An Urgent Interruption

It is a depressing time for me after the holidays; no future parties or festivities to look forward to, no event to plan and prepare for it's arrival.

There is nothing.

Life returns to the usual rhythm with little excitement to entertain you, and all the cheer that was around the holidays seems to vanish.

I suppose I would not be so down if I did not consume my time into the preparations of the galas, and pour myself into perfecting each design.

Because it lasts only for an evening and then it departs, leaving you with nothing to busy yourself with and a keen sense of disappointment.

The voyage home was dull, and uneventful and very quickly I fell into the routine of life about the LunaMara palace, filled with the tasks and duties of a queen, that I rather not go into now.

The parting with my brother was hurried and melancholic, not as a good-bye should be, but than his departure was rather sudden and unexpected.

For he was required to leave before myself, at the night of the New Years celebration to be exact, much to my displeasure.

It was a full gathering of friends, family and guests, and we had just sat down at the long banquet tables that lined the hall.

The feast was laid out, steaming hot with an aroma both delicious and mouthwatering.

Laughter and lighthearted discussion formed into a noisy hubbub that filled the air and competed with the melody the musicians played.

All was cheerful and jovial.

But while I was eating and listening to the ongoing conversation to my right, a servant appeared at my brother, the Emperor's side, and relayed news to him in a low voice that I could not make out.

A frown furrowed Lennox's brow in response and he stood and left the hall, as did his steward, Adam Saft, upon hearing it also from the servant.

What was the nature of this news that it should interrupt our feast? I wondered.

It took great strength of will to resist the urge to leave and discover the truth but I continued as though nothing had occurred and tried to give my previous attention to the guests however inside, my brain was searching for every possible explanation.

Fortunately I was spared any serious labor of that sort when a servant appeared a second time.

“His Imperial Majesty requests Your Majesty's presence in the library.” He relayed in a low voice as the time before.

I stifled my eagerness and nodded, coming to my feet and exiting the hall calmly so that I did not arouse attention.

Once outside I quickened my pace and was at the library in moments.

“Ah, there she is, though not as soon as I expected. Was there something that delayed you?” Lennox teased as he always did, knowing that I have a terrible curiosity and would be anxious to have it appeased, yet his voice lacked the usual light tone.

He leaned against the long oaken table that was positioned in the middle of the magnificent library. Adam Saft stood at his right.

“I did not want our guests to notice that both their host and hostess had quit the hall without as much as an excuse.” Then added. “What news is this that demands your attention?”

“Not pleasant. I was called away by a report that envoys of the Summit Isles have arrived here at the Agmar castle and was requesting an audience with me. The matter was urgent so they said.”

“Did you speak with them? What was it that was urgent?”

To have envoys sent during a holiday meant it was not any ordinary situation. Especially from the Summit Isles.

That was where all the rulers of every domain and kingdom joined together to discuss national threats and political decisions.

“They have come to notify me that the council of the Summit Isles has convened without me. Apparently it is an emergency meeting that only concerns certain kingdoms because not everyone has been summoned, Dastrias and you included. So I would not worry if I were you, on this point. But I am afraid I will have to leave as soon as they make ready on The Ruler, which will not be long.”

“But must you leave at this moment? Cannot it not wait until the morrow?”

Lennox shook his head. “I fear it has something to do with Palkkan, and if so it cannot wait or tomorrow may not come for some.”

Palkkan. The name sent a tingling of fear down my spine.
He had not openly enacted war against Agmar and it's allies, yet he was suspicious in his activities and further monitored when he attached himself to the enemies of the Summit League.
Since then Lennox had expressed that it was only a matter of time before he revealed his treacherous hand against them and it seemed the time had come a few weeks later when he begun amassing thousands of men into an army at his dominion in the southern continent.

Perhaps now was the time in which Palkkan would go into action and if so, there was reason to fear.

I knew it must be so yet I could not help feeling dismay at his departure.

Lennox stood upright, his face was pensive under the candlelight. “Now that you know all, I shall make haste. I am very sorry that I have to leave during your celebration, Sis, I know how much time you took in preparing it, but it is unavoidable. Will you relay my apologies to the guests?”

I gave a wry smile. “No, you are not sorry. If I did not know you better I would think you fabricated this whole scheme just to escape the party.”

A wide grin cracked my brother's solemn expression and he embraced me. “Why would I ever do that? I love social gatherings.”

“Of course.” I tried to be unamused but was not successful. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too, Em.” He said, and then he and Adam left.

Now, at LunaMara several days have passed and I have not yet received news from him concerning the events at the Summit Isles.

But I am sure that when he finds time he will write to me explaining everything, in due time.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania