In the grand banquet hall of the Vientiane World, celebration was in full swing.
"Lockhart—no, I should say Master Supreme Sorcerer—congratulations!" one voice called out.
"Congratulations, Lockhart!" another exclaimed with a laugh. "Though I suppose we should all adjust our addresses to 'Master Supreme'!"
The hall resonated with the melodious clinking of wine glasses as joy permeated the atmosphere. At the center of the festivities stood Lockhart, perpetually surrounded by sorcerers offering their congratulations in an endless stream.
This was an intimate gathering, attended exclusively by sorcerers who had cultivated good relationships with Lockhart. The event had one primary purpose—to consolidate loyalty.
As impressive as Lockhart was in nearly every aspect, his relatively brief tenure at Kamar-Taj remained his sole apparent weakness. This reality couldn't be changed; however, his remarkable experiences and contributions compensated for most concerns about his limited time with the order.
Nevertheless, if he hoped to fully integrate himself into the fabric of Kamar-Taj's leadership, he would need to rely on these friends and allies.
Since first joining Kamar-Taj, Lockhart had been strategically generous, using tangible benefits to forge connections with those who could be swayed to his side. High-ranking individuals like Kaecilius had been bound to him through mutually beneficial arrangements.
Even Elder Byron of the law enforcement division had received his share of appropriate gifts over time, though Lockhart had been careful not to make these gestures too overt. Various law enforcement sorcerers and other masters had been presented with high-level access cards to the Vientiane World, all with preferential permissions.
The rapid expansion of the Vientiane World was no accident. Nearly every master of Kamar-Taj had established some presence there, whether residences or businesses. Even Asgardians had participated in the booming interdimensional marketplace.
This success stemmed directly from Lockhart's willingness to share opportunity and prosperity. He had bound others to him through mutual benefit—almost every sorcerer who had established a business in the Vientiane World had profited handsomely. Only a few remained uninvolved, either through disinterest or incompatibility, cases where Lockhart couldn't assist even if he'd wanted to.
Consequently, despite his relatively short time among them, Lockhart enjoyed a favorable reputation throughout Kamar-Taj. At minimum, most held a positive impression of him—crucial for ensuring they wouldn't instinctively oppose him. Even neutrality was valuable at this stage.
From here, his strategy was straightforward: cultivate more friends and fewer enemies. Of course, as Supreme Sorcerer, directly courting allies would appear undignified unless the potential ally held exceptional status. This required intermediaries—specifically, the sorcerers already bound to Lockhart's interests who could influence their own circles, gradually shifting neutral parties toward Lockhart's camp.
The process would be remarkably straightforward. After all, Lockhart's position was legitimate, his ascension orthodox. Unlike Doctor Strange in the original timeline, whose claim to the title of Sorcerer Supreme had seemed arbitrary to many, Lockhart had been personally chosen by the Ancient One herself. If Strange hadn't possessed the Eye of Agamotto, few would have acknowledged his authority, leaving Kamar-Taj's power structure fractured.
Even later, when the Sorcerer King emerged as the new Supreme Sorcerer, the unified authority that the Ancient One had commanded remained absent. Lockhart had no intention of replicating Strange's difficulties. His ambitions extended further—to transform both worlds into materials for opening a path to the heavens, literally and figuratively.
Across the banquet hall, Kaecilius raised his glass, observing Lockhart amid his circle of well-wishers. Envy flickered briefly in his heart.
The position of Supreme Sorcerer carried immense weight, and Kaecilius understood Lockhart's methods intimately. While uncertain if Lockhart would eventually match the Ancient One's mastery, Kaecilius knew his friend was no mere figurehead. Lockhart would be a true Supreme Sorcerer, capable of wielding authentic authority over all aspects of Kamar-Taj.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Kaecilius's envy gradually transformed into excitement. His close relationship with Lockhart virtually guaranteed his own advancement. As guardian sorcerer of the New York Sanctum, he would almost certainly be recalled to Kamar-Taj headquarters to serve as a powerful elder in the near future.
As his own influence grew, so too would the resources at his disposal, simultaneously strengthening Lockhart's position. It was the definition of a mutually beneficial arrangement—how could Kaecilius not be thrilled?
He found himself contemplating which position might suit him best upon returning to Kamar-Taj. Elder of Law Enforcement? Elder of Discipline? Elder of Resources? The possibilities were both numerous and appealing.
According to long-standing Kamar-Taj traditions, someone of his age and experience would typically wait many more years before receiving such a prominent headquarters appointment. Without good fortune, he might have ended up like Arnold, guardian sorcerer of the London Sanctum, unable to return to headquarters until well into his twilight years.
Thinking of this, Kaecilius spotted Arnold across the hall. Perhaps spring would arrive for Arnold as well, after his long winter. Looking at his counterpart—a guardian sorcerer a full generation older than himself—Kaecilius lifted his glass and began moving toward him.
It stood to reason that Lockhart, as Supreme Sorcerer, would install his trusted allies in key positions throughout the three major sanctums. This would necessitate movement throughout the entire hierarchy. After Kaecilius's promotion, others would rise to fill his vacated position, with Lockhart's people occupying crucial roles, perhaps even assuming his current position as guardian sorcerer.
This pattern would apply equally to Arnold and others. Those present at this banquet were essentially Lockhart's confidants or future colleagues. Arnold, who might otherwise have ended his career in his current position, would likely be recalled to headquarters for an important appointment, furthering Lockhart's control over Kamar-Taj.
"Arnold, how are matters at the London Sanctum these days?" Kaecilius approached, raising his glass in a casual greeting to initiate conversation.
The glasses clinked softly as Arnold took a sip of his red wine, his face brightening with a pleased expression.
"Excellent. The London Sanctum has flourished since we removed that group of traitors," Arnold replied. "We're experiencing our most stable period in centuries, all thanks to the Supreme Sorcerer's efforts!"
In just a few sentences, Arnold had deftly shifted the topic to Lockhart, offering unhesitating praise. In this moment and this setting, commending Lockhart was precisely the right move.
Kaecilius nodded with an approving smile. "Indeed, the Supreme Sorcerer has been exemplary. Our New York Sanctum once faced grave danger, and it was the Supreme Sorcerer who, undaunted by the threat, subdued the Demon God."
There was an unspoken agreement between them as they both consciously referred to Lockhart by his title rather than his name. They traded stories of Lockhart's accomplishments at their respective sanctums, each account more impressive than the last.
"Arnold, what are your plans for the London Sanctum's future development?" Kaecilius subtly guided the conversation toward his intended purpose.
Arnold followed the lead effortlessly. "I haven't formulated concrete plans yet. My primary concern is receiving guidance from the Supreme Sorcerer," he replied diplomatically. "The London Sanctum remains eternally aligned with Kamar-Taj headquarters, always faithful to the Supreme Sorcerer's strategic vision."