A Mysterious Enigma

I do not know how to begin this time.

My thoughts are in disorder and confusion upon some recent puzzling, discoveries I have made, and I have yet to find a solution where they fit in. I have mulled over the clues, posed probable conjectures, but none with any success or evidence.

As for Kordana, they are still under siege. The little kingdom is putting forth a good struggle for their freedom, and I cannot blame them. I would do the same if I was in that predicament, gathering any means of defense against the enemy. But the Lorates are merciless, continuing to assault them without pause, and slowly bringing their shields down.

I am still in indecision whether we should take part in this war. I have not received permission, so I dare not make a move until I do, but I have been watching the conflict and monitoring their movements even so.

But I suppose you are desiring to know the source of my puzzlement and dislike your curiosity being so teased, therefore since I have no scruples, I will tell you the events in which my suspicions and mystification were born.

In the early hours of each morning I take a horseback ride through the peaceful countryside of Krespania. I ride in the forests spread throughout the land some days, over the hilly country farther East the next and down into the dales in the lowlands another.

And that was precisely what I did a few days ago.

I hope you do not pass it off as mere residential pride when I say that Krespania has the most lovely and peaceful lands; I easily find contentment and pleasure here, and it holds a special place in my heart.

I chose to ride through the wood that day, and it proved to be a glorious morning for it. The sun was shining brightly in the eastern sky, but the air was still fresh with the coolness of the morn.

I rode out into a grassy clearing, near the estate of my counselor, Lord Zakar Priseri's, when I was stopped by an odd observation.

From the distance I was situated in, I saw what seemed to be a small caravan heading down the grove of the estate, and it raised such curiousness inside, that I could not instantly depart from there without it being in some way satisfied.

It was highly unusual for him to be receiving so large an amount of merchandise or whatever it was, at one time. And where could it have come from, and what means was he getting it by?

“Is this not out of the ordinary, Meredith?” I turned to look at my lady-in-waiting beside me on her own buckskin colored steed. “What could the contents of the caravan possibly be?”

“Indeed, Milady, I would not know. Perhaps it is purchases he has made with the merchants in the port at Saundros.”

“Could be...” But I was not persuaded.

And then another instance occurred when, after hearing news of Kordana and how they were falling, I wanted to estimate how long it took before they did.

Being our ally, I thought we might have a map or something of their fortifications, and if we did, it would be in the archives.

The chamber where the archives were kept, was a medium sized room, and with no windows, it was lit only by candlelight. A dank, earthy odor that usually accompanies books and old manuscripts occupied the space, and articles of parchment filled cases running along the walls.

This was not a particularly enjoyable place to me, and yet it held information of various kinds and from knowledgeable sources. From historic events and records of the royal family, to details and reports of the buildings of the palace.

Anything I wanted to know was to be found here.

A scribe, dressed in a plain brown, woolen tunic appeared at my entrance and asked to be of assistance.

I promptly told him what I wished for, and he nodded before turning to search along the shelves.

“Here it is, Your Majesty, the fortification designs for Kordana.” He laid the parchment on the table located at the back of the room, and I sat down to study it.

The drawing showed their defenses to be well built, but how well they could withstood the forces of the Lorates I knew not.

“But these are not likely that accurate, is it?” I asked, as I looked it over.
I had never requested a survey of Kordana, therefore if we had any of their designs it must be from the time of my mother's reign, nearly two decades ago. 

“Accurate, Milady?” He looked confused.

“Yes, as in by now they have probably made more modifications.”

He shook his head, and it was my turn to be confused.

“I hardly think any alterations could be made since this time.”
His certainty was obvious, which made me wonder the reason for it.

I asked why he thought so.

“Naturally, they have not had time because of the siege of the Lorates.”

I started at this, and sat up straight to look at the man.

He was making it sound as if this was recent.

“What is the date on this document?”

“It was written a little over a month ago, after Milady sent the Krespania ambassadors to tour the kingdom, and bring back a report.”

I sent them? I did not remember requesting any such thing, which was very alarming, because they received orders from someone.

And a month ago. That would place it a little before they were attacked by the Lorates.

“By who's orders was this tour made, in my name?”

“Lord Zakar Priseri.” Came the unexpected answer.

Zakar? Him again. And it is not only my imagination or suspicious view of him this time.

The facts were right before me.

But why? That was not something I could answer, and I had not a clue or inclination to without sufficient evidence.

So I continue to keep my eyes about me for any further suspicious activity, especially involving him, and am searching for the answer to the contents of the mysterious caravan and the unauthorized survey of Kordana.

It is puzzling indeed, but I have confidence that I will uncover the truth soon enough.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania