Equestria discovers that it is not alone in the universe as ponies from another world make contact; a cruel world, where ponies make war instead of friendship. They claim they wish to make friends with their cousins in Equestria, and offer their aid in dealing with the troubling rise of the violent caribou. But as Twilight Sparkle gets to know their new 'allies' better, and after the Empire's aid leads to the near destruction of an entire race, she begins to doubt that these are the kind of friends Equestria wants or needs.

But the Empire's greed is insatiable, and it begins to look as though only cruel war will prevent Equestria from falling victim to their lust for conquest.

And in Zeal Monarchorum, the heart of the Empire, Chrysalis lurks, plotting the destruction of her pony enemies, bending the Empire to her will, knowing that whatever should happen on the battlefield, she will be the only victor.