They had granted others access to the council over the years, which allowed them to expand their power and influence further.
They granted those people such positions which allowed them many advantages, but it usually came with certain costs and responsibilities.
Even if they were granted such things, there were still limitations to how much they could experience.
There remained a clear difference between them and the five great families.
Although Cooper and Nigel were both elders in the Elder Council, their status did not mean that they outranked anyone from one of the five great families.
They could be allowed to think that they were above them in terms of status, but the title they held did not grant them power over the five great families.
