Author's Note

AGAINST ALL ODDS, KEEP FIGHTING!

Ambush

The squad trudged along a swampy river, it consisted of three medics, three unicorns, and five Pegasi. Their captain was an earth pony called "Iron Hoof". He had hoofs of iron and he was persistent.

They had been at war with the Griffin's over boundaries, so a small expedition was sent to patrol a ten-mile stretch near the Griffinstone border. As dusk drew close all was quiet........too quiet.

There was a sudden screech and one of the pegasi came crashing down with a griffin tearing its throat out and several more appeared. The fight was off-balance, eleven ponies, and at least thirty griffins. It was complete chaos. Iron hoof went down pierced by several arrows and as he drew his last breath his head was severed by a griffin halberd. The medics were easily cut down only armed with short swords. One unicorn sent up a magic flare as his horn was smashed and a spear went into his mouth. There were only two unicorns left now.......a lieutenant and a young private named Jade.

The lieutenant felt pain as he realized that his young private.......one he swore he'd protect was gonna die in this damned swamp! His momentary distraction left a chance for a griffin to pierce him with a long heavy saber. As he fell he and Jade locked eyes, " I'm sorry I couldn't protect you" then he died.

"Lieutenant Thundercloud! Please don't be dead" she repeated this several times when a shadow caught her eye she ducked and rolled drawing a dagger and parried a pike.

She fired a blast of magic and went into the fight of her life! She sent magic flare skyward three in rapid succession. She used every technique she remembered.

She almost lost her head but got lucky in a way........she lost an eye she finally gave out with a substantial amount of blood loss. As she blacked out she saw Princess Celestia herself leading a battalion of pegasi.