Coltyn picked up a paper before heading to his office. The front page had a sideline dedicated to the new advisor’s background. It wasn’t too long but basically gave the general information on where he lived and that he was not trained under a school. What did set him a little on edge was the fact that she asked for any information available due to lack of evidence. “She is persistent,” he muttered, shaking his head, returning to his suite.

Coltyn was going to sit in on Luna’s Night Court that night, so he decided to take the afternoon off and catch up on some reading and maybe take a nap. He was relaxing when somepony knocked on his door. Looking through the peep hole, he opened the door, “Welcome, Princess Wintra.” Thunder Snow stepped inside, Coltyn closing the door, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I know that you will be up late with Luna attending her court, so I thought I should come by and get some training in before you must leave for the night.”

“Of course,” Coltyn smiled, retrieving the lesson book from his saddle bag. “Let’s see,” he hummed, looking through the book. “Protection and shields, this will be our next focus.”

Thunder Snow nodded, “I’m ready.”

Coltyn explained how to summon a protective barrier and the basics of continuous spells. Thunder Snow worked on the casting but was only able to create a small shield. But as they continued she was able to summon the shield bubble but it wasn’t able to take a hit without collapsing. She snorted, a little frustrated but pleased.

“I’ll have to keep working on this. This kind of spell is a lot harder than levitation and other quick spells,” Thunder Snow said, looking towards the sunset. “I think you should be getting ready for your time with Princess Luna.”

Seeing the sun setting, Coltyn nodded. “Yes, it’s going to be a long night.”

“I’ll see you in the morning, maybe get breakfast?” Thunder Snow asked.

“That would be wonderful,” Coltyn smiled, walking her to the door.

“I’ll meet you in the Royal Guard’s dining room, if that’s alright?”

Coltyn nodded, turning back into the room to gather his bag before setting off. His walk to Luna’s Court room was nothing like the castle during the day. It was quiet and somber with the occasional guard making his rounds. The door to the chamber was emblazoned with stars and the moon in its four major positions. Opening the door, the room was decorated in deep blues and violets with the moonlight shining in giving a calming ambiance. Princess Luna sat upon her dais, eyes closed, beneath a banner adorned with her cutie mark. Coltyn approached the princess, noticing that she was flanked by her bat-winged guardponies. She was in a trance, walking the dreamscape of one or more sleeping ponies.

“Greetings Coltyn,” Luna said, her eyes slowly opening. “I’m glad to have you here.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Coltyn bowed, “it’s an honor.”

“There isn’t much happening tonight. Many had questions for my sister and I will not answer them in her place.”

“So, if I may, what do you do on nights like this?”

Luna smiled brightly. “I wander the dreamscape, dispersing nightmares and keeping watch over dreams. But of course, there might be an unexpected commotion that requires attention but usually nothing that can’t be handled.”

“Well I don’t think I can help much in the dreamscape,” Coltyn admitted. “But I will help in any way I can.”

“Well in that case,” Luna said, grabbing something with her magic. “Would you like to help me learn this game better?” Luna set an elegantly crafted checkered board down and set up the chess pieces. “My sister tells me that it was developed shortly after my exile and was a big hit.”

“I remember. I bought one because it had a little figure of you, something to keep you close to me, I guess,” Coltyn said, setting up the white pieces. “I learned the rules but I never actually played the game.”

“Well then shall we have a try at it,” Luna smiled, placing the black princess on the white square.

“It would be an honor,” he said, grabbing a pawn and moving it two spaces forward.

The night wore on as the two continued their game. Coltyn was falling behind and had his princess on the run before getting cornered.

“Checkmate,” Luna said, triumphantly.

Coltyn sighed, smiling as he reached out to knock over his princess with his hoof. Just then, a guard came through the door. The two unicorns brought in an earth pony Coltyn recognized as the reporter from before, Truth Seeker.

“Your highness, we caught her in the royal carriage house, trying to enter Advisor Coltyn’s cart.”

Luna looked down at the mare. “What do you think you would have found by illegally entering his cart?”

“The truth,” Truth Seeker stated plainly. “He’s hiding something and I want to know why.”

“My poor little pony,” Luna shook her head, “sometimes you should trust our judgment. He isn’t hiding anything.”

“With all due respect your majesty, I’d rather hear it from him.”

Coltyn sighed, turning to Luna. “I’ll take care of this.” Luna looked at him a little shocked but nodded. “Please, let’s return to my cart. I will be able to better answer your questions there,” Coltyn offered, proceeding to the door. The guards turned to follow but Luna bid them stay.

The two proceeded down to the royal carriage lot and stopped in front of Coltyn’s cart. Without turning Coltyn asked, “Why do you persist in this goal?”

“Unraveling mysteries is my forte and I think that the world should know the true nature of those who lead,” Truth Seeker smirked. “But for you I made an exception.”

Coltyn turned, looking quizzically at her as a slight pain hit his neck. He quickly grabbed the object that hit him and noticed it was a dart before the room started spinning. “What’s going on?” He asked falling to the ground. He tried to focus, get to his feet, but his body felt boneless as he lay on the floor. He looked around as two cloaked figures emerged. His ears began to ring, making it hard to hear what was happening. He saw one of the figures extend a claw out holding a pouch that Truth Seeker took with green magic and saw them arguing but he couldn’t make out what. The pony left as the cloaked figure turned to Coltyn and pulled a cloth from a small jar and placed it over his muzzle. The vile smelling cloth caused his eyes to roll back in his head and the world to go black.

***

Princess Wintra Thunder Snow arrived early to the dining hall, hoping to spend some time with Coltyn. She had gotten her food and sat down where she could easily see when he came in. She slowly picked at her food staring intently at the entry way. The morning guard rotation came in, ate their meals and headed off to start their day, while she continued to wait. When the night watch began to enter she cleared her table and with quiet fury made her way to Coltyn’s office.

She knocked on the door and without waiting for a response opened the door with her magic. She looked around and didn’t find him anywhere and the office looked like it hadn’t been touched since the previous night. ‘Maybe he went to rest and just fell asleep.’ She rationalized, closing the door and heading to his suite.

She knocked and waited and when no answer or commotion came from the other side she tried the door, only to find it locked. She called one of the unicorn guards who passed by to unlock the door for her. The guard complied, unlocked the door, and continued his round. She opened the door and proceeded to search the room. The suite looked like nopony had been here, the bed was still made and a few dishes were in the sink. Now she was starting to worry. “Where in Equestria are you?” She snorted in frustration. Locking and closing the door, she made her way to the royal carriage house.

She approached the carriage house, opened the door, and looking at the ground in front of Coltyn’s cart her eyes widened. She quickly called her guards who came running. “Nopony gets in or leaves this area,” She instructed. The guards saluted and took their watch over the scene as Thunder Snow took wing to inform the Princesses.

Thunder Snow landed on a balcony closes to where the princesses had their dawn meal. Quickly navigating the halls she came to the door where the princesses were and without knocking entered the room. They turned, shocked to see Thunder Snow.

“I apologize for the interruption,” Thunder Snow said quickly. “But there is an urgent problem. Coltyn is missing.”

“Are you sure?” Luna asked, guiltily.

“Yes,” Thunder Snow nodded. “There was an imprint of some type of magic in the Royal Carriage house.”

“Please take us there,” Celestia asked. “We need to get to the bottom of this quickly.”

“I need to know what happened before he disappeared,” Thunder said, leading the princesses to the carriage house.

“Late last night my guards brought in Truth Seeker. She was trying to break into his cart,” Luna informed her sister and niece, the three of them approaching the carriage house.

Thunder Snow turned to the guard. “Bring Truth Seeker in for questioning.” The guard saluted and with a quick nod the two went to find her. “Was there anything else?”

Luna shook her head. “The rest of the night was uneventful.”

Thunder Snow nodded, opening the door and began to take a closer look at the scene. As she carefully walked around the area she noticed several details.

“It looks like he was led here, where two winged ponies waited in the dark rafters. Wait,” Thunder Snow looked closer at a print in the dirt, “griffons?”

“What would griffons want with Coltyn?” Celestia pondered.

“I might have some insight on this,” Luna said. “But we must talk in private.”

“Of course,” Thunder Snow nodded. “My primary concern at the moment is finding out how they escaped.”

“I’m not sure,” Celestia said. “But if I know my student, she will have the answer quickly.”

Thunder Snow nodded as they left to talk in private.

***

“Ugh,” Coltyn groaned, trying to open his eyes. “What happened?” He voiced, trying to move. “Why can’t I move?”

“That’s probably the muscle relaxer,” an old ragged voice answered, “and with the amount of potions they inject you with I’ll bet your horn won’t work ether.”

“Where am I?” Coltyn asked, trying to turn to the voice.

“A place that makes Tartarus sound like heaven,” the voice chuckled. “Welcome to Flock Prison.”

“Flock Prison?” Coltyn asked surprised, turning his body to see where the voice was coming from. “In griffon country?”

“None other,” an old greyed out griffon acknowledged, stepping into the light of the single torch that lit the hall. “Awful long ways from home aren’t you.”

“How long have I been here?”

“I’d guess about half a day, you were brought in late last night.”

‘How did I get here that quickly? It’s a three day journey even for a pegasus.’ Coltyn thought, as he heard the door from down the hall open.

“Play dead and you might live another day,” the old griffon said before disappearing back into the shadows.

Coltyn took the old bird’s advice and lay motionless on the floor, drawing slow steady breaths. He could hear the guards taking.

“Why is this prisoner so important?” A young female voice asked.

“Look newbie,” an older male voice answered. “It’s our job is to keep these wastes of space contained and if the head of a clan tells you they’re dangerous, listen. Do as you’re told and you’ll do alright, now give this thing his shot and let’s go.”

Coltyn waited and felt the prick on his neck. The injection burned fiercely but he managed to not move and draw attention to himself. After a short while the door in the distance closed allowing Coltyn to grunt in pain.

“So I got to ask before you pass out, why are you here?”

Coltyn turned his head, his eyes groggy. “I don’t know.” Coltyn’s eyes rolled back into his head and passed out.

***

“That might be a factor in this,” Luna finished, recalling what Coltyn told her of the night he lost control.

“I never thought he would be so vicious,” Thunder said, shocked by the less graphic description Luna offered. “Still that was a long time ago and we need to find him.”

Celestia and Luna nodded as a knock came at the door. The guard opened the door and Twilight led Spike into the chamber.

“What’s the emergency?” Twilight asked.

“Coltyn is missing and the abductors used magic to get away,” Celestia informed. “I need you to find out what you can about how they escaped.”

Twilight thought for a moment. “I’ll need to do a little research, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Very well,” Celestia smiled. “You’ll have all resources available to you. Please hurry, time is crucial.”

Twilight began to dictate to Spike a list of things she would need. Twilight turned to leave as a guard entered. “Truth Seeker is waiting for you, Captain.”

“Thank you,” Thunder Snow said, dismissing the guard. “I’ll keep you apprised of our progress.” Thunder Snow stood and left the chamber and headed to the interrogation room.

Thunder Snow entered the watch room which had a special glass that allowed ponies to see through one side but the other, and also had a camouflaged section that allowed the conversation to be heard in the room.

“Has she said or done anything suspicious?” Thunder Snow asked a guard.

“No, Captain,” he shook his head. “She was found at the Canterlot Chronicle. She looked groggy and tired as if she was up late.”

Thunder Snow nodded and entered the room. “Have a late night did we?”

Truth Seeker looked up at the princess. “What am I doing here? I’ve got work to finish.” She said rubbing her head.

Thunder Snow looked over the lethargic earth pony. “What were you doing last night?”

“I was working late trying to get through the sudden flood of mail I got regarding the new advisor. I got some coffee to help stave off sleep. I don’t even remember falling asleep. I woke up just as your guards collected me and brought me here.”

Thunder Snow rubbed her muzzle. “Is there anypony who could confirm your claim?”

“Yes, the night janitor, Clean Sweep, came by to empty my garbage can.”

“Very well,” Thunder Snow said, standing up. “We’ll have to confirm with him that your story is accurate, but until then we will have to keep you here.” Thunder Snow informed as she left the room.

“Find Clean Sweep and bring him in. We need to confirm if she’s being truthful.” The guard saluted, turned, and left. Thunder Snow sighed, “Coltyn, where are you?”

***

Coltyn slowly began to regain consciousness. “Ugh, my flank burns,” Coltyn voiced, feeling a dull pain.

“Welcome back,” the old bird squawked. “So what’s the story with you and The Black Claw Clan?”

“Black Claw Clan?” Coltyn asked, still regaining his senses.

“Nasty bunch if you ask me. But you seemed to have a past with their leader’s ancestor.”

“I do?” Coltyn asked confused, turning to see the old bird.

“Yep,” he nodded. “Burned off your star design and gave you that nice muzzle harness.”

Coltyn reached up and touched his face, leather straps wrapped around his muzzle, up between his eyes, around his horn, and fastened behind his head. His hoof touched the locking device and was given a shock.

“Oh yeah, don’t touch that. Gives you a nasty shock and I think that one must prevent the use of magic, too.”

“What makes you think that old crow?” Coltyn snarled, rubbing his hoof.

“The fact that you didn’t get any more injections, I wouldn’t be surprised if they hauled you out to the coliseum so you can be torn to bits for their amusement.”

“Great,” Coltyn snorted, feeling a rumble in his stomach. “I doubt that they feed us here.”

A loud snap was heard above, a shriek, and the sound of something hitting the floor in the old birds cell. “No, but the pest traps dump into the cells.” The old bird walked over and brought a dead owl back to the edge of his cell. “Want some?” He offered.

“No thanks, we ponies are vegetarians.” Coltyn politely refused, hearing another snap before something fell into his cell.

“Well then you might die of starvation. No plants grow down here.”

Coltyn snorted in frustration before hearing the door down the hall open. His cell mate disappeared and he closed his eyes and lay motionless except for controlling his breathing. He heard two griffons walking toward him, coming to a stop right behind him.

“Get up!” A male voice shrieked.

Coltyn lay still hoping they would leave but the sudden shock to his horn caused him to convulse and scream in pain.

“Get up!”

Coltyn complied, lightly putting weight on his hind legs that still stung from the branding. He looked through the bars seeing a middle-age griffon, brown body and wings and greying feathers on his head with a scar over his left eye, and a younger female griffon, deep amber body and wings with black tips on her wing feathers with red accents on her head.

“What’s your name?” The male asked.

“Why am I here?” Coltyn replied.

The griffon glared at Coltyn, before pulling out a controller and pressing a button. The button activated Coltyn’s muzzle sending a jolt through his horn, causing his legs to buckle.

“I ask the questions,” the male said. “What’s your name?”

“Coltyn,” he answered, getting back on his hooves.

The male pressed the button again, causing Coltyn to fall on his side from the jolt.

“Your full name,” the griffon stated.

Coltyn groaned as he pushed himself back onto his hooves, again. “Coltyn Pendragon.”

Coltyn noticed that the female seemed uncomfortable with the situation as she notated his answers.

“What do you eat?” The male asked.

“What all equines eat,” Coltyn started, but was interrupted by another jolt to his horn.

“I’m not in the mood to play games. Just answer the question,” the male snarled.

“Hay, oats, flowers, sweet grasses, and so on,” Coltyn replied from is back.

The male nodded and turned to leave as Coltyn got back on his hooves and let out a frustrated snort. The male stopped and glared at Coltyn before pressing the button with his claw and not letting go.

“I’m being nice and finding out what you eat so you don’t die of starvation,” the male grumbled. Coltyn thrashed on the floor screaming as his horn was assaulted by the electric jolts. “The least you could do is appreciate it.” The male let go of the button, Coltyn lay on the ground twitching and gasping for air.

“I’m sorry for Warden Ironbeak’s behavior,” the female apologized.

“Maria,” Ironbeak bellowed. She quickly ran to catch up and shortly after Coltyn heard the door close.

“Are you descended from the Pendragon who brought about the end of the war a thousand years ago?” The old griffon asked.

“I think,” Coltyn groaned, “I recall something like that.”

“Now it all makes sense.”

“What makes sense?” Coltyn asked confused.

“The reason you’re here. Black Claw’s ancestor was killed by a unicorn named Pendragon and their family has wanted revenge ever since.”

“What else do you know?”

“That’s it. Basic history, we aren’t allowed to forget; but I’m sure you’ll get more details soon.”

Coltyn shifted uncomfortably. “I’m not sure I want to find out.”

***

Thunder Snow was taking down some notes on what Truth Seeker said when somepony knocked.

“Come in,” Thunder Snow welcomed.

“We found Clean Sweep,” a guard announced, entering the room. “Although I doubt that he will be of aid in this investigation.”

“Why do you say that?” Thunder Snow asked, dreading the answer.

“We found him bound and gagged in his closet,” the guard informed.

“I see. Well he may be able to lead us to the pony that actually was there that night.”

The guard nodded as the two left and made their way to the interrogation room. Inside the room sat a grey earth pony nervously looking around. Thunder Snow entered and slowly approached the pony.

“You’re Clean Sweep, correct?” Thunder Snow asked.

“You’re one of them, aren’t you?” Clean Sweep exclaimed, backing away from Thunder Snow. “Please don’t hurt me.” He cowered in the corner, trying to hide from Thunder Snow.

“It’s ok,” Thunder Snow said, trying to comfort the panicked pony. “Nopony is going to hurt you.”

“You’re with them,” he shouted, before curling up in the corner. “I don’t want to die,” he whimpered.

“Nopony is going to hurt you,” Thunder Snow assured. “But we need your help. Somepony has abducted the new advisor, Coltyn.” Clean Sweep looked up to Thunder Snow. “I need your help. I need to know who hurt you because I’m thinking that they are one and the same.”

“I can’t. They’ll kill me if I tell.”

“I promise that we’ll protect you, but I need you to tell me who did this.”

Clean Sweep thought for a minute before turning to Thunder Snow. “It was a black pony-like creature with sharp pointy,” he shuddered, “fangs and horn with insect like wings.”

“A changeling? Are you sure?”

Clean Sweep nodded.

“Was it acting alone?”

He tightened his posture, shaking his head. “There were others.”

“Please, tell me what you can remember about them.”

“I didn’t see their faces.”

“Anything you can remember will be helpful,” Thunder Snow pleaded.

“One of them had claws like an eagle; he was the one who blindfolded me.”

“Was it just the two of them?”

“There were three voices, but all I recall is that one spoke with the air of a noble. All he said was that if I talked I wouldn’t see the next dawn.” He curled up tight. “That’s all I know.”

“Thank you. I will arrange for your protection immediately.” Thunder Snow left and informed her guard to gather three others to watch over Clean Sweep. The guard saluted and left as Thunder Snow stood in the watch room, keeping an eye on him. The guard returned with three others and was ordered to have two inside the room and two out guarding the door.

Thunder Snow made her way to Celestia’s meeting chamber. Approaching the chamber, she arrived as Prince Blueblood was leaving. He gave a slight bow, accompanied by a small, mocking grin, to which Thunder Snow nodded, continuing into the chamber. ‘I’ve never liked him,’ she thought. “Princess Celestia, I have an update.”

“What have you learned?” Celestia asked, curious.

“It seems that a changeling was the one who tricked Coltyn into walking into the ambush.”

“That is disturbing news.”

“Well it wasn’t working alone. My initial discovery was right; a griffon is involved. But there also seems to be somepony among the nobility who may have also had a hoof in this.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, “What makes you think that?”

“Clean Sweep said that he heard a male voice that had a noble accent.”

“Well that doesn’t help narrow the search very much,” Celestia stated as Twilight entered.

“I have my report on the scene,” Twilight announced. “It seems that there was a basic levitation spell cast and a teleportation spell. Two beings teleported but one was not like the pattern left by unicorn teleportation. The pattern was similar to the changeling’s magic, but the method the griffon used eludes me.”

“I see,” Thunder Snow said. “With your permission, Princess, I believe we need to find this changeling and find out who’s behind this.”

“Of course, but please be careful,” Celestia nodded.

“I’m going with her,” Twilight said firmly.

The princesses looked at her, shocked. Thunder Snow shook her head, arguing, “No, I won’t risk your safety. It’s too dangerous and I will not risk a civilian’s life.”

“You’ll need my help, Princess Wintra, or more specifically my magic,” Twilight stated plainly. Thunder Snow raised her brow. “Changelings feed off the emotion of love. But a text Spike found mentioned that their fangs can be used to drain the essence of a being. I can cast a spell shielding our emotions from them, and two horns are better than one.”

Thunder Snow turned to Celestia. “I don’t want to endanger her,” Thunder Snow argued.

“Unfortunately she’s right,” Celestia sighed. “Please make all haste to find Coltyn.”

Thunder Snow and Twilight bowed, turned, and left the hall.

“I thought it was going to be harder to convince you,” Twilight said, trying to break the tension.

“Normally it would be, however I’ve begun to realize that I can’t solve every problem by myself,” Thunder Snow stated, making their way to the carriage house. “I’m realizing why your brother asked me to join him on so many missions. Gather what you need and meet me at the Carriage house in half an hour.”

Twilight nodded and went to gather her supplies. Thunder Snow did the same as she put together a bag with some rations, a small bag of bits, and her new throwing daggers. She attached the holder to the inside of her bag to conceal them, and wanting to test her pull, she reached and grabbed one with her magic and threw it at the wall. The butt of the dagger hit the wall as it fell to the floor. ‘Well at least it pulls smoothly without hurting me,’ she thought, lifting the blade and sheathing it before heading to meet Twilight.

Thunder Snow approached Twilight, standing outside the carriage house. Twilight sighed, “This will feel weird. I’m going to shield our thoughts and emotions so the changelings can’t feed off them. I’ve traced the line of the changeling’s teleport and it went a long way. We’ll have to do it in sections.”

Thunder Snow nodded, “Whenever you’re ready.”

Twilight nodded and closed her eyes. Her horn glowed as she wrapped their hearts in her magic. Thunder Snow felt the spell seal away her happy and joyful thoughts. The only thing she felt was the need to complete the mission. When she finished the spell, Twilight opened her eyes, which were empty and seemingly lifeless.

“Let’s go,” Twilight said, dully.

Thunder Snow nodded as they were enveloped in purple magic and flashed away.

***

Coltyn sat in his cell, close to the bars, conserving his energy and pondering a way to regain access to his magic. He softly knocked the lock against the wall only to be given a slight jolt.

“Well smashing the lock won’t work without giving me a serious headache,” Coltyn sighed, frustrated, hearing the door open.

Coltyn looked down the hall and saw Maria carrying something on her back. She stopped, grasped a rod in one claw, and the cell keys in the other. “Please stand back,” she ordered, trying to sound authoritative.

Coltyn complied and moved to the back of the cell. She opened the door, placed a tray with some grass clippings and dandelions down, and locked the door.

“You don’t have the personality for this,” Coltyn commented, approaching the tray.

She stopped and turned to Coltyn. “What makes you think that? I’ve been doing this for almost a year.”

“I saw the look on your face while your boss was talking to me,” Coltyn explained. “You should be doing something better with your life then watching over prisoners.”

Maria looked away. “You may have that luxury but I don’t. I’ve got to become more like my father, strong, fearless.”

“You mean heartless,” he said flatly, taking a small bite from the tray.

Maria looked at him with raised brow. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, sharply.

Coltyn swallowed, hesitated a moment, choosing his words carefully. “It’s a lesson from the past. Wrath and revenge brings nothing but suffering and hardship.” Maria stood there, looking thoughtful as his words turned in her head. “It’s disheartening to learn that your clan has suffered for so many years, but I can’t change the past. But maybe together we can work for a better future.”

“Easy for you to say,” Maria scoffed. “You don’t have to watch fellow griffons suffer and starve because of poor harvests and lack of game.”

“I’m sure there are others out there that would be willing to help.”

“That’s not how it’s done.”

“Are you satisfied with how your clan is taking care of its members?”

“Well…” Maria trailed off.

“I’m offering you my friendship, and hope to change your clan’s situation,” Coltyn smiled, extending a hoof.

“Friendship is weak,” Maria stated coldly.

“I’ve seen friendship do amazing things and what’s the harm of trying?” He asked gently. He waited as Maria seemed to contemplate his words. With a tilt of his head, he urged, “Nothing will change unless someone tries.”

She didn’t say anything but extended her claw and shook his hoof. His warm smile sparked a cautious smile in return, which quickly faded when the door down the hall opened. Maria quickly retracted her claw and turned to leave Warden Ironbeak called.

“What have I told you about conversing with the scum?”

“To not to,” Maria recited, lowering her head.

“You know the punishment for disobedience.”

Nothing else was said; Coltyn strained his ears then heard the crack of a whip on flesh. The whip cracked twice more as the faint whimpers from Maria cut at his heart. His glare down the hall was soon met by a pair of old, angry eyes. The Warden came over to Coltyn’s cell and presented the control for his muzzle.

“You are nothing but trouble,” He stated, pressing the button. Coltyn tried to fight it but the pain overwhelmed him, causing him to thrash on the ground. “I would have ended you long ago but his Lordship has something special planned for you.” Warden Ironbeak let go of the button and left the hall.

Coltyn gasped for air, hearing the griffon in the next cell call out. “You’re in major trouble now. Once Warden tells on you, you’ll die and I’d bet my wings in a grand way.”

“What happens to me isn’t important,” Coltyn stated, regaining his hooves. “It’s her that will set in motion the change that your country desperately needs.”