All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 68

"We are undone!" the necromancer declared to the Brilhado with dismay. "Tralin has left Deren and disrupted our plans for him. Worse, he is believed to possess Lorithia's Shield."

"I see..." the Brilhado said calmly. "Never mind him. Tralin will return and we will have time enough then to act toward our purposes. Lorithia's Shield will only reverse magic when he has it on his person and prepared. He shall be struck from within. Our plans are in place. Concern yourself instead with the other issues at hand. Drakath has joined our army of undeath, has he not?"

"He has..."

"And he is regenerative? As demanded?"

"He has already fallen several times, but he returns..."

"Good. Our use for the darkness dragon is not done. Concern yourself instead with stopping those who seek in the ice an aid in their cause."

"In the ice?"

"It will not take long for Akriloth's deception to be evident. Those who do not know already will discover quickly. You know what comes next..."

"Yes..."

"So a delay is in order.... Enforce defenses. Its not your normal sphere, but I am sure you can enable a delay..."

"Yes, my lord."

"In the end, of course, the adventuring masses will accomplish their goals..."

"My lord?"

"Do you understand me? They not only will accomplish their goals, they must accomplish them..."

"My lord?"

"Must everything be spelled out to you? Akriloth too shall fall. It is part of the design. Dragonkind has always been at the front of the actions. But they are just that, a front..."

"Ah... So we are nearly ready for the next phase..."

"We are already prepared. At this point, it is merely setting the stage..."