Brandon Stark has passed away, leaving his title and legacy in dispute. His nephew Will called an emergency meeting at Brandon's office to address the situation. However, when they arrived they found Pius Piper had already declared himself the new Law of Winterfell. A trial was ordered to settle the competing claims, with Piper presenting his case first and the Starks defending the will the next day. Sabriel objected to not being able to make an opening statement on the first day, worrying the judge would be unduly influenced by only hearing one side initially.