_+PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH+_
Authors Note: Dear Celestia! Ok, thanks to a lot of people who reviewed the last story (Thank you for doing it, by the way!) I have come to the conclusion to go down the Romantic Road. Holy Cow, the PMs I received from a lot of you, as well as guest reviews... Ok, I now know what must be done. Thank you guys for your great support! Tell your friends about this story, and keep in touch, because (hopefully) I will be updating this story frequently. Again, take your seats, turn off your cell Phones, and hold onto your butts, as we dive into the next chapter! Oh, and another thing! So, on a new MLP Youtube channel I am starting up (Juggerpony, duh!) I am thinking of making dramatizations of different fanfics. This one may be one of them. So, like, voice actors, sound effects, the normal jazz. So, if you guys would like to help make it possible, PM me, and maybe we can work stuff out. Sorry for the long note. Enjoy the story!
Chapter 11
Early Morning (Around 7, maybe)
About 10 Miles East of Mineshaft, Equestria
Thunder Dagger, leader of the Raiders
I was still getting over my shock of the creature that had attacked me during the raid on Mineshaft when word got to me of more of them.
Around 5 days ago, I had lead an attack on Mineshaft, hoping to get some food from there storage and maybe weaken there defenses. But then that...THING showed up and attacked me, and even took out 2 of my brother raiders! It was an outrage, and I wouldn't stand for it.
So, when one of my scouts reported that a whole group of 20 or so were camping out near the abandoned House, in a small cave in the woods that surrounded the house, I automatically went to rally the troops. Have 1 of them was enough, but 20? 20!? I wouldn't stand for it.
The raiders, being trained to attack and defend at a moments notice, were ready in an instant. The Unicorn raiders, whom were mainly used for a longer range of attacking, wore a simple leather cloak, while the Earth Ponies wore metal armor, and had spears attached to there sides. The Pegasus also wore simple leather, for then it would be easier to maneuver in.
In a matter of minutes, all the troops were ready, and we started off across the plains where we were camped out. The camp wasn't large or fancy, just a bunch of tents, stoves, and meeting grounds. With a loud, whoop, I lead 40 raiders across the clearing, heading for the old Cabin in the woods.
Mineshaft, Equestria
Warden Gold Hoof
I took a glance again at Warden Deadeyes office. What was he doing in there, I wondered to myself. He had not come out of his office in 2 whole days. I turned my attention again to the group of miners in front of me and gulped. "Alright, ponies, listen up! I want everything back as before! We have a quota to meet, and I cannot afford to give you an extra day. So, back to work!" I heard some of the miners grumble as they trudged over to the mines. I rolled my eyes. Why did they have to be so lazy? I shrugged, turning my attention once again towards Deadeyes office. I stamped my hoof and trotted over to his door. I had made up my mind. I was going to see what he was doing in there.
About 2 miles away from Cabin
Thunder Dagger
A pegasus flew up to me, ready to give a report. I nodded, and he reported seeing the 20 humans moving something over toward the cave. A mirror. How odd. The Pegasus also reported seeing a small group of ponies. 10 of them in all. Also odd. I turned towards the raider and motioned forward, and we proceeded into the forest, officially leaving the plains area.
Mineshaft, Equestria
Warden Gold Hoof
I opened the door partially, expecting to hear the Warden yell at me. He didn't like ponies just walking in on him. "Look, Deadeye I am sor..." I stopped in my apology when I noticed something. There was no noise from inside the room. I opened the door all the way and stared at an empty room. I was shocked and ran outside to the nearest guard.
"The Warden is not in his office! Where is he?" The guard looked confused and galloped over to the office, looking in. He emerged, looking very pale. "Maybe he is at his room?" I suggested. The guard nodded and, communicating through magic to the other guards, began trotting off towards the Wardens residence.
The Cave, Equestria
Thunder Dagger
I peered down into the hole bellow me, seeing the clearing where the cave was. It was just as the pegasus had said. In the clearing bellow them, were over 20 of the creatures, and carrying long, metal objects I had never seen before. 17 of them wore tan clothes, with lots of pockets, and really weird looking helmets. 2 of the other humans wore white armor that looked like plastic, and a weird bubble like helmet. They carried even larger metal objects, and were guarding a simply dressed creature, who was strong, a little more buff and whatnot.
Then, something rustled through the grass, and a small group of 10 more creatures emerged from the trees, carrying a mirror. They carried the mirror to the cave, taking it deep inside. That was when I noticed the ponies. Off in the corner of the clearing, stood 10 ponies. They were ragged, had scars, and were armed with weapons. I spat as I recognized what they were. Mercenaries. Leading them, to my surprise, was Warden Deadeye, who was currently talking to the simply dress man. I couldn't take the suspense anymore. I raised my hoof, telling my raiders to be at the ready. Then, with a loud scream, they charged from the trees, towards the group.
Mineshaft, Equestria
Warden Gold Hoof
I was pacing now. This was not good. If Warden Deadeye was not working, I didn't know what else he would do. All Deadeye ever did was work. The guard the quickly came back, panting in front of me. "He isn't in the camp! I have asked everywhere, no one even saw him leave." I was sweating now. What do I do?
The Cave, Equestria
Thunder Dagger
The creatures were surprised when we emerged from the clearing, charging towards them. Then, There was a noise that hit my ears that I had never heard before. Rachta-Rachta-Ratcha. Fire emerged from the metal objects the creatures were holding, and I became shocked with horror as the whole first line of ponies were dead. The fire wasn't even touching them, yet they were dropping like flies! I had the unicorns fire bolts of fire. It was a desperate move, but I was losing way to many ponies.
The unicorns fired, and at the same time, the Pegasi flew downwards. The bolts of fire struck 2 of the creatures, who went down in groans of agony. Then, one of the White armored creatures stepped forward, and I screamed in pain as he started shooting it into the foliage. The pain I felt was unbearable, and I collapsed to the ground.
My vision became blurry as I saw the Unicorns beside me go down. I looked to the sky as I then saw the Pegasi calling a retreat, when they then started falling from the sky, getting hit by the metal objects. I tried to stand, but was then pushed down as a hoof collided into my back. I turned and saw Deadeye, surrounded by 2 of his Mercs. He sneered as one of the mercs charged me. "So long, Raider."
Then, my world went black.