NationStates Jolt Archive

As the King hurried down the Hall of Ancestry, he couldn't help but hear the sounds of the festival fifty yards away on the grounds of the Cathedral of St. Thomas the Doubter. He stopped in front of the portrait of his great-grandfather, Charles I. He was the man who brought Knave's Rock into the modern age. And it was his father, King Richard IV, who kept Knave's Rock isolated. " Never meddle in the things of the world, son", he'd say. " It'll mean the beginning of the end of life as we know it."

Charles was not so sure. Knave's Rock was a modern nation, if not high-tech. They had a well-armed army, navy and airforce, and 93% of the citizens of Knave's Rock had either cable or satellite TV, personal computers, and late-model cars. The Space Administration had just successfully launched the nation's first orbiting satellite.

Knave's Rock was at peace, and had been for almost fifty years. But it's history had not always been so peaceful.

" Charles, are you coming? The children are waiting to go to the festival!" He looked up and smiled at the sight of his beautiful wife of six years, Anne. Queen Annie, as she was known by the people. On either side of her were their two children, William and Catherine. " Coming dear", he said.

As they traversed the last part of the room, Charles thought back to his history lessons..........
_____________________________________________________________


Knave's Rock was "discovered" by a shipwrecked bunch of miscreants and ne'er-do-wells back in 1487. They were on their way to Botany Bay, a place reserved for the worst of the worst of society. Only 23 survivors made their way to the shore: sixteen men and seven women. The climate was semi-tropical, so they hadn't any trouble finding food and constructing shelter. Over the years, they multiplied and, after a fashion, prospered.

By the early 1500's, there were 87 souls on the island in two villages. They subsisted on farming and hunting. The more adventurous of them set out to explore the island, and an expedition that had set out in 1518 returned thirty months later and told of the wonders they had found.

It seemed that what they called an island was in actuality a large land mass consisting of some 81,000 square miles, mostly thick jungles with many rivers, streams, and lakes. There was a tall mountain range in the north-east section of the island, but it was at the center that they made the most interesting discovery.

What the expedition found was a high mountain ringed by a range of smaller peaks and crags with a number of valleys and passes through them. As they climbed the mountain, the flora changed with the altitude. Dark,dank jungles gave way to conventional deciduous trees and shrubs, such as oak, maple, ash and poplar and vast meadows of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Above this level, the coniferous trees were abundant: white and black pine, spruce and fir.

As they continued up the mountain, which they had already dubbed The Rock, they came to a stretch of relatively barren slopes, at the top of which they discovered the ruins of a fortress or castle.

A few of the original battlements still stood, though worn by years of wind and rain. It was not overly large, about an acre in size, with many crumbled and broken-down interior walls. One of the group, Guillaume by name, came across a heavy oaken door set into a wall. It took them several hours to open it, as the iron hinges were rusted solid. When they got it opened, they saw a flight of steps carved out of the rock leading down.

The steps led down to a large cavern where stalactites hung from the ceiling. Bats flew hither and yon, as if disturbed from an ageless sleep. As they probed farther, they found many miles of tunnels dug out of the living rock, and in one section were a series of smaller rooms that apparently served as living quarters. Many artifacts were there: farm implements, looms, crude tools. But it was the discovery of the Catacombs that really got their attention.

Hundreds of people had been buried there, some of them small enough for them to guess that they were children. They had all been buried with things from their lives. Tools, toys, coins.....and jewelry. The more mercenary among them wanted to loot the dead, but cooler heads prevailed, and they just took a few coins with them to show to the rest of the settlement when they got back.

As the King and Queen emerged from the Palace with the children, cheers and laughter greeted them. The pair were much loved by their people. Charles had forged a reputation of fairness and justice in his decisions, and the Queen was well known for her tea parties and social gatherings.

Many rulers of Knave's Rock had appelations added to their names over the centuries. Charles' grandfather was known as "the Wise", and an distant ancestor, King Reginald, was known as "the Warrior". Charles was called King Charles the Good.

He had assumed the throne at age 28 after the untimely death of his father, William IV. Six years later, with a wife and two children, he ruled over a land that was peaceful and prosperous. Not that it had always been so.

A mere 154 years ago, there had been an uprising on the northern island of Gilboa. It seems that the workers in the crude factories were not being paid according to agreements made by the nobles of the island, and so instead of appealing to the King, as was proper, they took matters into their own hands and slaughtered the Earl of Sussex and his family, along with two lesser nobles, the Baron of Chichester and the Baron de Longhe.

For a time, anarchy reigned on Gilboa. Mills and factories were put to the torch, and the mobs pillaged and burned village after village. Then, after three weeks, the King assembled an army, and sailed to the island. In a short four day campaign, all of the leaders of the uprising were captured, tried, found guilty, and then publically drawn and quartered, their remains tossed to the dogs. The followers were given a choice: return to work or face the same punishment as their former leaders. They did so with amazing aquiescence. Within six months, all manufacturing sites were rebuilt and once again producing all of the necessities that the kingdom needed. Gilboa Island, to this day, is still the site of all factories, plants, refineries, and mining sites in the kingdom. No manufacturing of any kind is permitted on any of the other five islands, nor the mainland, so as to maintain and preserve the beauty of the nation.

As Charles and Anne mingled, one voice in the crowd shouted out, " Your Majesty! When can we expect you at the apple barrel?" The King laughed and said, " I will be there shortly, after I have spent some time with the Queen and the children."

The apple barrel was an old tradition at the Festival of St. Thomas, named for the friar who was one of the original survivors of the shipwreck. What his crime was, was anybody's guess. Legend had it that he came under the sway of the heretical teachings of the Cathars, and that was not to be tolerated by the Church of Rome. The Pope had alledgedly ordered him banished.

In any case, the apple barrel was the one time each year when the King was treated as a commoner. As he sat upon a plank above a large barrel filled with apples and water, he mocked all comers until one of them was successful at tripping the latch that held the plank in place, thus dunking the King in the barrel.

The Palace was directly across from the Cathedral, seperated by one hundred yards of green grass and a flower garden. It had been conceived and built by Queen Ingrid in 1778, and grew lovlier every year, until it was a teeming mass of lilys, daisys, and roses. All told, there were 172 different varieties of flowers, annuals and perennials, as well as dwarf fruit trees.

What the expedition found was a high mountain ringed by a range of smaller peaks and crags with a number of valleys and passes through them. As they climbed the mountain, the flora changed with the altitude. Dark,dank jungles gave way to conventional deciduous trees and shrubs, such as oak, maple, ash and poplar and vast meadows of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Above this level, the coniferous trees were abundant: white and black pine, spruce and fir.

As they continued up the mountain, which they had already dubbed The Rock, they came to a stretch of relatively barren slopes, at the top of which they discovered the ruins of a fortress or castle.

A few of the original battlements still stood, though worn by years of wind and rain. It was not overly large, about an acre in size, with many crumbled and broken-down interior walls. One of the group, Guillaume by name, came across a heavy oaken door set into a wall. It took them several hours to open it, as the iron hinges were rusted solid. When they got it opened, they saw a flight of steps carved out of the rock leading down.

The steps led down to a large cavern where stalactites hung from the ceiling. Bats flew hither and yon, as if disturbed from an ageless sleep. As they probed farther, they found many miles of tunnels dug out of the living rock, and in one section were a series of smaller rooms that apparently served as living quarters. Many artifacts were there: farm implements, looms, crude tools. But it was the discovery of the Catacombs that really got their attention.

Hundreds of people had been buried there, some of them small enough for them to guess that they were children. They had all been buried with things from their lives. Tools, toys, coins.....and jewelry. The more mercenary among them wanted to loot the dead, but cooler heads prevailed, and they just took a few coins with them to show to the rest of the settlement when they got back.


When the expedition returned, a second, larger group, better equipped, set out for the Rock. Their charge was to find out all they could about who might have built the castle, and to bring back artifacts. They were also told to ascertain how feasible it would be to rebuild the castle/fortress,with the thought to move the entire population to the site.

After a little over a year, two men returned with many goods from the caverns and catacombs, as well as a sketch of the fortress. The leaders of the little colonydetermined that the ruins were too far gone to be of any defensive value, but that a new castle could be built just a half mile below the ancient one.

Over the next century, many men labored on the construction of the castle, and finally in 1689, it was finished. Six hundred soldiers and their families, along with farmers, masons, weavers, and tanners made the trek to The Rock.

Very nice opening post. Keep writing. It's starting to get interesting.

Very nice opening post. Keep writing. It's starting to get interesting.


Thank you. More on the way. Stay tuned!

Evening now, and the bonfires were roaring merrily away. Catherine and William were sound asleep on the Queen's lap, Anne herself looking a bit wiped out.

Charles, however, was still enjoying himself. It wasn't everyday that the King got to trade modest barbs with everyday people. They were good-natured folks, not seeming to have a nasty bone in their bodies. Hard working folks, too. Most of the mainland was agriculturally oriented, and the rich smells of the farm and stockyard were commonplace.

He looked over and saw his family slowly fading into unconsciousness, and said to his latest drinking buddy, " My friend, I think it's time we departed." He was slurring his words just a bit. He had a reputation for being to hold his liquer, but even he had limits.

He walked over to Anne, his feet not entirely obeying him, and shook her gently. " Annie, let's get going. I think we've had just about all the fun we can stand for one night." She smiled blearily up at him, and handed him William, while she picked up Catherine.

He bid all goodnight, and they headed for the Palace...........

Evening now, and the bonfires were roaring merrily away. Catherine and William were sound asleep on the Queen's lap, Anne herself looking a bit wiped out.

Charles, however, was still enjoying himself. It wasn't everyday that the King got to trade modest barbs with everyday people. They were good-natured folks, not seeming to have a nasty bone in their bodies. Hard working folks, too. Most of the mainland was agriculturally oriented, and the rich smells of the farm and stockyard were commonplace.

He looked over and saw his family slowly fading into unconsciousness, and said to his latest drinking buddy, " My friend, I think it's time we departed." He was slurring his words just a bit. He had a reputation for being to hold his liquer, but even he had limits.

He walked over to Anne, his feet not entirely obeying him, and shook her gently. " Annie, let's get going. I think we've had just about all the fun we can stand for one night." She smiled blearily up at him, and handed him William, while she picked up Catherine.

He bid all goodnight, and they headed for the Palace...........


More, More,

Tis Getting Good young Bard...Please Continue

Excellent job, Knave's Rock. You did a great job. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Mandalore and Arterus. I Appreciate it.

Excellent job, Knave's Rock. You did a great job. Keep up the good work!
Indeed, this is excellent work, especially for a newbie (basing myself on your post count)

Indeed, this is excellent work, especially for a newbie (basing myself on your post count)

Thanks Franberry.

The King and his royal advisors had been huddled in a conference room for two days now, discussing, sometimes arguing, as to whether Knave's Rock should re-introduce itself to the world at large. For almost 500 years the country had been relatively isolated, trading with just two other nations, Inja and Selahn. Knave's Rock had no diplomatic ties with anyone.

Pros and cons were weighed. What if they opened up to other nations? Do we really want foreign ambassadors here? What if they were spies? What if they were terrorists? If this....if that.

Charles' eyes were red from lack of sleep. " Gentlemen, I tire of this 'what if ' scenario. Forgive my crudity, but if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle."

This brought a smile to a few of the nobles gathered there. " Your Majesty, history shows that when a nation starts allowing foreigners into it, well, you know what your father always said. It's the beginning of the end. Do we want alien concepts and mannerisms here in Knave's Rock? You yourself know that that was one of the prime reasons that the old USA fell. Multi-culturalism, political correctness, the welfare system. A once powerful and influential nation was eaten from within......and you mark my words, if you allow foreign nationals into our country, the same will happen here." This was from old Count DeCassus, one of Charles' fathers' cronies.

" My dear Count, what you say may be true, but we simply can't go on ignoring the world. We have a strong economy, and fairly decent military, and a secure future. But....at what cost? I'm not saying that we should throw open the gates, but we must make selective contact. There are many good, strong nations out there who would undoubtedly want to be tied to us in some manner."

" I agree with the King." The present Earl of Dubois had recently suceeded his father to the Earlship. " We are a growing, prosperous nation, who, despite our humble beginnings, has grown into a nation that has nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeking ties, diplomatic, economic, and military, with other like-minded nations. I say enough talk. Let's take a secret concensus, and let the King make up his mind."

This was agreed upon by a majority of the advisors, and so, one by one, they dropped their advice into a hat in the middle of the conference table. When the results were tallied, it was five-to-one in favor of opening the kingdom to other nations.

The King stood. " Very well, gentlemen. I will be drafting a charter detailing the guidelines by which we will select nations with whom we deem worthy to open ties. I'll have them for you in a few days. Now let's go home and get some sleep."

King Charles II was alone in his office when the intercom chimed. " Yes, Jane."

" Your advisors are here, your Majesty."

" Very well, Jane. Please send them in."

The representatives of the eight noble families of Knave's Rock filed into the King's office. They looked around, as this was a most momentous occasion. Very few people had ever been in the King's private office over the past 225 years. Usually, only the Queen and the King's personal secretary were allowed access. That the nobles were there signalled a situation of the greatest importance to the kingdom. The effect was not lost on the assembled nobles.

The king stood, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked at each one of them. " My friends and advisors, I've finished the guidelines for the admittance of foreign nationals into Knave's Rock. There are copies for each of you on the credenza behind you." As the men picked up their copies, the King continued. As you can see, the guidelines are few. Rest assured, I am not going to open the kingdom to just anybody who requests admittance. I have reiterated the long-standing policy regarding immigration. That hasn't changed. Our immigration are just as stringent as they ever were."

He pointed at the first heading on the guidline report. He read it out loud. " No person shall be considered for immigrant status based on any standard other than high moral and intellectual prowess.
A person who does not speak the King's English shall not be considered for entrance to Knave's Rock until they have demonstrated the ability to speak fluent English.
A person who has a criminal record of any kind shall not be considered for entrance to Knave's Rock at any time, for any reason.
A person who has relatives in Knave's Rock shall be considered for temporary entrance to Knave's Rock if they do not violate either of the above conditions. The temporary entrance will be for no more than one week.
In the event of foreign dignitaries requesting entrance to Knave's Rock, said dignitaries will fully comply with the above stipulations, with the exception of being able to speak the King's English. However, they must have an interpreter who does speak fluent English. If said dignitary is to remain as ambassador to Knave's Rock, he has one calendar year to become fluent in the King's English."

Charles paused. " See, I haven't changed anything."

" Yet," said the Count DeCassus.

Charles allowed a small smile. " Yes, DeCassus, yet."

"I have proposed the following additions. Listen up."

He began reading. " Any person requesting entrance to Knave's Rock for purposes of diplomatic pursuits shall be required to have placed on their person via an injection a microchip with their identification implanted upon said chip. In this manner, the whereabouts of the diplomat will always be known. Further, if said diplomat is found to have removed the chip, he will be brought up on charges of espionage and summarily punished, said punishment to be determined by a court of law."

DeCassus smiled. " And how many diplomats do you think would submit themselves to having a microchip embedded in their body, your Majesty?"

" M'lord Count, any diplomat who wishes to reside here in Knave's Rock will have to comply, or he/she will not be granted ambassadorial status. Period."

DeCassus nodded approval. " Go on, your Majesty."

" One other stipulation. There will be no more than two personal bodyguards permitted with each ambassador. No foreign vehicles, no foreign aircraft. And the guards will be restricted to one sidearm each, calber to be restricted to no higher than .38."

The King looked at his men. " Well gentlemen. Do you agree?"

They did.....unanimously.

" I will be selecting nations to invite, three at a time. I will not consider any request for embassies from any nation. I will ask them if they would be interested in coming here, not the other way around."

Earl Dubois asked, " Do you have a list of invitees, m'lord?"

" Yes,albeit a short one at this point. I'll let you know who they are before the invitation goes out."

As they filed out of the office, Charles breathed a sigh of relief. It had gone better than he thought it was going to.

Charles' advisors were not out of his office twenty minutes when the door burst open and a very angry Queen Anne strode up to him.

" What in the hell were you thinking when you drafted this, this mockery of ambassadorial guidelines? Microchips? Who do you think you are, Big Brother? I know for a fact that if you were told that you had to have a chip injected under your skin that you would probably kill the man right on the spot? How could you even THINK to suggest such an outrage?"

The King looked at her as calmly as possible. She was quite beautiful when she was angry. She was still pacing back and forth voicing her objections when he held up his hand.

" Let me know when your'e through, and then we can talk rationally." Anne stopped pacing and faced him with her arms crossed, left foot tapping on the wooden floor. " Okay, your Majesty........start talking!"

" Annie, you know me. Surely you don't think that I was going to see this preposterous plan through, did you?" The Queen's face softened ever so slightly. " Go on," she said.

"These guidelines are simply a device to see who will accept them and who will voice objections over them. Before you got here, I had received six calls from the nobles who were here. Six out of the eight noble families of Knave's Rock voiced their disapproval of the guidelines. I thanked them for their honesty and told them that I hadn't any intention of implementing them."

Anne still looked a bit skeptical. " So, what exactly is it your'e going to do about the ambassador situation?"

" Very simple, my dear. We are going to build the biggest, fanciest, most grand Embassy City the world has ever seen! There are only 12 nations who are going to be invited to have embassies here. I'm going to invite them three at a time. Each accepted nation will be given a one-square-mile parcel of land on which to build their embassy. And the whole City will have a wall around it! A nice, non-threatening wall, but a wall nonetheless. The ambassadors will have the privilege of calling on the Knave's Rock ambassador whenever they wish....but they will not be allowed outside the walls of the City without strict supervision, and only once each month. And the only reason they would need to be outside of the Embassy City walls would be to see me. See....no chips, no scrutiny, no affronts to national sovreignty."

Anne tried to keep a serious face for as long as she could, but it was no use. She laughed out loud and threw her arms around his neck, giving him a big kiss. " Well, m'lord, would you forgive such a foolish woman for ever doubting you?"

" Well, you DID question the King. I do believe there's an old law on the books describing the punishment for doing such a thing."

" And just what might that punishment be, my Lord," she whispered very softly in his ear.

" Mmmm, I believe it had something to do with spanking. Yes, yes. I'm quite sure of it. You must be spanked forthwith!"

Her Royal Highness kicked the door to the office shut. " Sentence to be carried out immediately.......I hope...."

(OOC: great intro man, just one question, how do we get invites to diplomatic relations?)

(OOC: great intro man, just one question, how do we get invites to diplomatic relations?)


OOC: Toops: I am going to post 12, possibly 15, invitations to various nations. I have very high standards as to who I will invite. The nations will be named in groups of three, and a fairly extensive interview will be conducted. I promise I will look your nation over as a possible invitee....but don't get your hopes up. Even the nations I invite aren't an automatic shoo-in.

The King had spent weeks going over lists of possible nations with which he was going to consider opening diplomatic ties. There were a number of good, solid countries who would be good allies. There were also many who weren't worth considering at all. There were all too few who stood out as superb examples of national sovreignty, who were fair and just in their judgements, and who could put their money where their mouth was.

It had been a long and arduous task, but Charles had come up with the first three nations that he was going to contact. As he was preparing a first draft of his contact-letter, it occured to him that these nations might reject Knave's Rock. Well, he would cross that bridge when he came to it.

The first three countries to be contacted were Xirnium, Tarlag, and Elyria-Lorain. He hoped that they would turn out to be first-rate allies.

To: The Government of Knave's Rock
From: Minister P. Sweetwater
Minister of Foreign Relations of the Grand Duchy of Tarlag

After receiving your communication on opening relations between our two nations. I am happy to report that we would be more then willing to open talks between us.
The Ministry will dispatch Lady Paladin Leanara Moonshadow and her two aids to begin discussions for trade and a possible alliance. Lady Moonshadow will have the full authority of the Grand Duke and the Council of Lords in any negotiations between our two governments.
When Knaves's Rock wishes the talks to begin please drop a message to my office and the arrangements will then be made.

To: The Government of Knave's Rock
From: Minister P. Sweetwater
Minister of Foreign Relations of the Grand Duchy of Tarlag

After receiving your communication on opening relations between our two nations. I am happy to report that we would be more then willing to open talks between us.
The Ministry will dispatch Lady Paladin Leanara Moonshadow and her two aids to begin discussions for trade and a possible alliance. Lady Moonshadow will have the full authority of the Grand Duke and the Council of Lords in any negotiations between our two governments.
When Knaves's Rock wishes the talks to begin please drop a message to my office and the arrangements will then be made.


Mr. Sweetwater,

Thank you for your response. I am most excited at the prospect of opening diplomatic ties with Tarlag. I would like to schedule Lady Moonshadow's interview for three days from now. I will have my personal Royal Guard meet her and her aides at the airport and will have them escorted to the Palace.

If Lady Moonshadow has any particular needs, please let my secretary, Jane deRothe know.

regards,

King Charles II

Your Majesty,

I am thrilled and honored that you extended a personal invitation to Elyria-Lorain to join you in discussions concerning an alliance between our countries.
If you would, please let me know when you could schedule myself and my staff for a visit.

sincerely,

Duchess Priscilla d'Avignon-Elyrie

Your Majesty,

I am thrilled and honored that you extended a personal invitation to Elyria-Lorain to join you in discussions concerning an alliance between our countries.
If you would, please let me know when you could schedule myself and my staff for a visit.

sincerely,

Duchess Priscilla d'Avignon-Elyrie


Duchess,

Thank you for your response. I will schedule a date for your interview in the near future.

regards,

King Charles II

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms3.gif
Official Viceregal Memorandum - Office of the Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – For All Time!
To:

King Charles II
The Kingdom of Knave’s Rock

From:

Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Your Majesty

After diligent and careful consideration, the Xirniumite Parliament has determined that it is somewhat receptive towards the notion of founding diplomatic and trade relations with your nation.

As Head of State of the Eternal Republic, I shall personally represent the government of Xirnium in further political discussions, to be held at your earliest convenience, where such matters might be explored in greater detail. I look forward to meeting with you then.

Yours sincerely

[Signed]

Her Excellency
Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine and Head of State
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms3.gif
Official Viceregal Memorandum - Office of the Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – For All Time!
To:

King Charles II
The Kingdom of Knave’s Rock

From:

Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Your Majesty

After diligent and careful consideration, the Xirniumite Parliament has determined that it is somewhat receptive towards the notion of founding diplomatic and trade relations with your nation.

As Head of State of the Eternal Republic, I shall personally represent the government of Xirnium in further political discussions, to be held at your earliest convenience, where such matters might be explored in greater detail. I look forward to meeting with you then.

Yours sincerely

[Signed]

Her Excellency
Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine and Head of State
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium



Lady Seriende,

Thank you for your response. I can tell just from your letter that you are the leader of an upstanding nation. I will certainly enjoy our interview and subsequent discussion.

There are two nations who responded before you, so as soon as all interviews and talks are concluded, I will contact you with a time that will be mutually acceptable for our meeting.

regards,

King Charles II

Charles finished up with the letter to Xirnium, and sat back with a sigh of relief. All of the first three nations had responded in the affirmative, and even though he was a bit apprehensive about the meetings, he was also excited. Knave's Rock's first face-to-face contact with outsiders in over 200 years!

He was looking over the list of the next trio of potential allies when his telecomm beeped. " Yes, Jane."

" Your Majesty, your children are here to see you. Do you have a minute?"

In answer, Charles jumped up and opened the door to his office, and into his open arms his children ran. In a few seconds, they were all rolling around on the floor and giggling as the King cast off his worries of the day and focussed on William and Catherine. The nanny, Matilda, and Jane stood in the doorway grinning at the endearing scene. As she reached for the door, Jane said, " Come, let's leave them alone for a while....."

Queen Anne was standing out on the balcony when she heard Charles come in. " How was your day, dear? " she asked. " Oh, pretty much routine. Construction on Embassy City is progressing nicely. About one-third is completed, and we're well within budget. It's going to be a beautiful city, Annie."

" Have you heard from any of the invitees yet?"

" Oh, yes. All three of them. Tarlag was the first to respond, so I am going to meet with Minister Sweetwater at his earliest convenience. Then Xirnium and Elyria-Lorain."

" I hear that the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain is quite the character", said the Queen.

" Why...what makes you say that, dear?"

" I hear she's quite beautiful. Or, hadn't you heard?"

Charles walked over to her, holding her around her waist. " Annie, if you were half as beautiful as you are, you'd be twice as beautiful as any other woman on the face of the earth."

" All the same, would you have any objection to my joining you when the Duchess arrives?"

" No, no objection at all. As a matter of fact I was hoping that you would at least make an appearence when each of the representatives arrived."

Her eyes sparkled. " Why, I'd be honored, your Majesty."

" Good. Now, how's about you rustle up a couple of martinis so we can relax a bit?"

The light command car passed a line of jet transports pulling up to a old modified DC-3. A young officer in the dress uniform of the Tarlag Army emerged from the front seat of the car. He opens the rear door and salutes the two passengers getting out of the rear of the car.
"Lady Moonshadow are you sure I cannot persuade you to take my personal jet instead of your flying death trap" said Minister Persable Sweetwater.
The Elder woman looked down her nose at the Foreign Minister and replied.
" The Black Unicorn has been carrying me since my days in the Sky Knights 50 years ago. I do not believe a trip to Knave's Rock will over tax the old girl".
Six DEST Troopers stood at attention at the entry way to the old transport.
"Lt. Mat Longstreet reporting for duty May Lady" Said the leader of the DEST commandos.
" You will not be needed on this trip Mr. Longstreet" replied Lady Moonshadow. "This is an opening of diplomatic talks not an assault mission so you can return to barracks under my authority".
Minister Sweetwater scowled at Paladin Moonshadow "My Lady these troops are under direct orders from Duke Ozgood himself to accompany you as an honor guard on this trip. You cannot dismiss them like first year trainees."
Lady Moonshadow turned to the Minister and just smiled.
Minister Sweetwater just looked and shook his head "of course you can".

Charles sat back in his recliner, quite at ease. The official meeting with the representative from Tarlag, Lady Moonshadow, was to begin tomorrow at 10:30. All was in readiness. A squad of the King's personal palace guard, the Black Dragons, would meet Moonshadow at Royal City International and escort her and her staff to the Palace. There would be a light brunch prepared, then the first session of the interview followed by lunch. Session two would take up another two hours, then they would break for the day. The King and Queen would personally show the Lady Moonshadow around the capitol that evening, have dinner, and then call it a night.

The King may have been at ease, but the Queen was in a tizzy. She had already pulled out two-dozen outfits, looked them over, threw them in a corner, and continued searching through her closets. They had decided not to be so formal as to greet the Lady in gowns and tuxedos. A sharply tailored, charcoal grey suit for the King and a slightly-less-than-conservative pantsuit for the Queen.

The servants were also still checking and double-checking the arrangements made by Queen Anne, even at this late hour.

" Y'know, my dear, I've always wondered why it was necessary for a woman to have 23 pair of black shoes."

Anne gave him a mock-withering look. " Just stick to your basic attire, Charles. I don't have time to educate you in the finer points of fashion right now. I have to find SOMETHING to wear!"

" Annie, you have enough clothes in there to be able to wear a completely different outfit everyday for approximately two years! And your'e telling me you have nothing to wear?"

This time the look she shot him was not make-believe.

" Ok, Ok, I'll be quiet........."

Shortly after the shipwreck, the survivors made do as best they could with what they had. There was plenty of water, as numerous springs bubbled up out of the earth. And if you didn't mind eating monkey or lizard, there was plenty of food. Oh, there was fruit: bananas, pomegranets, kiwi, and various citrus. And one of the survivors, Getaine by name, had been a farmer in France. Although his specialty was grapes, he and a few others had secured some vegetables from the wreck and managed to gather a handful of seeds that were still viable.

In a relatively short period of time, the little community had a good-sized vegetable garden, full of tomatoes, cucmbers, lettuce and peppers of all kinds. The hunters managed to capture a wild boar every now and then, and when it was discovered that there were deer on the east side of the island, their fortunes improved dramatically.

One thing they never saw was another ship out on the horizon. They had prepared a huge pile of wood and palm leaves to be turned into a bonfire should a ship be sighted.

They had been on the island a while, three years by their reckoning, when the community's first birth occured. The happy couple had been married scant weeks earlier by Brother Thomas, and the arrival of a daughter was much celebrated. Over the ensuing years, more marriages and births came, until in 1237, the population had outgrown the little village of Port Wiliam, as it had come to be called.

It was decided that a small group of hardy settlers would move to another part of the island, not too far away, to establish another village. As the settlers were predominantly descended from old Jaques deMorrisey, the village was duly named Jaquesville, later shortened to Jacsville. This was to become the earliest capitol of Knave's Rock, for it was here that a meeting was held to determine what sort of government the settlers would have.

By 1288, the population had grown from the original twenty-three to over five-hundred souls. That year, many heated debates were held to discuss back and forth the relative merits of government. The majority favored a monarchy, though one tempered by a charter. No one wanted to see unrestrained power in the hands of one man. No one wanted a dictatorship.

In 1289, a decision was made for a "chartered monarchy". The charter described the King's ( or Queen's ) power and responsibilities. The most important aspect of this charter was that the ruler could not ever alter the contents of the charter without the consent, and the vote, of every citizen of Knave's Rock. This was the only time voting was to occur in the country.

In 1292, a handful of citizens were selected by ballot as to who might be Knave's Rock first ruler. After seven months of consideration, there was a surprising result.....................

Bump

" Your Majesty, it seems that the representative from Tarlag is going to be delayed. Shall I contact Elyria-Lorain or Xirnium next?"

Charles sat back and thought for a moment. " Contact Lady Victoria in Xirnium. Ask her if it would not be an inconvenience for her to travel here for our meeting in the next few days. Also tell Tarlag that we're sorry that they couldn't make it, but that we will reschedule our meeting with them at a later date."

"Yes, your Majesty."

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms3.gif
Official Viceregal Memorandum - Office of the Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – For All Time! - Ad Vitam Aeternam!
To:

King Charles II
The Kingdom of Knave’s Rock

From:

Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium

Your Majesty

The relative suddenness of your proposed alteration to our timetable has the unfortunate effect of posing some difficulty for me. Due to the presence of several pre-existing commitments in my schedule, which I may not be able to avoid at such short notice, it will be difficult for me to personally visit your nation within the time period indicated in your letter.

Nonetheless, my trusted and most senior Privy Counselor, Lady Mathilde Nólandil, will be available to represent me in my stead. Lady Nólandil, of course, has my greatest esteem and complete confidence - and shall be fully authorised to speak on my behalf. I trust and hope that such modifications to our original arrangements will prove amenable to your government. If this is so, Lady Nólandil will arrive in the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock with the minimum of delay.

Yours sincerely

[Signed]

Her Serene Excellency
Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine and Head of State
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

the Empress Fujiko looked over the news with interest and thought that Knave's Rock might be a good nation to make ties with.

Being a monarchy themselves she liked seeing other Royal or Imperial familys.

To : His Highness King Charles II
from : Empress Fujiko of Kirisubo, daughter of heaven

My government would be interested in establishing relations with your nation. My sister the Crown Princess Genjiko usually represents my interests overseas and i request a meeting either in your capital or mine depending on what suits yourself.

I look forward to hearing from you.

ooc: Kirisubo is based on an alternate Japan that kept the Samurai class and the divine imperial line. they are extremely honourable and this goes hand in hand with the modern nation they created.

on the map its another japan sized group of islands 100 miles east of Japans location. they have been at peace with themselves and their neighbours for 500 years although they still maintain their warrior traditions.

very intresting keep up the good work *hopes for invite secretly*

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms3.gif
Official Viceregal Memorandum - Office of the Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Tárië Aicassë Laë Nainányéna! – For All Time! - Ad Vitam Aeternam!
To:

King Charles II
The Kingdom of Knave’s Rock

From:

Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Xirnium

Your Majesty

The relative suddenness of your proposed alteration to our timetable has the unfortunate effect of posing some difficulty for me. Due to the presence of several pre-existing commitments in my schedule, which I may not be able to avoid at such short notice, it will be difficult for me to personally visit your nation within the time period indicated in your letter.

Nonetheless, my trusted and most senior Privy Counselor, Lady Mathilde Nólandil, will be available to represent me in my stead. Lady Nólandil, of course, has my greatest esteem and complete confidence - and shall be fully authorised to speak on my behalf. I trust and hope that such modifications to our original arrangements will prove amenable to your government. If this is so, Lady Nólandil will arrive in the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock with the minimum of delay.

Yours sincerely

[Signed]

Her Serene Excellency
Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine and Head of State
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium



Lady Seriende,

I regret your'e not being able to be here personally, but perhaps another day. I will of course welcome Lady Nolandil with all of the respect due the representative of your government. I will have General Von Riesling and his hand-picked security team awaiting her arrival.

regards,

Charles

the Empress Fujiko looked over the news with interest and thought that Knave's Rock might be a good nation to make ties with.

Being a monarchy themselves she liked seeing other Royal or Imperial familys.

To : His Highness King Charles II
from : Empress Fujiko of Kirisubo, daughter of heaven

My government would be interested in establishing relations with your nation. My sister the Crown Princess Genjiko usually represents my interests overseas and i request a meeting either in your capital or mine depending on what suits yourself.

I look forward to hearing from you.

ooc: Kirisubo is based on an alternate Japan that kept the Samurai class and the divine imperial line. they are extremely honourable and this goes hand in hand with the modern nation they created.

on the map its another japan sized group of islands 100 miles east of Japans location. they have been at peace with themselves and their neighbours for 500 years although they still maintain their warrior traditions.


Your Highness,

I thank you for your interest in forming ties with Knave's Rock. I am at present arranging talks with a number of nations which I have personally selected as being possible allies of my Kingdom. The itinerary is full right now, but I have scheduled a break in three weeks, and if it would not be an inconvenience, I would be honored to visit your'e land and discuss an exchange of embassies.

regards,

Charles II, King of Knave's Rock

very intresting keep up the good work *hopes for invite secretly*


OOC...I'll let you know.

Your Highness,

I thank you for your interest in forming ties with Knave's Rock. I am at present arranging talks with a number of nations which I have personally selected as being possible allies of my Kingdom. The itinerary is full right now, but I have scheduled a break in three weeks, and if it would not be an inconvenience, I would be honored to visit your'e land and discuss an exchange of embassies.

regards,

Charles II, King of Knave's Rock

From : Empress Fujiko, daughter of heaven
to : King Charles II

I would be delighted to see you in 3 weeks time at the Imperial palace in Edo.

If you have any requirements i'm sure my government can help you.

"Comrade General! We have one! Printing specs now!" A computer printed out the population of the young nation, and it's recent contacts.
"Well now, seems this little guy has gotten quite noticed by the world. It could be dangerous. The Ministry of Intelligence should be able to round us up some information first."

OOC:
Are you MT-PMT?

Lady Mathilde Nólandil, official representative of the Xirniumite Vicereine and Privy Counsellor of the Eternal Republic, carefully lifted the hem of her long, flowing dress several inches above her ankles and rapidly descended down the passenger staircase of her private jet aeroplane to the airport tarmac below. The journey to the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock had proven drearily uneventful, though not overly long, and Mathilde found herself quite eager to step foot on the Earth’s surface once again and finally commence her much-anticipated assignment. Indeed, despite the plush nature of the aircraft’s interior, even the gentle feeling of a cold breeze against her fair skin was a most welcome relief to the Privy Counsellor.

This should be rather interesting, decided Lady Nólandil privately, secretly excited by the fact that she was on her first official function abroad.

The Xirniumite politician, aged in her late twenties and quite attractive (with a dignified and self-assured air of nobility about her), wore an elegant, formal evening gown of the most expensive and luxurious silk taffeta fabric. Delicately trimmed, the opulent frock was of splendidly majestic dark indigo and gold colours, its bodice having a low-cut décolleté neckline which greatly flattered Mathilde’s voluptuous figure. In addition to her dress, the Privy Counsellor also wore an elaborately trimmed and lined brocade stole, which she wrapped and carried around her arms and waist, numerous items of pricelessly expensive jewellery, and the obligatory high-heeled stilettos. Of average height, Lady Nólandil possessed enchanting violet eyes and long, curly flaxen hair.

‘General von Riesling, I presume?’ asked the Privy Counsellor, selecting the individual with the most impressive-looking military insignia and decorations from amongst the soldiers present and hazarding a hesitant guess. Lady Nólandil’s own small entourage, who now stood at a respectful distance behind their pretty superior (all of them dressed in the finest attire), appeared not to contain any overt security personnel amongst their number.

‘I am Mathilde Nólandil, Privy Counsellor to Vicereine Victoria Seriende. It is a distinct honour and pleasure to be welcomed as a guest of the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock.’

"Comrade General! We have one! Printing specs now!" A computer printed out the population of the young nation, and it's recent contacts.
"Well now, seems this little guy has gotten quite noticed by the world. It could be dangerous. The Ministry of Intelligence should be able to round us up some information first."

OOC:
Are you MT-PMT?


OOC...MT

Lady Mathilde Nólandil, official representative of the Xirniumite Vicereine and Privy Counsellor of the Eternal Republic, carefully lifted the hem of her long, flowing dress several inches above her ankles and rapidly descended down the passenger staircase of her private jet aeroplane to the airport tarmac below. The journey to the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock had proven drearily uneventful, though not overly long, and Mathilde found herself quite eager to step foot on the Earth’s surface once again and finally commence her much-anticipated assignment. Indeed, despite the plush nature of the aircraft’s interior, even the gentle feeling of a cold breeze against her fair skin was a most welcome relief to the Privy Counsellor.

This should be rather interesting, decided Lady Nólandil privately, secretly excited by the fact that she was on her first official function abroad.

The Xirniumite politician, aged in her late twenties and quite attractive (with a dignified and self-assured air of nobility about her), wore an elegant, formal evening gown of the most expensive and luxurious silk taffeta fabric. Delicately trimmed, the opulent frock was of splendidly majestic dark indigo and gold colours, its bodice having a low-cut décolleté neckline which greatly flattered Mathilde’s voluptuous figure. In addition to her dress, the Privy Counsellor also wore an elaborately trimmed and lined brocade stole, which she wrapped and carried around her arms and waist, numerous items of pricelessly expensive jewellery, and the obligatory high-heeled stilettos. Of average height, Lady Nólandil possessed enchanting violet eyes and long, curly flaxen hair.

‘General von Riesling, I presume?’ asked the Privy Counsellor, selecting the individual with the most impressive-looking military insignia and decorations from amongst the soldiers present and hazarding a hesitant guess. Lady Nólandil’s own small entourage, who now stood at a respectful distance behind their pretty superior (all of them dressed in the finest attire), appeared not to contain any overt security personnel amongst their number.

‘I am Mathilde Nólandil, Privy Counsellor to Vicereine Victoria Seriende. It is a distinct honour and pleasure to be welcomed as a guest of the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock.’


General Wilhelm Wolfgang von Riesling, High Commander of The King's Territorial Forces ( ret. ), 7th Baron of Sturmgardt, stared straight into the eyes of the Lady Nolandil. He dared do nothing other.

" My Lady Counsellor, so good of you to come. His Majesty has anticipated your arrival most eagerly, and wishes your visit with us here in The Kingdom to be not only memorable, but fruitful. If you and your staff will permit, my men will show you to your limos. This way please."

With a restrained yet elegant gesture, he pointed the way to a line of limousines, and his men fell in on either side of the guests. There were five autos. The two in front and the two in back were Jaguar X-10 sedans, slightly stretched. The vehicle in the center was a new Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, and it was to this auto that the General led Lady Nolandil. The driver, a Royal Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, held the door for her and the General, closed it, and then hurried around to the driver's side. When all of the Privy Counsellor's staff were seated and comfortable, Lt. Col. Ethan MacBride signalled to the other vehicles, and they were on their way to the Palace.

Von Riesling broke the slightly awkward silence by saying, " We should be arriving at the King's Palace in about fifteen minutes. A small brunch has been prepared for you. His Majesty will be pleased to show you around the Palace and the grounds for a half-hour, and then the Queen will join the King and yourself in the Royal Hall. After a spot of tea, you will be shown to the King's office where the preliminary chat will take place. You'll be there about an hour or so, and then we'll call it a day. No doubt the trip was a bit tiring, so you'll have leave to rest, relax, wander around if you like. You'll be perfectly safe here in Knave's Rock, rest assured. Is there anything you'd like to know before we arrive?"

From : Empress Fujiko, daughter of heaven
to : King Charles II

I would be delighted to see you in 3 weeks time at the Imperial palace in Edo.

If you have any requirements i'm sure my government can help you.


Empress Fujiko,

It's settled then. I and my staff will see you in three weeks time.

regards,

King Charles II

General Wilhelm Wolfgang von Riesling, High Commander of The King's Territorial Forces ( ret. ), 7th Baron of Sturmgardt, stared straight into the eyes of the Lady Nolandil. He dared do nothing other.

" My Lady Counsellor, so good of you to come. His Majesty has anticipated your arrival most eagerly, and wishes your visit with us here in The Kingdom to be not only memorable, but fruitful. If you and your staff will permit, my men will show you to your limos. This way please."
‘Of course,’ replied the Privy Counsellor, her lips (upon which was applied a dark lipstick) curving into a gracious smile. Mathilde indicated with a momentary gesture that her entourage should comply with the General’s instructions, and they followed several paces behind the politician.

Lady Nólandil smiled inwardly as she discerned von Riesling to deliberately avert his look and focus instead purely on her gorgeous, pale-violet eyes, conspicuously refraining from allowing his gaze to wander elsewhere. Mathilde had previously found that eliciting such obvious responses in men was not an uncommon effect for her - a talent that she considered both rather invaluable and personally very pleasing, though the Xirniumite herself usually pretended not to notice.

The Privy Counsellor obligingly allowed herself to be led to the nearby vehicles, gingerly stepping through the car’s open doorway. ‘Thank you, sir,’ remarked Lady Nólandil in soft tones, nodding courteously to the individual who held the door open for her (an officer whose military rank she could not discern) and briefly flashing him a disarmingly charming smile that revealed her perfect white teeth. Mathilde was unfamiliar even with the particular rank insignia used by the Xirniumite Defence Force, much less those of a foreign nation, though it did seem to her untrained eye that this soldier might be of a different branch of the military from von Riesling.

Taking care to ensure that her long, delicate skirts did not become caught in the door, Mathilde slid into the passenger seat and crossed her legs at the knee, waiting patiently for the limousine to begin moving.


Von Riesling broke the slightly awkward silence by saying, " We should be arriving at the King's Palace in about fifteen minutes. A small brunch has been prepared for you. His Majesty will be pleased to show you around the Palace and the grounds for a half-hour, and then the Queen will join the King and yourself in the Royal Hall. After a spot of tea, you will be shown to the King's office where the preliminary chat will take place.
‘Ah, well that sounds absolutely lovely,’ replied Mathilde, injecting some eager enthusiasm into her pleasant-sounding voice. The Privy Counsellor and her staff had, in fact, only recently eaten aboard the aircraft, but Mathilde did not wish to appear rude or to offend her generous hosts by rejecting their thoughtful offer of a meal. ‘I must say, I am quite looking forward to finally meeting with the King and her Majesty. I understand that they are both quite amiable individuals. Their hospitality thus far certainly seems unrivalled.’


You'll be there about an hour or so, and then we'll call it a day. No doubt the trip was a bit tiring, so you'll have leave to rest, relax, wander around if you like.
‘Truth be told, General von Riesling…’ began the Privy Counsellor slowly, ‘our flight was a relatively short affair – which, as you can perhaps imagine, was a rather welcome change from the usual nightmare of intercontinental travel,’ explained Mathilde, laughing congenially. ‘That said, your nation seems quite fascinating, so I am certain that I will enjoy the tour of the Palace that his Majesty has arranged - as well as I will visiting some of the other sights of your capital (whenever we get a spare chance away from matters of business).’


Is there anything you'd like to know before we arrive?"
It suddenly occurred to Lady Nólandil that she knew scantly little of the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock or its politics, people and lands. The Xirniumite Privy Counsellor had, of course, been provided with a full governmental dossier, in addition to select, highly-detailed Secret Intelligence Service documents, regarding the nation that she was visiting, but had not really bothered to examine them in any suitable detail – instead only casually skimming briefly through the sections concerning the country’s history.

‘I do not think that there are any pressing concerns at the moment, General von Riesling. At this point in time, I believe that I am adequately aware of all pertinent matters,’ lied Mathilde with flawless convincingness. As a senior politician in the Eternal Republic, such minor untruths came relatively naturally to her, and Lady Nólandil certainly did not expect any difficulty in fooling a mere soldier.

‘Any business-related matters I can perhaps wait until the appropriate meeting to discuss. You might tell me something of yourself, though - if time permits and you do not mind my inquisitiveness, of course,’ suggested Lady Nólandil, shrugging unconcernedly. ‘You are, as I understand it, a noble of Baronial rank?’ prompted the Privy Counsellor, recalling a detail from her preliminary briefing. Mathilde was herself a noblewoman, a Margravine under the ancient peerage system of the Eternal Republic, and as such often showed peculiar curiosity when matters of nobility were being discussed.

' Charming, beautiful, well-mannered, and a politician. Which in all probability means that she's a bit more prone to exaggerate', thought Von Riesling. " Well, Lady Counsellor, there's not much to tell. I am a retired General of His Majesty's armies as was my father and grandfather. And as they, I am Baron of Sturmgardt, seventh in a line of distinguished servants of the King dating back almost three hundred-fifty years. My ancestor, Wulflin Riezlin, had led an attack on the rebels who were assaulting the King's Castle. The situation was all but lost when Wulflin broke through the enemy's position, killed the rebel leader Chartraine, and saved the King's life though it cost him many wounds. In thanks, King Henngold knighted him and awarded him lands which are now known as The Barony of Sturmgardt. My family also bears the distinction of being one of the original twenty-three who landed here over seven hundred years ago." Here he paused for a second or two, then went on. " I have three sons and a daughter who are the pride of my life. My wife of forty-three years passed on four years ago, and I have periodically answered my King's call when needed. And so, here I am today doing his bidding. And may I say that in this case it is a most pleasurable task." Von Riesling's face colored slightly, and with great difficulty turned his head away from the Counsellor to look out of the window. " Ah, here we are. The King's Palace."

As they both gazed out of the Shadow's window, the huge bulk of the castle came into view as the car rounded the final corner. The King's Palace stood in the middle of a fifty acre field of red and yellow poppies and lilies, with a narrow, tree-lined drive leading up to the courtyard of the castle. On either side of the drive stood a company of The King's Guard, dressed in their ceremonial white and scarlet uniforms, as an honor guard for the Lady Nolandil.

The original part of the castle was almost nine hundred years old, dating back to the first ruler of Knave's Rock. Over the ensuing years, additions had been made resulting in the now-sprawling edifice in the provincial center of Chichester.

" As you can see, m'lady, the King's Palace is quite the sight. Although I don't know the exact amount, it's said that there are about three hundred rooms here, a third of which are part of the Royal Residence. The rest of the castle houses a museum, a library, an observatory, and a hunting lodge for the few times every year that the King manages to get away from the rigors of office. The Queen has her own Palace many miles north of here, and I can assure you it looks quite different than does the King's."

As the Shadow pulled up to the Palace, liveried servants hurried out and formed a 'line of greeting' from the drive up the steps to the front door. The Guard snapped to attention as the car came to a stop. In less than five seconds, the door to the Shadow flew open and a handsome young man of about thirty-five wearing a grey wool suit offered a hand to the Lady Nolandil. " Greetings, my lady. Welcome to Knave's Rock. My name is Charles Jenner, present ruler of this fair kingdom."

Lady Nolandil accepted the proffered hand of the King and stepped out of the Rolls. She took in the wonderful sight of the medieval castle and the delicious scents of the flowers, and was very pleased to be in Knave's Rock.

As they both gazed out of the Shadow's window, the huge bulk of the castle came into view as the car rounded the final corner. The King's Palace stood in the middle of a fifty acre field of red and yellow poppies and lilies, with a narrow, tree-lined drive leading up to the courtyard of the castle.
As she gazed at the royal palace, Lady Nólandil was reminded of her aristocratic family’s own ancient home, Castle Amarthgwathren. A vast, crumbling fortress to which the Margravine was both mistress and heir, Amarthgwathren was a gothic labyrinth of lofty roofs and towering turrets, hidden cloisters and twisting corridors, winding stairwells and sinister dungeons. It (quite regrettably, in Mathilde’s own private opinion) did not benefit from the rather beautiful view that graced this palace - of a surrounding sea of fields containing gently swaying, delicate flowers. Instead, Castle Amarthgwathren was ominously perched on the forbidding precipice of a bleak, costal cliff, the sounds of waves crashing against the jagged rocks below and the tortured howling of icy North Atlantic winds always ubiquitously present.

It was, however, reflected the Privy Counsellor, her home; a stronghold which dated back at least as far as the ninth century CE and which had been in the possession of House Nólandil for just as long. It would therefore always occupy a very special place in Mathilde’s heart.

" As you can see, m'lady, the King's Palace is quite the sight. Although I don't know the exact amount, it's said that there are about three hundred rooms here, a third of which are part of the Royal Residence. The rest of the castle houses a museum, a library, an observatory, and a hunting lodge for the few times every year that the King manages to get away from the rigors of office. The Queen has her own Palace many miles north of here, and I can assure you it looks quite different than does the King's."
‘It is quite breathtaking,’ agreed the Privy Counsellor, her mind apparently lost in thought. ‘I should like to see the Queen’s palace also, if we can find the time later on.’

As the Shadow pulled up to the Palace, liveried servants hurried out and formed a 'line of greeting' from the drive up the steps to the front door. The Guard snapped to attention as the car came to a stop. In less than five seconds, the door to the Shadow flew open and a handsome young man of about thirty-five wearing a grey wool suit offered a hand to the Lady Nolandil. " Greetings, my lady. Welcome to Knave's Rock. My name is Charles Jenner, present ruler of this fair kingdom."
With cautiously dainty movements, the Privy Counsellor slowly emerged from the limousine to stand self-assuredly before King Charles II, accepting the man’s strong hand with a glamorous smile. Almost perfunctorily, Lady Nólandil leant forward to briefly exchange formal kisses to the cheek with the monarch, a traditional ritual common in Xirnium as a gesture of greeting. It was only after her lips had lightly touched Charles’ cheeks that it occurred to Mathilde that the customs and sensibilities in the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock might differ from what she was accustomed to in the Eternal Republic – and that she may therefore have risked making her host uncomfortable.

Oh well… what’s done is done, thought the Xirniumite sanguinely, hiding her nervousness from the King.

‘On behalf of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium,’ began the Privy Counsellor, having skilfully regained her composure, ‘may I thank both you and your nation’s government for the generous hospitality that has been shown to us and for affording the opportunity to explore the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two noble sovereign states. I am entirely confident that this meeting shall only be the start of a most cordial and mutually-beneficial relationship.’

As she gazed at the royal palace, Lady Nólandil was reminded of her aristocratic family’s own ancient home, Castle Amarthgwathren. A vast, crumbling fortress to which the Margravine was both mistress and heir, Amarthgwathren was a gothic labyrinth of lofty roofs and towering turrets, hidden cloisters and twisting corridors, winding stairwells and sinister dungeons. It (quite regrettably, in Mathilde’s own private opinion) did not benefit from the rather beautiful view that graced this palace - of a surrounding sea of fields containing gently swaying, delicate flowers. Instead, Castle Amarthgwathren was ominously perched on the forbidding precipice of a bleak, costal cliff, the sounds of waves crashing against the jagged rocks below and the tortured howling of icy North Atlantic winds always ubiquitously present.

It was, however, reflected the Privy Counsellor, her home; a stronghold which dated back at least as far as the ninth century CE and which had been in the possession of House Nólandil for just as long. It would therefore always occupy a very special place in Mathilde’s heart.


‘It is quite breathtaking,’ agreed the Privy Counsellor, her mind apparently lost in thought. ‘I should like to see the Queen’s palace also, if we can find the time later on.’


With cautiously dainty movements, the Privy Counsellor slowly emerged from the limousine to stand self-assuredly before King Charles II, accepting the man’s strong hand with a glamorous smile. Almost perfunctorily, Lady Nólandil leant forward to briefly exchange formal kisses to the cheek with the monarch, a traditional ritual common in Xirnium as a gesture of greeting. It was only after her lips had lightly touched Charles’ cheeks that it occurred to Mathilde that the customs and sensibilities in the Kingdom of Knave’s Rock might differ from what she was accustomed to in the Eternal Republic – and that she may therefore have risked making her host uncomfortable.

Oh well… what’s done is done, thought the Xirniumite sanguinely, hiding her nervousness from the King.

‘On behalf of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium,’ began the Privy Counsellor, having skilfully regained her composure, ‘may I thank both you and your nation’s government for the generous hospitality that has been shown to us and for affording the opportunity to explore the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two noble sovereign states. I am entirely confident that this meeting shall only be the start of a most cordial and mutually-beneficial relationship.’


Charles listened to the elegant yet concise statement of lady Nolandil and knew that the choice of this nation for an ally was a wise one. Thanks to the info pack that his recon/surveillance people had put together, he was aware of a good portion of Xirnium's beliefs and traditions, and so was neither surprised nor offended by the Lady's greeting kiss.

He bowed to Lady Nolandil, saying, " M'lady, rest assured that your confidence will not be misplaced. If you'll allow me to escort you, my wife, Queen Anne, is waiting to meet you." He offered her his arm and together they went up the steps and into the dim, cool interior of the castle. " M'lady, if you wish to freshen up, the ladies room is right over there."

‘Thank you, your Majesty, I believe I shall,’ replied Lady Nólandil, who promptly turned to leave. The remainder of the Xirniumite’s entourage waited patiently in the hallway, conversing amongst one another in whispered undertones.

‘The Privy Counsellor hopefully will not be overly long... though she does tend to be rather fastidious about her appearance,’ explained one of the noblewoman’s retainers with a thoughtful frown. The amount of time that Lady Nólandil was predisposed to spend preening herself in front of a mirror could be quite great.

Before long, however, the rhythmic clicking of her stiletto heels soon announced Mathilde’s return.

Before Lady Nolandil returned, Charles felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and found to his pleasure that his wife, Queen Anne, was standing behind him.
" So, your Majesty, how's the state visit going?" She was standing there with such a look of feigned innocence that he knew he either already in trouble, or he about to get into trouble.

" It's going well, dear. Now, why don't you head on over to the Hall and double-check on the dinner arrangements?" Just then he heard the click of Lady Nolandil's heels on the marble floor, and his heart sank.

The two women eyed each other for a moment. Anne was the first to speak. " Hello, my name's Anne. And you are......?"

Lady Nólandil had not really been expecting to be introduced to the Queen of Knave’s Rock so soon, and, upon discovering Anne waiting with curious expectation for her next to the rest of the Xirniumite delegation and King Charles in the castle’s lobby, she found herself (for the briefest of moments) temporarily at a loss for words. As Queen Anne glanced at the foreign woman with something perhaps akin to wary suspicion, the slightly vain Mathilde privately considered it fortuitous that she had only just taken the time to freshen up her lovely appearance and carefully reapply part of her makeup – fastidiously making subtle adjustments to her already flawless eyeshadow and mascara.

The Privy Counsellor had not at all been taken aback by the slightly terse quality of Queen Anne’s introduction, nor by the vaguely accusatory stare with which she fixed Mathilde’s strangely alluring, lavender-coloured eyes. Quite the contrary. Indeed, Lady Nólandil usually considered her curious trait of unconsciously eliciting bouts of envy or possessive jealousy in other women as something mildly amusing. For her own part, Mathilde’s first impression of the Monarch was a rather favourable one - Queen Anne was certainly quite attractive, and her fairly discerning taste in clothing appeared adequate enough in Lady Nólandil’s private opinion (though apparently neither as extravagant nor as conceited as the manner in which the Xirniumite was typically attired).

‘Your Majesty, it is a distinct honour to at last make your acquaintance. My name is Mathilde and I am the Margravine of House Nólandil,’ the Privy Counsellor finally answered with a dazzling smile, leaning forward automatically in order to greet the Queen with a formal exchange of friendly kisses.

‘I am a Privy Counsellor to, and official representative of, Her Serene Excellency, Lady Victoria Seriendé (the Viceregal Head of State of the Eternal Republic), and have been appointed to act as my country’s plenipotentiary during our diplomatic visit to your most splendid nation,’ explained the noblewoman warmly to her hostess.

‘I must confess, Your Majesty, that I have been looking forward most eagerly to finally meeting you,’ added Mathilde brightly.

Anne was taken aback at Lady Nolandil's open friendliness, and she decided that she liked this woman very much. " Welcome to Knave's Rock, Lady. My husband and I are pleased that you are here." Turning to Charles she said, " I think youv'e made a wise choice in choosing the nation of Xirnium as a potential ally. Now, are we ready for a tour of the gardens?"

As they passed through the various gardens, engaging in small talk as they strolled, it became apparent that the two nations would indeed become good allies, if not fast friends. They had quite a bit in common. A well-run country, up-to-date-military, and a strong economy, not to mention a strong commitment to higher moral values and a sense of justice.

The hours flew by. A liveried servant approached the party and informed them that dinner was served in the castle's private dining room. As the trio walked the short distance to the castle, Anne asked, " So, M'Lady, are all of the people of Xirnium as poised and articulate as you?"

Dinner was a delight. Pheasent, grouse, and a buttery turkey were served with many side dishes. And of course, many glasses of wine from the Kingdom's own vineyards. Soon, the converstion turned from theatre and humanitarian efforts to national business.

" Well, m'lady, I have to say that we are most pleased with the representative of Xirnium. That being said, we would be honored to have Xirium as the Kingdom's first ally. I don't know if I had previously mentioned it, but we have a short list of only twelve nations that we are going to contact. I figure that twelve allies of the right sort would be more than enough to accomplish what we here in Knave's Rock seek to accomplish."

Charles was feeling a bit light-headed, what with all the wine he had consumed. He continued.

" The Ambassadorial Lands are just about completed. They are located in the western provinces of Phylothia and Hamptonshire. All embassy buildings are along our shoreline and consist of roughly ten acres of embassy land surrounded by deep forests of oak, linden, and elm.

The ambassador's residence is large, with a wing for his or her staff. We ask that all nation's restrict their staff and military personnel to ten. We here in Knave's Rock will provide the majority of the security necessary. If you need a vehicle or two, we can provide you with whatever you may need. May I assume that you, as representative of Xirnium, agree that we should ally ourselves together?"

" So, M'Lady, are all of the people of Xirnium as poised and articulate as you?"
‘Your Majesty greatly flatters me with her generous compliments and high praise,’ replied the polite Xirniumite Privy Counsellor, graciously inclining her head (ever so slightly) in the monarch’s direction while the corners of her lovely lips curled into smile.

‘Actually, yours is a most curious question… after all, I hardly wish to appear, perhaps, as less than modest, or as overly boastful,’ remarked Lady Nólandil with a thoughtful frown, fastidiously brushing out of the way a few stray strands of her long flaxen hair. ‘I shall answer Your Majesty’s question, if I must, by merely commenting that a generously liberal measure of, err… refined distinction is certainly not an uncommon or unusual trait amongst the people of the Eternal Republic – indeed, it is an atribute one rather tends to expect,’ explained Mathilde with a cryptic smile.

The trio continued to amble leisurely through the castle’s flourishing gardens, this time in the general direction of the dinning hall.

“May I assume that you, as representative of Xirnium, agree that we should ally ourselves together?"
Lady Nólandil deftly folded a small cloth napkin and briefly touched it to her scarlet lips before answering.

‘Your Majesty would be well advised, in my opinion, to always exercise a certain amount of due caution whenever it comes to making assumptions - particularly concerning individuals whom he does not truly know,’ replied Mathilde with unexpected honesty, though her tone of voice was still entirely friendly. The Xirniumite Margravine smiled charmingly at the King and Queen, momentarily exposing her flawlessly white teeth. ‘After all... one can never truly divine the myriad of inner motives or secret agendas of a stranger by mere intuition alone.’

Even Lady Nólandil, accustomed as she was to the finest cuisine and most splendid wines of the Eternal Republic, had been genuinely impressed with the magnificence of her hosts’ table, and had found herself warming greatly towards the two monarchs of Knave’s Rock during the course of their meal. As the conversation had gradually turned towards matters of business, Mathilde had politely placed her silver cutlery down and offered King Charles her full attention, picking up a glass of wine to take a pensive sip.

‘To return, however, to Your Majesty’s original question, you may assume that, yes...’ mused the Privy Counsellor after some thought, her tone of voice now clearly businesslike. Though she had imbibed quite a bit of the King’s fine red wine, as evidence perhaps by her unusually frank discourse, the Xirniumite was herself a long-time social drinker who was intimately familiar with alcohol and its effects - and thus had very little difficulty in projecting a sharp, professional demeanour in front of her hosts.

‘That is to say, of course,’ clarified Lady Nólandil, ‘that the Xirniumite Government is not unenthusiastic about forging some manner of friendly diplomatic relationship with your nation. An alliance of some kind is certainly one possibility. The Supreme Parliament of the Eternal Republic is always interested in strengthening relations with rational, non-belligerent nations with whom it might pursue mutually-beneficial aims. However, the devil, as they say, is always in the detail. So long as we are merely speaking in vague, nebulous, terms, you have my agreement. If Your Majesty prefers we may leave it at that for now, settling on the creation of a merely informal state of mutually amicable relations. Such is not without merit of its own. Should you desire something else, however, I can advise you that I am authorised to negotiate regarding such matters as well.’

Mathilde paused for a brief moment, drinking deeply from her wineglass. ‘The specific details that you describe in regards to the proposed locations of our Xirniumite embassy sound quite lovely, of course,’ continued Lady Nólandil with an encouraging wave of her slender hand. ‘I must remark that, personally, I do tend to appreciate those who show a certain sense of… let us call it “aesthetic understanding” – and it seems clear that the leadership of Knave’s Rock does not lack for this quality. For our own part, I can inform you that if it so pleases you, your nation’s permanent mission will likely be located inside the metropolitan boundaries the Eternal Republic’s capital, Naèräth - within reasonably short distance of the Supreme Parliament House of Gálatilliön and with excellent access to necessary amenities such as the road and mass-transport networks.’

The Xirniumite did not feel the need to elaborate further on specifics of the location. Known since antiquity by its famous epithet as the “City of Perpetual Light”, Naèräth was renowned throughout the world as a most historically significant centre of European high culture, artistic and intellectual thought and creativity, and Western Civilisation. The metropolis was truly beautiful as few cities were, its multitude of delicate gothic spires and lofty medieval towers incorporated seamlessly into a vast, picturesque scene that included the most modern and avant-garde of gleaming glass and steel skyscrapers. Clearly, Mathilde was of the opinion that such marvellous a city needed no introduction, and that its illustrious name should be quite familiar to Queen Anne and King Charles.

‘Your Majesty greatly flatters me with her generous compliments and high praise,’ replied the polite Xirniumite Privy Counsellor, graciously inclining her head (ever so slightly) in the monarch’s direction while the corners of her lovely lips curled into smile.

‘Actually, yours is a most curious question… after all, I hardly wish to appear, perhaps, as less than modest, or as overly boastful,’ remarked Lady Nólandil with a thoughtful frown, fastidiously brushing out of the way a few stray strands of her long flaxen hair. ‘I shall answer Your Majesty’s question, if I must, by merely commenting that a generously liberal measure of, err… refined distinction is certainly not an uncommon or unusual trait amongst the people of the Eternal Republic – indeed, it is an atribute one rather tends to expect,’ explained Mathilde with a cryptic smile.

The trio continued to amble leisurely through the castle’s flourishing gardens, this time in the general direction of the dinning hall.


Lady Nólandil deftly folded a small cloth napkin and briefly touched it to her scarlet lips before answering.

‘Your Majesty would be well advised, in my opinion, to always exercise a certain amount of due caution whenever it comes to making assumptions - particularly concerning individuals whom he does not truly know,’ replied Mathilde with unexpected honesty, though her tone of voice was still entirely friendly. The Xirniumite Margravine smiled charmingly at the King and Queen, momentarily exposing her flawlessly white teeth. ‘After all... one can never truly divine the myriad of inner motives or secret agendas of a stranger by mere intuition alone.’

Even Lady Nólandil, accustomed as she was to the finest cuisine and most splendid wines of the Eternal Republic, had been genuinely impressed with the magnificence of her hosts’ table, and had found herself warming greatly towards the two monarchs of Knave’s Rock during the course of their meal. As the conversation had gradually turned towards matters of business, Mathilde had politely placed her silver cutlery down and offered King Charles her full attention, picking up a glass of wine to take a pensive sip.

‘To return, however, to Your Majesty’s original question, you may assume that, yes...’ mused the Privy Counsellor after some thought, her tone of voice now clearly businesslike. Though she had imbibed quite a bit of the King’s fine red wine, as evidence perhaps by her unusually frank discourse, the Xirniumite was herself a long-time social drinker who was intimately familiar with alcohol and its effects - and thus had very little difficulty in projecting a sharp, professional demeanour in front of her hosts.

‘That is to say, of course,’ clarified Lady Nólandil, ‘that the Xirniumite Government is not unenthusiastic about forging some manner of friendly diplomatic relationship with your nation. An alliance of some kind is certainly one possibility. The Supreme Parliament of the Eternal Republic is always interested in strengthening relations with rational, non-belligerent nations with whom it might pursue mutually-beneficial aims. However, the devil, as they say, is always in the detail. So long as we are merely speaking in vague, nebulous, terms, you have my agreement. If Your Majesty prefers we may leave it at that for now, settling on the creation of a merely informal state of mutually amicable relations. Such is not without merit of its own. Should you desire something else, however, I can advise you that I am authorised to negotiate regarding such matters as well.’

Mathilde paused for a brief moment, drinking deeply from her wineglass. ‘The specific details that you describe in regards to the proposed locations of our Xirniumite embassy sound quite lovely, of course,’ continued Lady Nólandil with an encouraging wave of her slender hand. ‘I must remark that, personally, I do tend to appreciate those who show a certain sense of… let us call it “aesthetic understanding” – and it seems clear that the leadership of Knave’s Rock does not lack for this quality. For our own part, I can inform you that if it so pleases you, your nation’s permanent mission will likely be located inside the metropolitan boundaries the Eternal Republic’s capital, Naèräth - within reasonably short distance of the Supreme Parliament House of Gálatilliön and with excellent access to necessary amenities such as the road and mass-transport networks.’

The Xirniumite did not feel the need to elaborate further on specifics of the location. Known since antiquity by its famous epithet as the “City of Perpetual Light”, Naèräth was renowned throughout the world as a most historically significant centre of European high culture, artistic and intellectual thought and creativity, and Western Civilisation. The metropolis was truly beautiful as few cities were, its multitude of delicate gothic spires and lofty medieval towers incorporated seamlessly into a vast, picturesque scene that included the most modern and avant-garde of gleaming glass and steel skyscrapers. Clearly, Mathilde was of the opinion that such marvellous a city needed no introduction, and that its illustrious name should be quite familiar to Queen Anne and King Charles.


Charles sat back and mused upon her answer. This woman didn't miss a beat, and if truth be known, he wasn't at all interested in any kind of alliance with anyone beyond an ambassadorial one until he had talked to the rest of the nations on his short list of invitees.

" My Lady, if it is amenable to you, I'd like to leave our relationship at what I call Stage One, that is a strictly ambassadorial relationship. We here in Knave's Rock are a purposeful folk with a tendency towards extended contemplation when numerous options are available to us. To put it another way, I am personally agreeable to an across-the-board alliance on all levels, but as the person responsible for the advancement and security of Knave's Rock, I have to be circumspect in my decisions. Your's is a nation that fits the criteria my advisors and I have set forth as desirable attributes, but there are a number of other nations that I need to talk to before I commit to financial and military concessions. In all probability, the final set of alliances will be a blend of several nations and their overall abilities to provide me with the necessities we seek."

'There', he thought, 'That's about as political a response as I've ever given to anyone. I hope no offense is taken.' He watched her watch him, unable to fathom what was percolating behind those lovely eyes...........

bump

‘Very good, then, Your Majesty,’ replied Lady Nólandil, smiling disarmingly. ‘Caution and circumspection are always prudent courses of action, in my opinion. I've never held with the making of rash or impulsive decisions.’

Mathilde’s brow furrowed thoughtfully as she considered how most gently to broach the next topic. She particularly did not want to appear overly pushy.

‘There is one additional… minor issue that must be sorted out before we might proceed with plans to establish an ambassadorial-level relationship,’ explained the Privy Counsellor, idly tracing lines on the dinning table with her slender index finger. ‘The Supreme Parliament has recently adopted the official policy of requiring that relevant foreign nations explicitly indicate a willingness to abide by the doctrine of extraterritoriality (insofar, at least, as it regards diplomatic representatives) before the Eternal Republic may take part in a program for the mutual exchange of permanent missions. I thus require Your Majesty’s concurrence that this one, trifling, condition be met before we can formalise our agreement,’ elaborated Mathilde.

The lovely Xirniumite paused for a moment and shifted slightly in her seat, allowing the two monarchs time to carefully consider her words. Absentmindedly, Mathilde smoothed her luxurious skirts.

‘The exact scope and finer details of the exterritoriality doctrine, as applied within the Xirniumite Republic, are not at all suprising or unusual, and clearly follow the long established precedents of the international customary law – or the so-called “Law of Nations” as respected bythat governs the interaction of all civilised countries,’ continued Lady Nólandil. ‘Just to be clear, we should require that diplomatic immunity extend to the ambassadors of our two nations, and to their families and senior embassy staff, whilst they are abroad. Also, of course, the permanent mission and residential premises of these diplomatic agents will need be subject to the doctrine of extraterritoriality.’

‘I trust that you shall have no major objections with these arrangements,’ hoped an earnest Mathilde, distractedly tapping her expensively-manicured, painted nails on the polished surface of the table as she searched the eyes of her hosts intently for any reaction. ‘Previously, the Xirniumite government did not require the taking of so strict a stance on the matter, placing trust instead in the propriety of foreign states. Unfortunately though, after an incident where the chargé d'affaires of the former Xirniumite legation to Saint Fedski was illegally detained, against his will, for several hours, the Foreign Ministry felt it… appropriate that such issues be clearly delineated prior to the establishment of any permanent missions. A nasty, brutish type of barbarian, the common Saint Fedskian...’ reflected Mathilde tangentially.

‘Please understand that we only have the welfare of our nationals in mind. Certainly I should never dream of suggesting that the people of Knave’s Rock would ever actually display the distinct lack of honour or decency that was shown by the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth on that occassion, seemingly negating the very need for this whole line of discussion – however, I am quite powerless to deviate from Parliament’s express guidelines on this matter.’

Mathilde flashed what she hoped was an encouraging smile (particularly to the Queen, who seemed to Lady Nólandil a strong-willed woman readily capable of exerting considerable influence upon her husband’s decisions), and waited for a response.

And it was Queen Anne that spoke up. " So, Lady Nolandil, what your'e basically saying is that any and all citizens of Xirnium who are attached to the diplomatic entourage are to be free of any compunction to follow our laws. Is that right?"

Charles shot her a look. " My dear, I don't think that that is what m'lady is implying. The spirit of a diplomatic relationship is that one nation respects the laws and traditions of another. I selected Xirnium as a potential ally largely due to it's record of justice, rather than the more common national attribute of fairness. What is fair is rarely just, and justice is tempered by law. I trust that Xirnium and it's representatives will conduct themselves circumspectly while they are in our land, as we would do in theirs."

Anne didn't appear too sure, but she agreed with Charles. Giving Lady Nolandil one last stare, she smiled and stood up with her hand outstretched and said, " My lady, please forgive my natural caution. We here in Knave's Rock have been pretty much isolated for the past 200 years and as a result are very careful as to who enters our kingdom. I meant nothing personal by my remark."

Before Lady Nolandil could respond, a page entered the room with a note on a small silver tray. Charles looked questioningly at the servant, who bowed and said, " Sire, a message from the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain."

The King took the slip of paper from the tray and said, " Thank you Stephen. You may go." The page bowed, turning and leaving the room. Looking at the two women, he asked, "If you ladies will excuse me for a moment......"

He quickly read the note twice, folded it once, and placed it in his pocket with a bemused look on his face. " Well, ladies, it seems that Lady Priscilla d'Avignon-Elyrie is most anxious to open talks with us on becoming allied to Knave's Rock." Turning to Lady Nolandil he asked, "M'lady, do you know anything about the Grand Duchy of Elyria-Lorain?"

Mathilde’s hopeful smile froze - as smiles are wont to do whenever their owner is uncertain about how best to respond – following Queen Anne’s reply to her suggestion. The situation was not greatly improved by the sudden interruption of one of the monarch’s advisors, or by King Charles’ abrupt (and, in the Privy Counsellor’s private opinion, rather irrelevant) question.

‘Your Majesty, you can rest assured that no offence was taken,’ murmured Lady Nólandil finally, accepting the Queen’s hand graciously.

‘Errm… Elyria-Lorain?’ continued Mathilde bemusedly, turning to the King. ‘From my understanding she is a trifling, rather conservative, constitutional monarchy located in Avignion. Primarily, she is an agricultural power, with an ever expanding secondary industrial sector. Apparently, the Grand Duchy is a member of a type of confederacy that includes two additional states. They call it a “tetrachy”, although why one would call an arrangement involving three different rulers a tetrachy I could not possibly fathom.

‘Elyria-Lorain is a relatively new nation as far as nations go – having been forged out of the recent anarchy which resulted from the collapse of a previous confederacy and consisting primarily of refugees from that entity and their descendants.’

‘Regarding your concerns,’ explained Mathilde, returning her attention to the Queen, ‘I should like to point out that there are no known cases of any member of the Xirniumite diplomatic service abusing his or her immunity and violating the laws of foreign nations. Our diplomats conduct themselves with a certain amount of decorum and respect. Just as we expect the diplomats of foreign states to abide by the laws of the Eternal Republic when in Xirnium, we demand the same from our own. We rather consider it a matter of honour that the doctrine of extraterritoriality be respected, however.’

Mathilde’s hopeful smile froze - as smiles are wont to do whenever their owner is uncertain about how best to respond – following Queen Anne’s reply to her suggestion. The situation was not greatly improved by the sudden interruption of one of the monarch’s advisors, or by King Charles’ abrupt (and, in the Privy Counsellor’s private opinion, rather irrelevant) question.

‘Your Majesty, you can rest assured that no offence was taken,’ murmured Lady Nólandil finally, accepting the Queen’s hand graciously.

‘Errm… Elyria-Lorain?’ continued Mathilde bemusedly, turning to the King. ‘From my understanding she is a trifling, rather conservative, constitutional monarchy located in Avignion. Primarily, she is an agricultural power, with an ever expanding secondary industrial sector. Apparently, the Grand Duchy is a member of a type of confederacy that includes two additional states. They call it a “tetrachy”, although why one would call an arrangement involving three different rulers a tetrachy I could not possibly fathom.

‘Elyria-Lorain is a relatively new nation as far as nations go – having been forged out of the recent anarchy which resulted from the collapse of a previous confederacy and consisting primarily of refugees from that entity and their descendants.’

‘Regarding your concerns,’ explained Mathilde, returning her attention to the Queen, ‘I should like to point out that there are no known cases of any member of the Xirniumite diplomatic service abusing his or her immunity and violating the laws of foreign nations. Our diplomats conduct themselves with a certain amount of decorum and respect. Just as we expect the diplomats of foreign states to abide by the laws of the Eternal Republic when in Xirnium, we demand the same from our own. We rather consider it a matter of honour that the doctrine of extraterritoriality be respected, however.’


Charles upped his already high opinion of Xirnium with Lady Nolandil's response concerning Elyria-Lorain. Not many even knew of the Grand Duchy's existence, positioned as it was in the far southern reaches of the hemisphere. Elyria-Lorain, along with Xirnium and Tarlag, had been Charles' top three choices for an initial alliance, each having attributes necessary to The Rock's expansion.

"M'lady, let me get right to the point. As stated earier, I am most interested in a preliminary alliance with Xirnium, proceeding in a controlled and concisely graduating sequence until we are at a full-fledged alliance level. I'm sure we could go on for several more hours with minutiae, but let us conclude an agreement between ourselves. Basically, we would like to send an ambassador to Xirnium and we would like Xirnium to be the first nation to occupy our new Ambassadorial City on the outskirts of the capitol. The compound consists of 4.3 acres of landscaped grounds replete with an ambassadorial residence and a secondary residence for staff, a Military Hall for your security people, and an underground garage for up to four vehicles. The nearby airport can house your aircraft in it's own hangar. Now, perhaps a nightcap is in order and then we can call it a night. We can meet in the morning if you have any further questions."

Charles stood, gave a short bow to the Lady Nolandil, offered his arm to the Queen, and waited for the Privy Counsellor to accompany them to the King's Trophy room.

The Duchess d'Avignon-Elyrie eyed the invitation with a bit of trepidation. Her experience with these "newly-emerged" nations was limited. All she really knew was that they had a tendency to be over-cautious in their dealings with the world.

"Jann, would you be so kind as to inform King Charles that I will personally attend our discussions in Knave's Rock in four days time. Yourself and two of the Guardians will accompany me."

Jann looked up. "Only two, your Grace? Knave's Rock is an unknown. You could be in danger."

"Relax, Jann. Preliminary reports show that Knave's Rock is a well-ruled, stable nation. If somewhat behind the times. And besides, our military are largely ceremonial. If I were expecting any trouble, I'd have the Xeraphian Marines or the Shadow Guard go with us."

"Very well, your Grace. Will we be wined-and-dined, or is it strictly business?"

Priscilla thought for a second. "I think we should be prepared for any contingency, Jann. Bring your hiking shorts along with your formal gown. Charles and Anne have a reputation for casual informality. Their subjects call the Queen 'Annie' and have a penchant for dunking the King in a barrel of apples."

Jann raised an eyebrow. "Indeed?"

"Yes, one of their more endearing traditions. I think we'll get along with the two of them quite nicely. And I hear that they've just completed the construction of a brand-new town built exclusively for diplomats. Only about a dozen nations will ever occupy it."

"Hmmmm....curiouser and curiouser", said Jann. "Do they speak our language?"

"Mai oui, mon cheri. From what I've read of their history, almost half of their original settlers were French. An interesting history at that."

"Weren't their ancestors criminals, Your Grace?"

Priscilla fixed her with a stare. "Jann, I've told you that you can drop the formality when we're alone. Save it for those who are impressed by it. And to answer your question, some were undoubtedly criminals, but by and large they were just people that the ruling authorities wanted out of the way for one reason or another. Armchair rebels, religious thinkers...you know, the really dangerous types."

Jann smiled. "Yes, I know the type. Mostly what we have here. Grumblers and mumblers."

Suddenly, the Duchess' face grew alarmed. "Jann! I'm in trouble! I have absolutely nothing to wear!"

"Now, let's have some dinner, and then call it a night. We can meet in the morning if you have any further questions."
Having only just finished dining with her hosts, Mathilde found herself somewhat puzzled by the King’s offer. The Xirniumite politely refrained from making any comment on it, however, deciding instead that she must have misheard the monarch.

No doubt due, in no small part, to a combination of both the wine and the after-effects of jet lag… thought the Privy Counsellor reasonably.

‘If it is all the same with Your Majesty, I think that I might now take my leave and retire for the night,’ explained Lady Nólandil apologetically.

‘My staff will probably be the first to attest to the fact that I am quite a nightmare to deal with whenever I don’t get ample enough beauty sleep,’ added Mathilde with a self-amused laugh, the quick flutter of her long eyelashes making quite clear that there was not even a gramme of truth to her jest – at least, not in the lovely Privy Counsellor’s opinion.

Politely kissing the two hosts goodnight, the Xirniumite turned gracefully on her toes and made her way back to her chambers.

The sun was setting over the Mer d'Langier and the heat of the day was dissipating with a cool offshore breeze. The ragged occupants of the small tent-village were going about their routines, gathering firewood, skinning rabbits and gutting fish for the evening meal. The population had stayed at a fairly even mark for years now; one or two would pass on, a couple would be dropped off. Once in a while, there was a new birth, but that was somewhat rare.

Rosey stirred her pot, a delicious aroma rising from it. She and her "family" ate pretty well in relation to the rest of the exiles on the island. There was herself, Rolf, her common-law husband, and the three girls they had adopted when they found them scavenging in a garbage pile on the north side of the island.

And tonight there was a new soul sitting at her table.......Bernard Jallund, the island's newest arrival. Trouble was, no one knew how he had gotten here, nor why he was here at all.

Rosey watched the man as he unwrapped his rolled-up sack. He was moving purposefully and precisely with whatever was in the sack. She thought she heard a metallic clinking, but couldn't be sure. What really puzzled her about Bernard was his casual attitude towards being there. Almost as if he wasn't planning to be there very long. Which was an absurd notion since everyone knew that if the King ordered you banished to Exile Island, you never left. Not even death released you from the island.

Exile Island was established some three hundred twenty two years ago in the late 1600's as a penal colony for the relatively few criminals of Knave's Rock. It was ironic that the government had found it necessary to deal with miscreants and criminals in much the same manner as the authorities in Europe had dealt with their ancestors. But The Rock had only two penalties at the time: death, or banishment.

Over the years, the island never had more than three hundred or so prisoners, including children. It was a fair-sized island, about fifty square miles in size, and so could provide more than adequate food and water to the inhabitants. Exile Island sat forty one miles off the northern coast of Knave's Rock, an island of primarily deciduous flora and critters, as Rosey would say, common to the mainland. What caused the people of the island to be there was a serious offense against the people and/or government of Knave's Rock. Dealing in illegal drugs, sexual crimes other than child molestation. If you were convicted of child molestation, you were executed within minutes of conviction. Robbery, mayhem, and all the other ills of modern living. Though Knave's Rock was a nation astonishingly free from the crimes of the modern world, there WERE those who simply could not live within the boundaries of the law. Thus the nesessity for Exile Island.

Back in 1533, King Burt, being a thoughtful if somewhat tedious man, decided that the usual punishments for various crimes apparently didn't have the desired effect the authorities had hoped for. Crime went up, criminals crowded the dungeons and gaols, hangings became an almost daily ritual.
Something had to change. And when something HAS to change, it inevitably does.

The King decreed that the smallish island due north of the mainland was to be set aside for "ye convict, ye criminal, and ye lowly retrobate." Burt was a gentle man in an era of brutality. He felt that even tough a man would be a miscreant, he was still a man, and was to be held up as such. "Father God be no respecter of persons," he would say. "So shall we neither be."

And so the magistrates left the decision up to the convict....death, indenture, the coal mines, or exile. Some few actually chose death or the mines, and indenture was subject to the owner's decision, so most chose exile.

The island was more than able to support a population of around 1,000 souls, and so as there had rarely been more than 300 on the island, the exiles lived quite good. They hunted, farmed, fished, and generally lived their lives out in a fairly normal way.

But they would never leave the island. It was completely surrounded by the most shark-infested waters in the world. There were at any given time thousands of Mako, Hammerhead, and the Great White in the waters off the coast of the island. Several times over the centurys inhabitants of Exile Island had tried to escape the island, but were never seen or heard from again. Bits and pieces of their rafts and boats washed up on the shoreline from time to time, as did bits and pieces of their bodies. Pieces with the tooth-mark of the shark on them.

It was to this island that Bernard had come one night. The inhabitants awoke to find him sitting around a fire, warming himself and boiling some chicken.

"Greetings, stranger. My name is John, John Montgomery. I'm here because I simply had to have an automobile that didn't belong to me. What was your crime, sir. And.....how did you get here? We heard neither power boat nor helicopter last night."

Bernard fixed his gaze upon John, said nothing, and turned his attention back to his breakfast. Then, without provocation and with the most astonishing speed, he had John by the neck, a wickedly sharp hunting knife at his throat. "Pleased to meet you, John", he whispered into the man's ear. "If you ever address me again before I speak to you, I'll kill you and throw you off the cliff. Got it?"

John, eyes terror-stricken, gulped and nodded. Bernard let go of him, and John started coughing. "Now, sir John, who's in charge here? And where would I find him?"

Montgomery calmed down a bit and stammered, "Wwwell, sssir, we really ddon't hhave any one person who is in charge hhere. We all sort of mind our own business and get on the bbbest wwwe can."

Bernard sheathed his knife. "Ah, true anarchy. The leaders of Knave's Rock might do well to follow your lead." He returned to his fire, checking the contents of the pot. "Tell, me, John, if you could get off of this island....would you?"

"Well, sure, sir. But that will never happen. All here are here 'til we die. And be buried here we will be."

"If I told you that I'm leaving this island in a day or so, would you want to go with me?"

Montgomery stared at the man as if he had two heads. "Sir, your jest is as cruel and unusual punishment to these ears. We do not joke about leaving Exile Island, as it can never be."

"That attitude, John, is why your'e here and will never leave. If you think you can't leave, then you can't. However, I KNOW I can, and I will in the very near future. I'll ask you one more time. Do you want to go away from here?"

The man looked down, debating with himself, hoping against hope. He looked back up and said, "Tell me what I have to do, and I'm with you."

Bernard smiled lazily. "Good, good. First things first. Sit down and have some dinner with me. Then tell me all you know about Knave's Rock, particularly about the King and Queen."

What Bernard learned of Knave's Rock was not all that essential. The kingdom was prosperous, virtually free of any criminal activities, and progressing steadily, if somewhat slowly, into the modern age.

He thought about what Montgomery had told him, thanked him, then casually reached out and drew a razor-sharp poniard across John's throat. The astonished look on the man's face was almost comical. If you could get by all of the gushing blood.

Bernard packed his bag, kicked Montgomery over a cliff, and went off towards a small inlet, where he knew his transport across the ten miles to Knave's Rock was hidden.

As he went, he whistled a very old tune he was fond of, from about three centuries ago..........

Silence was screaming and the fires were howling
way down in the valley tonight,
there's a man in the shadows with a gun in his eye
and a blade shining oh so bright..........