> Tales from the Griffon Kingdoms
>  by Don_Griffon
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> The Execution of Lord Hergen
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High Prince Gregor was a simple griffon. Simple and to the point. That's not to say that he lacked wits, he just didn't see much point in making a conversation exceedingly flowery just to please some noble type. As first born son of High King Sedgor, Gregor felt obligated to do his part in keeping the nation together. Part of the duty he burdens himself with is punishing arrogant Lords or Ladys that think they can get away with betraying their kinsmen. Other times he acts as a Captain in the Gryphus Royal Guards and does whatever is asked by the High King, as of late that mainly meant expanding their nation westward, toward the ocean trapped behind a leyline. He never complained of his duties, even if it was something cruel or distasteful. He'd carry a mountain on his back if it meant his people could be safe and prosperous. Though sometimes he'd wish he could have been born into a simple life as a peasant, he would have been happy to have left all the political nonsense and battle behind. But that'd never be, he was High Prince of Gryphus and bore his duties with dignity and honor, no matter what. Speaking of duties this day Gregor found himself flying to Talos, the city of Enchantments in Griffon Lands, the Lord there has been found guilty of treason by selling what was an enchantment that only Griffon's knew how to make to some competitor business in that filthy boom town they call Caldroon. Treason was to be met with death, no exceptions. So the sleek dart of a Griffon flew, clad in full battle regalia, to execute a traitorous lord. Wings tipped with brown, his sleek dark blue fur would have blurred against the cloudless sky at the pace he was flying, his whip-like tail flowing behind him. Flying always brought peace to his mind, almost as if he could forget his duties for a time as he worked his muscles and felt the sun on his back. Unfortunately for him though he was closing in on Talos Castle, Lord Hergen would be alerted to his arrival before he'd able to get to the throne room. He idly wondered if the cur would flee like the coward he was or if he'd stay and grovel on his belly like the Diamond Dog filth. As Gregor landed outside the main gate the soldiers saluted and wordlessly let him in, not ones to question the High Prince when hes on Royal business. The sleek prince's heavy armor clanked loudly as he stalked the halls leading to the throne room, servants scattered and darted away at his expression. Soon Gregor stood before the throne, before Lord Hergen. Looks like the dog didn't flee after all.

"My, whatever did I do to have the honorable pleasure of having the High Prince visit my Castle?" Lord Hergen asked in a forced humble tone.

Gregor drew his sword, so well oiled it didn't make any noise, and pointed it at the Lord. "Don't talk to me about honor, you filth. By order of His Majesty Sedgor, High King of Gryphus, and Lord of the Winds you are sentenced to death."

Hergen gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he quickly looked about. "Guards! Guards! Seize this man! Hes deranged and has no clue what hes talking about!" The guard griffons hesitated for a moment then instead of apprehending the High Prince they left the room, barring all the doors behind them. Hergen gulped and scrambled for one of the wall mounted ornamental swords.

"Do not make this any harder on yourself, don't shame your House any more than you have already." Gregor walked slowly toward the panicking Lord. "Stand down and try to retain some honor, dog.

Hergen clumsily dropped the sword and slunk low to his belly. "Pl-please! This is a misunderstanding! I didn't do ANYTHING wrong!" He wrung his claws out in front of him pleadingly.

Gregor spat on his face. "You're worse than a dog. You're a worm, a sniveling, pathetic worm and your traitorous hide will be flown on the ramparts so the whole city can know of your treachery!"

The Lord whimpered and scrambled back to the sword he had dropped, trying to quickly bring it up in a vain attempt to defend himself against a blademaster. The High Prince performed Plucking the Low-Hanging Apple, decapitating the worm with little effort and sheathing his blade with Folding the Fan.

"Guards!" The Blademaster roared, causing all the guards to quickly re-enter the room and see what happened. Some grimaced at the site of their dead Liege, others spat and muttered curses on his House. "I want his body mounted on the Castle walls, put his head on a pike outside the main gate. I want every living soul in Talos to know of their lord's treachery before night falls. As of now I'll be in charge of Talos until the Royal Court can decide on a new House to take House Hergen's place."

The guards bowed and did as he asked, Gregor escorted himself to the lord's room, calling servants to rouse his family and inform them of his demise and their eviction and removing most of the Hergen's furniture from his room. The Prince examined all of Hergen's documents before burning them. As it was, Gregor was disgusted with the immoral dealings Hergen was capable of, but the amount he discovered here far outnumbered anything he originally thought. Gregor would never be able to understand how some Nobles could just abuse the trust of their people so. It was sickening. Suddenly he started coughing violently, his whole body racking for a few minutes as he coughed up globules of blood. With a grimace he moved to seat himself at Hergen's desk. His condition was worsening, it was quite fortunate that he didn't have that episode while killing Hergen, the worm might have been able to hold his arms still for a second and run him through. Gregor roared in frustration, slamming his gauntleted claws on the desk, startling a servant who was carrying some books out. He silently wished that his condition could be cured or that the doctors could even identify what it was. No manner of Healing or medicine have been able to help him, even the Royal Physicians were stumped at his affliction. Bah, he wouldn't let it get to him. He had to keep strong, just long enough for Annor to get back. Just long enough to keep the Land from tearing itself apart before the Throne of Winds could be passed on to a rightful Heir. He'd see that his homeland would stay strong long enough for Annor to be crowned High King, for he knew that he'd never be able to hold the position at least not with his condition persisting. Gregor knew it'd be the death of him but he'd make sure the Kingdom would be sound and whole for his brother. Even if he had to put a mountain on his back and carry it through a leyline. He'd endure long enough to pass his duty on to someone he knew would be capable. If only his foolish brother hadn't insisted on going to Caldroon. Annor should be here to continue his study of Court Politics and Diplomacy! The sleek griffon sighed inwardly, almost seeming to wilt over the desk. Sometimes he just wanted to leave and let everything go. Live the rest of his days on a lonely mountain, keeping watch over a small flock and farm. No, his sense of duty would never allow him. He'd bare this burden till his death and he'd do so with honor and dignity! Gregor raised from the desk and decided to go for a quick fly, just to clear his head.

Just to clear his head.
> The Passing of the Lord of Winds
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Gregor stood up on the walls of Talos Castle, silently watching over the surrounding city as night settles in. It had been three days since Lord Hergen was executed, two days since his mate and fledgelings were also executed as they refused to leave. House Hergen would be a much lesser house now, never again will it hold power over Talos. With a sigh the High Prince made his way back to his room. It had only been a few days but he was tired of a Lord's life, his affliction not helping his opinion any. Fortunately he hasn't had an episode while in public or flying, either of those could be quite dangerous for him. It seemed slightly odd that his father hasn't raised anyone to rule Talos yet, but Gregor was sure the old bird knew what he was doing. Before long the High Prince was in his room and preparing to bed down. His rest was delayed, however, as a servant rapidly knocked on his door, not entering until called for. "My lord, a messenger bearing the King's seal is here. He urgently requests your presence but I thought you may be asleep so I had him wait in the throne room until I could check on you..." The servant seemed quite flustered, probably out of bed himself seeing how he was dressed. "Ah, a Lord can't know a moments rest even in a time of peace. Fine, tell him I'll be out to meet him shortly." The servant bowed and quickly made his way out. Gregor grumbled grouchily as he took the time to belt on his sword and put on his armor, whoever it was could wait until he was ready. When Gregor made his apparence in the throne room he was surprised to be met by his old teacher, the King's Shadow, Falion. The griffon was rather small, but quite sturdy as years of sparring with the bird taught him. His grey fur and mottled feathers gave him an owlish apperence, which was heightened by his round, yellow eyes. "Falion? What are you doing here? You're the last person I would have thought Father would pick to rule Talos. What goes on?"

Falion was startled by Gregor's appearence, which seemed quite odd, something must really be eating him up. He takes a second to recompose himself and bows. "I wasn't sent here to take Talos's throne, I was sent here to collect you. Before you go wasting my time with your pointless questions it is because Sedgor is dying."

The High Prince stared disbelivingly at his old teacher. "What...? That can't be, that bird is still as fierce as a group of minotaurs!" The statement almost sounded like he was convincing himself.

"We have no time for this! Just come on!" The smaller griffon barks and began walking away at a fast pace. Gregor cursed and ran to catch up to him, together they left Talos Castle and flew torward Gryphus.

Gregor's dark blue fur was a blur against the clear night sky, the moon only a gibbous shed just enough light for them to see. The long flight would last until the wee hours of the morning just before dawn. Gregor felt a chill in him, not sure if it was the night air or the gravity of the situation. He hoped it was the night air. When they finally landed on Palace grounds, the guards almost looked surprised to see them though they didn't hesitate on letting them in with how hurried they looked. It was a tiring night's flight considering they were in full gear, must have been doubly tiresome for Falion but he didn't let it show as he nearly ran through the Palace halls forcing Gregor to hurry. In short order the owlish griffon barged into the High King's room with the High Prince in tow. "Sedgor! As you have requested I have brought young Gregor!" Falion rushed Gregor to his Father's bedside. Sedgor was normally a fierce sight to behold, he was a large, powerful griffon with dark feathers and fur. In fact more than once it has been commented that he looked like a giant raven. Except for the burning red that accentuates his majestic crest. But this time the griffon seemed a bit smaller, his crest a bit duller, and his voice a bit weaker. "About damn time....I can't even die without having to wait up for some one, phaw!" He coughs violently. "Gah! This body refuses to cooperate with me...Gregor, come closer so I can see your face." He complied, not one to refuse his father no matter the occasion. "Eh...You don't look ready yet." The High King states tiredly. "But you'll have to be. For this Kingdom, for these people. It wouldn't have been as imperative for you to be here if your Wind be damned sister was here or your disappointment of a brother." He breaks into another coughing fit, spitting to the side before contiuning. "I want you to know that I've always been proud of you Gregor, I know that you detest the life of a Lord but it's your duty to bare since we can't count on my other fledglings." The grizzled old griffon scowls at this. "I'll not lie to you, it's a heavy burden to bare. As heavy as a mountain, but it is worth bareing. To see your people prosper, to see them rejoice. The first time you see a crowd cheer at what you've done will be enough of a reassurance to make you see I speak true." Sedgor's eyes grow a tad hazy. "If only I could have raised you all better after your Mother died, maybe then Nailah and Annor would have been here...That is the only regret I have as I leave this world, Gregor. I was to busy being a ruler instead of a father, I feel I failed all of you in that regard." This somewhat shocked Gregor to hear, but he kept quiet and nodded in acknowledgement to his words.

"Do not worry, Father. I'll take good care of your people after you leave. I swear that I will be a ruler you can be proud of!" The Heir Apparent lied despite how much it pained him to. He knew he'd never live that long but he would bare this burden until Annor came back. He had to.

"I was never worried about it, you're the only one I'm not worried about! It's your foolish siblings that I'm worried about! Bah, there is nothing that can be done about it. I failed and that is that." The King says plainly. "For the one thing that I leave behind, you're pretty good Gregor. Don't let Court life and politics get to you, never let any of those popinjays think they can control you. If you can do that I'm sure you'll have the wisdom to be a great ruler someday." Another violent fit of coughing takes Sedgor, this one quite worse than the rest. "I guess I don't have much longer...Take care of your brother and sister, Gregor, take care of them like I never could..." He scowls. "Phaw! Look at me being so sentimental...Falion, take Gregor out of here. I want to be alone while I pass." The gray griffon bows and leads Gregor out. Sedgor let out a tired sigh, almost letting out the last of his life. "My dear Vivaldi...I'm sorry I didn't do a good job raising them but...I did the best I could. It was hard without you, I never realized how much I relied upon you until you were gone. If only I could go back and do something more..." He turns his head to look out a nearby window. "Sunrise...You died when the sun rose, didn't you Vivaldi? I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long but I had a duty to my people." He coughs weakly. "Ah, not much longer dear and I'll be right with you, ha ha ha...." Sedgor smiled as he closed his eyes for the last time. A strong wind blew with his passing, like his spirit finally leaving to rejoin with his mate.

Just outside the door Gregor sat on the ground, crying as Falion gently held him, patting his back. "It's okay, just let it all out..."



That day the entirty of Gryphus mourned, messengers were sent to inform every city, town, and hamlet that the Lord of Winds has passed and that the coronation for the Heir Apparent, High Prince Gregor would be in fourteen days.
> The Coronation of the Heir Apparent
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As per Griffon custom, High King Sedgor Bashere, Lord of Winds, was taken to Gale's Peak where High Prince Gregor set fire to his body and spread his ashes on the Mountain's sacred winds. It was a solitary and emotionally draining task for the Heir Apparent, but it was what had to be done. Unfortunately this custom ate up twelve days, leaving him precious little time to rehearse the Coronation ceremony. There were three parts to the ceremony, first each of the Lords from the four great Griffon Cities would ask the Heir Apparent a question to determine his readiness to rule and if they deem the answer insufficient they openly reprimand the Heir and correct them. In the second part of the ceremony the Heir asks the Lords a question to determine their loyalty, if they don't meet expectations they must be given penance. In the final part of the ceremony the Crown Enchanter addresses the crowd and formally crowns the Heir who normally gives a speech before the city throws a week long festival in the High King's honor. This all seemed a bit tedious and flowery to Gregor, as he was never really big on ceremony but Falion stressed to him the importance of the event and how he needs to have his people see him formally raised to power. Another pointless duty he'd bare until his brother returns, it seems.

After two days of nothing but rehearsal it was time for the real deal. All the Houses had arrived and a replacement for House Hergen had been chosen, all that was left was to get this over with. Outside the Castle proper a rather large crowd had gathered, those who couldn't find a place to land stayed in the air to watch. The four Lords stood just outside the castle, each one accompanied by a banner declaring their House and name. In order of rank they stood from right to left, House Descole, House Resuti, House Auterne, and the House that replaced Hergen, House Ituralde. Lan Descole was a large, dark brown griffon in full battle regalia, quite muscular as his House trained the best swordsmen in all of the Griffon Lands. In fact Lan taught Gregor, Annor, and Nailah. Despite the stiff, hard, and unyielding demeanor he projected he was actually a very graceful and gentle griffon. Next stood Vaida Resuti, a griffon who strongly resembled a blue jay. She would have been quite pretty in her teal dress if she didn't look like she was tasting something sour at all times. Her House was known for their great stone-workers and powerful fliers, often times a griffon who intended to join the royal guard would spend a few years there to work on wing endurance. Third in line stood Aludra Auterne, a slender thing with orange fur slashed with black and sparkling emerald green eyes. She was a feather away from being a firebrand, her House was known for maintaining good relations with the other races, particularly ponies, as well as housing the largest number of Hippogryphs. Herself personally was renown for pushing for Hippogryph equality and an obsession with fireworks. Lastly stood Rodel Ituralde, an enchanter of some skill his House will produce most of the enchanted items that will be commonly used in Griffon Lands. He was a stout, colorful thing, wearing as colorful robes as his feathers. Like a macaw his feathers and fur varied from red, yellow, green, and blue.

Heir Apparent, Gregor would walk into view, dressed in ornate robes. He'd bow respectfully before the four Lords who'd bow in return. Lan was first to speak. "He who would dare call himself High King, do you have the courage to fight for your people? Even if it cost you your life?"

Gregor replied in a loud voice so all could hear. "If a day were to come where I had to lay down my life for the good of my people, I'd do it without hesitation!"

Lan asked another question. "And if you had to sacrifice a few for the good of all?"

"I would make the sacrifice and honor them as true heroes!" Lan bows deeply in acceptance.

Vaida spoke next. "He who would dare call himself Lord of Winds, do you have the flexibility to adept to this ever changing world?"

"I'd be as flexible as the Wind, accepting the things I cannot change."

Vadia continues. "But do you have the strength to uphold our beliefs?"

"As one must know to be flexible, one must know to be firm. I'd be as solid as a mountain in upholding my People's ideals."

The blue jay of a griffon bows and lets Aludra speak.

"He who would dare claim the Throne, do you understand your place?" She speaks passionately.

"I am a servant to all of us, it is my duty to provide us with the tools of peace and prosperity." Gregor states with an equal passion.

"What about other races?"

"They all deserve a chance to share in our prosperity and should be treated with dignity, as if they were one of our own."

Aludra smiles and happily bows for him. 

Rodel speaks in a clear, audible, but otherwise flat tone. "He who would dare raise himself above us, do you know the importance of your subjects?"

"My people are everything, without them I have nothing. They are the ones who make this great nation, I simply provide them with the tools!"

"Would you still serve your people if they reviled you?" The colorful griffon asked.

"It is my duty, there is nothing else I could do. Hated or Loved, I am their servant."

Ituralde looks thoughtful for a second before bowing.

Gregor spoke up. "You four who dared to question my legitimacy to rule, did I earn your vows of Loyalty?"

The four spoke in near perfect unison. "Yes, my Lord!"

"You four who dared challenge my intentions in front of my subjects, will you serve me honorably until death?"

In unison. "Even in the face of death we shall serve you with honor!"

The High Prince bows deeply to them and they bow in return. The Crown Enchanter appeared and made his way to Gregor.

"Kinsmen, you have seen this Griffon brought before you and earned the fealty of the Four Great Lords. This Griffon is a true son of Sedgor and I have declared him worthy for ascension." He places the golden Crown with little winds carved into it on Gregor's head. "Hail to his Majesty, High King Gregor Bashere, Lord of the Winds!" He says loudly, giving the new High King a great bow. The entire crowd bowed, at least the ones who could did anyway. Lots of roars and cheers were heard through out the city, bells rung loudly, there were streamers and confetti tossed about. But before they got to carried away Gregor spoke up. "Hear me, people of Gryphus! Until my life leaves my body I will do everything in my power to make us the greatest nation possible! We are Griffons! We are Proud!" He draws an ornate sword and rears up, using his wings to keep him up he points the sword toward the sun. The gesture made the crowd go wild, even the Four Lord cheered! "Let the festivities begin!"

And so the Coronation Festival begun.