The mighty Griffin Kingdoms with their new War Wing airships have ventured forth to conquer their neighbors. A desperate plan is born to change the winds of war. Meanwhile a Griffin meets a Zebra.
The mighty Griffin Kingdoms with their new War Wing airships have ventured forth to conquer their neighbors. The Zebra Tribal Confederation faces complete defeat as War Wings cast shadows upon their sovereign soil. A desperate plan is born to change the winds. Meanwhile a Griffin meets a Zebra. War and Romance as these two lovers dance. The fate of two nations teeters on the brink. We now have a Wiki Entry!
Executive Editor Ignis Character Cast Portraits Included.
Whereas the nation of Equestria had advanced in sorcery, the Griffin Kingdoms progressed in technology. An age was ended when the dreaded dragons’ flame was bested by the greater cannons’ fire, thus the lizard lords lost their dominion to the United Griffin Kingdoms. The victors, Griffin-kind, embarked upon the enterprise of empire. Gold and glory gleaming in their eyes, they set forth to conquer a continent, Zebrika.
Countering the invasion, the Zebra people summoned forth their greatest warriors, the Zerkers. Incapable of feeling pain, the Zerkers’ bravery was legendary. With martial might they had done what was thought to be impossible. Throwing themselves into the fires of the conflict, for a time they stalled the enemy’s encroach.
It is a decade into the war, the blood of Zerker’s is spent and spirit burnt up. Now Griffin airships cast their shadows over half of Zebra lands, poised to take the territory remaining beyond the Sand Sea. Driven to despair, the Zebra Confederation launches their most desperate plan yet.
The sun baked the yellowed grass of the plains. The grass was trampled under the hooves of a marching army. At first they appeared like regular ponies, however their coats were touched by bands of light and darkness. The striped Zebras assembling the wooden pole pieces together by ropes and pulleys finished erecting the last of their war machines.
They were led by one of their own, donned in golden armor that glistened in the sun. She turned toward her army. “Those walls are not to repel us but to trap our brothers and sisters therein! Tear down the symbol of people's oppression! Liberation!”
With a wave of her hoof, the arms of a hundred catapults swung into action.
A city is under siege. Griffin troops ran along the walls. Black spheres pelted at the walls. As the orbs sunk into the earthen works, they exploded, blasting apart the walls and the Griffins that attended them. Shrill shrieks and caws could be heard as the hybrid birds died. The Griffins that survived the barrage retaliated with meager cannonade and crossbow fire. At the highest keep of the city palace fortress, the desperate situation is surveyed.
“Commander Ironbeak, the city is lost, we must evacuate before we are overrun!” cried a tan-feathered female Griffin officer.
A brown feathered Griffin with a dark head and silver cape spoke. “No! It will not be known that it was here, and under my command, that the Griffin Kingdoms' advance was thwarted. I will not lose to savages!” He gripped his beak in dismay. “What will I do? I can’t fail… not again.”
Soaring through the skies above were two great metal ships. Emblazoned on each of their hulls was the sigil of the Griffin Kingdoms, a golden hawk wreathed in a dark circle of feathers. One of the airships docked upon the top tower of the city’s battlements while the second ship circled, covering the first. A white headed and brown feathered Griffin with a flowing red cape walked down the boarding ramp.
Ironbeak exhaled in relief. “Thank Odin, you've arrived. Prince Reagle, the savages encroach! Have you brought only two War Wings?”
“Cousin Ironbeak, why have the Zebras have come so far? You were supposed to hold them outside the city, not hide behind the city walls.” Reagle looked downwards at his cousin.
Ironbeak shuffled, touching his claws nervously. “Prince Reagle, we were up against Zebra Zerkers. They feel no pain in combat.”
Reagle looked through a spyglass provided by an attendant. He saw the Zebra war works and catapults. He noticed the line of infantry had red banners but were not assembled in formation. Reagle looked to see that a group of Zebras had scattered from a single stray cannon shot.
“Cousin, you've been had.” Reagle chuckled. “These aren't the infamous Zebra Zerkers. Their battle lines aren't organized. Nor do real Zerkers scatter from cannon fire.”
Ironbeak scratched his beak in embarrassment.
“Come cousin, we have a battle to win!” said Reagle jubilantly.
Zebras galloped away as bombs exploded in front of them. The shadow of the two griffin War Wings darkened the ground with smaller war balloons trailing after them. Zebras engineers tried to dismantle their siege engines, carrying the pieces away. They abandoned the effort when the shadows of the War Wings were cast upon them. The wooden catapults were blown apart in a rain of splinters.
A Zebra mare in golden armor shouted motioning with her hooves. “Withdraw, we live to fight another day!” She spat angrily as she stared upwards at the sky and the airship. “We almost had them…”
Overhead, aboard the bridge of Reagle's War Wing, the scattering Zebra troops were observed as tiny dots on the land.
Reagle was far more reserved. “They use hit and run tactics. They've done their damage. Their Commander is smart.” Reagle pointed to some Zebras disassembling a catapult. The Zebras carried between them the large wooden beams and parts. “You see their siege weapons are portable.”
Ironbeak sneered. “So we just let them go?!”
“No, not this day.” said Reagle, smiling.
As the Zebras retreated towards the horizon, a cloud front dispersed from which four more War Wings emerged. The Zebra infantry stopped as they gaped at their change in fortune. The War Wings spread out and formed a wall of fire as they bombed the sand and soil.
A Zebra lieutenant with an eyepatch trotted over to his Commander. “They have surrounded us and cut off our escape. What will we do now”
Another Zebra warrior spoke up. “We fight to death like the brave Zulu Zakar!”
“We are with you, Commander!” voices cried in the ranks.
“Liberation or death!” shouted a voice.
“Give the order!” screamed another.
The Commander in golden armor, her voice quivering as she spoke to her expectant soldiers. “I cannot ask you to or bear to see more of people die. My orders stand! The enemy has us, this will not be a fight but a slaughter if we resist them now. Live to fight another day. We will surrender.”
“How is this possible?” asked Ironbeak.
“Lazy, you've come to rely too much on our unnatural advantages and have forgotten we can manipulate the clouds. It's in the classic war manuals,”said Reagle proudly.
“I thought you only had two War wings under your personal command. Where did you muster the others?” asked Ironbeak.
“Oh, those belong to my father,” said Reagle proudly.
“King Hawkmor is here!?” cried Ironbeak, aghast.
Two War Wings docked, and a Griffin who towered over the tallest of them stepped across the boarding bridge. Such extreme was the height of the Griffin that he was forced to lower his head to pass the doorway. As he entered the other War Wing, Prince Reagle and Ironbeak bowed.
“Reagle!” said the large Griffin, heartily hugging his smaller son. His claws were massive.
“Father!” chirped Reagle warmly as he squirmed under the choking hug.
King Hawkmor released Reagle. “A splendid victory son, using the clouds to hide our ship! I almost wanted to be on the ground see the look on those Zerkers' faces.”
“Cousin Ironbeak was mistaken, those weren't the famous Zerkers that defeated Lord Helmsford,” said Reagle modestly.
“Don't be so humble, son. We've captured so many of them without so much as a feather ruffled! We must party to celebrate!” chuckled King Hawkmor. King Hawkmor then turned to Ironbeak with a grimace. “You however, will not be joining the celebrations. Letting the enemy come so close, and set up siege no less!” Hawkmor poked a claw at Ironbeak's head.
Ironbeak bowed. “Forgive me, my liege.”
“It wasn't all his fault, he thought he was up against Zerkers,” said Reagle in defense of his cousin.
Hawkmor relented. “Alright then, Ironbeak you will permitted to join the festivities-”
Ironbeak looked upwards with a small glint of hope in his eyes.
“-as a drinks server! Hohohohoho!” Hawkmor laughed.
The herd of Zebras were surrounded by Griffin soldiers with crossbows. A War Wing above them had their bomb bay doors open as insurance.
“Drop your weapons! Surrender without resistance or be destroyed!” shouted a Griffin officer with tan feather colors.
The Zebra infantry dropped their spears to the ground, even those spears with white flags tied to them.
“Now, bring forth the Commander of your rabble!” shouted the Griffin officer directing with her crossbow.
The Zebra Commander was about to stand up before she was pushed down and hidden by a squad of her own soldiers.
“Please Commander, you mustn't reveal yourself. Give me your armor so that you can live,” said the zebra with the eyepatch.
“Assegai? They'll execute you.” the Commander recoiled at the request.
“We have contacts and converts in the city, but they'll be of no help if you are identified,” said Assegai.
“Do you all accept me abandoning you?” said the Commander in a pained voice.
The Zebras that shielded her nodded.
“We shall, for now, accept our slavery and Griffin claw with docile decorum, so that the day you return, we might rise in rebellion,” spoke a smiling Zebra.
“I understand, our original mission is of greater importance,” said the Commander.
“Hurry Commander,” said Assegai, offering the Commander a common infantry helm.
The Zebra mare slipped off her golden armor.
The Griffin officer tapped her crossbow impatiently. “If the Commander does not step forward, we will execute you all.”
Assegai stepped forward in the golden armor.
“I am the Commander,” said Assegai.
“Good.” Griffin officer smirked. “Kill him!”
“I die free!” cried Assegai as crossbow bolts buffeted him.
“Assegai!” cried the Zebra mare. She was pulled by her own soldiers as tears streamed from her eyes.
In the palace grounds of the city, Griffin dignitaries and nobles chatted as they engorged themselves on appetizers. Zebra servants walked the halls, catering to the event. Reagle opened a side window on the grand hall. He looked about and sighed when it seemed safe. Stepping in, his entrance into the banquet hall was not unnoticed.
“There he is! Reagle, The Whirlwind Prince!” the shrill cries of a dozen female Griffins greeted the young prince with their wings popped out. Reagle was instantly swarmed by the bundles of feathers.
“Prince Reagle, tell us of your conquest of those savages?!” chirped a white feather female Griffin.
“Was the battle bloody?!” asked a tan Griffin with dark head feathers.
“Can I touch your wings?!” cried another grey Griffin female.
“Please ladies!” said Reagle backing away slowly.
A single Griffin shoved them all aside with a sweep of her wings. “Back away! He's mine!” Like Reagle, the female griffin was an idealized version her race; with her white head and brown feathered body.
“Gilda!” Reagle cried as he was tugged away by her strong claws.
Reagle was lead by Gilda to a drinking fountain. Gilda coughed, gesturing with her eyes to some glasses. Reagle nodded at the hint, taking a bottle and pouring drinks for the two of them.
“So I heard what you did up there, not bad,” said Gilda.
“Yeah, Gilda. It was nothing,” said Reagle, rubbing his head in embarrassment.
“You should be at the helm. You'd end this war in ten second flat.” Gilda smirked.
“Hey, dad's not bad,” said Reagle.
“Be more ambitious,” said Gilda.
Reagle brow raised upwards. “Are you suggesting that I-”
“Hey, no one's suggesting anything. I'm just saying that I'd like to be Queen before my feathers start falling out,” said Gilda.
“I'm not doing that,” said Reagle sternly.
Gilda noticed Reagle's rigid stance. “Hey lighten up. I was joking. That's why I like you, Mr. Loyal and Cool,” said Gilda.
Reagle relaxed a bit. “Dad's going to cover the war front for a while… Gilda, I was wondering whether we could spend some time together.”
“I'm going overseas to visit an old friend from my exchange student days,” said Gilda, folding her claws.
“I thought we could hang out,” said Reagle softly.
“We will, dude. We got the rest of our lives for that,” sighed Gilda with a minor twinge of exasperation.
“I guess I'll be seeing you then,” said Reagle, touching his claws nervously.
Gilda pulled Reagle close by the neck scruff feathers. “Don't you dare cheat on me or I'll clip your wings!” said Gilda, poking Reagle in the chest with her claws. Gilda pecked Reagle with a forceful kiss before shoving him backwards and storming off with a satisfied smile.
“I wouldn't dream of it!” smiled Reagle.
Reagle walked about the party grounds, trying to hide behind food and ice sculptures. Looking over to where his father stood, King Hawkmor was surrounded by dignitaries that feigned laughter at the King's antics and jokes. Zebra servers walked about with drink trays, and Reagle frowned at the shackles on the Zebras’ legs. Hiding behind an ice sculpture of his father, he noticed a drinks tray dangling in front of him. Reagle grabbed a drink from a tray then noticed that his server was a Griffin.
“Cousin!” chirped Reagle.
“Reagle!” Ironbeak jumped up, tipping the drinks tray on himself.
The clattering tray and shattering glass attracted everyones' attention. Nobles were giggling behind cuffed claws while Ironbeak sat in shame.
Ironbeak spoke. “You bird brain! I didn't want to be noticed!” Ironbeak's feathers were soaked. The center of ridicule, Ironbeak hid his face behind his claws.
The laughing stopped when Reagle grabbed a drinks tray from a Zebra servant. He took the glasses splashing them on himself, one by one. The room became silent.
“Refreshing!” shouted Reagle proudly.
A female Griffin noble spilled her own drink on her person, and several others followed suit.
“Sorry, cousin. Father's sense of humor can go overboard sometimes. Here let me help you,” said Reagle, offering a claw and helping Ironbeak up.
Ironbeak scratched his beak and blinked his eyes in astonishment.
“Come, let's get cleaned up,” said Reagle.
Outside in the garden, a Zebra servant sprayed Reagle and Ironbeak with a hose. Reagle laughed as the spraying water washed the drinks from their bodies.
Ironbeak spoke. “Reagle... why?”
“They'd like to laugh at you, but they wouldn't dare laugh at me.” Reagle smiled.
“No, I mean, why did you do that?” asked Ironbeak.
“Hey, we're all one nest here. You're family, cousin,” said Reagle tapping Ironbeak's side with his claw.
“Thank you, Reagle,” said Ironbeak unable to look Reagle in the eyes.
Walking away from the party, Reagle flew about in order to further dry his body. His wings were waterproof but the rest of his body was not. He yawned as he landed on one of the palace balconies. Walking to his room, he found a Zebra servant waiting for him.
“Hey, I didn't order room service,” said Reagle.
“Prince Reagle, a gift from Ironbeak, his compliments for the defense of the city.” the Zebra servant said as he opened the door.
Reagle stepped in. Sitting on the bed in Reagle's room, was a Zebra mare. Wrapped around her chest was a big bow like a present. Reagle blushed however he looked sadly at the manacles on her forelegs.
The Zebra servant tossed Reagle a key. “Enjoy.” The Zebra servant smirked as he walked off.
Reagle stood in the center of the moonlit room, staring at the Zebra half bathed in shadow and her own stripes.
Reagle rubbed his forehead. “Very tasteful cousin.”
“I'm all yours, my Prince,” said the Zebra mare, turning and allowing Reagle to see her back.
“No, thank you,” said Reagle.
“What?” said the Zebra mare, disbelief entering her voice. She tried once more in a more seductive tone. “I hear you like conquering Zebra lands. How about conquering me?” She batted her eyelashes.
Reagle's wings stiffened at the actions, but he walked backwards. “Umm, no.”
“Do you prefer males?” The Zebra mare flicked her tail in slight frustration.
Reagle gulped then composed himself by adjusting his cape collar. “No it's not that.”
The Zebra mare mumbled to herself. “The reports said he was positively lecherous.” The Zebra redoubled her efforts. She flicked her tail and spoke demurely. “I live to serve, anything you desire.”
Reagle scratched his head feathers. Walking close, he noticed puffy bags under the of the Zebra mare. There was a tiny glint on her cheeks of recent moisture. “Have you been crying?” said Reagle tenderly.
The mare recoiled at Reagle's observation. “I…,” said the Zebra mare gasping.
“Did they hurt you and force you to do this?! You can tell me,” said Reagle sternly.
The Zebra turned her body towards Reagle. “Don't you Griffins wish to make slaves of us all? Is that not why you advance your forces into our land?”
“I don't believe in the institution of slavery. It's not right.” said Reagle, angrily gripping his claws. “I'm sorry for what they have done to you. I'll see justice done to them.” Reagle said as he bowed. Reagle took the key in his claws and spoke in a kind voice. “Look, I'm going to set you free. Please hold still,” He said as he approached the mare.
As he got closer, he was too late to notice that her shackles weren’t locked.
She drew a knife from the folds of the bowtie and pounced. Reagle reacted, assuming a battle stance and grabbed her forelegs with his claws. She smiled around the dagger in her mouth and muscles rippled beneath her coat as she forced Reagle onto the ground.
“You're strong!” remarked Reagle with the knife nearly to his throat.
“You're weak,” grinned the Zebra mare.
“Is that so?!” Reagle propped his wings on the floor and pushed the Zebra off of him.
Reagle smirked, drawing a dagger from a holster hidden beneath his wings “So the Zebra Tribal Confederation sends an assassin, which tribe?” asked Reagle.
“I owe you no answer,” said the Zebra as she lunged.
Reagle readied himself, however the mare slammed him against the wall. His free claw was pinned by a powerful hoof. Reagle looked down to see his bodkin embed itself into the Zebra mare's leg. “You would sacrifice a limb to take my life?” said Reagle, choking with the Zebra's dagger held to his throat.
“Don't struggle,” said the Zebra.
“You underestimate pain!” Reagle twisted the dagger in her leg, cutting muscles and tendons.
The Zebra snorted, unimpressed. “You underestimate me. Is that all?” said the Zebra staring Reagle down.
“You don't feel any pain! A Zerker?!” Reagle gasped as he realized his opponent had him.
The zebra mare drew another object hidden by the bow strapped to her chest. It was a syringe. The needle was plunged into Reagle's neck and a strange liquid entered his body. He immediately felt woozy and the room began to spin as the mare released him onto the ground.
“Zaza, are you done yet? The guards won’t remain drugged for much longer said a voice.
The sound of wheels crunching on gravel brought Reagle to consciousness. Reagle found that his legs were bound by rope and his wings were tied to his chest by metal chains that just allowed him to breathe. There was a small hole of light. The rough texture of a burlap sack rubbed against his body. He felt the vibrations as the cart was pulled along. Two conspirators whispered.
A meek male voice spoke. “Zaza, let me pull the cart.”
“No Nokimbe, I can handle this.” said the female voice.
“Your potion will soon wear off and even mended, the pain in your leg will be immense.” said Nokimbe.
“Fine, I will not ride in the cart however.” said Zaza.
“It’s just as well. I don't think I have the strength to pull you both.” chuckled Nokimbe.
“Hurry up, we're in the open now. I don't like this.” said Zaza.
The cart stopped moving temporarily only to be pulled again. Reagle poked his head out of the bag. He saw that he was being pulled by a small lanky male Zebra. He recognized the Zebra mare that strolled alongside the male Zebra. Reagle ducked back into the bag and started straining to wiggle out of his bindings. He stopped struggling when he realized his beak though tied still had its sharp curve. He began sawing through his ropes.
“Zaza, do you think we'll make it?” asked Nokimbe.
“We must. I owe it to Assegai and my warriors now captive.” said Zaza fiercely.
Reagle had already undone his ties when he poked out of the burlap sack again and saw the two distracted in conversation. Taking the chance, Reagle jumped out and ran. The chains wrapped around his chest and wings jingled.
Zaza and Nokimbe looked off wistfully as Reagle sprinted away.
“He's stronger than we gave him credit for, the drug's worn off.” said Nokimbe.
“That or you messed up the brewing the potion. I should have done it.” said Zaza dismissively.
“Shall I fetch him?” asked Nokimbe.
“No, I will.” said Zaza.
Reagle legs burned as he over exerted them. Sweat ran down the corners of his peak. He looked disbelievingly to his right at the Zebra mare that kept a casual pace with him. Reagle saw a sand dune and slid down. Zaza followed. He ran further, but looked with wide eyes when he saw Zaza right beside him.
“Where is it that you think your going?” Zaza spat.
“Freedom or so I thought.” Reagle sighed. He slowed to a stop. Panting, he caught his breath.
Zaza levelled her spear to Reagle's neck. “You really thought you could outrun a Zebra Zerker?” She cocked her brow.
“Nope!” Reagle threw the sand that he had collected in his claws. The cloud hit Zaza in the face blinding her. Reagle wrenched her spear from her war saddle. He smiled at the reversal. “Now you, back away slowly.”
Zaza had rubbed the sand from her eyes but she flared with anger. Quickly she calmed herself. “So you think that will give you a fighting chance.” Zaza said coolly, looking at the pole-arm gripped in Reagle's claws.
“This time I'm ready for you. I know what you are.” said Reagle spinning the spear.
Zaza darted towards Reagle with lightning speed. To his amazement she jumped over Reagle's swipe attack and his head. Before Reagle could fully turn his back Zaza kicked her hindlegs into Reagle's sides sending him back. Zaza followed up the attack with another as she got in close. Reagle was force to defend himself with the spear's handle.
“A spear is a range weapon, once I get in close you're done for.” Zaza kept delivering precise strikes to only a certain point of the wooden pole. Reagle jumped back.
“You're trying to break my weapon!” said Reagle.
“How observant.” said Zaza.
“Let me help you.” said Reagle snapping the spear in two.
“The famed Warrior Prince of the Griffins is a fool.” said Zaza chuckling.
“Wrong again, I'm a sword user!” Reagle retorted, going on the offensive.
Zaza was surprised by Reagle's aggression and the precision with which he swung the shortened spear like a sword. “Your training is in close range also.” Zaza's composure was temporarily shaken. She noticed her left cheek was bleeding a red line and she winced in pain. “Oh no the potion.” Zaza gasped as pain shot upward through the leg where she was so recently healed, causing her to trip.
Reagle motioned to finish her but stopped. Hate-filled eyes stared at him.
“Be done with it.” Zaza closed her eyes, defiantly holding up her chin.
“You were injured.” said Reagle, gesturing to Zaza's leg. “It was not noble for me fight you. In accordance to the rules of dueling, I cannot take your life.” Reagle chirped solemnly.
Zaza tilted her head in confusion.
“Zaza!” Nokimbe slid down from the top of the sand dune and pointed his spear at Reagle. Nokimbe stared at Zaza on the ground. “He beat you? No way!” stammered Nokimbe.
Zaza lowered her head in shame.
Nokimbe began shaking nervously. His fearful vibration transferred through to the very spear he held against Reagle. “You drop that weapon!”
Reagle spun the halved spear in his claws. “I take it you’re not much of a fighter?” smiled Reagle.
“Not even close to Zaza.” said Nokimbe looking away. “However I will die before I let you escape!”
The conversation was interrupted by shrill hawkish cry. Everyone looked upwards to see figures in the sky. With a soft thud a squad of Griffins landed lead by a single Griffin.
Reagle joyfully recognized the black head of the lead Griffin. “Ironbeak! I'm saved! Thank you cousin!”
“Kill them!” said Ironbeak.
“Wait!” said Reagle standing in between Ironbeak and the two Zebras. “Let them live. We can take them prisoner.” said Reagle.
Zaza and Nokimbe looked at each other quizzically.
As Reagle walked towards him, Ironbeak shoved Reagle back.
“Cousin?” Reagle looked at Ironbeak with confusion.
Ironbeak pointed his lance at Reagle. “I'm sorry, Reagle. You are the sole heir to House Hawkmor. With your death succession goes to their heir of house Ironclaw.”
Reagle began to bob his head in realization. “Ironbeak, aren’t you are the heir of house Ironclaw?” Reagle's eyes narrowed.
“Yeah, that's right.” said Ironbeak holding his lance in a fidgety manner.
Nokimbe shouted. “That was not part of the deal. You were to let us take him.”
“Lord Ironclaw told me to make sure… he commanded me…” said Ironbeak.
“Your father?” said Reagle.
“Yeah, Lord Ironclaw, that's what I said.” Ironbeak lowered his beak.
“Murder and betrayal does not become you cousin. We are kin.” said Reagle.
“I know! But I have to!” said Ironbeak nearly biting his tongue.
Reagle dropped the spear pieces.“Cousin, let us embrace as family and forget all this.” said Reagle walked towards Ironbeak with outstretched claws.
Before Ironbeak could react Reagle rushed ahead and grabbed Ironbeak's lance. He twisted the weapon out of Ironbeak's claws and tossed the weapon to Zaza.
“Fight with me!” shouted Reagle to the two Zebras.
A Griffin with a crossbow fired and Reagle jumped back. Reagle saw Zaza guzzle a purple potion from her saddlebag before she popped upwards with the lance and bounded towards a Griffin who was about impale Reagle. Zaza speared the lancer first.
Reagle jumped on the crossbow wielding Griffin before the weapon was reloaded. Stealing the soldier's sword from scabbard, Reagle cut down the Griffin.
Another Griffin charged Zaza from behind, flailing his sword. Zaza slipped off of her war saddle and spun around, kicking the Griffin with a crack to the head. The Griffin fell into the sand and dirt.
The fourth Griffin swiped at Reagle with a sword. Reagle parried the strike and punched the Griffin in the beak with his other claw. The Griffin staggered back, but before Reagle could swing his sword, Zaza had come from behind him and impaled the enemy Griffin with her lance. The efficiency and speed of the Zebra scared Reagle.
Reagle and Zaza both turned towards the last Griffin. Ironbeak shrieked in fear and with a flap of his wings became airborne.
Reagle instinctively jumped after him but fell into the sand. It was a painful reminder that his wings were still chained to his body.
In the bloodied sand, Reagle faced Zaza and Nokimbe. They each still clung to their weapons.
“That little worm. We attended academy together!” Reagle stabbed at the dirt.
“Wow, you two beat them before I could even…. Wow!” said Nokimbe.
“Zaza is it? You're a great fighter.” said Reagle smiling.
“…” Zaza did not reply. She snapped to the tension in the air. “You're coming with us now. Your wings are still tied. You can't run.” said Zaza.
“Better, I can fight.” said Reagle holding out his sword.
Zaza sneered pointing her lance. “Luck won’t save you this time.”
“In every fight you are disadvantaged, you have to keep me alive for your purposes.” smiled Reagle.
Zaza smiled. “Indeed however if you will not go willingly, it is better that you be killed. I won’t hold back this time.”
She tilted her head back as if to enter a trance. Zaza popped her head back forward and glared at Reagle. Zaza’s eyes sharpened. It was unnerving, usually predators shared that stare but here an herbivore had those same eyes. Even the Griffin’s raptor eyes could not match her gaze.
A bead of sweat dripped from Reagle’s face feathers his confidence wavered. Reagle gulped. “Hey, let’s talk about this.”
Zaza salivated. “No more talking, my hot blood hungers for yours!”
“Zaza! Stop! Don’t lose control! We need the bird alive!” cried Nokimbe.
Reagle felt a dart in his chest.
Nokimbe had a blow dart gun pointed at him.
“Zaza, calm down! I got him! Remember your mission! Your people!” said Nokimbe.
Zaza blinked. Reagle noticed that the Zebra mare had regained her composure after tilting her head back.
“You got me?” asked Reagle, examining the dart that barely penetrated his chest.
Nokimbe pointed a hoof at Reagle. “That dart's been tipped with a slow acting poison, you'll need the delay solution every twelve hours. We're more than a day away from your battle lines. The true antidote is at our destination.”
Reagle gasped. “Poison?! That's lowly!” said Reagle dropping his blade.
Reagle walked through the sand dunes lead by a rope attached to his neck. Zaza led the way, pulling on Reagle's rope. Nokimbe walked beside him.
Reagle turned to Nokimbe. “What was that thing she did?” asked Reagle still shivering slightly.
“That scare you birdy?” Nokimble chuckled.
Reagle nodded meekly.
“It scares me too. It is called the Zerker battle trance. It is a trained state of mind. It sacrifices sanity for unparalleled focus. Be glad that she didn’t enter it fully. We both might have been killed.” said Nokimbe.
Reagle shivered as he stared at the Zebra mare in front of him. “That’s positively fearsome! I love it.” said Reagle.
Zaza looked back. “I may not be able to flip back next time. Don’t make me do that again or I will kill you.”
“Where do you hope to take me and what can you possibly accomplish?” asked Reagle.
“That is none of your concern.” said Zaza.
“Ransom then?” asked Reagle.
“No, petty bits don't concern us. We will use you to regain our people's pride and lands.” said Zaza proudly.
“That's an outdated cause, you've lost too much ground.” said Reagle.
“It is not. I recall that recently Zulu Zakar bested your Lord Helmsford in battle. The Zebra people won a great victory.” said Zaza proudly.
“Okay, granted your people won one battle with that Zulu Zakar fellow but you must know you can't win the war. Even that great General Zulu of yours was killed in that same battle. Your so called victory was a draw. So you have no leadership, no significant weapons, and no chance. You might as well surrender.” said Reagle.
Zaza blew steam from her nostrils in rage. “Arggh!” She turned about and smashed Reagle in the stomach with a kick of her hind legs.
Reagle coughed as the kick winded him.
“Hey birdbrain, guess whose brother died?” said Nokimbe.
As they walked further in the heat, his feet began aching.
“Why didn't you bring the cart?” asked Reagle groaning.
Zaza looked back. “You can walk. It is dignified to walk rather than be carried.” said Zaza, tugging strongly on Reagle's rope with her mouth.
Reagle nodded. As they walked further Reagle noticed the swaying of Zaza's rump as she strolled along. His face became red. “I can walk wherever you want with such a prize at the end.” Reagle chirped.
Zaza's face became red. “That's it! Nokimbe you lead him!” said Zaza giving the rope to the other Zebra.
“Hahaha! Keep your eyes off my flank birdy!” Nokimbe laughed.
“Argh! Come on!” said Reagle. He stopped complaining when Zaza slowed her pace to walk beside him.
“I'm watching you don't try anything smart.” said Zaza narrowing her eyes.
“I'm thirsty.” Reagle whined.
“You have spit to talk. Now walk.” said Zaza angrily.
The sun's oppression reached its full fervor as it moved to its zenith in the sky. The three figures walking in the desert were the center of its focus.
Reagle began feeling faint. He wobbled in his walk. He fell, leaning on Zaza.
“You pervert!” cried Zaza, raising a hoof to strike him however she relaxed when she saw Reagle collapse into the sand. Zaza stopped. She shoved a canteen into Reagle's claws.
“Drink.” said Zaza.
Reagle greedily took the canteen and tipped it upwards. Water flowed into his beak.
Zaza kicked the Griffin slightly. “Not all of it! Or you'll be drinking your piss!” shouted Zaza.
Reagle stopped and gave back the canteen. “Thanks you, Zaza.” said Reagle.
“Yeah.” said Zaza uncomfortably.
“Hey your mouth touched this, does this mean we've kissed by proxy?” Reagle smirked.
“Think again birdy! That's my canteen!” Nokimbe yelled back laughing.
“Argh! Come on!” shouted Reagle.
Walking further, they arrived at small grove that was half consumed by the desert. Night was beginning to roll in.
“We make camp here.” Zaza declared.
“Finally! I’m beat.” said Nokimbe falling down.
“Hey, we need a fire and wood if we don't want to freeze to death.” said Zaza.
“Send the pet out.” said Nokimbe grumbling as he shifted to use his leg as a pillow.
“Lazy.” Zaza spat.
Nokimbe took an hourglass out of his pouch and saw that all the grains of sand had reached the bottom. “Twelve hours are up. Here, have him drink this so he won’t die on you.” said Nokimbe throwing Zaza a small vial of liquid that landed in the sand.
Zaza pushed the vial to Reagle and he drained it to the last drop.
Zaza and Reagle gathered a small pile from the surrounding trees. Still on a leash, Reagle climbed several trees, snapping off death branches and throwing them down. Finishing Reagle climbed off the tree while Zaza watched.
“Excellent work.” said Zaza.
“Hey, a compliment.” said Reagle.
Zaza snorted pulling Reagle harshly back to the campsite.
Placing the pile in the center of the campsite, they noticed that Nokimbe was loudly snoring. Reagle watched with great fascination as Zaza created a fire through friction using a curved twig, some string, and a stick.
“Very nice, I'd be lost without a flint lighter.” said Reagle.
“You Griffins and your technology.” Zaza spat.
The fire between them grew as Zaza tossed several more sticks in the blaze. In the flickering fire, Reagle noticed the scar on Zaza's cheek, the scar he made.
“Hey, I'm sorry about….” Reagle pointed to his own cheek.
Zaza felt her face she noticed a horizontal scar on her left cheek. “It is nothing, we Zerkers do not fear pain.”
“Those purple potions in your pouch say otherwise.” said Reagle.
“Those are traditional brews all Zerkers drink. It merely numbs the pain so that we might focus on combat.” said Zaza.
“I see.” said Reagle.
“You had me, then you stopped. Why?” asked Zaza.
“Hey, we Griffins aren't as evil as you imagine. I wasn’t going to take advantage of a slave. You also had tears in your eyes....”said Reagle. “Anyway it’d be more fun if you were willing.” Reagle chuckled.
Zaza blushed and coughed. “I was referring to our battle.”
“Oh were you?” Reagle smiled wryly.
“Prince Reagle, the reports paint you as a lascivious monster of great cruelty and malice.” smiled Zaza. “You are nothing as they color. The old canvas might as well be discarded.”
Reagle scratched the feathers on the back of his head in embarrassment. “You really think that? What makes you say so?”
“Your bearing is noble like my brother, Zulu Zakar.” said Zaza sadly.
“Thanks.” said Reagle.
“However the cause and nation you serve is evil. I may feel a small sorrow for your passing but not for your people.” Zaza words were cryptic and cold.
Reagle twisted his head trying to decipher her words. “Holding me hostage will do you no good. You may stop my father but the other houses will capitalize on his weakness and overthrow him. Worse wait in the wings to take control. You can only delay.”
“If you might stem the blood slaughter of your people if only for moment, wouldn't you?” asked Zaza.
“I understand. If you let me go however I might be able to change policy. I represent more moderate Griffin Houses that have no economic interests in the conquest; they grow envious of the houses enriching themselves. I could leverage that to spare your people.”
Zaza smirked. “You can't be trusted. You'll say anything to secure your freedom.”
“I am a knight, you dare doubt my honor?” said Reagle proudly.
“Good night Prince Reagle.” said Zaza turning away from the Griffin.
The embers of the fire died down.
A singular Griffin stumbled in the cold. Small lights greeted him in the distance and Griffin soldiers soared towards him and landed.
A Griffin with a crossbow walked towards the lone Griffin. “Commander Ironbeak, we were looking for you!” shouted a tan feathered female Griffin holding up a torch to the Ironbeak’s black face.
“Were you Dori?” said Ironbeak.
“We are your soldiers. I am your lieutenant.” Dori then lowered her speech to a whisper. “How did your hunt for the Prince go, is he dead?”
“I failed, Reagle lives.” Ironbeak shook his head violently.
Dori drew a hankerchief and cleaned the sand and dirt from Ironbeak’s face. “Lord Ironclaw will kill you for this failure in order to appease King Hawkmor.” said Dori alarmed.
“I know.” said Ironbeak.
“Where are your guards?” asked Dori.
“Slain, to the west of here...”, Ironbeak started whimpering, “I was a coward... I ran as my guards fell”
“No, you fought bravely as they fell and stayed to avenge their deaths.” said Dori.
“What are you saying, Dori?” asked Ironbeak.
Dori directed the squad of soldiers following. “Head west and collect the corpses of the fallen guards. Burn one them beyond recognition. Make sure the face feathers are particular burnt.” said Dori.
“Dori?” asked Ironbeak.
“I won’t see you killed.” said Dori.
“I see. We’ll need a story.” said Ironbeak.
“Gather some Zebra slaves and slay them. We shall report to King Hawkmor that Zebras killed his beloved son.” Dori rubbed the bottom of her beak. “And you-” said Dori pointed to Ironbeak.
“I shall report to my father and say it was I.” said Ironbeak.
Morning was quick to come. Reagle was prodded awake with a spear by Zaza who shoved a ration pouch and a canteen towards him.
“You manage your own supplies now. Don’t beg from me if you run out.” said Zaza.
“Yeah sure.” Reagle looked through the pouch and found only grass crackers. “Hey, do you have any meat?” asked Reagle.
Zaza looked at Reagle with disgust. “I will not kill for you.”
“Peanuts then?” suggested Reagle.
“Peanuts!” Nokimbe laughed as he got up as well.
“March! We have many miles to cover.” said Zaza.
The morning sun quickly warmed the plains and desert sands. Walking along the verge of where one ended and the other began, they notice a half a dozen Zebras walking some distance into the plains. They carried spears and had red tribal markings on their flanks.
“Hey!” said Nokimbe, waving a hoof at the Zebras.
“Don’t call them over you idiot.” Zaza faced hoofed.
The Zebra group had already galloped over.
“A Griffin?” questioned the burly leader of the band pointing to Reagle with his spear. Reagle hid behind Zaza and Nokimbe.
“Yes, a simple prisoner transfer. We don’t require your help.” said Zaza.
“Why chain his wings? We’ll just cut them off.” smiled burly Zebra.
Reagle stepped back slowly.
“That won’t be necessary. We are to deliver him intact.” said Zaza.
“It is dangerous to travel here there may be bandits. It would be rude if we did not escort you.” said the burly Zebra.
“I’m Nokimbe, this is Zaza.” said Nokimbe.
“I am Abasi, these are my warriors.” said Abasi.
As they walked, Reagle noticed a metal clinking sound in the saddle bags of the Zebra soldiers and a golden gleam caught his eye.
“So Zaza, where is this prisoner headed to?” asked Abasi.
“The capital.” said Nokimbe.
Zaza shot Nokimbe a nasty look then she calmed herself. “Abasi, your soldiers... don’t you have a patrol route?” asked Zaza.
“Indeed.” said Abasi. “I will see you to safety then return to it.”
“Your warrior tribal markings are unfamiliar to me. Tell me of your village. Where is it?” said Zaza.
Abasi smiled fondly. “We are of the Ekundo tribe. My village is upon a hill. You can see the whole savanna from there. My wife and colt await in a field of never-ending grass.” Abasis descended into despair. “I miss the smell of the stews and brews now overcome by the rot of dead corpses.”
“The war will end soon, you may yet return to them.” said Zaza softly.
“No, this war won’t end.” said Abasi sadly.
“With that attitude it certainly won’t.” said Nokimbe.
“We won’t win. Ask your bird prisoner, he knows.” said Abasi.
“…” Reagle was reticent to nod.
Abasi smiled. “Tell them how many of those new War Wings your people possess.” said Abasi.
Zaza and Nokimbe’s expectant looks tore into Reagle. “Twenty, and factories are churning out more.” said Reagle.
Zaza and Nokimbe looked at each other with flabbergasted stares.
“It is hopeless!” cried Nokimbe.
Zaza recovered her composure. “It is a lie.”
Abasi lowered his head. “We interrogated another Griffin… he told the same number. It is hopeless.”
Zaza leapt unto a boulder they were passing. Her striped coat glistening in the sun she spoke with passion and fervor. “Warriors, hear and have hope! Do not surrender your courage to dark leopards of doubt! Stand strong and firm against the storm! Right now, all throughout our lands,, your brothers are fighting bravely to change the winds of war! An operation is underway that will-”
Zaza’s speech was met with snorts as Abasi and his warriors kept moving. Zaza climbed down the boulder with a hurt expression.
Reagle hung out in back where Zaza walked with a lowered head like everyone else.
“That was a fantastic speech.” whispered Reagle.
“Don’t mock me.” said Zaza.
“No really, it was.” said Reagle kindly.
“Thanks.” said Zaza lifting her head slightly.
Reagle was still fixated on the golden glint of metal inside the Zebra soldier’s bags. He pulled one of the straps lightly to open the pouch however the saddle bag opened spilling out golden plates and other assorted trinkets.
“Why would soldiers be carrying such fineries? Surely not to use them.” said Reagle casually.
“It is plunder from a Griffin convoy.” said a shifty Zebra explaining.
Zaza stepped back slowly. “Those objects are of Zebra make. You are bandits! You attacked our own people!” She pointed her spear at Abasi.
Abasi sighed. “I had hoped we could slit your throats quietly in the night without a fight.”
“You make a mockery of the warrior markings upon your flanks! When did you desert your duties?!” said Zaza.
Abasi lowered his head in a moment of shame. He lifted it again to retort. “Your speech earlier was fine and fancy however I abandoned the cause when I realized it was lost! It is suicide; we have nothing that can beat their airships!”
“Zulu Zakar, he beat them!” Zaza bit back.
“Yes, and he died doing so. I would rather live.” sighed Abasi. “Surrender your saddlebags and the Griffin.”
“Why the Griffin, he is a prisoner we must transfer.” said Zaza.
“We can sell his feathery ass for gold back to the buzzards.” said Abasi.
“Traitors also?” questioned Reagle.
“What of your village upon the hill?!” Zaza demanded.
“I told you my village was upon a hill… that hill is burial mound now. My village is dead, all killed or sold into bondage by heathen Griffins.” said Abasi smiling madly. “Zebrakind is doomed. I prayed to all the gods that shamans have, they do not answer. Gold is the only god left.”
The shifty Zebra chuckled. “Let us take the mare also. I want to rut with her nice butt.”
“Barbarians.” said Reagle aghast.
Zaza boiled with anger but she calmed herself. “I am a Zerker, death is my god! Leave if you want to live!” shouted Zaza.
“A Zerker?!” said one of the bandits fearfully.
“It is a bluff. All the Zerkers died with Zulu Zakar.” chuckled Abasi.
Zaza’s calm was before a storm. “Not this one!” said Zaza as she charged the bandits.
Zaza, with a push of her mighty hind legs had bounded over the bandits. The bandits were stunned by her athletic move. She shoved her spear into the rear of the shifty Zebra who screamed as he died.
“Hey, birdy!” said Nokimbe tossing Reagle a sword from his saddlebag.
“Much thanks!” said Reagle swinging the blade.
A bandit lunged at the Griffin and Reagle dashed to the side and stabbed the bandit in the sides.
Nokimbe fired a poison blow dart into the neck of one of the bandits. The Zebra’s face became red and he fell over dead.
Zaza deftly dodged a spear swiped at her. She skewered her attacker in the heart.
Another bandit ran towards Reagle. Reagle deflected the spear point and grabbed pole. Pulling the helpless attacker close he slit the bandit’s throat.
Abasi was a tall and brawny warrior Nokimbe and Reagle cautiously backed away a few steps. Abasi however whinnied. “I want to live!” He turned trotting away. The heavily muscled Zebra quickly became a small speck.
“Blasted coward!” Reagle was about to give chase.
Nokimbe placed a hoof in front of him. “Let the princess do the work.”
Zaza had her head tilted back. She snapped back with that crazed look in her eyes that Reagle dreaded.
“Run! Death chases you!” Zaza such was her speed and grace her feet barely seemed to touch the ground. She jumped upwards. Landing, she speared Abasi nailing him to the ground. The strike was through the heart and death instant.
Zaza soon returned to Reagle and Nokimbe. Her head was lowered.
“You ran so fast, it appeared as if you were flying.” said Reagle.
Zaza flicked the blood off her spear. “It is sad. In a time of peace he might have been a shaman healer or a builder.” Zaza frowned.
“Bastard, he got what was coming. You just put down a rabid dog.” said Reagle.
Zaza shot back at Reagle. “People respond differently to grief. They were a symptom of your people’s invasion!” said Zaza.
“So the Griffin Kingdoms are responsible for all your people’s failings? He chose to become a bandit.” Reagle spat back.
Zaza thought for a moment. “…I must apologize. You fought for us, despite that you could have found freedom in their avarice. They would have sold you back to your people.”
“… Hey, one of those bastards threatened your rump. I like that rump.” Reagle chirped.
Zaza blushed again. She swung her spear lightly at Reagle, hitting his head. Reagle smiled. Zaza laughed lightly and Reagle laughed back. The laughter was hollow however as Zaza trailed off sadly.
“Cursed bandits, they better have provisions.” Nokimbe was busy going through the saddle bags of the bandits. He held a golden plate in his mouth.
“Take the water from the canteens and their ration packs, leave the gold. Their god did not serve them.” said Zaza.
Reagle opened one of the saddlebags. He sighed at the grass wheat crackers. Hunger pangs hit him as his stomach growled.
“I can live a while on water but I sort of need real food. I’ll settle for mice now.” Reagle groaned.
“Why didn’t you gorge yourself on those dead guys back there?” asked Nokimbe.
“Hey, that is utterly uncouth.” Reagle lifted his beak.
“So is eating meat .” said Zaza.
“We don’t eat people. I’ll starve to death before that.” said Reagle flatly.
“Hunt yourself.” said Nokimbe.
“Yeah. My wings are chained remember? I don’t have a crossbow either.” said Reagle, jingling the chains that wrapped his wings.
“I shall get your something.” Zaza sighed, trotting away.
Zaza returned with a vulture skewered on her spear. Reagle recoiled at the sight of the bald bird.
“You’re going to make me a cannibal?!” asked Reagle.
“This creature was. It was feasting on one your dead scouts.” said Zaza.
“Wait, take me to the body!” said Reagle.
They arrived at where the dead Griffin scout was with wings sprawled out. The vulture had done its work on it. The juiciest parts, the eyeballs and tongue were missing.
Reagle respectfully saluted the soldier with his claws and then rummaged through the backpack of the dead Griffin. He grinned in triumph as he pulled out several tins from the soldier’s pouch.
“Thank you friend, I live today because of you.” said Reagle.
“Dumb bird, he should have packed more water before daring the desert.” said Nokimbe checking the dead soldier’s empty canteen.
Reagle spotted a rolled scroll near the soldier’s pouch. He poured the pouch’s contents out. There was a scroll and a compass. He unfurled the scroll. It was a map that had desperate scribbles on it.
“Looks like he got lost. How, I don’t know.” said Reagle.
“Technology.” said Zaza poking at a compass. The needle of the device was turning erratically. “Those don’t work near here. There are magnetic mountains that interfere.”
He noticed another scroll that wrapped around the map. It was a portrait of him.
“My father is looking for me. This soldier is dead because of me.” said Reagle.
Zaza inspected the dead soldier and tucked in chest cavity of the scout’s armor was another piece of paper. Zaza pulled the paper out with her hooves and unfolded it, reading aloud.
Upon finding the Prince, report discovery directly to me. Your mission is of utmost secrecy. House Ironclaw’s future depends on your success. Failure to do so will result in punishment.
Commander Dori
“Dori is my cousin’s lieutenant.” Reagle gasped.
“So your cousin hunts us. He was a coward, fleeing as his soldiers died. I think even I could kill that chicken.” said Nokimbe.
“I’m not worried about that him. His lieutenant Dori however gives me the creeps. She’s utterly ruthless.” said Reagle.
The humming of a War Wing’s engines caused birds to scatter from trees. The airship bore the emblem of a silver claw wreathed in black feathers. Four War Balloons followed.
“Why are we at so low an altitude?” asked Ironbeak.
A tan Griffin felt her forehead. “Because we don’t want to be spotted.” said Dori.
“If the Zebras took him, isn’t he dead anyway?” asked Ironbeak.
“If they try to ransom him or execute him publicly, what do you think will happen to us when it is revealed that Reagle lives?” Dori replied before Ironbeak could even speak. “Off our heads will tumble. Out our blood will flow. As I’m sure you know.”
“I’m sorry, Dori. This sort of work does not become me.” Ironbeak said softly.
Dori scoffed. “Then become someone different. When I was but a hatch-ling, my House Bloodtalon was fearsome only in name. My father wanted to marry me off to a lord of a greater house. I spat on that and in war I won more lands and titles than that stupid marriage would have gotten.” Dori smiled.
Ironbeak jabbed a thumb towards himself. “Then why choose me? I’m weak willed and soft. I know so. My name Ironbeak is only ironic… I may be the heir to Ironclaw… but I’m sure you could have had Reagle himself if you wanted…”
Dori chortled lifting her beak into the air. “You’re kind and sensitive. You’re one partner I could comfortably turn my back towards. That is priceless to me.”
Ironbeak cooed. “Dori, you’ve never spoken to me like that.” Ironbeak hugged the tan Griffin.
“When we wed, I don’t intend to take up the surname Ironclaw. You will take up mine.” Dori smiled dangerously.
“Umm, my father Lord Ironclaw may object to that.” said Ironbeak nervously.
“Yeah… I’ll kill him if he complains.” said Dori, grabbing Ironbeak by the neck scruff feathers and forcing a kiss.
Night had come. They found shelter behind a large slab of rock that broke the wind. Once more beside the dying fire, the three slept on their bed rolls. Nokimbe had already fallen into snoring. Reagle tilted his head upwards drinking the small vial of potion that was to keep him alive. Looking above, he saw them. It was a cloudless night and the stars shone brilliantly above the savannah sky.
“Wow, most beautiful.” said Reagle pointing a claw upwards.
“You Griffins look down upon the world, seldom do you look up.” Zaza snorted.
Reagle turned back to the Zebra mare. “Zaza, now that I’m on the level. Tell me of your home?”
“I don’t have one.” said Zaza.
Reagle lowered his beak ashamedly. “I’m sorry.” said Reagle.
“No it was not destroyed. The people of my tribe are nomadic. Ours was called the moving city. We slayed the great beasts that would attacked other tribes.”
“Mercenaries eh?” asked Reagle.
“No, our only payment was food, gifts, and warm smiles the grateful villagers gave us. When you Griffins attacked, my people thought you were not unlike the monsters we fought. We rose to the defense of others and died by droves in the beginning of the war.” Zaza said sadly.
Reagle decided to change the subject. “You’re a princess right?”
“A princess,” Zaza gave a bark of laughter, “the title is cheap here. There are many chieftains and they have many daughters. The Zakar tribe was voted to head the Confederation… I had a brother but I still have a sister.” said Zaza.
“I see.” said Reagle.
“Tell me, how does a Griffin Prince live?” asked Zaza.
Reagle chuckled. “I had everything. riches, land, and even a bossy bird-friend that only cared for my status.” said Reagle.
“A bossy bird-friend?” Zaza smirked.
Reagle laughed. “The bossiest.” He then looked angrily off. “She not subtly asked me to kill my father so she could be Queen. Gilda, gold was her god.”
“Where is it that you grew up?” asked Zaza.
“I grew up in the mead halls my father’s knights would frequent. I drank up the beer and heroic stories the soldiers offered me. I was severely disappointed growing up to find politics and power the driving force behind it all. I spent ages trying to add reforms to Griffin Imperial court to curb corruption. Now that I’m gone, I think even those will mean nothing. My life up to this point has been empty pride.” said Reagle, clasping his claw on his head shamefully.
Zaza said nothing.
Reagle looked at the Zebra mare through the gaps in his claws. “I admire your purpose and focus.”
The embers of the fire began to die further. The flames keep them close yet apart.
Zaza looked skyward. “…I am that way because I must. I was never given a choice. Truthfully I am assailed by my doubt every night. Like a leopard, it stalks me. I am a Zerker, only the red haze of battle, gives me any clarity… Even that is no reprieve. I have survived Zebras braver than I.” Zaza smiled.
“If you keep fighting you’ll die.” said Reagle.
“So be it then. I shall return to the grass and the leopard will stalk me no more.” Zaza’s coat shimmered in the star light.
“Zaza, I’ll go with you to your capital, perhaps there might be some solution that can be negotiated.” said Reagle.
“Prince Reagle, you don’t have choice.” said Zaza.
“Is that so?” Reagle stood up and flexed his wings. The chains fell off his body. “I figured out the lock ages ago.” Reagle pounced, jumping over the dead fire.
Zaza stood up alarmed. She was about swing her spear when Reagle held the weapon in his claws.
“Kill us and you’ll never get the cure for the poison.” Zaza countered grinding her teeth.
“It is fake. A bold bluff.” Reagle chirped.
“How did you know?” said Zaza.
“It seemed too convenient like a plot device of a poorly written play. I know theater.” said Reagle. “What you just told me now confirms it.” He touched Zaza’s chin with his talons.
He looked into the Zaza’s confused stare. As he gently kissed the Zebra mare he noticed that she had a spiked horseshoe against his throat. Zaza however dropped her hoof as she leaned into the kiss. Reagle grabbed her full face, feeling the scar on her cheek.
Zaza fell back. “What was that?” said Zaza blushing and panting.
“A kiss.” said Reagle.
“We are of a different species.” said Zaza stammering.
“Didn’t your reports say I was a pervert?” Reagle chuckled and hugged Zaza.
“You wicked Griffins take everything. I hate your people!” Zaza shouted.
“You don’t hate me right?” Reagle chirped into her ear.
“…Be not so keen to follow. Death chases me.” said Zaza.
Reagle grabbed his bedroll and set it beside Zaza. “Well then, I’ll just have to follow you just a little closer.” Reagle set himself beside Zaza.
A War Wing airship and four War balloons encircled a fearful city. Horned Ibexes gazed upwards, shivering as the ships passed over them.
“The Ibex Empire is neutral.” said Ironbeak. “How will we explain to King Hawkmor?”
The tan griffin flipped through pages of reports held in her claws. “Engine problems with our War Wing forced us to seek immediate repairs.” Dori continued reading without batting an eye. “Even if the Ibex Empire declares war, their most complex weapon is the catapult. Their Capital will be a small detour when we move to bomb the Zebras into complete submission.”
“How do you know Reagle is here?” asked Ironbeak.
“He isn’t. The Zebras that took him however, will bring him here. To traverse the Sand Sea they will need provisions or a ship. We’re going to intercept them.” Dori sighed.
“Shouldn’t we then send ground troops, set up road blocks and patrols? They could have a secret way into the city.”
Dori chirped. “That is not an all together stupid idea! You and I are going for walk.” Dori hugged Ironbeak before turning to a Griffin officer. “We have a platoon of Hawkers, deploy them!”
Nokimbe awoke in the morning. He stretched his legs and turned to find Reagle and Zaza eating breakfast side by side.
Nokimbe bounced upwards in surprise. “@%#?????!” Nokimbe shouted in the Zebra language. “What is birdy doing out of his chains?”
“It’s alright, Prince Reagle has agreed to come with us of his own free will.” said Zaza, biting down on some grass wheat crackers.
Reagle cracked open a ration tin. “Yup, I figured out your poison was a bluff.”
Nokimbe scratched his mane. “Hehehehe, you’re not that bird brained.” said Nokimbe.
“Anyway, I want to see your Capital and speak with your king. I’m sure we could negotiate something.” said Reagle as he took a small kipper from the ration tin.
“Hold a moment. Zaza could I speak with you?” said Nokimbe.
Reagle watched as Zaza and Nokimbe walked off out of earshot. They were making hoof motions as they talked and Zaza seemed to own the conversation. Nokimbe finally nodded and they made their way over to Reagle.
“Shall we get a-going birdy?” smiled Nokimbe.
Reagle followed Zaza up a dune and he found her staring blankly at something in the distance.
“They can’t have!” said Zaza.
“What?” Reagle flew up to the top of the dune.
A city was encircled by four War Balloons while a Griffin War Wing hovered above in the middle of the city.
Zaza turned towards Reagle and levied her spear against him. “Don’t run.”
“Are you so quick to doubt by word? I told you I would go with you to capital didn’t I?” said Reagle pecking Zaza lightly on the cheek.
“…” Zaza blushed.
Reagle pulled a telescope from his saddlebags to get a closer look at the ships.
Nokimbe joined them atop the dune. “Where’d you get that?” asked Nokimbe as he looked at the tube that Reagle peered through.
“The dead scout.” said Reagle. “Check out this technology.” said Reagle and he let Zaza look through the scope.
Zaza’s eyes were wide as she saw the image of the Griffin ships magnified.
“Those ships belong to the Ironclaw Clan, my cousin is looking for me. I won’t be running or flying away to those ships.” said Reagle.
“Ibaristan is part of the Ibex Empire... aren’t they neutral? Why are the Griffins there?” questioned Nokimbe.
“Officially they are however even they realize that should we fall they will be next. Secretly they support our side.” said Zaza.
Reagle smirked. “They support our side too. They tell us how the greedy Zebras are muscling in on their grazing territory.”
“Really? Those two faced horned jerks. What have they done?” asked Nokimbe.
“They give information on Zebra troop concentrations sometimes.” said Reagle.
Zaza looked on worriedly. “Most likely token gestures to hide their allegiance to us. I hope we can trust our contact.”
“We can trust the contact that is without a doubt. Believe me.” said Nokimbe staring sternly back at Reagle and Zaza’s questioning stares.
Zaza turned to Reagle. “We shall have to find you a disguise.”
“I have this bed sheet.” said Nokimbe, pulling out a brown blanket.
“I have bandages.” Zaza smiled as they approached Reagle with the objects.
“Wait just a moment now!” said Reagle.
Two squads of grey armored Griffins stood at the city entrance, sternly inspecting the crowds that entered. Horned Ibexes made up the majority of the entering crowds and were let through. Any Zebras were immediately stopped and it came their turn to enter the city.
“Why do you carry spears?” asked a Griffin soldier.
“The Ibexes carry them. The savanna is a dangerous place where manticores prowl.” said Nokimbe.
The Griffin nodded.
“You there! Stop! Lift that cloak.” a Griffin soldier commanded with a lance.
Zaza and Nokimbe walked beside a bandaged cloaked figure.
“You wouldn’t want to. He has the lepers’ disease.” said Zaza.
“It’s highly contagious. Your feathers might fall out.” said Nokimbe and the guards jumped back from the trio.
“We’re taking him to the city’s healers, he should be fine afterwards.” said Zaza.
“Be on your way!” shouted the Griffin and they shuffled past the checkpoint quickly.
“Leprosy isn’t contagious.” whispered Reagle.
“Indeed, however most folk don’t know otherwise.” said Zaza.
Dori and Ironbeak were accompanied by a squad of red cloaked bodyguards. Several Griffin workers wheeled around a crate with holes in it.
“This city is large.” said Ironbeak.
Dori nodded sarcastically with irritation. “Also the sea is blue and my family is rich.”
Ironbeak continued, ignoring her comment. “How will we find them in this city?”
The lip ends of Dori’s beak curled into a smile. “Bring forth the special slave!”
“Special slave?” asked Ironbeak.
“Yes, from the Diamond Mines of Jara. My house, House Bloodtalon took rights of it and found pesky inhabitants. Father wanted them eradicated. I put them to good use.” said Dori.
The Griffin workers took pry bars and opened the crate. Inside, a large Diamond Dog huddled fearfully in a corner, thinned from starvation and malnourishment. A slave collar hung around its neck. Workers pulled on the chains attached to the collar and the Dog was lead out of the box.
“Grahh, what does mistress want?” rasped the Dog.
“Pet, you may eat today-” Dori clicked her claws.
A Griffin worker brought a slab of meat attached to a stick.
The Diamond Dog nodded gleefully. “Yes mistress feed me!”
“If!” Dori clicked her claws again.
The worker took away the slab of meat and Griffins workers pulled the chains of the Dog back to stop the Dog from chasing after it.
Diamond Dog sat down obediently and spoke in low growl. “Anything… the mistress bids.”
Dori produced a white and gold handkerchief from her pouch. “Find for us owner of this scent and you may eat today.” She waved the cloth in the nose of the Dog.
“As you command.” said the Dog.
“How do you have Reagle’s handkerchief?” asked Ironbeak.
They walked closely along the buildings as did other civilians. The city was impressive as sand built dwellings reached several stories high. Griffin soldiers with red cloaks strolled proudly marching. With every step, there was a clacking sound from their pouches.
“Those funny lookin’ birds with those red cloaks, why do they walk lopsided?” asked Nokimbe.
“Hawkers... grenadiers. They are elite troops who carry many bombs.” said Reagle through his face bandages.
“Why deploy them for a simple search?” asked Nokimbe
“Because they only want to destroy.” said Zaza.
Ibexes brayed as they galloped away. A furry blur crashed through a crowd around the corner. Two Griffin workers barely held onto the chains on its slave collar.
“There is your target! Feed me!” cried the Diamond Dog pointing with its claws.
“Later!” shouted Dori, rushing out from behind the Dog.
“Run!” cried Zaza, tugging Reagle away.
Dori fired a crossbow at Reagle but the shot missed and killed an innocent Ibex mare. The child screamed, crying at the sight.
“You winged devils!” cried an Ibex, shoving his horns into the chest of a Griffin soldier. More Ibexes charged at the Griffins and several of the Hawkers were killed as the crowd turned violent.
Dori reloaded her crossbow, hovering above the crowd as she tried to get a shot. “This crowd is in the way! Use your grenades!” she shouted at the Hawkers.
“No, don’t!” cried Ironbeak.
The confused Hawkers ground their beaks as they flew backwards.
Dori flew next to a Hawker and grabbed several grenades from the soldier’s pouch. She lit them with her claw flints and threw them in front of the crowd.
The crowd dispersed as the grenades exploded.
“Graah! After them!” shouted Dori.
They ran through the streets scrambling past panicked Ibexes. Reagle was almost gored several times by the horns of the stampeding Ibexes. They heard explosions behind them.
“They opened fire on innocents?!” cried Nokimbe running alongside Reagle.
“That was Dori, Ironbeak’s lieutenant.” said Reagle.
“You know her!” said Zaza.
“Yes, and there were many reasons I dumped her.” said Reagle as he picked up the pace.
“You have terrible taste in the opposite sex!” cried Zaza.
“Yes, that also!” said Reagle, his heart pounding furiously.
They turned into an alleyway with a single door at the send. Nokimbe smashed head-on into it.
Nokimbe fell back as the door remained intact. “Crocodile shit, it’s reinforced!”
Reagle caught his breath while Nokimbe and Zaza still had theirs. “We wove through the crowds and made a great many turns. There’s no way they could follow us.” Reagle breathed heavily falling to the ground in exhaustion.
Zaza affixed her spear. “I am not so sure of that.”
Around the corner poked a sniffing black nose. The Diamond Dog spoke. “There they are! Feed me!”
“Later!” shouted Dori, rushing past the Dog.
Nokimbe continued pounding at the door. Dori and Ironbeak faced Reagle and Zaza.
“Give up!” shouted Ironbeak to Reagle who was still exhausted on the ground.
“No need. We’ll execute them here.” Dori cackled. Dori signaled to two Hawker soldiers with a flick of her claws. “Kill them!”
Zaza had tilted her head back exposing her neck.
“Look she’s offering us her head!” smirked a Hawker.
The Hawkers drew their swords and sprang at Zaza.
Zaza snapped her head forward, her eyes gleaming with murderous intent. She swiped her spear, severing the throat of the first Hawker. She stabbed the second Hawker through the eye and the two bodies dropped to the ground in a blink, skidding to stop in front of Reagle.
Ironbeak panicked. “It’s that unstoppable Zerker! We have to run!”
“You run along and get reinforcements.” said Dori, directing Ironbeak with a claw. “I want to play.” Dori’s beak grinned.
Ironbeak nodded and scurried off.
“You should listen to your cowardly companion, I am indeed a Zerker.” said Zaza.
Dori matched Zaza’s gaze. “A Zerker huh? I thought all you lot were killed?” she drew her blade with her claw.
“If you know what you face, then flee.” said Zaza.
Dori cackled. “Who is it that you think killed all your brothers!?” She lunged with a her sword.
Zaza evaded the strike. She noticed the tan coloration of the Dori’s coat. A memory flashed in her head. “A tan Griffin... it was you! You killed Assegai!” She gasped in realization. Zaza’s lapse in focus allowed Dori to nick her ear.
“I killed many more than that! I killed the legendary Zulu Zakar! He wore a helmet with a blue frill!” Dori smiled.
Zaza face contorted with rage. “You killed my brother??!!!”Zaza shouted as she charged.
“Your brothers pissed themselves as I killed them! They were all cowards!” Dori flew upwards and avoided Zaza’s attack. She cooed to herself. “Come on lose your cool.”
Zaza instead stopped. She tilted her head back again. “Death becomes you!” She spoke eagerly, snapping forward again. Zaza’s eyes had become intense and her legs coiled like springs. She jumped onto the right wall and with great finesse; she jumped on the next wall and back again, gaining altitude with each jump. Zaza met Dori in the air with a spear swipe.
Dori’s eyes lost their edge. “Holy hell!” cried Dori as she blocked the strike with her sword.
Zaza pushed Dori down. Before colliding with the ground, Dori beat her wings and pushed back. Zaza landed on her hooves.
Dori brushed herself off and assumed a battle stance. She stood up on her hind legs. “Come on! Is that all you got?!” said Dori goading.
“I’ll make you dead!” said Zaza, preparing a charge.
Dori smiled with her second claw hidden behind her back.
Meanwhile, Reagle grabbed black balls and other objects from the bags from the dead Hawkers. He found a gladius sword amongst the dead. Spinning the blade twice in his claws, he got a feel for its weight.
Nokimbe finally broke through the door in a shower of splinters. “Come on! Go! Zaza can handle it!” cried Nokimbe, tugging at Reagle’s bed sheet robe.
In a flash, Reagle discarded his bed sheet cloak in Nokimbe’s mouth and bounded towards the two warriors. The world slowed to a near still. Before Zaza’s spear could impale Dori in the heart or the Griffin could kill Zaza with her hidden dagger, Reagle shoved Zaza aside and in full sprint, she crashed into some garbage cans.
Reagle parried Dori’s main sword with his own and he held off her hidden dagger with his left foreleg. The long slender blade dug into his flesh and the bandages fell from Reagle’s face.
“Reagle,” smiled Dori with a murderous grin.
“Dori.” spat Reagle before head-butting her and kicking her backwards.
“Here I come!” Nokimbe charged with his own spear. He was stopped from reaching Dori when a crossbow bolt landed near him sending him back.
Ironbeak held a crossbow in his claws and was already loading his second bolt.
“You idiot what are doing back here?! I told you to get reinforcements!” Dori bit back.
“You trusted me with your back! Dori I love you!” said Ironbeak sobbing in fear.
“We must retreat!” Nokimbe said to Reagle and Zaza.
He drew claw flints rubbed them together sparking them. “Hey cousin’s let’s go bowling!” Reagle threw a black sphere at Ironbeak.
“Damn it!” Dori jumped and kicked the ball upwards. The grenade exploded, turning the compacted sand buildings into sand once more with the resultant smokescreen shrouding them all.
Dori and Ironbeak coughed out sand.
“We’ve lost them! We shall have to reacquire the trail. Workers, where is that bloody Dog slave?” Dori screeched.
From behind them steam came from heavy breathing. A creature with bloodied claws and teeth spoke. It was flanked by two dead Griffin workers. “This for my people you have enslaved and made massacre of!” The creature lunged.
“Ungrateful mongrel!” Dori swung around and stabbed the Diamond Dog in the eye. However with a swipe of its mighty claws she was slashed across the chest.
The Dog smiled its bloody grin as it slumped back.
“Dori!” cried Ironbeak.
Zaza helped Reagle limp along as his left foreleg bled. They walked through deserted streets now patrolled only by Griffins.
“Why did you stop me from slaying that damned Griffin. I had her.” Zaza asked angrily.
“Your attack left you open.” scolded Reagle.
“I know. It is the last Zerker teaching. The ultimate attack is one that cares not for the fate of its user.” said Zaza.
“I didn’t want you to die for nothing.” said Reagle.
“I would have avenged my brother.” Zaza said angrily.
“She was lying, she couldn’t have killed your brother.” said Reagle softly.
“No, she couldn’t have lied. She knew something that only I knew.” said Zaza.
“Let’s talk another time. We have to find our contact.” said Nokimbe urgently.
They stopped in front of a building that had a sign that read ‘The Fightin’ Gale.’ They entered the shady bar to find Ibexes, Zebras, ponies and even Water Buffalo gathered around gambling and drinking table. Gazes turned towards the bandaged and robed Reagle before quickly turning back. Many of the patrons had bandages on their bodies and weapons by their chairs.
“Mercenaries. Lances for loan.” said Reagle.
“Indeed, these warriors have fought across the whole continent.” said Nokimbe.
“How will we know our contact?” asked Zaza to Nokimbe.
“Where is this Zebra fellow?” asked Reagle whispering.
“She’s an Ibex.” said Nokimbe staring at the stage.
A slender Ibex was singing on stage, her lovely lace dress both accentuating and hiding her hind legs. She strolled across the wooden platform with poise and was mindful of keep her left side facing the audience. The wailing whine of wooden string instruments accompanied a voice that flowed like sweet syrup, a medicine for the mind.
“What when dreams and schemes cannot sate?”
“When your heart is filled with anger and hate,”
“Come to me with your troubles I shall make it right.”
“Set your spears and fears aside just for tonight give up the fight.”
The song became quiet and the patrons looked to their drinks. Suddenly the song picked up and the Ibex ripped off her dress dramatically revealing battle scars and scratches on her flank. Smiling she turned her head and faced the audience revealing an eyepatch on her right. The audience began whooping.
She grabbed a spear and swung it with skill. “For tomorrow come the battle cry and the horn’s blast!”
“Broken shields and spears, you still go on!”
“For gory glory you all die fighting to the last!”
“Brave warriors, march on! For you are strong!”
The Ibex lifted her weapon and shook it. Many of the patrons lifted their weapons and did the same. In the celebration, even a crossbow bolt was ejaculated accidentally into the ceiling.
“Warriors, my brothers and my lovers, thank you and good night.” The Ibex waved a hoof and bowing, she exited the stage.
The patrons of the bar were still tapping and clapping their hooves when she left.
Nokimbe showed a notched coin piece that he pulled from his bag. A large Water Buffalo guard nodded and they were permitted backstage. Backstage the one eyed and battle scarred Ibex greeted them. Her scars only seemed to enhance her presence.
“Nokimbe you old smuggler!” said the Ibex in a friendly tone.
“Isara, a pleasure as always though I won’t be here for that… This is my Commander, Zaza. I’m on a mission now. I have taken up the cause again.” said Nokimbe.
“A glad welcome, I am Isara.” the Ibex bowed her head, mindful of her horns.
“Indeed.” Zaza nodded politely.
Reagle pulled back his hood and face bandages. “Milady, I am Reagle.” Reagle took the hoof of Isara and kissed it.
“Hey!” said Zaza, shooting Reagle an angry look.
The Ibex laughed. “So, a devil bird accompanies you.”
“Yes for some reason he’s agreed to go with us to capital.” smiled Nokimbe.
“A reason indeed.” said Isara staring at Zaza. She licked her lips.
“Mind your eyes.” Zaza recoiled.
“Follow, I own this water hole so I shall find you rooms and we can discuss plans after you’re rested.” said Isara.
Reagle sat in his own room, nursing his wounded foreleg by the lantern’s light. Isara had given him a new roll of bandages to apply and he gasped in pain as he undid his crude and battle worn bandages. It was quite a surprise to him when Zaza entered the room.
Zaza approached meekly unlike her usual self. “You are injured.”
“It’s no big deal.” said Reagle.
“It is if improperly treated.” said Zaza as she pulled a bottle from her saddle bag. Using her tongue she unscrewed the cap.
“That’s quite a dexterous tongue you have.” Reagle said mischievously.
“This will hurt but it is to heal.” Zaza poured the liquid of the bottle onto Reagle’s wound.
“Ah!” cried Reagle pulling his foreleg back. Reagle guffawed in astonishment however as he noticed his wound had closed. “What is this stuff?”
“A secret brew. I am among the last holders of its recipe.” Zaza lifted her head proudly.
Reagle flexed his mended foreleg and felt pain jolt through the limb.
“Stop that! All things in time!” Zaza scolded.
“Still, this could save lives on the battlefield. It’s miraculous. I never thought-” said Reagle.
Zaza cocked an eyebrow. “You never thought our people had something so advanced?”
“I’m sorry.” said Reagle.
“We feel the same about your airships. How could these bird brains think of something so wondrous?” said Zaza, smiling.
“If you like, I could take you flying on one, sometime. Or maybe I could carry you.” said Reagle.
Zaza laughed. “I like the ground fine.”
In the small room silence came as Zaza and Reagle met eyes.
“Prince Reagle, even if it was against my wishes you have saved my life. Thank you.” said Zaza.
“You should value your life more.” said Reagle.
“It is not the Zerker way.” said Zaza.
“Make your own way.” said Reagle.
The Zebra darted forward and kissed the Griffin, pushing him onto the bed.
“Ack an ambush, I am unprepared.” Reagle chirped.
“Oft is said love is war, I am surprised that metaphor is now more real, my noble adversary.” said Zaza looking over Reagle.
“Shall we resume our battle?” Reagle smirked.
“Be careful, I may lose control and kill you in the throes of passion.” smiled Zaza.
The night is lit by burning tents. In the darkness there are streaks of white as Zebras charged at a crude defensive line of overturned carts. Griffin soldiers desperately loaded a large wooden contraption with bolts. With clockwork precision, each pull of a massive crank shot out a bolt while another took its place. There were three automatic crossbows lined up, spitting bolts into the darkness. The fallen Zebras were silent in death. The feathers of the Griffin defenders stood upright in dread. One Zebra continued charging with many crossbow bolts bristling on its back, only to die with a heavy thud against the improvised barricades.
A large obese yet muscled Griffin with a red cloak perched atop a cart and oversaw the defenses. He loaded bolts into the top box feeding mechanism himself as his soldiers pulled back the crank.
The wires of the crossbow twanged as they fired nothing but air. The last of the bolts were spent smacking down a Zebra. The rest of the Zebra pulled back.
“Ammunition! Ammo! Give it here!” the large Griffin yelled as he gestured with an empty claw.
“Lord Helmsford! There are no more bolts!” cried a small Griffin attendant lugging over an empty box.
Lord Helmsford gasped in horror. He then turned towards his soldiers with composure. “Draw your swords and ready your lances! Prepare for their second onslaught! This small circle of wagons is the Griffin Isles! Come what will do not falter! Let us meet again in Valhalla and with honor!”
Griffin soldiers shakily drew their close range weapons.
Helmsford hopped off of his podium. He turned toward the small Griffin attendant. “Reagle, you are no longer my squire. I discharge you from your duty.”
“Lord Helmsford?” questioned the small Griffin following after his Commander.
Lord Helmsford strolled over to an overturned cart. His muscles rippled as he lifted the heavy wagon. He grabbed Reagle by the scruff of his neck and placed the young Griffin under the cart. He dropped the cart, trapping Reagle beneath it.
“They are upon us!” shrieked a female Griffin soldier.
“Lord Helmsford!” Reagle turned around clawing at the cart.
Reagle found a hole in the cart and peered through it, watching Lord Helmsford and the soldiers fight on.
“Give me your best, you striped fiends!” Lord Helmsford had drawn a large claymore sword from his back. He swung the giant blade cleaving several Zebras in half.
A Zebra in golden armor with a blue helmet frill however charged forward, spearing Lord Helmsford in the eye. Reagle shuddered as he saw the large Griffin fall. The Zebra was salivating over the kill with a crazed look in its brown eyes. Reagle gasped in fright as those same eyes turned towards him.
Reagle shot awake. Dark brown eyes were peering at him. “No!!” cried Reagle falling from the bed.
“Reagle! It’s me!” said Zaza.
Reagle’s feathery chest was still heaving. He looked at the Zebra mare’s confused look.
Zaza looked into Reagle’s eyes. “You’ve seen serious combat.” She nodded understandingly.
Reagle could only lightly nod in return.
“The nightmare is over.” said Zaza.
Reagle felt her forelegs wrap around him in a hug.
A giant of a Griffin stood at the podium. His body shook and his beak moved slowly as he spoke words of pain and anguish. “Subjects of the Griffin Kingdoms, it was days ago that our young Prince was so cruelly snatched from us, the young flame of his life extinguished. My son, may he take wing to Valhalla, the hall of heroes, and fly amongst the Valkyries.” The Griffin started choking on his words. “I must retire to reflect upon this... in my stead I temporarily leave the war front to my trusted brother, Lord Ironclaw.” The giant Griffin shuffled off stage.
“Thank you King Hawkmor.” A gray Griffin with sharp eyes took King Hawkmor’s place.
Lord Ironclaw addressed the assembly. “Prince Reagle Hawkmor was a peaceful soul that advocated peace and even abolition. Was he rewarded by savages he so championed? No! Rather they stabbed him in the back! What say we do to these barbarians?!”
There were jeers and shouts in the crowds.
“Vengeance!” cried a young noble female Griffin.
“Animals!” shouted a well preened noble Griffin..
“Kill them all!” cried another voice.
“Noble Houses of the Griffin Kingdoms, the time for leniency and temperance is over! Let us cast aside soft idiot thoughts like abolition and peace! The Zebra beasts have shown both to be impossible! Instead we should harden our hearts so as to be invulnerable to their guiles! I propose total war and nothing less than full commitment of our resources! Let us bring them under our iron claws!”
The caws and cheers boomed drowning out all other voices.
Reagle rested in Zaza’s hug and the two of them snuggled on the bed.
“I knew that you have seen fighting. You show entirely too much poise to be a virgin in war.” said Zaza rubbing Reagle’s head.
“Zaza, about last night.” said Reagle nervously.
Zaza smiled, kissing the top of Reagle’s beak. “It felt so right.”
Reagle sighed in relief.
“Want a rematch?” asked Zaza deviously.
“Who won the first round?” Reagle smirked.
“We both won.” said Zaza.
With morning came a knock on their door. Isara greeted them with a warm smile and led Reagle and Zaza to the bar floor. Reagle jumped back when he saw there were others.
“Be not afraid, these fine folks are my soldiers. Each of them is deeply in love with me. Isn’t that right?” asked Isara.
“Aye!” cried the three male Ibexes, a male Water Buffalo, and even a small female Gazelle.
“She promised us the one that stayed the longest a hoof in marriage.” said the burly Water Buffalo.
“It’s been a five year and seventy two days, tied.” said the small female Gazelle.
“It’s a long term relationship.” smiled Isara. She addressed her motley crew. “Boys!”
The small female Gazelle stamped her hoof.
“-and Girl!” smiled Isara. “We have a mission!”
“What’s the job.” said a male Ibex chewing the handle of his dagger.
“Escort mission for these two Zebras and one devil bird.” said Isara.
“Grahhh.” there were a series of groans and moans throughout the room.
“Foal sitting seriously?” questioned the small Gazelle.
“Don’t trot just yet. The pay is real good.” said Isara.
“Are these warriors any good though? We will likely have to fight Griffins.” asked Zaza.
The Water Buffalo laughed. “Where is that you think we got this from?” The Water Buffalo turned to show off his back. He had an automatic crossbow mounted. The gargantuan weapon had its base cut down and was tied to the Buffalo by straps.
Reagle raised a brow impressed. “How do you fire that? It takes a team.”
The small female Gazelle jumped up. “Bull and I manage fine. I’m Cirta by the way. ” Cirta leaned on Bull’s back and caressed the crank of the automatic crossbow.
“You could have scavenged that from a battlefield.” said Zaza dismissively.
An Ibex with one horn chipped off spat. “We lost two brothers trying to flank that damn emplacement! My only regret is we killed the crossbow crew too quickly.”
Zaza nodded understandingly.
“The name’s Scythe. I was a farmer once, until I found cutting Griffins was easier than wheat stalks.” said one of the Ibexes with a curved blade.
“Spear, my parents were very uncreative.” said an Ibex with oddly enough a sword.
The Ibex with the one horn spoke. “I am called Javelin.” The Ibex had several fine spears only used for stabbing. Javelin stood up and glared at Zaza. “Anyway, who are you Missy to question the fight in us? I want to know who our client is.”
Zaza spoke calmly. “I’m Zaza Zakar.”
The mercenaries gasped and Javelin gave a smile before sitting back down.
“Who’s the devil bird?” Cirta hopped to inspect Reagle.
“I’m-” Reagle was cut off by Zaza’s hoof in his mouth.
“He’s coming with us. When do we set out?” asked Zaza.
“When you two have had a bath.” said Isara.
“Huh?” said Reagle.
“The Griffins have brought in some Diamond Dog slaves, they’re sniffing the streets.” said Isara.
The bathroom of the bar was luxuriously tiled white. A large tub was in the center, already prepared.
“There’s only one tub. Ladies first.” said Reagle bowing.
“We haven’t time.” said Zaza pushing Reagle into the tub.
Reagle plopped into the water. He smiled as Zaza climbed in. Submerged in the calm warm waters and soap suds they both relaxed.
Zaza leaned against the tub edge. Her head barely popped out of the soapy water. “It is times like these that make me almost forget myself. I could relax completely and drown. No more would war haunt me.”
“I heard that across the sea, there is a land called Equestria where a foal may grow up without hearing of war,” said Reagle.
“I’ve read reports; they are ruled by an immortal alicorn dictatorship. I’m not sure I would trade freedom for that,” said Zaza.
“You speak of freedom but you said you never had a choice in your path. If you consider yourself an advocate of freedom, shouldn’t you choose another way?” said Reagle.
“Even though that may be, it was my choice to continue.” said Zaza.
“Even if death awaits?” asked Reagle.
“Prince Reagle, I don’t need you to save me. It is condescending of you to think I haven’t considered the consequences.” said Zaza.
“What about the consequences of us?” asked Reagle.
Zaza’s widened she stammered. “…I ugh…” Zaza angrily splashed water on Reagle. “You came onto me!”
Reagle splashed back. “It was your choice to continue. Last night I recall you were the aggressor.” Reagle nodded smugly.
Zaza blushed.
Reagle spoke softly. “So?”
“I don’t know…” said Zaza her face filled with confusion and worry.
The Griffin pulled the Zebra mare close.
Ironbeak visited Dori in the infirmary of their War Wing. The bandaged tan female Griffin shuffled restlessly in her white bed, staring through her window down at the city beneath them.
“Have the dogs found anything yet?” asked Dori.
“No.” said Ironbeak.
“Argh, those incompetents! We shall have to kill more of them as an example!” said Dori.
“We had to withdraw the search teams due to rioting caused by the incident at the marketplace. Your cruelty caused this.” said Ironbeak.
“What?! You withdrew the search teams?” said Dori.
“Dori, must you always be so cruel?” asked Ironbeak sternly.
“You wouldn’t be asking me that if I wasn’t wounded.” said Dori dangerously but after a few seconds she sighed, letting her anger out with her breath. “The world is cruel. I won’t tell a sob story about it. My brothers were cruel. When I was a fledgling they thought it funny the expressions on my face as they plucked out my feathers. It hurt so much.”
“Dori.” said Ironbeak softly motioning to hug her without touching her bandaged chest.
Dori stopped Ironbeak with a raised claw. She spoke matter-of-factly with a declarative tone. “I learned to be crueler than they. The eldest and nastiest, I arranged it that the smoke grenades he was training with were replaced with live ones. Father was so torn up; I wonder if he’d be so emotional if it were I. There was no evidence against me but still, at the funeral I smiled and let my other brothers know. I made sure to get extra cozy with father afterwards. As the old bird lay dying, I took his claws and parchment and made myself the heiress of the family name and fortune.” Dori sat and hugged herself with her unfolded wings.
“That’s…umm.” Ironbeak sputtered.
“Tell me of your messed up family situation.” smiled Dori.
Ironbeak lowered his beak in familiar pain. “…My parents saw me as a disappointment from the get go. I had not the aptitude for the skills they wanted me to acquire. How could I compare to my cousin who seemed to glow with Odin’s grace? My mother tried training me in subtly and subterfuge, even in that I was a failure. I have no excuse.”
“You’re not so spineless. You disobeyed me.” said Dori.
“Huh?” said Ironbeak.
“You came back for me even though I told you to run.” Dori chuckled gently. “My brothers would not dare disobey me. And best of all, you did it for me.” Dori rubbed her head affectionately against Ironbeak.
“I like you like this.” cooed Ironbeak.
Dori threw a pillow at Ironbeak’s face. “You would pluck my feathers also and see me powerless and weak?!”
Ironbeak grabbed the pillow and looked from behind it. “I would like to see you strong without being cruel.”
Dori arose. “You will need my cruelty; we have a murderous mission still to accomplish.” She winced slightly from the pain as she stumbled slightly.
Ironbeak helped Dori by offering a claw and she thought for a moment before accepting it.
Reagle and Zaza joined the mercenaries on the main floor of the bar. There was an unfamiliar Ibex in the room speaking to Isara. The Ibex presented a message tube attached on his saddle. Zaza pushed Reagle back up the stairwell a bit so that they could listen in while being unnoticed.
“Commandant Isara, the Capital Committee of Ibelin regrets to inform you there shall be no reinforcements. The Ibex Empire is now officially aligned with Griffin Kingdoms. There is to be no more action against them covert or otherwise. Forthwith the intelligence limb of Ibaristan is to lend their full cooperation to a Griffin handler.” the messenger spoke.
“Committee cowards! They surrender their souls so that they might be spared a few more years of lowly life. What will they do when War Wings and devil birds darken their skies?” cried Isara angrily.
“Commandant Isara, those are the orders given. I don’t like it much either.” said the messenger.
Zaza stepped forward. “Our mission is vital. It could mean an end to this war! Commandant Isara if you cannot aid us then you must give us free passage. The hope of nations rest in the balance! I will not stop here!” Zaza had affixed a spear to her war saddle.
“Are you threatening our Commandant?!” the mercenaries in the room stood up.
Isara batted an eye. “You have a weapon against me. Are you my enemy? I always wondered whether the Zerkers matched their reputation.”
“I will fight you. I may not win but neither will you.” said Zaza.
“Isara, don’t do this.” said Nokimbe.
Isara’s voice became silky smooth. “Relax, do you see us turning our spears against you?” Isara flicked her head and motioned her body to show her ‘pretty’ side. “Messenger, due to Griffin interference you were unable to deliver this message to me. Are we clear?” Isara produced a bar of gold from her saddle pouch and handed it to the messenger.
The messenger eagerly nodded. “Yes Commandant, we never spoke.” saluted the messenger as he exited the bar.
Nokimbe smiled. “Isara, thank you.”
Isara snorted. “I don’t leave my soldiers hanging. I won’t let politics get in the way.” Isara then glared at Zaza and her words were chilled to icicles. “Unless you mean to kill me never point a weapon at me again. I will kill you.”
“A Zerker enters battle accepting death. I do not fear your threat.” said Zaza.
For a moment, the Ibex and the Zebra mare stared at each other.
Isara chuckled. “I like you!” she declared. “Now let’s move out!”
The streets were abuzz with angry Ibexes. They could hear grenades being thrown in the distance as smoke filled the streets in the distance. There were many more dead Ibexes and some Griffins. The winding back streets were deserted and their bad moved forward in two squads. Isara’s soldiers were first as they crossed streets and scouted ahead.
“How will we escape the road blocks?” asked Zaza.
“Warehouse district, we have a special piece of equipment hidden.” said Isara with a cryptic smile.
“Commandant, trouble.” said Javelin running back.
Several squads of Griffins, twelve in total were setting jars into carts. Two were perched above atop a warehouse building. Their long shadows could be seen around the corner of the warehouse block. The bodies of several Ibex workers were also strewn across the ground where Griffin crossbow bolts had killed them.
“Stinking looters.” said Zaza.
“They are in our way. Time to get to work.” said Isara drawing her spear.
“Roger.” Bull knelt down and positioned his body aiming the automatic crossbow.
Cirta the gazelle loaded a box of bolts into the top feed of the automatic crossbow. “Be in position when we open up on them.” Cirta cocked the mechanism drawing the string back.
“Kill the watchers.” said Isara pointing to shadows of the Griffins .
“On me.” said Javelin leading the Ibex fighters backwards and around.
“What shall we do?” asked Reagle.
“Frontal assault.” said Isara.
“Hurry, don’t spill a drop. Ambrosia wine sells its weight in gold back in the Isles.” A tall and lanky Griffin Commander directed his troops.
Two shrill shrieks caused the Griffins soldiers to set down their wine jars. The lookout Griffins fell to the ground with spears jabbed into them.
“Now!” cried Isara running from cover.
Bull braced himself. Cirta tapped Bull with her forelegs, signaling the Water Buffalo to swivel his body and the automatic crossbow on his back. Cirta let loose the first volley from the automatic crossbow and the deadly bolts whistled through the air.
Immediately two Griffins fell to the crossbow’s barrage.
“Scatter!” shouted the Griffin Commander. He was run through by Isara’s spear before he could draw his sword.
“Fly away!” shouted several Griffins as the bolts of the automatic crossbow chased them.
“Get nailed!” Cirta downed another Griffin.
Scythe and Spear jumped from the warehouse rooftops, cushioning their fall with sickening cracks as they landed on fleeing Griffins.
Zaza and Nokimbe finished two more of the grounded Griffins with their spears as Reagle stabbed an attacking Griffin with his sword.
The red wine jars had been shattered in the fighting, leaving the wine to mix with the blood on the ground.
A single Griffin soldier was left. “Stay back!” A young white Griffin held onto a grenade with claw flints at the ready to light the short fuse.
The three Ibexes readied to strike, closing in on the fearful soldier.
Reagle recognized the short green cloak the soldier wore. “Wait stop! He’s a cadet!” cried a horrified Reagle.
Crossbow bolts ripped into the Griffin cadet and the fuse was sparked. Everyone jumped backwards. There was plume of white feathers colored crimson.
Reagle turned back to Bull to see that Isara had pushed Cirta aside. The automatic crossbow twanged empty as Isara hopped off of Bull.
“That Griffin was a cadet!” said Reagle pointing his sword at Isara.
Isara snorted. “Any devil bird that directs a weapon at me or my own is an enemy. You best sheath that blade.”
Reagle’s eyes were wide with rage and his claws held onto his sword so tightly that blood dripped where he’d dug into his palm.
“Come on.” Zaza spoke to Reagle.
They entered the warehouse adjacent to the one where the Griffins had been looting. The door was cranked opened to reveal an airship laying in a drydock. The metallic raw steel was almost blinding and with the solid metal construction, it looked like a smaller War Wing albeit with a razor’s edge bow. However, two full-sized War Wing propellers were mounted on the miniature ship’s sides.
Nokimbe gasped. “This is an airship. How did you steal this?”
“Steal? We made this.” said Isara. “Okay the engine was stolen.”
“This would be a windfall if our engineers at Mount Hope were to examine the engine.” said Zaza.
“The engines are outdated. They’re Mark 1, current War Wings use Mark 4.” Reagle remarked staring at propellers.
“Will it be fast enough to escape?” asked Nokimbe.
“This ship is a third the size and doesn’t have to carry a bomb payload so it should be more than enough.” said Reagle.
“Of course this ship is faster than a War Wing. It was designed so.” said Isara.
“The Ibex Empire has this technology, why didn’t they share it?!” said Zaza.
“It is a prototype, the last gasp before my people surrendered all hope.” said Isara.
Dori was helped onto the War Wing command bridge by Ironbeak to the salutes of the bridge personnel as she sat down.
“Commander, the rioting has gotten worse. We had to withdraw our search teams. We’ve lost several squads.” an officer reported.
“What of the Ibaristan governor, can’t he get his people in line? Don’t we own his offices?” asked Dori.
“The governor’s office has been overrun. Our treaty with the Ibex Empire is no good.” replied the officer.
“Open bomb bay doors!” snarled Dori.
“Wait! I thought we were going to-” cried Ironbeak.
“We won’t bomb them directly, only enough to inspire fear.” said Dori.
Ironbeak scratched his head feathers. “That’s a little bit better.”
“Commander? An enemy airship?” said an officer staring outside their window.
“Airship enemy? Don’t you mean balloon?” asked Ironbeak.
A metal ship ascended outside their windows. Griffin deck officers stood up from their seats to look.
Dori was unfazed. “All crew to battle stations! Signal our War Balloons to provide support fire! I want that ship sunk! Nothing challenges our supremacy of the skies!”
The under slung ship compartments of the Griffin War Balloons opened up their cannon ports to fill the air over Ibaristan with flying lead as the Ibex airship was assaulted. The cannonballs impacted the small ship, glancing off the sloped metal hull. Behind them, the Griffin War Wing was slowly turning and opening its own gun ports.
Isara took command of the captain’s chair as her mercenaries managed control consoles. They grabbed a series of pulleys and began making adjustments that caused various steam hissing noises.
“You’ve trained for this! Now is time!” Isara shouted. She shifted her head so that her single eye could watch over the entire bridge control room.
“How is this possible?” asked Nokimbe.
Cirta pulled back a lever with a hiss. “Imported Unicorn engineers helped build this ship, the Last Hope was built for a small crew.” said the tiny gazelle chiming in as she sat next to Bull pulling levers.
Bull laughed heartily. “Small meaning in number.” Despite the great size of the Water Buffalo he expertly manipulated the delicate levers.
“Hurry up with the engine preparations! If the enemy fires at the unarmored flanks we’re done for!” Isara shouted.
“How can we help?” asked Zaza.
“You and the devil bird have sharp eyes, sit in the gunner seats.” said Isara pointed a hoof near two consoles.
Reagle and Zaza sat at the console. There were two hoof shaped holes. As Zaza and Reagle placed their limbs in the slot the magical blue display lit up. The display’s cross-hairs followed their line of sight.
“Hmmm how does one fire-” Reagle’s will alone caused a cannon from the ship to erupt. The ball landed a distance away rupturing a side ballast tank of a Griffin War Balloon.
“Nice shot!” commented Javelin.
Zaza stared intently through the cross-hairs of her console. A cannon fired its payload, knocking off a stabilizer of one of the War Balloons. The Balloon began flying erratically unable to pursue them.
“Better shot!” commented Javelin.
Zaza grinned next to Reagle.
“Cheeky.” said Reagle peaking her on the cheek with a light kiss.
Zaza blushed as she saw Javelin take notice of the affectionate action.
“Engines at ready!” shouted Bull.
“Full speed ahead!” ordered Isara.
Aboard the advancing War Wing…
“War Balloon Three has lost flight control! They’re spiraling to land.” shouted a Griffin communication officer as he read the flashing glint signals outside their window to the bridge of the stricken War Balloon.
“Our cannons are having no affect.” said Ironbeak chewing his claws.
Dori spat. “The enemy ship appears to have frontal armor.”
“It’s too fast, it’s going to get away.” said a Griffin deckhand.
Dori cawed. “Have the foremost War Balloon block its route of escape. Surround and pound it to oblivion. Take it by the sides! Talon crossfire formation!”
“Relaying orders now.” nodded a Griffin officer manipulating the shutters of a signal light.
“You and your crew are well versed about Anti-Airship combat considering the Zebra have had no airships until just now.” remarked Ironbeak.
Dori smirked. “Of course, I’ve trained my crews for this. With all the noble Griffin Houses, it’s expected that one day we’d clash. There is more to fear from those close than afar.”
“Scary.” said Ironbeak.
“Bring our War Wing alongside that vessel and pummel it into scrap!” Dori directed.
Scythe held the steering column in his hooves. “A War Balloon is blocking our forward path! It keeps adjusting its altitude to match ours!” shouted the Ibex.
“Plow through!” said Isara.
“What?!” shouted Nokimbe.
“Do it!” said Isara smiling madly.
Reagle scratched the bottom of his beak. The epiphany came to him. “A ship bow designed to cut through armor. A design that allows for a skeleton crew. Last Hope was designed as a suicide vessel wasn’t it?”
Isara cackled. “Very smart, devil bird.”
Reagle looked fearfully.
“Wait!” cried Zaza.
Reagle sighed in relief at Zaza’s protest, hearing Nokimbe sigh as well.
“What is it? Do you object?” asked Isara.
“If mutual suicide is your intention, let us take out the enemy War Wing. It is the greater value for our lives.” said Zaza.
Reagle smacked his claws on his face.
Reagle saw Nokimbe in a similar gesture face hoof. “Lovely suggestion, Zaza.”
“We go through!” Isara kept her eye’s singular attention on the solitary War Balloon blocking their path.
Aboard the War Balloon in front of the Last Hope, its Griffin crew’s feathers were ruffled as the approaching ship grew in size outside the observation deck.
“Captain! The enemy ship it’s on a collision course!” cried a Griffin deckhand.
“Commander Dori ordered that we hold! We’ll be executed if we fold.” said the Captain.
“The enemy ship’s not stopping!” cried a Griffin deckhand.
The Griffin Captain’s eyes grew wide and his pupils shrunk.
“Evacuate! Evacuate!” cried a deckhand scurrying for the exit.
“It’s too late.” The Captain then closed his eyes solemnly.
The groan and screeching of metal violated the air as the Last Hope’s blade like hull sliced through the top ballast of the War Balloon. The metal skeleton of the War Balloon collapsed inwards and the sparks of metal against metal caused the aircraft to explode, raining shrapnel and burning metal upon the ground. Cutting through the flames, the Last Hope outpaced all the other ships. Into the horizon they disappeared into the cloud curtain.
When the enemy War Wing and its War Balloon escorts weren’t even specks on the horizon everyone on-board exhaled.
“Positively death defying. At ease. Get some rest.” chuckled Isara leaving the captain’s chair.
“Aye!” saluted the mercenaries.
“Nokimbe to my quarters and my hind quarters! We have catching up to do!” said Isara, laughing.
“Aye aye!” smiled the Zebra as he eagerly galloped after Isara.
Reagle and Zaza were left alone on the bridge save for Scythe who attended the helm.
“Let us get some rest also while we can.” said Zaza.
“Yeah.” said Reagle.
Zaza and Reagle found an empty cabin at the back with a porthole that allowed them a nice view of the passing desert landscape. Setting their bags on the table, Reagle flapped his wings to float to the top bunk as Zaza set the contents of her own saddlebag on the table. Reagle noticed a grimace from Zaza as she looked at the purple potions before her, noting that there were only two left.
“Those potions, are you sure taking them is safe?” asked Reagle.
Zaza smiled unconvincingly. “Of course.”
“Let me try.” said Reagle reaching a claw for one.
“No!” said Zaza almost shouting. Zaza noticed her voice volume and calmed down. “They are necessary for the Zerker state. It will drive you to madness without proper training.”
“I see.” said Reagle recoiling.
“I will have to split these until I can brew more.” Zaza sighed. She pulled out empty bottles and began splitting the mixture into three bottles.
“Zaza, can you do without those potions?” asked Reagle.
“No.” said Zaza simply.
“Umm, I’m worried-” Reagle was interrupted by an aggressive kiss by the Zebra mare.
The question was dropped as pleasurable moans began emanating from inside the cabin.
Aboard the command bridge of the War Wing airship, Dori and Ironbeak were served drinks. The serving Griffins were careful not to look into Dori’s eyes.
Ironbeak took a glass from a tray. “Splendid, thank you.” said Ironbeak kindly.
Dori sipped from her wineglass.
The bridge door opened and an exhausted Griffin entered. The Griffin gulped before speaking. “Commander Dori.”
“Scout Master, report.” Dori tapped her wineglass impatiently. The red liquid swirled into a tiny tornado.
The Griffin Scout Master bowed fearfully. “I regret to inform you, our scouts have lost them.”
“You lost them?!” Dori threw the wine glass, causing it shatter throughout the bridge. “Well, get out there and find them again!” Dori shrieked.
The Scout Master shivered to the tip of his flight feathers. “May I request that our water rations be replenished first?”
“You do look thirsty.” Dori grabbed a wine bottle and shoved it into the beak of the Scout Master. “Here have a drink!”
The Griffin looked in horror as Dori plugged his nostrils with her claws, forcing him to tilt his head back as she laughed.
“Wait Dori! Don’t kill him!” said Ironbeak aghast.
“I wasn’t!” Dori sighed and released the choking Griffin.
The Scout Master coughed out the red wine onto the cabin floor.
“Your water rations shall be doubled. Continue your search.” said Ironbeak picking up the Scout Master.
“I will not fail you my lord. We’ll redouble our efforts! No we’ll triple them!” bowed the Scout Master appreciatively exiting.
Dori punched Ironbeak’s shoulder playfully. “You’re letting this self-confidence thing grow. How dare you countermand me? His incompetence should be punished. You’ll pay later in bed.” said Dori looking at Ironbeak wistfully.
“Very well, I accept.” said Ironbeak with a mixed smile.
“Commander Ironbeak.” addressed a Griffin communication officer.
Dori returned an irked look at the Griffin officer sidestepping her.
“The message is directed at Commander Ironbeak.” said the officer bowing.
“What is it?” asked Ironbeak.
“An envoy from Lord Ironclaw. He summons you directly to his side. I am simply to tell you ‘I know’.”
Ironbeak staggered back, falling limp in Dori’s claws as she caught the fainting Ironbeak.
As sleep came, Reagle found himself in another dream. He was beneath the overturned cart and water was slowly filling up the pitch black space around him. He dug with claws already caked in mud, trying to escape as the water rose to his shoulders. He took a deep breath and sank beneath the water, frantically trying to fit through the hole he had created. He rose to the surface to breathe again, settling before diving down to dig at the earth once more. Finally making the hole large enough, Reagle squeezed first his head, then his body through the hole, desperate for air.
He emerged from the depths of the watery mud, gasping for air as he stood. The dark blue sky colored the scene as the rain washed away the blood and the earth from his feathery coat. Blinking the mud from his eyes, Reagle’s surroundings came into focus and he found his commander, Lord Helmsford. The muscled Griffin was still standing amidst the battlefield.
“Lord Helmsford!” Reagle cried cheerfully as he made his way towards the Griffin.
As he hugged his commander, Reagle found he could not feel any warmth in the Griffin’s feathers. A wooden stub poked him and he stumbled backwards to see that Lord Helmsford stood only because of a spear that nailed him to the cart. The dead Griffin’s mouth was ajar his eyes bloated outwards.
He turned his head and body, looking about to see the bodies of his friends where they lay in death, impaled by spears. Some of them had been speared so many times that they looked like pin cushions. Zebra corpses littered the land as well as severed wings, limbs and even heads separated from their bodies. Reagle fell to the ground with a muddy splat, sobbing uncontrollably as the world around him disappeared into darkness.
Reagle looked up to see crazed eyes of the deepest black staring intently at him as their owner came slowly into view. It was Zaza, in her Zerker state that frightened him so. A spear, dripping with blood, was affixed to her side and she dribbled saliva from her mouth, foaming like a rabid animal.
“Zaza!?” Reagle cawed out.
The spear pierced his body.
“Ah!” Reagle shot upwards in awareness as he fell from the bed.
Zaza groaned as she awoke.
Reagle reached for his sword on the cabin table. He grabbed Zaza by the throat with his claws, readying to plunge his sword into her.
Zaza choked. “Reagle! Stop!” called out Zaza, looking into the Griffin’s crazed eyes. “It was a nightmare!”
Reagle’s sanity came back to him and he dropped his sword, letting it clang against the metal floor. He sat back, releasing Zaza to hear her cough and drag in her breath.
“Zaza, I’m so sorry.” said Reagle looking at his claws shamefully.
“You were about to kill me, bird brain!” said Zaza coughing as she felt her throat to find claw marks.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Reagle repeated until tears came to his eyes.
“You do this with all your lovers?” asked Zaza angrily.
“No… I…” Reagle stammered.
Zaza returned a sad but understanding look. Her eyes were soft and her brow curled in concern. “Your terrors in the night, I have known many warriors in my tribe to suffer the same. They are usually those who have fought too long in the thick.”
“I didn’t fight in the thick as you say.” said Reagle ashamedly.
Zaza hugged him. “Whatever it may be it is over.”
“Are you okay?” Reagle looking at the claw marks upon Zaza’s neck.
“Small scratches will heal, but scars of the mind will take longer.” Zaza said placing a gentle hoof on Reagle’s shoulders. “Let us get you some food.”
Four black painted War Wings bore the symbol of a silver claw and the grandest of the four ships had docked with a smaller silvery War Wing.
“I have never met your father. This figure of fear, I doubt he is as they say.” said Dori.
“Whatever happens, don’t defend me. It will only make things worse.” said Ironbeak as he placed his claws on Dori’s shoulders and held her firmly.
“Bah, I use fear as a weapon and tool. I think I’ve mastered it.” Dori smiled.
“If you are a master… then my father is a god.” Ironbeak replied.
Ironbeak walked with Dori into the grandly decorated bridge that could accommodate a whole platoon of Griffins.
Dori looked to the side. She grew pale. “Wait, are those?” Dori noticed the guide rail posts were adorned by skulls, Griffin skulls.
“His enemies. Former lords of lesser houses.” said Ironbeak swiftly.
The bridge was deserted save for a single Griffin that sat center.
Steps led to the single chair in the room. A gray colored Griffin swiveled his command chair to greet Ironbeak. The giant Griffin wore metal gauntlets over his claws.
“Father.” said Ironbeak bowing.
“That’s Lord Ironclaw!” said the gray Griffin fiercely. “You haven’t earned the right to call yourself my son.”
Ironbeak nodded.
“Of all my soldiers, you are the worst. The size of your egg was so great birthing you ruined your mother so that she could not walk. I expected a giant to emerge from that egg. Instead you, a lowly whelp hatched from that shell.” said Ironbeak.
Ironbeak bit his beak. “Yes, Lord Ironclaw.”
Lord Ironclaw stood up in his full intimidating height. Walking down the step to Ironbeak’s level did nothing to diminish the elder’s presence. Ironclaw gripped his juniors throat by his metal gauntlets. “You told me you had killed Reagle personally. My spies tell me different. They tell me you hunt for him still.” Ironclaw with his other claw punched the lesser Griffin to the ground.
Ironbeak skidded back. “… I…” Ironbeak curled up as he writhed in pain.
Dori glared angrily at Ironclaw however even she was cowed by giant Griffin’s unflinching gaze.
Ironclaw loomed over his son. “If this conspiracy were to be revealed to my brother Hawkmor, I wouldn’t care if you lost your head.” Lord Ironclaw took a skull from a post. He gripped it in one claw and crushed the bone into fine pieces. “However house Ironclaw would lose its lands and titles. That I cannot abide.”
“I’ll do anything.” said Ironbeak rasping.
“I am to lead an assault. It will be an offensive to scorch the last Zebra cities to ashes. Under the cloak of this smoke, you are to make sure of Reagle’s death.” said Ironclaw.
“Yes Lord Ironclaw.” said Ironbeak.
“Take with you my elite guard, the Ravens. They are Griffins after my own. If you fail with their assistance, then being beaten to death my claws will be a mercy compared to what will happen to you.” said Ironclaw.
Zaza led Reagle to a small kitchen area of the ship. Reagle sat down by the dining table still shivering. Zaza had grabbed some tins from her pouch.
“Griffin rations.” said Reagle looking at the tins.
“Yes, I saved some for you.” said Zaza opposite of Reagle.
“Thank you.” Reagle pulled open a tin. They were kippers and he swallowed them heartily.
Zaza pulled back from the fish odor. “You better wash your mouth before kissing me after eating those.” said Zaza.
Reagle smirked and pecked her affectionately. "What are you going to do?"
“I’ll hit you.” said Zaza, giving a playful threat. She relaxed with a smile, becoming uncharacteristically timid. “Prince Reagle… how do I compare to the others you’ve had…”
Reagle chirped. “Hey now! A gentle-Griffin never tells. Plus you’ve have others as well.”
“No, I haven’t.” said Zaza feeling her forelegs.
“Don’t lie. A male knows.” said Reagle pointing a claw.
Zaza lowered her head in shame. “I lost my maidenhood to the dull end of my spear. I went too far once while… relieving myself… I lost my virginity to war.”
Reagle’s eyes lit up. He lifted her chin with a claw. “Zaza, you don’t compare to the others. I’m not lying. Every other I’ve had only cared about my status. I knew it and they knew it. With you it feels real.”
“That Dori Griffin, I dream of killing her every night. She said she killed my brother. You knew her?” asked Zaza bitterly.
“Did you consider that she could have been lying?” asked Reagle.
“That’s not possible.” said Zaza confidently.
“Dori wasn’t at the battle with Lord Helmsford, there was no way she could have killed your brother.” said Reagle.
Zaza looked pained as she explained. “She said my brother had a blue frill on his helmet… The helmet was a gift I gave him. Four years ago in that battle was the first time he wore it. He said it was the most wonderful gift and I hugged him for the last time…”
“… I just know okay… Dori has dated soldiers, she must have picked up a thing or two.” said Reagle evasively.
“Which soldier could have told her the details of the battle? In that blood soaked field, there were no Griffin survivors. We killed them to the last. In near equal parts devastation so were the Zebra ranks.” said Zaza.
“You’re wrong…” said Reagle.
Zaza’s eyes narrowed. “You fought in that battle!?” cried Zaza.
Reagle chewed his words slowly. “….I was the one who killed your brother.”
Zaza’s brows flew up in shock. There was a pregnant paused between them.
Zaza breathed deeply. “What did you just say?!”
“I killed Zulu Zakar.” Reagle reiterated slowly.
Zaza stood up. “…. How could you pursue me, knowing that you killed my brother?! Your cruelty knows no bounds! Am I another conquest for your Griffin Kingdoms?!” Zaza cried out angrily. She smacked her hoof heavily against his face, leaving a crack to run up the side of Reagle’s beak.
Reagle got up from his chair ignoring the pain and blood. “I wasn’t thinking that I swear. I wasn’t thinking. I was feeling.” said Reagle pleading.
“Get away from me! You devil bird! You monster! I should have killed you!” said Zaza, smacking Reagle again with a powerful blow and sending him onto the metal floor.
“Zaza!” cried Reagle.
Zaza ran through the hallway of the airship. Zaza even crashed into a wall as she tried to round a corner. She quickly got up and ran further. On the metal flooring there was a trail of small water drops that were her tears.
Reagle chased after Zaza. His cracked beak ached with pain however he ignored it. He saw the Zebra mare disappear into their cabin.
“Zaza! Please open up!” shouted Reagle pounding on the door.
“…” there came no response from behind the cold metal door.
“Zaza!” Reagle slammed at the door.
The hallway was too small for him to charge at it so Reagle beat his claws raw against the metal door. It continued until Reagle’s claws were bloodied. He fell back after a while when both physical and mental exhaustion took hold.
Bull and Cirta walked through the hallway. Cirta sat on Bull’s back, nibbling at the Water Buffalo’s ears affectionately. The two of them noticed Reagle sitting pitifully in front of the door, his claws were raw and his beak bled.
“Zaza’s locked herself in. She won’t speak to me.” said Reagle wallowing in his tears.
Bull spoke in a slow drawl that was simple yet sagely. “That won’t do. Communication is important in a partnership. If one partner closes a door, it’s a sign of many more.” The massive water Buffalo gave the door a slight nudge breaking its hinges.
“Ta ta!” said Cirta as she rode away on Bull’s back.
Ironbeak coughed up blood as Dori helped him stumble across the boarding ramp between his silvery ship and the greater black vessel.
“Your father is a monster. You’re suffering internal bleeding.” said Dori.
Ironbeak clutched his stomach. “This is not the first time he’s hit me. A healing poultice and I should be fine.” He tried to put on a brave face but he winced as the pain increased. “Doesn’t help the pain though.”
“....Next time, I’ll hit him back. You’re mine to abuse.” Dori cooed.
“The ultimatum has been set, I cannot fail again. Dori, you could become vassal to another lord. You don’t have to follow me…” said Ironbeak.
“I’m not following you.” said Dori simply.
Ironbeak smiled with a mixture of relief and regret.
“I never followed you. You’re following me! I told you that you’re taking my family name when we wed.” said Dori.
Ironbeak smiled. “How will we get through this?”
A white feathered female Griffin strolled towards them across the boarding ramp. She wore a flowing black cloak alongside her larger bodyguards who wore shorter black capes. She and her guards had a permanent predatory gaze.
“I am Banshee, leader of Ravens. Lord Ironclaw wills we work together.” Banshee spoke curtly and concisely, a small Griffin with the calm confidence of a killer.
“Greetings, I’m Ironbeak.” Ironbeak extended a friendly claw to shake.
Banshee ignored the gesture. “You are mistaken. My role is to do the job that you hatchlings have so evidently failed in. Your performance in Ibaristan was utterly pathetic.” Her insulting words were without relish, she simply stated.
Dori countered. “Okay, how now would you have secured an individual in a hostile city?”
Banshee replied in her indifferent tone. “The answer is simple. After discovery of the target I would have immediately bombed the city until nothing lives. It is easier to deal with hearsay and conjecture than it is with witnesses.”
“That’s…” Ironbeak was flabbergasted.
Even Dori’s cool was chipped. “To kill so many.” said Dori.
Banshee raised an eyebrow. “You are Dori, head of House Bloodtalon. I am disappointed that you did not come to same conclusion.”
Dori’s chest feathers were raised she answered back swiftly. “To kill a city is a waste, they could be enslaved. The property alone-”
Banshee flicked her cloak turning around. “Your ships are now under my command. You will join formation as my left flank-” She added. “-the weaker wing.”
Reagle opened the doorway but dared not step further. Zaza sat on the bed with her back turned to him as she stared out the window.. Even through the reflection of the window’s glass he could Zaza’s eyes were puffy from tears. Zaza sat clutching her spear, for comfort.
Reagle gulped as he made his first step.
Zaza spun around immediately and pointed her spear at Reagle before speaking in a low growl. “Get away from me.” Zaza thrust her spear within a feather of Reagle’s head. Reagle did not recoil.
“I beseech you.” Reagle spoke from his cracked beak.
She angrily spat in his face. “After my brother’s death, I took on his responsibilities. I became a Commander, striving to follow his example. To that end, I unsexed myself like the Shamans of our tribe…even if I were to be free of my obligation... Assegai was the one who I would have been with… but he was killed by you Griffins. I was despondent; you sensed weakness behind my brave face! You took advantage! I will kill you! Go away!”
“You can kill me if you wish but not until after I explained myself. Zaza, please let me in.” said Reagle softly.
Zaza smashed her foreleg into Reagle’s chest. “I don’t care.”
Reagle was sent flying out of the cabin. His back hit the hallway wall. “Yes you do care and so do I.”
Zaza positioned her spear in advance this time at Reagle’s head. “Die devil bird!” She lunged.
Reagle closed his eyes. “I love you!”
Zaza again redirected her spear this time she scratched Reagle’s face. Zaza’s eyes were widened by Reagle’s words. Zaza withdrew her spear but turned away from Reagle. She sat back onto the bed and gazed at her own reflection in the window. After a long moment without a response, Reagle reentered the cabin slowly.
“I’m sorry for rushing you into a relationship. I did not know.” said Reagle.
“…I do not blame you for that…” said Zaza.
Zaza turned around placed her hooves on Reagle’s shoulders. “Also there’s no way you could have killed my brother. He was a pillar of strength. Even lions feared him. You must have been mistaken… the battle was hectic as I recalled.” Zaza shook her head laughing in self-denial and willing delusion. “You must have imagined it.” She smiled tenderly; there was a hairline break in that revealed it to be forced. She hugged Reagle.
There was comfort wrapped in her embrace. Reagle almost smiled back and accepted the false relief but he turned away when he remembered the pain in her eyes. Reagle frowned deeply as he broke the narrative that Zaza had provided. “No Zaza. I did kill your brother… I’m sure of it.”
Zaza’s face was hot with renewed anger. She shoved Reagle away with her hooves, her face flaming and her vision narrowed. “Explain.”
“I was drunk when I told Dori this story. I’ve never bragged about it.” said Reagle.
“Tell it to me sober.” said Zaza intensely.
With a cracked beak and bleeding face Reagle began his story.
Lord Helmsford was my father’s close friend. He was kind but arrogant. He was fat yet muscled, he waddled about and the other officers would joke that he couldn’t fly. I was squired under him to learn how to command. I learned exactly how not to command under his tutelage. Still the old Griffin treated me well, and I regarded him highly back then. He was like a second father to me. We were to lead an expeditionary force into the heart of Zebra lands under his banner.
His arrogance would however lead to the greatest military disaster in Griffin history. The doddering fool had us encamp at the bottom a hill so he could dine in the shade. Night came and before we knew it, they were upon us and they had the high ground. Silent as death they charged at us, even the automatic crossbow pieces were worthless as we were overrun. They attacked the cannon powder supplies first with suicide bombers. I watched the ships explode on the ground lighting up the night sky. We couldn’t get a single War Wing or Balloon in the sky. We were in the middle of enemy territory. I recall later those who fled died in the desert or were hunted down when their wings gave out.
Tents burned as they advanced. We killed as many of them as we could yet more took in their place. With several automatic crossbows we held them off for minutes enough so that a last line could be formed around the supply carts. I was a runner carrying boxes of bolts to the war machines. We ran out of bolts just as the first enemy wave finished. It soon dawned upon us that dawn wasn’t coming and our deaths would be in the night. We drew swords and lances and awaited agonizing minutes for the second wave that was sure to come.
Amidst the shrieks and shrills, Lord Helmsford shoved me under an overturned supply cart. I looked through a small hole in the wood work as the old Griffin fought off several Zebra warriors before he faced the Zebra Commander. The Commander donned a helmet with a blue frill. Helmsford stood no chance against the crazed warrior. A spear was rammed into his skull. Other Zebras followed afterwards and I remember the warrior’s Zerker eyes because they had noticed me peeking at him.
Somehow I had gotten my claws on our last grenade. I had finger flints when I was lighting lamps for the camp. As the mad warrior approached, I lit the grenade and with his boundless strength, he lifted the cart. With my beak I bit him again and again so that he would let go. Somehow, I dropped the grenade on the other side as the cart fell back down. I heard an explosion... and that was it. Days later, starved near to death I was rescued by a Griffin scout team.
“In my nightmares I still remember the warrior’s crazed berserk eyes… the same eyes that you’re looking at me with right now.”
Zaza had entered her Zerker state however this time Reagle matched her stare with his eyes glazed over. He showed her no fear for that moment he had none.
Zaza shook her head several times. She forced herself to breathe slowly. She tilted her head back and then forward. “I have never entered the Zerker state without initiating it.” Zaza gasped shaking her head as reason returned. “This makes no sense, how are you kind and compassionate?” She looked at Reagle’s face.
“Well, as I was flown out of the battlefield in clear day I saw the carnage. As many Zebra bodies lay as did Griffin ones. I resolved to find the reason for such slaughter. So began my studies into your culture. I became an abolitionist afterwards. I despaired when I reached the limits of what I could change. I decide then to take up the sword again, not to slaughter but so that I might make a cleaner cut rather than the butchery I had seen. I offered surrender to every enemy I encountered…” said Reagle.
“Such an experience would fill me for hate… It has…” said Zaza with tears in her eyes. “I was at that battle also… I lost a brother!” Zaza cried.
“Zaza.” said Reagle softly holding her.
“I let hate consume me. It had become my purpose.” said Zaza.
“That’s not true. You gave me a chance.” said Reagle hugging her.
“Prince Reagle there is something I must tell you of our destination!” said Zaza sobbing.
“What is it?” asked Reagle.
“I…” Zaza stopped her words. “I… cannot.”
There was something of a lie in her omission but Reagle did not press it further. “It’s alright, tell me when you’re ready.” said Reagle kindly.
“Reagle, why couldn’t you have been the monster they said you were?! All would be easier.” said Zaza.
“I’m sorry.” said Reagle.
“No I am the one to be sorry. I have injured you.” Zaza kissed Reagle’s broken beak. The ecstasy of the moment made Reagle almost forget the throbbing ache.
Reagle smiled bravely. “It’s just a little bother. I’d endure worse for you.”
Zaza looked at the Griffin for a moment. “Prince Reagle, you confessed to me your love. It was what stopped my spear. I hold great affection for you… however” She trailed off sadly. “I… cannot… love you.”
“It will come with time. I’m charming.” Reagle chirped.
Zaza wrapped her hooves around Reagle’s neck. “I must not…”
“Surrender.” Reagle smirked.
“Never.” She kissed him again this time with their tongues touching.
Ironbeak and Dori joined Banshee in the War Room of her War Wing. Banshee had her claws on the table and the attention of the room was focused upon the white Griffin with her dark demeanor.
“Our enemy has an airship. Its size is between that of War Balloon and War Wing Airship. Its fuel reserves and range could exceed that of our War Wings but at least match it. Crossing the sand sea would require us to resupply in coal.” Banshee drew a circle around Ibaristan using a compass.
Ironbeak looked at a city within the circle. “Then they will make berth-”
Banshee planted a dagger into the map. “-at the Zebra city Zericho. It has massive coal mines.”
“So we’ll take the city? Do you have ground troops for that?” asked Dori.
“Take? I see greed is your weakness.” Banshee chirped derisively.
“It has strategic value. It could be used as a platform for our later invasion past the Sand Sea.” said Dori.
“It matters not for the purposes of our mission. If they do not surrender we will burn it to ground.” said Banshee. “You forget that we aim to not only conquer the Zebra lands but the Griffin Skies. As of now all allied houses aside from ours are our enemies. For the rise of House Ironclaw, the heir of Hawkmor must die.”
Nokimbe sat next to Isara in the cozy confines of her chambers.
The Ibex spoke first rubbing her hoof on the Zebra’s chest. “What made you climb back in the saddle?” she smiled. “Last you left the fight, you had gold enough to buy a town. Don’t tell me you blew it all on drink and pleasure rides?”
Nokimbe spoke. “You’re the only ride I’ll take.”
“Ha, a liar, till the end.” said Isara.
“Come on, you really think I’d wait in line for marriage like the rest of your unit?” Nokimbe sniggered.
“You’re not out of the running.” smiled Isara.
Nokimbe sat up and move to the end of the bed. He looked away from Isara sprawled on the sheets. “That’s a false hope. Like when we charged at those automatic crossbows.” Nokimbe spat.
“It was you and others who volunteered.” said Isara.
“Amadi knew the consequences. I do not blame you for the loss of my brother. I never did. You led the charge yourself.” said Nokimbe looking at Isara’s eyepatch and scarred side.
“I don’t imagine it was love for me was it?” Isara turned away. “So what drove you to run the gauntlet?”
“No one else would. We charged in believing in victory. We… I thought it would make a difference. In the end they brought the War Wings in and bombed everything. We took those damn crossbows just to burn them as we retreated.” said Nokimbe.
“So tell me what made a smuggler and thief into a soldier again?”
“Real hope,” said Nokimbe. “I can’t spill the details but there’s a chance to reclaim the destinies of our people. Ya?”
“Ya.” Isara repeated indifferently.
Reagle felt his recently healed beak and claws. Zaza had gently applied her secret ointment but still it stung under the bandages. Physical sensations had come back to focus with Zaza now at his side. He leaned slightly against her as she helped him negotiate the hallway.
“It is the strangest of things, fate is. I was commander of the third wave. Had the battle gone on longer… You might have had to face me.” said Zaza reflectively.
“Wait you were a Commander four years ago?! That means you’re older than me!” stammered Reagle.
“So?” smiled Zaza.
“Wine only becomes more fine with age. I’m intensely attracted to older ladies!” said Reagle.
“You’re trying too hard.” Zaza shook her head lightly.
Reagle stumbled slightly as he felt his chest ache.
Zaza’s face was warped with worry. “Reagle, I’ll get you to see a real healer later. I’m sorry again.”
“It’s okay.” said Reagle.
“No it’s not. I’m sure I cracked a rib of yours.” said Zaza. “I know only how to hurt…”
“Don’t say that. You’re making me feel sorry.” said Reagle tenderly.
“I know of healer that can fix any wound. She can help you.” said Zaza.
“Truly?” asked Reagle.
“Indeed.” smiled Zaza.
They entered the bridge of the airship to receive concerned looks from everyone.
Isara coughed ignoring the couple. “Anyway, this is crazy. Why must we make berth at Zericho? It is too obvious for them. It’s the closest city. They will follow us.”
Nokimbe spoke pointing hoof at the other city dots on the center table map. “This map is out of date. The other ports beyond the Sand Sea have been destroyed. Zericho is our only option.”
“I wasn’t aware of that the Griffin Kingdoms launched an offensive beyond the Sand Sea.” said Reagle.
“It was we who destroyed those cities.” said Zaza.
The small Gazelle raised her hoof like a student. “Why?” asked Cirta.
Zaza replied. “It was an effort to stop the Griffin Advance. It is easier to defend one port than seven. Zericho is the bridge to the Zebra Heartland.”
“That’s a severe move.” said Isara. “I didn’t know you people had it in you.”
“The war has changed us all.” said Nokimbe.
“How come the Griffins haven’t taken it?” asked Cirta.
“They would if they could.” Zaza smirked. “My sister and brother in-law defends it.”
The entire desert floor rose as sand shot upwards and formed a wall that towered over even their airship. The sand flowed like a waterfall and from behind the shroud, two dark shadows roared.
“What’s that?!” cried Reagle leaping back from the windows.
“The dragons, Sanscara and Serifima, they form the sand wall of Zericho. We must flash the correct signal or they will destroy us.” Zaza pulled out a codebook from her saddle pouch.
Nokimbe manned the signal light in front of the bridge. Zaza held out the code book while Nokimbe manipulated the controls. After a series of flashes the half hidden dragons roared in recognition, responding with another set of signal roars. The dragons gave a final outcry before an opening was created in the wall.
“Medium speed ahead.” said Zaza.
Pulling past the sand wall, they saw in full view the massive city. Floating above it were dozens of striped War Balloons. The War Balloons opened their gun ports and flashes of signal lights were emitted from them.
“We’ve been commanded to land in bay five.” said Nokimbe.
“Do it.” said Zaza.
“War Balloons, so there is a still a Zebra air force after all. I’m impressed.” said Isara wryly.
“Among the many things we’ve kept in reserve.” said Zaza proudly.
“I’m sorry to say those War Balloons wouldn’t match against War Wings. You’d lose four of them for every War Wing.” said Reagle.
“I thought ratio was three to one.” said Isara.
“Commander Zephyr proved that.” said Zaza.
“Aye but it was one battle, a skirmish by my measure, and Zephyr had the airship surrounded.” said Reagle.
“Birdy, I would keep your beak shut about that. You might be right but Commander Zephyr is a proud one. He lost good friends fighting that battle.” said Nokimbe.
“What? Are we about to meet him?” asked Reagle.
“Indeed.” Zaza nodded.
In the throne room of the central palace, sat a grizzled Zebra warrior. The Zebra warrior’s right leg was a jointed wooden and metal replacement. By his side was a Zebra mare that had similar neck rings to Zaza.
Zaza bowed lightly. “Commander Zephyr, I request your aid in passage to Mt. Hope. Our ship is in need of refuelling.”
Zephyr nodded. “Commander Zaza, it will take a several days to resupply your vessel. We are in the process of refining more fuel.”
She sighed. “Very well, but no longer. My mission is of utmost importance.”
“Last we spoke, you left my city with an army.”
Zaza frowned. “My troops are now held captive in Griffin claws. It was the price for accomplishing my mission.”
Zephyr nodded sadly. “I understand… I hope it was worth it. Sacrifices must be made.” Zephyr flicked his right leg and a sword blade extended from the prosthetic appendage. He pointed it towards Reagle. “However what is a devil bird doing in your company?!”
Zaza jumped in front of Reagle. “That is none of your concern. We are of equal rank. You have no right to question me.”
Zephyr snorted. “The Zebra King has given no details about your mission but has told us to do everything to get you safe passage. I’ll tolerate the devil bird’s presence but if he so much as looks at me wrong, I’ll gut him.” He retracted his sword and walked off in a huff.
The Zebra mare by Zephyr’s side strolled towards them. She looked sadly on as Zephyr left.
“Forgive my husband, the war has taken a toll. I fear for his soul.”
“Zecora!” Zaza almost hopped towards the other Zebra mare.
“Zaza, sister most dear! Your absence had filled me with fear.” said Zecora.
“Same here. I really missed you.” said Zaza.
“If my eyes tell me no lies. I believe that is Reagle Hawkmor in you company. I see the Prince of the enemy.” said Zecora as she stared at the Griffin intensely.
“Wait, no Zecora! He’s not evil. He’s-” said Zaza.
“Sister, this is most strange. You would normally kill a devil bird within range.” said Zecora pointing a hoof at how close Reagle and Zaza were.
“Umm…” Zaza blushed and stepped back slightly from Reagle.
Reagle’s brows were raised. “Wow, that’s awesome. Do you always talk like that?” asked Reagle.
Stares of death were shot at Reagle.
“You speak whatever that comes to mind. Insult me again and I may not be so kind.” said Zecora.
Reagle smiled back. “Forgive me, milady, I did not mean to offend.” Reagle looked up thoughtfully for a second. “I hope to be your friend.”
Zecora returned a bemused smile. “Rhyme takes time; it behooves one to think upon what they would say. This is the essence of the Shaman way.”
“Interesting, I see why you do this. Though I couldn’t keep it up on a regular basis.” said Reagle.
“It is at moments hard. But you can always play a familiar card.” said Zecora.
“Zecora, could I make use of you herb gardens? I have healing supplies to brew.” said Zaza.
“Indeed. Take as you need.”
“Also could you heal Reagle? I fear I may have broken one of his ribs. I’m not so sure of my healing abilities.” said Zaza.
Zecora nodded. “I will, but I think you should be more confident in your skill.”
Reagle followed Zecora through the palace hallways. She had a deliberate sway in her hips that made Reagle take notice. She finally led Reagle to a room; she closed the door. Reagle panned the room with his eyes and saw no exit.
Zecora’s eyes became half lidded and she sashayed towards Reagle. “I have seen how you eye my sister, it is the way lovers do. I am intrigued, I have a proposition for you.”
“Um what proposition?” said Reagle backing away.
Zecora turned around and flicked her tail. “Like what you see?” She then turned back around and faced Reagle grinning. “Would you like to be with me?”
Blood flowed to Reagle’s wing tips as his anatomy betrayed him. He forced his wings down slightly by holding them back by his claws. “Aren’t you married?!” asked Reagle.
“Is that so? No-pony need know.” said Zecora licking her lips and stepping closer.
Reagle panicked and drew his sword. “Get away!”
Zecora smirked and backed away. “It was an act of false treachery. Forgive me for testing the rumors of your lechery.”
Reagle exhaled in relief. He sheathed his sword. “That was evil. What would you have done if I had accepted?!”
“Then you would dead before we even got to bed.” said Zecora. “Prince Reagle you live to your name. You do my sister no shame.”
“Is your entire family like this? Death threats and violence?” asked Reagle.
“More so or less, I guess. It changes case to case. Let us get your bones back in place.” Zecora gave Reagle a red bottle. “Drink this healing brew, while I work on you.”
Reagle drank the cool liquid while Zecora felt his chest for irregularities. She pressed against him several times to his great agony. The pain as his rib was healed nearly winded him and the small hairline break in his beak burned as it was sealed. Towards of the session end Reagle was left sweating and panting.
“How’d you guess that I like your sister and how are you so accepting?”
“This land is filled with liars and fakes. Who is to say what form love takes?” said Zecora. “As to how I knew of what is between my sister and you. Many nights I’ve spent. I know her scent.”
“Aha.” said Reagle in realization. “Hey, what’s a good place to take Zaza on a date?”
Reagle was returned to Zaza and Zecora smiled as she waved good bye to the pair.
“Your sister is as intense as you are.” said Reagle.
“I’m glad you passed her test.” smiled Zaza.
“She’s done this sort of thing before?” asked Reagle.
“Before the war there were many suitors that wanted me. One was most charming.” said Zaza.
“As charming as me?” asked Reagle.
“Almost.” Zaza chuckled. “I nearly fell to his advance. My sister revealed his true nature.” She looked at her hoof wistfully. “He walks with a limp now. We both saw to that.” said Zaza hugging Reagle.
“Crazy family.” said Reagle to himself.
The planning room was disquietingly silent save for one Zebra. Commander Zephyr was manipulating a stick moving pieces across the board as Zaza and Reagle joined the rest of the officers.
“We should reinforce the city of Arebo. The units led by Zaeed will spearhead this.” said Commander Zephyr.
The Zebra officers nodded solemnly.
“An expedition force should be organized to aid Zanbar. Commander Zeban’s troops should join up with this force.”
Again the Zebra officers murmured in false agreement.
Zaza moved next to Isara. “The cities he speaks have fallen to siege months ago. The there are no armies left beyond the Sand Sea. The only troops left are small garrisons based in villages and isolated pockets. The commanders he’s assigning roles to are dead.”
The one eyed Ibex whispered in Zaza’s ear. Isara spoke sadly. “I told him the same moments ago. He has been like this for a half and hour.”
“What is he doing?” asked Reagle softly. “Has he gone mad?”
Zephyr continued moving pieces on the board. Zecora hung next to him tears trickling from her eyes.
Zaza walked angrily towards to Zephyr. He gave a broken smile. “Ah, Commander Zaza, perhaps you can lead the expedition force?”
Zaza looked at the table of the map of the regions beyond the Sand Sea. She jumped unto the table and with a hoof swept the table clean of the toy military pieces. She towered above Zephyr as the he staggered backwards falling down.
“What are you doing?!” stammered Zephyr.
Zaza shouted angrily. “You are Commander Zephyr, ‘The West Wind’. You won the only air battle against the Griffins! You are legend! My brother himself said that you were the unbowed will of our people!”
The towering Zebra veteran rose to his feet. For a fleeting second it seemed his courage was restored. It was a sad sight to see Zephyr wail. “It’s hopeless then. Our people are doomed. All is lost.”
“Hope is lost only if you let it slip from your hooves. Stand tall! Come to your senses!” said Zaza.
His sanity came back bitterly. “Don’t you understand? Without armies to oppose the devil birds our city, Zericho, is next. Once that falls so does our heartland.”
“You showed it was possible to defeat their airships in the sky!” Zaza blurted out.
“You speak of my famous victory but you do not know. We had the enemy surrounded still we lost three War Balloons. The last War Balloon in a suicide run collided with the enemy airship. In open battle I expect we’d lose five to one.”
“Four.” said Reagle. “You’d only lose four to one. You could manage a three to one ratio if you could—”
Zephyr cackled madly. “It does not matter, nothing does! We haven’t the troops or materials. We’re all dead—”
A heavy hoof smack landed across Zephyr’s face. Zephyr turned to see Zecora had delivered the blow.
“Zecora.” said Zaza.
“Let him a moment’s rest. I think it is for the best. Let us speak again tomorrow. I will see to my husband’s sorrow.” Zecora exchanged a sad glance as she led her husband away.
The other Zebra officers left the planning room all with diminished spirits.
Zaza sat at a table on the balcony of the palace. She looked out as two dragons flew overhead and Reagle joined her.
“Why don’t my speeches work?” asked Zaza.
“It may be you’re too aggressive. Jumping on the table, you have a flair for the dramatic.” suggested Reagle.
“You are one to speak.” said Zaza. She trailed off sadly. “It could be Zephyr is right…”
Reagle looked for a change in subject. “Wow, dragons. I thought I’d never see one let alone two.” said Reagle.
“Dragons surely can’t be that rare in the Griffin Isles, are they?” asked Zaza.
Reagle sighed as he gave his singular answer. “Airships.”
“Oh yes, it’s something I’ve pondered. Airships and War Balloons; how did your people come to invent such things?” asked Zaza.
“Well, in the Age of Dragons our people lived in fear of the drakes. Whole armies it took to take one down. They ate us like chickens.” said Reagle.
“What happened?” asked Zaza.
“We ended the Age of Dragons. The withering cannon fire of our Warships slayed the great beasts and drove those that remained from their homes. Our more arrogant historians say they migrate because of us.” said Reagle.
“Perhaps they might have moved if you asked them, rather than just killing them.” said Zaza with a twinge of anger.
“How about manticores? Didn’t you drive them off with spears?”
“That’s different. You can speak with dragons, can’t you?”
Reagle shrugged. “It was generations ago so I don’t know. I’m surprised you got dragons to cooperate.”
“The dragons, my sister was responsible for that.” said Zaza fondly.
“This is a story I have to hear!” said Reagle.
“One day, our tribe was summoned to drive away a pair of dragons. They encroached upon the border of a village and threatened it. They hadn’t attacked yet but it was a risk that we couldn’t take. Zecora though went out and greeted them.”
“Wow, she did not fear the drakes?” asked Reagle.
“No, she strolled up to them and asked them politely to leave. It turned out, they were a mated pair and the only reason they stayed was because the male dragon’s wings were wounded from a Griffin assault. Zecora came back and told as much. Father was ready to take advantage and order our Zerkers to slay the weakened wyverns.”
“A prudent, decision.” Reagle remarked.
“Instead, Zecora stole away in the night before the attack. She had taken our camps medical supplies. In the morning she rode atop a dragon to our camp. Mom and dad nearly died from heart attacks. Our tribe changed our policy dealing with fantastic beasts after that. We saved a lot more lives.” said Zaza.
“Wow, your sister is amazing.” said Reagle.
“My sister could live in a forest of monsters and I bet they wouldn’t touch a hair on her mane. She has a healing touch. The brews she invents save lives everyday. I can only think of better battle strategies to take them. She’s worth one hundred of me.”
“Zaza, you’re worth a whole lot more to me. Remember I refused her.” said Reagle.
“I don’t feel it. Zecora has always been better, she heals. I hurt.” said Zaza sadly.
“Hey, Zaza. I want to take you out on a date.” said Reagle.
Zaza blushed. “A date?”
“You’ve never been? Didn’t you have suitors?” asked Reagle.
“My suitors never made it past my sister. I have never—”
“First time for everything.” said Reagle.
Zaza trotted backwards. “Is this not an order reversal of the courtship process?”
“You’re important to me. I don’t want you to feel any less than.”
The morning sun rose and light touched the sand compacted buildings. The city of Zericho sprung alive with commerce. Walking in the main streets, Reagle wore a hood and cloak with bandages underneath them.
“Reagle, I don’t think this is a good idea.” said Zaza walking alongside him.
“I want to see a city of yours without darkening it with my presence. If they see a Griffin they’ll just be reminded of the war.” said Reagle.
“I meant this whole excursion. It is risky of you to walk these streets.” said Zaza.
“Forget about me. This is about you.” Reagle chirped leading Zaza away.
They walked through the bazaar. Zebra traders peddled wares from across the lands. People shopped with a sense of urgency. Smiles were forced as they distracted themselves from war.
“I managed to pawn off some supplies earlier for some serious coin.” Reagle held a large purse of jingling coins.
“Huh, what did you sell to get that?” asked Zaza.
“The compass and telescope, I got from the scout. I’m surprised that manufactured goods sell for so much in your lands.” Reagle gestured to some fine silk cloth cloaks and trinkets on display near the stands. “See anything you like?”
Zaza walked past the fineries. She propped her hooves onto a window pane of a storefront. “I do!” Zaza’s eyes were alit.
“What is it?” asked Reagle.
Zaza removed herself from the window and Reagle saw that she was looking at a spear. She entered the store with the jingle of bell that hung by the doorway.
The store had many strange and exotic weapons. Battle axes, nets, glaives, and even crossbows.
“A weapon shop? You are not like most gals.” said Reagle.
“You know it.” Zaza lifted her head proudly.
“A spear? I’m helping you buy a second boyfriend?”
Zaza blushed profusely. “No!”
The mustached male Zebra shopkeeper smiled. “How can I help you?”
Zaza pointed a hoof at a full metal spear. “May I inspect that?”
“You have an excellent eye. It is the centerpiece of my entire store. That spear is retractable.”
Zaza affixed the weapon to her saddle mount. “A retractable weapon is linked. Won’t that sacrifice the integrity of the weapon?”
“Not at all. It is magically made.” smiled the shopkeeper.
The spear retracted to the size a small baton. “It responds to my will.” remarked Zaza.
“How much?” asked Reagle setting his pouch of gold coins on the table.
“If you had five times that, then maybe.” chuckled the shopkeeper.
“Argh, maybe if I had access to my treasury. Sorry Zaza.” said Reagle.
“Zaza?” questioned the shopkeeper. “Zaza Zakar?”
“Yes. Do I know you?” asked Zaza.
“No, but I know you. Your troops held off the enemy advance on Zanbar. My family was able to evacuate because of you. We owe you our lives!” said the shopkeeper bowing.
“Hey, Zaza, you have saved lives. Who says you haven’t done any good?” said Reagle.
“Saved the lives of a city she did.” the shopkeeper nodded.
Zaza smiled lightly.
“That spear, it is yours. No charge.” the shopkeeper bowed.
“I must pay you something for it. I feel guilty just taking it. You must feed your family through your business.” said Zaza humbly.
“No, I insist. The spear has a price but the lives of wife and daughter are priceless.” said the shopkeeper.
“Thank you.” Zaza bowed. “Might I ask your name?”
The shopkeeper replied. “I am Jasko.”
“Jasko, I shall speak to city guard to see if they cannot secure an armament contract with your establishment.” said Zaza.
Zaza wore smile on her face as she sported her new spear.
“This won’t do. I need to buy you something.” said Reagle scratching his head.
“I know it be the custom that males pay but…we… are anything but customary. Perhaps I should get you something. I did not know my name carried such weight.” said Zaza.
“You never used your title to get free stuff?” smirked Reagle.
“I’ve never gotten the opportunity to do so.” said Zaza.
Reagle looked at the golden rings on Zaza’s neck. He spotted a jewelry story behind her. “Here, I’ll buy you something there.” said Reagle pulling Zaza with him.
The jewelry store was filled with golden trinkets, bands, earrings, and many other curios.
A white stallion with a hat and hair braid greeted them. “Welcome.”
Reagle and Zaza nodded.
“Maybe gold earrings, like the ones of your sister.” suggested Reagle pointing to some in glass case.
“Gold earrings are for shamans. They are earned through mastery of the healing arts. Their size denotes the level.” said Zaza.
“Well then how about this?” Reagle picked up a neck ring with a green gem bead.
Zaza laughed. “That means you are promised to another. It is an engagement ring.”
“I know. That’s why I picked it up.” said Reagle smoothly.
Zaza’s eyes became wide. She smiled again. “I wear one already. I use it to ward off would be suitors.” said Zaza pointing to one of her neck rings.
“This isn’t for you to wear. The ring is for me, for you.” Reagle clicked the ring on his own neck.
Zaza’s face reddened. “I cannot accept this.”
“Sorry, it’s not your choice. I choose who I promise myself to.” smiled Reagle setting the appropriate amount of coins on the counter.
“So romantic!” the shopkeeper gasped. “Would like that gift wrapped?”
Zaza and Reagle sat facing each other at an open air restaurant. Reagle had ordered a peanut based meal. Zaza nibbled on the leafy greens of her salad while Reagle had pulled his hood up to cover himself as he pecked at his meal.
“Reagle, I feel strange around you. I feel happy. It scares me.” said Zaza.
“What’s wrong with happiness?” Reagle suggested warmly.
“The dark leopard of doubt hunts me. I fear forgetting my mission…”
“Let us face this beast together.”
“It would devour you. You do not understand… and I cannot tell you.”
“What is your mission? Tell me, maybe I’ll surprise you.”
Zaza’s eyes began tearing up. “I can’t do this. Excuse me!” She got up from her seat and broke away.
“Zaza!” cried Reagle rising up. He chased her.
“No dine and dash!” cried an angry waiter before tackling him.
Reagle’s cloak was pulled off in the struggle. The restaurant’s customers gasped.
“Here.” said Reagle, shoving coins into the waiter’s apron and he dashed after Zaza before anyone could react.
Reagle ran so quickly his bandage disguise was unwrapped by the wind. Zaza’s form disappeared in the crowds of other Zebras. He was pushed back before he could pursue her any further. A group of burly Zebras blocked his path.
A Zebra scowling pointed a hoof at Reagle. “You lost devil bird?”
“Please stand aside. I’m busy.” said Reagle.
“Too busy eating our foals, monster?” asked the scowling Zebra.
“I mean you no harm. Please let me through.” Reagle sighed.
A small mob was beginning to form.
A female Zebra on outskirts cried out. “Kill the devil bird! Vengeance for my fallen husband!”
A teenage Zebras shouted. “My older sister’s dead because of those monsters!”
“Set it with boiling tar! We don’t even need the feathers!” cried another mob member.
He was soon backed up against a wall. He looked to the sky for exit however several Zebras emerged from balconies and were ready to spear him should he try.
Reagle drew his sword hidden under his wings. “Stay back, I don’t want to hurt anyone!” He cringed as the mob encroached further, clearly undeterred by his drawn weapon.
“The crow lies! It dies!” came a shout from the mob.
A Zebra suddenly pole vaulted over the crowd.
Reagle smiled as Zaza stood at his side. There was a purple stain on her lips but Reagle, elated by her defense, ignored it. “It seems I’m always chasing you. I’m glad you came back.”
She whispered urgently. “Get behind me.” Zaza stepped in front of Reagle and calmly confronted the group. “We’ll be on our way if you fair folk will move.”
“You’re Zaza Zakar!” stammered a teenage Zebra.
The scowling Zebra spoke. “What are you doing cavorting with a devil bird?”
Zaza raised her head high and spoke. “I have fought for our people since before the war. Hear my words and know them to be true. They are not all evil. What are we; worse than them if we judge without knowing? I know it is difficult to believe but this one is true and noble.”
There were murmurs in the crowd as some mob members questioned one another and themselves.
A Zebra spat. “Your brother was killed by those beasts and yet you defend one.”
His words caused Zaza to recoil and in that small lapse, the Zebras advanced further.
“Please good people, I mean you no harm.” said Reagle nervously.
“Back away!” Zaza swiped her spear causing several mob members to jump back.
Both Reagle and Zaza faced the mob. There were too many to choose targets.
Eyes of hate and grief peered past Zaza. Reagle was reminded of their differences and that perhaps they entertained only a delusion. Against them were ordinary people; merchants, miners, bakers, and farmers, all embodying the anguish of a nation. The mob edged ever closer with spears, kitchen knives, and assorted weapons. Reason would not reach them. They would kill them both. Reagle looked at Zaza as she valiantly protected him and he stepped in front of her. Dropping his sword, he offered himself as a sacrifice upon the altar of hate.
A battle group unlike any other is assembled as the engines of six airships pollute the air with noise. A black and gold War Wing led the fleet while four of the War Wings were a pure black. A silver one stood out amongst the group as they carved a trail of smoke across the sky. Ironbeak and Dori were in the cargo bay of the silver War Wing, sparring with wooden swords in a cleared space.
“That Banshee, I hate her. She’s too much like me. There can be only one Dori.” Dori said as she swiped at Ironbeak.
He parried. “She’s more like my father Ironclaw. Do you know the story behind her?” asked Ironbeak.
They both stopped their practice.
Dori folded her claws and looked away. “I don’t care. I’m going to kill her.”
“She’s Lord Ironclaw’s adopted daughter. Banshee was raised without the restraints that would come with worrying about her surviving to inherit a title; I shudder to think of whatever he did to make her that way. God Odin knows what my father did to me… I pity her. She was kind hearted when she was younger.” said Ironbeak.
“You and your sympathies.” Dori scoffed. “I have a sob story too. I don’t blame how I turned out on circumstances. I chose who I am. You can’t dull your blade.”
“Dori, you can’t deny that your circumstances played a part. You can’t blame yourself.” said Ironbeak.
“No apologies. No retreat.” said Dori.
“Don’t you have doubts?” asked Ironbeak.
“That’s weak thinking. Listen… I was out on patrol once… we encountered a colt. Its parents lay dead next to it, hit by stray crossbow fire. Fletcher, that stupid fool, approached the foal to offer words of comfort and his cloak for warmth. The colt carried a grenade and sparked it with a flint as he drew close. Fletcher is dead.” said Dori.
“That’s a terrible story. Why do you tell me these things?!” said Ironbeak aghast.
“I don’t expect you to kill children. But be wary of sob stories and keep at least ten meters away from them.” said Dori.
“Um, what about our hatchlings if you’ll have them?” asked Ironbeak.
Dori blushed then laughed. “Ten meters, especially if our children take after me. Death by impatient heirs is all too common.” Dori poked Ironbeak lightly with her wooden practice sword. “Anyway stop being weak!”
“I know I’m weak.” said Ironbeak.
“Stop that! You need to be strong, now. I have a feeling that our mission has become more dangerous. I sense something about Banshee. It’s not pity.” said Dori.
The small white Griffin looked at the horizon aboard her own ship.
One of her officers bowed. “Commander Banshee, Zericho will soon be in spitting distance of guns. Shall we make ready?”
“Not yet, have our ships hold their positions. Zericho is defended by two dragons. Our spy has told us as much.”
“Two dragons? We can then expect the loss of a ship or two. Shall we prepare Dragon slaying armaments?”
“Have a quarter of the cannons loaded with harpoons but do not prime them. This will take subtlety.” said Banshee.
Reagle had disarmed himself and faced the mob.
“Hang them!” cried another voice from the mob.
“Reagle, get back behind me!” Zaza tried to shove him back with the length of her spear.
“I’m not letting them string you up too.” said Reagle.
A small foal walked out from the crowd and its mother cried out to the child. “Come back!”
Moving swiftly out of her reach, the little foal continued walking to face the Griffin. “Mr. Devil Bird, you won’t eat me will you?”
“No little foal. We do not eat children.”
“Why did you kill daddy then?”
Reagle cringed.
Another shout came from the crowd. “Kill the devil bird!”
A trumpet was blown. At the call, silver armored Zebra warriors pole vaulted over the crowd and lowered their spears against the mob.
The head warrior spoke to Reagle. “Lady Zecora sends her regards, for we will be your guards. Forgive us for being late. We shall escort you and your date.”
A Gazelle astride a giant Water Buffalo plowed through the crowd to meet them in the center. “We’re here too!” Cirta waved.
“Why are the city guards protecting that devil bird?” queried a Zebra from the mob.
The lead guard addressed the masses. “Back to your homes; nothing to see here.” Against the wall of spears, the crowd backed away slowly however they still did not disperse.
“Come on we can take them! We are many and they are few!” one of the leaders of the mob pressed forward.
A shadow was cast over the Zebras and a roar resonated through the air. A dark, desert brown dragon flew in and landed before the mob, causing the ground to rumble. The beast opened its maw and if the rows of teeth were not intimidating enough, the dragon gave another ear-splitting roar.
“Our guardians have turned against us!” A voice screamed as the crowd dispersed.
“Idiots,” spat Cirta.
A few still observed but at a distance and behind the corners of buildings. After it became apparent the dragon would not pursue them some went back to their business.
The dragon spoke in a matronly voice. “Zecora, I thought we were to protect the city from the devil bird heathens. Yet you have me pay guard service to one?”
A Zebra riding atop the dragon’s head answered. “Serifima, do not eat this Griffin. It is dating my kin.” Zecora said, smiling.
“Dragon.” Reagle’s beak was left wide open.
Serifima lowered her head to allow Zecora to hop off. The drake swung her head towards Reagle, inspecting him closely. She intoned warningly. “Best behave or there will naught but ashes for your grave.”
“Serifima, pleased to see you.” said Zaza calling attention to herself from Reagle.
“Likewise, call upon me again should the need arise. I wish you well Zaza, sister of Zecora.” Serifima flapped her wings and became airborne in a mighty gale of sand that swept past them.
Zaza sighed in relief. Zecora was out of earshot and making hoof motions as she directed the city guards to form a perimeter.
“I thought we might have to contend with something like this. I asked your sister for some help. I didn’t know she’d bring a dragon.” Reagle whispered.
“I am sorry that you must walk through our streets with guards. Here I am reminded of the reality of our race, it saddens me.” said Zaza.
“Hey, forget about that.” Reagle placed a claw on Zaza’s shoulder and leaned in for a kiss. Before he fully closed his eyes though, he noticed Zaza quickly wipe away the purple stain from her lips. “Zaza, did you drink a—”
She silenced him with a kiss. “I’m so happy.” said Zaza as tears flowed down her cheeks.
Their kiss elicited a cheer from Cirta. “Whooo!” The small Gazelle nearly fell off her Water Buffalo companion.
Zecora looked over at the pair and nodded approvingly.
An assembly was held in the massive hanger bay of Banshee’s flagship where a stage and podium was set up. The dark cloaked Raven troops seemed utterly fixated on something invisible in front of them.
“Why are we amongst her regular soldiers? How dare she treat me like common cannon fodder.” said Dori indignantly.
“These guys are like statues.” Ironbeak whispered to Dori.
Another soldier heard them. “Aren’t they so cool?”
Ironbeak and Dori noticed the brown Griffin clothing; a junior officer’s green cloak. He wore a winning smile and cheerfully chirped. His face feathers were soft and plushy, marking his youth. “The name’s Vikers. I got transferred several days ago. I haven’t seen you two so you must be new too.” The junior officer offered a claw for Ironbeak to shake.
Ironbeak gladly accepted the claw.
“I’m with an automatic crossbow crew. I’m a bolt loader. What are you guys?” asked Vikers.
Dori sneered when Vikers offered a claw. “We’re not with your basic infantry.”
When a small white Griffin walked the steps to the stage, the attention of soldiers turned fully towards her.
Banshee rose to the podium. “Odin’s grace upon thee my Ravens.”
The soldiers recited in a single voice. “Messengers of his will. We deliver death.”
Banshee drew the massive claymore sword on her back. With one claw she gestured to a group of soldiers that brought forth a massive scroll. The Griffins unrolled the parchment to display a map and Banshee pointed to a black dot that had been circled in red. “You have been told the Zebra city of Zericho is our target. I tell you that the greatest operation since our initial invasion is now secondary. Our true goal is—” Two Griffins brought forth a framed portrait of Prince Reagle. “is the crown prince.”
To the annoyance of Dori, Vikers raised his claws with a question like an academy student. “There was a national day of mourning. Isn’t the Prince dead?”
“Contrary to the report of some,” Banshee shot Dori and Ironbeak a nasty glare. “the Whirlwind Prince still lives. We’re going to kill him.”
Vikers whispered to Dori. “Kill the prince? That’s treason.”
Dori brought a claw to her face, nursing her minor headache.
Banshee resumed the briefing. “The failure of previous attempts was lack of leadership and intelligence.”
Dori scowled in offense. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Intelligence meaning information.” said Banshee. “We now know the exact location of our target. In conjunction to the main assault force, you, my selected ones will penetrate the enemy’s citadel and kill our target.”
“Zericho’s walls are impenetrable. They rise above even the altitude of our airships. How do you mean to get past that?” asked Dori.
“Come with me and see.” said Banshee.
Zaza and Reagle strolled through the palace halls, admiring the various artifacts that were on display. They stopped by a giant sword the size of several Zebras.
“That there is a Zanbatō, it is a weapon of the far east. It is said to be able to cleave a manticore in two.”
Reagle flexed his muscles and tried to lift the giant blade. He groaned as the weapon continue to lay in its pedestal.
Zaza giggled at Reagle’s attempt. “It’s obviously ornamental. Such a weapon is impractical in real combat. Even affixed on a war saddle, you would not be able to walk with it.”
“Maybe my dad could.” He gave up and hopped to the next artifact, pointing at it. “What’s this?”
Zaza looked at the small urn and brilliant red feathers behind a glass case. “Ashes of a fallen phoenix. Its name was Gesundi. It was our family pet for generations, given to us by an unknown Equestrian.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Even in death it protects our family. I once fell ill. One of its feathers was used to brew a potion that saved my life.”
“Medical miracles.” exclaimed Reagle. “How we Griffins have blundered, the true treasures of your people are your potions.”
“Speaking of brews, I must go gather more herbs from the gardens. Could you swap your empty saddle bag for my full one.”
“Sure, I’ll take your bags to our room.”
“Thank you.” Zaza gave Reagle a light kiss. “Wait there. I’ll freshen up along the way and be back shortly. Gird your loins for the coming battle.” Zaza winked.
Reagle blushed, his wings becoming stiff.
Reagle hopped along happily, slinging Zaza bags onto his back. The contents shifted as he moved and the sound of clinking glass brought him out of his daydreams. He stopped and set the bags down, untied the belt and opened the flaps. Glass bottles lay in neat little rows, cushioned with hay. Many of them were empty with purple residue staining their bottoms.
“Zaza, this can’t be healthy.”
He found the door to Zecora’s room open but he knocked anyway. The Zebra mare was grinding grass herbs with a wheel mortar and pestle. She sat in a chair and leaned forward into her task. The rhythmic clattering of stone against stone filled the room as the green was ground into a fine powder.
“Come in, I am not too busy. I must say you make my sister very happy.”
“About that…” Reagle closed the door. “Zecora, I’ve seen Zaza take those Zerker potions. Do you know what those potions are?”
Her work slowed slightly. “I know of these potions you speak. How many does she take in a week?” asked Zecora cautiously while she continued.
“Once a day.”
Zecora stopped working and her pause caused a tension that filled the room.
Reagle asked nervously. “Do they have any side effects?”
“No they do not with proper use. They will however, with abuse… Dulling strong emotions is the side effect of those potions. That is until you can feel nothing. Death, of the soul, they bring.”
“That explains why she became more emotional as she was running out. I don’t know why she would be taking them? What is it she trying to suppress?” Reagle’s tone grew worried. “Zecora, help me speak to your sister about this.”
“There will be much to speak of and neither one of us will be enough.” She rose from her seat and gestured him to follow her.
Zaza was humming happily as she entered the room belonging to Reagle and herself. Her happiness disappeared however, when she saw her sister.
Zecora placed an empty bottle on the table in front of Zaza and gave her sister a disapproving look.
“What? It is an empty bottle.” She tried to fake a light laugh.
Her sister tiled the bottle and pointed to the purple residue on the bottom of the bottle.
“Zecora, I can explain.” said Zaza.
“Sister, this brings me much pain.”
Zaza backed away but Reagle appeared behind her and locked the door.
Zaza swiveled and her eyes flashed angrily at the Griffin. “Reagle, what are you doing here?”
“He is here because he cares.” said Zecora prodding Reagle lightly.
Reagle stood by Zecora’s side and they presented a united front.
Zaza bit bitterly. “What is there to discuss. I have this handled. Those potions are necessary for combat. They are not addictive.”
“Addictive physically, no. Psychologically it is so.” Zecora countered.
“Zaza, please I’ve seen you drink those potions every day even outside of combat now.”
“Back away.” she spat. “You are fast friends with my sister. I wonder if she’d be so friendly if she knew.”
He recoiled at that statement and Zecora tilted her head questioningly.
Reagle resumed. “Zaza, I’m here for your own good.”
“Reagle killed our brother.”
A deathly silence followed.
Zecora flinched and she moved sideways several steps from the Griffin. However she quickly regained her composure. “What you mention, it is not the subject of today’s intervention.”
Zaza snorted. “Did you not hear me? He killed Zulu Zakar, our brother! Even now his people are committing genocide against us.”
“You think me so callous? However that is not what we are here to discuss.”
“Stop it Zecora! Why aren’t you at his throat!” Zaza pointed a hoof at Reagle.
“We are talking about you. His actions and his people have nothing to do.”
“Arggh!! Every moment I’m with him I feel as if I am burying my brother again! Yet I cannot help myself! Do you feel no love for our brother or our people?” Zaza raged.
“The potions last less and less. You are feeling the withdrawal, it makes you say the heartless.”
“How can you be so calm? Our brother was our people’s last great hope!”
“Our brother, you are so obsessed with his glory. But you do not know the full story.”
“You did not fight with our tribe against the devil birds! You did not follow the campaigns! You were not there when we dug trenches for graves! You did not lay his body to rest in the cold ground! What did you know of our brother? You aren’t a warrior!”
“What I knew, I knew better than you.” said Zecora.
Zaza’s body tensed like a coiled spring. “You can’t possibly! I dare you!” Her eyes became fierce and her blood boiled with rage.
Reagle realized she was entering the Zerker battle state. Zecora placed a hoof in front of the Griffin to stop him. Her words were calm but now filled with sadness. “Zulu was brave, that much is true. However it was not without the help of a certain brew. He shared your affliction and it became an addiction. His death was certain within weeks even if he had lived past his famous victory. Death in battle was a mercy.”
Tears in her sister’s eyes brought Zaza back to sanity. “What?” Zaza stammered. “You didn’t stop him, why?”
“I found out too late, at that point there was no point to try. The poison in him was so great, he was sure to die. Towards the end he cared for nothing, not even himself. He only drank more to hide the decay in his health. He would charge the enemy blindly without strategy. His recklessness was often mistaken for his usual bravery.”
“Zecora, I’m so sorry.” Zaza broke down as tears streamed from her eyes.
“The doom of our brother. I pray it will not happen to another.”
The two sisters collapsed into each other. The water from their eyes gushed as they hugged and the moment lingered.
Reagle felt out of place and he edged towards the door.
“Don’t go.” Zaza bit the furry scruff end of his tail and tugged light.
He turned around and looked into her pleading eyes. “I was a fool to think it was resolved in but a few words. Pushing you into this relationship, I didn’t realize I was causing you so much pain.”
“Don’t go.” she pleaded.
Reagle relented. He deployed his wings and wrapped them around her, hugging her close.
A half dozen dark cloaked figures climbed a sand compacted tower. Against the moonlit night, their silhouettes broke the outline of the tower’s form. The Griffins held onto spikes and stabbed them into the grooves of the tower while ropes connected each of the Griffins. Banshee was furthest along to the top.
“Walking and climbing when we could be flying?” Ironbeak groaned.
“Stealth, Banshee knows that much. However, why are we lugging that stupid crate around.” Dori looked at the box that was connected by rope and weighed every Griffin down.
Banshee and several Griffins finally reached the top, turning to pull the rest forward.
The top of the tower was defined by a massive keep with a large landing pad. The door to the keep was open and two pairs of yellow eyes peered through the black.
Two plumes of fire shot forth leaving burning streaks that illuminated the evening.
“Dragons!” said Ironbeak cowering.
The rest of the Griffins readied to draw their weapons.
Stepping through and past her guards Banshee approached the two dragons. The dragons’ keep was massive and the small Griffin seemed all the smaller, however Banshee had a presence and confidence that clashed against even that of the wyverns.
The male dragon snorted smoke and ashy fire in the face of the Griffins. “Devil bird, you have much courage to speak to us.” said Sanscara.
Dori and Ironbeak jumped back.
“I fear you not.” Only Banshee’s feathers were ruffled by the air blast. She remained calm. “I bring an offer.”
The female dragon Serifima spoke. “We are listening. Be quick explaining.”
“The Zebras pay you to protect the city? Do they not?”
Both dragons nodded.
“Why accept the tiny tithe they give you when you can have the city yourselves? Why accept eggs when you can have the hen? The Griffin Kingdoms are willing to pay even more than that. I am willing to give the greatest of treasures if you cooperate. ” said Banshee.
“Begone, you think it is only gems that compel us! You mock us for base beasts!” said Sanscara.
“A dragon’s creed is greater than greed. The Zebras are kind and give us all that we need.” said Serifima.
“I said I would give you the greatest of treasures did I not?” Banshee snapped her claws.
A couple of Griffin attendants brought forth the crate and began prying it open with claws and hammers.
“I am missing a dragon head trophy from my mantle. Those scars upon your wings.” Banshee pointed at Sanscara. She mused. “I thought they would not heal.”
Sanscara eyes widened. “It was you who drove us from our nest!?”
Serifima and Sanscara both roared in furious anger.
“Yes and imagine what wonder I found.” The crate was finally cracked open. “Better yet see for yourself.” Through the straw, Banshee pulled a small polka dotted orb from the crate.
The fury of the dragons subsided.
“This cannot be, our child was lost. That was our escape’s cost.” Serafima cried.
Sanscara spoke with halting words. “You destroyed our nest yet that is our egg.”
“I understand for your breed, an egg is the rarest of treasures. We found it while digging for your hoard.” Banshee ran her claw nails gently across the surface of the egg. “You can feel its mother’s warmth still. That little life inside, how easy would it be for me to snuff that flame.”
Serifima glowered at the Griffin. “You would threaten us with our own un-hatched child? You are the one most reviled—”
“Dragon Slayer, that is what they call you. A devil bird known even amongst the dragon-kin. You are a monster.” said Sanscara.
“Called a monster by beasts, I’m flattered. You know my reputation, good. Know then I will not hesitate.” Banshee held up the egg.
The dragons were humbled and lowered their heads in shame.
Banshee scoffed. “Bleeding hearts.” She commanded. “Hear me and obey! At our trumpets’ calls. Zericho falls. Crashing down will come the walls.”
Reagle awoke to the pleasant aroma of cooking oil. He wiped the crusts from his eyes and saw a meal tray neatly prepared for him. A baked white meat was in the center plate with a fork and knife resting ready on the side. Zaza had seated herself at the end of their bed, looking expectantly at him.
“Fresh fish!” He cried as he began salivating. The spiced aroma was entrancing. He grabbed the eating utensils and began cutting the soft white flesh. “You woke up early to make this?”
She nodded with a smile. “Please eat, I’ve already eaten.”
“We are many miles from water. Where?” said Reagle gratefully taking a bite.
“The palace has a pond.”
He stopped himself. “I’m not eating someone’s pet am I?”
“The pond is a waste of water in the desert. The fish were put there as decorations. It makes me angry to see peasants beg in the streets for water.”
Chewing happily, he took extra time to savor the flavor. “Thank you. This is delicious. The seasoning is perfect. I don’t know restaurants in Aviania that could do better.”
Zaza sighed in relief. She brought forth a book. “I am glad; this instructional tome is rather out of date.”
Reagle pulled the book towards him. There was a Griffin with a moustache on the cover. He read the cover. “1000 Recipes for Baking from Dinner to Deserts by Gustave Le Grand.”
“I found it in the palace library: with a Griffin on the cover I do not think it would have survived in the public library.”
He set the book aside. “A memento of a more peaceful time between our people.” He used a claw to lift her chin. “Those times will come again.”
Zaza lowered her head. “I don’t know.”
The remainder of the meal was finished in silence.
Zecora stood at the balcony of the palace. She attended several potted plants with a watering can. The shadow of wyvern wings darkened the morning sun. Zecora continued tending to her herbs even as the dragon’s landing shook the balcony.
“Sanscara, it is a pleasure to see you this morning day. It is strange that you would go out of your way.”
A large droplet of crystal clear liquid fell upon the fern that Zecora was watering. She looked up to see tears flowing from the dragon’s eyes.
“Little one, forgive us. Please make your escape. This warning is all that we can give.”
She hugged the dragon and peering upwards, she looked into the giant reptile’s eyes. “What is going on? Will you not tell what is wrong?”
The dragon arched his head to meet hers. “My mate and I consider you to be our second child… I still owe you my life, to repay that I can ferry you and your husband out of the city.” Sanscara stepped back lowered his neck to allow Zecora to board.
Zecora pulled away. She shook her head. “More than me reside in this city. I will not flee.”
“Please come with me, the devil birds will soon claim Zericho.”
She pleaded to the dragon. “Please reconsider! Whatever the enemy has to offer, we can provide better!”
“I am sorry; our first child is being threatened. The Griffins have our egg…,” said Sanscara. The dragon became airborne in a gust.
Reagle carefully wiped his beak after and rinsed his mouth with the rest of the glass of water.
Zaza broke the silence. “I’m sorry I said those hurtful things to you.”
“Zecora said those potions can make your emotions go crazy. We got close too quickly. I should have known that it would have taken longer for you to be—”
She kissed him. “No, you’re one of the best things to happen to me. When I’m with you it is better than battle.”
“I thought you detested combat?”
She gave a dangerous smile. “To deny that I do like an aspect of battle is to refuse part of myself. I enjoy the clarity, not the killing. There is a rush in which the world comes into focus.”
He chuckled. “We should have a sparring match one of these days, friendly of course.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
“No more of those purple potions, okay?”
Zaza murmured. “I need them for Zerker state.”
“You heard what Zecora said. You drink anymore of those you could become emotionally dead. You’re still going to drink them after hearing about what happened to your brother?”
“I’m sorry I mentioned you and my brother… to Zecora. Your noble attributes just remind me so much of brother… or rather the ideal I had for him.”
“I think if anyone represents the fearless spirit of your people, it’s you. You can do that without the potions. Those potions are an emotional suppressant; what are you trying to bury?”
“I am not without fear. Reagle, this scares me.”
“What does?”
“You.” Zaza replied simply. She elaborated as she looked at the confused Griffin’s face. “Up until this point, I haven’t feared my death. But suddenly the thought of losing you fills me with dread.”
“Zaza, what are you getting at?”
“The dark leopard of doubt that daunts and haunts my dreams, it has become a hawk.”
“Explain, I’m not getting your metaphor.”
“If you follow me, if you love me, you will die.”
“You assume I’m helpless. We can see a way through this. I don’t intend to see the fall of your people. I have contacts within the Griffin Kingdoms. Once I speak to your father I’m sure we can arrange terms for peace. After I unveil the conspiracy against my house I may be in position to meet those terms.” Reagle lowered his beak. “Okay, that’s a lot to do. I’m still sure we can do this though… somehow.”
“Reagle, you don’t understand—”
The sound of trumpets interrupted them.
The Zebra citizens of Zericho had stopped their morning chores to hear the call. Workers carrying their clay pots dropped them when their eyes met the skies. Their wall fell with a raucous rumble, when the sand cleared they saw six War Wings lined up along the horizon. The airships opened their gun ports. Flying iron cannonballs filled the skies; four of the dozen Zebra War Balloons that patrolled the city skies were instantly punctured. Spiraling downwards, the craft crashed into streets and homes.
Onboard Banshee’s sleek black flagship, the battle is monitored. Griffin communications officers relay orders via signal lamps.
Ironbeak peered through a pair of mounted binoculars. “I thought there was no longer a Zebra airforce. A dozen War Balloons, that’s surprising,” said Ironbeak.
“Eight now,” said Dori. “If they concentrate fire, we may lose a War Wing or two.”
Banshee ordered calmly. “Signal our War Wings to advance into the city. Commence carpet bombing.”
A dark cloaked Griffin saluted. “Yes, Commander.”
“Have my Ravens readied for deployment.”
Zebra infantry wheeled carriage carts, frantically weaving through the city street. As civilians ran from the shadow of the War Wings, the warriors carried their carts toward the darkened patches of sand. The warriors were old and injured.
A Zebra officer shouted. “Have the armaments ready! Don’t deploy until they open bomb bay doors!”
A young Zebra held onto a lever crank attached to the carriage cart.
The officer turned to the young Zebra. The officer spoke with alarm. “Son, only old and injured Zebras are supposed to perform this duty. We will not escape the impact area. Go to the bomb shelters!”
The young one countered. “No way! I owe them devil birds! My family is dead because of them.”
“You better have said your prayers then.”
The shadow of a War Wing was now above them. The bomb hatches opened.
“Now!”
At the pull of the levers the carriage tops opened up, and balloons began inflating.
“Light fuses!”
The balloons began rising into the air pulling large black orbs with them. Long oil soaked wicks were attached to the bombs. Zebras with torches lit them before the bombs were carried upwards by the balloons.
Aboard the forward airship’s bomb bay, Griffin workers prepared barrels of explosives setting them on ramps. The hatch opened revealing the city below.
One of the Griffin workers pointed out to color balloons floating upwards. “What are those? Pretty.”
A balloon floated into the bay, as the Griffins saw what was attached to the strings they shrieked.
“Shoot those balloons down!” shouted a Griffin.
A Griffin jumped to a rack of crossbows. He grabbed a weapon but before he could pull back the crossbow string, the flame reached the end of the bomb’s wick. In a blinding blast, the explosion ignited a chain reaction.
The sky was peppered with explosions. From the bridge of Banshee’s flagship the crew gasped as the forward War Wing exploded from its lower levels.
“Enemy anti-airship weapons?” said a stunned crew member.
Banshee shoved the helms-Griffin aside and veered the ship violently. “Signal our ships to steer clear of the city. Have three of them pursue and destroy the enemy War Balloons. Order the ground invasion, there will be no softening bombardment.”
“We’ll sustain heavy casualties,” said Ironbeak.
Banshee grabbed Ironbeak by the collar and shrieked in his face. “Move out!”
Reagle ran with Zaza through the palace hallways.
“Odin’s odors! How’d they get pass your dragon friends?” Reagle asked.
“I do not know but you and I have to make our escape. Buck all else.”
“What about your sister?”
“…She’s not a military asset.” Zaza stopped a moment then continued running. “You’re more important.”
“Okay, hold on!” said Reagle. “I’m a military asset then?”
Zaza froze. “I... ughhh.”
“Listen, don’t let me hold you back. I care about you and who you care about. We’ll save your sister.”
She stopped and looked out of windows. “If the balloon traps work, we may have time.” Tiny balloons were launched as the first War Wing flew over the city.
“Balloon traps?” Reagle looked at the bright balls in the skyline.
The airship exploded in a brilliant shower of fire and crashed into the streets below. The airships broke formation to avoid the balloons floating from the city streets.
“Bloody brilliant, your people are full of surprises.”
Zaza nodded. “Okay, we have time.”
Isara trotted past them. The Ibex mare had a spear affixed to her saddle. “Don’t just stand there! We have enemy flyers inbound!”
A platoon of Raven troopers landed in the palace square. Several Zebra guards were instantaneously slain by lances. Banshee folded her wings and rode her sword to the ground using a Zebra guard to cushion her impact.
Banshee shrieked her orders. “Fan out, kill all those who oppose us! Our target is all that matters!” The dark feathered Griffins followed her charge.
Dori gripped Ironbeak’s foreleg. “Hold on, we hang back.”
Nokimbe ran through crowds of fleeing Zebras. He stopped in front several squads of Zebra warriors.
He shouted. “You there, with me!”
A warrior replied. “We’ve received no orders from the palace. We must defend our posts.”
“No time, you follow my orders yeah?”
“On whose’s authority?”
Nokimbe produced a shiny gold plate with intricate symbols etched into it. The Zebra warriors immediately nodded.
A path of bloody carnage had been carved. Zebra warriors in an indeterminable number lay dismembered. A small white Griffin with her bloodied claymore sword walked through the hallway.
Reagle’s feathers stood on end as he recognized the approaching Griffin. “This opponent is beyond us all. We face the Dragon Slayer.”
“Piss on that! We don’t give in to fear,” said Isara.
He replied to Isara without turning his gaze away from Banshee. “Sometimes fear is the appropriate, when facing monsters.”
Zaza whispered. “Run back and find others or another way around and flank her.”
“I am a commander of the Ibex Empire, you don’t give orders to me,” said Isara.
“You’re blind on your right side, there’s only so much skill can make up for. In this battle we can afford no weakness,” said Reagle.
The one eyed Ibex opened her mouth to counter. Reagle and Zaza stared her down.
Isara scoffed. “Don’t die before I return.” She bolted back.
Banshee smiled. “Zebra, surrender now or six War Wings on my command will reduce this city to ash.”
Zaza lowered her spear slightly.
“Don’t listen, she’d do that regardless!” Reagle shouted. “Believe me! She is without compassion.”
“Prince Reagle, it’s been a while since that tourney, we were so close too,” said Banshee, smiling.
Zaza spat at Reagle. “Have you had every girl in the Griffin Kingdoms?”
“She’s referring to our match in a tournament. She and I have never dated. I don’t do crazy. Dori is fluffy compared to her.”
Banshee tilted her head and frowned. “I’m hurt. I have feelings.”
Reagle narrowed his eyes. “You’re incapable of feeling. Like a parrot, you’re only capable of mimicry.”
Banshee broke out in laughter. “I will feel joy when I deliver your head to Lord Ironclaw.” She walked slowly towards them.
Zaza glared at their enemy. “Reagle, I’m beginning to understand your apprehension. I sense something familiar. We fight her together.”
“The Whirlwind Prince and Death Stripe, both famous names, if you disappoint me I will feed your corpses to the rats!” Banshee swung her claymore sword.
Zaza was thrown against a wall when she tried to block the blade. She landed on her feet and pounced back. “I see your death!”
She was surprised when the massive blade came swinging back as quickly as it had come. Blocking it, she was flung back again.
Reagle rolled to the side of Banshee and attempted a sword swipe. He too was forced to parry and was flung back. “Bloody Helhiem!”
Banshee turned her attention towards Reagle. She swiped at him. He was able to dodge the first swing but Banshee had stepped into range. She smirked, readying her second swing.
“Fight me!” Zaza lunged again forcing Banshee to use her second swing to counter.
Zecora was backed up against a wall as a couple of black cloaked Griffin soldiers pointed their lances at her. She readied herself to spring, but the Griffins’ attention was drawn by the noise of hooves against the tile flooring and a distinctive wooden clop.
“Come at me! You devil birds!”
The Zebra warrior smashed his wooden foreleg into the face of a Raven soldier. He used his back legs to buck the other soldier unconscious against the wall.
“Zephyr, I am glad you’re here. You have saved my life; I am glad to be your wife,” said Zecora, sighing. She smiled at Zephyr’s confident stance. “I was most concerned. I’m glad that you’ve returned.”
“I’ve been moping too long. Even if it is hopeless, I’ll give them a fight they won’t soon forget.” Zephyr mounted a spear onto his war saddle. “My only regret is that I must fight them on the ground. The sky is my true battlefield. Let us get to the hangers!”
“I know you’re eager; but first we must find my sister.”
Both Reagle and Zaza were panting from their exertions. Banshee had not a bead of sweat on her feathers.
“She’s gotten a lot better. I don’t think we can beat her,” said Reagle.
Zaza spat. “Her claymore sword is like a Zanbatō, its weakness should be its cumbersomeness. How is she able to wield that weapon with such grace?”
“Blood reveals the weapon’s secret,” said Reagle. Banshee’s bloody sword glowed with tiny almost imperceptible lines. “Rune magic, combined by her training she is the perfect murder machine.”
“Yet she’s still holding back. I sense it.”
Reagle’s feathery brow ridge shot up. “What?!”
“Quite perceptive for a savage,” said Banshee, “However I owe your people a certain thanks for this.” She tilted her head back.
“Bloody Helhiem, she’s a Zerker!” Reagle’s maw hung open.
“There is a way; I can at least match her.” Zaza had pulled out a potion from her saddle bag.
Reagle slapped the potion away with his claws. “I’m not losing you!”
Cirta and the Bull rounded the corner led by Isara. The Water Buffalo lowered as Cirta cocked her automatic crossbow. Isara’s three Ibex soldiers ran after them.
“Fire!” Isara commanded.
“Roger!” The tiny Gazelle cheerfully began pulling the crossbow’s crank.
Banshee drew a short sword from under her wings. She began swatting away the bolts while advancing slowly towards them.
“Whaaaa?” said Cirta pulling the crank to her automatic crossbow.
“She’s deflecting our bolts?” said Bull.
Reagle and Zaza leapt back. The three Ibexes under Isara’s command moved up.
“Eat this!” Javelin whirled around and flung a spear.
Banshee clutched her short sword in her beak and grabbed the thrown weapon returning it it. The pole skewered one of the Ibexes in the neck. The Ibex fell to the ground and twitched a moment.
“Brother!” cried Scythe checking his fallen friend.
“Don’t attack.” Zaza stopped Javelin from flinging another spear.
Cirta shouted as she checked the automatic crossbow ammo feed box. “I’m running outta ammo here!”
“Stand back!” Reagle lit several grenades with his claw flints. “Bomb voyage!” He gritted his beak as he chucked the black orbs at Banshee. She smiled confidently, prepared to swat the balls back but looked to see that Reagle had thrown them at the support columns of the corridor instead. The explosions to her side caused the ceiling to cave.
The female Griffin shrieked furiously as she jumped back. The corridor collapsed leaving Banshee’s fate unknown.
“Is she dead?” asked Cirta.
“Let us hope.” said Reagle.
Several squads of Griffins lay dead. Zecora stood in the center. A bloody spear stood beside her. She wept, in her hooves was her husband Zephyr.
Zaza stammered. “Zecora.”
Zecora caressed the mane of her fallen husband. “Too many, brave to last he fought them. I killed them, who kill him. Twelve lives I took. Look!” She gestured to the dead Griffins around her.
“Sister, you never had combat training. You’re a healer not a—” said Zaza.
“I studied the martial arts, thinking only to understand. What a fool I was to think I could be a pacifist while war blankets this land!”
“Zecora, it will be alright. You’ve always been strong for me, I understand.” said Zaza wrapping her sister in a hug.
“The air fleet. It burns.” said Bull. The giant Water Buffalo looked outside the windows.
Zebra War Balloons exchanged cannon fire with Griffin War Wings. Three more of the balloons exploded.
“What are they doing getting into range?” asked Reagle.
“They’re dying.” said Cirta.
“They’re defending the airship dock; our means of escape! They’re dying for us.” Zaza cried. “Hurry!”
Tucked under the ceiling of the hanger dry dock, Zebra soldiers mounted a desperate defense. Several squads of Griffins with crossbows fired at Zebras hidden behind a stack of crates. Confined by the ceiling, the Griffins were forced to fight on the ground. They pushed forward crates as shields to get closer. Zebras popped up and fired blow guns at the Griffins. The poisoned tipped darts downed a couple of Griffins. A crossbow volley from the Griffins caused the Zebras to duck back but not without losing two of their own.
“We can’t hold this position! Let’s take off with the ship already!” said a Zebra officer grabbing Nokimbe with his hooves.
Nokimbe popped out and hit a Griffin with a dart. “They’ll be here!” cried Nokimbe over the splintering of crossbow bolts against their cover.
“We got civilians in the cargo bay and more waiting to board. There are many waiting! What’s so special about yours?” said the officer angrily pointing to ship and groups of Zebras huddled behind them.
Nokimbe pulled out a small gold plate. “I have here Zebra king’s seal, our mission is all. You will hold. Yeah?”
The Zebra officer nodded with a sense of grim resignation. “You flashed same piece of gold to signal operators and ordered our War Balloons to their deaths. I hope it’s worth it.”
Enemy Griffins pushing the crates had gotten close.
“They’re in grenade range!” screamed a Zebra soldier.
A couple of Griffins lit grenades and prepared to lob them just as Reagle and Zaza appeared from behind them. Isara and her mercenaries followed as well.
“Take out the grenadiers!” Zaza shouted.
Bull shifted his body allowing Cirta to fire her automatic crossbow, Javelin flung a spear. The two grenadier Griffins were shot down. Their grenades exploded in their claws killing adjacent soldiers.
Zaza jumped unto a virtual stairway formed from crates, she surprised two Griffins on the other side, landing atop one, she smacked down the other with her spear.
Isara impaled a Griffin with her spear.
Scythe cut down a Griffin with her spear.
Reagle smashed another Griffin in the face he turned to slash a cowering ball of feathers.
A small brown Griffin hid behind his wings. “I surrender!” chirped the small Griffin.
“You’re too young to be a Raven,” Reagle remarked as he looked.
“Prince Reagle! I’m Private Vikers.”
“Soldier, I do not know you.” said Reagle.
“Lady Hawkmor sent me!” chirped Vikers.
“Bloody Helhiem!? My mom?!” cried Reagle.
“Come on, we’ve got to go.” said Zaza.
Dots in the sky flew closer to the hanger.
“Enemy reinforcements, we’ve got to launch!” shouted Isara.
Dori and Ironbeak found Banshee lying in a pile of rubble. A fallen building beam trapped the Griffin. Blood stained the Griffin’s white feathers.
“This is perfect,” said Dori, smiling as she drew her sword.
“What are you doing?” asked Ironbeak.
“Killing her here, we can lead the coalition. The Zebras can be blamed.”
Banshee glowered at the tan Griffin. “You think you can accomplish your mission without me? My Raven soldiers only take orders from me and Lord Ironclaw.”
“Yeah, they’ll fall in line after you fall.” Dori raised her sword.
“Tis an insult to be killed by such amateur.”
“Guess what, you’re going to be saved by an amateur.” Ironbeak set aside his crossbow. He put his weight into pushing the beam off of Banshee. The beam only wiggled slightly.
“You’re insane,” said Dori, “she’s going kill us the moment she’s free. We kill her now.” She grabbed Ironbeak’s loaded crossbow.
“No.” said Ironbeak standing in front of Dori.
“You’re taking this self-confidence thing too far. Listen to me, this is for the best.” Dori chided.
“It doesn’t sit right by me,” Ironbeak looked away.
The sound of shifting rubble alerted them. “She was right. You should have killed me when you had any hope to.”
Ironbeak could not turn his head before Banshee pounced from behind bring him to the floor. He cringed as a dagger was held to his throat. “Discharge the bolt and drop the crossbow.”
Dori looked through the weapon’s wooden sights. The gray Griffin choked in Banshee’s clutches. Sighing she fired the weapon into a wall and threw it aside.
“That weakness is what makes you an amateur.” Banshee smiled kicking Ironbeak away.
Raven soldiers swiftly joined them. “Commander Banshee, the palace is taken. We have not located our targets.”
Banshee leered. “How goes the air battle?”
“No further War Wings were lost. The enemy air fleet has been reduced to four balloons. The enemy airship from Ibaristan escaped not a short while ago with the remains of their fleet.”
“Incompetent fools,” Banshee said, “Never mind. Order a city sweep with grenadiers. Bomb all unnecessary structures.”
“Yes, we shall relay the orders immediately.” Several Raven troopers smashed a window and ripped off the blinds. They readied a signal lamp and immediately began adjusting the shutters to flash orders.
Dori moved to help Ironbeak up.
Banshee blocked Dori with her claymore. She moved closer to Ironbeak. “No, I think I shall keep your pet to ensure your continued cooperation.”
“Wait.” Ironbeak was grabbed by the neck collar.
“Danger excites you; does it not?” Banshee said, grinning. “You’re mine now.” She kissed him locking their beaks.
“What?” Ironbeak gasped for breath.
“Ha, a simple motion flusters you so much.” she said, laughing.
Dori shook furiously. “You’ll regret that,” She said, scowling.
“You’ll obey me or I’ll break your toy.” Banshee smirked then turned to her Raven soldiers. “Come, we have a city to subjugate, and dragons to slay. They’ve served their purpose.”
Ironbeak commented. “Is nothing sacred?”
Banshee set her forelegs and leaned against the shattered window to see the city in flames. A few Zebra balloon bombs flew defiantly in the face of the War Wing push. Griffin Hawkers cleared the streets with airdropped grenades. War Wings began bombing.
She popped open a pouch and pulled a purple potion out. “Not this continent nor nations that presume to control it. Not the blood that flows in your veins. Not your feeble feelings. Cheers to nothingness.” She raised the bottle and drank.
Four months ago… A dimly lit bar was crowded by weary warriors. A stage performance was just completed. An Ibex mare bowed at the captivated crowd. Several customers whistled and clopped their hooves in applause. She turned back past the stage curtains.
A Zebra stallion leaned against a stack of beer barrels. “The Fighting Gale, eh? Interesting name for this pub. I think it suites you perfectly.”
“Nokimbe?”
Nokimbe following Isara was met by some envious stares by bar patrons. Taking a booth seat, the couple was still looked over. A burly buffalo bouncer walked and blocked the booth with his mass.
“Thank you, Bull.’ said Isara.
“Thanks big guy,” said Nokimbe.
The water buffalo nodded than turned away.
“So what brings you to the end of the world?”
Nokimbe smiled. “I wanted a drink at a certain water hole. I figure I might try here.”
A tiny gazelle stepped past Bull and set their cider drinks onto the table.
Isara laughed bitterly. “We don’t serve water here, only the finest alcoholic cider. Imported blood red apples turned into golden piss.”
“Blood to piss is that how you feel about what we did? Was Amadi’s life worth that?”
Isara retorted angrily. “I loved your brother. I shed my last tears for him.”
“I’m sorry, I guess I’m jealous. Would you shed a tear for me?”
Isara turned to her good side with her remaining eye. “I may have one last drop left. Why? Are you going to die?”
Nokimbe dodged the question by tipping his glass and finishing off his drink.
“The war is still on.”
Isara nursed her glass. “What can a former commander of the Ibex Empire do for you?”
“That’s a cover; I know you’re still very much active only in the underground, my territory. I was a smuggler remember?” Nokimbe raised a brow prompting Isara.
The Ibex mare surrendered. “Okay, so I happen to be the spy eye for Ibelin. The Ibex Empire is now neutral. My hooves are tied.”
“That neutrality was forced by the shadow of a gunship. Don’t you want to hit the devil birds back?”
“Like a blind drunk in a fight, I do.” Isara nodded then looked at her reflection in her glass. “Still I am beholden to bigger responsibilities.”
In present time an airship cruises through the desert behind them on the horizon is a wisp of smoke from the burning city left behind. The airship was packed with Zebra civilians. They crowded all throughout the ship even to the doorway of the ship’s bridge. An air of fear and uncertainty filled the cabins.
“Zericho has fallen, it’s all over.”
“Nothing will stop them now.”
The murmurs of the refugees only added to the somber mood. Zecora sat in a corner; her sister’s attempts to console her were met with only one or two upward glances. Reagle attempted to help but was only able to stand by. Amongst the down trodden, Isara commanded.
“Signal the two Zebra War Balloons, I want a moving transfer, we must get these civilians to safety. Maintain speed of thirty knots at our current heading.”
“Yes ma’am.” Cirta saluted.
The exhausted crew looked to their one eyed commander.
“Where to?” asked Javelin with his hooves on the steering column.
“We weren’t able to refuel entirely at Zericho, we will need to stop at the Zebeck.”
“That’s a colony of Prance,” said Nokimbe, “The Prench are the mortal enemy of United Griffin Kingdoms.”
Zaza looked thoughtfully. “Considering what they did Ibaristan, I think it may be the only sovereign soil our enemies might respect. However there’s a risk.”
Reagle raised a claw. “How do plan to gain entry? Naponean signed a non-aggression pact with Griffin Kingdoms. Even Lord Ironclaw wouldn’t risk war at this stage.”
Isara sighed. “I happen to be friends with the governor of that said colony.”
“Friends, yeah?” Nokimbe raised his brow. “The Prench happen to legendary at lechery.
Zaza gave Reagle a passing glance. “More so than our Griffin friend here?”
“I’m not that bad,” said Reagle rubbing his face feathers.
Isara gave a haughty and hollow laugh. “Truly, this one is still chasing my tail. A few shakes I should be able to get us all that we need.”
“This is excellent, we can offload the refugees somewhere safe.” said Zaza.
“We cannot bring the refugees or the War Balloons. I will not be able to manage that in the negotiations. Also we will have go back to a skeleton crew.” said Isara.
Zecora stepped forward. “I must travel across the sea. On my way, I shall see them to safety.”
“Sister, you’re leaving?” asked Zaza.
“Do not fret… not just yet.” said Zecora, departing the bridge.
Isara took the steering column. “That is all, you have the rest of evening. I shall helm the bridge. We shall host a vigil for Spear’s death during the evening.”
The crew left for their cabins. Reagle and Zaza vacated following Zecora with concern. Nokimbe stayed.
The Zebra stallion trotted next to Isara. He scratched his mane. “Thanks for taking charge. The others needed that.”
“You get some rest, too. That’s an order.” said Isara.
“I recall I’m a free agent. I think I’ll hang about here. Yeah?”
“Do as you like,” said Isara.
Inside their ship’s prison hold, Reagle and Zaza interrogated the captured Griffin. They opened the cell and entered. Vikers eyed Zaza nervously.
Vikers pointed a shaking claw at Zaza. “Are you really Death Stripe? The infamous Zerker that wiped out a platoon at the battle of Zanbar?”
Zaza raised a brow, quizzically. “Death Stripe is that what you devil birds call me? I was not aware I inspired so much dread.”
Viker gave Zaza a nervous appraisal. “So are you?”
“Yes she is and you’ll have to contend with her if you don’t answer our questions.” Reagle nudged Zaza.
She took the cue and glared at the Griffin with her intense dark eyes. “You will open your beak and speak.”
The small brown Griffin gulped and nodded.
“Lieutenant Vikers, you say Lady Hawkmor sent you?”
“Yup, she did not believe them when they said you were dead.”
“How now?”
Vikers scratched his beak. “Well, burned beyond recognition was sorta suspicious. I was ordered to investigate.”
“There’s one tick in your story.” Reagle drew his sword. “Lady Hawkmor, my mom, is dead. It was a month ago before I left for my tour of military duty.”
Vikers answered. “I was ordered by a Lady Hawkmor. I swear it! Her name was Gilda.”
Reagle relaxed. “Gilda of house Gold Feather?”
“That’s the one!”
“Gilda?” asked Zaza.
“My bossy bird friend… only she would presume that our wedding engagement was locked in stone. I remember Gilda calling herself the future Lady Hawkmor to push lesser nobles around.” said Reagle.
“Aye, she was very bossy. I was but a simple bodyguard before she ordered me in this mad mission. I was freshly hired so she said I could be trusted. I snuck around with forged paper work. The Griffin Victory fleet was rather large but the rumors eventually got me here.”
“Victory fleet?”
Vikers bobbed his head. “Yup, four warships of House Hawkmor, four from Ironclaw, two from Gold-Feather, and two more from the lesser houses.”
“Twelve total, not including the ones led by Banshee that hunt us,” said Zaza.
“What is their mission?”
“Umm… continental conquest, a mission to avenge the death of the Prince.” said Vikers.
Reagle rubbed the bottom his beak thoughtfully. “Prince? I’m the Prince…. ah I see Ironbeak reported me dead by Zebras. House Ironclaw seeks to control the Griffin Kingdoms.”
The roar of dragons caused the glass panes of the ship bridge to vibrate in their sockets. The War Wings encircled and fired at the drakes. The screaming fire from the dragons only reddened the metal hulls of the warships.
Ironbeak’s neck was wrapped by a slave collar with a chain attached that was held by Banshee.
“Banshee, it’s been many years. I knew you as a hatchling. We were… friends.”
“Friends are liabilities.”
“I know of my father’s cruelty. Tell me what he did to you.”
“Firstly, you will address him as Lord Ironclaw,” said Banshee, swinging her sword but a feather away from Ironbeak’s neck. “Secondly, I will not suffer insults to his majesty.”
“Right,” said Ironbeak, nodding nervously.
Banshee withdrew her blade from Ironbeak’s neck. She explained with a declarative and factual tone. “Lord Ironclaw is perfection. There is not a single feather of weakness.”
“He isn’t perfect. If he was he would be king already,” said Ironbeak.
“Oh he will be king. I will make sure of that.”
“Why?”
“I am as he is. We are the same. We share a common goal.”
“That’s not true, you spared me and Dori… he would never do the same. The best course of action would be to kill us both and blame the Zebras.”
“You live because of a whim and that your bird-friend is slightly useful to me.”
Ironbeak opened his maw to counter but his spirit waned.
Banshee took out a purple potion and tipped it bottom drinking its contents. She breathed a sigh of relief. “You were kind, when I kill the world, you will be last.”
“Kill the world?”
Outside their window a dragon had latched itself onto a War Wing, it blasted fire into a gun port. The ship’s explosion however took with it the dragon. The remained wounded wyvern screeched a mournful cry before flying towards the opening created by the destroyed ship.
“Shall we pursue the dragon?” asked an officer.
Banshee fired off orders nonchalantly. “No, we have better prey. Divvy up our fuel reserves. One ship will remain behind for occupation until reinforcements arrive from our main forces. Three War Wings will pursue the enemy.”
“We just lost another War Wing don’t you care?” Ironbeak asked.
“No, it is an acceptable cost.” said Banshee as she tugged at his chain.
Reagle and Zaza moved aside supply crates in the hanger. They created a clearing and a space for them to maneuver.
“You seem insistent that we spar.”
“You said fighting clears your mind. I share that trait.” said Reagle.
Zaza nodded as she broke the end of a mop to and affixed the wooden shaft to her war saddle. “Griffin politics reminds me of all the different tribes of the Zebra Confederation. We once were pitted in petty battles with each other. If anything good can be said of this conflict is that we were able to unite.”
Reagle took a wooden plank and began tying cloth towards the end to make a crude handle. “Yeah, it’s jolly well complicated. I was to wed Gilda of House Gold-Feather. Without a majority support, it may be difficult for me to end the war.”
“Perhaps it may be best that you focus on what is immediately in front of you.” Zaza ran towards Reagle. She surprised him by rebounding off a wall.
Reagle parried with the wooden plank. “In front? Yet you go for a side attack.”
“On your guard!” She pivoted her body delivered a hind kick.
He jumped back from back kick. “Your arse, my weakness.”
Zaza stopped and blushed. “Save that for the bedroom, you perverted parrot!”
“I have you now!” Reagle rushed her.
He was surprised when she bowled him over with her brute strength.
Zaza pinned Reagle onto the metal floor. She grinned. “Tell me of your past bird friends, Dori, Gilda, and whoever else.”
Reagle smiled meekly under her interrogation. “Shall we confine the list to last year?”
“Arggh,” Zaza pushed Reagle down while standing upwards, pressing more of her weight on him.
“I’m joking, it’s only ever been two then you… umm, there was that one night stand with a Pegasus…” said Reagle.
Zaza’s derision temoparily gave way to curiosity. “A Pegasus?”
“Yes, she was after my royal jewels.”
“Argh!” Zaza swiped at Reagle.
Reagle dodged her blow and realized his double entendre. “Not that way okay! She was some archaeologist, I was wearing a cape clasp that happened to have been a relic. She left me after she got what she wanted.”
Zaza took a deep breath to calm herself. She gave him a scanning look. “Shall there be more after me?”
“Zaza, you were the first that I loved. That time when you were ready to kill me, I confessed as much. I did so because I didn’t care so long as you knew. My honor as a knight, I swear here forth my faith and fealty to only you.” Reagle knelt down.
The Zebra rubbed her hoof nervously. “Why?”
He wrapped his wings around her pulling her close. “That lonely silhouette against the dying sun, I fell in love with that vision. I had lost hope before but your perseverance against all odds makes me want to try harder.”
“You made me question the face of my enemy. I do not think anyone else could have done that. We are kindred in spirit. I know I shall not find another like you.”
“Do you love me?”
Her expression shifted to fear and confusion at the same time her face reddened.
“As I feel the beating of your heart against mine, I have your answer,” said Reagle hugged her.
Zaza again gently pushed him away. She spoke stoically. “Let us resume out match.”
Reagle frowned. “Indeed, we should.”
The subjugated city of Zericho is policed by a single silver airship. Aboard Dori paced about the bridge to her War Wing. She slammed her talons against a glass pane causing cracks in the glass.
She shrieked in rage. “She’s more cunning! She more skilled! She’s stronger! She’s better than me!”
Members of her crew shrunk into their seats as their commander outbursts and cries.
A junior officer voiced. “Commander for the record, we would rather have you instead of Banshee. We’ve heard she outright kills her subordinates to discipline.”
Dori smashed the officer to the ground and drew her saber. “So you prefer me more because of my weakness?! How about I correct that right now!”
The officer choked as Dori’s talons held his throat. Her saber’s tip was a hair away from his retina. She glared fiercely at the junior officer. The weak gaze of green eyes cause Ironbeak’s image to flash in Dori’s mind. She released the Griffin beneath her and pulled him gently back onto his feet.
The sudden calm caused the crew to shudder for fear of the coming storm. Her deep breathe only deepened their trepidation.
“I have behaved monstrously. I have mistreated you, my soldiers. For that I am sorry.”
Her demure state confused her stunned subordinates. Several murmured to each other. The silence provoked even the Griffin she had choked to speak.
“Shucks, at least you didn’t kill me,” said the junior officer.
Dori stroked the bottom of her beak. “Banshee is holding Ironbeak as a hostage; I will need something worthy of trade. I’m going to capture Prince Reagle myself.”
“Banshee has set forth ahead of us… we’ll never catch up.” A Griffin navigator looked at the pieces on the map.
“Wrong, I inspected the enemy loading docks. There were still coal carts in waiting. I saw about half of them empty. Banshee is chasing our prey in the wrong direction. Our quarry will not make it to Zebra heartland.” She stabbed her saber into a blue section of the map. “This is the only destination their fuel reserves could possibly take them.”
“A colony of Prance? That’s a risky venture. The Prench have airships if not in quality, then quantity.”
“Beg your pardon, Banshee’s orders override yours; we’d be hanged as traitors if this fails.”
Dori spoke, softly. “I’m not ordering you to follow me. Please I’m asking for volunteers.”
Looks of hesitation were exchange amongst the crew. Several saluted however others did not rise. Even those who rose began to waver.
She produced a change purse and pulled from it a sterling jewel. “My House, Bloodtalon, owns diamond mines. Only House Goldfeather can boast greater wealth. I will pay your yearly wages ten times over for this.”
“Huzzah!” the crew roared.
She chuckled to herself amidst the cheering. “Ironbeak, what do you know? Your kindness works… with diamonds.” She shook her clenched claw angrily. “Banshee, I’ll beat you yet!”
The sparring had been intense. Griffin and Zebra leaned against one another, sweating and panting.
“I sense an urgency in this training.” said Zaza.
“Quite right, we must be ready… I wasn’t so much worried when Ironbeak was chasing us, Dori ruffled my feathers, but Banshee is a whole other breed.”
“Who… What was that Banshee Griffin?”
“Dragon Slayer, of the many blowhard nicknames Griffins have for themselves, she actually earned hers. I fought her at the Tournament at Avaris; our battle was among the most intense I’ve ever had. It was a perfect draw.”
Zaza raised a brow. “More intense than ours?”
He gave an exasperated sigh. “Look, I didn’t date her… I might have if she didn’t show her true colors during our bout. She won the match by flinging a dagger.”
Zaza gave Reagle a quizzically look as she contemplated for a moment. “The dagger wasn’t aimed at you, was it?”
“Aye, a wee little hatchling had snuck under the elevated bleachers. Only she and I saw the child. I had to block the blade with my body, if I hadn’t the kid would have be hit between eyes. I had to spend a month in the hospital because of her. Her skills have progressed even further since then, I have no doubts she’s still alive and hunting us.”
“I understand, this Banshee character is to be respected. I cannot believe there is a Griffin that has mastered the Zerker state. With potions alone it takes years.” said Zaza.
Reagle reached to hug Zaza and as he did, reached into her saddle bags. He pulled out a purple potion. “Speaking of which, I don’t want you carrying the temptation with you.”
Zaza raised a hoof in objection. “I need those, who knows if…when we’ll face Banshee again. Even as a last resort, I should have that option.”
“No.” Reagle said sternly. “You need to stop.”
She intoned angrily. “Reagle, give me that. I need it for the Zerker state.”
Zecora entered the hanger. “Sister, that is not true. You only think you need the brew.”
“The Zerker state cannot be achieved without it.” said Zaza, flatly.
“Is that so? Do you know?” Zecora smiled.
Zaza tilted her head questioningly.
“Before the potion, channeling fire of the soul was achieved by the first by Zebra kind. This warrior did so with a clear mind.”
“Buffalo dung,” spat Zaza.
Reagle and Zaza looked on as Zecora affixed a wooden practice pole to her saddle. She threw a glass bottle into the air.
“No noise, no sound, no din, no fuss, must interfere with your focus.” Zecora tilted her head back. When she snapped back predatory eyes she sent Reagle and Zaza several steps back in awe. Her mane seemed for a moment animated by a phantom wind. The Zebra mare swung her practice pole. Catching the glass bottle she balanced along the same pole. With the pole she threw the glass bottle up several more times each time catching it with the tip. The fragile glass bottle pinged with each gentle hit. At the end of the demonstration Zecora gently set the intact bottle onto the floor. Exhaling and blinking, she returned to previously state.
“Most incredible,” Reagle remarked.
Zaza’s eyes were wide open. “That’s impossible, yet you did it!”
Zecora placed a hoof on Zaza’s shoulder. “It is not so far as you believe. With focus there is little that you cannot achieve.”
“You can join us. We can fight together! With your skill we can defeat even Banshee.” said Zaza, cheerfully.
She shook her sadly. “Only for Zephyr, my love, I have broken a sacred vow. My heart can stand no more killing, I must go into exile.”
“Please don’t leave. There’s so much good you can do! You’re equal to a legion of warriors!”
Reagle touched Zaza on the nape of her neck. He pointed with a claw at the droplets of water on the floor. Zaza stopped herself as she saw the tear filled eyes of her sister.
Zaza dipped her head low. “I am sorry for asking. I understand the gravity of what you did. A healer’s vow is sacred. I will honor your convictions. I wish you well, sister.”
The two Zebra mares embraced in a tight hug.
“Lead the refugees to safety.” said Zaza.
Her sister nodded. “I am more worried about yours; I love you sister.”
Zaza stared off into the distance even as the docking bridge retracted and the Zebra War balloons became specs on the horizon.
“That didn’t rhyme,” Zaza laughed with tearfully.
Evening had set in and by lantern light, a funeral service was held. Aboard the ship’s hanger, there was silence. A long empty crate was placed in the center and draped with a white cloth. The eulogy was delivered by Isara.
“Spear, was a comrade to us all. When we were fighting on the front, we tried not to remember the faces of the new recruits because we knew that the very next day we would have to bury them… if we could even afford the dignity of dirt.”
An Ibex arose. “I did not know Spear beyond the battles we shared, if I have failed in any capacity of brotherhood, then I am sorry.”
Javelin touched his brother on the shoulder with a hoof. “Scythe, it is not you to blame… it was my weapon returned that killed Spear.”
Everyone recalled Banshee had caught Javelin’s thrown weapon and used it to kill Spear.
Isara snapped at their side conversation. “Silence, do not shame his passing with your petty guilt! You assume you have autonomy. I am your commander, master of your destiny, I accepted this mission. It was my responsibility.”
Javelin nodded.
“Isara,” Nokimbe moved to offer his hoof support.
Isara slid away from his grasp. She whispered. “Loyalty to me killed him.”
Their mourning had passed and the sun rose to a new morning. Into their view came an urban city with gothic styled stone work alongside more native wood, and grass constructions. Several airships and a half dozen War Balloons with a blue coloration dotted the skyline. The appropriate signal light flashes were exchange and they received clearance to dock.
In the hanger, a pudgy pony greeted them. A blue formal officer’s uniform was unable to fit him and instead was worn like a tiny cape. “Isara, my mercenary queen! You grow lovelier each time!” He jovially kissed the Ibex’s hoof.
She grinned ear to ear. “Éclair, I dare say you grown… um…”
His words were flat. “Fat, right?” His brow lowered. A tension filled the air before it was broken by the same pony. “Hahaha, more of me to love, right?!” The earth pony was heavy set however his girth came with mirth.
Isara kissed Éclair on the cheek and the rotund pony blush beat red.
He clucked his tongue signaling his soldiers. “Have their ship fully provisioned, these are my guests!”
Isara turned to everyone else. “Éclair and I have some business. You may explore the city to your heart’s content but be back at the palace by dinner.”
“Come, I will show you all the decadence this corner of Prance has to offer! Before dinner’s done, you shall all be as fat as I am! Hahahaha!”
Zaza stopped Isara before she left with Éclair. “Thank you Isara, you’ve gone beyond the conditions of our contract with this.”
Isara nodded. “Enjoy the rest of the day. I believe it is Carnival.” She pointed a hoof at the streamers and decorations in the street.
Ponies walked throughout the streets, defined by upturned noses and condescending glares at everyone, including themselves.
“Argh, the Prench.” said Reagle.
“I do not see your disdain for them. They have amenable trade agreements.” Zaza pointed at a stall where Zebras sold bone manticore pelts and jewelry.
“The Prench, culturally are envied throughout the world but you don’t see the dirty underbelly. You should see the prices those humble goods are resold for. I heard higher in Equestria.”
“Their brand of imperialism, I know to be only outwardly kind.” said Zaza. “However I still feel it is a shade better. I hear their leader Naponean was a humble soldier.”
“Naponean recently reinstated slavery after declaring himself Emperor of Prance.” Reagle pointed to some Zebras and ponies being led by chain.
“This I did not know, corruption works fast.” said Zaza, grimacing.
“They had a revolution, replaced one tyrant with another.”
“Is that the way of things?”
“Anyway, let’s enjoy Carnival while we can.”
“Oh what the hay,” Zaza sighed, “Let us go.”
The fairgrounds of the city were swamped with ponies and others. There was a unicorn that juggled swords, test of strength contests, and cotton confectioneries. They strolled to the test of strength contest first. With a single buck Zaza cracked the metal platform of the high striker to the stunned ponies in line. Conversely she struggled when a piece of cotton candy was stuck on her nose. Reagle helped by licking off the fuzzy treat. There was a shooting gallery with mini crossbows that caught Reagle’s eye. A large stuffed Pegasus toy was the grand prize.
“Zaza, I’ll win you a plush!” He bounded to the one of the crossbows.
The unicorn game manager smiled. “Two bits please!”
Reagle placed the coins on the counter and attended the crossbow. Aiming down the sights he depressed the trigger. To his surprise the crossbow bolt missed the bull’s-eye.
“I was on the mark!” said Reagle angrily.
The game manager smirked. “Awww, a miss sir. Care to try again.”
“Let’s try something else,” suggested Zaza.
“I’m going to win you something,” said Reagle.
After several more rounds Reagle began to suspect foul play. There was a tiny magical glint on the manager’s horn. His hawk’s eyes sharpened as he glared at the game manager.
A gray stallion with a fedora came from behind him. “Shall I try?” He was followed by a gray mare with similar green eyes. Their ages were similar to that of a father and daughter.
Reagle stepped aside from the crossbow. When the stallion fired the crossbow the bolt hit dead center. The game manager nursed his head which seem to ache.
“I’ll take the grand prize please.” said the gray stallion.
The game manager fearfully handed the giant Pegasus plush to the stallion. The stallion with the fedora in turn gave it to a surprised the mare behind him.
“Master?” questioned the mare.
“Larvi, a gift. It is your birthday.” declared the stallion.
“Thank you.” whispered the mare as she followed the stallion.
Reagle watched as they walked off.
Zaza smiled reassuringly. “I wouldn’t have room in my saddle pouch anyway.”
“I still wanted to impress you.”
After walking further through the fairgrounds they stopped to rest. The Griffin and Zebra couple were met with stares as they found seats together at the quiet café.
“Racism, wherever we go.” Zaza nearly growled.
“Classism, they’re offended by our grooming.” Reagle ran a claw through Zaza’s unkempt and wild mane. He flicked his red battle scarred cloak at the same time.
As Zaza and Reagle sat at the Café they were approached by the gray stallion with a fedora.
“Greetings,” said the stallion.
“Top of the morning.” said Reagle.
The stallion set a bag bit coins onto the table. He called to a waiter. “Your finest on me for these fine fellows!”
Zaza eyed the stallion skeptically. “What prompts such charity?”
“You tried so valiantly to win your lady a prize, I felt I robbed you of that. It is my way to compensate. The game manager was an obvious cheat.”
Reagle concurred with a nod. “I noticed telltale signs of magic.”
“I am curious how such enemies have found love. A Griffin and Zebra together is most unusual.”
Zaza flatly spoke. “That is none your business.”
Reagle raised a brow. His tone however was much more curious than hostile. “How do you know we’re in love?”
The stallion tipped his fedora upwards revealing a unicorn horn. “My kind, we have a sense for these things. Deny it if you wish but yours is strong. I can smell it, such beautiful and delicious love.” He raised a hoof. “However, there is a hint of reservation that sours taste.” He gave Zaza a passing glance.
The Zebra mare recoiled. “Who…who are you?”
“May I offer some advice,” his statement was rhetorical as he spoke onwards. “True love involves the ultimate trust and loyalty… no secrets should come between that.”
She glared back angrily. “What do you know?”
“A predator knows another.”
Zaza’s face twisted in a medley of emotions; anger, fear, and confusion.
Reagle saw her pain and his own smile waned. He spoke out in her defense. “Sir, I think it time you leave us be.”
The stallion nodded. “Thanks for the meal. I’m quite full, now.” The stallion stood up and pushed his chair back.
Reagle’s head tilted in confusion. “But you paid and you did not take a bite.” He held the stallion’s bag of bits. “What about the change?”
“I am change itself.”
A grey mysterious mare with the same green eyes walked up to stallion. She still had the giant plush doll on her back. She bowed lightly. “Master, we’ve secured transport.”
“Excellent work, Larvi.” He turned for a moment to Zaza and Reagle. He politely tipped his hat. “I beg your pardon, but we have a party scheduled in Equestria. I fear we may already be late.”
The stallion and his stewardess walked away.
“What an odd fellow.” said Reagle.
“Oh Reagle!” Zaza’s eyes watered as she pushed herself against him.
He wrapped his wings and claw around her. “Whatever it is, it’ll sort itself out.”
Nokimbe trotted up to them. “There you are. Don’t spoil dinner. We get to eat at the palace.”
Everyone’s smiles turned as they entered the dining hall. Immediately Prench soldiers blocked their exit with lowered halberds. Nonchalantly sipping from a wine glass in her claws was Dori sitting with her hind paws on the table. Isara sat opposite alongside Éclair, her disposition was equally scornful.
“Dori!” said Reagle reaching for the sword under his wings.
“Isara, what’s going on?” asked Nokimbe.
Isara sat opposite alongside Éclair, her disposition was equally scornful.
“Are we betrayed?” Zaza growled as she pointed her spear towards Éclair.
“No you are not,” said Éclair, “I’m still deciding. Commander Dori of the Griffin Kingdom tells me you happen to harbor their crown prince.” He shot a glance at Reagle. “She has offered a hill of diamonds.” He looked to red, white, and blue flag of Prance. “On the other hoof, I am also certain to attain great glory and promotion if I bring Naponean this prize in the name of Prance.”
“So you’re asking for our price?” Zaza snarled, “How about your life?” she extended her spear and pointed it at the fat earth pony.
Immediately the Prench guards directed their halberds at Zaza.
Éclair casually raised a hoof. “We’re still talking.”
“Are we?” Reagle produced a grenade and sparked his claw flints.
“A corpse has equal value to me, they need only confirm your death.” said Dori, drawing her bodkin and sword.
Isara stamped her hoof cracking the table in half. “Stop this, no one is fighting!” She turned to Éclair. “You know my price.”
“Isara, ma chérie, I have mistresses a plenty.” Éclair laughed.
“None that know you as I have when we bled together in those battles. Éclair, I know you are virtuous and honorable, that is why I went to you. You’ve already made your decision. I am just a bonus to that price.” Isara glared.
“Oui, this is true and your intellect is one of reason I love you.” Éclair said, fondly.
Prench soldiers turned their halberds at Dori.
“Curses, I’m offering you immeasurable wealth! It’s a whole lot better than token titles and vain glory!” Dori shrieked as she was led away.
The earth pony chuckled. “I can still measure a hill of diamonds. Even my corruption has a line. Adieu mademoiselle.”
There was a collective sigh of relief as Dori was taken away.
Nokimbe walked towards Isara. “I’m glad we have that settled.”
Isara drew her spear from beneath the table. “I’m sorry, Nokimbe.”
“Reagle, prepare to run.” Zaza whispered.
More Prench guards flooded into the dining hall.
“Wh-Why?” Nokimbe stammered.
“Ma chérie, she’s a patriot, as am I,” said Éclair nuzzling Isara’s neck, “The crown prince of the Griffin Kingdoms would be a great political victory for Prance.”
Isara lowered her head. “I’ve been in contact with Ibelin, the Griffin Kingdoms have declared war against my people. This deal cements the alliance between Prance and the Ibex Empire. It will save my homeland.”
“You trade the shadow of one master for another!” said Zaza.
Nokimbe interjected. “What about my brother’s sacrifice? What about me? Do we mean nothing?!”
She bit back. “Who are you to judge me?! If you could stop the sun setting for your people, wouldn’t you? Isn’t that your mission also?”
Zaza fell back in silence.
“I have forsaken many things. Loyalty to country, that is my last virtue,” said Isara.
“What a world we live in that our virtues damn our friends.” Reagle remarked.
Éclair spoke apologetically. “Monsieur Hawkmor, madam Zakar, Prance is not so bad. We are not monsters. You will be treated well.”
“You keep slaves,” Zaza snarled, “I do not know how you measure well.”
Éclair roared. “Enough, detain them. Make ready my fleet; we shall set course for Prance daybreak come! Vive L'Empereur!”
Reagle, Zaza, and Nokimbe were thrown into a cell. The Prench guards promptly locked the gates behind them and exited the room. In the cell, they were not alone. The small porthole window reflected two shines from the shadows, yellow eyes peered at them.
“So you were betrayed also?” Dori laughed with a cynical edge.
Reagle nearly snarled. “It would appear so.”
Zaza jumped and slammed Dori against the walls of the cell. She hooked Dori by her forelegs and pressed her hard. “We should kill you here.” She glared into Dori’s eyes.
Dori tilted her head, speaking past Zaza. “So Reagle, going native are we? I smell your scent on her.”
Zaza growled, pressing her muzzle hard against Dori’s beak. “Crack wise again and I’ll crack your bones.”
“Take it easy,” said Dori, beginning to sweat.
Zaza smirked, releasing Dori. “I was or you wouldn’t be standing.”
Nokimbe held his hooves to his head. “I can’t believe Isara would betray us. I loved her!”
“Her nation was on the line. Desperation does things to us… I can understand,” said Zaza.
“The Prench Empire, bloody hell,” said Reagle, cuffing his claws over his beak.
Dori scoffed. “Naponean will at least let you live; you’re useful as a bargaining chip.”
Zaza closed her eyes. Her breathing became relaxed. “These bars are as much physical as they are in my mind. If I could enter the Zerker state, I would be able to break them. My sister, Zecora, was able to do it, so should I!”
Reagle and Nokimbe looked on expectantly.
“Zaza?” asked Reagle.
The Zebra mare collapsed in defeat. “I can’t. My mind is too distracted.”
Dori bowled over laughing.
“So eager to die by the Prench gallows, are ya?” asked Nokimbe.
The Griffoness stopped laughing.
“Maybe in the morning? It’s been a long day.” said Reagle helping Zaza up.
Zaza had fallen asleep as Reagle ran his claws through her wild mane. The prison cell’s small porthole allowed the moon’s light to shine through. The white bands on Zaza’s coat shimmered in the light while her black streaks were accented by the darkness. Reagle’s eyelids became heavy as he began dozing off.
“Hey, do you still get those night terrors?” Reagle was jolted awake by the voice. He snapped to Dori who sat at the bunk opposite his and Zaza’s.
Reagle nodded, slowly. “They’re better now… I have someone different. She quiets those dark thoughts.” He turned toward the Zebra mare. He gently nuzzled her head, Zaza responded by smiling in her sleep.
Dori frowned. “Was I really that bad?”
He spoke sternly. “With your blood lust and ambition seeping, sleeping beside you only made the night terrors worse.”
“Reagle, you returned from the frontlines, you were moping like a wounded hound. I pushed you because I wanted you to come back.”
He shook his head. “You can never come back from seeing the true face of war.”
Dori smiled, faintly. “It is a shame… I suppose I am grateful you dumped me, otherwise I wouldn’t have met him.”
“So what about you and Ironbeak?”
“In truth, I first pursued him like I did you. I wanted the power of his heritage; however, I ended up falling for the fool.”
Reagle returned a skeptically raised eyebrow.
Dori scoffed. “Am I not allowed to love?”
“My cousin doesn’t seem like your type.”
She rolled her eyes then nodded in grudging acknowledgement. “He’s a coward in battle but he’s brave in other ways. His father is a monster. He is also surrounded by those who would use him and do him harm.”
“So the vulture is jealous of another vulture?”
“Say what you want. I love him. He is medicine for my wounds… the same way it seems that Zebra mare is for you. Otherwise I would have cut my losses.”
Reagle scratched his beak. “Maybe I misjudged you. How about we call a truce until we get out of this bind?”
Dori chirped. “A truce sounds nice. I’m tired of fighting.”
Staring through a telescope were blue eyes cold as ice. In the scope were Prench ships illuminated against the moon’s light. A cold wind whipped the coning tower of the War Wing. Ironbeak shivered as he stood beside Banshee.
“The Prench city of Zebeck, I would never have thought. We have your birdfriend, Dori, to thank for this.” said Banshee. She retracted the telescope.
“How did you know to track her?” asked Ironbeak, looking at the ships in the night sky.
“People can do extraordinary things, given the right motivation or hostage.” Banshee looked at Ironbeak for a moment.
“There’s something that been troubling me. Lord Ironclaw is only seen when issuing orders. He spends most of his time in solitude.”
“That is true; our Lord enjoys his privacy. What of it?”
“Why have me here with you? It serves you no purpose.”
“You’re a hostage,” said Banshee.
“I can just as easily be held in the ship’s brig.”
Banshee paused. Her uncertainty, for a moment, attacked her.
“You are different from my father. You have feelings, still. You’re lonely. You’re tired of talking with yourself.” Ironbeak stopped when Banshee’s claymore sword was held to his throat.
“Be silent,” said Banshee.
Ironbeak noticed the tiniest vibration of her sword. With her other claw Banshee had pulled a purple potion from her pouch. He stiffened and continued. “What do those purple potions help hide?”
“They stop the pain!” Banshee shrieked in frustration.
“That’s unlike you to lose your coo—”
Banshee finished gulping down the potion’s contents. Her icy demeanor returned. “Be silent, or be silenced.” She passed the blade across Ironbeak’s throat just trimming a few of his neck feathers. He recoiled.
“Get some rest, we attack at dawn.” The moon light revealed a sparkling tear on her cheek.
Isara awoke to the loud snoring of Éclair. She peeled herself from his forelegs and away from the bed in disgust. She slipped outside the cabin, navigating through the ship, she lingered at a single corridor. She shook her head then proceeded back. As she reached for the door to Éclair’s cabin, she was confronted by a water buffalo and a gazelle.
“So what’s the plan?” asked Cirta.
“You two?” Isara blinked in surprise. “What plan?”
“The plan to break them out,” said Bull, plainly.
“There is no such plan,” said Isara.
“Isara, what is going on?” said Cirta, angrily crossing her forelegs.
“You know what,” Isara said.
Bull nodded. “You still should have consulted with us”
Isara snorted. “What’s wrong with you two?”
Despite the small statue of the gazelle, Cirta rose to meet Isara’s gaze. “They are good people. Nokimbe was a battle brother of ours.”
“We sacrificed many brothers before,” said Isara.
Bull shook his head. “Not like this.”
“I’m doing right by my duty. Can anyone judge me?”
Cirta blurted out. “You don’t love Éclair.”
“I know... but I love my people. Without the alliance with the Prench, we lose everything.”
“I still don’t think it seems right,” said Bull.
“I am your Commander, I decide that. Back to your posts.” Isara spoke harshly.
Cirta and Bull bowed and grudgingly left.
Isara shuffled back into Éclair’s cabin. She slid back into position with her back facing the huge earth pony. She was too distraught to notice his snoring had stopped.
“I’m sorry, I’m using you. I was ordered to secure this alliance at any cost.”
The earth pony sighed. “Could you grow to love me?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I don’t…”
She toward him to her surprise, the giant earth pony’s eyes watered. “We have fought together. You are the one who can best understand me.”
“Perhaps it is because I understand you is why I can’t love you… Éclair, can you forswear other maidens and honor only me? Could you change?”
“I would. I was ready for a while now.”
Isara blinked her single eye. “Éclair, I did not know you felt so strongly.” She turned to him and nuzzled him consolingly.
The morning sun shone off the metal flooring of the flight deck. The reflection of metal sheen was blinding. A platoon of Griffins stood assembled. The Griffins were not exemplary physical specimens; far from it they were scruffy and seemed malnourished. Strapped to their backs, however, were long metal cylinders that were topped off with cones.
Banshee cawed out for their attention. Her shriek caused Ironbeak next to her to cover his ears.
Banshee spoke with fervor. “From streets, gutters, and filth, you have been pulled. You are not our finest, yet today you will have the honor of dying like the finest.”
The motley bunch of Griffins maintained their poor posture and did not so much stir.
She spoke with a calmly threatening tone. “If that does not compel you, think then of your families.”
The Griffins snapped to attention immediately.
“That’s better,” Banshee chirped. “Make ready for deployment, check your rocket fuel supplies, and remember there’s a gold bonus for your families if your miserable corpses can actually hit the target.”
Ironbeak turned his head looking back at the platoon of suicide soldiers. “How could you do this?”
Banshee continued walking. “With great difficulty, finding prisoners with families to hold hostage was hard.”
Reagle awoke to sound of sniffling. He lifted his head up. He saw Zaza, sitting in front of the metal bars.
“It can’t end like this.” Zaza cried to herself softly.
Reagle draped a wing over her. “Hey now, we’ll get through this. Focus now on me. I’m with you.”
“Focus,” Zaza murmured. “Fire of the soul… I was revived using a phoenix feather. I am the sister of Zecora and Zulu. These bars are only in my mind.” She stood up. Reagle stood back. Zaza had a fiery spark in her eyes.
Running back, she bounced of the wooden wall, smashing into the metal bars. The metal moaned as Zaza slammed hit after hit into it. She attacked a single position with a rhythmic hammering.
Dori and Nokimbe awoke to the noise.
Dori yawned and scratched her eyes. “What’s going on?”
“Go Zaza!” said Nokimbe.
With a final hit, the bolts broke and the metal bar door flew to the ground.
“Zaza, that was bloody brilliant!” said Reagle.
Zaza smiled then slumped down in pain. “Reagle, I need a healing potion immediately, I broke both my legs doing that. The red vial, my secret brew.” She pointed a hoof.
“Stay here I’ll get it.” Reagle found Zaza’s saddle pouch amongst a pile of their belongings. He pulled a red potion from it and fed it to Zaza.
“It’ll take a while to heal.” said Zaza.
Alarms began blaring loudly within the ship.
“That can’t be for us? Can it?” asked Nokimbe.
Through the message tubes came a clarion cry. “Attention, all crew to battle stations! Vive le Prance! Vive L'Empereur!”
Éclair swaggered onto the bridge of his ship. Isara followed afterwards. They looked out the windows to see one of his half dozen airships consumed in flames and smoke. Towards the horizon were three Griffin War Wings.
Éclair shouted at his crew. “Fire back, blast those Griffins to dust!”
A deck officer shouted back. “They are not within range of our cannons!”
Éclair growled. “Impossible, their guns are not longer than ours!”
The crew’s turned their heads as a Griffin with a rocket strapped onto its back flew towards them. The explosion caused glass and metal shrapnel to rip through the crew. Only several officers, Éclair, and Isara stood standing afterwards.
A deck officer stammered. “That was—”
Isara spoke grimly. “Suicide soldiers, the Neighponese have a term for it, kamikaze.”
“Signal the other ships, get within range. It’s still their three against our five!” Éclair shouted.
“We’ll lose many ships! It’s su—”
The Prench officer was slapped onto the ground.
“Get to it!” Éclair ordered.
The stun locked ponies rushed to comply.
Isara moved to be near Éclair’s ear. “I advise we retreat, advancing on them at this distance, we’ll be cut down before we can attack.”
The earth pony snorted. “What we, mademoiselle? You’re window dressing. I make the orders! If I lose the city of Zebeck, I shall be a laughingstock in Prance.”
“Explosions?” asked Dori.
The wooden door to the brig section of the ship slammed open. Everyone assumed battle stances as several Prench guard entered. The guards however staggered only several steps before falling over. Their flanks were stuck with many crossbow bolts.
Bull and Cirta entered after.
Nokimbe stammered. “You guys? What are you doing?”
The Gazzelle hopped off of the automatic crossbow on Bull’s back. She threw their pile of weapons in front of them. “The Griffins are attacking and we’re busting you out.”
“Did Isara send you?” asked Nokimbe.
“No… but we’re acting on behalf of her heart. She loves you very much!”
“Why didn’t she come herself then?”
Cirta frowned. “…”
The Water buffalo cough. “We must move while the battle distracts them.”
They ran through the mostly empty corridors of the ship. A squad of Prench soldiers even passed them at a cross section, but hurrying to their battle stations, the soldiers failed to notice. At last they reached a loading bay. Isara turned the crank and opened the bay door. The wind whistled as hit them.
“Go on.” said Bull.
“What about you two?” asked Zaza.
“We can’t let Éclair think Isara had a hoof in this. We’re going to stay to accept the blame…that way the alliance between the Prance and Ibex Empire can still happen.”
“Why?” asked Nokimbe.
“We love our commander. It’s our sacrifice for her.” said Cirta.
“They will execute you. I do not think they will believe you worked independently of your commander,” said Zaza.
Cirta reared up and shouted. “Shut up! Sometimes you just gotta feel, not think!”
“Also, the Prench employ a number of Pegasus flyers. They will notice and skewer us if we take slow parachutes,” said Bull.
Zaza eyes became wide as she their true height came into focus. The houses of the city below were tiny dots.
“I said I would take you flying one day, right?” Reagle pecked her lightly with a kiss.
“I trust you.”
Nokimbe pointed a hoof at Dori. “I don’t trust her.”
“Dori, carry Nokimbe.” Reagle ordered.
The she-Griffin scoffed. “Alright, then we’re through okay?”
“Don’t drop me, birdy,” said Nokimbe, nervously.
The rustling of armor alerted them. Several Prench Guards charged into the hanger with halberds pointed. “Halt!”
Cirta jumped up onto Bull and she cocked the automatic crossbow on the Water Buffalo’s back. With the churn of the crank, bolts whistled from the muzzle of the machine, nailing a couple of guards to the walls.
“Attack!” Shouted a guard commander.
Cirta screamed. “Get going!”
With a kick off, Reagle pulled Zaza with him. “Ahhh!!!” She yelped.
“We’re going to die!” Nokimbe screamed as he was carried off.
“Stop squirming!” Shouted Dori, holding onto the Zebra.
The wind rushed past them as they careened towards the ground. Reagle and Dori deployed their wings with a jolt and they leveled out, stabilizing after a moment. Aloft, they could see multiple hues of the sky of the painted horizon.
Zaza spoke. “It’s beautiful.”
Reagle answered. “Some say it’s freedom.”
Their moment of peace was interrupted as their eyes adjusted to the light. The black cannon smoke and burning airships polluted the sky. They turned their heads sharply to the right to see a Prench airship peppered by projectiles. The Griffin War Wings maintained their distance as they spawned more rockets.
“Cannon shells don’t arc like that,” said Reagle, noticing the strange trails of smoke.
“They’re guided rockets,” Dori inspected.
“Guided by what?” asked Nokimbe.
Reagle focused his eyes. He gasped as he noticed the silhouette of a fellow Griffin attached to one of the rockets. The outline of the Griffin promptly disintegrated as the missile collided with a Prench airship. “Bloody Helhiem! They’re suicide soldiers! Banshee is insane!”
“She has to die!” said Zaza.
“Agreed!” Dori shouted.
The females looked at each other, surprised at their mutual agreement.
Banshee’s pupils darted with the trading of ship to ship fire. She smiled as she focused upon the battle. Ironbeak stood to the side, nervously twiddling with his claws.
“They’re down to four ships!” said a deck officer. Another Prench ship exploded. “Three ships!” corrected the officer.
Ironbeak remarked. “Their flagship is opening cannon ports. It’s turning about side.”
Banshee spoke calmly. “A slugging match favors their heavier guns. I want a full reverse. We shall deny them their volley.”
“Aye aye!” said a signal officer.
“Prench War Balloons are attempting to flank our right. Our own War Balloon attachment requests aid.” said another officer.
Banshee replied, swiftly. “Request denied. Support craft dirigibles are negligible, have our own War Balloons deal with them.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Continue the missile bombardment. Finish them.” Banshee twirled her sword on the ship’s bridge. The crew ducked their heads to avoid the sweep of the claymore sword.
Reagle, Zaza , Dori, and Nokimbe landed into an alley. They ran through the courtyards and gardens. Passing the city streets of Zebeck, they noticed the Prench citizens and even Gendarmes military police were caught in awe of the air battle overhead.
“You’d think they’d never seen a battle before,” Zaza scoffed.
“That could very well be.” said Reagle.
“Do you think our airship will be lightly guarded?” asked Nokimbe.
“Look, several miles from here, I have my own War Wing moored with crew waiting on my orders,” said Dori.
“Go with you and be your prisoners? Yeah, no thanks.” the Zebra stallion laughed.
Dori sneered. “Do you have better idea, stripes?”
“I do,” Reagle interjected. “We commandeer a War Balloon instead. It’ll be something manageable for us to crew.”
Another Prench airship bled smoke and fell from the sky. The protective glass of the bridge cracked as the ship shook from rocket hit.
His failing fortune caused Éclair to roar in rage. He turned to Isara with anger in his eyes. “You have betrayed me! You are secretly allied with the Griffins! You led me into this trap!”
Isara shouted. “I have not!”
Éclair snarled. “You lie.”
“A relationship involves trust. Trust me, I have nothing to do with the Griffins.”
He groaned. “Ma chérie, could you lie to me and tell me that you love me?”
“Would that be right?”
“I suppose it would not.” He jumped, shoving her down.
She yelped as his hooves wrapped around her neck.
His hold began choking her. “Mistresses, I told you I have plenty. If you will not love me then what else good are you?”
“What of the alliance?!” Isara cried.
Éclair smiled. “Ma chérie, Prance has no need of another ally. We intended to make your homeland into another resource colony.”
“You beast!” Isara found leverage and kicked Éclair between his legs. The giant pony squealed in pain as he jumped off. She coughed feeling her throat.
“Kill her!” cried Éclair while cuffing his injury.
A Prench guard rushed her. Isara kicked the guard in the legs, tripping him. She grabbed the fallen guard’s halberd. Using the weapon, she warded the others off. She spotted Éclair behind his guards grabbing a parachute.
Isara charged through the squad of Prench soldiers. She rammed her halberd into Éclair’s chest. “No you don’t! You and I have a date in Tartarus!”
“Kill her!” Éclair squealed in pain.
Prench soldiers pierced Isara’s flanks.
Coughing blood, Isara gave the horrified Éclair a crimson grin. “We are both fools for the fire.” She thrust her halberd harder pinning Éclair to metal wall of the ship as he tried vainly to escape.
The airship shook with internal explosions.
Before she was consumed, Isara gave an aside glance at the fire filling the hallway. “Nokimbe, I am sorry…”
Several guards stood on the docking station of a moored War Balloon. Their eyes were transfixed on the battle in the sky.
“Pierre, maybe we ought to take the ship and get out,” said an earth pony guard.
“Dat’s desertion ya talking about, ya’d guillotined in Prance,” replied the other Guard.
The third guard scoffed. “That’s later, let’s live for now.” The guard felt feathers from his neck. He fell over as he felt the dart.
The other Prench guard turned behind him and raised his halberd. Nokimbe had a blowpipe in his mouth. Before the other guard could react, Reagle knocked out the pony with the pommel of his sword. The third guard was smashed into the ground by Dori as she pounced from above.
“All clear,” said Reagle.
“Excellent work.” Zaza limped forward from behind several crates.
“Hey take it easy your legs are still broken!” Reagle rushed to support her.
“They’re healing,” said Zaza.
Reagle frowned. “They heal faster with you off of them.”
A shockwave reverberated in the air. They raised their heads skywards at the tremendous explosions.
“That was the Prench flagship, it must have been hit in the powder magazine,” said Reagle.
“Isara!” Nokimbe cried as he looked upwards at the falling wreckage.
“The remaining Prench airship and War Balloons are signaling surrender.”
“Destroy them, there must be no witnesses lest we invite war with the Prench.” said Banshee.
“Wait, stop. You can’t!”
Banshee swung her sword towards Ironbeak.
Ironbeak gulped. “I mean there’s a whole a city below that’ll see you massacring surrendering soldiers.”
“You’re right.” Banshee cooed. “Destroy the city also. We shall blame it on the Zebras. Prepare incendiary ordnance burn everything and everyone.”
“I can’t stand for this.” He rushed and grabbed a saber from a deck officer.
Banshee raised a brow, bemusedly. “What do you intend to do with that? You can’t possibly believe you’d be a match for me?”
Ironbeak cried. “All my life, I’ve been a tool… for father, for country, and everyone else. To other’s ends, I’ve seen horrible things. Well no more! I’ve had enough! Belay that order or I end it.” He pointed the sword toward his stomach.
“Why do I care if you slit your belly?” Banshee returned coolly.
“I’ve seen the real you without those potions. I die and you’ll be all alone.”
Banshee’s expressionless face betrayed nothing yet her inaction alone fortified Ironbeak’s resolve. The she-Griffin narrowed her eyes. “You don’t have the gizzards.”
“Try me!” said Ironbeak.
Banshee paused with her sword held against Ironbeak.
The calm was interrupted by a cry. “Commander! Twelve airships! They’re not ours!”
Banshee cawed. “The Prench?”
“No they’re –”
“Twelve ships, the Griffin Victory fleet is here,” said Reagle.
“You are mistaken.” said Zaza.
The sun’s blinding light was blocked by one of the vessels. Without the shine, the black paint stripes could be seen in all their glory. The airships projected their shadows over the landscape with clouds of smoke in their wake.
Reagle gasped. “Zebra airships?!” He turned toward Zaza for an answer.
Zaza turned toward Nokimbe. “You’ve been contact with my father?!” Zaza asked.
“Always,” said Nokimbe, solemnly, “My most important mission was your protection.”
“Twelve Zebra airships,” Dori said aloud in disbelief. She smiled meekly. “I’ll be seeing you then.” She stretched her wings and flew off.
“Hopefully not too soon,” spat Zaza.
Reagle chirped. “Zaza, this is great. Your people have airships; with them you can bring the Griffin Kingdoms to the negotiation table! Why didn’t you use them before?! This changes everything!”
Zaza shook her head. “It doesn’t… and I am afraid of what that will mean…”
Clambering through the metal corridors of the ship, a messenger enters the bridge of the Zebra flagship.
Near breathless, the messenger inhaled before he spoke. “King Zarius, the cloud generators have ceased functioning, we are revealed!”
A massive Zebra warrior sat center on the bridge. Perched on his right shoulder was a fiery phoenix. He muttered while petting the creature. “Second hoof Equestrian technology, it has served its purpose.”
He rose and addressed his crew. “We now encircle our enemies. A decade ago, foreign powers struck forth into our continent of Zebrika, plundered our natural resources, and enslaved our brothers. So often history has swung in one direction… and for a time it seemed so. Nay I say! Today like the phoenix, we rise again from the ashes. Let this first battle herald the liberation of our nation! Clear the skies!” The bird on his shoulders echoed his sentiments as it gave off squawk followed by a squall of flames.
The Zebras cried and stomped their hooves in applause. Using signal lights they quickly rushed to relay the message to the other ships.
A Zebra mare made her way to besides the king. “A great speech, you have given. The troops are most driven.” She whispered in his left ear. “Husband, what of the city? Do we count them as our enemy?”
“It is most fortuitous that Prench and Griffins are fighting, it is the perfect cover… afterwards… we torch the city. Our fleet must be kept a secret. There must be no witnesses.”
Aboard the striped vessels below decks laborers were so covered in soot they appeared like black ponies. Only the sweat from their coats revealed the white and that these were Zebras. The workers frantically shoveled black bloodstones: coal into the furnaces. Steam hissed from pistons as metal moved. Gears fell into place compelling propellers to spin.
A deck above, crew loaded metal barrels with iron balls. By levers and pulleys, cannons were quickly moved toward their gun ports. Hatches opening: the black barrels poked out. Flint igniters were primed with clicks. Each gun-captain held onto the cords attached to flint mechanisms. Their ears twitched as they waited for the signal.
With a rhythmic rat tat, the first cannons erupted. Then all fired and each individual gun was drowned by the greater roar of war.
Inside Banshee’s flagship, the Griffin crew stood up from their seats. Outside the War Wing’s windows, the great metal hulks of airships sunk below the cloud curtain as their hulls ruptured from the enemy barrage.
Ironbeak stammered. “We’re outnumbered four to one.”
The Griffin crew muttered to themselves. “If she orders an attack, I’m bailing.”
“Zebra airships, what the buck? Who’d have thought the savages had technology.”
“It must be a trick? An illusion?”
“Orders?! What are our orders?”
“What shall we do?!”
“Flee for your lives!” A Griffin ran for the door. He made the mistake of bumping into Banshee.
Banshee was stirred from her stupor. She swung her claymore sword, barring the coward’s path.
The coward gave a careless smile and pointed a claw to the battle outside. “What are you going do, kill me? We’re already dead!”
Banshee raised her blade to lob the Griffin’s head off.
More mutinous Griffins voiced their discontent.
“Yeah! Without fear, you have nothing!”
“Buck you! We’re not just pawns on your board!”
“You can’t kill all of us!”
Banshee was baffled by the outpouring. She could only sneer and ready her blade. “Come on! Try and die!”
Even Banshee was forced back a step when more of the crew joined against her. The crew were about to swarm her when Ironbeak gave a shrill cry.
“Everyone! Listen, we can’t fight amongst ourselves! Our best bet for survival is before us.” He walked between the crew and Banshee. “You may hate Banshee but you can’t question her effectiveness. Who else can make hard decisions? If we run around like headless chickens, they’ll pick us off.”
The crew considered for a moment then slowly one by one settled back into their stations.
Banshee’s calm commanding was slightly chipped as she bit her beak. She exchanged a questioning look with Ironbeak who rose to her unlikely defense. She grudgingly spoke. “Unload everything! Drop our bomb reserves! Flanking speed reverse!”
“Our War Balloon detachment, they’ll never make pace!”
She cawed. “Abandon them! Use them and the remaining Prench warships as a shield. We must escape this!”
Aboard a small War Balloon on the outskirts of the battle, they observed the enemy rout. The Griffin War Wings pulled back as they Zebra airships advanced upon them. The remaining Prench airships were caught in the crossfire. As the battle waned, half of the Zebra airships pursued the enemy while the remaining encircled the city.
Reagle smiled. “Banshee has never faced a force greater than herself, I’m surprised she retreated. I wonder how humble she must feel now.” His jubilation was not shared.
Zaza and Nokimbe looked off in separate directions, each held their heads low. Nokimbe seemed exceptionally downcast and was stun locked in his position.
“Nokimbe, I need to access the signal flares in your saddlebag.” When her friend did not respond, Zaza reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a firework flare. A twang of pain in her forelegs caused her to drop it.
Reagle rushed to her.
Zaza said. “I guess it’ll take a day or two to fully heal.”
Reagle helped. “Here, Nokimbe and I will take care of it.” He nudged Nokimbe out of his stupor.
“Yeah.” said the male Zebra.
They moved toward the stern of the War Balloon to deploy the flare. Reagle carried the flare in his claws while walking with the sullen Zebra.
He hesitantly broached the topic. “Nokimbe, how are you holding up?”
Nokimbe swallowed before speaking. “I loved Isara, I can’t fault her for choosing her country. Cirta and Bull gave their lives for us as well… Honestly I don’t know how to feel. Yeah?”
“I’m sorry.” Reagle intoned.
Nokimbe said, bitterly. “You can’t understand… you still have Zaza.”
Reagle nodded. “I can’t pretend to understand but you have my sympathy. They were good people.”
“I thought I mattered more to Isara, yet she said nothing. I know I’m not that important but it still stings, yeah. What would you do? What would you choose?”
“Personal loyalty or country?” Reagle scratched his head feathers. “It would depend on the person and their own choice.”
“If you had to choose Zaza or your Griffin Kingdoms?”
He paused.
Nokimbe buried his face in his hooves. He wailed. “How well do we know anyone, truly?”
Reagle kept a stiff upper beak. “In the privacy of our minds, there’s a low level loneliness that we must all deal with—” He smiled. “—but talking about it with a friend helps.”
Nokimbe smiled back and raised his hoof, bumping with Reagle’s claw. A flicker of his jovial attitude returned. “Birdy, you’re okay.”
Their signal flare left a trail of green smoke in the sky. The head Zebra airship deployed a a similar green smoke flare in reply.
After docking their War Balloon with the Zebra flagship, they walked through the corridors of the vessel. The ship’s interior was spartan with little flourish. The wood walls were unpolished and seemed cut from younger timber. Zaza had wrapped Reagle in a concealing cloak.
“Meeting your parents, perhaps I should ask them for you hoof in matrimony?”
Zaza blushed. “Do not joke of such things.”
“I may be so bold,” said Reagle.
“Reagle, please let me do the talking…” Zaza pleaded. “My parents may not understand. Recall on the terms we first met; I regarded you and your kind as monsters.”
“Perhaps my company with you has blinded me to differences… but still… is it necessary for me to wear this cloak?”
A Zebra warrior bowed as he opened the doorway. “You’re expected.”
Reagle and Zaza entered the audience chamber amidst a discussion.
“So the enemy has escaped?”
“The secret of our fleet will soon be known to all.”
The female Zebra spoke. “We had hoped for a year. Now we must prepare. Withdraw our forces; we need not destroy the city with no cause. Hopefully witnessing our strength will give the Griffins pause.”
“Isis, you know better than to hope.” said the male, scrawling orders on a papyrus scroll.
Zaza approached the two thrones and bowed. “Father, Mother, I have returned.” Both King and Queen turned with surprise in their eyes. The stern decorum of the room was broken. Both parents trotted forward.
Her mother wiped her eyes and gave her daughter an affectionate nuzzle while hugging her. “Zaza, there were rumors of your death. We held our breath.”
Her father replied coolly. “We knew better than to listen.” After an awkward moment of silence, he broke down as well, hugging her harder than her mother.
“Father, you’re squishing me,” said Zaza.
They both stepped back into their thrones.
“Where is Assegai, your lieutenant? Where is the army you left with?” asked the Zebra King.
“There were complications in my mission. We became surrounded… I surrendered my forces to spare them death. Assegai sacrificed himself to ensure my success.” said Zaza.
The King frowned deeply. “More terrible news…” He slumped into his throne.
Zaza gritted her teeth. “Also, Zericho has fallen. Commander Zephyr died in its defense.”
“Yes, our scouts saw the smoke from the city.”
Zaza added. “Zecora leads the survivors and refugees to safety.”
Both parents gave a sigh of relief.
The Queen spoke with a soft voice. “Our hearts nearly stopped when the city fell. We are glad that at least Zecora is safe and well.”
The Zebra King was on the edge of his seat. “Zaza, tell us of your mission.”
Zaza bowed. “Father, I present to you Prince Reagle Hawkmor of the Griffin Kingdoms.” Zaza turned to the Griffin. “This is King Zarius and Queen Isis, my father and mother.”
Reagle pulled back his cloak and bowed with a wing folded forward. “A pleasure to—”
The guards shuffled to lower their spears against him. Zaza gestured them to stand down.
The Zebra King interjected. “Where are his chains?! The devil bird is not a prisoner?”
Zaza recoiled. “There were more complications.”
“Noble lords, I came of my own accord, as ummm… an ambassador for my people.” said Reagle, “I hope we might speak of peace between our people.”
Queen Isis scoffed. “Peace with our nation? We see only annihilation!”
“I know like-minded Griffins in my country, abolitionists that would see the end of slavery. Relations between our nations I know have been one sided, but a peace is still possible.”
King Zarius’s voice boomed. “There shall be no peace. We shall wipe you devil birds from our continent and beyond!” The phoenix perched on his shoulder lit up with flames, mirroring the passion in his words.
“Look, even with twelve airships you can’t bloody well take on the whole Griffin Kingdom. Even with twenty you can’t. The best you can do is to negotiate. I can speak for you to my people. There can be peace.”
Zarius was unshaken. “Even if we are to believe your intentions are genuine, it is a naïve notion. The damages and differences between our people are irreconcilable.” Rising from his throne, Zarius walked to the smaller Griffin and glared directly into his eyes. “Would you pay blood for our losses?” There was a deadly gleam in his eyes.
Reagle matched the King’s cold gaze. “Sir, I see the war in your eyes; know that I am no stranger to it either. However, blood begets blood.”
“Then let come the flood. We would drown the world if it would drive you from our lands. You underestimate our resolve.”
Reagle’s voice strained with frustration. “Peace is possible! I beg your pardon, but I know it from personal experience.”
“What experience?”
“I love your daughter.”
Isis’ jaw fell open. “Zebra and Griffin? This is sin.”
Zarius whinnied in shock. “What unnatural perversion in this?”
Zaza held her hooves to hide her eyes as her face lit up red.
Reagle prompted her to speak. “Right, Zaza?”
His prodding elicited no response as Zaza buried herself deeper in her hooves.
Queen Isis spoke after drinking from a glass of water. “Devil bird, respecting your status as… ambassador, we will spare your life. See to your sins and beg for forgiveness in the coming strife.”
King Zarius gave his daughter a deathly glare. “Zaza, I see much has happened… we will speak of this later.”
They left the audience chamber.
“Why didn’t you back me up?”
Zaza cringed. She finally blurted out. “You’re too bold!”
“Perhaps a touch,” He admitted.
“Reagle, that did not go well,” said Zaza, crossly. “I told you to let me do the speaking.”
“I’m not giving up. They’re hardliners; I imagine convincing my own father would be just as difficult.” He held her in place with his claws. “Zaza there’s something you’re not telling me.”
Zaza silenced his question with a kiss.
Reagle pulled back. “If not for peace, what was your mission? Why bring me so far.”
Zaza fidgeted. “Let me talk to my parents. Maybe they shall be more receptive next time. Please let me handle this… my way.”
A single battered and beaten War Wing limps through the skies. Behind them were the smoke trails of two less than lucky ships.
“We escaped!” announced the Griffin pilot, in emotional exhaustion.
Banshee was still; her eyes were glazed over in disbelief. “Never have I experienced such a defeat… I have failed Lord Ironclaw… he will kill me if I return with empty claws…” She took both claws and uncorked two purple potions from her satchel. A disturbing grin appeared on her face. The dosage seemed lethal.
Ironbeak put his claws on her and stopped her. “Lord Ironclaw… I mean my father, he will blame me. You have nothing to worry about. I’ll accept responsibility. I shall go to him with empty claws.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why die for me?”
“Because, I don’t have much else to live for. I’m a tool. All my life, I’ve lived in others’ shadows.”
Banshee bit her beak. “I cannot permit you to die… you said so yourself… I’d be lonely.”
Ironbeak stammered. “You care? You feel?”
“I know what I am. I am a monster; there can be nothing moral said of what I do… but yes, I do feel.”
He spoke carefully. “I remember when we were barely hatchlings; you were adopted into our family. You were not as you are now. What did my father do to you?”
“Lord Ironclaw gave me purpose. He tried to beat and cut me to be the ideal soldier. However, I was an imperfect instrument to his wishes. To kill my emotions I was given these.” Banshee pulled a purple potion from her pouch. “By imbibing them, I know I shall not live past a decade. There were experiments on prisoners that proved as much.”
“My god Odin, I did not know. I suppose even with how badly my father treated me; I had my mother to treat the bruises. You had no one.” The gray Griffin waddled forward and hugged her. “Banshee… I’m sorry sister.”
Banshee said. “Sister?”
“Yes,” said Ironbeak, crying.
“Why are you crying, whelp?”
“I am crying because you can’t.”
“Do not cry for me. With these, I shall not feel a thing.” Banshee raised a potion to guzzle it.
Ironbeak slapped the potion from Banshee’s claws. The contents splashed onto the floor. “Stop that! You’re killing yourself.”
“We die either slowly or quickly.”
“Stop. Live your life no matter how little. If someone as miserable as I can, then so can you.”
“Your weakness is infectious.” Her beak curled into the slightest and almost imperceptible smile.
Their moment was ended when white smoke hissed into the bridge.
A deckhand spoke hesitantly. “Commander, the steam pipes have been ruptured. We’re losing pressure! The engines are dead.”
Banshee laughed. “It seems we will die here then.”
“At least I’m spared death my father’s claws.” Ironbeak chuckled.
“War Wing on the horizon! It’s silver!”
Ironbeak jumped to the window. “Dori!”
Leading the fleet of striped vessels, their ship cruised through the sky. Looming in the distance was a mountain mired in dark haze that obscured their vision.
“So Mount Hope isn’t an active volcano?” asked Reagle.
Nokimbe nodded. “Convincing camouflage, no? The smoke is not from the earth but from the fires of our industry. Our factories produce without stop.”
“That much smoke…” said Reagle. “What are you producing?”
“Weapons of war,” said Zaza.
“It reminds me of Griffin factory cities they all produce the same smog. A bit ominous, don’t you think?” said Reagle rubbing his lower beak.
Zaza frowned. “It wasn’t always like this, once a lush forest lay at our doorstep. I suppose it was destroyed to build these ships.”
The smokescreen parted as their ship cut through. Beyond the curtain of smoke, they saw the city proper. Chimney stacks of factories encircled the residential areas. Buildings were packed densely together. The modern designs seemed copied from various cities.
“So this is the Zebra capital? Most impressive, this city’s splendor is a rival for Manehattan or even the capital of Aviannia.” Reagle pressed his beak against the glass.
Nokimbe laughed. “You thought we just had grass and sand huts?”
“Ummm… I’ve seen Zericho, so no. I just wasn’t expecting something so…”
“This level of urbanization is only seen this side of the sand sea. Before the Griffin onslaught we evacuated many settlements. I oversaw the evacuation of Zanbar myself.”
“That battle was of my father’s fame… it was my first test as an officer… I actually led the foray. We wondered why the resistance was so fierce.”
Zaza and Nokimbe turned toward Reagle with questioning stares.
Zaza spoke softly. “That battle was a massacre. Any that did not evacuate, we heard were slaughtered.”
“My Uncle Ironclaw led the auxiliary forces, they were responsible for the devastation afterwards in the wake of our advance. Seeing that only cemented my position as an abolitionist and anti-imperialist. I know I’m guilty.”
“We don’t need your pity, the Zebra Confederation will rise again.” said Nokimbe.
Reagle sighed. “Do you have two more fleets of this size?”
“No,” the male Zebra said, lamely.
“Then what’s the plan?” said Reagle.
Zaza gave Nokimbe a cold glance that compelled him to silence. Reagle saw the exchange.
“Zaza?”
“I’m too tired to think, let’s get some rest once we arrive.” said Zaza.
Reagle continued to glare at her questioningly. He shrugged after moments.
The main palace was build into Mount Hope’s slope. Long docking bridges jutted outwards. The Zebra airships pulled up alongside the bridges.
Inside the palace, they were led to their rooms. Reagle helped Zaza onto their bed.
“How are your legs?” asked Reagle.
Zaza said. “They are much better. I think they were only fractured to begin with. Tomorrow morning, I should be able to even run.”
“I’m truly amazed by those potions, but take it easy.”
“I will.” Zaza looked away.
“You seem tense. I have the cure. A backrub!” Reagle pounced.
Zaza purred as he sore muscles were subjected to the Griffin’s massage. Her limbs relaxed and she sprawled out further onto the bed. “Those devilish claws of yours!”
He stopped. Zaza moaned in disappointment.
“Devil…”
The Zebra rolled over facing him. “I didn’t mean to… You’re different. You’re not like the rest.”
“Zaza, I’m not the only one. I know noble Griffins back home that are noble in title and spirit. We’ve just had the misfortune of encounter the worst which war brings.”
“I know.” She rubbed her other hoof. “People have stripes of good and bad—” Zaza rubbed the feathers on Reagle’s chest. ”—some no stripes at all.”
Reagle fell back on the bed. “When this war is over, I’ll take you to Aviannia. We can travel the world. When all is done and said, home is beside you in bed.”
Zaza jumped the Griffin and pinned him by sprawling out his wings. “Let’s live like our last.”
Reagle awoke to a cold chill in his bed. Zaza had slipped away from the sheets. He was tempted to fall back to sleep yet another icy draft caused him to stir. Their door creaked ever so slightly as the Zebra mare opened and closed it. In several hoof steps and heartbeats after, Reagle decided to follow.
He said softly to himself. “Zaza, what do I mean to you? Am I just a tool or fool?”
Zaza entered the throne room and greeted her parents.
“Mother,” Zaza spoke tentatively. “Father, we have to talk.”
King Zarius nodded. “Daughter, that we do. The plan is near complete. ”
Isis gestured. “Come with us. We have much to discuss.”
Zarius asked. “Have you eaten breakfast?”
“No,” said Zaza.
“Good.”
Reagle leaned against the wall to hear. The voices suddenly became dim. He hovered over and past the guards, slipping into the throne room. The guards noted only the slight breeze.
Inside the room, he spotted a set of descending stairs that had opened up in the steps to the throne. Cautiously he ventured after Zaza’s voice in the dimly torch lit passageway. As he negotiated the dark corridor, he felt the slick surface of the walls.
Zaza walked and talked with her parents. A tension filled the air as she conversed.
Isis said. “The Equestrians have their sorcery, the Griffins have technology, and we shall have biology.”
Zaza turned to her mother. “I thought the plan was many moons away from completion.”
Her father replied. “We had to choose another route…. a simpler version.”
“What do you mean?”
Zarius set his hoof on a lever. Instantly light flooded the corridor. The walls were revealed to be thick panels of glass that were separated into cells. Behind the panes were shadows of creatures. The emaciated animals gave shrill shrieks as they clawed at the glass. Slamming against the invisible barrier the animals mindlessly threw themselves in rage and hate.
“Hell has given up its dead.” Zaza’s gasped as she noticed the creatures were formerly Griffins. Feathers flew off from their molting and sickened forms. The eyes of the creatures bled red blood.
Zarius looked at the creatures in disdain. “Before the war, the devil birds tried giving out blankets contaminated with the pox. It is apt and ironic they gave us inspiration for this plan. It is a variant of Bird Flu, designed to target Griffins.” His tone was tinged with a mixture of eagerness and anger. “The contagion is highly infectious. It will destroy them all. The buzzards will drop from the skies like flies!”
“I thought it would only cause sterility in a limited population. It’s not right to destroy them… all. I…” said Zaza. “Are there no alternatives?”
The King retracted his enthusiasm. “We haven’t the time to wait for them die naturally. To wait for that is to wait for our own and we are at our last.”
Isis pleaded. “We have lost generations. If this war continues anymore, no longer will we be a nation. This is an act of desperation but not before we made every other consideration.”
Zarius loomed over his daughter. “That idiot Griffin will be the perfect carrier to infect their entire chain of command.”
Zaza said, softly. “He trusts me.”
“Then you are in the perfect position. Take this.” Zarius produced a vial filled with an emerald liquid. “Slip it into the devil bird’s food. It’s odorless and tasteless. It will take a week for the symptoms to manifest.”
Zaza took the green vial. “Father, I…”
Her mother replied instead. “Zaza, the need is ever so great, now is not the time for uncertainty. Do your duty to your people and country.”
Zarius smiled. “We have an opportunity to avenge your brother.”
Zaza turned her head away from her parents. Through the now lit corridors, she saw him.
Reagle’s jaw was hanging open, his chest heaved as he stood stunned. An infected Griffin pounded the glass next to him. Through suffocating bile and disease, the creature rasped. “R-R-Run!”
Zarius cried out. “Stop that Griffin! He’ll spoil everything!”
Reagle ran through the hallways of horror. The Griffins in the cells were in various stages of their affliction. Some cried muffled calls for help behind their glass enclosures. The nightmares of the battlefield invaded his mind.
“Reagle!”
He ignored the call as he ran further. His heart pulsed as he sprinted past more prisoners. Running out of the secret passage, two Zebra guards awaited him.
“Stop!” cried a guard.
The second guard lunged with his spear. Reagle dodged the point and used the spear’s length to guide his sword. The guard’s scream was cut short as the blade met his throat.
The alarm drums began their beating. The sound of running hooves filled the palace. Reagle wove through the corridors for cover. Hoofsteps behind him caused him to look back. In front of him, he nearly crashed into another familiar Zebra.
Nokimbe yawned. “Reagle, what’s going on? What’s the ruckus?” The Zebra rubbed his sleepy eyes.
He searched the male Zebra’s face for any emotion. “Nokimbe, did you know?”
“Know what? You’re not making any sense, yeah?”
Reagle shot off. “Bloody Helhiem! The plan, the prisoners, the disease.”
Nokimbe recoiled. “What?! What are ya blabbing about?”
Reagle relaxed slightly. “You have to help me escape. They’re looking for me. At least hide me.”
“Yeah, sure. Come with me.” Nokimbe gestured Reagle into his room.
As Reagle entered, he heard a small click after the lock clicking. Nokimbe winced at the treacherous sound. Reagle spun around and grabbed Nokimbe’s right foreleg before he could lift it. He narrowed his eyes. “Zaza has a hidden horseshoe spike. Do you wear one?”
Nokimbe gritted his teeth. “Umm…”
He lifted the Zebra’s foreleg. Underneath the horseshoe was the same spring dagger mechanism. The spike deployed outwards as the hoof was off the ground. Reagle sighed. “All along huh?”
Nokimbe sighed. “Sorry, birdy.” His eyes then matched Reagle’s intensity. “Nothing personal, the fate of my people rides upon the plan.” Nokimbe swiveled and wrestled away Reagle’s grip of his foreleg.
“I guess you and Isara were meant for each other. Fellowship doesn’t mean much, does it? Were you going to shove that horse shoe spike into my back?”
“… ” Nokimbe’s face twisted and contort as Reagle’s words reached him. “You’re a good person… friend, but what is that compared to my race or nation?”
Reagle drew his sword and faced Nokimbe. “You can’t beat me. I’m several cuts above.”
“I know.” said Nokimbe. He turned towards the door and shouted. “He’s here!”
Reagle smashed his sword guard into Nokimbe’s face. The Zebra fell to the ground unconscious.
The morning’s light was subdued by brewing storm clouds. From a palace tower, King Zarius shouted orders to his guards. The Zebra legions quickly dispersed throughout the city.
“I want the city on full alert, if you cannot capture… then kill!”
“Father, we can still capture him,” Zaza said.
Queen Isis ran forward. “He’s killed two guards, blood has been shed. A patrol squad of four was just reported dead.”
Zarius turned to his daughter. “You see. We must preserve the secret of the plan at all costs.”
Zaza looked on the city. “You chase the Whirlwind Prince; Reagle Hawkmor. He is brave and courageous; he is a soldier worth a legion.”
Isis examined Zaza carefully. “Daughter, you sing his praises as he kills our brothers. You speak as if you were lovers.”
Zarius turned towards Zaza. “Yes, the devil bird said he loved you. What did that mean?”
“I deceived him to believe that. The bird brain walked willing with us. The ruse made my mission easier that way.” Zaza bowed. “Permit me to hunt him. I know his weaknesses. Also his lingering affections might stay his sword, there then I might pierce his heart with my spear.”
Zarius nodded. “I trust your abilities, but I worry if the devil bird is as fearsome as you say. Riding with you is the hope of our people, he must not warn the rest of heathens.”
“I will deliver you his head, leave me with the task.” said Zaza with a steady and steely voice. She departed with great haste.
Isis frowned. “Husband, not that I doubt she would succeed… nevertheless I am worried.”
Zarius shared her grimace. “Send a squad of our best warriors to follow. I would send the fleet, if we weren’t refueling. We must strike while the iron is hot. We shall resort to second version of the plan.”
Reagle flew low to the ground into the desert. His wings burned with the strain. He let the physical hurt distract him from everything else. However no matter how hard he flew, a dot on the horizon doggedly followed him. Touching down onto the evening chilled sands; he used his sword as crutch and leaned against it. As he caught his breath, his eyes sharpened on the dot on the horizon. It disappeared and appeared with the highs and lows of the terrain. Surmounting the final dune of sand, Zaza appeared before him.
“Reagle,” she panted.
“You knew all this time? This was your mission?” asked Reagle.
“Yes, but please listen to me!” replied Zaza.
Reagle shouted. “Odin damn it, get away from me! Go back!”
“Please Reagle! Forgive me!”
Reagle was bitterly sarcastic. “Sure, I forgive you for all this time leading me to the genocide of my people!” He extended his wings readying to take flight. “You think I can ignore that!”
“No! Don’t go!” Zaza charged; her spear stabbed into Reagle’s right wing.
Reagle felt the pain as blood trickled down. He winced in pain. “Again, you wound me…”
Zaza panicked as she realized what she had done. “I can heal you! I’m sorry! I need you to listen.”
Reagle folded his bloodied wing. His right wing was disabled, he was grounded. He bounded away, running from her.
“You can’t outrun me!” said Zaza.
Reagle cawed back. “If you ever cared about me, turn back!”
Zaza pursued. She tackled Reagle to the ground. “I’m not letting you go! I care—”
He punched and shoved Zaza back. “The bloody hell you do! You crazy mare!” said Reagle readied his sword.
“Yes, I do!” Zaza cried.
“Yeah, that’s why you involved me in a plot to kill not only my country but my entire race!”
“What could we do?! The Griffins Kingdoms advance everywhere! We had nothing to counter your airships. We were desperate. It was before I met you!”
“You chose to continue! After everything, you told me nothing. I would have walked blindly with you to Tartarus.”
“I thought it was only sterilization.” Zaza then gave a hollow laugh. “We couldn’t have children anyway!”
Reagle spat. “Die in a pit! It was more convenient for you that I come willingly. You seduced me. You evil enchantress!”
“What I feel for you is real! Even if it was a lie of omission, every moment I wanted to tell you, but I knew you would leave. I’m sorry I was selfish.”
“I don’t give a buck what you feel!” He shuddered after uttering those words. “I must go to warn my people. If you follow me I will kill you,” said Reagle, directing his sword at her.
“No, I’m not letting you go!”
Reagle raised his sword. The blade shook in his claws. “Back away! Whatever else I am, I am a knight of Griffin Kingdoms! I am sworn protector of the realm and my people. You are a Zebra warrior, my enemy. The duel in the dunes, we finish it!”
Zaza extended her spear. “I shall fight for us! If I win, will you listen?!”
His eyes narrowed and focused. “This isn’t about winning or losing, this is life and death!” He rushed forward and swiped his blade.
Zaza evaded but winced as a thin red line appeared on her right flank.
“Last chance!” Reagle cawed out.
“No, I’m not leaving!”
The desert sands were splattered with trails of red as they fought and bled. The deadly dance was not as it appeared. In thrust and swipe, before the killing blow, each combatant veered off. Occasionally there were nicks or scratches but never beyond. Frustration and exhaustion were mirrored. In the time of their battle, the sun moved its position in the sky lengthening their shadows.
“You can’t do it, can’t you?” Zaza said, softly.
“You missed several opportunities as well.”
Zaza retracted her spear. “I can’t do this anymore… I will prove to you that I mean what I say.” She pulled off her war saddle and threw it to the side.
He eyed her suspiciously. “I’m not falling for that. You have a hidden horse shoe spike.”
Zaza showed her hooves. “I left it on the nightstand…”
“How can I trust you?”
She tilted her head offering her neck. “My life… take it. It is yours. If any part of you loves me… pray it may be quick.” She tilted her head and offered her neck again. She walked slowly towards him and bowed.
Reagle raised his sword above his own head. Zaza shut her eyes. With a swing he brought the metal down. In the last second he pulled back as a sparkling tear of hers caught the sunlight. He reeled backwards. Only the tip of his blade cut her.
Zaza opened her eyes in surprise. “If a death by thousand cuts it is, then I accept.” She closed her eyes again and awaited a follow up strike.
“Zaza…” Reagle’s entire body shook. “You coward!”
The Zebra mare blinked incredulously. “Reagle?”
“You want me to do this?!”
A squad of Zebra warriors ran over a dune into view. “Commander Zaza, we came to assist! The sky darkens! A sandstorm is coming!”
“I ordered you to go back!” Zaza shouted.
“I knew it, you were stalling for reinforcements. You back stabbing—“ Reagle raged in anguish.
The Zebra warriors looked at Zaza’s wounds. “The Commander is wounded!” The squad of Zebra warriors raised their weapons against Reagle. “Protect the Commander!” The soldiers charged down the dune towards the Griffin. “Die devil bird!”
Reagle had readied himself. He deflected the first warrior’s spear point, using the warrior’s own momentum, Reagle sliced the Zebra. He spun to his left avoiding the second warrior. The second fell to his sword promptly in the follow through slash. However he winced as the third lunged at his right flank too quickly to evade or block. The spear never penetrated… instead the warrior was stopped by another spear. Reagle saw Zaza as the wielder of the weapon. The fourth Zebra warrior’s face was equally aghast as it was baffled when he saw Zaza. She pulled her spear from the warrior then lunged again.
“Why?!” The last Zebra warrior looked at Zaza’s spear was thrust into his chest. The spray of his blood splattered on her coat.
Zaza staggered back as the dead Zebra slid off her weapon. She frantically swung her spear trying to fling away the blood that stained it. She screamed and collapsed as tears blinded her. She threw the spear into the sand and flung off her war saddle.
Reagle gasped letting his sword slide from his claws into the sand. “Zaza, those were your own people, you killed them… for me.” He embraced her wrapping her with his wounded wings.
Zaza cried, pounding her hooves on his chest. “I know. I hate you!” Zaza sobbed. “Yet you gave me a reason to live beyond my hatred. I don’t want to go back to before. I’d rather that you kill me. I hid my heart then… I couldn’t confess… No more lies! Today I give you everything even my life.” She looked up into his eyes. “Reagle Hawkmor, I love you!”
Reagle sobbed with her. He hugged her harder. “No, I could never kill you… You ended the nightmares that haunted my heart. I have dream of us living happily on a hill. Zaza Zakar, I don’t know how but I’ll make that dream come true!”
Driven by emotional and physical exhaustion, their bodies collapsed into one another. Their tears and blood, shed together, co-mingled as they held onto each other. Trails of sand whipped through the wind, heralds of the coming storm.
Sheltered underneath a rock outcropping, Zaza and Reagle waited for the sandstorm to blow over. The cutting sand impeded them from moving from their position so instead they hunkered down together coming closer.
Reagle sighed. “What now?”
Zaza meekly suggested. “We could run away? Forget all else? Live our lives, together.”
A moment passed painfully.
He spoke sternly laced with a slight anger. “You know that’s not an option!” His words hurt her. Reagle relented. “I would if I could but you and I are beholden to responsibilities beyond ourselves.”
“I’m sorry that was extremely selfish to ask… It’s a great weight, I know.” She frowned.
“Heavy hearts…” Reagle responded.
“Then your battles are my battles. We’ll fight what comes. I won’t let you go,” said Zaza.
Reagle smirked. “If I had known you were crazy possessive, I might not have pursued you.”
She affectionately buried her muzzle in his feathery chest. “Heh, I am a Zerker. Back on the prison ship, I entered the Zerker state and broke those bars, you were my focus.”
Reagle rubbed his forehead. “Zaza, what was your people’s plan?”
The mare rubbed her fore hooves nervously after a moment she spoke. “Originally we were going to secure a Griffin noble to infect the chain of command. I thought it would cause just sterility… but I was foolish and perhaps desperate enough to believe that was all my father’s plans amounted to. He and I were so much driven by revenge. I’m sorry.”
“You know your parents best; what will they do?”
“This new weapon changes everything. I know my father, loss after loss he kept our airships in reserve and secret.”
“Perhaps he deployed them to rescue you?”
“My father is not so sentimental… he suffered Zecora’s pacifism …. he endured the loss of my brother… all the while he’s been planning.” Zaza closed her eyes to better remember. “I saw maps on the planning room table. The fleet was refueling, the ships sagging heavy with black blood stones. More than normal.”
“They mean to extend the range of their ships with extra coal. My gods…”
“He will deploy the weapon into the heart of the Griffin Isles. Military target or civilian city, it won’t matter. Disease will destroy all.”
Reagle pulled out a map. “Wait a tick! Even with a one way trip, the Zebra ships won’t make it to the Griffin Isles.”
“They’ll need to recapture Zericho in order to refuel. We have some time.”
“Not enough…” said Reagle.
Zaza pulled a vial from her saddle pouch. “Luckily I have this.”
“That was meant for me? Wasn’t it?”
“Yes… but now we might be able to save some of your people if the worst comes.”
Reagle stood up. “I must find my father. He must know of my uncle’s treason. Civil war will erupt if we are not swift.”
Zaza rose as well. “Before anything else I must speak to Zecora. She may be able to aid us.”
Wrapping his cloak around his head he looked out at the sandstorm. “Very well, we can’t afford to wait though.”
Zaza pulled a turquois scarf for herself and red scarf for Reagle. “I agree, storm will offer us cover if my father sends airships after us. The sand will choke the engines so they’ll hold off their pursuit.” She pulled out a map as well along with a compass from her saddle bags. She ruffled further into her bags and threw Reagle a canteen.
He raised a brow. “You came prepared?”
She smiled. “Did you think I would walk into the desert without provisions? I came to not bring you back but to join you.”
“I forgot to bring much else. I was sort of caught up in the moment…”
She nuzzled him gently. “My brave prince, save your passion. We shall need it for the coming battles.”
On the boarding bridge between Banshee’s beaten airship and Dori’s War Wing, the two she-griffins faced off. Behind Dori was motley assembled raiding team with an assortment of cutlasses, maces, and even a mop broom made into a spear. Behind Banshee were her black cloaked elite Raven soldiers with their long swords though outnumbered by four to one.
Banshee cooed, tapping he claymore sword. “How kind of you to bring me a replacement ship.”
Dori smirked. “You have something of mine, that’s the only reason I haven’t ordered your ship blown to bits.”
“You don’t fear me now?”
Dori cawed out to her troops. From behind the ranks squads of Griffins readied crossbows even a mini mortar was wheeled forth onto the boarding bridge. The cannon ports of Dori’s war wing opened up and the gun barrels poked out. Banshee’s battered War Wing was not able to present an equal of number of guns. Dori smiled as she raised a claw to signal the barrage. “I know your weakness: an abundance superior numbers and firepower can overcome any amount of skill.”
“Before I am slain, my sword shall taste your blood!” Banshee raised her claymore sword and swung it in an intimidating display.
Dori was unimpressed. “Banshee, you sing a song of death for others. I wonder who will sing for you?”
“Stop!” Ironbeak flew in between the two she-Griffins. “As your superior officer, I order you both to stop.”
“What?!” Dori and Banshee were shaken from their battle stances.
Ironbeak puffed up his chest feathers and reared up on his hind legs. His brave display was only tempered by the slight shaking in his voice. “Hear me soldiers of the Griffin Kingdoms and of my clan!” His voice became more resolute and solid as he continued on. “I am the heir of House Ironclaw! My word is law! I, Prince Ironbeak, order you to lower your weapons!”
The soldier wavered as some lowered their weapons ever so slightly as others held fast. They wonder whether the figurehead had actual authority.
“What are you doing? I’m rescuing you, feather bag.” Dori demanded in a harsh whisper as she moved toward Ironbeak.
Ironbeak stuttered. “Y-You’re recuing me?”
Dori blushed. “Yeah… I love you, you stupid softy. We won’t have to worry about your father; I’ll take you into my house.” She gave a soft smile. “So let’s hurry up and kill the witch so we can go home.”
“Banshee is my sister. She’s not evil.”
“She’s your adopted sister! Anyway, this isn’t about good or evil. It never was. The only good I’m concerned about is what is good for us.” Dori sneered.
Banshee strolled forward. “Dori Bloodtalon, I follow Ironbeak now. He has convinced me the value of my life.”
“He’s an idiot, I’m not. You can’t fool me.”
“Give her a chance. She’s gone through a lot… she shares some similar history with you. You’re both birds with wounded wings.”
“No how, now way. She’s a monster. ”
Banshee frowned. She shrieked to her own soldiers. “Ravens, you heard the Prince! Lower your weapons!”
The Elite Ravens obeyed after a tense moment. Banshee herself dropped her claymore clanging to the metal bridge.
Dori was stunned.
Ironbeak smiled softly. “You too, Dori. Officially you’re under my command. Don’t make me order you.”
Dori chirped. “You’re beginning to sound like a prince.” She turned toward her soldiers. “You heard the Prince! Lower your weapons!”
Dori’s soldiers complied as well.
Ironbeak’s chest fell as he got back on all fours and sighed. “Alright I want repair crews. Get this War Wing operational.” He waved his claws.
The Griffin soldiers saluted and got to work.
Dori leaned in and chirped. “I like this new assertive you.”
Ironbeak gritted his beak and whispered back. “Can you tell I’m lying?”
“That’s all public speaking is.” Dori smiled back pecking him with a light kiss.
King Zarius and his Queen Isis scanned the horizon filled with sand. On the airship coning tower they looked through mounted telescopes. With worried looks and downturn frowns they looked on.
The Zebra King barked. “How soon will this Sandstorm clear? Can’t we move now?”
A Zebra officer bowed. “My King, the sand would choke our airship engines.”
Isis massaged her husband’s shoulders with her hooves. “My love, our daughter embodies the spirit of Zulu. Worrying will not do. She will return to us with the devil bird head.”
Nokimbe stepped up the flight of stairs to the coning tower with his head lowered. “The warriors sent in her pursuit have been found dead.”
Isis neighed. “No! Was our daughter amongst the slaughter?!”
Zarius placed a comforting hoof on his wife shoulder. “As you said our daughter has the bravery of her brother. Even with that she is spirit of her own with the fire of phoenix. I do not believe a single devil bird could overcome her.”
Nokimbe swallowed before speaking. “Some of the warriors were slain with Zebra assegai spear… I fear Zaza has betrayed us.”
Both parents whipped their heads around in a daze.
“I do not believe this.” Zarius bawked.
Isis narrowed her gaze at Nokimbe. “Commander Nokimbe, you know something. Speak whatever ill it will bring.”
Zarius nodded. “We must have the truth hard as it can be.”
Nokimbe sighed. “Our journey was a desperate one; enemies pursued us at all turns. We needed the cooperation of the Griffin. To secure that, Zaza seduced the Griffin... or allow herself to be, I don’t know which is which. Reagle though wasn’t the enemy we imagined. He was kind and good hearted. There were countless times he saved us. Reagle wasn’t evil even if the cause he served was.”
Zarius ground his teeth and angrily bawked. “You sing the devil bird’s praises?! He is our hated enemy.”
Nokimbe coughed. “They aren’t all bad.”
Isis was calm but her eyes were equally furious. “Continue your story. We promise we won’t be angry.” She placed a hoof on her husband’s hoof.
Nokimbe squirmed slightly.
Zarius himself calmed down. “In the least we’ll control our anger.”
They had broken past the curtain of the sandstorm with the dark behind them. Reagle was still surprised that Zaza matched his flying pace while running on the ground. It even seemed she was slowing down to match him. He kept careful not to fly too hard lest he aggravate the mending plumage. The healing brew was working but the pain was magnified as it did. He appreciated it to a degree that it kept his mind sharp.
“Zaza, I—.”
“I need to rest too,” said Zaza mirroring his thoughts or perhaps for his benefit.
They stopped their break neck pace and caught their breaths sitting beside each other.
“How long before we reach your sister?” asked Reagle.
“The refugee camp is close to the capital. We should be there by the next morning if we keep at this speed.”
“If it’s so close. I’m worried Banshee or Dori might be there, they might plunder that place for supplies to recover from their defeat rather than retreat.”
“Do you think they are crazy enough to do that?”
“Perhaps desperate enough, their plans for imperial succession hinge on offing me. What a bloody mess.”
Zaza looked worriedly at Reagle. “If we could return you to the Griffin Kingdoms can you turn the tide?”
“It’ll be a bloodbath…. but yeah, I could consolidate power but by then it might be too late to thwart the Zebra fleet.”
“Let us move one step at a time.”
As Reagle extended his wings he winced in pain. He gave an audible caw as he tried to flap them. He was then surprised Zaza cried next.
Zaza cried out with an anguished tone of regret. “Oh how I have hurt you.”
“No worries, I just need time.” His attempt to smile bravely was tempered as he cringed in further trying to beat a takeoff with his aching wings.
Zaza went from under Reagle and threw him onto her back. Reagle yelped.
“What are you—”
Zaza smiled. “You’ve carried me emotionally, now it’s my turn to carry you physically.”
“Whoa!” Reagle laughed as he was carried of Zaza’s back. “I never had a pony ride like this before.”
“I trained with weights heavier than you. I can take it,” said Zaza, running.
Reagle pressed his beak blowing his breath into his ear. “I bet you can. I love riding you.”
Zaza blushed and cried. “You perverted parrot! Do you want to be thrown off?!”
“Hahaha!” Reagle chirped and hugged her. “I love you.”
Zaza’s face was still red. “I love you too.”
Nokimbe stood nervously in front of Zarius and Isis. The Zebra King and Queen’s faces grew more stern as he had explained. On the airship coning toward, a cold wind swept through them stealing their heat.
“Our daughter is our enemy now,” Zarius announced with a grim grin as he madly spoke.
Nokimbe pleaded. “Zaza hasn’t betrayed you. I know her. She wouldn’t sacrifice her people. If the Griffin Prince can win back his Kingdom, there will be a path towards peace.”
Isis’ tone was as chilled as her husband’s. “Enough, the devil birds only lie. They will all die.”
“Mobilize the fleet, we shall retake Zericho and use it as our launching pad to deploy our weapon upon the Griffin Isles.”
Nokimbe raised a hoof. “I did some calculations, even with the extra fuel; our airships don’t have the range to strike the Griffin Isles.”
Isis gave a mad mare smile. “We do with a one way voyage. Our enemies won’t expect such courage.”
Nokimbe nodded. “I see.”
Zarius stomped his hoof this time snapping the bolts from the metal tiling itself. “Oh great hate! Take my son; take my daughter, take my soul, but before I go see my enemies destroyed!”
Ironbeak, Dori, and Banshee laid out a map in front of them. Of their two ships, they used Dori’s fresh War Wing as their command center. The two Griffin females stood at opposites of Ironbeak and leering at each other slightly.
Banshee bit her beak. “We cannot return to Lord Ironclaw with nothing.”
“We’ll bring him Reagle Hawkmor,” said Ironbeak.
Dori rubbed her forehead. “He’s with the Zebras and apparently they have a respectable fleet now.”
“I’ll lie and demand a private audience before I hand over ‘Reagle’. It’ll be enough to bring us into the throne room then I’ll challenge my father to a duel for succession.”
Dori and Banshee spun their heads towards Ironbeak.
“Of course, we’ll just gang up, murder him, and then the truth will be what we say it is. My father only has ever ruled by fear. They’ll fear me after I hold his head in my claws. Once the fleet is mine, I’ll turn around and capture the capital. Then I’ll slay King Hawkmor too, and become the King. Reagle’s claim then will mean nothing.”
Both female Griffins’ beaks were left open.
Ironbeak chuckled. “I’ve thought about how I might do this for a long time.”
“I can tell,” said Dori, “My kind gentle feather puff is actually a real Griffin.”
Ironbeak shook his head. “I won’t be a tyrant like my father. I’ll rule with compassion and kindness but first I need to win the throne.”
Banshee spoke softly. “The means to power can corrupt. When you bloodied your claws as I have you’ll find a certain liking to it.”
“Aye, that’s why I have you two. You can be my talons while I will be the beak that speaks.”
Dori nodded. “A great plan for the future, but immediately we need supplies to even make it back to your father. I recommend we raid a refugee camp my scouts have spotted.”
“I agree, rather it is our only choice.” said Banshee.
Ironbeak broke his cool. “A refugee camp? But those are innocent—”
Banshee raised her brow. “You just suggested patricide and regicide with us being your tools to those ends.”
Ironbeak rubbed his beak. “For the greater good, they’ve been words that have justified the worst of actions… but for now that’ll have to do. I have never been a Griffin of ambition, because I lacked the will and the power. You two have provided me power, I won’t fail with will. Let us set forth immediately.”
Dori shivered slightly then chirped. “Ironbeak, you have a silver tongue.”
A veritable tent city, the refugee camp was flushed with wounded and war stranded. Reagle had dismounted from Zaza’s back and they entered the camp quietly. They felt much like the exhausted civilians. There were some that expressed surprised at the Griffin but Reagle saw that their astonishment dissipated rather quickly. He then looked to see that there were Griffins amongst the refugees. They were mostly on gurneys and were war wounded. Zebra guards separated them from the rest.
Zaza commented. “Zecora is most compassionate to tend to all comers.”
“Your sister deeply impresses me.”
Zaza laughed lightly. “Father and mother never approved of her philosophy. I used to agree with them. People like her will be needed after the war,” Zaza looked down at her hooves, “I imagine warriors like us will not be much use in peace.”
“Warriors shall always be needed to keep that peace.”
“You are right. The leopard of doubt is ever on the prowl.”
“Worry no more, I dispatched the leopard hunting around the camp, he leopard sleeps, permanently.” Zecora walked in between them. “Is that my sister and Reagle I see?”
“Zecora!”
Reagle and Zaza explained their situation in the privacy of empty medical tent. Zecora’s smiled turned towards disgust as Zaza finished. “—we must stop my father before he deploys the weapon. However there is no assurance we can, that’s why we need a cure.” Zaza produced the dreaded vial.
“Oh sister, I feel I am responsible, one time I had a text book. My father took a look. This foul scheme stems from my study. I now feel more empty.”
Reagle and Zaza looked at each worriedly. Zecora sunk down in melancholy as she looked away from their gaze. Reagle recalled only how recently the Zebra mare had lost, her city, her husband, and her integrity as a pacifist.
Zaza hugged her sister for a moment. “Please eldest sister, this isn’t your fault. We need you to focus. I need you to be strong. You’ve always been an example for me to follow.”
“Curious, I always admired you for being so noble. I thought I followed you; I did not know you followed me, it seems we go in a circle.”
Zaza smiled along with her sister. “Zecora, I never knew.” She let go of her sister and returned to topic. “Zecora, could you do it?”
“Indeed I could perhaps produce a cure. First I must see what’s in there.” Zecora pointed a hoof at the dreaded vial.
“Will there be time to produce a cure? Please hurry,” said Reagle.
“I see the reason for your worry. If we are to stop this plan, we mustn’t tarry.”
Zaza planted a fore hoof on the ground. “We know what’s at stake.”
“For using this mother and father are fools. I need to analyze this but I do not have the tools.”
A white pony with a red cross mark on her flanks poked her head into the tent. “Maybe I can help. I’m actually a student volunteer.”
They followed the white pony to an equipment hut as she ruffled through boxes of equipment. The crates and boxes had a symbol of two Alicorns hovering in circle.
The nurse pony nodded. “Officially we’re trying to alleviate the problems in Zebrika. In reality I think it’s just to prolong the war between Griffins and Zebras. Equestria has a vested interest in keeping Zebrika on life support in order to distract the Griffins.”
Reagle raised a claw. “You fear the Griffin Kingdoms will look for greener pastures for fodder after they’re done with Zebrika?”
The nurse pony opened up another crate disappointed it was the wrong one. “Yeah, I was so full of ideals starting out. I know now there’s an ulterior motive to much of everything even charity.”
“Geopolitics,” Zaza spat.
“I hate all ticks in general,” said Reagle, angrily.
Zaza placed a reassuring hoof on the nurse. “Even if your efforts are tokens, we appreciate it. If you can help us now it’ll be a step towards real progress.”
The nurse pony frowned. “I wish we could do better. I admit sadly we’re mostly giving out band aids instead of healing the damage.”
“Give us the tools. We will stop the bleeding,” said Reagle, resolutely.
The nurse pony then smiled as she opened a crate with the proper equipment. The cushioning hay flew as she dug for it. Reagle and Zaza looked at the odd instrument questioningly. The nurse pony then gave the device to Zecora.
Zecora held the device aloft with familiarity. “You have fulfilled our hope. Indeed it is a microscope.”
The nurse nodded with a sunny smile.
“Miss, what’s your name anyway?” Reagle chirped.
“Call me Redheart.” The white pony left.
Reagle was fixated on the slight sway of her hips.
Zaza poked him affectionately. “Eyes on me, Reagle.”
Reagle and Zaza watched as Zecora worked the nobs on the strange device and peered through the small aperture atop it.
Reagle leaned in over Zecora’s shoulder while talking to Zaza. “How is it that your sister knows how to use equipment like this?”
“Zecora has studied abroad,” said Zaza, “Once my father had hoped foreign education would provide a solution.”
“What solution?”
“Weapons and such, however my sister chose medicine and chemistry instead.”
“A most noble venture.”
Zaza leaned in further. “I wonder how long it will take.”
Reagle crowded in as well. “Yeah.”
Zecora smiled at Zaza and Reagle perched on her shoulders. “Please be silent, I must concentrate. Results come to those who wait.” She returned looked through her microscope. After an agonizing half hour Zecora turn to them.
Zecora showed a small dot on her hoof where she took a sample. “This is strange. This disease has made a change. I tested both our bloods to be sure. We are all in grave danger.” She immediately grabbed the ceremonial masks from the walls and put them on her and Zaza.
Zaza looked nervously. “The disease kills Zebras as well now?”
Zecora nodded. “There is a story of a tribe that summoned a demon to destroy their great foe. When the demon was not satisfied their joy turned to woe. It is now lore. That tribe is no more.”
“How ironic, disease doesn’t discriminate.” Reagle shook his head.
Zaza pleaded. “Sister, if all else fails, we need you to come up with a cure.”
“This will put my abilities to the test; however I will do my best.”
Screams echoed through the refugee camp.
A cry came out. “The devil birds are here!”
Ironbeak walked through the center of refugee camp. Besides him were Dori and Banshee and behind them was a platoon of Griffins.
“I spotted Griffins amongst the refugees.”
Dori replied. “Deserters from the airship battle, we can restore them with reduced ranks or execute them.”
Banshee sneered. “Cowards are useless, they may desert us again.”
Ironbeak spoke coldly. “They can at the very lowest serve as cannon fodder, offer them repatriation if they refuse then execute them.” He added with a sigh. “We can offer them that mercy.”
Dori said. “From the air we saw several Zebra War Balloons, hopefully they still have black blood stones or we’ll be in trouble with fuel.”
Ironbeak nodded.
Banshee swung her claymore sword. “Take all and kill all that refuses or resists.”
Ironbeak drew a sword and countered parrying her sword. “Who gives the orders?!”
Banshee raised a brow quizzically. “Sorry?”
Ironbeak smiled. “It’s alright.” He turned to the Griffin platoon. “Soldiers take only what we need! Do not fire unless fired upon! No bloodshed! We are not bandits!” Ironbeak swung his blade and ordered his soldiers forward.
Reagle, Zaza, and Zecora peered through a tent flap at the Griffin raiding party that was scouring the camp.
Reagle drew his sword. “Curses, those are Dori’s troops.”
They tucked back as Griffins with black cloaks rushed past their tent.
“I see the Ravens amongst their ranks, their leader Banshee must be amongst them also.” said Zaza.
Zecora peered at the sky hole of the tent. “Why do they send only infantry? There are no War Wings I see.”
Reagle rubbed his beak. “They must be extremely low in fuel. They’d send in the War Wings only after they are certain they can secure it otherwise they’d burn up their reserves on the trip.”
Zaza asked. “Zecora, how many warriors do you command?”
“Please Zaza, let not this place of refuge become a killing ground. We have half their number of warriors, doing battle would be unsound.”
“If they take the fuel from the War Balloons, we’ll lose our only means to get to the Griffin Kingdoms,” said Reagle.
Nurse Redheart held firmly onto a case as a Griffin tried to wrest it from her.
“Please, it’s an emergency we’re using that alcohol to sterilize wounds!”
The greedy Griffin officer pulled harder. “Yeah, and I need that to drown my sorrows over my dead comrades!”
“Please, stop!” Nurse Redheart cried as she was pried off the case by another Griffin.
Nurse Redheart was punched to ground so hard her hair tie fell off. Refugees gathered to help her. Some Zebras looked at the Griffins with burning rage in their eyes.
The greedy Griffin officer directed his crossbow. “What are you grass sucking sods looking at?”
“You monsters!” cried a Zebra mare.
“We’re not all monsters.” Some of the war wounded Griffins stepped forward from the crowd of refugees. The bandaged and limping group faced off with the squad of Griffin raiders. A gray feathered older Griffin stepped up and placed a claw on the officer’s crossbow. “These people helped us. Don’t bully them. Leave the case. Their wounded need that more than your beer belly does.”
The greedy Griffin shoved back the war wounded Griffin and cocked his crossbow. “Back the buck off. You’re deserters; we have orders to execute you unless you return to your ranks.”
The war wounded Griffins produced broken and improvised weapons. “Yeah we deserted your stupid army. We won’t desert these people though.”
“Traitor!” The greedy Griffin fired a bolt killing a war wounded Griffin.
“Get those bastards!”
The mob swarmed the greedy Griffin before he could reload.
Ironbeak look flustered as fighting broke out. A line of Griffins with crossbows held the crowd back with bolt volleys. One line fired while another reloaded in rotation.
Ironbeak gave a dismayed caw. “I thought we could avoid bloodshed.”
“There will be yet more blood to make you king,” said Banshee.
Dori cawed. “We need now to order the Grenadiers to suppress the crowd. So you make the orders, what will it be?”
Ironbeak maw fell open. “Grenades, those will shred them apart… those are still civilians.”
Dori fired a crossbow bolt downing a Zebra that charged with a spear. “They’re civilians with soldiers intermixed.”
A Griffin officer saluted and reported. “Lord Ironbeak, the deserters are fighting for the refugees.”
Ironbeak stammered. “W-W-What? Did you extend our offer?”
Dori interjected by pulling Ironbeak’s collar and pulling his close. She cooed soft as she could. “Ironbeak, my love. Let me take command.”
Ironbeak shook his head. “I appreciate it, but I can no longer be a witness even if it means I must be a participant in the horrors.” He raised his saber. “Grenadiers make ready!”
Banshee added. “We should use incendiary munitions. The majority of the enemy are Zebra ground infantry they will suffocate in the blaze while we fly above.”
Banshee’s suggestion made Ironbeak aghast as his saber fell limply.
Reagle drew his saber and cut down a Raven soldier. With their mounted spears, Zecora sliced down another while Zaza impaled a third.
“Damn that Dori and Banshee,” said Reagle.
“They’re determined to choose the bloodiest path, both must die for there to be peace.” said Zaza.
Zecora raged. “Again, I must break my pacifist vow. These foes, I don’t care now. They must die. Infidels, bastards, beasts! I will rend them apart.”
Reagle and Zaza turned to Zecora noticing her break in speech and seething tone. It was disturbing but nothing to Zecora’s Zerker eyes.
Through many tents, Reagle’s stellar vision caught a glimpse of Ironbeak with an upraised saber behind a firing line of Griffins. “Ironbeak’s leading the attack?”
Ironbeak recovered enough to protest. “Regular grenades are enough!”
“You made us your talons, let us work. If you can’t I’ll give the order then,” said Banshee as indifferently as ever.
Dori spouted. “Banshee, that’s too far! You genocidal witch! You have to go that extra mile don’t you?”
A Zebra warrior barreled through the firing line of Griffins before he was taken out by Banshee’s claymore sword. Banshee flung the blood from her blade. “We can’t stall. Grenades aren’t enough we need incendiary. My Ravens are equipped.”
Dori sneered as she grudgingly stepped back. “I’d ask if you planned this, but I already know you did.”
Ironbeak shivered before he spoke. “Dori, Banshee is right. Prepare the incendiary grenades!”
The Griffins lit rags attached to jars.
“Light them up!”
The flung jars exploded into brilliant flashes of liquid fire as they fell. The tent city came ablaze as the flames spread.
Ironbeak held himself afterwards. He fell onto the ground and dropped his saber. “Oh Odin, Tartarus awaits me…”
Dori cooed. “Ironbeak, you’re too much of a softy to command, you should have—”
Ironbeak stood back up with tears streaming but a steady gaze. “Dori, I’ll manage.”
“IRONBEAK!!!” a shriek came. Reagle cut through a tent with his sword. Appearing beside him were Zaza and Zecora.
Ironbeak squeaked. “Reagle?”
Zebra warriors cut through the tents towards the Griffins. The Zebra infantry leapt upon the firing line of crossbow Griffins.
“A flanking maneuver?!” Dori screeched.
Reagle, Zaza, and Zecora charged. Ironbeak, Dori, and Banshee turned to intercept. Amongst the burning tents and choking ashes the battle was engaged. The hellish flames raged as Tartarus had been borne upon the earth. Blood spilled dried quickly in the heat of hate.
A small fledgling gray Griffin collapsed crying on the stack of books held by his claws. On top of the stack was a thick piece of paper stained with tears. Sensing his weakness several other fledgling Griffins chuckled as they approached.
The female of the group sneered, looking down upon the little one. “Look at the little dweeb!”
The middle thin Griffin swept pushed the pile of books scattering them onto the ground. “Ironclaw sucks! Your clan is evil!”
The burly Griffin clasped his claws in a punching motion. “Your father may have our houses under his feet but here you’re nothing!”
The thin Griffin smiled. “I’ll hold Ironbeak, you punch!”
The gray Griffin raised a book to shield himself from the bullies’ blows. They never came.
A shrill caw came as another Griffin shot from the sky. He pinned the big bully with his weight. “We won’t be having that.”
“Bloody Reagle Hawkmor!” cried the pinned bully, flailing impotently.
The younger Reagle smiled. “Don’t you forget it!”
The other two bullies recoiled with Reagle’s swift take down of their larger leader. The thin Griffin snarled. He drew a dagger from his scabbard.
“Fletcher! You can’t draw real steel in the academy!”
Fletcher growled back. “Ironclaw destroyed my clan! This is blood vengeance! My parent will be avenged!”
Reagle drew a cadet wooden sword and inserted himself between Fletcher and Ironbeak. “Ironclaw destroyed your clan but not Ironbeak.”
“As if there’s a damn difference!” Fletcher lunged with his dagger.
Reagle sidestepped the attacker and knocked the dagger out of his claws with a blow from his wooden weapon. Fletcher then was smacked unconscious by the follow up strike.
Reagle turned to the last bully. “Go home, Gilda.”
“Okay,” Gilda squeaked.
Banishing the vultures, Reagle turned to the crying Ironbeak. He helped pick up his friend. “Ironbeak what’s wrong?”
Ironbeak stifled his tears to speak. “Reagle, every student here hates me and thinks I’m a monster.”
Reagle scratched his head. “They just don’t know you.”
“My mother, father, and instructors think I’m worthless.”
The fledgling Reagle patted Ironbeak on the back. He looked at the wet with tears report slip. “Your grades, huh?”
Ironbeak nodded.
“No way, a big of an egg head as you can’t possibly to be failing.” Reagle pulled the slip from the top of Ironbeak’s book stack. He read on. “You’re doing great on every class except the physical ones.”
“We’re in a military academy… I’ve failed every class that matter, Fencing, Archery, and Leadership.”
“Ironbeak,” Reagle pulled a slip from his cloak pocket. He scratched his head feathers sheepishly as he showed his friend. “I’m only average on the paper work classes; you aced those with flying colors.”
“B-but you aced all the physical classes…”
“We can help each other.” Reagle extended his claws and helped pick half of Ironbeak’s books up. “Shakespony? This isn’t on the curriculum.”
“A little light reading…”
Reagle hushed his voice. “I like Shakespony too.”
Ironbeak smiled. “Thanks Reagle, my dad said he’d beat me extra hard next time if I didn’t raise my next report…”
Reagle arched his head with concern towards Ironbeak. “Your dad hits you? Ironbeak, you’re kidding right?”
Ironbeak laughed, nervously. “Yeah, it was a joke!”
Reagle’s laughter followed. “Come Cousin, I think you make an awesome archer or maybe even a great grenadier!”
Following Reagle’s laughter soon the falsetto tone of Ironbeak’s own laugh ran true.
The ghostly echoes in their minds of childish games and laughter were drowned out by the cries of a foal ignored amidst the shuffling bodies in combat. Griffin and Zebra attacked another with full killing intent.
“Cousin!” Reagle raced after the gray Griffin.
“Reagle!” Ironbeak fired off his cross bow.
Reagle deflected the bolt and lunged.
“Sweet dreams, Prince!” Dori charged in with a sweep of her sword.
Zaza lunged at Dori with her spear. “Not on your life!”
Banshee swung her massive claymore. “Die!”
Zecora sprung from the side kicking Banshee’s blade from its mark. “You shall not touch my sister! Fall forever!”
“Reagle, we got this! Get Ironbeak!” Zaza shouted as she traded attacks with Dori.
“Right!” Reagle responded.
“Protect your Commander!” Dori shouted to some Griffins.
“Eyes on me!” Zaza motioned to spear Dori.
“Fight on penalty of death!” Banshee shrieked at the Griffin soldiers on the verge of flying off.
“Fly or die!” Zecora leapt from one Griffin to another sending them to the ground.
The Griffins on the edge saw and flew off with caws of fear.
A couple more looked at Ironbeak for orders.
“Fight! If not for me then for your brothers in arms! Fight for the light past this haze! Fight!” Ironbeak shouted, standing firmly.
Ironbeak’s stern oration had some effect upon the ranks. The couple of Griffins nodded and gave shrill cries before swooping down upon Reagle. He dodged the first’s lance then deflected the second into stabbing his wing mate. He dispatched the second with a sweep of his sword.
Reagle’s attention was refocused as Ironbeak had reloaded his crossbow and aimed. Reagle rolled onto the ground and used the body of a slain Griffin to take the bolt. He took a throwing knife from a slain Griffin’s bandoleer and flung it. It hit Ironbeak’s right wing and the gray Griffin squawked fearfully as he staggered back.
“Coward!” Reagle ran after Ironbeak into the maze of burning tents.
Reagle narrowed his eyes to peer through the choking blaze as the tent city burned.
“Cousin, I always thought you were misguided but you leading this attack is inexcusable!”
Reagle heard a voice. “Curse you, Reagle! The noble path is only open to those who can afford it! Years in your shadow end here!” Ironbeak threw a grenade.
Reagle batted the bomb into the air with his sword. The gas stung his eyes and his throat. He pulled up the scarf gifted to him by Zaza. “You can’t win, even with all your tricks!”
Ironbeak attacked through the noxious cloud with goggles and face mask.
Reagle parried his blow and kicked Ironbeak back. Beating his wings he flew above and tossed a grenade.
“You and your father squandered your right to rule! In your time war has only spread!” Ironbeak flew upwards forced by the blast.
“Your father is a monster! He’d have the world at war!” Reagle folded his wings and struck downwards with all his weight.
“This isn’t for my father, it’s for me!” Ironbeak parried but was pushed down as his wounded wing gave. A tent broke his and Reagle’s fall. Reagle stabbed at Ironbeak as he rolled away.
Ironbeak snatched sand from the ground and threw it into Reagle’s face.
Reagle coughed as he beat his wings to disperse the sand. “Cousin, you and cowardice have always been like tea and biscuits!”
Ironbeak stood again and held shakily to his sword. “Reagle, you’re only brave when you’re strong! I’m meek and weak, and I face you now! Who is truly the braver?!”
“Bravery is more than facing your enemies! It’s facing yourself in a mirror! Who is truly weak! You gave up the last of what’s good in you!”
Ironbeak cackled. “All will be good! I’ll become king and I’ll do all the good your father and family has failed!”
Reagle pointed to the bodies on the ground and the burning tents. “Yet you would make a bloody pile of corpses to hasten your climb?! The means make the end! You’ll become a true monster in the process!”
“Reagle Hawkmor, I’m sorry but you must die. There’s no other way!” Ironbeak lunged.
“Yes there is! Join me! Not as my shadow but as an equal.” Reagle parried.
“Last time I was swayed by your tongue, you offered a hug, and you killed a squad of my guards!”
Reagle punched Ironbeak with the pommel of his sword and knocked his opponent onto the ground. He pointed his sword at the lesser Griffin’s throat. “Cousin, I could’ve killed you a dozen times over in this duel. I refrained.”
Ironbeak paused. The intensity of his gaze was soon lost and he bawled like a fledgling. “Why?! Why are you the golden egg?! You’re perfect in every way I can’t be… My father beat me a thousand times hoping to shape me to be a sword like yours. Yet my metal couldn’t match yours.”
Reagle sighed. “An iron sword overwrought by the zealous hammer of the sword smith becomes brittle. You have your own virtues. I cannot say I’d be half as well off as you were, if I was born under your circumstances. I heard of your father’s tortures… I thought then they were only rumors.”
Ironbeak continued crying. “Kill me. End the farce I call life.”
“Coward! I refrained killing you because I do believe that you could do good if you were to step outside your father’s shadow.” Reagle raged, pulling him by the collar and slapping Ironbeak. “Look into my eyes. With the horrors I’ve seen, I still live on. You can too.”
“I don’t know… but I can try. I’ll order the surrender.” Ironbeak looked away.
Zaza and Zecora, the two Zebra sisters, fought off the deadly duo of Banshee and Dori.
Zaza said, painting. “We can barely hold our own.”
Zecora huffed. “Sister, they are indeed strong. I do not know if we may last as long.”
“You’re facing Banshee, she is a Zerker.” She whispered. “Let us trade, on my mark.”
Zecora nodded.
Both Zebra mares charged at their targets.
“Ha, you’re dead!” Dori readied to intercept.
“Wait!” Banshee took a defensive stance while Dori sprung ahead.
“Now!” Zaza shouted mid-charge.
Crossing each other’s path both sisters attacked the other’s intended target.
Dori deflected Zecora’s spear and was head-butted and smashed onto ground. Banshee dodged Zaza’s strike, but was clipped in the left wing by the spear’s shear.
Both Zebra sisters looked at each other with smiles.
Banshee grimaced at the unconscious Dori. She swiped a line into the ground. Smiling as she unclipped her cloak, she planted her feet. “It seems I am to die here. Our battle shall be glorious. It’s the only thing that tells me I’m alive!”
“I pity you,” Zaza sneered, “You’re too much like the old me.”
“What?” Banshee scoffed.
“The red Zerker haze: you relish it.”
Banshee chuckled. “I fight and hurt others, therefore I am.” She took out a purple potion and eyed it fondly.
“You are empty inside. You’re a ghost that shrieks and howls at others. You have no reason.”
The potion shook in her claws. “I’ll die sober.” Banshee sighed and poured the contents onto the baked ground. “Maybe I do have a reason. Some idiot waggled his tongue and called me his brother.” She lifted her claymore into swinging position as more Zebras pointed their spears her. She gestured with a claw for the hordes to attack. “Come meet your death! I am the destroyer of hope!”
The battle had swung towards the Zebras’ favor. Only half the number of Griffins remained the rest being dead or had fled. Some of those with working wings refused to leave their wounded comrades. They congregated around Banshee as she made her last stand.
Ironbeak cawed, jumping in between the group. “Stop fighting! All forces lay down your weapons. We surrender!”
A Zebra warrior brayed. “Surrender?! You killed our friends and families! We don’t accept!”
A Griffin defector shouted. “We helped you to drive them back not execute them!”
Another Zebra warrior shouted. “Blood for blood! We’ll all be dead soon, our supplies are in the refugee camp! It burns now! Better death be quick than slow with dehydration and starvation!”
Reagle cawed out as well. “We can stop the fire!”
Zaza stood beside him and added. “Only if we work together!”
Reagle pointed his sword and directed at the Griffins. “You lot with wings still able to use them, Pegasi aren’t the only Weather Warlords. We can change the wind and save the refugee camp! I need every capable flyer with me. Fly like the Valkyries of yore and lore!”
Zaza ordered. “All Zebras use our spears and cloth to form stretchers! Only we have the strength to carry out the wounded before they suffocate in the blaze!” She emphasized to the Zebras. “All the wounded!”
Zecora stood with her sister. “Hurry now, the situation is still most grave! There are many to save!”
Ironbeak screeched. “You heard them! Let’s move.”
Zebras and Griffins moved to comply.
Ironbeak smiled as Dori stirred. She rose with sword in claw.
Ironbeak pulled her back from stabbing Reagle.
Dori stared maw agape, at Zebra and Griffins working together. “What’s going on!?”
“A better way,” said Reagle, “We don’t have to fight. Those years ago I dumped you, I know you begrudge me. I’m sorry, it just wouldn’t have worked.”
Dori dusted herself off. She laughed. “You think it’s all about you? Trust me, it wasn’t personal.”
Reagle remained silent for moment. “You chased after me for over an entire continent, to plunge a sword in my chest.”
Dori said. “Okay, maybe it was partly personal. You left me, it hurt. I wanted to kill you.”
Reagle sighed. “I was fresh returned from the front… parts of me returned. I had scars then that were still bleeding. I couldn’t be with you.”
“Yeah, my clan is Bloodtalon we tend to cause the bleeding. Still a stupid letter by the bed was all you left me before you shipped offed to fight in the next campaign. I was so angry I ripped to pieces. I didn’t read it…” Dori folded her claws and pouted. “What was it supposed say?”
Reagle sighed. “It was short. I remember it.” He continued. “It read: I’m sorry, Dori Bloodtalon, you’re an incredible Griffin.”
“But? What?! Was my plumage not right for you?!”
Reagle smiled. “But nothing. You’re an incredible Griffin. I’m sorry.”
Dori waved her claw. “Yeah it doesn’t matter, I have Ironbeak now. He’s many things, but most importantly he’s mine. If there’s such a thing as love, then I love him.”
“Dori,” Ironbeak cooed and grabbed her. “I love you too.”
“Get off me,” Dori chirped, “—and let me get on you!”
Reagle shuffled away as Dori pounced Ironbeak. “I’ll leave you two to it.”
Drowning the fire in a sandstorm, the Griffins finished their work of squelching the fire while Zebras below tended to the wounded. Reagle and Ironbeak oversaw the camp from a hill while a combined effort focused on tending to the wounded. Zebra potions were distributed.
Ironbeak gasped as he examined his healed wing. “Those Zebra potions sure are something. I can’t believe we scoured this land for gold, the potions would be worth four times their weight in ore.”
Reagle pointed to a line of foals that were examined for minor injuries. “Look at that, you would have hurt foals. Zebra kind aren’t much different from you or me. They have families too.”
Ironbeak’s voice quivered. “I-I-I know…”
“You’ve changed cousin, we all have. When I started even with all my talk of abolition and freedom, at some level I looked down on them. Now, I look Zaza straight in the eyes and I know she to be the love my life. Bloody strange where life takes us.”
Ironbeak scratched his neck feathers. “I can’t believe, I fought you. I never would have dreamed I’d have the courage.”
“You had it all along. Your family House is bucked up something bloody fierce, but you have good instincts. Maybe it’s time you make fly and make your own nest.”
Ironbeak nodded. “I read in the past the House Ironclaw, my house, used to be of honor and conviction. It can be again.”
Reagle said, smiling. “Listen to me cousin, whatever our differences before there is now something more important. I need your help.”
The rest of the ladies joined them on the cliff’s edge.
“Ironbeak, we can still turn Reagle in to your father, and carry through to make you king,” said Dori.
“We can threaten them with a bombing from our War Wing,” said Banshee.
Zaza stared down Banshee. “I noticed the first things you secured were the black bloodstones we had. I suspect you’re low on fuel. Even with those you won’t have enough fuel to return to your battle lines behind the Sand Sea.”
Zecora stood with her sister. “I surmised you would stoop so low. I have hidden our extra supply, bomb us and you’ll never see a rock of coal.”
Banshee and Dori grit their beaks.
Dori grinned. “Maybe we torture you for the information!”
Banshee added. “Maybe we start with the foals.”
The female Griffins and Zebras tensed their muscles to attack.
Ironbeak held up a claw. “Enough! I ordered peace. I want to listen to what they have to say.”
Banshee stated in a stoic tone. “Such a weapon, its power could conquer the world. Disease leaves infrastructure intact for any invader to claim.”
Dori scratched her beak with a devious grin. “It’s perfect. Your only problem is that it’s gone wrong.”
Zecora pressed her muzzle against Dori’s beak and stared her down. “The disease does not discriminate. All would be destroyed in it born of hate. It not only destroys the Avian, it kills the Equine. Even if it worked, you should not call it fine! Such weapons should never be used. The power lends itself to be abused.”
Dori backed down from Zecora’s verbal onslaught.
Ironbeak sighed. “How can we stop it?”
Zecora replies again. “In cold the disease does die. We can intercept the ships above the ocean as they fly.”
Dori scoffs. “What then? After this, it’s business as usual then?”
Zaza replies. “It is time to stop the cycle of hate. We must make peace between Zebra and Griffin kind.”
“My father would be an obstacle,” said Ironbeak, “This war benefits him most. We have to kill him.”
Zecora whinnied. “You so casually talk of patricide. I do not know we want to be allied.”
Reagle stopped Zecora with a claw. “Rest assured. I know his father. He’s caused this conflict to escalate well the hell out of control. Some people have to die.”
Zaza nodded to her sister. “I trust Reagle and therefore his assessment. There are irredeemable evils. I know it’s against your philosophy, you don’t have to participate in that.”
The Zebra shaman nodded after a fitfully moment.
“The question is how,” Banshee frowned, “I have trained with Lord Ironclaw personally. Not once had I in dueling come close to a victory.”
Zecora sighed. “I may have a method for you. I still wish there was something else we could do.”
Ironbeak sighed. “I actually have a theory. When my father failed to teach me to fight with weapons, my mother taught me intrigue and politics… a various poisons.”
Zecora tilted her head and raised an ear. “A fellow herbalist? I did not expect this.”
Zaza bit her lip. “Next comes our father and mother. They’re set in their ways. Hatred has set in after loss of my brother and their son. I fear it may not be possible to sway them.”
Zecora sighed. “I shall reveal the truth of our brother’s death to our family. I will put their love to test against their hate and see.”
Zaza said. “Sister, it could be their hate is greater than any love they would hold for us.”
Banshee cut in. “Sway them with practical concerns. The war will destroy them as well as us.”
Zecora looked about. “Who would they listen to? I fear no one here would do.”
Reagle rubbed his head. “I think I could convince my father to talk to yours. A meeting between the Griffin King and the Zebra King would be set with equal dignity.”
Zaza said. “Reagle, how would you convince your father though?”
“He’d have to if I make a declaration of my marriage to you before the entire Griffin Imperial Court. I’d kiss you in front of all the stuck up petticoats. I don’t give a buck what they think but it’ll still cause a civil war though. My intended bride, Gilda Goldfeather, is heiress to the third most powerful Bird House of Griffin Kingdoms.”
“Reagle, I’m sorry I complicate things…”
“Zaza, I’d make war with the world if it could mean I’d have you.”
Ironbeak smiled. “There is no concern. You will have the support of the second most powerful house. Once House Ironclaw is mine, we will be allies.”
“Cousin?” Reagle raised his brows in surprise.
“There’s much good that can be done. All the evils that my father perpetuated I’ll reverse them. Hawkmor and Ironclaw shall be allies in this endeavor.”
Reagle remarked placing a claw on the gray Griffin’s shoulders. “Cousin, save some evil. Maybe in a jar, eh? You said the noble path is only open to those who can afford it. I know your house. Ironclaw isn’t run by sunshine and giggles and that won’t change in one generation. Your minor houses all vie to be the major house. Plus it wouldn’t be the same.”
Dori poked Ironbeak with a claw. “I intend to instruct my husband on the finer points.”
Banshee hefted her claymore off her shoulders. “I shall enforce. I am feared most everywhere in Ironclaw Clan lands. None shall oppose, my brother.”
Reagle, Zaza, and Zecora were leered wearily at Banshee.
“Brother?” asked Zaza
Ironbeak declared wrapping a wing around Banshee. “Banshee was raised by my father. She suffered his torture. We both spilled enough blood on his throne room floor that I say some of it has mixed. She is my sister.”
Banshee’s face became red.
“You can blush?” asked Reagle. “I didn’t think drinking those purple potions allowed emotions.”
Banshee took out another purple potion from saddle pouch. “Is that what it is? I’ve been feeling weird sensations since I stopped drinking these.”
“Ah, I’ve had my share of those,” said Zaza exchanging a knowing look. “It’s good thing you’ve stopped.”
Reagle whispered to Ironbeak. “Good luck, she’s going to get emotional… Zaza was a bit crazy when she stopped.”
“Reagle, I heard that!”
Reagle manipulated a compass upon a map while Zaza drew her own calculations. Lacking a second quill, Reagle plucked a feather of his own and gave it to Zaza. They used coffee beans to represent the warship total.
Reagle looked upon the map. “If towed, we can extend the range of a Zebra War Balloon to intercept your father’s fleet.”
Zaza circled a city with her quill. “They would have retaken Zericho by now. Using the coal reserves they will extend the range of their airships for a one way suicide run against your Griffin Kingdoms.”
“We still don’t have anything to match them. By the time Ironbeak secures his house and uses his resources to help us. It would still be too late.” He tapped a claw at the beans that represented Ironclaw war assets.
Zaza removed eight from the dozen pool of beans used to represent Zebra forces. “My father would want to use all of his airships. My mother would stop him and tell him to send a quarter. Four would be enough to distribute the disease. ”
Reagle rubbed his beak. “So we’d only have to face four Zebra airships… still a war balloon is useless.”
“We do not have to take out their fleet. I still know the Zebra signal command codes. We can pretend to be an emergency dispatch from my father. To their knowledge, I have not betrayed them. This way we can recall the fleet.”
“Wouldn’t you have to face you parents?”
Zaza shook her head. “They wouldn’t themselves be aboard. It is a suicide fleet, remember.”
Reagle grimaced. “The older generations ask the younger ones to die; Griffin and Zebra are too much alike.”
Zaza bashfully rubbed her hooves. “Reagle, be with me tonight… I fear tomorrow.”
He hugged her tightly. “Have no fear, I’ll be there.” Reagle grinned with his beak in her ear. “You’re asking now?”
Zaza punched him playfully back stuck out her tongue. “Well then none for you.”
Reagle guffawed. “Hey now!”
Zaza smiled. “Let’s make it our reason to come back.”
Reagle nodded. “Aye, that’s a good bucking reason.”
Aboard the throne room of his flagship, Lord Ironclaw sipped his wine from an alabaster cup. Upon closer inspection it is the skull of a Griffin. The greater Griffin set aside his drink when several smaller Griffins entered the throne room.
“Ironbeak, you claim to have captured Prince Reagle. I do not see him before you.”
“Father,” Ironbeak addressed his father.
Ironclaw angrily sneered. “You bow before your superiors. You have not earned the right to call me your father.”
Ironbeak cawed. “Then I refute that role! I am my own Griffin. I’m working with Reagle. It’s over. King Hawkmor will know of your treason.” He continued. “All your years of cruelty end here.”
“Your betrayal is unexpected but not unprepared for. A pity you’ve grown a spine, now that I must break it. Even in your first act as a male you disappoint, only fools gloat before final victory.”
“You’re already dead. I learned your little lessons well. ” Ironbeak said, indifferently.
Ironclaw stared at the cup. “Impossible, I have a personal wine taster that I watch over.”
“The Zebras are most adept at chemistry. The poison is odorless, flavorless, and works with a reasonable enough delay.”
Ironclaw threw his skull cup shattering the bone chalice. “You bluff,”
“It wasn’t in the wine; it was in the air, a chemical powder made mist I had pumped through the ventilation into your throne room. Quickly it’s made harmless in the air but in your lungs, it’ll coat. You have gained your power through force and brutality. Does it pain you that you are killed by my method?”
Ironclaw tried to draw his sword but the metal slab fell to the floor as he choked.
The son loomed over the father. “You’ve beaten and betrayed the world, death in battle is more than you deserve. My only regret is this method leaves little time for you to suffer for those you’ve hurt. Me, Banshee, and your entire House, you never cared.”
Dori chirped, kicking the corpse. “All squawk and no walk.”
Ironbeak replied. “We vented in enough poison to kill two elephants. I’m surprised he was still talking when we entered the throne room.”
Banshee tried to pull Ironbeak away by his cape collar. “Stay back. The beast can still bite.”
The giant Griffin arose to the horror of all save Ironbeak. He lunged with his claws and gripped Ironbeak’s throat. Ironbeak dismissed Dori and Banshee with a wave of his claws. “Stop, he doesn’t even have the strength to strangle me.”
The dark Griffin cackled and smiled. Ironclaw coughed blood onto Ironbeak’s chest. “Son, you have made me proud! You are truly my heir!”
Ironbeak gasped as he shoved the dead body away from him.
“Screams of rage and hatred, even callow indifference, I was prepared for. It’s the first time he calls me ‘son’ and it’s with those words. Why does this hurt me most of all? His pride fills me with shame…”
Dori rubbed Ironbeak’s shoulder. “Buck the bastard. You may have seeded your egg, but you’re not his son.”
Banshee kicked the corpse of the once imposing Griffin. “I can’t believe Ironclaw fell so easily. He did so much. He was my master… I do not feel full with his death.”
Ironbeak sighed. “Banshee, that’s over now. You’re free. His death’s not supposed to satisfy any of us. We have to find our happiness and satisfaction by living life.”
Dori sneered at the body. “Mortal after all?”
Banshee said. “Aren’t we all? I heard even gods can die with the right weapons.”
A group of generals entered the throne room with swords raised. “Great Odin, Lord Ironclaw is slain! Ironbeak, explain yourself!”
Ironbeak shouted. “Yes it’s a terrible tragedy! Lord Ironclaw choked upon red wine! Have the lesser lords of my house assemble and swear fealty to me.”
The lead general chirped, quizzically. “Your house?”
Dori and Banshee raised their swords.
Banshee heft up her claymore sword. “You stand before the new Lord Ironclaw!”
Dori screeched harshly. “Bow, knave! Bow before your lord before my sword makes you!”
The lead general gulped down the lump in his throat and bowed before Ironbeak. His beak nearly touched the ground. “Your will be done! Hail Lord Ironclaw!”
The other generals promptly bowed.
As the generals left, Ironbeak quipped. “How capricious the loyalties of those ruled by fear. My father was wrong. The loyalty of love is stronger.”
Dori scoffed. “Love for their own necks and their own rewards that is.”
Banshee nodded. “I suspect those generals would expect boons.”
Ironbeak shook his head. “My words are worthless without you two.”
Dori cooed. “Your words are weapons on their own… don’t get too confident of that big beak though. My lord and love you may be, but in the nest you’re mine.”
Ironbeak blushed.
Banshee added. “Brother, I am glad you are happy.”
Ironbeak blinked then smiled acknowledging that Banshee had accepted their bond. “Sister, I’m sure we can find you another masochist like me.”
A Zebra War Balloon approached a fleet of six Zebra airships. On the deck of the war balloon Reagle, Zaza, and Zecora stood.
“They have accepted our command codes, but the lead ship wants to dock with us to confirm,” said Zaza, nervously.
Zecora placed a hoof on her sister’s shoulders. “We issue orders under our parents’ names. Our blood heritage will bolster our claims.”
Reagle sighed. “I’m still going to sneak aboard. You sure about the ventilation network? Are they connected to the float tanks?”
Zaza nodded. “I saw our airships built… still hopefully we won’t need you. I don’t want to kill the command bridge if we could persuade them to give us control.”
Zecora crunched up her face painfully.
Zaza turned to her. “Can you do this?”
Zecora sighed. “If taking some lives will save many more, I am sure.”
“I’m just insurance,” said Reagle, strapping on a grenade belt.
War Balloon and Warship connected. Zecora and Zaza were lead to the command bridge of the airship.
As they entered Zecora stammered. “Mother? Father?
Zaza’s own words came tumbling out. “W-W-Why are you here?”
The patron Zebra shook his head. “Children, did you not believe we had the conviction and courage of will to do this on our own?”
The matron Zebra spoke. “We are touched that you would join our suicide mission. But this is our sole burden.”
Zecora sternly worded. “We came not to join you but we came to stop you. There is something that you do not know of your brew.”
Zaza stomped her hoof denting the metal flooring. “The disease destroys all, Griffin, Zebra, or even pony. The Griffin Isles happen to be along trade wind currents. It would end the world!”
The Zebra King and Queen looked at each for a thoughtful moment then resumed.
King Zarius smiled. “Then still the Griffin Kingdoms would be the first to die!”
Zecora cried. “This is madness, father! Tell me you do not think the same, mother?!”
Queen Isis, grimaced. “The genocide of Zebrika and our people then shall be paid for! This is the nature of true war!”
Both Zebra sisters staggered back. Zecora and Zaza leaned against one another to stand.
Zaza cried. “Why?!”
Queen Isis sneered. “Zulu, your brother is dead by enemy claws! Vengeance is our cause!”
Zaza shouted. “There are good Griffins! They do not deserve the death that the disease will bring!”
Zarius sneered. “Zaza, my daughter, Nokimbe told me you were cavorting with one of the devil bird scum! Succumbing to lust! Do you care nothing for your brother?”
Zaza growled. “I cried for Zulu, more than you know! I picked up the spear and took to battle for his very memory!”
Zarius retorted. “Then you dishonor him.”
“There is a confession to make. I do not care if our brother’s reputation it will break.” Zecora drew a purple potion from her pouch. “Brave brother Zulu, died consumed by the poison of hate! Will you have the world match his fate?!”
King Zarius bit. “Your brother drank the poison of battle brews to fight the enemy. His death was their fault.”
Zaza gasped. “He fought on the frontlines for years! All this time you knew he was killing himself?!”
King Zarius affixed a gleaming glaive to his war saddle. “Now you know the depth of our commitment. Not even our own deaths will stop us.”
Queen Isis attached an ebony war hammer to her own war saddle. “This is your last chance; go. I—”
Zecora countered with words. “This is wrong, you know it to be so!”
“No more talk! We have accepted our deaths!” Zarius swung his glaive in rage. Zaza blocked her father from her sister.
Father and daughter met eyes. It was Zarius that looked away shamefully.
Zaza screamed. “Father, at least look your daughter in the eyes before you slay her!”
Zarius hesitated, holding his glaive back.
Isis was colder. “Kill her! We’ve come so far! Cast aside all weakness!”
Zecora glared at her mother. “Your rhyme has left you! Has reason too?”
Isis hissed and swung her body, her war hammer followed through aimed at Zaza.
Reagle popped out of the air vents to block the blow. His sword shattered to metallic splinters and he was smashed the ground.
“Reagle!” cried Zaza.
Reagle coughed. “You two who have two perfectly fine daughters. Is your hate greater than your love for them?”
Zarius unhitched his glaive from his war saddle.
Isis still held her war hammer firmly. “You took a blow for a Zebra? Why?”
“I love Zaza, a Zebra, I would die for her.” said Reagle.
Zaza used her body to shield Reagle. “I love Reagle, a Griffin, and I too would die for him. It matters not our race. We found hope in our love. Call it delusional or naïve but what matters now is we die together. So mother, pray your hammer swings quick if you deem to judge us!”
Zarius tapped Isis on the shoulders. “I cannot do this… my queen… our son… now our daughters. My soul sunders.”
Isis exhaled then inhaled deeply. “We are an arrow in flight. I do not know it is even possible to make this right. The captains that volunteered for this suicide fleet might not listen. What can be done?”
Zecora intoned. “We must explain the nature of the disease. They will listen to our pleas.”
Through signal lights the new orders were flashed. The airships dropped their payloads of disease into the seas. They breathed a collective sigh at how close they’d come to the Griffin Isles. The land was visible on the horizon.
Zarius nodded. “A disease that could kill the world: if we had unleashed that, how many more lives would have been lost?”
Isis exchanged an apologetic look toward her daughters. “The deadlier disease has been our hatred. What we might have done fills me with dread.”
“We can move beyond that, some may call that idealism naïve. But we must fight to believe. ” said Zaza.
Zecora looked to her sister, her brows piqued at her rhyming. She gave a smile. “That was most sublime. Sister is that a rhyme?”
Zaza laughed prodding Zecora with her hoof. “Just that one time.”
Reagle hugged Zaza. “It’s kinda cute.”
Zarius’ face turned. “The last Airship has refused our commands! It has entered flanking speed. It signals that it will continue its mission.”
“Intercept!” cried Zaza.
Outside the windows, they saw the thunder of the airship’s cannons. The shells shattered the ailerons of two of its escorts.
“It’s disabled the ships closest to it!” said Zarius.
“Who is the bloody captain?!” asked Reagle.
“Nokimbe.” said Zarius.
“Reagle, can you fly me there?” asked Zaza.
Reagle nodded. “With a falling start I could. Have this airship ascend.”
Reagle and Zaza landed onto the coning tower of the Zebra airship. Zebra warriors drew their spears.
“I am Commander Zaza of the Zebra Legion, I order you to lay down your weapons! Have you not heard the disease destroys all!? The plan must not go through.” Zaza readied her spear expecting resistance.
The Zebra warriors instead saluted. “We heed and obey but the captain used a Griffin grenade and blew the corridor connecting to the bridge.”
Reagle groaned. “Nokimbe, he took my gear when I fled.”
Zaza spat. “Can you disable the bomb bay controls then?!”
The Zebra shook their heads. “No, but we can disable the individual bomb racks… it won’t be enough time.”
Reagle pulled Zaza’s hoof. “We can go in through the windows.” He deployed his wings. Zaza nodded. “Our next stop then!”
Glass shattered as Reagle and Zaza crashed through to the bridge. The wind whistled as pressure equalized in the cabin. Nokimbe held fast onto a lever in spite of the gale. Outside the airship windows they saw that they were above land, the Griffin Capital city’s outline could be seen growing larger.
Nokimbe “One step more and I pull this crank and open the bomb bay doors.”
Zaza cried. “Nokimbe, why are you doing this?! Why are you a captain of a suicide ship?”
“I lost my friends and Isara, I don’t have anything else. I volunteered.”
Reagle said, gently gesturing with his claws. “You’ve got us, mate.”
The Zebra stallion scoffed. “Birdy, you’ve got Zaza. She chose you over anything else.”
Reagle chirped. “Nokimbe, we are friends.”
Zaza shook her head. “Stop this. You know it is wrong.”
Nokimbe cried. “I’ve got nothing else! This is the only meaning I have left.”
Reagle nodded. “This war has taken us all there, mate. You can come back.”
Zaza continued. “You can make your meaning in the peace that follows.”
Nokimbe, looked at the lever then took his hoof off. Zaza stepped forward gingerly and hugged Nokimbe. The Zebra male wept. Through his tears he glared at Reagle. “Can you make peace happen?”
Reagle shook his head. “I can’t, but we can.”
Peering past the brick chimney stacks of their skyline, Griffins looked upwards at the passing striped ships. The smoke clouds of Griffin industry were interrupted by the wind churned by the ships’ propeller blades.
A Griffin in a petticoat adjusted his monocle. “What in blue blazes?! Zebra airships!? Odin save us, they have a fleet!”
A Griffin wheeling an egg by with a baby carriage replied to her husband. “Have you heard, crazier still the crown Prince Reagle lives!”
The husband rubbed his beak. “Yeah, some big thing at the palace.”
Swaggering through the throne room, Reagle and Zaza strolled past the lines of gather Griffin nobles. Zebra warriors walked with them. Beaks were wide open. Seeing the Zebras with him, some nobles held fast their cape collars as if to avoid the plague.
Their march stopped before the grand throne.
“Dad,” said Reagle reservedly as the social circumstances. “There’s much to tell. The Zebra airship fleet above our capital is friendly. It’s time we pursue peace. The—”
“Reagle! My son!” The greater Griffin collapsed in front of his son sobbing. With a sweep of his claws he picked up Reagle. “I thought you were lost. Are you a ghost come back? Is it really you?”
“Yeah, it’s me dad. There’s a lot to talk about. I found the one to be my wife.”
“What?” King Hawkmor released Reagle, and looked about. “This glorious! Double cause for celebration! Hear noble Houses! My son returns and brings with him a new Princess!” The giant Griffin roared in jubilation.
Applause started amongst the Griffin nobles.
“Where is the lady of yours? What is here name.”
“She’s right here and her name is Zaza Zakar, Princess of the Zebra Confederation!” Reagle pulled Zaza to him and kissed her.
There were cries of shock.
An older Griffin growled. “Beastiality!”
A Griffin lady took a handkerchief to her beak. “It’s an affront to nature! Like lions with hyenas!”
A younger Griffin tugged his collar. “I’m all for abolition but…”
Another Griffin turned up his beak. “This must be a joke.”
King Hawkmor raised his giant sword to separate their embrace. He poised his blade above them as to cut them apart by limb if necessary. Reagle and Zaza only held each other tighter and looked defiantly at King Hawkmor.
King Hawkmor looked for a minute into Reagle’s eyes. He nodded when his son did not flinch. Swinging his giant sword King Hawmor smashed into the ground creating a fissure through the throne room. His words echoed through the hall. “Why did you fools stop applauding! Rejoice! Celebrate! Hohohoho! Make merry! You have a new Princess!”
A fat fearful Griffin poked his compatriots with a claw. “Their airship fleet is poised above us… should they bomb.”
The applause was slow, but soon it came back.
“Our Prince is so progressive.”
“They can’t all be animals.”
“It’s a new era!”
“Must be an incredible Zebra that won his heart. Surely worthy of our Prince!”
“It was said that we Griffins were born of an unnatural union, so it must natural!”
Reagle and Zaza smiled lightly at the sheepish flock of Griffin nobles which were so easily swayed by fear of force.
The applause died down soon after. Zaza spoke. “Noble lords and ladies of the United Griffin Kingdoms, be calm. The dark leopard of doubt now stalks you. Be assured the Zebra airships above you come in peace.”
There were skeptical murmurs amongst the noble Griffin bird houses.
Zaza continued. “I shall confess my people have long withheld the secret of our fleet and for a time our intention was your destruction. Yet hate begets more hate, until the fires do consume us all. I have felt these flames it was the love of your Prince that quelled such fires.”
Reagle rose. “My sentiments are shared with my mate of whom I have sworn my life to. Our nation, these United Griffin Kingdoms, is blighted by a curse of bigotry and inequity. We profess to hold each Griffin as equals. How different are we from the other races? Do they not cry for sorrow and joy as do we? We cannot keep the world in bondage and hold ourselves moral and just.”
There was only a smattering of applause.
King Hawkmor smiled and raised his sword skyward. “Hear hear! I support abolition! We will be better than the Prench and Naponean! The rival nation of Equestria was built upon a unity of three races. With this coalition they repulsed our past military advance. Their Pegasi are their air force, their Earth Pony their infantry, and Unicorn are their mage artillery. With the inclusion of the Zebra nation into our glorious kingdoms! We shall have fearsome Zebra Zerker infantry! It is a bold step towards world conquest!”
The room erupted in the clapping of claws.
Alone on the top most tower of the castle, Reagle, Zaza, and King Hawkmor spoke.
Reagle rubbed his head. “Dad, why did you say that?”
“Reagle, my son, practical concerns abound. You and your wife’s speech was well and good but it doesn’t unite the disparate Griffin Kingdoms. My rhetoric makes the medicine go down. People love to hate, perhaps we could direct that to enemies far away enough that we can settle affairs of our home.”
“A common enemy wasn’t that what the Zebra tribes were to your Griffin Kingdoms?” asked Zaza.
“Once we beat back Naponeon and Prance, Equestria will be our true enemy. They monopolize magic and gemstones… imagine the wealth and power we could attain from taking even chunk of their territory! Zebra Zerker infantry might make that happen!” The Griffin King gave a greedy and hearty laugh. “Hohohohoho!”
Reagle snapped. “Another time, dad! Let’s end one war first!”
Zaza bowed. “King Hawkmor, still… I am thankful that you so readily accepted me.”
The greater Griffin sighed. “My son is smart, smarter than me. He bears truly after his mother if he’s chosen you. I have no choice but to approve. I am surprised to find a Zebra so… um eloquent.”
“I should like you to meet my parents then. They helped me become who I am today.” Zaza smiled.
“Ah peace talks.” King Hawkmor bobbed his head in acknowledgement.
King Hawkmor left to speak with Zaza’s parents. Reagle and Zaza gazed at the setting sun.
Zaza fell down, with an exhausted exhale. Reagle joined her wrapping his wing around her torso.
“We still have a world of work to do. The path of peace shall be long and winding.” Zaza hid behind her hooves.
“We’ll get there. We can get anywhere, because I know where we’ve already been.” Reagle rubbed her shoulders with his claws.
“To Tartarus and back? I suppose it’s true. ” Zaza smiled as she poked Reagle in the belly. Zaza frowned at the cold tower stone work. “I wish to just feel the grass below me. A day of nothing, we could lazily watch the cloud pass. That would be my Elysium.”
Reagle pulled himself atop Zaza. “Once everything calms down, I’d love for us to tour the world. We could see many fields of grass Zebrika, the Griffin Isle, or even Equestria, they’d all be Elysium if I could see them with you.”
Zaza rolled herself atop Reagle. “I’ve love to come with you.”
Upon endless plains of baked amber grass, there sprung green patches of new life. Floating above and standing in the middle of a large gangplank between a Griffin War Wing and Zebra Airship, Reagle and Zaza stood before Zecora.
Reagle whispered in Zaza’s ear. “A bit dramatic, I think you’ve grown fond of theater.”
Zaza snickered. “You have me wearing a wedding dress and veil just to tear it off later?”
Reagle smirked.
King Zarius, Queen Isis, and Nokimbe and other Zebras had gathered to observe the ritual. King Hawkmor, Ironbeak, Dori, and Banshee found their place as well.
Zecora spoke. “Cast before the earth and heavens, here two lovers ready to make their stand.”
Reagle held Zaza’s hooves by his claws.
“Zaza Zakar, are you ready to take this Griffin of House Hawkmor to be your husband?”
Zaza smiled. “I am and always.” She took a hoof and snapped a golden neck ring onto Reagle’s neck. The ring had a blue sapphire bead. It slid under his cape and collar. Reagle adjusted it so it was visible shimmering in the sun’s light.
“Reagle Hawkmor, are you ready to take this Zebra of the Zakar tribe to be your wife?”
Reagle smiled. “I am and always.” He took his claws removed the neck ring of Zaza’s that had the green emerald engagement bead. He added then a ring with a blue sapphire bead to Zaza’s neck.
“Do you both swear to uphold thy vows through life and death, weal and woe, happiness and strife?”
Reagle and Zaza cried. “We do!”
“Then by all under the sky ocean, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. May you hold and honor thy partner through all of life.”
With a claw Reagle parted Zaza’s wedding veil. Under the setting sun and its heat haze, their silhouettes connected in their kiss. Zebra and Griffin whooped for joy instead of the once familiar battle cries. Airship cannons fired confetti instead of explosive shells. As the sun fell further with the closing curtain of the evening, all shadows of whatever races and shapes became one.
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Reagle-Hawkmor-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Reagle-Hawkmor-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Zaza-Zakar-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Zaza-Zakar-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Nokimbe-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Nokimbe-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Isara-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Isara-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Ironbeak-Ironclaw-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Ironbeak-Ironclaw-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dori-Bloodtalon-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dori-Bloodtalon-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Banshee-Avatar.png[/img]](http://xcaliberproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Banshee-Avatar.png[/img]){kind=link}
![http://24.media.tumblr.com/a257ad5165644b1f79354634dfdee284/tumblr_mqo61uYbwk1rj6vd5o1_400.png[/img]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/a257ad5165644b1f79354634dfdee284/tumblr_mqo61uYbwk1rj6vd5o1_400.png[/img]){kind=link}
