Viktor blinked in surprise and clasped Elzar’s shoulder. “No. Never.”

“Never is a long time.”

“Not as long as a council meeting.”

The chainway rattled to new life, bearing a fresh kraikon to the pool. The giant’s chest was almost completely torn away, along with much of its right shoulder. A lattice of metal rods bound the remains together – a crude approximation of the surviving musculature.

“What happened?”

Elzar shrugged. “A section of harbour wall collapsed, took that poor lump with it. He’s lost his looks for ever. Tell me, why did you accept the invitation to join the Council?”

“Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answer? Because I thought I could change things. But the Council doesn’t change. The Republic doesn’t change.”

“And aren’t you as bad, if you accede to their decision?”

“You do want me to kill them.”

Elzar tutted. “Heavens, no. Think of the mess. But has it occurred to you that you’re just as hidebound as your father?”

“Choose your next words very carefully,” Viktor growled.

“I always do. One thing you and your father have in common is that deep down, you think of the Southshires as a land apart. For all your aspirations – noble as they are – you see them as conquered enemy, not estranged kin.”

Viktor took a deep breath and reminded himself that Elzar was trying to help. “Not so.”

“If all Tressia were overcome, and the Hadari at the gates, what would you do?”

“I’d never allow the circumstance to arise.”

“Humour me.” Elzar spread his hands, as if unfolding a vista. “The shire lands are charnel-fields. They overflow with the bloody ruin of our armies. You’ve no soldiers to call upon, and a city full of frightened citizens at your back. What do you do?”

“I offer terms. Surrender for survival.”

“They’re rejected.” He chuckled. “Apparently, you once said something unforgivable about the Emperor’s favourite pig. Your only choices are victory or death.”

“Then I rally the citizens. Lead them in their own defence . . .” Viktor tailed off. Their own defence. Was it that simple? “The Council would never allow it.”

“You need an army. The Council won’t grant you theirs. So you need another.”

“Just like that?”

“Of course not. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.”

“They won’t allow it,” Viktor repeated. “They’re too afraid of another revolt.”

“Then you need to take that fear away, or perhaps replace it.”

Viktor scowled. “How?”

Elzar grinned. “That’s up to you.”