Abnoba oversaw the chanting of the ritualists. Not a word was misspoke. They had had the importance of this ritual made extremely clear. He turned to his queen, seated in her throne gazing impassively at the magic circle in the dim candle light. "I cannot say that this will grant you what you seek, milady." "No, likely it will not. Hyborem's powers are great indeed, but even he lacks the power to rescind a blessing given by twenty-one in concert. It seems I am destined to see the end of this world." The Ashen Veil preistess smiled. "The north." "And we?"