Light. Sweet, sweet light. It wasn’t the sun, but by Luna’s good grace, we reached the end of the tunnel and, as I had suspected, emerged on the other side of the hill to the town. My companions stowed their lanterns and re-adjusted gear before heading off silently into the forest. I followed, Shadow close behind me. There was a sensation of pulling on my tail which made me reach round to adjust whatever it was. What I didn’t expect was to see Shadow gripping my tail in her mouth, it was agonisingly adorable and she smiled shyly, a faint rose colour on her cheeks. I gave her the trademark Fairlight wink and turned back with a foalish grin that must have reached from ear to ear. Her blush was so cute !

A shoulder nudged me from one side, the Thestral female it originated from whispered, “Names Glimmer, Equestrian.”, “Fairlight”, I replied with a nod. She pushed up against me, red eyes a little close for my liking, “Can I give you a piece of advice ?”. I gave a quick nod for her to go on, “Ears”.

“Ears ?” I whispered back. She gave me a knowing little smile and explained, “Nibble her ears, it feels amazing. Seriously.”. “Wha !”, I squeaked and looked back at Shadow who held her head to one side, a questioning look on her face. It was my turn to blush now. Glimmer moved away shaking with laughter before squeaking herself as the Thestral bringing up the rear, gave her a nip on the behind.

The Thestral shrugged and winked at me before resuming her position in the formation. Some time had passed and I noticed that the trees were beginning to thin out. Thorn had noticed it too and raised a hoof, halting the party. He made some gestures with his hooves and the soldiers began removing large white cloaks from their packs which covered our bodies completely, even our tails. Shadow looked unhappy to release her prize and I looked back to the soggy, chewed and crinkled mass that had once been my beloved tail. It was going to take hours to brush that out, I groaned inwardly.

The cloaks made us look like ghosts among the crystal trees and white grass. I didn’t see any path, but the Thestral commander appeared to know the way. I hadn’t seen Star Beard for some time either and guessed the ancient ‘priest’ would be at the rear,
“With the gear”, I muttered to myself, the old watch joke coming to mind. Come to think of it, this expedition was reminiscent of some operations I had been on with the watch. I opened my mind and observed every movement, every sound and smell. These Thestrals were good, very good, but it didn’t hurt to have an extra set of alert senses within your group. I was damned if I’d just be baggage.

We’d been trudging on through the forest for several hours by my reckoning. Despite their age, my Thestral companions didn’t seem to be showing any sign of tiredness or fatigue. In fact, they appeared as fresh and as dauntless as when we first set off. It may have been a strange effect of this plane on its inhabitants and for the most part I hadn’t felt any tiredness since coming here until relatively recently. Sure, I’d slept occasionally, but sleep just wasn’t the same, I didn’t wake with that drowsy sensation you’d have when you’d like a few more hours, or even the expectation of a new day ahead. Here, things simply went on, they happened, in a strange way it was almost like time had stood still and no pony even noticed.

Thorn spread us out among the trees, ostensibly to avoid aerial detection by our pursuers. What struck me as peculiar, was that there was no sign of any pursuit. None at all. Thestrals may not be the most graceful creatures who ever flew, but they could have sent out scouts to track us down long ago. Surely we would have seen at least one, Goddess forbid, but something about this situation was ringing alarm bells with me.

Right on cue, Thorn slid down next to me with barely a sound. “Whats wrong ?” I asked him quietly, not wanting to worry Shadow who had taken to holding onto my tail again. “You can feel it too Equestrian. Cant you.” It wasn’t a question. The old Thestral warrior looked skyward and spoke in a low serious voice, “I’ve avoided pursuit in the past, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Always, there was some sign of our enemy. Dust rising, wings against the sky, sounds carried on the breeze…something.”

The cloak was beginning to make my mane stick to my neck with sweat and I shook myself for a little relief, “Whats your assessment Storm Major ?”. Thorn pulled his cloak hood back a little and looked me in the eyes, “They’re either letting us go, or we’re heading into a trap of some sort.” I nodded my agreement, it was all far too easy. Under some possible scenario’s I’d run through in my mind as we’d set off from Star Beards sanctuary, I’d imagined the Duchess letting us go simply to be rid of us, others, that we’d cleverly evaded capture, some that they were simply badly disorganised and hadn’t begun looking further than the tunnels yet.

After a process of elimination, the hatred radiating from the Duchess and her desire to see me dead, left me with only one conclusion. She would never allow me to leave the Beyond alive, let alone take her daughter with me. For her to lose face amongst her people was unimaginable. Her forces would doubtless be rallied to pursue me…us…to the gates of hell and beyond if necessary. In short, it was the same conclusion as Thorn’s. We were heading straight into a trap.

“Thoughts Equestrian ?” He asked me. I felt honoured he would consider my opinions and I prayed I wouldn’t disappoint him. “Send forward scouts on hoof to avoid aerial detection. Flankers out within ear shot, rear guard to protect from attack from the rear. I would have crossbows to the centre to protect from strafing runs.”

Thorn nodded, “Interesting, you would centralise your defensive strength ?” He looked back to Shadow and nodded. “She is our most valuable cargo on this mission Equestrian. Do you agree ?”.

“Yes, Storm Major. I do”. He clopped me on the shoulder and smiled, a large scar showing white across his muzzle, “Despite what you may have heard from some of my brothers and sisters, not all ponies ran when the Equestrians Goddess brought the suns light down upon us. Many stayed and fought, died, by our side. These truths are forgotten with time as the old ones leave for the next world. Only the bitterness, the anger and hurt remain. The Thestrals pride has never recovered and with the Duchess leading our people, I doubt it ever will.”, Thorn lowered his head and closed his eyes in thought. Gathering himself to his hooves he stood and signalled to the others with a few light clops of his hooves. “You’re a good pony, Equestrian. You give me hope for my family. Take good care of our Lady Shadow, protect her as a warrior should”.

I nodded and looked him square in the eyes, hoping my determination to see this through would be clear. He smiled and took up his position once more in the formation. I felt a light nudge to my rump and knew Shadow was ready to move on. Little tugs reminded me that I’d really have to get that tail looked at when I got home, a good shampoo and comb through. With any luck, I could convince her to help me groom myself thoroughly. An inappropriate thought popped into my mind and I filed it for later perusal, first off though, we’d have to get out of here in one piece. Ear nibbling would have to come later.

We followed the valleys, avoiding the hills in case we were silhouetted against the skyline, before reaching a small stream of fast flowing black water. The Thestrals stopped to drink and fill water skins. I was so glad I didn’t get the urge to drink that stuff and especially from the white leather skins. I felt embarrassed, ashamed even, at being so prudish about it, but every time I saw the pale material I had flash backs to the shrivelled mass of the lake monster. The monster I had drained of life, at least, I had according to Star Beard. Maybe he was wrong…..Goddesses, I wished he was.

More hours of marching followed and I could feel Shadow starting to flag, if the tugs on my tail were any indication. It looked like the Storm Major had read my mind when he lifted a foreleg and brought us to a halt. One of the lead armoured Thestrals lifted his head, throwing his cloaks hood back, ears twitching. I still couldn’t quite get used to those pointed ear / horn protrusions, they gave the Thestrals an otherworldly look, something I’d seen only in books on the Underworld. Considering my attraction
to Shadow though, I may have been a little hypocritical in that regard, but then, she was special wasn’t she ?

I followed the Thestrals gaze and strained my ears to pick up any sound. There it was, a whistle, faint to my poorer pony audible capabilities, but apparently clear to the lead

scout of our group. Thorn signalled to him who then, in turn, saluted and trotted off in the direction of the sound.

Every pony stood their ground, tense and expectant. Despite the white cloaks, I had an image of the Thestrals as coiled springs, ready to react with lethal and deadly force at a moments notice. I had seen Far Sight in battle and that was impressive enough without the armour and crystal weapons adding to the imagery.

The runner returned, speaking quickly with his commander who issued his orders. The Thestral lifted a small silver whistle and gave several blasts, oddly, not as loud as I would have expected.

The female Thestral, Glimmer, snuck up beside me, leaning her muzzle close to my ear, “The bridge is near. Beyond that is the old encampment, the boundary of our homeland. Tell me, my pony friend….do you fear ghosts ?”

I swallowed and blinked at her, noting her sly smirk under the hood.

“My lady Glimmer..”, that got a shocked snort of steam, “…you’re talking to one.”

Glimmer nickered and pranced away in surprise, turning her head to look at Shadow who nodded to her, affirming what I had said. She backed away from me and kept a wary distance looking decidedly shaken. I grinned and winked back at Shadow who gave a foalish giggle under her breath. “Nibble the ears”, I muttered.

Thorn spoke at length with one of the other officers and signalled us to move on. Shortly, we halted by the edge of a clearing, that sloped down to the only other structure I had seen outside of the village. A magnificent crystal bridge, arched gracefully over the black river. It was imposing yet with a ethereal quality for something so practical. It seemed strange to compare such engineering skill and design to the tent like domed huts of the tribes town.

Our scout was waiting for us at the edge of the clearing, Thorn called me up to him along with another officer. “You know my mind Gentlecolts, our first destination is before us. I would know your minds.” He addressed us all. This was new to me, no officer in the Equestrian Watch would have a discussion like this before going in to possible action. It was quite enlightening and I listened with anticipation.

“Sir”, the scout said, “I would like to take a recon section and scout the edges of the woods down to the riverside, away from the bridge. We cannot see the other side well enough to check if it’s clear of the enemy”.

Enemy ? These Thestrals were treating our escape as a military operation, any opposition now being viewed as hostile. I hoped that an encounter with their own people would not result in a fight if it could be avoided. Sadly, it felt like mine was a forlorn hope.

Discussions continued with each officer giving their recommendation to Thorn. He thanked each and gave his decision, “We will scout the bank first. The centre will hold here, perimeter guards will maintain distance and level of alert.”. He turned to the scout, “Sergeant, remind you team that there is to be no engagement with enemy forces unless attacked first. Stealth and concealment is paramount. Note any positions and report back. Dismissed.”

The Sergeant clapped a hoof to his chest in salute and collected his Thestrals for their own briefing. I was impressed by the organisation and fluidity of the Thestral command, they had a very militaristic and ordered way to their life in general, apparent from the way their town was arranged, to the adherence to orders and rank. Whether this applied to all the Thestrals, young and old, remained to be seen. If I had a chance to speak to Star Beard again, I would happily listen to his stories and record them if possible. Ponies should know of these people.

I watched the scouts disperse and lay next to Thorn as he surveyed the bridge and far bank. He produced a long brass tube from his saddle bag, which he extended out, lifting it to his eye. I had seen telescopes before but only in observatories and on the top of the library in Ponyville. This was a smaller version and by the looks of it, very old. The watch had binoculars nowadays and it was fascinating to see such old time technology still in use.

“Damn it all !”, Thorn hissed, “I cant see properly from this distance and my Goddess cursed eyes aren’t what the once were. Here Captain, what do your Pony eyes see ?”

I took the proffered telescope and adjusted it to my vision. Closing one eye I was able to scan the near bank and bridge approach, there was no sign of life at all. The only visible movement was from the water washing around the bridge supports and the slight fluttering of the remains of cloth banners hanging from skeletal poles on its wing walls. If anything at all, the most remarkable thing was the sign of natural forces at work; the wind, the rushing water. These were first real link to home I had seen since arriving in the Withers.

Black metal sconces lined the parapet of the bridge indicating that this must have been a well used structure at some time in its life, now it was silent testimony of the Thestrals in their heyday. I was about to hoof the telescope back, when a small movement caught my eye, it could be nothing, but I’d better check. Yes, there, just on the other side of the bridge was…something. I rubbed my eye and look again, it was like a black tree, its foliage waving slightly, almost like a mane, in the slight breeze.

“Dear sweet Goddess…..”. Thorn snatched the telescope from me and strained to see, asking, “What ? What is it Equestrian, what do you see ? Fuck my old eyes !”.

“Sir, I….”, I fought to find the words, Thorn looking increasingly concerned. “On the other side of the bridge….”.

I didn’t get to finish as the Recon Sergeant rushed up in a lather, steam pouring from his coat in the exertion of galloping up the hill. “SIR !”, he near shouted, “Its Nimbus sir, those bastards…..they’ve….Goddess…”. Thorn put a hoof on the Sergeants shoulder and looked at me, a look, not of fear but of…anger on his features.

“Take a breath Sergeant, then give me your report…..”.

“Yes, Sir”, the veteran took several deep breaths, snorted out a gout of steam and saluted his commanding officer.

“Sir, the near banks are clear of enemy units, no patrols or activity spotted.”
Thorn nodded.
“The far bank shows signs of recent ground movement, some activity is visible, actively attempting to avoid detection. Estimate around thirty to forty enemy units.”
He paused, gathering himself. I closed my eyes, I could see a pit in front of us and we had no choice but to walk onward to its deadly conclusion.

“Sir….your son, Nimbus, they’ve taken him prisoner. The enemy have…crucified him.”.
Thorn sat there, unmoving. All I could hear was the beating of my heart and the distant rush of the water.
“Thank you Sergeant.”, Thorn said, returning the scouts salute.
“Storm Major, I….”, I began but the Thestral commander cut in, “This changes nothing Captain. Fear is a tool of war and collateral damage is expected. Casualties will be taken, we have known this since we were foals. Go to your mate, now. Be with her until I summon you. We will begin planning our next move within the hour.”

I saluted the old Thestral officer and walked slowly back to Shadow who smiled expectantly. Her expression changed when she saw my face, her eyes dimming giving me a questioning look. “Fairlight ?” she asked. I took her in my forelegs and held her, saying nothing. What in Equestria could I say to her ?

We stayed together, side by side, taking simple comfort from each others company while the Thestral commanders discussed their strategy. My pride felt wounded that I had been left out of the discussions, but I knew from Thorns body language that he
wanted me to spend as much time as I could with Shadow, give her what comfort I could, until it was time to fight. And fight we would, of that I was horrible certain.

Glimmer glided over to me and nudged me with her muzzle, “Come on then, ‘ghost pony’, the boss wants us. Its time.”

Orders were issued and Thestrals moved out into position. I approached Thorn, “Storm Major.”, I saluted. “Captain Fairlight.” He replied levelly.

I came straight out with it, “I request permission to join one of the wing teams.” His eyes blazed brightly, “Denied”.

“Sir !...”
“I said Denied Captain ! Are you questioning my orders ?”
“No Sir !”
Thorn looked away in silence, his mane bristling.
“I’m not here as a witness Storm Major.” I said to him quietly, “Thestrals are risking their lives for Shadow and for me. I’m not a Thestral warrior, but I have my honour as a Captain of the Watch as well. How can I return to my ponies as a coward who wouldn’t fight to defend his mate ?”

Silence fell, I could just make out slight movements between the trees as the white cloaked Thestral assault teams moved silently down the slope either side of the clearing.

Then, standing, the old Thestral stood up and reach out with a hoof. I looked at it in surprise before taking his offer and allowing him to help me up.

Thorns eyes had a distant look, his voice sounding as if he were remembering a time long ago, “There was a pony, a lot like you, who I served with. He was a junior lieutenant in the pony ground forces. He was tasked with defending the Goddesses banner with a colour party of six others.”

“All our forces had been committed to the attack and the colours were safe, we thought, behind the front lines.”

He paused, rubbing his eyes with a fore hoof.

“The Equestrians Goddess rallied her forces and burned us with the fire of a thousand suns. Many of my brothers and sister were reduced to ash before my very eyes. They didn’t even have time to cry out……”

Our pony forces panicked and fled, the beam of light flashing out again and again, cutting down our Thestrals, dragons and ponies alike, turning rivers to steam and trees to charcoal, it……”

The Storm Major swallowed and shook his mane,

“Our forces routed. The ponies fled, pursued by the Equestrians in a full frontal counter attack. Many died, some where taken prisoner, but not many. In their blood rage, the Equestrians cut down any in their path.”

Above us our Goddess fought, but with the Equestrian Goddess’ revitalised forces, she was overwhelmed. I lost sight of her, we all did. You cant imagine what it was like Captain, my friends, my own father……”

I stood with my brothers and fought as our troops ran and flew past us, discarding their weapons in their blind rush to escape the oncoming tide of Equestrian anger. I…saw the young pony stand. He…stood there, holding the banner as you would stand against a gale. His comrades threw down their arms and fled, yet there he stood, proud and defiant, the Goddesses banner in his hooves, flying in the wind, holed by bolts and burned by dragon fire.

He was struck by arrows and bolts again and again. He fell to his knees but never let her banner drop.”

“I tried to reach him as the earth pony knight charged him, but it was all I could do to keep my self alive. He had no weapon, only the banner, he just…just, climbed back to his hooves and stood, holding that precious banner.

“I escaped my attackers and flew to his aid but I was too late. The knight ran him through from chest to tail with a spear, taking our Goddesses banner and galloping back to their lines.”

“When I reached him, he was already dead. I closed his eyes with my own hooves Captain, but one thing I remember so clearly even today, was the smile on his face. He had served his Goddess with honour, served his people and all for what ? I never even knew his name. His body was left on the battlefield and what happened to it, no Thestral knows.

After that last great battle, those of us who had not been killed or fled to the far corners of the world, were captured and banished to the Wither world.”

I stood in silence, looking at the Thestral commander who was now looking out through his telescope.

“You have a part to play Captain and it is not yet that time. I wont have you throwing your life away in some vain attempt at heroics. Your honour is here with your mate, to protect her, to lay down your life for her if you must. That, is a stallions greatest honour.”

“You know your role in all of this and I have promised Storm Colonel Star Beard I will keep you alive long enough for you to do what he has instructed.”

I stared at the churned up grass at his hooves, not able to look him in the face.

“Request denied, Captain.”

“Yes, Sir”.