Mistborn #02 The Well of Ascension

couldn't. He was looking at each of the Assembly members in turn, meeting their eyes. There was none of the jovial, dismissible boy that had attended these meetings before. Standing in the militaristic suit, firm instead of hesitant. . .he almost seemed like a different person.
    You found a coach, it appears , Philen thought. A little too late. Just wait . . ..

    Philen sat down. "Actually, we didn't get a chance to choose a chancellor," he said. "We were just getting to that."
    Elend nodded, a dozen different instructions rattling in his head. Keep eye contact. Use subtle, but firm, expressions. Never appear hurried, but don't seem hesitant. Sit down without wiggling, don't shuffle, use a straight posture, don't form your hands into fists when you're nervous. . ..
    He shot a quick glance at Tindwyl. She gave him a nod.
    Get back to it, El , he told himself. Let them sense the differences in you .
    He walked over to take his seat, nodding to the other seven noblemen on the Assembly. "Very well," he said, taking the lead. "Then, might I nominate a chancellor?"
    "Yourself?" asked Dridel, one of the noblemen; his sneer seemed permanent, as far as Elend could tell. It was a passably appropriate expression for one with such a sharp face and dark hair.
    "No," Elend said. "I'm hardly an unbiased party in today's proceedings. Therefore, I nominate Lord Penrod. He's as honorable a man as we're likely to find, and I believe he can be trusted to mediate our discussions."
    The group was quiet for a moment.
    "That seems logical," Hettel, a forge worker, finally said.
    "All in favor?" Elend said, raising his hand. He got a good eighteen hands—all of the skaa, most of the nobility, only one of the merchants. It was a majority, however.
    Elend turned to Lord Penrod. "I believe that means that you are in charge, Ferson."
    The stately man nodded appreciatively, then rose to formally open the meeting, something Elend had once done. Penrod's mannerisms were polished, his posture strong as he stood in his well-cut suit. Elend couldn't help but feel a little jealous, watching Penrod act so naturally in the things that Elend was struggling to learn.
    Maybe he would make a better king than I , Elend thought. Perhaps . . .
    No , he thought firmly. I have to be confident. Penrod is a decent man and an impeccable noble, but those things do not make a leader. He hasn't read what I've read, and doesn't understand legislative theory as I do. He's a good man, but he's still a product of his society—he doesn't consider skaa animals, but he'll never be able to think of them as equals .
    Penrod finished the introductions, then turned to Elend. "Lord Venture, you called this meeting. I believe that the law grants you first opportunity to address the Assembly."
    Elend nodded thankfully, rising.
    "Will twenty minutes be enough time?" Penrod asked.
    "It should be," Elend said, passing Penrod as they traded places. Elend stood up at the lectern. To his right, the floor of the hall was packed with shuffling, coughing, whispering people. There was a tension to the room—this was the first time Elend had confronted the group that had betrayed him.
    "As many of you know," Elend said to the twenty-three Assembly members, "I recently returned from a meeting with Straff Venture—the warlord who is, unfortunately, my father. I would like to give a report of this encounter. Realize that because this is an open meeting, I will adjust my report to avoid mentioning sensitive matters of national security."
    He paused just slightly, and saw the looks of confusion he had expected. Finally, Philen the merchant cleared his throat.
    "Yes, Philen?" Elend asked.
    "This is all well and good, Elend," Philen said. "But aren't you going to address the matter that brought us here?"
    "The reason we meet together, Philen," Elend said, "is so that we can discuss how to keep Luthadel safe and prosperous. I think the people are most worried about the armies—and we should, primarily, seek to address their concerns. Matters of leadership in the Assembly can wait."
    "I. . .see," Philen said, obviously confused.
    "The time is yours, Lord Venture," Penrod said. "Proceed as you wish."
    "Thank you, Chancellor," Elend said. "I wish to make it very clear that my father is not going to attack this city. I can understand why people would be concerned, particularly because of last week's preliminary assault on our walls. That, however, was simply a test—Straff fears attacking too much