The Legend of Geoffrey Eagleclaw
This first legend starts in a place in the land of Equestria, a nation across the Celestial Sea from Griffonstone. This country had lush, green hills and valleys, with towering mountains in the distance. There were gurgling streams and raging rivers, and the land was abundant in flora and fauna.
Our story begins closely to the same place that the modern town of Ponyville was settled. In these times, the land was dotted with huts and one market. This village was called Ponyrith, and was filled with friendship and happiness, but it also held a dark reputation for housing two dangerous creatures: Dragons and Griffons.
Griffons were often known to steal from and terrorize the ponies since ancient times, when ponies and Griffons lived in the same country. The ponies grew to have an instinctive fear of Griffons and Hippogriffs, pony Griffon hybrids. Dragons, well, Dragons were Dragons. I don't need to touch on that one. Basically, Griffons and Dragons were hated and feared.
But, of course, not all Griffons were cruel tyrants. One day, a group of Griffons hailing from Griffonstone settled in a territory outside of Ponyrith, with mountainous terrain. The Griffons were very kind-hearted and friendly, and wanted to invite them to the new village, called Griffanchester. The ponies of Ponyrith were horrified by the news of Griffons. The Griffons claimed they were coming in peace, but the ponies were too scared, and shut out the Griffons from Ponyrith.
The Griffons still built their settlement in the mountains, but they had to stay as far away from the ponies as possible. The Griffons were sad that they couldn't be friends with the ponies, but they went their separate ways. Until a certain Griffon arrived in Equestria.
Prince Geoffrey Eagleclaw was the Son of King Gervasius Eagleclaw and Heir to the Throne of Griffonstone. Geoffrey was a handsome Griffon, with golden fur and feathers. His wings were tipped with brown. Even his ears were special. They were pointy and proud, and held high, like the ears of the proudest Doberman.
But don't let his looks fool you. He may have looked regal and fierce as the Son of King Gervasius Eagleclaw and Heir to the Throne of Griffonstone should be, but he had a helpful and kind spirit. Apparently a bit too helpful and kind for King Gervasius. Gervasius was a cruel leader, and wanted his kingdom powerful, with no weaklings. He secretly sent his Royal Guard to capture the "weaklings", and ship them far away to Equestria.
Geoffrey hid under his bed, afraid he would be captured too. When the Guard reached his room, they couldn't find him. They kept moving.
Geoffrey was also a curious Griffon, and he wanted to see what was happening, so he followed the ship to Equestria by flying. This slowed him down a bit, so he arrived in Griffanchester a few days later.
Geoffrey chose to settle on the highest mountain in Griffanchester. Why, you ask? Because he liked the view. He learned the language of the native animals in a few weeks time, and became their protector. In exchange for protection, the animals gave him news of the town of Ponyrith.
One day, Geoffrey received an interesting report of Ponyrith from a squirrel. A Unicorn had gone missing! "
"A Unicorn?" he asked the squirrel.
"Yeah, haven't you heard of a Unicorn before?" he replied.
"Of course I've heard of a Unicorn!" he exclaimed. "I live in Equestria! But what if the ponies think us Griffons took him? We'll be in bigger trouble than ever before!"
The Unicorn had supposedly been taken by a creature called Alduin. For some reason, this name sounded familiar to Geoffrey, but he didn't care! He had to clear Griffanchester's name!
Of course, Geoffrey remembered one thing: Ponies are afraid of Griffons. So he went to the Griffanchester blacksmith, and ordered a helmet to hide his face, and a suit of armour for the rest of his body. When the suit was finished, he looked like, albeit lumpy, pony. The Prince paid for his suit and went into the place we know as the Everfree Forest. But in the old days, that place was called the Evergreene Forrest, so we will call it as such.
The Evergreene Forrest looked as dank and dark as it does now, if not darker. Geoffrey heard many noises he had never heard before, such as screeches of an unknown bird. We now know that bird as a Cockatrice, and we all know that it is no bird. Geoffrey was scared, and considered turning back. But he remembered his quest, and trekked on.
Eventually, Geoffrey came to a clearing in the forest. In the clearing was a hut! He was wondering if the residents would let him in for a rest.
"Hello?" he called. "Anybody in there?"
"Who goes there?" boomed a voice from behind. Geoffrey fainted.
"Ugh, I hate it when that happens", said the loud voice. He splashed water on Geoffrey's face.
"Wake up, kid, and tell me why you're here." Geoffrey came to, and nearly fainted again when he saw what had scared him. It was a tall, green, scary Dragon!
"Please don't eat me?" Geoffrey whimpered. "I taste bad."
"I'm not going to eat you. I'm a vegetarian. I don't do meat." the Dragon replied.
"Oh, good," Geoffrey sighed. "I'm here to rescue a Unicorn from some guy called Alduin!"
"Well, you've come to the right place!" the Dragon announced. "I'm Alduin!"
"Wait, you're a vegetarian Dragon." Geoffrey was beginning to put the pieces together. "Your name is Alduin. I know you! You're Alduin Dahrendorf, my childhood friend!"
"And you must be," said Alduin. "Geoffrey... Eagleclaw?"
"Exactly so!" said Geoffrey. Then he remembered his quest. "Why did you take the Unicorn?"
"Take him?" Alduin was astonished. "I didn't take him! He willingly followed me home. I wanted to ask him an important question. I was too embarrassed to ask him in public, so I asked him to follow me. I didn't mean any harm..." Alduin looked ashamed.
"Look, it's okay now. May I escort the Unicorn home?" Geoffrey asked.
"Of course." Alduin replied. "I asked him the question."
"What exactly was the question?" Geoffrey inquired.
"I wanted to know how Unicorn magic worked," whispered Alduin.
"Oh," replied the Prince. "I was worried it was something else!"
Geoffrey walked up to the hut, and went in. In the living room, a Unicorn was waiting in a chair. He was a beautiful creature. He had black fur, and a white mane and tail. He also had a beard.
"Hi there," the Unicorn said. "Are you here to take me home, Mr. Griffon?" Geoffrey was shocked.
"Yes, I'm taking you home," he replied. "Hey, how did you tell I was a Griffon?"
"Let's just say you're horrible at hiding your tail," the Unicorn said. "What's your name?"
"My name's Geoffrey Eagleclaw," said Geoffrey. "Yours?"
"I'm Silvermane the Bearded," replied the Unicorn. "I'm the most powerful Unicorn in Equestria!"
"Really?" asked Geoffrey. "That's why Alduin asked you about magic! You'd know all about it!"
"Yep, but right now, I want to go home. I have a son, you know."
"Really?" said Geoffrey. "What's his name?"
"Starswirl. I have a feeling that he's going to be a better wizard than me!" Silvermane beamed.
"Enough chatter!" Geoffrey announced. "We have to get you home!"
When the pair returned to Ponyrith, the ponies were astonished! Why had a scary Griffon come to Ponyrith? Why did he have the missing Unicorn? What's with his stupid armour? He looked like a fat Pegasus! Geoffrey soon explained what had happened with Alduin the Dragon. The ponies sighed with relief. Then, Get asked them an important question!
"Citizens of Ponyrith! I would like to ask one question to the leader of Ponyrith!" A grey Pegasus with a blue mane and tail walked up to the front.
"I am Stormbringer, leader of Ponyrith!" said he. "We are in debt to the Griffons for saving Silvermane! So, what do ya want?
"I," began Geoffrey, "would like to declare... peace! I would like Griffanchester to be Ponyrith's new ally!"
Silvermane liked the idea! "So be it!" He declared. "Long live Geoffrey and the Griffons of Griffanchester!"
And they lived peacefully ever after. The End.
Author's Note
So, this is my first chapter! More will come soon. This legend was based on a story I wrote for Spanish class. The names of the cities were based on historical cities called Penrith and Godmanchester. The names of the characters came from a list of Medieval names. Silvermane was a horse name in the list, as was Stormbringer. I hope you liked this so far. - Ravenhoof
The Rise of King Gervasius Eagleclaw
This legend takes place in Griffonstone, the Country of the Lion and Eagle. It is about the tyrannical ruler, King Gervasius Eagleclaw. But King Gervasius was not always evil. Oh, no. He was once as kind and generous as his son, Geoffrey.
Griffonstone was a country east of the Celestial Sea. It was home of the Griffons, brave and beautiful beasts. Griffonstone was a barren country with mountainous terrain and desert, but the Griffons survived by eating the fish of the Celestial Sea. Soon, Griffonstone became a thriving nation. It's capital, Grifford, was enormous. The Griffons soon learned to sell the fish to other countries. The Griffons became some of the wealthiest creatures in the world.
Before Gervasius came of age, Griffonstone was ruled by Gilbert Eagleclaw, King of Griffonstone. He was a beautiful creature with white fur and feathers. He was a kind, yet firm ruler. His wife, Queen Ermintrude Gryphonheart, ruled with him in harmony. Together they made Griffonstone thrive.
Prince Gervasius Eagleclaw was a feirce-looking Griffon. His Fur and feathers were black, and he had golden eyes. But he was a kind and helpful Griffon, and the Griffons of the Royal Court agreed. As Gervasius got older, though, he started having mood swings, and was more bossy and rue to the Royal Court. Soon they stopped being friends. Gervasius was sad and confused. Why didn't they like him anymore? He didn't want to feel these ways anymore.
One night, as the young Prince slept, an evil spirit came into his room. The spirit hated King Gilbert, and wanted him dead.
"Ooh," he said gleefully when he saw Gervasius. "A new plaything! Let's see what we can do to help you."
Gervasius was having a dream. A wonderful dream. In this wonderful dream, he was in a beautiful courtyard, awaiting his father's return. Then, suddenly, the sky turned red. The courtyard morphed into a horrible battlefield with black rocks jutting out like spears. Spears. That was what Gervasius' name meant. Spear. In the distance, Gervasius could see a black stone tower. From the tower he heard evil cackling. It sounded like himself. When he flew to the tower, he could see a silhouette of himself in a window. A breeze blew by, and the curtain blew away. In the window was Gervasius himself. He was surrounded by gold and jewels. Behind him was a statue of himself. Gervasius felt a strange feeling when he saw the riches. He wanted it all.
"So, you want all the riches?" a voice said. "You want to be like him?"
Gervasius nodded. He wanted it all. He wanted to be just like him. He felt strange again.
"If you want to be like him," the voice continued. "You have to let me help you."
Gervasius nodded again. He felt to strange to speak. Then he felt another sensation, like he was leaving his own body! It felt like he was floating. It felt good, so he didn't protest against it. His eyes flashed dark red for one second. He felt stronger, more powerful than ever before.
When Prince Gervasius awoke, he felt dizzy and light headed. He wanted to lay back down. But then he felt a rush of those feelings, he felt powerful again. He grew jealous of his father's power, and began to plot a way to overthrow him.
Late one night, when the rest of the Castle of Eagleclaw was sleeping, Gervasius ordered the Captain of the Royal Guard, Grimbauld Griffscard, to assassinate the King while he slept. Grimbauld, however, saw the evil spirit in Gervasius' eyes, and, woke Gilbert. Grimbauld told Gilbert the sad news. Gilbert was heartbroken. He had only one choice: He had to banish Prince Gervasius Eagleclaw from the Kingdom of Griffonstone.
Gilbert cried when he told Ermintrude, but it had to be done.
The next morning, King Gilbert called all the Griffons of Griffonstone to the ceremony of banishment. Gilbert wept throughout the entire process, but Gervasius didn't shed a tear. Oh, he's going to get it, he thought. He's going to get it, big time. When the ceremony ended, Gervasius strode out of Griffonstone, his head held high.
A few days later, Gervasius arrived in Griffly, a country north of Griffonstone. He settled in the capital city of Griffstoke. This was also home to the Gryphonheart Palace, his mother's birth place. The Eagleclaw family and the Gryphonheart family had tensions between them, and Gervasius knew this well. Suddenly, Gervasius had an idea. It involved himself being cunning, charismatic. Two things he could do easily.
The next day, Gervasius presented himself at the Palace gates. He introduced himself to the Royal Guard as Prince Gervasius Eagleclaw, Heir to the Throne of Eagleclaw of the Kingdom of Griffonstone, and that he wanted to speak about his father to the King. The Grifflian Guard let him in. A servant of the King led Gervasius to the throne room, where King Edmund Gryphonheart, his grandfather, was waiting for him.
"I am Prince Gervasius Eagleclaw," began Gervasius. "I want to speak to you about my dreadful and malicious father, King Gilbert Eagleclaw."
"Please," prompted the King. "Continue. Did he hurt my daughter in any way?" Edmund never really approved of Ermintrude's marriage to Gilbert. He was constantly worried that the King of Griffonstone would harm his daughter.
"Oh, yes," said Gervasius. "He hurt her in the most painful and worst way of all: he broke her heart. He would often speak of another Griffon girl. 'She's so kind,' he would say. 'And very pretty!' He is a tyrannical ruler. He hates his subjects. He even hates me, his only son! He would look at me scornfully and say, 'I wish it was a girl.' He clearly wants to be King forever! Please help me by fighting against the Kingdom of Griffonstone! Help me avenge your daughter!" Gervasius ended with a yell. Oops. He hadn't meant to be that loud...
King Edmund was excited and happy. Finally, someone was looking from his point of view! Finally someone cared about his family!
"I'll do it!" King Edmund roared. "Captain Gavin! Train the strongest soldiers! We shall train and train, until we can train no more! In a few weeks time, we will declare war on Griffonstone! Long live Gervasius Eagleclaw!"
Gervasius was giddy. Finally, things were going his way. Soon he would be King, no doubt.
A few weeks later, Gervasius, King Edmund, and Captain Gavin led the Grifflian troops to Griffonstone. The sky was red, just like in Gervasius' dream. He would have never been here, if it weren't for the helpful voice. He felt excited.
Meanwhile, King Gilbert Eagleclaw was watching the Grifflians advance. He was in distress. What had he done to deserve this? He went over his mental checklist: Was he kind? Check. Was he firm? Check. Was he a good husband? Check. He couldn't figure out what was wrong. Reluctantly, he sent out his Griffonstonian troops, led by Captain Grimbauld Griffscard himself, to counterattack. He watched from the throne room window.
The Grifflian troops charged the Griffonstonian troops as soon as they could see them. The Grifflians were strong, and appeared to be winning. Gervasius knew that his father was a good soldier, but he was nowhere to be seen. He pulled aside some of his best soldiers, and they flew towards the Castle of Eagleclaw. Arrows rained down on them. Gervasius had forgotten how skilled the archers were. But, luckily for him, the Grifflian blacksmiths were also skilled, and made the strongest armour and weapons of all. The Griffons passed unharmed. When the Grifflian soldiers and Gervasius passed the arrows, they flew into a window. They were met by three Griffonstonian soldiers. As the Grifflians and Griffonstonians fought, Gervasius flew towards the throne room. Gilbert was at the window still, watching the battle. He kept a lookout for his son. Then, he heard a voice.
"Hello, Father," said the voice. It was Gervasius. "I've come back home."
"You," said Gilbert quietly. "You! Why did you betray me? Why are you putting all of Griffonstone in danger? Why? Why?" His voice grew to a roar of fury.
"Why?" spat the young Griffon. "Because you're a terrible excuse for a King! You're a terrible excuse for a Father!" His voice trembled.
"Please," pleaded Gilbert. "Please let the troops go home. Let them leave. Please. Please."
"Never!" shrieked Gervasius. "I will never let them leave! Unless you fight me, to the death! Or, you can give you the throne and leave this place. Let me be King. Let me rule Griffonstone."
"No," said Gilbert, his voice trailing off. "I can't do that..." He didn't know what to do. He was nervous.
"Hurry up, Daddy," said Gervasius, in a sing-song voice. "I'm drawing my sword..."
The clock was ticking. Gilbert was sad. He had made his choice. He drew his sword. Then he tossed it to the floor. He collapsed. He was crying.
"I can't do it," said Gilbert. "No matter how evil or malicious he is, I can't hurt my son." The defeated Griffon flew out the window. The Griffons say that he flew to the highest mountains in Equestria, in the Crystal Empire. He never came back.
Gervasius was having the time of his life! He was finally King! He walked over to the window. It appeared that the Griffonstonian troops were winning. But if his new plan worked, he would not only be King of one country, but two! Gervasius called the Grifflian soldiers that flew in with him. He told them his plan. The next thing everyone knew the Gervasian Grifflian soldiers were attacking the Grifflians. The Grifflians were surprised and confused, but the Griffonstonians didn't care, as long as they won.
The battle lasted another day, until the Griffonstonians won. The traitor Grifflians were knighted for their bravery and loyalty. The other Grifflians were brought to the dungeon. Edmund felt he had been used by Gervasius, but it was too late. And then Gervasius' reign of terror began. He shipped all the "weaklings" to Equestria, and trained all the strongest for battle. He ordered the blacksmiths of Griffly to make armour and weaponry, and the silversmiths and goldsmiths to make gold statues and silver goblets with his image. The country of Griffly merged with the country of Griffonstone to make the Gervasian Empire. The capital was still Grifford, but it had doubled in size.
"And this," cackled Gervasius. "This is only the beginning..."
Author's Note
So, there you have it! The darkest chapter you're ever going to get from me. Please tell me what you think. -Ravenhoof (Long Live Gervasius Eagleclaw!)
