“What’s going on?” Galen barked, walking into the large circular room that was deep underneath the main castle. A circular table displaying a map of Mount Aris, the image floating in the air, and the atmosphere was bustling with voices. Desks were spread out from the center map like spokes of a wheel, and Skystar padded along at Galen’s side as he walked, anxiety sending her wings into a slight twitch.
“The Golden in Mount Aris just launched an all-out assault against the palace. They’re inside as of a few minutes ago; that’s all we’ve been able to find out.” An Ashen gryphon called out from a desk; crystal headphones pressed against one of his ears.
“The Rangers?” Galen asked, another Ashen, a pony, nodding from another desk.
“On standby- they can deploy at your command. The palace is shielded though, its defenses are active.”
Galen looked over to Skystar, who nodded as she shuffled a bit closer to press against his side.
“The palace has magical measures in place to repel attackers. Shields, stunning spells, and a few nastier things in the throne room. It was never meant to stop an all-out attack though, not without the guard’s support.” Skystar murmured, head shaking slowly.
“I want the Rangers to deploy if there’s even a hint they’ve captured Queen Novo. That’s a non-negotiable objective. Also, have guards and medics report to the teleportation pad on the double.” Galen called out, and Skystar’s eyes lit up as she glanced his way.
“Sir? There’s magical surges coming from the throne room….” The communications gryphon called, out, his eyes then widening. “Emergency beacon activated!”
Galen grinned, waving to two guards near the door and snagged a small crystal earpiece.
“Follow me. I want a report from that teleportation room NOW! We’re on our way.”
As they trotted along, Galen’s earpiece lit up with the other gryphon’s voice, causing the Prince to chuckle.
‘Sir; successful transport of ten hippogriffs, most are wounded. The Queen is there too.’
“Hey Skystar?” Galen asked with a knowing smile, gesturing down a hall.
“Hmm?”
As they passed through two large stone doors, Skystar’s words faded on her tongue as a familiar pink-feathered individual turned her way.
“MOM!”
Novo was nearly bowled over as her daughter dashed forwards, wrapping the ruler up in a tight hug as her sides shivered. The Queen held Skystar close, her own eyes brimming with tears.
“Skystar, you’re safe…and here? Where is here?” she asked, then looked up to Galen with genuine admiration.
“You kept her safe, all this time? Celestia was right about you, and that gem-”
Galen bowed his head, try to not intrude on the mother and daughter reunion as much as possible.
“I promised to do so, and I am thankful the gem was of use.” he stated simply, Novo then nodding as she ruffled Skystar’s head feathers with a set of claws.
“Of use? Try essential. Those golden creatures had us cornered in the throne room when I activated it. Now then, Captain Galen, where exactly is here?”
Galen had at least the courtesy to blush, gesturing around the room with a slightly sheepish grin.
“It’s, erm, Prince Galen, actually. And welcome to Anthracite, Queen Novo.”
The Queen blinked, her eyes widening as Skystar trotted over and promptly nuzzled her head under Galen’s chin.
“It would appear I have missed quite a bit….”
Queen Novo let out a sigh, an Ashen medic having just finished applying some salve and a bandage to the gash in her side. Galen had filled her in as best he could about the events- Skystar piping in with a few of the more personal details.
“To be fair, I had a suspicion something like this would happen. Between you two at least…” Novo muttered as Galen raised an objective claw.
“For the record, Queen Novo, Skystar had to encourage me quite a bit, in terms of what was appropriate.”
Seeing her mother’s eyebrows raise, Skystar rolled her eyes and poked Galen’s side.
“What he means, is that it wasn’t a light decision from either of us.” she said, Novo thankfully picking up on the slightly sharp tone.
“I’m just happy you’re safe, Skystar. I was so worried, after my letters failed, and then the rebellion, I feared I-” Novo shook her head, a smile dawning on her regal features.
“I am thankful to see all my fears were not realized. Well, most of them.” her eyes flickered over to Galen.
“Moooom!”
Novo chuckled, enjoying seeing the proud prince act a bit more sheepish at her words.
“Alright, enough of that…for now. Prince Galen, what are your plans? You explained that I’m a guest and you have some sort of idea? You have my full cooperation to take back my home, in whatever capacity you may need. Celestia cannot offer assistance; she has received a few reports inside her own borders that merit attention. Most of my subjects are safe in Seaquestria; those who aren’t have fled the city. There shouldn’t be any creature left who isn’t hostile.”
Galen nodded, letting out a tired breath.
“You’re are correct, I have a plan in mind. My uncle is serving as the Golden Nexus in Mount Aris; that is, the one in which their leader has direct contact with. When the Nexus of an area falls, it takes quite a toll on the remaining cultists. The plan is to eliminate him, and the overall leader in one fell swoop. I believe your palace’s defenses can help with that, but I don’t know the specifics. We will have to move soon though; I don’t know how long we’ll have the element of surprise.” the prince mused, waving a set of claws.
“It can wait until the morning however; if there is any action, it will come tomorrow. I’ll have the guards show you to the guest chambers; and if you need anything, just ask. You are guests here after all.” Galen then nodded to the pair, pausing at the doorway with a shake of his head, brow furrowing slightly.
“I’ll let you know when I have a cohesive plan of action, Queen Novo.”
“Galen…” Skystar whispered, trotting over to the Prince and looking into his troubled eyes. “You alright?”
As Skystar’s claws slid to rest against his cheek, Galen’s demeanor sagged slightly, the gryphon enjoying her touch for a few brief moments.
“I’m ok, Sky. Really. These are just the final stressful hours. I’ll be back later after I figure out a definite plan of action. The guards outside can show you and your mother to the chambers.”
The Prince then trotted off, three Ashen following behind him with some maps and clipboards in claw and hoof.
Skystar let out a sigh, shaking her head as she sat down.
“You really care about him.” Novo whispered, taking a place next to her daughter. It wasn’t as much of a question as much as a statement of fact. Skystar’s head nodded briefly, the Queen letting out a chuckle.
“Well, I’m not going to get in the way, if that thought crossed your mind. I should be surprised, but somehow I am not.”
Skystar smiled, toying with her claws in thought.
“He was so worried at first of what you would think- he tried to avoid me actually because of that fact. But there’s a lot about him that I didn’t know, that you don’t know. We’ve been through a lot, and yet he’s been a constant, always been there for me. And I’ve been there for him, when he finally opened up, when we needed each other.” the Princess mused, a slight blush dawning on her cheeks.
“You love him.”
A soft gasp greeted the Queen’s ears, and Novo chuckled heartily at the sound.
“Oh, haven’t said that yet? I am quite happy to find out you finally have had some dates that haven’t ended in disaster.” she then winced at seeing her daughter’s deadpan stare.
“Ok, mostly. But you seriously had a date when stuck on that island? Somehow that seems so…you. But I approve, as long as you’re happy, my little seaweed wrap. I will want a talk with him alone however, just to make a few things clear.”
Skystar giggled, nodding as she gave her mother a hug.
“Oh, I’m sure he’s expecting it, but maybe after we get our home back?
“I’ll agree to that. I’m just so happy you’re alright, I couldn’t bear the thought of….” Novo’s words went unsaid as Skystar hugged her tight, then gestured to the door.
“Let’s get you settled. It’s really nice here actually.”
“Are you sure that’s not due to a certain gryphon?”
As Skystar stared, Novo couldn’t help but cackle, waving a set of claws in her daughter’s direction with a grin. “Skystar, do you realize how long I’ve wanted to say something like that? I’m just tickled that you’re safe and happy; let me have that at least!”
As her daughter grumbled, Novo couldn’t help but smile as the guards led them down the ornate halls towards their rooms. Galen had certainly gone above and beyond what she had ever expected of him. My daughter is safe, Galen, thanks to you and your crew. You have no idea what that means to me…
Glancing over to Skystar, Novo couldn’t help but smirk ever so slightly.
No, perhaps you do…
Galen took a shaky breath, looking out over the gleaming lights of Anthracite from the small balcony near his room. It had been a long few hours, but a basic plan of how to proceed the next day was hammered out; and he hated it. Skystar, I never wanted to ask this much from you, to put you in harm’s way…but I see no other way.
The hippogriff presently on his thoughts now softly walked up to his side, resting her head on his shoulder.
“You still up?” Galen whispered, warmth flooding through his frame as Skystar entwined her claws with his.
“Wasn’t about to go to sleep without saying good night. Not tired yet any-” A loud yawn interrupted Skystar’s words, the hippogriff shrugging her wings. “Well, I guess now I am. You doing ok? Kind of a big day, not exactly how I planned on you meeting my mom and her finding out….”
Galen chuckled, resting his head on Skystar’s with a sigh.
“Well, it could have been better, but also gone much worse. I assume she’ll want to talk to me sometime, but tomorrow has me worried. I don’t like the plan, but that’s for tomorrow.”
He scooted closer to Skystar, nestling up against her, feeling the hippogriff’s sides rise and fall against his own.
“For now, I just want to enjoy being with you, just like this, for a bit. If that’s alright. Then I think we both need sleep.”
Skystar’s affectionate nuzzles did wonders to sooth Galen’s nerves, the gryphon enjoying the brief moment where nothing else existed; just Skystar at his side.
Love you, Sky. After tomorrow, I’ll make sure you know that. You certainly deserve as much.
“Absolutely not.” Novo growled, shaking her head as Skystar sighed. Galen was staring at the floor in the war room, the gryphon having just laid out his plans to retake Mount Aris.
“Mom, don’t you think-”
“You are NOT going back there!” The Queen stated flatly.
“Do you really think Galen would suggest this unless there was no other way?!”
Skystar’s words clammed up Novo, the queen now noticing how unsettled the Prince actually was.
“There is no other way. The only way we can infuse our magic with the castle’s defenses is using a pearl shard that has been in close contact with an Ashen for an extended period of time. Otherwise the magic will be marked as foreign.” Galen said, voice nearly monotone. “I will be going as well, to ensure this ends once and for all. But we need a modified pearl shard to let our Guardian access your defenses, t-that means S-skystar.”
The Queen’s eyes widened as Galen’s voice stuttered, the gryphon shaking his head. Her daughter immediately picked up on his distress, walking over to sit next to the Prince, nudging his shoulder with hers.
“I never wanted this. This is our fight, not yours…” he murmured, prompting a snort from Novo.
“Last I checked, Prince Galen, my home has been invaded by a bunch of cultists. They made it our fight.” she interjected, then shaking her head.
“I still don’t want my daughter anywhere near that palace, not when it’s occupied. Skystar, you are ok with this?”
Skystar nodded firmly, letting out a determined breath.
“These creeps have threatened to kill me, and worse. If I can help shove them back into whatever hole they crawled out of, I’m all for it. I’ve already fought them anyhow.” she murmured, her mother’s eyes widening.
“It’s very simple. We go in first and destroy most of the Golden ourselves. Skystar will activate the defenses as I deal with my uncle and draw the other creature out. Skystar won’t be anywhere near the action, and surrounded by a squad of my best soldiers. All she needs to do is let our Guardian into the magical grid. We’ll be on a totally separate section of the palace when that happens. Once activated, that will keep their leader in the palace, at least for a few moments. We’ll trap and destroy him; but that may cause some damage to the palace.” Galen explained, prompting another huff from Novo.
“Stones can be replaced. If you have a chance to destroy this creature, then I expect you to take it.” the queen growled. “When do you intend to attack?”
Galen stood, taking a shaky breath as Skystar reached over to give his claws a squeeze.
“Soon after this meeting is concluded. My rangers have been standing by for a day or so.”
Novo stood as well, bowing her head to the Prince.
“Then, Prince Galen, I would give you my blessing. Drive these monsters from our home, and keep my daughter safe.” her eyes gleamed with a few unshed tears, yet a slight smile dawned on Novo’s features. “You’ve done thus so far; I don’t expect you to be lax in such duties now.”
Taking a deep breath, Galen bowed his head to Novo, then giving Skystar a brief nuzzle. Raising his left forelimb, Galen tapped his gauntlet once.
“All Shock Troops; prepare for engagement. Rangers are with me for the first wave. Stand by for deployment.”
Skystar paced nervously as Galen donned his armor, familiar dark metal securely fastening itself around his limbs and torso. The large circular room was etched with dozens of runes, a few desks dotting the exterior as a small map shone; a miniaturized version of the larger control room they had vacated an hour prior.
“As you have been told, the enemy numbers more than a thousand, with more on their way. Our fleet is moving to engage their transports; but they haven’t been in any hurry to fortify the city. Likely, they didn’t see a reason to until we showed ourselves.
The plan is this; We kill everything that has a golden glow in the immediate area, and ten more squads will follow us as we push to the castle. Anticipated resistance is light, but they’ll likely swarm once we make our direction known, which is why half our fleet is hidden, along with some support forces. Once we’ve cleared a perimeter around the Palace, Skystar will be teleported in for a minute near the entrance after a second group has arrived to bolster our forces in securing the city.” Galen instructed the two dozen fully armored Ashen in front of him.
“When we are about to enter the throne room, she will then interface with the palace’s defenses and let our Guardian manipulate them; that’s when we strike. The defenses will hold the Golden leader there for a few moments after I, or anyone else, eliminates their nexus, and that’s all we’ll need. A third group is standing by for the sole purpose of assisting in that final confrontation. Also, the Revelation will be standing by for support as well.” Galen smiled slightly, standing tall as his pitch-black armor shone in the dim light, the golden symbol of Anthracite emblazoned on his chest.
“This isn’t just a fight for Mount Aris. All the forces in Old Anthracite have been pulled back to this location. If we succeed here, we have our home back. Any questions?”
The entire group stamped their hooves, claws, and paws twice in unison, standing at attention as they roared back.
“NO SIR!”
Galen nodded approvingly, nodding to Skystar on the sidelines. Her mask was impressive; but the gryphon could see a slight tremor in her beak. That tremor vanished after he shot her a wink, then clamping his own helmet down around his head.
“Then stand by for transport! These creatures took our homes once, will you let them do the same to more innocents?”
“NO SIR!”
As the room began to hum, the rune-inscribed flow lit up, magical tendrils beginning to curl around everycreature present.
“The tables are turned this time; so make our surprise attack count! They pushed us all to the brink of destruction once; we will not give them such a chance again! Do not hesitate to strike them down!” Galen’s voice then softened; the gryphon nodding as he drew his own sword.
“Yet be above them. If they surrender, restrain and incapacitate. I do not anticipate that, however, but leave it an option.”
Galen took a final breath as the teleportation spell began to initiate.
“For Anthracite, our families, our friends…FOR OUR HOME!” The Prince bellowed, slamming his sword against his breastplate twice.
“FOR OUR HOME!” The voices echoed off of the chamber, building in a roar that abruptly vanished with a flash of light.
Skystar scooted closer to the map; the crystal display showing a life image from observation spells places on a few select individuals within the Rangers.
Her breath caught in her chest as burned homes greeted her sight; yet there were plenty of dwellings left unscathed. The Rangers apparently were transported into one of the higher-end districts near the palace; the group expertly fanning out and securing the location which appeared to be a small park. Dozens more of Rangers now walked into the room, vanishing as the spell yanked them away, a constant flashing indicating the troop movement effort.
“Contact!” a voice sounded over the crystal communicators, one of the cameras picking up two Golden Gryphon cultists. They barely had time to squawk before blades slid their throats, heads rolling across the ground.
Novo glanced over to her daughter- slightly disturbed by how such a sight didn’t seem to faze Skystar much. What have you gone through, my little one? She wondered. And yet this is necessary to retake our home.
Skystar’s eyes were glued to one of the small squares displayed in front of them; highlighted with a small crown. Galen gestured to a few small side streets, a group following him as they trotted down the small side road.
A Golden patrol walked into view; three gryphons and a pony standing stunned at the sight of eight armored Ashen surging towards them. Their weapons were barely brought to bear- a shot from a Ranger’s crossbow silencing the pony as his horn glowed with magic. The other three managed to block one strike, but two others easily dispatched them, their heads neatly removed and bodies shoved to the sides.
It was methodical and brutal, none of the Rangers showing any hesitation as they encountered another patrol, tearing them apart with expertly placed blows from their edged weapons.
“They know we’re here now.” Galen whispered, indicating the golden magic that swirled around the bodies. “How many Squads are here?”
“Ten. The final force just arrived. The second group is standing by.”
Galen nodded, letting out a sigh as they turned a corner.
“Tell them to get ready, and get Skystar set. The palace is in sight.”