Warhammer Equestria-Wrath of The Blood God

A week had passed since Valiant was laid to rest and while the rest of the kingdom seemed to move on one young stallion sat by his window overlooking the green ocean that was the Everfree Forest and in his hand was the fallen knights sword Blood Bringer.

When news of his father's death reached his ears the young lord was heartbroken as was his sister and above all his mother who wished to be left alone to grieve for her beloved but despite this tragic loss the war against Crom and his followers continued as more troops were recruited into the Royal and Lunar guards along with the Iron Wolves who now looked to their new leader; Maximus for guidance.

"My lord. The troops are ready." A soldier marched into the room to remind Max of his morning training and as they walked through the hall the young colt began to recall a memory from his childhood.

Years Ago

It was a dark and stormy night. A young colt had been wandering the halls while crying his eyes out as the thunder and lightning crashed outside the walls of the castle when a stallion came running up the hall and plucked him straight off the floor for a big hug.

"Maximus!" Valiant sighed with relief as he held his son close before seeing the frightened look in his eyes.

"What're you doing up so late?"

The young colt explained that he went to use the bathroom as the storm rolled in then quickly got lost after running from the sound of the thunder. Being the caring father that he is, Valiant carried his son back to the bedroom where he found Emelyn and his daughter who had also been worried, on that night the whole family slept in one room to keep each other company and as the young colt drifted to sleep his father tucked him in saying.

"There's no need to be scared son. I'm here and I always will be."

By the time they reached the end of the hall, Maximus could hear the sound of the troops shouting in unison as they practiced their weapon drills before an officer shouted for his men to stand at attention to greet their new commander.

"As you were gentlemen." Maximus spoke in a distinguished manner showing the proper etiquette when inspecting the troops. As the day went on, the young stallion noticed that a stable was open and he had recognized it all too well since it was the one that housed his father's most trusted companion; Fenrir who was laying next to his masters old saddled with his ears drooped down as he wrapped his tail around it when Max came in to comfort him.

"Hey there old boy." He spoke while gently petting the canines head before receiving a lick to his arm.

As their tradition dictates, Fenrir was freed from service shortly after his masters death but the old wolf refused to leave yet he would not accept anyone for his new rider which seemed understandable since he and Valiant fought alongside each other for many years.

"I know. I miss him to." Maximus said as he placed his hand on his father's saddle when another memory came back to him.

Everfree Forest

Max and his father had gone on a hunting trip in the Everfree Forest to gather meat for the wolves with Fenrir acting as their tracker, this would be the first adventure the young colt had outside the castle which made him very excited especially since he was with his father.

"So dad what're we hunting?"

"We are going after some swamp boars. They've been giving the apple family farm some troubles as of late."

"Cool!"

The trio made their way deep into the forest where Fenrir had found a fresh mud hole the boars dug up to wallow in followed by a set of tracks leading into a dense part of the forest. Knowing the situation could get dangerous, both Max and Valiant readied their arrows in case one of the beasts were lurking nearby while Fenrir lead the way as he sniffed out the trail.

Rrr... The wolf growled as his fur began to stand on end when Valaint spotted a large boar gorging himself on some vegetation along with a few smaller ones.

"Good work boy." Valiant whispered before leading his son to a more closer position.

Maximus was both amazed and horrified at the sight of the large beast. It's bristled fur seemed to shine like gold in the sunlight that peeked through the treetops along with its large tusks that ripped up the soil like a shovel with ease.

"Alright son. You get the first shot." Valiant moved aside to give his son a clear shot at the beast and as Maximus drew back his bow his heart began to race and his breathing grew rapid. He had never killed another living creature before and was beginning to have second thoughts until he felt his father's hand on his shoulder.

"Just take a deep breath and relax." Valiant said calmly with a confidant smile towards his son. Maximus did as he was told and sure enough, his nerves began to settle down allowing him to take aim once more.

"Now exhale and release."

The young colt fired his shot and made a direct hit on the boars heart as it began to thrash around with a loud shriek that made the others scatter.

"I got him!" Maximus was overjoyed after seeing the beast fall but the task was not yet over. As they neared the beast, they could see it was barely breathing and the tip of the arrow had pierced through the other side and when Max saw this his father handed him his hunting knife and told him with a firm gaze.

"Finish what you started."

Though he seemed cruel, Valiant was teaching his son one of the most hardest lessons: Taking the life of another. Maximus looked at the poor beast with pity and after much difficulty he slowly pushed the blade into the boars chest as it struggled for a brief moment before passing as the blade was shoved all the way to the hilt. When the task was done, Valiant said a quick prayer for the beast before hauling it off back to the castle.

Above the stable were the very tusks of the boar Maximus shot all those years ago, seeing the trophy made the young lord smile for a moment as he left Fenrir to be alone. He went to the castles garden where stood a single tombstone marked with a pair of swords crossed over followed by the symbol of the iron wolves, the grave had been covered by some vines and moss which made it look ancient as Max cleaned off some of it before stepping back a bit to read the writing on the stone.

Here lies Valiant Charge; The Iron Wolf
Strong in life, fearless in death.

A single tear fell from Maximus's eye as he clenched his fist saying.

"I will make you proud father. I promise..."

Having paid his respects, the young lord bowed before his father's grave and departed for training.

End.