[Balanor]

If the demi-lich could have formed a smile, Ythazz Buvaar would have been grinning from undead ear-to-ear. As it were, he had to content himself with an evil chuckle. His departure from Thay had been to do what was necessary for the completion of his ritual. This time there would be no Velsharoon to steal power that rightfully belonged to him.

Over the course of two months, the zulkirs and Eltab had worked to further weaken each other which had culminated in not only Eltab’s destruction or banishment, but the removal of the powerful Nevron and the death of Tharchioness. Now the zulkirs were reduced by half, and the ranks of the Red Wizards who had not fled Thay, been killed, or had no clear leadership were reduced by well more than half.

Of course, the Vengeful had not been without its loses, but he had expected some of his more powerful leaders would fall before the end. After all, allowing his captains to fall helped ensure that his true purpose remained hidden while his enemies worked toward a goal. What could they truly hope to accomplish in two months against plans and contingencies and counter-contingenices he had laid out over the course of centuries?

Klanak had left himself particularly exposed and paid the price. Tsagoth had been expendable from the start, and he had always intended that the blood fiend would perish. It had surprised him that the mighty Victor had fallen, but Malark’s intentions had been known for some time and he had only allied himself with the Vengeful after Buvaar himself had personally explained his greater plan. The result was that Victor’s coven was shattered, however Buvaar had gathered several of the more powerful vampire masters back to the fold before they had escaped Thay. Malark would pay for the extra work he had caused, but not yet...

With Eltab removed and the Red Wizards at the weakest they had been in centuries, it was now time to end this charade. With a thought he ended the magical protection for all of those who had not pledged themselves willingly to him. If they were now not with him, they would only serve as undead - or perish with their convictions.

“Rally the forces,” his terrible voice rasped to the Death Knight Commanders assembled before him “Begin moving them into position. We must give the zulkirs something tangible to fight once again, lest they stumble upon and interfere with my true plan. The attacks will commence now. I want that castle captured with overwhelming force. Show them just how deadly five centuries of planning can be.”

After his army commanders left, he then turned to his remaining captains.

"Send word to our faithful agents to begin the infiltration of the targets. Make sure that all eyes are turned far from Bezantur. Remember that after these two upcoming battles, are the rest are of no consequence. One for my forces to take the castle, and the other for you to deal with the priests. After that, the rest of this war is simply a distraction, no more."