Aegis sat outside the house staring at the sun that was slowly rising from behind the cloud covered mountains in the distance and a thin mist was covering the town in a thin white veil. From behind him he could hear the door open.
When he turned around he saw Lightning, who was carrying a large bag on his back, and Argyle behind him, setting a large wooden chest on the ground and then shutting and locking the door. On his shoulder was his bag full of food and clothing, another was slung to his back that had a small bed roll and a lantern. His sword and hand axe were sheathed on his side. “Why are you bringing those?” Aegis asked looking at the weapons.
“Just in case.” Argyle said.
“In case of what?” Aegis replied.
“Well there might be wild animals like Timber Wolves, Bears, Mountain Lions, lets hope we don't see a Manticore.”
“Whats a Manticore?” Lightning asked.
“Its a creature with the body and head of a lion, scorpions tail, and bat like wings. Pretty nasty attitude too.” He said, remembering his first encounter with a male manticore in the south. He picked up the chest and set it on his shoulders. “Come on, lets go.” Aegis picks up his bag and they began to walk towards the Keep.
The town was dead silent in the morning, birds could be heard in the trees and a goat baa'd loudly behind a house. When they reached the Keep they could see Slate and Drover talking. Drover was holding his large axe in his hands and a short sword on his belt. He wore a pair of wool, red plaid pants, a red long sleeved tunic under a sleeveless mail vest atop it. A large leather belt with two large pouches on the side and a big brass buckle, studded wrist guards made of leather and iron, and a blue and red plaid cloak on his back that covered his left arm, its hood was slunk behind his head and it was a bit brown on the bottom due to years of it being dragged on the ground.
While Slate had his geode sword at his side and a kite shield on his back he wore a long blue tunic with a scaled leather vest over it, black and grey plaid pants made of wool, a thick leather belt with an iron buckle, and a grey wool cloak with a hood. “Mornin', boys, you ready to go?” Drover asked.
“Mhm.” Aegis said, groggily. Rubbing the dirt from his eyes. “I'm ready.”
“That's good to hear.” Slate said. “Clay and Spot are on their way with a cart. Pebbles is on his way.” Argyle looked at the Keep.
“What of Sammie and Telon?” He asked.
“Still abed,” He said. “got our food and other supplies all ready to go.”
“Good, I'm leaving the house with her. I have the key right here.” Argyle said. He gave the key to one of the servants that was carrying out a bag of supplies. “Any trouble along the roads?”
“Not that I know of.” Drover said. “But we should still be cautious, that and we have to pass the wall.”
“The wall?” Lightning asked.
“Aye, Augustine's wall. A long stone wall that protects Equestria from... well, us.” Drover said. “Stretches along our boarders, the western side ends at the coast while the eastern side ends at the base of the mountains, even got some wee villages built along'em.”
“Do they not like you?” Aegis asked.
“Its not entirely like that. Some Diamond dog tribes and clans normally cause trouble along the boarder, so do illegal miners. Sometimes even attacking and raiding pony towns and villages, sometimes even kidnapping ponies to work in their mines, making slaves out o'em.” Slate said. “Things'ave calmed a bit, even have some dogs patrolling the wall with Equestrian soldiers, but the mining still goes on.”
“Equestria and Dimondia's history isn't exactly full of pretty colors. Lord Soot and his soldiers were heading there, we saw'em a few day's back.” Argyle said. “We'll have to go through it to get into Equestria.”
Aegis saw Clay, Pebbles, and Spot soon arrive with a cart pulled by a bull with shaggy hair and clipped horns. Once the cart stopped the supplies were loaded onto the cart. Aegis looked at the many weapons they had.
Clay wore a long maroon plaid tunic that covered him from shoulders to knee, he had a spear with a wooden shield on his back and a long stone knife on his belt. Pebbles had a large wooden war mallet on his back and wore a mail vest that was covered by his plaid green cloak. Spot wore brown pants and a tunic of the same color, his cloak was a greenish color, he had a war pick with a stone head and a wooden shield with leather draped over it with copper pins holding it in place.
“If you both get tired of walking just let me know and you can ride on the cart.” Argyle said to Aegis and Lightning.
“We'll be fine.” Aegis said smiling.
“That's good to hear.” Argyle said. “Come boys, there is something we need to do before we leave.”
“Whats that?” Lightning asked.
“You'll see.” He replied. He, Lightning, and Aegis walked towards the forest with the others following from behind.
They continued down the old road, the wooden wheels of the cart squeaked and the ox grunted with almost every step it took. As they were walking Argyle picked up a couple of purple colored flowers and gave one to Aegis and the other to Lightning. “Why do we need these?” Aegis asked.
“You'll see.” Argyle said. He walked to Slate and Drover. “Stay here, we'll be right back.”
“We'll wait for you Argyle.” Drover said.
“Come on boys.” Argyle said, Aegis and Lightning followed him into the forest. Within a few minutes they reached a small clearing with a stone covered grave against a tree. The stones were covered by layers of moss and flowers that had grown over the years.
“Where are we?” Aegis asked. “Who is in that grave?”
“This is where I found you two.” Argyle said. “Your mother is buried here. I thought we should visit her before we leave.”
“Our mama?” Lightning asked. “Did you know her?”
“Only for a brief time. She passed the day after you both were born.” He said, Argyle then knelt down and placed a flower on the grave.
“Was she pretty?” Aegis asked. “What did she look like?”
“Oh yes, she was indeed beautiful, long and flowing blue hair, and a violet coat. Your brother looks like her more in color.” Argyle said. “You look like her in face. A little.” The two walked towards the pile of stone, looked at it and knelt down. Placing the two flowers on the grave.
“We'll visit again one day, won't we papa?” Argyle gave them a little nod and a low 'Mhm' in response. They soon left the clearing and towards the road. Argyle placed two necklaces around Lightning and Aegis' necks.
“What're these?” Lightning asked?
“They were the two wedding bands your mother had with her.” He said. The one Lightning had was much smaller than the other but still big on his small fingers, it was silver with several gems around it leading to a larger gem in the center, it had belonged to their mother.
The one that Aegis wore was made of gold with a large red ruby in it, several engravings were around the ring. It was so large he could place two of his fingers in it. "Your father must have been a rather large Pony to have a ring that sized." They soon came upon the road once again, Slate was leaned up against the cart while the others chatted away.
“We ready to go?” Slate asked.
“Yes. Lets get goin'.” Argyle said. Aegis and Lightning walked beside him while Seldis and Drover walked only a few passes ahead while Clay, Spot, and Pebbles walked beside the Cart.
The third day had passed and they were already a long distance from Vale but no closer to the boarder of Equestria. Long fields of grass and flowers bordered the dirt road and a small village in the shadow of a forest could be seen in the distance. Aegis sat on the cart and watched Lightning try at another attempt to fly.
He flapped his wings and was able to get a feet inches off the ground before falling again. His face flushed red and he was panting. “You'll get it one day.” Argyle said, helping him stay up. “Just keep practicing.”
“I'm trying... but I run out of breath quickly." He said. Something in the distance, caught Aegis's eye. A large object covered by weeds and birds became closer as they walked. When they get close to the object Aegis can see the massive wooden wheels and wooden stairs inside of it. Next to it was a smaller device that looks like a giant spoon with old ropes on it. Both objects were covered by moss and flowers and birds seemed to live in the top of the tower like construct.
“Whats that?“ Aegis asked.
“Its a siege tower kids, the small ones a catapult.” Slate said. “Only walls big enough for that engine are at Chirt.”
“How long have they been there?”
“Bout... hmm almost thirty years now.” Drover said. “Yaks must have left it here.”
“Whats a Yak?” Aegis asked.
“An creature made entirely of sweat, blood, rage, testosterone, and fur that stands around seven to nine feet tall with a small brain.” Argyle said. "They invaded Dimondia a while back with their Caribou allies, but we fought them off.”
“Were they tough?” Aegis asked.
“Oh very.” Drover said. “Come now, enough gawking. No point looking at these relics of war. Lets get moving.”
***The fifth day***
Aegis looked up at the large stone wall, atop it he saw many armored figures with weapons. Some Diamond Dog and some that looked like him. They all wore heavy cloaks made of cotton or wool to help keep them dry from the rain, save his muddy hooves, and warm from the chilly air. Some of the guards atop the wall seemed to wear the same. The heavy wooden door of the gate house opened up to reveal a rather large and armored figure.
He wore armor, much different than what a Diamond dog would wear. He had a long chainmail cloak that ended just a little above his thighs, below the mail there was a longer red skirt that went a little past his knees, steel leg guards and hoof guards that were stained by mud, many circular disks on his chest that was connected by a belt and some leather strips, a long red cloak that was darkened by rain covered his arms and head. His face was covered by a goldish colored metal mask that was connected to a helmet, it had face that somewhat looked like Aegis and Lightning but in fine detail and much older.
He was frightening to behold, yet a marvel Aegis or his brother had never seen before.
“What brings you to the wall.” The large figure said, his voice muffled by the mask but Aegis could still see the bits of steam coming from the mouth of the mask. Even the small hint of color behind the holes in his mask.
“Safe passage through the wall and into Equestria.” Slate said. “I am a lord here in Dimondia.”
“Of what county?” The figure asked.
“County of Vale, bout a weeks march from'ere.” He said, Aegis could see the large figures gaze come down on him.
“Returning or delivering?” He asked.
“A little of both.” Slate said.
“Do you have the appropriate papers for this venture?” Slate opened his bag and dug around. He soon pulled out a small scroll with his seal stamped on it in red ink. He gave it to the figure. Once the armored figure moved his arms Aegis could see the steel plates going up his arm and the sound of metal squeak as he moved. He broke the seal and read it.
“Hmm, everything seems to be in order. Welcome to Equestria, Lord Slate, follow me.” The large doors opened up all the way to reveal a very large area with several buildings and towers. The buildings were a white color with tilled roofs, voices, and lights coming from their windows and opened doors.
The ground below them was covered in several hoof and paw prints from the Equestrian and Dimondian soldiers stationed there. On the porch of the large villa he saw a two headed dog, one of its heads was asleep while the other was watching them as they went by, its ears perked up. Few were outside, though he could hear the sounds of several voices from inside the buildings. Aegis could barely make out the Equestrians in the buildings and towers, though he could easily recognize the Diamond Dog guards.
“Did Soot give you boys some trouble?” Drover asked the guard.
“He attacked a few miles west of here.” The guard said, “The entire force quickly disbanded after one of our scorpio's hit him.”
“Ahh... skewered'im then... well, he should'ave seen that comin'”
“One less hostile lord is all that really matters,” The guard said. “lord Slate and a scattered few are the only ones that want peace along the boarder.”
Coming to another gate the large armored figure ordered two Diamond Dogs to open the door. After the door was opened the group exited the fort and into Equestria.
The morning had been a rather dirty and dull day. After passing the long wall that connected Dimondia with Northern Equestria almost five days ago, the sky became covered with gray and black clouds that sent rain pouring on the group the night before, resulting in the ground being wet and muddy, a thin cloud of mist was covering parts of the forest making it difficult to see ahead of them. “Everyone stop,” Slate said. “fogs is too thick, we'll have to make camp here until it clears up.”
“I'll get a fire going.” Clay said, taking a flint and steel striker from his bag. “Pebbles, see how much food we have left.” The grey Diamond Dog nodded and climbed into the cart.
“If we are low on food we can forage for anything edible.” Spot said.
“Or hunt for something like a rabbit or deer.” Pebbles said.
“Careful, we don't want to mistake the local wild deer for one of those sentient ones from the south.” Drover said, sitting on a stump and taking off his mail vest. He placed a small wooden pipe in his mouth and lit it with a small match.
“Deer people?” Aegis asked.
“Oh yes, the deer people of the Everfree forest. They live here in Equestria.” Drover said. “Walk around and Talk just like you and me except they resemble your kind a little with the males growing antlers from their heads. Great shots with a bow and arrow and very skilled with a sword.”
“Think they taste the same?” Lightning asked. Drover chuckled and coughed up some smoke.
“Probably, I don't want to find out though. Caribou tastes like Elk though.” He said laughing. Argyle looked at him when he heard this, remembering that he, Slate, and Drover had once eaten a dead Caribou soldier to survive. After noticing the glare Argyle gave him, Drover then stopped talking.
“Boys come help me with the Bedrolls.” Argyle said. Aegis and Lightning quickly walked over and helped set the fur bedrolls on the ground near the fire Clay had just lit. Slate pulled a few radishes from his bag and fed it to the Ox. The woolly beast had happily snorted and loudly ate them, Slate patted its side and walked towards the fire. He saw Pebbles pickup a small crossbow and walk into the forest.
“You two hungry?” Slate asked.
“A little.” Lightning said. Slate reached into his bag and pulled out a few dried pieces of beef and gave it to the boys. Aegis bit into the salty and rock hard beef.
“It feels like I'm eating a rock.” Slate chuckled a little.
“I'll get you both a cup of ale to soak it in. It'll give it a new taste and it will soften it up a little.” He said.
“You two tired?" Argyle asked.
“No not really. Legs are just a little sore.” Aegis said. “How long will we be here?”
“When the mist clears up we'll leave. Hopefully that wont be long,” He said. “hopefully Pebbles can find something to eat soon.”
“We could make bark bread.” Drover said. “Plenty of Pine trees here.”
“We don't have any flour,” Argyle said, from the corner of his eye he see's Pebbles return with a rabbit on his belt.
“Well that was quick.” Slate said.
“Saw him as soon as I left.” Pebbles said setting the rabbit on a log. “Followed him for a minute 'fore I fired.”
“Get it cleaned and throw it in the pot.” Slate said. “I think there are onions in the cart, maybe a few potatoes left too.” Argyl saw Drover get ready to put the small pipe back in his mouth but he soon went dead silent, he sniffed the air, steam came from his nose, and he stood up and grabbed his axe.
“What is it?" Argyl said worryingly, reaching for his sword.
“We're not alone.” Drover said. “At least seven of them maybe more... can you smell them? Argyl sniffed the air then unsheathed his sword and picked up a round shield. Slate readied his sword in one hand and an axe in the other, Pebbles readied his crossbow while Clay reached for an axe and Spot reached for an spear.
“Whats going on?!” Aegis asked Argyle.
“Stay behind me, when I tell you to run you both run and hide no matter what happens.” He said. A loud flapping could be heard above and all around them. He saw the shadows of several figures in the mist, Aegis and Lightning hid behind Argyle. From the mist several armored figures came out, five in total. The Leader wore a full set of plate armor that was bereft of its original color and now brown from the mud and dirt while the others wore leather and padded armor topped with metal or leather helmets. He could see their cat like tails and large wings on their backs.
“What are they?” Lightning asked Argyle.
“Griffons... bandits no doubt.” He said. The leader of the Griffons took off his dirty helmet that matched his armors color and held it under his arm. He had dark brown and grey feathers on his head, a female Griffon in padded armor and metal plates on her shoulders and arms walked next to him. She had white feathers on her head and she wielded a Glaive. The Griffons all had their weapons at the ready except for their leader.
“Good evening everyone. rather dull day is it not. My name is Gale.” The griffon said in a rather charming and friendly tone, looking at the group. “Now lets all lower our weapons and no harm will come to either of you.” Argyle and the others still held their weapons close. “Hmm, I see. Perhaps you will accept our toll then.”
“Toll? Since when was there a toll for the road?” Slate asked.
“Oh yes, turn over what gold or silver, weapons, and valuables you have in that cart of yours and we will send you on your way.” He said.
“We will not turn over our weapons Griffon.” Drover said. “Your lot sure doesn't look like the bandit types to me.” He no doubt caught the Griffons attention, before he could respond he saw Aegis and Lightning hiding behind Argyle.
“Those your boys mutt? They sure don't look like yours.” One said, Aegis and Lightning hid behind him.
“These are my sons, if you try touching them I'll—”
“Did you savages take them from their mother when they were born? I bet I could fetch a nice price on them.” Another Griffon said. “An even finer price on all your hides.” Argyle griped his sword tighter.
Aegis looked up at him, he had never seen this face before, to him Argyle
“You were soldiers once weren't you.” Drover said, the Griffon leader glared at the golden Diamond Dog. One of his soldiers raised a crossbow but he stopped him and lowered it “Mm no doubt, your group is armed with gambesons, steel caps and ring mail, a soldiers equipment. That and I can see the Griffus standard on that ones shield there.” He pointed at the Griffon with a wooden heater shield. “'Twas the reason ye left? Boredom, didn't wanna get eaten by an Arimaspi? Probably realized you made much more on praying on travelers than in the army, or all three. So you deserted, and started to attack caravans and local peasants." He said.
“Drover...” Slate said quietly. But instead of stopping he went on.
“M'lads and I, we'used to be soldiers like'ye, fought fer a good cause unlike you cowards. Seems like something a greed fuel'd birdie such as yourself and your ilk would do.” The Griffons gripped their weapons tighter and shifted. “All cowards is what you are. So no, we wont give you our supplies and you wont take them from us. And if you touch a single hair on one of their little heads I will personally pluck out all of your feathers and use them as pillow stuffing." The female Griffs face was red in rage.
"Insolent mutt! When I'm done with you I'll—"
“Oh aye I bet you'll do alot missy... but wait til I get m' hands on you... I'll be a better show then that tinny there.” He pointed to the Griffon leader, after saying what he said a small snicker came from Spot. Drover licked his chops and rocked his axe in his arms. “Been a while since this axe 'ere's had the blood of one of y' feather backs on it. Now how bout y' all piss off, your all to young to perish for nothin' and nothin' is what we ave.”
“Give us the road and no blood shall be shed this day.” Argyle said. “Do you except the terms we give you?” Gale looked at Argyl. He sighed loudly and motioned his hands and the other Griffons lowered their weapons.
“Perhaps you are right mutt... the road is yours." He put his helmet back on and he walked back into the mist with his companions. Drover loosened the grip on his axe and Argyle set the sword back in his sheath.
“Ah, now that that's over, lets get that rabbit clea—” Drover couldn't even finish his sentence before a crossbow bolt went through his neck and sending him to the ground gasping and holding his neck. Blood came out in streams from his wound and some from his mouth. From the forest the several Griffons charged out towards them with weapons drawn. Drover crawled to his axe and picked it up. He slowly knelt up, “Fuckin' featherbacks... ” He rasped.
“Boys run!” Argyle yelled, he Unsheathed his sword and ran towards the Griffons. One raised its large cleaver like sword at Argyl, once the blade descended upon the shield it made a heavy thud. Argyle used his sword and plunged it deep into the griffons chest, the sword quickly ripped through his padded armor and once the griffon had dropped his sword and fallen to his knees clutching the open wound, Argyle quickly bashed the next Griff in the face with his shield. Its head making contact with its iron boss, cracking parts of its beak and no doubt parts of his skull as well sending its helmet flying a few feet away.
Aegis and Lightning quickly fled behind a shrub and watched as the battle commenced. Pebbles cut the reigns around the bull causing it to flee into the forest, he then fired a bolt at a Griffon, but it blocked with its shield. He dropped the crossbow and grabbed his hammer, he swung and shattered the shield, and possibly the Griffons wrist in the process.
Clay and Spot ran towards the attackers, Spot, using his spear, jammed it into a Griffons chest while Clay was knocked to the ground by a Griffons wooden blackjack striking his face, the griffon tried to hit him again but he blocked with his axe. Slate was struck in the shoulder by a griffon holding a crossbow, he threw his axe at the Griffon striking it in the chest, he then ripped the bolt from his shoulder and ran at another.
“Aegis we cant stay here we have to—” From behind them they could hear someone running towards them, they turned to see several Griffons coming from the forest behind them.
“Run!” Lightning yelled. They both ran from the shrubs and into the clearing. Argyle saw them fleeing from the Griffon.
“Grab them!” A Griffon yelled.
“Boys!” Before he could run to their side he was lifted up into the air by the female Griffon. She had taken him high above the trees a small distance away from the clearing and her claws dug into his shoulders. Behind her was another Griffon with a crossbow.
“Argyle!” Spot yelled. The crossbow Griffon fired at Spot but missed, as he tried to reload Spot threw the spear at him and it went right through him. The Griffon fell to the ground, Spot drew his stone club and ran in the direction the other took Argyle.
“How do you like the view Mutt!” She said to him, he looked around and below he could see the tips of pine tree's poking out of the mist. Argyl grabbed the only unarmored part of her leg, the ankle, and bit into it, causing her to scream in pain and drop him into some trees below. He came down hitting several branches and ending in a heavy thud to the ground, he could feel something break, possibly a rib or two.
The Griffon came flying down and landed only a few feet ahead of him. She looked down at her now bleeding ankle. “Damned dog! You'll make a fine rug when I'm finished with you!” He readied his sword and ran at her. He swung but she ducked under his attack, she quickly stood up and swung her Glaive around, striking his shield, he swung again only to have has attack deflected by the pommel of her glaive.
Once she had an opening she took it, she used the glaive to cut a line across his back, Argyle screamed in pain, he spun around again and swung, she blocked his attacks with the shaft oh her glaive and its blade, she lifted the glaive into the air and swung it down towards Argyl. He lifted the shield up and stopped the attack, he belly was now exposed, he then plunged his sword deep into her exposed waist, she screamed, dropped her glaive and knelt. Argyl swung his sword at the downed griffon, the blade cut clean across her neck and she fell face first to the ground. He saw Spot and Clay running towards him.
“Where are the others!” Argyl said.
“They chased the griffons into the forest. The boys are hidden back at camp, Slate and Pebbles went after them.” Spot said, Argyle ran passed him and towards the clearing with Spot and Clay following close behind.
The Clearing was empty, save the few Griffon corpses and broken weapons, and the sounds of fighting can be heard in the distance. Aegis and Lightning slowly crawled from under the cart and scanned the area around them. "I think they're gone?" Lightning said to his brother.
“They must'ave have ran into the forest.” Aegis said, he climbed into the cart and started to look around. He soon discovered Argyl's chest, once he opened it he saw a red cloth wrapped around something. He unwrapped the cloth and saw two swords.
“What'd you find?” Lightning asked, standing up on the wheel.
“Swords?” Aegis said, he picked up the smallest one and held the heavy sword with two hands. Red runes glowed brightly along its curved blade.
“Well well, that's were you two ran off too.” Someone said, Aegis turned around to see the griffon leader with another two beside him walk from the mist. “That's a rather interesting sword boy... give it'ere.” He said reaching towards Aegis. He pointed the Sword at the griffon, holding it with two shaky hands. Gale made a funny look and a smug little smile, but he still backed away from the sword. “Give me the sword child or else.”
“Those are some nice necklaces Gale.” One of the other Griffons said, Lightning held his necklace close.
“NO! I'm not giving them to you!” Aegis replied, getting off the cart and standing next to his brother.
“Come on sonny, don't wanna cut yourself now do ya?” Another said.
“I'm warning you child.” Gale said, getting somewhat agitated. “Drop your weapons and come here.” Aegis didn't comply, Gale sighed annoyingly. “So be it.” He took the loaded crossbow from one of the griffons and shot the bolt into Lightnings thigh.
“AHHH!” Lightning fell to the ground holding his leg, he screamed and cried in pain next to Aegis. He saw the Griffon drop the crossbow on the ground.
“You forced my hand child.” He said, he then looked at the griffon next to him. “Rip it from his hands, we'll take them both with us.” The griffon nodded and walked towards Aegis, smiling and readying a small, iron studded blackjack.
“Come to me little one... ” He said, Aegis walked backwards and gripped the sword tighter while Lightning clutched his brothers leg. Someone running could be heard from behind them, a large two handed axe slammed into the griffon, becoming lodged in its chest. From behind them Drover gently pushed Aegis out of the way, Arrow still stuck in his neck dripping bits of blood, the fur around his mouth was stained red with blood.
“I told you featherbcaks, to leave them be... ” He said in a raspy and wheezy voice. He set his foot on the dead Griff and ripped the axe from its chest, the sounds of flesh ripping and bone crunching came was heard when he pulled it out, blood dripped from its massive blade. Drover growled at the other two Griffs, but his growl was different than his normal... more of a rasp, he bared his blood stained teeth at them.
“Don't just stand there, kill that stupid mutt!” The Gale said to his accomplice, who was rather shaken at the sight. The Griffon lifted his kite shield and axe and ran towards Drover. Drover hit the griff in the face with the butt of his axe, knocking him to his knees. Drover placed both of his hands at the end of the axe and lifted it above him. He slammed the axe into the griffons back, killing it instantly with a sickening thud with the sound of fabric and skin rending.
He ripped it from the Griffons back and looked at Gale. “Fine then, I will deal with you myself.” Gale said putting his helmet on and taking out his sword. Drover stared at the Griff, he slowly slid his right hand up the shaft and towards the shoulder and griped the axe right below its blade.
“Bout time ye damned feather brain... ”
He swung the axe, having more control of it by holding close to the blade, towards Gale. Gale was able to dodge and block some of the attacks with his sword, letting his guard down for the briefest of moments drover punched the side of his helmet with his free hand knocking him off balance a little but was able to quickly dodge the oncoming swings of the axe and Drovers fist. He ducked under one the axe as it swung by his head, Drover used his free hand to punch the griffon in the head again, he tried to punch again but Gale knocked his hand out of the way.
Gale swung his sword but it was easily countered by Drover who was using both his hands on the axe to knock the griffs arm out of the way and hit him with the axes butt, causing the Griff spin around and fall to his knees, he quickly regained his senses, spun around, missing Drovers axe by inches as it slammed into the ground chucking up dirt. Gale quickly rolled to the side, while doing so Gale was able to quickly cut a long line across both of Drovers legs with his sword.
Drover retaliated by hitting Gale with the axes side, sending him a few feet back and into a tree. As he tried to get up Drover ran into him with his shoulder and sent him back into the tree. Drover swung again, Gale ducked and the axe went deep into the tree and took off the upper half of Gales sword. He rolled away from Drover and tried to strike him with the broken, but still sharp point. Drover knocked it out of the way with his hand and grabbed the griffon by the neck. Gale got his arm free free and struck Drover in the nose with the swords hilt, he responded by headbutting the griff, resulting in a massive dinging sound from the helmet, Drover then grabbed his arm and threw him into a tree. Gales helmet flew from his head as he impacted the tree and his sword became lodged in the ground. Drover walked towards him.
Gale slowly picked himself up off the ground, one hand holding himself up while the other was placed on his aching head. Drover raised his axe in the air and was ready to slam it into him. Gale, at the last moment, grabbed a spear that was lying close to him and shoved it through Drovers chest. The spear head broke through Drovers back and he screamed in pain. A scream that would be forever etched into Aegis and Lightnings mind.
Blood streamed from his chest and mouth, he dropped the axe on the ground. He looked at Gale, who was smiling wickedly at what he had done. Drover began to walk towards him, with the spear still inside him and making squelching sounds when he moved. He grabbing the griffons head and digging his claws deep in its smug face and slamming it several times against the tree. Gales mail hood absorbed most of the damage, but his face was bloodied by Drovers claws. Gale reached for the dagger on his side, once it was unsheathed he began to stab Drover repeatedly in his side.
Drovers assault slowed, the loss of blood made him weaker with every movement he made. His grip loosened on Gales face and he soon fell to his knees. Gale picked himself back up, holding his head. He looked around, then at Drover. He set his hand on Drover's shoulder and pushed his lifeless corpse to the ground.
Gale looked up and by the cart he saw Aegis still holding the sword with Lightning hiding under the cart. “I have had enough of this!” He shouted picking up his dagger again. “Come here!” He yelled at Aegis. Gale ran towards him and jumped, using his wings to quickly glide towards him, dagger in hand, and Aegis quickly backed up pointing the sword at him.
An exposed tree root caught his hoof and caused Aegis to fall backwards against a stump, sword still pointing upward and Gale soaring towards him, Aegis closed his eyes scared and tear soaked eyes. And then... he heard it... the sound of metal breaking. Soon a loud gasp followed by a gag came from Gale. Aegis opened his eyes to see Gale looming over him, they were making eye contact and Aegis could feel his breath, looking into his cyan eye's, his pupils the size of pinpricks, and he looking into Aegis' terrified crimson colored eyes. He looked down and didn't look back up again and his arms soon fell limp.
His mouth was open, eyes wide and his wings twitching rapidly, small bits of blood came from his mouth and from the claw marks on his face. Aegis looked down to see that Gale had been impaled by the sword, his chest all the way to the grip and its blade poking out of his back. Blood slowly flowed from his wound down the sword and onto Aegis' fingers. He let go of the sword and quickly rolled away before the Griffons body fell on him. He looked around the clearing, he saw Drover lying lifeless on the ground with the spear still in his gut. “Aegis, Lightning!” Argyle yelled.
“Papa!” Aegis yelled, h soon saw Argyle, Slate, Pebbles, Clay and Spot come rushing out of the forest, weapons bloodied and exhausted. Argyle runs over to Aegis and hugs him.
“Wheres your brother!?” He said.
“Under the cart. They hurt his leg!.” Argyle and Aegis ran towards the cart, Lightning was under under the cart silently weeping and holding his thigh. Argyle gently pulled him out and placed him on the cart. He touched the bolt, Lightning yelped and moved Argyle's hand away.
“Argyle we have to get going.” Slate said.
“What about Drover?” Clay said, setting his weapons down. “We cant just leave him?”
“We'll have to bury him.” Pebbles said, setting his mallet down on the cart. “I'll dig a hole. Clay find some rocks and Spot, go find the damn bull and get it looked to the cart. Slate help me with Drover.” Clay and Spot ran off into the forest while Pebbles and Slate walked towards Drover. Slate held him up while Pebbles removed the spear. They set him on his back, Pebbles began to dig with his large hands while Slate grabbed one of the furs from the cart to cover Drover with.
“Aegis I'll need your help with something.” Argyl said, he noticed Aegis was staring at the large war mallet, mainly the bloodied spikes at the top of it. “Aegis..,” He nudged him.
“What?” Aegis replied, snapping out of the small trance.
“I need you to get me some moss, there is some at that tree. We need to cover his wound.”
“Okay... ” Without little hesitation he ran towards the tree and pulled out almost all the moss around it. He held it under his arms and ran back towards Argyl. He then noticed the bleeding cut along his back.
“Your hurt too.” Aegis said to him.
“I know son, but you two come first over me.” Argyle said. "Slate when your not busy I'll need some help here."
“I'll be with you soon.” He replied, Slate walked over towards Pebbles and gave him a pelt large enough for drover.
Argyle watched as Pebbles placed the last stone on Drovers grave. The grave was placed up against a tree with his axe leaning against it, acting as a tombstone. The needle Slate was using stung Argyle with every stitch as it closed the wound he sustained from the female griff. In the front of the cart Clay had just finished hitching the bull to the reigns and was ready to go and Spot had just finished disposing of the dead Griffons. Next to him Aegis and Lightning sat close to each other, Lightning coddling his hurt leg covered by the same blanket. “The sword Aegis used. It went straight through that griffons plate and mail with little effort.” Slate said. “Plate armor is something that doesn't pierce easily.”
“So you think it has something to do with those swords?” Argyl asked.
“Maybe, we both know damn well they ain't normal." Slate replied.
“True.” Argyl said, he poured water on the saber and watched as the blood drip off of its blade. Falling into little droplets on the ground. Once it was washed he placed it with the other.
“How long till Canterlot?" Argyle asked.
“Another three days, hopefully two if we hurry.” Pebbles said, Slate set the needle aside next to the swords. “Don't worry we'll get there.”
“I hope. For our sake and theirs.” He said looking at the boys. “There, it's all stitched up.” He said, Argyl stood up and put his shirt back on. He saw Pebbles walking towards the cart.
“We ready to go?” He asked.
“Not just yet. Slate, Pebbles, I'll need yer help with this, heat a dagger.” He said, turning towards Aegis and Lightning. “Aegis, look away son.”
“W...why?” He asked, pulling up the blanket.
“We need to remove the bolt from your brothers leg, I don't want you to see this, go sit by the fire.” Lightning instantly shot up in response to this.
“What! NO! You cant!” He tried to crawl away but was stopped by Slate and Pebbles who held his arms down.
“If we don't act now, it'll get worse.” Slate said, Clay held his legs down as Argyl reached for the bolt. Lightning began to frantically kick his legs.
“STOP! DON'T TOUCH IT!” He screamed, Argyl took the bolt in his hands and pulled on it. Lightning howled in pain as it was ripped out of his leg, Spot walked over to the cart holding a dagger with a orange hot tip and set it against his leg. His skin and blood sizzled and Lightning let out another horrifying scream as the knife cauterized the wound. Lightning soon passed out due to the pain.
“Is he going to be okay?” Aegis asked, looking at his now asleep brother.
“He'll be okay, gonna ornery as hell when he wakes though.” Argyl said, covering Lightning up in a blanket. “Question is, are you gonna be alright?” He sat next to Aegis, who was quietly looking into the fire.
“Did I do a bad thing?” He said, looking strait into Argyle's eyes.
“No... no what you did was an accident Aegis. You fell and he... he fell on you.” Argyle could tell Aegis was on the brink of tearing up, no doubt feeling horrified about what he did to Gale.
“But you don't seem sad, I saw you do the same but your not sad... why?” Argyle once questioned this himself when he was younger. And he'll give Aegis the same answer his own father once gave him.
“Over time... you just get used to it son... get some rest, we'll be there soon.” He said, Aegis leaned his head on Argyl and pulled the blanket close. Argyle wrapped his left arm around him and pulled him closer. After staring into the fire for a few minutes he soon fell asleep.
**Three Days Later**
Canterlot was now ahead of them, the mountain became visible almost a day ago and it grew closer with every step. The once dirt road they walked on was now made of stone with fields of wheat and grass surrounding them. Now the mountain roads and bridges took them higher with every step. Argyle looked at Lightnings now infected wound. The flesh around it had blackened and Lightning had already begun to contract a cold. Lightnings head was hot and he was coughing almost every minute. “Will he be alright?” Aegis asked.
“Yes Aegis, your brother will be fine.” Argyle said, covering up Lightning's leg. “We're almost there, look.” Aegis looked to see the cities gates in the distance. On the walls several figures dressed in golden armor walked and stood guard. But he paid them no mind and once again looked at his brother.
Ahead of them a trio of about seven guards were walking towards them, two of them weren't in the golden armor Aegis saw them using on the walls. One was in a set of purple colored armor while the other was wearing a set of plate armor with chain mail under it and a tabard connected to the breastplate.
Argyle stopped the cart, Slate, Clay, Spot, and Pebbles all looked at the oncoming guards. Aegis looked at the guards when they were close enough, they all looked like him and Lightning and had a horns, wings, or none at all, accept for the one in grey armor, she looked like a Griffon but had a tail, hooves, and ears like Aegis.
“Welcome to Canterlot my friends.” The one in Purple armor said. “What is your business in the city?”
“We are coming here to live, well me and my sons.” Argyle said. “My friend Slate here is lord of the town of Vale in Dimondia. I believe he and an officer from the wall sent a messenger bird ahead before we left. Did you receive it?”
“No, and I do not know of sir Slates title. I am sorry for our armed approach, as you know many Diamond Dogs here are... ”
“Aye, some are troublesome raiders... aye we know. Believe me we aren't ere for that.” Slate said, the Equestrian guard eyed their recently gained wounds.
“Trouble on the road?”
“We lost one on the way here. A group of Griffon deserters attacked us.” Spot said.
“I see, mistress Hildi, what shall we do with them?” The Officer asked. The one wearing the grey armor looked at Aegis and Lightning in the back of the cart, she had blonde hair that was knotted in the back with light brown feathers on her face that turned a darker shade around her bright blue eyes and she had a blonde colored tail with several dark markings on her face. She had a sword sheathed on her hip, wore brown pants, a golden sash that was connected to her belt that went between her legs.
“Are these your sons sir?” She asked, she had a soft voice, almost motherly like Sammie's.
“They are.” Argyle replied. “Their mother passed shortly after giving birth to them.”
“And you took them in as your own?” Argyle nodded. “What are their names?”
“The Brown one is Aegis, his brother is Lightning.” Argyle said, Hildi looked at the boys and smiled, then she noticed Lightning.
“Is he sick?” She asked, moving the blanket to reveal his leg wound.
“Yes, he was shot in the leg by a crossbow during the attack. I did what I could but it began to fester and he caught a fever.” Argyle said, she took off the bandaging and looked at it. She stood up and looked at her companions.
“Bring them inside lieutenant.” She said to the one in purple armor, he nodded and looked at Argyle.
“Follow us.” He said, leading the group towards the City. Once they were close enough several guards opened the massive stone gate. It creaked loudly as it was pushed open by the guards. Aegis looked through them to see several others just like him walking around.
Many wore brightly colored clothing and had gold or silver jewelry decorating them. The houses were made from smooth white stone and wood and were as colorful as the many Equestrians he saw walking through the city. They had Blue, white, black, brown, red, pink, yellow, green, and several other colors he didn't know for coat and mane colors.
Many had horns and others had wings while some had neither. The sounds of thousands of voices and the smell of food and other things flooded his ears and nose as he looked at the city in awe. The cart soon came to a stop and Argyle quickly walked towards Lightning and gently picked him up.
“This way.” Hildi said. She led Argyle into a building with Aegis quickly following behind. “Set him here.” Argyl set him on a small table while Hildi walked into another room. Aegis looked around the room to see hundreds of potions, plants, and books that make him think of Sammie's room in Vale. Hildi soon returned with a Unicorn following her.
“Alright then, lets have a look at that leg.” The unicorn said, he moved the cloth covering it and touched it with a thin wooden stick. Lighting winced. “Hmm... ” He said placing his hand on Lightnings head. “The bottle there, hand it to me.” Hildi grabbed the small, green glass bottle and handed it to the Unicorn. He took of the small cork and leaned in towards Lightning and poured the liquid on his wound. It hissed and bubbled when it touched his leg. Lightning screamed and tried to shake his leg free from the Unicorns grasp.
“Your hurting him!” Aegis said to the Unicorn.
“Easy son... ” Argyle said, setting his big hands on his shoulders.
“This is helping him child.” The Unicorn said. He reached for a small porcelain jar and dipped two of his fingers in it. When he took them out his fingers were covered by a thick clear goo. He rubbed it on the wound, once he was finished his horn began to glow, causing Aegis to back up. Several jars and rags floated over to the table Lightning was set on, from the table he stared in slight awe at the magic.
He soaked the rag in water and set it next to the table. “Lift up his head.” He said to Argyle, placed his hands under Lightnings head and lifted it up. The unicorn poured a small amount of the brown liquid into a spoon and set it in Lightnings mouth. He gagged and coughed and tried to spit it out. “This'll help with his cold and his infection. Give him a spoon for the next week and his cold will die off.” He gave the bottle to Argyle. “There, he'll be fine but he needs rest.”
“Thank you.” Argyle said, he put the bottle in his pouch and picked up Lightning, he then walked out with Aegis and Hildi.
“Do you have a place to stay?” Hildi asked.
“Yeah, I bought a decent sized dwelling in the central district a while back.” Slate said. “Mainly a to stay in while I visit. Been almost two years since my last visit. Hope its still there.”
“He said we could keep it while we stay here.” Argyle said. “Do you remember the way?”
“Aye I do, follow me.” He said. The group walked down the busy Canterot streets. The ponies in the streets were moving out of their path, many looking at the Diamond Dogs and their Ox driven cart with strange looks.
“Why are they looking at us that way?” Aegis asked.
“Most Equestrians normally gawk at foreign races that come to their city, especially Diamond Dogs. Most days some Diamond Dog tribes cause trouble along the boarders, that's why we have a decent number of soldiers there. That and your all well armed and bruised.” Hildi said. “How old are your sons?”
“They are both seven turning eight soon.” Argyl said. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious is all.” She replied. “Is it their first time seeing other Equestrian's?”
“No, I met one of the small ones once.” Aegis said, looking at her from the cover of the wagon.
“Small ones? What do you mean?”
“He met a Shetland a few months back, you'll see more of them in Dimondia than Equestria.”
“Ah I see, we have some here in Canterlot.” She said, upon turning another street and saw a large house with several windows and vines growing up it.
“We're here Argyle.” Slate said. Aegis looked at the rather large house. It was made of smooth white stone and had an orange tiled roof with a chimney poking out of the top.
“Is this where we're going to live?” Aegis asked.
“Mhmm.” Argyle nodded. “Lets go and look at it.” He said, Slate walked towards the door and unlocked it with a key. The door creaked open to reveal an open room with a fireplace in the center of the room, several oil lamps on the walls and one on the ceiling, the windows were closed and had curtains above them.
A few wooden chairs stacked upon a table, a large gas stove was in the kitchen as well as a sink. Aegis was second to walk into the house, his hoof steps echoed in the empty room. Argyle walked by him and made his way upstairs and into one of the bedrooms. Aegis shook off one of the blankets and Argyle set Lightning down on it, Aegis covered him with the blanket. The two then exited the room and shut the door.
“Do I have a room to?” Aegis asked.
“Yes, you can go pick it out if you want.” He said, Aegis didn't bother and stayed at his side. The two walked down the stairs and into the living room, in there they saw Slate talking to Hildi.
“Is he well?” Slate asked.
“Yes, are you departing Slate?” Argyle asked.
“We will stay for tonight, but leave at first light.” Spot said. “Miss Hildi said there's a supply train heading northward, we'll go with'em.”
“I will be leaving also sir, I hope your son gets better soon.” Hildi said, she slightly bowed and walked to the door.
“Excuse me miss?” Aegis said, tugging on her cloth tabard. “What are you?” He asked, Hildi looked at him.
“I am a Hippogriff, that means my father was a Griffon but my mother was an Equestrian.” She said.
“And by the looks of yer ears and your cat like eyes, mama must've been a bat pony.”
“Hmm, very observant. You are indeed correct.”
“No, I mean what are you.” He said, pointing at the sun on her breastplate “Whats it mean?” She looked at her armor and then looked back at him, she knelt down to him.
“I am a Solar Templar child. I, and the rest of my order, are the elite guard in the Equestrian military as well as the protectors of the Princess of the Sun. And this, is her mark.” She said pointing towards her chest, Aegis looked at the golden sun that was engraved on her breastplate and tabard. “No matter your race, shape, size, or gender, we accept all those who wish to serve the Kingdom of Equestria and her ruler. We act on orders given to us by the Princess herself and we will complete them with the utmost efficiency. We live there with her.” She said pointing towards the palace in the distance.
“I hope to see you again miss.” Aegis said, Hildi smiled and stood up. She extended her long bronze wings and flew into the air and towards the palace.
“Come Aegis.” Argyle said. “Its been a long trip, how bout you go and try out your new bed.” Aegis walked inside his new home. Pebbles sat against the wall silently sleeping while Spot was resting in one of the chairs. Argyle and Clay were unloading the cart while Slate tested the light bulbs and soon lit a fire in the fireplace. Once the fire was lit, he began to help Argyle unload the rest of the supplies. Aegis took his bag and walked upstairs towards his new room. He opened the wooden door and looked into the room, it had a wooden dresser with a mirror on it, a bed with dusty blankets, a chair next to the only window.
A small chandelier was on the ceiling and a few candles were on the desk. He took off the blanket and walked towards the window, once he opened it he stuck the blanket out the window and began to shake the dust from it. One he was finished he looked at the sizable back yard. The grass was overgrown due to years without proper maintenance, there was a small well for decoration, what looked to be the remnants of a garden, and a picknick table. He threw the blanket back on his bed and placed his travel bag on the bed. He opened it and dumped out all his clothing and other small personal items like his sword made of sticks and wooden figures.
He could hear someone walking up the stairs, due to the stairs wooden creaks. He turned and saw Argyle walk bye carrying his chest into the other room, Aegis poked his head into the hallway and watched him set it on his bed, as well as the long pelt that held the strange swords. Once he finished he turned around and saw Aegis at the door. “Snooping are we?” He said, crossing his arms.
“Were those my mothers?” He asked.
“I'm not sure really. Your mother didn't seem to be the warrior type.” He said. “Maybe they belonged to your father.” Aegis walked back into his room. “You going to lay down?”
“Mhmm.” Aegis said. “Little nap wouldn't be to bad. Wake me up 'fore dawn tomorrow.” Aegis shut the door and walked towards his bed. The bed was soft, not as soft as his old one but still nice. The pillow was stuffed with feathers and the bed felt the same but the blanket was made from cotton. He pulled up the covers and snuggled up to the pillow, he closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.
Aegis woke up later to the sound of voices in the lower parts of the house. He looked around and saw no beams of sunlight coming through his window, only street lights. Crawling out of bed he walked towards his door and soon walked into the hallway. He could see straight onto Lightnings room, luckily he was still asleep. He slowly crept down the stairs, still rather drowsy, and into the much larger room at the end of the stairs. In there he saw all the weapons and gear set down by the group, with Clay and Spot sleeping among the mess, covered by a large blanket.
In the kitchen he could see Pebbles, Slate, and Argyle sitting around a large table talking to each other. In the light Aegis could make out the old and faded scars on Argyle's white arms and the ones on Pebbles' grey arms, something he hasn't entirely noticed before.“I reckon we'll'ave enough for the trip home, I'll buy some flower fer bread. Can use the phloem from tree's to make bread too.”
“You wont get more?” Argyle asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
“Bah, quit yer worryin' ya old hound. We'll live Argyle, always 'ave... even during the Yak invasions.” Pebbles said, taking a small drink from the ale he had.
“Aye but we were young lads then, we're old now.” Argyle said. “Too old.”
“Maybe, dawn'll be comin' in a few hours, we'll leave come first light.” Slate said. “I'll go speak to one of the guards come 'morn.” He saw Argyl's ears perk up slightly.
“You can come out now.” He said, looking to the corner Aegis was in. He slowly came out of the corner and into the light. “Figured you'd still be asleep.”
“Your talking kinda woke me up,” He said. “what time is it?” He walked over to Argyle, climbed in a chair and sat next to him.
“Little past midnight.” Pebbles said.
“When were you gonna go?”
“In a few hours, still night time. Y'should be asleep at this hour.” Slate said.
“So should you.” He replied, Slate smiled and gave him a little nod.
“Aye, your right I should be, old codger like m'self needs rest. But we've got things to do sonny, Pebbles, the night market'll be open. Lets do some shoppin.”
“Night market?” Aegis asked.
“Aye, Sammie and I went through it last time I was'ere. The Night market is... well a market primarily used by Canterlot's population of bat ponies and other denizens of the Under-City.”
“Why don't they go out during the day?” Aegis asked.
“Some bat ponies don't like the sun and are more adapted to the night.” Argyle said, counting through some dimondian gems and copper coins. He then placed them back in a pouch and tied it to his neck. “Alright lets be off.” He sat up and Aegis climbed out of the chair and followed him to the door.
Though it was dark out the city still seemed to be alive with life. Street lights illuminated the seemingly empty streets, save the occasional bat pony and night guard. These ponies were strange to Aegis, and somewhat frightening. They looked normal save a few features, their longer ears, cat like eyes, long bat like wings, and sharp teeth.
From what Argyle told him these ponies were omnivorous and even ate insects. As they were walking through the dimmed city they passed two guards, one night and one solar. The Solar guard, a large unicorn with a blonde mane, green eyes, and white coat held hands with the other guard, a lunar. She was about his height with a deep blue mane tied in a bun with a grey coat and amber colored eyes, her hand holding his close. “Excuse me guard?” Slate said to them.
“Yes?” The solar replied.
“I haven't been to Canterlot for some time, the night market is close correct?” The Lunar guard nodded and pointed towards the keep.
“Your not far, just follow the lights and bat ponies, the entrance is in the market close to the mountain.” She said.
“Thank you.” Slate nodded, the guards waved and continued down the road.
The guardsmare was right. The night market was set inside the mountain, separated from the rest of the city from large metal doors. The massive cavern inside the mountain seemed to open up into a whole new city that was much more different than the one outside, even with its own buildings built into the large stalactites that were carved to be almost like the houses outside, and into the mountains rocky inside, basically little caves with doors and windows. Even the night guards were much more different than the day guards. They sported a purple and light blue colored armor that has some similarities to the day guards but has more plate around the arms and legs.
Much like the ponies who walked during the day, these ponies walked around sporting fancy and exotic clothing, expensive jewelry, smelly perfumes, and colognes, Aegis simply covered his nose when he went through a cloud of the vile stuff. Most of the stands seemed to be selling various types of fruit and meats. One merchant was selling silk products for clothing, medicine, or food, one was selling pottery, one was selling stone jewelry, and one was selling weapons. One stall was that of a carpenter who was carving many beautiful and ornate objects from wood.
One stall seemed to be selling a type of meat that smelt good to him, but when Aegis got closer to the stand he realized it wasn't just normal meat.
When he looked he saw a bat pony, his hands and large knife stained with greyish white substance, was tearing off the legs, guts, and wings of what looked like a large moth, about the size of small dog, and then impale it on an iron skewer. He then placed it over a small brazier to cook. Aegis' ears fell flat against his head and he slowly backed away from the stand and into Argyle. “Find anythin' ye fancy Aegis?” He asked.
“No not yet, food here is... ”
“Weird.” He said, crooking a small smile.
“Yeah kinda.” He stayed closer to Argyle, grabbing his hand as they moved through the crowd of ponies. The crowd was almost impassable, but they found there way through. Soon Argyle stopped again and browsed at a stand full of types of spices and herbs while Aegis stood close to him.
Next to the stand he was at Aegis heard a small whine, almost like a cats. He looked up at Argyle, who was in a conversation with the merchant at the stand, and back at the large metal cage covered by a blanket. Curiosity getting a hold of him he slowly crept over to the cage.
Once he was close enough he lifted up the blanket and looked closer into the cage. It was dark, but there was something in there due to its heavy breathing. He heard a small squeak and then a little hiss. Soon bright yellow eyes caught his attention, the small creature growled and lunged at him, smashing into the cage. “GAH!” Aegis yelled, quickly stepping backwards and into someone. He turned around and looked at them. “I'm so sorry I didn't mean t—” He recognized this person.
“Aegis? Child what are you doing here?” The Hippogriff from earlier said. Unlike before she wasn't clad head to hoof in armor. Now she wore a long grey tunic and brown trousers and strapped to her side was a leather satchel. A golden brooch in the shape of a flower was on her tunic. A long silver necklace was around her neck and there were two copper bracelets with amethyst studs on her wrists. A well crafted ring was on her finger, it had a large green stone on it.
“We're shoppin, what brings you'ere miss?" Argyle said from behind him.
“The same, hows your brother?”
“Little Lightning is asleep right now, thankfully. I'll take'im back to the doctor in a few days.” Argyle said.
“That's good to hear, that wound was already beginning to fester. Any longer he would have surely lost his leg.” Argyle responded with a throaty 'Mhm'. He peered at her ring.
“Mm, a jade stone. Cut into a small plate and set in a gold frame, married are we?” He asked, she cocked her head to the side and smiled.
“You sure know your stones don't you?” He replied with a smile and a small shrug. “Yes, I am happily married.”
“I'm a Dimondian, I know m' stones.” He said with a small chuckle. “What you got there?” He pointed at the bag.
“Just some dried fruit. Half bat pony remember, I've got natural cravings.” She said, adding a little laugh at the end. “I wish I could stay longer but I have to head home. I'd love to see all three of you tomorrow.”
“Whats tomorrow?” Aegis asked her.
“There's going to be a large parade tomorrow here in Canterlot, everyone's attending, even the Princess herself.” A bell tolled, signaling midnight. “As I said, I wish I could stay longer, but I must go. I do wish to see you tomorrow.”
“I'll try.” He said, smiling at him once again she walks away, giving them a small wave. Argyle set his hands on his shoulder.
“Others gotta be done by now. Come on, lets go find'em.” He said.
“Okay.” Aegis simply replied and began to follow him back into the market.
The sounds of cheering and celebration blocked out almost all words Aegis or Lightning said. The many golden armored guards made a path large enough in the crowd for the marching soldiers, the princesses chariot and her entourage of guards. The large formation of soldiers came first, hundreds of them marching down the stone road, ten ponies made op each row but the column must have hundreds of them in it. They wore the same type of plate armor he saw at the wall, while some wore armor that was chain or scale and some had armor that outlined their chests.
They had either a regular steel grey helmet while some had a goldish one. Some carried banners while most carried their spears and large rectangular or oval shields that ranged in color from red, blue, green, cyan, and gold. The same varying colors were on their helmets plumes as well.
Their shields were strapped to their left arms and were covered by a brown cover while a large brown bag with pots and pans was strapped to their backs. Canteens and other types of utensils hanged from it and clanged together as they walked. Some wore their helmets but most had their helmets strapped to their chest, revealing the range from the long, the short, and the shaved heads of the mares and stallions among the soldiers. Some even wore straw hats on their heads to protect their eyes from the sun.
In the front of this column were about ten ponies in armor, except their helmets were covered with animal furs and some carried large horns while others carried large staves with an effigy of the princess or a phoenix on the top of them. The leader of this column, a large unicorn with a purple mane and tail with a grey coat, wore similar armor to the officer he saw at the wall, except he didn't have a shield with him, he had more metal disk shaped medals strapped to the front of his chain mail armor, and the red horizontal crest on his helmet was visible. In his right hand was a long cane while his left hand was firmly holding his swords handle.
Aegis stood close to the road while Argyle stood behind him with Lightning on his shoulders. In the distance they saw a white and golden chariot being pulled by two large bird like creatures with several grey guards resembling Hildi walking next to it. “What are those?” Lightning yelled to Argyle, pointing at the creatures.
“Those are Demigryphs!”
Ponies cheered and threw flowers as they saw it slowly move passed them. In its seat was an alabaster coated mare with a pink dress and flowing multicolored hair. She had wings on her back and a horn upon her head that had a golden ring on it, below her horn sat a crown of gold and decorating her arms and neck were all sorts of gold and silver jewelry, some studded with gems of all shapes and colors. On her right hand and up to her wrist was a golden gauntlet with a red ruby in the center of its hand.
Next to her was a large stallion in armor quite like Hildi's accept it was marble white and had white tabard going down his breastplate and past his knees. He had silver hair and his silver coat nearly matched his armor. He had purple eyes, a set of wings were behind him with a helmet under his arm.
Behind the Chariot several other Templar's walked behind, all different races but primarily a mix of Equestrians and Griffons, but all were armed and armored. In the group Aegis saw a familiar face. “Hildi!” Aegis yelled and waved. She heard him and waved back to him and Argyl. She said something to another Templar and then walked towards them. Lightnings eyes followed the Princess.
“She's pretty... ” He said, nearly drooling at the sight of her.
“She is indeed isn't she.” Hildi said. “I'm glad to see your feeling well.”
“The medicine helped.” Argyle said setting Lightning down. “When he puts pressure on it doesn't hurt much.”
“It does itch though.” Lightning said scratching the top of his leg right above the wound.
“Was that the Princess?” Aegis asked.
“Yes. That was her, Princess Celestia.” Hildi said. “Every morning she raises the sun and at every night she lowers the sun and raises the moon.”
“Who was that stallion with her?” Argyle asked. “Her husband?”
“No... though I bet she wishes, he is her adviser and the Templar's Grand-master.” She replied. “Lord Silver Shores. He has been her adviser the past decade now and I served under him as a squire for a brief time after my master passed away when I was seventeen, he was twenty-four.”
“Where those boys headin'?” He asked.
“They are going to Griffus, they've been having some trouble among their boarders with the Arimaspi." She said, placing the helmet under her arm. “Though centurion Gaius is staying here. About two cohorts are going there.”
“Whats an Arimaspi?” Lightning asked.
“A large satyr like race with one eye. They live deep in the mountains along the Griffus borders.”
“Excuse me, but what does squire mean?” Aegis asked.
“Its quite a long story and a story not meant for standing, come sit with me.” She said. “I'll but you lunch.” Argyle looked at the boys and the boys looked at each other.
“Sounds fine.” Argyle said. She led them through the crowd and towards a small cafe. Once there they sat down in the metal chairs. Hildi placed her helmet to the side.
“So is a squire what you have to be to become someone like you?” Lightning asked.
“Yes, but you start out as a page until the age of fourteen then you become a squire. Both their duties is to serve his or her knight by doing the various tasks assigned to them.” She said. “And in return the knight teaches them how to read and write, math, science, and other advanced studies as well as fighting, even dancing. Once the squire comes of age, say twenty or twenty one, and their training is complete, he or she will then be knighted and become Templar.”
“So basically a servant?” Lightning said. “A servant that is trained to fight.”
“In a way, but this servant also helps them into their armor and has access to the advanced education only some rich families can afford. And sometimes help them bathe.” She said, they gave her a confused look.
“You did all this?” Aegis asked.
“Yes.” She replied.
“Do you have a Page?” Argyle asked.
“No... not yet. But I plan on getting one soon.” She replied.
“Does it just have to be one?" Lightning asked, playing with his utensils. A waiter came out of the cafe and gave them a pitcher of water and glass cups. He then asked what they wanted. Hildi didn't want anything but Aegis and Lightning asked for a salad while Argyle asked for any type of meet.
“No, a knight can have more than one.” She said. “Why do you ask?” Argyle looked at Lightning and Aegis.
“Why do you ask?” He said.
“Oh just wondering.” Aegis said, the waiter came out again with a small platter of food. Two plates had salad on it while the other had a small piece of meet for Argyle. He didn't eat much of it, when he was finished he slid it towards Aegis, who happily took and ate it.
“They eat meat?” Hildi asked.
“Aye, I raised them to eat both vegetables and meat.” Argyle replied.
“Interesting.” She mused.
“They don't eat meat here?” Aegis asked.
“I wouldn't say that. There are plenty of ponies here that eat meat, most just prefer a vegan diet. Meats more of a food used at celebrations and such.” She picked up her helmet. “I told them I wouldn't be gone to long.” She stood up. “If you three need anything, just come to me.”
“We will.” Aegis said, she smiled and walked towards the castle. Argyle looked at them both.
“Come now, finish up and lets head back home. Got plenty of chores to do.” He said. Lightning finished his food and so did Aegis. Once they were finished they got up from the chairs and walked towards their home. Aegis, couldn't take his mind off the Templar's and the position of squire.
“You thinking about it too?” Lightning said.
“Maybe... ” Aegis said. “It sounds fun.”
“Maybe we should ask her?”
“Ask her what?” Argyle said, his ears perked up and was staring at the boys.
“Oooohh nothing tooo... important.” Lightning said. Argyle still stared at the two, his eye twitched and so did one of his ears. He could tell they were lying.
“Well.” Aegis said. “That servant idea sounded interesting and we don't want to stay in the house all day while you work. So—”
“So you thought of becoming her servant to get out of the house. I see.” He said, Aegis noticed his face change from suspicious to almost sad. “In a way your right. I don't want you both inside all day, plus the education would be nice for y'two. But its a lot to think about.”
“We know.” Lightning said. “Maybe give it a few days to think about.”
“Yeah.” Aegis replied. “A few days or more. What'll you do?” He looked up at Argyle.
“Well, Diamond Dogs are prized for being hard workers and gem crafting.” He said. “Don't you worry about me. I'll think of something, could make a small kiln in the yard. Could make rings and jewelry from whatever I can find or repair some rich ponies baubles.” He held both of their hands as they walked through the streets and towards the house.
***Two weeks later***
Aegis and Lightning looked at each other nervously and then again at the palace. Argyle had his hands on both their shoulders looking around at the several guards, servants, important nobles, and Templar. “Excuse me guard.” Argyle said to a passing guard that had his helmet under his arm.
“Yes?” He said.
“Do you known where the Templar named Hildi is at? She is a Hippogriff.” Argyle said.
“I do, I just saw her go into the library. Just keep going straight into the palace and until you see velvet colored doors.” He said, the guard soon walked away. The three walked into the palace. Servants, scholars, and guards were the only one in the hallways. red carpets dotted the floor and potted flowers were everywhere. Large and well made paintings dotted each side of the wall, they didn't recognize many of these figures.
The large velvet doors the guard mentioned soon appeared, Argyle pushed on open and the massive library became visible to them all. Massive shelves full of books stretched for what seemed like miles. The ground floor held several tables and chairs. There were ponies, griffons, and other beings he didn't recognize among the books and scrolls. The ceiling was a mix of well carved stone and a massive glass dome that shinned light into the library.
They saw Hildi was talking to Silver Shores. She was out of her armor, she wore black pants and a grey tunic while he was still dressed head to hoof in armor. They quickly walked down the stone stairs of the library and into its columns of shelves. She saw the boys walking towards her, she smiled and walked towards them.
“Hello boys.” She said smiling. “What brings you here?” Aegis and Lightning looked at each other.
“We wanted to talk to you about something.” Aegis said.
“About what?” She asked.
“Well... we gave it a bit of thought and... we would like to become your servants.” Lighting said, she looked at them, a little confused.
“Both of you. At once?” The two nodded at her.
“They seem eager to join don't they Hildi.” Silver Shores said walking to her. He stood next to her and looked at the boys. “They do seem the appropriate age. Little tall as well. Are you both literate?” Unlike the other Equestrian's they met his voice was deep with a silky timbre that resonates with power and crackles at some moments.
“Our aunt Sammie taught us. She learned how to read and do magic here in Canterlot.” Aegis said.
“Are you there father?” He asked Argyle.
“I am.” He replied. “I have already consented to this. Are they able to come home at night? We don't live to far from the palace.”
“Well if its a short distance away I don't see a problem in it. But they'll have to wake up before dawn and get here on time.” Silver shores said.
“We can do that.” Lightning said.
“I guess that settles it. Hildi, do you accept these young lads as your squires?” He said.
“I might as well, they do seem excited.” She said.
“Excellent, boys, follow me, you can accompany us as well sir.” He said to Argyle.
“Alright.” Argyle said, Silver Shores and Hildi walked out of the library and into the main palace. Past several guards and servants and up the massive stairs they eventually enter a large room. Large windows shined light into the room and massive curtains are next to them. Glass doors open out into a balcony and a large wooden door opens into a bedroom with a large bed inside. The floor had a large blue carpet strewn across it and an armor rack was in the corner of the room with a weapon rack next to it. Several swords were placed on the rack and several weapons, many ranging from various shapes and sizes were along the walls and in glass cabinets.
A massive oak desk with several papers, ink cups, and ink quills are on top of it and behind the desk is a massive stone fireplace. Several large bookshelves are against the walls with hundreds of books and scrolls on them. Silver walked towards a book shelf and pulls out a massive, thick book that he almost needs two hands to carry and sets it on his desk with a heavy thud. It is old, the pages are grey and yellow from age but the leather used as its cover is still soft. He opened the large book and began to flip through the old pages, he came to a stop and grabbed a quill and dipped it in the ink, he began to write.
“Your names children?” He said.
“Aegis Fate and Lighting Storm.” Argyle said. Silver began to write again.
“What is their age?”
“They are both twins, I know not identical, but they are.” Argyl said. “They are both eight years of age starting last week.” Silver wrote again.
“Do you know their parents tribe?” He asked, Argyle scratched the back of his head.
“Their mama was... I know this sounds a wee weird but she was an Alicorn.” Silver stopped writing and looked up from the book and back at Argyle.
“There are only two Alicorns... well one currently, were her wings magically formed or an artificial horn?”
“Her horn was real, but ah'm not sure about the wings, they were quite small. She'ad them though, now little Lightning does.” Silver 'Hmm'd' quietly and then looked at the boys.
“I'd estimate about five foot in height, large for an eight year old. One of the parents could have been a draft.”
“Aye she'ad a curved horn, not sure on the father though.” Silver wrote down a little more. He turned the book around and handed Aegis the quill.
“Your signatures.” He said, Aegis wrote his name once again in the massive book. He passed the quill to Lightning and he did the same.
“What is this book?” Aegis asked.
“It is the Templar's codex. In this book are the names of all those who served in this order. Their great deeds, their names, their race, and the squires that served them.” Aegis looked at the book, at the top was Hildi's name and a large number of words marking the few noteworthy things she had done. Aegis sees his and lightnings name on the page labeled under servants.
“What next?” Lightning asked.
“Now, you will return home.” He said. “You shall return on the morrow to the library and Hildi will teach you everything we know.”
“We cant wait!” Aegis said with a big smile.
“When you two are older you have to either make or buy your weapons of choice.” Silver said.
“We will.” Lightning said, Silver smiled.
“I cant wait to see you both again tomorrow. Have a good night.” He said, Hildi walked them out. “Hildi, don't go to far. I need to speak with you.” Silver said leaning back in his chair.
“I will be with you soon.” She said. “I cant wait for tomorrow. I'll see you both in the morning wont I?”
“You can count on it!” Aegis said happily. She smiled at them and walked back into Silvers room and shut the door.
“Ready to go home?” Argyle said.
“Yeah, lets head home.” Lightning said happily. Argyle and the boys walked towards the exit and back into the city.
***The next Day***
Lightning and Aegis walked into the library. It was almost empty, save for the librarians looking through books and a scholar reading through and old scroll with a cup of wine at his side. They saw Hildi setting up two chairs at a table, the table was facing a green chalkboard with faded words on it. “Good morning Hildi.” Aegis said. She turned around and looked at him.
“From now on you will have to refer to anyone of nobility with M'lord or M'lady. Even me.” She said.
“Oh, okay uh... good morning M'lady.” Aegis said. Hildi looked at him funny and then laughed.
“Okay you don't have to say that to me but anyone else you have to.” She said. “Now that your both here we can begin.” She walked over to a bookshelf and pulled out two large books of the same size and width and set them in front of the boys. The books had the title of, 'The History of the many Races and Kingdoms of the world' By Starswirl the Bearded.
“We have to read this?” Lightning said.
“And take notes. While training you will also learn history with the rest of your advanced studies.” She said. “And I find it to be the easiest course.” She looked at them both.
“We did stuff like this back home, our auntie taught us some.” Aegis said.
“Ah good, so you know the process. Today we will study the Equestria first, open the book to page three and begin and stop on chapter seven. Afterwards we will discuss what you read and I hope you both take notes. Begin.” She said. Hildi turned around and began to write on the large green board. Aegis and Lightning looked at each other.
“Didn't know this would involve so much reading.” Lightning said.
“Oh you have to learn how to dance as well.” Hildi said. “If I hear anymore chatting I will extend your work to chapter eleven.” She continued to write. Aegis looked at his brother and then at the book. He began to read and write down important facts on the parchment next to him. Hildi looked back at them and smiled. She looked back at the board and continued to write.
After an hour she looked at them. “Alright. That's enough reading.” She said. “Mark your page and close your books.” They did what she said. “Its time to discuss what you both read. Aegis, what was the first know settlement in Equestria?”
“Its unknown what the settlements name was but it was said to be inhabited by Earth Ponies and it was located in an area southwest of the ancient city of... Trot, which was the first united Equestrian city in the region.”
“Correct Aegis, it was also Equestria's first capitol.” She said. “What Non-Equine race was the first to contact the ancient Equestrian settlers?” She pointed towards Lightning.
“First known race to peacefully contact us were the... Ba... Bastets of Abyssinia, who at the time controlled a small trade empire in a small portion of Northern AnuEgypt.” Lightning said. “It is said Bastet soldiers discovered Equestria by accident and landed along the west coast near Los Pegasus. The resulting trade between the two brought metals and plants to Equestria like copper and rice. And through this trade the first inter-species hybrids appeared. A mix of Bastet and Pegasus pony, the race was then known as the Sphinx. But due to those first hybrids breeding with other Bastets, they lost their Pony features accept for the wings. Nowadays, Sphinx is the name given to the children of a male Equestrian and a female Griffon.”
“That's correct Lightning and because of the Bastet ships the first Equestrian sailors would travel west and settle what is now Saddle Arabia.” Hildi said. “That is all we will review at the moment. Open your books back up and read to chapter twelve.” Aegis and Lightning re-opened their books and began to read once again.
“Today we will read and review, tomorrow we will begin your combat training starting with archery. And I... will teach you how to fly Lightning.” She said to him. Lightning extended one of his wings, looked at it, and smiled once again before he buried himself back in the book. Aegis looked up from his book and at Hildi.
“Where are you from Hildi?” She stopped what she was doing and looked at him.
“Trottingham.” She answered. “Why?”
“I was curious. Do you have any siblings?”
“Yes. I have a brother living in Griffonstone with his fiance. And if you were also wondering my father is a carpenter and my mother is a dress maker.” She said.
“Do you miss Trottingham?” Aegis said, Lightning looked up from his book and at her.
“I do. For a long time I was homesick and I missed it everyday.” She said walking towards him. She sat on his table. “Are you homesick Aegis?”
“A little, I miss playing with our friends Telon, Bailey, and Jasper. Running through the village, playing in the forest, playing with toy swords, everyone knowing who you are and knowing who they are.” He said.
“Missing the festivals and events they would celebrate in the hall. Dancing, singing, drinking, eating, and fighting.” Lighting said. “One time we watched papa and Slate beat each other up for fun while Sammie and Telon cheered them on.”
“It all sounds fun boys. Trottingham was large compared to other towns in Equestria but it was still home.” She said. “When the Templar came to recruit I was one of the first to become a Page, I met Silver Shores that day, he was about... hmm twelve I think and I was about seven, he was a Page to the previous grand master. His father was also Count of Trottingham."
“Who was the knight you served under?” Aegis asked.
“The first one I served under was a Pegasus named Stormy Skies.” She said. “He drowned during a fight against the Dimondian pirate called the krayen. I was sixteen then and Silver Shores took me in to finish my training.” Aegis and Lightning look at each other. “Come now, back to reading.”
“Yes Ma'am.” Aegis said, he quickly started reading through the massive book. Lightning did the same shortly after.
“Wait, we have to learn how to dance as well right?” Lightning said looking back up at Hildi.
“Oh yes, that's the fun part of your training. You will attend several royal balls as well.”
“Does that mean our partners will be each other or girls?” Aegis asked.
“Probably.” She said, returning to the board and writing more. Lightning looked at his brother.
“Dancing... ” He said.
“Back to work and no talking you two. If I hear another peep I'll extend the work. Tomorrow you'll meet the other pages.” Hildi said. The two quickly became dead silent and read the books once again.
Chapter I: Discovery in the forest.
The forest teemed with the sounds of life. From the shaking and groaning of the massive pine and oak trees, to the sounds of insects and birds chirping away.
Argyle's ears twitched at the sounds, locking onto one creatures sound and scent.
His prey....
A massive black bear he had been following for the past two days, the large male bear had already killed two of his fellow Diamond Dogs and needed to be put down in fear it hurt another.
Only armed with a longbow, a small iron hand axe, and a vest of mail that ended at his belt, he quietly stalked this beast. Its scent grew even more noxious, its low grunts could be heard through the brush. Argyle's snow white coat would easily give him away in the green brush, but wits are something bears lack.
He could see the massive male bear through the shrub, its fur black as coal and eyes just as black and its maw had a thick and milky white saliva dripping from it, bits of blood could be seen on its yellow teeth. He hoped it were an animal it killed last.
The bear was in an open clearing, clawing at the ground leaving its mark across it, possibly trying to dig out a groundhog or marking its territory, he will never really know.
The sound of a branch falling in the distance made the bear look in its direction, Argyle quickly hid behind a nearby berry bush to hide from it’s gaze. The bear snorted and soon returned to its digging.
Argyle stood up slowly, knocking an arrow and then drawing it. The arrowhead was a piece of wrought iron that was barbed, so that it could cut and tear through its victim, and the shaft was cut from a small pine branch with chicken feathers for fletching.
He pulled back on the string and aimed the bow towards the bear, hoping his draw strength was enough to pierce the bears hide. The heart, lungs, head, and eyes were the main targets, if he were to miss and hit the bears thicker and more fatty sides, say its back or arms, he would scare it off or worse, anger it, causing it to attack him.
The bear stopped scratching the ground and began to sniff the air, it looked around the clearing trying to find the new smell. Argyle quickly drew the string even farther and then let go. The arrow then flew from the bow and towards the bear with a small snap coming from the drawstring.
Then almost suddenly, an explosion and a bright blinding light appeared before, blinding him and it’s shock wave launched him back into a tree, his ears ringing and his back in pain from impacting the tree. He stood back up, one arm holding his back while the other held the bow, and looked into the clearing were the bear was.
Screaming and grunting in fear and no doubt surprise, the bear ran through the forest in a panicked frenzy breaking through hundreds of branches and brush, It’s loud trudging was heard for another few moments before being drowned out by the tree groaning and the squawking of birds.
In the center of the clearing was something he didn't expect to see.
A massive blue crystal, taller and wider than he was, with his arrow stuck in its side. Argyle placed his hand on the crystal, it was as cold as ice, inside he saw something through it’s milky color. A figure was inside the crystal. “What in the mothers name... ” He quietly said.
The crack caused by the arrow then began to expand rapidly, cracks soon formed all over the crystal, it then shattered, sending thousands of shards all over the ground.
The figure inside fell to her knees, one arm holding her up while the other was cradling her very pregnant belly. She was an Equestrian, with blue hair and a light purple coat, she was wearing a shimmering dress that was blue and white. She had both a horn on her head and small wings on her back. She began to gasp, as if it was her first breath in days.
She slowly stood up and tried to move herself forward, the sound of water leaking onto the ground stopped her dead in her tracks and soon a noticeable wet spot quickly formed on her dress, silhouetting her legs and causing the dress to stick to them, she gasped once again but this time heavily and in pain, she slowly lowered herself to the ground and whimpered in pain.
Argyl looked at her and realized she was going into labor.
He dropped his bow and quickly ran to her side, startling the mare and causing her to charge up her horn. As the horn glowed he stopped and put his hands up. “Now ah mean you no harm miss, but if I don’t help y’ now there’ll be nobody for another twelve miles to help you.” At first she seemed hesitant, but finally came to the conclusion he meant her no harm.
As she tried to say something she slumped back down, Argyle quickly made his way to her. “Easy now miss, just breathe now.” Falling to his knees and helping her lean up. She sat up against a rock. She cringed and groaned in pain, Argyl then began to smell blood. And he was right, blood began to drip onto the ground under her. She looked at him and said.
“Please...h..h-help me...” She said weakly.
“I'll be right here, I'm'ere for ye.” He said, she squeezed his hand tightly and winced in pain, then screamed as she began to push. She stopped and began to breathe heavily, panting loudly. Once again she used all of her strength to push, she cringed and then screamed. A small squeal, followed by a cry, broke through her screams. The mare began to pant and sigh heavily, her head falling back onto the rock.
Argyle looked down, he pulled up her dress and saw her foal between her bloodied legs. His coat was stained but his color was a deep gray, with same colored small wings and a purple mane with lighter blue highlights. Argyle had to use his knife to cut off the child's cord. He quickly took off his mail vest and threw it aside.
Taking his Jerkin off he placed the foal on it and wrapped him in it, once the foal was carefully wrapped he handed him to his mother. She placed the child against her her chest, sighing and panting exhaustively, the foal made soft cries and coos as it was coddled by her. The mare gasped and then began to pant heavily and wince once more.
“There's another coming!” She screamed and once again pushed. Her hands balled up on the ground and her nails dug deep into the dirt.
Another small cry was then heard, Argyle looked to see another child. A boy, just like the other but he had a brown coat and a darker brown mane similar to a chestnut color, he looked nothing like his mother. Argyle proceeded to do the same he did with the other foal, taking bits of his jerkin off of the other wrap and bundling the foal up in it.
Once he was finished he gave the child to its mother, the second child was soon silent as she began to quiet him. Exhausted, with tears in her eyes, she looked up at Argyle.
“Th...thank you...” She said weakly, crooking a small smile.
“Shh, rest is what ye need. M‘tings are nearby, I'll be back shortly.” Argyle said, he then stood up and ran towards the forest.
He nearly flew through the forest with how fast he was going, running past tree's and dodging branches, Dimondia's mild spring weather brushing against his bare coat. He quickly ran to his supplies hidden inside a dead tree. Removing the bundles of pine branches covering the opening, he then looked inside.
There he saw his large bag, inside were several furs from a few deer, rabbits, and a black bear, small jars full of potted meat, a wooden canteen, a wooden shovel with an iron rim, two small clay bottles full of ale, and his Iron sword. He quickly slung the gear over his shoulder and ran towards the clearing.
Once he returned to the clearing he set his things down and pulled out the several large furs, mostly deer and bear he used to keep warm, and placed them next to the mare. “I'm sorry to do this, but I need to get you out of that dress miss. A bear is still nearby and he might smell the blood.” He said.
“A-alright.” Placing the foals onto one of the furs, luckily they weren't fussing too much. She began to remove her dress, exposing her naked body, Argyle looked away, showing a little modesty but still having to help her get it off.
“Sit up please, just a little.” She nodded and slowly sat up. Argyl then slid one of the hides under her and then covering her with another, she picked up the fussing foals and placed them against her breasts once again. Argyl balled up the ripped and bloody dress and carried it into the forest.
After hiding them in a hollowed out stump he quickly selected a few thin, but sturdy enough branches, and quickly cut them down with his axe. After cutting down about eleven he bundled them up under his arms and quickly jogged back to the clearing. The Mare watched him quietly as he dropped the bundles of small trees onto the ground, he reached over to his bag and unhooked the shovel, he then began to dig.
After what seemed about twenty minutes he had dug a small trench into the ground, about six feet long and four feet wide, he cut off the branches on the small trees, shortened them, and stuck them in each corner but more in the back. After he stuck them into the ground he quickly tied another, much longer branch to one with rope he had in his bag to connect it to another, he did the same to the rest.
After they were tied together he began to stack the other branches against the others, forming a triangular like tent base. After that was complete he grabbed the two largest furs onto the tents floor, primarily the bear and deer one, and stacked the others near the end to make a makeshift pillow. He walked over to the mare and knelt. “Come now, get inside. It'll be dark soon and you need to keep warm.” She didn't reply but she did nod in agreement.
She winced as he slowly lifted her up in his large arms and stood up. He walked over to the quickly made shelter, holding her newborns tightly to her chest as Argyl held her. Once he'd set her down Argyle began to continue his work on the shelter by piling pine branches and bark onto its side to keep it insulated. Once that was complete he put a bear pelt at the entrance to cover it.
He moved the flap and poked his head inside. “Here. You need it more than I do.” He said, giving her his wooden canteen. It levitated from her hands, covered in a blue magic hue he saw earlier. Once it was close enough she took it and unscrewed the top and took a long drink from it. When it separated from her mouth she took in a long breath and sighed.
“Tha...thank you." She said, trying to give it back to him. He took it and set it next to her. “Where am I?” Looking at Argyle.
“Central Dimondia.” He said, looking into her big blue eyes. “The closest Village is called Vale, its a few hours walk from here, but its getting dark out. Once your able we'll go there tomorrow.” He looked at the foals, only the tops their tiny heads were visible due to their mother covering them and her chest with a pelt. “Don't mind me askin', you have names for them yet?” He asked.
“Yes, the names their father wanted to give them...” She looked at the grey foal. “Lightning Storm...and Aegis Fate.” She said tiredly and trying to sit up.
“You need to rest miss.” He said, helping her back down. “We'll leave at first light tomorrow, if you are able.”
“I'll try... was I the only one that arrived here?” She asked.
“Aye, were you supposed to be meetin' with someone?”
“Yes... their father was supposed to meet me here... if you see him...”
“Ah'll let him know your safe, now lay down.” Argyle stepped out of the tent and covered the opening. He walked passed the remains of crystal and kicked something on the ground. He looked down to see two sword grips poking out the top of red linen, he mustn't have noticed them at first due to the rush.
As he rolled the linen out it revealed two swords, a saber of about four and a half feet with red glowing runes on the blade with a guard on the handle, on the guard were several studs to be a form of knuckle duster.
It was a dark grey color, almost looking like stone but it felt like metal, possibly Iron. The other was a longsword of about five feet with the same red glowing runes on the blade as the other and also shared the dark grey color.
The linen holding them was made of red silk, a fabric that isn't made in Dimondia and the closest silk users live in Dimondia's capitol city of Chert or Equestria. It was a blood red color with no details on it, must have been a curtain or blanket. He wrapped up the swords in the linen and placed them next to his bag. He then gathered up rocks and several sticks and started building a fire.
For the night was quickly approaching.
Argyle sat around the fire right outside the tent, stitching together a crude jerkin made from a deer skin. Once it was finished he then put it on and then putting his mail vest back on over it. He saw bits of the crystal still left on the ground, he picked a piece up. Not even putting any strength into picking it up the fragile gem simply shattered and turned into dust in his hands. It was far different than the gems he and other Diamond Dog's ate and mined.
Only an hour after its shattering it appeared to slowly become even more fragile, easily crumbling in his hands and its color fading. His sword sat against his leg and the axe was leaned up against the log he sat on.
The forest was even more alive at night, insects, bats, and owls filled the forest with hoots and chirps. From outside he heard the small coos and babbles from the foals, after a few minutes the foals stopped making noises, probably asleep now with their mother. Argyle looked into the small fire and threw a small branch on it.
As he was getting ready to lean back something in the forest moved, a snapping sound caused him to quickly jump up and grab his weapons. From the darkness of the pines he saw something move in the shadows, it was large and its eyes shinned from the fires light, moving around slowly, he could hear its low grunting, growling, and its heavy steps.
The bear that had been scared off returned to the clearing, drawn by the smell of blood and the cries of the foals. It was in full sight now, the lumbering beast watched Argyle, maw open, small bits of saliva dripped onto the ground, its eyes shined in the fire as did his.
He drew the sword from its sheath, the sheath dropping on the ground next to him, the bear stood on its back legs and roared at him. The foals were awakened by this, their startled cries made the bear look at the tent, Argyl stood in front of the tent, baring his teeth and growling at the bear.
The Bear charged at him, once it was close enough Argyle stepped on a branch in the fire, sending embers into its face. As it wiped it face clear of the embers, Argyl swung his sword striking it in the arm, the bear roared in pain but then swung its large paw at Argyl, the mail took the impact of it and possibly part of its claws, the bear swiped again, this time hitting his exposed sword arm.
Its claws ripped through his flesh, Argyle winced and yelped in pain. The bear slowly retreated and licked its wounded arm, it then stood up once more, and roared at him, and without hesitation, Argyle threw his sword at the bear.
The sword hit the bear in the shoulder, it screamed and howled in agony as the blade went deep into it. It bit onto its handle and ripped it from its shoulder, the sword was then thrown to the ground. It roared once more and ran towards Argyle. He held his axe with both hands and once it was close enough, he swung down towards its head.
The axe made a horrid thud sound once it impacted the bears head, once it did the bear immediately fell to the ground without a sound, only a few violent twitches followed. Its eyes bulged out due to the axe hitting it directly in the head. He stepped on the bears neck and pulled the axe from its skull.
He poked his head through the tent and saw the foals were stirring silently and slowly, fussing loudly, and looking around the tent. He set his weapons down and moved inside the tent, their mother was sound asleep. He took one of the foals in his not bleeding left arm and began to gently rock the child back to sleep. They stopped crying after a few moments, Argyle had watched them closely for a few more second before they both dozed off, he set them against their mother.
He closed the tent once again and sat on the log, he cut off a piece of his own clothing and wrapped it around his wounded arm. He looked at the bear for a moment, instead of skinning or gutting it for its pelt and meat, he walked over grabbed it by its fore paw and drug it into the forest, a good distance away from the camp, right around where he left the mares bloody dress. He knelt down and picked up several clumps of moss and tree bark.
Once he returned he sat in front of the fire and undid the cloth around his wrist. The wound itself was still bleeding. Pouring water on it seemed to make it a little worse but it still washed the blood away. He took the clumps of moss and began to set them on his wound.
Once it was covered he placed the tree bark over it. Using the cloth he tied it together, making a sort of bandage. He then washed the blood and fur from his weapons. Once they were clean he held his axe and sword closer to his body, and stared into the fire for the rest of the night.
The Next day he had been only asleep for a short while until he was awoken by the foals crying. He stood up and stomped out the remaining embers that were still smoking in the fire pit and walked towards the tent. Once he opened the tent flap he could see one of the foals, Aegis, babbling loudly while his brother quietly slept on his mothers chest. “Miss, its time to go.” He said to the mare, but she didn't respond. “Miss?” He said once again, this time placing his hand on her shoulder and shaking her gently. Her head simply drooped to the side.
He moved in closer and put his hand in front of her muzzle, she wasn't breathing, he then placed his fingers on her neck, no pulse. She was lifeless. He fell back onto his rear, looking at the mare. He sighed heavily and placed his hands in his face, thinking about what he must do next. The foal Aegis simply babbled even more. They wont last long unless I find them someone they can nurse on. He thought. “Sammie... she can help.”
An hour went after he discovered the foals deceased mother. A five foot deep grave had been quickly dug for her. She was tightly wrapped in the largest skins Argyle had with him. He gently placed her in the grave and filled it up, placing several stones atop it to mark her location. He stared at the grave for a minute before he looked down at the small foals.
They were in small slings strapped to his chest, the slings were made of the remaining bear and elk furs. The Grey foal, Lightning, was still asleep and Aegis stared at Argyle, his fingers in his mouth and his eyes, his red hexagonal iris's with a black pupil staring at him, his brother had these strange eyes as well.
The swords were in his bag along with the rest of his gear on his back. The foal made a face and started to fuss loudly. Argyle placed his hand on Aegis' belly. “Shh... hush child. We're going home.” Argyle walked out of the clearing and onto a dirty old road that led home, to the Town of Vale. Where his sister Sammie, the only one that could help him, lived with her husband and close friend to Argyle, the local Barron named Slate.
******
Argyle walked through the old wooden gate and into the bustling village, as he walked passed he looked at the aging and slightly overgrown wooden palisades and towers, remembering the day that they were erected. From there he continued down the towns main road, passing the several wood, wattle and daub, and stone houses with thatched or earthen roofing, their stone, wood, or clay chimneys expelling white smoke from their hearths and the many smallfolk about their day.
The road was much older than everything else in the town, save the keep, and was heavily trodden on over the years, leaving the prints of the many Diamond Dogs exiting, entering, or walking to their homes. Grass and some small shrubs and weeds grew along its side, creating a natural line for it.
Sows with their piglets at their sides, chickens, sheep, goats, and even geese walked across and down the road, no minding the company of the Diamond Dogs walking past them. On a nearby porch he saw a mother coddling her fussy pup while another next to her worked on a loom and another was boiling linen in a vat full of yellow flowers to dye it.
Further down the road he saw a pig hooked up to an iron plow. It slowly trudged through the large garden, snorting and squealing while its owner was controlling the plow from behind while his son was tempting the pig forward with a head of cabbage. Laughter and revelry came from one of the many inn's, a blacksmith banged on a piece of iron while his apprentice poured copper into a mold, and the smell of fresh hops filled his nostrils.
The road led into the village center, a large market that was bustling with life. Ores, exotic foods, spices, and weapons as imports and Vales main export, timber, ales, and furs, dotted the market square as several villagers picked through and bought the goods. Several of the villagers kindly said hello to him as he passed them. The road then led to Slate's home, a large tower house built upon a small motte. The only way up to the keep was to trek up the drawbridge that connect's to its gate.
The keep had a wooden mead hall with a tilled roof as its main entrance and a stone bawn made from drystone, the small gate and towers were made from the same. It was built around two-hundred years ago and was originally used to protect and watch for raiders, but when Slates's family bought it almost a century ago, they added the hall for times of celebration and revelry with large brass ale vats that were stored in a large wattle and daub warehouse and brewery that sat nearby. A much larger armory and barracks were connected to the left side of the keep.
The most recent addition was another fifty feet and another square tower installed almost a year ago, a late anniversary present for Argyle's sister from Slate. The addition added a few new rooms on the first floor and another garderobe in the towers first floor and the second floor addition, as well as the tower, there was an alchemy laboratory for Sammie, the second level of tower had a store room in it, windows installed above her study shinned natural light in it during the day and can be opened by a staff and closed by a hook on the other end of the staff.
The keeps color had diminished over the ages, turning a dark grey and black, much like the strange swords he had with him, and heavily overgrown on one side with green vegetation, save the recent addition that was a light grey. As he entered the hall he walked passed a few guards sitting at a table. The hall had a stone floor with tall wooden walls, its brownish orange clay roofing tiles were once thatched but that changed almost five years ago when the hall was accidentally set ablaze, burning its walls and roof down like paper and only blackening the floor and side of the keep.
Luckily no one was killed in the fire, others say bear fat was knocked into the fire by accident which caused the blaze. After it was destroyed it was quickly rebuilt with a tiled roof and a well was dug nearby just in case a fire were to start again. In the center of the hall was a large stone fire pit with an all iron spit for roasting food on.
Several wooden tables and benches were in the hall, iron chandeliers with candles on them helped light up the dark room. Above the lords high chair was the counties coat of arms, a large elm tree with an ancient stone circle around it with a green background, adorned on a large round targe shield that belonged to the counties founder, it was heavily dilapidated and scarred over time, its spike broke off years ago. It is now in use as a family heirloom. The symbol was on many of the guards shields and on a flag atop the keep and gate houses.
The foals, both of them now awake, fussed and squealed loudly. “Hush now, almost here.” Trying to calm them down.
“Mr Argyle.” He looked around but could not hear the one who called to him. “Ahem, down here whitey.” He felt something tug on his pants, he then looked down to see a grey colored Bushwoolie with a small satchel around its waist and a gnawed on pine cone in its hand, must had been one of the servants Slate had. The small creature was no higher than one and a half feet tall and covered head to toe in fur, save for its yellow eyes, mouth, small clawed feet, and four fingers.
“My sister, have you seen her. Its important.” Argyle said, the Bushwoolie turned and pointed towards the staircase.
“Sammie upstairs, she reading a big book.” It said.
“Thank you.” He said, walking past it. Bushwoolies were very simpleminded creatures, more focused on mating and eating than the outside world, but they were good workers once given orders. They had a large warren outside of town in a long abandoned ring fortress and were pledged to Slate's family.
He quickly walked up the stairs and into his sisters Alchemy lab. She sat at one of the tables reading a large book, rubbing her pregnant belly. She was one of the many Druids, or in this case Druidess, that lives in Dimondia, they were the native magic users.
Like others she mastered the arts of healing and alchemy and was able to use a form of magic to control both plants and animals as well as a few spells related to combat and defense, she could identify a plant just by the smell.
Though they are native to Dimondia, she trained in the Equestrian capital of Canterlot when she was younger. She is six years younger than Argyle, her current age is thirty-nine. Compared to his snow white coat and yellow/copper eyes, she was a brown and golden color like their father with violet eyes. When he opened the door into the lab there he saw her, sitting at a table, reading through a large book and gently rubbing her pregnant belly. She noticed him come in and closed the book. “Brother.” She said slowly getting ready to stand. “How are you?” Argyle lifted his hand.
“You don't need to stand Sammie, and I am... fine but in a rather difficult situation.” He said. She picked up the book and stared at him, then she then saw one of the foals little arms extend from the sling, grab Argyle's finger and fuss loudly.
“Argyle... brother what do you have?” She said leaning forward. He sighed heavily, undid his bag, and set the foals gently upon the table.
“I found them and their mother in the forest yesterday.” He said, she leaned forward and looked at the little Foals. One of them tried to grab her face.
“And what of their mother?” Once again he stayed quiet, simply staring sadly at the foals. “Argyle, what happened?”
“I awoke to find her dead this morn. I buried her in the clearing I found them in, its a few miles outside of town.”
“How did she die Argyle?” He looked down and let one of the foals play with his hand.
“When I found her she was already going into labor, I helped her deliver. Afterwards took her bloodied close away and I then made her a tent to rest in and... the next morning she was gone.” He said.
“Delivering a child, even twins can take a lot out of someone. Loss of blood without medicinal treatment is the most common cause of death in these cases, how did she get there?” She asked. “Pregnant Equestrians don't usually travel to secluded locations in the north to give birth.” Argyl sighed and then sat in one of the chairs and told her everything that happened yesterday, trying to not sound like a complete fool. She looked at the swords then the foals afterwards.
“Sammie they'll need to eat. I know this is asking much and it is a... rather strange request.” He said scratching the back of his head. “Can you nurse them?” She looked at the fussing foals.
“Well... I suppose I can. But once my child is born they will need to be weened onto either cows or goats Milk or even water.” Argyle looked away as she picked up the foals, he could hear he shirt unbutton. “You can look now.” She said. Argyle turned to face her, her chest and the foals covered by a blanket, her arms supporting them against her chest. “You said the child named lightning looks more like his mother.”
“Yes, and the other does not, he is brown.”
“Hmm, if I'm correct he might have a been born with Taldis.”
“What?” Argyle asked, the subject being unknown to him.
“Taldis, I read about it when I was a student in Canterlot. Its a very rare birth defect found in all races.”
“What does it do? Anything bad?”
“No nothing like that. Well, say a family of Equestrians, lets say they are Uni's.” She explained. “Say they have a child. The child is then born not having its parents coat and mane color, or even their physical features such as a horn.”
“So it makes them an Earth Pony?”
“Not entirely. Taldis works in a strange way, the child will inherit traits a long, long dead ancestor once had, I mean centuries. Their color and traits like a horn or wings. Meaning this child's ancestor was a brown earth pony.” She said looking at Aegis. “Like Drover, he's effected by it.”
“What about other features, physical?” He asked. “Like how you look like mother in face and I father.”
“Well as I said prior that stays, its just the color and racial features, hell I've read up on a pony effected by it. Both her parent's were Equestrian but she came out looking like a Zebra in color, turns out they both had Zebra ancestry in their biology.” She said, now diverting her attention towards his wounded arm. “Now, enough of mah babblin'. Lets talk about that arm of yours.”
“What about it?” He asked.
“It will get infected if it isn't properly looked at. Scrub it off with some water.” She said, Argyle did as she said.
“What next?”
“In my cabinet there is some paste you can put on it. Its made with several different herbs mixed in water to make it moist, made it this morn.” She pointed at the cabinet, Argyle reached into the cabinet and grabbed a small clay bowl. He took it to the table and set it down. After he sat back down he removed the lid and stuck two of his fingers in it. On the tips of his fingers was the green paste, he slowly rubbed it of the wound caused by the bear.
The paste stank of flowers and it was cold, once he finished he placed the lid back on the jar and looked at his sister. “Grab some new moss and place it on your arm, then come here.” He took the small stack of moss of the cabinet and placed it on his arm. He walked to her and knelt, she used her right arm to support both the foals and used her left to pick up a wooden sickle.
It was carved into a crescent shape that wasn't at all sharp, save the point. Once she placed its tip on the moss a small green light glowed from it, the moss then began to wrap tightly around his arm, forming a sort of bandage. Once it was done he sat back down.
“Thank you sis.” He said smiling.
“I'm always here to help y' brother, 'ere, take one of my mortars.“ She said, she waved the wand and a small stone mortar with a wooden pestle hovered over with a green hue making them move and gently landed on the table. “You may need it.”
“For?” He asked.
“Equestrian newborns aren't like our own. They need fruits and vegetables in their diet like we need gems in our's, take some and mash'em up in the mortar then feed them with a spoon.”
“Could they eat meat when their older?” He asked. “Winters here are rather difficult and meats the only food we have that lasts the winter.”
“Well, its not unheard of, an Equestrian can eat meat. They do it rarely mainly out of survival or during social events. Their soldiers are fed a diet of meat and grains. Most tend not to eat it.” She said. “I suppose they could when their older.” She said. One of the foals stopped suckling and began to babble loudly.
“Where is Slate?” Argyle asked, noticing the absence of his rather loud brother-in-law.
“He left for Chert three days ago, while you were gone. The King called him for a council meeting, should be back tomorrow.” She said.
“I'll take the foals for tonight sister. I should start to ween them early.” He said. “Should I bring them back in the morning?”
“Yes, Slate'll want to see you tomorrow and I will look after the foals while you two are talking, I'll try weeing'em then.” Once she placed the grey foal on its sling, he quickly tuckered off next to his brother. Argyl picked them up and gently set them back in the sling. “It seems your a father once again.” She said. Argyle picked up his bags and looked at her.
“It seems so... ” He said. “Goodnight sister.” He walked out of the room and soon out of the keep.
He quietly made his way towards his house, passing several Diamond Dog's enjoying their day. Most of the town seemed to be in the market, buying and selling goods. He needed to sell some of the pelts he had, mainly to get money to get food for the Foals. Walking into the market area and towards a stand, the vendor was selling various types of vegetables and some mushrooms. After chatting with the vendor briefly and getting rid of some of the raccoon and rabbit furs he was able to purchase eleven carrots, six sweet potatoes, a head of lettuce, and a sack of radishes.
It would due, he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the delicate and careful process of raising newborns, once raising one of his own but that was years ago but these were Equestrian newborns, not Diamond Dog. “Get anythin' good out there?” Someone said from behind him, he turned to see his friend Slate, his sisters husband and the local baron, walking towards him with a leather bag on his side.
Like Argyle he was also armed, a sword made from a green geode was sheathed on his side and his mail was hidden in with his green tunic. His velvet and grey coat and matted mess of hair didn't seem to match the clothing, not that he'd care.
“A few coons, a coney or two, and an Elk.” Argyle happily replied to one of his closest friends.
“Didn't get that big bastard of a bear eh?” Slate asked.
“Oh no I did... but I found something more interesting than those.” Before Slate could reply he heard one of the foals babble loudly. Slate leaned down and looked at the little brown foal. With a small squeal the foal stuck his little arm up into the air and tried to grab Slate. He let the foal grab one of his velvet colored fingers and tug on it.
“Where did you find these wee ones at?” He asked, making a face at the foal causing it to squeal again in joy.
“In the forest while I was off, only a day old Slate.”
“And what of there mama?” Slate leaned back up and walked with Argyle.
“She... she didn't make it through the night, I found her this morn, she was cold.” He said, adjusting the sling on his chest. “I left her in a clearing a mile outside of town.”
“Aye, I know of the clearin'. Want me to send someone to fetch her?”
“No. . . No. Leave her, I'll go back tomorrow to add more stones to the top, hopefully the critters wont get to her.” He noticed Slate was looking over both the twins, rather confused on their appearance. “Sammie says the brown one has some rare birth defect called taldis, like what Drover has.”
“Ah I see. Want me to order some formula from Chert?” Slate asked him.
“Formula?” He asked in a rather puzzled tone. This substance called 'Formula' was foreign to him, sounding like something Alchemy related rather than infant related.
“Its Equestrian, basically powdered milk or... some shite I don't know but I guess its for babes.” He explained as best he could. “I heard about it while in the city.”
“Speaking of which, how'd it go? Well anything interesting at least?”
“Ugh... same old bickerin and banterin', one county took another, trade this money that... same irritating crap. As always.” His explanation brought a small smile and light chuckle from Argyle, luckily having avoided the bickering of the local lords and clan leaders for many years. Slate took a deep and irritating sounding breath.
“She doing fine?” He asked.
“Sammie is well, she was reading last I saw.” Argyle had noticed that Slate was more antsy about his child than his sister was, though he couldn't blame him for he once acted the same. “She's waitin' for you in the keep, gonna be happy to see you home early.”
“Aye... I'd best get home them, see if she's well.”
“Oh before you go, I need you to have a look at these.” Argyle pulled the two swords off his back and gave them to Slate. Slate unwrapped the cloth covering them.
“Hmm. Find these with their mum?” Argyle nodded. “What did you need me to look at on these blades?”
“Mainly the metal their made from, what do you think it is? Cause ah'v never seen anythin' like it.” Slate took his time on eyeing over the swords, scanning every detail on the Sabre and Longsword. While the foals fussed loudly, Argyle tried to quiet them down the best he could.
”Hmm... its defiantly a metal, looks like Iron, can even see the hammer marks on it and... strange... very strange, look at the pattern of the banding and mottling, looks like flowing water don't it, and by wavy bits 'ere and 'ere, metal was folded a few times. Looks very old though... hammer that struck it was pretty wide... and big,” He set the swords back onto the ground and wrapped them in the cloth.
“Hmm, fine bit of linen this.” He said feeling the soft cloth that was with them. “Silky, could'ave come from Equestria. But this was definitely a type of curtain. And the only time a weapon would have runes on it is if it were a made from stone or geode like mine, the runes hold them together, makes'em stronger. But this... I'm not sure.” Argyl picked them up again.
“Kinda like your father's stone sword?”
“Yeah kinda, but I can read our runes, not these.”
“How old?” Slate simply shrugged.
“Not sure for certain... old.”
“Have you seen a sword design similar to this?”
“Well... closest ones I've seen with banding and mottling similar to that are swords from Saddle Arabia, a duke in the capitol has a sword from there.” He noticed the little grey foal is now awake and fussy. “Best get'em some food, head on home Argyle. I'll walk with ye to the clearin' on the morrow.” He smiled at Argyle, he turned around and walked towards the keep. Argyle then turned and walked towards his home.
Argyle could soon see his home. It wasn't special, it had strong wooden walls and an earthen roof, a stone chimney was up its back and along its wall was wooden pitchfork along with a few other tools were set along its side near the door and a small fire pit in the yard near a pine tree with a hook on it for game.
He opened the old oak door to the house, revealing its worn stone floor. The largest room inside was his living and dining room, in it were several small chairs, a small four person table, and an iron cooking pot over his fireplace. There were only two bedrooms, the largest was his and the second once belonged to his daughter and was smaller.
He set fussing foals down on his table and quietly lit a fire in his fireplace using flint and steel. Once an ember fell on the paper and wood shaving's for kindling he blew on it, soon the fire slowly rose and then lit up the whole house, he walked over and picked up several small gems. Cupping them in his hands he blew on them. They then began to glow brightly.
He then set them in separate glass jars to help brighten up the room.
The light showed the wooden tables and chairs as well as the wooden cabinets, wooden bathtub, and copper or iron plates he had. Once he had finished lighting the smaller candles he took the small mortar and pestle his sister gave him and set it on the able near the foals, along with the several vegetables.
Right now... what would they like...
He though, looking over the Carrots and Potatoes.
Carrots... yeah carrots'll'ave to do.
He began to cut the carrots into chunks, placing the largest one in the mortar first and began to smash it up with the pestle. After it was all mashed up he added a bit of water along with the second largest piece and began to smash it into a paste. Making sure there were no chunks at all he stuck a small copper spoon into the paste and tasted it.
It wasn't terrible, still tasted the same, though a pinch of honey and a small drop of whiskey wouldn't hurt, but mainly for him and not the foals. He had the ingredients available to make a pudding out of it, eggs, milk, honey, nutmeg, breadcrumbs, and some butter. Though his mother always added wine as an ingredient and usually added more milk to it.
He set the small pestle aside and set the spoon back inside the mortar. He picked up Lightning and set him on his lap, getting a spoonful of the orange paste and bringing it to the foals mouth. “Come on now, open yer gob ya wee bird pony.” He said, trying to teach Lightning to eat by opening his own mouth and demonstrating. His brother watched him, laying on his side and sucking on his hand. “Ah that's it, open up.” After Lightning opened his little mouth Argyle put the spoon into his mouth. Thankfully, he swallowed the food.
“Well that wasn't so hard.” Soon after he said that the foal burped and soon threw up a combination of orange and white all over his leg. Aegis, not understanding what happened, simply laughed while Argyle sighed heavily. “Me and m'damn mouth... ugh.”
Argyl sat in his chair, it made a small creak as he used his foot to move it back and forth to rock the foals. The foals covered in blankets laying in his big arms, quietly snoring. After the long day of tending to them, bathing, feeding, and changing them, he finally got them to sleep. On the table across from the chair was a small pile of infants cloths he had left over from his first parenting experience.
He quietly, without making any sound at all, rose from his chair and walked towards his daughter's old bedroom. Upon entering the room he quietly set them on a chair. He took a match and lit two of the candles that was in the room. He looked at the dusty oak bed, its mattress and pillows stuffed with goose and duck feathers and the blankets were made from wool, all he made himself.
He took the blanket off the bed and gave it a shake, causing dust to fly off and into his muzzle. Taking a breath he got a tickling feeling in his nose. Before he could let off the sneeze he covered his face with the blanket and sneezed into into.
Quickly looking over he saw that the foals were still silent. Letting out a quiet and relieved sigh, he picked up the blanket once again, giving it another shake, and set it on the ground to wash later. Walking over to the foals he picked them up and walked towards the bed, gently set them down, covered them up in the fur blanket they were both wrapped in and left the room.
Argyle walked towards his room. Upon entry he took off his mail shirt and set it on his dresser along with his sword, knife, and axe. He walked towards the bed and fell face first onto its feather stuffed mattress, exhausted from taking care of the foals. He let out a long yawn and covered himself in the large wool comforter, he let off a long yet glad sigh. His ears perked up to the sound of one of the foals coos.
Groaning he quickly got up and walked over to the room, he cracked the door open just a little to peek at the foals. Aegis had his eyes open for the briefest of seconds before falling back asleep, he noticed the foals eye's almost seemed to glow in the dark. Argyle shut the door once again and walked towards his room, taking a book from his table he sat down on his bed to read it, an old story book full of old stories of adventure, romance, and war, something to read children. After an hour of reading he was finally interrupted by one of the foals crying, followed by another.
He sighed and slammed the book shut, causing dust to shoot into his eyes. "Damn it... " He set the book down and walked towards the foals room.
***Seven years Later***
“Now quietly raise the bow and knock your arrow... ” Argyle whispered to Aegis, pointed the bow at a small male Elk. It was his first time hunting, Argyle helped him adjust his arms a little and Lightning watched from the cover of a bush. “Do not think of it as an animal, simply a target, like the ones at the house. Clear your mind, exhale... and release.” Argyle said to him. Aegis did as he was told, he exhaled and released. The arrow flew from the bow and towards the elk, its bowstring smacking hard against his wrist, leaving a stinging red mark on his wrist. Aegis dropped the bow.
“OW!” He yelled, dropping the bow and holding his wrist.
“Aegis, you got him, look son.” Argyle said placing his hand on Aegis's shoulder. He looked up and saw the elk lying on the ground, the arrow sticking out of its side. "Lets go and get him." Argyle said, picking up the bow and drawing his stone knife.
“Nice shot!” Lightning said.
“Thanks.” He quietly replied, holding his now red wrist. They watched as Argyle set his bow down and drove his knife into its heart next to the arrows impact point, after he made sure it was dead he grabbed the elk by its legs. He then lifted it off the ground and carried it on his shoulders, his hands held onto its legs that now extended past his face.
“Aegis hold onto the bow for me.” He said.
“Yes father.” Aegis replied, picking up his bow. “We heading home now?”
“Yes, on the way home keep your eyes open for mushrooms, preferably puffballs. Sammie is looking for some for her potions and they will also be a nice side for our dinner tonight.”
“What about tomorrows picnic with Sammie, Slate, and Telon?” Lightning asked, Argyle had almost forgotten about the picnic, remembering his sister had planned a nice get together for them all.
“We are still going tomorrow.” He said. “Hopefully you two and Telon will play nice this time.”
“We will this time, we promise.” Lightning said smiling.
“Good.” Argyle said to him. They were soon on the main road once again and then continued towards Vale.
As they continued through the forest birds and squirrels chirped loudly at their presence. “I found one!” Lightning said upon seeing one of the puffballs near a dead and moss covered tree trunk lying on the ground, surrounded by several other dead ones.
“Oh aye, that's a big'un, you'll need to use both your hands with that one.” Argyle said upon seeing the stump sized mushroom. Lightning walked over to it and picked it up. He could barely even see due to its size covering his entire chest.
“Can we eat it when we get home?” He asked, trying not to run into a tree.
“Aye I suppose we can.” Argyle said, walking past Lightning. “Come on boys, let's head ho—” As they walked to the main road a loud, trumpeting sound stopped them in their tracks. Argyle's ears perked up and tuned them right onto the source. Aegis looked up at his worried father.
"Papa what's—"
“Hush child, down now!” He said in a commanding tone Aegis and Lightning had never heard from him before. As he knelt down he dropped the elk on the ground. Argyl took the bow and readied an arrow.
“Papa... what is it?” Lightning whispered. Argyle just stayed silent, staring at the road. Soon the source of the noise came into full view. A large force of Diamond Dogs, all clad in bronze, iron, mail, and leather armor walked down the road, five in the front of the column wore simple and baggy trousers with one having a grey and black color, one having a green shirt and trousers, one wearing red trousers, one wearing yellow, and the last having green trousers, all were plaid. At the top of their pants was a rope with a sword on it and their arms and chests were covered in blue and green swirling paint tattoo's.
They were blowing into large, bronze trumpets that emitted the sound they were hearing prior, behind them were three Diamond Dogs holding large banners. Behind them was a chariot pulled by two large oxen with their horns clipped and shaved down. Atop the chariot was a large, flat faced, black coated Diamond dog with a long braided beard that matched his coat held onto the bulls reigns.
He was well armed, a brass breast and back plate with his blue tunics sleeves poking out of its arm holes and forming a skirt under the armor, a brass helmet with a solid arch going up the center, a socket axe and a sword were attached to his belt. The three guards close to the chariot wore chain mail tunics with long bear pelts hanging from their backs, bronze helmets, and held large wooden shields.
Next to the cart were several tamed Timber Wolves. The large beast's clattered with every step as they stayed close to their masters, the largest timber wolf had a large cotton blanket covering its back with a Diamond Dog that held a long lance riding on its back. The various soldiers wore simple cloths from brightly colored tunics to bits of armor here and there and some wore simple pants or no clothing at all. Most held shields made of wood with a bronze sheet over it and some had shields made of wicker, rope, and rawhide.
One of the larger Diamond dogs had a wooden shield with rope on the front of it, in the center where the boss would be there was a long spike. In the ranks of the soldiers they saw several Bushwoolies armed with simple knives, small spears, small wooden clubs with bits of rock tied on, bones, sharpened kitchen utensils, and a combination of bark, ripped or discarded old mail, and bones made up their 'armor'. One was wearing a small goats skull as a makeshift helmet.
The trumpeting and the hundreds of marching feet could still be heard as they passed down the road. Argyle set the bow back on his shoulder and picked the elk back up and walked onto the road followed by Aegis and Lightning. “What was that?” Aegis asked.
“Not sure... Slate'll know more than I, Didn't look good though.” He said. “Come on, lets head home.”
The trio continued down the road, passing a clearing full of several Diamond Dog and Bushwoolie workers keeping an eye on three large charcoal mounds, having to take shifts every night due to the process taking about a week. A large white cloud brought the smell of the burning wood to their noses and several smaller ovens, about Aegis' height, were being cracked open and the coal was being gathered in wicker baskets while similar sized ones were being made.
There he saw several Bushwoolies putting clay over a little wood mound covered by dry leaves. Several more Diamond Dog and Bushwoolie workers came out of the forest, all of them carrying more wood, some carrying massive logs on their shoulders and some carried them with the help of another. Several Bushwoolies carried baskets of of raw and still wet clay on their backs gathered from the nearby stream.
Then from the cover of the forest came Carl, the fifteen foot tall Troll that lived nearby in a small cave. Branches broke under his massive feet, his rather large belly jiggled under his crude brown hide jerkin made from the same material as his small pants. Under his muscular arms were about three large tree trunks with their limbs cut off under his left arm and a massive rock under his right. He set the large rock down first and then the trunks, he then sat down.
Taking one of the large trunks in his hand he put it on an angle against the rock. Reaching back he took a large wooden club with a stone head in his hands and slammed down on the trunk, causing the trunk to split in two. Taking the broken piece in his hands he then set it next to him and then continued to do the same with the rest of the trunk.
Argyle stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled at the Troll, causing him to get its attention. The Troll smiled, showing them his crooked and dirty teeth, and waved at him and the boys, and they happily returned the gesture.
As soon as they pass the gate they are greeted by the many residents in Vale, some seemed not to mind the entourage that just left. Maybe it was a good sign then. Beings that Aegis and Lightning were the only Equestrians in Vale they were sometimes gawked at by the local children and sometimes, but now rarely, picked on for being different among the others.
As they got home Argyle set the elk against a hook he had nailed into a tree while the boys ran inside. He placed a bucket under the deer, cut the arteries on its legs and neck open, and began to drain the blood from it. “Can we go see it Telon can play?”
“I thought you were hungry?” Argyle asked, rubbing the bloodied stone knife against the elks fur.
“Well... yeah a little snack wouldn't hurt.” Lightning said, setting his large puffball down.
“Mushroom then?” The two nodded happily. “Alright, let me see it.” Argyle took out another knife, this time an iron one, and cut it half and then into thick steaks. He then went to get a copper skillet and his fire starter. After the small fire was started he rubbed goats butter all over the pan, soon after he cut of the 'crust' of the mushroom and then covered the main meat of it with salt and pepper on both sides of the three slices and set them, one at a time on the pan.
Due to the mushrooms large size he had to cut the strips in half. The mushrooms sizzled when placed onto the pan and once they were brown on both sides they were then ready to eat.
“Smells tasty.” Someone said, Argyle looked and saw his large, golden furred friend Drover walking towards him, his axe resting on his shoulder.
“What was with the war party?” Argyle asked, taking a bite from the mushroom.
“Old Chieftain Soot is marching on a the wall, he asked Slate for additional warriors.” The wall, or Augustine's wall as the Equestrian's called it, was a large stone wall that protected Equestria's northern boarders against Diamond Dog raiders and illegal miners.
“And?” Drover shook his head. “Hmm... it'd be the best choice, them poor bastards'll, the Equestrians'll tear'em a new one. Nobody gets past that wall well armed like that anymore, Slate had the right idea, pissing off the Equestrian army isn't something we need. Are you heading into the forest?”
“Mhm, figured I'd stop by and say hello. Always good to see you all.”
“Likewise Drover.” They exchanged friendly smiles and a nod before Drover left for the forest. Figuring he'd start on the elk, he stood up and drew his knife.
“Papa.” Aegis said from behind him. When he turned around he saw the two standing behind him, Aegis holding a small sword made from scrap wood, nails, and cloth. “Can we go see if Telon and Bailey can play?”
“Hmm... depends,” He said, tapping a claw against his chin. “did y'finish your chores.”
“Yes.” He happily replied. Argyle knelt to face his sons, he then squinted at them.
He knew them better than that
“Don't you lie to me child. Are. They. Done?” He asked in a more stern tone. Aegis's ears fell against his head.
“No.” He said sadly. Argyl sighed.
“Lying gets you nowhere Aegis.” He said to the colt. "Now, finish sweeping up your room and you and your brother can help me with dinner." Aegis's face went from a small frown to an even bigger one.
“So that means I cant go and play today?” He asked.
“Well... If you finish up your chores, start a cooking fire and place the cauldron over it with the water and vegetables we need in a short amount of time then yes I suppose you can.” Argyle said. The boys looked at each other and smiled.
“I'll start sweeping.” Lightning said.
“I'll get a fire going.” Aegis replied and the two quickly dashed into the house. Argyle smiled and returned to the elk. Seven years have gone by since he found them in the forest. As they aged Aegis began to slightly resemble his mother by face and Lightning by color, from what he could remember.
Others have asked the strange color difference between the two and Argyle has always told them, or a Sammie has told them. Drover was the only other person he knew with Taldis. Drovers mother says her Great-Great-Great Grandfather was a golden furred diamond dog from the island of garnet a little off the mainland of Dimondia. Drover usually kept his hair in large braids that would usually go past his neck and was the garrison commander for Vale, along with Argyle and Slate.
Drover lived near the walls of Vale and when he wasn't barking orders at the local guards he was usually found in the forest using the large, two-handed, iron axe he used both as a weapon of combat and a tool for cutting tree's. Argyle knew far to well what that axe could do to a living being, especially a Yak or Caribou.
Lumber, as well as Ale and animal products, was a major export in Vale and considered one of the most important. Both of the industries he normally worked in along with Drover. The local mill has a steady supply of workers, but the most important worker they had was Carl, who does most of the heavy work around Vale for a small fee, alcohol. He can easily carry one or more freshly cut trees under or over his massive arms making transport rather easy, like what he saw earlier.
Carl used to live under one of the old bridges outside of Vale, the bridge was one of the oldest in the region and most of it had fallen apart in disrepair. When he lived there he would usually ask for a toll for passers and once they paid it he would then use his back as part of the bridge. Once Slate's father became lord he paid Carl to start repairs the bridge, in return he made him a citizen of Vale. Carl fought against the Yaks during their invasion, he now lives in a large cave with a small herd of goats he keeps as livestock.
Once the blood was drained from the Elk, Argyle began to skin it. From the house he could here a flapping noise. He stuck the knife into the tree and walked towards the house, inside he saw Aegis chopping several vegetables with Argyle's sword and Lightning was using a broom and his wings to sweep the dust out of the house. Aegis noticed him at the door. “Almost done. Just have to wait for the water to start boiling then I'll put the vegi's in.” He said.
“And I'm almost done with the sweeping.” Lightning said, Argyle looked at Aegis chopping the several vegetables.
“You could have asked for the knife you know.” He told him.
“I know, but you were to busy using it. I'll wash it when I'm done with it.” He said, Argyle sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Fine, but I don't want it smelling of leeks and radishes by tomorrow.” He said, walking back outside towards the elk.
A few minutes had gone by and Argyle had already finished skinning the elk. “We're finished.” Aegis said from behind him. Argyle turned around to see the boys standing behind him, both smiling and looking up at him. On the roof he saw the chimney puffing out white smoke.
“You finished sweeping?” He asked Lightning.
“Mhm.” Lightning replied, wiping the dust from his feathers. Argyle looked at Aegis.
“And there is a fire going?” He asked Aegis.
“Mhm.” He replied.
“Alright go and play.” He said. “But be back before sundown.” He told them. As soon as he finished he saw the two grab their toy weapons and ran towards the keep. Argyle then continued to work on the Elk, cutting the tendons in it's leg.
[The Following Day]
Argyle sat next to Sammie and Slate, in front of them was a small fire, Sammie picked through a small basket with food in it. All three of the children, Aegis, Lightning, and Telon, ran past them swinging toy weapons at each other. “Easy you three.” Slate said. “Don't want to beat each other up to badly now.”
“Don't worry papa we'll be fine.” Telon said. They began to play once again. Argyle looked at his nephew Telon. He had his mothers eyes and wolf like appearance she and Argyle share with his fathers reddish-brown coat and dark colored hair. Sammie, for a good reason, seemed rather overprotective of him. As they ran off from the small camp site Argyle sighed.
“Whats on your mind whitey?” Slate asked.
“Best I tell you both now, while the kids are busy.” Argyle said.
“What's wrong Argyle?” She asked.
“I was thinking about leaving Dimondia with the boys, take them to Equestria to be with their own kind.”
“Equestria?” Slate said. “A bit of a slog from 'ere isn't it.”
“Where will you go?” Sammie asked.
“Canterlot, was there once. Y' remember sis?”
“How could I forget. T'was the day I began my trainin' in the Canterlot academy for gifted Unicorns. Was the first Diamond dog to attend in almost a century.”
“Mother, father, and I stayed in Canterlot for about a month so you could get settled in.” He said. “Then we went home and then—”
“That hell with the Yaks and Caribou began. We lost father, we lost mother, Slate lost his parents and Dimondia was ravaged by those beasts.” She said. “When I came home you had a child with you, your little one. Then this fool and Pebbles fought over me like two toms fighting over a queen in heat.” The comment caused Argyle and Slate to laugh, remembering the many times he used to drive off Slate's advances on Sammie and, though once, slam their heads together like two rocks.
“Do you plan on walking?” Slate asked.
“No, we will travel to Chirt and take the Emerald river south. Once we make port in Las Pegasus we can walk from there.” He explained. “Why would I plan on walking?”
“Logs are being sent downriver to Equestria, waterways are gonna be crowded for a spell.” He said.
“Puts us in a bit of a bind don't it... so that means walking to Canterlot then." Argyle said. “It will be a slog, even if we follow the main road into Equestria.”
“And the trip will be dangerous.” Sammie said.
“It will. I'll send Drover, Pebbles, Spot, and Clay to go with you on this journey.” Slate said. “'ell, I'll go with you to.”
“Are you sure?” Sammie asked in a somewhat worried tone, ears falling down a little.
“I'll be fine love, no need to fret.” He said to her, placing his hand on her cheek. She smiled and nuzzled it. They watched the boys run towards them.
“Can we play in the forest?” Aegis asked.
“No. Its to dangerous. And besides, your aunt has just invited us to dinner in the keep.” He said looking at his sister.
“I did?” She asked.
“You did?” Telon asked.
“And I need to tell you boys something as well. Something important.” Argyle said.
Aegis and Lightning sat in front of him. “What is it?” Lighting asked.
“We're going on a trip to Equestria.” He said.
“Equestria? Where is that at?” Aegis asked.
“South, a rather long walk as well.”
“Whats there?” Lightning asked.
“Equestrians, that's what you two are.” He said.
“We are? But everyone else around town just calls us horsepups.” Aegis said. Argyle simply laughed slightly at the common term used to describe Equestrian and Diamond Dog hybrids.
“No no... that's not what you are.”
“Are there lots of them?” Lightning asked.
“There are thousands of them living in Equestria.” He said. "Its a long walk there boys, you both up to it?" The brothers looked at each other and whispered among themselves and after a few minutes they looked at Argyle.
“When do we leave?” Lightning asked.
“A few day's, so rest up and pack your things boys.”
“Is anyone going with us?”
“Me, Drover, Spot, Pebbles, and Clay will go with you to Equestria and stay with you for a couple days. Then we'll come back here.” Slate said.
“So where leaving Dimondia?” Lightning asked. Argyle nodded in response.
“Well, lets play a bit longer then go get ready.” Aegis said.
“Go ahead.” Argyle said. The kids looked then began to play once more with Telon.
