The elves who had followed Patrick at the Sun Temple from the very beginning trusted him. Back when he was still a minor mage, Patrick had become a Grand Arcanist entrusted with great responsibilities in a flash. To ordinary elves, his rise had practically been rocket-fast.
Elves measured the years in centuries, yet Patrick's rise had taken less than half a century. Across all of Quel'Thalas, that was almost unheard of. Patrick had completely shattered the pace at which mages in Quel'Thalas advanced.
After leaving Sunlight City, he returned to Sunfury Spire, where all the leaders had already assembled. Before departing this time, Patrick still needed to determine the direction of Quel'Thalas's development. Quel'Thalas had now expanded its influence into two outside areas and was promoting Arcane Currency throughout Azeroth. Some substantial bargaining chips were essential preparations for its future contests with other powers.
"Everyone, I called you all here today because I have a few announcements to make. I will be leading troops to Stratholme to help the survivors of Lordaeron resolve their undead problem. The undead threaten the Eastern Plaguelands at every moment, and they threaten us as well. Eliminating them can only benefit us, with no downside. In addition, Hawkspear has already led troops into the Plaguelands. From now on, that land will be the gateway to Quel'Thalas, as well as territory of the kingdom."
The entire Silvermoon Council had already learned this news at the previous meeting. Everyone waited quietly for what came next. Patrick would not have summoned everyone merely to repeat earlier news.
"During my absence from Quel'Thalas, Lor'themar Theron, Rommath, Patterson-Cabrolon, and Lanaya Sunstrider will continue to oversee all the kingdom's affairs as the four highest standing committee members."
As he spoke, Lor'themar Theron, Rommath, Patterson-Cabrolon, and Lanaya Sunstrider rose and acknowledged the