2. Dusk of a Battle

This campaign is still young. Only three weeks in. The enemy that we defeated today was after two weeks of chasing.  Two weeks of suspense that I should of been prepared for.  In truth, there was something strange about this enemy today.  Perhaps it was that today we are fighting away from our own territory.  Yet after chasing them for so long, they suddenly halted and stood.  Rooted to the ground without ordering a retreat.  Standing there even though their right flank was being overwhelmed at the end -- frozen to the hillside.  They only began to flee when the Pegasi charged.  It was an extremely long battle and my own division repulsed not just once, but thrice without us breaking their lines despite how many of them I saw falling.  It is surprising how much blood the ground was able to soak up...  But we won.  Another victory with another day nearly over.

BerylDusk read over his entry.  He was tempted to crumple it up and dispose it.

"Getting soft, aren't you?" he bitingly thought.

Releasing a sigh, he remembered why he was here on the ruins of a battlefield leagues away from his territory.  He wanted peace.  The other divisional commanders had different reasons: WoodenDale freedom, Radiance protection, and EmeraldCrest glory.  It seemed ironic that he had to fight for peace, but it was only way.  Diplomacy so far has been able to unite the territories around the lone mountain that fills the waters of the Saddle Lake, but only that.  Rival coalitions and confederations have arisen in the north, each with their own objectives, as well as in the west, along the long central range of Equestria.  Conflict would be inevitable, particularly when they all wish for the same thing: unity, control, or to maintain the past's way of life.

BerylDusk was the appointed leader of the entire Everfree region.  It was a prosperous kingdom allowing for freedom of movement of the earth ponies and protecting them from harm.  Everfree was never involved with major conflicts as it always looked for itself.  That was until nearly a year ago, when responsibility arose.

Beryl felt a downdraft of pegasus' wings over head.  Upon turning around, the pegasus saluted in the air.  A odd detail that stood out to Beryl was the cleanness and brightness the messenger's coat.  Perhaps it is only because he is not wearing armor that he was used to seeing throughout his division.

"Sir, I have orders from ArgentHeart.  He requests for you to send your division to the field behind his headquarters to camp.  The hospitals have been assembled there for the wounded.  Other pegasi will arrive to escort your regiments shortly."

Beryl gave him a nod, dipping his horn ever so slightly. "Thank you."

The pegasus saluted again and flew off quickly back in the direction he came.

Beryl realized how he was truthfully still not familiar with the pegasi.  He never negotiated with them during his rule of Everfree mainly because they were just mercenaries.  They never grew their own food on the ground but lived in the clouds.  Up there, they were trained nearly from birth to fly and fight.  Their food come from tributes from the ground kingdoms that hired them to serve as bodyguards or as suppressors.  They truthfully did not care who they fought for as long as they were fed.

"An entire culture that was bread for war.  War that tears lives asunder and land to ruin...  Why must this occur?"

Beryl grasped his journal entry and stuffed it down his breastplate.  He could hear the parchment crinkle, but he did not care.  He had his duty.

He was a commander, but not only that:  He had to believe that he was one.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

BrushedFlame halted and held his double-ended lance level to the horizon over his head, his agile wings gently disturbing the slight breeze.  The small pendants near the ends were tattered due to the air whizzing past them.  There were also some bloodstains as well adding to it's decoration.

"ArgentHeart is going to curse me out if he sees that..." he mumbled.

In truth, he couldn't help but to always lead the charge and attack.  He was always a soldier.  He has lived in the ranks, following a captain in the lead.  But that was when he was fighting for a minor unicorn controlled domain.

Now he is the captain.

And yet now he's following an earth pony.  BrushedFlame chuckled at the thought.

It was really was not much different, ArgentHeart, just like anyone else requested for his services and for payment BrushedFlame would receive a share of crops produced to be sent to his pegasi and their families.

There were a few differences, first off that Argent could win battles.  He understood battle theory and knew how and when to use it.  Already, ArgentHeart had already been able to unite the territories of the former Free Pony Towns.  He was able to push back an Western force that wished to seize control and install a petty ruler over it, even when he was completely out numbered.  He was a hero to the Second Everfree Division, consisting of his old commands that would always cheer when he approached even during the roughest days.  Never had BrushedFlame met an earth pony with as much power as he, though ArgentHeart refused to be ruler over those lands, and instead attempted to join the Everfree nation.  That action alone nearly caused another war.

ArgentHeart also kept his promises.  BrushedFlame has heard of many stories where the pegasi have been swindled by the unicorns themselves.  Argent always reminded him that this war is not against the unicorns, but to create harmony amongst them all.  But there was also this argument that was drilled into BrushedFlame's mind sense the days he first started flying in the basic military training that all pegasi had to go through -- if there are no more wars, then how will they eat?

His loyal warriors in his wake caught up to him.  He could hear their heavy breathing.  BrushedFlame felt like laughing at his ponies for being so tired as he still felt as fresh as when he started the charge, just the feeling of the wind rushing through his mane and tail gives him extra energy.  He remembered how he felt in his first real charge.  It was relieving to finally do what he has been trained to do for his whole life.

Yet now he is the captain.  He must be the leader.  He must be cool and calculated and not get over excited.  He remembers how many times Argent had fussed at him rushing into the lead.  It sometimes amazes BrushedFlame how Argent can remain so solid throughout the battle.  Yet again, there was something concerning about Argent, a mysterious earth pony that has made kingdoms bow.  In truth, when you combine all of the factors he is causing these wars despite the fact he claims he is making peace.  That is why these other ruling unicorns are making these aggressive factions...

Yet without a word he raised and lowered his lance twice keeping it horizontal.  It was the sign to return to the army.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

BerylDusk approached his unit, the First Division of Everfree.  The uninjured all stood at attention at his approach, though they were exhausted.  The wounded tried their best to raise their heads, though many of the seriously injured could not buge.  All of these soldiers were all strong and loyal earth ponies, with the exception of the First Hoof which was a mixture of noble unicorns and the strongest and bravest of earth ponies.  Originally they were just simple militias and garrisons, but through Argent's direction and rigorous training, they were as elite as they could be.  They were approximately one fifth of this army, or about two thousand ponies.  Never before has war been fought on this large of a scale.  In the beginning of the conflict, a thousand used to be an entire army.  Now, two thousand is only a division!  And today, Beryl knew that over two thousand ponies died by the hooves of another.

"Captains!" BerylDusk called, "I request your audience. Everypony else is dismissed!"

His captains approached, dignified and resolute.  IronQuill arrived first, commander of the Third Hoof.  His gray straight mane and tail barely moved when he walked, and his body of a slightly paler shade was as stiff and upright as iron could ever be.  He gave a rigid nod to Beryl and giving him his typical cooled stare with his light blue eyes.

He was an earth pony that used to manage the local guards at Beryl's castle.  Argent has gave him praise for his unit's discipline, though he has confessed that IronQuill should try to get more flexibility into his troop formations.  Argent's word of advice is to never put him on the flanks and only in reserve if the terrain is broken and rough.

"Your orders sir?" he asked unemotionally.

"We're going march soon to the encampment that Argent has ordered to be assembled in the..."

DappledMoss and BranchedSky then arrived together.  Both were earth ponies as well, they were in command of the Second and Forth Hoof respectively. They were the flanks of the First Everfree Division.  They were flexible, mobile and swift and neither of them received complains from Argent.

DappledMoss is a native to the deeper more isolated thickets and bogs of Everfree therefore she has a thicker stature than what is common for most mares.  Yet despite her thicker body she very talented with the bow and sword alike.  In forested terrain she always leads, as her knowledge of the trees and foliage never fails.  She is however commented in other units for being somewhat ugly, with her green mane and rusted brown coat with splotches all over, though not in her unit as she can beat any of them at practically any type of duel.

BranchedSky could easily been mistaken for Argent at a distance, though his coat is of a lighter shade of blue and his brown mane more finely cropped.  It did cause some confusion when Argent was in joint-command with Beryl when only this division was the entire Army of Everfree.  BranchedSky was a foal of a respected merchant that in a stroke of misfortune lost all of his wealth and died in a foreign land due to a plague, leaving BranchedSky to try to find a career to support his mother who never truthfully got over the shock of his father's death.  Believing that his father was robbed before his death, he joined a merchant guard.  He was excellent at monitoring supplies and  provisions, therefore generally assisted there, yet he was intelligent enough as well in command and in formation.  Apparently he and Argent met a while back before Argent was a commander.

"You requested for us?" asked BranchedSky.

"Yes, but where is ShimmeringAgate?  Was she present at my announcement?"

"I saw her," reported IronQuill.

"And I myself" said DappledMoss, followed with a raspy cough.

"Are you alright?" inquired Beryl.

"Hope so.  A couple of my ponies in the Second Hoof have it, just a cough. Nothing serious."

"It better be." BranchedSky gave a slight step away from DappledMoss after her comment. "I certainly don't want it."

"DappledMoss, when we get to the camp tonight, can you please go to the hospital and ask if there is a quick remedy for it?"  BerylDusk knew a disease, even the slightest, can spread through an entire army like dragon fire, particularly after a battle with so many open wounds.  He prayed that it wouldn't expand.

"Is that were we are going?" DappledMoss coughed again that required her to spit out the mucus from her mouth.  BranchedSky stared at it disgustedly, though his feeling was mutual to the rest of the group.

"Yes, we are marching to the camp assembled in the center of the army.  Some pegasi are supposed to arrive to escort us over there."  And as if it was on queue, three pegasi arrived.

"We're your escorts to the camp," the forward most pegasi reported.

"Ah good, do you know what formation we are to arrive in?" inquired IronQuill.

"We're forming the grand column, as Argent wants to have inspection tomorrow before midday."

"This soon?  He's inspected the troops just a few days ago," DappledMoss croaked.

"It's his orders.  That's all that I can say."

BranchedSky frowned but made no comment while IronQuill shrugged, "Orders are orders.  We'll step right to them." IronQill and BranchedSky departed with the pegasi and DappledMoss followed in trail, giving a course cough as a farewell.

With them departed, Beryl looked around to find ShimeringAgate.  It was very much not like herself to be late.  Most likely she had a good reason though.  Beryl looked though the growing dusk to find her brigade, the First Hoof Guards.  Beryl was in luck as he could see the glowing aurora of magic being used, the tell tale sign of the First Hoof's unicorns.  He began to approach the lights.

"My apologies for being late."

Beryl nearly jumped.

"Oh, I'm sorry.  I thought you saw me."  A touch of light then rose as the voice lit its horn.  It was ShimmeringAgate.

ShimeringAgate was always a pony that there was always a pause when somepony looked at her.  She was as elegant as she was intelligent, instantly making anypony respect her.  Her coat was similar to the color of the sea, an elegant blue with her mane and tail a similar hue though of purple. Her mane and tail was also long and well kept.  She was a heir within Everfree, and when her parents retire from rule, she was already expected to lead her area of Everfree, the northeastern corner.  It was debated that she herself has a high possibility of becoming the appointed ruler of the entirety of Everfree itself.  She was a recent addition to the army of Everfree as Beryl used to have direct command of the 1st Hoof Guards in the past.  Argent's reorganization of the Army of Everfree and the misfortunate death of the previous commander of the brigade caused Beryl to choose a new commander himself.  Beryl was surprised that Argent did not have any objections to her as she was not experienced in matters of war.  He gave her one good glance from afar and simpliy stated, "She'll do" then left.  And in truth with Beryl thinking back, he can't remember a time where Argent actually ever spoke to her.  Argent was intelligent, yet just odd...  Very odd...

ShimmeringAgate then continued, "There was a dispute within the regiment that I had to iron out.  That was why I was delayed.  Too many nobles in one area," she finished rolling her eyes.

"What was the dispute?"

"The usual prattle of who is better than who, who has the higher rank...  I assume this is typical of new commands."

"It is," mentioned BerylDusk, "yet more like of having the problem of equality in treatment but not in reality, it is nothing that we can really control..  Anyway we have orders to move towards the center for camp tonight.  Argent wishes for inspection tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir."

Beryl then began to turn away.

"BerylDusk."

"Yes?"

"Can I have permission for me to ask you a few questions?"

He looked into her eyes, they seem to be very deep and thoughtful.

"About what?"

"ArgentHeart.  Who is he?  I mean other than the commanding general of this army..."

Beryl paused. "I truthfully do not know much about him myself.  There are only rumors.  He is as mysterious as his name."

"Can you explain?"

"Well, argent is a royal color, the purest of white and the most refined of silver.  Yet when you look at ArgentHeart's complexion there is not even a glimmer of white nor silver on him.  He is just solid blue with green eyes perhaps with the faintest touch of hazel, though his mane is a common brown with no more markings to speak of.  Now the heart part of his name makes it even more interesting.  Does heart mean that the qualities of silver and white is within him?  Yet what even makes this more curious is he is not a unicorn and he possesses this name of royal colors and qualities.  Nopony truthfully knows his family and he barely talks of home.  Quite bluntly, he is strange."

"Do you trust him?"

"He is somewhat like you in a way in character, he knows what he is doing.  Like today, his original plan did not work as he planned, but he was able to change it with the situation.  Yes I trust him, far more than EmeraldCrest and Radiance.  I would of definitively not of let Argent lead my ponies if I could not trust him.  Everything would belong to a Nightmare if EmeraldCrest or Radiance was in command..."

"Then why are they commanders?"

"Political reasons.  They don't rule the same way as we do in Everfree.  Their commanders and judged by royalty, not ability.  That is why I pushed for Argent to be the commander of the Army of Everfree as I know he has ability and potential.  But anyway ShimmeringAgate you need to start forming up your brigade for the march.  We'll talk about this at a later date."

"Yes sir," she replied and went back off towards the glow, leaving Beryl back into the accelerating darkness.

Beryl then lit his own horn.  He knew the direction to the center already, and he departed for it before his own troops.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Official Report of Day Twenty-Three of the Campaign

Foul weather the previous two days slowed us down, however it also worked in our favor by masking our movements and allowing us to be able catch up with the reinforcing troops of the Western Confederation.  Early scouting at dawn estimated the enemy strength to be six thousand ponies at that time.  They appeared to be resting on a lightly forested ridge seven miles to the west from the First and Second Everfree Divisions.  The Saddle Lake Royal Division and the Hayseed Royal Division were eight miles further south due to supply train errors that caused a delayed start that I was not aware of that morning.  The gap between the two halves was making communication difficult, but the Pegasi Division under BrushedFlame assisted in giving orders and recognizance to the Royals.  By midmorning I personally was on the field, with both Everfree Divisions hidden on a reverse slope to hide from the enemy's line of sight.  Believing that the two Royal Divisions were closer, I began deployment.  The field consisted of two low ridges formed similar to a lowercase y with the enemy encamped on the highest point on the longer ridge with the branching ridge in front of them.  They held a good position, though their left flank would be on the level point where the two ridges merged, giving them little advantage with the elevation.  At the beginning of midday, using the branch of the y and the slight tree line, I ordered the Second Everfree Division to move to the obtuse angled valley, with the First Everfree Division behind them.  The Royal divisions had not yet appeared on the field, though I gave them orders to make a demonstration on the top of the branching ridge to make it appear as if I was going to attack the center.  However they would not emerge on the field even after waiting an extra fifteen minutes from my planned attack.  I would then send BrushedFlame's Pegasi to search for the late units and escort them to the field.  I was then reported that the enemy must of detected my movements as they began to form up and were sending reinforcements to their left flank.  Concerned that they may attack the Everfree Divisions in their inferior positions, I ordered for the Second Everfree to attack immediately, and the First Everfree to get on the Second's right flank to apply pressure to the enemy's rear.  Without the Royal Divisions, the numbers were about equal and on relatively level ground, though I wished for a decisive victory and not an attritional one.  Eventually, the enemy army's former left flank would become their center as they marched down the higher slope.  Ranged skirmishing lasted for nearly a half of an hour, which we held an advantage in.  I was reported that the Royals were then approximately a mile away, and with limited options that I could do at that moment, I ordered the infantry advance.  At first the melee was in our own favor with our advantages with the pikes, though when their reserves entered the combat, the ground we had gained was lost.  The fighting was dreadfully fierce and deadlocked, pike formations and shield walls breaking down into a messy melee.  I was debating about retreating when finally the Royal Brigades arrived with the pegasi, a full two hours later than I had wished.  Their cohesion was extremely poor wasting even more time before they were capable of advancing to relieve the pressure off of the Everfree Divisions.  At this time I saw a few of the Everfree Brigades beginning to fall back a few yards as well as some of the enemy, proving that both sides had fought to exhaustion.  During this time, I received a report that Division Commander WoodenDale of the Second Everfree Division was injured in the battle, but was still able to issue commands.  Expecting the enemy to retreat when the enemy disengaged, I ordered BrushedFlame to charge and pursue the enemy at his own judgment while sending orders to Northern Hayseed Royals to advance immediately to engage the enemy's right.  However, even though the enemy was now out numbered by nearly four to one, it did not retreat when the Hayseed troops engaged.  BrushedFlame then flew over the enemy and charged into their rear, similar to a hammer to an anvil.  This would finally cause the enemy army to break.

ArgentHeart lifted the quill from his unfinished report.  "The day is not yet over," he thought.  BrushedFlame's division had not yet returned, as they were still pursuing the shattered enemy.  He felt discomforted whenever his division was not overhead keeping watch over his army for its security.  He was then suddenly interrupted in his thought.  It was by a pegasus, a messenger that was still new to the army.

"Another honorable victory today.  You make war look easy!" grinned the pegasus.

ArgentHeart just looked at him.  "He's young.  Too young to understand...  but why am I calling him young?  He's probably not any much younger than I am..." he thought.  "I'm pleased," he said flatly, "Have you collected the reports of the losses yet?"

"There is not an official number yet."

"Do you have an estimate?"

"Our's are certainly less than the enemy."  He gave another grin.

ArgentHeart looked away.  "I would like an official report as soon as possible."

"Promptly," the messenger replied and he rushed off leaving a blur in his wake.

Argent remained, detached from the rest of the other commanders that had already arrived.  He could hear their excitement they always had after a battle with cheers and toasts for their achievements and the dreams they all have when they return, decorated and praised upon.  They were all unicorns.

"Or my noisy baggage," Argent thought to himself.

   They were the nobility and elite of the areas where they lived, yet sterile of the realities of rough life.  The unicorns used to be helpful to the earth ponies, there were legends of them assisting the orchards where they could harvest a whole acre in a few seconds with little effort with their magic which would take several scores of earth ponies to do so.  But those were just stories now, long buried in the past.

"ArgentHeart!"

Somewhat startled he looked back.  It was BerylDusk, one of the few unicorns that Argent could fully trust.  "Good evening sir."

"And you as well.  Did I unfortunately interrupt your thoughts?"

"You know as well as I do that I am always thinking over something."

"Agreed."

"I am certainly thankful that it was our veterans that was on the field today, it might of been a heavier blow to us if they were not..."

Beryl gave a weak smile and looked into the darkening sky. "Yes I'll agree to that.  I will say that the two Everfree divisions certainly carried their weight today."

"But even the best can be overwhelmed..." Argent thought yet he asked "Where is your division?"

"They are about halfway here, the going is annoyingly rough.  It certainly got dark quick..."

"Agreed.  Do you happen to know how far the pegasi pursued the enemy's rout?"

"I saw BrushedFlame at the head of them.  So clearly he probably have them halfway across Equestria by now if the enemy run fast enough."

"Typical of him... I've talked to him more than once about his reckless nature in the charge, but I think that is a lost cause."  Argent gave a rare chuckle, but he became serious again, "Yet if I lost him, it would be like losing a whole hoof."

"He has always returned, whooping and shouting in his typical manner, today should not be any different."

"I hope that you are right.  In truth, I would like to have him back as soon as possible.   I've been discomforted about this battle today."

"I'll agree on you with that.  Then enemy's force would not retreat.  They stood there holding that position as long as they could, even at times where they should of clearly withdrew."

"The enemy's general was probably incompetent, though I strongly believe he was trying to cause as many casualties as he could..."

"He could of panicked and refused to accept a retreat.  We ourselves seen some of our own leaders lock down," nodding to the unaware Radiance in the middle of the group.

"Aye, most of them should not be here.  This is no game.  But how else will I be able to have any authority without them?  If they are not here, what is there for them to be able bond up and resist?  They will never accept having me, an earth pony as a general, as a leader!  That is what our enemy has done!"  Argent immediately realized he was getting too worked up.  "I apologize Beryl.  I know that you influenced the Council of the Coalition to install my command of this army instead of yourself.  I am just..." he sighed and shook his head then looked back a Beryl, "stressed.  Do you forgive me?"

"I do." He paused. "I just want this war to be over.  I know that you have much better abilities than my own in command."

"That I understand and respect.  I wish for this to be over as well, these conflicts are making me feel much older than the actual years that I have lived."

"Have you thought of what you are going to do after all of this?" Beryl asked.

"I apologize, but I try to not to distract myself with those thoughts.  My focus is on this campaign, on the duty that I have been assigned."

"I see.  I must take my departure.  I presume that I will next greet you at the inspection tomorrow?"

"Yes good gentlecolt, I will see you then."

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The First Everfree Division was lined up into their marching columns as orders were being shouted out at the two thousand ponies that formed the Division.  They advanced following a Pegasus guide with a lamp leading them to the central location for the camp.  Many of the wounded had already received first aid and followed their regiment, though several still had to be carried by stretcher or on the backs of their comrades.  It was relatively quiet, with the exception of the clinking of armor and ironclad hooves.  No songs or cheering.  Quite simply they were all tried with heads down, keeping their eyes cracked open to see the if the tail of the pony in front of them had stopped so that they would not collide into the other's rump.

Looking behind, there were other individual lights as well which showed the location of the Second Everfree Division which was also advancing.  It was the largest of the divisions in the army and it was involved in the majority of the fighting today.  The casualties there were rumored to be significantly higher in that division, the exact number was unknown.  The other infantry divisions were on the opposite left flank and in truth barely saw much action.

The trip to the center was not far, but by marching in the dark and with wounded the pace was much slower.  From a walk that would of taken little more than five minutes took over an half an hour, not including the time setting up the formation.  When the regiments found their locations on the fields, many of the ponies just collapsed and slept.  The hospitals which were put on the flanks were busy trying to heal the wounded with the best of their ability.  They would be busy for the entire night, nonstop.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

"Sir."

ArgentHeart opened his eyes.  It was the messenger pegasus from earlier.  He seemed to of lost his cheer.

"Here are the after action reports that I have gathered."

"Thank you.  You're dismissed for the time being," Argent then spoke in a softer tone, "And rest up.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring."

The messenger did not reply, he just flapped off to a thicket of grass and then laid down, presumably asleep in an instant.

Argent held the battle reports.

The air cooled with the rising darkness as he began to read the numbers:

First Everfree Division, Commander BerylDusk

1st Hoof.  Captain:  ShimmeringAgate

500 Reported.  26 Killed, 97 Wounded, 5 missing.  Final Strength 372.

2nd Hoof.  Captain:  DappledMoss

643 Reported.  93 Killed, 221 Wounded, 26 missing.  Final Strength 303.

3rd Hoof.  Captain:  IronQuill

723 Reported.  167 Killed, 221 Wounded, 5 missing.  Final Strength 330.

4th Hoof.  Captain:  BranchedSky

  598 Reported.  52 Killed, 189 Wounded, 1 missing.  Final Strength 356.

"That's close to fifty percent casualties... Of 2,464 ponies that division marched out, 1361 came back unharmed," Argent thought.  "Though if fortune is favorable, seventy-five percent of the wounded will be healed.  Hopefully."

But Argent knew that his old division, the 2nd Everfree, would have significantly higher casualties.

"May the fates have mercy..."

Second Everfree Division, Commander WoodenDale

1st Everfree Volunteers.  Captain:  ForestJack

  744 Reported.  157 Killed, 299 Wounded, 56 missing.  Final Strength 232.

2nd Everfree Volunteers.  Captain:  WindWispier

  756 Reported.  147 Killed, 353 Wounded, 27 missing.  Final Strength 229.

Everfree Reserves.  Captain:  ClovenField

  1523 Reported.  300 Killed, 625 Wounded, 143 missing.  Final Strength 455

5th Hoof.  Captain:  RiverSand.  Killed in combat.  Replaced with JadeTreasure on the field.

  689 Reported.  221 Killed, 275 Wounded, 53 missing.  Final Strength 140.

Argent was already aware of RiverSand's death, but seeing it in writing was a different matter.  She only now existed in memories.  Another face to fade away...  But Argent couldn't grieve.  "Another life sacrificed.  Another promise to keep fighting for.  I can't let their deaths mean nothing."

Argent then skimmed through the rest of the divisions.  The others had very limited casualties, most of them being missing from the actual fight.

"Only three hundred and forty-five more.  Therefore, I have four thousand five hundred and sixty-two total casualties."

Argent shook his head.

"Too high.. by far too high...  How much lower would it of been if EmeraldCrest and Radiance actually got to the field on time?  What took them so bloody long?  Or is the mistake mine?  Should I have waited longer?  Should of I revealed my army earlier to the enemy and they would of retreated knowing that I was close to them?"

He knew that he was getting worked up.  The responsibility that rested on him was heavy, but he knew that if he broke, everything that was done was for naught.  He was not about to fail.  Not now.  Besides, Radiance had to be in the rear.  He had no other choice.

Argent looked into the night sky.  He could now see BrushedFlame's Pegasi Brigade as gray isolated figures hung in the sky above.  From here he could tell that BrushedFlame most likely overflew them.

"They would probably be too tired to scout in the morning," Argent sighed to himself.

Some of the figures were cluttered, symbolizing that there were wounded.

Argent felt the tingling on the back of his head when someone was staring at him.  He knew who it was.

"BrushedFlame, you have permission to land," commanded Argent flatly.

"I've returned," the pegasi commander said with a smile.

Argent returned it with a stern stare, "Pardon me if I withhold my enthusiasm, but I'm no fool to see that you have gotten a different lance than the one you charged with earlier as the pendants are not tattered.  You know what I have said before about being reckless, and yes, I've given up on telling you to stop, but today you pursued the enemy too far." Argent stuck a hoof skyward at the other pegasi flying by, "The men are exhausted and I need scouts tomorrow.  I have largely left your command independent, but things have gotten a lot larger and important now.  Don't make me restrict it."

"Yes sir."

Argent then looked away for a moment then looked back at him, the ice in his eyes gone.  "I don't mean to be harsh or anything, as I do have a high respect for you and your ponies."  He then stretched and yawned. "But besides that how are you?"

"The typical expression when you chew me out then ask how I am."

Argent smiled, "Ah yes, I see.  I assume I'll see you tomorrow morning at inspection."

"Inspection tomorrow morning?  And you said that I was always in a rush!"

"Perhaps a bit of you has rubbed off on me.  I don't expect it perfect, no need to polish."

"Has the hospital been set up?"

"Yes, but it's rough.  I am wanting to move by midday tomorrow."

"I doubt that is possible.  Particularly with inspection and all."

"I know, but I just don't feel comfortable here.  We are a bit too deep in unknown territory.  I wish to be mobile."

"Or you could just get an army of pegasi," BrushedFlame joked.

"Yes, but then who would carry me around then as clearly I must of forgotten my wings?  You?" Argent replied, with a slight chuckle.  Yet becoming more serious, "I thinking that I might fall back."

"Really?"

"I have not heard from Canterlot for the past two weeks, and I just don't like how the enemy fought today.  They stood like a wall even when defeat was clear.  I've never understood why they did that, it is as if they wished to delay us as long as possible.  In truth I didn't even want to fight this army in the first place."

There was an instant of shock in BrushedFlame's eyes, "What?! Why?"

"I was hoping I could talk to them first to give them the option of peace.  I don't do this because of glory or sport you know.  But they attacked first in that skirmish a week prior."

"What were your orders?"

"In simple terms, find the enemy and defeat the enemy.  Hunt and destroy.  I disagree with them, but if news spread that I let a hostile army be untouched, then my command of the Army of Everfree would be quite short."

"Agreed."

Argent took a large breath in and out. "I just had to get that off my back if you know what I mean.  Please don't spread any rumors, okay?"

"I'll try not too," BrushedFlame responded with a smile.

"You better not you rascal!" knowing that he wouldn't, "You better be off to your soldiers."

"Aye, I'll do that," and he gave a quick salute then departed.

Argent watched him go.  It was difficult to remain upset at him, though the pegasi where a very important of this army.  A careless mistake could cost him his most valuable asset and perhaps even the war.

And the thousands of promises he had to keep.

"We're not fighting this war for nothing," Argent mumbled, unheard into the nightly air.