War Pony
By
Teal
We lay low, as we took cover in the high wheat fields near the enemy camp. The wind blew above us, rustling the wheat, but we kept concealed from the sight of the enemy. The surrounding area was gentle and quiet, with the sound of birds chirping in the distance. The earth was soft and nice, perfect for planting a wide array of seeds that would grow rich and strong. No wonder the wheat here grew nice and tall. Mountains could have been seen afar, its peaks touching the clouds. It would have been a beautiful place for sightseeing if there wasn’t a war being wage.
Celestia’s bright sun sent beams of light upon us, showering us with heat. But thanks to my cap and coat, it didn’t feel hot as a burning stove. Although it did make it feel very humid, making me want to remove them. But it wouldn’t be such a good idea, since it will create too much movement and might attract enemy attention, which we didn’t want right now.
Hundred upon hundreds of us ponies, wearing our dark brown uniforms and hats, as we waited for the command from our officers. Although we were hidden in the field, with the tall wheat concealing us, I was happy to wear my dirt colored uniform, since it helped us blend in with our surroundings. Sure it wasn’t as fancy as our parade uniforms, with golden buttons and bright colors, but it did give the enemy a hard time to spot us. Besides, brightly polished golden button will glint under Celestia’s sun, reflecting it to the enemy.
Since we were members of Equestria’s cavalry, we were armed with the sharpest and lightest swords ever made. Our swords were kept inside our scabbards, which were wrapped around with cloth, to prevent the metal from reflecting. We took every precaution we can, because we can’t risk it.
It was difficult to see, from my position, what was in front of me, as the tall wheat obstructed my view. The only thing I could make out was a tall pole, with the Griffon flag fluttering from the wind.
Although I couldn’t see through the wheat, we were told that there was an open field that lay after. It was nice, wide, and open, with nothing obstructing the way. A field like that was perfect for charging, as it was hard ground, enough to take the force of our hooves galloping over it. I could imagine myself moving through it, free and fast.
At the other end of the field, just a few yards away from the thick forest that bordered the other side, was a large camp, with tents, little fires for warmth, and everything that is needed to house soldiers. From what we were told, our pegasi scouts have scrutinized the camp and concluded that it was large enough to contain an entire Griffon Infantry regiment, eight hundred soldiers or so.
In a normal battle, they would have been a tough opponent, difficult to fight, let alone defeat. With their rifles and large line formations, it would be suicidal to do a frontal assault. A full volley from their rifles could annihilate half our force and from what we’ve been told, those Griffons could shoot fast.
The normal tactic would be to outflank the enemy, which would mean heading to the side and hitting them there.
But trying to outflank them would be difficult too, as the Griffon regiments move fast and turn them to face our assaults. It was also hard to find perfect ground on the flanks, as the enemy infantry commander protected them with obstruction, from houses to wooded areas.
But now, we had the opportunity to crush an entire Griffon regiment, in one powerful swoop. We had the vital elements of surprise with us. The enemy camp was unaware of our presence and would most likely be taken by surprise when we attacked. They would not see us coming and would be unprepared for a sudden assault.
Although we would be exposed in the field when we attack, from the speed we would go, they would have no time to form a line of battle, leaving them scattered and disorganized.
Another vital factor was the fact that we had more energy for this fight than them. From the information we gathered from the pegasi scouts, the enemy had just camped after a long night of marching. Most of the Griffons were probably too tired from the night long march, making them easy prey. They would be too tired and weary to form up quickly.
They were probably relaxing inside their tents, sleeping off and trying to rest. While the others were cooking food, trying to fill their stomachs from the hunger they had. They would be too tired to notice the sound of our hooves till it was too late.
I could imagine them lingering in camp, moving lazily and expecting a slow day. They would be sitting down, closing their eyes as they yawned. Rifles would be stacked to one corner, while their pointy helmets and dark uniforms hanged on another.
They were clueless of the imminent doom that would hit them. The destruction that would come from our regiment, the 5th Earth Pony cavalry, one of the best in Equestria. Trained in the large open fields of our homeland an armed with the finest swords ever made, we were a force to contend with.
We proudly wore the badge of the 5th, as if it were a golden medal awarded after a race. We were happy to be part of this regiment and knew that we could take on any enemy we confront, no matter how hard the challenge is.
Earth ponies brought up from the many parts of Equestria, we formed the elite spearhead that was known as the cavalry. The ones who strike first and being panic to the enemy, before being followed by our infantry who would exploit the gap we would create.
Now we were here to spearhead an attack that would crush the enemy and route them. I was happy to be a part of this and I knew that my fellow comrades were too.
“What do you think, Midnight?” I heard the light green earth pony beside me whisper. “Do you think the rumors are true?”
“Rumors?” I whispered back, looking at him. “Which rumor? Mallet, you and I both know that this entire army is filled with rumors. Are you talking about the one with cider and mares?”
He rolled his eyes and stared at me, as he waved it off. “No, not that one…. Although that is a rumor that I wish was true.” He said, with a goofy smile.
But he soon got back to his original topic. “But the rumor I was saying is the one about the war ending by Hearth’s Warming. A lot of ponies in this here army believe it and I’m not sure if they’re right.”
“Well…” I said, thinking it over. “….I think this war would be over by then…if we don’t have trouble chasing off the retreating Griffons that is.”
We both let out soft chuckles, before a growling sound came behind us. I then turned my head around to see the annoyed face of the Sergeant as he began to scold us.
The usual stern look of the Sergeant was plastered on his face as he tried to control his anger. The last thing he wanted to do was yell at us and expose our positions.
“Would you shut you mouths and keep quiet?” He grumbled. “Because if you don’t, I’m going to cut off your tongues and feed them to the Griffons, you get me.”
“Yes, Sergeant…” We both said, in a low voice.
“I hope a bullet get you during this…” I heard Mallet murmur. I was about to say something about that, but I then heard our commander order us to stand.
“Regiment, rise!” His voice echoes, as he stood up. He was then followed by the regimental banner, as the pony carrying it had a pole strapped on him, with the flag at the end of it. The rest of the regiment then stood up, feeling the filled with ponies of different color. The only thing we all had in common was the dirt brown uniform we wore.
The Colonel, our proud and brave commander, was positioned in the front, ready to lead the attack like the true officer he was. I could see him stand tall and straight, with his chest puffed out. A true officer from the rich noble classes that lingered in Canterlot’s upper class society. But we didn’t mind, for we trusted him for he was the one who took care of us. Despite his background, he treated every pony in his command as his equal and friend.
Now he was about to lead us to glory and fame!
The rest of the regiment obstructed my view, making it the last time I saw the Colonel. From my position in the rear of the large formation, I could see the entire regiment and its size. A total of five hundred ponies now stood in the field, forming a large rectangular formation that would soon move out to the field at the front.
From officer to the common trooper, we waited for the command to go. Go and forward to victory.
There was a chance that a sentry on the camp had spotted us already, but the lack of enemy fire proved that it wasn’t the case. Luckily for us, the wheat on the field was high enough to conceal two-thirds of a pony, only having our heads and caps poke out, so it was still difficult to spot us.
“Regiment, forward!” I heard the Colonel call, as other officers and sergeants echoes the call, ensuring that we all heard it.
I then took my first step forward, as the entire formation began to move. We moved at a slow pace, conserving our energy for the greater and faster move later, for we knew that we would need it.
“Well here we go.” Mallet remarked from beside me. “Good luck, Midnight.”
“Same to you, Mallet.” I said with a grin.
The ranks in front of me left trail marks on the field, trampling the wheat and leaving it flat. It was a shame to see this, as the wheat could have been used to feed many ponies. But now they were just stepped upon, as their usefulness to us was would soon be no more. We just left the field flat, only for the poor farmer who owned them to see that most of his harvest was now gone.
It was a short trot towards the end of the field, but we soon got over that face.
I could see from one end of the formation, that the first ranks were about to reach the edge of the wheat field and take their first steps on the exposed one. I readied myself, for this is the face where all my adrenaline would flow in my veins as my heart would start to pump faster.
“Charge!” The Colonel shouted, followed by the sound of metal rubbing against metal, as everypony began unsheathing their swords. The distinct sound of metal clanging filled my ears, as I followed suit.
I grabbed my sword’s handles, using my mouth, and bit on the grip. I then pulled it out, hearing the metal rub against the scabbard, as I held to it with a firm grip on my jaw. No matter what happens, I must not let go of my sword.
The sword was light and well balanced, so I had no trouble carrying it in my mouth, yet had sharp edges on both sides. I just had it sharpened earlier, so that it would slash through any Griffon I swung at.
We moved fast, galloping out of the wheat field and into the open one. A large formation of five hundred ponies bust out of the field of wheat, charging through the grass and heading straight forward to the enemy camp, which was caught in shock. Our hooves hit the ground, making the earth below us rumble as we went through with great force.
The sound of hooves moving through a large open area filled the air, echoing all around. It was an intimidating sound, that would make the ones part of it proud, while scaring the ones who got in its way.
I felt the wind blow my mane and felt the breeze blow upon me. It was a great feeling, free with nothing to stop my way.
But this happy feeling was replaced by annoyance, as dust fell upon me. Dust from the hooves that stomped on the ground in front of me, sending it to those behind. Me along with the unlucky ones on the last ranks were those unlucky ponies, so we got a face full of dust. I had to keep my eyes squinted, so that I wouldn’t get any in my eyes.
Sweat started to dampen my uniform, as the combined heat and gallop poured sweat out of me. It was making my fur sticky and was annoying, but I tried to push all those thoughts away, putting my concentration to the charge.
I couldn’t see what was in front of me, but I tried to imagine the expressions plastered on the Griffon’s faces. They were probably terrified, as an entire regiment of cavalry popped out of nowhere and charged towards them. I could imagine some of them stumble, as they begin to back up.
They probably went for their rifles, trying to get there but failing as they fell in panic. They would be having trouble in moving as fear gripped them. This was the shocking effect of the cavalry, which we hoped to exploit.
The front rank slammed into the camp, wreaking havoc to the enemy. I could see some of the ponies there swing their swords, as the run over the Griffons in front of them. Although Griffons were larger than ponies, the momentum and force of the charge was enough to shock and stun them, giving us the opportunity to attack.
The shrieks of some Griffons filled the air, piercing through the sound of galloping ponies. The formation begun to wave through the camp, swerving to avoid the tents that were littered everywhere. Most of the regiment was now inside the camp, moving around and taking the Griffons one by one.
Everypony spread out, trying to choose their targets as they chased off the panic and confused Griffons, who were trying to save their lives. Ponies clashed with the Griffons, bearing their swords upon the defenseless Griffons. None of them seemed to be armed, for now, as we managed to catch them in complete surprise.
I kept a firm grip on my sword, waiting for the opportunity to use it. As I passed inside, I moved through the path between tents, seeing the carnage that fell upon them.
The bodies of Griffon, with slashes on their skin, lay on the ground. Their feathers flew in the air, as the breeze blew them upward. I watched as a Griffon was brought down by a charging pony, receiving a slash on the neck. Blood spilled out, as the Griffon fell on the ground. The blood continued to pour out, as the dead body created a pool of red on the grass.
Bang! Bang!
The sound of sporadic fire echoes, as some of the Griffons manage to reach their rifles and form a small group of resistance. A small group of three Griffons huddled up together, taking pot shots at the charging ponies. They manage to take down some ponies, as I saw a pony receive a bullet hit her in the muzzle, piercing through the skin before penetrating the skull and exiting the other side. Blood and brain spewed out, as the pony careened on the ground.
But they were quickly dealt with, as a formation of five ponies run them down, slashing swords and bringing blood upon them. The Griffons fell on the ground, watering the grass with their blood. Before this day is over, I believe the field would be fed with the blood.
It was amazing that none of them tried to surrender, as they wanted to fight back and die with pride, than be captured and live in shame. They tried to fight back with all they had, claws and beaks, but to no avail. Our sharps swords quickly dealt with them, as the other tried to get away from us.
I watched as we overrun their small stockade, securing their rifles and ammunition. Now the Griffons were cut off from their weapons and would be unable to fight back. The only thing they could do was fall back and retreat.
This was what they did, as they surged out of the camp, running for their lives. I watched as a large hoard of Griffons raced out of the camp and started heading for the forest a few yards away. They were hoping to find refuge there, but we were about to show to them that there was no such thing as refuge from Equestrian cavalry.
As I watched them fall back to the forest, I noticed that there were a dozen Griffons, in the front line of their retreat, carrying something large and bulky. There were three Griffons each, carrying those cylinder like contraptions, as they got nearer and nearer to the forest, with a large crowd behind them. I couldn’t make out what it was and had little time, for they soon disappeared in the forest.
So we immediately give chase, quickly reforming and charging towards them. Galloping out of camp, I once again found myself in the back of the formation, without a single kill. No matter, there were plenty of Griffons left.
I noticed that Mallet wasn’t next to me and concluded that we got separated during the free for all at the camp. The sudden shift must have brought him to another part. Oh, well, it’s not like we would have time to chat here anyways.
The slackers were immediately killed, as they stumbled on the ground and got caught by pony blades. This left the bodies of dead Griffons on the field as we chased off their living comrades.
It seemed like we were about to win the battle, with an entire regiment of pony cavalry routing an entire regiment of Griffon infantry. Victory was at our hooves, but then, devastation occurred. The most horrible sight and noise fell upon my eyes.
Flashes came from the edge of the forest, as a loud array of popping sound pierced through the noise of hooves hitting the ground. The noise was like rifle fire, but instead of single burst, it was continuous.
Ratatatatatatata! Ratatatatatatat! Ratatatatatatatat!
The sound of continuous fire filled the air, as bullets suddenly zipped before us. Bullet flew in the air, without stopping, as it gave a relentless amount of fire. As if it was a storm of bullets, raining down deadly fire upon us.
I watched in disbelief as the entire front rank fell, as they were mowed down by the bullets that fell upon them. My eyes open wide, as I saw the devastation happen right in front of me. The ponies in that rank fell, as well as the Griffons that were caught in the cross-fire. Before my eyes, an entire rank disappeared, as they fell down and tumbled on the grass.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The sound of bullets hitting ponies harmonized with the sound of continuous fire, as more and more ponies and Griffons fell.
Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatatatat! Ratatatatatatatatat!
Blood spurted out, as the bullets ripped through them, destroying their insides and creating mass pools of blood on the ground. Some ponies were so badly hit, that they were torn to shreds, as a dozen bullets opened them up, reveling intestines and organs.
It was a gruesome sight, as I tried to comprehend what was going on. But I couldn’t, I couldn’t understand what was happening. All I knew was we were being massacred, just like the Griffons were, only a few seconds earlier.
Bodies were lined up on the spot they charged, as if they were suddenly struck by lightning. Some of them tumbled down, before burrowing themselves on the ground and surrounding their bodies with blood. Blood was everywhere and I found it hard to avoid the sight of the red liquid.
The continuous fire continued, mowing down the ranks, till I and the rest of the ponies in the last ranks found ourselves in the front.
Ratatatatatatat! Ratatatatatatatat! Ratatatatatatatat!
Bullets ripped through our rank, sending a hail of bullets upon us. I could hear the bullet zip by my ear, as some of them hit the ground in front of me. It felt like a wall of bullets was surrounding me, getting closer and closer, trying to strangle me.
Thud! Thud!
The sound of bullets hitting bodies was heard beside me, as the ponies next to me went down. The one to my right had her head blown up, as a bullet hit her directly on the face. It sent a fountain of blood, which stained my coat, as chunks of her brains stuck to my fur.
Thud!
I stopped, as a searing pain hit me on my chest. It burnt and was unnerving, as I felt warm liquid soak my coat. The pain was doubled by the feeling of having something in my skin, as it wriggled in my insides.
Thud!
Another painful hit burnt my chest, as I let out a shriek for help, dropping my sword and screaming to the top of my lungs. It was impossible to tolerate it and I tried my best to stay on my feet. But I soon grew weary and felt my legs grow weak. So I fell upon the ground, legs sprawled as more warm liquid started to spill out of me, soaking my coat till it was turned red.
I was having trouble keeping my eyes open, as my senses started to fade. The pain was changed to numbness, as the world around me started to disappear. Everything was fading slowly, as I started to leave behind the devastation that I confronted.
But before I leave, I manage to catch a last glimpse of the mayhem around me. I could still the flashes of light, which erupted upon us, but by now the sound was gone. I couldn’t hear them anymore.
I manage to turn my head, to see the pile of dead ponies and Griffons, lying on the ground in their own personal pool of blood. Now, it was the blood of all that was being spilled, the blood of both our races. The blood of all was now watering the grass, as the lives of many were taken away.
I closed my eyes, knowing that this devastation would all be gone. I too would be gone, but into a better place, where war and devastation doesn’t exist.
Author's Note
This story was inspired by this scene.
