‘With respect, councillor,’ said Talaban, with a friendly smile, ‘I think you are forgetting the importance of a show of power. If these newcomers are anything like us they will be arrogant and convinced of their superiority and divine right to rule. Think of what might have happened had we somehow escaped the fall of the world, our empire almost intact, our capital city undamaged. We would have sailed our Serpents across the new oceans, seeking other races, and subduing them, as we have always done. And let us imagine we found a race similar to our own, save that they had no sources of power left to them, and boasted no ships, no armies, no real means of defence. Would we have welcomed them like brothers? I think not. The newcomers will not know, at first, that we have only one Serpent. They should see her in her battle glory. Then perhaps they will think of us as equals.’
‘I agree with Talaban,’ said Questor Ro. ‘His analogy is a good one. We are arrogant – as indeed we have every right to be. But we are facing unknown dangers here. The Serpent should be battle ready – though we can pray she is not needed.’
‘Perhaps we should vote on the question,’ said Niclin.
‘No vote is required,’ put in Rael. ‘This is a military decision, and that makes it mine alone. The chest will remain – for the time being – in the Serpent.’
Niclin raised his hand. ‘As you will, Rael, but before we move on, may I ask a question, captain … is it true that you struck Questor Ro while upon the ice? Struck him in full view of watching Vagars?’
Viruk had heard no such rumour and was fascinated. He glanced at Talaban and saw his expression harden. ‘The Questor and I fought the krals,’ said Talaban, ‘and then there followed the eruption. I ran to help the Questor and he stumbled as the earth cracked open. I caught him. I fail to see how that constitutes a blow, but then perhaps it looked like one from afar.’
‘You are saying then that you did not strike him?’
Viruk noted the captain’s hesitation as the question was put. ‘Surely,’ said Talaban, ‘that would be better asked of the Questor himself. But I would be interested to know the origin of this… bizarre tale’.
‘A seaman from your vessel told it to his friends in an ale house,’ said Niclin. ‘Happily he was speaking loud enough to be heard by an officer of the Watch. He was arrested, questioned and crystal-drawn at dusk. Other members of the crew are now under interrogation. If necessary they will all be crystal-drawn.’
‘I think I prefer the word murdered,’ said Talaban, coldly. ‘And that is not going to happen. They will be released instantly.’
‘That is not your decision,’ said Niclin. The councillor’s face was reddening. Viruk smiled. The man was struggling to hold his temper.
‘No, the decision is mine,’ said Rael firmly. ‘Does anyone else have anything to add?’
‘Surely, Questor General,’ said fat Caprishan, ‘we should ask Questor Ro to confirm or deny the veracity of the tale. If it is true then all the Vagar crew should be crystal-drawn forthwith.’
‘The point is well made, cousin, and I thank you for it,’ said Rael. He turned towards Ro, gesturing for him to speak.
Questor Ro was silent for a moment, then he glanced at Talaban. ‘The captain saved my life upon the ice. Without him I would have been dead. That, I think you will find, is what it says in my report. I have nothing to add.’
‘Let the sailors be freed,’ said Rael. ‘Now, let us move on. Most of you will know by now of the timely demise of Judon of the Patiakes. I believe his death has averted any immediate threat of revolt. But we are facing other problems from within. There is a group within the five cities calling themselves Pajists. They were responsible for the death of Questor Baliel and are also believed to be behind the attacks on prominent Vagar citizens who show great loyalty to our rule. We are currently hunting down the leaders, but be advised, my friends, we are in great danger. I want no councillor to travel the city without guards, and a greater security must be maintained in our homes and our places of work. I myself questioned three men. Even under torture they would not divulge the names of their leaders. But we did learn that the attacks would escalate.’