‘All disputes are unpleasant, governor,’ Chetta replied bluntly. ‘However, House Dukarr and ourselves have been very clear that there should be no violence employed.’

‘That is good to know,’ Taranthis said, clasping vis hands behind vis back and frowning at the ground some ten paces ahead. ‘And yet Lord Dukarr, having previously confirmed his attendance tonight, has returned his invite at practically the last minute.’ Vis frown deepened. ‘He refused me! I’ve known Sen Uru for many years, and he is a man of many and varied characteristics, but not one of those, not one, is that of a man who would miss the Feast of the Emperor’s Ascension at the palace of the planetary governor. And so I have to wonder… what does he fear?’

‘Whatever he may fear, it is unfounded,’ Vittariel said hotly. ‘Sen Uru is the man who feels that insult has been given, your excellency. He laid out the initial terms of our dispute, and we have countersigned them. If you require a copy of the document–’

‘That won’t be necessary,’ Taranthis said, waving vis hand dismissively. ‘I must trust that you, and he, will abide by your words, but I should tell you this – I respect the ancient autonomy of the Navigator houses, and the great services you render the Imperium on a daily basis. However, I must think about the wellbeing of my own world. I have already spoken with Judge Arctos on this matter. I will not stand for violence, or violent disruption that may endanger life or productivity. This world is still barely recovered from the predations of the Despoiler. I won’t have conflict initiated here again – not by our own citizens, no matter how small the scale of it. I will employ any and all forces I have at my disposal, should I need to, and I will not be pausing to determine fault.’ Ve paused for a moment. ‘Or should I perhaps contact the Paternova? I find that there is nothing like the presence of true authority to swiftly settle a minor quarrel.’

Chetta moistened her mouth where it had dried a little. Taranthis could command the Vorlesian Hearthguard, and Arctos the full might of the local proctors and Adeptus Arbites. House Brobantis had considerable force of arms at its disposal, probably more than the governor realised, but enough to hold off the planetary defence forces and the Arbites? And even if they succeeded in that, such an act would make them outlaws, worse even than House Xudine had been. Taranthis could legitimately call in the Astra Militarum, or even appeal for aid from the Space Marines…