Hector’s tightening expression revealed his growing irritation at her effrontery. ‘I am not alone,’ he said. ‘I have the support of the rest of the council.’
‘Sheep,’ she muttered, loudly enough for those the comment was aimed at to hear.
‘That’s enough, Louisa,’ Sebastian said curtly.
Hector might have been fuming but he seemed unable to sustain his anger. His stare softened and, if anything, reflected a certain admiration and, perhaps, desire for the outspoken girl.
Victor took a deep breath and stepped decisively towards the group. ‘I am not a member of the council either, but I have a say too,’ he said in a raised voice.
Everyone looked towards this new intruder.
‘This matter is beyond the brigade leaders and council members alone,’ Victor continued. ‘We are all a part of the rebellion, every man, woman and child in this camp and the others. I am under Sebastian’s banner as your lieutenants are under yours. But Sebastian does not own me. We are not a conscript army marching at the behest of ambitious officers. We are individuals, egalitarians expressing our beliefs and willing to put our lives on the line for them. This is a critical time in our adventure and we all have the right to say what we believe.’
The speech was met by mixed reactions among the rebel leaders. Louisa did not hide her evident fondness for Victor.
‘And so what is it that you believe, Victor?’ Hector asked with more than a hint of contempt in his voice.
‘I do not believe that when you have your sword against the throat of your adversary you remove it in order to negotiate with him - certainly not with one like Neravista.’
‘But you can’t expect a straight answer from a man with a blade at his throat,’ the big brigade commander replied. ‘I believe it is time, not to give up our weapons but to keep them with due vigilance in our hands while we try to work something out. Neravista wants to discuss terms. We should give him the space to do so.’
‘Have you forgotten what kind of animal he is?’ Sebastian said, getting to his feet. ‘He has murdered thousands of our people, many of whom died at the hands of torturers such as his own brother. Those people lost their lives simply because they wanted a change, a fairer, more just alternative. We began this fight to remove Neravista. But all you want is to join him. Do that and you will only share the blame for the blood he has on his hands.’
‘Be very careful, Sebastian,’ Hector growled.
‘There is no negotiating with Neravista!’ Sebastian insisted. ‘He has to be destroyed. And we cannot allow another dictator like him to take power. We have to wipe this country’s political slate clean. We must begin again. We will build a government based on liberal democracy. Freedom. That cannot be negotiated with Neravista. To him, the words “liberal” and “democracy” are like a crucifix to a vampire. He will fight to the death of everyone in this country to hold on to his power. He has no choice. He knows he will die otherwise.’
Most of the rebel leaders paused for thought at this. One of them, sitting beside Hector, whispered in his ear.
Hector looked at Stratton. ‘Who is that man?’ he boomed. ‘Since when are strangers invited to listen in on our council meetings?’
‘He works for Steel,’ Victor said.
‘Why is he here?’
Victor was about to speak when Hector interrupted him. ‘Let him speak for himself.’
All stares focused on Stratton. ‘I’m just the delivery boy,’ he said.
‘Ah. The weapons,’ Hector surmised.
‘He’s our guest,’ Victor said. ‘There’s no need for this.’
‘I know why you brought these weapons here, Sebastian. Not to destroy Neravista’s army but to destroy this opportunity for peace. That decision was made by you and you alone. Is that the kind of liberal democracy you are fighting for, Victor? I’m beginning to wonder if we might not just be exchanging one Neravista for another.’