The Elder Scrolls: Equestria

"...We crucify ourselves between two thieves: Regret for yesterday and Fear of tomorrow..."

You would think with everything I'd been through that day, and the previous week, the gods would throw a mare a bone. Obviously not.

“Kill them!” the mare and several more Nighstalkers left the main battle and charged at us. They carried wicked looking swords and brutal warhammers. How a pony could hold a twenty pound hammer in her teeth I'll never know. Lucky for me, I don't need a hammer.

Fire erupted from the tip of my horn and bathed the ground in front of them in hot death. All but one unicorn mare scattered, trying to avoid being cooked alive. Grover could handle them, my problem was the mare who didn't run. Her horn glowed crimson and her body erupted into flames.

“Oh, shit!” I fucking hate cloaking spells! she charged right through the wall of flames and rammed right into me. The flames singeing my mane and the parts of my coat not covered by my barding. Including my fucking face!

“Get off me!” I hadn't used this trick very often, since I so rarely ever got discovered on the job but everypony in the Guild knew it. I made the motion that I was sitting down and rolled onto my back. Then I kicked the mare right between her hindlegs with all four of my hooves. The mare screamed hysterically, putting her hooves between her flanks as she flew back through the air. Grover took the opportunity. He spun and slashed both of his swords through her neck. He didn't even look in the mare's direction as she was cut in two. Her head and body flew to the ground and landed with a nasty crunch.

While I raised a magical shield and sent small bursts of lightening at anypony who came too close, Grover went on the offensive. He cut the knees of the stallion directly in front of him then crossed his blades before decapitating him. One buck swung a warhammer at Grover's head only for the griffon take to the air seconds before it hit. He threw one of his swords at the buck who barely raised his weapon in time to deflect it. The blade ricocheted off the hammer and slashed the throat of a mare nearby before flying right back into Grover's talons.

“Damn.” that was all I could say. Grover moved like he was dancing instead of fighting for his life. His movements were precise and he never once faltered against an opponent. Anypony who went after Grover ended up dead or dying at the griffon's feet. The entire time I watched him fighting he never flinched, or recoiled. He was an unstoppable force of death.

While he looked like he was having fun I was just trying to keep them away from me. I have some impressive spells sure, but once my enemies get close enough to strike I either have to run away or try and trick them. I wasn't like Grover. I could use a dagger but in a full blown fight an eight inch blade didn't do much. Fortunately, I didn't need to fight that's what he was for.

There were less than a dozen Nightstalkers now. Our arrival had distracted them long enough for the Royal Guards to gain the upper hoof. That, and the fact that Grover was a fucking tornado of death, his blades soaked in pony blood. Every one of his sword strokes resulted in another dead opponent. Watching him cut through vicious warrior ponies like they were nothing but wet paper ignited fear inside me.

The Princess didn't send him with me to guard me or her money. I thought darkly. She sent him to hunt me down and kill me if I try to run. That had to be it.

I lowered my magical shield as the Royal Guards cornered the last three with tall golden shields and their spears. The Nightstalkers were striking at them ferociously but the Guard's shields were unwavering. Seeing that defeat was inevitable, the four remaining Nightstalkers sank their teeth into their left shoulders. Blood and white foam burst from the ponies mouths as they spasamed and fell to the ground in a twitching heap.

Grover sheathed his blades and stared at the four ponies who hated Celestia enough to kill her soldiers and then themselves when defeat was unavoidable. His expression was absolutely disgusted.

“What is wrong with your species?” I threw my right foreleg over his shoulder and almost slipped off from the blood coating his armor.

“Oh a little of this, a little of that.” I said sarcastically, drawing worried looks from the guards. “I just like to think of it as being 'special'. Isn't that right boys?” the guards looked taken aback by the question. They tucked their heads together and after a few moments of frantic whispering one of them left the group and approached us.

“Thank you for the assistance, civilians. But why are you here? This Outpost is currently on lock down.” Grover wiped some blood off of his saddlebags and pulled out a scroll with only a little blood on it. He passed it to the unicorn who's eyes widened when he read it. “You two are the Princess's agents?” Grover and I nodded.

“You were due here hours ago. By chariot if I read the report right...” his expression filled with worry. “Where are Clipper and Dust Storm? They're supposed to be with you...”

“Huh, I'm surprised you didn't see the explosion.” I said sarcastically. “The Pegasi didn't make it. Real sorry about that. Now, about our provisions?” the guards looked crestfallen but didn't inquire further. Grover shot me a very dark look from under his helmet's visor before following the head guard into the walls of the camp. The other guards watched me with expressions ranging from suspicious to sad and hateful to frightened. Wasn't surprising really. Only a few moments ago they were watching me set ponies on fire and Grover cutting the Nightstalkers to ribbons.

Grover and the guard returned burdened with saddlebags that were filled to bursting. The guard tossed one pack to me while Grover walked straight past me and onto the road.

“Get a move on.” he said simply. I strapped the bags over my own and followed as fast as I could. I knew a thing or two about making your pocket space count but these bags were ridiculous!

“What the hell is in these?” I asked after the outpost was out of sight. “Did you fill them with bricks or...” I was about to say, 'bags of sand' but Grover cut be off with a hard smack to the face. I readied a bolt of lightening but before I could even start casting he knocked me onto my back and pushed the tip of one of his swords against my throat. It felt like the longest time with him just standing there, his blade on my neck. Without a word he sheathed his blade and pulled me to my hooves before continuing south along the road. After a few minutes I managed to find my voice again.

“You...uh, going to tell me what that was about?” he didn't reply. “Because if I did something to offend you and your freaky griffon pride than all you gotta do is tell me.”

“That was needlessly cruel.” he said after a few moments. I didn't get it. What was cruel? My confusion must have shown because he stopped in his tracks and said, “What you said to that soldier. It was cruel and pointless. Why did you say that to him?” Oh, that...that! That's what he's pissed about?

“What? I was just being truthful. Was I supposed to tell him, 'Oh yeah, they are totally fine. Just went back to Canterlot for a drink and some cheap whores'.” I told him. What was the big deal? “Seriously, Feathers you griffons got some weird ways of communicating.” Grover slapped the side of his helmet and returned to being silent. I have to admit, I liked him better when he was being a smart ass (at least he was entertaining) now he was just boring.

Needless to say the rest of the day was boring. Grover refused to talk to me (for whatever reason) and nothing else in the wilderness seemed to want to test itself against us. We saw a few ponies on the roads -mostly traveling merchants-  but one look at Grover sent them scurrying to the side to avoid us. He was still covered from head to foot in blood.

“You want a rag or something..?” I asked, holding out an old shirt I took off one of the Nightstalkers -that and all their bits, smaller weapons and even a half dozen healing potions-. He took the shirt grudgingly and began wiping at the almost completely dry blood.

“Here.” I said, floating my canteen towards him. He poured some water on the shirt and had a much better time getting the blood off his armor and coat. Not that it did much good. Once his chest piece was mostly clean a trickle of fresh blood leaked out from under his armor.

“I don't know if you've noticed but your armor is dirty again.” he ripped the shirt in two and shoved one half under his armor, but he did nothing else. “I scavenged some potions from the Nightstalkers you so gleefully murdered. Would you like one?”

“I murdered no one. Thieves and cowards murder. I defeated them in fair combat.” that was bullshit, those poor bastards didn't stand a chance against him. But I didn't call him on it, and since he was busy ignoring me I took the opportunity to see what kind of tracking spell the Princess placed on me. My horn glowed gold as I activated my spell. This drew Grover's attention immediately.

“What are you up to?” he said, gripping the hilt of his sword threateningly.

“It's a spell to detect nearby life,” I lied smoothly. “I'd prefer not to be caught off guard again if you don't mind.” he nodded, removed his talons from his blade and continued walking.

The spell Celestia used was complex...but not perfect. It was an advanced tracking spell that connected me to either to the Princess herself or a secondary magical object. Like a map or maybe a mirror. Or...maybe a triangulation spell.

“Maybe...” I whispered to myself, drawing a suspicious look from Grover. “Just a squirrel.” I told him. I felt myself smile despite trying to hide it. I'll have it cracked in a day. Two tops! To keep up appearances I changed to an actual life detection spell.

“Uh, oh...” there was something massive and angry in the trees to the right of us. “Grover!” I whispered and pointed at the treeline. Figures. Were just a mile from the Applewood mountain range and something else has to happen.

Grover unsheathed his blades in a fraction of a second and dropped his bags on the ground. Two savage yellow eyes appeared in the brush, the creature let out a deep growl that reverberated in my bones. The head of an enormous lion with horns emerged from the trees, followed by a powerful cat body with dragon-like wings and the tail of a scorpion.

“Son of a bitch.” I said as the Manticore roared and charged us. I started to launch a fireball at it but stopped mid cast. If that thing kills Grover, I'll be able to focus on cancelling the spell. Then I'm home free!! I let the spell die and watched the monster charge at Grover with anticipation. If only I had some popcorn. I thought glumly. Grover flapped his wings  and jumped clear over the Manticore before bringing both his blades down on it's tail, severing it.

The monster roared in pain took a few swipes at the griffon. Come on! Just gut him already! But the stupid bastard was too slow. Grover darted around the Manticore like a hummingbird, striking out at it every time it moved. Soon the beast was covered with dozens of deep gashes gushing boiling hot blood on the ground. With one final thrust Grover drove both his swords into the nape of it's neck. It reared up on it's hindlegs and roared in pain before falling face first onto the ground and landing in a twitching, bloody heap.

“Damn.” I managed to say; the little pony in my head was screaming a lot more colorful things. I had to be very careful with Grover, even with my magic he could kill me with his eyes closed. “So...if you're not a mercenary where did you learn to fight like that? I thought you griffons just spent your days counting your gold.” Grover pulled his blades free of the carcass and began wiping the blood on the Manticore's coat. How can he move that fast in armor like that? I had to find out more about him...if he can kill a Manitcore like that he could beat Shadowmark... nah. He can't be that good.

“You're not wrong.” he said simply. “about my people I mean. Most griffons do as you said, hoarding their gold and gems like dragons do. But I care not for gold, so I learned to fight.”

“What's wrong with gold?” I asked, more than a little insulted. Gold was...everything really. Bits make the world go round and all that. “If you don't care about bits than what are you doing in Equestria anyway? I'm sure Griffonstone is lovely this time of year.” he scowled darkly at me in response. “Oh, come on! We're going to be traveling together a while, just give me the reason you left. Please!” he remained silent for a little longer, just long enough to put his pack back on and continue down the road.

“You want to know why I'm here?” he asked slowly. I nodded. “Then I'll tell you.” he took a deep breath and pointed to the east.

“I left my home to come to this war torn land seeking something that will help my people. Celestia will help me retrieve it in exchange for helping her fight Emperor Grogar.” he turned back to me. “I will gladly give my life if it means my people will get what they need. And if that means keeping scum like you alive then that's what I'll do.” I didn't know how to respond to that so I didn't.

“Your turn, sneak thief.” he said, smugly. “If you studied magic most of your life, how come you decided to be a thief?”

“Sorry to say it's a short, boring story,” I lied. In reality it was long and the exact opposite of boring. “Being a scholar doesn't quite rack in the bits like a good ole lock pick. So once I was old enough I came to Canterlot and enjoyed a spectacular three year crime spree before being ratted out by that bitch Ambrosia.” to my surprise he actually smiled. It wasn't smug or sarcastic either, but a genuine smile.

“You got that right. That mare is the most aggravating creature I've ever come across.” Just a little more...

“Yeah she's just the wor- ahh!” I stuck my hindleg in a small hole in the road and fell forward. The best way to make something look real is to make it real. Grover caught me before I hit the ground and a put a hoof on his bags to steady myself. With one swift motion I removed a bundle of scrolls from his bags and dropped it into my own.

“You alright?” he asked. Dumbass.

“Yeah, just hit a hole in the road. One disadvantage of hooves. Aren't you the lucky one?” He shrugged.

We followed the road until nightfall. Checking the map every once in a while allowed me to keep tags on how far we'd gone. We were only half an inch from the Guard outpost and Everfree forest but I figured we'd gone at least fifteen- maybe twenty- miles. Not bad considering.

“We'll make camp here. I'll get some wood, use that spell of yours to keep an eye out for anything dangerous.” he told me dropping his pack of provisions on the ground. (he kept his own saddlebags on his waist.) I was tempted to look through the scrolls but instinct told me to wait. He'd probably cut my head off if he saw me going through his things...Idea!I dropped floated the scrolls before me and used a spell that came with my profession. The bundle glowed bright orange and disappeared. Then it two identical bundles appeared in my magic's grasp.

“Silver, you are a genius.” I put the copy in my bags and waited for Grover to return with the wood. Once he had the wood prepared I threw my right foreleg around his neck. “Thanks, Grover. It's going to be cold tonight, I can feel it.” he didn't notice me putting the scrolls back in his pockets.

“Don't think anything of it.” he told me. “Now why don't you light it?” he stepped back as fire erupted from my horn and bathed the wood. In minutes we had a hot, roaring fire beside the road. I dug a few apples, some cheese and a slice of bread from my bags while Grover chewed on a couple dead rats from his own food supply. Fucking...Griffons. I shook my head and pulled one of the copied scrolls from my bags. Upon seeing it Grover scowled and checked his pockets. His eyes widened in surprise and he scratched his head.

“What are you reading?” he asked, suspiciously. I smiled and opened the scroll.

“This is the first volume in the autobiography of Guildmaster Nightingale.” I lied smoothly. “Here's the opening quote' If I steal Bits from anypony, there may be no harm done in the mere transfer of possession; she may not feel the loss or it may prevent her from spending it badly. But I cannot help doing this great wrong towards pony, that I make myself dishonest.” his eyes widened in surprise.

“Well...that was shockingly profound. But I have to say, I've never heard of this 'Nightingale' before.” it took every ounce of restraint I had not to facehoof. I finished my food in one gulp, rolled up the scroll and returned it to my bags. Whatever was in them could wait until later.

“That is unacceptable! Nightingale is the founder and grand matriarch of the Guild, and she deserves to remembered.” I reared up and stuck my right foreleg in the air.

“How are you going to tell me without the scroll?” he asked.

“I have the story memorized. Now are you going to let me tell the story or not?” he nodded and waved for me to continue.

“It all began forty years ago, just after the rise and fall of Nightmare Moon. On that faithful day Luna raised the moon to block out the sun. That day... Equestria witnessed it's first and only solar eclipse. The very sight of the sun being swallowed by the moon and the ensuing darkness that surrounded the world struck terror into the hearts of millions...and inspired others!

“Nightingale was known by another name in her youth but it is lost to time. She was a simple cut purse living in Arcadia when she witnessed the eclipse. While the other ponies of the city screamed and ran for cover, hoping to be spared the unnatural terror that they were witnessing, she saw opportunity. While the ponies of Arcadia had stormed the palace and hid behind it's walls, Nightingale filled her bags with every Bit, piece of jewelry and valuable gem in the city then skipped town. She made more money in five minutes than she had in her entire lifetime, and this gave her an idea.

“Before Nightmare Moon the thieves of Equestria were disorganized, unskilled and fought against one another for supremacy. After Luna's banishment Nightingale took it upon herself to bring order to the chaos, and so the Thieves Guild was born. Using her charms, uncanny skills and at times sheer force, Nightingale brought every thief in Equestria under the Guild's banner. Those who wouldn't join were killed or went into hiding. Nightingale alone brought peace Equestria's underworld.

“Once the infighting settled down Nightingale declared was declared the very first Guildmaster. All the thieves of the Guild swore themselves to her and what she created, and the Guild knew nothing but prosperity and peace for decades after...” Grover leaned back against his pack and crossed his hindlegs.

“Well. That was informative. Got to say I didn't think sneak thieves could be organized.” he grabbed his canteen and took a long pull before continuing. “Of course I heard of the Guild when I was back in the capital but I thought it was a load of rubbish. Whatever happened to her?” he asked. Ugh...

“She was assassinated by a stallion named Black Wing fifteen years ago.” I said. “He broke the tenets and caused a schism in the Guild.” He whistled, Wait...he has a beak. How'd he do that?

“Nothing like a civil war. How did that go?” he asked sarcastically. I groaned inwardly. This story sucked.

“After Nightingale was murdered seven different ponies challenged Black Wing's ascension to Guildmaster, and the rest of the Guild split apart and stood behind the pony they thought would be best at leading us. To keep it short Grover, it was a long, and bloody schism that ended with seven factions being killed off by Shadowmark and his followers. He's been in charge since...” I rubbed in my muzzle in thought. Maybe I could trick Shadowmark into killing Grover?

“Well thanks for the bed time story, sneak thief. I'm going to sleep.” he unrolled a sleeping bag and stretched out on it. “I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'll remind you.” he drew his sword in the blink of an eye and pointed it at my muzzle. “If you try to run, I'll hunt you.” he smiled, sheathed his blade seeming went to sleep. I hadn't been thinking of trying to run (not yet at least) but now that he said not to I was tempted to hightail it through the country side.

But the scrolls were calling to me.

I sat back down and removed the first scroll from my bags once more. I unrolled it, and from the first few inches it appeared to be a journal written in surprisingly elegant script.

First Day of Sun's Dusk, Year 17. Seventeen? The year is 41 AC. Eh, maybe it's a griffon thing. I shook my head and read on.

I led a squad of Pegasi in a scouting mission along the lines today. Seems that the Legion was fortified again last night. At least another three thousand rams and counting. We still outnumber them nearly two to one but if they keep coming in like this we won't last long. I expressed my concern to the General that an advance was imminent......

I miss Sapphire...

I managed to kill a high ranking officer who happened to be inspecting the lines. Almost lost Cloud Breaker to crossbow fire in the escape but the lucky bastard managed to dodge the shot. He decided to leave the bolt sticking out of his helmet for sentimental reasons. I guess if any Legionnaires see him they might think he's already dead...or maybe a zombie or something?

Second Day of Sun's Dusk, Year 17.

It was just like I feared, the Legion made another big push today. If they keep moving like this we'll have to fortify Arcadia. But I can't honestly say that they didn't pay for every inch they took in blood. I feel like I'm wading waist deep in blood. I killed a hundred and thirteen Legionnaires today but every time I cut one down another appears in it's place. Grogar seems hell bent on taking ground by sheer numbers. Far be it from me to correct the tactics of the enemy but I assume he only has so many Legionnaires, perhaps he should be more careful with them?

A hundred and thirteen? Holy shit! That's insane.

Third of Sun's Dusk, Year 17.

I saw Gilgamesh in my dreams again. Princess Celestia offered to remove the memory from my mind when I met her but I just couldn't. What I did was wrong, terrible, but it would be worse to just pretend it didn't happen. I shouldn't have even told her, I deserve to see him.

I can feel home calling me once again; the scent of fresh seared salmon assails my nostrils and makes my mouth water. I long for my beautiful Sapphire, I think of her every day.

Daw, how cute!

Every day I fight this blasted war I long to go home. But I can't leave until this war is over and I get what we need. Once that bastard Grogar's head is on a pike my mission will be over and my people will get what they need most. I must be patient. General Secretariat has informed me that I'm to return to Canterlot three days after Celestia left the encampment. The journey will take only a day and a half in the sky but I think I will take a longer route. It's been so long since I could just enjoy the scenery; where Equestria isn't torn by war it is quite beautiful. Reminds me of the plains between the Hyperborians back home.

Forth of Sun's Dusk, Year 17.

I flew between the Smokey mountains today. The land was beautiful. The lush greenery, the woodland creatures, and the crystal clear streams running through the valley between the mountains left me in awe. I know the Princess wouldn't approve but I took a few hours to sketch the scene. I do hope Sapphire likes it.

In addition I had an interesting conversation with two stallions in the area. They talked about building a homestead and asked my opinion on whether they should start with growing food or building shelter. Given the whether I saw no need for a house, but at the same time planting crops would diminish the land's natural beauty the same as any structure. In the end I simply told them to flip a Bit to decide, but for some reason I can't fathom I think they're still arguing about it.

Huh...never pictured him as a nature lover. I looked over at the griffon snoring quietly on his bedroll. That didn't stop him from butchering that Manitcore. I read on, starting to feel invested.

Fifth of Sun's Dusk, Year 17.

My true mission has begun. I was recalled from the front lines for a reconnaissance mission. Celestia has commanded me to protect and monitor a captured thief by the name of 'Silver Scroll'. The Princess tried to assure me that this mare is the edge we need but I'm not so sure. I understand the Princess's need for espionage but she has plenty of such agents at her disposal. Perhaps she doesn't want to risk any of her ponies in an infiltration attempt. Or maybe she just likes pulling the strings. I know not.

Turns out that this Silver Scroll was captured in an attempted theft of the Elements of Harmony. The Princess wouldn't share what they were or what they do but from what information I could find they must be powerful weapons. I hope she has the good sense to use them to destroy Grogar. If not I may have to take matters into my own talons.

It seemed that I started on one of the more recent journals. The scroll was one of over a dozen. Grover snorted and rolled over, startling me into almost dropping the scroll in the fire. I rolled up the journal, returned it to my bags and looked at the sky. The moon was shining brilliantly above us, surrounded by hundreds of shining stars. The silhouette of a unicorn mare stood against the luminescent white of the moon. No wonder the Nightstalkers want her back. She wanted this to last forever.

I yawned loudly and used my magic to unfurl my own bedroll before sprawling out on it. I left my barding on, but it was made of lack leather. How Grover could sleep comfortably in metal body armor I had no idea, but he was doing it.

I curled up and watched the last of the embers die out before me. I don't know when but I fell into a dreamless sleep.

Grover shook me awake early the next morning. He already doused the remains of the fire and packed his bedroll.

“Come on, sneak thief. We have a lot of miles to cover.” he said tiredly. I got to my hooves, stretched and packed my things back into my bags. Then we continued down the road. I floated another apple from my bags and took a bite as the road weaved through two mountain ranges. The Applewood mountains and the Rockies. To the direct south lay Equestria's rock farms while to the far north was the Whitetail Woods, and the unicorn city of Arcadia. At the rate we were moving we could be in Applewood in two days at most. And from there just half a day to Timbucktu.

An hour after we started moving we came across the first ponies traveling on the road. Took long enough to find some suckers. I thought looking over the unicorn mare and her earth pony guards. They weren't soldiers, maybe mercenaries or friends of hers. She was pulling a cart covered with purple silk. Time to strut my stuff.

“Follow my lead.” I whispered. Grover looked at me curiously but didn't question me.

“Greetings!” I said to the mare once they were close enough to hear. “might I say you look like three scrupulous and intelligent ponies if I'm not mistaken.” the bucks smiled but the mare looked suspicious. Up side of having such a nice ass and a face as beautiful as mine was that stallions were easy. But at the same time my looks made most mares intimidated and jealous, and therefor harder to fool. But I am a professional.

“What do you want?” she asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.

“I just thought you looked like a sensible, intelligent pony who would be interested in improving their life.” I floated a small crystal from my bags and cast a illumination spell on it. The crystal glowed with several bright colors. “This my dear mare is a Soul Stone. It has the power to grant wishes once per day.”

“Is that the best scam you got?” she asked sarcastically with a smile. “I've seen fillies with better sales pitches.” Oh really?

“Stone, I wish for a Bit.” I used my magic to make a false Bit appear from thin air in front of me. The mare's jaw dropped in surprise.

“How much?”

                          ….......................

“That was completely unnecessary,” Grover said as I pranced happily down the dirt road, flipping a Bit on and off of my muzzle. Grover was trotting to my left, breathing deeply. He was really fast in the forest and when he was fighting, but wearing all that armor in the heat and keeping up with me seemed to be wearing him out. So he is mortal after all.

“That was totally necessary!” I told him indignantly. “Besides, this thousand Bits is in far better hooves now than before.” I lifted the large bag of Bits off my back and shook it merrily. “Come on....” I whined. “You know you want some.”

“No.” he said grumpily.

“Oh, come on!” I shoved the bag under his beak with my magic. “You know you want it. You can take the whole bag! Consider it my thanks for being such a stoic protector.” I pulled the string, opening the bag and his eyes widened. They twitched as he beheld the large some of gold. Maybe I can buy him off. Suddenly he scowled, grabbed the bags and launched himself into the air. He flew clear over the mountain and disappeared from sight.

“That went well. Now all I have to do is disable the tracking spell...” I stopped mid sentence as Grover reappeared over the peak and dove straight towards me. He landed hard next to me, his claws gouging the earth beneath him. He no longer had the gold.

“What did you do?” I asked. Maybe he hid it somewhere?

“I threw your gold into a river.”

“No! I can get them!” I told him as he dragged me on the ground behind him, his tail wrapped around my waist. “I can't leave them behind!”

“I dropped the bag in the middle of a deep river. Since I'm fairly sure you can't breath underwater you're not getting it back.” he said tiredly. He'd been dragging me like this for almost ten minutes and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't break his tail's grip. Maybe if I shot him with lightening? No, he'd probably dodge it. Maybe I could turn him into a mouse? Not that either, I never tried that spell on anything larger than a teapot. And if I missed or fucked it up he'd probably kill me.

“You idiot! Why did you do that?” I asked indignantly. “If you didn't want it you could have just told me to keep it. I earned every Bit of that money!” Asshole. He snorted loudly and shook his head.

“You didn't earn one coin. You swindled it out of insecure fool with your magic. If only you used your magic for good, who knows what you could accomplish.” I knew what I could accomplish if I tried to kill him. Wait a moment... My horn glowed brightly and I focused on casting a  spell that would attract some unique visitors.

“Did you hear that?” Grover asked, looking in the direction of some trees and other foliage.

“I didn't hear anything.” I wasn't going to tell him anything. Hopefully, whatever it was would be able to get rid of the psychotic bastard.

“There it is again,” he said, standing on his hindlegs and gripping his blades. “Are you sure you didn't hear something?”

“Afraid not. My hearing isn't the best being dragged on my belly on a fucking dirt road like a foal.” I said sarcastically. Just a little longer...

Then it happened, a large black and white creature with insect wings and multiple limbs burst out of the trees. it's eyes glowed crimson, it six legs all ended in razor sharp claws longer than my dagger and it had two antenna growing out of it's head.

“What in heaven's name!?” He shouted. Sweet fucking Luna. He doesn't even curse when he sees a fucking Bug Bear.

He lifted me with his tail (which surprised me) and threw me to the opposite side of the road while he drew his blades.

“Time to send you back to Tarterus, foul monster!” the Bug Bear roared and slashed at Grover's face. The griffon took to the air just seconds before the attack could hit him, then he flew over the Bug Bear's back and in one clean stroke cut it's wings off. The Bug Bear roared in pain and crashed to the street with a bone breaking thud but it got to it's feet at once and looked at me. Pure hatred in it's red eyes. Oh....Fuck.

I got to my hooves and galloped down the road as the Bug Bear chased after me. Grover was flying beside it striking it with his blades every second, leaving large gushing wounds everywhere he managed to hit. But the Bug Bear showed no signs of slowing down, or that it even noticed any pain. My heart raced, my throat burned terribly and my legs felt like the were on fire. I wanted noting more than to stop and sit down but I knew if I did the Bug Bear was going to get an easy meal.

I looked over my shoulder just in time to watch Grover dive out of the sky like a javelin and impale the Bug Bear through the head with both his swords. Grover buried his blades all the way to the hilt inside the monster's brain. The Bug Bear fell forward skidded to the ground behind me. I still had to run for almost thirty feet before it stopped sliding and when it finally did stop I dropped to the ground panting hard. Okay, I'll put up with him...for a little longer.

Much to my surprise, once Grover removed his swords from the Bug Bear's corpse he sheathed them and brought me his canteen.

“Drink up. You just galloped a solid mile.” I took it and drank gulped the water down quickly. I didn't even stop to breath as I emptied the canteen. “You're not an athlete are you?” I floated his canteen to him and shook my head.

“Don't have to run...very often.” which was true, I normally make it back to the Guild coin in hoof before anypony even realized I robbed them. Looking at the dead Bug Bear I added, “Thanks for killing it. I would have been Bear chow.” he nodded and looked at the dead creature.

“Just doing my duty. What I don't understand is where the damn thing came from.” he said scratching under his helmet. “I didn't even know Bug Bears lived in this area.” to be totally honest neither did I. I was just hoping for something big when I cast the attraction spell.

“No idea. Just dumb luck I guess.” he didn't question my answer. As fast and deadly as Grover was he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. And that suited me just fine.

The rest of the day was uneventful. The weather turned unbearably hot as we reached the edge of the Great San Palomino Desert. We'd reach the village of Applewood by tomorrow night.

Like the night before Grover gathered firewood and set it ablaze. And just like the night before once the griffon went to sleep, I went to reading. This scroll appeared to be a much earlier set of journal entries.

Seventeenth of Red Trot, Year 15.

I don't really know why I'm writing this. Sapphire said it will help me focus and relax but I don't know. I'd much rather be home, but the pony Princess is our only hope. I told her of our plight and she is willing to help in exchange for assistance in the war. I haven't taken a life in more than a decade but if I have to take a thousand more to help my people than I will. I just hope Sapphire doesn't think me a monster for it. Perhaps I just won't tell her. If he killed a hundred and thirteen in one day I think he missed the thousand mark a long time ago.

Twentieth of Red Trot, Year 15.

Sapphire was right. Again. I don't know what it is about writing but it makes me feel better about my situation. Princess Celestia was rather disappointed that I was the only griffon who was helping her. She seemed to believe I could rally my kind to fight Grogar and almost reconsidered our arrangement. She changed her mind once she saw me fighting in Vanhoover, and due to my combat prowess she has put me under the command of one General Secretariat.

I just hope I can survive long enough to return home with my reward.

Thirtieth of Red Trot, Year 15.

It seems that I woefully underestimated the evil I have chosen to face. An entire Legion was destroyed by the Royal Guard to the west of Whitetail. We thought it would be a crippling blow to Grogar but it wasn't. The monster raised them from the dead. I've spent the last three days killing the same rams over, and over, and over, and over...Grogar is a sick bastard.

I almost dropped the scroll. He brought them back to life..? Like zombies? I didn't even know rams could use magic, but magic of that level...

Another thing that has been bothering me is the ponies I've been fighting beside. I never knew kinship in Griffonstone. The only griffon I ever knew who cared for me is Sapphire. Even my parents cared more for gold than me. But the ponies of Equestria are far different. After a few days of guarded suspicion the Royal Guard seem to have grown warm to me. Many of them thought I was just a sell-sword interested in making gold off of their misery. But after some time they found about about me. How I was here of my own free will an they seemed to warm to that. I've been invited for drinks in the officers cabin several times because of my interaction with the Princess but I never went. So when the normal soldiers asked me to their own little party I agreed.

It was the first time since I left Sapphire that I felt happy. That I felt hope. It's amazing what having one night with no killing can do for the soul... I was thinking of giving up. Going home and seeing my Sapphire again. But after tonight I feel my confidence returning. We. Will. Win.

I tried to imagine what Griffonstone was like. It must have sucked pretty hard for Grover to leave the one griffon he cared about to fight on war for somepony else. In a country that had little love for him. I looked over at the griffon with a new feeling. I hadn't felt anything close to this since the first time I saw Shadowmark sparring in the Guild training room. Respect. He was certainly a better pony er, person, than I was. Whatever. I rolled up the scroll and returned it to my bags. Grover suddenly jerked, his left hindleg reached up to his head and scratched his helmet comically.

“No way...” I whispered. Snickering I pressed a hoof to my muzzle to stop from waking him. I'll have to make a memory orb of that. The very thought had me giggling like a filly. Grover jerked and rolled over making me stop. If he woke up I don't think I would have been able to come up with a good enough lie.

I woke Grover the next morning, we ate breakfast and headed straight for Applewood. I hadn't been able been able to sleep. Grover was just to funny. It's like he's a fucking house cat or something. Dammit, I wish I had a ball of string!

For the first time it what was only a few days but felt like forever I had a day where nothing tried to kill me. Granted the Bug Bear was my fault it still felt nice. Grover was stoically silent most of the time. I had a plethora of new questions I wanted to ask but I had to bite my tongue. If I asked the wrong question he would realize that I'd read his journal. He wouldn't know that I made copies but he'd think I read them and returned them to his bags. So I asked questions that were common enough to avoid suspicion.

“So, what's it like in Griffonstone?” he seemed a little surprised but answered without hesitation.

“It is...different from Equestria to say the least. There is no kinship there like there is here. Most griffons just ignore one another or fight over trinkets.” his expression turned to one of longing. “Not all are like that though.” I smiled coyly.

“Got a mare back home?” I asked bumping his flank with my own and immediately regretting it. Fucking armor!

“That's none of your concern.” he said dryly, his face going blank again. Damn!

“I understand, that's private info. No argument here.” I smiled coyly and whispered, “Is she cute?” His face went bright red underneath his helmet. She must be a damn cutie. I left Grover alone after that. More out of fear that he might try to kill me if I kept pestering him than anything. His journals made if clear enough that his kill count was easily in triple digits, and I was sure it wouldn't take much to make him add me to the list.

By mid day the heat was excruciating. The sun's rays were beating down on the landscape like Celestia's wrath. Maybe I pissed her off. But there was a silver lining. The land was flat for miles. The only break in the landscape was the Applewood mountains and right by the mountains was the village named for them.

And it was burning.

Level Up! Pickpocket 50. New Perk Added, Animal Magnetism: you have an uncanny ability to attract dangerous wildlife, you now do 10% more damage to creatures and take 10% less.