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 →
Snow has fallen on our land. The first snow of winter. The children rejoice, for finally they have the world outside as their playground. Though I delight in their play, my heart is heavy for I know that soon I must make my pilgrimage to Father Winter in the Highlands. Father Winter controls the weather... Continue Reading →
Until very recently, the term 'under pressure' had meant something gruesomely literal to me. It is common practice within Lockdownia to 'press' miscreants with heavy stones laid upon the chest until they either confess their treacherous deeds, or give up the ghost. Under my rule, of course, such barbarism would not be tolerated. But the... Continue Reading →
Winter has come to the mythical kingdom of Lockdownia, coating the shadow side of the valley in glittering fairy dust. Surely some subtle magic is afoot. As crimson light gilds the high peaks to the North and the moon rises, the Queen grows weary. It has been a week of ups and downs in the... Continue Reading →
My child woke from a nightmare the other night, or was it early morning? “What’s the matter, love?’ I asked. “I thought I heard a scratching,” he answered. “And what do you think you could have heard doing this scratching?” I continued. “Maybe a big rat” he answered, “or something else more scary…with sharp claws!”... Continue Reading →
