construction of new temples to Savankala, Sabellia, and Vashanka?’ Bourne asked.
‘Yes, I am,’ the prince acknowledged. ‘But the difficulties will probably be
more diplomatic than criminal in nature. As such, I will attend to it
personally, leaving you free to pursue your given assignments.’
There were no further questions, and the prince steeled himself for his final
pronouncement.
‘As to how you are to conduct yourselves while carrying out your orders …’
Kadakithis paused dramatically while sweeping the assemblage with a hard glare.
‘I know you men are all soldiers and used to meeting opposition with bared
steel. You are certainly permitted to fight to defend yourselves if attacked or
to defend any citizen of this town. However, I will not tolerate brutality or
needless bloodshed in the name of the empire. Whatever your personal feelings
may be, you are not to draw a sword on any citizen unless they have proven – I
repeat, proven – themselves to be criminal. The townsfolk have already taken to
calling you Hell Hounds. Be sure that title refers only to the vigour with which
you pursue your duties and not to your viciousness. That is all.’
There were mutters and dark glances as the men filed out of the room. While the
Hell Hounds’ loyalty to the empire was above question, Kadakithis had cause to
wonder if in their own minds they truly considered him a representative of that
empire.
SENTENCES OF DEATH
by John Brunner
1
It was a measure of the decline in Sanctuary’s fortunes that the scriptorium of
Master Melilot occupied a prime location fronting on Governor’s Walk. The