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The Assassination of Princess Celestia

by Yoni

Chapter 1: Times of contempt [edited]


Times of contempt

When talking to fresh recruits entering the royal service, the imperial legate Augustus Swiftwings always told them that a good legionary is only as good as his arms and armor. A soldier must be quick, witty, and always ready, his sword must be sharp enough to shave hairs, and his armor must be well polished and bent-free. Yes, imperial legate Augustus Swiftwings lived and breathed the strict gryphonian military life.

he could recall the names of all his underlings and their underlings, their last names, and their family members’ names up to three generations. He could tell the exact distance of a projectile fired from any ranged weapon to the inch, and to pass his time he would read battle reports dating to the founding of the empire and play strategy games. imperial legate Augustus Swiftwings was not only a renowned and decorated veteran among his people, even the princesses of Equestria admitted that he was the greatest mortal military figure in history.

Despite his old age, no gryphon dared to suggest retirement to the famed veteran, for he could still fight like he was in his prime and his mind was as sharp as a javelin. Even the emperor, who seldom showed his satisfaction with anything, admitted that imperial legate Augustus  was, and always will be, his greatest military weapon, a fact that would make any gryphon’s chest feathers bristle with pride.

Even when acting as a glorified bodyguard, imperial legate Augustus Swiftwings carried himself with cold professionalism. Today was the emperor’s birthday, and as custom dictated it must be celebrated with a giant feast. Gryphons as a people have a strict upbringing that focuses on respect and military traditions, so any chance to unwind and relax is a good enough excuse for a nation-wide celebration. And the emperors’ birthday was just such an occasion.

The oldest families were invited to the palace to dine in the presence of the emperor whilst the city below came to life with lights and music. No matter where one would be, be it a large town or a small hamlet, the smell of meat and wine reigned supreme.

Imperial legate Augustus Swiftwings scratched a spot just under his chin, following his emperor with a claw resting on the hilt of his sword always. Each gryphon coming to congratulate the emperor was personally examined by him, and only if Augustus was satisfied did he allow said gryphon to approach their monarch.

“Look at them, eating and drinking like savages, thinking that this day in an excuse to break etiquette. How deplorable, don’t you agree imperial legate?” Emperor Silus Vorentius said lazily, just quiet enough so that only Augustus could hear.

“Quite so,” agreed Augustus, scratching under his chin again. “It seems that the wine has gone to their heads.”

Silus snorted before walking off towards a different section of the castle, Augustus close by.

“Tell me imperial legate, do you have a family?” the emperor asked quite suddenly, not taking his eyes off the numerous paintings of past emperors as they strolled down the hallways.

“I do, your excellency. A wife and three hatchlings, all three wanting to become soldiers like their old man.”

Silus nodded, coming to a stop in front of yet another portrait, the biggest so far. It depicted none other than emperor Silus himself. In the painting, Silus’ wings were flared wide and his head was turned to the left, revealing his royal profile, the same profile that is imprinted on any gryphonian coin since Silus took over his father’s throne after he mysteriously and quite suddenly died, along his two older brothers, who had rights to the throne before Silus himself.

“That is good to see that at least some of the younger generation understands the importance of serving under the crown. I think of it as a learning experience. A gryphon cannot truly appreciate his nation unless he understands the blood that was spilt to unite it under the empire’s banner.”

Augustus did not reply. He will never speak to the emperor without being addressed directly. Instead he nodded, scratching under his chin, suspecting his might got bitten by a mosquito during the night before.

“You know imperial legate, a letter of recommendation from a high-ranking individual would greatly improve your hatchlings of not only enlist to the royal service, but also jump the ranks quite fast. What say you, imperial legate?”

Augustus was not a politician, but even a man of action like himself could see the trap laid down in front of him. He scratched under his chin and replied:

“I think my hatchlings shall prove themselves with actions rather than connections. If they are fit to join under the royal banner it would be for their ferocity and will to serve. That is how you filter the good seeds from the bad.”

Silus did not seem to be either satisfied with the answer, nor did he seem disappointed. Which, in Augustus’ eyes, was a good thing. Silus was a person who expressed his dissatisfaction quite clearly.

“Come imperial legate, the night is still young and house Arovian still hadn’t greeted me.”

Augustus saluted and followed Silus as he strolled around the castle, being greeted by the many different noble houses, although the lack of a certain Arovian house made Augustus think that there is a good chance of calling the hangman tonight, or perhaps the torturer. Oh well.

Their strolling led the two to the balcony overlooking the great city of Gryphica Maxima. The city was truly a sight to behold, its great walls kept the city safe, and its inner walls kept the lower and upper-class citizens separated. Augustus recalled when he first saw the city, he had just left his home town to enlist to the royal service. When he first laid eyes upon the massive walls that kept the city safe, Augustus understood well how this once ancient citadel became the sprawling city that it is today, as well as the seat of power for the empire. There was no place safer than Gryphica Maxima. Not only its walls kept invaders at bay, but the strict discipline and zero patience to law breakers kept evil-doers at bay.

“Ahh, the Arovian nobility is finally here, this should be good,” said Silus, snapping Augustus out of his thoughts. When Augustus stared back to the main hall he saw that, indeed, the Arovian house has arrived. Augustus scratched that irritating spot under his chin and was about to follow the emperor back inside.

“No need, imperial legate, I intent to be back in just a moment. I have a few words I simply must exchange with the Arovians. Stay here and make sure no one is to be present on this balcony when I get back. I need my peace and quiet.”

Augustus saluted.

“Good soldier. And get that bloody neck of yours checked! I do not tolerate sickness amongst my men.”

Augustus watched as the emperor made his way towards the soon-to-be extinct noble family. He watched as the Arovian nobles practically fell to their knees in a show of deep regret and made promises to the emperor, also known as Silus The Unforgiving.

Augustus felt another itch coming, stronger than the rest. He was about to reach out with his claw and give the infernal spot a good scratch when something cold and sharp slid across it.

Confusion came. And a few seconds later, pain.

Augustus tried to speak but instead something wet and metallic trickled down his lips. He grabbed the spot just under his chin, feeling something warm gushing out of it.

Augustus fell.

And as the world faded into black, the last thing he saw were two large and oddly shaped boots walk towards the main hall.

And then, Augustus, imperial legate, the greatest figure in military history, died…

Author's Note:

Hey look, it's something. This something might get another chapter, let's hope. I really wanna finish this one

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