The Crown of blood

IV

The prince's apartment was in tumult. The door was opened wide.

"Wait here," Ullsaard told his bodyguard before he marched in, Noran tagging along behind. Every chamber and hall and corridor bustled with servants filling chests and sacks with Aalun's possessions. Ullsaard grabbed one of the men.

"Where is your master?" he demanded. The servant waved uncertainly towards the rear rooms. Ullsaard let go of him and continued down the main passageway, glancing through arches and doorways for a sign of Aalun. He found the prince in the windowed rotunda facing the gardens. Aalun stood with one foot up on a bench, staring out of a window.

"What have you said?" barked Ullsaard as he strode into the room. Aalun turned sharply, surprised.

"You made it!" he said with obvious delight. "I knew you would come."

Ullsaard stopped just a pace from the prince, fists clenched. Aalun held his ground. The two stared at each other.

"I am still a Prince of the Blood," Aalun said quietly.

Ullsaard met his gaze for a while longer before stepping back, averting his eyes. Aalun sat down with a long sigh.

"Those cretinous governors have turned on me," he said. "Despite promises and bargains, they've sided with my father and called for my exile for disputing the succession. Even Murian! I don't know what my father has offered them for their support, but they've all fallen into line."

"And why is it that I find my path barred by Brothers and legionnaires?" said Ullsaard.

"My father does not want to grant you an audience," replied the prince. "If you cannot make your petition in person, you cannot claim your personal campaign. Now that you have your legions here, things might be a bit different."

"I don't see how," said Ullsaard. "The king has obviously decided to call our bluff. There's not a lot we can do now."

"Don't be so defeatist, Ullsaard. This is just a setback. We'll be able to turn the governors around. It will just take some time, that is all."

"But you are leaving now?" asked Noran.

Aalun looked past Ullsaard, seeing the herald for the first time.

"I am exiled," the prince said quietly. "Banned not only from the city but from all lands within the Wall. I've wrangled and argued just to remain here long enough for Ullsaard to arrive. If I stay any longer I will invite even more trouble. No, it will be best to leave for the time being and let things cool down. We will regroup in Nalanor and consider our options."

"And what is to happen to me?" said Ullsaard.

"Well, my father's edict does not name you, but it does extend to all so-called conspirators and agents of mine. I think the implication is clear."

"Exile? I'll lose my command. I'll lose everything!"

"That will not happen," Aalun assured, grabbing Ullsaard by both shoulders. "If we stick together, we can still make this happen."

Ullsaard tried to understand this turnaround in events. Less than an hour ago he had been steeling himself to make his claim to lead a campaign into Salphoria. Now he was on the brink of ruin. The king would take everything he had: his generalship, his legions, his lands, his…

"My family!" He pulled away from Aalun and headed for the door.

"They are safe!" Aalun called after him. The general swung back to face the prince.

"How do you know?"

"I feared my father would use them against you, so I had your wives moved to one of the houses I own in the city. We can take them with us when we leave."

"Where? Which house? What about my sons?"

"Ullnaar is protected by the sanctuary of the colleges," Aalun said. "Jutaar is still in the guard of Allon, far away. As for Urikh, nobody knows where he is. Somewhere in Enair, it seems. There is nothing to worry about."

Noran spoke from the doorway.

"There is no reason to believe the king would harm them. Can I speak with you for a moment, Ullsaard?"

There was something in the tone of his friend's voice, urgent and insistent. With a glance toward Aalun, who nodded his assent, Ullsaard followed Noran out of the apartment into the corridor. Luamid and Rondin had positioned the bodyguard at either end of the passage, where several harassed officials were demanding to be let past. The First Captains saw Ullsaard leaving the apartment and started towards him, but he held up a hand to stop them.

"This is not your fault," Noran said. The herald was quiet but firm. "The king's dispute is with Aalun. Why would you ever think you could change the succession?"

"I didn't come here to change the succession!" hissed Ullsaard. "I just want to state my right to lead my legions on a campaign of my choosing."

"You want to do what? What madness is this?"

"It's not madness, it is my right. Aalun explained it to me. I came to Askh to petition the king to accept my right to command a campaign against Salphoria."

"Oh." Noran seemed disappointed that his friend had not been a conspirator in the quiet but bitter power struggle between Aalun and his father. "Oh! Aalun has played you for a fool. The king thinks you are here to enforce his claim to the succession. You should send Lutaar your promise that you have no intention of doing that. Though there may be some repercussions, there is no reason to be caught up any more than you already are."

"I can't abandon Aalun," Ullsaard said. "A fine way to repay the favour he has shown me, to let him be thrown out in this way."

"Don't get involved in something this big," warned Noran. "You were right before, it is not in your nature."

"Perhaps I need to make it part of my nature. It seems to me that service and loyalty are not enough to earn a man the rewards and recognition he deserves. Sometimes he has to demand them."

"Don't do anything hasty. Take Aalun and your family out of the city. I'll have a nose around to see what I can find out and I will come to you tomorrow. Promise me you won't do anything rash."

"Promise you? Why didn't you send me a warning of how Aalun was using my name? Why did you wait until I was at the palace?"

"I did not know that you were planning to come to Askh, of all things. Aalun kept that secret to himself. When messengers arrived two days ago that you were at the Wall, the whole palace was in uproar and that was the first I knew of it. What do you plan to do now?"

"Just as both you and Aalun suggest. I'll leave Askh with the prince, and I'll wait for you in camp. I am sure we can work this out."

Noran looked unconvinced.

"Your plan is to wait and see what happens?"

"Just for the time being. If need be, I'll withdraw my legions beyond the Wall and return alone to speak with Lutaar. Perhaps he'll be more reasonable if he doesn't feel threatened."

"You've already marched here with an army, that's a clear signal of intent, my friend. But you may be right. Maybe."

"Do you have a better suggestion? I would be happy to hear it."

"That depends on what it is you want to achieve."

"I want to lead my legions on a worthy campaign, not fuck about in the desert chasing savages. I want what is mine by right."

Noran pursed his lips, something he was prone to when agitated. "Then I have no ideas for you."

"I'll see you tomorrow," said Ullsaard. "I hope you bring me good news."

Noran nodded and turned away, stepping quickly through the legionnaires. At a wave from Ullsaard, Luamid and Rondin approached.

"We are going to form an escort for Prince Aalun," the general told them. "I don't like the look of that mob that was forming outside. The Brotherhood are up to something. Don't let anyone in or out of this area."

Rondin saluted and turned away, leaving Ullsaard with Luamid. The First Captain of the Sixteenth smiled ruefully.

"No honours then, General?"

Ullsaard couldn't help but smile as well.

"Not at the moment, Captain," he replied. Luamid saluted sharply and headed off towards the other end of the passage.

Ullsaard walked back into the prince's chambers. Travel chests and boxes were piling around the door. Aalun was in a banqueting hall, directing his servants to remove the wall hangings. Ullsaard called out to him. "Is your armour packed?" Aalun nodded and pointed to a box in the hallway. "Take that and one chest of clothes," said Ullsaard. "What do you mean? I can't live with just one chest of clothes."

"If all goes well, you can send for more of your gear later. If it doesn't… Well, a change of clothes is going to be the least of your problems."

V

It was two hours into High Watch when the prince was ready to leave. The legionnaires formed up, thirty in front, twenty behind, with Aalun, Ullsaard and the two First Captains between. Several porters carried three chests between them — Ullsaard had relented slightly and allowed the prince to bring a number of maps, scrolls and other important documents from his library.

"What about Meerina?" Ullsaard asked Aalun when all were gathered outsider the royal apartments.

"Who?" Aalun was distracted, obviously unhappy at the circumstances of his departure.

"Your wife, Princess Meerina," said Ullsaard. "Is she not coming with you?"

Aalun considered the possibility for a moment and then shook his head.

"No, I think not," said the prince. "As tempting as it is to have her around to fuck, I could do without her fawning and gossiping. She'll be safe enough staying here."

At a nod from Ullsaard, the group set off.

They marched along the halls of the palace without hindrance, and the doors were opened for them. Outside, the guard company still waited, their captain eyeing Ullsaard sullenly as he passed, though he raised a fist in salute to Aalun. Ullsaard bit back his anger and let the insult pass.

At the palace gates, it was a different matter. A sizeable crowd had gathered outside, several hundred strong, and at the sight of Ullsaard's entourage they erupted with boos and shouts. The gates swung inwards and the frontmost members of the crowd were thrust a few steps into the palace grounds. They staggered to a stop in front of the shields and spears of the legionnaires, suddenly hesitant.

A Brother emerged from the mass, his pale face hidden by the great fold of his hood. He raised his arm, black sleeve falling back from a bony hand, and pointed accusingly at Ullsaard.

"Traitor," the Brother said in a matter-of-fact tone. The crowd's baying increased in volume.

"Stand back for the Blood!" Luamid shouted above the noise, but the crowd would not give way. He looked to Ullsaard for instructions.

At that moment, a stone flew over the heads of the mob and crashed into the brick courtyard inside the gate. Other missiles — eggs, vegetables, stones and clay pots — sailed through the air. The legionnaires closed protectively towards their charges, raising their shields. Small objects clattered and bounced around Ullsaard.

"What are you waiting for?" Aalun snarled. "Clear a path!"

Ullsaard looked at the wall of angry faces and heard the jeers. He could still see the black cowls of the Brotherhood amongst their number, and slowly the mob was creeping closer, pushed by the weight of those at the back.

Ullsaard tapped Luamid on the shoulder.

"Do it," said the general. "Use your spears if you have to."

Luamid gave a nod of resignation and drew his sword.

"Legionnaires of the Thirteenth!" he bellowed. "Clear a path for your general and prince!"

Having been pelted with rocks and filth, the soldiers were happy to oblige. With a throaty roar, they lowered their shields and aimed the tips of their spears towards the mob. The protestors at the front backed away, fear in their eyes. Urged on by Luamid, the legionnaires pressed towards the crowd, advancing slowly and in step.

"Lock shields!" ordered the First Captain. The front rank of legionnaires followed the command, tightening their formation with the ominous clatter of shields being drawn together. "Full march!"

With every pace, the soldiers let out a shout. As those at the forefront of the mob turned to run, they found their path blocked by more people pushing towards the gates. The people coming through saw what was happening and tried to stop, panic rippling back through the crowd.

The Brother who had pointed at Ullsaard disappeared from sight into the mass. A moment later an old man stepped up, puffing out his chest.

"We're citizens of Askh!" he declared boldly. "You would not raise your weapons against us."

The small phalanx continued on regardless of the protest. A legionnaire at the left of the line thrust his spear, taking the old man in the gut. He fell with a cry and suddenly the murmurs of disquiet turned to screams of fear. As easily as the speartip had pierced the man's stomach, the knot of legionnaires drove into the mob. Following behind, Ullsaard splashed through puddles of blood and had to step over contorted bodies and the writhing wounded.

Like a flock of birds startled by a hunter, the crowd scattered, running in all directions as the legionnaires pushed relentlessly ahead. The path to the gate was clear and Luamid gave the order to break shields and advance at the double. Trotting along the Royal Way, Ullsaard was shocked by how quiet the city had become. Fearful faces peered from doorways and windows as the soldiers ran along the street.

"Where are my family?" Ullsaard asked Aalun.

"The Grain Way, at the bottom of the hill," said the prince. "It is a house with a red wall and a mural of Askhos conquering the Maasrites."

"Did you hear that? You know where that is?" Ullsaard said to Rondin. The First Captain nodded. "Take twenty men and escort my wives to the camp."

"Yes, General," replied Rondin.

"Luia, the dark-haired one, may give you trouble. Tie her up and drag her if you have to."

"I will, General," Rondin said with a grin, though Ullsaard did not feel like smiling.

Rondin peeled away with his contingent, vanishing along a side street. The main group followed the Royal Way down towards the main city gate. Wondering whether gates would be closed against him had become a recent habit for Ullsaard, and he was pleased to see that his exit from the city was not barred. The general called for his men to slow to a march.

"We're an escort of the Blood, not fugitives," he growled to the legionnaires. "Let's bloody act like it."

Keeping step, Ullsaard and his soldiers marched out of the gate with straight backs and shouldered spears. The guards on the towers to either side looked down with surprise as the entourage passed beneath them, but no challenge was called. A dozen paces later Ullsaard was out of Askh and on the road duskwards.

He called the group to a halt half a mile from the gate, where he waited anxiously until he saw the shields of Rondin's men emerge from the city. They pulled a handcart on which Luia, Meliu and Allenya were sitting, amongst piles of hurriedly bundled clothes and small boxes. The legionnaires slowed and the cart trundled to a stop next to Ullsaard.

"Hello, husband," said Allenya. Though her expression was stern, Ullsaard could see amusement glittering in her eyes. "It is a good time to get some country air."

"Yes, it is. The country in autumn can be beautiful.

"You have caused quite a fuss."

"Sorry, my love," Ullsaard replied, eyes downcast. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Of course you did not, husband," Allenya said softly. "I am sure you will sort everything out for the best."

"I will."