Read Online Medalon by Jennifer Fallon - Free Book Online

eradicate the heathens. All of them, including every heathen in Hythria and Fardohnya. Far from being helpful, Medalon stands in their way now. Two centuries ago we were nothing, and but for a fortuitous storm, the Kariens would have marched straight through Medalon to reach the southern nations. But they signed a treaty with us in a moment of weakness, that they are honour bound to uphold. The only loophole they have is if we are not keeping our side of the bargain, which is the suppression of all heathen worship. The more cults that spring up in Medalon, the more reason they have for crossing our border to put them down. They don’t have to break the treaty, your Grace. They can quite legally use it against us.”
    Mahina sighed, not totally convinced, but Jenga could see that she was not sceptical, which was a hopeful sign. “Lord Pieter was strongly suggesting another Purge, Commandant. Hardly the action of a man waiting to pounce on us for our lack of performance.”
    “A Purge achieves two things, your Grace,” Garet told her. “It publicly acknowledges the existence of the heathen cults, which is what the Kariens need to legally cross our borders, and it ties up even more of the Defenders on internal matters. We cannot win. If you refuse to instigate a Purge, then you are not taking action against the heathens. If you start one, then you are admitting that the heathens are aproblem. Either way, the Kariens can claim we have not adhered to the terms of the treaty.”
    “And if what you say is true, we have not the Defenders to repel an attack?”
    “Not at present,” Tarja agreed, “but we could establish a civil militia.”
    Mahina looked at the younger man steadily. “A civil militia?”
    Tarja nodded. “A civilian force to take care of the internal policing of Medalon. Nearly half our military force is currently engaged in routing out small groups of heathens, who, for the most part, don’t even know how to fight. It’s a waste of men and training. We are a small nation jammed between three very large ones. We cannot afford to have our fighting force arresting farmers and confiscating chickens.”
    “How would this militia function?” Mahina asked. Tarja reached for one of the scrolls he had brought with him, but Mahina waved it away. “Tell me Tarja, in your own words. I’ve no doubt your figures are sound, but if you want me to sell this to the Quorum, I need to know how you feel about it.”
    Tarja put down the scroll. “Each town would have its own unit, commanded by an officer of the Defenders. The militia itself would be made up of volunteers—locals who would be trained by the officer in charge to undertake whatever action was deemed necessary to free the area of heathens. The Defenders would then be free to do something about our northern border. If necessary, you can claim the militia was established as a long-term alternative to a purge.”
    Mahina sighed. “Every now and then, Tarja, you prove you really are your mother’s son. Or has fouryears of staring at the Hythrun from the wrong side of the border sharpened your instincts? I don’t remember you being so astute.”
    Tarja did not like to be reminded that he might have inherited anything from his mother. “It’s good commonsense, your Grace.”
    Mahina shook her head. “Good sense is far from common, I fear, Tarja. However, you have given me much to ponder.” She waved a hand in the direction of the scrolls. “These are your detailed plans, I assume?”
    “And their estimated cost,” Garet added.
    Mahina smiled appreciatively. “A well thoughtout battle plan, I see. If you attack our enemies as effectively as you have attacked me, Medalon will be well defended. I will study your proposal, gentlemen. And you’d best be prepared to defend it. I cannot take anything this radical to the Quorum without being certain.”
    “I will be happy to provide any other information you require,” Jenga offered. His expression was stern,