"Shirley Meier & S. M. Stirling - Fifth Millenium 02 - Saber and Shadow" - читать интересную книгу автора (Meier Shirley)

pay debts and augment niggardly pay and stipends; casualties and mobilization
of cadre units would give the ambitious room to rise in the table of ranks.

Oh, yes, there would be many to follow and support; rotting in the border
garrisons, in the endless boredom of drill fields, patrolling the western
mountains against starving savages who could hide under an oak leaf and put
arrows through a squirrel's eye.

"You are prepared for opposition, then, Radiance?" she asked. She was deeply
committed; still, it would be well to be sure that he was not too far gone in
mystical ecstasy to attend to the necessities.

He nodded. "They have overreached themselves. Trade is bad enough. Their
rabble-rousers have provoked the shaaids beyond endurance and there will be
troubles; I will use them to swing opinion against them in the council, and
the House of Tecktahs, as you warriors use an opponent's strength against
him."

"How does the Sun-on-Earth regard this matter?"

Both Fehinnans drew a circle over their breasts at the mention of the
God-King. "The new Avatar of Her has authorized this." Cubilano produced a
stamped document.

Smyna restrained herself from snatching and instead read it gravely. Cubilano
allowed himself an inward smile as he saw her eagerness. "Radiance, this is
everything we asked for!" She looked up, understanding in her eyes. "Ahhh,
that is why there was an announcement that the proclamation would deal with an
increase in taxes!"

Cubilano withdrew a hand from his sleeve and stroked his chin. It was the
first gesture Smyna had seen him use.

"The Sun-on-Earth . . ." He paused. How best to explain? "The God is much
occupied with other thoughts, of late. This matter is left in my hands. It
would be well to have preparations made in the Iron House both to deal with
possible civil unrest, and to use the revenues which will flow automatically
once the new measures are in place. Since you are commander of the Illizbuah
garrison, and have access to the necessary communications and staff personnel
..."

"The shaaid will riot?"

"Of course. My information is definite, and it is in any case necessary." He
managed to shrug without movement. "They are not so devout as the peasantry;
still, however many you loll, there will be sufficient for the city's needs."

"In other words," Smyna said, greatly daring, "you feel a short, sharp riot
will strengthen your hand against the merchants with the Sun-on-Earth, who
will not love those who incite his subjects to revolt. You will be able to