Equestria's Thaumaturgist

Chapter 3: Changeling Fail

“H-how did you see it?” asked Twilight. “It was invisible. It was right behind us and none of us suspected.”

“Simple, it was invisible, the knife wasn’t.” the human answered in a grim tone, a stark contrast to his earlier jubilant attitude. “I suggest you all get somewhere a bit safer than a garden.”

“How in the hay did you do that!? It was awesome!” leave it to Rainbow Dash to be unfazed by an attempt on her life, and instead focus on the ‘awesomeness’ of the assassin being beaten in less than five seconds.

“About eighty years of practice.” Will replied. “Now, is there anywhere that is has only one easily watched and barricaded entrance? The walls should preferably be about one foot thick with a minimal amount of dark areas.”

“The closest place in the castle would be the Throne Room.” Answered the white alicorn.

“Then that’s where we’re headed, now let’s move!” the tone of his voice startled them. He sounded like a warrior that had seen countless battles. Then again, with what he had told them, he very well could be. The seven ponies did not wait for further instructions and followed him as he set off.

“How do you know where we’re going?” asked Rarity.

“Because I have to.” Was Will’s short reply. He did not elaborate and none of them saw fit to push it. The guards, upon seeing Will got into a combat stance. The thaumaturgist didn’t even slow his pace or look at them. “Shut it boys, we don’t have the time. An attempt has been made on Princess Celestia’s life, now I expect you to know how to handle this situation.” The guards froze a moment before saluting and running off. The tone the odd ape thing had been using was almost exactly that of the old Captain of the Guard, and when he had given an order, you followed it. End of story.

A short time later they arrived at the great doors of the throne room, a large group of guards had gathered there already, clearly having been informed by the other two in passing as to what was going on.

“Sir!” They called. Not only had his voice reminded them of the old Captain, but the way he carried himself and the look in his eye instantly set them to ‘Obedient Soldier Mode’. The two that had been stationed at the door regularly made to open it, only to find it already open, with Will halfway across the chamber. None of them had even seen him walk by.

“Come on, all of you get in here now.” The guards complied, closing the doors after the Princess and Elements had passed through. “Barricade them, and form a protective circle around the Princess and the girls. Watch every direction, and most importantly, don’t forget to look UP. Too many have fallen because they neglected to look above their heads.” There was no humor in his voice. The guards once again obeyed. The Earth ponies were the outer ring, with unicorns following, and the pegasi acting as a last defense.

Will stood outside them all, watching the doors intently, a black cane that had not been there before was now before him, both hands clasped over its top. They waited, Fluttershy was shivering in fear, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash trying to console her, Twilight was close up against Celestia’s side. Rarity and Applejack were sitting on either side of them all, turning their head to watch for an attack. Then there was a great boom and the doors shuddered. The beams that the guards had procured and braced against the metal doors had already begun to crack. Two more blows and the gates burst inward.

“Not assassin’s… and invasion force.” Will muttered as he beheld what came through the doorway. Tides of changelings, led by a much taller equine insect, female based on the shape of its carapace. The creature also seemed to be a bit battered, as if she had been on the losing end of a fist – or rather hoof – fight. It eyed Will in a rather bored way.

“So, you’re the creature that stopped my assassin.” It was a statement, and held a very unimpressed tone. “Kill him.” Eight of the creatures jumped forth hissing at the human. He responded by gripping his cane in one hand and placing the other around the top, as though it were the hilt of a sword. The changelings jumped at him. There was a flash of silver, and the changelings – all eight of them – fell heavily behind Will. The bottom of the cane remained in his left hand, but in the right, was a silver cane-sword, runes and sigils running its length.

“Eldbane, the Hungering Blade.” Said the human. At his words, the bodies of the eight changelings fell to dust. The runes glowed with a fell light. “A very dangerous weapon to use, as it can just as easily drain the life essence of its wielder, or even subjugate a weak mind to its will.” He then sheathed the blade, and returned the cane to the folds of his strange jacket.

The queen was pissed. “You! Who do you think you are to so much as harm my changelings!? I am Queen Chrysalis and you will pay dearl-!” she raged.

“SILENCE.” The booming command instantly brought stillness to the room. “You want to know who I am?” he asked in a deathly quiet tone. “I am the Traveler, the Wayfarer Grim, the Lord of Solitude, I am Wilhelm Straatvs, and I command you now, GET THEE HENCE FROM THIS PLACE EVER MORE!!! The last words, no the last Command, was delivered with the voice of warrior god, echoing in the space of the throne room, and with a roar like a thunderhead, a great flash erupted around the changelings, drowning out their shouts. When the spots cleared the changelings were just… gone. The guards, Princess, and Elements were about to begin celebrating, until Will collapsed onto his face.

“Will!” they all screamed as one and crowded around him, clearly worried.

“It feels like someone is jumping rope with my spine… and they didn’t even bother to get off of my back to do it.” Was the feeble reply. And though it was weak, his voice was as it had been in the gardens. They all sighed in relief, Celestia noticeably more than the others. “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I need to pass out.” And he proceeded to do exactly as he had said, as, for the second time that day; he was drawn into a vortex of color and spinning.  Better known as his mind.