The Unexpecting Journey

by dquiroga

ch.5 part 2: an advisor and a scholar/ just a bit of fun/ subtle agreements

An advisor and a scholar

Once we got to the library, we were greeted by a maze of books and scrolls. The room was stretched high above the ground, and the bookshelves were just as high, making it only reachable by ladder or with the ability to fly. Looking around, the genres ranged to history, myths, biographies, and even titles of possible novels. 'Talk about a wide selection.' reading the titles on the spines, I suddenly realized that I could read them without needing a translator. 'So they wright in English to. I wonder if that applies to all other nations.' we continued to wander, wondering who wished to see us.

"Ah, your here! Please excuse me; I’ll be there in just a moment." I looked up to see a griffon placing some books back on the higher shelves, "I had to say, you truly sparked my interest in you."

He began to hover back down, landing right in front of us.

"But where are my manners; my name is Gizzard. I am the king’s chief advisor and renowned scholar."

I realized that gizzard was the other griffon that I’ve seen on the balcony, during the tournament.

"Daniel, and these are my friends Taphy and Jordan. It’s a pleasure to meet you." I said, giving him a respectful greeting.

"The pleasure is mine, and it’s good to see you to my lady. I hope you’re catching up on your studies." I heard Gilda groan in annoyance by his statement.

"No Gizzard, I haven’t. If you haven’t noticed, but I have a lot on my claws right now. Who wants to read those books anyway; their lame and, not to mention, boring." it was Gizzard’s turn to feel annoyed.

"(sigh) those lame and boring books contains your heritage; so I suggest you find an interest in those books." Gilda continued to groan in disapproval, "oh hush now; you act just like a cub sometimes." he said.

Gilda briefly stuck her tongue out at him before turning away with her arms crossed.

My friends and I just waited patiently as Gilda and Gizzard went back and forth with each other. 'Hmm, I’m sensing a student and teacher relationship.' Gizzard continued to tell Gilda how important her studies are, but Gilda would have none of it, saying that it’s all irrelevant.

"Should we say something?" Jordan whispered.

"nah."

While they were debating, I began to look around at the books surrounding us. I believe we were at the mythical section of the library. The titles ranged from "mysteries of the first age", "Old legends and forgotten myths”, and so on.

"(Groan) I don’t even know why I even try." Gizzard said, giving up on the pointless debate.

"Ha, Gilda one, egghead zero!" Gilda proclaimed in victory.

Gizzard just rolled his eyes in annoyance and proceeded to ignore her.

"My apologies that you have to witness our debacle." he said.

"It’s alright; we were the same with our teachers." I said jokingly.

"Really?" Gizzard asked distastefully.

"No... In fact, if our parents found out we were failing, our punishment would have been beyond sever." I truthfully said.

"Ha, if my mama found out I was failing any class, she would have slap me so hard; I would have ended up in the hospital." Jordan added.

Gizzard just looked at us questioningly, wondering if we were just joking or not.

"So you wish to speak with us?" I asked, wanting to continue on.

"Ah yes, I wanted to refresh my knowledge on humans before we have this conversation, but, to my disappointment, I couldn’t find a single book that contained extensive knowledge on your species."

He explained, pulling out one of the books from the shelves, "it’s almost as if you've never existed... yet here you are."

He then proceeded to make his way to a door across the room.

"Is this going to be a thing, because this is kind of getting old?" I said, while we followed him.

"what did you expect; a species that is considered non-existent just decides to show up out of nowhere." he exclaimed, while
unlocking the door, "I suggest you get used to this subject, because ,as long as your here, it will not go away anytime soon"

When he opened the door, it creaked loudly, reviling a staircase that leads to a lower level. He grabbed a touch that was next to the door, but, instead of cloth and oil, the tip had a red jewel on it. When he blew against it, it began to glow just like a flame would.

"Well come on then." he exclaimed, while going down.

We followed him, keeping close sense he had the only light source.

"unlike Equestrians, we don’t have the magical ability to increase storage space; so the library is separated by three floors." he explained, "the first floor is open to all in the castle, to access the second floor, you must be given authorization by any high ranking griffon like myself, and the last floor is off limits to all except for the royal family. The only exception is that the king had given you his royal seal, but that is a very rare occasion."

We stopped at another door that required another key. After entering, we noticed that the room was dark, having no light source to speak of. Gizzard told us to wait for a second, as he flew off to the center of the room. When he got there, his light revealed the same gem that he had on his torch but larger. It was connected to the roof, to act like a lamp for the room. When he tapped both gems together, the larger one began to glow, illuminating enough light to navigate ourselves. This floor was very similar to the first, but the books were more like journal entries or actual recorded research. Gizzard told us that we were free to look around while he goes to acquire a certain book.

Looking through many journals, I’ve read about expeditions or research on the magic arts, but none of them had captured my interest. However, I came across another door with blue glowing symbols on it. Taking a closer look at it, I noticed that the symbols were beyond my comprehension.

"I see you found the entrance leading to the third floor." I quickly turned around to see Gizzard, holding a book in his claw.

"What are these markings?" I asked, pointing at the glowing symbols.

"ah yes, that is a locking rune." he answered, while adjusting his glasses, "most races are unable to do magic, but there is a skill known as enchanting where one can transfer magical energy into objects. We may have a couple of griffons with that skill, but the true masters are the zebras."

I began to meditate on what he said. From what I know about runes and enchantments, they seem to work similarly. However, the idea that zebras are enchanters, truly made me want to look into it. 'There was a zebra in the show, but she was more of an herbalist than anything else.' I decided to put it off for later, remembering that Gizzard wanted to discuss something first.

We all gathered at a table near the center of the room, where there's more light. Gizzard began to flip through the journal that he had.

"These are the entries of Falio, an explorer during the second age. These were written during his expedition in the swamp lands; now known as Mukpud forest." our interests began to perk up when he said the very location we were planning to go, "while exploring a cave, he found an imprint on a wall. He wrote that it looked like a claw similar to a small dragons or Minotaur, but it wasn’t. He also states that there was some sort of magical essence around the imprint, but he couldn’t find out why. It was left as a mystery from a time long ago."

He then showed us the very entry he was taking this from. Under the entry, there was a picture of the very imprint. To my dismay, the imprint looked just like the one that we encountered in the chamber.

"I had a feeling you would know what that is." Gizzard said, seeing our reaction to the picture.

The room fell silent, having the picture the center point of our attention. There’s no doubt this cave is where the map wishes us to go.

"Well sir Daniel, what can you tell me about that mark?" Gizzard's question was not an easy one to answer, being that I don’t truly know the answer myself.

"Not much I’m afraid..." I finally said, leaning back in my chair, "all I know is that it acts like some sort of locking mechanism that, as far as I could tell, only humans could open."

Gizzard began to ponder in thought, humming while rubbing under his beak.

"So it takes a human to unlock the secrets of that marking..." he said aloud, "which means there had to be humans there to use it."

The thought alone had been surprising, but the fact that they left something of theirs locked away behind walls in caverns was beyond exciting. Therefore, an idea came to me that could help us get to our destination. 'They’re going to find out anyway, might as well make it a request.'

"There’s something else as well." I said, getting Gizzard's attention, "we have in our possession a map that I believe has magical properties. It actually marked itself on the same location which probably leads to that very cave."

I knew Gizzard understood where I was trying to get at, but he still seems to have that questioning look.

"So you wish to go to Mukpud forest then?" I nodded my head in response, "why ask me? This is something that should be taken to the king."

"Well, for starters, we just got initiated into service, so leaving in such short notice, would probably upset the king." I said, trying to sound as serious as possible, "however, if you try to order us there on an expedition mission, we may gain the kings approval."

Gizzard began to hum in thought, while looking at the journal.

Finally he perks up, giving us an approving smile.

"Very well, I will request this expedition to the king, but under one condition."

"And what might that be?" I asked, listening intently for the answer.

"You will allow me to study all your findings." I began to grin widely, offering a hand shake in agreement.

"Agreed."

With that the deal was set.

---

Just a bit of fun

It had been three days since Gizzard placed a request for an expedition, just as he promised. During that time, we decide to prepare for the trip. Acquiring the latest map of the area, we discover that it seemed very dense with trees. Hills and craters cover the landscape, making it very difficult to get around.

It has been known that the area exhibits excessive rain storms, leaving it damp just as its name implies. Putting it all together, traveling by air would only take us so far. We would have to stop at a village nearby, before we continue on foot.

Searching for the cave would also be a challenge, since Falio’s journal doesn’t say where the cave is exactly. Based on the map, the forest is quite large and may take a few days to search it all. We had to take to account of low visibility from the rain and would be hindered by the muddy roads. The trip itself will be difficult; so we must be highly prepare for it.

The day after we conversed with Gizzard, we decided to go to the tailors in the castle. Wearing the same cloths all the time can get quite unpleasant. The griffons there were shocked after seeing us, but they relaxed when they heard our request. In a way, they almost looked excited. The first thing they asked us to do was strip down so they could take some measurements. Of course we said “Hell to the no” to their request. To be fair, clothing here is considered formal and unnecessary, but we’re human and we have standards. In the end, we compromised by undressing to our trousers and having blinds for privacy.

The process was quite uncomfortable, to say the least. The consideration for personal space was completely thrown out the window. They were measuring every part of my body, from head to toe. I made sure they stayed well away from the goods. They only huffed in annoyance by my reluctance. I couldn’t help but label them as pervs for that, but I digress. ‘(Sigh) at least the blinds give some since of privacy.’ Oh how mistaken I was.

“So that’s how a human looks like without cloths.” My head quickly jerked to see Gilda analyzing me like a predator.

“Gilda, what are you doing!” I shrieked, trying my best to cover myself to save what dignity I had left.

“Sheesh clam down, I just came to check on you dorks.” She said as she walked closer, disregarding my protests, “not sure why you guys wear cloths all the time. It’s kind of lame.”

While I was trying to recollect my cloths, mainly my pants, I could hear snickering behind the blinds. I’m sure they knew Gilda was coming in, but decided against warning me to get a good laugh. ‘I’ll get you back, just you wait.’

When I was getting my clothes on, the tailors protested wishing to get more measurements. However, my patience was completely worn out; so I told them that they had enough to get the basics down. They were a little disappointed by this fact, especially Gilda, but they accepted what they got and went to work. When I got out, I could see my friends in their respective places, trying to hide their laughter fruitlessly.

“So, (snicker) how it went?” Jordan said trying to compose himself.

“Oh, it would have been better… if you warned me that I was going to have a guest.” I said unamused.

“Oh I didn’t- (snicker) didn’t see her come in… but I’m sure you were a sight to behold puff ahahah…” Jordan and Taphy couldn’t hold it any longer and busted out with laughter.

While they laughed, I simply smirked and shook my head.

“Ha ha very funny, I’ll get you guys back.” Then one of the griffon tailors came out and requested for their next client.

The laughter ceased and was replaced with a glued silence.

“And now’s the time.” Jordan grimaced at the thought, but he got up anyways and went behind the cover.

“So do you want me to bring a bucket?” Gilda asked obviously wanting in on the prank.

“Nah, I got something much better.” I began digging through my pockets for my weapon of choice.

Once I felt it, I pulled out a black box with silver edges, a glass screen, and a sliver apple imprinted on the back.

“Uh, not to be a drag here, but how is a small box going to pull off a prank?” Gilda asked, looking at the object in my hand.

“This my dear is my handy dandy I-phone, and don’t worry. It can do a lot of things.” Even though there wasn’t any phone connection, the camera was fully functional.

After I turned it on, I switched it to camera mode and set it to record videos. In the corner of my eye, I could see Gilda looking at my device with awe. I pressed the red button for the phone to record, and began creeping my way to the covers, moving the phone in a way to represent that.

“Oh Jordan, looks like the world want to see you.” I said romantically.

Lifting the phone over the cover, I could see an undressed Jordan.

Looking at it in shock while the griffon tailors just looked confused.

“Hey, stop playing man!” Jordan wailed trying to get his cloths on

“Don’t worry Jordan, I’ll be sure to post this so the whole world could see, and, with those griffons in the background. You’ll be a world star in no time.” I cheered, exaggerating the situation.

I began to laugh manically, feeling the satisfaction of my revenge. I was so wrapped into it that I didn’t notice Jordan throwing a cushion at me. The phone was knocked out of my hand, making a loud clatter as it hit the ground. ‘Noooooo!’ I cursed while I went to pick it up. I was relieved that it was still in one piece. ‘Thank god for hard cases.’

“Hey man you almost broke my phone.” I said while I placed it back into my pocket.

“You had it coming.” Jordan replied jokingly.

“Well guess what Jordan, I still have the video.” Feeling that I’ve done enough, I left Jordan be.

When it was Taphy turn to go, he already knew about the phone, so it wouldn’t be enough. So I decided to team up.

“Hey Gilda.” I quietly called.

“Yeah?”

“Get the bucket.”

---

Subtle agreements

“Bwahahaha…” at this point, everyone, or everygriffon in this case, had a confused or amused expression.
“Ha ha p-play it again.” I humbly obliged to Gilda’s request as we continued to laugh our way through the corridors.
I replayed the video that I recently recorded, and held it out so we could both see.

(Recording
“You got the bucket?”

“Yeah (snicker) oh man this is going to be sweet.”

“Shush, he’s going to hear us.” As the screen was showing a blinder, you could hear whispers in the background.

The image began to scroll up, revealing a very unamused Taphy.

“Did you really think you can get me with the same prank?”

“No… but that’s why I brought this.”

“Brought wha-“ Taphy’s confused expression became one if shock, as a splash if water appeared on the screen towards him.

(SPLASH)

“You mother ahhh!” Taphy shrieked as the ice cold water made contact, making him spaz out. )

The screen became a blur as you can hear the yelling and laugher from it. In fact, we both laughed at the humorous video once more, earning more stares from the castle staff.

“Hahaha its (sniff) it’s funnier even the third time around, hahaha!” Gilda proclaimed, earning her a glare from the videos victim.

“Har har, yeah guys very funny.” Taphy was able to dry himself, but he had to acquire a new set of cloths to replace his soaked ones.

His new set wasn’t as artistic as his old ones, being just a white, short sleeve shirt and tan pants. It was nice to know that clothing, though bland, can be made for us.

The rest of the trip was quiet with nothing but the occasional snickers and small laughter. We were making our way towards the king’s study since we were given a request to meet him. I wonder if this is for the supplication Gizzard pitched in. it was a few days ago that the request was sent, and, for the most part, we were ideal. The trip to the tailor was mostly for uniforms, soon after the measurements would be sent to the armory so they could construct us a set of armor. Now that I think about it I should stop by to give some designs for it. Regular cloths had to be requested since it wasn’t part of the main issue.

“Here we are.” I was snapped out of my thoughts, as Gilda was indicating towards a door in the hallway.

There weren’t any guards posted in front of them, but there were a few patrolling the corridor. ‘Better safe than sorry.’ I went up to the door and gave a few knocks.

“Come in.” we entered into the king’s study, only to see that it looked more like a personal library.

There were shelves of books and scrolls on both sides of the room. On the other side of the entrance there was a table that was littered with literature. ‘Hmm, not bad… I could take some design notes from this place.’

Wanting to focus on the task at hand, I stood by looking towards the king, who was sitting at the table reading a scroll in his claw.

“You called for us sire?” I asked, stealing a short glance from him.

“Yes, there is a certain matter that has come to my attention, concerning some expedition that was requested to me.” ‘Oh boy, here we go.’ “I am sure you have been informed about this?” the king gave us a deadpanned stare, obviously knowing our involvement in this.

“Yes sire, Gizzard had personally asked us to conduct an expedition in Mukpud forest.”

“I’m sure he has.” He looked back at the scroll again, thoroughly reading every line.

He then closed his eyes, placing the scroll down on his desk.

“I’m curious; why were you so eager to accept this assignment and completely neglect your duty of protecting my daughter?” opening his eyes, he glared at us, showing his distaste of the prospect. ‘Oh cr@p.’

I was lost for words. This was backfiring way to fast, as I forgotten to implement Gilda into the equation.

“Well?”

“y-you see sire-“

“That’s because I’m going with them.” I was cut off by Gilda, who took front stage.

The king was almost as shocked as we were.

“G-Gilda… you can’t just-“

“Listen pops, you told me I need to see the world more; so going on this escapade would be a start.” It was the kings turn to be lost.

Even I didn’t see that coming.

The king then looked down and pondered on the idea.

“Gilda, what are you doing?” I whispered to her.

“Saving your flanks, dweeb.”

The king just sat there in thought while we waited for his response. He then sighed deeply and stood up from his chair. We stood more firmly in respect, giving him our complete attention. Before long a warm smile appeared on his face.

“The fact that you reminded me of myself still sneaks up on me. Very well, I will allow this expedition, under one condition.” The king then gave us a stern look, “under no circumstances will my daughter come to harm.”

Gilda groaned a bit from her father’s demand.

“Dad please-“

“No Gilda, these are my terms.” Even with Gilda’s protests, the king didn’t waiver, but I wasn’t too concerned by it. It was our job after all.

“You have our word, sire.” I said with a quick salute.

He gave us a nod of approval.

“I am glad you approve… however, I’m still curious. What do you expect to find in that forest?” I knew I had to state the purpose of all of this, but I was still deciding on what should be said.

“There is this journal, written in a time long ago by an explorer named Falio. He conducted an expedition in the swamp lands, now known as Mukpud forest. He wrote about a certain marking he found in a secluded cave deep within the heart of the forest. It was left a mystery, but we believe it is a door that only humans can open. What is hidden inside, I cannot tell you for I do not know.” The king looked uneasy about this information.

“And you know this how?” ‘Alright Daniel, be careful in what you say here.’

“The journal presented a picture of it, we’ve encountered such markings before and how to unlock them.”

“If what you say is true, then…” the king began to ponder for a minute, while we wait, “So you don’t know what’s inside that cave?”

“No sire, we don’t.”

In all honesty, I told him the truth. I had no idea what’s in that cave, but I do know one thing. The map is pointing in that direction, which means finding that cave is first priority. The king just stared at us. I could tell he had many questions, but knows that we may not have the answer for any of them.

“(sigh) very well, gather what you need, I will have a detachment ready first thing tomorrow.” With that said, we took our leave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
King Feran

I sat back down in front of my desk, with many questions bombarding my mind. I looked down at the scroll. It was the request Gizzard made for the expedition. Deciding that I looked through it enough, I placed it aside and looked at the journal that started it all. There was a marker in it; where the page that had the picture. Opening to it, I began to look at the mark, giving me a very unsettled feeling. ‘Back then it looked meaningless; just another mystery… but now…’ I could not bare these feelings anymore, so I closed the book and placed it down. ‘I hope this wasn’t a mistake.’