Game of Thrones: Equestria

The ship carrying the expedition crew has been sailing in the air for a few days now. The ship was nearing the Northern border and everyone was trying to make themselves busy to either distract themselves from the impending danger that awaited them or to mentally prepare to face it head on. Marshall was leaning on the railing of the ship sipping cider while the crew went about the ship as it glided along an ocean of clouds.

“Enjoying the view?” Asked Lock who had just flown down from the crows nest.

“In fact, I am. Most times I stood here keeping an eye for enemy fliers and ships.”

Both men gazed out in the open and soon saw Imperius gliding through the clouds. He had both his arms out and did a few somersaults and noticed Gummy was watching with great admiration.

“He’s grown up so much,” Marshall said proudly.

“And I have you to thank as well for it.”

“Me? How so?” Lock wondered.

“Thanks to you, he is less shy around girls and his flying skills have grown. You did much for him.” Marshall smiled before seeing his son do a power dive straight towards the ground.

“Oh geeze.” One of the soldiers exclaimed.

“Now he’s just showing off. Hey kid! Get back on the ship already!!”

The prince spiraled towards the ground, face brimming with confidence until at the very last second he fanned open his wings and pulled up, skimming the soil beneath him.

SWOOSH!!

“YEEEEAAAAAHHH!!”

“Kids.” The helmsman shook his head as he watched the prince land back on the deck with a few cheers and applause from the crew.

“Hah! I taught him to do that!” Lock said with pride.

“Nothing said awesome like a hero’s landing.”

Gummy squealed as she skipped over to Imperius and wrapped him in a big hug. Normally he’d be all flustered from the gesture, but instead Imperius smiled and hugged Gummy back.

“You were amazing, Impy!” Gummy chirped.

“I almost wish I was a Pegasus so I could fly with you!”

“Thanks Gummy, it’s just something I learned from Dimitri. Plus…I kinda wanted to impress you,” he admitted, scratching his cheek.

“Ohhhh!” The crew teased with some making kissy faces until the prince glared at them.

“Alright! Back to work ya slackers!!” The helmsman shouted before turning the ship a few degrees to the northeast.

The two then sat by a few barrels and talked with each other, enjoying each other’s company. Top soon emerged from below deck and stretched his arms and yawned.

“Hey Top, glad you decided to wake up and join us,” Imperius smirked.

“Never took you for such a sleepy head, Topy!” Gummy giggled.

“Well it can’t be helped. No alarm clock on this creaking tub.” Top yawned once more when the ship’s cook came marching up to the deck.

"Gumdrop! Let's go, you're on kitchen duty!"

“Yeppers! Come on Impy! I’ll show you my mom’s extra special recipe for cupcakes!” Gummy chirped as she grabbed Imperius’ hand.

“You can come too, Topy!”

“Why not? I’ve had servants cook for me, might as well learn on my own,” Top shrugged as they went back below deck.

“She’s a keeper, that one, I bet you 50 bits they get together by the time we return,” Lock chuckled to Marshall.

“I’ll take that bet.” The lord regent smirked before he noticed the winds were getting colder.

“We’re here…”

“MOUNTAINS! DEAD AHEAD!!” The lookout shouted from the crows nest and pointed to two large peaks on the horizon.

“So this is the North,” Lock said as he looked at the snowy terrain below and beyond the horizon.

“Indeed.”

Both men turned to see Gregor join them as he smiled nostalgically.

“So where’s your home village, Gregor?” Lock wondered.

“Hmm…there!” the large stag pointed to a settlement in the distance.

“But it has been abandoned since King Wulfric ordered the exodus. My first task when we get home is to have a feast!”

“I’ll look forward to it, you got a lady?” Lock asked, but Gregor soon frowned as his ears drooped.

“Oh…sorry man, I didn’t know.”

“I had one love…she died in the blizzard that trapped our clan fifteen years ago.” Gregor sighed before heading below deck.

“Damn, it’s never easy getting over the death of someone you care about,” Lock frowned pityingly as he placed a hand over the tags under his shirt.

“I know that better than anyone.”

Marshall nodded in agreement before the ship was suddenly rocked and began to groan, startling most of the crew.

“What was that? A rogue wind?!?”

“No, something flew below the ship!!”

All crew members looked over the railing and most went pale at the sight. Many large winged beasts with glistening white scales appeared as some of them growled at the sight of the crew.

“By the gods…FROST WYRMS!!!”

“Battle stations! Now!!”

The crew scrambled to their posts as the gun ports were opened and the muskets were loaded, while below deck, the kitchen crew was in a panic after the initial impact knocked over most of their tools.

“What the devil?!?” The chef cried out.

"Eww! I'm covered in cake batter!!" Gummy whined while Imperius and Top Notch went topside to see what was happening. When they saw the chaos that ensued, they gasped as two of the Wyrm’s attempted to bite off the crew if not for jumping out of the way.

“TOP NOTCH! IMPERIUS! GET BACK BELOW DECK! THAT’S AN ORDER!” Lock barked as he slashed away a Wyrm with his spear and fired at another with one of his six shooters.

"But we can help!" Imperius objected before seeing and injured crewman holding his leg after one of the cannonballs crushed it.

“Aaaahhh! My leg!”

“Get him below deck now!”

“I SAID THAT’S A FUCKING DIRECT ORDER! GET YOUR ASSES BELOW DECK!” Lock roared as he raised his inflamed hand and thrusted forward, spewing a torrent of flames at the wyrm’s.

“HELLFIRE FIST!”

“Top, gimme a hand!!” Imperius shouted while weaving through the crew.

“Help me carry him! You're gonna be alright.”

The crewman screamed in agony as he was brought below to the ship’s medical bay with many more following as the fighting continued.

“Damnit! They won’t let up! They’ll pick us off and destroy the ship!” Marshall snapped as he swung his sword at a Wyrm trying to eat him, slashing its scales.

“We need something to chase them off!”

Lock ceased his flames and thought of something that might work. He looked at his hand and clenched it and descended to the deck and took off his swords, pistols, and Spear.

“Marshall! Everyone! Keep your heads low!” Lock said as he fell on all fours.

Before anyone could question him, all were shocked to see his body change form. Even the Wyrm’s paused to see his body morph and increase in size. His arms and legs grew out to large claws as his skin grew dark black scales. His face stretched out into a pointed snout and his air grew out longer and white. From his head grew large horns and on his back amber colored spines. His body stretched out more and more and his teeth grew into razor sharp fangs. All were frozen as the once human warrior now hovered in the air as a large black scaled dragon, larger than any of the attacking Wyrm’s, as smoke billowed from its maw and its slitted eyes glowed a bright amber.

“What the…” the helmsman starred before he noticed a bright orange glow coming from the dragon’s mouth.

“GET DOWN!!!” Marshall cried out as the crew braced themselves.

The black dragon blew a massive torrent of flames at the attacking wyrms, creating a gust of hot wind that blew the ship off balance a little. Most of the wyrms managed to fly out of the way as the flames enveloped a few and burnt them to a crisp. Their charred bodies fell to the ground which managed to do the job as they fled the ship in a hurry. The large black dragon exhaled deeply as it hovered beside the ship and looked at the stunned crew.

“Is everyone alright?” It spoke in a deep and loud voice.

“Uh…yeah.” Marshall replied before noticing the ship was descending.

“Dammit! Those beasts must've damaged the engines, I gotta put her down!" The helmsman shouted as he steered the ship.

“Lock, find us a place to land. Fast!”

Lock nodded as he helped guide the ship down to an open area on the ground. The ship’s landing gear opened up and the vessel placed itself in the snow with a thud. As the crew got off the ship, Lock circled around and landed just in front of them. Everyone was stupefied by the large creature as it stared back down at them and tilted its head.

“What? Never seen a dragon like me before?”

“We…just never knew you could turn into an actual dragon,” Marshall said.

“Heh, well I can.”

Soon Imperius, Gummy, and Top filed out but as soon as they saw Lock, each of them screamed and hid behind Marshall.

“What is that thing?!?” Top shrieked.

“Save me Impy!!” Gumdrop cried out as she squeezed the prince.

“Kids, it’s me,” the black dragon said as he leaned his head down. The sound of his deep voice caught them off guard, but after staring into his amber eyes they put the pieces together.

“Dimitri…?” Imperius said.

“Yep, pretty cool huh?”

“Holy mother of gods! You’re a dragon?!” Top yelped.

“Among other things, but yeah, at the moment I am.”

“Woah,” Imperius said in awe as he approached his snout.

“What big teeth you have!”

“Gee, thanks Goldilocks,” Lock teased.

“Alright enough talk. Let’s set up camp.” Marshall ordered as the rest of the disembarked and began unloading the equipment.

“Top. Take Imperius and scout the perimeter.”

“Yes sir!”

The boys walked a short distance away from the campsite when they spotted something odd in the distance. It looked to be a person trying to flag them down but as they drew closer, they began to see shipwrecks and other shadowy figures in the snow.

“Sir are you alright?” Imperius called out to the stranger.

“Sir are…oh gods…”

“What’s wrong?” Top asked as his friend backed up to show him a caribou, frozen into an icy statue.

“I don’t think we’re the first ones here. Let’s report this to my dad.”

Top nodded as they both hurried back to the camp. Meanwhile the crew were setting up their tents and other equipment while the shipwrights were fixing the engine. Lock had circled his large dragon body around the camp as to keep it safe and noticed Gummy looking worried as she held her hands to her chest.

“What’s wrong, Gummy?” Lock asked as he leaned his large head down to face her.

“You look worried.”

“The boys have been gone a while…” she said while looking towards the end of the camp.

Lock smiled and nudged her with his snout a little.

“You like him, don’t you?”

Gummy blushed for a moment but smiled as she looked to a Lock and nodded.

“I see, care to tell me why?”

“Well…he’s fun! He likes sweets, trains hard and…he’s cute.” She giggled.

“Then allow me to tell you a little something: Imperius likes you too.”

Gummy squealed with delight when she spotted them rushing into camp, looking like they had just seen a ghost.

“Sir?” Top called out as they stopped to catch a breath.

“Boys you look a little freaked. What happened?” Marshall asked.

“It’s um...you gotta see this.” Imperius said while pointing the way to the area they scouted.

“Climb on my back, it’ll be easier that way,” Lock said as he leaned his head down.

They all nodded as Marshall, Shining, Gregor, and the boys climbed on Lock’s back. Gummy surprised Imperius by hopping up with him and hugged his back, making him smile a little. Lock then raised his head and hovered in the air and flew towards the direction. A few minutes later, they landed and were met with the ship graveyard.

“What in the name of Odin?” Gregor gasped as they climbed off Lock.

“What is all this?” Shining said.

“I can take a guess,” Lock growled as he spotted a torn banner billowing in the wind. Though it was torn, everyone could easily make out the familiar sigil.

“Stonehoofs.”

“What the hell were they doing here?” Asked Marshall while scouting one of the wrecks.

“Check for records. Maps, logbooks, anything.”

Imperius took Gummy and Top to another wrecked ship with a large hole in the side. As they stepped in, Gumdrop screamed after spotting dozens of frozen bodies but these were different from the rest.

“AHHH!!”

“Gummy!” Imperius pulled her back and hugged her tight while looking at the bodies. All of them were young females dressed in rags and shackled to each other by chains. From how they were positioned, they tried to keep each other warm using their body heat right up until their last moments.

“This was a slave ship.” The prince said in horror as the others came to see the mass grave.

“Those fucking bastards…!” Gregor snarled.

Shining spotted an old log book in the hands of a caribou corpse and pulled it out of its clutches. He blew the frost away and opened to the last page which was filled with hastily scribbled writing but managed to make it out.

“We cannot get out,” Shining read.

“They have demolished almost every ship and are tearing their way through the hull. We managed to barricade the door, I can hear the screams of my comrades, the roars of these foul creatures. The ground shakes, drums in the deep…We cannot get out, the frost demons move through the dark, we cannot get out. They are coming, all because of that accursed mine.”

Shining tucked the log book under his cloak before giving the order to head back. Imperius and Top began gathering pieces of wood and torn fabrics and began stacking them on the side of the ship.

“What are you doing son?” Marshall inquired as they continued.

“They don’t deserve to be left like this.”

“They boy is right. They deserve a proper burial.” Gregor said while pouring some of his ale on the pile.

“Top, light it.”

Top nodded and threw his torch against the exposed part of the ship. The torch soon ignited the frame and slowly began to engulf the vessel. The whole group watched the ship burn along with any bad memories that came with it. Imperius looked down at Gummy who was still trembling in his arm until she looked back up at him. She smiled warmly and nuzzled her cheek against his.

“Thank you Imperius, I’m really glad you were here for me.”

“Of course Gummy, anything for you.”

Gummy looked back at Imperius and gazed into his eyes. For Imperius, he finally noticed just how beautiful Gummy actually was. His heart started beating faster as Gummy leaned in and he was moving in to meet her halfway. Slowly but surely, they closed their eyes as their lips softly made contact with one another. The only feeling describable for the two could only be defined as fireworks in their hearts. This kiss they were sharing, despite the circumstances, they somehow knew it was right. Imperius had finally done it, he had officially broken out of his shell and found the one thing he never thought he’d find: true love. When they separated, they gazed at each other again and Gummy smiled with a bright blush across her muzzle.

“Imperius…I love you.”

“I…I love you too.” The prince smiled as they nuzzled each other.

“Ahem!” Marshall exclaimed with a raised brow and a grin.

“Save it for later lovebirds. Back to camp!”

The new couple nodded as they all climbed back on Lock’s back and he flew back to camp.

“Imperius, are you really okay with having just a normal pony like me as your marefriend?” Gummy asked as she snuggled into his chest.

“I’m not a noble pony, I have no special status, I’m just…basic.”

“There’s nothing basic about you.” The prince smiled.

“You hung out with me, not caring I was a prince. You showed me how to have fun and you make it easy for me to talk to other girls. Plus you know how to bake.”

“Don’t forget, I was the one who set you two up,” Lock chimed in, peeking behind him.

“Be that as it may,” Imperius said, holding her hand and cupping her cheek.

“There’s not another mare in the world who I’d share my heart with, than you Gumdrop.”

“Aww Impy!” Gummy giggled while hugging him tight.

“Hey Marshall,” Lock called out, giving him a shit eating fanged smile.

“That’ll be 50 bits.”

Marshall grumbled as they landed in camp and relaxed from the emotional strain. As most of the crew went back inside the ship or in their tents, Lock remained in his dragon form to keep watch. It would be a long couple of weeks here in the north, and their quest was only beginning.

A Few Days Later

Imperius slept in his bunk soundly and began to stir as the sun peeked through the window. He then felt something on his chest, making him open his eyes and look down to see his new marefriend sleeping with him. He smiled as he stroked her hair and remembered how he found her like this once and got all flustered. Now he’s a different young stallion and has opened his heart to share with her. Gummy then stirred awake and looked up to see her coltfriend and smiled back.

“Morning, marshmallow, how’d you sleep?” Imperius asked.

“Mm better now that I’m with you.” She said as they began to kiss, unaware of a certain part of the prince also waking up in the morning.

“Hm? Impy you naughty boy.” Gummy teased as he began to blush.

“S-sorry!”

“No need to be sorry,” Gummy cooed as she slowly began to scoot downward.

“Gummy, what’re you-gasp!”

Gummy soon found herself in between his legs and massaged his groin. She bit her lip as she stared at him with a lustful gaze.

“B-But Gummy! We can’t! Not here!” Imperius panicked.

“Shh, we won’t do anything too extreme,” Gummy hummed.

“I’m just gonna take care of this little morning wood for ya~.”

Gummy grabbed the hem of his pants and pulled it down. Imperius’ heart was racing as his crotch became more exposed with each passing moment. Soon his erect shaft was on display, making Gummy shudder with anticipation and go a bit light headed from the aroma.

“G-Gummy…”

“Shhh. Don’t wake the others silly~” she whispered as she began tasting his stallionhood and rubbing his chest.

“Mmm this is all mine now~”

Imperius shuddered at the feeling of his mare’s tongue and looked down to see her giving him bedroom eyes and a peek at her chest as she lifted her top. Gummy noticed where his eyes were staring and giggled as she lifted her shirt to expose her perky c-cup breasts. Imperius’ eyes widened as Gummy then opened her mouth and started taking the tip and soon the whole top of his dick in her mouth and began sucking lightly.

“Oh geeze! G-Gummy!” The prince grunted while trying to keep quiet as she continued.

“Mmm~,” Gummy cooed as she sucked him more and more. Imperius had to cover his mouth so as to not make a scene as Gummy reached down and rubbed her moistened pussy. Gummy’s tongue was moved in a masterful motion, as she sucked slow and trailed her tongue along his length.

“H-How are you so good…!” Imperius asked.

Gumdrop wouldn’t answer and repositioned herself to give Imperius a more comfortable position as she glided her hands along his chest once more before taking his full length into her mouth.

“GLLK!”

That was the final nail in the coffin as Imperius clenched his hands on the mattress and came. While surprised, Gummy happily drank his load after every spurt without spilling a single drop. At the same time, she had also managed to cum and squealed a little at her own pleasure. Soon after his orgasm ended and he was already out of breath as Gummy slurped him all the way to the top and released him with a pop.

“So yummy~.” She huffed, licking her lips.

“Wow…” Imperius said as she pushed him back down to the mattress.

“I’m gonna go back to my bunk. Thanks for the treat~.” Gummy giggled and gave him a peck to the cheek.

The prince laid there feeling exhausted but at the same time he was oddly satisfied now that he and Gumdrop took their relationship to the next level. Although, a certain part in his mind reminded him of another mare that would no doubt kill him for doing something like this, which made him instinctively gulp.

“…Selene’s gonna kill me.”

Back on the deck, the crew were still camping out as the engineers continued to tinker away at the engine. Two of the top engineers, Lug Nut and Hammer Nail, conversed on how to make sure it was working properly. Although, they were more arguing than talking.

“I told you! This valve needs a new lid or the whole thing will blow! Do you wanna kill us all?!” Lug snapped.

“Ah cram it! I got this.” Hammer snapped back as they continued the repairs.

“Morning you two,” Shining said as he approached the two stallions.

“How much longer until she’s airborne again?”

“Those beasts did a number on the engine cap but we’ll be good to go in a couple more days.” Lug said before getting sprayed with oil.

“NOT AGAIN! You said you fixed that!”

“I did fix it! The tubing is brittle from all this cold!”

As the two engineers bickered, outside Marshall and Gregor were in the larger tent and went over battle tactics.

“Those beasts shouldn’t be venturing out this far from their nest,” Gregor said, gazing at the map.

“We’re still over a day away from the Pass.”

“And we’ve already got a damaged ship and injured crewman. This expedition is already a shit show.” Marshall stated while going over the inventory.

“We need to reach that mine or risk freezing to death.”

“Sir…did you know that human could transform into a beast like that?” Gregor asked, peeking out of the tent to see the black dragon still laying its body around the ship.

“I’ve seen many things on the battlefield, especially with the late King Wulfric, this human is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. And to be honest, I don’t very much trust him.”

“Well Wulfric did. That should be good enough.” Marshall said as they stepped out to get some fresh air.

“Let’s just focus on getting this done.”

Gregor nodded as they went to help the rest of the crew. Lock looked out in the distance for any more unwanted visitors as they others worked. Suddenly, he saw something approach in the distance that made him snarl and raise his body.

“Lock?” Marshall called out.

“Get behind me,” Lock said as he moved in front of the ship.

A few of the Frost Wyrms had arrived once more and landed just beyond the camp. Lock glared at the Wyrms as he bared his fangs at them. Out of the blue, one of them actually spoke.

“Who amongst you tiny intruders is the leader of the pack!” The lead Wyrm demanded.

“Is it you, black dragon?!”

The crew was on edge as Lock stared down the pack, looking ready to fight.

“We mean no harm, just let us camp here until our ship is repaired.”

“You do not tell us what to do!” The wyrm seethed.

“All intruders will be dealt with! So says The Grand Matriarch! Leave these lands at once! Or face the wrath of the whole pack, just as those foolish ones did many years ago!”

“Wait!” Shining Armor called out with his hands raised.

“Those men you killed were our enemies as well. I promise, we are nothing like them. Let me speak with your leader.”

“Lies! All of your ilk are the same! Those exact words were said by them and they killed our matriarch’s mate! Heed this warning, do not traverse any further! Do so, and forfeit your lives!”

Without another word, the wyrms left as they kicked up snow from their flapping. The crew seemed to relax a tad, but were now even more on edge than before.

“Well that could’ve gone better,” Lock sighed.

“Kinda surprising they can talk.”

“Indeed. That was never mentioned by the elders.”

“This changes nothing.” Shining said while rubbing his hands.

“Get the mining gear and crews ready, we set out as soon as the sun sets.”

The rest of the day was spent preparing for the trek to the mines. Because of the ship still being out of commission, Lock offered to carry Marshall, Shining, Gregor, and their best troops along with the gear. The sun soon set and all were about ready to leave, until a soldier came out while dragging an unexpected stowaway.

“Sir, found him in the cargo hold,” the stag scoffed, shoving Hreidar forward.

“Um…hello,” the young buck said sheepishly.

“Hreidar?!? Why are you here?” Imperius shouted.

“You know him sire?”

“He’s a friend of Beorn’s.”

“Brat has Dainn’s face,” Gregor growled as he was about to pull out his axe.

“Someone better explain before I slice his head off!”

“Gregor! Stand down!” Marshall ordered as he jumped off Lock’s back.

“He is not to be harmed. These are the orders of your king.”

“If you wish to know who I am, I’ll tell you,” Hreidar said sadly. He then gave a brief explanation who he is and where he came from, which made Gregor see him differently.

“I snuck on the ship so I could help. Staying back in Canterlot just didn’t feel right, especially with all the dirty looks I always get.”

Both Marshall and Shining sighed at the situation while Hreidar was restrained by some of the guards.

“Alright. Kid, stay with the camp and help any way you can. Gumdrop, Top Notch. Watch him.”

The kids nodded as Marshall and Gregor got back on Lock’s back. The black dragon hovered in the air, which his passengers held tight to his spine spikes, and carried the crates filled with mining tools. Lock soared through the air and towards the Pass, all the while Marshall noticed Gregor to be deep in thought.

“Not what you were expecting from Hreidar Snow, hm?”

“I never thought Dainn even had a child.”

“I still can’t get over the fact that he raped his own sister,” Shining sneered.

“I mean, who the hell does that?!”

“A sick and twisted individual, that’s who,” Lock responded.

“I’ve met plenty during my military days.”

The group said nothing as Lock continued to fly. The moon was still rising to the sky as the temperature grew colder. Thanks to the warmth of Lock’s scales, the group riding on his back weren’t that affected by the weather.

“So how’s it feel to be riding a dragon, guys?” Lock wondered.

“Not bad actually.” Marshall grinned before looking at his son.

“What about you son?”

“Hmm…”

“Imperius?”

“Huh?”

“Jeeze, Imperius, you looked lost for a minute there,” Shining said.

“Everything alright?”

“Uh y-yeah. Just spaced out for a bit.” The prince said sheepishly.

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with your new marefriend, hm?” Marshall arched a brow with a smirk.

“WHAT?!? No dad, come on!”

“Getting awful defensive there, kiddo,” Lock chuckled, making the rest of the men laugh.

“Uhh well…”

“It’s alright son. We were young like you, once.”

Imperius covered his face with his wings as they flew through the air. Lock then had to land when they were just beyond the Pass and everyone got off.

“So that’s Frost Wyrm Pass.”

“Great, now all we have to do is-”

“Get behind me!” Lock said as he quickly moved in front of the group.

“What’s wrong?” Marshall asked.

“He’s here…the Matriarch.”

Several Frost Wyrms flew out from the mountain pass and one in particular stood out from the pack. It was much larger than the others, nearly as big as Lock himself, as he landed on the ground with a large thud as the pack surrounded the group. The Matriarch’s scars riddled his chest and face as it glared daggers at the group.

“So…the Matriarch shows himself,” Lock said in a low voice.

“You were warned…” the alpha growled in the same manner.

“Please, old one, we mean you nor your pack any harm,” Marshall pleaded, shielding his son.

“We just wish for passage to the mine that lies at the base of your mountain.”

“One of your kind told me that once. They killed my mate and it is for that reason I refuse to trust you. Leave now!”

“We’re not going anywhere!” Gregor shouted.

“Then we shall feast on your bones!” The Matriarch shouted.

“DOTHRAC BAL!!” Lock roared, halting the Wyrms movements.

“Who taught you to speak our language?” One of them asked.

“I have my ways,” Lock dismissed.

“And you, of all beings, should know what a Dothrac Bal is.”

“Care to elaborate, Lock?” Shining asked.

“The black dragon has declared a Dothrac Bal, a dragon duel to the death!” The Matriarch proclaimed.

“What is your name, black dragon?”

“Dimitri Lockdrom.” Lock said as he raised his head up straight.

“The Devil’s Hand, and you?”

“I am called Frursaim, Matriarch of the Frost Wyvern’s!”

“Well met, may the best drake win.” Lock said as they circled each other.

Both sides stepped back as the two prepared to fight. lock was the first to roar at his opponent, which rattled the area, followed by the matriarch’s roar as they both flew to the sky and began to fight. Lock flew at Frursaim and he at Lock and they clashed. Their claws slashed each other as each dragon took bites at each other’s bodies. Lock swung his tail and swatted Frursaim’s snout, making a few of his fangs fly out as Frursaim grunted in pain. Frursaim growled and unleashed his frost breath, hitting Dimitri’s tail and freezing it which caused him to howl in pain. Lock then curled his claw in a fist and slammed it in Frursaim’s stomach, making the old one fly backwards as Lock defrosted his tail with his flames.

“Oh you’re good.” Lock huffed as they hovered for a moment.

“Haven’t had this kind of challenge in some time.”

“Nor likely to again!!” Fruraism shot back as the plates on his tail fanned open into blades.

“Oh crap…”

Lock dodged and weaved each swing that came at him but could tell he was not getting any further from Fruraism’s blows as they neared one of the wrecks.

“I GOT YOU!!” The old wyrm shouted as he swung his tail one more time.

At the last second, Lock ducked to the side and allowed the tail to get wedged into the ships hull as Fruraism fell to the ground.

“Grr...drat!!”

“My turn,” Lock sneered.

He charged at Fruraism and coiled his body around the old one and squeezed tight. He then opened his jaws out wide and clamped them on Fruraism’s shoulder, ripping off a chunk of his scales and causing blood to leak out and the old one to howl in pain.

“Give up yet?” Lock demanded an answer after releasing him.

“A word of advice boy…” the old wyrm said as he finally got his tail free.

“DON’T PRESS YOUR LUCK!!”

WHAPPACK!!

“OHHHH!!” All cringed as the tail struck Lock right in the skull and broke off one of his horns.

“GAAAAHH!!” Lock cried out as he released Frursaim. The old Wyrm seized the opportunity to lunge onto Lock and pin him to the ground. Frursaim then bit down on Lock’s side and sunk his jaws into his scales, making Lock scream in pain.

“GET…OFF!!” Lock snarled as he tried to claw Frursaim’s body.

It seemed the old drake finally had him pinned for the finishing blow as he raised his right claw for one final strike.

“Say your prayers you-!!”

Crack!!

Fruraism stopped his attack and slowly got off Lock to lean himself against the wreck while everyone else looked on with curiosity.

“Uhh…you okay sir?” Imperius asked as he noticed him rubbing his back.

“I’m fine! Just a little sprain!”

The other drakes shook their heads as they watched their leader try to mask the pain but could tell he was in extreme agony.

“Okay dad. You’ve had your fun, just give him the match.”

Everyone turned to see a smaller wyrm emerge from the pack. The Wyrm seemed to be female since she had a more slender figure than the rest as Frursaim growled at her and the pain in his back.

“Silence daughter! This is a Dothrac Bal! A dragon duel to the death! I can still fight and put this brat out of his misery!” Frursaim snapped before his spine cracked again.

“Dad. Please stop or I’ll tell the little ones you’ve been stealing their snacks.”

Frursaim paused for a moment and grumbled as he reluctantly nodded and relaxed.

“Uh…what just happened?” Lock asked, holding the place where he was bitten.

“Who’re you?”

“Name’s Tarra. Sorry about my dad, he’s a stickler for tradition.” She replied while the others helped her father to stand.

“So we’re done here?” One of the other wyrms asked.

“Old one, please listen,” Lock said as he approached the Matriarch.

“You say your mate was taken from you long ago, but rest assured we aren’t like those heathens. We come here in peace, seeking an old mine left behind and need it for a war back home. We can’t undo the damage done to you or your pack, but we promise with our lives that we mean you no harm. Why else would we risk coming here and me even challenging you?”

The old one looked at his battered foe and saw he was not lying before being carried off to the nest.

Tarra approached Lock and circled him, examining his body and stared into his eyes.

“Never seen a dragon like you before, pretty impressive you going claw-to-claw with my father.”

“He’s a tough old bastard, but I still managed to land a few good blows in him.”

“I can tell you’re very strong…” Tarra said, giving him a look.

“In fact, I deem you worthy.”

“Uh, worthy of what?”

“Of being my mate of course~.”

Everyone stood in shock as Tarra made her advances on Lock despite his injuries and quickly tried to defuse the situation.

“Whoa hold up there missy!” Imperius shouted as he flew up to push her snout back.

“I don’t know how your culture works but you need to get to know someone before tying the knot!”

“Beat it kid, the adults are talking.” Tarra said before flicking him into the snow.p

“Hey look, I’m flattered, but I’m not actually what I may seem,” Lock said.

“What do you mean?” Tarra asked.

Lock took the opportunity to slowly but surely return to his human form. Tarra looked down to see Dimitri, still wounded, and smiling up at Tarra.

“This is what I really look like, I’m what’s known as a human.”

“Is that all? Well I believe I have a way to remedy that.”

Tarra’s body was soon covered in ice and also shrunk down. Soon she stood just about half a head shorter than Lock and took a more anthropomorphic form which shocked him and the rest of the crew.

“See? Simple,” Tarra smiled, wagging her tail.

“Uh…” Lock mumbled.

“...blech! Ptoey!!” Imperius exclaimed as his head popped out of the snow.

“Oh great, now I’m frozen stiff!”

“You better head back to camp son. Take a hot bath.” Marshall advised after noticing his wings were freezing over.

“Y-Yeah, I’ll do that.…” Imperius sniffled as one of the mages opened a portal back to camp.

“Well I’m sure Gumdrop will be happy.” Shining Armor winked.

Imperius blushed as he walked through and the portal closed. The rest of the group marched towards the Pass until they arrived at the base of the mountain. Many of the Wyrms were gathered and sitting in their nests as Frursaim sat in the middle and tended to his wounds.

“Tarra? Why have you reverted to that form?” Frursaim wondered.

“Oh I thought it suited my mates tastes.” She replied bluntly.

“YOUR MATE?!” Frursaim roared, threatening to reopen his wounds.

“Sis has a mate?”

From behind Frursaim came seven Wyrm hatchlings and ran up to Tarra and surrounded her.

“Who’s your mate, sis?” One hatchling asked.

“Do we get a big brother?”

“Can he play with us?”

The hatchlings tugged at Lock’s coat, eager to play while the old wyrm rubbed his head in frustration.

“Um…do I get a say in this?” Lock wondered.

“Just one question, boy,” Frursaim said, eyeing the human.

“Since my daughter has chosen you as her mate, do you swear to keep her safe?”

“Okay, hold up, this is all happening kinda fast,” Lock held his hands up.

“I mean, she and I just met!”

“Aww so you’re not gonna be our big brother?” A hatchling asked with puppy dog eyes that made Lock nervous.

“Well…” he said, tugging at his collar.

“I mean, I guess we can at least start getting to know each other.”

“YAAY!!” The little ones cheered and trapped him in a dogpile.

“OW! OW! I’M STILL HURT!” Lock yelped.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group followed Tarra further into the nest.

“Now try not to be too noisy. This part of the cave is sacred.”

Marshall and the others nodded as they followed Tarra. The whole cave looked to be made of crystallized ice that seemed to shine in the light. There was a certain part of the cave with a large room and a dome made of solid ice. Inside the dome was a Frost Wyrm laying down and looking like it was sleeping.

“Who’s that?” Shining wondered.

“She’s my mother.” Tarra answered while placing her hand on the ice.

“Hi mom…”

“She’s…quite beautiful,” Marshall said.

“She was,” Frursaim said, appearing with the group.

“She was my snowflake.”

“What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?” Gregor wondered.

Fruraism growled at the memory of that fateful day, as he told them of how the Stonehooves came to plunder their caverns and take their little ones as war beasts for their campaign.

“They took her from me…just so they could take whatever this blasted cave had within.”

“I am very sorry, old one, the war took much from each of us,” Marshall said.

They pressed on until they found old mining equipment and frozen statues trapped in a cave glistening with ore.

“Hmm what do you think? Those pickaxes still work?” Marshall asked when Lock joined them, after healing himself as much as he could, and smashed one of the statues with one.

“They work just fine for me.”

Lock then walked over to a pile of rubble and picked up a rock. It felt as light as a normal rock, the density was something else entirely. When he tried to squeeze it, it barely waned from the pressure of his grip.

“Valyrian ore.” Lock said as he and the others gazed at the rest of the cavern.

“Still fresh and pure, ready and waiting to be refined.”

He turned to the men and pointed at the mine.

“I want as much of the mineral mined and brought back to the ship, pronto! Mage team! Make a portal back to the ship to cut the movement time in half! Let’s get to work, people!”

At Camp

Imperius was in his personal bathing quarters on the ship, having a hot bath. The feeling of the warm water soothed his body while the steam helped him to relax his stiff wings.

“What could be better than a warm bath?” The prince asked himself when he noticed a certain cute, dark pink haired mare walking in with nothing but a towel.

“Mind if I join you?” Gumdrop shyly asked with her cheeks turning red.

“Uh…s-sure!”

Gummy smiled as she removed her towel and sat in the tub with her coltfriend, snuggling against his chest after they shared a quick kiss. The feeling of his marefriend’s naked body was almost too much for Imperius to handle now that he could feel her warmth against him and the smell of her mane was that of cherries.

“Gummy?”

“Yes Impy?”

“Would it be okay if I…touched you?”

“Of course silly!” Gummy giggled as she took his hands and guided them to her breasts.

“So? How do they feel~?” She purred while helping him massage her chest and grinned as he just sat there completely stunned by her boldness.

“They feel…quite nice,” Imperius said, unable to tear away his gaze from her breasts.

The prince massaged and groped her breasts gently and cupped them in a circular motion, making Gummy coo and sigh with delight. Her erect nipples caught his attention and found himself leaning in to take one of them in his mouth and began suckling.

“Eee! Impy!” Gumdrop squealed as he sucked and pulled on her tit.

“You’re so soft Gummy~.” The prince sighed as they kissed and his hands found their way to her flanks.

“Mmm want to pay me back for this morning?” Gummy asked after breaking the kiss.

“Oh absolutely.” Imperius grinned as he squeezed her flanks hard.

“Bend over my little marshmallow~.”

Gummy nodded as they both stood in the tub and Gummy turned around and bent over the side. She reached around and spread her cheeks, giving Imperius a full view of her moist marehood. Just as the prince was about to claim her, he hesitated and looked to Gummy.

“Gumdrop, are you sure? This is…my first time,” he admitted.

“It’s mine too Impy.” Gumdrop blushed, hiding behind her wet mane.

“I really wanted to do this with you. I love you.”

“Gummy…”

Imperius moved her mane aside to see the cute, bashful face she was making as a smirk appeared on his face and he returned his attention to her hind quarters.

“Incoming.” He warned before slowly putting his muzzle against her wet folds and sending shivers up her spine.

“Ahn~!” Gummy yelped as Imperius began to clumsily lick her pussy. It was a rocky start, but Imperius soon got a handle on it as he poked and prodded her snatch. Gummy was panting and gripping the side of the tub as her coltfriend ate her out and reached up to pinch one of her nipples. Imperius’ tongue brushed along a small mound in her pussy, which piqued his curiosity as he poked it with the tip of it with his tongue, which was in fact her G-spot.

“K-keep going!” The mare yelped as his tongue lapped at her once more.

“You remember when you said my cock was all yours? Well now this cute little butt is mine as well~.” The prince grinned before he sank his teeth into her right butt cheek, leaving a very visible mark.

“Mmm you are a marshmallow. Soft, sweet and very tasty~.”

Gumdrop couldn’t hold in her lust as she spun around and planted her lips on his. Their make out session was sloppy yet passionate, and Gumdrop looked into his eyes as hers had little hearts.

“Please…take me to bed, Impy,” Gumdrop begged between breaths.

Without hesitation, the prince hoisted her out of the tub with his hands gripped firmly on her rear as they stumbled into his bed chambers, knocking over a few small chairs.

“I love you.” The prince whispered as he laid her on the bed.

“I love you too, so much,” Gummy whimpered as she gazed up at him.

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah…claim me as yours~.”

The lovers held hands as Gumdrop felt the first few inches of her stallion push into her.

“Mm!”

“Gummy, are you-”

“K-keep going!”

Their hands gripped tighter as Gumdrop felt her hymen beginning to tear, then with one quick thrust Imperius claimed her virginity and she his. Both gasped after the initial shock that followed but soon found themselves smiling warmly at each other.

“I love you my little marshmallow.”

“I love you too Impy~.”

Imperius soon began to move as he thrusted gently into Gummy. She whimpered and moaned, as to get used to his size and length, and to also get used to the pain of losing her virginity. At first there was pain, until that pain turned into pleasure as she moaned a bit louder.

“I-Impy! It feels good!” She said happily.

“M-Me too! You’re so tight!” Imperius grunted.

As if on instinct, Imperius found himself thrusting more harder and picked up his pace. The lovers soon found themselves in a state of euphoric pleasure and Imperius reached out to grab her jiggling tits.

“Yes! Squeeze them Impy, I’m all yours~!!”

“Oh gods, you’re so soft~!!”

Gummy yelped as he squeezed her breasts together and began suckling on the simultaneously while the entire cabin shook with their love making.

“Impy! Bite me again! On my neck! Mark me so that everypony knows who I belong to!” Gummy cried.

Imperius detached himself from her breast and lunged at her neck like a predator as he bit her neck, making her scream loudly.

“Can I do it on your flank next?” He grinned while slowing down to catch his breath.

“Of course silly~” Gumdrop nuzzled him before his thrusting became more vigorous.

Imperius flipped her over on her stomach, making her swish her tail to the side and raise her flank. He then clamped on to her cheeks and thrusted his tongue back into her snatch. He licked his lips while eyeing her cute flank and sunk his teeth into her supple right cheek, earning a squeal of pleasure as he went back to thrusting her more and more.

“Oh buck! I’m...gonna blow!!”

“Me too!”

With a few last thrusts, Imperius unloaded his cum into her depths as Gummy came and sprayed her juices all over his crotch. Both of their orgasms lasted for a few more moments until they relaxed and collapsed together on the bed. Imperius wheezed as he pulled out, allowing his payload to leak out of her pussy, as he laid on his back and she snuggled up beside him.

“Wow…we actually did it,” Imperius sighed.

“Now I’m all yours.” Gummy smiled while cuddling against his chest.

“And I’m yours as well,” Imperius smiled as they shared a kiss and fell asleep.

Four Days Later

The mining operation was now starting to turn in the expedition crew’s favor. Thanks to Lock’s and Frursaim’s battle ending in a stalemate, they now had access to the Valyrian mine and were shipping out crates full of the ore. As an added bonus, the engineer’s, Hammer and Lug announced that the ship would be fully repaired by this day’s end. Since their night of passion, Imperius and Gummy had been spending more time together and even showed their affection off by stealing quick kisses from one another. No one seemed to mind, they all were happy that they loved each other. Top also hung out with them, but he mostly just helped with the mining and any other tasks around the ship.

As for Dimitri, he had found himself in Tarra’s presence more than he had thought. It was strange at first, since the dragoness had proclaimed him as her mate, but they soon began to hit it off after Dimitri got to know her better. He even spent time with her little siblings, to which they began calling him big bro which made him and even Frursaim smile. For Dimitri, he would even say that Tarra was a special case and honestly looked forward to seeing how things would go from here on out.

It was in the middle of the day and Sir Gregor was overlooking the mining operation and making sure everyone took breaks when needed. His train of thought was soon interrupted when Hreidar anxiously approached the old war veteran.

“Um…Sir Gregor?”

Gregor gave a low grunt as he kept his focus on the miners. Hreidar had every right to be afraid of the old stag after hearing about some of his exploits in the great war but was more frightened of his hatred towards his bloodline.

“I…I would like to request something,” Hreidar said nervously.

“And why should I listen to anything you have to say?” Gregor huffed.

“Because, I humbly request that you train me in the art of combat.”

The burly stag let out a hearty laugh at the boy before realizing he was serious.

“Why should I train you whelp?”

"Because I lack any real training milord. I beg you, help me get stronger!"

“Bah! Go bother someone else with your ridiculous request!” Gregor dismissed.

“...It’s because of my blood, that’s why you hate me, isn’t it?”

“Hm. You have the jist of it.” The stag grunted.

“Why would I train a bastard such as you?”

“BECAUSE I WANT TO BE BETTER THAN MY MONSTER OF A FATHER!” Hreidar bellowed at Gregor, surprising him and the miners.

“I get it, better than anyone who still breathes in this world! I’m the inbred bastard son of Dainn Stonehoof! Anyone who even glances at me wants to either kill me or ostracize me! I never asked to be born, yet here I am! I was convinced that when I met King Wulfric, he’d chop my head off right then and there but he didn’t! I even thought Sir Marshall would kill me, but the Princesses spared me! But that’s why I want to get stronger, because I don’t want to run away any longer than I already have! I want to hold my head up, I want to fight for what’s right, I want to keep my mother safe, and I want to prove that I’ll never be like Dainn! So you can call me a bastard, because I am, you can choose to beat me down, but I’ll always get back up, and not matter what, I’ll never back down when given more than enough chances! I’m Hreidar Snow, and this is my pledge to you and to anyone who hears me!”

Gregor scoffed, ignoring the boy’s pleas, completely blinded by his hatred before ordering everyone to get back to work.

“Just because the late king trusted you, doesn’t mean I do.”

The old stag marched off, leaving Hreidar kneeling there in defeat.

“But…if you are as passionate with your actions as your words, then I will consider giving you a chance,” Gregor said, looking over his shoulder.

“Just to be clear, I will be doing my damndest to kill you through my guidance, understand?”

“Uh…yes milord!”

“Good. To start you off, push that minecart out to the mage team. Alone!”

Hreidar gulped and nodded as he approached the cart full of ore. He then leaned his body against it and began to push. The thing weighed at least a couple tons and didn’t budge, especially since Hreidar didn’t have any traction in the snow. After using all his strength, he managed to move the cart by inches and kept pushing it along towards the portal leading to the ship.

“Well that was unexpected of you.”

Gregor turned to see Dimitri and Tarra walk up to the old stag.

“What changed your mind?”

"I don't know…" the old stag sighed before gulping some ale from his canteen.

“You know, the kid has spirit,” Lock said.

“He just wants to prove himself to be a better man than his father. I know that feeling as well. You may not trust him, but at least keep an eye on him and watch. Who knows, he may just prove you wrong.”

“You sure are wise, Dimitri,” Tarra smiled.

“When you live the life I have, wisdom comes with sorrow. Just think it over, Gregor,” Lock said as he and Tarra left for the nest.

While Gregor continued to train his new apprentice, the soldiers at camp were making the final preparations to depart with a certain couple keeping each other company the whole time. Imperius and Gummy were inside the nest and playing with the hatchlings, with Frursaim watching, and they were playing a game of tag and Imperius was it.

"I’m gonna get you!” Imperius called out to one of the hatchlings flying away.

The little ones screamed and laughed as they flew around, trying to get away when the prince spotted his mare hiding behind a rock with a few others.

“Target sighted! Incoming!!”

VRRRRRR!!

“NOW!!” Gumdrop shouted as they jumped out and began pelting him with snowballs.

“Ack! Gah! Somepony help!” Imperius cried, running away and hiding behind another rock. Some of the other hatchlings joined him and took cover.

“Commander! We’re pinned down! What are your orders?!” A hatchling asked.

“STRIKE FROM THE SKY BROTHERS!!” The prince yelled in dramatic fashion as a huge snowball fight erupted in the nest.

“Okay everyone settle down!” Marshall shouted before being pelted by a snowball.

“Sorry dad!”

“Kids.”

“Indeed,” Frursaim chuckled.

“I must thank your son, Sir Marshall, I have not seen my children laugh and play like this in quite some time.”

“My son has always been a good boy, he takes after his mother in that department,” Marshall nodded.

“Especially his mate.”

Marshall blinked and did a double take at the old Wyrm.

“Wait. You mean him and Gumdrop are...?”

“Oh? I thought you knew, I can smell them on each other from here. I suppose they are closer than even you presumed.”

Marshall sighed knowing this would be difficult to explain to his wives before he noticed his son was dipping Gumdrop like a tango dancer.

"To the victor, the spoils" the prince grinned as they kissed, making the children giggle.

“Oi vey, they seem to be getting more rambunctious the younger they are…” Marshall said, rolling his eyes.

Frursaim chuckled at the display until his senses caught a scent of something foul. He sniffed in the air a few times then let out a low growl.

“What’s wrong?” Marshall asked.

“I smell something, something…like rotting flesh,” Frursaim sneered as he rose to his feet.

“And the winds, they seem to have picked up more than usual. Something is coming…”

“My frost lord!” A Wyrm came flying in, looking frantic.

“To the east! A large group of creatures comes this way! They all look dead, yet they walk as if alive! There’s thousands of them!”

Marshall’s heart sank at the description, he knew what was coming, he had to get everyone out now.

At the camp, the soldiers were suddenly hit by a strong blizzard that doused the braziers around the camp and the troops suddenly felt chilled to the bone as the clouds above blocked out the sun.

“What the devil?” A patrolman said aloud before hearing a ghostly whinny.

“I...I know that sound!” One of the vikings shuddered before scrambling to the ship.

“We need to leave! NOW!!”

“Easy soldier, it’s just the wind!”

“Fools! Don’t you understand?!? THEY’RE HERE!!”

Lock saw the panic in some of their eyes and looked in the distance where the wind was blowing. He could sense an overwhelming dread and couldn’t help but activate his flames that flickered off his body.

“Tarra, get to the nest and get your pack out of here now,” Dimitri said sternly.

“All of them? But it’s our nest,” Tarra argued.

“No…it’s not. Just do as I say!” Lock said as he unfurled his wings and took off into the air, ignoring her shouts of protest. He flew through the wind and came to a sight that made his blood freeze slightly. A massive army of undead, shambling together and all armed to the teeth, marched through the snow and were headed towards the camp. Behind the whole army stood a line of figures riding undead War Beasts. In the middle was a white furred stallion with ice blue eyes, no emotion, as he stared at Dimitri.

“So…this is the undead army,” Lock said as his flames grew brighter.

“I gotta hold them off as long as I can!”

He raised both his hands in the air and created a massive fireball and hurled it down.

“ENTEI!!!”

Back at the camp, the soldiers and crew were scrambling to pack up and load the rest of the ore they mined on the ship. A massive explosion filled the air and. Everyone saw a bright light in the distance. Marshall knew. It was Dimitri’s doing, but could see other figures running towards them. It was some of the undead soldiers, and he could hear their undead shrieks as the drew near.

“BATTLE STATIONS! WE GOT COMPANY!” Marshall bellowed as he drew his sword.

“I want a shield wall and firing line right here!!” Shining Armor roared before clamping down his visor. The undead came rushing towards the defenders, snarling and waving their weapons wildly while the troops held their nerve and braced for the assault.

“Steady!” Shining yelled as he raised his hand to give the signal.

“Steady!” He repeated the order before finally getting a clear view of the abominations.

“FIRE!!”

KAPOW!!

The first barrage of muskets cut them down within seconds with most of the shambling corpses losing their limbs as their momentum ceased.

“Second volley! FIRE!!”

KAPOW!!

The second barrage finally halted their attack, allowing the infantry to finish them off before resuming formation.

“Well done men!” Marshall said with praise as they reloaded their rifles.

“Get that ore loaded on the ship right now!” Gregor ordered as he swung his axe and lopped off three undead heads at once.

The miners and crew worked frantically to load the ore. Marshall looked back in the distance through the wind and snow to see a massive fire plume and the shrieks of the undead.

“Glad to see he’s having fun.”

“Marshall! Let’s get the hell outta here!” A miner shouted before he was suddenly impaled by a rusty blade from behind.

“NOO!!”

The miner looked up to see a giant undead minotaur looming above him before being slowly lifted off the ground and flung into the cavern wall, leaving a massive blood splatter.

“You bastard! I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD!!” The lord regent shouted before Gregor slammed him into the wall.

“Gregor!”

“Save the others! This scum is mine!!”

Marshall nodded and ordered for the rest of the crew to make for the portal as he watched the two giants duke it out with the entire cave shaking. The minotaur was strong but Gregor proved to be more efficient in close combat as he grappled the monster and threw him on a row of stalagmites.

“Peh! They’re not so tough.” He scoffed before hearing the sound of crunching bone as his opponent got off the spikes with holes throughout his body.

“Master! Go for the head!!” Hreidar shouted.

Gregor heeded his disciple’s advice and charged at the monster. The minotaur zombie raised its sword high and swung it downwards, but Gregor weaved his body to the left and used the momentum to cleave the head off its shoulders. The minotaur’s body stood there for a moment until it fell to its knees and to the ground.

“HAH! Now that’s what I call-”

SHUNK!

Gregor looked over to his right and saw a wight about to stab his arm. He then noticed a throwing axe in its head as it fell down limp and looked to Hreidar. He had one of his arms held out which meant he killed the zombie before it harmed him.

“Are you alright, milord?”

Gregor wrenched the axe from the creature before marching up to his apprentice and with an approving nod, he cleaned off the blade and handed it back to him with a proud smirk.

“Well done lad. Come on, let’s get out of here!”

With the last of the crew now safely back on the ship, the troops slowly retreated onto the deck with Lock and Imperius providing cover.

“I tried slowing them down as much as I could, but there’s too many!” Lock said as he slashed his swords at the enemy.

“We need to take off now!”

“We shall provide you cover!”

From the air, Frursaim and his pack flew around the ship and guarded it in a circle.

“ALL TOGETHER! FROST BREATH FIRE!”

In an icy burst, a giant wall of ice was formed around the ship, trapping some of the undead as the ship finally began to take off. The crew cheered as they watched the enemy shrink beneath them but as the blizzard lifted, the cheers faded.

In seconds they began to see many more. What seemed like a hundred soon turned into thousands and then tens of thousands until the entire army was nearly uncountable.

“Odin preserve us…” Gregor whispered after seeing so many.

“There he is…” Lock said, pointing to the back of the army.

“Him and his fellow Windigo’s, The Windigo King.”

Even amongst the teeming masses of undead, all could see four white figures staring at the ship with an eerie gaze before ordering the army to turn around with a bone chilling screech that summoned many more corpses to rise from the graveyard of ships.

“Marshall, casualty report.” Shining Armor ordered after removing his helmet.

“One of the crew was killed in the mines. No time to recover his body.”

“Nothing left to recover.” Gregor stated grimly as he sat down to drink.

Hreidar approached Gregor and bowed to him.

“I apologize for intruding on your combat, milord.”

“Ah save it lad. What kind of apprentice would you be if you didn’t have the courage to act?” The old stag grunted before ruffling his hair.

“Get below deck and rest, the lot of ya. Leave the heavy lifting to us old timers.”

The crew sighed and nodded as they all retreated below deck, shining included due to his air sickness returning. Marshall, Gregor, and Lock looked over the ship’s railing to see Frursaim and his pack flying alongside them with his hatchlings safely secured on his back.

“Sorry about your nest, Frursaim,” Lock said.

“It was inevitable.” The old wyrm replied while gliding along the ship.

“These lands are no longer safe with those creatures around. We must find a new home.”

“Hmm, why not nest in the snowy mountains near the Crystal Empire? There are no settlements built there and it’s just a bunch of old abandoned gem mines from days of old,” Marshall offered.

“Hmm I’ll consider it. In the meantime, please look after my daughter.”

“I’ll definitely try,” Lock nodded. Tarra smiled as she curled her tail around his leg and snuggled his arm, unaware she was pushing her breasts on his arm.

“And I’ll make sure to keep a close eye on my new mate, father. And thank you for accepting him,” Tarra said.

“Heh, as free spirited as your mother,” Frursaim smirked.

“Bye big sis!” The hatchlings called out.

“Bye big bro!”

“Try not to knock her up yet, okay?”

The last statement made Lock blush as they flew off into the horizon.

“Uh, your family is strange, Tarra.”

“You get used to it.”

The night soon came and the crew were all in the dining area and having a nice meal. Some were still shaken up from the army of the dead, but others were happy that the mission ended up a success.

“I still can’t believe we made it out of there alive,” a soldier sighed.

“Yeah well…most of us anyway,” another said sadly.

“Marshall, what was that miner’s name who was killed?” Shining asked.

“His name was Torstein. A volunteer from Ponyville.” Marshall spoke sadly while signing the death certificate.

“Torstein? Wait, isn’t he miss Roseluck’s boyfriend?” A stag asked.

“Oh no…he told me he bought a ring for her.”

“Someone’s gotta go break the news to her, I sure as Tartarus can’t bring myself to do it.”

“That’s why it’s my job.” Marshall sighed as he finished the last of the paperwork before heading to his quarters. As he trudged through the hall, a feeling of rage slowly overcame him before he began slamming his fist against the wall.

“Dammit…” he cursed as he pounded the hull over and over.

“Dammit! Dammit!! DAMN IT ALL!!” He roared with tears of anger in his eyes.

“Dad?”

The lord regent looked over his shoulder to see his son and Gummy looking up at him with worry.

“Mr. Marshall, I’m sorry about that man,” Gummy frowned.

“It’s not your fault dad,” Imperius added.

“Thank you son.” Marshall sniffed before kissing his forehead.

“I’ll be in my office for the rest of the trip. You just keep your mare company.”

“Can I bring you a snack later?” Gumdrop offered.

“Yes, thank you. Now go, off with you both.”

They both nodded and went off to their rooms. Marshall went to his personal quarters and closed the door behind him. He then sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his temples. He tried hard to keep anyone from dying, and someone ended up getting killed right in front of him. He unintentionally reached over to the nightstand drawer and pulled out a flask full of hard liquor. He then pulled the cap off and was about to drink some of it.

“I wouldn’t do that, if I was you.”

Marshall paused and looked to the doorway to see Lock leaning on the frame with his arms crossed.

“It wasn’t your fault, shit happens.”

“It doesn’t make it easier.” Marshall huffed before corking the flask.

“I was right there...and he died...I was useless…”

“Hey! Don’t do that to yourself.” Lock warned as he closed the door behind him.

“Those men out there are alive because of you, WE are alive because of you! And as a commander, you know you can’t save everyone.”

“BUT HE DIED!” Marshall snapped before Lock pinned him to the wall.

“THEN MAKE THAT MEAN SOMETHING!!”

“He was to be married! I heard from the others! What am I supposed to tell that mare?!”

“You tell her he died with honor,” Lock shot back before letting him go.

“He was a proud man who served his kingdom. Remember him for that!”

All Marshall could do was slam his desk in frustration while Lock secured the flask.

“We have an old saying back home: No mission too difficult, No Sacrifice too great. Duty First.”

“Who said that?” Marshall asked.

“My C.O., Joshua Clay.”

As Lock prepared to leave the room, Marshall sat there depressed and lost, not knowing what to do.

“Don't forget Marshall, your son is still here.” Lock said as the door clicked shut.

For the rest of the night, Marshall sat on his bed and kept to himself. His thoughts tailed to his family and he sighed as he pinched the bridge of his muzzle.

“Wulfric, what would you do if you were still here with us?”

End