Douglas Niles - Emperor of Ansalon

But even that host wouldn't be enough. Already the Zhakar had been enlisted to the cause, and Ariakas had

plans to fly to Bloten, threatening the ogres with oblitera shy;tion if they didn't rally to the Dark Queen's banner. There, as in the city, the highlord felt certain of eventual success-not just because of fear, but because ogres and human warriors both would be unable to resist the pic shy;ture of victorious battle and rich plunder that Ariakas would use to lure them.

Wryllish Parkane hurried from the temple gates to kneel reverently before both the dragon and the high-lord. The high priest quickly rose to his feet, his face serious.

"Apprentices-grab those saddlebags!" barked Aria shy;kas, dismounting and striding to Parkane. "Come on- let's go to the egg rooms."

"The shadowpeople have invaded the Sanctified Cata shy;combs!" burst the high priest. "They've seized the egg chambers, and resisted all of our attempts to drive them out. They say if we bring an army down there they will destroy the eggs!"

"They won't hurt them," Ariakas said with certainty. "But perhaps I can talk to them."

"Indeed-the leading warrior, one called Vallens-wade, has asked to speak to you personally."

"Where are they gathered?" asked the highlord.

"They're holed up in a large cavern, where the tunnels all come together. They have all the entrances blocked, and there's no way we can reach the eggs," replied the priest.

"I'll… talk to them. Bring the mold along quickly-it won't be long before we can get to work," Ariakas said, starting into the tunnels of the Catacombs.

On his back gleamed the emerald-green blade of his sword.