The Crown of blood

I

It was a solemn crowd that gathered around Noran's bed in the house of Ullsaard's wives. Meliu sat with Noran's limp, clammy hand in her tight grip. Allenya was there too, in a chair by the window, her thoughts and expression distant. Anglhan had come to pay his respects to the friend of his ally, and to perform another duty which he was in two minds about.

"Look who is here," Meliu said in overly sweet tones. "Governor Anglhan."

Anglhan looked at the dull features of Noran. His chest barely moved, his hair lank on the pillow, a thin trace of spit drooling from the corner of white lips, flesh a nauseating yellow. His eyes were closed, for which Anglhan was thankful. The last thing he wanted to look at was a pair of near-dead eyes staring blankly back.

Looking around the room, the governor of Magilnada saw that the comatose man was being given every comfort. Noran lay beneath thick blankets, on embroidered pillows, spring flowers arranged in vases around the room. There was even a blue songbird in a silver cage hanging in the corner, though it was quiet for the moment.

"He seems to be well looked after," said Anglhan.

Meliu smiled up at the governor.

"The physicians see him daily. Ullsaard sent more money to ensure we could afford it. I think the spring air will do him the world of good."

Allenya sighed and moved listlessly.

"And how are you?" asked Anglhan, turning his attention to Ullsaard's oldest wife. "I know it must be a heartache for you to be here, but your husband left you in my protection and if there's anything I can do, let me know."

"Can you spirit Ullsaard here?" she said. Anglhan shook his head sadly. "Not that he would want that. I have never worried so much. He has always been away for long times, on campaigns, fighting battles. I always believed he would come back to me."

"I am sure he will be back," said Meliu, reaching out a hand to her sister. "He always is."

"I am not so sure, not this time," said Allenya. "He sent me a letter with the men that brought Noran. It reads like the words of a man not sure if he will write any more."

"This is his first, last and best chance for victory," said Anglhan. "If he fails, the legions and the governors — the other governors — will lose confidence in him. I've not known Ullsaard long, and know him far less than you, but he doesn't strike me as the gambling sort. If he's ready to go, you can be sure it's because the time is right. The next letter you receive from him will be signed King Ullsaard, you'll see."

Allenya looked unconvinced and she returned to gazing out of the window, fingers picking at a loose thread on her skirt.

Anglhan took a deep breath, wondering if the moment was right for the announcement he had to make. He looked at Allenya and Meliu, both distracted.

"Where's Luia?" he asked. "I have something to say that she should hear as well."

"Making trouble somewhere, probably," said Meliu. "She's being more of bitch than normal, ever since Ullsaard shipped Urikh off to Maasra. I know how she is feeling; it has been so long since I have seen Ullnaar. I know he is safe, but he is growing into a young man and I have not been there to help him."

"It'll be finished soon enough, and your family can be together again," said Anglhan.

His hands fiddled with the letter from Ullsaard, which he had brought as proof of Ullsaard's wishes. With all this talk of families, it didn't seem right to reveal the letter's content. It was something Ullsaard could better deal with in person.

"What is that you have?" asked Meliu. "Is it something to do with what you want to talk to us about?"

Anglhan crumpled the letter into his jerkin pocket.

"It doesn't matter, it'll wait," he said.

He stood there feeling uncomfortable for a short while, but it was too much to bear.

"Thank you for your time, ladies, I hope to see you all at the lord's hall soon," he said, edging towards the door. "With any luck, Noran will be able to come as well."

"That would be nice," said Meliu, standing up. Allenya glanced in Anglhan's direction and nothing more.

"Right, I'll be off."

Anglhan hurried out of the house, feeling like a coward, though he tried to assure himself he was simply being sensitive to circumstance. Ullsaard's letter had included a request that as governor Anglhan legally annul the general's marriage to Meliu, and that of Noran and Anriit. Though it was obvious that Meliu felt something for Noran, Anglhan was not convinced she would be happy to learn that the man about to become king wanted to divorce her.

No, thought Anglhan, I'm not getting involved in that one. He can settle it himself.