I don't think Talana was in the evil side. As far as I remember, she didn't tell a word about Ygerna when she was still living. Zandalor was the first to speak about her, I guess Ygerna just took the opportunity. The hypothesis is confirmed by Lovis, who is a really bad guy as we learn later. I'm pretty sure he would love looking at Rivellon's destruction... I don't remember Talana suggesting to speak with him, but memories aren't fresh anymore.
About Battle Tower, the spirit of the island follows a prophecy. Laiken doesn't respect her, so she is happy we help her to get rid of him. Maybe the prophecy didn't mean to make us the master of the island, but to help us to free the future master's mate. Sure she wouldn't tell us that kind of truth... I don't remember who in the game told Laiken was more cruel than the Damned in person.
I have a hazy theory about Maxos. From his notes, we learned he was hiding a lot of things to his followers (Dragon Knights included). I believe he appeared to them as a good, wise man, that didn't mean he actually was one. Neither was the spirit of his island, that wanted you to sacrifice people in the name of the prophecy and of a machiavel-like theory. Patriach saw in him a thirst of power while asking the way to the Hall of Echoes. After what he vanished... okay, nothing "hazy" for the moment. It became really hazy when I thought Maxos could have become the Lord of Chaos
anyway, don't take it serious!
