"That's quite alright sir. Don't trouble yourself. I suspect the delay has something to do with me, and I am embarrassed to hold you and your passengers late for their connections. I will speak with the German's and see if I can't get the rest of you on the road sooner than late."
I leave all of my men on the train with my wife and Olga. I walk over to the men who were checking our passports and say, "Gentlemen, I am the Count of Zenda. What seems to be the delay?"
They had not started checking passports, but were merely detaining the train. The custom is to check passports as you enter a country, not usually as you leave. There are a couple of soldiers and a man in a business suit.
"Count of Zenda, you say?" The suited man eyes you suspiciously. "It is said that you look remarkably like your cousin, King Shawn, and share his name as well. Some say you do not exist, but are simply a way for the King of Ruritania to travel unmolested. It is also said that you are traveling with her royal highness the Grand Duchess of Russia. Does it not seem a bit incredible to you that so august a person should be escorted by a count who was unknown only a few years ago, and whose lineage no one seems able to confirm? Are you not actually King Shawn of Ruritania? And are you not also behind the several acts of aggression Ruritania has performed in recent years, arming her borders, acquiring weapons, and raising an army? My government wants some answers. Let us say, it is so kind of you to pay us a visit, your majesty."
--M. J. Young
You are mistaken sir,
First of all, patents of nobility are bought everyday in every country. Those people who buy them are accorded the full rights of their position form the start. So it does not seem one bit incredible that a person of my rank and prowess should be engaged in fellowship with members of a friend's family.
Second, you have no right to detain this train no matter who you are, or who you think you are. Some nations might consider this an aggressive act of war by Germany, I hardly think the thought is worth my time.
Third, those who say such things concerning King Shawn of Ruritania are sadly misinformed. The King is the King, and as any educated man could tell by my American accent, I am not King Shawn. I am myself, and I am tired of being insulted by men who don't know their place. If dueling were not now illegal I would demand satisfaction for the lies and slander you have just spoken.
Fourth, as I stated to your envoy before, defending one's country is not an act of aggression. I find it odd that a nation which wishes only the best for all of German decent would deny our country the right to defend itself. Does Germany deny she has the largest army in the world now? If Germany continues to act as though they are the only nation with rights to an army then I cannot answer their false accusations.
For the last time, I am only count Shawn of Zenda, here with my wife Annika and with the Grand Duchess Olga Romanov - whose family we love as our own. We had the Grand Duchess stay with us for the summer, for she is like a God Child to us, as are all her sisters. However, Winter fast approaches and we need to get her home to her parents.
And yes, I am behind those acts of self defence. And I must ask, unless Germany intends to invade Ruritania in a display of aggression, what do you care if I build defensive forts on the borders of my King's country? Forts cannot invade sir. They are not mobile entities, they are built to keep invaders out. And my army is far smaller than yours - so what care or concern could it cause you?
You speak of aggression - tell me, have my troops invaded Germany and I don't know about it. I am the General of this army sir, I lead it. We are the best soldiers this world has ever know, bar none - and if we had acted aggressively toward Germany you would know it. You speak out of place. we not acted aggressively and we have not threatened Germany. In fact, I have twice tried to forge a non aggression pact with Germany and you have refuse.
If you must detain me to satisfy yourself them by all means do so, but it would be prudent to allow the Grand Duchess of Russia to continue on her way with her escort. While I do not seek open war with Germany, I am certain that the Romanov's will see the illegal detention of their daughter as an act of open hostility. I am a man who would rather not see the world ripped apart for no reason.
Now, please tell me the name of you and all the men on this platform who have threatened my life and detained three members of the nobility without cause.
The man seems to be standing his ground until you get to the part about defensive investments not being aggression. From this point on, you wear him down.
He apparently is persuaded of his error.
"I do apologize, your lordship. My superiors apparently have been misinformed concerning your identity and your intentions." He gives you his name, the names of his officers, and the names of his superiors, who are apparently in the war department. He then gives permission for the train to proceed.
It of course only goes about a hundred yards before stopping for Russian customs check, but here you are welcomed warmly, as all Russian border points have been alerted to the return of the Duchess with the good friends of the royal family, Count Shawn and Countess Anikka of Zenda. They ask if there is anything they can do to make your travel more comfortable, whether you need any supplies. Your cook asks if there is fresh meat and vegetables available, as these don't keep that long, and whether he can get ice for the ice box.
--M. J. Young
I make a note of the information given me by the German gentleman. However, I don't think I'll need it, so I tuck it away. I do take special note of the superiors however.
I accept the man's apology at face value, because it woudl seem silly for me to refuse it.
"I can't think of anything I personally need to make me more comfortable, however, if there is a place I can get some cake as a treat for the Grand Duchess, and perhaps some tea for my wife, I would appreciate it."
I think I need some rest myself, as it is still a long trip ahead of us.
"Tea is easy," he says. "We will have fresh hot tea before we have finished checking passports on the other passengers. Cake for the Grand Duchess, though--" He shakes his head. "Where we could find anything suitable for her highness, I am not at all certain. I will look, though."
He claps his hands, and shouts some orders in Russian to two soldiers, who salute and rush off through the train station.
"I will not detain you, of course; but we will give them a bit of time to find something. Tea will be along momentarily."
He is as good as his word on the tea.
As the conductor is yelling for all to board, the soldiers rush back into view, carrying something in a sack. The officer signals for the train to wait, and boards.
"It is not cake," he says, "but it is the best we could do."
He produces a loaf of warm cinnamon raisin bread and a small pot of fresh cream butter.
"The local baker is good at this, and hopes her highness enjoys it."
He is waiting as if for some sign of approval.
--M. J. Young
I nod my head and smile, "I've never met a child who didn't enjoy cinnamon raisin bread, thank you for your efforts."
Olga and Anikka both enjoy the cinnamon raisin bread, which has an unusual taste of pumpernickel in the bread.
The rest of the trip, a couple of days across western Russia, is uneventful, and soon you arrive in Moscow. A royal escort meets the train to bring you safely to the palace, but the city seems in good spirits. It is colder here, and seems later in the year than it was in Ruritania.
Nikolaj and Alexandra meet you in the entrance, and embrace each of you in turn, kissing you on the cheeks. Nikolaj slaps your arm enthusiastically as he holds you, looking fondly in your face.
"It is so good to see you, my friend. Our new factory is opening next week, and it has already been an encouragement to many. The newspapers are raving about this boost to our economy, and already fifty jobs have been filled, with more expected in the months ahead as production builds. It is an exciting step.
"But that is business, no matter how much pleasure it brings me. How can we entertain you during your stay? I know you will want to beat the snows on your return trip, but you will I hope stay for at least a few days."
--M. J. Young
"I'm glad to hear that things are going so well. Our trip went well. The Germans were a little jumpy on the way here. Had it in their heads I was King Shawn, however, I think that matter has been resolved."
"I do intend to stay a few days, but I have no special plans other than to spend time with you and the family."
"You must at least see the factory while you are here; but not today--you must rest, wash, recuperate from your long journey, yes? We will have dinner early, but there are still four hours until then, so you have time to relax and get settled. I have had your bags taken to the same room in which you stayed last time; my people can show you the way, if you have forgotten--it is a big home, really."
--M. J. Young
I smile fondly, "Thank You Nicolai. I'll probably need help finding the way."
"I would be more than happy to tour the factory with you.
I then go to our rooms with Anikka and rest and relax.
The Czar lives in luxury, of course; the fire is laid in the hearth, though, as it is already a bit chilly in the halls and the rooms need the heat to be truly comfortable.
Anikka starts to unpack, then pauses thoughtfully.
"It's so strange," she says. "Here we are, best of friends with one of the most powerful royal houses in Europe. He really thinks you've done something important for Russia, with that factory and all."
She smiles. It is a bit of a melancholy smile, but not forced or fake. "It is good to see them again, and to see them doing so well."
She sets down the bag.
"Well, I'd best be out of these traveling clothes and into something more appropriate to the palace. Undo the clasp on my dress for me, will you, dear?"
And from there, you've got the afternoon to relax.
I'm reminded that you brought a gift; I'm not certain when you wanted to present it.
--M. J. Young
(I had intended to present the gift over super.)
"Certainly dear," I say.
I unclasp her dress and then realise that my military uniform will certainly not do.
"Something bothers you my sweet?" I say as I remove my military uniform and dress in a suit more appropriate for guesting with friends.
I take a seat in an arm chair near the fire.
"I do hope that I can do some more for our friends, for instance, I hope to warn them away from a man named Rasputin," I say honestly, "Though I do not yet know how I can do so. If this is all too much for you I can stop and focus elsewhere. You are more important to me."
(It occurs to me, by the way, that we have forgotten that Colonel Fritz is helping with my military operations as well as someone else who I can't recall)
Right--Colonel Sapt and two other elderly soldiers, one an artillery specialist, if I recall correctly. I am not certain, but I think Fritz Von Tarlenheim was involved in something else.
"I'm fine," she says. "A bit tired from the trip, I'm sure. I think that the stop in Germany unnerved me a bit--they really might be planning to attack. You seem to know so much about the future, what might happen, how to avoid it, but it is all a bit frightening to realize. If you're right, these friends of ours are facing a very tough time in the days ahead--and we will be, too. It's rather--well, it must be worse for you, since you actually see the possibilities. It is so easy, raised as a daughter of a nobleman, to expect the world to be pleasant, and to overlook the danger that could be in the future. We'd all like the world to continue as a place of innocence, but it really never was that, and it's just an illusion for us to pretend it is.
"I'm rambling. Don't worry about it; it's probably just fatigue from the trip. I am so looking forward to spending time with Alexandra, but probably I should try to get to sleep early tonight."
--M. J. Young
"No dear," I say, "I don't think you are rambling at all. There are some possibilities I cannot see. If Germany decides to invade Ruritania, will the forts and soldiers we have trained be enough to stop them? Will our friendship with the Romanovs be enough to stave off the possibility of revolution here - have I done enough? How much further can I stretch myself and still be loyal to my family?"
"I too am tired from our trip, and I must admit that I've been stretching myself overmuch to prepare for something in this world, which I found devastating in my own version. Those things are only possibilities here, so if they do not come, have a struggled in vain and squandered time better spent on you?"
I kiss my wife on the forehead and sit to relax by the fire. Time enough to do some thinking and rest my body if not my mind.
You relax for a few hours, find yourself dozing in the warmth until you are startled by a knock on the door. One of the servants is calling you to dinner; he speaks only Russian, but your own ability in the language has improved, and Anikka is better.
You have a very relaxed feast with your hosts, and each of you practices speaking in several languages, particularly Russian, German, and English, which you all share--although Nikolaj is delighted to learn that you know a smattering of French and Spanish. He is too modest about his French (his wife, I believe, is originally from France, and is not at all modest about her linguistic abilities there), but his Spanish is not much better than yours, and it creates great laughter as the two of you struggle in that language. It is almost as if conversation were part parlor game, that part of the fun is trying to use the different languages.
I believe that Bridge has been invented by now, and you are asked whether you would like to try the game, or play another card game such as Whist or Pinochle, or whether there is something else you would like to do in the hours immediately following dinner before retiring. Nikolaj promises not to keep you up too late, as he wants you to see the factory tomorrow.
--M. J. Young
I'll try Bridge certainly. I've only played it once, and I believe I remember indifference to the game, but trying again will not hurt.
I also wanted to present the egg from my wife and I. Though it is not a real Faberge egg (which Nicolai owns many of) I am hoping the craftsmanship and detail will be a delight for both of them.
Your companions are as uncertain of how Bridge is played as you are, but between the four of you you manage to get through a rubber and then switch partners. In the first rubber, it is the men against the ladies, and in the second Nikolaj teams with Anikka and puts you with Anastasia. (This arrangement has been used in bridge circles for a very long time. It was found that when husbands and wives partnered they frequently fought about what the other should have done, but that they would not treat someone else's spouse thus.) The ladies win the first, and Anikka and Nikolaj the second, but you do win a few games along the way in both of your partnerships, so it seems a reasonable matched arrangement.
Nikolaj thanks you for playing, and giving him the opportunity to try this game that is all the rage elsewhere. They do not have friends such as you--for one thing, members of court usually try to let them win, which does not make for a fun game. It is more fun, he says, to lose honestly than to have victory handed to you.
At some point the girls come in for good night kisses from all, and retire to bed; not long after that, the chill settling in the palace, you all retire as well.
The next day includes a trip to the factory, but also whatever else you wish to do on this trip to Moscow.
--M. J. Young
I was planning to relax. On our last trip we saw most of the things I like to visit in Russia, and I got to see them in their pre-revolution form, which was a bonus.
I'll likely just do the factory trip and relax in the Kremlin afterward, as long as there is nothing Annika wants to do. Perhaps we should take in a ballet, as I seem to recall she enjoys them.
You visit the factory late in the morning but before lunch. It is nearly operational, and already they have some of the newly hired managers in, showing them how the work works.
You present the egg that afternoon, and the Romanovs are suitably impressed. Alexandra gushes about how lovely it is, and how thoughtful, and how did you know, they have quite a few by Faberge but did not know anyone else made anything like them. Nikolaj, more reserved, compliments the workmanship and thanks you warmly for the thoughtful gift. He promises it will have a treasured place in their collection.
Oh, would you like to see it? I believe by now there must be between twenty and thirty eggs, although it requires a tour of the Kremlin to see them all, as they are in many different rooms. They delight in showing them to you on your relaxed afternoon, and then again settling down to dinner, and what should we do tonight?
--M. J. Young
Well,
I'd like to play cards again. It isn't something I'm horribly skilled at, but it is relaxing.
I also ask if the Bolshoi or Malenki Theater is having plays or ballets this time of year - perhaps we might take one in before leaving?
Cards it is, although having focused on Bridge last night tonight they choose a few lighter games--Whist, Pinochle.
And absolutely, would you like to see the Sleeping Beauty ballet or Ibsen's Hedda Gabler?
--M. J. Young
Probably Sleeping Beauty now that I think of it. It will be nice to spend that time with my wife.
I make sure the Czar and Czarina know how much we appreciate their friendship - a mere gift can never adequately convey that.
In a heartfelt moment, Nikolaj responds, "Our whole heart is yours; you have done so much for us, and given us so much more than expensive trinkets. Call on me if you need anything at all." He kisses you on both cheeks, and kisses the hand of Anikka.
The few days pass quickly, and soon you are heading back to the train to return home. (I hope I have my geography right on this one, but at least you'll get the idea.) Nikolaj suggests that you take the longer route, south through St. Petersburg, so that you will not find yourself diverted through Germany again; he thinks it is likely you are not so safe there. He can make the arrangements with the rail service, and it should only add two days to your journey, at most, if nothing goes wrong.
--M. J. Young
I will thank him for the suggestion. I worry more for my wife than I do myself, but the safety fo those with me is paramount.
I assure Nikolaj we will return soon, and I return the heartfelt sentiments he expressed.
This means you will have a layover in St. Petersburg; is there anything you wish to do while there? On the next day you will be headed for Austria, which is a bit of a ride even from there.
--M. J. Young
As Shawn returns after a vacation of his own, we're moving this to a new thread, Count Shawn Kelley Present.
--M. J. Young