>Your tower stood amidst what was once called the Everfree forest. Now a land of dead soil and rotting vegetation, your influence has come to spread far and wide.
>With each passing day, the roots of the Tower Heart dig deeper into the land as your blight spreads.
>Ponyville was merely the stepping stone of your expanding dominion, more towns and villages soon became swallowed up in the tide of shadow as the locals called it.
>Nestled in your tower, you were able to see outward across the plains, the sky choked with the smoke and fire of your infernal industry. Night and day your minions labored to build you greater weapons of conquest and to arm the rapidly growing horde.
>Still, you had to attribute some of this success to Chrysalis and her changelings, as she called them. They were the perfect spies and scouts for upcoming attacks. She has distanced herself from you since the arrival of your latest mistress but these matters of jealousy didn't concern you. All was fair in love and war.
>Looking at a newly drawn map set on your table, you moved tokens around like pieces on a chess board as Gnarl went over strategies for upcoming skirmishes.
>Armed resistance has started to pop up from time to time but no significant fighting force had been seen until now.
>Ponies clad in golden armor carrying banners embroidered with a glistening sun had started to take the fight to your incursions, pushing against your borders probing for weakness.
>The minion burrows had been a vital asset in delivering fresh troops and supplies to the hot spots, soon the time was coming for a major push but it was unclear where.
>A creaking door caught your attention as Fluttershy came in carrying a tray of hot tea.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were in the middle of something, I'll come back later."
>Gnarl looks up with that rarely seen smile on his face.
"It's quite alright my dear. Come, we would enjoy the extra company. The master is terrible for conversation."
>Watching her gently place the tray down and offer a cup to Gnarl, you went back to the map.
>Moving several chits on the board to different locations, you often would catch her staring at you with a look of uncertainty.
"Um, my lord, sir, your cup is getting cold."
>Standing to your full height, you reached for the cup with your exposed hand. Grabbing it from her you put it down on the table and watched her bow then leave you to your work. As the door closed, Gnarl looked at you with amusement.
"Our dark lord, drinking home brewed tea made by his mistress on a warm summer day. Almost poetic. Reminds me of an ancestor of yours who enjoyed carnage and mayhem in the morning followed by picnics with his mistress in the afternoon."
>Ignoring Gnarl's attempts at humor you looked at the mug left on the table, wondering who you were going to take your frustrations out on later for this embarrassment.
>Sending Gnarl out, you retired to your chambers to rest for the night.
>Hobbling down the steps, the adviser found the new mistress hanging by the door.
"Hello Mistress. What seems to be the matter?"
"Oh, hello master Gnarl. I was just, well just wondering if I did anything to upset the lord."
>Gnarl grinned.
"Don't pay any attention to that. He's always been a bit on the grumpy side. Even more so with these ponies now taking up arms against his rightful rule. He's just been under some stress lately and needs to relax."
>Fluttershy tugged on her dress.
"I just want him to be happy, that's all. I'm not very good at this whole 'Mistress' thing but I'll try my best."
"Well, I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you. Why don't you go pay him a visit? Trust me."
>Watching her go up the flight of steps, Gnarl chuckled to himself. Maybe now the master could get some much needed stress relief.
>Looking out the solitary window in your bed chamber, you pondered over the words given by your adviser.
>A closing door snapped you out of your little fog. Turning you found nothing there.
>Starting to undo the manacles on your armor you feel an arm come over your shoulder as a pair of lips whispered in your ear.
"I remember when it was just the two of us, plotting and scheming against the world. A dark champion and his fallen queen, together against the forces of nauseating goodness and harmony."
>Pulling the intruder around, you quickly realize it was Chrysalis. A sultry smile was on her face.
"I never properly thanked you for whisking me away from that dreadful little swamp. That is no place for a lady after all."
>She was in her human form, still showing signs from her punishment you had dealt to her some weeks ago.
>She traced her finger down your armor and started to undo the clasps.
"Every dark lord needs a lady, someone to stand behind them and help them. I'm sure you're no different."
>She kisses your chest plate as she removes your arm guards.
"It was all going so well before you decided to mix things up and bring that little nuisance into our nest. Things were simple. You destroy the elements of harmony, you get to continue your campaign across Equestria unchallenged, I get to have my rightful vengeance and best of all, you get me as your reward."
>You stood there in enjoyment as she slowly worked her lips across your forearm up to your neck, unlatching your chest plate.
"But now things have changed. I guess I have to become more bold, more daring to secure my place at your side. I wouldn't want some goody little trollop taking my position all because she willingly sold her own kind into slavery to save them."
>Chrysalis grabbed your hand and pressed it to her cheek, lust and desire written in her eyes. It was only now you noticed she was barely clad in but a tight robe, leaving little to the imagination.
>She worked her other hand around your waist, undoing your belt, leaving barely hanging by a latch.
"Let's make tonight a mark of our alliance. Two separate forces joined as one, nothing would stand in our way. All you have to do is reach out..."
>She unfurls her robe, laying herself on your bed, bare to you.
"And take it."
>You gladly obliged.
>Gnarl watched as several minions raced through the hallways, gibbering about getting to see something. Perking an ear up, he could hear the faint sounds of smashing headboards and wild grunts. Chuckling to himself, he carried on his way hoping the master would now be in a better mood come tomorrow morning.
>Fluttershy walked up the stairs and entered back into the main hall leading up to the master's chamber.
>Unconsciously fumbling with her hands, a habit she's picked up since becoming human, she slowly stepped up to the gaping maw doors the lord had fashioned to personalize for his taste.
>Nearing the door, she saw another figure approach the door as well clad in nothing but a robe. Watching her turn around, she recognized the master's other mistress.
"Oh, hello."
>Chrysalis frowned as another problem made itself known to her.
"Hello my dear. Are you lost?"
"No, I was just going see the master."
"About what?"
>Fluttershy contemplated for a moment.
"I don't know. I was just told to go see him."
>Chrysalis gritted her teeth in frustration. The scheming imp was making things difficult for her.
"Well I was about to discuss something important with the master so if you'll excuse me."
"Oh then we can go together."
"No no, it's ok. Why don't you run along and go see what Gnarl needs? Maybe he needs help seeing to the minions."
>Fluttershy gently scuffed her feet across the stone floor.
"Oh, oh ok. Well can you tell the master I wanted to see him about something, it's just he seems to be so stressed lately I was concerned."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely be sure to let him know. Aren't you so cute, the little lady worried about her dark lord."
>Chrysalis opens the door and slides in silently leaving Fluttershy standing in the cold.
"I'm taller than you."
>Gnarl shuffled through the halls of the tower as several minions came and went giving new reports on activities at the borders.
>The ponies were on the move it would seem but unclear as to their motive.
>Arriving to the master's chamber, Gnarl creaked open the door and calmly walked in taking notice of the scene before him.
>The room was a wreck. Bedsheets unfurled all over, pillows torn with what seem to be bite marks of sorts and even a few chairs were smashed on the ground.
>The master was awake and had finished putting on the last of his armor when Gnarl found him near his personal armory.
"Ah sire, there you are. I trust you're feeling well this morning? Come come we have much to discuss. There is new activity on the border with these dreadful little creatures.
>You turn to your sleeping companion, half smothered in blankets that she cocooned herself with after you had finished with her.
"No need to wake her, I'm sure she can see herself out. Let's be gone then, there is much evil to plan and the day is wasting."
>Leaving your mistress you closed the door behind you as several janitor minions swarmed into the room to clean up your mess.
>Gnarl went over the minor details as you walked with him down the halls.
>There were patrols of winged horses flying about lately near the forests not yet tainted by the Tower Heart, routinely coming and going as if searching for something.
"I would wager half the years of my evil service in betting they were looking for an element of harmony. Since your destruction of that little shanty town, they seem to have fallen off the face of the earth."
>Gnarl brought you into the war room where a map was laid out displaying marked locations of routine flight patterns.
"I have small groups of Greens already searching these locations but it will take some time before we hear back from them."
>Moving some pieces on the board, you studied where you would strike next. This game of back and forth was tiring you. A decisive hit would send the creatures reeling and relieve the pressure on the rest of the borderlands, something you could ill afford as you needed to capture new resources soon.
>Leaving the tower you found Fluttershy coming from the forest with several baskets of plants, a handful of minions in tow carrying some as well.
"Good morning my lord, I hope you're well rested. I was just coming back from the cottage with some new things to try, I'll brew you a cup later."
>The minions joyfully carried their load past you into the tower as Fluttershy walked on by humming a small tune with a smile on her face. Clearly an embodiment of evil.
>Going to Krum's workshop, you could well hear the sounds of his labor before seeing him. Grunts and shouts of frustration echoed in the pit as you passed several slave ponies shoveling coal into the fire pits.
>Krum was hammering on a slab of steel, his face a grimace upon seeing you enter.
"Master! There problem, Krum need stronger heat. Metal no bend properly to craft master's armor!"
>Looking around, you saw that he had been working for a while on crafting your new armor set.
>Leaving Krum to sort out the problem, you found Gnarl waiting for you at the top of the stairs.
"Wonderful news sire! The Greens have come back early, with a special guest too."
>Curiosity piqued your interest as you followed Gnarl to the prisoner camp. Wooden stakes in the ground with horses tied to them, it was a scene that always brought a smile to your face.
>Browns jabbed at the prisoners caught after battles here with instruments of their liking in the hopes of discerning information out of their shriveling cries of pain.
>A new addition was brought as several Greens fought to keep her under control. A wild Pegasi thrashed about at her chains as the slavemaster worked to get her tied to the post.
>Gnarl watched the scene unfold as she bucked about, kicking wildly. Contacting one of her subduers square in the face, the chain slacked enough for her to start to fly off but she fell to the ground.
"I've instructed the minions to start breaking a wing in regards to the ponies that can fly. Lest we have another instance of prisoners simply taking off."
>More Browns piled on the Pegasi finally bringing her down. Gnarl shuffled over to the creature and stooped low, inspecting her.
"Now my dear, with all the dramatics out of the way, what have your cohorts found?"
>She stared at him defiantly saying nothing. Gnarl sighed and motioned for you to come over.
"I always try to be diplomatic about it. Sire, it would seem you'll have to give this creature your special touch."
>Reaching out, you grasp the creature by the head holding her still as you channeled your magic into her. Sapping her willpower away, Gnarl asked his question again.
"Our flight was tasked with finding the element of generosity. She was rumored to have been seen in the forests having fled since the fall of Ponyville."
>Gnarl clicked his fingers together as you let go of the creature, letting her head hit the mud.
"Well, this is interesting. Sire it would seem we have preparations to make."
>Looking over the map of the spots the pegasi had been seen searching, a common theme was discovered among the locations.
>Spikes in magical activity reported by your Blues in the area meant that there was a creature on the move that had a great power within it. That was the target.
>Calling forth a cadre of your veteran minions, you met Gnarl at the edge of the Tower's domain.
"We believe this new element is on the borders of the forest realm, a day's march from here on the road. I've sent small groups of minions ahead to secure the forest for your arrival. Good luck sire."
>The journey itself wasn't difficult Your scouts met you within a mile of the target, Greens eager to stalk from the tree tops.
"Master here. Master get magic horsey!"
>Following them into the forest, you found the scene charming to be frank. Your minions had carved a path through the trees, literally. Entire sections of forest had been leveled by Reds and Browns to make your journey easier.
>Sounds of battle could be heard in the distance as the maniacal cackling of your minions echoed about. You decided to let them enjoy themselves.
>A scaled Green crawled out of a fallen tree stump, his blade claws glistening with a crimson hue.
"Horseys here. They want to fight. Master fight too?"
>"Sire, you have more pressing matters to deal with. You can't let the element escape, your minions can handle the rabble."
>Walking past the Green, you patted it on the head making it squeal in delight as it slithered back into hiding.
>As the din of battle died away, you found new sections of forest burned away but not by Red hands. Small sections had been removed and torched with sloppy precision for it to only go up to your knees.
>"Sire, it would seem the element is not alone. Be careful, we don't know what lurks in these forests."
>You hacked through the forest now, losing time and momentum as you tried to traverse the broken path with subtlety.
>Catching sight of a white horse running just out of view, you turned to have a fire ball come fizzling from that direction at your head.
>Letting the ball of flame smack harmlessly onto the side of your helmet you heard some giggling come from your Reds as you ordered them to return the sentiment with a volley of their own setting the surrounding foliage aflame.
>Ordering your minions to pursue you could feel the welled up power coming from this creature. Two Blues had come along with you to tend to the injured but also to detect magic.
>You overheard a scuffle as the minions went after the creatures. Looking on with interest, you watched as some Browns came back dragging a small purple thing with green spines.
>It looked to be no bigger than a minion but was reptilian. A minion gave it a quick hit to the stomach to stop it's complaining which in turn caused it to belch and set the idiot on fire while his compatriots watched and laughed.
>"Sire, could it be? Oh what luck! A baby dragon. Oh Krum will be so pleased now."
>You held up the creature by the tail as it squirmed in your grasp. It was a bit on the pudgy side but with some work it would be a vital asset in the war ahead.
"Hands off my Spikey-Wikey you uncouth brute!"
>The white horse from before was dragged before you by the Browns, the horn on her head glowing as she fought against her captors.
>A unicorn. This was going to be troublesome.
>Gnarl watched from the viewing portal as the Overlord attempted to wrangle the temperamental unicorn, aggravation slowly setting in as the creature employed it's magic to make the task unceasingly difficult.
>It soon dawned on him that they had in no means any way of containing the beast even after they bring her back to the Tower. Usually magical creatures were either harvested on the spot for their lifeforce or simply just disposed of to be rid of the nuisance. Like those awful little gnomes.
>The gibbering of minions pulled his attention away as Fluttershy came in with some cleaning materials, setting up shop to start dusting and helping the janitorial staff.
"Now now, this is highly unacceptable behavior for a mistress of evil. Dusting and cleaning should be left to your servants. That's what they're there for."
>She looks at the janitor staff as two of the minions start to fight over a broom.
"I just wanted to help. I feel like I'm just standing around most of the time watching everyone else."
>She looks at the viewing portal and sees the Overlord pulling plants off his face as he continued to struggle with the unicorn.
"Wait, I think I know her."
>Gnarl looked at the image, ears perked in interest.
"Do you now?"
"Oh yes. While a bit on the dramatic side, she was very generous with her time and always happy to help her friends."
>Gnarl stroked his chin, ideas running in his head.
"Generous you say..."
>As you wrangled with the unicorn, the baby dragon made matters worse by belching fire into your face any chance he got. Finally dropping him, a trio of Reds held him tight as you could now turn your full attention to the unbroken horse.
"Your wretched little creatures are nothing but savages. First you destroy Ponyville, everything I've worked for and now you come for me. I haven't had a bath in forever, like some filthy degenerate!"
>"Sire, it would seem you've found the element of generosity. Mistress Fluttershy has informed me of some interesting bits of information. Bring the wretched creature back to the Tower and we can begin the next stage of your Dark Domain."
>The Reds holding the baby dragon held him upright and laughed as little puffs of green flame erupted from his gullet. Squeezing too hard, a torrent of fire burst outward, igniting the treetops.
"Oopsie."
"Yes, fire! Burn forest, burn!"
>Running with their new toy, they fled the scene as you finally got your hands on the unicorn with the assisted help of some more burly Browns.
>"Sire it would be wise to leave now. Having your master roasted alive isn't a very appetizing explanation when looking for work and I quite like the job I have now."
>Having the Browns carry the pony out of the inferno, you threw a pair of Blues on her as well to dampen her magic. At least long enough to escape.
>As you fled the blazing forest, you called upon all the fleeing minions scattered about and sent them into the tunnels. A circle of runes engraved themselves on the ground at your feet, the power of the Tower radiating from them.
>"Sire, we've finally managed to get a Gate up and running. And not a moment too soon it would seem. Throw your cargo onto it and let's be rid of this miserable forest once and for all."
>Watching as your Browns loaded the little dragon and pony onto the circle, they disappeared in a shimmer of white light. Following them, you found yourself transported to the Heart Chamber.
>The Tower Heart pulsed behind you in the presence of the next element. Gnarl shuffled down the steps directing the Browns to bring the dragon to Krum.
"Now sire, let's take your new guest to her proper quarters."
>The Browns hoisted up the pony and left with her, Gnarl covering his ears as she shrieked for help all the way up the steps.
"Remind me to not clean my ears for a while sire, it would make her company far more enjoyable. Now about that dragon you found..."
>Rarity was lowered onto the Tower floor as the minions rushed her along into the great halls.
"I can walk myself thank you! This is no way to properly treat a lady. Whatever happened to good manners in these dark days?"
>The Browns scurried around her excitedly, pulling and fussing with her tail as she would swat at their grubby hands.
"To think my life's work would be reduced to being trapped in this dreadful place."
>Looking about, she got a good eyeful of the interior design: gargoyles, demonic statues of beasts all shapes and sizes, moth eaten flags flapping in still air. Truly all the important bits for decorating to one's evil tastes.
>Passing the throne room, Rarity peaked her head in as a simple stone chair caught her attention. Leaving her escort she entered the throne room, looking around at the bland decor.
>The Browns followed her and tried to goad her back onto the given path.
"Now now boys, I just want to have a look around. If I'm going to be staying here for who knows how long I might as well get used to my surroundings."
>The Browns looked at each other unsure how to proceed.
"This place really could use a fixing up, particularly a lady's touch to spruce up the dark, shadowy corners."
"The shadowy corners are the best part though. Perfect for minions to hide in case of assassins."
>Turning, she saw the gray old minion leering over her flashing her a yellowy smile.
"I trust you find your surroundings pleasant?"
>Rarity stepped back from the imp, bumping into her escorts.
"It's a bit...musty here."
>Gnarl folded his hands together, rubbing them.
"Yes. Dank, dark and dreary. Perfect for the deeds of our master."
>Rarity arched an eyebrow as the minions huddled around her.
"And just what does your 'master' plan on doing with little ol' me?"
>Gnarl stared at her for a little while, a brief chuckle escaping his throat.
"Why, whatever his little black heart desires my dear."
>Rarity looked at the minions who giggled and prodded at her, worry clearly written on her face.
"You should be going though. The master would not like snoopers lingering in his throne room. Off with you now."
>Taking his signal, the Browns ushered Rarity out of the room and down the halls again to her 'guest' chamber.
>Gnarl ran his hand along the throne, letting out a sigh as he reflected on the long line of dark masters that have come and gone.
"Oh the evil we could have done. I still miss you sire, even if you did kill my old master."
>Your visit to the Tower was going to be a short one as Gnarl had requested your audience in the war room.
>Walking into the guest quarter, you passed several groups of janitor minions who saluted your darkness and went about on their merry way battling the forces of dirt and mildew.
>A whimsical sound could be heard through the walls, a song of some sort. It's soft yet comforting tones reminding of when your days weren't filled with carnage and catastrophe.
>Opening the door you found Fluttershy happily cleaning random nooks and crannies, keeping herself occupied. Closing the door, you alerted her of your presence as she stopped to offer you a respectful bow.
"Greetings my lord. How, how can I be of assistance?"
>You noticed again she started to fiddle with her hands, a clear sign of uncertainty. Letting the girl rise, you strolled around her personal room inspecting it.
>It was just a typical servants quarter, small sized bed and a solitary window looking out over the lush, dead fields of grass. Iconography depicting fell beasts dotted the walls, little pleasant details to make yourself feel at home in this strange new world.
"If, if it's about the singing I can stop if you like. I just happen to do it when I'm happy. I don't mean to upset you."
>Ignoring the apology, you approached her and clutched both of her hands in your gauntlet. They were warm. Inviting.
>Getting a good look at her, you noticed she shrunk slightly under your gaze. A sign she's not used to such close contact with others.
"Oh, the other day I was on my way to see you but Chrysalis said she had some sort of important matters to discuss. I left a message with her, I hope you got it."
>Your other mistress had made no mention of this, strange. How thoughtless of her...
"Oh, I guess it never came up. Well. It wasn't that important. I was just worried about how stressed you had seemed, Gnarl even asked me to go see you."
>Letting her hands go, you pressed your hand to her cheek as it quickly became flushed.
>"How sweet sire, the little dear was worried about her Overlord. Now I hate to break up the romancic session but I need to see you quickly. Evil waits for no one."
>Letting her go, you start to head for the door when she makes a slight cough.
"I guess you have to leave. Well, if you like, that is if you want to, perhaps you could come back soon and have that tea finally? I can even have the minions bake something to go with it."
>"Sire, I can feel the vomit nearing the top of my throat. How this girl became a mistress is beyond me Maybe the Tower Heart is broken?"
>Closing the door behind you, you caught Fluttershy's gaze as she smiled at you and quickly licked her lips, sending a chill running through your body.
>You could hear Gnarl snickering as you left the guest hall.
>"Well well, perhaps I was wrong about her. She seems to have a certain desire for men in power. Could even give the bug wench a run for her money. Best take advantage of the next opportunity sire."
>Meeting Gnarl in the war room, you saw several assembled Browns wearing distinct pieces of armor, signifying their status and greater ability to loot the better objects.
"Ah there you are sire. Your captains have come to report some very interesting news. It would seem there is a buildup of activity along the main road just outside your domain. I would wager a dragon's treasure hoard these horse things are going to mount an offensive soon."
>Gnarl shuffled past the captains to the map, marking where the largest pockets of activity are developing.
"It would be wise to hit them now, as they seem rather disorganized and nothing is more entertaining than a pack of wild animals thrown into disarray."
>A Red scurried into the room, handing Gnarl a missive. Wiping away the burnt edges and ash, he opened the report.
"Hmm. Krum has something to report sire. Possibly about that dragon you captured earlier. I would make a pit stop to the forge before heading out, maybe even upgrade that potato masher you've been carrying around for so long."
>You looked at your cudgel, noticing the worn handle and dented edges. Perhaps it was about time for some improvements.
>The forge room burned with intensity as you walked among the piles of coal and raw material. Hollow eyed ponies briefly looked up from their task to gaze upon their lord before quickly returning to work to fuel the ever consuming flames.
>Krum savagely pressed and hammered plates of steel as green fire hit the anvil. The dragon was fastened to the wall, a chain tied to his neck as Reds playfully tugged at it when Krum instructed them to do so.
>Looking up, Krum leaped from his station to bring you something.
"Master, dragon young but strong. Krum able to make shiny things now!"
>Holding out what he had been working on, you inspected it. An armored gauntlet fashioned like a dragon's mouth for your bare hand. The metal was still hot but was cool against your skin as you slipped it on.
"Master come back later, Krum have more then."
>Before you left, you gave Krum your mace. Looking it over, he joyfully clapped his hands as he brought it to his anvil. Watching him work, you could see the pride and effort in every swing of his tools. Pure devotion only a minion could give.
>Scampering back to you, you now held a spiked maul in your hands. The head on it easily half your size.
"Krum make improvements, when master want, Krum can forge new shiny things."
>Patting your smith on the head, you approached the little dragon as the Reds held it tight. Quivering at your touch, you appraised it with a scrutinizing eye looking for any flaws.
>With a proper upbringing, it would come to be more than a simple tool for making weapons. It would become a weapon all it's own.
>"Sire, I'm sure you'll have time to play with your new toys soon enough. For now, you have a camp to crush. Return to the Heart Chamber, a gate has been prepared for you."
>Taking your leave, you heard a slight commotion behind you. Turning around, you saw the dragon belch and a scroll of some kind appear in the burst of flames.
>Picking it up, you saw a golden seal in the shape of the sun.
>Leaving the forge, you saw that your minions were assembled and ready. Gibbering with anticipation several started shoving and prodding one another. A sharp crack in the air got their attention as you used your new gauntlet's power.
"Ah, a fetching ornament sire. I'll make sure Krum puts that dragon to good use before he exhausts it."
>You handed Gnarl the scroll you found in the forge. He opened it and started muttering.
"I can't make out any of this scribbling. For magical talking horses they have lousy penmanship."
>A burst of blue light from a window got Gnarl's attention as several crashes followed, making him scowl at the commotion.
"Perhaps your new guest can be of use here. I'll postpone the attack until you return, that message could be vital information."
>Taking the letter from you adviser, you trudged into the Tower searching for your newest addition.
>A garrison of Browns and a pair of Blues seemed to be the clear indicator where she was, cowering by the door as several were being revived. For a single unicorn she seemed to be well more trouble than her worth.
>Opening the door you ducked as a chair was sent hurtling out the room.
"Stand back, I've got designer pillows and I'm not afraid to use them!"
>Stepping forward, you ate a pillow to the helmet as she was true to her word. Wiping the feathers away, you grabbed her by the front leg and shoved the letter in her face. A look of shock came over her as her eyes poured over the paper.
"This letter, this came from Spike didn't it? Where is he? Tell me he's safe!"
>You stood there, staring blankly at her as she demanded the condition of someone with the name Spike.
>The door opened again as Gnarl shuffled in, stepping over thrown pillows and broken furniture.
"I was afraid of this. You'll have to excuse the master, he's not the very talkative type. Normally I do the speaking on his behalf."
"Then I'm sure he can tell me that Spike is alright. The little darling must be so worried about me."
>Gnarl looked at you, puzzled at the name.
"Erm, Spike? Oh you mean the baby dragon accompanying you? He's hard at work in the forge."
>Rarity let out a high pitched whine.
"The poor thing! How can you treat him that way. I demand you release him at once. Post haste!"
>Gnarl lowered his ears, rubbing the insides as they took the full brunt of the vocal assault.
"There are other matters to attend her. We need to know the contents of that letter. We've stolen your language but we can read your writings. Perhaps you can be of assistance there?"
"I'm not telling you ruffians anything until you let Spike free."
>Folding her legs matter of factly, Gnarl groaned as the exchange was going nowhere.
"Sire, this nag is becoming a foul nuisance. Why couldn't you have just sent her to the glue factory and be done with it?"
>You give your adviser a stern gaze as he throws his arms up in surrender.
"Fine. It's done. I'll inform Krum to set his new toy free. Now, the letter!"
>Rarity huffs and holds up the letter.
"It's just a note from Twilight asking if he's ok. Nothing more."
>Gnarl snatched it from her, looking over again.
"Very well then. Sire, let us leave this wench to her quarters. I've had my fill of unicorns for one lifetime already."
"Wait, what about Spike?!"
>Gnarl turned to her, a devious smile showing.
"When making deals with evil, you have to know when you're being lied to."
>Cackling as he shut the door, Rarity smirked herself.
"My thoughts exactly."
>Stepping into the Heart Chamber, Gnarl greeted you as he was staring at the Tower Heart.
"Sire the gate is prepared. Brug is already hard at work connecting a new set of minion tunnels to your location. With timing and some luck we should take them completely by surprise. Give them a good thrashing but be sure to bring a few back if you can help it. We need more information and the dead tell no tales."
>Stepping into the gate, a flash of light suspended you as suddenly fresh soil was beneath your feet. Regaining your sense, you noted a great many pair of eyes looking at you with utter confusion.
>"Sire, there seems to have been a slight miscalculation. Nothing you can't handle I'm sure."
>A cry of alarm from the ponies was your first sign of where you were. In the very heart of the camp.
>Taking your maul, you tore at the closest targets you could. Wild spear thrusts were battered aside as you used your superior strength to smash straggling horses with sweeping blows.
>As more joined in the fight, you were starting to be overwhelmed as they slowly learned to go inside your reach to jab at exposed pieces of flesh and weak armor joints.
>Sending a fireball their way the spell was dissipated as a unfamiliar face emerged from the mass of ponies, her horn glowing a faint shade of blue.
"So the scourge decides to attack us directly. Thou must be as bold as they are careless."
>It was a unicorn but like the purple one you encountered before. Wings at her side seemed to be an uncommon quality they could possess.
>She approached you unafraid. Clearly some kind of leader among their race, the others drew back and gave her a wide berth.
>"Sire, another of those winged unicorns. I would say it is time we make an example of them, show these creatures what true evil is!"
>Notching the handle of your weapon, you charged forward as she disappeared behind you sending you tumbling over with a blast of magic to your backside.
>Scrambling to rise, you snatch up the leg of an onlooker throwing him in her direction. Using her magic, she slowed his descent and planted him on the ground safely as a fireball slammed into a shield put around her.
>Closing the distance, you struggled to get a grips on her as she would fly away or disappear entirely to avoid your reach making a mockery of you.
>Her magic was slowly wearing you down with each blast, sapping your stamina and making your own spells that much weaker.
"For a being so greatly feared, it was folly for sister to not act sooner on snuffing your flames out."
>She channeled on blast from her horn, buying you enough time to make a lunge of desperation. Grabbing her by the horn, you disrupted her focus and the spell exploded in your gauntlet, knocking you back and sending her crashing to the ground.
>Her guards rushed to her side as right on cue several crude drills opened up mounds of dirt on the ground and your minions came pouring out into the camp.
>Slowly rising, you grabbed your fallen weapon and staggered over to the fallen princess.
>"Quickly sire, be done with it and get out of there!"
>Batting the ponies aside, you hoisted her in the air with your free hand readying the final blow. Triumph filled your veins but you felt something else.
>Kinship.
>Something snaked into your mind as you held her, an image from the dream you had. Something terrible.
>Dropping her you stumbled and fell back onto the ground, your wounds getting the better of you.
>Dragging your form back to the gate, your minions fought off any ponies trying to take advantage of your condition.
>Placing you on the gate, you felt the rush of shifting locations as you lay at the base of the Heart.
>Gnarl shuffled over to you with a look of concern as you dragged yourself to your feet.
"It would seem you have your work cut out for you sire. What will you do now?"
>You slumped against the Heart, it's magic healing you.
"As they say sire, no rest for the wicked."