The newly constructed St. Stephen's Chapel in London was a scene of some activity. King William of England had just called the first Parliament of the English Realm. A few groups of discontented Saxon peasants had attempted to disrupt the meeting, but were dealt with appropriately by the Norman men-at-arms standing guard.

Inside the chapel were the assembled nobles of the realms. At this present time, the only notables present were William Rufus, the favourite son of the Conqueror, Robert Curthose, the eldest son of the Conqueror, and of course the king himself.

Once all the attending nobles had taken their seats, the king rose to speak.

"I have called you here, my vassals and noblemen of the realm, to hear your petitions on the governance of the realm. Since my conquest of this fair land some fourteen years ago, I have had no time to attend to such matters, as the Saxon swine were ill-disposed to my rightful rule.

However, apart from the rebellious Saxons in York, there now exists peace throughout my realm. I am therefore intending to call such parliaments as these when I require advice on pressing concerns.

Now, my barons. Let me hear your petitions!"