Free Haven: Chronicles of Warshard by Katherine Bogle

people in such a time as this? My father continues to grow increasingly ill. His uselessness is a plague. I fear he may soon die and leave me to rule. I’m afraid, Haven. I don’t want to let my people down. I’ve tried to calm their unrest, but people have been fleeing into the mountains all day. I fear the civil problems this could cause with the native mountain folk. We’ve lived in peace for years and I don’t want to disturb them with our troubles.
    Salander will soon be in a panic. Alton is missing, and I fear this is only the first of what is to come. Fear is catching worse than fire in the grasslands. I must ask your advice, Haven. What should I do? Will Salander be next? I fear choosing between fight or flight. What if I choose wrong? Please Haven, send word when you can. A meeting will be held soon and I must be ready to ask for aid if it comes to that.
    With regards,
    Prince Emeril of Salander
    “This is madness,” Haven breathed, collapsing behind her desk. “Bring me quill and ink. I must write to Emeril immediately.”
    Toma nodded and fetched her supplies. Pulling parchment from between her files, Haven sighed and set to writing. All the while she could feel eyes on her. Malka watched with growing concern while Toma could barely keep still. Of course he’d want to know what she had to say, but first, she needed to send word to Salander.
    Dearest Emeril,
    I am so sorry for the state of things. It is an awful time to be a monarch it seems. I am distressed to hear of Ryulung, but do not lose heart. There is still time to salvage the situation. If Dessa can be retaken, so can Eris. I will discuss with my advisers a plan for food shortage. We will come up with a plan before the next meeting, where I will present our thoughts. As for advice, I am afraid that someone more experienced may be able to help you more than I. Please stay strong Emeril. Things will improve. If you need anything, send word immediately. I’m sure we will be dealing with refugees of our own soon, but we will see what we can manage. I will return your healers to you at once. My only advice to you will be to contact Evander, or Alton if you can find him. Their wisdom is much greater than my own, and certainly they will help.
    With deepest regrets,
    Queen Haven of Rythern
    Haven folded the letter before her adviser could read her words. She sealed it and passed the note straight to Malka. “Send this to Salander at once. Prince Emeril must read it before the day is done,” she said, finally turning to Toma. “We must make preparations.” Her adviser nodded quickly, and Malka passed her letter to a guard outside the door. She gave quick instructions before rejoining the queen, staying close in case Haven were to need her support.
    “Of course, Lady Queen,” Toma said. “Malka would you please send in the other advisers.”
    Malka nodded and disappeared into the hallway. When she returned, her five advisers went to work at their desks immediately. Haven suddenly thought that though they were always busy at work, maybe they were still listening. They could even discuss matters with Toma later on and she would never know. Bringing herself back to the present, Haven caught Toma’s eyes.
    “You read the letter?” she asked.
    “Yes, My Lady.”
    “Good,” she said. For the benefit of the others, she added, “Ryulung has fallen. Refugees are fleeing between Salander and Rythern. The farmlands of Eris have been decimated. We must prepare in the case of a food shortage.” Malka stared at her in shock, and the others stopped their scribbling. “If anyone has any ideas, please come forward immediately. I fear this loss could take effect at any time.”
    Haven didn’t know much about the distribution of food throughout her kingdom, let alone the others. She knew shipments constantly flowed through Wakefin and Eris, bringing food to all of their nations. It suddenly seemed paramount she learn more. Toma set to explaining. In the six