"Also, pass this news on to the Alliance, the Horde, and Lordaeron. We need to accelerate the Northern Expedition." After a pause, Patrick's tone grew solemn. "Ulduar is another world-ending crisis. It requires all of us to face it together."
"We also need to look after Kurdran and Danath. After all, Stromgarde and Aerie Peak are both on the verge of losing their nations, and restoring their populations is one of their most important tasks. If they lose too many people in this battle, they won't be far from leaving the Arcane Pact." Patrick looked at the territorial map of the Arcane Pact in the hall. "And the Kingdom of Alterac, which Duke Falconcrest has always hoped to revive, has lost even its country. Population is even more important to them."
Kael'thas was dismissive. "We could say we're stronger now than we were before the Dark Portal. This is a first in the history of Quel'Thalas. Even if they withdraw, it won't affect us."
"The territory under our actual control is indeed larger than before. Even looking back a thousand years, Quel'Thalas's overall national strength is unprecedented, and the elves' internal unity is more unprecedented still." Changing tack, Patrick explained his reasoning. "But Stromgarde, Kul Tiras, and Aerie Peak are important powers I use to stabilize other powers and races. In other words, in the future, we can bring other powers into our ranks as vassal races."
"Vassals? Like those Tuskarr?"
"That's right, vassals. Only when their overall national strength reaches a certain level can they become our full member states. Stromgarde, Aerie Peak, and the others are the bridge between them and the core. I believe those who stand to benefit from the Arcane Pact certainly won't pass up the opportunity."
"Keeping the humans and dwarves on our side