Although Keith Preston was part of the Pro-Joyce Faction, he wasn't one to act recklessly.
For instance, with everyone currently vying to guard The Citadel, he was clearly outnumbered and isolated. So, he conceded. He relinquished his claim on guarding The Citadel in exchange for placing his most trusted subordinates by Leo Joyce's side. He even exploited the other factions' mutual distrust by suggesting each party send representatives to jointly supervise the situation...
One could say he was just as adept at the power-balancing tactics Leo Joyce was known for, and he used them to ensure Leo Joyce's personal safety.
After he left, Claire Chapman dismissed Maisie Joyce. The first words out of her mouth were, "That man is no simple character. I think he's capable enough to be the City Lord of Southreach."
Marcus Monroe's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Impossible."
"Why not?"
