CHAPTER 2
NEW DAWN
New York,
September 8, 2019
6 P.M.
"You're still doing that, I thought you finished that yesterday?" A young feminine voice asks, disturbing the rhythmic typing. The person hunched at his swivel chair glanced over his laptop. His lean shoulders slumped, and his blue eyes are bloodshot red, his face heavy with exhaustion. His stare never leaving the bright screen, running a hand through his disheveled auburn hair in frustration.
"Yeah it was supposed to" he replies taking of his glasses, placing it on his desk and wiping his face with his right hand.
"Then what was wrong with it?" The young woman asks as she enters the room, going to his seat and placing both hands on his shoulders. Feeling the tension on them. "I thought they already agreed with the story you sent?" She asks again giving a small massage.
He relaxes at her touch – and the massage she gave did help a little – "The bloody editor wanted to change it again" he sighs loudly, leaning back to his chair he closes his eyes pinches the bridge of his nose "They keep saying the same damn thing!"
Suddenly siting straighter and trying to imitate another person's voice by lowering his "no one would read that'…'try a different angle'…'are you sure you're even trying to view this as a reader'…bla…bla…bla…bla, BLA!" He explains with exaggerated quotations of his hands and growing anger.
Slumping back down, he feels her fingers doing smooth circles on his temples. His tense face slackens. Opening his eyes, he sees her looking down at him, as if waiting for something. He observes her carefully, her round face, red hair and blue eyes – lighter than his – he can't help but give a small smile.
"What?" She asks having her own smile forming.
"Oh nothing…just enjoying the view"
She snorts "Your delusional" she says keeping her eyes on him while keeping her smile.
"And who could be the cause of that I wonder" He replies while taking her hands in his and putting them to his mouth for a small kiss. Keeping her smile, she walks in between his desk and him.
Her smile widens a bit and observes him for a moment until she says "Will…you should get some rest; you won't be getting anything done if you're not having a clear head"
"Don't worry, I have everything I need here; coffee, lots of coffee, granola bars and last but least my favorite game 'Bloodlines: Paths to legacy' and did I forget coffee" He says so seriously that she thought he was being sarcastic at first.
"Wait 'Bloodlines: Paths to legacy'? The online game where you build cities and wage war with everyone?" she asks with disbelief "That's not what I mean Will" she reiterates.
"Well I know a good way that can clear it up" He says with a mischievous and suggestive grin, looking her up and down slowly. He then looks back up to meet her eyes.
"Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you" She says playfully
"You know me so well" He says while leaning into her, her being tall gives him a good view of her curvy hips and lean legs. As he places his hands on her belt and the button of her shorts, her hands stop him.
"As much as I enjoy our escapades babe, you need rest and something to eat" she says with a more serious tone but keeping her smile. He slightly frowns at her "Come on Will, you barely had any sleep in almost 5 days, leaving so early in the morning and coming home late at night" She sits on his lap straddling him, he leans back as she cups his cheeks tracing his sharp jawline "I've been seeing you eat energy bars or cup noodles for almost a week. The energy expo isn't going anywhere soon and you're about ready to drop dead…please Will" she asks again.
"Kate, as much as I love to, and I do appreciate the concern, I have to get this done"
"Really?" She replies with a raised eyebrow, and crossing her hands together "You just wanted to have sex a minute ago and now your saying you need to get this done…hypocrisy much?" She replies with annoyance which only grows when he replies with a smile and a look of mock innocence. He doesn't say anything besides trying to lean in to capture her lips. Getting tired really quickly because of his nonchalant behavior her smile quickly turns to a frown as she stands from her position and walks away.
Groaning at himself, Will stands quickly and tries to take her hand to which her response was to shake it off. "Wait, Kate…please, I'm sorry alright" he says while grabbing her hands again, this time she doesn't resist. She turns to meet him completely as he stands at his full height. He is about 6 feet tall and she just reaches about up to his chin but just because she's shorter doesn't mean she can't and won't kick his ass if she wanted to – something that has happened before, and him not wanting a reminder.
Sighing to himself she looks at her straight in the eye "I'm sorry, I know you mean well and…well you know how I deal things when I'm stressed" He smiles a little but it soon drops when she doesn't respond with the same enthusiasm "Ok…ok your right, I'll eat something …like real food and get some few hours off, ok?...just let me finish this last article up" her frown deepens "I promise…I'm almost done. I'll come down when you call me" he says sincerely
She observes him for a bit and then her features soften and her smile returns knowing she got her intended purpose accomplished "Ok " She replies and adds "Dinner is at 8, you have 2 hours to wrap everything up" He nods in acceptance and replies promising to come down on the dot, she smiles. "And Will…if you keep your promise, I can give you something special for desert" she smiles mischievously while disappearing into the hallway.
He smiles as she disappears from view. As the hour passes by, nothing is heard in the room except the alternating sound of rhythmic typing and a few moments of silence. After a few more, William Schultz Augusta smiles at his now finished with his work, reading the accursed article riddled with edits. He adjusts himself on his seat as he leans very closely to the screen of his laptop checking and rechecking spellings, grammar and facts.
It wasn't easy being a journalist, you have one of the most stressful, and sometimes dangerous, jobs. Continuously looking for leads and making sure your facts are right. Apart from that, the pay isn't that high – but he and Kate do manage – making sure that the story you post is fair and being sure you're still professional. Which isn't easy to do, no matter how good your story is, there will always be someone somewhere, out there that is going to call you out for being biased, untruthful and or sometimes called out for libel or fraud. Not to mention a lot of the more important articles are dropped not seeing the light of day.
But at the end of it all knowing that you did your best in giving the most accurate and reliable news out there is…fulfilling. As he completes his checks, he sighs and takes a moment to compose himself before clicking 'send'. Leaning back on his chair he closes his eyes and just enjoys the peace – no matter how brief – he has now.
Then remembering something important he looks behind to the open door leading out into the hallway making sure it was clear, he opens a drawer in his desk and pulls out a small box. Not being able to hide a small smile, he thinks back to how much he had to save, saving every penny here and there. He puts the tiny box in his pocket and thinking that what better way to take an arrow to the knee than eating dinner with the person you loved? He couldn't suppress a small laugh from escaping trying to look for that perfect stone that would fit well on the intricate silver band, not to mention the trouble he got for hiding it from her making sure the surprise wouldn't be ruined, after so many years. He can finally look forward to their future.
Looking at his watch, he sees that he's got at least another hour left. Smiling he thinks about what to do next, taking a moment he goes back to staring at his screen checking for new emails when he noticed he still had his game still open.
He shrugs to himself, thinking he still has an hour to burn, moving his cursor to the task bar to open his game. Suddenly coughing, he sips his coffee for quick relief. While wiping his lips he notices something at the corner of eyes, still sitting down he looks at the window beside of him, he sees an odd storm that suddenly formed out of nowhere.
Taking his camera he starts taking shots of the rather peculiar storm. Having completely blocked out the night sky, he can clearly see the clouds swirling around, seemingly being sucked in the middle which looked like a vortex all the while it started raining. His cough returning seemingly stronger and his chest tightening. He drinks more coffee and tries to take long breaths.
Observing for a few minutes seeing the storm grow seemingly stronger, he gets surprised when lightning start appearing seemingly in the clouds themselves revealing their odd green coloration. It was then that something went horribly wrong. His chest suddenly erupts with pain, unbearable pain, as if something was being carved out, shocked with what was happening, he falls back to his chair still clutching his chest. He tries to compose himself but is unable to do so, he tries to call for help but when he opens his mouth…nothing comes out, suddenly feeling out of breath as if he was being choked or was drowning. He tries to call for Kate but is couldn't
He wanted nothing more than scream, he tries to stand, with one hand on his desk and the other still clutching his chest. He manages to reach the hallway with one hand on his chest and the other supporting himself with the wall. When out of nowhere a massive bolt of lightning struck outside illuminating the entire room in a blinding white flash followed immediately with an ear-splitting 'boom' of thunder. He suddenly feels new pain rock his body, stiffening and shocked from what happened he loses all feeling to his legs and falls to the ground just as another lightning strike brightens the room and the hallway. His collapse to the ground is deafened by another crack and boom of thunder. He continues to suffer with his pained state becoming beyond unbearable.
Tears form in his eyes not because of the pain he is being inflicted with but with the thoughts of him dying…dying without even having to see his beloved Kate again, he curls in on himself still clutching his chest and throat not bothering asking as to what he done to deserve this or how he was still alive. He continues to think about his beloved, her touch, her smile, her laugh, the way she moves, the way she laughs. He starts having visions forming in his eyes as he cries in pain.
As the storm becomes more violent so does the pain he suffers. It's as if something is being taken from his very body, being carved out in the most gruesome way possible. Mustering his remaining strength, determined to see her one more time before faith takes him alway.
He shouts desperately calling out to her, rivaling the storm outside.
He hears thumping at the distance. More thunder? Or were those footsteps, he honestly couldn't tell anymore. The pain was still there, an ever-present reminder, robbing him away from his other senses. After what felt like an eternity the pain suddenly begins to subside and he begins to breath, sucking as much air as he humanly can, he suddenly feels something soft…soothing even, touch his head. Opening his eyes, he sees his beloved holding his head like a fragile vase, he notices that she was using her thighs as a cushion for his head, but what strikes him the most is that her sky-blue eyes are flooded with tears and could see her mouth moving frantically but couldn't hear her.
'Probably asking if I was fine' he says to himself 'maybe I should get some rest 'He was about to answer that he was feeling infinitely better. But it was not to be, his small respite was gone in a flash. The pain that he felt before came back with a vengeance and this time it was different. Where the first one felt like he was being carved out, this time he felt like something or someone was tearing him open. His eyes widen, his mouth opens again in choked state and his body stiffens.
Kate for her part was having an ordinary evening preparing dinner, nothing was out of the ordinary except maybe for the unexpected storm that formed outside. She was setting their table when the first lightning and thunder (one of many) struck. Lighting everything to a vibrant white and giving an ear-splitting noise, she had never seen anything like it, the suddenness and the ferocity was on another level.
She was about to call Will when he heard him shout, wasting no time she rushes to their study and what she sees shocks her. Will was right there curled up on himself seemingly in immense pain, hands at his chest and throat as though he was suffocating. She rushes to him shouting his name above the thunder that is happening all around their home, trying to control her panic but was having difficulties. When he seemed to relax she carefully placed his head on her thighs and was trying to get him to answer her what was wrong, what he felt, what happened.
He looked at her and was about to answer when his eyes widen, his mouth opens but lets out a pained shout as his body stiffens. Her face pales as she looks in absolute horror, unable to do anything. If his first shout seemed desperate and drove into near panic. The second turned her hysterical.
The second was anything but pleasing, He shouted again but this time it seemed that he was being torn apart, as if the life itself within was being taken away from him forcefully. After what seemed like an eternity he suddenly slumps down, unmoving, cold…lifeless.
"W- will?" Her voice cracks "Will" she repeats shaking him slightly, as if it would wake him up "no" she whispers "Will…p-please" She pleads "Please don't leave me! I can't do this without you!" she shouts, her voice echoing in the halls. She clutches him to her chest, tears falling down her cheeks like that of a great dam breaking, chanting his name in between sobs. After getting herself some semblance of control, she called emergency personnel. After minutes pass while waiting for the medical services, she just sat there with her eyes closed, tears still pouring down her cheeks clutching him to her chest, rocking him back and forth.
As she hears the door to their house open, she sees the paramedics rush to her. As she was assisted to sit on one of the couches with a blanket on her shoulders, her hands hugging herself, she feels numb to her surroundings. She hears the medics asking her questions as to what happened and promising that they'll do whatever they can for him.
But she knew…she knew it in her heart that it didn't matter, as she stared down on the now small opened box on the table, its contents opened to the world, her heart now broken and her eyes once again flowing with tears seeing the small, delicate and beautiful ring she tries to control herself from becoming a sobbing mess because no matter how many times they try to reach out to her, she knew deep down that he was now gone from this world…forever.
As her beloved is placed in the ambulance, nobody notices the flickering screen on his desk or the one lonely tear being shed going down his cheek as he is taken away.
Koniggratz, Imperial Capital
Imperial Palace
Medical Wing
September 9, 1925 - 6 A.M.
With the silence broken by the sound of shuffling and the door opening and closing (silently as possible) Katherine von Geyer von Augusta is awakened from her slumber, stifling a yawn. She looks to her left and could clearly see 3 of the most important people in her life standing at the door with looks of concern, fear and anxiousness. She smiles at them and beckons them to come forward.
The Kaiserine opens her arms in anticipation for her youngest daughter's embrace. Placing the youngest gently on her lap she tiredly smiles at the nervous bundle of joy. "Mama, why is papa here in fur…in furn…the white room? did you hug father to hard and he fell of the bed?" She asks with concern adding the last part with a whisper.
Her two other children in the room saw her smile falter for just a second and return strained with her becoming a bit flushed "No, my dear..." she replies kissing the top of her head "Papa is just…very tired and…those machines are there to help him relax"
To many that would have been a very bad excuse, to some who would read between the lines that would have sounded…vulgar, but to her youngest daughter who is 5, it was the truth and she thank the gods for her innocence, all the while at back of her mind she howled in fury at the guards assigned that night and vowed to hunt them herself.
Her youngest daughter looks up to her with concern, she smiles at her and says "He is well now, nothing ails Papa…Doctor Von Muller said that he is well" tucking a small strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear as she looks to her two other children "He's just very tired"
She sees them relax but could still see uncertainty in their eyes and she is sure that they have a lot of questions, questions that she herself s don't have answers to… yet. She can clearly see her oldest daughter preparing to ask her first.
But before she could ask, Katherine interrupts her with pulling the service line that is connected to a bell outside the room. Within moments a maid comes in and asks what she could do for them.
"Please ready Camellia for her school for the day" She says evenly and the maid curtseys but was interrupted.
"But I don't want to go! I want to be here with you and Papa!" Her youngest replies heatedly.
"Camellia" The firm and scolding response came from her eldest daughter. She saw what her mother was doing, as much as she adored her youngest sibling, this was not the place for small children, she didn't need to be burdened with what was happening and they didn't want to awaken their clearly resting father. They can try to explain it to her later.
"But…" The reply dies in her mouth as her older sister stares at her. Her face neutral but her eyes are filled with a challenging gleam and…a hint of pleading, she instead looks to their mother "Mama…please" she says pleadingly.
Oh how she would often buckle with those eyes, she was a smart child and she was willing to bet that she knew how to use those blasted green eyes that she clearly got from her father to get what she wanted, but for now she would have to be firm, her youngest daughter doesn't need to worry herself with this, besides Dr. von Muller has already assured her husband's health.
"I'm sorry my dear but everything will be fine, Papa is not going anywhere and when he awakes you will be the first to see him, alright?" She replies, and she could see her slouch in disappointment.
"Ok" She says defeatedly.
Hugging her again and kissing the top of her head "If you promise to be good and finish your lessons, then you can have some extra dessert" she says sweetly.
Her youngest visibly cheers up at that and she nods enthusiastically with an infectious smile. Katherine lets her go with the maid for her morning lessons all the while her eldest daughter was having a look of disbelief and her second son stifling a laugh.
"Mother" Her eldest daughter Emma says exasperatingly.
"Come now dearest sister, we all know that you spoil her as well" His second son Ferdinand says teasingly.
"I do not!" She replies with a growing flush on her face "One must be firm as spoiling her rotten would not teach her anything, it would only incite dependence and a false sense of comfort"
She composes herself and says evenly "Camellia must know the harsh realities of life"
"She is 5, sister" Ferdinand deadpans "Let her enjoy the childhood she has, as it only comes once, and I believe that it is the responsibility of her siblings to make sure she enjoys her life, as it is our duty to be burdened with what life throws at us…and besides we will guide and support her when she comes of age" He replies with understanding and confidence.
Emma isn't exactly pleased with that and was going to start another retort. As the two siblings continue on with their debate. Katherine looks on longingly. Her first daughter was pragmatic, no different to her when she was younger. Everything she did, from the way she spoke to the way she moved, are controlled and thought of beforehand, always striving for excellence. One could say she was the mirror image of her when she was in the same age. Her red hair tied into a simple but neat pony tail and her face always having a schooled expression 'just like me' She thinks with amusement, while her blue eyes would always show her emotions – if you knew what to look for. Everything she did would always be that of what would be expected of a
'Prinzessin'. In short quoting her second son she was always tries to be 'serene'.
On the other hand, her second son could not be any more different than her. Ferdinand was more 'relaxed' but was responsible when needed to be. His blonde hair was always unruly and his aloof attitude being one of the reasons him and Emma's many arguments. His blue eyes always having that cheerful expression to them while his face would always have that 'charming' smile as he would always say. While his father was too much of a gentleman when he was his age, he was a little more 'forward', especially concerning the opposite sex, but knew his limits and is always in control of his actions 'He would definitely be more troublesome later on' she thinks with a small smile.
Giving a small cough to interrupt their little argument and as not to disturb their still sleeping father. They fell silent and immediately apologized – especially her eldest daughter, saying she overstepped all the while Ferdinand rolls his eyes with a smile - and the situation now returns with growing realization. Her daughter was the first to break the silence.
"Mom…what happened…I heard dad scream earlier and then the General alarm sounded off" she asks anxiously.
Taking a deep breath and readying herself, she exhales silently and once again pulls the service line and requests if they could have some refreshments brought in. The maid comes back pushing a cart with teacups and a pot of honey tea as well as some sandwiches, she curtsy's as she leaves. After the maid leaves them in private her posture straightens and her eyes sharpen. Seeing this, her two other children sat straighter as well, they knew what that meant. She was now addressing them not as their mother, but their 'Kaiserine'.
Earlier….
Hanover,
Imperial Army Headquarters West,
Underground Command Center
September 9, 1925 - 5 A.M.
"I see…well thank you for the report Captain…yes…tell her Majesty that I will answer her summons to a conference." a tired sigh escapes the lips of an old man staring out into the wall in front him deep in thought.
"Of course, …you are not the only one who is relieved to know that our Kaizer is well…thank you as well Captain…Fur Thron und Reich" as the distinct sound of the soles of jackboots hitting together, the old man puts the phone down and pinches the bridge of his nose and running his hand down his tired face. Slowly turning around, he sees his staff and everyone waiting in anxious anticipation with others shifting from one foot to the other. The tense atmosphere was thick enough to cut with a knife.
"The 'Kaizer' is well" He stated causing numerous sighs of relief. Giving them a moment for recompense before continuing with "They're still checking as to what happened to him earlier, but I have been informed that he is going to make a full recovery and is currently resting" he finishes, his deep voice of authority calms everyone in the room. None more so than one man, he slumps in his sit and exhales loudly while running one hands down his tired face, his green eyes rising to the ceiling in thought unaware of the equally tired but more older pair of eyes, his blonde hair is beyond disheveled and the few hours that passed awaiting news about the Kaizers wellbeing has finally caught up with him from the few hours.
Frederick Ernst von Augusta, a well-known figure by both the common folk and the social elites. Respected by his peers and has the charisma, reputation and status befitting of his position. His loyalty is as firm as iron to his country and his devotion unquestioned to his beloved fiance. He has already maneuvered himself into a position of leverage and influence – albeit a small one. But he has some flaws that need to be…refined. He has experience in combat, and have shown leadership, responsibility and decisiveness. Those combat experience however were little more than skirmishes against small guerrilla fighters or revolutionists in the Ottomar Confederacy. He was still fresh and has yet to experience what a real war or battle feels like. He is aggressive in pursuing breakthroughs and the complete annihilation of the enemy that he was known to disobey orders from his superiors. something that will be very disastrous if he was facing a much larger and more organized foe. Only the results of his exploits (position and influence) has prevented him from being discharged from the military.
But for now, the crown prince was anything but the young charismatic and sometimes brass officer, what the Feldmarschall was seeing was no more than a boy, a boy who was afraid being left alone for too long, a boy who still seeks his parent's presence and all he could do was empathize with him.
As the prince turns to face the Feldmarschall he notices he was looking at him with a neutral expression, his eyes comically widen at being caught and stands so fast that he accidentally topples the chair he was sitting on which the resulting crash makes everyone turn their attention to him and him inwardly cringing.
"Feldmarschall!" He says louder than intended, standing ramrod straight into his full height of 6'2 "I - I didn't mean to -….I just –" He cuts himself off at the Feldmarschalls raised hand and look understanding.
"It's alright Major, everyone here understands, so rest easy" At this, he takes a deep breath and relaxes. "With the situation now under control, I want everyone to get in contact with their units and the others and inform everyone with our new development, also" He turns to the person beside him "Can you please get me my dress uniform and other effects, and if you could request a plane than can be spared" The person salutes and clicks his the sole of his boots together before proceeding out the large room.
"Major" the officer turns at the call for his attention "If you could join me" he states deeply his authoritative tone giving no room for questions – as if he would -. As the rest of the officers either goes out or proceed with their new duties the Feldmarschall and the Major proceeds to leave the room with him looking back for a moment.
Not as big as the Main Imperial Army Headquarters, the one here (still decently sized occupying half of the west wing of the underground building) still served its purpose and it served it well. It was the muscle of the west as they would say, built from the 1700's the design was like those castles of old and overtime drastically changed and modernized to suit the needs of the everchanging standards of warfare. Orders from high command would all come here and eventually passed out into the front-line troops. If the Main Imperial Army Headquarters were the brains of the entire army giving out orders, this place here like the many others on their front line borders were the muscle to implement those to something tangible.
One could see the rows upon rows of cubicles with telegraphs and wired radio sets of all shapes and sizes passing on messages from the important to the mundane, the information highway of the western front.
As they leave the room and proceed to a hallway, neither one speaks. Both walking in silence each one in their own thoughts as they continue to walk onwards, the hallway turns to a balcony where they were able to overlook unto a another larger room with twice the number of people going about, where earlier they were in the ears and mouth, the place they were now were the eyes.
Men and women operated large machines with large circular glass panels built into them where it would show a line that continuously circled around.
Radar…rudimentary at the onset of its development and deployment, it has been improved overtime – slightly better than the first. If one would hear the name one would not think much of it but its contribution at the last war was beyond immense. It helped their air command in crushing the Normanii Airships. It helped their ships find and target the enemy air and sea vessels at the dead of night during the breakthrough of the Anglo blockade and the subsequent battle for the invasion of the United Anglo Kingdoms. It was just a small part of the very big complex chain of defenses that protects their western borders from encroachment of their increasingly aggressive neighbor.
And the middle of it all was the centerpiece of all decisions were made and implemented.
The massive map on top of a table, intricately detailed both pleasing to the eyes and important for detailed strategic and tactical operations. People around it moved small wooden boxes or figurines representing all the troops in the west.
One must praise the artist of this map as it captures the accuracy of all the roads, rivers, towns, cities, mountains, hills and everything in between, accurately representing everything out there in the western front. Going from the left - where there Normanii neighbors are, Neighbors that were getting more and more aggressive everyday and to the right where the bordering states of the empire are located and shown just in the edges of their border facing their neighbors is the Hindenburg Line.
The Feldmarschall continues with his walk-in silence but stands a bit straighter and lets out a small swells in the Feldmarschall. Pride well-earned and shared with many others with its development designed to stop any advance made by the Normanii, the line runs along the majority of the border to prevent any or at the very least slow down any force from gaining entry into the Empire, while the difficult and almost inaccessible areas – mountain ranges or similar – heavy fortresses were built in their place that could house troops for a counter attack.
Anti-Tank ditches, barbed wire obstacles of all shapes and sizes designed to funnel incoming men into interlocking kill zones provided by heavily steel reinforced concrete blockhouses arranged in a checker board formation atop elevated positions which was designed to be abandoned by the soldiers – after holding out for as long as possible – into another set of trenches a few miles behind the first line into an interlocking trench line away from light artillery being supported by reserves and artillery.
It was the only thing holding their neighbors back. If, and only IF it fell then there was nothing stopping their enemies from doing whatever they wished inside the country. He would die first before that happened under his watch.
The Major for his part could not but help notice the aura of pride of GeneralFeldmarschall von Moltke, looking to where he was gazing at…he smiles. The entire room was testament of 20 years of hard development. The General was old, 65 years to be exact, but he was still going strong. He served 2 Kaizers and is one of the most battle hardened and experienced officers of the Imperial Federation. A graduate of the Imperial military school he was taught the values of newer concepts of waging war and rigorously pursued new modern advancements to give the Empire the edge it needed.
He was also one of the most brutal Generals the Empire had ever had in its employ, specialized with maneuver warfare, he always emphasized its intensive reconnaissance and gathering of enemy intelligence before attacking with massive overwhelming force that was concentrated in surrounding and eventually destroying the enemy. Something he clearly demonstrated against the Normanii and the Rusks. He remembered that plan, it was as daring as it was dangerous.
To this day, they still study and analyze the grand strategy that was used, a culmination of months of preparation and careful planning. The plan involved some two and half million men in 134 Divisions, a small contingent would attack on the northern part of their borders, near its coast line, push as far as they could and then fall back once they were sure the enemy would counter attack and then they would lure them in. All the while the majority of their force will attack from the south and then drive north, they were to penetrate deep within enemy lines taking towns, cities and anything of strategic value and then drive to the northern coast capturing key ports in the area. It comes as to no surprise that a large chunk of the Normanii army was trapped and eventually destroyed.
But this alone did not end the war for though they have defeated the Normanii, the Empire was already scared by the ongoing conflict. Abandoned towns, villages and border cities. Massive trench lines and craters from both bomb and artillery now occupied a large part of western border.
"What was it like sir?,…when they attacked?" the Major asks. Carefully observing the old man in front of him.
The Feldmarschall didn't say anything, his gaze not leaving the map below him yet his face showed a myriad of emotions; anguish and regret, being the most obvious.
Remembering that day was one of the most shocking and painful experiences the Empire and citizens ever faced.
"I heard it was terrible sir," The Major continues but was met with a deafening silence. Thinking he stepped out of line, the Major immediately regretted his words and was about to apologize when-
"What did they teach you?…"
The Major stood a little straighter, the question asked was…devoid of any emotion "We learned that it was a surprise attack" The Feldmarschall stiffened slightly and opened his eyes, while he puts both hands on the balcony "It was mentioned that we had mobilized just enough men to stem the tide of-"
"That is an outright LIE!" The Major jumped at the old war dog's venomous response. The Major awaited the old commander's response through gritted teeth with obvious contempt.
"Everything they told you is a lie!" He turns and faces the Major with a fury that would steel. The Major for his part stood rooted in his place, Discipline and fear taking over "The attack was never a surprise! We were prepared for an offensive" Of course, he was taught that. Leave it to the ministry of education to teach the future generations of what had supposedly took place.
The Major was silent, processing what the Feldmarschall revealed "We knew that they were mobilizing, we did the same…but the previous Kaizer" The Feldmarschall paused before shaking his head "He didn't want to start the continent wide war…well it didn't matter later on" Taking a deep breath the old officer turns and walks down the hallway with the Major shaking himself out his frozen stupor to follow suit.
He was young, no more than 3, Growing up, his father and mother kept quite about their experiences 'They still dream about it though…especially mother, sometimes she's still there…reliving it all' he still remembers the screams, the guards rushing to their room and the servants fretting over her, but at the end it was his father that always managed to do so. He was her pillar as she was his.
The silence stretched between them. The Major, afraid of touching another sore subject, kept quite while Feldmarschall looked on seemingly unaware of the Major's unease. This continued until they reached the elevator. As the doors close and their privacy insured, the Feldmarschall gave a small smile and then breaks the silence with a sincere "Thank You". The Major looks at him in understanding before resuming his gaze forward.
"We were ordered not to attack...not first at least" The Feldmarschalls comments with a weary voice, thinking that he had already told him, he might as well explain "The Previous Kaizer allowed them to strike first to as to give the illusion of a preemptive strike and gave us a just reason for retaliation and once we did, we quickly gained back all the territory they "took" we accounted for many things…but we didn't expect the sheer tenacity the Normanii had" Breathing in, the look on the Feldmarschalls was one of pain and anger "3 years of bloody trench war…supporting our blasted…ally" he spat the last part with venom.
"Then the Rusks' took the opportunity to attack"
The Feldmarschall hums, turning to the major; his face is one of pain…and acceptance. As silence returns in the elevator, the Major sees the Feldmarschall suddenly grow tired.
The young officer could only imagine what the Feldmarschall was feeling. That day…the day the Rusks' attacked was one of the worst days the empire ever faced during the war…while a large part of the military was focused on its western and southern borders the ones stationed on the east were…green to say the least. High command considered the Rusks' military to be…ill coordinated and outdated, but what they lacked in up to date weaponry and coordination they more than up made up with numbers. The sheer scale and width of the attack…took everyone by surprise. Everyone knew how displeased the Ruskian population were with their current regime and everyone was certain that a revolution was going to happen very soon, the Rusks' had a long history of revolts and the Empire like many other countries would gain much afterwards, more land, more resources and more influence. But it was clear that the Ruskian government took the war as an excuse to direct population's frustration to something else "Taking back the old territories lost to the imperial scourge" was a very good motivation for a people who were strong with their national beliefs.
Whatever defense the eastern border had was overrun or bypassed, in its panic high command sent every available reserve they could spare form the southern border and volunteers with little training and sent them off to try and stop the Ruskian avalanche.
Boys and girls signing up for a fight where they thought they would gain Prestige and Valor. Their heads filled with the stories of heroes and legends. He scoffed to himself; he learned very quickly that those were what they were…stories, nothing more than mere dreams of grandeur trying to paint over the reality of the true nightmare of what war really was. But to the surprise of many (and the frustration of the rusks) those same people that was sent to die, whose lives were chosen to be spent for time not only held but even encircled and regained back lost ground. Granted some of the events were…exaggerated for the purpose of propaganda.
But their rear guard action and subsequent counterattack were met with fierce resistance with some units being annihilated but it bought the Empire time to recall its troops from the south – to the protest of their allies – and when they struck back they had a front line to use as a staging ground, regaining all what they lost with ferocious intent. After the war, a monument was erected to commemorate the bravery and the importance of sacrifice to one's country, but for many, men like the Feldmarschall it was a reminder that the Empire was not invincible, it was not perfect. It will always be a reminder of their failure…failure to defend its people and the allowing foreign troops to…desecrate their lands.
Anger rises in the Major, if it wasn't for the incompetence and arrogance of high command then it might not have come to that. He takes comfort in the fact that his father had all those responsible…sacked, and their replacements made a promise to make sure than never again will the Empire be caught in surprise nor will it ever again blind itself with arrogance in underestimating its potential enemies. Massive investments in development of arms, a complex and sophisticated spy network – something he isn't really fond of but begrudgingly accept the advantages – reintroduction of mandatory conscription of all men from the ages 18 – 25 for 3 – 5 years of service, new tactics and finally investing heavily on its defense. Here like many others are proof – no a testament to that.
The cost of all of this was beyond monumental. Large amount of resources and money was put on the endeavor, it was a gamble…but a gamble that paid off in spades. Hard lessons from the Continent-wide war gave way to a stronger Empire, they did take a hit when the depression came but the Empire had been better off than its neighbors. From the wide steppes of the east to the grass lands of the west were defended by tried and tested systems that has proven its worth in battle and will hopefully continue to do so in the future.
As the elevator reached its destination they proceed into the hallway. The Feldmarschall informed the prince that he will be in his office preparing himself for the conference and informs him to do the same. The prince looks down on his rumpled uniform which was worn in haste when the news arrived a few hours ago and agrees with the Feldmarschall, in the meantime he told – no ordered him to unwind, maybe take a few breaths of fresh air outside or take a smoke. The young man was about to decline but stopped at stern look he gave him before parting.
As the Feldmarschall proceeded to the second floor at the east wing of the Building and upon entering his office, he proceeds to a large globe at the corner of the room. Sliding a latch out, he opens the globe revealing small glass cups, a box containing tobacco and a pipe and a collection of alcohol. Grabbing his chosen drink – schnaps – he takes the small box and proceeds walking to his office table, pulling out his pipe and filling it with tobacco he tries to light it a few times until he manages to finally get a steady burn. Calming his nerves at the growing reminder of the situation at hand.
He continues to look out at his window to observe the sun just out of the horizon, was now illuminating the world beyond. The silence thick but his thoughts were that of the storm that appeared earlier.
Going to his table to inspect his uniform, he redresses himself with his dark blue uniform, complete with white linings and gold-plated buttons. Taking his saber he attaches it on his white belt, the black scabbard and silver handle becoming more pronounced. The many medals on his chest of all shapes and sizes from bronze to gold reflect the incoming light showing the care of its polish but the pinnacle was what he takes from a very well decorated box. A lone but impressive medal: A blue star atop a white cross encircled by oak leaves. Only given to the very few and most capable of the Empire, it speaks volumes of the success and experience to whomever has it. He sighs loudly to himself and finishes his drink.
While he proceeds to refill his glass, he would could not stop thinking that this routine inspection of the frontlines would be this…taxing, although he really couldn't expect that he would be called so very early in the morning being informed that the Palace alarm was set of, the…chaotic but orderly fashioned procedure that followed was amusing to say the least. Everyone acted as was protocol, but the atmosphere was thick with panic and uncertainty. The Empire – now – wouldn't really be concerned with a succession crisis, it has plenty of fallback procedures that it could take which was very detailed in writing.
The Kaizer was still alive and well and if - gods forbid – the Kaizer died then the Kaiserin would be next in line by default but there was one issue…she decided not to continue…she has subtly and forwardly mentioned that if it would come to that then the crown prince would be the next in line for the Throne. In which case the prince was more than prepared and was well versed in politics…but he didn't really like the high council and the…attitude was returned. If…IF it came to that then he would be acting regent with the Prime Minister until his siblings were of age or if the High Council and Parliament decides to give the mantle to the next family closest to the Royal Line. It was supposed to be smooth and simple, shaking his head in frustration he kept asking himself 'Why can't everything just fall into place' sighing to himself he remembers the Kaizer.
And there is where the problem lies. The Kaizer…if he died then everything the Empire has worked on up until this point would be all for naught. He was influential both inside outside their borders, being able to get a peace treaty in effect that ended the war – even though many felt the Empire should have been harsher to their defeated enemy - and gaining new allies outside the continent for the Empire. He was loved by the people, he didn't just stay in the palace he went out, he talked to them, from the snakes of the influential noble families to the ram shackled village farmer he was there, always listening and willing to give a helping hand. It was his charisma and his ideas that prevented the Empire from going down the path of economic ruin and lowering the rate of unemployment it was also his approval of granting funds of new weapons research to help better defend them in the future. If – if he died, then a lot of the things he did would be at best delayed or worse derailed. He only hopes it wouldn't come to that. For his part he couldn't say he was…close to the Kaizer, some of his policies and decisions – like the leniency he granted their neighbors – were met with obvious disapproval, but he respected the man. He had a level head, always thinking long term and was very fond of the Military…and of course it's people, they might have disagreements, but he would always have his loyalty.
As he finished dressing himself he takes one last look at the mirror to make sure he is presentable and aptly remembers something very important, taking the phone from his desk and quickly putting in the number he waits for the operator to connect him to his requested line and when he was, he simply states "This is GeneralFeldmarschall von Moltke, I'm being summoned for a conference in the palace…bring all the documents…code X, repeat code X".
After he placed the phone down not waiting for a reply he heard a knock, giving them permission to enter, the person who revealed himself was none other than the Crown Prince or more commonly known by his rank of Major. Looking a whole lot better than before, his features were schooled but one could see that the tension he had earlier was greatly lessened, he had his hair comb neatly and his uniform was pristine and devoid of any wrinkles or imperfections, hugging his lean but well-proportioned body, his polished sword hung from his left while his pistol was holstered to his right. He offers a smile.
"Major if I didn't know better I would have suspected you were trying to woo every female staff here than attend a conference"
"With all due respect sir, I have a certain someone who would not be so keen if word reaches her of that" The Prince replies with a smile.
"I'm surprised I'm not seeing her chase other women, how is she by the way?" The Feldmarschall asks and sees the man light up at the mention of his beloved.
"Well sir…very well, I'm the one who actually needs to make sure that she isn't the one being chased after" He chuckles and starts reminiscing about all the time he spent with her that was memorable or how she would be upset if she does not hear from him often. For his part the Feldmarschall was glad that he could give the Prince a small ounce of reverie but thinking to himself he can't delay this any further.
"Regarding her sir…well I…there's not really much else in how I could say this" He says with embarrassment and looks a little sheepish, he then turns to the Feldmarschall with a proud and infectious smile. "You see sir, she…she's-
"Frederick…I'm sorry to interrupt…but we need to talk about the Imperial throne" best get this taken care of now rather than later. He had to make sure that the prince knew what was to come. There was just one problem with that.
"No sir we don't need to talk about it" he says angrily through his clenched teeth. The Prince's demeanor changed quickly into a scowl.
"Frederick.." The Feldmarschall says in challenge, his face engraved with authority daring the Prin – no the Major to step out of line, he might be the 'Crown Prince' but he still outranked him and until he was crowned as the next ruler he will be reminded of his place.
"You know your responsibilities in this…this is not the time to run from them"
"I refuse to challenge my father from his right to the throne, he's still alive if you haven't noticed sir" The Major answers immediately with the last part mentioned in a tone of mockery. The Feldmarschall for his part was shocked at the rebuttal, but still retained his unreadable mask and was trying to control his rising anger.
Recovering from the shock…'How dare he…that impudent – ' stopping that train of thought from forming and quickly reminding himself that this was a rather…sensitive topic for the young Prince. "Don't you use that tone with me boy" The Feldmarschall replies spatting out the last word.
The Crown Prince stood straighter and met the challenging stare of the Feldmarschall…to which he breaks after mere moments. Seeing that his boots were far more interesting, the prince looks down in shame but keeps the scowl engraved on his face. "I didn't mean…I'm sorry sir" he says after a minute of silence and meets the Feldmarschalls gaze with his eyes having a mix of emotions from sadness to pleading.
Seeing this, the Feldmarschalls anger is quickly abated "It's not challenging his right to the throne Frederic…it's preparing for it" The Feldmarschall offers for him to sit down and a drink. Contrary to what others may think, the Crown Prince wasn't eager nor fond of getting the throne. He didn't say it to his father….'well not yet anyway' he thinks, continuing to observe the young man. Ever since he became old enough the once happy and nonchalant child was quickly replaced with the hard realities of being a royal. He was the Kaizers and Kaiserine first child and as such it brought all the responsibility of the throne and the expectations that came with it, he sighs to himself and he could only empathize.
The Monarchs loved their children, but most of the 20 years was focused on rebuilding an exhausted country and preventing it from descending into anarchy, they still spent time with their son in what little time they had but he grew up in a time of heavy turbulence, also being the only child in the palace meant he couldn't really relate to anyone and was always being compared if he could fill the very shoes that their forefathers has passed on. The child that grew up admiring the stories of his ancestors was slowly turning to hate them, always surrounded by important people and his actions always being judged meant that early on he mastered or at this case was still mastering putting on a façade and maneuvering to social circles. The Feldmarschall closes his eyes and sighs.
"I just…I'm…I don't –"
"Don't know if you could be as good as him" The Feldmarschall finishes for the prince with face of understanding.
Leaning back from his seat and running his hand down his face the prince looks emotionally tired, wrung out. The Feldmarschall just sat their quietly, seeing him emptying his glass and cradling his head with his hands. "Frederick – "
He was cut off by the sound of the phone at the table ringing, slightly frowning at the timing of the interruption with a frustrated sigh he proceeds to answer it. Gone was the man who was concerned about the prince like a Godfather and was now replaced by the man who got his position with stern discipline and an iron will. As he answers with a simple 'yes' he waits patiently on what the other person may need to report.
"News from the Hindenburg Line Feldmarschall" The speaker says in a slight rush of panic, hearing this Feldmarschall was frozen for a second.
"An attack?" he asks with full apprehension but was able to hide it well. A commander must not show panic for it would spread to the ranks like the plague, but he could not stop thinking to himself 'Now of all time? This just got better and better, the storm from earlier just ended and they could be facing a humanitarian crisis somewhere and with the Kaizer just recovering from his sudden sickness then-
"No sir it's not an attack…but…its General Heinsworth sir…its just-
"You have mouth and tongue soldier, I suggest you use it!" The Feldmarschall cuts him off, he was getting tired really quickly, this is the command headquarters for god's sake!
"Yes Sir! Sorry sir…General Heinsworth reports that the Normanii has…disappeared sir" He says with concern and from what the Feldmarschall could surmise was confusion.
"What do you mean…disappeared?" He says gobsmacked, repeating those words in his head to make sure he heard them right.
"The Normanii…countryside has disappeared sir…there is nothing there but…an open sea Feldmarschall, and it's not only from him, were getting reports from all the sectors of the line reporting the exact same thing…it's all gone they …just vanished" He says with clear disbelief and worry.
Steeling himself the Feldmarschall merely replies that he will be down there in a few minutes while the prince for his part seeing the variety of emotions steadily composes himself. Gone was the boy who questioned his place in society and was now replaced with a man who forged his reputation on the mountains of the Ottomar confederacy.
As both rushes out of his office with the Feldmarschall filled in what he heard in the phone. Like him he was first in disbelief, this report had to be a mistake, it had to be. How does an entire country bordering them just literally…go with the wind? But it came from General Heinsworth and he was a well versed frontline commander, him and jokes don't come together; he is trusted and cared deeply for his men. Plus, he knew the man personally, he was an honest man. So, to hear this coming from him…shaking his head as he returns to the same room no more than an hour earlier.
Reaching for the radio set that General Heinsworth was connected to, the Feldmarschall greets his friend and asked what the situation on the front was. As he waits for a reply he could clearly imagine the other hesitating for a moment before hearing him say "It's gone…Karl all of the country is gone, I know what I sound like right now and believe me I had the same reaction but then I started getting reports from all over the line on every sector and I went there to check them myself Karl…I don't know how else I'm going to describe it. The Normanii…they're gone"
As the Feldmarschall and everyone else around him listen on with the conversation the room grows heavy with every passing moment with confusion, fear, and disbelief. The Feldmarschall takes in the fact -as was explained by the man on the radio - that they now had hundreds or possibly a thousand miles of new coast line of beaches and cliffs with the only silver lining he was hearing so far was that the entirety of the Hindenburg Line was intact. Then his mussing gets interrupted.
"Feldmarschall…sir we have Grossadmiral Keitel and General Heinrich asking for you"
As he looks to the soldier his face was also carved with one of disbelief but is clearly keeping it for himself. Fearing the worst and wishing for the best he tells his friend that he needs to take another call from frontline commander of the east and the overall commander of the Navy.
As he reaches for the other radio set he asks the same question and the answers he got made his stomach drop. "Feldmarschall…I know this might sound insane but…the Rusks sir…they have all but disappeared, I got reports from all over my sector that the steppes, lakes, rivers, hills, and mountains" the man drawled in a nervous tone. And repeated the same words he kept hearing this very moment "Feldmarschall…it's gone…it's all gone" came the muffled voice of the person over the radio.
"I concur Feldmarschall" Came the voice of the Grossadmiral clearly distressed "All the country is nothing more than an…open sea sir. My ships all report that there is nothing out there, not a trace of land, not even a small island or anything that was left to say otherwise…and I just got word from FlugAdmiral Keitel…his airships are reporting that there is nothing out there for miles on out"
The normally stoic and firm façade of the commander was now broken, bare for all to see, and it was clear to anyone that they were now in a very precarious position. The Feldmarschall took a seat and stared, just stared. Seriousness carved into his features, thinking of a thousand things at the same time. Asking questions over and over again, no one, not a soul tried to disturb the Feldmarschall all waiting for his answer as to what to do next all the while more and more operators were getting the same message from different commanders coming from the different reaches of the Empire requesting the Feldmarschall to report the…phenomenon and asking and awaiting orders on how to proceed – and possibly a small amount of assurance and guidance.
The Feldmarschall on the other hand was not hearing anyone, he blocked them all out in favor of thinking to himself…Gone, their neighboring countries are gone? From the East, West and even the South. The ramification on the long and short term was a beyond immeasurable. Economic, Military, Civilian, Religion. This was not something that happened in real life, this situation was what authors would think of when writing fantasy but for it to happen…by the gods…how could have this happened…if they were alone…truly alone.
Looking down he noticed his hand already in a fist shaking…uncurling slowly and cupping his chin, he was loath to admit it but…it made him uneasy, he tried to control his emotions, the only time he was anywhere this uneasy was when their entire eastern border forces all but collapsed…but that was different, an invading army could be dealt with, analyzed, planned and eventually a counterattack would be made. There was some semblance of predictability of…normalcy…but this, this was different. As if the very gods themselves had thrown them here for their amusement 'No that can't be the case…it can't be' he vehemently denied there should be some trace of them out there-
"Feldmarschall…." The deep and firm voice cuts through his thoughts like a mallet its gavel. As he follows the hand on his shoulder and the voice that interrupted him,…the Major…his eyes show worry but carries with it a resolve that matches the ferocity of its forefathers. "Orders…sir"
Quickly realizing what he was doing and remembering his lesson from earlier he did a quick scan of the entire room…the entire place was thick with worry, anxiousness and most importantly all of them, they were all…afraid…afraid of what was happening…the background was filled with people from the radios asking for orders…instructions…anything to assuage them.
Shaking his head and exhaling loudly he stands from his seat, ramrod straight and arms folded behind his back, schooling his features and takes a long look around. His face resolute and his composure returned with a vengeance. The shift in the room was immediate, all signs of anxiety and fear quickly quashed.
"Mobilize the front-line troops…I want everyone on high alert" He says the air of doubt now replaced with a resolute embrace, the major for his part couldn't help but reveal a small smile but quickly wipes it away. "Now! And get me connected to every front line commander out there I want a damn report on what is gone and what was left, even if it is an inch, report it immediately" The Feldmarschalls emphasis was carried out with the precision born out of training and experience. A symphony of boots, papers and voices fill the room…orders were being received read, processed and sent while more maps were taken out at behest of the Feldmarschalls orders and hastily placed on a table.
As he takes and prepares himself, wetting his lips. He closes his eyes and thinks…his next order will take a lot of explaining to their Majesty, while he could technically mobilize the entire border garrisons in the most dire of circumstances – this being one of them – it would and could still be seen as…circumventing…their Majesties authority…nothing short of treason and he would be the first Feldmarschall to ever even issue it…but it had to be done. Hopefully the Kaizer would be more understanding when he awakes "This is GeneralFeldmarschall Karl Foch von Moltke to all commanders and troops"
Everyone stood still and stopped what they were doing, silence once again filling the room "…repeat this is GeneralFeldmarschall Karl Foch von Moltke addressing all of his Majesties soldiers…I will be brief in this ladies and gentlemen, as of now a large number of you have reported or have heard the reports that our neighbors…have all but disappeared…I know some of you may not believe it and I still doubt of it myself, but…with the near constant reports that are coming in…" He leaves that part hanging for them to interpret it and sees everyone around him readying themselves with whatever order that was about to be given, he continues "Not only that, but we have received reports that the Kaizer is…unwell and unavailable" He could only imagine the utter shock and the subsequent chaos that would come with that revelation – he should know…he's seen it here, with the most disciplined men of the empire "As such…as her right, by law and the oaths she took for the people…Kaiserine Katherine von Augusta is our sole sovereign until his Majesty the Kaizer is deemed well"
Stopping to compose himself once again he continues while walking back and forth with one hand on the mike while his other folded against his back, like a proud general addressing his troops "It has now come to my attention but all of you out there, see this and think that the Empire might be in dire state…we might be seeing a new threat, a new adversary or a new weapon that was used. It has made us vulnerable and have…as such because of the unwarranted circumstances, I am ordering all border forces to fully mobilize and all reserves to start preparing for mobilization…await her Majesty's orders and…May the Gods bless us all"
As the message was sent, everyone returned to a flurry of activity, stepping away from the microphone he runs a hand down his clearly tired face, he felt drained, as if the entire building was now being brought upon his shoulders as he looks around, the staff going about their jobs. Some though, the officers are looking at each other…apprehension carved in their faces, he could understand…a mobilization order was only given by the Monarchs with some degree of flexibility given for parliament, the high council and Him.
"Ready a call for me to the palace…I have to report to her Majesty" Walking to a corridor he stops and asks if a plane was reserved for him and his staff, after making sure everything was prepared he says before leaving "Get a message to the front line Generals and inform the Grossadmiral and Air Commander that I need to speak with them again" He states before walking down the corridor and enters a door leading to a wash room, moving to the sink he takes his napkin and gets it wet just enough from the running tap so he can wipe his face…He had a lot of explaining to do later on…Gods did he wanted a drink.
AUTHORS NOTE:
Hi Guys, sorry for the very late update, to make it up to you all I posted this 2nd chapter, as you haven't already noticed its a lot longer which would hopefully be enough for very late update. I was really hoping to post this back on November but just like everything in life, it doesn't go like what I planned. The original version of this was so bad and was so rushed that when my friend who is helping with the proof reading told me it was so bad I basically had to rewrite the whole thing. Which to some cases I did. I promise good quality stories and I will do my utmost to deliver.
I am currently working now and just like I said, I have a lot of things to do but rest assured that I won't leave this story as it is.
Also thank you to those that reviewed, read and tagged my story :D
I can't promise a regular update schedule but I will do my best for posting as quick as I can.
Davinator61 - It is similar but also different, don't want to give to much details without spoiling it for everyone, you just have to wait, read and find out. Thank's for the support.
random123games - Thanks, I just want my story to be of good quality, I saw far to many stories that had very good plot lines that didn't do well because they either lacked detail and depth or the writers added to much. Balancing it out was hard enough, now I don't mean to demean or deface or what other negative terms are available to give them, I firmly believe they can improve and make their stories better.
Proud-Firebrand - I hope it wasn't to long for you, but rest assured I will do my best in keeping the quality of my stories even though I don't have a regular schedule to update them.
ALSO:
I will give credit to where credit is due.
- The name Normanii was inspired from the name given to the norse people at the anime "Vinland Saga" go check it out, it's really good.
- Cavorite is unobtanuim that is commonly used for materials that are otherwise impossible top find.