John Sampson Returns Chapter Six

“It’s four AM. Rise and shine.”

New voice? Must be Sam. I uncover Smooth and rise to my feet.

“Is the tea ready?”

“Brewing right now.”

I hit the toilet and wander to the kitchen just as the tea is poured.

“Not bad, Sam. Did you get any sleep last night?”

Sam is solemn, “Not a wink. I went with Luna on her rounds. You never told me that she covers all of Equestria every night.”

“So you are beginning to understand that being Royal is more than just standing around looking good.”

Smooth walks in and glares at a teacup. I laugh and her ears go flat.

Sam is confused, “What just happened.”

Through laughter, “I just gave Smooth the first of her horn lessons. She assimilated last night and is now mad at the teacup because it didn’t do as it was told. That’s going to be part of life until her horn grows.”

Smooth is annoyed, “Why did you show me how nice it is to live in a world obedient to you, then leave me hanging half way?”

I answer, “Because you have to know the goal but you can’t just throw magic at it and expect perfect results. If you had the horn right now there would probably be tea all over the ceiling. You have to develop the skills and fine control needed to do things like sip tea. It’s a lot harder than just pushing or lifting.”

A few cups of tea later, “I’m going to get breakfast. Sam, you might want to get in a nap.”

Sam says, “I’m alright. Luna did something right before she sent me here and I feel ready to go.”

We march down the hall and into the cafeteria. I note some extra dress uniforms in the crowd but it’s a fairly normal morning otherwise. I’m setting my omelet and oatmeal on the table when Twilight walks in. She sends Spike to get their orders and heads straight for our table.

I greet her, “Perfect. Just who I wanted to see. I have the Griffon Delegation first thing this morning and could use some advice on dealing with them.”

Twilight smiles big, “Just be yourself. Griffons are predators and like to dominate. I had some private feelers that they came because they are concerned about Celestia being ill and wanted to see for themselves. You should have no trouble reassuring them

“Should I invite them on a Manticore hunt?”

“I don’t think you should take it that far," Twilight grimaces, "but I am sure you can come up with enough testosterone to drown them.”

Changing the subject, I say, “Sam had some interesting experiences last night. He went with Luna on her rounds.”

That got Twilight’s attention, “Sam, did Luna take you along of did you accompany her?”

Sam is confused, “We flew out over the great plain side by side and she showed me all of the lights and how to spot one that needed help. Then she told me to go by myself and find one that I could help. When I did it was a foal that just lost both sire and dam to something horrible. I promised her that if her herd didn’t take care of her that I would and she calmed down. Luna was surprised and then told me that we would check her together later today and she would help me find the foal if it became necessary.”

Twilight is in shock so I take over, “Sam, did Luna tell you how rare it is to find anypony that can navigate the great plain much less touch and enter dreams?”

Sam is looking confused, “She seemed surprised but she didn’t make any big deal of it.”

“Sam, Equestria needs a pony that can rescue foals far more than one that can make tea for a lazy Prince. If Luna agrees, you are Luna’s apprentice. We’ll find out right after sun raising.”

We have a quiet breakfast until, “Twenty minutes. Sam, let’s go,” and I line the group up.

I salute the room and head out for the balcony with Sam in tow. We get there with six minutes to spare and watch Luna come up from the other side. I put on my ‘sun suit’ and do my morning ritual with my friend the sun. This time when I look out over the courtyard, I spot a couple of Griffons watching. Sam and I go over and down with Luna.

I confront Luna, “What’s this about you are stealing my apprentice?”

Luna smiles sweetly, “You said I could have him, John.”

I had to laugh at that, “Luna, I told him this very morning that Equestria needs ponies that can rescue foals far more than anypony that can make tea for a lazy Prince. If you will undertake to train him and develop his talent, I will do everything in my power to help.”

Luna nods, “He is, of course, on probation right now but I will welcome the help. The great plain is getting bigger than I can cover in one night by myself and you are very right that the time to share the burden is now.”

“Thank you very much, My Wonderful Friend Luna. Now I must go see what the Griffons are cooking up.”

I go back through the Throne Room, checking to see that everything is in place and ready. It is. In the office, I find Smooth waiting with list laid out.

“There are no changes, John, and the Griffons are ready whenever you are.”

One last stop in the anteroom for my regalia. Vest and Crown will do for today. I turn up my sun raiment enough to make my natural white glow a little and my mane and tail to flow like dark flame. Damned, I look good. I take my place on the Throne and get comfortable. Smooth settles in on my right.

Nodding to the Guardponies at the door, “Let them in.”

The Herald announces, “Prince Gerald and Entourage, Representing the Griffons of Griffonstone.”

I recognize the first Griffon in the procession. He was watching from the courtyard this sun raising.

I stand, making sure he can see that I am bigger than he is, and greet, “Welcome to Equestria, Prince Gerald. Did you enjoy our morning ritual?”

Bowing his head briefly, “It was interesting and informative. In fact, it answered several of the questions we came to ask.”

I smile and continue, “Let me answer a few more. Celestia is on medical leave right now. I was summoned specifically to be Her relief before the strain of caring for an entire growing world overcame Her. A little set to with the demons delayed my coming into my full powers for four centuries but I’m here now and Twilight and I have Equestria well taken care of.”

Prince Gerald smiles widely, “I like a pony that is forthright so I will be equally direct. Our biggest concern is the Dragons. The Lord of Dragons feared only Celestia and without Her active presence the Dragons may revert to their old ways. Are you strong enough to enforce a treaty on them?”

I state flatly, “Twilight is stronger than Celestia and I am stronger than Twilight. We have been discussing the best way to communicate this to the Dragons. If you have any suggestions, I would like to discuss them over lunch today.”

This caught Prince Gerald by surprise, “Prince John, you do know that Griffons are carnivorous?”

I answer, “Of course. I’ve spent the last four centuries on an isolated farm so I am effectively new to Canterlot again. My hope is that you can show me some good restaurants.”

This startles Prince Gerald but it positively electrifies the Griffoness standing behind him.

Recovering, he says, “I would be honored to have lunch with you, Prince John, and may know exactly what you are looking for.”

I smile, “Good. Meet me in my Private office around eleven forty five.”

Prince Gerald nods, “Count on it. This should be a lot of fun.”

The Griffons turn and go back through the big door to be replaced by a big line of ponies with small problems. I settle their arguments and give them hope until eleven thirty. The doors close and we exit through the same anteroom leaving my regalia. It’s eleven forty and the Griffons are in my office waiting.

Prince Gerald greets me, “Your Majesty.”

I respond, “If you don’t mind, as long as we aren’t in Court, I’d rather be John. This is Smooth, my apprentice.”

The Griffon laughs, “Yes! I’m Gerald and this is Galinda, my sister. Do you have any kind of security detail?”

I reply, “Whenever I leave the Castle, we have ‘discrete cover’. That mostly means aerial surveillance. I can take care of myself.”

Gerald guffaws, “That’s what I call confidence.”

I smile, “Any time you feel the urge we can spar or race. I promise to try real hard not to hurt you.”

Galinda is smiling now, “I want to watch this.”

I smile wider, “That can be arranged. Right now, where are we going? Will it be easier to walk or fly.”

Galinda jumps on that, “I want to see John fly. That is a serious pair of wings he has there.”

I say, “No problem. Follow me.”

We go through the apartment and up the back stairs coming out on my favorite balcony. I launch fifty yards straight up and hover. Smooth is close behind me. The Griffons hesitate a second then join us.

Galinda asks, “Is that the same balcony where you . . .”

“Yes, that is where I usually raise and lower the sun though I can do it wherever I happen to be.” I start out over the city, “I just like this view. I could cruise around for hours. But you must be hungry so which way?”

Gerald takes the lead and we loop around once to line up on a road and land in front of the Walledoff Hotel. Walking through the lobby we take a right and find a maître d' waiting for us.

“Your Majesty! We are so happy to see you. Is this your whole party.”

“Yes and this Prince Gerald’s party. He’s teaching me things about my own town.”

“Very good, Sir,” turning to Gerald, “Sir?”

Gerald replies, “We need a private room with three Griffon and one pony menus.”

“Yes, Sir. This way,” and he leads us through the restaurant to a door in the back. There’s a large table and a variety of furniture inside.

By the time we have the furniture sorted and are at the table, a young Unicorn mare comes in and, “What would you like to drink, Your Majesties?” Everypony wants beer.

She leaves us with menus and the fun begins. I see several things that attract me but one in particular piques my interest. When our waiter arrives, I ask, “It says ‘wild game as available’, would Manticore be included?”

Smooth is giggling and Galinda is staring at me.

The waiter replies with drooping ears,, “I don’t believe so, Your Majesty.”

I sigh, “Oh well. I’ll take the grilled catfish with sliced potatoes on the side.”

Everypony else gives their order and Smooth surprises me by ordering the same catfish.

Smooth laughs, “I just knew you were going to do that, John.”

Galinda is focusing, “Do you eat Manticore often, John?”

I sigh again, “Not lately. When I first arrived in Equestria with little more than I was wearing, I hid in the middle of the Everfree Forest. I had to hunt to eat and Manticore was convenient as they came looking for me. Since I got my magic and my pony body, I haven’t had any but I miss the taste.”

Galinda is developing a serious tail twitch, “What kind of creature are you that you can drop into the dark forest and come up eating monsters?”

I smile, “I was born human. Humans are super-predators. When Celestia summoned the strongest stallion available, she got me. It took a while to convert me into a pony and get my magic straight but here I am. The human is still locked up inside me because he is very useful when a fight breaks out.”

Gerald is nodding, “Now I understand your ‘confidence’. The dragons may be in for the surprise of their very long lives.”

Galinda announces in a husky voice, “And I want some private time with you soon, John.”

Looking directly at her, I say, “Galinda, there must be some public understanding first. I don’t know Griffon customs and would not want to offend but I am a lot stronger than you understand and Alicorns cloud dance, not much privacy there.”

That has Gerald’s attention, “Did you say ‘cloud dance’?”

“I did. It means that the stallion and mare compete in flight skills and strength prior to mid air mating. It makes sense because the stallion has to prove that he is strong enough to fly both himself and the mare for the duration of the cover. Ask around about me and Twilight. Twilight is a wild one, she even flew through the Castle.”

Gerald laughs, “I would very much like to see that. As for our customs, Galinda is fully adult and a blooded warrior. If she chooses to raise her wings for you, no Griffon would blame you for anything that followed.”

Looking directly at Galinda, “I can’t deny the interest but I would blame myself if I harmed a mare that trusted me. Pony mares follow an equine pattern and give birth to foals big enough to stand and walk within minutes of birth. Pony stallions are sized to match. Griffons appear to follow a feline pattern. That means young born small and helpless. Top that off with the fact that I am the largest stallion in Equestria so I would like to research things a bit before making any promises.”

Galinda returns my gaze, “You have magic, you could change me to a pony mare.”

Nodding, “I could. That would require a very large degree of trust and I would need some indication of acceptance from the Royal Flock before I tampered with a member to that degree. What I could do, if Gerald approves, is take you on a mind walk and let you experience it as a memory.”

Gerald is curious, “Why would you need my permission?”

“Because I am an extremely powerful wizard and could alter anypony’s personality or memories with ease. My personal honor constrains me to only mind walk with informed consent but in the case of an ally’s Royal member, I would also require complete transparency. It’s only sensible to protect both of us from political accusations down the road.”

Gerald agrees, “I think you are right and I think you are going to be a large improvement over Celestia.”

Speaking seriously, I explain, “Gerald, something that non-magic users don’t understand is the way a Pony’s will shapes their magic. I am the Pony that I am in this time and place because I am Celestia’s ideal. Her magic selected me and brought me here and I am doing the things she wanted done for Equestria. Remember that when she returns.”

Gerald asks, “You don’t feel manipulated or enslaved?”

Smiling, I answer, “Attention to detail is what makes a true wizard. Her spell selected for a stallion that would be happier in Equestria than wherever he was. I chose to separate myself from the universe of my birth and become Pony because it was my own true desire as expressed by my own magic.”

Gerald is thoughtful, “I am beginning to believe that I know just enough about magic to ask some really stupid questions.”

Laughing, I agree, “Me too. Every time I think I have it mastered, something strange pops up. I do know how to get us back to the Castle in less than a second, if everypony is ready.”

Gerald asks, “Are you planning to teleport? I would be interested in that.”

I reply, “No, I’m thinking of a portal because I want to go to my office and teleporting a group into a small space like that is tricky. A portal lets everypony walk through and clear the other side.”

Gerald says, “Let’s go.”

Turning to the waiter hovering near the door, “Add a fifty percent tip for the staff and send the bill to the Castle.”

I reach for my office and make a door. Stepping through, I motion for the others to follow. Smooth steps right through but the Griffons stop to examine the portal itself. Galinda steps through and finally Gerald. I collapse the door.

I suggest, “I can do that any time you want to go home quickly or need to consult. Many Unicorns can teleport you so you might even hire one for quick transportation.”

Gerald is interested, “We are definitely going to talk more about this.”

“If you want a little entertainment, stick around for the next petition. They want me to replace the mountain I broke.”

We pass through the anteroom and I get my regalia back on. Turning my ‘sun suit’ up, I step out to Throne Room with Smooth and the Griffons behind me.

Gerald speaks up, “I like that fire effect. I assume it’s magic so could I get something like it?”

“You could but it has a very high price. First, you’d need a big horn then you’d have to tend the sun every day.” As I reach the Throne, “Spectator seating is against the far wall. When you want to leave, there’s a door behind the curtain that leads out to the main hall.”

When everypony is in place, I nod to the Guardponies at the door. As the door opens, the Herald announces, “A delegation from the Crystal Empire to petition for the repair of damaged community property.”

It’s a group of four Ponies, two Pegasi, a Unicorn, and an Earth Pony, all looking like merchants.

Their spokespony steps up, “Your Majesty, we represent all of the merchants and business owners in the Crystal Empire. . .”

I stop him, “No you don’t. I own some businesses in the Crystal Empire and you don’t represent me. Give me hard facts with a good plan and you’ll get what you want but don’t try to fake your way through it.”

He bows, “Yes, Your Majesty. All of the merchants that we were able to contact agreed that we should ask you to restore the mountain. It’s not a matter of blame as much as it is nopony else could do it.”

I nod, “That makes sense. Now just how do you propose to restore the missing rock? I can move rock but I can’t just pull it out of thin air.”

The spokespony looks thoughtful for a moment, “Where did the original rock go? Is there a way to bring it back?”

I explain, “It was vaporized by a backlash of magic from the sun. It no longer exists.”

He looks sad, “Then we’re just out a big chunk of mountain?”

I smile, “It’s a little better than that. I could level the surface and make an easy access from the city. That would allow you to build whatever you wanted up there. Or you could find a source of rock like enlarging the pocket that the Crystal Empire rests in. Then I could use that rock to rebuild the mountain.”

I have his attention now, “What do you think that we should do, Your Majesty?”

He's hooked. “I think that you should return to the Crystal Empire bearing a proclamation that I have prepared for you. You will take it to the main bank on the square and show it to the manager. She is already hiring an engineering firm for this project. Your merchant group will work with the engineers to come up with a project that will satisfy you and be feasible to build. When you have something ready to build, come back here. I will do the heavy magic and finance the project.”

They all look at each other and nod. Their spokespony agrees, “We like that idea, Your Majesty, and thank you for your kind consideration.”

I instruct, “Your proclamation will be read tomorrow morning, first thing. You can pick your copy up immediately afterwards. Let it be so done.”

I hear a couple minor complaints quickly then Sam comes rushing in from Luna’s apartment. Arriving at the Throne, he says, “Emergency, Your Majesty. Luna says come immediately.”

I stand and announce, “I’m sorry, mares and stallions, the rest of the day’s Court is cancelled due to an emergency.”

As we start toward Luna’s door, I ask, “What is it?”

Sam replies, “Dragon attack.”

Looking up, I see the Griffons just moving toward the exit. I call out, “Prince Gerald, please come with us.”

We meet at Luna’s door and after we are through it, I say, “There’s been a Dragon attack. I don’t know the details yet but anything you may know has just become extremely important.”

Luna is waiting for us in her main room.

I explain to Luna, “This is Gerald and Galinda of the Griffon Royal Flock. They came here to warn us of stirrings among the Dragons.”

Luna nods, “Most timely. Sam’s lost foal turns out to have been orphaned by a Dragon raid. Several small villages around the Horseshoe Bay have been hit and that foal is the only survivor we could find.”

I ask, “Has Twilight been notified?”

Luna replies, “I’ve sent for her.”

The words are still echoing when ‘pop’, Twilight is here.

I bring her up to date, then, “Twilight, take everypony to the big conference room and get the Guard there too. I will have a short private talk with Luna then join you.”

Everypony quickly follows Twilight out then I turn to Luna, “Give me locations.” A quick horn touch later and we head off to the conference room ourselves, dropping my regalia along the way.

I call the room to order as soon as Colonel Far Trail runs in, “Quick summary, Prince Gerald came from Griffonstone to warn us that the Dragons have heard of Celestia’s leave and are stirring. Sam and Luna found an orphan foal in the world of dreams and searched for her on this day. Luna, take it from there.”

Luna began, “I teleported with Sam to the general area where the foal was located. We found several small villages around the Horseshoe Bay that are wrecked and lifeless. There are signs of Dragons all around them. Then we found the foal in the next place we checked and immediately returned here.”

I ask, “Do you have any count on the number of Dragons involved?”

Luna answers, “More than three and less than six and they all seem relatively small.”

Next I ask, “Prince Gerald, can you add anything or advise us of Dragon tactics?”

Gerald responds, “What Princess Luna reports matches what we know of Dragon tactics. They will send in several of the lesser Dragons to test your response. If they get away with it, the Dragon Lord will come next with a major force. When we left Griffonstone they were wandering up and down the borders but not actually crossing. We would like to get home as quickly as possible because it is likely that they have crossed our borders too.”

I suggest, “Prince Gerald, I think you should stay with us when we go to confront the Dragons. I think a unified front will benefit both of our lands. Sending Princess Galinda to give warning is an excellent idea and she can send us word of any attacks on Griffons. Colonel Far Trail, do we have a Unicorn that we can assign to teleport to Griffonstone?”

Colonel Far confers briefly with the Unicorn Captain behind her and replies, “Captain Deep Blue can do it.”

I order, “Captain, you are assigned as liaison and transportation assistance for Princess Galinda. Get her home and stand by to transmit any information the Griffons have to share. You can leave whenever she is ready.”

The Captain and Griffon confer briefly and ‘pop’, they’re gone.

I resume, “Luna, does what you’ve heard so far match with Celestia’s last encounter with the Dragons?”

Luna nods, “To a ‘T’, John. And it will probably be even harder to back them down this time.”

I smile, “My policy as regards preying on Ponies remains the same. They learn or die trying. Colonel, I need three squads ready for cleanup and recording. I want as much as we can get on the missing and dead Ponies so we can notify their herds. Can anypony think of anything else?”

Twilight speaks up, “John, I think this is going to take more than just stopping the raids. Any Dragon we catch will just make them change their area of operation. We are going to end up taking it to the Lord of Dragons before this is over.”

I agree with Twilight, “Ideally, I want to catch two or three in the act or with undeniable proof and deliver their carcasses to the Lord of Dragons and confront him personally. Everypony pack what you need and prepare for a campaign. I’m going scouting.”

I reach for the first of the locations and find nothing but destruction. I examine all the sites she gave me and fly down the coast to find two more. All seem to have been attacked in the early morning. Breakfast is still on the table and none of a workday’s activities has been started. I return to the conference room.

Galinda is back and everypony is looking at me, “I found two more empty villages. All seem to have been attacked in the early morning. I’m betting that the Dragons are dropping down with the rising sun at their backs. It lets them get closer and they hope I’m too busy with the sun to get to them. Everypony be in the Throne Room tomorrow for sun raising, Guard included, and be ready to go. I’m going straight off the balcony to Horseshoe Bay and see if I can catch a Dragon. When I do, I will open a portal to the Throne Room and everypony else can join me.”

Galinda speaks up, “Prince John, there have been two raids on remote Griffon settlements.”

I nod, “I expected as much. Do you know if they followed the early morning pattern?”

She replies, “I don’t know.”

I say, “Please relay that information to your military and return with a specific permission for myself and the Royal Guard to pursue any Dragon across Griffon territory. It will be my sole purpose to protect both Ponies and Griffons from Dragons and I will try to keep Prince Gerald as close to me as possible.”

She speaks briefly with Captain Deep and they are gone.

I look around, “Prince Gerald, I want you to stay with Twilight. When I attack, I will be moving at hyper-sonic velocities and that’s an exclusive Alicorn territory. Twilight will be able to teleport you in when we confront the Dragon Lord and we will do it together.”

Gerald is curious, “Hyper-sonic?”

I grin, “That means more than three times the speed of sound. I shouldn’t have any trouble stunning one with the sonic boom.”

Gerald agrees, “That sounds like a plan. If Galinda doesn’t come back with that permission, I’ll make it happen.”

I’m on a slow boil. My best estimate puts the total at near sixty Ponies missing, probably all eaten alive by a Dragon. Some Dragons are going to pay and I won’t rest until they do. I pace and think. Then ‘pop’ Galinda and Captain Deep are back.

Galinda smiles, “Good news, John. As long as Gerald or I are there, you can chase the Dragons clear to Yakyakistan. And the raids on Griffonstone are along the coast and late in the day. I’ll bet that it’s because we’re on the other side of the water and the Dragons are attacking out of the setting sun.”

That annoys me, “Dammit! That makes it impossible for me to go after them and still lower the sun today.”

Galinda is thoughtful, “Just how important is this sun lowering? I mean, is there another way?”

“Wait about six minutes and I’ll show you.”

I pace and fume until, “It’s time. Come with me.”

We go up the familiar stairs and out onto the balcony as Luna comes out on the other side with Sam.

Turning on my ‘sun suit’, I tell Galinda, “Stand off a few yards and loosen your wings. I’m curious if you can feel the wind.”

Then it’s time. I solidify my magic and embrace my Old Friend. It senses my disturbance.

I tell the sun, “Yes, I am unhappy because the Dragons are killing Ponies and Griffons. . . . I think I can take care of it but I may ask you for a small demonstration. . . . No, I’m not mad enough to vaporize their entire land, yet.”

A small golden tendril touches me. Then I lower it and we have cleared the sky for a normal night. Galinda is staring at me with eyes and beak wide open.

Softly, I say, “Galinda, come with me. We need to go down and talk to your brother.”

She doesn’t say anything but she does take a step toward the stairs so I turn and start down. She stays several yards behind me but follows. When we get to the big conference room, I turn and step toward her. She recoils away from me so I turn to Gerald, “She’s in shock. The sun wanted to talk about the Dragons so she’s been exposed to a lot of very high level magic. It can’t harm her directly but her worldview just got badly shaken.”

Gerald approaches her and, “Gal? Are you alright, Gal?”

She looks blankly at him, then, “Jer? Is that you, Jer?”

Speaking softly, “Yes, Gal. It’s your brother Jer. What’s wrong?”

She cocks her head and, “Be careful, Jer. He really is a god.”

Shit! Just when I thought I’d found some Royal friends. I walk over to a Bean bag and sit to contemplate my next ‘great’ idea.

After a few minutes Gerald comes over, “She says she saw the real you out there. Is what she says true?”

Sadly, I explain, “This has been a frequent topic with Celestia and me. From the point of view of an average Earth pony, I can control everything in the skies and on the ground, I can move mountains and appear anywhere I desire instantly so I’m the ultimate pony god. Celestia used that and built a mystique around it. From my point of view, I was born to normal parents in a natural way and grew up to have some adventures and make some friends. My destiny can be summarized as ‘shit happens’. When it does, I use every resource I can find to save lives and keep Ponies happy. But, if I really were a god, those Ponies wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place.”

Gerald thinks for a minute, then, “I think I understand, John, and I think Galinda will too when she calms down. Regardless, I will be proud to be your friend.”

With a wry grin, “Thank you and I hope you still feel that way after I tell you what the sun said.”

Gerald is staring at me now, “You talk to the sun?”

“Yes and it talks back. I think overhearing that conversation is what disturbed your sister. The sun offered to completely vaporize the Dragons and all of their lands. I turned it down. Part of the reason I turned it down is because a cataclysm like that adjacent to Griffonstone could wipe out Griffons too. The sun was apparently unaware that Ponies and Griffons are friends so it looked in my mind and found things like my lust for your sister. It gave me a gift to help fight the Dragons and settled back to think about Griffons.”

Gerald is getting excited now, “John, are you telling me that the sun is a living being powerful enough to vaporize entire nations on a whim and it has become interested in Griffons as a race?”

I nod, “Pretty much, yes. The worst case I can think of is that it will decide to ignore you again. The best is that you have a very powerful new friend. It really can’t perceive much of what goes on at our level of being.”

Smooth had come back in about halfway through this exchange and is standing quietly.

I look up, “Smooth, please see how Galinda is feeling. You might be able to reassure her mare to mare.”

Smooth goes over to where Galinda is sitting carefully facing away from me and, “Galinda, how are you tonight?”

Galinda turns on her, accusing, “You knew!”

Smooth questions, “I knew what?”

Galinda is still accusing, “You knew what he is, what he is capable of.”

Smooth sighs, “You mean John? Yes, I know what he is. He’s an extremely strong pony in an incredibly tough position.”

Galinda is edging towards hysterical again, “No! I’ve seen his true power. He’s a god disguised as a pony.”

Smooth laughs, “Galinda, the very first words out of my mouth when I met him was to accuse him of being a Pony trying to pass himself as a god. After I got to know him, I concluded that it didn’t matter whether he’s a god acting like a Pony or a Pony acting like a god, he’s what I would want anypony with that kind of power to be. I’ve mind walked with him. He doesn’t want the power, he just wants to help Ponies and keep them safe.”

Galinda is calming back down, “Are you sure of this? How can you be sure?”

Smooth smiles, “Besides the mind walk, you should try sleeping with him. He oozes protection. You’ll never feel safer.”

Smooth takes a step forward and Galinda rises to stay with her. Smooth reaches her wing over Galinda to comfort her and looks back over her shoulder at me, motioning with her other wing. As I step up quietly behind them, Smooth folds her wing and steps sideways, allowing me to slip between them with my wings raised. I bring my wings down and pull both of them to me. Galinda tenses suddenly then slowly relaxes. Smooth murrs softly and Galinda answers with a purr.

Galinda says, “You’re right, I can feel it. No matter what he is, he’s ours. I think I’ll stay right here for a while.”

Gerald is staring at me again, “How in Equestria did you do that?”

Grinning, I reply, “I didn’t do it, Smooth did. Smooth is ascending right now. When ponies ascend, their magic strengthens and their talent intensifies. I believe we are looking at Smooth’s talent in action.”

I’m feeling heads rubbing on both sides of my neck and full body contact under my wings. This could escalate quickly.

“Okay, mares. We are going to eat and sleep tonight, that’s all. I need to be at my sharpest when I confront the Lord of Dragons. I promise a celebration of legendary proportions when the Dragon’s butt is well and truly kicked.”

Gerald is resigned, “I guess my sister is going to eat wherever you eat so what are our choices?”

I offer, “We have smoked salmon and eggs in the kitchen here and fish or chicken in the cafeteria which we can go to or have brought in. If you want to wait longer anything at all can be delivered from Canterlot.”

Gerald has focused, “You have smoked salmon? Why talk about anything else?”

Laughing, I ask, “Do you want any fruit for desert or anything else with it?”

Gerald asks, “Do you have any grapes?”

I have to laugh again, “Red or green? Either way we have plenty. You have just chosen some of my favorite foods.”

Lifting my left wing, “Smooth, could you please organize the table for us?”

Gerald is finally smiling again, “John, it’s looking like being a Prince in Equestria is a pretty sweet deal.”

“It is, Gerald, when the sun isn’t freaking out and the Dragons aren’t eating entire villages.”

Galinda stops rubbing my neck to ask, “Can I stay here?”

Looking down, I explain, “Ponies have a very sensible way of deciding these things. We will date. That means spend ordinary time together to learn if we are compatible. We will also meet with each others’ herd and flock. If, after all of this, we believe we can have a happy long term relationship, we will agree on legal and financial details and make oaths. The legal and financial details are mostly for the benefit of our offspring.”

Gerald guffaws, “All of that for a little fun? Ponies are weird.”

Seriously, I say, “Gerald, if you are going to hang around with Alicorns, you are going to have to learn that weird is normal. I already have a Dragon colt in my immediate band. A Griffon would be ordinary. But that’s not the real reason. The real reason is that all of my offspring have the potential to be as powerful as me and become Equestrian Royalty. Or imagine a Griffon with a horn showing up in the Griffon line of succession.”

Startled, Gerald asks, “How could an individual from a race without a horn get one?”

“Gerald, I come from a race completely without horn or magic. Magic can be learned and developed. The horn grows to match the magic. Come back in a few weeks, Smooth will have a bump on her head, in a few months she will have a small horn.”

Dinner put a big dent in my supply of smoked salmon but otherwise it was ordinary. Galinda’s infatuation is wearing off but she still wants to stay so I invited both Griffons to spend the night. They accepted and joined our pile. It is a bit strange because Griffons prefer to lay on their side but nothing that we couldn’t work out. Sam’s reaction is going to be priceless.