A Little Hatred (The Age of Madness #1) - Joe Abercrombie Page 0,150

The truth is, the Closed Council is in no mood to negotiate and, even if I agreed to all your demands …’ He spread his hands in the same gesture of cavalier helplessness he used with jilted lovers, frustrated creditors and outraged officers of the law. ‘I’m the crown prince. There would be nothing to stop my father or his advisors refusing to honour my promises. I suspect, frankly, that’s the very reason they sent me. And I suspect, frankly … you’re well aware of that.’

‘Then why are we even here?’ snapped Heron.

Forest had managed to crank his scarred face a notch graver. ‘Troops stand ready to move into the city at your order, Your Highness—’

‘The very last thing we want is further bloodshed, Colonel Forest,’ said Orso, giving him the calming palm now. He had enough calming palm for everyone. ‘We are all citizens of the Union. We are all subjects of my father. I refuse to believe we cannot find a peaceful solution.’

He might not have spent much time negotiating for hostages, but at convincing people he could be trusted, whether in a gaming hall, a lady’s bedroom or a moneylender’s shop, he had almost bottomless experience to draw on. He softened his voice, he softened his face, he softened everything. He held Malmer’s eye and made himself all syrupy sympathy.

‘I am aware that the author of this unfortunate situation … was Superior Risinau. I note that he has not come forward to negotiate, however. Perhaps as the danger grew, his commitment to his own cause shrivelled?’ Did Orso detect the slightest twitch on Malmer’s stony face? ‘I know that type of man. Let us be honest, I have often seen him in the mirror. A man who makes a mess and leaves others to mop up.’

Nobody leaped to his defence, which was disappointing, but nor did they leap to Risinau’s.

‘I understand what it’s like …’ he gave his three opponents each a sympathetic look, ‘to be left with the blame. I appreciate that those of you still in the city are those who chose to stay and try to salvage the situation. The authors of this disaster will be tracked down and punished, of that I assure you.’

‘Of that there is no question,’ hissed Pike.

‘But I have no interest in punishing you for their crimes,’ said Orso. ‘My concern – my only concern – is the safety of the men, women and children of Valbeck. All of them, regardless of where their loyalties may have lain. I can bring your demands to my father. I can relay your demands to the Closed Council. But, in the end, you and I both know I cannot promise to meet them.’ Orso took a long breath and gave a long sigh. ‘I can, however … promise you amnesty. A full pardon to every Breaker who surrenders themselves and their weapons by sunset tomorrow, along with all your hostages, unharmed. Supplies of food will then immediately be allowed into the city.’

‘Your Highness,’ broke in Pike. ‘We cannot allow traitors to—’

Orso silenced him with that raised hand, without taking his eyes from Malmer’s. ‘I fear the alternative is that I order Colonel Forest to surround the city and let nothing in or out. I have quite cleared my calendar and can wait as long as it takes. When you surrender, which you surely must, it will not be to me, but to Superior Pike.’

It hardly needed to be said that there was no comfort to be found in the Superior’s melted face. Malmer slowly sat back and gave Orso weighty consideration. ‘Why should we trust you?’

‘I can understand why you wouldn’t. But in light of the circumstances, I believe this to be a generous offer. I know it to be the very best you can hope for.’

Malmer glanced at Heron. Then at Teufel. Neither gave anything away. ‘I’ll need to discuss it with my people.’

‘Of course,’ said Orso, standing. He offered his hand as Malmer got to his feet. The old Breaker frowned at it for a moment, then folded it in his big paw.

Orso held on firmly. ‘But I must insist on an answer by sundown today.’

‘You’ll have it.’ Malmer considered him a moment longer. ‘Your Highness.’ He strode weightily from the room, his twitchy friend at his back. Teufel’s chair screeched on the tiled floor as she stood, gave Orso one last blast of scorn, then turned her back on the meeting. The door clicked shut.

‘That was well done, Your