The Element of Fire, page 291 by Martha Wells
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t Bisra. And I'd wager anything that you mean for no one to get what he wants except you."
"And how will I accomplish this?" Grandier asked softly, eyes alight.
"I don't know. But I don't think you'll let them destroy Lodun."
"No, I would not let them do that." For a moment his expression turned abstract. "Evadne was the one demanding I destroy Lodun. He is not a factor anymore."
Grandier hesitated, his face craggy and harsh in the candlelight. "I don't like Denzil; he is cunning and I will need help to manage him. But he will give me what I want, and so I must use him. Bisra will be struck by the might of your armies. Once their priests can no longer defend them from the fay, I can further the collapse. In time, there will be nothing left but to sow salt into the empty fields...and Bisra will cease to be. It will probably take many years, I know, but I have the time." He looked thoughtful, then shook his head. "I regret the necessity of a long war that will have ill effect on this land, but I really can't see any other way to start the process of collapse. You will agree that an all-out conflict can be particularly devastating."
Thomas just looked at him. There was nothing to be said. Grandier was setting forces in motion he couldn't possibly control. The old sorcerer might never see his goal accomplished, but he would see years of destruction.
Quietly, desperately, Aviler said, "What you are planning--dreaming--will never come to pass."
Grandier got slowly to his feet, as if the cold hurt his back. "I have ridden the tide of events for many years. I am quite capable of guiding it now."
Thomas looked up at him, and knew any argument was useless, but he said, "You are mad. You're handing the kingdom to Denzil, and he doesn't give a penny damn for you or your plans."
"That remains to be seen."
In a tone of quiet rage, Aviler said, "I hope you burn in Hell with your damned fay allies."
Grandier chuckled. "I have already burned in Hell. You