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
