//------------------------------// // The Hunt // Story: Where The Heart Lies // by Broman //------------------------------// Silverwing stood in the center of the encampment, the night coming down upon them like a thick blanket. She cast her gaze up to the see that the snow still descended down upon the camp and she frowned a little from this. Will this storm ever let up? She thought. She looked upon the inhabitants with mild interest and wondered how things ended up the way they are. Nearly six days ago, Brutus revealed that his remaining pack had joined them and they incorporated themselves into the camp. There were at least a half dozen tents intermingled with theirs, all filled with Diamond Dogs and all their possessions. Around ten to a dozen lived in each one, and she found it funny when she saw many of the dogs coming out of the tents like ants from an anthill. She had also learned that most of the Diamond Dogs were brothers or even cousins from different litters. There were only a few hooful of dogs that were not interconnected. She watched in some fascination at how they worked and mingled like any of the Ponies or Cervines. They showed, in a way, a coltish attitude and brotherhood they had for one another. They also didn’t seem bothered at all that they were working alongside those who had once fought them. Though it was a bit of the opposite with the rest of her companions. The Cervines mostly kept to themselves and had been very wary of the Diamond Dogs since their arrival. Strong Oak kept his vigil as did many of his rangers for they not pleased to see them. They tolerated them being here; however, they didn’t openly talk with or help them in any way. Her equines were a little mixed in this, for some had mixed feelings with the Diamond Dogs, while others were openly grateful that they were here. They praised them in helping build the wall, which reached several feet higher since their stay, and shoring up its foundation so that the harsh winter winds wouldn’t blow the tents away. They were even more thankful when the latrine pit was also dug and made it easier for everypony here. Overall, their stay had been beneficial, and, given time, they would overcome their differences and work towards surviving the winter out here. However, she knew she would need to break the ice between Strong Oak and Brutus's pack if they were to make it through this together and to find her brother. She looked to the center of camp, watching several of the Diamond Dogs moving supplies from their underground network, even tossing some logs into the fires to keep everything warm. She spotted Cooper among them, organizing and pointing to where some of the supplies needed to go. Curiosity getting the better of her she walked over to him and called out his name. “Cooper! May I have a word?” she called out. Instantly, the yellow Diamond Dog perked up and quickly went to her side. “Ah yes, Miss Pegasus. What can ole’ Cooper help you with?” he asked, his tail wagging from side to side in excitement. She repressed a small smile from taking over, and she motioned her head to the other Diamond Dogs. “Just a simple question: How do you store everything underground? How expansive did you make these tunnels?” she asked. Cooper lifted his head up, a big grin plastered on his face. “The tunnels? Well, they run for miles on end.” He gestured all around him. “We Diamond Dogs have large territories where there are no other inhabitants. We thrive in open spaces and make living finding gems and other minerals of use,” he said. Silverwing nodded to him. “We Diamond Dogs build tunnels like veins, stretching out for many miles. We dig, we build, making room for growing our pups, finding deposits, digging wells for freshwater or finding good soil to build our homes. When we need to, we even build training grounds for strong dogs to fight. You see, if two or more Diamond Dogs are after the same female, they fight for her by testing their strength. The training grounds even have a makeshift arena, and they all fight to be top dog. Some would give up and few would pass out or even die from it, but only the strongest will get the chance to be with their future mate.” He paused, looking at the other Diamond Dogs around him before whispering to her. “Between you and me, we all strive to be like Brutus, yet he doesn't have a mate to call his own. Raising a pack and keeping them together is a tough challenge, even for him.” “That’s a big task. I wouldn’t blame you all for wanting to raise a family,” she replied. “How do you keep the tunnels from collapsing?” “Oh, that’s simple really. Diamond Dogs are known for building strong tunnels and trenches. We craft and build with care, making sure they stand for long periods without fearing of collapse. We Diamond Dogs are masters of phys… physica…. Physic… structural integrity,” he said, getting the word out after the initial struggle. Silverwing gave a soft giggle at this, and Cooper took notice. “It’s fine if you laugh. We Diamond Dogs are not that bright,” he said. Silverwing shook her head to him. “I didn’t mean to sound like that,” she replied. He gave a small smile before turning back to near the center of the camp. “If you want something funny, you can watch this,” he said. He looked to his vest and began fiddling around in it before pulling out a large sausage. She blinked in slight revulsion and wondered how long he was carrying it. He then pointed to a spot on the ground near the fire pit. “That area I recently excavated without my brothers knowing,” he said, watching a few of the smaller Diamond Dogs walk over with ease. Silverwing then spotted a larger grayish Diamond Dog moving over with a small bag in his paws. Cooper turned to her and wiggled an eyebrow up and down before turning to the Diamond Dog. “Oi, Rexxar” he called out. The larger Diamond Dog stopped and turned his head to see him. Cooper tossed the sausage over to him, and the Diamond Dog easily grabbed it with one paw. However, the moment he grabbed it, a sudden rumbling noise came from underneath. He looked down in surprise, and gave a rather loud yelp as he fell. Silverwing nearly laughed out loud when the Diamond Dog fell straight to the open ground, his chest getting wedged into the floor. His massive arms and head were the only appendages sticking out. The other diamond dogs nearby began rolling in laughter, seeing their brother falling for the little trap. Cooper was in stitches, rolling on the snow with tears in his eyes. “Oh, that does it! Come here!” Rexxar called out, lifting himself out and beginning to chase Cooper. The yellow Diamond Dog took off running, looping around the fire pit as the remaining Diamond Dogs continued their fit of laughter. The bigger Diamond Dog was nearly upon him, while the remaining inhabitants of the camp looked on and wondered what was happening. Rexxar soon caught up with Cooper, tackling him to the ground. The other Diamond Dogs either cheered them on or continued to chortle at the sight of the wrestling dogs. Silverwing smiled at the sight, seeing how well they got along. Though her smile soon faded when she spotted Strong Oak giving a cold stare at the Diamond Dogs. The proud Cervine only shook his head and turned to face the fire before him. Silverwing knew he didn’t like the Diamond Dogs, but in order to get through this, he would have to make peace with them. She made her way over to them, watching the Cervine silently watch the fire in deep contemplation. Once she was at his side, she settled down near the fire and gave a tired sigh. “Strong Oak, can we talk?” she asked, not directly looking at him. “I’ve got to speak with my warriors. I won’t have time to-” he began to say, but she cut him off by a wave of her hoof. “You’re not going to ignore me. You’ve been distant since the Diamond Dogs have arrived, and I want your full clarity.” She paused, letting the words sink in. She then turned to face him and saw the distant look in his eyes. “Strong Oak. Answer me. Why do you have such animosity against the Diamond Dogs? They are not the same as the ones you fought before. Just tell me, Strong Oak,” she said, almost demanding. The Cervine remained silent, still looking at the fire before him. After nearly a full minute of silence, he gave a defeated sigh and turned to her. “Can we please speak in private. I don’t want to-” “No,” Silverwing interjected. “You’ve been avoiding me for long enough. You will tell me what grieves you and don’t mull over any-” She didn’t get to finish when she felt a hoof pressed against her mouth. He gave her a deadpan expression and kept his hoof where it was. “You’re just as persistent as Quicksilver,” he mentioned, releasing his hoof away from her. He took a moment to look back at the fire before taking another breath. “It happened many years ago, when my kind fought against them in the earlier years of the war, right after the battle of the Craig. After the battle was won, we rounded up every Diamond Dog that either surrendered or were caught and kept them behind the lines. My forces were deployed to keep watch over the prisoners until we could secure them to a better location.” He paused, taking a quick intake of breath. “But there was one diamond dog, larger than the rest, who managed to break free. “This particular Diamond Dog was far more cunning than his brethren. He was a trickster, fooling some of my colleagues for want of food and water for his brethren. When they got close, he pounced on them. He killed them with ease, freeing hundreds of Diamond Dogs and causing chaos among the ranks.” He paused once more, a shudder coursing through his body. “We stopped the rebellion, but at a great cost. Over two hundred of our best scouts and rangers were slain, died by that rogue and those he freed. Going over the bodies, we searched everywhere for him, but it was later revealed he had escaped our rangers.” Silverwing blinked in surprise. She had remembered the massacre of the Cervine. It was one thing to be outmaneuvered by a dozen diamond dogs, but for all of it to be caused by one Diamond Dog… That was something that should not be possible. “You ever wonder how more of my White Tail Rangers managed to get to us?” he said, turning his attention to her.  “I had sent them ahead for a different reason.” His voice grew lower. “My rangers and I are on a hunt, searching for this elusive Diamond Dog who’s escaped us for years. He is the real reason why my brethren and I are out here, not just for your brother.” Silverwing took a  moment to let his words sink in. Much of her lingering questions have been answered by his explanation, but she could not fathom to what extent he had to suffer in hunting this dog. “I had no idea, Strong Oak. You having to endure so much pain and hardship, holding this grudge. I can see why your animosity with the Diamond Dogs is so great,” she said. Strong Oak nodded, eyeing the Diamond Dogs around the camp. “At first with Brutus, I didn’t think anything of him. Just another victim of this war. When I noticed the signs and the possibilities of more Diamond Dogs, however, I believed that the trickster would be among them. That was why I’ve been so hostile to them for so long. I’m still hesitant, but I can confirm that none of these Diamond Dogs are the one we seek,” he explained, looking back at the fire and rubbed his hooves together to keep warm. “You keep mentioning this Diamond Dog. Can you at least give me a name?” she asked, leaning her head closer to see his face. “He has a distinguishing scar on his left eye, and he was taller than any other Diamond Dog that I have seen. Cunning and savagery is what beholds him.” He then hesitated. He was uncertain if he should continue until he turned back to look at her. “The trickster’s name was Lupin,” he said. The moment he mentioned the name, something crashed behind them. Both Silverwing and Strong Oak looked to the disturbance and saw a Diamond Dog had dropped a crate, its contents scattered about on the snow. “MAD DOG?!” the Diamond Dog shouted, his fangs bared and the hairs on the back of its neck raised up. More growls emanated around them, the other Diamond Dogs having stopped in their tasks and with anger in their eyes. “Traitor!” one of the Diamond Dogs called out. “Thieving cur!” another Diamond Dog yelled. “Where’s that weasel?!” another Dog growled as he approached the fire. Silverwing stood up, seeing the aggression and anger in their eyes when he mentioned that name. Their reaction did not go unnoticed, as the Cervine rangers gathered and had weapons at the ready, but were stopped when Strong Oak raised his hoof. “What’s all this then?!” Brutus called out among the group of Diamond Dogs, approaching the two. “Strong Oak said a name of a diamond dog named Lupin,” she explained. Brutus’s eyes flared. He took several deep breaths before turning towards his pack. “Heel! Down, boys!” he called out. The moment he did, many of the Diamond Dogs lowered their heads, some giving off growls of annoyance or irritation, but the majority of them went silent. “You say of the Dog known as Lupin?” Brutus asked, turning his attention to Strong Oak. The Cervine leader lifted himself up, staring back at the Diamond Dog. “Yes. You know of whom I speak?” Strong Oak asked, standing tall in front of Brutus. Brutus nodded, a hint of anger present on the usually passive Diamond Dog. “Brutus knows of the one you speak,” he said. He looked back at his pack, giving a stern look so that they remained where they were. “Lupin joined our pack many seasons ago. He was a drifter, lost from his pack. Saying that he had fled from the war and wanted to escape.” He turned back to face Strong Oak. “Feeling pity for him, we took him as one of our own. Over time, we grew to trust him. Lupin helped with our tasks, building our homes, finding suitable food for our growing packs and helping to defend the den. After so long, we believed him to be one of ours. “That is, until the Horned Ones came. “The moment they found us, Lupin took many of our mates with him. He claimed many as his own, and took off towards the mountains. Half of pack was trying to find him and find safe passage, while the rest tried to flee towards own territoires. Brutus hated him more than Cervine know,” he said. Strong Oak took a step to him and the two stared at one another for a time. “You seek the trickster as much as I do? What about the yaks that you wish to have vengeance upon?” Strong Oak asked. His nose snorted out air in the cold wind. Brutus turned his head ever so slightly. “Horned Ones are one matter, our mates and brood mothers another. Brutus wish nothing more than to see them safe. If Horned Ones come pack’s way, then pack deal with them,” he said. Strong Oak looked him over, and Silverwing took notice of his contemplation. Whatever was going on his mind, it could lead for the better in cooperation between their parties. “No doubt there are differences between us, and we’ll both be uneasy of this trust. However, there is at least one we can at least agree on: finding your bitches, and in turn finding Lupin.” Strong Oak said, his voice softening just a little from his earlier irritation. “Then Brutus pack and Cervine have accord?” Brutus asked, folding his arms across and looking down at him. Strong Oak nodded in kind. “We are in agreement, Brutus,” he replied. With that, Brutus smacked his chest with his paw before turning towards his pack. The latter soon calmed down when Brutus spoke to them. Strong Oak settled himself back near the fire, outstretching his hooves to receive it’s warmth. Silverwing looked down at him with brow raised. “Since when did you know about Diamond Dogs’ bitches?” she asked, a small hint of a smile present. Strong Oak looked back up to her with an equally hidden smile. “When fighting in a war, you tend to learn a thing a two,” he replied. He turned back to the fire when a sudden gust of wind spread among the camp. Silverwing shivered slightly. “The storm will be returning tonight. Get some rest, Silverwing,” Strong Oak said, standing up and turning toward his Cervine. They had lowered their weapons and conversed as if nothing happened between the Dogs and themselves. Silverwing watched him head off as she looked up to the open skies. Snow was gradually falling down, and it was slowly picking up speed. The weather had been brutal the past few days, and she had no doubt it will only linger in the days to come. However, despite what the weather brought upon them, she at least was grateful that the ice was broken between Strong Oak and Brutus. No doubt this common foe would help ease the tensions between them and allow them to work together. She blinked once, pushing some of the snow that had accumulated on her mane. She felt tired, more so than days before. She decided to head back to her tent and rest for the night. However, her mind still lingered on her brother. She dearly hoped and prayed that he was alright. “I’m going to kill him! I’m going to kill that Equine!” Ebon nearly yelled out as he paced about the open fire. “Calm yourself, Ebon,” Felix said, holding a clump of snow over his left eye. Ebon turned with a fumed expression. “Calm! My sister is gone! That equine stole her! How can I be calm!” he yelled, kicking up snow in the air and looked about the area. Ebon was surrounded by a few trusted retainers, including Deadeye and Buck Wing. Both had their share of cuts and bruises, as well as having their bodies covered in bandages. The coup that Sharp Beak attempted was ultimately broken. The arrival of the Razor Claw Brigade swiftly took out the rest of the combatants, along with the help of the Minotaurs. The garrison at the barracks had all but surrendered, with only a few older Nomads fighting to the last gryphon. General Quill thankfully was still alive, and he even persuaded many of the defectors to lay down their arms. Despite that victory, Sharp Beak, his lackey Black Talon and a number of ardent supporters that rounded around more than a few dozen strong had escaped in the middle of the fight. He was nowhere to be found, and it was too dangerous to go out in the middle of the storm. Frustration and anger welled up inside Ebon, and he broke an already destroyed bench next to him. He felt a claw on his shoulder, and he whirled around to strike at the perpetrator. He stopped mid-swing, when he saw that his uncle had blocked his blow. “Peace, my nephew. Your anger is only blinding you,” he said in his calm and rumbling voice. Ebon exasperated and began to pace in a circle. “Uncle, I trusted the equine. I trusted that he would be true to his word and bring not only Felix to safety, but in the chance he found Gretchen, that he would bring her to me,” he stated, pointing a talon at the Arch-Gryphon. “But look! He struck Felix, stole supplies from the mess tent and ran off with her. My own gryphons witnessed her being carried on his back when he ran past them.” Ebon looked to the fire before him, a certain gleam going across his eyes from the flame. “I wonder if his kindness and help was him worming into our trust and severing it when he got the chance to escape.” “Brother! Don’t take your anger out on him,” Deadeye shouted, clutching at his wounded shoulder. “I told him to take off and leave this place. I didn’t expect him to be burning the mess tent and flee with our sister,” he said. Ebon looked at him with a questioning gaze. “He didn’t seem the sort to be that of a villain,” the voice of Buck Wing said. Ebon turned to the veteran. His white body and blue feathers glistened from the fires nearby, and his green eyes showed much disappointment. “That equine saved my life and told me of Deadeye’s location. If he hadn't directed me to him, your brother would have passed out from blood loss.” “I’m not dead yet, Buck Wing,” Deadeye stated, wincing a bit when he moved to meet him. “I don’t blame you for that, brother. We wouldn’t know what would have happened if Sharp Beak was still in control. But still, Quicksilver. What he did after and fleeing with the Thestrals and with my sister in tow. We managed to save nearly all of our resources before the fire consumed the rest. For that, it jeopardized our supplies for all of us. I cannot forgive him,” Ebon said, turning to his companions. “Ebon,” General Quill’s voice called to him. “You don’t know how it went down. He might have been afraid, and maybe out of fear, decided to flee with what he had and took Gretchen with him too.” “To use as leverage,” Ebon interjected, his uncle closing his beak and remaining silent. He turned to Felix, who had dropped the snow over his eye to get a fresh batch. A nice shiner was visible over his left eye. “You told me the full truth, yes? Gretchen was inside the tent when Quicksilver appeared with the supplies? After which he knocked you out and stole her from under your beak?” Ebon asked, staring at the Arch-Mage with a hint of scrutiny. Felix stood up and stared at him with passionless face. “Yes. He knocked me out the moment he saw me, and I don’t remember anything until I awoke under the dinner bell,” he replied, his face ever remaining the same. Ebon looked at him for a second longer, believing his story to be true. Nodding to him, he turned to the gryphons around him. “Have the gryphons ready for flight. We have to give calls to any scouts willing to brave the storm. Get Talon Wing and Sky Rider too.” “Ebon! Listen to me!” General Quill ordered, making his young nephew freeze from the commanding voice. Ebon was startled by his uncle’s tone and turned at attention to him. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but many of the gryphons are in no condition for flight. We have over five hundred gryphons who were brought in from the invasion that are both weary from flight and exhausted from the battle. Around a hundred gryphons that were stationed here are dead and the remainder are so severely injured that they are not capable of travel nor flight. To top it off, around five out of the twenty officers that I brought with me are alive, yet many of the recruits are leaderless and don’t know what to do or who to guide them. "They need guidance, they need a strong morale anchor, and more importantly, they need a leader to follow in this trying time. You cannot lead if those who follow are too weak to stand,” he said, giving out each observant view that weighed heavily on his mind. Ebon looked away, ashamed at his hastily made plan. Taking a breath, he turned back to his uncle. “Uncle. I’m… I never wanted to put harm on my men. But my sister. I can’t just stand idle while she is out there. Freezing in the cold and alone with that wretched Equine.” “I’m certain that she will be in good hooves. I don’t think that Quicksilver is the sort of Equine that would do her harm. But listen to me, my nephew and please listen well,” he said, closing the distance between them. His uncle placed a claw onto his shoulder in assurance. “You're not the only one that worries for her. But if you let your passion turn to blood lust and vengeance, then you be no different then Sharp Beak and his pawns,” he explained. Ebon blinked at him once. A small sensation went through his body from hearing his words; he hated being on the same terms as the colonel. Looking back at his uncle and his caring eyes, he saw only compassion for him. What a fool he would become if he stopped to his level. He nodded slowly to his uncle and humbly bowed to him. “Uncle. I… thank you. I won’t lose myself to pride.” “I know you won’t, Ebon,” he replied. He felt the back of his head held by his uncle’s claw, and his head was lowered until it pressed against his. He felt this feeling before long ago. It was a feeling he had missed when his father was still alive. After a moment of silence passed between them, his uncle drew away and turned to the other gryphons around them. “Ensure that every gryphon is cared for and treated fairly. Get them sorted into their new officers and keep things in order. I want you all to be ready in case Sharp Beak ever tries to make a move on the encampment. I must tend to other matters,” he said, turning to speak with Felix. The other gryphons soon dispersed, leaving only Ebon who turned to his uncle, giving a questioning gaze. “You’re leaving?” Ebon asked. “Yes. I have other business that requires my attention, particularly with the king. He has much to answer for this massacre,” he said, lifting Felix onto all fours. “Uncle, you can’t just leave. What about your brigade? What of your obligations as general?” he asked. His uncle looked at him with a placid expression and a small smile gracing his noble features. “You need not worry. They are in capable claws with you.” he explained. Ebon was taken aback by his words. “Me? In charge of all these gryphons? It was one thing handling the camp with a few hundred souls, but that is more than triple the number of gryphons here,” he breathed out in exasperation. “Which I’m certain that you will handle. You will lead my Razor Claw Brigade. The fresh recruits, along with the minotaur mercenaries. You will need to organize them in a united force, and that can work together to weather this storm. Once the storm outside these walls clears, you can send out scouts to find Gretchen and locate Sharp Beak. No doubt he will go after her if given the chance.” “But… But how will I-” Ebon tried to sputter before his Uncle lifted a claw to him. “You will know in time, Ebon. You will know when the time is right,” he explained. “After your business with the dotard, what will you do next?” he asked. A small smile graced on his uncle’s tired face. “I’m thinking of visiting my old cabin. It’s been many a year since I’ve last been there. It wouldn’t hurt to visit,” he explained, leaving Ebon silent.  “I wish you safe travels, my nephew. Take care now,” he added. He then turned his undivided attention to Felix. Ebon cast a glance to the distance, a distant memory forming in his mind. Ebon had only been there at least twice in his lifetime. They were only times of peace when he visited. The cabin was situated twenty miles north of here, and had a special spot nestled in the mountain that cast its view to the valley below. Satisfied with his answers, Ebon nodded to him and left their side. Much planning and work needed to be done in the coming days. However, he did slow down enough to linger a little and turn his head back to see his uncle. Uncle Quill was conversing with Felix, the two sharing some story or some other, but he did notice a serious expression on Felix’s face when his uncle spoke. General Quill looked troubled by whatever Felix spoke, yet their voices were too soft for him to pick up. He never often saw his uncle look nervous or unsettled by matters. However, deep within himself, he had an uneasy feeling about all this. A feeling so strong and connected with his uncle that it made him feel it will go away forever, like it will be the last time he would see him. He wondered if Uncle Quill had something else that was worth mentioning. He ignored the thought and decided to focus on what’s ahead: getting his sister back. He made his way to the encampment and hopefully to earn some rest. Before he reached his tent, his final thoughts lingered on with him for the rest of the night. “Please be safe, Gretchen.”