'Your honour, Edeard said courteously as the Mayor reached the ground.
'Waterwalker, thank you for coming. I hope it's not too inconvenient.
'No sir.
Owain actually smiled. 'Ah, polite as well as effective. How long before you're our Chief Constable, eh?
'I don't think Walsfol has anything to worry about, your honour.
'We shall see. Walk with me, please. He waved a hand at the gaggle of advisers, who fell back discreetly; Captain Larose and the soldiers took up position just behind them. Owain chose a narrow track which led back towards the Outer Circle Canal around Majate. The meadowland on either side was just about deserted.
'I regret that we seem to have started off on the wrong foot, young Waterwalker. I blame myself, you are Finitan's protege, after all.
'He supports banishment, your honour.
'Yes. So do I.
'I didn't know that, your honour.
'Still polite even in the face of provocation. You are too kind, Waterwalker. You see me as someone who has opposed your clever exclusion warrants, and who of course will fight Finitan and his proposal.
'It does seem that way your honour, yes.
'I'm sure it does. That is because you are young, and — your pardon — can as yet only visualize short term benefits. Do you really think, do you believe in your own heart, that I do not want this city rid of crime?
'No.
'Precisely. Well I thank you for that courtesy. I actually rather like the idea of the exclusion warrants. You are to be congratulated on implementing them, and against such strong political opposition.
'Given what I understand of this city's politics, a policy which you opposed would always gain support from other quarters.
Owain grinned smoothly. 'Which brings us to today. What did you think of the regiment?
Edeard glanced back towards the stables. The last of the wagons had now left the wooden buildings. Animals bleated as they were herded along behind. 'I think the bandits will be in a lot of trouble. The Jeavons station's ge-eagle was spiralling lazily above City Gate, showing Edeard five new wagons belonging to the Weapons Guild. They were parked to one side of the road, waiting. He knew they would follow the regiment all the way to Talence province, where they would sell pistols to the frightened farmers and villagers, profiting Owain's Guild still further just as Jessile said. It wasn't a crime, he acknowledged, but that didn't make it right, either.
'Yes, Owain said. 'But why are they there in the first place?
'They are everywhere.
'Indeed they are. The bandits and the gangs are symptomatic of our society's failings, Waterwalker. That is what I am truly opposed to.
'I'm not sure I understand, your honour.
'If you banish the gang leadership from the city, where will they go?
'Beyond the borders of the furthest province, or some distant island, that's what I had in mind.
'Of course. It would seem humane, I'd expect nothing less from a man of principle like you. We're all guilty of listening to the city's tittle tattle about you, Waterwalker; but not once have I heard it said you lack integrity, and for that I thank the Lady. But have you considered what will occur a year, or even ten, after they begin their banishment? The resentment? The lure of returning? If they didn't come back here they would surely join with the bandits.
'So what is your proposal? I assume that's what we are discussing.
'We are. My proposal, as you put it, is that we do not treat the gangs and the bandits in isolation. We all live on one world. We must become one nation. Our problems must be dealt with in unison. The militia regiments out in the countryside, the constables here in the city. When we have rounded up all of the miscreants, then we can exile them in perpetuity. I like your idea of a remote island — that would certainly make them containable.
'So what's the difference between you and Finitan?
'Finitan thinks only of the city, of short term solutions. Don't tell me you haven't worried about what happens to people after banishment.
'I've considered it, your honour, Edeard admitted. 'We seem to be making things worse on the Iguru, what with all the highwaymen; that's why I wanted banishment.
'But do you see we can't treat these problems in isolation?
'I understand both problems have to be confronted, yes.
'I am happy to hear that. Unfortunately, the easy one is tin-city. You have shown us how it can be achieved, Waterwalker. Nobody doubts you will ultimately succeed, not even poor old Buate.
'I'd settle for Bise capitulating.
Owain laughed. 'Don't worry. When the time comes, I will
stand over Master Bise personally, and ensure he signs the exclusion warrants for Sampalok.
'Your honour?
'It is simple politics. Master Bise believes he can gain more influence by supporting me. In Council it pays me to encourage such support. Ultimately, Bise will accept the inevitable, and his nefarious allies will be purged from our streets.
'That's… a relief to know.
'I thought it would be. So, whilst not asking you to switch your support, for Finitan is your patron, and I would not want to foster such disloyalty, do you at least agree with some of my objectives?
'Yes, your honour, I do.
'Thank you.
'Why can you not reach a concord with Master Finitan?
'Sadly, we have been adversaries for too long. Neither of us trusts the other. And I have to say, I will campaign long and hard to retain my office no matter what we agree or disagree in private. Such is the nature of humanity, least of all flawed specimens like us ancient conservative Masters. Do you think it likely that Finitan will back down?
'No.
'Precisely. I wanted to reassure you of my own goals, because whoever wins this election, it is you who will be fighting the gangs on the streets.
'Thank you, your honour.
'I admit, knowing you will be working for the city is of considerable relief to me. The constables have performed little short of a miracle since the day you walked on water. And that resounding victory over dear little Mirnatha's captors was extraordinary. I admit to joining the cheers of joy along Grand Major Canal that day. I ask the Lady that she will be equally generous granting the militia victory. Theirs will be the more difficult task, and the one bogged down in politics.
'How is that? Ink-aid asked. They'd nearly reached the Outer
Circle Canal, up ahead he could see the bronze and jade bridge which Rah himself had commissioned.
'The countryside wishes to enjoy the benefits of the city without having to pay the cost, Owain said. 'Five times since last summer I have dispatched our regiments to aid desperate provincial governors. And what payment have we received? A grudgingly given reimbursement for our basic costs. To what avail? The regiments ultimately have to come home, leaving the lands open once again to infiltration by the bandits. It is a nonsense, a gesture which achieves nothing in the long term. If we are to achieve stability and an end to this dreadful felony, then the provinces will have to pay taxes to Makkathran for organizing their defence. Militias will have to be stationed permanently and strategically across the countryside. Such achievement will require tremendous organization, one province cannot be favoured above another. All costs — and they will be considerable — must be borne equally. The rule of law available to all without prejudice. Both the Master in his mansion and the farmer in his cottage will have to answer to the same authority.
'One nation, Edeard said.
'Precisely. At the moment city and provinces are naught but a loose affiliate. And look where it has taken us, to the verge of anarchy. To face this new threat, we have to consolidate the forces of civilization, to strengthen our boundary and enforce our justice. Only as a nation where equality reigns, can this happen.