//------------------------------//
// Ch 77.2 Griffon Diplomacy: In the Red Corner 
// Story: Twilight's Nightmare 
// by Nightsclaw 
//------------------------------//





Red Wing waited, supreme in his confidence and terrifying in his anger. In less than an hour, he would claim his destiny. His taste buds almost ached in anticipation of the victory feast that awaited him.

This was the last step, the one act that would unite all the other Griffons under his power. No griffon had dared to challenge Equestria for centuries. They were cowards all. Each year the proud and noble species of warriors became more and more pony-like.

Griffons will never yield to mere grass eaters again. His beak opened in a cruel grin as he focused on everything he knew of his foe. A powerful mage, her spells could shape whole battlefields. Every news report, every bit of gossip, all told the story. She fixed every problem with friendly words or spellcraft. Without your magic, you will be my prey…

One of his spoke unbidden. “Your Majesty. Celestia will not be...”

“Do you think I care?” Red Wing said as he turned his gaze on his lesser.

They froze, their wings spread, and their body shifted, ready to flee, and yet they found the strength to answer without any of their fear infecting their voice. “If you win….”

“If… IF!?” All respect for their self-control vanished, replaced with blood-red anger. “There is no doubt I will win. She is a librarian with illusions of grandeur. Perhaps she is a powerful mage, but in this, her magic will not aid.”

They lowered their head. It seemed they found the stone floor suddenly extremely interesting. Every bit of their body language screamed their utter submission.  

Paws padded and talons clicked on the stone floor as King Red Wing paced. After a few minutes, he spoke. “There is nothing to worry about. You seek to advise me. Thank you.” The words cost him nothing, and it was so hard to find good help that would not try and challenge for leadership.

Most of the tension faded from the prostrated griffon. “It is my duty, my King.”

A slight smile came to Red Wing. Every time others recognized his claimed title, it became a little more real. After all, to be King, all you needed to do was to convince everygriff else. “Then rise, and make sure the victory feast is prepared.”

“Yes, my King.”