Friday, June 20, 2014

A Friendly Provocation



My wish is granted, and temporary headquarters have been set up in the port of Aldrake;
No longer am I restrained on board my ship, but I can wander the lengths of the damaged streets that run from the entrance of the palace to the docks at the waterfront.

It is no Krespania countryside, but it is better than remaining on The Golden Dawn, and for that I am grateful.

Nothing has changed concerning Palkaan and his army.
We are having difficulty overcoming their defenses, and despite our relentless pressure and assaults upon them, they do not appear to be growing weaker nor stronger; they continue with interminable strength.

No war is short in life, and this one is proving the point impeccably.

And by acknowledging this fact, Lennox was brought to the conclusion that we need more power, and more specifically the assistance of King Dastrias of Pasarz, our longtime friend and ally.
Pasarz is located far east of Krespania in the desert regions, and from where we are, in the southern continent, it would take my brother many weeks to arrive at his domain.

But Valory D'Alvre's power of creating portals to anywhere desired was an advantage that could not be ignored.
Therefore Emperor Lennox, along with Lady Valory and a detachment of his men, went through the portal and arrived on the outskirts of the palace of Pasarz.

My brother said that he applied to King Dastrias for his help in the southern war but was surprisingly rejected.
He told my brother that he had grown too weak and was unfit for battle, and that he could not longer fight with the sword as in times past.

Lennox could not and would not believe this was true.
As he was departing the palace, he told me that the queen of Pasarz, Taahira, stopped him and asked for a private audience.

Her radiant beauty was marred with a look of sadness.
“Am I mistaken to believe you are here to enlist my husband, the king's help?”
He answered her that she was not. “But he has refused my request.”
The pain in her eyes deepened, and Lennox knew there was more to be spoken of the subject than was being let on.

“I found his lack of interest puzzling.”
Queen Taahira shook her head. “That is what I would like to discuss with you. Dastrias has steadily become this way over the last few months, until he thinks he is utterly useless, and cannot do anything.”
“Why has he come to think this about himself?” Asked my brother.
“I have found out from my servants, who I have asked to listen around the palace, that it is Hadeeqa- One of his other wives. She is poisoning his mind.”

Lennox wondered if this was the truth or a delusional accusation out of jealousy.
Perhaps she disliked the idea of Dastrias spending time with someone other than her, and fabricated the idea in anger.
Yet she seemed sad, not angry at that moment.

“How do you know this?”
“The servants heard her. She is very discreet and makes offhand comments, where at the time sound harmless enough, but after so long of it being put into your mind you begin to believe it. For example she says he should not do so many things because of his health, and that he not getting any younger, or that he should let the servants do what he is capable of doing. Things such as that.”

Taahira closed her eyes, and bowed her head. “And I can see what it is doing to him, and I abhor it. He is no longer the carefree, lighthearted and adventurous king that I married, but more like an elderly man, worried about his health.”

Lennox was convinced that she was telling the truth, and an idea emerged in his mind.
“Excuse me, Your Highness.” He bowed. “I will do what I can.”
He found his friend's armor-bearer and requested he deliver the king's sword and shield to his master.
When this was completed he returned to the gardens where Dastrias lounged and stared at his sword and shield in his hands as if they were strange and new to him.

Lennox drew his sword.
“Let us fight! To the death!”
Dastrias looked at him with a confused expression. “I cannot; I am too weak.”
“Too weak or too afraid?” He challenged.
“You know very well I do not fear you.”
“If you will not fight, I will be forced to think that.”
Dastrias rose slowly from the ground, clutching his sword in his right hand and his shield in his left.
“Very well.”

My brother told me that the swordplay that ensued was quick and animated, and while Lennox was not giving his total strength to it for fear that he would overpower him due to his constant practice on the field, Dastrias still possessed his edge and skill to keep him on his toes.
A little more time with the sword and all expertise would be restored to him as in the past.

The king of Pasarz's surprise turned to joy at learning he had not lost his abilities, and Lennox could immediately recognize the difference in him.
His cheer returned, and afterward they talked like the good friends they were, about many things before he pledged his service in the war at Aldrake.

My brother then returned by the way he came, with news that they will reinforce us when they arrive in about four weeks; time enough for King Dastrias to gather his troops and march south to Aldrake.

Perhaps with their support the war will end quicker, and we will have victory over Palkkan.
Let us hope...let us pray.



-Emerald de Gavrillac
 Queen of Krespania


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