Skill rank modified automaticly?

Hi all,

Maybe I'm missing out something here. But I have a question.
My Paragan is level 19 and has 11 in Command.
However, when I travel to Boreal Station in Eye of the North. Or other towns there, I only have Command rank 9.
It says: "Your rank in Command is normally 11 but is currently modified to 9."

What is that about? Why is that penalty?

It is because of the Journey to the North buff, it boosts you to level 20 stats and sets your attributes.

http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Journey_to_the_North

The buff will go away when you are level 20.

to add to the above post, the effect tries to set your attributes in the most effective way possible based on what skills you're using and what the requirement of your weapon(s) is.