Chapter Seven

-Canterlot Castle Throneroom, Two Months Later-

Celestia lightly pressed both temples, as the gathered nobles continued to get louder and louder. Word had gotten out about Grongal's ultimatum being enacted on the Changeling Hive, somehow, along with the genocide of every Changeling within the Badlands. Now, with him still on the frontlines, handling the backlash of such a decision fell on to Celesta's shoulders. Never before had the mare noticed how blind and ignorant her court could possibly be, only a handful of them truly understood the Orc's reasoning while another sided with them to keep their own power base intact.

"What he did, was unspeakable! Too far, no matter his reasoning!" A pegasus noble yelled, disgust written across his features. "This course action was both an outrage and disgusting!"

"Warlord Dragonblade did such an action to prevent another Changeling Invasion!" A unicorn noble, Fancy Pants if Celestia recalled, argued. "While I do not agree with his method and approach, I understand his thoughts on the matter! He needed to prevent their impending attack, or infiltration. The Warlord issued a warning, they ignored it, and he did what he thought was necessary for our own safety!"

His argument earned a soft smile from Celestia, who felt a sense of comfort. It did the solar princess good, to know that there is at least one of her court who could see why in Grongal's actions. However, her smile had been quickly lost.

"What needed to be done or not. What is wrong, is still wrong!" The noble argued, glaring at Fancy Pants. "Equestria is a kingdom of nobility and peace! Regardless of being at war with an empire of savages, we should never stoop to their level, just to win!" He looked around to the other nobles, motioning towards them. "The Warlord's actions against the Changelings, an atrocity against everything Equestria stands for! He must be brought to justice!"

"I applaud your attempts to gain the moral high ground here, my lord, but…" Fancy Pants looked at his colleagues, motioning towards them as well. "This situation called for a tough decision, and the Warlord did what none of us could possibly ever do… What was right, to protect Equestria!"

Soon, the entire court was in an uproar, about whether Grongal should be arrested or not, both sides unable to convince the other. This all caused Celestia to pinch the bridge of her muzzle, releasing an annoyed sigh. "Enough!" They all stopped, hearing their princess use the Royal Canterlot Voice. "I have heard both arguments, and cannot truly bring an end to this. For my own opinion on this matter is truly bias, and so a choice will be clouded or argued due to my past with the Warlord." Celestia could not believe she is about to do this, but there is no other option left to her. "I will send out a vote, to all of Equestria, and even to the recaptured territories, once they are returned to us…" She looked at those of the court, every noble giving Celestia their full attention. "This will ask them whether Warlord Grongal Dragonblade will face a tribunal… After the Neo-Gryphon Empire threat, has been defeated."

They all nodded, none of the nobles having any arguments with their princess' decision.

-Road North of Fillydelphia-

The Equestrian Army had been reduced to three-fourths of their battle strength, to keep Baltimare safe from any incursions from Manehatten. However, despite this, their firepower remained overwhelming compared to what the Neo-Gryphon Empire could muster against them. Many within the Equestrian Army believed that retaking Fillydelphia would be easy, but their commander did not share this belief. Grongal went so far, as to send a platoon of scouts a day ahead of their main body.

Now, the Orc lead his marching army at their point, one of the higher ranked officers trying to keep pace with him. "Warlord Dragonblade, please, I understand your need to lead from the front…" The unicorn officer started, Grongal's Vanguard right behind him. "But, this is a bit dangerous, its bad enough that you led the charge into Baltimare… What if a Longshot sees you and tries to take a shot?"

"If they can bring me down, Colonel Bright Dawn, then the Longshot deserves his honors." Grongal answered, his gaze scanning their surroundings, carefully. "As for the other thing? How can a soldier trust his commander's orders, if that commander will not be willing to follow it, as well? I am the first to charge, and the last to leave, to show those under my command that I shall share whatever fate has planned for them." He snickered a bit, nodding. "Plus, I also wish to personally welcome the scouts from Timberwolf Platoon back to us."

Bright Dawn gave a reluctant nod, already learning that there is no changing the Warlord's mind after its been made up. "We still have not heard from them, Warlord." Bright Dawn started, releasing a held sigh. "This makes two days, from what I have heard about them, this makes no sense and is abnormal." Unknown to the unicorn, Grongal spotted something just ahead of them. "I don't like this-!" Bright Dawn ran square into the Orc's back, stumbling backwards. "Gah! Warlord, warn me when you are about to-… Warlord?"

Sounds of armored plating trembling confused Bright Dawn, seeing their Warlordstading in place and staring ahead of them. What filled them with some concern, had been the fact that Grongal's hands were tightening into fist.

"W-Warlord? Is everything alright?" Bright Dawn looked around and up, seeing Grongal's wide eyes of shock. This caused Bright Dawn to look ahead, his own eyes widening. "Oh, sweet Celestia, no…"

Before them, laid the slaughtered remains of Timberwolf Platoon, their howling timberwolf insignia confirming who they were. Arrows, broken weapons, dented shields, and blood stained soil, littered the ground the corpses. Solider after soldier laid where they had been slain, left for the crows and vultures to feast on… But, what had gotten them, had been the crucified pegasus stallion, wings nailed around the cross and armor stripped form his body.

"By Equestria, Warlord…" Bright Dawn looked up at the Orc. "That's lieutenant Jet Stream, Timberwolf Platoon's commander!"

When a visible flinch came from the crucified stallion, when his name had been revealed, Grongal shot forward! His blade gave a single, visible strike and obliterated the very cross Jet Stream had been nailed on, allowing him to enter a free fall. Though, tossing the warblade aside, Grongal caught the wounded stallion, and gently, lowered him down. "I have you, son, you're safe."

The storm cloud gray pegasus slowly, and weakly, opened his amber eyes, seeing the Orc propping his head up. "W-Warlord…? I-Is t-that really you, s-sir?" His eyes were dulling, body weak.

"It is, son, I am here." Grongal answered, while Bright Dawn ordered for the medics to hurry. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Jet Stream just looked up at Grongal, tears starting to form, voice choking. "W-We tried, War-Warlord… When w-we got he-re… T-They started t-to hang them." The stallion struggled to explain, through his weakened state, Grongal merely listening. "W-We atta-cked, b-but… It had b-been a trap… T-They came from all over, surr-roundingus… We didn't stand a-a chance, and fought to t-the last." Jet Stream's tears poured like a waterfall, unable to stop. "A-After they strung me u-up… I-I could hear t-the screams and cries, a-as they hanged t-the last."

Grongal watched, as life left Jet Stream's eyes and the stallion went limp. Slowly, the Orc closed Jet Stream's blank eyes, lowering him down… But, a sudden breeze alerted Grongal to several straining ropes nearby them, gaze snapping up and pupils shrinking at the very sight. "By the Spirits, no…"

The breeze made their stiff frames swing back and forth, some bouncing off each other. Majority those hanging from the tree limbs were no taller than Grongal's knee, the rest did not even make it to his hip. Their blank and terrified expression being burned into the Orc's memory, unable to look away. Grongal's hands gripped the dirt, leaning over Jet Stream's own corpse. In seconds, all were forced away from Grongal, as his rage had been made manifest before them!

"I will slaughter them all, for this!" Grongal roared, an inferno exploding around his entire body, forcing a circle of fire to expand out and incinerated anything it had touched. The display of sheer, overwhelming, power terrified those behind the Orc, some falling back on to their tails. Slowly, Grongal stood up, the flames whipping and snapping from his body. "Colonel Bright Dawn!" His voice echoed, almost like Grongal was the fire around him.

"Y-Yes, Warlord!" Bright Dawn snapped forward, never seeing this side of Grongal before, but kept his distance from the raging flames. "Right here, sir!"

Grongal unhooked his helmet, putting it on and caused the eyes to blaze brightly, before looking back at Bright Dawn. "Cut these children down, and bury them. After that, begin our assault on Fillydelphia."

Bright Dawn blinked at his orders. "A-And what of you, Warlord?"

Grongal reached out to his warblade, a whip of fire wrapping around it and placing it into the Orc's large hand. "I'm going hunting." A gust of wind blew in, causing the flames to swirl around, both it and Grongal vanishing within the blink of an eye.

"Y-Yes, Warlord…" The way Grongal said 'hunting' sent a chill down Bright Dawn's spine… He almost felt sorry for whoever incurred Grongal's wrath by doing this.

-Three Day Later-

It did not take very long, before Fillydelphia had been turned into a massive warzone. Cannons echoed all around the city, their explosive rounds causing buildings to come crashing down, collapsing on their frames. Both soldiers and civilians flooded the streets, as forces from Equestria and the Neo-Gryphon Empire clashed in all over the place. Though, for right now, it seemed the battle of Fillydelphia had become a stalemate, with no victor in sight.

"Is there any sign of this fabled 'Warlord', I have been hearing about?" A golden armored gryphon asked, as he observed the battle from a building far from danger.

"No, General Sliver…" A gryphon officer answered, looking around nervously. "S-Sir? Are you sure h-hanging those children was a good idea?" This caused the gryphon general to look back at her, a brow raised. "I-I mean, it did not sit well with the soldiers, and caused the Equestrian to fight more fiercely."

"Nonsense, Captain." General Sliver snickered, as he watched the battle… Not noticing a slight breeze and increase in temperature. "It silenced those damn troublemakers of ours, resisting the Emperor's laws, and their children paying for what they created had been a grand idea of mine to see to that. Plus, we even ambushed an Equestrian Scouting Party, while doing it! This prevented any information leaking to their main force, about any weaknesses in our defenses. I would say that it was a victory for us."

"A victory, huh?"
"AGGGGGGHHH!"

The sudden voice, and screams of General Sliver's cadre, forced the gryphon commander to whip around… Going pale at what he saw. "By the Griffenstone…"

Towering over him, was a black armored giant, with flames seething from his armor and warblade. Everything behind him had been devoured by an inferno of flames, General Sliver's cadre reduced to charred husks. The giant's blazing gaze locked on to the cowering general, who fell to his knees at the very sight. The image made General Sliver believe he is staring up at a Vengeful Spirit… And did what any sane being would do, in these situations.

"Please! Please, show mercy! I-I swear, there was no other choice!" General Sliver begged, falling to his knees, clasping both hands together and held them up in a praying fashion. "I didn't want to do it, but they were causing so much trouble, and my soldiers suggested that I-ACK!"

The giant suddenly grabbed General Sliver by his throat, knocking the gryphon's helmet of. "Sorry? You have the gall to beg for mercy, from me?" Those soul piercing eyes blazed brightly, the flames around him growing even stronger. "Those children begged, they screamed, they cried; and yet you still hanged them from those trees!"

General Sliver just stared, in pure terror, at the giant. "W-Who are you?"

Roughly, the giant lifted General Sliver off the ground. "I am the Dragon of Blackrock, the Iron Warrior, the Blademaster of Fire, and Son of Warlord Zarron…" His eyes flared, grip tightening around the gryphon's throat. "I am Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, your end."

SLASH!

-Outside, Neo-Gryphon Battleline-

Equestria's forces managed to push the Neo-Gryphon Empire's own back to their last battleline. The cannons continued to fire and send explosive shells into the sky, then back down on to the gryphons. Those that had been trapped under General Sliver's iron fist, managed to take up arms, after the Equestrian soldiers liberated their districts. Now, the Neo-Gryphon Empire struggled to maintain their last remaining hold within Fillydelphia.

"Keep holding, Gryphons!" An Imperial Sergeant yelled, as magic blasts and cannon fire struck their barricade. "We cannot let them retake Filly-AGH!"

A bolt struck the sergeant right dead center of their head, an Imperial Longshot firing their crossbow where I came from. "We need reinforcements! Where is the headquarters' garrison!?" They asked, ducking before two bolts could hit them.

"Reports of a fire raging there came not too long ago." A soldier replied, bracing against the barricade. "There is no telling when we will-?"
"Neo-Gryphon Empire!" A voice roared, drawing their attention to the headquarters' roof… Seeing a black armored figure looming on its edge, warblade in hand. "Behold! The fate of those who dare to slaughter children, without care or remorse!" Then, he held up the severed head of General Sliver, for all to see. "Surrender, or you shall share his fate! So says I, Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, High Commander of the Equestrian Military!"

The Neo-Gryphon Empire's forces were shocked to see this, wondering how Grongal snuck past their entire defense force and slay General Sliver. Feeling his blazing glare, and sensing the Orc being serious about his threat, every gryphon began to disarm and throwing their weapons down. This caused the Equestrian forces began to cheer for their commander, who simply tossed General Sliver's head down to the streets below.

Grongal slowly looked up, then towards a certain mountain side city and castle. "You know… I think it is about time I went back for an in-person report, and to see if my secret weapon is ready." His gaze went down to the city of Fillydelphia. "Though… Repairing the city." His gaze then went to horseshoe shaped harbor nearby. "And ensuring no danger comes from the sea, may take some time." The Orc turned around, walking down the steps. "Hard work is often repaid with an equal reward." With that, Grongal left the roof.

-Canterlot, One Month Later-

The streets of Equestria's capital were echoing with cheers, flower pedals floating down from every roof top and balcony, as soldiers from the city and Grongal's Vanguard paraded towards Canterlot Castle. The Orc, himself, lead the marching force towards their destination, as he would if they were marching into battle. Family members were in tears, seeing their loved ones return safely from battle, children instantly running up to their parents or older siblings, joining in the marching parade.

The show had drawn the royal family's attention, all of whom waited for the returning soldiers at their castle gates. Though, a particular princess visibly showed her anxiousness more than the others, another quickly taking notice. "Dear sister, if you fidget any more, our subjects will think the slightest surprise will give thee a heart attack."

"I cannot help it, Luna… It has been three months since I last seen him, and we have only been able to stay in contact through letters." Celestia noted, hands shifting against each other nervously. "Not to mention, what if he is hurt, or injured? That is why he is returning? And what if he does not react kindly to what I had been forced to do, when dealing with the nobles? What if-?"

Luna gently placed a hand on to her older sister's shoulder, ending Celestia's minor panic attack. "Sister, he has won Equestria two major victory, reclaiming two of our captured cities. Such a feat deserves acknowledgement, and celebration, since we have only suffered defeat and stalemates." She gave a light nod, Celestia gave a soft smile at her sister's comfort. "As for the politics?" Luna gained a disgusted look about her, for only a few seconds. "I am confident he will understand how fickle it can be, and how you were backed into a corner by both sides."

This caused Celestia to release a relieved sigh, before nodding. "Thank you, Luna, for assuring me on this… I just hope you are right."

"After what I have learned, during those two months of training, sister?" Luna suddenly gained an overly confident grin. "I know I am right about the Warlord." Sounds of thunderous marching drew their attention back to the city streets. "And speaking of a certain dashing Warlord? Here he comes." Celestia went wide eyed, her wings fidgeting and tail swishing at the sight.

Marching towards them, a banner bearer with the Equestrian flag to his right and one holding the Blackrock banner to his left, was a helmetless Grongal. The Orc's warblade had been strapped to his back, helmet clipped to his hip, black armor giving off a polished shine. Each heavy boot step echoed against the cobblestone street, his stride and stance giving off an aura of some returning champion. Grongal's heroic aura increased, as the sun's rays shined brightly off of his features, flower pedals blowing behind him. Even the Orc's long hair had been done ceremoniously, as if he had already won the war.

All of this caused a red hue to appear on Celestia's own face, many believing they saw steam appear above her. "Careful, Tia, don't want to melt before he gets here." Luna whispered, snickering at Celestia's silent 'eep'.

Grongal came to a halt, two paces away from Celestia and the other princesses, his entourage around ten steps behind the Orc. "Warlord Grongal Dragonblade, here to report…" He slammed a fist over his heart, giving Celestia a tusked grin. "Victory over Baltimare and Fillydelphia, Princess. The Neo-Gryphon Empire retreats from your banner's shadow and might. I have returned for a littler shore leave, allowing those able to also return home, and check on a project commissioned five months ago."

This brought a smile to Celestia's muzzle, as she looked up at Grongal. "To know that many of my subjects have been liberated, by your hand, has warmed my heart, Grongal." She said, motioning for the Orc to follow her. "Please, join me, there is much to talk about."

The Orc gave a nod, before looking at the Vanguard and soldiers behind him. "You are all dismissed, until further notice!" They all stood at attention and saluted with a 'sir!', scattering to their family and friends. Grongal, on the other hand, followed Celestia inside. "So, what is it we must do?" He asked, noticing how the other princesses stayed behind.

"Hm? Oh, before we get started on that, there is somepony you have to meet." Celestia smirked, as they turned into the Medical Wing, causing Grongal to blink a couple of times but the princess answered the question he was obviously thinking. "They arrived this morning, Meadow Breeze has been anxious for you to meet them this whole time."

"You mean…" Grongal started, as they came up to one of the rooms, where a yellow pegasus mare guarded. "She?" Tempest Sky saluted, and moved out of the way.

Celestia gave a light nod motioning to the door. "Yes… Both are inside, but Meadow Breeze is still tired. So, try to avoid putting too much stress on her, would you?"

Grongal gave a nod, grasping the door's handle with his armored hand, and turned it. When the door opened, and what it had hid appeared before him, the Orc felt a swelling of pride appear within his chest.

Sitting in her hospital bed, teal hair a complete mess still, was one worn out Meadow Breeze. She had a pink blanket bundled and tucked within her arms, the mare smiling down at the bundle. Though, when the door opened, Meadow Breeze instantly looked up and smiled. "W-Warlord-I mean, Grongal! I am happy to see that you managed to come, and visit, sir!"

"Of course I would." Grongal walked over to the mare, pulling up a chair and taking his chosen seat. "When I find out that one of my soldiers has given birth/ Nothing could stop me from welcoming that new life into the world." His gaze went down to the mare's neck, after hearing a juggling sound, and smiled at how she was wearing the dragon amulet. "So, what did you name them?"

Meadow Breeze smiled a bit more, looking down at her foal. "I did a lot of thinking, even more so on what you told me five months ago. When she finally came, seeing her for the first time? I wanted to thank and honor you, since you gave me the first lesson on motherhood and helped me understand quite a few things… Along with thank the one who passed such wisdom on to you, and then you to me." She held the foal towards Grongal. "Sir, say hello to little 'Life Binder'."

The name shocked him quite a bit, but Grongal gently took the filly into his large hand. He just stared down at the filly, now able to see her red coat and yellow hair, along with how small this 'Life Binder' is compared to him. Though, when she yawned, and opened her eyes, those amber orbs staring up at the surprised Orc… One could imagine how Grongal felt, when she started to giggle and reached up to him.

"Heh, aren't you a little bundle of joy?" Grongal asked the child, as his other hand hovered over Life Binder, allowing her to grasp and play with the Orc's index finger. This caused Meadow Breeze to smile, along with those at the door. "It is good to finally meet you, Life Binder, I am… Grandpa Gron."

Celestia blinked, noticing a strange look about the Orc, one that seemed familiar, and the sudden change in his tone. Then, when the Orc shifted Life Binder into his arm, she realized something… Grongal seemed far too familiar with how to handle a newborn. With how closely she examined the Orc, Celestia saw a longing look within his eyes.

-Sometime Later-

Both Celestia and Grongal stood on the balcony, overlooking Canterlot, the pair leaning on to its railing. The princess had just finished explaining what had happened at the last court meeting, and the decision she was forced to make. To her surprise, the Orc snickered at the idea of a tribunal being held for him. "Gron? What's so funny?"

"Regardless of what is decided, I had been planning on submitting myself to a tribunal after all of this, anyways." Grongal's gaze watched the city below, Celestia just staring at him silently. "What I did, was a terrible thing to do, I should be brought to justice for it. After all, I am not like Garrosh Hellscream, believing I can do such things without consequence."
"But... What if they find you guilty? Force you to spend the rest of your days in prison, or have you executed for it?" Celestia sked, seeing the Orc's hand tighten, as her mind began to panic and worry about him.

"Then justice has been served on one who has wronged so many." He simply answered.

Celestia fell silent, looking away from him… The alicorn mare's mane covering her eyes. "It's not fair…" The muttered words caused Grongal to look at Celestia. "We try, and try, to be together… Yet, something always interrupts that." A tear rolled down her cheek, causing Grongal to go wide eyed. "I am always doing things for everypony, putting my own needs aside for them… Why can't I ever get to be selfish for once? Get what I want, instead of what everypony else wants?" She looked towards Grongal, both eyes tearing up.

Grongal just stared at her, a look of regret appearing on his features. "Yeah… I wish for that, too." He sighed, reaching up and wiping the tears away. "Tell you what, Tia… After retaking Manehatten, and before taking the Army to Trottingham, I will return to Canterlot… Then, you can be nothing but selfish for my whole stay, agreed?"

"Promise?" She asked, the Orc nodding, which prompted Celestia into hugging him. "You better keep that promise, or we will find out just how fire resistant Blackrock Orcs are."

"You are such a tease, Tia… I like it!" Both burst into laughter, before falling silent and just enjoying the embrace from each other.

That is, until Celestia spoke up again. "Gron… Back in Ms. Breeze's room. You seemed too familiar with handling newborns. By chance, did you have any of your own?"

That caused Grongal to choke up, before he recollected himself. "I was never mated, Tia. But, there was a child I adopted. Her name was Li-!"
An explosion shook Canterlot by its foundations, Grongal and Celesta instantly looking towards its source… Terror washing over them, after seeing half of Cloudsdale had been completely vaporized! Pieces of the floating city falling, unable to keep themselves up without their other parts. What made it even worse, especially for the mare, were visible silhouettes of citizens in a state of free fall. Each one disappeared behind the treeline, along with rubble falling from the city, but it had bene obvious what happened to those whom fell like that…

"N-NOOOO!" Celestia screamed, her voice wailing all over Canterlot!

The doors swung open, Commander Iron Sides and six Royal Guards rushing in. "Princess! Warlord! What was that-by Equestria, no…" They all stopped, seeing what had happened to Cloudsdale.

Though, the air started to heat up, Grongal gaining a fiery red aura about him, Celestia falling to her knees in tears. "Commander, is the Fang of Lo'Gosh ready for deployment?" The Orc's voice was filled with barely restrained rage.

"Yes, Warlord, but what does that have to-?"
"Then tell the crew, prepare for a rapid deployment! Gather my Vanguard and any the city can spare; we are moving out!" The Orc spun around, stomping off towards the castle's hallway and then headed to the closest workshop, shoving past the Royal Guards… Leaving Celestia where she sat, crying.

-Canterlot Streets-

All were in a panic, half of Cloudsdale had been completely vaporized in mere seconds, out of nowhere. Both Luna and Twilight had ordered what Royal Guards they could into the streets, to halt mass hysteria from taking hold of their subjects. Even the soldiers, who had returned for leave, rushed to get their equipment back on and help with crowd control. However, the panic was getting out of control, many citizens not knowing what to do.

That is, until a deafening warhorn blared and the sounds of massive engines roaring to life echoed into Canterlot, three oval shadows suddenly blanketing the city.

All eyes went to the skies, just as a massive warship took to the air, lifted by a pair of massive red blimps! Even from the ground, they could hear the warship's burning metal heart roar with rage, the wolf head bow's eyes glowing with both hate and anger. Who ever did this to Cloudsdale, had now awakened a slumbering beast within Equestria, one that had not been planned to wake so soon… They had now become this giant behemoth's, made of metal, fire, and wood; prey It was out for blood, and is heading straight for what remained of the floating city.