//------------------------------// // Betrayal // Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War // by Dragon Heart //------------------------------// After capturing the relics and storming the temple, Pegalos and a squad of Pony Marines faced off against Fale and a squad of Discord Marines. "Cyndree! CYNDREE!!!" Fale called. "Lord Fale..." Cyndree whispered, "The ritual failed to break the protective seal guarding the stone. But then, I already anticipated it would not work. In fact, I counted on it. We require a larger sacrifice." Cyndree turned to address the Discord Marines. "It is time. Leave him." The corrupted Pony soldiers turned and left Fale to fight alone. "How dare you, Unicorn!" Fale yelled. "My Lord." said Cyndree. "Never forget, all power demands sacrifice. Thank you for yours." "CYND..." was all Fale could say before Pegalos slashed him to death with his power sword, and he fell to the ground screaming his last breath. From the other side of the temple, Unidor trotted past the fallen Pony Marines he brought with him and approached the unearthed artifact; The Maledictum. "There it is, as I promised." said Cyndree. "Yours for the taking." "Old friend?" Pegalos said, hoping his eyes were deceiving him. He could do nothing but watch in disbelief as Unidor trotted away with the Discord Unicorn, with the stone in his magical grip.