Author's Notes:

Sorry it took me so long to finish this. Holidays and all that. I will probably be re-ordering my writing schedule to have updates for this story happen more often. Thank you for being so patient and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Also, if you see any mistakes please tell me. Most of my editors were busy and it was only me and totallynotabrony and both of us can miss things.

-Altoid

Chapter 29

Day 26

Luna walked slowly down the crumbling stone road flanked by two bat-winged guards. Patton and Ian followed closely behind deep in silence. The Princess moved as if every step closer to the ruins was a struggle against a grave fear.

“Are you okay, ma’am?” Ian asked, instantly knowing that it was a stupid question.

No answer. Luna continued to walk towards the city but it was apparent that she heard him and quickened her pace. It was not long until they stood outside the gates.

“Do you wish to come in with me or remain here?” Luna looked back at the humans and both of them could see a shadow in her eyes that was growing with every passing hour. A deep loneliness that reminded her too much of the years on the moon. But now it was Luna feeling it completely and not through the monster she once was.

“We’ll come with you,” Patton replied with a small smile.

The Princess smiled back, secretly happy that she wasn’t going alone. Then Luna faced the archway and sighed heavily before moving into the darkness.

The silent darkness of the ruins pressed down harder without the company of the other humans and ponies. The only light emanated from Luna’s horn. Whispers issued from the shadows and dark, barely seen figures moved just outside of their view. By the time they reached the temple the humans had their hand on their weapons and their wide eyes darted back and forth with unease.

“The echoes that dwell here are of no threat to us.” Luna suddenly said. The humans jumped slightly at her voice. “Even if they were a threat, your weapons wouldn’t be able to hurt them. Only memories and shadow live here. You need not fear, my friends.”

The tomb of Robert E. Lee was a drastic change from the rest of the city. Only silence prevailed in the room and no whisper or moving shadow lingered on the edge of their senses. Ian walked besides the walls and discovered stone reliefs depicting Lee’s involvement in the past. It proved enough entertainment while they waited for the others to arrive.

Three bat ponies entered a half hour later followed by the Americans, save for Zeus, and Elements of Harmony. Each of the six ponies wore their elements. The Germans had refused to come and the others were actually happy that they didn't. The chamber was already crowded enough. Luna’s guards excused themselves and waited in the temple above. Patton and Twilight approached the Princess, she had barely moved since their arrival.

“Shall we remove the lid?” Bill chimed from the back of the room. He was the most excited one of all to meet his childhood hero.

Luna shook her head. “It will not be necessary. But we do need to remove the enchantments of protection first. Twilight, could you help me?”

Both ponies set to work silently casting magic around the tomb and were quickly done. Twilight stepped back and Luna again returned to silent contemplation. The others shifted wearily on their legs.

“This sarcophagus and his sleep were sealed with the ancient power of the alicorns. That power, how it was, no longer exist. But it has a new form as the Elements of Harmony. I will lead the spell. Lend me your power.”

Twilight nodded. “Girls, are you ready?”

The other’s nodded. The humans backed nervously away against the far wall. A bright flash of color and light momentarily illuminated the room causing them to shield their eyes. The flow of magic was directed directly at Luna and she in turn directed a separate spell at the sarcophagus. Suddenly the room went dark. To their amazement the stone started to melt away, dissolving like snow at the onset of a warm spring. The sarcophagus quickly disappeared revealing a stone slab with a grey clad figure resting on top. His weary face was wreathed in a white beard. A simple grey hat and a sword with gold inlaid rested on his chest.

“Is he supposed to wake up?” Bill asked impatiently. He peered over the others, his eyes filled with awe and excitement.

Luna nodded but replied in a quiet voice, “A thousand years of sleep is not so easily shaken away. Someone needs to start a fire. He lives but is as cold as ice. Lee will not awaken until warmth has returned to him.”

The guards were sent out and quickly returned with wood from a distant forest. Two fires were set on both sides of the stone slab illuminating the room with a soft orange glow. Everyone sat patiently around the flames except Luna who stood watching Lee with reminiscing eyes and Bill who paced impatiently back and forth cracking his knuckles. Twilight looked at the figure on the stone then at Patton and Ian crouched next to her.

She gave a small cough before speaking. “I don’t know why I haven't asked you this yet. What kind of person is Robert E. Lee?”

“I don’t think I am the right person to ask,” the Lieutenant replied. “He is a legend in American history and I never paid much attention to that. Ask me about an Irish hero then you will get a drawn out speech about them.”

“Neither of us are really the proper individuals to ask,” Patton stated as he warmed his hands. “Everything we know comes from history books. But one thing is for certain; he is very different from me. I lead my men using the brute force of my will. My men love me just as much as they hate me. Lee, well, he was more like a grandfather to them.”

“He seems nice, I guess.” Twilight looked up a Luna. “I think she knows more about him. Strange, a pony knowing more about a human than the humans do.”

The humans didn’t answer. Bill continued to pace back and forth and the cracking of his knuckles was starting to wear on Rainbow Dash’s nerves.

“Could you not do that?” the multicolored pegasi asked in a slightly demanding tone. “My head is starting to hurt.”

Bill stopped and gave her a flat look then went back to his ceaseless pacing. But there was less popping of joints. Luna gave a long sigh, the first noise she had made in a while. Everyone looked at her, expecting the Princess to say or do something but she didn’t. They went back to warming themselves.

There was a sudden cough, like the sound of someone clearing a long unused throat and everyones heads shot up. Lee was still laying on the stone but his right hand had raised to his forehead as if to massage away the drowsiness.

“General?” Luna whispered. “General, are you awake?”

Lee’s hand went still. “It has been many a long dream but I still remember that voice.”

He slowly sat up and peered at the others, his grey-blue eyes shining in the fire. He said nothing as he looked at each face staring back at him. His gaze stopped on Luna.

“How are you, child?” he said in a kindly voice. “You seem troubled. Also, who are your friends?”

The Princess gave a genuine smile that slowly faded. “I am happy to see you again though all is not well, sir. War has once again returned and we find ourselves in a losing battle.”

Lee nodded slowly then looked once again at the other humans, primarily Patton. The younger General stepped forward to introduce himself and saluted.

“I’m General George Patton, sir. It is an honor to meet you.”

“George Patton,” said Lee as he saluted in return. “A Colonel of a Virginian regiment bears the same name. Are you of any relation?”

“George Patton of the 22nd Virginia was my grandfather, sir.”

“Your Grandfather?” Lee sat quietly, deep in thought, for a long while. His eyes continued to move to each face. Finally he spoke again. “I can tell there is much that needs to be discussed with me.” He planted his feet firmly against the ground and stood tall. He towered over the other humans except Patton and Jeff. “Come, let us head to the palace and discuss what has happened since I entered my sleep.”

Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “You will find much has changed even as we leave this tomb. The great city is now empty and the Alicorn Empire is no more. Do you still wish to visit the palace? I have not been there since the fall.”

Lee shook his head. “I don’t wish to see what I had once loved now decaying and dark. Lead me where your command is now located and we shall speak there.”

Luna, Patton and Lee led the way out of the city. The grey general looked around at the lifeless buildings and streets, a mournful expression etched painfully across his face.

“Two years I spent in this city,” he whispered to no one in particular. “I grew to love this place. The silence breaks my heart. So many lives, now gone.”

“It tore my sister’s heart as well,” Luan replied. “I believe she was starting to blame herself, just like I had, before the end.”

“Before the end?”

Luna went silent for a minute before continuing. “The fate of my sister is unknown but I will not speak any more of it here or now.”

The sun had already set when they reached the ever growing city. Nopony noticed them as they reached Luna’s flagship and entered her quarters. Zeus was asleep in the corner, a book spread across his knees. He awoke with a start when Matt, who was the last one in, shut the door.

“How are you doing Zeus?” Pinkie Pie asked as she trotted up to him followed by Matt.

“Feeling better.” The gunner noticed Lee and watched the elderly general follow Luna and Patton to her desk.

“I believe now is a good time to inform me on the happenings since I entered my sleep.” Lee said.

“Yes,” Luna replied with a slow nod of her head. “Twilight, ponies, would you please excuse yourselves?”

“Yes Princess,” the six friends replied.

Patton was looking through a paper but spoke indirectly to the humans. “Men return to your duties.”

“Yes sir,” Ian gave a quick salute and left the room followed by the other Americans.

Matt gleefully wheeled Zeus out of the chamber. After they had left Lee and Patton returned their attention to Luna. She stared absentmindedly out of the near window.

“Princess?” Patton whispered.

She didn’t remove her gaze but started to speak. “I will begin with the day immediately after you entered your sleep.”

“Take a seat, sir,” Patton said to Lee as he pulled up two chairs.

Luna continued her story long into the next day. She stopped only to raise the sun and quickly returned to her recount of the past 1,000 years.

Day 27

He was crying. They couldn't believe it. Frederic sat against a tall stone, his face turned skyward and tears streamed down his eyes. All Scootaloo did was ask him if he missed his family. The result was an onset of tears that terrified the three fillies. The other Germans watched from a short distance. They had been talking to each other but stopped abruptly when they heard Scootaloo ask the question. Below them, at the base of the hill, a factory was under construction.

“I’m sorry,” the orange filly said, her eyes downcast. “I didn’t know the question would make you sad.”

Scootaloo suddenly felt herself being lifted up and pressed into a strong hug.

“It’s alright, young one.” Frederic continued to hold her before setting her down and sighed. “I never told you.”

“Never told us what?” Sweetie Belle chimed.

Frederic took a deep breath. “My family lives on the Eastern side of Germany. The war is darker on that front. Russians press ever closer to our home.”

“What’s a Russian?” Applebloom cut in.

Behind them Felix hissed. “Schweine! Tiere!”

“Ja,” Martin nodded his head.

“Schnauze,” Udo and Benjamin echoed.

“The Russians are another nation ve are at war with but our hate for each other goes deep.” Frederic lowered himself to the ground to be more at level with the young ponies. “My family use to send me letters every veek but they stopped abruptly a few veeks before I came here. Around the same time I heard that our town fell to the Red Army. I pray they left before the Russians broke through.”

“What would happen if they broke through?” Applebloom asked.

The human shook his head. “I try not to think about it and you young ones shouldn't either.”

Sweetie Belle laid a comforting hoof hoof on Frederic’s leg. “I’m sure they are all right.”

He tousled the three fillies manes. “I hope you are right. But come, let us get something to eat.”

The mess hall was one of the few completed buildings. It was hastily built of wood and iron beams. The elderly and children worked ceaselessly to supply the rest of the population with meals. The hall was filled with ponies eating an early lunch before heading to their respective duties. Behind the counter stood Granny Smith, the head mare of the kitchen.

“Hello there,” the mare greeted them in a weary voice. “How can I help you today?”

“Hallo ma’am,” Frederic replied kindly. “Eight loaves of bread please.”

“Comin’ right up, hun.” Granny bent over and pulled the bread from a box under the counter. “For the young'uns. I have some sugar bread for them. It’s nothing special but it is sweeter than regular bread.”

“Thank you.” Frederic and Felix took the bread and found seats at a table by a far wall where they handed out the meal. They ate in silence, each one wrapped up in their own thoughts.

Then the Americans walked in.

“Heya Germans!” Matt’s voice pierced the hall. He was the first to enter. The others filed in behind him. “What’s for lunch today?”

“For us it is bread,” Frederic sighed. “If you seek something better then try your charm on the elder pony.”

The American loader ambled up and plopped himself down next to an uncomfortable Udo. “Bread sounds good. So how are you guys doin’?”

“Ach, Ve ver alright until you, angekommen, arrived.” Udo hissed.

“Hi Matt!” the tree fillies chorused.

“Hey there! Well I’m going to go get some food.” The American stood up and patted Udo on the shoulder. “Bye guys.”

“He is such a cheerful guy,” Applebloom stated. “I don’t understand why you don’t get along.”

“He is annoying,” Udo took a bite of bread and stared darkly at Matt as he walked away.

Frederic nodded. “He he cheerful, ja, but he is indeed very annoying.”

Matt was sad to see that they were getting bread too. Ian had found them a table closer to the door and were busily eating their food. Unlike the Germans though, a loud discussion was blowing up.

“It's bullshit I tell you,” Bill was growling when Matt joined them. “A fuckin’ pile of bullshit that is going to grow until we drown in it!”

“Of course it’s bullshit, Bill.” Ian noticed Winnona, the Apple Family’s dog, begging for scraps under the table. He dropped her a piece of his bread before answering. “But what is the bullshit made of huh? There is something going on here, lads; something bigger than us. Back home we knew what the war was about, what we were fighting for. Here we are kept in the dark, even the General isn’t getting the information he needs from the Princess. Also, what’s with Luna bringing in Robert E. Lee for assistance? Will we have to answer to both him and Patton? It reeks wholeheartedly of bull but why?”

“Lee being here isn’t a problem for me,” Bill shot. “But yes, I agree that fighting somebody that we don’t know anything about is grating on me somethin’ awful. Are we even on the right team?”

“Of course we are on the right team.” Zeus replied. He had barely touched his food and Matt was eying it hungrily. “Old Blood and Guts wouldn’t put us on the wrong side. Would he?”

Ian rubbed his chin. “What if he doesn’t know what side we are on?”

The others went silent for a minute before Jeff suddenly spoke, taking the others by surprise. The Texan rarely spoke but when he did his voice carried a force of authority and strength.

“What if we make them tell us?” The other’s stared at him questioningly. “What I mean to say is, what if we refuse to help until things become clear?”

Ian shook his head. “I promised Patton that I wouldn’t support any form of mutiny but I won’t stand against you. Still, I will try and convince you otherwise. I feel that we are on the right side because my heart tells me that I am.

Matt chuckled. “Your heart tells you, sir? Getting poetic?”

Zeus and Bill gave the loader murderous glances as the Lieutenant continued. “Also, I have not seen any dark deeds or crimes committed by the Equestrians and I saw them done by who I believe was the enemy; or at least a branch of the enemy.”

“But it seems that the Princesses have blood on their hands as well. At least that’s what Patton told you. Correct?” Jeff sat back in his chair, a stern look on his face.

“We all have blood on our hands, Fishy.” Ian fiddled with the remnants of his bread. “Measuring the amount of blood spilt on each side is a poor way of deciding who is correct in a war, lad.”

“Perhaps, sir. But you say your heart tells you that we are on the correct side.” A dark glare hung in Jeff's eyes. “Sadly mine has remained silent on the issue and I must use my mind to discover the truth.”

Ian glared back at him. “How do you propose finding the truth?”

The others held their breaths, the growing tension between the two was unexpected and thick.

Jeff sat forward and looked the Lieutenant in the eyes. To everyone else watching it seemed a silent battle of dominance was happening between them. “We go to the Princess and demand answers or she no longer receives our help.”

“And if we get no answers will you demand that we get sent home to leave the peoples of this world to meet their own fates?” Ian retorted in a half laugh, half growl.

“We are here against our will. I have little care for the fate of the people here.” The Texan sounded strong in his words but Ian could tell that they were false.

“Don’t lie to me, boy!” the Lieutenant spat. “You always had a soft heart and you love this place, perhaps more than the rest of us. You might not say it but I can tell in your eyes every day that you care for this world’s future. Your heart is not as quiet as you think it is. Your head is just too thick and full of conflicting information!”

“Then I seek to have the information sorted out! Is that so wrong, sir? Why do you fear the truth unless you doubt your heart as well?” Jeff leaned forward and looked his commander in the eye. His voice held a threatening tone. “I might not want to leave this place yet but I will use every bargaining chip I can get to learn the truth!”

The two men stared at each other in silence. Eventually Ian’s expression softened and he sat back in his chair. The other’s continued to watch them with bated breath.

Ian finally whispered, “Very well. Go press the Princess for answers. I won’t stop you.”

Jeff nodded then stood and left the hall. After a pause Bill and Zeus followed him.
Ian sa silently then turned to Matt. “Aren't you going to leave too and seek answers?”

“Oh, no-no,” the loader stuttered. “I'm on your side.”

“Don’t call it taking sides! There are no sides,” the Leutnant shot. “God forbid a rift form between us.”

Twilight had never felt more miserable in her life and the pain was growing with every passing day. Her friends rarely heard a word from her and she usually sat in silence. In fact none of them were the same. The only one of them that dared to wear a genuine smile was Pinkie Pie yet it was nothing more than a shadow of her once brimming joy.

They now sat on the shore watching the waves roll in and the ships bob up and down against the pier. In the distance a storm could be seen over the distant land of Equestria, now only a foggy line against the horizon. The sound of approaching hooves shook them out of their darkening thoughts. They turned and a pegasi courier met their view.

“A letter for Applejack?” he said before giving the roll of paper to her. He quickly took to the sky and left them.

“It’s from mah brother,” the earth pony stated. She read it for a few moments before putting it down. “He says that he is now a Captain in the 19th and well on his way to becoming a Colonel. He seems to be pretty happy with himself.”

“Where is his camp at?” Rainbow Dash chimed.

Applejack looked at the note again but didn’t actually read it. “He said that the 19th is with a small brigade composed of the 19th, 21st, 24th and 25th regiments. They are far inland but he didn’t tell me the exact location.”

“At least he is doing fine,” Fluttershy stated in a whisper. Ever since leaving Ponyville, she had been secretly wishing that her animals back home could have been brought with them.

“Yeah,” Applejack nodded her head. In her mind though she thought, ‘For how long?’

“I hope my brother is alright,” Twilight said to herself. “For all I know he is dead.”

“Don’t say such things, darling.” Rarity put her hoof around her friend. “Your brother is going to be fine. He is too brave to have anything bad happen to him.”

Somewhere in the city behind them a bell tolled and the group slowly stood. They looked over the water one last time the turned to each other.

“I guess it’s time to go.” Rarity said quietly.

Twilight nodded. “Yes it is.”

Applejack pulled her friends into a hug. “Girls, we may be spreadin’ out all over the island to do different jobs but whenever we can we’ll meet here. Sound good?”

“Yep!” Pinkie beamed. The other nodded their heads or whispered agreements.

After a while they parted and went their separate ways. Each one hoping that some form of good news would bring hope back to them.

“Charger Brigade! Hold the line!” General Sprinter stood upon a pile of rubble high above his soldiers. The banner of the 1st Brigade waving furiously over his head on the stormy wind. “Here they come!”

Shining Armor marveled at the stallion’s courage. His friend seemed to be without fear as the world fell apart around them. Behind the 1st other brigades were reforming the line for another counter attack. Down the rubble filled street the masses of enemy troops marched stern paradelike towards them.

The General had no idea how he ended up in the middle of the fighting. He had been forced to abandon his HQ after it was attacked by Gryphons early that morning. His army had dissolved into chaos. Most of the forces had retreated to the harbor to create a last line of defence. But others rallied behind brigades such as the 1st and the 13th, fighting the enemy and spilling their blood for every street gained.

Shining decided that it was best for him to be with the soldiers on the front lines. Now though he felt small compared to the ponies actually giving orders and fighting. There was little a strategic general could do merely steps away from the enemy.

“Steady!” Sprinter ordered as an artillery shell screamed into the ranks of the brigade. Bodies and limbs were thrown into the air to come falling back down on their comrades. “Hold steady, brave 1st Brigade! Show them no fear!”

The enemy lines were only yards away and Shining was feeling the urge to fall back when Sprinter yelled again, “For Equestria! Charge!”

The 1st Brigade and those that rallied behind them hurled themselves against the oncoming lines. A bloody melee broke out for only a couple minutes before the ponies broke off to reform into another line further up the road. Shining hadn’t joined into the fray, instead remaining on a pile of stone watching the fight.

“Sprinter,” Shining yelled as they fall back to a new position. “I need to fall back to the harbor and oversee the defences being prepared there. I am putting you in charge of the forces still within the main part of the city.”

“Yes sir,” Sprinter saluted quickly before returning his attention to the battle.

The General watched his friend for several seconds before hurrying off towards the dockyard with the remnants of his staff officers close behind. All around them as they ran could be seen lines of ponies employing the same tactic of General Sprinter. Shining could also notice that not all of them were having the same amount of success. Many of the brigades and regiments were taking massive casualties and already large groups were retreating.

“Sir!” one of Shining’s officers screamed.

The General stopped just as a large mass of ponies ran terrified and leaderless down a street ahead of them. A troop of minotaurs rushed, close on their tails.

“Their breaking through over there, sir!”

Shining didn’t hesitate. It was act now or lose a large majority of his army. “Sound the retreat!”

One officer raised a horn to his mouth and blew three consecutive notes. Another, a unicorn, released a red magic burst into the sky that exploded like a firework.

“Hurry!” The General motioned towards an alleyway. “Through there!”

They ran heedless of the now fully retreating pony army around them and soon arrived at a quickly constructed wall between them and the dockyards. Ponies were struggling up the sides and others stood on the top helping them over. Shining Armor and his officers struggled over and then turned to the ever approaching battle.

“General!” There was a flap of wings and Spitfire, along with one of his pegasi officers, landed beside him. Both ponies were covers in injuries and blood. Spitfire’s lance was splintering but had yet to break. “The lancers can’t hold off the gryphons for much longer. Enemy airships are also moving in over the city. Not only that, sir, but upon the distant mountains a few dragons can be seen sitting like vultures.”

“Pull the lancer regiments over the dockyards.” Shinings voice cracked. “We’re making our last stand here!”

“Yes sir!” Spitfire saluted. “But there is something else I need to tell you. A fleet of air and naval ships are approaching from the West. We don’t know who they are but there is hope that they are ours.”

“I’ll take any good news that I can, even if it’s uncertain.” Shining looked westward but couldn't see the ocean through the ruins and smoke. “Stay strong up there Colonel!”

“I feel better up there than down here, sir.” With that said Spitfire and the staff officer leaped into the air.

Shining made his way towards the harbor. “I need scouts to see whose fleet is approaching. I don’t want our rear exposed.”

An officer saluted and jumped into the sky. Shining found a high point on the top of a halfway destroyed building. His army was still pouring into the dockyards but it seemed that the enemy was no longer pursuing them. Apparently they needed to regroup as well. The storm continued to grow as thunder rumbled in the distance. For several minutes he watched the brigades reform into new defensive positions. Every once and a while he would look behind him and catch a glimpse of distant airships and sails through the smoke.

The officer that had set out to discover whose fleet was approaching never returned. But as he was watching the ships draw neared a pegasi caught his attention. She circled the harbor for a while before diving straight for Shining and landing next to him.

“Flight Admiral Windy Wings!” Shining exclaimed, his joy overflowing. “I hope that’s your fleet approaching.”

“It is General,” the mare replied. A fire gleamed in her eyes and Shining could help but feel uneasy around her. A vengeful rage emanated from her. “I’m here to get you and your army out of here and to kill as many of those monsters as we can.”

A shadow passed overhead and the ponies looked up. Gryphonian airships were steaming directly for the Equestrian vessels. Spitfire soon dropped from the sky and landed next to them.

“The Gryphon ships are pushing through,” she panted. An arrow stuck firmly through the feathers of her wings and deep cut from her shoulder to her flank oozed blood. “They are trying to stop the fleet!”

“I know.” Shing motioned for one of his officers to help her but she just pushed them away. But not before the arrow was removed from her wing. “I want you to gather all of the lancers and assist the airships.”

“Yes sir!” Spitfire once again leaped into the sky.

“I am heading back to my fleet.” Windy Wings hovered above him. “Good luck General.”

She turned and sped back to the Equestrian fleet that was on the brink of engaging with the enemy airships.

A smile spread across Shining Armor’s face. “Hope returns at last!”

Word that the Equestrian Navy was nearing reached Brigadier General Sprinter as he looked over the battered 1st Brigade. His soldiers gave a whole hearted cheer as he told them the news.

“If we hold strong we will be getting out of here!” he practically sang. No sooner had he said this though when the enemy artillery started to fall around them again.

The street ahead of them was suddenly filled with the marching mass of enemy soldiers, led by a minotaur vanguard. Sprinter watched them momentarily before turning his eyes skyward. The storm clouds over the city were rapidly growing darker and the storm was about to let loose.

“Here they come!” Sprinter walked back and forth in front of his lines, ignoring the artillery falling into their ranks and exploding against the makeshift breastworks.

On either side they could here battle already being joined as the lines met. The enemy before them suddenly quickened their pace and rushed headlong at their defences. Sprinter couldn’t believe it. The enemy came recklessly against them and were easily kept from the top of the defences. The Equestrian spears crowned the top of the rubble and punctured the throat of any foe that neared the crest.

Their foes came on until the piles of their dead became a second wall. Eventually they fell back, defeated for only a moment. For half an hour the enemy came against them but their attacks were never coordinated. It was as if they were being driven by the bloodlust to destroy their army before the navy arrived.

“General Sprinter!” A voice rang out after the enemy fell away again. Sprinter turned and saw one of Shining Armor's officers behind him. “The fleet has arrived. Pull back and board a ship for departure. But leave a regiment to act as a rear guard.”

Sprinter felt a moment of joy but it quickly disappeared. “Any regiment left behind is surely to be destroyed!”

The officer nodded his head sadly then trotted away. Sprinter looked around his brigade. The tattered flag of the 12th Canterlot Regiment caught his eye. They had taken the least casualties and were the best suited to hold as a rearguard; though losing the largest regiment in his brigade tore at his heart. Sprinter decided that it would be best for him to stay behind with the 12th as the rest of the brigade retreated to improve the chances of their escape.

“3rd and 7th Regiments! Fall back to the harbor and board ships for departure!” He ordered. The growing storm clouds finally broke and a bolt of lightly shot across the sky as the rain fell. “The 12th will hold its position until told to retreat!”

The colonels of the regiments saluted him then began an orderly retreat. Sprinter looked at the nervous yet proud faces of the stallions and mares of the 12th. His eyes looked at the few regiments of other brigades that were also ordered to hold the line. He stood strong and fearless with the few that now remained against the oncoming storm.

“Sir!” a voice called out. “They're coming again!”

The hordes of enemy soldiers came against them once again. The engagement began much like the others had gone, the ponies on the high ground taking the advantage and holding it. But now the enemy refused to retreat and they clawed up the breastworks no matter how many of them fell. Gryphons, who were no longer being held back by the lancers, suddenly dove down on them and the advantage was lost. Ponies started to run for the ships. Only those around Sprinter held their ground.

“Come on!” The general cheered, a reckless fire in his eyes as he fought. “Come and get me!”

But then the enemy fell back and out of the dark clouds a green dragon clad in black iron plates dropped and landed before Sprinter and those of the 12th that still remained. He glared at the ponies with cruel yellow yes and they backed away in fear. But one stallion remained firm.

Sprinter stepped forward and looked up at the monster, defiance spread across his face. “Bring it on, lizard!”

Several ponies took this last moment to run away but Sprinter raised his spear and rushed headlong toward the dragon with the intention of embedding the point in its heart. The rest followed him, the will of their brave leader pulling them on, but to no avail. The dragon opened his mouth and a wave of fire engulfed the fearless leader and the remnants of the gallant 12th.

Shining Armor watched the city burn with the rage of the attacking dragons. His heart sank and he new that his friend was no more. The last ship had barely made it out of the harbor when the dragons reached the shore. But they dared not fly over the ocean. High in the storm above the battle between the two air fleets was tapering to an end and the Gryphon fleet limped back towards the mainland. They had come off with more casualties; the rage of Admiral Windy Wings and her crews had proven more than a match for the enemy airships.

“Make for the Island!” the captain yelled. “The storm is behind us so we should make good headway!”
Shining looked back at the city one last time and thought of all those, living and dead, who they were leaving behind. He gave them a salute as tears streamed down his face before turning his eyes to the West.

“All I want now is to see my wife again,” he whispered as the setting sun broke through the distant clouds.