"We have a problem," said a captain to Rughoi's left. "Outer scouts have come back with harrowing reports. They claim they've encountered dracon forces, closing in from our sides." Rughoi cursed.

"There goes our flank," he said. "Have skirmishers ready to pare down their numbers. I want the guard to change position, to accommodate for this difficulty. Change positions into box formation. They may try to surround us." The captain nodded. This threw a huge wrench into Rughoi's plan. Merat supporters were few, and Rughoi knew he had the numbers. By having the guard in the center, he had hoped to occupy the monsters, while the cavalry go around to envelop. Now such a task is impossible. "Can you perform the spell again?" Rughoi asked.

"I'll do one better," Kutur responded. More words, followed by another strike of the staff, and a pale red steam began emitting from his free hand. It quickly rose up and became a red cloud, hovering over the battlefield. Then, fireballs and lightning came crashing down on the Meratids. Bolts of light struck Meratid captains again and again, bringing them to their knees. 

"Good. The Bythesea archmage taught you well. Have those skirmishers find cover. Those dracons will come over the hills any second now. The more I think about it, the surer I am that the dracons signed a deal with Merat to overthrow me. We have the moral ground, and Arda follows the good."