My Little Pony: Civil War
Even we have our successes of our troops on the frontlines, there still seemed to be animosity being held by the higher-ups when it comes to the mention of the Griffon-Soldiers. Though our losses are few so far in this war, the army command seems to have little faith in us. We're often sent in to cover up, and engage all the stragglers of the Rebel-Ponies
Yet it is like Generals like Razor Edge sing a different tune when it comes to the troops led by me and Valiant Charge. General Razor Edge calls the Griffon-Troops: 'the very best light infantry I have ever seen in my many years of battle'. We will prove ourselves in a battle that would become a symbol of pride to any Griffon in 'Royalist Blues': 'The Bend'
Our Royalist-Ponies have had problems with Rebel surprise attacks since the beginning of the war. The thing is, with Griffon-Troops, it is giving these Rebel-Ponies a taste of their own hay. Word came from a Pegasi scout whom spoke of Rebel reinforcements are coming from the west, and nearing Sweet Apple Acres. The number estimated at 4,500 strong
It was a supply caravan complete with reinforcements. We hid behind large boulders and trees. The ruins of an old stone cottage and fence also provided cover for our soldiers. If you're thinking what I think you're thinking, you're right. We are setting a trap for the Rebels, an ambush. I readied my revolver with the hammer cocked, and chambers loaded
"We only have 2,000," said Gilda
"Worry not, Gilda," said Valiant Charge
"Me? Worry? No. I call them good odds,"
"We will put this battle in our favor," I replied with my gentle hoof on her wing, and laid out the plan in my tent with both her and Gabby in attendance. The apple orchards will provide enough cover for our troops. There is an old bridge over the River Mustang, and a turn in the trail that leads directly to Ponyville. The turn is where we will ambush them
There was also the dry stone fence which we put some troops there so they can shoot, and have adequate cover from return fire. The Rebel-Ponies at the turn, and at the bridge will nearly be at pointblank range. Our troops were positioned behind the apple trees, and under the cover of the dry stone fence. Our tails wagged as we heard marching hooves
I nodded to Gilda to fire the first shot. With her rifle up and to her chest with a bayonet fixed while behind an apple tree, she cocked the hammer and aimed down the barrel as the officer was in sight. She shot, and killed the lead officer. With an officer dead with a bullet hole in her temple, the Rebels didn't panic just yet as they had a few more officers.
"Gallus," hushed Gabby, "redcaps are officers"
"Right," Gallus replied, and he aimed his rifle
Gallus fired, and killed the pegasi second-in-command with a shot to his heart. Blood trickled from his muzzle, and fell dead on his wings, "Take aim!" called out a sergeant, and we emerged from our positions and started shooting at them in 'hit-and-gallop' tactics. It is like shooting cider bottles off a picket fence. Rebel-Ponies fell dead in their hundreds
Some fell on the trail while others toppled off the bridge like rag dolls. Within the two rounds of aimed rifle fire, I gave the order, "Charge!" I yelled out, and our troops did with bayonets fixed to their shock, and utter horror. You see, to the enemy, when a pony defeats a non-pony, it is a 'victory'. When a non-pony defeats a pony, it is called a 'massacre'
The Griffon-Troops charged with their bayonets fixed while some stopped, and fired before joining in the charge. The Rebel-Ponies were sent into a gallop with many being shot in the back as they retreated to gallop for their lives "We need to report this to General Razor Edge, the defense of the bend in the trail is of an utmost importance" I explained
I looked to Gallus "Good shootin', Birdie"
"It's a good day for the crows" remarked Gilda
The 'Battle at the Bend' and the 'Battle of Sweet Apple Acres'. That is what some might call this skirmish. Still, it proves that these Griffon-Soldiers are efficient with their rifles and can follow orders from Pony-Officers. It will be a joy and a pleasure to watch Griffons rise through the ranks, and become officers. They will receive backlash from the Ponies
Not just from the Rebels, but from our own. Honestly, I already know of two Griffons that earned it and they are the two corporals among the 1st Griffon Rifles. They have the ability to lead, and pep up the morale of our troops both Pony and Griffon alike amid the rifles and the cannons roar. If some officer-ponies don't like it, they can kiss my big flanks
I have seen what these Griffons can do on the battlefield. They will have my full support at the podium. Valiant Charge gave me a playful bump in the side of the flanks, and nuzzled my cheek. The Rebel-Ponies had the upper hoof at the beginning of the war, and now the tide is turning in our favor. Now it is time to start pushing the Rebs back south
Following the battle, Gilda and Gabby became the first enlisted Griffons in the Royal Army of Equestria to be promoted to officers. I was more than proud to present them with their sabers. Upon the sword being attached to their belts and a salute from the two, I got a hug from Gabby and she nuzzled my cheek with hers in front of the entire regiment
