Crumbling Castles

Dear King,

We the ponies of the Earth district feel you have neglected us for long enough. Despite your walls, word has spread of the living conditions of the higher districts. Most of us lack proper food, homes, and protection. Most nights we sleep better when the guards are off duty! You know why this is, and more importantly we know you can fix it. We owe our debts to you and they will be paid, but not like this.

We demand action in three days time or the consequences will be severe.

Any action taken by the guards will be reason for riot.

This is your first warning.

Begrudgingly yours,

The Earth Ponies

"This is it!" Said the griffon, dropping me off at the base of a long stone staircase, right at the edge of a cliff circling the mountain, "This is as far as I go."

I turned to face the griffon, "I have to walk all the way up there? Why can't you just take me up there?" I asked her.

She replied, "No griffon has flown close to that castle in years, don't know why, just not supposed to."

"Suit yourself," I replied, reaching into my saddlebag for some bits, I continued, "what do I owe you for carrying me up here?"

The griffon raised her claw to stop me, "Nuthin', the king pays for all of our services."

Pleasantly surprised, I responded, "Well thank you very much! Here's for your trouble." I gave her 15 bits as a tip, a little much, but since I got a free ride I could spare a little extra for her.

The griffon seemed shocked, as if she'd never seen money before in her life, "O-oh...thank you!" She smiled at me.

"My pleasure! Thanks for the lift up here!" I replied, happy to see I'd finally made her lose that negative attitude.

The griffon, her attitude now completely changed, smiled and waved as she flew back down the steep cliff, cheering and doing back flips as she dove.

"I'm finally here," I said to myself, "The kingdom of Bresux."

Crumbling Castles