(19)
The narrow passages of the Icicle Mountains were a tight squeeze for Zack. He had to press his body sideways at some points amid the cliffs and slide himself between the icy walls. The ravine itself was much colder than the outside air; his layers of clothing, pressed up against the glacial walls, were not helping to retain his body heat any longer. He was practically traversing a giant refrigerator; the deeper he ventured, the colder the ravine became.
Trying not to think about the dropping temperature, Zack was astounded at the amazing sights he saw. Waves of crystal blue ice wrapped around the narrow ravine walls. It was almost as if a flood of fresh water froze solid and he was traversing the last of the free ground it didn’t touch for centuries. The smoothness of the ice was like sculpted glass as he caressed the fine rime around him while walking. Light refracted a multitude of blues, whites, yellows and silvers in arrays that could not be reproduced by anything man or pony-made. It was a spectacle of beauty to behold, and he wished he could stay longer to admire it if he wasn't racing for safety from the cold.
Most of the passage way was wide enough to have a shoulder’s length of room, while other parts of the icy route Zack had to compress his body and crawl through tight and narrow holes in the wall. He tried to keep his mind optimistic, but with the constant cracks and creaks from the large ice faces around him, it made him think that at any moment he would be crushed between the mountains. Moments like these though, he thanked fate that he wasn’t claustrophobic or a really fat person.
He crawled his way through another small and narrow hole in the ice, only to end up a step away from a dark and high cliff edge. The icy passageway drastically opened up to a much larger ravine where there was a dark chasm in front of Zack. He peered over the edge slowly and steadily, not wanting to slip and fall in. His eyes met with darkness as he focused on the abyss below him. The arrangements of refracted lights that were scattered above did not pierce the shadows of the deep. He looked around to see if there was another way across. He spotted only a mere ledge to his right that circled the light-less ravine to another, narrow passage way in the ice face. The glacial shelf had barely enough room to place Zack’s feet on, so he would have to hug the wall and gently inch his way across the overhang, hugging the slick wall for dear life.
He sighed in discomfort and embraced the ice face; sending shivers of cold and fright down his spine. He placed one foot ahead, made sure his stance was steady, and started to gradually slide his way across the ravine. Sweat began to pour from his face, which froze immediately when coming into contact with the ice wall. He had to break off from the frozen sweat, which hindered him even more while trying to slowly cross the deadly drop-off. He mentally encouraged himself that he was doing good, making progress, and staying steady. Not to go too fast or too slow, he paced himself gently whilst not looking down. The constant distant and near noises of the ice moving around him constantly brought his fears back into his head; but Zack tried his hardest to look them over and to focus on his current goal.
After a few long minutes, Zack could see the far opening in the ice on the other side of the ravine he had seen from where he started. His enthusiasm pushed himself to go a tad faster, ignoring the increase in danger. Suddenly, the ice on the ledge let out a large cracking noise and before he could react in time, the ledge broke free from the cliff wall. He could feel his stance slipping and beginning to fall, so with a sudden and unprepared jump, he sprung up from the falling ice shelf and reached for the opening in the ice wall. He realized that he didn’t push off far enough and wasn’t going to be able to make it as he tried his best to stretch his arm and grab the edge of the opening. With his other arm, he unsheathed his dagger (which was much closer and faster to grab than The Prevailer) and stabbed the ice wall below the opening in the ledge. It firmly stuck into the glazed wall as he dangled above the dark abyss, watching the ice shelf fall below him into shadow.
He quickly swayed his body to get enough motion to fling his other arm up and grab the ledge of the opening. He did so with ease and soon flung his other arm up from his dagger to firmly grab hold of the ledge with both hands. As he pressed his right foot off of the dagger to try and boost himself upward, the dagger slipped from its place and plummeted into the chasm. He almost lost his grip of the edge as his body swung over the open abyss. With a burst of strength, he rocked his body over and rolled up onto the opening passage way safely. He lay there on the rock and ice, with one hand on his chest and the other still gripping the edge tightly. He lay motionless for a long matter of time, trying to catch his breath from the sudden excitement and rush of fear.
__________
After what seemed like hours, Zack arose from the snowy ground and began to once again traverse the intertwining halls of ice. Light of late day somehow reached deep beneath the ravine where Zack walked. Rays of warmer-colored sunlight flickered and gleamed against the crystal ice. The warmth of these rays hardly affected the temperature of the deep ravine’s walls, but the little difference it did make, Zack could feel. He enjoyed the few minutes it lasted before the clouds blocked out the sun again. Zack found himself in the bitter deep freeze of the Icicle Mountains once more.
Through the narrow and winding passages of the ravine, Zack reached a fork in the passage way. He had no idea which way to turn. This had been the first crossroads in the route he had met and for some reason was having a difficult time choosing which path to take. In the middle of his thought process, a bitter cold fell upon the ravine, much more frigid than before. Zack’s strength was diminishing, his body temperature was dropping substantially and he had to get warmer somehow. He fell to his knees and clasped his arms around his chest, curling up into a ball and trying to stay warm. He tried rubbing his hands together and breathing into them, but nothing seemed to stop the ever decreasing temperature. His face was bloodshot red as he began to feel his limbs numbing up from the chill. His thoughts of dying in this horrid place subsided when he heard a very strange noise. The sound echoed through the halls of ice and met with Zack’s numbing ears.
"Laughter," he thought. It sounded as if, from way afar, a child was giggling. He turned to look down the left path where he had heard the noise from and couldn’t believe what he saw. It was a child, a human child. A small girl with long, curly red hair and a small patch of freckles on her face. She looked as if she was nearly seven or eight years old. Her blue eyes shimmered through the icy halls on the far end of the path. She was wearing a long, white Summer dress, bare foot and still laughing at Zack who was kneeling on the ground, freezing to death. He couldn’t believe it; he shook his head, closed his eyes and thought it was his imagination playing tricks on him. Though when he opened them again, the girl was still there, giggling at him as if he was acting incredibly foolish and funny.
She stopped laughing as soon as Zack reached out for her. As soon as he tried, he fell over and into the snow. The feelings in his legs were numb and weak, he was unable to get to his feet and walk over towards her. She smiled at his attempts to reach her, almost as if she was smiling back towards her lover. She slowly raised her arm up and motioned her fingers at Zack to come nearer. She stepped back and around a bend of the icy tunnel, leaving Zack’s line of sight.
“No,” Zack cried out as he slapped the edges of the ice wall to try and climb to his feet once more.
A voice, presumably from the girl, called back, “Follow me, Zachary.”
Zack stumbled up onto his feet while the words the girl spoke soon sunk into his head. He had heard that voice before, but couldn’t remember where he had heard it. His mind was already losing strength and did not worry about trying to remember who she was or who she resembled. He focused his energy and began stumbling toward where the girl walked. His legs were tremendously weak and with each step into the snow, it felt like pins were being driven into his bare feet. He made his way around the corner and to his surprise, the girl was on the far end of another division in the labyrinth of ice. She motioned again to follow her as she walked backwards and around another bend in the left most pathway in the ravine. He followed her once again and when turning the corner where the girl did, he met with her once more. Zack followed the girl through each passageway she took. He had no other choice and had no idea what a human would be doing here. He began to think as if the Icicle Mountains could play tricks on your eyes like Neighmo said they would. He could only hope for the best as he blindly followed her through the winding passageways.
As Zack turned around one last bend, he felt a rush of air buffet his face. His eyes closed in defense, but when he opened them, he could see the end of the ravine. A lighted exit far from where he stood. He couldn’t tell what was beyond that light, but through a burst of strength, he rushed towards it. Though before reaching the end, he heard the girl’s voice once more echo through the ravine and even through himself.
She said in a ghastly tone, “Till we meet again, Zachary.”
With that in mind, Zack cautiously exited the icy tunnel and out into the light. The gray blanket of rolling clouds rushed over him as he progressed out onto a high and open hanging cliff. The walls of the ravine shrouded him no more and he was in the open air. Out in front of him sprawled a large and striking city built into the mountains itself. It was a grand and what appeared to be ancient city, its appearance appeared older than Canterlot itself. It wrapped around a crater-like dip in the mountains and in the center stood a majestic blue palace which was the center piece and focal point of the township. The inner buildings and housings itself were of stone and crystal-like pillars and bricks, while the outer regions of the kingdom sprawled out on all sides, climbing up and into the mountain sides. The outer sectors, made of stone and ice, towered out into larger complexes that interconnected to most likely house the lower class citizens, while the structures near the main palace appeared built with a higher degree of craftsmanship. The entirety of the city was nestled between the ranges, defended by the sprawling mountains on every side.
Zack was amazed at all of this as he breathed with his mouth agape, “Gryphus...”
Strangely enough, Zack noticed something very off about the whole setting. It was eerily quiet, too quiet even at a distance. He didn’t see any griffons flying about or any other wildlife, as a matter of fact. This spooked Zack beyond his comfort zone. The chill of Winter crept back to him as if the temporary excitement of finding Gryphus kept it at bay. He decided to keep trekking onward into the city to see if perhaps he could find someone to talk to and ask what was going on, maybe even find some warmth and food.
As soon as Zack was about to make his way forward and climb down the cliff face, two large objects landed in front of him, making him jump back in fright. The snow, which was thrown up into the air, soon cascaded back to the ground and revealed two heavily armed griffons pointing barbed spears directly at Zack. The griffons were of black feather and were very menacing in appearance. Iron full helmets blocked their faces and their hands were covered with metal-braided gauntlets. Their charcoal wings were spread wide as they walked slowly forward, pushing Zack back into the ravine’s exit.
One griffon guard spat at Zack, “What are you? Speak, vile creature!” Zack lowered his defense to show courage and to stand his ground.
He replied back with haste, “I am a man and humble messenger.”
The other griffon stepped nearer, examining Zack closer, “I’ve never heard of a 'man' before.” He turned towards his comrade and asked, “Clive, have you ever heard of a 'man'?”
Clive snickered and responded, “Nope. But looks like his meat his fresh and plentiful! His bones are brittle and strength has diminished from the fight.”
Zack was curious about what Clive had just said, so he questioned, “The fight?”
“Ah, yes.” said the griffon with a claw raised. “We witnessed your fight against Sheol, the Lord of the Rocs. Long has he been a protector of the Icicle Mountains, he is powerful and wise. Yet you, you are more powerful than even Sheol the great. The weapon you possess, it is made of magic, no?”
Zack straightened his posture and denied his request, “That knowing is of my own, griffon.” The griffon gave an irked expression and turned to his ally.
Clive spoke up, “Aedan, we are more powerful than this worm! Let us fest upon his tender flesh.”
Zack spoke up, “You cannot kill me! I am a messenger, I bring no harm!”
“A messenger," Aedan said slyly. "From where?”
“I represent Equestria,” Zack spoke highly of his home region. Both griffons burst out with a fit of tears, laughing and hanging on to one another. He didn't know what was so funny, be remained emotionless.
Clive stammered, “Y-you represent the Equestria?” He flung himself into another fit of joyous guffaws just saying the word aloud.
Zack replied with pristine authority, “Yes, and I demand to see your king.”
The rolls of laughter were ceased as Aedan reached out his claw, “If you do not lie, let me see the message.”
Zack took the scroll from his coat pocket and handed it over to the menacing griffon guard. He unraveled it and both guards skimmed over the written text. He handed it back to Zack and both griffons nodded to each other. They raised their spears again which made Zack raise his hands.
Clive ordered, “Come with us, messenger.”
“I told you," Zack barked, "I am no–”
“Silence,” fiercely yelled Aedan as he pointed his spear closer to Zack’s head. “Now, begin walking to Kyanite Castle.” Zack figured it was the large tower in the center of city and began making his way to the castle with both guards hovering around Zack with spears held closely to his head. The griffons were an impressive race, but were grave to their visitors it seemed.
As Zack entered the city, the main streets were deserted. No signs of other life or inhabitants made themselves known. The houses were empty, the markets were absent of produce and products, nothing made sense to the human. The snow was wiped clear from the streets into piles of sludge in between the alleyways of the city. The streets and buildings were being maintained, but no one seemed to be doing so.
As Zack walked, he turned to Aedan and asked, “Where are your people? What is this place?”
He turned his head towards Zack and with a cold tone replied, “Gryphus, now silence.”
Zack did not ask anymore questions as they continued towards the capital building. Zack was immediately stricken with déjá vu, he had had this happen before. Being brought to the capital of the city by guards, this all happened in Canterlot. He just hoped that the Griffon King would be more reasonable and less hostile than the guards that took him there.
The Kyanite Castle was an impressive structure. Unlike the decorative and spiraling towers of Canterlot Castle, its towers were firm and stable in appearance. The tops of the towers that surrounded the main palace widened downward and appeared like beacons of a holy temple. The main palace was much like the towers, except it had a much larger base and a narrow top. The dark blue bricks which were laid in the foundation and structure of the castle were massive and thick; though some appeared to be cracked and chipped from battles of old. It appeared as though Celestia was right, the griffons were once a proud and war-hungry race. They were most likely the dominate race before the Equestrian Kingdoms overthrew them years ago during the Griffon Wars.
Zack was forced to climb the Five Hundred Steps to the palace entrance. Each step was laden with black ice, so he had to be extra careful when stepping upward. Upon the top of the Five Hundred Steps was an overhanging porch of onyx stone where two large canine creatures stood in tanned-leather armor. They were equipped with what appeared to be large muskets, which made Zack’s mind wonder how much further technology had developed outside of Equestria. The large canine creatures let out a deep growl, showing their jagged and crooked teeth before Zack. They were much more terrifying in appearance compared to the griffons, their claws and hunched appearances demanded to be respected and feared . They stood at least a foot taller than Zack and with their armor on, they appeared to be a formidable foe if he ever had to fight one.
The griffons made Zack stop in front of the massive, heavily fortified metal doors. The two bipedal dogs reached over and pulled on the large, metal rings on the doors and opened them wide for the griffons and Zack to enter. As they did, the warmth of many stone fire places on both sides of a wide hall warmed him and he was grateful, for once, for being in the circumstance he found himself in.
He appeared to be in a large room with many overarching stone pillars which held up the high ceiling. The ceiling hung great chandlers with ancient and very worn out burning candles above. Wax dripped and formed around the metal holsters of the candles; the chandler had been holding each wax stick for some long, undisturbed sometime. The walls were lit by roaring fireplaces and windows that let in the grey light of the overcast day. At each closed door leading elsewhere in the castle, a griffon guard was stationed at each entrance. Armed fiercely with a rifle in their arms and a broad sword at their sides, they were prepared for battle at a moment's notice. They stood emotionless and tall; they appeared as still as the castle and perhaps apart of it itself.
Down the long, wide hall, at the end of a large, tainted carpet sat the throne of the king, and the Griffon King himself. He appeared mighty and tall, as if born and raised for kingship. Emerald green eyes burned with authority as he looked over at the approaching messenger. Jet black feathers adorned his head, back, wings and legs. The tips of his wings were gold colored much like his chest, arms, beak and tail feathers. The muscles behind the legs and arms trumped the other guards that protected him. His talons appeared to be of onyx and more keen than even Sheol’s. Other female griffons sat next to his throne and around him, Zack thought that most likely they were his concubines of some sort. He was draped with the fur cape of a great black bear as he sat, wielding a very strange object in his right hand.
As soon as Zack laid eyes on the object the King was holding, he felt a great pain in his chest–as if a weight was being pressed on him. The object the king was holding was a wicked and twisted staff. It appeared to be made out of a black wood with metal entwined into it. The head of the staff was like a trident with its blade twisted around a blood red gem that could not be touched from the outside. The gem levitated peacefully inside of its metal cage and somehow discomforted Zack greatly upon its sight.
“Knell before Vallak,” demanded Aedan as he rammed the blunt side of the spear into the back of Zack’s knee. He knelt down immediately in pain and lowered his head in respect. Clive stepped forward and informed his King of Equestria's messenger.
“Sir," Clive stepped forward and pointed back at Zachary, "we found this creature scouring the Icicle Mountains. Me and Aedan witnessed this stranger kill Sheol, my liege! He should be hanged for his crimes against killing a saint of our realm! We should hang his body from the tail of a manticore and parade him by his entrails through the streets for such an atrocity!”
Zack was beginning to panic as he knelt lower, keeping his head down and afraid to move and be shot on sight. If something didn’t happen soon, he was afraid he would have to fight for his life against the griffons and fail the mission. Vallak tilted his head slightly upward and examined Zack from afar.
He spoke pleasantly, yet cold to the tone, “Look up, creature.” Zack did as he was told and rose his head upward for his eyes to meet Vallak’s piercing ones. Vallak spoke again with a sly manner, “Tell me, what is your name?”
“Zack.”
“And tell me, why have you come so far?”
Zack took a breath, thought of his word choice carefully and answered, “I am but a humble messenger from the Equestrian Kingdoms. Here to deliver you a renewal of the peace treaty between our neighboring countries.”
Vallak raised an eyebrow and denoted, “From the Equine Kingdoms–is that so? Why are you their messenger and why did they not send one of their own kind?”
“That was not up to me to decide. Princess Celestia asked me specifically to come and deliver the message.” Zack stopped and added, “Well, not just me. You see, I was arriving by airship with a crew of other ponies when we were attacked by a flock of rocs. I, as well as others who were less fortunate, fell off the vessel. I survived the fall whilst killing your Sheol. I only did so because it had attacked not only me, but the crew and airship. I did what was necessary to survive, sir. I found your city finally and that’s when your guards found me and took me to your castle. I am not here to start a fight, I am only here to secure peace.” Vallak rubbed his feathered chin and hummed with interest hearing Zack’s story.
He motioned his hand and in a deep tone, asked, “May I see the treaty?”
Zack accessed his coat pocket and pulled out the treaty, expecting one of the guards to take it over to the king. Vallak instead tilted his staff slightly towards Zack and the orb inside of the spear gave off a red tint. The parchment Zack was holding was soon consumed in a red aura, much like unicorn magic when affecting other objects. The king levitated the scroll over and opened it in midair. He mumbled as he read aloud the treaty in full context. A long silence fell over the stone halls. Only the sound of the crackling fireplace and the mumbling of Vallak filled the chamber.
Vallak coughed and announced over his reading, “You may stand if you wish, messenger.” Zack stood up and stretched his arms while Aedan and Clive once again pointed their spears at Zack as if he was a threat.
Vallak lowered the parchment and asked one of his females, “Would you fetch me a quill, darling?” The female griffon flapped over to a desk, secured a quill with ink on its tip and handed it over to her king.
He replied, “Thank you, Harlil.” Vallak scribbled his signature on the parchment and hovered it back over to Zack, who rolled it up and placed it back into his coat pocket.
“Thank you, Vallak for your generosity and pledge to uphold peace between the equine and the griffons,” said Zack with a rekindled spirit. He was thankful that Vallak was so friendly and understanding, even if he appeared menacing at first. Zack was quite ready to go home and was about to ask if there was any sort of transportation he could take back to Canterlot; but before doing so, Vallak raised a claw and motioned for Zack’s attention.
“Did you know,” enlightened Vallak as he tapped his talon tips together in front of himself, “that I am a collector.”
"Is that so,” Zack commented out of confusion as to why he would mention such a fact.
“Quite so. I am collector of all species of animal and like. I’d love to show you my, interesting assortments.”
Zack scratched his head and replied, “Well–you see–I’d love to. But, I’m sort of on a schedule and I need a way back to Equestria since I have no way of returning myself. Maybe some other time, when I visit again.”
Vallak smiled, “I think you’ll have plenty of time.”
Vallak raised his staff in front of Zack and the ruby red gem of the staff glowed brightly. Zack could feel a strange urge coming over him, but forced it away with ease. It was as if something was trying to push him slightly and Zack fought back mentally. His eyes widened when he heard a strange noise as if the wind filled his ears gently.
It whispered in a voice he had never heard before, “...Zachary..." Vallak looked befuddled at the sight of whatever he was trying to do, which was failing and then turned toward his stave with uncertainty in his expression.
“Hm,” he hummed in dissatisfaction, “That’s odd.” He pointed his staff at one of his females and preformed the same magic. Suddenly, the female became like a rag doll as she floated in the air lifelessly, to and fro around the throne in front of him. He dropped her as she grasped for breath, lying motionlessly on the ground in front of them. Zack was shocked at what Vallak had preformed on his servant and then realized he was trying to do the same to him. He unsheathed The Prevailer and every guard in the room aimed their spear or gun at Zack’s head, ready to attack. Zack didn’t know what to do as he stood there, waiting for a guard to slip up and strike first, giving him an excuse to fight; but they only stood as statues and awaited for their king’s command.
Vallak laughed at Zack’s misfortune and commanded his guards, “Take him to the dungeon. We will hang him tomorrow on the early eve.”
Zack sheathed his blade as the griffon guards pushed him along and out of the Throne Room. He was taken up a long flight of stairs and far above the castle, almost towards the highest room. They entered a damp and dark area, only lit by the torches the guards had lit before entering. The room was filled with multiple cages and if it wasn’t for those cages, it would have been empty. The cages were iron boxes with only a single, hinged gate on their side, much like an abusive cage to put circus animals into.
Zack was forced over to a table where Aedan commanded, “Place your weapon and anything else you have on you here.”
Zack began to unsheathe his sword, removed the Ethereal Sabatons, the treaty and the journal. Clive patted Zack down and searched him to see if he was hiding anything else under his clothes.
Clive turned toward Aedan and noted, “He’s empty.” Aedan pushed Zack over and into an open cage filled with the bones of an unknown creature. The cage was locked behind him as Aedan turned towards the table Zack had left everything on. While Clive was examining the sabatons up close, Aedan came up and peered over The Prevailer.
“Wow,” he said, “I didn’t know the Equines could make such a well crafted sword.”
Clive pivoted over an examined The Prevailer as well, “Oh yes! Let me see.”
He reached over to pick up the sword, but with all of Clive’s strength, he couldn’t move the sword. Aedan laughed at Clive’s feeble attempts and pushed him aside.
“Here, let a real griffon show you how it’s done, weakling.” Aedan focused his stance and gripped the sword tightly. He summoned to muster all of his strength to pick up the blade, but without success. He huffed and tried his hardest to move the sword, but The Prevailer wouldn’t budge an inch.
He let go with a heavy sigh and breathed, “Forget about it. It must be enchanted or something.”
Before they locked the chamber behind him, Zack called out, “Excuse me?” The griffon guards turned with disgruntled expressions on their faces. Zack continued, “May I have that journal over there on the table? I would like some reading material... if you don’t mind. You won’t hear a peep out of me.” Clive turned toward Aedan and shrugged. Clive flapped on over to the table and tossed the book inside the cell.
He pointed a claw at Zack and replied, “Not a word out of you, messenger!” He turned and slammed the door shut, leaving nothing but empty cells, the rats, and the light of a nearby torch in its holder with Zack in the dingy dungeons of Kyanite Castle.
__________
The warmth of even the dungeon had lulled Zack to sleep, regaining his strength once more. His back ached from sleeping on the iron floor of the cell, but was more grateful for the heat in the dungeon than being outside. He peered out a nearby stone window, night had already set in and he couldn’t figure out what time it was. After the daze of sleep faded from his head, he began to wonder why Vallak locked him in here. Was it really just for his 'collection', or did he have something else schemed.
A jingling of keys could be heard outside the dungeon door and sure enough, Clive came in with a cup and plate of something. He slid the cup and plate with his sword over next to Zack’s cell. Zack looked over at it and it appeared to be some sort of slop of corn and grey sauce.
Clive chuckled, “To our esteemed guest of honor–dinner, is served!” He flapped out of the room, cackling tremendously as he exited. Zack stuck his finger into the slop and licked it off; to him, it tasted like cold, old gravy with tiny pebbles hidden inside. The water in the cup was frozen and he had to breath over it to thaw it.
Zack suddenly heard a shuttering sound coming from the darkness next to him. He focused his eyes over to the spot where he heard it and saw what seemed to be like a small bird trapped in a tiny cage next to his. The bird was quivering in fright and its feathers were ruffled and messy. It appeared to have a short beak, blue eyes, a faded grey chest, grey crown, and grey belly; all dismal colors for a dismal animal. The tips of the wings, neck, jaw, and tail feathers were a dull yellow and did not contrast well with its murky-colored form. It looked very old and very hungry as it eyeballed the slop before the man.
Zack felt pity for the bird and how it appeared. He had a gut wrenching feeling overtake him, which led to Zack sliding his plate and cup over for the bird to eat instead of him. He let out a sigh and was about to turn around until he heard the bird chirp up. He turned and saw the bird curiously pecking at the food Zack had slid over and not even acknowledge his presence. Zack felt as if he had done a favor and had a good feeling satisfy his spirits, but was beginning to get hungry after watching the bird eat his meal from afar. He couldn’t reach over and get it out, he had slid it too far and was now trying not to think about it.
He tried to keep his mind off of hunger, so he took the journal in the corner of his cell and began reading the first entry. The letters and pages were scribed poorly and Zack could only make out only a few sentences at a time.
“Entry 01:
We have made camp along a cliff side. We believe that Gryphus is beyond the ravine to our north and will be traveling there tomorrow morning. The journey so far has been going excellent, hardly any slip ups since we arrived. We are delivering a new treaty to be renewed between the two kingdoms. I’m glad that the griffons have finally come under one ruler after so many years of separation between bandit camps and what not. My colleagues on this mission are Ruby Thread the Earth Mare, Arlet Apple the Earth Stallion, Dusk Dancer the Unicorn Mare, Solar Flare the Unicorn Stallion, Wind Waver the Pegasus Mare and I, Loyal Steed, the Pegasus Stallion.”
Zack froze still–his mind a blunder with thoughts. He had found the journal of Valiant Steed’s father. He wasted no time in search to find more answers within the texts.
“Entry 02:
Wind Waver has informed me that the ravine is passable and on the other side is Gryphus. Though she did not enter the city, she said that we should all come as soon as we could. I am packing my bags and heading out to the capital. I miss my sons greatly and hope they are doing okay with Shamus.”
Zack stopped and thought about how Valiant never mentioned his brother before to him, or this 'Shamus' pony. He continued:
“Entry 03:
We were greeted with open arms by the griffon kind, thank Celestia they were able to over look the pony’s patchy past and were able to look towards a newer and brighter future. The new King, Vallak, held us a feast and feed us plentifully. He offered for us to stay the night in the Kyanite Castle and were happy to accept. Things are beginning to look brighter already.
Entry 04:
We left the castle that morning, preparing for our voyage back. However, when we exited the ravine, a nasty blizzard picked up and we had to camp once more outside of the ravine. I hope this blizzard leaves us by tomorrow morning or we will be stuck here for a very long time. Dusk Dancer and Solar Flare had both created lovely roaring and enchanted fires which are frost proof. Thank goodness for unicorns. We cannot make it back to Gryphus with this storm and are staying put here on the cliff side tonight.
Entry 05:
The cliff we set our tents up on collapsed during the night. Everypony is okay. There were a few minor injuries, including a broken wing of mine, but we are all able to continue venturing on hoof. The blizzard subsided, but we ended up in a canyon of sorts. Stranger than all, we seemed to be at the entrance of a great temple built into a mountain’s base. It looks ancient and some sort of ruined language is on the rim of the entrance. It does not appear to be of the same craftsmanship of ponies or griffons. We made our way into the stone temple and camped inside of it. It is a nice shelter out of the cold and snow. The insides of the temple is in ruin and we are afraid to venture further into its bowels.
Entry 06:
It seems Arlet Apple, according to Ruby Thread, has ran off into deeper regions of the temple in search for some “lost treasure of the ancients”. She said that all night, he kept babbling about ancient artifacts and how they were calling out to him. She tried to stop him, but was no use. I’m now off to go find Arlet and see where that stubborn son of a stallion has ran off to this time. That boy is always looking for treasure in the wrong places.
Entry 07:
We found him in the deepest, darkest corner of this dreadful place. When we found him, he was clutching an odd looking staff and murmuring words we couldn’t understand entirely. It sounded as if the stallion had gone mad. We escorted him back to camp and Solar Flare and Dusk Dancer tried to calm him down with magic. He broke into an outburst when we tried to take the staff from him, so we let him keep it. We are afraid for his safety. I wish we could just leave these forsaken mountains.
Entry 08:
I awoke to screams in the middle of the night. Me, Wind Waver, Solar Flare and Dusk Dancer raced over to see what was going on. Arlet Apple had left his tent during the night and raped Ruby Thread. We had to pry him off of her. His strength seemed endless as we tried to calm him down. He kept shouting, “I do what The Afflictor commands me! I do what The Afflictor commands me!” I have no idea who this “Afflictor” may be, but he is beginning to scare us all. We have taken the staff away from him and now it is in Dusk Dancer’s possession. We have tied him up and will take him back to Princess Celestia for trial. We plan to leave this place tomorrow, thank Celestia.
Entry 09:
Arlet is dead. He died last night after biting his own tongue off, swallowing it and choking to death. We buried him outside the temple and gave him a proper burial. It’s a shame really. His wife had just announced they were having a new filly born into the family. The unicorn doctors say that it was going to be a little mare and him and his wife agreed to name her Applejack. Only a few hours after the burial and as soon as we were all about packed up and ready to leave, Dusk Dancer began having uncontrollable seizures. We had to once again stay the night in the temple and tend to her mysterious illness. Dear sweet Celestia, I hate this place.
Entry 10:
We awoke to find Solar Flare dead. His horn was removed violently and jammed into left eye socket. Dusk Dancer was obviously responsible and we confronted her promptly. As soon as we did however, she rose the staff she was holding and yelled out, “Give me affliction!” A bright light occurred and when it diminished, Dusk Dancer was turned to stone. Ruby Thread is beginning to break down due to her recent rape and Wind Waver and I are the only sane ones left alive. We are leaving now.
Entry 11:
Upon exiting the canyon and burying the others, Ruby Thread was silent the whole day. Once we reached the top of the canyon, she threw herself off of the cliff side and presumably killed herself. Only I and Wind Waver remain. Wind Waver, now in possession of the staff, suggests that we make camp once more so that we can save our strength. We do so, but for the entire time, I begin to have this strange feeling. Almost as a wanting no, a desire to just touch the staff. I don’t know what has gotten over me, but, I really want that staff.
Entry 12:
I cannot sleep. It calls my name. "Loyal. Loyal. Come to me." I must have it. I cannot live without it. It calls to me. It needs me. I need it. What is this feeling I am having, it is so foreign to me? I cannot control myself. I have to fight it though. For my sons. For my passed wife. I cannot let this happen to me. But I cannot let her have it. It is mine. It does not call out to her. It calls out to me. My mind. Breaking. Tearing. Ripping. Help me. Somepony. Help me. I need to go. I need to leave. It’s so cold here. Why? Who am I anymore? Why do I write there journals? I cannot. I will not. I must though. It needs me. I am no longer who I was before. Help. Please. The Staff. The Afflictor is its name. And it is mine.
Entry 13:
I am alone. I am afraid. But. I have you now. You are mine and mine only. Together, we shall rule over everything. Together, we shall conquer everything. This Afflictor. I know him now. I’ve seen him before. Dark dreams of distant shores, he stood alone. This object. Was once corrupted by him. And now. It has me. What have I done? Why have I done this to my own kind? The blizzard comes. Night sets in. The coldness of night lingers. My blood freezes. I sense someone is here with me. Outside my tent. Watching me. Waiting for me. To look away. No. I mustn't. No. I”.
It ended there. Zack sat in silence in his cold cell, letting it all sink in.
“What did I just read,” he said to himself. He closed the journal and set it aside. He vowed to show Valiant Steed this, he had to. Zack placed the journal inside his coat packet, but when he did, he was stricken with sleep and his eyes shut gently. He leaned against the cell’s bars and drifted off.
__________
Zack awoke suddenly, only a few hours after falling asleep again. He kinked his neck and listened to the commotion that had woken him up. A thunderous march echoed far away, along with shouts and the beat of deep drums. He turned his eyes towards the far window to see the snow still falling out of the sky, but a burning red light somewhere below in the city of Gryphus made the flakes shimmer with a blood tint. It was a strange sight and Zack pondered as to what it was. He turned towards the bird he had fed and was surprised to see that it too was giving Zack a quizzical look. Almost as if it was wondering what Zack was thinking. The rare bird cocked its head at Zack’s sight, as to study him for some odd reason.
The bird rapidly looked over at the table and let out a light whistle. Zack turned and looked over towards the table to see what the bird was whistling at. Zack didn’t see anything that changed about it. His weapon and equipment were still there lying on the table untouched. He looked around the room and saw nothing new or changed, just the sounds from far away were different.
Zack sat back down in his cell and let out a sigh. He still had no idea how he was going to escape this prison. His death was at sun rise and he had to think up a plan to escape. He wasn’t good at problem solving, especially during emergencies; and was a tad bit nervous about his imminent death along with possibly another war between the griffons and the ponies. Even if he could escape, Hearth’s Warming Eve was on the morrow, though this wasn’t a major concern at the moment compared to his hanging. He slumped over in the corner of the cell and smacked his head with his hand.
“Come on..." he tried to push himself mentally, "Think! Think! There has to be a way out of here...”
Zack sat up and tried to unhinge the cell door. It was locked tightly with multiple iron clasps, reassuring no escape. The cell was made sturdy for large creatures and even Zack couldn’t tip it over due to its heavy weight. He bragged the cell door, ramming it multiple times with the side of his body until he finally gave up.
He flopped back down on his rump and panted. The strange bird across from him squawked at Zack and ruffled its feathers; puffing itself up and trying to get warmer. Zack’s thoughts were steady, trying to remember the events of how he got here and how he was put into this predicament. His eyes rose up towards the table top and met with his sword. The Prevailer gleamed even in the dark when only the faintest of light touched its metal face.
Zack began to wonder why the Prevailer glowed and set Sheol on fire during his battle with him. Zack wondered what other secrets lay in the blade, awaiting to be discovered and used. The longer he stared at it, the more he felt drawn to it; a strange desire that he could easily break from, yet continued to let it consume him.
Zack remembered what Celestia told him about The Prevailer, "It is not only a sword or a magical artifact, it is a tool and extension of one’s self. Only you can learn how to use it properly."
An urge overwhelmed Zack and he could once again feel his hands tingling with that strange sensation. He reached his hand out to see what was going on, but felt the need to extend his arm. He did so towards the Prevailer and focused, trying to understand what was going on inside his body and how he could manipulate it. It felt as if he could control it, but had to acknowledge it first and command it. It was like another being was inside of him, a being not of this world that was his friend, yet didn’t quite understand Zack itself. He exerted the power from his hand into his finger tips. He violently took control of the foreign force within and commanded it to work with him. He held his fingers out towards The Prevailer and told the force to bring it to him. Suddenly, The Prevailer flew off of the table top and into his hand, tossing Zack back against the far bars of the cell with force. He shook his head and was surprised to see The Prevailer clutched in his grasp. It felt good to be holding his old sword again, he had missed its touch. The bird across from him was tilting his head in study once more as to what he had seen.
Zack wasted no time and rose the sword as high as he could in the cell. With all of his strength, he aimed for the cell locks and swung at them, breaking them off of the cage and unlocking him from his prison. He stepped out and stretched his body, getting ready for the run of his life. He grabbed his gear, slipped on the Ethereal Sabatons and made his way to the door.
But before he could break it down, he stopped and thought about the strange friend he made in his cell. He turned and looked back towards the bird who whimpered and shook its wings, trying to stretch them as well. Zack looked down at his sword and back to the bird–he knew what he had to do. He ran over and released the bird from its cage, trying not to waste anymore time. The old bird climbed out and on top of the cage, letting out a joyous shriek. It hopped onto Zack’s shoulder and nuzzled the side of his head. He smiled at this, but soon remembered he had to leave quickly.
He raced down the spiraling staircase of the ancient castle, trying to remember which way he came in at. He burst through the door of what he thought to be the Throne Room, ready to take on the guards that filled the chamber. He ran through the door with The Prevailer armed, ready to attack, but strangely enough, no one was in the Throne Room. It was empty and dark; the fires in the fire places were extinguished and the curtains were draped down over the windows. Zack didn’t have time to investigate and made his way to the exit where he entered the castle from.
He pushed the large, castle doors ajar and stepped outside, feeling the rush of cold air spray him. The old bird ruffled its feathers once more, embracing the cold. The noises he had heard before grew louder as he went outside and witnessed a very strange sight. When Zack looked over the edge of the castle’s porch, in the center of the city below was a massive fire with flames stretching high into the night. Griffons upon the thousands circled above and below. Griffons in armor marched through the streets yelling chants in an alien tongue, unknown to Zack’s ears. Thousands upon thousands of griffons of all sizes marched through the darkened streets carrying torches and tossing some into the fire to keep the large bonfire alive and ferocious. It was terrifying to Zack, seeing such a race act so violent and orderly. Then he saw him, Vallak on a high throne close to the enormous fire, watching his army march by him in brigades. His staff gleamed in the night, even from afar. The sight was an eyeful for Zack, so much going on and at everywhere around him; he wondered where all of these griffons came from. He tried to think of a way out of this place during an event like this, but to him, it seemed now impossible.
He heard a shuffling of feet behind him and turned to see what it was. The two large canine-like creatures in heavy armor he had seen before approached Zack with their muskets pointed at his head. They slowly closed in on Zack as he drew his sword in defense. The old bird on his shoulder suddenly flapped its wings and took off away from Zack into the night sky behind him. Both the dogs and Zack turned to see the bird fly off, but the dog’s attention fell back on Zack as they were close to pushing him off over the Five Hundred Steps.
"So much for a faithful friend..." Zack thought when the bird had left him and flew off for its own safety. The canines growled at Zack as they pushed in closer with their claws on the triggers of their rifles. Zack was about to charge when suddenly he heard a thunderous boom behind him. Once again, the guard dog's and Zack’s attention were diverted off into the flickering atmosphere.
A large, black plume of storm clouds formed over Gryphus. Cracks of lightning and rolls of thunder lit up the sky and connected with the ground below. The griffons in the city panicked as they flew off and fled. The wind began to pick up and a warm front blew through the canyon below. Rain began to fall in torrents along with the snow; Zack had no idea what was going on, but it was making an excellent distraction. He was about to make a break for it until he heard an ear piercing screech from above. He covered his ears from the loudness and his eyes watered from the pain it sent through his body. The clouds parted above and from them flew a magnificent creature, followed by the same plume of black storm clouds which were enveloped in claws of raw lightning. The bird was enormous; it was not a roc, but something entirely different. Its eyes glowed with a brilliant brightness of sapphire blue. Its body was jet black and the tips of its wings, beak, legs, tail feathers and belly were bright yellow. It came sailing down towards Zack as he tried to run from its frightening and threatening appearance. The bird opened its beak and let out another high pitched scream; only this time, a glowing fire burned inside of it and its light could be seen with the bird’s beak open.
The monster swooped down and flapped its wings in front of the canine guards who quickly changed their focus towards this new threat. With every flap the large bird made, an echo of thunder clasped. The dogs fired away, billows of smoke shot out from of the barrels as the bullets narrowly mossed their target. The bird raised its head and screeched towards the storm clouds above. Two bolts of lighting shot down below and in front of the bird, shocking the canines to death until they collapsed. Their armors and hides smoked like cinder from the ferocious electrocution. Zack turned towards the bird and realized something upon looking at it more closely. That old bird was this same bird before him.
"What in the–how could this be," he questioned himself in front of the bird. The large animal descended on the porch of the castle. It landed with a thud and bent its body down, as if he wanted Zack to climb on him. Zack hesitated at first, but seeing how more griffon guards were flying up to the Kyanite Castle, he quickly jumped on top of the bird’s back. The warmth and softness of the beast’s feathers was an amazing sensation as Zack gripped the bird’s feathers tightly.
“Go,” he hollered as the guards were about on them. Zack yelled as if the animal could understand him; he didn’t believe it would work, but gave it a try anyways. The bird stretched its wings out and rocketed into the air. The frigid air plastered Zack’s face with wind, snow and rain. With each flap, a thunderous bass filled the stormy air around them. The force of each flap was great enough to throw off the enclosing griffon guards in the air behind them. They trailed off and back towards the ground before they were about to crash land.
Vallak noticed this all taking place from the ground below as griffon guard flew over to him and uttered, “What are your orders, my liege?”
Vallak said nothing as he raised his staff high into the air. He pointed it at the large bird and the red orb atop the staff burned brightly into the night. A bolt of energy fired from the stave, trailing Zack and the bird. The missile whistled through the cold air and closed in on the two. Zack heard the oncoming attack behind them and saw the bolt catching up to them quickly. He drew The Prevailer from its sheath and tried to deflect the oncoming attack. The attempt succeeded as the ball of death flew off like a comet through the air in another direction and into the side of a far off mountain. The energy ball exploded into an array of black and orange smoke, creating an avalanche on the far off mountain side. Vallak grunted at his failed attempt to stop the two, but slowly smiled, showing his white fangs.
“Sir... you missed... ” blatantly informed the guard next to his king. Vallak turned and jammed the staff into his guard’s chest while laughing. He twisted the stave a few times before releasing it and letting the guard fall over. The griffon contorted on the ground and held his bloody chest wound. Vallak looked back up into the sky, seeing the storm had subsided beyond the mountain ranges that held his city.
He smiled, looked upon his staff and said, “This will not be the last time...”
__________
The bird tore though the clouds above, sailing above and around the peaks of the Icicle Mountains southward. The ice and snow sprayed Zack’s body as he tried to tightly hold onto the bird for warmth. He was flying much faster than the Wind Fish could ever go and was making excellent timing. Some how he figured the bird knew where to take Zack as it continued to fly south towards Equestria. In only one hour, Zack could spot Canterlot Castle from far above.
Though in a rash moment, he yelled over the howling wind towards the bird, “T-there!” Zack pointed below towards Ponyville and continued, “L-land there!”
The bird tilted its wings to the left and sailed downward into the valley where Ponyville slept. The bird gave three enormous flaps and made a soft and relatively quiet landing in the center of Ponyville. Zack stepped off of the bird and fell into the thick snow below. He picked himself up and looked over towards the bird.
With a shooing motion, he whispered to the bird, “G-go! Fly off n-now! Thanks for the lift, but you can’t be seen here!”
His friend titled his head again like he usually did in a confused fashion. The bird understood and took off into the night. After the bird was far away, silence filled the sleeping Ponyville. The snow had stopped falling and he was the only one in town. His body shuddered from the cold and from the motions from flying on the bird as he walked calmly over to Sugarcube Corner. His face was blood red and his body was numbed from the high altitude winds and frost formation. He stepped up onto the porch and knocked on the door. He heard some hooves shuffling around inside and getting louder as it approached the front door. Mister Cake answer the door with a cup of coffee in his hooves. He blinked a few times and yawned before realizing who was at his door.
“Zack,” he said in astonishment, “What are you doing here? It’s four in the morning?”
“I-it’s a la-long sta-story,” he shuddered in the cold. Mister Cake looked him over and moved out of the way so Zack could come inside.
He motioned, “Come on in. You look like you’re about to freeze to death!”
“You h-hit the na-nail on the ha-head, s-sir.” Mister Cake closed the door behind him and sat Zack around a fire he had made. He covered him in blankets and prepared him a hot cup of coffee.
“Here,” Mister Cake said as he gave the cup to Zack. Once in Zack’s grasp, the cup trembled as he sipped from it.
“Oh, th-thank you, s-sir.” Mister Cake nodded with a smile as he sat down in a recliner in the corner of the room.
He took a sip from his coffee and finally asked, “So, Pinkie told me you were going on some sort of mission. Why are you here?”
“W-well,” Zack began to answer, licking his chapped lips, “I just came back from the mission... and I wanted to see Pinkie on Hearth’s Warming Eve. So I rushed back here... What are you doing up so late anyways?” Mister Cake reached over to the nearby coffee table and held up a book which read, 'Of Pets and Ponies'.
“This is the only time I can read. The house is always loud during the day and I need good concentration when reading to get deep into the story.”
“Ah,” Zack replied. He wasn’t in a very talkative mood and wanted to sleep, but he knew he had to stay awake for Hearth’s Warming Eve. A long moment of silence as both Mister Cake and Zack stared deep into the fireplace, mesmerized by its enchanting flames. Mister Cake let out a cough and cleared his throat before leaning over in his chair.
“Son,” he started, with deep sincerity in his tone. Zack turned toward him and the stallion continued, “you’ve been like family to us here... keeping Pinkie Pie safe. And even though we don’t talk much or meet much, and that we’re two different species all together, I still treat you as family. The things I’ve heard from Pinkie Pie about you–true or not–are quite astounding. Even though she may not be truly be apart of our family, I want you to know that you are always welcomed here.” Zack looked down into his half emptied cup of coffee, thinking about what he had just said.
Zack looked back up and replied, “Thank you, sir.”
Morning approached and all of the Cakes, Pinkie Pie and Zack joined in on all of Hearth’s Warming Eve’s activities. Zack stayed awake and had a great time spending not only bonding moments with Pinkie Pie, but with the whole Cake family. Valiant Steed showed up to the house around midday to deliver Zack’s present to Pinkie Pie, thinking that he wouldn’t be there, but was surprised to see him answer the door. The pink party pony loved her gift and shot off the cannon numerous times during the day; they would go as far as to say she had a 'blast'.
Valiant was shown the journal of his father and was finally enlightened about his father’s passing. He did not want to seek revenge or more answers, but was finally at peace knowing the truth after all those years. The day was perfectly spent. Good food, good friends and finally at peace with his last mission out of the way. Zack had wondered what he was going to do now that Celestia didn’t need him. Only time would tell.