In the captains quarters of the fort, the sounds of a bed creaking and a mare moaning could barely be heard just outside the halls. In his room, Marshall rutted Raven like there was no tomorrow with Lightning Dust enviously waiting her turn as she fiddled with her red collar.

"Rrrg say it Raven~." He purred into Ravens ear while taking her on all fours.

"I want a baby~!" Raven moaned loudly as her red collar jingled with each thrust.

“How bad you want it~?” Marshall said and smacked her flank.

“Fill me to the brim~!” Raven bleated. “I want to hold our little one in our arms~! Fill me, master~!”

With one final push, Marshall blasted her womb with his sperm as her entire body trembled from overstimulation.

"Ahhh Marshall~!! breed me~!" Raven cried out before slumping to the bed in a hot sweaty mess as her stallion called Lightning dust over for her turn.

Lighting straddled over Marshall and kissed him.

“Still can't get enough~?” She asked as they nuzzled each other.

"Of you girls? Never." Marshall said as they began to make love with Raven moving aside.

"Mmm so how did you like that little "Gathering" we had with the guards last week?" Raven asked her new herdmate while Marshall began to take her.

"Ahn~. If you mean that crazy orgy, it was a blast~." Lightning moaned.

"Especially when the boys made it a stamina contest~."

"My back was sore for a week." Marshall chuckled before kissing Lightning.

"I love you girls."

“We love you too, stud~,” Lighting moaned while riding him.

Raven gently held his head to give him a kiss when one of the guards began knocking on the door rather urgently.

"Sir you need to come see this!" He shouted through the door.

"Can't it wait?" Marshall shouted back before kissing Lightning's neck.

"Sir please! It's an emergency!!"

Letting out an annoyed sigh, Marshall gave both lovers a kiss and dressed himself before storming out the door.

"This had better be good soldier."

"Sir. One of the lookouts spotted something from the western tower, said it looked like an army."

"An army?"

As the warden was lead to the western tower, the lookout handed him a spyglass and pointed to a spot on the horizon where a string of campfires had been lit.

"What do you think sir? enemy attack?"

"No. I don't see any banners." Marshall said as he glassed the area when he finally realized who was approaching their stronghold.

"Those aren't soldiers, they're refugees. Send men to escort them here now!"

The moment riders were sent out, the refugees grew fearful until they saw them flying the colors of The Crystal Empire. The first of the knights dismounted and told them that the fort was offering shelter to any who were seeking refuge, much to the relief of the fatigued travelers as they began moving towards the stronghold while the warden kept watch from the wall.

"Bless you sirs, Celestia bless you all. I thought we had lost all hope!" an elderly mare said while holding the hands of one of the knights.

"You all look like you've been through quite the ordeal. What happened?" The knight asked as they made way for the rest of the crowd.

"As the winter began to set in, the kings men came and took our supply for the winter months. Our men tried to oppose them but they were executed, my husband among them..."

"I am sorry for your loss."

"Soon as we were able, we set out for the Crystal Empire but when the nobles caught wind of this they sent their mercenaries after us! Money grubbing dogs, every one of them!"

"Mercenaries?"

"Yes, they've been harassing us all along our journey. Picking us off one by one in the night without a moments rest."

Just then, the group began to hear the rumbling of cavalry moving at great pace before spotting a dust cloud coming from behind a nearby hill before several minotaurs atop wargs appeared with heavy axes in their hands.

“Good gods, Flash was right!” Marshall cursed. “That madman hired Minotaur mercs to fight his war for him!”

"DEFENSIVE PERIMETER! Protect the refugees!" An officer in the squadron called out orders as the citizens began running for their lives.

"Our wargs will feast well tonight!" A raider grinned before leading the charge as the mercenaries came baring down on the defenders.

"Shields up!!" The knights braced themselves for impact as the wargs came snarling at them with their riders shouting like madmen as they swung around their axes wildly.

The raiders easily smashed through the wall of shields as they poured past the first gate. Just as they were about to start hacking and pillaging all they saw, three bulls’ heads were sliced clean off in the blink of an eye.

"Men reform the wall now!!" Marshall barked from under his visor as he appeared in full battle gear and marched out the gates with another squadron.

"You heard the captain! On your feet lads!"

"Archers provide cover and watch the refugees!"

The chaos of the attack grew with intensity as more raiding parties appeared from behind a hill on the western front, attempting to catch the fleeing refugees in a pincer attack.

"Mages! blast em!!" Marshall called out as he pointed towards the second attack force.

The battle mages bombarded the enemy with a volley of arcane missiles as their troops were in disarray and their attack began to falter while the remainder of the refugees managed to make it through the gate.

"Seal the gate behind me!"

"What?!? But sir-!"

"DO IT!!" Marshall commanded in a stern voice as the enemy began to recover.

Only twenty of the original raiding party were left to deal with the captain as he calmly marched forward, his sword gripped tightly in his hand as he scanned the battlefield through the narrow vision of his helmet.

"This is your only warning." His voice sounded metallic and almost machine-like as he stood firm in front of the enemy.

"Leave this place now and you will keep your lives, stay and you face death."

"Shut your mouth..." The minotaur leading the raiders hissed as he shambled towards the knight with his nostrils falring from anger.

"If we run now, we'll lose face and the king will have our heads!"

"So be it."

Without further hesitation, Marshall took a fighting stance as the raiders charged him from all sides and as the first raider struck at him, his axe was parried and he was pierched through the heart by the tip of the wardens sword before the second had his face smashed in by the pommel and was sent staggering back in pain with blood gushing from his nostrils.

Even when surrounded on all sides, the lone knight seemed to move as freely as air and was able to parry and dodge every blow while his foes were cut down one by one.

When Lightning Dust heard the commotion, she rushed to the top of the wall to see a horrifying sight. The bodies of the raiders were strewn across the field, some were missing limbs while others were cut to pieces.

"What...happened?" She gasped while watching Marshall carve his way through the others.

"No wait! PLEASE!!" A mercenary begged for his life as the wardens sword came down and cleaved him in two, leaving only their leader who was completely horrified by the carnage he had just witnessed.

"Those were my elite troops and he wiped them out..."

As a strong wind began to blow in from the east, the wardens eyes locked onto his remaining target and he marched forward with purpose as his boots clanked with each step all the while his sword and tabard were stained with blood.

"Wait! you don't have to do this!" The merc captain said as he dropped his axe and backed away.

"I-I yield! you hear me I give!!"

"It's too late for that..." Marshall's voice was cold and heartless as his gaze made his enemy freeze up in complete terror.

"Just let me go please! I'll leave these lands, I'll quit being a merc! I'LL GO WHEREVER YOU WANT ME TO GO!!"

"How about...you go to hell?" Marshall then raised his sword to deliver the killing blow as the minotaur tripped over a dismembered arm and looked into the eyes of his executioner.

"NO DON'T!! PLEASE!!"

Lighting kept her eyes on the scene, watching as her lover slowly turned into a monster right before her eyes. When Marshall made the lead Minotaur swallow his sword, she broke into tears.

Even as the men and civilians cheered and gave him a hero's welcome, Lightning kept her distance and watched as he marched triumphantly through the gates and removed his helmet. His face drenched in sweat and a few bits of blood that sprayed through the visor.

"Hear me men!" Marshall yelled over the applause as they settled down.

"This was only the beginning, rest assured the enemy will come in greater numbers when they learn what has transpired here so be ready! Today they gave us a skirmish but the next time-WE GIVE THEM WAR!!"

YAAAAA!!!

"Have a portal ready to take the civilians to the empire and refortify the outer wall at once."

"Yes sir!"

As Marshall handed his sword and helmet to one of his men he made his way to the barracks, Lightning followed him from a distance out of curiosity. Perhaps she thought he was going to celebrate with a stiff drink or a hearty meal but to her surprise he rounded the corner and fell to his knees as he began to heave and groan in frustration.

"Fuck! She saw me...SHE SAW ME!!" He cursed while pounding his fist on the dirt. He knew she was watching the battle the whole time.

"How can I look at her now...she'll hate me..."

Once he managed to settle his nerves, Marshall slowly got to his feet when he turned to see Lightning staring at him. Her face a mix of horror and sadness.

"Lightning...I-I..."

"I know." was all Lightning would say as she approached him and placed a hand on his stained face and could see the regret in his eyes as the tears fell.

"If you want to leave...I understand."

Slap!

Marshall backed up when he felt Lightning smack him across the face. "Don't you ever say that." She then brought him into a hug and wept. "Don't you dare send me away."

"But...you saw what I did...what I became..." Marshall said as she squeezed him tighter.

"I know..."

"Then why-"

"Because I love you idiot!" Lightning shouted while looking up at him.

"You said that you would never leave me! well it's the same deal for me, I don't care if you're a murderous killing machine! You're still my stallion so I'm not going anywhere!!"

"Lightning..." Marshall was at a loss for words as he stared into the teary eyes of his mare and gently wiped the tears from her face. As the two of them settled down, Lightning Dust took a second look at her stallion and saw him covered from head to toe in muck and took him by the hand as she lead him back to the keep.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

Once he was back in his personal quarters, the warden began to remove his armor and each piece felt as heavy as a brick. Perhaps it was the fatigue from the battle or the weight of the guilt he carried from having been seen as a monster by the one he loves yet as the last bit of plating was removed, he felt relieved and was lead to the showers to find both his mares waiting for him in nothing but bath towels.

"Welcome back my love." Raven smiled as she pulled him in and turned on the showerhead to wash his body. Across his arms and chest, Marshall was decorated with many scars, some were small while others looked like they were fatal wounds. As the water rushed over him, the bits of muck and blood that remained slowly slid off his body while Lightning gently scrubbed him down and pecked his chiseled frame before working her way up to his lips.

"You're still tense." She smirked while rubbing his shoulders from the front.

"I can't help it." He sighed as Raven joined her from behind.

"You know darling, we didn't get to finish our session this morning and you look like you could use some relief~." She teased while leaning against his back.

"And I hate to see you in such a state."

"Hm. How did I get so lucky to land you two girls?" Marshall asked as they took turns kissing while they lathered each other up, their hands exploring each others bodies with nothing but the sound of the cascading water to drown out their lovemaking.

Once they had finished drying off, the girls gently pushed their stallion onto the bed, their bodies concealed only by their towels as they each gave him a loving kiss before Raven straddled him and bent down to kiss him while his hands found their way to her tail.

"Just relax and let us to do all the work~." Raven whispered while rubbing his sheath to slowly arouse him.

“You would still lay with me after what you saw?” Marshall asked.

"I have seen worse." Raven said before Lightning came over to kiss him.

"Mmm how's about putting that mouth to better use~." Lightning smirked as she stood over him and placed her athletic flank right above his face with a mischievous smirk.

"Ready~?" She asked while moving her tail aside.

"Like you need to ask." Marshall smirked before she sat on his face while Raven kissed her way down to his crotch.

Marshall poked his tongue out and began licking Lighting’s pussy like ice cream while Raven made it to his cock and took a deep sniff.

"Mmm you really needed this, I can tell~." She said as his rod slowly stood to full mast, making her lick her lips in anticipation as she positioned herself.

"Make sure he can breathe lightning." She said while rubbing the tip against her folds to get him going.

“Mmm…I think it’s time you told him, Raven,” Lighting moaned.

Marshall let out a noise as if asking what she meant.

“Marshall…” Raven said as she lowered her hips. “I…I want a foal.”

All the stallion could do was give a muffled groan as he felt her warm cunt wrap around him while Lightning just tilted her head back with an aroused sigh before getting off.

"That'll do for now stud. Give it to her good~." She said while giving him another kiss.

"Well to be honest we've-mm-been trying~." Marshall confessed as Raven began moving her hips.

"Our original plan was to ditch Blueblood when I had amassed enough wealth for the both of us so-rrg-I had to make sure none of those bastards knocked her up."

Raven rocked her hips gently as they held each other close and kissed while Lightning watched and played with herself and began to feel envious.

"Having kids doesn't sound like a bad idea but I'll wait." She said while fondling her breasts.

"Don't force yourself now dear, you've had a rough day~." Raven moaned as she moved her hand across his pecs and kissed his neck.

"Raven what if-mm-it doesn't take?" Marshall grunted while adjusting his position.

"Then we'll try again~." Raven moaned while gripping the sheets.

"And again and again and again until I'm carrying triplets~."

"Whoa girl that's a bit much." Lightning said while watching her get pinned down as Marshall arched his back and let out a lustful moan.

"I'd be happy either way if it means I get to have a family with you two." He said before finishing inside her as her legs wrapped around his waist and she squeezed him tight to get every last drop of his seed in her. Raven was a hot and sweaty mess like always whenever her stud finished with her.

While she was recuperating, Lighting took this chance to show her bold side and leaned herself against the wall with her taught ass hanging out while barely concealed by her tail but what came next took her knight by surprise as she reached back to spread her cheeks and revealed her rear entrance with a hungry look.

"Take me here~!" She growled with a wild grin.

Marshall happily obliged his mares request as he held her flank in position and began teasing her with his rod as it rubbed between her cheeks.

"Didn't think you were this wild my sweet." Marshall smirked while listening to her moan in anticipation.

"But we shouldn't go too hard~."

"I can take it, I'm a black collar after all~." Lightning said with confidence before being pulled back by her mane as Marshall let out a growl of his own.

"And what a fiery mare you are~."

The two shared a very passionate kiss before he finally rammed into her ass and held her in a full nelson position while her wings fanned out and her moans began to echo through the fortress.

The only one who was not amused by this turn of events was Short Fuse who despite being locked in the dungeons could hear everything going on and was none too happy about it.

"HEY KEEP IT DOWN UP THERE!!" He screamed to the roof of his cell as he tried to get some sleep.

"Can't an impotent stallion get some shut eye here?!?"

By the time morning came, all three were on the bed in complete bliss but despite their expectations, Raven was without her lovers mark branded on her belly once more and all the warden could do was give his love a comforting kiss to her forehead and allowed her to sleep.

"Mmm morning stud~." Lightning said with one eye open as she cuddled against her pillow.

"Have any good dreams?" Marshall asked while holding her hand.

"Don't need em, I got you." She smiled when they heard the fluttering of small wings approach their window and turned to see a lone pigeon with a scroll tied to its leg.

"That's from one of our scouts." Marshall got up to retrieve the message and rushed to his desk to pull out a magnifying glass to read the contents written in the scroll and a chill was instantly sent up his spine.

"Dainn has dispatched a large army heading towards the changeling forest"

"Everything okay?" Lightning asked as he quickly gathered some ink and paper.

"I need this message delivered to the Crystal Empire with all haste." Was all her lover would say as he finished applying the wax seal to the message and handed it to lightning.

"Think you can fly after a night with me?"

"Babe please. That wasn't even a warmup." Lightning said with a proud smirk before giving him a kiss as she took the scroll.

"I'll be back, I promise."

"Be careful, even the skies aren't safe from the kings lackeys."

Once they had prepared for the journey, Lightning and her best fliers took off towards the Crystal Empire with all due haste while Marshall began preparations for what was sure to be a lengthy siege.

"Lightning dust, over there in the distance." One of her flyers pointed to a set of smoke stacks in the air as they hid behind a cloud bank to get a better look. Using a spyglass, Lightning saw row upon row of soldiers pitching tents and making more fires, all while under the banner of Dainn Stonehoof and the clans that followed him.

"Sweet Celestia...how many are there?" The second flyer asked while looking through her own spyglass.

"Gotta be over a thousand down there..."

"And they're heading for us."

Deciding not to waste anymore time, the group doubled their speed towards the empires borders until the beacon of the Crystal Heart was in sight.

Upon their arrival, Lightning urgently requested that she deliver the message to the princesses in person before being lead to the throne room where Princess Luna and Cadence awaited her.

"Lieutenant Lightning Dust, surprised to see you so soon." Luna said in jest as Lightning knelt before her and showed her the wardens message.

"Your majesties, I bring news from Captain Marshall."

Cadence then took the message just as Shining Armor and his personal guard marched in with haste.

"Cadence what is it?"

"There's trouble. Dainn has sent a massive force against the changelings. Seems they plan to eliminate Chrysalis first then make their way towards us."

"But the forest is a maze of swamps, how do they plan to find the city?" Luna asked when Lightning chimed in.

"Your majesty, we saw the army on our way here. Seems they have magic users as well as war machines to burn the forest down."

"They don't just plan to invade...they're going to destroy the Changelings..."

"Not if we stop them." Arminius spoke up as he marched towards the throne.

"Does the message say who's in command of this army?"

"According to Sir Marshall, it is most likely Olaf." Cadence replied, making the chieftain smirk.

"Finally." Arminius turned to one of his men and nodded. The guard nodded back and went out the door. "We'll have our forces ready within the hour." He then grabs his ax and pulls his bear hood over. "Let's unleash hel."

"You will not be alone. Summon Sir Bulwark at once!" Luna commanded one of the guards as he ran off to fetch the black prior.

Not too long Bulwark entered the throne room and immediately took a knee before the princess.

"You summoned me your highness what task do you wish for me to undertake?" Bulwark asked.

"Fate has smiled upon us, assemble your army and join our allies in the upcoming battle." The night princess commanded as she immediately dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

"These invaders will pay the price for taking our home."

"Aunt Luna, you surprise me." Cadence said with shock, having never seen this side of her aunt before.

"Dear niece you were born in an age where survival was not something that had to be fought for everyday but I did not grow up with such luxuries. My sister's focus and mine was on building a kingdom that would be a safe place for our subjects even if that safety meant at the edge of a blade." Luna grimly stated.

Word of the invading force began spreading around the city like wildfire as the citizens watched the armies assemble beneath the crystal palace where a magic portal was being prepared to take them to the changeling kingdom. Presiding over the battle plans were Wulfric, Arminius, Shining and Bulwark as they looked over the map of the swamps.

"From Marshall's report, it looks like they're taking this old trade route here." Wulfric dragged his finger along the map.

"Once they're in deep enough, we'll catch em in a three pronged assault. Bulwark, you take the front while Arminius and I will flank them from the sides.

"The terrain works in our favor. The road is narrow so they'll have to walk in a straight line." Arminius added while pointing out a few areas on the map.

"If we can push them to the fire geysers, they'll be sitting ducks."

"This time, Olaf won't get away." Shining said with his arms crossed.

"We've been on the losing side of this war long enough, it's time to show them we won't sit by any longer."

"Well said brother and Bulwark." Wulfric looked the black knight in the eyes and said something that seemed to lighten his mood if only a little.

"Olaf is yours."

"I thank you...permission to speak freely?" Bulwark asked.

"Amidst friends always." Shining responded.

"I have been waiting for the day I hold the life of that wretch in my hand." Bulwark said as he curled his fingers into a fist as if he were crushing something in his hand.

"When the time is right, we'll signal each other with these." Wulfric then called for two scouts to bring something wrapped in a shroud.

"I commissioned the smiths to make these ahead of time, they just finished."

"What are they?" Shining asked after looking at the strange objects.

"Carnyx horns, we used them a lot back home." Arminius answered just as the portal opened.

"Wait. Where's Ryu and his troops?"

"They portaled home ahead of us to prepare their defenses in case the enemy breaks through. May the gods be with us friends, this will be a fight worthy of saga and song."

As per their custom, the northlanders made their war preparations by decorating their bodies with war paint and ash before downing the berserker brew to get them into a frenzy, Bulwark and his men sharpened their swords and polished their shields and alongside them were the soldiers of the Crystal Empire lead by Shining Armor and Twilight now dressed in her own suit of armor as she was followed by Rainbow and Applejack.

"You ready Twi?" AJ asked after seeing her friend was nervous.

"I don't know Applejack." Twilight admitted.

"Stopping evil villains is one thing but helping fight an entire war? I don't think I can do this..."

"You have to Twily." Shining Armor said with encouragement.

"The kingdom looks to you for hope."

"And hope is what we need in these dark times." Luna added just as Wulfric and Arminius roused their men into a thundering cheer as they cried out.

"VALHALLAAAAA!!"

"VALHALLAAAAAAA!!!!!" The gathered army roared back in preparation.

As they stepped through the portal, they were greeted by a forest so thick, the sun was barely able to pierce the canopy and the leaves that fell seemed to give the place an almost mystical feel to it.

"Only in my dreams have I seen such a place..." Wulfric said in astonishment before noticing several of Ryu's shinobi descend from the treetops.

"My lords, welcome to the changeling forest. Lords Ryu and Pharynx have asked us to guide you to the battlefield.

"And Ryu?" Wulfric asked while twirling a dagger in his hand.

"He has been ordered to remain at the city should the plan fail. Apologies my lord."

"No arguments from us. I trust you were all told about our battle plan?"

"Yes my lord, each of us will guide you to the ambush site when you are ready."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Double Edge asked while placing a hand on one of his rapiers.

"A moment Double Edge, there's something we wish to give you." Arminius said as he handed his comrade a totem necklace.

"A symbol of Tyr, God of War and Justice to protect you in battle. Carved it from the tooth of a sperm whale myself."

"I'll keep it safe." Double Edge placed the totem around his neck before shaking hands with his comrades before departing for battle. All the forest was quiet, not even the insects dared make a noise as the bloodlust of the opposing armies hanged thick in the air.

Only the sound of clanking boots and rattling wagons could be heard as Olaf marched at the head of his army, leading them deep into the treacherous paths of the forest.

"I heard tale, these woods are cursed. Any who come in here, never return." One of the soldiers said while keeping a watchful eye on the trees for any sign of movement.

"Oh they return but in pieces." A second corrected the one standing next to him while keeping pace with his unit.

"These bugs, they like to watch their victims fall prey to their poison or chop them off limb by limb so their screams could echo through the forest and when they're found there's not left but a hanging corpse."

"Silence you dogs!" Olaf barked before hearing a rustling in the bushes only to be startled by a family of rabbits running for cover.

"Bah just some forest critters!"

"I'm telling you sir, we're being watched..." Olafs lieutenant whispered before being shoved back.

"Then they're cowards, they know they can't fight us and that's why they hide."

The generals confidence was rattled when a single changeling scout suddenly dashed from cover and disappeared into the treetops without a trace.

"That was one of them! That was a changeling, I swear by me own eyes!!"

As they pressed further into the woods, they began to smell the wreak of sulfur before spotting the spewing flames of geysers erupting from the swamp.

"Bog ahead, watch your footing men." Olaf said while carefully trudging into the swamp.

The bog was thick with the stink and smoke from the fire geysers and the troops also noted that fog was as red as blood but the force still did not stop their march.

Suddenly one of the commanders felt his foot get tangled in something and when he lifted his leg something rose from out of the bog water and doused the commander and when he looked he and his fellow commanders were mortified for the thing was a board with large wooden spikes upon it but impaled on the spikes was a decomposing caribou dressed in Stonehoof armor.

Suddenly the army's surroundings were eliminated by fire and more corpses on spikes rose up from the water like grisly scarecrows and corpses dropped from trees and dangled from ropes and the army could see each corpse was once a Stonehoof soldier.

Then there was a metallic thump followed by a another somewhere within the fog and as the thumping continued it sounded like it was getting louder as if there was more then one thing making the noise.

"Look!" One of the soldiers shouted as he pointed towards the red fog to show a singular figure carrying a sword and massive shield and the figure was banging it's sword onto the shield which was what was creating the sound.

Soon more figures appeared out of the fog like phantoms from oblivion each of them carrying sword and shield and banging their weapons together.

"Keep your composure!" Olaf shouted despite how he too was sweating with nervousness.

Soon enough the Stonehoves realized they were surrounded when suddenly the figures in the fog stopped banging their weapons.

Olaf watched the figures closely till suddenly another one joined the ranks and he noted that this one wore a crown of spikes atop it's head and he could feel it's gaze upon him a gaze that made chills go down his spine.

This figure wanted his life he knew it and it did not matter who or what stodd in it's way it would have it and suddenly the crowned figure raised it's blade above it's head and Olaf realized what was about to happen.

"Ad Profundis!" The figure roared as it brought it's blade down to point at Olaf.

Suddenly massive wooden spears like those fired from ballista were fired into Olaf's ranks killing many soldiers before the figures began to fade back into the mist.

"FORM RANKS!!" One of the officers shouted as the figure vanished into the smoke like ghosts, leaving the men shaking in their boots as they tried to see past the dangling corpses and plumes of fire.

"What was that? A ghost?!?" A soldier shrieked before they began hearing a series of horn calls blaring around them.

All around, the sound of footsteps and screams could be heard. The Stonehooves knew they were soldiers, but the way things were going, they might as well be surrounded by ghosts and demons.

"They're toying with us..." A soldier whispered before noticing a bright light coming towards them and before they realized what happened, giant balls of fire began rolling downhill and smashing their defense line apart leaving them wide open as the Ghost warriors and Warborn charged in, screaming like savages.

"REFORM THE LINE!" Olaf shouted before the black priors made another appearance, this time marching as one in a shield wall to prevent any escape.

The entire line of his forces was completely shattered and were desperate to keep the enemy back but as the battle grew with intensity, he saw his line beginning to crumble bit by bit but then in the midst of the chaos he saw Bulwark staring down at him like a reaper.

At first, the general did not know what to make of this ghostly figure before him, at first he thought he was just another mercenary hired by his enemies until he saw the badge of the border guard on his cloak and a chill crawled up his spine.

"You..." He whispered in a mix of anger and fear as Bulwark approached him.

"So you do remember me...good." Bulwark said before taking a stance.

"I beat you before, this time won't be any different!" Olaf said as he drew his sword and tossed aside his scabbard, when Bulwark noticed this he stared at his rival saying in a cold tone.

"You've lost this fight."

Without another word, Olaf lunged forward with a downward swing in an attempt to cleave Bulwark in two only to be sidestepped and slashed on his arm while the battle continued to rage around them.

"I saw you burn!" Olaf roared with anger as he lashed out only to have each of his blows parried away while Bulwark continued to step back, leading him away from the main battle.

"And I returned from hell just to kill you." Bulwark remarked as he simply maneuvered his shield to block each strike.

Olaf was in a difficult spot each strike was a drain on his stamina but the shield his opponent carried was sturdy and made it impossible for any of Olaf's attacks to connect and the worst part is Bulwark didn't seem to even be breaking a sweat.

"This time, I'll mount your head on the wall-MYSELF!!" The general charged in to attack again only to be met with a plume of flames that came bursting out of the ground when Olaf realized he had been lead into the geyser fields and was completely surrounded by the mist but when he turned around, Bulwark was gone again and only the sound of his armored boots could be heard clanking around him.

"COWARD!! Come out and fight me!!"

"I'm right here fool." Bulwark spoke and when Olaf spotted his opponent he charged him intending to deliver a strike so powerful it would knock the warrior down so he could finish him.

Bulwark remained still as his Olaf charged him while his fingers tensed around the grip of his weapons till finally he tucked behind his shield while Olaf made to strike with his blade.

Olaf was surprised as he missed his mark with his attack before he felt Bulwark's shield press against him and suddenly he found himself thrown over the warrior and landed in the bog and as he moved to get up he felt a sharp sting atop his head just as one of his horns fell into the bog before him and when he looked up he saw Bulwark standing over him with his sword aimed at him.

"If I must I will take you apart one piece at a time." Bulwark said.

Growing more frustrated, Olaf continued to attack recklessly as Bulwark continued to toy with him through the entirety of their duel all while his army was being slaughtered, desperately trying to escape the forest.

"You think this changes anything!?" He shouted after receiving another cut on his chest.

"It doesn't matter how many of us you defeat! This whole kingdom is under Dainns iron fist and soon, very soon he will come for you rebels next and fuck each and every one of your women in front of you before chopping off your heads!!"

"It's not my head you need to worry about." Bulwark said as he saw Olaf move to take another swing.

However unlike the previous attacks when Olaf swung Bulwark managed to parry the strike but also deliver a powerful counter attack to his opponent which left a massive slash across Olaf's chest.

"AAAGH!!" Olaf screamed before feeling Bulwarks shield shatter his right knee as he was sent tumbling to the ground in agony. The prior proceeded to stomp on the generals chest and pinned his shoulder with his sword before stepping back as if waiting for something.

"What are you waiting for?!? FINISH ME!" Olaf dared as Bulwark continued to stare at him through his mask.

"I already did." Was all the knight would say when they heard a feint hissing coming from the ground.

"No..." Olaf soon realized he was pinned to a geyser and tried to reach for the sword only to have Bulwark stomp on his hand and stand over him.

Bulwark wasn't done he then stabbed Olaf in the chest right where his wound was and proceeded to drag Olaf across the ground to where a series of bubbles were appearing and held Olaf's head over them like how one would hold a marshmallow against a fire.

"This is for The Storm Wall." Bulwark said in a murderous tone as the hissing grew louder.

"DAMN YOU!! YOU BASTARD!!" Those were Olafs final words as the geyser erupted into a pillar of fire, scorching his head down to the bone as his screams echoed across the marsh and bringing the battle to a standstill as his men heard him cry out.

All eyes were on the spot where the screams originated when suddenly through the crimson fog came Bulwark and when he saw his audience he held up his right hand to reveal a charred caribou skull that had only one antler upon it and the Stonehoof's knew that the skull belonged to their commander.

Dismayed and horrified, the soldiers broke ranks and began to retreat with some being taunted by the heads of their comrades being held up by the warborn and ghost clan warriors as they shouted like beasts to send them running.

"Yeah! YEAH RUN!!" Wulfric laughed as the last of them tripped over the bodies of the slain and vanished down the forest path while they cheered.

"By the All-Father that felt good!" Arminius shouted as he tossed a soldiers head into one of the geysers. "Fuck. I need a drink."

"Gather our fallen, tend to the wounded. We'll celebrate at the city." Double Edge said while cleaning off his blades and as the mood died down, they took into account how many of their comrades were lost in the battle as they helped gather the fallen.

"Rest kinsman, you now feast in the great hall with our clan." Wulfric placed a hand on a dead soldier before loading him onto a wagon with many others.

"What of the enemy soldiers my lord? Will we be burying them too?"

"No, leave them for the scavengers but salvage their weapons and armor."

The troops set about collecting what gear they could salvage from the battlefield while looking for any signs of friends they had lost in the battle and despite the success of the ambush, no war is without its casualties.

Arminius had taken notice a soldier from Double Edges unit presiding over the body of another and noticed that the arms were folded over the chest.

"Everything alright soldier?" He asked when the soldier gave a loud sniffle and wiped his eyes.

"He was my brother sir...we enlisted together at the guard academy when we were cadets..." The mourning soldier answered before the cart came over to retrieve the body.

"Carefully now, these men died with honor. Let us treat them as such." Double Edge said as they carefully loaded the body onto the wagon before heading to the portal.

"How many did we lose?" Wulfric asked after trudging across the field of corpses.

"Not many. But one is far too many in my opinion," Arminius answered.

Soon they could hear the crows cawing overhead, attracted to the smell of scorched flesh and carrion hanging in the air and their numbers grew by the second.

"Let's get out of this foul place."

Meanwhile

When news of Olafs demise reached the kings ear, Dainn was beyond furious and began tossing around the furniture in the throne room all while screaming like a madman.

"Sire please compose yourself!" His advisor said before narrowly dodging a bust being thrown at him.

"COMPOSE?!? THIS LOOK LIKE THE TIME FOR COMPOSURE?!? I LOST AN ENTIRE LEGION!!" Dainn roared angrily before smashing a window open with a flower pot.

"Can't believe this is the king," One of the younger advisors muttered.

"I want you to hire every cuthroat killer out there! I want every merc guild from here to the sea after those rebels!!" Dainn commanded as he stormed back to his throne and slumped down as a massive migraine began to assault him.

"B-but sire we've spent so much on the mercenaries already under your employ and those who aren't well..."

"Speak."

"They've...enlisted with the enemy-YIPE!!" The advisor ducked down once more as a wine bottle was sent smashing into the pillar behind him.

"I'M SURROUNDED BY FOOLS!!"

"Father." Prince Vortigern called out to his fuming father, his stubs now replaced with antlers made of iron giving him a crude appearance as he walked past the advisors.

"What is it boy? I'm in no mood for games." Dainn said while looking at his disgraced offspring.

"I am pleased to tell you that our research has yielded exceptional results." Vortigern smiled while leaning towards his father who seemed excited at the news.

"You mean those gems from that crystal tree?"

"Yes. The elements of harmony as the ponies call them are conduits for incredible magic power and this whole time, Twilight and her friends seemed to be the only ones to wield them...until now."

Vortigern then rolled up the sleeves of his robe to reveal he was wearing both elements of Honesty and Loyalty upon his wrists while his father looked at them with envy.

"With these gems at our disposal, we could finally crush the rebellion."

"And subjugate this whole land to my rule....this pleases me my son." Dainn said with a grin of anticipation, knowing his son had more to say.

"There is more father, I have a plan to bring our enemies to us but unfortunately we must employ help from...Them."

In that moment, a chill gripped the entire throne room as Dainn slowly stood up from his throne and marched up to his son as if to murder him when they stood face to face.

"You know what you speak of boy?"

"I do father and I think it's time our enemies remembered why our people once feared the dark."

End.

Author's Note

thank you to WurkyWilk358andGhost Warriorfor helping me write this.

to our fellow readers. We will update as much as we can but we cannot rush each chapter, thank you all for your continued support and patience.