Chapters One cold day, with rays of sun
The snow in heaps like dunes
The wind had howled and storm begun
The clouds got thicker still
All in white, hooves shod in silver
The stag with antlers tall
But mine are larger and more strong
Just as strong as yours
And so they say, and they say again
The minstrels mournfully wail
And now the ice blows over graves
Of lonely stony cairns
Chapter 1: The Wind Moves South
Twilight opened her mouth in a wide jaw cracking yawn. Stretching her legs, she stood up and walked around her beloved library. Spike was there on the ground, legs crossed and reading a comic book. She smiled at her dragon friend. How much had they'd been through together, she thought. Normally she'd have a million tasks for him, but right now, all she wanted to do was relax herself. So she let Spike indulge himself and walked over to the northern ramparts to gaze at the distance Crystal Mountains, now a deep majestic blue, the snow on their peaks a crimson ruby red reflecting the rays of the setting sun. The same light cast a warming glow on the purple stone of her castle and the streaks of golden light tinted the puffy white clouds which dotted the sky.
She heard something and looked down and standing next to her was Spike. He was looking up at her intently and asked "What are you thinking about Twilight?"
"Oh," she sighed "just thinking that there's going to be a storm here soon."
"Really?" He said looking at the beautiful sky above them "everything looks alright to me."
"That's because you've been inside your comic book all day and haven't noticed," she retorted "the birds and grasshoppers have stopped their music early, and everywhere around us is silence."
"That's because you're looking the wrong way if you want noise," Spike countered "Ponyville's on the other side of the castle remember?"
Twilight smiled to herself, always the practical one was Spike. Was it only a few years ago since he'd hatched from his egg? My how he had grown.
"Maybe you're right Spike," she conceded "I just feel that something important is coming our way."
"Well," Spike said looking back towards the throne room "the map hasn't appeared or shown us anything."
He looked back at Twilight "And besides," he continued "we'll be able to handle whatever is thrown at us."
Twilight smiled again at his juvenile confidence and naivety. She remembered when she was like that, confident in her own abilities and confident in that of her friends. But somehow, this felt different. But she decided to put it out of her mind and looked at Spike.
"Come on," she said "let's go see what the other's are up to."
"Now you're talkin'," Spike said enthusiastically and they trotted their way out of the castle.
Far, far away, beyond Twilight's sight of the Crystal Mountains. Far beyond the winter storms caused by the banished King Sombra. Far to the north where ice ruled and the wind howled it's banshee's gale, to a land always wrapped in winter, which had never known the melting of spring. A storm was there. The waves bashed against the rocks ridden with bird droppings and dead fish. The spray hissed and instantly froze as it smashed against the impregnable stone of an ancient fortress. Here stood Shanlo Lonahs, the Hellhound. He was a white wolf, with long white fangs and glowing golden eyes. He was leader of a pack more than two thousand strong and was the alpha male. With his wife, Shima, they made a viscous and cunning pair. His white hair swayed with the gusts of wind which blew snow, ice, and water mist up at them. In barbaric fervor, he and his mate bayed their defiance to the skies "Aaaaaaaaaaoooooooooooooohhhh!"
Their howls mixed with that of their pack who took up the cry until it echoed like a dirge of doom from the pit of hell. It reverberated off the rocks and mixed with the howling and lashing wind. The slaves and prisoners in the fortress cowered in fright. The ears of little ones were covered by their terrified mothers, while their daughters silently wept beside them. Only one wasn't afraid, but that was only because he couldn't hear them. The white Peryton was already in mid air when the howl began. His world was filled with the blinding snow and the pounding wind. His wings were battered as he tried to stay aloft. On and on he flew, southward, ever southward, towards a land which he knew not where. He was the very reason the wolves were howling triumph. His father, King Wintersong, was murdered when he opened the gates to let the starving pair of Shanlo and Shima into their castle. The Peryton's eyes brimmed with tears as he remembered, and his tears froze to the hair of his mane. Shanlo and Shima had entered only by themselves at the time, tired, bedraggled, and starving. The King wouldn't hear of any opposition to give hospitality to the two wolves, but in a single night, Shanlo and Shima had betrayed their hosts and opened the gates to their pack. In one swift movement they took over the mighty fortress. All those who would not submit to their rule were killed and eaten in front of their family and friends. It was a harsh reminder to those who sought to oppose them. But the Peryton escaped with his life.
The Peryton flew away from his once happy land. Where the aurora blazed in bright green and dark crimson, where it swished and laughed with them as they danced beneath the stars. All the sky was covered in a dark grey mass, below him, only the mountainous waves of the ocean were there. Suddenly, he saw land, speeding towards it with the last of his strength, he gave up the moment he saw that there were trees beneath him. He crashed to the foliage and tumbled among the branches and the leaves, getting bruises and cuts along his entire body, his white antlers somehow didn't manage to get tangled before he slammed into the ground. He struggled to get up, but the wind and snow still howled through the trees and soon the blackness of exhaustion gripped him, and he remembered nothing more.
In the early afternoon, the Peryton awoke to find himself frozen to the bough of a tree. Both he and the limb were on the ground, surrounded by deep forest and woodland. He tried to raise himself from the branch, but his legs wouldn't move. Suddenly, a twig snapped, his head jerked upright and he saw a pack of Timber Wolves approaching him. One was closer than the rest, his teeth bearing and slobber was licked by his long tongue. Panic was about to over take the Peryton, when a bright glowing orb appeared between his antlers. A bolt of lightning vaporized one Wolf, than another, and another. He was just as shocked as they were. What power is this? he wondered. But before he could ask any more questions the pack had dashed off.
Once more he was surrounded by silence. He asked aloud "Can I melt the ice keeping me to this branch?"
Almost without thinking, the ice began to steam. Soon it was as if he were taking a nice warm bath. He kept the water there, letting the heat thaw out his numb limbs and looked around. The forest was still and quiet, a bright shade of greenish gold shed a peculiar light on the Peryton. When he was able to move, and when he noticed he was surprised and walked around. Every which way he turned the light made him look green. Is this my normal color? he asked himself if so, I must look pretty interesting. I wonder who I am.
He walked forward for awhile, slowly meandering his way down paths until he came to a cheerful bubbling mountain pool. He came out of the forest and placed his head down to drink long drafts. When he opened his eyes after enjoying the sweet clear water, he stepped back. Creeping forward to the pool, he saw the reflection of a strange creature. It had long crookedly elegant antlers on its head, and when he moved his shoulders in a particular way, the creature spread out it's wings like an angel. It had sapphire blue eyes and a black nose which flared out when he breathed. It had long straight legs which had cloven hooves, and a white mane and tail. He concluded that it must be himself because there were no other creatures around him when he looked around. Unless, he mused, and then dunked his head completely underwater. He opened his eyes, feeling the cold sting of the pool and looked around. Sure enough, there weren't any other creatures in there, at least, none that he could see.
He took his head out of the water and, with water dripping from his mane, he looked about him. He heard rattling above him as he looked an the graceful voice of someone saying "Are we there yet?"
"Rarity," another voice said in a strange accent "we've been to this camping spot a dozen times! Why do you have to keep asking that?"
"Well," the other voice, presumably Rarity's said "I think it's still a perfectly valid question."
"Seriously," said another exasperated voice "you guys always take it SO slow. Why do we have to dilly dally every time we come here?"
"We wouldn't if some of us would just pack like normal ponies do," the accented voice said.
"Hmph," Rarity said "I don't think it's such as bother as..."
Suddenly the cart, which was carrying an abnormally large amount of baggage, came into view, one of the wheels slipped and was dragging the cart downwards. A pony screamed "Help!"
It wasn't Rarity, but a younger and terrified voice. The Peryton, without thinking, spread out his wings and launched himself at the cart. In a single burst of speed and power, he reached the cart in the blink of an eye and pushed it forward. It was back on the path and the pony who cried out was dangling in the air with the cart holding her up as if with a pair of arms.
"Okay," she said "you can put me down now."
The Peryton gently lowered the cart until the little pony had all four hooves back on the ground. She looked back at her rescuer and screamed again. The Peryton looked at her confusedly. The little pony dashed away from him and the others soon popped out from in front of the cart to take a look. There were a white unicorn, an orange pony with four foals, a younger looking white unicorn, another pony slightly older than the foals, a blue Pegasus, and an orange Pegasus. There were ten all in all. The Peryton felt sheepish and slightly awkward, but he put on a brave face and said "Hello."
There was an awkward silence and then the orange pony asked "Who are you?"
"I...," The Peryton replied, confident at first, but then he floundered "I..., I don't know."
"You mean," the blue Pegasus said "you don't know who you are?"
"Well," The Peryton said "I...I think I know."
"Oh give me a break," the blue Pegasus laughed "this is too funny."
"Now Rainbow Dash," the orange pony said after seeing the Peryton's crestfallen face "that's rude. Hi there, my name's Applejack, and these are my four foals: Maverick, Ace, Big Sky, Apple Blossom. My little sister Apple Bloom. That over there is Rarity, and Sweetie Belle, and this here is..."
"I think I'm perfectly capable of introducing myself unlike some ," she said "name's Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in all of Equestria."
"And I'm Scootaloo," the orange Pegasus said "nice to meet you."
"Yes," The Peryton said "likewise."
After another awkward silence Sweetie Belle walked up to him "I'm sorry I screamed," she said "I was just so shocked and, I've never seen anypony like you before."
"That's alright," he said smiling "I was shocked myself when I saw what I looked like."
"What happened to you?" Scootaloo asked inquisitively.
"I don't know," the Peryton said "I don't even know who i am..."
"Come on," Rainbow Dash whined "can't we please get to the campsite?"
"Would you like to come with us?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Darling," Rarity said "we don't have a spare tent for him."
"Oh that's fine," the Peryton said "but what's camping? and what's a tent?"
"You mean," Ace asked "you've never been camping before?"
"Hush dear," Appleajack said "that's also rude. You don't have to poke fun at him. Come on, we'll show ya a good time."
They hiked a little bit longer with the Peryton stopping to smell every flower, look at every mountain view, and generally being overawed by his surroundings. "Look! He said to Rarity "have you ever smelt this flower? It's amazing!"
"Yes," she said haughtily and gently pushing it away from her nose "I have. It's called a rose."
"I've never smelt a rose before," he said "and what's this one?"
"It's a Li....Li....achoo!" Rarity sneezed.
"So it's a Li...Li....achoo?" the Peryton asked still holding it up.
"It's a lilac," Sweetie Bell said giggling slightly "Rarity's allergic to them."
"Yes," she said her eyes watering "please get that thing away from me."
"Oh," the Peryton said chucking the flower away "okay."
Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle and whispered "Not very bright is he?"
"Rarity," Sweetie Belle said reproachfully "he's just enjoying himself. Maybe you could take a lesson from him."
"I," she said shocked at Sweetie Belle's "I enjoy myself all the time thank you very much."
"Rarity," Apple Bloom said "sometime's you're about as fun as a pig in a bath."
"I...," she began but the other's laughed. The Peryton walked up to Rarity carrying a bundle of Lilacs "It's okay Rarity," he said "I think you're loads of fun."
She sneezed "Oh why do these things keep happening to me?"
After awhile they reached their campsite and began setting up their tents. Scootaloo was making a strange something the Peryton had never seen before.
"Scootaloo," he asked "what's that?"
"Oh this?" she said "it's just a s'more."
"What's a s'more?"
"It's a type of camping snack," she said "it's a real treat. You wanna try one?"
"Sure," he said plopping himself next to her "how do I s'more?"
"I'll show you how to make one," she said "first you take a Graham cracker, then you put chocolate on the cracker."
She reached down an pulled out a stick from the fire which had something on fire at the end of it. The Peryton jerked back when he saw it but then calmed down when Scootaloo laughed "Silly," she said "this is one of the most important parts. This is a marshmallow."
"Marshmallow?" he asked "do they normally look like that?"
"No," Scootaloo said "this is only when they're cooked right. Wanna try a normal one?"
"Okay," the Peryton said and stuffed the Marshmallow handed to him in his mouth. He chewed a couple of times, and then his eyes popped open. Suddenly, he reached over to the bag and began wolfing them down.
"Easy there," Scootaloo said "or you'll make yourself sick. And besides, we gotta save enough for everyone."
Slowly, and reluctantly, the Peryton put down the bag and watched Scootaloo finish making her s'more "Then," she said "you put the marshmallow on the chocolate. You put another layer of chocolate on top of the marshmallow, then another Graham cracker. And then, you eat it."
She took a big bite and chewed, melted chocolate covering her lips "You try," she said through mouthful of s'more.
The Peryton looked hesitant, than took a bite. He had never tasted anything so rich, so dark, so enchantingly delightful that he relished every single morsel. He didn't know when the last time he ate was, and he enjoyed every bite. Sounds of glee emanated from him as he chewed. "Mmmmmmhm," he said "do you have this all the time?"
"Not all the time," Rainbow Dash said "only when we go camping."
"I think I like camping," he said "do you do this often?"
"Every once and a while," Apple Blossom piped up "but we like to keep it a treat so we don't do it every day."
"I can see why," the Peryton said.
Over the next day he learned what a tent was and how to set one up, how to set up a sleeping bag, and the different stars and constellations were when they went star gazing. He treated all of them with almost a boyish innocence, but was respectful and kind. He laughed a light contagious laugh when he heard Scootaloo's jokes which she usually told on these kinds of trips. She laughed at the pranks Ace and Maverick would pull on their brother Big Sky. He helped Apple Blossom braid her hair and Sweetie Belle build a camp fire. Even Rarity grew to like him by the end of the trip. When they were packing to leave the Peryton looked down at his hooves and shuffled them.
"What's wrong Antlers?" Apple Bloom asked. Antlers was the nickname they gave him because they didn't want to have a nameless friend.
"Oh, well," the Peryton said "I suppose you'll be leaving today and...well..I don't know what to do..."
"Oh shoot darlin'," Applejack said "you can come along with us!"
"Really?" the Peryton excitedly "can I?"
"Sure," Apple Bloom said smiling "we might even be able to find out who you are?"
The Peryton was even more excited when he heard this "You mean? I can find out my name?"
"Duh," Rainbow Dash said "we'll take you to our friend Princess Twilight."
"Who's she?" The Peryton asked. He felt a warmth and joy when he heard that name, Princess Twilight.
"The Princess of Friendship," Sweetie Belle said "she's really smart too."
"If anypony can help you," Applejack said "she's the one who can."
"Oh," the Peryton said "that would be wonderful!"
With that, they trotted down the hill happily to Ponyville.
That next day they went to go see Twilight Sparkle in her castle. Applejack, Rarity, and the Perryton stood in front of the grand doors which opened for them as they walked inside. Twilight, a pink pony, and a yellow Pegasus, as well as a purple dragon were there. Twilight turned and was excited to see AJ and Rarity, but was curious at the newcomer.
"Hello," she said "who are you may I ask?"
"I don't know," the Peryton said "I guess my name is Antlers."
"Antlers?" Twilight mused "that's a funny name. What's the story behind that?"
"We gave it to him when we first met," Applejack said lightly slugging his shoulder "that's why we're here too."
"I know," Twilight said "Princess Celestia sent me a letter detailing the events of your travels."
"Who's Princess Celestia?" The Peryton asked.
"She's the Princess of all of Equestria," Twilight said "she taught me everything I know."
“More importantly,” Twilight said “Princess Celestia instantly recognized you because she has the gift of Far Sight and knows everything that goes on beyond our borders. She already knew about the events which forced you here. She brought YOU here to help YOU remember. I don’t know all the details, but we’re going to be finding that out tonight when Princess Luna comes here.”
“The Princess are coming here?!” They all shouted.
“Yes,” Twilight said “but I hope you can at least give our guest some space before we begin to question him."
Later that night, when Gale was asleep, they all stepped into his bedroom and Princess Luna turned and faced them “Now,” she said “the spell I’m going to cast is one which should only be used in the direst of circumstances. We need to help this Peryton retrieve his memory and tell us who he is. My sister wasn’t able to give us much information, however, we can learn all we need to know when I cast this spell. Are you ready?”
"Why did you call him a Peryton?" Pinkie Pie asked "Antlers isn't a Perry, is he? Is that his real name?"
"No," Princess Luna said "Peryton is what kind of creature he is. Just like you are an earth pony, he is a Peryton."
"Oh," she said.
“What will it do?” Twilight asked with concern on her face and bringing them back to the current subject.
“I will have him enter a trance, from which he will relate to us the events of his past,” Luna said “I will invade his realm of sleep and dreams, but it is the only way. Do you understand?”
They all nodded.
“Very well,” she said closing her eyes “let us begin.”
=====================================================================================
“Ice,” Gale said panting in his trance “wind…snow…stinging…cold. I’m blown away on the winds of winter. I am fleeing my father’s palace. Hunted…chased…the howls of hounds and Windigoes. Father! His death shocks me, I am barely able to let go of his hoof before my friends are set upon by the wolves and killed. All killed…defending me…so that I could escape. Their blood freezes to my skin as I topple in the storm. I’m in a forest…my limbs are frozen to the boughs of a tree. There are timber wolves, glowing eyes and bearing their sharp teeth…I’m aloft again…I don’t know how, all I know is that the storm is over and I can see further. The wind is harsh against my face as I continue to glide onwards. No food…no warmth…no comfort…I…suddenly see mountains. The Crystal Mountains! I know they are there because they are to the south of my country. All things are to the south…all good things…trees, grass, water…and light. I then collapse with exhaustion…and I…I…father! FATHER!”
He continued screaming in his trance until he sobbed. Twilight stood up angry at Princess Luna for intruding on his dreams “Enough!” she said stomping down her hoof “I won’t have this any longer.”
Turning to face the Diarchs she said “This is MY castle, and MY home. I won’t have MY guest be treated in this matter. It doesn’t matter what information he told us. He was our guest, and we intruded into his private memory.”
“Twilight,” Luna began but she was cut off with a wave of Twilight’s hoof.
“He needs rest,” she said “and he’s going to get it whether you like it or not!”
With that, and the fact that she glared at them so angrily that made both of them flinch, they bowed and left the room.
Twilight stayed a little longer. She saw a tear fall from Gale’s noble face and she felt her own eyes water. Such a majestic creature should never be brought to such sorrow. She looked at his silvery coat, as if it radiated moonlight. His horns, bone white which spread forth like angels wings, the silver eye lashes and hair which were raggedly elegant and barbarically regal. She looked at his powerful muscles and the light sweat on his flanks, his wide nostrils and pearly teeth which she knew would charm a dove out of its nest if he smiled. He was breathing heavily, but she knew he would calm down if she was next to him. Without another thought, she climbed into bed with him, draped a leg over him and, holding him tight, went to sleep.
The next morning the bed was empty, Twilight looked around when she woke up and wondered where Gale was. She then saw him standing looking down at the battlements from the tower balcony. The door was closed but she could see him through the glass. He looked morose and speculative. She opened the door with magic and stood beside him. For a little while they said nothing and then, turning his brilliant blue eyes on hers he said “Thank you.”
“For what?” She said curious.
“For spending the night with me,” he said looking awkward “I didn’t realize that most of my problems were simply caused by loneliness.”
“There’s no need,” she said “I know what it’s like not to have friends.”
She reached out, and held his cloven hoof and examined it “Tell me more about your ponies.”
“What would you like to know?”
“Why do you live so far north?” she said “why do you not come trade in the south? Have you always been isolationists? Was the last contact you had with pony kind before the time of King Sombra?”
Gale looked down at her searchingly, and then said “We live in the north because it’s not always a land of ice and snow, in the summer and the spring, the sun is in the sky all day and never sets, and the foxes and lemmings breed and feast, the snow geese come up from the south and lay eggs, and there are fields of wildflowers which carpet the green. Calves are born and the wolf pups play. The creatures of the sea and the fowls of the air live with us in harmony, just as you do in the south. In the winter, for winter must surely come, the stars shine brilliantly and light up the night, even when there is no moon. And, on special nights, you have the shimmering light of the aurora to watch the calves dance and play to.”
“It sounds like a lovely place,” Twilight said looking back into his eyes “I’d surely like to visit there some day.”
“I hear you are a star gazer yourself,” he said smiling “you would love to see our constellations, which are different for us than for you. Our moon is even what we call the ‘Smiling Moon’ because its crescent is upside down, and it is sad to set to let the sun come out.”
“What constellations do you have?”
“There is the Hare, the Telescope, the Fox, the Unicorn, the Hunter, and many others,” he said “and beyond that, there is a great many things I could teach you when we get there.”
“Can you teach me now?”
“Possibly,” he said “you are very curious about the world aren’t you?”
“Yes,” she said, and for the first time, she blushed when she said it “do you find that odd?”
“I find it commendable,” he said smiling again “I like a pony who is willing and loves to learn.”
“Will you come back and visit Equestria after you return home?”
“Many times,” he said reaching down and gently stroking her chin “especially, if I have a good reason to.”
Twilight looked away slightly embarrassed “I would like that very much your majesty.”
“My lady,” he said turning her face towards his again “I like the sound of that.”
“What do you mean? How I am addressed?”
“No,” he said with a twinkle in his eye “you being mine, and I being yours.”
She blushed a deeper crimson, but smiled and returned his gaze. Yes, she thought it was going to be a very enjoyable time with his lordship.
All of a sudden, the dawn came. Those who were besieged in the city of Helemath looked up. Shanlo growled his distaste. A horn blew as the sun sparkled on the snowy plains surrounding the city. Shanlo, with his horde of white wolves, turned and faced the on coming threat. Suddenly, cresting the top of a hill, a white Peryton strode up, his wings outstretched like an angel glistening in the light. The sun streamed down from his silver crown and beside him stood a purple Alicorn. Shanlo smirked “So,” he said “the runaway came back. And he has a beauty which will make a fine slave to be my cup bearer.”
“Lord,” Shima said “look!”
Shanlo looked where she gestured and beside the two creatures who crested the hill, still more came. A veritable army of eighteen thousand Perytons, Crystal Ponies, and Equestrian Royal Guardsman stood beside Gale and Twilight. Shanlo’s mouth was slightly agape, then he recovered quickly. Barking out orders to his soldiers “Formations!”
As a single unit, the White Horde prepared themselves to counter attack. Twilight looked questioningly at Gale “What are we going to do?”
“We’ll let them come,” he said then looking at his captains he ordered “move the army back behind the crest of the hill.”
They looked at him puzzled. Were they going to retreat right as the battle began? Gale was in no mood to be questioned “Do it now!”
Hurriedly they obeyed. The entire army moved back below the crest. Shanlo was curious “What in Hell’s Teeth are they doing?”
“They fear us too greatly lord,” Shima said “we could strike them now while we have the chance. Rip their hides open as they turn their backs to us.”
“We could,” he replied “but that would be too easy. Nah, he’s got something up his sleeve, I just know it. We wait until he makes his move.”
“But then the others will think thee a coward my lord,” Shima said “surely we would not like that to happen.”
Shanlo pounced on her and forced her on her back to where her exposed unarmored belly presented itself to him. His red tongue licked his slobbering jowls as he spoke with the intensity of hot iron “I am no coward, my lovely wife. I am also not a fool. However, if YOU’D like to send out YOUR portion of the army in such a hasty maneuver, than by all means, be…my…guest. However, don’t come whining back to me when you find that you’re whole army is slaughtered.”
Shima glared back at him “You don’t scare me,” she jeered “you may have me pinned but that’s more than I can say about your enemies at present.”
Shanlo yelled “Fine then!”
Turning to one of his captains, a wolf named Grey Snout he shouted “You will take her majesty’s section of the army and assault those dratted deer on the side of that hill. Find out what’s going on and then report back to me!”
“Yes sire,” Grey Snout said “and then he howled orders to Shima’s regiment. Like a white tide breaking upon the sands of the shore, they went full on in a dead sprint, their paws barely seeming to touch the ground, howling their battle cries to the north winds. Gale watched from his position halfway between the crest and the bottom of the hill. He motioned to his guard who stood by him “Steady lads. Wait until they’re amongst us. Then we’ll move.”
The wolf pack burst over the crest of the hill and upon seeing them, they were spurred on by rage and fury and the thrill of the chase. It didn’t matter that a strange formation awaited them. All eighteen thousand soldiers under Gale’s and Twilight’s command had formed into multiple thick squares, their antlers and spears bristling like porcupines. The armored wolves, confident that they were protected, charged helter-skelter down towards them and then the two sides clashed. A captain in one of the squares watched his soldiers confidently, he was one of Princess Cadence’s Royal Guard and a veteran soldier named Light Wake. Whenever he saw his soldiers getting tired, he blew a whistle and they would retreat backwards within the ranks until they reached the back where upon a fresh new rank of soldiers would appear to bring the fight to the enemy. It was a new style of fighting for the Peryton’s who were unused to warfare, but it was one which he and his guards had used many a time in the frontier battles of the Crystal Empire. The wolves threw themselves at the formations. Knowing that they would either die by the hooves of the Peryton’s who were fighting for the freedom of their homeland, or be killed by Shanlo and Shima. Grey Snout knew after three repeated assaults that it was hopeless, but he knew the consequences if he didn’t come back with Gale’s head in his jaws. He looked over to one of his aides who was named Chin Fur “Chin Fur,” he said “go and tell Lord Shanlo, the battle goes against us. They have strange formations here which are keeping us pinned down. We can’t break through them with our forces. If he could send us reinforcements than we could end this conflict, but until then, we can only hold our positions at the top of the crest.”
Upon receiving these words, Shanlo looked mockingly at his wife “You see my beauty?” he said “if that had been you, you wouldn’t have even had the sense to call into reinforcements. However, I won’t even bother sending them.”
“Sire?” Chin Fur inquired “but…”
“You’re an aide Chin Fur,” Shanlo retorted “but not a strategist. Gale is attempting to draw our forces away to alleviate the siege on Helemath. He wants to cut our forces in half, if he thinks he can do that than he’s wrong. Gale is ambitious yes, but he is no tactician either. That idea of forming square didn’t come from him, he’s not too imaginative. Shima…”
She eyed him coldly “Yes?”
“You wanted a go at them didn’t you?” Shanlo said “well now’s your chance. Take the remainder of your forces but don’t immediately go to reinforce Grey Snout’s troops. You instead will flank on the right side and hide in the trees near the bottom of the hill. Ha! The attackers will be forced to fight on two fronts instead of us. He has an army of eighteen thousand by the information which Grey Snout gave us. We out number him two to one! He won’t stand a chance and he can’t charge us because of his position at the hill. He also doesn’t know Grey Snout’s strength is only a thousand. We have to deceive him in making sure that he’s occupied with protecting his flank and his front so much that he can no longer commit any forces to the siege. Then, once we’re done in Helemath and crush the resistance their, we’ll turn our fangs to them and eat their hearts in a victory feast tonight!”
Shima grinned “That’s the old warlord I remember. Fine, see you at the feast Shanlo.”
With that parting remark, she howled out her commands to her section of the army, a full six thousand wolves who silently moved off under the shadow of the trees.
Twilight was feeling uneasy. The battle was going smoothly, but too smoothly. Everything was going right as planned and that was never good. A minor military theorist herself, she had read everything she could before the campaign began and something wasn’t settling right in her gut. She flew up high as she could above the battle, just in time to see Shima loping off with her contingent into the forest. Were they retreating? She wondered, but that wasn’t the attitude of the likes of Shima and Shanlo, not from what she’d heard. Suddenly, an arrow whistled past her head. Shanlo was seen barking orders to one of the siege engine crews which were operating a ballista. It fired again in her general direction and she ducked back down below the visual point of the crest and therefore out of arrow range. She went back down to Gale “Gale,” she said “there’s a group of wolves, about six thousand moving to our right. I think they mean to take us from the side!”
Gale’s face was grim and determined, but the light of battle shone in his eyes “Let them come,” he said “we can take any number of wolves Shanlo throws at us.”
“But what of the Resistance in Helemath?” she asked “we’ll be pinned down here and there’s barely a defense left in the city. They’ve moved up to the second level and there’s only two more left! Shanlo’s set fire to the lower parts already, we have to help them!”
Gale thought for a moment then asked “How many wolves are holding us off at the crest of the hill?”
“Only about a thousand,” Twilight replied shouting over the chaos of battle.
“Then we’ll charge them,” Gale said flaring up his wings.
“What?” Twilight asked shocked.
“We’ll charge them,” he repeated “we can’t stay here forever, you’re right. There’s a good chance that Shanlo has something in store for us when we crest the hill, but we have to help the Resistance.”
He gave an order to one of his banner carriers “White Wing,” he said “signal to the army, we break formation and charge on my command. The Perytons and Pegasi will charge from above while the earth ponies will back us up!”
Shanlo waited and watched while the battle raged on around him. It didn’t matter that he’d lost nearly two thousand wolves. He’d lost more and still won, and at the end of the day, that’s all that mattered. The lives of his soldiers didn’t matter, only maintaining his power did. He commanded a vast pack anyway. He knew that Grey Snout’s ranks would crumple to the ground. But then again, Grey Snout was becoming too ambitious as a captain. He was brave and courageous, a real wolf’s wolf the soldier’s called him. He’d sent him on this mission with the one purpose of killing him. He had some of his siege engines arranged along the right flank of his army. They were huge machines, capable of launching multiple arrows at once in a single volley. They caused horrific casualties in his enemies in the past, and he would do the same to Gale and that stupid purple pony beside him. His eyes never left the battle in front of him, he waited and he watched.
Gale flew up with Twilight, and Rainbow Dash. Together they led the charge flying so low that they almost were within reach of Grey Snout’s wolves’ fangs when they leapt up in vain to try and catch them. The earth ponies charged. Their lances skewering their enemies as they trampled them under foot in a single tide. Grey Snout, for the first time in his life, fled from the battle. He knew that his position was hopeless. He turned to flee with the rest of his army, which was still relatively ahead of Gale’s when a five foot long steel tipped arrow snuffed out his life and pinned him to the ground. Gale saw the arrows racing towards him, Twilight saw it too. Her horn glowed with purple energy and the space between Gale’s antlers also glowed. In fact every Peryton in the front rank knew what to do. As soon as the arrows were within range, hissing like a mob of angry snakes and hurtling towards the earth ponies, the Peryton’s and Twilight raised a magic shield which shattered the arrows upon impact and turning them into harmless splinters which pinged against the armor of the earth ponies below. The siege engine crews tried desperately to load another volley, but by then it was too late, Gale’s army smashed into Shanlo’s army’s side and the clamor of battle rang in Gale’s ears.
Shanlo rallied his forces to him the wolves pressed in tighter and tighter against the army of Gale Wintersong, the King of the North and Lord of Snow and Ice. They smashed against the body guard of Shanlo who fought like mad beasts. Teeth flashed in the snow reflected sun, blood scattered upon the ground. Chaos reigned. Gale saw Shanlo through the maelstrom of claws, teeth and fur, Shanlo met his gaze. As if forming a path for the two combatants to fight a space was opened. Shanlo bayed his defiance at the degenerate upstart who threatened his power and leapt up at him. Gale felt Shanlo’s teeth latch on to his antlers but he shook him of, he lashed out with a kick from his hoof and caught Shanlo in the jaw. Shanlo cut Gale’s left leg and bit him in the haunches. Gale bucked and kicked Shanlo in the gut, knocking the wind out of him. Shanlo leapt again at Gale’s head but Gale was ready. Lowering his horns at the last second he deflected the Shanlo’s attack. His next kick missed and his ankle was bit by Shanlo. Gale gasped as he felt a tendon snap under Shanlo’s powerful jaws. His right hoof was useless and bleeding profusely. He could barely walk on it. Shanlo noticed his enemy’s weakness and exploited it. He only attacked on that side, forcing Gale to constantly circle his enemy.
Shanlo taunted him “Come on princeling,” he mocked “don’t dance or you’ll be my jester instead of my next meal.”
He kept on saying other jeers. He called him little deer, and half-born calf, and weak king and others. Finally, while distracted by another wolf coming up from behind and turning to face that threat, Shanlo bit him in the left leg and held on with all his might. Gale dropped to the ground as if he’d been hit by a bullet. He let out a terrified scream. Twilight and Rainbow Dash turned and saw him. They had been fighting their own personal engagements when they heard Gale’s cry of dismay. Twilight shouted “No!”
Shanlo released his grip and walked in front of Gale, his mouth dripping with Gale’s own blood. He licked his slobbering chops and asked “I’ll enjoy eating you tonight.”
Then he moved in for the final blow. His mouth opened so wide that Gale could count every tooth, that’s when he struck. Using his only working front hoof, Gale struck the lower jaw with all the strength he had left. Shanlo felt every bone in his mouth break. Suddenly he couldn’t speak if he wanted too. He could only look at Gale in shock and horror, his own blood and saliva dripping on the ground in front of him. Gale slowly stood up and looked down at Shanlo. Shanlo’s normal wit and cunning had deserted him, his legs began to tremble, his tail tucked between his legs in a wolf’s sign of submission. He wanted to say that he surrendered but no words could come out. When he moved his jaw, pain lanced across his entire body. He began to whimper. Gale’s eyes were a-light as if with blue fire, his tone of voice equivalent to Princess Luna when speaking in the royal tone “Shanlo Loshan,” he said “for the murdering of innocents, other crimes which you have committed in order to gain power. I hereby sentence you to death. You no more will trouble the world nor will walk among the living again!”
With that, a lance of fire streamed from Gale’s crown and it struck Shanlo in the face. His body slowly disintegrated into a thousand pieces and the smell of burnt fur and the resounding sonic boom was heard all across the plain. It knocked every soldier friend and foe down flat on the ground. Shanlo’s steel helmet and armor, like a carapace from an insect fell until it landed on the snow. Every eye present could see it. Gale, with his army, stood triumphant on the battlefield.