Emerald Chronicles, Volume 4 (book)
There are six volumes in the Emerald Chronicles. These books detail the rise of Graev and the Emerald Knights as forces protecting civilization from the dangers of the Dark Hand beyond Corik's Wall.
- Emerald Chronicles I
- Emerald Chronicles II
- Emerald Chronicles III
- Emerald Chronicles IV
- Emerald Chronicles V
- Emerald Chronicles VI
Emerald Chronicles IV: Commander Graev
Shosandu
Year of the Emerald Dolphin, 194
Hren,
The Ferdahl has cut our pay and provisions sharply, so I am
sorry to send you all such small gifts this Shosandu. The
gem is quite good and I am told comes from the mines of
this canyon. Take it to a fine jeweler to cut and set
before giving it to Alizia. I hope the honey cakes arrived
satisfactorily. They are best after having sat in the
inglenook for a time to put some warmth upon them.
We've completed work on reinforcing and altering the rear wall that remains. I doubt very much we will be able to construct another wall behind this, as what stone we were able to scavenge was small and hard to come by. There's simply no choice but to push forward and reclaim Morganae's Arm. The damage to the Arm is devastating, but it will still require less material to repair than a new wall would be to build. I will not give up on the Arm. We will recover the lost ground before I pass from this life -- I swear it.
I've asked one of the joiners who assisted with the
new refectory about your roof problem. He advises that you
replace the thatching entirely as you will never be rid of
the varmints. Until spring, you are wise to use only
the first floor and wear a hood should you venture up.
Geoff
29th day of Akroeg
Year of the Emerald Dolphin, 194
Hren,
Now more than ever I wish that you had not stayed in the
Crossing so many years ago. I need you here now, and hope
Alizia will consider releasing you for a short trip south.
Besides, I am sure the space made by your leaving for a
time would be welcome and you could return in the spring to
have your thatching done. How about it, old comrade?
Geoff
18th day of Ka'len the Sea Drake
Year of the Emerald Dolphin, 194
Hren,
Twins! Good glory, Hren, where do you find the time?
Certainly you should stay north as I can only imagine how
much there is to attend to at home! You may tell Alizia
that my mother swore by cooled fennel tea to calm colicky
babes.
I am hoping you might do me a favor, though, and speak
with the Guild Masters in town as see if they have any
difficult students they would send us for apprenticing. I
can send you a good letter of introduction should you
require it. Every day we need more supplies and strong
backs to move them, not to mention strong arms to defend
when the watch calls. I have already sent messengers to
Shard on the same mission.
Geoff Graev
29th day of Shorka the Cobra
Year of the Crystal Snow Hare, 195
Hren,
How strange to come all the way to Ilithi on our grand
escape from the drudgery of schooling and I find myself
good at being an administrator! I must thank you for your
good word with the Crossing guild leaders. Word has spread
through the guilds that we will accept troublesome students
and we have had a solid response. I have recruits coming
from every corner -- even from the gallows! The chief of
executions permits the crowd to decide if the criminal
should be offered service at the Wall. Even the laziest of
them can be made into a soldier - I find nothing motivates
a soldier like the gallows' noose.
We have begun keeping a watch at the Darkling Wood outpost as raids have recently disrupted our supply lines. My wall watch can hardly stand to be thinned, but we can neither leave so vital a link with the outside world in peril.
The bronze piece enclosed is so you may buy some
ribbons for the girls. I am so sorry to hear of little
Maerissa's arm-break, such things are so hard on ones so
very little. She is a very strong girl to have climbed
from her crib so young and it's good to know Maerdelle has
not made the same journey. Perhaps a canopy would keep
tiny Maerissa in?
Geoff
21st day of Arhat, 195
Hren,
We have word from her. She is with those rangers deep in
the Hand. Her messenger arrived on foot at the wall's
eastern leg just after Meraud's Cloak. We spoke briefly
before he disappeared into the mists and he warned of a
strength growing in the Hand, that there will be a surge
soon and we must prepare. There is part of me that thinks
this could be trickery, but my soul wants to believe she
would not leave others to fight the Hand alone. I will
trust it and begin to prepare, though I dare not speak of
why.
The chain shirts to armor my men sent by the Ferdahl
are unriveted rubbish and will scarcely hold up to a good
sneeze. If I can arrange to have a caravan bring them to
the Crossing, do you think your friend at the forge would
either rivet them or take them in barter for riveted shirts
and I will forward the difference in cost? Speed is
important, as the return caravan must leave three months
following on the fourteenth andu.
Geoff
12th day of Moliko, 196
Hren,
We lost many this evening and that's never an easy thing
for a Commander. The strength building in the Hand that
her messenger spoke of was thrust upon us in the very early
hours of the morning, before Berengaria's Touch alighted on
the field of battle. The Wall stands yet, and so we have
victory.
I suspect the widows and children will begin arriving by the morrow as word spreads of our losses. How can soldiers leave behind their hearts' joy knowing they may never feel the comfort of home again? How can they leave their love knowing that a stranger may tell them of their last moments? A stranger! I am a stranger to the widows who wet my epaulettes with their tears and a stranger who has let their love be slain, yet they thank me. And what can I tell them but that they died bravely and in the cause of right and holiness? What else can I tell them? Shall I tell them their husbands shrieked for their mothers in their last terrified moments? That they could not hold their bladders as they were drenched with the gore of their comrades?
No. And I would surely not deny any of them the right
to have died ingloriously. It is a most horrific and
inglorious place. I spare no shame on them, they have died
in a cause few would take up and along the Wall that is
glory enough. Surely I think there are some lies the
Blessed Chadatru would excuse, don't you think? One of the
fallen was my Second, Ilksin. He was a veteran of so many
missions he could out-story an aged Elf. I feel deeply the
loss of his counsel, but more deeply do I fear we will all
suffer for the loss of his guidance and faith.
Geoff
18th day of Moliko the Balance
Year of the Silver Unicorn, 196
Tijit,
Your letter arrived just after we broke fast and it brought
me sunshine though the weather outside storms. You are a
very brave little girl for wanting to come and help your
Uncle Graev, but I do not think it wise for you to enlist
in the Emerald Knights this year. Perhaps when you have
finished your growing, you will show us what a good knight
you are.
But for now, keep polishing your gift-sword and
practicing your lessons. You will be a big help to the
realms' defense if you do your chores and wear your
nightcap without your mother asking twice. The flat rock
inside this package is called a whetstone and it is used to
sharpen a blade. You must find some good oil first, but
then your father can show you how to hone your sword's
edge. I know you will do well if you are attentive, so do
not be careless and cut yourself.
Your Uncle Geoff
27th day of Shorka the Cobra
Year of the Bronze Wyvern, 197
Hren,
I am glad to hear mother and babe are well --
congratulations to you and your burgeoning brood! It is
just like Einselda to take to caring for the little ones.
By your tales she is a real mother hen! I am sure you are
both glad to have some help in her since Tijit seems to
have other interests.
You and 'Zia have done a fine job making up for any brood I might have had were I "married to anyone but my duty," as you are fond of saying. Perhaps I am married to my faith so that we vanquish this evil that defiles our realm and affronts our blessed Chadatru.
My new Second, Farol, is working out to be more than
adequate. He has not Ilksin's experience, but he is a
natural in the seat of command and finds no resistance
among the Knights who welcome his forthrightness and verve.
Geoff
17th day of Uthmor
Year of the Golden Panther, 198
Hren,
It was so good to see you that you've scarcely been gone a
few andaen and already I'm missing you terribly. What fun
it was to talk of those days before we decided to "see the
world," when life was joyous and simple and our days were
filled with hunting in the Danduwen or watching the
regiments drill. Perhaps when your brother weds I should
travel to the Northlands again and see all of the places
that I have had to preserve in my memory. I am glad you
tell our stories to your daughters, that they should tell
their children and we should find immortality in tales of
our misadventures!
I am told our bread will not last as long as we'd
hoped when I saw you last, so I'm praying that Chadatru
should consider smiling on our friend's yak for swiftness
in its journey. I know you are mindful, but please do not
forget to deliver the package on the fourteenth andu of
next month. If he should squabble or give any doubt of his
good word when you meet him, I have faith the Mighty would
approve a firm reminder of his commitment and the wages of
dishonesty.
Geoff
28th Uthmor, 198
Send some of your strongest hands to see that trader and tell him his missing platinum has been located and will be gladly returned upon the next full caravan he sends the Dark'wood post. That cur does not wish to contend with me, not in fisticuffs, swordplay or tactics. My Knights will not starve for his greed nor shall I neglect my command for his foolishness!
3rd day of Arhat
Year of the Golden Panther, 198
Hren,
Blessed be that we should have bread and lamp oil! This is
the first writing I have done by lamplight in the many
months and it's a luxury I am savoring. I am sorry for the
anger of my last letter, old friend, it is I who was a fool
to put so important a task in a fool's hands. We will find
other means.
There is good news, too. We've pushed the demon wood back beyond the shattered ruins of Morganae's Arm. More than five years in the grip of the Hand has left a permanent mark on the place and though it is now released, it is somehow scarred beyond repair. The rangers say the land may never heal or be free of shadow.
Give Alizia and the girls my affection. Is there any nicety 'Zia would have for her birthday? I do not think my duties will allow me to take leave for the feast you are planning, but she will have my remembrance and a gift of her liking.
As for you, please take the bronze I enclose and buy
yourself two stout ales -- drink them both (one for my
part!) in celebration of the good favor you have done for
the realms' defense and your comrade Geoff.
Geoff.
31st day of Akroeg the Ram
Year of the Amber Phoenix, 199
Hren,
I write you this morning from the wall walk; something I
have not done since I was Captain of the Watch. We've
driven the reach of the Hand back only a bit further beyond
the Arm, it seems to have found a good foothold and is
unwilling to be moved. Stalled, but not battering at our
wall and that is a solid victory here. What troubles me is
this matter of the lost ground, which is still consumed
with the taint of the Hand. This makes me tremble at the
possibility of it escaping the canyon. That which it
touches never lives free again and should the wood ever
conquer us, I fear there would be no second opportunity.
Word has come again from Ptera of the Hand's gaining strength and we have begun to prepare. It seems to know when I am most tired and most need to rest my watch. "The weary shall have no rest," Father Galwydd would say, and that must be my standard now.
On the matter of your missing tools, I would suspect less of the girls than one of your hands. Tell them you must cut all their wages by half to pay for the missing items and I assure you, the culprit or culprits will be revealed to you before long. It's difficult to find help you may trust and I have come to value it above almost all other traits as those can be trained where trustworthiness cannot be.
I've made some plans with a trade clerk regarding
supplies for next winter. Though it is yet a year away, I
will rest easier knowing our overwinter supplies are
secure. I've arranged for you to meet him on the eve of
Lormandu at the boulder near the boneyard north of the
city. Please forward him the enclosed and be sure to take
some precaution, as I know little of the man myself.
Geoff
8th day of Lirisa the Archer
Year of the Amber Phoenix, 199
Hren,
Many thanks for meeting the clerk. I had word from him not
long after and he was pleased to have met you. Everything
is in order and I rest easier knowing our bellies should
have bread for the coming months. By next thaw we will
have more recruits and will need more arms. If we will
supply the oil and the barrels, I have a weapon smith who
will fill them for the Eloth's paltry allowance. I know
you can arrange for the barrels, but the oil to pack the
blades in is a matter that will require more consideration
as my smith will not let so much of it go for so small a
price. Do you know of someone who would?
As soon as you utter, "aye" the gold should be in his
hands and work begin. You're a good man, Hren!
Geoff
30th day of Dolefaren
Year of the Iron Toad, 200
Hren,
I am glad to hear Tijit is improved from her illness and
that it didn't spread to the other girls. Such fevers have
taken a number of my men and if it could fell men of such
stout character than surely little Tijit should thank the
blessed Chadatru for sparing her. I know that such words
have been in my prayers.
I think it is well you have bought the girls a puppy!
They are good companions and in such a city as is the
Crossing, can be protectors to your family and workshop.
The recluse upon the canyon's rim keeps dogs and because of
them there are none so foolish or brave as to menace her
home. Einselda should not bear all the work of its care,
as I know she will do without thinking. The other girls
will learn duty in helping to care for it.
Geoff
24th day of Nissa
Year of the Iron Toad, 200
Hren,
Greetings! I have had a letter from our old comrade
Roland. The date of it is many months ago, but he speaks
of being quite well. He and Gertwynn have made a happy
life on the croft. As you might think, Roland found he was
more a gentleman than a farmer and lets most of his
fields. He does plant a few crops to keep the two of them
fed. He wrote some very funny tales of trying to train his
warhorse to the plow. Sense came to him before too many
injuries and it was sold to one of the Baron's men for coin
enough to buy a plow mare and a cow. Can you just see our
Roland wrestling with his steed to plow a straight furrow?
I nearly burst my plate with laughter! Even now I cannot
help but chuckle as I think on it.
I've posted a letter in return and hope to convince
our comrade to meet us both in the Crossing for some ale
between old friends, perhaps after next harvest. How is it
the four of us boyhood comrades so bonded with affection
should be cast so very far apart as men? Farthest yet, our
poor Enfist, the Mighty bless him. We should not let his
ale go untaken -- surely the three of us can shoulder that
task?
Geoff
13th day of Shorka
Year of the Emerald Dolphin, 201
Hren,
I hope this letter finds a calmer Nebban home than of your
last writing. On even the days of least order here at the
Wall, where chaos undoes our entire making, I can't imagine
fathering such a large brood as yours. You have great
patience with them, Hren. If you wish that I should write
to Tijit and advise her to be more at home than I will do
it at your first word. However, I beg that you should
remember yourself at her age and what adventures you
sought. Were she your first son, she would have begun
training three years ago. So why not bring her to the
guild in the city and seek some training for her energies?
I do not know the guild leader in your city, but Second
Farol and I have met the Paladin guild leader in Shard
quite often in recruiting and I am sure he would forward a
good letter on her behalf.
Geoff
2nd day of Ka'len
Year of the Crystal Snow Hare, 202
Hren,
Tidings, friend. Many thanks for your letter of last
month. I'm always lighter of spirits for reading your
letters and though I have seen little of them, feel as
close to your family as I would my own. In the bleak anlas
of the morning, they remind me why I command the [[Emerald
Knights]]. Were it not for them I would forget my purpose
and lose heart with the struggles of each andu.
Everything is a challenge for us, as not even the moldiest crust of bread can be obtained without playing politics with the Ferdahl, and I do grow weary of it. But what alternative is there? I either further submit to that Eloth or we must forge our own road. But forging our own road has used sweat better spent at the fight, I fear.
This weighs so heavy on me because I've had another messenger warning of the Hand massing strength beyond our watch's sightline. I will expect a surge in the coming months and I've learned not to underestimate such warnings. I hope Alizia and you will not mind giving the candy to the girls. The sutler rarely has such treats and these peppermints are the best I have tasted. Geoff