//------------------------------// // The General's Advice // Story: Where The Heart Lies // by Broman //------------------------------// It was another hour or so before Quicksilver said goodnight with the Thestrals. Talking about his past, before the war at least, was something that he truly enjoyed. They were childish, and yet, the memories of his youth swelled his heart with warmth. The Thestrals were also enthralled by this, and a small number had gathered around to listen to him speak. They became less intimidated by him, and some had an intrigued look on their faces. He knew he was breaking ground, but perhaps it was a start in building trust and respect. After it was done, most of the Thestrals paid their respects and headed for their tents, and Quicksilver gave his thanks to them, and he hoped, they can spend more time together and share in their cultures. The Thestrals were a fascinating people, yet mysterious at the same time. He hoped that someday, if this war ever ended, he could one day visit their sacred home. As he left he could overhear some of them speaking, but not with the Prench they had spoken with him. No doubt that they had their own language, and Prench was their medium to others. He did wonder why they chose that language compared to the common tongue. It was just another question added to a list of inquiries. He had to let those thoughts lie as he continued to make his way towards his tent, knowing that after today, he would need all the rest he could get. “Hold, Quicksilver,” a deep, grating voice came from the side. He looked over to see General Quill, along with his escort of four guards in heavy armor following close behind. Quicksilver froze on the spot, until the old general was close to him. “You can relax, you’re not in any trouble,” General Quill said. Quicksilver eased up a little and spoke. “I’m really not?” he said, but accidentally spoke it in Prench. The general blinked for a moment, then gave out a deep chortle. “I don’t know much Prench, but I could guess that you are not in any trouble,” the general said, giving another warm chuckle. Embarrassed, Quicksilver looked to the side and his ears fell back. He didn’t know exactly how long he had spoken Prench, but it just came out as a gut reaction. He looked back at the smiling general, yet he still had a lump of uncertainty in his throat. Seeing this, General Quill gave another small chuckle and strided over to him. “Come, let us walk,” he said, as Quicksilver nodded and followed at his side. As they walked, Quicksilver took a quick note as to what the general was wearing. For starters, he was not wearing his armor, but was wearing the same deep purple and gold cloak. He was also wearing a medallion of some sorts which had a circle and oval shape to it. It was connected to a thin chain that hung around his neck, and it bore the gryphon claw symbol, same as the symbol he had on his armor. He didn’t know what significance it had, but he could only imagine that is was important to his family name. As they continued on their walk, General Quill was the first to speak up. “So, Quiksilver, how do you fare?” he asked, his rumbling voice notable as he spoke. Quicksilver blinked in surprise and wondered if he was being sarcastic or sincere. Wanting to go with the latter, he went with that route. “Well, today was hard, moving the heavy beams and mounds of lumber was tasking on my body. However, I managed it,” he replied as the general nodded. “I see,” he said, looking forward for a moment, then turning to him. “Did you see much of the landscape when you first arrived here? The mountains and its valleys can be very beautiful during its clearest days.” Quicksilver shook his head. “Can’t say I have, I’m afraid. It was a raging storm when I was first brought here. My vision was blurred by the high winds and snow,” he replied. The general grunted in understanding. “The High Talon Mountains are not just the boundaries of our borders. They are the most beautiful mountains in our empire. When the light hits the summits just right, the landscape turns into a purple majesty that cannot be described. It is a beautiful sight to behold.” He paused, reflecting off his memories of the past. “They must be quite a spectacle,” Quicksilver said as General Quill nodded. “Indeed. I myself have a cabin that is situated near a cliff base. During the summer, I would settle there to take my mind off things, and to view the valleys below & the ocean of green plains. Also, on the occasions when the winter is mild, you can see the serene snow cap peaks and the plains of white across the lands.” “Really?” Quicksilver said in astonishment, before adding, “Well, I hope summer can bloody hurry up so I can view this natural wonder.” General Quill guwaffed and he stopped in his tracks. Quicksilver could only watch as the old general was laughing in deep jubilation, smacking his claw on the ground in the process. He never thought he would witness a gryphon, or any gryphon for that matter, laugh in such a way. As the general was catching his breath, still wheezing out a few needed laugh, he noticed the other royal gryphons behind him. At first, he thought that he may have made them worry for their general. Instead, he saw the opposite. The guards were all smiling, almost to a point that they would join in, but they held themselves as their general recovered. They must have all had a deep connection with him that Quicksilver didn’t know about, or they had visited this cabin he’d mentioned. Quicksilver looked back and saw the old general look at him with a smile on his beak. “If you could, but you would have to be a distinguished guest instead of a prisoner of war. On top of that, we would need to have peace with Equestria if this was ever to come to fruition,” he said, and Quicksilver replied with a small smirk. “Well, I had to try and ask,” he said, earning another deep chuckle from the old bird. In a way, as the general still snickered at his remark, Quicksilver felt comfortable around him. Before hoof, when he saw the general and having that deep rumbling and grating voice, always speaking in a calm yet commanding tone, it really unsettled him the first time they talked. Now it felt more natural and like he was talking to an old friend. General Quill was the kind of pony, or gryphon in this case, to be with and to have a pleasant conversation. If it weren't for the First Contact War, if things had turned out differently, then they might have been talking in a military academy, and enjoying talking about their differences and cultures, or even the sights they have seen and witness. If only things worked out that way, Quicksilver thought as the general looked back behind them to see the Thestrals, before returning to face him once again. “It appears that you have been making friends with the thestrals?” the general said as Quicksilver nodded. “Yes, we’re getting along quite well,” he replied, but making sure to keep his words about them to a minimum. He didn’t want to say anything that would betray their trust. General Quill nodded to him and turned to see them once again. Quicksilver followed his gaze back at the Thestrals and saw that they were with their families. The young children were nestled next to their parents, and the few elderly being taken to the tents to rest. Quicksilver gave a weak smile. Knowing they still had each other, despite the current situation they are in. “Those Thestrals, they suffered much,” the general spoke, not casting his gaze back at him. “Yet, they are still connected to one another.” Quicksilver turned to him. The general’s eyes looked at him for a brief moment before averting back to the group. “These thestrals are close to their families. They are very protective, and yet at the same time gentle with their kin,” he said with his rumbling voice, looking amused at the sight. “Well, they are prisoners, so you can’t help but let them be protective,” Quicksilver said as the general turned to him with a almost acknowledging expression. “True. However, there is something else that is special about them,” General Quill said then adding, “would you like to know what it is?” He beat me to it, Quicksilver thought as he shook his head to him. “They are happy,” the general said. Quicksilver gave him a puzzled look, to which General Quill chuckled softly. “I know what you're thinking, young one: that these thestrals are experiencing the worst moments of their lives. However, despite what is seen on the outside, they are more connected to each other on the inside,” he said as he turned his gaze back to the thestrals. “They care for their young, treating their old & infirm and share what little they have to their fellow kin. Right now, I can see that mother smiling while holding that foal close to her side,” he said. Sure enough, Quicksilver could see the same mother was smiling and nuzzling into her little child. For a moment, he thought he could see the mother whispering a lullaby and rocking back and forth. The small foal then curled up close to her side. It was a tender and heartwarming sight to see. He then turned back to the General, and he was surprised to see that his smile had never wavered. “You know,” General Quill continued, “the way they live such happy lives, and how they tend to their own, reminds me of how our own people live their lives,” he said. “What do you mean?” Quicksilver replied. “Well, for each gryphon, we are dedicated to our families and our traditions. The Nomad tribes may be many and have their own interests at heart, but they rely on each other to sustain themselves through the rough times. At times, they put aside their petty differences and come together for those who are in need. The Royal Tribes are highly respected, yet we too have our tender moments, and sacrifice our dignity and prestige when we help the poor or needy. The Arch gryphons at times may have differences and tend to be one sided, yet they excel with their families and their bond to their friends and companions. They would risk everything, even sacrificing their own lives and livelihoods if need be, to ensure that the ones they care for our protected and that they are blessed and have successful lives. That makes them truly the happiest gryphons you would ever see.” General Quill paused for a breath, placing a claw around his medallion. Quicksilver noticed that he stroked the symbol on it and his smile faltered a little. After a moment passed, the general moved his right claw and away from his medallion and pointed it towards him. “This is what makes the strengths of my people,” he said as he clenched his right claw then placed it over his chest and began to speak out what appeared to be a salute. “The Strength of Heart, Strength of Body, and the Strength of Mind! Our differences set aside for the greater good! When United, We are One!” The general said his slogan, giving off much bravado as he finished. At the same time, his bodyguards also placed a claw over their hearts and repeated the same words. Quicksilver looked really astonished by their sudden change in mood. After they finished, the general looked back to him, smiled and took a step towards him. He then raised his right claw and placed a single talon directly onto Quicksilver’s chest, right where his heart would be. Quicksilver looked down, then back up to the general as he continued give off that infectious smile. “Strength of Heart, when one give up their own needs, possessions and desires for the sake of others,” he said. Then he poked the talon again onto his chest. “Strength of Body, when one is willing to humble themselves to help others in their most troubled times, and is willing to be there for their friends and loved ones, even when the latter may deem it unnecessary but surely needed,” he said. Then he lifted his talon and placed it onto Quicksilver’s head. “Strength of Mind, when one is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others, even if they are a stranger to one that you care and love,” he finished as he lifted his talon away from Quicksilver’s head. The general closed his eyes and breathed out a deep sigh. “These are what makes us united, and these traits that have been with us since our founding makes us all brothers and sisters in our society. Take this to heart, Quicksilver: When we are united in a common cause, then there is nothing that we can do,” he said as Quicksilver felt taken aback. He never expected for him to say such deep and meaningful thoughts. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense to him about how the gryphons came together. Several questions came to mind, notably how their tribes came together in the first place. However, despite the new layer of inquiries, he knew one thing for certain: General Falke Dugalle Quill was very wise and inspiring general. “Thank you,” Quicksilver stammered, trying to regain his voice after listening to him speak. “Thank you for sharing that to me. It makes me have more appreciation for gryphons and your culture as a whole,” he said as General Quill gave another small chortle. “You are most welcome,” he said as Quicksilver returned the smile to him. Before Quicksilver could ask anything more, the sound of wings was coming towards them. “General Quill!” a voice came from above, interrupting their conversation. The gryphon swooped in, landing right in front of them and bringing along a gust of wind from his touchdown. The gryphon was a royal gryphon, and he held in his claw a wrapped parchment with a red seal in the middle. The gryphon caught his breath as he offered the letter to the general. “A message... from the king,” he said, as Quicksilver watched as General Quill’s expression changed from a calm demeanor to a stern manner. Quicksilver was taken aback out how his expression had swiftly changed, and he watched as General Quill looked at the message then back to the messenger. “He didn’t,” he said, his voice rumbling in anger. The messenger nodded as he seized the letter. He ripped the seal and unfurled the parchment, reading the contents within. Quicksilver took a step back, watching as the general scanned the letter, reading its contents at a quick pace. Every second he spent reading, Quicksilver could see the general’s anger grow, looking more outraged with each line. After an uneasy moment of silence, the general crunched the paper together into a tight ball and handed back to the messenger. “Burn it, let no one else see this, and prepare the Razor Claw Brigade for departure. Bring Ebon.  Do it as if your life depended on it!” he said as the messenger swiftly bowed and headed off into the camp, calling out to his warriors as the general was turning to leave. He paused for a moment to look back at Quiksilver. His anger had swelled from earlier; however, he gave a calm voice to him as he spoke. “I’m sorry for cutting this conversation short. Farewell, Quicksilver,” he said as he quickly marched towards the camp, his escort following close behind. Quicksilver could only blink in utter dumbfoundment, only wondering what was in that letter that made him raise his ire. Thinking it best to retire for the night, and seeing that Warden was not around to be at his side, he headed for Gretchen’s tent. As he made his way through the encampment. it was a flurry of activity. The royal Gryphons packed their tents, readied provisions and he could see several already ready to head out. Several nomads watched in bewilderment as the royal gryphons prepared themselves for departure. Quicksilver also spotted the minotaurs were all looking on as well, seeing the royal gryphons heading towards the cave entrance, lining up in a column and stood in a disciplined fashion. Quicksilver could only wonder as to what those bulls were thinking, but he let it slide as he continued on his way. As neared closer to the edge of the encampment, he heard Ebon’s voice among the cluster of gryphons. Quicksilver turned and saw General Quill was with him, almost twenty meters away. Ebon was speaking quickly and was lost among the sea of voices, but General Quill ushered him closer and softly whispered to his ear. Quicksilver watched as Ebon’s look stunned from what his uncle had whispered and after hearing this, he immediately took off towards his own tent. As he did this, he heard General Quill’s voice call out among the throng of Gryphons. “Razor Claw Brigade! We will depart in ten minutes,” he yelled out as he began ordering provisions to be moved and gathering his lieutenants. He watched for a moment longer before heading towards his tent. That is, if he didn’t feel a sudden pull on his neck and a claw placed around his muzzle. “Scream and your dead,” his assailant said as Quicksilver was forcibly dragged back behind the rows of tents. Panic coursed through his body, unsure as to what the gryphon was going to do him. He was dragged back, nearing the edge of the encampment and close to where his own tent would be. He looked about him and saw several nomad gryphons approaching him. They each have a look of malice in their eyes, looking rather pleased to see him alone with them. He then was suddenly pulled back and slammed against a stack of wood, wincing slightly as he made impact. He looked up at his assailant and beheld it to be Black Talon. He watched as the corpulent gryphon snickered. His belly, which was covered with grease and whatever he ate, jiggle about from his laughing. Quicksilver also noticed several pieces of meat sticking to the side of his beak and feathers, likely gorging himself and looking like a filthy pig. “Oh, little pegasus...” His voice sounded joyful, despite the sneer he had on his face. “You have no idea how much pain you will be getting,” he said, almost chuckling to himself as he wiped a piece of meat from his feathers and stuffing his face, smacking each talon to remove the last pieces of flesh. It was an absolutely disgusting display. “Calm yourself, Black Talon. He’ll get his due.” a voice spoke amongst the small crowd as Quiksilver recognized the voice. He stared up, and watched as Black Talon took a step to the side as Sharp Beak stepped forward. The colonel looked down at him, observing him like a mad dog against a cornered rat. “Hello again, Quicksilver. Miss me?” he said in a condescending way. Quicksilver looked about the area, trying to find any avenue of escape. But all the exits were blocked and he could imagine that he was going to get beaten once again. He stared back as Sharp Beak had closed the distance between them. He gave a wicked smile and revealing sharp teeth underneath. “There is no doubt that you're in quite the predicament, equine. But here and now will be the least of your worries,” he said as he placed a claw around Quicksilver’s neck and pulled him closer. Quicksilver could see the lunacy that he bore in those eyes, the insanity of a maniacal gryphon. As he struggled in the colonel's grip, he watched as the mad gryphon gave another menacing chuckle. “General Quill is being called out, and most likely Ebon Jaeger will be joining him on his expedition,” he said. Quicksilver’s eyes widened. “What did you do?” he said, as he began to struggle for breath. Sharp Beak only laughed at his predicament and continued to speak out in hearty bravado. “Oh, it is not what I did, but what my beloved king did,” he said. Quicksilver’s eyes widened. Damnit, what is it that he knows then the general? Quicksilver thought as Sharp Beak gave a menacing glare to him. “With this distraction, the fool Ebon and his incompetent Uncle will be preoccupied by this new offensive,” he said as Quicksilver’s eyes widened. What does he mean by new offensive? he thought, his mind trying to process the connections. It was then that he realised the full truth. They're going to reclaim Prancy as their own! he thought, imagining the dreaded images of a gryphon army marching upon the battered Equestrian army. But to march in the dead of winter was complete insanity. Unless they had favored weather, they wouldn’t be able to get there for at least a few days, maybe even more. Then if they reached the city  it would no doubt be a siege, which would lead to much starvation and death on both sides. “It looks like you're surprised about this revelation. Knowing you, you're probably worried about your friends. Don’t you worry none. When the city is recaptured, I’ll be sure to bring you to the city, where we can see your friends impaled on the walls.” “You sick bastard!” he called out, only to receive a punch directly onto his face. He whirled to the side and tried to stare back at the colonel, only to receive another punch directly against the other side. He tasted a bit of blood in his mouth as he was forced to stare back this time. Sharp Beak was grinning from ear to ear and had a twisted look in his eye. “With them gone, I will be charge of this post. Which means I can slowly break you down, until you're begging for mercy. You will suffer, equine, and you will fear me,” he said, pulling back another clenched claw back and ready to give another punishing blow. “Stop!” a voice cried out from behind them. Sharp Beak turned, allowing Quicksilver a view of who the gryphon was. “Felix?” Quicksilver said through choked breath, watching the black gryphon raising his claw towards them. He was wearing his attire from before, his brown belt and white robe that blended in with the snow. The Arch Gryphon stared at them with condemning eyes and grunted in disappointment of the gryphons before him. Some of the nomads took off among the tents while the remainder took nervous steps back and looked away as if ashamed. Only Sharp Beak appear to remain unnerved. “What do you want, you stupid priest. Can’t you see you're interrupting me?” Sharp Beak said. Felix took a step forward. “I’m merely intervening on the equines behalf. Can you not see the innocent blood you are spilling? It is staining your already callous heart,” Felix said, taking another step forward towards the colonel. As he did so, the remaining nomads immediately vacated the area. After a few moments of crunching snow and flapping wings were silenced, only Felix, Black Talon, and Sharp Beak remained. Whatever had them spooked, it was probably a blessing for Quicksilver. “It is none of your concern, for I am guiltless. This Equestrian has been here for over a fortnight and his punishments against the empire have not been met. I’m simply rectifying this error and giving him proper punishment,” Sharp Beak said, his scheming tongue spilling out more lies to the priest. Felix took a few more steps, casting his gaze to Quicksilver before returning it to his punisher. “I can see past your false fabrication, Sharp Beak,” Felix said, stopping at least six feet in front of them. “Your lies are feeble, and your soul cries in vengeance and hate. Deceitful, and jealousy. Those are the only things I hear from your venomous words,” Felix said, as Quicksilver gave a hidden smile. He was not afraid to stand up to him. “Maybe you should go back to your prayers, you lecturing priest. I would hate to see your brittle bones be broken by my claws,” Sharp Beak said, tightening his grip around Quicksilver’s neck. He choked as the extra pressure was laid bare, and he grasped the edge of his neck to try and pry the claw off, but to no avail. “Your threats are but wind in the air, and you can lie to yourself and to your minions for the achievements you claim. You may attempt to shatter my body, crush it into the dust.  But no matter what you do, you can never break my spirit. And the things you’ve done can never escape the sight of Saint Gregor,” Felix said, taking another step closer. As he did this, even the plump Black Talon took a nervous step back. In a way, it looked like something had seized his body and made him look weak before Felix. “Try me, you senile fool. I have the power here, not some false deity that you claim to be god,” he said as Felix took another step and was face to face with him. His expression was stone cold and unmoved by Sharp Back’s words. “I remember a gryphon who said that to me once before. I also clearly remember his body was buried by a mountain of rock and stone,” he said, his eyes seemingly glowing for a moment before them. Sharp Beak‘s eyes widened and for a moment, if only a few precious seconds, Quicksilver noticed a twinge of fear from his mortal soul, ready to be fractured by the Arch Gryphons power. As they remained like that for several moments longer, Felix then added, “You know, I wonder what your father might say of this? For it clearly seems that you can never be his equal, if you continue along this path,” Felix said, his eyes reverting back to their natural color, as Sharp Beak sneered in anger. “I’ll show you!” he yelled and without warning punched Quicksilver directly into the gut. The unexpected blow knocked the last of the air out of him. Sharp Beak lets go of his neck and Quicksilver collapsed into a ball as he gasped for breath and clutched at his chest. He coughed violently and gulped in fresh air as he tried to compose himself. Quicksilver was able to look up and see that Sharp Beak was walking away with Black Talon in tow. “Don’t think this over, Quicksilver. As long as they are gone, your nightmare will never end. I will break you!” he called out as his voice soon disappeared amongst the rest of the encampment. Quicksilver remained where he was, still stunned by his beating and having the wind knocked out of him. He heard the snow crunched next to him as he saw a claw offered to him. He looked up and saw Felix smiling down at him. “You're safe now, Quicksilver. Let me help you,” he offered as Quicksilver nodded. He lifted a hoof up and placed on the Arch Gryphon's claw, and he felt his body lifted off the ground. After a few seconds of steadying himself, he found his left hoof over Felix’s shoulder, supporting him as he held his right hoof onto his chest, right where he felt the impact from Sharp Beak‘s fist. He felt sore and weary, and he leaned into Felix as he chuckled in response. “Just lean on me, Quicksilver. I’ll help you carry on,” he said as he helped him back to his quarters. As he moved alongside the Arch Gryphon, his back legs awkwardly upright as he was moving, but it helped him with being supported and holding onto his chest, the stinging sensation still lingering on. As they continued walking, Quicksilver looked at Felix and saw his face was looking forward with a self satisfied expression. He probably imagined that Felix wanted to say that to Sharp Beak for a long time now. Thinking up something to respond, Quicksilver clear his throat and began to speak. “Felix, I don’t know what to say about-” “There is no need for thanks, Quicksilver,” Felix interrupted, keeping his gaze forward and with a smile stretching across his beak. “ The Nomads and the Royal gryphons may have their rules in caring for their own. However, I do not discriminate in helping every gryphon in need.” He paused, then turned to Quicksilver with a smile. “That includes equines too,” he said as he turned his gaze forward, humming a foreign tune. Quicksilver was stunned by this. He knew the other day he had saved the lives of gryphons from the two different tribes. Yet here, in this moment, he was willing to be of help to him in his dire need. A smile soon rose on his countenance, and it remained like that until he returned to his tent. When he arrived, he saw Gretchen waiting for them and she quickly asked what occurred. Felix allowed Quicksilver to head into the tent as he explained everything to her. Quicksilver didn’t mind; he was ready to sleep this day away and to save his strength. He would need it for the ordeal that was to come. *** Silverwing was exhausted after today’s events. The flight to the destroyed village, facing off against the yak creature, and finally traveling several more miles in freezing cold winds. After all that was said and done, they had to pitch their tents once again in the cold evening. It didn’t snow, thankfully, but the wind still cut to the bone. As her mind wandered over the day's events, she looked out to the encampment that they made. The travel was slowed as well by the extra provisions they brought from the village. A few of her guards helped carry them to one of the wagons, making several trips to the convoy and back. At the same time, Shadow Hunter had placed his fallen militia into the pile of bodies of the villagers and set them all to the flame. It was a hard decision to commit, yet he knew that it was necessary. The granary was stocked full of supplies, including barley and beans that would provide them for at least two more weeks of extra provisions. Combined with their own provisions, it added to the total supply of at least two months worth of supplies. Though the extra food was promising for their survival, it did not, however, spur the morale of the troops. Her guards, who have been to the village, had been utterly quiet. Some of her stalwart warriors were deeply troubled at the sight, and she worried that she may have to morale drop among her comrades. It was even worse for the militia. Shadow Hunter had to explain what they faced and what he did with the body. Some decried it as too much, and that his body should have been taken home to his family. Others were more accepting of their leader's words, but they too believed that he should been given a proper burial. As she continued to watch her camp, she noticed Charger resting near one of the campfires. Charger, goddess bless his noble heart, was also silent during the trip. He buried the little filly near an oak tree, and was still for a time afterwards. She wondered if he had experienced this sort of thing before, or was contemplating to the world why the filly had to be taken at such a young age. She hoped that he would come around soon. Finally, Strong Oak was sitting near one of the fires, surrounded by his own kin as he was conversing with them. Silverwing had left the village after the last supply was picked up, and she saw that he still remained near the Yak’s side. She had but a glance, but he was still observing, prodding and pressing against the dead husk for weakness. They had to wait a few extra hours until he and his scout finally returned to camp. Strong Oak had not disclosed anything to her or to Shadow Hunter of their findings. She watched them for a time near her tent, curiosity edging on her mind. It felt as if it was drilling into the back of skull, demanding her complete attention. Feeling that she waited long enough, she pulled her cloak close to her chest and headed towards them. She did pause, however, when she heard a long howl coming nearby and she turned to see the Diamond Dog. Brutus, whose back was turned to her, was sitting idly and staring out at the full moon. His howl was long and carried throughout the land. He had been at this for hours, howling once every thirty minutes or so before dipping his head low in prayer. He clacked his beads together and swayed back in forth in some ritual. Silverwing could only feel pity for him as the Diamond Dog continued to sway back in forth in prayer. He had only a small victory against the yak creature, but no doubt his dead people needed to find peace amongst the grim darkness of this land. After staring long enough, she turned her attention back on the cervines, as Strong Oak appeared to have finished speaking with them. Making her way over, she soon stood next to him and cleared her throat to get his attention. “Strong Oak, what have you found?” she asked, being straightforward with her question. “I too, would like to know,” Shadow Hunter said as he approached them, taking his seat opposite of them. Strong Oak looked at the two of them in turn before turning to his kin. He nodded to them and they all dispersed, heading to their tents to rest the night away. He sighed deeply as he addressed the both of them. “I’m sorry for not going to you sooner. I had to confirm a few things with my healers and kin.” He paused, his gaze fixated upon the fire before them. “Well, what did you discover?” Shadow Hunter asked. Strong Oak continued to stare into the fire. “My scout and I examined the body of that damned monster. It’s hide was as thick as several sheets of plate armor and it’s muscles were thicker than any other creature we have seen.The body seemed to move when its head twisted and turned, making it dangerous and deadly if you are to get close. The horns are sharper and its cloven hooves could crush anypony underneath. However, what disturbed me more was something else,” he said, his eyes widening in some sick revelation. “What is it?” Silverwing asked. Strong Oak averted his eyes from the fire and looked right at her. “Did you ever notice how our weapons could not pierce his skin so easily?” he said, making her look at him with a confused look. When she didn’t reply, he continued on. “There was some kind of leather armor, right around the back and sides. You didn’t see it at first, but the extra fur around him was another layer of skin.” He paused, waiting for the words to sink in. What does this have to do with the yak? What new layer of skin? she thought as Strong Oak continued. “I’ve consulted with my healers and warriors about this, and we think that these yaks are a dark warrior culture. Meaning, the leather it wore was carrying on their bloodline or of their victims, quite literally,” he finished. Silverwing grimaced in revulsion. They wear the leather of their dead kin?! she thought. The sickening idea twisted into a new layer of imagery that made her sick to her stomach. Shadow Hunter, out of the corner of her eye, was shaking his head in apparent disgust. “Morbid. That is the only word I can think of those barbaric monsters,” Shadow Hunter said, as Silverwing turned to face Strong Oak directly. “Strong Oak, what of their weakness? Did you find anything that can be proven useful should we face them again?” she asked. Strong Oak nodded his head, if ever so slightly. “We have. The bodies are large, and the tough hide is what makes them durable. However, that does not cover their vital areas,” he said, pointing to his eye. “The larger eyes makes them see far, but a direct shot from an arrow can be most useful to incapacitate it. We also found that at the back of its head is much more softer between the skull and neck. A direct blow on the back of its head would likely kill it instantly, or possibly stun them until it receives more blows. It’s also wise to cut at its neck, in order to quickly bleed the beasts. “Finally, and most importantly, are its legs. The legs are strong, but they are also its major weakness. Think of it as thick plate of armor, Silverwing. Cut off its mobility, it will be powerless to our advance,” he said as Silverwing took in the information. She had seen many knights clad in thick armor before, but even they needed mobility. The neck would need to twist and turn in order to go in one direction. The pits of the legs for better mobility of the upper limbs, and the groin region in order to be fast on your hooves. This was very crucial in the event they ended up facing more of these things. “We had to leave the body there, and I wish we had more time to study the cadaver. But we managed to get what we could,” Strong Oak said. “You managed what you could do, Strong Oak. Nothing could be said more than that.” Silverwing spoke, although a little hesitantly. Strong Oak took a stand, stretching his muscles out before heading off. “I suggest you take rest, my friends. We will all need strength as we press onward,” he said, leaving the two to their works. Silverwing closed her eyes and continued to imagine the scenarios, thinking up various ways to kill or incapacitate one or two of the yaks before they could get her. She let her thoughts wander for a moment when she heard Shadow Hunter clear his throat. Stirred from her thoughts, she turned to her companion as he looked about the camp. “We are far from the safety of our homes, and winter is slowly getting stronger. I can feel it in my bones,” he said. “We’ll have to soldier on with our duties, Shadow Hunter,” Silverwing interjected. “No doubt the enemy will be dangerous if we’re not prepared,” she said. Shadow Hunter turned to her, bearing a neutral expression. “Silverwing, you forget that you must also bear responsibility for this company,” he said as he stood up from his position. Silverwing raised an eyebrow at him. “I know my duty. I don’t need to be reminded of the lives that I have to care for,” she said, almost sounding cynical in that remark but not noticing it. Shadow Hunter shook his head his head at her, looking almost disappointed by her reply. “That is not what I mean, Captain Silverwing. You have your duty to your soldiers and to those who serve under you. But even as you care about the livelihood of others, you neglect your own,” he said. Silverwing stood up to him, “I’m perfectly capable of handling myself, Shadow Hunter. I don’t need to be lectured on how to handle my own life,” she said, her voice raising high enough for just for a few other equines nearby to look at them. She didn’t mind; she needed to vent after what they been through today. “Another thing, my own health is not a concern. Getting my brother back from the enemy is all what drives me, and I will not be deterred by it,” she said. Shadow Hunter blinked at her, only to shake his head as if in disappointment. “Then what? Will your life be better after this? Will saving your brother and ending the war finally bring you peace? What will you do after all this is said and done, when you can’t even heal a broken heart?” he asked. “I don’t want to hear anymore of this,” she replied, feeling more irritated by the moment. She didn’t want to listen to him anymore and decided to head back to her tent, only to be stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. She whirled around and Shadow Hunter was right in front of her. “You still have time to think this over, Silverwing,” he said, ignoring the status of her rank. “You may be young, but you do not know the meaning of life if you don’t care for yourself.” “What makes you think that I do not care for my well being!? Explain to me, Shadow Hunter, or you are dismissed!” she snapped, her wings shooting out as her temper flared. She didn’t know where this anger came from, but she didn't care; her only focus was on him. At first, Shadow Hunter said nothing, staring at her as stone cold as ice. Then in a calm breath, he spoke once again. “Before the war, I was a Teacher,” he said, calm and straightforward. Silverwing blinked in surprise, unsure as to why the change of subject. Yet she still listened, despite being irked by his questioning earlier. “I was a history Teacher in a little town called Green Snow, just outside of the city of Prancy. In Prancy, I taught at the Lafayette School of the Arts and Histories, and tutored many young students about our earliest ancestors and historical events.” He paused, letting his works sink in. Silverwing lowered her wings until they were at her side. Her demeanor had slowly went from anger to one of slight annoyance, though she seemed more curious as he spoke. She had not known what he had done in the past, and she remained silent as he continued on. “You would think that whenever a pony hears that, they would think it's quite a feat to become that. However, out here, among the battlefield and the dead around me… well, nopony would seem to care about any of that.” He paused, looking off to the side, yet still keeping his calm tone. “Over the years, being in this war, time seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. War changes a pony, in more ways than one, Silverwing. I wonder if I’ve changed so much that I won’t be remembered the same when I get back. I don’t know if my wife will even recognize me, or if my son that I’ve never met will ever wonder if I was his real father.” He paused for moment for a breath before continuing. “I don’t know much about Quicksilver. In fact, I don’t care. What I do know about him is that he helped us when we needed it most in Prancy, and that is a debt that we can never forget.” Shadow Hunter then turned to her, with a determined look in his eye. “If helping save your brother means I can return to my family, then that is good enough for me,” he said, while taking a step closer to her. Silverwing’s temper was simmered like that of a flowing river, and her mind transfixed by the older stallions words. She had never had thought of what his life has been, going through the entire war without being with his family. It made her mind shudder at the dreaded thought. “Just know this: Everyday that I’m out here fighting this war, the farther away I feel from home.” He then lifted a hoof up and placed it on her shoulder. “You are the heart of this company, Silverwing. If you falter, then the rest will lose heart. Please consider that before you take you next course of action.” He lifted his hoof off and gave a small bow to her, before turning and disappearing off towards the tents. A moment of silence rested on Silverwing, her mind trying to process the whole conversation. The more her mind lingered on the matter, the more guilty she felt how she reacted to him. She knew she would have to apologize for her choice words, but it would have to wait until dawn. As she pulled her cloak closer to her, she noticed the eyes of several guards watching her, watching the whole transaction. Ignoring them, she headed towards her tent, wanting nothing more than a good night's rest. As she went, she heard another howl from Brutus. She turned to see him giving his long cry into the night sky, his ears folded back and his song of sorrow reaching towards the moon above. She left him to his own devices and headed for her tent. Once reaching the entrance, she pulled back the flap and saw Hammer resting on his bed roll, covered in a thick blanket. He had to stay with her for the time being, to be given a close watch if case his wound persisted. Her bedroll laid open next to him and was ready to help her sleep this night. Yet her mind was focused on other things; namely, Hammer. She didn’t forget that she lashed out this morning at her companion and friend. Guilt had resided in her, a black stain on her conscious for doing that to him. He, along with Shadow Hunter, both needed to be given a full apology. I guess I will have to apologize to you as well when I get the chance. she thought as she took a step inside. The moment she did, however, she heard Brutus’s howl was joined by another long howl in the distance. She paused, not knowing if it was just her imagination or just some wild dog out in the frozen plains. Silverwing turned her head back to see Brutus had lifted his ears in the direction of the noise. Yet from her angle that she was observing, he thought she saw a smile on the Diamond Dog’s face. His smile remained as he gave out another long howl and joined his howl with the foreign one. Deciding not to pry into it, and the exhaustion of the day taking its toll, she went inside her tent and quickly went into her bed. As she finally settled in, her mind wandered to Hammer at her side. Her heart felt like it skip a beat as he was near him. She didn't know why it was happening now, but it could be that having him by her side was comforting. She shook her head at the thought and soon rested her eyes. Sleep would soon overcome her, and the day's events would be lost in her waking dreams.