Straight Silver by Dan Abnett

Author:Dan Abnett [Abnett, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2011-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

“Nicely done, Ibram,” said Van Voytz. “I see the old political skills of the commissar haven’t left you.”

Gaunt had retired with Van Voytz, Golke and Biota to a small library room. Servitors adjusted the lamps, refreshed drinks and then left them alone.

“Did you summon me here to make a fool of Martane, sir?” Gaunt asked.

“Maybe,” smiled Van Voytz, as if the idea was delicious.

“Vice General Martane needs no help making a fool of himself,” Golke said.

“I was hoping I would come away with more than that satisfaction tonight,” Gaunt said.

“Just so,” said Van Voytz. “I’ve studied your despatches, and listened to the comments our friend Count Golke here has passed along… unofficially, of course. You could have caused trouble with Ankre, Ibram. He speaks as he finds, and he speaks ill of you.”

“Quite obviously. But I won’t stand by and see Guard units hammered for no reason.”

Van Voytz sat down in a large padded armchair by the fireplace, and took a book at random off the nearest shelf. “This is a difficult theatre, Ibram. One that requires tact. If we had supreme command here, I’d gladly take the Alliance and shake it by the scruff until it worked properly. Worked like a modem army. God-Emperor, a full Guard army employed here purposefully could turn Shadik back in a month.” He looked up at Gaunt. “But we don’t have that luxury. Albeit nominally, the Alliance leaders — Lyntor-Sewq, who I’ll confess I cannot stand, and the high sezar himself — have battlefield command. My Lord Warmaster Macaroth himself made it clear we were here to support the Alliance, not take command from them. Our hands are tied.”

“Then men will die, sir,” said Gaunt.

“They will. We are obliged to fight this war at the Alliance’s pace, to the Alliance’s rules, and following the Alliance’s traditions. Aexegary and its allies are desperate to retain control of the fight. No offence, count.”

Golke shrugged. “I’m with you on that, lord general. I tried to change things for years. Tried to modernise tactics and strategy. The simple fact is that Aexegary has a long and illustrious martial history. They will not admit, not ever, that they are capable of losing a war. Aexegary never has, you see. And especially against an old foe like the Shadik.”

“The Alliance won’t admit they are fighting a modem foe,” said Biota quietly. “They will not accept that the Shadik Republic has changed, been corrupted, that it is no longer the neighbouring power Aexegary has bested in five wars.”

“And the Alliance members don’t see it either?” asked Gaunt.

“No,” said Golke. “Kottmark especially. They see their entry into the war as an opportunity to prove their worth on the world stage.”

“Pride,” said Gaunt. “That’s what we’re fighting. Not Shadik. Not the arch-enemy. We’re fighting the pride of the Alliance.”

“I think so,” said Van Voytz. “Undoubtedly,” said Biota.

“Then I am ashamed of my country,” Golke said sadly. “When the high sezar told me the Guard was coming to assist us, my heart leapt. Until I saw the look in his eyes.

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