Chapter 84: The Eve of the Meeting (Part Two)

The envoy’s first destination was Taquilin, where he delivered the parliamentary edict signed by Senior Sunwing, the Chief Administrator. The parliament was set to increase investment in Taquilin, expand its infrastructure, and establish a basic development blueprint for the entire Ghostlands, with Taquilin as the central administrative hub. This would also secure Quel’Thalas’s connection to the outside world, elevate the nation’s trade revenues to new heights, and guarantee the implementation of the Silvermoon Council’s directives.

Well, that was the official story. In truth, the parliament’s main aim was to tighten its grip on Taquilin, to divide and win over the power in Patrick’s hands, to nudge this newly arrived councilor into choosing a faction within the council as quickly as possible—rather than forming his own faction, disrupting the established balance.

The parliament’s envoy was Saladray, a trusted subordinate of the Sunwing family, who had been loyal for nearly eight centuries. Even though, after the Scourge invasion, the Sunwing family collapsed, its high-ranking members perished or disappeared, and only a few scattered lower members survived, the family itself had vanished into the dust of history.

After completing his official duties in Taquilin, Saladray mounted his steed and set out for the Sun Sanctuary. This time, he was to meet a councilor. Saladray did not dare simply teleport over, announce the council’s notice, and leave. When dealing with a Silvermoon councilor, one must at least maintain a show of respect.

Although Saladray owed his allegiance to the Sunwing family, it would be unwise to make enemies without cause—especially since, compared to Senior Sunwing, Patrick was only one rank below. Both wielded power in Quel’Thalas, and when meeting a Silvermoon councilor, respect was due.

The road bustled with people—travelers and merchants heading to the Sun Sanctuary, along with adventurers seeking to hone their skills. Word had spread that a Silvermoon councilor was stationed at the Sun Sanctuary, making it a secure place. People flocked there for opportunities, not least because of its proximity to the front lines, where demand for supplies was high—a golden chance that merchants would not let slip by.

Outside the Sun Sanctuary, newly cultivated fields stretched outward, with more and more elves settling here. Scattered around the fields were farms and elven homes.

Arriving before the Tower of Sunlight, Saladray saw that the Sun Sanctuary’s territory had already grown into a small town. By his estimation, it rivaled Golden Mist Village in size. The main commercial center surrounded the Tower of Sunlight, with buildings arranged around it like stars orbiting the moon.

This was Saladray’s first visit to the Tower of Sunlight. Thanks to the presence of an arcane master, this remote region had blossomed, its people content with their lives. Saladray’s curiosity was piqued—what kind of master could bring such vitality to the Sun Sanctuary? His mind was a mix of doubt and anticipation.

At the entrance to the tower, a female elf announced his arrival. Saladray waited in the lounge until Patrick’s summons came, then was led to the councilor’s office.

Since Patrick’s promotion to councilor, both Yanida and Quelrintis had grown more cautious in his presence. The change in status weighed on them—Silvermoon councilors stood at the very pinnacle of Quel’Thalas’s power, while they were but minor magi, nameless and without background, compelled to tread carefully.

The moment Saladray met Patrick, he was astonished by the master’s arcane prowess. Power shimmered about him, silver-white energy flaring in his eyes. What amazed Saladray even more was Patrick’s youth. Elves live long lives, yet to achieve such greatness at such an age hinted at boundless potential.

“He will be a formidable rival for the Sunwing family,” Saladray immediately concluded.

“Please, have a seat, envoy.”

“Greetings, Councilor Patrick. I come bearing news from the Silvermoon Council. In three days, an extraordinary session will convene in the council hall. Your attendance is requested, Councilor Patrick.”

Saladray produced a stack of documents and handed them to Patrick. “In addition, the council has reviewed and approved your previous application for administrative and land rights over the Sun Sanctuary. Congratulations, Councilor, you are now the official administrator of the Sun Sanctuary.”

Patrick examined the documents carefully. Now, the Sun Sanctuary was effectively his fief. Together with partial ownership of the Forest of Life, his power base was beginning to take shape. The next step was to strengthen the functions and defenses of the Tower of Sunlight.

Arthas had already been born, and the days ahead would only grow more urgent. The wheel of history had begun to turn. Patrick needed to ensure he would not be crushed beneath its passage.

“Thank you for coming, Envoy. Would you care to rest a few days at the Sun Sanctuary?”

“No, thank you. I must return to the council and deliver my report.”

After bidding Patrick farewell, Saladray departed at once. He needed to record everything he had seen and heard on his journey and submit it to Master Senior Sunwing. The Sun Sanctuary was well on its path to prosperity. Though remote from Silvermoon City, who could say if this distant land would not one day give rise to a dazzling gem?

Managing the relationship with Patrick had become a priority. How could the Sunwing family, to which he was attached, gain advantage from the rise of this new councilor? These questions tangled in Saladray’s mind. The struggle between factions was unending, their conflicts of interest stretching back to ancient times.

Looking over the documents, Patrick was now, in effect, the sole authority at the Sun Sanctuary, and the Tower of Sunlight was nearly his private property. At last, he could begin its renovation. Leveraging his councilor privileges, Patrick could report directly to the Royal Arcane Academy, requesting repairs and upgrades for the mage tower.

He thickened the original design, linking the first four floors of the tower to the surrounding C-shaped valley. On the outer valley, he inscribed arcane circles for stone-shaping, reinforcement, hardening, and temperature control. The interior was paved with magical stone slabs, just like inside the tower, and inscribed with stabilizing and hardening arrays. Arcane conduits ran throughout, ensuring a steady supply of magical energy.

The preliminary blueprints had already been sent to the Royal Arcane Academy. Once reviewed and approved, work could begin. Patrick’s councilor salary and special funding were more than sufficient for the renovation—and would even leave a surplus.

Now, he just needed the academy’s approval and for scholars to be dispatched to begin construction. Only the academy could send magical builders, for arcane architecture was bound to the secret of the Sunwell’s energy—a mystery King Anasterian would never allow to be casually revealed.