Chapter 14: Griffinstone

Tristan

The sun was only starting to show dimly through the windows when I woke up. My sleep was haunted by the faces of the dead and my own worries. I just let the nightmares fade like they always did and headed to the castle dining room.

The walk was quiet with the occasional guard saluting me as I passed. Upon entering the dining room I spotted Nightmare Moon eating her own meal only a glance in my direction letting me know she noticed me. The staff brought out some oatmeal with several pieces of fruit a glass of milk and some sausage, I curtly thanked them before taking off my helmet to eat.

Nightmare and I ate in silence for several minutes before I decided to break the ice. “Anything that I should know before we meet with the Griffin King?”

“Not much outside what I have told you or you know already. I just need you to keep an eye out for any sort of attackers and to look imposing, I will take care of the rest.” Nightmare paused for a moment before continuing, “Though I would not be surprised if they either recognized you or the king addressed you, you are a myth come to life much like myself.”

I nodded “Sounds good to me, I imagine the King is wanting us to meet him?”

Nightmare Moon just nodded before going to finish her meal. I did the same and at about nine we departed on one of the royal chariots this one painted with the deep purples, blues and blacks the guards wore. We arrived at the griffin capital of Griffinstone, a city named Lightfeather. The city was built into a mountain much like Canterlot though it possessed towering stone walls and the grey stone architecture of the stereotypical medieval castles.

A griffin guard escort met us at the air docks and lead us to the meeting room. I could feel the eyes on us as we walked through the castle grounds posh nobles muttering obscenities when they thought we could not hear and the guards commenting on the lack of any guards but myself.

Some minutes of walking through torch lit corridors our escort stopped at a large door and opened it, the room before us was decorated with oak tables and chairs, several heads of bears, manticores, and even a hydra mounted on the wall and above a crackling fireplace a greatsword by griffin and pony standards. Sitting at the head of the table was King Steel Talon with four guards in polished steel plate wearing a red cape standing behind him at attention. On either side of the table were two nobles in fancy clothing.

“I King Steel Talon of Lightfeather welcome you and your guard Queen Nightmare Moon, before we start would you like some refreshment?” The king raised a brow when his eyes met me.

“It is an honor to meet you King Steel Talon of Lightfeather, your hospitality is welcome.” Nightmare said looking the King in the eye. I dipped my head in a courteous nod watching a flash of surprise come across the King’s face. I smiled knowing he did not expect me to know any of the griffin etiquette when greeted by one of higher rank from a foreign kingdom.

Nightmare Moon

Nightmare Moon watched as servants brought in wine and honeyed bread. She smiled and took a sip of the wine and a bite of the bread right before the King did causing a brief flash of anger from the surrounding griffins, when she basicly just asserted herself as higher, more powerful and more important than the King in his own castle.

“Let us begin,” Steel Talon began expertly keeping his posture even with the blatant insult. “I called you here to both meet the new ruler of Equestria and in hopes to keep relations peaceful between our nations despite the sudden ‘change’ in rule. I would like to start with our current trade agreements with Equestria and make sure both treaties enacted during Princess Celestia’s rule are still agreeable and can continue without any objection on your part.”

Nightmare Moon remembered the agreements in which Equestria traded gold, platinum and gems for silver, copper and titanium that Equestria used in its current production of modern conveniences seeing as silver and copper were very conductive of magic and titanium was used to make magic resistant items. “I find our current trade treaties to be fair so far.”

The Griffin King nodded, “Good, good. I believe it is safe to assume you still respect the mutual protection treaties as well.”

Nightmare nodded.

Steel Talon nodded once more before looking at her guard and adviser. “Who and what is the armored creature that guards you Queen Nightmare? I have never seen one such as it.”

The Demon decided to answer for himself. “Most know me as The Demon as for what I am, I am a human.”

Nightmare noticed a guard or two tense up upon hearing the name of a being that was supposed to be nothing more than myth while others did not seem to know the myth or thought it was just a sham.

The Griffin King however tilted his head down for a moment. “I recognize that name from many myths and legends of a nigh invincible warrior that fought against the Alicorn Sisters during the chaos war. Legend has it that he came close to killing Princess Luna. But was defeated with the Elements of harmony along with Discord. I find it a funny ploy to have your guard, more than likely a Minotaur with enchanted armor made to look like the mythical warrior.”

Nightmare Moon looked at the king with a smile as an idea formed in her head. “Well I’m sure he disagrees. So I propose after this meeting that a duel take place between my guard and five of your best soldiers.”

King Steel Talon paused before a smile appeared on his beak. “If you wish a duel against my best and your guard then so be it. But let’s get back to business.

For another several hours the two discussed treaties and trade agreements, revising some while completely changing or getting rid of others. Overall both parties were satisfied with the results.

Author's Note

One of my worse chapters the next will be better I promise.