title: Carlsen's Assault on the Throne
author: Vassilios Kotronias
description: <DIV></DIV><P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left>Vassilios Kotronias is a chess grandmaster and nine-time Greek Champion. He is a key member of the Greek team as both a player and coach.</P><P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left>Sotiris Logothetis is a computer expert and highly-regarded arbiter and organizer.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](image/tp_fmt.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # CHAPTER 7
  
  
  MAGNUS
  
  
  AURANOS
  
  
  
  
  
  Another day. Another speech.
  
  
  Magnus attempted to ignore the incessant heat in this green and sunny kingdom
  that coaxed a trickle of perspiration to slide down his spine beneath his dark
  clothing. A glance at the line of palace guards showed varying levels of
  discomfort on every face. Their thick red uniforms were meant for cold
  Limerian days. Even the queen’s brow shone under the bright glare of the hot
  day.
  
  
  “Today we officially break ground here at the starting point of the Imperial
  Road.” King Gaius addressed the crowd of a few hundred who’d gathered at the
  Temple of Cleiona, a three-hour carriage ride from the palace. “It’s my
  pleasure to share this moment with you all.”
  
  
  The king nodded toward Magnus, who took his cue and bit into the ground with
  the sharp edge of the shovel handed to him. The crowd cheered, and he swept
  his gaze over those closest to the front.
  
  
  Not all were cheering. Some watched