The Dread Knights, now scattered and almost defunct, had been summoned. In a chamber deep beneath the ground, suits of armour held a conclave before a gargantuan throne. Upon this throne was the Dread Lord Verin, silent and unmoving, until every Knight who was to come had arrived. The iron despot then spoke, quietly, as if every word were precious. "My Knights," he rasped, "I have become... defunct. I am rusted and weary." There was a long quiet, during which no Knight dared speak. "Elbent," came the Lord's voice, "step forward." The Dread Knight Elbent followed his Lord's command, stepping into the space between him and the Knights. He stood under the watchful gaze of his brethren, the respectful silence still in place. "My most... efficient lieutenant. You have served me well." Elbent remained silent, his stare fixated on the Dread Lord, unsure what was to come next. "You are to rule with my authority, as regent." He said at last. "Knights, obey him as you obey me!" The Dread Lord had given up leadership, and so began the rule of Dread Regent Elbent, his subjects bound to his will by the command of the Dread Lord.