Lord Marek listened as each Lord made his or her claim. First was Duke James Conrad. "[i]Duke Conrad, of a long and very noble lineage. Perhaps it is finally time for the Conrad name to sit upon the throne of Osteria.[/i]." Lord Marek remained unmoving, his hands tucked to the small of his back.

Next was Lord Gerantius. "[i]Ah yes, Lord Aldwyn Gerantius, head of the most noble House Gerantius and Duke of Marethia. A man with a great understanding of the intricacies of managing the breadbasket of the empire. A strong argument for the line of Gerantius. Who else might speak for or against these men. Still other voices yet we have not heard.[/i]"

Marek's gaze teetered to and fro, to the other nobles that had not yet had a chance to speak.