Listening as another boulder whistled in the soldiers along the wall ducked and waited for the inevitable impact, moments later the rock crashed into the wall sending a small shudder along the wall. For a day the undead had been pounding away relentlessly on the wall without much effect. Creation of back braces were already underway and soon the wall would be even harder to breach.

Despite cracking in some places the ancient walls had proven to be well built and were resisting, at first the concern of sappers had been raised but was quickly dismissed as the length of time it would take to carve through the hard rock would be daunting even for an army that never slept.

No attempt to bring forward ladders or even the hint of siege towers had been seen, they were content to just hammer away at the walls and the gate which had at one point been damaged so badly they had to call soldiers off the wall to help build a new section of wall behind the gate.

Their ballista had fired at the undead but the ranges were so great it had no effect, use of magic was held back just in case they made a rush for the walls. Yawning a captain looked up at the dark sky before wandering down the rampart, a quick promotion had been in order after their predecessor tripped and fell down some stairs earlier in the evening breaking their neck.

Steelshod was an early riser and sitting on his throne he mulled over the first reports of the day: one idiot fell and one of his advisors was found dead in their room. A search had commenced and a check on the treasure room yielded nothing, everything was still in place except for two scrolls in the war room.

The scrolls were a minor loss, by the end of the day anything the enemy could glean from the information would become null and void. With the new fortifications holding so well there was no risk of a breach before then and teams had scoured the mountain side looking for any sign of breaches, none were found and even a team sent to listen to any vibrations in the rock which would indicate tunneling came back empty handed.

Luna was still locked up along with a pony named Applejack, Celestia had been quiet all night as well. Steelshod had a feeling something was up but had no idea what the enemy was planning. Perhaps they still planned to force the main gate and had stolen the plans to find out what lay beyond not that they could not climb a short distance and look for themselves.

Maybe there was a tunnel they had missed... But why wait this long to attack in order to take advantage of it? Even now there was no indication of a large scale attack, quite the opposite in fact; they were just waiting.

Something was missing from the picture but what was it? No signs of tunneling, sapping let alone a single attempt to over run the outer wall, did they know this would be a long siege and had only tried to figure out just how difficult it would be?

Staring at the runic circle on the floor he had some relief at least, if they did manage to breach the castle walls he could always fall back on that.

Steelshod stood and left the throne room, he wanted to see for himself, in person, what the enemy was doing at the main gate.

They had been over the map dozens of times now marking routes then doubling back and making new ones. Gaps would soon be closed up but not before the attack would commence, their forces were in place waiting in total silence as unicorns combed the mountainside beyond listening and "looking" for any sign of tunneling but drew up nothing.

As fortune would have the crystalline nature of the mountain made using magic rather hard as the energies tended to bounce off or zig-zag wildly making it near impossible to see very far. Long ago new tunnels had been made in secret linking the portal with the route they would take. Though it had been planned long ago no buildings had ever been built up against the mountain side nor any walls allowing the forces free access after only a short time of tunneling.

Now that the enemy unicorns were busy on other matters and no longer thick as flies on the mountainside tunneling had begun and by 6:20 to 6:30 it was figured the last section could be "removed" using special crystals to blast the last bit of distance without worry of back-blast. A magical shield would go up anyway just in case something went wrong.

Most of the barricades blocking their path were defended by local conscripts but the more important barricades were held by Steelshod's soldiers. Printing up fliers all through the night the trapped ponies had created quite the pile of leaflets and at the appropriate time they would be dropped.

They were quite lucky that their camp was located in a part of the network away from the dense crystalline layers so prominent in the mountain. Whatever powers were out there favored them this much at least but there was still no way out for them save magical teleportation in small batches which would not help them any.

Shadow and Twilight had brought it up with Valkardian and his remark was when the fighting began to dig in a specific direction linking them with the tunnel they would use to invade the city, dig fast enough and they would make it within a day. It was up to the princess however to procure her own picks for them later.

It made sense too, once the attack began hiding the tunnels and portal would become impossible so why bother.

Celestia's speech had complicated matters but with any luck Twilight's little speech would have the desired effect and coupled with the fliers a number would go home allowing the invasion to proceed somewhat smoothly.

What surprised Shadow however was when Albtraum told her about a little gift he had left behind hidden under a barracks that night and it was hers to use whenever she wanted in order to draw more of their attention in the wrong direction.

"5:54... Alright, Twilight should be ready to begin, the papers are ready to be dropped."

They nodded as Valkardian stood and led them away towards the front of the waiting column, only one breach could be made so it was important that they kept up their speed while always pushing forward to deny the enemy a chance to solidify any new positions. Canterlot Castle would be an interesting nut to crack if they were given the chance to dig in further.

Her formation would be the second to emerge, the first would follow Valkardian and cut off retreat from the first and second gate while she would make a feint on the rear castle gate. Now it was not terribly important to take it but if she could actually breach it... All the better. Odds were against her however, they would have it sealed long before she got there.

Ritter Albtraum had left behind more than enough markers for her too, every key point of the castle had been marked and unless a unicorn or alicorn knew where to look the odds were low they would be able to pick up on the minor magical pulse. Not that it mattered either, she had almost memorized the layout as it was for where she needed to go in advance.

Standing at the front of the column with the other Death Knights, Shadow took a slow breath and waited as up ahead servants rapidly carved through the stone. Even if detected at this point the distraction outside would more than cause the enemy hesitation, it was still fortuitous that Valkardian had these tunnels dug so long ago to near completion.

At first panic had spread when dark gray demons swooped down from the mountain passing overhead scattering the locals in all directions. Soldiers had fired off at them rapidly but due to the pushing and shoving as people ran for cover it was impossible to hit anything.

Confusion had replaced the fear and panic quickly enough as paper filled the air, fluttering down across the cities' more densely packed areas. They did not stay either, leaving as quickly as they came. Ponies began to pick up the papers and read as a growing hush filled the air, readers soon looked around before settling their gaze on the soldiers.

Uncertainty filled the air as officers bellowed to continue strengthening the fortifications, work began to resume but halted again when a familiar voice filled the air. Staring up they watched as a magical projection hovered in the air calling for them to flee and hide in their homes, to not interfere or aid Steelshod's soldiers.

Looking at Twilight's projection work halted again for long moments and slowly some began to trickle away seeking out shelter. Soldiers tried to force them back to work but for every one or two they managed to drag back three or four got away in the chaos. Equestrians were not predisposed to fighting as it was and as Twilight continued on with her speech, even addressing what Celestia had said more left the work details.

Those that remained willingly went back to work seeing this as another betrayal but the damage had been done.

Watching this and fuming in rage Steelshod let out a snarl, ignoring the warning that another rock was incoming he watched the distant magical spectacle as it thudded into the wall below where he stood on the rampart.

Their portion of the city had been ignored entirely and it was clear to him that the enemy was about to attack from the mountain somewhere, a tunnel had been missed or was being dug and he had little time to scrape a force together and prepare while still not knowing exactly where the attack would come from.

Running from the rampart Steelshod sent his messengers running, two battalions would be pulled free from defense of the main gate in favor of fighting off whatever was coming and if they could find the breach quickly enough: push them back in and seal it up.

They planned to catch the largest portion of his forces at the first and second gate allowing them free reign of the city and access to the castle. As he ran along towards the second gate more soldiers fell in quickly and followed, with any luck he could make the first improvised defensive line.

A glimmering shield protected them from any back blast that would result from breaching the last section magically. Long ago ponies had dug their tunnels following the gem rich crystal vein's that ran through the mountain but they ignored the areas that were devoid of them and this was one area; it also meant magic could be used to blast a precise hole.

With everything in place time was running out, Steelshod had figured it out and was rallying some forces to find and seal the tunnel before they could fully deploy and thus get caught in the narrow streets which favored him not the undead.

Shadow flinched as the blast went off blowing out a tunnel connected with the city, eyes adjusting to the light quickly she could see buildings a short distance away and without waiting the column began to stream forward through the chocking dust.

Rushing outside with the others as wraiths shot into the air to keep watch she could see Twilight's magic still at play high above, the urging had become frantic now that Twilight could see the attack commencing from her hidden post higher up the mountain.

The column had to bend because of how the houses had filled out the area but they just as quickly were on the road and moving off at their quickest pace filling the air with a grinding and clattering noise.

Moving out and onto the main road she looked down the path her own forces would take once they had emerged, this area was largely unprotected but at the next bend she would have to wipe out the first barricade, then a second, third, fourth... Looking at the buildings along the road she noted the faces peaking out the windows. They were terrified.

A small tremor shook the city and he could see a great cloud of dust and debris in the distance, the enemy had breached the poorer residential area and that meant they would have to seize the park and the road that ran along it. They needed space to deploy.

Picking up the pace they all but sprinted towards the barricades which were still quite a bit distant from them. If he could cut them off at the junction a new line could be formed, it would be thin but the barricades were in place and just might give him the edge he required.

If that failed, they would at least keep the path open for a retreat of his forces to the castle.

Valkardian had agreed to his plan long before the battle at the Unicorn Mountain Range: why waste time sitting at the main gate when the enemy could be pressed from both sides? During the night preparations had been made and a few "lucky" hits on the main gate had the desired effect.

Now that drawbridge had been shattered to pieces and the gate behind damaged there was nothing to stop him for making a more serious breach. Thankfully the enemy had made the mistake of not adding further magical protections on the stole wall they were building behind the gate so that was immaterial.

A couple well placed ballista rounds that night had skewered the magical gate and begun to nullify its magic to a point he could carry out his plan: blowing up the gate.

Once the gargoyles had finished with their errand they reverted to his control and quickly rearming them they dove in one suicidal wave after another onto the wall and began attaching the charges.

Though they were not really meant for this Albtraum and Graff Nacht Klinge had assured him that even against such a heavily fortified position it would cause enough damage a few golemns could charge forward and smash through. Crystal's brimming with energy were useful tools indeed.

A hurricane of magical blasts and arrows furiously assaulted the gargoyles with few results but some were shattered to pieces but not before the charges set. Ordering them away he focused and set them off.

The air filled with electricity and fire as crystals meant for use as wands went off all at once shattering the gate and reinforcing wall heavily and even blasted holes in them. Golemns were already rushing forward and though one had been shattered the other four closed the gap with soldiers close behind.

Moat's meant nothing to the towering golemns as they forded the water quickly and grabbed onto the drawbridge and broke it free allowing them inside, moments later the inner gate was forced open using the ballista bolts as giant levers.

Patience was a virtue however and the soldiers on the walls had already begun to focus their fire on the soldiers trapped in the open but short of magic it had little effect. With a heave the golemns made an opening in the stone wall that had been built almost overnight and pushing forward Blutlanze's soldiers streamed through the gap.

Following his column forward he watched as they flooded into the towers and onto the ramparts silencing the one working ballista the enemy had left. Steelshod had weakened the position too much but that still left the second gate.

Herr Blutlanze marched through the gap, stepping over rocks and remains before taking stock of the situation: it had cost him two companies to force the gap open but this was the hardest nut to crack and considering how many were waiting behind him... It was an affordable cost.

It had taken far too long for her column to emerge but it could not be helped, somewhere off in the distance another explosion earlier had rung out meaning Herr Blutlanze's kamikaze attack on the main gate had begun and a few minutes after that as she had waited while tapping her hoof impatiently he had proudly announced it had worked.

Now he just had to clear the second gate and hope Steelshod did not call for an immediate full retreat or they would be facing an uphill battle. His plan had been a good one, who would expect such an attack when they were expecting rocks and bolts?

Still, if he managed to keep them tied down it would mean one less battalion fleeing to the castle thus it had been an acceptable risk.

When her column finally reached the street she waited on Shadow sighed in relief and ordered them to follow. Shield and crystal ready they quickly moved down the side street to make their feint on the enemy castle. By now they most certainly had the gate locked up.

Rounding the bend she caught sight of the first barricade that stretched from one apartment building to the next, it was too tall to climb either but that was just fine: it was made of hastily laid bricks and crates.

Raising her hand quickly she aimed.

Heads peaked over the crates but they were few and aiming for the center she sent the command to the crystal and watched as the blast hit the improvised wall sending pieces of wood and dust flying. Windows on the street shattered from the concussion and doors rattled in their frames.

A small V like gap had been created and flying up she took a quick look for herself before diving down on a soldier that was standing up. Her soldiers poured through the gap while others began to widen the gap, kicking her opponent back down she punched them in the throat before standing and delivering a hard stomp onto their muzzle.

Putting the crystal away quickly she drew a dagger and stabbed a few times before standing back up and sheathing it. The gap had been widened enough to allow her soldiers to continue their advance uninterrupted and the few guards that had been assigned to the barricade were dead.

Picking the pace up she viewed the battlefield from the air for a moment, only two wraiths were available for her use but she was still on course and though delayed it should be easier going until the next barricade.

Being able to blast their barricades away was handy but most were minor ones, the real barricades were focused on the last stretch leading to the castle and Steelshod was somewhere in front of him drawing up a new line of defense. Most of the locals had quit the moment the explosion rang out but die-hards held on believing Celestia wanted them to fight to the bitter end.

This was exactly why he did not nip this invasion in the bud before it had a chance to start.

Around the next bend a serious barricade blocked the way and was protected by several unicorns, looking around quickly he ordered some crossbows forward and to follow him. Kicking the door of the bakery in he passed the horrified occupants and climbed the stairs towards the roof.

From the rooftop he could see the street below well, Steelshod had beaten him to the punch on reinforcing the barricades which meant he was planning on a general retreat. There was no time for delay and leading his platoon across the flat rooftops which was a very rare thing to see in this city, he stopped above the enemy barricade and checked to make certain they were situated right.

Ordering the soldiers below to round the bend he waited until the defenders were focused on them before advancing to the edge and looking down. Below his firing line the unicorns fired off bolts into the first ranks shattering several but they never looked up, pointing down and sending the orders crossbows were aimed down and channeling his own energy they fired.

Bolts hit just moments before his spell pounded into the barricade making a large hole, firing again he widened the gap as smoke and flour filled the air. Soldiers that had survived the first barrage looked up and began firing at the rooftop but it was too late, undead marched through the gap and began to cut them down.

Leading them back across the rooftop and below he passed the bakers who were huddled in a corner, he stared at them a long moment as the crossbows marched out to rejoin the ranks and the killing frenzy outside.

"You may retrieve your sacks of flour in one hour."

The retreat was on, first gate was breached handidly but the second would hold them off for a time. Braces had been locked in place to slow down any attempt to batter the gate down but it was only a matter of time now that the workforce needed to seal it up was largely depleted.

If he could pull this off somehow it would be a long hard battle to conquer Equestria by the sword but he could still pull it off even if they were in near open revolt.

An explosion moments ago near a barricade farther up warned him of a breach and knowing that the undead had no intention of assaulting this area he called all the defenders away and to reform on the next line.

Another order was sent to the second gate, yank every last soldier that could be spared from the wall and send them at once to the new line. Each line of barricades was slowing them down a little and those moments were all he needed to save more of his depleted force.

Once they got through the castle gate they could mount a true defense and hold off the enemy, the outer walls had little to no magical protection and it was clear to him the original plan had been to fall the population back on the castle.

Its large open areas were perfect should the outer walls fall but he had no intention of allowing the local's inside. Maybe the workers who had stayed would be brought along to help fortify things further and carry out menial tasks.

Running from their positions towards the next line he caught sight to his right of a few fleeing soldiers being pursued by the slow march of an undead column. Looking back and left he could see his own columns from the second wall running at break neck speed for the next defensive line.

Tearing through the gap and looking back Steelshod watched as his soldiers poured through before the gap was sealed but they would not stay, they would have to move back again to block the enemy at the next street up.

Golemns had made it to the gates and were cutting it away easily enough but it was taking time, time he did not care to spend waiting. Siege equipment had been left entirely behind now and his ranks were drawn out along a street running parallel to the second wall firing a volley once in a while to keep them from sniping at the golemns.

Most of the defenders had fled earlier and seeing from the wraiths it was clear the enemy was in full retreat, while orderly it was still rushed and the defenders of the second wall had all but been left behind.

Maybe they would only hold till the wall was breached.

Another cracking and snapping sound filled the air as another piece of gate was torn free by a golemn and tossed aside. Above the defenders peaked over before ducking and moving towards the towers.

Blutlanze signaled a formation forward quickly and led them towards the small gap created in the gate, while it was not large enough for his forces to pass through it was however large enough to allow a small group through.

Ordering the golemns to pry the gap open a little more his smaller force climbed through the hole quickly and looking around he took stock of the enemy retreat. To his right the defenders poured out in greater numbers and off towards a distant park, on the left a smaller group was trickling out.

Turning left he ordered the attack while the golemns resumed their attack on the gate. Soldiers turns and yelled in warning spurring others to run faster but others drew up in a tight formation. Killing even a few of the enemy would make a difference in the end and Blutlanze intended to pick off however many he could.

Bringing his broadsword up he moved ahead of his soldiers and closed the gap. A shield slammed out at him but a quick backstep allowed him to dodge it but before the soldier could pull the shield back he reached out with his free hand and grabbed the top of the shield and yanked hard.

A soldier popped free of the defensive line as Blutlanze yanked him free violently. They never let go of their shield but tried to stab him as they were hurtled towards his armored form. Flicking the the enemy sword away he drove the point of his broadsword into their stomach and twisted hard before shoving them away.

Undead had piled in on the ranks and were battling it out as he looked across at his new opponent and stepping forward began his next attack as behind the gate was finally shattered allowing his forces through.

The advantage of her flanking attack was that because Canterlot was drawn out along the side of a mountain she had less of a distance to travel to cut off the enemy retreat, unfortunately Valkardian was assaulting the widest point blocking direct access to the castles main gate.

A house had been built blocking her path and it had slowed her greatly as the only other way around was through more heavily defended areas, it was here or nowhere. Blasting away at the building and making gaping holes made the surrounding buildings shake and walls to crack.

Eventually a hole opened and moving her forces through they became deeply embattled with the defenders on the other side holding the gap.

Flying overhead she looked down while putting the crystal away. There were very few of them here but even all that magic had failed to open a gap big enough so it would have to be taken the old fashioned way: with steel.

Diving towards their rear she targeted an officer who was too focused on the battle in front of them to look up and landing on them she drove her sword through their neck and to the hilt before flying back up and pulling it free.

Unaware of the enemy behind them she walked forward quietly then ordered her soldiers to raise their shields and push forward hard. Straining the enemy pushed back and it afforded her the chance to begin her assault from behind. Stabbing quickly she began dropping enemy soldiers from their line as yelps of pain and confusion rang out.

A couple spun on her but the effect worked, their line was weakened in the panic of thinking they had been surrounded allowing her soldiers to push through and widen the gap. Flying away quickly she watched as they yelled at her before turning back in an attempt to plug the gap, it was too late.

Fleeing their position they ran off down the street towards the castle but there was nothing she could really do without gargoyles to harass them. Her duty was to remain with her column and keep advancing. Farther up and down the defensive line she could hear horns as more soldiers abandoned their post and ran towards the castle, she had successfully breached the last line.

That left just the castle.

Moving down the street with her column she put her sword away as they made a bend and came face to face with a small group that had not quite made it in time. Looking at her they drew up their ranks quickly and began to back away as she closed the distance while pulling out a red crystal.

Their shields made them immune to the attack but looking at the two trees beside them she quickly drew out another crystal and fired twice blowing the trees apart at the base collapsing them behind the enemy soldiers. Drawing the red crystal free again she quickly aimed once more and set the trees ablaze blocking their retreat, fire may be their enemy but it was useless against her soldiers and she could always fly over.

Halting the front rank, pilum were readied as the enemy hunkered behind their shields and giving the order Shadow watched as the first wave pierced the shields and drove them back into the flames, another wave killed a few and by the final rank there were no survivors.

Flying onto a roof she ordered the advance and watched as her soldiers marched rapidly through the flames untouched.

Ranks had been drawn up but the falling trees had knocked him down and clambering free moments before they burst into flame the soldier found himself on the safer side of the battle. Peering through the blaze he tried to make out what was going on but could not, yelling and screaming was all he could make out.

Figures moved in the flames and soon the first ranks of undead emerged marching from the flames. His attention however was not so much on the undead as the creature that landed in front of them and now walked towards him.

Raising his shield up he charged forward and stabbed but nothing was there, looking to his left he saw the figure and spun to attack; if he was going to die today he would take at least one of them with him.

A mighty crack rang out as his shield was hammered aside by a counter blow of his opponents shield and parrying a thrust from the blade he tried to close the gap but was again hit with their shield sending him stumbling sideways.

Trying to turn he felt their blade drive into his side for a moment staggering him, heaving his shield side ways to catch their arm it failed to connect and swinging his blade as he turned, aimed for their side.

Their blade flashed out quickly knocking his blow aside before a swift kick to an over extended leg sent the soldier to his knees. Grunting and looking up he saw their blade dive down and into his chest before it was yanked free.

Steelshod was doing a good job of staying ahead of him but the gap was closing rapidly, even if he made the gap at least half of his forces would be trapped and encircled. Herr Blutlanze had breached the second gate easily enough after making a small hole and taking through a smaller force to assault those trying to retreat while others had loosened the braces.

Shadow was farther off and almost to the rear gate, she was doing better than the rest of them for making good time but then again she was not up against nearly as much resistance. One barricade after another had been destroyed but each one slowed them down allowing the enemy to put more distance between them.

As luck would have it he had breached a line and found the road largely undefended allowing him to close the gap a little quicker but still not quickly enough.

One detour after another they bypassed barricades they were still heavily defended in favor of assaulting the smaller, weaker ones. Blasting another to pieces his soldiers marched through and began to close the gap as Steelshod's soldiers raced across the street in front of them.

Driving his forces hard and right they surged onto the next street and moved ahead to cut off the enemy, gargoyles had been waiting and deciding it was time to slow them he send them diving down on the enemy slowing their advance somewhat.

The real target however was Steelshod himself, he had caught a glimpse of him earlier and knew he was at the rear of this column. Due to the strung out nature of his forces as he tried to preserve them meant he had begun to slowly fall behind the leading column as they manned each new defensive line.

This had been the enemies only Achilles heel in the entire battle so far: rather than just keep running they had to stop and wait for others to get caught up. Had they kept running Steelshod would have been inside by now but the barricades would have had so few defenders it would have been trivial to push them aside.

Seeing the break he needed the column turned quickly and closed the gap with the column controlled by Steelshod. Crashing into their lines as they turned and drew up Valkardian scanned up and down their line looking for the self proclaimed "emperor."

Finding his target surrounded by a small group of guard's the gargoyles turned their attention on them and began to try and drive a wedge.

Steelshod however was not interested in standing and fighting, still moving down the line as they battled to hold off the undead he yelled for the following columns to bypass the battle and keep moving towards the castle.

Valkardian ran down an alleyway with a few soldiers following and emerged on the enemies flank and zeroed in on Steelshod charging while the soldiers flanked the enemy. Blasting the ground beneath their feat the enemy soldiers staggered and fell away as Steelshod lurched backwards and regained his footing.

A gargoyle tried to slash at him now that he stood alone but was shattered to pieces by the blow of his claymore. Fighting for their lives as gargoyles tore into them the guards tried to reform but were pushed away by the flock of living stone leaving the opening Valkardian needed.

Swinging his halberd forward Steelshod slapped it away with his blade and stepped forward making an upper cut at Valkardian's chest and arm. Stepping back and aside as the blade whistled past he twisted the halberd in his hands and drew it back onto his opponents leg.

Stepping free and bringing the claymore back down both were forced away from each other for a moment before Steelshod quickly moved forward to attack. Keeping the blade extended somewhat so he could parry at cut from the halberd he closed the gap with Valkardian and stabbed.

Twisting sideways and stepping quickly the blade passed and another sweep of the halberd narrowly missed Steelshod's leg as they quickly circled each other trying to cut. Valkardian ducked rapidly under the blade and sprung forward before Steelshod could sweep the blade downward and freeing one hand slapped the blade away.

Slamming his body into Steelshod the other grunted and stepped back drawing a dagger and thrusting quickly. Dodging free Valkardian brought the spiked end of the halberd back to catch his opponents leg but Steelshod sidestepped the blow easily and sheathed the dagger.

Panic was breaking loose as the soldiers saw their leader battling it out and it threatened to interrupt their battle if it was not brought to a quick close.

Firing a spell into the ground Steelshod stepped back quickly but the second stumbled him. Blasting back with his own spell it plinked harmlessly off Valkardian's armor and a chuckle escaped his mouth.

Stepping forward Steelshod brought his claymore down in a swift downward cut. Valkardian however than back away moved into the blow and holding the halberd upright slammed the end into the ground.

Magic poured through the shaft reinforcing it as the blow connected threatening to shatter it, as the blow struck Valkardian shot out a free hand and grabbed the blade firmly and pressing his thumb into the groove he heaved with his body bending the blade.

Steelshod smirked and letting go of the claymore sprung forward drawing his dagger and stabbed heavily towards Valkardian's unprotected side while grabbing onto the halberds shaft.

Spinning slightly to his side Steelshod's dagger glided along the chainmail that protected a small gap in his armor, not missing a beat he closed the gap and tried to bowl Valkardian over.

Lifting his knee quickly he slammed it into the emperor's leg before bringing his head down rapidly. Aiming around the horn a crack rang out as helmets collided violently but it was Steelshod who staggered backwards from the blow. A quick punch to his face made him fall back a little more before he moved forward again.

Drawing his sword quick Valkardian slashed at his enemies arm and felt the blade connect. Steelshod let out a howl of pain as the lower part of his arm was severed and the dagger fell free but there was not enough time to attack again.

His guards had managed to fight their way back with the help of passing soldiers and with with cries and shouts of "protect the emperor" they pushed their way in surrounding Valkardian.

They did not attack however, Steelshod yelled something and gripping his stump quickly moved away as one soldier snatched the severed limb from the ground while another fetched the claymore which had sprung away a short distance when it had been allowed to fly free from its bent state.

Cutting down a soldier near him there was nothing Valkardian could do as the soldiers fled with his own in pursuit. What did catch his attention however was when a soldier passed the limb back to Steelshod who held it in place for a little bit before letting go. It had reattached itself.

So thats how you did it... Clever bastard.

Valkardian turned his attention back to the other forces now trapped by his own column and Blutlanze, Steelshod had succeeded in getting part of his forces away but not all of them. Encircling the unlucky battalions between their forces they squeezed them, it was now up to Shadow to keep their true intentions hidden.

Shadow was in place now, the enemy had just closed the gate and were firing away at her ranks as they poured into the area, archers fired back keeping up the appearance and racing into the officers barracks she began her search.

Just like Albtraum had said there was a mark above one door on the second floor but she would not be able to use the door. Moving into an adjoining room she looked at the wall a moment before driving her fist through the wall, it amazed her just how strong the armor made her.

Panicked screams filled the air from the other side and looking through the hole he looked around, the door had several runes carved into it but not the walls, the window however was protected.

Stepping back she rummaged around in her little armory and drew the halberd out and began to hack a hole through the wall while outside her soldiers used a makeshift battering ram "borrowed" from the training ground to hammer away at the gate.

Sobbing and screaming continued as the hole grew larger until she could fit through it and once inside the room Shadow began looking for the source of the screams. A hoof was just sliding under a bed and grabbing it she tugged the pony free with a quick yank sending them sliding across the polished floor.

Her sister Night Streak slid across the floor before stopping and scrambling to get away but the shackles around her legs made it impossible to move faster than a shuffle. Looking her over it was clear someone had been beating on her now and then, judging by her attire...

"Nighty, its alright! Its me!"

Her sister looked up with wide eyes in a panic as her body shook uncontrollably, eyes searching the strange figure desperately for any trace of familiarity.

"Who are you? Where is the master? If he finds out you broke into his room you will be punished! And me too..."

Her eye twitched, much like herself years ago her sister had been made a slave but never once had Valkardian done anything like this. He had zapped her on the butt once but that was to bring an end to her tyrade, her sister however had wound up with the short end of the stick.

"Its me! Shadow Moon!"

Checking to make certain things were safe first, Shadow removed her helmet for a minute to let her sister see. Instead of familiarity with her however Night Streak pushed away in confusion.

"You dont look like my sister, your eyes are... Mean."

"I just found sister chained up in a room, beaten, enslaved and probably worse. Yes I am pissed off... Never mind that, its me! Let me get you out of those shackles..."

Testing just how strong the armor really made her she grabbed the shackle and began to pry it open, it took some effort but the iron rivet popped allowing one leg free and soon the other as well. Standing her sister up she looked her trembling form over.

"Mom, dad and Night Ray are just fine, they are far away and safe!"

"Whats going on?!"

"Canterlot is under siege and Valkardian's forces now occupy everything but the castle! Dont worry! Steelshod will be dead soon enough! Who did this to you?"

"What? Who is Valkardian?"

"Never mind that, who did this to you?"

"Captain Fier..."

"What does he look like?..."

Shadow listened for a moment, it took some convincing that everything was going to be fine and that her sister was indeed free but being able to find the one responsible would be near impossible in the chaos of the battle.

Realization that she was indeed Shadow Moon had been slow and looking herself over in a mirror in the room explained why: the rage burning in her eyes and blood splattered armor did little to help others recognize her older, gentler self.

"Now listen closely... You will have to stay in my pouch until the battle is over and its safe to come out..."

"No!"

"It is that or you risk getting killed in the fighting outside, my pouch is really the safest place for you to stay!"

Night Streak tried to run for the hole in the wall but Shadow grabbed her quickly and one brief struggle later had her subdued, sobbing form pinned on the floor.

"Just get in the bag... I will deal with you later."

Opening the pouch and fighting for a minute or two Shadow finally had her struggling and screaming sister sealed away and pulling the pouch shut tightly she placed it in a secure location then crouching moved through the hole she made and left the room.

Outside she walked along quickly as magical blasts flew from the wall now and then, her soldiers would not be able to breach the gate but that suited her just fine for now. Looking up at the wall an idea came to mind.

"Captain Fier!"

Things calmed for a moment as a head poked out and stared at her.

"Just checking."

Shadow walked off and called away her soldiers to a position out of range before turning around and watching the wall. She knew his face now and could hunt him down later, pulling on her link with Valkardian and informing him of the situation it was quickly agreed upon that the original plan would be followed through with.

Remembering Albtraum's "gift" she smiled and waved at the wall before sending the signal setting it off. A cloud of smoke and fire shot up and the ground shook a little leveling the officers barracks and sending soldiers scurrying along the walls to avoid shrapnel.

It was time to rejoin her forces with the main body and join in the larger attack.

Looking out over the city from one of the towers along the wall he counted up the enemies numbers quickly before grimacing, they had failed to dent them. Now the strongest wall protected them including magically braced gates, from here they could hold out and wear the enemy down.

Sacrifices had been made but he still had enough to man at least this part of the city but if they took the walls only the castle itself would remain and it was far from defensible. An abortive attack had been launched on the rear gate yet no attack was followed up on the main castle gate.

Perhaps they knew it would not work which brought up a greater question: what were they planning?

Scanning their ranks as they drew up in preparation for an attack he furrowed his brow in some confusion, perhaps they were going to try and use ladders? Ramps? Could the undead even use ladders? There was so little known about them it left more questions than answers.

Looking at the handful of golemns he wondered if they planned to just hack away at the gate in an attempt to blast through again, it would not work against these gates however.

"Captain... Collect Celestia and Luna, bring them to the throne room and keep them under guard."

Waving the officer off he continued to watch the undead, if nothing else he would see those two dead at least. Luna had a hand in this somehow and win or loose she would be punished till her sister wept tears of blood.

Herr Blutlanze, Albtraum, Shadow Moon, other Death Knights and Valkardian stood in a sheltered area away from the prying eyes of the defenders. Since the two gates could not be forced open that meant they would be going over the wall but as to how had been a secret.

Shadow recognized the crystal pillar that had been ferried in from the tunnel and set in the building they now occupied, it was devoid of any residents and made the perfect meeting place since it held a good view of the castle wall.

"This section of the wall is the only one that has no obstructions between the wall and where the army is gathered. While forcing the gate would take time and power that I do not care to expend there is another method: going over it." Valkardian pointed to the crystal for a moment before continuing. "That, will provide the energy I need to build a ramp for us to pass over the wall and down the other side and into the castle grounds. There are enough buildings close by that materials will not be a problem and once they are woven into place forming a ramp you must each move your columns forward quickly as the ramp forms."

Valkardian pointed at Shadow Moon.

"You must get inside quickly and find the prisoners and secure them, Albtraum will take care of the horns but they will be meaningless if the owners are dead. I will be after Steelshod, he is heavily modified and you must avoid him if you can. If not, use numbers. Remember: He can regenerate the worst wounds easily so anything short of decapitation will only slow him down. Herr Blutlanze, you have command of the army and must wipe out every last enemy soldiers." Looking around the collection of officers he paused a moment. "Understood?"

They all nodded and were sent off to rejoin their forces and looking at Shadow he stopped her. "Find your sister?"

"Yes. She is in my pouch, unwillingly... But safe."

"On your way then."

Shadow Moon left the building and joined in with a column of undead soldiers and waited, the enemy had tried several times to drop them with seekers but had failed horribly, they were excellent against the living but not so much against the undead.

The golemns had been held back far enough they could use buildings as cover but now had begun to advance forward, gargoyles would not be helping them, attrition had taken a toll on them and they would be reserved for fighting in the castle itself and several of them would be hers to command once they got inside.

Standing still and waiting patiently for the signal to advance she watched as the golemns were finally in place, beyond the enemy had ballista and unicorns ready to blast away at them but the real threat was now the overwhelming number of infantry waiting behind.

Sometimes the biggest target is not always the most threatening.

Magic began to pour out into the buildings along the road, pulling them apart rapidly and watching with curiosity a wide ramp began to form in front of the castle wall, the order to advance was given and the columns marched forward towards the ramp as the defenders began shouting in anger. Ballista bolts screamed overhead, one missed Shadow barely but tore several soldiers to her left to pieces.

Magical blasts were thrown into the ranks as they climbed the ramp as it continued to rise higher and higher into the air and any gaps blown in the ranks quickly filled in, most fire was aimed at the golemns destroying three quickly but onward they marched.

Fifty yards to her front the ramp finally connected allowing the first ranks to pour over onto the wall and the sound of metal crashing and hammering against shields filled the air. One golemn to her front cleared a section of rampart with one heavy swing sending the defenders bodies flying through the air as it kept moving forward and down the next ramp that was forming on the other side.

Reaching the wall and hopping down onto the rampart Shadow looked around quickly and saw soldiers all along the walls running for the towers and slamming the doors shut while the courtyard below was a teeming mass trying to hold the undead at the base of the ramp.

The last of the golemns continued to hammer holes in the enemies ranks before slowly being blown to pieces by unicorns but the gaps continued to widen. A few more bolts passed into their ranks with some effect but the slow grind forward was driving them back inch by inch.

A few feet away from her Albtraum pointed to a balcony on the castle and signaled her forward. Spreading her wings Shadow flew from the advancing tide of soldiers and raced for the balcony, as to how Albtraum was going to follow was unknown but he would make it somehow.

Landing on the undefended balcony she quickly looked back to make certain the gargoyles were following, they landed with a heavy thud on the stone and ordering them inside they rushed down the hallway leaving the embattled armies behind.

Jaws dropped as buildings were pulled apart only to be reformed into a wide ramp leading up to the castle walls, undead had begun to march up almost immediately and panic spread up and down the line. Ballistas fired off at the golemns and enemy officers but missed and now the unicorns tried to shatter the ramp but it was impossible as each new layer was rooted firmly from its top to the ground.

Below soldiers were formed up and readied to fight off whatever came over but he knew it was only a matter of time now. Turning and ordering his small cadre of ranking officers to follow him they began their slow descent down the tower as the undead slowly ascended.

When they reached the bottom and walked into the courtyard the undead had just begun to overrun the walls and now a new ramp was forming allowing them access to the courtyard itself. It would be a short walk to the castle but the ramp was descending faster now and not nearly as secured as the first ramp going up, not that it mattered anymore, undead poured off it and into his waiting ranks, golemns hacked and chopped before being felled with great effort.

Steelshod glanced upward a moment as a figure flew overhead and into the castle followed by a large group of winged golemns, they were going to try and rescue the princesses but they had already been moved.

Officers opened the door for him and walking inside without a single bit of worry or hurry in his steps he began walking down the long hallway towards the throne room.

Racing down the stairwell with the gargoyles in tow to the ground level Shadow emerged and was about to make the turn towards the dungeons but the sound of someone struggling and trying to scream over a gag got her attention. Stopping for a brief moment she sent a wraith after the sound and waited a moment as it shot away down the hall before stopping.

So they moved the prisoners.

Turning her little force around they raced down the hallway towards the throne room with their heavy steps announcing their presence long before they would arrive. The door was still slightly ajar as shouts could be heard inside as soldiers struggled to keep Luna contained while a wraith watched from above.

Throwing the doors open and sending the gargoyles forward they slammed into the large gathering of soldiers, to her left the main doors flew open as officers poured in running with weapons drawn before skidding to a halt on the carpet.

Sword in hand Shadow turned towards them and pulling two gargoyles away from the fight charged.

Steelshod was halfway down the hall when a familiar figure teleported in front of him blocking the way, both groups stared for a moment before charging at each other weapons drawn, the emperor however ordered his officers away, they were to execute the princesses immediately.

Valkardian had a longsword in one hand and a dagger in the other as he charged at them, the officers parted ways and were not interested, he knew that Shadow was in the throne room now so it did not matter, it was up to her now.

The first swing from Steelshod was avoided by teleporting away before it could connect and reappearing behind him the dagger was thrown quickly into the emperors leg but rather than stop to pull it free Steelshod growled, turned and swung again.

If his opponent could ignore pain this well and not hesitate to keep fighting despite a dagger being lodged in their leg it meant pulling out all the stops, this one was far too dangerous otherwise. Pulling another dagger free Valkardian moved forward enticing Steelshod to take a swing at him.

He did not fall for it but kept his steps even and properly paced despite the wound and circling each other his magic suddenly flared and yanked the blade free before hurtling it back at its owner.

Ducking quickly the dagger firmly lodged itself in the stone wall to the hilt as another spell went off, the carpet threatened to be yanked from under him but pointing down with his dagger he fired off his own spell obliterating it sending up a heavy cloud of smoke and soot. Seeing his enemy through the smoke cloud making an upper cut with his claymore Valkardian backed away quickly allowing the blade to pass as it hissed through the air.

Darting forward to close the gap he swung for his opponents wrist but they were already gone, he had teleported a short distance away himself and was making for the battle in the throne room.

All hell had broken loose as bodies were flung, torn apart or fought desperately to stay alive, Albtraum had burst through a door and joined the fray seconds before the next party fought their way inside.

Shadow was busy battering an officer away from the princesses as her two gargoyles were brought down but just as quickly Albtraum filled the gap wielding a war axe and dagger with brutal efficiency slaying an officer quickly.

Doubling her own efforts Shadow brought the officer in front of her blocking the one behind him from attacking, they quickly stepped away to flank her again but she dodged the blow and using her shield as a battering ram heaved herself into the one in front of her.

They fell away and crashed to the floor, turning rapidly she parried another blow before bringing the edge of her shield into their arm snapping it, pushing forward as the blade fell from their hand she stabbed up and into their throat before moving away.

A blow struck her left pauldron as she turned but glanced off quickly, one was standing back up to her right and now the colonel in front of her was trying to yank her shield free to give him a better target. Slapping his fingers with her sword he screamed in pain as his severed fingers fell away but he made another thrust despite the injury.

Drawing the shield across her body and backing away it glanced off and blocked another blow coming from the other officer. Jerking sideways she stepped into the wounded stallion and hammered him with the shield rapidly a few times before diving the bottom point into his extended leg as he tried to move away.

Blood bubbled from the wound as he collapsed on the floor allowing her to face down the other. A mace crashed into her shield sending painful vibrations through her arm and with a quick swing aimed at his arm he stepped away quickly and raised his shield.

"Hey!"

From behind him a shout made the officer partially turn as a dagger was driven into his side, Shadow watched as he turned quickly groaning in pain before a leg shot out kicking him down. An axe fell onto his head cutting through the helmet cleanly before being torn free, Albtraum took a quick look at her before pointing into the fray.

"You take that one."

Just as quickly the fight started up again as she rushed to cut off an officer that had managed to bring down a gargoyle and was now racing towards the captives.

Throwing her shield out to block the blow she almost failed to make it in time as it fell towards its target. With a loud bang it deflected away and throwing herself sideways she collided with the officer and drove them to the floor, straddling their body Shadow drove her blade into their chest and began to twist it back and forth as the coughed up blood.

Standing quickly a small group of soldiers burst through the door she had used earlier, one of them she recognized.

Turning on them she raced forward and crashed into them scattering the few survivors of the battle outside. Jabbing one in the side quickly Shadow struck another in the back as they tried to stand felling them, back on her feet the two left quickly moved to flank her and charged in.

Blocking a blow from her left she turned and used her shield to push the still stunned soldier into the other before moving forward and slashed their sword arm, a howl of pain and the sword fell free and keeping the wounded between her and the officer she circled quickly before impaling the soldiers on her blade.

"Captain Fier."

The captain across from her was a nervous wreck as he looked at corpse and blood streaked floor of the throne room. Whatever soldiers were left huddled together for protection fighting back to back in the hopes of surviving just a little longer.

Shadow pounded their shield with her own bringing them back and bringing all her strength to bear hoped that whoever or whatever made this sword was a better smith and enchanter than whoever made the captains.

One is not supposed to strike edge against edge in a sword fight, but her own was heavily enchanted and not made of simple steel. Heaving her blade against their own with all the power the armor could allow her to bring her blade struck the captains and cut it cleanly as the enchantments that were once bound to it burned and fizzled away.

Terror and shock filled his face as he quickly drew a dagger but a hard kick to his shield made the trembling officer stumble. Hooking the edge of her shield around his she yanked it aside quickly and cut the hand holding the dagger free before stabbing him in the leg and twisting.

Screaming in pain the captain let go of his shield and tried to grab onto her but a quick slap of the shield broke his arm. Stabbing him in the stomach she worked her way up his body one stab at a time before stopping at his throat and letting her shield go she yanked him up and into a sitting position.

Drawing her sword back she swung quickly and watched as the decapitated head rolled across the throne room floor with satisfaction.

Taking a quick glance of the battle as it ended she caught sight again of Valkardian and Steelshod as they continued to hammer away at each other like stallions possessed by a spirit of rage, hatred and revenge.

What she saw as the fight ended however as the floor bubbled and things crawled away from Valkardian made her gasp and choke in revulsion.

Steelshod was a master swordsman and frankly Valkardian had to admit was better than himself, if it were not for the armor and magic Steelshod would most certainly win in a "fair" fight. This was not a fair fight however, teleporting around each other since magic was useless against each other they continued to battle their way around the throne room.

Valkardian knew what Steelshod was aiming for but due to the mass of bodies struggling for that particular stretch of floor it was not possible for him to use the runic circle yet, not that it mattered, Albtraum had seen to that.

As the two bent and wove their way around avoiding blows Steelshod powered his horn and began grabbing weapons from the floor as soldiers fell one by one, each was driven at Valkardian from different angles in the hopes of creating openings but a quick teleportation or counter spell blew the weapons from the air or left them striking at air.

From the corner of his eye whenever opportunity allowed he could make out Albtraum and Shadow now and then doing well, it would not be long till Steelshod was the last one left standing their brutal gladiatorial king of the hill battle.

Steelshod grabbed a soldier near him that was not heavily engaged and shoved him towards Valkardian at one point hoping to flank him, instead Valkardian used the soldier as a living shield before sending him straight back at his emperor with a solid kick that sent the soldier flying.

Dodging the body and racing in to make another blow he swung the claymore and just barely did Valkardian dodge it, the two kept their deadly dance going waiting for the other to make a small mistake that would cost the other their life.

Another swing missed and stepping forward Valkardian closed the gap but Steelshod once more dodged away and tried to catch him with a back-swing, it too missed.

Gambling on an odd chance of success Valkardian waited on the emperor to make another downward swing and when it fell towards his right he stepped into the attack and raising his sword up rapidly to cut the blow short twisted the handle catching the blade with the quillions. Yanking down hard his dagger arm reached out and it too locked the blade in place preventing Steelshod from pulling it free.

Not to be outdone the emperor quickly lifted a leg and kicked hard into Valkardian's leg just as the dagger had locked his blade in place, the blow sent him backwards unlocking his blade and making him limp.

Moving in for the kill he made a quick swing with his blade but it failed to connect as he limped out of range, Steelshod stepped in quickly and twisting his blade around brought the pommel into Valkardian's stomach with a savage thrust.

The blow did not dent the armor but the shockwave that passed through the metal made his insides lurch and bending over Valkardian let out a loud grunt, twisting he swung with his right hand as he stood up somewhat and making a quick uppercut with a gauntletted fist punched Steelshod in the lower jaw, the quillion missed lodging into his jaw by a mere fraction of an inch.

Lurching backwards from the blow Steelshod looked around quickly and rapidly backed away and into the runic circle and powered his horn up as Valkardian recovered and began moving forward again. Firing off the spell the runes flared a moment before dimming, trying again he had the same result.

"An associate of mine found your teleportation circle last night and altered it."

Growling the emperor moved forward quickly and smashed a gargoyle to pieces with a blow.

"That will not stop me from taking you out with me!"

Alright, Valkardian thought, time to stop playing "fair."

Standing upright Valkardian fired off a spell now that his opponent was too blind with rage to notice his surroundings. The stone floor bubbled up and grabbed his legs, he almost tripped before looking down and laughing before smacking one leg free with a quick slap of his claymore shattering the stone to pieces.

Instead of coming free his body was pulled down into the floor slowly making him struggle faster and harder. Steelshod was one powerful bastard too, using his sword to cut away at the floor and heave himself free of the magic tendrils dragging him down chunks came free with each pounding blow and magical blasts cratered the floor around him but he was still unable to get free as he sank first to his knees then almost to his waist.

Sheathing his dagger, Valkardian opened a pouch on his side and summoned his writhing swarm forward, they skittered out and down his body and legs in a steady stream towards the trapped emperor. Swinging his sword at them Steelshod cut away furiously but the writhing mass continued to move forward undettered.

Clambering onto his body the emperor began to swat them away with his hands as they began to burrow their way into his body, chewing holes and tunnels that closed up behind them as the power that kept him alive tried desperately to repair the damage.

Scarabs could be seen moving freely up his arms and the movement his armor was making meant they had infested his chest as well but still he did not die, the magic that preserved him was too strong.

An unholy, agonizing scream pierced the air as blood poured from the wounds the scarab swarm continued to make as they burrowed through his body trying to force it to succumb.

Celestia and Luna watched in horror, Shadow was fairing better though, she was not on the verge of retching on the floor. Albtraum had continued to watch and by his stance and the way his helmet moved to face Valkardian seemed curious as to if this was entirely necessary.

Valkardian moved forward and using the tip of his sword flicked the claymore out of reach before resting the blade on Steelshod's neck.

Sensing the danger the swarm shifted itself and raising his blade Valkardian brought it down quickly removing Steelshod's head from his body. Whatever magic had kept him alive all this time burned off rapidly as it tried to seal the wound but without a head to control the regeneration it went awry and flesh reached into the air as blood gushed from the opened arteries.

The grisly spectacle continued for a minute before dying off and the body went limp, the magical powers having dissipated. Recalling the swarm it flowed from the body and back into his pouch and sealing it he walked over and picked up Steelshod's head.

"This one is going with me." He said, looking into the hollow eyes of the severed head before tossing it to a gargoyle. "I will not allow you two to have access to whatever magic he used to stay alive with all this time. Albtraum?"

Nodding, Albtraum walked over while sheathing his weapons before removing a large, long box from a pouch, holding it out to Valkardian he took it then looked at the two princesses.

"Alright then, time to settle matters."

Author's Notes:

The aim here was to give a more "personal" battle as it fell blow by blow rather than seeing it from a birds eye view.