Aldus dashed across the shrinking platforms as the mass of shadows closed in on him. He turned around and fired beams of magic into it, but the mass kept coming, completely unphased. The platforms ran out ahead as he reached the end. Two tentacles shot out from the blackness and seized him around his legs and stomach. He used what little magic still in his reserves to get free, only to be grappled by five more writhing appendages. They dragged him down into the blackness where he was tossed about like a toy by an angry child. His vision blurred as he was constricted further. Below him a set of green eyes opened in the blackness, they seemed to spread across the entire void. A face emerged along with them, it was his. Aldus stared in horror at his own saddened, ravaged face.

“No!” he screamed, trying in vain to get free.

The face turned into a combination of Luna and another black alicorn, then into something else. It was only for a second, but to Aldus it seemed avian. A gryphon? Regardless, the creature’s cavernous maw opened wide as is dropped Aldus into it. He slid across the creature’s tongue being coated in saliva as yet more tentacles coiled around him, this time pulling him further and further down into nothingness.

“NOOO!!!” Aldus screamed sitting bolt upright in his bed. He was covered in a cold sweat. He surveyed the room, empty and quiet. With slow laborious breaths Aldus climbed out of bed and entered the hallway to the washroom. That was a nightmare, a genuine terrifying nightmare. What's worse, it was the third one he’d experienced since coming to the Silver Isles. It was his struggle with Selene in the prison. He was consumed by her at one point, utterly and completely. Aldus entered the washroom and splashed water on his face.

Selene isn’t here now, she won’t be back for a while yet. Why am I having these terrors? I need answers.

--------------

Ciaran opened her eyes and twitched her ears. She definitely heard a scream. One of the courtiers must have had a bad dream. Ciaran started to move when she realized she was being restrained. Frost had wrapped his hooves around her neck and was drooling on her carapace. She giggled to herself and returned to her previous sleeping position. Frost was out cold, snoring lightly. He muttered something and snuggled closer to her, causing Ciaran to feel latent motherly instincts. Changeling princesses were mothers to many offspring both directly and indirectly. She had to admit, she enjoyed the feeling of caring for a little one. It gave her purpose. Purpose that she could take pride in.

She nuzzled Frost and laced her voice with magic. “Frosty... what are you dreaming about?”

The colt let out a peaceful sigh and kicked his legs. Ciaran took notice and grinned. Her magic was barely having an effect. It was subtle, like an encouraging friend, coaxing and reassuring. “I’m... running.” he muttered.

The changeling giggled, enjoying the harmless fun. “Oh? Why are you running?”

“Mom is in danger...” he muttered in a slightly more panicked tone.

Ciaran frowned and realized his dream might not be good after all. The last thing she wanted was to perpetuate that. “Wake up, Frosty.” she cooed while igniting the smallest amount of magic from her jagged horn. “It’s time to get up.”

Frost’s eyes glowed a faint violent, obeying the changeling’s horn. He yawned and opened his eyes to be greeted by a grinning set of teeth and fangs. “Ciaran? So I did sleep here last night.”

“Mhm,” The changeling nodded. “Sleep well?”

Frost stretched and let out another yawn, he did actually feel good. “Yeah, I did. Wait... what did you do to me?”

“Me?” Ciaran asked innocently, “Whatever do you mean?”

Frost jumped off the bed and ran to a mirror, sure enough there were faint violet rings in his eyes. He ran back to the bed and pointed a hoof at himself. “How do you explain these?”

The changeling grinned, “You said I couldn’t make you sleep without looking you in the eyes. It would appear I have other ways...”

Frost stomped to the edge of the bed and shook his head to get rid of the magic, “I’m getting real tired of being a changeling’s plaything.”

Ciaran ignited her horn and began to exert influence on Frost with the miniscule amount of magic that remained. “Don’t turn around.”

“What?” Frost asked as he started to turn, only to be zapped by a tiny bolt of magic. “Ow! What was that for?!”

“Don’t turn around.” Ciaran repeated.

Frost stared at the wall in front of him and wondered what Ciaran was talking about. Then he tried to turn around again. Strange, what was happening? Frost sat on his haunches and locked his eyes on the wall. Something in his mind was telling him to turn around. It was giving him reassuring feelings, like when he slept beside Iris and when Selene embraced him with her mane. He shook his head and tried to force a wall of emotions between the voices and his will. It was working. The voices were fading.

“Frosty...”

Ciaran shattered the walls instantly and empowered the voices. They crawled into his mind, assaulting his senses and willpower. They were telling him everything he wanted to hear, promising him pleasure, all he needed to do was listen. Frost visualized the struggle in his mind, he had to do something, he had to think. If the voices wanted him to be happy, he'd be the opposite. Would that work? Frost thought about things that made him angry. The ponies he met on the streets, everypony who had ever picked on Pyrite, the guards that broke his legs, the gang that broke into his house that night.

The voices were silenced. Frost stood resolute on the edge of the bed breathing heavily.

“Very clever, Frosty.” Ciaran cooed from behind him. “You’re doing it, you’re resisting my magic.”

“I knew I could do it. Your magic is different than Silth’s.” Frost said, sounding a little confident.

“Oh? How is that?” Ciaran asked, now intrigued.

“It’s... more subtle, more welcoming. I think it’s less forceful, but harder to resist. What else you got?”

Ciaran chuckled, “Let’s try this...”

A wiry tail ran up Frost’s back sending shivers down his spine. The tuft wrapped around his forehead and turned him around. Iris leaned against the bedpost with her wings splayed out on the pillows. She grinned at him and extended a claw, beckoning him to come forward with a single talon.

“W-What is this?” Frost stammered.

“This is step two of the test,” Ciaran said in her normal voice, “Don’t you want to come cuddle with your little marefriend?”

Frost noticed her eyes were beginning to glow violet, he blinked and looked away. “Not going to work, Ciaran.”

“But Frosty, it’s me...” she said, mimicking Iris’ voice perfectly. “I’m your friend... who just happens to be a beautiful gryphon with a desire for cute blue unicorns.” She giggled. “Come lay down with me.”

Frost shook his head and threw the tail away. He was going to jump off the bed but the tail caught him again, this time around the stomach. It dragged him into the claws of the gryphon. He clenched his eyes shut and refused to look. “Not going to happen, Ciaran.”

“Ciaran’s not here,” Iris said with a playful giggle, “It’s just you... and me...”

She lifted off the bed with a few flaps of her wings and sat down again with Frost in her lap. He refused to open his eyes until she extended her wings and began tickling his sides. Frost glanced up at Iris and was instantly assaulted by purple spirals. He didn’t have time to erect any mental barriers before his own eyes mirrored the gryphon’s. Something pinged inside Frost’s mind as slipped calmly into a trance.

Ciaran reverted back to her changeling form and placed Frost at the center of the bed. “Hmm... well, it’s a start.” she said with a chuckle. “You stay here and don’t run off. I’ll freshen up, then make you some breakfast before we leave. Okay?”

Frost smiled and nodded, “Foooood.”

“Good boy,” Ciaran giggled as she disappeared into the bathroom.

--------------

A few hours later, Iris stirred from her slumber and stretched her wings with a large yawn. She leaned against the mass of feathers with sigh, remembering falling asleep in Black Star’s embrace. Her protector had done what she asked and remained with her the whole night. His wings were folded around her protectively. Iris smiled and gently pushed two of the wings aside, allowing her to see the daylight. The small gryphon turned around in his claws and stood on her hind legs. Doing so put her at eye level with her protector. Iris nuzzled her beak affectionately into his neck. In response, Black Star’s third eye opened and he smiled.

“Hello, Iris. Sleep well?”

The gryphon princess sighed and wrapped her arms around his massive neck. “I did, thank you for staying with me, Black Star. I needed that.”

“It’s my duty, Iris. If you ever need anything, you have but to ask.”

Iris grinned, “Well, it just so happens I want something right now.”

Black Star’s other two eyes opened as Iris relinquished her embrace, but still stood in his claws. “What is that?”

“I want to merge, I want to feel that sensation again.”

Black Star frowned and sat the diminutive princess down in front of him. He then stood at his full height and spread all four wings. “Iris, I have no problem doing this with you, but it’s just for your protection.”

“I know,” Iris squeaked, “And I enjoy the feeling of being protected by you. It makes me feel strong, a feeling I’ll need in the future.”

“Be that as it may, remember that you’re a talented gryphon. You have skills and abilities of your own without my intervention.” Black Star said.

“Yeah yeah, I know. What are you my second mentor now?” Iris asked with a chuckle while turning away and crossing her arms.

“Perhaps I am, one can never have too many sources of learning.”

“Sheesh. You even sound like him, too.” Iris mumbled.

Black Star snaked his three tails forward and wrapped them around Iris’ stomach and under her shoulders. He lifted her into the air with a chuckle, “Good, another gryphon you can tell me about. I can’t wait to learn about him.”

Iris laughed as Black Star tickled her belly with one of the tails. Slowly she was pressed against his chest as it gave way and transformed. Iris took a breath as she was absorbed into the gryphon. A likely unnecessary action, but a reflex nonetheless. Iris closed her eyes as the light of the room faded away to utter darkness. When she felt the presence of Black Star all around her, she opened her eyes and was treated to the same sensation as last time. Heightened senses and a vast amount of energy.

“Ahh... this feels great!” Iris said as she stretched her four wings and neck. She moved to a mirror and marveled at the new look. It was the same as Black Star’s gryphon form, except smaller. “Oh yes, I like this. I like this very much!”

“I aim to please. It’s a form befitting a princess, I think.” Black Star spoke within Iris’ mind.

She laughed and crossed her arms while floating in the void. “I think you’re right, but don’t start calling me Princess Iris. I’m just a gryphon, a gryphon exile to be more precise.”

“As you say... princess.” Black Star said with a chuckle.

Iris rolled her eyes and flew over to the door leading outside. She opened it and stepped out to be greeted by a soft morning breeze. “Ahh, lets go flying Black Star.”

“You’re driving, Iris. I’m just here to make sure nothing goes wrong...” Black Star said while warming the gryphon in reassurance.

Iris grinned and took to the skies. She faltered a bit at first, not accustomed to the heavier body. But after a while, she was flying just like before. She flew higher and higher into the sky, noting that her extra pair of wings granted a considerable amount of lift. As she circled around the building, Iris spotted a spec on the ground. A light blue spec.

Iris’ face almost split in half with a grin. Frost was sitting at the edge of a pond close to the middle of the island. The gryphon took advantage of her enhanced vision and saw that he had his eyes closed. He appeared to be meditating. Iris was aware of this. Frost had mentioned that Polaris and Aldus were teaching him methods of controlling his magic reserves.

“Iris... leave the poor colt alone, he’s concentrating.” Black Star said.

Iris wondered if it was because he could read her thoughts while merged, or if he just knew her too well. “You’re no fun, Black Star.” Iris chuckled while circling high above the colt.

“He came to see you last night, you know.” 

Iris stopped mid air and looked down, her heart fluttering. “Really? How come? I mean... what did he want?”

“He wanted to make sure you were okay after the fight inside the painting. I offered him a place beside you and was going to link his dreamscape with yours. He was still on edge, and left after knowing you were safe with me.”

Iris felt tears start to sting her eyes, he wanted to make sure she was okay after a battle. What would have happened if Black Star hadn’t been there? He really cared about her.

“Are you alright Iris? You’re crying.” Black Star said as his presence came forward to Iris in the void.

“I’m fine, it’s-  it’s the wind at this high altitude.” The gryphon wiped her tears away and smiled down at her light blue friend. She only pulled pranks on the ones she cared about most, and now, Frost was going to be graced with her first ever prank in the merged form.

Iris flew over to the edge of the pond and banked into a steep dive. She righted herself at the edge and rocketed across the water toward Frost. She flapped all four wings furiously building to ludicrous speed, all while just above the water’s surface.

Frost opened one eye and screeched like a filly upon seeing the four winged gryphon about to crash into him. He fell on his back as she zoomed just over his head and flew straight up. He sighed and returned to his meditating position only to find a tidal wave of water rushing to greet him.

Frost charged his horn and spread his forehooves in a wide arc, gradually freezing the wave just before it crashed to shore. He then sat on his haunches and admired the glistening wall of water.

“Nice try, Iris. But you’ll have to do better tha- HEY!! PUT ME DOWN!! DON’T YOU DO IT!! IRIS!”

The gryphon had landed silently behind Frost and grabbed him in one of her large claws. She nuzzles him briefly before winding up and hurling him into the middle of the pond. Frost sailed through the air yelling curses before landing at the center with an enormous splash.

Iris fell over laughing on the bank while Frost floated at the center of the pond with a scowl on his face. Black Star admonished Iris for her tricks, but it had little effect on her. The unicorn froze the water in a circle around him and climbed out of the pond. He then froze a path back to shore and trotted over to Iris who was still laughing.

“Oh c’mon, Frosty. That was funny.” Iris said while still laying on her back.

“Har har har, yes. Very funny,” Frost grumbled as he shook his head to get the water out of his ears. “So this is your form with Black Star, I’m guessing?”

Iris sat up and smiled brightly, “Mhm, what do you think?”

Frost had to admit she looked the picture of an apex gryphon. Sleek frame with four powerful wings, and the three tails moving about were intriguing to say the least. Not to mention she was quite imposing, at least twice her normal size, which was still larger than Frost.

“I think you look amazing,” Frost said, “I wouldn’t want to mess with you.”

Iris grinned down at him, “No, no you wouldn’t.”

“I have to get back to the cottage, I’m leaving to see the princess later today.”

Iris grinned and scooped up Frost in her claws and took off toward the cottage, “You should probably get washed up after your little swim.” she said with a chuckle. “Oh, and Frost. Thanks for coming to check on me last night. I’m glad you did.”

“Anything for a friend, Iris.” Frost said as they touched down at the cottage.

Iris relinquished her merged form and trotted inside with Frost.

“Princess, I really must protest.” came a voice from the dining room.

Frost’s heart stopped for a few seconds, the princess was here? Iris stopped him with a claw and beckoned him to lean against the wall with her. They listened on intently as the conversation continued.

“Aldus, I know how you feel about this matter, but I feel it will be necessary to bring him back into the fold. I sense we will need him for the matters lurking on the horizon.”

“Luna, Thule is reckless, dangerous. He barely listened to me during the war. He’s more of a problem than anything.”

“Polaris,” Luna said. “You brought Thule and his Sarosians to our side before, they were a great asset. Can it be done again?”

“Yes, Princess. He will join us, or else.” Polaris said with deathly calm.

“Excellent. I will be arriving in the Silver Isles in a few days. I look forward to seeing you all and the children. I know you can handle this Aldus, farewell.”

“Goodbye, Luna.” Aldus said while turning the lights back on.

Frost looked at Iris and motioned for her to move back as hoofsteps were heard leaving the dining room.

“I can’t even believe that insufferable mongrel is still alive,” Aldus practically spat. “To think, he escaped imprisonment and is still in power over several courts of his people.”

“He always proved resourceful when guided properly.” Polaris stated as they stopped in front of the dining hall.

Frost could hear Aldus pacing anxiously. “Oh yes, Pol. ‘guided properly’ like from the tip of your sword?”

“When necessary,” Polaris replied, “His pride drove him there, nothing else.”

“Yes,” Aldus admitted. “And his powers no doubt granted him the longevity to survive this long. A gift from the bloodline of Saros herself.”

“I’m certain he’s aged, Aldy. Though how much I cannot say. I’ll leave tonight, and I won’t be going alone.”

“Oh certainly, I’m sure Rigel and Marigold wouldn’t mind accompanying you.” Aldus said.

“I’m not talking about them,” Polaris said, “Pyrite will be coming with me.”

Iris bumped into Frost when she heard that. Frost calmed her down and held a hoof to his face, indicating silence.

“What?” Aldus asked. “I don’t think so, not in a million years. Marigold and Selene would have my flank if they knew he went with you to Thule’s fortress. Not to mention poor Ruby would want to come, too.”

“Luna wishes to have the colt trained after the incident with gryphon priest. I’ll be able to get to know the lad while we travel. He’ll be safe with me, and Andromeda will still be with him.”

“Sometimes I think Luna enjoys torturing me like this.” Aldus said.

Frost peaked around the corner with Iris leaning on his back. He saw Polaris put a hoof around his friend to comfort him. “I know Thule used to scare you back then, none of us ever liked him. But he performed admirably at the tasks he was given, and was a skilled warrior. He won’t do anything while I’m here, Aldy.”

“Scared? That was then, this is now, Polaris. I brought down a comet and killed ten thousand ponies or more. I faced down the sun princess herself. My magic has grown considerably. If that mongrel so much as steps out of line once, I’ll turn him inside out. Luna can reprimand me later.” Aldus said while his eyes radiated green magic.

“It won’t come to that, Aldus. Maybe he’s changed?” Polaris said.

“Yeah, maybe he has, and maybe the first alicorn will appear right now and kiss me.” Aldus said with a groan. “And maybe my apprentice should stop eavesdropping like a nosey little spy.”

Frost froze when he heard that, only to be shaken out of it by Iris pulling him close with a wing and giggling.

“Just get ready, we’re leaving for Silver Crown Citadel within the hour, and there is much I need to instruct you on before you go meeting with Desalia. Oh, and Iris, Rigel was looking for you earlier. Something about flying to the neighboring islands.”

Iris flapped her wings happily and jumped for joy. She went to leave, but stopped and turned to Frost. She blushed and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you when you get back, okay?”

Frost blushed in return and nodded, watching her fly down the hallway.

-------------------

After boarding the airship and flying directly to the palace grounds, Frost was listening to Aldus instruct him on the decorum in which he would address the princess. Being from the streets, Frost found it amusing how many senseless customs were to be taken into account when simply greeting another pony, princess or not.

Aldus sighed heavily and nodded, “I think you’ll survive. Princess Desalia shouldn’t be in a killing mood this late in the day. But you never know.”

“How mad do you think she’ll be?” Frost asked.

“Oh, I don’t know...” Aldus said while waving a hoof from his spot on the bench of the airship, “You only let loose a changeling that came very close to conquering this entire kingdom. And you’re my student.”

“What does me being your student have to do with anything?” Frost inquired.

“Well, I may have... coerced the princess into a position that she found uncomfortable.” Aldus said.

“You blackmailed her?!” Frost yelled. “Oh, that’s just great.”

The airship lurched to a halt and docked to nearby tower as two guards stepped aboard to escort them to the princess. “Frost, I think it’ll be best if you just don’t mention me at all.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Frost said with a groan as he exited the ship and followed the guards.

The trip to the palace was short and Aldus soon found himself in front of the Princesses’ chambers with Frost. There was commotion from inside the room as Desalia could be heard voicing her displeasure about something.

“Anything else I should know?” Frost asked, more than a little nervous.

“Well, there is one thing...” Aldus began.

The doors to Desalia’s chambers flung open and Aldus’ eyes bulged. “You’ll be fine Frost I’ve prepared you enough, bye!” he disappeared in a flash of light just as two silver guard officers hurried out of the room.

“Princess, the colt who’s staying with the Canterlot ponies is here.”

“Alright, send him in.”

The guards motioned for Frost to step inside, and closed the doors behind him.

Princess Desalia stood in front of a massive mirror and appeared to be enthralled in whatever she was doing. At least a minute passed before she acknowledged Frost’s presence at all. Typical royalty upper crust, Frost thought. But Aldus instructed him to not speak unless spoken to.

Eventually Desalia turned around and regarded the colt. “Hmph, scrawny thing, aren’t you?”

“Er.. yes, princess.” Frost stated while bowing deeply.

Desalia laughed and smiled at the colt, “Really now? ‘Yes princess?’ I just insulted you and that’s how you take it?”

“Um... Yes?” Frost answered.

“Yes?” Desalia asked.

“I mean, no.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Yes, no?”

“Yes, no that’s not how I take it.” Frost said, now confused.

Princess Desalia threw back her head in laughter and fell onto her haunches. “Oh you’re a cutie, young one. I like you. Come here, please.”

Frost trotted forward and stood in front of the alicorn princess. She was a large mare, possibly even larger than Celestia. Her mane was laced with jewelry and her regalia was the brightest silver Frost had ever seen.

“You don’t like me, do you?” Deslia asked.

Frost hesitated, not wanting to fall into a trap. “I don’t know what you mean.” he said, trying to stay neutral for as long as possible.

Desalia smiled, her demeanor changed from the stoic rigidity of a ruler to just a mare with a lot of weight on her shoulders. Frost could recognize the difference. He couldn’t miss it for the world, his own mother used to wear the same expression. A fragile outward facade of happiness.

“We can continue this game, or we can dispense with the pleasantries and conduct discourse unhindered. It’s up to you. But I’m offering you a chance to ignore all the advice your master has undoubtedly told you about how to act around me. Just be yourself. What is your name, young one?”

“It’s... Frost, your majesty.” he answered, bowing his head slightly.

Desalia sat down on all fours in front of the colt and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Frost. Now, you don’t like me. Can I ask why?”

“It’s not you, Princess. Not just you. I don’t like the upper class in pony society.”

“Were you from one of the poorer classes of Equestria?” she asked.

“The poorest. My father died when I was young, leaving only my mother and myself. She was a waitress at a filthy bar in the city. She also might have done... other things to get some money. I don’t know.”

“I see,” Desalia said. “But that doesn’t explain why you don’t like the upper class.”

“One night a bunch of thugs broke into our house and took my mother away, she said everything would be fine and that she’d be back. That was the last I saw of her. I later found out that the thugs were connected to a wealthy family in Manehatten. It was because of them I lost my mother and ended up on the streets.”

“Then you have every reason to hate and be suspicious of upper class ponies and royalty, don’t you?” Desalia said. “I’m not going to baby you and apologize for something I had nothing to do with. You deserve more respect than that, Frost. I can tell you are bright unicorn.”

“Thank you, princess. But I’m here to answer for my crimes. I’d appreciate it if we could get to that.” Frost said, gaining some courage.

Desalia smiled. “Indeed, Frost. Normally such a crime would be death, with an added bonus of torture for freeing such a dangerous criminal. But I’m not about to sentence that to a child. I assume you know the gravity of what you have done, and are sorry?”

“Yes, princess. It was random happenstance that lead to the situation in the first place. I assure you it was beyond my control...”

“Well, that’s good enough for me, Frost. But you’re still not off the hook.”

“I’m not?” Frost asked, his heart plummeting.

“No,” Desalia smiled, “Not just yet. There are three tasks I want you to complete. After that, we’re even and you are forgiven in the eyes of the Silver Isles.”

“Okay,” Frost said, “What are these tasks?”

The princess levitated over three tiaras, each adorned with different colored gems and designs. “Which one of these would look best at the upcoming wedding? I’m thinking this one, with black inlay and green gems.”

Frost couldn’t believe it, was she serious or just toying with him? “Well, princess. I think the dark blue one with the gold gems looks better.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

“Well, it’s just that everything around here is silver. Gold is nice, too. Isn’t it? I think the dark blue of the tiara with gold gems would compliment the darker parts of your mane. At least, I would like that.” Frost said with a shrug.

“Interesting... my mane has been appearing darker in certain places, it’s true. Perfect. I love it. Thank you, Frost. Your first task is complete.”

“Well that was easy,” Frost said, “What’s the second task?”

Princess Desalia smirked and levitated Frost to sit beside her. She gently draped a wing around him and pulled him close to her side. “I have many daughters, Frost...”

Frost’s face went white as a ghost. He could see it, she wanted to wed him to one of her daughters. That was to be his punishment. Princess Deslia burst out laughing and nuzzled Frost’s mane. “I know what you’re thinking, don’t worry, I’m not that desperate to marry off all of my daughters.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” Frost said before covering his mouth with a hoof, causing Desalia to laugh and giggle further.

The princess levitated over a picture of a beautiful young mare with artificial silver flowers in her mane and a flowing silver dress. “This is Orianna, one of my more... troublesome daughters.”

“She’s very pretty,” Frost said.

“Oh don’t let her appearance fool you, Frost. She’s nothing but trouble, which brings me to your second task. Two days ago Orianna was traveling with some of her sisters and ran off. I don’t know why, but I assume it has something to do with helping the poor.” Frost looked up at her and raised an eyebrow. “She seems to think I don’t do enough for them in some parts of the Isles, there is only so much I can do.” Desalia said. “She’s been gone for two days. I thought she was just messing around and trying to make me angry, but now I’m starting to get worried. I’ve sent the guards to look for her, and you’re going to help. With your knowledge of the poorer classes and streets, you likely possess knowledge some guards do not, and are thus an asset.”

“I can do that, princess. I’ll tell Aldus right away so-”

“There will be no help from Aldus or his courtiers, Frost. This is your task and yours alone. Besides, the last thing I need are a bunch of powerful ponies running around the slums tearing the place apart looking for my daughter. I’m sure she’s alright, for now. The quicker you find her, the quicker it stays that way.”

“As you wish, Princess.” Frost said.

He moved to get up but Desalia’s wing forced him back down. “I’m sorry about your mother, Frost. It’s a shame when good ponies die. Perform well here, and not only will you be absolved of your crimes, but I’ll personally reward you for your actions. Run along now.”

Frost got up and quickly exited the princesses chambers and trotted down the hallway. As soon as he rounded the corner Aldus popped out of thin air beside him. “How did it go? When is your execution?”

“Very funny, Aldus.” Frost droned.

“Seriously, so then everything is fine?”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Frost said, “I have to go to the southern islands to look for Desalia’s missing daughter. The guards are already there trying to find her, and I’m supposed to help, it’s the second task out of three I must complete in order to be pardoned.”

“I see,” Aldus said, “How can I help?”

“You can’t” Frost said, “Desalia has forbid it.”

“She would do something like that. You can tell me all about it on our ride back to Pythia.”

----------------

Iris flew around the halls of the cottage looking for a certain blue unicorn. She eventually found him in his room looking at a picture in his dresser. He put it away and shut it upon realizing she was standing in the doorway. She noticed he had saddlebags on and was preparing to leave.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I have to go to the southern islands.” Frost said while he zipped one bag shut. “Orders from the princess.”

“What did she tell you to do?”

“Apparently the princess’ daughter has gone missing and I have to help find her.” Frost said while he walked to the door. He was stopped by one of Iris’ wings.

“Oh, alright.Then I’m coming with you.” Iris said.

“No, you’re not.” Frost said, “I’m supposed to do this alone. I can’t have any help from the courtiers.”

“Well I’m not a courtier,” Iris said as she leaned against Frost and draped a wing around him, “I can be a help, Frosty. You know that.”

“I don’t want you to get hurt, Iris. It might be dangerous.”

Iris twitched an eyebrow and immediately tackled Frost to the ground and had him in a submission hold she’d learned from Kathe. “I can take care of myself.”

“Okay, okay...” Frost relented with a bit of laughter, “You can come.”

Iris smiled and lifted Frost off the ground. “When do we leave?”

“Right now. We’re going to look around before it gets dark.”

-------------------

As the sun was setting, Frost and Iris arrived on the main southern Island. These were the poorer locations of the Silver Isles. Often the most beautiful, yet they did not have the lavish structures and citizens in the north. Instead, these islands were home to several other races. Frost saw some buffalo, a few other gryphons, some earth ponies, and zebras. There were even a few goats and donkeys that tended to shops around the main bazaar.

“Stay close to me, Iris.” Frost said as they strolled around the perimeter. “I’m surprised Rigel let you come with me, isn’t he worried?”

Iris smiled and shook her head, “Nah, he trusts me. I’m a big gryphon, Frosty. Aldus and Rigel told me to make sure you didn’t do anything too stupid.”

“Of course they did. Wait, what?”

Iris giggled and nuzzled Frost affectionately, “Don’t worry about... oh matriarch, what’s that smell?” Iris asked. She fluttered into the air and saw a gryphon cooking fresh meat with vegetables. He had kabobs propped up on a tray for sale. “I’m starving. I’ll be right back, Frost!”

“Whatever,” Frost muttered to himself. He waited a while and observed the surroundings while Iris waited her turn in line. There were plenty of shady characters around here, and something was off. Frost just couldn’t put his hoof on it. Then, the alicorn goddess blessed Frost with luck. In the corner of an alley near the edge of the bazaar. A zebra colt rummaged through some sacks, tossing away some items while keeping others. It was the same colt who stole his saddlebags and caused him to fall down the drain and meet Silth.

Iris fluttered over to Frost with her beak stuffed with meat. “Here you go, Frosty. I got some for you, too. Don’t worry, yours just has vegetables with cheese. They’re really good.”

“Iris! Do you know how amazing this is?!” Frost asked in a hushed tone, cupping her face with his hooves.

“The meat is surprisingly good, I admit. A bit more burnt than what I’m used to. Back home Kathe would sometimes prepare-”

“Not the meat you bundle of feathers!” Frost practically spat, “Look over there!”

Frost turned her head to the zebra colt, still rummaging through his sacks. “It’s a zebra...” Iris said with a shrug.

“Not just a zebra, the zebra!”

“Frosty, why’re you this excited over a zebra colt? Am I not exotic enough for you?” Iris asked with a pout of disappointment.

Frost flushed the brightest shade of red before double facehoofing. “That’s the zebra that took my stuff! Don’t you remember? He’s the reason I’m in this mess in the first place!”

“Oh yeah, I guess that is him.” Iris admitted while taking another bite from the kabob. “What’re you gonna do?”

“I’m gonna kick his flank, you just watch.” Frost said while starting to trot over to the alley.

“Ok, Frosty. Ok.” Iris said with an amused chuckle as she followed behind him.

Frost approached the alley from the side and counted to three, then teleported right in front of the zebra colt. The colt was surprised and backed up into the wall. Frost grabbed him by the neck and teleported both them to the other wall and materialized, slamming the colt into it.

“Hey asshole, remember me?” Frost asked before slamming his hoof into the colt’s face.

The zebra quickly got over his shock and headbutted Frost, staggering him. He then turned around and bucked him in the jaw before running off. Frost fell to the ground and cursed before shooting a bolt of ice at the zebra, it hit him in the flank, but he kept running anyway.

Iris touched down next to Frost with a kabob sticking out of her beak, “You’re really not good at this, are you?”

Frost growled and slammed his hoof into the ground, “Just get him!!”

Iris shook her head and took off. The zebra had rounded the corner into the next alley when a claw wrapped around his midsection and another around his muzzle to prevent him from screaming. Iris flew to the top of one of the three story buildings bordering the alley and hovered above the roof.

Frost teleported to the top and snarled at the zebra. “Nowhere to run now, stripes. Let him down Iris so I can freeze him solid.”

The Zebra mumbled something in Iris’ grasp as he kicked and struggled. Iris was a great deal larger than the colt, so his struggling didn’t amount to much. “I don’t think so, Frost.” Iris said with a shake of her head. She leaned forward and looked the zebra in the eye. “I’m going to let you go, Frost isn’t going to hurt you. You’re three stories off the ground and theres nowhere to run. You’re not going to scream, understand?”

The zebra nodded and looked at Frost, who appeared ready to explode. Iris fluttered to the ground and let the zebra go. The colt took few breaths before staring at Frost, “How did you find me?”

“I didn’t find you, I wasn’t looking. I just happened to see you in that alley while my marefriend and I were passing through.”

“Oooo!!! Marefriend?!” Iris squealed  while cupping her claws to her cheeks. Her eyes practically sparkled with joy, “D’aww Frosty!!”

“Anyway...” Frost said through gritted teeth, “Why did you steal my stuff? I want it back!”

“Well, you can’t have it back, I don’t have it anymore.” the zebra said with a shrug.

“Why not?” Frost asked.

“I sold it, alright? Look, you caught me fair and square. You can have all the bits on me, okay? Then can you let me go?”

“Why did you steal it in the first place?” Iris asked, “And what’s your name?”

“My name is Denova,” the zebra colt replied. “I need the money to help my sister, she’s in trouble.”

“Oh such a noble cause,” Frost scoffed, “Why should I believe you?”

“It’s the truth you stupid unicorn, my sister was taken when we first arrived here. The Arrowheads have her.”

“The Arrowheads?” Iris asked.

“They’re the local gang. They take homeless and helpless foals off the street and force them to work in their shops and factories. That’s where they took Sohara, I know it.”

Frost paused, “You didn’t go to the guards?”

“Half the guards around here are corrupt, they look the other way all the time!” Denova said, holding back tears, “I just want my sister back, you have to believe me!”

Iris trotted over to Denova and embraced him in a comforting hug, “We understand, and we forgive you, don’t we Frost?” she asked while glaring at him.

“So why were you trying to steal money? What did that have to do with saving your sister?” Frost asked.

“One of their gang leaders, a captain. He said they had Sohara, and if I wanted her back I’d have to pay for her. I didn’t know what else to do. It’s just me and Sohara, we don’t have anypony else. Our parents sacrificed everything so we could start a new life here!”

“You do realize that after you gave them the money they would have taken you too, right?” Frost asked which putting a hoof to his forehead in concentration.

“No! Scratch said he’d let her go!” Denova said.

Frost looked down at the bazaar and thought about the situation, then it hit him. It all made sense. “Denova, have you seen this filly?” Frost asked while showing him a picture of Orianna.

“No, why?” he asked while wiping tears away.

“Just wondered. Iris, I think I know where she is.”

“I think I know, too.” Iris agreed with a frown.

“C’mon, Denova,” Frost said motioning him to follow, “You’re gonna help us find this filly, and we might just get your sister back in the process.”

--------------

As the Night laid across the skies of the Silver Isles, Iris stayed with Denova while Frost made a few rounds around the bazaar. Eventually he made his way over to a shady looking pegasus colt playing dice near a food cart.

“You know where I can get some information ‘round here, feathers?” he asked with a smirk.

“Information? That’s a valuable commodity ‘round these parts, pixie dust. Let’s see some shinies before we go talkin’ like we’re friends.”

Frost produced a bag of bits and shook them in front of the pegasus before tossing them on the ground.

The pegasus grinned and nodded, “So whatcha wanna know?”

“Have you seen this filly in the past few days?” Frost asked, after showing him Orianna’s picture.

“I have, the Arrowheads took her a few nights back. Filly didn’t stand a chance, looked upper crust to me. Maybe she ran away from home? Bet she’s regretting’ that decision now, eh?” the pegasus said with a laugh.

“Thanks for the info, I’ll see ya around.” Frost said while turning to leave.

“Watch yourself out there, pixie dust.” the pegasus called from behind.

Frost returned to Iris and Denova and shook his head. “It’s just as I thought, they have her, too.”

“Shoot,” Iris said while slamming the ground with a balled up claw. “What do we do now?”

“You’re not gonna like it,” Frost said to Iris and Denova.

“What?” both asked.

“We’re going to get taken, probably tonight.”

“What?!” Denova shouted, “How will that possibly help?”

Frost calmed him down and looked at Iris, who seemed calm, but dubious of Frost’s intent. “Listen, that pegasus who sold me that info is a spotter for the gang. He was eyeing an earth pony stallion a few times when we were talking. I’m guessing he’s the one who marks their targets and then they get taken in the night. It’s probably what happened to Orianna and Sohara. I’m sure we’ll be taken too since I asked questions about Orianna and where she was. Now we just have to wait.”

“What do we do when we get in there?” Iris asked.

Frost smirked, “Then we improvise, I’m thinking this up as I go, Iris.”

“Great,” Denova said, settling into a sleeping bag, “I hope you’re right about this, Frost.”

-------------

Later that night, Iris instructed Black Star not to intervene, no matter what happened. Merging with him would be disastrous to their plan and they’d never find the two foals. A little after midnight, each foal drifted off to sleep as two figures closed in on them from the end of the alley. Iris felt a large hand clasp down on her beak while a belt was tied around her wings and stomach, pinning them against her. A black bag was forced over her head and tied shut while the same was done to Denova. Frost was gagged immediately while a ring was fixed to his horn. All three foals were tossed into a sack and slung over the shoulder of a massive bipedal creature, then the alley was silent once more.