After reaching the Everfree Forest, they began searching for the path to the tree. They searched for an hour and then Silverstream spotted the staircase. Reaching the tree, they started looking around until Sandbar spied a crack in the rock. They started hacking at the ground until they found a hollow space directly under the roots. Neighsay found a carving in the wall and snapped a picture of it. Showing it to the group, only Ocellus recognized the layout of the area that was depicted.
"We have to go to the changeling kingdom. The star seems to be in the spot where the castle is. Only I know my way around the castle. So you will need to keep up with me."
They set off and started progressing towards the Changeling Kingdom. They arrived in the kingdom after a week of travel. Thorax welcomed everyone and listened to what they had to say about why they came on such short notice. They entered the hive and started making their way through the shifting passages. Finally, they arrived at a doorway that was not made by the changelings. They forced the door open and followed the twisting tunnel into a dark musty room. They turned on their flashlights and searched the small room until Yona found a loose stone. After breaking it out, they found a note that mentioned a key and where the next clue would be found.
"The key is a medallion with a horseshoe surrounded by leaves that has been passed down through generations. Only under a volcano where winged fire breathers dwell can you find the next step."
Upon reading the note, Smolder realized that the fourth clue was under the volcano in the Dragon Lands.
"Let's go. We need to be careful, because we're going to be dealing with extreme heat.", she explained to everyone.
After boarding a train to the Dragon Lands. Neighsay asked Smolder to explain how the dragons had gotten a strong relationship with the ponies. She explained how Spike had been called to the Dragon Lands when the previous leader, Torch, called all dragons to compete for the title of being the next Dragon Lord. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity had accompanied Spike on the trip to the Dragon Lands. He had originally gotten the staff, but he chose to give it to Torch's daughter, Ember. Torch was initially upset that his daughter had become the new leader because she was not strong like he was. Ember then proceeded to explain that one doesn't have to be strong to be a leader, and Torch came to realize that Ember was right. Twilight formed a friendship bond with Ember and they became allies.