“We Can’t!”

All eyes turned to the sudden outburst. A dozen slavers were gathered in a tent around a large table, the makeshift briefing room lit by several candles. Among the gathered ponies were six griffons to keep the peace, as well as two young slave colts acting as waiters.

“Excuse me?” The oldest of the slavers, a short earth pony covered in scars with a missing eye and aged-gray mane asked from the head of the table. While he didn’t officially have a high rank, it was well known RedEye considered Brachus a friend and held him in high regard.

High Roads shrunk back from the sudden attention of everyone in the room, but taking a moment he regained his composure. “I mean, sir… That we cannot afford to use raiders, we’ll lose too many resources. It would defeat the whole point in taking over Notrees in the first place.”

The old pony thought for a moment before addressing all of the gathered slavers. “RedEye appointed me the leader of this army. As such I have the final say in everything this army does. Now, RedEye declared that if Notrees failed to send their tribute again, that we are to take it by force. The only way to do this without taking heavy casualties, is to let the raiders do most of the fighting for us.”

Roads could feel his heart sinking further with every word. He had to talk them out of this! He had to-

“However, I know you are no simpleton. RedEye would never have given you such a high position if you were without merit. So I’ll give you a chance to convince me that I am wrong. Impress me.” He motioned one of the slaves to bring him a glass of water as he waited patiently.

This is my chance. My only chance to save her, to save as many as I can. I can’t afford to screw this up! His heart was thundering in his chest as the eyes of everyone were fixed on him. Taking a deep breath he steadied his nerves before speaking.

“The trading town Notrees has about twenty armed and trained ponies, maybe twice that many willing to fight without proper weapons or training. This army currently has… ninety-three soldiers, forty slaves vowing to fight, and the thirty or so raiders. Now,” He continued as he stood and looked across the crude map drawing on the table.

“I’m no fighter, but here’s my plan. We’ll split our forces, something like sixty/thirty. Our main force will circle around these hills to the east. The rest of our force will group and attack from the south here.” He pointed a hoof to one of the few safe entrances to the desert valley Notrees was in. “Along with the slaves it will be a plenty large enough force to draw their attention.”

“Sending our ‘large force’ in first will distract them from our second force. By the time they finally catch on it will be far too late do anything about it. It will be chaotic, but manageable unlike what the raiders always do. Will own the town in less than an hour with fewer casualties on both sides. At least that’s the plan.”

The room remained silent before Brachus finally broke the tension. “An interesting idea. This certainly sounds like it will work, does anyone have any objections to this plan?” The gathered slavers sensing that Brachus had already made up his mind, and they weren’t about to disagree with him. “No? Very well High Roads, we’ll use your strategy instead. However If this fails the deaths of our soldiers will be on your head. You understand what all that entails correct?”

Roads only hoped he wasn’t showing as much anxiety as he felt. His chances of escaping this life were already going to be difficult. If he messed this up, rogue slavers would hunt him across the wasteland to get vengeance. “Y-yes sir, I understand and will accept the full responsibilities of my actions. Thank you for giving me this chance to prove myself sir.”

The old stallion smiled as he stood. “You’re a fine buck, one day you may even take my place. This meeting is adjourned, each of you see that your ponies are familiar with the new plan. If you have any questions I’ll be in my quarters for the night, but don’t bother an old pony like me unless it’s something fatal got it?” With a half-hearted wave he slowly walked out of the tent accompanied by two of the griffons.

The other slavers murmured and cast glances at High Roads as the filed out of the tent. He was a young upstart in the camp, and they didn’t like that the boss was taking a liking to him. I really wish he wouldn’t have said that out loud. Well as long as I don’t get stabbed in my sleep tonight everything should be fine.

Eventually the rest of the slavers had left leaving only one Talon and a young slave who immediately ran over to Roads. “Wow that was so cool how you stood up to the boss like that! I mean nopony disagrees with the boss but you totally just did!” Roads laughed and tussled the slave’s mane.

“Yeah well don’t be getting any ideas alright? As long as you’re here you need to play nice or else they’re gonna hurt you bad. Remember Shiny? I don’t want that to happen to you okay?” Roads made sure the colt, named Piper, looked him in the eyes as he talked to him.

“Yes Mr. Roads I’ll be careful. But what about Miss Cross Lay? Isn’t she in Notrees?”

Roads rubbed a hoof along the bridge of his nose. “Unfortunately yes, Cross and her brother are staying in Notrees for a couple months more. And remember that’s Misses Cross Lay now.” He said with a grin. “That’s why I had to change the plan. If I can protect her from the raiders, I can definitely convince Brachus that I’ve taken a liking to her and they won’t put her on the work orders.”

Piper put on a sour face and stuck his tongue out. “Bleh I hate the camp work orders. Worse than back in Filly, at least there they let you trade out with other slaves to take a break sometimes. I’m so glad you got me this assistant job! I don’t think I would have made it another week digging ditches.”

“You can thank me when you’re free alright? And if everything goes well tomorrow I might have a plan to help with that too.” Piper’s eyes lit up as he stared at Roads.

“Wow you really mean it? I mean I always wanted to be free, but I never thought it would ever happen. I’m gonna get to see my parents again! Thank you so much Mr. Roads!” he tackled High Roads with a hug that nearly sent them both sprawling on the floor. This is the reason I took this job, these are the moments I live for. Giving hope to the ponies, no matter how young or old. Even if it usually is short term it’s a step towards what they really deserve.

*Ahem*

They both looked up to see the Talon griffon still standing nearby, watching them with mild amusement. “You know if it wasn’t against my contract I could have you both skewered on flagpoles by sundown.”

They both immediately rushed to their hooves and looked in any direction but at each other, much to the griffon’s entertainment. “Oh no don’t stop on my account, I rather enjoy watching a stallion cuddle with colts. Favorite pastime actually.”

Roads snickered as he walked to the door of the tent, Piper and the griffon following close behind. “Yeah I’ll bet, you’re into some weird stuff. What was that rumor I heard? Something about ponies and radgators? Or was it-“

“All right all right, lay off it will ya? You know I’d never sell you out, my contract was with your dad not some slaver high on himself. So we still going through with your plan?”

“Yes, I’m sure it will work just fine. Here Piper, drink this.” Roads reached into one of the pockets of his barding and pulled out a small bottle filled with blue liquid. Piper tilted his head but did as he asked, knowing he didn’t have anything to be afraid of. He immediately felt the drug’s effects.

“Hey mishtur Roads, what is this shtuff… I feel really…” Within seconds he was fast asleep, laying on the back of strong griffon.

“Grinds I don’t know where you learned to make that kind of stuff, just keep it away from me got it?” Roads teased as he hoofed the griffon’s shoulder.

“Did some work for a zebra tribe awhile back, they can teach you all kinds of things you probably didn’t want to know about.” He turned his head to look at the sleeping colt. “Sorry kid but you’ve got a fear of heights and I don’t need any trouble when I’m up there.”

Roads looked to the clouds to try and roughly guess how much “sunlight” was left in the day. “Okay I’ll meet you tomorrow right? And please be careful with him, he’s like family to me.”

“You just take care of yourself got it? They know you’re a slaver now so don’t get shot before you even get into town.” The Grinds gave a wave before taking off, flying low across the camp.

Yeah… what was I thinking when I came up with this plan again?

“Well lookee’ what we got here boys. Looks like a little lost slaver’s wandered from his pack.” This was a terrible idea… High Roads stood in front of the large gate that led into the town of Notrees.

They surrounded the town with a wall made from scrap metal and building materials. There were three gates that led inside the walls, each was essentially a giant slab of reinforced concrete that was lifted up by large chains using pony-power. It was a decent construct, but it wasn’t nearly enough to protect them from what was about to happen.

“Look I don’t have time for this! In a few hours the sun will be up and an army of slavers is gonna be marching through these gates of yours. Let me in and I can help you!”

One of the gaurdponies, a young unicorn mare with an assault rifle and leather barding, laughed at his plight. “Yeah that’s not gonna happen. You really expect us to believe “The Glorious Redeye” is gonna send an entire army of slavers all the way out here just for us?”

“Yes! He said an example needed to be made. Look I’m telling the truth! Let me talk to Cross Lay she’ll tell you!”

An older buck answered this time. “Oi you’re just a creep that took a fancy to that nice mare, I don’t see no point in wakin’ her up just cus’ you wanna talk.” A series of agreements sounded across the wall.

“Oh come on! Just let me talk to her, and if you still don’t believe me you can hang me or whatever it is you hicks do.” I’ve got to get through to them! I have to warn her!

“Or we cn’ just shoot ya, a lot easier’n raisin’ the gate to let ya in.” Again more agreements rang out and several of the guards drew their weapons.

“Please! I love her! Let me see her, it’s the last chance I’ll have!” That made a few of the guards pause.

The mare from before spoke up again, hesitation in her voice. “I don’t know everypony maybe he’s telling the truth. Remember Cross said she loved someone, but she couldn’t tell us who it was? Maybe it’s this raider-licker.” Well disgusting analogies aside, at least she’s helping. There were a few mumbles among the guards before the older buck poked his head over the wall again.

“Olright we’ll hear you out, but iffin’ yer lying we’re gonna lynch ya like you said. Got it?” High Roads readily agreed and soon the massive gate was lifted enough for him to enter the town.

Notrees wasn’t anything exceptional, but what it lacked in style it made up for in practicality. Everypony had their own space, the stores were well organized and (by wasteland standards at least) clean, they even had a small building they called their town hall. Immediately to his right was a saloon, a burly stallion standing by the door-

“Eyes front!” One of the guards commanded, poking him in the shoulder with the barrel of his shotgun. Roads quickly did as he was told, following the guard’s lead as they walked through town. They eventually reached a large cluster of scrap metal hovelled together to make a hotel of sorts. They waited outside while the older buck stepped inside.

“Hey.” Roads turned to look at the mare from before. “I’m sorry about what I said earlier, I’ve just been a little stressed lately. Name’s Snowdrift.” At his curious look she rolled her eyes. “Yeah I know, I’m a long way from home alright?” She really did sound apologetic, and he took a moment to analyze his savior. She was a pretty mare with a blue coat and purple mane/tail. Her eyes were a mismatched blue and green.

“Thanks for giving me a chance, my name is High Roads.” At her curious look it was his turn to roll his eyes. “Yeah I know, odd name for a slaver. Trust me it wasn’t a life I chose, and I’m not going back to it.”

She took a moment to think about that before adopting a small smile. “Well it’s nice to meet you. For what it’s worth I really hope they don’t hang you.”

Before he could respond the old buck walked back outside, and behind him followed the most beautiful thing in the whole wasteland. There she was, her curly red mane a mess as usual and the smell of oil clung to her off-white coat. Her hazel eyes always seemed to dance in the light with a kindness and playful innocence that surpassed all understanding. To most she just looked like another wastelander, but to High Roads? Whenever he saw her wrench Cutie Mark in a crowd nothing in the world could block out his blue sky.

The old guard opened his mouth to speak but he couldn’t get a word out before she sprinted past him to embrace High Roads. “You idiot! What are you doing here I told you not to come back.” Tears streaked down her face, but none of the town ponies had ever seen her smile so sincere.

“I’m sorry but I didn’t have a choice. Things are bad, and it’s going to get much worse soon.” They parted the embrace with a quick kiss.

“What’s going on? Did you get in trouble with the slavers?”

“Not yet, but I will be soon. Listen up everypony, like I said before Redeye sent an army to take this town as soon as the sun rises. I talked them out of using the raiders, but there’s still no way you can fight off that many slavers. Everypony need to leave as soon as possible!”

He expected a few panicked cries at least from the gathering town ponies, but the town fell silent. Finally he turned to the blue mare from before, but she only gave a shrug. “They aren’t going to leave, this is their home.” There were several nods and muttered agreements among the crowd.

“But that’s crazy! Even if they don’t kill you in the attack they’ll just take you back to Fillydelphia, and that’s worse than being killed!” He turned in place, looking for even one face that would see his reasoning. But though some of the faces showed some trepidation, none wavered enough to concede to his point. Eventually he turned to face his beloved who looked at him with a teary smile.

“I’m afraid she’s right dear, these ponies will live and die here before they leave. It’ just the way they are.”

Again the town fell silent as he thought this over. He planned for a large amount of the ponies leaving, this changed things. “Well then I guess we better get ready for when they get here.” The town erupted into chaos as the guards and civilians alike shouted orders to prepare for the upcoming siege. Ponies were grabbing what meagre weapons and barding they could, those with extra were giving everything they had to help their neighbors. Torches lit up across the wall and town, lighting everything u with an eerie red-orange glow before the coming fight.

“Cross you need to leave, I won’t let you stay here. And where is your brother? He’s supposed to be taking care of you.” Roads said as they rushed back into her home to gather her belongings.

“He’s away with the caravan, just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean the whole caravan has to wait with me. Where will we go? We certainly can’t go north, and I can’t imagine south will be much better with all the slaver activity there.” She said as they began loading her trinkets and tools into a small wagon. She didn’t have much so it didn’t even take up half of the wagon’s space. Perfect…

“I don’t know but we’ll figure it out. Here drink this.” He reached into his barding and pulled out a small healing potion, its contents blue. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that hitch in your step, your pregnant remember? You’re supposed to be taking it easy.”

She smirked and took the bottle. “This is easy as far as wasteland standards go. So why is this blue anyways?” She asked before taking a sip.

“I’m so sorry hunny…” He said as he held her up, looking into her confused eyes.

“What do you… mean…”

“I love you… More than anything.” Tears were streaming down his face by the time the sleep potion took full effect. He couldn’t believe he was going to do this, but he didn’t have a choice. It was partially his fault these ponies were about to die, and he wasn’t going to just leave them here to their fate. But he knew she wouldn’t leave without him.

He gently laid her in the cart on a blanket and covered her up to her neck. He kissed her on the forehead one last time before hitching to the front of the cart. The town outside was deathly still and quiet, all the preparations were completed in less than ten minutes. The wall was lined with ponies armed ear to hoof in whatever weapons and armor they could find.

These ponies don’t stand a chance… Then again I guess that means I don’t either.

After looking around the wall for a few minutes he found the pony he was looking for. “Snowdrift!” He yelled up to the blue pony. “Snowdrift! I need you to help me with something!”

Her ears perked as she turned to look at him curiously. “What do you need? And where’d you find a cart anyways?” Upon closer inspection she noticed just what, or rather who, was in said cart.” Oh my gosh what did you do?”

“She’s only asleep okay? But that’s what I need you to help me with. I’m staying, but she can’t. I need you to get her out of here safely.”

There was a pause before Snowdrift seemed to lose her mind for a split second. “Are you crazy! You two love each other! You can’t just ditch her after you finally meet up again!”

“I know that! I know…” He trailed off as tears rolled down his cheeks. “But what choice do I have? I can’t go with her they’ll follow me. I… I don’t want to leave her but…”

She pasued as tears threatened to form in her eyes as well. Glancing at the old buck next to her, he gave a curt nod. “Go on miss you don’t owe us nothin’. Go see yer home you always told us about.” She smiled and gave him a brief hug before down to the closest ramp.

Roads met her with eyes both of relief and indescribable sadness. She didn’t dare say another word that might make it worse.

“Here,” he gave her a folded piece of paper. “Go through the front gate and head west. You know where the small pass is right?” She nodded as she put the paper in her saddle bag and began hitching onto the wagon. “Good. Follow that path until you see a Talon. Give that paper to him and he’ll take care of the rest.”

She was ready to go and with a hearty shout a group of bucks pulled on the massive chains, lifting the gate up enough for her to pass through. Roads looked at his wife one last time before she disappeared behind the falling gate, forever to remain in his memories and nothing more. He cleared his mind with a shake of his head before trotting up a ramp and stopping at where Snowdrift had been previously.

“Yer’ as crazy as me, y’know that?” The old buck spit over the wall before turning to High Roads. “But you got some brass one’s, I’ll give ya that.”

Roads wasn’t sure if that was a compliment, but he decided to take it as one. “Yeah I guess this is it huh? No turning back now.”

“I reckon’ so.”

They sat in silence watching the sun slowly rise thorough the cloud layer. The slavers could be seen in the distance, forming up and preparing for their attack. “My name’s High Roads. Mind if I ask yours?”

“I don’t guess it matter’s much, why?”

“Well… if one of us lives through this mess, we can remember the other one. The dead deserve to be remembered.”

The old buck thought that over as he chewed on a toothpick. Finally he spit the toothpick out and grinned. “Name’s Fire Break. Pleasure to die with ya.”

Hey Grinds, I guess by now you’ve realized I never really intended to go with you. I’m sorry it had to be like this, but there really just isn’t any other way. As for your contract, when my father died and it was passed on to me, I was also given the authority to relinquish you from it at any time. Although I already did several times, I guess this was our last adventure together. Live your own life from now on, don’t burden yourself with serving another. We’ve both seen what that kind of life leads to. All I ask is that you’ll watch over Cross Lay for me until she is safe. I’m sure Friendship city is a good place to start, they’re good ponies there. Take care of yourself Grinds, I know how you tend to overwork yourself.

To Piper… I’m sorry little bro but I’m not going to be able to teach you how to be free after all. I loved spending time with you and I’m more proud of you than anything else. Live your life to the fullest and be the best you can be. I know you have it in you to be something great one day, all you have to do is believe in yourself. Oh, and make some friends. The wasteland is too hard to go it alone.

To whomever is carrying this note, thank you so much for getting my wife safely away from here, there’s nothing I can say to express how grateful I am. It’s not much, but if you care there’s a small fortune stashed away in the bank in Tenpony Tower. Tell them you’re there for High Roads, they shouldn’t give you any trouble.

And to my beloved, there’s nothing I can say that will make you accept what I’ve done. I know you’ll never forgive me, and I’m not going to ask for it. All I ask is that you don’t let this moment define your life. Live on, be the strong mare that always gave me hope. The mare that sneaked into our camp one night to steal food for a pair of lost fillies. The mare that defied a gang of raiders that tried to hurt a lonely dog. The mare that fought a hellhound because it was trying to kill a wounded slaver. The mare that I fell in love with. I may no longer be at your side, but I will always be in your heart, and in your memories.