The Prophetess was in the midst of picking a trail across a valley when the world just stopped. It was like a dream at first but then she realized that it was not the world but she who had ceased to progress. Her friend the Unicorn was not in her field of vision and she could not turn to see him. She had to presume that he was immobile as well or he would have cantered by at some point. She had a wave of fear sweep over her but as the time passed and she lingered the fear subsided and was replaced by a feeling of annoyance.

Someone or something was purposefully delaying her. She knew that she must have rivals but they had not revealed themselves until now. Even if she had seen this coming she could have done nothing about it.

A figure topped a hillock in the distance. It was a man striding at an easy pace, near him was a woman. The man hurried forward.” Here it comes.” She thought, she was at his mercy.

“You look to be in a nice fix.” The warrior said. She was incapable of reply. “We are enemies by the rules of this Quest but I think that we can avoid any unpleasantness.”

She looked on; the spell she was under was starting to fade.

“We both seek the same prize but who decrees that we need to kill each other over it. My purpose is just, though I started with a less than savory motivation. That is changed; you do not look like a cruel or greedy sort. We have a worse enemy than one another that would surly use the Crown for purposes that you could not imagine.”

“And you can imagine them?” She was at last able to speak.

He looked at Celestia and cast his eyes down, “Yes. We can at least keep this creature from gaining the power. I propose an alliance.”

She thought for a time. His combat skill was obviously greater than hers. He could easily do what he wished yet he was of a mind to parlay.

“I see wisdom in this.” She said. “I suggest that between us it be a race, no tricks or ruses, the first to the Crown owns it and the other gives up their claim.”

“The conditions are simple enough; the one who wears the Crown will have the final say in any case.”

She looked into his eyes deeply, “The Crown is no proof of victory. If another enters the chamber they may challenge for the right. Can I hold you to the bargain?”

He looked back, trying to find a slight opening. “I see by the symbols of your order that once your word is given it will not be revoked. What can I say that will convince you that I will keep my covenant with you?”

“You have said it. There are no sweet words or high toned rhetoric that would cover your true intent. Even I, in the presence of such power may forsake my vows. It is a matter of trust and faith.”

They stood thus for a time and then clasped hands to seal the pact.

In the morning they set out on separate paths to the Portal of Power.