Derek Karlavaegen

Derek Karlavaegen is a scribe, investigator, historian, writer, chronicler, a journalist, adventurer, traveler, magician, part-time sorcerer, and wanderer from the land of Daventry. He is a friend to the Royal House of Daventry, especially to Alexander. He resides in the former house of the wizard Manannan in the land of Llewdor. He found a device there that he calls "The Eye Between the Worlds," and it is by way of this that he is able to communicate with the Other World.^[1]

He was a reporter and contributor to both the Times of Daventry, and Daventry People. He sent histories, press clippings, maps, magazine articles, and the like from the world of Daventry to earth.^[2] He is now well known for writing the Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles. He is a central figure in the The King's Quest Companion which ties all the material together.

His full name and title is Derek Karlavaegen of Daventry.^[3]

Background

Derek Karlavaegen was originally an inhabitant of the green hills of Daventry. Many years ago, when Derek Karlavaegen was in his youth with little need for a razor, and a determination to see the world and all its myriad wonders and phantasmagoria. He began wandering, astride, afoot, and afloat; he discovered all he wished and more. He discovered a need and liking to record all he met, saw and heard. It was then he also discovered others would pay, to experience through his writings, that which he experienced without the inconvenience of seasickness, biting bugs, hostile witches and enchanters, or bandits. For most, that way is more easy, more safe, than living through those things for themselves. He used what he earned to travel more, to experience more, and to write more.^[4]

Shipwrecked in the Green Isles

One year, after Derek had traveled from Tamir, he took passage on a ship, the Round About bound east from from Port Bruce in Llewdor, his destination was Sovereignty of Serenia. On the second week out they encountered a terrible electrical storm. The ship became lost and off course. A month later, as Derek lay in a fitful sleep on his bunk - throat parched and skin stretched from the scant provisions allotted all hands from the near-empty hold below he heard the cry on deck "Land Ho!" Startled from his sleep and exhilarated with hope, he sprang to the deck. The sky had cleared and its blue seemed a hue he had never seen before. He could see a small body of land that was dimly visible. Yet within the hour, the curse upon our ship took its final vengeance. The the sea came alive and swirled around the ship. Currents and whirlpools materialized and sucked at the beaten planks of the ship - turning her first one way and then another! Derek was thrown against the deck and rolled uncontrollably against the cables and the lifeboats. The last thing he heard before his head was struck and blackness descended was the mate screaming "She's going down!!!"^[5] All had perished except Derek Karlavaegen, and he barely survived.^[6] Out of sheer luck, Derek awoke the following morning, not among the bones at the bottom of the sea, but on a beach. Of the crew and passengers of the good ship, there was not a trace.^[7] The sea had washed all of Derek's remaining youth out of him. Like an old beaten horse too lame to pull a load, he limped towards a distant village, only to collapse. ^[8] Derek had found the Land of the Green Isles, a place he had thought didn't exist. The Green Isles welcomed him warmly, fed, clothed, and healed his body. The women helped heal his fevered mind and shipwrecked soul. Once strong and well, he was given the freedom to wander through as many islands and cultures as he wanted, and the freedom to speak to all he might fancy.^[9]

Exploring the Islands

At first, he explored the village where he was staying. Though little of his possessions survived the shipwreck, the few trinkets that he had on his person or managed to salvage from the shore were deemed unusual enough in that distant realm to obtain a few necessities. He also found the villagers eager to share what they had in return for honest work, so he survived quite comfortably there.^[10] Later he explored the docks, where he met the Ferryman, and his young son, Hassan.^[11]^[12]

Despite his status as a stranger Derek was granted a visit with the reigning king and queen of the Green Isles, Caliphim and Allaria. He met the king and queen in the castle's throne room. As a citizen of the larger, more dangerous world, it made him feel a little nervous and honor bound not to betray such trust in him. He met the king and queen in the castle's throne room. The throne room was a vast hall more ornate then anything his poor eyes had ever seen. Standing before the two thrones in that cavern of gold, he felt as though he stood before fabled Olympus itself. Yet, raising his eyes up slowly to those noble faces, he saw nothing of judgment in their eyes, nothing of disdain; indeed, their faces were full of welcome and kindness. Having met the royal couple and recovered sufficiently from his ordeal at sea, he began to feel curious about the other islands in the kingdom, and so he put his itching feet in the care of the jolly ferryman.

Derek traveled around the islands, first exploring the Isle of Wonder. Then he traveled to the Isle of Sacred Mountain. Two of the greeters met him at the base of the Cliffs of Logic. Gently, they took his arms and flew him upwards. He was flown to the Winged Ones city. He was completely dependent on the greeters to travel about the city as there are no connections between the edifice towers of the city. His reception with the Winged Ones was on the surface extremely polite, but the formal words of welcome did not ring true. They held a disdain for common humanity, a haughtiness that made them irksome to Derek. He learned of the Oracle, but was not allowed to meet her. While on the Island he found himself fascinated by the Ancient Ones. He researched the race from what he could get from the closed-mouthed Winged Ones, and later from writings of scholars on the Isle of the Crown. He spent some time studying the language and culture of the Ancient Ones. He examined the ancient culture's artifacts including the Cliffs of Logic which had not been solved by any alive at the time, and the the gates to the catacombs which were inaccessible to visitors at the time as a minotaur had taken up residence inside some years before. Soon he continued his exploration to the Isle of the Beast, but he did not see much of the place since obstacles made it impossible to travel far inland. He learned what he could of its history from others.

Through long nights spent before the fire with his companions on the Isle of the Crown, he learned of the Green Islanders' myths and legends. He learned of the Isle of Mists, the Edge of the World, the Realm of the Dead, and even of genies. He had been well treated on the islands and had become rich in friends, knowledge and in countless other blessings.^[13] Often, and freely, he was granted audience with the land's king and queen, Caliphim and Allaria. They spoke much of the Green Isles, and he of the rest of the Daventry.^[14]

Return to Serenia

In the evenings, he began composing a guidebook to their lands, refining it during the months of his stay.^[15] Though he found his spirit forlorn at times with his inability to travel on, though his feet had itched less there than anywhere else in the wide world (for it had stolen his heart). Still on occasion, he found his mind roving back to the green hills of Daventry. He hoped, if his spirit at least was allowed to roam free, he would see them again.^[16] He continued to feel melancholy for the places and people, he knew well, but resigned to spend his life hidden away from them, never to return home again. Although some of his mood, he put down onto paper, to admit the truth of his bitter feelings; his intention was to present a copy of his finished work to the king and queen in appreciation for all they and their people had done for him. He could not hide his longings from them.^[17]

When at last one evening after an especially fine meal and a goblet of rich, red wine, he finally proffered his gift to them, their eyes saddened and they looked away from him. After a moment King Caliphim warmly thanked him for the slim volume and walked with him into a garden. There, under a bronze moon, they asked him a great favor. His realm, he said, remained a legend to the rest of the world, and he, his queen, and his people, wished it to remain so. Too honorable to compel him, either by force or harangue, to release his sole other copy to him, he simply stated that if others saw his book and knew the location of the isles, their peace and harmony would be disrupted forever. The Green Isles had chosen to live apart from the greater world; to learn to know each other, and to learn from each other also. Perhaps the future would bring their course to join with that of others, but for then they only wished only their peace and privacy. Both he and Allaria prayed much for a child, and they wanted her to know the Green Isles as they had. Only if it became her wish, someday the children of Daventry, and their parents, would walk the islands. But until then their resolve was firm.^[18] And so it went, Derek assured the king and queen that he would retain his own slim copy as a keepsake of his time in their realm and guard it closely. He promised further that, when needed, he would do all he could to point attention away from the legendary Land of the Green Isles.

The two hugged him warmly, as if he were royalty the same as they, and then summoned their ancient court sorcerer to attend him as their final gift to him. Derek bid Caliphim and Allaria a long and happy life, and wished the same for all their subjects and the daughter they hoped for. A spell was cast, and he awoke in a bower not far from the town of Serenia. Nearly a year after he began his journey, he finally arrived at his destination.^[19]

Some time later, Derek returned to the green hills of Daventry, his homeland, that he loved.

Friendship with the Royal Family of Daventry

Almost two decades passed... Although it's not clear when they first met, for some years it had been Derek Karlavaegen's fortune to be associated with the Royal House of Daventry; King Graham, Queen Valanice, and their children, Princess Rosella and Prince Alexander. He had known Prince Alexander almost from the moment of his return to the people of the Daventry from years of captivity in the house of the evil sorcerer Manannan. Derek was among the family and friends who held the prince dear, Derek was proud to have Alexander consider him a friend.^[20]

Shortly after Alexander's return from Llewdor and Rosella healing her father, Derek caught up with Prince Alexander as he relaxed in Castle Daventry, the home he had never known, to conduct an interview. Their interview was conducted over several days and was interrupted frequently by the queen's reports on the king's improving physical condition, and by their spontaneous hugs and tears. At these times of family emotion, Derek would withdraw discreetly; as some emotions demanded their privacy.^[21] As Alexander spoke to him, the story held him with its intensity. He edited the princes words somewhat for brevity and style.

Not long after the interview, a few months after Alexander's escape,^[22]^[23]^[24]while the rebuilding of Daventry was going on,^[25] Derek Karlavaegen traveled to Llewdor in order to get a better understanding of what the brave youth had been through. It was for that reason he arrived at Manannan's abandoned house. The place was totally deserted, He found no evidence of the cat wizard. He found the house in good repair, but no person or animal was anyplace near; and he found no remains of dead animals (apparently even the chickens had escaped). Derek resolved to spend some days there, to use it as a base for his explorations around Llewdor. During the night he took advantage of Manannan's large library, looking closely through his books on magic and magical lore. The days stretched into weeks, and still no one came to claim the large house with its well-stocked underground laboratory.^[26]

Inside the house, Derek discovered the Eye Between the Worlds, on one of the shelves in Manannan's library. Derek Karlavaegen began to send messages and documents from the universe of Daventry to the Other World to the author Peter Spear.^[27] The court documents included many of his own written works as well as a few articles written by Daventry's stuffy old court chronicler, minister Gerwain, Alexander (A Magical Primer), Valanice, as well as other bits of information he pulled from articles, and his own research, interviews, and his own hand-drawn maps of the period. Derek decided to give to his, unknown friend (Derek didn't know who he was in contact with) in the Other World, a quick tour of the world of Daventry with his own words. He sent some of his own crude maps along with his communication to further illustrate his world--what there was of it.^[28] He also included a copy of Ten Days in Tamir---Vacation in Paradise and Fragments from The Sorcery of Old by unknown authors.

Derek had to be wary of the thugs and desperadoes that infected the forest of Llewdor. They still hid in their tree-house, from which they preyed on travelers.^[29] He began to start calling them the Brat Catpack. During this time, Alexander had given Derek some gold to give to the Bear family as retribution for having robbed them during his quest. Upon hearing the story of the prince's trials and adventures, they forgave him, and gladly took the offered gold.^[30]

A little over a year later, Derek Karlavaegen was invited by King Graham and his family to spend some time at the refurbished Castle Daventry with them, a few moons after their ordeals with the evil Wizard Mordack. They asked him to write and record, for all who might read, the quest of the King of Daventry to save his family and his castle.^[31] It was around this time that Cedric also visited the Wizard Crispin to get his side of the story as well. He also obtained some information from Alexander, that the prince had received from secret communications with Cassima, which concerned her time living with Mordack in his castle. He also pulled together as much information he could find on Serenia, and surrounding islands. Returning to his home in Llewdor, he uploaded the information to the Eye, along with new updated maps.

Return to the Green Isles

Keeping his longtime promise to the king and queen of the Green Isles, Derek was forced to lie a few times in order to protect the truth of things. At times he claimed he never knew of Land of the Green Isles, said they never existed, and that he had thought it was a myth. He kept up this charade even after learning about Cassima. When he drew up maps of the world and sent them to people in Daventry and in the Other World, he would either leave it off the map entirely or put in it the wrong location to protect it from people who might try to visit.

It wasn't until Alexander came to him earnest about finding Cassima that he finally admitted the Land of the Green Isles was real and he gave Alexander its location. Alexander came to Derek Karlavaegen's home (the house of the magician Manannan) to seek his help. While his ship was being prepared, he asked if Derek knew anything about the land he was going. It was his great joy to be of greater aid than perhaps Alexander had anticipated. For he gave Alexander his personal copy of the Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles, of the Crown, the book had never been offered for sale or perusal. He felt a small glow of pride that at last his words would be read (and would ultimately save Alexander's life).^[32] Several months passed, and there was no word of Alexander reaching his destination. The waiting preyed on Derek and the Royal Family. But through all that long wait, no matter the dire warnings of the doom-sayers who were certain the prince was lost forever, Derek and those who knew Alexander never despaired. At last their faith was rewarded. On a momentous day, Derek had gathered with the Royal Family in Daventry for an unknown cause, when news came that Alexander was alive and well. With the genie Shamir's help Alexander's family was brought to Daventry, and at his prince's request, Derek too had been asked to become part of the celebration.^[33] He was given a room in the Castle of the Crown to stay, and given access to the castles libraries and archives. A few days before the wedding, Alexander came privately to him in the room he occupied in the Palace of the Crown, tasking him write the chronicle of the events of Alexander's adventure before the celebration commenced to be put into the records of both kingdoms. Alexander left for him on his table vellum sheets with his scribbled notes. They discussed the story, lifting the first sheet of vellum and quickly scanned the crossed-out and written-over lines. Derek read over the notes, and admitted candidly that they needed a little work. Derek's hands itched to take hold of the threads of the Alexander's strange story and weave it into a strong and colorful shape. He promised Alexander that the chronicle would be ready to enter the royal archives on his wedding day. He began writing on the eve of the wedding, burning much lamp oil through the night. Derek made sure to include all of what Alexander felt, only omitting what was not known to him at the time (information was contained in other scrolls). He reconstructed events the best he could, drawing on the extensive library in the castle, and his own knowledge of the Land of the Green Isles.^[34] The next morning finishing the chronicle, keeping his word, Derek Karlavaegen was summoned to Alexander and Cassima's wedding.^[35] He handed the pages into the Royal Archivist of the Isle of the Crown, so that copies could be made, and then headed to the wedding.^[36]

As all the folk of Daventry, and the people and creatures of the Land of the Green Isles, still rejoiced and celebrated the joining of Prince Alexander and Princess Cassima, Derek bowed his head and apologized to those he had lied to about the existence to the islands in the past. The shame he held for having to lie, and also having had to breaking the trust to the former king and queen of the land. He wrote a letter, his "A Confession and Apologia" to the readers of both the Times of Daventry and Daventry People, in which he begged forgiveness to anyone he may have wronged. This he sent along with a copy of the chronicle for all to read, as well as his final updated maps.^[37]

Later communications

Not long after, Derek came across a lengthy narration, more a romance than anything else, which was wildly popular among the readers of popular gossiping and literary trifles. It was an anonymous telling of a secret story concerning the queen and princess of Daventry and the dangers they faced during a kidnapping of Rosella by the false king of the trolls and her subsequent rescue. The story also relates that the princess was considering marriage to a prince who had spent his entire life, with the exception but a few days, ensorcelled into something other than himself, never knowing his true nature or identity.

Derek was cautiously skeptical about the veracity of the tale, thinking it more fancy than fact. More fiction than history as he knew it. Although Derek had been privileged to be close to King Alexander, his parents, and sister Rosella, he heard nothing of a possible marriage. Nothing from the princess. Nothing from her family. Nothing from their words, looks, or body language. He believed rumor or fabrication was all that was possible. The mass hope for another royal wedding, manifesting itself as true romance, was another conceivable explanation for the widespread and uncritical acceptance of the tale.

Derek knew Rosella to be impetuous, but she was no fool. He believed she would marry no man before her time, and that she knew near nothing of Edgar. He believed although Valanice was warm-hearted and full of kindness toward all, she would do anything to defend the life of her daughter. She would not be so easily swayed from her course of rescue in Etheria, as the tale may tale.

Yet, he believed it possible that the tale could be true; all is possible and the truth may have been hidden from him for reasons only the royal family knew. It was their right and their privilege, and Derek was but a loyal subject. But that somehow rang false to him.

Derek came up with another explanation, one which suited his own misgivings, and at the same time he believed brought the universes together (both Daventry and the Other World). He remembered that his world was always recreating itself. He also knew that a great dreamer in the other world created tales and fables from that which was Daventry's own reality, Daventry's own history. He believed that there may be another great dreamer now living within his world, who could dream of the fictions of the other universe, and was creating new realities and histories for his world.^[38] He believed the worlds were drawing together, they had already been fairly close to begin with. That both worlds dream each other. The other world was creating its own visions of his world, a different Daventry than his people inhabit. And now his people were dreaming of the version told in the Other World, and with that his world changed.^[39]

Later he put his thoughts down within a letter in which he discussed his shock and surprise at the story, and his disbelief. He included the various possibilities he had come up with. The possibility that it was mere gossip. The possibility that he could have been wrong, and finally his belief that his world was now changing because of great dreamer dreaming of the Other World's interpretation of his world. This letter along with the court chronicle that it related to, he sent to the Other World through the Eye Between the Worlds.

However, Derek Karlavaegen is known to have sent many documents covering events of later times, including further adventures of individuals in the world of Daventry. Of particular note are known documents, covering events in Serenia set several years after the royal family's adventures in Serenia, Green Isles, and Etheria. This material covered material such as the lives and later success of Sonny Cincinatus, Tailor Fey, and others in the Sovereignty of Serenia.^[40]

It is not known if he had published an account of the events of Connor's adventure, and it is unclear what he was up to during that time, or even if he was still alive by that time. If he was alive, it is known that like all mortals, he too would have been overcome by the stone magic affecting everyone in the world (or vanished along with most of the world). It is known that a writer, perhaps Derek Himself was exploring the old Castlekeep Ruins when the cataclysm hit, but the writer's identity is unknown. Perhaps he does not remember many details of the events or perhaps his transcripts were never sent to the Other World.

Personality and traits

Derek is a writer in the world of Daventry, he scribes stories about current events of the day for anyone who cares to listen, which are then published for the information and amusement of whoever cares to read them. He practices the magical arts daily, and while not so practiced to pass himself off as a professional sorcerer, he had achieved enough proficiency to contact the Other World.^[41] He is a writer of contemporary events, who hobbies in magic, and travels much.^[42] He is a humble observer.^[43] He is one who journeys and observes, questions and scribes. Many folks look upon what he writes as so near truth they accept it as such. He has been offered, and accepted both gold and coin for these efforts. What was once the amusement of a youth with itching feet and an inquiring mind had provided him with both a gentle living and an undesired notoriety.^[44]

Derek is not a hero, he is a wanderer - neither as strong nor as brave as others.^[45]

Derek believed he had chosen for some destiny when he ended up in the Green Isles.

It has always been Derek's experience, that while many can handle adversity well, sudden good fortune can be the unkindness gift of all.^[46]

While Derek's exact features are unclear, he has pinkish-tan skin like most people born in Daventry and looks to have had dark hair. When he had begun his travels around the world in his youth, he had little need for a razor. But by the time he landed in the Green Isles, he had apparently become a 'sour old dog', well traveled and weathered.^[47] The last vestiges of his youth had been washed from him, thus he was middle aged at the time. He is shown to walk with a cane which may indicate further his more aged self. Based on known details he was probably between 30 - 40 years old at the time at least. His choice of apparel appears to include a rakish white hat with what appears to be a red feather of large plumage. The rest of his clothing is equally foppish including a fancy reddish overcoat with puffy sleeves and thick cuffs, dark baggy pantaloons, and knee high leather boots. Some twenty years later (when he was about 50 - 60 years old), it can also be gleaned he may even had a beard, or at least kept himself shaven.

When writing, Derek enjoys a glass of smooth, sweet red wine at his side.^[48] Derek is also quite fond of local celebrations including weddings and festivities.^[49]

Some including Graham, think Derek has a tendency to think too much. As he has been prone to theories and musings about life in Daventry, its history, and philosophy^[50]. Many of the things Derek sends are strange and ultimately puzzling and fantastical scribblings, musings, and narratives to those of the Other World.^[51]

Derek is known for being a curious soul. He has read records concerning the Other World, and knows as much about it as any who live in Daventry. Because of this he was able to determine that much that appeared on the Eye, came from the Other World. That the metal head in the study was connected certain of earth's machines (of similar design).^[52] Because of the curiosity of his, he discovered mention of Daventry and King Graham's adventures in the Other World, which he discovered existed as a sort of fantasy adventure intended as an entertainment for people. After experimenting with the eye for a time, he became convinced he could send messages directly through it to others. He didn't know if what he sent would arrive in the Other World, but he figured out how to send the words on their way. He had nothing to lose, and for whoever discovered it, he hoped to provide wonder, knowledge, and enjoyment. To that end he continued his solitary experiments and copied some of the histories and narratives of his time. Because he knew there were people who were somewhat familiar with King Graham, he sent on one night and others, some of the chronicles of his court--stories of the king and his family. This was so his readers could compare them to the stories that had been written in the Other World. He wrote of other things as his mood struck him or when he felt like copying some interesting words of others. He did this over some time, and more than once, so that the Other World could learn something of the wonder, magic, mystery, of the multiverse. So that they could learn anything is possible and that everything could be true. So that those in the other world could again learn to believe in their dreams. ^[53]

He treasures truth and holds it precious. He believes to to deliberately twist and deform it, to mislead all who trust his thoughts and observations are without deliberate distortion is against his nature and ethic. He believes if what people say cannot be trusted, and history is recorded not as it were, but rather what it was not, that society would not be able to function. He believes there only be equality and justice if there is openness and truth. Without them, he feels that humanity would be just like those left behind in the Other World.^[54] He was very much aligned with truth, even when it was bitter. While Derek has tried to remain truthful all of his life, there is only one situation that he has been known to lie about. That is his knowledge of the existence of the Green Isles, and his knowledge of the kingdom. He chose to lie about it to protect the kingdom and its inhabitants. This was to keep a promise he had made with Caliphim years before. He only broke his pledge to the king and queen of the Green Isles, when Alexander came to him for his help. He chose to break the pledge to help their daughter. In an attempt to be honorable in his acts and words, he gave his personal copy of his Guidebook to Alexander, not as a promise broken, but as a trust upheld.

There is not a whiff of fakery in Derek's steady flow of words detailing the reality of his universe, just one of endless realities that make up what he calls the multiverse. Derek's certainty is in contrast with the confusion of some of those in the Other World, who read his information. While he is aware of the wonder of the one-way correspondence to our world by way of the device he calls The Eye Between the Worlds, it is to him but wonder in a universe filled with such. And as such, it is a perfectly reasonable situation to him. He has only once wondered and that concerned events of Rosella's and Edgar's romance.^[55]

Derek is not one to ensure his needs and wishes over others, especially those who have been good and kind and generous to him. He believes there is room in the multiverse for all.^[56]

He also moved into Manannan's house in Llewdor, not long after Alexander left, and it is from there he is able to send messages to the other world through the Eye Between the Worlds. He is content to stick with this endeavor until he had exhausted Manannan's extensive magical library, or his wine cellar.^[57]

Derek is a frequent, distinguished, and popular contributor to both The Times of Daventry and Daventry People.

Derek asks for people to excuse his artistic shortcomings, he is a writer and a magician (of sorts), not an artist.^[58] Although not a great artist, he is only an amateur, and a bit a cartographer having both illustrated his Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles. He also created artwork and maps which he sent over from the World of Daventry.

Notes

Although no specific age for Derek is given at the time the Guidebook was written. There are clues that can be used to figure it out. He describes himself as a 'sour old dog', which suggests he was already at least middle age (or at least experienced in life). In the Companion, he described himself as a youth nearly two decades before KQ6 (suggesting no more than 20 years had passed) with little need for a razor when he began exploring the world. One year during this journey he ended up in the Green Isles (it is not specifically clear when he began and the year he ended up in the Green Isles, although it seems to be less than twenty years ago, based on other date references). He mentions the last of his 'youth' was washed from him in the shipwreck, suggesting his ordeals had aged him. Though it's not clear how long he spent traveling the world up to the time he crashed (it had to be at least one year after the start of his journey). It would support him being middle aged when he wrote the Guidebook. Comparatively speaking, Derek began his journey approximately six years after King's Quest 1 (Companion timeline in Anniversary timeline). Graham was around 25 years old at that time (Derek was likely a similar age or bit older). He was probably less than 40, but would have had to reach the islands anywhere between 30-40 years old (assuming forties are middle-aged^[59], although KQ4 suggests that Graham was already considered 'old' in his forties in KQ4). At the time of KQ6, two decades later, he would have been around 50 to 60 years. At that time, Graham was already old at 45 years since before his 42nd birthday (KQ4)^[60]). Likewise as this is associated with Derek, Hassan would have most likely be in his late twenties to forties in KQ6, as he was just a boy when Derek met him (keep in mind that KQ6 indicates that the ferryman is old, though probably younger than he appears.^[61]), but certainly older than the young Alexander (in the Companion several times Hassan mentions that Alexander is much younger than him).^[62] Hassan is at least twice Cassima's age (she was 15-16 in KQ6), as he was already an adult when Alhazred came to the islands, and she was already new born. This would indicate that Derek Karlavaegen is probably about twice as old as Hassan.
Alternativley there may just be a discrepency between Guidebook which makes him an older character, and the Companion which makes him a 'younger' character at the time of KQ6.
Though Derek may have originally been from the green hills of Daventry, he is no longer a citizen of that country, and apparently now a citizen of Llewdor (though he has maintained his title Derek Karlavaegen of Daventry). Therefore, Graham is not his monarch. Because of that he is capable of stating any disagreements he has with Graham's policies; though he usually agrees with him.^[63]
Derek at first sent material to Peter Spear, but in time he began sending material to eluki bes shahar, Jane Jensen and possibly even Roberta Williams herself.
Derek has wrote several articles and books including the Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles, The World of Daventry, The Eye Between the Worlds, Prince Alexander's Own Story! Exclusive Interview, two chronicles of events of Graham's rescue of his family, and Alexander's journey to the Green Isles, A Confession and Apologia, a few other assorted notes, maps & articles in both Times of Daventry and Daventry Today with topics such as; Yetis, bandits, Cassima, Crispin, Dracula, Gerwain^[64], Graham^[65], Green Isles^[66], the town of Daventry^[67], Manannan^[68], monkey soldiers, Pirates^[69], Serenia^[70], Silver Cross^[71], Three Bears^[72], Tambourine^[73], and the Ancient Well.^[74] Finally, his last known document is a letter concerning rumors of an upcoming wedding between Rosella and Edgar, and his skepticism of the veracity concerning adventures of Valanice and Rosella in Eldritch.
In addition Derek has compiled a series of documents not written by him, but by others, that he has sent over. These include a court chronicle by an unnamed scribe, a court chronicle by Gerwain, a court chronicle by Valanice, another court chronicle by unnamed author. He also sent excerpts of the Telltale Traveler concerning Tamir. He has also sent copies of Alexander's two magical treaties, and assorted articles from Daventry People, Bruce Banner and other periodicals; a few example topics include, the Bakehouse, an article about Milvia owner of an antique store in Kolyma, an excerpt from an article about Hagatha, excerpts of writings from Graham (Condor & Lion), some information from Cassima (passed from Alexander), excerpts from an interview with Rosella (Lolotte, whale, and snow leopard) and a advertisement for Hamlet performed by Frankie of Avalon in the Bruce Banner, thoughts from Valanice concerning the Sapphire Jewels, and some thoughts by Crispin concerning the Universe Interpreter.
In addition there are some bibliographical information sent over by Derek, but whom the exact author is not specified (likely Derek, or one the above specified authors, but could be from others). Some may simply be rumors, legends and myths collectively believed Daventry's populous which Derek is recording, these include such topics as; Edgar, Cedric, Magic Doors, Lake Maylie, Magician's Guild, Society of Wizards, Elves, Ogres, Gnomes, Trolls, Dwarfs, Merlin's Mirror, Country Inn, Toyshop, Mushka, Shoeshop, Harpies & Tailershop. Rumors passed by mariners about Mordack's Island.
Based on his descriptions of Alexander's kidnapping, Derek may have been there to witness it. He states upon looking at Alexander, it was hard to imagine that the prince was the same bawling babe who was kidnapped by the shores of Lake Maylie.
Derek was unusually empty of facts about Cassima and the Green Isles. Normally one had to hack through much extraneous verbiage when he sent information about something to the Other World. He did place the Green Isles on a map he had devised of his world, but said nothing about it or its peoples. He also mentioned that Alexander and Cassima had communicated since their meeting (before Alexander's journey to the Green Isles), but didn't say how, or where, or when. Nothing was as it appeared, and little was known.^[75]
Over the years, Derek often wrote and proclaimed that the Green Isles were most likely fictions and rantings. Even after King Graham defeated Mordack and along with rescuing his family, freed the Princess Cassima of the Green Isles (Caliphim and Allaria's daughter!), he continued his public deceptions. He had published maps which deny the Green Isles' very existence. He had published maps where he placed them in unlikely locations, knowing full well that if people searched, they would find nothing. And he knew if fold did trip on some wave and fall upon the islands, the currents and shoals would likely be their doom. Only when Alexander asked for his help before leaving to the Green Isles did he break his pledge to the king and queen. These were his lies. He lied, for good cause, but still he lied. And lied is the only word that fits.
Of the sets of maps Derek sent to the other world, the first set marks the general area where the Green Islands are located with the warning, "Here Abide Monsters" (this may be partially true, but it also points away from any existence of islands in that region). In the second set of maps he sent after learning of Cassima, he included a rough drawing of the Green Islands in the same spot showing about seven islands (or rocky shoals). In the third set of maps he sent, he included a map with five islands, including the present configuration of the islands. Derek has pointed out that there are sometimes more islands, sometimes even six more, and that come and go daily.
Hassan mentions Derek in KQ6 Amiga, that he remembers the 'wanderer' Derek coming to the islands when he was a boy (this is likely the only direct reference to Derek made in any of the games).^[76] This text is also found in the files of the PC versions of the game, but is not accessed in game.
Derek Karlavaegen is said to have attended the wedding of Alexander and Cassima. Though he can't be seen in the game (or can he? Is he the green robed individual?).
Derek Karlavaegen has personally met Crispin.^[77]
Considering how hard Derek tried to keep the Green Isles a secret, and that only a few copies of his Guidebook existed. It is unclear how Abdul Alhazred came upon a copy. Derek's copy was accounted for in his own collection. The only other known original copy was within the Green Isles in the palace library itself. But somehow Abdul found a copy of the "Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles", and that was why he decided to come to the kingdom and take over.^[78]
Derek Karlavaegen has mentioned there are things that he have said were true when he first mentioned them become false, and some things things he mentioned that were fantastical speculation on his part (or others), that became true... He mentions that the world of Daventry is always in flux, and in change.
Derek believes and has told Alexander multiple times; About the craft of chronicling, which is the gentle art of gathering information. A proper chronicler makes a point of speaking to everyone he may while in the process of preparing his history, since anyone might know something that might properly belong within his tale.^[79]
Derek sent his first version of the World of Daventry article and the An Encyclopedia of Daventry shortly (a few months) after KQ3 & 4 at the time he moved into Manannan's house, during the time the kingdom was being rebuilt; stone walls were being taken down, the stones used to build homes for the returning citizens, great magics were unleashed to repair the land, and improving weather (fresh rains) helped heal the land and bring plant life back. He mentions at the time the harvest had been good, and that the year's wines were even better. He gave an update on the situations in Daventry, Kolyma, Llewdor, and Tamir at the time. Likewise it would seem the update took place before Alexander killed the pirates of the western sea, as it mentions the pirates still land in Port Bruce (perhaps new pirates or Derek was wrong, and not all had died, and there were other ships).

Additionally Derek mentioned that he was still wary of the Brat Catpack bandits when he moved into Llewdor in one of his notes, but in the World of Daventry article, it would seem the bandit problems are supposed to be under control 'soon'. Suggesting the bandit note was written around the same time, or before the World of Daventry article. Also at this time, a tourism trade was developing in Tamir. Other things of note, according to Derek's various sources of information, by this time Graham had repaired the Ancient Well, Gerwain had retired to a small cottage in the forest to raise snails, at this time Edgar lived alone in Lolotte's castle (except for a few remaining monkey soldier Goons that stayed on to serve him), Rosella had done an interview for the Bruce Banner, Manannan's magic map was put on display in the Royal Library of Daventry, Frankie of Avalon premiered his adaptation of Hamlet as advertised in the Bruce Banner, Brother Fragola had become Daventry's royal chaplain, Alexander killed all of the pirates except for one some weeks after returning home, Alexander gave Derek gold to give to the three bears, and Graham continued to wear the silver cross. Alexander was teaching magic at the Royal University at that time (he continued to own Manannan's wand which he uses in preparation of all major spells), and Valanice was its best historian.

Derek Karlavaegen speculates that a powerful evil family such as that made up of Mordack, Manannan, and Hagatha must exist in the universe in order to balance the presence of the powerful and good royal family of Daventry. He feels that such conflict is part of the order of the universe not just to balance forces, but to give purpose to existence. If this is correct then this means that good and evil (or whatever one wants to call the two) must exist--just to keep things interesting!^[80]
Derek Karlavaegen feels fortunate, if not unduly lucky, that Mordack left him unscathed, despite the fact that the adventurer had taken up residence in the former home of his brother Manannan.^[81]
Besides Derek and Abdul Alhazred, it would seem Crispin somehow knew of the location of the Green Isles, as he knew how to return Cassima there.
Peter Spear mentions that Derek Karlavaegen sent other documents to the Other World, but he chose not to publish them, as they didn't yet apply to the universe seen in the games. These apparently concerned other major chronicle events, later adventures (including KQ6, KQ7, KQ8, and beyond).^[82] However Peter Spear never had the chance to officially publish anything after the KQ7 material (a 5th edition that would have covered KQ8, had been cancelled). Some of the material Peter chose to publish in the An Encyclopedia of Daventry appears to include articles that take place years after KQ5 (and thus would likely put those notes as having been sent after KQ6 and KQ7 as well). One such example is the information he sent on the Fey Tailorshop, which mentions the Fey brothers put the golden needle up each year for their annual clearing sales. So while Derek had been sending material over several years period of time, quite a bit of it reached Peter Spear around the same time (over the course of a few weeks, to months). However, most of the material included in the An Encyclopedia of Daventry appears to have originally been sent around the time of KQ3/KQ4 or from over a year later, shortly after KQ5. Some of the KQ5 material may have been sent earlier, but Peter Spear only chose to publish it later (when he had confirmation by the release of the game).

Gallery

Behind the scenes

Derek Karlavaegen is character from King's Quest 6 and The King's Quest Companion.

Karlavaegen is a Swedish name, and is a district in Stockholm where the chancery is located. Also known as Karlavägen.

The character Derek Karlavaegen was created by Peter Spear for his King's Quest Companion. Later on Jane Jensen wrote the Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles and she used the character as the writer of the book. Derek was originally going to be known as John the Wanderer, before Jane decided on using Derek.

A Writer appears in KQ8, although it is unclear if this is Derek or someone else.