For His Future Sovereignby Prophet Of DoomChaptersPart IPart IIPart IIIPart IFlash pressed the makeshift bandage over the bleeding gash on his left front leg, before tightening the knot with his teeth. He rubbed a hoof over it and noticed that blood was already starting to seep through. He leaned back against a wall and took in a sharp breath, as pain from his many cuts and bruises. Pain made worse by the fact that he hadn't slept for two days. The griffons had picked the perfect time for an attack. Cadence & Shining Armour were in Canterlot for a summit and they took full advantage. They came at dusk. Swooping in hard and fast. Hitting several locations across the city. Banks, jewellers, and the palace where Flash was stationed when it all started. His unit was hit hardest and with ferocity. Forcing them back into the building itself as the beasts made their way inside. The fighting raged through the first night until dawn and the remaining guards were pushed ever back until they could go no further. Flash surveyed the corridor to which he was somewhat intombed. It was a simple passageway between a guest room and the main stairwell. In the corridor with him were multiple bodies. Both pony and griffon. Thier blood mingling on the floor with their weapons and armour. He was now the only guard left and there were still many griffons. A large crash brought his weary attention to the far door. It lead to the stairwell and was shut tight with spears and blades jammed thoroughly into the door frame. He sighed, bringing his good hoof over his shoulder and knocked three times on the door beside him, "Get ready, their coming." "Ok," Came a reply from inside. Flash had no real idea who it was. During his retreat to this point, several ponies employed at the palace had run to them for safety. Flash had them barricade themselves into the guest room. Another crash from the other door and one of the spear shafts started to crack. "Can you get in?" Came another voice from the room. Flash looked at the door and weighed up the thought of getting inside but yet another crash from the far door put pay to that idea. From inside the guestroom, the terrified cries of a young filly could clearly be heard. Princess Flurry Heart had been left in the care of a nanny during her parent's absence and was now the target of this griffon gang. Flash couldn't be certain why but he suspected that they were to hold her to ransom, if not as a hostage for control of the empire. "There's no time," Flash finally answered, as yet another crash came from the far door. Breaking a spear and causing the other weapons to give a little. "Keep the door closed and don't open it for anything!" Crash. The door frame itself was now giving way. One more solid hit and it break. Flash Sentry rose to his hooves and picked up his spear. He rested his weary head against its wooden shaft and closed his eyes. Letting the one thought echo in his mind, Remember your training. The far door then came crashing into the corridor. Breaking off its hinges and landing on the body of a griffon. It was followed by a black griffon who towered over even the tallest pony. He brandished a stupendously huge war hammer over his shoulder and the lone guard with bemusement. Flash noted the white bandana tied around its neck and the red insignia on it. A griffon's paw ready to grasp a bleeding heart. The symbol of the Dire Claws. A notorious gang from the Griffon Kingdoms. He knew that he was to receive no quarter from them, so flash levelled his spear in a challenge. The griffon's response to this was a chuckle, followed by him gesturing with his head for the ones behind him to step up. Four griffons armed with crossbows did so and took aim at lone guard. Flash quickly held his spear from its shoe and swept it in an arc in front of him as the griffons fired. Swatting two bolts out of the sky. The third ricocheted off his armour but the fouth struck home. Impaling into his right wing. He grunted and nearly dropped his spear from the shock and pain. Breathing heavily, Flash glanced at his wing before turning his attention back to the intruders. Maintaining most of his composure, Flash shifted the spear in his hoof and hurled it at them. His aim was good but the throw lacked power and they were able to dodge it. They laughed at his efforts but this was short lived. It was a faint. As soon as the spear was thrown, Flash charged down the corridor. Picking up a spear from a fallen comrade and thrust it into the back of the first crossbowman. Pulling it free, the griffon fell down dead. Flash then swivelled and bucked at a second with both hooves, as the others tried to react. The griffon took it fully to the chin and flew hard into the wall head first. It slumped to the ground out cold. The third crossbowman tried to swing its weapon down onto his head but the pegasus was too quick and stepped back as the crossbow smashed and broke against the floor. It looked up just in time to see a spear thrust into its throat. Blood sprayed everywhere when Flash pulled it out. The griffon let out a silent scream. Rolling onto its back holding trying to stop the bleeding. The final one dropped its crossbow and recklessly lurched at Flash with its talons. He easily sidestepped. Bringing his spear around and stapping it through its spine. Killing it in an instance. The brute, who had been slow to react, swung his war hammer at Flash. He was bearly able to bring his weapon up to block when it hit, snapping the spear in two. Catching him in the chest, the blow sent him back up the corridor with the remains of his weapon. Now on the floor, Flash coughed loudly. Winded from the blow but the griffon did not relent in its attack. Picking flash up by the throat in one mighty paw and headbutted him with such force that it threw off Flash's helmet. He crashed back to the floor beside his broken weapon and shakily tried to get back on his hooves. The brute brought his war hammer above his head for a killing blow. In that moment Flash saw an opening. Grasping the broken spearhead in his hoof, he lurched forward and drove it into the griffon's heart. Dropping his weapon, the brute looked down at the little pony in shear disbelief. He swatted Flash onto his side, nearly clawing out an eye in the process. It would be the brutes final action. His eyes rolled back and he fell on his side dead. His bulk causing the floor and everything on it to shake. Flash looked down at him with his one good eye, running a hoof over his bad one. Well, First Base, I might be able to get to see you this summer, after all, little brother. The sound of crossbows being drawn caused him to grimmest. You had to hope, didn't you. He turned to look at the broken door to see three more foes. All aiming at him. From behind them stepped forth another griffon. She had a far more slender build than the others and judging by the array of jewellery and shiny trinkets that adorned her, she was clearly a higher up. As such, Flash raised up and pointed his broken spear shaft at her in a challenge. She took in the scene of carnage in the corridor. Of the blood and death. Her fallen grunts and the bleeding brute. She eyed the guard with destine and contempt. As such, she had no hesitation in issuing her order to her remaining grunts' "Kill him." The griffons opened fired. Flash once more tried to sweep the bolts out of the air but failed to catch any of them. Embedding themselves into his hoof and chest. The spear shaft immediately fell from his grasp and clattered on the floor. He staggered back, drawing in a deep breath with great difficulty. Looking up from his injuries. Flash glared at the leading griffon. She was unmoved by his defiance and with a flick of a talon, signalled them to reload. As they did, Flash Sentry couldn't help but ponder to himself. Of the events the last few days, of anything he could have done differently or just better, of the ponies that lay around him that he was soon to join, and of the crying princess now only protected by a barricaded door. The grunts drew they crossbows back and took aim. His last thoughts of Flash Sentry were of three ponies far away in Ponyville. His younger brother, First Base, and his aunt who looked after him. Then there was she, the one he wanted to be with more than any other. Three more bolts struck his chest, one into his heart. Flash Sentry was dead before he hit the floor. Part IIEviscerator, Subcommander of the Dire Claws, walked triumphantly down the corridor that had been at the heart of her problems for several hours. She made her way around the pools of blood and didn't even look down as she stepped over the body of Flash Sentry. She stood in front of the door that these ponies had defended so vehemently. She knocked loudly on it, bringing a response from inside. "Is that you, Flash?" She allowed herself a small smile to form and told those inside that all of their guards were dead. This brought a period of near-silence where only Flurry Heart's cries could be heard. "I am prepared to make a deal with you ponies. If you hand over the princess now, without any further trouble, and I may let you live." This was met with more silence. Making the griffon roll her eyes in irritation, "Oh, come on now. It's a fair deal. The princess or you will join the dead out here." "You First!" Eviscerator never knew what hit her. She was blindsided by a blast of blue magic which slammed into and through the outer wall of the palace. This didn't kill her but left Eviscerator badly concussed. Rending her helpless as she fell to the cold stone paving far below. Recovering from the initial shock, her grunts faced their new adversaries. Princess Cadence & her husband Shining Armour. Standing in the broken doorway. Thier faces ablaze with anger. The griffons reacted in the only manner they knew how. Raising their crossbows and opening fire but to their dismay, Shining Armour cast a shield spell and the bolts were deflected. With perfect timing, The shield was lowered and Cadence fired again. Catching one of the three and catapulting him outside. The resolve of the others broke and they fleed out of the hole. Only to be met by pegasi of the royal guard. Cadence now responded to the cries of her daughter and raced to the barricaded door. Shining Armour, however, made his way much slower. Stopping to check the fallen ponies for any sign of life but finding none. When he checked Flash Sentry for a pulse, he couldn't help but whisper, "Still Warm." The sound of hastily moved furniture and Cadence impatient hoof-steps door as the barricades were being removed .brought his attention back to the moment. Glancing through the hole to the outside. He could just make out the remaining griffons being subdued by the company of royal guard they had brought back with them. The're the lucky ones. He then joined his wife at the door, as it was slowly brought opened. At that time, a caravan of griffons made their way across northern wastes. Heading to the border under the shadow of a mountain. Their progress was slow. Having been burdened with ill-gotten loot. This was not helped by their leader, Falchion. Flamboyant, overambitious, and sporting a large gut. He insisted on being called "Lord" like the kings of old. "Come on you lazy gits," He bellowed. Shaking his clenched talons in the air and rattling his many trinkets. "Let's get this booty home." He chuckled to himself. With all this treasure and the news of this raid, It won't take much persuasion to get the Kingdom's chieftains to fall in line. Then the thought of proclaiming himself king of the Griffon Kingdoms ran through his mind. It drew a grin that stretched from ear to ear. And if Eviscerator would hurry up and bring me that tiny princess, then I could even.... The column he was in then came to an abrupt halt. Breaking his daydream, "Oi!! Why have you all stopped?" When no explanation was forthcoming, his irritation quickly focused in on the griffon right at the head of the group, "I said, why have you stopped!!!" He didn't answer just stared wide-eyed at the hillside to the south. To which many of the griffons behind him had now turned their attention. When Falchion turned his eyes to the hillside, his blood went cold. Somehow they had unto now, failed to notice that an army of royal guard was standing in battle formation above them. Earth ponies made up the units at the front and center. Lined up in ranks with their spears brandished and ready. Behind them were the unicorns and on the flanks were the pegasi, who were already moving to cut off the griffons retreat. They outnumbered them three to one At the heart of this army was its commanders. The royal sisters themselves. Standing together in a chariot. Their armor glistening in the afternoon sun. Falchion stopped gawping and began barking orders to his grunts. Quickly forming a battle line of their own. Blades were unsheathed and crossbows loaded. "Griffons of the Dire Claws!!!" Declared Princess Luna in her deepest regal tone. "You stand no chance. Surrender!" This was met by a wave of jeers and insults from the griffon line. Some even loosed their crossbows at ponies. None of which hit anything. Luna sighed, for this was their only chance they were giving them. After checking with her sister gave the order. The unicorns before them stepped up and each in turn down the line loosed a volley of magical blasts. This multicoloured volley struck high up the mountainside behind the griffons with a tremendous display of power. "Hah!! Was that meant to scare us, ponies?" Falchion bellowed insecurely. Pulling out his gem-encrusted sword. "We Dire Claws are worth more than any pony!" It was only then that he noticed a growing vibration in the ground. It quickly grew in intensity as Falchion panned around trying to see its source of them. When finally looked up it was just in time to see his doom. An avalanche slammed into the Dire Claws and completely buried them. A few more alert of their number tried to fly away from it but ran straight into a protective shield put up by unicorns and royal sisters, and they were swallowed up as well. The snow finally settled and a dead quiet descended upon the valley. The army stood with stone faces. Waiting for orders or the enemy to emerge. The latter never happened. "Sister, I'll stay with the rest and recover what has been stolen," Celestia said. Her eyes fixed forward. "Take your guard and link up with Cadence and Shining Armour. Tell them that the deed is done. " Part IIIPrincess Luna stepped down off her chariot and acknowledged the salute of the royal guards that had come to meet her. She glanced around the courtyard beneath the palace where the fighting had begun. The stone that was not broken, was stained blood and flame. Celestia had sent her to the city to deliver news of their victory, While she remained behind to recover what had been stolen. She eyed the first guard to meet her' "Where is Cadence and Shining Armour?" "I believe they are inside the palace, your Highness. I will inform them of your arrival." With this, he hastily moved inside. Luna, however, did not hear his reply nor watch him go. Her attention had been drawn by two guards to her far side. Bringing out a fallen comrade and placed him along with the honored dead. All lined up and covered with blankets. What pulled on Luna's heart the most about this scene was from some of the townsfolk attending them. Delicately laying the newcomer down and covering him. Then a white flower was placed on top, before offering a prayer for the departed soul. "Princess Luna." From the corner of her eye, Luna saw Shining Armour approach. Still kitted out in his pristine armor. "Is she..." "Flurry Hearts alright. She's with cadence." "Thank goodness," She sighed in relief. She looked back at the fallen as yet another pony was brought out of the palace to be laid beside them. "How many?" He took in a deep breath, "All of the guards of the third company are gone. A few from the fourth were injured but nothing too serious. As for our civilians, well, several were hurt and I believe some were killed. I don't have exact numbers at the moment. "The Third? Isn't that commanded by Flash Sentry?" Shining Armour nodded, "According to the survivors, he held them off just long enough for us to get here." "What are going to tell Twilight? Does two were close." Luna asked after a long pause. "I ......I don't know." "Excuse me, your Highness," Said a guard arriving beside them. Snapping off a salute before addressing Shining Armour, "Sir, Princess Cadence requests your presence." "Very well, private," He acknowledged. "Lead the way." The guard snapped off another salute and turned to the palace entrance. The two followed in turn. "Did you need much resistance entering the palace?" The captain shook his head, "There was only half a dozen left and they have been subdued." Luna nodded, "Good. Very good." "And yourself, your Highness?" He asked carefully. "Was your sister correct as to where the bulk of there group had gone?" "She was," She replied. Not allowing herself to smile. "We ambushed them just before they got into the Yaket mountains. You can tell the ponies of the Crystal Empire that they need not fear the Dire Claws anymore." "Can you be sure of this?" Luna stopped walking and looked him dead in the eye, "Trust me, captain. They won't be bothering any-pony ever again." Her meaning slowly dawned on him and decided not to ask for any further information on what happened. Despite this, it occurred to him that Luna was concerned about something else and he inquired as to what. "I fear this will not be the last we hear of this," She sighed. Ushering him to a place where they would not be overheard. "The Dire Claws had close ties across the Griffon Kingdoms and with many of its chieftains. Does who would not see things as we do." "You fear reprisals?" "I fear more than that, captain. I believe events that we may not be able to control, have been set in motion. This may only be the beginning." To be continued....
Part IFlash pressed the makeshift bandage over the bleeding gash on his left front leg, before tightening the knot with his teeth. He rubbed a hoof over it and noticed that blood was already starting to seep through. He leaned back against a wall and took in a sharp breath, as pain from his many cuts and bruises. Pain made worse by the fact that he hadn't slept for two days. The griffons had picked the perfect time for an attack. Cadence & Shining Armour were in Canterlot for a summit and they took full advantage. They came at dusk. Swooping in hard and fast. Hitting several locations across the city. Banks, jewellers, and the palace where Flash was stationed when it all started. His unit was hit hardest and with ferocity. Forcing them back into the building itself as the beasts made their way inside. The fighting raged through the first night until dawn and the remaining guards were pushed ever back until they could go no further. Flash surveyed the corridor to which he was somewhat intombed. It was a simple passageway between a guest room and the main stairwell. In the corridor with him were multiple bodies. Both pony and griffon. Thier blood mingling on the floor with their weapons and armour. He was now the only guard left and there were still many griffons. A large crash brought his weary attention to the far door. It lead to the stairwell and was shut tight with spears and blades jammed thoroughly into the door frame. He sighed, bringing his good hoof over his shoulder and knocked three times on the door beside him, "Get ready, their coming." "Ok," Came a reply from inside. Flash had no real idea who it was. During his retreat to this point, several ponies employed at the palace had run to them for safety. Flash had them barricade themselves into the guest room. Another crash from the other door and one of the spear shafts started to crack. "Can you get in?" Came another voice from the room. Flash looked at the door and weighed up the thought of getting inside but yet another crash from the far door put pay to that idea. From inside the guestroom, the terrified cries of a young filly could clearly be heard. Princess Flurry Heart had been left in the care of a nanny during her parent's absence and was now the target of this griffon gang. Flash couldn't be certain why but he suspected that they were to hold her to ransom, if not as a hostage for control of the empire. "There's no time," Flash finally answered, as yet another crash came from the far door. Breaking a spear and causing the other weapons to give a little. "Keep the door closed and don't open it for anything!" Crash. The door frame itself was now giving way. One more solid hit and it break. Flash Sentry rose to his hooves and picked up his spear. He rested his weary head against its wooden shaft and closed his eyes. Letting the one thought echo in his mind, Remember your training. The far door then came crashing into the corridor. Breaking off its hinges and landing on the body of a griffon. It was followed by a black griffon who towered over even the tallest pony. He brandished a stupendously huge war hammer over his shoulder and the lone guard with bemusement. Flash noted the white bandana tied around its neck and the red insignia on it. A griffon's paw ready to grasp a bleeding heart. The symbol of the Dire Claws. A notorious gang from the Griffon Kingdoms. He knew that he was to receive no quarter from them, so flash levelled his spear in a challenge. The griffon's response to this was a chuckle, followed by him gesturing with his head for the ones behind him to step up. Four griffons armed with crossbows did so and took aim at lone guard. Flash quickly held his spear from its shoe and swept it in an arc in front of him as the griffons fired. Swatting two bolts out of the sky. The third ricocheted off his armour but the fouth struck home. Impaling into his right wing. He grunted and nearly dropped his spear from the shock and pain. Breathing heavily, Flash glanced at his wing before turning his attention back to the intruders. Maintaining most of his composure, Flash shifted the spear in his hoof and hurled it at them. His aim was good but the throw lacked power and they were able to dodge it. They laughed at his efforts but this was short lived. It was a faint. As soon as the spear was thrown, Flash charged down the corridor. Picking up a spear from a fallen comrade and thrust it into the back of the first crossbowman. Pulling it free, the griffon fell down dead. Flash then swivelled and bucked at a second with both hooves, as the others tried to react. The griffon took it fully to the chin and flew hard into the wall head first. It slumped to the ground out cold. The third crossbowman tried to swing its weapon down onto his head but the pegasus was too quick and stepped back as the crossbow smashed and broke against the floor. It looked up just in time to see a spear thrust into its throat. Blood sprayed everywhere when Flash pulled it out. The griffon let out a silent scream. Rolling onto its back holding trying to stop the bleeding. The final one dropped its crossbow and recklessly lurched at Flash with its talons. He easily sidestepped. Bringing his spear around and stapping it through its spine. Killing it in an instance. The brute, who had been slow to react, swung his war hammer at Flash. He was bearly able to bring his weapon up to block when it hit, snapping the spear in two. Catching him in the chest, the blow sent him back up the corridor with the remains of his weapon. Now on the floor, Flash coughed loudly. Winded from the blow but the griffon did not relent in its attack. Picking flash up by the throat in one mighty paw and headbutted him with such force that it threw off Flash's helmet. He crashed back to the floor beside his broken weapon and shakily tried to get back on his hooves. The brute brought his war hammer above his head for a killing blow. In that moment Flash saw an opening. Grasping the broken spearhead in his hoof, he lurched forward and drove it into the griffon's heart. Dropping his weapon, the brute looked down at the little pony in shear disbelief. He swatted Flash onto his side, nearly clawing out an eye in the process. It would be the brutes final action. His eyes rolled back and he fell on his side dead. His bulk causing the floor and everything on it to shake. Flash looked down at him with his one good eye, running a hoof over his bad one. Well, First Base, I might be able to get to see you this summer, after all, little brother. The sound of crossbows being drawn caused him to grimmest. You had to hope, didn't you. He turned to look at the broken door to see three more foes. All aiming at him. From behind them stepped forth another griffon. She had a far more slender build than the others and judging by the array of jewellery and shiny trinkets that adorned her, she was clearly a higher up. As such, Flash raised up and pointed his broken spear shaft at her in a challenge. She took in the scene of carnage in the corridor. Of the blood and death. Her fallen grunts and the bleeding brute. She eyed the guard with destine and contempt. As such, she had no hesitation in issuing her order to her remaining grunts' "Kill him." The griffons opened fired. Flash once more tried to sweep the bolts out of the air but failed to catch any of them. Embedding themselves into his hoof and chest. The spear shaft immediately fell from his grasp and clattered on the floor. He staggered back, drawing in a deep breath with great difficulty. Looking up from his injuries. Flash glared at the leading griffon. She was unmoved by his defiance and with a flick of a talon, signalled them to reload. As they did, Flash Sentry couldn't help but ponder to himself. Of the events the last few days, of anything he could have done differently or just better, of the ponies that lay around him that he was soon to join, and of the crying princess now only protected by a barricaded door. The grunts drew they crossbows back and took aim. His last thoughts of Flash Sentry were of three ponies far away in Ponyville. His younger brother, First Base, and his aunt who looked after him. Then there was she, the one he wanted to be with more than any other. Three more bolts struck his chest, one into his heart. Flash Sentry was dead before he hit the floor.
Part IIEviscerator, Subcommander of the Dire Claws, walked triumphantly down the corridor that had been at the heart of her problems for several hours. She made her way around the pools of blood and didn't even look down as she stepped over the body of Flash Sentry. She stood in front of the door that these ponies had defended so vehemently. She knocked loudly on it, bringing a response from inside. "Is that you, Flash?" She allowed herself a small smile to form and told those inside that all of their guards were dead. This brought a period of near-silence where only Flurry Heart's cries could be heard. "I am prepared to make a deal with you ponies. If you hand over the princess now, without any further trouble, and I may let you live." This was met with more silence. Making the griffon roll her eyes in irritation, "Oh, come on now. It's a fair deal. The princess or you will join the dead out here." "You First!" Eviscerator never knew what hit her. She was blindsided by a blast of blue magic which slammed into and through the outer wall of the palace. This didn't kill her but left Eviscerator badly concussed. Rending her helpless as she fell to the cold stone paving far below. Recovering from the initial shock, her grunts faced their new adversaries. Princess Cadence & her husband Shining Armour. Standing in the broken doorway. Thier faces ablaze with anger. The griffons reacted in the only manner they knew how. Raising their crossbows and opening fire but to their dismay, Shining Armour cast a shield spell and the bolts were deflected. With perfect timing, The shield was lowered and Cadence fired again. Catching one of the three and catapulting him outside. The resolve of the others broke and they fleed out of the hole. Only to be met by pegasi of the royal guard. Cadence now responded to the cries of her daughter and raced to the barricaded door. Shining Armour, however, made his way much slower. Stopping to check the fallen ponies for any sign of life but finding none. When he checked Flash Sentry for a pulse, he couldn't help but whisper, "Still Warm." The sound of hastily moved furniture and Cadence impatient hoof-steps door as the barricades were being removed .brought his attention back to the moment. Glancing through the hole to the outside. He could just make out the remaining griffons being subdued by the company of royal guard they had brought back with them. The're the lucky ones. He then joined his wife at the door, as it was slowly brought opened. At that time, a caravan of griffons made their way across northern wastes. Heading to the border under the shadow of a mountain. Their progress was slow. Having been burdened with ill-gotten loot. This was not helped by their leader, Falchion. Flamboyant, overambitious, and sporting a large gut. He insisted on being called "Lord" like the kings of old. "Come on you lazy gits," He bellowed. Shaking his clenched talons in the air and rattling his many trinkets. "Let's get this booty home." He chuckled to himself. With all this treasure and the news of this raid, It won't take much persuasion to get the Kingdom's chieftains to fall in line. Then the thought of proclaiming himself king of the Griffon Kingdoms ran through his mind. It drew a grin that stretched from ear to ear. And if Eviscerator would hurry up and bring me that tiny princess, then I could even.... The column he was in then came to an abrupt halt. Breaking his daydream, "Oi!! Why have you all stopped?" When no explanation was forthcoming, his irritation quickly focused in on the griffon right at the head of the group, "I said, why have you stopped!!!" He didn't answer just stared wide-eyed at the hillside to the south. To which many of the griffons behind him had now turned their attention. When Falchion turned his eyes to the hillside, his blood went cold. Somehow they had unto now, failed to notice that an army of royal guard was standing in battle formation above them. Earth ponies made up the units at the front and center. Lined up in ranks with their spears brandished and ready. Behind them were the unicorns and on the flanks were the pegasi, who were already moving to cut off the griffons retreat. They outnumbered them three to one At the heart of this army was its commanders. The royal sisters themselves. Standing together in a chariot. Their armor glistening in the afternoon sun. Falchion stopped gawping and began barking orders to his grunts. Quickly forming a battle line of their own. Blades were unsheathed and crossbows loaded. "Griffons of the Dire Claws!!!" Declared Princess Luna in her deepest regal tone. "You stand no chance. Surrender!" This was met by a wave of jeers and insults from the griffon line. Some even loosed their crossbows at ponies. None of which hit anything. Luna sighed, for this was their only chance they were giving them. After checking with her sister gave the order. The unicorns before them stepped up and each in turn down the line loosed a volley of magical blasts. This multicoloured volley struck high up the mountainside behind the griffons with a tremendous display of power. "Hah!! Was that meant to scare us, ponies?" Falchion bellowed insecurely. Pulling out his gem-encrusted sword. "We Dire Claws are worth more than any pony!" It was only then that he noticed a growing vibration in the ground. It quickly grew in intensity as Falchion panned around trying to see its source of them. When finally looked up it was just in time to see his doom. An avalanche slammed into the Dire Claws and completely buried them. A few more alert of their number tried to fly away from it but ran straight into a protective shield put up by unicorns and royal sisters, and they were swallowed up as well. The snow finally settled and a dead quiet descended upon the valley. The army stood with stone faces. Waiting for orders or the enemy to emerge. The latter never happened. "Sister, I'll stay with the rest and recover what has been stolen," Celestia said. Her eyes fixed forward. "Take your guard and link up with Cadence and Shining Armour. Tell them that the deed is done. "
Part IIIPrincess Luna stepped down off her chariot and acknowledged the salute of the royal guards that had come to meet her. She glanced around the courtyard beneath the palace where the fighting had begun. The stone that was not broken, was stained blood and flame. Celestia had sent her to the city to deliver news of their victory, While she remained behind to recover what had been stolen. She eyed the first guard to meet her' "Where is Cadence and Shining Armour?" "I believe they are inside the palace, your Highness. I will inform them of your arrival." With this, he hastily moved inside. Luna, however, did not hear his reply nor watch him go. Her attention had been drawn by two guards to her far side. Bringing out a fallen comrade and placed him along with the honored dead. All lined up and covered with blankets. What pulled on Luna's heart the most about this scene was from some of the townsfolk attending them. Delicately laying the newcomer down and covering him. Then a white flower was placed on top, before offering a prayer for the departed soul. "Princess Luna." From the corner of her eye, Luna saw Shining Armour approach. Still kitted out in his pristine armor. "Is she..." "Flurry Hearts alright. She's with cadence." "Thank goodness," She sighed in relief. She looked back at the fallen as yet another pony was brought out of the palace to be laid beside them. "How many?" He took in a deep breath, "All of the guards of the third company are gone. A few from the fourth were injured but nothing too serious. As for our civilians, well, several were hurt and I believe some were killed. I don't have exact numbers at the moment. "The Third? Isn't that commanded by Flash Sentry?" Shining Armour nodded, "According to the survivors, he held them off just long enough for us to get here." "What are going to tell Twilight? Does two were close." Luna asked after a long pause. "I ......I don't know." "Excuse me, your Highness," Said a guard arriving beside them. Snapping off a salute before addressing Shining Armour, "Sir, Princess Cadence requests your presence." "Very well, private," He acknowledged. "Lead the way." The guard snapped off another salute and turned to the palace entrance. The two followed in turn. "Did you need much resistance entering the palace?" The captain shook his head, "There was only half a dozen left and they have been subdued." Luna nodded, "Good. Very good." "And yourself, your Highness?" He asked carefully. "Was your sister correct as to where the bulk of there group had gone?" "She was," She replied. Not allowing herself to smile. "We ambushed them just before they got into the Yaket mountains. You can tell the ponies of the Crystal Empire that they need not fear the Dire Claws anymore." "Can you be sure of this?" Luna stopped walking and looked him dead in the eye, "Trust me, captain. They won't be bothering any-pony ever again." Her meaning slowly dawned on him and decided not to ask for any further information on what happened. Despite this, it occurred to him that Luna was concerned about something else and he inquired as to what. "I fear this will not be the last we hear of this," She sighed. Ushering him to a place where they would not be overheard. "The Dire Claws had close ties across the Griffon Kingdoms and with many of its chieftains. Does who would not see things as we do." "You fear reprisals?" "I fear more than that, captain. I believe events that we may not be able to control, have been set in motion. This may only be the beginning." To be continued....
