September 3rd
At last! The commander has returned, at last! My beseeching prayers, again answered! I've no word to adequately describe my transcendence beyond relief!
Everything is set. Tonight I leave the package in front of his door in the castle. Assuming the knight has already acquired the chest from the ancient tree stump, he should now have the dagger and half of the map to the castle in his possession. On the reverse of the map is his second clue:
A LONE KNIGHT STANDS FIRM OVER THE KING'S EVERY MEAL,
BUT ALL HE CAN SEE IS A PUZZLE.
With that he should find the cryptic schedule implanted in the suit of armor, which shall lead him straight into the commander's hands - and, with the evidence in his own hands, a pair of shackles. Even if the suspicions against him should wind up dismissed, his weeks in custody will surely serve sufficient to warrant a permanent replacement for the princess' appointed knight...and the king wouldn't fathom allowing anyone of such a tarnished reputation to court her.
As I write this, I find myself continually pausing to laugh. I sound like some manner of maniacal scientist plotting world domination. Mwa ha ha ha ha ha ha!
I may just catch a glimpse of the detainee to be before I set off, myself! What a fitting note on which to leave my former life.