The situation in the Northlands was actually rather strange now. Every nation and city-state had begun making its own calculations... They were clearly allies, and just a few years ago, they had still been able to maintain unity in all sorts of actions... Back then, even the more powerful nations had been willing to accept the Silver Moon Alliance's proposals.
But suddenly, everything changed. The Silver Moon Alliance abruptly fell into intrigue and deception... No one was willing to place their trust in Alustriel anymore. Her connection with Khelben was simply too close.
Khelben stepping into the spotlight made the rulers of most territorial nations realize something: Mystra's Chosen did not bring only benefits to their rule. Once an ambitious figure emerged among them, they posed far too great a threat.
Commoners would not care who replaced the noble lords above their heads... If the replacement was stronger, then of course that was better... They were oppressed either way, so who cared who took the throne after the king died? The stronger the lord, the more support he would receive.
Mystra's Chosen appeared to be scattered throughout the Northlands and normally had little contact with one another, but if Mystra truly had a sudden whim, even Chosen who disagreed would act according to the goddess's will... United, the Chosen were truly the strongest force in the Northlands... So perhaps Mystra being killed by Cyric in her own garden meant the World Will had heard too many heartfelt prayers.
Or perhaps someone had successfully prayed to Tymora, the Goddess of Luck.
Even the Harpers had temporarily distanced themselves from Alustriel now, let alone those small territories. They had become somewhat dissatisfied with recent events because the High Lady had chosen to stand with Khelben.
They were not Mystra's believers. They would