The Lord Guardian of The (Speaker's) Circle was a Barrayaran political position, whose job duties included maintaining order within the Council of Counts during sessions and meetings. Primarily, he made sure the correct person spoke at the correct time. To get peoples' attention, he had a cavalry lance decorated with Vorbarra colors that he would bang on the wooden panel on the floor. The Lord Guardian did not vote but likely had a powerful position, because he regulated discussion during meetings of the Council.