//------------------------------// // El Partador de la Muerte // Story: The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires // by Fateful Pony //------------------------------// Ice Breaker boarded the train to the Crystal Empire, and was due to be there within a couple of hours. He sat patiently and reviewed his plan. Hm… if she is always out in the open, the best way to draw her alone would be to take her child. Once I do away with Cadence, I can keep the child. Then when she becomes older, I can marry her off and create family ties that will surely help me gain a foothold in Equestria. The only complication is actually finding out where she keeps her. Most likely in her bedroom I’d wager. But the castle is far too high to climb, and since I’m unable to fly without making myself noticeable… maybe there’s another way I can do this. Perhaps I can throw my knife when she least expects it? Hmph, I’ll have this all figured out by the time I get there. --- At nine thirty o'clock, Ice Breaker left the train before it went to it’s next destination. Now, his hooves touched up the soil of the Crystal Empire. Might as well topple the biggest target first. Two princesses in one. He advanced towards the castle, the towering spike of shined crystal shined in the daylight. The scene seemed all too happy considering what was going to happen. He put on his hood, then hid in a bush. He began to scope out the exterior. Extra guards on duty. Their posts seem to be more populated than usual. I should be able to walk right on in though. The problem is getting to the restricted areas, like her bedroom. He walked into the castle with no issues, and Cadence was sitting on her throne as usual, bearing her child. “Welcome to the castle! Are you new here?” “I’m quite familiar with the place.” He said, hiding his scorn for the simple fact that she was a mare. “I see. Well, enjoy your stay. This is a royal party you walked into! There’s plenty of food on the tables for you to enjoy. May I get your name?” “El Partador de la Muerte.” “Exotic name. Where were you born?” “Trottingham.” “Really? Well, I wouldn’t expect a name like that from there. Glad to meet you! I’ll just call you Muerte for short.” “If you like.” “Well, go socialize! I have some things to wrap up before I tend to the guests. Have fun!” Her baby tried to reach out to him before they left, presumably upstairs. Thanks to my minor knowledge in spanish. Now, she’s going somewhere private. If I tail her, I might be able to find a less exposed area to kill her. And I got a spell for her kid that will keep her quiet. With a swift movement of his cape, he disappeared and reappeared onto the scaffolding just below the ceiling. He took care to balance on the boards as he made his way to the other side of the room, a window just before him leading into the hallway that was to lead to a series of rooms, then the eventual staircase to lead upstairs. He carefully opened the stained glass window, taking caution to ensure nobody saw him. Once he entered the next room, he continued he sneaking on the scaffolding. Cadence was happily making her way down the hallway, flanked by two guard captains, counting Shining Armor. I should kill him too. He could threaten my royalty since he is married to Cadence. Ice Breaker readied his throwing knife. He aimed for Cadence’s neck, and from behind, if thrown hard enough, could result in a near-instant death. “Shining? Was it really necessary to tighten up security around here?” Cadence asked. “Yeah. Equestria’s been getting dangerous lately. We gotta stay on top of things.” “True.” The second Shining Armor looked away, A knife was plunged through her neck. He struggled for air, but fell down to her knees, gripping her throat. Then, her breathing ceased. “Cadence…? Cadence!!” When he looked up, he saw a hooded figure jump down from the scaffold, then pierced his neck with his hidden blade, killing him instantly. The captain drew his sword, but was killed immediately. Ice Breaker grabbed the blade and the scabbard, thinking it to be useful later. He retrieved his knife, and looked over to see Flurry Heart crying in despair. “In fact, she’s too young to threaten my royalty. Dead weight.” He smashed through the window and made his daring escape. Quick and easy. By the time they notice they’re dead, I’ll be long gone. He galloped to the train station to take him to Canterlot before word got around of his recent killings. If he tarried around longer, the stations would be put on lockdown until the murderer was spotted, and considering his assassinations were quite easy this time, he didn’t need any complications. That was almost too easy! I hope Celestia and Luna are more serious about their security!