The Siege of Aldrake

Dense clouds of dark smoke rose into the gray sky above the inflamed city of Aldrake, as the scene came into our view aboard The Golden Dawn.

Towers with gaping holes in the sides, belched fire and crumbled into hundreds of pieces as projectiles exploded into them.

Palkkan's two massive mortars were stationed on the south side of the wall, being cranked and fired with calculated precision at the defensive outer wall of Aldrake's city.
Thousands of men dotted the southern plain, all of them scurrying hastily in their given commands.

My hands tightened around the wooden taffrail of the ship, feeling the grief welling up as tears in my eyes.

The burning fires, the deathly black smoke, and the thunder of boulders crashing was all a devastating portrait for me to lay eyes upon.
I could already hear the screams and cries for help inside Aldrake though we were not in range of hearing.
I had heard it many times before in other battles.
And I could no more shut the cries out than I could come to their aid, no matter how much I wished to.

Oh, how I desired to do more than I could aboard this ship!
But it is impossible to save every individual, I had been told.
Yet this was something I continually struggled with, and felt guilt whenever I was unable to rescue those in need.
My generals tell me that some decisions require the loss of a few lives in exchange for thousands.
It is the cost of war.

But I am human not machine, and I cannot justify sacrificing one – not a number, but a living and breathing human being – to death when they are crying out to you, and you have the power to help.
I admit the truth in my generals' words, and the necessity to obey them, but as I said: it is a struggle.

We approached Aldrake's port, swiftly.
It was situated on the west side, and possessed two thick walls paralleling each other and forming a semi-circle around the port, that opened to the sea.
As you know, Lennox's ships are transporting his troops while my forces are strictly sea-going support, therefore it was our task to take the opening strike at a group of Palkkan's men who were holding the port and gate there.
The Krespanian armada came in at an angle and fired our cannons in a crippling blow, and then sailed aside as my brother landed his troops and overwhelmed those who were left.

It was one small victory, however there remained the bulk of Palkkan's army on the southern plain, continuing to assault the main gate with artillery in attempt to break through to the city.
As Lennox and his men made their way inside to strengthen Aldrake's fortifications from within, we sailed south and attacked Palkaan from the sea.
The reach of our cannons were limited, and we could not strike the central detachment but helped weaken those who were by the shores.
That attack must come from Lennox, who, according to our plan, will meet them head-on with his army.

But until that move has been executed, I have sent a company of ships to the other side of the island to ensure that Palkkan is not attempting to ambush us by sending more of his men from a different direction.
As for ourselves, we will continue to buffet Palkaan's left flank, and stave off any attack or escape that they undertake.


-Emerald de Gavrillac
 Queen of Krespania

Rendezvous At Rozkoria

Our fleet has reached the rendezvous point on the outskirts of the island Rozkoria.

I did not know at the time whether my brother and his ships were ahead of us or behind, but as we rounded the island I spotted him not far in the distance in the East.

We dropped anchor upon the shallow waters, and waited until The Ruler sailed alongside with Lennox standing stately upon the deck, Valory at his side.

Once they had dropped anchor I issued a skiff to be prepared, and with two of my crew we rowed out to meet them.

I was received by a cheerful Lennox, and the customary dry humor of Valory D'Alvre.

When the greetings were finished, we decided that we would dine on The Ruler that evening, where we could discuss the strategy we would take in assaulting Palkaan once we arrived at Aldrake.

On account of the occasion I deemed it necessary to dress in one my gowns, having worn a plain white, cotton blouse, trousers and boots since we first embarked.

I found that this clothing is less restraining and more efficient for movement upon a ship, and since

the court and social etiquette is not in effect on the ocean I will wear what is beneficial to my work aboard a ship.

When all was ready, the captain of The Golden Dawn, Meredith and I, with Jokthan rowed to The Ruler.

The sun was beginning to set as we climbed aboard, and was ushered into the captain's cabin below the stern deck.

Once inside I could see that there was a long rectangular table in the middle of the room, where food was laid upon, and tall candles glowed in the fading sunlight.

Lennox stood on one side of the table, dressed in a royal blue blouse with an embroidered vest of the same blue and black, that ran the length to his polished boots.

Valory stood beside him, wearing a purple and blue satin top that wrapped around from her neck and met in the center, overlaid with a black band of material winding around her middle.

The sleeves were long and flowing, hiding her arms from view, and the skirt flowed down to the rim of her silver boots.

I always found Valory's manner of dress to be one foreign to Krespania; it reflected the clothes of her home, San Vey, yet also retained her own style, which resembled men's clothing yet with her own touch of femininity.

I suppose it is because of her active lifestyle that she finds it more suitable to dress this way.

The evening continued with little excitement, but some cheer as we talked of times past and relived memories forged long ago.

But when the food and dishes were cleared away from the table Lennox pulled out the maps and started the discussion that would last the duration of the evening.

He explained the idea he had for the assault to the captain and I, and what direction the fleets would come from.

When much had been spoken on the matter, and the plans were laid, we returned to The Golden Dawn.

Since then we have unfurled all available sails in attempt to reach Aldrake within two days time.

Once at our destination, we will see how the situation lies, and how best we can defend the kingdom from Palkkan.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

  Queen of Krespania

Passage on The Golden Dawn

We have set sail, and are underway to Aldrake.

I am at the head with my vessel The Golden Dawn, and not far behind is my second and third in command, Doña Isabella and The Iron Virtue.

Together we are leading the Krespanian Armada across the Arctos Ocean where we will rendezvous with my brother, Lennox's forces near the island, Rozkoria, and continue to Aldrake.

The Golden Dawn is a beautiful ship, durable and swift upon the waves, constructed in the manner of all Krespanian sailing vessels.

She is a fully rigged vessel with four masts bearing the forest green sails with the crest of Krespania imprinted upon them.

My cabin is a particularly large one contrary to the standard size.

There is a bed at the right side, a dark wood armoire and desk, (where I am writing this), to the left.

At the rear of the room are two French doors that open up to a balcony with a view of the sea, which is where I spend most of my afternoons when I am free, watching the sunset.

The luxuries aboard a ship are modest and few, yet I am fond of sea voyages nonetheless.

I am content simply sailing upon the waves of the sea, with the endless miles of water surrounding me, and the canvas billowing in the wind overhead.

It holds a freshness, a sense of adventure for me, and a freedom that no other place produces.

On the sea you can easily pretend that there is no one else or no where else aside from it.

Though not all days are so lovely.

Late yesterday afternoon a tempest arose swiftly from the South.

It rained in torrents and the sea grew fierce, raging against the hull of the ship.

We spent the better part of the night being tossed upon the waves and swaying violently to and fro.

I have been on many voyages since I was an adolescent, so I am accustomed to the sea and it's instability, yet I have to admit that last night, even I was not feeling at full strength.

The ship groaned and creaked at every careen, and sounded as if it would break and splinter to pieces by the violence of the waves beating against it.

Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, and occasionally a flash of lightening would brighten the sky.

From the window I could see the sea churning and frothing angrily, as if we had disturbed it's slumber and it was getting it's revenge upon our ships.

It continued in such a manner all night, not allowing me to sleep but only to despair, when about four in the morning I felt, more than saw, a change.

The swaying of the ship had eased, the tumult of the waves had subsided, and the rain lessened to a drizzle.

The thunder sounded more distant, and the lightning struck less often.

Just as the weather calmed so did I, and it was not long after that I drifted off to a much welcome sleep. When I awoke it was nearly midday, and what a surprise for me to find that there was not a cloud in the sky!

It was crystal clear outside; as if the storm was only my imagination, and it did not take place.

I had concerns about whether we had lost any time during the tempest when we drifted uncontrollably, but the captain reported that we were on course and shall make the rendezvous with hardly any delay as scheduled.

But until we join and proceed to the war in Aldrake, I will try to enjoy every moment I have aboard The Golden Dawn.

Even if the object of the mission is not pleasant, it does not mean that the journey has to be the same.

You might conjecture that having to endure the discomfort of a storm, such as the one that has just passed, is not worth embarking on a voyage, but it is absolutely worth it.

When you watch the sun rising in the early hours, where the sky meets the sea, and shedding it's soft, golden rays across the rolling waves of the sea, the feeling is indescribable.

So peaceful and tranquil.

So worth it.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

  Queen of Krespania

The Portalist's Message

There are certain things that one tires of after a few times of doing, and then there are the experiences that it only takes doing it once to grow weary with it.

When it comes to war, the latter applies to me.

Though I have went through it more then once, it is not too often.

But each time it fatigues me to the inner core and I emerge from it, exhausted and cynical.

My whole outlook on life is tainted with a bitterness that results from witnessing the bloodshed of the battlefield, and having to fight through the horrors that you are confronted with there.

And it is impossible to come out unscathed, whether it be mentally or physically.

I live in this dark cloud, for an indeterminable amount of time, that diminishes all love of life and happiness in myself, and produces a negative effect upon my countenance.

Meredith can attest to this, having had to endure my despondency, with all care and consideration regardless of it.

She perhaps, through doing this, is the reason I am coaxed out of that state and into my natural mindset.

However, despite my obvious detestation of going to battle and the effects of it, I am once again summoned to the field of war.

Since I received the letter from my brother, Lennox de Gavrillac, entreating me to assist him in Erelli-Lion with my warships, I have without hesitation given the order for the vessels to be readied.

The preparations took only a few weeks, and we are scheduled to embark the day after tomorrow.

But unexpectedly, I received further instructions from Lennox that will change the direction we will sail to altogether.

It was nearing the afternoon of yesterday, and I was in sitting in the court when the news came.

Yet, it was not brought by his royal couriers as the previous times.

I first began to hear a whooshing sound, as of a summer breeze, that started softly and gradually raised in volume.

Then my attention was brought to one of the entrances of the court to my right, where the sound seemed to be coming from.

At each corner of the doorway fog appeared and simultaneously began reaching to the center with spindly and wispy hands, turning in a clockwise motion until the whole perimeter of the archway was covered.

A mix between a hissing and crackling sound came forth, and in an instant the fog evaporated to reveal a translucent gel as of a large bubble that occupied the length and width of the door frame.

When I drew opposite it, the gel gave the illusion that it sloped inward when in fact, upon looking at it from the side, it was a completely flat surface.

A blurred image of a landscape made for it's background, and prevented any view of the hallway behind the door.

This was not the first time that I had seen this, yet every time I encounter it, I am fascinated anew by it.

A form darkened the bubble and then person emerged through the gel and stepped into the court.

Gasps filled the air around me, as people having not been acquainted with this, shrunk back in fear and amazement.

I recognized the person instantly to be Valory D'Alvre, a San Veyan noblewoman and close friend and confederate to Lennox and I.

She had the rare ability to portal to any place she desired, being one of the last of the nearly extinct race of Portalists, and was usually with my brother, assisting him in times of war with her invaluable gift.

Valory has a daring and adventurous spirit, not unlike my brother's, with a love for the outdoors and wilderness that overcomes any preference she might have for a life the court could offer a nobleman's daughter.

Her experience as a warrior and her persevering leadership made her a trustworthy and devoted aide to Lennox.

Valory turned to me and with a bow of the head, addressed me.

“Queen Emerald, I have news from your brother, Emperor Lennox.”

Her demeanor was usually light and humorous, and the lack of this coupled with her presence here meant it was most urgent.

I gave her permission to continue and she said, “The plan has been thwarted, and Palkkan has besieged the kingdom of Aldrake. The ruler stated during the Summit council that he has not entered into war in seventy years, and that he will not now. Therefore your brother asks you to change the direction of your vessels from Erelli-Lion to Aldrake, to assist them if need be. He is mobilizing his soldiers and will be there in a few weeks.”

I asked about the circumstances leading up to this event, and she answered adequately before concluding it with that and returning through the portal from which she came. 

So our course has been altered, and we are to set sail for Aldrake in attempt to intercept Palkkan's assault on the kingdom.

I hope you do not misinterpret my aforesaid words and conclude that I am pacific, for that is not what I mean.

I loathe the bloodshed in battle, not war itself.

For war is required when there is wickedness in the world, and we have to meet the demands to fight it.

It is unavoidable and necessary, and I will not hesitate to take part in it.

That is the reason why I will go now, because it is the responsibility and duty of those who have the power to make a difference.
Even if the procedure is disagreeable. 

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

Birthday Celebrations

This month has always been my favorite time of the entire year; the first being it is the month of Meredith's birthday, and the second, I do not know if it is vain of me to acknowledge this, but also my own.

And if you have only noticed one thing about me it would have to be that I adore celebrations of any kind, whether it is for another or myself.

Planning the festivities are my specialty but I enjoy participating in them just as much.

My birthday was a simple affair, yet I enjoyed it immensely.

The whole of Krespania observes it as a holiday and the villagers of the capital Estrillo where LunaMara palace is situated, decorated the streets and townhouses with boughs of lovely winter flowers.

I rode through the thoroughfare on my steed, greeting the citizens that lined the sides and waved to me, stopping here and there to speak to a few as I did every year.

When I returned to the palace, I spent the better part of the morning in the court, receiving subjects who wished me a pleasant day and presented to me their gifts they desired to give.

The farmers would bestow to me an assortment of land sown produce, from grain and fruit, to vegetables and herbs, each depending upon the manner of their trade.

Merchants would offer tapestries and richly woven rugs and material from the finest weavers.

While others such as metalsmithes would give jewelry made with silver and gold.

With these acts of kindness and well-wishing, I feel most appreciative of having such loyal and caring subjects.

Without their support the kingdom of Krespania could not continue or flourish as it has done for years.

That evening Meredith arranged a small gathering of relatives and close friends to the palace for a feast in my honor.

I was surprised and delighted to find Viscount Alessandro de Garza to have come, having thought that he was still traveling and not in the region.

He had not altered in the least from my recollection of our last meeting; his smile was just as contagious and handsome, his appearance just as dashing and dignified.

He bowed.

“Good evening, Your Majesty. May I wish you the best of birthdays?”

I responded with gratitude.

He was silent for a moment before saying, “Only last year I thought to myself that Your Majesty could not become any more beautiful when yet another year passes and I find that her beauty far outshines the full moon outside.”

I stifled a smile. “I see that your roguish tongue has not changed any over time; just as audacious and bold.”

He gave another smile. “I cannot be reformed, I am afraid. But if my queen finds it offensive I shall endeavor to conquer the impossible.”

Truth be known, I would not have him change anything about himself.

His unabashed manner was in fact intriguing and his outspokenness different to all others I must interact with in the court.

Alessandro was amusing and courteous in all aspects save for his bold speech and I always enjoy being in his company.

It had been many months since I had seen him last and he explained that he had been busy traversing the wide countrysides of his land, overseeing his farms and tenants, and assuring all was peaceful and prosperous.

“But I will be remaining in Estrillo for an uncertain amount of time, and henceforth I will amend the fault of neglecting my queen the paying of respects she deserves by visiting often.” He concluded.

I was not a little pleased at this news, and I look forward to his visits with anticipation.

Thus my birthday was concluded for this year.

For Meredith, it was not quite as large but I obtained a wonderful feast for her with a dessert of her preference.

And of course I made sure Luco Giovanos was to attend.

That I had invited the business man from Natilia must have secretly in her heart made her mostly pleased, but also partly embarrassed that her queen would connive and bring such thing to pass, knowing my full intention of it.

I do not deny it; my conduct and interference is shameful yet I am without regret.

They both are in need of a little direction, and being queen, there are marvelous advantages for it.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

 Queen of Krespania

A Letter From Lennox

It is a cold in wintry day at LunaMara palace outside, but tranquil and warm inside.

Snow is softly and noiselessly falling to cover the garden grounds, I can see from the window, and is lining the trees with an unblemished white.

It is as if it quiets your very soul with it's peace and vanishes any reminder of bitter memories and cares.

It makes you feel isolated from the world as if nothing else did exist but this moment.

Makes you cease your striving and pause to admire this beautiful and simplistic thing that captures your attention so much.

At least, it has always done so for me, and I think that is one of the reasons I like it.

Other than this activity all is silent and still inside the palace.

It is as if the weather has cast an enchantment upon them; the servants all work in hushed whispers and muted movements, and there has not been anyone that requests an audience with me or brings a petition.

The bitter cold and snow has seemingly barricaded them indoors.

But I am grateful for the opportunity to be left in isolation and take this moment of seclusion to write to you what you must be eager to know.

Just as I foretold a letter arrived three days ago from my brother, explaining the full reasons for his departure last month on the eve of the New Year and the results that followed.

Once Lennox arrived at the Summit Isles and spoke with the League he discovered that it was Palkkan that was the root cause of this, just as he suspected.

The kingdoms became frantic at the sight of Palkkan's continuously growing army and feared that he would attack and besiege their cities, therefore they had come to the decision to surrender to him.

Lennox was enraged at this news and at their foolishness and declared that this decision was unacceptable and that they should not go through with it.

He then proposed his plan of action, he did not go into detail in his letter about it but the League yielded and agreed to it.

The only problem was that envoys of the Erelli-Lion kingdom had already embarked to surrender to Palkkan.

It was already too late.

But not in Lennox's opinion.

He departed immediately and set sail on The Ruler with the intention of overtaking them.

The Ruler is a lithe vessel with very few to compare with her agility and celerity, it was not long before they intercepted the Errelli-Lion's ship and explained the situation.

Now he writes that he is engaged in transporting his troops to the southern tip of Errelli-Lion, to counteract any anticipated move of Palkkan, and thwart his opportunity of attack.

He will explain his strategy more fully to me later, he says, but for now he wants my assistance.

For Agmar, their greatest power is in their troops, but Krespania's strength has always been in the sea.

The Krespanian armada is the largest of all kingdoms, possessing a total of three hundred vessels, and all built for war.

One would be foolish to attempt an attack on Krespania from the sea with this knowledge.

He bids me to have them ready to set sail at a moment's notice to Erelli-Lion when he gives the word.

It is evidently all part of his strategy to outwit Palkkan.

Although, I wish he would not assume that I will lend him my armada at any time, he does not rule Krespania after all, even if he acts like it.

But then, he is always like that, and I suppose I might do just the same, so I cannot really complain.

-Emerald de Gavrillac

Queen of Krespania

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