feared but respected by the people of Sanctuary. This has changed radically
since our alliance with them. They have grown more quarrelsome, and their
ability to defend themselves seems to have diminished nearly to the point of
nonexistence. A major portion of our agents’ time and energies is being diverted
into keeping the Stepsons out of trouble, or saving them when our preventive
measures fail.’
The ex-crimelord digested this. ‘We both know that field soldiers left in town
too long become troublesome as their fighting trim and discipline deteriorate.
Is this what’s happened to the Stepsons?’
Saliman shook his head. ‘Such deterioration would not be so rapid or complete.
These warriors could not be more ineffectual if they were trying to lose.’
‘You may have the answer there. We know the Stepsons to be fearless, willing to
follow Tempus’s orders even unto death. They could be testing us, deliberately
exposing themselves to danger to measure our intent or ability to honour our
alliances. Either that, or there may be more to Tempus’s leadership than meets
the eye. It has been established that he derives support from at least one god.
Perhaps he has found a way to transmit that power to his troops … a way that
has grown tenuous operating at such a distance.’
‘Either way, we’re still investing too much of our time maintaining a bad
alliance.’
‘But until we know for sure, we can’t tell if it’s more to our advantage to keep
or dissolve the agreement. Find me the answers and I’ll reconsider. Until then,