I had a theory, and if its true, sorry nido, but what if drode is actually one of Shalia's minions, or Shalia herself (right?). Cuz, how else would he know whats going on before it happens?
Drode gave us our quest, and everything. If your theory is true, then our final destination is a trap set by Shalia, because she'd know through Drode where we are at any given moment, right?