The Elysian Fields

As we were walking to the square, I decided more questions were in order. "Tell me, what is the date? I've been trapped in that cave since Discord was still causing chaos in Equestria."

She stared at me wide eyed. "That either makes you very old or pretty young. But let's see um... If I remember correctly, it's June 23, 1345. But if you were trapped there for that long either way, how did you survive?"

"The cave you found me in was originally a bunker made to shield the inhabitants of Elysium from disasters both natural and unnatural. We were adding the final touches the day I was trapped. A minor earthquake shook the entrance and caused it to cave in. Luckily the food stores were fully stocked and the preservation spells were still in place." I explained.

"Amazing. Is there any food left? We've been homeless for weeks and my love can only feed my children so much..." I could see her sad, pleading eyes from the corner of my vision. You could almost say it broke my heart. Almost.

I told her the truth. "I'm not certain how much is left exactly, but it was stocked to feed all 40,000 citizens for, at most, a whole year. And I'm certain I couldn't have eaten all of that even if I tried. So I'd say about a good four or five months."

I could see her visibly brighten at this news. I was about to continue, But something caught my eye before I could. There was a rusted suit of armor slumped against the wall to a building with a very faint blue glow emanating from the helmet. It was one of my Golems, and it was still relatively intact. I walked to the Golem and kneeled down to lift the helmet off. As I suspected, The rune carved into it's head was cracked and damaged.

Metamopha was close behind. "Is something the matter? And is that the 'Golem' you were talking about?"

I sighed before answering her. "Yes, one of them at least. Are any you strong enough to carry it to the square with us? It's mostly the armor that is heavy, the Golem itself is only hardened clay." Two of the Changelings with us stepped foward and slung both arms of the Golem over their shoulders. "Thank you."

While we continued to walk, I took note of the Changelings around me. They where all wearing clothing made of burlap except two of the larger ones in front, who were wearing some kind of burnt orange armor. I decided I would ask about it later.

As we were nearing the square, Metamopha asked me a question, "Why are these Golem things made of clay?" It was an easy answer, actually.

"Oh, it's because I was experimenting with which body type would most benefit them. I tried wood at first, but found it was a tad bit too weak and well... Flammable. After that I though stone would do, but soon after I found that it was too difficult to shape the stone. Clay on the other hand, that was ideal. I could easily make around five a day, and afterwords I could harden them to make them much more durable." I explained. Metemopha was fascinated by what I was telling her.

"From what I remembered before I was trapped, no other creature alive can make Golems. This is an ability only unique to me. Sure, others can command them. But only if I allow them to. It makes them ideal for a military force, in my opinion. Thousands of identical soldiers charging on, without fear, without pain. They can be a force to be reckoned with." Still fascinated. Good.

"I can still remember the text on the wall of the Golem creation center." It was time for the finisher. "They shall be my finest warriors. From clay shall I mold them and in the fires of war forge them. They will be of iron will and steely muscle. In great armour shall I clad them, and with the mightiest weapons will they be armed. They will be untouched by plague or disease, no sickness will blight them. They will have tactics and strategies such that no foe may best them in battle. They are my bulwark against the Terror. They are the defenders of Elysium. They are my Golem Soldiers... And they shall know no fear."

Yes, I shamelessly ripped that from Warhammer 40k. Sue me. But it did the trick. Metamopha and the Changelings with us had their jaws to the floor, and were now stunned until we made it to the square. And let me tell you, 2000 Changelings staring right at you is a very intimidating sight.

Metamopha was lost in thought, but soon realized we arrived at the square. She cleared her throat and addressed everyone in the square. "My Children, Today is a momentous day! We have found our new home and enough food to last us for months!" All the Changelings started to cheer. "But..." And in an instant, it all stopped. "We must complete a task before anything else is to be accomplished. We must help Blackburn, the Lord of Elysium, rebuild the city to it's former glory! In return, He offers to shelter us and protect us with his army of Golems!" Once again, they all erupted into cheers. I could hear my name being called from the back, which slowly made them chant my name.

"Blackburn! Blackburn! Blackburn! Blackburn! " It felt so good to be a lord.