Hirsan slowly climbed up the rope, swinging to and fro in the heavy wind that buffeted against him. As he hauled himself up, he held up his hoof, waiting to catch his breath before he responded.
"The problem is this airship. We have to take it down. Unfortunately, we also have to take down whoever passes for the leader. Now that we're up here, it may not be as clear-cut as before. Phoenix, Skytracker, you two head towards the engines. I will deal with whoever is leading this." His squad looked at him in surprise, before he raised his hoof again.
"Some of you barely know me, but this isn't the first time that I have had to destroy something and leave it behind. Nor will it be the last. We have to survive long enough to bring the final peace to Canterlot, and I don't mean death! So, no pony is coming with me. This is something I must do on my own." He gripped a knife in his teeth, checking the doorway before galloping away.
"Something that I have to atone for."
----|0|----
Down on the ground, Deadwood and his forces continued to hold, the unicorns in the group doing their best to defend against the pandemonium caused by the onslaught of pony-sized shells. Rifles shot out their reports, cannons boomed, and explosives slammed against the walls of Canterlot, but he refused to back down.
"If one of us falls, ten more will take his place! It may not be glorious, it may not be good for our health, but by Celestia, we will not fall this day! Hold the line, stallions! Hold! The! Line!"