Heroes of Atria

"King Dawn, I swear to you, I'm telling the truth!" Solar Rain begged the monarch to believe him.

"It most certainly cannot be true! The griffon's have been at peace with us for centuries! We have done nothing, what would make them want to break such a treaty?" King Dawn's already imposing figure was made that much scarier when he was angry. His pristine white coat caught every bit of the sunlight, creating a glossy appearance. His golden armor was perfectly kept, reflecting all the light it touched, the topaz sun symbol in the center appeared almost as glass. His long orange mane was majestically flowing in the almost non-existent breeze in the throne room.

Solar dropped into a bow, trying desperately to appeal to the king. "On my good name as a royal guard, I do swear that I witnessed a griffon, with full brown feathers, carry off a dead pony that I am certain they killed. It is in the best interest of the kingdom if you listen to me!"

King Dawn stepped down off of his throne and walked to the bowing guard. "Look at me, in the eyes." his voice boomed around the throne room, his anger very apparent. Solar looked up to his king, who was easily twice as tall as a normal pony. Solar had trouble maintaining eye contact as the King's electric-blue eyes felt like they pierced his soul. "Why are you the only one who saw this?"

"I heard a scream and decided to check it out myself, I told my patrol to go ahead without me, as the town has had no problems with crime before." he finished with a gulp, terrified. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, making him shake visibly.

"And were there no witnesses?"

"Not that I am aware of sir."

"Did you not inform your patrol when you rejoined?" the king spat.

Solar shook his head to break eye contact for a moment. "No sir, I did not inform them. I washed the blood off of me before I rejoined them, and decided it best not to tell them what I saw to avoid panic."

King Dawn shut his eyes and let out a huge sigh. He turned and walked back to his throne before sitting. "Did you go to sleep after the patrol or immediately come here?" he asked calmly, though it was obviously just a facade.

"I took a brief rest to make sense of what I saw."

"Are you aware that the claim you are making is considered highly treasonous against the griffon kingdom?"

"I am sir."

"And you are aware that such a claim can be punishable by death?"

"I am sir."

King Dawn sighed again. "I am contractually obligated by the peace treaty to report your claim to the griffon's leader, who will himself decide your punishment."

"I am aware of this."

"Although I can't say what punishment he will give you, I'm going to tell him that you were on an extended patrol and very exhausted by a combination of extra work and little sleep."

"But sir, I-"

"Solar, I'm going to give you a 1 month suspension from duty to catch up on lost rest."

"But, I'm very well rested."

"It's clear to me that the extra hours I've had you put in recently are adversely affecting your mindset. You likely had a nightmare and are confusing it with reality."

"Sir-"

"Solar, do not argue with your king. A one month suspension is your punishment. You'll be lucky if the griffons don't want your head for this treasonous claim. Now, begone!"

Solar stood up and hung his head. "Aye King Dawn. As you wish."