Quashed

Despite wanting this siege to be over quickly, Jericho did not send out troops until a few days after his war machines were ready. He hoped that making his presence and survival known to Steelhorn after the capture of Princess Twilight would reopen a line of communication, but no such luck. Steelhorn wasn't talking anymore. That ship had sailed.

He began his assault at the first light on the fifth day. At dawn, he attacked from the east. The morning sun would be a significant detriment to the fortress's batteries. He was proven correct, as many of the archers were unable to fire until long after the siege engines were in range, as only then would their view not put the sun right in their eyes.

The first call for a defensive line rang out moments before the first grappling hook struck the drawbridge. The engineer had misjudged the distance and aimed too low. They had to reel in the line and try again. Their second shot, five minutes later, was well aimed and struck right where it was meant to, just above the drawbridge. They began to pull back against the line, but rather that becoming taut, the hook slipped over the side and dragged all the way back to the engine.

Their third shot was a success, grappling against the drawbridge. As the line grew taut, further cranking only served to pull the siege engine closer to the barbican. The ground anchors were not enough, they needed something stronger. As the engineer kept the line tight, several of his subordinates ran to the tree line with cables over their shoulders, their aim to secure the mechanism to the mighty roots if the Everfree forest itself.

As the lines were secured, the anchors signaled their readiness, and the engineer resumed tightening the winch. As he pulled, the siege engine lifted up into the air under the tension of the cables. He managed to stay upright and mostly protected, but he couldn't fathom why the drawbridge wasn't falling.

It was due to the quick thinking of Boneshatter that the drawbridge was still up. Having seen the grappling hook on the second hit, before it had a grip on the bridge, he had ordered a platoon to split in half and add their weight and pull strength to the counterweights that raised the bridge. These were ponies, though, and they didn't have the stamina of a mechanical winch. They would tire out eventually, and the gate would fall.

That's where Arrow's contribution came in. As the engine lifted, he was granted a better and better view inside the vehicle. He couldn't guarantee perfect accuracy from this distance, but he could reliably come close. His first few shots landed in the protective covering for the machine, proving to Jericho that placing them there had been a good idea. The next few flew through the opening in the front, through which the engineer had been able to aim the grappling mechanism to begin with. A few more managed to strike the winch, severing one of the anchors and jostling the engineer. The final shot in his quiver, he kissed. This would need to work.

Suddenly, a large crack erupted from beneath him as the drawbridge shattered into several dozen pieces. As the tension was no longer straining the siege engine, it flew backward, landing upside down about ten metres behind where it had been floating just moments ago. Arrow returned the arrow to his quiver. The engine, as well as the engineer, were beyond his range now. He couldn't hit that target with all the luck in the world.

The assault units holding the gate collapsed to the ground. There was no use holding up the drawbridge anymore. Countless pieces of it had been washed down the river. There wasn't anything to hold up. Steelhorn walked through the ranks, congratulating them on their stall regardless. If Jericho wanted into the fortress now, he'd need to build his own bridge.

Jericho had considered this eventuality. A temporary bridge had already begun construction, and would be ready tonight. He mourned the loss of his grappler, but was rather pleased to hear of the lack of any serious injuries. The engineer had suffered a few contusions, but he'd be healed up in no time.

As he contemplated what tomorrow might bring, Steelhorn heard the screech of a falcon, coming in to land on his horn. On its leg was a note. He read it aloud as Boneshatter, Luna and Arrow rushed to his side. "We are out of time. Stormshroud and Northwind soldiers have destroyed house Snowcap. House Gemhide has completely engulfed house Buckwheat, and reports say they're headed here now. More than half of our civilians have been evacuated, but the rest refuse to abandon their homes. Whatever aid you have, bring it home now. All due respect, Ironblood."

"The gods have damned us," growled Boneshatter, shaking his head. "Only a fool would think our people can survive this."

"I am a fool, then," muttered Steelhorn. "I cannot abandon them. I am going to their aid."

Boneshatter looked Steelhorn right in the eye. "That may be the stupidest thing you've ever said." He smirked. "But I'm about to say something even dumber. I'm coming with you, little brother. Until next week, when we're both dead and rotting, you have my hammer."

"I've never had a family that cared for me this much," said Arrow, stepping forward. "In the six months I've known you, I've come to respect you. If you'll have me as one of your house, I'll take down any foe you point me toward. You have my bow, Chief Steelhorn."

Luna placed her left hand on Steelhorn's shoulder, and her right on her swollen belly. "I shall cover your escape as best I can, Chief Steelhorn. I am truly sorry I cannot do mo--"

She was interrupted as Steelhorn pulled her into a kiss. "You carry my only son, Princess. What more could I ask of you?"

Luna pressed her face against his chest. "It has been an honour to know you, Chief Steelhorn. For what it's worth, I think you'd have made a magnificent king."

Steelhorn rubbed her belly. "Perhaps I made a future king." The ensuing chuckle was akin to a knife in Luna's chest. She knew she would never see him again. With any luck, their child would be a healthy one.