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

To Flee Or Not To Flee

A strange report reached my ears nearly a week ago; my sentries have sighted Hyndralad de Gundalia, king of Isoloyia, at my borders and since then traveling through my land seemingly with Estrillo, my capital, as his destination.
My mind was brought to confusion upon hearing this news.
What could it mean, I puzzled?

Our last encounter was less than cordial, having found him resisting any sort of assistance in the on-going war, and only after some persuasion on my part did we receive the dreadfully needed supplies and sustenance in order to keep us alive and strong enough to help our brothers in the battle against Palkaan the Tyrant.

His aloof and detached civility resulted in my conclusion that we would never meet again – especially by his leave, yet there he was in my kingdom.
I immediately brought the morning court to an end and arranged for my counselors to meet me in the conference chamber.

Their verdict was simply stated: we could not forbid him to enter on suspicion that he might harbor ill-will and pernicious intention toward us.
And in all honesty he has not exhibited any signs to warrant that assumption.
I only find it surprising that he should visit me, and must wander why.
Given the fact that the King of Isoloyia is not friendly, I am inclined to think it would be for the worse.

Therefore we must receive him with every royal courtesy for diplomacy's sake, whatever his purpose for coming.
We adjourned, and I withdrew to the gardens.
The sky was clear with the exception of the brilliantly lit orb suspended midway in it's blue folds.
It was an unusually warm day for February, and the fresh air was reviving.
Once my lady-in-waiting and I were alone I turned to her with some apprehension weighing my conscience.
“Meredith, what would be the consequences following a queen who participated in a long horse-back ride so that she avoided a certain noble personage?”

“I am afraid such an act would result in Her Majesty being subject to open disapproval and ridicule.” She replied.
“But I know Her Majesty; her duty is nearest in her mind, and no matter how hard the task is she would not avoid it.”
The answer was without pretense and straightforward.
I squinted past the the lifeless foliage surrounding me and the morning sun to the tall trees at the northernmost part of the palace.
I gave a wry smile.
“You must know her better than I... I just do not wish to be under that heavy gaze of reproach again. You cannot fully understand how it made me feel - small does not compare!”

“Milady, I thought you did rather well at the situation.”
“but it took every ounce of courage inside of me to stand up to such an imposing figure! I felt weak, and I loathed it.”
Meredith smiled. “Your Majesty has a strength within that will endure any situation. You will stand up to him once again. But perhaps we will find His Majesty of Isoloyia changed in disposition since last we met and more tolerable.”

“Perhaps so – I hope so! But I have my doubts.”
We walked along the stone pathway and talked of other things, yet amidst it I found the disturber of my peace not easy to forget, and the looming encounter something to dread.


-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