The Gathering Shadow of War

"I want a war—a war where blood floods the earth!"

A blinding bolt of lightning tore through the mountain-like layers of storm clouds beyond the window, followed by a deafening crash of thunder.

Rain poured down in sheets.

"War?" The brief flash cast heavy shadows across Avallac's deep, refined features.

"That's right, war." Eredin Breacc Glas met his gaze without changing expression. "You and I both know what Spiral Zone 43 is like. The White Frost has already infected its source. That world will inevitably fall into a snow-white abyss."

"Now that we have confirmed Adagath's Gate is there, we must act swiftly. Before the White Frost's activity changes, we need to charge in and seize back Adagath's Gate, which rightfully belongs to the Alder Folk."

"The deaths of eighty-five Red Riders paid in blood to teach us that Spiral Zone 43 is not as weak as we imagined. Continuing to send small forces will only mire the Alder Folk deeper in the mud."

"War!"

"Yes, war, Cilfian Espen Ebb Corman Maca!"

"Only a large-scale war can crush that world with overwhelming force, make them submit, and have them crawl forward to offer up the Alder Folk's stolen treasure—Adagath's Gate..."

Avallac raised a hand, cutting off Eredin Breacc Glas's highly provocative and aggressive declaration.

"So you are telling me," Avallac said, his brow slightly furrowed, "that after the precious Red Riders suffered devastating losses in another world, you not only have no intention of reporting to Oberon Muirthach and the Elder Council or reviewing your failures, but even intend to add fuel to the Alder Folk's already difficult situation?"

"I have nothing to review, Avallac." Eredin Breacc Glas shook his head. "You and I both know about the Spiral's disturbances. Anything can happen in an interdimensional campaign."

"A thousand years