Only a few senior figures remained in the hall, including Lorne Songweaver, Idonis, and Quelrintis, along with the newly appointed Galind Shalong and Alleria, who had been accompanying Patrick all along.
"Sunlight City is under construction. This city belongs to us. To preserve the integrity of our administration and development, I have no choice but to do this. I hope you understand."
Of those present, only Lorne Songweaver, Quelrintis, and Idonis expressed agreement. Candiris and Yanida were not particularly adept at political maneuvering and gave it little thought. As long as Patrick issued an order, they would carry it out.
"To prevent other factions from infiltrating our highest decision-making body?" Quelrintis was the first to speak. Having struggled through so many years at the Sun Temple, how could he not know the darkness of politics?
"Yes. The Silvermoon Council keeps making moves behind the scenes. I trust none of you would willingly hand over the power you hold." Patrick gave an affirmative answer.
Everyone fell silent. They had only just received their appointments from Patrick. Serving an arcane master offered the prospect of gaining access to the finest resources in Quel'Thalas and the chance to attain higher social standing. They had never expected hands to reach out from the shadows so soon after their lives had settled down.
Patrick could not guarantee the integrity of some of the other new recruits, but the team's core members, his trusted aides, had to stand together.
That was the most basic requirement. Lorne Songweaver had once been a noble in Silvermoon City, though his family had since fallen on hard times. He understood the darkness of politics all too well. Idonis and Candiris were close friends, practically childhood companions. Candiris had little political sensitivity, while Idonis had only begun to grasp the basics.