TWENTY
Death of a Ruler
Fall 964 MC
"Now tell me," asked Anna, "who's next on our list of earls?"
"Lord Marley," said Aubrey.
"Ah, yes, the Earl of Walthorne. What do we know of him?"
"Not much, I'm afraid," said Aubrey. "We think he's a moderate, but we don't know for sure."
She was about to continue when a knock at the door forestalled her.
"Yes?" called out Anna.
"It's Gerald," came the familiar voice.
"Well, for Saxnor's sake," said Anna, "don't knock, just come right in."
The door opened, revealing the aged face of her marshal.
"I'm afraid our plans have changed," he said.
"How so?" asked Anna.
"It seems the king wishes to see us again."
"That's good news," said Anna. "When?"
"Right now," said Gerald.
"Now? But we're supposed to go and see Lord Marley."
"I should thi
