Omand was impressed by the logic. “Hmmm . . . Your only loyalty has been to an Order which has been fair and equal to all. You’re born of the first caste, but without any of their usual entanglements that entails. The warrior caste would have far more respect for you than any man of the courts. An argument could be made that you would be the best choice.” He was practical enough to admit that Devedas also had a charismatic charm and his rugged looks would do well on posters and coins.
“Though I know that’s where the power truly lies, I’ve got no stomach for managing bureaucracies. That’s for men like you, Omand. I was born to rule, and that’s what I intend to do.”
“Very well.” This had been a more fruitful meeting than Omand had hoped for. “But what about the destruction of the casteless?”
“Rebellion is coming to all of the houses one way or the other. It’s been in the air too long, and recent events will only make it worse. I don’t believe in the old foolish superstitions about where the casteless come from, but I think exterminating all of them is unnecessary brutality. Let the rebellious hang, and the rest will fall back into line as usual.”
It turned out they were both ambitious, but Devedas still had some measure of humanity. Luckily Omand didn’t. “Of course. As long as I reach my political goals I don’t care what happens to them. I’m happy to let the obedient casteless live,” he lied.
“I intend to crush the rebellion, and when I return, triumphant, we can either be allies or enemies. You will have plenty of time to prepare your people to welcome me back. I believe this may be a long campaign. With Ashok joining the rebels, for once they’re actually a threat.”
Does he know of my part? Impossible. Only a loyal few knew of Ashok’s fabricated orders, and none of them would have talked. “So you believe he has willingly joined the rebels?”
“Ashok was the closest friend I’ve ever had. I know him better than anyone. There’s never been a man born with a greater single-minded devotion to the Law. They say he’s without compassion or mercy, but they don’t realize Ashok believed he was doing lawbreakers a favor by ending them. People think it was because of the sword, but that’s not what made Ashok that way. It was his belief, his certainty. He just is. So while he was rotting in that cell, pondering on all those who wronged him, if he turned that devotion to something else, some other task, he’d be just as certain, just as merciless, only now there would be no Law to restrain him . . .” Devedas trailed off, then shook his head sadly. “No, Inquisitor, my Order isn’t just searching for him as some political show to satisfy the judges. I have to kill my brother because I know that Ashok is the most dangerous man alive.”
For the first time, Omand wondered if he might have inadvertently unleashed something terrible into the world.
Son of the Black Sword Page 44