Quashed

Jericho wrapped his sabatons in navy blue cloth. He would be leading a five-man strike team comprised entirely of zebras to take over the first of three fortresses blocking his path to Canterlot. He'd spent the last four days sitting idly by and watching how the ponies inside moved around. They were minotaur tactics, of that he was sure. Tonight, they would be changing their allegiances.

As Jericho was securing his armour, Shining Armor entered his tent. "This isn't going to work, you know. They're going to see through your plan within moments. You're only going to succeed in killing our soldiers."

"You have too little trust in me, Crystal Prince. When this is successful, I hope you'll be convinced."

"Let's go over your plan one more time. You're going to have all of your zebra forces act as a plate covering for the crystal soldiers while we batter their portcullis with a ram, which we're only allowed to use lightly because you don't want to damage the gate. Meanwhile, you and four of your buddies are going to disappear up the mountain to watch the battle from above. Is that about right?"

Jericho furrowed his brow. "Not at all, you misunderstand. While your efforts will be low, the result will be grand. You cause the distraction, bringing all eyes to you. While you have all the attention, myself and my crew will storm their keep while they're looking away. We shall have you all inside by the break of day."

"It's not going to work," Shining Armor reiterated. "They have countless arrows that they'll rain down on us. Do you have any idea what a murder hole is?"

Jericho nodded. "As long we keep our shields in the air, from rocks and arrows we needn't despair. If your fear is that we'd be scalded in oil, it's freezing tonight, it'll take time to boil. We'll be done very quickly, you needn't be worried. This blockade will be ours in a manner most hurried."

With a scowl, Shining Armor stormed out of the tent. He hated Jericho, but with his wife's decrees, he had to cooperate with him. Jericho's plan was a good one, anypony could see that. Shiny was just trying to upset him to the point where he would make such a misstep that he was no longer fit to run the crystal army. That would put Shining Armor back in charge of the military, where he belonged. It was of no matter now. He could only do as he was told and hope the losses would be minimal.

Under cover of night, the two groups left, leaving a few dozen soldiers at the camp for the purposes of recuperation should it be needed. Shining's group proceeded with the ram to the gate, while Jericho lead his group up the mountain next to the fort. they would drop in from above and behind, capturing the fort's commander and relieving him of his post.

There was no signal for when to begin. Shining Armor would have to start when they arrived. If they waited, the drawbridge would close, meaning there would be no siege. As soon as alarm bells started going off, Jericho knew it was time to begin. He slid down the cliff face, landing on top of the guard watching the postern. He wasn't dead, merely unconscious. Propping him up against the wall, he waved for his cohorts to join him. Once they did, they were closer to the command center than any of the guards at the gate. With a cursory glance down into the bailey, he guessed about three hundred Equestrian soldiers, holding down their fort quite easily against a force that wasn't really putting in the effort required to take it.

A hand fell on his shoulder, and he returned to the task at hand. He still hadn't reached the command room yet, so the fight was far from over. Luckily, the guards had taken the bait, and there were only a few light patrols around the back entrance. a small, wrought iron gate at the bottom of a long, thin stairwell did not lend itself to being susceptible to siege engines, and could feasibly be protected by a single archer. To top it all off, the outer entrance was obscured by vines, meaning it was difficult to find unless you knew where it was. Two patrols were taken down silently and non-lethally, setting them gently to the side so as not to cause them accidental harm. These Equestrian soldiers would likely be joining their ranks soon enough, it would not do well to kill them.

Jericho reached the main war room and grappled his way up to the window for messenger birds, whether they be pigeons or falcons. The rafters had a few roosts hanging from them, indicating that many messenger birds moved through this particular fort. It would be a fine prize to have control of one of the minotaur's communication network nodes. Jericho slid across the rafters, watching silently as the commander sat at the table, presumably writing up either a report of the incident, or a request for aid. Neither of these would be allowed. Jericho made his way to the wall behind the commander, and slid down one of the banners. Two of his compatriots followed suit. As he landed, the two guards at the door drew their weapons, only to have the last two stealthy zebras drop down on top of them, knocking them out as Jericho grabbed the commander from behind, placing a blade at his throat.

The commander placed his quill on the table and slowly stood up, raising his hands. "I'm not sure what brought you here, but I want you to know that I was just following orders. I never intended any harm on you, whoever you may be. I have a son who needs me to stay alive."

"I know where the guilt lies, don't be afraid. If we wanted you dead, I'd have not stopped my blade." Jericho nodded to his men, who carted the unconscious guards out of the way of the door. "You're to surrender the fort and open the gate. Losing a father shall not be be your son's fate."

The captain nodded and slowly made his way to the door, picking up his pace when the knife was removed from his neck. He was kept in check by a few small crossbows as he made his way out onto the balcony to issue his commands to silence the alarm and open the gate. He also ordered, unprovoked, a stay of weapons, and a return to the barracks for those who were currently missing sleep. As the portcullis rose, Jericho took to the battlements, and looked down at Shining Armor as he entered the bailey. Not a single fatality was recorded in the fortress that night. A few injuries, but nothing permanent. Considering that this was only the first step on their way to Canterlot, tonight was a massive success. There were still a few hours before sunrise, so Jericho adopted a smug grin. He had promised a fortress by morning, and had delivered on that.