//------------------------------//
// You and Your Stallions are on Your Own 
// Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War 
// by Dragon Heart 
//------------------------------//

	After getting past many Eldeer forces and ambushes, the Blood Phoenixes reach the mountaintop and find another marker of Discord that glowed with evil power.

"We are still unearthing more Eldeer explosives and demolition charges," the Sergeant said to Pegalos, "but we dare not move them. We did replace their triggering mechanisms, however, that is all I care to do with such xeno-tech."

"Was this a trap?" Unidor asked.

"No." The Sergeant answered, "By the placement of the charges, it is likely they planned to collapse this area, burying the marker and anyone near it."

"They failed." said Pegalos, "Unidor, study the marker and see where it leads us next."

"Captain," said the Sergeant, "Inquisitor Luna has arrived."

"Of course she has." Pegalos said sarcastically.

The Captain and Luna met upon a hill where they could fully see the heretical altar. "Yes, Captain, it is an impressive sight," said Luna, "but I never claimed Discord had not set hoof on this planet before. I said that if something were here, the impending warp storm would eliminate that threat. Best we not remain here to share its fate."

Pegalos turned to face the Alicorn. "And as I explained, Inquisitor, the Blood Phoenixes will remain until the last possible moment. Until that happens, in two or three days hence, I plan on pursuing this riddle."

"Captain, I do not... presume to question your decisions concerning the Blood Phoenixes." The anger in her tone started to slightly escalate. "But when it comes to employing the Colonel's Equestrial Guard in your quest-"

"My quest?!?" said Pegalos, subtly outraged, "Yet again you accuse me of pursuing my personal interests! It is my duty, and yours, to expunge any scent of heresy or Discord."

"You overstep yourself." Luna warned.

"As do you, Inquisitor. It is not the 'Colonel's Equestrial Guard'. Their lives belong to the Empress. It is by her mandate and will that I use the Equestrial Guard against the forces of disharmony and elevate them in the glory of holy battle."

Luna turned away and sighed. "I see now that coming here was a mistake. If you are set on a path that will lead you to destruction I can do nothing to stop you, but I won't allow you to drag us down with you. By Inquisitorial edict I am taking control of the planet Tartaurus. All requests for planetary resources, including its military, will go through me."

She turned her head and looked back at Pegalos. "Captain, from this point on you and your stallions are on your own."