This story is a sequel to Fecundity
Mount Everhoof. Tallest peak in the world, jutting up to stab the sky like a tall, cruel fang. The mountain’s western slope has held a secret since before the three tribes were founded, but few who seek it ever return. Those that do always speak of a foul magic that attacks the mind—horrors brought to life, paranoia unending, and a blind, murderous rage that sets even family against each other.
In olden times, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna heeded their elders and forbade access to the western slope. That forbiddance continued after the rise of Nightmare Moon, for Celestia realized even alicorns can go mad. The last ones allowed passage were a team of ponies sent by Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor two years ago, and of the seven that set out… only one came back.
But the mystery may be on the verge of being solved. The defeat of Tirek has awakened a new power in the Elements of Harmony, one that can resist Mount Everhoof’s empathic magics. With the aid of Maud Pie’s expertise in geomancy, Twilight Sparkle and her friends now venture up Mount Everhoof in search of an artifact belonging to the late King Sombra. They’ve yet to learn what connections the Mad King had with the mountain, but they know they must locate the cursed artifact and destroy it…
...before it can cause any more harm.
Picture by Silfoe.