The Quest for Starswirl's Amulet - A Story of Magic and Ice

Twilight had just finished dinner. A delicious ensemble of seafood lasagne and fresh salad.
Spike had taken it upon himself to learn different styles of pony cuisine and this was his first attempt at Pegasi cooking.
Today was Twilight's first taste of seafood, and while she did have reservations at first, it proved to be delicious.
She had to make sure that on her next weekly check-list she'd include a thank-you gift for her number one assistant. Then again, Spike would know immediately if she were to include it on any of her lists. Surprising him would be better. But how could she make sure not to forget the present if she didn't put it on any checklist?
While debating the pros and cons, Twilight arrived at the edge of the Everfree Forest. She could just try to fly towards Zecora's now that she had wings, but they proved hard to control during Rainbow Dash's flight training earlier this week.

A distant roar of thunder deep within the Everfree forest squashed any idea of flying over the trees. Her initial attempts of flight were not impressive anyways.
Twilight hadn't seen any clouds on her way, but she hadn't really paid attention to her surroundings in any case.
Better be quick, Twilight thought and marched onto the path through the forest that would lead her to Zecora's hut. It wasn't that far in anyway, so walking would be fine.

Meanwhile in her hut, Zecora had also heard the supposed thunder. No longer stirring the soup in her couldron, she peeked out of her window.
Having lived in the forest for a long time, even if only at the outskirts, she knew the sound she heard was not natural thunder. Also there was no humidity that foretold storm over the Everfree.
“I wonder what could have caused that sound, if there's no storm coming 'round?”

Zecora looked back at her cauldron and resumed her cooking.

◊ ◊ ◊

Three Timber wolves emerged from the trees looking for their comrade that alerted them. The beasts started sniffing the ground, searching for any foreign scent.

A yelp startled the creatures. In unison they looked up and scanned the area. Another yelp and the sound of wood scraping stone drew their attention towards a large stone, pinning one of their own underneath. Its attempts to free itself were in vain, the stone proved to heavy and allowed no escape.

The three wolves approached their trapped brethren. One of them picked up speed and slammed against the stone.
It gave way, only little bit. Enough for the beasts to realize that it might just work.

One after another, the beasts slammed against the rock, moving it ever so slightly. They were so focused on their work, they did not see the two small vials filled with a brown-orange liquid on the top of the stone inching closer to the edge with every body-slam.

Once more two of the wolves slammed against the rock and ultimately, the two vials fell off the edge. On of the wolves watched with interest before they broke open on the ground. It tilted its head while the trapped Timber-wolf's eyes widened.

The other two hardly had time to register before the explosion consumed them all.
This one larger than before.

◊ ◊ ◊

The explosion heralded the end of his would-be pursuers. For a time, at least.
Gabriel smiled, and almost tripped over an enormous tree root.

Better pay attention! he thought.

He wasn't sure how far away exactly the source of the smoke was, or even if it provide sanctuary, but he had no other leads.

So he ran towards the smoke.

◊ ◊ ◊

Twilight had arrived at Zecora's hut when she heard the sound of thunder again, only this time much louder than before. Judging from the sound, the storm shouldn't be very far off.
If she weren't in such a hurry, she might have realized that there was no lightning and certainly no rain.

Zecora on the other hand was far more aware of her surroundings. The sound she had heard now was definitely no thunder. Still it seemed far enough away not to warrant any alarm. If it weren't for the fact that the sound this time was of a far greater magnitude than before.
Just as Zecora was trying to make up her mind about whether or not to investigate, the door to her hut opened up, revealing the silhouette of a purple Unicorn, nay Alicorn.

“These wings suit you well, my dear Twilight! Seeing you like this, fills me with much delight.”

Twilight blushed at the compliment.
“I just wish I could get used to them more quickly. I keep sweeping my books from the shelves every time I look for something in particular. And don't even get me started on flying …”

“I'm sure there's much to hear, but why have you come, my dear?”
Zecora had long since learned that it was a wise idea to stop Twilight before she picked up steam on her ramblings.

“Oh right! Actually I found this recipe in one of my books, Alchemical Use of Everfree Mushrooms, and I was wondering if you know of it?”

Twilight horn was enveloped with magical aura, and a scroll levitated out of her saddlebags. Zecora's followed the parchment, and, after it landed on her table , started to read.

“This recipe is strange indeed. Its purpose eluding, I must concede”

“Really? The book wasn't clear on what the potion was for either, so I hoped you knew something”

“While its purpose does give me pause, I should be able to find out what it can cause”

“That would be helpful. I don't think Spike would let me test another Potion on him again after that Sparkling Scales Disaster last week ...”

Before Zecora could react to this revelation, a sound drew her attention outside. Something was closing in on her hut from deeper parts of the forest.
Even if her dwelling was warded against such intrusions by several potions and decoctions spread around her hut, wariness filled her chest.

“Please be quiet, my dear! Something strange draws near!”

No sooner had Zecora said that, her door swung upon violently and a tall creature standing on only its hind-legs entered her hut. It was wearing a long dark coat, covering a bandolier, carrying a satchel.
Strangest of all was a crystal, pulsating with an almost orange light, hanging from his right ... appendage?

It hadn't registered them yet, its gaze focused on the outside, presumably watching for pursuing predators, which the Everfree Forest provided in bulk. It closed the door without looking inside.

Not even saying hello, quite the rude fellow!

Twilight narrowed her eyes, the creature seemed familiar, like she had read about it a long time ago, but the memory was just outside her reach. She was wary of it though. It didn't appear to be a Diamond Dog or even a Minotaur.

It uttered a few grunts and noises before turning around. When it finally saw them, its eyes widened in shock.
It raised what appeared to be claws, holding a crystal, filled with magical energies
.
Twilight took no chances, the gesture seemingly offensive, and blasted the creature with magenta energy from her horn.

The creature was struck dead center by the blast and crashed against the now closed door.
It had stopped moving.