“So... let us try that again. Where is Rolph?”

“He not here... I tell the truth!”

“I am not asking you if he is here... I am asking you where is he!”

“I just scout... I don't know! Put me down!”

“Very well,” muttered Bardac as he released his grip around the diamond dog's throat, dropping him to the ground with an ungraceful thud, there wasn't any point interrogating this poor dog any further. “I suggest you get out of here... unless you wish to end up like those two.” With a jab over his shoulder, Bardac gestured towards two unconscious diamond dogs lying near the firepit.

The diamond dog didn't need telling twice and soon disappeared into the forest surrounding the village, though not before shouting, “You pay for hurting diamond dogs! You wait!”

“If I had a septim for each time I have heard that,” sighed Bardac underneath his breath. “I will bet they were just the scouts.”

Just then, Twilight emerged, rubbing her eyes slightly from the sting of the bright sun. With a yawn, she looked to Bardac and said. “What was all that noise? I swore I just heard-” it was then that she spotted the two unconscious diamond dogs laying by the fire pit. “-Diamond dogs...”

“Sleep well?” asked Bardac, his eyebrow raised.

Twilight huffed loudly, “Quite well thank you. Care to explain why there are two diamond dogs knocked out by the fire?”

Bardac looked over to the two diamond dogs in question. “They are part of Rolph's pack. They made the mistake of waking me up with a spear against my throat. The noise on the other hand, that was another running off with its tail between its legs.”

“...Where's Niy'ka?” asked Twilight, looking around to make sure she hadn't missed the giant green dragon.

Bardac looked towards the direction of Niy'ka's cave. “She did not show,” he spat. “Where is Atlas?”

“I... don't know,” replied Twilight as she looked around, now that she thought about it. There didn't seem to be a single noise coming from the village except for the crackling fire and the sound of Bardac's armour when ever he moved. “I don't understand it. I thought Niy'ka gave us her word that she'd be here.”

“So did I,” muttered Bardac. Looking around the village, he started to check every nook and cranny he could for signs of Atlas and the other diamond dogs. “Look around inside the huts,” Bardac called over to Twilight. “See if you can find anything.”

“Shouldn't we focus on the more important things?” asked Twilight, glancing around nervously. “Like getting out of here ourselves?”

“You worry too much, Twilight,” said Bardac as he rejoined Twilight by the hut she slept in. He might of seemed calm, but there was no mistaking that heavy scowl that graced his brow.

A noise by the firepit caught the pair's attention. One of the diamond dogs was starting to come round, “Where... am I...” it said groggily. As the diamond dog slowly sat up, a tiny golden gem about the size of a strawberry rolled out from behind it and into view.

“Been stealing things, have we?” asked Bardac as he eyed the strange golden gem. He'd seen many gems in his time, but none that held such a lustrous golden hue.

“Steal? No thief, hunter!” replied the diamond dog, but soon started holding the sides of its head. “Big headache...”

Bardac frowned. “Alright then,” he muttered. Looking over to Twilight, he shrugged his shoulders. “I am... lost.”

Twilight eyed the gem warily, her horn lit up in a deep purple glow as she brought the gem over to her. “I've seen this gem before...” murmured Twilight as she inspected the gem from all angles. “It was in a pile that Spike brought home once. Before he ate it, he didn't let it out of his sight.”

“He ate it?” asked Bardac. “...Remind me not to get bitten by a dragon here. Even the dragons in Skyrim would crack a tooth trying to eat a gemstone.” Somehow his leg armour felt just a little less effective than he would of liked.

Despite the situation, Twilight giggled, “You'll be surprised what I've caught him eating.”

Bardac thought for a moment, though his train of thought was derailed when something Twilight just said clicked into place. “Wait... you live with a dragon?” he asked.

“A baby dragon,” corrected Twilight. “And he's the sweetest dragon you'll ever meet.”

“A sweet dragon...” muttered Bardac, “Right...”

Twilight cleared her throat. “Anyway... when ever he had that gem in his claws. He'd do pretty much whatever I asked him. He even dusted every single book in the library... without complaining!”

Bardac ran his fingers against his beard thoughtfully. “Interesting... an enchantment maybe?”

“Possibly... but Diamond dogs are unable to perform any sort of magic,” replied Twilight, shaking her head. “I wonder...” It was then that Twilight approached the diamond dog still holding its head. “Where did you get this gem from?”

“Gem was gift! Gift from Alpha Rolph. Every diamond dog got gift,” said the diamond dog. “Pack very happy when given gems!”

“How many diamond dogs are in your pack?” asked Bardac as he moved next to Twilight, just in case the other diamond dog started to wake up.

The diamond dog thought for a moment, scratching at its ear. “Six, seven dozen? Don't know. No count well,” it replied.

Bardac looked down to Twilight just as she looked up at him, “Seven dozen enchanted diamond dogs... well. This day just keeps getting better and better. Would you not agree, Twilight?” sighed Bardac, scratching the side of his head.

“Oh yes, just wonderful...” grumbled Twilight, “What do you propose we do now? If Rolph is controlling these diamond dogs using those gems then we've got to find a way to stop him.”

“I thought you did not like diamond dogs?” asked Bardac, grinning slightly.

“Well... I don't. But I can't condone the use of magic to enslave or force another creature to do something against their will! It's just not right,” huffed Twilight, stamping her hoof against the ground.

Just then, the other diamond dog started to stir, a low groan escaped its lips as it sat up. “What... happened,” it muttered.

“Charlie! Boss!” gasped the first diamond dog as it helped Charlie to sit up.

“Grover?” groaned Charlie, rubbing the side of his head, “Headache...” just like Grover, when Charlie sat up, a small golden gem rolled out from behind him.

“Those headaches cannot be coincidence...” muttered Bardac as he watched the other gem roll to a stop. “Losing contact with those gems... I wonder.”

Twilight looked up at Bardac, her eyebrow raised. “Maybe that could be from when you knocked the living daylights out of them?” she asked dryly.

“I did not knock them out with a blow to the head,” replied Bardac, scratching his chin. “But I would not be surprised if that is part of the reason they have headaches.”

“Right...” said Twilight, rolling her eyes. She didn't sound overly convinced. “Grover, Charlie... could you tell us where Rolph is?”

Charlie cocked his head. “Alpha Rolph? He in cave. Talking to big green dragon. At least, last time I saw him,” replied Charlie.

Twilight gulped, loudly. That wasn't quite the news she wanted to hear. “And do you know what he was talking to the dragon about?” she asked.

“Don't know. Dragon was saying something about big, hairless minotaur who shouts. Didn't hear rest,” answered Grover, scratching at his side.

Bardac shook his head slowly and stood up, “That would be me then...” he muttered, looking down at Twilight, then to Grover and Charlie. “How long ago did you last see Rolph?”

“Hour before we found you,” said Charlie. “He talks. Talks long, probably still there.”

Bardac didn't waste another second. With a heavy scowl and a cracking of knuckles, Bardac rushed off towards Niy'ka's cave. “Keep an eye on these two. Make sure there are no side effects from that gem,” he called back to Twilight just before disappearing into the forest, following a familiar blue tendril.

“Bardac! Wait a... and he's gone,” huffed Twilight as she sat down.

“Friend is not bright.” said Charlie.

Grover scratched his chin thoughtfully, muttering. “He look strong though.”

Twilight snorted, “Bright, no... strong? Very. Rolph has no idea what's coming his way. Just you wait and see.” Deep down however, she wondered if Bardac truly had the strength to back up her words.

“What do you mean you've agreed to help that mangy mutt! I thought we had a deal?”

“Is a girl not allowed to change her mind?” came the thunderous voice of Niy'ka, her tail thumping the ground behind her enormous pile of gold and gems. “We've been talking for hours and all you've managed to do is bore my tail to sleep. Get to the point already, Rolph.”

“You were suppose to destroy Atlas and his followers weeks ago! That's the point. We give you gems, you kill them.” growled Rolph, “Now you tell me you've agreed to help Atlas instead?!”

“Not directly. More, assisting an accomplice of his,” replied Niy'ka, scratching at her chin lightly.

Rolph snapped his fingers, in that instant over two dozen diamond dogs burst out of the ground around him. “You're trying my patience. If I don't start seeing results in the next few days. You can say goodbye to that precious hoard of yours.”

Niy'ka hissed loudly, her nostrils flaring as immense plumes of black smoke erupted from them. “You wouldn't dare...”

“You can't stay awake forever,” replied Rolph and with another snap of his fingers, the diamond dogs around him disappeared underground.

“So... this is where you two are...”

Rolph spun around, facing the direction of where the voice came from, but saw nothing. “Who's there?” he called out.

The sound of clattering gold caused both Niy'ka and Rolph to look down near the front of the pile of gold, but yet again there was nothing to be seen.

“Oh dear... it seems like you two have seen a ghost,” called the voice again.

“Wait a minute...” rumbled Niy'ka, “I know that voice.” as she looked up towards the mouth of the cave, she let out a deep hiss. “Dragonborn, I had forgotten about you.”

“Zu'u drey ni vodahmaan do hi... Niy'ka,” spat Bardac, his knuckles cracking loudly against the palms of his hands. He then looked towards Rolph. Atlas wasn't wrong, he was a truly colossal diamond dog compared to the ones he had already seen. Rolph stood almost as tall as Bardac himself, but at least twice as wide at the shoulders. “You must be Rolph...” he said, eyeing the rusty colour of the diamond dog's coat.

Niy'ka wasn't sure if it was the words Bardac said, how he said them or the memory of their previous encounter. What ever it was, for the first time in her long and spoilt life, Niy'ka felt the unfamiliar twinge of fear creep up her spine. Eventually she asked, “What do you want?”

“While I am pleased to hear that you are still going to help Atlas...” said Bardac, still keeping his eye on Rolph. “Why were you not at the village? I told Atlas you were going to meet him there at sunrise.”

“You never told me to go anywhere,” replied Niy'ka, her eyebrows raising in confusion, “Why on Equus did you tell him that?”

Bardac opened his mouth to argue, but a second later closed it again. “I... am not sure,” he said, scratching the back of his head.

“So this is the creature who convinced you to help that mutt?” snorted Rolph as he eyed Bardac. “Just what makes you so special that you think you could get away with this? And what's with that name? Dragonborn? Don't make me laugh, you look nothing like a dragon.”

“So that's why you're here, dragonborn?” asked Niy'ka with a snort. “You thought I simply didn't arrive when I was suppose to, despite you never actually telling me to arrive? Tell me... is there actually a brain underneath that muscle?”

“I often ask myself the same question,” said Bardac, chuckling slightly. The chuckle didn't last for long as he rounded on Rolph. “Now... you and me have a little business to attend to. I have been wanting to speak with you for a while.”

“I haven’t got time to deal with the likes of you,” replied Rolph as he spat on the ground beside him. “I’ve got a mutt to dispo—” but he was unable to finish his sentence. With a dull crunch, his body struck the side of the cave wall, shattering his left shoulder to pieces with the force of the impact.

“What do you have against Atlas?” asked Bardac, his right arm stretched out in front of him while a bright orange glow. “They simply wish to live in peace, yet they face death because you cannot accept their way.” Eventually the glow started to die down.

“You bastard!” hissed Rolph through clenched teeth as he clutched his shattered shoulder. “Kill him!”

Bardac watched as two dozen diamond dogs burst out of the ground once more. He had to admit, the rate those diamond dogs could dig was impressive. “An impressive force,” said Bardac, his knuckles cracking against the palms of his hands once more. “But, you know. I always prefer quality over quantity.”

“This isn't the last you'll see of me,” snarled Rolph. “Just you wait... I'll be back. You and your pathetic little village will be splinters by the time I'm done with them.” He then turned to Niy'ka. “As for you, traitor. You'll make a fine feast.” Before either Bardac or Niy'ka could react, Rolph disappeared in a cloud of mud and dust, leaving Bardac face to face with two dozen irate diamond dogs.

“What now oh great ‘dragonborn’?” snickered Niy'ka, her tail flicking about idly behind her. “You hurt their precious Alpha, they're not going to let... that...” She couldn't finish. Her eyes widened and her body trembled.

Bardac glared at Niy'ka, his eyes burning like the fiery pits of Oblivion, the air around him churning violently as an ominous wind roared through the cave.

The diamond dogs felt this too. Some fled, diving back into the holes which they came from while others were too terrified to even move. One particularly brave, or foolish diamond dog tried to attack, charging forward but before it could even take two steps, it was frozen in place by an icy blast from Bardac's outstretched hand.

“Anyone else?” asked Bardac, his voice as cold as the ice he created. None of the remaining diamond dogs dared to move a muscle. “No? Good.” Approaching the frozen diamond dog, he inspected its body within the crystal clear ice. “Just as I thought...” Carefully, Bardac chipped away at the ice near the diamond dog's neck and once it was clear, he slowly pulled out a familiar looking golden gem, using two chunks of ice to make sure he didn't come into contact with it. Dropping the gem on the ground, Bardac thawed the rest of the diamond dog, his fingers glowing softly with flames no brighter than a candle.

“I thought these things didn't exist anymore...” muttered Niy'ka as she reached down and plucked the tiny gem between her massive claws.

Bardac glanced up at Niy'ka. “You know what they are?” he asked as he lowered the unconscious diamond dog to the floor. He wondered how Niy'ka could touch the gem, but then Bardac remembered what Twilight had said; dragons were naturally resistant to magic.

“Of course I do!” huffed Niy'ka, “What do you think I am, stu-” her maw closed abruptly, halted again by Bardac's deathly glare. She thought it best not to try Bardac's patience. “...They are exceptionally rare and dangerous. Causing the complete willingness and servitude to any who hold it,” she explained. “The closer to the brain, the better control. Worst of all, they keep their personality. So it's impossible to tell who's under control unless you can see the gem and know what it is.”

Bardac looked around at the remaining diamond dogs who hadn't taken the chance to flee. Only then did he notice the thin string around some of the less hairy individuals. “That would explain why they are being held around their necks.”

“You don't suppose his entire pack is under the control of these things?” asked Niy'ka as she eyed the gem in her claws. Then, with a loud crunch, ate it.

“I already encountered two more with these gems on the diamond dogs I knocked out earlier. So it is a distinct possibility,” replied Bardac. “When the gems dropped from their necks, they did not seem at all hostile. In fact all they seemed to care about was the headache they suffered from.”

“Diamond dogs are not usually hostile... they prefer keeping themselves to themselves. Unless it's something they want,” said Niy'ka. “But, every once in a while. You get one that breaks the mould.”

“Any creature has the capability to be good or bad,” said Bardac, watching the last of the remaining diamond dogs disappear down their hole. “Something about this stinks...”

“How so?” asked Niy'ka, her head tilting in confusion,

Bardac glanced down at the massive hole Rolph disappeared down earlier. “Rolph is a true brute when it comes to physical strength, I can tell just by looking at him. He also seems to hold more than average intelligence for a diamond dog,” he muttered. “So... why would he need gems to control the pack?”

Niy'ka shrugged. “Numbers, probably,” she said. “His pack is huge. Even I would struggle taking them all on at once. Better to keep them all under control with magic, than with fear.”

“I see...” murmured Bardac thoughtfully, “I guess that leaves me with one option.”

“And what is that?” asked Niy'ka.

“To head into their nest and destroy the source of these gems,” said Bardac with a smirk. As he turned to leave, he looked back to Niy'ka, “Head to the village. Let Twilight know where I have gone.” and without another word, Bardac jumped down the hole left behind by Rolph.

“Moron...” sighed Niy'ka as she slowly stood. A cascade of gems and coins rolled off her scaly back as she stretched out her aching muscles. “But, I suppose a walk will do me good. Girl needs some fresh air once every decade or so.”

Back at the village, inside the hut she slept in. Twilight was giving a rather sheepish looking Atlas a piece of her mind. “What do you mean you couldn't wake us up?” hissed Twilight, pacing back and forth in front of a line of diamond dogs. “Did you even try?”

Atlas rubbed the back of his head. “We tried! But it was near impossible, Bardac was impossible to gear near, swiping at anything that came too close and you... you were sleeping in an impenetrable bubble!” he said. It didn't matter how many times he tried, Twilight didn't seem to be listening.

“Why'd you even leave the village in the first place?” asked Twilight, her eyebrow raised and her wings rustling. “Besides, my bubble isn't sound proof you know. It just muffles the noise.”

“We didn't have time to stick around and figure out how it worked,” snapped Atlas, cracking the end of his walking stick on the ground. “I have a pack to protect. Some of whom are far less capable of looking after themselves than yourself or Bardac. When my scouts warned me of these two coming-” His paws gesturing to the two diamond dogs Bardac had left behind, who were now tied tightly to a large post, “-I couldn't risk the prospect of more coming.”

“Well isn't that just peachy,” huffed Twilight, “Where'd you go anyway?” she asked, changing the subject rather rapidly.

Atlas let out a long, slow sigh to calm himself down. “Not all of our village is above ground. We might not be living underneath anymore, but we still need what lies under the ground to survive,” he replied. “Gems are a critical part of our lives. They always will be.”

Twilight noticed that Atlas didn't quite answer the question, but didn't press the issue. However, there were still many more questions she wanted to ask. Just before she could, Twilight was sideswiped by an energetic pink blur.

“Twilight!” screamed the pink blur, “Found you found you found you!”

“Pinkie Pie!” exhaled Twilight, the wind knocked clean from her. “What are you doing here?”

“Silly,” snorted Pinkie Pie, completely ignoring the fact they were surrounded by diamond dogs. “Applejack was worried that you and Bardac were gone for so long. So asked Rainbow Dash and I to find you!”

Finally pulling off Pinkie Pie, Twilight asked, “Rainbow Dash is here as well?” She didn't ask how Pinkie Pie managed to find her. She'd learnt long ago to simply roll with whatever that crazy pink pony does.

“Hey! Get your paws off me!” growled a voice from outside. “I don't care if you've never seen a pegasus before! Those are MY wings!”

“Yup!” giggled Pinkie.

All Twilight could do was groan and smack her forehead with a hoof, “Just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse...” she muttered.

“Pinkie Pie? Rainbow Dash?” asked Atlas thoughtfully, scratching at his chin. “My my, I wondered why those names were familiar. Two of the six wielders of the elements of harmony. Pack! These two ponies are our guests,” he boomed. “Treat them well.”

Rainbow Dash appeared at the door to the hut, her wings looking distinctly ruffled. “So, care to explain to us why you're hanging about in the middle of a diamond dog pack?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Don't look at me! Blame Bardac, he's the one who decided to help. I had to come with him, I'm under Celestia's orders to keep an eye on him,” huffed Twilight.

“Where is Bardac anyway?” asked Pinkie Pie, darting about the village in her usual energetic fashion. “He's not in the village!”

“Last time I saw him, he was heading towards the cave of a dragon we encountered, Niy'ka,” said Twilight, sighing loudly. “I don't really have time to explain everything. Who knows what he's going to do next.”

“Maybe I could shed some light on the situation,” called a soft, rumbling voice.

“That sounded like... it couldn't be...” gasped Atlas as he raced outside as quickly as he could. “You!”

“Me,” replied Niy'ka. Her massive head looming above the village. “So, Bardac is his name. Dragonborn did sound like an unusual title...” she said, an air of curiosity in her voice. “You will find your Bardac underground. He shattered Rolph's shoulder then followed him underground into their labyrinthine of tunnels.” Niy'ka slowly emerged from the forest and clearing herself a spot with a single swipe of her tail, uprooting several dozen trees in the process, she settled down near the edge of the village. “Either way. I am here to... keep an eye on you, so he says.”

“He WHAT?!” exclaimed Twilight in disbelieve as she joined Atlas outside. “And you let him go? Are you trying to get him killed?”

Niy'ka shrugged, “He was quite insistent on going,” she said casually. “I'm sure he will be fine.”

Rainbow Dash leant over to Pinkie Pie and whispered, “Are... you following what's happening here?”

“Not a clue Dashie,” said Pinkie, scratching the side of her head. “Diamond dogs, dragons. I'm completely stumped.”

“Wait a minute...” groaned Twilight. “If Bardac's on his own inside those tunnels. It'll take him forever to find his way out! Even with that spell of his.”

Atlas looked towards his pack, a small smile gracing his lips. “Well then...” he said, “It is a good thing you have a diamond dog who knows those tunnels like the back of his paw. It shouldn't be too difficult to find him.”

“No need.”

The new voice startled them all and when they looked round, they saw a rather dusty and dirty Bardac standing near the edge of the forest. A squirming diamond dog grasped in his hand.

“Back so soon?” asked Niy'ka, her lips curling into a smirk, “Did you take care of that source already?”

“Bardac!” called out Pinkie Pie as she rushed towards him. Only to be stopped mid-air by the Nord's outstretched hand, dropping to the floor with a thud. “Ouch...”

Exhaling hard through his nose, Bardac tossed the diamond dog squirming in his hand over to Atlas and the others. “Tie it up with the others,” he said, watching as a few of the other diamond dogs from Atlas's pack did the job. He then reached down to help Pinkie back to her hooves. “Not much of a hugger. What are you...” he then noticed Rainbow Dash. “And Rainbow Dash doing here?”

“Applejack wanted us to make sure you weren't getting yourself into too much trouble,” answered Rainbow Dash, glancing up to Niy'ka. “But I think that ship's sailed. More importantly. What're you doing here?”

“To make a long story short,” said Bardac. “These diamond dogs asked for my help. So, I gave it. However, I fear we have walked into something a little bigger than a simple difference of views.” Reaching into the pouch hanging in the middle of his waist, Bardac pulled out a single claw the length of his hand and tossed it towards Twilight who caught it in her magical grasp. “I do not think it is just diamond dogs Rolph has control of.”

“That's a cragadile claw...” murmured Twilight, observing the claw from all angles before passing it over to Atlas's outstretched paw. “But what would a cragadile be doing inside diamond dog caves?”

“Stupid, mindless beasts they are,” sniffed Niy'ka. “You can't even eat them. Only use they have is giving me painful claws when I step on them by mistake.”

“That is two things it seems I cannot sample,” muttered Bardac, he sounded a little disappointed. “But... back to the matter at hand. My guess, he is using them to protect something.”

“Rolph always did have a way with those beasts,” said Atlas quietly, looking down at the claw he had grasped in his paw.

Bardac walked up to the edge of the nearest hut and sat down on the step. “I also learned something interesting while I was down there.” His finger rose, pointing at Atlas. “You trained him. Taught him to dig and to fight. You two also appear to have quite the history...”

Atlas sighed deeply, “We do... I owe you an apology Bardac. Truth be told... we do not live up here by choice. My pack and I were driven off two months ago. When Niy'ka found us and finally offered part of her land to us, we thought we could rebuild, try a new way of life. But, Rolph wasn't satisfied in simply driving us from our home. He wanted to finish the job.”

“Why though?” asked Twilight. “What happened?”

“Rolph blames me for the death of his father, Bruce,” replied Atlas sadly. “We were gathering gems near a gorge. It started to rain heavily, I suggested we head back but Bruce wanted to stay. He might have been the alpha, but he got his paws dirty like every other dog.” Atlas sat down, his paw covering his eyes. “The ground gave way. I tried to save him, but he was too heavy. We were both going down, got cut up pretty bad but...” He couldn't finish, tears welled up in the old diamond dog's eyes.

“He let go,” said Bardac quietly, his chin resting on bridged fingers. “Saved you, by sacrificing himself and when you returned without him. Wounded...”

“He thought you killed Bruce,” finished Twilight, putting two and two together.

Rainbow Dash glanced over to Atlas, “Heavy...” she whispered.

“Poor Atlas,” murmured Pinkie Pie, resisting the urge to give the old diamond dog a hug.

“He went mad. Chased me and who ever I knew out from the pack and above ground. This village doesn't even belong to us...” said Atlas, looking around the village. “When we found it, it was abandoned. Thankfully it was just the right size for us.”

Looking around, Rainbow Dash asked, “What happened to the previous owners.”

“Do you really need to ask?” said Niy'ka, a toothy smirk gracing her jaws. “Bunch of gryphon treasure hunters, one day they simply... didn't come back.”

“Eww!” squealed Pinkie Pie, sticking out her tongue.

“Oh be quiet,” sniffed Niy'ka. “They were annoying.”

“Still no excuse to eat them,” scolded Pinkie.

“Knock it off,” interrupted Bardac, his eyes held a stare that stopped both Pinkie and Niy'ka in their tracks. “Atlas, do you think you could guide me through those tunnels?”

“You're still not planning on facing him alone are you, Bardac?” asked Atlas. “He's the largest diamond dog I’ve known in many years… even larger than his father and he has the strength to match. I can't see you having an easy time...””

“Since when is anything we do easy,” muttered Twilight, looking away with a huff.

Bardac thought for a moment before getting to his feet. “If I can convince a dragoness to change their mind. I do not think it will take much to change Rolph's mind either. Even if I have to get a little... heavy handed,” he said, cracking his knuckles slightly.

“Not on your own you're not,” declared Twilight. “I've got a few choice words to say to that diamond dog myself.”

“Count me in!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“Me too!” added Pinkie Pie.

“As you wish,” said Bardac, he wasn't really in the mood to start another argument. “Are you ready Atlas? The sooner we leave, the better. The tunnel I came from is just beyond the trees.”

“Yes, I think that’s for the best. If you did break his shoulder, then he will be weakened. If he does fight and it's a good chance he will. We'll have the advantage,” agreed Atlas. Though just before they left, Atlas looked up to Niy'ka. “If all goes to plan. This will be the last you see of us. Thank you, for letting us stay.”

Niy'ka let out a deep snort, laying her head down on her massive claws, “Don't get yourselves killed now. That would be a crying shame,” she said with a long, exaggerated yawn.

“Come. I will lead us through the first tunnel,” said Bardac, looking down at Atlas. “But once we reach the end. I am relying on you, Atlas.”

“Of course,” answered Atlas as the group approached the narrow entrance to the tunnel beyond the tree lines. “Depending on how much he's extended the tunnel system by. It shouldn't take us more than a few hours to reach the main chamber.”

“A few hours?” groaned Rainbow Dash as she eyed the entrance. It was just large enough for a pony to stand in. “I get twitchy when I'm indoors for more than a few minutes! I know I said I'd tag along but... I really hate cramped spaces.”

Crouching low, Bardac entered first and ignoring the loud protests from Rainbow Dash, pressed on down the tunnel.

“What is that smell? Eww... it's like wet dog,” whispered Pinkie Pie after a few minutes, pinching the end of her nose.

“You'll get used to it,” chuckled Atlas quietly. “The ground here is perfect for digging, if not a little... damp.”

“Here I thought it smelled bad from the outside,” coughed Rainbow Dash, using her wing to cover her snout. “We almost out of this small tunnel?”

Bardac grumbled quietly, “Ofan zey mul... Almost, Rainbow Dash. Now will you please be quiet?” The last thing Bardac needed was to be swarmed by Rolph's pack in the confines of this cramped tunnel. However, as Bardac peered around a sharp bend in the tunnel, he saw the dull light of the candle lamp that hung in the adjoining tunnel. “Everyone, keep your eyes peeled… we do not want any nasty surprises.”

There was certainly no argument from the others as they followed Bardac through and finally out of the rest of the tunnel. The dull light from the candles lining the tunnel was a welcome sight and the walls were just tall enough that even Bardac could stretch out without bumping into anything. From then on, Atlas took the lead with Bardac following close behind. For almost an hour, not a word was spoken

“I've got a bad feeling about this,” mumbled Twilight suddenly as they rounded corner after endless corner. “Shouldn't we of run into at least a patrol or something? Not that I'm complaining.” Though the lack of diamond dogs was a worrying notion.

Atlas glanced over his shoulder. “Rolph must of pulled the patrols closer to the main chamber and his own private chamber after he got hurt. I wouldn't be surprised if he's got half the pack guarding his door, usually these tunnels are crawling with patrols,” he said. “Bardac, any ideas on what you're going to do once we reach Rolph?”

“Try gentle persuasion. Then if that does not work. Not so gentle persuasion,” replied Bardac dryly. “I cannot say I am in the mood for any funny business.”

“Do you even do gentle, Bardac?” asked Twilight, “So far all I've seen you do is slap a dragon and rush into things like a maniac.”

“Hush...” muttered Atlas, pointing further down the tunnel. “I hear something.”

The group went silent, listening and waiting.

“Rolph in foul mood... fed three to cragadiles already. Just for giving him wrong gems.”

“Three? I heard six. Patrol boring, but at least no risk of cragadile chow.”

“Seems you angered Rolph more than I thought,” whispered Atlas, glancing up at Bardac with a small sigh. “We need to put a stop to this before anymore diamond dogs are needlessly killed.”

“In hindsight... perhaps it was not the smartest idea to break his shoulder,” muttered Bardac quietly, rubbing between his eyes. “Damn it all. This is an unwanted turn of events. Who knows how many he has sentenced to death.” Bardac thought for a moment, his eyes closed and his arms crossed. “New plan. We need to get to Rolph as soon as possible.”

“And how do you propose we're going to do that?” asked Twilight, keeping her voice as quiet as she could. “We don't know how many patrols are in these tunnels and I'd rather not have to fight my way out.”

“Can't Atlas dig us some new tunnels?” suggested Rainbow Dash, glancing at the wall, “It doesn't seem that solid.”

Atlas shook his head and said, “Too much noise. That would be the quickest way to get the entire pack on top of us.”

Pinkie Pie leant against the tunnel wall, fanning her face with a hoof, “What ever we do, can we do it quick? I'm turning into a pinkie puddle.”

“So many spells at my disposal... but not a single one that could get us all through this tunnel undetected,” sighed Bardac. “My father always did say you cannot solve every problem with magic. Never thought he would actually be right... go figure.”

“Wait, haven't you got an invisibility spell?” asked Twilight.

“I do, but it only affects me,” replied Bardac. “I do not suppose you have a spell up your sleeve that would help?”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” said Twilight, smiling slightly. “Though... I haven't quite perfected it yet, so I don't know how long it'll last. As long as we stick close, I'll be able to keep a camouflaged barrier around us.”

“This isn't gonna hurt is it? I remember the last spell you tried out on us,” hissed Rainbow Dash. “I'm still picking quills out my flank.”

“You'll be perfectly fine. I've tried it with Spike a dozen times already. It's just a simple adjustment to the personal shield spell,” explained Twilight. “Now huddle up around Bardac, he's the largest. So he'll need to be in the centre. It'd be easier if he could carry us all. But that would... hey! Cold!”

“That would what?” asked Bardac, picking Twilight up underneath his arm. Atlas was already perched on top of his shoulders with Pinkie Pie clinging to his back. While a disgruntled Rainbow Dash was tucked underneath his other arm. “Shall we?”

Twilight blinked, then chuckled, “A little unorthodox, but I shouldn't really expect anything else from you. Alright, here we go.” Her horn erupted in a bright, shimmering light and for a split second, illuminated the entire tunnel. As quickly as the light came, it faded, leaving Twilight and the others bathed in a soft pink light. “Better hurry. I don't know how long this will last.”

Bardac looked around at the shield surrounding them, it was fairly narrow, but still extended further than he would of liked. “Best if I kept my distance from any patrols though,” he muttered before setting off. Twilight also didn't mention whether it blocked noise, so to be on the safe side, Bardac ran as quietly as he could while following Atlas's directions. Any doubts of Twilight's spell were quickly extinguished as he passed the third patrol of diamond dogs. “Are we close?”

“Almost,” replied Atlas. “Second left, then the third right. Straight on at the junction, then go right again.” At the speed Bardac was travelling, Atlas guessed they would be in the main chamber in less than ten minutes. “How are you faring? All four of us can’t be light.”

“I have carried heavier for longer, though not at such a pace,” replied Bardac. His breath getting just a little faster. “Do not worry, I will be fine.”

Pinkie Pie, who was renowned for her impeccable memory asked, “How are you able to remember all these turns?”

Atlas chuckled quietly, “When you've travelled these tunnels as long as I have. You could find your way in the dark. I'm just thankful he hasn't changed any of the-” Atlas yelped, almost flung from Bardac's shoulders as the Nord came to a sudden stop. “Bardac? Why'd you stop?”

A sickening splatter answered Atlas's question and as a green-faced Rainbow Dash groaned, Bardac said, “Better in one place, than an easily followed trail.”

“Not my fault you jiggle around so much,” coughed Rainbow Dash as she wiped her lips with her hoof, “It's like riding an old cart with a broken wheel.”

“Nords do not jiggle,” sniffed Bardac, he sounded almost insulted. Setting off once more, it was only a few more tunnels and bends until the soft pink glow surrounding them fizzled out. “I am not stopping. We better be close,” he hissed as they rounded another bend. Straight into a patrol of two diamond dogs.

“Coming through!” giggled Pinkie Pie as Bardac barrelled over both of the stunned diamond dogs, flattening them into the ground. “Ooh. That's gonna hurt.”

“Take the next left then at the end of the tunnel, you'll be the main chamber,” said Atlas, he couldn't help but wince while glancing back at his flattened brethren. “Try not to hurt them too much. Remember, they're not themselves...”

“I will keep that in mind,” replied Bardac, though before he turned the last bend, he stopped. “This is where you get off,” he said, lowering Twilight and Rainbow Dash down before helping Atlas off his shoulders. “Stay out of sight, chances are the main chamber is crawling with diamond dogs and cragadiles.”

“Bardac. The chamber is large, about an acre in size. There's nowhere to hide,” warned Atlas. “It’s never empty. You’ll probably running into half the pack, as well as who knows how many cragadiles.”

“What about you?” asked Pinkie Pie as she hopped down off Bardac's back. “You can't face a group of cragadiles and diamond dogs on your own.” But Bardac had already rounded the corner. Leaving Pinkie to look down at the ground, then to Twilight. “Oh no! Pinchy knee!”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash gulped loudly, only Atlas looked confused. “Pinchy knee? Is that so important to say now?” he asked.

“It's her Pinkie sense,” answered Twilight since Pinkie Pie was too busy glancing around the corner nervously. “It means something scary is about to happen. But why it's suddenly going off now I have no id—”

“ROLPH! SHOW YOURSELF!”

The force of Bardac's thunderous voice shook the tunnel from floor to roof. “...idea...” finished Twilight, her ears flat against her skull. “Please tell me he didn't.”

“He did,” said Rainbow Dash as she peered around the corner next to Pinkie Pie. “And... it gets worse.”

“Worse? How can it get any worse than that?” asked Twilight, though as she rounded the corner. She wished she never asked. “Buck...”

Lightning coursed around Bardac's body, crackling and arcing up the two shimmering ethereal swords he had grasped in his hands. He stood just a few feet from the entrance to the tunnel and any diamond dog that got too close was immediately repelled with a crack of lightning from Bardac's body, even the cragadiles seemed reluctant to get too close. “Do not make me ask again!”

“You!” hissed a voice as Rolph appeared after a few minutes, his massive stature appearing from one of the adjoining tunnels. His left arm and shoulder heavily bandaged and held in a sling. “How did you get in here!”

Bardac scowled, the lightning coursing around his body started to crack and fizzle violently, “I had a little help from an old friend of yours,” he replied. “I was planning on doing this peacefully. But when I heard you sentenced diamond dogs to their deaths for a simple mistake... I simply cannot stand by and allow that.”

“It isn't any of your concern what I do with my pack. A snap of my fingers and they'd all jump to their deaths,” retorted Rolph, leaning against a nearby cragadile. “They are a means to an end. An end I should of taken care of when I had the chance.”

“What end is that? Revenge for your father's death?” asked Bardac. “Atlas told me what happened, it was an accident.”

“I don't CARE what Atlas said!” roared Rolph, spit flying from his jaws. “Atlas had it in for my father since the day they met!”

“That's not true!” cried out Atlas as he ran out of the tunnel, “Bruce was a dear friend of mine! I never wished any harm on him!”

“You have no right to speak his name!” hissed Rolph and with one, enormous howl, the surrounding cragadiles started to close in. “But... while you're here.” he said, his voice quiet and cold. “You've made it all the more easier to dispose of you...” Rolph growled, “Kill them.”

“Any more bright ideas?” growled Atlas to Bardac, though when he looked up at the Nord, he saw Bardac smirking. “You have a plan, don't you.”

“Not so much a plan,” replied Bardac. “Just a little closer...” though this he murmured more to himself than to Atlas.

“Closer? You want them closer?” muttered Atlas, taking a few steps back down the tunnel he'd just rushed out of. “That's plenty close enough,” he hissed, eyeing the nearest cragadile barely five feet in front of him.

“It... has a fairly short range. I need to make sure this hits as many as possible,” said Bardac as he backed up a little, putting himself between Atlas and the two dozen diamond dogs and ten cragadiles bearing down on them. “That should be close enough. Hold onto your ears!”

“It? Wait! Bardac!” started Atlas, but when he heard Bardac inhale, his paws clasped tightly over his ears.

Deeper and deeper Bardac inhaled, his chest swelling with air until he couldn't hold anymore. Then, with an almighty roar that rocked the chamber to it's core, Bardac bellowed, “FAAS RU MAAR!” An almighty burst of blood red light erupted from Bardac, smashing into diamond dog and cragadile alike.

“Please tell me that did something other than a pretty light show,” groaned Atlas, glancing up at Bardac as though he'd gone mad.

“Just wait...” replied Bardac. Within seconds, the nearest diamond dogs started to shiver. Their expressions turning from anger, to utter terror. The longer they stood, the more diamond dogs seemed to be gripped by unrelenting terror. Some couldn't take it anymore and fled. After the first fled, It didn't take long for the chamber to empty of diamond dog and cragadile alike. Only those who stood out of range remained. “It will be a few minutes before they regain their senses.”

“What... was that?” muttered Atlas in awe, watching the chaos ensue in front of him.

“And the weak shall fear the thu'um, and flee in terror,” replied Bardac quietly. “Thu'um. The power of dragons.”

Rolph couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed. In just one attack, Bardac had turned a dozen of his pack and half of his best cragadiles into fleeing cowards. “Get back here! Get back here and kill him!”

It didn't take long for the power of the gems around the diamond dogs necks to take over from the terror they felt from Bardac's thu'um and within a couple of minutes, the chamber started to fill once again. It took even less time for the cragadiles to shake it off as well, though none of them looked particularly keen on going anywhere near Bardac.

“Bardac. I should have mentioned this earlier… but I could challenge Rolph to a fight for control of the pack,” said Atlas.

“You are just telling me this now?” hissed Bardac. “Either way… You do not deserve to die. No offence, but you do not stand a chance.”

“ Maybe so… but he is hurt. I could use that to my advantage. I simply cannot do nothing!” growled Atlas as he took a step towards the diamond dogs in front of him.

“Atlas! Don't! You'll be killed!” cried out Twilight as she appeared out of the tunnel with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie by her side. “

“Nice of you to come out when it was me in front,” grumbled Bardac.

You've proven you can look after yourself,” retorted Twilight before looking at Atlas, “There must be another way.”

Atlas sighed, smiling softly, “I caused this, it's only right if I end it. Who knows, maybe with his broken shoulder I might stand a chance.” Atlas squared himself before calling out to Rolph. “Rolph! I challenge you for the position of alpha!”

The chamber went deathly quiet except the occasional hiss from one of the cragadiles. “You just make this far too easy don’t you,” growled Rolph, his lips spread into a merciless smirk. “I won’t even break a sweat.”

This gave Bardac an idea. A rather stupid idea, but an idea none the less. “How about a slightly tougher opponent. Myself,” called out Bardac, his knuckles crunching against his palm loudly.

Atlas shook his head, “You need to be a diamond dog to demand such a challenge. No offence, but you hardly look canine.”

“First bit of truth that's ever came out of your maw, Atlas." spat Rolph, eyeing Bardac, “You wouldn't have a hope of winning anyway, it’s magic that makes you dangerous and without it, you wouldn’t stand a chance. This fight is without magical aid or weapons. You clearly need both. While I... I rule with strength alone!”

Bardac smirked, “Really?” he said. “I should warn you. It is not my magic, nor my weapons that make me dangerous...” As he spoke, his canine teeth started to grow past his bottom lip. The nails on the ends of his fingers started to thicken and curve while the thick, black hair on his arms started to spread. “Oh no... it is something far, far worse.”

“Pinchy knees...” Pinkie shivered.