The Equestrian Warden

A dragon. I’d seen pictures of dragon, but this one was terrifying. It was dark and corrupted. All I could was scream as it roared, and got so close that I could see its eyes. No emotions, just an empty black void.

…

“Wake up! Come on Comet!”

I gasped as my eyes opened. I was afraid I would wake up to the dragon, but instead I was looking into the faces of Rainbow Dash and Midnight.

“Welcome back Comet. We were afraid you weren’t goanna make it.”

I ran a hoof through my mane as I pulled myself up to my hooves.

“Two more deaths. In my joining only one died, but it was…” Dash shook her head. “I'm glad you made it.”

“How do you feel?”

Midnight asked, worried.

“Y-you killed….” I said weakly as I tried to shake off my head ache.

“Joy knew the risk, but when he went for his blade he left me no choice. I did not enjoy killing him, but in order to end the Blight we must make sacrifices. In Death, Sacrifice. Just be glad that you are alive, proof that their sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”

“Did you see anything? I had weird…visions in my joining.” asked Dash.

I was about to tell her about the dragon, but Midnight interrupted.

“Such dreams will come and go. Soon you will be able to sense the darkling. Whatever questions you have can be answered in the next couple of months. But I must ask you to accompany me to a meeting with the king to discuss tactics for tonight’s battle, but I do not know why he asked for your presence. Dash, bring forth the armor.”

Rainbow Dash nodded and went to a small chest hidden behind the table and took out something. When she flew over and handed it to me, I was surprised to find blue, well-trimmed and well-made leather armor, with the Grey Warden symbol on the chest. It didn’t have the heavy armor like Midnight and Dash, but I didn’t mind because it felt very comfortable on me. After I put it on, Dash whispered.

“You might want to check your cutie mark.”

My eyes widened and I looked back at my flank only to see my comet cutie mark was gone, and in its place was the mark of a Grey Warden. As if the new armor wasn’t enough, Midnight pulled from her back, a lance. The vamplate of the lance was the design of a griffin. I didn’t know how I didn’t see it on her back before.

“While Dash waited for you to wakeup I though it necessary to give you this. The lance of a fallen Grey Warden. Before you go to the meeting let Dash show you how to use it. You may need it for tonight. Report to the tent when you are ready.”

Midnight left and Dash looked the lance over and started gushing over the cool griffon design, but I wasn’t listening. The armor, the lance, the cutie mark. I was finally a Grey Warden.

…

After running a couple drills with Rainbow Dash on how to use the lance, we made our way to the meeting with the king. When we got there we were surprised to see the king arguing with a black unicorn.

“Sombra, my decision is final. I will join the Grey Wardens in this assault.”

Dash and I took our seats at the far end of the table. Near the middle of the table stood Duncan, with her usual solemn expression. Next to her stood a unicorn dressed in a Circle robe, and a pegasi with a Chantry robe. They paid us no mind, instead they focused on the quarrelling pegasi.

“You risk too much Soarin. The darklings are too dangerous for you to be playing hero on the front lines.” The black unicorn replied, his look was as hard as Midnights. It was clear he had a lot more experience then King Soarin.

“If that’s how you feel then maybe we should wait for the troops from Canterlot to arrive.” Soarin said stubbornly.

“Again I must protest. We do not need any crystal ponies from Canterlot to fight our battles for us. Tis a foolish decision.”

“It is not a foolish decision. Our hostilities with the Crystal Empire are in the past. Surely you haven’t forgotten that I am king.”

“I spent 30 years driving those crystal ponies out of Equestria. I fought beside your father King Burloin. Yet you’d let them back in with open arms!”

I knew he looked familiar. This must be Lord Sombra. And old general who fought beside king Burloin when Equestria was taken over by the Crystal Empire. He was hailed a war hero, and was appointed to the title of Lord for his services.

“Then our current forces will have to do. Midnight, are your men ready for battle.”

“They are.” Midnight replied.

“And this is the pegasi I met earlier. Where is your bat pony friend?” The king asked.

I sighed, trying to keep my mind off Azura.

“Unforeseen circumstances. She had to leave before she could become a Grey Warden.”

“That’s a pity. Stallions tend to fight better when fighting beside a mare they care about.” I tried to hide my blush.

“Regardless, congratulations on becoming a Grey Warden. Every Grey Warden is needed. Now more than ever.”

“Your fascination with legends and fantasies will be your undoing Soarin. Get your head out of the clouds, and come back to reality.”

“Very well.” Soarin rolled his eyes and returned to looking at a map of the fortress.

“The Grey Wardens and I will draw the darklings to attack our lines.”

“Then you’ll alert the tower to light the beacon signaling my men to-“

“Flank the darkspawn.” Soarin interrupted. “I remember. The beacon shall be lit from the Tower of the Sun, but who will we send to light the beacon”

“I have a couple men standing by there.” Sombra started.

“We must send our best. Send Rainbow Dash and Comet to the Tower of the Sun. They will light the beacon.”

Dash and I quickly bowed our heads.

“You rely on these Grey Wardens too much Soarin. Is that truly wise?”

Questioned Sombra who was giving me and Dash a very unfriendly look.

“Enough of your conspiracy theories Sombra. The Grey Wardens are here to help.”

“Your Majesty. We must take into account that the Archdemon may appear.” Midnight interrupted.

“There has been no sign of any dragons in the wilds.” Sombra said.

“Isn’t that what your here for Midnight?”

“I… yes.” Midnight quickly regained her composure.

“Sire the beacon is unnecessary. The Circle of Magi-“, Began the mage, but the old pegasi in the Chantry robes interrupted him.

“We will not trust any of your spells MAGE.”

The mage turned to her, not bothering to hold back his anger.

“And what’s that supposed to mean REVERED mother. Isn’t there some serving boy you need to take care of? I hear you like them young.”

Dash’s mouth dropped and I had to do everything in my power not to laugh. The revered mother looked at the mage appalled and opened her mouth to retort, but Sombra was quick to stop it.

“Enough. It is decided. The Grey Wardens will light the beacon.”

“Thank you Sombra. Imagine, the Grey Wardens standing beside the king of Equestria to battle the forces of evil.” He sounded like a child that had just been given a toy he had always wanted. I couldn’t help but smile at the kings enthusiasm.

My ears twitched however when I heard Sombra mutter something under his breath as he walked away. It was probably nothing.

…

“You heard the plan. You and Dash shall go to the Tower of the Sun and light the beacon.”

“I heard the plan. I’m just confused why I’m can’t go into battle with you and the other Wardens.” Dash grumbled, kicking the ground.

“If the beacon is not lit. Then Sombra's men won't know when to charge.”

“So what? He expects two Grey Wardens to stand up their holding the torch while the rest of you do the real fighting.”

“I agree with Rainbow Dash. We should be fighting, not sitting on the sidelines.” Dash smiled when I agreed with her, and puffed out her chest, but Midnight held firm.

“If Soarin wishes that the Grey Wardens light the beacon then we must abide by the King’s wishes. The Grey Wardens WILL be there. We must do everything in our power to stop the darklings. Whether it’s exciting or not.”

“I know. I know” Dash grumbled. I wanted to cheer her up.

“Look on the bright side. Maybe the king’s next order will be for us to put on a dress and dance in the front lines.”

Dash looked at me surprised before smirking.

“US shimming down the darkling lines. Sure. We can kill the darklings while their laughing.”

Midnight groaned, but me and Dash gave each other a hoof bump.

“The tower is on the other side of the gorge. You must cross the gorge and head to the gate of the tower entrance. You will reach the top, looking over the entire valley. We will signal you when the time is right. Dash knows what to look for.”

“What if the Archdemon appears?” Dash asked, clearly wishing to fight in the battle. The idea of facing the leader of the darklings was not a very pleasant thought.

“If the Archdemon does appear I don’t want either of you to play the hero. Leave it to me and the senior Wardens to deal with it. Stay in the tower and guard it from any darklings that may sneak past our lines.”

“The battle is about to begin. Once I leave I expect you both to be ready to move out. You have wings, put them to good use. Do what you must to complete the mission. I have faith in both of you.”

“So why won't your let us fight?” Dash practically begged, making Midnight chuckle.

“There will be more battles in the future Rainbow Dash. Now remember, you are both Grey Wardens. I expect you both to wear that honor well.”

“Midnight…” Rainbow’s eyes suddenly grew serious. “May Celestia watch over you.”

“May she watch over us all.”

…

We took to the sky. Neither of us spoke as we flew over the fortress. In fact, the whole fortress was quiet. Earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi all waited for the darklings to appear. Priests and sister walked through the group of soldiers, giving silent prayers to the soldiers.

From our vantage point we could see Midnight and the King standing on a small hill outside the fortress with their army. And just like that night at the camp, the chanting started. It started out small, nearly overpowered by the thunderstorm. The pegasi in the air were trying their best to keep the water from blinding them, but we didn’t need your eyes to hear the chanting as it slowly grew closer and closer.

And soon the green mist started to set in. And with it came the darklings. We could see their torches in the green mist. We could see their dark figures slowly drifting out of Hollow Shades and into the open. The sky was no different. Hurlocks were hovering over the tress, I could see their red eyes glaring up at us hungering for our flesh.

Suddenly a horn blew from within the forest and like a swarm of locust the darklings surged towards the armies on the grounds and in the sky. Bellow us we could somehow hear the king over the roar of the darklings and the rainstorm. Midnight must have used a spell to project the kings voice.

“Archers!” The pegasi archers in the air and the unicorn archers on the ground quickly drew their arrows and took aim. And with a signal from the king they fired into the charging darklings. Hurlocks fell from the air and genlocks landed on the hard below as they fell by the dozens, but more kept coming.

“Hounds!” I looked down in surprise and to my amazement a group of dogs actually charge towards the darklings. I had seen these dogs around the camp, but to see them in action was bizarre. They leapt upon the darklings, teeth and claw tearing into the rotten flesh of their foes. Holding up his sword the king shouted,

“For Equestria!”

And just like that, the real battle began. Ponies charged towards the darklings, all thoughts of death in the back of their minds, their bodies moving on their own as they challenged this terrible foe. The pegasi around us charged down to meet the hurlock. Arrows whizzed in the the air and in the ground and from the forest the darklings launched boulders from their catapults.

The flaming boulder surged over us, one nearly hitting me. I watched as it zoomed past and crashed into a nearby tower sending the ponies who were posted their down to their doom. The sound of steal smashing steal, blades cutting flesh, arrows whizzing past. This was nothing compared to the battles before. This was war. And it had only just begun.

“Come on!” Yelled Dash as we flew towards the tower.

“We have to be ready to light the beacon.”

We flew as fast as we could, avoiding any incoming darklings that were in our way. When we got to the tower however we were surprised to see pegasi flying away from the tower in a panic. Dash managed to grab one of the fleeing pegasi and held him by the scruff of his armor.

“What happened?!”

The pegasi whimpered, “Darklings have taken over the tower. They struck from underground. The genlocks dug holes right up into the first floor, and now they’ve taken the whole tower.”

Dash let the pegasi go in shock, before turning towards the tower.

“Come on Comet. We’ll get those darklings!” I nodded and we both shot towards the top of the tower at full speed. But then for some reason my mind flashed back to when I first read about the Tower of Ishal. This one memory made me speed towards Dash.

“Dash! Stop!” Dash looked back at me surprised, but luckily she slowed down enough for me to slam into her. And it was a good thing I did to, because as we tumbled through the air, giant projectiles fires at us from the tower. Ballista. The Tower of the Sun had built in ballista at every window and balcony. I explained all this to Dash once we were a safe distance away. An aerial assault would be impossible on the tower now that the darklings were mounting every ballista.

“Damn it. Then we’ll have to work our way up the tower. Let’s go.”

We flew to the bottom of the tower, barely managing to avoid the ballista bolts and we slipped into the front gate. It was difficult fighting in the cramped confines of the tower. Luckily with some good maneuvering we managed clear half of the tower.

“Luna’s protect us. What are these darklings doing ahead of the rest of the horde? They were never supposed to reach here!”

Dash asked as we both wiped the sweat from our brows. We only had a few cuts and maybe a couple bruises, but at least we were still alive.

“Weren’t you complaining that you wouldn’t get to fight.”

“Ha! Good point. Funny how these things work.”

We shared a small smiled but her face grew serious again.

“In any case, let’s keep moving.”

We kept fighting our way through the tower, but before we reached the room I was surprised to find that we had found the hound room. While Dash distracted the darklings, I pulled the lever freeing the hounds. The hounds leapt at the darklings tearing out their throats. All except one of the hounds chased the fleeing darklings, except for one who barked and nuzzled my chest.

“Aww look. You have a new friend.” Dash said, amused.

“I think he’s trying to tell us something.”

The dog barked in confirmation and raced to a nearby chest. When we opened it I was surprised to find a round shield with a Grey Warden symbol on it.

“Nice!” Dash said and quickly went to work strapping the shield to my shoulder.

“I'm sure your know how to use a shield.” I nodded and we continued to the top of the tower with my new shield and companion.

When we climbed the stairs to the top of the tower we stopped when we saw the creature guarding the top of the tower. It was a giant monster in the shape of a mountain goat, with claws and one yellow eye. It let out a loud roar and stood upright and dug its claws into a nearby boulder and threw it straight at us. Rainbow Dash slammed into my side, out of the way of the incoming boulder.

“That’s the biggest ogre I’ve ever seen!”

Dash shouted, drawing her sword. Before I could pull myself up, the ogre let out a loud roar and charged at us. Our wings flared out and shot into the sky out of its reach. The tower shook as its head slammed into the wall behind us. The hound leapt forward biting into the ogre’s leg. Dash darted in to help the hound and dug the tip of her sword into the creatures back. Dash held on for dear life as the ogre shook itself, the hound and I managed to keep it distracted. The dog kept darting forward for quick bites at the ogre, while I dove and kept kicking at its head, but I wasn’t able to get a clear hit with my lance.

We managed to slow the ogre down little by little, giving Dash the opening to pull out her sword and escape. The ogre swung at the dog repeatedly, barely managing to stay out of its reach. We managed to keep our distance and avoid the ogre as it ripped out huge chunks of the floor and threw them at us.

“The tower will collapse if he keeps this up!” I yelled as I avoided the ogre.

“The dog is keeping him busy. I’ll get his attention, and when you see and opening shove that lance right into his chest.”  Dash ordered. I nodded and waited for her to make her move. Luckily at that moment the dog ran right between the ogres legs. The ogre either was really stupid or had the intelligence of a child. It looked between its legs, giving dash the opening she needed. Dash speed forward and slammed into the ogre’s back at full speed. The ogre flipped and slammed onto it’s back with a loud crash.

“Now!”

I shot up to the ceiling, getting as high as I could before diving down towards the ogre. The ogre was still stunned, and could on sit there as I dove towards it. I let out a battle cry as the tip of my lance broke skin and entered the ogres chest. Black blood spurted into my face and a little in my mouth. I gagged at the horrid taste, but the ogre raised its arm and its fist zoomed down to me. I raised my shoulder, and braced myself as the ogres fist slammed into my shield. I didn’t hesitate, I shoved the rest of my lance into the ogres chest. The beast roared in pain, but the floor below it slowly crumpled sending the beast crashing through down into the floor below. I managed to grab the dog and dropped him off on what remained of the floor.

Dash flew towards one of the windows and grabbing one of the torches started to wave it, giving Sombra's army the signal.

…

Down below, an army was waiting behind the darkling forces. In front of the army stood Loghain, and his Lieutenant Flash Sentry stood beside him, waiting for the signal. Loghain watched as the darklings continued their assault on the fortress.

“Lord Sombra! The battle is getting worst.” Flash Sentry said, concerned.

Sombra nodded his head, his eyes still focused on the battle in front of him. Flash Sentry looked at his general, confused by his lack of concern.

“Should we attack?” He asked, desperate to enter the battle.

“We wait for the signal.” Was all Sombra said.

“But sir, the kings is in danger. Should we not-“

Before he could finish however, one of the soldiers cried out behind him.

“Look! It’s the signal!” Flash Sentry looked up at the tower, and smiled when he spotted the torch that signaled for them to attack. He spread his wings, eager to fly into battle.

“Sound… the retreat.”

His jaw dropped as he looked at Sombra who still looked at the battle in front of him.

“Retreat? But the king-“

“Do as I command!” Sombra growled glaring at Flash Sentry.

Flash Sentry glared back. They stayed like that until finally Flash Sentry nodded and turned to his soldiers.

“Alright boys move out! We’re going home”

The soldiers looked at each other in confusion before turning and marching away from the battle. Sombra simply stood there, watching the battle rage on for just a couple more seconds before turning away from the battle, from his king, from the castle, and from the Grey Wardens.

…

Down below, Midnight was fighting alongside King Soarin. Her body was covered head to toe in darklings blood, and the king was no different. Right after she decapitated one darkling, she could hear whispers in her head. The Archdemon was speaking. Commanding one of the darklings to-.

Her eyes widened in shock and she turned around, but she was too late. A pair of giant claws dug deep into her chest and sent her flying through the air and against a rock. The ogre roared and charged at the king and before Soarin could do anything, the ogre had his hand around his neck and slowly lifted him so he was staring into the ogre's eye. Then with a mighty roar, the Ogre squeezed.

The Kings armor was crushed, and Midnight heard the loud snap of the king’s spine breaking and blood spurted from the king’s body as the ogre dug his claws deep into the kings chest. Once the king stopped moving the ogre threw the body until it rolled and stopped in front of Midnight. She looked into the eyes of the lifeless king before glaring at the ogre who roared to the sky in triumph. Without saying a word, she grabbed the sword of the fallen king with her magic and picked up her own sword.

With her own battle cry she charged at the ogre. The ogre turned, ready to fight but Midnight was too fast. She slammed into the Ogres chest, unbalancing it. With blind rage, she stabbed the blades into the ogre’s chest repeatedly. The ogre tumbled backwards but could do nothing as Midnight lifted her sword, and stabbed the ogre in the head, killing it instantly.

Midnight smirked, but it was short lived as the the wounds on her chest took their toll.  She groaned as she dragged herself to the king’s body. She coughed, trying to ignore the blood in her mouth, and looked up at the Tower of Ishal. The signal. It was the signal! She looked around, but didn’t see Sombra or his army anywhere nearby. Then her mind flashed back to the meeting, when they discussed the plan she heard Sombra muttering.

“Yes my king. Glory for us all.”

She saw the look in his eyes, but thought nothing about it. But now it all made sense. Sombra should have been here by now. There she was, in the middle of the battle, surrounded by her fellow wardens who had already fallen in battle, and her fallen king. She was alone against the darklings, her body broken, her magic gone.

“In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death,”

A group darklings charged towards her, the one in the lead raised its sword. Midnight closed her eyes.

“Sacrifice.”

…

“Watch out!” I looked towards the stairs, only to feel the sting of three arrows hitting my chest.

“Comet!” yelled Dash. “Comet!”

I couldn’t say anything, as I blacked out.