Author's Notes:

This is a war of the undead so pick your own music or... Music suggestion: Audiomachine Warlords (first minute, ten seconds) for the undead and requiem for a dream soundtrack - requiem for a dream remix for General Baros.

Note:
13th Warrior, the Warriors is also VERY good. 13th Warrior Viking Heads. Graff Natcht Klinge's attack: City of the fallen: Ashes.

Personally I listened to 13th warrior while writing this entire chapter... More than 270+ play-through's...

General Baros was very pleased. It was early morning and they had already caught up with the undead forces and even wiped out a slower force that had fallen behind. It appeared that everything would be ending very shortly.

Emperor Steelshod's grand army was stretched out across the plains with one flank resting along a stinking swamp while the other almost reached the forest on the far right flank. Far ahead of them a tall ridge blocked their view somewhat but here and there in the distance the tops of tree's could be made out with a telescope.

The abundance of pony power meant the artillery had kept up quite well while his own forces rested safely in the middle of the large formation drawn up in a large block formation. Suspicions had been raised the undead might try and ambush them again but with their superior numbers it was doubtful.

Ten thousand ahead and the harvested still missing meant that maybe thirty thousand or so were out there somewhere. So long as the army stayed together they were perfectly safe from them even if they slogged from the swamps to attack. Three nobles had been placed on either flank with their forces to ensure they were not ambushed from either side.

Sixty thousand was a drop in the bucket but it was enough to keep the undead away. Pegasi held been held back for the time being due to Lord Diamond Smith's warning about the enemies own capabilities. While it would have been perfectly acceptable to just send them anyway and stop the enemy advance they were held back.

General Baros was going to make this an infantry battle and his own forces which were specially armed with maces and axes to batter away at the skeletal structure's of the undead would be held back. Right now it was more important to keep up the pace and slowly roll up the undead forces from behind.

They had offered token resistance as they shambled on with great difficulty, damaged quite heavily from recent battles it looked as if Baros could keep his own forces safely in reserve. Silverblood and Opulence were at the front driving them on while surrounding them one battalion at a time and wiping them out.

Spirits were higher than ever as they up a steady pace. The night before Baros had spread word to the various nobles to raise morale even higher by regaling their soldiers in tales of revenge for those murdered at the hands of the enemy. Glory would go to those who distinguished themselves today.

Driven before them was the enemy in full flight as they tried to escape their wrath. All around the thunder of hooves pounding forward began to ebb over time as the ground became more boggy.

Far off to his right flights of birds shot into the air as the army passed the great forest drawing a great deal of attention. General Baros's eyes narrowed as he watched a pattern in their flights, they were not fleeing him but something else coming along his right flank.

"Bring me a courier!"

One more advantage to commanding the army was he now had extra pegasi to send off as couriers and jotting down a message to his commanders on the right the pegasus shot off into the air hanging low over the teeming throng of soldiers into the distance.

If the missing forces that had been harvested and raised to fight them were indeed along the right flank perhaps they were driving them harder than he thought. Sacrifice everything gained in order to escape? Maybe. Scanning the ridge far to his front no distant birds could be seen rising into the air.

"So they mean to flank us on the right in order to escape..."

Humming quietly to himself he pondered detaching another force to join the right just in case but decided against it. They were packed in quite well but still had freedom of movement, best to keep the forward momentum.

Another fraction of the fleeing force had been overrun and were now passing up and over a tiny rise in the terrain. The land itself had bowed down slightly forming a great boggy area that encompassed the entire force now, the mist covered swamp was clearly visible as the terrain also had a very slight dip to the left.

Peering into the fog with his telescope nothing was visible but it held a foreboding presence none the less. There was a sudden rush forward that made him wonder, a courier shot to him and asked for an increase in the pace, the undead had doubled theirs and were passing over the rise.

Nodding the signal was given and horn's blared out for an increase in the pace to get caught up. General Baros was not taking any chances in having his two leading forces cross the hump and get ambushed so they were under orders not to outpace the army itself.

Doubling their pace they moved forward jerkily at first but soon were surging forward to close the distance quickly. It was time to end it, no more games or chasing, destroy one force ahead then pile into the forest and wipe out whatever was waiting.

Order's were being jotted down when horns blared out far ahead in alarm slowing the advance. Two couriers zipped towards him in a panic saying a large force was arrayed at the base of the far ridge. As to how many they guessed some hundred thousand were waiting on them in perfect order.

Ordering the advance to continue his cart was lifted off the ground by several pegasi and with a little magical help flown over the army quickly. Looking below at his forces in perfect formation Baros smiled as they landed on the small ridge.

It had been a simple optical illusion, from the enemy's ranks they could see his advance with absolute clarity but for him they would have seen only the tops of their heads. Even now they had a good view of most of the army. Nothing was on the tall ridge, Silverblood and Opulence were waiting while their forces had drawn up quickly into a line and waited.

Looking at the other army General Baros never lost his smile but only increased it. Even with so many enemies this would be perfect. A battle large enough to kill off Celestia's loyal troops and any others still in doubt yet not so big that winning was in question.

"Perfect!" Looking to his couriers orders shot out quickly, the army would be brought up and assembled here on the plain in front of the other force. Ballista and catapults would sit on the little hump they controlled to fire into the enemy ranks which had no artillery giving them an edge.

Looking to his right flank orders went out to draw up into formation now and simply hold off whatever was going to attack from the forest. Nobles were flown in quickly on their pegasi drawn chariots.

First they would advance within two hundred yards, catapults and ballista would zero in with a few test shots aimed higher than normal then reload and wait. When the flares were fired off the archers would fire then after a count of three the artillery would all fire at the same time.

This would open great holes in the enemy ranks and allow the infantry to charge forward closing the gap and breaking into their ranks. Pegasi would be held in reserve just in case they were needed but it was a consensus that with their far greater numbers they would be relegated to the reserve or used as general infantry.

Looking at the other force's Baros became a little curious, they had not moved one inch while war machines were drawn forward. They simply stood there quietly. Waiting. Examining them closer he spotted several figures riding atop large creatures here and there. Mulling over if he should use the seeker arrows now or wait he opted to hold back the best till it was needed if at all.

Arrows did little to nothing against the undead so it would make little difference anyway against the undead riders except to annoy them. New orders were given out to two catapult batteries to aim for the figures, they were clearly officers so killing them would make things go easier.

Behind them the army quickly marched over the ridge with their banners and the new flag of Equestria flying high. In the center of the old flag that bore images of Celestia and Luna was Steelshods royal crest making it appear as if Celestia and Luna were paying obeisance to him.

Ballista were unloaded and prepared, catapults were pushed into position and loaded as the formations closed in then halted. The first test shots crossed the great divide and pounded harmlessly into the far ridge line, a few shots fell short and nicked at the ranks of undead but did little else.

Recounting their zero the ballista and catapult crews began to crank back their machines slowly. It took quite a while to fire a catapult or ballista but they only needed one good barrage.

No sooner had they seen the shots impact beyond the undead ranks than banners and flags were lifted up from their ranks. General Baros watched from beside a catapult standing on a tall rise that had been thrown up for him to observe the battle from. Flapping in the wind two great blue flags billowed out.

He almost chalked it up to theatrics but the earth gave a small tremble bringing an eerie hush to the army as they waited for it to pass. Instead it became a rythm, a constant small tremor. Ordering a flight of pegasi to fly up and have a look he watched them soar into the air before they quickly bolted back to the earth.

Their words fell on deaf ears however, General Baros did not need to hear them to know what they had seen. The tall ridge was now covered in dense ranks of undead soldiers. Their heavy steps sent out a thudding sound as more banners and flags came into view.

Vast ranks came across in perfect order as horrific lumbering monstrosities came over the ridge before stopping long enough to drop off their cargo then continuing on. Towering skeletal creatures with four arms marched forward fanned out in front of each break between lines.

Many more riders could be seen now accompanying each rank forward and giving a yell to bring forward every seeker arrow he had. Unfortunately most had been diverted for use by the first wave to invade and were even now mostly tied down at Ponyville or Canterlot. Still, he could manage two good barrages.

The undead had brought their own archers though and far more, ranks of skeletons bearing giant crossbows marched forward and drew up on the side of the ridge. Unicorns could deal with them easily enough but there were too many undead in general.

Baros had a choice, aim for the hulking monsters with all the magic at his command or the ranks of archers and crossbows. They would fire on the largest beasts they could see. It was clear their purpose was to break apart his lines so they had to be stopped first.

That still left the right flank though, all pegasi would be sent to the right to reinforce them but that still left the wall of enemy ballista on the ridge. Looking at them through his telescope he scowled. If even one of those things hit his ranks and they most assuredly would it would open massive gaping wounds. Hopefully magical shields could stop them.

"They entered the killing fields."

Shadow watched Valkardian eagerly even drawing on the link they all shared with the throng's of wraiths in the air to watch. As planned they had entered and passed a boggy area before drawing up for battle.

This left the foreign forces at the rear trapped on the soggy ground. Shadow could see the ballista and catapults brought up being cranked back slowly. In the time it would take them to fire one shot their own ballista's could easily fire two or three time minimum.

Unlike the ballista in the fortress these were not only hand cranked but drawn back like a simple bow by a team of undead creatures. There were no catapults however, they had all been left behind in favor of bringing as many "doom bolts" as possible.

"Are you going to let them fire first?"

"Yes." He looked at her a moment before turning away again. "I need to test their munitions with the wraiths."

"Okay but why?"

"You will see..."

The enemy fired and Shadow watched as the nearly invisible wraiths altered their path somewhat before moving away.

"Ohhhh..."

"Advance."

Sitting upright quickly she watched as the formation that was held behind the ridge moved up the gentle slope and crested before marching out of sight on the far side. From the eyes of the wraiths flags and banners had been raised back up moments before acting as a second signal far and wide to the encompassing columns.

Before the enemy had ever come close enough a large portion had already crossed the ridge and dropped low to hide in the gentle slope while two other columns flanked off. One detachment marched into the swamp along the only fordable area hidden in the mists that were magically held in place.

To their left the other column of over a hundred thousand had marched into the forest but it was Nacht that left her wondering. Where was she? Not a single gargoyle was anywhere in sight either now having departed long ago to the east and out of sight.

Watching the kathdars drop their cargo before shuffling forward Shadow again peered at the enemy ranks through the link. A great rush was taking place as the artillery was cranked back to fire again while their own was prepared and ready to fire long before the Equestrians.

Far to the enemy rear archers raced forward through the narrow gaps, pegasi moved to the enemies right flank and unicorns were drawn up behind shield walls.

Cresting the ridge and finally being able to look upon the army below Shadow watched with some fascination as their armor glittered in the sun. A small formation had been pushed to the front flying gold banners had arrayed themselves in a small block at the center of the line.

A general was giving orders from the far ridge line that barely afforded them much of a view. When the movement of their army stopped she watched as the distant figure shouted something. Magical flares fired off into the air and pins were yanked.

Valkardian quickly spoke two words: "All, down."

Only an undead army could pull off what she saw next. As ballista bolts shot through the air the undead ranks ducked down perfectly allowing them to pass over harmlessly before impacting into the ridge line managing to only damage or destroy a paltry few.

Catapult rounds were arching up into the air but began to falter and drop short as wraiths altered their trajectory but there were not enough of them to alter every last shot. The few that made it through did little as the undead stepped aside in quick order allowing the firepots or rocks to land harmlessly. Any that did hit their mark were few and the gaps quickly filled back in.

Immediately after a flurry of arrows rose into the air as infantry began to surge forward. Whatever the enemy general had planned for the archers at their rear it was not to join in with the others yet as they were still drawing up as new ranks of infantry moved forward to replace those advancing.

Valkardian did not need to send out any orders. A Death Knight below had things well in hand as the whisper of an order went out. Preparing their pilum the ranks of soldiers raised up to throw and on the mark hurtled their missiles by rank before ducking down.

The effect was horrific. As each wave of pilum ripped into the charging infantry it threw them back from sheer impact dropping them in waves. Valkardian watched for a moment before their own archers drew back their enormous longbows and sent a hailstorm of arrows out and into the enemy ranks.

Unicorns that had been preparing to fire off magic had to stop and duck down behind the safety of shield bearers but not all were aimed at them. Arrows rained down over the ranks and even raising their shields many were hit and thrown to the ground.

Below a rank of golemns had moved to the front and now the formation was advancing rapidly to close the distance as new formations drew up.

Crossbow's let loose a hurricane of bolts seconds after the archers had fired. They reached out into the ranks of the unicorns like angry wasps as they began to poke their heads over the shields to fire. Hitting harder than the arrows the bolts ripped into their ranks piercing shields and bodies easily enough making them back away.

No attack from either flank had started yet but she knew it was not long off now.

A mighty clash of arms rose up from below as golemns shredded the enemy ranks before the surviving unicorns could fire on them. One or two went down in the flurry of magical attacks but it was not enough. New ranks of unicorns had been drawn up from the rear and began firing quickly but in the chaos as bodies were thrown left and right many panicked and the shots were going awry.

"Officers. Shields up."

Raising her shield up quickly her only view was from the wraiths as arrows rose up from the special ranks and soared higher before zeroing in on them before altering their path and darted in for the kill. Huddled behind her shield Shadow could feel the arrows pounding into it pushing her back in the saddle and threatening to toss her from the seat.

A few Death Knights had been thrown from their mounts but slowly stood and climbed back on. She understood why too: the armor they all wore had done its job very well. She too had taken several direct hits on the legs while thankfully her wings had been untouched.

Not a single arrow managed to penetrate but the constant hits had felt like someone was hammering on her legs with a mallet. It was painful but nothing more.

As she felt the magic in the armor heal over the bruises another flurry slammed into the hulking frames of the kathdars and golemns. Sheer volume had an effect on the golemns as the arrows battered away at their skulls in waves cracking them.

"Ballista. Fire."

Peaking over her shield now that the arrow barrage was over Shadow watched the pins come free and listened to the horrific screaming and grinding as the machines launched their hellish bolts into the distance.

Their impact on the ranks of the Equestrians must be nightmarish to see from up close as the bolts ripped through them leaving furrows in their ranks. Pressing forward harder the enemy did not relent though, they were very intent on winning this battle as enemy ballista's began to focus all their fire on the golemns and kathdars.

Watching a kathdar was a delightful fright, the beasts had stepped through some gaps created for them and now were swinging back and forth cutting a path straight to the ballista's and catapults.

Use of magic was increasing as well. Sensing their own desperate plight should they fail to stop the monsters unicorns focused everything they had on the legs slowing them down and even felling one.

"Time for your part Shadow. You have seen the enemy general yes?"

"Yes."

"He dies. Do you understand? We will not allow his escape. The third phase of the plan is about to start."

"Understood."

Shadow hurried her mount off and down the ridge line, her forces were waiting in the swamp on the far side. Her job was simple: cut off their retreat. There were not enough to stop the entire army from passing through but that was not the entirely her purpose. The enemy general had to die along with his specially armed forces at the rear.

Staring at the slaughter taking place he let out a small sigh of relief. Whatever the enemy had on his right was sitting still and not moving granting him time to press forward and reform the lines.

Already a few of the hulking creatures had been brought down but not enough yet. Ballista's were taking too long to fire but the few crews that had managed to focus their fire had brought down one of the largest creatures that had nearly reached them.

Using the Equestrian's as fodder was working. Celestia's ranks were gone now, no survivors. Lord Silverblood and Lady Opulence had fallen back quickly and now huddled nearby since their forces had been wiped out in the initial attack.

Slowly he was grinding the enemy into a set piece battle. Their forward momentum was not very much to start with but their power was something to behold. Unicorns were getting the hang of how to stop the enemy from advancing and had calmed themselves. This was good.

His gamble on using seekers had failed entirely, not one of those damn bat winged riders had died. Whatever armor they wore was too strong and he wanted a suit of it for himself when this was over.

Catapults heaved their firepots and rocks into the air again at the golemns. Seeing that first batch mostly fail had made him almost loose his temper but he chalked it up to the misfortunes of war. This time however the catapults fired directly into the oncoming golemns shattering a few of them.

Fire had no effect on the undead he knew so they aimed whatever firpots they had to the enemies rear at their archers. Hopefully the bows would burn.

Thankfully their fire was limited to a wave now and then not a continuous stream. Most of it was reserved for picking off the unicorns he noted.

Watching the distant ballista's he thanked whatever divine being that looked over him that none had been aimed for him. Twice they had fired. The first volley had torn gaping holes in formations while the second had gutted ranks of soldiers on the right flank firing down their line. Reinforcements had been shifted their way though.

Seeing one of the riders on the ridge depart quickly and disappear made him wonder if the enemy would finally attack the right flank.

Splashing through the shallow swamp water was easy on her mount, it was nowhere near as deep as it looked at first. Passing the long rows of soldiers after a quick ride Shadow passed a Death Knight and spun in her saddle to look back before the mist hid them again. She could have sworn they had wings like hers.

Twenty thousand were arrayed just for her along the extreme right flank of the line and they were still waiting on the command to advance. They were situated somewhat to the rear of the enemy and the advancing forces had not quite driven them back into position yet for them to make a perfect flanking attack.

Keeping one eye on where she was going while looking at the battlefield from the air it made her curious as to what exactly would be the tipping point. As the minutes wore on the ranks compacted themselves towards the enemies front but Steelshod's private army at the rear had not budged an inch.

Fodder. They were using the Equestrians' as fodder and "tiring" Valkardian's army out before advancing in for the kill. Sick bastards!

Through the eyes of the wraiths she watched another wave of doom bolts fly out and rip into the enemies right flank that continued to watch the woods. Body parts flew as the bladed rounds sliced through the soldiers in their perfect formations. Not that it mattered, reinforcements were soon on the way replenishing their ranks.

Overall the enemy was not doing terribly, whoever commanded them knew what he was doing.

Coming to a halt and turning Shadow looked through the magical mist and waited. The enemy had just taken a large step backwards to solidify their forward ranks.

They were sufficiently packed in enough now. Far below the front ranks held the enemy perfectly and slowly drove them back. Kathdars and golemns had been sacrificed to push them to their current point and it was about to pay off.

"Ballista. Aim... Fire."

Implanting a target quickly for each ballista crew the weapons turned slightly and aimed for center of mass on the enemy artillery pieces. Letting loose their bolts the shots screamed out and fell on their targets.

Valkardian watched the giant bolts crash into the enemy artillery sending pieces of wood exploding out as the tightly bound cords and bows shattered from the pressure wounding or killing some of the crews. Not all shots hit but it did not matter, even if the bolt missed it passed over the ridge into the ranks behind or if it fell short impaled the tightly bunched infantry.

Half their artillery was gone leaving mostly the useless catapults to continue firing.

"Close their flanks."

Baros flinched when he saw the ballista on the ridge fire and again gave praise none were aimed at him on his little perch. Thanks soon turned to bewilderment and rage as the damage the volley had done became apparent.

Ballista had been shattered or outright blown to bits as the bolts had slammed into them. Some had missed but again left bloody, limb and body streaked paths through his ranks of soldiers. Wounded screamed out in agony all around him as he looked at the crews.

Each time a ballista had been hit the tension in the limbs and cord that acted as a bowstring made them lash out like blades severing limbs or shattering bones. A few feet away two soldiers rolled howling in agony as limbs bent the wrong way and bone poked through their fur.

Another rank of monsters was waiting behind the wave he was currently engaging. So that was the plan, see what he could do before committing to the battle in earnest. Well two can play that game. Reinforcing his right he ordered his personal army to begin to move forward. They were equipped and trained to fight magical things and now it was time to earn their pay.

Sitting atop their mounts the figures watched quietly. Even now more forces peeled off from the enemy right flank to oppose them. Herr Blutlanze heard the command to close the enemy flanks and with a quick look to his left just made out the other figure who nodded back.

"All, down. Ballista, aim for... Them... Fire!"

From the left a hand was raised and the ranks rose up rapidly after the ballista fired drawing their bows back. With the drop of the gauntletted hand the arrows shot out into the panicked ranks of soldiers.

"Archers, rotate to rear. Infantry. Advance."

Pandemonium broke out the moment the giant bolts shot from the tree's and tore through their ranks. A volley of arrows had been moments behind creating larger gaps in the line as soldiers fell away impaled from the point blank firing.

Looking around frantically Lord Silver Lining backed away from the severed body of a baron. Mere inches had saved his life as the bolt ripped through the ranks in front of him sending blood spraying. Now, he felt like running.

Instead he shouted orders to redraw the line quickly as the wounded yelled for help but were ignored. He had a job to do and Baros had promised any that ran would be put to death immediately noble or otherwise.

Ranks were advancing forward through the carnage to fill in the gaps as rows of undead marched from the trees. Panic spread quickly up and down the line, he was the last surviving noble on the entire right flank.

Emerging from the dense mist the undead army marched forward steadily and appeared quickly on the enemy's left flank less than a hundred yards away. She was so far off on the right she was actually in a position to attack them from behind somewhat.

Throwing her archers out quickly as they advanced she looked at the flag bearer to her right and smiled. Valkardian had given her a little "gift" that had not been visible in the mist until now.

Shadow had noted how many flags there had been marking the various Death Knights and their formations making it easier to see who was who and where. She was no different now. Her own flag fluttered in the wind. It was purple and bore the image of the moon casting a shadow on the land below. A pair of bat wings were spread out behind the image with two eyes looking over the moon. Her eyes.

She listened to cries of alarm announcing they had been seen and quickly the enemies left flank spun to face the approaching formations as the bat winged Death Knight rode quietly behind emerging from the mist.

Magical blasts shot out at the figure but their shield deflected them. Focusing on her own task Shadow halted short as she had been ordered and chose to follow the other advice and have her archers fire a few volleys into the enemy generals private forces from behind.

Notching their arrows and letting them fly Shadow watched with a smile as the arrows arched out and into the backs of Steelshod's special army. They fell in droves before spinning around and raising their shields.

They had been advancing forward earlier but now were trapped at the rear unable to move or risk being shot from behind. Now she had to hold the enemy ranks right where they were on the boggy ground.

Turning to his left after receiving word of the enemy's attack from the forest he smiled grimly. Despite their number there were enough to keep them back while he prepared to drive forward again.

Horns sounded to the left and turning he watched as another line emerged from the swamp and drove into his left. That was impossible. Swamps were too deep and muddy to allow passage on foot. Still, it was fine, the nobles on his left had already turned and drawn up their line.

From behind a familiar horn call sounded and turning to his rear looked on in fury as a force of undead had slipped behind him and killed a number of his soldiers. Should he drive them towards the enemy at the rear or hold there?

Taking another look around and deciding that the enemy numbers were still not enough to warrant a great concern as they had already been checked and were being held back he decided to focus on moving forward.

Closing his eyes a moment he thought over another possibility and turning his telescope to the rear looked at the small army behind. He out numbered the force on their farthest right flank...

Looking at the purple flag blowing in the wind he silently cursed at them, before this was over he would have their heads.

"Courier!"

His force would advance and wipe them out then roll down their flank along the edge of the swamp. Pegasi would be sent in full numbers to soak up whatever this force would throw at him and preserve his own troops.

Her force of bone dragons and gargoyles had taken to the air from behind a distant ridge and pounded their way high into the air before spinning to face the enemy army.

The trap was fully sprung now and a swarm of pegasi had begun to lift off as her own forces reached their required altitude. Now that the long dead dragons had a target it was easier to control them, ancient greed and hunger was magically burned into their very bones along with rows of runes to keep them in check.

Looking down Nacht watched the rearmost part of the enemies ranks begin to slowly advance on the farthest right flank. A great deal of faith and trust had been placed on a very young thestral and she would either prove worthy or die trying.

Leaning forward in her saddle and gripping the dragon harder she marked their targets and ordered the gargoyles to follow closely behind before breaking off and engaging the pegasi.

Nacht kept a close eye on the most dangerous force in the entire enemy army before making a quick decision. She liked that little girl down there, it would be shame if she died so soon.

Tightening her ranks and firing another volley into the encroaching ranks of soldiers Shadow let out a growl. It would not be easy to win this battle. They advanced in perfect order with shields up and only a few lucky shots had gotten through the shields. The boggy ground made it hard for them to advance and had provided the gaps but they only tightened their ranks.

Preparing pilum and giving them a volley did not deter them either, many had ducked quickly minimizing the impact. They were no undead army though, enough had still been standing that the missiles had done some damage but not enough.

Shadow mulled over another throw but never got the chance.

"Shadow, take one step back. NOW."

Valkardians voice made her jerk a little, her attention was so focused she had not been ready. Ordering her forces to take one step back she watched as the boggy ground bubbled for a moment.

Enemy soldiers sank to their knees in the mud and began to struggle, looking up she saw a large swarm of pegasi coming her way and firing off another volley of arrows watched as they darted to get away.

Their dense numbers did not help however as arrows tore through their bodies and wings. Their falling forms bent and spiraled to the ground. Their attack faltered a moment before they began to dart forward again but with greater purpose.

An unholy cacophony of roaring came down from the heavens and heads snapped up to look. Shadow's eyes widened in wonder before slowly lowering to her enemy as an evil grin spread across her face.

Skeletal dragons with glowing eyes and ghostly membranes for wings swooped down on the army from above, behind them came a dark flock of gargoyles aiming straight for the pegasi.

Opening their great maws glowing lights surged up from their chests as they dove low. A magical breath that made her flinch inside the armor spat out from their open jaws in long streams that ripped through the ranks of Equestrians.

In front of her two dragons made a pass over the enemy ranks as they struggled in the knee deep muck. Their enchanted armor protected them from the magical attack mostly but the change in temperature made the air so cold they choked and gasped.

Smiling even wider Shadow watched with great amusement as their ranks were frozen knee deep in the muck and unable to pull themselves free. They were now almost entirely trapped and incapable of moving.

Above the gargoyles careened into the pegasi and began to slash at them tearing away armor and feathers or the occasional limb. Try as they might the pegasi could do little with their spears or bows against their stony hides. Though faster than the gargoyles it was not making much of a difference as they were quickly being pushed to the ground.

Blood and bodies rained from the sky making sick popping and snapping sounds as they impacted. A few even landed near her own ranks but her attention was drawn to the one that had splattered onto her mounts neck.

They were still alive and gasping as a gargoyle swooped in and yanked them free sending blood spraying over her armor as it ripped them open before dropping them and flying away.

Dragons kept circling the battlefield giving one blast after another. Whatever artillery remained was long destroyed now as the crew's had been frozen to death where they stood.

Turning back to the trapped ranks in front of her Shadow threw out her battalion on the farther right to flank the trapped enemy. Two golemns went with them and would simply walk the line cutting them down like stalks of wheat.

On the left she did the same and watched as the horrified enemy soldiers struggled to get free. Sensing the danger the unicorns posed she moved archers to the front and watched up and down the line intently.

Every time a unicorn would fire up their horn she would respond with a furious attack of arrows silencing them. Unfortunately there was only one of her and more than twenty thousand of them to keep an eye on, any one of them could be a unicorn.

From the flanks her battalions carved into them, working their way forward easily with few losses. Despite being in such a dire predicament they refused to give up and fought back but it was largely fruitless not that they were failing to give it their all.

Her eyes snapped to the right as a bright flash caught her attention. Soldiers suddenly climbed free and onto the frozen ground before an officer looked straight at her. Pointing with an axe and yelling they surged forward.

Baros was back in his cart and being brought away. Gargoyles had killed any pegasus that dared fly and were now picking off officers. His personal detail was so far untouched but around him the dragons continued to dive down and spray out long lines of their icy breath turning soldiers into ice statues.

Those on the fringes were more unlucky, their limbs froze to their shields or weapons, a few had lost legs as they were turned to ice. They hobbled, screamed or sobbed as they tried to hide from the circling demons. Some crawled, their limbs shattered as their panicked comrades shoved them aside in an attempt to flee.

He had been had. A message had been fired off magically but no sooner had it begun to flit away magically that something seized it. Baros ground his jaw as the cart lurched over bodies carrying him away.

The last straw had been seeing his forces mowed down from the flanks like stalks of wheat. Damn that thing. There was no choice now but to try and escape while he could and it made him sick to think that his own forces which he had so carefully trained would be left behind. Maybe he would get luck and save a few of them on the way out but it was doubtful.

Ducking low he looked up as a dragon and its rider shot overhead, moments later a hurricane of arrows and bolts crashed into everything around him killing two of the cart bearers. His personal detail was also hard hit but still moving, conscripting two huddled pegasi nearby his adjutant beat them into position to pull the cart with the butt of his mace before driving them forward.

A large gap remained and with any luck they would make it and be free and into the forests themselves allowing them to loose the dragons and flying monstrosities.

The general was fleeing for his life and Shadow was mopping up his little army quickly by tearing into their flanks. Nacht's plan had been a grand idea he admitted. The plan had been to turn the boggy ground to deep mud anyway and stop a retreat in general but her idea to physically trap them in place was perfect.

Their armor gave them a degree of magical immunity but that did not mean they could not use the very ground itself against them. Flanks were collapsing rapidly, great holes had opened in formations and nobles were fleeing for their lives.

Below the front ranks had begun to drive forward again with little opposition as the enemy fled back towards the open plains.

Taking one last, long, hard look at the situation and any chances the enemy might have of rallying he sent out the order.

"Mop them up and prepare to move out."

Hearing the order made him smile inside. His bony frame was incapable of smiling but deep inside he was smiling like a fool but he hated to admit it. His force had taken a little beating at first but had just as quickly taken bloody retribution on the enemy.

Not too distant from him was the other rider and looking their way he asked if he could have the honors. They nodded.

It had been more than a millennia since he had last the chance to enjoy a good joust. The surviving noble on this flank had continued to fall back and even managed to survive several passes by the dragons.

Watching the enemy lord as he fled the battlefield with a small cadre of royal guard Herr Blutlanze transferred control of his forces to his compatriot and hefted his lance. There was very little to stop him from passing straight forward through their ranks as it was but parting the ranks a little the other rider allowed him through.

One other standing order was to make certain every last enemy noble died and Blutlanze was going to live up to his name by carrying the order out in gentlemanly fashion.

Enemy soldiers scattered as his mount bowled them over or tore them apart at his advance, they did not even attempt to fight him as they were too terrified and concerned with their own survival.

A great stampede had started towards the distant gap in the hopes of getting free but it was slowly being closed as high above him Graff Nacht Klinge dove down again and again with her dragons to push them back into the killing field while below a column of soldiers slowly closed the gap.

Sitting high in his saddle as his mount raced after the fleeing noble. They would not stop running so urging his mount on he called out to them in a voice that boomed over the din of the battlefield.

They had lost, even now they were running for the narrowing exit in the distance. Things had been going so well too. He had stopped their advance cold at first but now knew they never had any intention of driving forward till now.

It had all been a trap, a trap laid on a truly fantastic scale to encircle and exterminate the largest army ever raised in Equestria. General Baros's carriage had already passed towards the rear and it was clear he was leaving them to die while he escaped.

Not that he blamed him, he would be doing the same thing right now, there was no hope and the few nobles that tried to get away with pegasi drawn carriages had been ripped from the air by swooping dragons.

This was a nightmare. No. This was a living HELL come to life and playing itself out all around them.

Soldiers pushed and shoved each other aside in the mad rush to escape, the wounded were trampled to death by the pounding hooves of survivors even as they reached out begging and crying for help.

His personal guard had mostly been killed off but five remained and loyally ran with him beating ponies out of their way as they ran.

A hand grabbed onto his leg as a stallion clung on pleading not to be left behind while looking at him in desperation with his last good eye. Trying to shake him loose did not work so Lord Silver Lining began kicking furiously at the soldier who refused to let go but instead began sobbing and begging louder.

Snatching a spear from one of his guards he began to stabbed furiously into the soldiers face and throat as another dragon made a low pass letting out one of its ear splitting roars from hell before slaughtering another hapless group of soldiers.

The arm went limp finally and kicking it away they began to run again but froze. Behind them a booming voice called out making them stop and turn.

"Halt! Verdiene mir selbst und bekämpfe mich wie ein wahrer Gentleman von edlem Rang!"

Blutlanze smiled as his target stopped and turned. What a despicable little coward killing one of his own. He would enjoy this.

Raising his lance higher in challenge he watched as the confused party looked at each other for a moment then at their leader.

At first they were confused and acted terrified before it clicked in their minds and the guards quickly began to back away from their lord. The enemy lord shouted at them but they shook their heads and kept backing away before fleeing into the throng of fleeing soldiers leaving the noble behind.

Holding onto his spear his opponent looked on terrified before snatching up a shield from the ground and yelling at other soldiers as they passed. One look was all it took before they shouted back angrily and kept running leaving the noble to stand alone.

Moving his mount forward slowly at first he began to pick up speed as the noble hunkered down behind his shield and leveled the spear out but Blutlanze did not care: he was overjoyed. At least the coward was doing himself some credit by dying like a gentleman and not as a coward.

Urging the mount forward faster he lowered the lance and locked it in place as they sped forward towards the target. This was going to be the happiest moment he had in a very long time.

Staring into the terrified eyes of the noble he aimed the lance carefully and with a sudden surge of speed sent the reptilian skeleton forward at the fastest pace it could muster closing the gap in a blur of movement.

A crash rang out as the lance connected with the shield and glanced to the right and into his targets chest, the momentum of the charge sending the sharpened tip clean through the breastplate and into the chest skewering the target and dragging them along the ground till the mount came to a halt.

Even now none dared attack him, they gave the beast a wide berth as the last of the survivors ran past and away from the oncoming ranks of soldiers.

Letting go of his lance and slipping free from his mount Herr Blutlanze approached the fallen noble, he was almost dead with eyes staring up into his helmet while gasping desperately for air but only to bring up blood.

"You are a coward, but one that stood and accepted the challenge in the end willingly or not."

A confused and frightened gurgle was the only response.

"As a fellow noble it is your right to know who bested you in combat. I grant you the honor and privileged of seeing my face and knowing my name."

Pulling his helmet free Blutlanze gave a short, sharp bow to the stallion as he struggled to move away.

"Herr General Blutlanze."

He watched as the life drained from the stallion before putting his helmet back on and yanking the lance free he remounted and looked out at the fleeing enemy forces and let out a happy sigh.

Their army was in a complete route and the force in front of her was almost entirely wiped out even as magic freed some of them. The first group to get free had charged in quickly and torn through a small gap between ranks.

She knew they were intent on killing her at the cost of their own lives and spun her mount to face them. It snapped two of them up easily and crushed them while she pushed it forward and into them staggering the group back.

Hefting her halberd she aimed low at one that had gotten around her mounts initial attack and swung. The blade connected with their shield and sparks shot out wildly as the officers shield deflected it.

He hammered at the side of her mounts leg with his axe but failed to penetrate the armor. Spinning her would and sweeping its tail into the soldiers knocking them down as soldiers poured in on them she took another swing at the officer below but they ducked then ran forward and swung at her hoof.

Swinging free of the blow as it crashed into the side of the reptile she realized this was not going to work. Standing quickly and flying away from the mount an idea came to mind as she landed a short distance away. It would be hard to wield the halberd and shield at the same time but with her newfound strength she could manage.

They raced forward shield up and tried to bash her away but her halberd reached out quickly and grabbed the shields side and yanking hard while stepping aside sent the officer sprawling as their hold on the shield faltered.

Jabbing forward she caught the shield again and yanked with the spike dragging them back before cutting down at their leg.

Making a snap decision they let go of the shield and kicked free before rising back up and drawing a dagger free. Stalking each other Shadow caught sight of the last enemy soldier being cut down before her ordering her forces forward to end the battle quickly before more got free.

Racing forward at her hesitation as orders went out they swung their axe in at her side while the dagger stabbed forward at a leg.

Dragging her shield to block the dagger Shadow did not fall for the trick and blocked the axe blow with a counter stroke from the halberd. Stepping into them she cracked them with the shield driving them back.

Quickly stabbing the point of the halberd at them they swatted it away with the axe before trying to close the gap. Sweeping the halberd low and flapping her wings hard she propelled herself backward catching their unprotected leg with the spiked blade and cutting a tendon watched as the officer fell.

They refused to give up, up on one knee they growled out in pain and tried to advance on her again.

Shadow called upon all her strength and that afforded by the armor in a test of might and brought the halberd arching in at their neck. They tried to duck the blow but she kept arching lower.

In a split second as they ducked they raised their axe to shield themselves from the blow but it was violently thrown aside as her strength pounded it from their hand. Morbid fascination filled her as the blade continued on shattering the bone of the arm that had held the axe and threw them aside.

Screaming in pain they tried to rise back up quickly but stepping forward Shadow leg go of her shield and grabbed onto the halberd with both hands and swung again. This time there was no axe or shield to slow or deflect the blow as it passed through their neck sending the head rolling through the grass as the body flopped backwards.

Taking a quick breath Shadow grabbed her shield and walked over to the body and looked at it for a moment then remounted and moved forward with her soldiers as they finished off the enemy formation.

To her extreme right the first enemy soldiers fleeing the battlefield made it into the open fields.

"Shadow. Their general is escaping below me on a cart. Would you like the honors or should I? The battle is already over and several nobles will already be joining my collection."

Looking up at the dragons and spying Nacht she nodded and agreed. It was so strange to consider it an honor to kill an enemy of rank but it also made her feel deeply appreciated. Turning her mount to where Graff Natcht Klinge had indicated she quickly saw the target from the eyes of a wraith and spurred her steed onward.

Behind her the army was doing fine on its own, nothing opposed them now. Picking up speed she watched as gargoyles swooped down on the soldiers running as one of the other forces quickly marched out closing the gap.

The general however had cleared the gap and his carriage was racing away but had only one pegasi to lift it and that was not enough. If there had been another towing his carriage they were dead as only a bloody spray along the right side of the cart gave a hint to their end.

A head poked from the cart and looked her way before yelling at the soldiers running along side. They too looked and ran faster towards the distant tree line. His cart was bouncing wildly and was nearly uncontrollable.

Closing the gap between them two soldiers kept looking over their shoulder before turning and forming up to block her way.

"Graff Nacht Klinge, I do not have time for this, two are-"

She never finished the sentence as two gargoyles dove down and snatched the hapless soldiers into the air screaming before goring them and allowing the bodies to fall. There was nothing between her and the cart as it sped onward.

Picking up the pace she closed in as a head again poked free before something began hitting the pegasus towing the carriage. Flapping their wings they tried desperately to put distance but they were already exhausted and it did nothing to increase the gap between the two.

Looking over their shoulder for a moment and seeing the skeletal beast charging them down she could make out the panicked scream of a mare as they tried desperately to run faster and harder but to no avail.

Leaning out slightly to the side to get a better shot at the carriage Shadow arched her halberd back and waited. Lumbering up beside the cart the pegasus mare let out a scream and stopped pulling diving to the ground and getting hit by a wheel that snapped bones and a wing as it bounced over her body.

Leaving the screaming and howling soldier behind the cart began to slow and a figure inside began to struggle to hang on as the cart careened wildly.

As she raced past it Shadow swung her halberd hard while leaning the mount in at the last second. A terrible snapping, cracking and ripping sound rang out as the upper frame was blown to pieces by her strike and from inside a howl of pain rang out as blood splattered the insides.

Rearing her mount back and spinning it slid to a halt and turned quickly and looking inside Shadow could see the general in his armor clutching the stump of his severed arm. Racing forward she closed in on him as he tried to get free, letting go of his bleeding stump and drawing a sword.

Jumping down from her mount and closing the distance quickly she slapped his sword aside and slammed the bladed point of the halberd into his chest and drove it deep before twisting the handle.

Slipping free of the carriage and staggering she held his form up against the destroyed vehicle and pushed harder making the carriage lean backwards. Looking into his eyes he gasped before slowly going limp and with a sharp yank freed the point of her halberd and watched a moment.

Taking another swing to make certain she nearly severed the head before turning to the mare shaking and sobbing in the tall grass. Walking up to her Shadow looked down at the broken wing which had been crushed so badly it would probably have to be amputated.

Her leg was better looking but it was fatigue which held her in place even more than the agony of her injuries. Shadow moved around the soldier carefully and looked at her cutie mark.

"Minty?"

A head rose up from the grass streaked with blood and tears at the alien thing standing over her before giving a shaky "yes" in response.

"Why are you here and dressed like a... Soldier?"

"Who are you!?"

Shadow almost responded but held back a moment as her eyes widened in realization.

"Answer my question."

Choking out an answer the mare looked at her. "Corporal Minty, Celestia's guard, courier."

"Ahhh..."

"Who are you?!"

"That does not matter now."

"Wait... I know that voice... Shadow Moon?"

Well that complicated things somewhat. She let out a sigh and drew on her link with Valkardian.

"I know we are to kill every last officer, noble and such but what about the wounded and prisoners? We never covered that one."

"Oh yes. I forgot. Hmm. Why do you ask?"

"I have a prisoner."

"One you know I take it..."

"Yes. A pegasus I grew up with. I will kill her now if-"

"One of Celestia's or Noble Army?"

"Celestia. Courier. Minty Fresh."

"...Do as you will."

Shadow looked at the broken mare and smiled before crouching down making the mare scoot back.

"Today is your lucky day. Had you been of a Noble Army you would be dead."

"You damn traitor!"

Shadow's eye twitched.

"Really?"

"You betrayed your princesses and Equestria!"

"I am not the one who marched to war under Steelshod's banner Minty. Celestia and Luna are prisoners of Steelshod, I have seen it. The ones you just fought? Me? We are SAVING Equestria!"

"Then why did you kill us?!"

"The nobles that betrayed Celestia and had to die. You had the misfortune of being a part of their army, that is all. You should have stayed home."

"You mean... We all died for nothing?..."

"No..." Shadow squatted down and pointed with her thumb at the distant battlefield. "THEY died for nothing. YOU are still alive and will live."

"Why?"

"Because you are wearing the right uniform."

Minty choked out a sob.

"Aww... Don't worry. I am sure Valkardian will heal you up... Maybe... Well he wont kill you unless you do something stupid okay? Just act nice and dont say anything but please and thank you."

"Who is Valkardian?"

"The man that commands the army that just kicked Steelshod's armies collective flanks."

"Why didn't you tell us?! Why not warn us!?"

Shadow stood and sighed before reaching into her medical pouch.

"Because you never would have listened anyway."