Mercenaries don't need the magic of Friendship, do they?

Starswirl the Bearded is known as one of the greatest conjurers of the pre-classical era. His story is one plagued with greed, corruption, and an insatiable lust for power. Watch as the fate of Equestria and the Princesses hang on his every action.

A grouchy librarian is forced to take a vacation, not realizing that it will change his life for the better.

What if the Elements had not been powerful enough to defeat Nightmare Moon...