Expedition Journal VII: The Land of Opportunity
The Union of Coronado
Expedition Journal VII
In-universe date: Era Nova, October, Year 1
Real-world date: 7 August 2026
Author: Percival van der Berg
Leaving the desert behind, I continued north until the endless dunes gradually surrendered to rolling grasslands and scattered settlements. Before long, I crossed into a nation known as the Union of Coronado.
Unlike the kingdoms and tribes I had encountered before, Coronado possessed no singular ruler. Instead, its towns governed themselves, sending representatives to a council that united them only when the need arose. It is a curious system, one built not upon hierarchy, but cooperation between fiercely independent communities.
Vrijheid boven alles... maar nooit zonder samenwerking.
While exploring one of its larger settlements, my attention was drawn to an establishment called the Bright Wolf Saloon. Whether it was the unusual name or simply my growing curiosity toward Coronadan culture, I found myself stepping inside.
The atmosphere was unlike anything I had experienced before. Merchants, ranchers, laborers, and travelers all shared the same room, exchanging stories as though strangers were old acquaintances. I ordered a modest meal and drink before introducing myself to several of the locals.
Over the next few hours, they spoke at length about Coronado's history. They told of settlers who had crossed great distances seeking freedom and prosperity, eventually founding a land where each town would govern itself rather than answer to a distant authority. Whether every detail of this tale is true, I cannot yet determine, but it is clear that the story itself has become part of the Coronadan identity.
As our conversation continued, I asked if there were any individuals whose knowledge might further my studies.
One name surfaced repeatedly.
Stella Heartwood.
The patrons spoke of her with equal measures of admiration and caution. Ambitious. Capable. Direct. Some claimed she was acting as Governor until a new one could be formally elected, while others remarked that she often spent time overseeing her family's estate beyond the western fields.
Following their directions, I made my way westward until the town gave way to broad fields stretching toward the horizon. There, amidst fertile farmland, I found the woman they had described.
Stella Heartwood greeted me with courtesy, though it quickly became apparent she preferred straightforward conversation over unnecessary pleasantries. She answered each of my questions with remarkable clarity, explaining Coronado's decentralized council, its traditions of self-governance, and the delicate balance between regional independence and national unity.
Ieder volk kiest zijn eigen weg naar vooruitgang.
Though composed throughout our discussion, there was an unmistakable determination behind her words. It was easy to understand why others spoke of her with such respect. She carried herself as someone accustomed to responsibility, yet remained willing to speak openly with a wandering foreign scholar asking far too many questions.
As the evening drew near, she generously offered me refuge upon the Heartwood Estate for the coming days. I gladly accepted. There remains much to learn about Coronado, and I believe my conversations here have only begun.
De wereld blijft mij verrassen, en ik blijf haar zorgvuldig bestuderen.
Translation Notes
Vrijheid boven alles... maar nooit zonder samenwerking.
Freedom above all... but never without cooperation.
Ieder volk kiest zijn eigen weg naar vooruitgang.
Every people chooses its own path to progress.
De wereld blijft mij verrassen, en ik blijf haar zorgvuldig bestuderen.
The world continues to surprise me, and I shall continue to study it carefully.