Fractured Spirit

Fractured Spirit

Chapter 3

Gold stared at the horizon with a small tin cup in his claws. He sipped from his cup a few times and flicked his tail with a hum.

“Had enough to drink?” Gabby sat down next to Gold with her own cup in hand.

“Yeah,” he murmured. He leaned back with one arm rested at his side. “I’m good.” The sun began to set behind the pair as the bright-orange sky making a slow transition into nightfall. They sat on a large boulder near the edge of a rocky island. The island resembled a small mountain covered in patches of moss, with the pair atop a steep hill with Gabby’s Shack just behind them. Gold’s cloak swayed in the wind as he remained still with the hood down. In the distance, dark clouds formed along the horizon. Gold’s chest tightened as the realization of his travels draw near.

Gabby took a sip before she spoke. “Are you ok, Gold?”

Gold gulped down the rest of his drink before he sat the cup down at his side. “I’m fine.” His right wing quivered a bit before he reached over and scratched it with a claw. “Just thinking.”

“Whatcha thinking about?” Gabby chirped.

“Everything,” he whispered. He paused and turned his gaze to Gabby, taking in her features. “Honestly, I’m just feeling a bit nervous.”

“About living in Griffonstone?” she asked with a raised brow.

Gold shook his head and continued to scratch his wing. He started near the base of the feathers at his shoulder and traced out to the tip. “It’s what you said that’s been bothering me. Griffonstone, Ponyville, this whole situation with the shapeshifters. It makes this journey a bit worrying for me.”

She hummed and watched Gold mess with his feathers before she spoke. “Why are you coming out to Griffonstone?”

Gold gave the tip of his wing one hard scratch and let out a low groan. “Personal problems.”

“Oh.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Is it something I can help you with?”

“I wish you could help me.” He folded his wings back to his side, it twitched, and he flung open his wing again. “Ugh, this one spot,” he mumbled.

“Something wrong with your wing?” She leaned over to him.

“It’s just really itchy,” he murmured. “I had this oil I was supposed to use for my wings, but I left it back in Eroza.” He began to frown and scratched deep near the tip of his wing. “Crap!” The feathers around the wound in his wings became stained in blood, but he managed to let out a mild sigh.

“You ok?” She reached out to grab his wing.

“Ah!” He snapped his wing back and stood up. “It’s fine Gabby, just broke the skin a little.”

“But you just hurt yourself,” she reassured, reaching out to his wing again. “Let me see it.”

Gold stepped back and waved a claw. “It’s fine, really.”

“No, it’s not. It could get infected.” She huffed and puffed out her cheeks. “Let. Me. See.”

“Look, I’ll take care of it.” He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, rainbow-colored, diamond-shaped vial in his left claw. “It’s why I have this.”

Gabby raised a brow. “What’s that?”

“A magic potion that speeds up the healing process.” He swapped it between claws, popped the cork off and dabbed it in left claw. “Now all I,” he paused and noticed a distinct lack of fluids. “No, no!” he hissed.

His beak hung open at the empty vial in his claw. “I thought I had more,” he grumbled and stuck the vial back in his bag. “Glare said,” he began then glanced at Gabby who’s had stepped back from his outburst.

“Gold, what’s wrong? Did you run out of your potion?” She took slow steps towards him.

“Y-yeah.” He clenched his beak and turned away. “I’m just surprised. All I needed was a drop, but it looks like there’s nothing left!” he sneered. “This is terrible.”

“Gold, just let me take care of your wing.” With a quick grab, she latched onto his wing, one claw on his shoulder and one at the very tip. “I just want to help.”

Gold turned to glare at Gabby but when she began to work on it with a light touch, he remained quiet. After Gabby looked over the wound, she dashed to her shack just behind the boulder, and retrieved her first-aid kit. When she returned, Gold watched her dress his wounds and wrapped it up with a few bandages. For a few minutes Gabby looked over her handiwork and the rest of his wing. “Gold, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He watched Gabby with unease as she stared at a single spot above the shoulder of his wing. “What do you want to know?”

Gabby slid her claws across a small patch of feathers; under the feathers were scars that streaked down from his wing. Further down, she followed the scars as they curved around his neck. “How did you get these scars?” she whispered.

Gold brushed her claws away, frowning as he tucked his wings in. “Scars?”

“Yeah, you have a lot of scars on your wing down to your neck.” Her eyes trailed up to his. “Did you get into a fight with a monster like a bugbear or a manticore?”

He rubbed the side of his neck and felt the rough skin below. “I don’t know what they are, but I don’t remember getting attacked by anything.” He lowered his head and whispered, “Unless I got these scars before I entered Eroza?”

She sat in front of him. “What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing, Gabby. Or at least nothing I can recall.” He walked around her and hopped off the boulder. As he neared the island’s rocky edge, he peered into the distance. “Hey Gabby, how long until we reach Griffonstone?”

Gabby approached Gold on his right side and peered into the distance with him. “If we rest now, and leave early in the morning, we can expect to reach Griffonstone in the evening.”

“Good,” he sighed. “Good. Once, we leave from here we’ll be in Griffonstone eh?” He pulled his wings through the openings in his cloak and rested flat on his stomach. With his arms crossed, he rested his head, and closed his eyes. “The sooner I get to Griffonstone, the faster everything will fall in place. I can feel it.”

Gabby tapped her talon again the hard, mossy surface. “What kind of personal problem would make you come out to this dangerous side of Equestria?”

Gold glanced at Gabby, with his eyelids half-lidded, and the corners of his beak curved down. “To find the truth,” he declared, “to find the truth about everything that happened to me. To be honest, I feel like I’m still dreaming.”

Gabby tilted her head and touched her beak with a talon. “Well, what happened to you?”

“Something truly unbelievable that I couldn’t even begin to explain. Don’t concern yourself with it Gabby.” He rested his head back on his claws and sighed.

“Well, you know if you ever need help with anything, you come to me,” she smiled.

“Noted,” he nodded. “I think I’m going to sleep out here for tonight.” His eyes felt heavy when he closed them.

“Are you sure?”

With one arm he pulled his hood down and tucked the cloak’s edges under his body. “I’m sure, Gabby.”

“Well,” she turned around and gave Gold one last glance, “the door is always open.” Gabby grabbed their cups off the boulder and headed into her shack.

“You’re kind Gabby,” he whispered. The gentle echo of the ocean waves filled his ears with peace as slumber embraced him.

“You know,” Gold shouted as the wind howled in his ears, “once we get on land, I’m never flying over water again.”

Gold and Gabby locked claw in claw as they pushed through the heavy winds and the occasional blast of thunder. The sky, coated in grey clouds with heavy rain poured upon them. While Gabby maneuvered in harsh weather, timing her wingbeats, and adjusting to the shifts in wind, Gold had no such inclinations. He teetered, drifted, and often slipped trying to keep hold onto Gabby’s claws.

“Just hang on! We’re almost there! Ah! Do you see it!?”

The pair continued their rise as they flew over several mountains, passed over a deep gorge, and crossed a long winding path to a split mountain with a giant, leafless tree sitting at the top on one side.

Gold squinted. “Is that it!? The mountain with that tree and houses on it?”

Gabby stared at her home and kept quiet for a moment before replying. “Yup! That’s… home!”

As they drew closer, Gold began to shiver as the finer details became apparent. Most of the buildings built on the branches and around the base of the tree were dilapidated. Some buildings were destroyed except for a large, slender, tower like structure near the top. The streets were no better as many suffered uneven paving, piles of rubble, and all manner of objects from torn books to branches scattered everywhere.

To Gold’s surprise, several griffons going about their business in the downpour. Some perched upon buildings and dead trees with their wings spread out, and others wandering around. He even noticed a few griffons fighting in a large puddle of mud near a broken-down statue that they passed over. The echoes of squawks and screeches pierced through the rain and none of the griffons in the area seemed interested in breaking it up.

“I was not expecting this…” Gold whispered.

“Are you ok, Gold? You’re shivering a bit.”

Gold’s grip began to loosen up as they approached an area with the least amount of ruined buildings. Most of the buildings resembled bird-houses in design with a few exceptions. The roofs were made from straw and loose sticks, and the rest of the structures made from a white-grey wood. The doorframes on almost all the homes were painted either red or blue.

They came down to a road with two set of houses on each side. One side, closer to the edge of the mountain had one building that stood amongst the ruins. While the other had maintained homes which still showed signs of falling apart, with window panes coming off the hinges or gaping holes in the roof. Gold’s chest tightened when they approached one home, which had windows with holes taped up and a door with many locks on it. When Gold’s feet touched the wet, straw-covered ground and let his claws side off her wrists, he continued to watch the other griffons around them.

Gabby hovered over to the door and pulled out a keychain from her bags and began to unlock each lock in a hurry. “We’re just going to stop here for a bit. I’m sure you want to know a bit more about Griffonstone before you,” she gulped and pushed the door open with a groan, “get settled in.”

Gold joined Gabby while keeping his eyes trained his surroundings. He also noticed a few griffons perched on nests on top of those homes, staring at the pair.

Gabby tossed her bags in a small barrel next to the door and began to shake herself dry. Gold groaned and closed his eyes until she stopped, his head further soaked in water. “You should probably take that cloak off so you can dry yourself,” Gabby offered, while waiting for Gold to enter.

Upon entering and wiping the excess water off his face and body, Gabby slammed the door shut and began to fasten the locks on the door. With the sound of locks rattling and twisting behind Gold, he began to examine the home.

The first thing he noticed was the smell. Something was dead in this room as he began to sniff for the source. The room was illuminated from the low light coming through the windows. A large tree stump sat at the center of a smooth wooden floor, with various dishes either tipped over, broken, and filled with some unknown substance. There was a faded, grey, table cloth underneath the dishes but was torn in some places and had numerous spots speckled on it. He was sure it was white at some point. Even the number of stools surrounding the table were either broken or needed repairs.

There were tons of smaller bird houses that were placed all around the room, some were carved out of the walls and some dangled from the ceiling by strings. Barrels were scattered all over the floor, ranging from small to large and a few of them were open. To his left was an area he presumed was the kitchen with a carved out wooden counter. A large black cauldron sat above a firepit next to the counter. Next to the counter was tons of bird houses stacked on top each other. Each had either a jar or bottle of some sort or a small box. The counter had various, wood-carved, kitchen utensils in poor condition; except a few.

A bookshelf sat to his right with all the books tucked in place. Right above the tree stump was a hammock filled with cooking utensils like pots and pans, and near the back was three doors. The door off to the right was cracked open while the other two were shut.

Gold took a few steps forward, his nose sniffing for the offending smell as he looked around. “Sorry about the mess,” Gabby strolled to the kitchen and began to rummage through the small bird houses. “Gilda probably forgot to clean up again.”

“Gilda?” Gold questioned. “Oh, the friend you mentioned on the way here.” As he approached the table, he picked up a cracked vase that sat on the floor. “Ugh,” he whispered. A dead rat appeared to be half eaten, laying on its back, with its putrid smell greeting Gold’s nose. “Found out what that smell was,” he muttered.

“Found what? Oh…” Gabby returned and placed two bowls filled with a green, mushy like substance on the tree stump table. “That’s probably Gilda’s food. Just leave it there, she’ll get it.”

“Huh,” was Gold’s reply. Gold placed the vase back and sat next to Gabby, his stool creaked. She brushed aside some dishes and winced when a few hit the floor with a bang.

After Gabby pushed Gold’s bowl in front of him and began to eat. “What’s this?” He winced at the sour smell that tickled his nose. He leaned in closer and noticed pink noodles wriggling inside the mush. “Smells and looks… interesting.”

After she finished scarfing down her meal, Gabby chirped, “Cold worm porridge.” She leaned back and licked stray droplets off her beak. “That’s the ticket,” she grinned.

Gold leaned back and pushed his bowl away with a talon. “I’m not sure if-“ A loud growl echoed throughout the room.

“What was that!?” Gabby glanced around room with a raised brow.

“Probably something from outside.” He pulled back the bowl.

“Wait…” Gabby turned to Gold, tilting her head as she watched him start to eat from his bowl. “Was that your stomach?”

“Nah, probably something from outside,” he repeated though his stomach lurched from the taste. “So, we’re here in Griffonstone, eh?” he said after swallowing a large glob of the porridge. “What can you tell me about this place before I leave tomorrow?”

Gabby crossed her arms on the table. She glared at Gold for a moment, before her expression softened. With a sigh, she faced the window across the room and stared at the weather outside. “What do you want to know?” Her voice soft and wistful.

Gold sighed and pulled his cloak off and dropped it to his side, landing with a squish. As he ran his claw through his head feathers, he kept silent. Gold frowned as he watched Gabby stare at the window. He raised he claw with an open beak but said nothing. Instead, he leaned back in the stool, cleared his throat and kept his tone leveled.

“So, who do I talk to for purchasing a home?”

“Y-you’ll have to find one for yourself,” she stammered.

“Find one for myself? Like, find a spot of land or vacant home?” He mused, “Doesn’t sound too hard.”

“You might end up taking someone’s home,” she whispered.

He raised a brow. “Uh, can you say that a bit lo-

“Who are you!?” a feminine voice demanded.

A griffon with its body low approached Gold from the shadows in the back. “Gabby, did he sneak in? Cause if he did, he’s dead.” As the griffon got closer, Gold saw its amber eyes pierce into his.

He scrambled off the stool and held his claws up. “Just wait a minute. I came here with Gabby!”

The griffon flinched when Gabby stepped in front of her, eyes determined. “Wait, Gilda! He’s with me, I brought him here.”

“What?” Gilda glanced between the two, but she held her focus on Gold’s eyes. “You know what, hang on.” Gilda retreated to the back, going into the middle door and returned with a lantern and dropped with a bang on the table.

Gilda sported white feathers from her head down to her neck, the with rest of her body a light brown. She had a golden-yellow beak and claws, three feathers protruding from the top of her head, each tipped with purple. She even had purple marks over her eyes with three points that curved up.

Gold watched her anxiously as she walked around him, and picked up the rat inside the vase. She sat down directly across from Gold, her arms resting on the stump with the rat in her claw and stared at him. “Explain,” she cautioned.

Gold glanced at Gabby who gave him a sheepish smile. “Right.” He sat back on the stool and kept his eyes on Gilda. Gabby returned to her seat as well and would often glance between him and Gilda. “So, my name is-“

“Not that, idiot,” Gilda cut in and tapped on the table, “explain your eyes.”

His heart pounded in his chest. “Pardon?”

Gilda slammed her fists onto the stump. “Your eyes, doofus!” Gold flinched and teetered on the stool. “Why are they so bright in the dark? Are you a shapeshifter!?”

“N-no! Why would you say that?” The pounding in his chest magnified and his body started to feel like a furnace. “My eyes are just like that.”

“Is that right?” Gilda glanced over to Gabby who nodded. She turned back to Gold, slapped the crushed rat into her beak and swallowed it whole, with her eyes still trained on him. “Well, I’m not so certain. Last time I checked; shapeshifters have eyes that are bright in the dark. Your eyes better just glow naturally, because if you are a shapeshifter.” Gilda leaned onto the table; her scowl deep. “I. Will. Kill. You.”

“Understood,” he said and sighed. “But I am no shapeshifter, I can promise you that.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Gilda waved her claw and turned to Gabby. “Now for you.”

Gabby flinched. “Y-yeah?”

“Why did you bring him here?”

Gabby rubbed her arm and turned away. “I thought this would be a good place for him to stay until he gets his own place.”

Gilda gawked at Gold. “What?”

Gold rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “Look, I came from far out east near Eroza. I wanted to do some personal research and I needed a place close enough to the locations I had in mind. Griffonstone was ideal for my purposes.”

“And it just so happened that we met up,” Gabby chirped. “He needed some help getting here so I helped him out, we travelled and here we are.”

“So, let me get this straight.” Gilda rubbed her temples. “You came all the way out to Griffonstone to do some research?”

“Pretty much.” He nodded.

Gilda turned to Gabby. “And you brought him here to stay until he finds his own place?”

“Yup.”

“If it’s a problem I can leave,” Gold stated.

Gilda pointed at Gold. “As long as you don’t plan on staying too long.”

“Don’t worry, I plan on leaving tomorrow morning.” Gold gestured to Gabby. “She was telling me how to get my own place.”

Gilda raised a brow and turned to Gabby. “Oh, and what did she say?”

“Well, I was going to buy a home, but she said I should find one.” Gilda perked up. “Do I need to find an empty home or someone who’s selling their home or something like that?”

“I’m going to assume you’ve never-“ Gilda raised and flexed two talons on each claw, “-lived in Griffonstone at all, because you’ll never find a home here. You got to claim your territory.”

“Claim my territory? Wait, so there’s no free space available here or-“

“Look, if you want to a place to stay in Griffonstone, you need to claim your territory.” Gilda gestured around the home. “This place here, is my territory,” she paused, and glanced between herself and Gabby, “at least for now. Since this is my territory, I’ll have to defend it from time to time. More so since the whole shapeshifter situation started.”

“So, unless you are too weak to do that, you’ll never get your own place in Griffonstone.” Gilda leaned forward with her claw held out. “Since you don’t know anything about Griffonstone, you could just give me the bits you were going to use and stay here.”

Gold waved his claw with a shrug. “No thanks. I need total privacy unfortunately. I’ll take my chances.” Gilda frowned. She wiggled her claw a bit, staring at Gold. Gold turned to Gabby who stared into the table with her head down. “Gabby, is something wrong?”

Gabby looked up at Gold with a frown and with a single shake of her head she went back over to the kitchen area. “Well, I like talking to you. I mean, well you are the only griffon who really listened to my whole story about me and my friends.”

She continued, “It’s been a while since I’ve talked to another griffon like that. It really boosted my spirits!” Gabby turned back to Gold with a wide smile and picked up a can of beans. “Plus, you aren’t unfriendly like the other griffons so having another griffon I can relate to is refreshing. I’m just going to miss seeing you around once you leave.”

Gilda smirked at Gabby, and watched as she rummaged through the birdhouses. “She’s lying. She’s just upset that you won’t ruffle her feathers.”

Gabby fumbled with a can.

“Ruffle her feathers?” Gold placed a single talon on his lower beak. “What do you mean by that?”

Gilda snickered while Gabby glared back at her. “Well, you’ll find out once you two share a nest.”

“Gilda!” Gabby fumed.

Gilda slammed a claw on the table as she laughed.

“Yeah,” Gold deadpanned and crossed his arms. “Anyways, I’ll be out of your way tomorrow. Is there anything else I need to know about Griffonstone since I plan on staying here?”

Gilda rubbed her chin and glanced out the window. “If you get a home, you’d better get some locks for your doors. Griffons have no problems entering your home and kicking you out while you sleep. If you want food, go hunt if you can find anything or buy some of my griffon scones. They are the best in the kingdom,” Gilda smirked. “There are other things I should tell you, but you’d be better off learning the hard way unless you got some bits for me to continue?”

“Are you serious?”

“If you got any bits, I’ll answer that. I know you do.” Gilda flexed her claws in front of Gold. “Because this last piece of advice will be worth it.”

Gold grumbled and reached over to his bags. “I suppose I should.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll cover for you Gold.” Gabby walked to the barrel she dropped her saddlebags in and pulled out a couple of bits. She sat back in her seat and dropped the bits into Gilda’s claws.

Gold cast Gabby a sideways glance and refrained from raising his claw. Gilda made a wide grin as she began to tap the bits together. Satisfied with the sharp, metallic, noise they made; she dropped the bits in front of her. “No refunds.”

She turned back to Gold. “If there’s one piece of advice I can give you it’s this: bits mean everything in Griffonstone. If you want a griffon to do anything for you, you better have the bits to back it up. Since things are bad here, you might find desperate griffons that will do anything for bits.”

Gilda stared at the bits in front of her, unblinking and focused. “Stealing is a big one, but griffons won’t try if they know you don’t have bits. Some griffons will try to sell you stuff for bits so you should be wary of that. Be careful of some griffons you ask help from. Depending on how many bits you offer, they may try to ask for more work from you. Those griffons can be really annoying.”

“The most important part of this, would be to avoid griffons who offer you bits for doing something for them.” Gilda leaned forward with a talon pointed at Gold. “Those griffons want you to do something shady. Avoid them if you know what’s good for you and please don’t feed any begging griffons.”

“Gilda!” Gabby scolded. “Don’t say that.”

“If they are too lazy to hunt for themselves then they are a waste of space.”

Gold grimaced, “I’ll keep all this in mind.” He let out a wide yawn and stretched a bit. “Oh, this is a question that I’ve been pondering about. Have there been any shapeshifter attacks in Griffonstone?”

Both Gabby and Gilda paused and went silent. Gold glanced between the two with Gilda glaring at him. “Yeah, there was an attack here, but I don’t want to talk about it,” Gilda cautioned. With that, she snatched up her lantern, bits, and headed towards the back. “I’m going back to bed. I’ll see you losers later.” With the sound of a door slammed, both Gabby and Gold were left in near darkness.

“Must have been a bad attack?” Gold said with a hint of concern.

Gabby sighed, “Yeah, but it was only one incident a few months ago. Greta, a friend of Gilda’s was attacked by a shapeshifter.” Gabby returned to her seat with a lit candle and a bowl full of beans.

“Do the ponies know about this? Was the shapeshifter caught? Is Greta alright?” Gold inquired. “You didn’t mention this before.”

“I was hoping you would change your mind once we get here so I didn’t bother to tell you.” She traced a claw along the bow, with her other claw rested under her chin and downcast eyes. “Also, I may have exaggerated on a few things about Griffonstone.”

“Gabby, I am here now, and my decision has not changed.” Gold reached out to Gabby, but stopped just inches away from her arm. Gabby glanced up at Gold. Right before he could pull his arm away, she grabbed his claw.

“Please leave Griffonstone, Gold,” she pleaded. “It’s not safe here. The shapeshifter that attacked Greta escaped. It could still be somewhere in Griffonstone.”

“What?” Gold recoiled. “Are you serious?”

Gabby nodded. “The shapeshifter hurt many griffons in the attack, but Greta had it the worst. Its true form was a changeling from what Gilda told me. During its attack, it used magic and messed up Greta’s eyes. She’s practically blind now.”

“That’s terrible,” Gold whispered.

“Please Gold, leave Griffonstone while you still can.” Gabby tightened her grip on his claw. “This really isn’t the best place to do your research.”

“I can’t, Gabby,” he insisted. “I simply can’t. Not yet anyways. I did say I would stay here for a little while, hopefully. If my research goes well and I don’t have any problems, I’ll be gone soon enough.” Gold smiled for a moment. “Though I’m rather happy you took the time to try and protect me. Don’t worry about me Gabby. As a Cutie Mark Crusader, you’ve helped me plenty.”

Gold glanced out to the window and was greeted to darkness and rain outside. “You should get some rest.” Gold slipped from her grasp and made his way to a barrel filled corner next to the entrance. He flexed his wings, stretched, then rested on the floor with his wings tucked in and one long yawn. “I know I need mine.”

“Well, if you say so. I’m glad I could help you,” A smile grew on her face. “Just be careful in Griffonstone.” She went back to eating her beans.

Gold rested his head on his claws and closed his eyes. As he listened to the heavy downpour of rain upon the home, he assessed his current situation. He hummed a little and flicked his tail as he listened to the pattering rain and the light rattle of a bowl.

When Gold cracked open his eyes and saw Gabby sit her empty bowl on the counter, he spoke. “Gabby.” She looked down at Gold just as she went to back grab the candle. “Can I ask you a few things before you go?”

“Sure.” She sat down in front of Gold with the candle placed between them.

Gold stared into the candle, uncertain if he should ask the question. With a glance at Gabby, who has eager eyes, he spoke up. “Are there other ways to find out if someone you know is a shapeshifter? I’m aware that shapeshifters have distinct eyes and a certain feeling you get when you see them, but are there other clues?”

“It’s hard to say.” Gabby rubbed the back of her neck. “From what I know, at least from the news I got from Ponyville, is that the shapeshifters can act just like the normal creature that they took the form of.”

Gabby sat on all fours with her arms crossed. “Before Princess Twilight was attacked, the shapeshifter ponies were residents of Ponyville.” Gabby squinted at the flame on the candle. “There’s more stuff out there but the eyes are the best way to find them. At least during the night. But even with the shine in those eyes, the feeling that someone gets when looking into those eyes are key.”

Gabby yawned as she continued. “Fear is common with all the ponies who have looked into a shapeshifter’s eyes. That fear is present even during the day. Princess Twilight emphasized the fear they give off.”

“Did you fear me when you looked into my eyes during that night?”

Gabby shook her head and smiled. “Nope. I didn’t feel it at all. Maybe if we didn’t talk, I probably would have been more suspicious. But I didn’t feel any fear.” Gabby chuckled. “Honestly, I forgot all about it when I started helping you, and when I saw your eyes, I was just surprised. That and I’ve never actually seen a shapeshifter’s eyes.”

Gabby paused for a moment then looked up at Gold. “Are you really not a shapeshifter? I never met a griffon with eyes that shine like yours. It is suspicious.”

Gold sighed and in one quick motion, he pulled a large thin book paired with a quill out of his left saddlebag. “Do I have to put this in writing?”

“Oh no, you don’t have to.” Gabby waved her claws. “I’m sorry for saying that.”

Gold tucked his utensils away and shook his head. “I understand Gabby. I really do, don’t feel sorry for being suspicious.” Gold hummed. “In any case, here is my next question. Will I have any problems if I tried to visit Ponyville? I suspect with how my eyes are, they would be very cautious of me. Would I be able to visit with little to no incident?”

“You shouldn’t have any problems at least during the day, but I don’t think they will let you in without taking that test.”

“Test?”

“Yup. The guards in Ponyville have some sort of test they use to see who a shapeshifter is or not. They mainly use it on some creature they think is a shapeshifter or those who want to see Princess Twilight.” Gabby raised a single talon on her claw. “Especially for anyone trying to see the princess.” Gabby pointed at Gold. “You don’t need to see the princess, do you?”

“Nope, no reason to.” Gold shrugged. “I just need a library and I’m set, which is why I’m going there anyways.”

Gabby smiled. “Then you shouldn’t have any problems. Just, uh, don’t wear your cloak with your hood on. I think the residents will find that very suspicious.”

“I’ll keep this in mind,” Gold nodded. “Thank you so much for all of this Gabby. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you.”

“It’s no problem at all. Any other questions I can answer?”

“Well, there are two more.” Gold reached up and scratched under his beak. “One, do you know how many libraries are in Ponyville?”

“Well, there’s two. One is in Twilight’s Castle and the other is in Friendship University. But…”

“But what?”

“Twilight’s Castle used to be open to the public but that changed since the whole…you know. The School of Friendship will only allow you access to their library if you are a student. Though you might be able to get in without being a student, but you’d have to get on their good side or make a pretty good case.” Gabby explained.

“I see,” Gold murmured. “It’s fine though. Are those libraries huge?”

“Yup! Between the two, whatever you are looking for you are bound to find it,” she chirped. “Though the one at Friendship University will probably be your best bet. Oh, there are a couple of bookshops in Ponyville. I’m not sure if they’ll have what you need but you can take a look.”

“Good enough for me,” Gold said with a nod. “Now for my last question, I am aware that there is a train that goes from here to Canterlot and Ponyville. Between the train and flying, which would be faster?”

“Flying,” she giggled. “In fact, you could reach Ponyville in an hour if you fly directly over the Celestial Sea.”

“Absolutely not.” Gold furiously shook his head. “I’m not flying over another body of water. I’ve had enough flying to last me a lifetime.”

“But Gold, you would be better off flying. I mean, how do you expect to travel to and from Griffonstone without any equipment?”

“What do you mean?”

“Griffonstone is a steep climb,” Gabby cautioned. “There are some parts that are pretty unsafe to travel through. If you don’t have wings, one slip can spell your doom. I know you don’t like flying, but shouldn’t you have planned for that before you decided to live out here?” Gabby leaned forward. “How much research did you do on Griffonstone before you came?”

“Not enough I suppose.” Gold rubbed his neck. “To be fair, I didn’t have much to go on. The libraries in Eroza didn’t have much information on Griffonstone. Just some journals about Guto, sabotage of some idol, and how Griffonstone is full of cold-hearted griffons, and very basic information about the area.” Gold raised a talon. “Oh, but the scones are pretty good.”

“Sabotage?” Gabby tilted her head. “Are you talking about when Arimaspi stole the idol?”

“I guess? All I know is that the idol is gone and things went downhill from there.” Gold shrugged. “In any case, that’s all I know. Thank you for answering my questions Gabby.”

“You’re welcome Gold.” Gabby yawned. “Oh boy, I’m tired.”

“You should go to bed then.” Gold rested his head and closed his eyes. “Don’t you have work tomorrow?”

“Y-yeah.” Gabby rubbed her claws together. “I do.”

“Well then, goodnight and thank you so much for your help Gabby. I must make sure to repay you soon.”

“Yeah,” she whispered. “Goodnight.”

Gabby picked up the lantern and headed towards the back. Once the sound of a closed door echoed throughout the room, Gold flopped on his side. “Tomorrow, find a place. The next day, head to Ponyville,” he whispered.

“Hey, loser, you awake?” Gilda shouted.

Gold flinched, his eyes darting around the room until they landed on Gilda, who was hovering near the ceiling with a few pans in her claws. He rubbed his eyes and glanced to the light from outside beaming through the windows. “What time is it?” He shook his head and rose to his feet.

“It’s time to get up.” Gilda landed in the kitchen and began pulling out baking ingredients.

“Yeah.” Gold scratched his head and stretched. “Where’s Gabby?”

“She left already,” she shrugged. “Though if I was you, I would do the same.”

Gold grabbed his cloak off the floor with a yawn. “Why would you say that?”

“If you got some bits, I might tell you.”

“Full griffon mode huh?” Gold sat down at the stump. With his head tilted down, he closed his eyes and rested his left claw on his temple, and his right holding the cloak to his chest. For a while, Gold remained silent.

Gilda placed her ingredients, tools, and cooking utensils in a small barrel and brought them to the front door in her claws. “It’s time to go.”

“I know,” Gold replied. “I was thinking.”

“Well think outside,” Gilda opened the locks with one claw then kicked it open and stood to the side. “Now get out.”

Gold sighed. He hopped off the stool and headed towards the door. He stopped in front of Gilda and adjusted the cloak tucked under his arm. “Thank you for your hospitality.” He gave her a bow.

Gilda rolled her eyes as the two stepped out. “Just don’t come back here without any bits.” She locked the door and gave Gold a glare before she headed towards the back of her home.

Gold stood with three limbs in wet earth, a damp cloak in his claw, and a light shiver travelling through his body. “Better get searching.”

As the sun rose higher in the partially cloudy sky, Gold began his stroll on the muddy roads of Griffonstone. Gold cracked a tiny smile as he passed several griffons without incident. He saw griffons keep their eyes up and walked around each other as if there’s a physical barrier covering their body. From the few who managed to bump into each other, squawked and continued without saying a word.

Griffons of all kinds from young, to old, were all wandering through the roads or perched on top of their homes. Others were even lying flat out on the ground, sleeping without a care. However, there was one aspect that bothered him as he began to observe the residents.

For the most part his stroll was unimpeded but prospective homes were not up to his standards. As he circled around the outer edge of Griffonstone, every neighborhood had few homes that had intact roofs but broken windows and no doors. Some had both intact doors and windows but no roof. He even saw several homes side by side that were half destroyed.

Gold’s trip led him to the kingdom’s entrance, which was a simple yellow arch that was shaped like the number eight. It had wings attached to the side that were made of wood and painted red.

Gold slumped his back up against the left arch and let out a heavy sigh. “This is going to be tougher than I thought.” He stretched out his cloak and twisted it with a grunt. “How can those griffons even live in this mess?” he mused and watched as droplets of water fall from his cloak. “Do griffons even do work around here? I can’t see how the loss of that idol caused griffons to just give up to this magnitude.”

He flicked the cloak a few times and slipped it on. “And why do the griffons look so, malnourished? I mean, Gabby and Gilda look healthy but the others…” Gold raised a talon to his beak. “Something just isn’t right here.” He lowered his claw and crossed his arms. “I’m sure someone is looking into this.”

He leaned up against the arch again and turned to his left. Far out in the distance is the silhouette of a mountain with thick black clouds that shrouded its peak. Gold hummed as he stared. “I have to claim my territory, huh?”

Gold sagged his shoulders and blew out a puff of air. “I think Gabby would hate me if I managed to do that on someone’s territory.” His eyelids lowered half-way. “Honeydew too…”

A distant, yet light hum permeated through Gold’s ears, like the sound of wind bellowing from far away. Gold dismissed it, tilting his head around to identify the source but couldn’t pinpoint its exact location. At the same time, a light feeling stirred within his gut. A few minutes later the noise vanished, and his gut feeling disappeared as well.

Gold took one long look around him. Griffons flew to and from in the skies of the kingdom, the occasional sound of tree branches cracking, and general noise of light dialogue greeted Gold’s ears. Gold shrugged and reached to his bags. “I wonder what that noise was?”

As he began to pull out his journal the hum buzzed in his ears again, this time growing louder. The feeling in his gut formed into a burning sense of danger. His heart began to pound in his chest as the hum turned into static and crept closer.

Gold darted his eyes around, wide, and fearful. Everywhere he looked, he couldn’t see what the cause of the noise is. He focused on the road behind him that lead out from Griffonstone. Nothing. He looked back and forth from the sky to the kingdom. Nothing.

Gold clenched his claws tight and kept his search going. The static now blaring in his head, he began to take deep breaths. “What is going on?” The words coming out in a single, rushed, breath. “Where is this noise coming from?”

“You there,” said a hoarse voice. Gold’s wings flexed under the cloak and he snapped his head towards the voice. A dark-brown griffin, roughly a head taller than him, stood before him on shaky legs. Its skin sagged under its chin like its melting. The feathers and fur missing in large patches, and it held both its claws on a wooden cane that teetered under its weight.

As Gold scanned the griffon’s body, he noticed several bruises on the skin under its beak and bald patches on its body. There were even scratch marks all over its head, chest, and body as if it was recently in a fight.

“Want to earn some bits?” the griffon asked. Its left eye faced Gold, the other rotating in its head.

“No,” Gold blurted out, “I’m f-fine with bits.”

“I’ll pay you everything I have.” The griffon hobbled closer. “It’s a simple job. Just something to do with Ponyville.”

Gold tilted his head forward and gave the old griffon a glare. “I’m sorry, sir, but no.”

“Please,” he coughed. “If it’s not bits that you want, how about anything you want in my home?” He turned his head back. “You can take anything you want; I just need one thing.”

“No thanks.” Gold stood up and began to walk around the griffon. “Aren’t there other griffons you can ask for this or-“

The griffon grabbed Gold’s arm, and stumbled during his stride. “Hey, let go!”

“There is no other griffon in this decrepit kingdom who can help me!” The griffon hobbled closer. Gold’s eyes watered and covered his beak with a claw. “You must help me and only you!”

“Why do you smell like you haven’t washed in years!?” Gold used little force to try and pull his arm out the griffon’s grasp with no success. “Look, I’m not in any position to help you alright. I don’t know why you came to me, but I’m certainly not going to help you with a matter that has nothing to do with me.”

“Are you a coward!?” the griffon shrieked.

Gold shrank back with wide eyes. “W-what? No! What does that- “

The griffon jerked Gold’s arm. “Then you can surely handle killing some wretched beast. It’s a simple job.”

“I’m not doing anything like that!” Gold scowled and with one motion, jerked his arm forward, sending the elderly griffon tumbling away from him.

With its face in the dirt, the elderly griffon coughed as its limbs wobbled as he rose. “You will help me,” the elderly griffon smirked, “one way or the other, griffon. You’ll come to your senses.”

“Go away!” Gold shrieked and waved the griffon off with a scowl.

The griffon limped to its cane which sat a few feet in front of Gold, picked it up while flashing a wide smile, and ambled down a road around Griffonstone. The blaring static in his head subsided the further away the griffon went, and the dread that crept into him faded. “That was a crazy griffon. Ugh. This noise coming out of nowhere and this crazy griffon. The day was almost uneventful.”

Gold stroked his head feathers and sighed. “Maybe I should head down to Ponyville after I find a spot to claim.” Gold stole a glance at the large tree residing at the center of the kingdom. “I wonder if someone has already claimed the castle?”

“Ugh, I can’t let myself get sidetracked.” Gold scrutinized his arm where the griffon grabbed him, stroking a talon across for any cuts or bruises. There was a mild, prickly sensation that danced across his skin, but it came as quickly as it went. With a huff, Gold turned back to the kingdom and walked with his head low and his eyes peeled.

“Hrm, this won’t do,” Gold said as he stood in a doorway of a broken-down home with a large gaping hole at the back. “I would get robbed if I stayed here until I got the hole fixed.”

Gold stepped back walked out into the road with his head down. “I’m almost certain nobody lived there, then again, who would?” A low growl escaped his throat. “I could just take someone’s home but that isn’t me. I need to find a place soon. I really don’t want to camp out again. Or I could just head down to Ponyville to see what is going on.”

“Ugh!” a griffon screeched as Gold, unknowingly, bumped into its behind. “Watch it!”

Gold stepped back with his claws up as the griffon had turned around and crouched, its eyes dead-locked into his. “Woah! Hey, sorry about that!” Gold stepped back as the dark-brown griffon wearing a loose red scarf around its neck and a small red fez on its head, stepped forward. “I wasn’t watching where I was going. It was an accident.”

“An accident, eh?” The griffon’s wing spread out. “You expect me to believe that?” its voice feminine with a slight rasp.

“It’s the truth I swear,” he said, his claws extended. “I really meant nothing by it.”

The griffon’s cyan eyes stayed glued to his and never blinked. Its dark brown tail flicked behind it like a cat ready to pounce. Gold lowered his head and tucked his claws against his chest. “I should have been looking where I was going.”

The griffon’s eyes narrowed. “Where are you from?”

Gold looked up. “Uh, what?”

The griffon lunged at Gold with its claws out. Gold found himself straddled under the griffon with her claws on his neck. Not enough to choke but still enough to give Gold concern. “Where. In. Griffonstone. Did. You. Come. From?”

“I’m not from Griffonstone, I came from out east near Eroza,” Gold said as his wings twitched.

“Ew,” the griffon said and tilted her head up, “an outsider.”

“Yes, I’m an outsider,” he stated as he reached up and began to pry her claws from his neck, “now can you let me go please?”

“Shut up!” The griffon grunted and squeezed as her claws trembled under his grip. “You’re probably one of those creatures.”

Gold scowled at the griffon. “If I give you some bits,” he choked with a roll of his eyes, “would you believe me?”

The griffon’s claws snapped open and yanked from Gold’s neck. As Gold rubbed his neck, coughing here and there, the griffon leaned in closer to Gold, glanced around. “You got bits?” she whispered.

“Uh, yeah I-“

The griffon covered his mouth with a claw. “Be quiet! Do you want other griffons to try and rob you!?” she hissed.

Gold held his gaze at the griffon for a few moments before shaking his head. “Good, now come with me.” The griffon stepped off Gold and yanked him up by his arm.

“Hey, easy!” Gold pulled his arm back. “I didn’t agree to come with you. You are just as suspicious as the other griffons.”

The griffon flicked his beak with a growl. “This is no time to be stupid, we’re being watched.” As Gold looked around, he noticed several griffons were walking by, staring at them. A few sat a distance away in alley’s and around the corners of a few homes.

“Now come on.” The griffon clenched Gold’s arm once again and began leading him down the road. “I don’t want them to get any ideas.”

Gold opened his beak in protest but kept silent with the surrounding griffon numbers increasing. As the two walked, they ended up closing in on the base of the giant tree of Griffonstone. Only a scarce amount of homes stood as most of the area has mounds of rubble. To Gold’s confusion, many griffons have nests on top the mounds, and others with makeshift tents using the materials available. “I guess I missed seeing this area in the storm,” Gold said as he glanced around.

“Shut up, we’re almost there.” the griffon spat. Wedged between two large roots of the giant tree rest a brown shack with several scratch marks on the door. Upon the top was a smaller, more juvenile looking griffon.

Once they reached the door the small griffon jumped down to Gold’s side. It resembled a washed-out, smaller version of the griffon in front of him. It stood just barely up to Gold’s forearm. With its large head and cyan eyes, it peered up at Gold. “Mamma, who this griffon?” the little fledgling squeaked.

“A traveler,” the female griffon stated.

The moment the door creaked; a pungent odor smashed into Gold’s nose. He doubled back and wrapped his cloak over his beak. “Woah, what on earth is that smell?”

“You have a problem?” The female griffon turned back and glared.

“Uh, yeah.” Gold frowned and nodded. “What died here?”

“Nothing did, so shut up.”

Inside the little shack was mounds of dirt, branches, leaves, and small fluffy lumps of matter. Patches of light that pierced through the cracks in the wooden walls, and in the center was a small trapdoor. The griffon grabbed the rusted handle and grunted as she tried to pull it up.

“Stupid door,” she muttered, the well-rusted hinges groaned as the door bended without moving.

Gold glanced between the two as he stood off to her side. “Do you need some help or…”

“I got it!” With her hindlegs firmly planted on the ground, she pulled up on the door. It squeaked and cracked opened.

“Are you sure?” Gold raised his claw only to get slapped away by her wing.

“I said I got it!” the griffon growled.

“Momma,” the little griffon chimed in, “can I help?”

The female griffon’s expression softened. She sat down and wiped her forehead with a sigh. “It’s fine Garo, it’s just a bit tighter than normal.”

“But momma, you said that three weeks ago,” the little fledgling nuzzled up to her leg. “When can we get inside momma?”

“Soon, all I need to do is-” The griffon gawked when Gold grabbed and began to pull on the handle. “What are you doing!?”

“Look just,” Gold started and adjusted his grip, “let me open this up for you.”

“No.” She pushed down the door with a claw and glared. “I don’t want to owe you anything.”

“Owe me? What are you talking about?” Gold gave the griffon an incredulous expression. “You’re having trouble getting this open and I’m offering to help.”

“I don’t care,” she sneered. “I don’t want to have a debt to any creature. I brought you here so I can get those bits and you can get your feathers ruffled and then leave.”

Gold did a double take. “W-what? Ruffle my feathers? What in the hell are you talking about? I just came along so I can give you these bits in private.” He gestured with one claw. “Didn’t you say other griffons would try to rob me? Why would you think I wanted my feathers ruffled?”

She rolled her eyes and raised a talon. “Number one, you touched my rear with your beak, so you obviously wanted me.” She raised a second talon on her claw. “Number two, you offered bits so that meant you wanted me in my nest. Most griffons do that anyways. I wanted to avoid losing bits.”

Gold’s beak fell open. “Did I not tell you that I came from out of town? I don’t know these customs. You’re just assuming all this. I’m not here to get my feathers ruffled.”

“Momma, is he gonna give you bits so we can buy food?” Gold and the griffon turned to the fledgling hugging his mother’s arm. “I’m hungry.”

“Once we get inside and take care of business, I’ll be able to buy you some of those scones you like,” she said with a soft tone.

Gold pushed her back off the door and grabbed the handle again. “That’s right kid.” He grunted and yanked the handle up, causing the trapdoor to open partially. “I have a few bits so your mother can take care of you.”

He reached under the trapdoor both claws. “Little griffons like you need to grow up strong so you can’t be going hungry.”

“Do you promise?” the little griffon asked. “Other griffons momma brought here sometimes don’t give her bits because she didn’t do a good job.”

Gold turned to the little griffon then towards his mother. “Do a good job with what?”

She pinched the little griffon’s beak closed with her talons. “Don’t worry about it.”

“But that is worrying.” Gold shook his head and went back to the trapdoor.

The mother griffon scowled, “Hey, I don’t want you-“

“Just shush and let me help you,” he declared as he arched his back and squatted down. “Or rather, your son.”

“I can do it my-“ With a mighty heave, the trapdoor flew open and smashed into the ground. Dust and wind erupted through the little shack as the trio walked out.

“Are you crazy!?” the mother griffon snapped as she cradled her little griffon in her claws. “You could have broken the hinges!”

“Sorry,” Gold coughed. “I didn’t think I would,“ he paused as his eyes drifted towards the ground, “do that. Besides, I opened it up.”

“Momma, I’m going inside!” the little griffon squeaked as he squirmed out of his mother’s hold bolted into the dust cloud.

She sighed, “wait just a minute.” She turned to Gold with a frown. “Well, it’s open now.”

Gold stepped into the shed waving his claw. “Yeah, I see that. Look, we need to talk.” Once the mother griffon stepped into the shed, Gold shut the door and crossed his arms as she sat across from him. “I’m going to make this crystal clear so that you understand what I am saying.”

“Oh, and what are you saying?” she said as she slouched forward but kept her eyes focused on his.

Gold huffed and held out a small number of bits in his claw from his saddlebags. The mother griffon’s eyes widened at the bits, but only for a moment as her eyes returned to Gold’s with a clenched beak. “I am going to give you these bits but for a different reason.” With his free claw, he held up a single talon as he spoke. “All things considered; it was an accident that I bumped into you. No, I don’t want my feathers ruffled and I am not looking for any favors from you that you may think I want. I am not from here.”

Gold reached out and rested his claw on hers while he stayed focused on her eyes. She glared but otherwise did nothing as he flipped over her palm and placed the bits in it. “Now, I just want information,” he insisted.

She looked down at the bits while Gold pulled his claws away. “You really don’t want to-“

“No.”

The mother griffon looked up to Gold. She tilted her head sideways, glancing up and down at his form. After a moment, she sat up straight and let out a sigh. “Ok…” She gripped the coins. “So, what do you want to know?”

“I need a place to stay,” he paused and scratched his chin with a talon before he continued. “So, I was thinking, is there a griffon around here who can help me get my own place? I’ve been told that I would need to-“ Gold rolled his claw around with a frown “-kick someone from their home and claim it as my own. I don’t want to do that.”

The female griffon tilted her head back. “You are thinking too much like a pony.” She slid the bits against the wall, and swept dust over them. “You have to take what you want or pay for it.” She unlocked the door and walked out with Gold. “But if you really want the help of a griffon, you should go see Grunge.”

“Grunge?”

“An old timer who’s lived in Griffonstone for as long as I can remember.” She pointed behind her with a talon. “He lives near the top of this tree behind the castle. If you want help, he’s the griffon for you.”

“Anything I should be aware of while dealing with Grunge?”

“Be prepared to do favors for him if you don’t have enough bits. But, with how Griffonstone is now…” She rubbed her beak and stared into the sky. “He’s probably going to want more than just bits. That’s my guess.”

“I see.” Gold turned around. “Well I better get going. Thank you for the information.”

“Wait,” she said and grabbed Gold’s cloak. “It’s not like I’m interested in you or anything but… what’s your name?”

Gold looked back and waved his claw. “It’s not-” Gold glanced to the ground then turned back to the griffon, “Golden Eyes. What’s yours?”

“Glory,” she said with a nod.

“Well then Glory, it was nice meeting you,” Gold strolled along for a moment, paused and looked back. The shack door was closed and Glory was gone. Gold glanced up at the castle looming over Griffonstone. “I’d thought I be done with climbing already,” Gold sighed. “I think it would be suspicious if a griffon with functioning wings would be climbing a tree, but” he stroked under his beak in concentration, “would they even care? Is that even suspicious behavior? Darn it, I wish I had more to go on.”

Gold strolled with his head down towards the massive, ivory, intertwining roots at the base of the tree. Once at the base, he scanned the tree for anything that could help him make his ascent. The sky was clear as far as an odd griffon or two flying around. With nothing to go on, Gold leaned up against the wood, pulled his hood down, crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, Gold snapped forward with a smile, and slammed his fist to his palm. “Of course!” Gold cringed as he glanced up to the structure ahead. He took a small breath with his claw on his chest. “Okay. This would be a lot easier with Gabby here but this isn’t full flying. Though I would be lying if I said it wasn’t,” he chuckled.

He pulled back his hood, and stepped out from the wall. “Okay, this should be manageable.” Gold stood straight with his eyes glued to the lowest hanging branch. It stretched out beyond the edge of the mountain with a couple of homes on it. “Just jump, fly up for a bit, land, repeat.”

Gold flexed his wings and stretched as he prepared. “Fly up as fast as I can and don’t look down. Make it quick and it will be all over. Just reach the top. No big deal, I’m not over the ocean. I’m also not in Eroza so this is more flexible.”

Gold crouched down with his eyes closed. “Jump, fly, land, repeat. Jump, fly, land, repeat.”

His eyes slowly opened as he spread his wings out. “All to go home. All to go home,” he chanted.

With a single, powerful wingbeat, Gold left the ground in a cloud of dust. “Oh crap!” Gold hastily flapped his wings, slowing down just enough to bump into the thick branch’s side. With his claws latched onto the wood, he pulled himself up and flopped over to his side as far in the center as possible. “I really hate being in the air.”

As Gold sat up, his eyes fell upon five griffons hunched over in a group behind a home. All staring at him.

Gold open and shut his mouth numerous times before deciding to turn away and look at the next branch to fly to. He glanced between two more branches then at the castle to the top, each spiraled out towards the sky. The buildings that lined these branches appeared less damaged and well maintained.

Gold hummed as he analyzed the buildings, turned away and flexed his wings again. He let out a shaky breath before launching towards the next branch, claws extended. This time, he managed to hover when he got close and clumsily landed upright between two houses.

He looked at his target above him and the castle further up. “I could just…” His eyes darted between the branch and the castle overhead. “I could just take one trip instead of two,” he mused and a huff left Gold’s beak. “I need to stop over-analyzing everything at times. I just need to get up there to talk to that griffon.” He crouched down with his spread out. “A place to stay to work in peace.”

Gold inhaled; his eyes focused. The griffon remained stationary. His arms and legs trembled, his wings and tail twitching in place. Seconds turned into minutes as Gold didn’t move. “I should get used to this,” Gold said, his breath shaky. “If I don’t have to fly for this griffon; this should be the only time I need to do this.”

Gold clenched his beak and glared at the structure. “I’ll fly so fast that I’ll reach the top without a second thought.” Gold nodded and closed his eyes. As soon as his eyes snapped open, he burst into flight. The air howled in his ears, a blur of white and brown whizzing through his vision. This was it; Gold will finally reach his first milestone.

However, the wind’s howl died out, and silence echoed around him. Gold’s ascent slowed down with him breaking through a layer of clouds. Gold glimpsed at the cyan sky, right at the apex of his flight, then he looked down with his mouth open. The rushing wind was nothing compared to the intense pounding in his ears.

Gold flailed hopelessly as he stared at the earth. “OH NO OH NO OH NO OH NO OH NO!” He clawed at the air, grasping for anything he could find. “I DON’T WANT TO DIE! I DON’T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS!”

He could clearly see the kingdom, and the ivory castle that he needed to reach, coming in fast. To his surprise he noticed a grey dot circle around the castle, flying off to the side, then darted straight for him.

“What is… Gabby!?” The griffon caught up to Gold, and grabbed one of his flailing claws.

Gabby spread out her wings as she pulled Gold up. Gold held his breath as he reached out with free claw. In moments, Gabby straightened up Gold’s descent.

Gabby leaned in and screamed, “Spread out your wings and pull up!”

Almost instantly, Gold’s limp wings straightened out. Gabby pulled back on Gold’s claws, Gold followed suit, matching her movements. Gold closed his eyes; tears flowing out.

The griffons came mere inches from the castle walls, as they rushed between the spires, and flew straight into open air. The two slowed their ascent as they hovered above kingdom. They remained in place with Gabby’s tight grip on Gold. “That was… a close call,” she breathed. Each breath deep and heavy.

Gold’s breaths are quick as his claws trembled. “Are we… still alive?”

“Y-yeah! We’re just hovering over…the kingdom now,” she said between breaths. “We should probably… land though.”

“You lead. I can’t open my eyes right now or else I’ll just freeze up again.”

Gabby shifted Gold around. “Okay, I’ll take us back to Gilda’s place and-“

“Wait!” he shouted, flapping his wings furiously. “Take us down next to the castle,” he said, all in one breath.

She glanced down at gold, shrugged, then shifted the two around towards the castle. “Alright, I’ll take us down there now!”

“Thank you,” he said as Gabby guided him. “I honestly, can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s no problem!” She paused and glanced over Griffonstone for a moment. “I’m always here to help.” Gabby tightened her grip on Gold and muttered, “Just don’t die here.”

“Did you say something?” Gold inquired, tilting his head up.

“Well, I need to ask you something when we get down there. Is that alright?” she said as they began their descent.

“Sure, it’s fine,” Gold nodded.

“Okay, we’re here!” Gabby chirped. The two hovered over the ground with Gold clutched to Gabby. “You can open your eyes.”

“Are you sure?” Gold tensed up. “Are we really close to the ground?”

“Yup!” Gabby lowered Gold further, his legs inches from the ground. “Open your eyes and take that first step.”

Gold cracked open his eyes, his vision blurry at first. After a few blinks, he gasped. He snapped his claws from Gabby and collapsed to the ground. Ignoring the pokes from the branches, Gold embraced relatively solid ground with tears flowing from his eyes. “I’m safe, I’m alive,” he whimpered.

Gabby sat next to Gold, gently patted his back. “Hey, hey, it’s alright.”

“It’s not alright Gabby.” His claws snapping the branches in his grasp. “It’s a nightmare.” He rolled on his side; wings tucked in as he looked at Gabby. His eyes half-closed and teary. “All of this is too much. I would have died if you didn’t rescue me.”

“Well, I did rescue you now so you aren’t dead,” she giggled.

“Gabby,” Gold strained, “please, don’t say anything else.”

“Sorry.”

Gold rose on unsteady legs and stared at the castle that towered over him. “It looked more impressive from a distance,” he mused.

“Oh, the castle?” Gabby shot a quick glance at the structure. “Yeah, it needs a bit of work.”

Gold nodded, then turned away and waved. “Thank you again. I hope this is the last time you come to my rescue.”

“Wait.” She stepped in front of Gold before he could move. “Are you ready to head down from here?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“You know the only way to get down from here is to fly,” she stated. “Unless you are a good climber?”

“Oh!” Gold rubbed his temples, his eyes averting hers. “Right.” He trudged past Gabby, each step slow and careful. “I’ll be fine, I am a good-,” he paused, “-climber. Don’t worry about me. And besides,” he pointed to the bulge on her saddlebags, “don’t you have some work to do?”

“Yeah, but…”

“I’ll be fine, I just know not to put too much energy into flying again.” Gold rubbed his temples again. “Flying just isn’t my thing.”

Gabby sighed and kept her eyes on him as she prepared to take off. “Wait, I have a question.”

“Uh, what’s the question?”

“How did you manage to fly so high in the air? I mean, you said it yourself that you are scared of flying so how did you end up above Griffonstone?” she inquired.

Gold froze.

“Did another griffon take you up there or did you try flying low but got swept up in an air current?”

“Um, well, yeah,” Gold stammered. “The last one.” He cleared his throat and explained, “a freakishly strong air current got under my wings and took me way up there. In my surprise, I flapped along with it and ended up there, even faster.”

She nodded with a frown. “Yeah, sometimes the wind can be a bit rough up here. During snowstorms, you are better off staying indoors if you know what’s good for you. Matter of fact, you should probably prepare yourself well if you really are staying here.”

Gabby gestured to the sky; eyes heavy. “Winter will be coming in a few months so the weather will be pretty bad. I still say you should find a place down in Ponyville. I’m not sure how well you can handle the cold weather up here considering how Griffonstone is right now.”

Her eyes widened and she raised a claw; a smile plastered on her cheeks. “Of course! Why don’t you stay in Ponyville for the winter?”

“I don’t-

Gabby hushed Gold with a talon on his beak. “Just hear me out on this one.”

Gold huffed and sat down. “Alright, what is it?”

“Well, you want to stay in Griffonstone to do your studying right?” she questioned.

“Yeah?”

“And you want to do it without any problem right?”

Gold turned his head slightly and nodded.

“You know that Griffonstone is a mess. The homes here are in need of serious repairs and nobody wants to do it. So, each time a big storm we lose more and more places to live. The places that do survive are usually damaged in some way and have a hard time protecting from the elements.” She pointed to the castle. “Like this castle here, most of the books and debris that you saw scattered out on the roads came from here during a bad storm. If you want to protect your valuables, I would seriously suggest you head over to Ponyville for the winter. Your belongings would be safer there.”

Gold hummed, as he tapped his claw on his beak. “That is…a sound argument. You are actually right about that. These buildings are looking bad. I’ll have to seriously considering having a second place in Ponyville.”

Gabby broke into a massive smile. “Yes! Yes! Of course! And maybe you could consider staying there longer if you like it, eh?” She nudged Gold in his side, with a wink.

“Now I don’t know about permanent residence but seasonal stays sound good.” Gold nodded.

Gabby sighed and deflated. “Come on, it’s Ponyville, you should really consider it.”

“I know what I want Gabby.” He patted her on the shoulder. “But I will hold what you say to heart. You would know what’s best right now, but I need some time before I can do anything. The sooner I get a place, the faster I can consider your options.” Gold raised a brow as he hummed for a moment. “How did you know I was up there?”

“Well, I felt a burst of wind. It came out of nowhere,” Gabby said as she flailed her arms. “When I looked around, I didn’t see anything until I looked up and saw you.”

“You saw me from all the way down here?” Gold questioned.

“Yeah!” she chirped. “I wasn’t sure at first but when I got closer, I knew.”

“I see, well, good to know your eyesight is crazy good,” Gold admired.

Gabby giggled and turned away with a blush, “thanks.”

Gold walked around her, looking down towards the end of castle. “Now go on, you have a job to do right?”

Gabby’s blush quickly turned into a frown. “Yeah, but can’t we just-“

“Go,” he groaned. “I’m good. If I need you, I’ll squawk or something!”

“Alright. Be careful up here Gold.” Gabby gazed at Gold before she flew off.

With Gabby gone, Gold sighed. He continued around the castle, occasionally glancing upon it. The walls were cracked and broken in some points. Chunks of stone and wood strewn about the ground that Gold had to avoid. He could even see multiple rooms exposed due to a few massive holes in the sides.

Upon reaching the corner of the castle, Gold found himself quite close to the edge of the tree. There were two large branches that spread out with the one furthest having only the remains of a building on it. Looking along the back of the castle however, he noticed over a dozen shacks with chimney’s surrounding a relatively large tower with a cone shaped top.

Unlike the one’s on the lower end of Griffonstone, these were built out of stone with patches of metal plates covering holes. There were a number of racks lined with swords, spears and other weapons against a few shacks with the longest resting against the building. The main building, however, engulfed Gold in its shadow. Its multiple balconies wrapping around each floor, a broken statue at the top and a number of Griffons looking out from within. The air as he approached had the stench of burning coal and molten metal as evidenced from the smokey chimneys among the shacks.

A few Griffons went back and forth between the shacks to the main building, holding a number of weapons and bringing materials. Some were at little stations grinding blades on rotating stone tools and others were at tables in some sort of discussions. But the most important to Gold, was the griffons wearing metal helmets and chest plates, with swords and spears in hand.

“What is this place?” Gold mused as the sound of banging metal echoed in the air.

Without anything of note on the branches, he headed towards the structures. The griffons glanced at Gold from time to time, but otherwise kept to themselves. Upon reaching the largest building, the word ‘armory and bar’ was crudely painted on a wooden sign above the entrance. The entrance itself was just a single wooden door hanging off the hinges.

The porch creaked as he stepped up to the entrance. Alcohol assaulted his senses as he entered the establishment. Inside, the current room was modestly lit with light coming in from the windows around the room, with a few rusted brass lanterns lit among the tables. A number of griffons littered the lobby, some sitting over at the fireplace engaged in conversation. Others were sitting at tables either drunk, sleep, passed out on the floor in singles or piles and the remaining sitting in the back, hammering away at tools at a furnace. To the side, was a counter which resembled a bar but with one side holding booze and the other holding weapons.

Gold took a few steps towards the counter before a griffon stumbled in front of him. “Hey you,” he drawled, the scent of booze pungent on his breath. “You got any bits?”

“No,” Gold said, covering his nose.

The griffon paused, staring blank eyed at Gold. “Damn.” The griffon’s eyes glazed over and collapsed to the floor.

Gold leaned down, with his claw raised. “You alright?”

“Don’t bother,” a smooth, confident voice said.

Gold looked up and saw a tall, bulky, lime green griffon behind the counter beckon to him. “Don’t bother with him, he’s usually drunk off his ass on a daily. Don’t know where he gets the bits from though.”

Gold stepped over the griffon to approach the barkeep. “Huh, well, that’s good to know I guess.”

The griffon wore a simple black vest with a red stained white shirt and is currently wiping the inside of a murky looking glass mug. “So,” the griffon started, keeping his eyes glued to Gold’s. “Do you have any bits? I only serve paying customers.”

“I do, but I’m not here to buy anything. At least not buying any drinks.” Gold glanced over to the weapons. “Or weapons.”

“Oh,” the griffon said and placed the mug on the counter. “Then there is no reason for you to be here, no?”

“Well, I’m looking for a griffon called Grunge. Do you know him?” Gold inquired.

“I may.” The griffon grasped Gold’s shoulders, and began sniffing the air around him.

“H-hey, what are you doing!?” Gold struggled to escape from his grasp.

The griffon sniffed closer down to Gold neck, paused, then inhaled for a moment. The griffon’s eyes widened and locked Gold in place. “You have the scent of ponies on you,” the griffon hissed.

“So what?” Gold began to clench his talon. “What does that have to do with anything?”

The griffon jerked Gold towards him, with a deep glare in his eyes. “You trying to spy on us or are you a shapeshifter? Because everyone who lives in Griffonstone knows who Grunge is. You don’t which can mean one of three things. You are either a unicorn, changeling or a shapeshifter in disguise. If you are any one of them, I’ll end you here and now.”

“Or,” Gold declared with a tremble in his voice, “I could be a griffon born outside of Griffonstone and this will be my first time coming here. So, with that in mind, I should not have any knowledge of who lives here.” Gold raised a claw with a clenched beak. “I’m not here to cause trouble, I just want to talk to Grunge about getting a place here in Griffonstone. I’m not familiar with your customs as I came from far east where Eroza is. The only reason I smell like ponies is because I spent some time in Eroza studying, which is almost exclusively a pony population.”

Gold spread his arms out. “I did not grow up with ponies so who I am today has nothing to do with them. I do not work for them. I only associate with them as needed, same here with you griffons. Once my business is done, you won’t hear from me again and that’s all you need to know.”

The griffon glared at Gold intently. The small scene caused other griffons to circle around the two. The barkeep released Gold and nodded. “Yeah. You aren’t associated with the ponies.” A hardy slap to the arm by the large griffon nearly knocked Gold over. “Even ponies with guts would have squealed like pig,” he said with a smirk.

Gold kneaded his arms while then raised a brow at the griffon. “Or make you squeal depending on what pony you are dealing with.”

“Is there a problem Grubbs?” a griffon said as two flanked Gold.

“Hard to say, just checking to see if this griffon is real.” The barkeep flexed his talons. “He’s an outsider.”

“Oh really?” the griffon on Gold’s right nudged into his side. “Outsider eh?”

“I hope this isn’t a problem, is it?” Gold crossed his arms and glared at the red and brown feathered griffon next to him.

“Don’t worry, we ain’t gonna hurt you for now. But I do have to ask,” Grubb rested his arms on the counter and stared at Gold, “why did you really come to Griffonstone?” The surrounding griffons edged closer or kept an ear close to this conversation.

“Almost every griffon that lives or used to live here don’t come back if they find a better life for themselves. You on the other hand never lived here, found out about Grunge, and wants his help. A griffon that came from a pony centric kingdom apparently, that wants to live here during our current battle with the ponies.” Grubb sneered, “I find that a tad bit suspicious. So much so that you might as well be a threat.”

The sound of fire cackling in the back was all Gold could hear as the griffons awaited his response. He pinched the skin above his brows and sighed. “To be honest, it is suspicious on your end,” he started, still kneading and pinching the flesh, “but I’m not going to explain my life’s story to you. I will say this; I’m here to get away from the ponies. It’s been a long journey for me and I need a place that is away from pony eyes. I… have some important business to take care of and I can’t do it around ponies.”

Grubb snorted, “Oh, so you have something against ponies?”

“No!” Gold’s eyes widened at his own outburst. He cleared his throat and straightened up. “I mean, I simply have a task to complete that would probably cause ponies to question if they found out what it was.”

Grubb reached below the counter and pulled up a plain blue bottle with red liquid in it. “Well, what could be so important that you have to do it here in Griffonstone?”

“I told you everything about my intentions for free, more details require a fee,” Gold demanded with an outstretched claw.

Grubb smirked at gold’s claw. He looked above Gold’s shoulder and tilted his head up. The rest of the griffons dispersed with the two at Gold’s side remaining. “I’ll tell you where Grunge is, but you have to give me all the bits on yah.”

Gold looked between Grunge and the griffons before finally turning back to him. “You make it sound like I have a lot of bits.”

“Because I’d bet all my bits that you got that information from paying griffons in the first place. Paying them well too.” Grubb set the bottle down and inched it towards Gold. “So, for being so nice, I’ll tell you where Grunge is and give you this fine drink for all the bits on you. Because I know you have enough to cover this and it will make talking to Grunge a bit easier.”

Gold pulled out a small brown bag and dropped it on the counter. The resounding clatter of coins immediately caught all the griffon’s attention. “Where is Grunge?”

Grubb quickly snatched up the bag. After a quick peek inside, he rubbed the bag against his face like a lost lover. “Top floor,” he muttered. “Take the staircase.”

With a curt nod, Gold placed the bottle in his saddlebags and headed to the staircase by the bar. As he ascended, the bar became explosive as griffons squawked and screeched as if a brawl broke out. Among the commotion, Gold heard Grubb shouting at the griffons to get away from his bits. The sound of glass breaking and thuds echoed as he climbed each floor.

While the bottom floor seemed unkempt and dirty, every floor as Gold climbed had doors with handles, partially damaged walls and ceilings, and one floor had a single long bright red carpet that extended from end to end, with multiple black stains on it. Upon reaching the top of the staircase, Gold entered a hallway that extended in four directions. Directly ahead was two, large, metallic doors with two heavy plated griffons standing guard on each side.

Gold approached the griffons, with his eyes glancing between the large silver blade at their sides. “Is Grunge here?”

“Do you have bits?” the white and brown griffon on his left asked.

“A little, yes.”

The guard held out his claw. Gold frowned and reached into his other saddlebag for only a handful of bits. The bits were swiped from his claws, and the guard nodded to the other. The guard on Gold’s right, a black and white spotted griffon opened the metal doors to a dimly lit staircase.

“Don’t cause any trouble,” the guard said as he pushed Gold towards the stairs.

Gold sighed as he carefully climbed the stairs. Small golden chandeliers lined the ceiling with candles. Various painted dotted the walls in an uneven manner, with the frames of some missing, the images torn or yellowed, and imprints of something missing. Cobwebs hugged the corners of ceilings and clear patches of dust on each stair.

“Holy crap!” Gold hollered as the doors below slammed shut. He sucked in a breath as he patted his chest. Upon reaching the top, he was greeted by another set of doors, this time were wooden and cracked in multiple places. Gold raised his claw, held his head up, and tapped multiple times on the door. “Hello, I’m here to speak to Grunge,” Gold stated.

“I heard you shout. Come on in,” a raspy, worn voice spoke from within.

Gold grabbed the loose handles and inched the doors open. Upon entering, he recoiled and covered his nose. “What is that smell?” The rooms walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of weapons. Crossbows, swords, axes, daggers, maces, spears, all reflected the outside light. Rows of mannequins cluttered the room with various armor ranging from leathers to metal, with some smaller variants for little griffons.

The floor itself was littered with feathers, broken tools and a pile of animal skeletons sitting in the far corner. In the center of the room, however, rested a single lopsided nest with various weapons leaned against the edges and surrounded by feather piles and bones. “Mr. Grunge, where are you? I need to speak with you.”

The griffon stood in front of the feather and bone pile, and sat with his eyes wandering around the room. “Are you busy?” Gold asked as he began to tap his claws on the floor, his attention on the barred windows. “I can wait outside the room if you need to do something but I really need your he-

Gold quickly turned around as the sound of rushing footsteps and rattling metal closed in. Inches away from his neck is a long silver sword, wielded by a griffon encased in plated armor. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you,” the same raspy male voice said.

Gold eyes shifted between the blade and its owner. “Because I-I want to do business with you. You are Grunge right?”

“I am.”

“I would like your help for getting a home. I’m new here. And-

The blade pressed against Gold’s neck. “I only help griffons. You certainly don’t act like one; knocking on my door all polite like and hollering like a scared pony,” the Grunge spat. “You must be a unicorn in disguise or a shapeshifter.”

Gold’s eyes narrowed. “I am not a shapeshifter,” Gold hissed. “I’m not a pony so what you see is what you get.”

The griffon hummed as it stared at Gold. “Got any bits?”

“Unfortunately, no, I gave the bulk of it to Grubb and what I had left to your guards.”

Grunge tilted his head. “Did Grubb give you anything?”

“A bottle, why?”

“Show me.”

Gold glanced at the blade. “You gonna lower this thing?”

“No.”

“Of course.” Gold Leaned back, gaining a few inches apart from the blade. After cautiously reaching into his bags while observing the armored griffon, he held out the bottle in both claws. “Here, this is what he gave me.”

The griffon pulled off its helmet with one claw and let it crash into the floor. A balding head with grey feathers graced Gold’s eyes. “Well now,” Grunge chuckled, as the single aqua blue eye examined the bottle. “That’s a pretty expensive drink there.”

“It is?” Gold raised a brow, staring at the drink. “This?”

“Well, it tells me all I need to know about you.” the griffon lobbed the blade off to the side with a loud clatter. “Let’s do business.” Grunge yanked the drink from Gold and climbed into the nest. With a twist and a pop, the cork came off and the griffon propped himself up in the nest. “So, what do you need help with, griffon?” Grunge threw his head back and downed half the bottle.

“I need a place to stay,” Gold stated. “I was told you were the griffon who could make that happen.”

Grunge smirked and handed the bottle over to Gold who turned it down. “Well, I can help yah, but you don’t have any bits, right?”

Gold shook his head. “No, though I planned on getting some soon if ran into an issue like this here. I just want to know if you can get me a place that isn’t currently owned or if I could have temporary lodging until I can round up the bits to pay you. A place that I can have reasonable privacy and security.”

Grunge took sip of the drink, leaned in, and belched in Gold’s face. “That’s a tall order for a bit-less traveler. You have no griffon aggressiveness. On top of that, temporary lodging? No bits, no service.”

Gold cringed at the foul air and waved at his nose. “Well, forgive me for not wanting to be aggressive and territorial. Can you help me or not? If not, I’ll leave Griffonstone.”

“Hold on now.” Grunge guzzled the rest of the drink and sat it down. “We can work something out. Now I can get you all the accommodations you could want in a place. But you have to do something for me until you can get the bits.”

Gold crossed his arms with his head tilted. “I’m listening.”

Grunge leaned back into the nest, spread out in a lump bones and bottles. “Food.”

“Food?”

“Go hunting for me down in the Griffonstone forest. Bring some kills back, and I’ll give you a place to stay. Bring me a big kill, and I’ll let you pick any place you want in Griffonstone,” Grunge said with a wave of his armored claw. “But until you get me the bits, I expect you to hunt when I say so.”

Gold hummed, looking away for a moment. Then turned back to Grunge with glare. “What’s the catch? Seems far too simple considering how many griffons live here.”

“No catch, just hunt.” Grunge began unstrapping the vambraces off his arms. “It’s just most of the griffons are either too scared or lazy to go hunting outside the kingdom.”

“Because of the shapeshifters?” Gold inquired.

“With what happened to one of our own, I would rather starve here than to be caught by one of those things.” Grunge scowled and violently ripped off the last vambrace and tossed it at a mannequin.

Gold flinched as the items crashed into the floor. “But there was a shapeshifter attack here in Griffonstone too though, from what I’ve heard.”

“What?” Grunge paused, and stared at Gold. “When was this?”

“Uh, a few months ago or something?” Gold pressed a claw under his beak. “I think that’s right. I was told by a few griffons who were friends to the one who was attacked.”

“Is that right…” Grunge glowered then quickly smiled. “Well, thank you for this information.”

“You didn’t know?”

“Griffons don’t usually talk without some incentive,” Grunge declared. “Though I would have at least expected them to mention that.”

“I see, well, in any case. If I get you some food, you’ll get me a place to stay?”

“It’s my current offer, and the only one you’ll get considering what you’re asking.” Grunge lifted up the armor of his head and dropped it onto the pile of bones outside the nest. “But before that, do you have any more information about that attack?”

Gold waved a claw. “Depends, am I going to be incentivized for it? I did use up all my bits here and quite frankly I should just leave.”

“Look, you.” Grunge leaned forward and pointed at Gold. “I need to keep tabs on this kingdom. The only reason we are not trying to kill each other as much is because everyone has a part to play.” He leaned closer; a scowl formed on his face. “I want to keep my griffons angry at ponies and shapeshifters so they can at least find the strength to fight them.”

Grunge waved a claw around the room. “All of this here is in preparation for that. If we have even one of them here in Griffonstone, that leaves us open for surprise attacks.” Grunge slammed his claw into the nest. “We need to hit them before they hit us. We need to know who’s not a problem, and who’s going to be a problem. That includes knowing what happens in this kingdom, especially when it comes to shapeshifter attacks and to a greater extent: pony infiltrators.”

Gold gave the elder griffon an incredulous look. “Are you sure ponies want to infiltrate this kingdom? What could they possibly gain from doing that?”

The griffon lunged at Gold with crazed eyes, grabbing him by the shoulders. “To take what little we have left!”

“Well, you do what you got to do. I don’t have other information about that shapeshifter attack though.” Gold said as he shrugged out of the griffon’s grasp. “Well, I’ll accept your offer of getting you food so long as you get me a good place. Preferably one with a cellar or basement.”

Grunge scratched his head and stood back. “Right, alright. Well, go ahead. Pick a weapon.” He pointed towards the walls. “I’ll let you use any weapon here to aid you on your hunt. You’ll need em.”

“Any weapon huh?” Gold turned and headed towards the walls stacked with weapons. He examined a variety of blades. Katana’s which he raised a brow, short swords, knives, daggers all held his interest. Most of the blades were well polished and maintained but the craftmanship was lacking. Most of the blades were slightly bent in one way or the other, blades that were thick and heavy, hilts that were loose and flimsy. Some even broke in his grasp.

As he circled around the room, his eye landed upon a pile of blades with no hilts except for one. Gold pulled the hilt and revealed a rather long and slender blade, half the length of his body. The hilt itself is bronze, with simple t-shape carvings of two bird heads at the ends of the pommel. Both the blade and the hilt were well worn as the blade, while polished, had various dents on the blades edge. The hilt was caked in dirt and had bandages wrapped around the grip.

Gold held up the sword, giving a few test swings, and hummed contently as he examined the blade. “Huh, this is a rapier isn’t it?”

“You talking about that royal blade?” Grunge said as he took off the rest of his armor and sighed. “Yeah, though those things didn’t really get used that much. Guto had a royal weapon that signified the griffon army but it wasn’t really popular. You can pick anything but that.”

“Of course,” Gold grumbled as he sat the blade aside and continued searching. “Do you think I’ll need armor?”

“If you are hunting ponies, then yes, but I doubt you are so no.” Grunge climbed out the nest and headed to a shelf that housed small blades. He picked up one in leather sheath and tossed it at gold’s feet. “Use that.”

Gold picked up the item and pulled out the blade. It was a rather crude looking, rusted dagger attached the a bony hilted tied together by string. “It will save your life if things get too hairy for you. A quick slash to the throat if you don’t like to dirty your claws. Why you are actually going to use a weapon instead of your claws for killing is beyond me.”

“Well, don’t want to put too much stress on my claws is all,” Gold joked.

“I hope you do.”

Gold ignored the comment and examined the crossbows. “Oh, what about a crossbow?” Gold stood in front of pile of various crossbows. Though many looked shoddy and prone to breaking. “I could probably use one of those for smaller kills.”

Grunge chuckled, “if you can hit something with it. Those things are a waste of time since they are not built well.”

“Hmm, ok.” Gold grabbed the dagger and set it down in front of Grunge. “I’ll take this then. Got a strap for me to use?”

“The strap’s extra.”

“What!?” Gold pointed at the dagger. “Am I supposed to pay for this? I don’t have no bits.”

“No, this is free.” Grunge gestured at all other weapons. “Everything else you have to pay for.”

“Then why tell me to pick a weapon? I thought it was for free.”

“You assumed that it was for free.” Grunge patted Gold’s shoulder. “I was hoping you might have a little something left. You really are a broke griffon.” He shook his head.

“Ok then.” Gold scooped up the dagger and put it into his saddlebags. “Is there anything else I need to know?”

Grunge pointed to the door. “You’ll be hunting tonight.”

“I… should have expected that.” Gold sighed and walked to the door. “Well, what can you tell me about the forest? What kind of animals live there? Where are the best hunting spots? What kind of danger-“

“You can stay in one of the empty equipment sheds until nightfall,” Grunge said as he pushed Gold along. “I’ll have some of my boys grab you when it’s time to hunt and let the two downstairs know what you’ll be doing.”

“But-“ The door slammed shut in Gold’s face. “Rude,“ he hissed.

The door opened. “Oh, and if you don’t come back with anything, don’t come back to Griffonstone.”

The door slammed shut. Gold sighed and made his way down the stairs. After a quick knock the two steel doors opened with the guards glaring at Gold.

“So,” Gold started as he glanced between the two griffons. “Apparently I am going to be doing a bit of hunting for him tonight.”

The griffons both raised a brow and glanced at each other, then the one Gold’s left spoke up. “Is that right? Well, you better get your rest then. Though I don’t expect much from a solo hunt.”

“A solo hunt? What do you mean by that? He said he was going to have two boys come with me.”

“Oh no,” the other griffon chimed in. “They are going to stay back and collect the kills you bring. You are going to hunt by yourself.”

“What!?” Gold pointed his claws between the two griffons. “I have never been down in that forest before so I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know what I should or should not hunt. I mean, are they at least going to give me some tips or areas that I should stay away from?”

The two griffons glanced at each other and laughed. “Yeah sure, they’ll tell you all about what’s dangerous down there,” the griffon on the left joked.

“Just bring back something you wimp. Grow out some chest feathers,” the griffon on the right said and patted Gold’s back. “You don’t need no information to hunt. You go out, follow your instincts, and kill anything that looks edible.”

The first griffon nodded. “Don’t bring back any mushrooms or berries or some crap like that. We need meat, and meat is the next best thing to bits in this kingdom.”

Gold groaned and let out a long sigh. “Fine, just take me an empty equipment shed. He told me I could stay in one until I hunt tonight.”

“Alright, I got yah,” the first griffon chuckled and nodded to his partner. He walked towards the stairs and beckoned Gold over. The pair descended until they reached the main floor with the bar.

“Woah…” Gold said as he examined the scene. Tables were upturned, griffons laid bruised and bloodied on the floor, strewn on the counter, and in piles. The silence in the air was cut by the metallic banging outside the building.

“There must have been a lot of bits that came in,” the guard said while looking at Gold.

“All for those bits?” Gold said then noticed the guard staring at him. “What?”

“I know it had to be you who brought those bits here. Where did you come from?” the guard inquired with a grin. “Got any more bits coming here?”

Gold rolled his eyes and headed towards the exit. He carefully stepped over a few griffons and danced around any streak, speck or puddles of blood and feathers in the process. “I came from far, far away and no; I’m going to be broke for a while. Which is why I will be doing this hunting thing until I can get more.”

“Huh.” The guard shrugged and kicked a slumped griffon in the head with a smirk. “Well, be sure to give me some when you do.”

“Not for free of course,” Gold declared. “Now take me to this shed so I can prepare for the hunt.”

Gold and the guard walked around the armory towards the back. The trip led them past several forges and shacks until they approached a small area like area. The bark was carved out showing light brown wood underneath in a circle. There were several straw target dummies shaped like ponies scattered around, some with multiple arrows lodged in the head, but the ground largely covered in arrows. Three large brown sacks at in the center with a fourth currently being lifted over a griffon’s head.

Some griffons were in the area shooting arrows at the pony dummies using bows, but many of them either had bad aim or the bow broke under the strain. Gold watched as the griffons struggled to hit their mark, but noticed the trembling in their arms. “They are having a hard time,” Gold mused.

“Yeah, but what can you do when you don’t have the energy to fight.” Stopped for a moment to glance at the griffons. “Those ponies are to blame for this.”

Gold stopped and turned back. “The ponies? What did the ponies do?”

“The ponies are the ones who had something to do with the shapeshifters. I know it.” The griffon nodded. “But they’ll get theirs, you’ll see.”

Gold glanced between the guard and the other griffons. He hummed briefly before he spotted the small shacks lined around the edges of the arena. “Hey, am I going to be staying in one of those?”

The guard turned and pointed towards the one at the far-right corner, furthest away from the arena. “Let’s try that one.”

Gold expression turned into a frown as he glared at the structure. “Better than nothing I suppose.”

The shed was small, wooden structure with a single door and one cracked window next to the entrance. There were a few tools resting up against the walls such as hammers and axes, but lacked handles. When the two reached the shed, Gold’s face scrunched up. “Do you smell that?”

The odor was that of rotten, rancid meat and the muffled sound of flies buzzing could be heard. The guard didn’t flinch however, but sniffed the air with vigor. “I smell it. Something died in there and I’m going to eat it first.”

“Please, help yourself,” Gold urged, stepped back and waved his claws towards the door. “I’m not even hungry.”

The guard pulled the door, and stood still. “You gotta be kidding…” the griffon hissed.

“Huh, what are you looking at… oh my goodness!”

The shed had two small tables on either side with a single hanging lantern on the ceiling. In the back, however, slumped over with an empty can in its claw, and a knife in its chest lies the body of a griffon. It’s skin a sickly mixture of green and gray with blue feathers. Eye sockets empty and a pool of decayed flesh under its body. The feathers loosely attached to what skin remains on the body though many lay on the floor.

Gold retreated, and turned away. “P-please tell me that isn’t a dead body.” He covered his mouth and dry heaved. “P-please tell me that is not a dead body.”

The guard strode forward towards the corpse, examining it. Then its eyes landed on the can in the claw and yanked it from its grasp, pulling off the decaying arm as well. “I don’t believe this…” The griffon headed out towards Gold with the can and arm in tow. “Do you see this?”

Gold turned back, immediately staggered away, his wings twitching fiercely. “Holy crap, what are you doing!?”

“Do you see this!?” the guard snapped.

“How can I not!?” Gold said with extended arms. “I’m not blind.”

“This bastard ate everything in this whole can and didn’t even share,” the guard said with a hint of frustration.

Opened his beak wide eyed. “Are you serious!?” Gold hissed.

“I know, right.” The guard tilted its head in acknowledgement.

“W-wha- Shouldn’t we call the local authorities or something… someone!” Gold stammered. “Wasn’t there a knife? This could be a murder!”

The guard closed Gold’s beak with his free claw and pointed at him with the dismembered one. “Listen here chickidoo. You aren’t going to mention nothing about this to anyone, especially Grunge. If you do, we’re gonna have a problem. If you want to continue living here, you’d better keep your mouth shut or you’ll end up like that griffon in there. Are we clear?” The guard’s words sharp with glaring eyes.

Gold trembled, watching wide eyed at both the rotting arm and the guard holding it. He turned away, and with a single nod, the guard let Gold go. The guard glared at Gold for a few moments before heading back into the shed. “Keep watch, I need to do something.”

“Do what!?” Gold hissed with his claws on his head and eyes shut.

The shed door quietly shut. Gold slowly turned back and stared at the shed, body trembling as he stared wide eyed. He dragged his talon down to his temples and rubbed them in small, even rotations. “I shouldn’t even care, it’s not a person I know or even a human,” Gold whispered. “But damn, I was not expecting to see that.”

Gold stared into the sky, letting his claws drop to his sides. The sun beamed down onto his form as the sky began to clear. It bathed him in an orange glow that warmed him. He let out a long, slow, breath, that eased his shivering. After a few more breaths, he placed a claw right on his chest and exhaled. “I should get used to this here.”

Gold turned back when he heard the shed door creak open. The guard emerged, adjusting his armor, and a content smile on his face. “There we go,” he sighed and kicked the door closed.

Gold analyzed the guard and slowly approached him. “What did you do in- what is that on your beak?”

The guard flicked his tongue over a piece of greenish flesh that stuck to his beak, and drew it into his mouth. “Huh, musta missed that.”

Gold’s face immediately contorted into complete disgust. “Did you just… do… what I think you just did?”

The guard raised a brow and shrugged. “I was hungry. But I think we should keep this between us.” The griffon glanced around and settled his sight on a shed in-between themselves and the arena. “You’ll stay in that one.”

The guard beckoned Gold over to the new shed as he began walking. Gold kept a wide berth as he followed behind the griffon. Once they reached the door, the guard opened it and after a brief moment, nodded. “Come on, this one’s empty.”

For a moment, Gold scoffed, but approached the shed. To Gold’s relief, the shed was empty. Nothing inside except for two work tables. Gold stepped inside and glanced around, though shot a quick glance at the guard before resuming his analysis.

“This will do fine,” Gold mused. “At least I have enough room to stretch.”

“Yeah yeah,” the guard said as he rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell anyone about the body yet and don’t touch it either. I need to make sure I eat it all.”

“You know what.” Gold turned around with two talons pinched together tight towards the guard. “At this point. You are telling too much information that I don’t care for,” Gold said with a strained smile. “Do whatever you want to do. Don’t involve me in this.”

“Heh, you’re right. But still, don’t tell anyone.”

“Who could I possibly tell that would care?” Gold groaned and gestured above his head. “Who? Seriously, who? Obviously, it isn’t too much of a big deal here so who would even care?” Gold scratched his head and turned away. He reached for his saddlebags and sat them to his side. “You know what, I don’t care. Leave me alone, I have to rest for the hunt tonight.”

The guard hummed for a moment, staring at Gold intently. Then he slowly slipped out the door and kicked it shut. Once the crunch of twigs faded from Gold ears, he let out a long sigh. “Finally,” Gold huffed.

Gold shuffled through his saddlebags, digging deep into each side, and with a nod he sat them against the wall. “Good, they didn’t try to steal from me at the bar.” Although the mid-day light brightened the shed, Gold stared into the blue sky through the window with a frown.

Gold slowly turned to his left, where he’d picture where the shed that housed the body would be. A chill shot up his body, his wings twitched fiercely and his claws trembled. His eyes closed again, letting out a small whimper, before shaking his head and taking a deep breath.

“I need to focus,” Gold growled and tightened his claws. “It doesn’t affect me so its of no consequence.” His voice began to waver. “This shouldn’t affect me.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “It can’t affect me.” His shoulders sagged and his wings drooped. “I am… a wall.”

Gold shook his head and snapped his eyes open. “I better take this chance to practice some more of my magic. I think I’ll need it for these griffons just in case.” Gold took a quick glance to the window. “No, I’ll need it for certain.”

Gold took off his cloak and hung it over a few loose nails above the window. After straightening it out and making sure no-one could peek inside, Gold reached inside his bags and pulled out his journal. He sat in the back, opened the book, and relaxed in the cozy glow of the blue, luminescent pages.

“I wonder what else I could do with that rope spell?” Gold mused as he slowly but casually materialized a small strand of rainbow-colored rope in his claws. Upon looking at his rather tattered cloak then back to his claws, he hummed. “Maybe I could try to repair my cloak with it?” Gold mused. “Better start experimenting.”