In another temple, within a different city, Cyndree stood holding the key near a magic bonfire that burned with the scent of Discord. Cultists danced around the inferno that blazed before them.
"All power demands sacrifice." said Cyndree.
He slowly walked around the blazing ceremony in sync with the cultists. "...and pain. The universe rewards those willing to spill their life's blood for the promise of power."
"Cyndree!" Fale called in anger as he approached the Unicorn.
Cyndree sighed in annoyance. "WHAT!? My Lord." His patience with the Discord Lord was wearing thin.
Fale snorted. "The Traitor Equestrial Guardponies have fallen."
"So quickly," said Cyndree, feigning his surprise, "I expected them to last a bit longer."
"Some of them have betrayed our position to the Blood Phoenixes." Fale rasped. "They are on their way here, now."
"Continue chanting. I shan't be long." Cyndree said to the cultists before returning his attention to Fale. "The circumstances you mention are divine providence, My Lord. Everything is as planned. Once I dispense with this last obstacle, you will have that which we have plotted and schemed to achieve."
"And if the Pony Marines should arrive before 'providence' graces us?" Fale asked.
"Then we shall play the good hosts and indulge them in a bloody feast." said Cyndree. "At all costs, however, keep them from interfering. This is a delicate process that cannot well afford anymore interruptions. And, might I advise you throw everything at the Blood Phoenixes. Everything. Their every contribution in this matter is paramount, especially when we are so close."
Fale trotted away with the suggestion, and Cyndree resumed what he was doing. "Now, where were we? Ah yes... power demands sacrifice."
At the Blood Phoenixes' base, Pony Marines and Equestrial Guardponies were ready to combat the forces of Discord again. Pegalos, Luna, and Unidor were relaying the battle plan.
"Now you know what we fight and why." said Pegalos, "We will launch a two-pronged assault against the Temple with the help of several Guardpony units who remain loyal to the Empress. We must stop our adversaries from uncovering the Maledictum." Pegalos and the others trotted off to prepare and launch their attack, but Unidor trotted the other way and grabbed the attention of a small squad of marines.
"Come with me." Unidor said to the squad. "You have new orders. We know of a hidden way into the Temple. Tell no one else..." They trotted away with the Unicorn. "...it is a surprise."