urn:ff:fimfiction:story:241358Machinations in the DarkBaryonBronyhttps://www.fimfiction.net/user/484602017-05-04T23:23:30-05:00There is a secret held in the dungeons below Canterlot, deeper than the crystal caverns into the roots of the mountain. This secret is a creature imprisoned by the Princesses. It is a source of great knowledge, but may ultimately be a great enemy. [Teen, Incomplete, 59829 words]It has been one of the closest guarded secrets of Canterlot's royalty. Deep in a specially constructed dungeon, surrounded by warding spells and powerful magic barriers, exists an enigma. Within a cage that could only be described as something out of a nightmare, it waits and watches all of Equestria. A creature that cannot age, is immune to disease, does not thirst nor hunger, and resists all injury. But, it also holds secrets and knowledge that could safeguard the kingdom. Its powers are frightening, but it is civil enough for debate when patience permits.
Princess Celestia has sought counsel with the creature before, enduring it making deal after deal for its services. The Princess walks a fine line when dealing with it, knowing full well anything could give it an advantage despite its imprisonment. She has had to go back on her word in these dealings, and from this a deep animosity between them has been born. It is a necessary evil as she is convinced this is a being capable of untold evil far and above anything Equestria has ever dreamed of. So long as it remains within the confines of its cell, her kingdom is made safe. So much magic has been woven to ensure that, there is little chance of escape.
So long as the magic holds, there is no danger. So long as the cage remains strong, the nameless creature stays enthralled in his cavernous dwelling. If that were to change--if the magic failed--not even the wisest could say. But one thing is assured, it does not bode well for Equestria.
<ul class="chapters">
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/1/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-1-changing-of-the-guard">Chapter 1 - Changing of the Guard</a> (3945 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/2/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-2-deals-with-a-devil">Chapter 2 - Deals with a Devil</a> (2819 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/3/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-3-just-conversations">Chapter 3 - Just Conversations</a> (6423 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/4/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-4-the-logical-conclusion">Chapter 4 - The Logical Conclusion</a> (3179 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/5/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-5-hubris">Chapter 5 - Hubris</a> (2830 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/6/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-6-what-ally-is-time">Chapter 6 - What Ally is Time</a> (4833 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/7/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-7-threes-a-crowd">Chapter 7 - Three's a Crowd</a> (4523 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/8/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-8-forgotten-rendezvous">Chapter 8 - Forgotten Rendezvous</a> (2732 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/9/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-9-the-grace-of-the-heart">Chapter 9 - The Grace of the Heart</a> (2687 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/10/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-10-consider-the-debts-of-the-past">Chapter 10 - Consider the Debts of the Past</a> (4256 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/11/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-11-a-stranger-came-to-ponyville">Chapter 11 - A Stranger Came to Ponyville</a> (3408 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/12/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-12-friends-or-foes">Chapter 12 - Friends or Foes</a> (5141 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/13/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-13-law-of-opposites-part-1">Chapter 13 - Law of Opposites Part 1</a> (8099 words)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.fimfiction.net/story/241358/14/machinations-in-the-dark/chapter-14-law-of-opposites-part-2">Chapter 14 - Law of Opposites Part 2</a> (4954 words)</li>
</ul>