From our spot on the knoll, we could see a wall of fire between the front of our brigade and the ranks behind it. It rose to three meters high and burned bright red. Our forces on the other side were cut off and the line there was faltering. Divide and conquer. It was simple enough.
This was bad. This was really bad. We couldn’t afford to lose this many ponies. It would be devastating even if we won. Our momentum would slow and the enemy would have more time to regroup.
“Major Knight! Move that line forwards, NOW!” Brigadier Hammer bellowed from behind me.
Move the line forwards? Through the fire? How could I do that? All those ponies, though… all of those ponies and gryphons!
My hooves started moving as I galloped down the knoll at full speed. What was I doing? What was I going to do?
Clement Knight was hot on my tail as we raced through the ranks.
“Advance!” I ordered as loud as possible while I barreled onward. “You are ordered to advance! Do so to save your comrades! They would not abandon you!”
Ponies around us hesitated but started to show some semblance of order. At a minimum, they were being pulled back from surprise. Officers and NCOs alike started to order the forward motion and flighted soldiers lifted off.
The wall of fire loomed closer and closer to me. This is stupid, this is stupid, this is stupid. No hesitation, no fear, we are Dread Knight!
“For Equestria!” I shouted before leaping through the flames.
Mercifully, the wall of fire was tall but not overly thick. Oh, it was thick enough for my life to flash before my eyes, but I landed heavily on the other side wholly intact. Thank goodness there was armor between my coat and the flames.
The scene in front of me was chaos. There were no lines, no order, just an uncoordinated melee. Allied forces and those of the Sudramoar were locked up hoof to claw in a violent confrontation.
Clement Knight landed beside me and let out a string of colorful profanity before driving his sword through a gryphon that was foolish enough to come close to us. “Major, this is a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Agreed. Stick close to me. We need to find somepony still in charge.”
At our backs, other ponies started jumping through the fire. Those with wings flew over it and landed. Officers started to gather those coming through into some kind of cohesive line to join the engagement but there was little coordination.
Clement and I rushed through the swirling melee, showing off the armor and pushing allied soldiers forward. An enemy gryphon or two got in our way but we made short work of them. Broken wing or not, I still knew how to use a sword and I was still a dragoon.
The Black Dragoons overhead were swarming and knocking enemy skirmishers out of the sky. They’d crossed the fire and were already ensuring their sisters and brothers had cover.
A flash of magic sparked ahead of us and was followed by a loud explosion. There were numerous other bursts in a variety of colors before a final one caused the ground to shake. Vice Colonel Glamour was an extremely powerful unicorn and had been leading the vanguard battalion. Perhaps where explosions were, she would be, too.
I started forwards. “Come on, Sergeant Major.”
When we broke through to where our forces were clearly ending and the Sudramoar’s had begun, we found ourselves on the edge of a crater. Soldiers from both sides immediately around it stood in a stunned silence.
Gray Maelstrom was at the very center, glaring at the enemy while levitating both her crystal and a large axe, daring anyone to come closer. Several of the other siege unicorns lay at her hooves, breathing heavily.
I’d also guessed correctly. Vice Colonel Glamour was there, too, but she was down. There wasn’t any blood but she wasn’t moving.
I leapt into the pit and came to Maelstrom’s side, keeping my sword ready. “What happened?”
“We were cut off and had to push them back… so we did. Risky and costly. They’re all burnt out and some have been clipped.”
“Help’s on the way.”
The Sudramoar soldiers didn’t hesitate any longer. They started sliding down the edge of the crater and coming for us and the downed unicorns. The closest attacker caught the edge of the single-bladed axe that the unicorn deftly flew around.
Clement Knight and I locked up with the next few down. “Can you please blow them up?” I called over my shoulder as I ducked a wild swing.
“Not if you want me standing. I’m one large spell away from sleepy time,” she replied before slinging the axe past me and dispatching another soldier.
“Great!” I jabbed an attacker with my hoof before rolling to the side and stabbing the one in front of Clement with my sword.
The old pony grunted, “I had him.”
“Yeah, but we don’t have all day.” I faded to his flank and looked over my shoulder at some of our soldiers lingering on the other side of the pit. They were probably still stunned from the initial ambush and then the display of destructive magic. “Snap out of it! Get your commander and these soldiers out of here and behind the line. The rest of you, help us! Move it!”
A sergeant shoved the pony nearest him and then another. “You heard him! These ponies need our help. Come on!” He leapt into the crater and slid down to meet the enemy head on. Many of the others followed suit.
“Warrant Officer, ” I called, “you’re relieved. Fall back.”
“All due respect, sir, don’t tell me what to do,” Gray Maelstrom replied.
“I’m assuming command here. You realize that taking orders goes with the job.”
“Sit on my horn, sir.”
Clement laughed at that. At least until one of the random Sudramoar soldiers caught him with a glancing blow on the side. “Hey!” The old pony turned around and bucked the gryphon hard in the beak.
I shrugged and turned back to the flow of enemy soldiers coming down into the crater. It was slowing and a quick glance left and right revealed our forces to be moving forwards.
“Everypony, ” I ordered, “follow me up and regroup. I want a line established. Form up, protect your comrades.”
We fought our way out to find that the other battalions were already nearing our position. The wall of fire had delayed but not stopped our advance. That was lucky. We were lucky. Or just determined to get home.
Our forces streamed forwards, crashing into the Sudramoar who weren’t in much more order than our vanguard. I moved to join them but I noticed Clement panting beside me. I stopped and set a hoof on his shoulder. “Are you wounded?”
“What? No. Why?”
I shook my head. “No reason.” Age… you can’t do this forever. “Sergeant Major, those unicorns are beyond valuable and I can’t trust any soldier to ensure their safety. Take charge of them.”
He nodded. “Yes, sir! Don’t do anything stupid. You’ve got to get home.”
“I know. I won’t.”
Clement went back and I went forwards. Always forwards. It was time to wrap up this battle. Now that their trick, whatever it was, had been played, they were on open ground. Hopefully they wouldn’t have any more walls of fire. That would be nice. Either way, it was time to lead what was left of the vanguard to victory.
☾
Brigadier Hammer stood next to me surveying the battlefield. The dead and dying were everywhere. Medics and gravediggers were patrolling and seeing to their duties. I blocked out the moans and cries. It was better for everypony that way.
Hammer just shook his head. “Not a bad victory, but we lost more than I expected. Can you imagine that it was something as simple as pitch laying under some straw with a bit of that… whatever that stuff is in it.”
“It was a nasty little surprise, sir. Enough to cause us to falter. I guess they hoped we’d try to put it out or just let the others die.”
He shrugged. “Perhaps they don’t understand loyalty well. You did well again today. I know you weren’t meant to be in this fight.”
“You don’t get vacation days in war, I guess. What now?”
“First and second brigade have gone past and begun the setup of some light defenses. We don’t want to stay here long given how poor it is strategically, but we’re not expecting any counter attacks.
“To be frank, I’m sure you noticed that most of these soldiers aren’t their best. It is becoming more obvious with each engagement.”
That was true. They had heart and followed orders decently well, but their skill with a sword was atrocious. “I’ve noticed. Have we killed through all of the regulars?”
He shook his head. “No.” His voice lowered. “They’re all at the other front now. Gryphons play for keeps. Minister Sombra believes they’ve pulled back on us because they suspect we will be easier to negotiate with.”
And there it was. We’d heard that the kingdom of Austveger had finally started to get serious about attacking. They’d delayed after the original agreement… probably to see how well we’d do. Once it was clear we had momentum, they jumped on the back of the wounded Sudramoar army.
“I see,” I said darkly.
The brigadier shook his head. “I know. It doesn’t matter. We need to finish this out.”
“Yes, sir, I understand.”
We turned to the south together and he motioned to the line of mountains in the distance. “Now we can see it. That’s the goal line, Silent. Just like in hoofball. Cross that and the game is over.”
It was the first time we’d really had that opportunity. How long had this war drawn on now? A year and a half? More? Stratus Knight had been ruined in six months. What was going to become of me?
“Yes, sir. It is going to be motivating. How is Vice Colonel Glamour?”
“She’ll be fine. A few days of rest is all she’ll need. She used up every ounce of strength she had to drive the enemy back. Unicorns are powerful, but it comes at a heavy price. We can’t go on and on like you can.”
“I’m not sure anypony can,” I said softly.
“What?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, sir. If you’ll excuse me?”
He nodded and returned my salute.
I trotted back to where my dragoons were rallying. Now for more bad news. Captain Brynja stood at attention when I arrived and saluted. After returning it, I asked, “What is the score?”
“I am pleazed to zay no dead. Nine zeriouzly injured zo. Mozt will return to duty. Many minor injuriez, but zince when haz zat ztopped dragoonz?”
“Never. Alright, everyone, no patrols for us today. Rest and relaxation once you get our tents in order. Dismissed.”
The dragoons started heading off to the spot we’d chosen. A relatively steep hill that provided a decent vantage point. Clement Knight lagged behind them, moving a bit slow.
I trotted over to him and whispered, “Don’t lie to me. Are you wounded?”
He looked over and shook his head. “No, why do you keep asking me that?”
“You’re moving slow.”
“I’m tired.”
He was tired? Did he just say he was tired? Clement Knight never said anything like that. “Okay. Make one of the younger ponies set up our tents and if I find out you’re wounded and lying to me, grandfather or not, I’ll bust you down to Soldier 3rd Class. Clear?”
“Crystal clear, sir. I’m not lying, though. Not a scratch.”
“Alright, well… trot a little faster. You know they worship the ground your hooves touch. Be tired in the tent.”
“Aye, sir!” he replied before picking up the pace.
I came to a stop and shifted to look south. Those mountains were going to be a nightmare. New soldiers or not, wings or not, they were high ground, heavily fortified, and carried with them the memory of the Harmony. Assaulting them would be like marching into a millstone.
There would be a cost to crossing that goal line. A heavy, heavy cost.
☾
Once again, I found myself in an ill-constructed tent that was meant to be temporary. Another month of advancing against a fading enemy that was now resorting to small, hit-and-run tactics in open terrain.
In short, they were failing. They were failing but we were being extremely slow, cautious, and deliberate. There had been enough surprises.
I slumped onto my cot, practically too tired to move. We’d chased down a supply convoy not two hours prior. I chased; the rest of the dragoons flew. It was humiliating… but I’d bear it. I’d bear it all for Crystal.
A letter was sitting on my pillow. I’d been reading it a lot lately. One more time wouldn’t hurt.
My Knight,
I do not delude myself to believe that when you return, you'll be the same stallion as when you left. Just as you should not delude yourself to believe that I am the same mare you once knew. Much has changed for the both of us this past year. So much has changed for those around me, and I presume the same for those around you. None of us are the same, and that is simply the nature of the situation we are all in.
What will I say? What will I say, indeed. What to me is as core to my being as flying is to yours? The few times I have been flown is enough to tell me I cannot understand the loss. However, if no longer being carried by you through the skies is the price I must pay for you to come home, then I would gladly remain on the ground with you at my side the rest of my years. I just hope that the war has been sated in what it is taking from you and from me; I grow weary of the sacrifices it demands to its monstrous appetite.
My dearest love, you have survived many things before and during this war, so I'll hold onto the hope that you overcome this. You've overcome so much already. Who is to say the doctors were not mistaken? They are taxed from the wounded. They are only ponies and gryphons, not infallible ministers of science and health.
Simply promise me you will not do more harm than good by trying to prove them wrong. If you cannot fly, then you cannot fly. I mourn the loss for you, but not for me. I did not fall in love with you because you are a pegasus. As I once told my parents... I would love you even if you were a mule, and they certainly don't have any wings at all.
Regardless of whether we fly, walk, run, swim, dance...
Always Your Crystal Wishes
I held the paper to my snout. The scent of her was starting to wear off. That was okay, though. There were others and more on the way.
There was a rustle at my tent flap and Clement Knight poked his head in. “Sir?”
Could this war not let me just have one peaceful sleep? “Yes, sergeant major? What new thing requires my attention?”
“Oh… no, nothing like that sir. Can I… I mean, if you don’t mind. Can I sleep here tonight?”
That was weird. “Sure, Tumble used to sleep in my tent all the time.” I rolled out of bed.
“What are you doing?” Clement asked.
“I’m not going to make my grandpa sleep on the floor. You need the comfort more than I do.” That would stick in his craw. I’m sure he’d have something witty to say about it too.
To my surprise, the older pony went over to my cot and replied, “Very much appreciate that.”
“Sure… sure.” I pulled my bedroll over and laid it out before collapsing once more on it.
“Silent Knight?”
“Yes?”
“Tell me about that unicorn wife of yours?”
My ears wiggled. “You want to hear about my wife?”
“I asked didn’t I?” he replied before laying back into the cot.
“I suppose you did. Well, Crystal Wishes is a unicorn, as you know. She’s small and dainty. I mean… for a pegasus. I guess she’s about average for a unicorn. Her mane is brilliantly blonde and has this pink streak in it.”
Clement snorted.
“What?”
“You’ll find out when you’re older.”
“What?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t really ask what she looked like.”
That… was a valid point. “Ah. Well, then she is witty, sweet, and inspiring. She always knows the right thing to say to me or how to explain something. Crystal goes out of her way for her friends. She also has a bit of fight in her when she needs to.”
“Sounds like a lovely wife… it would have been nice to meet her before.”
“Yeah… although you two probably wouldn’t have gotten along. Now you would but, you know how it was.”
He sighed. “Yes, I’m aware. Listen, I can’t make up for what I did or what my son did. For what little it is worth, now that it is too late, I would have done it different.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, it is. I’d rather have had a son than a soldier. In hindsight. Of course, it is too late for that now. At least you turned out alright and I’m pretty confident your foals will be okay.”
“Well… thanks, Grandpa. For what it’s worth, I’m glad I got to know you. Dad never had much to say about you and you were always… well, I won’t rub salt in the wound.”
He nodded and rolled over. “Get some sleep. Long day tomorrow.”
“You do the same,” I replied before settling on the bedroll. Every day was a long day, so why would tomorrow be any different? I didn’t have too much time to dwell on it, though. My mind and body gave in to the embrace of sleep.
When I woke, it was to the sound of a few local birds singing. Despite being on the bedroll, I’d actually slept great. No nightmares, no interruptions… nothing. I got up and stretched lazily. All four hooves then my wings. The busted one made horrible noises but I was used to that now.
Clement was still on my cot. I chuckled and said, “Okay, Sergeant Major, time to get up. I’m sure we’re late for something.”
Clem didn’t move so I slipped over to the cot. “Come on, Grandpa, I won’t tell anyone you slept in.” I settled my hoof on his shoulder and lightly shook it. Nothing…
Carefully, I eased him onto his back. He looked peaceful. Maybe even happy. “Oh…” I lightly stroked his mane and swallowed. “O… Okay. I understand.”
I wiped my eyes and stepped out of the tent. It was going to be a long day after all.
well... hells bells
Well, that's sad. I guess it was just old age? Can't think of anything else, although it's kinda weird how he got so tired so fast so suddenly. Would have expected more of a buildup. Seems too abrupt. Maybe it was the smoke of that fire hurting already weak lungs? At least he managed to reconcile with his grandson, and he passed peacefully. He must have known it was coming with how he acted at the end, and i don't think he had any real regrets. The few he had he seems to have made peace with. And Silent will be a lot more sincere at the funeral rites then with his own father. And seeing how his grandfather still could die relatively peacefully might give him some hope for after the war.
On another note, I like how everybody was speculating on how this was some kind of new weapon and what it would mean, and then it turns out to just be just burning straw and pitch, with I guess that mysterious explosive as a accelerator/igniter. And that they can just jump trough without taking any real damage.
Also, how many times has he been forced to take charge above his rank? He's been doing it since the beginning of the series, way back in the changeling invasion. I fully expect him having to take over for one of the generals at some point.
You know I knew this was gonna happen as soon as you introduced Clement. Still didn't prepare me for when it happened.
7260553
Doesn't he kinda already have that hope? Or rather, he's forcing himself to have it? His entire ethos here is "keep pushing so I can get home to crystal again".
Two words: hardship discharge.
Oh wow.. poor Silent.
7260578
To me there are 2 options. Either he genuinely has some hope to getting home (which considering his current record and the fact that they are making real progress at this point is not infeasible) , or he has the willpower of a god to keep going for so long. Probably both.
this war has got to end soon, for the sake of his sanity.
And it just may since a THIRD kingdom just entered. How much fighting strength does the enemy have left. heck i wouldn't be surprise if there rumblings of removing the king from power.
7260648
What kingdom 3 then think is "Hey, the northern kingdom is almost completely exhausted, as are the ponies, let's go there and steal their stuff".
Then kingdom 4 joins in on the fun and it get's even more complicated. I highly doubt this is going to end after the southern(?) kingdoms defeat.
7260531
Break rank? Hmm a General wouldn't have that much shock value at the this point....but for one of the princesses? That could have some serious drama if it's Luna and he does something against her orders...
7260665 I think they need to justify it with their subjects.
7260668
I'm not sure what you are referring here too. If you are referring to me saying that he takes charge above his rank, I meant that he keeps having to take over for higher ranked personnel. Like how he had to take over for the lieutenant due to him being a defeatist back in the changeling invasion, or was in control of the entire palace guard due to severe contrived coincidence keeping anybody higher ranked out of the caste for a significant amount of time. And him taking over for general was more of a joke. The only way that would happen is if the entire command staff somehow got killed in short order in the middle of a battle, which i imagine is rather unlikely. They wouldn't risk them like that. That said it wouldn't be impossible. It happend in Codex Alera, and it made sense (and was awesome) there.
I kind of seen this coming when Silent noticed him moving slowly. I figured it might happen later in another chapter while Silent was busy.
7260680
Like they needed justification for attacking peacekeepers? Besides, this very war shows that if they really want to they can find a reason.
7260701 The kingdom that Equestria is facing is the one that did that and considering what this war has lead all over the disappearence of a royal I rthink other kingdoms might be hesitant to do the same. for if one tried who's to say the rest won't attack them.
I'm curious, will half this story be the war and the other half be the aftermath of the war? Or is the story only going to cover the war and the next story (please tell me there is a next) will be the aftermath?
I'll miss ol' Clem. He went out in a good way though. Bittersweet chapter. Hoping the war is wrapping up, but they aren't even into Sudramoar proper yet, and they're running out of bodies. I'm expecting a stalemate that'll lead to a white peace and the status quo. A pointless war at the end of the day. Maybe I'll be surprised though.
7260730
I is possible that this war ends with the defeat of the Southern (I think that's the one) Kingdom, with the rest of this fic dealing with the psychological aftermath, as well as more exploring the Alicorns (which i look forward too).
It could also escalate WW (either one) style with the other gryphon kingdoms being pulled in, not the mention the other races (Chrysallis getting revenge?). There is already a hint of this happening as we know something went down in Saddle Arabia.
Either one is equally viable. I'm merely stating that if the other Kingdoms really want to go to war, finding a excuse won't be that hard.
7260746 true.
7260757
I know you already got my point, but I've just realised, what was kingdom 3 official reason anyway? As far as I know it was just "they are vunerable". For all we know in Gryphon culture that's enough.
7260730
No, the third party that just entered the fight on the alliance’s side is the one that backstabbed Equestria by killing its peacekeepers way back. That was the reason everyone was so antsy about the possibility of them deciding to join in — they were worried if they could be trusted.
Anzel, I think you and I might be brain twins.
Crystal will know what that means. You? You have to guess.
Well at least the old soldier and Silent Knight got onto the same page. Dying with family is a pretty decent way to go. Sad for memorial day. I think silent will honour his wishes. Maybe he'll name his son Clement, and raise him right.
As for the war, mountains are murder. I hope they find a way to avoid going through them.
I'd wondered about Clement. Enough foreshadowing in this chapter to make me think that.
Wh- What? Why? Why did you chose one of the saddest ways for the old warrior to go? It's sad.
Forgive me that I shall quote myself first:
May your soul reach the Greater Sky, warrior.
Interesting. Very, very interesting.
7260507 That is certainly a fair take on it, yup!
7260531 That is the insinuation. He old eyes in several chapters, the dull coat, the tired feelings, etc. He just wore out.
Usually, when he does take over it is one level up. ;)
7260541 He was an old pony for sure even at the start. Stratus started having foals a bit late. One of those non-surprises!
7260553 A tricky conundrum!
7260568 Typically I don't think that would apply here. Usually it is a hardship on the family that gets you sent home. Like my mother's father in WW2. He was a farmer and had four daughters, one son, and a wife. He was sent home to take care of them.
7260580 Truly. Not how he expected to wake up I'm sure.
7260648 It does seem to be wrapping up!
7260700 There were some other hints earlier too. I started super subtle and then got more and more obvious :D
7260732 I'm pretty tight lipped about the plot other than to say all open plot points will be closed and that this marks the end of the "of a royal guard" trilogy.
7260744 Yes, it was meant to feel different. We'll see more of it in the next chapter.
7260855 And guess I shall.
7260960 It kind of fits the day actually, which was by intention. Certainly different from when Stratus passed.
7260980 And a little in previous ones too!
7261074 A peaceful death with family vs a violent one!
7261253 Crystal's letters always are ;)
That... is just sad.
7261326
Huh, now that you mention it, you did do things like that. I suppose those where subtler, and the blatant "he got tired real fast" stood out more.
If I recall, back in the changeling invasion he took over for his lieutenant, as he was a private first class (I think) at the time, that would be a jump of 5 ranks, and a jump from non-commissioned to commissioned officer. And when he took over the palace as a lieutenant. I seem to recall it usually being done by at least a Major, so that's a jump of at least 2 ranks. And considering the major I'm thinking of was in control of the combined house guards, not the palace in general I can imagine a vice-colonel is usually in control overal, making it 3 ranks. Here he takes over for a vice-colonel which is admittedly only 1 rank.
Personally, I hope he ends up at Colonel. Mainly because I want him to be this (warning, leads to a soul sucking abyss where time has no meaning)
You just love kicking the puppy (that is the readers feels) with every chapter end, now do you?
Clement must have had a feeling his time had come. At least he went peacefully...
Whoever is cutting onions in this chapter needs to cut it the fuck out. The feels roller coaster in this one is real. I do love though that Clement found some semblance of serenity before passing, though. That it wasn't his WHOLE existence as an adult that was riddled with strife. Still, though. ; ;
Why must you do this to me every chapter? Are you trying to top each bad chapter ending with something even more feelsy or horrible?
Good grief, it can't be! I can't believe that Silent's grandpa has died in his sleep? But why so soon and so early in the story? Why now?!
7261326 as for Clement's death i going for heart failure.
The next chapter is going to be bloody again, isn't it?
Well, at least Clement passed peacefully, probably the best he could hope for, considering. And the war is nearing its end by the sound of it, though that leaves the question, will Equestria's soldiers ever really recover mentally from this war.
At least Clement went peacefully. He deserved that much...even if it was at the expense of my feels...again...
Well done, Anzel. You made me cry. You made me cry in class. And my friends had to get me to pull my act together before the accounting teacher noticed.
Dang it, Anzel. Luna dang it.
-clutches heart and falls over- Oh... my heart.... did you have to hit me there? I have to say... I have a feeling Clement knew his time was coming... and it speaks alot to him that he atleast made the effort to reconcile with Silent. He knew he wasnt going to meet crystal thus why he asked.. I have to say im worried as to how it will affect Silent.. on a side note, I am now curious as to what changes has happened to crystal..
Clement no! He was my favorite soldier. Beside Crystal, whose going to bring Silent out of the Dread?
I see this story's curtain call is about ready to fall.
7261253 Im curious as to what Crystal could mean by that line.... hmmm... I wonder if the army adage of "theres always Jodi" rings true, or if there is a signifigant change such as an adoption, or maybe even a hidden pregnancy not told to silent yet so he wont be unfocused? curiouser and curiouser.
A sad but peacefully ending to give us you did that nicely looking foreword to next week
Oh. Okay then. Don't mind me, I'll just be in this corner crying. Great chapter as always!
Well, that happened. I'll... I'll be over here...
Yeah, Clement knew. It's why he asked about Crystal, knowing he'd never meet her.
Remember the adage: "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
You killed Clement!!! I was starting to really like him!!!
Welp. At least he reconciled with Silent and departed peacefully. I mean... shit. I wasn't expecting this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go dice some onions for garnish so my family doesn't think I'm actually sad.
That was a good death. It was either that or he go out while saving Silent's life or something.
Also! best conversation EVER!
HAH! gotta take the sad with the funny