“I remind you that Directory business is confidential,” Maurisk said. “I don’t want this treasonous nonsense to spread.”

“As would happen if, for example, Hallvez had a trial in the Deputies?”

Maurisk’s hand clenched into a fist. In theory, the Ministry of War, like all the ministries, was now subject to the authority of the Deputies-General, which had in turn delegated power to the Directory. So far, though, the ability of the Directory to enforce its will on the Minister of War had not been seriously tested, as Durenne, in spite of his Radical politics, had been willing to play along. If Durenne brought things to a head, he would almost certainly lose in the end, but he probably could force a public vote on the matter. If that happened, no oath of secrecy would keep Hallvez’ story out of the papers.

Durenne laughed. “You shouldn’t scowl so much, Johann. It makes you look constipated. I’m only tweaking your tail, of course. How could I object to the punishment of such an obvious traitor?”

“I don’t appreciate being toyed with,” Maurisk said. “Is there a point to this?”

“Only that if the Directory is going to be in the business of issuing orders directly to the military, I think we might as well pack up the Ministry of War and be done.” Durenne leaned forward. “I have worked with you because the good of the state requires it. But if you continue to go behind my back, I will have no choice but to bring matters to a public vote. Don’t push me, Johann.”

“I’m sure it was just an oversight,” Maurisk said stiffly. “We’ll consult you in the future, of course.”

“Of course.”

Durenne opened the door to leave, and Maurisk spotted Kellerman hovering outside. He beckoned the young man in and poured a little more brandy into the glass.

“We have someone watching him, don’t we?” Maurisk said when he heard the outer door close behind Durenne.

“Yes, sir,” Kellerman said. He was a treasure Maurisk had picked out from the initial flood of volunteers: prim, efficient, and a rabid idealist, someone who wouldn’t shrink from any task that furthered the cause. We could have used him in the old days.

“Good. I want to know who he talks to, who he spends time with. What messages he sends. Use more men if you need to, and don’t worry about being spotted. A little reminder will do him good.”

“Of course, sir.” Kellerman bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind him.

“What an obedient little viper.” A pleasant voice, with the hint of a Murnskai accent.