Blazing Sun: The Story of Dragonblade

Chapter Five

Canterlot Castle was alive with activity, staff, guards, and soldiers; all running from place to place. They were helping with Grongal’s newest project, for the past two months, and everything is slowly coming together already. Many wondered what these giant contraptions were, their loud hums often rousing those sleeping form their beds. When one went out for testing, though, it became like some big display r grand show, many cheering when the machine destroyed its target in one volley.

Right now, however, the Warlord is on his way to a long overdue meeting with Equestria’s current allies and commanders. Next o him, a royal scribe did her best to keep pace with the Orc, making sure he knew the proper customs and what is expected Grongal from here on out.

“And, when speaking to Prince Rutherford, please be careful of what you say.” The yellow and red unicorn mare noted, doing her best to keep pace with Grongal, who still wore his ceremonial garb. “Yaks are very volatile and short tempered, their perfectionism connected to many of their temper tantrums. They are known to wreck entire buildings, because of one thing being out of place.”

“So, an Ogre mixed with a Sin’dorei, huh? Easy enough.” Grongal said, mostly to himself, as the mare gave a confused look. “Anything else I should know, High Script?”

The mare fiddled through more scrolls, stuttering some. “Um… The Crystal Empire’s commander will be easy to deal with, Prince Shining Armor used to be a Captain in the Royal Guard.” High Script then pulled out another paper, which made her nervous. “You may have a bit of trouble with Equestria’s newest ally, Dragon Lord Ember… Her people are known to be all about strength and one’s personal might. We were lucky that the Dragon Lord is friends with Sir Spike, Princess Twilight Sparkle’s assistant and surrogate baby brother.”

A grin appeared on Grongal’s tusked lips. “Alright, I know how to handle this.” The Orc’s stride quickened, High Script struggling to keep up with him even more, as they approached a golden accented double door.

They could already hear arguing behind the gold crested door, the leaders blaming each other over the failures across the frontlines. So, when Grongal forced the doors to swing open, violently and nearly broke them off of their hinges, one could imagine their shocked reactions. Prince Rutherford reached for his war club. “Who are-!”

“Shut up, and sit down, all of you!” Grongal roared, the volume of his voice scaring the leaders into their seats, as he walked up to the table. “To answer your question, I am Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, Princess Celestia’s chosen high commander. Now, I want to know why it is I heard all of you bickering, like a bunch of children and not acting like military commanders!?”

None answered right away, the Orc’s snarling voice and sheer size intimidating them a bit. “With all due respect, Warlord.” Iron Sides being the first to speak up. “Prince Rutherford blames us for the attack on Canterlot, along with any breaches in our lines… Despite his forces being our rear guard.”

“Yaks are not to blame. Yaks have made perfect battle lines to crush any attempts at breaches!” Prince Rutherford argued, looking at the pegasus across from him. “It was pony’s fault for letting bug ponies through!”

“If your lines were indeed so perfect, then those Changelings would have never gotten through!” Grongal argued, walking up to the back peddling Prince Rutherford. “Those Changelings got through, because of your incompetence and idiotic obsessions of being perfect!” The Yak started to tremble, forced to look up at the enraged Orc. “Because of your incompetence, we almost lost the capital city and Princess Celestia was almost killed!” Grongal backed Prince Rutherford up to the wall, before slamming a fist against the stone wall next to him… Effectively cracking the stone, and nearly making Prince Rutherford wet himself. “I have every right to take your damned head, and find someone more suited as our Rear Guard Commander!”

“M-Me will do better, promise!” Prince Rutherford stuttered, giving a nervous smile. “Yak lines won’t be breached next time, Yaks swear!”

“For your own sake, it better not be.” Grongal turned his attention back to the others, Prince Rutherford releasing a sigh of relief. “Prince Armor!”

“Yes, sir!” The prince announced, instinctively standing up.

“The Crystal Empire defends our northern lines, correct?” He asked, Shining Armor giving a confirming nod. “Then tell me, how it is that two Neo-Gryphon Imperial Strike Forces managed to sneak past our Northern Battle Lines!? I would have expected better from a former Captain of the Royal Guard!”

Shining Armor blinked a few times, taking the obvious blow to his pride from the Orc. “I-I don’t know, Warlord. My patrols were constantly on watch, and there were no reports of any enemy movements!”

“They did not appear out of nowhere, Prince Armor.” Grongal retorted, placing both hands on to the table and leaned forward. “Sounds like, to me, the Crystal Empire has a traitor within their ranks, passing along information and helping the Gryphons past our battle lines!” Shining Armor became tongue tied, before giving a defeated nod. When Ember let out a quiet chuckle, Grongal’s gaze shifted straight to her and narrowed. “And what are you laughing about over there?”

“I’m finding it amusing that our rear and northern forces are having so much trouble… Yet, my forces in the south are having no trouble holding our lines.” Ember stated, smirking at her own prideful accomplishments.

Only for them to be crushed the very next second. “Aren’t the Badlands in the south, Dragon Lord?” Ember stuttered for a moment, as Grongal looked towards her more. “From what I understand, your Dragons are on constant aerial patrol within that area… So, tell me Dragon Lord, why must I put one of our remaining Reserve Battalions to watch it!?” He growled, glaring at the dragoness.

“My rule is still new, and I am the first Dragon Lord not so massive… Not all of my subjects are-!”

“So, your rule is so weak, that disobedience is allowed!?” Ember stepped back, from how harsh Grongal’s words came. “I, for one, will not risk this kingdom’s safety, because of a weak willed ruler cannot get her subjects to follow orders!” He pointed an index finger at the dragoness, who narrowed her eyes on to the Warlord. “If any of your warriors attempt such a thing again, I will not hesitate to flay them alive and then put their heads on a pike for display!” His fist slammed on to the table, forcing everything on it to fall over. “There are lives at stake here, damnit! We cannot afford to be complacent, incompetent, nor blind!”

The commanders were all silent, feeling ashamed that Grongal’s words spoke truth about them. Their pride had blinded them to everything around them, and many mistakes were made… Mistakes that either did, or almost, cost the lives of several others. It had become even more shameful when another embarrassed each commander in front of their colleagues, pointing out their mistakes and flaws. Each had a somber look about them, all eyes on Grongal.

“What are your orders, Warlord?” Iron Sides asked, the others giving a nod.

Grongal took a few moments, to collect his thoughts, ten eyed the Equestrian Map. “First thing, Prince Armor? I want you to find that traitor, and bring him to me in chains!” The unicorn gave a nod. “Prince Rutherford, lock down your forces. I do not want a repeat of the Changeling Attack.” Prince Rutherford nodded, snorting out steam at the chance to regain his pride. “Iron Sides, once our siege weapons are completed, our forces will attack Baltimare head on… I plan to break their center before these bastards dig any further into Equestrian soil.”

Iron Sides gave a nod, before Shining Armor spoke up. “Warlord Dragonblade, what about the Changelings?” He asked, the Orc rubbing his chin. “What if they attempt another attack?”

“I plan on sending them a chance to back out of this, before any harm befalls them.” Grongal looked at Ember, a deathly serious look within his red eyes. “If they decline… I want you to send your strongest Dragons, to the Badlands, and glass it.”

They all gasped, shocked to hear such a cold hearted response from him. “B-But, Warlord… Do we need to resort to something so extreme?” Iron Sides asked, the commanders looking at one another, worried. “I mean, this war and all, but… An attack, like that, could wipe them out completely.”

Grongal gave a light sigh. “This is their ultimatum. Either they back out, now, or I will wipe them out completely and out of the equation.” His gaze wen to Iron Sides, a look that froze the pegasus’ blood. “They attacked, attempting to kill the Princess. Equestria needs to send a message, one that says we will not tolerate such actions against us.” He looked down at the map, fingers tapping. “I do not enjoy resorting to such tactics, but we have no other choice. These Changelings are very dangerous, and very much a threat to Equestria’s safety. They have the ability to become anyone and their Hive is hidden from sight.” They looked at one another, slowly starting to understand Grongal’s logic, each giving a confirming nod. “Good, you all have orders to carry out. The Siege of Baltimare will begin in two months’ time. Until then, hold the lines.”

“Sir!” They shouted, saluting, before taking their leave, Grongal staying to contemplate his thoughts. “Have to say, Warlord, way to play their personalities.” A voice spoke up, causing the Orc to turn around and see Spirits Lifter, smoking a cigarette standing just behind the door. “Showing Prince Rutherford you do not fear him, taking Prince Armor’s pride as a former Guard Captain, and then bringing Dragon Lord Ember’s strength into question? A skilled tactician indeed… The world of politics would not stand a chance against you.”

Grongal raised an eyebrow, as the bartender approached him. “Do I even want to know how you got in here?”

“Let’s just keep it at… I know somepony.” Spirits Lifter answered.

“Right, well then…” The Orc crossed both arms over his chest, and leaned against the table. “What can I do for you?”

“I am here to say… My services are at your disposal. If you need anything, from a certain button for your attire, to what the Neo-Gryphon Emperor likes to eat?” Spirits Lifter pulled his cigarette out, releasing the smoke built up within his lungs. “I am the stallion for the job.”

The bartender had already gained some of Grongal’s trust, after he helped take care of Guilded Crest. Though, something about this stallion told him they could be trusted with even more… “Well then, if that is true… Think you could get me some gun powder, along with the defensive capabilities of Manehatten, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia?” Trusting feeling, or not, Grongal had to be careful of what he asks right now. For all he knew, Spirits Lifter could be some kind of double agent… So, he decided to give the stallion their obvious targets in the wrong order, just in case.

“Consider it done, Warlord.” Spirits Lifter placed his cigarette back in. “I will get to work on your order, with my contacts of course.” With that, he left.

“Hm… Better keep an eye on him, his type is dangerous to both sides of a war.” Grongal uncrossed his arms, walking out of the War Room. “High Script?”

“Yes, here, Warlord!” The mare chirped, rushing up next to the Orc. “How can I be of assistance?”

“Tell Commander Iron Sides that I want a sixty-man platoon of his very best. Royal Guard or Equestrian Military, it doesn’t matter to me. In two hours, they will meet me in the castle’s training grounds.” He explained, High Script writing down the instructions. “I will be unreachable until then.”

That made High Script blink a few times, looking up at the Orc. “Where will you be, in case he asks?”

“Tell him… I am visiting the medical wing, checking up on one of my own and seeing if they need a shoulder to lean on right now.” The answer caused High Script to stop, a smile appearing on her lips. She knew who Grongal is visiting, what occurred is no secret to the staff and guard.

With a nod, High Script left to pass his word on to Iron Sides.

-Canterlot Castle Medical Wing-

Meadow Breeze laid in her bed, staring up at the white ceiling. She had been here for two months, since Grongal revealed her pregnancy and she was really starting to show. Carefully, the mare placed a hand on to her stomach, smiling lightly, as she caressed where her future foal is growing. Despite the circumstances of how they were conceived, she could not help but feel a loving sensation for this foal.

“I wonder… If you are going to be a colt or a filly?” Meadow Breeze muttered, a smile permanently edged on to her muzzle. “And, if I will be a good mother to you…”

A sudden, and panicked, talk outside the room caused Meadow Breeze to look away from her future foal. It sounded like somepony important had surprised Tempest Sky, by the way she heard the pegasus mare’s panicked voice is talking, giving a stuttering report about her pregnant friend. It must be her lieutenant again, the unicorn stallion resorting to constantly pestering her, since their Warlord embarrassed him and forbade any reprimand. So, with that in mind, Meadow Breeze prepared for another lecture on proper protocol and how long her leave will last-?

A heavy knock, much too heavy to be the lieutenant, tapped against the wooden door. This caused the mare to blink a few times. “C-Come in!” She announced, as the handle turned.

The next sight Meadow Breeze had, was of Grongal, with Tempest Sky nervously behind him, wearing the ceremonial attire she has heard so much about. In his right hand, the Orc was carrying a wooden box of some kind, while his left was holding ‘Congratulations!’ balloons. “Heh, afternoon, Meadow Breeze! Expecting someone else, were we?”

Meadow Breeze gave a slow nod, her cheeks burning red. “Y-Yes, Warlord. I was honestly expecting Lieutenant Bright Heart to come and give me another lecture on protocol and my leave time.” She admitted, watching Grongal walk in and take the seat next to her. “If I may, Warlord, but what are you doing here? The Neo-Gryphon Empire could attack any of the fronts, at any moment…”

Her response earned a hearty chuckle from the Orc, who simply shook his head. “Our lines will hold, I assure that. Not to mention, it will be another two months before I can make my move against the Neo-Gryphon Empire… War is about patience, and with them fighting within our territory? Time is on our side, and I have plenty of patience for a well-placed strategy.” He leaned into the chair, a smile on Grongal’s lips. “While here, and in your condition, there is no reason for you to call me ‘Warlord’, Grongal will do just fine.”

Meadow Breeze blinked, still taken back by the sudden appearance.” I-If you say so, War-I mean, Grongal… But, you still haven’t answered my question.” Everything about this situation was a breach in protocol, and Meadow Breeze was honestly having one heck of a time figuring out how she is supposed to handle this.

Grongal blinked a few times, thinking on what she just said. “I haven’t?” He thought about it for a few more moments. “Guess I haven’t! By the Spirits, I’m getting old!” The Orc’s sudden laugh, and relaxed attitude, actually made Meadow Breeze smile. “Well then, to answer your question… Not every day one of those under my command, who I see as my children, give birth or have children of their own.” Grongal, gently, placed the box on to Meadow Breeze’s lap and tied the balloons on to her bed’s post. “So, when they do? What kind of father doesn’t visit them in the hospital or bring gifts?”

Meadow Breeze slowly opened the box, going wide eyed at what was inside. Some sort of silver amulet with a dragon skill fully edged into its face, a strange orange crystal placed within the image’s mighty fangs. The image of the Dragon looked like it was roaring, and the orange topaz was placed into its mouth, like it was a ball of fire. Next to the amulet, was a hand carved wooden dragon, the likes Meadow Breeze has never seen before! It had widened wings, fully out in a presenting display of power, with four horns on its head, two large ones on their forehead and a pair of smaller ones on the dragon’s cheeks, and a single one over its nose. There were golden pieces adoring its horns and chin… Almost like a crown of some sort.

“T-They’re… So beautiful.” Meadow Breeze stuttered, disappointed that she couldnot sum up the proper words to describe the detailed master pieces. Everything had become visible, down to the smallest scale on both gifts. “Where in Equestria did you find these?” She asked, looking up at the smirking Orc.

“Both are personally hand crafted by myself. The box, gold pieces, and orange topaz; are rom Princess Celestia.” Grongal answered, Meadow Breeze giving him a look of surprise. “I designed the figurine after a very important dragon, from Azeroth.” He pondered about the thought, still smirking. “The Dragon Queen, Alexstrasza. Matriarch of the Red Dragonflight and Life-Binder of Azeroth.” The name echoed within the room, almost like a tune from some relaxing melody. “I have only knelt before one being, and that was the Dragon Queen herself… It was a day when my Battalion passed by the Wyrmrest Temple, where she resided. She allowed me an audience, where I got down on to all fours, and personally begged her forgiveness, unable to even look at her benevolent figure… My people, and Clan, committed a terrible crime against her. A sin that I still carry to this day, of what damages occurred when one allows power to overwhelm them.”

“What did she do?” Meadow Breeze asked, looking down at the figurine.

“During my pleads for her forgiveness, I did not notice her approaching.” Grongal’s sight became distant, like he was observing the memory, instead of sitting in a medical room. “She placed both hands on to my cheeks, making me look up at her, seeing that warm smile upon her lips… Saying ‘I have already the Orcs, for what had happened… It is time for you to forgive yourselves’.” A somber aura appeared from the Orc, one that made Meadow Breeze give him a look of concern. “My people are a proud race of warriors, but having heard those words? From one who had every right to wipe us off the face of Azeroth?” A smirk appeared. “Even though I was thirty-seven at the time, I broke down like a child, who had just admitted to stealing something from their parents… My eyes were filled with tears of joy, unable to speak as the Dragon Queen comforted me. That day, she earned my Vanguard's loyalty, to be called upon whenever she has need… Even during what we called the ‘Cataclysm’, my Battalion personally deployed to the Twilight Highlands, to protect the Dragon Queen and her nest from a mad Doomsday Cult.”

“Despite whatever crime your people committed…She forgave you? Just like that?” Meadow Breeze asked, trying to make sense of it, but couldn’t. “Why? Why would she forgive so easily?”

“Isn’t that what a mother does, forgive?” Those words caused her to freeze, echoing around the mare’s mind. “The ‘Life-Binder’, a dragon whose flames bring new life where ever they burn… Who cherishes all life, until its hope is fully snuffed out? A being that mourns when any life lost?” Grongal gave Meadow Breeze a knowing smirk. “A mother to all life.”

To her surprise, the Orc had given Meadow Breeze her first lesson in motherhood… To be forgiving and caring of her foal, no matter what. The mare placed her gifts into the box, and suddenly hugged Grongal. “Thank you.”

Grongal continued to smile, returning the hug. “Anytime, dear… If you need anything, let me know.” He chuckled a bit, the two parting from their hug. “It is the father’s duty to look after and protect their children.” His hand, gently, was placed on to Meadow Breeze’s growing stomach. “Along with their future grandchildren!” With that, the two shared another laugh.

-Canterlot Castle Training Grounds, Two-Hours Later-

A platoon of Royal Guard and Equestrian Military Soldiers formed up within a single platoon, each one an elite and the best both could offer. They had been hand selected by Commander Iron Sides, for something Warlord Dragonblade had requested only the best for, something they felt proud and honored for. Many of them were veterans of Equstria’s many crisis and battles, including the first Changeling Invasion of Canterlot. Quite a few of them had been sent to the most hellish areas of Equis, to perform tasks of up most secrecy. When Grongal walked out on to the Training Grounds, still wearing his ceremonial attire and a wooden sword over his shoulder, thy all snapped to attention.

“Sir!” They yelled, each one giving a disciplined look straight ahead.

“So, these are what Iron Sides consider his ‘best’, huh?” Grongal announced, more to himself than the gathered elite, walking up and down their formation. “Cannot say I am impressed.” The Orc stopped, once reaching their formation’s center a fourth time. “Listen up, and listen well, maggots!”

They stood straight, ready to hear what the Warlord was about to say. Quite a few of those selected were from Celestia’s and Luna’s personal guard detail or some special forces unit in Equestria’s military. Each ready to prove Grongal wrong.

“I have two months to turn each of you into an elite fighting force! Which means, I have a month to break you down, then a month to build you back up into the elites this Kingdom deserves!” Grongal started pacing in front of them again, none watching his movements. “By the time I am done with you, you will either be the most elite fighting force Equestria has ever seen, or…” He stopped in front of a Royal Guardsmen, leaning over to be closer to him. “You will be dead. No other option.”

Echoed gulps became his only reply, making the Orc give a twisted grin. Such options meant that they will either finish this training, or die trying. There will be no backing out.

“Formation: Shield Wall, now! Move it, maggots!” He roared, those gathered began to scramble and form a shield wall… Grongal glaring once they finished. “You call this a Shield Wall!? It is pathetic!” Without warning, the Orc swung his training blade, and slammed it into their frontline.

When it made contact, the force of his wooden blade caused it to shatter into splinter and send their whole line falling back into the other, until their rear found themselves on the ground. Man groaned, not expect such a powerful hit, and sat back up… Only to see one angry Orc towering over them like a menacing Avatar of Rage.

“If that was a real sword, you all would be dead!” He walked over to a weapon rack, tossing them al something to use. “Form this day forward, you are candidates of Equestria’s elite Vanguard Unit! A specially trained fighting force that will charge into the hell of battle, alongside me! The first through any breach in our foe’s defenses, to hold the line until our forces arrive. By the time I am through, your formations will be living Siege Engines!”

They all looked at one another, rather worried about possibly training under Grongal. However, when the Orc took a combat stance, with a new training sword, his movements causing a gust of wind… They all saw how determined he was for this, and it electrified them.

His eyes narrowed, when they all took a combat stance of their own, ready to square off with the lone Blademaster. “Let’s get down to business!” He shouted, as the first group rushed him, but were quickly dispatched. “To defeat the Gryphons!” The Orc took a high guard, those chosen for this becoming less confident now. “Did they send me children?” Another group charged, and were practically thrown away by his swing. “When I asked for soldiers!”
~You’re the saddest bunch I have ever met.~

Grongal stared at the defeated platoon of Equestria’s “Elite”, each beaten to a pulp. Not a single one had been able to land a blow against him. It made the Orc run a hand over his disappointed features. But, he could not give up nor give in. Equestria needed the Vangaurd, which meant he needed to train them until either they, or he, dies.
~But you can bet, before we’re through!~

He walked over to one of the defeated elites, and forced them back onto their hooves. Grongal took a combat stance again, the tired elite doing the same.
~Mister, I’ll make a man out of you!~

The two lunged at each other, starting another round between Master and Students.
~Tranquil as a forest…~

Grongal displayed a tranquil position, a single foot upon his upright warblade’s hilt and balanced himself at its very top. Four dummies surrounded the Blademaster, as the Vanguard Candidates wondered how he is doing this.
~But a fire within!~

In a span of mere seconds, Gongal leapt into the air, warblade in hand. Before they can eve blink, he split the four dummies into six pieces, each! Jaws dropping.
~Once you find your center.~

The Orc now stood upon a lone pole, a beckoning motion being held towards his students. Each looked at the stones in their hands, hen to their instructor. Not wanting to disobey him, they all threw their rocks!
~You are sure to win!~

Grongal managed to either deflect or catch every rock thrown at him. The display caused them to go slack jawed again, the Orc now motioning for his students to try.
~You’re a spineless, pale, pathetic lot.~

They were failing miserably, trying to practice what Grongal taught and showed them. Most were unable to keep their balance for more than two seconds.
~And you haven’t got a clue.~

Another candidate was pelted by rocks, while another spent several long moments trying to figure out how to properly balance themselves.
~Somehow, I’ll make a man out of you!~

The Orc rubbed his face, turning to leave the training grounds. This will be a very long two months.
~I’m never gonna catch my breath.~

One of the candidates fell down, being pelted by paint arrows, and then sent down into a mud pit.
~Say goodbye to those who knew me!~

Another candidate was sent flying away, after failing an attack against Grongal.
~Boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym.~

Three candidates fell out during one of Grongal’s several laps around Canterlot Castle… Unable to keep pace with the Orc, while wearing training weights.
~This guy’s got them scared to death!~

Several magic imbued Siege Cannons open fired, their shells detonating really close to the advancing candidates. Celestia placed a hand over her muzzle, watching the detonation so close to them… Then watched their ranks break, and scatter out of fear.
~Hope he doesn’t see right through me.~

Luna thought, as she was sent flying into a nearby wall, by Grongal… Her unicorn disguise barely holding.
~Now I really wish I knew how to swim!~

Many of the candidates were hesitant to follow their instructor, as he went from rock to rock… Over a raging river.
~You must be swift as a coursing river. (To Be a Man)~

Grongal displayed his blazing speed, blade lowered for a strike.
~With all the force of a great typhoon. (To Be a Man)~

His blade swung forward, the devastating force splitting a stone target in two.
~With all the strength of a raging fire.~

Grongal’s body flexed, as he lifted one massive stone block over his head. This chocked his students, none ever seeing such a display of strength! What was worse, for them, the Orc is expecting his students to do a similar feat!
~Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!~

A group of candidates searched all around, trying to locate their hidden instructor, using a circle formation. A gust of wind made them shiver, before Grongal appeared at their center, and sent all ten flying in different directions.
~Time is racing towards us, till the Gryphons arrive.~

Grongal marked down that one moth had passed, since the training started. He looked at his Vanguard Candidates, and how they were still not ready for combat.
~Heed my every order, and you might survive.~

A candidate flinched, as a Siege Cannon fired, sending another magically imbued shell down range. He looked up, when a large hand placed itself on to his shoulder… Seeing Grongal motioning for them to advance. With a terrified look, the candidate pushed forward.
~You’re not suited for war.~

Grongal eyed the worn out and battered candidates in front of him. He was completely disappointed with how slow their progress was going… There wasn’t enough time, and their hearts weren’t in it.
~So pack up, go home, you’re through.~

Celestia placed a hand on to his shoulder, giving him a comforting smile. After all, the Orc did his best, but not even the Equestrian Elite were cut out for this kind of training.
~How could I make a man out of you?~

The candidates all watched, as Grongal left with Celestia. He did not even spare the sixty-one candidates a word of dismissal, showing his disappointment. They all looked at one another, each feeling a fire suddenly spark to life within their souls.
~You must be swift as the coursing river.(To Be a Man)~

Grongal walked out into the training grounds, suddenly greeted by the sight of his candidates training far harder than before. Each broken into small groups, those able to perform the tasks helped those who had trouble.
~With all the force of a great typhoon.(To Be a Man)~

They began working on their swings and forms together. Each one following Grongal’s instructions down to the smallest motion of his fingers.
~With all the strength of a raging fire.~

The candidates began pushing themselves further than ever before. They either lifted heaver weights, or ran with even more, they didn’t care. This caused Grongal to slightly smirk.
~Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!~

Every candidate began the same forms of meditation, as their instructor. Whether it was simple fluid motions, quiet contemplation in the gardens, or seeing to their equipment in peace; it did not matter.
~You must be swift as a coursing river. (To Be a Man).~

The candidates managed to keep pace with Grongal in the runs. Every last one of them wearing their armor, even the Orc. Their steps in sync, moving as one unit.
~With the force of a great typhoon. (To Be a Man).~

Three candidates attacked Grongal in a singular, fluid, motion all at once. It had been like they were of one mind, complementing the others attack with their own. Before the Orc knew it, a quick parry had forced him to step outside of the ring… Making him look down, a proud smirk appearing on his tusked lips.
~With all the strength of a raging fire.~

The candidates, with Grongal, stormed their make shift fortress-target. Siege Cannon shells detonating all around them, but they seemed not to even notice. Soon, one of the candidates held up their banner, waving it over the fortress’ ramparts… Signifying that their objective had been taken, and the bombardment cans stop.
~Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!~

Grongal appeared behind of the candidates, raising his training sword up. But, before he could swing, another practice sword tapped his shoulder. This caused him to turn around, seeing a navy blue unicorn mare candidate, smiling up at him, with two others with her. A smile of his own appeared, Grongal nodding to their success.

-Canterlot Castle Training Grounds, Two Days Before the Siege-

Grongal stood before the platoon of his candid-… No, his Vanguard. A proud smile had a permanent place on his features, looking over those in front of him. One was missing, but the Orcfigured Luna had something urgent to take care of at the moment. “Your training has paid off… And I could not be any prouder of you all.”

“Sir!” They all snapped to attention, each ready to enter the pits of Tartarus on Grongal’s order.

“I have nothing left to teach you…” Grongal gave another glance of the newly formed Equestrian Vanguard. “Only experience has your next lesson… And you are about to get plenty of it.” He held the warblade up high, before roaring out his next words. “Lok’tar Ogar!”

They replied by holding their own weapons up high. ‘Victory or Death!” Such simple words, but were enough to make Grongal shed a single drop of liquid pride.