their lives and reputations on the line for the dear old Empire. In their
efforts to be in two places at once, though, they’ve left themselves vulnerable.
They’ve turned their name over to a batch of total incompetents, hoping their
reputation will suffice to bluff their replacements’ way through any crisis.
‘While we have an alliance with the Stepsons, we have no obligation at all to
the fools they left behind in their stead. What’s more, we know from our own
difficulties in rebuilding exactly how fragile a reputation can be.’
The eyes were narrow slits now.
‘Therefore, here are my orders to all under my command. All support for those in
town who currently call themselves Stepsons is to be withdrawn immediately. In
fact, any opportunity to harass, embarrass, or destroy those individuals is to
take priority over any assignment save those directly involving the Beysib. In
the shortest possible time, I want to see the name of the Stepsons held in
somewhat less regard by the citizens of Sanctuary than that shown to the
Downwinders.’
‘But what will happen when word of this reaches the real Stepsons?’ Saliman
asked.
‘They will be faced with a choice. They can either stay where they are and have
their name slandered in the worst hell-hole in the Rankan Empire, or they can
return at all speed, risking the label of deserter from the forces at
Wizardwall. With any luck, both will happen. They’ll desert their post and find
they are unable to reestablish their reputation here.’
He locked gazes with his aide, then winked slowly. ‘And that, Saliman old