“It is a rebel plot,” the Shadow Lord hissed. The pinpricks of light in his empty eye sockets flared as he began to pace. “The Allentrians are making one last, desperate bid to dethrone me. They shall not succeed.”
“No, Master,” Tanthflame agreed quickly.
“This happened in the Smarlands,” said Necrovar. “Shivnath is scheming. I’ve been lenient with her. I’ve been patient, I’ve been soft, but no longer. She’s gone too far. This means war, all-out war on anyone who stands in our way.”
“Master, we’ve made extensive plans for our next assault on the capital, but such an attack may now invite retaliation from the . . . the dragons.” Tanthflame’s voice hitched on the final dreaded word.
Necrovar stopped pacing and considered his options. Grouge watched him unblinkingly, as if hoping to glean
