A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 4

terrier
employed to kill rats.'
    Seba Krafar looked away (but then, he'd been doing that
on and off ever since he'd sat down). 'As you say. Should be
simple, but then, these things never are.'
    'Are you saying that you are not up to this?'
    'No, I'm saying that I have learned to accept that
nothing is simple, and the simpler it looks the more
complicated it probably is. Therefore, this will need careful
planning. I trust you are not under any pressure to get on to
the Council in a hurry? There're all kinds of steps needed
in any case, sponsorships or bloodline claims, assessment of
finances and so on . . .' He fell silent after, in a brief glance,
he noted the man's level look. Seba cleared his throat, and
then said, 'Ten days at the minimum. Acceptable?'
    'Acceptable.'
    'Then we're done here.'
    'We are.'
    'The deposition provided us by the Malazan embassy is
unacceptable.'
    Councillor Coll fixed a steady regard on Hanut Orr's
smooth-shaven face, and saw nothing in it but what he
had always seen. Fear, contempt, misdirection and outright
deceit, the gathered forces of hatred and spite. 'So you
stated,' he replied. 'But as you can see, the meeting has
finished. I do my best to leave matters of the Council in
the chamber. Politicking is a habit that can fast run away
with you, Councillor.'
    'I do not recall seeking your advice.'
    'No, just my allegiance. Of the two, you elected the
wrong one, Councillor.'
    'I think not, since it is the only relevant one.'
    'Yes,' Coll smiled, 'I understood you well enough. Now, if
you will excuse me—'
    'Their explanation for why they needed to expand the
embassy is flimsy – are you so easily duped, Councillor
Coll? Or is it just a matter of filling your purse to buy your
vote?'
    'Either you are offering to bribe me, Councillor Orr, or
you are suggesting that I have been bribed. The former
seems most unlikely. Thus, it must be the latter, and since
we happen to be standing in the corridor, with others
nearby – close enough to hear you – you leave me no choice
but to seek censure.'
    Hanut Orr sneered. 'Censure? Is that the coward's way of
avoiding an actual duel?'
    'I accept that it is such a rare occurrence that you
probably know little about it. Very well, for the benefit of
your defence, allow me to explain.'
    A dozen or more councillors had now gathered and were
listening, expressions appropriately grave.
    Coll continued, 'I hereby accept your accusation as a
formal charge. The procedure now is the engagement of
an independent committee that will begin investigating.
Of course, said investigation is most thorough, and will
involve the detailed auditing of both of our financial
affairs – yes, accuser and accused. Such examination
inevitably . . . propagates, so that all manner of personal
information comes to light. Once all pertinent information
is assembled, my own advocates will review your file, to
determine whether a countercharge is appropriate. At this
point, the Council Judiciary takes over proceedings.'
    Hanut Orr had gone somewhat pale.
    Coll observed him with raised brows. 'Shall I now seek
censure, Councillor?'
    'I was not suggesting you were taking bribes, Councillor
Coll. And I apologize if my carelessness led to such an
interpretation.'
    'I see. Were you then offering me one?'
    'Of course not.'
    'Then, is our politicking done here?'
    Hanut Orr managed a stiff bow, and then whirled off,
trailed after a moment by Shardan Lim and then, with
studied casualness, young Gorlas Vidikas.
    Coll watched them depart.
    Estraysian D'Arle moved to his side and, taking him by the
arm, led him towards a private alcove – the ones designed
precisely for extra-chamber politicking. Two servants
delivered chilled white wine and then quickly departed.
    'That was close,' Estraysian murmured.
    'He's young. And stupid. A family trait? Possibly.'
    'There was no bribe, was there?'
    Coll frowned. 'Not as such. The official reasons given
are just as Orr claimed. Flimsy.'
    'Yes. And he was not privy to the unofficial ones.'
    'No. Wrong committee.'
    'Hardly an accident. That ambitious trio's been given
places on every meaningless committee we can think of
– but that's not keeping them busy enough, it seems. They
still find time to get in our way.'
    'One day,' said Coll, 'they will indeed be as dangerous as
they think they are.'
    Outside the building, standing in the bright sun, the three
ambitious young councillors formed a sort of island in a
sea of milling pigeons. None took note of