Soul's Poison: Princess of the Rogues.

Twilight stood in front of two royal sisters. Her friends were also there at the Canterlot castle. They weren’t there because of some crime or something like that, but actually because they were about to be tasked for another adventure.

“So, what do we need to do?” Twilight asked.

“You are to undertake an important yet dangerous task,” Luna began.

“Which will take place in Hennewald, a region in Gryphon Empire,” Celestia added. Twilight and their friends after hearing this only raised their brows.

“You want us to go to another country?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Celestia replied. “From our delegation in Griffonstone, we received information of certain gryphons, who has anti-Equestrian attitudes. They are increasing their numbers, hiring mercenaries and bolstering their strengths. Most of their forces are in the north, but some made their way to the Hennewald. They sabotaged important businesses there and you need to help the locals.”

“Griffonstone?” Applejack suddenly voiced out. “Ah might be wrong, but it’s not in Gryphon Empire.”

“Yes, your words are truthful,” Celestia said. “Griffonstone has made a rebellion against Gryphon Empire and received their freedom from the empire.”

“This is all fine and all, but what up with Gryphon Empire?” Pinkie asked. When everyone looked at her questioningly, she corrected herself. “I mean, why we must go and help them?”

“Firstly, as we already mentioned, gryphons, whom you will face, want Gryphon Empire to fight with Equestria as they think we made some bad things to their country,” Celestia said. “We cannot allow that and we must crush the threat before it gets too late.”

“Secondly and most reasonably, the Emperor of the Gryphon Empire asked us,” Luna added, causing surprised looks on most of the girls’ faces.

“But why?” Applejack asked.

“He don’t want to lose power,” Luna explained. “If anti-Equestrians succeed even partially, they would be more favored by the nation of the Gryphon Empire than the Emperor, who did nothing all these years.”

“Sounds like a piece of cow’s shit ta me,” Applejack said, not being ashamed of crass words.

“Whatever,” Celestia shrugged off. “Just take those tickets and head to the Griffonstone. There, you will find our allies and they will show you how to get a troubled region. By the way, make sure your alicorn nature is kept hidden.”

Without really much of a choice, the group went for exit. After making couple of turns here and there, they came to a little café. They found an unremarkable mare and after she ended with her light snack, she blend into their team.

“So, how it went?” Sunset asked, still under the illusion spell.

“Pretty usual,” Twilight replied. “We got a new assignment and we are going to the station. Care to join?”

“Yeah,” Sunset replied. “Where?”

“Gryphon Empire,” Twilight said.

“Isn’t that too far?” Sunset asked

“We are going to Griffonstone and we will walk from there,” Twilight replied.

“Oh, fine,” Sunset nodded.

After that, they silently went to the railway station and after arriving to their destination, they got their seats on the last train. However, they found out that for logical reasons Sunset didn’t had a ticket. They bought her one, but she was in the different railway car.

They arrived to Griffonstone next day in the evening. In the dim lights of kerosene lamps, trio of gryphons met them.

Two gryphons at the back were looking rather similar, as if they were, if not twins, then brothers. Both had feathers of the same white and grey color palette in the similar places. Their body types didn’t share that similarity. One was slim and little, the other was a way bulkier, a bit pudgier and, of course, higher. Equipped with two halberds, both of them were protected only by single breastplates over simple clothes.

The one at the front was dressed like clerk or notary. The body type of that gryphon suggested, that they were actually a she. She had the formal attire that fitted really well on her body. Her feathers were also white with some brown feathers on her head, but if her white feathers were pure and well maintained, the brothers behind her had dust and dirt on them. This even made Twilight think that these gryphons may not have any grey feathers and all of them are just dirty.

“Let me welcome you to Griffonstone, dear guests,” the griffin at the front said. “I am Hildegard. These two brutes are Gerald and Gerome and they will be our bodyguards.”

“Bodyguards?” Applejack questioned. “Ain’t that too much. We can take care of ourselves.”

“They won’t be much of a bother, I promise,” she said. Applejack and others found nothing to say about that.

With that, they went forward, to the center of the city. The city itself didn’t look any extraordinary. It was pretty much like others gryphonian cities. A lot of tree houses were situated over houses of poorer gryphons. Tree houses were a common thing among gryphons, but due to the lack of proper trees for them, they were a rare sight. Only nobles or rich merchants are able to own such a luxury.

What could also be said about this city is that there were a lot of more classic stone buildings. Hildegard said that rich gryphons who despise traditions or who have a thing about a lot of living space build such houses. There is also a law that makes it illegal to build tree houses bigger than the one owned by the Emperor.

They came to a nice looking two-store stone building, which as Hildegard said, was home to Grampa Gruff, the oldest gryphon in the Council of Griffonstone, the government of the city-state. Because of his old age and, of course, his wealth, he was also one with the most authority in the Council.

Inside, they found a nicely furnished house, with pretty much anything for a nice living. A room with a fireplace, many bedrooms, a nice kitchen, where servant were already making a late dinner, and a lot more. However, the first thing they met, or rather, first gryphon they met made bad first impression.

“Gilda,” Rainbow Dash grit her teeth.

“Rainbow Dash?” She looked at ponies before her with disbelief and quite soon, her look changed to one of disdain. “First of all, you all made fun of me at Ponyville and sent me out like…”

“Stop it, Gilda!” Hildegard said. “I’m not sure what sort of contention you had with these mares, they are here to do important business, so stay away.”

“It’s not like I ever wanted to talk or something,” Gilda said. “Just mind your business.”

Soon, they were on the second floor, where they found aforementioned gryphon. Gruff was indeed old. On his head and neck, there were multiple wrinkles. Some of his peach pink feathers were sticking out of them.

He also had feathers of dark grey and white. While white feathers were forming a collar on the base of his neck, dark grey ones were covering the rest of his body.

“About time you showed up,” the old gryphon said. “Don’t think we are afraid of these angry fellas, who wants the war. We just want to get this guys stopped, so there is no trouble in our trade.”

“Troubles in the trade?” Applejack asked. “Ain’t that too greedy? You, fellas, don’t look like you need more money.”

“Don’t look?” Rarity gazed at Applejack with the look of disbelief. “There were a lot of buildings of…”

“Paupers?” Applejack ended Rarity’s question. “Those gals came from elsewhere, right?”

“That’s true,” Gruff nodded. “For many years, gryphons of Griffonstone were peacefully making business. Some were making legal stuff, some were not, but they all got rich eventually. Very few of them were poor and local duke quickly got rid of everygryphon so poor. The exception were only the staff member, who were bounded by the contract or debt. The latter ones were many by the way… Things didn’t change until the war came… I only heard stories about that life, but I don’t want another war to see it for real. Not now.”

“Oh, and you, guys, don’t have something like… A war industry?” Twilight asked, seeing clearly as day that Griffonstone’s economics ran solely on trading.

“We produce weapons, if you want to put it that way…” Gruff replied. “In Schneeboden, the duchy on the north, they makes better ones, though. They are the source of many wars that Gryphon Empire had… You have a keen mind, young hen... I mean, mare.”

“So, you don’t want a war,” Rarity stated. “But there are other forces who want that. You want us to fight them?”

“Pretty much, yes,” Gruff nodded. “Not here though. If they have some agents here, they are inactive. You will go to other place. Celestia already told you that you are going to duchy of Hennewald, our eastern neighbor. Tomorrow, I would like you to go there… Oh, and by the way, there was a gryphon, who came from Hennewald. He will go with you so ask him tomorrow for more information.”

“So, we will… Stay here?” Rarity asked.

“Yes. And even for free!” Gruff chuckled. “Hildegard will show you your rooms. More questions?”

“Y’all, folks, are tradin’ only with Equestria?” Applejack asked. “Ain’t that kinda dumb? You can go to…”

“Zebrica?” Gruff asked before Applejack could end the sentence. “It would’ve been a good decision if there was anything to buy. We can buy it in Gryphon Empire. Slaves? No need. Gems? Equestria has cheaper and wider assortment… Oh, and have I mentioned pirates? They are bane of anyone, who will try to go to southern lands. They even try to attack our ships that goes to Equestria… If it wasn’t for taxes, I’d worshipped your country.”

“Ah see,” Applejack said.

“More questions?” Gruff asked. After half a minute of silence, Gruff nodded and told Hildegard to show girls their room. “Wait… Before you go, who is that unicorn? Celestia told me only about six of you.”

“Let’s stay silent about that,” Twilight said, pulling some coins from her pocket.

“Fine. I will stay silent… Hildegard, you too,” he said.

Two guests’ bedrooms were nearby and they settled in. For Sunset, there wasn’t a bed, so Hildegard gave her a sleeping bag. When they all were laying in beds, Sunset since she laid next to Twilight spoke to her.

“Hey, Twilight,” she murmured to her. She repeated that a bit louder and got the attention of pony in question. “You aren’t worried about night attack? I don’t trust these gryphons.”

“You’d better worry about getting up earlier than me, if you don’t want me to stand up on you tomorrow morning,” she replied. “If you really worry about that, I cast a spell on the door. We will know if someone opens it. Besides, Pinkie, AJ and Rainbow will have one of them to stay up for a while and they will do that in turns. They will get us up.”

“Ugh… Fine,” Sunset responded.

The morning began with a cock-a-doodle-doo. Twilight jumped from the bed quickly.

“Ouch, Twilight! You stood on me,” Sunset shouted. Sleepy Twilight jumped once again. After that, she heard laughter.

That worked as energy booster for Twilight. She quickly lost all her sleepiness and looked around. Under her, there were not nor Sunset, nor Sunset sleeping bag. Sunset was found standing by the side and she was with Fluttershy and Rarity who were up as well.

“Huh… Oh, well… I guess, that’s funny. Heh-heh,” she giggled. “By the way, that sound…”

“My spell,” Sunset said. “A complicated one. Only we heard that cock-a-doodle-doo.”

Twilight was about to say something, but someone knocked on the door. She went to open it and behind it, Hildegard stood.

“I see, you are all up,” she said. “Have you gathered your stuff?”

“No, we…” Twilight was about to say no, but Sunset get into the conversation.

“Yes, we did,” she said. Twilight looked questioningly at her.

“We did?” Twilight asked. She looked at the room more carefully and she saw their stuff packed and ready to be carried to elsewhere. “Oh, we did.”

“Good,” Hildegard said at that. “Please, follow me. The gryphon from Hennewald won’t wait for too long.”

Outside, they really met another gryphon. He was all muscles and stuff. By his side, a crossbow was hanging. The battle knife was in a sheath on his belt. Overall, that gryphon looked like a bane to all sorts of troublemakers.

“Before you, stand Gavino, a good friend of Falk,” Gruff said. “Falk is a gryphon you will work for. He is the military advisor of Hennewald’s duke, as well as the commander of duke’s personal army.”

“That’s right,” Gavino said. “Now, the rules. Don’t speak too much. Don’t try to ask any questions. All the information you will get from Falk.”

“Oh… Um, fine,” Twilight said.

“Good,” Gavino said and after saying farewells to Gruff and Hildegard, they went to camp, where Falk waited for them.

Falk’s camp was situated on the border between Hennewald and Griffonstone. The road there took eight hours and they only made one big stop in order to have a meal and a couple of brief stops for some lights snacks. All questions to Gavino were ended with the one answer: “Ask Falk”.

In the camp, fifteen or so gryphons met them. Gavino immediately led them to the main tent. They found Falk there as well as other gryphon.

Falk was a normal gryphon. He wasn’t a giant mass of muscle like Gavino, nor he wasn’t a tiny bunch of feather like the other gryphon that was in the tent. The name of that other gryphon was Norbert.

Brown gryphon with green eyes and green feathers on top. That’s how Falk looked without comparison. He had the light armor with plates on the chest and shoulders. Gavino and Norbert had common attire.

“So, that’s our heroes?” gryphon with deep crimson coat, who was Norbert, elevated the ponies before him.

“Hey, you have troubles with us?” Rainbow Dash was the first to reply to sudden threat.

“Stop with that, you two,” Falk replied immediately, mediating the starting conflict. After things went quite, he turned to Twilight and her team. “Sorry for Norbert. He is a patriot.”

“So, what’s wrong? What do we need to do?” Twilight ignored the situation and asked Falk to clarify their purpose. “No one have told us anything. We would like to know more.”

“Straight to the business? That’s good,” Falk nodded. “So, listen: officially, you are here to make some deals here, some little trading there, that kind of things. For real, you are here to help us in finding all those anti-Equestrians. You shall be a great red flag for them.”

There was clearly something else on Falk’s mind and Twilight asked about it. “Something else?”

“Yeah…” He said, as his thought about the situation in hand. “Well, a certain thing happened not so long ago, about a couple of month. Duke Hennewald got awfully ill. We suspect it was an attempt on his life, so I want you to help us with the investigation.”

“Fine,” Twilight agreed. “Any suspects?”

“Not really,” Falk replied. His eyes then widened, as suddenly remembered something. “Oh, almost forget that… Uh, Twilight? Can I ask you of one more favor?”

“Yeah?”

“They asked me to assign an heir to the duke. It’s not like we are afraid of his death, but… Just find someone who will keep Hennewald intact,” Falk said.

“Eh… Fine,” Twilight agreed on that as well, though she had her questions. “You had someone in particular?”

“Old duke has three kids,” Falk said. “When we will arrive to Waldstein, I will show you to them.”

“Aha,” Twilight nodded. “Hey, why they gave you such a task?”

“I’m the right claw gryphon for the old duke,” Falk replied. “I know how to deal with gryphons and old duke knows that as well. I just don’t have time to deal with that.”

“Oh, I see,” Twilight nodded. Her mind festered with doubts.

Waldstein was looking like Canterlot. A completely made out of wood Canterlot with only a couple of stone buildings here and there. Since there is a forest around, it’s not that unexpected.

“We control a big part of Gryphonia’s Northern Forest,” Falk said, as he was asked about the city and its surroundings. “Our ancestors hunted in those forests and produced timber. It was our pride and honor and it is still so nowadays. Each year we become only better.”

“That’s understandable,” Twilight said at that. “But do you control the population of the animals… Or something like that?”

“From where you know that?” Falk asked.

“I had a hunter’s book back in the days,” Twilight replied. That caused Falk to open eyes wide open with bewilderment.

“You had that in Equestria?” Falk asked. After Twilight nod, he proceed with the answer to Twilight’s question. “Well… If by “population control”, you mean hunting seasons, where hunters can’t hunt anyone except said animals then we have that.”

“Well, in Equestria, they just declare which animals cannot be hunted,” Twilight replied.

“Whatever,” Falk brushed it off.

At the evening of that day, they arrived to Waldstein, or if being more accurate, they came to castle of the duke. It was more of a wooden fort with low walls, but from inside there were a lot of luxurious interior. Besides, as it turned out, there was a way more rooms and free space as underground tunnels went in all directions.

Before they went to sleep, they had the dinner, on which Falk introduced girls with other gryphons, who served under him and who were going to help with upcoming tasks.

Firstly, there were duo of ducal jaegers or pathfinders, Henry and Henriette Stockgreifs. They were pretty much alike with their oak brown and black feathers. They looked so much alike, that if it wasn’t for their body shapes, they would’ve been identical. Since they were brother and sister, it wasn’t something extraordinary.

Then, there was Ellie Stockgreif, wife of Henry and the pathfinder in the making. She had red feathers with some white ones here and there.

Also, there was Jorgen. A tall and silent and with yellowish feathers.

“So, do you have any suspects?” Asked Twilight. When every gryphon looked at Falk except Norbert, she raised her eyebrow. “…Or at least some guide how to find these…”

“Just walk the streets,” Norbert suddenly guffawed. “That will be enough to detect anti-equestrians, ha-ha.”

“They are not that stupid,” Falk replied, cutting off the laughter. “Well, not all of them… As to your question, Twilight, my dear… Norbert have been watching the town residents and he will show whom we should check. We fear, Twilight, that you and your girls are not required. You should make up your cover. As I mentioned earlier, you are here because you are traders. Spend this day or a couple to install the image in citizens’ heads.”

“How exactly you expect us to do that?” Twilight asked.

“Go to the market or storages, ask about goods and talk how trader should talk,” Falk replied, and after a moment of thinking added. “If you want, I can give you some gryphon in assistance.”

“That wouldn’t hurt,” Twilight responded. “Hmm, but after that, what should we do?”

“There will be job for you to do,” Falk said, after a moment of thought.

They continued their conversation for the rest of the dinner. After the end of it, they were shown their rooms. Twilight instead of immediately getting into her bed, asked if she can visit the old duke. She was rejected.

Tomorrow morning, she tried to do the same. The same nurse, who rejected her, was standing there.

“What?” She shouted at her. “Yesterday, I told you, that the old duke is too sick to have guests. Doctor, despite his best efforts, wasn’t able to fully heal him. Our dear duke will get better eventually, but until that, no guests allowed. Especially, not you.”

“Um, fine…” Twilight said, as the door before her closed. “Fine…” That was kinda suspicious. I need to talk with Falk.

And she did exactly that. Before Falk and his team went on their mission, Twilight came to him. Before she was able to ask about the situation, Falk sighed with a relief, pointed at one of the gryphon from his team and said, “Oh, Twilight. Look, it’s Samuel. He will show you the town and he will as well show whom of many traders around the city will be working with.”

“Yeah, good,” Twilight nodded and she forgot what she wanted to say.

“You wanted something?” Falk noticed the sudden confusion of Twilight.

“Yeah…” She tried to remember what she wanted to say and she was successful with that. “Oh, about duke’s nurse. She…”

“She is kind of harsh, isn’t she?” Falk asked in reply. “She definitely has that trait, but the doctor said she is a good worker. She don’t allow anyone to the duke. Even me.”

“Even you?” Twilight repeated his words. “Now, that’s getting only more suspicious. Can you check up on him and that… Nurse?”

“Hmm, since you are talking that way…” Falk rubbed his chin. “We will check.”

Twilight nodded at that and she grabbed Samuel with whom she will complete her part of the deal. Girls quickly prepared to the upcoming task.

“So, where we should begin?” Twilight asked, even though she technically didn’t require that information. Among their group, Pinkie and Rarity will be the temporary leaders and they will do all the talking, not only because they have experience in trading, but also because Samuel suggested others to play the roles of mercenaries.

“Let’s go to the local market,” Samuel suggested. “I know a couple of gryphons, who might interest you… By the way, have you looked at the papers? You know, to have an idea of what you are supposed to have and what you supposed to buy?”

“Yeah, I did,” Rarity nodded. “So, we have a whole cart of gems and we are interested to barter it into something different, right?”

“Do you know what exactly you are going to buy?” Samuel asked.

“Eh… Wood?” Rarity reluctantly replied trying to remember what was in the contract.

“Wood, coal, hides and so much more,” Samuel beamed. “There is a whole bunch of stuff we prepared for this trade. It’s waiting for you in the warehouse on the north of the city… However, it would be looking quite strange if we go there immediately. Let’s do it this way: we will be moving from trader to trader asking them for big wholesales. On the second day, we will ask my friend, Diego, who is looking after all these goods. After a little scene, you will go to warehouse, observe the goods and on third day, you will agree on the trade and sign the fake contract. By that day, Falk should end with the hunt and you can help him.”

“Well, that’s sounds like a plan,” Twilight agreed. “Come on, girls. We have business to attend to.”

After a moment, Samuel suddenly remembered something. “Oh, Falk also recommended us not to appear near castle. It would be strange if we would head there every evening.”

These couple of days were truly special. Twilight never been a silent mercenary, who just follows their hirer. Back in the days when she was just a simple thug in the Syndicate, she never had a similar job.

It hadn’t gone as Twilight was expecting it though. Gryphons had no much trouble with new ponies. Twilight noted only a couple of gryphons, who were letting themselves to express their spite towards newcomers.

Actually, there were pretty much a lot of ponies here in Waldstein. A lot of them came from Maretonia, but some came from Equestria. A couple of them even worked at the traders’ guild.

As it had been settled, on the second day, they found Diego.

Gryphons were known for their trading skills and ability of making money out of anything. Some gryphons might be good traders, some not, but among even the best traders Diego was one of the finest.

Even though, it was just a play, Twilight had the feeling as if they were actually going to barter a whole lot of gems for whatever they had in store.

As they were spending their time with Samuel and Diego, Falk was on his hunt. He and his gryphons worked hard these three days, capturing almost a dozen of gryphons. Most of them were found not guilty, but some of them were allied with the enemy. Via them, they learned about an organized group of anti-equestrians in Waldstein.

On the next day after the fake deal, Falk called Twilight only. Jorgen lead her to the castle via the secret passage.

“So, Twilight,” Falk began, as soon as she stood in front of him. “As you probably know, we are preparing a raid on the den of our enemy. Anti-equestrian do not expect the attack, but we… I must warn you, that they plan an attack on you. I’m not sure how they going to do that, but you must be ready to strike them back, both verbally and non-verbally. It’s likely that they are preparing a provocation of sort.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded. “So, you can’t help us?”

“Sorry, but no,” Falk sighed. “You are not connected with me. At the very first day you came to me, the only thing you did was to acknowledge your presence and ask for the guide. I did that. Now we are separate.”

“Oh, that’s a problem,” Twilight sighed as well. “Fine, we will handle the problem on our own… Through the same pathway?”

“Huh…” Falk looked on her, but after a quick thought, he got real and nodded. “Yeah. Jorgen. Go all the way back to the city.”

“When it will be, Twi?” Rainbow nodded. “Are you sure, Falk didn’t lie to you?”

Twilight said nothing. She didn’t believe Falk at all, but all of a sudden, there was an unsettling feeling of something dangerous hidden in that unnoticeable and once somewhat friendly region in the northern part of Gryphon Empire. Twilight couldn’t figure out the reasons of that, but right before she started thinking about it, she received an answer.

“Do you have a moment?” A bulk of a gryphon asked, while stopping the whole group. Twilight looked around and saw a group of hunters with bows.

“What’s wrong?” Rarity said. “We’re simple traders…”

“Ponies. Are. Not. Welcomed. Here,” he spelled, emphasizing every word. “You’d better head back to Equestria.”

“We are peaceful traders and we possess no threat,” Rarity replied, but gryphon in front of them only scowled.

“You. Are. Not. Welcomed. Here,” gryphon said with gritted teeth.

“Is that against the law?” Samuel, who stood in the back, asked. “I think there isn’t such a law.”

“Samuel, you, bastard!” Gryphon looked right into his eyes. “Think whom you support!”

“I support the true government,” Samuel returned the stern look, while getting between girls and gryphon. “Besides, Falk is going to kick you out soon."

“What do you mean?” Gryphon asked.

“Falk found you,” Samuel smirked. Gryphon in front of Falk after realizing his words looked back at Falk with shock in his eyes.

“You… You what?...” Gryphon mumbled. Then, suddenly, his face became very serious. He punched Samuel square in his chest and in his stomach. After that, he quickly jumped away and ran, while shouting, “Shoot!”

A barrage of arrows flew from different directions at the group. Almost all ponies scattered. Applejack quickly grabbed Samuel and head in one direction with Rainbow. Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy went in other direction. Only Twilight stood there.

She had cast a couple of pure magic discs, which shot the arrows down, but after seeing that arrows were flowing from too many directions, she ran after Applejack and Rainbow.

Luckily, the shooters weren’t going to finish the job. After seeing, their leader ran they followed him. When ponies eventually noticed that, they finally assembled back.

“Shouldn’t we follow them?” Pinkie asked.

“No… No need,” Samuel grunted, still not recovered from the blow. “Falk must… Deal with them… Without troubles.”

“Yeah,” Rarity nodded. Her eyes were wandering around, looking on the crowd around. “You know, they were first to attack and all. Am I the only one thinking our enemies have made a blunder?”

“Those cretins totally fucked up,” Samuel cursed.

They eventually got to the guild, where they solved out the details of the oncoming trading deal and the possibility of other trading deals in the near future.

Of course, it was a made-up facade. Ponies were actually sitting quietly, only starting to talk when an occasional gryphon entered the room.

After an hour, a gryphon came to them. Diego immediately recognized him and after a short conversation, he let ponies out.

In the tavern, Norbert was already waiting for them.

“You know, it’s not good to not warn your bosses about a sudden attack from the back,” Norbert spat.

“Do you think we were able to do anything?” Twilight replied with a question.

After a moment of staring at each other, Norbert softened. “Yeah, you can’t do anything.”

“Hey, not in that sense,” Rainbow Dash countered, when Norbert started snickering.

“Fine,” Norbert’s laughing died down. “I’m here for a completely different reason. You see, Elisabeth, Heinrich and Balthassar are here.”

“Who?” Rainbow confusedly asked.

“Who?” Norbert repeated while slightly disappointed. “They are the direct heir to the duke. I hope you haven’t forgotten your other quest here.”

“Of course, we do,” Twilight said, looking at Norbert with some sort of annoyance. “Should we know something of them?”

“Well, since you are asking,” Norbert rubbed his chin. “Listen. Heinrich is a boastful knight from the Knight Order. He is pretty much the showcase of them. Stubborn, conservative and with an iron will. Fights good, almost never takes off his armor… Hmm, did I forgot something? Ah, yes, of course. He looks pretty much like Falk. Some brown feathers on his body, same body type. Heinrich however has blonde feather on top of his head. In addition, Heinrich is a bit more muscular and tend to strike before thinking.”

“What about the other two?” Twilight asked as she made some mental notes.

“Elisabeth is narcissistic moneybag,” he admitted. “The only thing that saves her from being expelled from the duchy is her natural ability of trading. Even Diego admitted that… Hmm, she also knows how to make anyone do whatever she wants. She can see anyone through… Oh, yeah. She is a good marksman. Can hit the target with almost anything. She prefers rifles, but she is good in shooting bows and crossbows.”

“And Balthassar?” Rainbow joined the conversation. Since there was a slight pause, she due to her impatience decided to quicken the gryphon.

“Balthassar…” gryphon mumbled something as if he wasn’t sure how it sounded. “He is rather… Oh, he is rather eccentric, that’s the word… An eccentric scientist.”

“Scientist?” Twilight asked. After Norbert nodded, she asked another question, “So, and what he researches?”

“An esoteric stuff,” Norbert nodded. He then added with a lowered voice. “I haven’t misplaced the words, have I?”

“Not at all,” Twilight replied. “But… Esoteric? What exactly you meant by that?”

“I meant what I meant,” Norbert said. “He is all about studying some zebrican mumbo-jumbo.”

“Mumbo… Jumbo? You mean magic?” Twilight asked. “Do you want to say he is studying zebrican magic? I am not wrong?”

“I’m not sure, but he always speaks of ghosts and spirits and that kind of stuff,” Norbert shrugged.

“That does sound like zebrican magic,” Twilight agreed. “How he looks by the way?”

“You also forgot to tell how Elisabeth looks,” Rarity noted.

“Oh, I did?” Norbert raised one of his eyebrow. “Hmm, listen then. Elisabeth is a griffin with bright feathers all over her body. She is just the same size as you. When she looks at something or someone, she have either spiteful, evaluating or seducing face. Balthassar on the other claw always has his head in the clouds. He barely listen to someone’s speaking unless it’s connected to magic or something. His appearance is quite similar to Heinrich’s, but blonde feathers aren’t only on top of his head, but all of his head is covered with them. He is also skinny, but tall just as Heinrich.”

“And what do they wear?” Rarity asked. Everyone looked at her, but she in reply rolled her eyes and said, “if only you knew how much can be said about someone from their choice of clothes.”

“What right words,” Norbert marveled. “Heinrich never put off his mail-shirt. He might hide it under some common garments, but be sure that you will have troubles putting a knife in his guts. Elisabeth on the other hand never wore simple gowns. She has all kinds of dresses and she looks stunning even in light armor she has. She is pragmatic as well, so you wouldn’t find her wearing same dress, you saw month ago. She just sell them every month. Balthassar, however… He just doesn’t care. He has some tastes and he can dress well, especially for some important meetings, but most of the times he just wear that old yellow bathrobe. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t stitched that rip on the shoulder.”

“Quite interesting,” Twilight nodded. “Anything else?”

“Well, aside from Heinrich probably being around some fellow knights and Elisabeth being around some mercenaries nothing could be said about them,” Norbert replied and head to the exit. “You’d better check them yourselves.”

“Fine,” Twilight replied. “But before you go, I have the last question.”

“Go on,” Norbert said, clearly getting more bothered about that.

“How exactly your inheritance system works?” Twilight asked.

“Oh,” Norbert hiccupped suddenly. “That was unexpected… Now, give me a moment, I… Think.”

“Think faster,” Twilight rushed him.

“Eh, fine,” Norbert sighed. “Listen. The duke before he or she will die, choose who will inherit the title. Most of the times, it’s one of their kids, but technically, the duke can choose anyone. Only if duke didn’t choose anyone, the emperor would decide who will get the title. We obliged to send a gryphon to the emperor’s court if such situation arrives.”

“Yes, I see,” Twilight nodded and looked around with a certain question in her eye. Seeing that no one wants to ask more question, she turned to Norbert, “Since none of us have more questions, you are free. Girls, whom of you would like to accompany Norbert.”

“Ah will. Thank y’all for the advice,” Applejack said, as she accompanied him to the exit. When she returned, she turned to Pinkie, “hey, Pinkie. Do ya have an idea about whole thing tomorrow?”

“Don’t worry,” Pinkie nodded. She wasn’t really paying attention to Norbert, but rather writing something on papers. “Everything is covered.”

Norbert’s descriptions were quite right. It’s to be expected, since Norbert was around the age of Falk and he spent a lot of his time around the military adviser. Among many things, he dealt with all three of duke’s scions.

That fact bothered Twilight much more than anything else. Just in a day or two the celebration would start. Pinkie was a real party maker. Twilight checked on Pinkie a couple of times and she did a great job, even though Pinkie complained a lot. To quote, she said, “it’s gonna be so boring.”

“Falk, are you free at the moment?” Twilight asked, as she entered the room.

“Yes, my dear Twilight,” Falk nodded and he turned to her. “Does something bother her?”

“Many things bother me,” Twilight said, as she took a seat of front of the gryphon. “Don’t worry. The party isn’t a part of it. Pinkie is going to do a great job.”

“And what exactly worries you, then?” Falk asked.

“I still don’t know whom of them I’d better choose,” Twilight told him.

“Oh, that’s pity,” Falk mumbled. “You’d better make the decision until the event starts.”

“Why are we doing that?” Twilight suddenly blurted out. “Shouldn’t the duke himself decide whom will inherit the title?”

“That’s the problem,” Falk replied with a stoic expression. “Nogryphon had spoken with the duke since he fell ill.”

“Isn’t that strange?” Twilight raised her eyebrow in bewilderment. “You should check on that doctor. Besides…”

“Yeah,” Falk raised his eyebrow but in anticipation.

“Don’t you care?” Twilight asked after a little thought. “Like, if the duke dies, Heinrich will become the duke… Or, are you afraid that he will kick you off?”

“Don’t worry, I’m stuck to my place the way nogryphon can kick me off,” Falk smirked. “About your cause… Let’s change it. You are not choosing an heir, but rather checking whom of the three is more worthy to get a title. We will make sure the one you choose will become the duke… Or duchess, yeah.

“Fine,” Twilight agreed. “You need to check on the Doctor and try to get to duke.”

“Yeah,” Falk said, suddenly starting to ponder something. “Hey, Twilight! You are a magician, right? Wouldn’t you be bothered with doing that yourself?”

“That won’t be a trouble, but…” Twilight stopped, as a sudden thought intruded her mind. “You know… That’s rather risky job. I wouldn’t mind something in return of my service.”

“Oh, almost forgot who you were,” Falk smirked. “But, don’t worry. I will be generous with the reward… Besides, I will let you know a secret of mine. If you got to the duke however, you might know that from him as well.”

“Yes, I knew you were hiding something,” Twilight smiled with triumph.

“And I knew you would be the first to suspect me of something,” Falk smiled in return.

It was easier said than done. Magic was of no help either. Her giant wings were rather a nuisance, since she didn’t get used to them yet, especially since she was hiding them under the illusion, which made the whole thing even more irritating.

After lots of struggle, she eventually managed to get to the infirmary. The nurse didn’t want to leave the place for a good amount of time right until Twilight serious intervention.

At that place, she immediately climbed on one of the beams. One of the gryphon stared at Twilight with eyes wide open. The other didn’t and Twilight recognized that one as Jorgen. He was in a particularly bad shape, but he still shushed the other gryphon.

“Oh, that horrible purple pony,” the nurse was mumbling something, probably curses. “If only I could put my hands on her neck…”

“Are you done?” Someone asked. Immediately, the doctor came into view.

“Since she appeared, things went horribly wrong!” The nurse exclaimed. That made doctor cringe.

“Not here,” the gryphon hissed at her.

“But admit how suspicious that is,” the nurse grumbled. “That pony appear out of nowhere and then our nest got destroyed…”

“That’s not because of that,” the doctor mumbled. “You see, first of all, there are much more ponies there. Then, the rumor says that those ponies came here to make business. I’ve seen papers, it’s official.”

“Only that purple witch hanged around, though,” the nurse scolded.

“Hmm, you are right,” the doctor said. He then turned around and looked briefly but strangely on two gryphons in the room. When he looked back at the nurse, he silently nodded and left the room.

Just as silently, the nurse proceeded to the wounded gryphons. She quickly prepared the treatment and gave it to the gryphons.

It definitely had something in it, as two gryphons fell asleep almost immediately.

After checking that both gryphons were unconscious, the nurse went after the doctor. Twilight jumped off the beam and followed the nurse.

She headed to the duke’s chambers. When Twilight came to the door, she heard the voices coming from the other side. She didn’t try to overhear the conversation and jumped on the beam instead.

It was a right decision as almost immediately the doctor opened the door. “… Look after him. I’m going to have a quick nap,” he said and went somewhere. The door closed from the inside.

When the doctor was nowhere in sight, Twilight jumped off the beam and knocked on the door.

“Who in the… Ah,” the nurse opened the door and grumbled. Before she could even realize who stood in front of the door, Twilight already knocked her out with a spell.

She quickly dragged the limp body towards the bed and put her on a chair that stood next to bed. The old gryphon, almost grey with just a couple of brown feathers here and there, was watching the scene.

“And who you must be?” He asked. “Since you’ve did something to that hag, you don’t mean harm to me.”

“I’m Twilight Sparkle, sir…” Twilight replied. She then quickly understood that she didn’t know duke’s name. “Sorry, but can you tell me your name?”

“It doesn’t really matter, miss Twilight Sparkle,” he breathed out. “But to make it comfortable for you: my name is Leonard. Duke Leonard of Hennewald, but you can call me just Leo. Don’t fear the familiarity, my dear. I don’t think I will live up to the next time someone will call me that way.”

“Sir Leonard,” Twilight addressed properly to the duke. “Falk sent me here…”

“Ah, Falk,” duke Leonard interrupted Twilight. “My pride and honor… So, what were you saying?”

“Um…” Twilight hummed, forgetting what she wanted to say. She remembered, things pretty quickly, “First of all, Falk wanted to ask you whom to choose the next duke. We will be having an official event…”

“Why a loud celebration for such a situation,” duke complained. After a moment, he said normally, “As to your question… Falk, I choose.”

“Falk?” Twilight reasked, though before the duke could say anything, she remembered that anyone could become a duke. “He also mentioned that you have some kind of a secret between you two.”

“A secret between us?” He raised his eyebrow. He then mirrored the facial impression of Twilight, as he understood what Twilight was talking about, “Oh. Yes! You see, my dear Twilight…”

The celebration was going without a hitch. Pinkie neatly decorated the castle from inside and outside even though she complained that local gryphons didn’t know what the real decorations should look like. Indeed, in comparison with even Ponyville’s celebrations, that one looked a bit dull.

The food wasn’t much of a problem. The activities for the celebration however turned to be pretty troublesome. Pinkie as a masterful organizer didn’t try to make gryphons play pony games and asked knowledgeable gryphons as to what she could think up.

There wasn’t really a lot of games that were allowed in the gryphon’s court and because of that, Pinkie was forced to call actors and performers from all the Hennewald.

After all the activities being performed and food almost eaten, Falk gathered all the ponies. Trio of heirs were there as well.

“For your service, I want to welcome you to the declaration of the next duke,” Falk answered the question asked by Rainbow Dash.

In front of the room with the old duke, the nurse was waiting. She tried to fence them off, but Falk ignored her and broke into the room.

“Wha… Falk! What are you doing here? The duke isn’t…” The doctor tried to say something, but Falk interfered.

“Isn’t feeling well,” Falk said with greeted teeth. “But there is business too important for our duchy. Let me go to the duke.

There was clearly some sort of emotion in doctor’s face. His wild eyes were throwing glances everywhere, the line of his mouth was changing into a smile and then into unreadable neutral expression and then back.

“Fine,” he surrendered and stepped aside.

“Duke,” Falk quietly said. When he saw no reaction, he raised his voice, “Duke!”

“Huh… Ah, Falk,” the duke replied with a weak voice. “My favorite son.”

“Son!?” Everypony simultaneously cried out. Except Twilight, since she already learned that secret of the duke and Falk.

“Bastard son,” Heinrich added.

Twilight looked at Heinrich, but to her surprise, the similar look of spite and frustration was shared by all of three heirs.

“Bastard or not, he is my blood and kin,” the duke said, before Twilight was able to continue. “Therefore, I have all the right to choose him as my heir and he from his side has all the right to accept my gratitude and become the next duke of Hennewald.”

“But father…” Falk began. “I don’t want to be the duke.”

“But you are the most fitting gryphon for that title,” the duke said. “As much as I love all of my kids, you, Falk, has all the knowledge and the characteristics for being a duke. Your leadership and discernment will serve you and the duchy a great service. You have many allies that will help you in your cause.”

Instead of saying anything, Falk looked around. Noticing something in a crowd, he nodded to his thoughts.

“I…” Falk began.

“Do that for her… For Juliana,” the duke interrupted Falk.

“It seems to me, there is no choice… I accept the title,” Falk agreed.

“Good…” The duke said with a weak voice.

“I… Will miss you,” Falk replied. Only now, there were emotions. He almost broke down.

“I will too,” Heinrich nodded.

“I already miss you, father,” Elisabeth said.

“I want to ask you for forgiveness for each time I misbehaved, father,” Balthassar said.

Falk quickly raised from his position, letting his stepsiblings to come closer to their deceased father.

“All of us miss you, father, but some must work,” Falk suddenly said and turned to the doctor, who stood next to the door. “Doctor Archibald Hertner. You and your nurse, Elise Haubstadt, are taken into the custody until further investigation. Both of you are indicted for murder of three gryphons, the preparation of the governmental overthrow in the duchy and association with criminal elements. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

“No, I don’t,” the doctor mumbled.

“Great,” Falk smiled gravely. “Somegryphon… Oh, Heinrich… I hope you know the way to…”

“I know,” Heinrich replied, not waiting for Falk to end the sentence. Before that, Heinrich sneakily came to the doctor from behind and wringed his claws.

At the exit, Falk found quite a nasty surprise.

“Where is she?!” Falk shouted at the guards at the door. “Where is the nurse?”

“She went that way,” one of the guards replied.

He immediately rushed in that direction. Twilight immediately followed him.

After passing numerous hallways, they exited the castle. Falk had many bad scenarios in his head, but when he got outside, he saw a picture, which proved all his scenarios false.

“Henry!” Falk exclaimed, as jaeger stood there, having the nurse in tow. “Great thing, that you’ve came. Care to bring her to the cell?”

“Already done,” Henry nodded and made the nurse go to the castle. Twilight came from the castle just after Henry entering the castle.

“Can you tell me two thing, Falk,” Twilight asked. After Falk nodded in confirmation, Twilight continued, “Why you didn’t want to become a duke?”

“Oh…” Falk was slightly taken aback. “Hmm, you see… Do you know how many advisors are there in the duke’s court? Aside from me, there are advisor of economy, advisor of politics, advisor of education, advisor of culture and so on. We were working separately, but now I must control all of their work… And that’s not talking about duke’s obligations and duties.”

“I see,” Twilight nodded. “If that makes you comfortable, we didn’t really wanted to be here as well.”

“Huh, it makes us the victims of circumstances, then,” Falk smirked. After a moment of silence, he turned to Twilight. “I want you and the girls to come to me, before you all return home. I will assign the reward… Oh, what was your second question?”

“Hmm, thank you,” Twilight thanked him. “As to my other question… Who are those three gryphons, who were murdered?”

“Oh,” Falk was taken aback. “Well, first of all, duke… Then, this morning, Jorgen and another gryphon from the guard were found dead this morning.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Twilight said. Falk nodded at that, and after that, they returned to the castle.

When Twilight and the team returned to the Griffonstone, they asked to stay for a while.

“What do you want, Mister Gruff?” Twilight asked, as she entered his working room.

“I want many things, dear Twilight,” he said. “With one of them, you can help.”

“Um, excuse me?” Twilight confusedly asked. “I thought we already helped you out.”

“You did,” he nodded. “But, when you were solving one problem, the other emerged… Don’t worry, I talked with Celestia. She said, as long as you are content with the idea of another trip, I can send you to the gates of Tartarus.”

“Oh, I see,” Twilight sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose. “Well, I guess, if you pay well each of my girl, then I have nothing about this ordeal… What the problem, by the way?”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Gruff said, as he thought about what to give to each mare of Twilight’s team. “Just go to Maretonia, the city of Farshire. It should be the second city after you pass the border. Don’t worry about passing the border. We have open borders with Maretonia.”

“In Farshire?” Twilight asked for details.

“Look for Strider’s caravan. He was stopped there for some reason,” Gruff said.

“Duke Falk of Hennewald, duke Falk of Hennewald,” someone’s voice came from Falk’s back. He smirked at that.

“I guess, I need to get used to this title,” Falk said and turned around. When he saw a gryphon in the door, he wiped off the smirk from his face. “What’s wrong?”

“Herr Doctor escaped,” he quickly mumbled.

“Two months here, huh,” Falk said to himself. To the gryphon in front of him, he said, “Prepare the crew and…”

“I already told Henry about the situation and he got his guys at the ready,” gryphon replied, interrupting Falk. He realized it quite quickly begged pardon.

“That’s what I wanted to hear so you are pardoned,” Falk nodded.

In the meantime, they followed the trace of Herr Doctor. Henry, the duke’s pathfinder and jaeger, lead them into the forest.

“Hey, Henry,” Falk called his friend. “Where is Henriette?”

“She wasn’t feeling well, so I told her to stay in the castle,” Henry replied.

“Hmm, I hope she wasn’t poisoned,” Falk added. Before Henry could reply, Falk asked once again, “by the way, how Ellie is going?”

“She is fine,” Henry said. Henry didn’t said more and Falk didn’t try to get more information. After a couple more minutes of running through the forest, Henry started talking once again. “Huh, don’t like this. There is a clearing in front of us and someone is standing there.”

“Is that doctor?” Falk asked.

“I can’t see their faces, but…” Henry made a dramatic pause, as he tried to get the picture. "There is definitely more than one gryphon. It looks like a trap.”

“What do you suggest?” Falk asked.

“Let’s make a trap of our own,” Henry suggested. “Attack from behind.”

“Show the way,” Falk nodded and lead the rest of the squad after Henry.

Soon they were close to the place, but from the other side, slowly approaching in order to swoop in and kill all in improvised camp. When they could see the trio of gryphons, their enemies suddenly jumped up and one of them whistled.

After that, Falk and his fellas find themselves in a skirmish. They couldn’t do anything, since their enemies immediately suppressed them with guns. Henry though managed to hit someone with a quickshot. For that, he received a bullet and fell dead.

After that, only Falk was left alive. He was on his knees as two precise shots hit him in his shins.

“Ah… Falk,” doctor said, as he watched the gryphon in front of him. “You should’ve bring some more gryphons with you.”

“What…” Falk was about to say something, but the gryphon behind him bashed him with the rifle. Doctor only smirked at that, but showed with a gesture, that he shouldn’t continue.

“Having someone in my grasp is such pleasure,” doctor said his thoughts. “You know, I don’t want to let you die in the darkness of ignorance. Ask as much questions, as you want.”

“What… What is your plans?” Falk asked. “You… If you want me dead, then you would kill me without all these shit.”

“Don’t really,” doctor replied. “You aren’t required for our plans. If a duke didn’t set an heir, someone is sent to the Emperor and he establish a new duke. Sometimes, it’s someone from the court, but often, they just declare a duke the sent gryphon.”

“So, some gryphon is on the way to Emperor’s court?” Falk asked.

“Oh, yeah…” doctor beamed. “And, do you know, who is on the way there?... Your brother. The one, who is a scientist. The knight is here.”

Falk looked around and as doctor said, Heinrich was there among the ambush team. Some of Heinrich’s knights and squires stood among Elisabeth’s mercenaries. She was there as well, showing her disgust to all.

Even though it was a desperate scene, he noticed something. Henry who was shot right in the beginning of the fight was actually alive. With his eyes, he was showing something.

In that direction, there were some sort of a motion among the leaves. Falk understood what was going to happen. He turned to doctor.

“Among many things that you failed to learn, there is one in particular,” he breathed out. Doctor raised his eyebrows at that. The whole party prepared their weapons. “Friendship is magic.”

Arrows and crossbow bolts flew from all directions. Half of mercenaries, all squires and a couple of knights died. Falk jumped onto doctor and they made a couple of flips. Henry meanwhile jumped up and immediately started shooting gryphons around him, good that his quiver was left intact. One of the first gryphons died to his arrows was Elisabeth. Heinrich died to a second barrage.

Falk was getting the upper hand in the fight. Even with his legs shot, he was kicking the ass of the doctor. Doctor wasn’t a punching bag as he was showing the results of some training he definitely had. It was nothing against a full-fledged warrior like Falk, though.

Most of doctor’s hits missed and the little amount of them, which did hit caused little to no damage. Falk on the other hand broke his beak, put a shiner under each eye and even managed to hit strong enough to kick all the air from his lungs.

Eventually weakened doctor started to lose the spark. One gryphon came to Falk and offered him a knife. After that, things ended rather quickly and Falk was grabbed and carried away from dead gryphon.

“So, you’ve been hanging around here, huh?” Henriette asked. Ellie was aside and she tended for Henry’s wounds.

“Very funny,” Falk chuckled mournfully. “So, what’s about…”

“Your squad, hence my brother, and one of our own,” Henriette said, not waiting for his question. “Not bad, but not good either. Who knew your sister could shoot so quickly yet precisely… Hey, why the sad face?”

“It’s just,” Falk sighed. “I wonder… Three of my relatives died, because of this upcoming civil war. I wonder if we have chosen the right path.”