‘Patrician, are you a loyal subject of the Emperor?’ Barr, who had maintained an indifferent silence till then, wrinkled a noncommittal brow. ‘I have no cause to love Imperial rule.’ ‘Which is a long way from saying that you would be a traitor.’ ‘True. But the mere act of not being a traitor is also a long way from agreeing to be an active helper.’ ‘Ordinarily also true. But to refuse your help at this point,’ said Riose, deliberately, ‘will be considered treason and treated as such.’ Barr’s eyebrows drew together. ‘Save your verbal cudgels for your subordinates. A simple statement of your
...more
