The Crown of the Conqueror (The Crown of the Blood)

by Gav Thorpe

  The world was unreal, a swirl of movement and colours; herself a vapour on the breeze. It was a dream, Allenya told herself. A nightmare visited upon her out of loneliness and desperation. She was in her bed, in that hollow house in Magilnada, and her dreams taunted her with joy and misery, giving life to the hopes and fears that had plagued her for so long. She could not feel her body, or the bed beneath her. It had to be a dream.

  It was a terrible dream and she wanted to wake up.

  Something cold and wet touched her lips and she swallowed out of instinct. Revived by the sensation, her eyes cleared and she found herself sat on the rugs, Ullsaard knelt behind her while Meliu held a cup to her mouth.

  "Still a dream," she murmured. She looked at her husband and sister, not really recognising either. "Just a bad dream."

  Ullsaard shifted and cradled her head in his lap, hands stroking her hair, face grim. Meliu was crying, the hand holding the cup shaking like a branch in a storm, water spilling to the rug.

  The thought that this was real emerged from the fog of Allenya's thoughts. The touch of Ullsaard's fingers, the tears dropping on to her leg from Meliu, both were real. And if that was real…

  She gave a groan of deep pain as the truth bit into her thoughts. Jutaar, her son, her wonderful son, was dead. The joy she had felt, the light that had filled her from Ullsaard, turned to grief, and to darkness, and she cried again, burying her face in her hands.

  VII

  "Can I help, governor?"

  Anglhan looked over his shoulder at Lenorin and smiled before returning his attention to the canvas map of Magilnada hanging on the wall of the aide's office. He prodded a pudgy finger at the lower coldwards quarter.

  "It seems to me that we should clear space for a second marketplace," said Anglhan. "We could diverge the two to better cater for the differing needs of our city; jewellery, gems, clothes, debtors and such in the upper market, food and household goods in the lower. Much of the latter comes from out of the city and in transporting it to the Hill of Chiefs the streets get too busy. Better to steer that trade to this area and allow easier access to and from the city for the highest people of the populace."

  "I see that you have been hearing the petitions of Callsuin, Lassean and Elghiad, governor," said the aide. "I have already considered their proposition and while it sounds good I am not sure what the expense of such changes would gain in return."

  "The better flow of commerce, Lenorin!" Anglhan exclaimed, turning with arms thrown wide. "We clear these old hovels, build some new houses for the people, and help keep the streets a little clearer for everybody. You cannot simply weigh up such expense with the amount of gold that comes back. The people will be happier, and a happier city is good for trade."

  Lenorin looked dubiously at his master's generosity. Anglhan continued, walking around the desk to lay a hand on Lenorin's shoulder.

  "Think longer term, my unimaginative follower," said the city ruler. "An Askharin spent today can be worth four in a year. Which brings me to something else I have been considering. We already mint our own coin. Isn't it about time we dispensed with the pretence of Askhan currency? I was thinking something with the gate tower on one side and my face in profile on the other? Anglhins or something like that?"

  Lenorin sighed, pinched his nose and levelled a stare at Anglhan that made no attempt to hide his dismay.

  "You don't think that would seem egotistical, do you?" said Lenorin, and answered his question before Anglhan had the chance. "No, you don't, governor."

  "And that's another thing," said Anglhan, removing his hand to hold up a finger in front of Lenorin's face. "We have to stop this 'governor' talk. Everyone in the city knows what has been going on. It's not really any secret that Ullsaard or any other Askhan commander has not been seen in the city for a year. I think I should announce our true independence and assume a proper title."

  Lenorin puffed out his cheeks and blew hard at the suggestion.

  "What title would be more fitting? Lord Anglhan? Chieftain Periusis?"

  "I was thinking King Anglhan would be fitting," said Magilnada's lord. Lenorin's breath escaped him explosively, pitching him into a coughing fit. "You think king is too strong? Why not, am I not king of these lands now? Ullsaard calls himself king and half his people would gladly see him dead. Aegenuis calls himself king and he commands about as much loyalty and respect as a turd in a bucket. I think that my power, and my responsibilities, are adequately akin to kingship."

  "It would be a bold move," Lenorin managed to say, face red, one hand clasped over his mouth as his convulsions continued. "Certainly the chieftains would be amused."

  "I've got three legions and the ability to finance at least that number again, so the chieftains can suck my cock and thank me for the privilege," Anglhan snapped. "Any of them that want to argue are quite happy to."

  "Which brings me to why I have been looking for you, er, king," said Lenorin. "I received word this morning from the First Magilnadan on the Ersuan border."

  "I'm wondering about that name as well," said Anglhan, not at all interested by the interminable messages his commanders had been routinely sending since their patrol of the border had started. "First Magilnadan was a bit of a compromise for the sake of unity with Ullsaard. I much prefer the First Perusiun Legion; it speaks more highly of my role in their creation."

  "You can call them Anglhan's Best Boys for all I care," said Lenorin, his patience finally snapping. "Whatever the name, a runner arrived this morning bringing the news that two Askhan legions have crossed from Ersua."

  "What?"

  "Do I need to repeat myself?"

  "Shut up," said Anglhan. He waddled to the window and stared down at the city. "These two legions, did they break the blockade? Is this an attack?"

  "There was no battle," explained Lenorin. "They slipped through the foothills of the mountains on the coldwards edge of the gap. It would appear they headed further into the mountains, as they have not been seen since.

  "Since? Since when?" Anglhan rounded on his chancellor, jowls wobblingly, spittle flying. "How long ago did they cross?"

  "Five days."

  "This is intolerable!" Anglhan clasped his hands to his head, astounded by the incompetence of his underlings. "They could have been at the city by now. So much for having good warning!"

  "The runner is awaiting your orders," said Lenorin. "Are the legions to move coldwards to protect the city?"

  Anglhan thought about this, trying to understand the import of the development. It was unlikely Magilnada was the target; Ullsaard would never order such a thing and if the objective had been the city, they would already be at the walls. Was Ullsaard trying to spook him into making a move? Was this a bluff?

  "Why the mountains?" he asked aloud. "It's a terrible place to launch an attack from."

  "I would assume that the army hoped to keep their whereabouts unknown, perhaps to await further orders."

  "It could be a distraction," Anglhan spoke his thoughts as they came to him. "Ullsaard might have some kind of relief force organised, with supplies to launch a fresh offensive. If I move the legions out of position, the bastard could walk a hundred thousand men through the gap and I wouldn't know about it. No, that has to be the explanation. The legions are to maintain their vigil and allow no column or caravan to pass except to Magilnada."

  "Very well, is there anything else?"

  "This news disturbs me, Lenorin, disturbs me a lot," Anglhan admitted. "I think the time for being nice is over. Ullsaard is up to something, and I need to remind him of his responsibilities. Have his wives arrested and brought to the palace. We'll keep them at my convenience for the time being. I'm sure Allenya will be only too happy to write to her husband, decrying such treatment."

  "I did recommend that you did such a thing from the outset," said Lenorin. "I have no idea why you thought it would be beneficial to let them wander around at will."

  "You can be an arsehole, Lenorin," said Anglhan. "I have n
othing against Allenya and Meliu; they are lovely ladies whose company I enjoy. They were watched and guarded without bars just as easily as with, so why not allow them what comfort I could? I expect them to be properly accommodated here; I'll not have them thrown into some dank room out of sight. They are queens, Lenorin, and should be treated as such."

  "As you wish," Lenorin said with a nod. He left with short, quick steps, shaking his head.

  Anglhan walked back to the map and returned to his study of it. There was so much still to be done. Magilnada could barely contain the people living there already, and as the city's power and influence and wealth increased, it would have to find room for more. Anglhan was no architect, but looking at the map he could see where a few simple changes could be made in the short term. In a year, perhaps two, they would have to think on a larger scale.

  He had thought about the options for some time. He could extend the city walls to hotwards, perhaps doubling the size of the city. It was the simplest solution and for that reason the least satisfying. His preferred course was the settling of a second city of the Free Country, in the Ersuan Mountains on the hotwards side of the Magilnada Gap. That was a statement of intent that every person could understand. It was the sort of thinking that had created an empire for Askhos.

  Caught up by his own idea, he rifled through Lenorin's records until he found a chart of the Free Country. Various tribal lands were marked on it in different coloured paints. Anglhan looked at various possible sites, running through a list of features that would be needed; rivers for water, hills for defence, close to woods and good farmland for supplies and trade. He snatched a rod of charcoal from Lenorin's desk and started marking areas for further investigation.

  "Should I keep my seat here, or move it?" he wondered. "I think that if it is to have the best start possible, Anglhanada would need me there. What a way to start a new era, with the founding of a proper, modern city. It will be the envy of Askh."

  He engrossed himself in mental preparations for this leap forward in the Free Country's fortunes. He had once discussed the name with Ullsaard, but now he had a different view on the matter. Anglhan considered various options but was broken from his thoughts by the sound of running feet on the wooden stairs.

  Wondering who could be in such a hurry at this time of day, he stepped towards the door of the office, to be met by a breathless Lenorin. The chancellor ran into Anglhan and rebounded hard, falling to his backside. He looked up at his master with fear-filled eyes.

  "They're gone!" he said, voice breaking.

  Anglhan pulled the man to his feet, straightened his shirt and guided him towards his stool.

  "Who is gone?" he asked.

  "The queens, and even Aluuns!"

  Anglhan's grip failed in his moment of shock, leaving Lenorin to fall to the floor again. A cold sweat ran down his back.

  "Are you sure?" he said, fighting back panic. "Aren't they just out shopping?"

  "Three of your men have been combing the city for them since this morning," confessed Lenorin. "One of the servants has confirmed that Noran Aluuns is no longer in his bed."

  "Well, let's not do anything too hasty," said Anglhan, whilst trying to think of something hasty he could do. If Ullsaard found out about this, it was all over. "It's only been a few hours, they cannot have got far."

  He looked at Lenorin, who was white as a cloud. He was shaking his head, seemingly in disbelief.

  "What is it?" demanded Anglhan, grabbing the man by his shirt to haul him to his feet. "Is there something else?"

  Lenorin shuddered from head to foot and looked as if he was going to vomit. It took him several attempts to speak.

  "Talk amongst the merchants in the city," he managed. "A legion has been seen on the road."

  "What legion?" said Anglhan. "My legions are nowhere near the city.

  Lenorin's plaintive eyes were the only answer Anglhan needed.

  "Close the gates, call out the guards, you idiot!"

  Anglhan hurried to the door, waving for Lenorin to follow.

  "Do these rumours say how far away this legion is?" Anglhan asked as he headed along the landing towards his chambers. He stopped and grabbed Lenorin by the shoulders, his next words a desperate shout. "Do I have time to get out of the city?"

  VIII

  The sky was darkening to dawnwards as the army marched into view of Magilnada. Cloud hung low above the peaks behind the city, the walls a bright white against the grey of the cliff against which it was built.

  Ullsaard had considered long and hard how he would conquer this place, spending sleepless nights during the last year working out the best way to counter its defences. Even when he had been plotting and conducting the campaign against the Mekhani, his thoughts had moved to this place and the means to exact his revenge on the man who claimed rulership there.

  "Shall we send a deputation to accept surrender?" asked Aalmunis, commander of the Fourth.

  Ullsaard resurfaced from his dreams of vengeance to consider the question. He marched alongside Aalmunis and Hemmin, his counterpart in the Eighteenth, at the heart of the column, one legion in front and the other behind. Second captains followed a short way behind with the staff baggage, ready to disseminate the orders of their superiors.

  "No," the king replied. "No offer of surrender."

  "We are to retake the city by force?" said Hemmin.

  "I don't make empty threats," said Ullsaard, remembering words he had spoken to Anglhan on the day of his investiture as governor. "And besides, this place has been a pain in the arse of Askh since it was built. Magilnada is to be destroyed. I want the city razed to the ground."

  "And the people?" Hemmin's question was calmly asked, giving no hint of the commander's opinion on the matter.

  "Kill them," said Ullsaard. "Any chieftains or persons of note are to be captured if possible. This place does not exist to me. Your legions are free to take what they want, goods and slaves, and then burn everything. Everybody else is to be slain. I want nothing but ash and dust by the time we are finished."

  "As you command," chorused the two First Captains, showing no signs of hesitation.

  The army continued its advance to within a mile of the city. Company by company the legions peeled away from the road to set up the siege. Wagons carrying the parts of catapults and spear-throwers gathered while crews and legionnaires crowded around to unload the war machines. Sawing and hammering and the swearing of labouring men cut across the evening air as the sun set and the barricades defending the legions' positions were erected.

  Ullsaard made his camp directly opposite the gatehouse. A log palisade was thrown up around a dozen pavilions of the senior officers, Ullsaard's tent at the centre. He had sent his family back to Askh under escort. Their grief over the news of Jutaar's death was too fresh and harsh to bear, and he needed clarity not distraction. The tears of his farewell with Allenya haunted his inner thoughts, but his mind was focussed on the task at hand. There was no reason for his wife to witness the destruction and carnage that was going to be wrought in her name; it was enough that she was safe and honour would be satisfied on her account.

  Feeling none of the rage he had experienced on hearing of Anglhan's betrayal, the king now viewed the razing of Magilnada as a necessary task to be performed. When he had Anglhan in custody was when he would let his true feelings be known.

  Just as the last ray of the sun were dimming, there came news that the gates had opened and a delegation could been seen moving along the road. Ullsaard heard the calls from within his pavilion and hurried out, wondering if Anglhan had shown some uncharacteristic shred of decency and surrendered himself to save the city. He was not shocked to see that Anglhan was absent from the group of four men who were carried up the road on a large covered wagon pulled by two abada. At least twenty armed men accompanied them on foot.

  "Let them enter the camp!" Ullsaard directed, heading towards the newly-constructed gate.

  It was not long before the wooden gat
es opened to permit the delegation to enter. The warriors looked nervous, spears in hand, shields raised protectively around their masters. Ullsaard beckoned to a nearby second captain.

  "Get me two hundred men with bellows-bows," he said. The officer nodded and set off at a run. Turning his attention to his visitors, Ullsaard strode in front of the wagon and stood with his hands on hips until they had clumsily disembarked over its high sides.

  The four chieftains, for their fur cloaks, gold jewellery and enamelled helms marked them as such, took their places in a single line facing the king. Each was armed, but all four were even older than Ullsaard, one of them so frail he looked as if he might expire on the spot. The tallest, a black-haired, wiry man with a patch over one eye, took a step towards Ullsaard, a hand raised in greeting.