To Imrah, Lord of Port Legann
From George, Baron of Pirate’s Swoop
My lord,
Thank you for your kindness to our lad. It has been hard for him, with a twin sister and an older brother who clearly show definite talents in areas requiring a great deal of cleverness. This is not to say the boy is stupid, for he is not that in the least. But he is shy and he refuses to look foolish—in his own eyes—by seeming to vie with Thom and Alianne. I have been thinking he needs a larger setting to live in, where he may work out who he is among a variety of people. Under your watchful eye, I am certain he will do well.
If ever you or your lady wife require a service of me or mine, never hold back from asking.
April 15, 455
To Imrah, Lord of Port Legann
From Alanna, Knight of Pirate’s Swoop and Olau
My dear Imrah,
I know you will laugh when I admit I was a bit vexed to hear that my son Alan had applied to you to teach him the duties of page and squire. I had not even considered that if he chose our path, he would find another way than the conventional one. Since he has, I would have hoped that he might come to me, but after George explained things for an evening, I understand that you are a far better choice. I am still far too controversial, and it was always considered a bad idea for a father to train up his own sons to be knights. I fear I might be too harsh to my boy. That would never do. It’s bad enough he has to put up with his grumpy old mother on the rare occasions when she is home.
Also, my friend, I am delighted that, however the thing was managed, you have agreed. I can’t think of a better person to have the schooling of Alan, now that poor health has forced Duke Gareth the Elder away from more strenuous activities. I remember the few times I’ve seen you fight in the Tusaine War and in tournament jousts, and I know you are a scholar in your own right. Thank you so much for taking Alan on!
I know you shall be seeing more of me in the years to come, for some reason.
I am in your debt,
November 16, 459 H.E.
Chancellor and Whisper Man! This was just handed to me by Vania, who had it thrust on her as she was leaving services at the Goddess’s temple. My own child, under the very noses of her guards! I want an explanation, I want whys and wherefores, and I want the writers and their fellow conspirators in person! I want bodies in prison, on the rack, for every tear my child just shed on my shoulder, is it understood?
In my own hand and under my own seal
By fast courier
November 16, 459
Sire,
At this moment, the Whisper Man is traveling, reports of similar flyers having reached us both. They have appeared in places as far apart as Rosetown and Hoffbrook. They have even been found in Persopolis and Port Caynn, normally strongholds for Your Majesties. A man was seen nailing one to a crier’s post in Port Caynn, but sadly, he was stoned to death by onlookers before he could be captured, and thrown into the bay before a death mage could inspect the corpse. Word has been sent to the Provost’s people to capture such persons alive if at all possible.
Our people are on alert, and the Whisper Man is on the hunt with our top Hostlers. Please tell your family they have nothing to fear.
The Chancellor
By my own hand
Personal courier
From Their Royal Majesties Co-Regnant,
King Jonathan and Queen Thayet of Tortall
To His Royal Majesty
King Matrurin Crozat of Galla
On this blessed day of the Gods,
December 8th
in the year 459 of the Human Era
To Our Honored Cousin, greetings!
It has come to Our attention that officers of your realm have recently entered Ours without paying Us a visit at our palace of Corus. We are filled with regret. Surely your officers did not feel uncertain of the welcome they might receive at Our hands, despite certain untruthful papers that have circulated in the marketplaces? Such has been the great friendship between Our kingdoms that it seems almost unbelievable that anyone who answers to your throne might feel it needless to call upon Us and to pursue travels about Our kingdom without notification of Our royal governors.
With regard to another matter, it has come to Our attention that Gallan royal bankers have applied to bankers of Our realm with regard to several loans in gold to be paid out as soon as possible, and for ten additional loans, already made by our bankers to yours, to be postponed for a year with regard to payment. It is with greatest regret that We have told all of the kingdom’s bankers that We are unable to approve loans of any kind to Galla for the foreseeable future, with matters so uncertain between us. Indeed, We are forced to request, on Our banks’ behalf, repayment of all loans to Galla that are presently outstanding. Until these affairs of finance are settled, and certain scurrilous announcements to Our populace cease, We shall have to retain all Gallan assets within our borders, keeping them safe from those uncertainties with which We are concerned.
Once these unsecure times are over, dearest cousin, We will be overjoyed to restore Our happy, peaceable relations with you and your officials once more.
May the Great and Lesser Gods smile upon you, your queen, and your children,
An Official Chronology of Tortallan Events
795 Eastern Empire, Before Human Era (B.H.E.)
• Tortall founded.
• The Book of Gold is created.
1 Human Era (H.E.)
• The Book of Silver is created.
174 H.E.
• Prior to this date, Queen Imiary VI is overthrown after a twelve-year reign of the Copper Isles, by Queen Dilsubai, the last native Kyprish ruler.
• April—Rittevon of Lenman (a Marenite) begins his conquest of the Copper Isles.
181
• June—Rittevon is crowned ruler of the Copper Isles, after the final battle on the Plain of Sorrows (where one-third of the Kyprish warriors are female).
187
• The Crown has the breakwater built in Port Caynn.
200
• Kyprioth’s Prophecy (concerning the raka and the Copper Isles) is recorded.
204
• The Book of Copper is created.
249
• King Roger III frees all slaves in Tortall.
312
• The Luarin Conquest: New Rulers in the Copper Isles, by Michabur Durse of Queenscove, is published.
378
• The nation of Barzun is conquered by Tortall during the reign of King Jasson III.
401
• Roger of Conté is born.
405
• Liam Ironarm is born.
409
• The Battle of Joyous Forest: Coram Smythesson saves Gareth of Naxen.
413
• George Cooper is born.
415
• Ralon of Malven is born.
• Gareth (the Younger) of Naxen is born.
• Raoul of Goldenlake is born.
• Alexander of Tirragen is born.
• Francis of Nond is born.
416
• August—Prince Jonathan of Conté is born.
418
• Maude Laewulf’s husband, Gavin, is killed while fighting bandits.
419
• May—Thom and Alanna of Trebond are born.
• Thayet jian Wilima is born.
424
• Arram Draper (later Numair Salmalín) is born.
• Buriram Tourakom is born.
430
Late Winter/Early Spring:
• January-ish—George Cooper becomes the King of the Rogues.
• Thom and Alanna switch places and head to the City of the Gods and the Palace (respectively) for training (March, at the latest).
○ Ralon picks on Alanna.
○ Douglass of Veldine is already a page in the palace.
○ Gary agrees to sponsor “Alan.”
• May—Alanna and Thom
turn eleven.
• Alanna and Gary meet George in the city.
Summer/Autumn/Winter:
• Ralon breaks Alanna’s arm.
• Mid-October—Alanna’s arm is completely healed.
• December—Alanna defeats Ralon shortly before Midwinter.
• Midwinter—Gary, Raoul, Alex, and other fourteen-year-olds are made squires.
431
Winter/Spring:
• March—The Sweating Sickness reaches Tortall.
• Francis of Nond dies.
• Alanna saves Jon’s life; Myles guesses Alanna’s secret.
• Trip to Port Caynn (sometime in the spring)—Alanna begins binding her chest.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn twelve.
Summer/Autumn/Winter:
• August—Roger arrives.
• Autumn—Alanna introduces Jon to George, and they purchase Moonlight and Darkness.
• The four youngest pages (Alanna, Geoffrey, Sacherell, Douglass) begin their fencing lessons.
432
Winter/Spring:
• Alanna and Sacherell duel; Sacherell trounces her.
• May 5—
○ Alanna’s true identity is revealed to George.
○ She meets Eleni Cooper for the first time.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn thirteen.
Summer/Autumn/Winter:
• Trip to Barony Olau with Sir Myles; Alanna obtains Lightning.
• Winter—Jon befriends City Folk; Alex becomes Roger’s squire.
433
Spring:
• Gary, Raoul, and Alex have reached their eighteenth birthdays; Jon will turn seventeen within the year.
• April—
○ Lord Martin arrives from Persopolis.
○ Alanna duels with Geoffrey and wins.
• Trip to Fief Meron and the Black City
○ The squires (and Alanna) meet Ali Mukhtab.
○ Jon and Alanna defeat the Ysandir.
○ Jon learns that Alanna is a girl.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn fourteen.
Summer/Autumn/Winter:
• Pages take a trip to Fief Naxen.
• Midwinter—
○ Raoul of Goldenlake passes his Ordeal of knighthood.
○ Gareth (the Younger) of Naxen passes his Ordeal of knighthood.
○ Alexander of Tirragen passes his Ordeal of knighthood.
○ Prince Jonathan of Conté passes his Ordeal of knighthood.
• Alanna becomes Jon’s squire.
• Geoffrey, Sacherell, and Douglass are made Alex’s, Gary’s, and Raoul’s squires.
434
Late Winter/Spring:
• Lord Alan dies.
○ Thom becomes Lord of Trebond.
○ Coram returns to Trebond.
• Alanna meets the Goddess and finds Faithful.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn fifteen.
Summer/Autumn:
• July—
○ Tusaine embassy arrives.
○ Alanna duels with Dain of Melor.
• Roger begins doubting “Alan” and sends people to keep an eye on Thom.
• August—
○ Alanna has her first kiss.
○ Jon turns nineteen.
○ Delia of Eldorne is introduced to the court.
• At some point, Adigun jin Wilima becomes the leader of Sarain.
435
Winter/Spring:
• January—The squires have to camp out in the Royal Forest; a boar attacks Alanna.
• Gary and Raoul fight a duel over one of Delia’s riding gloves; they are sent on border patrol.
• March—Alex and Alanna duel.
• April—George gives Alanna information about Tusaine that she passes on to Myles.
• King Roald sends out a Call to Muster.
• Alanna and company fight in the war against Tusaine.
○ Roger confronts Alanna.
○ Alanna gets captured.
○ Jon defies the king to lead a rescue mission.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn sixteen.
Summer/Autumn:
• August—A peace treaty with Tusaine is signed; the army returns to Corus.
• Alanna appeals to Eleni Cooper to teach her about a woman’s life.
Winter:
• The palace hunts for a wolf named Demon Grey.
436
Spring:
• Late January—Veralidaine Sarrasri is born in Galla.
• May—
○ Alanna and Thom turn seventeen.
○ Alanna and Jon become lovers.
Autumn/Winter:
• October—Queen Lianne falls ill.
• Uline of Hannalof is born.
437
Spring:
• Around this time, Dusan zhir Anduo tries to overthrow Adigun jin Wilima for the Saren throne.
• April—
○ George and Alanna travel to the City of the Gods, where Thom has become a Master.
○ George is nearly killed on the way home.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn eighteen.
Summer/Autumn/Winter:
• Alanna confesses her identity to Gary.
• October-ish—Civil war begins in Sarain.
• December—
○ Midwinter: Alanna passes her Ordeal of knighthood.
○ Second Feast of Midwinter:
• Alanna duels with Duke Roger.
• Alanna’s identity is revealed to the court.
• Douglass of Veldine, Geoffrey of Meron, and Sacherell of Wellam pass their Ordeals of knighthood.
438
Winter/Spring/Summer:
• New Year’s Day—Alanna and Coram head south.
• Alanna finds a crystal sword.
• Alanna and Coram join the Bloody Hawk Bazhir tribe.
• Ali Mukhtab arrives at the Bloody Hawk camp.
○ Mukhtab reveals himself to Alanna as the Voice of the Tribes.
○ He brings a written history of the Bazhir for Jonathan.
• Coram rides north to fetch Jonathan.
• Akhnan Ibn Nazzir tries to kill Alanna with the crystal sword.
○ Alanna kills him and takes possession of the sword.
○ She (unwillingly) becomes the tribe’s shaman.
• Alanna begins training apprentices.
• Shaman-apprentices have their first battle.
• A week later, the “shaman school” begins when other shamans visit the Bloody Hawk.
• Myles and Jon arrive.
• Jon passes his trial by combat and becomes a Bazhir.
• Alanna has her adoption ceremony with Myles; Kara and Kourrem are witnesses—a first for Bazhir women.
• The full moon—Kara and Kourrem pass the Rite of Shamans.
• Fifteen days later (at the new moon)—
○ Jon becomes the Voice of the Tribes.
○ Ali Mukhtab dies.
• Alanna and Coram travel to Port Caynn to visit George.
○ Coram meets Rispah.
• Kalasin, wife to Warlord Adigun jin Wilima in Sarain, commits suicide.
• May—Alanna and Thom turn nineteen.
• August or September—Nealan of Queenscove is born.
439
Winter/Spring/Summer:
• King Roald introduces Page Examinations.
• January—Alanna and Coram travel south, one week after George leaves.
• Halef Seif sends Alanna to Lake Tirragen to help the sorceress of Alois.
• Days later, before dying, the sorceress gives Alanna the map to the Dominion Jewel and the spell to fix Lightning by merging it with the crystal sword.
• March—Alanna and Coram show up in Berat to find Nahom Jendrai.
○ Alanna meets Liam Ironarm.
○ Queen Lianne dies.
○ King Roald dies in a hunting “accident” three weeks later.
• April—Alanna, Coram, and Liam head out of Maren.
○ Liam begins teaching Shang fighting to Alanna.
• Alanna meets Thayet jian Wilima and Buriram Tourakom (plus the children traveling with them) and escorts them to Rachia.
• April/May—The Great Market Riot takes place in Corus.
• May—
○ Alanna’s traveling company passes Sarain’s eastern border and heads to the Roof of the World.
○ A Doi seer tells the party their futures.
○ The Dominion Jewel is secured for Tortall.
○ Alanna and Thom turn twenty.
• Raoul meets up with Alanna, and they all travel back to Tortall.
• Alanna is made the King’s Champion, sixty days before the coronation (and two days after her return to Tortall).
• June—Beltane
○ Jon pardons George and ennobles him.
○ Alanna has her last meeting with the Goddess and meets the pantheon of deities of the Eastern Lands.
○ June/July—Master Si-cham comes to Corus to deal with the side effects of Roger’s resurrection.
• July—the day of the full moon
○ Jonathan is crowned king of Tortall.
○ Master Si-cham is murdered.
○ Duke Gareth of Naxen suffers a heart attack.
Autumn:
• Famine in Tortall as a result of the use of the Dominion Jewel.
• October (second week)—
○ Buri and Thayet visit Alanna.
○ Alanna gives Thayet and Jonathan her blessing.
○ The Wildcat (Eda Bell) brings Liam’s letter to Alanna.
• King Jonathan announces his engagement to Princess Thayet.
• George proposes; Alanna accepts.
440
• Education becomes available to all Tortallans; schools are opened throughout the realm.
• Prince Roald of Conté is born.
• Maura of Dunlath is born.
• Joren of Stone Mountain is born.
• Cleon of Kennan is born.
• Vinson of Genlith is born.
• Balduin of Disart is born.
• Zahir ibn Alhaz is born.
• Garvey of Runnerspring is born.
441
• Princess Kalasin of Conté is born.
• Faleron of King’s Reach is born.
• Yukimi noh Daiomoru is born.
442
• King Jonathan and Queen Thayet proclaim that girls can train for knighthood.
• Ozorne is crowned Emperor of Carthak.
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