What events had led to the slow decay of Ariakas' dreams?

The events that had led to the slow decay of Ariakas' dreams was the very events that were turning the tide against the Dark Queen. His troops had fled the Solamnic Plains, falling from Palanthas and withdrawing from Vingaard Keep and abandoning plans for the siege of Kalaman. Other than that, the allies with notorious enemies and determined fighting of other groups had given the people room to hope, which was the last thing Ariakas wanted.