This must be the single most bad day for Kaelith, and it doesn't look like it's going to improve. His mage erected a shield in front of him and the attack that was meant for him clashed with that.
He was getting pushed back and he knew it, unlike most Necromancy, Kaelith must have a continuous supply of dead body to make undead. They don't last since his main control is in the brain the blood vessels in the body.
Maybe he'll be able to preserve in higher level in his advancement but right now, his undead last for about a month so he's at a disadvantaged when it comes to ready made troops.
But why does it have to be Ryker of all people to fight him? They are from the same set and he knew just how powerful the man is, they are both equally matched but Kaelith at a big disadvantage in a lot of things today.