By Schism Rent Asunder Read Online Free PDF Page A

shrugged.
    â€œI believe, My Prince,” he said in a rather delicate tone, “that the Knights of the Temple Lands aren’t going to be … excessively pleased by the outcome of our recent campaign.”
    â€œThat’s putting it mildly, I’m sure,” Hektor said dryly.
    â€œI assumed that would be the case, My Prince. And it occurred to me that, under the circumstances, the Knights of the Temple Lands might recognize a certain commonality of interest with the Princedom, let us say. Indeed, I believe it would be quite reasonable for us to request them to help defray the costs we’ve incurred in our common endeavor.”
    Raimynd, Hektor reflected, should have been a diplomat rather than a coin-counter.
    â€œI agree with you,” he said aloud. “Unfortunately, the Knights of the Temple Lands are some distance away. Even with the assistance of the semaphore system and Church dispatch boats, it takes five-days to pass simple messages back and forth, much less gold or silver. And if Haarahld gets wind of actual shipments of bullion, I know precisely where his cruisers will be deployed.”
    â€œYou’re correct, My Prince. However, Bishop Executor Thomys is right here in Manchyr. I believe that if you were to approach him properly, explaining the exact nature of our need, you might be able to convince him to bolster our efforts.”
    â€œIn exactly what fashion?” Hektor asked.
    â€œI believe that if the Bishop Executor were willing, he could issue letters of credit against the Knights of the Temple Lands’ treasury. We might have to discount their face value slightly, but it’s more likely they’d circulate at full value, given the fact that everyone knows the Temple Lands’ solvency is beyond question. We could then issue our own letters of credit, secured by the Bishop Executor’s, to finance our necessary armaments program.”
    â€œAnd if the Bishop Executor is unwilling to commit the Knights of the Temple Lands?” Tartarian asked. Raimynd looked at him, and the admiral shrugged. “I agree with the logic of every single thing you’ve said, Sir Lyndahr. Unfortunately, the Bishop Executor may feel he lacks the authority to encumber the Knights of the Temple Lands’ treasury. And, to be perfectly honest, if I were a foundry owner or a shipbuilder, I might find myself a little nervous about accepting a letter of credit on the Temple Lands which hadn’t already been approved by the Knights of the Temple Lands themselves, if you take my meaning.”
    â€œAn understandable point,” Hektor said. “But not, I think, an insurmountable one. Lyndahr, I think this is a very good idea, one that needs to be pursued. And if Bishop Executor Thomys proves reluctant when we speak to him, I believe we should point out that while he can’t legally commit the Knights of the Temple Lands, he does have the authority to commit the resources of the Archbishopric. He has the assets right here in Corisande to secure a large enough letter of credit to cover our first several months’ expenses. By that time, we’ll undoubtedly have heard back from the Knights of the Temple Lands themselves. I think they’ll see the logic of your argument and approve the arrangement. If they don’t, we’ll simply have to come up with some alternative approach.”
    â€œYes, Your Highness.” Raimynd dipped his head in a sort of half bow.
    â€œVery well,” Hektor said, pushing back his chair, “I think that concludes everything we can profitably discuss this afternoon. I want reports— regular reports—on everything we’ve talked about. I realize our position is rather … unenviable, shall we say, at the moment.” He showed his teeth in a tight grin. “However, if Haarahld will just take long enough munching up Emerald, I think we ought to be able to accomplish enough to at least give him a