The serialised story Alsalda concluded when Commander Horsemaster Krisnavn became the first Alsaldic King. Now a new Alsaldic story is about to begin. King’s Wife.

King’s Wife is set some six centuries on when the cultural changes wrought by Clan Querkan have had time to crystallise, when new beliefs have taken root, when new laws apply . . . when the ancestral heartland of the Alisime people (now known as the Alsimuk) have become the core of a flourishing empire. Told by seven different witnesses with seven different agendas, they offer seven different views of the calamitous events revolving around the King’s Wife that lead to the fall of that empire.

As a prelude (rather than prologue) you might care to peruse this excerpt taken from the truvidiren’s Alsaldic King Lore (relax, there’ll be no exam at the end).

Troubled by the unfamiliar calendrical dates? See the Calendrical Supplement.
The accompanying Map of the Alsaldic Empire might also prove helpful. Both will remain available on the Kings Wife Menu.

Alsaldic King Lore

7 Uät:
The FIRST Alsaldic King was King Krisnavn, son of Saram; before him there were no others. Reigned 13 years.

In those days the followers of Kerdol the Younger held the western portion of this land. Saram brought Krisnavn to Albinnys to defeat and destroy the Kerdolan, and this he did. Thereafter he held all the lands as Reksan Albinnys Saramis.

During his reign was built the first King’s Hold, on the Highlands of the Sun and the islands of Bukfreha, Ablabran, Bajapa and Sapapsan were sealed and ancestor-stones set to guard them.

And during his reign Clan Querkan came from overseas and settled in a small part of West Alsime Land thereafter known as Querkslunt.

And during his reign:—

• Clan Burnise was given the governance of Anyo Dlida in Banva Go; Lord Sulyns ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis;
• Clan Duneld was given the governance of Ul Dlida in Banva Go; Lord Lukenys ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis;
• Clan Bukplugn was given the governance of West River Gate and the lands of its holding; Lord Judelden ruled those lands in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis;
• Clan Mandatn was given the governance of South Eskin Head in South Eskin Land; Lord Burtamens ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis;
• Clan Tamesen was given the governance of the island of Liënershi; Lord Boat-master Tamesen ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis;
• King Paölen of Clan Meksuin was given the governance of the Three Holds (that is the islands of Saria Go, Emiso Go, and Mo Ria in Banva Go). King Paölen swore oaths to King Krisnavn that he would follow the Laws of Saram and submit to the judgements of Reksan Albinnys Saramis. The Three Holds thus became a kingdom subject to the Alsaldic King.

1 Palamon:
The SECOND Alsaldic King was King Hegryn, son of Trader Takenn, son of Advisor Buteld of Clan Luktosn. Reigned 20 years.

During his reign were built the King’s Holds at East and West Bounds, and an alliance was entered with Chief Durfenken of Bayland.

And during his reign the province of Cobi Go in North Eskin Land was by mutual agreement placed under the governance of the Alsaldic King. Lord Golafin was its first Provincial Governor.

2 Saram:
The THIRD Alsaldic King was King Krisen the Black, son of Glanys, son of King Krisnavn; nephew of Truvidir Bylys. Reigned 15 years.

During King Krisen’s reign were built the King’s Holds at North Bounds and South Lands.

And during his reign people from West Alsime Land settled in the lands around Ul Dlida and Anyo Dlida. Law-men were sent to administer the laws, and truvidiren to be judges alongside the governors of these two subject lands.

And during his reign a lengthy battle was fought and thereafter Du Dlida became part of the Alsaldic Lands. Clan Bukplugn was given the governance of this holding; Lord Kerenys of Clan Bukplugn ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis.

In the following year Taca Riöri yielded to the Alsaldic King without resort to battle. Clan Bukplugn was given the governance of this holding; Lord Isvryn of Clan Bukplugn ruled that land in the name of Reksan Albinnys Saramis.

6 Kelis:
The FOURTH Alsaldic King was King Martys, son of Lord Marden of Ul Dlida. Reigned 31 years.

During his reign alliances were made with Chief Negraken of the Murling, Chief Silelden of the Drummings, Chief Munthan of the Ford: all provinces of the White Lands.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent in aid of Chief Silelden of the Drummings. After a lengthy and bloody battle Chief Nameb of Krakhet in the White Lands surrendered to Chief Silelden of the Drummings.

7 Palamon:
The FIFTH Alsaldic King was King Murdys, son of Muren of Clan Krisvin. Reigned 25 years.

During his reign law-men and truvidiren were sent to King Tavric of the Three Holds.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent in aid of Chief Sildys of the Drummings in the White Lands. During three days of battle against the men of the Ford all but five of Chief Sunthor’s men were killed and Chief Sunthor was mortally wounded; thereafter the men of the Ford surrendered to Chief Sildys. The following year the Regiment was sent to the aid of Chief Sildys of the Drummings in the White Lands. Chief Legkrek of the Murling defeated the allied forces; the Regiment withdrew. No surrender was made. The following year the Regiment was sent against Chief Legkrek of the Murling in the White Land. After a long battle Chief Legkrek was defeated and surrendered to the Alsaldic King.

And during his reign Chief Legkrek swore oaths to King Murdys that he would follow the Laws of Saram and submit to the judgements of Reksan Albinnys Saramis. All of the White Lands (that is the Drummings, the Murling, the Ford and the Krakhet) thus became a kingdom subject to the Alsaldic King; Chief Legkrek was named its king.

3 Kelis:
The SIXTH Alsaldic King was King Megrandos, grandson of Lord Kerenys of Du Dlida. Reigned 19 years.

During his reign the adjoining provinces of Blisa Go and Eli Go were brought under the governance of the Governor of Du Dlida without the need of battle; law-men and truvidiren were sent into these subject lands to administer the Laws of Saram and to make judgements.

And during his reign the adjoining provinces of Fifi Go, Anyo Cobi and Ani Cobi were brought under the governance of the Governor of West River Gate without the need of battle; law-men and truvidiren were sent into these subject lands to administer the Laws of Saram and make judgements.

2 Palamon:
The SEVENTH Alsaldic King was King Burleth of Clan Mandatn of Querkslunt. Reigned 35 years.

During his reign the North Eskit provinces of Anu Ce, Eli Emiso and Un Dli, after long negotiations and by mutual agreement, were placed under the governance of the Alsaldic King. Lord Dlysa was appointed the first Provincial Governor of Anu Ce; Lord Dulas-beya was appointed the first Provincial Governor of Eli Emiso; Lord Riosva was appointed the first Provincial Governor of Un Dli. Law-men and truvidiren were sent to these provinces to administer the Laws of Saram.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent in aid of King Beldrit of the White Lands in many battles against Chief Nordath of the Wetlands in the land known as the Broken Hand. After a lengthy campaign Chief Nordath was killed in battle; thereafter the men of the Wetlands surrendered to King Beldrit; Chief Linthan, cousin of Chief Nordath, was named as King of the Wetlands under King Beldrit of the White Lands.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent in aid of Chief Fronde of the Point in the Land of the Broken Hand in battle against Chief Grinik of South Drumming. After Chief Grinik was killed in battle his brother Chief Luist swore allegiance to Chief Fronde of the Point and the Regiment withdrew.

8 Kelis:
The EIGHTH Alsaldic King was King Mamspik, son of Burleth of Clan Mandatn.
Reigned 11 years.

During his reign was received a request for aid from Chief Drefith of the Point in his battle against Chief Linthan of the Wetlands but the Alsaldic King was unable to respond. The Regiment was sent to aid King Belopore of the White Lands, who used the Regiment in support of Chief Linthan of the Wetlands against Chief Drefith of the Point. After Chief Drefith was killed in battle, the men of the Point surrendered to Chief Linthan of the Wetlands. Chief Linthan of the Wetlands was reaffirmed as the subject of King Belopore of the White Lands.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to aid Chief Linthan of the Wetlands in his battle against Chief Luist of South Drumming. After Chief Luist was killed in battle the men of South Drumming surrendered to the allied force. Chief Grecht, cousin of Chief Luist, swore allegiance to Chief Linthan of the Wetlands.

Five years after this battle Chief Linthan of the Wetlands rebelled against King Belopore of the White Lands. The Regiment was sent in aid of King Belopore; Chief Linthan and his men were defeated. King Mamspik set his son Kudnon to be King of the Wetlands, subject only to the Alsaldic King. Chief Grecht of South Drumming and Chief Tolson of the Point swore allegiance to King Kudnon. Thereafter peace ensued.

9 Uät:
The NINTH Alsaldic King was King Marynt, son of Lord Truben of South Eskin Head. Reigned 3 years.

In the third year of King Marynt’s reign the crops failed and many people died.

2 Sauën:
The TENTH Alsaldic King was King Paölyn, nephew of Lord Hiperst of Ul Dlida. Reigned 30 years.

During his reign many boat-loads of grain were brought from the lands of Banva Go.

9 Beli:
The ELEVENTH Alsaldic King was King Kristyn of Clan Luktosn. Reigned 17 years.

During his reign the Regiment was sent to defeat the rebels of South Eskin Head and the lands thereabout under the governance of Lord Venklyn. The rebels were defeated. Lord Venklyn was replaced by Lord Murim of Clan Luktosn.

6 Kelis:
The TWELFTH Alsaldic King was King Nigheän, cousin of King Manslip of the Three Holds. Reigned 4 years.

In the fourth year of King Nigheän’s reign the crops failed and there were many deaths.

10 Kelis:
The THIRTEENTH Alsaldic King was King Judel, brother of Lord Murim of South Eskin Head. Reigned 9 years.

During his reign many boat-lands of grain were brought from Mo Ria in Banva Go, from the lands of the South Eskin, from the lands of the North Hiëmen, and from Gouslunt.

And during his reign tribute was received from the North Eskin provinces of Cobi Ria, Enir Boëme, Cobi Fu, Adly Ce and Anyo Lia. Truvidiren were sent to these dependant provinces in order to appoint governors; law-men were sent to these provinces to administer the Laws of Saram.

1 Sauën:
The FOURTEENTH Alsaldic King was King Kethir, brother of Lord Luënet of Ul Dlida. Reigned 27 years.

During his reign truvidiren were sent to the lands adjoining Ul Dlida and Anyo Dlida, and law-men to administer the Laws of Saram.

8 Beli:
The FIFTEENTH Alsaldic King was King Corpeth, son of King Klevis of the White Lands. Reigned 12 years.

In the twelfth year of King Corpeth’s reign the cattle were blighted by evil spirits and failed to yield milk. Great was the slaughter of herds. In the lands of Bayland, the White Lands and the land known as the Broken Hand, few herds remained untouched by these harmful spirits. The herds of South Eskin Head, Liënershi and Anyo Dlida were also affected.

1 Kelis:
The SIXTEENTH Alsaldic King was King Belavin, a son of Clan Querkan. Reigned 11 years.

During King Belavin’s reign gifts of bulls and cows were sent to all the governors of the Alsaldic Lands as also to the subject and allied kings.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Rosteros of the land known as the Broken Hand in battle against the Men of the Marshes who had been harrying the bounds of the Broken Hand where they lay along the Water of Waters. The Men of the Marshes were defeated. King Belavin sent his brother Asequon to rule over the Marshes and be subject to the Alsaldic King.

When King Asequon had reigned over the Marshes for three years, he requested aid from the Alsaldic King to defeat the Men of East of the Way who were harrying the west bounds of the Marshes. The Regiment was sent and the Men of East of the Way were defeated. Chief Hudren, cousin of Asequon, was set over the Men of East of the Way and made subject to King Asequon.

2 Uät:
The SEVENTEENTH Alsaldic King was King Myorlis of the North Eskit province of Adly Ce. Reigned 37 years.

During his reign the Regiment was sent to the aid of King Kersnequon of the Marshes in East Isle to fight against the Men of East of the Way, Chief Hudren having died and no other chief set over them. The Men of East of the Way were defeated and King Rudris, nephew of the old King Belavin, was set over them as subject to the King of the Marshes.

When King Rudris had reigned for nine years he requested aid from King Kersnequon of the Marshes against the Men of the Heath who were harrying the east bounds of East of the Way. King Kersnequon requested aid from King Myorlis who sent the Regiment. The Men of the Heath were defeated and King Myorlis set his cousin Chelis over them as King as subject to King Kersnequon of the Marshes.

9 Beli:
The EIGHTEENTH Alsaldic King was a false king; his name is not to be remembered. Reigned 45 years.

5 Palamon:
The NINETEENTH Alsaldic King was King Ulquister, son of King Kersnequon of the Marshes. Reigned 24 years.

During King Ulquister’s reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Dureld of Bayland in battle against the rebels of the White Lands. After many battles along the east bounds of Bayland, the rebels of the White Lands were defeated. King Drafet, nephew of the former King Dretfet, was set over the White Lands as subject only to the Alsaldic King.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Chelis of the Heath whose land along its northern bounds was harried by the Men of the Lowlands. The Men of the Lowlands were defeated after many battles along said bounds. King Turles was set over the Men of the Lowlands as subject to the King of the Heath. Thereafter for ten years peace ensued throughout the Alsaldic Lands.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Ventan of the Marshes in his fight against the Nritrin of Ertlund on their unwelcome invasion. King Ventan also received as aid men sent by all the kings of East Isle (that is men of King Turles of the Lowlands, men of King Miorlis of the Heath, men of King Balnor of East of the Way and the Men of the Estuary). The Nritrin were driven out of the lands north of the Water of Waters. The Men of the Estuary now seeing the value of having a king set over them asked King Ventan to set a king over them and for that king to be subject to King Ventan. King Ventan set his sister’s son Damenk over them and accepted his oath of obeisance. Thereafter some men of the Water-Borne Division of the Regiment were sent to patrol and guard the coastlands of East Isle against further invasion.

10 Saram:
The TWENTIETH Alsaldic King was King Kubisa, formerly Governor of the North Eskit province of Cobi Fu. Reigned 5 years.

In the fifth year of King Kubisa’s reign all crops failed, many people died, birds blackened the sky, the odour of putrescence was everywhere.

5 Kelis:
The TWENTY-FIRST Alsaldic King was King Maros of Clan Bukplugn. Reigned 33 years.

During King Maros’ reign traders came from overseas bringing oils and wine and linen and seeking gold, copper, tin and amber. An alliance was entered with them.

8 Palamon:
The TWENTY-SECOND Alsaldic King was King Lemnadath, a son of Clan Mandatn. Reigned 2 years.

In the second year of King Lemnadath’s reign the crops failed throughout North Eskin Land and in the lands adjoining the Three Holds.

10 Palamon:
The TWENTY-THIRD Alsaldic King was King Mequis, a son of Clan Krisvin. Reigned 38 years.

During Kin Mequis’ reign five families were sent north to the island of Porcynnis to be governed by the Kings of the Three Holds.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to Banva Go to strengthen the forces of Lord Higrys of Ul Dlida and Lord Ladthas of Anyo Dlida against the Lugiönes of that land. The Lugiönes were defeated. Lord Higrys was made King of Ul Dlida, subject to the Alsaldic King. Lord Ladthas was made King of Anyo Dlida as subject to the Alsaldic King.

9 Uät:
The TWENTY-FOURTH Alsaldic King was King Skalds of Bayland. Reigned 51 years.

During his reign the overseas traders of the alliance returned seeking grain. The Alsaldic Lands were scoured in search of enough to fill these traders’ many boats. King Skalds received much by way of treasures in return as these traders had emptied the treasuries of all the chiefs and kings of their lands.

In his days was peace and plenty.

3 Uät:
The TWENTY-FIFTH Alsaldic King was King Haldys, nephew of the Good King Skalds of Bayland. Reigned 17 years.

During the reign of King Haldys the Regiment was sent to Banva Go to defeat the rebellious Lugiönes.

And during his reign truvidiren and law-man were sent to East Isle to administer the Laws of Saram and pass judgement in the name of Saram.

And during his reign Truvidir Mouslis was sent to Gouslunt. It was hoped an alliance could be formed and peace between the two peoples be assured but Truvidir Mouslis was unable to come to agreeable terms with the Gousen of Gouslunt.

10 Sauën:
The TWENTY-SIXTH Alsaldic King was King Bregnant, son of King Vesdath of the White Lands. Reigned 22 years.

During his reign an alliance was made between King Iusanit of the Gousen of Gouslunt and the Alsaldic King. The alliance was sealed by the exchange of daughters.

And during his reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Iusanit of Gouslunt in his battle against the Nritrin of Ertlund who harried the coasts of Gouslunt and killed many of his people (that is men, women and children). The Nritrin were defeated but only after the Regiment had suffered great losses.

3 Saram:
The TWENTY-SEVENTH Alsaldic King was King Ardhorus, a son of Clan Querkan. Reigned 15 years.

During his reign the Regiment was sent to aid King Blada of the Lowlands, King Skorla of the Estuary and King Bragnos of the Marshes. After heavy losses on both sides King Blada and King Skorla were victorious. King Bragnos of the Marshes was defeated and that land and people became the subjects of the Nritrik king. It will be remembered always as a sad defeat.

8 Kelis:
The TWENTY-EIGHTH Alsaldic King was King Dathes, a son of Clan Luktosn. Reigned 14 years.

During the reign of King Dathes the Regiment was sent to aid King Blada of the Lowlands against the Nritrin. After heavy losses the Regiment withdrew and King Blada surrendered to the Nritrik king. Two trikadents after this defeat King Skorla of the Estuary also surrendered to the Nritrik king without battle.

2 Sauën:
The TWENTY-NINTH Alsaldic King was King Rufiäl, a son of Clan Krisvin. Reigned 13 years.

During the third year of King Rufiäl’s reign West Alsime Land was attacked by King Blaidys of the White Lands. After many losses King Blaidys was defeated but refused to accept King Rufiäl as his Over-King. However, King Blaidys swore oaths that he would continue to administer the Laws of Saram in that land and asked to be freely allied with the Alsaldic King. King Rufiäl agreed to his request.

In the ninth year of his reign King Puchelt of the Heath in the East Isle died. While there was still no king to govern the land a mighty force from the Marshes led by King Junya overran the land. There was a great slaughter of people, the sky turned black, the earth turned red, white corpses lay where they died awaiting burial. The Heath became subject to King Junya of the Marshes.

5 Palamon:
The THIRTIETH Alsaldic King was King Hudrys of Bayland. Reigned 5 years.

In the fifth year of King Hudrys’ reign the Darkness of Draksen came upon us.

Now read on . . . . First episode, The Cuckoo’s Child, Thursday 22nd September