Fall of an Empire: A Ranger's Tale

by Bellum Facio

Chapter II: New Faces and Hard Farewells

I felt the cold begin to creep into the confines of my cloak as I wrapped it tighter around me. Even though winter in the in the mountains was something I always despised, I could always find some form of beauty in it; the wind that whipped around my head or the touch of snow in my palm. Brin, however, only shook his head in displeasure. He always enjoyed complaining at any chance he got.

I patted him on the side as he walked down the road before thinking about how long Halt said he was gone from home, how long until he saw his family, and that he had feared that he would never be able to hug his wife again or watch his kids grow.

My mind began to contemplate if I would ever see my family again in the coming years. I recalled the memories of my childhood and family; the warm rays of summer, and playing with my brothers in the leaves of fall. The soft voice of my mother, or the quick whip of her hand on my head. Years that seemed to have flown before my eyes.

I chuckled at the thought of how much trouble we got into as kids, always meddling in something we were told not too. The worst was when I was around ten. We were playing in a small ravine with a river going through it, and Andrevous thought he saw a catfish. A sane individual would have let the thought pass by but no; he had to jump off the side and attempt to catch it. Ostar and I nearly died of fright thinking our brother had just went and killed himself over a fish, but when he burst from the water with a four foot-long catfish we could only hang our jaws in amazement; that was until it knocked him back into the water with a wap of its tail.

Those fifteen minutes were probably the most hectic of my young life. Ostar and I looked at each other before following our brother into the river. Somehow after wrestling with the catfish for what felt like hours the three of us managed to get it ashore. The look on mom's face when we walked in with that catfish soaking wet and cut up with the biggest grins on our faces was priceless; we cringed at the amount of scolding, but the taste of cooked fish that night was worth it.

Andrevous was always the hard head in the family, taking the toughest of chores and grinding through work. He was certainly the biggest of us, being at the height of six foot five and barrel chested at the age of nineteen. His red hair, beard, and fair skin that came from my mother's side of the family also didn't help the fact that he stuck out like a sore thumb in crowds.

While his deep boisterous voice and physical demeanor normally made people shy away from him, he actually had a very kind heart. Never once did he allow Ostar or myself get into trouble if he could help it; he always was the first to take the blame or punishment for those he cared about.

Even though he cared deeply about our family, that didn't stop him from attempting to prank the two of us. It took us two weeks to remove the egg shells from our beds from one of his, “harmless pranks”. He always enjoyed tinkering with anything he could get his hands on; from farm tools to a catapult. His dream was to work for the Mason Engineers that help create Crystallum and many of the major cities in the Empire.

Ostar was the youngest of us being at the age of eighteen yet by far the genius in the family when it came to scientific innovation. He was five foot seven and with chestnut hair. On many occasions he managed to use his quick wits and calm voice to keep us out of trouble, yet neither Andrevous or I could ever beat him in an argument.

He could always be found experimenting with chemicals and potions that no one in the family could hope of understanding. I remember the day that he received a response from a letter he sent to Lorvard University in Crystállum about a formula that may be able to counteract magic from the head alchemist, Martin Boyle, asking for him to come and explain what he had done. Never before had I seen Ostar so excited in my life. If I remember correctly he would be leaving for Crystállum this very week.

Out of my two brothers I considered myself the middle man. I was five foot eleven with the same characteristics of my father: broad shoulders, chestnut hair, and beard. While my brothers beat me in brain and brawn, I outmatched them in agility and strategy. I had an unfair advantage though, but I wasn't complaining.

My train of thought was interrupted as Brin threw his head back and whined, telling me that there was something ahead of us.

I knew that it was impossible for us to have reached Noveria for it was another four hours away. When I looked to where Brin was heading to I saw a dark shape lying in the snow. The outline was that of a female human. As we neared I saw a small pool of blood around her, small droplets littered the ground around and away from her. I immediately jumped off Brin, grabbed my satchel, and ran over to her.

On closer inspection she had a stab wound penetrating through the abdomen and her nose was broken. I grabbed a linen bandage, stitching kit, and basil from my bag before going to work on the stomach wound. Thankfully it wasn't as deep as I feared and nothing major was damaged. I began cleaning up the around the cut before applying the basil. After waiting a few minutes I began stitching up the wound, while tedious and not nearly as good as most doctors, it would certainly help in keeping her alive. When the stitching was finished I wrapped the bandage around her body a few times before tying it off.

Leaving my equipment I moved up to see if I could fix her nose. The blood had clotted and she was no longer bleeding profusely. I grabbed the nose and was about to break it back into place, but before I could I felt the cool touch of steel resting on my throat.

“Come back to finish the job?” 'Cough', “Well I won't go without one last fight,” she said as her eyes opened, and slowly pushed me back with the knife. “Now before I cut your throat, mind telling me why you attacked a courier of the king?” she said with a delicate yet deadly edge in her voice.

“Well I don't think a bandit or thief would be patching up a wound they inflicted now would they?” When I finished, she looked down, noticed the tear in her tunic, and the bandage around her stomach.

“I guess you're right by that observation, but before I let my guard down would you explain why you helped me?

“From the situation you're in, I doubt that you'll believe anything I have to say, but I am in no position to argue. My name is Darius Regillus, my father, Jerald Regillus, served in the Ranger Corps for twenty-seven years, and I trained under him personally. As to why I helped you is due to the fact that someone bleeding in a snowbank is not something that I'd normally pass by.” She eyed me with hesitation for a few seconds before sheathing her knife and attempting to stand, only to fall back into the snow and clutch her wound.

“Ahh!... I guess, Darius, if you wanted me dead I would be by now. My name is Andreia Ilsim, and I'm making my way back to Crystállum before I was ambushed by group of bandits. I managed to drive them away, but I don't know for how long. When I felt something move across my body I expected them to have returned, so when I felt it move up to my face... well you know the story from there.” Andreia turned her head as she finished, obviously contemplating what she just about did.

“Well Andreia we still have the issue of your nose.” I said while pulling out my knife and handing her the leather hilt to bite on.

“I've had worse, certainly doesn't help with courting.”

“Oh I bet you're a pretty enough under all that blood and grime” I said with a chuckle.

“Wise guy huh? Just fix it before I begin to regret putting the knife away.” She then put the leather handle in her mouth, bit down, and closed her eyes. I shook my head before gripping her nose.

“Alright, three...two...” I twisted my wrist, and broke her nose back into place. Andreia winced and a tear or two fell from the eyes. After letting the pain fade for a minute, she spat out the knife and looked at me with a glare that could kill.

“I've known you for ten minutes and I already hate you.”

“You'll live, besides you should be glad I found you.”

“That may be so, but if I ever get the chance I'll get you back for that.” I smirked at the prospect.

“Until then I have to get you to someplace warm and soon; we still have a four hour ride. Plus you can't walk, and the extra weight on Brin will slow him down.” I heard a snort behind me.

“Alright, but if either of you two drop me then...”

“You'll be fine.” Before she could complain I picked her up and placed her in Brin's saddle along with my satchel.

Just before I could mount Brin, I felt something speed past my head. Reflexively I drew my broadsword and spun my body around. Seconds later I heard a multitude of cries erupt from the treeline in front of me. Five men came charging out, armed with nothing more than spears and cloth armor. I steadied myself into a defensive position and weighted my body so that I was prepared for whatever was thrown at me, the crisp snow crunching underneath my boot.

Before they ran even fifteen feet I threw one of my knives that embedded itself into the leading man's heart dropping him dead. The first one to reach me struck out with a poorly aimed jab at my chest. I deflected the spear, grabbed his head, and drove my knee into his chin. The next two were cautious and attempted to flank me. The man in front was first to strike. I sidestepped and redirected the spear so that it would be driven into the other bandit behind me; I could see the horror in the man's eyes as he sunk the spear into his companion's stomach. With no weapon in his hand I slashed the back of his left knee that sent him sprawling to the ground in agony.

With a quick twist of my body I turned, and found the final bandit who could have been no older than fifteen shaking in fear, his spear raised in fright. I walked up to him, and smashed the rusty iron tip off with a swing of the flat of my blade. Immediately following with the steel point against his throat; his pupils shrunk as I stared into them.

I could see my reflection in his eyes, the amount of desolate coldness I saw that emitted from my own reminded me of my father, his words circling in my mind. I stood there for what felt like an age contemplating the power that I held in my hand; the power of life or death. Such an easy action, yet one that could break a man's very soul, eventually I spoke.

“I do not know who you are, your deeds, or anything that you may cause to come to pass. I can though, easily enough end your life with a simple flick of my wrist and without a second thought. Before I make my choice however, where are your parents?” The boy shakily pointed to the man that was nursing his leg and watching us both with worry in his eyes.

“... It is those less fortunate that should suffer for the greed and pride of the cruel. In a world that we all strive and dream for a son should bury his father, but in the world that we live in it seems that the father buries his son. I will not force that burden onto any if I have the choice, and I expect you to do the same if given the decision. No one should have blood on their hands that never should have been spilt.”

I sheathed my sword and made my way over to Brin and Andreia, the latter of which held a look of sorrow. Brin nudged my shoulder as I looked back; the boy was being held by his father, both of which were crying. I let the sight sink into my heart before mounting Brin.

“Darius, are you going to be alright?” Andreia asked me. I didn’t give her a response. My only action was that of pulling out a small bag and placing into it a few silver coins, bandages, and some healing herbs. I tightened the bag before turning Brin around and dropped it by their feet; the father looked up at me and gave a teary smile. My face remained emotionless as I turned away, and told Brin to continue walking.

The ride home was made in silence. Andreia didn't ask say anything more and eventually fell asleep to the steady pace of Brin walking; which left me alone with my thoughts.

'We are not even at war yet we still suffer. How can I kill my own people that are forced to crime thanks to the Equestrians? If things continue to grow worse, then we may not even be fighting for our country or homes but instead for our own survival. No, not even their princesses would allow things to escalate that far or at least I hope.' I continued to recollect the cries of pain, and the faces of the father and son. The memories causing a knot to form in my stomach.

*

The sun eventually broke across the eastern horizon, and the outline of Noveria came into view. I sighed in relief knowing that a warm meal and bed would be waiting for me. Few of my neighbors were beginning to leave their homes in preparation for the start of the day; a few greeted me me with a smile or wave, some glancing curiously to who I had riding with me.

I soon spotted the smoke rising from the chimney of my family's house and Andrevous collecting wood for the fire. I dismounted and called out his name, Andreia waking at the noise.

“Well look what Hades himself brought home. Took you long enough! Been seven days, Darius!” Andrevous said as he spotted me approaching the house. Before I could respond he bear hugged me, forcing all the breath from my lungs.

“It's... good to... see you too... Agh!! Too tight!”

“Oh, so the big bad Ranger can't take a hug from his little brother huh? Seems like you're getting soft Darius.” My brother said with a smile as he let go of me.

“Well it would certainly help if you weren't twice my size.” I responded as I cracked what was left of my back, “Brother, I found someone on the road home; she was injured from a bandit ambush. I've patched her up as best as I could, but we need to get her inside.” Upon looking at Brin and spotting Andreia, Andrevous's face grew stern.

“I'll help her inside, you get the rest of the family; they should be in the kitchen eating.”

“I'm fine thank you very much. Just... need a little help getting down.”

I went inside to find the rest of my family enjoying breakfast. The first thing I did before anyone could welcome me was grab Ostar's plate of scrambled eggs and bacon and dig in. He just sat there sputtering curses as mother got up and hugged me, even though she noticed the dirt and blood on my jerkin.

“It's good to have you home Darius, but if I might ask, what in Equis happened to you?” Just as she finished Andrevous and Andreia walked in, the former supporting the other.

“Before I explain that, Andreia here needs your help mom. She was hurt in a bandit ambush and took a stab wound to the stomach along with a broken nose. I cleaned and doctored the wound as best I could and broke the nose back into place, but you should still check the her yourself.”

“Alright, Andrevous help her into the spare room. I'll get my kit... And Darius quit talking with your mouth full! You're a grown man and should know better!” I winced at the tone of her voice, but the hot food was worth it.

*

“I've cleared up the wound, and the maggots should clear up anything else. The nose was realigned in it's previous position, and there should be no sign of it being broken. You are ,however, running a slight fever, and until it clears up you are to stay in bed and rest.” My mother said sternly.

“Thank you for everything you and your family has done for me Mrs. Regillus, but I need to return to-”

“I will hear none of it. I've raised three sons and had more than my fair share of putting up with things like this. Now lay back down before the herb I put into your medicine takes effect and knocks you out.” Andreia's eyes went wide when she heard that, mom never took no for an answer. As I left the room, she shot me a glance of dread before succumbing to whatever concoction had been given to her, I smirked at the sight.

Mother was a humble woman for the most part, but could turn into a force of nature when need be. I still feared my name being called to this very day in that relaxed and calm voice for I knew that the true meaning behind it would send even a dragon fleeing. Even for a sixty-three year old herbalist that grew up in the hills that bordered the Gryphon Kingdoms she commanded respect and rightly so, not only for possessing the healing skills of a doctor but the aura of authority that surrounded her.

The only man brave enough, or foolish enough, to say he was her equal was my father. I shook my head at the thought of how in the entirety of Equis he lived through that ordeal. They were happy together though, and they've been married for forty-some years so I left it at that.

I entered the living quarters and planted myself into the nearest open chair, letting my head hang back as I gave out a long winded sigh. It had been a long three day journey home, and even though I've had far worse, I took whatever comfort I could get.

“Well now that everything has been taken care of, what happened Darius?” My mother said as she walked in. Ostar and Andrevous sat on the couch, while father propped himself against the doorway, waiting for me to start.

I began with explaining to them about being accepted into the Rangers and talking with Halt Slovis, dad smiled at the mention of his name. Then I went into detail about the journey home, and the fight with the group of bandits. As I finished my two brothers whispered something to themselves, and my father spoke.

“The last time I heard of a bandit attack this far north was over sixteen years ago. It seems that the conflict with Equestria is beginning to take it's toll on the Empire. I doubt peace will hold between our two nations for long.”

“Then what can we do to stop this madness?” Andrevous asked

“There is nothing we can do. No man amongst us, and most likely Sombra himself, cannot hope to stem the tide of hatred our two species harbor for one another.” Everyone was silent until Andrevous spoke.

“Then I will go with Darius and Ostar tomorrow and enlist when we reach Whitehaven. You taught each one of us father to never fight for fame or glory for such things are what blind men seek. Instead you taught us to only stand when either ourselves or the ones we love are endanger. I choose this road not because I hate the Equestrians for what they're doing, but because of those who I love that will be behind me. If I should fall, then I fall knowing that I stood defending those that I care for the most.” All eyes were on him yet no one spoke, not even mother. The fire crackled as we let his words sink in.

*

That night I could find no sleep and so I sat by the hearth as everyone slept in their rooms. I contemplated what my future likely held as I watched the fire, now but a few embers, burn. I was interrupted before long as I felt another presence enter the room; I turned my head and saw that it was Ostar. I didn't say anything as joined me in an adjacent chair. We both sat in silence for a time before I heard him speak.

“You did the right thing yesterday of letting the boy live. Few would have done so, and even fewer would even had thought about sparing his life. It is a terrifying reality we live in. Never to know true peace of mind. To always have to fear what may come next... Then you have these conflicts between Humanity and the Equestrians. Has no logical man or even pony come to realize that war is a crime in itself?” He said with anger in his voice.

“Yet you must ask yourself, how many are willing to listen to logic? Would it not be easier to follow the sounds of the trumpets, and be led to a glorious death with the thought that what they are doing is leading their people towards a brighter tomorrow? The day we find peace is the day we all become liberals and found a utopia for all. Will that day come? I hope that it will, but the chances are far too slim.” I responded with a tinge of sorrow in my own.

“... What chance is there for us to win this war should it come to pass? All we have is a slight advantage in technology and military experience. But the Equestrians are not only comprised of three races that outnumber us a four to one but are led by two demi-gods. What hope do we have to stand against such a force?”

“Always have hope brother; it is the lifeblood of Humanity. No matter the odds as long as one man stands there is hope. It is what has driven our kind over the last millennium, without it none of us would be here today. We are a stubborn species that should have been killed off long ago, but by some miracle here we are. If we are put at the brink of extinction then we will make it such an end.” The words drifted in the air as we sat in silence. When the fire died, we turned to watch the red dawn rise.

When morning came Andrevous, Ostar, and I packed up our possessions. Thankfully Andreia recovered enough for mother to let her leave. After eating breakfast we all went outside and began to say our farewells.

Mother was practically heartbroken that all us were leaving. She said that it had been the best years of her life to raise each one of us, even with all the trouble we caused her, yet that was what had made it special. That the memories of our misfit adventures would always be in her memories. She kissed each of us on the forehead, tears in her eyes.

Father looked over each one of us, his eyes locking with our own a few seconds before moving on. I could tell though that behind the blank expression was a hint of sadness and regret. He spoke after he passed Ostar.

“My father said this to me forty-two years ago when I left home on a foggy spring morning... Live your life and live it well. For you live only once and die twice. When you take your final breath, and when your name is spoken for the very last time... It is up to each of you to write what you leave behind. Take each triumph and failure with pride for it is what forges you into the man people will remember you by. Wake up each day meaning to make the most of it for when old age and death comes to claim you, you will be proud of the book you have written throughout life... I do not know where your futures lead too, but know this, for as long as your mother and I shall live, we will be proud of whatever each of you do with your lives.”

When he finished, all of us had tears in our eyes. We all got to together for one final hug. It seemed like the moment would live forever, but eventually it had to end. The three of us rejoined Andreia, who also had tears in her eyes, and began the journey to Whitehaven with the sun on our faces.

*

As the day went on I found myself glancing in Andreia's direction. I didn't really notice what she looked like before now. She was only a little shorter than myself and had long, light brown hair. Her face sported no permanent injuries, and her nose had healed for the most part. She walked with pride in her step, and her head held high... I shook my head though as my mind began to wander. It was not something I normally did, yet the thought that there may be a future with her stayed at the recesses of my mind.

*

It was nearing dusk on the third day when we saw the sleek stone walls of Whitehaven begin to break across the horizon. The city itself was more of a defensive citadel guarding the pass to Crystállum in the valley beyond. The foreboding towers and parapets lining the mountain that they were carved from. I couldn't even fathom the manpower required to surmount the walls, let alone have the strength to take the rest of the city.

We passed through the massive gatehouse to find the entire city abuzz. Men, women, and even a few griffins could be found wandering the streets and building. The four of us had to skirt through the endless crowd; barely avoiding everyone in our path.

Once Ostar was knocked over by a rather small, red, griffin whose feathers seemed to refract light; he quickly sputtered something about the winter solace and quickly entered back into the torrent of people. Ostar called out for him to come back, but the griffin either did not hear or didn't want to; he cursed under his breathe and said something about his experiment.

We continued for another twenty minutes before reaching the expansive marketplace in the center of the city; this was where we had to part ways however. Andreia and Ostar had to continue north for that was the only exit towards Crystállum. While Andrevous and I needed to head east towards the military district.

The two of us hugged Ostar one last time, wished him luck at Lorvard, and that we may see him again soon. We watched as Andreia and him began the trek to the northern gatehouse; what caught my attention though was Andreia looking back at me for a few seconds before following Ostar. I let the sight play in my mind until I felt Andrevous's hand on my shoulder. He nodded his head at me and I grabbed Brin's reins as I followed Andrevous towards the military district.

Calling the district chaotic would be an understatement. Hundreds of men and women could be seen drilling, marching, or making equipment on this cold winter day; it didn't seem surprising though due to the state of things, plus the fact this city was the only viable way towards the capital. We eventually reached one of the many recruitment offices; Andrevous stopped at one of the doors, I could tell by the look on his face that he was in deep thought.

“Well Darius... I guess this is where we say goodbye. I pray that it won't be long before we find ourselves along with Ostar returning to Noveria... heh... I always dreamed of what it would be like leaving home and exploring the world, but it seems today the only thing I want now is to relive the years we had as children. When we could enjoy the comforts of home, and play in the Arminas to our hearts content. Where the only thing we had to fear was the scolding of mother... It seems so long ago...”

“If only we could... I remember when we tried to operate that catapult the traveling fair brought with them eight years ago, and actually managed to send a chicken through Mrs. Cranley's window. I couldn't believe my own eyes when she came out of her house with an egg splattered all over her face, and yelled...”

“Who the hell just shot this chicken into my kitchen!”

“I still cannot believe to this very day no one knew it was us.” I said wiping a tear from my eye after laughing so hard. After the two of us calmed down at the memory, we had one final hug before Andrevous walked up the steps to the office.

“Take care of yourself Andrevous.”

“I don't think I'll need to worry too much. I should instead be the one telling you that; I can at least take a punch.”

“Always have to have the last laugh don't you?”

“Of course, I'm your little brother, that's my job... When this is all over me, you, and Ostar are going out for drinks, my treat.” I shook my head at that before looking back at him.

“I'll hold you to that. Just make sure we get to see you again.”

“Don't worry, you will.” Andrevous said with a smile before entering the building.

Now alone I began to wander the district looking for someone that could point me in the direction of the Rangers. After ten minutes it seemed though someone found me. I saw a man with a familiar green cloak and horse walking towards me, a smile was on his face.

“Name's Corvus Externus, and I've been looking for another Ranger for some time, by chance are you Darius?” he asked as we shook hands. I noticed Corvus was around the same age as me, had a lean build, and his jet black hair extended past his ears.

“Yes, Darius Regillus. I'm guessing that you're in my squad?”

“Yup, the rest of us are over this way.” Corvus said as he lead me towards a small park at the end of the street. “There are three others in our squad: Ezia Morderca, Balthasar Stermin, and Faramen Felagund, who's our Master Ranger. Ezia and Faramen are by far the friendliest in the group, and will make you feel right at home. Balthasar on the other hand is rather quite for the most part, only speaks when spoken to. Everyone has gotten to know each other for the most part though.” As he finished Brin and his horse snorted in recognition.

“Oh, by the way this is Athos. Been with him for over five years. I got him after the Rangers recruited me back in Brimstone.”

“Well it seems him an Brin are getting along. My father trained me for seven years in Noveria, and I got Brin after my first year.” I finished as we entered the park.

When we entered I saw a man, most likely Faramen, and a woman, Ezia, talking around a small campfire while Balthasar sat to the side widdling at a piece of wood. The man I guessed was Faramen got up when he saw us. He appeared to have the same physical build as Corvus, yet had longer, reddish hair about like my brother's and looked slightly older.

“Looks like you finally found him Corvus. I'm sure he has already told you about us, but I'm Faramen Felagund, your commanding officer.” he said before pointing to the other two, “and this is Ezia Morderca and Balthasar Stermin.” Ezia smiled and waved while Balthasar nodded his head.

“I've heard about your father Darius, and from those stories I'm more than happy to have you with us. Before anything else though here is your brooch. It signifies you as a Ranger and should allow you access to things normally restricted to the average soldier; that is if the cloak, horse, and equipment doesn't get through.” Faramen said as he handed me a bronze pendant that had the shape of two crossed ravens. I studied it before noticing an engraving on the back

'May we prevent the first strike, and make the last, before another should find it's mark.' I let the words sink into my mind, and pinned it to my cloak before feeling Faramen's hand on my shoulder.

“For the last three hundred and sixty-two years, every Ranger before you Darius has lived by that code. Written by our first captain, Richard Votum, after he and five-hundred other Rangers turned back a force of ten thousand Griffins, Minotaurs, and Equestrians at the Ruins of Tambelon. Four hundred and twenty-three of us lost their lives during that battle. Without their sacrifice Humanity would have been driven to extinction, and Sombra would never have been able to found the Empire. We do not know how the crossed ravens came to be, but to this day we use them as a symbol of remembrance for every man and woman that served as a guardian to Humanity...” Faramen finished as he rejoined the group.

I took one last look at the brooch, the ravens' heads dimly shining in the evening sun, before setting my equipment down next to rest and letting Brin graze with the other horses. I took a seat next to Corvus, and listened to the others talk about their lives as I watched the fire burn into the night.

Comments

[RodBottom]

I will be counting Down the days!

[giz]

interesting concept
u would be interesting group of humans and loyal to shadow ponies, succeed in escaping and disappear until release empire and achieve cuandoreaparezca return or release him just to rule Equestria games and take advantage of denouncing the actions of celestia and luna all his allies foreign

[ty2manie]

Ezia Morderca? Seriously? I don't know where Ezia came from, but do you know that Morderca means murderer in Polish?