Ever since the monster had started rampaging throughout Equis, nopony paid much attention to little things like massive shipments of meat being hijacked, or a few dozen citizens going missing. When they did they just thought it was thanks to the monster, nopony realized that all of those things had started disappearing near the Everfree forest. Or that all of it disappeared next to only one area.
Caries had been taking full advantage of that to expand his collection of beautiful pets, not only from his prized jewel but to the manticores, Hydras and even some plant beast. But as before they couldn't match up to his new favorite, with its ability to absorb magic and lightning, massive claws and its mountainous size. The sad thing was even if he kept attacking the passing caravans to feed his pets, he'd run out pretty soon.
He stopped on the mountain he'd been traversing to see Canterlot, the glimmering gem of Equestria, shining at him. Beckoning him closer. He sat down on the rock next to him and stared at the capital. A gem to feed his precious jewel in his collection it seemed almost poetic.
Standing back up he slid back down the mountain, towards the base where his personal transport was. It had been lying down when he started sliding, but when he reached the bottom his manticore was stretching its back, knowing what he wanted to do. Before he reached the summit he teleported onto its back and turned its head with his horn, making it fly in that direction.
It's mighty wings spread before launching them over the forest's treetops, free from danger of any untrained beasts of the Everfree. As they flew, he could already see the top of his pet over the trees, hiding behind a mountain like he had instructed it too. With another push of his horn the manticore picked up speed, making them fly in a blur.
Within the minute they were overtop the gathering of his many hungry pets. Letting the corner of his mouth lift up into a smile, his horn started to glow along with all of his lovelies' eyes. At this they all looked at their master knowing he was in charge, before he tugged them all towards Canterlot.
First to start moving were the speedy manticores slowly followed by the three hydra's he'd acquired. But they didn't compare to his pet and its starry back, the way how when it walked it lumbered, the way it breathed a huge gust of wind came out its nostrils. The way when its stomach rumbled it sounded like an earthquake.
Looking back to the gem of Equestria he thought to himself, that pretty soon that earthquake would be replaced by a different sort.