Claws chipped and dug at the embedded stones. These stones, these gems, were more valuable than ten times their weight in gold. That was what the leader of the group told them, anyway. These were the gems that the ponies had used to bring their reign to the land. If they took them for their own country, they could use that as leverage for a larger slice of the land. And, their leader assured them, they would all receive their just rewards for helping the Griffons reclaim their lost glory.
That was why they worked day and night, carefully prising the precious stones loose from the crystal of the tree. It took them three days before they finally extracted the final gem, that of Magic, from the centre of the tree.
The gems were placed into a sack, which the leader of their group threw over his shoulder, and they left the cave, and the despoiled tree behind.
“Nearly home free, boys,” said the leader, his beak curling into a smirk, as they walked out into the sunlight of Equestria, “just the flight home, and to collect our rewards.”
“Oh, I doubt you will get anything,” said someone, from behind them. Almost as one, the flock of griffons turned, and found Princess Luna, leaning up against the rock wall, just beside the cave entrance. “But if you put those gems back where you found them, you will manage to escape unharmed,” continued Princess Luna.
“Equestria has gone on too long as the dominant power in the world, Princess. It is time that the griffons take their time in the spotlight,” said the leader, while Luna only smiled and shook her head. “But now that we have your greatest weapons, we shall manage to do what our ancestors failed to accomplish all those years ago, and strike you down, allowing griffon rulers to take their places.”
“You are aware that the Elements of Harmony are not weapons, I hope?” said Luna, “though they are indeed not bound to ponies, and are able to be used by anyone who demonstrates the qualities that they represent, I doubt that any in your group would be capable of using them even close to properly. So, one more time; put them back. You will not like the alternative.”
The other griffons looked around. They were all committed to the cause, yes, but that was a Princess of Equestria. None of them had expected or wanted to face such an opponent before they’d managed to get a grasp on how the Elements worked. However, before any of them could speak out, the leader passed out the gems to some of them, not caring who got which one.
“Attack!” he yelled, “down with the princess. Griffon glory begins now!”
Princess Luna sighed, and her horn lit up.
“You really do become more idiotic every time you try this,” grumbled Luna.
*********
“Luna? What was it?” asked Celestia, as Luna picked out a feather from her mane, back in Canterlot Castle.
“Some stupid griffons. Thought that they could steal the Elements of Harmony, and turn them against us. It’s that radical sect again. We must speak to their King about them again, Celestia.”
“I’ll set up a meeting when he’s in town next month,” sighed Celestia.