Meanwhile, in a dim underground chamber, Draeven sat across from the Durnokh warden, Slark.
A massive map lay open on the stone table between them.
It did not look like a surface world map with oceans and islands.
It looked more like a dungeon layout.
Caverns, tunnels, and subterranean domains spread in every direction.
Paths twisted and crossed like the veins of a giant beast.
Some routes were marked in red, showing lethal hazards.
Others were black, marking secret tunnels only the Durnokh knew.
Draeven's fingers moved along the lines of the Nephirid Kingdom's domain. "This sector is the weakest link," he said. "At best, there will be a single squad of Ashborn stationed here.
Too many territories, not enough standing forces.
The Nephirid rule by fear, but fear alone doesn't hold an empire together.
If the lower clans start rebelling…" He dragged his finger along a cluster of connecting paths that led into other zones. "Then the entire structure collapses from within."
