The smoke was thick, the sky was burning. All around him, Magnus could see nothing but shadows clashing with swords and shields. Echoes of a battle, screams, and yells.

The air was hot, tasted like ash. The ground was soaked with blood and mud. There was no sky above, only smoke and the red glow from unseen flames.

It was like time itself had slowed down, while he himself could move as normal. His clothes were torn, bloody. What little armor he had left was of no use now. Ahead of him, a fowl growl made Magnus look up. A massive form, made of shadow and flame towered above him like a mountain.

He couldn't see what exactly it was, only two glowing green eyes, made out of sickly green flames.

The battle around them was not even close, it was like they had their own arena to face one another. As the two stared at each other, Magnus raised his hammer. With a powerful war cry, lightning cut through the smoke, and bonded with the hammer just as Magnus threw it towards the massive beast.

The great beast responded in kind, by launching itself at Magnus. A massive clash between his hammer and the beast resulted in a bright flash, and a deafening sound of thunder.

Magnus snapped his eyes open, almost jumping out of bed as the world suddenly shifted into a more peaceful environment. He sat up in his bed, heart pounding, sweat running down his body as he panted, trying to calm himself.

It took Magnus a few seconds, maybe a minute, to fully grasp that she was in his room. He wasn't in some battle, he wasn't injured, and he wasn't under attack. He was just at home, in bed, back in Greenwood. As his heart calmed, and the images and sounds of his dream faded into the back of his mind, Magnus let out a sigh.

Looking out the window, he could tell it was morning, although unlike the day before, today was going to be gray and wet.

Swinging his legs out the bed, he sat on the edge, running his fingers through his mane. While the exact images and sounds were quickly fading into something like vague memory, the impression was still there. The pure rage he felt, the pure hatred coming from the beast. It was almost like two forces of nature clashing.

He shook his head, deciding it was nothing more than a vivid dream, or a nightmare.

Standing, Magnus quickly found some gray trousers and a simple olive green tunic. As he was putting on his belt, he made his way out to the main room of the house. His father was nowhere to be seen, although after a moment of listening, he could hear him out in the forge.

When Magnus made his outside, he was relieved to see it hadn't rained yet. Although the gray clouds did look like they could burst open at any moment. The air was more chilly too, as much as it could be during the summer time.

When he entered the workshop, he quickly found his dad tending to the forge as he prepared for the day's work. Terial looked up as he noticed his son stand in the door to the workshop. The stallion smiled. "So you're finally up then, lad?"

Magnus smiled sheepishly. "Why didn't you wake me?"

Terial shrugged. "I figured I let you sleep in. I have a job for you, so I wanted you to get some rest." He nodded towards one of the tables, and Magnus turned to look.

There on the tables were several packages, wrapped in linen and leather. Thick string held the wrappings together so the contents wouldn't spill out. Magnus sighed, knowing the sight well enough to know what he was going to do today. He looked at his father with a raised eyebrow.

"Delivery day, to whom?"

"To the Farfield homestead." Terial replied, to Magnus's surprise.

"Farfield, but that's on the other side of the forest. It will take me all day to get there and back." Magnus sighed, and turned to the many tools his father had made for the homestead.

"Well since you're so strong, you should be home well before dinner." Terial grinned. "Besides, you made the trip before."

Magnus nodded, although a bit reluctant. "Yes, but it means you will have to work alone again."

His father waved off the concern. "It's fine. I'm not going to do anything too complicated today. You just take the supplies and go. You'll be back before you know it." Terial said and turned away from his son. "Make sure you stop by Belladonna on your way."

"Why?"

Terial smirked. "I've arranged for her to make you some food for the road." That caught Magnus's interest. Bella made the best food, at least better than anything he and his dad could make. Terial chuckled, seeing his son's sudden interest. "Go on, get yourself ready, and pack the tools. You have a long walk ahead of you, and I don't want you to come home after dark."

"Alright, I'll get to it then. Are you sure your old bones can handle being by yourself again?" Magnus said with a small grin.

His father answered in kind, by lifting his hammer in mock threat. "Get out of here, you brat." Magnus laughed, and left his father for now, while he got ready for the journey ahead. Magnus laughed, and headed out to make ready.

Fifteen minutes later he stood ready. Backpack stuffed with the tools. Normally carrying all of it like this would be heavy for one stallion, but Magnus hardly felt the weight. His father sat outside the workshop, smoking on his pipe as Magnus came out, all ready for the journey.

"Alright, I'm heading out."

Terial nodded. "The Farfields have already paid. So just deliver their goods and come back home, alright?"

Magnus nodded. "I will, pa. I'll see you this evening."

"Good lad." Terial said, his voice more gentle and relaxed than it normally was. "Be careful out there."

"There is nothing out there to be scared of, pa." Magnus chuckled, and raised his hand in farewell. "Don't work too hard!"

With a final laugh, Magnus made his way up the same dirt road he always took when he headed for the tavern. To get some food for the road, especially one made by Bella, it was just what he needed to put a bit of a spring in his step.

As he approached the tavern, he saw Mayflower carrying some dirty clothes to their cellar. Magnus's grin widened. "Hello there, lovely. You look extra beautiful today!"

Stopping in her tracks, Mayflower turned to look at Magnus with a mock glare. "Are you here for me, or my mother's cooking?"

"Can't it be both?" Magnus asked as he stopped only a few inches from her.

"Cheeky colt." Mayflower giggled.

Magnus chuckled warmly, as he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll be home this evening, maybe I could swing by?"

Mayflower bit her cheek, humming as she pretended to think about it. Then with a smile, and a peck on the cheek, she nodded. "I think I would like that."

Magnus grinned, feeling his cheeks warm. Before he could answer though, he heard a giggle. "Eeeew." Cornflower giggled from the doorway. "Magnus and Mayflower, sitting in a tree."

Mayflower stuck her tongue out at her younger sister then looked back at Magnus. "You better get going. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back here. So don't take too long." Magnus winked, and walked away, although not before giving her flank a small smack as he left her, earning him a flirting glare.

Belladonna stood by the counter as he walked in. Her eyes lit up, and reached for something. "Good to see you, Magnus. ready to head out?" She asked as she placed a big package on the counter. "You want to bring this then."

"Thank you," answered Magnus, already eying the package with slight glee. "I can't wait to see what you packed me."

"A bit of everything." Bella admitted. "Your usual favorites."

Magnus took the package, and packed it away in his backpack. "No one loves me like you do."

She rolled her eyes, and raised a finger in warning. "There should be enough for four grown stallions, Magnus, but try to save it for the entire trip." She said sternly. "Now go on, get moving."

Magnus laughed and waved as he headed out. "I'll see you later." When he walked out, he caught a glimpse of Mayflower again, sending him a warm sweet smile, and a wave. Magnus waved back, his cheeks burning as he did.

With a final look back, Magnus ventured down the road towards the forest.

Traveling through the forest wasn't an unpleasant experience, especially during the summer. Although Magnus wouldn't mind some sunshine to light all the colors of the forest.

The road was long, but it was much worse during winter. Magnus was glad he didn't have to do trips like this during heavy snowfall, but could enjoy the peaceful walks like this when the weather was warm, and the sun was out. For now, he was just glad it wasn't raining, and the road wasn't wet and muddy.

Already he had taken a little bit from his supplies, just an apple for now, and a small cake. He'd only been on the road for about two hours, when he suddenly heard something that sounded like music. After a few more steps, he was sure he could hear it.

As he walked, he kept listening to the music, which was pleasant and light hearted. Soon enough he spotted a well known crossroad, but sitting on a rock near it, was a colorful mare. Pink coat, pink mane, bluest eyes he had ever seen. She sat beneath a large tree, her fingers moving over her lute with ease as she sang her song.

"Oh come they said,"
"Come to the fair!"
"The fair? said he,
"But I'm a bear!"
"All black and brown,"
"And covered in hair!"

"And down the road,"
"From here to there,"
"Three colts, a goat,"
"And a dancing bear!"
"They danced and spun,"
"All the way to the fair!"

As Magnus approached her, the mare opened her eyes and smiled brightly at him. Magnus couldn't help but smile back, as he stopped and listened to her song.

"Oh! sweet she was,"
"And pure and fair,"
"The maid with honey,"
"In her hair!
"The maid with honey,"
"in her hair!"

After the third verse, the pink mare stopped, but she still smiled at Magnus. "Hi there!" She said, her energetic voice catching him by surprise.

"Uhm, hello." Magnus said with a small chuckle. "What are you doing out here in the woods alone?"

"Same thing you're doing silly! I'm traveling!" She said with a smile as she stood up. "I am Pinkie Pie, traveling bard, at your service!"

She let her fingers run down the strings of her lute, making a short, but still beautiful sound. "And who are you?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Magnus of Greenwood." He answered. "I'm going to Fairfield to deliver some tools my father has made for them."

Pinkie nodded. "Is this a farm?"

"Yeah, Fairfield is a pretty big farm. We get a lot of our grain from them during harvest." Magnus explained, and this seemed to make the pink mare excited. "Are you heading there as well?"

"I am now!" She giggled. "I like to travel around and make ponies happy, sing my songs, and show them all kinds of tricks. Farmers often need something to lift their spirits!" She took a big step towards Magnus, her blue eyes almost sparkling with enthusiasm. "Let's travel together, Magnus!"

Her eyes were so sincere, and her mood so bright, that Magnus couldn't help but feel his mood lighten, even when it hadn't been heavy before. While he knew nothing of this stranger, beside her name, Magnus agreed to travel with her. She clapped her hands together in excitement, and jumped in place a few times.

She spun elegantly around, almost as if she was dancing, and skipped back over to the tree. Magnus watched as Pinkie picked up a satchel, and what looked like a mini musket. Magnus had only heard about such weapons, but never actually seen one. He'd heard they could be pretty crude when it came to accuracy, and was more for short range combat.

Pinkie put the gun on her back, along with her satchel. Her lute, she kept in her hands as she skipped her way back to Magnus. "Lead on, mighty Magnus!"

"Mighty Magnus?" He asked with a small smirk, and a raised eyebrow.

Pinkie winked at him, and poked his bicep. "You know, because you're built like a mountain." She giggled, running her fingers down the strings again. "Now, which trail do we blaze?!"

Magnus chuckled, shaking his head a little at Pinkie's antics. "This way, come on." He moved down the western road, and Pinkie followed him, although not without playing another song.

"The Road goes ever on and on,"
"Down from the door where it began."
"Now far ahead the Road has gone,"
"And I must follow, if I can,"
"Pursuing it with eager feet,"
"Until it joins some larger way"
"Where many paths and errands meet."
"And whither then? I cannot say."

And so she continued to sing, never seeming to run out of songs, or energy. Not that Magnus minded. Pinkie's high spirits and many songs proved to be very entertaining, and it made the journey through the massive forest much more enjoyable. When she finally did take a break, Magnus offered her some water, which she gladly accepted.

As she drank from his flask, Magnus looked at her and asked, "you know a lot of songs. Did you learn them in Canterlot, at the Bard's College?"

Pinkie finished drinking, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. As she handed the flask back to him, she smiled proudly. "I've not traveled for long, but each place I visit, I find a new song, or story to tell." She said with not a small amount of pride. "Everything I know, I had to learn for myself."

Magnus looked at her with some awe. He'd never been past Farfield, and Pinkie, who looked younger than him, was already traveling the land. The conversation he had with Mayflower returned to him. What he had told her had been true. Greenwood was his home, and he intended to stay there. Still, he couldn't deny a certain wanderlust.

Looking ahead again, Magnus found himself wanting to know more. "Have you seen a lot?"

Pinkie gave a nod. "Mhm! Well, I've mostly visited homesteads, and small towns and villages. I haven't seen any of the big cities yet. But maybe I'll head to Canterlot when I've visited Greenwood." She said in an almost teasing way.

Magnus looked at her quizzically. "Why haven't you gone to the cities if you can?"

"Hmmm," Pinkie hummed, looking up at the many branches over them as she considered her answer. "I guess it's because I like towns, farms and villages more." She said, making it almost sound like she was asking him. "In the city, they are too busy. It's too crowded to notice one another. Farms and villages, they have time to notice one another, and they could use more cheering up than others."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because of the war," answered Pinkie. Her voice is less light now, as if some of the energy had gone out of her. "So many joined up when the Princesses called. A lot is left behind, you know?"

Magnus frowned. He didn't know. Sure, like everypony back home, he knew there was a war far to the west, at the farthest of Equestria's borders. So far though, they had only gotten small news here and there, but otherwise they hadn't felt the war. Magnus couldn't help but feel bad about that.

The war was so far away, and they hardly felt it as they slept peacefully every night. So far no one from the Princesses had come to ask for supplies, or volunteers, so it was hard to get involved like others who lived further inland.

He glanced at Pinkie, who's eyes told him she was thinking similar thoughts. Clearing his throat, Magnus looked ahead once more. "Is it bad? We don't really get news about the war out here."

Pinkie was silent for maybe a minute, then she answered, almost in a whisper. "I haven't heard anything good so far..." She admitted. Letting out a small sigh, she shook her head, as if shaking the dark thoughts away. Her smile returned, and her spirit came back as she looked at him. "But let's not talk about that, nothing we can do about it here and now."

Magnus couldn't help but smile just a little. She was right, there was nothing they could do about it. "You're right, sorry for bringing it up."

"It's okay, sillyhead. You don't get a lot of news out here, so of course you would ask." She smiled, nodding at her own reasoning.

"So where are you from, Pinkie?"

"Oh, I'm from a town farther up north." She said with a smile, happy to be on a new subject. "My family owns some land up there."

Magnus was surprised. He never knew any pony who owned more than a farm. "Are your family nobility?"

Pinkie giggled. "I guess in a sense, but we don't really think about it. My family work with rocks, and are really super good at it. So he helped find the perfect spot for a quarry, and now he owns it!" Pinkie let out a long breath. "Hard work, but it earned him a title I think, but I can't remember what he is."

Magnus couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh, who wouldn't remember anything about being a noble or not? Then again, Pinkie seemed so carefree. Magnus couldn't help but find that an endearing trait.

The two of them continued to talk, even sitting down to eat lunch. Magnus found Pinkie didn't have much food left, not that she was starving, but he offered to share what he had, which she gladly accepted.

Didn't take long after they had eaten, until they found their way out of the forest. Suddenly the trees gave way for large open fields almost as far as the eyes could see. The barley waved in the breeze, creating running waves that moved through the fields like on the sea.

Had the sky been clear, the sun would only make it look even more beautiful. Still, the sight was still quite relaxing to Magnus. Pinkie grinned, and as she spotted the farm, she took out her lute, and started to play a melody, as if announcing their arrival.

The farm itself consisted of three buildings, forming a square, with a courtyard in the middle. There was also a barn a little farther away. When Magnus and Pinkie came up to the farm, some of the from the Farfield clan was in the courtyard wokring on a wagon.

When they saw the two of them, they all smiled, and bid them welcome. Farfield himself came out of the main house to greet them both. Farfield was widely known for his good humor, warm smile, and of course his large family. He had four sons, and three daughters. His wife was quite the beauty in her time, now she had aged to become all the more elegant, some would even say regal.

"Magnus!"

Farfield greeted with a warm smile. He was a large stallion, a bit on the older side, but still carried the muscles from years working on the farm. His sons had taken over the more demanding chores, but he was still the head of the household.

Magnus smiled back at the large stallion, genuinely happy to see him again. "Master Farfield, it has been a long time since we last met."

Farfield barked out a laugh. "Too long, my boy." He said, placing his hand on Magnus's shoulder. "How is your father?"

"My father is well, but, you know, getting older."

Farfield barked out another laugh, and almost punched Magnus's shoulder. "We're all going to get older. Your father is tough as steel, so don't think you got him beat yet, lad."

Magnus chuckled. "I won't."

"So, who is this young lady?" Farfield asked, turning to Pinkie.

Pinkie's smile seemed to brighten even more, if that was even possible. She gave an elegant bow, and held up her lute, running her fingers down the strings as she had done so many times before.

"I am Pinkie Diane Pie, traveling bard, storyteller, and poet! I've come to offer my songs and stories for you and your house to enjoy!"

Farfield clapped his hands together, while his sons and daughters present all seemed excited to have a bard visit them. "You are welcome in my home. We could all use some music and song." He nodded, then looked back at Magnus. "But tell me, lad. Do you have the tools I bought from your father?"

Magnus nodded, and quickly took off his backpack, and presented the many packages to Farfield. With each tool, bag of nails, and irons fittings unpacked, Farfield's mood only seemed to increase. He picked up one of the tools, as his sons sorted the rest.

"Your father has lost none of his skill. I bet many of these will last well beyond myself." He chuckled, and looked at Magnus again. "I have already paid, but maybe you will like to stay for dinner as thanks for traveling so far?"

For a moment Magnus felt tempted to accept the offer, but he shook his head. "I would like to, but I've made some promises back home, and so I must return as soon as our business is concluded."

Farfield nodded in understanding. "Consider our business concluded then. As always, your father has proved himself worthy of every coin." he held out his hand, and Magnus clasped it as a sign that they had come to an agreement of their trade. "Safe travels, and send your father my best wishes."

"I will." Magnus promised, and stepped away as Farfield returned his attention to the work. As Magnus walked towards the road again, he found Pinkie Pie leaning against a fencepost, smiling as he approached. "Are you going to stay here then?"

Pinkie nodded. "For a day or two, then I think I will come visit your village. It sounds like a nice place!"

Magnus smiled and nodded. "It is, and I'm sure you would be very welcome."

"It will be a blast!"

Pinkie giggled, and pulled out her gun, and before Magnus could cover his ears, she pulled the trigger! But instead of a large boom of gunpowder, smoke and fire, it was several pieces of colorful paper raining down around him.

"Don't do that," Magnus let out a relieved laugh, and Pinkie laughed too, winking at him as he left. "Safe travels to you, Pinkie."

"I'll see you in a few days!"

Pinkie called, waving goodbye as he vanished up the road from where they had come.

The journey back home was quite uneventful. The grey sky above continued to linger, never giving way for the sun to light up the forest. But remembering some of the songs Pinkie had shared with him, Magnus found himself humming them as he made his way back home.

It did a lot to lighten his spirit, and make the hours pass by much faster. As he walked, and hummed his tunes, Magnus wondered if he could maybe sneak away with Mayflower. Perhaps go to the lake, if the weather improved, maybe they could go for a swim?

Or perhaps he could just enjoy the warmth of the tavern, with a good mug of mead, and a hot meal. Simply seeing her smile was enough to make a simple visit all the more worth it. Just thinking about it now, made the young stallion smile.

A smile that was not meant to last. Magnus stopped, suddenly smelling something strange in the air. Smoke? Lots of it, and some foul stench Magnus could not describe. The smell reminded him of something, but he could not recall exactly what.

Without fully knowing why, his senses started to sharpen, his heart calmed, his muscles tensed. It was as if he was about to take a leap from the highest ledge he could find.

Feeling the need to act, Magnus broke out in a run, moving as fast as his legs could carry him, even dropping his satchel as he sped up. The air grew thicker with the smell of smoke, and soon enough Magnus could see the black column rise far above the treetops ahead of him.

"No..."

Magnus knew of only one place the smoke could come from, Greenwood.

He ran and he ran, feeling his heart beat faster and faster with anticipation and fear. The sky above him rumbled, as small drops of rain started to fall all around him. Finally the trees cleared, and Magnus was faced with a horrifying sight that would forever hunt his nightmares.

His home, Greenwood village, was destroyed, houses in flames, destroyed, or abandoned. Dead bodies scattered around, some hit by arrows, some by spear, and one hung from a tree by the neck.

"NO!"

Magnus screamed, and ran to his home. Around him he found nothing but destruction and death, whoever had attacked had done so without mercy. Magnus knew every face he noticed, which only fueled the fear in his heart.

He quickly made it to his home, finding the doors to their forge having been shattered, as if pushed through and ripped off. Their house was half collapsed, and it looked like a fire had recently died down.

"Father! FATHER!"

Magnus searched the forge, their house, but he saw no sign of the old stallion, dead or alive. Thinking fast, the only place he could imagine his father would perhaps go to was the market, or the tavern. His eyes widened as he realized it. Mayflower, Belladonna, Cornflower!

Without a second's hesitation, Magnus ran from his home, up the familiar dirt road, and towards the market and tavern. The sight that greeted him wasn't any better than anywhere else. The buildings here were more intact, but left dark, as if life had left the buildings.

Three ponies had been hung from the grand oak tree with rope around their necks, their faces contorted into soundless screams and horror.

He was just about to run to the tavern and call out for any survivors, when his eyes found her. Laying on the ground, in the middle of the market, Magnus saw the body of Mayflower. She was still, her dress covered in her own blood, from a wound somewhere in her torso. Her eyes wide open, as if death had come as a shock.

"No, no, no, no..." With heavy steps, Magnus slowly trotted towards her. His heart seemed to stop, the world around him faded, as Magnus fell to his knees in front of the mare laying dead in front of him. "Not you too, please..."

Reaching out with his hand, he gently touched her cheek, almost hoping she would blink, and life return to her eyes. But nothing of the sort happened. She was cold to the touch, wet from what little of the light rain had covered her. The heavy smell of iron filled his lungs, as the mare who had kissed him just hours before now laid cold and dead.

Warm tears welled up in his eyes, as he carefully closed her eyes, and took her into his arms. Holding her limb body close, burying his face in her golden mane, Magnus cried. Flashes of her smiling at him passed through his mind, as his heart beat faster and faster with sorrow, and anger.

It was then that sound caught his attention. Magnus's ears stood up, and he could tell it came from the tavern. Forcing himself to let her go for now, Magnus gently put Mayflower down, and stood up. He turned towards the tavern, and with heavy steps walked towards the building.

His mind went numb, as he almost hoped he would find some lowlife raider or bandit hiding. Without thinking about it, he picked up a random pole that laid broken on the ground. If he found someone who was part of this, he would kill them.

Step by step he approached the half open door of the tavern. He could hear the sound suddenly stop, as if something had noticed his presence. Steeling himself, Magnus placed his hand on the door, and with a swift and forceful movement, opened it all the way, making it slam against the wall.

A scream of shock followed, as a pair of wide terrified eyes looked up at him. Magnus felt the dark cloud of anger leave him, as he found himself staring at, "Cornflower!" Magnus exclaimed, dropping the pole and got down on one knee.

The filly looked at him for an extra second, as if making sure it was really him. When she realized who he was, her eyes filled with tears as she ran to him, and buried her face in his chest.

"MAGNUS!" She cried. "It was awful! They killed every pony who tried to fight back!"

Without hesitation, Magnus hugged her back, holding her close as he felt just as relieved to find her alive, as she felt seeing him. For a moment he just let her cry a bit, his large hand stroking her mane. Then gently, he pulled back, looking into her eyes.

"What happened here? Who attacked?"

The filly looked up at him, wiping her eyes as she tried to gather some courage. "Big monsters, they came in a flying ship... T-they wanted your father, Magnus!" She whimpered.

Magnus frowned. "My father?"

Cornflower nodded weakly. "T-they started to attack anyone who tried to run away, and brought the others to the market. M-my sister told me to hide behind the barrels in the basement, so I did." She closed her eyes tightly. "I was so scared. I heard lots of screaming, and suddenly, it was just over, they took the others to their ship. I was so afraid I kept hiding!"

The filly broke down, her tears plentiful, as well as her cries. Magnus pulled her close once again. Keeping his strong arms around the filly, as if he could shield her from all the evils of the world.

There would be time to learn more, but this wasn't the time or place. He needed to get Cornflower out of here, and then deal with the village. Magnus knew of only one place where she could stay, and as he thought about it, he wasn't even sure if that was safe.

"Come, we can't stay here." He said, and picked her up in his arms. As much as he wanted to stay, and look for his father, he knew he couldn't leave Cornflower here to wait among the ruins. "Keep your eyes closed, okay?" He said, as he walked back out, and crossed the marketplace.

It required a lot of Magnus not to stop and look towards Mayflower's body, but he knew he couldn't, not with Cornflower. He pushed through his own emotions, and walked with the intent to get back on the road, but before he got too far, he heard movement among the rubble.

He stopped once more, his ears straight up as he listened. "Hello? Is there anyone there?" He asked, trying not to yell too loud.

Through a large hole in one of the buildings, came five massive shapes. Beasts, much bigger than any pony. They had bulky physiques, hunched backs, grey skin, white hair, long tails, pointy claws, and black, mask-like faces with beady blue eyes. They wore heavy black armor, carried thick shields, and nasty looking spears and swords.

He felt cornflower tighten her grip, her small body tensing up as her fingers dug into his tunic. "It's them, the monsters that took my mom!"

The creatures had little to no expressions, but Magnus thought he could sense amusement. Narrowing his eyes, he carefully set Cornflower down. Looking at her, he turned her head to make her look in his eyes. "Run to my dad's workshop and wait for me there. Whatever happens, don't come out until I call for you, okay?"

Cornflower's lower lip trembled, having heard this only a few hours before. Still, she nodded obediently. "Please don't leave me alone..." She begged, going in for a final hug before she ran down the dirt road.

Magnus watched her go for a moment, before he stood up to his full height, turning to face the five armored beasts. The creatures grunted as they watched him glare at them, his eyes fired up with the anger he felt coursing through his body. Above, thunder rumbled, with brief flashes of lightning appearing now and again.

"You're going to pay for what you did here today..." Magnus told them, his voice deep and with a hint of coldness that was until now unknown to Magnus.

The black armored soldiers gripped their weapons tighter, as Magnus suddenly leaped forward in one jump, using his entire body to bash into the first soldier.

The sudden display of raw strength took the soldiers by surprise, but only for a moment. To his own surprise, Magnus felt the beast push back against him, almost matching his own strength! Letting out a frustrated growl, Magnus took a hold of the shield, stepping back and used the power of the soldier against him.

He let him step forward, before catching him once more. Using the momentum, Magnus swung him into two others!

While those three stumbled for a moment, Magnus felt himself getting grabbed by the last two. Having dropped their shields, they aimed to restrain him until the others could finish him off. Magnus let out a roar, managing to pull free one arm, before using it to punch the second soldier across the face with such force he flew at least four meters down the street.

Magnus had never faced anyone as strong as these warriors, he actually felt himself panting as he tried to keep his eyes on the last one standing. Before He could turn though, he felt long and thick claws rip into him, lift him into the air, and bash him down into the ground.

The move was enough to punch the air out of his lungs. The creature tried to impale him with his other claw, but Magnus managed to catch it when it was mere inches from his throat. Gritting his teeth, Magnus used all his strength to keep the claws from reaching him.

Sadly, it did little to protect him from the other, which pushed deeper into him, making Magnus scream in pain!

In a desperate attempt to get away, Magnus turned the claws to the side, using as much force as he could, enough so that he broke one talon, making the beast roar out in pain. It was enough for Magnus to stand up and take a few steps back, only to find the five monsters still facing him.

Their eyes seemed to glow with anger, as they now knew he was not like the others they had killed. Magnus didn't care, if he was going to die, he would rather do it while on his hooves than on his knees.

The rain was picking up, soaking both them and the ground around them. Magnus glared, ignoring the pain in his side, and the warm feeling of blood trickling down his body.

Despite all of his defiance, Magnus could do nothing as one of them moved forward, slapping him with the back of its massive arm, sending Magnus down the street a few meters. He landed with a splash in the mud and rain, almost unable to move. The five creatures laughed, or so Magnus imagined.

Using his strength, Magnus tried to get up, but all he managed to do was to turn over and lay on his back. He gazed up at the dark sky, feeling the rain hit his face, feeling the thunder move through the clouds.

Was this going to be the end of him? His mind wandered, images of his father, Mayflower, Belladonna, and every pony else he knew from the village. The feeling of hopelessness they must have felt as they were slain. It fueled Magnus's anger and defiance, but he didn't have strength to stand.

Strangely enough, as his thoughts seemed to fade, the thing he found himself thinking off was not the fear of death, but instead the hammer back at his home. He didn't know why, but it was like he felt that connection from last night come back to him, even now as he laid there in the mud.

Without really knowing what really compelled him, he raised his hand towards the sky. The feeling increased, as he thought he saw blue sparks emanate from his fingertips. The sky above him moved, the flashes growing stronger, and the thunder roaring above him, as if trying to reach out to him.

Forgetting about his pain, about the threat of death, Magnus could only feel the sensation moving through him, connecting him to the hammer, as if it called back to him. In a last effort, Magnus used every bit of willpower to stand up, all though be it shakily.

The creatures watched him with curiosity, and Magnus held out his side. With a painful roar, Magnus called out for the hammer.

"COME TO ME!"

There was a loud boom from down the road, as if something broke through stone and wood. Something was moving towards them so fast, one could hear it cut through the air. Within seconds something flew towards Magnus's hand. In the midst of what looked like blue fire, Magnus closed his hand just as he felt the hilt of his hammer reach him.

The sky above lit up with lightning, with the roar of thunder following only seconds after. Magnus screamed so loudly, it almost seemed the weather reacted to him. Without thinking, Magnus threw the hammer as hard as he could towards the five beasts.

He watched as the hammer moved through one, just as lightning seemed to shoot out from it, hitting the other four. Magnus could feel the hammer kept flying, until he reached out his hand as if summoning it back to his hand. The connection rushed through him, as he could feel the hammer slow down, and then suddenly fly back to him.

Magnus didn't even have to think about it. As soon as he closed his fist, it was perfectly timed with the hammer. For a moment he just stood there, panting, letting out small grunts of pain, as he saw the sparks surrounding the hammer, all the carving glowing blue.

After a few seconds though, the glow faded, the thunder stopped, and the rain eased up. Magnus could do nothing but lower the hammer and turn around. He didn't bother to check on the five creatures, he didn't know if they were all dead, but at this moment, he didn't care.

Soaked, tired, and wounded, Magnus made his way back to the forge where he quickly found Cornflower. As soon as she saw him, she ran out to meet him. They didn't say a word, instead, Magnus just gently picked her up with one arm, and made his way back towards the woods from where he had come.

It was an hour before dawn, and everything was as it should be at the Farfield homestead.

Every member laid in their bed, sleeping peacefully. Pinkie Pie had gotten a spot set up in the barn, as they didn't have a guest room. But she hadn't minded, they had made it as comfortably as it possibly could be, and even when it had rained and thundered during the evening, she had been all warm and cozy throughout.

The clouds had finally parted, giving way for the stars above to shine down on the land below. Really, nothing seemed wrong in the peaceful scenery.

That was at least until some powerful knocks awoke the entire homestead. Farfield himself got out of bed, grumbling as he had no idea who could be knocking at this hour. His sons apparently had the same thoughts, as he saw them peak out of their room.

"Better not be someone who wants to sell something..." Farfield mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he made his way to the door. He didn't know what sight would greet him when he opened the door, but it was certainly not the one he got. As soon as he opened the door, he let out a startled curse, and stepped back.

There in the door stood Magnus, soaking wet, wounded, and holding Cornflower in his arms. The sight froze Farfield for a moment, when his wife came to the rescue and hurried towards them.

"Oh my, you're hurt! Come in quickly!" She ushered, sparking her husband into action.

"Y-yes, come on."

Farfield nodded, stepping aside as Magnus walked inside. When he did, Farfield looked outside to see if anyone else was out there, but he saw no one. But he did see something that looked like a hammer in his courtyard, stuck in the mud, with the handle pointed at the sky.

Magnus handed a weak and exhausted Cornflower to Farfield's oldest daughter. "She's not hurt, just tired and exhausted..." He said, sitting down on a chair by the fireplace. "I've been walking all night..."

"Celestia's bouncing tits, what happened to you boy?" Farfield asked, almost speechless.

"Husband, that can wait. We need to tend to his wounds." His wife said, and then looked at her daughters. "Get that poor thing into a warm bed, and see if you can get some food in her."

Magnus felt all his strength leave him at once. He had finally made it here, Cornflower was safe, and there was no longer any danger. As the Farfield household moved around him, their voices, as well as the world around him faded, as Magnus finally gave in to the exhaustion.

It was hours before Magnus once again opened his eyes. When he did, he found himself in a soft bed, with sunshine coming through a window.

Grunting, he slowly sat up, finding his wounds had been bandaged, and the grime and dirt cleaned off him. His mind felt as heavy as a wagon filled with rocks, but he forced himself to sit up.

"Are you okay?" A familiar voice asked him. Magnus turned to see Pinkie Pie, sitting on a chair across the room, looking at him with a small sad, yet hopeful smile. "You had us all worried you know..."

"Pinkie..." He moved his legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing his head as everything was coming into focus once again. "How is Cornflower..?"

"She's still sleeping." Pinkie answered, her blue eyes following him, watching for any sign of him hurting. "She told the Farfields what happened..." She looked away, her ears folded down as she could hardly understand how such cruelty could take place. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Magnus."

Magnus just sat there, thinking about what had happened, and what now needed to be done. "Thank you, Pinke..." He let out a painful groan as Magnus forced himself to stand.

Pinkie got up too, her arms held out in case he tripped. "You should stay in bed, Magnus. At least rest up for a few more hours."

Magnus just shook his head, finding his tunic, which had been cleaned and patched. "I need to go back." He said as he put on his tunic and belt.

"Go back?" Pinkie frowned. "Why?"

Magnus went silent for a few seconds. He couldn't look at her. "I need to bury them, I won't leave them like they are, rotting in the open. They deserve better..." Magnus moved to find his boots, sitting down on a chair to put them on. "Then I'm going west."

"West, why?"

"To find the others. Cornflower said they wanted my father, and they took those who didn't flee or fight back." He finished with his boots, and turned his eyes to look up at Pinkie. "I'm going to rescue them, and then I'm going to find whoever did this." Despite the cloud free sky, thunder rumbled, as a few sparks ran down Magnus's hands and fingers.

"And kill them..."

Author's Note

Art of Pinkie belong to: Ambris

Songs: The Bear and the Maiden Fair & Roads Go Ever On