The Battle of Saddle Lake

The Kingdom of Chaos has completely gathered a force of more than twenty-four thousand troops. Since the abduction of Princess Luna, King Discord knew that King Heart would weaken the Kingdom of Equestria through the dedication to search for his daughter. During the past two years, King Discord has hired mercenaries and militias to guard the borders and conduct small skirmishes with the Equestrians to provide time for the Chaos Army to build to a strength that would be unstoppable for their neighboring kingdoms and allies. The allies of Chaos have pledged their loyalty to King Discord and have became a puppet for him, but their mission was to protect the Chaos Homeland from impending invasion, while King Discord conducts his conquest.

King Discord along with the three main generals of is army and his head sorcerer called for a war council. They sat around a round table at the center of the tent. General Glimmer and General Shimmer sit across General Grogar, the commander of the Chaos vanguard. A position that could only be acquired through skills and absolute loyalty to the Chaos king. King Discord sits across his head sorcerer, Sorcerer Meadowbrook.

General Grogar was pointing their route on the map, "Once we cross the border, the army will have to march through this small forest and along Saddle Lake to reach the capital."

"How long will it take for us to reach the capital?" General Shimmer asked.

"With no interruptions to our advance, maybe 14 days the earliest, but if our spies are correct and there is an army waiting for us somewhere, probably two or three months," General Grogar answered.

Meadowbrook was playing with his personal long knife that he uses for close-combat on the table, "Do we know the numbers of the enemy?"

"We do not know yet, but we predict between ten to thirteen thousand of their troops. The rebellion in the countryside have a few thousand troops occupied," General Grogar points at the map again. "If Lord Clover is smart enough, he would meet us here in Saddle Lake."

King Discord leaned forward from his seat, "I saw that lake two years ago. It is perfect for a battlefield. The field offers a large viewpoint for any army. There are small large groups of trees, but it won't provide cover. There are also a number of small hills near the lake. If we occupy those grounds, we have a perfect vantage point of the field."

The flap of the command tent was opened by the royal guards. A middle aged noble walks into the tent with two other knights all dressed in full armor. The banners on their armor shows the crest of the royal family, but the symbol of a rebel as well.

"You're late," said King Discord.

Approaching the war council was Lord Cookie, a low-noble from Equestria who has rebelled against the king. He was one of the commanders of the rebel army that was called on by King Discord to assist them in their conquest of Equestria.

"My apologies your majesty," Lord Cookie apologized.

"Enough of the small talk," said General Grogar. "How many men did you bring?"

Lord Cookie came closer to the table, "Four hundred general. Most of the troops are bandits, highwaymen, beggars and farmers. But there is no need to worry, they are led by my soldiers."

"How many are trained soldiers?" General Glimmer asked?

Lord Cookie sighed while looking at him, "Less than a hundred. Most of whom are inexperienced."

The Chaos generals looked at their king. Their faces showed concern on the decision of the king to have the Equestrian rebels join their army, as many of their troops are inexperienced in warfare. Meadowbrook observed the armor of the two knights behind Lord Cookie, and noticed that their armor barely had a dent or scratch on them. The faces of his officers were clean shaven and their skin was bright in the dark night. The flap of the tent opened again. The generals quickly stood and bowed in front of the person. The Equestrian rebels noticed their actions and looked back, they immediately knelt in front of their princess.

"What are you doing Luna?" King Discord asked, seating on his chair.

Lord Cookie looked at the princess. Her hair became darker, as well as the color of her eyes. The cheerful expressions she once had were now a part of the past. Princess Luna signaled the three Equestrians to stand up. Princess Luna carefully observes the lord, as she tries to remember him.

Princess Luna looks at King Discord, "You've called the rebels?"

"If you want the crown for yourself you need allies," King Discord answered. "As it happens, Lord Cookie is quite the loyalist to you. He brought a rag tag army of four hundred inexperienced fighters to fight for you."

Princess Luna looks at Lord Cookie, "I appreciate the kindness my lord," Princess Luna walks past him and General Glimmer offers his seat to the Princess.

"How are the spells your highness?" Meadowbrook asked.

"Harder than I expected," Princess Luna answered. "I need more time. The spell takes too much energy for one person."

King Discord stands from his seat. His officers tried to stand, but the king immediately motioned for them to stay seated. He walks to Princess Luna and bends down to whisper into her ear, "If you want the crown. You need the power."

Everyone looked at the king, as he exits the tent. Princess Luna leaned forward to read the troop movements on the map.