There’s something unnerving about a goose holding a dagger.

Maybe it’s the definitely-not-bloodthirsty gleam in its beady little eyes; the way its wings mantled as it puffed itself out; or the reedy hiss contorting around the leather-wrapped handle.

No.

All of that paled when those large wings opened, and the goose took to the sky. A few seconds of flight followed by tucked wings, and a goose-powered dagger-arrow streaked through the air.

“That is awesome!” Words stressed and emphasized as Quill looked on with awe before he was met with immediate regret as he realized that Walter was diving too low, and he was in the direct path of potential carnage.

Standing between a goose and its burlap sack wasn’t a wise idea! There was bound to be only one victor.

Quill dropped, flattening his ears to his head, front legs sprawled forward as if he was a foal trying to learn to walk, chest striking the hard ground with a resounding ‘thud’ that forced a wheeze from his lungs. The feel of hard steel brushing against the hairs on his head should have been unnerving, but it wasn’t. Worrying about whether or not this was a bad idea could come later.

He folded his legs beneath him as watched the goose dive towards the target, crashing into it as one would throw a pillow. Walter awkwardly jerked his head - once, twice, three times! - before the knife managed to plunge into the hay.

“You did it buddy! I’d call that a success!” Quill laughed, the sound booming like thunder as he got back up to his feet. Stepping towards his companion and his target.

Walter watched him quietly, fluffed his feathers, and waddled away from his latest hay-hearted victim.

Overall, this was a success. The aerial attack needed some practice, and they had to coordinate better so that he didn’t lose an ear, but it had potential. It had character. Personality. It was inspiring! He could almost imagine it, the thundering of hooves echoing through damp caverns that drowned out the fluttering of their winged weapons flying above them.

“We could call it the deadly V!” It’d be a sight to behold. They’d terrify any creature who tried to fight them. Walter could lead his own little party to adventure, and they’d waddle out with their beaks held high, jewels and pouches full of coin.

Quill stomped the ground, looking at Walter excitedly, knowing that he could almost read his thoughts.

Beak deep into a puddle of water, Walter stared at him unblinkingly, lifting his head as water dribbled down his face. Ruffling his feathers, he lowered his head for another drink.

“Yeah, okay. The plan needs some work, but it’s almost there. I believe it in my heart of hearts, you know? We’ll be famous some day, you and I. We’ll take the dungeons by storm, and we’ll beat any danger that steps in our way. Some day, they’ll tell stories about us to the foals.” He looked wistfully at the sky, the sun still high above, clouds drifting slowly overhead. “We’ll need to think of a good name for us, Walt. Something catchy. Something memorable. Something fun! Something-”

“Please tell me you’re not including me in this plan of yours.” Elrim interrupted quietly, mirth in his tone as he looked at the goose moving away from the puddle of water and back towards the dagger on the ground. He had thought that he’d seen him with a knife.

“Of course you are pal! We wouldn’t be going back into the dungeons if it wasn’t for you!” Quill tossed his head as he looked back at the dummy and picked up the knife gently, testing the angle of the thrust. Walter had made it look so easy!

Elrim watched quietly for a moment before he shook off the sadle bag on his back. Some battles weren’t meant to be fought.

“Well, your father doesn’t think a goose is good enough protection, and would much prefer if you packed a bag for now.” Elrim coaxed gently.

“Yeah, yeah. But you saw it right? It was so cool.”

“Oh. Hmm. It was unforgetable.”

“See, Walter! Just what we wanted!” Quill was taking his words as proof that this was going to work.

Elrim paused. Let the moment sit between them, and looked around for inspiration before his eyes settled on the dummy again.

“But maybe we should wait to see what we find in there this time before we put Walter on the front lines. We wouldn’t want him to get hurt.”

“Hurt? Aww, Walter’s not going to get hurt. I won’t let it happen.”

“Everyone gets hurt in the dungeon. It’s the nature of the dungeon. It’s just a matter of how bad.”

The words struck a cord, and Quill looked from Walter to Elrim again and again before he sighed.

“I’m sorry buddy, he’s right! You can’t go into the dungeon with a dagger on your first time. You could get hurt.”

Walter stared back in response for a long moment before he turned his head to preen his feathers.

“I know you’re upset, but we just need some more time to practice. This time, herbs, a map, and great company; next time, goose brigade!” He was determined. He’d find a way. Nothing could ever stop them!

It was something that Elrim hoped that he’d never have to see.