The King's War

Chapters

Ch2 Crossing the Border
Ch3 "Someday Soon"
Ch4 Captial City Gryphus
Ch5 The Mare in Red
Ch6 "Check"
Ch8 The First Taste of Battle
Ch9 Familiarized Eyes
Ch10 "Talk"
Ch11 Discovering the Truth
Ch12 The City that has Never Fallen
Ch13 The Final Defense
Ch14 The Last of Us
Ch15 Enemies and Allies
Ch16 At War's End
Ch1 A Message from The King
Ch7 the Second Encounter

Ch2 Crossing the Border

The convoy of fifty solders made its way up the road as it curved through the large forest. Major Bolt gave Commander Mist a funny look as he spoke, “Betrothed!?!... You?... wait… what does betrothed mean again?”
Commander Mist sighed, “It means that when I was young my parents chose another noble family and they set an arranged marriage between the eldest daughter and me.”
Major Bolt was intrigued, “Really… so what happened?”
Without expression Commander Mist replied, “She left…”
“What? She left… just like that?”
“Yep… the night after our betrothal ball, her mother unexpectedly called off the wedding and sent her to a boarding school in Prance. Never saw her again. I heard her carriage was caught in a rockslide and she died on her way back from her school but that was it.”

Major Bolt looked at the ground as they continued trotting and sighed, “You know what commander? You have got to have the worst luck with mares I have ever seen.”
Commander Mist smiled, “Well you’re one to talk Sparky.”
“What’s that supposed to m…”
“Commander?”
Commander Mist turned to look at Sergeant Major Storm, “Yes? What is it Storm?”
“Do you know when we should reach the next town… Sergeant Snow is getting on my nerves.”

Commander Mist sighed, “What is he complaining about now?”
Storm Replied, “He is complaining that we have been traveling nonstop for almost two days now and he thinks he needs his quote-unquote beauty sleep.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “I’d expect as much from a member of the noble Snow family.”
Commander Mist spoke, “Tell him that if he doesn’t stop complaining I'll turn this convoy right back around and…”
“LOOK OUT!!!”
Before Commander Mist could finish his joke, a very large tree broke through the branches of the trees around it as it fell towards them. The tree crashed down on the road barely missing the soldiers who galloped from its path, though it crushed a number of supply wagons and sent a large cloud of dust into the air.

Once the dust finally settled, Commander Mist picked himself up off the ground and yelled, “All Soldiers gather your squads and get full accountability! Make sure nopony is injured!”
As the soldiers started to regroup a mare carrying an axe jumped out of the woods and rushed to them, “Oh-my-gosh, oh-my-gosh, oh-my-gosh, oh-my-gosh! Is everypony ok!?! I'm so sorry I didn’t expect the tree to fall in this direction!”
Major Bolt looked at the red unicorn, but when he saw the axe he immediately yelled, “SOLDIERS!!! DISARM AND ARREST HER!!!”
Reacting to their orders a number of soldiers quickly surrounded the mare and pointed their spears at her.

Out of fear, the mare dropped her axe, “I… I didn’t mean to… I'm sorry… I am… please… please forgive me…”
The Mare was frozen in fear as Commander Mist yelled to his soldier, “EVERYPONY STAND DOWN!!!“
Major Bolt spoke, “But Sir she attacked us! Are you going to just let her get away with it?”
“Look at her major! No armor, her axe is civilian made and has no tactical advantage that you usually see in battle-axes, and she approached us with nothing more than worry and apologies. She isn’t our enemy and you need to stop jumping to conclusions like that. Now go see to the supplies! I want to know our losses as soon as possible!”
But Commander I …”
“I SAID GO! That’s an order!”
Major Bolt sighed and replied as he turned around, “Yes Sir…”

Commander Mist spoke as the surrounding soldiers lowered their spears, “I'm dreadfully sorry miss, the Major tends to lose control of his temper from time to time.”
The mare replied as she slowly picked up her axe with her magic and rested it on her shoulder while grabbing it with her hoof and replying, “Um… no… it was my fault. I was trying to get this tree to fall to the north but as it fell, it hit another tree and rolled to the east so that’s why it fell in this direction, and if it weren’t for my mistake you and your soldiers wouldn’t have been in such danger. Not to mention, it was also my fault you lost a few of your wagons too.”
Commander Mist smiled, “That’s quite alright, supplies can be replaced. I'm impressed though. That tree has to be at least six feet thick, you must be very skilled at your job to cut a tree like that down. Exactly how long did it take you?”

The mare blushed, “Well… I don’t want to brag or anything like that ,but I started on it this morning. So about five hours… but I went through three axes to do it. Sometimes my magic puts more stress on the axe blade than me.”
Commander Mist Smiled, “I’ll bet it does, by the way it seems that we are now in need of supplies, and I know we are close to Trottingham, do you know how to get there from here? I'm afraid I don’t know my way around this neck of the woods.”
The mare replied, “Oh… uh… sorry about that, just follow this road north until you reach a fork in the road, then turn right and the road will take you straight into Trottingham. Going left will take you to the Griffin Kingdoms… wait… are you ponies on your way there for the war?”

Commander Mist replied, “That’s right, Princess Celestia wants to prevent this conflict from entering Equestria, so she sent us to try to end it quickly.”
The mare replied, “Well be careful sir, many refugees have crossed the border and told us that that place is really dangero…”
“ARDENT!!! Where are you!?!”
The Mare turned towards the sound coming from the forest and replied, “COMING DAD!!! Sorry sir but I have to get back to work. I wish you luck, and sorry again for you know… almost crushing you and all.”
Commander Mist smiled, “That’s ok, it’s not the first time it’s happened, and I'm certain it won’t be the last.”
The mare gave him a funny look then turn to trot into the forest, “Well… um… ok… see ya.”

As the mare vanished into the forest Major Bolt returned, “Well sir, I have bad news, good news, then more bad news.”
Mist replied, “Alright let’s hear it.”
Major Bolt Replied, “Ok the first set of bad news is that we lost half of our supplies under the tree to include all our food. The good news is that everypony is safe and unharmed.”
Commander Must replied, “Ok so what’s the other bad news?”
Major Bolt replied, “That tree broke my sword.”
Commander Mist laughed, “Well it’s not like the artist lost his paint brush.”
“HEY!”
“Anyway, gather everything that survived the incident, and let’s continue up the road. We need to resupply in Trottingham before we cross the border into the Griffin Kingdoms.”

Once the convoy arrived in Trottingham Commander Mist addressed his soldiers, “Everypony listen up! This is the last stop until the Griffin Kingdoms. Once we’re there, there will be no returning until after the war ends. Therefore, if you have letters to send or supplied to buy then I'll give you the next three hours to buy them. After that I want every soldier to return here and be accounted for before we leave, am I understood?”
The large formation of soldiers replied, “YES SIR!!!”
While Commander Mist was addressing his soldiers, Major Bolt was looking around the streets of Trottingham. Everywhere he looked, he could see Griffin refugees sitting on the streets, each one had a bag with their only possessions. Major Bolt could only assume they escaped from the Griffin kingdom as the wars started, to avoid being caught up in it.

While he looked through the crowd Major Bolt felt sorry for the griffin, he knew the feeling of having no place to call home, or to not know what to do when you lose everything you have. As the soldiers broke off to gather personal supplies, Commander Mist nudged Major Bolt, “Sparky? You here?”
Major Bolt looked back and replied, “Sorry sir… I was a little distracted.”
Commander Mist looked at the homeless griffin and replied, “These are the innocent faces of war… sadly these are the best you will ever see. As we get into the kingdom… they will get worse… and a lot more horrifying. But now isn’t the time. You and I will go meet the griffin at the border crossing. I want to make sure they know we are here so the king will be ready to meet with us.”
Sergeant Major Storm trotted up and spoke, “Commander? Should I see to the resupply?”
Commander Mist replied, “That’s a good idea, I'll leave that to you. If you need any help, be sure to utilize some of the soldiers.”
Storm smiled as he replied, “I know the perfect soldier for the job.”

Commander Mist and Major Bolt started traveling back down the road to the border. As they arrived there, they were greeted by the points of spears and archers as the griffin soldiers surrounded them, “STATE YOUR NAME AND BUSINESS!”
Major Bolt braced himself for an attack while Commander Mist Replied, “My name is Commander Chrome Mist of the Equestrian Royal Guard. I came to announce that in a few hours , I will be leading a force of fifty soldiers through this border crossing to the capital city of Gryphus in the heart of the Griffin Kingdoms. We are answering the king’s plea for hel..”
“YOU’RE LYING!!! The king doesn’t plea for help. If you are here to help, then you are following his orders.”
Major Bolt was angry at the griffin’s response, but Commander Mist turned and looked at him with a look that said, don’t even think about it. Then Commander Mist turned back to the griffin and replied, “Nevertheless, we are here to support the Griffin King in his time of need.”

The griffin soldiers looked at each other in confusion as the griffin officer replied, “I don’t see how ponies could help us, but I'll pass your message along anyway. By the time your army approaches this gate, we will have the name of our closest commander in Javelin Falls. You have to travel through that village to get to Gryphus anyway, so he will escort you.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Understood, I'll return with my soldiers before sunset.”

Commander Mist and Major Bolt turned to return to Trottingham, as they traveled Major Bolt spoke, “Why did you let him talk to us like that commander? We are helping them… so why should we allow them to talk to us in such a manner?”
Commander Mist replied, “Sometime you have to learn to let things go. Otherwise you will waste time crying when something can be done about it.”
Major Bolt replied, “Yea… or you can always get even. We may be ponies but I know that you or I alone could easily capture that gate without even breaking a sweat.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “That… would be an act of war. The griffin king is supposed to be our ally during this conflict. If we do anything to offend him in any way then we easily risk starting an unnecessary war with the Griffin Kingdom. Besides, we are here to prevent a war between Equestria and the Griffin Kingdoms, the last thing we need is to start the .”

Major Bolt sighed, “Well I guess you’re right about that. Um… commander?”
“Yes?”
“You’ve fought in battles before right?”
Commander Mist replied, “A few… most of them were small conflicts on the borders, but all in all I have. Why do you ask?”
Major Bolt replied, “No reason I was just curious…”
“Just curious? Are you sure you’re not worried?”
Major Bolt shook his head, “No… I was just wondering what you meant earlier. You know about the faces of war?”

Commander Mist replied, “We will soon enter a nation that has fought war after war for almost a hundred years, their king has always been intrigued about war and his son shares the same interest. Their citizens are restless and arrogant, but that’s just the way griffin act. In a nation with such hostile surroundings that’s all you can expect. Furthermore when hostility meets misery, that’s when the line between soldier and civilian gets fuzzy. The faces you saw earlier are the lucky ones. They managed to get out of the kingdom unharmed… but there are some who choose to stay. Those griffins will be hounded to join a side and fight… or their homes will be destroyed or raided by either side. Giving up and leaving everything is an easy way to handle it… but to have it yanked from your talons at the tip of a sword… that’s depressing, and with depression, comes desperation, which will soon turn to hostility. Those who become hostile will soon fight back… then they will die. The only real question is who will they fight?”

Major Bolt understood what he was told, “So those griffins were lucky?... I’d hate to see the unlucky ones.”
“We will… in time. Just remember why we are doing this.”
“And why is that exactly?”
Commander Mist replied, “Because we were ordered to. And a royal guard’s duty is to follow his princesses’ orders, no matter what the cost.”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “Of course… no matter what the cost. I just don’t like that we have to follow the griffin kings orders. First of all, he is just a cub who has yet to fly for the first time. Second, to threaten us for help… that’s a coward’s tactic. I bet he couldn’t even spell the word threat.”
“True, but our orders are to follow his orders, so that’s what we will do.”

Commander Mist and Major Bolt continued back to Trottingham, as soon as they arrived, a griffin approached them, “Excuse me? Are you commander of the equestrian soldiers in town?”
Commander Mist replied, “Yes ma’am, how can I help you?”
She held out a letter and spoke with worry, “Can you deliver this to my husband? He lives in Javelin Falls, he happens to be the mayor there. Could you please deliver this?… Please?”
Commander Mist looked around to confirm that she was alone then he took the letter and replied, “We will deliver this for you ma’am, but please keep this quiet, the last thing I need is an army of griffin letters slowing us down, but don’t worry we will deliver this without a problem.”
The griffin smiled with gratitude, “Thank you so much commander… I'm not asking you to meet with him, I just hope you will at least deliver it to the city hall.”
As Commander Mist smiled and nodded his head, the griffin turned around left in sort of a hurry.

Major Bolt couldn’t help but notice that it seemed somewhat sudden how the female griffin just appeared out of nowhere, then vanished without a trace but he decided to ignore the matter and ask, “Commander? Why do you want to waste the time to deliver that message?”
Commander Mist sighed, “Just because we are at war with griffin rebels, doesn’t mean we should abandon the griffins who are caught up in this war. Besides doing small favors like this actually increases our reputation amongst the innocents of both kingdoms… both Equestrian and the Griffin Kingdoms.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “Sometimes I wonder if your aging is making you soft. We can’t waste our time becoming the pony express mail service when we have a war to fight.”
Commander Mist turned toward Star Bolt and gave him a disappointed stare, “I thought I taught you better. We as royal guards are in service to the princesses and their subjects. Just because we are given a task to serve another doesn’t divert us from our usual job as royal guards… remember that.”

Sergeant Major Storm and Sergeant Snow approached the two and stood at attention. Storm spoke first, “Commander, we have gathered all the supplies we needed and we are prepared to move out.”
Commander Mist spoke, “Major we will finish this conversation at a better time. Storm, have all the soldiers formed back up?”
Sergeant Snow replied, “I'll say, with all the time spent gathering supplies, the time just seemed to fly by didn’t it? But I suppose our little quest shall continue, despite all the mixed feelings about our orders.”
Commander Mist smiled as he replied, “I have a feeling you both will learn something through this endeavor sergeant. Storm, Snow, Sparky, what’s say we get moving before nightfall, I think we’ve spent enough time messing around here in Equestria. It’s time we meet this great king who asked for us.”
Both Major Bolt and Sergeant Snow looked at each other in confusion while Storm and Commander Mist turned towards the city and began trotting towards their soldiers.

Back in the city, all the soldiers who were waiting for Commander Mist’s orders were standing in formation around a number of supply wagons, as Commander Mist approached and called out, “ALL SOLDIERS MOVE OUT! Our next stop will be Javelin Falls in the Griffin Kingdoms!”
As Commander Mist turned around and started leaving the city, Major Bolt started trotting next to him while Sergeant Major Storm and Sergeant Snow started trotting behind them. Not long after they began traveling, Sergeant Major Snow trotted next to Major Bolt and spoke, “Hey sir? I got some ideas for your weapon.”
Major Bolt replied, “Ideas? Aren’t you just fixing my broken sword?”
“Actually, I'm replacing it completely. I'm giving you a shield instead.”

Major Bolt felt a little confused, “A shield? So I'll be carrying both?”
“Nope actually I’ve drew some designs for a unique shield with a blade built into the base. It’s a new design and a work in progress but give me a month or two and I'll have something that will be perfect for your style of fighting.”
Major Bolt sighed, “A shield… that seems to be a laughable idea, don’t you think?”
Storm replied, “It was suggested by Princess Luna.”
Major Bolt quickly replied, “As I said, liable and considerate idea I can’t think of a better weapon for me to carry.”
Both Mist and Storm held in their laughter as Storm replied, “I'm glad you agree, till then might I suggest a short sword and shield, it’s a little common but it might be the best thing for you right now.”

Major Bolt nodded his head, “Well you’re the weapons expert so whatever you give me, I'll take. But I don’t think this war will last a few months, we are only fighting a few unskilled soldiers and their leader.”
Commander Mist looked back and commented, “Hold your horses now, there is a big difference between unskilled soldiers and desperate rebels. There is no telling what we will face or how long this war will last, but I'll say this for sure, expect to use that sword. I guarantee we will be fighting in battles. The king will not waste his soldiers when he has our lives to use.”
Sergeant Snow commented, “Speaking of which, major, I was wondering… does that ability of yours hurt any… it seems like you’re always exhausted when you use it.”

Major Bolt replied, “You mean the lighting orb right? Yea it does hurt, but it’s not the electricity that hurts, it’s how tired you are afterword’s that hurts the most.”
“Really? How so.”
“Well imagine you’re running on a track as fast as you possibly can.”
“Ok…”
“Then after say, the one hundredth lap, when you’re completely exhausted and you feel like you’re going to collapse… your body refuses to stop… you lose complete control as your body automatically continues running on the track for another one hundred laps until finally your eyes start to darken as your body reaches complete muscle failure. As your body collapses and you start to black out, the only though that goes through your mind is that you can’t let yourself fall unconscious because there is a good chance you won’t wake up again… ever.”
Sergeant Snow was amazed, “I say… that seems rather terrifying don’t you think. The thought of never waking from a slumber of exhaustion… makes me terrified to think that you actually do that to yourself.”

Major Bolt smiled, “Well it’s no picnic, that’s why I haven’t done the lightning orb in almost a year. By the way… why did you ask about it anyway?”
Snow replied, “I was at the royal guard exam when you first used it on those dragons. I have to say I was very impressed. That was one of my inspirations to become a guard. Though the real reason I became a royal guard is that my family has a long line of stallion who served the princess, dating all the way back to my ancestor who fought for Chancellor Puddinghead back before Equestria was founded. Nevertheless, with an ability like yours… I don’t think I could handle the responsibility.”
“Well I do it because I have a duty to protect my princess.”

Commander Mist and Sergeant Major Storm both laughed at the comment. Major Bolt looked at them and asked, “What’s so funny?”
Commander Mist replied, “I think it was the phrase, My Princess… I don’t think you were talking about, or even thinking about Princess Celestia were you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Storm replied, “Don’t play dumb… we all know you have had your sights set on princess Luna’s heart for a while now.”
Snow spoke next, “Oh… really? I thought that was just a rumor. You mean it’s actually true?”
Major Bolt replied, “It is just a rumor… there is nothing going on between me and Luna!”

Commander Mist shook his head, “Of course there isn’t… you won’t tell her how you feel…”
“Come on commander! can we at least change this subject this seems to be getting old fast… actually… it’s about as old as you now.”
Commander Mist replied, “Fine, fine… but you know eventually either she will find out on her own, or something will happen that could take away your chances.”
When they reached the top of a hill, the group looked into the distance at another traveling convoy, but this wasn’t a convoy of soldiers… but of refugees fleeing the Griffin Kingdom. Sergeant Snow spoke, “My word… there are a lot of them… many more than I would ever think possible.
Commander Mist replied, “You’re right… there are too many... Something must be happening out there.”
Major Bolt replied as they were nearing the border post, “A battle over the horizon?”
Commander Mist replied, “No… something much bigger… I don’t know what’s going on here… but it’s scaring the life out of the griffin residence. We better hurry up and get to Gryphus soon… I'm worried that what we will face is worse than we expect.”

As the convoy of equestrian soldiers approached the border checkpoint, a griffin officer approached Commander Mist and spoke, “We made contact with the commander in Javelin Falls. You will link up with Commander Shriek of the forth Griffin army, is that understood.”
Commander Mist smiled, “Ah… Commander Shriek, it’s been years since we last crossed paths.”
Major Bolt asked, “You know him sir?”
Commander Mist nodded, “Sure I do, she was at the Grand Galloping Gala about three years ago, representing the Griffin King when he was at war with Germaneigh.”
“SHE?... oh… I see another love from long ago. Judging by your luck she didn’t have interest in you.”
Commander Mist gave Major Bolt an annoyed look, “She was a friend and nothing more. However, I wonder when she became a commander. Oh well, it will be good to have a trustworthy escort either way.”

The griffin guard shook his head, “A griffin with a pony… our ancestors would roll over in their graves and sucker punch us if the though even crossed our minds.”
That comment was the last straw for Major Bolt. Major Bolt looked at the griffin and replied, “I agree, just the thought of a peace loving pony with a war mongering tyrant makes my skin crawl.”
The griffin immediately reacted, “What did you say to me you winged donkey? If you think I'm going to let that slide just because your commander is here, then you’ve got another thing coming!”
Major Bolt and the griffin officer braced themselves to attack before Commander Mist and another griffin soldier jumped in and held their comrades back. Commander Mist spoke, “You will stand down or I'll take you down Bolt! This is no place to start picking fights!”
Major Bolt calmed himself down before continuing through the gate, “He isn’t worth the time anyway.”
Commander Mist looked at his soldiers and called out, “THAT’S ENOUGH OF THE SHOW! ALL SOLDIERS MOVE OUT TO JAVELIN FALLS!”
As the pony soldiers and officers continued through the gate, Major Bolt mumbled to himself, “Oversized humming bird.”
The Griffin calmed himself down and mumbled to himself, “Pathetic little pony… I hope he approaches his majesty with that attitude… he won’t live to see the first battle.”

Ch3 "Someday Soon"

The exhausted convoy slowly made its way up the steep mountain road; Major Bolt spoke as he was trying to catch his breath, “Commander? Are you sure this is the fastest way to Javelin Falls?”
Commander Mist sighed, “It would be a lot faster if you would stop complaining and keep moving.”
Sergeant Major Storm flew up and landed next to Commander Mist, “Sir, we have a problem, one of the wagons in the back couldn’t handle the rough terrain. The axle broke while going over a rock and we need to hold the convoy to repair it”
Commander Mist turned towards Storm and asked, “Can we just leave it behind?”
“I'm afraid not sir, it’s the wagon with our food supply.”

Commander Mist sighed then called out to his soldiers, “CONVOY HALT!!! Take a break then we will continue on our route in a few hours or so. Major, do a quick fly by and scout the area. I don’t want us to get snuck up on while resting.”
Major Bolt nodded his head and replied as he took off into the sky, “Right away sir!”
When he reached, a high altitude Major Bolt looked around the area, first close by, then into the distant horizon. As he looked into the distance, he could see not only Javelin Falls but he could also see something just outside the city. He didn’t know what it was but from this distance, it seemed very dark. Maybe it was the cloud cover or the shadows from the nearby hills, but something about this portion of land seemed… eerie.

While trying to identify the distant object, Commander Mist called to Major Bolt, “SPARKY! Do you see any enemy soldiers nearby?”
Major Bolt knew that whatever it was in the distance, it wasn’t moving, so he replied, “No sir! No enemies in sight. But I can see Javelin Falls from here… it’s only a few miles away.”
Commander Mist replied, “If no enemies are in sight, then get down here and take a break! I want you to be well rested when we move out.”
Major Bolt smiled and mumbled to himself, “That old stallion still likes to treat me like a colt doesn’t he?”
Major Bolt landed but rather than taking a break like the commander said, he decided to help his soldiers change out the axle on the damaged cart. While he did this Commander Mist and Sergeant Major Storm were talking at the front of the formation, “Commander? Why are we in such a hurry? You seem uneasy about something.”

Commander Mist replied, “I don’t know… I just have a bad feeling about something. I can’t quite put my hoof on it… but something is really eating away at my mind.”
Storm replied, “Do you think the enemy may be close?”
Mist replied, “No, Sparky said himself that the area is clear. He may be undisciplined, but he won’t lie about something like that.”
“Then what? What is it that is making you feel so nervous?”
Commander Mist replied, “I just don’t know. It feels like something bad has, or is going to happen, but I guess all we can do is press on until we reach our destination. Speaking of which, we better go check on the wagon’s repairs."
Both Commander Mist and Sergeant Major Storm both made their way to the back of the convoy as Major Bolt was overseeing the final repairs on the wagon.

Major Bolt turned towards Commander Mist and spoke, “Commander… repairs are complete.”
Commander Mist smiled at the repaired axle then he gave Major Bolt a serious expression and spoke, “Major! My instruction was to get some rest! Not to go and oversee a project that the soldiers could have completed without your guidance.”
Major Bolt felt a little confused, as he replied, “What? I only wanted to help get this finished quickly! Why are you getting annoyed that I did a little more than expected!”
Commander Mist sighed, “You just don’t get it do you? Do you know when we will be fighting our first battle?”
Major Mist thought to himself and replied, “Uh… no…”
“EXACTLY!!! For all we know we could get ambushed the second we leave here, and if you don’t have your rest then you're useless in combat. Tell me… what would you do if we were quickly surrounded?”
“I would probably use the lightning o…”
“And what if you don’t have the rest needed to generate the Lightning Orb… what then?”

Major Bolt quickly tried to think about his answer before replying but his mind drew up a complete blank, “… Well… I… all right you got a point. I promise I'll get the rest I need if it will get you off by back.”
Commander Mist turned around and spoke as he trotted away, “See that you do, I'll send for you in about an hour, in the meantime, get some rest… That’s an order!”
As Commander Mist left Major Bolt to follow, his instructions Sergeant Major Storm continued following Mist as he spoke, “If I didn’t know any better… I’d say you were proud of his actions.”
Mist replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Storm smiled, “You can deny it all you want commander… but I'm a father too, so I understand what it’s like to see your foal do something that both disobeys you and betters others. You’re proud that he didn’t get any rest and help the soldiers repair that wagon aren’t you?”

Commander Mist continued trotting with an expression less reply, “First of all I only raised him, I'm not his father. Furthermore, I'm happy that for once he took initiative, but he doesn’t realize that now we are in a combat environment, stuff like sleep, and rest will be a lot more scarce. I just don’t want him breaking down due to stress and fatigue when an actual battle begins. Not to mention I want him to have full focus if he decides to use the lightning orb. With the power of that ability, it could easily turn into a dangerous tool for both sides. I just want to make sure his aim will be accurate and he won’t hurt any of our own soldiers.”
“And the fact that you raised him has nothing to do with it at all… does it?”
Dodging the comment completely, Commander Mists turned to Storm and replies “Have the soldiers ready to move out in one hour. I'm looking forward to seeing Commander Shriek again.”
Sergeant Major Storm didn’t ignore him dodging the comment, “Changing the subject? Ok I can play that game. Tell me the truth… exactly how do you know Commander Shriek? Wait, did you and her share a certain something?”
Commander Mist looked at Storm out of the corner of his eye and spoke, “Drop it Storm…”
Sergeant Major Storm smiled as he let Commander Mist trot away into another direction, “Well… that’s a yes if I ever did hear one.”

About an hour later, Commander Mist and Major Bolt met up at the front of the formation of soldiers as Sergeant Major Storm announced, “Commander! All soldiers are present and accounted for!”
Commander Mist Replied, “Good then let’s get moving. ALL SOLDIER MOVE OUT!”
As soon as the convoy continued up the steep mountain trail, Commander Mist started picking up his pace while slowly increasing his distance in front of the rest of the convoy. Major Bolt had to say something, “Commander? Is everything ok? You seem anxious to get to Javelin Falls for some reason.”
When he realized how fast he was trotting, Commander Mist slowed his pace and replied, “Sorry Sparky… I guess I'm just wanted to get there as quickly as I can.”
Major Bolt replied, “Well you're traveling fast enough to get to Gryphus before nightfall and that’s easily another forty miles away. Is something the matter?”
“I don’t know. Maybe… I just have a bad feeling.”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “Yea… or you could be interested in seeing this Commander Shriek again.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “Drop it Bolt… there are some thing’s that you shouldn’t know about.”
Major Bolt shrugged his shoulders, “And why is that? Do you have something to hide?”
“Look anything you want to know you had better ask her when we get there… I'm not saying a word… but I'll make you a deal… you tell me about yours and I'll tell you mine.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Once again I haven’t a single clue as to what you’re talking about.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “As soon as you tell me about you and Luna, then I'll tell you what happened between Shriek and I.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “I guess we will never know then.”
Commander Mist replied, “I guess so.”

The two avoided the topic of discussion and continued on their path to Javelin falls. When they were in view of the town Commander Mist called to his soldiers, “There it is soldiers! When we arrive I want you all to be respectful to the griffin community, am I clear!”
As they got closer and closer, Sergeant Major Storm spoke, “Um… sir? Does something seem strange to you?”
Commander Mist replied, “Yes… I’ve noticed it too, how about you Sparky.”
Major Bolt replied, “Where are the residents? This place seems… deserted.”
The convoy of soldiers made its way down Main Street looking at the seemingly empty town, when Sergeant Snow trotted up from the main formation and asked, “Sergeant Major? Why douse this place seem… silent?”
Storm replied, “My question exactly… what’s going on commander?”
“I… I don’t know? Form the soldiers up outside the town hall, I'll go in and discuss this with the mayor, I'm willing to bet that’s where I'll find Commander Shriek too.”

The large convoy started gathering up outside the town hall then Major Bolt got nervous, “Sir… I don’t like this at all. It’s way too quiet here. There isn’t even a curious cub watching from a window anywhere… I have a really bad feeling about this.”
Commander Mist replied, “I agree, hopefully the mayor will be able to shed some light on this subject. Major Bolt you will come with me to meet the mayor. Sergeant Major Storm, Stay here with the soldiers and wait for further instructions.”
Sergeant Major Storm replied, “Yes sir!”
Commander Mist and Major Bolt then started trotting into the town hall. As they went through the large deserted lobby, passed the empty help desk and into the silent corridor to the mayor’s office, Commander Mist was completely convinced that the room he was going to enter would also be empty. He knocked on the door, waited a few seconds, then entered after there was no reply.

As soon as he entered the office, Commander Mist looked around and called, “Mr. Mayor?... are you in here?”
The large office was silent. On the desk where a few official documents for the town… but nothing else was visible from the door. Major Bolt started trotting through the office as he spoke, “This place is as quiet as the streets outside. It seems very strange it’s as if the town was de…”
As Major Bolt made his way around the mayors desk he paused, “C-Commander?”
Commander Mist trotted around the other side of the desk, only to see a dead griffin lying on the floor with his throat cut.
Commander Mist looked down at the griffin clothing and spoke, “This is… the mayor!”
Major Bolt spoke, “But what ha…”
Before Major Bolt could finish his question, Commander Mist rushed to the office door then he raced through the corridor and out the main doors to the soldiers waiting outside, “Sergeant Major Storm! Have your soldiers search each and every building in town! Homes, Stores, EVERYWHERE! If you can find any living griffin then notify me immediately!”

Sergeant Major Storm didn’t know what was going on but with the expression on Commander Mists face, he didn’t bother asking questions, “YOU HEARD HIM SOLDIERS! SPREAD OUT AND SEARCH THE TOWN FOR ANY RESIDENTS!”
Without answering, the soldier scattered in all directions towards the closest buildings. Commander Mist turned to Major Bolt and spoke, “Take to the skies and scout the area! If you see anything around us, enemy soldiers, tracks or any living citizens then notify me as immediately!”
Major Bolt nodded his head as he jumped into the sky, “Yes Sir! Right away!”
As Major Bolt flew into the sky, Sergeant Major Storm approached Commander Mist, “Sir… what happened in there? What’s going on?”
Commander Mist lowered his head as he replied, “The mayor is dead. Killed behind his desk. If the city is this quiet then I would guess every griffin in town is dead too. “

Sergeant Major storm turned to a few soldiers who were exiting the closest house, “YOU TWO! Are there any griffons in there?”
One replied, “Yes Sergeant, but they are dead, a husband and wife!”
The soldiers exiting the home next to them added, “Here too Sergeant! A family of five, a husband, a wife, and three cubs… one of them is an infant.”
A third group of soldiers leaving the next house also added, “Same here! They are all dead!”
Sergeant Major Storm sighed, “This can’t be right… usually when a civil war breaks out the rebel forces don’t hurt the civilians unless they fight back. Why would they kill all th…”

Sergeant Major Storm stopped talking when, Major Bolt landed next to him with an expression of horror on his face, “Major? Is everything alright?”
Commander Mist stepped forward, “What is it Major? What did you see?”
Major Bolt looked at Commander Mist and replied, “C-Commander… you… you might want to see this.”
As the two stallions followed Major Bolt out of the city, Sergeant Snow approached them, “Commander! They’re dead! All the residents are dead in their homes! Both male and female griffons… even their cubs, all deceased. I have nev…”
“Follow me Snow…”
Sergeant Snow, was confused about Major Bolt’s interruption but rather than argue he just decided to join the group to whatever it was that Major Bolt found.

Not far outside of town, Major Bolt led the three ponies to the top of a hill. When they looked out into the distance, each one was horrified by what they saw. At the bottom of the hill was the remains of a fierce battle, in other words, a mountain of corpses all piled up and twisted in horrifying ways, showing clearly that each one fell fighting with all their might. The uniforms were unusual, the Griffin Royal Forces wore their basic silver armor while the armor on the other army was either leather, or battered bronze. Sadly,… most of the corpses in the battlefield were in silver armor. As the four ponies started trotting through the field, Major Bolt tried to prevent himself from vomiting due to the stench of the blood and bodies. As they continued Sergeant Snow sighed in disbelief, “This… this is… this is horrid. I… I can’t even describe how terrible this is… is… is this real war?”
None of the ponied replied, they only continued trotting through the unearth graveyard that was once a beautiful meadow. As they continued, Major Bolt looked at Commander Mist who was at the base of the next hill staring at one particular corpse. As Major Bolt approached him, he noticed a spear sticking out of the corpse with a strange banner connected to it. The banner was white fading into a red color with a black circular object that kind of resembled a saw blade.

Major Bolt looked back at Commander Mist, as he kneeled down over the griffin’s body and closed her still open eyes, “Rest in peace… Jasmine. I'll find the stallion responsible… and I'll kill him.”
Major Bolt was a little nervous, he was raised by Commander Mist since he was a foal and never in his life has he ever heard such anger in his voice. Sergeant Major Storm approached them and spoke, “Commander… I'm afraid there are absolutely no survivors… both in… and outside the town, every griffon, and cub was found dead in their homes the rest… are out here.”
Sergeant Snow approached and asked, “What kind of monsters could be responsible for thi…”
“The Cutters…”
Snow, Bolt and Storm all looked at Commander Mist as he stood staring in rage at the banner that was flapping in the wind, Major Bolt asked, “What did you say comman…”
“The Cutters… that’s who is responsible. This banner… any king, minister, emperor, commander, and general knows this emblem… it’s the calling card of The Cutters. I’ve only seen it once in my life, but I still know it.”

Major Bolt asked, “Commander? Who exactly are The Cutters?”
“A team of ruthless murders and traitors who have passed themselves off as Mercenaries. The most feared mercenaries in the world no less.”
Sergeant Major Storm spoke next, “I heard of them. They say they are composed of three members. A fierce flyer who has wings sharp enough to decapitate her foes, an earth pony who has the strength to break swords with his bare hooves, and the grim reaper herself.”
Sergeant Snow spoke, “Good heavens… it sounds like something from an old pony tale.”
Commander Mist replied while looking at the banner, “No… it sounds like something from a horror novel… unfortunately… this story is non-fiction.”
Commander Mist pulled the banner from the spear using his magic then he placed it in his hoof. After starring at the banner for a few second, he mumbled to himself. “Traipse… this time you have gone too far. I'm going to find you… and I'm going to make you pay.”
Commander Mist folded the banner up and placed it in a pocket on the back of his chest plate, then he turned to his solder and spoke, “Gather the soldiers and prepare to make camp in the town plaza. There isn’t any more we can do for Commander Shriek and her soldiers. The sun is going down and the soldiers need to rest before we depart in the morning, so let’s head back.”

As his three soldiers nodded their heads, Commander Mist started trotting back to the town until he accidently kicked a broken sword on the ground. He reached down, picked up the broken sword, and began to study the design on the hilt. Major Bolt could have sworn to see a tear roll down Commander Mist’s face as he put the now useless sword in his saddlebag and continued trotting back to the town. When the four soldiers got back into the town, they assisted the rest of the soldiers to set up a camp and wait for the night. That night the small ghost town was lit up by multiple campfires throughout the streets. Major Bolt sat on a small lookout point at the top of the town hall as Sergeant Major Storm flew up and spoke, “You see anything major?”
Major Bolt sighed and replied, “Other than the lifeless battlefield… I see a whole lot of nothing.”
Storm replied, “Well I'm here to relieve you so you can get some rest.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “Thanks but no thanks Storm, you go ahead and take the rest you need… I'll be fine.”
Storm shook his head, “No can do major. Commanders orders, in fact his exact words are, you will get some sleep… or I will put you to sleep.”
Major Bolt smiled, “Well I better get some rest then. I don’t want him to do that again.”
“Again? Exactly how many times has he put you to sleep.”
“Let’s just put it like this, Fool me once… shame on you, Fool me six times… well that’s just plain rude.”

Sergeant Major Storm laughed as Major Bolt jumped from the top of the the hall and glided down to the campfire that Commander Mist sat beside. When he landed, he saw Commander Mist holding the broken sword in his hooves. As Major Bolt approached him he asked, Commander are you ok?...”
Commander Mist didn’t reply, he only sat there staring at the ruined sword. Major Bolt wanted to say something to cheer him up… but since he didn’t know the relationship they shared, he couldn’t think of anything. He didn’t know if it was the senseless murder of the town, the Griffin royal forces, or if it was the loss of Commander Shriek. Major Bolt tried to take his mind off of the war, “Hey Commander, when we get back… do you think Major dusty would teach me a little about fighting with a sword?... oh that’s right, my weapon… is going… to be a… shield soon… and… um… she doesn’t like me... so she probably… would say no… anyway.”
Major Bolt felt completely useless, Commander Mist didn’t react to a single word that he said, in fact, it seemed like he wasn’t even there. All Commander Mist did, was sit by the fire staring at the broken sword with a depressed look on his face. Finally, Major Bolt gave up, “Well commander… I guess… I'm going to get some sleep… try not to stay up too late sir. If we want to be in Gryphus by noon tomorrow then we got to get up early. Well good night sir.”

Major Bolt turned around but stopped suddenly when he heard Commander Mist Speak, “It was about ten years ago. Princess Celestia approached me and asked that I start training a griffin soldier who happens to be the daughter of one of the griffins in line for the throne. Her name was Jasmine Shriek, and… she was my first real love. She was skilled, but very impatient. It took me weeks before I broke her of that. By then I didn’t realize that she had fallen in love with me. It was on hearts and hooves day that she confessed her feeling. I honestly had no idea how to react. A griffin… with a unicorn? The idea seemed completely absurd… but slowly I realized I had the same feelings for her. It wasn’t long afterwards that our so-called training was actually just a ploy to spend time together away from judgmental eyes. However, one day her father approached me and asked about her training, so… I had to tell him the truth. I told him that, her training was already over and we have been seeing each other. Never in my life had I seen such anger in a griffin’s eyes. But rather than removing me from the picture so suddenly, he allowed me one more day with her before they were to return to the Griffin Kingdoms. When she asked me if we would ever see each other again, I took her sword from her… and did this…”

Commander Mist handed Major Bolt the broken sword. After taking the sword Major Bolt looked at the writing on the sword’s guard, etched on it were the words, “Someday Soon.”
Major Bolt’s expression went from intrigued to depressed as Commander Mist continued, “I put that phrase on her sword to remind her that if she continued to remember our training and our time together, then we would meet again and then become an official couple, no matter how many would judge our love. I can’t believe after all these years… she still carried that sword. I… I was too late to save her… I… I missed my chance.”
Commander Mist started to tear up as Major Bolt replied, “I had no idea… I know it wouldn’t make a difference… but I'm sorry commander… I wish we could have gotten here on time to save her.”
Commander Mist wiped the tears from his eyes and replied, “Its ok Sparky… but please… don’t make the Mistake I did. If you fall in love, don’t watch and see how long your chance will be available… take it, and never let her go.”
Major Bolt sighed and replied, “Yes sir… I won’t let my chance pass me by… I'll do what I can to avoid that. Well… good night commander I'm off to get some rest now.”
Commander Mist smiled as he replied, “Sweet dreams Sparky… tell Luna I said hi.”
Major Bolt shook his head as he turned around and continued to his tent, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

As Major Bolt made his way back to the tent, Commander Mist smiled, “That colt is going to let his chance fly by too… I just know it. Oh well at least he can see the pony he cares about every night in his dreams.”
Then Commander Mist pulled out the banner and looked at the emblem on it… “The Cutters… I wasn’t expecting this at all. I know Traipse won’t be expecting me neither. Nevertheless… I can’t let him get away with Jasmine’s murder. That crystal traitor will pay for this… even if I have to die in the process.”
Commander Mist put both the banner and the broken sword back into his saddlebag and went to sleep.

The next morning as the soldiers woke and took down their tents Commander Mist went to the town hall and into the mayor’s office. While he was there, he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out the letter that he was supposed to deliver to the mayor. Then he sat the letter on the mayor’s desk and mumbled to himself, “If anything, I'm a stallion of my word… I only wish this letter would have gotten here sooner.”
Major Bolt slowly peaked through the doorway and spoke, “Commander? The soldiers are ready to move out.”
Commander Mist nodded his head and trotted outside next to Major Bolt. When they were outside, the convoy was already in formation and lined up to move out so Commander Mist announced, “Remember what happened here soldiers! Bear witness to the heartlessness of our enemy! If we fail… this is what awaits the rest of the Griffin Kingdoms. So pray to Celestia, that we succeed on our mission! CONVOY MOVE OUT!!! Our next stop, the capital city of Gryphus!”

Commander Mist led the convoy of soldiers out of the city and over the horizon until Javelin falls was no longer in their sights. About three hours later, a lone stallion approached the city and began trotting up the street until he reached the town hall. The stallion casually trotted through the corridor and into the mayor’s office as if he owned the place. Then the stallion looked at the dead griffin on the floor and shook his head as he sat down in the mayor’s chair and picked up the letter. The stallion opened the letter and read it quietly to himself. After he finished he put it back into the envelop and mumbled to himself, “Hmm… fifty solders eh… I’d expect more from those worthless princesses… hmm it doesn’t say who is leading these soldiers… no matter, we will soon see. I guess I should give this letter to my employer, I'll just add this delivery to his… Tab.”

Ch4 Captial City Gryphus

Commander Mist and Major Bolt reached the top of the hill, and looked down into the valley. Major Bolt couldn’t believe his eyes, “Is that Gryphus?”
Commander Mist smiled and replied, “That’s Gryphus… what were you expecting?”
Major Bolt replied, “I wasn’t expecting it to be so… massive.”
Commander Mist replied, “Gryphus was the main kingdom back when Equestria was formed. It’s only natural that it would be much bigger. Four major sectors of the city, each one surrounded by a wall that is one hundred feet tall and thirty feet thick, and to get to the main castle in the center you have to break through all four sectors. This fortress is the only city in the entire kingdom that has never been under an enemy nation’s control, despite all the wars that have been fought on this soil… I guess this is just one more.”

Major Bolt shook his head, “Well a city like that looks really tough, I wonder if they can fight off the rebel army.”
Commander Mist started trotting down the hill as he replied, “With The Cutters as our enemies… I'm worried the city will fall, but we will warn the king and see what he’ll do about this.”
As the rest of the military formation made its way over the hill following Commander Mist, all the soldiers marveled at the sight of the large fortress that was deemed the Capital City of the griffin kingdom. The Equestrian soldiers made their way closer and closer to Gryphus, when they were almost a mile away from the city’s surrounding molt, Major Bolt asked, “Commander? you say you have been here before right?”
Commander Mist replied, “Not too long ago, I attended one of their ceremonial war balls… I wouldn’t call it a glamorous time, but it wasn’t bad, why do you ask?”

Major Bolt replied, “I was just wondering, what kind of king is King Harpy.”
Commander Mist replied, “Well King Harpy The Third was a stuck up war monger who loved to brag about how his soldiers have never lost a single war during his reign. However, I don’t know how his son is… in fact, I didn’t even know he had a son.”
“Oh, well I was just curious of how he might trea…HEADS UP!!!”
When Major Bolt called the warning, Commander Mist looked up to see a large number of griffins flying towards them in four full V formations. As the formations approached the Equestrian soldiers, two of them landed on the ground and pointed their spears and swords at the ready, while the other two started to circle above them like vultures.

Remembering their training all the soldiers in the equestrian formation immediately gathered in the center of the circle of griffin, drew their weapons and held them at the ready. Major Bolt griped the short sword on his side, while Sergeant Major Storm reached into a wagon; pulled out Commander Mist’s spear and his morning star, then he tossed the spear towards Commander Mist as he called out, “Commander! On your flank!”
Commander Mist caught the spear with his magic, moved it to his side, and held it as if he was going to address the griffins. Then he called out, “My name is Commander Chrome Mist of the Equestrian Royal Guards! If the leader of your formation will stand your forces down, then I'll gladly call off my soldiers as well! We are not here to fight!”
A griffin stepped forward and replied, “If you’re not here to fight, then why are your ponies armed… you’re a funny looking group of peace keepers. Go home, and take that cowardly attitude with you… it won’t last long in a real kingdom.”

Major Bolt was already at his limit, he yelled, “YOU DISRESPECTFUL…”
“MAJOR! Stand down!”
Major Bolt nodded his head and stepped back but he didn’t remove his hoof from his sword, as Commander Mist replied to the insult, “We are here in the Griffin Kingdoms to offer our assistance as soldiers. In the name of Equestria, we will fight to support our allies during this time of need. We wish to speak to King Harpy the Fourth!”
The griffin replied with a serious tone, “If what you say is true, then you should have linked up with Commander Shriek in Javelin Falls. Tell me… why isn’t she escorting you?”
Commander Mist lowered his head, “I'm afraid… Commander Shriek, her army, and the entire town of Javelin Falls have fallen to the rebel forces. When we arrived they were all dead… killed by the enemy rebels.”
The griffin shook his head, “That’s the fifth town this month… how do I know you’re telling the truth? Maybe she is alive and you ponies are here from another part of the kingdom. What proof can you give me that says she is dead?”

Commander Mist reached into his saddlebag and held out the broken sword. The griffin soldier took the sword and carefully examined the weapon until he saw a small emblem that was on the grip, signifying that it was made at a griffin factory. Then he called to his soldiers, “It looks like this pony is telling the truth! All soldiers stand down; these ponies are here to assist us… but then again such a small formation of such a weak species… I think they all add up to maybe two griffin soldiers, am I right?”
The griffin surrounding the pony formation started to laugh at the joke, as they lowered their weapons. Major Bolt held himself back from charging the cocky griffin; however, he didn’t notice that through his frustration, he had already drawn his sword halfway from its sheath. Commander Mist turned to Major Bolt and spoke, “Major, Need I remind you of your promise to Princess Luna?”
Major Bolt realized what he was doing, so he fully sheathed his sword and replied, “No sir, you don’t.”

Commander Mist looked back at the Griffin leader and took the broken sword from him, “I hope you will allow us passage to see the king now… he will be expecting us, and we mustn’t keep him waiting.”
The griffin leader smiled and turned to his soldiers, “All griffin return to the castle and resume your normal duties! When these ponies arrive, let them into the kingdom and notify the king’s personal guards of their approach!”
The griffin looked back at Commander Mist and spoke, “The kings guards will allow you passage to the king himself, but only you and two other ponies may see him at once… the rest of your army will have to wait in the courtyard. If you will be assisting us, then I'm certain we will meet again soon. Carry on commander.”
With that said, the griffin took to the skies and flew back towards Gryphus, as the griffin formations that were both on the ground and circling above turned and followed him.

Commander Mist turned back to his soldiers and announced, “Convoy! Move out! It’s time to meet the king!”
Commander Mist used his magic to return his spear to the weapons wagon as they continued to travel further to the large city. As they approached the main city gate, a few griffins were already waiting for their arrival. Without any kind of acknowledgement, the griffin stepped to the side as the massive gate opened allowing the pony formation to travel into the city. As they continued down the road through the first tier of the city, Commander Bolt looked around at his surroundings and spoke; “There are a large number of factories here. what exactly are they making commander?”
Commander Mist replied, “Whatever they need to fight a war. weapons, armor, even rivets for their catapults and trebuchets. I’ve also heard rumor that some of these factories are used to produce and test new forms of weaponry.”

Sergeant Major Storm heard the commander and stepped closer, “New forms of weaponry? Like what kinds?”
Commander Mist Replied, “I hear they are making new types of weapons that can be used in other ways than just by their talons or paws. In fact I’ve heard they have been experimenting with weapons that use black powder to operate.”
Major Bolt asked, “Black Powder? What’s that?”
“Black powder is a powder that reacts violently to fire or heat.”
“Oh… and uh… I guess I understand?”
Storm sighed, “It’s what makes fireworks go boom.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “It seems harmless from a distance but I hear the griffin are attracted to its violent nature. Though I also hear they have yet to successfully create a weapon that uses it.”

As the small army reached the second gate Major Bolt replied, “If a nation seems so abscessed with power then… then… the… uh…”
Major Bolt stopped talking as the formation went through the gate and began trotting through the second tier of the city. This is where the sides of the streets greatly resembled Trottingham. All up and down the streets were griffin refugees who managed to evacuate the nearby cities and take refuge in Gryphus. The surrounding buildings were smaller factories or cheaply built homes that could be easily described as the slums. Major Bolt spoke, “What in Luna's name is?…”
Commander Mist spoke as they continued, “Don’t acknowledge them… let’s just get through this without any problems.”
As they trotted through one of the griffin refugees on the side of the road, approached Commander Mist, “Please sir… my wife, cubs and I are down on our luck. I know you probably only have bits to offer as currency and the Griffin Kingdom doesn’t accept them, but could I make a plea for some gems if you have any?... if not then some food would be helpful too.”
Commander Mist only shook his head and continued trotting past the griffin without any reply. The griffin only gave him a disappointed look then went back to his family and sat back down.

Major Bolt was concerned about the griffin’s plea, “Why didn’t we help him commander… I thought that as royal guards it was our duty to…”
“We don’t have enough food to help… if we helped him then more of them would approach us and ask for food too. we don’t have enough to help the entire kingdom. what should be happening, is that the king should be seeing to the care and safety of his subjects… but I didn’t see any of the griffin soldiers helping those less fortunate at all, did you?. It’s as if he didn’t care about them anymore.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “It’s a shame that this is what this world has come too.”
Commander Mist replied, “No… this is what war brings. Nothing but pain and misery. And the king just sits back and watches it unfold.”
“Having second thoughts commander?”
Commander Mist shook his head, “No… I'm already over those thoughts. Let’s just continue forward.”

After the formation approached and went through the third gate, into the third tier of the city, Sergeant Snow caught up to the lead and spoke, “Now this is more like it… this area is a lot more sophisticated than the last.”
Major Bolt looked around at the fancy homes and shops in the area and spoke, “I see that the part of the city that is most protected is the area where the nobles live. I even see some trebuchet sitting near the towers.”
Sergeant Major Storm spoke, “With their average range, they could easily hit any enemy formations just outside of the main wall, which is a pretty good distance from here. I have to say… with a city this big, that is an ingenious defensive strategy. I'm looking forward into studying the other military techniques that the griffins use.”
Commander Mist smiled, “Your interest in weaponry is very easy to see Storm… maybe when we get some downtime they will show you a trick or two.”
Storm smiled and replied, “Here’s hoping you’re right commander.”

After about ten minutes of traveling through the third tier of the city, they finally reached the main castle gate. As the large doors opened, they entered a very large area that resembled a garden, only there were a large number of griffin soldiers training in the area around them. Some were sparing on a concrete platform, some fighting in the air above, while most were practicing military movement and swordplay. As the small pony formation made its way up the road towards the castle, it seemed like every griffin soldier who was training stopped to watch as the Equestrian formation make its way to the castle. Some pointed and laughed, while others gave them an unwelcome glare, but no matter what the griffin did to greet their guests, Commander Mist confidently led his soldiers to the castle without hesitation or any signs of intimidation from the surrounding griffin. The rest of the formation felt uneasy being the center of attention for the griffin royal army, but they followed their leader’s example and continued through the area with their heads held high.

As the pony troops reached the Castle doors, Commander Mist stepped towards the King’s guards and spoke, “My name is…”
“We know who you are and why you’re here… just choose the two soldiers who will assist you and go into the throne room and meet his majesty.”
Commander Mist turned to his soldiers and spoke, “Major, Sergeant Major, you two will come with me. As for the rest of you, wait here until we return.”
The formation held its ground as Major Bolt and Sergeant Major Storm followed Commander Mist through the large gates and into the griffin royal castle. As they travelled through the long corridor, Major Bolt looked at the paintings of the past kings. He then spoke, “Hmm… that’s funny, it seems like each and every portrait of the past kings shows him either addressing his army, or wearing his royal armor.”
Commander Mist replied, “That’s because each king is known for either fighting in, or starting a war. I guess it’s some kind of tradition. Just remember where you are major, I don’t want you saying or doing anything to disrespect the king, is that understood? We represent Equestria, Princess Celestia and Luna… we can’t give them a bad name, despite our opinion of the griffin king.”
Major Bolt replied, “Understood sir, I'll do my best.”
As the three ponies approached the doors leading into the throne room Commander Mist replied, “You better.”

The griffin guards who were standing at the doors sneered at the three ponies, then one spoke, “Watch what you say to his majesty, ponies… if you know what’s good for you.”
The two griffins opened the double doors and allowed the three ponies to pass. As soon as the doors closed behind them, a loud noise echoed through the long throne room, “THIS IS BORING!!!!”
At the end of the throne room, sat a young cub who was sitting in the throne, wearing the royal crown, and looking at the chess game that was on the table beside him. On the other side of the table sat a very nervous looking griffin who tried to speak, “Your majesty, you must learn the basic rules of this game, it’s these rules that wi…”
“WHY SHOULD I!?! this game is not only boring, but it’s too complicated! I want to play something else!”
“Your majesty, to be a great leader you must understand and master the rules of Chess, just as your father did before you, and his father before him, and his before him, and so on, and so forth.”
The young king sighed, “Fine! Then tell me what are the rules of this game that I must master that have anything to do with this war!”

The griffin teacher replied, “Well… the first rule is to know your enem…”
“My enemy is the stupid rebels who oppose me! NEXT RULE!!!”
“Well… next you must know and understand both yours and your enemies’ goa…”
“They want my crown! I want to kill them! NEXT!”
“Next.. you must look ahead at what they will try to do and sto…”
“Hello… We are in the strongest castle in the world! They can’t get to my crown here, so they are stopped! NEXT!”
“Well the next thing to do, is to have patients…”
“I AM PATIENT!!! That’s why they aren’t dead yet! NEXT!”
“The final thing to do is to find a way to trap your opponent, rather than destroy hi…”
“WHAT A STUPID RULE!!! That’s it! I am done playing this boring, pointless garbage! Remember that book you were reading that I said was boring?”
The teacher looked at him and replied, “Yes your majesty?”
King Harpy replied, “Get that book and read the rest to me! I want to know what happens at the end!”
The nervous griffin started to put away the chessboard as he replied, “As you wish your majesty.”

After hearing the conversation, the king and his teacher had, Major Bolt mumbled quietly to himself, “Little brat.”
Commander Mist turned his head and shushed him. Hearing the commanders shush, the king turned toward the pony soldiers and spoke, “Um… colonel? What are these weak looking creatures in my throne room? And uh… why are they wearing armor? Are they here to entertain me?”
The griffin guard stepped closer to the king and spoke, “These ponies, are the soldiers sent by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria. It would appear that they are part of a small force of soldiers here to support us in this war.”
the king didn’t look amused as he replied, “You! Pony with a horn! Who are you?”
Commander Mist bowed as he replied, “Your majesty… my name is Commander Chrome Mist of the Equestrian Royal Guards. I am the commanding officer to the equestrian forces that are here to support you.”

The king still seemed unamused as he replied, “So… you’re here to help me, correct?”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Yes your majesty, that’s right.”
The king shrugged his shoulders, “Well you don’t seem like you will be much help at all… hmm I guess you could take the place of griffin lives lost in battle. I would say those cowardly princesses aren’t a waste of life after all but…”
Commander Mist turned his head to look at Major Bolt out the corner of his eye. It was easy to see that the major was already enraged at the kings words, but he kept himself calm, so Commander Mist continued, “We are the best Equestria has to offer.”
The king felt intrigued, “Really? How many of you total?”
“Fifty your majesty.”
The king and his colonel started to snicker at the reply, “Fifty? You might as well have stayed home rather than waste my time with fifty measly ponies… just because you come here doesn’t mean that I'm in need of soldiers, I have plenty of commanders who will gladly…
“You have one less!”
“What?”

Commander Mist pulled out both the broken sword and the banner then tossed them both forward. King Harpy sat up in his throne while the griffin soldier rushed towards the broken sword and banner. When he picked it up, he looked back at Commander Mist and yelled, “YOU MURDEROUS D…”
“OREM!!!”
The griffin colonel looked back at the king , “But… your majesty?”
“SILENCE!!! Bring me that piece of cloth!”
The griffin took the banner and handed it to the king who then spoke, “I’ve seen this emblem before… a pony who helped my father in the last war had it on his armor… is this pony responsible for my recent commander’s death?”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Yes your majesty… the pony’s name is Traipse he is one of the three members of the mercenary group known as The Cutters. I think that your enemy hired them for this war.”
The king didn’t know much, but all leaders knew about The Cutters and their reputation, so he stood up and spoke, “Very well. while you are here you will stay out of my way and command your own soldiers to do whatever you please, as long as it is beneficial to my army and you don’t do anything to disrupt my involvement in this war, is that understood?”

Commander Mist nodded his head and replied, “Yes your majesty, we understand.”
The king replied, “Good… I guess since you are here to help me… I guess I should give you and your fifty ponies a place to stay. Colonel?”
The griffin soldier replied, “Yes your majesty?”
“Is there any vacancy in the western tower for our guests?”
The griffin colonel smiled and he replied, “Yes your majesty… we executed the last one just this morning.”
The king smiled, “Good then escort the pony commander and his soldiers to the tower, and… to show our hospitality, give them each a fresh blankets and pillow. I don’t want them to return to Equestria saying that we didn’t give them any sort of luxury.”
The griffin colonel nodded his head with a smirk on his face, “Of course your majesty.”
The griffin king turned back to Commander Mist, sat down in his throne, and spoke, “Return to your soldiers and await Colonel Orem’s return, he will be with you to show you your new sleeping quarters soon.”

The three ponies were a little confused at the reason for the king’s and the colonel’s smile, but they just disregarded it while Commander Mist replied, “Yes your majesty.”
As the three ponies turned around the griffin king yelled out, “WAIT!!! YOU!!! Dark gray pony with wings!”
Both Mist and Storm felt nervous as Major Bolt turned back towards the king, glared at him, and replied with as little anger as possible, “Yes… Your majesty…”
The king stood up from his throne and smiled, “You have a funny face… it actually reminds me of a griffin rebel I executed a few days ago. He gave me the same face right after he called me a tyrant and a terrible king… tell me. what is your opinion of me? And don’t lie!”
Now both Commander Mist and Storm started to sweat as Major Bolt sighed and replied, “It doesn’t matter what I think of you your majesty… I must follow my orders!”
The king smiled, “Your orders? Your loyalty lies in your princesses, right? So what was their order?”
Major Bolt replied, “Their order… was to follow your orders… your majesty.”
“… Such an obedient mongrel, aren’t you? Well then, so long as that leash of yours stays strong… then you and I will have no problems. Nevertheless, remember if you disobey your orders by disobeying mine, then you are committing an act of treason on your princesses, so by right, I have the authority to carry out her punishment… which by the way is death. Am I understood?”

Major Bolt was completely furious, but he continued to hold his anger in as he replied, “Perfectly… your majesty.”
The king smiled, “Good… now be gone!”
As Major Bolt turned around to leave the throne room, an arc of electricity jumped from the bottom of his hoof and made a connection with the ground. Luckily, only Storm and Commander Mist saw this so they were relieved the king didn’t notice. Once the three were outside the throne room and trotting back through the corridor, Sergeant Major Storm spoke, “Did anypony else nearly faint when the king asked the major about his opinion of him?”
Commander Mist sighed with relief, “I almost did… I'm proud of you Sparky… you even held back the lighting orb from your rage… I guess we can rest easy now.”
Major Bolt sighed, “That disrespectful, unworthy little, Sh…”
“Calm down Sparky… it’s all over now. All we have to do is stay on a battlefield and we will have nothing to worry about… why does that sound funny when I say it like that?”

When the three ponies got back to their solders, they waited for the griffin colonel to return to escort them to their new quarters. When he arrived, the colonel led them to a lone tower that wasn’t connected to the rest of the castle, but it still sat within the closest wall to the castle. As soon as they went in, the colonel approached two guards who were talking next to a staircase in the middle of the tower, then they spoke, “Are these the new prisoners colonel? There are quite a number of them aren’t there?”
The colonel replied, “The king had ordered that this tower will be used as quarters for the equestrian forces. Be sure to give them blankets and pillows while you’re at it, and give them the keys… I wouldn’t want them accidently locking themselves in. Oh… and by the way… the king would like you three ponies to attend the Royal ball tomorrow night in honor of the griffin war and blah, blah, blah, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, just don’t be late.”
The colonel left through the tower entrance, then the two griffins handed the keys to Commander Mist as one spoke, “Have a good sleep… ponies.”

As the two griffins left the tower, Major Bolt got angry, “THAT LITTLE CUB GAVE US A DUNGEON TO SLEEP IN!!!”
Commander Mist sighed, “To be honest… it’s better than I expected, I figured he would give us an outhouse.”
Major Bolt continued complaining, “I swear, if I had just one clean shot at that little brat I would make him regret even seeing a pony in his hall.”
“Will you stop your complaining already… at least we have a place to sleep, even if it’s not the most helpful, I’d rather sleep here than in the street with the refugees.”
Major Bolt sighed then replied, “I guess your right Storm… those poor souls. So what now?”
Commander Mist looked around and replied, “The griffin will be back with our blankest soon… I hope, but we still have some of our own supplies so let’s just find a place and get some rest. Tomorrow we will probably spend the day getting ready for the ball, so let’s enjoy this break while we can.”

Ch5 The Mare in Red

Commander Mist stood at the bottom of the staircase in his formal uniform while he waited for Major Bolt, "Hurry up Sparky, we don't have time for this!"
Major Bolt came down the stairs and asked, "So... What do you think?"
Commander Mist sighed, "You're kidding me right? You’re really wearing your night uniform?"
Major Bolt replied, "You said formal uniform, you didn't say anything about whether it was the day or night uniform. Besides I like this one better anyway."
Commander Mist shook his head, "Well at least Princess Luna would be flattered, but remember what I told you earlier. This is a royal ball and your actions will reflect upon our kingdom. I already know that dignitaries from the Ibex Empire, the Hooviet Union, Germaneigh, and even Prance are here to attend this ball. So please, be on your best behavior."
Major Bolt nodded his head and replied, "Don’t worry commander, you know me, I'm always on my best behavior."
Commander Mist turned towards the door as he replied, "That's what I'm afraid of."

As Major Bolt and Commander Mist left the tower and made their way towards the castle, they saw a string of carriages lined up all the way down the street, starting as far as the second gate when entering the city. Each one had a particular shape and size, which represented the architecture of the nation of its origin. Major Bolt was interested in all the different designs, while Commander Mist didn't seem to care. As the two Equestrian Officers entered the castle and went up the stairs into the main ballroom, Sergeant Major Storm approached them, "Major, Commander, what took you two so long?"
Commander Mist replied, "Don't look at me; I was ready a long before the ball even began. It was Sparky's doing this time."
Major Bolt replied, "Yea, sorry... I couldn't find my tie."

Storm smiled, "Well at least you didn't bring your sword. Anyway, I'd like you two to meet General Neghvelskie and his daughter.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “Well I honestly have no interest in meeting them, so I'll see you later commander, I'm going to take a look around, and I’ve never been to a griffin royal ball before.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Just don’t do anything that you’ll regret… in fact, try not to do anything at all.”
Major Bolt sarcastically replied, “Oh, ha, ha, don’t worry I'll behave.”

As Major Bolt trotted off, Sergeant Major Storm led Commander Mist to an older earth pony wearing a gray military dress uniform, and another earth pony wearing a blue dress. Then he turned to Commander Mist and spoke, “Commander Mist, may I introduce General Victor Neghvelskie, and his daughter, Major Roza Neghvelskie of the Hooviet Union.”
Major Neghvelskie smiled, held out her hoof, and spoke, "It’s a pleasure commander, but please, I vould prefer it if you vould call me Roza."
Commander Mist formally took her hoof, kissed it and replied, “The pleasure is all mine, and may I say that is a lovely gown, it matches your bonnet perfectly."
Roza blushed as she replied, “Vell… I uh… thank you…”
General Neghvelskie laughed, "Very smooth commander, vhat they say about you Equestrian ponies is true... But I varn you now. My daughter is strong enough to protect herself, I'd be careful if I vere you."
Commander Mist nodded his head, "I'll keep that in mind. It’s nice to finally meet the iron hoof of the Hooviet Union. It’s also an honor to meet the first female officer in the Hooviet army."

Roza smiled as she replied, "Thank you commander, I heard vord that you vould be assisting King Harpy in fending off his aggressors in this var. Is this true?"
Commander Mist replied, “Yes it is, but this won’t be as simple as it seems.”
“Really? How so?”
Sergeant Majors Storm answered, "Circumstances have changed, and the king is too young to know what he is up against."
Roza replied, "The king is too young to even be king..."
"Hold your tongue Roza! The griffin king is our comrade, so I von't allow you to slander his name."
Roza replied, "You’re vone to talk father, the reason you refused to get involved is because the prime minister agrees vith my comment and refused to send support."
“That doesn’t matter, ve are soldiers and ve vill follow our orders, as ordered. This is the life you chose, so I hope you agree vith it.”

Soon the subject went from the king’s actions, into politics that greatly bored Commander Mist, so as the general and his daughter continued talking, Commander Mist looked around the room. Everywhere he looked were species of all types, earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, zebra, griffin, minotaur, buffalo, ibex, and even a few cows and mules. However, there was one thing they all had in common, each and every one of them were nobles, royals, military leaders, or part of the highest of societies. Nevertheless, of all these creatures having a good time and enjoying the party, Commander Mist couldn’t help but think about those less fortunate, who were outside in the cold, begging for their next meal.

As he continued observing his surroundings, Roza nudged him and spoke, “Commander?... is something vrong?”
Commander Mist looked back and replied, “No… I'm fine… sorry if I seemed a bit absent minded…”
Just then one of the griffin guards stood at a doorway as he announced, “May I present, his royal majesty, High king of the Griffin Kingdoms, King Arathan Harpy the Fourth!”
As the king slowly entered the room wearing his royal robe and crown, Commander Mist didn’t want to look at him at the moment, so he turned back to Roza and spoke. “It seems to be getting a little crowded in here; I'm just going to step out on the balcony for some fresh air. I hope you and your father will excuse me for a few minutes.”
General Neghvelskie replied, “Of course, take the time you need commander.”
Commander Mist nodded his head as he turned and started trotting towards the balcony doorway. When he exited the building onto the balcony overlooking Gryphus, Commander Mist looked at the cascading lights that stretched down the main street, from the furthest wall to the castle gates. With the moonless sky above, the lights from these carriages lit up almost the entire city. However, other lights could be seen shining from the streets of the slums. Commander Mist shook his head and sighed, “Its times like this, I really hate being born a noble.”
“Better a noble, than a nopony…”

Major Bolt trotted up to Commander Mist and stood beside him looking into the city as Commander Mist turned to him and replied, “I know… you still don’t know anything about yourself… but at least you didn’t grow up watching those less fortunate than you, envy your life.”
Major Bolt smiled, “The nightmare you put me through?… I envied the ponies on death row. But at least your training paid off.”
Commander Mist smiled, “Well I guess it did, didn’t it. I mean look now, you’re in one of the most fortified cities in the world, attending one of the most luxurious events in the kingdom. This actually matches the Grand Galloping Gala back in Equestria.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Yea… and yet here you are sitting on the balcony missing the whole thing. What’s bothering you commander… is it Commander Shriek?”

Commander Mist shook his head, “I don’t think so… it’s this war. Here we are sitting in the lap of luxury while those refugees sit out there starving and suffering. And their so called, king doesn’t seem to care.”
Major Bolt turned back towards the ball and replied, “I don’t like this anymore than you do commander… but the last thing I expected was to hear you agree with me… for once. Either way we can’t do anything about this now. Let’s just get back to the party and deal with this tomorrow. Besides, I think that generals Naviliskie… or whatever his name is. I think his daughter likes you, so why not just cut back and have a good time.”
Commander Mist replied, “Thanks, but I'm thinking about calling it an early night.”
Major Bolt replied as he started trotting back into the building, “Whatever you do, will you at least make an effort to talk to a mare or something. You’re not going to stay… uh… fifty… uh… three forever.”
“I'M THIRTY NINE!!!”
“My point exactly.”

After Major Bolt disappeared into the crowd inside, Commander Mist looked back into the city and tried to clear his thoughts. First, he looked at the lights in the city, then at the stars above, until finally all his focus went to the sound of the regale music playing inside the ballroom. Commander Mist thought to himself, “The Major is right… I should just enjoy this night while it lasts.”
As the band inside finished their song, something was off. The band wasn’t playing… but he could still hear music. Commander Mist looked around and found that the music was coming from a beautiful mare standing on the other end of the large balcony. As she stood there, she was humming the most beautiful tune that Commander Mist had ever heard, but it wasn’t just the song that captivated him, it was every part of her appearance. She stood looking into the starlit sky with her eyes closed; her wings open, embracing the wind as it blew through her mane, and the feathers on her wings. The dress she wore was a combination of black, silver, and a burning haze of red and orange that reminded Commander Mist of a sunset. This color along with her light gray pelt and her black and pink mane made her beauty shine even more.

Commander Mist had never had his breath taken at the sight of such beauty before. He couldn’t help but stand there and admire her beauty from across the balcony. As her song came to its end, she slowly closed her wings and lowered her head, and then she sighed as she slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were a burnt yellow color that was similar to her dress, yet beautiful all the same. She took a deep breath then started to turn to go back inside. As she did however, for less than a split second, she made perfect eye contact with Commander Mist from across the balcony then paused. Commander Mist, feeling embarrassed for watching her, quickly turned to look back into the city, and tried to ignore her after the awkward moment they just shared. The mare could only smile at the failed attempt to show his modesty, so she slowly trotted closer, stood next to him, and looked over the balcony with him as she spoke, “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”
Commander Mist never felt so nervous talking to a mare before, but he was able to hide it through his reply, “Yes it is.”

The mare continued, “I wish the moon was out. I bet the full moon looks absolutely gorgeous from here, don’t you think?”
Commander Mist replied, “Um… yea… I guess it would. It is kind of a shame isn’t it.”
“Are you out here to get away from the crowd too, commander?”
Commander Mist nervously replied, “Um… yea… it felt a little stuffy in there… wait. How did you know I was a commander?”
The mare giggled, “That’s what that insignia on your uniform means right? Or am I mistaken?”
Commander Mist blushed as he replied, “Oh… right… it’s on my uniform.”
The mare smiled, “That’s ok commander… sometimes when I feel the cool breeze of the wind… I seem to loose myself in it too. Sometimes I even forget where I am, it’s just so soothing. It… it reminds me of the first day I ever took flight.”
The mare looked off the balcony and closed her eyes to feel the wind, then she looked back at the nervous stallion and spoke, “So… I know what rank the brave and handsome soldier is… but can I learn where he is from?”

Commander Mist blushed at her complement as he replied, “Oh… right… I'm from Canterlot… erm… Equestria.”
The mare replied, “Canterlot? Wow, it’s been decades since I was there last. So I'm guessing you fight for Princess Celestia then right?”
“Um… yes, I'm the commander of her armies.”
“Really? So are you here for the ball? Or are you here to help his majesty in his war?”
Commander Mist replied, “Well sadly we are here to help the king.”
“Sadly?”
“Yea… it wasn’t my first choice. But an order is an order.”
The mare replied, “I understand, a soldier must do what a soldier must do.”
Commander Mist replied, “And that’s the life I live.”

The mare sighed, “It’s definitely a rough life, isn’t it… may I ask your name commander?”
Commander Mist replied, “Oh.. Uh… of course, my name is Commander Mist of the Eques…”
“Commander Chrome Mist!?!”
Surprised by the mare’s outburst Commander Mist replied, “Um.. Yea… you’ve heard of me?”
The mare replied, “Oh… um… yes. I heard word of you before.”
Commander Mist lost his sense of nervousness, which was replaced by a skeptic curiosity, “So… how do you know of me?”
The mare replied, “Oh… uh maybe I heard somepony mention the name at another ball, or something like that. Anyway, can I ask, do you think this war will end well?”
Commander Mist replied, “Well I admit so far things have happened that I didn’t expect, but I’ll do my best to end this war as peacefully as possible.”

The mare smiled, “Well with an enemy like The Cutters, I can only wish you luck.”
Commander Mist replied, “Well I hope… wait? How did you know?”
The mare’s smile went from social to mischievous, “To be honest, I don’t think that Traipse will be as merciful to you or your soldiers as you hope. But all in all, I should expect a good fight from the commanding officer of the entire Equestrian Royal Guards.”
Commander Mist stepped away from the suspicious mare and spoke, “... Who are you?”
The mare started to pace around Commander Mist as she replied, “Many call me Wing… but you commander…”
The mare got closer to Commander Mist, opened her wing and placed it on his cheek, “You can call me… Blade.”
The mare seductively flicked her wing down Commander Mist’s face as she trotted past him and looked out into the city. Commander Mist glared at her and spoke, “Are you a member of the rebel army?”
Without looking back at him, Blade replied, “Hardly… I'm only here to get paid. I couldn’t care less about that smelly old griffin and his… Cause.”
“Get paid? Wait… you’re a member of The Cutters aren’t you?”

The mare turned her head back and smiled at Commander Mist, but before she said anything else, a loud scream was heard from inside the ballroom. Commander Mist looked into the building as a large number of party guests gathered around one of the tables, and then he looked back at Blade as she spoke, “Go see for yourself.”
Commander Mist turned back towards the crowd then rushed inside until he reached the table that the guests have surrounded. Looking at the table itself didn’t seem like much but Major Bolt had the tablecloth lifted up to reveal a dead griffin guard lying under it. The griffin had his throat cut in the exact same way that the mayor of Javelin Falls did, also there was another banner of the Cutters covering his face. Seeing this Commander Mist immediately thought about Commander Shriek, so he turned towards the balcony and pointed at Blade as she stood there smiling in a sinister way, “ARREST HER!!! SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE CUTTERS!!!”

The griffin guards started to charge at Blade, as she took one last look at Commander Mist, winked, and did a back flip over the balcony railing and off the edge of the balcony. Commander Mist rushed towards the railing as he yelled, “BOLT, STORM! PURSUE AND ENGAGE HER!”
Commander Mist stopped at the balcony railing and looked down as Major Bolt and Sergeant Major Storm rushed passed him and dove off the balcony after the still falling mercenary. As she fell, Blade continued looking at the ground, but right as she was about to hit the ground she lifted her wings and pulled up to a high speed flight almost one foot above the ground. Then she flew through the streets dodging the carriages that were still lined up outside the castle on the main road. Major Bolt flew into the line of carriages dodging them as Blade was; While Sergeant Major Storm flew above keeping an eye on her so they wouldn’t lose her.

Blade continued her strategic flying through the street dodging carriages by inches as Major Bolt continued flying close behind her. Blade looked back at her pursuing enemy and was impressed at his flying; most ponies couldn’t keep up with her speed let alone, fly through obstacles as she could. Finally, Blade saw an open canopied rickshaw with a very small window on the back, in their flight path. Rather than dodging it like the rest, Blade did a barrel roll as she flew to build speed, then she closed her wings, flew through the small window, quickly opened her wings back up, increased her altitude and flew into the sky as if it were so simple. Major Bolt tried to attempt the same thing, but in the middle of his barrel roll, he lost track of how fast he was going so when he closed his wings to fly through the small window, he clipped his right wing and lost control as he collided with another cart on the road. When Sergeant Major Storm saw this, he called out as he continued following Blade, “I got her Major! We won’t lose her!”

After hearing what Storm said, Blade smiled then mumbled to herself, “We will see about that.”
Completely turning herself around and diving back down, Blade flew back into the street then vanished into the shadows of a very dark and narrow alley. Storm tried to see her from above but the shadows were too dark in the alley, so he couldn’t see anything. As he flew, a few griffin soldiers approached and spoke, “Where is she pony?”
Storm stopped in front of them and spoke, “Quickly she went into that alley. Fly through that entrance there and chase her through, I'll curve around the end and stop her before she gets out the other side!”
Rather than arguing with the pegasus’s suggestion the two griffins flew around to the start of the alley entered the dark shadows. Meanwhile, Sergeant Major Storm flew around to the end of the narrow alley and waited for her to make her attempt to fly passed him.

As he waited there expecting the surrounded pony to make a run for her freedom, Sergeant Major Storm froze in place, when he heard a bloodcurdling scream followed by sounds of scraping metal, then dead silence. As he looked into the dark and mysterious shadow, Storm started to see something in the darkness, at first it looked like a crescent moon, but then it quickly turned into a glare on a long blade, as he continued to watch he then saw another blade appear in the shadows. Then something rolled out of the alley and hit Sergeant Major Storm on his hooves. When he looked down at the object that was tossed at him, he was horrified to find out it was the head of one of the griffins who entered the alley. As he looked at the severed head, the pegasus heard loud scraping as he looked up at the charging mercenary. Blade had a unique series of blades attached to the outside of her wings as she charged down the alley scraping the weapon against the narrow alley’s walls as she charged.

As Blade quickly flew towards him, Sergeant Major Storm already knew she was too close to dodge, and that there was no way he could escape her attack. Luckily right as her blade got close to his throat, Major Bolt flew out of nowhere and pushed him out of the way, before falling victim to her attack. Quickly reacting to Major Bolts surprise appearance, Blade turned around and kicked Storm away from them knocking him unconscious as she started making multiple attempts to dig her blades into Major Bolt’s flesh instead. With each passing swing Major Bolt managed to dodge the attacks, however her quick movements and precise swings left absolutely no time for him to return with a counter attack of his own. All he could do was step back with each of her attacks knowing that without his chance to fight back he wouldn’t survive this, and the fact that he was unarmed only made his situation even worse. Finally, Major Bolt lost his footing when he unexpectedly stepped into a hole. Quickly reacting to this opportunity, Blade turned her wing sideways and used the top of her weapon to bash Major Bolt across his head and knock him to the ground.

Major Bolt quickly tried to shuffle to his hooves but he was stopped when he felt the curve of her blade across his throat. Major Bolt slowly looked up at her as she smiled, “You’re pretty good colt. In the past ten minutes, you’ve surprised me with both swift flying, and quick reflexes… however, you’re out of your league. So I'll bide you a fond farewell.”
Major Bolt glared at her and replied, “I’d say the same about you… but I’ve heard of the Cutters before so I’d expect no less. Just do what you have to and end this already.”
Blade raised her weapon to drop on Major Bolt’s head but before she could, a number of griffins quickly surrounded them as their leader yelled, “STOP RIGHT THERE!!!!”
The deadly mare smiled as she replied, “Make me!”
The Mare then disregarded her actions and instead of finishing the defeated pony, she jumped into the air charging the griffins that were above her, blocking her escape. Closing one wing and using her weapon as a shield she was able to block the first griffins attack and counter with the other wing’s blade removing the griffins right wing and causing him to fall to the ground, screaming in pain. The next griffin tried to strike her with his spear but she parried the spear and ran both her blades into the griffin’s throat removing his head completely and giving her a perfect opening to escape, without any obstacles in her path.

Major Bolt stood back up and watched the mare escape while a few griffin soldiers quickly surrounded him and the unconscious Sergeant Major Storm. Major Bolt looked at the griffin and spoke, “Well it’s about time you showed u…”
“GET DOWN!!!”
“Wha…”
Before Major Bolt could reply a griffin soldier tacked him and chained his hooves while he was on the ground. “What? What is the meaning of this! I'm on your side you brainless bir…”
“The King has a few questions for you! So until further notice… you and your buddy over there are under arrest for suspicion of mutiny.”
“Mutiny? What are we sailors! This is an outrage! I Demand you let me speak to the king myself!”
The griffin replied, “Until you give me solid proof that you really are on our side in this war… I’m afraid you’re in no place to be making demands, pony. Take him back to the tower and lock him in a cell!”
The griffin soldiers then dragged Major Bolt away as he showed no resistance knowing that it would only make his problem worse.

About two hours later, in a rural area miles away from Gryphus, Blade landed next to a hidden cave, looked around and entered. Inside there was a stallion sitting at a table as he sharpened a Scythe, then Blade approached him, “Tri, why do you continue to fiddle with that old thing if you won’t ever use it?”
Traipse replied, “I just want it to be ready when she returns.”
Blade sighed, “Traipse… the boss isn’t going to come back to us… we need to stop dwelling in the past and just move on already.”
Traipse shook his head, “And attending an enemy ball is your way of moving on?”
Blade smiled, “What can I say… once a noble, always a noble. Besides, I met our competition from Equestria.”
Traipse stopped sharpening the scythe and looked back at Blade, “Really… who.”
She smiled, “Commander Mist.”
“Mist! Chrome Mist!”
“You know him?”
“He was the soldier who helped Princess Luna and Celestia RUIN MY LIFE!!!”
Blade replied, “Wow… touchy… Well he and a small force of ponies are here to try to stop us… and that’s not all he brought. There is a stallion on his side that seems very skilled.”

Traipse replied, “Skilled? How so?”
“He was not only able to keep up with me when we flew through the crowded streets, but he managed to dodge more than twenty of my attacks… at close quarters. Also there is something very familiar about his eyes.”
“His eyes? What do you mean?”
Blade started to think to herself, “I wish I knew… but what I do know is that he is skilled, and I think he might be… Cutter material.”
Traipse stood up, leaned the scythe against the wall of the cave, and replied, “Hmm… well then we will see when we face him in combat won’t we. I'll go and meet with the general and see what he wants us to do next. You can stay here and… get the blood stains out of your dress, or something.”
As Traipse left the cave Blade replied, “Sure… whatever you say Tri.”
Blade trotted to the cave entrance and looked into the night sky, “You haven’t changed a bit Chrome, I wonder, would you remember me if I told you my real name?”

Ch6 "Check"

King Harpy watched as his teacher made his move then spoke, “Rook to Pawn three, Check!”
With no hesitation, the king made his move, “Nice try, Knight to rook three... and I believe your rook is no longer a problem.”
The cocky little griffin’s smile faded when the teacher made his next move, “Queen to Knight… Checkmate, your majesty!”
The cub looked at his teacher and yelled, “YOU’RE CHEATING! AREN’T YOU!?!”
The nervous teacher replied, “Your majesty, you’re too hasty with your moves, and thereby predictable. It’s easy to make a strategy with a predictable opponent, which is why I won. You need to start thinking about your actions before they are made.”
the king tried to argue, “Actions! You blindly placed your rook in the line of fire just to see him die!”
“Sometimes one must be sacrificed to change the outcome of the game. That’s another rule.”

The cub continued to argue, “Rules, Rules, Rules! Is that all you have to say about this!... I want a do over! Let me change my move!”
The teacher sighed, “Your majesty, it’s not as sim…”
“JUST DO IT!!! THAT’S AN ORDER!!!”
The teacher took his and the kings last moves back then replied, “Yes your majesty, what would you like to do instead of the last move? Need I remind you my rook has you in check.”
the king thought to himself then moved his king to the side, “There, that’s what I meant to do the first time.”
The teacher sighed then moved his queen in front of the king, “Checkmate!”
The teacher then looked up to the unamused expression that the griffin king was showing, “Um… do over, your majesty?”
The annoyed king then lifted his talon and slapped the chessboard from the table sending both the board and all its pieces flying across the room, “No… I want to play something else.”

Just then the chamber doors flew open as Commander Mist came storming in, “YOUR MAJESTY!”
King Harpy looked at Commander Mist and smiled, “Well if it isn’t my little pony commander, you have a lot of nerve barging in here unannounced , but since you showed a lot of courage in doing so I'll overlook it… for now.”
Commander Mist made his way across the throne room, as he did he spotted the king chess piece on the floor in his path, so he deliberately stepped on it, crushing it, as he approached the throne, “Can you explain to me why you have imprisoned two of my finest soldiers?”
The king smiled, “I'm only doing what’s best for my kingdom.”
“What’s best!?! What are you talking about?”
The king was handed a note from his colonel then spoke, “I have reason to believe that you and a number of your soldiers are in cahoots with the enemy army. And since I have no real proof pertaining you to this… I decided to imprison your best and brightest instead.”

Commander Mist didn’t understand, “In cahoots? How do you think we are teamed up with the enemy?
The king looked at the note in his talon and spoke, “Commander is it true that while you were in Trottingham, you were given a note by an unidentified griffin with instruction on delivering it to Javelin Falls?”
Commander Mist replied, “Yea… it was a note from the mayor’s wife. She wanted me to deliver it to him.”
The king smiled, “Were you aware that the mayor of Javelin Falls has no wife?”
Commander Mist replied, “No… I was unaware of that…”
“And did you know that the note contained information about your soldier count. To include your mission details?”

Commander Mist felt nervous now but he continued to hide it as he replied, “No… I didn’t.”
The king continued, “So you thought to just trust the words of a simple peasant griffin, without even reading the note at all?”
Commander Mist looked at the ground in thought as he replied, “Yes… I just assu…”
“I will give you points for honesty and mercy for those less fortunate… however I can only call you a fool for delivering that note. Luckily, since it was your army’s information and not mine, I'll over look your ignorance. But witnesses say that before last night’s incident, you were seen speaking with the suspect prior to the discovery of the my guards corpse. Can you explain that to me?”
Commander Mist replied, “The mare hid her identity from me until moments before the body was discovered.”

The king replied, “So I'm simply to believe that you two talked for a period of time together without an introduction of each other’s names?”
Commander Mist confidently replied, “She didn’t introduce herself until after she asked about me. and to make matters worse… she already knew my name.”
“So, she knew who you were at the start?”
“No… she only heard my name after I told her what it was, but she was familiar with it.”
King Harpy shook his head, “Giving away more information about your army commander? it’s a surprise you’ve yet to lose any soldiers.”
Commander Mist took a step forward and spoke, “Being a king of noble birth, you know very well that in a formal greeting, the male must introduce himself first unless the female is introduced by another male… or have you gotten that far in your teachings yet… Your majesty.”

The king didn’t want to admit he didn’t know that so he nervously replied, “Of course I did… I… um… merely forgot… um… due to my excessive schedule… fine I'll let that go as well. but then maybe you can explain my last bit of information.”
Commander Mist knew that he had nothing to hide so he replied, “Perhaps… can I hear it?”
The cocky cub spoke, “During last night’s confrontation, do you know the casualty count I sustained from this single mare? To include the body found at the ball I had, Two cut throats, two decapitations, and one who lost his wing and will never fly again. yet I find it hard to believe that all your soldiers sustained were one unconscious stallion and a number of bumps and bruises.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Soooo….”
The king replied with an annoyed tone, “It’s my understanding that nature has always followed the rule survival of the fittest. The stronger will always win over the weak, yet not only did your weaker ponies survive against a mare of all creatures. But they survived and didn’t even capture her during this whole ordeal!”

Commander Mist shook his head, “So… let me get this right… you’re imprisoning my soldiers, for… being better than yours?”
“My griffins are stronger than your ponies will ever be. The fact that four are dead when none of yours were killed only tells me that you two made a deal and are my enemies!”
Commander Mist replied, “Your majesty, what I told you the day we arrived was that these ponies are the best Equestria has to offer. I’d expect my best to survive something like this… in fact I'm relieved they only got cuts and bruises out of this. But you realize you have no solid evidence that says we are your enemies, so you can’t hold my solders like this.”
King Harpy stood up from his throne and spoke, “I can and I will. As king of the Griffin Kingdoms, my word is law. So if I want to hold your ponies in my cell then so be it!”
Commander Mist sighed, “Well then your majesty, as commander of the equestrian royal guards I'll have no choice to see this as an act of war on Equestria. to hold the Princesses’ soldiers for no reason is hazardous to not only our mission… but our kingdoms defense. If you chose to declare war on Equestrian then you’re on the right course.”

The king got irritated, “Y-you can’t do that?...”
Commander Mist smiled, “Actually your majesty… I can… and I will.”
the king tried to outsmart Commander Mist, “Look where you are pony! I could imprison you too and prevent this from hap…”
“Hardly… My Princess raises the moon at night and watches over our dreams. Last night I reported our situation to her with great detail, and tonight she will be expecting a follow up. You could kill me now but with last night’s report, she would carry out my choice and mobilize our soldiers. Not to mention make contact with the rebel faction and make a deal for them to support us in your betrayal. All I can say your majesty is that you should never underestimate Equestria.”
The king sneered at Commander Mist as his teacher spoke to him quietly, “Sire, the war against The Cutters and the rebels is bad enough on our soldiers moral. Facing Equestria too, will only make matters worse.”

The King turned to his teacher and yelled, “THEN WHAT SHOULD I DO!?!”
“RELEASE MY SOLDERS!”
The nervous cub looked back at Commander Mist, “What?”
“If you release my solders then I'll prove to you that we aren’t traitors… on the battlefield.”
The king thought to himself then replied, “Fine… since there isn’t any real evidence suggesting treason, I'll allow your soldiers to go free… for now.”
knowing he had won, Commander Mist nodded his head and replied, “Thank you’re your majesty, you won’t regret this.”
“I should hope not… now be gone! I'm tired of looking at your ugly pony face!”
Commander Mist bowed in respect then turned around and left the throne room. After he was gone, the king looked over at his guard and asked, “Orem? Where has the enemy been sighted last?”
The colonel replied, “The rebel forces were last seen in the Hollowed Mountains, moving east towards the Kestrel. It is believed that they will attack that fortress next.”

The griffin King nodded his head, “When you release those ponies, let their commander know that I want them to move to that city in the morning.”
The griffin teacher spoke, “Sire? Why send them there?”
King Harpy replied, “This is Just like Chess. If that pony wants to put me in check then I'll just move him elsewhere. If his army is really as strong as he says then he will greatly benefit our forces that are already there.”
“And… if they aren’t?”
King Harpy smiled, “Sometimes one must be sacrificed to change the outcome. That’s another rule of this game. Right?”

Back in the tower, Major Bolt sat in the cell right next to Sergeant Major Storm. As they sat there Storm was telling stories, “And that’s when she took her first steps… it was adorable.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Ok, First of all Every pony can walk when we are first born, it’s a little known fact… Second, if you tell one more story about your daughter. I'm going to seriously hurt you.”
Storm shrugged his shoulders, “You know looking at these bars makes me think of the crib I made for her using some rare bronze ore I found on Dragon Mountain.”
Major Bolt sighed as Commander Mist trotted up to the cell, “Well I see you two are having a blast.”
Major Bolt looked at him through the bars and replied, “Oh thank Celestia you’re finally here. Please tell me they are going to let us go… or at least tell me they will execute me first. I can’t bear to listen to another story.”

Commander Mist laughed, “Oh come on sparky, it could always be worse.”
“Really… how?”
“He could have two foals.”
“Okay… that’s enough tell me commander, what’s the news?”
Commander Mist replied, “Well they are going to let you go for now, but you need to be more careful with your actions. The king thinks we are working for the rebels.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “Typical… I’d guess as much from a cub.”
Commander Mist replied, “Either way, we need to continue with caution. Not only with the king, but the cutters as well.”

At that moment the griffin colonel entered the room and tossed the keys at Commander Mist, “Here, take it and let your soldiers free yourself. The king has orders for you to march in the morning to the city of Kestrel. A little advice commander, Don’t disappoint him.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Don’t worry about that, we will move out on time.”
Commander Mist picked up the keys with his magic and started to unlock the cells, as the colonel stopped on his way out, “Oh, and commander? that was a clever trick you played on his majesty. to be honest… I can’t wait to see what you and the rest of your soldiers have up your sleeves.”
Commander Mist felt a little confused as he opened the cell doors with is magic, “Um… okay.”

As the colonel left the tower Sergeant Major Storm left his cell and spoke, “That was odd, what was all that about commander?
Commander Mist smiled, “I'll tell you about it later.”
Storm shrugged his shoulders, “Anyway I'm going to investigate the place we fought Blade in last night.”
Commander Mist replied, “Really? Why?”
“That weapon… I'm curious about it. I’ve never studied anything like it before and I’d like to learn all I can about it… it actually might lead to finding out about our enemy.”
Commander Mist nodded, “That’s fine, if you find out anything please let me know. Sparky? What will you do?”
Major Bolt sighed, “I'll stick around here for a little while longer, this happens to be my quarters anyway and my bag is already in here, so there isn’t really much point in me leaving, now is there?”
Commander Mist smiled, “True, but I’d suggest looking into this also. We need to know more about the Cutters if we are going to survive this, not to mention we still know nothing about their contractor.”
Major Bolt left his cell and replied, “No I'm fine.”
Storm spoke as he started down the staircase, “Suit yourself.”

As soon as Storm left, the room Major Bolt looked at Commander Mist and spoke “So… what was she like?”
Commander Mist paused as he was about to follow Storm, “What? what do you mean by that?”
Major Bolt smiled, “Come on commander. I watched you two talking for a few minutes and all I could see was the nervous stallion who was talking to a mare that he thought was attractive. so I have to ask, did she seem nice?”
Commander Mist gave him a blank stare, “Are you forgetting the fact that she tried to kill you? or did she hit you really hard in the head?”
Major Bolt smiled, “Dodge the question all you want commander, but I know for a fact that I saw a spark between you two.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Okay I’m stallion enough to admit that I was attracted. But that was before I realized who she was. There was sort of a familiar charm to her, wasn’t there?”
Major Bolt smiled, “Yea, she’s beautiful, skilled, and has an urge to remove my head… she has you, written all over her.”
“But remember who she is… She is our enemy, and no matter what, the next time you or I see her we will kill her if we get the chance.”

Major Bolt shook his head, “That’s one tough chance to get.”
Commander Mist replied, “Really… she was that skilled?”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “She was, the maneuvers she made while flying through the street were nearly impossible.”
“Really? But you kept up with her pretty well.”
“I only mimicked her actions, I wouldn’t have done so well if I wasn’t watching how she was maneuvering. On a normal day, I would never attempt something like the moves she was pulling. Think about it, the carriages were moving toward us at a basic speed while we were flying at almost ten times that speed. The fact that I only bruised my wing when I clipped that rickshaw was lucky. I’m surprised I didn’t break it.”

Commander Mist thought to himself then replied, “So… she is a real pro then.”
“Yea… and her fighting is also skilled, the fact that I survived this whole incident is nothing short of Luna’s blessing.”
Commander Mist nodded head then spoke as he went down the staircase, “I'll keep that in mind, how is you wing by the way?”
Major Bolt innocently replied, “Oh… uh… its fine, a little swollen but fine.”
do you need to see the medic?”
“No its fine sire, I just need to give it a rest for the rest of the day.”
Commander Mist looked at Major Bolts swollen wing then replied, “Well… Okay, get your rest and be ready to move out In the morning then. I don’t want to disappoint the so-called king.

Back in the alley, Sergeant Major Storm stood studying the gash markings on both walls of the narrow alley, then he looked carefully at the way they were placed, “The blades are thin… almost razor like at their edge. But where have I seen this before?”
Commander Mist approached him and asked, “So Storm, what do you make of these markings?”
Storm turned back and replied, “Well she hid the weapons in a crate in the center of the alley which was why we didn’t see them at the ball. Also I’ve confirmed that the weapon was actually attached to her wings instead of controlled by them.”
Commander Mist asked, “Really? How do you know that?”

Storm trotted to the center of the alleyway between the two cut marks on each side then opened his wings placing then against both walls, just above the gashes. “She is a little shorter than me, but you get the idea. She must have been charging at me with both wings out when these gashed were made. And take a look at this.”
Storm led Commander Mist to another gash further in the center of the alley that was shaped like an X with bloodstains on it, “The first griffin who chased her into this alley died with a cut throat while the second was decapitated.”
Commander Mist replied, “So… one mark per.”
“Wrong, The first was killed in the center of the alley, while this mark was made when she killed the second, you can tell because both slashes came from opposite sides, so she used her blades in a scissor motion. But to completely remove the head from a griffin, would take a lot of weight behind those blades, which will also explain how she used it as a shield when she escaped. But if her movements in swinging the blades were as fast as Major Bolt says, then she has a lot of muscle in her wings.”
“Or she has completely mastered her flying.”
“True, to a pegasus, their ability to fly will rely on how strong your wings are, but that’s not all. I’ve seen this weapon before… I wish I could remember where.”
Commander Mist looked at the sun as it began to set over the horizon and replied, “Well let’s just get thing ready to move out in the morning. I'll make my report to Princess Luna and then we can deal with this issue later.”

Miles away on a hill outside the city of Kestrel, Traipse stood looking over the city from a distance as a lone griffin approached him from behind, “MERCENARY!!!”
Traipse continued looking at the city as he sighed, then replied, “Yes general… what do you want?”
“Security in Gryphus has increased! I’ve yet to hear anything from my spies! The news around that is that your partner made her way in and disrupted the royal war ball!”
Traipse turned his head and looked at the general out the corner of his eye and replied, “Yea… and?”
The general replied, “If your partner was that close to the king… then why didn’t she kill him?”
Traipse shook his head as he replied, “For two reasons, one she was there on her own time… not yours. and two, We are not going to end your war. unless you can gather the courage to fight him yourself, we will only provide support.”
“Then what am I paying you for!?!”

Traipse turned around and glared at the griffin, “You have not paid us a single gem! Your costs are getting higher and higher with each passing day, and I'm starting to wonder if we will ever see any payment from you.”
The griffin sighed, “I told you before, when this war ends you will get your money it’s only a matter of ti…”
the griffin froze, as he felt the cold steel of a blade across his throat. With a numbing fear, he slowly shifted his eyes to see where the blade was coming from. Blade stood next to the griffin with anger in her eyes, as she spoke, “You… hired us… you will pay. Am I understood? Because if you don’t then we will take what we are owed, through your flesh.”
“W-what?”
Traipse explained, “You heard the stories, haven’t you? the last contractor who refused to pay, is still alive… but it’s hard to consider yourself alive when both your eyes are removed… and all he owed us was a simple assassination fee. Considering what you owe so far… it will be difficult to keep you alive from bleeding to death from what we will take.”
Blade smiled as she added, “A beak… both wings… maybe even one other limb. Regardless of which, you will remember who you hired… and to be honest, if the boss where hear then we would be a lot worse on you.”

The griffin nervously replied, “Y-you will get your money mercenaries… this I promise.”
Traipse smiled as he looked at Blade and gave her a nod, “That’s what I expect.”
Blade slowly lowered her weapon and closed her wing as she spoke, “So… what’s your next order, general?”
The general started rubbing the place on his neck where the blade sat as he replied, “I'm awaiting the arrival of support from the western portion of the kingdom. In a few days they will arrive here, but by the time they do, I want you to assassinate the commanding griffin in Kestrel. With him dead, the city will fall quickly.”
Blade turned and trotted away as she replied, “Consider him dead.”
As Blade trotted away and out of sight, Traipse replied to the griffin’s order, “Now that that’s settled, what do you want?”

The griffin general felt a little awkward as he replied, “Well, I was considering something, would you lower my costs if I were to assign you some soldiers?”
Traipse turned back towards the city and replied, “Yes… but I'll warn you, I won’t be held responsible if any of them were to fall.”
the general couldn’t help but feel worried with that reply, but he knew that with a soldier like Traipse leading his troops, victory would be guaranteed, so he only replied, “That sounds reasonable enough… just let me know when you finish your current task, and I'll notify you when we begin our assault.”
Traipse replied, “Fine… then go.”
The griffin general knew that he was being disrespected, but knowing that Traipse had a short temper, he didn’t want to say anything to put himself in danger so he turned and left Traipse alone without replying to the comment. After the griffin general was gone, Traipse mumbled to himself, “That griffin… I'm not so confident that he will be paying us at all. However, I can’t miss this chance to see Mist again, now I can settle old ties.”

That night Commander Mist found himself standing in the ballroom, as he looked around he could hear the music, but he could see no band. Commander Mist used his magic to hold his spear at the ready, as he looked around the room. He knew that the song was being sung by Blade, but he couldn’t see her anywhere, and the shadows made it difficult to even tell if anypony was there or not. As Commander Mist continued looking around, he heard a voice come from behind, “Commander?”
Mist immediately turned and set his spear flying towards the voice. As Commander Mist realized who was speaking, he quickly stopped his spear less than an inch from hitting Princess Luna in her face. Commander Mist nervously dropped his spear in front of her and bowed, “Y-your majesty… please forgive me… I… I didn’t know I…”

Princess Luna smiled, “That’s quite alright commander… I understand your anxiety. Remember I was part of the fall of the Crystal Empire too. Traipse wants to settle things with me just like you.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Yes… luckily you and Princess Celestia are safely in Equestria and are uninvolved here.”
Princess Luna used her magic to pick up the spear and gave it back to Commander Mist as she replied, “Don’t get us wrong commander, this is why I’ve been checking up on you in your dreams every night. So is there any further news to report? What’s the status on Major Bolt and Sergeant Major Storm?”
Commander Mist grabbed his spear and replied, “Freed, the king thought he could blame us for supporting the rebel army, but he was not only mistaken, but I was able to call him on every bit of evidence he had, plus add a little threat of my own.”

Princess Luna gave Commander Mist a disappointed look, “Now commander… please don’t cause any trouble with the griffin king. We need to maintain our alliance to avoid future conflicts.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Understood, I merely pointed out that it’s not wise to jump to conclusions without looking at the facts first. For a king with much to learn… it was a good lesson.”
Princess Luna continued listening as she started trotting around the ball room, “So what about the cutters, anything new to report on them?”
“Well we discovered how the member who calls herself Blade was able to fly so well, it was her weapon. it’s some kind of assortments of blades and plates that attach to her wings and weigh her down a bit. We suspect that continuous training in both flight and fighting with this weapon can lead to advanced flying abilities and well as deadly speed. Also, the king has ordered us to go to Kestrel to guard that city.”

Princess Luna nodded her head, “Can I ask you something… Personal?”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Yes your majesty, what is it you would like to know?”
This mercenary named Blade… do you have, feelings for her?”
Commander Mist felt a little awkward as he replied, “Well… I admit I did when I first saw and spoke to her… but after finding out who she was, that quickly changed my opinion of her. Why do you ask?”
Princess Luna continued looking through the ball room as she replied, “This dream… your anxiety, dreams like this usually come for only two reasons, fear of death, or fear of love. You’re either afraid that she will kill you, or you’re afraid she will reject you.”

Commander Mist quickly replied before princess Luna could jump to conclusion, “She is a mercenary of the cutters, of course I'm worried she will kill me. that’s it your majesty, nothing more.”
Princess Luna looked back at Commander Mist and smiled as she replied, “Alright then, just please don’t let this fear cloud your judgment. We aren’t facing ponies who are so easy to reason with. Should… should I speak with Traipse?”
“NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! You know what he said last time, if you enter his dreams again, then he will carry out his words and try to assassinate you. I can’t let you put yourself at such risk. And to be safe I would highly suggest you avoid going into Blade’s dreams too.”
Princess Luna smiled at Commander Mist’s concern and nodded her head, “I understand, I will do as you request and leave this matter to you. please just keep yourself safe, commander.”
Commander Mist smiled, “Don’t worry Princess, both Bolt and I will return without any harm.”

Princess Luna turned around to trot away as she replied, “Then I'll see you again on the next night, by the way… how is Major Bolt progressing?”
Commander Mist sighed, “He has gotten better control of his temper… but he has yet to see real battle. And… he froze.”
“Froze?”
“He had Blade right in his sight… he had the element of surprise on his side. But he didn’t use the Lighting Orb.”
Princess Luna turned back to Commander Mist, “Why do you think this is?”
Commander Mist replied, “I'm worried that he may have been too afraid to use it. anypony can hide fear when terrified, but to overcome it is a completely different story. And to make it worse, he won’t be able to hide it when he has to face more than just one pony. But we won’t know for sure until he sees it for himself.”

Princess Luna thought to herself for a second then replied, “When that happens, I want you to guide him commander. but don’t put yourself in further risk than you need to. If something happens that you can’t prevent, I want you to save yourself first.”
Knowing what Princess Luna was saying, Commander Mist nodded his head and replied, “Of course your majesty.”
Princess Luna smiled and replied, “Then I wish you a good morning commander.”
And with that said, Commander Mist opened his eyes to find that it was morning.

Ch8 The First Taste of Battle

The calm breeze blew through her mane as Blade stood on a cliff looking into the city of Kestrel. As she stood there, she couldn’t help but consider what would happen next as Traipse trotted up, “What do you see?”
Blade replied, “It’s a calming breeze right now… but within the hour it will die.”
Traipse replied, “Then when it does, we will move out. I’ve ordered the griffin to attack from the ground until they reach the city wall. This will leave the skies up to you, so you can kill any griffin you see. However, if you see that stallion you told me about, then try to subdue him. If he is Cutter material, then I would like to speak with him personally.”
Blade nodded her head “If you say so… Tri, the wind just stopped."
Traipse looked back at the city before he replied, "Alright, then let’s go meet Mist. ALL TREBUCHETS FIRE!!! FRONT LINE MOVE OUT!!! Blade, I'll leave the archers with you. You know how to handle it, right?"
Blade smiled, "Of course I do."

Inside the city Major Bolt was standing in front of Sergeant Major Storm holding his new weapon, it was a teardrop shaped shield with a blade built into the point on the bottom. As Major Bolt held this weapon he attached it to his hoof and started swinging the blade, “It’s a little bulky but much lighter than it looks.”
Storm replied, “I had to make it a little bulky to compensate for the shape of the blade, not to mention I need enough strength to stop incoming swords, spears, and arrows. It’s a special mixture of iron, aluminum, and bronze, it’s the same mix I used in my morning star to keep it strong but light.”
“So why is it shaped like a tear drop?”
Commander Mist trotted up and replied, “The smooth surface will make it easier to parry attacks, plus stuff like arrows and spears will be less likely to get stuck in the shield so it will last longer.”

Major Bolt looked at Commander Mist and replied, “I see, it’s a little awkward to carry, but I think I can manage.”
Storm replied, “It just takes practice, you'll get used to it in no time.”
At that moment, Major Gill dove in from the sky and landed next to Commander Mist, “Commander, we have a problem. So far we have lost contact with three scouting pairs.”
Commander Mist replied, “Where?”
“To the north, we lost contact with the first about an hour ago, but the two we sent to search for them have also gone missing.”
“COMMANDER!!!”

Sergeant Snow sprinted up to the group and spoke, “Griffin soldiers approaching from the north, they are being led by a stallion who is wearing gray armor.”
Commander Mist replied, “What was the color of the stallions pelt?”
Sergeant Snow replied, “Um… it was kind of a bluish color. He also has black and gray mane.”
Commander Mist replied with a little anger in his voice, “Traipse… ALL SOLDIERS TO ARMS!!! Major Gill! Get your griffin outside the city and be ready for anything, I'll be out there to assist you soon! Sparky gather our soldiers and have them set up perimeters inside the city! You will be our last line of defense. I'm counting on you.”
Major Bolt replied with an uneasy tone, “Got it sir… I'll do my best.”
“Are you ok?”
“Fine sir, just fine. As long as I don’t fly, right?”

Commander Mist didn’t like the sound of his reply but rather than argue he knew he had to leave so he could get his spear and armor ready. After Commander Mist was gone, Sergeant Major Storm approached Major Bolt, “Are you ok sir? Feeling nervous?”
Major Bolt couldn’t show any more denial with the tone of his reply, “Me… nervous… don’t be ridiculous… I'm… just… I don’t know how well I'll do with my wing like this, that's all.”
Sergeant Snow put his hoof on Major Bolt’s shoulder and replied, “Don’t worry sir, I'll be here to assist you with anything you need. With my help, we will get through this alive. Or die trying.”
Major Bolt took Snow’s hoof of is shoulder and replied with high sarcasm, “Gee thanks… that makes me feel so much better.”
Sergeant Major Storm spoke next, “You want some real advice sir? This is something Commander Mist told me before my first battle…”

Outside the city, Major Gill was watching the enemy griffin approach as Commander Mist galloped up to him, “Major? How many enemy soldiers are there?”
Major Gill replied, “About five hundred, almost half of our force. This battle should be quick.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “Numbers don’t decide a battle, strategy does, not to mention skill. I hope your soldiers are ready for this. We are going against three legends here. The cutters are the most feared mercenaries in the world, and for good reason. I never met The Reaper, but I know Traipse, you already met Blade yesterday so you should know what we are up against.”
“Understood commander, my soldiers a…”
“INCOMING!!!”

Commander Mist used his magic to throw himself and Major Gill out of the way, as a large boulder hit the ground, they were standing on rolling over a few griffin soldiers before crashing into the city gate. As the two officers picked themselves up from the ground, Commander Mist spoke, “Have your front line take to the sky and stop those trebuchets!”
Major Gill Replied, “Yes sir. FRONT LINE TAKE DOWN THOSE TREBUCHETS!!!”
The first rank of the Griffin Royal Forces took to the skies. Traipse and his formation were now less than one thousand feet from the city, as he looked at the archer formation behind him and called to Blade who was leading them, “BLADE! ON YOUR CALL!!!”
Blade nodded her head as she called out, “ARCHERS HALT!!!”

With her order, the formation of griffin stopped marching and held their ground, then she readied herself to take off into the sky as she called out, “MAKE READY!!!”
All the griffin archers pulled an arrow from their quivers, drew their bows, and waited for their order. Blade then took a running start as she yelled “RELEASE!!!”
As all the archers released their arrows sending them into the sky, Blade jumped into the air flying next to the barrage of arrows as they flew over Traipse formation and towards their enemy. Most of the Griffin Royal Forces held up their shields to block the arrows but there were very few expecting Blade to come crashing through their defenses cutting them down without hesitation to the arrows around her. After seeing a large number of Major Gill’s griffin falling to the ground by Blade and her archers arrows, Commander Mist called to his forces, “SHIELDS UP!!!”

The Griffin Royal Soldiers put up their shields as the rain of arrows fell on them. While inside the city, Major Bolt and the Equestrian Forces did the same. Major Bolt hid behind is shield terrified of the screams and whistle of the falling arrows and his soldiers who weren’t getting to cover in time. During this whole ordeal, Major Bolt kept repeating to himself, “I'll be fine… I'll be fine… I can do this… I can do this…”
Shortly after the arrows stopped falling, Sergeant Major Storm emerged from a nearby building to see Major Bolt still taking cover behind his shield. Storm rushed to Major Bolt and started yelling, “SIR!!! WE NEED ORDERS!!! SIR!!!”
Major Bolt finally lowered his shield and looked around, then as if he had just woken from a dream he replied, “Get the wounded out of here and get our archers on that wall!”
Storm still felt uneasy with Major Bolt’s actions during the rain of arrows, but he did as he was ordered anyway.

Outside the city, Traipse and his soldiers stopped less than one hundred feet from Griffin Royal Forces’ front ground line. As they stood, there was brief moment of silence before he called, “FORWARD!!!”
With that order, every griffin in the Griffin Rebellion gave a mighty roar. After hearing the roar, Commander Mist yelled a command of his own, “Stand tall! If you see an opening in their defense then by all means take it! We can’t let your king down!”
With that, Major Gill roared himself followed by the rest of the griffin royal forces. With all these sounds, Commander Mist felt as if he was standing in the middle of a lion’s den.

Both The Griffin Rebellion and the Griffin Royal Forces charged forward at the same time, but right as the Griffin Rebellion came within reach of the Royal Forces’ spears, the first row took to the skies and flew over the front lines and straight to the city gate. The rest of both armies clashed together in an explosion of fur, feathers, and blood from which hasn’t been seen in Kestrel for more than a century. Seeing the front row of griffin landing on the city wall Commander Mist called to Major Gill, “GILL! Support the ponies on the wall! We can’t let them get the gate open!”
Major Gill nodded his head as he and a few of his griffin flew to the wall to help the Equestrian Soldiers.

Back in the city Major Bolt was directing his soldiers inside when Sergeant Snow called out, “SIR! INCOMING!!!”
When Major Bolt looked at the city wall he could see griffin soldiers fighting the pony soldiers, while other griffin were flying into the city and attacking the soldiers on the ground. Major Bolt called out, “All soldiers take down any griffin not wearing royal armor! Don’t let the gate fall!!! If they open that gate it’s all over!!!”
At that moment right as Major Bolt looked up, a griffin soldier dropped from the sky and tried to hit Major Bolt with his axe. Luckily, Major Bolt managed to bring his shield up in time to stop the first swing, but the weight of the axe and the strength of the griffin proved too much for the little pony. The heavy axe knocked Major Bolt to the ground with the swing.

The Axe Griffin tried to take this opportunity to swing again but rather than hitting Major Bolt like he wanted to, Major Bolt managed to stop the massive axe by bringing up his shield on the axe’s shaft. With the sharp axe blade hanging over the shields face , the griffin tried pushing the blade down as hard as he could to dig it into Major Bolt’s face. Dedicated on surviving this battle, Major Bolt held the griffin back as hard as he could but he could tell that the blade was moving closer and closer with each breath he took. Finally, Major Bolt had an idea, he continued holding the griffin’s axe back, until it was close enough for his plan to be set into motion. Shifting his shield to his outside caused the Axe to slide to his side, digging the axe blade into the ground next to his head just barely cutting a few hairs from his mane. Then out of frustrated reflex, Major Bolt drew his shield back and buried the blade into the griffin’s chest.

Major Bolt froze, staring at the griffin’s expression as it slowly faded from his face. A million thoughts went through Major Bolt’s mind as the griffin’s body remained suspended over him. This griffin… this was a creature who was capable of intelligent and reasonable speech. A father, son, brother, uncle, or even a grandfather, who risked… no… gave his life for his beliefs. Moreover, Major Bolt, a pony who devoted his life to protect Equestria and its Princesses, was solely responsible for killing him. Major Bolt rolled to the side and laid the corpse gently on the ground as he pulled the blade free from the griffin’s chest. Sergeant Snow quickly rushed over to him, “MAJOR!!! SIR, TH…”
Major Bolt’s frustration over took him as he reflexively turned around and swung his weapon. Luckily, Sergeant Snow had the same reflex and raised his sword blocking Major Bolt’s attack, “Sir! It’s me!!! Come to your senses!!!”
After realizing what he had just done, Major Bolt lowered his weapon and replied, “Sorry Snow… I… I lost my self for a second… what's going on?”
Acting as if the reflex never happened Sergeant Snow replied, “Sir they are focusing their attack on the gate! What is it we should do?”
“Stop them! If they open that gate then they’ll overrun us!”
Major Bolt readied his weapon as he led Sergeant Snow to the main city gate.

Outside the city Commander Mist was doing a good job pushing back the invaders, as one griffin charged him, he jumped out of the way and used his magic to dig his spear into the griffins back. Then as another tried to strike him from behind he blocked with his usual spear and used the recently killed griffin's spear to stab the attacker in his face, all of which while using his magic. Then as a third attacker came in for the kill, Commander Mist used two of the enemy griffin’s spears to hit the griffin in both talons then he used his own spear to finish the neutralized Griffin. Finally, as he looked into the sky at three griffins who were flying overhead, he used all three of the deceased griffin’s spears in conjunction with his magic. Commander Mist threw all three spears and hit each one with killing blows. Commander Mist picked up his own spear and thought to himself, “Yep… Still got it.”

As Commander Mist turned around, he was surprised to find that Blade was charging towards him with her body tilted sideways so that the Cupid’s Kiss blade would hit him vertically. Out of reflex Commander Mist raised his spear and blocked the attack, however, Blade did a complete cartwheel in midflight bringing the blade on her other wing up Commander Mist’s back leaving a gash in his armor and a small cut on the back of his neck. Flipping through the air and landing with perfect grace, Blade used her wing to blow a kiss to Commander Mist then spoke, “That was a gift… from a fan of your work. I do enjoy your kills; it reminds me of the boss.”
Commander Mist held his spear at the ready as he sneered, “I'm nothing like Traipse!”
Blade shook her head, “No not Traipse. The Reaper, our group’s founder and the only mare I respect.”

Commander Mist felt skeptic, “And where is this Reaper?”
Blade replied, "The boss?... well… sh…”
“She is none of your concern Mist!”
Commander Mist turned to Traipse as he approached him from behind and stared at Commander Mist with an expressionless stare, “Hello captain… long time no see.”
Commander Mist replied also without an expression, “I'm not a captain anymore, colonel…”
“And I'm not a colonel, you and your princesses saw to that.”
Commander Mist smiled, “That’s right… the Crystal Empire. So I see you have kept busy since the empire vanished.”
Traipse started to pace around Commander Mist as he replied, “I had to… what’s a soldier to do when all he knows is how to kill.”
Mist replied, “Find a mare… have a fo…”
“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!”

Commander Mist was intrigued with Traipse outburst, “Did I strike a nerve?”
Traipse looked at Blade and spoke, “Stand down… he’s mine.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “You’re not going to win this battle you know. Your soldiers are outnumbered; mine will overrun yours within the hour.”
Traipse replied with a smile, “I don’t need to win against your soldiers… just you.”
Blade yelled, “So what exactly am I supposed to do?”
Traipse replied, “Don’t let any griffin interfere, if they try… kill them… I don’t care if they are friend or foe.”
Commander Mist used his magic to hold his spear at the ready, while he replied, “Same old traitor… you will kill your own just to face me?”
Traipse readied himself as he replied, “You created this traitor remember. Besides this is a matter between you and me.”

Inside the city, Major Bolt was giving his soldiers their orders, suddenly an enemy griffin charged in from the sky and tried to spear Major Bolt where he stood. Luckily, Major Bolt held up his shield and glancing the spear away from him as he swung the blade back to stab the griffin. The griffin rolled to the side making Major Bolt miss his chest but the blade portion of his shield still managed to cut deeply into the griffin’s wing, causing him to crash to the ground behind Major Bolt. Both the griffin and Major Bolt turned around at the same time as Major Bolt charged the large soldier. When Major Bolt swung his weapon, the large griffin dodged the attack then grabbed Major Bolt by his throat and lifted him into the air. With Major Bolt hanging in the air, he attempted to attack again only this time the large griffin caught the shield just below the blade and yanked it off Major Bolt’s hoof tossing it to the side.

Still holding Major Bolt in the air, the griffin soldier reached down and picked up his spear and held the blade to Major Bolt’s chest, “You ponies… all I can say is you shouldn’t have meddled into things that don’t concern you. You might have lived longer.”
Major Bolt struggled all he could to get free, but it made no difference, the griffin’s talon was too strong. As the enemy griffin raised his spear for a finishing blow, a loud crash caught both their attention. When the two looked in the direction of the crash, they saw a boulder bouncing off the top of the city wall and coming straight for them. Before they could react, the boulder crashed to the ground in front of them and rolled right into the griffin hitting him and throwing both soldiers into a nearby building as the boulder rolled into the building right behind them causing the small shop to collapse on top of them.

When Major Bolt opened his eyes, he was pinned to the ground under a number of support beams, making movement below his neck impossible. As he looked around the dust-covered wreckage, he heard a pain riddled voice call to him, “P-pony?... are… are you dead?”
At first, Major Bolt didn’t want to reply to his foe but when the dust cleared enough, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The griffin soldier that was tossed into the building with him was lying under a pile of rubble, but it was easy to see that a support beam had completely impaled him through his back and out his chest.

The griffin slowly turned his head to Major Bolt and spoke, “You… you’re ok right? T-tell me… please… tell me how bad it looks… I… I can’t see…”
Major Bolt didn’t have the heart to tell the truth, “You… you look fine. Try not to move around, and you will be ok.”
The griffin smiled, “You p-ponies are a strange species. Even to your enemies, you can’t tell them a painful truth, I can see it In y-your eyes. I… I'm done for… I… I can finally stop fighting… and killing. P-pony, you fought well, I'm glad to fall by your hoof…”
With those last words said, the griffin closed his eyes and passed away.

Major Bolt felt a little guilty, not just for the griffin’s death, but the thought that he didn’t fight well at all. A soldier should be fearless, courageous, and hardened, while this whole battle was spent cowering behind the city walls. He didn’t know if he could continue doing what he was doing, but that didn’t matter right now. He was stuck underneath rubble and completely immobilized, in the middle of a battle. As Major Bolt struggled to free himself, he could see shadows in the cloud of dust in front of him, “HEY!!! Can anypony help me? I'm a little stuck at the mo…”
Major Bolt silenced himself as three enemy griffin, emerged from the dust and looked directly at him.

The first griffin smiled as he came closer, “Oh look… the poor little pony is stuck… well guys? Should I cut him free?”
The second griffin sarcastically spoke, “I don’t know? You haven’t been the most accurate with your blade today… you might hurt the poor little guy.”
The third griffin smiled and added, “That’s alright… it’s not like anything will miss him if you accidently kill him.”
The three griffin smiled sinisterly as they came closer to the pinned pony. Major Bolt was now terrified, he wasn’t able to move and these griffin were going to kill him without mercy. Major Bolt pleaded, “No!... please!... Stay back!... I'm… I'm warning you!!!”
As the griffin continued to approach him, Major Bolt started to feel a static feeling in his hooves as a cloud started to appear above his head. When he looked at the cloud he became even more worried, “Uh oh… no… not now… I… I still can’t control it…”

The first griffin looked at the cloud and laughed, “Hey look! I didn’t know ponies could create clouds!”
The second smiled, “You know it’s kinda cute.”
As the second griffin reached to touch the cloud, a small spark jumped out and shocked him, “OUCH!!! What the!?!”
The third laughed, “I guess it doesn’t like you.”
The second spoke again as he drew his sword, “No… This pony is controlling it… so I'll take that shock out on him.”
As the griffin approached him, Major Bolt panicked, “NO!!! QUICKLY!!! GET OUT OF HERE WHILE YOU CAN!!!! RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! I'M BEGGING YOU TO GET TO SAFETY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!!”

Outside the city, Commander Mist was using magic to throw spear after spear at Traipse, but the quick earth pony was proving his agility by dodging each one making them stick into the ground around him, all the while making his way closer and closer to Commander Mist. Finally, when he was close enough Traipse pulled one of the spears from the ground and swung the blade at Commander Mist. Mist used the celestial spear that he usually carried to block the attack then he used his magic to send another one at him from the side. Traipse tilted his head back just enough to dodge the incoming spear so that it went between their heads, blocking their view of one another. With the split second that the spear blocked his view, Traipse drew his hoof back and punched Mist as hard as he could right as the incoming spear left both their sights. As Commander Mist was stunned by the attack, Traipse dropped his spear and continued punching the back stepping unicorn. Over and over, Traipse continued punching his foe giving him no time to counter or use his magic to defend himself.

Finally, Traipse punched Commander Mist by swinging his hoof and hitting him with the back of it from across his body, using this as an advantage Commander Mist flung his entire body around with the punches effect and kicked with both is hind hooves hitting Traipse in his muzzle and throwing him a number of feet away from him. When Traipse landed, he wasted no time in grabbing one of the nearby spears, pulling it from the ground and throwing them at Commander Mist. By this time however, Commander Mist was able to focus his magic and stop the incoming threat. Turning the spear around and picking up others with his magic, Commander Mist thought of an idea. The clever unicorn lowered two spears then jumped onto them balancing his right hooves on one and his left hooves on the other, then he used his magic to raise himself high in the air and hover above Traipse as he picked up more spears with his magic and held them at his same height. This irritated Traipse, “Using the spears to fly? Clever … but cowardly. Why don’t you face me like an earth pony!”

Commander Mist smiled , "Because I'm a unicorn, that’s why!”
Commander Mist then started dropping the spears down on top of Traipse as he dodged the attacks from below. Blade watched with suspense at the battle and its possible outcome, then she felt something unusual. The air around them had become more static, any earth pony, unicorn, or griffin wouldn’t notice. However, being a pegasus she could feel it as if the temperature of the air around her had sky rocketed drastically. She didn’t know where it was coming from… but she didn’t like the feeling. Then her attention went back to Traipse who after dodging a spear used it as a spring to jump into the air. Traipse then grabbed both spears that Commander Mist was standing on, and threw his hind hooves upward kicking him in his face and knocking him off his hovering weapons.

Both ponies fell to the ground and hit it with a stunning impact that made them both struggle to pick themselves up. Preventing any opportunity to attack, Traipse charged at Commander Mist again. Commander Mist picked up a spear and raised it to block but right before he could block Traipse’s attack, the sky went dark as a large wide lightning bolt rose up from the center of Kestrel and splintered as it shot into the sky. All three ponies, Mist, Traipse and Blade paused to look at the spectacle as it took place. Of the three, Blade was the most impressed, “That’s… no… it can’t be… how?... Who?...”
as the lightning bolt vanished, Commander Mist mumbled quietly to himself, “Sparky? What…”
Wasting absolutely no time getting back the fight, Traipse quickly turned back to Commander Mist and used all the strength he had left in one bone braking punch.

Out of reflex, Commander Mist raised his spear to block the punch but without expecting it, he wasn't able to use his full force to block the strong attack. As Traipse attack hit the spear, the spear shaft broke into two and his punch went through hitting Commander Mist between his eyes and sending him flying to the ground a few feet away. Stunned, dazed and unable to regain his mind set in time, Commander Mist laid there trying to realize what just happened while Traipse picked up two of the nearby spears and approached Commander Mist while he was still on the ground. Traipse stuck both spears into the ground on both sides of Commander Mist’s neck and crossed them over in a scissor position, then applied pressure. As Traipse pushed against the two spears, the spears' shafts were crossed against Commander Mist’s throat closing his air passage and slowly chocking him.

Commander Mist struggled with all his might but with his weak body, his lack of air and his inability to use his magic in this state, it seemed useless. Listening to the gasping and suffocating stallion, Blade looked back at the city, “TRAIPSE LOOK!!!”
Continuing to strangle his foe, Traipse looked up, “What!”
Traipse looked at Kestrel as the griffin rebels, were fleeing from the city in fear. Seeing this Traipse knew that this battle was already over, so he looked down at the soldier who was now starting to lose consciousness then replied, “Fine! If we won’t win this battle, then we will take a prisoner instead.”

Traipse pulled both spears from the ground as Commander Mist rolled to his side gasping for air. Traipse called out, “Put him in chains! He is coming with us!”
A number of the griffin rebels who were watching the fight from a distance rushed up and chained Commander Mist while he passed out on the ground where he was laying. As the griffin carried him off Traipse started trotting back behind them, but as he did he stopped to look at Blade, “Is this acceptable?”
Blade looked back and replied, “What are you talking about?”
Traipse didn’t reply, he just continued following the griffin with no expression to show his thoughts.

Back in the city, Major Bolt struggled to stand up. The wood rubble that was on top of him pinning him to the ground was now ash so when he stood up, the only resistance he felt was the exhaustion that came from using the Lightning Orb. Major Bolt looked at the three griffin as they laid in front of him, as he did so he felt the pulse of the one closest to him and sighed as a tear rolled down his face, “I… I warned you… why? Why didn’t you listen? Why didn…”
"You ok major?"
Major Gill flew up and landed as Major Bolt replied, "I'm fine... just… fine."

Major Gill looked at the dead griffin in the area and replied, “Not bad for your first battle. And you even survived the whole thing too.”
Major Bolt looked around and asked, “It’s over? What happened?"
Major Gill smiled, “You tell me. Whatever it was that you did made the enemy run away in fear. I gotta say, I was scared too."
Major Bolt asked, "So what's next?"
Major Gill replied, "You should know. You’re in charge of the Equestrian forces. As for me I'm going to gather my griffin and find out my casualty count. I'd suggest you do the same."
Major Bolt nodded his head, “That's a good idea. I'll do that."

Outside the city, The Griffin Revolutionaries set up a camp. Though the camp was visible from the city, both sides seemed to continue to hold their truce for the time being to rest and resupply. meanwhile Commander Mist was escorted back to the underground caverns that they used as a secret base camp. The small convoy, composed of Traipse, Blade, a few griffins and a wagon with Commander Mist laying on it, made its way back as Blade spoke, “Tri? I'm curious, why didn’t you just kill him on the spot? You could have easily stabbed him while he was on the ground, yet instead you ju…”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Blade persisted, “Why?”
Traipse stopped and turned to her, “If you want to kill him so badly then cut his throat and be done with it!”

Blade looked at the unconscious pony, then replied, “No… a soldier with his strength deserves to die fighting.”
Traipse then asked, “So what’s next? Are you going to offer him as a hostage, ask if he wants to employ us, or even use him to gain information on our enemy?”
Blade replied, “N-no, I...”
Traipse shook his head in irritation, “Then shut up and keep moving! Unless you have an idea of what to do with him… I don’t want to hear it!”
Blade was surprised; Traipse has never snapped at her like that before. She knew her history with this stallion, but she was unsure what was irritating him so much. Nevertheless, knowing that she didn’t want to bring up either of their pasts, she just continued the convoy with nothing further on the subject.

Back in Kestrel, Major Bolt trotted up to Sergeant Major Storm as he was talking with Major Gill, "What's the count?"
Storms replied, "Sir... I have some bad news, fifteen of our soldiers are dead, three are severely wounded... And one is missing."
Major Bolt replied, “Ok get the names of the dead and missing soldiers to Commander Mist when you see him."
Storm hesitated, "That's the bad news sir... The missing soldier... Is Commander Mist."
Major Bolt replied, "What are you talking about Storm?"

Major Gill spoke, "Major... What he means to say is... Commander Mist has been captured."
As Major Bolt sat down in concern Storm continued, "Sir... You were second in command. Now, we need you to give us our next order."
Major Bolt thought to himself, "He... He was just here... How... Why...?”
"Major... What are our orders?"
Major Bolt looked at the damage on the city wall and hesitated. Storm spoke up, “MAJOR!...”
Major Bolt looked back and replied with worry in his voice, “I… I… I don’t know…”
Storm shook his head, “Then we are all going to die here, unless you think of something.”

Ch9 Familiarized Eyes

As he sat at the edge of the glowing crater, Major Bolt couldn't help but wonder what's next. Looking at the glowing zap apple tree of his past was the only way he could feel at ease. It was here almost eleven years ago that he first created the Lightning Orb... It was here that every aspect of his foalhood from his parents, his home, his age, and his existents was erased from his memory. As he tried pondering his actions, he heard a gentle sound of hoofprints approach from behind. "Star Bolt? Are you ok?"

Major Bolt didn't turn around as he replied, "Luna? What am I supposed to do? I... I don't know what to do next."
Princess Luna smiled as she sat down beside Major Bolt, “Do what you think is best, I'm sure you will make the rig..."
"But I don’t know what's best!... Commander Mist is gone. Our numbers are down, my soldiers don’t trust my guidance, and the enemy is hovering just outside if Kestrel... I don't know what to do."

Luna thought to herself for a second then playfully leaned against him, "You know what? I saw a similar incident here a number if years ago... There was a young colt who had just earned his cutie mark, this stubborn little guy didn't know his name, his city of birth, or even his age..."
Major Bolt rolled his eyes, "Oh great, here we go..."
"And despite all of that, the foal made his choice. To grow up and become a young, strong, noble,..."
"Handsome?..."
Luna giggled as she continued, "Ego enriched soldier. And since then it was his choice that made him into what he is today. And I believe that this soldier can make the right choice if he decided what he wanted most of the soldiers under his command."

Major Bolt looked back at the tree and smiled, "I want to bring as many back as possible. I know I can't save us all... But they deserve to come home alive."
Princess Luna smiled, "Then give them an order that can help them do so."
Major Bolt smiled, “You always seem to know how to help me Luna."
Luna smiled, “It’s my duty to help all my subjects when needed. Besides you always come to the thunder grounds when you're troubled... Even in your dreams. But that's not the only reason you’re here is it?"
Major Bolt sighed, “I’m thinking about the lives I took today. I... I don’t like it... I only killed a hoof full... But those griffin didn't deserve to die. I don't want to kill... I can't stop thinking about it."

Princess Luna looked at the tree and replied, "In war... We all have to make tough choices. Whether its civilians deciding to abandon their homes, soldiers deciding to kill, or even a princess deciding to send her soldiers to die on battlefields... But if I didn't send you... Then the enemy would meet us here in Canterlot. If you don't kill, then you yourself will be killed, and if the civilians don't abandon their homes then they risk losing their family. We must do what must be done, that's all there is to it."

Major Bolt replied, "I'm not proud of the lives I take... I'm proud of the ones I save."
Luna looked back at Major Bolt, "what?"
“Sergeant Major Storm gave me some advice before the battle, I understand it, but what I don’t understand is; why don’t the griffin appeal to the same logic? I just don’t understand why they choose to fight the way they do and still survive the challenges that life throws at them.”
Luna smiled, “Griffin base their life on war... Though it seems barbaric, many life lessons are easily learned when faced with life threatening situations."
Major Bolt sighed, “So... I'm going to have to kill again... Aren't I?"

Luna nodded her head, "You still have a mission Star Bolt, but remember, we want you to come home alive so if worst comes to it. Don't be afraid to run away."
Major Bolt nodded his head, "of course your majesty, I understand. Do… I mean, have you been able to find out where Commander Mist is?"
Luna sighed, "No, something is blocking my magic so I can't go into his dreams. Wherever he is, I hope he is safe."
“I hope so too Luna… I really do.”

Elsewhere Commander Mist slowly regained consciousness to find himself hanging from the ceiling upside down with all four hooves chained together. He also noticed that they placed some kind of harness around his head that covered his horn. As Commander Mist looked around the room he was in, he could easily tell that it was a cave that was turned into an underground hideout. In the corner of the room sat a griffin with a very unamused look on his face. Commander Mist couldn’t pass up this opportunity to become an unruly prisoner, so he smiled, "So... Who did you tick off to get placed as the pony's guard?"

The griffin sneered at Commander Mist but didn't reply. Just then, Traipse entered the chamber and smiled, "Well good morning commander. I hope you had a nice sleep.”
Commander Mist just shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "Considering the nice head piece you gave me… I found it to be rather peaceful.”
Traipse smiled, “that harness around your horn will prevent you from using your magic. So don’t waste your energy.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Well that explains why the princess never approached me in my dream… I wish I knew that sooner… then my dream would have been a little more enjoyable if you know what I mean.”
Traipse smiled, “I see your sense of humor has gotten better.”
“Soldiers are getting younger as the days go by, I gotta appeal to them somehow… or maybe the blood in my head is making me feel loopy.”

Traipse started pacing around Commander Mist as he spoke, “I'm sure you'rewondering by now what’s become of Kestrel, right?”
Commander Mist tried to act uninterested, “Sort of… why?”
Traipse replied, “Don’t worry; the city is still under your control. But we are setting a stage for the next attack soon.”
Commander Mist tried to act unamused, “So… you’re going to keep at it till all your griffin are dead aren’t you?”
Traipse replied as he started pacing away from Commander Mist, “Your numbers are down and we will gain more soldiers by this afternoon so don’t think your army will win a second attack.”

Commander Mist sighed, “Why are you doing this anyway Traipse? Money, revenge, or is this all just for some sick thrills?”
Traipse looked back at Commander Mist and replied, “We all have our purpose… our reason for existing; mine is war, but since I can’t fight for my nation anymore… I might as well fight for others.”
Commander Mist spoke up, “Not all soldiers are meant solely for war. I know that someday I will retire, settle down, and have a family. So what will you do when you become old and decrypted?”
Without considering his options, Traipse replied, “I'll die in battle… may not be today, tomorrow or anytime within the next decade. But mark my words… I will die in battle someday. If it takes until I’m old and decrypted, then so be it. I don’t carry a weapon so I don’t need to be strong enough to carry a sword… I only need to stand stra…”

Commander Mist interrupted him… “You stubborn fool! Ponies weren’t born to spill the blood of others! Not continuously like you do!”
Traipse sneered at Commander Mist and replied, “And what about you Commander Chrome Mist! You give your loyalty to two princesses who do nothing but corrupt the dreams of others and sit on their throne while they send their soldiers to die! YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A HYPOCRITE!!!”
Commander Mist Sneered at Traipse, but he didn’t reply to the insult. As Traipse stood in front of Commander Mist, he felt the presence of another so he asked, “Why don’t you just settle down now Mist? Surrender your army and leave the Griffin Kingdoms. I bet that cadet of yours is still waiting for you to come home, right? What was her name again? Dirt?... no, it was Dust wasn’t it?”

Commander Mist sighed, “Why is it that everypony thinks that Major Dust and I had a fling? She was just a student!”
Traipse smiled, “So… you didn’t marry her after all? Funny the way you two acted last time I saw you, I figured you’d make an honest mare out of her.”
Commander Mist replied, “No… she just likes to flirt. Besides she was married not too long ago… she just likes to keep her home life and work life separate.”
Traipse continued, “So the great Commander Mist has nopony waiting for him back home then?”
Commander Mist sarcastically smiled, “Nope, still single… why?... are you interested? Sorry but I'm not… that way. Though I respect your boldness.”

Traipse smiled as he trotted close to Commander Mist and punched him in his gut as hard as he could. As Commander Mist coughed in pain Traipse replied, “Don’t flatter yourself, even if I was that way… I could do better.”
“Ouch… two low blows in a row… that hurts.”
Traipse replied, “a little advice… don’t get too comfortable. Once your army is finished off, then I plan t…”
“TRAIPSE!!!”
Traipse turned towards the entrance as the angry griffin general entered the room, “Why is he still alive?! I want him dealt with NOW!!!”
Traipse casually replied, “Any prisoner of The Cutters… Belongs to the Cutters! You have no place to order me to do anything with him! Understand?”

The annoyed griffin sneered at Traipse as he walked by him, “Fine! I'll do it myself!”
As the griffin approached Commander Mist, he drew his sword and swung it, aiming for Commander Mist’s neck. Commander Mist closed his eyes expecting the worst but the next sound he heard was the sound of metal on metal that echoed through the rest of the cave. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see Blade standing between them, with her wing held up blocking the sword. Blade glared at the surprised Griffin as she spoke with a terrifying rage in her voice, “Lay one talon on him… and I will remove both your wings by slowly sawing through them so that you feel every bit of pain that my blade has to offer.”
Blade pushed the sword away as she flung her other wing around cutting the griffin on the side of his face. The Griffin general took a few steps back as he covered his cut and sneered at her, “You!!!… You bi…”
“Consider that a warning… you know just as well as I do that she will do what she says she will. Without hesitation… and without mercy.”

Commander Mist just hung there enjoying the show as he looked at Blade and spoke, “Well hello again beautiful… I know this is an unusual place for a third date but I'm not picky.”
Blade turned and looked back at Commander Mist, then without any expression, she bashed him across his face knocking him unconscious. Traipse spoke to the griffin general, “If you want him… you’re going to have to buy him from us.”
The griffin general replied, “Keep your little trophy… it makes no difference to me. Just be ready to send my troops back into Kestrel to finish the job.”

As the griffin turned to leave the room Blade spoke, “You’re not going in with us?”
The griffin replied, “No I'm moving south to gather even more reinforcements. I just dropped two hundred thirty five outside, they’re a rowdy bunch but they will prove useful.”
Traipse mumbled to himself, “Coward…”
The Griffin heard the insult, but rather than test Traipse patience, he just ignored it at he left the room. Blade approached Traipse and spoke, “should we move out then?”
“Yes… it’s time to take kestrel.”
“Were you really going to let him kill Mist like that?”
Traipse turned to Blade and replied, “No… I knew you were there; you’re not as stealthy as Scy was. Either way, I hope you like his answer to my question.”
“Question?”
Traipse didn’t reply, instead he just smiled as he left the room. After Traipse was gone, Blade looked back at the unconscious Unicorn and smiled, “Thanks… I did.”

Back in Kestrel, Major Bolt was trotting through the streets looking at his soldiers who were enjoying their downtime. Some chose to write letters home knowing full and well that they may never reach home, some chose to sharpen their weapons, some were sleeping while the rest were talking about where they are from in Equestria. Nevertheless no matter what they were doing, each one who looked at Major Bolt, gave him a look of distrust, and why wouldn’t they, it’s unheard of for a leader to tell his soldiers he didn’t know what to do. Major Bolt trotted all the way to the city wall where Sergeant Major Storm was standing with Major Gill looking at the enemy camp. Sergeant Major Storm continued looking at the camp as he spoke, “They’ve begun regrouping… The soldiers will need their orders, have you figured out what you want to do yet sir?”

Major Gill and Sergeant Major Storm looked at Major Bolt as he lowered his head, “yes… I know what to do now… and… I want you to promise me something. If this battle doesn’t work in our favor, then whether I give the order or not… I want you to retreat.”
“But, sir…”
“That’s an order, sergeant!”
Sergeant Major Storm smiled, “There, now you’re sounding like a leader.”
Major Gill spoke up, “I'm going to gather my troops, like before we will post a perimeter outside the city. Hopefully we can hold them there, but be ready just in case.”
Major Bolt replied, “Understood, we will continue to defend the city from the inside. I wish you luck Major.”
Gill smiled, “You know what Bolt, for a pony, you’re alright.”
Star Bolt could only smile as he turned to Storm and gave his orders, “Gather the soldiers, I need to speak with all of them before this battle begins.”

Outside the city, Traipse was standing with Blade as she read the wind, “have the trebuchets adjust their aim three degrees east. There is a strong head wind today, but it will die before this evening.”
Traipse looked at one of the griffin soldiers and spoke, “You heard her. Pass the word.”
The griffin replied as he flew away “Yes sir!”
Then Traipse looked back at Blade and spoke, “I planned the last attack, so it’s your turn… what’s our plan?”
Blade replied, “The gate, if we focus our strategy on opening the gate then once we get it open, the city will fall.”
Traipse nodded his head, “That sounds good, either way this time we won’t stop till the city is in our control. Where will you be once the attack begins?”
“I'll join the griffin attacking the gate, just be ready when the gate is open.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Aren’t I always?”

Back in the city, Major Bolt stood on top of a few crates addressing his soldiers, “I know you’re all unsure about me taking command over you, and I don’t blame you. I can never be the leader that Commander Mist was, I can’t look anyone of you in the eye and say with confidence that we will win. But I won’t say we will lose either. The only thing I will say is this. I won’t run away, when this battle begins, I plan to fight, but I won’t retreat. Even if I'm surrounded with no way out, I’ll fight until it’s no longer possible. But I won’t ask that from you. If at any time, anypony sees me fall, or if it seems that there is no way you to win this battle, I want you to retreat.”
Sergeant Snow stepped forward, “But a noble soldier never retreats!”
“This is an order! If I fall… you run! I’d rather you tell your foals of your defeat, than to have them find out when you don’t come home.”

Major Gill landed in front of Major Bolt and yelled, “Major! The enemy has begun their approach!”
Major Bolt nodded his head then called out “Our priority is to defend Kestrel from the inside! We need to prevent the griffin Rebellion from taking this city! I wish you all luck in this battle. All soldiers to arms!”
as Major Bolt jumped down from the crates, he approached Sergeant Major Storm and spoke, “Storm can I trust you to lead the soldiers in the streets?”
Storm was confused, “The streets? But where will you be sir?”
“I'm leading from the city wall. I have to prevent the gate from falling, I can’t keep hiding back here.”
Storm smiled, “You know… I don’t know what Princess Luna told you last night… but whatever it was, it helped. Commander Mist wouldn’t approve… but he would be proud.”
Major Bolt put his hoof in Storm’s shoulder and spoke, “You’re a good friend Storm… it was an honor fighting beside you.”

Storm smiled, “What, am I going somewhere? Your talking like this is going to be our last battle… we still got a whole war to fight y-know, so I’d get that out of your mind if I were you… besides, we still have to save Mist right? I’ve been waiting too long to find a reason for him to owe me one. I can’t let a chance like this pass me by.”
Major Bolt smiled, “You know something… you're right! That stubborn old blowhard owes me a lot… so I think it’s about time I give him reason to pay up.”
“That’s the spirit sir! I'll see you after the battle ends!”
Major Bolt couldn’t agree with that, since he didn’t know how it would end… but he didn’t want to show it, so he smiled and nodded his head as he continued towards the city wall.

Once he got there, he saw a number of his soldiers standing there observing the enemy formations as they moved closer to the city, “Sir, the griffin royal army has already begun the battle.”
Major Bolt replied, “Keep your attention to the sky… most likely they will do the same thing they did yesterday, and attack from the sky.”
“Yes sir… um… sir? did you mean what you said back there?”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “I can’t be afraid anymore… otherwise none of us will make it back.”
The soldier smiled, “I have to admit, I feel a little better about following your orders now sir.”
Major Bolt nodded his head and replied, “good, then follow this one, SHIELDS UP!!!”

The soldier looked up to see a thick cloud of arrows slowly climb into the air over them. Major Bolt and the rest of the soldiers on the wall raised their shields as the arrows begin raining on them like a metal storm. Like the last battle, Major Bolt felt a large amount of fear, however, this time he was able to keep his senses and watch what was happening around him. As he looked around from behind the protection of his shield, Major Bolt could see the arrows glazing off the outside and fly completely around him keeping him safe. After a while, the arrows started to let up but Major Bolt still felt like he was in danger despite the decreased number in falling arrows. Major Bolt didn’t know what was approaching but he still decided to peek out of the corner of his shield so he could be ready.

As he looked around his shield, he saw Blade diving from behind the rain of arrows. Thinking fast, Major Bolt jumped back just in time to dodge her blade when she attempted to attack around it. After dodging what could have been a fatal strike, Major Bolt held his weapon at the ready as Blade landed and smiled, “hello again handsome… I see you're still alive, good. Now you and I can have some real fun. Let’s just hope this proves to be more interesting than last time.”
Major Bolt sneered at the mare, “Where is he?”
“He who?”
“Don’t give me that… Where is Commander Mist?”
Blade braced herself to attack as she replied, “He’s a little tied up at the moment…”

Blade charged forward and started swinging her weapons at Major Bolt as he blocked each swing with his shield. As Blade continued attacking, Major Bolt continued to block each attack leaving a gash in his shield with each passing swing. Major Bolt tried all he could to find an chance to counter attack, but Blade continued her barrage of attacks leaving almost no time to react. Finally, Major Bolt saw the pattern in the way she swung her weapons, so while timing it right, Major Bolt parried her next strike and lunged his shield forward in an attempt to stab her in her neck. Seeing the attempted strike, Blade leaned her body away from the shield and only sustained a small cut on the side of her neck as she jumped back and felt the newly acquired wound, “Well, well, it looks like I underestimated you colt… I won’t do that twi…”

Before Blade could finish her sentence, the wall that the two ponies were standing on started to shake. Looking further down the wall revealed a large number of boulders crashing down either hitting the wall directly, or hitting the ground in front of it and rolling into the side. Seeing that they were in the line of fire from the long-range trebuchets, both Blade and Major Bolt looked into the sky to see a boulder heading right for them. Thinking fast, Blade rushed towards the edge of the wall and flew off and out of the way. However, with his inability to fly, Major Bolt chose instead to turn and galloped down the wall to escape the incoming projectile. However, this proved to be a big mistake.

The incoming boulder collaged with the top corner of the wall right in front of Major Bolt sending stone debris, and a powerful shockwave right into him tossing him from the top of the wall, and causing him to crash through the roof of a shack inside the city. After falling through the roof of a random building, Major Bolt struggled to pick himself up as he looked around. The room was full of dust, and his weapon was nowhere to be found, as Major Bolt stumbled to the closest object that he could see. It was a large furnace meant for heating molting metal. He was in a blacksmith’s shack, but as the dust cleared, there was still no sign of his shield, only farming equipment. As Major Bolt tried to keep enough balance to trot, could hear the sound of crumbling stone, and calls for retreat outside the shack. Dazed, confused, and concerned for the sounds around him, Major Bolt stumbled to the door of the shack and opened it to reveal a surprise

Outside the old shack, Major Bolt saw that the wall he was standing on had already collapsed and there was a large number of enemy griffins, all staring directly at him, and all with their weapons at the ready. The unarmed stallion shook off his dizziness and looked around for something to fight with, but the only thing within his reach was an old farming scythe, so he quickly grabbed it and held it at the ready as he yelled to his enemies, “COME ON!!!”
Most of the griffin leagued as the rest could only smile in amusement at this stallion’s hopelessness. So to homer him, one griffin stepped forward, “If you’re so interested in death, then allow me to send you there.”
The griffin charged forward and swung his sword at Major Bolt in an attempt to strike him vertically from above. Seeing the griffins opening already, Major Bolt completely turned his scythe around and blocked with the underside of the shaft, then quickly turning the scythe back and flinging the griffin’s sword out of the way Major Bolt dug the sharp blade into the griffin’s side just below his right shoulder.

The stunned griffin dropped his sword and started to fall to the ground as Major Bolt pulled the blade from his opponent and yelled, “WHO’S NEXT!!! I GOT ALL DAY!!!”
Major Bolt couldn’t believe what he was saying, it was as if somepony else’s rage was being channeled through him. he wasn’t even afraid anymore the only though he had, was which side would they attack from next… and how can he counter it? Next two griffins charged him, one from the front and one from behind. Dodging the first griffins horizontal swing, Major Bolt also attacked horizontally digging the blade into the griffins body, the continuing his swing picking up the griffins body and flinging it around to hit the other griffin before he got close enough to attack.

A few feet away, Traipse had just climbed to the top of the wall’s rubble and was watching the standoff as it was taking place on the streets of kestrel. As he watched, he couldn’t help but think to himself about seeing this exact scene somewhere before. As he continued watching, one by one the griffin started attacking the lone pony only to have the long scythe blade strike them down until finally Major Bolt glared directly at him then held the scythe at the ready. Traipse froze, “No… it… it can’t be… Those eyes… they’re… Her eyes… S-Serenity?”
While glaring at Traipse Major Bolt didn’t notice that a griffin was approaching from behind and was about to stab him in the back so Traipse called out, “STOP!!!”

As his voice echoed through the street, the attacking griffin stopped in his tracks, only to have Major Bolt realize he was there. Major Bolt swung around and dug the scythe blade into the griffin’s neck, then pulled the blade out as the unsuspecting foe fell to the ground. The rest of the griffin where frozen in place as they cleared a path for the feared mercenary to approach Major Bolt. As Traipse made his way into the circle of griffin, he started to pace around Major Bolt as he asked, “Your name… What is it?”
Major Bolt didn’t reply, instead out of rage he charged forward and swung the scythe at his enemy. However, his rage clouded his concentration so it was easy for Traipse to step closer and catch the scythe by its shaft. Still holding his enemy’s weapon in place, Traipse punched Major Bolt in the side of his face, causing him to let go of the weapon and fall to the ground.

Traipse then tossed the scythe away from him and continued, “I ASKED YOU A QUESTION COLT!!! WHAT IS YOUR NAME!?!”
Major Bolt wiped the blood from his mouth as he stood up, “Bolt… Major Star Bolt…”
“Star Bolt huh?... Pick up you weapon!”
Major Bolt didn’t trust Traipse at all, so he ignored the comment and just stood there glaring at him. Traipse stood there eying Major Bolt down, as he repeated himself, “What are you, deaf? I said pick up your weapon and face me!”
Major Bolt continued glaring at Traipse as he slowly trotted to the scythe and picked it up. Traipse smiled, “Now… Show me what you can do… colt.”

Major Bolt held the scythe at the ready then charged forward, and swung at his enemy. Traipse ducked and dodged the first attack with ease, then when Major Bolt attempted a second swing, Traipse jumped out of the way then lunged forward punching Major Bolt in his face. Stunned and angry, Major Bolt attempted a third swing that was vertical, however like the first two Traipse stepped out of the way and smiled as the blade got lodged in the ground beside him, “PATHETIC!”
with one swift uppercut, Traipse punched Major Bolt sending him into the air, and hitting the ground a few feet away. Major Bolt laid there stunned at the punch he just took to his jaw as Traipse yelled, “GET UP!!!”
Major Bolt rolled to his side but remained on the ground as Traipse trotted next to him and kicked him in his gut, “I SAID GET UP!!!”

Major Bolt coughed in pain as he laid there on the ground. Traipse shook his head, “You call yourself a soldier? You aimlessly trot onto a battlefield and expect mercy from your enemy? YOU’RE WEAK!!! YOU’RE PATHETIC!!! YOU HAVE NO PLACE IN BATTLE!!!”
in a fit of rage, Major Bolt swung his wing in hopes of tripping Traipse, only to have it caught in midair. As Traipse began squeezing his wing, he could see the pain in Major Bolt’s eyes, “Desperate enough to attack with a wounded wing? Well at least you have the spirit of a soldier… But that doesn’t change a THING!!!”
With the emphasis in his last word, Traipse flung Major Bolt through the air by his wing and slammed him into the wall of the blacksmith shack.

The griffin watching the fight where all silent, as they continued watching with great anticipation. Trying to prove Traipse wrong, Major Bolt stood up and glared at his enemy, now his wing was completely lump. Traipse smiled, “Ignoring the pain of a dislocated wing? Maybe you do have what it takes to be a soldier… but this fight is over. You have been tested and you have failed. Better, stay off the battlefield from now on. You may live longer.”
Traipse then turned around and began trotting away as Major Bolt attempted one last charge. Expecting the pegasus’s persistence, Traipse waited until Major Bolt was close enough before he used all the force he had to kick backwards with both rear hooves, tossing his enemy through the air and causing him to crash through the wall of the blacksmith shack.

Traipse turned and smiled as Major Bolt used all the strength he had left to stumble to his hooves, but before he could take a single step, the battered blacksmith shack collapsed on top of the proud soldier. Major Bolt climbed partially out from under the rubble, as Traipse kneeled down to speak to him, “You’re pretty good Bolt, I'm impressed, but now is the time to admit defeat.”
Major Bolt tried to speak, “D-do what you want with m-me… but… allow my soldiers.. to retreat…”
With no strength to wait for a reply, Major Bolt passed out, as Traipse stood up and replied silently, “Anypony else could make that offer and I would refuse… but I can’t say no to those eyes.”
Traipse then turned to his soldiers and called out, “PUT HIM IN CHAINS AND GIVE THE ENEMY A PROPER ESCAPE ROUTE!!! Let them run away with their lives!”
“WHY!!!”

Traipse looked over at a griffin who stepped out of the formation as he continued, “Why are we letting them go! Griffin Soldiers never took prisoners before you ponies were appointed over us, so why are we now?”
Traipse sighed, “You should know by now that a soldier never questions his superior’s orders.”
“You’re not my superior… the general is. He only told me to follow your order, but so far, all I’ve seen you do is spare pony lives. This is not how the griffin kingdom does battle!”
Traipse smiled, “correct me if I'm wrong… but your enemy is the griffin kingdom, so you have no place to criticize how differently I command you.”
“Oh really? And what will you do abo…”
The griffin froze as he felt the cold steel of the Cupid’s Kiss across his throat. Traipse only smiled as he replied, “Oh… I won’t do anything… Blade on the other hoof, will be very creative on what she will do about it.”

The nervous griffin looked down to see Blade glaring at him as she spoke, “Your commanding officer gave you an order… and you will follow that said order… am I clear?”
The griffon nervously replied, “Y-yes ma’am… It won’t happen again ma’am.”
“No… it won’t.”
Blade quickly ran her weapon’s edge across the griffin’s throat cutting deep, and causing the soldier to fall to the ground wheezing and flapping his wings in a manner that was hard for the surrounding griffin to watch. Completely ignoring the dying griffin, Blade trotted out in front of the nervous griffin soldiers, “Let this be a lesson to you all!!! We are the cutters! And anypony, griffin, minotaur, zebra or even dragon who wishes to challenge us… will meet his fate! Unless, you have value to us alive… then and only then will you be spared. NOW FOLLOW YOUR ORDERS AND PROVIDE THE ENEMY WITH AN ESCAPE ROUTE!!!”

The surrounding griffin broke off and did as they were ordered, while Blade trotted up to Traipse and spoke, “Good catch Tri… but I think you only lessened your chances of convincing him to join us.”
Traipse replied, “Good… because he won’t.”
“What? Why?”
Traipse replied, “Because he is still just an immature colt… He doesn’t belong on a battlefield.”
Blade stepped up to Major Bolt as the griffin soldiers pulled him from the rubble, put hoof cuffs on his hooves, and doped him in front of Traipse, “I'll agree he has a lot to learn… but you see it don’t you? He is very skilled and fearless. I mean, look at my neck! It’s been decades since anypony has even so much as glazed my feathers, but this colt managed to break the skin. I don’t know about you… but the boss would agree when I say he should joi…”
“No she wouldn’t!”
“Really? And what makes you say that?”

Traipse didn’t know how to reply, instead he just turned and trotted away, “Finish the battle Blade. There is still an enemy to defeat.”
As Traipse continued further into the city, Blade opened Major Bolt’s eye to look at his eye color, then she closed it, and sighed, “I just don’t see what his problem is… something is up with him… Tri would never pass up this chance to recruit another. I don’t know what’s going on, but I'm going to find out.”

Ch10 "Talk"

“Commander! We need some help… there is a new shop in the marketplace that is asking you to cut the ribbon at the grand opening.”
Commander Dust sighed, “Why can’t the shop owner do it himself!?! I'm busy!”
Captain Fleurir sighed, “They are requesting you… they believe it’s good luck for the commander of the Royal Guards to wish the shop luck in business by…”
“OK, OK, FINE!!! tell them I'll do it tomorrow! I need to finish organizing the ceremony for the unveiling of Princess Luna’s latest constellation! Then I have to settle the dispute between the landowners in the slums… then I have to meet with the new recruits to give them a motivational speech welcoming them to the Royal Guards then… AGH!!! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!! How does Commander Mist put up with all this crap! Celestia kill me now…”

All of a sudden, a voice came from behind, “I would… But then who would I find to solve all these problems?”
Commander Dust quickly turned around and nervously bowed, “Your… your majesty! I… uh… my apologies your majesty I didn’t mean to use your name in vain… I um… I mean…”
Princess Celestia smiled, “It’s ok commander… I understand it’s a rough job commanding the Royal Guards. But it must be done. Is everything going well?”
Commander Dust sighed, “Well the kingdom hasn’t collapsed… yet. I just don’t understand how Commander Mist does it. I’ve been in charge for a little over a week and I'm ready to kill somepony. While he goes about it acting like it’s nothing.”

Princess Celestia smiled, “Commander Mist has had a lot of practice. Sometimes I think he will never retire, especially after his betrothed died. Nevertheless, He will complete his mission and be back so…”
“SISTER!!!”
Princess Celestia turned around as Princess Luna approached them, “Princess Luna, shouldn’t you be getting rest till sunse…”
“It’s Star Bolt! Now he has gone missing too!”
Princess Celestia was worried, “What? what happened?”
Princess Luna replied, “Sergeant Major Storm was the only pony I could contact in the Griffin Kingdoms. He says that the city of Kestrel has fallen to the Griffin Rebellion and Sta… I mean Major Bolt is among those who are unaccounted for.”

Commander Dust immediately reacted by turning toward Captain Fleurir , “Gather the forces and be ready to mobilize as many troops that are available. Tell them to be ready to march towards the Griffin Kingdoms by…”
“Hold your horses Commander… this isn’t the time to panic. Sister, when did he go missing?”
Princess Luna replied, “Just yesterday afternoon. He gave an order to retreat if necessary, and… he gave his word that he wouldn’t retreat, no matter what.”
Princess Celestia shook her head, “If anything happens as a result of this, then it will happen in Gryphus first. We cannot act so hastily, otherwise we could turn the Griffin Kingdoms’ hostility towards us.”
“But Princess, We must..”
“Calm down commander. you can gather your troops if you want… but I don’t want any of them stepping into the Griffin Kingdoms unless I see a need to do so. For now, let’s just increase security on the border. Captain Fleurir, increase security on vital parts of Canterlot. We need to be ready for any attack, both outside and inside Equestria.”

Princess Luna put her hoof on her face and sighed, “I can only hope for the best… I feel so useless…”
“Don’t talk like that sister, Major Star Bolt may be stubborn… but remember who trained him. He and Commander Mist will return, of this I am certain.”
Captain Fleurir spoke next, “Your majesty? What about the other solders in the Griffin Kingdoms… are they alright?”
Princess Luna replied, “Yes, however the numbers have been marked down to ten soldiers total. They have been appointed to the castle in Gryphus to guard the king now.”
Princess Celestia nodded her head, “Then there is still hope. So long as one soldier remains. There will always be hope.”

Farther away in Kestrel, Major Bolt slowly opened his eyes and realized he was lying on his back in the hospital. Feeling exhausted, he turned his head to the side and saw Traipse standing there with Blade and a few griffin doctors. Traipse shook his head and spoke, “Colt, you chose the worst possible time to wake up.”
Major Bolt replied, “Wh-what… what in Celestia's name are you…”
The doctor called to his nurses, who were holding his dislocated wing out, “Ready… On three… One… Two… Three!...”
After the doctor called three, the nurses pushed in Major Bolt’s wing popping it back into place and sending an intense pain through his body. Major Bolt screamed in pain as Traipse patted him on his shoulder, “Calm down colt… the pain means you’re still alive, it’s a good realization that you’ve survived yet another battle… however, I wouldn’t consider it a victorious battle.”

Major Bolt breathed heavily as he replied through the pain, “Where… where am I?... what did you… do with my soldiers?”
Traipse replied, “They’re safe. They retreated out the back gate and made their way back to Gryphus.”
“why… Why am I… still alive?...”
“there isn’t a need to kill you just yet. first, I want to speak with you about a particular matter. But now isn’t the time, first you need to get a little more rest. I'll come back and speak with you later.”
As Traipse turned around, Major Bolt called to him, “WAIT!!!... Co… Commander M… Mist… Where is he?...”
Traipse turned and looked at Major Bolt, “what is he to you? why do you care where he is?”
Major Bolt cringed as he replied, “that… that isn’t your concern…”
Traipse nodded his head, “well then, neither are you.”

Traipse turned and Blade both left the room as Major Bolt lied there confused with Traipse answer, “Wait!... I'm not finished… with you yet! Get… Get Back here and tell me where he is!... GET BACK HERE!!!”
as they made their way down the hospital hall, Blade asked, “Why do you need to talk with him Traipse? I though you said he won’t be joining the Cutters.”
Traipse replied without any expression, “He won’t…”
“Then what do you need to ask him?”
“It’s not your concern.”
Blade quickly stepped in front of Traipse and spoke, “Not my concern? NOT MY CONCERN!?! I am your partner! Everything that concerns The Cutters concerns me too!”
Traipse gave her a look of irritation, “Step aside Blade.”
“No! I deserve explana…”

Before Blade could finish her sentence, Traipse reached out, grabbed her wing, and slammed her against the wall by it. Then with one hoof already on one wing Traipse grabbed her other wing, pinned her against the wall and spoke, with an infuriated voice, “This matter goes deeper than you… it goes deeper thaan anything you could understand.”
Stunned and nervous, Blade replied, “Then tell me… and if I don’t understand… you won’t hear another word from me…”
Traipse glared at Blade and reared back his hoof to punch her. Blade closed her eyes as she flinched but the punch never came, slowly she opened her eyes and saw that his hoof was still reared back but he held it in place as he sighed, “Just let it be Blade… I'm sorry… but I can’t let you get involved with this. Just trust me when I say it won’t put you or the cutters at risk… that’s all I ask.”
Traipse dropped Blade and turned to continue down the hall as Blade looked in amassment at Traipse. She called to him, “You know! We don’t tell each other our past for a reason… because it can endanger one or both of us. But if you don’t let me know… then it still could.”
Traipse didn’t turn around as he replied, “It won’t…”
Blade knew he was keeping a secret from her, one that could have something to do with his past. But she decided to let it be… for now. So she followed Traipse as they left the building, and went outside.

About an hour later, Commander Mist was still hanging from the ceiling in the cave as he was annoying the griffin guard, “Hey Skippy? How long have you been fighting?”
The Guard didn’t reply as Commander Mist continued, “Is that so… me? I’ve been in about twenty years. Need any advice?”
The guard sneered at him as he answered himself again, “I can’t say it’s the best advice but I'll tell you that it’s a bad idea to carry a spear when one of your soldiers likes to play with lighting.”
The guard continued to hold his silence as Commander Mist continued, “Yea, that’s what will happen, especially if your spear is made of metal. It’s a regular lightning rod… you know what Skippy? You’re all right. If we ever get out of this alive… I'm taken you out for a drink… my treat.”
Continuing his conversation with himself, Commander Mist didn’t notice as both Traipse and Blade entered the cave, “Hello again commander? Are you keeping yourself entertained?”

Commander Mist looked over at Traipse and smiled, “Yep… Skippy and I are just catching up on stories of our career.”
Blade spoke, “Skippy?”
“Yep the guard right there… He doesn’t talk much, but since he won’t tell me, his name I decided to call him Skippy. Ain’t that right Skippy?”
Blade couldn’t help but giggle at Commander Mist’s sense of humor as the griffin guard looked over at Traipse, “Sir! Permission to put this pony out of MY misery?”
Traipse smiled, “Denied! But you’ve earned yourself break. Go rest… I think it’s safe to say he won’t be going anywhere any time soon… especially since Kestrel is now under my control.”

The guard saluted Traipse as he left the room, as Commander Mist spoke, “BYE SKIPPY!!! So… Kestrel fell hmm. How did it go by the way?”
Traipse replied, “It went well. I have to admit your solders are a determined bunch… In fact, I was wanting to ask you about one particular soldier who caught my eye out there. Now what was that young stallion’s name?… Oh yea… Bolt… Major Star Bolt. Do you know him?”
Commander Mist replied while trying to hide his concern, “I have a lot of solders… but I think I know the one you’re talking about? Dark body, carries a shield, a stubborn little brat, but good with his weapon.”
Traipse could since his concern as he replied, “Yea… that’s the one. I was wondering though. The first thing he said when he saw Blade was, Where is Commander Mist?… so can I ask what he is to you?”

Commander Mist replied, “Just some stubborn colt I took in from the streets. He always wanted to be a soldier so I agreed to train him.”
Traipse continued without expression, “Funny… from the way he talked about you… I would mistake him for your son… though I see he has no resemblance to you.”
Commander Mist replied, “Nope, just a stubborn little spark of a pegasus.”
Traipse gave a fake sigh as he replied, “I guess it wouldn’t matter now anyway.”
“Wouldn’t matter? Why?”
Traipse smiled sinisterly, “I executed him this morning.”
Both Blade and Commander Mist looked at Traipse in shock, “What!”

Traipse continued with the smile on his face, “Don’t take it the wrong way commander… you taught him very well. but it wasn’t good enough to beat me.”
Both Blade and Traipse could see the rage in his eyes as Commander Mist glared at Traipse, “And Commander Shriek… Did you kill her too?”
Traipse replied, “The Cutters have taken many lives since this war began… please be more specific.”
Commander Mist replied with an angry tone, “Gray feathers… black body… the commander of the griffin forces in Javelin Falls.”
Traipse Nodded his head, “I know the one… but I didn’t kill her. The griffon who did, was the general who hired us.”

Commander Mist was enraged, here he was tied up and hanging from the ceiling while the pony who killed his student was so causally standing in front of him, talking as if he did nothing wrong. Holding his anger in with as much strength as he could muster, Commander Mist spoke, “What are you going to do to me?”
Traipse smiled, “You’re the commanding officer of the entire Equestrian Royal Guard. I'm going to sell you back to them. At least this war won’t be a total waste. First, I'll deal with our contractor because we all know he won’t be able to pay the bill he’s raked up. then I'll make a simple profit from you… it’s a win, win. But first, we have to settle things in Gryphus. Just hang here till I get back. I'll have a guard bring you food soon.”
Refusing to wait around for a reply, Traipse left the room, leaving Blade behind. Blade approached Commander Mist then spoke, “That colt… did he really mean that much to you?”
Commander Mist didn’t reply, instead, he just gave Blade a look of pure hatred, while she replied, “I see…”
“BLADE!”

Hearing her name being called, Blade turned around and started to trot away, “Why? Why are you doing this?”
Blade paused… but she didn’t answer Commander Mist’s question. Instead, she just stood still for a second, sighed, then left the room and met Traipse down the hall. As she approached Traipse whispered to her, “I'm going back into Kestrel to speak with Bolt. You stay here and watch Commander Mist.”
Blade had to ask, “Why did you tell him that? Why did you make him believe that the colt is dead?”
Traipse turned to leave as he replied, “Commander Mist apparently has a strong bond with that colt. I just wanted to see how he would react if the colt all of a sudden died. I wanted to remind him the dangers of caring about another in combat… it will lead to disaster in the end. Just stay here until I return. there is a chance that when I come back we will have one less prisoner.”
“One less? Are you going to kill him?”
Traipse continued leaving the cave as he replied, “Who knows… a lot can happen in a few hours.”

Traipse left the cave and made his way back into Kestrel. As he entered the hospital, he met his guards outside Major Bolt’s room, “How’s the colt doing? Is he awake?”
The guard replied, “He is… he’s up and trotting around inside but we wouldn’t let him leave.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Take the rest of the day off! I'll watch him from here.”
“Yes Sir!”
As the guards walked away, Traipse slowly opened the door to Major Bolt’s room. The lights inside were off and the curtains were closed, leaving the room dark. Traipse smiled as he casually trotted into the room, “Colt? Are you in here?”
After taking three steps into the room, Traipse already knew what was about to happen, but he continued to act casual.

As Traipse started to take his forth step, Major Bolt jumped out of the shadows behind the door and tried to stab him with a medical scalpel. Expecting a surprise attack, Traipse ducked to avoid the strike, then grabbed Major Bolt by his front hoof and swung him over his shoulder, slamming him against the ground. Stunned and weak, Major Bolt laid there as Traipse pulled the scalpel from his hoof and tossed it away from him, “Good attempt colt… but you’re predictable. First off, you turned the lights off. An easy attempt at concealing yourself, but a surprise attack is more successful if you’re in plain sight. Next time try doing something unexpected. Like lying in bed pretending to sleep with the scalpel hidden under the covers. Or better yet, sitting in the bed and starting a conversation with me before attempting to attack. Either one would have been better then hiding in the corner of the room where the shadows are the darkest. There is only one pony in this world who could use that strategy and successfully pull it off. And no matter how much you resemble her… you will never be her.”

Major Bolt laid on the ground still stunned as he replied, “Resemble? What are you ta…”
Traipse held his hoof out to help Major Bolt up, “Come with me Major… I want to talk to you about something.”
“Talk?”
Traipse smiled, “The battle is over Bolt… and you lost. But since you are wounded, and you have no chance of putting up any kind of fight against us… I see no reason to treat you like a prisoner.”
Rather than taking Traipse hoof to be helped off the ground, Major Bolt rolled onto his side and picked himself up on his own as he replied, “Why?... so you can let me trot beside you until you finally stab me in the back? I don’t think so?”

Acknowledging that Major Bolt didn’t allow him to help him up, Traipse shrugged his shoulders, turned, and trotted towards the door as he smiled, “If you haven’t notice… I don’t carry a weapon. There is no sword on my back, no quiver, axe, or even a shield. But remember one thing colt. If I wanted you dead… then I would have snapped your neck before you even had the chance to say my name. But as I said, this isn’t the case. Right now, you and I are just two stallions with a different look on life, no reason to fight… no reason to die.”
Traipse stood at the door waiting for Major Bolt to follow him, as an awkward silence passed. He didn’t know if he could trust this mercenary or not… but if anything, Major Bolt knew that if he cooperated, he could be lead to where Commander Mist was being held, so Major Bolt swallowed his pride and started following Traipse as the two ponies left the building and started through the streets of Kestrel.

As the two ponies trotted next to each other, Traipse decided to speak first, “You’re a very strong stallion… I know I was a little rough with you… but you do have potential. I just wanted to show you the harsh reality that is war.”
Major Bolt gave Traipse a confused look, “So you’re a mercenary, a murderer, a foalnapper, a war monger, and a philosopher hmm?”
Traipse smiled, “When Blade told me about a pony who chased her through the streets of Gryphus, and was able to survive more than five attacks from her weapons, I thought I fell onto a gold mine. A soldier with that kind of skill is the type of soldier that I would love to recruit to The Cutters… to fill the void that was left when our last member left. But when I first saw you… I changed my mind.”

Major Bolt was getting annoyed with the small talk, but with Commander Mist’s location in mind, he decided to put up with it. Major Bolt sighed, “Good, I wouldn’t have joined anyway. But out of curiosity… why?”
Traipse replied, “You’re too pure… you haven’t tasted the true blood of battle yet.”
“The true Blood?”
At this time, the two ponies had made their way up a staircase and were overlooking the battlefield in front of Kestrel from atop the city wall. Traipse looked deep into the battlefield where his soldiers were still recovering the dead, and spoke, “The true blood… the betrayal, the loose, in the end, something is always lost in battle. Sometimes, it’s a life, a limb, a friend, a loved one, or… a piece of yourself. I lost myself years ago, there is nothing for me anymore. but you… you’re still young. If you stop now you can save yourself.”

Major Bolt was curious, “Save myself?... from what.”
Traipse shook his head, “Yourself… I've been killing for as long as I can remember, but now. I can never live a life like other stallions. Not with the blood still dripping from my hooves.”
Major Bolt looked into the battlefield and thought to himself, there has to be a way to live a normal life, even if you have a long list of Sins. As he was deep in thought, Traipse changed the subject, “Where did you learn to fight colt?”
Major Bolt replied, “I’d appreciate it if you would call me by my name… but I learned everything I know from Commander Mist.”
Traipse nodded his head, “I find that hard to believe. Commander Mist is a strong opponent… but you out did him without even trying… Tell me, have you ever heard the name Serenity?”
Major Bolt thought to himself for a few seconds, “No.. I don’t think I have.”
Traipse continued, “How about The Reaper, any information about her?”
“Hmm, that name I’ve heard before but I don’t know anything about her… in fact I didn’t know she was a SHE to begin with, I thought the Reaper was a stallion.”

Traipse lowered his head in disappointment, “I don’t suppose you know where she is then… do you?”
Major Bolt could see the disappointment in his eyes as he replied, “Sorry… but no.”
Traipse sighed then continued, “Well I knew it was a longshot to begin with. Anyway. I'm sure you want to ask about Commander Mist now right?”
Major Bolt was surprised that Traipse brought up the subject so bluntly without even trying to stall it any longer, “Um… yes what I want to know is… what you did with him?”
Traipse replied, “He is fine, he is being held in a cave not too far outside the city. He isn’t hurt, nor is he injured in any way. But can you tell me what your relationship is with him?”
Major Bolt sighed, “If you must know… he raised me, he took me in when I had nothing. If it wasn’t for him… I probably wouldn’t be here.”
“So… your mother didn’t raise you?”
“I never knew my mother.”

“What about your father? Didn’t he do anything?”
Major Bolt shook his head, “I have been an orphan for as long as I can remember, my mother… my father… both are a complete mystery to me.”
Traipse smiled, "They must have been very strong willed.”
“What?”
“Think about it, not every trait used in battle is learned. Some are inherited. For all we know, one, the other, or even both of your parents were great warriors.”
Major Bolt thought to himself for a few second, “You know… you might be right. I never thought of it in that sense before.”
Traipse smiled, “Tomorrow morning there will be a supply convoy heading south to Trottingham. You will take your shield and follow them back to Equestria, then you will stay there.”
Major Bolt was appalled that he was getting ordered around by a mercenary who was fighting against him, “Excuse Me? Whe…”
“You’re excused…”
“NO! I mean, where do you get off giving me an order! I'm here for the Griffin Kingdoms’ defense and that’s what I intend to do!”

Traipse shook his head, “Well at any rate, you should still leave the Griffin Kingdoms. Otherwise you might lose your life… or worse.”
Major Bolt replied, “I'll be fine… but why are you releasing me so easily?”
“You remind me of somepony I cared about, we will just leave it at that. Oh and one more thing… the griffin here are ordered to kill you on sight if you attempt to leave the city before dawn… Just a friendly tip.”
With nothing more to say, Traipse turned back towards the city and began trotting away from Major Bolt, who had to ask, “So… what do I do till then?”
Traipse shrugged his shoulders," I dunno? Figure it out! You’re not a prisoner, but you can’t leave the city so I’d suggest getting ready for your journey tomorrow.”
Major Bolt sighed, “So I'm a prisoner… and I'm free… well this is confusing. However, I don’t care what he says. I'm not going back to Equestria… not yet.”

Back in the cave, Commander Mist was thinking silently to himself while hanging from the ceiling in the room. He hadn’t said a single word since Traipse left, but his thoughts were circling one subject. “Sparky… is gone… that stubborn little pain in the hind quarters… isn’t alive anymore. He… he wasn’t my son or anything… he wasn’t even related to me… but. I raised him. I brought him into my home and taught him everything I knew about being a soldier, not because I wanted to… but because he begged me to. He made me proud so many times. The day he learned to fly. The day he learned to fight, the day he used the lightning orb successfully… there hasn’t been a day that has gone by that he didn’t make me proud… even yesterday. Knowing that he was a good enough soldier to have Traipse know his name, was also something that made me proud. But now… he’s gone… and … and I never told him how proud I am of him. I never told him…”
For the first time in many years… tears started to roll up Commander Mist’s upside down face and drip from the harness that was covering his horn.

Finally, he started to focus on what to do next. Looking around the room Commander Mist could see his spear, and armor just a few feet away from him. With the spear sitting up at about the same height as his head, he thought up a plan. First, he looked around to make perfectly sure he was the only one in the room. Then, he started to swing himself back and forth continuously until his head was close enough to the spear’s blade. He knew that he had to time it just right, otherwise he could accidently impale himself either through his head or his neck. Finally when he decided he could predict the swing. He lifted his head high and waited until he swung as close to the spear as possible, then as he started swinging back the other way he lowered his head and caught the leather halter on the blade. With his body weight pulling him back, the blade shimmied itself just under the halter and cut a small slit in it. However the other side of the blade cut into Commander Mist’s neck deep enough to draw blood, but not to cut anything vital.

With him swinging back the blade cut itself free from the halter but the spear still fell to the ground with an echoing sound. Commander Mist immediately looked towards the door and waited for a guard to enter the room. However ,it seemed like either the sound wasn’t heard, or it was ignored. After about two minutes of waiting for a reaction, Commander Mist started shaking his head to see if his plan worked, the halter was now loose, and it even cut a portion of the leather that was covering his horn… but would it be enough? With blood running up his face from the wound on his neck, Commander Mist looked at his spear that was now lying flat on the ground, and started to focus. It was very difficult, but he managed to pick the spear up with a very small amount of magic. Making one more check around the room to confirm that he was still alone, Commander Mist carefully brought the spear to his neck and slowly cut the strap that was still holding the halter on his head. As the leather halter fell to the ground, Commander Mist quickly used his magic to catch it and carefully set it down so it wouldn’t create a second sound. Now came the part he wasn’t looking forward to. Of all the spells he knew, performed, and mastered, he has never been able to perform a spell on himself, which is why he never used a teleporting spell, so cutting himself free and preventing his body from making a sound would be difficult.

Once again Commander Mist overlooked the room, then still using his magic, he placed the spear’s blade against the rope that was tying him to the ceiling, “This is gonna hurt.”
Bracing himself for the fall, Commander Mist cut the rope and cringed as he fell from six feet in the air, hitting the ground on his back. After hitting the ground, Commander Mist quickly rolled under a nearby table to conceal himself incase somepony or somegriffin entered the room. As he lay there, he used his magic to break the weld on the chains and free his hooved from their cuffs. Then Commander Mist stood up, wiped the blood form his neck, picked up his spear with his hooves, and looked at the door way to enter the room, “Ok Traipse, It.. is… on…”

Ch11 Discovering the Truth

Commander Mist made his way through the tunnels as quietly as he could while watching all around him. He was curious as to why he hadn’t seen any enemy guards for a while, and even more to how he was going to find the way back to the surface. It wasn’t long before Commander Mist found a fork in the tunnel so he carefully examined both paths. The one on the left seemed to go deeper into the ground while the one on the right turned away from the first. Common sense was telling him that the tunnel leading away from the other was most likely the way out but as he continued thinking about his next move, he started hearing voices down the turning path, so to avoid fighting he chose to go left which would take him deeper into the ground. As he continued down the tunnel for a few minutes, he noticed that the tunnel he took led him to a closed door. Commander Mist crept up beside the door and tried to listen to hear if anypony or griffin were behind the door. He could hear a faint mumbling behind the door, but he couldn’t tell who it was, or how many of them there were, so Commander Mist braced himself to attack, as he slowly and quietly opened the door. Inside, looked like a simple bedroom complete with a bed, table, wardrobe and a few chairs at the table, but what caught his eye wasn’t the surroundings, but the mare sitting at the table.

Commander Mist though he was in luck, at the table in the middle of the room was Blade. Without her armor or weapon on, Blade continued sitting at the table facing away from the door as she mumbled to herself, “Twenty nine years… twenty nine years I’ve been at this, and for what?... The boss is still gone and even Traipse is starting to worry me… I wish he would just tell me what’s going on.”
Commander Mist crept through the room as quietly as he could then he placed the blade of his spear across the side of her neck, “Don’t move.”
With a confident smile, Blade turned her head and looked at Commander Mist out of the corner of her eye, “… What took you so long… it isn’t nice keeping me waiting in anticipation.”

Commander Mist knew what she was doing so he got straight to the point, “Where is Traipse?”
With the spear still pressed against the side of her neck, Blade slowly stood up and started seductively trotting from behind the chair as she smiled, “Now why would you want to see that old blowhard, when you can play with me instead.”
Blade trotted close to Commander Mist as she opened her wing and ran it across his cheek, “I promise… it will be fun.”
Commander Mist repositioned his spear from the side of her neck to the center of her throat, “Maybe I'll take a rain check on that offer… but I'm not playing games. Where is he?”
Blade continued trotting around Commander Mist as she replied, “Why so serious? Hasn’t anypony told you to cut back and have a good time?”

Hearing Blade say that only angered him even more, while still holding the spear with his magic, Commander Mist took the blade off her neck and spun it around hitting her hooves and causing her to fall to the ground. Then rushed over to her and pinned her to the ground by her neck as he replied, “As a matter of fact, somepony did tell me that… the same pony you’re coltfriend killed.”
With a combination of anger and worry in her eyes, Blade replied, “He isn’t my coltfriend, just a business partner. That position is still open… why? You interested?...”
Commander Mist held his spear blade to her throat as he replied, “I'll pass… now where is…”
While looking into Blade’s eyes, Commander Mist saw something familiar. He knew he had seen those eyes filled with worry before… but he couldn’t remember where. Knowing that his guard was dropped, Blade slowly stretched out her wing.

While trying to remember where he had seen those eyes, Commander Mist tried to ask, “Who… who ar…”
Before he could finish, Blade swung her wing up and hit him on the side of his face causing the unsuspecting stallion to stop using his spell and take a few steps back. Then before he regained his senses, Blade shuffled to her hooves, turned around and kicked Commander Mist as hard as she could sending him crashing into the wardrobe. Then Blade picked up his spear and started trotting towards him, “Sorry cutie… but you time is up. It’s really a shame, I thought you would put up a better fight than this.”
As Blade reared up the spear to finish him off, Commander Mist used his magic to toss the chair at her from behind, knocking her out cold as it shattered against the back of her head.

As soon as Blade hit the ground, Commander Mist picked himself up and moved a part of Blades mane to get a better look at her face, “Sorry beautiful, it’s just business, I guess. Just be grateful I missed your face. I wouldn’t want to tarnish that gem, now would I?”
Commander Mist looked around to find that the room hade a door on the other side. Using the same caution as before, Commander Mist slowly approached the door and opened it to reveal a ladder-leading straight to the surface. Commander Mist looked back and sighed, and then he left his enemy lying on the floor as he continued out the door and to the surface. Knowing that Kestrel has fallen and that his soldiers retreated to Gryphus, Commander Mist decided it would be best to regroup with them there, than to take on Traipses’ army alone.

Meanwhile, in Kestrel, Major Bolt awkwardly sits in the castle dining room with Traipse at the other end of the table with a few of his guards around him. As the seconds slip by feeling like minutes to Major Bolt, Traipse casually continues eating his food with absolutely no concern about Major Bolt’s anxiety. Finally, Major Bolt lost his patience and slams his hooves down on the table as he shouts, THAT’S IT!!! DOES ANY PONY ELSE FEEL AWKWARD ABOUT THIS!!!”
Traipse continues eating with no reaction as one of the guards in the room raised his talon answering the annoyed pony. Ignoring the soldiers replying action, Traipse looks up and asks, “What are you going on about?”
Major Bolt continues, “THIS!!! Yesterday you tried to kill me! Then you treat my wounds! Then you say I'm prisoner in this city! Then tomorrow you’re sending me back to Equestria to save me!!! WHAT EXACTLY AR…”
“There is no need to shout… this table isn’t that long. If you’re this nervous around me, then simply, leave the room. The door isn’t locked you know.”
“But the city gate is… Right!?!”

Traipse smiled at the major’s anxiety and continued, “Consider it insurance. So long as you’re trapped in a hornet’s nest, you won’t attempt to attack any of the hornets. Even a foal knows that.”
Major Bolt shook his head and replied, “A foal would avoid a hornet’s nest… so that analogy doesn’t apply to this situation.
Traipse nodded his head, “Then that would make you even more naive than a foal, wouldn’t it?”
Out of frustration, Major Bolt stood up as the surrounding guards gripped their weapons, “You wanna say that again?”
Traipse shook his head, “Sit down colt … before you get yourself hurt again. I don’t want to fight you here. I'm trying to get some rest before our next battle, so I would appreciate it if you would kindly stand down.”
“Next battle?”

Traipse took a sip from his drink then replied, “Yep… next battle. Meaning, the one after the last battle.”
Major Bolt sneered at Traipse comment, “So… where will the next battle take place?”
Traipse casually replied, “Canterlot…”
“WHAT!!!”
Traipse smiled, “I'm kidding…”
“THAT’S NOT FUNNY!”
Traipse looked around at the griffin guards round them as they all tried holding back their laughter, “Are you sure? Maybe there is something wrong with your sense of humor. I enjoyed it… and I don’t see any objection from the griffin soldiers.”
Major Bolt sat down with a relieved sigh and replied with sarcasm, “Yea, really hilarious. So… where are you going next?”

Traipse pushed his empty plate to the side and replied, “Where ever the griffin general orders… it’s his war.”
“General?”
Traipse smiled, “don’t you know anything about Mercenaries? We don’t choose the war, the battlefield, nor the tactics. We follow the order of the one who is willing to pay for it. and we choose which side we want… in this case, the highest bidder. Though I don’t see him paying us at all, so I'm only doing this so that I can show him the error of his ways when this is all over then there’s the pain he will feel once this is all done… I'm still debating on whether or not I should just kill him now or later.”
“Kil…”
Before Major Bolt could finish his sentence, the dining hall doors flew open as an angry griffin stormed in, “TRAIPSE!!!”

Traipse smiled and spoke, “Oh… speak of the coward now…”
Ignoring Traipse insult, the griffin general looked across the table at Major Bolt then looked back at Traipse, “What is this?”
Traipse smiled, “This? this is brunch… oh wait its well past noon. What would you call this Bolt? Linner? Or some kind of meal between lunch and dinner.”
The griffin general sneered at Traipse reply, “NOT THAT!!! I mean what is he doing here? Don’t tell me you’re taking pony prisoners now?”
Traipse shook his head, “Do you see chains on that pony? That’s my new recruit you’re talking to.”
Major Bolt looked at Traipse in confusion as the griffin general replied, “Recruit? Him? don’t tell me this… colt, had the skill that you actually see fitting for The Cutters?”

Traipse smiled as he stood up and casually trotted around the table to Major Bolt’s side, “This, colt you see before you, survived four encounters with us… to include two one on one fights with Blade, and one against me. He even managed to cut Blade’s neck. Blade hasn’t sustained an injury in battle in almost a decade. So… still thinks he isn’t good enough?”
The skeptic griffin smiled and drew his sword, “if he is that good… then let’s see if he can take me on.”
Just then, the large griffin charged towards Major Bolt, but before he got close enough, Major Bolt grabbed the back of the chair he was sitting in and flung it around using it as a club to bash the griffin across his face.

As the engaged griffin picked himself up from the ground, Traipse smiled, “Good reflexes… but I think you’re going to need more than a chair to beat him.”
Major Bolt looked at the shattered chair, then back at the griffin as he readied himself to charge a second time, “uh… what would you suggest?”
“… a weapon…. Preferably a metal one.”
The griffin general charged at Major Bolt again and swung his sword horizontally, barely missing Major Bolt as he ducked under the swing and used both his hind hooves and his wings to jump up and punch the griffin in the bottom of his beak. After the impact Major Bolt turned around and kicked the griffin in his face with both rear hooves as he replied, “Ya don’t say… do you mind landing me one?”

The large griffin fell onto his back, then rolled over and wiped the blood from his face as Traipse continued from the sidelines, “I fight unarmed. You’re gonna have to do the same here.”
Major Bolt continued watching as the griffin picked himself up again, “Um… how do I do that?”
Traipse sighed, “Watch his movements… he is carrying a two handed broad sword. So his swings will need to accommodate for its weight. Also he will need a particular stance to make his swings, so if you watch carefully you can predict his attacks before they come and counter through the openings that follow.”
The angry griffin charged forward, but was too fast for Major Bolt to focus on what Traipse was trying to tell him, so instead, he waited for the griffin to swing his sword downward, and dodge the blade by stepping to the side. When Major Bolt tried to counter by punching his opponent, the griffin general caught his hoof and smiled, “Got ya!”

The griffin general picked up Major Bolt by his hoof and flung him over the dining table and into a suit of griffin armor in the corner of the dining hall. Major Bolt stumbled to pick himself up as the griffin laughed, “Is that all you got? You’re just a colt with no experience whatsoever.”
Major Bolt picked up the spear that went with the suit of armor and pointed it at the griffin, “COME ON!!!”
The griffin smiled, “Well you got guts… but that doesn’t win wars colt.”
The general then readied his sword and began charging at the pony while Major Bolt did the same. With both foes charging at each other at full speed, Traipse was very interested to see what would happen when they colligated. As they drew closer and closer to each other, Major Bolt decided to change his strategy at the last second. As the general approached Major Bolt, he swung his sword horizontally, missing Major Bolt as the clever pegasus, dropped backwards and slid under the griffin with the spear held sideways so its shaft was stretched out tripping the large griffin as Major Bolt went between his paws, and out from under his body.

The large griffin fell face first into the ground, dropping his sword from the shock, while Major Bolt quickly rolled over and jumped into the air, smashing the griffins head into the ground with all four of his hooves. The griffin general tried to react, but stopped after feeling the cold metal of the spear blade as Major Bolt pressed it to the side of his neck. The griffin didn’t move, instead he just held his position as Traipse casually trotted around the two and kneeled down to speak to him, “Now… what were you saying about my new recruit?”
The griffin sneered at Traipse as he replied, “You better not raise your price for this recruit. I agreed on one price, and I won’t pay one bit higher.”
Traipse nodded his head, “I didn’t expect any more anyway, all this really means, is that if you fail to pay… then he will be the one to finish you.”

Major Bolt tossed the spear away from him and stepped off the griffin as Traipse spoke, “Let’s go Bolt… I want to talk with you for a second.”
the griffin general sneered at the two ponies as they left the dining room and entered the hallway of the great castle. As thy continued Traipse spoke, “At first I thought Commander Mist just trained you wrong… but I guess you’re just a bad listener.”
“What?”
Traipse continued, “I told you to watch his actions and focus on his next move, but all I saw was a quick reaction to whatever came your way. If you don’t plan ahead, then you will get yourself killed out there.”
Major Bolt sighed, “I didn’t expect a lecture from a mercenary. I beat him didn’t I?”
“Your moves are reckless and your technique is sloppy. One wrong move out there and your head would be lying on the dining table right now.”

Major Bolt shook his head as the two ponies exited the large hallway and entered the castle courtyard, “So I improvised a little… it’s not like I expected to fight him anyway.”
Traipse stopped in his tracks, “What did you just say?”
Major Bolt thought he said something wrong, “um… I didn’t expect to fi…”
“No, before that.”
“Uhh, I improvised?… look I went in and I reacted to what was happening. Anypony else would be dead right now and you know it!”
Traipse smiled and mumbled to himself, “Improvise… just like we used to do.”
“What?”
Traipse shook his head, “nothing… if you choose to improvise in random situations then you need the proper stance for it.”

Major Bolt was a little confused, “Stance… wait, do you mean that you actually want to recruit me as a member of the cutters?”
Traipse replied, “No… I only told him that to get him off my back. But it would be a shame to let your skill die because you didn’t have the chance to use it properly.”
“Ok then what is the proper stance?”
Traipse stood in front of Major Bolt with all four hooves shoulder width apart, and with his head bowed at the height of his back, “Here is the best stance for defensive fighting. From here, I can dodge any attack and counter most. But for a pegasus, your best stance would be this same stance only from a thirty degree turn to the left or right.”
Major Bolt was surprised, “thirty degree turn? Why is that?”
“because a pegasus is better off fighting in the sky so this stance will allow you to take off into the air while dodging an attack”
“I prefer to fight on the ground, better defense that way.”
Traipse smiled, “As do I…”
“Traipse… we got a problem.”

Traipse looked over at Blade as she trotted up beside him, “really? What kind of problem?”
She looked at Major Bolt then replied, “The kind of problem that needs a better place to discuss.”
Understanding what she meant, Traipse looked at Major Bolt and spoke, “excuse me for a second Bolt try working on your stance and I'll be back in a second.”
Traipse and Blade left Major Bolt in the courtyard as the two started to discuss the situation, “So… how long ago did Commander Mist escape?”
Blade was surprised, “You mean you knew this would happen?”
“I expected it the moment I saw his expression after I told him Bolt was dead. The fire in his eyes, reminded me of the day Scy left. The rage I felt…”
Blade sighed, “he got away about three hours ago… my guess is that he continued back to Gryphus to link up with his solders there.”

Traipse looked back into the court yard at Major Bolt who was pacing around in frustration at his situation, then he smiled, “Then that’s where we will meet him again. back on the battlefield. Go get some rest, tomorrow morning we will be leaving here about an hour before the supply convoy.”
“Really? Why so early?”
Traipse smiled, “because if this colt is anything like his father, then he will also meet us in the battle. I just want to have a head start so that by the time he arrives, we will already be inside the city.”
Blade sighed, “I guess both he and Mist do share their determination.”
Traipse shook his head, “Yea… but Mist isn’t his father… I am.”
Before the shocked mare could reply, Traipse trotted back outside and started coaching Major Bolt on battle stances, leaving Blade speechless.

Way over in Gryphus, Commander Mist trotted into the griffin king’s throne room as the king was receiving lessons on proper etiquette. As the king walked across the throne room, his teacher stood aside, “Very good my liege, your form is getting better, though you might need to lower your head just slightly.”
The king corrected himself while criticizing the teacher’s lesson, “Lower my head? Preposterous! As king of the Griffin Kingdoms, I must remind my subjects who is in charge. Why must I lower my head?”
“Because some would see this as an opportunity to remove it!”
The King stopped and turned towards the doors as Commander Mist stood there smiling at his comment, “Who said… oh… it’s you. Back from the dead so soon commander? Pity, I was looking forward to giving your princess the report once we found your corpse. I planned on saying something like, we tried to rescue him, but the enemy proved too much for the likes of ponies.”

Commander Mist trotted into the room and spoke seriously, “Where’s my army?”
The king continued practicing his walking while he replied, “You mean your squad? I wouldn’t call that group of ponies an army anymore. Nevertheless, I am grateful you’re back commander. now you can get that Princess of yours to stop haunting my dreams. Ever since that dog of yours went missing, I’ve had to hear, What are your plans to rescue my solders? or Have your solders recovered information about them yet? and so on and so forth. And if that isn’t bad enough, Why are your princesses lining solders on my borders?”
Commander Mist replied, “They’re probably preparing themselves. If the griffin kingdoms should fall the…”
The king turned around and interrupted Commander Mist, “THE GRIFFIN KINGDOMS SHALL NOT FALL!!! THE GRIFFIN KINGDOMS ARE ETERNAL! THEY ARE AS ETERNAL AS THEIR KING!!!”
“And what if the King should fall!?!”

The griffin king’s feathers started to frizzle upward on his neck as he started walking towards Commander Mist talking in a lowered rage filled voice, “The griffin king shall not fall… he, and his kingdom will stand long after Equestria and its princesses are no more. However, if something should happen that may lead to its downfall, then mark my words now pony… you will fall first, am I clear?”
Commander Mist held his ground and replied with an unperturbed expression, “Yes… your majesty.”
“Good… now go see to your ponies, you will be my castles personal guards… and you better not fail again… commander.”
As the king turned around and tried to calm himself down, The teacher continued his lesson, “Now remember your majesty, don’t walk with your knees so high, if you were with your future bride then you might accidently step on her dress and make her fall down. Something like that would bring shame to the royal family.”

As Commander Mist turned around to leave, he heard the teacher’s words, “hmm… where have I heard that before? don’t trot with your knees so high? The last time I heard that was…”
Commander Mist stopped in his tracks just outside the Throne room doors, “No… Blade? She can’t be.”
“COMMANDER!”
Commander Mist looked up as Sergeant Major Storm trotted up to him, “I hope you had a pleasant vacation commander, did you enjoy your leave?”
Commander Mist shook his head, “the hostess was rude, the food was terrible, and that hotel seemed like a one star at best. Hardly what I call a vacation, but at least I got a break from being commander for a few days.”
Storm smiled, “And what about your room mate? Did Major Bolt have a good time?”
Commander Mist lowered his head, “Storm… Bolt is dead. Traipse killed him.”

Sergeant Major Storm sighed, “Oh… I see… Does Princess Luna know?”
“Probably not, while I was imprisoned they had some kind of magic blocking bridle on me so I couldn’t speak with her.”
Storm looked down as he replied, “I feel terrible, she trusted us to bring him back. But this will surely break her heart.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “It would be best if I tell her myself. Until then I want you to keep this just between us.”
Storm nodded his head, “Agreed… the soldiers were starting to warm up to him after that speech he gave in Kestrel, so it would decrease moral to hear that he’s dead.”
Commander Mist was curious, “Really? What did Sparky say?”
Storm replied, “He gave an order to retreat if things got too dangerous. He would’ve made you proud.”

Commander Mist nodded his head, “He has always made me proud. Go inform the troops that I'm back, I’ve got to gather my thought for a few seconds.”
Storm started trotting away as he replied, “Got it sir, I'll do that.”
As Storm was trotting away Commander Mist stopped him, “Oh, uh Storm? What was the name of that noble who was killed in her home the year I became a soldier? You know the one whose daughter I was betrothed to?”
Storm was confused, “Who? You mean Lady Song? Why would you bring that up? That was well over twenty years ago.”
Commander Mist replied, “No reason, I was thinking about that this morning but I just couldn’t remember the name for some reason. Carry on Storm.”
Storm shrugged his shoulder as he continued with his order, leaving Commander Mist to mumble to himself, “Song… Serenade Song… or should I say, Serenade Blade.”

Ch12 The City that has Never Fallen

Traipse stood next to Blade as he spoke, “Well Bolt, this is good bye. When you get back to Equestria, be sure to tell Celestia that her soldiers will return soon.”
Major Bolt replied “And what about Mist?”
Traipse only smiled as he and Blade turned around, “ALL SOLDIERS MOVE OUT!!!”
As the solders turned to leave Kestrel, Blade smiled as she called back to Major Bolt, “Take care Bolt… This was interesting, maybe next time we can hook up and have even more fun.”
As the two mercenaries left Major Bolt standing there, Blade spoke to Traipse, “Your right about one thing… he’s defiantly going to meet us in Gryphus. Just the look in his eyes says it all.”
Traipse replied, “I told you, he is my son after all. And Scy was the same way.”
Blade could only smile, “Well I'm intrigued, he has the boss’s eyes, and her looks, and her skill, and he is a pegasus… exactly how do you know he is yours?”
Traipse smiled, “He’s stubborn, self-centered, and reckless…”
“Oh… I see it now.”

As the large army left Kestrel, Major Bolt stood by waiting for his chance to escape, but the convoy guards watched him closely so his chance never came. It was about an hour later when the convoy that Major Bolt was in started to leave Kestrel. Not far outside of the city, the convoy Officer tried to start a conversation, “So, Major? Where in Equestria are you from?”
Major Bolt didn’t reply, he just held his silence, so the griffin sighed, “you know it wasn’t my choice to do this you know… I have better thing to do then worry about some prisoner that The Cutters want transferred to Equestria.”
Major Bolt replied, “Then let me go… I have better things to do too ya know.”
“Sorry Major, but orders are orders, besides I'm a lot more afraid of Traipse then I am o… what the?”
As the two officers looked to the front of the convoy, they noticed that the convoy had stopped and a crowd gathered around something at the front of the formation.
Finally a griffin soldier ran up to the officers and spoke, “Colonel a body has been discovered on the road… it one of ours.”
The griffin officer looked at Major Bolt, “Stay here.”
As the griffin made his way to the front of the convoy, Major Bolt thought to himself, “Something isn’t right here… this seems too well planned, I got a bad fe…”

All of a sudden, something dark dropped from the sky and landed at the front of the formation. Major Bolt tried to see what it was but he couldn’t see over the crowd of griffin soldiers in the front of the formation. Curious as to what was going on at the front, Major Bolt jumped into the air and flew high enough to see over the crowd. However, he didn’t see much of the dark figure, because as soon as he got a glimpse of it, It reached out with what looked like one long claw and sliced Through a griffins body as if it was nothing. Major Bolt tried all he could to get a better look, but now the figure was hacking away at the griffin like some kind of monster, spraying a thick mist of blood into the air. With the huge commotion in the front of the convoy, Major Bolt saw this opportunity, so he immediately landed then fled off the trail and into the forest on hoof. As he galloped, he couldn’t help but wonder, what dropped in from the sky. It was too small to be a dragon, though the damage it did to the soldiers was just as fierce. Whatever it was, it was a perfect distraction to get away from the traveling convoy. Now he had a chance to catch up with The Cutters and their army.

Just outside of Gryphus, Traipse spoke to the Griffin Rebel’s General as they approached the city, “There you are… will you call a meeting of commanders now?”
The Griffin General smiled, “No… ALL SOLDIERS ATTACK!!!”
With that order given, the front formation of griffin took to the skies and started assaulting the first gate while some of the others started forming up on the ground and began moving forward in large groups. Traipse asked, “Isn’t it griffin tradition to call a meeting of the commanders to discuss terms of surrender before battle?”
The Griffin General replied, “There are no terms. I plan to kill the king with no concern about his soldiers’ lives. I just want to end this war so I can rebuild the Griffin Republic as a nation free of monarch rule.”
Traipse continued, so is that why you left your archers and trebuchets behind?”

The Griffin General smiled in a gloating manner, “If my solders move fast enough then I won’t need ranged weaponry. All I have to do is force my solders forward into creating a big enough distraction, then while they create a diversion, I'll sneak around behind the city and strike the king down in the back
Traipse smiled and looked at Blade, “You know the plan, remember the third wall.”
Bladed nodded her head as she took to the skies, “Got it partner.”
The Griffin General asked, “Third wall? What happens at the Third Gate?”
Traipse smiled, “Gryphus is separated into four sections, the factories, the slums, the noble district then the castle. A wall separates each section, so once your troops cross the third wall, The Cutters are no longer under your command. From that point, until the war ends’ is the time you have to retrieve our money. But if you don’t get it… then you better hope you die in combat.”

Inside the city as the king’s Commanders stood in the throne room, the King was giving his orders, “Commander Kane, take your solders and meet them at the battlefront. Colonel Gill Take your soldiers and evacuate all the foundries. Destroy anything that can’t be moved further into the city. Commander Kiel Guard the skies, keep them as far from the castle as possible. Colonel Orem, I want you to stay here with me. You will be protecting me here. ALL SOLDIERS MOVE OUT!!! DESTROY THE REBEL TRASH! SHOW THEM WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DEFY YOUR KING!!!”
As the griffin leaders left the throne room cheering, Commander Mist trotted in with his hoof full of soldiers, “Orders your majesty?”
The king looked at him and his solders and replied, “Your sergeant major… the Blacksmith, has been working with my weapon designers to perfect a new weapon of mine, he set them up in the slums just outside the third gate. I want you to meet him there and assist him as he tests it on the enemy soldiers. As for the rest of you guard my castle, I'm sure even you can manage that much commander.”

Ignoring the insult, Commander Mist replied, “Whatever you say your majesty.”
As he and his solders turned to leave the throne room, Colonel Orem called, “Good luck Commander, you’ve surprised me thus far. Hopefully you can pull off yet another miracle.”
Commander Mist turned and gave Orem a friendly nod as he left the room closing the massive doors behind him. Shortly after the doors closed, the king looked over at his bodyguard and spoke, “Um… Orem? Exactly how long has it been since you became my personal guard?”
Orem replied, “About a year your majesty.”
“And how often do you see ponies fighting beside griffin soldiers?”
Orem nervously replied, “Um… this is the first your majesty.”
“And you know why that is?”
Colonel Orem didn’t reply, instead he waited for the king to continue, “It’s because, ponies aren’t meant for battle. The idea that a pony can even wear armor is nothing more then a laughable joke… You would be wise to remember that.”
Orem nodded his head and replied, “Yes your majesty… I will.”

Outside the city, the battle began almost too quickly. As the first formation of Griffin Royal Solders tried to leave the city to meet their enemy, the Griffin Rebels hit the gate with everything they had making it impossible for the kings solders to close it in time. Almost immediately, Traipse ran through the gate and up a stairwell to the gatehouse above the massive doors. As he entered the room, the gatekeeper charged at him with a sword and swung horizontally. The swift mercenary dodged the attack and jumped forward, pushing the griffin against one of the windows. The griffin opened his wings to prevent himself from falling out, but as he closed them, Blade flew through the window and dug her weapon deep into the side of the griffin’s head, killing him on contact. As the griffin fell to the floor, Blade smiled, “Will you quit fooling around Traipse?”
Traipse shook his head, “Not all of us can come through the window like that. Some of us have to use the stairs ya know.”
Blade smiled, “Excuses, excuses… just don’t screw the next one up.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Any sign of Mist?”
“No… in fact I haven’t seen any ponies on the battlefield yet.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Just keep an eye out. I'm sure he’ll turn up eventually.”

Further into the city, just outside the third gate Commander Mist stood in front of a Massive weapon shaped like a large metal pipe, “… are you serious?”
Storm smiled, “Yep…”
“And what did you say it was called?”
Storm picked up a small cork with a fuse strung through as he replied, “I call it… A Cannon! See, we place the stone ball in the front after filling it with Black powder, then we use this fuse to ignite it… kinda how a grenade works, only we will fire one large projectile.”
Commander Mist looked to the side as two griffins were struggling to lift the five hundred pound stone ball into the large tube, “And… does it work?”
Storm trotted down the long tube and placed the fused cork into a small hole at the end as he hesitated before replying, “Well… we don’t know. In theory it should, but we don’t know if it will work or not.”
Commander Mist was surprised, “And… how many did you say you made?”

Sergeant Major Storm cranked a jack that was sitting under the front of the tube to adjust its sights, as he replied “We wanted to make eight, but seeing that something this big required a lot of metal, we could only make four but three are placed.”
“And where is the fourth?”
“It blew up…”
“WHAT!?!”
Storm shrugged his shoulders, “All weapons are a form of trial and error commander, how do you think they tested the very first shield?”
“The very first shield didn’t blow up!”
“Yea and that test was a success…”

Commander Mist put his hoof on his face and sighed, “Where did you even get the griffins to operate these things?”
Storm replied, “They are the refugees from these slums, since our numbers are down, I offered to share our remaining food with them for help during this battle. It isn’t much but many of them agreed to fight with or without payment. They just want to see this war end just as badly as we do.”
One of the griffins who loaded the shot nodded his head, “We are with you Commander Mist, one hundred percent!”
The other griffin added, “This war will end today, I'm sure of it!”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Thank you, maybe this battle will go better than expected, but I'll warn you now, The Cutters aren’t ponies to take lightly.”
The first griffin spoke again, “Don’t worry sir, not all griffins see ponies as a weaker species. We know that all have strengths but all also have weaknesses.”
“Yea but…”

Before Commander Mist could continue, Colonel Gill landed next to him and spoke, “Commander, the Griffin Rebellion has broken through the city gates! They are progressing much faster than anticipated. Do you think you and your… uh… weapons can hold this ground?”
Commander Mist looked back at the griffin refugees as they readied the cannons for combat. One refugee looked back at him as he put his armor on and saluted the pony commander. Commander Mist smiled and replied, “Like that question requires an answer? We will hold this ground as long as possible.”
Gill nodded his head, “Good, my soldiers and I will do what we can to evacuate the factories ahead, but I don’t think we are equipped to hold them back.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “Do your best Colonel, if they make it past your defenses, then protect the Second gate. I can’t lend any support… but I can guarantee that they won’t know what hit them if they get the gate open.”

About a mile outside Gryphus, Major Bolt reached a tree that sat on top of a nearby mountain. As he leaned against the tree, panting from how far and fast he had been running, he looked down into the city, “Darn… I'm too late. The battle has already begun. I need to get to the ca…”
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK HERE!!!”
Major Bolt knew that voice, and felt nervous as he turned around to see the Griffin General landing behind him, “I… um… well..”
“You’re supposed to be escorting the Convoy that is headed for Trottingham… don’t tell me you abandon them to fight in this battle. You’re more of a hot head than I expected. Well when Traipse selects a new recruit he knows how to select them.”

Realizing that the Griffin General still didn’t know that he never joined The Cutters in the first place, Major Bolt played along, “Oh erm… yea I didn’t want you to have all the fun so the first chance I got I ditched the convoy. I think they will be fine on their own anyway… that is if you trained them properly.”
The griffin sneered at the nervous pony as he replied, “Trained them properly? They weren’t my best but I guarantee they will make it on their own without your help… anyway, stop sitting here flapping your jaw and get in there! Your teammates should be halfway through the first segment of the city by now.”
Taking this opportunity, Major Bolt smiled, “Then I better get moving before they hog all the fun.”
With that said, Major Bolt started flying towards the city leaving the clueless general where he stood with no knowledge of what actually happened on the road to Trottinghame.

Meanwhile in the outer portion of Gryphus, Traipse was overlooking a raid on a few weaponry foundries when Blade landed next to him, “Anything good?”
Traipse smiled, “We got a number of swords, shields, and arrows… sadly we sent our only archers with Bolt.
Blade continued, “How about catapults?”
“No… none of those… but we did find a few battering rams.”
Traipse pointed at the housed battering rams as a number of griffin solders started pushing them out the foundry doors and into the main street that led straight to the castle. Blade smiled, then we might get further in the next few hours then we tho…”
At that moment, a whistling sound was heard as three large boulders came flying in from a deeper part of the city. One crashed down on the street, crushing one of the battering rams and the griffins pushing it. The second hit just outside the city, injuring a large number of soldiers fighting out there, while the last came crashing through the ceiling of the factory that Traipse and Blade were in. The two mercenaries both galloped out the factory doors as the building collapsed killing all who were still inside.

As the dust cleared, Traipse looked over at Blade and asked, “What was that?”
Blade immediately remembered, “The trebuchet!... I forgot they have four trebuchets in the noble district, that are at proper range to fire on this area.”
Traipse put his hoof on his face, “Well… DEAL WITH THEM!!!”
Blade sighed as she started to take off, “Alright, alright… Mr. grumpy hooves, I'll be back shortly.”
As Blade flew off, Traipse mumbled to himself, “How could she forget something as important as that… usually she’s a lot more thorough… unless, something has been occupying her mind lately.”

Commander Mist stood observing the griffin refugees as they finished preparing the cannons, “Are they good to go Storm?”
Storm looked down from atop the massive weapon as he replied, “Yes sir! We are good to fire when eve… UP HIGH!!!”
As Commander Mist looked up above the city, he could see Blade flying over them with no support by her side. Storm started to yell, “PREPARE TO F…”
“WAIT!!!”
Sergeant Major Storm looked down at his commander as Commander Mist continued, “She isn’t coming after us… she looks like she is flying over.”
As Storm looked back at Blade, he realized that Commander Mist was right. Blade was flying steadily over them with no decrease or increase in her speed, so it was easy to see that she wasn’t going to land or dive.

As the beautiful mare looked down and saw Commander Mist, she smiled as she blew a kiss at him then continued over and away from their location. One of the griffin refugees asked, “Commander? Should we pursue?”
Commander Mist continued watching her as he mumbled to himself, “Serenade… it really is you… but what are you…”
“Commander?”
Mist shook his head, “No… Stay at your post. From this point until I get back you will take all orders from Sergeant Major Storm, is that clear?”
The griffin nodded his head, “Yes Sir!”
Commander Mist looked back up at Storm, and yelled, “STORM! I'm moving back to see where she is going! Keep your eye on that gate and if they break through… then give them every pound of stone that your cannon can give!”
Storm Smiled, “Don’t worry sir! I'll make them taste it!... that is, if this works!”

Back at the castle, the king nervously sat in his throne as his teacher continued showing him flash cards, “Your majesty… what does this symbol mean?”
The king flung his talon and knocked the card from the teacher’s talons as he yelled, “THIS ISN’T THE TIME INGRAM!!! Where is my guard? WHERE IS OREM!?!”
The griffin colonel ran into the room and replied, “Right here your majesty I…”
“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?! Can’t you see that Tartarus is slowly rising in the outskirts of my city, and while I'm sitting here undefended some lowlife rebels are after my crown!?!”
Colonel Orem replied, “My apologies your majesty… I only went to retrieve a few items from my room.”
Colonel Orem then slung a small pouch with the griffin kingdoms’ emblem on his side and placed a metal gauntlet on his right talon that had razor sharp claws on the end of each finger. The king had to ask, “Is that what you use for powder throwing?”
Orem smiled, as he scraped the claws across the ground sending up sparks with every inch the talon covered, “Yes your majesty… this is plan B should any of the rebels get into the castle… then they will deal with me.”
The king smiled, “Good, then I’ve nothing to fea…”

Before the king could finish gloating, Sergeant Snow trotted into the room, “Your majesty? You will be happy to hear that the west, north, and southern trebuchets have begun their assault, and they are doing a substantial amount of damage to the enemy.”
The king sarcastically replied, “I believe I heard you wrong… did you say the West, North and Southern trebuchets?”
“Yes your majesty.”
“So… correct me if I'm wrong… but don’t I have an eastern trebuchet as well?”
Snow replied, “I believe you do your majesty… but the enemy is attacking from the west. The eastern trebuchet is on the other side of the castle, it would be reckless to fire that one at the enemy as well… what if it fell short? You could crash a boulder right through the castle ceiling.”
The king put his talon on his chin and sarcastically continued, “Interesting… and am I, King Harpy the fourth, the king of the Griffin Kingdoms, high ruler of all in this kingdom, taking orders from a lowly Equestrian Royal Guard pony who isn’t even a proper officer among his squad? Hmm?”
Snow nervously replied, “Well… no… I was merely suggesting…”

The king stood up from his throne and spoke in an enraged intimidating voice, “Then I would suggest… you sprint out there, and tell them to turn that trebuchet around immediately. Otherwise you may find that the enemy isn’t your only threat to face… am I clear?”
“Y-yes your maje…”
“THEN GO!!!”
Feeling nervous, Sergeant Snow immediate turned around and sprinted out of the throne room, as the king sat back down, “Take this advice Colonel… Ponies are nothing but a waste of time.”
Colonel Orem replied, “Advice taken your majesty.”
The king smiled at his personal guard and continued, “If all goes well Orem… you may be looking at a very nice and generous promotion come the end of this war.”
Commander Orem picked up his pouch and opened the end as he replied, “Thank you your majesty… I won’t let you down.”
The king nodded his head, “No… you won’t.”

At the front trebuchet, a number of the griffin solders were loading another shot as Blade quickly flew by cutting the support wires with her wings. The griffin officer yelled, “GET HER!”
The catapult crew took to the skies chasing Blade as she dove into the noble district dodging buildings as she flew by. The griffins tried all they could to keep up, but Blade took every alley, crevice and small opening she could to get to the next trebuchet as fast as possible. When she got to the next siege weapon, they had just finished loading the shot as she cut the support wires, flew through the beams holding the massive machine up and pulled the release as she flew by. The large trebuchet creaked loudly as the unsupported tension from the massive arm caused the entire weapon to collapse under its own power, crushing the griffin below and a few that were flying through the beams in pursuit of the cleaver mercenary. Blade quickly curved her flight path around and went towards the third catapult, thinking it was the last threat to the griffin rebellion. As she reached the trebuchet she quickly cut the support wires and landed next to it making sure the griffin saw her. Most of the solders knew who they were dealing with and fled for their lives while the remaining griffins charged at Blade with intent to kill. As the first reached her she used her weapon as a shield and blocked the griffin’s attack then she swung the other around and cut him across is throat killing him, almost instantaneously. Then she took a few steps back going under the beams that were still holding the massive weapon together.

The remaining griffins charged her from the front as she smiled, and waited until they were in position. Then reacting fast, she reached up and pulled the trebuchets release lever. As the massive arm dragged it’s shot along the ground, the charging griffins were hit from the side as the projectile went between the support beams and was flung overhead, causing the large catapult to collapse under its tension just like the last. As Blade flew out from below the large machine, she smiled at her cleverness, when she saw the bodies of the now dead griffins being tossed like ragdolls from under the large weapon. When she turned around she saw an angry but nervous mob of nobles standing in her path as one yelled holding up a fencing sword, “S-stop right there, you… you… ruffian. Or I'll be forced to… um… to subdue you!”

As Blade looked at the mob of pampered citizens, she tried her hardest not to burst out in laughter as she trotted closer to her terrified foes.”
“You?... Subdue, Me?... Hardly, you might want to put that toy down before you get yourself hurt .”
The nervous griffin replied as he charged “I beg to differ!”
When the griffin got close enough, Blade took one swing of her weapon and cut the thin blade of the fencing sword in half, causing the griffin to stop in his tracks and stare at his now useless weapon. As he stared at the weapon in shock, Blade could only smile as she swung her other wing forward and nicked the griffin in his throat, too lightly to remove his head, but deep enough to be fatal. As the griffin fell to the ground without making a sound, the terrified group of nobles turned around and ran away screaming in fear, as the disappointed mare shook her head, “Pathetic, and to think I used to be one of them… I'm glad I left that life behind.”

On the eastern side of the city, the Griffin General and a hand full of soldiers were sneaking through the kings defenses undetected. As the general made it to the third wall, he smiled and whispered to his soldiers, “You see, this cub is way too predictable. With all the fighting in one side of the city, he decreases security on the other side. Now I'm going to show him why he isn’t fit to wear that crown… even if I have to pry it from his severed head.”
As they reached the edge of the wall, the Griffin Rebels hugged the wall closely and checked the area enemy soldiers, then one by one, they flew to the top of the wall and took cover behind the stone railing on the walls edges. Just as the Griffin General planted his paws on the wall, he heard voice echo, “HEY GRIFFIN!!”
Thinking he had been spotted, he quickly dropped to the floor and griped his sword looking around in worry as the voice continued from below on the other side of the wall, “The griffin king had ordered you to turn your trebuchet around and fire on the enemy soldiers.”

The Griffin General slowly looked down from atop the wall to see a trebuchet, a number of royal soldiers, and the approaching Sergeant Snow. The griffin officer on the trebuchet replied, “Fire on the enemy? What are you crazy? The enemy is on the other side of the castle. The only way to avoid hitting it would be to fire high, but that will center the impact area on our own troops, in the slums.”
Sergeant Snow shrugged his shoulders as he replied, “His majesty is the one who made this order, I'm merely the messenger pony in all this. If you have a complaint, then take it up with him.”
The griffin officer replied, “Fine then. TURN HER AROUND AND PREPARE TO FIRE!!!”
As one griffin started cranking on a wheel that caused the trebuchet to rotate in place, two others started placing a large boulder inside the chain net so that when the trebuchet was in position it could fire. The griffin officer then asked Snow, “Is there any word from the front?”

Sergeant Snow lowered his head, “So far the only information I was able to attain was that the rebels have breached the first gate and are coming closer to the second.”
The griffon cranking the wheel stopped, “READY SIR!”
The griffin officer sighed, “Alright… here goes nothing, READY! FI…”
Before the griffin could finish his order, the enemy general dove in from the top of the wall and landed with a spear right on top of the officer before he could realize he was in danger. Anticipating the command, The griffin with his talon on the release lever pulled the lever and fired the trebuchet, however, before he could realize what happened to his officer, one of the griffin rebellion solders dropped down and killed him with a battle axe in the same manner as the Griffin General.

Seeing this happen, Sergeant Snow drew his families fencing sword and charged at the general. The large griffin blocked one swing from the fast moving blade and then came at a deadlock with the second swing. The griffin sneered at his foe, “You ponies are starting to get on my last nerve… when this battle ends and the Griffin Kingdoms are under my rule, I'll be sure to hit Equestria next… it’s not like a bunch of four hooved mules can stop an army of griffins, right?”
Snow smiled, “You underestimate me good sir… let me show you what this mule is capable of.”
Using a fencing technique he learned as a foal, Sergeant Snow parried the spear to the side, then came back with a horizontal swing that was almost too fast for the skilled griffin to dodge. The griffin reared back just in time to dodge a fatal blow, but not before sustaining a cut on his cheek from the thin blade. Then as Sergeant Snow reared back to strike a second time, one of the griffin enemies grabbed him by the back of his neck then spun around tossing the small earth pony into the air and through the second story window of a nearby house. Right after crashing through the window of the deserted nobles home, Snow rolled across the floor until he crashed into a bookcase causing all the books to fall on top of him, knocking him unconscious. As the griffin soldier readied himself to follow Snow into the building, the general stopped him, “Forget the pony… we’ve got bigger fish to fry. Let’s continue to the castle… the king is now vulnerable.”
The General then took the kerosene lantern that was hanging from a porch hook and smashed it on the trebuchet. Then running his spear blade across a metal bracing, he set it on fire so it couldn’t be used against him anymore.

As Commander Mist continued up the road, towards the castle he saw Blade flying back from the noble district of the city. He could only think to himself, “That was too fast… she didn’t take out the king yet… did she?”
As he watched her fly by, he noticed something else in the sky that was heading straight for her. By an unusual impulse, he yelled to her, “SERENADE!!! LOOK OUT!!!”
Amazed to hear her name being called, Blade looked at the ground where Commander Mist was standing but what was coming at her was still out of her field of view, “Mist? Did he just ca…”
without finishing her sentence, the large boulder fired from the last trebuchet fell from above and clipped her right wing, breaking the buckle that held her weapon together and causing her to spin out of control, as shards of her now shattered weapon, spin freely off her wing. Blade tried all she could to regain control but the only thing she could do was stop her spinning and slow her fall. With one of her wing’s weapon gone, her body was now completely unbalanced so she couldn’t even control herself as she fell to the ground landing on the roof of one of the factories in the first tier of the city. With her body in shock from the impact, Blade couldn’t stop herself from rolling off the inclined roof and falling two stories before landing in a large pile of sawdust. Tired, weak, and helpless, Blade slowly opened her eyes to see a dark figure approach her, “Is… is that?”
With her body in shock, and her senses blurred, Blade could only close her eyes and pass out.

Back at the second gate, Traipse was griping the large ram’s post as he helped the griffins pull it back and push it forward into the massive doors. Traipse called the order, “AGAIN!”
The griffins helped him pull the ram’s post back but right before the metal cap could make contact, the massive doors jerked the opposite way pushing the ram a few feet from the doors knocking Traipse and the griffin rebels to the ground and cracking the massive doors open from the other side. As Traipse picked himself up from the ground, He looked at the doors to see what happened only to find that the same boulder that knocked Blade from the sky had hit the doors from the back causing the locking post to shatter on impact. Not knowing anything about Blade’s encounter with the same boulder Traipse called to his solders, “BLADE HAS ASSISTED US WITH THIS ACTION!!! DON’T LET THIS OPPORTUNITY SLIP BY!!! ALL SOLDERS CHARGE!!!”
As Traipse and his solders poured through the opening in the doors, Traipse looked down the main road only to see the three massive cannons pointing directly at him. Sergeant Major Storm stood on top of the center cannon as he called to the griffin refugees, “ALL CANNONS, FIRE!!!”

Ch13 The Final Defense

The loud explosion echoed through the streets of Gryphus. The sound was so immense even the king and his personal guard could hear it from the castle. With his ears still ringing, Sergeant Major Storm picked himself off the ground after being tossed from the top of the center cannon by a powerful shockwave. Dazed and weak, Storm leaned against the side of the cannon and tried to look around, but with all the smoke and dust in the air, he couldn’t see ten feet in front of him. When Storm saw his weapon lying next to him, he reached down and picked it up. Then he used the long staff of the Morningstar to hold himself up. Continuing to look around, Storm could see one of the griffin refugees approach him, “SIR! SIR! ARE YOU OK!?!”
As Storm started to regain his hearing he replied, “I'm… I'm fine, what happened?”
“Sir, cannon number one exploded as soon as the fuse was lit.”
Rubbing his head, Storm replied, “Oh… so that’s why I was tossed off this one. The shockwave right?”
“Yes sir… The entire crew was killed in the explosion sir. None of them made it out.”

Storm then nodded his head as he regained his balance and flew back to the top of the center cannon he was on before. At this height, he could easily look over the smoke that surrounded the area. As Storm looked at the cannon to his right, it was just as the refugee said. The massive tube of the iron cannon was blown wide open on the center. The griffin refuge flew up and landed next to him as he spoke, “Sir, orders?”
Sergeant Major Storm looked back at the gate that he ordered the cannon to fire on. Traipse and his main force was still stunned by the explosion but it seemed like the only thing that hit them was a massive cloud of smoke. Traipse turned and started yelling to his soldiers, “If you’re wounded, then head back, otherwise all other push forward!”
Seeing this, Storm looked at the left cannon and yelled his order to the crew who were ready for it, “We will fire separately! Cannon Three, FIRE!!!”
The crew looked at each other in worry then the griffin by the fuse lit it and braced himself. The entire cannon crew including the crew watching from the center cannon waited in anticipation at whether or not the cannon would fire.

As the fuse burned into the cork of the cannon, a loud pop was heard as the cork was shot out the top of the cannon leaving the tense crew to sigh in relief. Storm mumbled to himself, “A dud… crap…”
As Storm looked back at the enemy that had fully opened the destroyed gate he realized that he had no choice but to fire the cannon he was on otherwise they would be overrun quickly. Without giving the order he turned and sprinted to the fuse of the cannon he was standing on as he yelled, “BRACE YOURSELVES!!!”
Storm grabbed the torch that the griffin refugee was holding and held it against the fuse as it lit and started burning quickly. As soon as the fuse vanished from the cork, the powder inside ignited as the massive cannonball was fired out the front of the cannon, leaving the full force of its recoil to break the braces holding the cannon in place, and tossing Storm and his crew off it while the tube went flying in the opposite direction. Seeing the cannonball heading towards him, Traipse made a ninety degree turn and dove out of its way as the ball collided with the center of his formation killing all in its wake. Traipse picked himself off the ground and looked at the destruction the cannonball did to his soldiers and spoke, “well… that was interesting.”

The now loose Cannon tube from the center cannon flew back more than one thousand feet before hitting the ground and beginning a vertical roll as it smashed everything each end hit as it continued its roll down the main street. Further down Commander Mist was sprinting to the front of the slums before seeing the massive tube flipping right for him. Using the same manner of taking cover that Traipse did, Commander Mist managed to dodge the massive cannon tube as it continued its roll before colligating with the third city gate and destroying it. Commander Mist looked down the road just in time to watch the gatehouse above the gate collapse, he could only sigh at the sight, “Way to go Storm… now the king is as good as dead. But I can still get Traipse.”
With those words, Commander Mist turned back to the road and continued toward the now smoke covered area of the slums.

Further, in the front sector of the city Major Bolt continued down the main street as fast as he could, passing soldiers fighting on both sides with ease simply because both sides didn’t know whether he was a friend or foe. However, with a straight path to the castle before him, Major Bolt started to see a cloud of smoke ahead. The confused pony looked very closely at the massive cloud in curiosity, but as he did, he noticed something large and round coming right for him. By the time he had realized what it was, it was too late to dodge it. The massive stone ball bounced along the ground until it hit the ground just ten feet in front of him before splitting into two and flying by him on both sides. Both pieces of the massive stone ball contained flying into the factories on both sides of the street causing them to collapse as Major Bolt turned and looked at them, in a strange combination of shock, and relief, “whoa… that… was… um… what in Luna’s nights was that supposed to be? I wonder if it had something to do with those loud explosions I heard. I gotta find the Equestrian forces, as soon as possible. Whatever’s ahead, I don’t like it.”
Major Bolt then turned and continued down the street as fast as he could towards the second gate hoping to reach the front before the battle ended.

Back at the slums where the cannon’s were placed, Sergeant Major Storm and the crew of griffin picked themselves off the ground as he sighed, “Why is it so hard for anything to go as expected?... sometimes I'm wondering if Celestia is testing me.”
Before Storm could continue to complain, an enemy griffin charged from the smoke in front of him. But before the griffin could strike the unsuspecting pony, one of the griffin refugees tackled the griffin from the side and started punching the soldier while he was on the ground. Then when the soldier tried to reach for his weapon, his talon was crushed as Sergeant Major Storm recovered his Morningstar and brought down the spiked iron ball on his talon without hesitation. As the enemy griffin screamed in pain, Storm looked around as the poor griffin refugees’ fought back the Griffin rebels using nothing more than their bare talons and whatever rubble or tools they could find. As the enemy griffin was finally killed by the merciless beating that the griffin refugee was giving, Storm smiled, “wow, you griffin don’t play around do you?”

The refugee stopped pinning the corpse to the ground and smiled, “When we said we have your back… we meant it. A lot of us look at you ponies as an inspiration. You may be smaller and weaker than your enemy… but you still face them with the courage that only you can show.”
Storm smiled, “Thanks… I think…”
Sergeant Major Storm looked at the remaining cannon that didn’t fire and smiled, “I have an idea… do we have any gunpowder left?”
The refugee nodded, “Yes sir, only two barrels though, why?”
Storm replied with a devious smile, “I have a plan to use this dud to our advantage… Have the other refugees continue holding the enemy back, while they do that, I'll need your help. We are going to make this last cannon as useful as the first.”

At the front of the second gate, Major Bolt tried to find a way through the rubble as he heard a voice call to him, “m-major…”
As Major Bolt looked at the edge of the rubble, he could see Colonel Gill lying on the ground with a spear in his chest. Major Bolt rushed to the dying griffin and looked at his wound, “Oh no… Gill, we got to get this ou…”
“It’s ok Bolt… it wouldn’t help anyway. I know how bad my wound is… and I'm ready for death.”
Major Bolt tried to reach for the spear to pull it from his chest while Gill stopped him, “no… don’t… I’ve been ready for this day for a long time… even if you try; I’ve lost too much blood. and you can’t get me to a medic in time.”
“You say that as if you’re giving up…”
“I said that because I know what’s next… I'm going to die here Bolt… I'm a griffin. At birth, we accept death, because all we know is how to fight. War is what we are raised to do, and only a fool will fight in a battle without considering the chance that he will not live through it. I fought long and hard to be in this battle, and if I won’t live to see this war end… then I'll gladly die as a soldier who fought in it.”

Major Bolt tried to argue with the dying griffin, “Yea bu…”
“Look at how many you’ve killed thus far, how many you’ve seen die in this war. You think they weren’t ready for it? You think that they expected to die? And if so… how many did you try to save?...”
Thinking about the question, Major Bolt lowered his head, “I… I…”
“Exactly… this is what war brings. This is what it means for those caught in the middle. I… no we are soldiers. And we will remain as such until death, or retirement. That is the life we live, don’t you get it?”
Major Bolt suddenly realized that those were close to the same words that Traipse said back in Kestrel. Then Colonel Gill continued, “You still have that princess to fight for right?”
“What?”

Gill smiled, “Storm told me all about her… you aim high, but you need to understand, if you die here… then you will never get your chance… that’s my only regret in my life. I'll never see my wife again, but knowing I fell in battle will be all she needs to understand what I'm fighting for.”
Colonel Gill reached into his armor, pulled out a picture of her, and spoke, “if… if you see her… can you tell her that? Tell her I died fighting…”
As Major Bolt grabbed the picture he replied, “Of course… rest easy my friend.”
Colonel Gill nodded his head as he laid back and quietly pass away. As Major Bolt looked at the photo, he was amazed to find that it was the same griffin who gave Commander Mist the letter in Trottingham. Major Bolt sighed as he put the letter in one of the pockets on his armor and sighed, “I'll see that she gets it friend… I promise.”
Major Bolt then turned to the rubble that was the second gate and opened his wings to fly over it, but when he did, he cringed as he felt a pop in his wing followed by a lot of pain. as he looked at his wing he figured it was still hurting him from when it was dislocated so instead of flying over the rubble he just decided to climb through it instead.

Further, into the slums, Commander Mist was fighting off enemy soldiers as Storm called to him from the top of the cannon, “It’s ready sir!”
Commander Mist replied, “Then get your plot in gear and let’s fall back!”
As Commander Mist turned to retreat, he stopped when he saw Traipse standing in his path, “hello again commander… lovely day for a battle isn’t it?”
Commander Mist glared at his foe as he replied, “You… I’ve been waiting for you…”
Using his magic Commander Mist picked up two spears and tossed them at Traipse. The skilled mercenary managed to dodge both spears by jumping backward allowing them both to dig into the ground in front of him. Thinking fast and reacting faster, Traipse grabbed the closest spear and pulled it from the ground as he charged forward using the spear staff to volt himself into the air for an aerial strike.

As the airborne mercenary was nearing his target, Storm quickly rushed between the two and brought the ball of the Morningstar into Traipse gut with enough force to stop him but not enough force for the spikes to penetrate his armor. Then with the earth pony being held up by the weapon, Storm flung Traipse off his morning star as he hit the ground near the massive cannon. As Traipse picked himself up from the ground he coughed then smiled, “good one… that’s about as cheap a shot as you can give.”
Sergeant Major Storm nodded his head as he replied, “really… then you’ll love this…”
Sergeant Major Storm then bashed his weapon against a shield creating sparks along with his swing. As the sparks flew they landed on a small pile of black powder that nopony other than Storm knew about on the ground. As the sparks ignited the powder, it made a small trail that led straight to the base of the cannon before lighting a long fast burning fuse that lead to the top of the unused weapon.as Traipse followed the flame to the cannon with his eyes, he realized what was happening as he quickly turned to run away, “UH SH…”
As Traipse tried to run from the large weapon, Storm grabbed Commander Mist by his horn and forced him to the ground as he took cover next to him. Then the massive cannon exploded in a loud booming sound that once again echoed throughout the entire city.

Immediately following the explosion, a cloud of thick smoke filled the area making it impossible to see the damage done to the enemy forces. As Storm picked himself up from the ground and looked around he smiled, “Well… we lived after all. I though the explosion would be a lot bigger.”
Commander Mist stood up and looked at him, “wait… you mean you lit the fuse expecting that thing to kill us?”
Sergeant Major Storm laughed, “It worked didn’t it? Besides, I don’t see Traipse anywhere, do you? He got caught in the blast.”
Realizing Storm was right, only made Commander Mist more nervous. He didn’t see Traipse anywhere… meaning there wasn’t even a corpse to confirm his death. As Commander Mist looked around he replied, “Don’t drop your guard, He has a reputation for pulling himself out of the worst scrapes imaginable. I know better than to underestimate him.”

Taking his commander’s advice, Sergeant Major Storm started looking around to see if he could spot the mercenary before he could ambush them. Just then, Storm saw a shadow in the smoke ahead so he held his Morning star at the ready and called it, “There!”
Commander Mist looked towards the shadow and picked up a spear with his magic. However as the two soldiers observed the distant shadow, Traipse charged in from behind and kicked Sergeant Major Storm in the back of his head knocking him to the ground. As Storm tried to get up, Traipse picked up his morning star and swung it around bashing Storm on his side and tossing his body out of the way like a rag doll. Too weak to move, Sergeant Major Storm laid on the ground where he was tossed while Traipse pointed the Morningstar at Commander Mist and spoke, “Now… it’s just you… and me. Let’s finish what we stared almost thirty years ago.”
Commander Mist sneered at his opponent and replied, “Fine by me.”
As Commander Mist held the spear with his magic, Traipse shook his head and changed his stance from hostile to casual as he looked at the Morningstar, “No… we settle this like stallions. No weapons… no magic… just my bare hooves… against yours. As a stallion who respects a worthy opponent, I want this to be fair.”
Watching Traipse toss the morning star away from him made Commander Mist smile as he nodded his head, “agreed… this is a matter that should be settled equally.”

Traipse smiled, as he unlatched his metal horse shoes, knocked them away from him and braced himself to charge, “Ready?”
Commander Mist smiled, “Set…”
Both stallion charged at each other as they both yelled “GO!!!”
As the distance between the two quickly closed, Traipse threw his rear hooves low to the ground and slid as he tried to knock Commander Mist’s hooves out from under him. With barely, enough time to react, Commander Mist jumped into the air only to have his right hind leg grabbed as Traipse reached for him while he was sliding. With the counter motion from his body and his hind leg, Commander Mist was slammed against the ground on his chest as Traipse quickly spun around to his hooves and tried to bring the restrained pony’s hind hoof over his back to break it. Thinking fast, Commander Mist quickly rolled himself around using his other hind hoof to kick Traipse across his face causing him to let go and step back in a stunned daze. Commander Mist quickly rolled back onto his hooves as he reached up and grabbed the stunned stallion by his neck. Using all of his strength, Commander Mist flung Traipse over his shoulder and slammed him on the ground.

With the dazed pony at his mercy, Commander Mist started bashing Traipse’s head against the ground continuously. Trying to regain his focus, Traipse curled his hind hooved inward and used his shoulders to trust them upward, kicking Commander Mist in his face and tossing him a number of feet into the air before he hit the ground, on his back almost ten feet from his starting position. Both stallions quickly rolled onto their hooves and faced each other as they wiped the blood that was dripping from both their muzzles. Then in a fit of blinded rage the two stallion charged at each other and threw the same punch with all their might hitting each other on the opposing cheek and knocking each other back to the ground. Feeling the full force of their rival’s punch, the ponies laid on the ground for a few seconds before stumbling back to their hooves. Breathing heavily, the two stallions looked at each other trying to regain all their senses, while Traipse smiled, “Good… very good… it’s been a long time since I had this much fun…”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “you’re just as good as the rumors say… I'm impressed I lasted this long…”

As the two soldiers tried regaining their breath, they noticed that the smoke around them had cleared up and that the griffin rebels had already claimed this area and were continuing their charge. Then a call was heard from one of the Rebels, “The third gate has been breached! Our soldiers are advancing through the Noble district!”
Still dazed, Traipse picked himself up and smiled at his opponent, “Well… it’s been fun… But I better head back… Blade will be looking for me.”
Commander Mist stood up and replied, “What? No! we are here to settle this now…”
“It’s done commander… my contract with the griffin general only went as far as the third wall. Nothing personal… it’s just business.”
Traipse then trotted past Commander Mist and started making his way down the road back to the front of the city as Commander Mist yelled, “STOP!!! You’re not going anywhere! Your business with the general is over, but you and I have unsettled business to attend to.”
Traipse stopped and turned around, “Really? I see no point in working for you right now… The griffin king is too young to gain my trust. So I won’t work for you… sorry.”
Commander Mist got angry, “That’s not what I'm talking about! You killed a good soldier of mine and I aim to ge…”

Commander Mist froze, as Major Bolt came galloping from behind Traipse and stopped readying himself to fight, “Commander! You need any help!”
Traipse looked at Major Bolt and smiled, “oh… Bolt, I was wondering when you would make it. but you’re a little late. My contract with the general has expired so I'm not going any further today. But I'm glad you made it nonetheless.”
Commander Mist yelled, “BOLT! You’re supposed to be dead!”
Major Bolt gave him a funny look and replied, “Oh, gee thanks for the positive reinforcement commander.”
Traipse couldn’t help but laugh at his joke he played then he replied, “Well since you two are reunited, I think I should take my leave. It was a good fight commander… one of which I hope to never finish. I rather continue life thinking we are perfect equals then to know I'm better or worse then you. May Celestia watch over you… or whatever you Equestrian ponies say.”
With that unusual way of saying goodbye, Traipse trotted past Major Bolt and down the road leading to the main city gate. Major Bolt turned and tried to stop him, “COME BACK HERE AN…”
“Don’t…”
“Don’t? But commander he…”
Commander Mist trotted next to Major Bolt and put his hoof on his shoulder, “A mercenary fights until his contract ends, then he stops. If he held any grudge he would have continued, but that’s his choice entirely. The way I see it, if he refuses to fight back, then he isn’t a threat. That’s just how war is fought, we are not murderers, we are soldiers. We fight only those who fight us… and if it’s any conciliation… I'm glad you’re alright sparky.”

Commander Mist trotted over to Sergeant Major Storm who was lying on the ground in pain from the attack, “Storm… you ok?”
Storm struggled to pick himself up as he replied, “yea… I'm fine; I think my Morningstar just broke a rib… or five.”
As Commander Mist helped Storm up from the ground, Major Bolt continued his argument, “Sir! That pony is responsible for the death of many of our soldiers. To include Commander Shriek and Colonel Gill… Do any of their lives matter to you?”
Commander Mist looked back and replied, “Sparky… we are soldiers, and there is no such thing as a war that claims no lives. But do you think we should kill him just because we lost a few friends?”
“YES! Sir we…”
“That’s enough! What’s done is done. There is no reason to discuss this now…”
At that moment, one of the griffin refugees ran up and spoke, “Commander! The enemy they…”
Commander Mist interrupted, “I know, I know, they breached the third wall.”
“N-no sir… they breached the castle! A small force had entered the castle through the back and are fighting their way to the king sir!”

Commander Mist immediately reacted, “Major Bolt, stay with Storm, I'm going to save the king.”
“Sir I can fight too let me…”
“That won’t be necessary, I can handle this.”
“But sir I…”
Commander Mist turned and yelled, “THAT’S AN ORDER BOLT!!!”
Major Bolt took a step back in shock, in all of the years he has been raised and trained by Commander Mist; he has never seen an outburst from him like this before. Feeling like a foal who did something, wrong, Major Bolt lowered his head and replied, “Alright… I'll stay here…”
“ALRIGHT WHAT? WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO SOLDIER!!!”
Feeling even worse, Major Bolt stood up straight and replied, “Yes Commander… I'll stay here with Storm.”
Commander Mist kept his serious expression as he turned around and began sprinting to the castle as fast as he could. He felt a little bad about being so rough on Major Bolt, but with fear of losing him for real, Commander Mist wanted to know that Major Bolt would be safe, even if the battlefield was the safest place to be right now.

Back in the industrial district, Traipse continued casually trotting back to the city gate until something shiny caught his eye. Traipse approached the small shard of metal and immediacy recognized it. It was a piece of metal from the Cupids Kiss, Traipse immediately looked around until he saw Blade lying in a nearby wagon. As he approached her, he checked her pulse and found that she was only unconscious so he looked around to see what could have done this but all he found was all her weapon parts in a pile next to the wagon. Feeling that it was his duty to look after his partner, he connected the wagon to himself and began pulling it back to the front of the city, “Well… at least you’re not dead. This has been one he…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Traipse saw spotted the factory that was destroyed by one half of the stone cannonball. Traipse then unhooked himself from the wagon and trotted over to the large broken cannonball. As he ran his hoof along the point where it split into two, he mumbled to himself, “This… this isn’t a break… it’s a cut. But it’s a very familiar cut, one that I haven’t seen since…”
Traipse looked around him trying to find more clues, but when his search came up empty he just sighed, and reconnected the wagon as he mumbled, “I can’t say it’s her… but I don’t know who else it could be. Are you still watching over him?”

Back at the castle, the king sat in his throne with an uneasy expression on his face. Colonel Orem looked at his leader and asked, “Your majesty? How are you feeling?”
The young annoyed king looked at him and replied, “Oh, I'm doing well Orem… how about you? Are you feeling well, knowing that the wretched ponies are blowing up my city outside hmm? Or that there is a pathetic Traitor after my head? Are you feeling special, KNOWING THAT YOUR ONLY TASK RIGHT NOW IT TO SEE THAT I STAY ALIVE!!! KNOWING FULL AND WELL THAT THEY DON’T CARE WHETHER YOU LIVE OR DIE HMM!!!”
Colonel Orem stood his ground knowing that the outburst was just the cries of a worried cub, while the kings teacher spoke, “Temper your majesty, temper… you know that remaining calm shows your strength in ba…”
“I AM CALM!!!”
Just then a loud cry came from the Equestrian Forces outside the throne room, “ENEMIES IN THE CASTLE GET THEM!!!”
After a brief moment of metal on metal clashing and the cries of dying soldiers, all noises outside the throne room ceased and everything became so silent, that the battle outside the castle was all that could be heard.

After a few minutes that seemed like an eternity for the suspense-filled trio, the massive doors that lead into the throne room, slowly opened with a loud creaking sound as the griffin general entered the room carrying one of the Equestrian ponies who was struggling to get free. The general then turned to his last remaining soldier and spoke, “Stand behind me and don’t let any enter.”
The soldier replied, “Yes sir!”
The king stood up and tried everything he could to hide his fear, as the general held the struggling pony out in front of him and spoke, “Is this… your pet your majesty?”
After a few seconds of silence, the griffin quickly drew his sword and pushed the blade through the pony’s back exposing the blade out his chest before pulling the sword back out, “Oops… it slipped.”
The as the dying pony stopped moving, the griffin general tossed the corpse forward letting it hit the ground mere feet from the king, “You’re out of peasants your majesty, so unless you think you can take me on yourself, I'd surrender your crown, otherwise you might find that a sword can be used may times before it needs replacing. In fact if you surrender now, I'll spare your life, now how does that sound?”

In fear, the Griffin teacher turned and screamed as he ran the opposite direction, “Some griffin save me!”
The general smiled as he gave an order, “Kill him…”
Reacting quickly to his order, the griffin blocking the door raised his spear and tossed across the throne room hitting the fleeing griffin in his back. As the teacher fell to the ground dead, the king looked back in terror at his fallen teacher as the general spoke, “you see… none want to protect you. You will never be the king your father once was, and any attempt to try, will only lead to death.”
The cub looked at his foe and spoke with confidence, “My crown is mine and mine alone. Passed down to me by my father as was to him by his. Though I may never be the king he was… I would die before I ever pass my crown to any griffin other than my future son. So don’t think because you made it this far that I will ever kneel to the likes of an anarchist. I would give you an option to surrender or die… but I will not show mercy to the likes of you.”
The general started walking forward as he smiled, “Well, I'll say this much, I didn’t expect you of all griffin to talk to me li…”
Before the griffin could finish his sentence, Colonel Orem quietly stepped in front of him and blocked his path to the king.

The intrigued general looked Colonel Orem dead in the eye and spoke, “Step aside.”
Orem didn’t reply all he did was stare the general in the eye and hold his ground. The griffin general smiled, “Oh… you must be the powder thrower, right? What was your name? Orem was right? How does it feel to be this cub’s guinea pig for his weapon tests?”
Orem continued holding his silence as he opened the pouch on his side. The general drew his sword and continued, “Well, loyal and quiet… a good quality in a personal guard eh your majesty? Nevertheless, I don’t have all day so I'll tell you again… Step aside.”
Orem continued holding his ground in silence as the griffin general sighed, “Too bad with a griffin of your reputation I would have seen you as a good commander once this war was over, oh well I guess the good do die young.”
With little warning, the griffin general raised his weapon up and attempted to bring it down on the silent guard, but as he did Orem reached up, caught the blade with the iron gauntlet on his talon, and smiled, “My king comes first traitor.”
With the iron linking in the gauntlet protecting his talon, Colonel Orem jerked the sword until the blade hit the ground, then he slid it across the ground over a clear liquid that was hidden from the general’s view. As the sparks from the grinding blade hit the liquid, it instantly ignited into flame creating a wall of fire that split the room in two, separating the king from his foe.

With the flames quickly rising between the two, both the general and Orem had to jump back to avoid being caught on the six foot wall of flames that rose through the room. With the feathers on his face slightly fayed, the general quickly rubbed his face and began to laugh, “You know what the best thing about a worthy opponent is? They never cease to amaze you.”
Then as he looked back at the fire, he saw Colonel Orem hovering just over it with something in his left talon. The general quickly tried to brace himself for an attack but before he could, Orem scattered black sand over the flames that ignited in a singed flame that fell towards the griffin general. The general quickly jumped out of the path of the falling flames, then brushed off his feathers thinking he was on fire. As he looked back at his opponent, Colonel Orem dove towards him with the metal claws on his talon exposed and ready to finish this quickly. Expecting an aerial attack, the griffin general switched the way he was holding his sword so that the blade was below the palm of his talon. Colonel Orem swung his gauntlet hoping to dig the razor sharp claws into his opponents face, but the clever general ducked, dodging the attack as he brought the handle of his sword up into Orem’s gut, knocking the breath from his lings as it sent him crashing to the ground behind his opponent. Orem quickly shuffled to his paws, but with no time to counter. The griffin General swing his sword to strike his enemy, but Orem barley had enough time to catch the blade with his gauntlet a second time, only this time, he didn’t have enough focus to avoid what came next.

With his sword gripped by his enemy, the griffin general grabbed Colonel Orem’s bag of black powder with his free talon, and broke the strap as he tossed it away from them before using the same talon to grab Colonel Orem by his throat. Orem tried all he could to get free, but unless he released the generals sword, he couldn’t do anything. The general then pushed Colonel Orem back to the closest palace column and slammed the weakened griffin against the column continuously until finally Colonel Orem became too dazed to keep hold of the general’s sword. With his body, now weakened by the continuous beating he had just sustained, Colonel Orem lost his grip as general managed to pull his blade free of the iron gauntlet. The general smiled as he sheathed his sword, turned, and grabbed Orem’s gauntlet, “Such a deadly weapon… and yet, useless and fragile.”
The general then slammed Orem’s gauntlet against the column and broke the support ring that held the weapon together. Now with the gauntlets support ring broken, the weapon fell to pieces as the general released Orem’s talon and smiled, “Funny, your gauntlet is just like the king’s crown. Without it, he is nothing, just like you.”
Too weak to get free, Orem replied, “Says… the griffin who crosses… th-the crown.”
The general smiled, “Then you will die first.”

The general began walking towards the still burning wall of fire; dragging the griffin behind him as he spoke aloud so the king could hear him, “How do you like your guards your majesty? Medium, or well done? I for one prefer them still bleeding myself!”
The king looked away as the griffin general approached the fire dragging Orem behind him, “Any last word guinea pig?”
The colonel looked him and the eye and tried to reply, “Fuc…”
Before Colonel Orem could curse the general’s name, an echoed scream came from the doorway as the lone griffin rebel fell to the ground with a spear in his back. All three remaining griffin looked at the doorway as Commander Mist entered, the room and pulled the spear from the soldiers back with his magic, “That’s far enough!”
The griffin general sighed, “Does anygriffin else think that there are way too many ponies in this war? Seriously! What gives?”
Commander Mist continued into the room and yelled, “The Cutters are no longer yours to command. It’s over!”
The general smiled, “oh I beg to differ pony… if this griffin soldier couldn’t stand up to me, then what makes you think you could?”
With a serious expression, Commander Mist replied, “Because, I’m not a griffin… I’m a Unicorn!”

With that said, Commander Mist used his magic, to pull the spear from the dead griffin in front of him and send it flying towards the General. Reacting quickly, the general dropped Colonel Orem and drew his sword knocking the spear out of the way with the same movement. As the spear flew away from him, the general smiled, “Magic or not, you’re still a po…”
Before the general could finish his sentence, a spear flew in from behind him piercing his back and exposing the blade out his right shoulder. The King, Orem, and the general were shocked about what had just happened. The General grabbed his shoulder in pain as he looked behind him and saw that not only did the commander use the spear he brought with him, but he also used the spear that was still in the teacher’s corpse. As the general turned back to sneer at Commander Mist, he was quickly caught off guard as Commander Mist sent his first spear at him a second time leaving him only enough time to raise his sword and block it. However, when the griffin blocked the incoming attack, he didn’t brace himself so with the force of the spear pushing him, he fell backwards hitting the shaft of the spear in his back and causing the blade to get pushed further out his front until finally he rolled to stop the intense pain he was feeling.

With the incredible pain in his shoulder and his senses dulled by his rage, the griffin broke off both ends of the spear so that the small part that was inside his body was all that remained. Then he picked himself up and glared at his foe, “You… you son-of-a…”
“As I said… It’s over. Or shall I prove you wrong a second time?”
With those words said, Commander Mist used his magic to pick up all four metal claws that had fallen off Colonel Orem’s gauntlet. With each one hovering in the air, even the king new they would be like razor sharp arrows with Commander Mist’s magic controlling them. With his advantages in ruins, the general was thinking as fast as he could on his next move. However, there was only one option he could think of, though it wasn’t something he ever planned on.

Trying to act calm, and ignoring his pain, the general began to pace away from Orem’s exhausted body and along the wall of flames, “You know… you ponies are better than I though… and the cutters were also a good example. Why don’t you work for me? I promise I can make it worth it.”
Commander Mist tried to watch the griffins actions as he replied, “I’ll pass…”
The general approached Orem’s pouch that was laying in the ground with the black powder spilled on the floor. Then he smiled, “really… that’s too BAD!”
The cleaver griffin opened his wing and slid it across the ground picking up the spilled powder and sending it into the air completely concealing him as Commander Mist sent one of the claws straight at him.

With the powder concealing the griffin general, he jumped into the air dodging the metal claw as it passed through and hit the wall on the other side of him. Trying to take this opportunity, the griffin general flew straight for a stain glass window that was near the top of the large throne room. Commander Mist saw the griffins escape attempt, so he sent another claw straight at him, aiming for the griffin’s right wing. The small claw stick into the griffin’s wing throwing off his aim as he approached the window. With this slight shift in direction, the griffin’s wing hit the window pain as the rest of his body crashed through the stained glass, giving him numerous cuts and scratched, but also breaking his wing on contact as he rolled out the window and fell into the castle garden. Wasting no time at all, the griffin general rolled himself around and could only slow his crash so that he could gain a running start as he sprinted from the castle garden and into the alleys of the noble district.

Back in the throne room, Commander Mist looked at the King and spoke, “There is no need to go after him your majesty. As I said, The Cutters don’t work for him anymore, and with no attained crown or assets from this battle, he will be forced to go into hiding, since he will now be their next target.”
With those words said, Commander Mist trotted over to Colonel Orem to check on his wounds while the king could only stand there speechless as to what he just witnessed. His personal guard, the only griffin who mastered Powder throwing the most dangerous form of combat known; just fell. While this pony, this weaker species not only succeeded with flying colors… but without sustaining so much as a scratch. He couldn’t believe the power that this pony alone could control. He started imagining the devastation that a whole platoon of ponies could do, or worse, an entire army. With power like this, the Griffin Kingdoms would fall in a matter of days.

The king hid his concerns while he replied, “Barbaric… but impressive. You and your soldiers did well commander. Go out and send the word. Tell all who are still fighting that the Griffin Rebellion’s leader has fallen and this battle and war have ended!”
Commander Mist nodded his head as he replied, “Yes your majesty.”
As Commander Mist turned to follow his orders, the king called to him, “Oh and commander… when you’re done gather your remaining soldiers here, I want to speak with the heroes of this war.”
Felling skeptic, but honored, Commander Mist nodded his head, “yes your majesty I will.”
As Commander Mist turned to leave the throne room, a number of Griffin Royal soldiers entered the room and hauled the wounded Colonel Orem off to see a medic. The king then mumbled to himself, “These ponies… they are much stronger then I though… I guess it’s time to deal with them.”

Just outside the palace walls, the Griffin General quietly made his way through the alleys of the noble district trying to avoid every Royal soldier he could as he mumbled, “Ponies… I can’t believe I was beaten by a pony… this is the second time I had to deal with that troublesome species. I swear if I ever see a pony again I’ll…”
as the general made his way through the alley, he felt a dark presence around him, so he stopped and looked around. He carefully examined every inch of his surroundings but he couldn’t see anything so his just continued down the alley in silence. It wasn’t ten steps more that he felt the presence a second time. Stopping and readying himself for an attack despite his injuries the griffin yelled “SHOW YOURSELF!!!”
Like before, the griffin looked around but didn’t see anything other than the alley around him. The griffin mumbled to himself, “Must be my imagina…”

As the griffin turned to continue down his path, he stopped short when he saw his reflection on the blade of a scythe that was being held from behind him with the blade curving in front of his head and the point resting against the wall of the alley. The griffin started trembling in fear as he also saw a cloaked figure in the reflection from the scythe. The griffin cleared his throat as he started to speak, “W-who… who are you?”
The figure replied, “You hired the services of The Cutters for this job… correct?”
The griffin swallowed as he continued, “Y-yes… I did…”
The figure continued, “Tell me… did you pay them? And don’t lie to me… I can see the answer in your eyes, trying to hide behind your fear.”
The Griffin thought to himself and replied with increasing fear, “You’re her… aren’t you you’re The Rea…”
“Answer my question… have you, or have you not paid the cutters for their services?
He replied, “I… I haven’t. But I was going to whe…”
Before the griffin could finish his sentence, the scythe was quickly jerked back making a loud scraping sound as the tip of the blade ran against the wall cutting and killing everything between the blade and its wielder. As the now dead general fell to the ground, the figure flung the blood from her scythe and sighed, “Yet another life ended… I guess this is a curse I’ll never escape. Too bad, I started to enjoy the quiet life.”
With that said, the figure vanished into the shadows leaving nothing behind, but a gash in the wall, and a dead foe.

Ch14 The Last of Us

Major Bolt sat in silence outside a hospital when Sergeant Major Storm approached him, “you ok sir? You still angry about what Commander Mist said?”
Major Bolt continued sulking as he replied, “He keeps treating me like a colt, I’ve been a soldier how long? And he still treats me like that little foal with amnesia. I’m tired of it…”
“He’s only worried sir, try not to take it personally.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Sure… like that’s easy…”
while the two ponies were talking, Sergeant Snow trotted up with a bunch of cuts and bruises on him. Sergeant Major Storm looked at him and spoke, “Snow, are you ok? You look like hel…”
“I’m fine sir… just my pride. If I’m not mistaken, your pride is also hurting Major…”
“CAN-IT SNOW!!!”

Sergeant Snow silenced himself after hearing Major Bolt’s outburst. Then Commander Mist trotted up to the group, “Storm… how are your wounds?”
Trying to forget the outburst, Storm replied, “Just a broken rib, it should be fine by the time we return to Canterlot. Congrats on beating the feathers off that griffin trash…”
One of the griffin soldiers was walking by when he said that, so the griffin gave him a dirty look while Storm shrugged his shoulders, “No offence…”
the griffin soldier shook his head as he continued walking by. Commander Mist continued, “I’m surprised word reached this far, the general escaped just twenty minutes ago.”
Storm smiled, “Actually the only word that reached us is that the war has just ended, we hadn’t heard anything about what happened at the palace. I only assumed you had something to do with it.”
Major Bolt stood up in irritation, “Wait… you mean the griffin general got away? Why didn’t you kill him?”
Commander Mist replied, “I didn’t see a need to end him so soon, besides he won’t get far. Eventually he will be found by one of the kings soldiers, and if not, then the cutters will catch him.”
Major Bolt tried to argue, “How are you so sure?”
“Because I know Traipse, he will get what he wants, you can count on that.”
Major Bolt sat back down and sighed, “Sure…”

Commander Mist gave Major Bolt a look of intrigue, “I’m detecting a hint of resentment major… anything wrong?”
Major Bolt replied, “… No sir.”
Trying to prevent a fight from breaking out between the officers, Sergeant Major Storm stepped between the two, “Um… commander? Do you have the reports of our remaining troop count?”
Completely sweeping the obvious tension aside, Commander Mist spoke, “Oh… that’s why I came to find you. I need a count of ponies involved in both the cannon teams and the castle defenses. We need a full count of our wounded and living soldiers so I can report to the king.”
Sergeant Major Storm nodded his head, “Sir we had zero ponies on the cannon teams, only the griffin refugees fought on the cannons.”
Sergeant Snow added, “We had a total of eight soldiers guarding the castle, counting me that makes nine… but when I was passing a message to the catapult teams I was attacked and knocked unconscious, so I don’t know their status.”
Commander Mist sighed, “I was afraid of that… I counted the number killed in the palace before I came out here, and all eight were identified as dead…”

All four ponies thought to themselves as Sergeant Major Storm sat down, “You… you mean to say that, we… are all that’s left of the Equestrian Forces?”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “yes… we are the last living ponies in Gryphus right now.”
Major Bolt sighed then mumbled to himself, “all of them… just like the colonel.”
Without hearing his comment, Commander Mist continued, “Well anyway, the king wants to see our remaining soldiers so we should go back to the palace and see him.”
Sighing as he stood up, Major Bolt spoke, “Well if his royal pain wants to see us I guess we better get going.”
As the annoyed major started leading the way back to the castle, the other three started following him as Commander Mist asked, “Major, I would appreciate it if you would stay quiet through this meeting, I’m not going to ask, but I can tell something is bothering you and I don’t want you to disrespect the king. Even if the war is over, we must still abide by their rules until we are back in Equestria.”
Though he was still annoyed, Major Bolt thought it was a good idea to take the commanders advice. He didn’t like King Harpy to begin with, so he knew that with his irritation, any word he would say to the king would be disrespectful.

The four ponies made their way through the calming city as the last few soldiers fighting for the Griffin Rebellion laid their weapons down and surrendered. When the Equestrian soldiers reached the castle and entered the Throne room, King Harpy was sitting in his throne getting information from his generals, “Your majesty, the main force in the front of the city have taken substantial losses, but we have regained control in the area.”
King Harpy replied, “good, what about the factories? Can we get them up and running soon?”
Another commander replied, “We can try, but most of the facilities are in ruins.”
“Then do what you can to get them working fast, I don’t want another nation to jump on us while we are weakened.”
The first commander spoke again, “Your majesty? What about the surrendering rebels?”
King Harpy thought to himself then replied, “Find out who the officers are and execute them all. As for the other soldiers, give them a choice, either they will pledge eternal loyalty to me… or life imprisonment, however every ten who choose imprisonment, I want executed… to maintain control over all, I must make an example of some.”
“Spoken like a true monarch…”

Silence grew through the room and Commander Mist turned back to Major Bolt and shook his head, “Was that really necessary?”
With an unamused stare, Commander Bolt shrugged his shoulders, “Sorry… it slipped.”
King Harpy looked back at his commanders and spoke, “Go see to your orders and don’t let anygriffin in here. I wish to speak with the ponies alone.”
As the griffin commanders walked by the pony soldiers, the king looked at Colonel Orem, “The same goes for you too Orem… go see to your wounds, I’ll call for you when I need you.”
Feeling a little disappointed that he was being left out, Colonel Orem bowed as he replied, “As you wish your majesty.”
Orem then walked past the pony soldiers and out of the room, closing the doors behind him. The griffin king smiled as he spoke, “Commander Mist… and other ponies whose names escape me at this moment. I must thank you for your support during this war. As much as it pains me to admit it, you and your soldiers proved your strength in battle and I am pleased you were here to support me. Are the rest of your soldiers waiting outside?”
Commander Mist sighed as he stepped forward and replied, “No your majesty… they aren’t. We four are the last of my soldiers.”

King Harpy showed little interest in the commander’s comment as he continued, “Really?... what a shame… well, I suppose it’s good to see that your dog survived, despite his capture.”
Knowing that the king was referring to him, enraged Major Bolt however, he just held his ground and his composer as King Harpy waved to the commander, “May I have a moment of your time commander? I would like to discuss something with you?”
Feeling a little awkward about the request, Commander Mist trotted up to the young griffin as he stood up from his throne. The two leaders then started walking along the side of the room as King Harpy looked over the paintings of the past kings.

As the two traversed the side of the room, King Harpy spoke, “Commander, I am not my father, in any way. I will never share the same mercy for his enemies that he had, nor will I ever command an army like he did, and no matter what, I will never be as strong, and as great a king that he was. However, I still would like to know myself, and to show the rest of the world, that I am his son, and I will never let an opportunity to make my kingdom great, slip through my talons. Do you know what I’m talking about commander?”
Commander Mist had an idea, but out of curiosity, he replied, “Your majesty, the key to being a good leader is understanding the wellbeing of those you’re leading, not leading like the one before you.”
As the two stopped in front of a painting of King Harpy’s father, he shook his head in disappointment, “Well, spoken like a true pony… but I wouldn’t think that a simple pony like yourself would understand it anyway. What I’m getting at is that when I see something that will greatly benefit my kingdom? I seek to keep it close and make it benefit the future of my kingdom, now do you understand?”
Commander Mist didn’t like what the cub was starting to say, so he looked back at the young king and replied, “Your majesty… your subjects needs should come first, and I can tell tha…”
The young king put his talon on Commander Mist’s shoulder and sighed, “Pony, pony, pony… what I’m trying to tell you is that it’s not my subjects I’m concerned with, but my military might. And I think my military will greatly benefit, with you training them.”

Commander Mist took a step back from the young king in shock, “What? Me?...”
King Harpy replied, “Don’t be so surprised commander, I’ve seen you in action, and I know your strength. Your princesses are wasting your talent, while I seek to use it properly. I request that you defect from the Equestrian Royal Guards and become a Commander of the Griffin Royal Army. If you accept, you will be given anything you want to include property, wealth, and a position where your only duty will be to train soldiers. And to show you that I can be reasonable, I will allow your dog, and your other soldiers into my army as well, and I’ll even give them officer status and rank to match so long that they remain under your supervision.”
Commander Mist was shocked at the offer, not only did it seem exceedingly generous, but it went against everything he stood for, “You… want us to defect?”
Thinking this was already settled King Harpy smiled, “I think it’s a crime to let a soldier with your skill, was it in a nation that doesn’t even fight in war. A soldier like you should be spreading that skill to others, increasing military might, and making your home safer for those around you. It’s a shame to let such talent fade away with age. So commander… do we have a deal?”

Commander Mist looked at his soldiers who didn’t hear the conversation, then he looked back at the king and replied, “Though I appreciate the offer your majesty… I must respectfully decline. Equestria is and will always be my home. And I will always be loyal to my princesses. So thanks…but no thanks your majesty.”
King Harpy was annoyed with the ponies answer but he tried his best to hide it while nodding and replying, “So… you wish to waste your talents on pony princesses hm… Very well then. May I ask what you will do now that the war is over?”
Commander Mist could see that the young griffin was angry but he ignored it and replied, “We will take the night to rest and resupply then we will return home in the morning.”
The griffin king sighed and turned towards his throne as he replied, “I see…”
As King Harpy walked back to his throne, he sat down and spoke aloud so that all four ponies could hear, “Since this war is over and your orders were to support me until it ended, then I would say you are no longer welcome here… So I think it would be best if you take your soldiers and leave The Griffin Kingdoms immediately.”

Commander Mist was stunned as Sergeant Major Storm tried to argue, “What? Your majesty, we have sustained a number of wounds and we need time to rest…”
King Harpy interrupted them, “You are Equestrian soldiers and are in my nation with no further reason to stay! Your welcome has been officially overused and now with my nation in dire need of recovery, I will see any and all foreign soldiers as hostiles when they are within my borders!”
Major Bolt lost his composure, “YOU CAN’T DO THA…”
“SILENCE DOG!!! Who are you to tell me what I can and can’t do in my kingdom!!! Have you forgotten who you’re talking too!?! I AM KING HARPY THE FOURTH!!! SON OF KING HARPY THE THIRD AND KING OF THE GRIFFIN KINGDOMS!!! My word is law, and you will obey my law as long as you remain in my palace, city, AND KINGDOM!!!”
“YOU LITTLE…”
“BOLT!!!”

Major Bolt silenced himself when he heard Commander Mist yell at him. Then Commander Mist turned to the griffin king and replied as formally as possible, “We understand your concern your majesty…and we will leave your kingdom at once.”
Commander Mist then bowed to King Harpy and turned to leave the room with his soldier following closely behind him. However, before he reached the door King Harpy called out, “Oh, and commander? You have twenty four hours… at night fall tonight, I will order my soldiers to seek out any foreign soldiers that may be in my kingdom and kill them on sight.”
Sergeant Snow yelled, “But we won’t make it to the border for two days. Even if we travel nonstop we wouldn’t reach it till tomorrow ev…”
“Then I suggest you move quickly!”
“Yea but…”
Commander Mist stepped in front of his soldier, “Understood… thanks again for your hospitality your majesty.”
Continuing to act uninterested in the king’s cruelty, Commander Mist led his soldiers out of the throne room and into the hall.

While making their way through the hallway, Major Bolt complained, “Who does that little feathery puke think he is? I say we should go back there and show him who really won this wa…”
“That’s enough Sparky. While we are here, we are still at risk. The best thing we can do is leave as quickly as possible.”
“Really and why is that? We won this war for him, if it wasn’t for us he would be bathing in his own blood right now.”
“Yea… but it doesn’t matter to him. That king only wants power, and if he doesn’t have it then he seeks it from others. The only thing we can do now is get as far away from here as possible. I wouldn’t put it past him to send troops after us sooner then he said.”
Sergeant major storm asked, “What did you say to annoy him so much sir?”
“He wanted us to betray Princess Celestia and join the Griffin Royal Army.”
Sergeant Snow spoke, “… But, we aren’t griffin, so why…”
“Because he wants to know that his army is the strongest in the world. Like I said before… He just wants power. Either way let’s just leave the city from here.”
Major bolt asked, “From here? What about our stuff in the tower?”
Commander Mist shook his head, “That tower is laying on its side, we don’t have time to sift through the rubble, we will leave from here, it will at least buy us some time.”

Back at the cave just outside kestrel, Traipse stood in silence as he stared at the wall that he leaned the scythe against before leaving, “… Gone… I knew it. I knew that was her… and I knew she was involved in this somehow.”
Blade rushed into the room stumbling as she entered, “Tri! Did you see her! Did you see Scy! She is he…”
Blade dropped to a knee as Traipse helped her back up, “Calm down… you’ve been unconscious for hours. The war is already over.”
Blade rubbed her head and replied, “What?... the general lost didn’t he? Should we go after him?”
Traipse nodded his head and replied, “Soon but for now you need to calm down and rest a bit. From your injuries, I can tell you took a nasty fall. You’re lucky I found you when I did.”
Remembering what she saw before losing consciousness, blade spoke, “Traipse… I saw her. I saw the boss! She was standing there right in front of me before I passed out.”
Ignoring what he already knew, Traipse replied, “Are you sure? It was a griffin wearing a gray cloak that told me where to find you right after I started to leave the city. She even gathered all the pieces of your weapon that broke when you fell.”

Trying to think hard about what she saw, Blade mumbled to herself, “A… a griffin… but I’m sure it was the boss. It had to be.”
Traipse continued, “Maybe your vision was blurred a bit and you mistook her for Scy.”
Starting to doubt herself, Blade sat down, “I… no it had to be her… it just had to. The cloak, her face, I didn’t see her scythe… but it just had to be her. It couldn’t be anypony else… could it?”
Traipse continued, “Well it wouldn’t matter anyway. When I got here, the surviving griffin refugee’s had already raided this place. Everything to include Scy’s scythe and needles were taken. All I managed to find were a couple bundles of hay. Get yourself something to eat then get ready to go. We have a general to track down.”
Feeling disappointed, Blade nodded her head, “Ok… I guess I’ll do that then.”
Traipse felt guilty allowing blade to believe she imagined it, but he knew The Reaper better than anypony, and if she kept herself hidden from them, then she had good reason.

About an hour later in Gryphus, King Harpy and Colonel Orem stood on a balcony of the tallest tower looking at the damage his city sustained during the battle. “Um… Your majesty? May I ask why the Equestrian forces left in such a hurry?”
The king replied with irritation in his voice, “The pony commander was worried about matters at his home, so he took his soldiers and left as soon as I told him his job was done. Why do you ask?”
Colonel Orem replied, “Oh… um… no reason your majesty, just curious.”
King Harpy didn’t react to the remark, he just looked into the city as one of his commanders walked up behind him, “Your majesty… we have the total count of soldiers lost in battle.”
King Harpy replied, “I don’t care how many are lost right now… what I want to know is how many are still capable of fighting?”
The soldier thought to himself for a second then replied, “I'd say about a quarter of our main force your majesty, easily fifty thousand troops in Gryphus alone.”
King Harpy smiled and looked at his personal guard, “Colonel Orem… what do you think of Commander Mist and his pony soldiers?”
Colonel Orem replied, “Commander Mist is a hero to the Griffin Kingdoms. Not only did he save my life, but also he saved the kingdom from the rebels. As for his soldiers, I didn’t see any help from them during the battle, so I can’t say.”
King Harpy nodded his head and replied, “I'd suppose it’s time I reward you for your actions in the heat of battle. Take half of the remaining troops and begin recovering as many facilities in the kingdom as you can. Ill expect a full report from you by sundown… Commander.”

Commander Orem was honored to be promoted directly from the king so he bowed with respect and replied, “Yes your majesty, and thank you for your generosity. As usual, I will do my best to please you.”
As Commander Orem left the balcony, King Harpy smiled, “I know you will… and I expect good things from you in the future.”
When Commander Orem was out of sight, the king turned to the other commander and spoke, “take the remaining twenty four thousand soldiers and…”
“Twenty-five your majesty…”
“Whatever! Just take them and hunt down those Equestrian ponies… if you find them before they reach Equestria… Execute them.”
“But what about The Equestrian princesses? Won’t word reach Equestria that the pony commander ended the war?”

King Harpy looked back into the city and watched as Commander Orem left the tower and started giving orders to the troops below, “Yes… in fact word that Commander Mist is a hero will reach as far as the great sea… but we all know that the greatest of heroes die in the most horrifying of ways. This one, helped end the war but was wounded in combat. His wounds were so fatal that he died shortly after, leaving behind no soldiers that survived the great battle of Gryphus. It will be a touching display, when the king of the Griffin Kingdoms shows his gratitude by placing their great weapon in the plaza to commemorate the lives lost.”
The soldier smiled as he bowed, “Understood your majesty, I will gather the troops within the hour.”
King Harpy replied, “No… Now, and be smart about it. Commander Mist isn’t dumb enough to take the simplest path out of the Griffin Kingdoms; he may travel an uncommon route.”
The griffin nodded his head, “Understood your majesty, I’ll split my soldiers into groups and scatter them along the southern portion of the kingdom.”
As the griffin left to follow his orders, King Harpy looked into the horizon, “Check-mate commander… check-mate.”

Hours later in a remote area of the Griffin Kingdoms, Commander Mist, and his soldiers were traveling along a narrow valley while avoiding detection from the griffin royal troops. While traveling Major Bolt was doing nothing but complaining, “If you ask me commander we should have shown that little brat whose stronger. I can’t stand that little coward. Why is it that he decides to act like a little foal when he doesn’t get his way?”
Sergeant Snow replied, “Bad upbringing… if he were raised by my father, he would have received such a scolding…”
Major Bolt sighed, “Says the multi-billionaire who grew up in luxury…”
Commander Mist added, “You grew up in luxury too Sparky… remember that?”
“I grew up in a boot camp! Remember that?... you only gave me luxury for the first few weeks with you.”
Commander Mist continued, “When a foal asks me to train him to become a royal guard… I take it seriously. If you want to blame anypony, blame yourself. Now will you stop your belly-aching, you’re getting on my ner…”
As they continued, Sergeant Major Storm stopped and leaned against the a boulder, when Commander Mist saw this, he cut his sentence short and asked, “Storm? You gonna make it?”
Sergeant Major Storm nodded his head, “Yea… I’ll be fine sir. My side is just acting up on me, that’s all.”
Seeing this as a good time to rest, Commander Mist Spoke to his soldiers, “Let’s find some shelter and take a break… we can’t keep going like this.”
Sergeant Snow nodded his head, “My thoughts exactly commander.”

Not far down the valley, sat a canopy made from the rock that formed over the ground. Seeing this as a good place to take over, the pony soldiers quickly went inside, and sat at the very far back so they would be hidden. As soon as Storm sat down, he laid his weapon on the ground and sighed, “Unless I leave this thing behind, we aren’t going to get back in time.”
Major Bolt sighed, “We won’t get back in time anyway. It took us almost four days to reach Gryphus from the border. And even though there are only four of us. It will take us easily two days. Maybe less if we go nonstop, but it wouldn’t help much… What now commander?”
Commander Mist gave Major Bolt an unamused look, “Watch your tone.”
“Oh, I’m sorry… does the Great Commander Mist not have a plan for getting us out of this mess? I thought he knew everything there was about war.”
Commander Mist got irritated, “Alright Bolt, that’s it! What is your problem! This morning I thought you were dead, then when you show up, you argue at the first order I give you, then since then you’ve done nothing but pout and complain. What’s wrong with you?”

Major Bolt looked Commander Mist dead in the eye and replied, in a rage-filled voice, “What’s wrong with me? WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME!”
“Um... sir, try to calm down…”
Ignoring Snow’s advice Major Bolt continued, “I’ve survived two battles, I’ve been captured and held against my will by The Cutters, survived an attack from an unknown beast, and made my way all the way back to Gryphus, and FOR WHAT!!! To be told to stand aside and watch as my fellow ponies fight in one of the most crucial battles of the entire war. When will you stop treating me like a foal!”
“WHEN YOU STOP ACTING LIKE ONE!!! You’ve been pouting all day for that! Any other pony would have realized I was trying to protect you like a good father should!”
“YOU’RE NOT MY FATHER!!!”
“GOOD REASON TOO!!! My son wouldn’t act like a foal in a time like this!”
Major Bolt slowly stood up and glared at his commanding officer as he unslung his shield and strapped it on his hoof, “Go ahead old pony… call me that one more time…”
Commander Mist glared back and replied, “You heard me… foal.”
Almost immediately, Major Bolt and Commander Mist changed their stances from casual to offensive while Major Bolt held his shield at the ready, and Commander Mist used his magic to raise his spear, also at the ready.

Trying to prevent the imminent fight, Snow held Major Bolt back while Storm did the same with Commander Mist, “Calm down major, he didn’t mean it, it was just frustration and stress commanding his words.”
“Sir, just let it go… we’ve been traveling without rest and we are all just a little dehydrated. Commander, we need to keep moving, this isn’t the time to lose your head.”
Considering his options, Commander Mist lowered his spear and replied to Storm’s words, “You’re right… he isn’t worth the time anyway. Get ready to leave! We need to get to the border as soon as possible. And you Bolt… You’re done... as soon as we get back, your service in the royal guard is over, so follow behind us, and keep your mouth shut, am I clear?”
Major Bolt lowered his weapon but didn’t reply, “ANSWER ME MAJOR!!!”
Major Bolt slung his shield as he answered with a disrespecting tone, “Yes… sir…”
Commander Mist then turned and left the cave following the path they were traveling before. With the concerned soldiers standing there in worry, Major Bolt continued showing his frustration, “Well… MOVE IT! If I’m following behind you two, then you had better keep up with our… Commander!”
The two looked at each other then began traveling behind their leader while major bold followed them.

Up the ridge behind them sat two griffin scouts watching their movements, “Well… it’s good to see they still have energy.”
“If they were any louder the rest of the kings army could hear them bicker and fight.”
“We should alert the rest, have them swing around and cut them off at the pass.”
The second griffin smiled then replied, “You know… if our squad happen to catch them first, the king would probably reward us somehow.”
The first griffin smiled, “You know what… that’s a good idea, you go get the squad, and then when they arrive we will send for the rest of the army. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on our prey. The sun will be setting within the next hour so go fast. I'd like to get them before nightfall.”

Ch15 Enemies and Allies

Slowly the shadow of the cascading sunset covered the valley road in darkness as the four soldiers continued their journey to escape from the Griffin Kingdoms. With the argument between the two officers still in everypony’s minds, the group continued with an awkward silence. Sergeant Snow started trotting closer to Sergeant Major Storm and whispered, “Sir? Are they really going through with this? I mean, the major was a little out of line… but that’s no reason to kick him from the royal guard. He only spoke honestly toward the good commander’s question…”
Storm interrupted as quietly as he could, “Now isn’t the time to discuss this Snow. I agree that this is a little extreme, but it’s not as if we can do anything about it. Major Bolt spoke too far out of line this time… it’s up to the commander and the princess no…”
“HEADS UP!!!”

The two soldiers silenced themselves and looked to the sky after hearing Major Bolts warning. Flying above their heads was a large formation of griffin soldiers who were circling like vultures. As the griffin began landing around them, one griffin yelled out, “Commander Mist of Equestria! For being present in the Griffin Kingdoms after the time of war had abruptly ended, you have been accused of forging a secret attack on his majesty the king! I offer as evidence, your three soldiers. For this crime, the griffin king has ordered me to carry out your punishment, Death… as it were.”
Major Bolt stepped forward, “If it wasn’t for us your king would be dead! Did you ever think of that you featherbrained twit!?!”
The griffin smiled sinisterly, “Any arguments you have to change my orders must be given directly to his majesty. Too bad, he isn’t here to hear them... ALL SOLDIERS EXECUTE THE PONIES!”

All of a sudden, the formation of griffin roared loudly as they took off into the sky circling above like before, only this time, they were ready to kill their prey. Major Bolt, and Sergeant Snow held their weapons at the ready and Sergeant Major Storm readied himself, “Kinda wish I kept my Morningstar now.”
Commander Mist spoke as he used his magic to hold his spear at the ready, “There are too many to fight, we have to find a way around them…”
Major Bolt replied, “I know I won’t be a guard much longer… but I have an idea.”
Commander Mist looked at Major Bolt and replied, “Really? And what might that be?”
Major Bolt smiled, “The Lightning Orb.”
Commander Mist replied; “Don’t even think about it… You know you still can’t control it. If you use it and fail to contain it, you could cook us to a crisp.”
“What? You rather they kill us instead?”

Quickly one of the circling griffin charged in and tried to swing his sword at Commander Mist. Thinking on his hooves, Commander Mist used his magic to stop the sword in midair as he dug his spear into the griffin’s side, “Fine, but you better get them all, you’ll be useless afterwards.”
With increasing sarcasm Major Bolt replied, “Oh, then it shouldn’t be any different than usual, right?”
With the griffins still circling, Major Bolt gave his shield to Storm and began focusing for the Lighting Orb. As he began to focus, a small cloud began to appear as two more griffins charged the cornered ponies. Sergeant Snow dodged the first griffins spear and ran his blade along the griffin’s throat as he flew by, killing him before he hit the ground. When the second griffin tried to dig the claws of his gauntlet into Storm, he blocked it with Major Bolts shield and pushed the moving griffin’s body into the cloud that was hovering over the concentrating major. The griffin flew through the cloud like any other, only as he passed through; an arc of electricity followed him, knocking him unconscious with the powerful jolt.

After watching their unconscious friend pass through the cloud, the circling griffin soldiers became curious of it. Finally, the concentrating major spoke under the stress, “I… I think it’s ready… Every pony down!”
as the three pony soldiers dropped to the ground, seven lightning bolts flew out of the cloud, and into the formation of circling griffin, however, only three bolts managed to make contact with the attackers causing all three to fall out of the sky and hit the valley walls around them. As the cloud vanished, Major Bolt fell to a knee and tried to catch his breath, “I… I tried… but… but I can’t…”
as the major started to fall over, Sergeant Snow caught him and spoke, “It’s ok sir… it was worth a shot, Commander?”

As Commander Mist shook his head at the hopeless situation that befell his group, the leader of the griffin formation landed in front of him and smiled, “You see commander… we didn’t need your help after all… No mere pony could ever compare himself to the power that a griffin ho…”
The griffin went silent as the four ponies stared at him with horror-filled eyes. Wondering what happened; the griffin looked down at his chest and saw a long metal spike resting against the ground after being passed through his body. The griffin slowly turned his head to see Traipse standing on his back with Sergeant Major Storm’s, Morningstar in his hooves, “What-do-ya-know… you’re right, I can’t compare myself to a griffin… I mean, why would I ever see myself as a weak creature like you? I could never set my species that low now could I?... But, I digress.”
Traipse jumped off the griffin’s back, pulling the long shaft of the Morningstar from it and making the weak kneed soldier fall to the ground.

After landing Traipse smiled and called to the ponies soldiers, “I think you forgot something… to bad it has a crest of Equestria on it, otherwise I would probably keep it.”
Storm smiled, “Well you can borrow it till later then.”
Commander Mist then yelled, “Traipse? What are you doi…”
“SIR!!!”
After hearing Sargent Snow’s warning, Commander Mist turned to see a griffin charging him with his sword raised high. Knowing his foe was too close to avoid, Commander Mist closed his eyes as he flinched, only to hear a loud clash of metal on metal. When he opened his eyes, he saw Blade standing between them using her only Cupid’s Kiss blade to block the incoming sword like a shield, “Stay out of my WAY!”
With those words, Blade parried the sword away and opened her wing as she dug the razor sharp cupid’s kiss into the griffins head, killing him on contact.

Commander Mist stared in marvel at the strong mare as she turned and winked at him, “Looks like it’s our third date commander… better not get any ideas.”
Commander Mist could only smile, “Yes ma’am…”
Traipse then approached and suggested, “Maybe we should catch up some other time, from the looks of things, we’re still in a little trouble here.”
As the griffin, continued circling above, Sergeant Snow continued carrying Major Bolt on his back as Major Bolt looked at the cracks on the ground. As he looked, Major Bolt used his weak hoof to push a pebble into the crack and listened as it vanished and hit the bottom about one second later, then he spoke, “S…Snow? Below us?... is it a cave?”

Sergeant Snow looked at the exhausted major then at the cracks on the ground then he smiled and looked at Commander Mist, “Commander… you said yourself that in this mountains there are a series of caves right?”
Both Commander Mist and Traipse looked at the cracks in the ground then smiled as Traipse spoke, “Well commander? Care to explore the great unknown?”
Commander Mist looked at the circling griffin then replied, “Sure… but we have to do this carefully…”
Traipse nodded his head, “Well careful isn’t how we do thing in The Cutters… but I’m willing to improvise if you’re willing to help. Blade?”
Blade nodded her head, “Sure… but I’ll expect some profit from this… perhaps something shiny?”
As a griffin tried to charge from the circle above Commander Mist replied “Fine by me.”

Commander Mist used his magic to toss the spear at the attacking griffin only to have it deflected and thrown away from the group, then using her only open wing, Blade used her massive wing strength to toss up a large cloud of dust, as Traipse jumped between the charging griffin and Commander Mist, then he swung the Morningstar with all his might, “BATTER UP!!!”
after bashing the blinded griffin in the face with the ball on the Morningstar, the griffin was tossed into the air and colligated with a few of the circling griffin, as Blade continued turning up the dust around them, completely covering the ponies in a thick cloud too dense for the circling formation above to see. The circling griffin stopped in place and hovered trying to get a view of the ponies. All of a sudden, large boulders started flying from the ground and hit many of the griffin who were distracted from the cloud of dust.

Trying to avoid being hit and trying to prevent their targets from escaping, the formation split into two groups and landed inside the valley on both ends so that their targets couldn’t run away in the concealment of the dust. As the griffin watched in anticipation, the dust slowly settled, but only to reveal an empty valley. The highest-ranking griffin quickly called out, “What happened? Where did they go!?!”
Another griffin replied, “Maybe the unicorn used a teleporting spell?”
“WELL!!! FIND THEM AND KILL THEM!!!”
The griffin soldiers replied, as they all flew into the air in separate directions, “Yes sir!”
The griffin soldiers then quickly flew into the air and began searching for the missing ponies, while under a large boulder, sat a cave entrance that was dug open when Commander Mist tossed the boulders at the circling formation.

As Traipse listened through the sealed entrance for any sign of the pursuers, Commander Mist used a spell to make his horn glow so they could see, “Is everypony ok?”
Each one replied with a complaint, first Snow, “This cave is gloomy and depressing… completely unsatisfactory.”
Then Storm, “My side is killing me.”
Major Bolt next, “I’m too tired to care right now…”
even Blade sighed, “It’s gonna take forever to get this dust out of my mane.”
Commander Mist sighed, “It’s like I’m running a day care service…”
Traipse jumped down from the step used to enter the tunnel and spoke, “Well it looks like we’ve evaded our pursuers… for now anyway. That was a good plan Bolt, thinking of the tunnels like that took some real brains… hm… I wonder where you got those from.”

Traipse gave Commander Mist a sarcastic smile as Commander Mist shrugged his shoulders, “Don’t look at me… I was surprised he actually listened to me for once.”
Traipse continued, “Anyway, we’re in luck. This happens to be a secret refugee tunnel used during the last Great War to evacuate casualties to Equestria. If we follow this tunnel then we should reach the border in a matter of hours.”
Major Bolt tried to pick himself up as he replied, “Well… then… wh-what are we waiting f…”
Major Bolt fell to the ground in exhaustion as Blade caught him, “Now, now colt… you’re in no shape to be traveling.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Agreed, it would be best to rest for the night and continue in the morning.”
As much as Commander Mist hated to agree with the mercenary, he had no choice. With his next in line too weak to move, and his sergeant major wounded, there would be no way they would make it on their own so he nodded his head, as Traipse smiled, “It’s settled then. I know of a small crevice that leads to a nearby aquifer. We can rest there.”

The Small herd of ponies continued on their path until they finally reached a small room with two tunnels and a hole in the ceiling. Traipse pointed at the tunnel on the left and spoke, “This way leads to the aquifer that I told you about, while the other leads to Equestria, though we are still a few miles from the border.”
Commander Mist nodded, “Alright then, don’t bother setting up camp. Just get some rest. I want you all ready to move out by first light.”
Sergeant Snow wasted no time, “Don’t mind if I do commander.”
Sergeant Snow then removed his armor, propped his shield against it and used it as a pillow, as he laid down and went to sleep.

As Blade helped Major Bolt to the corner of the room, he spoke, “I’m fine… I don’t need any sleep. I just need to rest a little bit.”
She could only smile, “You really are stubborn aren’t you.”
Without giving him a chance to answer, she trotted over to a small stone circle on the ground and started making a campfire. As she worked on that, both Commander Mist, Traipse, and Storm removed their armor as Storm spoke, “If you don’t mind sir, I’m going to try to get some sleep too.”
Commander Mist nodded his head as Storm found a place on the side of the room, propped up Major Bolts shield and laid down. Once the fire was finally lit, the two mercenaries and the two Equestrian officers sat down next to it to rest. Without saying anything, Blade stood up and started trotting down the tunnel leading to the aquifer.

As Commander Mist watched her trot away, Traipse spoke, “So… it’s safe to say that the king wants you dead now. Can I ask why?”
Commander Mist sighed and replied, “The king offered us a place in his army, but he is hurt that I turned it down.”
Traipse smiled, “Is that so…”
“The king is a coward! If he knew anything it’s that an Equestrian soldier will never betray his princess?”
Traipse nodded his head at Major Bolts words, “Spoken like a true soldier.”
Commander Mist then asked, “So Mr. mercenary, are you trying to track down the rebel general? Or have you already caught him?”
Traipse sighed, “Actually I didn’t get the chance. When Blade and I went to Gryphus to search for him, we heard rumor that he was hiding in the noble district. However, what we found was a corpse with half of his head removed. Pity… I wanted to be the one to show him what it means to cross The Cutters. But that’s just how it is… you get what’s owed, unless it’s stolen by another.”

With Blade still on his mind, Commander Mist continued, “So, you didn’t get your pay like you wanted after all.”
Traipse nodded, “And so, we once again leave empty hooved. It’s not like the old days, when wars were all over the place. I have to say this string of peace is really getting on my nerves. How is a mercenary supposed to make a living when nopony is fighting anymore?”
Major Bolt asked, “So who killed the general then?”
Traipse shrugged his shoulders, “Beats me, probably a group of angry citizens. When a battle leaves a city like that in ruins, it’s not uncommon for a group of enraged citizens to start a riot or two against the losing side.”
Finally Commander Mist stood up and spoke, “Will you excuse me for a second?”
As Commander Mist went down the tunnel leading to the aquifer, Traipse spoke quietly to himself, “Go get her, tiger.”

Commander Mist made his way down the tunnel until finally he entered a large chamber with a massive aquifer. With the moonlight shining through a hole in the ceiling, Commander Mist trotted along the sides of the chamber looking around the room for Blade, but the only thing he was able to find was her armor sitting on the bank. Then, he heard a sound and looked towards the center of the underground lake to find Blade emerging from the water. With the lake water glistening in the moonlight, Commander Mist was once again captivated by her beauty. He couldn’t help but stare as the beautiful mare began trotting out of the water and shook off her mane, then the mare looked over at him and smiled, “It’s very rude to watch a mare bathe, very uncouth for a noble such as yourself.”

Realizing that he was staring, Commander Mist blushed as he spoke, “My apologies, I just wanted to check up on you. You did take a rather nasty fall earlier today. You know when the boulder hit you.”
Blade thought about it for a second, “Boulder? Oh, you mean during the battle in Gryphus. So that’s what that was… I honestly didn’t see it, even after it hit me. Nevertheless…”
Blade opened her wing straight out and showed it to him, “See… fit as a fiddle. No need to worry about me. I may be a delicate flower… but you will find that this flower has thorns.”
Acting noble, Blade trotted past Commander Mist and brushed her tail on his muzzle in a seductive manner as she continued to her armor and laid down, patting the ground next to her.
Catching her signal, Commander Mist trotted next to her and laid down beside her, “You were a noble once… weren’t you?”
She smiled and closed her eyes in a bashful manner, “Maybe… what makes you say that?”
Commander Mist smiled and looked into the moon’s reflection on the underground aquifer as he replied, “The way you trot… it is usually the same way that most noble mares trot, except… your knees are much too high…”

Commander Mist cleverly smiled and continued looking at the lake as he felt the cold steel of the cupids kiss on the side of his neck. As he shifted his eyes to Blade, he could see an enraged expression on her face as she held her weapon with her hoof, “… Got you… Serenade Song….”
Blades expression of anger faded as she spoke, “So… you do remember me? And you did call out my name when the boulder was coming at me. Nevertheless, how do you remember me? We were only foals back then.”
Commander Mist put his hoof on the cupids kiss and guided it down as he held her hoof, “How could I forget my future bride? Remember we were supposed to be married years ago.”
Blade gave Commander Mist an unentertained look as she sarcastically spoke, “You recently remembered… didn’t you?”
Commander Mist shrugged his shoulders as he replied, “Guilty… I remembered yesterday.”

Blade sighed as she pulled her hoof from Commander Mist’s, “Well, times change… Serenade died years ago… along with the rest of the song family.”
Commander Mist lowered his head, “I know… it was such a tragedy, first your mother announced that your carriage fell victim to a rockslide, then your dear mother was murdered shortly after that?”
“She deserved it…”
Commander Mist looked at Blade in shock, “Really? Why would you say that?”
Blade looked at her hooves in frustration, “You don’t know what it was like… growing up in that witches shadow. She cared more about her pathetic reputation then her own daughter.”

Commander Mist looked at the water and continued, “I guess you have a point, I saw how she treated you, and I was looking forward to the day I could take you away from her.”
Blade looked at Commander Mist in shock, “You… were looking forward to our wedding day? But I thou…”
Commander Mist blushed as he continued, “Back then, from the moment I saw you, I found myself in a foal-hood crush. But being the cocky stubborn colt that I was, I was too nervous to admit it. That’s the reason I looked forward to the day I could take you away from her. It made me think of all the ponytales mom used to read me when I was little. You know, the one where the beautiful maiden was being held against her will by her evil stepmother, and the brave prince jumps in and rescues her from her prison. A foal-hood fantasy… but I wanted to save you from the cruelty of your mother. That’s why I convinced you to sneak out of your house when we first met.”
Blade started to tear up as she smiled at Commander Mist, “You… you wanted to be my prince?...”
Commander Mist wiped a tear from her face as he smiled, “I still do…”

Blade looked away as she tried to speak through her tears… “I… I was foal-napped… and… and my mother refused to pay the ransom to protect her reputation… they… they could have killed me… but instead they asked me what I wanted to do… and… and…”
as she cried, Commander Mist put his hoof around her and held her close, “It’s ok Serenade… it’s ok…”
She shook her head and spoke with her face against his chest, “No… it’s not ok… I… I decided to abandon my life and become a criminal… I wanted to fly through the clouds without worry of what waited for me on the ground… I… I wanted to be free… That’s why I abandon you… that’s why I left… and that’s why I killed that witch…”
Somehow, Commander Mist expected that she was responsible for her mother’s murder, but he just acted surprised as he spoke softly, “So… you’re the one who did it…”
“I had to… she was the cause of it all… the only good that came from her is that it took her cruelty to show me just how undeserving I was. I didn’t deserve to have our family fortune… I didn’t deserve to live a noble’s life… I didn’t deserve a life of peaceful happiness… I didn’t deserve to be your wife, to be rescued from my evil mother, or even to have a prince in shining armor come and sweep me away to my happily ever af…”
Blade stopped speaking, as Commander Mist put his hoof on her chin and raised her head up to look at him, “You may not deserve a prince… but I would be honored still, to be your knight in shining armor… and I want to ask you, here and now… Serenade Blade… will you be my wife?”

The heart-filled mare smiled peacefully at the noble stallion as her tears rolled down her face. “Yes… I would give anything in this world to be your wife…”
Commander Mist wiped the tears from her face and smiled, “Then by the power invested in me… as commander of the Equestrian Royal Guard… I now pronounce us, husband, and wife.”
“You… you can do that?”
Commander Mist spoke softly, “I just did…”
With those words, Commander Mist leaned in and kissed his bride, as she threw her hooves around him and embraced him for their very first kiss, not only as a couple… but as husband and wife.

Back in the main chamber, Major Bolt and Traipse were sitting next to the fire as Major Bolt sighed, “So…”
Traipse looked back, “So...”
It seemed like an eternity of awkward silence before Major Bolt asked, “So… why are you helping us anyway?”
Traipse picked up a stick and poked the fire as he replied, “I have my reasons…”
Major Bolt sighed, “You not going to tell me… are ya?”
“Nope…”
“I didn’t think so.”
Traipse then pulled the now burning stick from the fire and asked, “So is there anypony waiting for you when you get back?”
“Anypony?”
“Yes, that special somepony who effortlessly awaits the return of the brave soldier that stole her heart?”

Major Bolt shook his head and replied, “As if it were any of your business… I don’t.”
Traipse nodded his head, “… I see, then what are you fighting for?”
“Fighting for?”
Traipse stuck the stick back into the fire and began poking it again, “A soldier always has something to fight for. Otherwise they wouldn’t be fighting.”
Major Bolt tried to act smart, “Really? And what are you fighting for then?”
“Money… what else?”
Major Bolt sighed, “Typical mercenary. I didn’t expect a mercenary like you to understand loyalty.”
Traipse sighed, “My loyalty is dead… thanks to your princesses, it vanished along with my home.”

Major Bolt gave Traipse a dull look, “Vanished? How? And what makes you think our Princesses are responsible?”
Traipse looked at Major Bolt and replied with a serious expression, “Because I watched them do it… with my on two eyes.”
Major Bolt had his doubts, “Ok… explain to me how they made your home vanish?”
Traipse sighed, “I used to be a colonel in the Crystal Empire. I was the most loyal soldier in King Sombra’s ranks. I would follow any order without question and without fail. I even killed innocent civilians and my fellow soldiers just because he gave the order. But then… I was ordered to steal the Crystal heart, the key to all hope and happiness in the empire… and eliminate all witnesses. At first it was a simple completed order, but I noticed that this not only made some ponies unhappy… it affected the entire empire.”

Major Bolt started to understand where the story was going since he had heard of the Crystal Heart before but he kept quiet and asked, “Then what happened?”
Traipse looked Major Bolt in the eye and replied, “My guilt caught up with me… soon I started to have nightmares of those I killed during the mission, and it got unbearable. Until one night, your princess, Princess Luna appeared to me. She and her sister heard of the pain that the king was putting the Crystal ponies through. She offered me a chance to redeem myself for my crime. She wanted me to help her get into the city with as little conflict as possible, so that salvation could be brought to the Crystal Ponies. So she sent a scout to help understand the situation… Your commander, no less.”
Major Bolt was surprised about the coincidence, “Commander Mist? Really?”
Traipse smiled, “Yep… he and some cadet were pretending to be newlyweds so that wouldn’t attract attention… I think her name was Dust.”
“DUSTY? Really? That’s hilarious; he will never hear the end of this now.”

Traipse smile slowly faded as he pulled the burning stick from the fire and looked into the flame on the end, “But then… both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna came too. I led them into the castle directly to King Sombra… and they dealt with him the way they should have.”
Major Bolt asked, “How?”
Traipse blew out the flame on the stick and replied, “They extinguished him… Turning him into smoke, and imprisoning him. But, he casted a spell so that wherever he went, The Crystal Empire, and the Crystal Ponies would follow. So before my very eyes, the walls, the ponies, the entire empire vanished. Leaving me, A half Blood behind with nothing to show for it but the Snow below my hooves. I told them that since this was all their fault, that I would take my revenge on them if I ever saw them again… even in my dreams.”
“But you can’t seek revenge when Luna only wanted to hel…”

Traipse interrupted, “And why do you sa… wait… Luna?”
Major Bolt realized what he said and tried to correct himself, “I mean the princesses, you can’t blame the princesses for tr…”
Traipse gave Major Bolt a sinister grin, “You wouldn’t happen to have feelings for Princess Lina… would you?”
Major Bolt started to blush as he tried to defend himself, “What?... NO!... I… I mean we…”
“You said yourself that you had no real reason to fight right? Could you actually have feelings for your princess?”
Major Bolt got angry, “Shut up! It’s not like that at all!”
Traipse smiled, “Hmm… I though it sounded funny when you said a royal guard’s duty was to protect his Princess. Last I checked there were two princesses… not one.”
Major Bolt tried to stand, “I SAID SHU…”
Out of exhaustion, Major Bolt fell back to the ground as Traipse shook his head in a joking manner, “calm down, it’s not like it’s my business anyway, right? I just didn’t think you would aim so high…”
“JUST DROP IT!”
Traipse looked back at the fire, “Alright, alright…”

After the Subject was dropped, Major Bolt went silent as he put his hoof over the part of his armor that had a pocket on it. As his hoof was held on the pocket, Traipse asked, “That light… before Blade and I showed up… That was the Lightning Orb wasn’t it?”
Major Bolt was confused, “H-how do you know abo…”
“I, uh… read about it in a book once. And if I’m not Mistaken you used it in Kestrel too. How long have you been able to control something like that?”
Major Bolt sighed, “I can’t… I can only force it to happen and that’s about it… what it does from there is usually random compared to what I try to make it do.”
“So do you enjoy using it?”
Major Bolt looked at the ground, “I don’t want to talk about it…”
Traipse shrugged his shoulders, “Then what should we talk about?”
Major Bolt laid down as he replied, “let’s just get some sleep, it’s been a long day and tomorrow will be just as long.”
Traipse nodded his head as he poured water over the campfire, “Whatever you say Bolt.”
The two ponies then turned over and fell asleep.

Ch16 At War's End

As the sun rose the next morning, Major Bolt woke to find that Traipse, Snow, and Storm were already awake and wearing their armor, as Traipse looked over at him and spoke, “Morning, better get up and ready. The sooner we leave the sooner we will get you home.”
Major Bolt reached over and picked up his armor as he asked, “Where is Commander Mist and Blade? Did they leave already?”
Traipse shrugged his shoulders, “I dunno… they didn’t come back la…”
Traipse stopped himself as both Blade and Commander Mist came from the tunnel leading to the aquifer. Commander Mist dodged the subject of their late return completely, “Are we ready to go?”
Traipse nodded his head, “Just waiting on you two?”
Commander Mist trotted to his armor as he replied, “Sounds good, I only need to get ready then we can go.”

As Commander Mist put on his armor, Traipse trotted to blade and whispered, “Mind telling me what that was about?”
Blade replied as quietly as she could, “Yes… I do mind.”
Completely disregarding the subject Traipse spoke to the group, “The exit of this tunnel is about three miles from here, so let’s get moving. When we emerge, we will be in Equestria’s borders so we better go fast.”
After saying those words, the group gathered and began making their way through the tunnels. As they continued, Blade stayed by Commander Mist’s side as she traveled in thought. Though Traipse knew there was something on her mind, he just kept quiet thinking it had something to so with her business with Commander Mist.

While traveling, Sergeant Snow was gloating, “I do hope Princess Celestia will reward us for our service in the Griffin Kingdoms… I would hate to think we risked our lives for nothing.”
Commander Mist sighed, “We risked our lives for the kingdom… that’s reward enough.”
Snow sighed in disappointment, “Of course sir… how could I forget.”
Storm spoke next, “Well either way, I’ll see to it that you are recognized in some way sergeant. Being one of four survivors in a war is still an honor to be known for.”
Sergeant Snow smiled, “And that’s all I ask sir… just something to allow myself to be known in this army.”

As the soldiers spoke, they saw a Vent hole used for light in the ceiling of the tunnel, similar to the ones in both their camp chamber and the aquifer chamber.
As they made their way past it, Blade finally broke her silence and asked, “Um… Tri? Can I ask you something?”
Traipse replied, “Sure… what’s up?”
She lowered her head in anxiety as she spoke, “Well… I was wondering, what you would say if I to…”
All of a sudden, Blade stopped trotting and stood still for a few seconds. When Traipse looked back at her, he could see an expression of worry on her face as she stood still. “Blade?”
Blade raised her head up and closed her eyes as Commander Mist stopped, “Serenade? Are you o…”
“Shhh…”
Commander Mist looked at Traipse after being shushed by him then Traipse asked, “Blade? What do you see?”

Feeling a breeze traveling through the tunnel from behind, she hesitated for a few seconds then replied in haste, “They’re coming! They are in the tunnels! Behind us!”
Major Bolt asked, “How do you know tha…”
Traipse replied, “Trust me… she knows. Let’s hurry! If we make it across the border before they get to us we will be safe!”
As the rest of the group began moving again, Major Bolt continued looking behind him before a griffin scout flew through the vent hole in the ceiling and landed between Major Bolt and the rest of the group. After realizing what happened, Major Bolt jumped back to make some distance between him and his attacker before equipping his shield to his hoof, “Great… not this again.”
Sergeant Major Storm called back, “Major, Hold on for a se…”
“I’m Fine! Go on Ahead! I’ll catch up!”

The confident griffin smirked at his target as he reached for the massive long sword that stretched across his back, “Oh… I beg to differ… you're mine pony!”
Before the rest of the group could turn around to assist, the griffin charged forward with the long sword and swung it at the young Pegasus. Major Bolt watched the griffin’s movements then thought to himself, “With that swords weight and position… he can only attack diagonally from the right.”
Major Bolt realized that he was doing exactly what Traipse was telling him when he faced the griffin general in Kestrel, so he quickly got into the proper stance and waited until his attacker was close enough. As the griffin got close, Major Bolt ducked down and rolled while the massive blade flew over him. Then as he continued his roll back onto his hooves, Major Bolt began his charge. However, the griffin expected the maneuver, so he brought the blade back the other way and tried to strike the closing pony before he could reach an attacking distance.

Major Bolt quickly brought up his shield to block the griffin’s counter attack, but the griffin’s strength combined with the weight of the long sword proved too much for him. The blade slammed against Major Bolts shield and pushed him into the wall of the tunnel, pinning him in place as the griffin smiled, “You ponies have been an infestation on our home…. It’s high time I exterminate these pests.”
With his body being held against the tunnel’s wall, Major Bolt smiled and adjusted the position of his shield against the blade as he smiled, “Pests?... Infestation?... call us what you want… but remember one thing. We are Equestrians first… and that makes us a much bigger threat, than any rat or cockroach.”
With his shield protecting him from the blade’s edge, Major Bolt pushed the sword back giving him just enough room to continue his charge forward. With the griffin’s long sword grinding against the face of his shield, Major Bolt finished his charge my pushing the long sword to the side and digging the blade of his shield into the griffin’s chest.

After the final blow was made, Major Bolt heard calling behind him, “There they are! Get them! Kill the ponies!!!”
In his final act of bravery, the dying griffin grabbed Major Bolt’s shield and spoke through his pain, “It’s over pony… you and your group are… f-finished.”
Major Bolt decided to ditch his shield so his unhooked it from his hoof and replied; “It’s not over till I stop breathing”
Then Major Bolt jumped over the dying griffin and rejoined the group as they continued galloping through the tunnel towards Equestria. As they continued, Traipse Smiled at Major Bolt, “Good work Bolt. Perfect dodge, stance, and counter. Not quite the improve as before… but you did well. You’ll be a soldier yet!”
Commander Mist replied, “Less talk, more gallop! We aren’t out of this yet!”

As the group continued running through the tunnels, the sound of the griffin army got louder and louder as they closed in behind them. Finally, the pony group emerged from the tunnels and found themselves on the edge of a large cliff. Commander Mist looked down and sighed, “Well… we won’t survive this jump. We may have to hold our ground here. Blade, Storm, Bolt, you three go and get help. The rest of us will hold our position till you return.”
Major Bolt turned around and readied himself for an attack, “Sorry sir…, but no! I’m not leaving my fellow soldiers behind… no matter how long my service will be from here.”
“Now isn’t the time to show chivalry, you’re unarmed, and outmatched. Go and get help like I said!”
Major Bolt ignored the order, as the Griffin forces emerged from the tunnel.

One griffin smiled, “Well… looks like this is the end of the lone ponies.”
Blade stepped forward, “This is equestrian Soil! If you spill our blood here than you’re declaring war on Equestria!”
The griffin laughed then looked at one of his soldiers, “Say sergeant? When we caught those ponies… where did they die?”
The griffin soldier replied, “Right outside of Gryphus.”
The griffin leader turned to another soldier, “How about you corporal? Did the ponies ever make it out of the Griffin Kingdoms?”
The soldier replied, “No sir… not even close.”
The griffin soldiers laughed as the pony group sneered at their enemy.

The leading griffin raised his sword in the air and called out, “Enough of this! It’s time we finish this game. ALL GRIFFIN!!! ATTAC… um… oh…”
The entire griffin formation froze in place and continued staring in fear as the pony group turned around to see both princess Celestia and Princess Luna hovering in the air over a massive pony army that filled the ground below the cliff. At the front of the army, Commander Dust called out, “ALL SOLDIERS!!! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!!!”
With that call, the first rank of pike ponies pointed their spears forwards, as all the archers in the second rank drew their bows and waited for the command to attack.
The griffin leader slowly lowered his sword in fear as both princesses landed next to Commander Mist and Major Bolt; Then Princess Celestia spoke, “If the griffin king, wishes to declare war on Equestria… then he better be prepared to face us all now.”
Princess Luna added with a confident smile, “Leave now…, or you will see the true power that Equestria holds! Oh… and forgive my manners… Welcome to Equestria.”

All the griffin soldiers quickly dropped their weapons and retreated into the tunnels as the pony army started to cheer in laughter at the cowering griffin soldiers. Commander Mist then turned and bowed to princess Celestia as he spoke, “Your majesty, I’m happy to report that we have successfully ended the war in the Griffin Kingdoms.”
Princess Celestia smiled and nodded her head, “And I’m happy to see you made it back safe and sound, even though it pains me to know that you are the only survivors.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked at blade and Traipse as Traipse smiled, “Hello princesses… it’s been a while hasn’t it?”
Princess Luna nodded her head, “I thank you for your protection Traipse… name your payment… and it will be your reward.”
Traipse shook his head, “This one is on me. What kind of pony would I be to charge you for this?”

As Luna continued her conversation with Traipse, Princess Celestia looked at Commander Mist, “So commander… may I ask how Major Bolt faired in his first war?”
Major Bolt lowered his head in disappointment as Commander Mist replied, “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about that. You see, after closely evaluating his actions in the Griffin Kingdoms, as well as his attitude towards me, the king, and his superiors, not to mention his response to following orders… I have come to a decision.”
Feeling like he was in serious trouble, Major Bolt kept quiet as Commander Mist replied, “I ask permission that he will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and placed as my second in command. He has no doubt proved himself, by taking command in my absence, placing the needs of his fellow soldiers before his own, and showing great skill and bravery in times of extreme stress. I have no doubt that he will be a good example of what all Equestrian soldiers should be.”

Major Bolt was shocked, “Commander… I…”
Princess Celestia smiled, “Granted… but I won’t only just promote him… Sergeant Snow… Sergeant Major Storm… upon our return to Canterlot, You will be given the title of Cadet. In addition, you will be trained to become officers of the Equestrian royal guards. I would hope that the soldiers you lead in the near future will follow your examples of loyalty, and strength.”
The two ponies smiled with pride as, Commander Dust approached the group, “COMMANDER!!! Thank Celestia you're back! I’ve been going insane trying to keep up with all the workings of this stupid job! I tell ya, after this I’m retiring from this crap! I can’t handle this any… um… who is that?”
Blade leaned against Commander Mist and replied, “Um… honey? Can you introduce me to your friends?”

Commander Mist sighed knowing what was about to come next, “Major Dust, Meet Mrs. Serenade Mist… my wife.”
All of a sudden all the ponies talking amongst each other froze in shock. Then the silence was broken by both Major Bolt and Traipse as they both cheered, “THAT’S MY COMMANDER RIGHT THERE!”
“WAY TO GO BLADE!”
Commander dust smiled, “It’s about time! I’ve needed a mare friend to tell all your embarrassing battle stories too.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Oh great here we go…”
From there, the massive army of Equestrian soldiers set up a large camp and began celebrating the return of the four survivors of the great Griffin Civil War.

Later after the group of soldiers got a chance to rest, Traipse sat on the top of a hill watching the ponies below celebrate as Commander Mist approached him, “Hey Tri? It’s alright if I call you that right?”
Traipse smiled, “Only my friends call me that… so… yea, it’s alright.”
Commander Mist sat next to him and looked below as he spoke, “crazy turn of events right? This has definitely been some war.”
Traipse nodded his head, “Yea… it has… can I ask you something?”
“Hm?”
“Well, it’s about Bolt… Do you think he will be fine? As a soldier I mean?”
Commander Mist smiled and looked down at Colonel Bolt who was laughing with Blade, “Yea… I think your son will be just fine.”
Traipse looked nervous as Commander Mist continued, “Blade told me the whole story on him… so you and the reaper… It would seem we do have something in common after all… we tend to attract dangerous mares.”

Traipse and Commander Mist laughed a little as Traipse replied, “Well nevertheless, with you guiding him… I think he will be fine. But can you do me one favor?”
Commander Mist looked at Traipse in curiosity as he continued, “Never tell him about his parents… I'd rather he die never knowing the truth… then to live knowing our sins.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Well… I'd hate to keep it from him… but if that’s what you want, then I won’t tell him.”
Traipse smiled and put his hoof on Commander Mist’s shoulder as he replied, “Thanks… for everything.”
“It’s fine…”
“No… I mean the Crystal Empire too. If you and the princesses never took down the king. I would have never started The Cutters with The Reaper. And… I also wouldn’t have fallen in love with her, so… thanks.”
Commander Mist Smiled as he started back down the hill. “This mushy stuff isn’t like you at all… it really creeping me out. Now why don’t we brush it all away and join You are part of the surviving force after all.”
Traipse waved his hoof forward, “You go ahead commander. I have something to do first.”
“Suits yourself.”

As Commander Mist trotted down the hill to join the celebration below, Traipse sat up and sighed, “How long are you going to keep yourself hidden?”
Just then, a cloaked mare stepped out of the shadows behind him and spoke, “You’re as sharp as ever Tri.”
Traipse smiled and replied, “I know you better then anypony else ever could, it would be an insult if I couldn’t sense you when your nearby.”
The Reaper trotted next to Traipse and sat down watching the celebration below, “So… what did you think of him?”
“He’s stubborn, Self-centered, and reckless… yep that’s my boy alright, just like his father.”
The reaper leaned against him as she replied, “I’m glad… I was worried he would get himself hurt out there… or worse. Find out who he is…”
Traipse shook his head, “No… he knows who he is… He is Colonel Bolt, Royal guard and probably the future of prince of this kingdom… that is, if he can ever pull his head out of his hind quarters and open his eyes. He doesn’t even realize that Princess Luna likes him too.”

The Reaper kissed Traipse and replied, “You’re just like him… Clueless, but sweet. If you ever decide to stop this life… you know where I’ll be.”
Traipse smiled as she started to trot away, “Somewhere hidden in his shadow… right?”
The reaper smiled, “I love you Traipse… and I would like to come back to the Cutters… but, I gave him up so he can be safe, so I have to see this through.”
Before the reaper vanished into the shadows, Colonel Bolt looked up at the hill and saw a glimpse of his mother. He paused for a split second, knowing that he had seen this figure before, but as she vanished over the horizon without any reaction from Traipse, he decided it must have been his imagination and continued the conversations he was having with his companions.

Later that night as the moon rose to the center of the sky, and the rest of the ponies started to go to sleep. Traipse and Blade gathered their things and started to leave. However, just as they got to the edge of the camp, Commander Mist stood there waiting for them, “leaving so soon?”
Traipse replied, “Time doesn’t sleep for mercenaries… we need to find our next job before we run out of supplies.”
Commander Mist nodded his head, “And… will you be leaving too Serenade?”
Blade nodded her head, “I’m sorry Chrome. But I am a merce…”
“It’s ok Serenade… I won’t stop you; but if you ever need a place to go. You know where my manor stands… and I will be there for you. I wouldn’t call myself a worthy husband if I wasn’t.”
Blade put her hoof on his cheek and kissed him then she replied, “If you cheat on me… I’ll kill you.”
Commander Mist laughed at her as he replied, “I wouldn’t dream of it. Now go out and be free, Serenade Blade.”
Traipse put his hoof out and hoof bumped Commander Mist, “Take care Commander… and next time I’ll be expecting payment.”
Commander Mist nodded his head as the two mercenaries trotted away from the camp.

Just as The Cutters were going over the horizon, Blade stopped and looked back at her husband who was still watching them. Then she sighed and mumbled to herself, “I’ll see you soon… my handsome prince.”
Then she turned and vanished over the horizon. After they were out of sight, Commander Mist sighed then shook his head, “They went back into the Griffin Kingdoms… well I suppose even The Cutters have to take risks.”
Commander Mist then turned around and stopped short when he saw Colonel Bolt approach, “Did they leave sir? The Cutters I mean.”
“Yep there gone… did you need something from me?”
Colonel Bolt replied, “I just wanted to borrow a few soldiers tomorrow for a mission I have in mind. Is it ok?”

Without even hearing the mission Commander Mist replied, “Granted… you can take Snow and ten others.”
“Granted? You don’t even know what I’m doing?”
Commander Mist smiled, “Well, since you aren’t my son, and you’re a colonel now… I trust your judgment. Though I’ll expect a report about it once you return.”
Colonel bolt smiled, “Understood sir… By the way… You and Blade were married last night… right?”
Commander Mist replied, “Yea… so…”
“Does that mean you and her were… you know… together that night?”
Commander Mist dodged the question and trotted past colonel bolt, “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“So… that’s a yes?”
“Good night Bolt.”
With that said Major Bolt smiled as the two went to their tents and went to sleep.

The next morning at about noon, Colonel Bolt and a few soldiers were trotting through the slums of Trottingham until they reached a few griffin refugees who were packing their bags to return to the now peaceful Griffin Kingdoms. Colonel Bolt Stopped and spoke, “Your name miss? Is it Gill?”
The griffin stopped what she was doing and replied, “Yes… who wants to know.”
Colonel bolt pulled an envelope from his pocket and gave it to her, then without another word. He and the rest of his soldiers left the griffin to open her letter. Inside was the very picture that Colonel Gill had given him, with a small note from Colonel Bolt, and on that note, there were only three words…

“He died fighting.”

Epilogue:

As the moon shined brighter than it had ever shined before, Storm flew through the air as fast as he could until he reached the large mansion. After landing, he sprinted to the doors and bashed on them with great haste, “Commander! Commander! We have an emergency! Hurry and let me in!”
As the worried Pegasus kept bashing on the massive doors, the Mist family butler approached the door to answer the loud knocking. However as soon as he unlocked the doors, They flew open throwing the butler to the floor as Storm rushed into the main lobby screaming at the top of his lungs, “Commander Mist! Are you here? We have a situation at the castle!”
“M-may I help you sir?”
Storm quickly looked at the butler and asked, “Quickly I need to speak with Commander Mist. We have an emergency that he needs to see to.”
“What emergency?”
Storm looked to the master staircase to see Blade trotting down with an unamused look on her face.

Feeling embarrassed Storm Spoke, “Oh… Lady Mist? I apologies if I’m interrupting anything but we have a situation at the castle that Commander Mist needs to see to personally.”
“Any situation that arises at night will be dealt with by Commander Bolt… he is Princess Luna’s personal commander after all.”
“Well yea but?...”
“What kind of situation is it Captain?”
Captain Storm quickly turned around to see Commander Mist trotting out of his study on the bottom floor with a young unicorn hiding behind him, “Commander… thank Celestia you’re here. It’s Commander Bolt… he’s forming a coup.”
The young unicorn looked at his father and asked, “A coup? Is that some kind of bird daddy?”
Commander Mist looked down at the unicorn and replied, “No… a coup-de-tat. It means he is trying to take over the kingdom by force… but obviously, it’s a Mistake. Your uncle bolt cares too much about Princess Luna to betray her.”
Strom continued, “Actually sir… Princess Luna is leading him…”

With a hidden look of worry on his face, Commander Mist continued looking at Storm as he spoke, “Serenade? I believe it’s well past Chrome’s bedtime. Can you tuck him in while I have a word with the captain here?”
Blade stepped to the side of the stare case as she spoke, “You heard him Chrome… time for bed.”
The unicorn hugged his father before galloping up the stairs, “Coming mama.”
When his family was out of sight, Commander Mist approached Captain Storm and spoke with a calm but serious tone, “What’s going on at the castle?”
Storm tried all he could to explain, “I… I don’t know… one minute it was a normal night then there was a tornado on the balcony, and… and Princess Luna transformed into a whole other pony… it… it was unlike anything I had ever seen before. She started speaking nonsense about nopony loving her and her nights being useless. Finally she asked Commander Bolt to lead her army to her ultimate goal.”
Commander Mist listened carefully, “Which is?...”
Storm replied in worry, “Eternal night… she wants to bring eternal night… I tried to talk some since into them but they refused to listen. Commander Bolt said he would help her any way he could and… I still can’t believe he would agree to such blasphemy.”

Commander Mist trotted to a shelf and looked at a photo of the group taken at the end of the griffin civil war, almost four years ago, “Oh sparky… what have you gotten yourself into this time?”
“Commander? What shall we do? At the rate this is going, Equestria will soon be engulfed in war between the royal sisters.”
Commander Mist asked while looking at the picture, “Does Princess Celestia know about this yet?”
Storm replied, “I sent a messenger to tell her. She is still on Manehatten on business.”
Commander Mist replied, “Good… and if a war does start… what will you do?”
Storm replied, “Well… I’ll fight by your side sir… what else?”
Commander Mist placed the picture on the shelf and sighed, “Storm… I want you to join Commander Bolt…”
“What? But sir, I would never think to betray princess Celestia.”

Commander Mist replied, “No… I want you to look after Commander Bolt in this upcoming war. I made a promise to watch over him, but I won’t leave Princess Celestia’s side. So I want you to watch over him in my place.”
“You mean like a spy?”
“No… I mean like a fellow soldier. I want you to cut all ties with me and fight alongside him.”
Captain Storm felt disappointed, “But… what if we meet in combat? i… I can’t kill you sir.”
Commander Mist replied “Then let’s just pray that doesn’t happen… but will you do this for me? I made a promise to a good friend that I would watch over him… and I’m a stallion of my word.”
Storm sighed as he replied, “Understood commander… I’ll join him. I wish you nothing but luck in the future sir…”
As Storm started trotting towards the door, he stopped before leaving, “Oh… I almost forgot. Princess Luna also renamed herself to add to her change in appearance. She now calls herself, Nightmare Moon.”

Ch1 A Message from The King

Princess Celestia Stood next to Princess Luna as she looked over the conference room, “I’ve gathered you here for this emergency meeting for one reason, as you know tension in the griffon kingdom between the king and his subjects is getting worse. Well I just received a message this morning stating that it just broke out into a civil war.”
As soon as princess Celestia said that, the ponies in the room started talking about their next actions.
Captain Fleurir spoke first, “We need to increase security on the border between Equestria and the Griffon kingdoms, otherwise they will use Equestria as a bridge to get past defensive positions.”
Major Dust spoke next, “No what we need to do right now is establish a neutral stance with both nations. that way we won’t be dragged into this conflict.”

Star Bolt stood up, “Why should we do anything at all?”
When that was said the room went silent as Commander Mist leaned toward Star Bolt and whispered, “This is not the time, nor the place for this Captain.”
Princess Luna added, “Actually, I agree with Captain Bolt. For what reason should we treat this action any different than how we’ve been treating it while the controversy was rising.”
Princess Celestia held up the message and replied, “Because of this, it reads:”

Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria

It has been brought to my attention that a civil war has broken out between my royal forces and the vile rebels who have sworn to take my crown for themselves. In light of this act of war, I ask that you as a neighboring nation, who usually stays neutral in this situation, will provide support in this desperate time of need. My subjects and my kingdom are at risk, and I see it invaluable that you stand aside and watch as they start to suffer and or fall to the rebel invasion. If you will not comply with our plea for military support, then we will consider you hostile and take action against you as we would an invading nation. though we would hate to break the treaty binding us to international peace, we will do so for the safety of my kingdom and its subjects. We pray you will do what’s right, for the safety of both our subjects.

Sincerely
King Arathan Harpy IV (The Fourth)
High Ruler/King of the Griffon Kingdoms

When Princess Celestia finished the message, Captain Bolt Yelled, “THAT LITTLE… CUB, IS THREATENING US!!!”
Commander Mist spoke next, “Calm down Sparky, there is no reason to let it get to you. Your majesty have you and Princess Luna come to a decision on what we should do next?”
Princess Celestia sighed, “Well, it might be best to comply with his request and s…”
“ARE YOU CRAZY, YOUR MAJESTY!”
Commander Mist quickly replied to Captain Bolt’s outburst, “CAPTAIN! Remember who you’re speaking to! The princess has made her decision, as royal guards we must follow her orders.”

Captain Fleurir commented, “I kinda agree with Captain Bolt, the griffon king is trying to threaten Equestria as if we were weak… I think we should just let them fall to the rebel factions. Surely they have reason for revolting against their king anyway, right?”
Major Dust replied, “Captain Colt is too naive to know what’s best for Equestria, he needs to understand that some fights must be fought, even if it’s avoidable.”
Captain Bolt stood up from his chair, “You got something to say to me Dusty? Just because you’re a mare doesn’t mean I'm not willing to take yo…”
“ENOUGH! First of all, we are not going to start a brawl in this conference room. And second, You will respect your superior officers Bolt!”

Feeling agitated from Commander Mist’s outburst; Captain Bolt sat back down and kept quiet. Major Dust went back to her previous subject, “Commander, what do you think should be done about this?”
Commander Mist started to think to himself, “The griffon kingdom is a war mongering nation who favor their military strength over all else. If we refuse to help, then they will waste no time in occupying our bordering cities like Stalliongrad and Trottingham. To make matters worse, they won’t show mercy to the residence, all ponies will be at risk. I wouldn’t even rule out that they will gather and imprison their own citizens who are, know, or even speak with ponies.”

Princess Celestia spoke, “Whatever happens I want to keep my subjects as far away from this mess as possible. If anything King Harpy will carry out his words and name us as enemies to the griffon kingdoms so we need to decide now what must be done. Does anypony have any ideas?”
all the officers in the room started thinking to themselves while Captain Bolt was the only one to raise his hoof. As soon as he saw it, Commander Mist reached up and pulled Captain Bolts hoof down, “you better not do anymore to embarrass yourself Sparky… you’re on thin ice as is.”
Princess Celestia saw Commander Mist and Captain Bolt’s actions, but she chose to ignore it and continue waiting for another pony to say something. Princess Luna however chose to acknowledge him, “Sister, I believe Captain Bolt has an idea. Go ahead captain.”

Commander Mist felt nervous as Captain Bolt stood up and spoke, “Your majesty I think we should just ignore the king’s request, or… threat as I would call it… and then increase security on the borders. This will show that we…”
“Are ready to go to war? Taking this action will not only make it look like we want to fight, but it will give Equestria a bad name.”
Captain Bolt looked at Major Dust and replied, “Well then what do you suggest we do Major Dusty? Just sit here and let them treat us like a doormat? I don’t know about you, but as Captain of the Royal Guards I won’t allow Canterlot to fall.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “Sparky… you’re Captain of the Royal Guard… meaning you’re in command of Canterlot’s Royal Force. We are talking about all of Equestria, there is a lot more at stake here.”

Princess Celestia spoke next, “Commander, what would you say if I were to send you to the griffon kingdom along with a hoof full of soldiers?”
Commander Mist smiled as he replied, “I would say that I have the perfect soldiers for the job.”
Captain Bolt sighed in disappointment at the princess’s decision. Then Princess Celestia continued, “Then get those soldiers ready…. You will be leaving for the griffon kingdom in the morning.”
Major Dust spoke next, “What sort of things should we bring your majesty?”
“We?”
“Yes, if Commander Mist goes to the griffon kingdom then I'll go with him as second in command. As always I stick by his side.”

Princess Celestia smiled as she shook her head, “Actually, I'm going to send Captain Bolt on your place.”
Everypony in the room to include Princess Luna spoke at the exact same time, “WHAT!?!”
Princess Celestia explained, “Captain Bolt, you have proven yourself to be strong, loyal, dependable, and brave through your time in the royal guard… however you have also proven yourself to be disrespectful, overbearing, overconfident and above all, Undisciplined. But I think that is partially our fault. While Commander Mist and Major Dust have gained their experience through missions and actions that are far beyond your place of duty, you have been staying in the castle seeing to minor and possibly unnecessary tasks around the city. I think that this mission will not only teach you discipline… but it will also give you a chance to get away from Canterlot. Of course we will be promoting you to Major so that you will no longer be Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Major Dust asked, “If that’s your decision your majesty… but what will I do during all this?”
Princess Celestia replied, “Major, you will take place as the temporary Commander until Commander Mist and his forces return from this mission. I would also like you Captain Fleurir to take the position as captain of the royal guard.”
Captain Fleurir Replied, “Thank you your majesty… I'll do my best.”
Princess Celestia continued, “Well Major do you have anything to add?”
Major Bolt replied, “So let me get this straight… you want to promote me so you can send me to the griffon kingdom right?”

Princess Celestia replied, “Yes, I think it will further assist you in controlling the Lightning Orb too. do you accept?”
Captain Bolt sighted, “Well I don’t… but far be it for me to refuse to follow orders from my princess, so I'll do it.”
Princess Celestia didn’t like the tone that he answered in, but she hid her concerns and smiled, “Very good. Commander give me a list of the soldiers you wish to send by this evening and tell them to pack their formal uniform.”
Commander Mist was confused, “Formal? Why?”
“It’s costmary for the king to throw a social gathering every time the Griffon Kingdom declares war… even if it’s on their own citizens. During this ball, you will be representing Equestria so I would like you to be on your best behavior. And any order the Griffon King give will be followed. Is that understood?”

Commander Mist nodded his head, “Of course your majesty. I won’t let you down.”
Princess Celestia smiled and replied, “I though you would learn by now commander… I never expect you to let me down, that’s why I trust you and your soldiers will complete this mission without a problem. This meeting is adjourned, Captain Fleurir, Commander Dust… Please see to your new duties and be ready to take them over tomorrow morning. Major Bolt, Commander Mist. Get the names of the soldiers you’re going to take with you and have the list for me by the evening.”

As everypony in the room stood up, Princess Luna spoke, “Star? Can you stay for a few minutes… I want to speak with you.”
When the rest of the ponies left the room and the door closed behind them leaving Luna and Major Bolt alone, she spoke, “I could tell that there was something on your mind when sister told you about your new mission… do you want to talk about it?”
Major Bolt sighed, “Your maje…”
“Luna…”
“Oh… right… Luna… I really don’t think I'm the pony for this position, why not send Major Dust? She has been Commander Mist’s right hoof for years now. In fact I'm surprised they aren’t married though I still think there is something going on between them two.”

Princess Luna trotted over to Major Bolt and sat in the chair next to him, “You know, I completely agree with her decision. Let’s face it, you’re a strong stallion and a good soldier… but you tend to talk when you shouldn’t and you also carry on your actions despite what your superior officers say. Though you have never questioned or disobeyed an order that I or sister have given you. never the less, I think this mission will be good for you… but… please be careful. This is the first time you will actually be fighting in a war, and I don’t want you to get yourself seriously hurt. Not to mention, you will be following King Harpy’s orders. If you say or do something that disrespects them then you could end up executed. So please Star Bolt, don’t do anything that could get you in trouble, promise me?”
Major Bolt felt a little offended but out of the two sisters, he wanted nothing more than to make Luna happy so he replied, “I promise Luna, I won’t do anything to threaten my or anypony else’s life. You have my word.”
Princess Luna smiled “Thank you Star Bolt, that makes me feel better.”

Outside the conference room, all the other Officers were leaning against the door trying to hear what was being said inside, Commander Mist whispered to the others, “I didn’t catch the end of that last sentence, did anypony else?”
Captain Fleurir replied, “I think she said she trusts him.”
Major dust added, “She said she trusts his word… do you think he will tell her how he feels?”
Commander Bolt Replied, “Come on Sparky, quit dallying and just tell her already.”
“Did she tell him yet?”

All three Officers jumped away from the door as if they were caught stealing, then they realized the voice that asked the question was Princess Celestia who was listening through the door above their heads. Commander Mist spoke, “Uh… your majesty?”
Princess Celestia replied, “What?... She’s my sister.”
Then the door opened with all four ponies standing suspiciously in the doorway. Princess Luna asked, “Um… Tia? What are you four doing?”
Thinking fast Princess Celestia replied, “Shame on you three… trying to listen in on Luna and Major Bolt’s conversation… I’d expect better from officers of my Royal Guard.”

Both Princess Luna and Major Bolt blushed as the three officers sighed in disbelief of Princess Celestia's betrayal. Then Commander Mist spoke, “Well if you will excuse us, Major Bolt and I have work to do. shall we?”
Major Bolt hesitated about the situation before he started following commander Mist. While they were on the walkway between the Royal Castle and the Soldiers barracks, Commander Mist asked, “So… Sparky… did you tell her?”
Major Bolt replied, “Tell who what exactly?”
Mist smiled, “You know who… Princess Luna. did you tell her how you feel yet?”

Major Bolt sighed, “I don’t know why you always seem to think there is something between Princess Luna and me… we are just good friends, that’s it.”
Mist shook his head, “She’s a fine mare who seems to feel the same way you do… you should tell her your feelings before it’s too late.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “There is nothing between the two of us. Besides, you need to start thinking about yourself. Exactly how old are you? and you’ve yet to find a wife? I figured by now you would at least be dating Dusty or something.”

Commander Mist couldn’t help but laugh at the comment, “Nice try… Major Dust and I have a history but it’s simply that of a teacher and student. Trust me she may joke around all the time about it, but there is no attraction between the two of us.”
“Really? How about Captain Fleurir? She may be a little young for you but she seems to be your type.”
Commander Mist shook his head, “no she is too young, not to mention she seems like a good soldier and all but she isn’t my type.”
Major Bolt laughed, “Well it’s not like you would attempt to get with princess Celestia or something like that.”

Commander Mist didn’t react with the comment at all, in fact he continued trotting without paying attention to the matter, so Major Bolt continued, “Wait a second… you mean, there is something between you two?”
“Was.”
Commander Mist had Major Bolt’s full attention now. “Alright start talking, Exactly what went between you two?”
Commander Mist started to blush as he answered, well about fifteen years ago when I was a lieutenant, I asked her to The Grand Galloping Gala.”
“And?…”
“… She turned me down…”
“… Wait… what?... That’s it!”

Commander Mist sighed as he replied, “I felt devastated, and here I thought I would get the chance to tell her how I felt, but I was wrong. Anyway, when the night of the gala arrived I did what I could to try to avoid her but as a royal guard I still had to guard her. Well that night the Prime Minister of the Prance decided to come to Equestria for the gala, but he was bothering her. You know, continuously asking her to dance, trying to hang around her when she had continuously asked him to leave her alone. But then she made up some story and told him that I was her date. Well naturally as drunk as he was he challenged me to a duel for her honor… well I don’t want to say he was weak… but the duel was over before I began.”

Major Bolt was amazed, “You beat up a foreign diplomat?”
Mist replied, "Actually, as I was leading him outside to begin the duel, he tried to attack me from behind and fell down the stairs. When he woke up, he had no memory of the event. But since then, every time a diplomat is a guest at the gala, she has me pose as her date to prevent any further incidents. And to keep her appearance up. later we talked and I discovered that the feeling I had was only temporary. You know… puppy love, I don’t know if she ever had feelings for me but I do know that she turned me down that time just to show me that it was only a crush.”
“So that’s it… you were done with Mares for good after that?”
Commander Mist replied, “I haven’t had time for mares.”

Major Bolt shook his head, “We have got to find you a mare… unless you’re… you know… that way… then… a stallion?”
Commander Mist shook his head, “First off, NO! I'm not that way… and second I think you need to deal with your own love problems first… I mean have you even though about asking Princess Luna to the Gala?”
Star Bolt opened the large double doors leading into the barracks as he replied, “Once again, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
As soon as the doors were opened, the Sergeant Major called to the soldiers, “ATTENTION! COMMANDER ON THE FLOOR!”

Almost immediately all the soldiers rushed and made a formation in front of Commander Mist, then The Sergeant Major looked down each row of soldiers before trotting up to commander Mist and speaking, “Commander, all soldiers are accounted for and present Sir!”
Commander Mist replied, “Thank you Storm… I'll take it from here. Soldiers! I came with some rather troubling news! The Griffon Kingdom has erupted in a Civil War. Princess Celestia though it would be best to support our neighbors in this time of need. I will need Fifty Soldiers Total. That will include Sergeant Major Storm, Myself and the Recently Promoted Major Bolt who will be second in command.”

A quiet comment was heard somewhere in the middle of the formation, “Second in command?… so if Mist dies then we die too.”
Though it was, quietly spoken Major Bolt heard it clearly and stepped forward, “WHO SAID THAT! STEP OUT IMMEDIATELY!”
Of all the soldiers one particular soldier looked nervous so Major Bolt called him out, “YOU!! WHAT’S YOUR NAME!!!”
The soldier nervously replied, “S-Snow Sir! Sergeant Frances Snow!... SIR!”

Captain Bolt spoke, “I’m sorry… do you have a problem with me? is there some reason you doubt my abilities as a leader? Or do you think you have the skills to beat me one on one?... ANSWER ME THAT!?!”
Snow nervously tried to answer, “No, sir I uh… I just…”
“YOU JUST WHAT?”
“N-nothing sir! I shouldn’t have said that, my apologies sir! I'm sorry.”
Major Bolt replied, “Well I'm not. Pack your bags Sergeant. You’re the first to go. What’s the count now Commander? forty nine to include us?”
Commander Mist sighed, “Yep, Storm gather the names and have them prepare to move out by morning.”
Sergeant Major Storm nodded his head, “Yes commander.”

Major Bolt looked Sergeant Snow in the eye and smiled, “Have a nice sleep… Sergeant. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.”
Star Bolt turned around and left the barracks without saying anything else. After he was gone, Storm spoke, “Well… that was interesting. Will he be like this the whole trip?”
Commander Mist sighed, “If it makes you feel any better I was against him going with us.”
“You might want to watch him commander, his attitude is dangerous. It’s likely to get him killed out there.”
Commander Mist replied, “If they don’t kill him with that attitude then I will. But something seems… off.”
Storm asked, “What do you mean by… Off?”
Commander Mist replied, “I don’t know… call it a hunch… but I think this war isn’t going to be as simple as just exterminating a few unruly rebels.”

Sergeant Major Storm replied, “Well if anything I'll be here to help all I can. I did some alterations to your spear; I balanced out the weight in both the blade and shaft so it should be easier to control now. And as for the Major,… he still needs to choose a weapon. his sword fighting is mediocre at best and his archery is terrible. Then don’t get me started on how he handles a chain mace. I'm still trying to get his blood stains out of the wood grip.”
Commander Mist chuckled a little, “Well he puts too much trust in his lightning orb… but he barely has control over it so, I don’t think it will help him much.”
“Luna knows him better than anypony, did she suggest something?”

Commander Mist shook his head as he smiled, “As a matter of fact she did, she wants him to carry a shield… to keep him safe.”
“A shield?”
“A shield.”
Storm smiled, “She always puts others before herself… We better keep him safe out there, I couldn’t bear to see her face if something were to happen to him.”
Commander Mist nodded, “Maybe this will change him. he is like a son to me so I really hope he will get his head on straight after this. Get me those names, and have them ready in the morning, also tell them to pack something formal too. When we arrive we will be going to a ball.”

Ch7 the Second Encounter

Major Bolt landed at the front of the moving formation, cringing in pain as he closed is wings and spoke to Commander Mist, “Sir… Kestrel is just on the other side of the next ridge.”
Commander Mist replied, “Are you ok? Is your wing still hurting you?”
“It’s fine commander, just a little sore.”
Commander Mist gave him a serious look, “Are you sure you don’t need to see the medic?”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “I'm fine commander.”
Commander Mist continued trotting on his path as he replied, “Fine, but don’t let it slow you down. We need you for the battle to come. I hear that the rebel army is just outside Kestrel.”

Major Bolt thought to himself as he replied, “Well I think you heard wrong. I didn’t see anything but mountains and rocks outside Kestrel.”
Commander Mist replied as they approached the top of the ridge, “They are called caves Sparky, and they are all around this area. For all we know, we are trotting over an army three times our size.”
Major Bolt looked at the ground he was trotting on then he looked back, “Are the caves really that deep?”
Commander Mist looked at Major Bolt and smiled, “Who knows, I don’t even know if there are actually any caves around here.”

Before Major Bolt could reply, Commander Mist called out, “CONVOY HALT!”
After the order was given, Major Bolt looked in the air where Commander Mist was looking. Flying from Kestrel, was a flight of griffin approaching them from the air. As the five griffins landed at the front of the convoy, the lead griffin approached Commander Mist and spoke, “Commander Chrome Mist, we’ve been expecting you. Didn’t I say we’d meet again?”
Commander Mist smiled as he replied, “Hello again, aren’t you the griffin who met us outside of Gryphus?”
The griffin smiled as he replied, “The name is Major Gill. From what I’ve heard, you put on quite the display in Gryphus during the war ball. It’s too bad I was on my way here when it happened. I would've liked to see your solders take action when they discovered the enemy was right under your muzzle.”

Commander Mist replied, “They did everything they could to pursue and arrest their target as ordered. And despite the fact that she got away, I couldn’t be more proud of my soldier’s actions.”
The griffin nodded his head, “I heard his majesty’s thoughts were the complete opposite of yours.”
“If that’s a problem, then say so now.”
The Griffin Major shook his head, “Not every griffin thinks the same as his majesty. I only follow my orders as every soldier does.”
Commander Mist smiled, “So you don’t think we are traitors then?”
“I don’t… but my commander does. In fact, when the king sent a letter telling us to keep an eye on your soldiers, the commander told me specifically to watch you closely.”
“And will you?”
The griffin smiled, “You are a threat… there is no doubt about that. But not to the Griffin King, or the kingdom. Just to our enemies.”

Major Bolt smiled as the convoy started moving forward again, “You know what Gill, for a griffin… you’re alright.”
Major Gill looked at Major Bolt and replied, “Uh… thanks… I think.”
From there, the griffin soldiers escorted the pony formation to Kestrel. When they approached the city gate, Major Bolt was surprised at how massive the gate was, “Um… wow, you think with a city that is a quarter the size of Gryphus, the gate would match its size. I mean look at it. It towers above the buildings inside.”
Major Gill replied, “Back when the Griffin Kingdoms were ruled by multiple kings, this was the city belonging to one of them. That’s why the gate is so big and that’s why there is a castle in the center. Now we just use it as a trading post and a weaponry manufacturing city.”
Major Bolt sarcastically replied, “Weapons… great… what a shocker.”

“Major! this griffin is the first to treat us like actual guests. The least you can do is be respectful.”
Major Bolt replied, “You’re right commander. Major Gill, I'm sorry your king is such a warmonger.”
“MAJOR!!!”
Major Gill replied calmly, “That’s quite alright commander. he is right, as much as I hate for my soldiers to hear it. I'm tired of this constant fighting too. It’s already ruined my life as is.”
Commander Mist replied, “Really? How?”
Major Gill replied, “My wife… she joined the rebellion shortly after the war began. I went home to plead with her to stop before she got hurt, but when I got there, she was nowhere to be found… I don’t even know if she is alright or not.”
Major Bolt felt terrible, “Major Gill, sorry… if I had known I would have nev…”
“It’s ok Bolt, I understand your feelings towards this war, and I agree completely. But I think the best way to stop this war, is to end it myself. Even if it does mean facing her in combat.”

Commander Mist commented, “In war, there are no winners and losers, there are only those who live and die. I’ve already lost a griffin dear to me. I hope your wife is in a safe place.”
“Thanks commander, it means a lot… wait… a griffin?”
Major Bolt shook his head, “We’ll get into that later.”
As the formation met the griffin guarding the castle gate, one guard spoke, “Major Gill, is this the pony support, we were informed about?”
Gill replied, “Yes, this is Commander Mist of Equestria. Is the Commander inside?”
“He should be, he went into his study about an hour ago. If you want to see him the ponies can only send two in. The rest will have to wait outside.”

Commander Mist turned to his convoy and called , “Storm! Front and center!”
Sergeant Major Storm approached Commander Mist and replied, “Yes sir?”
“Find a suitable place to set up camp and begin setting up a guard shift too. From this point on, we will take refuge in this city. If you want, after you finish you can visit the weaponry foundries and start your work on Major Bolts weapon.”
Storm saluted as he replied, “Yes Sir! Right away.”
As Storm went to direct the pony formation Major Gill spoke, “Wow, you’re very precise with your orders commander.”
Commander Mist turned and replied, “Considering who we are up against, I can’t take any chances. Now let’s meet the commander, let’s go Sparky.”
Major Bolt nodded his head as they followed Major Gill into the castle and through the corridor.

The inside of the castle wasn’t anything close to what Gryphus was, the walls looked like they were starting to crumble and wear, while the carpet stretching across the scratched marble floor was stained and frayed. On the walls were paintings that were much older than the ones in Gryphus but like all the others, each king and noble in the paintings were great military leaders either addressing his troops or wearing his armor. As they continued down the hall, Major Bolt had to comment on the décor, “This place seems like some kind of haunted house.”
Gill replied, “This castle predates the one in Gryphus by at least five hundred years or so.”
“And has this city ever fallen to enemy control during any wars?”
The griffin smirked, “Actually, this is the only Fortress classed city to hold the record for times fallen to enemy attacks.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Great… that makes me feel so much better about our situation.”

Finally, the group reached the doorway leading to the commander’s study. Major Gill looked around, “That’s strange, where are the guards?”
As they slowly opened the door, their question was answered, as each one took a step back in shock at what laid on the other side of the doorway. Standing there was none other than Blade herself, while the griffin commander laid dead on the floor in front of his desk. As Blade flung the commanders blood from her weapon, she looked at Commander Mist, winked, and spoke, “Well hello again handsome. I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon. I'm flattered, I didn’t know I acquired another stalker. Let alone one so cute .”
Major Gill shouted out, “COMMANDER!!!”
Blade smiled, “Nothing personal, it’s just business, I would stay and continue this reunion, but I'm afraid I have to get back to work. let’s continue this date some other time Mist.”

With that said Blade charged towards the stain glass window, crashed through it, and flew down into the streets.
As the three rushed towards the window, Major Gill yelled, “GUARDS!!! ASSASSIN!!!”
Commander Mist looked through the window and yelled, “BOLT!!!”
“ON IT!!!”
Major Bolt jumped through the window and took off through the air after Blade. As they continued down the streets it was a lot less crowded so there was more room to gain speed, and even though Blades movements were only slightly slower than last time, she still was gaining distance from her pursuer. Major Bolt tried all he could to keep up with her but the harder he flapped his wings the more his wound from the other night started to hurt him.

When they came to a sharp turn, Blade made the turn with no problem almost a second before Major Bolt got to it. But after Major Bolt made the turn, Blade was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t want to chase after her in the wrong direction, but he didn’t want to give up either. So Major Bolt landed and started looking for signs of her flight path, but as he looked around, he couldn’t see anything that could lead to the whereabouts of the deadly mercenary he was chasing. Finally, he had no choice but to give up. As Major Bolt turned to trot back to the castle, he was approached by Commander Mist who had caught up with him, “Major! Did you see where she went?”
Major Bolt hung his head in disappointment, “No… she out flew me. I tried but I guess my wing just isn’t up for that kind of pursuit.”
Commander Mist sighed, “That’s it! Go see a medic! NOW! Not later, not tonight, now! I can’t have you falling out of the sky on me during a battle.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Yes commander, at once.”

As Major Bolt trotted off, Commander Mist turned and looked down the empty street. He started thinking about that mare again. There was something about her that seemed familiar, but he just couldn’t remember what it was. Finally, Commander Mist turned around and started trotting back to the castle. As he did so, Blade stepped out from an alley, watched him leave, as she mumbled to herself, “You haven’t changed a bit Chrome. Still putting others before yourself. I hope I won’t have to kill you too.”
Blade then stepped back into the alley and used the cover to sneak out of the city.

Back at the castle, Major Gill was standing next to the griffin commander’s corpse as his soldiers placed it on a stretcher, covered him with a sheet then removed him from the room. As Commander Mist trotted up he spoke, “I'm sorry major, but the assassin got away.”
Major Gill replied, “That’s ok commander, I know you and your soldiers tried to stop her. I just can’t believe a pegasus learned to use the Cupids Kiss so well.”
“Cupids kiss?”
Major Gill explained, “The Cupids Kiss is the name of the weapon she had on her wings, it was at one time an experimental weapon for the griffin royal forces. I even attempted to use it once. The darn thing was so heavy and uncomfortable that I couldn’t do anything beneficial with it. All I could do was use it as a shield.”

Commander Mist thought to himself, “She must have had a lot of practice with them to be able to use them so well.”
Major Gill added, “Years, I carried them for two years and the only progress I made was I learned to fly with them, but I still couldn’t maneuver or fight back.”
“I wonder exactly how many years she had them.”
“Who knows, but I do know one thing for certain.”
“Really, and what’s that?”
“Any pony or griffin unlucky enough to face her in the sky, should already be considered dead.”
Commander Mist sighed, “Then it would be best to keep our soldiers on the ground.”

Major Gill replied, “So what’s our orders commander?”
Commander Mist looked at Gill with surprise, “Our?”

“Well yea, with my commander dead, you are now the highest ranking soldier in the city. Since I'm second in command of the griffin royal forces stationed here, I will relinquish all command to you.”
“Are you sure, you want to follow orders given by a pony?”
Major Gill replied, “Of course, the way you reacted after seeing that mare standing over the commander, the precise orders you gave your Sergeant Major earlier. You’re perfect for the position, and if the others don’t like it, then they will take their orders from me and I'll take mine from you, so there will be no difference. So I'm still waiting on my instruction commander.”

Commander Mist knew that there would be no getting out of this, so he just replied, “Since your commander is dead now, they most likely won’t be sending any of The Cutters back in alone, so I want you to increase security on the outside of the city. There has to be a major force nearby otherwise they wouldn’t have targeted your commander.”
Major Gill nodded his head, “Understood, and what will your soldiers be doing?”
Commander Mist replied, “My soldiers will be setting up guard perimeters inside the city. If we are attacked, we will be ready for them.”
Major Gill replied, “Yes sir, I'll get my soldiers on guard shifts at once.”

Further, in the city, Major Bolt sat in a chair while the medic opened and closed his wing, “Does it hurt when I do this?”
Major Bolt replied, “Yea… and I’d appreciate it if you would stop.”
the medic replied, “Well I'm surprised, your wing is sprained yet you have been flying with it like this. I bet the pain was unbearable.”
Major Bolt sighed, “Yea it was, so what now?”
“What now? Now you will not use this wing for the next few days, in other words, don’t open it, don’t use it to balance yourself, and above all, no flying.”
Major Bolt shook his head, “Well this is just perfect.”
The medic reached inside his bag and pulled out a leather belt, “Here, use this to keep your wing against your side, it will help prevent you from moving it too much.”

As Major Bolt took the belt, Commander Mist entered the room, “Major, what’s the damage?”
Major Bolt replied, “It’s a simple sprain… looks like I won’t be flying for a few days.”
Commander Mist replied, “It’s for the best anyway, with Blade in the sky, you will be safer on the ground. Either way I want you to start training with the other soldiers immediately.”
“Immediately? What’s the big rush?”
Commander Mist replied, “I have a feeling we will meet with the griffin rebellion very soon. Call it a hunch.”
Major Bolt nodded his head, “Well ninety percent of the time your hunches are true, so I guess I'll do what I can to help… by the way any sign of Blade?”
Commander Mist replied, “Nope, no doubt she is out of the city by now.”
Major Bolt smiled, “That’s ok commander… better luck next time.”
Commander Mist was confused, “What? What are you talking about?”
Major Bolt dodged the question, “Well the good news is I think she likes you. Why else would she call you handsome and cute… unless she is blind, but then that wouldn’t explain her flying.”

Commander Mist sighed, “You’re not on that whole thing again are you? Open your eyes Sparky. She is a mercenary who fights for the other army. Not to mention she nearly killed you and she did kill the commander of this fortress.”
Major Bolt smiled, “But she didn’t try to kill you… coincidence? I think not.”
Commander Mist shook his head as he turned to leave the building, “Get off of it Major… she is an enemy and nothing more.”
After Commander Mist left the room, Major Bolt replied, “Enemy or not, you’re attracted, I can tell.”

Meanwhile outside Kestrel, Traipse stood looking at the city as Blade landed next to him, “So… where is our so called fearless general?”
Traipse replied, “The coward left. He said something about going south to recruit more griffins for the rebellion. To be honest if it wasn’t for the fact that he owes us money… I would have killed him by now. But the thought of making him suffer for not paying us seems even better.”
Blade shook her head, “Typical barbaric Tri, you always hate our contractors don’t you?”
“Only the cowards. So can we call the enemy commander dead?”
Blade opened her wing and looked at the dried griffin blood that was on her weapon as she replied, “He fell quickly and without a fight, I was a little disappointed, but by the time I left, I felt a lot better.”
“Really? Why?”
Blade smiled, “The Equestrian forces have arrived in Kestrel.”

Traipse turned to Blade and spoke, “So I assume they are being led by Commander Mist right?”
She nodded her head, “Yep… and seeing him just made my day a lot better.”
Traipse felt skeptic, “Blade? What exactly is your relationship with Commander Mist?”
Blade shook her head, “Not so fast Tri, a mare has to have some secrets… let’s just say I know him from a long time ago.”
Traipse replied, “A long time ago? Before or after you became a mercenary?”
Blade spoke seriously, “What are you saying?”
“I just want to know if you can kill this stallion if you need to.”
Blade replied, “Trust me, this is the only part of my past that I didn’t kill yet.”
Traipse turned back towards the city as he replied, “Fine… but remember one thing. We never betray our own, no matter what.”
Blade was offended, “Are you insinuating that I would honestly betray you Traipse? Who do you thi… Wait… is this about the boss? You’re still mad that she left, aren’t you?”

Traipse replied, “Leave Seren… I mean, Scy out of it. She has nothing to do with this subject or this war… she made her choice. That’s all there is to it.”
Blade put her hoof on his shoulder and replied, “The boss left us Tri, there is nothing more to say. And knowing her, she had good reason. That’s why I had no objections when you refused to search for her. For all we know she lost the taste to kill. I mean, how many souls did she claim with that scythe of hers? Hundreds? Thousands? Maybe even millions. Not everypony can handle killing as many as we have, and I bet she just had a stroke of guilt. You know more about her than I do, so you would know more about why she left than I would.”
Traipse sighed, “You’re right… I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a little concerned. Go get some rest. The general has given me command of his army so tomorrow we will attack Kestrel.”
Blade nodded her head as she turned back towards their hidden camp, “Ok, that sounds fine, just try to relax Tri… it’s been years since the boss left us and I'm a little concerned that you’re still troubled with it.”
As Blade trotted away, Traipse mumbled to himself, “I know I should tell her… but I can’t. I just don’t think she will understand like I did. As for Mist… its time I pay him back for the Crystal Empire.”