Im bored! roared Governor Bruce Hammer Austin as he threw one of the silver cups at one of the servants, who dodged his attack with skills that he learnt from months of dealing with Hammers fits of rage.
Nothing! continued Hammer Were doing nothing! It is boring! I should have burnt this stupid city to the ground. The younger priests surrounding him grimaced, but Chief Justice Sinclair was relaxed. Chief Justice Sinclair was the equivalent of the Pope of the Holy Order of Jesus Christ the President. He was young for the position, merely 35, but he was a ruthless politician and was adept at controlling the Hammer. His extremely tall stature made him extremely intimidating to lesser men.
I want to ride, shouted Hammer To ride, to pillage, to kill and to rape! The Hammer roared and the rest of his barbaric gang
There is nothing stopping you from taking your men on a crusade, said Sinclair, Just say the word and we will bless your fight against the heathens.
But you stop us from raiding! screamed Hammer into the Justices face. You tell us that these towns are faithful or they pay taxes or some President-Vetoed nonsense! Sinclair sat there unphased. However, he did let a small smile creep through, for he had won another easy game against his opponent.
Would you kill your rider-brothers for their horses? asked Sinclair. Hammer was taken aback.
What do you think I am, said Hammer An honourless Communist!?
Not at all, said Sinclair, I was just pointing out something you had missed. Those cities you talk of raiding provide you with food, horses, wine and gold. They are as much your rider-brothers as the ones who sit with you in this room. Hammer sat down in shock and the room went silent.
But
said Hammer They are so weak, they should be riding
Sinclair shrugged.
They may be weak, said Sinclair But so are the women and children who travel with you. Yet without them your gang would decline until another gang killed you off and took all you had. Hammer pondered, he had done this many times to other gangs.
Hrum. growled Hammer I hate to admit it, but you are right. But raiding is an important part of our life, are we to stop because of your taxes?
Of course not, said Sinclair, as he stood up and got a map. He shoved a knife into it. This where the heretics are. They acknowledge the divinity of the Presidents, but they worship a crude mockeries of them. They are also renounced for strong rider women, Im sure that your men will enjoy breaking them. Hammer smiled.
Men! he shouted Tonight we ride! The crowd of his most trusted riders roared with pleasure, within minutes the hall was empty except the servants and the Justices (Holy Order equivalent of Cardinal).
Animals, said Justice Overwood, Every last one of them.
Their barbaric customs will not need to be tolerated much longer. said Sinclair.
We need their military strength, even with your reforms they outmatch anything we can field reliably. said Overwood Their conversion to civilized life is happening at a glacial speed. While your schools may be teaching morals to their children, we will have to wait decades before they graduate. An army of boys will not defeat an army of men.
No, said Sinclair But the right sort of boy may annihilate them. Speaking of which, get me my coat, I wish to check on heirs progress. Sinclair was dressed in his coat and then he and his bodyguards marched into the dark night.
ORDERS:
-6 EPs to build 3 Infantry
-4 EPs into establishing schools, mainly in the capital but also in large towns as well. They will teach many vital skills to the children, but most importantly they will instil good Christian morals in them, even when their parents are lacking in said morals.
-Send all units of Cavalry to raid the Lelai, focusing on the northern regions. The Infantry will stay home to defend.