Prologe
A calm night captain of the 3rd battalion of the Prince's lifeguard, Allan Möller was standing around a table planing the battle of Fredericia, the city was under siege and it would fall if they waited any longer. The loss to the rebels at Schleswig the year before had been a disgrace for the danish army.
"de Meza, is coming from Als with the 6th brigade" one of the officers said looking at Allan for an answer.
"Good, we need more artillery to bring down those bastards, the rebels have a lot of guns. We need more of them" He pointed to a point on the map "We send a battalion here, and then we take the left flank" The other officers agreed with him.
"It will be done sir"
"Good, go, and do not fail me"
As the men walked out Allan sighed, he had the feeling that something was about to happen and not for the best.
"Sir, we have a visitor, an officer from the navy" A sergeant said behind him, Allan turned around.
"Send him in"
A tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed man with a thin mustache and a short, but well-groomed beard, walked in, saluted him and handed him a letter. Allan broke the seal and read.
"What is the situation out there, have you seen them?" He asked.
"Aye sir, I have, the naval command want us to bring more troops from Zealand to reinforce you until de Meza comes and relieves the siege"
"We will see, we need them, but I doubt that the king will allow it, and if so, we don't have enough ships to do it" Allan said.
"I can go back and bring more men from Zealand, sir, just tell me when"
"Do it, we might sally out if it comes to it" Allan said looking back down at the map of the defences.
The officer nodded, saluted and left, a couple of hours later a rider came from the town, bearing the flag of truce, the message was clear.
The days went by, reading up for a sally out, more troops came by ship, the rebels and their german allies couldn't do anything to the power of the danish navy. During the day the cannons from the redoubts around the city. And in the night a new regiment was moved into the redoubts and the 3rd battalion of the Prince's lifeguard took positions behind the walls. de Meza would be there by morning, or so General Hedemann had promised, it would be perfect to sally out when the rebels had two fronts to fight.
"Sir, it de Meza, he's here" An officer said running towards him.
Allan stood up, the moment had arrived.
"Sound the signal, we attackk"
The bugle sounded the charge, Allan took his sword and his pistols and ran to his horse, the first lines of the redoubt opened the gates and the men ran down the slope, the rebels didn't expect it and were still trying to wake up. They were surprised by the sudden attack, the Danes took advantage and ran down the hill and towards the tents, killing everything in their path. The 6th brigade was coming from the south taking them in the rear. musket fire was blasting all around in fine lines as Allan looked around at the slaughter of the rebels.
"This is my lucky day" He thought as a rebel cavalry officer rode at him, his sword raised.
A shot was heard, and the rebel officer fell from his horse.
"That's my lucky day" He laughed.
A cannonball came down and smashed his horse, Allan was thrown against a tree and felt unconscious.
"Wake up" A voice was saying in the distance, a hand touched him.
Allan felt dizzy and hurt, the sound of battle was far away now.
"You alright" A voice asked.
He blinked and looked up, it was a young soldier.
"You alright" the boy asked again.
"Yes, I think" Allan answered sitting up.
"Your battalion has been called to fall back to the redoubt, we were ordered to search for any wounded"
"Where are the others? Did we win?" Allan asked.
"Most are dead or taken prisoner, we won the day, the sally out worked" The boy said helping Allan to his feet.
Allan took his sword and his hat, and walked slowly towards the door. The light inside was dim and gloomy. The sound of dying men came from another room. Allan went through the door, the stench of blood and death was everywhere. A few men were helping the others, or what was left of them. The sound of boots came from the entrance and a few moments later a sergeant walked in, he looked around and saw Allan.
"Sir, are you okay?" The man asked.
"I'm alright, but many aren't, did we lose a lot?"
"Not too many, but heard you were lucky, the found you besides your horse, it had taken a canon ball at the front legs"
"Yes, I was" Allan said sitting down, the dizziness had come back and his head hurt like hell.
"I think you have a concussion, sir" the sergeant said "I'll send for the doctor, stay here"
"Yes" Allan said sitting down on a chair. A cup of water was put down on the table in front of him by the young soldier. "Has de Meza arrived in the city yet?" Allan looked at the young soldier Kristian.
"Aye sir, the 6th brigade and his cavalry was waiting for him and took the rebel right flank by surprise, they crushed them and the rest fled" Kristian answered.
"Good" Allan said standing up, the dizziness was gone. "i'll go speak with him"
Kristian smiled. "I will come with you, sir"
"Sure, I don't mind" Allan said as he left the house.
The two walked back towards the redoubt where General Hedemann and Major de Meza were talking. The two was looking out over the battlefield. Allan walked up the wooden stairs dug into the earthen redoubt to protect the city.
"Sir, is it a good time?" Allan asked.
"Ah yes, it is, how are you doing, captain?" General Hedemann said turning towards him.
"I'm fine, thanks, a bit sore but nothing to worry about"
"That is good to hear, Captain" General Hedemann said.
"Captain Möller, it is good to see you alive" de Meza said turning towards him, "I saw the canonball hit your horse and I was worried that you had died"
"Luckily, I didn't, and I'm thankful for it" Allan said.
"Indeed, well, as soon as the men have rested, we'll leave the city and march on Schleswig and meet up with general Krogh and Royal guard" Hedemann said, folding his hand behind his back. "we'll show those germans and royal traitors not to go to war with Denmark"
Allan nodded and smiled. "They will pay the price, I'll go and ready the men, sir"
"Go, I'll call you if we have orders for you"
"Sir" Allan said and turned on his heel, Kristian followed.
"Sir" Kristian said as he caught up to him.
"Yes, what is it, Kristian?"
"Are we really going to crush them? aren't they also a part of the kingdom" Kristian said.
"Yes, we are"
"But why? We shouldn't kill our own, we are a kingdom, are we not?"
"We are, but that doesn't mean we should trust anyone, especially not a man like count Frederick August"
"What has he done?" Kristian looked long at Allan for the answer.
"He wants a crown and believes he can get it if they join the preussens"
"Aye sir" Kristian answered as they came to the camp of the 3rd battalion, the men had gathered there and looked up as Allan and Kristian walked in.
"Men, tomorrow we'll march out and meet the traitor's and the preussens, are you with me?" Allan asked.
The men shouted and cheered, Kristian stood in the background.
"Good" Allan said, his face stern and cold, "I'll see you at dawn, get some sleep"
"Sir, what about the prisoners, and the wounded" an officer asked. "they are in good hands here in Fredericia, we'll meet up with general Krogh"
"Sir" the man said and left, Allan sat down on a chair and drank his water, the dizziness had not left him yet, but the day was far from over, the march would begin at dawn.
The morning came and the army was ready to march. General Hedemann and Major de Meza was riding at the front of the army through the gate of the city of Fredericia, ready to meet the rebels on their home field. They had no choice, and Allan knew it, he had talked with the commander the evening before and he had told him of his doubts. General Krogh would meet them at Haderslev for the attack on Schleswig. Allan was riding at the head of his battalion. A young lieutenant besides him. For days the army was on the move, 10.000 men was going south to link up with General Kroghs 27.000 troops to bring the Preussens and Rebels to heel. The Preussens had been a sore, their far superior numbers was hard to fight. The German state had no business helping subjects of the danish crown, Allan thought riding along side his battalion.
The evening came and the town of Haderslev was on the horizon, Allan was glad to have made it, he was tired of the constant march and the dust that covered him and the men. The dust from the road had caked on the uniform and made the army look ragged. As they dismounted, the men started putting up the tents and making camp for the night. Allan walked over to the headquarters a small tavern and stepped in, General Krogh was looking over a map of the area and marking off some points, the general had a thick graying beard and a large nose. General Hedemann and de Meza was standing on the opposite side of the table. Allan stod to attention when he entered.
"General Krogh, sir, Captain Allan Möller, the 3rd battalion of the prince's guard reporting, as ordered"
"Good, how are your men?" Krogh asked without looking up.
"Fine sir, tired but ready to fight for king and country"
"Good, I have a mission for you, the rebels have taken a position at Flensborg, their main forces is in the woods between Haderslev and Flensborg, the preussens reinforcements are on their way from Berlin as we speak." The General looked up from the maps and smiled at Allan.
"I heard you did well at Fredericia, the king wants to reward good service"
"Yes sir"
"You are being promoted, as of today you are Major Allan Möller, the new commander of the 2nd brigade, the king's personal guards.
"Thank you, sir" Allan said. He could feel the pride grow inside him. it has been a dangerous move to sally out, but it had been the right decision in the end.
"Congratulations, major" de Meza said and smiled.
"Thank you, sir"
"You'll have the 1st and 2nd battalions, under your command, and the 3rd under the new captain, Kristian Nielsen, do you know him?" General Krogh looked at Allan.
"Yes, he's a good lad"
"Good, go to the camp and rest, we have a battle ahead of us"
"Sir" Allan said, saluted and walked outside, the sun was shining down from the blue sky, a warm summer day, the kind that would be perfect for a swim or a picnic.
The camp was set up and the men were relaxing or playing cards or dice. The sound of laughter filled the camp, Allan walked towards his tent and opened the flap, he walked inside and sat down. A junior officer walked in. "Send for the captains, i'll speak to them as soon as possible" Allan said grabbing a piece of paper and an ink pen.
"Aye, sir"
The captains came a while later, they saluted. "Take a seat" Allan said.
"How many troops do we have left?"
"255 men in the 1st, 278 in the 2nd and 299 in the 3rd" The captain of the 1st battalion, a middle aged man with a bald spot on the top of his head called captain Brandt. "we didn't lose many in the sally" the captain of 2nd battalion said, a tall dark haired man with a large well trimmed beard and blue eyes, called captain Dahl. "what's the plan sir" said the newly promoted Captain Kristian Nielsen said, lighting up with pride. "We will march in the morning, and take the forest, the rebels are hold up there and we need to get rid of them." Allan said.
In the days following the battle, Major Allan and his men had little time to rest. Word had spread that negotiations for a ceasefire were underway. The major European powers were involved, and the fate of Schleswig and Holstein hung in the balance.
Major Allan's days were a blur of meetings and battles. He shuttled between the makeshift command post and the battlefields. Finally, in October 1850, a breakthrough came. The Treaty of London was signed, officially ending the First Schleswig War. It reaffirmed Denmark's sovereignty over Schleswig while granting autonomy to Holstein. International guarantees were put in place to protect the rights of the German-speaking population in the duchies.
After the war Allan went home to Viborg to be with the woman he had married before the war, Karen Marie Wiirnfeldt and their baby girl, they were gonna build a life together and it would start with a new place to live close to home. He bought Mölgaard manor, a wooden timbered manor, not long after wars end a small estate of 450 acres.
THE END
CHAPTER 1
Kristines eyes opened. There was a loud noises coming from the yard in front of their manor. she turned in bed to see her sister still sleeping on the other side of the bed they shared. She slowly stood and walked over to the window facing out into the yard. All the farmhands was gathered with their scythes and standing in ranks waiting for inspection from her father. "well it's harvest time" Kristine thought glancing over the young and older men standing waiting.
A couple of moments later, her father walked out onto the porch, he was wearing a long sleeved shirt and trousers. His blond hair was cut short and he had a well trimmed mustache. Her father raised his hand and shouted an order.
The men split into two and lined up on either side of the porch. Kristine's father walked out among the men.
"you're all here, that's good" He said "i expect this harvest will be as good as the last"
"yes sir" the men replied.
"Good" Kristine's father said.
"the work will begin at sunrise and stop at sundown, no slacking and no fighting"
"yes sir" the men said again.
Kristine watched her father turnaround and walk back inside, as one of the older men, a short stout man with a thick salt and pepper beard, bellowing an order to the other farmhands and they started walking towards the large archway in the barn. Her eyes caught a glance from one of the younger farmhands, a man in his mid twenties with dark blond hair and wide shoulders, as he elbowed his side mate and pointed with a throw of his head towards Kristine in the window. She quickly ducked down under the window sill, her long ginger hair falling in front of her eyes. Her heart pounding as she leaned on the wall under the window. Her sister had awoken and was looking at her with a smile and a laugh.
"Kristine"
"what?" Kristine said, annoyed at the sound of her sister's voice.
"I know you like that boy" Her sister said sitting up on the edge of the bed.
"I do not" Kristine said, standing and looking at her sister, and swiping her hair from her youthful face. She walked over to the mirror and looked into it, picked up a brush and started brushing her hair.
"I was looking at father getting them ready for the harvest" she said annoyed, thinking of how the boys muscles under his shirt and the labor of the field.
"Sure, sure" her sister replied.
"Shut up" Kristine replied, annoyed.
Her sister laughed, the same laugh that irritated Kristine to no end. She had had enough, her sister's teasing, she was only a year younger than Kristine and had the same ginger hair and blue eyes from their mother. A knock came on the door and the raspy voice of their old maid cut through the tension.
"Girls? Are you awake? There is breakfast shortly"
"Yes, we are coming" Sarah, her sister replied, and walked over to her closet to find a dress. After Kristine was done brushing her hair, she walked over to til closet too and picked a pale pink dress and matching shoes. As they got dressed, Sarah started humming a melody. Kristine walked out into the dim hallway her sister just behind her.
"What! Are you up before us?" the heard behind them in the hallway. Their brothers Christian, the oldest of the children, a tall broad shouldered youth of 19 with blond hair and the beginning of a mustache, and the youngest Mikkel, a tall round kid of 14, was standing in front of their room smiling.
"Shut up, Christian" Kristine said, her brother smiled wider. He started towards them, walking with authority past them and looking back. "well we need to get down for breakfast" a smile ran across his face. He was always like this, all the way since they were kids, and he had been a bully, and still was, his arrogance grew by the day and his father only praised him more. He walked down the stairs.
"come" Mikkel said, following his brother, as the girls followed them down the stairs, the smell of eggs, bacon and fresh bread filling the house.
"There you are" Their father said as they all sat down. The old maid brought out plates of bacon and eggs and some fresh bread.
"Eat" their grandfather said, and dug into his breakfast. "So Per, are the lads in the field?" their grandfather, General Allan Möller, said, not looking up from his plate of food. Kristine looked at her father. "yes, they're preparing for the harvest" he replied, the old man nodded.
"Good" her grandfather replied, taking a bite of the egg. "So girls, how was sleep?" Karen Marie, their grandmother asked, smiling warmly while cutting the bacon. "Fine" both Sarah and Kristine replied, their grandfather and father was talking about the harvest, and the boys was listening, nodding at what the men was saying. Kristines grandfather looked at the girls and said
"We'll be heading for the city today, if you want, we'll buy some dresses for you"
"Yes, please" Kristine said, her grandmother nodded and her grandfather returned to his conversation with her father, her brother Christian looked at her and winked. He had a plan, and Kristine would play into it unknowingly, she was sure of it.
After breakfast, Kristine and Sarah followed their parents and grandparents outside to the carriage, they stopped for a moment, while the driver took the steps and opened the doors, helping their mother and grandmother in before giving the girls a hand, as the door closed, the driver jumped on the back of the carriage and grabbed the reigns. The carriage started with a jolt and headed down the gravel road, passing by the manor gate and onto the dirt road, heading for the city.
"I hope the weather stays nice" her mother said, looking out the window. The golden fields was dotted with men and women working, cutting the wheat. Kristine looked out over the fields. it was a large task, she knew, but the people had done it for generations. The carriage rolled through the landscape for two hours and the chatter of the women was pleasant. when they got to the cobbled road of Lögstör they heard the the sounds of a small town buzzing, and the sounds of the sound of the whistle from the steamer Limfjorden was cutting through the air. Kristine was happy, the sun was out and the city was alive, and they were going to buy a dress, which was a rare thing.
As the carriage slowed, the driver jumped down and opened the door, Kristine looked at her sister. The driver helped the women out and they started walking towards the small store at the harbour to see the latest coming in from Copenhagen. "i remember when we first moved to Mölgaard, Lögstör was just a small fishing village, before the canal" her grandmother said walking down the street.
"Oh, it's been so many years" her grandmother said.
They entered the small shop, there was a man standing behind the counter, he looked up and smiled, Kristine liked this shop, they had always gotten dresses here. "Mrs Möller, what can I do for you today" the shopkeeper asked.
"Dresses for the girls" her grandmother said.
"of course, what kind" the shopkeeper replied, gesturing towards a row of dresses. They were beautiful, Kristine thought looking at a bright red dress with a black hat. it was gonna show her curves, but she wondered is her large breasts was gonna fit, it looked tight, but the dress was made with high quality fabric, the silk felt smooth between her fingers.
"Try it on, and we'll see how it looks" her grandmother said.
The shop keeper nodded.
Kristine smiled and walked over to a small curtain in the corner and pulled it aside, stepping into a small room and started undressing, pulling the dress over her head. She looked at herself in the mirror, her blue eyes was staring back at her, her freckled face was framed by the long, updo, red locks, her lips was plump, the dress hugged her hips, the soft material was hugging her corset, accentuating her waist and trying to hide her large breasts, and the dress fell down her thighs, covering her legs. She turned, looking at herself. The dress was amazing, the finest she had ever seen.
"are you alright in there" her mother's voice came through the curtain.
"Yes" Kristine replied, her eyes still on the reflection. She put on the small black hat that came with it and pulled back the curtain, walking out.
"it's amazing" her grandmother said.
Kristine looked at the reflection in the large mirror. Her grandmother stepped up beside her and put her arm around her shoulders.
"that's a fine dress"
"Thank you" Kristine replied, looking at herself, feeling the pride in her body.
"we'll take it" her grandmother said, turning to the shop keeper. "and for you Sarah?" the mother asked, looking at her youngest daughter.
"this i think" Sarah said looking a bright yellow frilly dress with matching umbrella.
"good choice" the mother said.
Kristine changed out of the dress, and they went back to the carriage, Kristine held the hat in her hands and couldn't help but smile, this was gonna be her harvest fest dress. For when the whole community came together and celebrated a succesfull harvest. They walked out back into the street when their grandmother looked around.
"Now lets visit your aunt and uncle" she said smiling. The youngest of the Allan Möller daughters had married a merchant in Lögstör and lived not far from the busy harbour in a large white merchants farm in the city. They walked along the water and saw the Limfjorden, docked. the large steamer was being loaded with goods to bring south to Copenhagen. Kristine couldn't help but look at the large ship and the people working hard loading crates onto the deck, the sun was shining, making the water sparkle.
"here we are" their grandmother said stopping outside a large manor, Kristine hadn't even noticed where they had been walking. The house was painted white with two stories, the roof was a bright orange, the yard's warehouse was busy with dock workers bringing wares to the steamer. The women walked down the path leading to the front door and their mother knocked. After a couple of moments, the door was opened by a girl in her early teens. "Auntie" the girl exclaimed and gave the women a hug.
"Hello my dear" Kristine's mother, Mette, said.
"come inside, mother is in the garden"
The girl led the women into the house and down a narrow corridor towards a backdoor leading into the garden, the large oak doors opened, revealing the beautiful garden.
"Mother" the girl shouted and a woman stood, she had blonde hair, her face was still smooth and she wore a green dress.
"My, my" the woman exclaimed, walking over and hugging the women. "Aunt Camilla" Kristine said hugging. "so good to see you"
"I heard the girls had come to town" Camilla said smiling and towards the two girls.
"my, you have grown, last time I saw you, you were but children"
"yes, it has been a few years" Kristine said looking at her aunt, smiling.
"where is your father, dear" Karen Marie, their grandmother, said to the girl standing besides her mother.
"He's out back with the ship captain, they're discussing the next voyage"
"come inside, the maid has made coffee" aunt Camilla said taking the hand of her youngest child and Kristine in the other hand.
"so Kristine, how are you" the aunt said as they walked into the ladie's room and sat down, the maid started pouring the coffee.
"I'm well, and you?"
"oh, I've been great, the business is growing, and your uncle Jacob has invested in a new steamer" Camilla took a sip of the coffee. The room was not as large as the one at Mölgaard but it was lavish furnished, with paintings of ships, wooden furniture and things from all over Europe. The chatter continued, about the harvest, the weather and the family, Kristine enjoyed the visit, it was something different than just being at the manor.
"So Kristine, your parents told me you have become quite the young woman"
"I... I have been well" Kristine stuttered, the sudden comment took her off guard, the compliment was unexpected, but she wasn't gonna deny that she liked the attention.
"Oh, I can see, and tell, you're gonna break a few hearts" the aunt smiled and winked. "But what I'm talking about is that you have become a young woman"
"oh yes, I suppose so" Kristine replied, not sure how to answer.
"so, you're ready for a husband" her aunt said, smiling. The conversation was cut short when the door opened and uncle Jacob walked in, his face was flushed, and his dark hair was wet from sweat, he was tall and slim, wearing a fine suit.
"My dear" He said and kissed his wife on the cheek. " i can see we have visitors" he smiled at Kristine and her mother.
"yes, how are you, Jacob" the grandmother said.
"Oh, I've been good, business is going well"
"we know, the house is nice" the mother said.
"thank you, Mette"
"How are the boys" the aunt asked.
"The boys are fine, they are out on the ship"
Andreas was the oldest, a spitting image of his father and soon 16, ready to take command of his own ship, Kristine had never met the boy, but her sister had, she said that he was very charming and a handsome fellow, Kristine couldn't wait to meet him. Then there was Daniel, he was 14 and had already been out with his father on trips, and was learning the ways of the water one step at a time. "they are taking inventory of The Rosemary" the oldest of the schooners still in use.
"The Rosemary, isn't that the ship that is supposed to sail the next voyage to London" their aunt asked looking at her husband.
"yes, that's the one" the uncle said smiling.
Kristines eyes widened. "London? The capital of Great Britain?" she asked imagining the adventure of visiting the capital of the civilised world.
"yes" her uncle replied. Smiling, we are transporting corn for your father and hopefully taking clothes, iron and coal with us back"
"I would love to go to London" Kristine exclaimed, looking at her aunt and uncle.
"yes, maybe next year, when you are older" her uncle replied.
"well, we have to get going" her grandmother said, getting up from the chair.
"Of course, the driver is waiting" the uncle said, helping his wife up.
"We have had a great time" the aunt said, and gave Kristine a hug.
"I hope you will come by the next time you are in town" the uncle said and hugged his sister-in-law.
"of course" the mother said.
The carriage was waiting at the end of the path in the courtyard, as the women walked outside, some of the workers stopped and looked at the them walking by, their eyes followed the women. "hello" one of the boys said, Kristine waved and smiled. They walked past the workers and the men bowed, Kristine couldn't help but smile, the way these strong, rough looking men was bowing was amusing.
"Have a safe trip" the uncle shouted as the carriage started moving, and the family was on their way.
The journey home took an hour, and as the sun was setting, the fields were illuminated, and the birds were singing. Kristine looked out over the landscape, the wind blowing, she was happy. The harvest was in full swing, and the day had gone well, her grandmother and mother had given her more compliments, and she loved the attention, it felt good.
When the carriage pulled up in the driveway, her grandfather was standing outside waiting for them, he smiled when he saw the women get out of the carriage, holding the large hatbox.
"Did you have a good time" the old man asked, his smile was genuine, and he seemed genuinely interested.
"Yes, we did" Kristine's mother, Mette, said.
"Good" her grandfather said and gave her a hug.
"So how are the harvest" her grandmother asked, smiling. Kristines father Per, walked out from the manor just as the question was asked, his face was tired, his suit was neat.
"good, it seems we are on time for the harvest"
They were all gathered outside the house, Kristine's brother had just walked down the path from the stable and was walking towards the group. "Father, can i go into Haubro to meet up with David" Christians face was anticipating a no. But the father nodded. "Of course, but remember, if there's any trouble, you are to come straight back"
"of course, father" Christian smiled and started jogging towards the stables in the right wing of the barn, he was out of sight within a minute.
"I'll tell the maid we are ready for dinner" her mother said and walked into the house, Sarah and their grandparents following her, as they disappeared, the father and daughter was alone. Kristine looked at her father. His face anxious, looking to the door Christian had disappeared into. "Father, is everything alright" Kristine asked, putting her hand on his arm. The father snapped out of the gaze and looked at her, his face softening, and his gaze turning to a warm smile.
"Of course, why do you ask"
"You just seemed worried" Kristine replied.
"no, nothing, just thinking" the father replied, putting his arm around her and pulling her close. They turned towards the door and went into the livingroom, the smell of freshly baked bread and potatoes were filling the air. They walked into the large dinning room, the table was set, and the large windows was open, letting the evening sun shine into the room.
"The maid has outdone herself" her grandfather said, smiling at the food.
The family sat down, and the maid brought the food, a large plate with potatoes, meat and a salad. They were eating, the chatter was about the visit to the city and the family.
"I heard Andreas is becoming a captain" the grandfather said, looking at daughter son, Kristine's mother.
"Yes, he is, and his brother is becoming a sailor" the aunt replied.
"That's good to hear" the grandfather said, smiling.
"Yes, the family is doing well" the mother replied.
The dinner was replaced with a dessert and the family ate well, talking and laughing. As the sun set the yard turned to a dining hall for the field workers, eating, laughing and having a beer or two. Kristine and Sarah was sitting in the library, reading. It was a smaller room with bookcases from floor to ceiling filled bookshelves lined every wall except one where a fireplace stood opposite them, the floors covered in a large Persian carpet and the windows overlooking the tables of the field workers, the men was laughing, the beer and food flowing. The chatter was loud and the laughter even louder.
"Kristine" her grandfather shouted from the livingroom.
"Yes, grandfather" Kristine got up and walked over to the door. The room was lavished furnished, there paintings hung everywhere: portraits that she recognised but couldn't name; vases holding flowers decorated all throughout it, pieces adorned mantels while others rested upon sideboards.
"come here, darling" the voice was calm and warm.
Kristine walked out of the library and into the large livingroom. Her grandmother was sitting by the window knitting, and her grandfather was smoking his pipe in his favorite, green chair. She sat down on the couch opposite her grandfather, the large windows behind her looking out over the landscape, the sky was red, and the sun was starting to set.
"yes, grandfather"
"You seem very happy today, have anything special happened" the old man said, his eyes was looking at her, and she could tell he was genuinely curious.
"no, nothing really, i've just had a good day"
"well, I'm glad, it's always a pleasure to see you smile" the grandfather said and smiled. "I need your help" he said looking at her. "you have to make the arrangements for the harvest fest this year"
"really, that would be great" Kristine was excited, the harvest festival was a big event.
"good, then it's settled, your mother and Grandmother will help" the grandfather replied.
"i won't let you down"
"I know, my dear" the grandfather said and winked. Kristine stood and walked back to her sister in the library and sat down in the plush chair.
"so, what was it?" Sarah looked up from the book at her sister.
"He told me to help with the preparations for the harvest festival" Kristine looked out of the windows at the farmhands having fun outside, they were singing songs.
"Well, you have always liked the festival" Sarah said, smiling.
THE END
CHAPTER TWO
The morning was beautiful, the sun was just peaking over the horizon when the old maid, Anne had woken Kristine from her slumber. The harvest was almost done, the rain had delayed it for a couple of days but they would be done on Friday if everything went as planned. She walked down into the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast before going into the livingroom where her Grandmother was already sitting waiting for her.
"Good Morning" her grandmother said, smiling.
"Morning" Kristine replied and sat down.
The maid was pouring coffee when her grandfather came walking down the stairs, yawning and stretching.
"morning" he said sitting down and taking the cup the maid was handing him.
"Good Morning" Kristine replied.
The planning was going well, they had made sure there would be extra staff for the festival and lots of beer, the cook was planning the menu, and the musicians had been notified, the only thing missing was the decorations. Kristine had talked to some of the wives of the farmhands and farmers and agreed they would come and help put up the tables and decorations. Everything was great, and Kristine was excited about the festival.
The morning sun was shining through the window and Kristine was in the library, sitting reading a book when her father came walking into the room. "Hey there" He said, smiling. Kristine looked up, and the father sat down on the other side of the table. "Have you seen Christian?" her father looked worried, his hands was trembling, and his face was pale.
"No, why? Should i have?"
"Not necessarily, he left last night and i haven't seen him since"
"Do you want me to help look for him"
"If you wouldn't mind"
"Of course not, father"
"I'll have one of the fieldhands prepare a horse" her father said and left the room, his steps were hurried, and the footsteps echoed in the house. Kristine closed the book and placed it on the table, the thought of her brother missing was unsettling, where would he be? Had he gone to Haubro, maybe his friend's house? She had heard the boys talking about a party the other day.
Her grandfather came walking down the stairs just as she reached the main hall. "Where are you off to" he said, looking at Kristine in wonder.
"My father sent me to find Christian"
"Christian, is he missing?" her grandfather was worried, Kristine could see the fear in his eyes. "go talk to the stable hand, Hans, he will know where he went" her grandfathers worried face had turned to annoyance, Kristine was unsure why. She nodded and walked outside, the stable was not far, and she saw Hans working in the hay, preparing the horse.
"Hans" Kristine shouted and the man looked up. He was a stout man in his thirties, bald with a large mustache and greenish brown leather vest over work clothes.
"Mistress" the man bowed and greeted her.
"My father asked me to help look for Christian"
"I have prepared the horse" the man replied, and gestured to the horse, a weird smile on his lips. "i wonder how he knew i would come" Kristine thought walking to the horse. "good work, how did you know?" Kristine gave him a quick smile, and walked towards the horse, the man was still looking at her, a wide grin on his lips.
"Thank you, Hans"
"my pleasure, Mistress"
Kristine grabbed the reins and lead the horse outside. The sky was cloud free and a warmth came from the sun just peaking into the courtyard, the wind blew from the North and the temperature was perfect. Kristine had changed clothes and was wearing a light riding clothes and a hat to protect her face. She climbed up onto the horse, and looked at Hans. "now you knew i was coming for a horse, so would you mind telling me where my stupid older brother is?" she didn't look at the stablehand but looked out over the courtyard, the question hanging in the air.
"well, mistress" the stablehand started. "your brother and a couple of the lads was talking about going into town yesterday, but they never came back" the stablehand looked at Kristine, the weird smile was still on his lips, it made Kristine uncomfortable, but she shook it off. "thank you, i'll take it from here" she smiled and spurred the horse. They started trotting towards the gate and the road, Kristine had a feeling she knew exactly where her brother was, the thought angered her, she hated going into the town.
Kristine rode hard, and fast, the ride took less than an hour, and as she came to the edge of the town of Aars, the horse was sweating and breathing heavily, the town was larger than she had remembered. She rode down the main street and stopped at the hotel, and walked inside. The clerk looked up at her and smiled. "can i help you" he asked.
"yes, i am looking for my brother, have you seen him"
"depends on who your brother is, miss"
"his name is Christian, Christian Möller"
"oh, him, i did see him yesterday" The clerk looked at Kristine with suspicious, his eyes moving from her head to her feet and back again, Kristine shifted nervously, her brother was here.
"would you mind showing me to the room, please" Kristine looked at the man, every fiber of her body starting to tingle in annoyance at her brother.
"i don't think that would be appropriate" the clerk smiled, leaning forward, his eyes locked with Kristine's.
"oh, please, my brother is drunk, and i want to get him home" Kristine tried her best authoritarian face, but the clerk wasn't giving in. He looked at his ledger and motioned his hand for her to scurry off. "He will be home, when he is done" he said not looking up from the ledger. Kristine could feel the anger boiling inside her. Her father and mother was worried and he just drank himself to sleep at some hotel.
"fine, but when he comes out, make sure he knows he has an angry sister waiting for him"
"sure, miss" the man was smirking and had a knowing look in his eyes. Kristine walked to the restaurant and sat down, a waiter came to take her order. "Coffee and a roll, please" the waiter left, and Kristine sat and waited. The room was mostly empty, there was a table of businessmen talking about some contract and a couple sitting eating, a group of men in the corner was laughing and drinking. "it barely ten o'clock" Kristine thought looking at the beer and schnapps.
The waiter brought her a coffee and a roll and sat them down in front of her. "is there anything else you need, miss"
"No, thank you"
The time went by and she drank her coffee, nothing happened. She was sitting reading the newspaper, men something caught her eye, someone she knew from the manor, one of the farmhands was in the hall. He was tall, broad shouldered, with short blond hair and greenish eyes. He looked to the group in the corner.
"I know him, why is he here?" she thought and started thinking. maybe he was with her brother when they left yesterday. She put down the paper and stood to walk to the farmhand, Anton. As she walked over she caught his eyes for a second and he turned pale as the grave, his eyes were filled with panic as she got closer. The farmhand tried to move, but Kristine grabbed his arm and held him still.
"Hey Anton" Kristine said looking at the farmhand, who had been working on their farm for some years. He was a little older than her brother, tall and slender, with dark hair and eyes and crooked teeth.
"hey miss" he said nervously, his eyes flickering around the room "what brings you here?"
Kristine looked long at him before answering, her annoyance filling her.
"oh, i thought maybe you knew something about where my idiot of a brother might be, and where my brother and his friends were last night" the annoyance in her voice was palpable, but the farmhand just looked down. "nothing to say for yourself?"
"look, i don't know anything about your brother, miss" he said, his voice trembling and his gaze falling to the floor. Kristine looked at him with a steel gaze and resolve. "well then you can help me find him" a mischievous smile dancing over her face. She could feel he was lying, his every word was trying to hide her brothers location.
"look, he is in his room, out back, 2B" The farmhand looked at the ground as the words came from him, Kristine felt relieved that her brother would be easy to find, she looked at the farmhand, there was still something bugging her about him, something he didn't say, that she needed to find out.
"but it wouldn't be proper for you to go out there" he suddenly blurted out, looking at her in horror. "not a proper young lady like yourself" his eyes quickly fell to the floor again. "that's none of your business" Kristine replied, her annoyance showing again, but she calmed herself quickly. She let go of the farmhand and started walking to the door besides the counter.
"i wouldn't if i were you" the clerk said still looking at his ledger.
Kristine ignored him and continued walking to the door and outside into a small courtyard with a few shacks in a row. "2B" she mumbled as she walked to the door. The courtyard was small with just a single lantern, with red tinted glass to casting some light over the area in during the night, Kristine looked at the lantern. "weird colour for a lantern" she thought as she heard giggling from one of the shacks. Her brother was here she could feel it. another sound came from one of the other, the sound of heavy breathing, and the grunts of a man working on something that squeaked. Kristine looked at the doors where the numbers were. "6A, 5B, there is no system to this" she thought as she moved from door to door, looking for the right one. Another one of the shacks started making weird noises, sounded wet and sloppy, then a woman started moaning, she was obviously in ecstasy and her moaning filled the morning air. Kristine saw the farmhand standing in the yard too, looking guilty and embarrassed.
"you couldn't have told me which was 2B?" Kristine asked and started moving again. A noise of a womans heavy breathing and a moan was coming from more than one shack, some of them mixed with men's grunts, but still others just woman, the sounds of moans, grunts and the creaking of wood, mixed together into a strange chorus, the farmhands eyes was fixed on one of the shacks where a woman was moaning and squealing as if something big and strong was hurting her, her cries were louder than all the rest. Kristine blushed, as she caught herself listening, feeling strange and moved away. The farmhand pointed to one of the shacks on the corner of the yard and Kristine walked straight towards it, the door said 2B on it and Kristine slammed the door open to see her brother standing behind a woman on all fours a sound of pleasure coming from the woman as her brother plunged deep inside her. Kristine froze in place, the sight of the two lovers standing before her, naked, filled her mind. "Kristine" her brother said in surprise and let go of the woman's hips. The woman looked at Kristine in shock, but it soon turned into a weird smile, almost mocking as the woman looked Kristine up and down before letting out a strange sound and collapsing onto the bed. Kristine just stood, she felt like she had walked in on something, something that had been meant to stay hidden and the feeling of anger mixed with shame. "your wife?" the woman asked Christian with a mischievous smile on her lips, her eyes turning from a mocking gaze at Kristine to a passionate, hungry look at her brother, her breasts shaking with every breath the woman took, her nipples rock hard, Kristine found it hard to tear her eyes off them, her freckled face finding humor in the situation.
"no, she is my sister, and not at all pleased to find you here, i'm sure" he looked at Kristine and started pulling his pants on, the woman smiled at Kristine and rolled to the side.
"so you are here to find your brother?"
"yes, our father asked me to"
"so your father doesn't know you are here?"
"of course not, if he did i wouldn't be standing here talking to you, i would be running"
"oh, he must be quite the stern father then"
"oh he is, believe me, if he knew" Christian started, his voice a little scared. Kristine just looked at the two of them and shook her head. "anyway" Kristine turned to her brother and took a couple of steps into the shack, the smell of sweat and an unknown oder filling her nostrils, it felt so wrong and she wanted to run out, but her brother and this girls were in there, so she stayed. "we are going home, our father sent me to get you" she was looking at her brother when a smile suddenly spread across his face.
"i was just finishing here" Christian said, still looking at his sister.
"yeah, you have had plenty of time for that, it took me half an hour to get here" Kristine looked at her brother in anger, but it didn't seem to have any effect. The woman was just laying on the bed looking at the siblings talking. "go get the other too, it will be quicker to ride home all together, you can explain to them what the situation is" her brother smiled at her. "alright, sister dear" Christian gave her a wink and walked past her outside into the sun. Kristine walked outside, her cheeks flushed and her breathing deep, the sound of the woman's moaning coming from inside the shack, as soon as the door was closed. The farmhand was still standing in the middle of the yard. "Anton, did you give me away" Christian said smiling, looking at the man with a mix of joy and amusement. "i..i..i.." The farmhand was stammering looking at Christian in terror, then the girl walked outside. she was a pretty thing, young with red hair and green eyes, the same colour as Kristines, and a similar height. He looked to the ground. "just get the others we have to get back" Christian looked at Kristine amused, he could see the anger boiling inside of her and smiled as he walked into one of the other shacks to get the others.
"Sis, it's not so bad" Christian started but Kristine just looked at him annoyed. Soon four men stood in front of Kristine, none of them able to hold her gaze, they just stood in front of her looking guilty and embarrassed. Kristine took the reins to the horse, and started to walk away from the hotel, the sun was burning hot, and she felt like her skin was starting to boil, as she started walking home, her brother and his friends behind her, the men looking like a group of beaten puppies, none of them could meet her eyes and she just walked, the road slowly taking them closer and closer home. The road was bumpy and the ground uneven, the sounds of the men behind her talking was only interrupted by her brother laughing and joking about the situation and her anger growing, she could hear them, even though the conversation was barely audible. After about ten minutes of walking her brother came up besides her, and walked in step.
"sis, please don't tell father, he would never understand" Kristine could feel his gaze burning on her, and she didn't look back. "if you don't tell, i can take you with me the next time" her brother continued "i could even arrange for something special for you, and we can all have fun together, if you promise" Kristine's anger was boiling and she finally turned to her brother, he had a smile on his face and an excited look in his eyes. "have fun together? all of you?" Kristine couldn't believe her brother.
"yes, and maybe a special treat for you" He looked at her"like a present, that's really sweet of you" she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at the proposition. "yeah, we could get you one of your own, a toy of your own to play with" Christian was beaming with pride. Kristine could feel the anger boil, it was a feeling she had never felt before, her heart was beating in her ears. She could hear the men laughing at them from behind.
"is there anything i can do to convince you not to tell father" Kristine could feel her brother trying to take her hand, and she slapped it away, the anger growing inside her. "No and next time you want carnal pleasures, just please come home before dawn" She said almost shouting at him. Kristine stopped and took a few deep breaths before she turned to her brother. "anyway, how long will it take before we can go home?" Christian just shrugged and Kristine continued. "what about your whore?" Christian stopped his horse and looked at his sister. "her name is Susanne" He said and walked on. "so, are you going to bring her to meet the parents, are you going to get married and start a family?" Kristine smirked at him. Christian was a little taken aback. "maybe, but it might take a little while before I am ready"
"how about you start by actually asking her on a date?"