The patrol flew all day, back the way they had come, stopping every now and then for a break. Twilightdawn and Orchidfeather were at each others throats since the idea to leave Anok had won. Lightdrop was pretty sure that if he had to listen to the two mares bicker for another moment, he would personally track down Ravenstrike, and ask him to deal with the pair. But even through Lightdrop was utterly annoyed by the two mares, he was also grateful to them, their arguing was distracting him from the pain he felt form loosing his father.

"Let's land there for the night." suggested Cliffstone, flicking his ears at a near by clearing.

"We can't stop now," protested Orchidfeather, "The longer we stay, the more likely it is that Ravenstrike will find us, and then we'll end up just like the others."

Twilightdawn snorted, "You are unbelievable, you know that?"

"Stop." ordered Bluestone, the stallion had been growing in confidence ever since he had been forced into the command position, "Cliffstone is right, we need to land for the night."

"But if we stop now we won be able to reach the coast till tomorrow." protested Orchidfeather.

"The coast will still be there tomorrow Orchidfeather," reasoned Bluestone, "We need a rest."

Orchidfeather rolled her eyes, but didn't complain when the patrol descended into the clearing. Lightdrop hoped that maybe after a good night's sleep, Orchidfeather would be less irritable, but he doubted it. In the time since the patrol had left Stone Herd to go on their scouting mission, Orchidfeather had been nothing but a storm cloud. She could ruin anything fun just by being there, and she could pick a fight with anyone over anything. Lightdrop wondered why she always seemed to be rubbing pegasi's fur the wrong way.

Before Lightdrop could pounder Orchidfeather's attitude any further, Twilightdawn trotted over to him. She wore a look on her face that told Lightdrop she was not in the mood for anything involving Orchidfeather. "How ya hold'en up? asked Twilightdawn, her tone of voice backing up her expression.

"Fine, I guess." answered Lightdrop.

"Okay," said Twilightdawn, "You were just pretty quiet today during the flight, and I thought something might be up."

Lightdrop sighed, "I guess I'm just tired that's all."

Twilightdawn nodded, "We're all tired." she admitted, "Let's get some sleep." Then in a much quieter voice she added, "If you have another dream, don't be afraid to wake me up."

And with that said, Twilightdawn fell asleep, but Lightdrop couldn't go to sleep quite yet. His mind was to busy thinking about Luckywish, and Stone Herd. There must be a way save them, thought Lightdrop.

~~~

Lightdrop's eyes opened, and he realized that he must be dreaming again, because he was back in the place he had met Luckywish the night before. He wondered what he was doing back in this place, but before he could do anything else he heard the whispering voice telling him to turn around again. But this time he didn't see Stone Herd pegasi, this time her saw Luckywish.

'Oh thank goodness.' said the white mare, 'I wasn't sure I could summon you here a second time.'

'What do you mean?' asked Lightdrop.

'Now is not the time for questions.' answered Luckywish, 'Last night I called you here to show you your herd, but tonight I have brought you here to tell you how to free them.'

Lightdrop gasped, 'How?'

'There is a stone, a very rare stone that is hidden beneath a tree in the heart of Anok.' said Luckywish, 'This stone neutralizes starfire. Use it on Ravenstrike, it will enable you to kill him. The only way to free your herd is to kill their captor.'

Lightdrop stared at Luckywish, not sure if her should believe her. 'But I can't go looking for this stone.' he said, 'We made the decision to leave Anok... for good.'

'What?' Luckywish looked confused, 'You are leaving?'

'Yes,' said Lightdrop, 'We had a vote.'

A look of desperation came into Luckywish's face, 'You have to convince everyone to stay, and look for the stone!'

'I can't do that.' said Lightdrop, he knew that he would never be able to convince anyone to stay ,if he himself didn't truly believe Luckywish.

'I sense you are doubting me but you have to trust me.' pleaded Luckywish.

Lightdrop looked at her, and something about the utterly despite look she gave him, made Lightdrop want to trust her. He sighed, 'I'll try.'

'Thank you.' said Luckywish. Then, like the night before, her image flickered, and then she disappeared.