I wasn’t able to catch up to Zorxa until she slipped safely in the midst of the gathered commanders. From there she was occasionally looking at me with a smug smile, knowing well that our game has ended and she had won while I trotted to meet the commanders as well.

Fifty high ranking officers were already waiting there, talking between themselves. Some of them were wearing mail armour but most of them had put on a black and white uniform with woven golden lines. Even though the uniforms were made out of cloth by my request, they were reinforced by leather and steel in vital areas to make them a bit more protective. And as I was told they looked rather chic, although heavy.

Judging by the relaxed atmosphere, the meeting hadn’t started yet. Groups of officers were talking between themselves and occasionally I could hear a laugh. I slowed down to a trot and then to a collected walk. I didn’t want to gasp for breath the moment I got there. When I was a few meters away, the officers (except for Zorxa) still hadn’t noticed my approach, caught up in their conversations and planning. With no guards around I walked to them, the marching army making enough noise to mask my hoofsteps.

When I got closer to the center a familiar voice greeted me: “Ah, Terona, I am glad to see you have joined us.” The voice bore no sign of viciousness and was smooth as the finest silk. I swirled around to face the zebra behind the voice to see the face of an older stallion with deep wrinkles around his piercing emerald eyes. Chidike nodded respectfully, his silvery mane tied into a ponytail resting upon his shoulder. “We are still waiting for a hooffull of officers, but I think they will be arriving shortly. Or do you want to begin now?”

“We can wait, the army will need some time to get into position.” I waved my hoof dismissively and took a better look at him. He was one of the few officers to wear actual armour and had his distinctive battle axes strapped on its sides. “It is good to see you as well, Chidike. I guess you didn’t put the armour and weapons on just to show off?”

“As long as I can, I will fight.” Though he was old enough to be my father he was also one of the most experienced fighters and cunning officers I knew. Carefully, he looked around as if to see if any one else was paying any attention to us. But before I could voice my concerns he took a step towards me. “I don’t agree with the way you have dealt with the advisors. I know why you did it and understand your decision, but there were other, better options than killing one of them and sending the rest to die. We might lose valuable allies at home thanks to this,” he whispered.

I blinked in surprise. For a moment I blankly stared at him, still processing the words that were said. “It was the quickest solution. I tried reasoning with them but it led us nowhere.We were sitting around, doing nothing. Meanwhile ponies, mainly the pegasi could have interfered. Not in direct combat, but a constant rain, sweeping winds or any other weather manipulation would be enough to make us leave with casualties and no results to show for them. As Warmare I can’t and I won’t allow that to happen,” I shook my head. “But I am glad you were honest with me Chidike. Thank you.”

“Have you considered the outcome of this decision?” The officer tilted his head.

“Yes, I think the gains outweigh the losses.” I explained casually. “They were a burden we had to carry around. A dead weight. I did what was necessary to get things moving so we can get this over with. It might have been the wrong decision and I will take full responsibility for it if needed.” I said decisively.

Chidike continued to look at me sternly while I returned his gaze calmly. After a few moments his lips slowly curled up in an honest smile,“I knew you would be the right choice for Warmare in this campaign when you were under my command,” he said and I felt my chest swelling with pride.

“You taught me a lot,” I smiled back at him. “Just the politics eluded me. The families of the advisors are not supporting Schmatrag out of the kindness of their hearts. Land, reputation, titles, wealth and who knows what else. All this while our soldiers died, were wounded. I am so sick of their games,” I snorted in annoyance.

“While that may be true, you might want to learn how to act with a little more tact around the aristocrats. Afterall, without their money we would be fighting with sharpened sticks. Act like you respect them, think whatever you want about them. The sad truth is, so far, we need them.”

“I am not cut out for these cloak and dagger games,” I groaned in exasperation and rubbed my temple. “Hey, silly idea. How about you become my advisor? A free spot opened recently,” I gave him a bright smile.

“You will learn that in time,” Chidike patted my shoulder fatherly. Even though my armour was in the way I was grateful for the gesture. “Also I think I will pass on your offer. I have a better chance to survive on the battlefield than being your advisor,” he chuckled.

“Oh please,” I snorted in mock irritation. “I know better than to try to fight you. Plus you would be an advisor I appointed. Not one forced into my ranks against my will. That might make a tiny difference. I just don’t understand why Schmatrag would persuade me to keep them around, instead of forming the inner circle from my officers.”

“Neither do I. He had his reasons for doing so otherwise he wouldn’t have interfered.” Chidike shrugged.

“Anyway, do any other officers feel the same way about the advisors as you do?” I asked him, with interest.

“They have some reservations but I think you should ask for yourself,” he motioned his head behind himself.

“That might be a good idea,” I nodded, agreeing with his approach. “Thanks for the advice.”

“Glad to help, like always.” He stepped away to let me pass.

My mind was a whirling maelstrom of thoughts as I passed by the groups of officers. As I got to the banner, all eyes were on me, the conversations interrupted by my presence. “As you might know I have killed one of the advisors that opposed the direct confrontation with the buffaloes and sent the rest of them to the battle. Unless they are lucky, it is their death sentence. It is understandable, that some of you might be concerned about it and the backlash that might follow. I would like to hear your thoughts in this matter.” I draw a long breath, looking around. A silence filled the air and some officers exchanged quick looks.

“Nothing of value was lost.” Ashanti, leader of the Sickles, broke the silence. She and I were similar, both in looks and opinions but she was definitely bigger and more muscular than me. And much more savage when it came to combat. I had to rise my head a little to look her in the eyes. For this battle she chose a plate armour made to encompass her big frame. “They were a pain in the ass alive, they will be a pain in the ass once they die. ”She snorted in contempt. I knew her position in this matter before, no surprise there.

“Yes, but it could have been handled more smoothly,” Faraji said and some officers nodded in agreement. “Killing them like this is rather harsh penalty for being a nuisance. Brutally efficient but still needlessly rushed. Thanks to this, our influence at home will suffer. The consequences won’t be pleasant. Next time, I would suggest to try an option that can still be talked out afterwards.” He added with a sigh.

“I agree. I would prefer less permanent solution as well. Yet, I must admit things are finally moving the right way. Maybe we should have got rid of the advisors sooner. With less blood mind you.” Keyon explained his point of view calmly. “For now, I think, it is best to deal with the buffaloes. That’s why we are here after all. The advisors are out of the way so let’s make the best out of it.” His words raised a murmur of agreement that gained on volume in the ranks of the officers.

“Does anyone else have anything they would like to add?” I looked around, gliding from face to face.

“With the exception of the haste disposal of advisors everything goes the way we planned it. The aerial scouts report the buffaloes have begun to gather and occupy the defensive positions on top of the white hill,” an intelligence officer, Talib said. He wore the officer’s uniform, but he had it remade to better suit his needs. Dozens of pockets to carry all the reports, lists written in a hoofwritting only he could read.“Also there are groups of pegasi flying around.”

“Do you think they might attack us?” I asked with a concern. A few groups of them would not stop us, but they might be able to cause some chaos.

“No, the princesses do not wish to drag equestria into this. That hasn’t changed. They are probably just scouts or curious watchers. But if I am wrong, we are ready for that variant as well,” Talib said soberly.

“Peace for our times.” Ashanti snorted and some officers around chuckled upon hearing it.”The princess of love has a strange sense of humour.”

“As long as ponies are happy, I am happy as well,” I smiled. “Well, as long as they are not around here brandishing weapons.” My smile turned sour.

“Well, they might be able to learn how to fight properly.” Zorxa snorted.

“Are you sure you can make the buffaloes to abandon their positions on the White hill?” Faraji asked. “They are well fortified there with enough supplies, it would be foolish from them to do so.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Talib was faster.“ I am sure it will work, their chieftain is not known for a virtue of patience. In these tasks he relies mostly on his brother to solve the diplomatic tensions. With him gone I have no doubts buffaloes will attack. And if they stay up there it is more of a hindrance than a problem,” the intelligence officer explained. So far the profiles of the enemies he provided were pinpoint accurate. How he managed to put them together to predict their behaviour was a mystery and a piece of art.

“I know the alternatives,”Faraji nodded. “But I wanted to know if Terona understands what is asked of her.”

“I understand it completely, Faraji. I just hope they will surrender.“ I sighed and smiled sadly.

“Not likely.” Talib shook his head and his well kempt mane flew wildly in the wind. “We left them no place to run and we know they are not gonna accept our conditions. You can still try, just don’t expect any success.”

“If that fails, I will do what has to be done in order to succeed.” I nodded gravely. The task was not to my liking, but it was the best bet to lure the buffaloes out according to Talib. “Does anyone have another questions to ask?”

“I think we understand our tasks perfectly,” Ashanti said and the rest of the officers agreed with her.

“In that case, let’s go perform Schmatrag’s will.” I declared. The only way to prevent a bloodshed now, would be the surrender of buffaloes.

“Schmatrag wills it!” Sounded back and the officers dispersed, trotting to their posts and their units.

“Don’t you have your pride to command?” I asked Zorxa and the cautious steps behind me stopped. She wanted me to hear her approach otherwise she would just pounce.

“I thought you will join us. Or do you have other plans?”

“Hm, Ashanti’s Sickles improved a lot. Maybe I should give them the honour of fighting alongside them.” I teased her, for once having the upper hoof.

“You know, once you are Indomitable you are one for the rest of your life,” she whispered in my ear, standing right next to me. In my surprise, I almost jumped away. A small jingle bell for her to wear, just so she can’t sneak around like that anymore would be a perfect addition to Zorxa’s apparel. “Or do you want to go through the ritual to leave?”

With a lot of self control, I managed to keep a straight face and to prevent my voice from trembling. “I am the warmare I decide where I fight.” I gulped. “Today I will join the Indomitables,” I added with a haste. Someday I will fight where I want. Zorxa be damned.

“Good choice I am glad you came to your senses.” Zorxa purred, still standing right next to me. Someone has to teach this zebra about personal space. “I am sure you won’t regret it. That’s if we hurry up, otherwise we might miss it.” She grinned and ran towards the army without saying anything else. I sighed and followed her. On that moment I wondered if I am in charge of her or the other way around.

***

The center of the army was already in place, only our flanks were getting to their positions. Zorxa and I trotted through the lines of soldiers that opened in front of us to create a narrow corridor. Our goal was a banner that looked rather mundane in the sea of colourful flags. Its white and black colours were dull, the dark shades faded long time ago by the elements. In the middle of the black field was a dragon head embroidered with silver and golden threads. It fluttered proudly in the middle of the frontlines.

The army was encircling the only path that lead on the top of White hill, the frontlines being about kilometer in front of the steep table mountain walls. The nature helped Buffaloes greatly in creating a perfect last stand position. Only one trail up that narrowed towards the top like a giant half funnel surrounded by jagged stone walls. In the close vicinity laid a barren land, only occasionally a lonely speck of withered yellow grass or shriveled, thorned bushes. Further from the mountain, oasis dotted the landscape like green beads. If we had enough time, we could have waited and let them starve out.

When we reached the rank of Indomitables, I felt like I arrived home. Familiar zebras greeted me with smiles and friendly nods and I was happy to return those gestures, despite the upcoming battle. Even though they were a few moments from a merciless fight their moral was intoxicating. The members of Indomitables were joking amongst themselves, carefree while having their weapons ready for anything.

“You know, it is not really fair to give such a fear inspiring banner to such weaklings now that I think about it.” Zorxa tapped her chin, looking at the desperate group of zebras that were completely lost in front of our lines. “I should have given them a white flag instead. Decorated by some white feathers just to make sure everyone understands.”

“Why not join them then, if it bothers you that much, prideleader.” Furaha taunted Zorxa. “They would welcome such fighter like you, I am sure.”

“Yeah, it would be a shame to embarrass such a fine flag by giving it to their hooves. Look, the one holding it is barely standing on his own legs, soon he will drop it. Better go and save their honour, prideleader.” Jaheem took a jab at Zorxa.

Meanwhile I stood there completely silent my face a stone mask while I was enjoying how more and more Indomitables were picking on Zorxa. It was hard to hold the motionless appearance, but I knew the moment I would say anything all her attention would be on me and I didn’t want to spoil the fun so early. This might have been another reason apart from Zorxa extortion why I joined: to see this happen to her from the front seat.

As the teasing of Zorxa continued the buffaloes gathered at the top of the path to White hill. Only a small group of ten of them from which two buffaloes separated and were on their way down to meet us. The moment their descend began the Indomitables forgot about Zorxa and paid full attention to the couple, weapons ready.

“Just as Talib predicted. Well, I better go meet them before they reach the advisors. Who knows what they might think of our army if they saw them from close,” I walked from the midst of the pride; trotting once I got out.

“You need an escort.” Zorxa shouted from behind me and the sand grinded as two pairs of hooves stroke it.

“No, thanks.” I shouted back, but she was already trotting right next to me. “That wasn’t a question, was it?”

“Not really, no.” Zorxa shook her head. “Besides, it will be better if someone with a cool head is present.” she smiled.

“Oh? And why are you going then?” I cocked my head and blinked in surprise.

Zorxa sighed and muttered something underneath her breath that I couldn’t understand. Judging from the sour face she pulled it might have been something about me having an empty head.

We were trotting past the advisors who were standing in a battle formation I have never seen before. Many of them huddled close together, trembling. Only a few of them atleast faced the direction the buffaloes might attack from. An acrid stench and dark patches of wet sand underneath the newest recruits showed they were terrified to the bone. It was a sad display. To give credits where credits due, none of them had tried to run away. Yet.

“We should come up with a name for them.” Zorxa pointed her hoof towards the unit; contempt dripping from her voice like a venom. “Though it might be a pointless task, they didn’t even pick up their weapons!” she raised her voice, noticing the spears and swords lying around on the ground. Jabari followed his orders to the letter, noone can blame him if they don’t want to defend themselves.

“You didn’t write their name on the banner?” It was true. When I first looked at it, I was distracted by the gruesome materials to notice the lack of name. “Well, any ideas?”

Zorxa snorted and said nothing. The pair of buffaloes was only a hundred meters or so in front of us. From this distance I have noticed the smaller, sleeker one, probably a girl carried a pole with white flag on top. “Cowards, all of them. That might be a good name for them,”she grunted.

“How about Untouchables? It’s not like they can get any lower than they are now.” I offered my idea.

“Might as well.” Zorxa shrugged, not completely convinced. “I will write the name there once they are dead. It will be easier that way.”

We haves stopped roughly in the middle of the open field, between our army and the White hill. The Untouchables were about five hundred meters behind us. Soon the couple arrived in front of us; one old enough for his coat to have grey strands in it. The second one,as I have thought, a young girl with chestnut coloured fur. The elder had a great headdress from brown-white feathers; the girl wore just a simple green woolen band around head.

We stood there looking at each other cautiously. They knew our conditions and as Talib said, there was only a small chance of them accepting them. But even if they didn’t, this meeting was going to be crucial for the upcoming battle.

The older buffalo made the first step as he introduced himself. "Greetings, I am Firm Voice, brother of Unbridled Rage who is chieftain of buffaloes council, and here is my daughter, Meadow Breeze. We have come here to negotiate on behalf of our kind.” He bowed slightly while his daughter only nodded. “I will be blunt, is there a way you would leave us?”

"You know our terms, Firm Voice, we will accept only your unconditional surrender. Your tribes will be moved to other parts of our lands to live. Some portion of your kind will become our …”

"Slaves!“ Meadow Breeze spouted, stomping her fronthoof. She was sleek, athletic. Unlike her father she looked like she spend a lot of time on the move. Judging by her posture, she was used to fight as well.

"Workers. Proposing anything else is a waste time.“ I glared at her only for a moment, but that was enough for Meadow Breeze to hiccup and turn her eyes quickly to ground.

"Excuse my daughter, she is still young and full of fire of youth. But I can’t help but see it exactly the same way. We would have become your slaves.“ Firm Voice shook his head slowly. "I don’t think we can accept this.“

“Think about it Firm Voice. We don’t want your death. We want this land. You can still leave peacefully and live somewhere else.” Hopefully the traditional stubbornness of the buffaloes was not so strong in him. “All of us can walk out of this without bloodshed.” I pleaded with him.

“This is our land. Buffalo land. It belonged to us since our tribes were formed. This mountain is sacred to us. Here our chieftains slumber after they left this world to guide us from the afterlife. What makes you think we will give it you and walk away?”

“You have taken so much from us already! Why can’t you leave us alone on top?” Meadow Breeze once again found her courage to speak.

How could I explain to them, the buffaloes would be too dangerous if left together at one place behind our back. That we need this land as a staging ground. I had no idea. “Is this land worth the deaths of your tribes? To make this not only graves for your ancestors but a giant tombstone for everyone else as well?“ I knew how they will answer, but I hoped to convince them out of their foolishness. “This is not a battle you can win. Please let’s end this war here peacefully.”

“You are a fool if you have came here to negotiate with these arguments. I don’t see why you would like this piece of land so much that you would go to war for it. It is lunacy that’s what it… “Firm Voice said but was interrupted before he could finish.

“A war that you have started,”Zorxa gritted her teeth as she took a step forward. So much for a cool head.

“Do you honestly believe those lies?”Meadow Breeze snickered in contempt. “It was you who provoked us at Roaring Waters!”

“So your reaction was to wipe the whole village out. Oh yeah, completely understandable behaviour,”Zorxa laughed sarcastically, a hurt tone creeping in her voice.

“You’ve got what you deserved!” Meadow Breeze lashed out before Firm Voice was able to say anything. Now he was standing there with a shocked face. A silence settled around us once more with a Meadow Breeze looking at her father grumpily. “What? It is true! Now they speak of peace but where was that talk when they attacked our villages. They want peace because they are afraid we will bury them here!” She sneered. This meeting took a sharp turn south with her around. Talib’s prediction was about to come true, but I was willing to give the negotiation another try.

The sand next to me grinded and instinctively I raised my frontleg, stopping Zorxa who was was now fuming with suppressed rage. We looked at each other and she took a step back, grunting. “Why not travel north and settle in Equestria? The Princesses offered you a part of their lands where you can live. Take it and spare the lives of everyone who would die today.”

“No.” Firm voice shook his head and my heart sunk deep into my stomach. “We won’t leave to become a laughing stock in Equestria. We are proud people and we would rather die with honour than live without it.” Clearly someone has not seen enough battlegrounds to know that this mindset only leads to a quick death.

“There is also honour in passing the knowledge and traditions to future generations,”I tried to reason with them. “Don’t let your tribes be wiped out just for a stubborn pride.”

“You think we are the ones who will be wiped out? Don’t you understand we can just wait this out and trample any attack you try to dust before you get to the top? Princesses will eventually change their mind about their policy of foreign affairs and then you will have to hide like the cowards you are. So save your breath with your pleas, you are not convincing anyone.” He snorted, pleased with his speech. What a great diplomat.

Talib was right, there was no hope in convincing the buffaloes. I knew I had a little chance to change their minds, but it was painful to hear them say it anyway. “So, let’s conclude our meeting, shall we? Is there a chance you are going to pick the peaceful solution?” Firm Voice and Meadow Breeze shook their heads gravely. The stubbornness and pride of buffaloes won over their wisdom. “Then I am sorry for what must be done,” I took a step closer towards them.

“Oh, you are going to be sorry, don’t worry about that.” Meadow Breeze sneered, a cocky smile adorning her face. She was so brash even when two fully armed zebras were in front of her. Maybe she thought that white flag would grant her impunity to act like a spoiled brat. “If you attack us I will personally beat you into a pulp and… “

I have never got to hear what she had in store for me. In a heartbeat I took another step forward, drawing my sabre. The sharp steel eagerly slid out from the sheath, whistling ravenously as it cut through the air. The tone changed drastically when the edge cut Meadow’s throat, slicing through the coat and skin like a hot knife through a butter. In an instant her fur was stained by blood. She wanted to cry out in surprise and pain but only more blood poured from her mouth, forming a small crimson waterfall. Then realisation settled in. Her eyes opened wide, silently blaming me.
Meadow Breeze tried to attack me, but didn’t have enough strength to raise her hoof all the way up to hit my muzzle. She wavered from side to side before collapsing on the ground; blood pouring from her wound and mouth forming a small, yet quickly growing puddle underneath. She was still rattling and twitching slightly, her life leaving with a haste.

Before he got any chance to wake up from the stupor, I stabbed Firm Voice through his eye with a distinctive smack and pushed my sabre deeper until the tip hit back of his skull; making the whole weapon shake from the force of the impact. He went limp immediately and fell to the ground; sending a small cloud of sand into the air.

With a sigh I withdraw the sabre; part of the eyebulb and pieces of brain sticked to it; making the weapon look like an appetizer for a cannibal.

While the flag Meadow Breeze carried was not much of as use for a protection, it worked just fine as a sabre cleaner.

***

"I think the negotiation went well,“ Zorxa uttered while trotting beside me back to our lines. Behind us, on top of White Hill, an angry drumming gradually gained on strength.

“This is something I am not proud of.” I sighed, the image of Meadow Breeze’s face still alive in my mind.

“They didn’t left us any other choice.” Zorxa shrugged, not moved by the deaths of Firm Voice and Meadow Breeze in the slightest. “They got what they deserved. I would pay anything to see the face of Unbridled Rage when he got down.” She laughed wickedly. Not too long after Firm Voice hit the ground a roar full of sorrow sounded from the top and a lonely buffalo figure descended from the top.

“Let’s hope Talib’s is right. Otherwise I killed them for nothing more than getting Unbridled Rage angry. More angry than usual that is.”

“Don’t worry, his anger will blind him,” Zorxa said confidently.

“Hm, we will have to see if the rest of the buffaloes shares his view on the matter,” I replied, the doubts about the plan I have set into motion seeping in.

“Oh, I think you have got them pumped just fine,” Zorxa remarked as a sounds of one drum being beaten slowly reached us.

***

Back in our lines the atmosphere had changed. The Indomitables were checking their weapons and armour even though they were in excellent shape. A simple ritual that helped them to focus. The unit radiated calm that spread to nearby soldiers. Even though more and more buffaloes were gathering on the top, they remained unmoved.

Soon, the entire top of the path was filled with buffalo warriors. They stretched from one side to another, a wall of sharp horns and hooves the size of a plate. As always, none of them had any other weapon. Some of them wore a piece or two of an armour, but it was more of a decoration than an actual form of protection.

“This will be glorious.” Zorxa almost purred right next to me. Hungrily, she was devouring the lines of buffaloes with her eyes, predatorygrin settled on her face as her sight glided over them. A battle frenzy was once more taking a hold of her.

“You are crazy,” I murmured and put on the helmet that so far hanged on my side. With all the noise buffaloes were making, she overheard me, staring at the enemies in front of her.

The whirling of the buffaloes drums sounded like an approaching storm, calling more and more of the warriors to join. At that instant, the rumbling thunderstorm stopped. In that moment the first line of buffalo began their descent, a furious, brown avalanche with one goal - to crush us. One after one more and more lines joined the first, their hooves shaking the ground. Even this far I could feel the slight tremors that gained in strength with every step they made. Their charge was accompanied by a deep, all embracing powerful roar that echoed from the walls. Soon it was the only sound to be heard.

The army showed a great feat of discipline when their lines narrowed to match the width of the path. No collision between the warriors, no loss of speed, they fall in lines behind others until only a few columns approaching us were left.

I looked around. Despite the living landslide that was closing in, none of the soldiers I could see were afraid. Some were nervous, their eyes darting randomly around, not resting for a moment. The rest were steadfast, their spears harmlessly point towards the sky, taunting the buffaloes and luring them further in.

“They took the bait,” Zorxa shouted at me and pointed towards the buffaloes. Their front line got from the path and now was on the plain underneath the mountain, spreading out into their full imposing width. Perhaps Unbridled Rage believed he could trample us like this in one strike. Maybe he saw me returning to the centre and wanted revenge more than anything. Regardless, he completely ignored units on the flanks that were ready to get in his back. If necessary.

“Brace yourself!” I yelled out but it was a futile effort. Apart from a few soldiers around nobody heard it. It was not needed anyway. Only the Untouchables will experience it nearly as badly as buffaloes.

Without any hints of what is going to happen to them, the buffaloes blindly charged into our trap. In a flash, the ground below them erupted in giant fountains of sand and rock. Most of their front line was caught in the blast that easily lifted some of the heavy buffaloes and sent them flying like they weighed nothing. The explosion was deafening, but I could dully hear the screams of those in the air before they landed. Regrettably, our lines were not spared of losses. Heavy chunks of rocks took their toll as they hit the soldiers with a sickening crunch, smashing through the armour and leather like it was just a paper, crippling or outright killing the unfortunate zebra.

The pained earth was shaking from the force that violently ripped it open. A thick cloud of sand raised up and veiled the battlefield like a curtain, preventing us from seeing anything on the buffalo’s part.

"CHAAARGEE!“ I cried out as loud as I could. In reply came the thunderous roar from throats around me as our soldiers shook off what they were witness to and galloped to deal with confused buffaloes.

I had one more stop to do before I joined the attack as whole. Zorxa was already passing the advisors, paying them no mind whatsoever, probably considering them an obstacle at least. When I got to them, I saw the explosion took it’s bloody toll here as well. Even more so, as they were much closer. About quarter of the unit laid down, broken legs, smashed faces, crushed chests. One became an unicorn, a sleek, long rock protruding from his forehead. Too bad he wouldn’t enjoy his newfound powers.

The hailstorm of rocks hit nearly everyone of Untouchables but most of them had only superficial wounds. They could still fight. “Get up you cowards!” I shouted at them with no reaction. “Get up you cowards I won’t say it again!” I kicked the one nearest to me who was shaking, his bleeding frontlegs wrapped around his barrel. With a yelp he slowly stood up, looking absolutely terrified. Following his example the others rose as well. “Go and fight! Stay here and you will get trampled.” I pointed towards the directions buffaloes were. It might have been useless as there was a plenty of soldiers running past us but the Untouchables looked completely lost, not knowing what is going on. With a hesitation they moved forward, most of them leaving their weapons behind. None of them argued with me, not even said a word between themselves.

I left them to their fate and galloped forward to try and catch the Indomitables. With the thick whirling sand around I could only see a couple meters forward, let alone recognize them from the numerous zebras around. With my options limited I ran towards the battlefield. Or where I thought it is going to be.

***

The stream of soldiers around me thinned, most of them vanishing into the thick sand cloud that was all around. The fine dust itched uncomfortably in my throat and around, gluing on every part of my body that was not covered by armour. After running a short distance I saw two zebras carrying a ladder. Knowing it is my best way to the front lines I joined them, running alongside.

Seeing a ladder on a battlefield without a fortress or a castle to siege might be an odd sight to see to say the least. Though this time they would be used to get over the chasm the explosion carved into the earth. If it is long enough it would serve as a narrow bridge, if it is short then climbing it is. I hoped it is long enough.

The fast gallop got my blood pumping and I felt a familiar, sweet sensation spreading throughout my body as many times before an upcoming fight. I welcomed it and shivered in delight. These moments made me feel alive; every worry forgotten and replaced by a focus on one thing and one thing only. The combat. I wanted peace but they refused, now they would reap what they sewn.

I heard a frightened yelp in front of me and saw how a silhouette of zebra carrying the front of the ladder vanished; dragging the ladder and the protesting soldier at the opposite end forward and down. Even though he was relentlessly trying to pull his partner up , the sand beneath his hooves didn’t offer much of a purchase and he slided closer and closer.

Instantly, I grabbed one of the transoms and pulled. Our combined strength was enough to stop and slowly haul the ladder back. We both were grunting when I saw one hoof desperately holding at the end.

"Can you hold it alone?“ I asked the soldier behind me.

He confidently nodded and shifted his legs a little to gain a better hold.

"Fine.“ I released the transom; ladder yanked a little forward and stopped; swiftly I dashed forward.

The edge that got fatal to the soldier almost got fatal to me as well; no warning whatsoever as the ground suddenly opened to a wide, jagged crack in front of me like a yawning mouth of a tiger.

An intense smell of sulfur and seared flesh was coming from the depths of it; like an entrance to hell.

The hoof slipped from the ladder the moment I jumped forward and grabbed it; landing on my stomach near him. Sand crunched under my armour when I slowly, so slowly pulled the unfortunate soldier up. Finally, he got his other fronthoof on a solid ground.

Piece by piece, I dragged the bruised and nicked zebra up; his coat stained with fresh blood coming from numerous little wounds; face twisted in pain. The cloth armour he was wearing had been shredded to tatters. The whole time I was hauling him up he was shaking and breathing rapidly. After his hindlegs got over the edge I understood why. Both of them were completely dark red. It was a miracle he didn’t pass out from the blood loss already.

His comrade galloped to us. "Is he going to be ok?“

"Yes, I am sure he will be fine.“ I expressed confidently; even though I was not so sure, the blood loss was getting serious and some wounds looked rather deep. "Roll him on his back and raise his hindlegs, we don’t want him to blackout.“ And just to be sure… "MEDIC!“

Fuck me, I should have expected this. The thick veil of sand flying around kept any help from arriving for significant time; if any zebra die because of this… From the muffled noises in front of us the battle had already started. Incomprehensible war cries, angry roars; painful howls gained in volume with each passing second and enveloped us; clawing on the edges of my mind as I was not yet in the heat of the combat.

"MEDIC!” I shouted out again; to hopefully draw their attention. They were taking too long.

"You – you are the warmare!“ The healthy soldier pointed a hoof at me; surprised expression on his face and hastily saluted.

"At ease, and your name?“

"I…I’m Bongani ma’am.“

"And your comrade, Bongani?“

"Tait.“

Hearing the sound of his name, Tait turned his head to Bongani, groaning in pain and trying to say something but only a wail came from his mouth.

"Talk to him, try to calm him down, and give me your belt!“

Hurriedly Bongani handed me what I asked him for as I pulled one from Tait; a short moment later and both of his hindlegs were constricted tightly. Not exactly stellar work, but I hoped it would help him a little; at least the bleeding subdued.

Another groan escaped Tait’s lips and his eyes closed for a short time before they lazily opened.

"Go talk to him, I will hold his legs.“ I nudged Bongani; prompting him closer to the fallen soldier.

"What should I talk about?“ he whispered fearfully.

"Anything, just keep him awake,“ I replied as encouragingly as I could while I tried to take a better look at his legs. They were cut badly. Numerous deep wounds were stretching all over them; and I think I saw a white piece of bone between all the torn muscles. At this point I was glad for the sand in there. I have seen a plenty of injures, eviscerated guts and what not but examining it up close… I would rather leave such sights to the medics or shamans.

In my inner rage I completely missed how Bongani calmed Tait down; his breathing changed from a shallow panting to halting long breaths.

"…remember how we were on our leave and went to Striped beauty? Heh, when that bouncer was done with you, you looked much worse than now. I promise, after this we will go back and knock the shit out of him. Huh? What do you say?“ Bongani asked with a slightly trembling voice; I noticed how his eyes became watery.

Tait barely nodded and opened his mouth to speak; only for a trickle of blood to flow out and sully his neck dark red.

Bongani’s head jerked back in surprise but he quickly leaned forward and wiped the blood from Tait’s lips. "It will all be ok you hear me? It will all be ok,“ he murmured in a shaking voice.

"Who called for a medic?“ Out of nowhere a zebra mare carrying saddlebags adorned with red crosses finally appeared.

"Tait here is injured, lots of cuts, loss of blood and I suspect an internal injury,“ I explained the situation as best as I could.

She sighed and whispered something I didn’t understand while she examined Tait. When her hoof touched his stomach he arched and groaned painfully.

"He is going to be fine, right?“ Bongani pawed the ground nervously.

"I am not going to sugarcoat it, it looks bad.“ She turned to face Bongani. "Deep lacerations, severe blood loss and internal bleeding. I’ll do what I can to stabilise him and hopefully we can carry him back for treatment he needs.

"Bongani, listen to me.“ I waved hoof in front of his eyes to get his attention; he was hypnotised how the medic tended to his friend.

"Y-yes, warmare?“ he blinked.

"I need you to grab the ladder and help me cross the gap, then you return back with your friend. Understood?“

"Of course,“ he gave a quick look to Tait before trotting to the ladder.

At haste, we carried my only way to reach the other side of the fissure to the edge where we rose the it up.

"Well, let’s see if this works.“ I nodded at Bongani and we pushed to the ladder that fell down like a toppled tree.

Luckily, it hit the ground at the opposite side; creating a small bridge and didn’t tumble down in the chasm. I shivered at the idea of climbing across.

After a few small adjustments, I stood on the first transoms that still were on solid ground; a few steps forward and I will be walking over this hellish chasm. On a narrow ladder. Without anything to hold. Hmph. This strategy might need some improvements in the future.

"Hold it until I am on the other side, then help the medic!“ I took a deep breath and carefully walked onward; each step bringing me closer to the battle.

It went well until I looked down. The wind was playing with the dust and pulled the heavy curtain of sand aside for a brief time so I got chance to see the bottom of the pit.

Mutilated bodies of buffaloes were lying there like broken dolls. Most of them were missing a limb or two as the explosives blew right through them. I saw one nearly decapitated; head dangling at a weird angle on a patch of skin and muscle, his throat covered by caked blood. I was glad when the drapery closed again; leaving only vague silhouettes beneath me.

A couple more steps and I at last felt ground under my hooves. This little walk almost made me kiss the sand in joy.

Before I got a chance to get my bearings, a buffalo warrior appeared in front of me suddenly, like the thick cloud of sand had spat him out. He wore a simple headband completely covered in dust and two wet stains underneath his nostrils. Judging how he growled he was not very happy to see me.

Immediately, as he recognized that a zebra was standing in front of him, he lowered his head and charged me, roaring furiously.

When he got close, I stepped aside at the last moment; drawing my sabre. He slashed against me with his horns, but didn’t have enough reach to cut me.

In return I cut the tendons in his left foreleg. A fair trade in my opinion.

He cried out in pain and anger as his leg went limp. That didn’t prevent him from mounting the next blitz against me.

Another charge, only this time it was much slower. I dodged and let him pass by. When he turned towards me, I was already waiting there. A sabre, thrusted into his jaw, left him quite speechless.

His eyelids closed at once as his spirit left the body; wasting no time I pulled my weapon out of the gaping wound; a stream of blood pouring out. As a final act I bowed my head a little to this courageous warrior before sheathing my sabre.

My ears swiveled around, catching a painful scream on my left. I couldn’t tell if it belonged to a buffalo or zebra but it meant one thing to me. An opportunity to fight.

***

Unfortunately, I arrived too late. Well… that pretty much depended on the point of view. Now I knew the scream was from one of the zebras that were lying on the ground, motionless. Every one of them had their head disfigured horribly; a bloody mash instead of face, pieces of pulverized teeth covering what was left of a muzzle; I guess a helmet only gets you so far… Amongst the zebra lied corpses of buffaloes as well; judging by a quick look our warriors took at least two enemies for each one of them.

Anger overwhelmed me when I saw what those still standing buffaloes were doing; they were focused on defacing zebras that still had their heads intact. It was not the bright –see everything red- type of anger. It was the white, cold fire that if controlled can give you strength as long as it lasts and lends you wings; figuratively speaking. Without saying a single word or shouting insults I walked towards them while taking deep breaths.

Nine buffaloes. Two of them lightly wounded.

Eight. They were so absorbed in their work, they didn’t even bother to look around; allowing me to slip close to them. The first one died when I plunged my sabre into his neck and pulled up; the blade exiting at withers almost severed his head from his body. An intense smell of fresh blood filled the air.

The little piece of skin and tissue was not able to hold the head straight which fell down at a weird angle; it looked like the buffalo was searching for something small on the ground. His heart was still beating; sending geysers of blood from an exposed jugular artery in regular intervals with splashing noises until it slowly died of.

The blood soiled my armour and was slowly dripping down.

Smoothly, I moved towards the second one, who didn’t have a clue about the death of his comrade. I whirled the sabre above my head in a wide arc before cutting off his hindleg at the knee; sending him towards ground with a bloodied stub.

He screamed in shock and pain. The crippled warrior rolled on his side to see what happened to him. Remorselessly, I slashed his exposed stomach open. A pile of colorful entrails slid out of the opened wound; some of them sticking to his fur like a bizarre adornment while the rest oozed on the ground; leaving a slimy stain behind them.

If he is lucky he will fall into unconsciousness soon. If he is not… Well I am not going to give him the pleasure of a swift death.

Now I had the full attention of the rest, they were hesitant, frozen in place. Just as they moved towards me, I was already mid-air towards the closest enemy. Stabbing him through his thick skull; killing him on the spot.

When I tried to pry the sabre free, my luck turned it’s back to me. It was stuck! No matter how hard I tried to yank it out, it wouldn’t budge. Great time to improvise.

I turned around, looking for a new weapon. Narrowly, I avoided the horns of an attacking buffalo by mere inches. That was too close for comfort.

Another buffalo reared up in an attempt to crush me, but he was too slow; I quickly shifted towards him; punching his stomach a couple of times with forehooves until his hindlegs gave up on him and he tumbled down on a side; wheezing. A strong blow to his head and I could feel the skull cracking under my hoof. Another one bit the dust.

Just as I thought I would have a moment to breathe a little, the other warriors had an urge to prove me otherwise.

The horns of the next buffalo hit my side, knocking the air out of me. I heard an ear splitting screeching as they tried to pierce my armour it before the force of the impact tossed me aside to the air like I weighed nothing at all.
Sand, sky, sand,sky, sand, sky; the world had finally stopped rolling and I noticed how the dust around settled down a little before an ugly, large hoof filled my whole sight.

A quick roll to the side saved my head from becoming an another bloodied mash like I had seen before. A sharp sting in my barrel after my sudden movement made me realise I might not have been as fine as I thought I was; the need for a weapon gained on urgency. Not that fighting against buffaloes with only hoofs wasn’t fun, exciting but... it could take so long.

With a groan I stood up; facing the last attacker, who was only a few feet away from me. As it seemed to be a buffalo’s tradition, he tried to impale me on his horns.

From the short distance his attack lacked any speed and strength, which allowed me to go on the offensive and grab him by his horns. With both forelegs locked up like this I bashed his forehead with mine. Twice. One of the advantages of wearing a helmet.Something snapped loudly and I fell; pulled down by the limp buffalo.

Just to be sure I punched him in the side of his head. Hard.

The four remaining buffaloes learned their lesson from the mistakes of their dead friends and instead of attacking me in a head on, they slowly surrounded me; confident in their numerical advantage and the fact I still had no weapon.

The rest of the buffaloes had those determined faces on and were snorting fiercely as they circled around me; closing in like they were tightening a noose around my neck.

This battle could have been going better; if they got too close it is bound to get interesting.

Just when I considered charging them head on myself; a wooden handle poking from beneath a zebra’s corpse caught my attention. The only problem was, I had to get through them to grab it.

I climbed on the unconscious buffalo and waited. Once another buffalo was in the right spot I leapt forward on it’s back and then jumped towards the weapon.

The one buffalo I used as a springboard wasn’t really happy about it, but didn’t have enough time to do anything; still surprised by what happened. When he realised what was going on, I safely landed next to the dead zebra and grabbed the handle.

It took me some nerve-gnawing moments to pull the weapon out. At first I was afraid it was a broken flagpole and I have only picked up a big stick to beat the buffaloes with. Thankfully this was not the case.

I was glad that I had the helmet on. This way, buffaloes couldn’t see, how much I was grinning when I dragged a long warhammer out in the light of day. The weapon consisted of a massive steel head and long sleek spike at the opposite end of the head, the handle, made out of a thick wood, ended in smaller steel spike. A little heavy for my taste, but brutal and efficient nonetheless. This weapon would make killing these buffalos a lot easier. Perhaps, even fun.

A gallop behind me caught my attention, I turned around to face it and stood up on my hindlegs, the buckled and deformed armour screeching in protest of the sudden movement. I held the warhammer straight up, waiting for the attacking buffalo to get into reach.

My ‚springboard‘ was first from the remaining buffaloes to die. I roared and gave all my anger into the strike. The crushing blow cracked his skull right open and catapulted his brain into the air around like a pink gooey confetti.

I used the momentum I gained and moved swiftly to another buffalo, who was now having second thoughts after his friend’s grizzly demise. He slowed down and gave me an opportunity to run the spike’s whole length through his thick head with a wicked crunch. Before his body hit the ground, I had the warhammer ready again. Mentally, I apologized to the weapon for my initial assumption of it being too heavy. It fit right into my hooves, a great balance of weight and devastating power. A joy to use. Especially, after having to fight the buffaloes with my bare hooves.

The last two buffaloes looked like they shrunk a little; their initial brisk pace changed to slow walk; there were also no traces of fury or anger in their movements. To me it, seemed like they knew they were going to a certain slaughter. The hopelessness was clear in their eyes and their uncertain approach.

Eventually, they found enough courage to attack me again, one of them hobbling slightly behind the other. Cumbersomely, I went to face the first one in a head on; not willing to give them the initiative. I swung the warhammer in a horizontal arc at the head of my nearest enemy, the weapon humming ominously as it was closing in. To prevent getting a rather quick and fatal head surgery, the buffalo raised his frontleg to block the blow. One sickening crunch later and the leading warrior tumbled past me, screaming in agony. A crushed limb is not something he will be able to walk free of any time soon.

Before I got a chance to silence him, a hard strike to my helmet made me lose my balance as the last warrior punched me directly to the face and almost broke my neck; forcing me to take a step back and fall down on all four. I tasted warm blood in my mouth and some of the teeth felt distinctly loose after the hit. Half of my face was in a world of pain and began to swell. With a growl I dropped the warhammer, my opponent being too close for me to swing it properly.

The final warrior was shaking visibly, his movements convulsive and sloppy. If he didn’t have the element of surprise at the beginning, I doubt he would even have been able to land that one hit.

After I blocked a few of his weak strikes, I punched him to his muzzle couple times; making him stagger as his skin ruptured and blood stained his face. I exploited that for a fast uppercut to his chin that grounded him for good and left him breathing heavily on the ground.

Once again I grabbed the warhammer from the sand, determined to finish the job here and move on. With steady steps I approached the buffalo with the crushed leg.

He was still screaming his heart out, rivulets of tears staining his face when he noticed me approaching.. "No, please!,“ he shook his head frantically, his pain temporarily forgotten. “Have mercy!”

"You want mercy?” I asked him. He quickly nodded. I tilted my head; seeing the mutilated bodies of zebras around. The most ferocious part of me screamed to kill him, to crush his head, ribs, every single bone until there is left nothing more than a bloodied piece of meat lying on the ground. And then beat it some more. It wouldn’t be wrong, I would just repay them with the same coin. I was shaking as I tried to control the urge to do so. My tendons were taut to the point they would snap when I swung the hammer down. The spike sunk harmlessly next to his head in the sand. I was breathing heavily as I stepped away from him. He couldn’t believe what happened, his terrified pin pricked eyes darting from the weapon to me and back. “Fine, I will grant you your mercy.” I stepped away, murdering him like that wouldn’t bring me my soldiers back anyway.

“You too I assume?”I addressed the second still conscious buffalo who was trying his best to look unconscious and slowly crawl away at the same time. He froze at the spot and nodded silently. “Get up then and help your friends. Pray to your gods or ancestors that soldiers who arrive after me will show you the same mercy as I did.” He stood up on unsteady legs and wavered to his injured friend who was moaning in pain.

My forelegs felt as they were a half meter longer; muscles aching like they were burning from within. The broken ribs didn’t help either; every time I drew breath a sharp pain spread from the wound. The adrenaline from the fight was being flushed away and all the deadening effects it had brought went with it.

And to make matters worse, the punch from the sucker damaged my helmet, bending some of the parts; preventing me from taking it off so I could relieve the wound. With an irritated growl I spat out a clog of blood (luckily no teeth) and let the helmet be. There was still one thing I had to do and I was dreading to do it.

At first glance it was apparent to me, that there was only a tiny chance some of my soldiers were still alive. The buffaloes did a great job of making sure none of these would stand up. My heart was bleeding every time I saw the broken, lifeless husks with gruesomely disfigured faces; pummeled beyond any recognition into a red-pink pie of pure horror. But I had to do it, I had to make sure there were none of my soldiers who could be saved.

In the center of a circle of five dead soldiers I found the unit’s banner trampled into the sand. They had defended it tenaciously, as evidenced by the dead buffaloes surrounding them. It was tattered, caked with blood and dust, obscuring their sigil, but the name was still readable. Whirlwinds. I looked around more carefully and with my guts tied into a trembling knot, found the captain. Akua was like the rest of the soldiers under her command, favoring light armour and heavy weapons. Now she was lying down on her side like she was just resting, if not for a jagged bone protruding through her broken foreleg and two dark red holes in the side of her barrel that showed how she died. A shiver ran down my spine. That could have been me, if not for my armour… I gulped and took a step closer, though I knew I arrived too late. Like the zebras around us, Akua had her face smashed completely, turned into a grisly mix of blood, teeth and bone. cursing silently, I went back for the banner.

“You are at peace now,” I said in hushed tone as I covered her with the tattered, stained fabric. Delicately, I put her weapon on one lappet of the banner so the wind wouldn’t carry it away, and continued in my grim duty.

I sighed deeply as I stepped away from the last body. No one remained alive; no signs of a beating heart, nothing. At least they died in combat. But that didn’t help me from feeling miserable; if only I got here faster there might have been some zebra still amongst the living. With my head held low I trotted back to the two buffaloes.

“T-thank you,” the one buffalo who didn’t have a superficial hole in his mouth said in a shaking voice. He was tending to the wounds of his injured friend who finally stopped screaming. I nodded in acknowledgment and reached for the hammer that was nesting the way how I left it. In an instant their eyes went wide and the less wounded one jerked back. “No! Please!” he shielded his friend with his own body.

Without uttering a single word I grabbed the handle and to the horror of those two, yanked the warhammer in the air above my head. “I am a mare of my word,”I replied to their frightened, yet understandable behaviour. With ease I slipped the handle through the leather nooses on the back of my armour. Not the safest way to run around with heavy weapon like this but it would have to do for the time being. “Take care of him. Maybe check the other buffaloes as well, some of them might still be alive.”

“I-I will try,” he gulped.

“Good, stay put and don’t do anything stupid. Don’t make me regret my choice. I will be on my way as soon as I… ” As on cue a sudden, strong gust of wind blew around. In a moment the air was saturated with the damned sand once more. I closed my eyes and held my breath until the wind died off. When It finally passed the dreaded curtain that prevented anyone from seeing further than few meters around was finally gone. Immediately I looked around eager to see what the situation looks like.

The battle was raging like a wildfire. Buffaloes have overcame the shock of the explosion and now were desperately trying to hold the ground against zebras who were pushing them up the hill. Our flanking force must have gotten lost in the sand veil and as they were fighting alongside the frontline force. Sadly this look also revealed I was one of the furthest zebras away from battle. Only a couple of medics were further.

In haste, I galloped toward the battle that unravelled before me; ignoring the stabbing pain as best as I could in my side. As I ran, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was missing something.

The closer I was the more intense it got; the muffled noises became crystal clear and the smell of battle drove my blood to boil.

One look at the flying banners and it was obvious for me where to run.

Author's Note

Finaly! The second chapter has been published! It took me way too much time to do it. It has been written a loooong long time ago but now it got polished as best as it could. My great thanks to McStuffins for proofreading and Sammypop for correcting as many grammar mistakes as he could.