Realm DivideChapter Archive

The Account of a Living Emperor

The day Ludolf III dies

Ludolf dies in a clear hour, and Wierach conceals the death by having the body packed in salt beneath the palace chapel while the physician reports a recovery and imperial decrees continue under the privy seal. Ottokar notices the salt and challenges Wierach, who orders him to keep quiet; Wierach also sends Walram an offer of full back pay if he stays west of the Wern.

The Report in Fleck’s Hand

The morning after Ludolf’s death

Ottokar went to Master Fleck instead of trusting Wierach, and Fleck confirmed that Ludolf died the previous morning and lies beneath the chapel in salt. Fleck admitted he had written the false recovery report under Wierach’s orders; Ottokar promised not to expose him, then concealed their conversation when Wierach questioned him.

The Place Beside Him

That morning

Ottokar stood beside Wierach as the court read Fleck’s false report, then told Archbishop Hartwig that Ludolf had asked for him and that he had not been brought to the sickroom. He kept the death and Fleck’s role secret, but Hartwig refused to pledge his vote without hearing the Emperor’s will; Wierach now expects Ottokar to support the lie in public.