Pressing, pressing, pressing. Cadence could feel the weight, closing in all around her.

“Hhh.” She woke with a gasp, eyelids fluttering open to find the ethereal blue ceiling above. Everything’s fine, One part of her mind told her. Yet she could still feel it, the weight of something, something not right.

Lifting her head lightly from Shining’s shoulder, she glanced around the room. Everything seems fine, but..

A scuttling came from outside their door, fading with each moment. The sound had Cadence holding her breath till it had departed from her ears. What was that? Images of pure terror crept into her mind, from giant spiders to living vines, most of them conjured from Cloud’s card game.

Shaking her head, she tried to laugh at her fear. “It’s probably nothing,” Cadence told herself aloud. “Maybe one of the griffons on duty was passing by.” She placed her head back on Shining’s shoulder and closed her eyes, willing herself back to sleep.

Yet moments drifted by and she was still staring at the backs of her eyelids, waiting for the scuttling sound to return. What was out there, and why did it go away as soon as I woke?

After straining her ears for so long, Cadence felt a pain building in her head. It really must have been nothing. She released her breath slowly, feeling her body relax and the warmth of sleep creeping into her mind once more.

“Are you two awake yet?” The voice was followed by a knock, stirring Cadence from the depths of her dreams.

“There is something there!” She exclaimed as her eyes opened and head shot upright. Glancing towards the door, she expected to find a monster standing there, but instead saw the door was still closed. Shoulders sinking, she lowered her head to Shining’s shoulder once again. “I must have been dreaming it.”

A sigh came from behind the door that perked Cadence’s head and ears upright again. “There is someone here, it’s Red. I’ve come to bring you to your meeting with Ilcit.”

“Red?” It took Cadence a moment to recall why the name was familiar. “Oh, I’m so sorry, we’re both still asleep. Can you give us a moment.”

“Sure, we have some time before the sun hits its peak.”

Turning back to Shining, Cadence leant forward and placed her lips on his cheek, hoping he would wake with ease this morning. She let a sigh escape his lips when she saw her touch had no effect. “He can’t blame me for not trying.”

“Did you say something?” Red’s voice came from outside.

“Well, yes. I was talking to Shining.” As she lit her horn, Cadence couldn’t hold back the smile on her muzzle.

“Oh, sorry for interrupting. I’ll be on the corner.”

Cadence heard his claws and paws slowly move away while she whispered under her breath. It was a spell she had memorised over their journey. A ball of water was forming over Shining’s head with each word she muttered, a bubble waiting to pop.

In her sleepiness, Cadence failed to see a drip escape from her blue glow, the speck of water landing on Shining’s head. It seeped through his thin coat and made contact with his head, a tiny spark to start the fire of waking in his mind.

“Why is it wet?” He murmured, still half-asleep.

The smile on Cadence’s lips grew at Shining’s words. “There’s no escaping this one.” She positioned the water carefully, so it would splash between his ears and run both over his face and down his back.

“Wet?” Shining murmured again, his head shifting slightly, almost touching Cadence’s ball of water as it did so. “Wet!” Head shooting upright as he spoke, Shining’s eyes opened halfway, only to close tight again once his head made contact with the water right above it.

Unable to react in time, Cadence held the water in place for a moment for two, allowing Shining to submerge his head completely. Realising he water awake, she silenced her horn, allowing the water to spill over his body.

Shining took a deep breath the moment his mouth was free from the water. “Wha-” All he could do was shake his head and suffer as the water slowly ran off his body and soaked the mattress below.

Caught in the splash herself, Cadence stood and sprung back from the wet stallion, giggling the whole time. “I tried to wake you up gently,” She said between bursts of giggles. “But it didn’t work.”

Panting, half with fright and half from losing his breath to the water, Shining turned his head to glare at Cadence. “Why are we awake this early anyway?”

“Early?” Cadence shook her head. “It’s almost noon. Red and Jern have come to take us to our lunch with Ilcit.”

“Oh.” Shining lit his horn, wiping his face and body down with magic as he stood. Where a frown had previously rested on his lips there was now a smile. “Let’s go then, I’m starving.”

Cadence followed Shining as he headed for the door, feeling a wet sensation on her hooves as she passed over the place where he had been lying. I forgot we have a mattress there now. Well, hopefully it dries when by tonight.

By the time Cadence had closed the door behind her, Red was approaching them. “Where is Jern?” She asked once he was standing before them, curiosity furrowing her brow.

“He decided not to come.” Red motioned for them to follow him with a claw before stepping towards the nearest exit. “There only needs to be one of us here to carry Shining, and he wants to take the time off to-” He sighed, giving his head a shake before continuing. “Work on a bird he has his eye on.”

“Doesn’t everyone on the ship have something they have to be doing?” Shining questioned. “I never see anyone sitting around relaxing.”

Although she could not see his beak, Cadence could hear the smirk in Red’s voice. “That’s exactly why you don’t see them, everyone does have something to do. It’s a big ship though, the ones who want to avoid eyes always find places to hide.”

The three of them were standing outside now, the never ending wind greeting them with a gust.

“Are we going up to the same spot as yesterday?” Cadence asked as Red crouched for Shining to climb atop him. The wind had her wings excited, the expanses of pink feathers spread out, ready for flight. “Because I want to have a little flight before we get there.”

Shining now on his back, Red looked up and smiled at Cadence. “We’re going somewhere else, but you should be able to loop around without getting too far behind. Don’t stay up there too long though, some griffons waste days, even weeks in the skies around here.”

“Well don’t worry, I love Shining too much to ever leave him alone for that long.” A step towards the edge and Cadence leapt, allowing the wind to carry her upwards. Turning, she saw Red jump into the air moments behind her, his ascent slowed by Shining’s weight.

Both above the ship now, Cadence trailed Red as he flew across the top, heading for the pointed front end.

As she sailed over, Cadence’s eyes were locked on the arrangement of wood and feathers below. How does this thing fly? She thought, only able to pick out tiny wings, at least compared to the ship. Those must be as big as Ember’s wings.

Red’s easy pace gave Cadence time to enjoy the freedom of her wings. Soon she was looping around the burdened griffon, diving down towards the ship and back up over them. Warmth ran from the base of her wings to the tips, urging her to fly faster.

So this is why Cloud and Skylight spend so much time up here. She could feel the grin on her lips, so wide wind was gushing inside and drying out her mouth. Looking back towards Shining and Red, Cadence noticed they were descending towards the ship once more. Well, I should go join them.

They landed upon one of the dozens of balconies poking out from the ship’s side, its high walls creating a bubble of still within.

“It is good to see you came,” Ilcit said as they landed, stepping from the doorway she was waiting within. “Before we talk about any serious matters, please, come inside. I have had some food prepared for you.”

Off of Red’s back and standing on the balcony now, Shining’s head perked up at the mention of food. His tongue hung freely from his mouth as he followed Cadence inside, eyes searching for the promised meal. A sigh left his lips and neck drooped at what he saw however.

Seeing Shining’s change in mood, Ilcit’s brow furrowed. “Are you disappointed with the room prince? I asked for the smallest they could give me.” Despite what she said, Ilcit’s room was still a dozen times larger than the one Shining and Cadence shared.

“Well, no,” Cadence said once she saw Shining was not answering, her eyes were locked on the baskets before them as she spoke. “He isn’t too fond of the seeds we had yesterday. We’re used to food with a little more filling.”

“Don’t worry then.” Ilcit smiled as she plucked a nut from one of the baskets, crunching it in her claw before swallowing the bits. “These are peanuts roasted with honey, far tastier than sesame seeds.”

Intrigued, Shining took a step towards one of the baskets. “Honey? Does that mean they are sweet?”

“A little, but they also hold such a rich flavour it completes the meal.” Ilcit took another and ate it the same way. “Please eat till you are full.” Stepping towards the door they had came through, Ilcit whispered some words to Red before returning to her guests.

Seeing Red leave, Cadence lifted her voice over the crunching of Shining tasting the nuts. “Why does he have to go?”

Ilcit drew in a deep breath, releasing it as she moved to Cadence’s side. “As much as I trust Red, there are some things I can not risk reaching the wrong ears. Now please eat princess.” Stepping forward, Ilcit joined Shining at one of the baskets.

Joining the two, Cadence could hardly taste the peanuts, her mind full of thought. What could she possibly tell us, ponies she met yesterday, that she can’t tell Red? Maybe she doesn’t trust Red? He’s so kind thought, I can’t imagine why she doesn’t trust him.

“Princess, prince?” Ilcit’s voice broke Cadence from her thoughts and drew her eyes towards the grey-blue and white griffon. “There is one thing I must do before we speak, I will be back in a moment. Please help yourselves.”

Moving across the room, Ilcit headed for the inner door. Shining managed to catch a brief glimpse of the hallways behind it as she left.

“Do you think there’s something off about Ilcit?” Shining whispered once he could no longer hear the griffon’s steps. “She seems so suspicious.”

Cadence finished her mouthful before speaking. “Well, she does have a reason to be. Ponies stole their Abigail before, maybe she thinks we’ve come to take someone else?”

“Mmm.” Shining continued to crunch through peanuts as he thought. “Whatever she has to say, these nuts are better than I thought.” Swallowing, he felt the dryness of his throat. “I wonder where she keeps the water though.”

“Ask her when she-” Hearing steps approaching from the door Ilcit had left, Cadence paused. “You can ask her now.”

Ilcit’s features seemed lacking in all emotion when she stepped back in. “We have complete privacy now, but I would still keep your voices low. Words travel a long way in a ship like this.”

“Uh, do you have any water?” Shining asked, swirling his tongue around his mouth in attempt to rid it of the dry sensation.

“Of course.” Ilcit lifted a claw, directing their eyes to the wall beside the door. “The gourds on the left hooks are full. Do not take too much however, we need to ration our water so far away from home.”

As Shining lit his horn and brought one of the gourds to his lips, Ilcit turned to Cadence. “Now princess, although you demonstrated how rapid you can heal yesterday, many on this ship still doubt you. Some are saying you faked your injury to trick us into thinking you have power you do not.”

Cadence watched Ilcit inch closer to her as she spoke. The emotion held in the in the griffon’s face caused Cadence to take a step backward. Does she doubt me also? Remembering the excuses she had produced the previous day, she sighed. I can’t blame her.

“Is something wrong princess?” Ilcit now stood so close her chest was touching Cadence, one of her wings reaching for Cadence’s side. “Are the doubts they hold true? That you really are another fake come to rob us again?”

Drawing in a breath, Cadence noticed the world before her seemed to slow, a cold sensation where Ilcit’s wing touched her shoulder. It’s like when Ember almost took my head off, but why now? No one’s trying to kill me.

She could feel a tingling warmth in her shoulder, pushing back the cold there. Is this Celestia again? Is she going to help me find Abigail? Yet a moment passed and all that changed was the feeling in Cadence’s shoulder, the cold was now gone, replaced by an overflowing warmth.

Slowly, before Cadence even realised it was happening, Ilcit’s wings was pushed away from her side, the griffon forced back a few steps from her. Cadence felt her lungs release the breath they had been holding and saw a wave of glowing gold shove Ilcit up against the far wall.

“Cadence?” Water exploded from Shining’s mouth as he moved to her side, dousing her neck. “What happened?”

On the other side of the room now, Ilcit’s features widened with shock momentarily, her beak hanging wide in foalish awe. The moment passed quickly however, and her face soon returned to its usual calm, observing expression. “Yes princess, was that your true power?”

Before Cadence could answer something clattered to the wooden floor, a step or two from Ilcit, drawing the eyes to all three towards it. A gasp filled Cadence’s lung when she realised what it was, what Celestia had saved her from.

“Were you trying to kill me?” Lighting her horn, Cadence plucked the short blade from the floor, one side of it covered in wood as not to hurt the wing it was held within.

“No.” Ilcit chuckled. “I merely wanted to see this miraculous healing power for myself. It would have only been a small stab.”

Shock had stolen both ponies’ words, but Shining took a step forward out of instinct, hiding Cadence’s body behind his.

“What you’ve shown me is far greater than any power I imagined the pony princesses possessed.” Ilcit lifted her claw, pointing out where she had once stood and where she was now. “You stopped my blade and threw me back before I even knew what had happened, how?”

Finding her tongue, Cadence’s voice shook as she spoke over Shining’s shoulder. “Wh-Why? Why did you have to try stabbing me with this?” She held the blade between Shining and Ilcit. “Couldn’t you have asked?”

“Asked to thrust a blade into you?” Ilcit chuckled. “Who would ever let me do that to them? It had to be a surprise.”

“No, I mean.” Drawing a pained breath, Cadence stepped forward so she could lay her head on Shining’s shoulder. “Why would you test my magic with something like this. Why couldn’t I try healing one of the injured griffons on this ship?”

“And risk one of those under me losing their mind?” Ilcit muttered, so quiet neither Shining nor Cadence could hear.

“What did you say?” Shining’s eyes perked up, his horror washed away by interest.

“Nothing. It had to be you though, otherwise I wouldn’t have seen this, whatever you did.” Pushing the hints of excitement from her voice and face, Ilcit continued. “Now tell me, if you really wanted to help us, why would you hide your real power from us?”

This will be best if I show her, Cadence thought, stepping from behind Shining. “It’s not my power.” Seeing disbelief twist Ilcit’s features, Cadence held up a hoof before the griffon could refute her. “Look at my horn, it’s blue. The magic you saw moments ago was gold.”

Ilcit shook head head. “That proves nothing. One powerful enough to do what you did before I could blink surely can change the color of their magic. Also, if it wasn’t you, who was it?”

“Celestia.”

The blue eyes of Ilcit went wide for a moment before she recovered with a smirk. “Are you meaning to fool me princess? Even if she could reach this far, how would she know you were in…” Ilcit’s voice trailed off, her eyes widening once more.

“Know I’m in danger? I don’t know,” Cadence admitted, her head shaking.

“A pony princess can locate another being through many means.” The words came from Ilcit’s mouth as if she were reading them from a book. “Traces of everyone are left where they go, so if the princess can pinpoint that trace and trail it, she can find anyone.”

“So she can keep watch over me anywhere?”

Ilcit nodded. “That’s what I’ve read in books, I was hoping that you would know how. Hoping that you would be able to find Abigail, but if it truly was Celestia who saved you. I wonder if there is a way she can find Abigail?”

“Well even if there was.” Turning her head towards the balcony door, Cadence allowed her eyes to stare at the sky. “I have no idea how to… What is happening outside?” Breaking into a trot, Cadence moved towards the door and spread her wings, leaping into the sky without thinking.

She could hear the shouting of half a hundred voices all around, but her mind took no notice of them, it was occupied completely with the sight before her. A rainbow, but not like those that formed after a storm.

This one was a wave of color, spreading over the desert sky like water rolling up the beach. Cadence felt an immense warmth rush through her body as it passed overhead, her horn lighting on its own, her eyes glazing over.

For a moment she was back in Canterlot, peeking into one of the dozens of rooms at the academy for young unicorns. What she saw stole her breath away. Twilight? Celestia? Twilight was absorbed in an aura of purple, and a great scaled leg was blocking Cadence’s view of the rest of the room.

Since when have they had dragons in Canterlot? Cadence watched as Celestia laid a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, speaking words Cadence could not hear. The overflow of magic coming from Twilight died away, and the scene faded before Cadence’s eyes.

A blink and she was back in the desert, watching the rainbow as it flew for the horizon opposite the one it had come from. Cadence’s mind had long forgotten the rainbow however. I saw them, all that way. Twilight and Celestia.

Wanting to tell Shining, Cadence turned to find Ilcit hovering beside her. The griffon motioned with her head for them to head back to the balcony before beating her wings, Cadence following close behind.

“Shining.” Cadence couldn’t contain her excitement as she landed, diving right into Shining and hugging him to the ground. “I saw them.”

“Yes I saw the rainbow t-” Shining’s brow furrowed when he realised what Cadence had said. “Wait, you saw them? Saw who?”

“Did you see Abigail?” Ilcit asked, drawing Cadence’s eyes up to her.
Cadence shook her head, wind tangled mane dancing around her head. “No,” Turning, she met Shining’s eyes again. “I saw Twilight, and Celestia. They were both in the same room, and Twilight was doing some crazy magic. I think Celestia is teaching her.”

The lines of confusion of Shining’s brow only deepened. “You saw Twilight? All the way back in Canterlot? How?”

“Well, I don’t know.” Taking a breath, a moment to think over what had happened, Cadence shook her head. “How did I see them?”

Unable to see the smile on Ilcit’s beak, Cadence could hear it in her voice as she spoke. “So you can see all the way back to where Celestia lives, all the way back to where you come from. Surely you can locate a single griffon in this desert?”

Looking back to Ilcit, Cadence allowed a sigh to escape her lips. “If I could locate Abigail, I would do it for you. I don’t know how I did this, or if I’ll ever be able to do it again. If I could do this again, I don’t know how to find someone I’ve never seen before.”

“Don’t worry princess, we are looking for Abigail ourselves, but if you could simply try to repeat what you have done today. Your power would be a great help.” Ilcit glanced into her room, thinking for a moment before she turned back to the pony pair. “That was all I wanted to discuss with you. Wait on the balcony, I will have Red come take you back to your room.”

Shining waited for Ilcit to disappear into the ship before speaking. “Did you really see Twilight?” The excitement in his voice was obvious. “Has she grown much? Were mom and dad there?”

Placing a hoof on Shining’s lips, Cadence stopped the overflow of questions. “Well, I didn’t see your parents, but Twilight looked like she had grown a lot. She was with Celestia, and they were doing something with magic.”

“Really?” A wide grin had taken hold of Shining’s muzzle, his eyes glazed over with images of Twilight. “Maybe she’s Celestia’s student, just like you were.”

“Maybe.” Looking up at the sky, Cadence tried to imagine the tiny Twilight learning under Celestia’s wing, but all she could see was herself. “Celestia always made me work so hard with my magic, I don’t know if Twilight could take it.”

“She’s a hard worker, always the top of her class in studies.”

“Mmmhmm.” Cadence nodded, a smile coming to her lips. “Maybe she’ll do fine. If only there was some way I could have talked to them, asked them what has happened since we’ve been gone.”

Shining sighed, the grin on his muzzle fading somewhat. “It’s been a whole year hasn’t it?”

“Mmm,” Cadence murmured again. “We barely noticed the winter passing in Rockholm, it was always so hot there.”

Inhaling again, Shining let out another breath. “I can barely remember what living at home was like. What did we used to do all day?”

“Play games?” Cadence rolled her eyes into her head as she tried to bring the old memories to life. “Well, you had guard academy as well, and I was always learning from Celestia. It all seems like so little to what we’ve done in the last year.”

In the depths of her mind, Cadence heard a knocking at the door, drawing her eyes into Ilcit’s room. “Red’s here, are you ready to go back to our room?”

Looking into Ilcit’s room as well, Shining felt his mouth water when he saw the baskets of peanuts. “Maybe after I’ve eaten a little more.”

Ilcit was kind enough to give Shining a small basket of the nuts, which Cadence carried as they flew back to their room.

“I know it isn’t my place to ask,” Red said once they had landed and were inside once more. “But if you can let me in on some secrets, what did she talk about?”

As much as I trust Red, there are some things I can not risk reaching the wrong ears. Cadence heard Ilcit’s words in her head before she could speak, and they had her pause. Maybe there’s a reason why she didn’t want Red to hear?

“I can see you don’t want to say.” A small smile touched Red’s beak as he shook his head. “Don’t worry, if I need to know I’ll find out.”

“No, I should tell you.” I trust Red more than I can trust the one who tried to stab me. “Have you heard Ilcit talk about a pony princess’s ability to see those far away?” When she saw Red nod, Cadence continued. “Well, I managed to do that today, I saw two ponies I know well, all the way back in Canterlot.”

Red’s smile grew, but there was disbelief in his face. “How do you know what you saw was what was actually happening? Are you sure you didn’t imagine it?”

“Well-” Cadence paused. What if it was only a dream? Maybe that rainbow put me to sleep? No. She shook her head without realising. I was still flying, I couldn’t have been asleep. “It felt real, more real than any dream I’ve ever had, and even if it isn’t real. I want to try and help.”

“She wants you to locate Abigail with it?”

Cadence nodded, prompting Red to continue.

“Good luck then, I just don’t feel comfortable relying on such a mysterious power.” With that Red stopped. “Here’s your room, if you need any more food, ask one of the griffons passing by. I hope you can find Abigail.” He turned back the way he had came and disappeared around the corner.

Alone in their room once more, Cadence dismissed their tent before sitting, only to spring back up again. “Ah!” Seeing the surprise in Shining’s features, she point at the mattress below with a smile. “It’s still wet.”

“Really?” Stepping forward, Shining placed his hoof on the dark patch of mattress to confirm what Cadence said. “We’ve never had a…” His voice trailed off as he shook his head. “This mattress isn’t made of magic is it.”

“No, the water usually goes right through our mattress doesn’t it?”

“Mmm, it can’t be too hard to dry out. We just need to get it outside.” Shining lit his horn and lifted a corner of the mattress, before realising there was no way it would fit through the door. “How did they get it in here anyway?”

“Well, there’s no need to worry.” Lighting her horn, Cadence conjured their usual blue mattress on top of the sodden one. “We can use this till it dries. There’s more important things to worry about than a wet mattress. I need to focus.” She stretched and shaped the mattress before sitting.

Shining sat as well, facing her. “I don’t think you need to push yourself into this Cadence. I’m sure Abigail will be found without your help.” There was a hint of concern in his voice, but it was drowned out by the overwhelming confidence.

“Are you sure?” Picking the confidence out of Shining’s words, Cadence found herself confused. “Did you hear something about them finding her?”

“No, but,” Shining glanced backward, eyeing the door behind him for a moment before shaking his head. “Don’t worry about what I said,” He said aloud, before moving his lips close to Cadence’s ear. “I can’t tell you everything, I’m worried about who’s listening, but I think I might have a clue about where Abigail is, or at least who knows her location.”

Cadence drew a breath to exclaim her excitement, before her mind processed everything Shining had said. She released it slowly before pressing her lips into his ear. “I’m so proud of you, figuring out the problem a day after arriving, and I don’t doubt you, but I want to search for her my way as well.”

“That would be best, if anyone is watching it would look strange if we were doing nothing when you had said you were going to help.”

Watching? The word sparked a memory in Cadence’s mind. “I think there may have been someone watching us this morning.”

“Know what?”

Shining replied with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell you everything when I’ve figured it all out. Just practice you princess powers. I’ll give you some time to yourself.” With that he rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.

Give me some time to myself. Cadence couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Shining’s words. Well, it is what I need right now. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and focused on the flow of magic inside her, trying to recapture the sensation that had overtaken her before.

Warm, it was warm all throughout my body. Like magic wasn’t flowing through just my horn, but through every part of my body. She tried to form a spark of magic in her chest, focusing on it much like she did with her horn.

Yet many deep breaths later, all Cadence had managed to do was send a burst of sparks from her horn. Maybe that wasn’t it? What else happened when the rainbow passed over me? She thought back to the moment, trying to recreate every sensation that her body had felt.

My eyes! Something happened to them. Lighting her horn, Cadence focused her spark on her eyes, hoping the answer would simply come to her. However, the only thing she achieved was a headache.

Silencing her horn, Cadence rubbed the side of her head with a hoof, trying to clear some of the pain away while she thought. There must be something else. Yet no matter how many times she tried to pick apart the memory, nothing else stood out.

Maybe there’s something in what Celestia wrote? Surely she would have written down such an important spell? Ignoring the slight pain between her eyes Cadence lit her horn once more, lifting her saddlebags towards her.

The stacks of paper were stuffed down the side, stained with bits of blue and red and filled with crumbs. I hope I haven’t ruined anything important. Searching the the stacks, Cadence found none of the pages were damaged beyond readability, thankfully.

None of them held the answer to her question however, none of them hinted at a spell only the princesses could perform. One that could find anyone. It has to be here, Cadence thought, and continued her search.

A knock sounded on the door. “Are you two awake?”

The voice caused Cadence to look up from the papers she was reading through. She had studied almost every page closely, yet still the mysterious spell evaded her. “Well, I am, but Shining’s asleep.”

Cadence heard Red chuckle before answering. “He always seems to be. Anyway it’s almost sunset so the nightly meeting is soon. Ilcit wants you there, I think she’s expecting you to talk about the power you discovered.”

“Is it really almost sunset?” Cadence looked back down at the stack of papers. How long have I been looking for this spell?

“Yes, Jern and I were going to eat before the meeting. Do you two want to come?”

At the mention of food, Cadence heard Shining shifting beside her. Lifting her eyes towards him, she saw he was sitting straight up, features wary. “As long as it isn’t any of those sesame seeds,” He whispered.

Hearing Shining’s whisper, Red sighed, Jern the one to chuckle this time. “I told you you’re the only one who likes those seeds,” Cadence could hear Jern say, and another bout of laughter followed.

Red sighed again. “There are plenty of respectable griffons, ah, why am I trying to argue with you anyway.” He lifted his voice. “I promise we won’t have sesame seeds, you two can pick.”

“Pick?” Shining stood up and opened the door before Cadence could put away Celestia’s writings. “Let’s go!”

“Well, can you give me a moment to pack away my things?” Cadence asked, reminding Shining she still existed.

As he glanced back at Cadence, a guilty smile replaced the eager one on Shining’s lips. “Sorry, of course we can wait. Sometimes my stomach does the thinking for me.”

It took Cadence a few moments to shift their food around so her bags had a pocket free solely for Celestia’s writings. Shining made sure none of the precious pastries were damaged in the process.

Soon they were outside the ship, Shining atop Red’s back and Cadence and Jern flying beside them. Red led them towards one of the ship’s lower openings before landing.

“So is this where all the food is kept?” Shining asked as they were walking inside.

The question sparked a light in Jern’s eye. “Instead of thinking of it as a storeroom, think of it as a small town, where everything is dedicated to food and drink.”

Shining’s eyes lit up in the same way Jern’s did. “Do they have a sweet store here?”

Confusion crossed Jern’s features. “No, but they have something far better.”

“A bakery?”

“Yes, but that wasn’t what I was talking about.” They were approaching a small crowd of griffons now, Jern leading the way and Shining at his side. “The ship’s cook brew his very own beer. It’s some of the best stuff in the whole desert.”

Behind Shining and Jern, Cadence and Red walked side by side, Red unable to keep the smirk from his beak. “Is Shining much of a drinker?”

“Well, we’ve had cider a few times, but his parents never let him have too much.”

“You’re kidding me? His parents won’t let him have too much?” Red shook his head. “How old are you two?”

“I was,” Cadence rolled her eyes into her head, thinking. “Nineteen years old when we left, and he was seventeen. It’s summer right?” At Red’s nod, she continued. “Then he’s nineteen and I’m twenty.”

“Wow.” Red allowed a breath to slowly leave his lungs as he shook his head. “So young and you’re already exploring the world. I wish I was the same.”

Cadence looked at Red, her eyes questioning. “Aren’t you the same age as we are?”

Her words brought another chuckle from Red’s lips. “Try a decade older, and still I’ve gotten nowhere with my life. Don’t take this as an insult, but it’s embarrassing that I’m looking after the prince and princess.”

“Well,” At the edge of the crowd now, Cadence had stopped moving, her eyes following Shining as he trailed Jern inside. “You’ve been kind to us, and in my mind that’s worth more than if you were the chief of all the griffons.”

Eyes still on Jern and Shining, Cadence watched as the griffon scurried out of the crowd, Shining at his tail.

“You really are wise-”

“We better move on,” Jern said, cutting Red off before he could finish. “The griffons here aren’t the nicest.”

Red shook his head. “Another misunderstanding with Ode?”

Glancing back into the crowd, at angry eyes still waiting for him to leave, Jern grimaced. “Something like that, I can’t really remember what happened. He’ll calm down in a few days though, let’s move onto something else.”

By now Shining’s nose had already led him away from the group, towards where steam wafted from an open counter.

“Well, it looks like Shining has found something,” Cadence pointed out directing their eyes with her hoof.

“Bread?” Jern’s grimaced deepened. “You ponies sure have strange tastes.”

Lifting a claw, Red tapped Jern on the head. “Stop complaining and come have something to eat.”

“So would you like a loaf seasoned with herbs? Maybe one sweetened with honey?” The griffon at the counter was already talking Shining through every bit of bread by the time the other three were at his side.

Shining’s gleaming blue eyes bounced back and forth between the half-dozen different choices, Red whispering in his ear. “You definitely should try the loaf with herbs, it’s like an adventure for your mouth.”

“Can we have one of each?” Shining asked after a moment, drawing surprise to the server’s face.

The surprise was soon washed away by a smile. “Of course you can sir. Would that be full loaves, or only half?” Distaste filled the griffon’s voice at the last few words, as if only eating half a loaf was akin to murder. Shining’s response only fed the server’s smile.

“A full loaf of each please, and do you have anything we can put on the bread?”

“Of course, of course. You must taste my newest creation borrowed some of Ilcit’s peanut stores and crushed them, it makes a fantastic spread.” He handed over a small bowl of light brown paste alongside the loaves. “Enjoy.”

As they moved away from the counter to find somewhere to sit, Cadence couldn’t help but smile at the server’s enthusiasm. “He seems like he really enjoys cooking.”

Red smiled as well, leading the other three to a cramped table to the side of all the storehouses. “It is good to see someone so entertained in the simplicities of their life, I used to be. I don’t know where all the fun went.”

“You’re the one who got rid of it you old bird,” Jern said as they squeezed into the chairs, the ponies on one side and griffons the other. “If you stopped holding yourself back you’d see there’s still a lot of fun waiting to happen, you just have to play along.”

“And follow along with one of your crazy plans?” Red shook his head. “Once you get to a certain age you realise how silly those things are.”

Squeezed tightly in the seat beside Shining, sitting across from two others, the moment brought memories bubbling to the surface of Cadence’s mind. It’s almost like we’re back on top of that mountain, almost like Cloud and Skylight are here. Yet when she looked at the two opposite her, her joy faded a little. That time is long gone, you need to think about now.

Red and Jern were still arguing, their words blurring to noise in Cadence’s ears. Is Jern enjoying this? Despite the annoyance in Jern’s voice, there was a smile in his eyes and on his beak. Red too. The ginger feathered griffon did not seem the least bit irritated, instead he chuckled after each insult Jern threw his way.

Glancing to her side, Cadence could see Shining was oblivious to everything, completely focused on the seasoned bread in his mouth. “Well, how does it taste?” She had to repeat herself and tap his shoulder before he responded.

“Amazing.” Shining’s eyes were lit up with glee, his crumb coated lips spread in a grin. “The peanut spread is like those peanuts we had earlier, but better.”

Cadence giggled at his foalish description, but took the slice he was offering. One bite and her mouth was watering, wanting more. She gobbled down half a loaf before she could feel it stretching her stomach.

“We should be going now.”

Red’s voice lifted Cadence’s eyes towards him and Jern. The two griffons were squished into their seat even more tightly than she and Shining were. Unable to help herself, Cadence replied with a smirk. “Don’t you two want to stay a little longer?”

Confusion twisted Red’s features. “What do you mean? We’re taking you two to-”

“The night meeting,” Cadence finished, sliding out of the seat. “Don’t mind what I said, let’s go.”

The sun was sinking below the horizon by the time they were outside the ship once again, heading for the meeting point at the top. Jern was carrying Shining this time, insisting he take some of the burden since he had been slacking.

When they landed Cadence noticed there were far less griffons than there had been the previous night. Ilcit was still there however, standing in the same spot she always did. A griffon of white and black feathers had her attention.

Shining at her side, Cadence moved towards the two griffons, her ears picking up the conversation as she closed the gap.

“-too dangerous,” Ilcit finished, shaking her head. “You’ll end up like all the others, there’s a reason Rorack is too scared to go.”

The griffon of black and white huffed. “That’s because they’ve turned him into a big chick!” She winced at the volume of her voice, glancing backward to see if anyone had heard. Eyes finding Cadence, the griffon turned and walked away from Ilcit, muttering.

Stopping a few steps from Ilcit, Cadence gaze still followed the retreating griffon.

“It is rude to stare, I assumed a princess would know that.

Ilcit’s voice broke Cadence from her stare. “Yes, I know, but when I see someone like that I want to comfort them.” Resisting the urge to look back at the griffon, Cadence met Ilcit’s eyes. “What were you two talking about?”

“Foolish things,” Ilcit replied, as if that was enough of an explaination. “It is good to see you here early tonight princess. I hope you have made some progress with you power.”

The reminder tainted Cadence’s stomach with guilt, a sheepish smile coming to her lips. “Well-”

“She’s been working on it all afternoon,” Shining answered for her, allowing Cadence to breathe relief. “Don’t expect results instantly though, a power that great will take time to master, it could be months, years.”

A hint of frustration narrowed Ilcit’s eyes, only for a moment, but long enough for Cadence to notice. “I know you have only arrived here recently, but everyone has been waiting for an answer for longer than they can bear. If there is any way-”

“She is trying as hard as she can,” Shining cut in again. “Isn’t that enough?”

Ilcit’s beak parted before closing, her mind holding back what her tongue longed to say. After a moment of silence, she answered. “That is enough to help me sleep easier at night, but not soundly.” She lifted her eye to the sky. “The meeting is about to start, we can talk more another time.”

Taking Ilcit’s dismissing claw as a sign, Cadence and Shining moved towards the outside of the circle, taking a free space next to Red and Jern.

“The old crow is never in a good mood,” Jern whispered to the ponies as they took their place. “Don’t take it too hard.”

Looking past Jern, Cadence could see Red smiling at them as well. Why do I feel they’re planning something? They seem too happy, were they like this yesterday? Before Cadence could think any more Ilcit’s voice filled the air.

“It is about time we start this meeting, I will not have it delayed further by anyone who is absent, they will simply miss out.” Ilcit’s eyes rested on an empty spot in the circle as she spoke, drawing Cadence’s attention towards it.

That’s where Rorack was standing yesterday, is he here? A glance around confirmed her suspicions, the towering griffon was absent from the meeting. I thought he was one of the griffons leading this? Why would he miss a meeting?

“Tash and Veil, do you have any sightings to report from your week’s scouting?” Ilcit directed her words at the pair of griffons who were almost identical, down to creamy feathers that coated their entire bodies but the head, the same blue eyes, even their beaks were the same size. Only one thing differentiated them from one another, the head of one was covered in tiny black spots.

“Um, shouldn’t we wait till Rorack gets here?” The one without spots replied, his eyes searching the sky for any latecomers. “He won’t want to miss out on what we have to say.”

“Tash, I don’t care if you have Abigail hiding under your wing, we will not be waiting any longer. No matter who it is.” Despite her outburst, there was a smile on Ilcit’s beak. “Now, please share with us this news Rorack won’t want to miss.”

Tearing his eyes away from the sky, Tash met his partner’s eyes before sighing. A nudge from Tash’s wing and Veil opened his, revealing a sack that had been hidden underneath.

“Don’t just hold it up.” Ilcit shook her head, snorting out her breaths from frustration. “Tell us what’s inside.”

“Um, it’s, uh,” Tash began, before looking back to Veil for support. After a nudge or two from Tash’s wing, Veil finally spoke.

“They’re chillies, from The Leaf. Rorack asked us to fetch them, they're his favourite.”

Ilcit drew in an irritated breath, clenching one of her claws tightly. Fire filled her eyes, the anger drawn across her features wanting to explode. Yet after a few deep breaths the moment of frustration faded. “Do you have any new useful to our search?”

“No.” Tash’s eyes were on the floor as he replied, his wings shifting at his sides.

“Then why are you wasting our time?” Before Tash could slip in another word, Ilcit turned to another griffon. “Nius, have our daily scouts reported anything of use?”

Nius’s green eyes were flicking back and forth, checking every griffon in the circle, making sure there was no one unwanted present. “No, but-”

“Moving on then.” Ilcit waved her claw at Nius, dismissing whatever else he had to say.

“Ilcit,” A griffon standing beside Nius said, shoving him forward. “You should listen.”

Turning back to the hazelnut and white feathered griffon, Ilcit sighed. “Fine then, what is it you have to say? And this better not be about chillies.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Cadence saw Tash and Veil creep back further from the circle, until their tails were hard up against the feathered walls.

“No, it’s about Rorack.” Unable to meet Ilcit’s eyes, Nius chose to stare at the sky. “He didn’t want you to know, but he and his two friends left this morning. No one knows why, but-”

“They know where she is don’t they?” Ilcit finished, stating what everyone was thinking. Clenching her beak tightly, she muttered to herself, but in her anger, all ears could hear over the roar of the wind above. “Doesn’t he know I want to find her as much as he does?”

Lifting her head, Ilcit met Nius’s eyes with her hard pair. “You did sent someone after them, didn’t you?”

“Of course, of course.” Nius nodded rapidly, as if it would ease Ilcit’s boiling anger. “It’s ship protocol to track anyone who leaves without a reason. I sent Lucy after him.”

“Good.” Turning away from Nius, Ilcit allowed her eyes to roam the whole circle before her. They rested on Cadence for a few moments, her beak moving silently, planning to say something, before her eyes kept moving. “I think that will be all for this meeting.”

“But Ilcit,” A griffon of grey and white stepped forward, protesting. “There are still many other things we nee-”

“There is nothing else that needs to be discussed.” Stepping from her place in the circle, Ilcit moved across it. “We are following Rorack.”

The same grey and white griffon took another step forward, looking as if he was going to block her path. “But our priority should be finding Abigail, not chasing her misbehaved brother.”

Stopping her her tracks, Ilcit turned towards the griffon, making him quiver with her heavy stare. “Rorack only came to this ship for one reason.” She spoke slowly, the volume of her voice clear for everyone to hear. “We are the lead ship in tracking Abigail, at least we were. If he’s left then there must be someone out there who knows more than we do. I want to find them.”

With that said, Ilcit continued across the circle.

Following Ilcit’s steps, Cadence could see she was heading for a griffon she recognised. Mila? Why would she want to speak with her? Yet when Ilcit stopped, is was not Mila she spoke to, but the griffon beside her.

The griffon was cloaked in the same silver and white feathers Mila was, yet they were a touch duller, showing his age. He was only a little taller than Mila, his golden eyes level with Ilcit’s.

She said her father was the captain. That must be him. Cadence couldn’t help but stare at him, catching Mila’s eyes in the process.

Moving from her father’s side, Mila made her way across the circle to Cadence. “Princess, I knew you’d be looking for me. Are you going to keep helping me become a princess like you?”

“Well, I-” Don’t really have time to, Cadence almost said, but held herself back. I shouldn’t push myself too hard with this spell. Spending time with such a sweet griffon will help me relax. “I’d love to, where do you want to go?”

“To the candy store of course.”