War is looming;
Like a massive dark cloud, it
overshadows and threatens with ominous vengeance. It's actions, and
the basis upon which they operate, are purely malicious. Furthermore,
the victims of such an unnecessary procedure cannot combat or resist
such an attack, especially when they are not equal in power, and then
they are obligated to depend upon another's goodwill for relief
That is the case at present; not
Krespania, mind you, but a small kingdom, about half the size, that
neighbors us.
A much larger and more mighty kingdom
has arisen, and besieged Kordana. Their leader is one that is an
enemy of us all; greedy and power hungry, he will not stop at
anything to vanquish kingdoms, and plunder their possessions. Deak
Codra, the prince of Lorate, stoops as low as too attack even the
most defenseless nation, and all for gain.
A few days ago, I was brought news that
Kordana is being besieged by the treacherous cutthroat.
It distressed me, and at the same time,
provoked me to anger that such as he should attack a small kingdom as
Kordana. Their neutrality and serenity of state is not deserving of
the treatment that is being wracked upon it, and I know without a
doubt that they will fall to Deak Codra before long.
After this revelation was acknowledged,
I found myself sitting on my throne with displeasure so great as I
could think of nothing else. The only other persons in the great hall
was my two bodyguards, Joktan and Jokthan. Tall, musclebound and
darkskinned, these servants were gifts from Dastrias, king of Pasarz, and had proved
themselves as loyal bodyguards, that I trusted with my life.
The two stood like statues at the sides
of the podium that my throne was located on, and in their hands they
wielded magnificent scimitars, to the misfortune of any would-be
assassin or troublemaker. They bothered me not, and were so silent as
that I would forget their presence there.
I felt I could not stand by, and let
another country fall to desolation in the clutches of the Lorates,
and that I must assist in someway. So strong were my feelings that
they could not be repressed, and some justice must be done by them.
Therefore I called immediately for my
servants, who were prompt to come forth, and gave orders to summon to
the court my counselors.
Little time passed before all four of
them entered the room.
The first was Andro, a man in his
mid-fourties, who had served my mother well, years past, in the same
position. His advice was most respected, and regarded with the utmost
interest, having been proven to be accurate many times.
Then came, Kemen Vos, Gonzales the III,
and Zakar Priseri.
Of them all, Zakar, I found, was the
most arrogant and troublesome. His advice frequently conflicted with
the others, and he seemed only concerned about himself. He would
become angry if what he said was not followed through, and in my
opinion was a nuisance.
“Gentleman, I have received
distressing news that you may, or may not, have heard.” I said,
rising from my throne and descending the stairs of the podium.
“The Lorates have attacked Kordana,
and are at this moment bringing it to it's knees with sieges. We all
know how strong Kordana is, and it takes not a clever prediction to
tell that it will soon fall.”
I glanced at their faces to ascertain
whether they felt any compassion or sympathy. Their countenances
showed them to be pensive and attentive, but nothing else was
revealed.
I turned sharply, and walked with slow,
determined steps as I continued speaking.
“I have called you all here for
counsel on the course of action that is to be taken on our part. I
suggest we aid the Kordanis in their struggle against the Lorates,
and rescue them from the peril of being lost to Deak Codra.”
I again pivoted around, but this time
to be able to see their response.
“Are you implying that we go to war
against them?” Kemen Vos asked, in his usual soft spoken accent.
“I am not implying anything; I am
stating my opinion, and asking for your advice on the matter. Shall
we intervene, and assist so little a nation, that we know without aid
they cannot survive? Or remain here, and let them be crushed under
the tyrant of Lorate?”
Gonzales the III stepped forward, the
statistical one, that studied the smallest aspects of everything.
“Your Majesty, such a decision cannot be made in this short of
time. We have not properly accounted for all the advantages, and
disadvantages, an action like this would cost Krespania, nor do we
know if our troops could even support an attack against the Lorates.”
“My thoughts were the same on that
matter, that is why I employed my commander-in-chief to number our
soldiers a week ago. A dispatch arrived yesterday from Emilio de
Casimiro, with the resulting sum of 45,000 foot soldiers, and 20,000
horsemen. And this is only from the capital Estrillo, not including
the outposts on the outer rims, that house many more.
“We have been blessed with an
abundant military force, and I think it is safe to say we have no
worries on that head. Even more so, hearing this deepens my
inclination to assist Kordana. For if we have been blessed with not
having any worries of being overrun, should we not, who are capable
of much strength, help those of the nations who are smaller, and lack
resources for sufficient defense?”
I walked to the opening that lead to
the balcony, and as I waited for an answer, gazed over the dales and
flat fields that bathed in the warm afternoon sun. The view retained
a tranquil effect, and my eyes roved over the smaller hills, where
the wheat waved and rippled in the light breeze, and then on to the
high mountains in the background. They were only dark outlines in the
hazy sky, but seeing them made me think of the kingdom that lay a
distance past them, and how, quite contrary to this scene of serenity
that I know enjoyed, their fields probably raged with fire, and their
village homes in ruins.
I was brought out of my reflection by
Gonzales the III, who responded, “Very well, Your Majesty, I am
satisfied, if it is what you desire. I have not any other
objections.”
“Are there more objections or advice
any of you would like to give?”
“Whatever Your Majesty wishes to do,
we are supportive of it.” Kemen Vos declared, and Gonzales the III
nodded in agreement.
I was pleased that they submitted to
the idea so readily and agreed that something must be done. But then
came Zakar Priseri's voice to my ears.
“That may be all very kind and
generous, and you may speak the truth, but, Your Majesty has to think
of the consequences that taking such an action would produce.”
“Such as?”
“In the past the Lorates have never
attacked us; they have not even warranted the title we have given
them of being enemies.”
“They are everything that justice and
virtue condemn! They obtain not any mercy; they only seek more gain
and possessions for themselves, and care not who they crush to
succeed at it. The Lorates have been known to kill needlessly,
pillage and burn defenseless villages, and their actions at present
are proof enough of their malice. Kordana cannot match their attacks,
and Deak Codra knows that. That is the reason for his siege, because
it is such an easy prey, and will be taken without difficulty.”
Zakar shrugged. “Well, then, think of
the kingdom; Krespania must remain neutral if she is to enjoy many
years of peace. If we respond to this, we will be outright defying
Deak Codra, and will be making ourselves his prime target in the
future. Not only that, but all our other enemies will see this as an
opportunity to have revenge upon us, and then there will be no
peace.”
I was indignant at his reasoning, and
frustrated that he always seemed to object to every idea I applied to
their counsel. And yet, what was more irritating was the slight truth
in his words; they would be voiding the peace that had been so
plentiful these past years, and this thought alone made me hesitate.
I had to think of the people of
Krespania, who would bear the consequences of any actions that I
took, good or bad. They would feel the harshness of the attacks in
the future if this did incite war, and then again they would know
only peace if I remained neutral. Every decision effected them and
had to be considered deeply, and gravely.
“I shall meditate on your words, Lord
Zakar, and give all of you a decision concerning this matter. Thank
you.” I said in dismissal of them.
As they came so they left, until there
was no one else in the room except for Lord Andro. He remained where
he stood through the entire exchange, and said not a word.
I returned to my throne and sat down
before I spoke.
“I am curious to know your thoughts
on the matter. You have not said a word, and yet you must have
something to say for you to still be here.”
He came forward. “That is true, Queen
Emerald. But my words are not meant for discussion by the whole
counsel.”
“Oh? Then pray, tell me, what is
their intent?”
“It is advice to assist you in your
decision, whatever the result may be.”
I smiled curiously; I had desperately
desired his counsel, and waited in anticipation.
“I cannot tell you to go or stay;
because in a logical sense, their reasons are sound for remaining
neutral, as is yours for going. But I will ask you this: what would
God want you to do? Your decision must be based upon this, because it
is the only thing that matters. If He wishes for you to go He will
give you success in your conquest, but if not, failure awaits you
there.”
Lord Andro's words were blunt and to
the point, but it was just as I wished for him to speak; he did not
spare the truth in fear of hurting my feelings. This act revealed his
regard for me, that he would go to those lengths to warn me of future
harm I could prevent.
And this brought on a whole entourage
of thoughts. I had been concerned with the diplomatic side of the
matter, and I had almost forgot the most important thing, God's
guidance, and this alone was disastrous if continued in.
“Do you not think, Lord Andro, that
God would want us to assist Kordana, that it would be a good
reflection of our Christianity to help those in need? To offer them
hospitality?”
He shook his head. “I cannot say. You
are right that we should assist the weak, but you do not know what
God's plans are. Suppose, for example, this is punishment on Kordana
for a certain sin they have committed, we would only be interfering
in God's judgment upon them, and that could result in harm to
ourselves. Therefore what I urge you to do, is to ask God what
actions He desires for you to take. Be sure of what His will for you
is, before you make any decision.”
I stood and walked over to him, and
laying my hands on his shoulders, said, “Thank you, Lord Andro.
Your words are exactly what I needed. You prevented my making a
serious mistake, and for that I am indebted to you. I shall do as you
suggest with haste.”
I have not received an answer to my
petition yet, but for now, I will make no decision, and will await
patiently until I do.
-Emerald de
Gavrillac
Queen of
Krespania
