“You should have burned their aerie to the ground two centuries ago and killed every one of them when you had a chance, Tia.”

These words trigger a series of events that send four ponies to the far northern Misty Mountain Aerie where Wingmaster Talon is threatening to invade the newly discovered Crystal Empire. The Diplomat, Luna's Hoofmaiden, and two Royal Guards are to face hostile griffons and dangerous mountains in order to bring peace to the region and prevent a war.

But what they find in the mountains is far worse than they could imagine, and their only chance for survival becomes a race to escape in a battle to the death.

Featured on Equestria Daily [Adventure][Sad]

Written to stand alone, but follows :
The Traveling Tutor and the Diplomat’s Daughter
Diplomatic Security
Genealogy (or the mating habits of Nocturnes Pegasi)
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Editing assistance provided by Peter and Tek.

Original line drawing by Ralph Hayes Jr.
Background Summer Campfire by BonesWolbach
Colors and shading by Shaleclaw
Special mention to JoyfulJ for shading on Pumpernickel’s armor.