Concerning Ponies

“Concerning Darkness”

Dear Starswirl,

Though I do not usually reply to your letters, know that I always take the time out of my rather hectic schedule to read them. However, your most recent letter requires immediate attention. The lock which you found broken was not a Unicorn device, but an artifact of Alicorn origin. Nopony should be able to break that lock, not even the most skilled of Unicorns.

I know where you are traveling next: the land of Maredor. It is a tremendous favor, but I ask you to speak with Maredor’s Eastern lord, Mährdån. She will try to avoid giving a direct answer to any questions out of fear that her queen, Lucifus, will “replace” her, so that is why you must speak with her alone. I need you to ask her about the lock (if you have brought the lock with you that would be most helpful). Not only that, but she may even know what darkness festers within the crypt.

Mährdån is to be trusted, but not her husband Lord Silver Tooth. Silver Tooth will report your presence to Lucifus, and he will attempt to interrogate you. And if Lucifus were to learn of Equestria’s fragile state-- I cannot bring myself to think of the consequences. Maredor is a dark and terrible place, with a legendary fighting force that at this current moment could crush Equestria within days, as though it were a pony in a dragon’s grasp (literally. There are rumors that Lucifus has taken to training dragons).

Additionally, I have spoken with Sapphire with regards to the door. Unfortunately, with the passing of all the old Unicorn Elite from the time period, we are unaware of the exact story, but apparently thousands of years ago, the Unicorn royal family was assigned with guarding that crypt, and for that reason their royal family exists today, even though they rule nothing, and no longer have influence in religious practices involving Alicorn worship. Though I must inquire as to why you yourself are unaware of the crypt’s purpose? It seems the Unicorn Elite was very well informed of this topic, yet despite being among the highest ranking members of the Wizard Council, you know nothing of the subject.

Regardless, it is imperative that you gather as much information from Mährdån as you possibly can. And though her appearance is... less than hospitable, to say the least, she is a friend of mine and therefore can be trusted.

Best of luck,

~Princess Celestia