Chapter 39: Order through fear
Frejlurd stood close to Estefan, having just heard the command that would define the future of the City Guard.
Although the suggestion was brutal as it was to unleash ruthless crackdowns on businesses refusing to pay taxes and confiscation through violence. It chilled him but he couldn’t deny the logic behind it.
It was cruel, certainly. But had he not already spilled the blood of his own former comrades under the Baron’s orders?
Estefan spoke as if reading his thoughts. "Do not feel bad for them. They betrayed you, me, and this city. They sided with those who would see this land consumed in filth and fire. This is justice. Bloody, yes but justice remains justice, regardless of its form. In the end, it is for the good of the people."
Frejlurd wanted to offer a counterpoint, maybe ask for leniency or suggest alternatives. But the words caught in his throat. Deep down, he knew the Baron wasn’t wrong. Those people are the citizens of this City and then bowed to criminals who yearn to destroy this City for their greed. Frejlurd had watched this city rot, to see such businesses being used to make money for them to empower them to commit more crimes.
He remained silent. "I’ll take that silence as a yes." Estefan said coolly, his gaze shifting back to the window, where the city stretched out like a living corpse waiting to be revived. "Remember this, Frejlurd, the path you now walk will be soaked in blood. There will be atrocities, pain and sacrifice. But it must be done. It’s all for the City."
"For the City." Frejlurd echoed, his voice quiet but resolute.
"Indeed." Estefan replied with approval. "Now then, I want routine night patrols throughout the city. But not a lone man strolling the alleys. I want groups of five to ten at a time from sundown to sunrise. Every night without exception."
Frejlurd straightened his back. "We’ve already begun such patrols, my lord... but only in the areas under our direct control. But may I ask why the need for larger groups?"