The Eve of a Battle

Dusk has fallen upon our vast encampment, and upon the weary men inhabiting it.

After traveling the day through, we have set up camp, forty leagues from Kordana's capital and the war that strives there.

We are a safe distance from harm, and as a mandatory precaution have sentries continually at their vigil for any threat, at all entrances of the camp.

It is almost an irony to find my tent dwelling comfortable and homelike; With rich rugs from Pasarz covering the dirt floor, and a table, and chairs with varieties of pillows and blankets, all for my pleasure, I could easily call it pleasant.

And yet it is an irony because despite its appearance it is so far from home, and these times perilous, that no security is assured to one here that could be otherwise guaranteed.

If I seem a little anxious it is all probably due to the fact that I am tired, and because of this I cannot promise to write for very long.

My commander's and I have just concluded a conference pertaining to battle tactics and strategies, and how we will proceed against the Lorates, and this prolonged discussion has left me rather fatigued in view of the days travels.

I do not think I could have remained upright and conscious through the whole of it, if it had not been for loyal Meredith who served me a continuous supply of cups of Jomacha.

This stimulative drink is rare here, originating in the western regions of Pasarz and only acquired by trade, and helped me stay alert when otherwise I would have passed out from exhaustion.

But I feel my body slowing down as the effects wear off, and already the weariness is poisoning my judgment.

I should retire soon and obtain as much rest as can be afforded me before tomorrow.

One knows not what the morrow holds, and I would be foolish to be ill prepared, but if it were not for my exhaustion I would doubt that I would sleep much.

My anxiety is keen if my mind wanders to the future.

And I know it is not only me.

The men feel it too; I can sense it in their behavior and expressions, and you can see it by just looking out across the camp.

There is a tension alive and strong, and a reserve that results in an unnatural quietness that cloaks all of us.

It is so thick you can almost feel it, like a giant blanket dampening our spirits and filling us with dread for the future.

In times like these the warriors of Krespania need the most encouragement.

In times like these I have to stand up and give a speech of unrelenting courage and bravery, a speech that emboldens and lifts their spirits.

But in times like these the queen is in need of valor also.

She comforts them but there is no comfort for her.

She must face them as one who stands tall and straight in the sight of danger when inside she is trembling in trepidation.

But that is the duty of the one who leads the people and must be endured as part of that responsibility.

Even if I do not favor it.

I suppose I will conclude this letter and retire, if you will forgive my brevity.

It has been a hard day, and will probably be harder tomorrow.

Farewell, dear reader. I hope I shall be able to write again soon.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

Courage Amid Warfare

My prayers for guidance have been answered, and I have received God's consent to assist Kordana.

Since then the order has been given, and the military of Krespania has begun battle formation by the hand of my commander-in-chief Emilio de Casimiro.

Within a few weeks all will be ready, and the troops will march North to Kordana, and there a small company will be sent ahead with a message to our allies of our approach and assistance.

The small company of men with the message from me will gain entrance through an aqueduct that runs under the north-east wall and into the fortress; there they will relay the dispatch and then remain at the disposal of the general of Kordana's military where perhaps they can add to their defense strength inside.

As queen of Krespania, I will be leading my army into battle against the Lorates as I have done in previous occasions in the past.

My hands have been properly trained for war since my youth, with the help and encouragement of my brother Lennox, and I only lack exercise, which I have been given these last days, before I am well prepared for going into battle.

I go to war wielding a broadsword, shield and prayer.

And my fear is alive and great beforehand, but I take heart that God is watching over me in the midst of the chaos and confusion, and His protection surrounds me like a heavenly cloak.

With only this in mind am I able to withstand the crippling fear that takes hold of one on the field, and this alone restrains me from fleeing once the enemy is in view.

I do not pretend great courage nor lack of fear.

Nay, I am just as human as any other, and act in like degree as as others would on the battlefield.

But this peace of mind that I cling to now is an invaluable asset that I learned when I was young by my father, Raymond de Gavrillac, king of Agmar.

He was a noble man of valor, courage and great faith; a much respected and honorable king, and a loving and caring father to both Lennox and I.

Being through many battles in his time, he taught me how to have courage in the heart of fear by trusting in God, preparing me if ever I was faced with the bloody hardship of war.

I did not understand it truly when he told me, but when my first battle arrived and I rode onto the battlefield followed by my soldiers, and at my feet lay thousands of the enemy's army ready to deploy, panic nearly overwhelmed me and fear clawed it's way into my heart.

I was in a state of shock and beyond discernment, neither did I know what direction to take from there, when suddenly God called to my remembrance the memory of my father's words.

Then I knew what he meant, and how comforting this knowledge was to me! With the commitment of trust came an unexpected but totally desired peace that flooded through me and overwhelmed even the most threatening fear.

No longer was I disoriented, but direction returned to me and I was prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

As I again go to war, I know I will be challenged with this same fear, but my prayers are that I will have strength to withstand it and have courage to meet the Lorate army head-on.

I hope I am not being presumptuous or selfish to beg your participation in prayer for me also. I would consider it most kind and comforting if you would, dear friend.

Though I do not see any opportunity in the foreseeable future, I shall seek to write when I am able.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

As a last closing remark I will add what I am sure will satisfy your curiosity concerning my counselor.

After gathering all the facts that incriminated Lord Zakar Priseri in treachery against Kordana and betrayal of Krespania, I requested his presence in court, where I pointedly accused him of all these misdeeds.

He did not deny it, and in front of the remaining kingdom counselors and court audience I pronounced him guilty.

He was escorted out of the chamber by my bodyguards, Joktan and Jokthan, where he met his severe punishment, and there his treachery against the crown ended.