I see.

[He'd headed a revolution of sorts in his day. Granted, it had been dark and violent and left a bitter taste in his mouth forever, but it had worked. This one was far too bold, far too quickly...and probably dangerous to cross, until he knew what exactly he was dealing with.]

Normally I'd say that beginners didn't stand a chance against the forces of magic, but...heh. There may be a few holes in their strategy.