The second day of the vaccine drive went well. We travelled all over the inner Southlands visiting small villages and farmsteads. In return for the vaccine, we were given gifts of home-baked pies, cakes and preserves from the grateful villagers. They wished us luck in our rebellion against Koronin and his followers. As day drew... Continue Reading →
The news of Erasmus' death and the capture of his castle hit me hard, like a cannonball to the chest. We would have to take action without delay to avoid the further advance of Koronin's forces. Luckily, the Fates had granted us a fighting chance: the runner who came to us with news of Erasmus'... Continue Reading →
I went out to the hazel wood, because a fire was in my head. And how. What a fire. It wasn't the first time I'd gone out somewhere because of a fire in my head. In the Old Days, I was constantly walking out somewhere or other to put out some fire or other that... Continue Reading →
I was supervising the kitchen staff in preparation for the St Valentine's Day feast when I heard the herald's horn blow from the hills beyond my Summer Palace. With an excited rush of anticipation, I ran to the lookout post and sure enough, I saw the long-awaited sight: the rebel fleet approaching! Preparations Soon, the... Continue Reading →
As we settle down into our routine in the Summer Palace of the Southlands, I find that my biggest daily challenge comes from the overbearing presence of the King's Mother. To understand fully my frustrations, you must first understand that the King and I are joint Regents of this Kingdom: I from the North and... Continue Reading →
Seen from the glittering shores of the Southlands, Mt. Nanos looks peacefully majestic. But on a wild winter’s night it is far from this. It is a dark and hostile place where dread winds blow, and the route below is fraught with danger. The mountain marks a watershed between the inland climate which is temperate,... Continue Reading →
Our escape from the province of Quarantinia was made swiftly, and by night. We could not travel ostentatiously, for fear of drawing unwanted attention (nor would this have been possible, for Koronin has commandeered the Royal Coach for his own wicked use), but we did travel in relative comfort, for which I am thankful. The... Continue Reading →
The winter in Lockdownia continues hard, and with no sign of relief in sight. The sun has not shone on our land for almost two months. There is nothing more I can do for my people in Quarantinia without the protective tincture which is due to be brought by ship from the Outlands. With the... Continue Reading →
It is the dawn of a New Year in Lockdownia. Normally, this would be a time of rejoicing: feasting and singing; dancing in the streets of our villages and towns. This year has been quite different, especially for the Royal Family in exile. In Caer Pathogen, as it is now called (formerly Caer Non-Pareil), we... Continue Reading →
The journey to Father Winter in the Highlands was as perilous as I had expected. As I rode through the woods above Caer Pathogen, Koronin's hell-hounds soon gave chase. Mercury was steadfast and swift, and a fortuitous snowfall covered our tracks, though it was lucky we did not become trapped in the blizzard ourselves. As... Continue Reading →
