Game of Thrones: Equestria

After their crushing defeat at Canterlot, the noble faction once allied with Blueblood immediately began to surrender and begged the Lord Regent for mercy. But Marshall would not be so lenient and punished them to the full extent of the law by having them stripped of their titles and status while forcing them to use their ill-gotten fortunes to help the victims of their foolish rebellion.

Province by province, Marshall seized the lands of the noble faction and those who conspired with them to overthrow the kingdom. Each land he visited showed a dire increase in poverty for the commonwealth while those in the upper class were living the life of luxury. However, that would not be the worst thing he would find when he finally visited the province once belonging to Blueblood.

“What do you hope to find here?” Lock asked as he stood with Marshall outside the gates.

“Closure.” Marshall gazed at the manor and sighed.

“I’m still not proud of the things I did during the Great War. It still haunts me to this day.”

“You aren’t that man anymore, Marshall, you’re better than what you once were,” Lock said.

“Be that as it may, I still wish to confront my past head on. Once I’m able to do that, I’ll finally be able to go cold turkey with my consumption of alcohol,” Marshall said.

“I envy you then,” Lock said with a somber smile.

“You’re able to confront your past with your head held high. Meanwhile, I’m stuck seeing what I once was in my good eye while my fake one is oblivious to the bastard I once was. If only Joshua could see me now, he’d probably give me one of his annoying-ass lectures.”

Upon approaching the gates, they spotted a white flag as the doors were opened and soldiers came walking out with their hands up in surrender but what was more puzzling was the looks they had on their faces, as if bearing some sort of guilt.

“Think it’s a trap?” Marshall asked while placing a hand on his sword.

“No, look at them.” Lock replied while looking at the men.

“These guys look defeated already…something bad went down here. Men, secure the prisoners, the rest of you search the grounds!”

“Sir!”

The men marched through the gates to find what looked like to be some sort of prison with walls of barbed wire fences separating each section and a horrid stench filled the air.

“Ugh gods! It’s like something died here!” One soldier exclaimed when he noticed his partner looking at something with a horrified expression.

“Something did…look…” He said, pointing to a pair of soldiers filled with arrows that were tied to wooden posts.

“These must be some of the men that were captured….bastards killed them slowly…”

As Lock looked on at the horrific scene, a chill crawled up his spine and he looked at the prison complex one more time before realizing what they were standing in.

“Oh gods…”

“What?”

“It’s an extermination camp…”

The whole mood changed in an instant as Lock marched over to one of the captured nobles. Before Marshall could say anything, Lock extended one of his wings while morphing the feathers into blades.

SLASH!!

With one sharp flap of his bladed wing, Lock sliced the noble’s head clean off as it went flying and a burst of blood erupted from the body as it fell to the ground.

“Sir?!” One of the soldiers panicked.

“No, no please! Have-!” Another noble tried to beg.

SLASH!!

Another sharp flap from his bladed wing as he sliced the noble down the middle. The two halves slowly split apart, yet Lock remained silent as he was about to move onto the next prisoner.

“MEN! SEIZE HIM!!” Marshall barked as two of his men managed to drag Lock away from the prisoners.

“What the Tartarus is wrong with you?!”

“THEY DESERVE THIS!!” Lock roared in anger.

“I’ve seen this before in my world, during a tour with my squad in Iraq! These camps…they slaughtered millions! Men, women, children, old, young-It didn’t matter!”

“W-we swear, we didn’t know!” One noble sobbed, begging for mercy as Lock tried to break free.

“YOU DIDN’T KNOW OR DIDN’T CARE?!”

“Lock! Enough!” Marshall shouted before walking up to the prisoners in hopes of gathering more information, among them he saw a familiar face.

“Well well well…Dapper Crunch.” He gave a short chuckle before yanking the former council member out of the crowd.

“Tell me, is this the vision you had when you wanted a better Equestria? IS IT?!” He yelled, shaking the frightened noble.

“My lord, I swear I tried to stop this…”

“Did you?” Marshall asked before forcing him to look at the men rotting on the posts.

“Did you try to stop it before or after their screams stopped?!”

“My lord please-!”

“How many prisoners were in this camp…HOW MANY?!?”

“Over three-hundred thousand!” Dapper confessed.

Marshall and Lock stared at Dapper with disgust. The rest of the men had to process the information.

“Can I execute him now?” Lock growled.

“No…” Marshall raised his hand.

“Hell will have to wait a little while longer for this one. For now, we must gather the dead and bury them properly.” Marshall grabbed Dapper by the neck and glared into his very soul.

“I should’ve taken your head when I had the chance.”

The soldiers searched the entire camp for survivors but all they found were bodies of men, women and children of all races piled up like trash, some had even shown signs of malnourishment or severe beatings as they were laid out and counted.

“Sir, look at this.” One soldier showed Lock a scorched logbook he recovered from a trashcan fire.

“Looks like they tried to burn away the proof.”

“…Marshall, get whoever has a camera and tell them to photograph everything! The world needs to know what was done here.” Lock demanded.

Marshall nodded and sent for one of the younger recruits. A young earth pony stallion came up with a camera and had to calm himself down before being led to one of the camp’s living quarters. The stench of death and rotting bodies almost made them gag as he took a picture.

“They had them living like animals,” Lock said bitterly.

“From the looks of it, they were beaten, starved, and worked to the bone.”

Lock led the recruit outside where they saw log posts standing upright. Tied to them, hunched over, we’re several dead bodies still hoisted up with arrows stuck in them and slash wounds. The private gulped he took another picture.

“Blueblood had murdered these boys in cold blood,” Lock said.

“And no fire in hell could burn away the stain.”

The next picture taken was a row of nooses hanging from the gallows.

“They’d slaughtered the weakest. Anyone that was slowing them down,” Lock said.

“What kind of men could do this?” One soldier said in disbelief with tears in his eyes.

“Not men…” Marshall replied as he marched into what looked like the warden’s office.

“Monsters…”

The office had been turned upside down, no doubt the warden tried to destroy any evidence he had in his quarters before making a break for it, it seemed like there was nothing for them to find until one of their scouts shouted for them to come to the exit.

“My lord, these tracks are fresh!” he said while showing them the footprints in the mud.

“Single file, one man taking charge…they’re going to be executed!” Lock said before taking to the air.

“I’ll keep an eye out from above, the rest of you search the woods!”

“You heard the man! HAUL YOUR FLANKS!! DOUBLE TIME!!”

The men marched as quickly as possible towards the wooded area. The tracks they followed led them deeper into the woods until they heard some voices in the distance. As Lock flew overhead, he could see a noble stallion dragging a few mares away by their manes.

“Get the buck over here!” The stallion hissed.

“I refuse to die without my property! I shall stuff you whores with my foals!”

“Let go of us!” A mare screeched.

“Help! Somepony help!” Another mare begged.

Lock pulled out one of his revolvers and landed on one of the tree branches.

“Buck this!” The stallion pulled out a flintlock.

Lock aimed his revolver and aimed at the stallion’s hand holding his flintlock.

BANG!!

“AAAGH!! MY HAND!!” The noble cried out just as Marshall’s men came rushing out and began running him through with their spears, they showed absolutely no mercy as he was viciously stabbed over and over until he stopped moving.

“Men! Enough!” Marshall shouted, snapping them out of their bloodlust. Once most of the tension had died down, he noticed more bodies strewn around the area, many of them had their throats slit or were stabbed through the back and bled to death.

“Are you ladies alright? I am Sir Marshall, these are my men.” The moment the lord regent said that, the mares broke down in tears and took his hands, sobbing uncontrollably and thanking him.

“Bless you my lord! Bless you all!”

“Thank you!”

Lock jumped down from the tree and landed gracefully on the ground. He approached one of the mares and noticed one couldn’t stand properly. As Lock got a good look at the mare, he noticed something about her that seemed familiar in a way. Through her dirt covered fur and unkempt mane, Lock noticed her cutie mark on her shoulder. A picture of three orange slices was all he needed to name the mare.

“Orange?” Lock said, gaining the mare’s attention as he knelt in front of her.

“You’re Orange Slice, aren’t you?”

“H-how do you know me?” She asked as he began using his flames to heal her leg.

“I’m an…acquaintance of your niece.”

“How did you even come to be in this place?” Marshall asked while his men began lining up the bodies of the slaves who where already killed.

“My husband…tried to oppose the noble faction.” Orange slice admitted.

“Despite my protests, I urged him to leave them alone but he was just so stubborn! One night they came to my house and…and…” She began to break down in tears and both of them understood exactly what happened to her husband.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” Lock said while helping her up and lifted her into a bridal carry.

“You should know, Applejack is doing well and she just recently had a child.” Marshall said, hoping some good news would lighten the mood.

“Then she’s safe?” Orange asked with renewed joy.

“Yes but we can talk more about that later.”

Suddenly, the snow began to fall despite there barely being a cloud in the sky and the men started to grow nervous as the last of the bodies were lined up. Lock’s senses sent a very unpleasant chill that made his pupils shrunk down to pinpricks.

“Marshall…we need to go, now…” Lock said in a low tone.

“Mages, burn the bodies and meet back at the prison complex. The rest of you will round up the nobles and bring them to Canterlot. They will answer for this atrocity…”

The unicorns immediately began setting the bodies ablaze while giving the victims their last respects and quickly ran back to the prison to gather what evidence they had against the nobles and quickly worked to setting the place on fire as they prepared to leave.

Marshall glared at the cowering stallions before him, especially Dapper Crunch who seemed more ashamed than anypony there but the lord regent was not in a forgiving mood after what he had seen.

“You will all answer for this…” He growled to the nobles as they left the estate but not before hearing a chilling shriek in the air.

“Men…move it, double time!”

The group obliged and packed everything and everyone on an airship they came in. Lock handed Orange to one of the medical ponies and looked to the sky.

“Marshall, do we have enough dirt on them to do whatever we want?” Lock asked.

“More than enough, possibly the death penalty for some, why?” Marshall asked.

“Get this ship in the air.” Lock flared open his wings and flew high in the sky.

Marshall ordered the ship to take off and the vessel’s engines roared to life and quickly hovered into the air. Lock flew up higher as the ship flew away and he noticed an all too familiar shadow loom over the horizon. He also felt a piercing gaze land on him, making Lock snarl with retaliation.

“I may not be at full strength…” Lock raised his hand above him. Sparks of electricity crackled in his palm.

“But I have more than enough power to buy us more time and escape.”

Black clouds swirled over the horde as thunder boomed from within. Lock focused his power even more, concentrating lighting within the clouds as they became more violent. Once Lock was sure there was enough lighting condensed from within, Lock swung his arm down and unleashed arguably the biggest thunderstorm Marshall had ever witnessed down on the undead horde. Bolts of lighting rained down and struck several dozens of undead soldiers as Lock quickly flew back to catch up with the ship.

“Quick! While the storm slows them down! Full speed ahead!” Lock ordered.

The ship’s crew wasted no time in bringing the ship to full throttle and made sure to put plenty of distance between them and the oncoming horde while the prisoners stared in disbelief.

“What were those things?” Orange slice asked, her voice trembling with fear.

“Draugr. Your nephew has been dealing with them for some time.”

“Nephew…oh! You mean Applejack’s son.”

“That’s right, you haven’t met him yet. This’ll be quite the family reunion.” The lord regent smirked before seeing a small town in the distance.

“Did you men send word to the outlying towns?”

“Aye, sir, but most didn’t listen.” One of the men said, making him sigh in disappointment.

“Then may the gods be merciful.”

The ship reluctantly sailed on and it wasn’t long until one of the towns was overrun and set ablaze but there was little they could do.

Canterlot

After a bittersweet mission success, the ship finally made it back to Canterlot and landed at the ports. As the crew, Marshall, and Lock walked down the gangplank, they immediately noticed there were multiple other creatures present. Yaks, griffins, diamond dogs, deer, gargoyles, a few centaur, even Saddle Arabian ponies were walking through the streets and to and from the castle. All of the members of the alliance had gathered and were preparing for the true coming battle.

“If only they knew what Hell approaches,” Lock said bitterly as he carried Orange again in his arms.

“Dad, you’re back!” Imperius was the first to welcome the group home as he ran up and hugged his father while a few medics from the castle guard began helping the injured onto stretchers.

“Aunt Orange!”

Orange Slice gasped when she saw her niece coming up to her with a little bundle in her arms and her heart immediately melted as tears of joy came flooding in.

“Oh, Applejack! I thought I would never see you again!” She sobbed before noticing the little one squirming between them.

“Oop careful. We’re squishing little Hjalmarr.”

Orange was let down by Lock and looked down to see an adorable sight. Squirming in his little blanket was the cutest little buck Orange lay eyes on. His fur was orange-brown, a mix of his father’s and mother’s, and his hair was as blonde as his mother’s. When he opened his eyes a little, Orange almost thought he had two very pretty sapphire gems for eyes.

“Aunt Orange? Meet your new grandnephew, little Hjalmarr,” Applejack said with a loving smile as she kissed Hjalmarr’s forehead. Applejack handed her new son to Orange as the mare wept happily and held her grandnephew close.

“Oh darling, he's beautiful. Hello there!” She chirped to the little buck as he let out a big yawn.

“Hate to cut this reunion short but she needs medical attention.” A nurse said much to the dismay of both mares.

“I’ll come with you, just wait ‘til you meet his big brother.”

“I can’t wait and I am going to spend all day with you! Yes!” Orange cooed to her grandnephew as they left while Lock headed towards the castle with Marshall to give his report.

“Lock, go see Antoinette, she’s missed you terribly.” Marshall suggested as they walked up the stairs.

“Sure,” Lock said as he walked the other way.

His trek led him through the halls of the castle, passing by many creatures, until he arrived at the chambers of Antoinette. Lock wanted her to stay in Prance where it would be more safe, but she insisted that she wanted her daughter to meet her father before he stormed into battle. Lock arrived at the double doors leading to her chambers that were guarded by a whole platoon of Prench soldiers. They recognized Lock immediately and let him through.

When Lock opened the door, he saw Antoinette sitting in bed nursing a foal. She had the same deep blue coat as her mother’s, maybe a bit lighter shade if you looked closely enough. Her hair was dark brown like her father’s and Antoinette smiled down at her new daughter as she nursed.

“Hey…” Lock said with a growing smile.

“Papa’s here.” The queen whispered to her foal after she had finished nursing and let out a little burp.

The moment their eyes met, Lock’s heart melted at how beautiful his daughter was and despite this being their first meeting. Her grey eyes lit up as she instantly warmed up to him and began squealing with excitement as she reached out her tiny hands to him.

“Hey sweetie.” Lock chuckled as he gently took her in his arms and let her hold onto one of his fingers.

“She’s beautiful Antoinette.”

“Thank you my love, it’s a shame you missed the birth.” Antoinette sighed while laying in bed, still exhausted from bringing her little one into the world.

“This…this is the first time I’ve held one of my children.” Lock stared down at his girl as she babbled up at him.

“It’s a shame…this wasn’t the first time.”

“How do you mean?” Antoinette asked. Lock was silent as he held his daughter.

“Back home, on earth, I once had this fling with a girl before I enlisted,” Lock said.

“She got pregnant, and I said I’d do right by her. Things were fine, for a time. But fate can be cruel and unforgiving.”

“What happened?” Antoinette asked. Another Long pause as Lock took a deep breath.

“She had lost the baby.” Lock was quiet as Antoinette gasped.

“It broke my heart, but it also destroyed her. After trying so hard to help her through the depression…she took her own life. Since then, I never expected to have children again. Let alone find someone to love again.”

The baby giggled as she played with her father’s finger and gave what could only be the brightest smile Lock had ever seen.

“She’s got quite a grip.” He smiled after feeling her squeeze his finger.

“She’s strong like her papa.” Antoinette said before noticing snowflakes outside her window.

“Look Dimitra, snow!”

Dimitra cooed at the little white flakes falling outside their window but despite it being a touching scene, Lock knew it was a bad omen.

“Lock?” Antoinette put a hand on his shoulder.

“You may not be around for much longer, but you are the most outstanding man I’ve ever met. You deserve as much happiness as you are owed. And please, come back to us safely.”

Lock nodded and looked down at Dimitra.

“Papa’s gotta go, snowflake, I’ll be back,” Lock said as he nuzzled Dimitra and handed her back to her mother. He stood up and went to leave before glancing back at Antoinette.

“I promise I’ll be back.”

In another part of the castle, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were holding the newest additions to their family as they sat in the room of her Aunt Orange who was excited to meet her new niece and nephews and wasted no time in smothering each of them with affection.

“Ohh my goodness! Look at you all!” She squealed at Tyr who was a pegasus like his mother but with black hair and a yellow streak and Aurora who was a cute little fawn that giggled every time she was nuzzled.

“Oh you are all so precious!”

“Uhh take it easy ma’am, they were just born yesterday.” Rainbow said with a bit of worry while watching Tyr giggle each time he was cuddled.

Applejack was rocking Hjalmarr in her arms while smiling at the heartwarming scene but her smile quickly faded as she looked down at her son.

“Why, Applejack, what’s the matter?” Her aunt asked.

“It’s just…my husband. I wish he was here to see this…” She sighed as Hjalmarr let out a big yawn and snuggled up to her chest.

“As we all do.” The door had opened to reveal Lock.

“Wulfric would’ve been proud to see his children, but we know he’s smiling down at the both of you from Valhalla.” Lock walked over to Orange and Rainbow’s twins.

“You did a great job, Dash, they’re both beautiful.”

Rainbow smiled as she was given back her babies while Orange Slice laid back in her hospital bed with a content sigh.

“My dear Applejack, I was so worried when you chose to go back to the farm. I feared you would never find a good husband, especially during The Great War but to hear you’re a queen and a mother? I couldn’t be more proud.”

“Thanks auntie.” Applejack smiled when she heard the familiar footsteps of Beorn coming down the hall.

“Well, talk about good timing, Miss Orange, meet our son.” Rainbow smiled as the doors opened to reveal Beorn dressed in royal attire and holding a few gifts for his new siblings.

“Sorry I’m late, had to stop by the gift shop.” He said while setting the presents aside to greet his brothers and sister.

“Hey guys, you miss me?” He asked as Tyr grabbed his nostrils and began laughing.

“Ow! Ow!”

“Oh my.” Orange got a look at Beorn and walked over to him.

“Who’s this, mom?” Beorn asked.

“This is your Aunt Orange,” Applejack said.

Beorn straightened his back as Orange stood in front of him. He was easily half a head taller than Orange and the mare circled him. When she stood in front of him again, she placed her hands in his face and examined him.

“I see. You’re quite the handsome young man.”

“Thank you?” Beorn said.

“Oh deary, there’s no need to be tense. We’re family!” Orange said as she wrapped her arms around Beorn.

“It’s so nice to meet you, my nephew!”

“It’s…nice to meet you too…auntie.” Beorn smiled just as her hand brushed over his eyepatch.

“Oh poor dear, to have your face ruined like this.”

“Actually my wives find it attractive.”

“Wives? My my you certainly get around.” Orange teased while pinching his cheeks.

“I overheard what happened at your wedding from the nurses. Seems Canterlot is not really an ideal place to hold a wedding during times of crisis.”

The family shared a quick laugh when Tyr began to get fussy and wanted his big brother’s attention as he began reaching out and whined for a bit.

“Whoa okay champ. There ya go.” Rainbow said as she gave him to his big brother.

“How sweet. Now Applejack, where is your daughter? I know you and Rainbow had one child each.” Orange asked while looking around.

“We sent for her before Beorn arrived, so she should be here with her new girlfriend,” Applejack said.

“Beg your pardon? Girlfriend?” Orange said.

“Sorry we’re late!” Apple Jewel walked in holding Scoli’s hand.

“Scoli and I had to check in with Scorpan. Now where are my new little siblings?”

Jewel saw the three new bundles of joy and squealed as she skipped over to Applejack and scooped up her new little sister.

“Aurora! So good to finally meet you!” Bloom cooed as the fawn babbled happily.

“Apple Jewel.” Applejack said to her daughter.

“You forgot to introduce yourself to your Aunt Orange.”

Jewel paused from fawning over little Aurora when she turned to see the mare in question.

“You’re my aunt?” Jewel asked and Orange nodded with a kind smile.

“Wow…you’re really pretty.”

“Oh thank you dear and you look as beautiful as your mother when she was a filly.” Orange said before noticing Scoli.

“You must be my niece’s um…partner.”

“Scoli, ma’am.” Scoli said politely while giving Jewel a peck.

“I see. Forgive me, I’m aware that this sort of thing is accepted even amongst royals, but this is all new to me,” Orange admitted.

“Think nothing of it auntie. We’re family, we don’t judge.” Applejack smiled when Hjalmarr noticed his big sister and began cooing at her.

“Hi little bro! Scoli, please hold Aurora.” Jewel said as she handed her sister over to Scoli and held Hjalmarr.

“Hello! Oh you are so cute!” She squealed while letting him hold her cheeks.

“I’m glad we’re not too late to the welcoming party.” Luta was wheeled in by her sister and followed by their mother. In Luta’s arms was a healthy baby buck with her fur color and dark brown hair with a little red strand of hair.

“Hello Aunt Luta!” Beorn said.

“Meet the newest member of the family,” Luta said as she looked down at her son.

“His name is Thoron.”

“Thoron. A strong name,” Beorn nodded.

“He’s so cute!” Scoli cooed.

“Who is the father?” Orange asked.

“Sir Lock. He’s blessed me with motherhood and I couldn’t be happier,” Luta said.

“I’m a grandmother,” Bera said with a tearful smile.

“I never thought I’d see the day. My bits were on Lord Wulfric to knock the both of you up, gods rest his soul, but I suppose this young one will do nicely, considering his blood.”

“Oh my I never knew northlanders were so…open with their relationships.” Orange said while watching the little ones play with their relatives.

“Ah! Again with the nose!” Beorn said as Tyr pulled on his nostrils again.

“Ow! Aurora, not my hair!” Jewel giggled as Aurora tugged at her mane.

The peaceful moment was interrupted when a loud knock was heard and all turned to see Marshall and two of his elite guards waiting outside.

“Beorn, it’s time.” He said in a cryptic manner as the young king took a deep breath and handed his brother back to Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry mom,” Beorn said but Rainbow shook her head.

“Go do what you need to, champ.” Rainbow encouraged her son with a goodbye kiss to his forehead.

Beorn took a deep breath as he marched out the door, following Marshall to a carriage waiting to return them to the castle.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Marshall asked as they stepped in.

“You could spend more time with your family.”

“No. This is one of the things I must do as king.” Beorn said as the carriage took off through the streets. Much of the city was still in ruins because of the recent attack but despite the gloomy scene, many of the citizens were smiling and doing their best to help repair their shattered home.

“Now remember Beorn, try to keep your emotions in check.” Marshall advised as they neared the castle where Lock waited for them at the gates, dressed in his armor and wore his mask and hood.

“I understand you feel angry about what was revealed to you when we returned but you must show restraint.”

“I can’t make any promises.” Beorn replied as they stepped out.

Lock nodded as he followed Beorn and Marshall into the main castle. The staff all bowed or saluted them as they walked through the halls. A tense atmosphere hung in the air along the way towards the throne room. The guards standing in front of the doors stood at attention and opened the doors. Celestia’s and Luna’s thrones were empty, due to them being on maternity leave, but Raven stood by with her clipboard. The whole room was filled with the members of the council and northern clan chiefs along with the members of the alliance. Marshall couldn’t help but smirk at the slight baby bump protruding her shirt. Lock stood on the other side of the thrones and crossed his arms. Marshall took a seat in Celestia’s throne and Beorn took Luna’s throne.

“As you all are aware, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are absent for the sake of our soon to be born foals. For this trial, I, Lord Regent Marshall, and King Beorn Warborn shall oversee this trial,” Marshall announced.

“Guards, bring in the prisoners at once.”

The moment the doors opened, the surviving members of the noble faction were marched into the room with shackles and magic restraints chained to their bodies as they were forced to kneel before the alliance members.

“You are all charged with war crimes against the kingdom of Equestria as well as The Northlands. This trial will now commence.” Marshall commanded with a wave of his hand as one of the soldiers that went with them stepped forward to present the scorched log book they found at the prison camp.

“My lord.”

“Soldier. Please share with the court your evidence.”

“Sir. Upon our discovery of this…prison camp, we found that many of the records were almost destroyed before the convicts escaped. Further investigation revealed that all the documents that were burned were records of every prisoner that was sent there, both soldiers and civilians alike.”

The soldier then bowed to the lords and moved aside for his colleague; The photographer to present his share of the evidence.

“During my part of the investigation my lords, we discovered that prisoners held in this camp were given the most horrid accommodations and treated in the most brutal way. Many of the victims we found had died of severe beatings, tortures and starvation. Most of them…were children.”

The soldier then presented the photos to the court and in just seconds, Beorn slammed down on his armrest and looked like he was ready to execute them on the spot.

“YOU BUCKING ANIMALS!!” He roared with absolute rage.

“What kind of crime warranted such treatment?!”

“Beorn, compose yourself.” Marshall scolded as the young king sat back down in a huff.

“Young one is right to be angry but must behave in court.” Prince Rutherford lectured.

“Soldier, continue.”

“Yes sir. While photographing the prison, I too found documents that had not yet been destroyed. It is a medical record stating each prisoner’s race and their heritage.

The document in question was handed to Marshall who noticed a pattern in the records.

“The names marked with an X what do they mean?” He asked as the soldier reluctantly answered.

“Well, my lord, the mark means…” He paused, looking like he was about to faint.

“Forgive me. The mark means those prisoners are scheduled for extermination.”

“Extermination?” Beorn asked, venom oozing from his voice.

“Yes sir. It was revealed that those prisoners were those of…mixed heritage.”

The moment the soldier said that, Lock acted quickly to stop Beorn as the young king drew his sword and charged at the prisoners. Lock tackled Beorn and held him back along with some guards as Beorn swung his sword and screamed at the top of his lungs. The prisoners cowered away from Beorn as he swung his sword wildly, wanting nothing more than to slash them all to pieces.

“I’LL KILL YOU! I’LL KILL YOU ALL! NONE OF YOU DESERVE A SHRED OF MERCY! I WILL AVENGE EVERY VICTIM WHOSE LIFE YOU TOOK AWAY!” Beorn roared.

“Beorn! Calm down!” Lock said as he held him back.

“They’re the scum of the planet, I get it! But you still have an image to maintain!”

“Lord Beorn, you will cease this behavior at once or be removed from the court!” Marshall barked after he finally settled down.

“What you men have done…what you tried to hide will be a black mark on our history.” Marshall said with cruelty towards the nobles.

“Nothing would please me more than to allow the young king to have his vengeance, to seek justice for those innocents whose lives you snuffed out without a second thought….but we have already lost enough thanks to this war so I offer you a choice.” The lord regent marched down from the throne and towered above the prisoners like an executioner.

“You men who are responsible for this tragedy will spend every second of your pathetic lives recovering the names of your victims or…you can hang as war criminals.” He turned his back to them, awaiting their answer.

“I feel no shame in what we did.” One of them dared to say.

“We wanted to make a better Equestria, a pure Equestria. A kingdom for ALL ponykind, unicorns, earth ponies and pegasi! Lord Blueblood saw our potential and how we could have conquered the whole world, but your foolish princesses wasted that potential by befriending those lesser than our race!”

“Will those be your final words then?” Marshall asked when he heard him spit.

“To the pits with you and your foolish wives! AND THAT CUNT TWILIGHT!!”

A guard struck the pony in the side of his jaw before being hauled off to the jail cells to await his sentence.

“Is there anyone else who shares the same beliefs as him?” Lock asked as he helped Beorn back on the throne.

Two more nobles from the group stood up.

“We will not succumb to our feelings and cause a scene, but we shall face death with what little integrity we have left,” one said.

“We swore loyalty to lord Blueblood, and we shall follow him to the grave with our heads held high. Call us what you will for the crimes we committed, but we will not deny what we have done. Do what you will, Sir Marshal,” the other said.

“Then you are both sentenced to death as well,” Marshall said and they were escorted away.

“As for the rest of you. I will permit you to say some final words before you are condemned.”

As expected, many of the nobles were too proud to admit their guilt as they were taken back to the dungeons while those who stayed quiet were left to Beorn’s mercy as the Lord Regent gave him control of the court.

“Beorn, these men have killed many innocents from our kingdom and yours. I may be regent but you are king and therefore have greater authority than I.”

Every fiber of Beorn’s being wanted nothing more than to just simply take their heads right there on the spot but he knew that such actions would not be seen as justice.

“For your crimes, you will do as Lord Marshall stated and spend the rest of your pathetic lives finding and documenting the names of every one of those prisoners. Any attempts to flee will result in your immediate execution.” Beorn said before gesturing to the guards to release their shackles but kept their magic restraints on.

“My mercy has its limits so do not make me regret this…especially YOU Lord Dapper.” He threatened with a cold voice.

Dapper could only nod his head slightly as they were all escorted out of the throne room. Lock glanced out the window and saw the sky enveloped by clouds and a few snowflakes falling. Lock nodded his head at Marshall, gaining his attention, and nodded again towards the window. Marshall nodded back and stood up from the throne.

“The trail for the condemned former nobles has ended. I ask that all who are not alliance members vacate the throne room immediately,” Marshall said. The crowd slowly made their way out of the throne room until all that was left were the ruling leaders of each kingdom.

“That was quite the impressive display, King Beorn,” Scorpan said.

“Oui, I concur,” Jacques said.

“I shall be filling in for m’lady and while she nurses her newborn. And congratulations, Monsieur Lockdrom.”

“Thank you,” Lock said behind his mask.

“Since the leaders of the alliance are present, and the trial has ended, we can focus on the main priority.” Lock stepped forward just before the small staircase.

“The Wendigo King and his Army of the Dead.”

“Yes, we had our best scouts track their movements shortly after we left Blueblood’s province. They reported many towns and villages were destroyed and many victims raised as servants of the undead kings army.” Marshall said as he began the debriefing.

“Canterlot can’t take another siege, not after the beating we just had.” Said Scorpan.

“They’re not coming here…” Marshall replied before bringing out a map.

“This was given to us by one of our scouts, it shows the route the army is taking. They started off here in the province, once they sacked the outlying settlements they began their through the mountain pass, heading further north.”

“But the nearest kingdom there is…” Jacques paused as a feeling of dread overtook him.

“Mon dieu…”

“They’re going for the Crystal Heart, to destroy not only the empire but the light of all Equestria…” Beorn said after realizing this.

“And because the empire is already in a frozen wasteland, most of the tracks leading out have frozen over and the storm surrounding the empire has gotten worse.” Marshall said before folding up the map.

“How is the Valyrian weapon stock?” King Aspen asked.

“Ever since we brought home the ore, we’ve managed to outfit almost all of the alliance’s forces,” Lock said.

“Yaks make good use of new weapons!” Prince Rutherford said.

“Indeed,” Rocky said, recently appointed as Alpha.

“It wasn’t easy convincing the king and queen back in our mountains after the death of my brother, but they agreed to send troops to aid in this battle.”

“Any word on the dragons?” Scorpan asked.

“We tried appealing to them again, but they refused,” Marshall said.

“What we have now is all that we have left.”

“It’s enough,” Lock said.

“The Wendigo king wants to make this whole world a barren wasteland of death and ice. He failed to take it all once and is now bent on taking it all down with him. So believe me when I say that this might very well be the war to end all wars.”

All were in agreement to prepare for the upcoming battle and as the council was dismissed, Beorn left the throne room to be alone with his thoughts. As he walked through the halls, he saw the many murals of his mother and her friends saving Equestria over and over before coming to the castle’s memorial hall dedicated to those who died in The Great War.

“Dad…” He said to himself while looking at a plaque dedicated to the northlanders who fought alongside Equestria.

“I really need your help, I don’t know if I can do this…I just…wish you were here…” He then brought out Kingslayer and looked at his reflection.

“All these men followed you, they believed in you and despite all I’ve done….I don’t feel like I’m doing enough…please, tell me what I should do…”

Desperate for advice, a single tear fell onto his blade before he felt a warm hand touch his shoulder to see Shining Armor standing behind him.

“He’d be very proud of you,” Shining said.

“I sure hope so,” Beorn said.

“Being king still feels bittersweet to me.”

“Is it because you wanted to earn the title instead of inheriting it?” Shining asked.

“I always dreamed of my dad being the one to place the crown on my head when I was a buck. If Uncle Lock didn’t show up when he did, I’m not sure my mothers would be able to handle his passing as well as they have,” Beorn said.

“Knowing your mothers, and how much they loved Wulfric, you’re probably right,” Shining said.

“They’re the toughest and most outgoing pair of mares my sister said she’s ever met.”

“Do you think we’ll finally be at peace after this battle?” Beorn asked.

“The Great War took a lot from everyone,” Shining said.

“Tartarus, some are still trying to recover from those days. It’s certainly gotten worse, thanks to Blueblood, but we’re still here. Even after this battle against the dead, we’ll all still be here. That’s what I feel is most important.”

Beorn felt a sense of calm as Shining held him and looked him in the eye with a proud smile as he said.

“Everything I saw in your father, I see in you now. Your father’s actions in the war were indeed heroic but they were a reminder to his people to never falter even in the face of death.”

Kingslayer suddenly felt lighter in Beorn’s hand, as if it were nothing more than a stick as the young king felt great pride swelling within him before marching back to the castle barracks where the soldiers were still recovering from the recent battle.

“Men! In two days time, we will march for The Crystal Empire!” He announced, surprising all of them.

“I know many of you are weary but time is against us. As we speak, the undead horde marches on the very doorstep of our allies, our friends whose fathers fought beside ours in the great war!”

“But sire, we are too few!” One soldier protested.

“True but that is nothing new for us. When my father led the rebellion against Dainn Stonehoof he started with only you; his clan but despite those odds, he prevailed and won! Now it’s our turn.” Beorn said before walking past each soldier with a proud smile.

“I am still young, this is true. I’ve not seen what you all have seen but I was told as a child that the men of the north fought with courage alongside their allies that even in the face of certain defeat, they would not yield!”

The older members of the army cheered in agreement as Beorn's speech continued.

“If we don’t stop these monsters now then our children and theirs will spend their lives in a realm of cold and darkness! If this is to be our last battle then let us make it one to be remembered for all time! WARBORN!!”

“WARBORN!!”

As the men cheered, Surt approached Beorn with a proud smile.

“I must be seeing ghosts, because I could swear I saw King Wulfric just now,” Surt joked.

“Thank you, Surt,” Beorn said.

“It means the world, coming from you.”

“It is simply the truth,” The old stag smiled before clearing his throat.

“Also, I would like to announce something. Once this war is over, and we’re drinking ourselves under the table, I shall be retiring.”

“Retire? Why?” Beorn asked, somewhat surprised.

“Because I’ve been in service since your father and I were younger than even you, and I’ve seen enough on the battlefield for one lifetime. I will consider this battle my last, should I live to see another day. That, and my new lover is expecting, which means I shall be fulfilling my other dream of finally becoming a father.”

“I understand. It’s a shame that we’ll be losing a great warrior such as you.” Beorn said with a content smile as Surt slapped him across the back.

“HA! Nonsense! You youngsters will do just fine and besides, these old bones aren’t as tough as they used to be.” Surt groaned while rolling his shoulder.

“By the way, though the timing may not be convenient, how will you be celebrating Hearth’s Warming?”

“Thor’s beard, is it that time already?” Beorn said.

“It’s been almost a year already.”

“Aye, you should celebrate appropriately with your new wives after the final battle. Introduce those pretty little wolves of yours to our customs,” Surt said.

“I’ll be sure to do so. In the meantime, I better go spread the word so we can start decorating!” Beorn said and ran off.

Surt laughed as he leaned against a window and looked up at the sky.

“He may be king, but he is still a boy. I can only imagine the amount of pride you must be feeling. Seeing your son so full of spirit, old friend,” Surt said with a reminiscent smile.

Many Years Ago

“Come on, Surt! It’s just up here!” A young buck said as he climbed a snowy hill. Following behind him was an older teen buck, struggling to keep up.

“Please wait, young master!” Surt called out.

“Hey! I thought I said not to call me that! We’re friends! So just call me Wulfric!”

“You know I cannot address you in such a formal manner. You will be chief soon.” Surt panted as they reached the top of the hill to see their village gathered for their own winter holiday.

“Isn’t this view great? You can see everything from here.” Wulfric said while showing Surt the village.

“I heard that after this winter, my father will make plans to meet with the rulers of Equestria.”

“Yes, Chief Hjalmarr hopes to establish peaceful relations with their princesses.” Surt sighed with relief as he sat in the cold snow.

“But not many of the other clans approve of this plan. Especially the Stonehooves.”

“Pfft! Those guys are a bunch of pervs!” Wulfric said with a scowl.

“Not to mention they bring shame to our kind. One day, I’ll be chief, no, king of the north! And when I’m king, I’ll continue my father’s legacy and establish peace between us and Equestria.”

Wulfric looked at Surt with a grin.

“And I want you with me by my side, Surt! My dream is to create a world where everyone is united and lives for peace!”

“You want me to stand with you?” Surt asked.

“Why? I’m a servant stag, I’m nobody special.”

Smack!

Wulfric lightly smacked the back of Surt’s head with a deadpan expression.

“You’ve served my family since I was just a baby. It’s only right you live to see the new world and I’ll need someone I can trust to make sure I don’t become a tyrant.”

“Sire…”

“My father once said: A king must not only give advice but seek it from those wiser than him.”

To this, Surt gave a proud smile and stood up to dust the snow from his body as he shared the view with the future king.

“Then I would be honored to help you in your future endeavors…Young Wulfric.”

Present Day

“Surt?”

Surt blinked and was torn away from his trip down memory lane and turned to see a mare who made him smile. His new fiancé and mother-to-be of his child, Upper Crust, approached him with Top Notch. Crust’s belly was slightly bloated as their child grew inside her. Surt met them halfway and hugged them both.

“Goodness, darling, what’s the matter?” Crust said as she and Top hugged Surt back.

“I’m just so thankful you both came into my life,” Surt said as he placed a hand on her belly.

“You’ve given this old stag more joy than I know what to do with, especially since I am to be a father.” His gaze turned to Top.

“I also must thank you, Top, for accepting me as your mother’s husband. I understand if it’s still an adjustment to get used to.”

“It’s only right for my mother to be happy. She doesn’t need to suffer for my father’s mistakes.” Top Notch smiled before rubbing his mother’s belly as well.

“So am I getting a baby brother or sister?”

“Uh uh, no spoilers.” Upper Crust smirked while wagging her finger at her son.

“To think, it’s been a whole year and I didn’t prepare the house for Hearth’s Warming Eve.” She sighed.

“Don’t fret, dear, we still have plenty of time,” Surt said as she hooked her arm around his.

“Let us return home, we have much to do.”

Later That Night

“It appears your journey is almost at an end, my Hand,” Lucifer said as he stood in Lock’s room. The ruler of Hell paced back and forth, his glowing red eyes gazing at Lock under his hood, his hands held behind his back.

“It would seem so,” Lock said. He sat at his desk with his weapons laying in front of him. He was cleaning one of his revolvers with some polisher.

“I honestly didn’t expect to stay a year, yet here I am.”

“You could have left at any time,” Lucifer said.

“You’re right, I could’ve,” Lock said.

“But I didn’t. And I’m glad I stayed. These people needed me.”

“Who is to say they would have fared just as well without you?” Satanael questioned.

“No one, but I do know the casualties would be greater. Much greater,” Lock said as he put his gun down.

“If me being here and fighting reduced that number in any way, then I say it’s worth me being away from Draco and the others.”

“Even your lovers, Twilight and Nightmare Moon?” The devil questioned.

“They’ll understand,” Lock said. He stood up and pulled off his shirt and tossed it aside.

“I know Twilight, Moon too. A year is a long time, but they would’ve held it against me if I abandoned the people of this world.”

“Such loyalty…” Lucifer said as he stopped pacing.

“Such naïveté, one of the many reasons why I chose you.”

Knock! Knock!

“Until next time, my Hand,” Lucifer said and disappeared.

“It’s open!” Lock called out.

The doors opened to reveal Thora who was dressed in a typical robe with a tray of hot cocoa for her and Lock.

“Hey.” She greeted him with a warm smile.

“Hey.” Lock replied as she sat next to him.

“So how’s little Thoron?”

“He’s an angel, so sweet and he’s got your eyes.” Thora smiled while giving him his cup.

“Heh, so does Dimitra, according to Antoinette,” Lock chuckled as they sat down at the edge of the bed.

“How’s your sister?”

“She’s tired, happy, but tired,” Thora said as she sipped her drink.

“You’ve probably heard this countless times before, but we can’t tell you how thankful we are for being here to help fight for us.”

“It’s what I do,” Lock said as he leaned back a bit.

“Eating the Devil’s fruit was the last thing on my mind, but it ended up allowing me to help more than I would’ve had I not. I’m a soldier, I have a sense of duty.”

Thora looked at the tribal brands that ran up Lock’s arms and to his shoulders.

“You are also a father and my lover.” She purred while letting her fingers dance up his arm.

“My lover who has not had a woman's touch in so many months~.”

Thora leaned forward, purposely letting her robe open as she leaned onto Lock and kissed him.

Lock welcomed the kiss as he and Thora set their mugs aside and he leaned back. Thora climbed on top of him as they continued their kiss and Lock snaked his hands on her ass. As Thora explored his mouth with her tongue, she traced her hands along his arms brands.

“You like my brands, don’t you?” Lock said when they separated for air.

“Not as much as you love my ass~.” Thora smirked while letting him grope and squeeze her.

“Mmm, let’s do this in front of the fireplace. It’s more romantic that way~.”

Lock nodded and climbed out of the bed with the doe. He gently laid her on her back and loomed over her. Like her sister, Thora was a beautiful woman in her own right. Her toned abs showed off her experience as a shield maid but still had a feminine side to her. Lock pulled apart her robe and was given the sight of her naked body in the light of the fireplace.

“I’ll never get tired of seeing you like this, my dear, you’re more beautiful than people give you credit for.”

“That silver tongue of yours is one of the reasons why I fell for you,” Thora said.

Lock smiled as he leaned down and kissed her again. He then began kissing downwards and worked his way south of her body.

“Mmm~.”

“So what’s another reason you chose me?” Lock asked while kissing her belly and made her giggle.

“Well to be honest…” She bit her lip before answering.

“You almost fuck as good as King Wulfric~.”

“Almost?” Lock smirked.

“I think I can change your mind, if you’re willing.”

“You’re asking, mmm~, for something not easily earned~,” Thora moaned as Lock latched onto her nipple and suckled.

“But since it’s you, I may know of a way you can.”

“Tell me,” Lock said, switching to the other nipple.

“Give me one too,” Thora said, making Lock look up at her.

“I wish to be a mother as well. Bless me with your child too, Dimitri.”

“Are…are you sure?” Lock asked, sounding surprised.

“Very~.” Thora purred while turning over to give him a good view of her athletic butt.

“It’s only right a strong warrior like you continues his bloodline and it’s tradition for the ladies of the clan to comfort the men before a battle, you know~.” Thora said while leaning forward with a sensual moan.

“I used to do this with the king and his wives all the time, even my sister joined in~. Can you imagine? Wulfric ravaging all four of us to his heart’s content~?” She asked while swaying her ass side to side.

“Don’t gotta imagine since we’ve done it before,” Lock said, already tearing his pants off and exposing his hard cock. The sight of it almost sent Thora over the edge.

“Wulfric was a very lucky man to have you ladies, may he rest in peace.”

He grabbed both her ass cheeks and lined up with her soaked flower.

“As for you, I’ll grant you what you wish. I know you’ll make a wonderful mother, along with Luta and Antoinette.”

“Then do it, my lord, prove you’re on par with Wulfric and pump a child in me~!” Thora begged.

Lock slid into Thora’s pussy at once, sending waves of pleasure throughout her whole body. She expected his usual routine of going slow, but Lock had other plans as he pulled back and slammed into her. His grip on her as cheeks tightened as he began thrusting harder than ever before.

“Yeah~! Take it! How’s my cock feel, slut~?!” Lock growled lustfully as he smacked her ass.

“Ahh~! You’re so rough~!” Luta moaned as she was rammed into the carpet by her lover.

“Mmmffcuk, I wish I had done this sooner, then me and Luta would’ve had babies born on the same day~.”

“Better late than never, my sweet~.” Lock grinned as they kept going.

“So you said you did it with Wulfric. How often was that~?”

“Nnng practically every day~!” Thora moaned again.

“Especially when the queens were pregnant, he was a real beast in bed~.”

“A shame we’re at war.” Lock grabbed her legs and hoisted her up and carried her under her legs. He stood up and began bouncing her on his dick, poking the entrance of her womb.

“I would’ve gladly made sure to take you all to bed and screw you silly like this!”

“Aahn~! Ah~! Ooh~!” Thora squealed.

“Imagine it, dear…” Lock’s pace picked up as her ass clapped on his crotch and her juices dripped over the carpet.

“Me screwing you, your sisters, and the queens every day like this? Making sure all your desires were fulfilled?”

“Yes~! Gods yesh~!” Thora’s tongue fell out of her mouth.

“Hell, I’d be obligated to tend to all the shield maids if necessary.” Lock licked her ear and bit it a little.

“Tell me how that sounds~?”

“MMM~!! That sounds heavenly~.” Thora panted.

“But you want to know my biggest fantasy~?”

“Do tell my naughty doe~.” Lock smirked while kissing her shoulder.

“You and the king, fucking me in all my holes, leaving me a complete mess in front of the queens before filling them with your seed~.” She arched her back and cried out as Lock hit her in the sweet spot.

“Fuck yeah,” Lock said as he laid her on her back and fucked her harder.

Thora wrapped her legs around Lock so he couldn’t escape. She’d lost count how many times she’d climaxed as Lock groped her tits. The two had been going at it for some time now and the fire kept crackling away, giving them the light they needed.

“I’m close, Thora!” Lock said, feeling tension build up.

“You want my kid? Tell me! Beg for it!”

“NNNG! Please Lock, get me pregnant~!!” Thora shouted with a wide smile on her face as they kissed one more time.

The moment her womb was filled, she was sent into a whirlwind of pleasure and almost passed out in his arms as they returned to the bed and began making out once more.

“Mmm, do me until morning~.” She said with a warm expression.

“That long?” Lock asked, impressed by her stamina.

“Only if you want to beat Queen Dash’s record~.”

“Bring it~,” Thora said, already jerking Lock off and crawling down to work him with her mouth.

“It’s gonna be a long night…” Lock sighed contently.

The Next Morning

The sounds of drums filled the air as multiple spectators gathered in the courtyard. The gallows were set up and the stallions sentenced to death all had nooses wrapped around their necks. Marshall and Beorn stood by as witnesses until Marshall stepped forward to address the doomed former nobles.

“These men have been found guilty of high treason against the crown and committing war crimes against the civilians of Equestria and its allies. For these crimes, you have all been sentenced to hang until death.” Marshall stepped down and allowed Beorn to take the stand as he marched up to glare at the traitors.

“Know that your families will not be subjugated to any punishments for your crimes, may that bring you peace.”

“Filthy northerner!!” One of them shouted before spitting at Beorns feet.

“Mark my words, SOMEONE will finish what we started! Your days in this land are numbered.”

The crowd screamed in outrage at this display and were demanding the execution to begin at once and with a single nod, Marshall ordered the executioner to pull the switch, activating the trap door on the platform.

Some of the prisoners died within seconds while others continued to struggle to breath as their eyes became bloodshot and some even foamed at the mouth before succumbing to their fate.

“Freeze in the wastes of Helheim…” The young king said before seating himself.

Marshall ordered some men to take the bodies away. He walked past Beorn and patted his shoulder.

“You passed this test as king, Beorn, and you still have much to learn,” Marshall said.

“For now, we focus on finishing this war once and for all.”

End.