//------------------------------// // 18. On Death's Wings // Story: Trials of a Royal Guard // by Anzel //------------------------------// Crossing an ocean with a flight of dragons was an interesting experience. They had far more stamina than any pegasus and rarely needed to stop. Typically, when they did so it was because we’d found a small landmass. Small was relative, of course, since everything seemed insignificant in comparison to the dragons Ragnhild had selected. They were the largest and strongest. Probably from her first brood, as dragons get bigger with age from the day they’re born to the day they die. Less informed ponies believe that their growth is tied to their greed. That’s an old mare’s tale, though. They just never stop growing and the longer they survive, the bigger they get, and the bigger their hoard gets, too. As an example, Ragnhild was larger than the Reciprocity. Her children were its match. It was an impressive force to be at the head of. It also made the crew nervous. They spent a lot of time looking back, as if imagining that at any moment the dragons might attack. They wouldn’t, however. We had a bargain and I believed very strongly that Ragnhild was not going to betray it. I’d also come to learn that outside of negotiations, Ragnhild was fairly easy to talk to. That is to say as long as it was clear neither of us was trying to get something from the other. It was nice since, at this point, I seemed to have more in common with her than the ponies crewing the Reciprocity. They kept their distance from me. On our second day of travel, we’d come to a stop on an island no bigger than the Canterlot palace grounds. The dragons were taking turns resting while the others circled above. With some help from a couple flighted members of the crew, I’d managed to get down from the ship to look around. There wasn’t really much to see. A small amount of tropical trees and plants, a lot of beach, and bright blue water. It reminded me of Colton Head Island. That was a good memory. When I got back, I’d take Crystal back there and figure out some way to pick her up and fly her over the water again. Later, though… focus now. Ragnhild was laying in the surf directly off the beach, looking very much like her own island. I trotted down the sand to address her. “We’ll be reaching Nordanver soon.” “Yes, I have been there once or twice before. Long ago, I chose not to stay, as I prefer ponies to gryphons.” “Why is that?” “Ponies are less likely to renege on their bargains which means I do not have to spend much time demonstrating the consequences of betrayal.” A shiver ran down my spine. The casualness by which she spoke was frightening. The consequences of betrayal were likely death. At least it would come swiftly. Dragons were reasonable creatures… until you cheated them. Then they were one of the most dangerous forces to be reckoned with. “Tell me, Dread Knight, are you so important that you do not do your own flying any longer? Those ponies brought you down to address me. Is that meant as a show of power?” Beneath my visor my nose scrunched. Another reminder of my impairment. Still, our bargain had already been made; I suppose there was no harm in revealing this. Plus, I didn’t want the matron to think I was posturing. I turned my side to her and pulled the campaign cloak free, revealing the shattered wing. “I was wounded in battle. My wings can’t keep me aloft when armored. Even without it, I fly poorly now.” Ragnhild craned her neck, her massive head coming close to peer directly at it. “I see. That is a pity. You will be less valuable as a protector, but I did not ask your capabilities as part of our bargain. How will you lead us into battle?” Less valuable… The hairs of my coat stood on end as I forced an even tone. Snapping at her would do no good. “That was a topic I sought to broach with you a bit later. There is a small and fast airship I might be able to commandeer, if we arrive in time and I can find it. In truth, it would be easier if you and I fought as one.” The mighty dragon’s head shot up. “You want to ride me into battle?” “No, Matron. I seek passage on your back so that we may coordinate effectively.” “So you wish to ride me into battle.” “Yes.” She snorted. “No, absolutely not. I will carry you in my claw.” The idea of being carried like a ragdoll filled me with great concern. “Matron, I am not seeking to get some sort of leverage on you. If I am in your claw, you will limit your fighting capabilities and, to be honest, I couldn’t hold onto you. At least on your back, I could have some control of my fate.” Ragnhild rocked to the side, sending small waves up onto the beach and soaking my hooves. “I do not like it… but I will accept it since you have been an honorable pony, regardless of what you call yourself. Know that should you show bravado, I will buck you free and leave you to gravity’s care.” “Agreed.” “Then you may be carried on my back. Now, answer a question for me since I have agreed to your request.” I nodded. “If I can.” “How was it you were aware that I knew Nimbus Knight?” My brow arched. “To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t certain. I only knew that Nimbus Knight was personally known to Nocturna the Mentor. I also knew that you and she were close. It seemed likely that you would at least know of a knight so close to her.” Ragnhild grinned. It was an affectionate grin, but the insanely sharp fangs made it seem all the more intimidating. “Well played. Yes, I knew Nimbus Knight, as did your mistress. He was an honest, humble knight. There were many great trials in his life that could have left him broken, but he always pushed on. “In the end, he retired with a beautiful female and had two sons and seven daughters. All of which served your mistress well, though none better than his daughter Moonlit Star.” Moonlit Star? The Moonlit Star? Luna’s would-have-been mentor? “Matron, you know an awful lot about these ponies. May I know how that is?” Ragnhild nodded. “You may. Your mistress was very kind to me in my youth. As we grew, so too did our bonds of friendship, so much so that we often walked amongst each other’s broods. Though back then, this was possible because I was far, far smaller. In fact, the last time I saw Nimbus Knight, I was barely twice his height.” This was fascinating. Ancient timelines were tough to piece together. A common pony expression was ‘a thousand years ago,’ which really just meant so far in the past nopony could remember it and records were weak. Dragons may have different methods of timekeeping. “Matron, who was older: you or Nocturna?” “Nocturna by far. She was the oldest alicorn that had ever been. At least until your current one. To my knowledge, no other alicorn has ever been so long for this world. They differ from dragons in that way. Alicorns tend to move on so that another may rule. Dragons stay until we are forced from our position.” “I see…” A hundred different thoughts swirled in my mind. Ragnhild was there. I could ask her anything. Moonlit Star was my distant cousin to the extreme. Still, we were from the same line. Had it all started with Nimbus? Ponies in service to the House of the Night for centuries? Before I could ask, Ragnhild interrupted my thoughts. “We must go; my brood has rested.” Without warning, she reached out and took me in her claw. I went rigid. “Fear not, Dread Knight, I will not harm you.” She flapped her wings and rose easily into the sky. With a gentleness I did not expect, she set me on the command deck of the Reciprocity before turning and heading off on our course. Captain Bore stared at me with wide eyes. “Are you okay, Major?” My hooves wouldn’t move. I was just standing at a perfect attention. If somepony had pushed me, I’d have fallen over like a fainting goat. Once I found my voice, I replied, “Doing fine. Just fine. Everything is fine. Set course, Captain.” “Aye!” ☾ We arrived in the Rindaire province on the dawn of the sixth day. I’d kept the ship and the flight at the maximum altitude possible to reduce our chances of detection. Who knew if King Kronson still had spies behind our lines? As the sun peeked over the horizon, I shifted my attention to the captain. “Captain Bore, I need you to steam at full speed and let General Ironhoof know I was successful. Have him delay the main assault and be sure to stress that he must keep our forces back.” Tidal Bore nodded at me. “And where will you be, Major?” I motioned off to the side where Ragnhild lazily flew. “On her back.” “Major, you be a crazy pony. Best of luck to ya, an’ may the seaponies be on yer side.” “Seaponies?” “I don’t know, it seemed mystical. Tough to compete with a flight o’ dragons. Good luck!” “Thanks,” I replied with a chuckle before trotting to the rail. My wings extended out as wide as they could. Luna, please let this dragon catch me. Then I hopped off the Reciprocity as it streaked across the sky. The wind hit me and felt amazing. I flapped to catch the current but my shattered wing just didn’t work right. Instead, I sailed downwards like a rock. Ragnhild swooped below me and I landed heavily on her back. “You are larger than Nimbus Knight,” she commented idly. “Thank you? Are you and your warriors ready, Matron?” “We are. Are you certain this is the bargain you wish to make? Once we begin, there is no turning back. This cannot be undone.” Was it? Yes. Yes, to get home to Crystal. To saves the lives of those closest to me. “The bargain is made. It is time to punish King Kronson’s brood.” “So be it, Knight of the Moon!” Ragnhild thundered before pumping her wings and driving herself forwards. We weren’t as fast as the Reciprocity, but we’d make a far more meaningful entrance. Along her wingspan, each warrior fell into place, slowly building out a very large V formation. There were no instructions, no orders; they just did it. Within a couple of hours, the dragons had crossed a huge expanse of land and the border citadel was visible, stretching along the whole opening of the valley. The walls, keeps, and towers loomed in the distance. The allied forces of Nordanver and Equestria were far closer to us. The general had held them back as requested and it seemed we’d made it just in time. “Hold tight to me, Dread Knight, for we shall lead this attack,” Ragnhild rumbled. Once more, she pumped her wings and flew higher into the clouds. When the citadel below looked like little more than a model, she tipped forwards and dove. The wind whipped past me as I clung to her scales. Each second that passed put us closer and closer to the Sudramoar forces. Some of them finally seemed to notice the massive shadows baring down on the fortifications and started scrambling. Crossbows were being aimed, bolt throwers were being adjusted, and many of the gryphons were ducking behind shields or into the towers. Ragnhild roared. It was a massive, powerful bellow that hit me at some primal level. I clung to her, unable to move. My eyes fixed forwards and it seemed many of our adversaries were likely stunned. Eventually, some broke free and the bolts started streaming past us. I had little doubt that many struck Ragnhild because she made absolutely no effort to dodge them. If they made any sort of impact, however, it didn’t register. When we were close, I felt her inhale deeply, expanding out her chest. Then it started. The ancient obsidian breathed out and a wave of dark miasma streamed forth from her maw. It hit the top of the citadel and spread out like a vicious fog. It blasted into barred windows, shot through the cracks beneath the doors, and the shields held by the Sudramoar were useless. That was one of the things that made obsidian dragons so fierce: they didn’t breathe fire. Hiding from their breath was next to impossible. It was like trying to avoid a smell. All of the gryphons in the cloud started coughing. Frantically, they clasped at their necks or tried to hold their breath as if they were being strangled. Panic overtook them briefly, but then they died… and I had a front row seat. Ragnhild pulled up and started for the heavens. I looked back, my eyes fixed to the carnage. The obsidian warriors were mimicking their matron all along the vast fortification. On each pass, they breathed their clouds, filled the area, and dispatched my enemies. Whatever resistance that may have been put up was long gone now. The Sudramoar were trying desperately to escape. Those that flew up were often caught by dragon maw or claw. Those that tried to retreat failed to escape the speed at which the clouds caught up to them or before another wave of dragons breathed on them. The matron wheeled and swooped in for a second pass. Her chest expanded again before she filled the entire area behind the main keep with a thick fog. She then turned sharply and landed on the roof of the nearest tower, crushing the heavy bolt thrower there. While holding onto the rampart, she started to flap her wings, moving the air and forcing the cloud to follow the retreating soldiers. All around us, obsidian dragons dove in and out, using their most potent breath against a force that couldn’t have ever been ready for it. All of this because I’d made a deal. Yes, to save many. And to kill how many? I looked around me. There were bodies everywhere. Hundreds… probably thousands. I wasn't able to see the whole line given how long it was. There was no movement. The miasma had gotten everywhere. There was no stopping it. How long had this even taken? Five minutes? Ten? There was no great battle, no honorable combat; just a massacre. No wounded, just dead. These poor soldiers never stood a chance. I could hear my armor rattling as my body started to shake. “Matron… I think we’re done. Please, we’re done.” Ragnhild’s wings stopped flapping and she looked back to me. “You are satisfied? We can pursue those that escaped. Our bargain was to destroy the enemy.” “No! I mean… no, let them go. They’ll tell their leaders what happened here and that will be far more effective.” I couldn’t stand the thought of anymore blood on my hooves. “Would you do me the kindness of dropping me off with my army before taking your leave?” “I shall. Do not approach this place for at least a day and, should the winds change, fall back,” she warned before tilting her head up and roaring once more. It was painfully loud and echoed off the valley’s walls. Fear and dread filled me again. What were we compared to these creatures? All of the other dragons immediately stopped what they were doing and flew to Ragnhild’s side. They landed in the bailey, seemingly oblivious to the deadly cloud and hoard of corpses. “You have done well, children; our bargain is complete. Take your rest while I return Dread Knight to his brood.” All of the dragons bowed their heads. Most of them were littered with crossbow bolts sticking out from their tough hides and scales. None of them looked seriously or even mildly injured though. The worst I saw was one with a bolt thrower bolt through their right wing. I imagined she… maybe he would heal. It hadn’t stopped flight. Ragnhild took off and flew the short distance to our camp. She seemed to recognize what the command tent was and landed outside it. As she did, ponies and gryphons scattered out of the way. The rest there seemed paralyzed with fear. I was pretty shaky myself, but I tried not to show it as I hopped down. There was a little more left to do before this horrible business was concluded. I looked up to the great dragon and said loudly, “Ragnhild, Matron of the Obsidian, our bargain is complete. I thank you for lending me your might.” “Dread Knight, Knight of the Moon, may you heal fast and remember your part of the bargain. I should like to see you again.” Then she pumped her wings and left, her brood following after her. I stood alone in the center of the camp, all of the ponies and gryphons were staring at me. Their faces held a mix of confusion, fear, relief, and horror. It was a painful experience. One that took all of my effort not gallop away from. General Ironhoof approached with Brigadier Hammer in tow. I stood to attention, fighting the urge to shake and collapse. “You did it…” the general said breathlessly. “Yes, sir.” “How?” I shook my head. “That is between the matron and myself, sir. Equestria is not party to it.” “I don’t… alright. Can we begin our assault?” “No, sir, not until tomorrow and I suggest moving the army back. Should the winds change we might be undone by our own plan. The citadel is empty. They’re all dead and I highly doubt they’ll ever be back.” The casualness by which the words fell from my mouth sickened me. Brigadier Hammer asked, “What? All dead? Major, there was an army there. Thous—“ I winced. I couldn’t help it. Hammer saw it, too. His tone dropped. “I see. It’s okay. Thank you.” Thank you… thank you for killing everyone. The back of my mouth tasted of bile. “General, I’ll write a report for you but, if I may, I’d like to retire. I’ve been in motion for six days and I’m exhausted.” General Ironhoof just blinked. “Yes… of course. Dismissed.” I saluted and started to trot to where the Black Dragoon banner was. It was a bit blurry beneath my visor. Tears were making it harder to see. It would be a good place to hide. My lancers would have a tent for me. My stomach churned worse as the images of the dead started to come back to me. All along my path were allied soldiers just looking. None cheered, none spoke to me… they just looked. The stares started to cut through my armor. Keep your head up, just for a little while longer. The sound of hooves moving quickly from behind caught my attention. A merciful distraction. It wasn’t long before Grey Maelstrom was at my side. “Are you okay?” she whispered. “I did what was necessary.” “I don’t disagree, but are you okay?” I shook my head no. “Going to be sick.” “Okay, that’s okay. I’ll get a bucket and meet you in your tent.” “Yup,” was all I managed before trotting faster towards the dragoons. Ponies everywhere were staring at me… probably wondering how I could do something so awful. How could I be a monster like this? This was war! This is what happened in war! This is what it takes to go home. All of my dragoons stood when I arrived. They didn’t look at me like a monster, at least. No, they were sharing looks of concern and pity. “Sir…” Captain Brynja started but I held up a hoof. “Need a minute, please.” “Yes, sir.” I ducked into my tent and tossed my helmet off before collapsing onto the floor. By the moon, I’d killed them all. I’d had to put monster against monster to save everyone and I’d done it. Kronson killed thousands for resources. I’d done it just to go home to my wife. What would she think of me? Could she even take a pony like that back? Crystal, please… forgive me.