The Castle On The High Hill
Chapter 1: The End of the Line, of the Final Journey
It was beautiful here.
That was a strange thought for her, she realized. But it was true. She had been staring at her surroundings for a while now, but had been so occupied with her previous thoughts that she hadn’t even realized. There were many, many things she was occupied with at the moment, the least of which was her thoughts.
A sudden gust of wind hit her face, drawing her gaze out to the landscape that surrounded her. It was unusually clear, she realized, the overcast clouds and rainy weather had been replaced with sparse Cumulus clouds, large and fluffy and only occasionally drifting in front of the sun. It was warm too. She shuddered, thinking back to the rain, mud, and snow of the Changeling winter. But the winter months had come and gone, mostly. Up here in the mountains the weather was slower to react to seasonal change.
The plains, hills, and rivers of the south-western Changeling Hives were all spread out before her. Following the river with her eyes, she could spot the city of Phantine, a small city, but an important point for controlling the region of Tainholm, right on the border of former Olenia. Phantine had fallen only two days prior with only lighthearted resistance from the hive militia that were there to defend the city. They gave up and surrendered pretty quickly when the 32nd Armored Division, her unit, finally entered the city. Since then they had advanced almost thirty kilometers in two days, with the only resistance they encountered being a single fighter that had flown over and strafed the convoy on the first day.
And now, here they were. Sitting on the side of a mountain, in a small town in the middle of nowhere, watching the sun rise. It was all quite surreal because for the last three years she had been fighting for her life and her country, constant combat across half the continent while trapped in a small moving metal box, and now that the fighting had mostly stopped and her life had a semblance of peace, she was still trapped in a now slightly larger moving metal box.
She lowered herself through the tank cupola for a moment, banging her leg against the gun breech and wincing as she grabbed her binoculars, pulling her head back up into the sun. With the binoculars, she could see much more of the landscape, even able to make out individual buildings in Phantine from this distance. Following the river down, she spotted one of the few remaining bridges still standing, and turning her view upwards, she could see a large mass of contrails. She guessed there were over a hundred of them, all in formation towards the north, away from their bases in Equestria and straight towards the last remaining holdouts of the Changeling army.
She frowned, thinking. If rumors were to be believed, they weren’t heading to Vesalipolis. Reports coming down the grapevine said that the whole city had been cut off for over a week, and that the siege of the place would be over any day now, with droves of bugs, starved and hopeless, surrendering to the ponies in droves. Chrysalis, of course, had fled long ago. Some said she was dead, but she wasn’t sure she believed that.
But everyone knew that even if Vesalipolis did fall, it wouldn’t be the end. The whole Changeling military was in full retreat north, towards the coast, and they had been fortifying for months, in order to make one desperate last stand for their country. So she assumed that’s where the bombers were headed. To the north, to keep the pressure on, and that’s where the rest of the war would be fought.
That’s also why the whole of Tainaholm fell in only a few days.
“Hey captain, you sure you don’t want a sandwich? We got strawberries. Not the best, I’ll admit, but it’s better than whatever the kitchen will cook up tonight…” Came a voice from beside the tank, the pony sitting on a worn and muddy picnic blanket. The two other ponies, the remainder of her crew, sitting beside him glanced up at her for a second, but returned to their early lunch without saying anything.
The one who had spoken was Thorn Rose, the loader of the crew, his name fitting with his rose-colored mane very well. He was the self-proclaimed ‘funny’ guy of the crew, and the whole unit, always cracking jokes and making remarks. He always knew when to shut up while they were in the thick of the action though, and was a well-experienced loader, able to slam shells into the breech faster than any other Unicorn in the unit, even if he was still getting adjusted to learning the new gun.
She had to be honest, she found him mildly annoying. But not because he himself was annoying, it was more so just what he represented of herself. Of what she had lost.
She knew he wanted to be a comedian, and that’s what he had been planning to do before the invasion. That was something she could respect, at least.
She gave his question a thought for a second before responding. “Yeah sure, toss one up. Haven’t eaten anything today anyway.”
“Alright, here ya go, already made you one.” He tossed it up, and she easily caught it with one hoof, giving it a quick look over, before taking a quick bite. It certainly was a sandwich. Was no Hayburger, but it was the best thing she’d eaten all day.
She glanced up at the bombers again, who had long since passed overhead, noticing the smell of wildflowers.
“Excuse me?” A new voice could be heard. It wasn’t one she recognized, but judging by the very noticeable accent, it certainly wasn’t a pony. She glanced over to where it had come from. Standing there was a Changeling, covered in a tattered Changeling Army uniform, with all the patches, insignia, and markings torn away, leaving only faded shapes. The yellow and green armband he wore designated him as a Changeling Defector, one of the many splinter groups of bugs that had broken out as the war drew on.
“Is this the Aurora?” He asked again, looking them over.
She gestured to the front of the tank, where that very name was written on the barrel. “Right up front.”
“Are you Pinkamena?”
“Who’s asking?” The earth pony replied back.
“Hard Line said to find you. Said you have some new orders. As well as saying that you had a ‘friend’ coming to see you.”
“Ah geez, a ‘friend’? That doesn’t sound good. What did you do?” Thorn Rose remarked, looking from the Changeling to his commander.
“Nothing. I think.” She scowled, and lifted herself out of the hatch, stretching for a second in the sunlight before making her way towards the front of the tank, hopping off the turret, stepping over the driver’s hatch to finally make her way onto the cobblestone road of the small mountain town.
“Alright, you three.” She said, standing over them now. “Don’t do anything stupid. Talking to you, Rose.”
“Last time was an accident!” He exclaimed in a huff, throwing his legs in the air. “Wasn’t my fault and we all know it.”
She glared at him. “Still, I’m sure none of us want to get yelled at again. You hear me?”
He grumbled something she didn’t catch, but nodded. Spotting the Changeling still waiting for her, she made her way over, mentally checking for the weight of her pistol in the holster on her leg. Just a precaution.
Wordlessly, the Changeling turned when she got close, glancing behind to confirm she was following him, and then began to walk down the street. She stayed a good few strides behind to keep her distance, a precaution learned from days under shellfire, but kept a good eye on where they were headed. They walked up the road, sloping uphill until several voices speaking Equestrian could be heard. As they crested the hill, the rest of the unit came into view, a line of tanks sitting on the side of the road, and the crews of each of them milling about on the street, a few of them nodding to her as she passed. There was a mix of vehicles on the road, the most noticeable ones being the brand new Phoenix tanks the unit had received only weeks ago, with the older Daybreak tank scattered through the unit and between the larger tanks. Tents were pitched between the vehicles, with a few fires burning in oil drums to help cook food. Quite a few ponies stood around sipping tea, a quite interesting new addition to the new tanks…
The changeling led her through the mass of ponies, weaving between them, and avoiding the glares directed his way by the crew members. They passed what must have been thirty tanks, trucks and jeeps put in there randomly, with boxes, barrels, crates, and cans of fuel, food, shells, tank parts, and weapons all stacked in large piles and tossed around on the ground. The air smelled of diesel fumes, smoke, cooking food, and body odor from being deployed for as long as they had.
Squeezing through the mass of ponies, they finally made it into a clearer area, and the Changeling turned into a narrower alley, away from the main street.
“Were you an Infiltrator?” Pinkamena finally got a chance to speak up, asking her question.
The Changeling hesitated, pausing for a split second, before turning to look back at her. “I… how’d you know?”
“You speak Equestrian perfectly, with only a slight accent that would be difficult to place unless someone knew what they were looking for. It was either that or you were educated in Equestria. And we both know it’s not the latter.” She answered as she kept walking, passing in front of him.
He resumed walking after, trotting forward a bit to keep up. “...Yes, I am. Or was, an Infiltrator.”
“So what’s someone of your high status doing all the way out here? I’ve heard Chrysalis is in great need of Infiltrators like yourself at this point.”
“I was born here.”
“Doesn’t answer my question though.”
“...I… deserted. Ran away. I didn’t want to die at the hands of some Queen I didn’t like.”
The earth pony said nothing, seemingly giving him an option to continue.
“So I joined the Tainaholm resistance as soon as I could. It started out small, but it got bigger, and I guess… well, I guess that’s what this mission is about.”
They emerged into a large area in the center of town, surrounded by large houses and various buildings. To the far side was a building that looked to have been a church at one point, but likely didn’t serve that purpose anymore, it's windows shattered and doors boarded up. The rest of the area was clearly a town square, but had been taken over by the command structure, with radio towers, Equestrian flags, and dark green tents. The normal citizens of the town, the many Changelings, still milled about the area, visiting what little shops and stores were still open. They tended to make a wide berth around whatever ponies they came across, but from what little interaction she had had with them, they seemed friendly enough, if only a bit wary.
Nothing had happened yet, but everyone was ordered to stay on guard.
She ducked in through the front flap of the largest tent, blinking as she emerged into the dim light of the command center. It was crowded with several ponies, all moving and doing their jobs without anyone noticing the new pony. She paused in shock, however, when she laid eyes on the largest creature in the room.
He had certainly grown over the past few years. Must’ve been a requirement, fighting on the front lines and serving their country would force anyone to grow real quick. The purple dragon was easily taller than most ponies, a good head above her she guessed, about as tall as Celestia. He wore the patch of the 1st Guards, an easily recognizable patch to anyone in the military. As the most elite group of Special Forces in the whole Equestrian Army, they were well known as being under direct control of the Princesses for whatever they needed.
“Spike?”
“Pinkamena?”
She struggled to think back to the last time she had seen him. Was it two years ago? That seemed too long ago, but then again, she struggled to remember much of what happened day to day…
Yes, two years ago. That was the last time all seven of them had gotten together for something. She suspected Twilight had something to do with them all getting leave at the same time. Rainbow had just come back from the Crystal Empire, where her Wonderbolt detachment squadron was stationed. Applejack had just gotten out of the hospital from a parachuting accident. Fluttershy had taken the train in from the Buffalo tribes, where she had been travelling across Equestria to promote war bonds. As a public figure, it was a good choice, but it had taken her a little bit to get over her usual shyness. Rarity and Twilight had came down from Canterlot, Twilight able to make it out that one day of many, many busy ones. Spike had been taking care of the castle while she was away. He was smaller then.
And she had just returned from a gruelling six-weeks of hell in Las Pegasus, where house-to-house, street-to-street fighting had practically destroyed the whole city. She had seen lots of ponies die. She had been so tired then. No one had commented on it, on how her mane was flat and her fur had gone duller than usual. She wished they had.
“I… wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Spike said, seeming genuinely surprised. “I wasn’t aware you had been transferred to this unit.”
“Yeah.” She responded, keeping her voice flat. “About eight months ago. Was moved from the eastern front to here.”
“I see. Are you the commander of Delta squad?”
“I am.”
“Then these orders are for you and the commander of Echo Squad of the 55th Onhooves.” He held up an envelope, the words TOP SECRET written clearly on the side. “I’m… sorry. I’d love to chat, but, as you know… there’s a war on. And these are directly from Celestia herself.”
“Yes, as he said, there's a war on, and as I understand these orders are very urgent, so we should get a move on as fast as possible.” Came the voice of Hard Line, stepping out from behind Spike. “So please, save the pleasantries for later. All we’re waiting on is the Echo Squad captain…”
As if on cue, the pony entered the tent, glancing around and headed over to them where Spike filled him in on what was happening as well. She caught her Changeling escort slip in behind the second pony, but he seemed to stay out of the way, and easily ignored.
They were led over to a side room in the tent, a projector already set up, and Spike laid out all the papers, photographs, and assorted other items.
“Three days ago.” Spike began, switching the lights off and projecting what seemed to be a map on the local area on the wall. He marked their location, the town, with a blue flag. “About twelve kilometers south of us, a forward unit of the 67th Onhooves encountered and was approached by a member of the local Changeling resistance, Mister Red Wing over here.” He gestured to the Changeling at the back of the room. “He presented to that unit a whole slew of extremely valuable intel, full of both confidential Changeling and Equestrian secrets. Along with a request. Of course, it was relayed all the way up the Chain of Command and verified, as well as the sources confirmed to be trustworthy.” He placed another marker on the map, representing where the mentioned meeting had taken place.
“Now…” He shifted slightly, adding several photos, some aerial and some from ground level, over the map. “This is Castle Itter.” The pictures depicted a castle, certainly, but not the usual picture of one that would pop into anyone’s head. It was small, and particularly fancy looking. It looked more like a mansion than a castle, complete with white stone and arched windows. It still had a dry moat, walls, and a tower though, so better than nothing.
“This place has been on our radar for a while now, but very low priority until yesterday. It was being used as a fancy prison for more high-level prisoners, people like diplomats, government workers, various military staff, things like that. As of four days ago, what few guards remained at the castle left it abandoned as their unit was ordered to retreat, and since then it has fallen into the hooves of the Resistance.”
“So what you’re asking is for us to get in there and rescue the prisoners?” The Echo Squad commander inquired.
“Yes and no.” Spike replied. “You’re being ordered to hold the castle, if possible. The VIPs inside are extremely valuable, so Celestia herself ordered them to remain where they are for the time being.”
“So if these prisoners are so valuable, and you want us to hold this castle, then why are you sending only our two units?”
“You will just be an advance force to secure the area before another unit can relieve you.” He inhaled sharply, closing his eyes for a moment, before continuing. “You will also be reinforced by members of Red Wing’s Resistance movement and have been ordered to fight alongside them.”
That sent a shock through the room, everyone looking up at him in surprise and shock, before quickly looking back at the Changeling, who so far hadn’t said anything.
“What, you want us to work with bugs!?” Came the inevitable cry from someone in the small crowd.
“Yes, I am aware of the… unusual nature of this, but these Resistance units have proven especially reliable for years now, and they have the crowns full trust. May I remind you….” The dragon's eyes narrowed, looking them over. “That these orders come directly from the Princesses themselves. All four of them. And no one in this room has the authority to make any complaints about these plans. If you want to, ask the general. Or write them a letter. They’ll get it reading it in about three to four years.”
Everyone stayed silent after that, a few even slouching down in their seats slightly.
“What’s the catch?”
All eyes in the room turned onto Pinkamena.
“They wouldn’t be sending this kind of force normally unless there was some threat to the castle and your very important VIPs inside right? They’d either send just the small force, or the whole unit at once. So I’m guessing there's some threat that requires us to get to this objective ASAP? Am I wrong?”
Spike exhaled softly, grunting. “No, you’re right.” He turned, shuffling a bit, before sliding a few more pictures onto the frame. “As of now, this is unconfirmed, but we have had sightings of a small unit of Queens Guard roaming the woods only a few miles from the Castle.”
An audible groan echoed through the room, a few people sighing. “What are they doing all the way out here?” Was a question posed.
“It’s not a full unit, so not as bad as it could be. Likely half or less of one at full strength. However, they’ve been steadily moving in the direction of the castle for a few days now, so we can only assume they intend to recapture it.”
“And kill these VIPs.” She answered for him.
“And kill the VIPs, yes. And we can’t, under any circumstances, allow that to happen. Understand?”
There was no response from anyone, except a few sly glances back at the Changeling, why returned them.
“Good. Gather your troops and inform them of the situation. We will leave in twenty. You are all dismissed.”
As everyone stood up to leave, mulling over the sudden realization of the coming operation in their heads, Pinkamena stayed, until Red Wing had left, leaving only Spike and her.
“You… don’t have to call me Pinkamena…” She said, standing slowly.
Spike, reorganizing the papers he had left out, gave her a confused sideways glance.
“Please. Call me Pinkie. Like we used to. Back… home.” She stood at the tent flap, facing away from him. “It’s… the least you can do.”
He nodded slightly in understanding. “Understood… Pinkie Pie.”
Pinkie stepped forward, pushing the tent flap closed behind her.