The Crown of the Usurper by Gav Thorpe Read Free Book Online Page A

than the others admittedly, they would be free of their oaths if they did as the king wished.
      "It'll just be paperwork, of course," said Muuril. "We'll know that we're still part of the Thirteenth, right?"
      "If that's what you want," said the king. "Any of you would be welcome back to the legion, or you can take the offer as it has been made."
      "Yeah, but it's just for show," Muuril continued, looking at the others. He rapped a fist against his breastplate. "We're still Thirteenth, where it counts."
      The others nodded, though none of them seemed as adamant as the sergeant.
      "How can we be sure that we'll get into the palace?" asked Faalin. "Garrison legions are stationed all over the province."
      "As returning veterans, you'll be given first choice for home duties," said Ullsaard. "Say you have family living in Marradan and you'll be guaranteed posts at the palace. Trust me, Asuhas will need veterans in his new legion; you'll be his first captain's dreams come true. I wouldn't be surprised if you were all made third captains, at least."
      "One other thing, king," said Muuril. "It's a good seven days between here and Marradan, eight more likely. How are we going to communicate with you?"
      "I'll be in Menesun, so it will be closer to ten days," said Ullsaard. "I'll set up shifts of runners, from Marradan to Menesun, they'll be able to carry messages between us. I'll pick five men, and I'll give you a list of the names before you leave. Also, before you head out, you'll have to agree where you'll meet the runners in Marradan. I'll leave it up to you to sort out, I don't need to know the details."
      "And when do you want us to get going?" Gelthius asked, thinking about the pig roasting in the kitchens and the other festivities being planned. It looked like he would be leaving again before he had time for a proper meal and a drink. He glanced towards the inn and Ullsaard must have read his gaze.
      "Tomorrow morning," said the king with a grin. He slapped a hand to Gelthius' shoulder. "Pork and crackling for you tonight, and be sure to get some cold cuts to enjoy on the way to Marradan."
      "Thank you, King," said Gelthius. He stood up and nodded.
      "We'll not let you down," said Muuril, as the others got to their feet.
      "I know you won't," said King Ullsaard. He turned his gaze to the tents that had been erected on the hillside just outside the village. "Best get back to camp, you have preparations to make."
      They waited until they were out of earshot, heading up the road towards the campsite, and then all five men started talking at once. It was Muuril, largest and loudest of them all, that prevailed.
      "Did you get that, lads?" he said. "King's chosen men, we are now. And pensioned too, if you slackers want that. I tell you, forget tonight, it's going to be pork and crackling all the way for us."
      "Unless Asuhas finds out we're spying on him and has us killed," said Gebriun
      "Ah, don't spoil it you miserable cunt," said Muuril.
      "Eight days until we get to Marradan," said Loordin. "That's enough free time for me. After that, it's not worth worrying about. "
      "I think I'm going to enjoy retirement," Faalin said with a wink. "I hear that Ersuan women are very hospitable."
      "Welcoming enough, if you don't mind shagging something with more stubble than you," laughed Loordin.
      "You're quiet, captain," said Muuril, noticing Gelthius' solemn mood. The third captain had become something of a talisman for the group, his journey from debtor to officer seen as a sign of good luck by the other men. The others quietened, ready to absorb the sage words of their officer-mascot.
      "You're all forgetting why we're off to Marradan," said Gelthius. "Urikh is claiming to be king and Ullsaard has been declared dead. Unless Ullsaard handles this situation quick, it'll mean war again. "
      "It won't come to that," said Loordin, though there were doubtful looks from the