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This is a story about secret codes and ciphers with activity pages for each code and cipher in the story. For greater immersion, you can use the Activity Pages to encrypt and decrypt messages along with the hero. Engaging in the activities will not alter the plot.

Activities are designated by instructions like this:

     QFK: Use the information and printable plaintext and ciphertext strips to practice encrypting and decrypting messages using the new cipher.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

NOTE: Online versions cannot accurately display the Activity Pages. Download the optional free Activity Pages booklet on my website to print the pages and solve codes alongside the main character.

Solving the codes is optional and does not affect the story.

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Prologue

Two medieval kingdoms stand on the brink of war. The peaceful and prosperous Kingdom of Argonia basks in the sunlight of the southern end of the continent of Avalyrion. The Empire of Brindle occupies the cold and damp northern half of the continent. Separated by the Silvergleam River that fuels the economy of both countries, they have long been rivals.

After two decades of peace, rumors of war once again circulate in both countries. Now, in the Argonian castle, their Spymaster lies dead. The young King of Argonia summons the spymaster’s teenage apprentice, Ean Fleming, to an urgent meeting in the throne room. The young apprentice, who was a farmer until a week ago, is about to cross a threshold that will draw him into the center of events leading inexorably towards war.