//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Fog of War // by Teal //------------------------------// Chapter 5 A large wooden ship, bearing no flag of its origins, lay anchored in a port at the Griffon Capital, as the dark early morning atmosphere blanketed it with a light shade of darkness. The ship, which was a large ocean going vessel, was equipped with three masts that held large sails that absorbed the power of the ocean wind, giving it more than enough power to travel the large ocean. This also enabled it to move fast, while carrying large payloads that were being brought around from one side of the ocean to another. Despite its size, the vessel was one of the fastest of its types, capable of slicing through the water with great ease. For a ship of its size, it was a fast vessel that cruised like a sloop, yet has the storage capacity of a large ship. Its storage area was meant to carry large amount of supplies, both for the supplement of the crew and for the storage of goods that could be shipped from one place to another. Normally, ships like this were owned by large freighter companies, who transported goods across the vast ocean that separated the Griffon Empire and Equestria, but there were some highly rich companies that also used them for other purposes. Purposes that require large shipping vessels that could carry large amounts of goods while also being able to outrun most vessels that sailed across the ocean. These companies handled businesses which were usually in the ranks of smuggling illegal merchandise from one nation to another, sailing as quickly as possible, to avoid coastal patrols, while able to carry large crates of their smuggled goods. The ship docked in the port right now, was part of one of those businesses. “Hey, Blizzard, I don’t think I like this…” A pony, covered by a hooded coat, said to another, as they stood near the gangway of their ship. “What do you mean?” The other hooded pony, known as Blizzard, asked, looking at the first. “We’ve done this a thousand times before and now you decide to have a bad feeling about it?” “Well, it’s just that…” The first pony said, hesitating. “…what would the Griffons want with the goods were giving them. Doesn’t it seem a little suspicious to you.” “Storm, I don’t care if it’s suspicious or not, as long as we get paid at the end of the day. We’ve been doing this for years and I have not heard a single complaint from you before, so stop with these suspicions of yours and do as we usually do, which is not to question things.” Blizzard said, as he noticed three Griffon approach the ships gangway. Looking towards them, he could see that they too were wearing hoods, cloaking their appearance in the dawn, as they cautiously made their way up the planks towards them. “Alright, now stay quiet, here they come. Remember, let me do all the talking and don’t do anything else until I told you. You got it?” Storm nodded and watched as the three Griffons climbed up the gangway and board the ship. As the first Griffon stepped on board, Storm noticed that the other two were carrying a large chest, which, from his point of view, looked very heavy. Especially with the sight of two fully grown male Griffons, who looked like they were having difficulty carrying it, as shown by the relieved sigh from them when they put it down. “Do you have what we asked for?” The Griffon said, which sounded more like a hiss. Towering over Blizzard and looking at him with an intimidating gaze, the Griffon meant business and wanted to do it quickly. Despite having a hood cover his face, up close, it wasn’t too hard to see through it and see the face of the Griffon insdie, his eyes piercing at the pony in front of him “Strait to the point, aren’t we?” Blizzard said, acting as cool as possible. “Don’t worry, buddy. We have all the goods in storage down below.” “I have no time to fool around with you ponies, show them to me.” He said, with a deep and serious tone in his voice. “Sheesh…” Blizzards said, before ordering the other member of the crew, who were earth ponies. “Bring one crate up, our pal over here wants proof.” The two soon came back, carrying the crate, which they gently placed in front of Blizzard. A green aura then lit from inside Blizzard’s hood, as another aura engulfed the crate. Using his magic, Blizzards opened the crate to reveal its contents to their guests. Inside were at least a dozen guns, made from long tubes of metal and large chunks of wood. It was complete with ram rod and stand, which was a long metal rod, attached to the bottom of the gun by a swivel and was used to hold the gun on the ground as the gun was fired. The guns were made for pony use, meaning it had to be operated by hoof and mouth, since ponies couldn’t stand on their hind legs (Or at least without difficulty). The trigger was large and was made for the use of one hoof. Although the weapon was basically made for ponies; it could be easily used by Griffons, seeing that they can stand on their hind legs with ease. “A dozen Equis Mk. 4 rifles, per crate, fresh from the Equestrian armories themselves.” Blizzard said, as he levitated one over towards the Griffon, who gladly took it. He grabbed it with both claws and started inspecting the gun, cocking it, aiming it, and pressing the trigger, just to hear to mechanical clicking sound. Since it was not loaded, no bullet flew out of it. He then checked for cracks but found none. The weapon was clean, as the metal barrel reflected his image, and seemed to be untouched till now. “Seems to be in perfect order…” He said, conducting his final checks. “…alright, bring the rest of the crates down and we’ll inspect them before leaving.” He then returned the weapon back to the crate and faced Blizzard. “Hey, hey, hey.” Blizzard said, waving a hoof. “Before you order me around to bring the goods up, let’s talk about you’re end of the deal. My bosses had to go through a lot to get you this, stealing from the Equestrian armory isn’t an easy job, you know?” “You ponies care nothing but money…” The Griffon groaned, as he motioned for the other two Griffons to come forward. The two obeyed the order and moved towards Blizzard, carrying with them the large chest. “Well, to ease your doubts of not getting paid, I present you this.” The Griffon used his claws to pull open the lid of the chest, exposing the bright and shining contents inside. The chest was filled to the brim with large gold bars, which reflected from the lights of the lantern nearvy. Blizzards didn’t know why, but he felt the pupils in his eyes turn into gold as he saw this, happy to see the sight of gold. “Satisfied?” The Griffon asked, growing impatient. “A hundred percent.” Blizzard said, recovering. “Alright everypony, haul out those crates!” He shouted, as the crew begun their work of carrying out dozens upon dozens of crates, which contained a total of a thousand rifles, enough to supply a small army. A large Griffon, with graying feathers and a scared beak, stood on the balcony of the Imperial palace. The imperial palace stood on top of a large hill, in the Griffon capital, and towered over the entire city. Its formidable strong walls and sharp edges made it look more like a fortress than a palace. But for a Griffon warrior, like him, a place like this was home for any Emperor. From the balcony, he had complete view of the city and bay below him. Any part of the city could easily be seen from where he stood. The cool ocean breeze blew upon his face, sending a relaxing feeling, and making the red cape he wore flutter. Consternated on viewing the wonderful city that has been the capital of their Empire for years, his eyes were intently fixed upon it. The only moment he looked away was when a knock came from the door of his room. “Come in.” He said, turning away from the view. The door opened to reveal another large Griffon, who was slightly smaller than him. The Griffon entered the room, and as the Emperor turned towards him, immediately bowed down in respect. He then looked up and informed the Emperor of the news that has just arrived. “My most noble Emperor…” He began. “…reports have just arrived that the crates of weapons have arrived and are being distributed immediately.” The Emperor looked at him for a while, before nodding. A grin growing on his face, he smiled at the prospect of his plan falling in together. “Good, good…” He said, in a tired yet confident voice. “…everything is going smoothly. How about the other preparations are they ready?” “Yes, my Emperor…” The Griffon said, nodding once more. “…everything is ready. The forces that are supposed to storm the barracks are amassing. They already received the weapons and are prepared to storm the place, while the soldiers in the barracks have been alerted to receive the attack. Meanwhile, the forces that are supposed to storm the Imperial Palace are just awaiting the weapons. General Steel has already inspected the defenses and is prepared to defend the palace.” The Emperor’s smile grew even wider, as he nodded. He then turned around and looked out the balcony towards the city once more. The moon was slowly moving down and would soon disappear to give way for the sun. He then looked down towards the city, to see that most of the citizens where still at home and asleep. Resting peacefully in their homes, safe and sound. But that would soon change when the first shots are fired. The first shots of his meticulous plan, which, if done perfectly, would give him the right to fight his long awaited enemy and conquer their rich lands. Months of planning have finally led to this and it would soon lead them to total victory and the rule of the entire world. Down below, hiding in building and awaiting commands, were Griffon’s armed with pony made weapons. Weapons he ordered, from a secret pony market that smuggled illegal goods, and brought them to the capital. These weapons were the latest model of rifles made by ponies, yet were considered a little inferior to theirs. No matter, it wasn’t the quality that led him to purchasing them. The force that wielded the weapons, was a forced trained in secrecy and thought on how to use weapons made by foreigners. They were members of a force, that were formed by his orders, who’s objective was to storm major military and government installation in the city. But they would not succeed in this duty, for all his soldiers were alerted. They may take casualties and Griffon blood may spill, but it is a price to pay to get the results. The fight would be short, but it effects would last a war that would lead to greatness, or at least he hoped it would. Once the short skirmish is over, Griffon news services would notices the pony guns used by the so called ‘rebels’ and would demand an investigation. He would then announce that the nation of Equestria, ruled by the ponies across the oceam, were the ones who armed and started the rebellion. This would cause outrage in the populace and would give him a ‘Casus Belli’ against Equestria. Soon it would start. Soon… “Very well…” He said, knowing that there could be no further planning was needed anymore. Although the plan was simple, the only thing he feared was the plans leaking away, exposing their schemes. He did not know what effect that would make, but he wished to keep the secrets sealed. Right now, the only thing he can do was wait. “…tell all commanders to begin the plan at first light.” “Very well, My Emperor.” The Griffon said, bowing once more before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. This was it, this was the moment. This was the action that would lead to the bloodiest and most terrible war in Equestrian history. A war that would take its toll on many and would decide the faith of the world. A war that Celestia dreaded, knowing that her nation was not prepared to fight it. A war witch forced her to bring Colonel Newman and his men. Powered by greed and the desire for more power, the blood of different lives would spill, to fulfill the selfish desires of one Griffon. Now it was only the matter of waiting.