'What in Honious was that? Dinlay asked. 'Some kind of election stunt?
'I have no idea, an equally confused Edeard grunted. He gave Argian a questioning glance. 'Could he really be the top gang lord?
'No, Argian said. 'It isn't like that. The Diroals have strong links with the gangs. They profit from having business rivals weakened, but Bise is smart enough to keep his distance. This is something else entirely.
'Oh Lady, Kanseen groaned. She was facing north, her eyes closed as her farsight ranged out. 'The militia's coming.
'What? Edeard gasped.
'The militia. A whole regiment, by the look of it. They're coming across High Moat.
It took a second for Edeard's own farsight to find the long rank of men marching past the caravan pens. 'What are they doing? The constables are holding the rioters in Sampalok, they can't get over the bridges.
'There is a complete breakdown of law and order inside Makkathran, Macsen said tonelessly. 'If you're the Mayor, how would you feel about that? The militia aren't going to reinforce the bridges, they're coming in to stop the riots.
'How? Edeard asked. 'This isn't a militia job. The constables are much better trained to break up mobs.
'They're armed, Kanseen said quietly.
The chill akin to that Edeard had experienced at Boyd's touch returned; of all the constables he'd organized to help today only the sergeants and corporals were authorized to carry revolvers. 'But the people on the streets…
'And Bise has just told them to resist the invaders, Dinlay said.
'They have to be stopped, Edeard said. 'The militia can't shoot at civilians, even if they are breaking the law.
'People in the mob are armed, Argian said. 'It may be that the militia will be shot at first. That would be… convenient.
'Will your people listen to you? Can you get them to stop this?
'There is little to be done on the streets, Argian said. 'Though I will try and speak to those of my fellowship walking Sampalok today. But it is Motluk and his kind who ultimately hold sway.
'Talk to him, Edeard said. 'This cannot be allowed to happen.
'I will do what I can. Argian turned and headed off along the street.
'With me, Edeard told the others. 'We have to get to High Moat and stop this. He started running back to the concourse, his farsight ranging out. 'Lady curse it, where are all the gondolas, why are they never about when you need one?
'You planning to give the militia a good soaking? Dinlay asked keenly.
'Whatever it takes. The nearest gondola Edeard could sense was in Lilac Canal, heading away from Great Major Canal. It would take far too long. He stood in the middle of the Mid Pool concourse, twisting about, wracked by indecision. His support of Boyd had left him aching and enervated, he knew he didn't have the strength to pull many more stunts like the water cascade, especially not if he had to first run the entire length of Sampalok to reach the High Moat bridge. 'Lady damn it. He sent his farsight straight into the Orchard Palace, finding the Mayor in the Upper Council chamber. 'Sir, please, I have to talk to you.
'Waterwalker, the Mayor's timbre was frigid. 'The only reason you're still in this city is so you can give evidence before the commission I'm setting up to examine today's events and determine who is to blame. Alter that I have no doubt the Grand
Council will pass a very specific act of banishment, with you as the sole name listed.
'Sir, please, you have to call back the militia.
'What Lady-damned choice have you left me? Makkathran has not seen the like of this disorder for over a thousand years. And it was all your idea. Arresting these Hundred troublemakers was supposed to put an end to chaos. All you have done is provoked outrage and horror. People, decent people in Sampalok, and there are many, contrary to your propaganda, are suffering untold brutality at the hands of a wild mob. A mob you provoked. I am the Mayor, and I will not let that stand. It must be stopped.
'Let me stop it, sir. I can use water on them again; however many times it takes, a dozen if I have to. Please, you cannot let the militia shoot people.
'Since you are so obviously very hard of understanding I will say this in simple terms. You are to leave Sampalok at once. The officers of the militia are not savages, they will deal with this in a fast and professional manner. Do you understand? If you do not comply this instant, I will have Walsfol issue an order for your arrest. Not even you can withstand a hundred constables at once.
'Yes sir, Edeard said. His throat was strangely hard, making it difficult to swallow.
'So what are we doing? Dinlay asked.
Edeard stared round. The squad were still waiting for his word. And look where my ideas have got us. But I know what I am doing is right. I know it is. The politicians and families are twisting everything. He smiled grimly at his friends. 'We're doing exactly what Boyd told me: being bold. Are you with me?
Macsen put on a pained expression. 'Why are you asking that?
Several constables were heading towards them, led by a very uncomfortable-looking sergeant. Edeard waved insolently al them. 'I think we just stopped being constables.
'Oh Honious, Kanseen groaned.
'You'll really need to hold my hands for this, Edeard said, suddenly relishing what he was about to do. His friends sensed his new mood, and grinned. So they held hands, the four of them standing together in the middle of the concourse. In broad daylight, with a hundred constables looking on, and thousands of farsight gazes playing over them, they sank down through the solid surface laughing defiantly all the way.
It was Macsen who screamed the loudest while they tore through the bright tunnel as if they were falling to Querencia from the very nebulas themselves.
'Edeard, what are you doing? Finitan's longtalk asked when they surfaced in a deserted alley not far from the central bridge over Cloud Canal.
'I have to stop the militia, sir, Edeard replied, impressed by how fast the Grand Master had found them. Then he saw a ge-dog at the other end of the alley.
'Listen to me, Edeard, do not use force against the militia. You do not have universal approval among their officers. And Owain has given them a free hand to deal with the rioters.
'Why? Edeard asked. 'Why is he doing this?
'As the city sees it, he is clearing up the mess you have created, Finitan said with infinite weariness. 'In doing so he usurps you as the force of law and order within Makkathran, and breaks the gangs at the same time. When people are killed in any number, this city will blame you. And because of that, they'll vote for him at every election for the next hundred years.
'All this is about votes,
'No, Edeard, as I told you right at the beginning, it is about politics. Always. Those in power are not easily dislodged. Certainly not by good intentions.
'But what about Bise? He's offering people sanctuary in his mansion while the rioters defy the militia. He's making things worse.
'Bise is a sacrifice Owain is prepared to make. They were allies in Council until this morning. Each wanted to claim credit for defeating you. Bise underestimated Owain's resolve. It is a split which Owain has played perfectly. He is already talking of the Council putting Bise on trial for complicity; and there are enough of Bise's relatives who will leap at the chance of taking his District Mastership should he be disbarred. All Bise can do is make his gesture of resistance in the hope it makes things worse for Owain.
'Do you think it will?
'I have no idea. They may yet reach an accord before the point of no return is reached. Whether they do or not, nobody is going to vote for me, not after today, probably not even me. I'm seriously considering offering Owain my allegiance, that way I might salvage some of my political influence. Possibly if I work with him I can be a moderating voice.