Chapter Fifteen: Shaking the Nest

Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion

Early morning hung across the griffin territories. It was that time between the dark and the dawn. Celestia’s sun was yet to rise upon the land and for most, it was still a time of rest. There were, however, two who were awake in the residence of Chief Grandeur.

The Chief himself strolled into his dining room. The candlelit room was covered in almost complete darkness due to the candles burning low. The mighty griffin seated himself down before he gazed at his plate. “Where is my breakfast?” His demanding tone rang out.

“Where are the kids?” bluntly questioned Gretelda as she stalked up behind her mate.

“What?” The master of the house turned to his mistress. “They should be ready to attend breakfast with us.”

“Well perhaps you would like to try their rooms. Both our chicks are missing,” replied Gretelda in a worried tone that told her mate she was most displeased with him.

“Well I didn’t order them to do anything. Now where’s that butler... I’m hungry!” The irate master turned to his absent plate, his action dismissing the other griffon.

“You mean, you don’t care about our children?” the mistress of the house asked, hurt by the words of the griffin she loved.

“Yes I do,” the strong, well endowed griffin retorted. “But they have clearly decided on some sort of morning activity together. I know my daughter will be back. There is a meeting this morning at sunrise.”

“But Glen always sleeps in. You know how lazy that youngling is.” It was clear, the annoyed female was not about to let her partner go.

“Look, if they don’t both show up by sunrise I will have them found. Does that settle it for you?” The quick tempered chief turned to his mate once more, his gaze hard as his belly demanded for food now!

With a sigh Gretelda turned away. “I take it that because it’s your big day, you will be unable to search for them personally?”

“Aye... Sadly.” Claws clacked against the table as Grandeur continued to impatiently await his morning meal.

“Whatever... Well, till they are back, you have lost my support.” The hurt griffin missus stalked out from the room.

A rumble sounded in the near darkness. Chief Grandeur was still hungry.

“Where is that butler? He should be here already.” Sharp claws continued to drum against the table as the big cruel boss awaited service.

However, it soon became clear that nothing was forthcoming. Claws scraped along the table like fingernails down a blackboard. The earsplitting screech should have been enough to instantly summon a worried butler.

With a muttered curse, the massive winged beast hauled himself up and headed straight for one of the few rooms he never ventured into: The kitchen.

It looked like today was truly a rare day: He would have to make his own meal.

Three griffins sat in the study of Chief Grandeur as the sun rose above the horizon. Celestia’s sun lit the room, giving a wonderful warm glow to an otherwise sour atmosphere. It had become clear that neither Gilda nor her brother were about to turn up.

The young ex-captain sat in silence beside his new missus. He wondered why his master was in such a foul mood. He wondered why that very same griffin had summoned him, yet he dreaded voicing either for fear of forfeiting his young life at the claws of the older angry griffin.

“Where is she...” muttered the Chief. “Come on... thou never late...”

Suddenly a clawed fist slammed against the desk. “Come on my daughter. Where art thou...”

Gretelda suddenly poked her head in the door. “My Lord... you told me our chicks would be back. I expect them to be found without delay.”

“Yes yes, I will. Now fly off somewhere. I’ve got a meeting to attend to.”

The chief’s mate left in a huff. No further words were said as the door slammed behind her. The irate griffin stalked off to try and find her children herself.

The mighty leader turned to face his loyal scout and his mate. “And now we can get down to business...”

The pair in front of the chief waited nervously for him to continue as he examined the pair for a moment at his leisure. “My daughter was supposed to appear today with us. I had something in mind for her, but since she has gone missing... I guess the two of you will have to do.”

Volibeak nodded. “Of course... I live to serve you Chief.”

This made Chief Grandeur smile. At last his day could get back on track. “Good. Now here is what thee must do...”

Within fifteen minutes the meeting was well and truly over. The trio were now situated at the window, overlooking the mighty capital of the griffin colonies.

The pride-filled leader allowed his gaze to rest upon the mighty roost of the eight. It was there that he knew his lordship over all griffins would be solidified this day. The seven other chiefs were sure to bow to his rulership. Flanked by them, he could summon all to his cause and they would claim the ripe land of Equestria and stomp out the menace of the changelings in one fell swoop.

His tickets for success lay in the draws at his desk. One lay in the secret compartment of each side. The third, he knew his greedy father would keep jealously hidden away till the time came to summon the one who would secure victory in the later battles. In the mean time, two talismans would give ample power to secure himself as supreme ruler of the griffin colonies.

With a smile he loped over to his desk and withdrew the first talisman, the golden talon. The eyes of the younger griffins filled with awe as they beheld the object of griffin myth. Chief Grandeur leaned over to the left draw. As soon as he opened it he could tell something was off. A concerned look crossed his face. ‘Who art been snooping about in my study...’ he wondered to himself. He knew that no beast could possibly know of the object that lay hidden below the rest of the draw.

With care, the leader of the capital gripped the hook and pulled lightly. The secret compartment opened to reveal nothing.

The mighty griffin’s heart stopped. This was impossible.

He had been robbed.

“Gilda!” His rage filled cry rang out as he realised who the offender had to be.

It made perfect sense. She must have stolen from her very own father and fled, fearing his wrath.

The offending drawer was suddenly flung against the filing cabinets behind him. The chief of Mighty Wing proceeded to take his rage out on everything within claw range.

The young couple stood by in fearful silence as their master attacked his own desk. They were too afraid to move, even when a slab of wood smacked Volibeak in the face. They could not believe one so old, wise, and high up was prone to such violent acts against his own property.

The rage filled destruction quickly subsided and a panting beast stood around the shards of his ornate table. Without a word he picked up his one remaining talisman and stalked over to the couple.

They pulled back fearfully as he approached and were glad when he failed to lash out at them too.

“Give me your pack.” A foreclaw with splinters in it extended. It opened to accept the shoulder slung bag from the scout who obeyed his master immediately and without question.

The golden claw was thrust into the bag. Two sets of eyes followed the revered object the whole way.

“Since my daughter has robbed me of my second talisman, I shall require the both of thee to be extra careful. I no longer have the full power I was counting on,” Grandeur spoke, his voice as hard as stone.

“Yes, Chief,” Volibeak replied for the couple. “But we are still ready. The scouts will give their allegiance to you too.”

“Good. Come with me. I have an idea that may yet grant me the power I seek.” Chief Grandeur stalked out in search of his father.

The two younger griffins followed their master faithfully out. Both wished to know where they were headed before their mid-morning mission but neither had the courage to ask the creature whose mood could still swing at the drop of a talon.

Mighty Wing, Chief’s Nest

Seven griffins sat impatiently around the round table in the Chief's Nest. This was the their parliament house, the place where all major decisions were made public to the other cities and tribes. The sturdy walls were adorned with nothing besides the massive drawing board at the head of the room. It was like a small bunker. Near impenetrable save for the skylight above. The mid day sun shone through the small open window, a reminder that time was moving on. The seven waited for the final member of their ruling party. As usual, he was late.

Suddenly the door to the Nest burst open to reveal Chief Grandeur. The massive chief was flanked by his personal guard, the banned unit of the black guard. The griffin at his side stood a full head taller this his master. The room fell silent as they saw the giant beast. The insignia on his black shoulder plate of a winged shield caused a stir. Everyone knew what it meant. Commander Dark Wing smirked as glares of hate burned into him. His mere existence was a threat to all who opposed Chief Grandeur and he enjoyed his reputation.

“You know that is a banned unit,” stated Chief Patrick, the eldest griffin present. His grey hooded cape covered his equally grey hide and wings. “He will see execution for it.”

“An’ what happened to your face...? Ya look even more fuggly than normal,” asked another of the seven chieftains who were seated round the table.

“No he won’t,” replied Chief Grandeur with a confident air. He smirked at the comment regarding his looks, but chose to otherwise ignore the jab at his vanity, at least they noticed. “For today, everything changes!”

“Get that guard out of here now!” demanded Chief Lucian, an earth brown griffin with spiky styled mane of crystal white. “I will not allow our sacred meeting to be intruded upon by your personal army! Were the one who called this thing, the least you can do it obey its rules!” the law keeper threatened.

Several of the other chiefs also called for the Black Guard griffins who flanked Chief Grandeur to be expelled from the room or executed. Instead of doing either, the capital’s leader strutted to his place at the head of the table.

“Guards... take up thine position at the door... see that we are not interrupted.” He casually told the black armoured griffins around him.

“You will is my command,” replied Commander Dark Wing.

The towering griffin turned to the two other black guard and with a single nod, marched out the door. With a slam it closed. The loud noise reverberated around the small bunker-like room. A threatening silence fell upon the eight as the griffin at the head of the table took his place.

Now the eight chieftains were alone with each other. Grandeur had been looking forward to this moment all morning.

“You’ve got some balls showing up like that,” growled Chief Stewie, a short creamy brown griffin with a light purple mane. He placed a claw on the table and looked ready to pounce on his fellow chief.

“Intended,” grinned Chief Grandeur. “That’s why I have two children and thou have none.”

A venomous hiss escaped the chief of the southern isles beak. “What did you just say?”

“I said...” With a loud slam the mighty claw of the cities chief hit the ancient table. Not only did it serve to draw attention from all present but it also ensured he had the spotlight for what he wished to tell his fellow chiefs.

The massive griffin spoke up nice and loud, “I am here to claim what is mine... I expect you all to give thy allegiance to me. I call for a vote. Let us vote for who shalt take the mantle of high chief.”

“Well you're stupid then, aren't ya,” scoffed a greying griffin from the only other major griffin city. “I will never vote for ya, or my name’s aint Zeke the Untamable, chief of all who live in East Wing.”

“I had hoped for as much...” murmured Grandeur to himself. He smirked back at his fellow chieftain, filled with hope for an upcoming fight.

The massive chieftain motioned with the claw on the table. Moments later, the lightly armoured body of one of the guards of East Wing crashed through the skylight above. The body slammed into the big round table with a crunch. Many of the chiefs to jumped in surprise and horror at the merciless deed performed in their presence.

“Oops… looks like someone was caught watching us…” commented Chief Grandeur with a nonchalant air.

“What is th’ meaning of this?” The northern accent of Chief Saxon rang out directly across from Grandeur. It was questing, but not accusing of his fellow ally.

“I knew Zeke here would attempt to backstab,” calmly stated the master of Mighty Wing in his most cocky tone.

“I did not!” The chief of the dead griffin retorted, wings flared in anger at the accusation. “You set me up!”

This only caused the supremely confident griffin to settle back in his seat. The smug grin on his face proved enough to further anger his adversary and the grey griffin of East Wing leapt across the table, propelled by mighty wings.

Claws clashed and beaks snapped as the two chieftains tore at each other. Loud squawks rent the air as the pair battled for supremacy. They fought with raised forelegs, vying for an opening against each other. Claws ripped at the air as they circled each other in the enclosed space. After several more quick swipes the pair of adversaries leapt away from each other, panting lightly.

“I’ll get ya’ this time ya’ worm!” Zeke the Untameable cried as he lunged at the ruler of Mighty Wing.

Claws met and quickly locked, wings flared and a brutal struggle for dominance began as both griffins attempted to push the other over. All the while beaks zipped around, seeking an entrance, to rend and tear flesh.

Grandeur found himself tiring under the constant assault of the slightly younger and fitter griffin chieftain. Suddenly his back paws slipped on the hard stone floor. Distracted by his traitorous hind legs, the mighty griffin used his wings to steady himself. In the split second requited to regain balance, his adversary’s beak found its mark on the soft neck tissues of the cocky ruler. Once, twice a third time the predatory beak lashed out. Each time the surprised Grandeur could do nothing but take the blows to his face and neck.

Chief Grandeur unleashed a squawk of pain and fell back upon the hard floor. His forelegs curled reflexively around his neck, ready to shield from further assault. He could feel his rage settling upon him. Rage was good, it was powerful. He loved the sense of power it gave. He smiled up at his opponent as Zeke the Untameable strutted around his fallen enemy as if he were prey. “Come and get me you pathetic excuse for a city chieftain,” mocked Grandeur.

Zeke the Untameable unleashed a roar of anger. “Ya dead! Ya hear me!?” The angered greying griffin lunged at the grounded monster who continued to grin up at his foe in the most condescending way he could.

For the beast on the ground, it felt like time had slowed to a crawl as he faced his own impending death with a smile. Now was his time. Now was his chance.

“Die prey...” muttered Mighty Wing’s master.

From against his chest, Grandeur retrieved his own talisman as well as the one he had ‘borrowed’ from his father. He imbued his rage into the pair of ancient artefacts. His anger flowed like a river of molten lava, flooding the bottomless pit inside each of the talismans he bore. His foreclaws burned against the two talismans as he held onto them, on in each claw.

As claws of death touched the downed griffin, a shaft of light broke the lunge. With unreal speed the downed monster leapt out of the way. With wings that glowed an angry red, the cocky griffin was borne aloft to the ceiling where he hovered, leering down at the surprised chief below.

“I am the one who is to be ruler of our kind,” stated Chief Grandeur. “None may stand in my way...”

With that he fell upon the beast below and with a swift blow to the head, he felled him. Shocked gasps escaped the unwilling audience who could not believe their eyes.

“You murderer...” muttered Chief Lucian, shocked that anyone present would dare kill a member of the council.

The rage induced red magic receded from the master of Mighty Wing and he flicked his mane, dispelling droplets of his own blood. “What was that? Oh I’m sorry. But I have the talismans of Warbeak.” He smiled, filled with confidence. “Therefore... As his heir by blood and a chieftain on the council of the eight tribes, I hereby claim the title of supreme chieftain over all griffins.”

“Was this why you summoned us? To just take control?” asked Chief Patrick. The council elder sounded really miffed off and dug his claws into the round table in anger at the seemingly careless  attitude his fellow chief had chosen to display. “You. Can’t. Just. Do that…”

“Why yes... thou art right,” nodded Chief Grandeur smugly. He tucked the two talismans safely away once more. “You all know what the confirmed existence of the six talismans of Warbeak mean. It is our duty to sweep aside the weak excuse for creatures that is ponykind and claim all the lands in this world. Now is the time I tell thee. Rise up... Support me and I will see to it that griffins emerge victorious. As thee have seen... I, as heir of Warbeak the first, am able to use his talismans. Therefore... I speak truth. Join my cause, dedicate thou clans and cities to me and together we shall not only clear the ponies from this land, but all others as well.”

The soft clack, clack of a single griffin clapping rang out across the stunned room. Chief Harrison continued to applaud Grandeur as a highly awkward silence settled upon the room. “You finally have my support for supreme Chieftain of all the eight griffin tribes.” He confirmed. “Well played. You scheming flankhole…”

“And Ah too,” added Saxon in his northern accent. Despite his statue like pose, the chieftain sounded willing to continue his support for the cocky master of their capital city.

Chief Brian Fury, a tawny brown and black griffin who had remained silent chose to speak up too. “Alright... You have convinced me. My tribe is yours o merciless Grand Master…” He didn't sound pleased with his own words and quickly slumped down in silence.

At the conclusion of a third vote of confidence in the ruthless chief, Stewie unleashed a throaty growl. “Screw you. Neither I, nor any in the Southern Isles will support such scum. Can you not all see? He will get us all killed! I want a war, but not one that we will lose.”

Grandeur simply smiled back at the antagonistic griffin. He expected the short creamy griffin to reject his authority. The stunted griffin always had shown dislike of all who were taller than himself.

“Lucian?” asked Chief Grandeur, his tone full of confidence.

All eyes turned to chief who personally looked after the law books. The chieftain sighed, “I won’t condone your actions... but you leave my tribe no choice. I will allow you to be high Chief on one condition. You leave me in charge of my own tribe at all times. If I am to follow, I demand this of you.”

“Fine. Thy wish is granted,” shrugged Grandeur.

“And you will not get away with the murder of one of our eight,” added the master of law before he too settled back, he gaze affixed to the new high chief.

“Thou is a liar and a cheat and a murderer... What a sorry arse of a ruler we have,” Chief Patrick muttered. “I’d burn thy tail and skin the feathers off thou wings if I were able. I see thee only have two of the six... Does this mean we are to be set on a wild goose chase? Or does thou actually have more?” The council elder leaned forward intently, his gaze bored into the griffin who was about to become the ruler of his kind.

“My griffins are retrieving the last three as we speak,” smiled Chief Grandeur.

“Then thou have been doing a lot behind our backs...” muttered Patrick. Murmurs of agreement followed his comment.

“Yes. War is upon us. Thou have seen it coming... surely it is good then for us to make the first move. With me, we shalt not only contest the ponies’ homeland, we shall claim everything from Canterlot to Cloudsdale for ourselves.”

The mention of the magical city in the clouds spiked a positive response. Many a griffin had visited the cloud city. Everyone loved it. The only problem were its inhabitants.

“I offer thee it all,” added a victorious Grandeur.

“Buck it. You’ve got us. No wonder I saw a changeling so close to home.” Stewie stalked over to his new boss and glared up at the scared face before him. “Because you’re working with them, aren’t you?”

“Oh council...”

Suddenly, a cold darkness reached out across the room. Creepy laughter rang out across the room. It echoed in a surreal way that caused all present to stiffen up at the unwelcome sound.

“Hello griffins,” the alien voice of the queen of the changelings rang out across the room once more. It sounded almost double pitched and full of mocking glee.

Manes bristled and feathers stood on end as everyone turned to face the intruder from above.

A guard flew down from the skylight. He stood before all, proud and tall on the sacred round table. The creature quickly morphed into the alien form of the changeling queen. Queen Chrysalis stood before all, her jet black form held an unreal sheen to it that appeared to unsettle the council even further.

"So nice of you all to welcome me here on such an important day." Her condescending tone remained as she addressed the chiefs.

"What is she doing here?" demanded Chief Patrick.

"Well she wasn't invited..." muttered Chief Grandeur. "State thy purpose. For no one is welcome at a council of the tribes save for the eight who rule.

"I've come regarding the war." At her words, almost half the griffins in the room tensed, the impending war wasn’t the most popular topic in the roost.

"Then speak of this to me later. For soon this shall be over." The mighty chief of the griffins motioned to his fellow griffins in the room.

“Oh, but I think now is the perfect time...” Chrysalis almost purred with glee. “I’m so delighted you failed to tell your fellow chieftains of our agreement.” She sadistically smiled at new ruler of the council. “May I enlighten them?”

Chief Grandeur felt like ripping the changeling before him to shreds. Just as he had won his fellow chiefs over, his secret ally was about to damage his already shaky reputation. “Fine,” he spat.

Insect like wings buzzed as the queen of the changelings fluttered over to the grand master’s side. “As you all should know. We all are about to invade Equestria. I need their love, and-”

Before the queen could continue, the font doors burst open to reveal the black guard. A masked assassin stood before them, ready to attack unwelcome invader.

“Stop all of thee!” ordered Grandeur before any could reach his temporary ally. “Chrysalis... Queen Chrysalis, is a friend... Our… ally.” he spat the word out out as if it were poison. “Please escort her out and don’t allow her to turn into one of thee...”

“Yes m’lord.” Replied Commander Dark Wing as he advanced upon the lone changing.

The massive Black Guard towered over the smaller queen. With a smile, Chrysalis’s horn lit up. The giant griffin found himself unable to advance. The queen’s magical hold on him was too strong.  With an annoyed grunt he continued to struggle against his bonds.

“Let me put this straight…” Chrysalis smiled victoriously. “You don’t like me… and I don’t like you. But if we work together, we can both get what we desire. You don’t care about the ponies’ love. Let me and my changelings have it all. I don’t care about their lands… you can have those.”

“You know… I like that idea,” Chief Stewie replied, a sudden grin erupted across his face.

“What?” Several shocked griffins turned to the usually antagonistic griffin leader.

“I do. You make our war easer… you and your changelings get what you’re after. Why should I care what you do with their love. Love is for the weak. But turn on me and my whole tribe and more will seek you out and destroy your kind!”

Chrysalis smiled at the cocky griffin’s words. At least she still had her allies. “Then it is done. I’m sure you can share with them the plan. I would hate to have to come back again.” Insect like wings buzzed as the queen took flight.

Silence. Rough, angry silence took over in the absence of the queen of the changelings.

“Looks like someone has to come clean…” stated Chief Lucian.

From the immediate physical response by his fellow chieftains, it was clear they all wished to hear what had been hidden.

“I will… after thou all swear allegiance to me and announce my new position,” replied Grandeur as he brushed more blood off his mane. The day certainly had turned into a rocky road. But that didn’t mean his goal wasn’t one step closer than before. The new high chief smiled to himself. This was certainly a moment to remember. Now all he had to do was return his father’s talisman before it was found to be missing.

As much as Grandeur wanted to keep such a powerful item for himself, he knew his crazy father would lose it entirely if he discovered the robbery. Plus, the old bird brain was needed for the sacrifice.

As his fellow chieftains continued to talk around and to him, the new lord of all griffins congratulated himself for such a perfect plan. Nothing could stop what was about to happen. A sharp claw found the corpse of Zeke, the chieftain truly had been untameable. Grandeur took a moment to consider the best replacement for the deceased chief of the city, East Wing. Whoever they turned out to be, they would just so happen to be a loyal supporter of their master.

The greying beast smiled to himself. The next few days were sure to be a lot of fun.

Mighty Wing streets

In an empty backstreet of the mighty griffin city, two griffins strolled along victorious. The high Chieftain of the griffins towered over his servant, Kapisi the assassin.

“Good job on the false spy. It's nice to see he was one of them... Now I have another task for thee… I want you to seek out my chicks and bring me Gilda and my talisman. And don’t forget to follow up on Unknown. I still wish to see the heads of the Elements of Harmony on my desk,“ Chief Grandeur muttered to Kapisi.

The pale yellow griffin nodded, his black stripes rippled as he smiled up at his master. “It shall be done.”

“Good…” smiled the Grand Master of all griffins. He then strutted away as if nothing had ever happened. It was time to make his first public appearance as the new chieftain of all griffins.

The assassin motioned to the dead air of the alleyway. Five other griffins slipped from the shadows. “We have a mission,” stated the lead assassin he strolled into the shadows and in an instant was gone. The five remaining assassins glanced amongst themselves before obediently following their master off.

Edge of Equestria, not far from Baltimare

A small group of griffins flew silently along in the breeze. The winged beast in the lead somehow managed to retain the hood he wore to cover his mysterious face.

Deep scarlet eyes penetrated the surrounding landscape in search of unwanted company.

As the lone pony city came into view far below, the eight flying figures took to even greater heights.

Eight forms disappeared into a large cloud. The fluffy white construct began to move along the horizon faster than before as if propelled by a strong breeze. To all below, nothing was amiss.

Even the city guards on high alert failed to spot anything odd in the sky as the cloud far above continued on its way over the city. It was headed at speed toward Canterlot.