A Brief History of Vameria in the Time of the Princes — John Wheatley

The island of Vastameria, comprising the two nation states, Va'meria and Karagia, lies in the Western Ocean, eighty miles from its nearest continental neighbour. The island is approximately twelve hundred miles in length, lying on a slight SW to NE axis, and spans two hundred miles at its broadest point. A belt of high moorland and mountain terrain divides the two countries in roughly equal proportions, and forms a natural border between them running from the western to the eastern seaboards. The two countries are presently at peace with each other and have been so for 65 years, though tensions often run high, particularly over the so-called Disputed Territories, land annexed by Va`meria after the war of 1744-61. From “A Journey in Vastameria” by Alens Brinst, 1816 The love-match between Prince Lemyr of Va`meria and the beautiful Linsl, 14 years his junior, is seen as a means of restoring the fortunes of an unpopular monarchy in times of political instability at home and unrest in foreign affairs. At the same time, Corporal Jakkr of the Border Guard is courting Saryl, daughter of the landlord of the Inn at the Top of the World. The trials and conflicts of their respective relationships are set against the impending war with Karagia, which will shape the destiny of all four protagonists.