CHAPTER 1
Shock
Koniggratz, Imperial Capital
Imperial Palace
12:00 A.M.
Calm, peaceful, and tranquil. These are just some of the words used to describe the night. The silence only being broken by the rhythmic steps by a pair of black, knee high jackboots on the smooth and clear marble floor.
Readjusting his helmet, the guard continues with his patrol. Nightshifts were usually stressful, having to keep yourself awake all night, especially if you aren't patrolling around can make you fall asleep. But it does have its upside, apart from being peaceful, one can admire the beauty of the imperial palace, no busy chores being done by the maids and butlers, no ministers and of course the beauty of seeing the majesty of the palace halls at night is nothing but mesmerizing, and nothing supports that more than the next location. To his left is the massive palace gardens. Revealed by light of the full moon, the walls are lined by marble statues in between marble columns depicting the past Kaizers and Kaiserin of the Empire, well-trimmed bushes of all shapes and sizes filled with the nation's national flower the Edelweiss, and other rare flowers around the world, a well-kept lawn, granite walkways, wooden bridges above small man made streams and to top it all off in the middle were the walkways would intersect is a massive fountain. Twenty meters in diameter firing its jet of water 3 stories high. All lit dimly creating a very picturesque scene.
"Beautiful…" the word uttered above just a whisper. The guard continues on with his patrol seeing his reflection on the windows separating him from the imperial gardens the guard stops putting his rifle down to adjust his ceremonial black uniform and the white straps and belt containing his ammo pouches and his rifle bayonet he picks up his trusty weapon, made of lacquered oak and all the metal parts, bolt, trigger, barrel and all polished to perfection, elegant for its role in ceremony and deadly to the purpose it was made, resting it back to his shoulder the guard proceeds on down the hallway.
He relaxes is posture, it's not like they were expecting any attack. The nation (despite of the increasing hostility of its neighbors) is at peace. A peace it has enjoyed for decades. Plus, it's the Imperial Palace, one of the most secure places of the whole Empire. The place where the royal family lives, the place where laws are discussed and passed and denied, the place where the Kaizer and the Kaiserin uses the power bestowed upon them to serve the people. The Palace grounds alone is huge and there are many others like him on patrol 24/7 in and out of the place. The skies above and the ground below are maned by the Kaizers trusted servicemen.
He suddenly notices the sky becoming darker and then suddenly out of nowhere a storm is formed outside. He observes as the clouds above engulfed the moon, banishing it from sight and then the clouds suddenly form a swirling pattern where the moon was, like a vortex, suddenly lightning erupts from the clouds revealing its green color. He sees the entire palace ground being bombarded by heavy rainfall and strong winds.
He smirks, maybe he should request more nightshifts, it's not every time you can enjoy something completely out of this-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
His thoughts broken from the ear piercing scream his training kicks in. He takes his rifle readying it in his shoulder and cocking a new round in the rifles breech. Looking to the hallway he is in, he looks for any intruders that might have gotten in. A few second passes and he thinks back to the scream that he heard. The force and sound of it was powerful, he's sure that everyone in the palace heard that. But something about it was familiar, in fact…it seemed to have come from…the west side of the palace? His eyes widen in horror. NO! It can't be! That place is the most secured part of the-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
He freezes in shock. "No…no…how…HOW! -" before he could think further his stomach drops because what comes next is not another gut-wrenching scream but something that have not been used when it was installed. It blares louder than the storm that is brewing outside. Amidst the harsh winds and the sudden lightning that strikes somewhere around the palace illuminating the whole place in a bright flash. He hears the recognizable sound of the palace alarm…. its Air Siren.
Kaiserin Catherine von Geyer von Augusta was trying to get some sleep. The day before was exhausting for the monarch. She and her husband had an ever-growing list of problems they had to deal with. Their citizens were getting concerned if they were going to be involved in another war.
War. The Imperial Federation of Central Europa hasn't gone to war in over 20 years. She could still remember that day when the peace treaty was signed. When she became the Kaiserin at the later years of the war. The nation after 10 years of fighting a bitter war it was dragged into, after its population ever loyal but exhausted. Its economy in the brink of collapse and its military being stretched thin to near breaking point fighting on many fronts, protecting its borders and fulfilling military aid to its ally inside and outside its borders, has brought it to its knees. 20 years reconstruction and mending ties with its neighbors, 20 years of back breaking development in a global depression. 20 years of the joy of having no letters to send to wives, husbands, children and parents. Of telling them how their sons, fathers, brothers, sisters and wives died a gloriously and honorably death for the empire how their sacrifice is a beacon of hope for others to take heed.
She scoffed, she would not wish death to anyone of her subjects, it might be their duty to fight and if necessary die for their county, but it is HER and her HUSBAND'S duty to prevent them from having to do so. After all she knew all too well of the dangers of war, it didn't matter which side you were on, the sight of her subjects when they were blown to smithereens or when they would scream for their mothers when they have their innards splattered all over the ground…may the gods give them rest. She drove a field ambulance to and from the front lines when she was just a duchess engaged to her husband then the crown prince.
But even so their neighbors down south and the far west are having another dispute over the right to occupy the Alpine duchy. A nation that is young in its history, formed like many others after the last continent-wide war. Its location strategic, anyone who holds the duchy would have control of the river flowing south of the Rhine and the Argon peninsula. They can control the shipping routes by building canals that would cut the travel time of ships by weeks and the peninsula although barren holds plenty of oil deposits and of course the most important of all materials in this world…. Cavorite. A mineral that was discovered in 9th century but wasn't fully utilized until the industrialized age of the 18th century that its importance was fully known. A mineral so important that whoever holds the most of it will literally control how half the world works. Industry, and most importantly military application. This simple ore holds a lot of value to those who have it and right now their neighbors, all bloody 7 of the same countries are once again arming themselves for another conflict.
A conflict the Rhine Empire has no intention of joining. Again. This was the same reason it had to join the last war because their ally the Otommar Confederacy was considered the sick man of the entire Europan Continent. Their military was so obsolete that the advantage of its enemies wasn't even amusing. What was once a nation feared for its military prowess, now reduced to a shadow of its former self. The Alpiners were getting fed up under the Otommars that they revolted and was screaming for its independence gaining the support of the Normanii Union by going to war with them. Defense treaty be dammed, if it wasn't for the fact that the Rhine Empire held the 3rd largest Cavorite reserve in the continent they would have gladly just watched from the sidelines but because they were attacked by the Normannii Union for the same reason, they had to act. It didn't help that the Otommar Confederacy has neglected its military development, its leaders spending more on their personal luxury and stroking their oversized ego, that they left their military in complete disrepair that they could've been beaten in mere months and so with the treaty in effect the empire had to divert some of its troops in helping its…. ally. Then when the war was on its 3rd year the Ruskian Alliance attacked their eastern borders.
That started a whole chain of events as the Normannii and Rusks formed treaties. They dragged their allies to the war as well. Valkan states of the Rusks, The United Anglo kingdoms allied to the Normannii and the then neutral kingdom of Barcelona all joined against the Rhine Empire and its ally.
The Rhine won that last war. Having systematically beat all its enemies. When it was all over the Nations of Europa signed a peace treaty (Albeit a shaky one) saying that Otommar Confederacy had to give the Alpiners its independence but with the nation so young it had to sign a defense treaty with the Normannii but the duchy is still heavily influenced by the Otommar Bureaucracy. So, it begins the slow buildup of troops on both sides.
The Rhine Empire for its part hasn't sad idly by. It has in its history kept a large and well-maintained military. Now it was once again slowly but surely increasing its strength as not to cause concern to its population. Increasing its military budget and the discussion earlier with her husband with their generals to increasing the army to be mobilized from 4 to 7 million - was a daunting but…plausible task. They had a reserve close to 80 million from the 400 million population of the Empire, and her husband has approved of their X weapons projects, so secret that he even kept it from her as to what it's all about. It was the first time that her husband had kept secrets from her, but an understandable one.
A tiny smile forms while she tries to get some sleep. Snuggling next to his husband she is reminded of how she considers herself lucky. It was a political marriage sure, but she truly did love him, he made sure to give time to court her properly no matter how small that time may be because of the chosen date for their marriage. He would sneak to her house and invite her to secret dinners or to simply stargaze and even then during their wedding, he gave her a promise, in a form of a whisper where only they alone would hear that he would not take her unless she was ready, and promise he did for after the marriage and during the wedding party he stayed by her side and tried to get to know her more. During their wedding night he didn't force himself on her. Convincing the observers to get out of their bedroom so they can enjoy themselves. They merely talked in hushed whispers about their secrets, their fears, their dreams, and slowly she found herself falling for this dorky prince. He would invite her to go out wearing ordinary clothes, meeting the people, their people. Where others would be bored of their wives topics of books. He was genuinely interested. Where others would abuse their wives, he adores and cares for her. She heard too many stories of how political marriages can be very…unhappy. But he made sure she wasn't just a decoration, or some…. trophy. He treats her with respect befitting of her position.
She remembers with slight irritation how her husband can be too much of a gentleman. In the early weeks of their marriage he refused to touch her in how a husband is supposed to touch his wife, until he was sure she felt absolutely ready for being intimate
She blushes like a little girl, that was the night she would never forget. Thinking 'Well if he wants to know that I'm ready then I can show him'.
That night – so many years ago – she remembers walking out of their bathroom to their dimly lit bedroom, she walks to their bed with a purpose, going to the end of the bed where her husband is. He looks up to her from his book with his curious gaze, about to ask her what was wrong, she holds up her hand to prevent him from speaking (and possibly breaking her nerves to go with it) He doesn't see her blushing face. She goes to his side and takes the book and places it next to the nightstand. Mustering her courage, she then climbs up and straddles him. She remembers him having a confused look and then before he could ask, she snakes her hands around his neck and kisses him firmly, slipping her tongue without preamble and tries to deepen the kiss, trying to show him her love, how she wants him to feel that he's like a lifeline. He moans, and she smirks, she then proceeds to grind her hips to his and he responds by grabbing her hips and suddenly flipping them to the other side of the bed, so he is above her. He looks down with growing arousal and want and she responds by slowly lifting her nightgown all the while keeping her eyes on him. It was then that something primal awakens in him.
She sighs deeply remembering that night. How he was oh so gentle, turning her to mush with his hands, mouth and tongue. How they made love to each other all night, how she would hold back whimpers of pleasure. She gives a small laugh, wondering what the guards outside their room were thinking. She remembers how sweaty they were and her husband violently trembling…trembling?
She raises herself and sees her husband violently trembling curling up on himself while holding his chest in pain. Her eyes widen in Horror. Opening the lights of her night stand she tries to wake her husband to know what ails him.
"Whill…." She asks him while she shakes him slightly. But he only responds by continuing to trash around seeming to have his pain growing. She was starting to panic "Whillhelm…." She says a little louder, but he just responds by gasping, choking and continuing to thrash violently in their bed. Her thoughts were echoing 'no' she proceeds to the door, ignoring the service bell or the phone next to their stand. She runs to the door and violently opening it, startling the 4 guards outside.
"Kaiserin!" one man says louder than he intended, while her brothers and sisters in arms salute their sovereign. "Your majesty…what seems to be the prob- "
"GetaPhysicianquick, my husbandisunwell, heisinpain, he'schokingandgaspingforbreath, pleaseget the palacePhysician" she says all at once creating a jumble of words and seemingly running out of breath. With growing concern.
The same man speaks again wanting to clarify and get his majesty to calm down, so he can understand the jumbled sentence she gave "Your majesty, I am sorry, but can you repeat that- "
She cuts him of with "NOW SHEIZA! MY HUSBAND IS DYING! GET THE Physician!" her concern is replaced with anger at the incompetence of their guards. CAN'T THEY SEE THAT HER HUSBAND IS DYING!
One of the guards, a young woman is the first to recover from her shock. The Kaiserin rarely gets angry if at all and if she does, she does so with an unreadable mask. This sudden change in behavior means something is very, very wrong. She proceeds to grab the phone located on a stand next to her and tells the person on the other line that they need the palace Physician because the Kaizer is unwell, reiterating for him that it is urgent. The operator proceeds with the request and is connected to the Palace Hospital where she informs the person for that she needs to speak with the Palace Physician "Kaiserin I have asked for the Physician, he will be here immediately"
"TELL HIM TO HURRY! PLEASE! TELL HIM I NEED HIM NOW- "her sentence was interrupted by a loud retching noise, she looks back and her stomach drops at the site, her husband was curled up upon himself, being bathed in the same thing he puked out and is having trouble breathing "WHILLHELM!"
She runs to the bed and kneels on the floor trying to wake her husband, tears growing in her eyes sky blue eyes "Please love…. we have asked for the Physician…. he will be here soon" She says in between her sobs.
The guards stare in shock. One of the guards, the one who was shouted at say's out loud "I will personally fetch the Physician your majesty!" and is heard running down the hall. The rest proceeds with what they were trained to do. One of the guards goes inside the bedchambers to secure and check for intruders while the other 2 stays outside guarding the hallway and the door. Not one of them notices the odd but ferocious storm that was forming outside.
"Doctor, all of the paperwork for today is already compiled, do you wish to check them now or would you like me to leave them at your desk for tomorrow?" a young woman wearing a white lab coat asks an old man as he finishes writing his report for the day.
"Just leave it on my desk Lydia and I'll deal with it tomorrow, just make sure you are ready for the night shift" the Physician says as he stands up and places his report inside a gray cabinet.
"Of course, Dr. Von Muller" The young woman replies, as she places the paperwork inside a white folder and carefully places it on his table.
He turns to the young woman "Just call me Frank dear, please, you've been working under my office for what now…2 years? We're no longer strangers, and besides calling me 'Von Muller' makes me feel old"
"Beg your pardon Doctor. but I am just the assistant Physician and even if I have been working under your office for 3 years now actually. You have more experience than I do and you're now…70? I think you are in fact old. In a good way of course, 'old is gold' as the saying goes" She states, and the Head Physician merely stares at her with slight annoyance to which she responds with a small smile.
"Funny my dear, very funny" He answers flatly and then proceeds to collect his personal effects, so he can retire for the night, while his assistant proceeds to her usual desk to prepare her things. Having a longing look in her face as she looks around the room, once filled with grandeur paintings and a grandfather clock attached to one of the walls, now the office looks more…spartan. She is interrupted from her reverie when the office phone starts ringing, putting whatever she is doing on hold, she walks to the phone to answer it while wondering who could be calling this late at night.
Dr. Frank Von Muller the official Physician of the Royal family sighs to himself, he looks at her assistant and gave her a smile as thanks for taking the call '70 years…Gods…has it really been that long already?' He mulls over the fact that he has indeed reached that age, cleaning his spectacles he smiles. He has been the Royal Physician for as long as he can remember, he was nothing more than an apprentice before, during the previous Emperor the father of the current Emperor, Whillhelm, he practically watched the boy grow up to be the man he is now today, a mirror image of his father. He helped him with his scrapes and blisters, remembered him asking questions about the opposite sex (with full blushing embarrassment) and saw him cry out in joy when he helped deliver his children into the world.
He was also one of the head field Physicians on the eastern front during the last Continental war, he saw the then Duchess Catherine driving the ambulances to the front lines, braving stray bullets and artillery shells trying to save as many lives as she can and trying to cope of the growing violence of the battlefield. He sighs sadly, the war might be over, but the scars still run very deep, the Kaiserin herself is still having nightmares from her experience on the front.
He can't say he could blame her, He knew exactly why, it didn't matter wether it was their countrymen or their enemies. The smell of blood...stench of decaying bodies...men - no boys and girls no older than 17...some even younger, shouting for their mothers and fathers, asking Doctors and nurses to shoot them when the bleeding and the pain won't stop or when they have their guts threatening to come out.
His musing was interrupted when his assistant is quickly asking his attention "Frank I'm sorry but I got one of the Palace Guard asking for you"
He raises one of his eyebrows " What about?"
"It's the Kaizer, Frank !" She swallows thickly, concern evident in her green eyes and her voice "The Kaizer is having problems breathing and is in immense pain. The Kaiserin is getting restless!"
His world shatters, acting on instinct he responds and tries to calm himself, but his voice betrays him "Ready my bags" he says in slight panic. It's not everyday that he gets a call concerning the Kaizer's health and he wasn't yet summoned to do so, so far and he wished that it would stay that way untill he can pass on the title of Palace Physician, but faith seems to have other plans.
Grabbing the phone from his assistant she quickly sets to get his equipment ready, while he intends to placate the guard
"This Doctor von Muller, Tell the Kaiserin that I am on my way, please" He then hears the guard on the other line says so to the Kaiserin, at the same time he sees his assistant Lydia gathering all of his medical bags; 2 shoulder bags and 2 other carry bags filled with medicinies, bandages to medical aparatuses and places it on to his desk.
He is about to put the phone down when he hears the Kaiserin shouting with growing distress for him to hurry up and then his face pales when he hear her says WHILLHELM! Again acting on instincts he drops the phone not even bothering putting back in place to its holder as he hastily takes the bags from his desk while he says "Wake everyone up! I need the operating room and everything else ready by the time I come back! And get someone to take a strecther up to the Kaizers room now!"
He sees her assistant rush to the wall without any hesitation or question and presses the alarm that would alert the rest of the medical staff and proceeds to go to the Medical Facilities next to their office to help them ready everything.
He rushes out the door into the hallway going to the Kaizers room. It isn't far, the Medical Wing is located just a floor down from the Imperial Bedrooms and guest rooms, but being 70 years old and carrying all of the equipment he is with right now isn't helping.
Reaching the Elevators, he was about to open one when the one in front of him suddenly opens with an Imperial Guard inside clearly distressed, disshiveled and in a haste to get somewhere. When he sees the Physician his eyes widen and immediately says "Oh thank the Gods I haven't missed you! Let me help you with those Doctor!"
Physician Muller goes inside while handing over 2 of the carry bags he has with him to the guard where he surmise that he must be assigned to their Majesties quarters, he immediately slams the close button of the elevator and proceeds to hit the floor number that would make them go up the imperial quarters. Steadying his breath, he tries to calm himself down 'Breath…breath, you won't be able to help anyone if your to stressed, panicking and tired' he says to himself while he feels his heartbeat steady's from the sudden mad dash in the hallway. 'Come on Whill…I'm almost their, just hold on for a little while longer…you faced worse things before'.
"What is the Kaizers Condition" He asks the Imperial Guard next to him as he anxiously waits for the elevator door to open. The Door suddenly opens and they walk out, the Guardsmen turns to the Physician while they are walking with haste to the Kaizers quarters about to answer when the next thing they hear turns their blood run cold.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
Both freeze in their tracks, shocked at what they heard. The scream was ear-piercing, and one could feel the pain of who screamed it, both having recognized as to who the scream belongs to.
The Physician has his eyes ready to pop out of its socket when he heard that. While the Guard was shaking his head in disbelief their thoughts lost and unable to move, questions start to appear in their head. Had they been too late?...He was so healthy and clearly still in his prime…This must be a dream…some twisted nightmare given to him by one of the gods as a stupid prank. In the thickness of the silence time seem to have frozen, feeling as they were standing there for minutes…hours…both of their minds saying the exact same thing over and over again.
'No….' They look onwards as if forgetting what they were supposed to do.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"
Both are awakened from their shock when they heard the other scream. This one stronger but more desperate and as if the life of the person was being taken away. Shock turns to fear. The Physician is the first one to recover and he RUNS in the hallway to the Kaizers bedroom. The Guard with him breaks from his own frozen state and runs with the Physician. The Physician keeps thinking 'the Kaizer will live' he survived assassination attempts, he survived the Continental War, he survived the wounds that he had taken during that blasted conflict. He will be damned if he died suffering in bed knowing he could have done something to have saved him but did nothing. So with renewed purpose rivaling that of the storm that formed outside, he runs in the hallway until he sees the open doors leading to the Kaizers and Kaiserins Bed Chamber. As he hears the distinct sound of the Palace alarm, its air siren starting to whine, he passes by the guards and servants starting to form outside and proceed as mandated from the general alert, he sucks his breath and goes in.
There was very little in terms of what can make her truly be afraid. Sometimes she would face her fears head on. Always seeing it as a challenge that she would try to overcome. Fear has no room in her life. She was taught time and again that she was more privileged than the ordinary citizen, and because of this, because of her position, it was her responsibility to be the shield to protect those under her from harm, to be the sword that is ready to bring swift retribution to those who would threaten their safety. She must not feel fear for she is expected to face the dangers of the people under her.
Did she believe in these principles? Yes, yes she did After all she survived it all, the burden of responsibility being a Duchess at such a young age, having to marry with little knowledge as to how his betrothed would act, fighting parliament to pass more laws that are pro people, anxious but excited when the first news of their child growing inside her to the time she gave birth and surviving the continental war amidst the shells and bullets whistling by.
But tonight…tonight was different, where once she would soldier on with the challenges presented to her, tonight she could not. For her husband from what she knows is dying! Where she would offer him comfort, guidance, love and reassurance, tonight she could not. When he stilled seeming to relax and his eyes suddenly open, she felt relief, that his suffering has ended, and she can start to ask what was wrong. Only for that relief turn to horror when the first thing that came out of his husband's mouth was a bone chilling scream, a scream that reverberated inside their bedroom and out into the halls, a scream so loud that it's as if something was being ripped from his husband's body. She could do nothing but watch, and to add to her horror when he stilled and clutched his chest and he screamed again, this time being louder and longer as though his life was being taken away. That's when something in her snapped.
"NOOOOO!" Her shout rivals that of her husband, clutching his body going limp from the scream it has produced, as she puts her head at his chest, she felt horrid and absolutely useless unable to do anything.
So, she did the only thing that was available to her…she wept…she held is hands and wept, she had already pleaded to the Gods to stop her husband's suffering for she knows if…if he dies then she would too. He was her second half, he understood her better than anyone else, he sired their children. She would do anything just to stop this nightmare.
"WHERE IS THE DAMN Physician!" she shouts still clinging to her husband's hands as she watches him suddenly become still from his earlier pained state. Her shock and grief slowly being replaced with rage. The servants and guards frozen in fear both for the life of their Kaizer and the rage that their Kaiserin is showing. She was about to ask them again when he hears the only silver lining she had experienced so far.
"I am here your Majesty! I came as fast as I-"
"You are not fast enough! Your sovereign could be dead for all we know because of your incompetence!" She shouts, cutting the Physician off as he and the guard from earlier enters her and her husband's bedroom, she wanted to show them how she feels of her current predicament. Manners be damned. He sees Physician von Muller set his bag as he goes on the opposite side of the bed and start getting his medical apparatus as he checks her husband.
Muller expected that kind of reaction honestly, but coming from the normally controlled Kaiserin was unsettling, but he couldn't really blame her. He musters his courage and the meantime mutters a small apology as he ignores the Kaiserin's glare (enough to burn a hole through him) and starts to proceed with his work. Checking the Kaizers vitals; his breathing, temperature, and blood pressure. He relaxes, something that wasn't missed by the Kaiserin. He looks up to her just as 2 men of the medical staff carrying a stretcher and the Captain of the Imperial Guard himself going inside their room.
"Kaiserin, he is alive your Majesty, tired from whatever he has experienced, but alive. He also appears to be stable for now, but I would like to move him to the Medical Wing, so I can closely monitor him" He sees her relax.
Upon hearing those words, she relaxes and exhales a breath she didn't know she was holding "Very well Doctor, do what you must to keep him well" She says suddenly growing tired from the nights events "please" she adds in a soft voice.
The Physician nods and signals for the stretcher bearers. They move the Kaizer unto it swiftly but carefully and proceeds to the Hospital with armed escorts being assigned numbering around 20 soldiers in total.
She and the Captain follows suit regaining her "Regal" status. With assistance from her servants she wore something more 'casual' and tried to fix her unruly blonde hair into a simple braid, straightens her back and schooling her features. The servants bow and curtsey while the soldiers give her a crisp salute. She paused in front of those she snapped and yelled at and apologized sincerely for the angry demeanor she gave them, something that they didn't deserve. They all nod in understanding and reiterating that there was no harm done but would steer clear of her when she is…mad. She has earned new found respect among them, and they are quickly reminded that although their country is not an absolute monarchy and that they had a parliament, the Kaiserin and especially the Kaizer can still order someone to…have their heads be unburdened from their bodies. It wasn't used for almost 100 years and no one was eager to be the first of many.
As she sees her husband go in the first elevator she proceeds to enter other one next to it. She thanks the guard holding the door for her, she closes her eyes and suddenly feeling having weights were placed on her shoulders. The Captain sees this but holds his tongue on the matter and instead he says "Kaiserin, I would like to inform you that everything in and outside the palace is secured. The Garrisons all report nothing is amiss and the roads, checkpoints and skies above leading to the palace is being closely monitored, and as there is no visible threat, your son and daughters they are now being moved out of the evacuation bunker"
She nods still with her eyes close, she feels very guilty for screaming that they were all incompetent. They have all reacted accordingly and remembers to apologize to the Physician as well. The palace was not threatened in anyway shape or form even during the desperate times of the Continent-wide war, so having this happen all of a sudden (especially to someone very close) would make anyone react the way she did. But that does not mean one should not apologize to those you have wronged.
"How are my children" She asks just as the doors open and they proceed outside into the hallway going to the Palace Hospital.
"They are fine your Majesty, a little shaken but fine" He answers her back "Although it took a little longer to convince Princess Emma and Prince Ferdinand, the latter wanting to head straight for your chambers while the Prince wanted to stand and fight" He adds with slight amusement.
"They have always been a handful" She smiles – the first for tonight – and looks at the Captain. 6 feet tall, having a lean body and graying red hair and blue eyes "who activated the general alarm Captain?"
"It was me your majesty, I was awoken by the storm when I heard the Kaiser scream, I immediately went to the nearest switch to turn on the General alert. From there I dressed as quickly as I could and went straight right here while the rest of the Garrison proceeded as their ordered to do"
She inspects him, seeing his cuirass, sword and pistol ready and the slightly rumpled clothes he has underneath 'clearly dressing quickly as possible' she adds mentally. She is also reminded from what he said and looks outside just as they reach the double doors leading the Palace Hospital. The storm is gone, she first noticed it when she was waiting for the Physician but was too focused on something more important to care. Thinking back now though, saying that the storm was odd was an understatement. Having a whirl pool of clouds, lightning striking out and the greenish color it had. It was short but strong, she also felt something paranormal to it. She's sure that everyone in the Empire saw and experienced it, she smiles, the scientists would have a field day with this development. Shaking her head, she turns to the Captain.
"Was anyone injured during the storm?"
"Apart from a few flown rooftiles, broken windows, and ruined shrubbery, no, your Majesty. Everything is intact, and no one is hurt" He answers.
"Very good Captain, can you also inform Georg to prepare the conference room, I'm sure that our advisers and everyone else is going to ask some questions as to what is happening, also get in touch with GeneralFeldmarschall von Moltke. He'll be one of the first to know of this General Alert. Inform him of the condition of the Kaizer, alive but unavailable, he is to report to me as soon as he is able and tell him to keep me informed as to the status of the rest of the Empire. I want to make sure that we are prepared to help those affected by that…odd storm and…send for my children, they must be concerned with what happened" The Captain salutes and clicks the sole of his boots together the metal on the sole of his Jackboots creating an echo. She curtseys, and he turns swiftly carrying out his new orders.
As she enters the Palace Hospital, curtsying to the soldiers and the staff she is met with the Physician coming out of a room where she suspects where her husband is with his lab coat, mask, gloves and hair net.
"Kaiserin" He says removing the mask but keeping the hairnet on, bows and she curtseys in return "The Kaizer is well your highness, from what we can see he is stable but very tired. We have still yet to find out what has caused him his…sickness, but I can confidently say that his life is no longer in danger…well for the moment" he adds the last part hesitantly.
She sighs deeply, her concern for her husband still there but is comforted by the fact that he is no longer at harm's way. She looks at the Physician and sees that he's nervous, not making eye contact with her for to long for fearing to incur her wrath again. She takes a deep breath and says "Doc – no, Frank, I'm sorry for how I acted, it wasn't proper, and you shouldn't be reprimanded for something clearly outside of your control…I – I'm sorry"
Frank looks at her and sees deep concern in her eyes and is relieved both for not being reprimanded again and the fear of having lost the friendship he had with the Kaiserin.
He smiles "It's alright your Majesty, I understand, and excuse me your Majesty but with the Kaizer's experience it will take a lot more to kill him" She smiles slightly at that "Would you like to see him your Majesty?"
"Please" As they enter the room she is met with something that almost crushes her heart. Her husband is connected to a multitude of machines that monitors is heartbeat, measures his temperature and a tube connected to his mouth leading to a machine with an odd pump like device pumping air into him. She tries not to breakdown into a sobbing mess again but can't stop a few tears forming in her eyes.
As she walks slowly to him she hears the door of the room close gently, suspecting the Physician in giving her privacy – to which he will thank him again later - she holds the hands of her husband feeling comfort knowing that he isn't cold to the touch. As she continues to look at her husband, she feels his hands twitch and his eyes begin to flutter open.
Her eyes widen and quickly grabbing a chair she sits down still holding his hand, she waits for him to fully open his green eyes. He does, but only halfway. He looks around seemingly confused at first, letting out what sound like a pained groan. When he finally looks at her, it seemingly adds to his confusion, his eyes seemingly trying to focus something on her. She feels her fear coming forth again, wondering if his pained state from earlier has caused him to forget where he is, or him…or her. But before she could ask, he spoke first.
"Kate?" I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and a sob came after as I nodded vigorously at him and smiled wide, hearing his tired voice. I hug him, not as hard or as quick as I wanted to but enough to show him my love, relief and concern of having thought of losing him.
"Bu – but how…When…how did I –" I cut him off with a long soft kiss and look back just enough to see him blush and his eyes widen a bit. I smile again knowing all these years the spark between us is still alive and well.
"It's fine my dear…all is fine…Frank said you are going to be alright and I'm just glad that you are well" she said with tears going down her cheeks but with a big smile on her face as she started thanking any of the gods watching, giving them eternal praise for not taking her husband away just yet. As she was about to explain what happened to him, she noticed that his eyes were closing again. So, with her encouragement she lets him sleep while massaging and kissing the knuckles of his hands while she whispers to him "rest well my dear…rest well, I am not going anywhere. I'll be here when you wake up, so rest well" she puts her head next his, not being bothered with how uncomfortable the position might be.
She smiles as the first golden rays of the sun shines through the window and bathes the room in warmth as it offers a new dawn to the world, neither one knowing that the presence they brought will rock the very foundations of their world and the one they were brought into.
Waldeck, West Rhine
Hindenburg Line
6:00 A.M.
As the skies cleared, and the first rays of sunshine penetrated the clouds the troops in the Hindenburg Line started coming out of their bunkers, individual command post from each sector started to systematically check their communications from telegraphs to wireless radio sets of all shapes and sizes to see if they could still reach other and central command, all the while the officers started assessing the damage the sudden storm has caused.
The last continent-wide war has drastically changed much of the landscape of their area, where once there was a flush forest, now only a few scattered trees remain, where once there was plenty of wide grasslands, now is filled with obstacles, defensive emplacements and weapons of all shapes and sizes. Now one by one men were manning designated positions waiting for the sun to once again bless its light to their mortal world.
As the troops were now returning to their positions one man has just finished putting on his jackboots, putting away his personal effects he walks to small mirror on the wall, he adjusts his collar revealing them to be the rank of an Leutnant, he stands there for a moment, and taking in his reflection. He has aged quickly over the few years he was in the army the once bright green orbs now replaced with a much duller darker color, where once his hair was as bright a yellow of that of sunflowers now they appear…whiter. He sighs to himself and he proceeds to ready a pot of coffee – the benefits of being an officer – no one would believe that this person of 6'4 was only 25 years old because one look at him and you would think he would be 35…or older for that matter.
He was one of the more older soldiers on his sector of the line, too young to have fought in the last war but was still able to gain some experience in combat, albeit from…very small skirmishes, the vast majority of his career was either spent in continuous training or building up or improving the current defenses. But he just wishes that there could be more to it.
As he pours himself a cup of some fresh brewed coffee he wonders if their neighbors would ever have the nerve to actually attack, tensions were high, and rumors were going about of high command fearing a large buildup of troops all throughout their sector, but for now everything was quiet and peaceful. Turning off his light bulb in favor of the first rays of the sun coming thru his doorway – the only opening in his bunker – he takes a small sip from his cup.
"LEUTNANT!" the shout startles him and immediately dropping his cup when his hand and lips get burned by fresh brew. A young soldier appears in his doorway, clearly distressed and as though he has seen a ghost. A look missed by the now angry officer
"Gods Dammit!" he curses out loud. Taking some piece of cloth for his hand he turns to the man and says "WHAT!" upon seeing the soldiers face his anger is now replaced with concern "Are we under attack?" It would make sense; even with the efforts of their sovereigns with diplomacy, the troops have all been warned of a possible attack that might occur any-
No sir…it's…it's not an attack from the Normanii…but…you have to see this yourself sir" the soldier says in concern and fear.
As he takes a second to collect himself and wonders what the soldier could mean. Taking his helmet and rifle he proceeds outside. He wonders what could be more disconcerting apart from an attack from their enemy? As they walk out into the open, the first thing he notices is the troops in their trenches standing straight as if being frozen like statues and staring out into the border with looks of confusion, shock and fear. He takes his binoculars and turns to the direction of the Normanii countryside and freezes as well.
For a moment there was nothing but silence in the trench line. As the sun rises to reveal more of the world the deafening serenity is broken of something hitting the ground hard. The officer continues to watch into the open his eyes as wide as saucers. His hand that used to hold his Binoculars frozen in place and his face sculpted into that of disbelief, all the while he asks himself…How?
What they were seeing must be a joke…it felt like a dream…some delusion he might be having…but, his own men silence, he could also feel the wind and smell and taste the salt in the air, and if the shock that has captured him, and froze him like some monster with mythical powers the realization that came after hit him like an artillery shell fired into their position.
"Alarm" he whispers and then "…SOUND THE ALARM!" his command cuts through to every soldier and they move in precision into their positions – with nothing else to do – "Ready the radio! I want to be directed to high command NOW!" He continues his orders as he runs to the radio room inside a steel reinforced bunker buried 5 meters down the ground "And someone document this…they…they need to know what the hell is happening!" Before he descends he looks back one more time trying to make sure he wasn't going crazy and then he shakes his head and proceeds inside the room. He passes a few men manning the radios. One of them nods to him and passes a headset and mike. He composes himself and before speaking into it, all the while dreading what they would think of him for what he is about to report at the same time he continues to think back on what he saw and once again panic begins creep to back in his body. He continues to think and ask again and again. How does a country that was literally bordering them…disappear? How do miles of land, trees, hills, the great mountains of beyond and the grand river in front of them turn into a cliff face, a beach and miles of never ending water?
Authors Note:
So I am finally getting this posted! I am excited and for anyone who is reading I hope you are as well. As you know I am new in this community, I have been reading for the last several years and some of the works of other authors from this site and others have inspired me to finally write this novel of mine. It took a year of more of research to get what I wanted and I got some friends top help me with this.
Now I know this is different from gate, and sorry to those who were expecting something remotely close to it. This is more close to the other fanfics Summoning Britain or Summoning Japan and I understand if it isn't your cup of tea but to those that would read this I hope you to entertain you to the best of my abilities.
Now I am going to inform all you right now that I am currently attending College and it is my last semester. I am currently going to pick a place for my internship and I am also working to cover all my expenses. This means updates for this story is slow, I know, I know, pretty bad timing but I promise to finish this, and I already have a lot of chapters for this story that need to be redrafted for future chapters. I finish what I start.
With that being said any ideas you guys may have are welcomed but to be honest some will probably will not be applied for I have this story fleshed out, especially in the early chapters.
So please tell me what you think reviews are welcome and any critics are greatly welcomed and encouraged for I see it as a way for improving the story. Well until next time.
ENJOY :D