Author's Note

Well, my loyal Readers, you are about to find out a little thing about Grongal... What makes this big bad Orc an extremely dangerous individual. And why you wouldn't want to face off with him, when there are soldiers around him. Enjoy.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

The gates of Canterlot slowly opened up, allowing the four and their Royal Guard escort to enter. Those behind the city’s protective walls instantly rushed forward, wanting to see if their beloved princess is alright. Though, they came to a skidding halt, seeing her hugging on to a black armored giant. A large blade slung over his shoulder, one of the nearby Royal Guards holding a matching helmet. What really caught them off guard, had been the princess giggling about something the giant had said, an apparent blush on her cheeks.

“Then, I head butted the Twilight Cultist right in the face, and broke free from my bonds!” Grongal chuckled, causing Celestia to giggle even more. “Apparently, he never dealt with an Orc who knew how to be clever and hide their strength.” He gained a reminiscent look, grinning. “Taught them a valuable lesson. When innocent lives are in danger? I always find a way to achieve victory.”

The smile grew on Celestia’s muzzle, as she kept giggling. “It seems you became the very warrior you wished to be, Gron.” She looked up at him, as the Blademaster reached his hand around and gently placed it on to her shoulder. “Along with keeping your promise to me.”

He returned the smile, as the two walked the crowded streets. “You were on my mind, each second of every day, for the pasty thirty-five years.” Grongal’s words caused her to gain a look of surprise. “I trained, trained, and trained; until my body would give out. My motivation had been the thought you desperately needing me. That I needed to become so strong, that I could take on any foe that threatened you.” A sly smirk appeared, as he gave her a side glance. “When I reached my training’s peak, I focused every fiber of my being into becoming the Warlord I promised to be.” It had been then, that Grongal noticed her surprise. “Tia, is everything alright?”

Celestia had a hand over her lips, tears welling up in her wide eyes. “Gron… It has been over a thousand years, since I last saw you, since you made that promise.” Grongal froze, causing her to stop as well. “But, even I kept your promise deep within my heart, wishing every day that I could see you or hear your voice again.” The two started to walk again, her people making a path for them. “So much has happened, many times I wished you were there to help me.”

Grongal just looked down at her, many things passing through his mind, but one certain thought appeared and became far more important to the Orc. Suddenly, and powerfully, Grongal brought her into a tight hug, careful to not hurt her with his armor. “You haven’t changed a bit. No matter how many years have passed, spells learned, or skills practiced… You will always be that terrified filly, needing to be saved by a stupid young Orcling.”

Her eyes were wide, caught off guard by the sudden hug, but smiled and rested her cheek against his armored chest. “Guess I am, Gron… But, to me? That is just fine.”

He raised an eyebrow at that, before taking notice of something that the two had been oblivious to this whole time. “Um… Tia, why are these citizens staring at us?”

A red hue appeared on Celestia’s cheeks, the alicorn now remembering that they weren’t behind the castle’s walls just yet. Quickly separating from Grongal, she took noticed of the shocked eyes on them. A noble wearing some kind of gold rimmed monocle walked up. “U-Uhm… Your majesty, who might this…” She released who it was, as the unicorn stallion examined Grongal’s brutal looking armor. “Gentleman.” Fancy Pants gave a respective nod.

The Orc returned the gesture of his own, as Celestia motioned to him. “A-Apologies, allow me to introduce-?”

“Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, former Commander of the Sixty-Seventh Siege Battalion, the ‘Dragonblade Vanguard’. I was also known as the ‘Dragon of Blackrock’.” Grongal cut in, causing the two Equestrian to look up at him. “Time has passed, and much happened to me, as well. I can tell this one prefers formality… By the way.” His gaze went to Celestia, brow raised. “‘Your majesty’?”

Celestia’s blush deepened, releasing there had been something she completely forgot to mention. “Has our sister not tell you, that she is a princess?” Both turned to face the navy blue alicorn mare, wearing black armor. “Seriously, Tia, how could thee forget such a thing? It is quite a big deal.”

The white alicorn pressed her index fingers together, as Grongal let out a roaring laugh, with a hand pressed on to his forehead. “Looks like, I am graced by royalty!”

“Gron, I-?”

“Too bad such a thing will not bother me, you will always be ‘Tia’ to me.” His words caused quite a few nobles and guards to glare at him. But, all gained a chill of terror, when Grongal gained a deathly serious aura about him. “Now, is there a place we can speak about that attack? I wish to make myself acquainted with both your army and enemies.” They nodded, noticing the Warlord in him starting to come out, before heading towards the Canterlot Castle.

-Canterlot Castle War Room-

“Even with our allies amassed together, our forces have been suffering terrible defeats or costly victories against the Neo-Gryphon Empire.” Iron Sides, the commanding officer of Equestria’s military, reported. For many years, the seasoned pegasus stallion had over seen Equestria’s defense and wellbeing, a veteran of many battles himself. One could understand how disgruntled he feels about the newly promoted High Commander of the Equestrian Defense Coalition Forces, bringing Grongal up to speed on their current situation. “The Gryphons, and their allies, steam rolled through our defenses. They have taken Trottingham, Manehatten, Fillydelphia, and Baltimare. Ewe managed to stop their advance along the Foals Mountain Trail, while our allies are holding other areas along the front lines.”

Grongal tapped his chin, in thought, while examining the pieces on Equestria’s map in front of him. The Neo-Gryphon Empire had entrenched themselves rather heavily, already taking four major cities, two of which being island cities. Those will become a pure nightmare trying to retake. Not to mention, they have stretched their forces thin, and are now being attacked by these ‘Badlands Hive Changelings’ from the south. Right now, from what the Orc could figure out, Equestria needed a miracle just to hold their ground. A sly grin appeared on his lips.

The kind of miracles he has performed countless times before.

Carefully, the Orc placed both hands on to the table, examining their positions further. “I’m guessing the reserves will be mustered, and sent south to cover the Badland’s Boarders?” He asked.

“Yes, Warlord Dragonblade, we will have three battalions covering the Valley leading into the Badlands.” Iron Sides answered.

“Don’t, only send one battalion. Have them spread out and cover any areas these Changelings could use to try and sneak into Equestria.” Grongal instructed, surprising Iron Sides a bit. “They will be expecting such a tactic, if you did manage to ward off their surprise attack. So, send one of the reserve battalions here.” He pointed to a village simply labeled as ‘Starlight Village’. “And here.” He then pointed to the Hollow Shades forest. “Have them hide within the mountains and trees, to expect an attack to come. They’re objective is simple: Ambush any forces coming from Manehatten, Fillydelphia, or that tunnel system.” Grongal leaned up, crossing both arms over his broad chest. “If it looks off, in anyway, attack without mercy. That goes for the other reserves too, who will be stationed at the Badlands Boarder.”

Iron Sides eyed both areas, worried about leaving more important positions vulnerable to attacks. “Are you sure about this, Warlord Dragonblade?”

“Very sure, the Gryphons and their allies will strike these areas. They are open, and both have a straight shot to Canterlot, behind your defensive lines.” Grongal informed, looking to the Equestrian Commander. “How many forges are here in Canterlot?”

“Enough to supply both the Royal Guard and local garrison.” Iron Side answered.

“They will be working around the clock, make sure the other cities get this order as well and help with supplying the front lines. If they have to, get some prospects to help.” He instructed, the Equestrian Commander making a note of it. “How many architects and Mechanical Engineers do we have?”

The question caught Iron Sides off guard, making him hesitate. “Uh… I now of three architects in Canterlot, along with two Mechanical Engineers, but one lives in Ponyville to the south.”

“Gather them, and see if there are any more in the other cities and towns.” Iron Sides gave a salute, turning t leave. “Also, Commander?” He looked back at the Orc. “Pass the word to both Royal Guardsmen and the Cantrelot Garrison. Castle Courtyard, mass inspection, three hours… I want to gauge this city’s defenders.”

A smile crept on to the pegasus’ lips, a chance to show him what they have to offer. “Right away, Warlord Dragonblade!”

Grongal nodded, watching Iron Sides leave him alone in the War Room. Slowly, his gaze went down to the Equestrian Map, eyeing each position and the different banners representing the armies occupying it. Forcefully, Grongal slammed his fist down on to the Neo-Gryphon Empire banner, crushing it. The Dragon of Blackrock has spotted his first kill.

-Canterlot Castle Courtyard, Three Hours Later-

The collective forces of the Royal Guards and Canterlot’s Garrison stood, in formations, within the castle’s courtyard. Gold, sky blue, and silver; armor glistened within the sun’s light, every single soldier standing in a presenting stance, their equipment polished to shine more than usual. They did this, because of the new commander of the coalition forces, something many of the leaders weren’t happy about, called for a city defense inspection. Such a thing wasn’t unhead of before, just extremely rare, and the unit leaders wanted to impress this newly appointed commander.

One particular Royal Guard had been Private Meadow Breeze, a pegasus mare from Manehatten. She had been one of the top recruits in her class, having the honor of being stationed in Canterlot. But, many of her senior officers understood what conflicts could be waging within Meadow Breeze’s mind… After word arrived in Canterlot that Manehatten had been taken over by the Neo-Gryphon Empire’s forces.

However, such thoughts had been pushed aside, due to a more pressing matter appearing for the mare. A problem that came about two months prior, when the mare drowned her sorrow, about her home, at a local pub… Where some stallion took advantage of her drunken state. Now, she struggled to hide it, having to make her bunkmate swear not to say a word about it. It was extremely embarrassing when her friend, Tempest Sky, discovered Meadow Breeze with three positive pregnancy tests.

“Battalions!” Commander Iron Sides yelled, causing an echoed ‘company’ from the different captains present. “A-ttention! Warlord on the deck!”

Every soldier suddenly stood to attention, an aura of discipline blanketing the courtyard. “Warlord? I have never heard of that rank before.” Meadow Breeze thought, trying to peak a side glance at the parade platform. However, with her company placed fourth in line, she could barely make out a massive figure, in black heavy armor. “Too big to be a pony, and Minotaurs don’t wear that much armor… Can’t be a dragon, one that size would have wings by now.”

A slight movement caused her armor to clank a bit, her stomach already starting to show a little. It had been enough to make Meadow Breeze freeze, not wanting her movement to be noticed by those behind her. Another thing she noticed, had been how much hotter it is quickly getting. Whether it had been the armor or rising afternoon temperature, she didn’t know. Heavy footfalls and armor clanking nearby kept her from thinking about it, her new commander is near and she-?

Meadow Breeze’s vision began to blur, her body becoming weak, and mind hazy. “W-What is… Happening?” The mare’s mind slurred, before remembering something idiotic of her… In the chaos of the Changeling attack and preparing for the inspection, Meadow Breeze forgot to eat lunch! “N-No! No, no, no; not good! I’m going to collapse!” In her panic, she didn’t hear the quick paced stomps, as she fell forward. Both of her eyes clamped shut, bracing for impact…

Only for her body to come to a sudden halt, something large having a hold of her chest. This caused Meadow Breeze to open her eyes, slowly and weakly, noticing that her muzzle was inches from the ground. She felt herself being pulled back by a large hand, and rolled over to see who had been cradling the mare’s upper body… Eyes wide.

His skin had an ash gray hue to it, rough as gravel, a broad mouth with two large tusks protruding out of his lips. Both of the large creature’s blood red eyes had blade scars cresting them, almost like he had perform some kind of ritualistic self-maiming. Their forehead’s hair line was smooth, shaven, but the spearhead line of ash-black hair led back to shoulder blade-long hair, a pair of braids dangling against his chest. Meadow Breeze had never seen a creature like this before.

“W-Who are-?”

He placed the index finger of his freehand against Meadow Breeze’s lips. “Shhh… That doesn’t matter right now.” The creature removed her helmet, allowing Meadow Breeze’s teal hair to drape down and more of her pearl pink coat to be seen. “How far along are you, child?”

The question had been simple, but enough to grip her heart like an iron fist. “H-How do you know a-about that?”

“I am a Blademaster of Fire.” His freehand gained a fiery orange glow. “Fire is not just about destruction, but also about new life, rebirth.” When the hand had been placed over her stomach, Meadow Breeze could feel the soothing warmth radiating from it. “The Spirits of Fire, at least within this world, rejoice around you… They can sense the new life growing within you, and celebrate its birth to come.”

Meadow Breeze went wide eyed, realizing that this creature already knew. “T-Two months, n-now.” She admitted, looking away from those blood red orbs.

“And you still adorn your armor, and hide this, because?” He asked.

It took her a few moments, not noticing the surprised looks around them. “Because I-I am a Royal Guard, a guardian of the Royal Family. M-My duty is to protect them and defend Eqeustria, with my life if need be…” Her lavender gaze shifted from side to side, nervously. “I cannot set aside my duty, especially with what has been happening.”

He lifted the hand up, and pressed a thumb on to her forehead. “I admire your sense of duty, loyalty, and honor, child. An Orcheart, if I ever saw one.” Meadow Breeze became confused, wondering what they were doing. “But, I cannot allow you to continue fighting and serving, not while there is a precious new life growing within you.” Realization hit her like a manticore, when she finally figured out who this is. “Commander Iron Sides, have two soldiers go to the medical wing. Tell them a Royal Guard, with child, just collapsed.”

“Right away, Warlord Dragonblade.” Iron Side rushed over to find a pair of soldiers to do just that, and go with them.

Grongal’s gaze went back to Meadow Breeze. “What does the father think of this, or does he even know?”

“I-I don’t know…” Meadow Breeze started, embarrassed about her pregnancy being found out this way… Not knowing those of her squad were making sure the others were kept back and the pair had some privacy. His raised brow told the mare to elaborate, making her give a sigh. “It happened a-after news about Manehatten, my home, being captured came to Canterlot. I went to a local pub, for a drink… S-Some stallion t-took advantage of that, and I woke up in some hotel across t-the street.”

“What is the pub’s name?”

“U-Uhm… The Broken Barrel, sir.” She answered, as Grongal gave a nod.

“Soldier!” His gaze went to the only other mare in Meadow Breeze’s squad, Tempest Sky, who rushed over. “Keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t do anything that’ll put stress on her body. These are your standing orders, until I deem otherwise, understood?”

“Y-Yes, sir! Will do, sir!” Tempest Sky acknowledged, quickly kneeling down and taking Meadow Breeze from him, gently.

A Royal Guard Lieutenant rushed up, saluting the Orc. “I am terribly sorry for this inconvenience, Warlord. As her platoon leader, I will make sure she is dis-cip-plined-uh…” Grongal, rather menacingly, stood up to his full height, slightly looking back at the young officer. “F-For h-her ac-actions.”

“Tell me, boy… Did you know about this?” He asked, growling authority in is tone.

“U-Uh… N-No, sir. I had no idea t-that Private Meadow Breeze had been pregnant.”

In a rather intimidating fashion, Grongal turned around to face the lieutenant. “So, what you are telling me, is… You have failed in your duty as a leader, to be constantly watching out for the wellbeing of your soldiers and being aware of all of their problems?”

“I-uh-um…” The glare from Grongal made him feel insignificant compared to the Blademaster. “Y-Yes, sir?”

Grongal’s hand snapped up, grabbing the lieutenant’s neckguard and lifted him off of the ground. “If you even dare consider punishing her, for your own inactions as a leader, I will split you in two. Do I make myself clear, boy?” With a rapid nod, Grongal threw his captive on to the ground, looking at every soldier watching. “This applies to all of you! I have no use for leaders who cannot be proper leaders! If I catch the slightest hint of you failing, in your duties, I will have you removed and replaced with someone else!” Iron Sides returned, with a doctor and two nurses, who went to the angered Warlord while the medical staff tended to Meadow Breeze. “Let us finish this inspection, Commander… There is a pub that requires my attention, along with a boy that needs to be taught how to treat a woman.”

-The Broken Barrel, Just After Sunset-

A large figure, draped in a dark gray cloak, entered the noisy pub. Many noticed him entering, curious about the newcomer, mostly due to his abnormally large size. However, when he simply walked over to the bar, they all returned to their merriment, as he sat in front of the gray earth pony bartender. “Never seen you here before, stranger. New in town?” The stallion asked, cleaning one of the tankards with a cloth.

“You can say that.” His voice was rough, deep and strong. “I am here for a reason, though.”

“All of my patrons come here for reasons, stranger.” The bartender noted, putting the tankard down. “What’s yours? A drink, pleasant company, a high stakes game, or possibly escaping your everyday troubles?”

“Information.”

The bartender raised an eyebrow, placing both hands on to the ar. “Such a thing is dangerous to ask for, in these times, stranger.” The cloaked figure placed a few bits on to the counter, causing him to look around before secretly sliding them into his pocket. “What kind of information are you interested in, stranger?”

Slowly, a small picture is pulled out from his cloak and placed on to the bar. The bartender looked down, carefully eyeing the teal maned pink pegasus mare smiling in the photo. “Her name is Meadow Breeze, she came here two months ago.”

“I remember her.” He sighed, picking the picture up, a look of sorrow in the gray earth pony’s eyes. “Poor dear was devastated about her home, took me an hour just to get her to smile even a little.” The bartender put it back down, looking to the cloaked customer. “Is the poor thing in trouble, stranger?”

“Yes.” He answered, causing the stallion’s ears to lower, reaching for something under the bar. “She is in the Canterlot Castle medical wing… I am here looking for the stallion she left with that night.”

When he placed four more bits on to the bar, the bartender pushed them back. “No need to pay for this information, stranger. I will gladly give it for free.” The moment her current location had been mentioned, along with who the figure is currently looking for, the bartender had pieced it together about what happened that night. His orange gaze going left. “You’re looking for Guilded Crest, he’s the brown unicorn over there… Father owns the entire district, so the brat thinks he owns everything.” The cloaked figure looked at the stallion, in question, with two goon-like individuals and a cream colored unicorn mare that obviously did not want to be there. “If I do anything about him, his father shuts me down and my patrons lose the only place they can use as an escape from their everyday troubles.”

“So… He uses his father as a shield?”

The sound of a tankard being placed on to the bar made him turn around, seeing a full drink sitting there. “Here’s your ticket in, Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider, Guilded Crest’s favorite drink.” The bartender picked up a dirty tankard, and started to clean it. “Teach that bastard a lesson for me, stranger.”

He gave a nod, grabbing the tankard and walked over to where Guilded Crest and his “friends” were making a ruckus. He could tell they were drunk, and stupid, which meant his objective just got a lot easier. Guilded Crest was in the middle of talking about a “peasant” getting in his way, when the cloaked figure placed his tankard in front of the stallion. “Sorry for interrupting, but I am here searching for a certain pony, and had been pointed to you… Even asked the bartender if I could pay for your next round, as compensation for the information.”

Guilded Crest gave a, drunken, inquisitive look before taking a sip. “Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider!” He laughed, motioning for him to pull up a seat. “Getting me my favorite drink has earned you a little chat! What can I do or you, my man?”

The cloaked figure pulled up a decent sized chair, sitting down and sliding Meadow Breeze’s photo out of his cloak. “By chance, do you know this mare? Came to this pub about two months ago.”

Guilded Crest eyed the picture, carefully, for a few moments before going into a fit of laughter. “This cute piece of ass? Yeah, I remember her! With how drunk she was that night, it had been really easy for me to get in her pants!” He managed to say, the other two joining in the laugh. "Tightest mare I’ve ever had! She had the most adorable squeak when I shoved myself in, the crying made it even better. What? Looking for some action with her to-?”

The cloaked figure began to laugh quietly, drawing their attention. “Well then, that was easier than I thought it would be. Here I actually thought things would require me to use more tact and cleverness.” He pulled the picture back into his cloak. “Did you know Private Breeze is in the Canterlot Castle, being treated for a pregnancy… A two months in pregnancy?” Guilded Crest could see a pair of blood red eyes glaring at him from within the figure’s hood. “And you just admitted to raping her that night.”

“What are you? Some cop? Or maybe that bitch’s coltfriend?” He asked, the other two preparing for a fight. “Regardless, I doubt you are somepony with more power than my father.”

“I’m none of those things.” They all relaxed a little… Until the table had been knocked over, the cloaked figure slamming Guilded Crest against the wall, a black armored hand around the stallion’s throat. “I am something far worse than all three!” Grongal snarled, his hood falling back from the sudden movement.

His two friends prepared to attack, but stopped when a crossbow bolt slammed into the table. “I suggest you lads sit this one out.” The bartender instructed, reloading his crossbow. “Your boss pays you to be Guilded Crest’s friends and bodyguards. Not take on Equestria’s newest high commander and the one who slaughtered all those Changelings earlier today.”

They visibly paled, both hearing about the destruction left in that warrior’s wake, and how Celestia was seen hugging on the warrior like he was someone special to her. Once they sat back down, Guilded Crest suddenly looked at the bartender. “Mr. Spirits Lifter! Aren’t you afraid my father will shut you down!?”

“Your father may own the district, brat, but Warlord Dragonblade commands Equestria’s military and Royal Guards. Which means, he only answers to the Princesses.” He placed the crossbow down on to the bar. “As a loyal Equestrian, it is my duty to assist him in any way I possibly can. Right now, that way being making sure he takes out the trash without being interrupted by a pair of nuisances.”

Frustrated, Guilded Crest threw a fist at the Orc, but it had been caught by Grongal’s other hand. “Before I take you to the Dungeons, I’m going to spend a few moments teaching a bastard, like you, something.”

CRACK!

The stallion screamed, in agony, after Grongal had crushed his hand. “I am now Equestria’s Warlord. Their High Comander.” He then threw Guilded Crest into a nearby table, hard enough to break it and a couple of his ribs. “That means, every soldier becomes my responsibility. Everything about them, their everyday lives and problems become my concern.” He grabbed hold of the stallion’s shoulder, tight enough to actually break and dislocate it. “Which also means, when something happens to them? I will see to it personally.”

Grongal grabbed Guilded Crest’s forearm, before snapping the elbow enough for a bone to jut out of the flesh! He wailed, as blood stained the sleeve, the Orc suddenly sending him through a nearby window. Guilded Crest landed face first on to the cobblestone street, blood now leaking over his right eye. When the doors slammed open, and armored boots stepped out on to the streets, he started to crawl away.

“N-No! Please, have mercy!” The stallion begged, as a boot slammed on to his tail, effectively stopping him from escaping.

Guilded Crest turned on to his back, seeing that the Orc had thrown off his cloak and revealed the forged armor hidden beneath it. “I also consider them, those under my command, as if they were my actual children.” He pulled the dull helmet out, placing it on with a metallic hiss and the eyes burning to life. The Orc grabbed hold of Guilded Crest’s right leg, lifting him upside down and off of the ground, grabbing hold of the stallion’s thigh with the other hand. “And, when you attack the Dragon of Blackrock’s children?” His tone now metallic, more intimidating, he snapped the stallion’s leg in two at the knee. “You find out he is a father without mercy!”

His victim screamed, even as Grongal dragged him, by the broken leg, towards Canterlot Castle. Spirits Lifter simply leaning against the door frame of his pub, lighting up a cigarette as he watched them leave. “I’m going to enjoy our new commander.” The stallion said, smoke coming out of his mouth and nostrils. “Better get in touch with my old connections… He’ll need all the help we can give him.” With that, the former black ops agent turned information broker went back into the pub, hands in both pockets.