‘Perfect,’ Emban said. ‘Practise that exact smile in a mirror. Remember that you’re going to be a kindly, loving father – at least that’s what we want them to think. What you do after you get to the throne is between you and God. All right then. The services will remind our brothers that they’re Churchmen first and property-owners second. We’ll march directly to the audience chamber from the nave. I’ll talk to the choirmaster and have a lot of singing echoing through the Basilica – something exalted to put our brothers in the proper mood. Dolmant will call us to order, and we’ll begin with an update – let everybody know the details of what’s been happening. That’s for the benefit of the Patriarchs who’ve been hiding in cellars since the siege began. It’s perfectly proper to call in witnesses under those circumstances. I’ll select them to make sure they’re eloquent. We want a lot of lurid descriptions of rape, arson and pillage to stir up a certain disapproval of the behaviour of the recent visitors to our city. Our parade of witnesses will culminate with Colonel Delada, and he’ll report the conversation between Annias and Martel. Let them mull that over for a little bit. I’ll talk to some of our brothers and have them prepare speeches full of outraged indignation and denunciations of the Primate of Cimmura. Then Dolmant will appoint a committee to investigate the matter. We don’t want the Hierocracy to get sidetracked.’ The fat little Patriarch thought it over. ‘Let’s adjourn for a noon meal at that point. Give them a couple of hours to work themselves up about the perfidy of Annias. Then, when we go back into session, Bergsten will make a speech about the need for all considered speed. Don’t give the appearance of rushing things, Bergsten, but remind them that we’re in a Crisis of the Faith. Then urge that we proceed directly with the voting. Wear your armour and carry that axe. Let’s set the tone of being on a wartime footing. Then we’ll have the traditional speeches by the kings of Eosia. Make them stirring, Your Majesties. Lots of references to cruel war and Otha and the foul designs of Azash. We want to frighten our brothers enough so that they’ll vote their consciences instead of politicking in back hallways and trying to make deals with each other. Keep your eyes on me, Dolmant. I’ll nose out any Patriarchs with the uncontrollable urge towards political chicanery and identify them to you. As chairman, you can recognize whomever you choose. And under no circumstances whatsoever accept a move to adjourn. Don’t let anybody break the momentum. Go immediately into the nominations at that point. Let’s get into the voting before our brothers have time to start thinking up mischief. Speed the vote right along. We want Ortzel on that throne before the sun goes down. And Ortzel, you keep your mouth shut during the deliberations. Some of your opinions are controversial. Don’t air them in public – at least not tomorrow.’