Xeoniteridone's full pause of concern made me smile. Even more so when I felt Ram's mind touch mine.
The drach have completed the delivery, he sent. The antidote is now away.
Excellent. Knowing things were about to get ugly, I threw a net of power around Xeoniteridone and myself, much as I would if I were engaging in a battle for Plane status, only many times stronger than normal. Xeoniteridone registered my act as I cut us off from the rest of the room with a sudden grin.
"You weaken your power," he said, suddenly sly, shifting his weight forward, staff at the ready. "To protect those who care nothing for you and barely deserve to lick your boots."
"Think what you like," I said, letting my magic out to pool at my feet, climbing like a living vine around my legs, rising behind me in a
