The Failed Efforts of a Lady-In-Waiting

We make haste for Uelar, the kingdom of Agmar.

When first my lady, Queen Emerald, received the news from her brother regarding the dreadful attack on King Hyndralad, she immediately issued orders for her captain alerted and her ship made ready to sail as soon as possible. Now we are nearly a week out to sea and she has hardly come out of her cabin where she sits poring over the many books of medicine she had brought from the palace library. Though I know little of the evil astrologers and their methods I have heard that an antidote for the poisons they use is nearly unattainable. I fear the long life of the Vez-Dûn king may come to a rather dreadful end. But we shall not give up hope! Our Lord is able to do exceedingly more.

And yet, as heartless as it may sound, I worry most over my Queen. The manner in which she is taking this situation causes me to be most anxious over her wellbeing, both physically and emotionally. She is tireless in her search for an antidote, working all day long and even into the night. When she rises from sleep in the morning it is customary for me, Lady Meredith de Barra, her most trusted lady-in-waiting, to adorn her hair in some manner befitting a person of her high station. Only now she won't endure it. I urge her often to rest, insisting on the necessity of keeping up her strength but she will do as she wishes. The one thing she requires is a plentiful supply of strong Jomacha.

To be perfectly honest, the Vez-Dûn king hardly deserves my lady's good opinion after the cool reception we received when visiting Isoloyia. I believe at that time I made my own opinion of the conceited man very clear to her Highness. Although I must admit, he was most civil when he visited Krespania not long ago. It is this I must say for my Queen, and her brother as well, – they are intense people. When they love, they love completely. When they are sorrowful, depressed or worried, their people feel it keenly. And when they hate, it is fearsome indeed. At the same time, they can be very light-hearted and compassionate, causing them to be dearly loved by their subjects and admired by surrounding kingdoms. So even though in my eyes King Hyndralad is undeserving of their devotion, they know how to care for their friends, be they new friends or old.

In the meantime, I have little to do but wait. On other voyages my lady and I greatly enjoy the roaring of the sea and splashing of the waves. Every morning we would walk about the ship taking in the sunshine and stretching our legs. At times, on days when the going was particularly slow, we might play a game of badminton or some other such game, and at supper, we always dined with the Captain and other members of the court that accompanied us. A life on the sea can be hard and brutal, I know, but I cannot deny the pleasure I find in such trips. Alas that this voyage should be so dampened. My lady could use a holiday.

Instead I sit here alone in my own cabin adjacent to the Queen's, waiting for when I can be of assistance. The waves crash on deck and I hear the snapping and shuddering of the rigging as it harnesses the wind. Her Highness has urged the captain to spare no sail but I know she is unaware of the concern in his eyes over the great speed she asks. Still, I have faith in the experienced Captain's abilities, as does the Queen; we can rest assured of our safe, albeit hasty, arrival.

And so I shall leave you, dear readers, for now, as it is time to serve my lady her lunch and beg her once more to rest before she collapses from exhaustion. I pray the next entry will bring happier news.

With deepest sincerity,
Lady Meredith de Barra

(Blog Post Courtesy of Amy Molloy)
(http://overthehorizon-goldensails.blogspot.com/)

A Jester Before The King

“I am leaving for Fyros upon the day after tomorrow,” Hyndralad said yesterday.
With little introduction he had entered the chamber where I sat and delivered this declaration before taking a seat.

My ladies-in-waiting all were present, (except for Meredith), as were certain officers of the court and a couple of my lords.
Meredith asked to be excused from society that morning on an account of her receiving too much sun yesterday.
Her and I had played many games of badminton, and as she was not in the shade as I had been she was burdened with a radiant tint upon her skin and felt she was not suitable for the public eye.
Without her it felt a little strange since she was constantly positioned at my side.

"Has LunaMara displeased you that you should depart so soon after arriving?"
A week had hardly come to pass since he had come. 
"If so, I should be rewarded."

I jerked my head to the left to the man who spoke, who wore flamboyant colored garb and a devious smile upon his mouth.
Floki Boldlips: the jester of the court and a nuisance at the moment. 
I typically did not restrain his impetuous tongue but I would at present with such sensitive company.

He shrank at my look, and I turned back to Hyndralad, who's raised eyebrows showed his irritation at the intrusion.
"No, I immensely enjoyed your palace and wish to see more. However, that is not of my choice. A letter arrived from your brother."

"Who, the emperor of Agmar?" Spoke the sarcastic jester. 
The king of Isoloyia narrowed his eyes upon him.
"Forgive my jester, sire. He has not learned when to restrain his impudence to a more welcoming time."
I moved my foot underneath my chair and gave Floki a furtive kick.
He squeaked.
"A problem of his whole race." Hyndralad remarked with disdain.

I had not made the connection until that moment.
"You mean the Elikor Vez-Dûns?"
It was no secret that the Vez-Dûn's despised their clumsy brethren and considered them indignant.
The Elikor Vez-Dûns were everything contrary to the others; they mingled freely with foreign folk, gave their loyalty and friendship without discrimination, and most loathed of all by their brothers was their known trait of being clumsy and ungraceful.

This race could not even climb a tree without slipping to their doom.
They kept to the earth and were as light-hearted and happy as their brothers were solemn.
I think I am correct in my knowledge that their line originated with King Hyndralad's brother, Arasil Carrot-Top. 
I did not think it strange until that moment having met Hyndralad I realized how different they were!

"Yes. And you are just as bad subjecting yourself to a humble task of jesting!"
The insults fell off of Floki like water on a ducks back, and he smiled.
"Oh great-uncle, you do not mean that!"
At this I almost fell out of my chair and burst into laughter. 
Hyndralad's face became red, and I was afraid I was going to witness an outrage as explosive as a volcano.

"Floki! Take a walk!" 
The jester slunk from the chair into the recesses of the chamber, and the ladies-in-waiting shifted uncomfortably.
I put on the sternness reserved for such situations that required queenly intervention - I hoped that would diffuse the Vez-Dûn king's fury.

"You said Lennox wrote?"
This meant something had happened to change the circumstances of the fight with the Astrologers.
King Hyndralad blinked a couple of times as if he had forgotten the subject of our conversation in his irritation with my jester. 
"He told me to disclose the contents to you so as not to waste his time by writing a copy, Queen Emerald. He told me that he has uncovered the tavern of the Astrologers and is waiting for me before he makes his raid."

"Will he need my assistance as well? I can send troops with you."
"No, I do not think it will be necessary, milady. This fight is not of numbers but of wit." 
He continued, "And speaking of this, Emperor Lennox told me of your advice concerning the stalemate with the Astrologers. Your wisdom was proven as it did solve our difficulty.
"Such mental capacity for things of war is rarely found in women, no matter how great, and I am impressed. Lennox is blessed to have a sister who will support him and whom he can go to for words other than frivolous ones." 

I was immune to flattery but coming from him it was high praise.
I should have in the service of all womankind defended the feminine name, yet in that moment I cared not but to relish in those words of acceptance that I thought I would never hear from him.

The sound of a crunching arose behind me.
It was Floki drawing near with an apple he had chosen from the bowl on the table.
The spell was broken; the enchantment lifted.

I changed the subject.
"But you will at least accept passage on one of my Krespanian ships, will you not? Their speed is well-known, and you would be at your destination without delay. Your supplies can follow afterwards."
"Milady's offer is undeniable. I am grateful." 
He bowed, and to my left I saw the impetuous mouth of Floki Boldlips begin to open.
One glance at me however, and he shut it with a snap.

I am unhappy to see him go, contrary to my feelings before his arrival. 
And the palace has lost it's intrigue along with the presence of the Vez-Dûn king.
While he was here the air around him held a mystery as he himself was a mystery and his character an unsolvable enigma.

I like the opportunity of talking with him and discovering more about him. 
Because if he displayed such a dissimilar character as when we first met in Isoloyia who knew what others he had not revealed as of yet; some genial and most likely more that were hostile.
But what was the closest to his inner soul and self?

In all likelihood we will meet again, due to his helping my brother in Fyros, so I know this will not be a permanent goodbye.


-Emerald de Gavrillac
 Queen of Krespania

Far From Home

The destination is set, and the coordinates navigated carefully by the stars above.

Not to any location upon which we would wage war in the quest for freedom, but to a place I have eagerly yearned for: home; the idea is almost foreign to me after the many months I have been away.

Like a distant dream with no part in reality, is the sound of it to my ears; I feel as if it cannot be obtained again once the dream has ended.

Krespania should be lovely around now; the streets of Estrillo are probably blanketed with a layer of white snow, and each house lining it decorated with fresh wreaths of foliage and Christmas greenery.

I can see the children playing in the snow, with sanguine cheeks, bright eyes and a merry smile, and hear the greetings of the season from the lips of every person that have ventured from the warmth of their houses into the brisk cold of the day.

Oh, how I wish to be part of it!

My heart wills the ship to sail faster so that I will not miss any of it; but alas, we shall not make port until next week unless a favorable wind is bestowed on us.

Meredith is going to great lengths to cheer me up; she has concocted a mixture in the galley that tastes similar to the seasonal drink of wassail, simply to revive my Christmas spirit, and subdue my depression, but aside from that little else aboard The Golden Dawn reminds me what time of the year it is.

In these unsteady circumstances I wonder if Lennox will ever visit me for the holidays, beings still occupied by the left over wars Palkaan's men are holding in certain regions.

As for Palkaan himself, I deferred to King Brinsley of Asram the privilege of delivering him to the League at the Summit Isles where he will await judgment and ultimately execution for his crimes.

My men are presently still assisting Lennox in concluding the war, but having no further need of my personal command, I took the opportunity to set sail at the earliest convenience to Krespania.

There hopefully I will receive the rest that has been absent in my life and recover from the grueling aftereffects of the war.

I hope I am not too fatigued that I cannot enjoy the celebrations and festivities that will take place at Krespania.

I cannot help but yearn for the cozy nights in front of the fire, mesmerized by the crackling and popping of the wood, with a warm drink and pastry in hand, while telling stories or memories like the tradition Lennox and I have every winter.

My opinion will certainly change later but the thought of organizing a feast or gala sounds welcoming and relaxing to me, even though I usually consider it a most stressing ordeal. 

The stress that comes from planning still has a lightness compared to the grave stress incurred by war and battle.

I think I could cope with it marginally well in light of what I have been enduring as of late. 

And seeing as it as fitting with the time at hand, I will finish with the wish that you will have a merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania 

Conclusion to a Conquest

The glorious white light of freedom has dawned upon us once more.

In one day our lives have changed and we have awoken from our long-lasting nightmare unto unanticipated triumph and relief. 

Some time has passed since I last wrote and in that time a dramatic change has occurred to the outcome of the war. 

Palkaan has been defeated!

From my last account you might find it hard to believe, and I assure you, the feeling is mutual, though I have witnessed it with my own eyes.

It was only in my wildest dreams that victory would be that swift, and I can already feel the effect it has in my bones.

Yes, my weariness still remains, but this new zephyr of hope has lifted the heavy burden from my shoulders, making the fatigue bearable.

Despite my outward appearance, I feel alive!

Alive inside, and full of joy and gratitude to God.

Would you like me to explain how it took place?

The details can be spared to avoid overwhelming you.

Continuing from my last account, we remained in South Larlis for some time when we were met by peasants coming from the port of Diamond Water.

Lennox had gathered inhabitants of the devastated cities Palkaan had left behind and sent them on ships to reinforce us.

Meanwhile Palkaan had destroyed Darvern and was beginning to approach us by way of Vernik Meadow, most likely with the hope of doing the same to us in South Larlis.

But unbeknown to Palkaan a plan was set into action that would smite him in his pride.

The peasants that arrived wore uniforms of Agmar soldiers, and I discovered Lennox's own men had traded them for their clothing, in accordance with a plan my brother had concocted.

We waited until Palkaan was in the middle of Vernik Meadow and closed in on him.

Lennox, with soldiers dressed as peasants, came in from the East, Asram's forces, from the South, and the peasants, in soldiers' armor, and my troops from the North and North-west.

Like a cornered rabbit, he had no choice but to face one of us, and since Asram and I had the larger forces, Lennox appeared the weakest link.

He soon discovered otherwise when the said weak peasants fought as fully trained soldiers.

Palkaan fought furiously, but to no avail; he could not retreat or withdraw to form a new battle line, because we surrounding him.

He was caught in a trap!

Jrosselmyr Yendon, the Rebel King of Damar, who commanded half of Palkaan's troops, and had joined with him at Vernik Meadow by way of sea, finished it for us.

He predicted his impending doom and called for a retreat.

In the confusion, Palkaan's men did not know who to obey, and most followed Jrosselmyr as he found a break in our lines and escaped the way he came, leaving Palkaan vulnerable to our attacks and ultimately delivering him into our hands.

Lennox pursued the Rebel King and his men, but by then majority of them had dropped their weapons in surrender, leaving only Jrosselmyr accompanied by a handful of his men to be captured.

As manacles were placed on Palkaan, the man who had destroyed so many lives and inflicted so much heartache to people everywhere, I could not believe my eyes.

Was it really over?

Was this the end of all our journeys across the world as we raced to defend the next place Palkaan had assaulted?

I could not fully comprehend all of what it meant, having been accustomed to this harried lifestyle for many months, until later when I was alone.

The relief was overwhelming, and I felt like crying because of everything that had happened.

But now that some time has passed I am overjoyed by the deliverance the Lord has blessed us with.

We are free of the tyrant that plagued our lands and homes and banished laughter from our hearts!

We can live again, even if it means starting over with some.

The end of bloodshed has come.

Hopefully it will not return any time soon.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania

An Audience With Egotism, Pt. 2

Inside my cabin I could share my true feelings with my Lady-in-Waiting about what had just taken place.
“Meredith, I truly wonder if going to war is as stressing as that meeting was.” I said, lowering myself to the divan.

“I pity you, Milady, having to face him like you did. But despite that, you handled it to perfection, in my opinion.” My Lady-In-Waiting poured a cup of Jomacha and delivered it to my hands.
“There is one thing I am curious about. You indicated that he knew your ancestor Cedric, but how could that be possible? That would make him at least-”

“Three thousand years old? He was actually born in the first age,  and precisely three thousand, five hundred and seventy-three years old.”

Meredith's eyes widened. “But he looks only to be about thirty years of age! I would never have thought him that old!”

I told her only what I had been told which was that he was a Langilike Vez-Dûn, a race of Vez-Dûn that was blessed with long life. There were only a few that existed of this race, and he was the most prominent.

“Yes, he does look young, and he is handsome too.” I admitted. “But Meredith, what is your thoughts?”

“Do you wish to know my opinion, or what I see?”
“I consider them one and the same. Speak freely to me.”
Meredith had proven her unique gift of insight and intuition of the real nature of people many a time at the court of Krespania, and I trusted her judgment.

“Simply put, he is egotistical and entirely selfish. I do not think anything I see will amount to anything others cannot see. His self-consuming is obvious.” She paused for a moment as if to think.
“I credit him with this: he is completely honest. What he says carries no deceit. But he has little fear of anyone being more intelligent or more superior, and subsequently, he has no faith in his fellow man.
“I must admit his character and peculiarities leave me wondering as to what has occurred in his life to result in such a merciless and proud nature. Has the power he has born these many years made him thus? I cannot help but wonder.”

“Well, it has not helped him any that there have been several assassination attempts upon his life. And I could probably say he has not any faith in man because he has lived through so many generations where all have proven their wickedness; He no doubt feels it would be in vain to do so.” I said, then added with a smile. “Not that he is any saint himself.”

I sipped from my Jomacha. “Though there is a mysterious in him, that I find intriguing, despite his intimidation. And something else to be admired...but I am not quite sure of what it is. Perhaps it is the authority in which he speaks and moves with, or his stalwart discipline. Hhmm, I doubt we shall meet again, since invitations to Isoloyia are very rare, so I shall probably never know.”

And that was the end of the discussion of King Hyndralad de Gundalia.
Once all of my armada had sufficient resources we set sail, where we are today: heading to Unoomad to face the trials reserved for us there.


-Emerald de Gavrillac
 Queen of Krespania

An Audience With Egotism, Pt. 1

At last, Isoloyia!

I could never find a more welcoming sight at that moment than it's tall towers of white stone gleaming in the sun, as pure and noble as a brilliant star.

Embedded high upon the mountainside, overlooking the city stretched out beneath it, stood the royal Vez-Dûn citadel and home of King Hyndralad de Gundalia.
As with all his structures, they represented his rule and character: cold, magnificent, dominating yet admirable and glorious.

That is according to the reports that have been told to me.
And only now have I had the chance to confirm or deny those rumors.
Though it mattered little to me, as long as I received my supplies.

When we put into port the steeds were unloaded and my company (which consisted of Meredith, my captain, two generals, four soldiers and my bodyguards) and I rode to the citadel, where we were escorted by the guards in their disciplined protocol through the wide halls to the throne room.

The interior boasted of opulence and grandeur though not ostentatiously; the architecture and décor was  set in such a way that it appeared clean, economical and without extravagance. It was as if there was not a pretension to impress any one, but that this majesty came simply and effortlessly.
The throne room was the same: the marble shone almost as bright as the snow in the winter sun, and great pillars rose to the tall ceiling on either side.
A crimson carpet lead the way through the center of the chamber and up the stairs to the raised dais at the end of the hall.

Even I, in my finest Krespanian gown and royal apparel, felt small and inadequate in such a place.
But this was nothing compared to what I was about to face.

A lone, slender figure sat on the throne that was drawn out in an island in front of the dais and directly above the stairs that descended from it.
And somehow just seeing his rigid posture as straight as the back of his marble throne sent trembles through me.
It was all I could do to keep my walk steady and graceful, as we approached, for in that instant I knew the rumors to be true that told of him as being stern and unfriendly.

We halted some distance before the nine foot dais, and bowed in homage to the Vez-Dûn king of Isoloyia.

The light through the deep sapphire pane of the three large windows behind the throne reflected against the silver hair of King Hyndralad, and sent colorful designs playing across the floor by our feet.

I hoped my voice would not betray me.
“Greetings, I am Queen Emerald de Gavrillac of Krespania, your humble servant.”
He looked down at us without lowering his head and said, “As I, King Hyndralad de Gundalia, greet you.” with a deep and commanding voice that lingered in the wide hall.
“I presume you have come to collect your supplies from us.”
“If it pleases Your Majesty.”
The corner of his lips turned slightly in a wry smile. “And why should it please me?”

This took me aback, and I was at a loss for words. “I-I... apologize if it is an inconvenience to Your Majesty. It is only I am in desperation; my ships have been depleted of all food and ammunition. We cannot possibly assist my brother, the Emperor, against Palkaan with what we have. If there were any other way...”
Hyndralad was silent for a moment then rose slowly from his throne and circling around it, descended the stairs of the dais.

I did not realize how tall he really was until he drew near; he stood two heads taller than I, which I would calculate to be about six foot and seven inches.
He studied me with his autumn-golden eyes, as if I were transparent and he could read every detail of my life.

I had never had the trouble of feeling inferior, being in power as I am, except for this moment; I felt as if I were only a peasant under his overpowering gaze, nothing more than dirt on the floor.

He made me feel as though I did not belong there; As like a slave, I should cower before his magnificence.

I so feared those penetrating eyes that I begun to drop my own to the floor, but then halted.
Why should I cringe before him? He is no more superior, that I should lower my eyes in shame.
And what about my soldiers who are starving inside their wooden prisons?
I must be strong for their sake.
I raised my head and boldly met his gaze.
I would not be intimidated.

He drew back slightly, and lifted his chin higher.
“My countries resources will be exhausted if I supply your needs. I am sorry, but I cannot help!” He said sharply.
“If you will not help for the good of others, then do it for my ancestor Cedric's sake!” I quickly retorted.

My anger replaced the fear inside of me, and the words spilled from my lips.
“Have you so easily forgotten your friendship with him? The only human in whom you put your trust?”

“Cedric,” He said, thoughtfully. “I knew not that his descendants still remained on the throne.”

“Only my brother, Lennox, who governs Agmar, and I, over Krespania, exist at present.” I said, and continued. “There is also my uncle who-”

King Hyndralad waved his hand for silence.
"Yes... I can recognize a little of Cedric within you. Wyles."
A servant emerged from the shadows. “Supply the Krespanian armada with all that they request.”

I bowed deeply, relieved that he did not continue to resist.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. My kingdom shall endeavor to repay you for your assistance.”

“It is not necessary. If I state a need for something in the future, perhaps...but for now we shall leave it as a gift for Cedric's descendants.” He said, then withdrew the same way he came, as if a sign the conversation was over.

My party bowed our leave, and only when I was back aboard The Golden Dawn and safely within my cabin did I breath a sigh of relief.


-Emerald de Gavrillac
 Queen of Krespania

Outwitted and Undermined

We are racing on the wings of the wind, and propelled by the vigor of the sea, across the Arctos Ocean to Unoomad.

With the wind as our ally we will be at our destination within five or so weeks.

Meanwhile my brother is scouting throughout the land to ascertain how far Palkaan's forces have reached.

I have not wrote in a few weeks, and perhaps you do not know what is happening.

I will start from the beginning.

We have realized we have underestimated Palkaan.

Unbeknown to us, his troops encamped at Aldrake was only a fraction of his whole force.

And he has used that to cover up his real operation, which was a quick invasion of the western continent starting from Erelli-Lion through Cressenar, and now up into Unoomad.

But knowing Palkaan he will not be satisfied with only these; he will continue forward to Agmar and Asram, and only stop when he has the whole world in submission to his menacing control.

Lennox immediately set sail with his troops to Palkaan's next destination and there will deploy his troops to meet him head-on.

It took my armada and I a little longer to leave as we had to wait for the army of Pasarz to replace us in Aldrake.

But once they arrived we did not need any extra time to depart.

Now we are sailing; hundreds of ships dotting the aqua blue sea, their white sails enlarged in the wind and cutting a sharp path through the waves.

Though this journey is not going to be as enjoyable as the first, I can already predict.

Our supplies are being exhausted and there is not room for luxury in such a situation.

Food and water are being rationed, our gunpowder and ammunition is running thin, and if we cannot gain more we will be in a dire predicament.

I do not have to state how terrible starvation is, or an outbreak of scurvy when there is no vegetables to be had.

And we will be at the mercy of the enemy if we come upon any of Palkaan's forces in this condition.

But it is a risk we have to take before we can arrive at Isoloyia, where hopefully we will receive supplies and be ready for action again.

At least that is what Lennox says, and I earnestly hope he is correct.

Isoloyia is an island some distance from the continent Unoomad is located on, and is not known for their friendly spirit.

The inhabitants of the island, Vez-Dûnes, are a race similar to ours but with their heights averaging a foot taller than most men.

There is not many Vez-Dûn colonies, and as a result I have not been acquainted much with them, but I have heard that they prefer to live isolated lives away from others, with Isoloyia being the extreme.

Isoloyia is so withdrawn and heavily guarded that they will not allow any visitors as consequence of a previous assassination attempt upon the Isoloyian ruler.

I do not know how Lennox managed to reserve an order of supplies from them, but it matters little as long as we receive it.

Once that happens a heavy burden will be lifted from my shoulders.

Of course it will again be replaced by something else, but I will not worry until that time arrives.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania

The Tyrant Within Me

It is raining.

From inside my cabin aboard The Golden Dawn I can hear the downpour splattering the surface of the sea with vicious force, and I can hear the thunder rumbling overhead.

Out from my window and across a few miles of sea lay the city of Aldrake rising high upon the hill with it's towering walls.

It is ironic that despite the severe decimation it remains glistening and shining beautifully in the rain.

Southward and obscured by the density of the storm, the armies of Palkaan are steadfastly at work without a thought to the weather and as testimony to their master's determination.

In some moments I can hear the whistle of their catapults and the explosion as it meets the city, but they are only faint and only serve to aggravate me with my lack of vision.

But then, it is difficult for everything not to annoy me.

Each day is becoming more tiresome and dull, as I am locked inside this prison of wooden beams and sails.

And I am growing ill-tempered and claustrophobic because of it.

I am not really imprisoned, because if need be we could sail to another location.

But for the moment it is not needed.

The other ships in my armada are carefully circling the island on all sides, and those who are nearest are engaging upon the enemy.

But we are stationed just some distance from the port of Aldrake, issuing orders when my brother decides on a new approach or plan, and simply waiting.

I have begun to feel trapped in my own vessel, with little to do, and yearn to set my feet on dry land again.

Not just dry land, but to be able to wander through the peaceful fields and valleys of Krespania, or ride horseback across the hills.

But a ship is only so long and exercise is not to be had on board.

Therefore I must cope with my desires with not a sign of relief in the future.

Which produces a tyrant within me to be sure.

As for Lennox, he is plenty exercised; he is on the contrary, hardly still.

He met with the sultan of Aldrake and discussed his plans, then moved his troops alongside the outer city wall where he is upholding the breach Palkaan's troops have made.

The news I have received concerning it, have described it as a grotesque and violent skirmish, as Lennox seeks to take hold.

And I cannot help cringing at the thought of the danger he might be under over there, which only amplifies my discontent of remaining where I am.

Though my armada is a strong support for him, I still feel like I should be alongside him fighting, or doing something to help other than staying in my cabin!

But as the head commander, my brother knows where best we can assist him, and I must be satisfied with that.

I must be a pitiful creature in your eyes.

Always wanting to do so much more then I can manage.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania