The year is 972 ALB, and the young, adolescent emperor of griffonkind, Grover V., is soon to enjoy his 12th birthday. His regency council has invited nobility and royalty from all across the empire to attend a great party to celebrate the occasion, perhaps to spark some life into the decaying husk of the empire.

The Kingdom of Wingbardy, all the way at the southern tip of the empire's reaches, is also invited to attend. Its King, Gumberto I., looks to attend the night's festivities with his young teenage son, Garibald. Yet he is well aware of the dislike many imperials share regarding him and Wingbardy, and that the slow decline of the empire is causing many voices within it to call for... rash measures to remove loose ends.

One fateful night in the capital of the empire, the beating heart of a force that conquered much of a continent. A night which the young Garibald would never forget.

This Story takes place in the alternate world of Equestria at War. Follow the link to the Fimfiction group to learn more. Knowledge about the world is not a necessity, though it helps.