Balthazar nodded and listened as she named the key figures off and where they would likely throw their support.  His lips did curl slightly at the word abdicate.  Of course, it was possible that Aurora's father might live to see his daugther rule.  Unlikely, but possible.<br/><br/>"Very good," he answered her as he moved around the images slowly, "Your attention has saved us time, which we may have less of than we would like.  Your father has already made it clear of his intent to block your assention.  While he has lost one avenue, we must assume he will move as swiftly as possible to find another."<br/><br/>He tapped the back of the Holy Father's seat.  "We will not sway this one.  Any means to blackmail or sway such a man are only likely to anger him and make him even more of an enemy."<br/><br/>Then he crossed to the Chief Justice.  "Fortunately, we have the word of law on our side.  Always a useful thing."<br/><br/>"That leaves the general, who will dislike a woman but at least your brother is hardly better to his soldier's eyes.  We will need to find something to sway him.  He should recieve our attention."<br/><br/>The lich paused by Borgan's chair.  "Do you understand what may be required to insure this peasent's support?  And are you prepared to do so?  If not we'll need to be prepared to satisfy this dog some other way."<br/><br/>He then moved to stand beside the throne and reach to stroke Aurora's hair.  "We shall also need to turn our efforts to these last two, who hold your father's ear closely...  Do you hold fondness for either of them?  It might prove useful to distract your father from our activities."