Read Online By Schism Rent Asunder by David Weber - Free Book Online

threat to the life of a king of Charis, and Staynair’s regretful expression showed that the archbishop understood exactly why.
    â€œI know, Maikel,” Cayleb said. “I know. But we can’t undo what we’ve already done, and even if I thought it was what God wanted, we couldn’t turn back from the journey we’ve begun. Which doesn’t mean”—he looked back at Wave Thunder—“that I want any mass arrests. I’ve never been very fond of iron heels, and I can’t convince people who hate and fear what they think I’m doing that they’re wrong about my policies or the reasons for them if I start right out trying to crush every voice of disagreement.”
    â€œI’ve never suggested that we ought to, Your Highness. I only—”
    â€œHis Majesty is right, My Lord,” Staynair said quietly, and Wave Thunder looked at him.
    â€œIt’s the question of conscience, of the relationship between each individual human soul and God, which stands at the heart of the Group of Four’s hostility towards us,” the archbishop continued in that same firm, quiet voice. “Trynair and Clyntahn, each for reasons of his own, are determined to preserve Mother Church’s total control over the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of all of God’s children. They’ve seen fit to dress their ambition in the fine clothes of faith and concern for the salvation of souls, to pretend they’re motivated only by priestly duty, and not the obscene wealth and decadent lives they live, when, in fact, their own arrogance and corruption have turned Mother Church herself into a tool of oppression and greed.
    â€œWe know that.” He looked around the suddenly quiet council chamber. “We’ve seen it. And we believe we’re called by God to oppose that oppression. To remind Mother Church that it’s the souls of God’s people which matter, and not the amount of gold in her coffers, or the personal power and wealth of her vicars and the luxury in which they live. But to do that successfully, we must remind all of Mother Church’s children of those same things. We cannot do that by resorting to oppression ourselves.”
    â€œWith all due respect, Your Eminence,” Wave Thunder said into the stillness which seemed only deeper and quieter as thunder rumbled and rolled once more in the distance, “I don’t disagree. But, by the same token, we can’t protect the King if we’re not willing to act strongly and publicly against those who would destroy him. And if we lose the King, we lose everything.”
    Cayleb stirred, but Wave Thunder faced him stubbornly.
    â€œAt this moment, Your Majesty, that’s true, and you know it. We’ve already lost your father, and Zhan is still a child. If we lose you, who holds the Kingdom together? And if this Kingdom stumbles, who will be left to ‘remind’ Mother Church of anything? Right now, on this day, any hope of human freedom dies with you , Your Majesty. For now, at least, that statement is the terrifying truth. And it’s also the reason you must let us take the necessary precautions to keep you alive.”
    Cayleb looked around the table, and stark agreement with Wave Thunder looked back at him from every face. Even the archbishop nodded in grave acknowledgment of the baron’s point.
    â€œI will, Bynzhamyn,” Cayleb replied, after a moment. He glanced at Merlin again, then back at Wave Thunder.
    â€œI will,” he repeated, “and anyone who actually lends himself to treason against the Crown, to violence against the Crown’s ministers, or against any of the Kingdom’s subjects, will be dealt with sternly, regardless of the reasons for his actions. But there will be no preemptive arrests because of what men might do, and no one will be punished unless their conspiracies or their crimes are first proven before the King’s Bench in open