The Conclave has Spoken

Writers: Avery, Clancey, Eimi, Emma, Paula
Date Posted: 16th May 2009

Characters: Ishek, Corowal, Grotal, Alendred, Hirraln
Description: A Conclave of Lord Holders meet together to decide Amber Hills' fate.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 3, day 1 of Turn 5

"Well, I think we are all agreed that Imaroy and Benil are too young to even be considered. We also seem to agree that Milroy's past actions at major Hold functions have cast some doubt on his suitability as a Lord Holder, despite the fact that it seems he has been able to keep his drinking in check over the last turn or two. That leaves us with Royan, Benaran, Royah, Nimroy and Benimil." Lord Grotal added almost as an after thought, "And of course someone threw out the suggestion of Benaroy's son-in-law, Zathris. Does anyone have anything to say before
we put this to a vote?"

"What is the marital status of those five other sons? I'm under impression that Benaroy was a widower and the hold had been without Lady a long time," Corowal asked.

"Royah is married with young children, as is Benaran," commented Lord Alendren of Opal Cove. "Although I hear that Royah was an able assistant to his father, he might not be the best leader. Someone said he takes after one of his Uncles who was discounted from succession for the same reason."

"Well, that probably crosses over his name from the list. The Amber Hills' situation is tricky one, and they need a good leader, they _deserve_ a good leader. Remember, the hold includes the folk from former Amethyst Cliff hold too," Corowal said.

"Which is why Zathris is a worthy consideration," Grotal nodded. "He too is not native to the Hold, though he was trained by the late Lord Holder and is connected to Amber Hills through marriage. Oh and, Alendren," he said, turning to the Opal Cove Lord Holder, "Benaran's wife also has passed. That is another plus in Zathris' favor. Benaroy's line is notoriously hard on their wives. They never seem to live long."

"Who is this Zathris-fellow?" Corowal asked. He was still relatively new among the Lords.

"My son," said Lord Ethris. "He did well at Jade harbour, and did I not already have a declared heir..." He let his voice trail off.

"Let's see, he has the training and background to be a Lord Holder, he's married to Benaroy's daughter and is well-connected," Corowal ticked off the facts. "Any facts on behalf of Nimroy and Benaran and what was that third name again?"

"I don't like that Royah. I heard a few stories from some of my holders. They seemed to think he was not interested in being a leader and this Hold needs strong and able leadership. But I don't like passing on the Hold to someone not in the line. Is your Zathris really the best choice?" said Lord Hirraln, addressing Lord Ethris.

"It is a bit unusual," Grotal agreed. "But he is married to Benaroy's daughter, and therefore any children of theirs who might inherit would be of that line, albeit the female line. His eldest, Royan, seems a stable fellow, but he is also a craftsman." The tone in the Lord Holder's voice made it plain that he felt that was hardly the sort of training suitable for the leader of a Hold. "Royah seems incompetant. Benaran, Nimroy and Benimil are widowed or unmarried. Milroy's past is just too much of a liability. Imaroy and Benil are just too young. I don't see what choice we have here. Zathris is a stable, dependable, well-trained young man in a marriage to Lord Benaroy's daughter. She is by all accounts honorable and capable as well, and would make a good Lady Holder - something the Hold has not had in fourteen turns. They have no children of their own, but from what I understand Benani has taken an interest in Nimroy's son. Perhaps if they cannot conceive, an heir would be found from among Benaroy's grandsons. I don't see how the Hold could lose by naming Zathris as Lord Holder."

"I concur with Grotal," Ishek said. "My largest concern with Zathris is his lack of children, but the fact that Benaroy has sufficient grandchildren to pass down the line is enough to alleviate that concern."

"Maybe we should just cast the vote and see how it goes," Corowal suggested.

"Agreed," Grotal nodded as he started passing scraps of hide down the line. "By secret ballot of course. We want no hard feelings."

Corowal didn't take long to write his vote, fold it and drop it to the pouch where the votes were collected to.

Ishek wrote his vote and placed it in the collection.

Lord Hirraln nodded his agreement, though he looked disgruntled at the short discussion. Still, he wrote his own vote and folded it up and passed it on with the others.

"Here's mine," Alendren added his in to the mix.

As the pouch was handed back to him, Grotal added his scribbled note to the rest and handed the bag off to the Harper Hallmaster who carried it into the adjacent room to do the talleying with his scribes as an impartial judge. It did not take long for them to return with their verdict.

"My Lords," Almonteo said in a strong clear voice as he addressed the assembly. "Though it was not unanimous, the vote was decidedly clear. Zathris has been confirmed as the next Lord Holder of Amber Hills Hold."

Lord Grotal nodded and stood to his feet. "The Conclave has spoken, then. Now all that is left is to inform those involved of our decision. It will not be easy news to break. Zathris will have his work cut out for him to win over Benaroy's sons. But I'm sure we can pledge him our firm and unwaivering support. Thank you gentlemen for your time."

Last updated on the May 20th 2009

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The Conclave has Spoken