The Equestrian Foreign Legion

“The last of our classes for basic training is coming up relatively soon here and that means all of you will be taking a final exam.”

A chorus of groans responded to the announcement.

She flashed an amused smile at her students, “I know, you're all excited to hear that and I am too, but it’s really not that hard. We here in the military don’t expect you to be brilliant after all, just smart enough to follow orders and have decent judgment.”

Her arms crossed and eyes squinted, "I don't know how many of you have either of those skills but it hasn't stopped anypony from becoming a soldier before."

“The test itself is pretty easy, if you’ve followed half of what I’ve taught you at least. Three quarters of it is multiple choice, with questions on topics we’ve covered thoroughly. Basic organization, camp layouts in different landscapes, unit tactics, all of those things.”

The mare raised her brow, “If you don’t remember much then hope you’re good at guessing.”

Lowering her hands and making her way towards her desk she continued, “The last bit of it is a little harder. You'll each be given several sets of maps with different opposing armies displayed in various ways. On the back of each will be a few paragraphs detailing separate situations in which you will be given the available resources you have in a theoretical army. You’ll have to draw out the placement of your forces and then write out your plans with them.”

"The goal is to tell me how you would defeat the opposing force, whether attacking or defending."

The professor stopped before her desk, “It’s just an assessment to see how you’re doing with what you’ve been taught. In the end it’s only going to do anything for those that do considerably well so if the goal you personally have is to only be a soldier then please, make it easy for me and don't fill it out.”

She leaned back on her desk and used her hands to keep her balance, “That's all there is to that. Are there any questions?”

A couple of hands rose, she pointed to the closest one.

One of the yaks stood up and asked, “How long do we get on the test?”

She laughed shaking her head, the recruits in every class were always so predictable, the mare couldn't remember a year when that question wasn't asked, “You’ll have the whole duration of class time, and before you ask, yes. When you’re done you can leave, even if you finish early.”

This statement was met with approving nods and excited smiles from all the classmates.

The next few questions were inconsequential and filled with the standard slightly panicked jargon from those that hadn’t payed any attention over the past weeks, the ones she had no sympathy for.

The professor was glad when they finally finished the tirade of questions, giving a nod and with a wave of her hand she dismissed the class. Sitting down she kicked up her legs on the desk and watched the group file out.

The higher ups wanted low level officers again and she needed to pick out at least a few from the incoming soldiers. There weren't many lesser nobles applying for the position of sergeant at arms nowadays, especially in this army.

And this group seemed to have no natural leaders, a few meatheads that would be excellent warriors sure, but no real sergeant material. All except for the one peculiar fellow.

The older mare was admittedly somewhat curious to see what the red maned being would turn out on the exam, especially after hearing about his training exploits from Hammer. The stallion seemed to have an interest in the colt and was keeping a close eye on him, understandably so if all he said was true.

He seemed like a smart one, weekly tests always came back with high scores and he looked like he payed attention.

She doubted he could get far with the legion's biased officer selection but her curiosity was there all the same.

He would have to crush this academic test as well as get Hammer to vouch for him...

The mare wasn't going to think about all that paperwork now though, she had a date with a lieutenant tonight and he claimed to have some very nice liquor stored away.

~

Samuel's fellows wasted no time in jumping up and rushing for the door. The young man was thankful for this, he didn't mind the lessons but was always anxious to get on with his day when they finished.

The comrades scurried apart upon exiting the classroom building, going their separate ways underneath the overcast skies as soon as they were clear of the massed group.

The constant training, exercise and admittedly healthy albeit nasty diets, had changed them over the past months. Now physically leaner and with considerably more endurance the amalgamation of different beings who were forced to live and work together developed an abundance of energy that just hadn’t been there before.

Now they could be seen all over the encampment during their free time rather than catching up on sleep. Wide eyed recruits mingling with tale telling veterans, ambitious soldiers loosing arrows and swinging swords on the practice fields, some even did like Sam and went to the library.

Today however the human was up to something different, rather than read about current events or work on his sword skills with his friends he headed towards the tradesmen's side of the fort.

With purpose he made his way over the dirt pathways, reaching the westernmost part of the inner walls he looked about at the collection of small buildings before him. For a moment he scanned the multitude of hanging signs and upon spotting his target shot forth, producing a small bundle of papers from the front pocket of his breeches as he walked.

Standing at the door of the stone hut he knocked heavily, a moment passed before a muffled, "Coming!" responded.

Thudding steps approached from within and the door suddenly swung open, it's thick iron hinges screeching in a shrill cry for lubrication.

Within the now open doorway stood a well built but squat minotaur, with a low hanging beard and missing horn he looked like a fantasy character that had been ripped from some low effort movie or book.

"Well, whadd'ya want?" The layer of soot on his face spewed blackness into the air as he spoke.

Using a hand to waft the floating particles away the young man swallowed thickly, "Your one of the blacksmiths right?"

The figure raised an eyebrow and regarded the human with annoyance, "You can read the sign can’t ya?"

"I, yes, I can, I just wanted to make sure was all it..." Sam stuttered out.

He snorted and gave a laugh, "Right... Well yep, I am, best one here too despite what that griffon says." He lifted his arm and gave the finger towards another similar hut across the way, a sign reading blacksmith hanging outside it.

Looking away from the target of his companion’s aggression the human said, "Anyway I came to commission some work from you, if you have the time that is."

The bull made a horrific sound as he cleared his throat, turning he spit a glob of mucus before looking back and shrugging, "Depends on what it is and how much you're gonna be paying me. If it’s just to refit your current armor or refine your blade that's easy, if you want a custom set that'll cost ya."

Sam's hope for a nice price wavered, "How much might a custom be?"

"I usually charge double for custom work, triple if it's difficult." He winked with a vulture of a smile.

Samuel sighed, his shoulders lowered and face fell, "It's custom, I... I can pay you well."

Raising a brow the blacksmith gave a cautious nod, stepping back he gestured for the man to come in before moving into the abode. Sam stepped in after him, giving a few coughs at the immediate intrusion of smoke into his lungs he took a moment to breath.

When the water in his eyes was dispersed his vision was greeted by a standard looking forge with various tools scattered about.

“Names’ Mokal by the way.” The craftsmen said offhandedly.

Moving further inwards he approached a table in the middle of the room, using his elbow he swept a pile of unfinished pieces of work to the side as he placed his papers flat on the thick scarred wooden slab. Without looking back he beckoned the minotaur over as he spread them out.

Standing beside the man the minotaur cocked his head.

"So ya drew out what you wanted?" Reaching forward he grabbed ahold of the set of crude diagrams and studied them with curious eyes, "Can't say I've ever seen this style of armor before, what is it?"

“Human. Templar order if you want to get specific.”

“Hmm, these drawings aren’t great but I can see what yer getting at, some fairly complex designs.” He side eyed Samuel and pointed to the chain mail, “I don’t know if I’ve ever worked on battle armor this intricate before.”

He smiled, “It’s some of the most effective armor ever invented and I added a few extra pieces to it.”

“Aye... I also see the padding and breeches for underneath it all, made from linen or cotton is it? I can’t make that myself, yer gonna have to contract one of the other workers here.” The bovine shrugged, “Or I can contract it for you, save ya some time. Would probably also help for this cloak and uh...”

“Surcoat.”

“Yeah, that.”

“That’s fine by me, so how about it then, you able to do this for me?”

The minotaur pursed his lips and looked hard at the drawings, with a smile he slammed them down on the table, “Of course, but I’m gonna need time and a lotta bits!”

Sam sucked in his teeth, “How much?”

“Hmm, seven hundred bits.” His smile widened, “That’ll cover the material, hours worked and expenses for who I gotta contract.” He snapped his fingers, “Should take two months with all the other work I’ve got on my plate.”

“Yeah.” Samuel shook his head, “It won’t, you make it top priority, plus forge a new sword and make a new shield for me. I’ll give you a thousand bits, plus all the pay I’ve earned here so far if you get it done in a month.”

The smile on the workman’s face couldn’t possibly get any bigger, he pulled a big breath in and grabbing hold of Samuel’s hand vigorously shook making the boy struggle to keep balance.

“I’ll have it done in three weeks my calf, you won’t regret this investment!”

~

Chakris hadn’t been assigned to the infantry like his friends, he was assigned to an archer unit and as it turned out he was a regular prodigy. He could hit a target dead on from a hundred and fifty yards away, something none of the other archers in training could do.

The lanky fellow was so good in fact that most of the other archers followed him when they were training rather than the instructor, mimicking his movements with varying degrees of success. Others could come close but never close enough and the sergeant that handled them made a point to show the stallion off whenever getting the chance.

He had garnered quite a name around the camp because of this too, the striped equine had even started participating in unofficial competitions against some of the veteran archers and managed to give them a real run for their bits.

Right now though there was nothing as spectacular as a makeshift tournament going on, just some casual practice with his friends watching. He often went to watch them when they practiced and they returned the favor when he did the same.

A sharp twang followed by a heavy thunk like sound could be heard across the relatively empty practice range. The zebra’s teeth shown happily at the skill he had just demonstrated.

“That’s not bad, but it’d be cooler if you could hit the bullseye.” Gwindor said aloud with a slim grin, his eyes trained on the recently loosed arrow that had just imbedded itself not centimeters away from the bullseye of a target.

An impressive shot.

Lowering his bow and turning around Chakris looked at the raptor with annoyance, his thin eyebrows arched, “Let’s see you do this as well as me, then you can talk.” He stated with an unusual amount of confidence.

Gwindor rose from his seat on the bench as if on queue, narrowed his eyes, a glint of mischief shone for a second and then nodded firmly, “Alright, I will!”

The zebra’s eyes contorted, his sudden confidence toppled, “Huh?”

With energy in his step the gryphon hopped up and walked over to Chakris, without missing a beat he took hold of the bow from his companion, “It can’t be all that hard now can it?”

Samuel watched with his usual mellow demeanor, in silent amusement he smiled from his position leaning against a nearby pole as the two fiddled around now arguing loudly.

“I wasn’t really serious, give it back!”

“Nah, nah, you said it, can’t take it back now!”

“If I have to bring it in broken you’re paying for it dickhead!”

A quiet chuckle escaped the human’s throat at the scene, only to be cut short when his attention was quickly drawn away.

Out of the corner of his eye none other than the huge form of Mac had appeared. The stallion’s figure had seemingly just materialized standing beside Samuel and leaning on the other side of the pole.

With confusion and a little bit of anxiety Sam stepped back and eyed the pony with suspicion, he hadn’t even seen him approaching, “Hey there...”

The red pony gave him a curt nod in response, the almost universal male gesture of hello, then looked back out and watched as the two distracted figures before him continued to pull back and forth on the bow.

The human, still on edge slowly leaned back over, the presence of the new being putting him off guard. An awkward silence followed between the two as they kept their eyes forward.

Only to be broken by the stallion moments later.

“Ah heard you read a lot.”

The man’s blue eyes flicked over to Mac who continued to keep his eyes forward.

“I do.”

A nod, ”You read anything about news er what’s going on in other places?”

His eyes flicked back forwards, “Sometimes.”

Another nod.

“Ya think we might actually get sent out to do some fightin’ when we finish all this?” One of his large hands gestured out at the surrounding fort.

“You mean go to war?”

“Eeyup.”

Sam’s head rested against the pole, “You want the short answer or the long answer?”

“Whichever suits ya best.”

Sam let out a breath as he formulated an answer in his mind.

“Uh... I think so yeah.”

“Lot of shit going on out there. Never any shortage of foreign wars or conflicts, Equestria is peaceful, but it’s quite the exception.”

A slow couple of nods from the stallion followed, “Where would we be goin’ first ya think?”

Samuel was starting to understand this line of questioning now.

“Two places I think stand out the most. Into the north to continue fighting the yak tribes, after all the war never actually ended, just stagnated and it’s been quiet since that last big battle. Or, and this one might be guaranteed at this point, across the water and into the Gryphon Kingdom.”

One of Mac’s ears flickered.

“Ah don’t mind the cold, but that far north would be a mite too much even fer me.” He observed.

A further moment of silence followed, the sound of Gwindor’s pathetic attempts to launch an arrow filling the silence.

“Why would we have’ta go fight Gryphons?”

Samuel couldn’t help but smile slightly, “Their king is seriously ill, he’s got two sons. Oldest one doesn’t sound like a great successor, hasn’t done much other than sit in court and plot, but he supports friendship with Equestria. The youngest looks to be a regular badass, plus a decent political figure, who doesn’t feel the kingdom needs to be on friendly terms with ponies.”

“As you can imagine, the princesses are already throwing support behind the former. Not the best choice for the Gryphons but the best for our kingdom. Princesses are as per usual keen on holding up Equestrian interests without engaging in direct all out warfare.”

“Ah see.” He turned to look over at Sam, “So when ya say regular badass...”

“His campaigns to expand the colonies along the coastline of the deer tribes in the Far East have gone well. The guy’s won un-winnable battles, taken land that hasn’t been taken since the deer overran that side of the continent, hell’s he’s so good he’s been given the nickname the Duke of Death by his own people and the deer.”

Mac’s mouth twisted, the scar on his face looking even more grisly than usual, his green eyes held an anxiety that Samuel hadn’t seen before in the stallion.

“So ya think that’s the guy we’re gonna have’ta fight?”

The man nodded, “I do, it’s an almost guaranteed civil war, both want the kingship and our leaders want the one who’s beneficial for us. Trade with the gryphons is important, lots of resources on their island. The second this army is brought back to strength I think we’re going to be sent over there. That or be on standby until we have to go.”

The Clydesdale gave another nod of understanding as he turned back to the range.

The two stood once more in an awkward position of quiet. The air felt too thick to talk through and when Sam finally worked up the confidence to open his mouth the pony beat him to it.

“Ah think yer too smart ta’ be a grunt like the rest of us.” And with that Mac came away from his side of the pole, Sam watched with an arched eyebrow as he walked away.

Gonna have to disagree with you there.

“See that, I got it go halfway there and I’ve only been doing this for like five minutes!”

Samuel’s attention was drawn back to his friends.

“Stuff a sock up your ass and then in your mouth, you can’t do this at all and you know it.”

Sam’s mind was brought out of it’s contemplating with the Zebra’s sudden “inventive” response, the worry of the future that had just been building was driven away into the ether and an unexpectedly deep laugh came from the very bottom of his lungs.

~

“For the past three months you bastards have learned every damn thing a soldier needs to do. You’ve marched till your feet blistered, camped in the mud and shit, trained past the point exhaustion, built camps in rain and hail, you even managed to march in formation and I’ll be damned if you didn’t do well in those mock battles.”

“We’re finally at the end now and all I’ve got to say is that I’m damn proud of you, you came here looking like the sorriest pieces of shit I’ve ever received and now, you’ve outperformed all of your fellow trainees.”

“So drink up and drink well, you fuckers have earned it!”

A cheer followed by a round of clapping erupted within the barracks, Sergeant Hammer’s little speech to the soon to graduate troops brought out no small amount of joy, plus the coming alcohol. A clatter of clinks followed as kegs of cider and beer that the officer had procured for this little celebration were used to fill up tankards and glasses alike.

Samuel looked over as Gwindor plopped his body down on the side of the bunk they had chosen to sit on, “Aren’t you having any?”

“Eh, nah, I’m not a big drinker.” He said eying the tankards his gryphon comrade clutched onto.

“Suit yourself.” Gwindor replied with a shrug before proceeding to lift up a glass and take three large swigs like it was nothing, letting out a happy sigh the raptor exclaimed, “Been far too long since I’ve done that!”

Soon the zebrican member of their trio sat beside them as well, the gryphon though found the fact that Chakris wasn’t drinking like the human to be offensive and in no time at all managed to peer pressure the easier target. Samuel couldn’t help but feel sorry for the two, he knew with the way they were now drinking that the hangover was going to be no joke in the morning.

The trio was soon joined by a drunk Mac who sat himself down and refused to leave despite getting the suspicious glare of an also increasingly drunk Gwindor. The tension was quickly dissipated though as the pony quickly joined in on their discussion of the groups drunken antics when they were all younger.

The human was taken aback but not surprised by this, the stallion had been making it apparent that the initial antagonistic attitude he had taken towards the boy was not one that would linger. And thus the three became the four, whether they realized it at the time or not.

The barracks hall around them was filled with the sound of laughter, of voices telling many stories, troops getting drunk and for the first time in a while everyone there felt thoroughly happy. For this moment it seemed like the right choice had been made and all was right in the world.

Hammer moved from group to group, talking with the various soldiers he had come to know. He even told stories of his own and of the exploits of the many units the stallion had trained in his service. Eventually he made his way over to the four friends, standing by them only the sober Samuel noticed his form while the others continued to slur their words in attempts to push out conversation.

Catching the officer’s grey eyes he saw the pony lift a hand and gesture to follow before turning and walking towards the exit of the barracks. Cocking his eyebrow the boy gave the excuse of needing to use the bathroom to his friends before rising up and following the sergeants path out.

Stepping out of the well lit hall and straight into the chilly night air Samuel took a deep breath, the freshness of the ocean filling his senses.

“We haven’t really been able to talk before have we?”

Turning to face the sergeant Samuel gave a nod, “No sir, unless you count the shouting.”

Hammer chuckled in his throat, “Here, come with me, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

The two began to walk towards the fort’s wall, with Sam lagging behind just slightly. They passed through the rows of barracks, most of which had their own celebration going on, until they reached the nearest set of stairs that ascended the walls.

Climbing upwards Hammer brought Samuel a ways out to a spot that looked over the cliffs and craggy beaches below, the crashing sound of the waves and glow of the plankton within them carried with it an odd feeling of being far away.

Placing his arms on the walls edge and leaning over he started, “Samuel, I’m going to recommend you for the position of sergeant at arms.” Hammer looked back to gauge the human’s reaction.

His brow arched downwards and his lips twisted, “What?” Confusion clear in his voice, “Why?”

Hammer smiled, “Do you recall scaling the rope in the obstacle course?”

Wariness still apparent on his face he answered, “Of course, I hated it. The mud made it almost impossible.”

The officer nodded, “Yep, just like it’s supposed to. But what you did when you got to the top was inpressive.”

“That braggart minotaur went down the other side, forgetting the fact that the objective was for all of you to get to the end. You however didn’t, you turned back and helped get others up, you might not have meant to but you proved an understanding of what it means to keep the objective in mind.”

The human shrugged, “I see what you’re saying but it really wasn’t that big of a thing to lead to giving me this sort of responsibility.”

“Fair enough. How about I remind you about the fortification project then? Your unit started out and couldn’t find its foot up it’s ass and that minotaur certainly didn’t help, but you rose to the occasion whether out of frustration or competition. Just like you rose to the occasion on the forced march here, yes I read that report, both of those times you organized the ponies around you and each time did what what was asked of you surprisingly efficiently.”

Samuel remained quiet.

“Or in the simulated battle when the units in your line were under heavy pressure. You managed to keep the line together when the sergeant was hit and the captain indecisive, then gave a well timed counterattack. You obviously understand battle better than most other volunteers. I’d say you rose to the occasion there too.”

The sergeant shook his head at the soldier, “I see you’re still unsure, will mentioning the hike exercise make you see? You literally seized control once again from Andrik and led them back here on the first day. Of the legion’s entire history coming back on the first day has only been done seven times.”

Samuel let out a deep breath, “Sir I understand, but I just don’t think I’d be the best choice...”

The charcoal stallion came away from the wall and looked Samuel dead on, “All of this alone isn’t why I’m recommending you for sergeant to the high command.”

An unsure look returned to Samuel’s face, “Then what is th-“

“More than a few of your fellow troops have approached me and suggested you be an officer, each giving me a good reason.” He smiled, “It seems you’ve inspired some of your comrades.”

The boy lowered his brow, “I... really?”

“I wouldn’t lie to you about something like this, especially when it could get me laughed out of my position by my superiors. I have to make a good argument to get you in, you aren’t a pony after all.”

“My reason is good leadership is a difficult thing to do but I think you have it in you colt, we’re gonna need officers like you if the state of foreign affairs is anything to go off of.” Hammer nodded, “Plus the word of a member of the Apple family is hard to ignore.”

Sam cocked his head, “The word of a what?”

“That one stallion, Mac, he’s a member of the Apple family. One of the direct descendents of the last element of honesty if I read the file right.” Hammer whistled, “Can’t get a better compliment than one of them vouching for you, even with his harsh temperament.”

Uncertain of what to say he simply replied, “I suppose so.” The human looked out at the ocean, “Then... why is he here if he’s from a family like that?”

Hammer shook his head, “That’s for him to say and not me, besides our records don’t get everything.”

“I understand, personal affairs are personal I guess.”

“Exactly.”

The two stood there for a moment, basking in the salty air as it washed over them. Samuel’s eyes lifted back up to the stars and he gave a heavy sigh.

“Alright, recommend me if you want, I wasn’t looking for that much responsibility but if you think it’ll work out.”

The sergeant placed a heavy hand on his subordinate’s shoulder, “I do, plus it probably doesn’t hurt that you’ll get better pay.”

And with that the two ended the conversation.

~

Coming away from the sea they made their way back down the stairs and into the fort, the activity from other small parties was dying down as the night was wearing on. It was easy to understand, they all still had a week to go.

As their quarters came into sight however it was clear to see their own unit was nowhere near finished. Morning roll call was going to suck, but it always did anyways.

As the pair approached Samuel unexpectedly did feel the need to use the latrine, giving a quick explanation and obtaining permission to go from his commander he took off in a hasty sprint to the nearest outhouse.

With speed he opened the door, entered and took care of his business.

Feeling relieved as he exited and closed the door the man couldn’t help but enjoy the breeze and as he walked he found himself heading off in the opposite direction of his barracks despite with the warmth it promised.

Taking in the night his mind drifted as his feet found their mark and wandered whichever way they wished.

In charge of troops... he thought to himself. The idea of such responsibility was odd, he had never considered himself any sort of leader. But it wasn’t him shooting for it, it was others who had made an effort, others that wanted him to lead.

It was almost flattering?

Even if it was only being a sergeant that was still more than he could have ever bargained for. Not that he didn’t think he couldn’t do it, he was confident in his abilities and knowledge. However there’s something about knowing how horribly wrong things could go if he made a mistake in a bad situation and he knew there would eventually be a bad situation.

And the idea of making a mistake that cost lives in a needless manner was not pleasant.

Then there was the fact that there was much more to being an officer than most realize, it’s not just leading your men but reporting to superiors, managing logistics, ensuring you do your duty on time and to satisfaction. It was less physically arduous but not by any means easier work than a normal infantryman’s.

Still, he wasn’t entirely sure what to think about it all.

A sound from behind brought the human from his mind and a large hand suddenly encompassing his shoulder stopped him entirely.

With a pull he was roughly spun around, he didn’t even get a chance to register the monstrous being that had hold of him as its other fist shot forwards and into the boy’s forehead.

“Surprise.”

Andrik’s voice graced his ears before the ringing set in, his vision went black for but a moment as he collapsed backwards. He let out a strangled grunt as his back hit the ground.

Eyes bulging Samuel looked up from the cold ground to see the bull’s powerful physical form standing over his own far smaller body. The pain in his forehead made it hard to focus and took away any strength to push himself back up.

He was completely at his attacker’s mercy, his breath quickened and throat tightened.

“You’re so small for such a big shot.”

The minotaur stepped alongside his preys body, his hooves thumping like the tree trunks they were. A loud huff sounded from his nostrils.

Stopping by the human’s head he bent down, Samuel tried to struggle, raising his arms up he tried to stop the bovine beast’s hand from grabbing him. But it was futile.

Roughly ripping him upwards by his hair Samuel found himself dangling in Andrik’s grasp, his feet swinging just above the dirt. Eyes now level he saw the murderous look, the glowering eyes and bared teeth.

“Everyone of those little dirtbags keeps talking about you, how you do this, how you do that, how you might just be the sergeant chosen from our unit.”

Samuel struggled to breath, the hair on his head burned with pain and he could do naught but close his involuntarily watery eyes as the minotaur pulled back again.

“I’m not gonna let that happen.”

This blow came low and drove into his stomach, he felt hair come out as the fist on his head let go and he was again thrown.

Instead of hitting the ground he clattered against a wooden wall with a wheeze, clawing for support he managed to force his back to the wall and slid downwards till he sat upright against the planks in the cold dirt. He was given no time before the attacker was again upon him.

The powerfully thick arms grabbed ahold of Samuel, on both sides of his body just below his armpits the hands gripped, digging and ripping into the skin beneath. Hoisting him up Andrik’s grim smile entered his vision again. He drew the boy in close, his alcohol laced breath choked Samuel up even more and again their eyes met.

“You took away the best chance I had to earn my place.”

Feelings of deep set hatred bore against pure fear and silent panic.

“By the time I’m done here you won’t be able to be a sergeant, I’m gonna make sure you won’t even be able to fight.”

The horned head of the beast suddenly went forth, slamming against Samuel’s own, a sickening crack let them both know that the human’s nose had broken.

Blood splattered downwards and began to flow, the stinging pain drew a steady stream of tears from the corners of Samuel’s eyes. He gasped for air, swallowing instinctively when blood forcefully entered his esophagus.

A terrible laughter erupted at the sound of his choking breaths, moving to the left the bull shifted Samuel around and displaying his great strength threw the hundred and sixty pound man into the air with ease.

For what felt like minutes to the disoriented boy he flew, inevitably though he came down.

Landing face first in the dirt his whole body erupted in pain with the impact, his mouth filled with wet earth and the pain of his nose increased to nearly intolerable heights as he crashed.

Blood mingled with tears as his mind raced, he had to do something, anything, if he didn’t he would die. Understanding that this minor break between being thrown and his enemy walking over was all he had to figure something out he moved as fast as he could.

Fighting the pain he struggled to reach out with both hands, grasping, grasping for anything. Clawing he pulled himself forwards, the thumping steps of Andrik approaching filled him with fear, his adrenaline kicked into high gear as his instincts fought for control.

The steps boomed in his ringing ears as they came closer, his hands swept side to side as short quick breaths came from the bottom of his pained stomach.

The minotaur stopped with a last two thunks, standing just over the object of his aggression’s waist. Squatting downwards he let out another laugh.

“Try to squirm little worm.”

He reached down letting his thick fingers run over Sam’s left shoulder, grabbing hold he dug deep with his digits, the boy cried out weakly in response. Andrik felt his hazy rage reaching its boiling point, he wanted nothing more than to crush this ant right now and he would do just that.

At the same moment as he felt the tug of the beast on his shoulder, Samuel’s right hand found what he had been scrambling for. With a grip as tight as that of the minotaur on him he wrapped his fingers around it, flaring anger started to seep into him with this new found hope.

Working to twist his hated foe around so he could watch the look on Sam’s face as he beat him to death Andrik pulled as hard as he could.

Sensing that this would be his only chance Samuel allowed his body to move as fast as he could get it to, sweeping his right arm across the dirt he gathered all the speed he could. With a deep cry anger flared within his mind pushing him, his torso came up and his arm flung as he came face to face with the now caught off guard Andrik.

The look of surprise in his eyes gave the boy a dark sort of happiness.

The resulting thud of the rock in his hand against the side of the bull’s head was deep and satisfying. Andrik let out a quiet sound of sudden surprise as he was forced to the left, landing on his side with a breathy squeak.

Returning his foes own merciless behavior Samuel forced his body up, the adrenaline in his veins giving him the ability to ignore the pain he came to his knees. Lifting the rock above his head with both hands he didn’t hesitate.

It came down fast, the impact against the bull’s side gave way and the scream from Andrik’s mouth signaled the shattering of a rib or two.

A horrible smile on his face Samuel raised back up again, looking down at the panicking bull he was met with a look of terror.

The tables had turned.

The hard earth came down again even as he scrambled to try and stop it, right on Andrik’s unprotected shoulder, dislocating it with ease, another shout of pain was let loose.

“Please!” He shouted now trying to roll away, “Don’t kill me!”

The rock came back up again and were it not for the next thing to meet his vision Samuel may have killed his enemy.

Andrik, the bull who’s body represented the strength and pride of the minotaur species, lay curled up, gripping at his sides as though it would ease the pain.

Pausing the human held his position, the fog of panic, anger and pain in his mind beginning to clear at the image of this beast pathetically begging for his life. Samuel, a human, a predator, had in a swift comeback bested the physical peak of another race.

Slowly his arms lowered, the stone dropping back to the earth as his hands curled up against his thighs. Sitting there he continued breathing heavily and swallowing thickly, with effort he worked to take account of his present condition.

The pain in his stomach was still there but it didn’t feel like anything other than his nose was broken and his head hurt to no end, he just hoped that he didn’t have a concussion. The blood was still flowing from his nose, not as badly as before but the front of his tunic was ruined that was for sure.

He groaned as he placed a hand on the ground and pushed himself upwards.

“What the fuck is going on out here?”

The brightness of a torch and voice of a night watch pony made him jump.

Ten feet away she stood, torch illuminating the bedraggled human and prone minotaur. Her eyes flicked between the two, suspicion evident on her face.

Samuel’s mouth gaped for a moment as he looked at her, this certainly looked bad, “W-we were uh, going to the bathroom here and um... ran into each other.”

She cocked an eyebrow.

Andrik for his part forced his torso up just enough to rest on his elbows, he glanced sideways at Samuel unsure why the lie was said but he kept a his mouth shut.

“Really now? I’m sorry if I’m not sure I believe you, that looks like a lot of blood and bruises from just a little accident.”

The bull looked terrible in the light, swelling starting in on his forehead and his breathing labored, “Y-yeah, like he just said.” Confirming the story.

She looked down at him, eyes roaming over the wounds across is side, “Is that so? Well, if that’s all then I suppose I can let it go, paperwork isn’t fun.”

“Still let’s get you two to a doctor, you know, to make sure everything’s okay after that “fall”.”

They agreed without another comment.