While initially Clotho felt a degree of indignation that so many allies had appeared to aid her, she ultimately trusted in the Master's judgment and began incorporating the wealth of new talent and power into her plan.  Surprisingly few of the new arrivals approached her, but nevertheless the swarm queen was on hand to respond to any who did.  Just as her scheming reached its end, and her various papers and maps gathered neatly off to the side of her makeshift table, Clotho became aware of the air's changing temperature.  Immediately her mind raced to discern exactly why such an event would be occurring, and she figured out who might be approaching her an instant before that individual arrived.  Her eyes were drawn to the searing brilliance of the fire demon.  [color=9F8170]“Greetings, Torrens.  Long time no see.  The attack is indeed about to begin, in only a few minutes in fact.  My remaining Macula above have informed me that the dwarves, despite my best efforts, have readied themselves for an attack from below.  I was hoping to speak to you or another elementalist, in fact, for you are precisely what I need.  They expect to be fighting creatures, beasts or soldiers, but instead I will give them an inferno.  I would like to send you straight into the heart of their mining operation, to fill their great shafts and cavern buildings with fire from which there will be no escape.”[/color]

She glanced over her shoulder briefly, employing a gleaming emerald compound eye to ensure that Twitch, too, was listening.  [color=9F8170]”Meanwhile, I will give the signal for my Antlions to collapse the upper passages.  In one fell swoop their walls, buildings, and settlement will be undermined and in a tumult.  In addition, holes will be opened up for our soldiers to pour from and overwhelm them.  First wave will be my Lambent, zooming from the holes with my Myrmidons in their clutches and dropping them into position.  From there the Lambent will provide aerial support for the entire horde, including the other champions and Xahillion.  Remember, we are fighting to eradicate the enemy, but also to possess their things.  Destroy nothing needlessly.”[/color]

Twenty minutes later, the signal was given, and with a thunderous, bone-shaking series of cracks and rumbles, the attack began.