Swamped

"Master, I hate to interrupt your reading, but we have a new problem."

You close the book. It was getting boring, anyhow.

"Lar, we have had a lot of problems lately. Reth has started moving against us directly, and we have had to respond by taking more risks than I would like. Most notably, the attacks on the Bogknight and Marshguard bases ended in failure, and our main asset in the Bogknights was exposed. Then the Ritual of Hope failed, and not long after, Carma and Shume vanished, along with several magical items."

"I am aware, Master."

"And yet, all of these are minor setbacks. Reth's minions are no match for my power, even without the Ritual of Hope; they are merely an inconvenience. And once we are successful in either the swamp or the desert, things will fall into place for the other soon after. Nor are the betrayals a significant concern, as they are restricted in what they can reveal to others, and only the missing keys affect our plans significantly."

"As you say, Master. Regardless of what hardships we face along the way, I have absolute faith in you."

Lar bows.

"You do. And because of that faith, you would not deign to bother me with a problem if you could find a way to solve it yourself."

"Of course not, Master."

"Then what is our new problem, Lar?"