‘So it’s said.’
‘Who are they?’ Kutch asked.
‘They’re an ancient martial order,’ Karr told him, ‘founded on patriotism. Their ranks boast some of the finest swordsmen in the land, and they’ve helped keep alive a tradition of valour that was once universally respected. They’ve often appeared in times when this country’s independence was threatened.’
‘And proved inept, if Bhealfa’s present state’s anything to go by,’ Caldason remarked.
‘Perhaps they would have achieved more if they’d had greater support from the rest of us,’ Karr replied pointedly. ‘At least they’re doing something.’
‘If you think a bunch of idealists with outmoded notions of chivalry have much to contribute to your cause, I suppose they are.’
‘Dissent isn’t as black and white as you think. The few politicians of my persuasion need all the allies we can get; we’re fleas on the backs of oxen.’
‘That just about sums up the size of your task.’
‘Even an ox can be brought low by enough flea bites.’
‘In your dreams, perhaps.’
Karr expelled a breath. ‘You seem less than enthusiastic about the idea of challenging those in power. Given what Qalochians have suffered, that surprises me.’
Reeth visibly stiffened at mention of his birthright.
‘Your people have faced massacres and enforced clearances,’ Karr continued, ‘and what’s left of your diaspora has blind prejudice heaped upon it. If any have a grievance against the regime, it’s the Qaloch.’
Knowing how sour Caldason could be about his people’s lot, Kutch expected a prickly reaction. He was half right.
‘The condition of Qalochians is well known,’ Caldason said, even-toned, ‘yet I see few taking up cudgels on our behalf. Why should we support you?’
‘Because it’s your fight too. And some of us
have
spoken out about the Qaloch’s plight. Myself included.’
‘That’s made a world of difference, hasn’t it?’
‘I understand your cynicism, but -’
‘Do you?’ Caldason’s passion began to show itself. ‘Have
you
been spat on because of your race? Have
your
settlements been torched, your womenfolk defiled? Have you had your life valued at less than a handful of dirt on account of your ancestry?’
‘For my ancestry… no.’
‘
No
, you haven’t. Your safety’s in peril, granted, but unlike me you have a choice. You could give up agitation and offer the state no reason to vex you.’
‘My principles wouldn’t allow that,’ Karr bristled.
‘I can respect a man who takes a stand. For me there’s no option. My blood allows me none. Because when it comes to prejudice and bigotry neither empire has anything to boast of. This land happens to be under the heel of one at the moment. In the past it was the other. The world is as it is.’
‘That’s where we disagree. I believe we could change things.’
‘Gath Tampoor, Rintarah; it makes no difference.’
‘I’m not talking about replacing one empire with the other, or trying to moderate what we have. There could be another course.’
‘Slim hope, Patrician.’
‘Perhaps. But history’s stood still for too long. Everything’s entrenched. Two-tier justice, blind to the crimes of Gath Tampoorians; Bhealfa’s youth conscripted to fight the empires’ proxy wars; distant rulers, cut off from the people; extortionate taxes -’
‘We know all this,’ Caldason interrupted. ‘This isn’t a public meeting.’
Karr looked mildly slighted at that. ‘All I’m saying is that it can’t go on.’
‘Why not? The empires are stronger than they’ve ever been. Even if it were possible to defeat one, its twin would fill the void.’
‘That’s certainly been true in the past. Now I’m not so sure. There are signs that their rivalry is beginning to erode their power.’
Kutch was sceptical. ‘Are you joking?’
‘I was never more serious. Rintarah and Gath Tampoor are straining under the pressure of outdoing each other. They’re hammering at the rights of citizens and subjects both, such as they are, and milking their colonies for all they can get. As to their strength… well, a bough’s hardy until lightning strikes, and ice is thickest prior to the thaw.’
‘Claiming the empires are losing their hold’s one thing,’ Caldason said, ‘proving it’s another.’
‘I can only cite instinct, and the evidence of daily experience. There’s a brutality in the air. Don’t you feel it?’
‘More than usual, you mean?’
‘I can’t blame you for mocking. But look around. Disorder’s growing, and at the edges things are drifting into anarchy. We could take advantage of that.’
‘You talk of striking a blow, but you haven’t told me
how
. Do you wonder I have doubts?’
‘No. But perhaps you’ll feel differently when you learn more.’
‘I don’t think we’re going to know each other long enough for that, Karr.’
The patrician eyed him thoughtfully. ‘Maybe we will. I have a… proposal for you.’ He took in Caldason’s wary expression. ‘If you’ll hear me out.’
Reeth considered, then gave a small nod.
‘I need to get back to Valdarr,’ Karr explained. ‘I’ve no protection, human or magical. If you could -’
‘No.’
‘You said you’d listen.’
‘I’ve heard enough. I’m not a wet nurse. I don’t join causes or form alliances. If you want protecting, Kutch here can sell you a shielding spell.’
Rightly or wrongly, the boy took that as a criticism of his effort during the ambush. He was hurt by the comment and it showed in his face. The others didn’t seem to notice.
‘I’m not trying to sign you up to anything,’ Karr said. ‘All I ask is that you see me there safely. After that we go our separate ways.’
Caldason shook his head.
‘You were going to Valdarr anyway, Reeth,’ Kutch intervened.
‘I didn’t say that.’
‘Why were you going?’ Karr ventured.
Caldason said nothing.
Kutch, feeling reckless after his reproach, dared to answer for him. ‘Reeth meant to seek out Covenant. Though I’m not sure he believes it exists.’
‘Covenant?’ Karr said. ‘It exists all right.’
‘See?’ Kutch reacted gleefully. ‘I
told
you so.’
‘What business do you have with them, Caldason?’ Karr wanted to know.
The Qalochian frowned darkly. ‘Personal business.’
‘Of course. That’s your prerogative. But if it’s magic that concerns you, and you won’t or can’t deal with officially sanctioned practitioners, there are none better than Covenant. Though it must be said that dealing with them has its dangers.’
‘Everything to do with magic has dangers.’
‘True. It’s part of the social glue in an unjust culture. It would be more fairly distributed under the new order I’d like to see.’
‘I’d do away with it altogether.’
Karr looked startled. ‘Really? And they call
me
a radical.’ He would have pursued the issue, but Caldason’s expression bode ill for further debate. Instead he declared, ‘I can put you in touch with Covenant. It would take my kind of contacts. You stand little chance unaided, believe me. So why not a trade? In exchange for leading you to Covenant, you’ll accompany me to Valdarr.’
‘And me!’ Kutch broke in. ‘I’ve got to have somewhere to go too. I can’t stay here.’
Karr seized on this. ‘For the boy’s sake, Caldason, if nothing else.’
The Qalochian looked from one to the other. At length, he said, ‘I’m a wanted man. That has implications for anybody travelling with me.’
‘I’m prepared to take that risk.’