//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Battle of Sandee River // Story: The Guard's Tale // by TheTruckerBrony //------------------------------// A rude knocking on the bedroom door pulled me awake, along with the district smell of strong coffee.  Obsidian next to me, cuddled close and made an angry grumble, too contented to consider getting up.   Sonambula slipped open the door carrying two tall cups of coffee he set on the nightstand. "Okay ponies, chug some Joe," He said. "Obsidian, get the Line breakers up, Windjammer, you get Star shine." "What time is it?" I asked, Obsidian having pulled the blankets over her head. "Early," Sonambula answered simply. "Time for sword drills, can't let all this luxury make us soft." Without another Word Sonambula left, and I stretched and arched my back, taking a long sip of the coffee, which was far better than the coffee at the castle.  Obsidian moaned and I finally saw her hoof reach out from under the covers to grab the second cup of coffee. "I so miss sleeping in," Obsidian said, still under the blanket. "Would be nice," I said around my coffee, "if not extra time for sleeping, time for something else?" Obsidian grinned, holding the blanket over her head like a hood. "In the morning too? I am such a lucky mare," "But, We have work to do this morning," Obsidian wrapped her strong forelegs around me, "No, I wanna stay here and snuggle," I laughed softy and kissed her, "So do I, but duty calls." The big mare nodded, "Okay, but tonight you owe me two," "Of course," I said with a blush. Having no other clothing I put on my breastplate and suit, leaving my tie loose. I hid my short sword in the jacket and received the wooden practice sword from my gear.  Taking a clue from Sonambula I took a moment to brew some coffee in my room's kitchen, carrying it with me as I walked into Star Shine's room, which was a mirror image of mine across the hall.  I knocked on the bedroom door and I heard star shine mumble.  Inside Star shine was in the large canopy holding the still-sleeping Night Glade.  She looked at me with angry eyes, is if daring me to tell her it was time to get up. "Time for sword drills Corporal," I said. "But he's so snuggly," She said, giving me an adorable pout. "He can't get to far, Star Shine we're on a ship," I offered, "I brought you Coffee," Star Snine took the cup off the tray, taking a sip then smiling at me. "Okay, I forgive you." She said, she leaned over to kiss the still-sleeping Night Glade. The Half sleeping Pony Hugged Star shine close to him, the Mare's coffee toppling over on the sheets. "Yipes!" Glade shouted jumping out of bed to avoid the scalding coffee. Star Shine herself scrambled out of the bed, looking at me pleading. "Don't worry I made a whole pot," I said, "Just don't spill anymore, I have a feeling this coffee is expensive." ---*--- We had lined up on the rear deck, and I was surprised to see the Ship was still on the river, a storm raging high above and steep canyon walls of white stone rising high on each riverbank.  The river was not the small streams I was used to in Saddle Arabia, but a very broad, swiftly moving affair large enough for three ships of the Pelican's size to pass each other comfortably.  I learned later that the Sandee River was even deeper than it was wide, meaning that rather large ships could use it to transport goods.  In the dim morning light we could spot a few griffons steering small fishing ships, looking for a good place to cast their nets. Only Gregory was on the deck, enjoying a battered fish breakfast at a small table, and watching us practice.  He had brought a few books but seemed far more interested in us.  I was paired up with Morning Blast, and we sparred with our wooden swords.  Four Speed and Star Shine attacked one another in flurries of swordplay and Obsidian, being the most skilled fighter among us, battled all three of her fellow line breakers at once.  Sonambula paced back and forth, giving advice and making sure our forms were sound.  Oddly, he insisted we all wear our formal attire, explaining that if there was trouble on the ship we'd have to be ready to fight in these outfits. It was strange seeing Obsidian tussle with Bricker, Stonewall and Mason, effortlessly tossing the large ponies around the deck around and countering their attacks all while wearing her cocktail dress and her Locket. "That's it ponies, Earn your breakfast." Sonambula encouraged, "No desert for anypony who doesn't disarm their opponent at least once!" Unexpectedly we saw Night Glade stride to the rear deck in his tux and fedora, without pause Sonambula casually approached the Pony. "Good morning," Night Glade said, giving a friendly nod. "Yeah," Sonambula said. "Star Shine's busy," "I can see that, I was just wanting to get a look at your technique." "Well then," Sonambula said, waving his hoof over us as we practiced. "What do you think? Morning Blast watched us sparring, considering it, "Effective, very practical," he said, "If a little mundane.  Not very creative at all, " "We're soldiers, not dancers." "Aren't you Both?" Night Glade asked, "Your background report said you had two years of Ballroom and three of jazz, you also danced with the Manehattan soft shoes." Sonambula scowled, Night Glade had done his homework, meaning that Sonambula knew far less about Glade than he knew about him. "That was a long time ago," Sonambula grumbled. "Look, you want to chit-chat and we have work to do, buzz off." "I'm a pretty good fighter myself, I was just interested in Royal guard techniques." "Well then, This is not a spectator sport," Sonambula said, taking off his jacket. "You come, you play." "You and me Master Sergeant?" Glade asked, "I'd be honored." Star Shine looked up from her sparring with concerned eyes, "Master Sergeant, please you don't have to-" "Don't worry Star Shine," Sonambula interrupted, as he picked up a wooden sword.  "You can nurse him back to health when I'm done with him," I carried a sword to Night Glade as he removed his jacket. "Glade, Sonambula is a fencing champion, level six melee fighter, and a close quarters combat master," I Warned.  "And he doesn't exactly like you," Glade grinned at me, "I'll be carful." "You gonna grab that sword?" Sonambula asked. Glade glanced at the wooden sword, then drew out his long, thin Rapier. "No offense sergeant but I haven't played with Toys since I was a colt," He said. Sonambula laughed loudly, drawing his own ornate saber, "You sure? I don't want to cut you." Glade scowled, His smile disappearing. "You won't." I have, in my life only met a few true sword masters, and occasionally seen them duel.  In my experience, a duel to the death between two masters never lasted long.  The entire chess game of move and counter-move went on in a matter of seconds and was invisible to someone not experienced with the sword.  To the layman, a duel between masters was indistinguishable from one person stabbing another with barely any resistance.  This duel, was no different.  Sonambula had barely moved before the flat of Night Glade's sword was against his throat.  In a real duel Glade would have opened Sonambula's neck but here just showed that he could if he wanted too. Sonambula stepped back, not registering surprise but he saluted and attacked again.  The first time, I think that Sonambula underestimated Night glade but this time he did not.  There was a clash of blades and for a spit second it seems Night glade was on the defense but in a few more moves Sonambula's saber clattered to the deck.  The two ponies were out of breath, and everyone on deck was now watching, we barely noticed that Princess Celestia had sat at the deck table with Gregory, watching without saying a word. "You, have a few tricks." Sonambula said in between heavy breaths, "You're not so bad yourself," Night glade said. "Round three?" "You know it, And this time I'm holding nothing back!" Sonambula retrieved his saber and there was a whirlwind of blades, Night glade fending off one attack and then the next.  Sonambula wasn't underestimating his opponent anymore and was using every one of the techniques he'd mastered over years of combat.  The Guard was doing things that would be illegal in a propel duel, trying several times to trip Night glade, and shoving him backwards a few times but always failing to put Night glade off balance.  We were now cheering on our Sergeant, shouting encouragement and jeers at his opponent, but Night glade remained in a stoic state of calm during the fight,never loosing his balance never wavering.  The two sword rang and clang off each other so quickly it was a staccato rhythm and finally Sonambula was disarmed again, this time his saber flying into the air and sticking into the deck blade-first.  Spontaneously we all applauded, even the princess politely clapped her hooves at the display. "You are really good," Night Glade said, "But that's three out of five, I think anypony would call me the winner. Sonambula had put all of himself into the duel, and had to take a second to catch his breath before he spoke, "Sorry about your tie," he said In between gasps of air. Night Glade looked down at his bow tie, which had been cut and hung from his collar undone. "Well Buck me. . ." "Still," Sonambula said, having gained his voice. "If this was a real fight, I'd be dead three times by now.  You were holding back," Glade looked down at his hooves, "Well, it's just a duel." Sonambula smiled and gave Glade a hoof bump, "I can see why Her Majesty calls you a Hero, you got some Brass ones, Night Glade." "Sails!" A voice came from above. Far above I saw a Griffon on the ship's balloon, pointing from a gondola. I looked to where he was pointing to see the morning light shining on a large billowing sail on the river, perhaps a mile behind us and rapidly approaching. "Looks like a Clipper," Morning Blast offered. Gregory perched on the deck railing and was squinting. "it's a Corsair clipper," He clarified, "It's a coastal ship but griffons use them on the river sometimes.  Very quick," "Hail!" Sonambula shouted At the ship, getting no response. Gregory giggled, "That's a griffon ship, you have to hail them like a griffon." "Be my guest." Sonambula said, motioning to the strange ship. "HEY LOSERS!!" Gregory shouted louder than a griffon his size should be able to shout. "WHAT!?" Someone on the ship shouted back. "What are you Doing?!" Gregory shouted back. "MESSAGE FOR THE PRINCESS!" "That sounds bad," I said. "THE FATWA IS ONLY GOOD, AS LONG AS YOU'RE ALIVE!" "Your Majesty!  Take cover!" Sonambula shouted, just as a hail of flaming arrows arched from the deck of the Corsair, leaving black trails of smoke. Star Shine created a shield over us, but wasn't able to block Every arrow and many dropped to the deck.  Alarm bells rang and the Pelican's crew sprung into action, throwing buckets of water on the flaming arrows or tossing them off the deck.  I saw Gregory fly back to his shoulder bags under the table, pulling out his own bow and returning fire.  Princess Celestia had just stood to make her way below deck when a second volley hit the deck, again Star shine and what must have been another unicorn on board managed to block many but we'd scattered since the first shot and more arrows had gotten by, and our blood ran cold as we heard the princess shout. A fire arrow extended from her wing, that she quickly pulled out and dropped to the deck.  Obsidian Bricker, Mason and Stonewall stood around the princess, Osiian holding a deck table above them to help block further arrows while the other three Line Breakers helped her stand.  I heard a shout on the water a one of Gregory's arrows found their mark and one of the enemy sailors dropped to the deck of he corsair.  "Engine to full!" I heard a crewman shout and the Pelican lurched forward. "We can't outrun that ship," Morning Blast said, "And I'm gonna bet they have more than fire arrows in store for us," Sonambula smiled, "Let's slow them down, Star Shine!  Fire and Ice play!" "Yes, Master Sergeant!" The Unicorn said with a smirk. Sonambula aimed his horn at the water, casting an ice spell on the water in front of the corsair creating a sizable patch of ice attached to the ship's hull, causing the corsair to lurch and slow down as if it stuck a wall.  Star shine then cast scorching blast at the ship's massive sail that burst into flames like it was made of the sun.  instantly our ship pulled ahead, and the archers on board the ship panicked and rushed to toss buckets of water on the sails.  just before we were out of Arrow range Gregory shattered a lantern on the Corsair's deck with a keen shot, scattering lamp fuel and even more fire across the deck.  The griffon crew flew about, now ignoring us to figh the fire on the deck and we all rushed to the princes's Suite.  On the way we all noticed four-speed was limping. "Were you hit?" I asked, "Yeah, but it's not serious," Morning blast laughed nervously as he checked his friend's wound. "You guys are not going to believe this. . ." "Yeah, right in the moneymaker," Star shine says, "It's a good thing your butt is an arrow magnet or somepony else would get hit." We made it into the Princess' room to see count Valeris already inspecting her wing, stitching the wound.  There was blood. . .real blood running down the princess' wing, it was so bizarre to see that stark red on Snow White feathers.  She was a goddess, and now she bled? I felt Obsidian holding me close. "I'm so glad you're safe," Obsidian said. "I've been shot at plenty of times, Four Speed caught one," I said, nuzzling her. "Again?" "Hey every arrow I take is one the princess doesn't have to." "Shut up!" Sonambula said, "Your majesty, how are you?" Glade asked "It isn't serious," She said. Valeris began to wrap a bandage around the wing. "The arrow struck a bone, she will not be able to fly until it heals, Captain Gilburry walked through the door, "Thank heaven the Princess is okay," I dashed at the captain, grabbing his collar. "Captain, why are we still on the water? This ship flies doesn't it?!" "Guard, that thunderhead is still above, if we fly into it, those winds will rip the balloons right off! We'll drop like a rock." "How much you want to bet that those griffon assassins made that storm to corner us here?" Four speed said as count Valeris prepared to remove the arrow from his flank. I released the griffon, scowling, "Then we expect full speed out of this ship," "This ship isn't built for speed!  It's a cruise ship!" "Will they even keep following us? I'd assume their ship is too damaged to keep up" Celestia asked, The captain nodded, "They appear to have doused the fires, and they are working with axes to clear the ice.  The enemy ship has deployed oars and are gaining on us without their sails." "If the princess could fly we could just evacuate," Sonambula said, "What's ahead of us captain?" The Princess asked. "Blackberry falls," He said. "If we can get to that the Corsair won't be able to follow.  We can glide off the falls with our balloons, they'll drop 90 feet onto rocks." "Is there any way to increase our speed so that we may outrun them?" Celestia asked. The captain thought, "If we engaged the propellers it could speed us up, I don't know how by how much." "Do it," Sonambula said, "If that ship catches up with us they'll send over fire arrows until this ship burns to a cinder," "Does the Pelican have any defenses?" Celestia asked. "Yes your majesty," The captain said. "We have a water cannon to fight fires and we have our security staff to fight off rowdies," I noticed the two ship security griffons in brilliant white shirts, wielding wooden clubs painted piano black.  I walked to one, staring into his eyes, he did't match my gaze.  I snarled and jumped forward a fraction of an inch and the griffon jumped back a step, his eyes alive with fear. "These guys are likely useful for kicking drunks out of the cantina," I said. "But in a fight against trained assassins, they would be slaughtered." "We, didn't expect to be in this situation. . " "It's fine Captain Gillburry," The Princess said, "We do not blame you, your crew did well fighting the fires and outrunning the ship.  How long to we have until the corsair catches up to us?" "With the extra speed, it's going to take a little time, an our at the least." "Captain, do what you can to fortify the deck, prepare to repel boarders and fight fires." "Of course, your Majesty." The captain said. "We'll do our best to keep you safe." The captain and the security left, and Celestia walked to where Valeris was bandaging Four-Speed. "He'll be fine your Majesty," Valeris said. "A shallow wound and slight burns," "My, how does this keep happening to you Four Speed?" The princess joked, "You weren't turning your back to the enemy were you?" "Just turned to check on you," Four speed said. "Your majesty, we should wake your sister, and let her know to stay in the room." Sonambula said, "We'll supervise the fortifications of the-" "You Sonambula, will have breakfast.  None of you have eaten, "There is no time to-" "This room has a galley, I have already told the cook to prepare something quick so none of you have to go into battle on an empty stomach." Sonambula did not argue, and bowed deeply, and just as promised a tray of sandwiches was brought out and we ate them, the princess herself having a few. "Well, first taste of combat with the Guard," Obsidian said. Nodded, "Yeah, you all did very well." "Thanks," Obsidian said, "Hopefully we can outrun he corsair but it not. . . " I looked at Obsidian, she looked so scared, as if she knew that our time could be short.  She wanted to say something, wanted me to say it.  She was right, if there was a time this was it. "Obsidian," I said, the worlds on the edge of my lips. "In case this gets serious. . .you should know that the last week, has been the best of my life and I just want you to know that I- "Alarm bell!" Sonambula shouted, Indeed there was an alarm bell ringing, the sound of shooting voices.  I looked into Obsidian's eyes, kissed her deeply and spoke quickly. "There is no force on this earth powerful enough to drag me away from you," I said, "I will survive this, no matter what," Her eyes Quivered, "Okay," She agreed.  "We'll face this together," "Princess, bar the door and stay in here, I think there are boarders." Sonambula said. The Princess Nodded, "Night Glade, you think you can fight beside a grumpy old dancer who took up war?" "It would be my honor sergeant," Night Glade sad before Kissing the Princess's hoof, "Your majesty, stay here, stay safe." "Good luck, my Guard," She said. "Windjammer, keep that promise you made to Obsidian, always." I was surprised to hear that, but only nodded as I followed my fellow guards onto the deck, and what we found was utter chaos.  Griffons from the other ship clung to the balloons, trying to hack through them, the two propeller engines were in flames.  The ship security were standing on the deck with their clubs, to timid to fly up and attack, only shouting insults and threats. "They're attacking the balloons!" The captain shouted to his men, "Get up there and stop them!" Sonambula stomped to the guards "Get up there and fight you cowards!" He shouted, "If they destroy our balloons we're dead!" Gregory emerged from below deck, looking up at the balloons, pulling out his bow and felling more than a few of the attackers. "See? They're just flesh and blood! Follow us!" I should as Morning Blast, Four speed and I leaped into the air to get the enemy off the balloons.  Luckily the balloons on an airship are well protected and just hacking at them with an axe would take a long time to get through, and there wasn't any large holes.  The assassins were wearing chain mail, and were armed with hatchets, axes and short bows, I flew in and kicked one at full speed, feeling my hoof sink into his side and ribs snap.  I didn't even check to see if he was down before I flew to the next and buried my short sword into his side.  I saw beams of scorching magic burst from the deck, smashing into the hovering griffons all around me, morning blast and Four speed took out opponent after opponent and Night Glade sliced through the brawlers like a scythe through fresh wheat, they call against his sword like waves crashing on a shore.  The ship security wasn't doing as well, many of them having fallen, but they fought on, grappling with the assassins like Brawlers, biting, clawing and shouting insults. The aerial battle was going our way, but I looked and saw the Corsair was drawing far closer than before, and I realized that the boarders must have infiltrated the engine room, or the bridge, had done something to slow us down.  None of us considered that griffons would simply fly and board our ship.  Flame arrows came down upon the deck but the water cannons were In full force, wiping the flame from the deck.  More heavily armored griffons far to heavy in their armor to fly, lined up on the deck of the corsair, preparing to march onto our deck once gangplanks were set down, the attack on the balloon had failed, and the few survivors were retreating back to their ship, so the four of us joined the unicorns and line breakers on the deck. "Good shooting, Gregory," Four speed said The griffon blushed, "Aww it's no problem," "Hey I helped too!" Star Shine said, "Well Gregory doesn't have any magic!" "Guard!  Hustle up!" Sonambula shouted, as arrows streaked through the air around him. "Linebreakers in front! Griffons to the flanks!  Pegasi and Unicorns with me!" We marched toward where the corsair approached, and we watched as the gangplank set down.  "In a moment some real tough customers are going to cross that gangplank!" Sonambula said, "Guard, what are they going to find?!" "PAIN!" We shouted in unison. "And?" "DEATH!" The Gangplank was down now, and we could hear the clang of armor. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, I hope whatever God they believe in has mercy," Sonambula said, His voice ominous, "Because they have no idea WHO THEY ARE BUCKING WITH!!" Now we saw them, wearing full armor and wilding swords and Axes. "Light em' up!" Sonambula shouted, he and Star Shine casting bolts of force into the formation, several of the heavily armed griffons flying into the water.  Gregory fired more arrows, but they bounced uselessly off the griffon's armor and shields.  Sonambula and Star shine taking shots at them, but the survivors still advanced.  The unicorns were growing tired, firing spell after spell into the advancing assassins, but we held back, waited until the formation was on the ship, where they had no escape.  I looked to Obsidian, her broadsword clutched in her teeth.  This could be my last chance, to tell her I loved her.  I didn't take it, I don't know why I didn't tell her then and there, it would have been the perfect time.  The formation was now on Deck, the ones that still lived banging their swords on their shields.   Star Shine and Sonambula nodded at each other and drew their swords.  Glade narrowed his eyes, Obsidian crouched, her muscles flexing and growing taught, the other line breakers preparing themselves for an attack.  "After the line breakers shake them up, follow them in and get the leftovers," Sonambula said.  Obsidian, Stonewall, Bricker and Mason waited for the command. . .none of them were wearing armor.  I wanted to grab Obsidian and run, protect her, but there was nothing I could do, the only way out of this, was through.  Telling her now, would only distract her, she was fully focussed on her task, as she should be. "Line breakers Go!" The deck shook as the four ponies charged, like a force of nature they smashed into the armored griffons, sending many of them flying into the air like rag dolls, pinwheeling through the air.  Others were crushed and trampled under their hooves, falling and not rising. Obsidian's broadsword found holes in the enemies' armor, finding flesh and drawing screams from its victims.   Blood stained the deck, and Sonambula ordered us in. "Finish them off!" Sonambula said, Every one of us charged in, and I found myself in a mass of clanking armor, blood and blades.  I leaped on the back of a griffon who turned to attack Mason, sliding my short sword under his helmet and hearing a scream as the blade slashed the griffon's face.  Mason brought down his hooves on the griffon, crushing his chest.  Another Griffon Lifted me into the air by my neck and drew back his sword to run it through me, but I quickly wrapped my legs around his arm and straitened my back and snapped the arm, quickly thrusting my sword though the face slit on his helmet, he went limp when the sword impaled his head.  The armored griffons seemed far more well equipped then they were well trained, even the unskilled security griffons were able to wrestle one to the ground, remove his helmet and beat him to death with their clubs.  Night Glade swirled among the armored Griffons, his thin Rapier sliding in and out of a number of the griffons gracefully.  Sonambula seemed to feel the need to keep up and was hacking and slashing with his saber at every assassin foolish enough to attack him. I'd never seen Obsidian pushed to this limit, she killed and fought, blocked and parried flawlessly never showing a reaction.  She was a professional, plying a trade, and her trade was violence and death.  Soon, the survivors were backing away, trying to make their way back to the gangplank and I heard Obsidian speak in a tone I never heard this mare use before. "No," she growled, "Assassins do not Escape!" We stood shoulder to shoulder, all of us, and charged in one last time, "For Celestia!" Sonambula roared as we dove into the ranks of the Assassins. Now fearing us, the Griffons fell one after the other, they had to be turned into examples.  It had to be known that attempting to harm the princess was death, tales had to be told far and wide of the gruesome end that befell assassins.  I respected these warriors, while their will was broken none tried to surrender or beg for their lives.  They fell fighting, as every warrior should. There was a roar of rushing water, and I looked ahead to see the river ending about a mile downstream, all we had to do was hold out a little bit longer and we could drift off that waterfall to freedom. "Get those prop engines going!" I heard a crew member shout, "Good fight, Guard," Sonambula said, "Is anypony wounded?" We all sounded off, having all suffered bumps and bruises but nothing serious.  Obsidian tossed off the gangplank into the water, as Star Shine shielded us from the arrows that were still flying.  Oddly the corsair was still following us, soon we would be off the falls. . .the enemy ship should be slowing down, or cast in an anchor because they would never survive the plummet down the waterfall. "What are they doing?" I asked, "Thy can't possible follow us," "I have a feeling they're not done," Morning Blast said. Just as Morning blast predicted we saw the griffon crew preparing a massive harpoon gun on the deck, firing the tree-sized steel harpoon that smashed into the deck, impaling the Pelican, attaching our ship and the corsair by a heavy chain.  As I saw the archers and the crew escaping into the sky, I realized what their plan was.  When the pelican went off the falls and floated down, the weight of the other ship attached to the Pelican would tear our ship apart, sending us all plummeting into the valley below. Already knowing this, the crew was working with axes and hammers on the Harpoon but it was stuck fast, and the chain was far to strong.  Given a few hours they could remove the huge barb, but not before we toppled off the falls. "Morning Blast!  Four Speed!  Windjammer!" Sonambula said, "That ship is empty, fly over there and knock that harpoon gun in the water!" "Right!" We shouted in unison, taking flight over to the enemy ship. It only took a moment to find the attached weapon, bolted to the deck with the chain leading from it to the Pelican.  We found however that the ship was not empty, one last griffon stood in front of the Harpoon gun.  He was taller than any of the other griffons, and wore ornate steel gauntlets on his talons that extended them into four long blades.  This griffon had seen combat too, a leather patch covered a missing eye and one of his wings appeared to have been severed.  Since he couldn't fly, he comrades had left him behind. "No breaking my ship," The Griffon said in low, rasping voice. "You want to break chain? You must get past Gor." "Sure," Four speed said, takin his sword in his mouth and charging. Four speed was too slow, and Gor slapped him aside, tumbling across the deck.  I followed, dipping under the first of Gor's attacks but he brought up a thick leg and I felt the world dimmed as a second blow came from those steel gauntlets. I wasn't knocked unconscious but I was severely dazed, and I could see what happened next.  Morning blast's face grew red and he snarled, Gor laughing at how easily that he'd struck us down.  Morning blast let out a roar of anger and charged Gor, but instead of attacking him he rolled under Gor's attack, and brought himself down onto the deck near the Harpoon gun, splintering the wood under it.  Gor lumbered to Morning Blast and thrust his steel talons into his sides, the Pegasus shouted briefly, blood running down his blue coat.  He mule kicked Gor, knocking him back, and stomped hard on the deck again. . .it was almost loose.  Gor grabbed Blast's neck, the blades on his talons tearing even more flesh, and Gor raked his other talons across Blast's face. . Only to be knocked back one more time with a powerful kick . . .and with one more stomp the deck splintered and the harpoon gun flew off into the water with the chain still attached, the Pelican was free. Morning Blast turned to face us, blood on his face, neck and sides, I could hardly recognize him, but he was smiling . . .and looking at us not Gor.  Four-Speed and I struggled to our hooves, but we didn't have time to help.  Morning Blast, that fun guy from the guard, who took care of his family, a stallion everypony called friend, was struck down with one final swipe of the Griffon's talon, smiling the entire time satisfied in his last moments that he could save his princess.  It was almost as if he was telling us in that moment that everything was okay. . .he was meeting his end in the best possible way. "No!" Four speed roared, Together we charged, Catching Gor off guard and together shoving the big griffons toward the ship's rail, then though it.  We watched as the big griffon sank into the river, weighed down by his heavy gauntlets.  We were nearing the waterfall, so we wasted no more time.  We gathered up Morning blast and flew back to The Pelican, just as it slid off the waterfall and glided into a massive valley.  Behind us the Corsair ship plummeted off the waterfall and dropped into the gathering mist in the valley.  We landed carrying Morning Blast, laying him on the deck before Sonambula. "My god," Sonambula said, "Who did this?" "A griffon Guarding the Ship," I explained. "We, took him out." All of us were quiet for a moment, Princess Celestia joining us on deck, a tear shimmering a diamond on her cheek as she saw Morning Blast's body.  She laid next to the body, ignoring the blood.  "He died saving the ship," I said, "he saved us all," Celestia nodded, and stroked Morning Blast's mane, speaking softly.  The mist of the waterfall was catching the sunlight and casting a ghostly rainbow over the subtle green of the valley floor deep below, nature's eulogy to the fallen warrior.  "Long ago, a warrior of great renown died in my service." Celestia said softly, "He found himself on the shores of a great sea, met by my sister, Charia , ferrypony of the afterlife.  She said to the warrior 'what shall I do with you?'.  He answered, 'Madame Charia, take my soul to the dry places, for certainly there is no place in paradise for one who spent his life dealing  in pain and violence.'  And My sister, turned up her chin and laughed, saying to him 'come to my table and sit at the highest place, paradise was made for Heros such as you.'  Rest Morning Blast, my brave, and faithful guard,  go to your reward." I looked to Obsidian, and held her close, hearing her gentle sobs.  Then I heard the Clanking before I saw anything, and I turned to realize I was the sound of the chain being tugged, "Are we. . Caught on something?" Celestia asked. "Someone is on the Chain!" A crewman shouted just before a steel talon grabbed the griffon's neck and slammed the poor crewman. "You bastard!" Four Speed roared, "You climbed the chain!" Sonambula wasted no time, firing a massive concussive blast of Magic at the griffon, but it struck Gor's chest, a harmless as a flashlight. "It's a soul stone!" Gregory said, "Magic won't hurt him!" I'd heard of the soul stones, rare stones that for griffons worked like a unicorn's horn, however the magic was unfocused and raw.  It made a bearer immune to all but the most powerful magic and could cast concussive blasts, but nothing complex. Gor smiled, and before any of us could reach him, he gave a demonstration of the soul stone, slamming a steel fist into the deck and the Pelican shook and shuttered, and I realized the ship was splitting in half, creaking and shuttering, but instead of plummeting to the ground, the entire ship was surrounded in a blue aura.  I turned to see Night Glade, having removed his fedora, exposing a small horn.  He strained to hold the two halves of the ship together as the crew quickly worked to patch the fissure, I knew there was little time to reflect on the fact that Night Glade was An Alicorn. Again, I charged, but Obsidian had reached the Big griffon first, tacking him to the ground, pummeling him with thunderous blows.  Gor took the blows, digging one of his claws into Obsidian's side, but Sonambula arrived and rammed his saber through Gor's upper arm before the blades could sink deep enough to harm.  Gor roared, and planted his feet on Obsidian's stomach and pushed her up and off of him, and she flew over the Ship's rail into the sky. Without thinking I dove off the side of the ship, flying to Obsidian as she plummeted toward the valley, I expected a look of terror on her face, but what I saw was less terror and more relief at seeing me.  I grabbed her and strained my wings, having forgotten just how heavy she was.  I grabbed her, held her tight and lifted with all my strength feeling my wings strain and my legs shudder, she was far too heavy for me to lift alone, and we were still plummeting at an alarming rate. "Let me go, save the princess!" She shouted, "No," I said, straining with all my might as we fell, "never," "Windjammer, please!" Obsidian said, "I'm too heavy!" "I'll save you, somehow!" I shouted, "I won't leave you!" The ground was drawing closer, there was a lake below were the waterfall fell, but even if we hit the water we would strike it to hard to survive. . . I knew if I let her go I would live, but how could I live without Obsidian? I closed my eyes, I wound't let go, I'd meet my end or save her, but I wouldn't let go.  Before the impact I felt talons wrap around me, and we halted, I opened my eyes to see Griffon crewmen had gripped us and, with great effort were lifting us back to the ship. "Thanks for the assist," I said to the griffons, "Coming after you two was a lot better than being on the ship with that psycho!" The griffon said, Looking back at the airship the blue aura was still around it, and the crew of the Pelican were patch in it, "None of those other ponies are strong enough to hurt that guy!" The griffon said, "I can hurt him," Obsidian said, "Take me right to him!" "Please, be carful!" I said, "I will, Windy!" She said.  The griffons carried Obsidian above the deck, where Gor squared off against the gathered guard, who were beaten and bruised but still standing.  The dropped the big mare to the deck and she charged Gor Again, ramming him at full peed and smashing him into a hard wooden wall.  "You're alive!" Gor said, "It's rare I meet a pony that can match my strength," Obsidian just snarled, throwing Gor across the deck, where he stood and slammed his gauntlets together and a wave of force ripped across the deck, making planks fly from the ground, but Obsidian only planted her hooves as the attack blew past he, tearing off her cocktail dress but her locket held fast.  Obsidan drew her broadsword, charging Gor with the tip toward him but the Griffon caught the broad blade between his steel talons, snapping the sword into a cloud of Metal shards.  Obsidian didn't slow down, stabbing he broken edge of the sword into the Griffon's neck.  Gor gurgled and spat blood, throwing a wild haymaker with his gauntlet that struck Obsidian in the face that made the sound of a hammer striking an anvil, but she only grinned. "Good to know that's as hard as you can hit," she said,       Obsidian dodged around another blow and wrapped her forelegs around Gor's long neck, straining as she squeezed as hard she could.  Gor's eyes bulged, his breath choked off, he scratched and cut at Obsidian's arms but it only caused her to tighten her grip. "This Is for Morning Blast," She grunted, tightening her grip even further, until there was a sound like a tree branch snapping, impossibly loud and Gor dropped to the deck, limp and devoid of life.  I looked to Night Glade, he shuddered and strained, but metal bands had been affixed around the hull to fix the breech and Princess Celestia caught Glade as he released his hold on the hull, almost passing out from the exertion.  Count Valeris was already looking over Obsidian's modest wounds, and I ran to her side. "That was amazing," I said, "Are you hurt?" "Just a few cuts," Obsidian said, "You?" "Bump on my head," I said, "Your majesty," Captain Gillburry said, "The ship has taken some serious damage, the nearest friendly place we can set down is Ponyville, and we should be able to get there in a few hours if we go strait there," "Very well captain," ----*---- We sat on the rear deck, Having had our minor wounds treated, we sat on deck chairs seeing the small town of Ponyville approach below us.  Obsidian and I had stolen away from the ship repairs, feeing a need to be alone.  We were covered in bandages and sore, holding each other close, trying to reflect on the day, an calm ourselves. "I knew him for so long," Obsidian said, "We didn't talk of course, but he was always so sweet." "I wish I had a chance to know him better," I said, "he saved all of us." Obsidian hugged me close, "Windjammer, life is short, And I don't want to go back to School, I can get a place in Canterlot, work at Grandpa's store, and you can see me whenever you like." "I would Love that Obsidian, but you should get your degree." I said. "I'm being reassigned to be Count Vaeris' new bodyguard, so I'll be spending a lot of time in Saddle Arabia." "But, don't you want to be with me?" "Of course I do," I said, "But the count can use a bodyguard that can speak he language and knows the area, it's what the princess wishes." "There's other guards who speak saddle-Arabian," Obsidian offered, "You could talk to the princess about staying in the castle, she'll understand." This bothered me, the idea that I would impose myself on the princess was unthinkable. "Obsidian, it's not my place to question the princess," "Windy you don't have to question her, just talk to her.  She'll help you work something out." "I can't just tell the princess that I can't do what she asks of me because of a Mare I met a week ago," As soon as I said it, I knew it was the wrong thing to say.  "Is that what I am?" Obsidian asked, her eyes wide. "No. . ." "Then why did you say it?" Obsidian asked, her lip quivering. "Because, I am a soldier, in the service of a Goddess, and I have to put her wishes above my own.  If I were a free man I would spend every moment with you but life isn't like that," "Windjammer you are free," Obsidin said, "I'm not free," I explained "It is not for me to question the princess becauseI owe her my family's freedom." Obsidian backed up, her face deeply saddened, "How much of you is still in that desert?  You're allowed to be happy!  Celestia doesn't want a slave!" "I was NEVER a Slave!" I said, surprised at the tone of my own voice, "You have no idea what I've had to endure," "No, I don't." Obsidian said softly, "I just know, I want to be with you, because when I'm with you I feel like I'm where I belong.  I hoped that no matter what you've been through, that maybe I helped you feel the same way," "You have," I said, "But life isn't fair, and I cannot abandon the princess for my own desires." "I'm not asking you to leave the guard, I just want you to realize that you deserve to be happy," "And Morning Blast deserves to be alive," I said, coldly. "But he is not." Obsidian scowled, standing to leave. "But you are," She said. "You should act like it." The black mare walked off the deck, leaving me alone.  I'd hurt her, but it was for the best, everything I loved I lost and I was best to be a bittersweet memory than an anchor holding her down.  I could never tell the princess that an important assignment wasn't what I wanted, I could never question a goddess.  Still, as the ship touched down on the lake in Ponyville I felt a deep emptiness overcome me, and began to sob. The last time I felt this despair, this fear, was when I was just a foal, I didn't even have my cutie mark, and the wagons came to my home, and took me away from my mother.  Except this time, it was not cruel soldiers taking me away at the end of spears, but my own fear of loving anything.  Obsidian was right, there was just to much of me still in that desert for me to ever love her as I she deserved.