It was early one morning and Knuckles and his large family stood on the docks of Saddle Arabia. Knuckles had the daughters of Spitfire by his side. Hurricane Blitz and Feather Dancer among the others walked along the sidewalk beside the docks. As a dignitary Knuckles had worn his pendant with its insignia of authority. Knuckles enjoyed some of the perks of being a V.I.P, such as ponies or any other creature giving him and his family their drink or snack orders first on the cruise ship filled and their food orders. As they sat at a table enjoying some food, a bat pony with dreadlocks and a sleeve tattoo of tribal markings on her left leg could be seen arguing with a few stallions. Knuckles stood and walked over, he almost got hit when the group had become physical. This bat pony was very skilled, and she was capable of protecting herself.
His single bodyguard, a changeling sent by Thorax to assist him; Sapphire was a skilled warrior, her tattered left-wing hung limp by her side, and she was studying the bat pony and calculating the best exit route when the fight ended abruptly.
The mare looked over shoulder and spotted Knuckles and his lone bodyguard...a changeling. "My lord...how may I be of service?"
"I was wondering if you know Lord Maelstrom? He is the master of the dockworker guild."
"I know him....he's my father."
At that moment the changeling stepped forward and spoke, "I sense a hint of dread in your voice...why is that?"
"When he finds out I was at the docks unattended as our custom and laws say and in a brawl...I'm in trouble."
"That sucks...by the way...I'm Corp. Sapphire of the 231st Tartarus Brigade under former Queen Chrysalis...my mother. This royal family of Threstralia is my sworn duty to protect. Now, please take us to your father." As the small party walked Seafarer noticed Sapphire's damaged wing and the scar above her right eye. Sapphire kept her spear levitated at an 80% tilt. Some of the urchins of the "Red Light District" guild were making catcalls to Knuckles' wives, Seafarer, and the other female members of the royal family.
Seafarer had a keen eye and sharp ears and she overheard the wives talk about how a plan wasn't in motion and Cadence and Chrysalis was being impatient.
Chrysalis had stemmed an assault on Equestria by her faithful 300 changelings her daughter included. Chrysalis was dying from injuries and begged Cadence to arrange for her daughter to marry someone who'd protect Sapphire.
Lord Maelstrom
Lord Maelstrom stood as Knuckles and his family stepped into the great hall. He wasn't happy for word reached him of the brawl. Upon seeing Sapphire he ordered his guards to seize her but the scared changeling had a PTSD episode at that moment and the changeling's combat and survival instincts kicked in. Sapphire transformed into a Threstral guard and tried to get airborne but was taken down by the use of a net.
"Lord Maelstrom! She is under my protection! I gave her queen my oath!" Maelstrom called off his guards and Sapphire changed into her raw form again and limped to his side. Seafarer led Knuckles' family to their special suite where they'd be staying until their castle was ready for them. Seafarer was tough and she seemed like a very serious mare...or so it appeared to Sweetie Belle and the others. Should they pull a crazy stunt like they've done in the past?