up the stairs. "Sorry."He shouted as he ran up the steps, then met the same fate I had seconds before. As soon as he was back on his hooves he was up the steps and gone faster then I could follow. Returning my thoughts to the warm bunk that awaited me I turned back down the corridor and started walking to the door at the far end, it wasn't that easy though, the ship kept swaying and I was knocked into the wall more the a few times, but finally I made it to the bunk room. "How do sailors stand it?"I questioned as I opened the door. "I don't know."The Sargent said miserably as he walked past me and toward the stairs, looking rather green. I shook my head and moved into the room, Maximus, Corporal Iron Hide and Ice Heart had a game of poker going, judging from his face I would say that the corporal was not winning, Fire Ball lay on his bunk and at the moment I looked at him he grabbed a bucket and threw up into it, Swift Steel was the only one who looked like he was not going to do the same. "Hey Nova,"Maximus called."care to join, with the corporal playing you cant loose." Swift Steel and Ice Heart started laughing, much to the corporals dismay, and Fire Ball just threw up again. "Ha ha,"The corporal mockingly laughed."look who just volunteered to do Latrine duty, that's a good attitude I'll talk to the Sarge about it." At this every pony laugh again, except Maximus, who looked even sicker. "No thanks,"I said."I'm going to get some sleep." And with that I crawled into the bed farthest from Fire Ball and went to sleep as fast as I could, when I was awake on this ship I felt sick all the time, but when I was asleep I slept like a baby. "Wake up,"The voice of Maximus cut through the darkness of my sleep."we're coming into the harbor now." Slowly my eyes drifted open and I saw my friend standing over me, I didn't feel immediately sick so I assumed that the storm had let up. Rubbing my eyes I sat up and gave a big yawn, then looked back at Maximus. "So we finally made it."I said, more of a statement then a question. "Yup,"Maximus said shaking his head up and down."the ship will be docking in a couple of minutes." "Good,"I started as I made my way toward the door to the hallway."I cant wait to get off this ship." "Same here."Maximus agreed as we left the bunk room behind. We continued down the hallway until we came to the stairs leading up to the deck, we jogged up the steps as fast as we could, a habit we had gotten into when the ship was still being tossed around the sea. Making it to the deck we turned toward the bow of the ship and saw our squad getting ready to get off the ship as soon as it docked. On the near by land I could see a small city, this one was much bigger then Manehatten, but still paled in comparison to a normal city in Unicornia. Unlike Manehatten this city had a stone wall that looked like it could take a beating, and from the cannons on its wall I would say it could give one heck of a beating as well. The city was cut off from the docks by a massive gate with a huge pot above it, my guess was that it was filled with boiling oil to be dumped onto attackers trying to get through the gate. After my short amount of observation the hall of the ship bumped into the side of the dock, two sailors jumped from the side of the ship with large ropes then proceeded to fashion the ship to the dock, after that task was complete the gang plank was dropped and we were let off the ship. Every pony look relieved to be off of it, except Swift Steel who looked a little sad. "Finally,"Ice Heart said."dry land." "I'm so glad I didn't listen to my dad,"Fire Ball started."'join the navy son, it will be the best choice of your life' he said, whats wrong with him?" "Well lets not stand around,"The Sarge said."we have some where to be." With that we all started toward the city gate to report to a Commander called Arcane Magic. I had not really heard much about this territory from the news paper, but, I knew its inhabitants were violent, very violent. Chapter 2: Stinging Lead"Nova,"The voice of my dear friend Maximus shook me from my prayer, I looked up from the shrine and at him."sorry, but the Sarge said its time to get moving." "OK,"I said getting up."I was done anyway." With that me and Maximus left the small temple to the Counsel of the Draconiqui and made are way to the well-kept fort on the hill over looking the city, it was not our final destination but it was our next stop. After a short climb we made it to the top of the hill that the fort was on and met our squad just out side the gate, already formed up and ready to move out. "Well, good of you to join us."The Sarge said, a bit of impatience in his voice. "Sorry Sir,"I started as me and Maximus came to attention."I lost track of time." "At ease,"The Sarge said dismissively."we best start moving though, the sooner the better." And with that we all started off down the road, marching in a strait column of two side by side, which made the column only three pairs long with the Sarge in the front alone. The good news was that the day was cloudy and the sun didn't shine down on us and add to the torment of marching, and the road was well kept, it was for the most part smooth and had very few stones, but the day had some bad news as well, marching was never easy, even with thick cloud coverage we all quickly worked up a sweat, then there was the leather straps, every time I took a step the straps would tighten and tried to give me a nice friction burn. But even with the slight discomfort of being attacked by leather the march was not to bad, the day grew old and finally night came upon the land of the griffins, so we pitched our tents and called it a night. "Wake up,"I heard as I was shaken from my sleep, to find that it was still dark out."some ponies out there."The voice I now recognized as Maximus said. "Are you kidding me,"I whispered in a annoyed tone."your not scared of the dark are you?" "What, no of course not,"Maximus said."I heard something." "It was your imagination,"I said dismissively."go back to sleep." As soon as I finished saying that I saw a shadow just at the corner of the tent, it was massive, at least two times bigger then me, it looked like a bird head on a lion with wings. I had to force myself not to gasp when I realized what I was looking at, I had read a description of a Griffin in the newspaper but it did it no justice, then I saw that in its talon it held a sword, held high waiting no doubt for his comrades to get into position so they could kill us in one quick attack, I had other plans. Instantly I drew my sword that lay at the end of my bed roll with my magic and I thrust it through the fabric of the tent and into him, earning a shocked scream from him just before he died, this drew the attention from the others just long enough for every pony to draw their own weapons and have a chance to defend themselves. A small battle took place, the Sarge was being attacked by two of the powerful winged beasts while the others all engaged their own, me and Maximus joined Fire Ball and Swift Steel in their fight against their attacker and with the strength of four ponies the single Griffin went down. As soon as the Griffin hit the ground we split ways, Fire Ball and Swift Steel went toward the Sarge and the Corporal who had dispatched his attacker and was now helping the Sarge with his two, while me and Maximus went toward Ice Heart, but by the time we ran at full speed across the small camp it was to late, Ice Heart had already killed the Griffin and we were of absolutely no use, Fire Ball and Swift Steel however might as well of saved the Sarge and the Corporal. "Well,"The Sarge started after a couple of seconds after the battle."pack up, we are moving out, and we are not stopping until we get to the fort." Shaking are heads, all of us in agreement, we set out to complete the task, it was a good thing the day was not hot because if it was we would never have made it past the camp perimeter before collapsing in exhaustion, but the march became harder with each step. 'The pony body was not meant to take this kind of punishment,'I thought to myself.'at least no pony was hurt.' And we marched all night clear into the morning, but 'Thank the gods,' I thought as the powerful form of a massive fort came into view on the horizon. "Fort Masser,"The Sarge said."finally this trip is over. We all quietly mumbled are agreement and then stared toward the pillar of hope just a mile away. My happy thoughts were cut short by a sudden roar of musket fire to the right, and a sudden pain exploded in my flank, right on my cutie mark. Through squinted eyes I saw a small group of Griffins and Pegasi trying to reload their weapons as fast as they could, but we all had a shot ready. "Aim,"The Sarge yelled, and even with the pain in my flank I lifted the gun into a position so I could look down the sight."Fire!" *Bang* My weapon screamed as it fired its deadly ball of lead at the enemy, by some stroke of luck we managed to hit half of them leaving only three Griffins and one Pegasi. Again the Griffins raised their weapons to aim at us, but we had something they did not, not even the Pegasi had it. "Fire magic at will!"The Sarge yelled as loud as he could, and we all instantly dropped our muskets and fired a magical blast before they could fire another shot, and with that the last of them fell to the ground, dead or dieing, and at about that time three squads of reinforcements came from the fort. "They were fast."I said surprised at how fast they made it. "Are you all alright?"One asked. "When we're inside the fort,"The Sarge started."then we will be alright." And with that done we slowly made are way to the fort, finally out of this mad and wild land. Chapter 3:The Battle of Fort MasserI stood on the wall of the fort, looking east toward where I had just come from, not when I had arrived at the fort, because that was three days ago, but from where I had just returned from patrol, not a good experience. Just ten minutes ago me and Swift Steel had been out on the far perimeter, making our rounds like any other day, but are luck never holds. About half a hour into our brisk walk we were attacked by two forward scouts for a griffon army, then we were chased all the way back to the fort by about seven others, we barely escaped using the trees for cover but we made it back. Now me and every pony else stood there, waiting for them to cross over the hill and descend upon us. I looked down the line to my right, I saw stallions and mares all in armor with a musket in their magic, some looked scared, but most where battle hardened by this land and had only expressions of anticipation. Then I looked toward my left, Maximus stood directly by my side, like he always did, he was the most loyal friend I ever had, his expression was one of concern, but I had a feeling it was not for himself, but for those around him. Just past him was the rest of my squad, they all seemed fine, the Sarge was the only on who was not staring at the horizon, but instead was locked in prayer, to which god I did not know. Past him was more soldiers, I saw pretty much the same amount of faces as on my other side and about the same expressions, but there was more fear, on my left side there where more recruits then on my right so they had less combat experiences. I turned my eyes back to the hill just three hundred hooves away where the enemy would first appear, my front right hoof kept taping against my will, my magic tightened on the musket it held, and I checked the primer for the third time. "Whats taking them so long?"A orange mare asked. The same thoughts where running through my head, they should have made it by now, they were shockingly close to the fort, how they got so close was beyond me. I did not have to wait long to find my answer, as five cannons where rolled over the hill top, pushed by fifteen very large griffons. instantly our cannons opened fire on the griffon cannoneer's and their batteries, the griffons tried to set up their guns as they where pounded by our three fifty pounders, and four twenty pounders, but only one fired a shot that missed and hit twenty or thirty hooves short of the wall, before the last cannoneer was killed. A cheer went up among those on the wall, there artillery was down and it did no damage, the cheer was short lived though, as it was drowned out by a louder cheer from over the hill, this was not a cheer of celebration but a cheer for blood, a battle cry. As the shout died down the first wave of griffons came over the hill, when they reached the top of the hill they spread their wings and jumped into the air, quickly followed by the next wave, then they raised there muskets and took aim. "Get down!"The general shouted, and every pony fell down flat. Then the first round of lead struck the wall we were all behind. "Take aim!"The general continued, and we all aim at the flying wall of griffons in front of us."Fire!" *BANG* With no cover the first wave was hit and took heavy loses, but they kept coming, and the next wave fired well we were all still up. *BANG* Again there muskets roared this time catching some of the new recruits and even some of the more experience fell from the attack. "Reload!"The General yelled, but every pony on the wall was already doing so anyway."Aim."He continued, and we aimed for the front line again."Fire!" We fired and another wave of griffons fell from the sky, but the distance between us had been crossed and the griffons all dropped there muskets and puled out long shining steel swords, then with a heavy flap of the wings they descended on us. Instinctively I raised my musket so my bayonet was pointing up at them, waiting as they came down felt like forever, but it came to a end as the first one slammed into my bayonet and his blood exploded across my face. I puled the bayonet from the body and turned to my left to see a griffon on Maximus, trying to get the point of his sword through Maximus's magic and to his neck, he never made it there as I stabbed him in the back with my bayonet also. Maximus got to his hooves and swung his bayonet at a griffon that was going for the Sarge just before he made it though he was cut down by my friend, who then turned back to me. "Thanks."He shouted then moved on to fight another tall griffon. I turned to my right just in time, as a blade just cut my jaw, I swung my musket around and smacked the griffon in the face with the butt of the weapon, he staggered back and I swung the bayonet at him this time, but he hit it away with his saber just in time. My musket was thrown from my magical grasp and off the wall by his attack, then he took another swing at me, I blocked with the sword I had just drew from my side in the nick of time, but my short sword stood no chance against the heavy blade the griffon used and was thrown from my grasp, and again he swung at me, I ducked just in time as his sword past over my head, I reached out with my magic in frantic search for something to fight him with, finally I fount something with a mettle blade and brought it up just in time to block his next attack, our blades screeched against each other and I saw the blade that had saved my life, a long standered issue griffon sword, a powerful blade to be sure. Swinging my powerful new weapon I knocked his blade down and slashed at his head, he recovered to quick though and blocked me, again I swung at him this time he blocked to slow and I left a large slash down his left shoulder. He shrieked and swung at me again and I jumped back, which he did not expect as he lost his balance and stumbled forward, I slashed again at his head this time he was unable to block and his head came off in one swift motion. I moved away from his body in search of another target, one I quickly found, attacking Ice Heart and Fire Ball was three griffons, I snuck up behind them and killed one before they knew I was there, teaming up with Fire Ball we easily killed the one he was fighting then took out the other one. As the last one fell I heard a horn blow from the hill, and then the griffons started to fly back toward it, they where in retreat. "Grab a musket."The general yelled."Shot them down!." With that, me and every pony else grabbed the closest musket and fired it at the retreating griffons, but as they flew over the hill I just dropped the musket and sat down exhausted from the fight. Chapter 4:Toward AleisiaMy eyes snapped open as a bell started to ring, it sounded like the alarm to warn of an attack, I jumped to my hooves and grabbed my uniform, musket and my new Griffon style sword which I had decided to keep after the battle two days ago, and rushed to the door where the rest of my squad was already forming up just outside. I jumped through the door, landing at the bottom of the steps and then ran up to my squad and got in behind Maximus, right next to Fire Ball. The Sarge was the last one there, which was surprising, and was fully dressed, well we where still trying to get our uniforms on. "Well, your all in a hurry,"He started."that, is a calling bell, it means that every pony has to report to the training field, not that there's an attack, now get those uniforms on properly, its probably an inspection. At this, every pony breathed a sigh of relief, we had our fill of battles this week, then we went to work getting our uniforms on, which was hard to do with all the little buttons that needed to be snapped into place, but we were soon on our way. As we marched into the training field, I saw every squad in the fort, all just standing there waiting for the general, or a few of them, like us, had just arrived. However, we were all soon in formation all waiting for the general, it was not a long wait, soon, after the last of the squads had formed up, the General and his three Captains came out of the command building and walked up onto the wall, stopping just above the gate. "Aleisia has been attacked."The General stated, at this, every ponies spirits fell."Both the second and forth legions have been completely destroyed, and the city has fallen into enemy claws."'Impossible' I thought,' the second and forth where two of the best' "I have been ordered to send a column of troops to help take back the city, Captain's Steel Skull and Bloodied Hammer have volunteered their men and themselves,"The general continued.'Good, at least we don't have to go. 'I thought."but I need Bloodied Hammer here, so instead, I will be sending Captain Scout Eyes."The general finished.'Thought to soon, damn it.' I, again, thought to myself. "The Captains have their orders and will distribute them as they see fit, that is all, dismissed." At that every pony walked out of the training area and back to their bunkers, as did we. It was maybe an hour or two before a private came running by with all the orders and gave them to the Sargent. "Well,"Fire Ball started,"what do they say, Sir?" "That we have to report to the main column at one PM, at the gate."The Sarge answered. "How could Aleisia fall, its the province capital."I stated. "Just like all the other cities these barbarians attack."Ice Heart hissed, almost like it was personal."My father died in the last war, but he sent letters about how they act, their evil." "I heard some of the others talking about them,"Fire Ball started."they say that they made a deal with the devil, and the ones in the far north can use magic." "That's ridicules, only Unicorns can use magic."Maximus said. "But Loose Tongue said that he saw it."Fire Ball said. "Loose Tongue lies about everything."Maximus replied. "Well, um, maybe this time he was telling the truth?"Fire Ball finished. "Alright, that's enough."The Sarge Started."Get some food in you, we're going to have a long walk ahead of us." With the Sarge finished, we all set off for the mess hall to get some breakfast, which wasn't bad today. Then we made our way back to the bunker to pack what we had, and then we did nothing for nearly five hours, until the lunch bell rang, then we filled up at the mess hall again before setting out with every pony else to the main gate. By the time we got there, half the column was already formed up, and the other half was right behind us. We were given orders to be on the left side of the column, and when the others all formed up we marched out, heading north to Aleisia. "How far do you think Aleisia is from here?"Maximus asked me. "I have no idea."I answered. The days went by at a slow speed, we would march from two hours before the sun rose, and until the sun was set. Slowly, other squads joined up with our column until we were two columns strong. On day seven in our little walk, we were joined by an army, or rather we joined an army led by General Burning Sky himself, I figured he was probably sent here at about the same time my squad and I were, this made the army four and a half columns large. I had never been in an army quite this large, there were two whole legions here, and from what every pony was saying there were more on the way, which left me with the question, 'how many of them are there at the city?' Day ten was the day we made it to the city. The wall was still standing, the gate had been repaired, and there were bodies littering the field surrounding the wall. The soldiers of the second and forth had put up one hell of a fight, but in the end, sheer numbers and the griffon ability to fly, won them the city. The General gave the order to pitch camp, we would attack in the morning. Chapter 5:To Take Back AleisiaI stood there in the frigid cold of the early morning, just before the sun rose. To my right there were solders as far as one could see, all standing there in a perfect square formation, just waiting for the order that was soon to come, waiting for the cannons behind us to finally stop firing and for the general to give the order to advance. I shivered as the cool air found its way through my uniform that did little to resist its chilling influence. I looked to my left, no pony to be seen stood at my left shoulder, I was on the far left of the army, the very end of the line, somehow, that made me feel less safe. I was pulled away from my thoughts when I realized that the canons on the hill had stopped firing, it would not be long after that, soon the general would shout the order and we would come crashing down on the enemy like a wave, the thing that worried me was that waves tend to brake on the rocks, not the other way around. "Charge!"The general shouted as loud as he could, for those next to him it was probably very clear, but from my side of the army, and probably the far right, his order was barely audible, but even though I could not hear the order I knew what it was, and all the Captains repeated it farther down the line until there was no doubt. With orders given, the entire army lurched forward and began running up the hill at full speed, the goal was to get into firing range as fast as possible, and marching up would have been too slow, they had a height advantage so we would be in their firing range first. "God's protect us."I whispered, just as the enemy began firing down on us. The burning lead instantly took down brave solders all along the line, but on we charged. The next volley tore through the air just as ladders began to land on the wall and troops began the climb up them, only for the entire first wave to take the shots directly and plummet to their deaths. I was next up the ladder on the far left of the line, so up I went, and by some miracle, I got to the top past two volleys. When I reached the top and jumped from the ladder I found myself surrounded by heavily armored griffons with swords raised, then the fight began. I ducked as a sword went to take off my head, then rewarded its master by stabbing him in the chest. Two more came at me from my left, I raised my sword and blocked the first one and then turned toward the next, only to find my friend Maximus had made it up the ladder and had me covered, so my attention went back to the staggered griffon that I blocked. I swung my sword at him in a downward angle, but he was just fast enough to block it and swing at me again, this time I blocked it and ripped it from his clawed grasp, then swung my sword back around and took off his feathered head. By the time I killed my enemy, the wall had been nearly taken, it was now a simple matter of cleaning up what was left of the enemy in the city, which was the easier part of any city battle. From the wall I could see the center of the city, the main body of the enemy was there, blocking the three entrances with wagons and anything else that was loose, if we were griffons and they were unicorns that would have been a really bad defense, but sense it was the other way around, that was the best one. "Form up on the flag!"The order was shouted from an unseen Captain somewhere near by. At this order I began looking for the flag of the 7th legion, I soon found the burning phoenix, which was the flag of the 7th and began running down the stairs toward the street just below, Maximus and my squad were right behind me. Upon making it to the flag with the mighty phoenix symbol on it we fell in behind the rest of our legion, the might of the 7th was something to behold. Fear seemed to evaporate as the strength of the legion flowed through our veins, we may not have been the most spoken of legion, but in our hearts, we were the mightiest of all legions. As one, with a mighty shout we yelled a battle cry that would shake the enemy to their souls. "7TH,"The Captain of the 7th legion, Captain Fire Heart yelled."CHARGE!" The entire 7th legion lunged forward and let out another battle cry, I, with every other solder in the legion, readied my musket, as I ran I felt fear try to climb back up my throat, but I held it down. I heard another captain give the order to charge, and another legion joined us, but I was pulled from the thought of looking to see which one it was by the Captain of my legion giving his own order. "Fire!"He yelled when we were just in firing rang. "BANG" The chorus of musket fire filled the air, and the lead danced through the wind and fell on its targets, griffons in their line began to drop and their line began to collapse, and a small gap opened in the center. "Push through the gap!"The Captain shouted. With a ferocious roar, we tore into the enemy line attempting to push through the hole that continued to open as we relentlessly pushed it open with force. Finally the line fell and the 7th rushed over the bodies of the fallen griffons, toward the General and his personal guard, who stood there waiting for their end to reach them. The General then gave a shout that the rest of his guard then picked up as he raised the flag of his legion as high as he could, then they broke their shield wall and charged us back, this changed our spirit, they charged with no chance of winning, but they charged non the less. Metal clanged against metal as our blades met theirs, I was at the back with my squad, we couldn't get to the fighting as it raged in the front, but then I saw something interesting, the enemy General climbed onto a flipped cart to give his solders inspiration, but he left himself wide open. Seeing him standing there, I lifted my musket and leveled it at him, my shot was ready, the trigger primed, and now he was in my sights. "BANG" Suddenly the General stopped shouting and waving his arms, he just stood there, then he dropped the flag, but he still stood there, just holding his saber. Then his eyes started scanning the battle field, looking for the one who had killed him, his eyes then fell on me, he just stared at me, after a second he fell forward, collapsing in a billow of dust. After their general was dead they all just surrendered and the battle was over, a great victory to be sure. Author's Note Thank you every one that waited a month for this next chapter, and I apologies for taking so long, my proofreader was a bit slow. Chapter 6;Back to MasserAs the column of solders from another fort broke off from our own and took another road, I saw for the first time just how depleted we were, when we left Fort Masser we were a column strong, now I could see that we were about half a column strong, with one thousand six hundred solders to a column that meant we lost eight hundred solders. Shaking the thoughts from my head I looked at my friend marching to my right, and beyond him was my whole squad, safe and sound. "Thank you counsel for hearing my prayer."I thought to the gods in my head. Then Maximus looked at me and asked."Hey, you OK?" "Yeah, I'm fine,"I said."just thinking." "What about?"Maximus asked. "Back in the city, about after they surrendered."I said, which was the truth, before I was thinking about the safety of my friends I had been thinking about the battles end. "Yeah, I was thinking about that too,"Maximus started."is that standard procedure?" "I don't know,"I answered."I know it is standard to execute the officers, but to execute all the captured troops seems a bit extreme,"I continued."and I know it is not standard to sack a city." After the battle ended, when the enemy surrendered, all the officers were executed, then two hours later all the prisoners were put in front of a wall and shot. Then after that the General ordered the city to be plundered then burnt, against the objections of all the Captains, but, when the order came we followed it. "Yeah, but was it legal?"Maximus asked. "Yes, it was, Generals are given complete power in a situation like that, unless royalty is present,"I answered."then its up to them." "Fat chance we'll ever see royalty in this hell hole."Maximus remarked. "Yeah."I simply replied. "Hey, you two better keep talk like that quiet,"Sarge said."you don't know who will turn you in." "Its not illegal to say something like that."Maximus said. "It is if you're in the military and its about the royal family."The sarge replied."Now, shut up and keep walking." At the Sarges request we were silent the rest of the day, the long journey stretching on and on, the land never seemed to change here in Griffania, unlike the constantly changing landscape in Unicornia here it was all flat, with some small hills every now and then. It was day nine in the march and day ten was around the corner, so we should have made it to the fort by mid day tomorrow. But, things always went different then planed, at about three in the after noon a messenger from Fort Masser arrived with new orders. Whatever the orders were I and the rest of the troops were not made privy to that information and we continued on the same road toward Fort Masser, the day turned into night and we kept marching long past dark, I didn't understand why we marched so late into the night but we must have marched until two in the morning before we were ordered to pitch camp, which was done very quickly, then it was straight to bed. In the morning we had a quick breakfast then we were off again at seven, and by about nine I could see the beautiful wall of the fort on its hill. "The Captains must have really wanted to get back."I thought to myself. But when the captains got to the cross road at the bottom of the hill, the left path going right to the front gate and the right path going toward the mountains, the captains of both legions turned right, and right past the gleaming fort we marched. We marched for the rest of the day until the sun set, the heat finally letting its oppressive hand rest, and we all gathered around camp fires and had super. "Where do you all think we are going?"Ice Heart asked. "My guess would be the Mallhearen front."Corporal Iron Hide said with a mouth full of potatoes. "But the Mallhearen plains are over seven hundred miles away."Ice Heart said. "They sent me nine hundred miles for a battle once."The Sarge said. "Join the army, see the world."Maximus said. "Yup, and all the troubles it has."I added. "Amen."Fire Ball agreed. "This has been one long year."Swift Steel grumbled. "By the gods, has it been a full year?"Ice Heart asked. "Since we joined it has been one year and three months."Fire Ball answered. "Fire Ball, how do keep track of the months, yet you cant tell time?"I asked. "I don't know."Fire Ball answered. "Well,"The Sarge started before gulping down the last of his soup."get some sleep, I bet we'll be marching rather early tomorrow." At that, we all hit the sack, for in the morning we would have a long day ahead of us. Chapter 7:AmbushThe Mallhearen plains stretched out for as far as I could see, the flatness made me miss the hilly forest covered landscape of my home. No water could be seen, and it was hotter then ever as we marched on, and to make matters worse, every three hours a griffon flew over, they knew we were coming. Since we made it to this gods forsaken place we were joined by two more columns, we must have made a pretty big target, two and a half columns marching, gleaming in the sun like fresh snow, and clanking like a kitchen. But, we marched on, not even attempting to hide from scouts, we marched in broad daylight and marched under torchlight by night. We had been marching without stopping for two days, and it wasn't slow marching, we were fast marching, every pony in the army was beaten, solders began fainting from heat stroke and exhaustion, but there was no slowing of pace. "Wherever we're going must be important."I said. "Yup, but if we don't slow down, no pony will make it there."Maximus exclaimed. "Can't the Captains see that this pace will kill us all?"Fire Ball asked. "They've probably been ordered to get there by a certain time."The Sarge said. "Well, we ain't going to make it no four hundred more miles without a break."Corporal Iron Hide stated. "Damn!"I Heard Ice Heart exclaim."My canteens empty." "Here,"The Sarge said passing her his canteen."you drink it to fast, slow down." "Ice Heart's melting."Fire Ball said then laughed at his own joke. Ice Heart rolled her eyes then replied."Shut up Fire Ball." "At this point I'm thinking about faking fainting."Swift Steel said. "Look!"Corporal Iron Hide said, pointing to the sky, I turned my head to see what he was looking at, and there just on the horizon was the most beautiful sight I had seen since we got to the plains. Clouds. Rain clouds. "Gods be praised."Ice Heart said. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Two Hours Later Finally the great clouds were over us, blocking the sun, there was a nice breeze on the air and the long fast marching got a little easier, but, even with the weather the way it was, the troops were beyond tired. "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHH" "Did you hear that?" Maximus asked me."That was thunder, and that means rain." "Maximus,"I started."every pony heard it." "I know, I was ju-"But Maximus was cut off by some pony farther up the line yelling. "AMBUSH!" "BANG" Musket fire suddenly rained down from the sky, I looked up and saw hundreds of griffons pouring out of the clouds and heading toward us. Instantly I lifted my musket and aimed for the griffons waiting for the order to fire, but it wasn't coming, I began looking around for the captain, and when I saw him the reason for no orders was obvious. Not knowing what else to do, I fired my shot, which hit a griffon sending him to the ground faster then his friends, my firing must have caused others to think the order had been given, because a second after all the muskets around fired at the descending griffons. I was about to start loading my musket with another shot, but I didn't have enough time as griffons started swooping down at me and anypony that wasn't paying attention. I dropped the powder horn from my magical grasp and lifted the musket into the air, catching a griffon in the chest with the deadly sharp bayonet at its end. The bayonet however broke off inside the griffon, so I dropped the now useless musket and drew the powerful griffon blade I had adopted, then swung it at a blade that was on its way to my head. The griffon that had attacked me gave the blade a furious look, then looked at me with killer intent. "You will die Unicorn!"He shouted as he jumped at me, then swung his blade down with all his might. At the last second I rolled to the left and his sword missed me by a hair, as soon as I stopped I jumped at him, but he had no time to move as my blade cut through his neck. "Every pony dies, but I won't die here."I said to his dead body. I looked up from his fallen body and saw the battle field, we were taking heavy loses, and I couldn't find my squad, then it began raining, in a second I couldn't see nine hooves in front of me. I stabbed a griffon through the back then turned back toward where my squad was last, finally I found them, standing in a circle swords drawn and holding off ten griffons. I ran in behind the griffons and slashed one through the back of his neck, then stabbed another before the rest realized I was there, but they soon did and I found myself in the circle with my squad. "Good of you to join us."Sarge said. "Well,"I started, but I had to block a griffon and push him back, then I swung at him, just cutting his shoulder, then I continued."I knew you all would need my help." Cutting down the griffon I had just injured, I stepped toward the next, only to find that I could not move my hind legs, I looked back and saw that they were now half way sunk into the mud, which now had them held in its suction. "Oh shit."I yelled trying to pull myself free, but only sinking deeper. I looked back to the griffons and saw that some of them were also stuck, but most were still flying, then I felt myself stop sinking, but my stomach was already half under the mud, I felt something solid under my hooves. "A rock,"I thought to myself."I'm on a rock." My heart jumped for joy, but then sank immediately, I turned my head and saw only the heads of my squad as they continued to sink. Instantly I dropped my sword and began pulling them with my magic toward the rock I was on, finally I got them there, safe and sound, but then my head started spinning, I used to much magic. I fell into Maximus's side, my head now screaming in pain, and shapes and colors started to blend together. "Hang in there."Maximus said, then fired a ball of magic at a griffon that was still flying. Then the world went dark. Chapter 8: Mortals and gods"Awaken."I heard a voice order and I instantly was conscious. I opened my eyes and saw that I was no longer in the mud of the Mallhearen plains, to my right was the Sarge and Swift Steel who were both just getting up, then I looked to my left where the rest of my squad was also just aroused to consciousness. I finally pulled myself to my hooves and then looked around, as I looked my heart began to climb out of my chest. The room was a circle with fine stone work, and sitting in a circle encompassing the room were great thrones, twenty four thrones that held twenty four Draconiqui, we were in the counsel of the Draconiqui. As soon as I realized where I stood, I fell onto my face before the gods, and it took my squad only a second to realize the same, and they too then fell down before them. "Rise faithful ones."Baal-Hamon the head counselor of the counsel of the gods said. Once he gave the order we all stood up, I could now see his throne, which stood much higher then the rest, beside his wife's throne which sat across from his. "It is not my place to ask,"The Sargent started."but, why have we-" "Been summoned here?"Robigus cut him off, she then continued."To do our biding." "These are trying times."Baal-Hamon started."The lesser races fight their wars, and we fight our wars-" "But,"His wife Tanit took over."it is time we fight the same fight." At this my squad shared a worried glance with each other. "My lord,"Sarge started."how could we fight a war that only you can fight?" "With our help!"Discord shouted with glee. "Discord,"Quo, god of order started."control your childish tendencies." "Now where's the fun in acting normal?"Discord asked. "Stop this pointlessness,"Tanit commanded."you are both acting like children." "Good."Discord cheered. "The new goddesses rise,"Baal-Hamon continued."and soon they will be a threat to even us." "Impossible,"Maximus stated."what could stand against the counsel and not fall?" "The earth ponies have for generations worshiped the sun and moon,"Baal-Hamon started."and we have been able to keep the two sleeping goddesses asleep, but, lately the Unicorn Empire's conquest of their subjects has caused them to stir. "Can they not be made part of the counsel,"I started."like Discord?" "They are not Draconiqui,"Baal-Hamon said with poison in his voice."they are ponies, with wings and horns." "Heresy."I mumbled. "Yes, it is just that, my faithful one."Robigus said. "I agree that this heresy must be stopped,"Sarge said."but, how can we help?" "With our blessing."Baal-Hamon said reaching out his claw which began to glow with his power, then the rest of the counsel did the same. As the glow around their claws began to disperse, my uniform, and the uniforms of my squad began to take on the same glow, I could feel the power flowing through my body, and I could feel a shield form around my uniform. My battle worn grey shirt and pants were replaced by officers dress blues, the dull brass buttons became gold in a flash of light, my griffon sword flowed with power the likes of which I had never known, a musket appeared before me, the same kind that the Emperors personal guard used, and, my uniform, though it felt soft and week, I knew it would block any normal attack. "Take these gifts, and stop the new goddesses from awakening."Baal-Hamon commanded. "And there just might be a surprise at the end!"Discord shouted and jumped out of his seat. "How will we know where to go?"Ice Heart asked. As soon as she finished a rolled up map flashed into existences in front of the sarge, which he then picked up and opened. "You must return to Equestria and go to this mountain where their heresy was born, and strike the two sisters down," Baal-Hamon said."Then, our counsel will be safe." "But the military will not let us go anywhere without their approval, and I doubt that they will believe us."The Sarge said. "We have contacted general Burning Sky, he has already sent a squad to look for you."Baal-Hamon answered with amusement in his voice. "Now, you must make haste,"Robigus started."there is not much time." "Yes, go now with our gifts."Baal-Hamon said, then he extended his paw and the world left us. "Here they are,"I heard a voice shout."I found them!" After that I heard many hooves trampling the ground on their way over toward me and my squad, I tried to open my eyes, but that only made my head hurt even more, so I just laid still. "What the-"I heard a voice start, but then another voice answered his question before he finished. "It was a flash rain storm, they'll sink you fast."It said. Then for what felt like hours, the unseen voices dug me and my squad out of the earth, and then dragged us onto the sunny surface. "Come on,"Another voice started."we need to get them back to the General." Then all sound stopped, and I once again drifted into sleep. Author's Note Well, that's it for Griffania, I hope you all enjoyed this, and please stay tuned for the next Unicorn Wars. Thank you all for reading!
Chapter 1: A New LandThe ship lunged under my hooves as a wave slammed into the hall again, it had been one long storm after another as soon as we entered the Griffin Sea, and the crew had said that this weather was some of the best they had ever seen on the Griffin Sea. Another wave struck the hall, this one sent me off my hooves and into the guard rail, quickly getting back to my hooves I decided to get off the deck and go below. I quickly made my way to the hatch that led to the inside of the ship and opened it with haste, I then made my way down the overly steep stairs that bridged the top to the bottom, but as I neared the bottom the ship shook signaling that yet another wave had hit it, it also sent me to the bottom the fast way. Standing up I puled the rope that I landed in off me and set a barrel that had been knocked over back up, then I was trampled by a young sailor who very hastily attempted to make his way up the stairs. "Sorry."He shouted as he ran up the steps, then met the same fate I had seconds before. As soon as he was back on his hooves he was up the steps and gone faster then I could follow. Returning my thoughts to the warm bunk that awaited me I turned back down the corridor and started walking to the door at the far end, it wasn't that easy though, the ship kept swaying and I was knocked into the wall more the a few times, but finally I made it to the bunk room. "How do sailors stand it?"I questioned as I opened the door. "I don't know."The Sargent said miserably as he walked past me and toward the stairs, looking rather green. I shook my head and moved into the room, Maximus, Corporal Iron Hide and Ice Heart had a game of poker going, judging from his face I would say that the corporal was not winning, Fire Ball lay on his bunk and at the moment I looked at him he grabbed a bucket and threw up into it, Swift Steel was the only one who looked like he was not going to do the same. "Hey Nova,"Maximus called."care to join, with the corporal playing you cant loose." Swift Steel and Ice Heart started laughing, much to the corporals dismay, and Fire Ball just threw up again. "Ha ha,"The corporal mockingly laughed."look who just volunteered to do Latrine duty, that's a good attitude I'll talk to the Sarge about it." At this every pony laugh again, except Maximus, who looked even sicker. "No thanks,"I said."I'm going to get some sleep." And with that I crawled into the bed farthest from Fire Ball and went to sleep as fast as I could, when I was awake on this ship I felt sick all the time, but when I was asleep I slept like a baby. "Wake up,"The voice of Maximus cut through the darkness of my sleep."we're coming into the harbor now." Slowly my eyes drifted open and I saw my friend standing over me, I didn't feel immediately sick so I assumed that the storm had let up. Rubbing my eyes I sat up and gave a big yawn, then looked back at Maximus. "So we finally made it."I said, more of a statement then a question. "Yup,"Maximus said shaking his head up and down."the ship will be docking in a couple of minutes." "Good,"I started as I made my way toward the door to the hallway."I cant wait to get off this ship." "Same here."Maximus agreed as we left the bunk room behind. We continued down the hallway until we came to the stairs leading up to the deck, we jogged up the steps as fast as we could, a habit we had gotten into when the ship was still being tossed around the sea. Making it to the deck we turned toward the bow of the ship and saw our squad getting ready to get off the ship as soon as it docked. On the near by land I could see a small city, this one was much bigger then Manehatten, but still paled in comparison to a normal city in Unicornia. Unlike Manehatten this city had a stone wall that looked like it could take a beating, and from the cannons on its wall I would say it could give one heck of a beating as well. The city was cut off from the docks by a massive gate with a huge pot above it, my guess was that it was filled with boiling oil to be dumped onto attackers trying to get through the gate. After my short amount of observation the hall of the ship bumped into the side of the dock, two sailors jumped from the side of the ship with large ropes then proceeded to fashion the ship to the dock, after that task was complete the gang plank was dropped and we were let off the ship. Every pony look relieved to be off of it, except Swift Steel who looked a little sad. "Finally,"Ice Heart said."dry land." "I'm so glad I didn't listen to my dad,"Fire Ball started."'join the navy son, it will be the best choice of your life' he said, whats wrong with him?" "Well lets not stand around,"The Sarge said."we have some where to be." With that we all started toward the city gate to report to a Commander called Arcane Magic. I had not really heard much about this territory from the news paper, but, I knew its inhabitants were violent, very violent.
Chapter 2: Stinging Lead"Nova,"The voice of my dear friend Maximus shook me from my prayer, I looked up from the shrine and at him."sorry, but the Sarge said its time to get moving." "OK,"I said getting up."I was done anyway." With that me and Maximus left the small temple to the Counsel of the Draconiqui and made are way to the well-kept fort on the hill over looking the city, it was not our final destination but it was our next stop. After a short climb we made it to the top of the hill that the fort was on and met our squad just out side the gate, already formed up and ready to move out. "Well, good of you to join us."The Sarge said, a bit of impatience in his voice. "Sorry Sir,"I started as me and Maximus came to attention."I lost track of time." "At ease,"The Sarge said dismissively."we best start moving though, the sooner the better." And with that we all started off down the road, marching in a strait column of two side by side, which made the column only three pairs long with the Sarge in the front alone. The good news was that the day was cloudy and the sun didn't shine down on us and add to the torment of marching, and the road was well kept, it was for the most part smooth and had very few stones, but the day had some bad news as well, marching was never easy, even with thick cloud coverage we all quickly worked up a sweat, then there was the leather straps, every time I took a step the straps would tighten and tried to give me a nice friction burn. But even with the slight discomfort of being attacked by leather the march was not to bad, the day grew old and finally night came upon the land of the griffins, so we pitched our tents and called it a night. "Wake up,"I heard as I was shaken from my sleep, to find that it was still dark out."some ponies out there."The voice I now recognized as Maximus said. "Are you kidding me,"I whispered in a annoyed tone."your not scared of the dark are you?" "What, no of course not,"Maximus said."I heard something." "It was your imagination,"I said dismissively."go back to sleep." As soon as I finished saying that I saw a shadow just at the corner of the tent, it was massive, at least two times bigger then me, it looked like a bird head on a lion with wings. I had to force myself not to gasp when I realized what I was looking at, I had read a description of a Griffin in the newspaper but it did it no justice, then I saw that in its talon it held a sword, held high waiting no doubt for his comrades to get into position so they could kill us in one quick attack, I had other plans. Instantly I drew my sword that lay at the end of my bed roll with my magic and I thrust it through the fabric of the tent and into him, earning a shocked scream from him just before he died, this drew the attention from the others just long enough for every pony to draw their own weapons and have a chance to defend themselves. A small battle took place, the Sarge was being attacked by two of the powerful winged beasts while the others all engaged their own, me and Maximus joined Fire Ball and Swift Steel in their fight against their attacker and with the strength of four ponies the single Griffin went down. As soon as the Griffin hit the ground we split ways, Fire Ball and Swift Steel went toward the Sarge and the Corporal who had dispatched his attacker and was now helping the Sarge with his two, while me and Maximus went toward Ice Heart, but by the time we ran at full speed across the small camp it was to late, Ice Heart had already killed the Griffin and we were of absolutely no use, Fire Ball and Swift Steel however might as well of saved the Sarge and the Corporal. "Well,"The Sarge started after a couple of seconds after the battle."pack up, we are moving out, and we are not stopping until we get to the fort." Shaking are heads, all of us in agreement, we set out to complete the task, it was a good thing the day was not hot because if it was we would never have made it past the camp perimeter before collapsing in exhaustion, but the march became harder with each step. 'The pony body was not meant to take this kind of punishment,'I thought to myself.'at least no pony was hurt.' And we marched all night clear into the morning, but 'Thank the gods,' I thought as the powerful form of a massive fort came into view on the horizon. "Fort Masser,"The Sarge said."finally this trip is over. We all quietly mumbled are agreement and then stared toward the pillar of hope just a mile away. My happy thoughts were cut short by a sudden roar of musket fire to the right, and a sudden pain exploded in my flank, right on my cutie mark. Through squinted eyes I saw a small group of Griffins and Pegasi trying to reload their weapons as fast as they could, but we all had a shot ready. "Aim,"The Sarge yelled, and even with the pain in my flank I lifted the gun into a position so I could look down the sight."Fire!" *Bang* My weapon screamed as it fired its deadly ball of lead at the enemy, by some stroke of luck we managed to hit half of them leaving only three Griffins and one Pegasi. Again the Griffins raised their weapons to aim at us, but we had something they did not, not even the Pegasi had it. "Fire magic at will!"The Sarge yelled as loud as he could, and we all instantly dropped our muskets and fired a magical blast before they could fire another shot, and with that the last of them fell to the ground, dead or dieing, and at about that time three squads of reinforcements came from the fort. "They were fast."I said surprised at how fast they made it. "Are you all alright?"One asked. "When we're inside the fort,"The Sarge started."then we will be alright." And with that done we slowly made are way to the fort, finally out of this mad and wild land.
Chapter 3:The Battle of Fort MasserI stood on the wall of the fort, looking east toward where I had just come from, not when I had arrived at the fort, because that was three days ago, but from where I had just returned from patrol, not a good experience. Just ten minutes ago me and Swift Steel had been out on the far perimeter, making our rounds like any other day, but are luck never holds. About half a hour into our brisk walk we were attacked by two forward scouts for a griffon army, then we were chased all the way back to the fort by about seven others, we barely escaped using the trees for cover but we made it back. Now me and every pony else stood there, waiting for them to cross over the hill and descend upon us. I looked down the line to my right, I saw stallions and mares all in armor with a musket in their magic, some looked scared, but most where battle hardened by this land and had only expressions of anticipation. Then I looked toward my left, Maximus stood directly by my side, like he always did, he was the most loyal friend I ever had, his expression was one of concern, but I had a feeling it was not for himself, but for those around him. Just past him was the rest of my squad, they all seemed fine, the Sarge was the only on who was not staring at the horizon, but instead was locked in prayer, to which god I did not know. Past him was more soldiers, I saw pretty much the same amount of faces as on my other side and about the same expressions, but there was more fear, on my left side there where more recruits then on my right so they had less combat experiences. I turned my eyes back to the hill just three hundred hooves away where the enemy would first appear, my front right hoof kept taping against my will, my magic tightened on the musket it held, and I checked the primer for the third time. "Whats taking them so long?"A orange mare asked. The same thoughts where running through my head, they should have made it by now, they were shockingly close to the fort, how they got so close was beyond me. I did not have to wait long to find my answer, as five cannons where rolled over the hill top, pushed by fifteen very large griffons. instantly our cannons opened fire on the griffon cannoneer's and their batteries, the griffons tried to set up their guns as they where pounded by our three fifty pounders, and four twenty pounders, but only one fired a shot that missed and hit twenty or thirty hooves short of the wall, before the last cannoneer was killed. A cheer went up among those on the wall, there artillery was down and it did no damage, the cheer was short lived though, as it was drowned out by a louder cheer from over the hill, this was not a cheer of celebration but a cheer for blood, a battle cry. As the shout died down the first wave of griffons came over the hill, when they reached the top of the hill they spread their wings and jumped into the air, quickly followed by the next wave, then they raised there muskets and took aim. "Get down!"The general shouted, and every pony fell down flat. Then the first round of lead struck the wall we were all behind. "Take aim!"The general continued, and we all aim at the flying wall of griffons in front of us."Fire!" *BANG* With no cover the first wave was hit and took heavy loses, but they kept coming, and the next wave fired well we were all still up. *BANG* Again there muskets roared this time catching some of the new recruits and even some of the more experience fell from the attack. "Reload!"The General yelled, but every pony on the wall was already doing so anyway."Aim."He continued, and we aimed for the front line again."Fire!" We fired and another wave of griffons fell from the sky, but the distance between us had been crossed and the griffons all dropped there muskets and puled out long shining steel swords, then with a heavy flap of the wings they descended on us. Instinctively I raised my musket so my bayonet was pointing up at them, waiting as they came down felt like forever, but it came to a end as the first one slammed into my bayonet and his blood exploded across my face. I puled the bayonet from the body and turned to my left to see a griffon on Maximus, trying to get the point of his sword through Maximus's magic and to his neck, he never made it there as I stabbed him in the back with my bayonet also. Maximus got to his hooves and swung his bayonet at a griffon that was going for the Sarge just before he made it though he was cut down by my friend, who then turned back to me. "Thanks."He shouted then moved on to fight another tall griffon. I turned to my right just in time, as a blade just cut my jaw, I swung my musket around and smacked the griffon in the face with the butt of the weapon, he staggered back and I swung the bayonet at him this time, but he hit it away with his saber just in time. My musket was thrown from my magical grasp and off the wall by his attack, then he took another swing at me, I blocked with the sword I had just drew from my side in the nick of time, but my short sword stood no chance against the heavy blade the griffon used and was thrown from my grasp, and again he swung at me, I ducked just in time as his sword past over my head, I reached out with my magic in frantic search for something to fight him with, finally I fount something with a mettle blade and brought it up just in time to block his next attack, our blades screeched against each other and I saw the blade that had saved my life, a long standered issue griffon sword, a powerful blade to be sure. Swinging my powerful new weapon I knocked his blade down and slashed at his head, he recovered to quick though and blocked me, again I swung at him this time he blocked to slow and I left a large slash down his left shoulder. He shrieked and swung at me again and I jumped back, which he did not expect as he lost his balance and stumbled forward, I slashed again at his head this time he was unable to block and his head came off in one swift motion. I moved away from his body in search of another target, one I quickly found, attacking Ice Heart and Fire Ball was three griffons, I snuck up behind them and killed one before they knew I was there, teaming up with Fire Ball we easily killed the one he was fighting then took out the other one. As the last one fell I heard a horn blow from the hill, and then the griffons started to fly back toward it, they where in retreat. "Grab a musket."The general yelled."Shot them down!." With that, me and every pony else grabbed the closest musket and fired it at the retreating griffons, but as they flew over the hill I just dropped the musket and sat down exhausted from the fight.
Chapter 4:Toward AleisiaMy eyes snapped open as a bell started to ring, it sounded like the alarm to warn of an attack, I jumped to my hooves and grabbed my uniform, musket and my new Griffon style sword which I had decided to keep after the battle two days ago, and rushed to the door where the rest of my squad was already forming up just outside. I jumped through the door, landing at the bottom of the steps and then ran up to my squad and got in behind Maximus, right next to Fire Ball. The Sarge was the last one there, which was surprising, and was fully dressed, well we where still trying to get our uniforms on. "Well, your all in a hurry,"He started."that, is a calling bell, it means that every pony has to report to the training field, not that there's an attack, now get those uniforms on properly, its probably an inspection. At this, every pony breathed a sigh of relief, we had our fill of battles this week, then we went to work getting our uniforms on, which was hard to do with all the little buttons that needed to be snapped into place, but we were soon on our way. As we marched into the training field, I saw every squad in the fort, all just standing there waiting for the general, or a few of them, like us, had just arrived. However, we were all soon in formation all waiting for the general, it was not a long wait, soon, after the last of the squads had formed up, the General and his three Captains came out of the command building and walked up onto the wall, stopping just above the gate. "Aleisia has been attacked."The General stated, at this, every ponies spirits fell."Both the second and forth legions have been completely destroyed, and the city has fallen into enemy claws."'Impossible' I thought,' the second and forth where two of the best' "I have been ordered to send a column of troops to help take back the city, Captain's Steel Skull and Bloodied Hammer have volunteered their men and themselves,"The general continued.'Good, at least we don't have to go. 'I thought."but I need Bloodied Hammer here, so instead, I will be sending Captain Scout Eyes."The general finished.'Thought to soon, damn it.' I, again, thought to myself. "The Captains have their orders and will distribute them as they see fit, that is all, dismissed." At that every pony walked out of the training area and back to their bunkers, as did we. It was maybe an hour or two before a private came running by with all the orders and gave them to the Sargent. "Well,"Fire Ball started,"what do they say, Sir?" "That we have to report to the main column at one PM, at the gate."The Sarge answered. "How could Aleisia fall, its the province capital."I stated. "Just like all the other cities these barbarians attack."Ice Heart hissed, almost like it was personal."My father died in the last war, but he sent letters about how they act, their evil." "I heard some of the others talking about them,"Fire Ball started."they say that they made a deal with the devil, and the ones in the far north can use magic." "That's ridicules, only Unicorns can use magic."Maximus said. "But Loose Tongue said that he saw it."Fire Ball said. "Loose Tongue lies about everything."Maximus replied. "Well, um, maybe this time he was telling the truth?"Fire Ball finished. "Alright, that's enough."The Sarge Started."Get some food in you, we're going to have a long walk ahead of us." With the Sarge finished, we all set off for the mess hall to get some breakfast, which wasn't bad today. Then we made our way back to the bunker to pack what we had, and then we did nothing for nearly five hours, until the lunch bell rang, then we filled up at the mess hall again before setting out with every pony else to the main gate. By the time we got there, half the column was already formed up, and the other half was right behind us. We were given orders to be on the left side of the column, and when the others all formed up we marched out, heading north to Aleisia. "How far do you think Aleisia is from here?"Maximus asked me. "I have no idea."I answered. The days went by at a slow speed, we would march from two hours before the sun rose, and until the sun was set. Slowly, other squads joined up with our column until we were two columns strong. On day seven in our little walk, we were joined by an army, or rather we joined an army led by General Burning Sky himself, I figured he was probably sent here at about the same time my squad and I were, this made the army four and a half columns large. I had never been in an army quite this large, there were two whole legions here, and from what every pony was saying there were more on the way, which left me with the question, 'how many of them are there at the city?' Day ten was the day we made it to the city. The wall was still standing, the gate had been repaired, and there were bodies littering the field surrounding the wall. The soldiers of the second and forth had put up one hell of a fight, but in the end, sheer numbers and the griffon ability to fly, won them the city. The General gave the order to pitch camp, we would attack in the morning.
Chapter 5:To Take Back AleisiaI stood there in the frigid cold of the early morning, just before the sun rose. To my right there were solders as far as one could see, all standing there in a perfect square formation, just waiting for the order that was soon to come, waiting for the cannons behind us to finally stop firing and for the general to give the order to advance. I shivered as the cool air found its way through my uniform that did little to resist its chilling influence. I looked to my left, no pony to be seen stood at my left shoulder, I was on the far left of the army, the very end of the line, somehow, that made me feel less safe. I was pulled away from my thoughts when I realized that the canons on the hill had stopped firing, it would not be long after that, soon the general would shout the order and we would come crashing down on the enemy like a wave, the thing that worried me was that waves tend to brake on the rocks, not the other way around. "Charge!"The general shouted as loud as he could, for those next to him it was probably very clear, but from my side of the army, and probably the far right, his order was barely audible, but even though I could not hear the order I knew what it was, and all the Captains repeated it farther down the line until there was no doubt. With orders given, the entire army lurched forward and began running up the hill at full speed, the goal was to get into firing range as fast as possible, and marching up would have been too slow, they had a height advantage so we would be in their firing range first. "God's protect us."I whispered, just as the enemy began firing down on us. The burning lead instantly took down brave solders all along the line, but on we charged. The next volley tore through the air just as ladders began to land on the wall and troops began the climb up them, only for the entire first wave to take the shots directly and plummet to their deaths. I was next up the ladder on the far left of the line, so up I went, and by some miracle, I got to the top past two volleys. When I reached the top and jumped from the ladder I found myself surrounded by heavily armored griffons with swords raised, then the fight began. I ducked as a sword went to take off my head, then rewarded its master by stabbing him in the chest. Two more came at me from my left, I raised my sword and blocked the first one and then turned toward the next, only to find my friend Maximus had made it up the ladder and had me covered, so my attention went back to the staggered griffon that I blocked. I swung my sword at him in a downward angle, but he was just fast enough to block it and swing at me again, this time I blocked it and ripped it from his clawed grasp, then swung my sword back around and took off his feathered head. By the time I killed my enemy, the wall had been nearly taken, it was now a simple matter of cleaning up what was left of the enemy in the city, which was the easier part of any city battle. From the wall I could see the center of the city, the main body of the enemy was there, blocking the three entrances with wagons and anything else that was loose, if we were griffons and they were unicorns that would have been a really bad defense, but sense it was the other way around, that was the best one. "Form up on the flag!"The order was shouted from an unseen Captain somewhere near by. At this order I began looking for the flag of the 7th legion, I soon found the burning phoenix, which was the flag of the 7th and began running down the stairs toward the street just below, Maximus and my squad were right behind me. Upon making it to the flag with the mighty phoenix symbol on it we fell in behind the rest of our legion, the might of the 7th was something to behold. Fear seemed to evaporate as the strength of the legion flowed through our veins, we may not have been the most spoken of legion, but in our hearts, we were the mightiest of all legions. As one, with a mighty shout we yelled a battle cry that would shake the enemy to their souls. "7TH,"The Captain of the 7th legion, Captain Fire Heart yelled."CHARGE!" The entire 7th legion lunged forward and let out another battle cry, I, with every other solder in the legion, readied my musket, as I ran I felt fear try to climb back up my throat, but I held it down. I heard another captain give the order to charge, and another legion joined us, but I was pulled from the thought of looking to see which one it was by the Captain of my legion giving his own order. "Fire!"He yelled when we were just in firing rang. "BANG" The chorus of musket fire filled the air, and the lead danced through the wind and fell on its targets, griffons in their line began to drop and their line began to collapse, and a small gap opened in the center. "Push through the gap!"The Captain shouted. With a ferocious roar, we tore into the enemy line attempting to push through the hole that continued to open as we relentlessly pushed it open with force. Finally the line fell and the 7th rushed over the bodies of the fallen griffons, toward the General and his personal guard, who stood there waiting for their end to reach them. The General then gave a shout that the rest of his guard then picked up as he raised the flag of his legion as high as he could, then they broke their shield wall and charged us back, this changed our spirit, they charged with no chance of winning, but they charged non the less. Metal clanged against metal as our blades met theirs, I was at the back with my squad, we couldn't get to the fighting as it raged in the front, but then I saw something interesting, the enemy General climbed onto a flipped cart to give his solders inspiration, but he left himself wide open. Seeing him standing there, I lifted my musket and leveled it at him, my shot was ready, the trigger primed, and now he was in my sights. "BANG" Suddenly the General stopped shouting and waving his arms, he just stood there, then he dropped the flag, but he still stood there, just holding his saber. Then his eyes started scanning the battle field, looking for the one who had killed him, his eyes then fell on me, he just stared at me, after a second he fell forward, collapsing in a billow of dust. After their general was dead they all just surrendered and the battle was over, a great victory to be sure. Author's Note Thank you every one that waited a month for this next chapter, and I apologies for taking so long, my proofreader was a bit slow.
Chapter 6;Back to MasserAs the column of solders from another fort broke off from our own and took another road, I saw for the first time just how depleted we were, when we left Fort Masser we were a column strong, now I could see that we were about half a column strong, with one thousand six hundred solders to a column that meant we lost eight hundred solders. Shaking the thoughts from my head I looked at my friend marching to my right, and beyond him was my whole squad, safe and sound. "Thank you counsel for hearing my prayer."I thought to the gods in my head. Then Maximus looked at me and asked."Hey, you OK?" "Yeah, I'm fine,"I said."just thinking." "What about?"Maximus asked. "Back in the city, about after they surrendered."I said, which was the truth, before I was thinking about the safety of my friends I had been thinking about the battles end. "Yeah, I was thinking about that too,"Maximus started."is that standard procedure?" "I don't know,"I answered."I know it is standard to execute the officers, but to execute all the captured troops seems a bit extreme,"I continued."and I know it is not standard to sack a city." After the battle ended, when the enemy surrendered, all the officers were executed, then two hours later all the prisoners were put in front of a wall and shot. Then after that the General ordered the city to be plundered then burnt, against the objections of all the Captains, but, when the order came we followed it. "Yeah, but was it legal?"Maximus asked. "Yes, it was, Generals are given complete power in a situation like that, unless royalty is present,"I answered."then its up to them." "Fat chance we'll ever see royalty in this hell hole."Maximus remarked. "Yeah."I simply replied. "Hey, you two better keep talk like that quiet,"Sarge said."you don't know who will turn you in." "Its not illegal to say something like that."Maximus said. "It is if you're in the military and its about the royal family."The sarge replied."Now, shut up and keep walking." At the Sarges request we were silent the rest of the day, the long journey stretching on and on, the land never seemed to change here in Griffania, unlike the constantly changing landscape in Unicornia here it was all flat, with some small hills every now and then. It was day nine in the march and day ten was around the corner, so we should have made it to the fort by mid day tomorrow. But, things always went different then planed, at about three in the after noon a messenger from Fort Masser arrived with new orders. Whatever the orders were I and the rest of the troops were not made privy to that information and we continued on the same road toward Fort Masser, the day turned into night and we kept marching long past dark, I didn't understand why we marched so late into the night but we must have marched until two in the morning before we were ordered to pitch camp, which was done very quickly, then it was straight to bed. In the morning we had a quick breakfast then we were off again at seven, and by about nine I could see the beautiful wall of the fort on its hill. "The Captains must have really wanted to get back."I thought to myself. But when the captains got to the cross road at the bottom of the hill, the left path going right to the front gate and the right path going toward the mountains, the captains of both legions turned right, and right past the gleaming fort we marched. We marched for the rest of the day until the sun set, the heat finally letting its oppressive hand rest, and we all gathered around camp fires and had super. "Where do you all think we are going?"Ice Heart asked. "My guess would be the Mallhearen front."Corporal Iron Hide said with a mouth full of potatoes. "But the Mallhearen plains are over seven hundred miles away."Ice Heart said. "They sent me nine hundred miles for a battle once."The Sarge said. "Join the army, see the world."Maximus said. "Yup, and all the troubles it has."I added. "Amen."Fire Ball agreed. "This has been one long year."Swift Steel grumbled. "By the gods, has it been a full year?"Ice Heart asked. "Since we joined it has been one year and three months."Fire Ball answered. "Fire Ball, how do keep track of the months, yet you cant tell time?"I asked. "I don't know."Fire Ball answered. "Well,"The Sarge started before gulping down the last of his soup."get some sleep, I bet we'll be marching rather early tomorrow." At that, we all hit the sack, for in the morning we would have a long day ahead of us.
Chapter 7:AmbushThe Mallhearen plains stretched out for as far as I could see, the flatness made me miss the hilly forest covered landscape of my home. No water could be seen, and it was hotter then ever as we marched on, and to make matters worse, every three hours a griffon flew over, they knew we were coming. Since we made it to this gods forsaken place we were joined by two more columns, we must have made a pretty big target, two and a half columns marching, gleaming in the sun like fresh snow, and clanking like a kitchen. But, we marched on, not even attempting to hide from scouts, we marched in broad daylight and marched under torchlight by night. We had been marching without stopping for two days, and it wasn't slow marching, we were fast marching, every pony in the army was beaten, solders began fainting from heat stroke and exhaustion, but there was no slowing of pace. "Wherever we're going must be important."I said. "Yup, but if we don't slow down, no pony will make it there."Maximus exclaimed. "Can't the Captains see that this pace will kill us all?"Fire Ball asked. "They've probably been ordered to get there by a certain time."The Sarge said. "Well, we ain't going to make it no four hundred more miles without a break."Corporal Iron Hide stated. "Damn!"I Heard Ice Heart exclaim."My canteens empty." "Here,"The Sarge said passing her his canteen."you drink it to fast, slow down." "Ice Heart's melting."Fire Ball said then laughed at his own joke. Ice Heart rolled her eyes then replied."Shut up Fire Ball." "At this point I'm thinking about faking fainting."Swift Steel said. "Look!"Corporal Iron Hide said, pointing to the sky, I turned my head to see what he was looking at, and there just on the horizon was the most beautiful sight I had seen since we got to the plains. Clouds. Rain clouds. "Gods be praised."Ice Heart said. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Two Hours Later Finally the great clouds were over us, blocking the sun, there was a nice breeze on the air and the long fast marching got a little easier, but, even with the weather the way it was, the troops were beyond tired. "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHH" "Did you hear that?" Maximus asked me."That was thunder, and that means rain." "Maximus,"I started."every pony heard it." "I know, I was ju-"But Maximus was cut off by some pony farther up the line yelling. "AMBUSH!" "BANG" Musket fire suddenly rained down from the sky, I looked up and saw hundreds of griffons pouring out of the clouds and heading toward us. Instantly I lifted my musket and aimed for the griffons waiting for the order to fire, but it wasn't coming, I began looking around for the captain, and when I saw him the reason for no orders was obvious. Not knowing what else to do, I fired my shot, which hit a griffon sending him to the ground faster then his friends, my firing must have caused others to think the order had been given, because a second after all the muskets around fired at the descending griffons. I was about to start loading my musket with another shot, but I didn't have enough time as griffons started swooping down at me and anypony that wasn't paying attention. I dropped the powder horn from my magical grasp and lifted the musket into the air, catching a griffon in the chest with the deadly sharp bayonet at its end. The bayonet however broke off inside the griffon, so I dropped the now useless musket and drew the powerful griffon blade I had adopted, then swung it at a blade that was on its way to my head. The griffon that had attacked me gave the blade a furious look, then looked at me with killer intent. "You will die Unicorn!"He shouted as he jumped at me, then swung his blade down with all his might. At the last second I rolled to the left and his sword missed me by a hair, as soon as I stopped I jumped at him, but he had no time to move as my blade cut through his neck. "Every pony dies, but I won't die here."I said to his dead body. I looked up from his fallen body and saw the battle field, we were taking heavy loses, and I couldn't find my squad, then it began raining, in a second I couldn't see nine hooves in front of me. I stabbed a griffon through the back then turned back toward where my squad was last, finally I found them, standing in a circle swords drawn and holding off ten griffons. I ran in behind the griffons and slashed one through the back of his neck, then stabbed another before the rest realized I was there, but they soon did and I found myself in the circle with my squad. "Good of you to join us."Sarge said. "Well,"I started, but I had to block a griffon and push him back, then I swung at him, just cutting his shoulder, then I continued."I knew you all would need my help." Cutting down the griffon I had just injured, I stepped toward the next, only to find that I could not move my hind legs, I looked back and saw that they were now half way sunk into the mud, which now had them held in its suction. "Oh shit."I yelled trying to pull myself free, but only sinking deeper. I looked back to the griffons and saw that some of them were also stuck, but most were still flying, then I felt myself stop sinking, but my stomach was already half under the mud, I felt something solid under my hooves. "A rock,"I thought to myself."I'm on a rock." My heart jumped for joy, but then sank immediately, I turned my head and saw only the heads of my squad as they continued to sink. Instantly I dropped my sword and began pulling them with my magic toward the rock I was on, finally I got them there, safe and sound, but then my head started spinning, I used to much magic. I fell into Maximus's side, my head now screaming in pain, and shapes and colors started to blend together. "Hang in there."Maximus said, then fired a ball of magic at a griffon that was still flying. Then the world went dark.
Chapter 8: Mortals and gods"Awaken."I heard a voice order and I instantly was conscious. I opened my eyes and saw that I was no longer in the mud of the Mallhearen plains, to my right was the Sarge and Swift Steel who were both just getting up, then I looked to my left where the rest of my squad was also just aroused to consciousness. I finally pulled myself to my hooves and then looked around, as I looked my heart began to climb out of my chest. The room was a circle with fine stone work, and sitting in a circle encompassing the room were great thrones, twenty four thrones that held twenty four Draconiqui, we were in the counsel of the Draconiqui. As soon as I realized where I stood, I fell onto my face before the gods, and it took my squad only a second to realize the same, and they too then fell down before them. "Rise faithful ones."Baal-Hamon the head counselor of the counsel of the gods said. Once he gave the order we all stood up, I could now see his throne, which stood much higher then the rest, beside his wife's throne which sat across from his. "It is not my place to ask,"The Sargent started."but, why have we-" "Been summoned here?"Robigus cut him off, she then continued."To do our biding." "These are trying times."Baal-Hamon started."The lesser races fight their wars, and we fight our wars-" "But,"His wife Tanit took over."it is time we fight the same fight." At this my squad shared a worried glance with each other. "My lord,"Sarge started."how could we fight a war that only you can fight?" "With our help!"Discord shouted with glee. "Discord,"Quo, god of order started."control your childish tendencies." "Now where's the fun in acting normal?"Discord asked. "Stop this pointlessness,"Tanit commanded."you are both acting like children." "Good."Discord cheered. "The new goddesses rise,"Baal-Hamon continued."and soon they will be a threat to even us." "Impossible,"Maximus stated."what could stand against the counsel and not fall?" "The earth ponies have for generations worshiped the sun and moon,"Baal-Hamon started."and we have been able to keep the two sleeping goddesses asleep, but, lately the Unicorn Empire's conquest of their subjects has caused them to stir. "Can they not be made part of the counsel,"I started."like Discord?" "They are not Draconiqui,"Baal-Hamon said with poison in his voice."they are ponies, with wings and horns." "Heresy."I mumbled. "Yes, it is just that, my faithful one."Robigus said. "I agree that this heresy must be stopped,"Sarge said."but, how can we help?" "With our blessing."Baal-Hamon said reaching out his claw which began to glow with his power, then the rest of the counsel did the same. As the glow around their claws began to disperse, my uniform, and the uniforms of my squad began to take on the same glow, I could feel the power flowing through my body, and I could feel a shield form around my uniform. My battle worn grey shirt and pants were replaced by officers dress blues, the dull brass buttons became gold in a flash of light, my griffon sword flowed with power the likes of which I had never known, a musket appeared before me, the same kind that the Emperors personal guard used, and, my uniform, though it felt soft and week, I knew it would block any normal attack. "Take these gifts, and stop the new goddesses from awakening."Baal-Hamon commanded. "And there just might be a surprise at the end!"Discord shouted and jumped out of his seat. "How will we know where to go?"Ice Heart asked. As soon as she finished a rolled up map flashed into existences in front of the sarge, which he then picked up and opened. "You must return to Equestria and go to this mountain where their heresy was born, and strike the two sisters down," Baal-Hamon said."Then, our counsel will be safe." "But the military will not let us go anywhere without their approval, and I doubt that they will believe us."The Sarge said. "We have contacted general Burning Sky, he has already sent a squad to look for you."Baal-Hamon answered with amusement in his voice. "Now, you must make haste,"Robigus started."there is not much time." "Yes, go now with our gifts."Baal-Hamon said, then he extended his paw and the world left us. "Here they are,"I heard a voice shout."I found them!" After that I heard many hooves trampling the ground on their way over toward me and my squad, I tried to open my eyes, but that only made my head hurt even more, so I just laid still. "What the-"I heard a voice start, but then another voice answered his question before he finished. "It was a flash rain storm, they'll sink you fast."It said. Then for what felt like hours, the unseen voices dug me and my squad out of the earth, and then dragged us onto the sunny surface. "Come on,"Another voice started."we need to get them back to the General." Then all sound stopped, and I once again drifted into sleep. Author's Note Well, that's it for Griffania, I hope you all enjoyed this, and please stay tuned for the next Unicorn Wars. Thank you all for reading!
