"It seems very unfair. And how does he know he's the best?"
"He's the oldest. That's what counts. And he's conceited enough to be sure of it." Torric gulped another beakerful.
"The Empire has a better arrangement. Succession is by ability alone, among many in a whole group of families."
"Well—the old ways—what can I do?"
"That's hardly warrior's talk, Torric. Admitting defeat so soon—I thought better of you!"
"But what to do—?"
"There are ways. Cerdic's power, like that of all chiefs, rests on his many supporters and his own household troops. He isn't well liked. It wouldn't be hard to get many of his friends to give allegiance elsewhere."
"But—treachery—would you make a brotherslayer of me?"
"Who said anything about killing? Just—dislodging, let us say. He could always have a system or two to rule, just as he meant to give you."
"But—look, I don't know anything about your sneaking Terrestrial ways. I suppose you mean to dish—disaffect his allies, promise them more than he gives.... What's that word—bribery?—I don't know a thing about it, Dominic. I couldn't do it."