The Iron Crow

Chapters

Chapter 1: Dire Situation
Chapter 2: The Thin Man
Chapter 3: Arrival
Chapter 4: Discovery
Chapter 5: Siege
Chapter 6: Flash and Bang
Chapter 7: The Demon in Glasses

Chapter 1: Dire Situation

Chapter 1

Dire Situation

The sun shined bright on the sleepy town of Ponyville; a charming little hamlet with a rustic feel about it. The townsfolk were friendly, the prices weren’t too high and there were always a smile to be found. Despite it’s looks, it frequented from the creatures of the Everfree Forest, a very old and dangerous forest that had a variety of monstrous creatures dwelling behind the green foliage. The town was accustomed to the occasional timber wolf or manticore, but now new bands of creatures have moved in. Goblin raids have become a common occurrence and the towns folk had started to take up arms and fortify walls against the invaders.

The towns people were doing their best, but they were far from soldiers and the horde of goblins were relentless. Many of the townsfolk had taken up arms with shovels, axes and other sharp or blunt farm equipment. The local blacksmith had also made several shields and swords, but very few people knew how to properly use them. They did the best they could, but the waves were becoming more frequent. Princess Twilight Sparkle a woman with dark indigo hair with a stripe of magenta running through it was sick with heavy thoughts as she tapped her finger against her desk.

Her lavender colored wings shifted as she stood up from her chair and paced around the room. She could see the medical tents from her window. Many people were injured in the last raid, thankfully no one was killed, but quite a few were bedridden and would be for some time. Twilight didn’t want to see any more people injured or worse while she stayed in her castle and watched from afar. She decided to take action.

She walked over to a large standing mirror and waved her hands. A lavender colored aura encompassed them as the mirror’s shiny surface that rippled like a stone was thrown into a calm lake. Soon, the image of a man with wavy blue hair that went down to the base of his neck that contrasted his dark blue dress uniform that had several campaign ribbons and medals pinned to it.

“Hello?” The man said.

“Shining? It’s Twilight.” A smile spread across the soldier’s face.

“Twiley! It’s been too long.” He said in a sweet tone.

“Shining, I’m an adult now. Must you really keep treating me like a kid?” She said with a chuckle.

“It’s my job to.” Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head at her brother’s vain attempt at humor. “So what’s up?”

“Shining I know what you said about the Royal Guard being stretched thin, but we need guards.” There was a heavy sigh over the mirror and the captain rubbed his face. It might not have been clear to the untrained eye, but Twilight could see the exhaustion in those crystal blue orbs.

“I wish I could help you Twi. I really, really do, but my hands are tied. There’s barely enough soldiers on our borders, and with the Changeling peace situation,” He trailed off for a moment as he bit his lip. “we can’t let our guard down.” Twilight let out a disappointed groan at the words. Ever since the failed invasion two years ago, finding her had been an around the clock event.

Recently, a large portion of her hive defected and wanted to help the Royal Guard bring her to justice for the atrocities she’s committed. Needless to say, many were skeptical about this uneasy alliance and kept Changelings at arm’s reach.“Hang on a second,” Twilight heard what sounded like shuffling papers as he walked away from the mirror’s view. “There’s a new batch of guards that will finish training in three weeks. I could grease a few palms and see if I could get some of them stationed there.”

“Shining, we need experienced soldiers who know what they’re doing. This is a small town with mostly merchants and famers that can barely hold a sword straight and the goblins aren’t going to wait around for them to get better!” She stammered. The young scholar took a few deep breaths and calmed down. “I’m sorry. I just want to protect my home.”

“I know how you feel. It’s tough not being able to do anything.” There was a long pause before the man sighed. “I may not be able to do anything, but I may know someone who might.” He walked out of range from the mirror and Twilight heard papers shuffling. He came back into view with a few papers in hand. “Have you considered hiring sell swords?”

“Mercenaries?” She had heard that thee were militant group out in the world that would protect caravans and small villages, provided they had enough coin to pay them with. “How can I trust people who only care about money?”

“The royal guard has used them in the past to handle things we don’t have time for, mostly tracking bandits and dealing with aggressive wildlife.” He said as he looked down at the papers. “Most mercenaries are former members of the guard or constables anyway.” Twilight rubbed her face with her hand and sighed.“There’s one band that I’ve had dealings with in the past. They’re a bit of a motley crew, but their rap sheet is quite impressive.”

Twilight weighed her options; she could either hope the local populace learn quickly or hire a bunch of mercenaries that she knows nothing about. She looked out her window and her eyes absentmindedly drifted towards the Everfree Forest and then to the medical tent where some of the town’s finest were being treated for their wounds. She let out a sigh and looked at her brother’s image.

“What’s this mercenary band’s name?” She asked.

“They're called The Iron Crows.” He said as he read the name off the paper.

“How do I get in touch with these Iron Crows? I doubt they have a mailing address.” She said as she crossed her arms under her chest.

“Leave that to me.” He then pulled out a pocket watch and bit his lip.“Sorry Twilight, but I need to address the brass.” Twilight nodded and wished him luck before she cut the connection and the image in the mirror was her own. She gazed out the window once again hoping she’d made the right decision.

Chapter 2: The Thin Man

Chapter 2

The Thin Man

“Damn trees,” An irate man said as he bushwhacked through the grove of trees. He was a tall unassuming man with a thin frame and was using a cane to steady himself on the un even root covered ground. A pair of round glasses were perched on his nose in front of his vibrant green eyes. He looked ahead and saw an opening in the thick green grove not too far ahead. “oh thank the gods, a road.”

He said as he made haste towards the first road he’s see in three days. The light shined down on his shining silver colored hair as he brushed the leaves out of it and off his dark green long coat that was over a dark grey tunic and brown pants. The road was a combination of dirt and a few scattered stones along the sides. He reached for his travel sack on his back and pulled out a map to make sure he was going the right way. As he looked at the map he heard dirt and rocks being crunched under heavy boots as four men came out from the trees each with a weapon in hand; two with swords and another two with bows, arrows slacked, but knocked.

“Good afternoon,” One of the men said as he got closer. The thin man looked up at the sky and adjusted his glasses.

“By my count it’s still morning, not past ten.” He said as he turned back to the map paying little mind to the four men who were surrounding him. The two with swords looked at one another in surprise. Usually their prey would be begging for their lives or pull out a weapon, yet this stick of a man was as calm as a spring afternoon. “Can I help you gentlemen with something?”

Three of the men were getting agitated with being taken so lightly. One was reaching for an arrow to knock against the bow, but a sharp whistle by one of the men with swords stopped him. The one who whistled had a better set of leather armor than the three and seemed to have an air of authority about him. The leader stepped forwards and his shadow was casting on the stranger’s map. “You’re in my light, do you mind?”

“Now you listen here,” The thin man let out a loud groan and folded the map up before facing the man as if he were looking at a fly that kept buzzing in his face.

“I’m in a hurry. I’m late as it is, so can we please just get this over with so we can both be on our way?” The thin man slung his sack off his shoulder and started to unpack his goods. He pulled out a half eaten loaf of stale bread that only the desperate of the desperate would consider eating and possibly break a tooth on. A small pouch filled with a few coins, a six inch knife that was so dull it couldn’t cut a block of cheese.

A leather skin half filled with water. A wool blanket and a few bottles of ink along with some parchment. There was also a change of clothes; a simple green shirt and a pair of pants. “That’s all I’ve got on me, have at it.” He said as he sat down on the ground.

One of the guards took the bag and looked inside to see it empty while the other took the pouch of coins and started counting. “There’s only five silver pieces and ten coppers.”

“Quiet.” The bandit said as he started counting again, he was certainly not the brains of the group. The thin man sat in the dirt in silence as they continued to inspect the goods. The leader noticed the dark green coat around the man’s shoulders.

“Let’s have the coat too.” The leader said.

“Oh this old thing?” He stood up and took off the long coat and handed it to the leader. The article had several crude patches on the inside and most of the color had been washed away from extended use.

“Celestia’s arse, where’d you get this thing? The stitching is terrible.” He said as he looked at the inside of it.

“It was cheap.” The leader let out a low chuckle and handed the pathetic coat back to him. Once everything was laid out and inspected, the leader scratched his chin.

“What’s all this ink and paper for? You a priest?” The stranger let out a laugh.

“No, I’m not a priest, just an aspiring writer.” The leader grunted and left the paper and jars of ink alone. He and his crew had no use for them. The leader’s eyes sharpened as he saw the cane’s silver head glinting in the sunlight. “Surely you won’t rob a cripple of his cane, besides I’ll need the iron more than you will.

“And why is that?” One of the bowmen asked with a raised eyebrow. The stranger took off his glasses and cleaned the lenses.

“Because tonight there will be no moon in the sky and I’m sure you gentlemen know what that means.” All the bandits looked at one another with nervousness on their faces. They all knew that on moonless nights, creatures of the dark were more active and wandering travelers were more likely to run across them. Everyone knew there were two things worked against those creatures; light and iron.

“You four gentlemen certainly have an abundance of iron swords and arrowheads, while I only have this cane and that knife.” He pointed to the dull knife laid out on the blanket. The bandit leader held up a hand.

“Keep it, I’m not one to rob a crippled man of their cane.” The thin man thanked them. “George,” The other bandit with a sword looked up. “take the blanket, but leave him yours.” The bandit nodded and pulled out a blanket that was in slightly worse condition that his was in.

They took his clean shirt as well, but left him the spare pants along with half his money. Over all it was the most civil robbery the thin man had ever been subjected to. He packed his knife, papers, ink and used blanket back into his bag. “See how good things can be for everyone when they’re reasonable?”

“I whole heartedly agree.” The thin man said as he finished packing. He stood back up and was about to go on his way when the bandit stopped him with a hand on his chest.

“Just one last bit of business.” He held up his large hand that had several scars and callouses on the palm and fingers. No doubt the result of many, many fights. He closed his large hand into a fist. “Where do you want it?” The thin man looked at the hand and then let out a sigh in understanding.

“Left cheek if you’d be so kind?” The bandit nodded and cracked the knuckles on his right hand. “One moment,” He reached up and removed his glasses from his face and put them in his cloak pocket. “ready.” The bandit’s hand crashed into the left side of his face making him spin before he fell to the ground.

“Nothing personal sir just good business,” The leader said before he and the other three disappeared back into the rows of trees. A few minutes ticked by and the thin man finally stood up and shook his head before he put a hand on his left cheek. He winced as he felt a large bruise forming on his skin that would no doubt leave him with a black eye. He got his things in order and continued to make his way down the road.

He spent the next few hours walking down the road as the sun got higher in the sky. He stopped for a few minutes to snack on the stale piece of bread and drank some water. It was around midday when he heard the sound of hooves and wagon wheels approaching. He turned around to see a cart being pulled by two chestnut horses. He got to the side of the road and held up his cane.

“Ho traveler!” As the cart approached he could make out a brown leather stetson hat atop some golden hair. The cart pulled to a halt and he looked to see it was a woman holding the reigns. She was wearing a red plaid shirt and washed out brown pants that had many stains from prolonged use.

“Howdy there,” She said with a southern accent. She looked him over for a moment taking note of his ragged appearance and the bruise that had now swollen his left eye shut. “are you okay partner?”

“I had an unfortunate run in with some unsavory characters on the road, but I’m for the most part intact.” The woman’s green eyes widened and she took a moment to look around as if they were about to be attacked. “Fret not, I’m sure they’ve moved on to more profitable pastures.” He said with a smile. “I was wondering if you knew how far away the closest town was.”

The woman stood up and looked down the road. From this angle he could make out her muscular frame and tanned skin no doubt the result from working long hard hours in the sun.

“Closest town is about fifteen miles down the road.” She pointed with a leather gloved finger. The man grimaced. It would be well past dusk by the time he got to the town, even if he ran the whole way.

“Could I perhaps trouble you for a ride?” He said as he put on an innocent smile. The woman turned her head sharply and raised an eyebrow. He could feel her green eyes examining every part of him almost as if she was testing him. She let out a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes.

“Climb up.” She put her hand out and he gladly took it in his. Even through the leather glove he could feel the muscles in her hand, possibly the same amount of muscle than the bandit that gave him the bruise. He pulled himself up onto the seat while the farmer slid over to make room for him.

“Thank you and I swear I’ll pay you for the ride.” He said as he sat himself down beside the farmer. She put two fingers to her mouth and let out a loud whistle. Both the horses’ heads perked up and started moving forwards. He set his bag down beside him and let stretched his arms up over his head.

“Name’s Applejack,” She held out one hand to shake.

“Nice to meet you Ms. Applejack,” He gave her hand a hard shake. “my name is Sterling Crane.” He said with a chuckle. He then felt a wave of pain come from his eye and he winced as he tried to open it.

“Those bandits certainly did a number on you.” She said as she looked at the bruised eye.

“They went easy on me because I gave them what they wanted.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle filled with ointment. He scooped a little on his finger and applied it to the bruised area around his eye.

“You didn’t try to fight them off?” She asked.

“That would have only made things worse.” He said as he capped the jar and put it back in his bag. “I saw no reason for things to get bloody so I let them push me around a bit.”

“Now why would you go and do a bone headed thing like that?” Another thought came to the farmer. “How do you expect to pay me if you don’t have any money?” Sterling reached down and pulled off his leather boot before sticking his hand inside feeling around for something. He soon pulled out a small bag of coins. He opened it and pulled out two silver coins and gave them to the farmer.

“You’ll get the other two when we get to the town.” The farmer’s eyes widened at the amount he’d given her. She was expecting a few coppers from the man.

“Why didn’t the bandits find this on you?” She asked as she pocketed the money.

“Because I gave them just enough so they wouldn’t get curious.” He said as he put the money back in his boot and his foot followed. The farmer looked at him perplexed. “I take it you don’t travel often?” She shook her head.

“Nope, this is just a supply run for the town.” Sterling looked in the back of the cart and saw it filled with different barrels and crates. The smell of apples was quite evident among them.

“Well, when you’re on the road alone you need to be mindful of bandits and highwaymen. If they stop you, it’s important to have just the right amount of coin on you. It’s best to just pay them what they want and they leave you for the most part, undamaged.”

“I don’t get it.” She commented. Sterling rubbed his forehead as he thought of the best way to explain the situation.

“If you have nothing of value then they’ll be angry and take their anger out on you. If you have too much then they’ll get greedy and take everything you have. However, if you have just the right amount, they’ll take it and won’t bother you. It’s actually fortunate that the bandit slugged me.” He gestured to his swollen eye.

“Say what?”

“When you first saw me what did I look like?” The farmer gave him a sideward glance and examined him.

“You still look like someone who got the tar kicked out of them.” He gave a chuckle.

“Exactly. Would a bandit go after someone who already looked like they got robbed and have no valuables left?” Applejack opened her mouth to comment, but couldn’t think of anything to say. “So why is a lone farm girl like yourself taking the backroads?” She turned to face him with a scowl.

“You think I can’t handle myself?” She said with a huff.

“Just saying that the main road is a lot faster and safer.” Bandits usually stick to the back roads since the main roads are usually under guard and attacking them would definitely catch the attention of the Royal Guard.

“The bridge on the main road is out and the goods will spoil if I waited a few weeks for it to be repaired, so I took this way.” She said as she looked forwards. “Where are you going anyway?”

“I was on my way to a small village just outside of Canterlot.” He said as he leaned back in the seat. “Some backwater town called Ponyville.”

“I’m from Ponyville.” She said in a flat tone. Sterling mentally kicked himself for the comment he made. “Why are you going there?”

“I was requested to go there by the Princess who lives there.” He almost fell forwards as she made the cart pull to a halt. He turned to face the farmer but all his bravado went out the window as he saw her two emerald eyes sharp as knives as she glared at him.

“What business do you have with Twilight?” She inquired. Her tone was serious and he was sure she’d throw him from the cart if he wasn’t careful.

“I can’t really go into detail, but just know that I’m going there to help her.” The farmer looked him up and down checking for any sign of lying. She relaxed and sat back.

“Fine, I believe you for now.” She said as the cart started moving again. As the day grew shorter and they traveled they spoke of small things. Mostly about the apple farm Applejack works on. They saw no one on the road, traveler nor bandit to be seen. As the sky grew orange Sterling heard a loud splintering sound before the entire cart shifted sharply to the right and the two were thrown from their seats.

The horses whinnied in surprise and halted their canter. Sterling shook his head as he got off his back and reached around on the ground for his glasses. “What in tarnation?” The farmer said as she shook her head and collected her hat off the ground.

“Did we hit something?” He asked as found his glasses and rested them on his nose. He stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants and green cloak. He heard a loud vile curse come from the farmer and walked over to the right side of the carriage where she stood with her hands on her hips. As he drew closer he saw the front right wagon wheel was broken in half.

“Just what I need.” Applejack huffed. As she looked at the broken wheel she though that a certain annoying performer was right not to trust wheels.

“Do you have a spare?” he asked as he looked at the wheel.

“Yeah, it’s in the back, but there’s close to four-hundred pounds of goods between it and us. No way can I lift the whole cart and off loading it is gonna take hours.” She sighed. Sterling tapped his lip and started to think before he went back to his seat and pulled out his bag. “What are you doing?”

Her eyes went wide as he reached inside and puled out a long metal bar that was far too large to be concealed by the bag. He reached in again and pulled out a strange metal device that he set up under the side of the cart just behind the broken wheel’s axel. Sterling inserted the bar into one end and he started to pump the bar up and down as a rigid metal jaw rose towards the cart. As the claw pressed against the wood there was the sound of creaking wood as the weight was shifted from the broken wheel to the clamp. With a few more pumps, what was left of the front right wheel was lifted up off the ground and the still attached half hung limply like a dislocated limb.

“Well, get the wheel.” Applejack shook her head and went to the back of the carriage and got underneath where the spare wheel was. As she undid the leather straps that held it to the underside of the carriage she tilted her head forwards to see Sterling inspecting the axel. “The good news is that the axel is still intact.” He called out as she took the wheel down and returned with it.

“What’s that thing?” She nodded to the odd clamp as she started to take the broken wheel off.

“That is,” He paused for a moment and bit his lip. “well I don’t have a name for it yet, but it’s just one of my little trinkets I made.” As she got the wheel off she looked at him in confusion.

“You made that thing?” He nodded proudly.

“I tinker every now and again.” Within minutes, Applejack had replaced the wheel and Sterling put the strange device back into his mysterious bag. They saddled up on the cart and continued down the road as the sky grew to a fire orange color. As they crested a hill, Sterling saw a small town with large wooden walls build around it. “Is that it?”

“Yep, that’s it.” She said as a smile spread across her face at the sight of her home. That smile suddenly shattered as the sound of a loud horn accompanied by screams echo from the town.

Chapter 3: Arrival

Chapter 3

Arrival

Twilight sighed heavily as she set her quill down on her wooden desk and turned to look out the window that faced out towards the town. There was a knock on her door and she quickly made herself look presentable. “Yes?” The door opened to show a woman in her mid twenties. She was dressed in dark brown leather armor with matching bracers and shoulder pads. Her skin was similar in color to her armor, perhaps a shade darker.

Her hair was a deep green color that was tied back into a single braid that ended between her shoulder blades and her eyes were like two golden coins. The woman was Viridian Thorn, head of the town watch. Up until recently the only duties the town watch dealt with were public drunkenness, breaking up screaming matches between disgruntled customers or lovers and the occasional timber wolf that wandered into town. Lately they’ve been the vanguard against the goblin assault with Viridian at the front.

The guard had been the head of the watch since before Twilight came to Ponyville and despite the simple jobs she’s done around the small town she knew her way around the fight. Everyone knew that if you got into a drunken stupor and started picking fights Viridian would be there soon to break it up and wasn’t afraid to bloody her knuckles in the process. “Viridian,” Twilight smiled. “how is the rest of the watch?”

“Thunderlane is still unconscious and will be for a while, Pierce and Caramel are up and about but they’re still recovering.” She said with a sigh as Twilight folded her hands on her desk.

“I’m glad they’re okay.”

“The real problem is the infections from the Goblins’ claws. A good supply of the antibiotics have already been used to treat them and we’re starting to run low.” She said with a sigh.

“Zecora is trying to gather ingredients for medicine, but the Goblins forced her out of her hut and it’s too dangerous to go into the Everfree forest to gather herbs. Hopefully Applejack will be back soon with the supplies from her cousin in Appaloosa.” Twilight insisted that Zecora stay in her castle until the goblin situation got under control. The sound of a loud horn made both women jump in their seats.

They both ran to the large window and saw people scrambling for cover. Twilight’s hand glowed a lavender color and both women were teleported out of the castle and near the wall that the town had built around itself. Viridian quickly climbed the battlements and looked out over the field towards the forest.

“Status report!” She barked as another member of the watch came up to her with a spy glass.

“Movement near the far tree line ma’am.” She looked through the object and even in the dim orange light of the setting sun she could make out movement and the creatures that lurked within.

“Get ready, we’re about to get hit hard. Close the gates!” She ordered and the few men she had quickly scurried to their positions. The large wooden gates closed while Twilight stood atop the wooden battlements and started chanting an incantation. A large spell circle opened up beneath her feet and a large bubble of purple magic encircled the town. Viridian stared in amazement, she’d been creating these massive shields for almost every night for weeks.

Twilight panted heavily, but kept her concentration. “Are you alright Twilight?” the captain put a hand on her back to help her stand.

“I’m fine, just keep the town people safe.” A man with rusty orange hair came up beside them. The two immediately recognized the man as the patriarch of Sweet Apple Acres, Macintosh or ‘Big Mac’ as he was better known. He was a large wall of pure muscle made from spending long hours in the sun doing grueling work and easily stood two full feet taller than the two women.

Worry was present in his emerald green eyes. “Mac, what is it? Is your family safe?” He nodded at the question.

“Granny and Bloom got in town just before the horn sounded, but AJ still ain’t back yet.” He said in a worried tone. “She was supposed to be back by now from Appaloosa.” The two looked at one another. They hadn’t seen her since she left.

“Captain!” A man called out and pointed to the tree line. Viridian looked with the spyglass and saw several of the small creatures running from the forest.

“To the walls!” She yelled and the few men she had manned their positions armed with crude bows and arrows along with long pointed sticks and rocks. The goblins banged on the lavender barrier sending pulsing ripples against the wall of pure magic. Viridian turned to look at the Princess who was straining to keep the barrier up as dozens more of the goblins ran up and bashed against the magical shell.

“Twilight!” The lavender Princess opened her eyes and looked up to see a familiar cyan winged flyer with flowing rainbow hair pointing out towards the road. Viridian looked through the spyglass and saw a familiar cart rushing down the road. Twilight took the object and gasped as she saw the familiar wagon barreling towards the town.

“You can’t lower the shield, the walls wont hold.” Viridian stated. Twilight glared at the captain as Rainbow touched down beside the two. “Can you open up the shield enough to just let her through?” Both women turned to look at the lavender Princess.

“I can try, but I can’t guarantee that some won’t make it through.” Viridian drew her blade and rushed to the gate. Upon her order, the men opened it up for the green haired woman and she rushed outside the wall with a few able bodied fighters eager to get the cart to safety. The goblins had heard the whinnying horses and had shifted their attention from the town to the much more vulnerable prey.

Applejack’s horses shrieked as they saw the goblins charging. She cracked the reigns and spurred the horses on as they approached the town under siege. She looked to her left to see Sterling staring at the town. Not in fear, but more of an analytical gaze as if he was sizing them up. His gaze was broken as one of the creatures hopped up onto the seat.

Sterling pulled his hand back into a fist and slammed it into the goblin’s mouth. The iron ring on his finger burned against it’s filthy skin and the creature shrieked as it if were hit by a hot poker. It fell off the cart and was run over by the back wheel making the cart bounce a little. The thin man reached into his bag and was reaching around for something.

Another goblin jumped onto the seat, this time in front of the farmer and it gripped her arm. It’s long black nails digging into her skin. The farmer screamed as she felt her blood pouring out. She did her best to block out the pain and focus on getting to the safe haven. She fixed her gaze back on the goblin who had now sunk it’s vile teeth into her muscled arm.

There was a deafening sound next to the farmer and the goblin’s head exploded into several clumps of flesh and blood. The creature’s body went limp and released the farmer. She turned her head to see the man throwing what looked like small rocks at the horde. As they approached the shield they saw an opening large enough for the cart and a few people inside with a few crude weapons. As they just passed the precipice of the shield, the man hung off the side of the cart and there was another deafening blast.

Just as the shield closed, the there were several large fireballs that erupted in the field of goblins. Charred pieces of the creatures flew every which way and the small of burned hair and flesh was present in the air. The large gates of the town opened and the cart skidded to a halt as the farmer pulled on the horse’s reigns. Sterling hopped off the cart and climbed the battlements to look out at the field. Viridian and the others came back inside and followed suit.

The goblins had seen the explosion and a good portion of their forces had been incinerated or blown to pieces. They all started looked at one another and started hissing and clicking their tongues. They decided to cut their losses and retreated back into the forest with great haste at the sight of the sudden turn of events. The group of rag tags cheered as they saw the creatures fleeing. Sterling sighed and headed back down to the cart where the farmer was struggling to get off the cart.

Her arm and leg were bleeding heavily and she stumbled forwards. A pair of strong arms caught her and she saw a familiar tuff of rusty orange hair.

“Thanks Mac.” She said as she leaned against the cart while he fussed over her. The farmer anxiously looked at his sister as Twilight and Viridian arrived.

“Are you feeling okay Applejack?” The farmer deadpanned at the Princess. Viridian tore a piece of her shirt off and wrapped the woman’s arm and leg as best she could. She winced at the pain but let her work. Twilight didn’t know many healing spells and she was completely worn out from the assault.

“I’ll live.” She said as Viridian finished tying off the bandages. Sterling retrieved his bag and came around the side to see the group.

“Well, that was an interesting encounter.” He said as he took off his glasses and cleaned them from some of the creature’s black blood that had sprayed on it. He set them back on his nose and he looked at the individuals until settling his gaze on the lavender Princess. “You must be Princess Twilight.”

“I am.” She answered with a raised eyebrow. “Who are you?” The man gave them all a grandiose bow with a flourish of his hand.

“My name is Sterling Crane your highness, I represent the Iron Crows. We received word that you needed our assistance so they sent me.” A wave of relief washed over the Princess at the words. Viridian slowly turned her head and glared at the Princess.

“Oh thank goodness. I wan’t sure if you got my brother’s message.” He nodded. “How many more are coming?” Sterling looked at her and then at the other faces.

“Just me.” Her expression shattered.

“Just you?” Viridian said irritated at the whole situation.

“I dislike repeating myself and it’s clear that this place is in dire need of my help.” He pointed to the wall. “What I just saw was far more than just a small pack of goblins. That was a coordinated attack, a bit messy, but coordinated by goblin standards.” Viridian scowled.

“We’ve been doing fine.” Sterling looked at the green haired woman and walked in front of her.

“And you are?” He asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“Viridian Thorn, I’m in charge of the town watch.” He looked her up and down as if finally noticing her.

“Ah, I see.” A smug grin tugged at his lips. “Permission to speak captain?” He asked in a mocking tone. Viridian only glared at him.

“Duck.” Before she could react the man’s hand came up and gripped her shoulder while his other hand reached for something on his belt. As easily as swatting a fly, he pushed her aside and his other hand came up holding a metallic object. It was a dull grey color and had a faint shine to it. There were six barrels and a handle with a finger guard.

He raised the object just as a goblin that must have hidden itself under the cart charged and leapt at where the green haired woman was previously standing with it’s sharp, jagged claws outstretched ready to tear through leather and flesh. Sterling didn’t make a swiping motion with the object, instead his arm remained outstretched and his finger pulled the trigger. The same deafening blast hit the group’s ears as before.

A puff of smoke and flame erupted from the object. Like before, the goblin’s head exploded and it’s body landed in a bloody heap that twitched for a moment before going limp. The barrels of the object glowed red before it cooled and a little bit of smoke billowed out before he blew it out as if it were a candle. He put it back in the leather holster on his belt and turned to face the group, a splatter of the creature’s black blood was sprayed across his face.

He simply reached inside his dark green coat and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the blood off his skin. His green eyes were stern and cold. “Clearly you have things well under control.” His tone was thick with sarcasm as he fixed his gaze on Twilight. “We’ll talk in the morning.”

“Shouldn’t we pursue them?” Viridian stated. “We’ve got them on the run, we should strike while the iron is hot.” Twilight gave a small nod. Sterling let out a loud groan and looked at them with tired eyes.

“How thick are you?” It wasn’t a question as he gestured to the forest. “That place is a death trap waiting to be sprung. Goblins have near perfect eyesight in the dark and while I can see, you lot can’t. Not to mention that you barely have any forces left to pursue them in the first place.”

“You all would undoubtedly be killed and left out as a warning for the rest.” Twilight and Viridian shrank back and shivered at the thought.

“But we can’t just do nothing!” He turned his head towards the farmer who was leaning on her brother for support.

“We are simply biding out time until I can figure out the situation.” He sighed. His eyes then shifted back to the green haired woman. “I doubt they’ll attack again tonight, but keep a watch rotation just in case.” Viridian scowled at the newcomer who started giving her orders.

“I don’t like this.” Viridian crossed her arms in defiance. Sterling slowly turned his head towards the captain, his green eyes wholly focused on her.

“You don’t have to like it, just do it.” His tone had a commanding feel to it. “Or don’t and wake up with your throat slit and your town turned to ash. I’ve seen it many times.” He mad a shrug so nonchalant it was almost natural. His expression then became stern.

“Listen captain,” His tone was venomous to put down two full grown men. “I have not slept in a bed or had a proper meal in close to four months.” He shifted his gaze to Twilight. “I came here directly from my last job because your brother and the Iron Crows have a business partnership. Not to mention I have great respect for Captain Armor, but not so much that I will tolerate being talked down to by the people who want-no, need my help.”

His posture relaxed. “I know when I’m not wanted and if that is indeed the case then I will continue on my way and leave here without a care in the world.” There was a small panic beginning to form in the Princess’ stomach. “I should also mention that I was sent because all the other Crows are busy and it would take several weeks for any of them to come here.” He looked around at the town and the battlements.

“Although I daresay that if things progress at this rate, this place won’t last another week much less a month.” His eyes focused back on the captain. “Now, you can continue to play the role of proud bastard that you’re expertly playing, or you can play the captain.” He walked up so they were mere inches apart. “I gave you an order, now follow it.”

Viridian’s golden eyes were filled with ire and she had the overwhelming urge to thrash the man standing in front of her, but said or did nothing. Sterling gave her a wide smile that showed all of his white teeth. “I’ll take your silence as a yes.” He stepped back and looked back to Twilight. “Is there an inn nearby?”

“Yes,” She pointed down the road to a sign. “The Golden Mare Inn.” He nodded and started to make his way down the road.

“As much as I hate repeating myself I’ll say it again, we’ll talk in the morning.” With that the man walked down the road his coat lightly billowing behind him as a breeze blew against his face. Sterling slowly made his way to a large two story building that had a prancing mare carved into the wood above the door frame and on the sign hanging out front. He made his way up the steps and opened the door to see several bandaged individuals sitting at some tables.
They had the look of men who’d been beaten again and again by the same opponent. He felt eyes on him as he strode to the bar and to the older brown haired man polishing the bar.The inn keeper was in his middle years, with a few streaks of grey in his hair and beard.

“What’ll it be then?” He asked as he eyed the man up.

“I’d like a room and whatever’s still warm in the pot.” He said as he took a small coin purse and put it on the table. “I’d like it delivered to my room.” The inn keeper nodded and pulled out a brass key that hung on a tack board.

“Liz, need you up front.” Sterling turned to see a serving girl around the age of nineteen with golden blonde hair pulled up into a high bun. Bags were under her hazel eyes and the clear signs of exhaustion clear across her face. “Show this gentleman to a room upstairs.”

“Right.” She said as she blew a strand of her blonde hair and motioned Sterling to follow up the stairs. He did so and followed the woman to a wooden door with a seven carved into the brown wood. She turned the knob and opened the door to show a simple bed with a desk and a small chest sitting at the foot of the bed. Compared to where he’d been sleeping for the past few weeks it was like a room he’d find in the most extravagant room in Canterlot.

He fished into his pocket and pulled out two silver coins and the serving girl’s eyes widened with delight. He pulled the two coins away which made her frown a little.

“Listen, all I want is to have a nice evening to myself. My meal brought here and to be left in peace. If you can do that then this,” He gestured to the coins. “will be yours.” He tossed one to her and she caught it in her hands.

“Let the bartender know that if anyone, and I mean anyone, tries to disturb me before tomorrow morning then it will end very badly for them.” He narrowed his green eyes and Liz felt a shiver run down her spine. “Now if I go through the night without being disturbed, then I’ll give you the other half.” He pocketed the other coin. Liz nodded and quickly let herself out of the room.

Sterling let out a sigh of relief as he started to peel his clothes off his body and filled the bathtub with warm water. He slowly slid himself in the tub and let out a long sigh of relief as the warm water started to sooth his aching muscles and joints. The water changed from it’s transparent surface to a dark grey color as the road dust and all manner of grime came off his body. Once he finished, he put his clean pair of pants that the bandits had not taken and let the water drain before filling the tub again although not as much as he used. He set his filthy shirt and travel worn cloak in the warm water to soak with the contents of a small glass vial he pulled from his bag.

He also pulled out a wash board from the travel sack and started to scrub the clothes as best he could. He halted when he heard a knock on the door. He sucked on his tooth and pulled out his weapon getting ready to fire it. “Who is it?” He asked as he cocked the hammer.

“Liz sir,” She answered. “I have your food.” He set the weapon aside and opened the door for her. She came in with a tray that held a bowl of soup and some bread. She set it on the desk and left the man after giving him a small bow. Sterling sat and quickly scarfed down his food before he inspected the weapon on the table and started cleaning it. Once that was done he set his clothes out to dry before going to bed for a goodnight’s sleep.

Chapter 4: Discovery

Chapter 4

Discovery

Sterling woke up before the sun was up. Thankfully no one had disturbed him during the night. He looked outside to see it was still dark out, but the sun was soon break over the horizon. He got dressed and slung his bag over his shoulder before making his way downstairs to see Liz sweeping and the bartender taking inventory. The tall man turned and gave Sterling a nod.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Like a log.” He said as he sat at the bar. “Anything on the skillet?”

“I was about to start up some eggs, bacon and potatoes. Interested?” Sterling nodded and paid the man.

“Quite interested.” He said as he cracked his knuckles. He looked around the inn and realized it was far nicer than what he first saw the previous night. The floors and walls were all wooden and rich hazelnut color that matched the tables and chairs. “This is a very nice inn.”

“Thank you, I take pride in it.” He said as he broke the eggs in the pan.

“Might be a good idea to find someplace else to work with the way the town is going.” The man behind the bar let out a grunt. His eyes narrowing at the words. “Just saying that things aren’t looking good for this town.” The bartender turned and faced the man and roughly tossed his food down on the bar.

“Look here, my father’s father built this place with his own two hands.” Sterling listened as he started to eat. “My father raised his family in it and I’m going to do the same.” His tone was filled with the kind of pride formed from iron hard stubbornness. Sterling finished chewing his mouthful of food before speaking again.

“Willing to bet your life on that?” Silence was his answer. Sterling kept silent for the rest of his meal and left a silver piece for Liz. “Do you know where Princess Sparkle is?” The bartender wordlessly pointed out the window towards the large crystal castle that shined like a beacon in the morning light.

He cleared his throat and felt a little embarrassed at how he missed something so obvious.He paid for his meal and made his way out the door. As the door closed behind him, the glass the bartender was drying slipped out of his hands and shattered on the stone floor. He made his way through the town and could feel the thick feeling of dread that radiated from the towns folk. Several of them had sunken eyes filled with worry while others were trying to keep hope in their eyes.

He made his way to the castle and knocked on the hardened crystal door. He waited and knocked a second time with a little more force. The door cracked open and a small boy answered the door. He had spiky green hair and was wearing a park purple shirt. His ears had a slight point to them and his emerald eyes were like a snakes.

As he yawned, Sterling saw the row of serrated teeth. He rubbed his eyes before he took in the stranger’s form.

“Can I help you?” He asked in a groggy tone.

“Yes, I was told that I could find Princess Sparkle here.” The boy seemed to perk up at the words.

“Why do you need to see her?” He asked in a defensive tone.

“Because I was hired to come help her with this town’s goblin problem.” He gestured to the forest. A shine of recognition flashed in the boy’s eyes. He nodded and opened the door for the man. Sterling thanked the boy and walked inside.

The interior was made of the same crystal substance. A large chandelier hung over the main foyer and a staircase at the center of the room rose to the second floor. There was a royal purple carpet that lead down the center of each hallway and several paintings hung inside. Most of them weregroup of six girls, two of whom Sterling met the previous day.

“I’ll let her know you’re here.” Sterling took a seat and pulled out a book as he waited for him to return. The large doors opened and Viridian walked through. Her eyes immediately locked onto the thin man who gave her a simple nod of acknowledgement.

“What are you doing here?” She said as she stood in front of him and crossed his arms.

“Reading,” He said not taking his eyes off the book. She let out a small hiss at the indignant tone. Sterling closed the book and looked at her. She was wearing the same fighting leathers he saw her in the previous night over a green tunic. “I’m also waiting to talk with Princess Sparkle about the current situation of this town.”

Viridian’s golden eyes were flecked with exhaustion and her hair was in slight disarray. Her head turned as she heard her name being called. Sterling looked up as well to see the same boy who answered the door.

“Twilight is in her study.”

“Thank you Spike.” Viridian said as Sterling stood up. He gave him a nod and walked up the stairs with Viridian trailing close behind. Sterling could feel the captain’s gaze burning a hole in his back. Spike lead them both to a set of wooden doors. “How is she holding up?”

“The best she can.” Spike said as he shook his head. “Last night really took a lot out of her.” Viridian remembered how she held the shield during the battle as the creatures chipped away at it. Spike opened the doors to show a room in utter disarray with papers and books. The walls were lined with book cases that went to the ceiling and were filled with books and old leather bound tomes.

In the back of the room near a window that over looked the town sat a dark wooden desk and atop it was a bleary eyed Twilight. Like Viridian, her hair was in a tangle of knots and there were dark circles under her lavender eyes. She rubbed her temples and sat up.

“How are you feeling?” Twilight didn’t answer the captain’s inquiry.

“Would either of you two like something to eat?” Twilight asked trying to break the tension slowly building.

“I already ate, but I won’t say no to some tea.” Viridian nodded in agreement. Spike closed the doors behind him and went off to fetch their drinks. Twilight gestured to the two chairs in front of her desk and the two took a seat. Sterling bit his lip as silence filled the room and he felt Twilight’s tired gaze on him.

“If you don’t mind, before we get down to business might I say something?” She waved her hand sluggishly. “I’d like to apologize to both you and Captain Thorn about my behavior last night.” Both women raised their brows at his words. “Like I said before, I was on the road for quite a while and I had an unsavory confrontation with some highway men on the way here, so I was not in the best of moods.” He gestured to his still slightly swollen left eye.

“I realize that I came off as rather callous last night and I wish our first interaction was better.” He gave them both a sitting bow. “You both have done remarkably well in this horrible situation and I didn’t mean to insult you or your efforts. I apologize and I will do what I can to help this town.” Twilight gave him a tired smile at his words.

“Thank you and I accept your apology.”

“As do I.” Viridian said with a nod. “I know I can be a little thick headed at times and this problem has everyone on edge, even me.” He could sense the honesty in her words and gave her a friendly smile. The doors to the study opened and Spike came in pushing a cart with three tea cups and a steaming pot of tea.

“Thank you Spike.” Twilight said as she took her cup and added one lump of sugar. Viridian did the same while Sterling took it straight. Twilight set her cup on the saucer and folded her hands as she looked at the mercenary. “Now, let’s get down to business.” Sterling and Viridian both set their cups down and sat up straight.

“I need to know how long this situation has been like this.” Viridian cleared her throat before speaking.

“A few weeks ago I kept getting complaints from the town folk about things going missing; hand tools, pots, pans, simple things that held no real monetary value. A few days after the reports a few folks found tracks leading out of the town and into the forest. I took three members of the guard to investigate and came across Zecora who told us that someone had been taking things from her hut and that she’d been hearing strange sounds at night.”

“Who’s Zecora?” Sterling asked

“She’s a Zebrekan Shaman who lived in the forest before the goblins came. She makes potions, salves and other things from the plants in the forest.” Twilight clarified.

“Zecora helped us track the foot prints outside her hut to a cave where we came across six goblins.” Viridian continued. “They attacked and we killed all but one of them who escaped in the fray. We thought that was the end of it, but a week later the town was attacked by surprise and the force was much larger. A few people were injured, but no fatalities.”

“After that they’ve attacked at random, but always at night.” Twilight added. Sterling nodded at her words. “It’s been like this for close to three weeks now and they’ve been coming more frequently.” Sterling was quiet for a long moment as he thought.

“I’d wager there’s close to five dozen in total. Less now after last night, but still a considerable force to deal with.” He turned towards Viridian. “How many able bodied warriors do you have?”

“I’d say there’s about twenty or so. However they’re not trained warriors. Most people here are farmers and shop owners. I’ve trained them as best I can, but they’re still novices.”

“You trained them?” He said in surprise. She whipped her braid over one shoulder and gave him a devilish grin.

“A lady should always know how to protect herself.” He returned the grin and chuckled.

“True.” He turned his attention back to the Princess. “Goblins are usually active at night, sunlight bothers their eyes which is why they usually keep to dark caves and the underground.” He scratched his chin and started to mumble to himself. Both women looked at one another and then back to him. Viridian cleared her throat and his mumbling ceased.

He looked up and gave them an embarrassed smile. “Sorry, I get lost in thought sometimes. It’s curious.” He took another sip of his tea.

“That they’re stealing things?” Viridian asked.

“No, goblins are scavengers by nature. They see something shiny and they take it, but only if they know they can get it.” He pointed out. “So why do they seem hellbent on claiming a town that has fortifications and an extremely powerful mage protecting it?” He gestured towards Twilight.

“One fireball would typically have them running scared, yet they stay and fight. There’s also the fact that there’s so many of them working together.”

“Is that odd?” Twilight asked. Sterling shrugged slightly.

“Yes and no, it’s common for goblins to form small tribes and raiding parties usually around a dozen or so members.” He explained. “Granted, these units don’t last long and usually fall to infighting and betrayal.”

“If that’s true, then how could such creatures form a large force and attack with strategy?” Sterling smiled at the captain’s question.

“Exactly, it doesn’t make any sense.” He rubbed his chin and thought. “Something fishy is going on.” The three were silent for a long moment.

“So, what would be the best course of action?” Sterling sighed at the Princess’ question and pondered the words carefully before responding.

“I need more information before deciding and I’d like to inspect the town.” Twilight went to stand up but staggered and caught herself against her desk. Viridian was immediately on her feet and went to her side.

“I’m fine Viridian,” Twilight steadied herself and stood up straight.

“No, you’re not.” Viridian huffed in a mother like way. “You’re still recovering from last night.” Sterling agreed with her as he looked at the Princess’ exhaustion. “You need to rest.” Twilight just stared at her, stubbornness clear on her face. Sterling reached into his bag and pulled out a heavy leather tome that had seen much travel in it’s day.

There was a loud muffled sound as he put it on Twilight’s desk. “What is that?” Twilight asked as her eyes boggled at the tome.

“This is my bestiary.” He said as he tapped the hard leather cover. “It’s a standard issue, but I’ve made a few edits and sketched a few things to help better understand things for those who aren’t accustomed to heavy reading. Chapter forty-seven, page three-hundred and ninety-four, you’ll find all my information on goblins.”

“This way you can rest while doing something productive. I’m sure the captain here can give me the tour.” Viridian nodded and was pleased to see Twilight sitting back down in her chair and starting to look at the tome.

“Get some rest Twilight.” Viridian said in a firm tone. “They’ll come when the sun sets and that book will still be here when you wake back up.” Twilight looked at the book and sighed.

“I think I’ll have one last cup of tea before bed.”

Viridian then led Stirling out into the small town that had just started to come awake. Vendors lined the cobblestone street. Even through their smiles there was an ever present sense of foreboding hanging over the town like an early morning mist. They soon came upon a few tents set up not too far from the main gate. A woman with her light pink hair in a bun was looking at a clip board.

“Red Heart,” Viridian called out. “how much medicine did we get?”

“The good news is that it’s the right medicine we need for disinfection, the bad news is that half the vials were broken.” Viridian cursed under her breath as Sterling remembered when the wagon wheel broke and he was thrown from the cart along with the farmer. As if on cue, the blonde farmer was staggering out of the tent with a crutch under one arm and her arm in a sling. Red Heart frowned and stopped her with a hand on her chest. “You need to rest Applejack, you’re still recovering.”

“I’m fine.” She said in a stubborn tone. Sterling looked at her bandages and adjusted his glasses.

“Do you like your arm and leg Ms. Applejack?” The farmer turned towards him and looked at him as if he’d just asked her a stupid question. “Well if you don’t rest and let Dr. Red Heart do her job then in a few days she may have to hack them off.” Her tanned face seemed to lose some of it’s color. “Goblin saliva and the residue on their claws carry disease that infects the skin and rots it to the bone.”

He reached into his bag and pulled out a few glass bottles with a golden liquid inside. He gestured for her to sit down on one of the few empty cots set up. She did so begrudgingly and let him remove her bandages. Sterling ignored Red Heart’s protests and looked at the wound on her leg that was oozing something green. Viridian looked away and gagged a little. He uncorked one of the bottles and dripped some of it onto the wound.
As soon as the honey colored liquid touched the wound, her muscles tensed and she griped the edge of the cot as she stifled a yell of pain.

“What is this?” She said through grit teeth.

“It’s a disinfectant, a very potent one.” He applied the same to her arm and pulled out a mason jar filled with live maggots. She instinctually recoiled as he put some of the squirming bugs on her wounds. “These will eat away any dead skin. Do not mess with them.”

He rewrapped her bandages with some fresh cloth. “Now sit down and wait.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Sterling let out a sigh at her tone.

“Because I will not lose any sleep if I have to knock you senseless and strap you down to a cot like a patient who has gone fever mad until we know the infection has been dealt with.” He pulled out a long coil of rope and held it in his hand. Applejack muttered something very unladylike under her breath as she laid back down on the cot. “Good choice,” He also tossed her the other two silver pieces her owed her for the ride.

“Let it never be said that I don’t pay my debts.” He gave Red Heart a few more bottles of the medicine along with some bandages before continuing through town.

“Would you really have knocked her out?” He only gave her a sly grin as they approached the edge of the town where the wooden wall was. He hadn’t noticed the night before that the wooden wall was not a series of posts sticking out of the ground and bound to one another, but rather a solid wall of wood with hand holes grown into the side to scale the battlement to the upper level. He approached the wall and pressed his hand to the side of the wall and ran his hand over the smooth surface. It was smooth as a mahogany arm chair or desk.

“How did you build this wall?”

“It wasn’t built, it was grown.” Sterling looked down and saw that the wall was indeed rooted into the soil. “I have some proficiency in wood based magic.” She stated casually.

“That’s impressive, not many people have the sort of grit for that sort of magic.” Viridian gave him an appreciative nod.

“Unfortunately the wall needs maintenance. The goblins have been chipping away at it for a while now." He noticed that some men were doing their best to maintain the walls, reinforcing them with more wood and some sheets of metal.

“What was that thing you used on the goblin last night?” Sterling reached into his bag and pulled out the small six barreled device.

“This is my pepper-box.” He said as he held the weapon up. “It uses blackpowder and small metal balls that can rend through flesh, leather and some metal plating. I can also fire small burst of magic through it as well.”

“Where did you get that thing?”

“It is of my own design.” Viridian raised an eyebrow at him.

“You made it?” He nodded.

“I like to dabble in the sciences.” Viridian motioned for the guards to open the gate and they did so. Sterling looked towards the sky and groaned. “Perfect, it’s going to rain later.” He said in a drawn out tone.

He reached into his sack and pulled out a long black cane with a silver crow head handle. Viridian raised a brow at the man. “Old injury that never healed quite right.” He said as he started tolean on the cane as they approached the forest.
“I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re certainly not what Twilight and I were expecting.”
“I suppose you were expecting a man with biceps bigger than his brain, wielding a massive axe and only spoke with words containing a single syllable?” He gave her an amusing smile. “Most of them are like that, but there are exceptions. I prefer to fight with my brain more than my body, but I know my way around a fight.” They entered the forest and followed a small trail that was peppered by goblin tracks.

“If we’re being honest, Hawke should have taken this job. That man can track anything rain, shine, snow you name it.” He crouched down and took at the tracks that lead off the trail. He continued on his way with Viridian trailing close behind. Her eyes flecking from tree to tree for any sign of danger.

He stopped abruptly and bit his lip. Viridian looked down and saw that the trail came to a sudden halt. The tracks just ended. As if they led to a wall and vanished. “Strange,” He commented more to himself. He looked at the trees beside the tracks and frowned as he saw a small symbol carved into the wood.

“Is that a rune?”

“Appears so.” He took out a stylus and scratched a symbol over the rune. The ground in front shifted and the tracks continued through the brush. They followed the tracks through the forest. More trails leading in different directions converged into one and headed deeper into the forest. Sterling came to a halt and Viridian came up beside him in a crouched position.

“There’s some sort of structure up ahead.” She peered through the leaves of a bush and saw the long abandoned Everfree Castle of The Two Sisters, it’s stone spires poking up out of the tree line. “They must be using this place as a base of operations.” He reached into his bag again and pulled out a spyglass. Viridian could barely make out some movement before he handed it to her. “You’re not going to like this.”

She lifted the spyglass to her eye and looked down into the camp to see at least a dozen fire pits with the hideous creatures crowded around them in huddles. “It appears this wasn’t just a roaming band, this is a full encampment.” He whispered.

She set her curiosity aside and went back to looking down at the camp. She still couldn’t believe how many of them were down there, it reminded her of a massive ant colony. Sterling nudged her arm and gestured to the center of the camp. She shifted her vision and spied a larger goblin with a tribal like headdress made of bones and a staff in his hand. He was also wearing what looked like dark purple armor.

“They have a chieftain.” Viridian raised an eyebrow at the words. “Normally Goblins fall to infighting when a group gets too big, but sometimes one is able to rise above and command the other goblins. No wonder they’ve been attacking with such cooperation.” There was a metallic clicking noise as he reached in his bag and pulled out a different spy glass and a long metal bar that clicked into one of the barrels of his pepperbox.

“Get ready to run back to the town.” He set the longer barrel on a heavy root of the tree he was using as cover. He pulled the trigger and a deafening blast erupted out of the end of the long barrel. The chieftain’s head perked up at the noise, just as the blast hit him in the right side of the chest, blowing his arm completely off. The creature shrieked in pain as it’s black blood leaked out on the stone.

It was as if they’d just kicked the hornets nest. The castle swarmed with the creatures as the two humans took off running back to town. “That got their attention.” They leapt over logs and through brush. Despite him having a cane, Sterling was keeping pace with the captain.

Viridian looked back for a moment and saw a group of goblins scampering after them. She faced forwards again just as a low hanging branch collided with her head. Her vision blurred as her back slammed into the soft earth and the wind was knocked from her lungs. She adjusted her head so she was looking back towards the fast approaching goblins. Three familiar shots rang out and three of the goblins dropped to the ground. Viridian shook her head and looked to see Sterling reaching for her hand to help her up.

She took it and roused herself as he let out three more shots into the brush. The barrel part of the pepperbox snapped forward and Sterling dropped six more bullets into the chambers. “Captain, get back to the wall and get the defenses ready, I’ll lead them away.” He snapped the barrels up and fired two shots into two more goblins that were approaching.

“Are you crazy?”

“Without a doubt, just do it.” He quickly ran off into another direction firing into the air to draw the creatures’ attention. Viridian huffed and ran full speed back to the town. She reached the tree line and didn’t stop as she waved her arm frantically and the gates were opened.

She ordered the others to get ready for a fight and within a minute, crossbows were pointed at the tree line. They waited, and waited, and waited, but not a single goblin emerged from the line of trees. The sun had started to duck behind the mountains and the sky started to turn an orange color. Viridian reported back to Twilight in her castle with a few other individuals including Applejack. A woman with fabulous purple hair that had a curl in it.

One of the two winged women had shoulder length rainbow colored hair and cyan feathered wings. The other had a curtain of pink hair that she seemed to be hiding behind and yellow wings. The last girl hada mop of curly dark pink hair and seemed to have a spring in her step. Viridian explained to the group what she and Sterling had seen. Twilight groaned as she sat back in her chair and rubbed her temples.

“How many did you say you saw?” The yellow winged girl asked.

“Maybe two dozen, but there were definitely more than that inside.” Viridian said as Spike came in with a pot of tea and cups for everyone. She thanked him and took a sip.

“And this guys just up and ran away?” The rainbow haired flyer said as she crossed her arms. “Runs off at the first sign of trouble.”

“Well, I’m glad you’ve put so much faith in me.” All of their heads turned to see the man leaning in the doorway. A bit of black blood was splashed across the front of his coat and boots. He walked into the room, cane under one arm and closed the door behind them. He gave Applejack a neutral nod as he approached the desk.

“How did you get away?” Viridian asked.

“I gave them the slip.” His tone was as nonchalant as if she had asked him about the weather. “Then I doubled back and did a little reconnaissance.” He fished into his pocket and pulled out a bright green gem. He tapped the surface as he set it on the table and an image of the goblin camp shined above. “I believe the captain was off by a large margin.”

He tapped the crystal again and another image of the camp flashed. This image showed several goblins working at a foundry and a collection of various items that were taken from the town. “They planned to attack tonight, but I did some sabotage to slow them down.”

“How did you know they would attack tonight?” Viridian asked.

“I asked one of them politely, after I tied it to a tree and removed a few of it’s fingers.” A few of the woman shivered as they imagined the situation. “Believe it or not, some of them can talk. It’s guttural and grating on the ears, but I got some information. They planned for a final assault tonight, but they’ll have to postpone that for at least another day.” The group all let out a sigh of relief at the news.

“What should we do now?” Sterling sighed and adjusted his glasses.

“Realistically speaking, the best thing to do would be to pack up and leave while you still can and wait until you get a larger force from your brother to retake the town.” They all scowled at the man and Twilight’s lips formed a thin line.

“This is our home.” Viridian stated. “Our lives are here.”

“I understand that captain, I know you want to protect your home, but this situation is too big for just a handful of farmers and myself. There is a very real chance that if you stay, people will die. Are you willing to take that risk for property?” The whole room went silent that pressed on for minutes.

“Where would we even go? We don’t have the supplies to become nomadic. We wouldn’t last three weeks.” Viridian stated firmly. “Besides, no one here will leave.” Sterling remembered how adamant the tavern owner was. “They’ll fight tooth and nail to protect what’s theirs.” Sterling shook his head and groaned.

“Why is it that bravery and stupidity are always a stones throw away from one another?” He was still for a long moment. Twilight could almost see the gears turning in his mind, but kept a stern face and quiet. Sterling rose and cracked his back. “Right then, I’m going to bed.”

The group all looked at one another in confusion as he stood up and made his way towards the door. “I suggest you all do the same.” He stopped and looked back at the group. “At dawn, we plan.”

Chapter 5: Siege

Chapter 5

Siege

Twilight rubbed her hands nervously as she stood in town hall. On the other side of the curtain sat most of the residence of Ponyville, those who were able bodied and could not avoid their responsibilities anyway. Viridian put a firm hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod. Twilight smiled in return. She set her shoulders and walked out onto the stage with Viridian and Sterling by her side.

The mumbling crowd hushed as she strode to the podium and cleared her throat. “Citizens of Ponyville, I thank you all for joining me this early in the morning. We do not have time to waste so I will forgo the formalities and get right to the point.” The silence in the room was almost deafening. A few people shifted their weight from foot to foot in anxious preparation.

“As you all know, our town has been faced with a threat these past few weeks and I am sad to say that the threat is far greater than we realized. The goblin horde that has been plaguing us is much larger and stronger than we have thought and they plan to rally for one final attack on this town.” Mutterings started to ripple through the crowd again. She held up her hand to draw their attention again. “I have been advised that the best course of action would be to flee this town and come back with a stronger force to retake it in time.”

This was met with a few outbursts of rage and indignation. Viridian then stepped forwards.

“Let the Princess finish.” Her tone cut through the crowd like a knife through warm butter. The crowd quieted down, but mumbles could still be heard. Twilight cleared her throat again.

“Though I was not born here, I’ve come to think of Ponyville as my home and I will not abandon it in it’s time of need.” A few nods from the crowd. “I will do everything in my power to keep our town safe even if I must fight with fist, tooth or nail and I believe any one of you would do the same.” The crowd grunted in agreement. “I will not force anyone to stay, but if you do I cannot guarantee your safety.”

The crowd remained silent and mulled over her words. “I have with me here Sterling Crane, an expert on magical creatures.” Twilight stepped down and Sterling walked out with his cane in one hand. Many eyebrows rose as they saw his slight limp.

“Thank you princess, although expert may be a bit too forgiving.” He said as he faced the crowd. “Yesterday, Captain Thorn and myself made our way into the Everfree forest and found an encampment of goblins seeking refuge in the old castle ruins under the command of a chieftain. We were discovered after mortally wounding their leader and were forced to flee from the scene before they caught us. We split up and I circled back around after evading capture to discover their encampment and buy us all a little time by disrupting their operations and taking down a few of them.”

A few brows in the crowd rose. “We are not sure on their numbers, but we know that they greatly outnumber our own forces. They are organized and they are clever. They planned to attack this town tonight, the last night of the new moon.” A few startled gasps went through the crowd.

“For those who wish to stay, prepare yourselves for a long fight and secure your defenses. I will assist with fortifications and anyway I can. Meanwhile, I suggest that all the injured, children and those unable to fight take shelter in the castle and prepare to evacuate should the worst happen.” There was some disturbance, but a few nods of agreement. He tapped his cane down to draw their attention.

“It will be a hard fight and there will be loss, hopefully more on their side than on ours.” A few chuckles came from the crowd. “I will not lie, the chances that we survive this are slim. What is key is to keep the goblins outside the wall, if they make it inside then they’ll overrun us and it will be for nothing.” The crowd was still as a graveyard.

“I know you have no reason to trust me. I am a stranger here, but I am asking you for your trust in this matter. I have seen much and I know that if we begin preparations, we might just make it through this. I know many of you are scared about what may come to pass, but we must all remain calm and not panic. If we lose our heads then all of our efforts will be for not and keep this in mind, constant vigilance.” He stepped down as Viridian walked forwards.

“I, along with the other town guards will begin repairing the barricades and with Mr.Crane’s help, have formulated a plan to keep the goblins at bay. Anyone who wishes to aid us will either speak to me at the front gate, or our new ally.” She gestured her head towards Sterling. “Let us prepare.” The crowd quickly exited the room and the town was roused.

The owners of all the food businesses started stocking up and making food for travel. Several of the guards started reinforcing the wall with more wood and any kind of heavy furniture they could find. Sterling instructed many of the towns folk to start digging several trenches six feet deep and four feet wide. The trenches ran the full length of the wall Viridian had made.

The towns folk also put several wooden stakes in the floor and sides of the trenches before coating it in oil and melted wax. Many of the townsfolk asked why, but Sterling would only say, ‘It’s all part of the plan.’ Sterling made himself busy by helping some of the magically inclined members of the town in some quick magical defense. Viridian reinforced the wall with several beams made of wood and rock.

Many of the children and wounded made their way to the lower bowels of the castle. Apparently there was an escape tunnel made that ended two miles outside of town. Twilight instructed them all to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Sterling made his way back towards the castle to see Twilight with several spell books floating around her. He knocked on the door frame with the head of his cane. Her concentration snapped and the books fell to the floor, each making a heavy thumping sound.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you Princess.”

“No, just reviewing some spells that might come in handy.” Sterling nodded.

“Mind if I ask a question?” Twilight nodded. “Why hasn’t Princess Celestia or Luna sent guards here? I’d think they’d send what they could to aid you.”

“They have been away at the Changeling peace talks for weeks and they’re out of range for Spike to contact them.” She gave him a quick explanation about how Spike could send letters to Princess Celestia.

“A dragon that was changed into a human by a stress induced magical flare? Fascinating,” He said as he rubbed his chin. “I suppose that explains his eyes, ears and nails.” He turned his attention to the spell books. “These are quite advanced.”

“I need to be ready if I’m going to help.”

“You make it sound as if you’re going to be fighting.” Her lips formed a thin line as her violet eyes narrowed.

“I am.” Her tone was flat and void of any doubt. “I may not have the experience you do, but I have beaten Nightmare Moon, an Ursa Minor bare handed, a reincarnation of a mad king and a literal demon from Tartarus. I think I can handle myself in a fight.” Sterling blinked and then let out a low chuckle.

“Forgive me, but it’s just that you’re the first noble I’ve met to actually do something when there’s a problem rather than sit in luxury and expect someone else to fix their problem. It’s a breath of fresh air.” He said with a smile. “Still, perhaps I could assist you.” He reached into his bag and rifled around for a moment. “Here we go.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as he pulled out a set of scale mail armor that had a dull shine to it. “It should stop their claws and teeth at least for a little while. Not as heavy as plate armor, but more protection than leather.” Twilight’s attention was not on the armor, but the bag it came from.

“Is that a vault bag?” He smiled again and nodded. “Where did you get it?”
“Oh just something I picked up in my travels. That armor is a loan by the way. My colleague doesn’t like people using her things, but you’ll need it more than she will at the moment.” He said nonchalantly as he made his way out of the castle and left to inspect the town. The citizens swapped digging duty while Viridian kept fortifying the walls.

He asked the captain if she could cover the pits with a thin layer of dirt and rock above the pits. With some effort she did so, but not before he dropped a small vial into the pit and made sure the spot was marked with a protruding stick. The light started to fade to an orange color and movement was spotted near the far edge of the forest. The guards, Twilight and Sterling all stood on the battlements waiting to see what happened next.

The shadows began to take the all too familiar shape of the goblins creeping out of the brush. Cruel looking blades and clubs clutched in their filthy clawed hands. Some of them parted and a large goblin missing it’s right arm that had ben replaced by a club capped with a nasty pick axe head. Viridian turned to Sterling in question.

“Well, you have to respect their tenacity.” He said as he folded his arms. Several of the goblins started to bang on their makeshift shields in a rhythm. Viridian could feel her blood beginning to pound through her veins and knew her men were in a similar state. “Hold.” Sterling said to the archers who’s hands were beginning to shake.

The goblins continued their war cry as clouds moved in overhead. A steady rain had started and thunder could be heard in the distance. A particularly loud clap cause one of the more twitchy guards to let his arrow fly from his bow. The arrow shot through the rain and found itself a new home in the skull of a goblin. The smaller green body fell face forwards in the mud and the horde’s chanting stopped.

The ones around the fallen goblin looked down at it’s body as the nervous archer felt Viridian’s gaze on him. Shakily he knocked an arrow and prepared to fire. The goblins turned back up to the wall and let out a screech that cut through the pounding of rain and thunder. They all set their sights and charged.

“And so it begins.” Sterling said as he aimed his pepperbox and held a hand up for the archers to hold as Viridian lit an arrow head and aimed her bow. “Hold.” He said as the first few goblins fell in the traps and their cries of pain could be heard by their comrades and the townsfolk. The horde took more care with where they ran as more of them fell victim to the spikes.

Once more had passed the forest, Viridian let her arrow fly. Her aim was true as it hit the farthest pit trap and ignited the oil the stakes had been coated with. This started a chain reaction as fire spread throughout the connecting pits encircling the entire battlefield in a ring of flames. Their ranks broke and they shrieked in fear and hate at the humans. Sterling gave the command and a hail of arrows fell down upon the goblins that were getting closer to the gates.

More fell with arrow piercing their bodies, but more had dodged or used their allies as shields. Spells from Twilight and other magic users cracked through the air and hit near their marks making the ground burst open in certain areas. Several of the goblins attempted to retread only to be met with arrows, spells or metal balls piercing their backs. Meanwhile those with wings started dropping heavy pieces of debris onto the goblins.

Rocks, heavy branches and other odds and ends the townsfolk managed to scrounge during the day. It wasn’t long before the arrow reserves stared to run dry. Sterling saw Viridian’s quiver getting low. He turned to Twilight who was casting spell after spell. “On my signal throw up the shield.”

She looked at him in question but gave him a firm nod. “Right then, time for a show.” Sterling jumped down off of the battlements and into the mud, much to Viridian and Twilight’s surprise. “Now!” The purple shield came down behind him and the goblins halted as they looked at the thin man.

“Hello boys, who’s first?” They rushed him as he threw his coat to the ground and raised his weapon. Three shots rang out and three attackers fell before they got within three feet of him. One got in close with a hatchet. Sterling dodged the blow and slammed his fist into the goblin’s face as he ripped the hatchet from it’s foul fingers.

He returned the weapon with the business end splitting into it’s ribs. More of them started rushing as he ran his fingers over his exposed arms and they turned a dark grey color. He put his arm up as another axe wielding goblin slashed down onto the man’s arm. The blade scratched against steel as it connected with the man’s flesh. He slammed his metal fist into the goblin’s chest and felt a satisfying cracking noise come from it’s skull.

He took off towards the horde, firing his pepperbox while sprinting. Three more fell before he was out and started using the handle as a makeshift club. Viridian and the others watched as he picked up discarded weapons and use them against their former owner’s allies. Clubs, daggers, spears and other tools all became weapons for the man. He blocked an incoming blow with an iron pan and used it to separate a goblin’s jaw from it’s head.

Sterling also used his pepperbox in close quarters, using a goblin a shield from the others’ weapons and picking them off, before pressing the barrels to the shield’s head and blowing it clean off. He gripped another by the neck and shoved something in it’s mouth before throwing it back into a crowd and exploded taking those nearby with it. He let his guard down and it was enough for one of them to kick his legs out from underneath him. Sterling held both of his metal covered arms up as the creatures came at him with claws and weapons. He heard Viridian yell out a word and pulled two of the goblins on top of him just as a storm of arrows came down on him and the surrounding goblins.

He punched his way out of the pile of bloody corpses and panted. Sterling looked down at his arms and saw the metal shell beginning to crack and flake off, leaving his skin exposed. A horn coming from the tree line blasted through the storm and the surviving goblins started to retreat. Copying them, sterling ran back to the safety of the shield and walls. The gate had been opened just enough for him to slide through and were immediately closed upon entering.

Viridian and Twilight came down from their posts as the men cheered at the creature’s retreat. He looked up at Viridian, bruised and bleeding in places. “This isn’t over.” He muttered as he did his best to climb the battlements. Viridian got her men under control and a silence fell over the grounds, only being interrupted by the occasional mutterings of the men, or the dying cries of the green skinned attackers.

Something was off, Sterling could feel it in his bones and he guessed Twilight and Viridian were thinking the same thing judging by their rigid stances and intense faces. A small tremor wen through the ground and traveled up the wooden posts. Another soon followed, only louder this time and the sound of bending wood could be heard as the trees started to move. It wasn’t long before their question was answered. For standing at nearly fifteen feet tall, a massive club the size of a full grown tree with a boulder the size of a wagon cart wrapped around it, was a troll.

It’s sheer size almost made Viridian stumble. She’d read of these massive brutes, but had never seen nor hoped to see one. The depictions in bestiaries could not capture the air of power around the creature. She turned to Sterling who looked just as surprised as she did. The creature raised it’s club, let out a bellowing roar and charge towards the gate.

Chapter 6: Flash and Bang

Chapter 6

Flash and Bang

Several spell casters shot bolts of flame at the monster, but they went unnoticed. Sterling knew that a troll’s skin was tougher than iron and it would take a lot more than arrows and simple spells to take it down. Worse still, the goblins were coming back out again using the troll as a moving shield. It wouldn’t be long until the oaf was upon them and smash their defenses like a house of cards. Sterling whirled on Twilight who looked like she was on the verge of panic.

“What do we do?”Twilight asked as she looked to a shocked Viridian. “What do we do?”

“I have an idea.” Sterling said as he and Viridian huddled around Twilight. “It’s risky, but it might work and I need a little time.” He looked to the captain seriously. “I need you to draw that thing away from the gate.”

“How?” Sterling reached into his bag and pulled out a glass jar with a bright red liquid inside and an object that looked similar to his pepperbox but had a single barrel that was quite large.

“Throw this at it to get it’s attention.” He handed her the flask. “Then lead him away from the town near the tree line.” He pointed to the tree line before handing her the object. “Point this into the sky and pull the trigger.”

Before she could ask why he had jumped off the ramparts and made his way towards the pack of fliers. “I need you all to fly around and pick anything that’s big and metal. Pipes, fence posts, I don’t care if you need to rip out the damn street lanterns and plant them in front of the shield. If you can take one or tow of those things down then do so, but ensure that you get clear.” The group nodded.

“Who is the quickest flier?” A hand belonging to a familiar rainbow haired girl shot up. He gestured her forwards. “What is the tallest building in the town?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“We’re on a time schedule here, which is it?” Dash huffed and pointed up towards the highest point of Twilight’s castle. “How fast can you get me up there?”

“In ten-seconds flat.”

“Good, once I’m up there join the others. I’ll explain more once I’m up there.” He took off at a run as Dash looped her arms under his and started to fly into the sky. Despite being so thin, the flier had to exert herself to get him off the ground and into the air.

~~~

On the battlements Viridian armed herself for close quarters combat as did many of the fighters. A few would be left to man the gate and provide arrow support while Twilight kept her shield up. The gates opened and the denizens of Ponyville ran out, yelling at the top of their lungs with weapons in hand. Steel met steel as they entered the melee. Cries on both sides rang out in pain and triumph.

Viridian saw an axe coming for her. She outstretched one hand and caught it by the handle before throwing it back at it’s owner. She set her sighs on the troll that was lumbering it’s way towards the shield. Viridian grabbed her bow and fired three shots at the troll’s head. Two of them splintered against the creature’s thick skull while the third hit it’s ear. The beast roared and turned it’s head towards Viridian and frowned as it changed direction towards her.

Viridian made a b-line for the edge of the Everfree forest, firing the occasional arrow to keep the troll’s attention. She barely managed to make out an ear splitting screech coming from the tree line and saw the chieftain wave the staff with a crystal ball at the tip. The crystal glowed a bright purple color and a roar came from the troll. Viridian turned towards the troll and saw it’s eyes turn over and glow the same shade of purple as the crystal.

The hulking beast turned back and marched towards the town. Her eyes shrank as she saw the connection between the staff and the beast’s change. She fired more arrows into the troll’s back but it did not halt it’s new advance. Viridian cursed under her breath as the beast reached the edge of the shield and slammed it’s club into the wall of magic. The ground under and around the shield shook.

Several soldiers and goblins lost their footing. Viridian looked up to see Twilight down on one knee, but still holding up the barrier. She knew the Princess wouldn’t last long against that kind of force. Viridian sprang to her feet and aimed her bow at the chieftain. She let a few arrows fly, but they were deflected by the goblin.

It had some skills in combat, but she needed to get rid of that staff. She fired a few more arrows, but more carefully this time. The arrows bypassed it’s defenses and an arrow slammed into it’s shoulder. The creature let out a wail of pain before it retreated back into the forest, staff in hand. The troll brought down another blow into the shield that drove Twilight to her hands and knees.

The beast paused as the effect on it’s mind ended as it brought it’s club down again. Twilight collapsed on the ramparts, barely able to move as she saw her barrier crack and shatter into thousands of pieces. She looked up just as the beast rose it’s club to bring down upon her and the wall when she saw Viridian charge forwards, bloody and panting as she ran towards it with the mercenary’s jar of red liquid in hand. She lobbed the jar at the beast and it shattered on it’s skin. Almost instantly there was the smell of burning flesh as the troll’s skin began to bubble and slip off.

The troll roared louder than it ever had in it’s life as it whirled to see the source of it’s pain. It’s pupils narrowed on the green haired woman who started running back towards the tree line. She felt the ground shake as the now running troll quickly closed the gap and threw out one of it’s long limbed arms. She ducked just in time as it passed overhead, but didn’t stop to look back and kept running.

Twilight slowly got to her knees, completely exhausted and drained of magic. She looked down to see the goblins brining forth a makeshift battering ram. She shakily rose to her feet and attempted a casting, but it fizzled out. There waswhistling noise as a long thin rod of metal fell from the sky in front of the gate. More bits of metal fell and stuck into the ground around the goblins and their ram.

She felt a pair of arms help her to her feet and she turned to see the cyan winged flyer yelling at her, but she was so tired and could barely keep her eyes open. She felt herself being lifted by the flyer. Dash pointed and Twilight saw the other flyer’s gathering the surrounding storm clouds into a single massive cloud. She could faintly make out the crackling of lighting in the dark cloud. In an instant, she knew exactly what was about to happen.

Calling upon the very last of her energy, she encased every person on the ground outside of the wall in a small shield just as the flyers all gave the cloud a kick expelling the energy straight down onto the field of metal that surrounded the goblins. The lighting blasts jumped from goblin to goblin, shocking and burning the ones unlucky enough to be close to or were wearing metal while the towns people were safely shielded by the last of Twilight’s magic. Once the blast was over, the last of the goblins started to fall and the townsfolk retreated back inside the walls. Once she saw that they were safe, her attention turned back to the troll that was throwing everything it had into crushing Viridian.

The captain dodged left and right, but she couldn’t keep it up for much longer. She was tired and weary from the previous fight and getting more so the longer she fought. She had the other object Sterling had given her, whom she’d not seen since he disappeared after he’d given her the infernal device. The lapse in her concentration made her foot stumble. She was quick to correct it, but it was too late. She could hear the rushing wind of the club coming towards her and she knew it would find it’s mark.

Acting on sheer instinct, she clapped her hands together and a wall of solid wood sprouted up from the ground on her right side. The sound of splintering wood confirmed her fears and she felt the club’s stone end crash into her side sending her flying. She flew for a good twenty feet just over the ground before she started to descend, skipping across the ground like a flat stone against a pond. She hit the ground hard and skidded to a halt at the base of a large tree. Everything hurt.

She opened her eyes to see the troll lumbering forwards, intent on reducing her to nothing more than a massive stain on the ground. Any movement on her part ended in more pain than she could imagine. The feeling of the creature’s footsteps made her body tremble. She didn’t know what to do and having nothing more than a broken body to work with. She pulled out the device Sterling had given her and slowly raised her damaged arm to aim it at the troll.

Her hands were shaking and the blood leaking from her head was obscuring her vision slightly. The troll grew closer and closer, once it was only ten feet away she pulled the trigger. A brilliant green light shot out from the end of the device. The ball of green light flew up and over the troll’s shoulder before it exploded and lit up the night sky in green light. Viridian’s arm dropped as despair flooded through her.

She missed, her one chance at saving herself and the town and she blew it. The troll turned it’s attention back to her and raised it’s club for the final strike. Viridian glared back at the monster. She would not look away from her death, she would face it like she did everything else, head on. The troll let out a roar as the club reached it’s peak.

Viridian glared at the troll as the sound of thunder could be heard overhead. Then a deafening blast slammed into the troll’s arm that was holding the club. The weapon dropped to the ground as the beast roared at it’s mangled arm. Another crack of thunder and another blast ripped through the beast’s other shoulder. Not only did it rip through it’s flesh, but the blast hit the ground beside Viridian.

The troll whirled trying to look for it’s attacker, but saw no one. Another blast went through it’s right leg, another through the left shoulder and another scraped the side of it’s face. It roared now in more fear than anger. The beast took off running through the forest as another blast nipped at it’s heels. Relief flooded the captain as she heard the beast run off into the forest and she felt herself slip into unconsciousness.

~~~

When Stirling arrived where the captain lay, he found that Twilight was already there along with the other five girls. The pink haired one with the butter yellow wings was examining the battered captain carefully. She did all the right things, checked for breathing, pulse and did it in a way that skilled nurses would be jealous of. This girl was a natural healer with a gentle touch.

“She’s alive,” Her meek voice said and they all let out a sigh or relief. “but one of her broken ribs has pierced her lung and it’s filling up with blood. She’ll choke to death unless we get help.” Sterling pushed his way through and knelt down beside the captain ignoring the startled noises of the group of girls. He started removing Viridian’s broken leather armor that had taken the brunt of the impact and cut away her damaged shirt.

He pulled out a thin length of glass and felt her damaged ribs. He found the area in between the boned and plunged the glass tube into her flesh and into her lung. The captain groaned in pain as blood flooded out of the glass end.

“That should buy her some time.” He said as he instructed Fluttershy to keep it there. Twilight still looked quite pale as she looked at the large craters around the captain.

“Where did you go?” Twilight asked as she looked at the mercenary. Sterling reached back into his bag and pulled out a long object. Longer than any lance or pole arm Twilight had ever seen. One end was covered in wood and a spyglass was attached to the top of it. The whole weapon itself was over five feet in length and looked as though it had seen a lot of fighting.

“This is Harbinger. A weapon of my own mad design, it’s capable of taking down anything within sixteen-hundred yards.” He said as he put it back in the bag. “I need distance and elevation to use it to it’s fullest extent. The captain provided a good diversion and lead it away while I got into position and waited for my chance to strike.”

“You could have taken out so many goblins with that thing.” Dash protested as she steadied Twilight on her shoulder. “Why wait so long?” He gestured to the large craters around them and the captain.

“Collateral damage.” Twilight answered. “That thing would have probably taken out our men too.” He nodded.

“Exactly,” A loud roar of pain echoed through the trees.

“That thing is still alive?” Applejack said as she steadied herself on her crutch.

“Trolls are annoyingly resilient and possess quite an interesting regenerative ability.” The group of girls froze and looked at the man.

“Regenerative ability?” Twilight repeated as if she didn’t hear him right.

“Yes, I gather within a few days it will be back to full form.” He pulled out his pepperbox and reloaded it. “Which is why the hunt continues.” He turned to the group. “Set up a watch of anyone who can still fight, there might be some stragglers.” Twilight nodded before Sterling turned and vanished into the forest.

Chapter 7: The Demon in Glasses

Chapter 7

The Demon in Glasses

Shrak’nar, the former chieftain of the goblin horde limped through the dark forest as he held his bleeding shoulder. The arrow the green haired human shot had not pierced a vital spot, but it was still causing him some discomfort. He didn’t know why everything had gone so wrong. He did everything the shiny rock had told him to do. The goblin glared at the crystal ball that was fixed to the top of his staff and growled at it.

This whole mess started when he found the infernal thing in that castle. The purple orb glowed as he shook and contemplated smashing it. The staff was suddenly shot out of his hand as a familiar booming noise echoed through the trees. Shrak’nar turned to see the dark haired human man who had killed who knew how many of it’s comrades. He held the same object that he used to blow his friends’ heads off.

Shrak took a step closer to the staff but stopped as another blast shot near his feet. Sterling approached slowly, keeping his pepperbox trained on the goblin as he walked up to thestaff and picked it up.

“So this is your little secret?” He examined the crystal ball and saw it glow purple for a moment, before putting it in his bag. Shrak growled at hi and pulled out a hand crossbow and aimed at the man. He didn’t have a chance to pull the trigger before the human fired and the chieftain’s head was nothing more than a mess of blood and bone splattered on the forest ground. Sterling took the fancy headdress the chieftain once wore and made his way through the forest, intent on finishing his job.

~~~

The first thing Viridian Thorn knew when she awoke was how much pain she was in. As her eyes fluttered open she was met with the familiar surroundings of one of Twilight’s rooms in the castle. She turned her head and saw Rarity reading a magazine, a pair of purple horn rimmed glasses balanced on her nose. The captain groaned once as another wave of pain shot through her body. Rarity’s head shot up and saw she was awake.

In a flash, she was beside the captain and called out for Spike. The green haired boy appeared a moment later and saw that the captain was conscious. He quickly ran to fetch Twilight and the others. Viridian felt a hand on her shoulder as she tried to sit up straight. Twilight and Red Heart soon entered the room and got beside Rarity.

“How are you feeling Viridian?” Red Heart asked as she checked the captain’s vitals.

“Sore, very sore.” She answered hoarsely. Rarity poured her a glass of water from a pitcher into a glass. She raised it to the captain’s lips and held it as she drank. “Thank you,” She said her voice a little less gravely.

Twilight and Red Heart informed her about the last of the battle andthat she’s been unconscious for three days. That made her start to sit up but was stopped by Red Heart’s firm hand on her chest and icy blue gaze. The nurse informed her that she still had four broken ribs, a concussion, and a fractured arm and leg. Footsteps at the door made the group turn and saw a handsome man with shoulder length blue hair dressed in regal looking armor.

“Ah Captain Thorn, I’m glad to see you’re awake.” Shining Armor said with a kind smile. Once again Viridian tried to move but her body was racked with pain. “Don’t strain yourself captain, you and everyone here have been through a lot.” He said as he approached the bed.

The Prince bowed his head low to the green haired woman. “I thank you for keeping this town and my sister safe.” Viridian felt a wave of gratitude coming off the Prince and did her best to slowly sit up straight.

“It was a group effort sir.” She stated firmly. “

“Quite so,” Shining turned around and paled as he saw Sterling standing in the doorway. His clothes were covered in black blood and he had a few red spots from deep scratches on his arms and torso. He pulled out the goblin’s headdress and tossed it on the floor. “This job was above than what the contract entailed Armor and I expect to be compensated accordingly.”

“I didn’t think they’d send you Crane.” Shining took a moment to look over the man and he swallowed once. “Twilight and the others informed me of the large force of goblins and a troll?” He nodded. “Where did it go?”

“I tracked it’s trail to a ravine not far from here. I doubt even a troll could survive a fall like that, especially one as damaged as it was.” He said nonchalantly. “Now if you don’t mind, I need a bath and some sleep.” Twilight informed him where the closest bathroom was and that he was free to use one of the guest rooms.

“Make sure the money is transferred to the according account.” He said as he turned on his heel and started to walk away, his footsteps echoed down the hall as he searched for the bathroom. Once he was out of earshot, Shining turned to his sister.

“Why didn’t you tell me that they sent him?” Twilight looked perplexed at her brother’s sudden change of tone. Shining let out a sigh. “Crane is effective, but he can be cold and calculating.”

“If it wasn’t for him, we probably wouldn’t have survived the attack.” Shining held up a hand.

“I know, I know. All I’m saying is be careful. He’s called the ‘Demon in Glasses’ for a reason.” Shining heard a clock chime and winced. “Sorry, but my train is going to arrive soon and I need to get back to Cadence.” He gave Twilight a quick kiss on the forehead and made his way out of the castle.

Twilight looked at the other women who looked just as perplexed as she did. They had never heard of that nickname, or any of the like and as far at Twilight could tell it did not make much sense. Sure Sterling might have been a little callous, but he did care about civilian casualties and he could have forsaken Viridian’s life in order to kill the troll. She set that aside and turned her attention to a more pressing problem, with Viridian on bedrest for a few weeks there was no one left to lead the rest of the watch which at the moment was severely crippled. About a dozen of them had broken bones and deep cuts that were infected, while the rest had minor injuries, but wouldn’t be fighting anytime soon.

Despite the heavy fighting, no one had died and Viridian’s condition was the most severe, much to the Captain’s relief. An idea formed in Twilight’s mind and discussed it with Viridian quickly. The captain let out a sigh and nodded in agreement, albeit begrudgingly. With her blessing she went off towards the bathroom that she told Sterling about. She gave a knock and waited for an answer.

When none came she opened the door to see the room filled with steam. She saw a shadow slowly rising from the steam.

“This had better be important.” A familiar grating voice came out from the steam. Twilight quickly exited the room and closed the door.

“I apologize, I didn’t hear anyone inside when I knocked.” She swallowed once. “When you’re done, meet me in my office I want to ask you something.” A low groan came from the other side of the door.

“Very well.” He said as she heard him step out of the bath before she made her way to her office. Twilight cleared off her desk and waited a few minutes before the door opened to show the dark haired man, who’s hair was still damp. “Now what is so important that you had to interrupt me?” He said as he sat down without waiting to be given permission to.

“As you know, our forces in the town is crippled and we’re almost defenseless should another goblin attack come.”

“I hunted most of them down, but there are still a few running around. Not enough to launch an attack of the previous night, but enough to stir up some trouble.” He thought for a moment and then a sly smile spread on his face. “Ah, so that’s it, you want me to play guard dog until your town’s forces are back to full strength?” Twilight nodded.

“Sorry, but that’s not my call to make. I may be a mercenary, but even I have orders that need to be followed. The only reason I cam here was because it was on my way back from my previous job and my boss won’t want me stalling. He get’s in a foul mood when it comes to punctuality.” He said calmly.

“Besides, the contract I made with your brother is done.”

“Then can’t we make a new one between you and I?” Sterling pondered the thought for a moment.
“Did your brother go over our contract?” Twilight shook her head. He reached into his bag and pulled out a scroll of parchment. He handed it to her and Twilight saw it must have been made from a template. “Just a standard issue contract it’s more of a formality, but I prefer to have a written record of every job I do.”

Twilight started reading through the contract to herself. It was a very standard business contract naming the individuals involved, the job required and the payment. There were five things at the bottom that did catch her attention.

“What are these five things at the bottom?” She turned the scroll around and pointed to the bottom of the parchment.

“Those are the five tenants the Iron Crows follow and the conditions that anyone looking to hire us must abide by.” He held up one finger. “One; I will kill any creature provided the coin is adequate and I receive my pay when the job is done. However, humans are of a separate matter and a different contract is required for that. Two; I will not get involved in any sort of spat you might have with a neighboring lord and hold neutrality in any political matters.”

“Three; if you are unable to pay me the amount we previously agreed upon then I have a right to take something of equal value.” He held up three fingers now.

“Like what?” He shrugged at the captain’s question.

“Anything I want. Granted that tenant is a bit old fashioned and I have only done it a few times.” He cleared his throat. “Four; once the contract is drawn out then it cannot be changed and finally, if at any point I believe the job is too dangerous then I have the right to terminate my contract. Obviously this means I will not be paid and I have never left a contract unfinished.”

Twilight read over the contract once more and nodded. “Before you go and suggest I draw up another one, I must report in with my boss and inform him that I’m done here. Then I will broach the offer to him.” He said as he stood up. “Do you have a message mirror I can use?”

“Yes,” She walked over and pulled the blanket off of the mirror she had used to contact her brother. He approached it and made a magic rune on the shimmering surface. It settled and went black.

“Who’s there? How did you get this contact?” A gruff voice called out from the darkness.

“Nice to hear from you Marshal.” Sterling said plainly. There was a pause from the mirror and then a chuckle came from the dark glassy surface.

“Well, well, it’s about time you reported in.” The voice grated.

“The goblins here have been dealt with sir and the payment will be int he account soon.” Another pause, then a humorless chuckle.

“The only time you start acting obedient and formal is when you’re up to something. Out with it Crane, what new scheme are you cooking up in that deranged mind of yours?”

“I have a new contract offer, one that can prove to be quite prosperous and earn you a lot of money.”

“You have my attention. Hurry it up.”

“I am here with Princess Twilight Sparkle. She can fill you in.” A sputtering noice came from the black surface. Sterling stepped aside and let Twilight stand in front of the mirror.

“Hello?” She called out.

“Yes, what’s your offer?” Twilight frowned at the tone of the stranger’s voice. She quickly explained her idea to the black image. “Just how long will this arrangement be?”

“A month maybe longer?”

“How much are you willing to pay for one my best crows?” Twilight listed the amount that was on the previous contract. “Not a chance, that was adequate for a simple goblin incursion, but not for a long lasting contract. I won’t take anything less than two hundred gold per week.” Twilight’s jaw dropped at the small fortune while Sterling was silent.

“That’s my offer, take it or leave it.” Twilight was silent for a long while, but eventually agreed. “Excellent, draw up the contract Crane. I’ll inform the crown of our new contract.”

“I might need some back up to keep the populace in check, so I might bring the rest of the crows here.” The mirror was silent.

“Very well, but I’ll be sending you missions in the meantime to keep up the work. I look forward to the amount of money you’re going to make for me Crane.” The mirror returned to it’s normal shimmering surface.

“Charming individual isn’t he?” Twilight just let out a frustrated sigh.

“I don’t see how you can work with someone like that.” Sterling only shrugged in response.

“You get use to him over time I suppose.” He let out a yawn and rubbed his eye. “I’ll draw up the contract after I have some rest and I’ll also need a place of residence while I’m here.”

“You’re free to use any guest room in the castle.” He thanked her and he went off to claim a room. He found one of moderate side with two large windows that had a nice view of the small town. Sterling set his belongings down and flopped onto the bed. He rested his head on the pillow in hopes of recuperating from the past few days events.

Hours later, he was awoken by a series of knocks at on his door. He placed his glasses on his nose and rose as he beckoned the knocker to come in. It was Spike who informed him that festivities were taking place in the town square. He looked out the window and saw he was right. Tables had been set out along the cobblestone street and the smell of food was in the air.

Although it annoyed him, he figured he should at the very least make an appearance. He reached into his bag and pulled out some nicer looking clothes. A dark green tunic, vest, a pair of dark pants and dark leather boots. He grabbed his cane and slowly made his way down to the ground floor of the castle. Sterling soon made his way into the town and eventually found Twilight.

“Quite the festivities,” He said as he walked up beside her. “I’m impressed at how a town on the brink of destruction is suddenly in full swing of a party.”

“They have you to thank for that.” She smiled at him. “My friend Pinkie is always ready for a party.”

“Shouldn’t this wait until the town has recovered more?” He inquired.

“The goblins never attacked any of our food stores, so there’s plenty to eat.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.” He said sternly. “Now that the threat has passed and there are no guards to keep people in check, things could turn nasty very quickly.” Twilight looked out at the merriment and could not understand what he meant. “Just keep an eye out for trouble.”

Sterling made his way through the crowd and kept an eye on the different groups of people drinking, dancing and merry making. He was surprised to see that Viridian was at the head of a large table surrounded by a few people. Almost everything safe for her head was wrapped in bandages. She managed to raise a cup to her lips, but she could hardly move otherwise. Viridian looked up at him and nodded.

“Well, I’m surprised to see you up and about.” She commented.

“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” She chuckled softly that then turned into a coughing fit. “It hurts to laugh.”

“Not that surprising since you took a direct hit from a troll’s great club and lived to tell the tale. By the way, I’ve accepted the Princess’s offer so I’ll be sticking around for the time being.” The captain seemed to let relief flood out of her.

“Well, at least now I know there’s someone looking after the town.”

“I will have to call for some back up, not sure when the rest will get here though.” He said his goodbyes and made his way to the tavern he stayed at a few nights ago. Unsurprisingly, it was packed to the rafters with merry makers. The barman was filling orders left and right while Liz and two other serving girls were bustling from table to table serving drinks and taking orders.He leaned heavily on his cane as he made his way over to a vacant seat to stretch his afflicted leg out.

He needed some down time to heal it after the ordeal he’d been through in the past few months. Liz brought him a drink and thanked her. He took a moment to enjoy the atmosphere of the quaint town. The novelty suddenly wore off as four all too familiar armed individuals made their way to a table and demanded service. They were the four highwaymen who accosted him on the road not one week ago.

The air in the tavern soon started to turn stale as the boisterous lot started brandishing their swords. It wasn’t long until Viridian hobbled her way inside to see what was going on. A frown creased her brow just as one of the brutes grabbed Liz by the waist and pulled her down onto his lap much to the serving girls’ dislike. Sterling put his drink down and moved before the captain could limp her way to the table.

He walked up behind the one handling Liz a little too friendly for his and most definitely her, liking. He cleared his throat rather loudly making the four look up. Their eyes widened in recognition of the man.

“Well, look who it is.” The brute said with laughter. “What do you want string bean?”

“First off I’d like it if you’d stop manhandling that serving girl.” He said in a deadly serious tone. “Second, I’d like my things you stole from me back in my possession and third, I’d appreciate it enormously if you would make yourselves scarce and leave us in peace.” The four ruffians looked at one another and then threw their heads back laughing. By now most of the patrons had backed up away from the group and were practically hugging the walls.

“Why don’t you just get out of here crip? Before we break your good leg.” Sterling sucked on his tooth and shook his head while making his way towards the door. Once he was on the doorstep he closed them, then locked all while telling himself he gave them the option of cooperating. He grabbed a nearby iron tankard and whirled it at the back of the big one’s head.

As the brute turned he was met with a hard fist to the face, followed by the man’s cane sweeping his legs out from under him and a final kick to the jaw to knock him out. The other three rose to their feet reaching for their weapons. However the wooden chairs had seem to have come alive and gripped their arms. Sterling made quick work of the two with a few quick yet precise jabs to their chest, stomach and faces. There was the sound of splintering wood and he turned to see the leader of the group holding a broken bottle to Liz’s neck.

Before he could bark his demands, Sterling’s hand moved and fired once. Liz screamed as the man’s head seemed to have exploded, covering the poor girl in his blood. The dead body flopped onto the floor and Liz dropped to her knees, shaking. Sterling shook his head just as someone unlocked the door and patrons flooded in to see what the noise was about. Sterling paid them no mind as he approached Liz and offered her a handkerchief to wash the blood away.

“I’m so sorry about that dear.” He said as one of the other serving girls lead her upstairs, no doubt to help clean her up. He looked back and saw some of the other patrons tie up the three thugs and haul them out of the bar along with the dead body. Sterling apologized to the bartender about the mess as he gingerly side stepped the blood pool and returned to his seat to finish his drink. He might have some fun in this town after all.