10th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I sat down and re-read Kira’s notes after the meeting. I tried to see if I could gather some new clues from them, but I failed. Nothing in Kira’s observations gives away what killed my mother. Nor do they reveal a motive. Why would someone want to kill my mother? What did she do that would turn one of the council against her? I need to ask Oliver for help before I leave. He can watch the streets and ask around the shadier parts of Kos. Maybe someone knows something about poisons that will help us. My mother's symptoms must be linked to some deadly toxin. I was also informed that an old friend would accompany me on the journey. Sayian has returned from the continent, and I am quite glad for his presence. He has changed a lot since we were colts. His eyes are much darker, and he has a large scar across his side, but he’s still the same old Sayian. I’ll have to ask about his studies later.

The ship we will use for the journey is the newest in our navy. Her name is Warsong. She is the largest ship in the fleet, and the most advanced. She has six smaller rear cannons mounted on the railing that can be twisted and turned in many directions. She has a mortar cannon that can hit a ship a kilometer away, though it is far less effective at that range. She even has a special deck for magical weaponry such as blitz bombs and shardslugs. I asked to see the deck where the magical weaponry was kept but I was denied. She has three masts, a small army for a crew, and enough firepower to wipe an island clean. Or at least so the gunnery officer claims. Some say she is the most powerful warship in the world, and I would like to believe them. Even if there is a stronger ship out there we will be escorted by two brigs and three gunboats for good measure. No pirates or interlopers will be able to hurt us.

Addendum: I have been informed that Qurous of Uther escaped his execution today. He managed to run away from the executioners and bashed the inhibitor ring to pieces against a wall. He just slipped out of existence according to witnesses. I’ll send Oliver a letter to keep an eye out for him. When I can't trust anyone inside the palace it seems that drunk is my only hope.

11th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We left Kos today in the early morning hours. The sun was just kissing the horizon and most people were still asleep. Sayian was happy as you could be despite the fact we were leaving the capital. I found it strange since I assumed he would have liked to stay in Kos for longer, but I appreciate the company. His green skin has grown somewhat dull over the years, and the two fins on his back are riddled with scars. Appearly he helped fight off a pirate fleet in Silverfish bay. I am amazed he can act so happy and light despite the horrors he has seen. I wish I was more like him.

It took us ten hours, but we are out of the strait. The wind was not in our favor and the captain, one Xera Olim—a relative to our diligent Beriit—said that we should expect storms out at sea. This journey is already cursed by the gods it seems. Lovely.

Sayian decided to show me some of the combat spells he learned while serving in the Silveltian navy. I have never before seen a stallion create hundreds of tiny ice spikes and fling them so hard they can piece stone, but I will admit I was impressed. I wish I could have joined the church’s battle mages or the navy’s magic branch. Sayian promised to show me the spell later, and I can’t wait to learn it. He did not mention what happened at the market, and that makes me relieved.

12th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We passed a small merchant vessel a few hours east of Cat-paw islands. The sailors were surprised to see me and even more so our mighty warship. The Warsong is the pride of our navy: a hundred cannons, two hundred sailors, lofty quarters; they should be impressed. They wished us a pleasant trip and prayed for our safe return.

Sayian decided to share some stories from the conflict between Silfy and Garmain. I knew a little about it from the lessons the church mares had given me, but I had no idea it was so complicated. In summary, these two nations were once one and the same. Then a younger brother was crowned emperor, and the older brother, named Garmain, took an army with him over the river east. They transformed a trading town into a military fortress and so began hundreds of years of stallions screaming at each other about who held what claim to what land. I could gain favor from the emperor by officially backing his claim to Garmain’s land. It is not like the Dukedom could withstand the Silfy army, right?

Captain Xera, or Xer as she wants to be called, showed me how to steer the ship. I felt powerful, standing behind the wheel of such a strong vessel. I think she noticed my glee because she laughed at my expression. I hope to impress her before the journey is over. I need loyal officers and friends now when I can’t trust the council.

It is night time now. I think we’ll reach the Cat-paw islands in two hours or so. We will load up with precious cargo there and restock. I think Sayian said we were going to pick up sugar. We are not even selling it; it is a gift to the emperor. Why not give him elder spice while we're at it? I really hope all these expensive gifts will impress him. If they don’t I am taking them back. By Deran’s balls, I am not letting such expensive cargo go without a fight. Irmith would kill me if she saw me giving away such precious resources.

Will go to sleep now. Sayian said he’ll stay up and watch the stars. He seems more religious than when I met him last. I suppose being away from home for such a long time makes you reflect on faith.

13th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I explored Koise today. The city resembles Kos a lot, and it was built in the image of our great capital. It isn’t as large as Kos, and it only has one temple to the gods, but it is pretty with all the palm trees. I think I’ll enjoy it here, especially since Sayian said we’ll be given a greeting ceremony later. I can’t wait.

The Crustasian natives gave us a warm welcome. I have never had giant shrimp in garlic before, and I have to say it tastes good. They also gave us some of their more traditional reception through a dance. The mares were dressed in plain white dresses and danced around us in a ring. I have never found the Crustasian people that appealing before, with them resembling crabs and all, but I will say these mares were very beautiful. Their armored bodies twisted to the rhythmic beat of the drums in the most tantalizing way, and they were not above flirting with me. Later in the dance, their dresses changed into a myriad of greens and blues, giving the effect that the sea itself hugged their curves. It was an outstanding performance. I gladly offered the performers some silver shells for the trouble. I like this place.

Sayian took me to a black tower at the far end of the fourth island. Supposedly it had belonged to an order of warlocks once, but I think that is just folklore. My old friend was very eager to show me it. He specifically wanted to show the realm-bleeding around it. I have never observed a natural tear into the other realms before, but it is beautiful. When you approached the tower the plant life and animals shifted into strange shapes. Spirits in the form of whisps flew past. Sayian showed me that the Lyef real bled through the area around the tower. Lyef is the realm from which healers draw their energy, and I am supposed to believe it surrounds a tower where warlocks lived? Folklore is a strange thing.

We were treated to traditional Crustasian cuisine for dinner: Lobster, tuna, octopus, grilled pineapple, parik—boiled vegetables dipped in a spicy red sauce—and some chocolate-dipped bananas for dessert. The last part is hardly common and only enjoyed by those who can afford it, but the Crustasian lira was adamant we eat it. I may have forgotten to mention the lira in the earlier entry. He is the leader of the islands or as much of a leader he can be under our rule. He is the direct descendant of the lira who my great great great great grandmother defeated in combat during her conquest of the islands. Despite the strained history of our people, he was very gracious towards me, and he even prayed with me at the shrine to Demos. He seemed to actually grieve the loss of my mother.

It is night time and I am sleeping in the royal quarters in the lira’s palace. Tomorrow we will continue our journey north. If we are lucky with the weather we’ll be there in a few days. Hopefully, we won’t have to stop and restock along the way. Though I have seen some of the storms that ride the waves of the southern sea. They have torn ships apart and rendered spells mute. I hope Cirelin will bless our path.

14th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
The lira said goodbye to us this morning and we left to sail north. I am in my quarters looking through Kira’s notes once again. So far I have found nothing which could implicate any of the council members, but I will keep looking.

It was around afternoon Sayian told me I needed to see something. He showed me a fleet of Silveltian ships in the distance and proudly stated he had served on one of them. I noted the elegant and sleek design of the vessels and the blue flag they carried. A golden rings was plastered across their flags. The golden reeds of Silvelt. Sayian began telling a story from when he helped the navy secure a Neiran port from some rebels. I did not listen too closely, since I was occupied looking at the Silveltian ships.

It is nighttime. It was a very uneventful day. I will talk Sayian into showing me that combat spell tomorrow. I can also ask captain Xer to let me steer again.

15th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
Sayian showed me the spell today. One must summon energy from Ocìc, which I am not used to, and then cast the spell. I did not suffer from any attack by demons, but there were many curious spirits that touched my mind. I found it to be quite easy to repel them now when I was no longer home. Maybe the sea air has done me some good? Or perhaps my mother’s death has hurt me in more ways than one… Either way, it was exhilarating to cast the sharp projectiles. I could only summon a few, and they were hardly as sturdy as Sayian’s, but it’s a start.

The captain decided to show me the cannons. They were shining and well-maintained. The mares and stallions who cared for them seemed quite proud to have me inspect them. I am glad I was able to inspire such feelings in them, even if I am uncertain if I should be the one to do so. If I had an older sister she could have been here, inspiring the sailors better than me. Perhaps they’d respect her more. I can see a lot of the mares give me side-eyed glances when they think I am not looking. I am the first king in four hundred years, and they don’t like it.

Dark clouds on the horizon. It seems we will run into a storm.

16th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I am staying in my quarters until the storm is over. I have traveled on ships many times before and I have never felt seasick before. But this storm… My head won't stop spinning. Sayian seems perfectly fine, he even made fun of my suffering. Bastard. I’ll get back at him when we return to Cosea. Let’s see how he likes it when he’s forced to attend noble gatherings in my stead.

Sayian came in an hour ago and gave me some medicine. My head is no longer spinning and I feel like I can actually eat something. Apparently, the side of the ship has taken some damage and one of the gunboats almost sank. Xer came to inform me that everything is fine. Though considering the tall waves and thunder I am not so sure…

17th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
I stayed inside my quarters until this morning. The storm still isn’t over but we are closer to Silfy. We will be there in two to three days if the weather keeps up. I decided to go up and check on the sailors. No one on our ship had been lost to the storm, but we couldn’t be certain about the other ships. Sayian seemed quieter today. I think this storm is really bad if he looks gloomy. The waves can’t do much to our ship, but it looks like the gunboats will vanish into the sea at any moment. Xer ordered the lookouts to search for islands.

We lost one of the gunboats to a rogue wave… It came out of nowhere, tall as a tower, and swallowed the ship. It almost took one of the brigs with it. Sayian almost dove into the water to go after the fallen, but the crew held him back. We are strong swimmers, but not even a Cosean can survive waters like these… May the gods have mercy on their souls…

A few hours have passed since the sinking of the gunship. If I had not gone on this trip all those people would still be alive… I locked myself in my quarters and I have refused to open the door to anyone. I think Sayian did the same. What should we tell the families of the dead? ‘I am sorry your loved one is dead, we just had to have some royal boasting and performance’? Fucking ridiculous… I do not envy the captain of a ship, for each loss is under her command. And I am the captain of a whole nation… Gods give me strength.

18th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We set anchor outside an island. The storm is over. The damages to the smaller ships were quite severe, and so we had to stop to repair them. We also counted the dead and missing. We started the journey with over three hundred sailors, we are now down to two-hundred seventy-eight sailors. Many were lost on the brig from the rogue wave. That the ship survived at all is a miracle. With this delay, it may not be before the twenty-first before we reach Silfy.

A funeral service was held for the fallen. I gave a short speech for their bravery and sacrifice, but many seemed dissatisfied with it. My mother would have known what to say. I can not reassure them as she could. Sayian was the one to rescue my speech, he read a passage from one of the holy texts about a battle at sea. He compared the lost sailors to heroes of legend and avatars of the gods. That seemed to rouse a bit more joy from the sailors. Though the mares were once again not very impressed. Sayian seemed almost to welcome that attitude though. ‘I am just a stallion’ was his response when I asked him about it. I wished I could feel like him.

We will be leaving tomorrow morning. It seems the sailors are refusing to leave until we know the storm is gone for good. I understand their fear, but I understood the anger from Xer even more so. The captain said we’ll be very late. We are off-course and lost. I hope the emperor won’t mind.

19th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
Half a day from the island we ran into six Silfy war vessels. One of the galleons offered to show us the way and act as an extra defense against pirates. We agreed. It felt good knowing we were being led by someone who knew the way. The storm had thrown us a lot off-course.

We will reach Silfy tomorrow evening thanks to the warship. Will write more then.

20th of Veras, crown prince Vigilant’s journal
We can see the Silfy mainland now. It is a few hours away, but it is still visible. Sayian seems excited to explore the nation's shipyards and military facilities. I informed him that he might not be allowed in there. He responded that he always managed to get inside one way or another. I find Sayian to be a paradox sometimes. He follows the faith dutifully, yet he acts freely and pursues interest which most would shun him for. Perhaps I could learn some things from him.

The warship which is leading us is a bit larger than the Warsong. It has four masts, one of which is much smaller than the others, and it has more cannons than the Warsong. The ship's crew consists of only stallions as far as I can see, and their captain is a grey old Silfy pony with a missing back fin. The Silfy sailors point and laugh at our ship every once in a while, but their captain quickly silences it. I know that stallions hold much more power in Silfy, but I am only now realizing just how much power that is. Maybe being a king will make me more accepted here, even if those thoughts border on sacrilegious.

We arrived in the port of their capital late at night. I have read through the book Rin recommended to me, so I know some of the sights in the massive city. Ternov is a dark city, with buildings dressed in grey and black. The color comes from an array of yellow, red, and purple which paints some of the banners and walls around the city. Despite its dull colors the architecture is magnificent: Arching walkways between houses; large bridges that can hold hundreds of ponies; towers that spiral towards the very heavens; crystal lights that light up the city at night with an array of white, yellow, and red. I can already tell that the city will be amazing to explore.

We walked through the streets to the royal palace. Its size makes the palace in Cosea seem like a barn. Around two thousand mares and stallions work in the palace back home. They have five thousand workers. Though no mare in the nation is dressed in navy or military colors. Most mares I see are dressed in white or grey dresses, the exception being the wives of government officials. Our nobles hold most of the wealth in Cosea, but our population still enjoys a wide array of fabrics and clothes. Only the rich mares in Ternov dress in color and jewelry. Either way, we were shown to our quarters and told to show for breakfast at ten. It seems I will finally meet the emperor tomorrow. I am terrified. Sayian reassured me that it would be fine, but I don't believe him. Gods give me strength tomorrow.

Author's Note

Thank you all for reading the latest chapter of King of Cosea! I am trying to implement the use of semi-colons and em-dashes more in my writing. Please give me feedback on my grammar since I want it to be good for you guys. I want my writing to be enjoyable, but it is hard to understand when each thing fits in a sentence.