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

A Friendly Provocation

My wish is granted, and temporary headquarters have been set up in the port of Aldrake;

No longer am I restrained on board my ship, but I can wander the lengths of the damaged streets that run from the entrance of the palace to the docks at the waterfront.

It is no Krespania countryside, but it is better than remaining on The Golden Dawn, and for that I am grateful.

Nothing has changed concerning Palkaan and his army.

We are having difficulty overcoming their defenses, and despite our relentless pressure and assaults upon them, they do not appear to be growing weaker nor stronger; they continue with interminable strength.

No war is short in life, and this one is proving the point impeccably.

And by acknowledging this fact, Lennox was brought to the conclusion that we need more power, and more specifically the assistance of King Dastrias of Pasarz, our longtime friend and ally.

Pasarz is located far east of Krespania in the desert regions, and from where we are, in the southern continent, it would take my brother many weeks to arrive at his domain.

But Valory D'Alvre's power of creating portals to anywhere desired was an advantage that could not be ignored.

Therefore Emperor Lennox, along with Lady Valory and a detachment of his men, went through the portal and arrived on the outskirts of the palace of Pasarz.

My brother said that he applied to King Dastrias for his help in the southern war but was surprisingly rejected.

He told my brother that he had grown too weak and was unfit for battle, and that he could not longer fight with the sword as in times past.

Lennox could not and would not believe this was true.

As he was departing the palace, he told me that the queen of Pasarz, Taahira, stopped him and asked for a private audience.

Her radiant beauty was marred with a look of sadness.

“Am I mistaken to believe you are here to enlist my husband, the king's help?”

He answered her that she was not. “But he has refused my request.”

The pain in her eyes deepened, and Lennox knew there was more to be spoken of the subject than was being let on.

“I found his lack of interest puzzling.”

Queen Taahira shook her head. “That is what I would like to discuss with you. Dastrias has steadily become this way over the last few months, until he thinks he is utterly useless, and cannot do anything.”

“Why has he come to think this about himself?” Asked my brother.

“I have found out from my servants, who I have asked to listen around the palace, that it is Hadeeqa- One of his other wives. She is poisoning his mind.”

Lennox wondered if this was the truth or a delusional accusation out of jealousy.

Perhaps she disliked the idea of Dastrias spending time with someone other than her, and fabricated the idea in anger.

Yet she seemed sad, not angry at that moment.

“How do you know this?”

“The servants heard her. She is very discreet and makes offhand comments, where at the time sound harmless enough, but after so long of it being put into your mind you begin to believe it. For example she says he should not do so many things because of his health, and that he not getting any younger, or that he should let the servants do what he is capable of doing. Things such as that.”

Taahira closed her eyes, and bowed her head. “And I can see what it is doing to him, and I abhor it. He is no longer the carefree, lighthearted and adventurous king that I married, but more like an elderly man, worried about his health.”

Lennox was convinced that she was telling the truth, and an idea emerged in his mind.

“Excuse me, Your Highness.” He bowed. “I will do what I can.”

He found his friend's armor-bearer and requested he deliver the king's sword and shield to his master.

When this was completed he returned to the gardens where Dastrias lounged and stared at his sword and shield in his hands as if they were strange and new to him.

Lennox drew his sword.

“Let us fight! To the death!”

Dastrias looked at him with a confused expression. “I cannot; I am too weak.”

“Too weak or too afraid?” He challenged.

“You know very well I do not fear you.”

“If you will not fight, I will be forced to think that.”

Dastrias rose slowly from the ground, clutching his sword in his right hand and his shield in his left.

“Very well.”

My brother told me that the swordplay that ensued was quick and animated, and while Lennox was not giving his total strength to it for fear that he would overpower him due to his constant practice on the field, Dastrias still possessed his edge and skill to keep him on his toes.

A little more time with the sword and all expertise would be restored to him as in the past.

The king of Pasarz's surprise turned to joy at learning he had not lost his abilities, and Lennox could immediately recognize the difference in him.

His cheer returned, and afterward they talked like the good friends they were, about many things before he pledged his service in the war at Aldrake.

My brother then returned by the way he came, with news that they will reinforce us when they arrive in about four weeks; time enough for King Dastrias to gather his troops and march south to Aldrake.

Perhaps with their support the war will end quicker, and we will have victory over Palkkan.

Let us hope...let us pray.

-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

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