Shadow of Fury

Chapter 7

Meanwhile...Again...

Ironfeathers sat in his throne room, contemplating his next course of action. She would be arriving today. And when she arrived, there was no doubt that things would be sped up. His plan to conquer equestria was simple, but that's why it would work. He only feared that She would over-complicate things.

As he sat pondering the future, and dreaming deliciously destructive plans for domination, he didn't notice Gilda walking in to the room. She stood silently for a moment, not wanting to disrupt her father, before piping up. "You wanted to see me, father?"

"Yes, dear. Sit down,"

Gilda obeyed, seating herself opposite of her father.

"Now, I know you and I have never really bonded. I still remember the time you ran away to that pony city, Cloudsberg-"

"Cloudsdale,"

"Cloudsdale, and it took us a whole year to find you. I have to admit, I'm still a little impressed. Do you know what you have? You have the will to act. And that is more valuable than anything right now,"

Gilda nodded, not sure where he was going,

"That being said, I've recently felt as though you and I could spend more time together as I teach you everything it takes to be a general. So, I've devised a series of Father-Daughter activities for the two of us to partake in during your studies,"

"That's great," Gilda said stiltedly.

"I'm glad to see your so optimistic! Now, to start off, I'm going to have you do something very special for me,"

Before Ironfeathers could continue, an armed soldier walked in. "My lord, She's here," he said simpy.

Ironfeathers scowled. "Very well. Before you go, soldier, do tell me, how many days' travel is it from here to Ponyville?" he asked.

"Three days, my lord,"

Ironfeathers nodded. "Thank you. Now, do show yourself out before I decide to stretch my wings,"

The soldier knew exactly what he meant, and saluted quickly before leaving the room.

"I'm sorry I have to cut this short, dear, but I'm afraid I have some work that needs attending,"

Gilda perked up. "So I can leave?"

"Yes," he said. Gilda smiled, until her father resumed talking."But let me tell you what I need you to do first. You see, I need you to take a squad down to Ponyville. Once you're there, lay the town to waste. With any luck, that will demoralize the bearers of the elements and their ursa-killing friends, and leave us unoposed,"

Gilda sighed, before saluting her father and leaving to gather the forces she would need. Ironfeathers smiled as he watched his daughter leave, before returning to his usual scowl once she was out of sight. Now it was time to get to work.

Ironfeathers walked through the underground facility. It was truly a marvel. The volcanic rocks glowed orange, providing the entire system with light and rock. Ironfeathers had no idea whether the volcano was active or not, nor did he care. Geology was a petty thing, serving only as a distraction from conquest. He passed the main atrium, which was absolutely gigantic. An entire army could fit in there. And it did. All 6,000 of Ironfeathers' soldiers could fit in this single room, with room to spare. He continued on past a geyser, which spewed out hot gasses periodically. He finally reached the entrance, which stood at the top of a small cliff. Outside were two guards, who saluted upon making visual contact with their superior.

Ironfeathers stood at the edge of the cliff, and looked down. At the base of the cliff was a carriage, surrounded by diamond dogs, who seemed to be carrying it on their backs. Ironfeathers scowled, knowing who was inside. The door to the carriage opened, and the diamond dogs bowed submissively as a cloaked figure stepped out. The figure removed their hood, and addressed the griffin. "Hello, Ironfeathers,"

"Hello, Morticia,"

The zebra witch smirked, sensing Ironfeathers' anger. Ironfeathers hated her. He really did. But beggars can't be choosers, and when this witch appeared out of the blue with a plan to conquer equestria, while asking nothing in return, the oppurtunity was too good to pass up. She had offered strategy, and an army of diamond dogs. Ironfeathers didn't know or want to know why the dogs were so loyal to her, but the fact remained that their burrowing capabilities made them a powerful force. Combined with his griffin army, surely Equestria would fall. But that didn't change the fact that Ironfeathers hated Morticia with a burning passion  Every time she talked, Ironfeathers could sense a double-meaning. And if there was one thing which he hated(Though there were many, many more), it was deception.

As the witch walked inside the base followed by her escort of diamond dogs, Ironfeathers noticed that she was carrying a pouch. "What's in the bag?" he asked suspciously.

Morticia gave the bag to a diamond dog, who took off with it in his paws. "Just a little something-special I've taken the liberty of creating for our operation," She said. "Now, you have sent the squad to ponyville, correct?"

"Yes, they will be leaving shortly,"

"Good. My master will be most pleased with that," Ironfeathers growled. He hated when she got like this. Always going on about her cryptic, "Master," as if he were watching at all times. It made him uneasy, though he would never admit it.

"All of the preparations we've made are falling into place. With how smoothly things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if we were able to conquer Equestria without complication!"

Morticia scowled. "Do not be too sure of yourself, griffin. The universe has a tendency of breaking expectations,"

Ironfeathers rolled his eyes. Luckily for him, Gilda arrived right then, wearing armor and with a squad of soldiers in tow. "Father, I'm off to Ponyville," she said.

Ironfeathers smiled evilly. "Good. Now run along, I want you to be back in time to receive your mother when she arrives,"

Gilda saluted, then left with her battalion.

Morticia and Ironfeathers stood at the edge of the cliff, staring off in the direction of Ponyville. Soon, It would all begin. And soon, Equestria would be theirs.