As I watch the gypsy caravan and accompanying civilian wagons crest the next hill and begin to disappear behind it, we arrive at the building that the Major has her HQ in. Outside it, I see Fancy Flourish, the civilian wagon train head waiting, as we approach, she waves me over.

“Morning Fancy.”

“Morning LT, Morning Captain,” She replies to us “You two got a minute?”

“Sure Fancy, what’s on your mind?” Broken Dreams asks her with a bit of curiosity in his voice.

“Well, I just wanted to let you two know that most of the civilians decided to stay last night, at least for now. But they are all getting nervous. Rumor has it a couple of bounty hunters tried to take out Silver Spite in the last week and he has not been taking it well. I guess he caught one of them and they say it was not pretty. I wanted to let you know, especially Mollygirl here, as he is focusing his rage against her they say.”

“Who are they?” I ask.

“A couple of stragglers who came in this morning. They broke an axle before we broke their lines. They got it fixed but captured a couple of Silver Spite’s soldiers who let them know. Their prisoners have already been handed over to the MP’s I guess Taser was pretty fascinated with their equipment”

“Thanks, Fancy, for letting us know. I will be even more careful now.” I tell her.

With that, all three of us step inside. As we go in, I see Paper Work taking the daily muster reports and totaling them up. I also see Specs and 1^st sergeant Light Weight already inside as well. As the company commanders arrive, I see Tourniquet, Dull Beak, and Guerre file into the back of the room. The Major has a large map on the table in front of her.

“Ok everyone, today we will get a later start than expected. I want to head back south toward Two-Step. Word has it that Silver Spite has a battalion almost formed down there and I want to smash it quickly.”

I see Captain Hell Fire raise a hoof, “Ma’am, where did we get this information? Did the scouts bring it?”

She shakes her head no, “No captain, we got it from a couple of prisoners that were brought in today.”

“Ma’am, could they be plants? I mean this seems to be drawing us the wrong way,” Hell Fire says in a worried tone.

“Captain, I assure you they are not plants. We will hit them hard again and when we shatter them, we will capture their survivors.”

I see that the answer does not sit well with several of the others, but nopony says anything. So, the Major continues, “Mollygirl, I want your scouts out asap. Send the fliers out in pairs, I want them heading directly toward Two-Step. I want the ground scouts sent out also, have them go along the main roads here,” she points towards the map, “And here.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I reply.

“When we advance, I want the artillery as well as the Engineers, civilian camp, and the Volunteer company to follow this road closest to the river. On this other road, I want my other three troops, The quartermaster's Service of Supply column and my HQ. Tonight, we will camp here. The first ones there will notify the others and also will begin to set up camp for the night. Dig in or build fortifications as needed.”

Now I begin to worry. I do not like the idea of splitting up our forces but, I really have no say in it. But it feels like a recipe for disaster. It also almost feels like the one column is being used as bait. Finally, she relieves my worries somewhat by adding. “Also, Guerre, your force will be on standby as a quick response force, but I want them to accompany the Engineers and artillery. Now dismissed.”

On my way out I nod to the staff members, then I stop to talk to Taser briefly, “How’s it going Taser?’

“Morning LT. It is going pretty good. I followed your suggestion and had that talk with Cookie and Sweets. We are going to give it a go. Once back in the Co-op we want to eventually start an orchard if we can.”

“Sounds good Taser, glad to hear it for all of you. I better get going for now. Take care and give my regards to the mares.”

“Will do LT, thanks for asking.” He says as I head out the door.

Once back to the troops I gather my scouts together, Dull Beak is with us, which in a way surprises me. “Ok, Everypony we are going to be busy again for a while. The major is taking us back south. She wants to crush any forces that Bursting Star and Silver Spite may have left. This means we are leading out. Sergeant, we will be dividing up the scouts. I want two sets of flyers out ahead of us as well as two sets of scouts on hoof.”

“Yes Ma’am, where are we heading?”

To this, I pull out my PipBuck and send a photo of the map to each of theirs. Then I tag the evening rendezvous on mine which automatically updates theirs too. “We will be marching south on these two roads. The sergeant will make the assignments. Sunset, let me know when you are done. We head out in half an hour.”

I step outside and Dull Beak follows me out. “LT, you don’t like this do you?”

“Honestly, Tartarus no. It feels all wrong. Like we may be heading into a trap.”

I see him tilt his head, “So why are you following these orders then?”

“Dull Beak, I am a soldier, it is my duty. I really don’t have a choice right now.”

“LT, you always have a choice.”

“DB, to tell the truth, my honor relies upon performing my duty. If I want to change things I need to advance and become the one in charge. Then I can do what I want. Until then, I follow orders.”

“Do you mind if I fly with your scouts today then?” he asks.

“Not at all, let the Sergeant know to put you on the roster. I will be back in a couple of minutes.” I tell him and trot up to the Door Kicker's first three squads.

Once there I call out, “1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Squads, NCO’s call pronto.”

When all of them have rallied on me I lay out the plans for the day. I also send them the map for the march and the tag for our expected camp for the night.

I see both Duke and Broken Hills exchange a look. Then Duke steps up, “Ma’am, is this a good idea? I mean didn’t we already hear they were swimming troops across on anything that floats?”

“Duke, we are doing this. I am letting you know what is going on so we are all on the same page and mentally prepared for anything that may occur. I will say both columns will meet up for the night before heading south again. But until then…”

Behind me, I hear Sutures, “LT, Should Triage and I pick up some extra supplies from the quartermasters before we head out?”

“Sutures, that would have been a great idea, but we jump off in less than half an hour. We go with what we got. Sergeants, get with your corporals and this evening we will top off on ammo, rations, and anything else we need. Now let’s go get them forming up for the march.”

Just before we step off, I catch up with Sunset, “Ok sergeant, who is going where?”

“Ma’am, I am taking Choo Choo and Dull Beak with me on the western road. I will have Sky, Firefly, and Serenity flying ahead on the road to the east. On the ground, I am having Xavier, Xochitl, Ginger, and Blackberry Pie ahead of the eastern road. To the west, I will have Trouble, Blondie, and Chip. I know Tweeters is following the youngsters. Are you ok with Woofers trotting along with you?”

“Sounds good Sarge, and you know me, I never mind Woofers keeping me company. Ok, then let’s hit it.”

“Yes ma’am,” he replies then shouts, “Scouts out as assigned.”

I then watch as my scouts go out ahead of me. Then I fall in with my squads and await the order to begin the march. Finally, it comes and we step out. As we go, I begin to hear singing from the ranks.

The Minstrel colt to the war is gone

In the ranks of death, you will find him;

His father's sword he hath girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him;

Land of Song said the warrior bard,

Tho' all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,

One faithful harp shall praise thee!

As the dust begins to rise from our hooves on the dirt road, I hear the orders behind us being given, “E-troop forward by fours, at the walk, March!” As the Rangers fall in behind us.

The Minstrel fell! But the foemare's chain

Could not bring that proud soul under;

The harp he loved never spoke again,

For he tore its chords asunder;

And said No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and bravery!

Thy songs were made for the proud and free,

They shall never sound in slavery!"

Eventually, I hear my old friend Kettle Bell, the 1^st sergeant for the Hell’s Belles call out the order “H-Troop, by twos, at the trot, March!” as they fall in at the tail of our column, staggered with their weapons pointed outwards also.

The Minstrel colt will return once more

When we hear the news, we will cheer it,

The minstrel colt will return once more,

Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.

Then may he play on his harp in peace,

In a world as Celestia had intended,

For all the words of war must cease,

And every battle must be ended.

We may all be somewhat worried, but overall, we are in good spirits as we begin what we hope will be the closing set of battles for our campaign and soon be heading back home to our families and friends.

Two hours into the march I get a report on my PipBuck from Xavier, they are coming across refugees heading our way. He types the message to me, LT, they say that their village has been hit by raiders yesterday. Village is 20 klicks south/southeast, by the foothills of the Foal Mountains.

Wonderful, just what we need to add to the mix, raiders and slavers and refugees, oh my. I send, back, Rodger, keep me informed.

About half an hour later we come across them there are about forty of them. Several are wounded including a foal. We can not stop so I tell them to simply stand clear of the road and once we pass to head north by northeast toward the Co-op. They quickly get out of the way with their few possessions that they have left. I see a hopeful look in some of their eyes as we head south, others, I see them with their heads hanging and a look of defeat on their faces.

When we take our lunch break, we leave a scout flying up high at all times as well as the ones on hoof out ahead. Soon after we take to the road again, I get another message from Xavier that I forward onto both Broken Dreams and the Major. LT a large group of raiders ahead. Less than two klicks, falling back now.

I have my squads deploy as does Dark Hills and Broken Dreams. We have just set up when Xavier, the other scouts, and Tweeters come scrambling out of the woods. I hear hooting and yelling behind them as well as a few gunshots. I turn on my E.F.S. and see a large number of red marks heading down the road and on both sides of it in the woods.

My troopers hold their fire until they are well within range. Then at one time they open fire on the command of our Captain. In a matter of minutes, it is done. We hear the wounded scream; some try to drag themselves away. Their uninjured running away leaving their fellow raiders alone to face us. On our side, we have light casualties. However, as Xavier and the other scouts come over, I notice Xochitl’s left ear has blood on it. Upon closer examination, I notice he has had the tip shot off.

“Xochitl, your ear, are you all right?” I ask.

He takes the time to run a hoof along his ear, looks at the blood on it. “Yes, I am alright LT, they just grazed me some. I guess I should put something on it though. Have you seen Sutures or Triage?”

“Yeah, Triage is just over there working on Corporal Henrietta,” I tell him as I point to where a cow is sitting along the side of the road with the unicorn medic wrapping a bandage on her forehoof.

“Thanks, LT,” he says as he trots off toward her, leaving me a bit perplexed.

I look at Xavier, “I thought he would have been a bit more shook up having been shot, even if it was in the ear.”

“LT, when it happened, he whinnied in pain and then looked at Ginger and told me, it was not as bad as when she got shot. Then he shut up about it.” Ginger standing behind him just nods.

Part of me wants to smile. I guess he does care what Ginger thinks after all. Then I notice that Woofers has gone up to one of the dead raiders that have made it closest to our lines. He bites the raider's leg and twists his head back and forth as quickly as he can. Suddenly the unicorn raider jumps up screaming and tries to slice him with a knife. Woofers leaps back and takes to the air, yipping, and growling at him. Without thinking I draw out Honor and fire a round into his other front leg. He falls to the ground screaming as several of the closest troopers rush over to take him prisoner.

“Ok, troopers, watch it, some of them may be playing dead. If that one tries anything again, put him down like the animal he is,” I call out as I point towards the new prisoner. I watch as Sutures goes up to him, and begins to treat his wounds.

From the distance, I can hear her tell him, “You are damn lucky that the LT did not just kill you flat out. If I were you, I would be on my best behavior.”

I then hear the raider reply, “What, she’s the LT? The one DJ Pon3 mentioned?” he seems shocked to hear it as his ears go back and his eyes wide. “I thought she would be bigger.” He says.

I see Sutures chuckle a bit and then tell him, “Yeah, she gets that a lot.”

We do a quick search of the other raiders and take prisoner those that are still alive, which is not many. We also check the bodies for anything useful. Just as we are finishing up the Major comes behind me and the Captain. “Ok, what is the holdup. It was only a couple of raiders, let's get moving, now.” She tells us.

At that point, I give the order, “Scouts forward,” and watch as Xavier and the others head back south again. Shortly after they head out, I order my squads forward by twos. We march with staggered columns of two, our guns at the ready as we follow the scouts. Behind us, the rest of the troop falls in and we are all on the move again shortly afterward.

Above us, Serenity and the others continue to fly ahead. Behind us, the dust rises into the sky. I notice that many of the troopers further back in the column have placed bandanas across their muzzles to keep the dust out of their noses so they can breathe easier. It almost reminds me of the comic book I once saw that showed the bandits doing that robbing a bank in Dodge City, I laugh to myself at the thought and am thankful at least we are not having to deal with the Buffalo too right now.

We continue the march and rest routine we have followed for most of the march, and are nearing the rendezvous point when in the distance I hear Celestia barking as she fires off rounds under the guiding eyes of Sunset. I then hear Guerre’s Squad on the radio frequency as they hit another group of either raiders or Bursting Stars troops.

That is a least seventy-five to a hundred raiders and hostile soldiers encountered today. Our column reaches our estimated campsite. There is only one road that heads south from there and it heads right towards Two Step and the base of the Foal Mountains. As D and H-troop begin to set up fortifications and camp for the night, E-troop heads back up the other road to meet and guide the other column in.

Once we are all in, we all finish making camp and setting out guards and pickets for the night. The Major has the CEF HQ in an old barn, the farmhouse near it having collapsed into its basement. The center of the camp is located near it as is the civilian camp.

My scouts are mixed in with the 1^st squad again. The 3^rd to our right and the 2^nd to our left in the line. As I head on over to the HQ for officers’ call with the captain. Sutures tagging along behind so she can catch Archer.

“Well Captain, tomorrow we should be in Two Step again. I know the tavern owner there, mind if I buy you a drink, Sir.”

“Ya, know what, that sounds great Lieutenant. I think we both should have one. I figure one will not hurt your foal. Besides, we might be able to consider it a victory drink if things keep going like this.”

I turn my head behind us, “What do you think Sutures? Would one drink be ok?”

“One should be ok, but I would not recommend any more than that Lieutenant. Would you mind if Archer and I perhaps joined you though?” She asks with a smile on her face.

I look at Broken Dreams and he tells us, “Sure, sounds good, things really are looking up.”

“I agree sir, but I am a bit worried about all these extra raiders we have come across today.”

He scoffs and waves a forehoof, “Mollygirl, they are just raiders, after all, it’s not like they are real soldiers.”

Soon after we arrive at the HQ. We are close to the last ones to arrive and both Broken Dreams and I receive the mare stare for it. The only thing better is that Balanced Books arrives just after us. The Major gives him the same look and then says to him, “So nice for you to join us, Lieutenant. I hope we are not putting you out of your way.”

He maintains his bearing and looks her straight in the eye, “Sorry ma’am, I wanted to double-check some of the numbers on our supplies so I can go over them once we are done with Officers’ Call.”

She nods her head, “Very well, we will talk more then.” Then she turns her attention to the rest of us. “OK everypony, tomorrow we will travel back to Two Step. I do not expect any more resistance than we experienced today. My plan is to spend the night there, and if nothing major occurs we will begin the trek back home two days after. She points to a wall of the barn that is bare wood with chalk writing on it. “As you can see, I have already written down the marching order for tomorrow. Mollygirl, I want your scouts out in force along the mainline of march. Oak Root, I want two of your squads acting as flankers. Hell Fire, you have the rear of the column. I want you to keep a good eye open. Guerre, I want your troops to ride for most of the trip, but have them on stand-by for action. We will move automatically in the morning. No morning officers’ call unless I notify you. Dismissed.”

As I leave, I am caught by both Sutures and Archer. Tonight, he is treating us to dinner at the civilian camp. I am really becoming used to our arrangement. Goddesses I hope Badger and Magpie agree with the proposal I sent them. I hate to admit it but I have realized I have truly begun to fall for both Sutures and Archer as well. The worst part, I feel guilty. Is it wrong to be happy, to make others happy too?

After dinner, we are walking back to camp when I notice the sun setting. “Guys, can we just sit here for a second and enjoy the sunset?” I ask.

As they come to sit by me I put a hoof around both of them. “It sure is pretty Mollygirl,” Sutures pauses then continues, “but I have a feeling you have more on your mind.”

“I just wish I could let you both know how much you both being here with me has meant. It has gone from just attraction and friendship. Honestly, if Badger and Magpie do say no, I don’t even know what I will do. Archer, Sutures, the last couple of months have taught me so much, I, I, I have to tell you both, I love you. You already feel like my mates.”

Archer leans into me and kisses me gently on my scarred cheek. “Mollygirl, I, we both love you too,” he tells me as Sutures nods her head, “We also respect you, dear. That is why we wait until we find out the answer, ok. But that does not mean we cannot still spend time together. Intimacy is more than just, well, you know, bucking.”

“I know, but sometimes it is so hard, I want you both so much, I want to show you how I really feel.”

“Mollygirl, we know, or we would not have made that suggestion of a combined family, and yes Mollygirl, I do love you too,” Sutures tells me as she leans into me and gently kisses me too.

It is then that Archer lays down and I do the same with my head on his back, and Sutures does the same to me. We lay like that until after the sun goes down. Eventually, we get up to head back to camp. “Archer, do you have to go back to your camp tonight? I mean, could you stay with us tonight?” I ask.

He smiles at us, “Dears, I would love it, and I am having a hard time not staying with you tonight, but we have an early start in the morning. How about tomorrow night when we get to Two Step? We should have time then.”

With a pouting expression, I reply to him, “Ok, but I am holding you to it.”

“Ok, now I really do need to get back. See you tomorrow, both of you.” He tells us as he turns and heads back to the artillery camp.

Sutures puts a hoof around me, “Looks like it is just us again dear.”

Once back at camp we sit around the fire with the scouts and those of my squads who are not on watch. It is nice to just enjoy each other’s company, but hopefully, soon we will be back home again. I listen to bits and pieces of everyponies conversations and even join in when we sing a few songs. I do notice though that whenever the bottle is passed the troopers somehow make it so that it goes around me.

Eventually, I decide to call it a night and head to my bedroll. Sutures and Woofers join me. Before I can fall asleep Ginger surprises me. She comes over to us, “M, Mollygirl, could I, Could I give you a hug?”

I smile at her, “Sure Ginger, I would love it. Is everything ok?’

She nods, “Yes, it's just, we may not have much more time out here and I really will miss it.”

“I understand entirely. But we will still see each other at home.”

“Yeah, but you will be busy with everypony there. Plus, the foals will be coming soon.” She tells me.

“True Ginger, but I will make time for you too. Would you like for me to read to you tonight Ginger?”

She nods her head, “Would you mind. I like it when mom reads to me, but I miss you reading to me too.”

“Ok Get your book out.” As she pulls her Daring Do book out of her saddlebag, she places it in front of me and I light the pages with my PipBuck. She lays between my forehooves and along my side, I feel Sutures cuddle closer and put her head on my back.

As I finish up the story, it happens. I feel a movement inside that I have not felt before. I am sure that I have felt my foal move. In my excitement, I tell both of them and get a hug from them. My little one has let me know that they are here. It makes it all seem so much more real and even more important to me now.

After a bit Ginger, gives me another hug, I kiss her on her forelock and she tells me, “Goodnight ma, I will see you in the morning.”

“Sweet dreams little one,” I tell her.

After she leaves Sutures rolls to look at me, “Did she just call you ma?”

“Yes, dear, she did. She has not forgotten who her real mother is, but we have become very close too. Please don’t let Nugget know.”

“I won’t, she just surprised me a bit is all.” She tells me.

“Goodnight love, sweet dreams to you too,” I tell her and as I go to kiss her on her forelock, she shifts her head and our muzzles meet. We share a very pleasant kiss and snuggle a bit more.

Finally, we finish and as she buries her muzzle into the fur on my neck, she tells me, “Goodnight little mother, sweet dreams to you too.”

I lay there in the dark listening to her breath until she falls asleep. I look up to the sky and look at the stars and wonder what the coming days will bring. Eventually, I am able to sleep myself and fall into a deep if fitful sleep.

Morning comes, I smell coffee boiling over the fire and grab a quick cup as well as grab a ration pack for breakfast. Within the hour, the fires are all out, breakfast consumed, camps packed, scouts out, and the march resumes. The troops all seem to be in high spirits as the dust starts to rise, I see the troopers have their neckerchiefs around their necks and ready to pull up as needed.

As we approach a set of woods along the road, I receive a warning from Xavier, LT, we are hearing chitters in the woods I have tagged. E.F.S. is overwhelmed with hostile markers.

I quickly type back, Understood, stay clear of it. Thanks for the heads up. I then forward the message onto all of the other officers. The entire column then diverts off to the far side of the road as the news of chitters is passed around.

It takes us half an hour to pass those woods but now we are all on edge watching for more signs of them. Once we all pass, we begin to pick up speed again. As we head south, I hear Sunset over the PipBuck channel, “LT, we have three bands of hostiles ahead, looks like they are setting up an ambush around the road. I will send you the tagged locations. Approximately 100 to 200 raiders or soldiers.

I pass the tags onto the Major as well as his troop estimates. Soon the orders come out to deploy. I am told to order the scouts back towards our lines. After they report back that they are doing so, I hear Celestia and the mortars open fire on the tagged locations. They slowly sweep from one section of their lines to the others. Then suddenly the fire is shifted to smoke rounds and we can not see them anymore except as marks on E.F.S. We are ordered to advance to contact in line abreast formation. As all three troops form up and swing against the hostiles. It is like a bull running into a china shop as we hit their lines and they shatter, most running away with pockets trying to fight us.

We keep moving forward and they continue to fall back. The fliers, both my scouts and Guerre’s keep hitting them from above. We continue to have small skirmishes along the way, but by late afternoon we have reached Two Step. Ironically, we take up the positions that we held just a few weeks before.

Once the lines are ponied, I fall back to the village. I notice that many of the buildings are heavily damaged, and many of the prior inhabitants are missing. I finally make my way to the tavern we visited before. I notice that much of the furniture inside has been damaged or is missing. The barkeep puts his head out from the back when he sees me. I see the recognition on his face and he comes to the bar.

“Good afternoon LT. What can I get for you?”

“Nothing yet, but I will be back later. Oh, wait, do you have a couple of bottles of whiskey I could pick up for my troopers?”

He smiles. “I have some, not much left though. After you folks left last time Silver Spite's troops rolled in and it was not pretty. I have to say thank you for the heads up, most of us were out of town when they came in, so the casualties were not nearly as bad as they would have been. Once they left, we came back from the woods.”

“I am really glad that I was able to warn you then. Depending on what happens we may only be here a couple of days again, just so you know.”

I see his face take on a look of concern, “That does not sound good. If things go bad, let me know, I may end up leaving here then. From what I understand most of those who were here when Silver Spite took over last time got tickets to Fillydelphia as well as new forms of employment if you know what I mean.”

I smile ruefully at that, “Yes, I get you. If things do go bad for some reason your family can always throw in with our civilian caravan and head back to the Co-op with us.”

“Now, I am not saying we will mind you LT, But I might consider it. Just understand that I am still a bit unsure about your alicorns. Believe me, I have my reasons.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I understand, just keep it in mind. I might have a bugout kit ready for you and the family just in case. I mean things are looking really good right now, but have you ever got that feeling that something was just not right?”

“Yeah, yeah I have LT. Well, bring your scouts back when you're ready. I even have a couple of bottles of Sparkle cola I dug up for the youngsters with ya.”

I stick out my hoof, and he takes it, “Thanks, I will see you later tonight then.” I tell him and then head back out.

I then find my way to the HQ building. Quick Trot has decided to use the same one again. Although this time it is in a bit rougher condition, and the owners seem to be missing since our last visit. I am early for officers’ call so I visit a bit with Specs, Paper Work and 1^st Sergeant Light Weight.

After Officer’s call, I am with Broken Dreams and Archer when I see Taser. I head over and talk to him.

“Hey Taser, how are you tonight?”

“Good evening LT. Not bad. By the way, Cookie and Sweets told me to say hello for them. They also said we should all get together some time for lunch, dinner, or just tea even.”

“Sounds good Taser. Let them know I would enjoy that.”

I notice him look around a bit and then he continues “Oh, ma’am, not to sound like a worry wart or anything, but it seems like we are seeing a lot more raiders than normal. I know we are starting to run out of capacity to carry wounded prisoner even.”

I had not heard that before about the number of wounded prisoners, but I am not surprised either. “Thanks for bringing that to my attention Taser. Now that you mention it, we do seem to be encountering a lot more of them. I will bring it up to the Major in the morning.”

“Thanks, LT. I don’t think she would listen to me, what with me being a lowly trooper and all.”

“I know, but you do good work and eventually it will pay off.” I pause then continue, “Well I need to get going, have a good one Taser, see you tomorrow.”

While chatting with Taser, I see that Sutures has joined Archer and Broken Dreams and they are waiting for me. As soon as I get to them, we head on over to the tavern. The owner’s wife sees me and comes over and asks what we want. However, she also suggests that we might all enjoy a bit of their homemade apple brandy, which we all agree sounds fine.

When we are done our server then asks to talk to me privately, “Sure, I can do that I tell her, as she leads me to the back room.”

“First LT, my name is Blueberry Crisp. I want to show you something we have hidden in the basement, and I will explain it to you once you see it.”

Now my curiosity is raised. “Ok, Blueberry, I can spare a few minutes.”

She leads me down to the basement where they store their wares. Then she moves a shelving unit that is under the stairs and on hinges. Behind it is a small room and as she opens up the room and as the light begins to shine inside I see a massive pony silhouette. I take a step back at first.

She gently lays a hoof on my shoulder and points the lantern in her mouth at the mass before us. As the light goes over it I see something I have only heard of in horror stories and been taught to fear since a filly. But it helps to explain her and her husband's attitude the first day we met them.

In the faint light, I see a complete set of steel ranger power armor. Just seeing it gives me the shakes and my jaw drops. She sees and then begins to explain.

“LT, my husband and I have been here for about ten years hiding. We are deserters from the Steel Rangers. We had been sent to try and find a Stable 4B. The elder had noticed in an old report that Stable 4 had tried to contact it. Once we found it, my scribe and I were to report its location and wait for the others to arrive and reclaim the technology there.”

The horror of what she was saying begins to hit me. I remember in the Overcow’s journal that she said she was trying to contact Stable 4B in Manesville. That meant they would have easily found our Stable 48. I was just a rookie back then and would have had to face them. I feel the blood drain from my face.

She continues, “My husband, then scribe, had gone into Manesville. He told me how it was reestablishing what had been lost. The farms, the hospital, even the schools, and the library. He also told me that they had a strong defense force and it would be costly for both sides if we attacked.” She pauses for a minute then begins again, “He just could not bring himself to help attack a community like that. At first, I was angry at him for it. But then he got me to think about it. I just could not do it. I reported in that we found nothing in Manesville and later when by some abandoned village further south from there, I reported that we were being attacked by raiders and that my scribe was dead and my armor damaged. I had my scribe disable the tracker on it and then we came here. I retired my armor and took up the life you see us have now.”

I nod my head, “Ok, so why are you telling me this?”

“Because LT, after talking with Hard Tack, my husband earlier, he told me of your possible warning. LT, if it goes south, we will be joining you on your exodus, I wanted to let you know what we could bring to help you.”

I put a hoof out to her, “Thank you Blueberry, for that, and for what you did for the Co-op in the past. I only hope you do not need to leave this home, for both yours and our sake.”

As I leave the tavern, once again I thank Blueberry for her offer and am asked to keep it between us for now. It is hard to keep it a secret but I can manage it. I also pick up four bottles of their homemade whiskey for my troops. One for each squad, plus the scouts. This allows me to cover for why I went downstairs.

Once we are back at the camp things become much more interesting. First, I go to each of my squads and hoof them each a bottle. For some reason, I notice Sutures and Archer are right behind me. Then I give the final one to Sunset to be shared between my scouts.

After a bit, I notice that we are getting quite the crowd around the fire for the scouts. Then I notice several are getting out instruments that they have or that they found. Soon we have an impromptu jam session going that leads to some of my ponies dancing. I smile as I remember old times when I see Pearl dancing with Woodrow. Then I notice Trouble dancing with Blondie. I really smile when I see Dusty dancing with Firefly. It is entertaining to watch and then I see the enfields both playing in the air above everypony. The next thing I know I have Dull Beak there with us and he asks me to dance. I have never danced with a griffon before, but it is fun.

Then I notice Xochitl and Ginger are dancing. Nothing fancy, just slow dances. But they are trying, and they are copying us, adults, learning as they go.

It is a good time as we sing the old songs and dance to them. As the night winds down, they finally sing Red is the Rose. I love that song, and every time I hear it, I think of her, my Ivy. A tear rolls down my cheek and I sniffle a bit thinking of her. But I know eventually, I will be with her again. I just have to have patience. Besides, I have a foal to raise first.

Finally, I call it a night and head to my bedroll. Woofers is already there by then. Shortly afterward I am joined by Archer and Sutures. We cuddle down and I am so happy to just be held in their hooves. It has been a good day. At least no new stones in my saddlebags either.

We awake before dawn. Archer heads back to the artillery with a brief goodbye to both Sutures and me. We have just put on our kits. I am finishing tightening my helmet when from out of the darkness we hear the hoots and hollers that indicate raiders.

As they come at us from the dark with the sun starting to rise. Most of them being silhouetted by the sunrise. Our backs are to the river with no way to retreat.

Then I start to hear explosions among them as they hit the minefields that were still here from before. Those fields are not nearly as dense as before, but they still serve to slow the raiders down some. I hear the automatic antimachine rifles of Hell’s Belles open up as do the mortars, Celestia and Nightmare Moon.

The raiders are mown down or hit the ground. The attack is stopped about 100 meters short of our lines. They fall back to the woods in the distance. As we wait, we start to hear them chanting, howling, and screaming again as they build themselves up for another attack.

Two more times this happens with the final attack coming within 50 meters of our lines. We have taken several casualties, but for the raiders, it has been a bloodbath. I have never seen raiders react like this before, and it has me concerned.

After the third attack fails, they fall back into the woods and disappear. It is well after noon and the sun is beginning to get lower in the sky when we see it come out of the wood line. A pony carrying a white flag.

As it gets closer Broken Dreams calls back to HQ to let them know what is happening. Most of us just figure they want a cease-fire to collect their wounded. If so, it should be no big deal. We have done that before after all.

Once the pony gets close enough, we can see his uniform. He is part of Red Eye's army or was. He stops and waits for one of us to come to him. Dark Hills nods to me and Broken Dreams. He clicks a few buttons on his PipBuck so we can listen over the troop and CEF HQ channel. Then he leaves his hole and goes to meet him.

Once close enough, from over the command channel, we can hear Dark Hills ask, “Ok, what do you want?”

The other pony sets the white flag down “I have come from the headquarters of Bursting Star and Silver Spite. We want to discuss the terms of surrender.” He pauses then continues, “We would like a meeting of officers to be held tomorrow morning in the clearing by the trees from where I just came.”

Broken Dreams and I just look at each other in surprise. Damn, the Major's plan seems to have worked. Dark Hills then replies to the stranger, “I need to get with my command to get their decision before I can tell you anything. I thought you might be asking for a ceasefire so you could collect your wounded.”

“That would be appreciated, and it would be the equine thing to do.”

“Wait here while I go back and talk to my superiors.” Dark Hills tells him and then comes back to our lines.

Once there he turns off the continuous broadcast on his PipBuck. Broken Dreams then gets on his, “OK Major, you heard what they want, what should we tell them?”

She is quick to reply. “Tell them we will give them a two-hour cease-fire to collect their wounded for now. After that, if they do not attack, neither shall we. Also, inform them that we will meet them at noon tomorrow to discuss terms of surrender.”

Broken Dreams and I watch as Dark Hills once again goes out into the No Mares land between the lines and informs them of our decision. I watch as they shake hooves and the representative of their forces walks slowly back to their lines.

Once he arrives, I see dozens of ponies come out of the woods without weapons that begin to pick up their wounded and dead. Soon we begin to do the same for ours. Then over our PipBucks, we get the notification for Officers call. As I look up from my PipBuck I see a murder of crows landing across the river, with one particularly large one flying overhead.

Behind me I hear Xochitl, “They seem to be a little late.” Or are they I ask myself.

Dear DJ Pon3, it is with a sorrowful heart that I write this. Once again war has come to the place I now call home. I have met ponies that I was once to destroy and for who I threw away my life without their knowing and now am friends with. Unfortunately, I fear that our fates are now intertwined as well as the fates of my child and husband. With this in mind, I ask you to play for us Come Join The Murder.

Thank you

Blueberry Crisp

The fallen knight

Again I want to thank Kkat for creating the world of FoE. I also would like to thank so many others who have added to it. Names such as Somber, Fuzy Vee Vee, RuinQueenof Oblivion, Heartshine and so many more whose stories have not only grabbed my attention but built upon the original foundation laid by Kkat.

We watch as our gypsy friends leave us, but we may see them again. We also have made new friends and allies along the way. The campaign seems to be won now, or does it? Mollygirls and company are still a long way from home.

For those wishing to listen to this chapters dedication song the youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ullWDJFzNuM