The Eagle landed on a clearing not far from the border. It seemed out of the way, as it was surrounded by cliffs and rocks. The crew began unpacking the needed materials for the trip. Some ponies were to stay with the airship and wait for the return of the traveling group. If they ever return at all. They did not know what wandered in this snowy land. Anything can happen in an unexplored place.
They did not know where the giant eagle had gone, but they were relieved that the creature did not attack them on sight.
“Hey, Shining Armor...what is that?” Twilight pointed on a cliff. There, standing above them and observing was a figure. It was hard to tell exactly what it was, but they could make out a hood made out of fur.
Then the figure stood up. It was a pony, wearing what looked like a bear's pelt, complete with a hood. The pony leaped off the cliff, it landed on a tree, as fast as lightning, it jumped off the branch it was standing on and caught the attention of everypony in the clearing.
Then it took off its hood. It was a stallion. A blue earth pony with dark red eyes. His mane and tail were red also. The strange thing about this pony was that he had no cutie mark. He stared at Shining Armor and Twilight with his stunning red eyes. It was Twilight who spoke first.
“Hello, we have not come to harm you, but rather to explore your land.” she said gently to the stallion.
“You have come at an unexpected time.” the stallion said. Twilight was surprised he spoke the same language. The pony continued, “My people have not seen strangers in this land before.” he said. “But I welcome you, as long as you don't lose my trust we will remain at peace.”
“Of course.” Twilight replied.
“I believe you may have met Thunderbird?” the stallion asked.
“Who's Thunderbird?” was the reply of Shining Armor.
As if on cue, the flapping of wings could be heard.
The silhouette of a large bird blocked the sunlight. It cast a shadow over the ponies. Thunderbird landed beside the stallion. The ponies watched in fear and awe as Thunderbird let out a mighty screech.
The stallion stepped forward.
“I am Unbroken Spirit.” he said, bowing down to Twilight and her brother.
“It is not us you should bow to, but to our leader, Princess Luna.” Twilight said. Princess Luna walked up beside her, and smiled at Unbroken Spirit.
“I thank you for welcoming us to this land.” she said formally.
“It is my pleasure.” was the reply.
“Come. I shall show you my people.” Unbroken Spirit said.
Twilight, along with her friends, followed Unbroken Spirit. Princess Luna and Shining Armor would catch up with them for they had other duties to fulfill.
Above them, Thunderbird soared, keeping a watchful eye. It was clear now that he was given the task to watch the travelers. Shining Armor looked at it, then he felt a chill run through his spine. The creature was staring back with its golden eyes. He shook off the nervous feeling and went inside the airship.
Twilight and her friends followed Unbroken Spirit. She was not certain of it, but there was something in the stallion that attracted her.
Through the forest they all went, alone. Thunderbird was back in the encampment. Minutes passed and they now stood at the edge of the woods. In the distance, Twilight could see a small clump of huts surrounding a fire.
“Come. We are not far.” Unbroken Spirit said.
“Can you tell me about your people's culture?” Twilight asked.
Unbroken Spirit looked at her with his startlingly red eyes. Twilight's heart skipped a beat. She found them unusually beautiful.
“I will tell you when we get there.” he replied.
They had arrived at the village. Its inhabitants stared in wonder at the strangers that were brought before them. Unbroken Spirit stepped forward, and spoke to his people in a language Twilight and her friends could not understand.
Once he had finished speaking, Unbroken Spirit produced a necklace from his coat. It was a simple necklace. A small rope holding a stone eagle's head. He muttered something in his language, and instantly, the small statuette glowed a gentle blue.
Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the sky turned black. Clouds gathered above them, forming an upside down whirlpool. The funnel seemed to go on forever into the sky. After a few minutes, Twilight saw lights forming inside the funnel. The locals started chanting as the lights intensified.
Then the clouds exploded into luminescent lights that danced in the sky. Within the lights, Twilight saw the forms of ponies and creatures. There were eagles, mammoths and there was even a dragon. It was beautiful. Her friends stared in awe at the lights that illuminated them. Then an eagle larger than Thunderbird flew down from the lights. This one was older, more powerful. It landed in front of Unbroken Spirit and let out a screech.
The dancing lights vanished, and the eagle turned to face them. It was just like the other forms. It was made of a golden light that radiated authority and power. The eagle looked at the six friends with its piercing eyes. It sent a clear message: do not mess with the North. Then it spread its wings and flew off, turning into nothing but a gust of wind.
Unbroken Spirit looked at them. And he walked deeper into the settlement. Twilight followed. Her friends were now introducing themselves to the locals, despite the different languages they spoke.
“Hey, Spirit?” Twilight asked, “How come you could speak our language but your people can't?”
The blue stallion stopped and turned.
“I will explain to you later.” he replied.
Twilight was about to say something when a loud roar interrupted her. A large shadow loomed above them. Unbroken Spirit looked up to see a large, gray and white dragon soaring overhead. Then it swooped down, roaring in fury.
Unbroken Spirit closed his eyes, and tried all that he could to summon Thunderbird with his necklace.
Then the flapping of great wings could be heard.
Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry for the extreme wait, but here it is! I had a lot of stuff to do, but I had the free time. Also, I need some suggestions. Do you guys know any other creatures of the snow? Tell me in the comments section down below.