Story Notes: I'm back with another multi-fic. This is not the sequel to the Arabian Altercation, this will be coming later and may be uploaded as this is updated. History and royalty inspire me, and I realised I'd never written anything linked to King Ottokar's Sceptre. I also invented an extended family for Muskar as the books don't provide one. Kristofor is Muskar's son and only child, the heir to the Syldavian throne. His wife is Ariadna, and they have a son called Wojtek. In the Story Ariadna is pregnant. I also invented some siblings for Muskar. His younger sister, Marrianna and his youngest sibling, brother, Dymitr. I enjoyed doing this and I hope I have pulled this off well. I made sure that the chapters operated similarly to The Arabian Altercation, longer and fuller, with more action. I'm picturing King Muskar in his late 50s with Kristofor in his mid to late twenties. I've made him a little older so the ages match better. Please read, fav, follow and review.
Title: The Syldavian Secret
Category: Adventures of Tintin
Genre(s): Adventure, Suspense
Rating: T (For Safety)
Language: English
Characters: Tintin, Snowy, Haddock, King Muskar XII, OC'S
Summary: Tintin and Haddock are in Klow to open a new exhibit in the museum on behalf of Calculus, who can't be there. When The King's aide arrives to bring them to the palace, a shocking situation comes to light, one that threatens the future of Syldavia. And Muskar is carrying a greater burden. Can Tintin and Haddock help the King?
Suggested Music
1. My Crown - Max Richter
2. Life after Death - John Lunn
3. Livgardet - Sabaton
X
The Syldavian sun spread across the mountains below. In moments all could bask in the welcoming heat. As animals and birds dominated their lands, Prince Kristofor left the crystal clear waters of the lake patting his feet dry. He gazed at the scenery before him as he sat down on one of the rocks to pull his shoes back on, after his slow walk on the banks of the clear lake.
There was nothing for miles.
Nothing but the countryside and clear blue skies. Eagles called to one another enticing the eyes of the prince. Soon he couldn't take his eyes off the sky. His breathing slowed even as he began to walk the short journey back to the estate that lay to one side of the lake. The stones crunched beneath his shoes as he did so.
It's so peaceful. We should have come earlier.
Kristofor inhaled, pulling in the sweet untainted air, fresh and light upon his lungs. He glanced at the estate, spotting Ariadna, his pregnant wife and their young son, Wojtek in the drawing room.
This is perfect.., Kristofor thought.
Another eagle call brought his gaze back to the impeccably clear sky. Not a cloud obliterated the sun's intense streams. He closed his eyes to focus.
An ear-piercing scream ended the deafening silence.
Kristofor's eyes shot open as he sprinted back to the estate.
"Ariadna! Wojtek!"
As he stumbled onto the patio a thump to the back of his head, ended his journey, and everything turned black.
Klow Palace - The following day
Muskar avoided the judgemental gaze of his Prime Minister, opting to stare at the rain lashing against the windows of his study.
How could this happen?
I should have told him about it... I should have told them before they left for the Lake.
He'd attempted to telephone them twice. The phone just rang. No one picked up. Muskar left with Lieutenant Olek Kaminski within twenty minutes, heading straight down to the lakeside house. He'd been trying to tell them something for a while and had only recently gained the confidence to do so. He recalled the moment they arrived, to hear nothing but silence, no replies to his endless shouts. He found the doors wide open, treadwear marks everywhere... and blood on the patio. Muskar's blood ran cold when he saw the blood.
Then panic set in.
They've gone...
They're gone.. kidnapped...
He still couldn't make sense of anything.
"Your Majesty?"
He held in his cough, fighting to breathe as his limbs ached. He stood up and the Prime Minister followed.
"This is a grave problem, your majesty,"
"I understand that," The King's voice broke slightly, breaking his composure.
"The ZEPO men can't seem to trace them,"
Muskar closed his eyes, trying to block the comment from his mind. He'd been out for six hours straight in the wind and the rain. ZEPO Detectives had already decided Bordurian agents were responsible for the Kidnapping of Prince Kristofor and his family. There were no tyre marks, just evidence of a violent struggle. He couldn't bare the thought of someone using violence against his own family. There was no evidence to prove the involvement of Bordurain Agents, but nothing to disprove it either. Even though they were the likely instigators he refused to believe they were responsible.
"Even your efforts have amassed to nothing,"
Muskar ran his hand across his chin, exhaling shakily.
I need to return to the Mountains.
"Your Majesty, there is nowhere to turn,"
Casting his eye's down, the newspaper appeared in his line of sight. A particular article drew his gaze.
"Maybe not.." Muskar exclaimed.
"Your Majesty?"
Muskar motioned to the newspaper but the Prime Minister wasn't impressed.
"Your Majesty, this is most irregular,"
"He may be our last hope. I will not allow this opportunity to slip away,"
X
Everyone cheered as Tintin and Haddock declared the new Space exploration exhibit open. With a resounding cheer, everyone headed in to wander around the exhibit. They followed with haste, even though Calculus had been instrumental in its creation.
As Snowy examined the suit he once wore on one of the exhibits, Haddock accepted a glass of champagne and joined Tintin as they gazed at the photos beside the door.
"I don't care what Calculus says, I'm not doing that again!"
Tintin chuckled, recalling the rocket landing.
We'll be back soon, Haddock nearly choked.
"I wish Calculus could have been here. I hope he gets better soon,"
Unfortunately, Professor Calculus couldn't travel after being stuck down with a nasty case of flu. Tintin and Haddock wanted to try and change the opening date but Calculus had insisted that they go, as the opening date had already been postponed twice.
Tintin's gaze landed on an old picture of all of them, hours before the launch. His eye's traced the figures of Baxter next to Haddock. Unfortunately, Haddock's smile was more of a grimace. Calculus stood next to him then Woolfe...
Despite the success of the rocket, the challenges they faced still haunted him. Woolfe's betrayal, Colonel Jorgens death, and then Woolfe sacrificing himself to save everyone. They made it back alive because of him.
Tintin would never forget that.
Haddock's voice snapped him back to reality.
"You okay, Lad?"
"Just thinking about the past... remembering the journey,"
"and the sheer madness that came with it! I still can't believe Calculus did it,"
"Yeah... and it nearly went wrong,"
Haddock squeezed his shoulder just as the manager reappeared, immediately catching their attention.
"Mr Tintin, Captain Haddock, there's someone who wants to speak to in private,"
Haddock raised his eyebrow as Tintin called Snowy over, and they followed the manager into the office.
I wonder who wants to talk to us?
As they entered the room, Tintin's eyes widened at the sight of three men in uniform. One stepped forward. He wore black attire with a yellow stripe tapering down the outside of both legs. The pelican on the striped collar caught his eye the most.
"Mr Tintin, Captain Haddock. My name is Lieutenant Olek Kaminski, Aide to King Muskar XII. The King wishes to see you,"
Haddock couldn't speak.
"The King?... I .."
"I.. did.. Did Muskar say why?"
"Mr Tintin, the current situation is rather delicate. All will be explained. Please... this is rather urgent,"
X
As the car made its way through the city, Haddock fought to tighten his collar and tie, obviously trying to smarten himself up a bit. After that, his hands started to wander as nerves overtook him.
"Blistering... I haven't met royalty since I met King George V. Interesting man.."
"I never knew that.. that's amazing," Tintin beamed. Muskar was the only King he had ever met. He'd never been lucky enough to meet any members of the British royal family or even the Belgian Royal family.
"It was a long time ago, I'll never forget it.." Haddock smiled as the palace gates opened and then closed behind them. At the same time, Tintin's mind wandered.
Why does he wish to see us so urgently?
Is something wrong?
Lieutenant Kaminski didn't seem overly keen on giving them any information.
I hope he is more trustworthy than the last one, Tintin thought, briefly recalling Jorgen trying to stop him from speaking to Muskar and then attempting to aid a conspiracy to push him off the throne.
As they stepped from the car, a flash of grey-streaked hair caught his eye.
Isn't that the Slydavian Prime Minister?
He strode from the palace, constantly muttering god knows what under his breath. Tintin could barely make it out. The man, likely his secretary, struggled to keep up with him as he barrelled towards him.
"Prime Minister?"
"Mr Tintin!" The PM exclaimed, immediately making his way over to him to shake his hand. "I am glad to see you I hope you can talk some sense into him,"
Tintin glanced at Haddock briefly, before raising his eyebrow in confusion
"I'm sorry?"
"The King!" The PM Exclaimed. "I swear he's going to make himself ill!"
I'm still confused.. What are you talking about?
"What are you talking about?"
"He ... " The PM paused, and his tine quietened. "You don't know yet.."
"What's going on?" Tintin asked.
"I think it would be better if His Majesty informed you in person,"
That doesn't sound good.
"It's serious then,"
"Indeed,"
They watched as the Prime Minister strode towards his car.
"That doesn't sound good," Haddock said.
Tintin nodded in agreement as Olek motioned for them to follow.
"Sir Tintin, Captain Haddock, would you follow me please,"
Haddock raised his eyebrow at Tintin as they followed the man into the palace.
"Sir Tintin? That's fancy," Haddock smiled.
"It's a long story,"
X
As Olek led them through the Palace, they both straightened themselves up. It hadn't changed since his last visit, all those years ago. At one point, Kaminski knocked on a door. The voice that called back was so soft that Tintin barely heard it. As they entered Kaminski closed the door behind them.
Tintin gazed at the King in concern as he approached. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes slightly. Muskar's slumped posture made him pause, clearly a far cry from the straight upright man he'd met.
This is serious...
"It is good to see you, my friend," Muskar exclaimed, grasping Tintin's right hand with both of his own, gripping them tight. Now centimetres from each other he could see dark spots under his eyes.
He hasn't been sleeping...
As Snowy sniffed his boots, Muskar slowly dropped down to stroke him and then turned to Haddock.
"You must be Captain Haddock. I've heard a lot about you," Muskar said, extending his hand to Haddock.
"All good I hope," Haddock replied, shaking his hand.
A small smile spread across Muskar's face but it quickly faded. His eye's seemed clouded as if he was filled with the worries of the world. The line's upon his brown had increased considerably since their last meeting, making him look older. Although it had been a while since they had last seen each other. He kept trying to talk but it was like he couldn't find the words.
"Muskar ... what's wrong.."
Muskar momentarily cast his gaze to the floor then returned to Tintin.
"Tintin ... I need your help.."
Muskar wobbled slightly, grabbing the table to remain standing as a series of hard coughs rocked his chest.
Tintin stepped forward, unable to comprehend why Muskar had asked him for help.
Something must be very seriously wrong for Muskar to ask me for help.
But what?
Once the series of coughs calmed down, Muskar took Tintin's hand and gripped him hard.
"It's my son ... he was .. he's been kidnapped"
"Kidnapped?" Haddock exclaimed.
Kidnapped... Who in the right mind would dare kidnap the king's son?
"Kristofor, his wife Araidna and my grandson Wojtek... they were taken.." His voice broke as he told them. His eyes filled with tears as another series of hard coughs strained his lungs.
"Who would dare do such a thing?" Haddock stated angrily.
"The ZEPO men have been searching across the countryside but .. there's nothing.. it's .. it's. ZEPO is assuming that Bordurian agents are the likely suspects.."
"But you don't agree..." Tintin bravely suggested.
Muskar nodded, trying to hold back his lungs and failing.
"There have been no calls, no evidence to even suggest this.."
"No one has called asking for a ransom or even to say they have them.." Tintin continued.
"No ... I've been out all night searching.. against my minister's wishes. there's so much countryside around the lakeside estate,"
"Lakeside.." Haddock reiterated.
"They were enjoying a short holiday... that's where they.." Muskar paused and took a deep breath before grasping Tintin's hand again. As he looked the King straight in the eye, Tintin's eye's started to water. "Tintin, you're my last hope,"
Muskar's gaze moved to the picture of his late wife, Agnieska. Tears broke his eyes', slipping down his cheeks as his fingertips grazed the frame.
"My heart can't take much more loss.."
"I will do everything I can... I promise you. "
Muskar nodded, managing a small smile.
"Thank you,"
"We need to see the manor,"
"Follow me,"
Tintin stayed close to Muskar as they headed down to the garage.
This is indeed serious...
Why would someone kidnap Kristofor and his family... This is horrible.
Before they could exit the palace, Kaminiski intercepted all three of them, clearly unwilling to let them leave the palace.
"Sire, I must protest! You need to stay in the palace!"
"I will not abandon my family!" Muskar exclaimed loudly, clearing his throat and then taking a deep breath.
"Sire! I implore you! You're exhausted! I fear you will make yourself ill!"
Kaminiski cared about the King's health and seemed unwilling to allow him to risk himself further. The cough worried Tintin, making him wonder if Muskar was hiding anything else from him.
"The ZEPO is focusing almost entirely upon the involvement of Bordurian Agents. There are many places yet to be searched. If they won't then I will"
Muskar stopped to catch his breath, leaning on a side table as another series of hard coughs rocked his lungs. Haddock rubbed his back in an attempt to help. As Muskar managed to bring them under control he thanked Haddock and staggered back to Tintin and Kaminski.
"Sire, we can do that, Haddock and I. Your aide's right you need to rest." Tintin exclaimed, trying to find a compromise between both of them
"I will rest when they are found, not before. My son, daughter-in-law and grandson are out there. Ariadna is eight months pregnant. I will not abandon them... I will drive you to the estate,"
Thank you for reading this first chapter. Please review, follow and Favourite. I'm enjoying writing this and I hope you are too. I will update you next week with the next chapter. I may even do a double update at one point. I have a lot of fanfiction ideas so a lot of stories may be appearing on my account soon. Thanks for reading and see you next week.