The Crown of blood

III

Ullsaard decided to walk into Askh, leaving his legions to make camp a few miles outside the city walls. Undoubtedly word would have already been taken to the king of the presence of so many soldiers, so Ullsaard hurried up the road with Luamid, Rondin and fifty legionnaires from the Thirteenth in tow.

As with crossing the Wall, their entry into Askh was not barred in any way. Sentries at the gate stared incredulously at the general who a season earlier had been welcomed with a full parade, now hastening along the Royal Way with a relative handful of men. Ullsaard could imagine the rumours already spreading through the city; the camp was clearly visible from the road and walls, and such an appearance was sure to cause comment.

Though there was no cheering crowd this time, Ullsaard felt he was the centre of attention as he marched up the mound toward the a palace, garbed in his campaign gear. Workers fixing walls and roofs downed their tools to stare, drovers allowed their herds to wander while they gazed at the imposing general and his entourage. Ullsaard could see the street vendors gossiping with their customers, shielding their mouths with their hands while their eyes fixed on him. Amongst them he saw the black robes of the Brotherhood, their eyes watchful in the shadows of their hoods. He did not glance behind, but fancied that a growing number of people were following, drawn by the spectacle.

He wondered for a moment if he should stop and address the forming crowd. It occurred to him that the sympathy of the common people would be no bad thing in the dispute he knew was swiftly coming. He dismissed the thought. He wanted to present himself directly to the king, under the full right of the law, not arrive as some rabble-rouser.

He had wondered how he would feel, this close to confronting Lutaar. He realised that he was enjoying the thrill of it; he felt the same way he did before a battle. Every step he took closer to the palace filled him with more confidence. The difficult part had been done: deciding on this course of action. Setting the scheme in motion had been the hard part, all he had to do now was hold his nerve and tell the king what he wanted.

It was what he deserved, as Aalun had pointed out. More than that, it was his right by Askhan law. As they turned onto the road encircling the palace, Ullsaard conceded that while he had been a little underhanded in bringing his legions here, their presence should be no argument against his legal claim.

His thoughts were broken by a shout from behind. He looked over his shoulder to see that several hundred people had gathered on the Royal Way no more than a spear's cast behind him. He sensed some hostility, and could see anger in the eyes of those at the front of the mob. Black hoods moved through the crowd, no doubt whispering words of encouragement.

"I don't like this," said Luamid. The First Captain put his hand to the hilt of his sword, but Ullsaard grabbed his wrist to prevent him drawing his weapon.

"Let us just get to the palace quickly," said the general, picking up the pace of his long strides.

Around him the legionnaires looked confused, as people gathered under the trees lining the road, their arms crossed in disapproval, scowls on their faces.

They reached the gate and found a company of palace guards barring their path. They stood with spears held to salute, shields lowered, but there was no doubt that they had been ordered to stop Ullsaard from entering. Though he had hoped that such a thing would not come to pass, he had been prepared for this eventuality.

"Wait here," Ullsaard told his men as he pulled a roll of parchment from his belt.

He strode up to the captain of the guard and thrust the scroll towards him.

"These are my orders, directing me to report to Prince Aalun as soon as I reach the city," Ullsaard growled. "If you attempt to impede me or my men, you will be disobeying a command from one of the Blood. The penalty for such an offence is death by hanging."

The captain did not spare a glance at the parchment. The officer looked away from Ullsaard's fierce stare and stepped back.

"Let them pass," he muttered.

Ullsaard strode straight towards the lines of legionnaires, who bumped into one another and trod on each other's feet as they parted before the general. Taking his lead, Rondin and Luamid waved the bodyguard onward and they plunged through the widening gap made by their leader. A few of Ullsaard's men jeered and snarled at the palace guards until Rondin silenced them.

Boots and sandals slapped on stone as they jogged up the stairs. The doors to the palace had been closed when they were at the bottom, but opened up as Ullsaard reached the upper steps. The widening doors revealed a worried-looking Noran. He raced across the hall and grabbed Ullsaard by the arm.

"What by Askhos's hairy balls are you thinking?" Noran demanded.

"I am here to claim my rights," said Ullsaard, shaking off his friend's grip. Noran followed him inside, like a dog at its master's side.

"Your rights?" said the herald. "What right have you got to claim a change to the succession?"

Ullsaard stopped on the spot, Rondin almost walking into him. The general rounded on Noran.

"What did you say?"

"I warned you not to get caught up in politics, but you wouldn't listen. You just had to back Aalun's claim, didn't you?"

"I don't understand. Tell me what's happened!"

"Prince Aalun has told the king that he has your support to be named heir, and that your legions stand ready to swear loyalty to him and him alone."

"He's done what?" Ullsaard's bellow echoed from the corridor walls as he grabbed the front of Noran's tunic and hauled the herald to the tips of his toes. The herald wrested himself free and straightened out his clothes with an indignant look.

"Prince Aalun says that your legions are loyal to him and support his claim to be made heir over Kalmud."

Ullsaard turned away and stalked down the length of the corridor. The serving staff scurried from his path like mice bolting from a cat, disappearing through archways and ducking into doorways hidden by wall hangings. The clatter of the general's bodyguard followed him up the hall as he thrust open the door at the far end.

In the hall beyond he was confronted by more legionnaires, more than a company of them. Three senior Brothers regarded him through the eye slits of their faceless masks. They stood between the general and the doors leading towards the throne room. No words were spoken, but their intent was clear. Ullsaard cut to his right, quickening his pace even more, and headed towards the royal apartments, his men and Noran jogging after him.

"Where are you going?" Noran asked breathlessly.

"To find Aalun!" Ullsaard snarled.