John Sampson Returns Chapter Fourteen

I feel movement. I’m on top so that means I have to move. It’s almost time to get up anyway.

Sam slides out and disappears in the direction of the kitchen so I slip off to the toilet. When I come out, Luna is waiting to go in. I settle in at the table to wait for the tea to boil then get impatient. A few seconds concentration and the water is ready and Sam is looking at me with suspicion.

Luna walks in right then, “Good Morning Friend John. Last night was very interesting for me.”

I’m curious, “I’ll bite, how?”

Luna explains, “I believe that we drew strength from everypony in the pile. The Great Plain grew last night.”

Sam confirms, “Yes, and I am certain that at least some of the new territory is Griffon. I met with King Granger last night. I don’t know the details but you have given him some kind of a very difficult task.”

Deadly serious, I say, “Sam, Luna, you will never speak of this to anypony other than me. Life or death serious, his task must remain secret.”

Sam nods, “I got that impression which is why I did not ask for details but I did reassure him that any help he asks for will be quickly given by all of us. He seems to be mostly worried about some great personal temptation. I told him that the Ponies that don’t worry are the ones that get in trouble.”

“You did good, Sam. I’ll speak to him about it later. Any other Griffons?” I ask.

Luna spoke up, “I think we both saw several but they had very common ‘growing old and losing it’ nightmares so we didn’t get specific identities.”

Galinda, Smooth, and Gerald walk up to the table.

Galinda asks, “So you two are seeing Griffons now?”

Luna nods, “All part of the service. I think we got a boost last night from all the Herd in one pile. We will find out tomorrow.”

I inquire, “How are you feeling, Galinda?”

Galinda replies, “I’m good. Most of the confusion is resolved to point I could fly or anything else. When can I use my magic?”

“Let’s see. Smooth, how is your morning?”

My teacup starts bouncing across the table. I catch it before it overturns.

I scold, “I told you practice with empty cups first. But that’s several months of progress by the old way. Galinda, we’ll do your hands tonight.”

Hopefully, “Maybe sooner?” Galinda begs.

“Darling, I could do them right now but they won’t work until you have a full night’s sleep to assimilate them. We have plenty of other fun things to do until then.”

We have more tea and small talk but Twilight and Cadance are sleeping in so we form our herd and set off to the cafeteria. Today is a repeat of yesterday with a little extra spice in recognition of a history making double Alicorn ascension. Smooth takes it in stride while Sam can’t stop grinning.

Back in my quarters, Twilight and Cadance are nowhere to be found. It worries me when I don’t know what those two are up to. Regardless, I have my morning duty. When it’s taken care of, I return to my kitchen.

Addressing my apprentices, “We’re going to get your wardrobes improved today. Be thinking about jewelry and accessories too. But first, we’re going to have a little tea and give the rest of Equestria a chance to wake up.”

That’s one of the disadvantages of being the Pony that cracks the dawn. On the other hoof, I get to spend that extra time between two very affectionate mares. But all good things must come to an end, at least for now.

At the Royal Tailor’s we start with the easy stuff, Alicorn sized Guard daily and dress uniforms. Galinda proves to be a bit of a challenge. She loves the look but cats are more flexible than equines. Some ‘adjustments’ must be made.

Then we have an event. Smooth’s uniforms are identified by her cutie as is usual but Galinda’s have a small picture of a Griffon. Now we have to explain runes to the tailor. Worse yet, all of the capes and scarves that are already wrapped up have the same mark. But he’s a Unicorn so fixing it takes minutes.

Now it’s time for the formal wear. I mostly just smile and nod my head while two mares get everything just right for the big day. Smooth is satisfied first.

Now for some fun, “Come over here, Smooth,” as I call the silks for her breastplate out of my pocket.

Holding them up next to her gown, “Which one of these do you think goes with that outfit?”

Galinda is quietly grinning but she’s behind Smooth and Smooth is focused on me, “The second one, of course. John, what are you up to?”

I put the other silks away and call out Smooth’s breastplate, fasten the silk to it, and drop it over her head. A small adjustment and it fits nicely. Stepping quickly, I let Smooth by as she rushes to the mirror. While she’s admiring her new pretty, I call and fit Galinda’s breastplate. Galinda walks quietly up next to Smooth and leans a little so she can share the mirror with Smooth. Smooth isn’t moving or talking but her ears are twitching like crazy so I edge closer to the door just as Twilight and Cadance walk in. I’m trapped.

The tailor rushes to meet them, “Welcome, Your Majesties. Everything is ready for fitting. Who’s first?”

Twilight states with complete finality, “Prince John.”

Smooth and Galinda are both looking at me with big canary eating grins. This is the balance in Pony culture. A stallion is always bigger and stronger than any of his mares but there are more of them, they can gang up on him. Then the tailor brings out his first offering for me and the world changes. It’s cammies. I’m dumbstruck.

Twilight is nuzzling my cheek, “John, how do you like it?”

There is a single tear running down my cheek, “I. . . How. . . Whose idea?”

Twilight speaks softly, “All of us. Galinda was asking Luna about what you were like when you arrived in Equestria and Smooth wanted to know about you and Swift Trail. I’m afraid that I’ve given the legend of your first honeymoon a new life. Of course the subject of your hairless human body and clothes came up and Smooth pointed out that the Commandant of the Equestrian military didn’t own a uniform and it took on a life of its own.”

Taking a deep breath, I gather all of them in a look, “Thank you. Thank all of you.”

There are two forest and two desert and they are more of a fitted cape than pants and shirt but they are fully functional and perfect for a Pony body. Then he brings out my dress uniform and the shit begins to fly.

With careful deliberation, “What are all those medals and ribbons?”

The tailor replies, “Those are just for decoration. We can’t have you looking less distinguished than any of the other Generals.”

Very softly, “No.”

“Your Majesty?” the tailor questions.

“I. SAID. NO!” with full command voice and ears flat.

Smooth and Galinda are peering carefully through the door from the back room. Cadance is looking around the edge of the entry door from the outside. Twilight just looks shocked as she apologizes, “I didn’t know, John. I’m sorry.”

“Captain Smooth!” and she runs up. “Does anypony at all in the Equestrian military do this?” I ask.

She replies sharply “No! Sir!”

I calm down, “Thank you, Captain.” Turning to the tailor, “Consider this your education. Among military Ponies everywhere nothing is more despised than ‘stolen valor’. That especially means wearing decorations that you didn’t earn. Ponies die earning those decorations for the few that can display them with respect. Do you understand?”

A very chastised tailor answers, “Yes, Sire! These are the very first military uniforms that I have ever made. Celestia didn’t want anything to do with the military.”

My ears are back where they belong as I explain, “There are just a few simple rules. Everything goes through Chain of Command and is verified. That means the Unit Clerk and Staff Clerks have records. Ask the Company Clerk in the Castle if you have any kind of question.”

Even if I had gone along with his reasoning, the wild riot of color that he had loaded on me would have never fooled anypony. With it gone, my uniform began to look uniform. With that out of the way, we moved on to the pièce de résistance, my robes. They’re a strange dark purple color with lots of gold embroidery and hang a lot like the cammies only much looser.

I’m looking at myself in the mirror when Twilight says, “Hold still for a moment,” and a breastplate floats over and is fastened around my neck. A large crown follows it. Twilight continues, “Now turn your sun raiment up slowly.”

The reason for the strange shade quickly become apparent, the robe captures my light and re-emits it as royal purple. By the time my mane and tail are flowing, so is the robe. Damned! I look like an ethereal being.

“Twilight, how the hell did you pull this off? Can it work without the ‘sun power’ underneath?”

Twilight replies with a little chuckle, “Do you like it, John?”

“No, I love it. And I assume you have some kind of grand reveal worked into the ceremony?”

Twilight is exuberant, “We’ll fill the Throne Room in front of a row of Thrones against the back wall. Then we’ll march in through the main doors in Herd order with you leading. You will light up as you pass through the door. We’ll all line up standing and mount our Thrones at the same time. You can introduce yourself and make any statement you desire before being seated. Then the Procession can begin. Galinda’s Flock will lead the Procession and take their place beside you as the Visiting Royalty follow and continue on by. Nobles of Canterlot and finally Ambassadors follow them. With any luck at all, we’ll make it to the reception in time for lunch.”

I have one question, “Has anypony talked to Granger about this? I like the symbolism, he’s moving his Flock from visitors to Herd but he has to be fully onboard with it. How will we seat him? He can’t be just standing there like an aide.”

“I’m not worried about that, you’ll work it out,” Twilight pronounces.

With resignation, I say, “Galinda, I’m going to be going to Griffonstone shortly if you want to ride along.”

Galinda is happy anyway, “Yes! Can Smooth go too?”

“Of course. She needs to meet the rest of our flock,” I agree.

We make some final adjustments, then, “Pick out what you want to wear to Griffonstone and the rest can be delivered to our quarters.”

They decide on matching collar and vest sets but that sets off a new crisis, we need accessories so to the saddle shop we go. They settle on small saddlebags and have the Royal Crest and their marks engraved while we wait. As we are getting ready to leave I drop a bag of gold coins in each saddlebag.

Smooth doesn’t understand, “We haven’t paid for anything yet. Why now?”

“I have paid for everything. I tag the bill with my magic and the bank pays it on presentation, usually at the end of every day. Both of you are already on my account but I have to teach you how to use your magic before it works that way for you. Here in Canterlot everypony recognizes you so it doesn’t matter but we are about to leave Canterlot.”

Back out in the street I suggest, “We want to make an entrance so let’s fly.”

At altitude, I teleport us to a hundred yards over Granger’s castle. We circle it a couple of times and glide in on the front walk. Galinda sprints in the main door. By the time I can walk through it, she’s halfway up the stairs. Gerald is standing just outside Granger’s office.

Smiling, I ask, “Let me guess, Gertrude is upstairs?”

Gerald nods.

“That’s a reunion I would love to witness but I won’t crowd them,” I affirm.

Gerald agrees, “Don’t worry, they’ll be down here shortly. What brings you to our happy home?”

Resigned, I explain, “Twilight sent me. She’s organizing a grand procession and it’s my job to be sure everypony is ready for it.”

Gerald starts laughing loud enough to bring Granger out of his office, “What’s so funny?”

Gerald points to me, “The most powerful Pony in Equestria is running errands for his mare. It reinforces my faith in Pony nature.”

Granger shakes his head, “Cub, your youth is showing. Some day you’ll have a mate and you’ll be doing exactly the same thing. John, why don’t you come in here while Gerald helps the Princesses with their visit.”

Smooth steps up and sweetly asks, “Gerald, I’ve always wanted to visit Griffonstone. Can you show me around?”

Granger is chuckling as he closes the office door behind us, “Am I going to have another Pony relative now?”

Grinning, I reply, “No, but I may have extra Griffon foals. Not today though, her magic isn’t strong enough, yet.”

Granger double takes, “And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Why should it? They’re mine no matter what path they take to arrive,” I explain. “But I have other concerns today. Sam has told me that you are worried. I want to reassure you that you have the absolute support of all of the Royal Herd without any need for explanations.”

A very confused Granger asks, “When did I talk to Sam? Who is ‘Sam’ for that matter?”

Gently, I explain, “Sam is Smooth’s colt and Luna’s apprentice. You talked to him briefly last night in a dream.”

“But I thought that was just Ponies?” Granger mutters.

“Not any more. Griffons have joined now. You will find that it is very nice knowing that the herd is always behind you no matter where you go. You should also notice that he didn’t ask for secrets or details and only told me that I should reassure you. And let me point out that it was Sam and Luna that first told us when and where the Dragons attacked.”

Granger shakes himself and whispers almost to himself, “What have I gotten us into?”

I assure him, “You’ve joined a herd. This is what gives Ponies our strength. Nopony is ever alone. The herd is always with you. You won’t see any real difference unless something happens to threaten you. Then the herd rallies to you. That’s why Sam noticed you last night, you were having a nightmare. That’s his talent.”

Granger is still worried, “So they can enter my dreams at any time?”

“Yes and no. Unless you do something to draw attention, you are just one small light among millions. You have to be in distress or call out to them otherwise they can’t easily find you. When you come to Canterlot, you can spend a night with Luna and she can show you the Great Plain, the land of dreams.”

With complete earnestness, Granger asks, “Is there any part of Equestria that you don’t control?”

“Mares? Seriously, we control as little as possible. Mostly we just improve opportunities and ease pains. That same teach versus give balance applies to us. I’m only here because this was your first time and I want you to know that you can trust what you experienced,” I clarify.

Granger nods, “And Twilight really didn’t send you?”

Sheepishly, I admit, “Actually, she did. We had our formal wear for the ceremony fitted and Twilight explained to me how the ceremony was going to be arranged. When she got the part that the Griffons are going to play, I asked if she had told you about this yet. She said she didn’t need to, that is my job.”

Laughing, Granger admits, “Now I agree with Gerald. What did she come up with?”

I lay out her plan for him and when I get to the end, “And I told her that there was no chance at all that I would ask you to stand there like an aide. She just said, ‘You’ll figure it out’. So here I am. My first thought is to break it into manageable pieces. I think you should lead the procession. That’s an honor any way you look at it.”

Granger agrees, “Yes. I would be honored to lead your procession and I would be honored to join your herd afterwards.”

I smile, “Okay, that’s the easy parts. Now my problem is that I can’t seat you level with me in Canterlot and I don’t want to start the ‘conquered’ stories that anything else would cause.”

Granger composes himself for a minute then, “John, when you came into my house the first thing that you did was ‘refuse to usurp a good host’. You acknowledged my authority and asked permission even though every Pony and Griffon knows that you are a god. You even served the feast like any commoner. My honor demands that I do no less in your house. So seat me or stand me any way you desire. I’ll explain it to any who misinterpret honor for weakness.”

I’m stunned, “Thank you. I will give you three comfortable seats just off of my throne and I will welcome you and seat you there myself. I want everypony to know that we are family outside of the politics.”

“When do you want me there?” Granger inquires.

“Any time between now and tomorrow night. I’ll open a portal and you can bring as much and as many as you want. I will say that there is a lot to see with the visitors showing up hourly now.”

Granger says, “Okay. How long before you and the mares leave? With a few minutes to get everything together we could go with you.”

I nod, “Plan on it. Because I know neither of them is ready to leave or in a hurry to get that way.”

When we exit the office, neither Smooth nor Gerald are anywhere to be seen. Galinda and Gertrude are seated in the main room.

Galinda spots me, “John, just who I need. Gertrude wants to know why I can’t use my horn yet.”

I walk over, “That’s easy. It’s because that part of you is newborn. Not just your horn but all the nerves and veins and organs that support it are at about the level of a six month old Unicorn. They will mature much faster because the rest of you is an adult but you had to grow the body of an Alicorn to support all of that before you could start on the horn. There is also safety in gradual growth. If you woke up with a level of power equal to mine, you could devastate Griffonstone with a sneeze. Control can only be learned with experience.”

Gertrude nods at me, “Yes, that makes perfect sense. I’m glad my daughter has a good teacher.”

I bow, “Thank you, Ma’am. Would you like to go shopping with us? We need to check on some items at the jeweler’s and Galinda might see something that appeals to both of you.”

Granger elects to remain in the castle and get organized to leave. As Gertrude, Galinda, and I walk through town I notice a lot of surprised looks and ask about it.

Gertrude explains, “It has been a long time since I’ve been out of the castle without Granger or Gerald for an escort. It’s more of a loose custom than a hard rule but the Royal Flock is always watched with extra scrutiny. My daughter and son in law are more than acceptable anyway, just new.”

I bark a short laugh, “Just wait until you get to Canterlot. I believe that if I walked through town with a bucket over my head, in a week half of Canterlot would be wearing buckets.”

Galinda looks at me with mock seriousness, “John, where could you possibly find a bucket that would fit over that horn?”

We all laugh at that and some of the looks soften.

When we get to the jeweler, he is waiting for us, “Your Majesties. Welcome to my humble shop. I have all of the jewel and metalwork done but I am having trouble finding silk in the right colors.”

I shrug, “Not a problem. We are headed directly to Canterlot and I know there is plenty of silk in Canterlot. Let’s double check them then we might do a little shopping.”

He brings the breastplates out and lays them on the counter. I can’t find any fault so I turn to Gertrude, “What do you think?”

Looking them over carefully, “I like them and see no defect but why only three?”

“Galinda already has hers and Germain isn’t going to the big ceremony. ‘Shopping’ includes finding something for Germain.”

Gertrude is puzzled, “Why can’t Germain go?”

Sadly, I relate, “When some of our enemies see Galinda and realize that they too might ascend, it’s going to be dangerous to be related to Galinda for a while. Germain is specifically invited after the madness is over and I will have Fast Freddie, my four year old, there to meet her.”

Gertrude cocks her head and asks, “All of that makes perfect sense except for the four year old colt. Do you have more mares somewhere else?”

I’m sorely tempted but, “No, a stallion. I dropped Freddie. Expect the impossible when Alicorns are involved.”

Gertrude chokes and Galinda smirks, “One of the first things he told me was that he can help me with pregnancy and cubs because he has more experience than anypony in Equestria.”

I hear a choking sound and turn to see the forgotten jeweler trying desperately to strangle a laugh. I shout, “Boo!” at him and he bounces off the wall behind him as we all end up in laughter.

I clear my throat. “Getting back to shopping, we’ll take these,” as I put them in my pocket, “and I’m open to ideas for Germain or anything you two want.”

We decide on a small breastplate that can become a broach when she is grown. The jeweler brings out pencil and paper and starts sketching. A couple of sheets of paper later we have arrived at a shape like the breastplates with Germain’s rune in the center with the Royal Flock, minus Germain, wrapped around the bottom half just like the breastplates. A diamond to scale on top completes the picture. The jeweler assures us that he has everything in house to complete it and that he can have it ready tomorrow morning.

“That’s unacceptable,” I insist. “Gertrude, ma’am, can you spare half an hour while I give Galinda a magic lesson?”

She nods and I instruct the jeweler to bring all of the materials to the counter where we are standing, “And I don’t care what shape or how many pieces the metal is in, I just need more than enough weight.”

When he lays a small pile of gold trimmings on the counter, I instruct Galinda, “Touch the pile with your magic. Don’t try to do anything just keep it fully in your perception while I work on it.”

I will the pieces to assemble into a sheet and shape the sheet to about the height of the broach we want to make. I heft it and decide that it’s too heavy so I stretch the length of it. Cutting off the unneeded metal, I fix the image of the sketch in my mind and order the metal to assume that shape, engraving included. The trickiest part is cleaning up the edges on the engraving but that takes a whole two minutes. I send the very bemused jeweler to fetch a diamond for the top.

Turning to Galinda, “What did you see?”

Galinda replies, “I see the metal and all of its structure then I see your magic touch it. I don’t see any tools or your magic moving at all but I do see the metal flowing into a new shape.”

I explain, “That’s all there is to see. The missing element is my will. I touched the metal and willed it to changed much like I will my wing to move. This is how the strongest magics are done, by imposing your will on the universe directly.”

I flip the broachplate over then segment small bars off of the leftover metal. Shaping and melding them leaves two clips for a silk and a smaller loop for a chain. When I finish, I notice that Galinda is no longer watching me, her magic is still touching the leftover metal. As I watch, the metal suddenly flows into a circular shape.

“I did it! I did it! I did it!” Galinda is bouncing up and down. “I did it, John! I made magic.”

“Yes you did, and very well too. I’m proud of you, IF you promise not to practice on our castle.”

“Don’t be silly, John. I want it,” Galinda announces with a sudden swerve.

The jeweler starts to speak but I silence him with a look, “Then pay the nice Griffon for it.”

Galinda brings her saddlebags around and digs into the bag of gold coins. Tossing two coins on the counter, she glares at the jeweler, “That’s more gold than the little sheet so that’s enough to pay for it.”

Very carefully, the jeweler replies, “Thank you, Your Majesty,” and puts the coins away.

Working hard on not laughing, I suggest, “Why don’t you put your rune on it?”

Galinda takes a deep breath and concentrates on the gold. Abruptly, it flows into the shape of Galinda’s rune.

“Damn! Now I’m impressed. That’s a big step for a novice.” I compliment her.

The jeweler has the diamond ready and I position it carefully on the metal then meld it in place.

“That’s done. It’s your turn Gertrude,” as I turn to look at her.

She’s just standing there with tears pouring down her face.

Moving to her side, I say softly, “What’s wrong?”

Looking up at me with a smile, “Nothing, John. I’m standing here watching my fierce little cub grow into a magnificent goddess right before my eyes. Nothing could possibly be better.”

Right about then a feathery missile impacts both of us as Galinda gathers us into a three way hug. I try to shield Gertrude from Galinda’s enthusiasm.

“Be careful! Some of us aren’t Alicorn.” I warn Galinda.

Galinda steps back and I cautiously unwrap from Gertrude.

Gertrude faces me, “Are all of you that strong?”

“Well. . . Galinda has some growing to do yet.” I admit bashfully.

“Oh,” Gertrude blurts out. “I think I’m ready to go home.”

I check to be sure we have everything then I thank the jeweler and we set off for the castle. Galinda is bouncing around but Gertrude is plodding along.

“Gertrude, would you like to skip the walk and ‘port directly to the castle?”

She nods and ‘pop’, we are in the main room at the castle. Note to self, have a doctor look at her in Canterlot. Gerald and Smooth are back. Galinda is bouncing around the room, “I did it! I did it!”

Gerald watches Galinda with amusement, “Okay, Sis, you did it. Now what did you do?”

Galinda pulls her gold rune out of her saddle bag and sets it on the table, “I made this with my magic! All by myself. I made magic!”

This gets Granger’s attention and he looks to Gertrude. Gertrude smiles, “I watched it. John showed her how and she was off and racing.”

I set Germain’s gift on the table, “We all collaborated and I put it together with magic because I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. The jeweler didn’t have any silk for this but there’s plenty in Canterlot so we can spare one of the larger ones for this. What’s Germain’s favorite color?”

The answer is ‘red’ so I call out a red silk and split it to make two Germain sized silks.

I ask Granger, “Do we want to give it to Germain before we go?”

He shrugs and says, “You’ll have to tell her why she can’t go with us, again.”

I nod, “I can do that.”

In a minute Germain is coming down the stairs with her nanny in tow. She glides from halfway down to between me and Granger.

“Did you change your mind?” she asks Granger.

I reply, “No, but I have something for you.”

Germain turns to face me, “How can you say ‘no’?”

“Because we are going to fight a battle and the battle is in my home so I’m the Commander. I decide how the troops are deployed.” I bring her broachplate over and show it to her. “We will all wear one of these to identify ourselves,” as I tie it around her neck. “Your assignment right now is this castle. When the first battle is over in a few days, you will move to my castle and join with my colt Fast Freddie to prepare for the next battle. Understood?”

Germain snaps to attention, “Yes, sir.”

I smile, “Good. Carry on.” and salute Germain.

Germain marches briskly up the stairs to her assigned station as Granger stares at me, “How did you do that?”

Gertrude is grinning from ear to ear as I answer, “You forget, I’ve spent the last four centuries raising foal after foal. You learn a few tricks.”

I open a portal to the main room in my quarters, gather the luggage with my magic, and walk through. Continuing down the hall and around the corner, I leave all of the luggage in Galinda’s room.

I call, “Galinda, bring your rune here.”

Holding it against the wall at eye height next to her door, “How do you like that?”

“I like! I like!” Galinda gushes.

“Okay, now watch carefully with your magic,” and I will the gold to become part of the wall.

The other Griffons have followed Galinda and are watching so I explain to them, “This is Galinda’s room. All of your luggage is in there. You can sleep there, in any of the rooms in that direction, or in the master bedroom right over there. Gertrude, Gerald and Granger have seen it, sleeping in a pile is Pony custom. You are invited along with the rest. Alicorns are compelled to cover and protect the pile, it’s why we exist. I can promise you that it is the best night’s sleep you will ever have.”

Gerald speaks right up, “I’m going to be there.”

Grinning, I say, “I’ll bet that Smooth hunts you down if you aren’t. And I am sure that Galinda will be watching you two. Our two young Alicorns have been feeling their magic lately.”

Pointing up the hall, “If you go that way, you pass through the offices and out through the small door into the public hall. Back the way we came and through the intersection is the kitchen, back door to the Throne Room, and the stairs to my favorite balcony. The food lockers on the far end are filled with meat if you get an urge to nibble.”

Galinda reminds me, “I’m going to stay with Gertrude today anyway.”

Speaking seriously, “Gertrude, don’t leave the Castle without at least Smooth as an escort no matter what Galinda says. And if you need help, just ask for it. There’s a squad of Guardponies watching you whenever you leave my private quarters. Now, who wants to go to Gerald’s favorite restaurant for lunch?”

It’s unanimous so I ask, “Walk or fly?”

And, “Fly it is.” so I lead our herd up the back stairs and out on my favorite balcony. I take off first and when we are all lined up, I make an arc around town and glide in on the road in front of the Walledoff. The Maitre d’ is elsewhere so we pause for a minute. While we are waiting, four Hippogriffs come from the hotel proper and line up behind us. This is too good to pass up.

Introducing myself, “Hello, I’m Prince John.”

The large mare at the front of the group replies, “Hello there. I’m Princess Sea Storm and this is my brother Prince Sky Blazer and our aides.”

By the time I had made introductions all around the Maitre D’ is here so I invite the Hippogriffs to eat with us. We settle into the private room with Galinda on one side of me and Princess Sea Storm on the other.

Princess Sea Storm is studying me, “I’m curious, Prince John, is Canterlot really such a safe place that all of this royalty can move around with no security at all?”

I grin at her, “Where did you get the idea that there’s no security? We have three Alicorn warriors in the room. You’ll never be safer than you are right now. But you will find that all the threats come from visitors. Since the parasitic demons were wiped out, Ponies just don’t cause that kind of trouble.”

Princess Sea Storm is suddenly very interested, “You know they were wiped out? We had to learn how to spot them in school even though none have been seen in centuries.”

I nod, “I’m certain. They went extinct a little over four centuries ago, right after they picked a fight with me.”

Princess Sea Storm opens her mouth to say something then closes it.

Prince Sky Blazer is still curious, “What did they do to anger you so?”

“After I caught them stealing from the Royal Treasury, they tried to kill me twice. When that didn’t work, they kidnapped Swift Trail, ancestor of Smooth Trail, right out of the Castle to lure me into a trap. They bit off more than they could chew and I personally fed every single one of them into the sun,” I spell out intensely.

Granger de-escalates the mood, “The Alicorn protective magic runs strong in our friend John. He gets very focused when anything threatens his Ponies.”

Princess Sea Storm is thoughtful, “I can see how that would be a good trait in a ruler, as long as he keeps it under control.”

Granger looks directly at her, “He has shown me his soul and I thought enough of him to give him my daughter. The results have reinforced my opinion.”

Princess Sea Storm inquires, “Results?”

Granger smiles broadly, “Sitting on the other side of John. Galinda is my daughter.”

Princess Sea Storm cocks her head, “So you have mated with a Pony?”

Gertrude speaks up, “Galinda is my flesh and blood and I would be all over any Pony that tried to tempt him. What Granger is talking about is the gift of magic. I have seen it with my own eyes, my daughter is becoming a goddess.”

Princess Sea Storm looks like she just flew into a tornado so I have sympathy, “It’s a little more than that. Galinda has the potential naturally, I just have the knowledge to guide her. It’s pure luck that the Dragons getting stupid brought us together at exactly the right time.”

Granger is laughing, “You should have seen it from my viewpoint. I send my son and daughter to Canterlot to find out what is going on with all the rumors and disturbances and she returns with the strangest Pony that I have ever seen announcing that this is her mate. After getting to know him, I agreed. In fact, we have permanently linked our bloodlines and nations.”

Our food is here so we take a short break from politics. I’m dreaming of how much fun it would be to add Dragon to the wild game list here and remembering that Spike needs to make a decision by tonight.

Prince Sky Blazer is first to finish his plate, “Prince John, are you saying that Griffons have the same potential for magic that Ponies do?”

I take a deep breath, “First, in private, we prefer to drop the honorifics. Just call me ‘John’. Second, every living being in this universe has the same potential for magic, the differences are in how they express it.”

“Just call me ‘Blazer’,” Blazer agrees. “I thought you had to have a horn to do magic?”

“You did magic on the way here. You express magic through your wings to fly. A horn expresses magic shaped wholly by the will. As your wings grow according to your talent and strength, my horn grows according my knowledge and will. I was born completely without magic or horn, and I earned what you see in front of you.”

Blazer is excited, “You mean that I could have a horn too?”

I caution him, “Be careful what you wish for. If you suddenly had a horn like mine, you would be dead before the day was over and would probably take a lot of your friends and family with you. You need a lot of training and support or the smallest slip up can be devastating. For example, Luna monitors my dreams because I could strike out in a nightmare and blast Canterlot.”

Blazer is crestfallen, “So it isn’t possible?”

“It’s possible, but. . . There is a very large ‘but’ that Galinda is facing right now. Until enough Griffons have ascended and taken residence in Griffonstone, she must remain part of the Pony system. It suits her because she wants to stay with me anyway. Anypony that qualifies can come to Canterlot and join as an apprentice but they must know that wizard lessons are given by mind walk. During a mind walk I will have access to your entire being and soul. Anypony that doesn’t meet my ethical standards will be sent home.”

“And you can call me ‘Storm’. So what you are doing is setting yourself up as the sole arbiter of power in Equestria. I’m not sure I like that,” says a very intense Storm.

Snorting, I reply, “I damned sure don’t but Celestia has dumped this on me and I can’t just walk away from the responsibility. The power exists and somepony is going to wield it if for no other reason than Equestria can’t function without it.”

Storm is not giving up that easy, “What do you mean ‘Equestria can’t function without it’? Surely no one wizard, no matter how powerful, can stop a whole world.”

Shaking my head, “You’ve got it backwards. It takes a high level Alicorn to tend the sun. If nopony does, day and night stop and every living being in Equestria slowly starves to death. If you’d like to witness it for yourself, just be in my quarters thirty minutes before sun lowering. The Guard at the main gate will guide you in.”

Blazer isn’t giving up on his dream, “Just what do you mean by ‘qualify’? What does it take to become an apprentice?”

Focusing directly on him, “Mostly it means that you must demonstrate exceptional strength of will. Galinda did it by bullying an adult Dragon into terror standing on a beach right in front of his nose. Being smart enough to figure out what I was doing and pulling it off with style didn’t hurt either.”

Blazer wilts for a few seconds then comes back with intensity, “But what can I do?”

Is it possible, I wonder? “You can develop the magic you have. Wing magic lets you fly. It can be strengthened and controlled until you can lift, hold, and manipulate objects. Come back here and show me you can lift a full ordinary pitcher of water and pour it without spilling using feathers and you will get to mind walk with me. Pass that and you are in.”

I give the staff my now customary fifty percent tip and we walk out to see the city. Ponies, Griffons, and Hippogriffs shopping and laughing together makes something of a show even in a city used to foreign visitors. The ‘aides’ are nervous until I explain ‘discrete cover’ and point out the Pegasi on every roof and Guardponies on every corner. It is a pleasant afternoon for all but it has to come to an end.

As we near the Castle, I announce, “We have less than an hour to go to lowering. The rest of you can do as you please but I have an appointment. Storm, if you want to see it, you and Blazer need to stay with me.”

We all troop into my quarters and fill the main room.

“Don’t get between me and the sun or try to touch me while I’m touching the sun and the worst you can get a temporary shock. Blazer needs to be here because I want somepony familiar to help anypony that gets shaken.” I’d probably do better to take Blazer but I’m afraid the sun will push me into another commitment that I haven’t laid all the groundwork for yet.

The lowering is routine though the sun takes a good look through my memories and approves of my recent actions.

As I lead a very wide eyed Storm back into the main room, “Mind boggling, isn’t it, to realize that you just had lunch with a force of nature? I’ll tell you a secret, we’ve all made that trip, even me. Celestia took me up there many years ago before I had a horn or a clue what was really going on.”

Blazer is full of questions but Storm cuts him off, “We’ll talk later. Your Majesty, may we go now?”

I smile, “Of course. And you may return any time I’m in.”

The rest of us adjourn to the kitchen and I throw down a quick meal. Gertrude is surprised that I serve everyone myself so I explain, “It depends on the meal. Breakfast will be in the cafeteria. We could be served in a formal dining room for any meal but I must either make an appointed time and menu or wait for it. This lets me be fast and flexible. When Galinda and Smooth get a few more horn skills, this will be both their job and horn practice.”

With full bellies and tired bodies we move to the bedroom.

I offer to preen one of Gertrude’s wings, “This is one of the best parts of being in a herd, we take care of each other.”

Granger agrees and takes her other wing. In no time at all Gertrude is purring happily. Gerald quickly follows, being groomed by Smooth while Galinda starts on my left wing. It takes me a minute to realize that the extra deep purr is originating from Granger. I keep collapsing the pile inward as each member falls asleep until Galinda and Smooth are on the outside with me encircling the whole. It’s nice to have a herd forming up.