The Crown of the Usurper Read Free Page A

First Ullsaard, then the true heir Erlaan, and now bringing forth his secret piece in the game, Urikh, each had gone through the motions of rulership, but soon it would be time for the pretence to end. The Eulanui would return, and Lakhyri would be their regent on this world, for time eternal.
      Parchment-like skin etched with scars and faded tattoos creased as Lakhyri allowed himself a slight smile; an almost unheard-of indulgence for the high priest.
      "You sent for me, King Urikh?" asked Lakhyri. He bobbed his head a fraction in mimicry of a bow, but nothing more.
      "You are sure that my father is aware of what we have done?" asked Urikh. He was dressed in a simple tunic and light kilt, his skinny arms wrapped about by golden torcs and bracelets, his slender fingers now adorned with jewelled rings. He far more resembled his mother in slightness and elegance than he did his father. She, Luia, was sat on a chair beside the throne, like a queen, although to Lakhyri it seemed the son's dedication to his mother had waned immediately he had come to the palace to claim what he saw as his birthright.
      "Though I have removed the curse that had been placed upon the Crown, my king, the act of doing so was immediately made known to Ullsaard. The moment you placed the Crown upon your head, he was aware of what you had done. I expect he is returning to Askh as we speak."
      "And what will he do when he arrives?" demanded Urikh.
      "You know what he will do," answered Luia, before Lakhyri could say the same. It had been centuries since Lakhyri had had any sensation approaching an interest in the female flesh, but there was something about Luia's keen intellect, ruthless attitude and straightforward manner that reminded Lakhyri of his long-dead wife. "He will try to take the Crown from you."
      "As your mother says, so I concur," said Lakhyri. "It is my hope that he underestimates the resistance he will meet here."
      "And the Brotherhood, they spread the word across the empire that my father has been slain. How do we stop rumour of his return from spreading equally fast? If we wish to maintain the fallacy that he has been killed campaigning in Salphoria, it will be no good having him strolling into Askh."
      "Do not fear on that account, my king," said Lakhyri. "Ullsaard is a marked man. He will no sooner approach Askh than a man can touch the moon. The eyes and ears of the Brotherhood seek your father, and I have located just the man to turn the myth of your father's demise into a reality."
      "This man, who is he?" asked Luia. As she leaned forward, her pale blue dress parted at thigh and breast, revealing white skin. Lakhyri ignored the distraction and looked into her calculating eyes. "Can we trust him?"
      "It is better that you do not know who it is," replied Lakhyri. "And no, we cannot trust him at all, but I already have that matter in hand also. One of my most dedicated Brothers is handling the situation."
      "The details of Ullsaard's death cannot be public," declared Urikh. "If you cannot trust this assassin, why use him?"
      "I use this man because there is not a man alive, including those in this chamber, who have a greater reason for wanting Ullsaard dead. Assassins can be paid, but this man will kill Ullsaard for revenge. No money brings that sort of dedication."

THEDRAAN, ERSUA
    Autumn, 213th Year of Askh
     
    The crowds parted for the black robes of a Brother, allowing Leraates to pass easily though the marketplace. The town of Thedraan was heaving, the market one of the last opportunities for families and business to set in stores before the winter snows came down from the Altes Hills that rose from the Ersuan farmlands less than a dozen miles to duskwards.
      Animals alive and dead, cereals and vegetables, pots and pans, timber and furniture, all were on display. Thedraan had grown in the last half-year from a small summer town to a bustling market junction, benefitting hugely from the