Steinman: A Novel

By Leo Kearley

Throughout the conflicts of the 20th Century, two families are inexorably linked by a compelling, and possibly disastrous destiny. After the Franco-Prussian wars of 1870, the European empires are once again plunged into war, as the assassination of the Crown Prince of Austria breaks an uneasy peace.

The Steinman family of Austria are rich and powerful and have rubbed shoulders with kings and emperors for generations. Manfred, Klaus, and Heinrich Steinman are dedicated to industrialised warfare and now, at the pinnacle of their influence, they will lead the armies of the Central Powers to victory.

In a small English village, young Colin and Joe Travis use every trick their father showed them before his death, to keep food on the table. Imprisoned for wrongdoing, the brothers are only released after their enlistment into the army. Despite their age, they are sent to France to fight alongside the veterans of the Wiltshire Regiment, where they use their natural instincts to survive the war. Seemingly unrelated, the Steinman and Travis families are about to converge in a David and Goliathstyle battle during some of Europe’s darkest days.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jun 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504302869

Leo Kearley

Leo Kearley grew up in Christchurch England, where his summers were spent exploring old airfields and World War II installations along the coast. He eventually moved to New Zealand where he pursued a career in Systems Architecture. He now lives in Australia, but travels to Europe with his partner each year, to be with family and friends.

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Copyright © 2016 Leo Kearley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

A Division of Hay House

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.balboapress.com.au

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-0285-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-0286-9 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date: 11/18/2019

CONTENTS

LIST OF CHARACTERS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 86

CHAPTER 87

CHAPTER 88

CHAPTER 89

CHAPTER 90

CHAPTER 91

CHAPTER 92

CHAPTER 93

Steinman: Does Evil Have a Nemesis is a work of fiction. The story uses the timeline of the Great War as a backdrop. The use of specific names, dates, and locations is intentional, so characters can meld with history. Any similarity of the characters to men and women who lived through these events is coincidental.

To Rosie

In memory of Roland

For Filomena

ARMY RANKS (HIERARCHY)

The information below is to help the reader understand officer ranks, used in this story.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)

• Sergeant Major

• Sergeant (Sarge)

• Corporal (Corp)

• Lance Corporal (Lance)

The Triple Entente

Russia, France, and Britain Empires, later joined by Italy (the Allies)

The Central Powers

Germany, Austro-Hungary, and Ottoman Empires, plus Serbia and Bulgaria

LIST OF CHARACTERS

Main Characters (Commonwealth and French)

Colin and Joe Travis (Amesbury - Wiltshire)

Captain Michael Plummer and Emily Plummer (Salisbury - Wiltshire)

Colonel John Weston (Salisbury - Wiltshire)

Corporal Harry Jenkins (Tetbury - Wiltshire)

Brigadier Edward Weston and Edith Weston (Amesbury - Wiltshire)

Brigadier François Dujon and Major Jerome Dujon (Lyon - France)

Sergeant Malcolm Greaves (Marlborough - Wiltshire)

Corporal Danny Sefton (Bulford - Wiltshire)

Rebecca, Cathy, and Robert Travis (Amesbury - Wiltshire)

Tot (Slough - Berkshire), inspired by Miles Tot Glanville, (RIP)

Minor Characters

Byron White and his wife Mary White (Amesbury - Wiltshire)

Graham Mather, Jacob, and Gareth (Old Sarum - Wiltshire)

General Deakin and Lieutenant Tom Crawford (London-Middlesex)

Sergeant Cole, the Warden, and Officer Rogers (Borstal - Kent)

Major Althorn (Bisley-Hampshire)

Davey Thomas (Merthyr Valley – South Wales)

Grant Sanders (Queensland - Australia)

Isabelle Traverse (Ourches-sur-Meuse - France)

Major Brendan Kennedy (Swindon – Wiltshire)

Patrick O’Dea (Ireland)

Colonel Fowlkes and Major Day (Fort Riley - Kansas)

The Central Powers (Germany and Austro-Hungary)

Manfred, Klaus, and Heinrich Steinman (Tyrol - Austria)

Ernst, Gert, Pierre, Alois, and Tomas Uberberg (Alsace - Colmar)

Helmut Stryker (Vienna - Austria)

Dieter Maier (Munich - Bavaria)

Historic Characters

Emperor Franz Josef Ferdinand & Kaiser Wilhelm II

Feld Marshall von Hindenburg & General Feld Marshall Goltze

General Ludendorff, General Falkenhayn & General Moltke

With thanks to Francesca, for her invaluable feedback of how I shouldn’t write throughout the endless manuscripts. Along with Gina, I thank them both for their continued diligence in editing what I did write. Also, to Steve, John, and Phil for their entertaining and sometimes flagellant feedback, during the creation of the story.

PROLOGUE

E UROPE HAD BEEN IN A state of uneasy peace since the Franco Prussian war of 1870. Then came the assassination of the Austrian Crown Prince by the Serbian secret society, the Black Hand in 1914. In retribution, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria threatened to invade Serbia, and Europe was taken back to the brink of war…

In secret, certain members of the Steinman family were challenged to lead the Central Powers to victory over the Triple Entente.

Also in secret, certain members of the Travis family were challenged in a markedly different way…

CHAPTER 1

Barnridge Copse, Southern England

C OLIN TRAVIS STARED AT THE red-streaked sky left behind after the sunset. Will there be enough twilight left for the kill ? All manner of insects were on the wing as they sought out warm-blooded animals to feed on. For the umpteenth time, Colin scratched, believing he was their favourite meal.

Heck! Joe whispered from their bracken hide.

Will you stop itching. Anyone would think you’ve got ants in your pants.

Look here short trousers, these midges seem right partial to me tonight.

Trying to keep a straight face, Joe whispered, Ain’t you got your celery and basil oil?

Nah, I was rushing this afternoon, what with mucking out the horses, then Mum gets home before me. I had a lark sneaking dad’s Lee-Metford out of the shed without her seeing. Anyway, the short of it is, I left it on the dresser.

Secreted in the woods southeast of Salisbury, Joe decided he’d had enough fun at his brother’s expense and rummaged in his satchel. Here, looks like it were a good thing I grabbed your pot off the sideboard, or you’d send me bonkers.

Have you had my repellent all this time?

Aye. That I did. I have to get my own back on you sometimes.

Colin rubbed on the oil through holes in his trousers.

My clothes are in a right state. Patched up in places and holes everywhere else. Still, they’re dark, so I’ll blend into the shadows, but I tell you, them midges were biting at my knees.

Colin’s stomach grumbled as he lay back down, and Joe took out a brown paper bag from his satchel and giggled. Sounds like you need these chestnuts more than I do.

Where did you find them?

On the dresser. Same place as the rub.

So that’s where I’d left them all. Thanks, Joe.

Ravenous, Colin chewed on the nuts and hoped his wants and needs for clothes and food would soon be answered by his recruitment into the Wiltshire Regiment.

Brigadier Weston wanted Colin as his batman. Even though the newspaper headlines were a concern, Colin tried to convince himself everything would be alright. The brigadier likes to plan ahead, that’s all. Once I’m enlisted, I’ll be alright, and won’t be a drain on the family anymore. Mind you, who’ll look after Mum, Cathy, and little Robert if I do have to go overseas?

It was a question he couldn’t answer, so he convinced himself nothing would happen.

‘Paper talk’ is what they call it at the stables…

Hey, Joe. Are you alright doing this?

We all want Mum to get her wish, don’t we? You, me, Cathy, we’re all in this together.

We are, but I’ve caused a lot of trouble lately, and if we get caught, it will be bad for everyone. I remember when I asked Mum if Cathy and I could marry, I thought she would explode until she looked at Cathy’s belly. She knew what was what straight away.

Don’t be so daft. Mum loves having the little ’un around. We all do. He’s right fun. Well, when he’s not making a mess that is.

Aye, you’re right about that, but she’s spent her savings on making sure Cathy and Robert are looked after. She didn’t have much squirrelled away, I can tell you that for nothing.

As may be, but Mum never complains, does she?

No she doesn’t, but I’ve caused too many problems. Then I heard Mum say to Cathy she’d always wanted venison for her birthday, I knew there was a way of making up for stuff.

They’d heard their mum add, Venison’s not possible, Cathy. With Robert to look after, we can’t afford such extravagances.

"What does extravagance mean?" asked Joe.

It’s when you have something you don’t need.

Well, I’ve no need for the black eye I got last week. So, was that an extravagance?

No, and you probably deserved a shiner for being cheeky to someone. Extravagance is when you have loads of trousers and need to wear only one pair. Trouble is, with a newborn, clothes or even decent meat is beyond what we earn.

Joe put a finger to his lips as a group of deer moved out of the trees.

Colin pointed at a doe in the clearing, but Joe could see the deer was far too big

You’re kidding! he whispered. It’s way too heavy. What about the one in the trees.

Where do you mean?

In the trees to the left. It’s a buck, and quite a bit smaller than your doe.

Colin peered into the gloom and saw the deer raise its head. Bloody hell! Your eyes are good. That’s a quarter mile away. So yeah, why not? It’ll be a lot easier to carry home.

Joe loaded the gun and twisted the bolt closed. Alright, here goes.

Colin put his hand across the rifle.

Joe whispered his protest. C’mon, I won’t miss,

It’s not that. I’d hate it if we got caught using a dud bullet. Are you sure that one’s alright?

Joe removed the cartridge and tapped it against the stock. The weight’s right, it’s solid, and besides, it’s our last one.

You’re kidding! There must be others.

Nah. I checked everywhere. In our room, Mum’s room, the shed, even in the coal hole where we used to stash them so she couldn’t find them. It’s our last one.

Colin was nervous as he watched Joe reload. He’s good with a gun, but everything’s against him. There’s barely enough light, the deer are a quarter mile away, and we walked ten miles to get here! The situation was ridiculous. A scruffy stable hand and schoolkid were an unlikely pair of poachers. Work in the stables had built Colin up, but not Joe. Look at them gangly arms and legs. You’ve grown, but there’s nowt of you. He stands no chance!

Joe heard the sighs. Will you stop fretting? I’ll be fine.

Fine! How can he even see the deer?

Joe took a breath and an instant later, the gun fired. Colin was shocked to see the deer fall to the floor. A clean kill, as their father insisted. The report of the gun ensured the rest of the deer bounded away into the forest, and as the echo of the gunshot faded, the boys remained still. Colin had explained to Joe that the thirty minutes after a gunshot would be the most dangerous time for them. If gamekeepers were close, they would search in earnest. Sure enough, headlights appeared, and Colin felt his brother squirm. Joe, we stay ’til they’ve gone.

Colin had spent many a night hunting on his own and knew the gamekeeper’s tricks. His father had told him, They know how to close off all escape routes, hem in the poacher until they made a mistake. Local knowledge favours the gamekeepers, and poachers are often poor men and move in too quick to collect their kill. They get caught in the open while others walk straight into the arms of the people they want to avoid. So, lay still as they try to find you. Don’t move, let the dark of the night be your friend.

Colin had to hope Joe’s nerve would hold. The arrival by the gamekeepers to their location was a lucky guess. They couldn’t know where the gunshot came from or where the deer would have fed this night. With the lorry fifty yards away, three men jumped down from the steps. Like wolves, they spread out. Each man was armed with a shotgun, and to Joe, it seemed all the barrels pointed at him. He was unnerved and dug his fingernails into his brother’s forearm. Colin had to grit his teeth to stifle his cry of pain. He placed his hand on top of Joe’s for reassurance. Thankfully, Joe eased his grip, and Colin let out his breath as the pain subsided.

The men prodded the ground and kicked through the undergrowth. Colin had never seen them so determined. The rifle shot confirmed poachers were in the area and these men were going to catch them. As one man approached their hide, Colin swallowed back his fear. Worried Joe’s nerve would give out, he put his finger to his lips and winked. He hoped his show of bravado would stay his brother’s concerns. In response, Joe took a deep breath and clamped his eyes shut as the man clumped near.

The gamekeepers may have been determined, but they couldn’t know they were in the right place. Even though the man was less than five feet away from the boys, they remained invisible. The man would have had to stomp on them to discover their hide, what’s more, the deer Joe had shot was amongst the long grass at the edge of the woods. There was no sign of prey or poacher.

Come on. It was worth a look, but there’s nothing here! shouted the driver.

The men gave the rest of the area little more than a cursory glance on their way back to their vehicle, and as the lorry drove away, Colin heard Joe breathe out in a rush. His lips vibrated with the volume of stale air he’d held inside.

Jesus, now I know why you’d turned blue. You could do yourself a mischief.

You mean sod. I thought he would stomp on us.

Ah, he wasn’t that close, bluffed Colin. C’mon, we’ll grab the buck.

Give me a moment. My knees are still shaking from seeing all those guns poking at me.

Joe cleared the rifle breach and straightened his clothes.

If we go now, won’t they be waiting?

Aye, they’ll be watching the roads. So we’re following the stream-way east. They’ll not be looking down there.

Joe’s shoulders slumped. You’re kidding! That’s a mile out of our way.

I know, but it’s safe, and we’ll be home before one o’clock, don’t worry. Oh, and Joe…

"I said I needed a minute! Another mile is bad enough, I don’t need to hear any more.

After a time, Joe looked up. Come on, out with it, what else?

It’s nothing bad. I just wanted to say, you made one hell of a shot, and look, how about from now on, I leave all the shooting to you if you leave all the getting home to me.

You’re right. Best you do the thinking, but I’m scared Cathy won’t be able to leave the door unlocked, and I don’t want to sleep in the barn after lugging this deer back home.

C’mon, you know full well Cathy will be there for us.

Aye, I know, but you said it yourself, if Mum’s still up, she’ll not be happy if she catches us at this caper. Rabbits and pheasants maybe, but a deer? She’ll have our guts for garters.

Don’t worry. Cathy’s going to make Mum a hot toddy to take to bed. She’ll be fast asleep when we get home. What’s more, my friend is due over early. He’ll have the carcass at the butcher before Mum gets up. She’ll never know where the meat came from.

With the deer tied to a stout branch, Colin hoisted the heavy end onto his shoulder. The pair trudged the path alongside the stream and out of the woodland and were five miles further on when they needed to take a decent rest. The pair put the deer down and sat on a log.

Colin stretched. I heard the brigadier talking to Byron this morning. I was in the next stall of the stables and stayed quiet. He said some strange stuff and were right angry.

Why, what did he say?

He said the Kaiser was a bolshy cove. Hell-bent on empire building at our expense. Then the brigadier said they’d likely have to take him down a peg or two, whatever that’s supposed to mean. Some of the stuff they talk about confuses me.

Aye, it’s like they talk in riddles.

Byron said it would get ugly, and when he said cavalry charges and guns, I knew it was the war they were talking about.

Will you have to go to war if it happens?

I won’t have any choice if I’m the brigadier’s batman. He’ll need someone to look after him and Lucy.

Yeah, but you won’t be able to do all that on your own. You’ll need someone to help you in the stables. You’ll need me to be with you.

Aye, but they wouldn’t let you go, and Mum would want you home with her.

She would, but someone needs to look out for you because you do bonkers things.

Colin grinned. Aye, well, I may do, but I get away with them don’t I?

LEE-METFORD RIFLE

The Lee-Metford is a bolt-action rifle.

It combined a Lee bolt action and a detachable magazine. The barrel was produced with seven grooves as per the design of William Ellis Metford.

Lee%20metford1.jpg

Lee Metford rifle

Length: 1.26 m

Action: Bolt action

In service: 1888–1926

Maximum firing range: 1,800 yards

Calibre: 303 inch (7.7 mm)

Cartridge: .303 Mk I

CHAPTER 2

Longfield Grazing Pastures, Amesbury 22:00

A QUARTER OF A MILE OFF the main road near Amesbury came the sound of graunched gears. The driver of the J Class Thornycroft struggled to back up in the confines of the lane. The thick foliage around the fields provided an enclosure from unwanted eyes but made manoeuvres difficult for the driver. Finally, the engine stopped, and two men stepped from the cab. Illuminated by the pale moon, their scruffy clothes and unshaven faces had all the hallmarks of men up to no good.

Dropping the tailgate. Two sheepdogs jumped to the ground and fussed around the men’s legs as they unloaded long planks and pushed them against the hedge.

C’mon, push hard. It’ll give, don’t you worry, said Jacob.

A wide gap appeared as a section of hedge dropped to the ground on the far side of the fence. Two more planks from the lorry created an access ramp onto the field. You’re a dab hand with the shears, said Gareth. That hole you cut is perfect. Right, let’s get this done. I’ll cut the fence wire, you strap the gates on.

In minutes their preparations were complete, and Jacob grabbed a cosh from the cab.

I’ll keep a lookout for unwanted visitors. You get the sheep on board, and be sharp.

I will don’t you worry.

Jacob pulled a balaclava over his face. Careful to avoid detection, he stayed in the shadow of the hedge as he walked toward the main road,. A hundred yards on, he heard footfall in the field to his left. Someone was there. Jacob stopped. Whoever it is, they’d best not get too close.

He slithered into the gully. In the shadows, the heavy cow-hide cosh rested in his hands. If he sticks his beak in our business, he’ll get a leathering.

Boots clumped on the wooden stile at the fence; a crunch of gravel was followed by silence. Whoever it was had stopped. The lorry would have caught their attention. Jacob prepared himself and tightened the strap of the cosh around his hand. Footsteps grew louder as the man walked towards the lorry. When he came into view, Jacob saw the shotgun nestled in the crook of the man’s arm. His peaked cap and round glasses gave away his identity. It’s Mather, the gamekeeper from the Old Sarum Woodland. What the fuck is he doing here? This ain’t his manor?

Mather had caught Jacob a year ago in the forest north of Salisbury. That day he’d set a dozen illegal snares in the woods. He admitted all in court, and for a first offence, he’d received a suspended prison sentence. The courts wouldn’t be so lenient a second time.

Instead of a deterrent, his continued liberty had made Jacob even more determined to become a crook. No way am I getting caught tonight!

Once Mather had passed by, Jacob crept out of the gully. A sharp tap on his bonce will do the trick. He saw the gamekeeper break open his shotgun, load a shell into each barrel and snap the gun shut. Incensed by Mather’s deadly action, Jacob brutally smashed the cosh against the man’s head and left him sprawled unconscious on the ground. He pulled the gun from Mather’s hand and threw the weapon into the hedgerow. Dragging the body to the lip of the gully, he kicked the interfering gamekeeper’s body into the ditch.

Satisfied, Jacob ran back to the lorry, and called out, Bloody Mather showed up. I laid him out, but I don’t want to be about for much longer.

Fuck me! If you clonked him one, he’ll be in a right state when he wakes up! said Gareth.

He shouldn’t have come after us with a gun! Come on, let’s get out of here and some other idiot can wear the grief when he wakes up!

The pair cleared out of the lane and turned towards Salisbury. In less than an hour, the animals would have their fleeces shorn in their uncle’s shed, and then sent on to the abattoir. By tomorrow, their illicit gains would be on the black market.

***

Colin and Joe had made good time from Romsey. Their aim was to be tucked up in bed before one o’clock, and be home safe before their mum knew Joe wasn’t indoors. To stay out of sight on their way into Amesbury, they intended to approach from the south-west.

We’ll be well hidden by them tall hedges along the back lanes. said Colin. The only time we’ll be in the open, is when we cross the main road near the mill.

Aye, if you say so.

Joe’s response showed how tired he was. The flat tracks alongside Longfield pasture had helped them keep up the pace but were boring.

Colin tried to perk him up. How was Lucy this afternoon?

She was grand, I brushed her down after the brigadier had a ride at lunchtime. I watched him gallop and then do some jumps.

Did you leave her any surprises?

Of course. I’m not soft. I broke up a few carrots when Lucy was in the yard and hid them deep in the hay. Mind you, she’ll find them quick enough, I know she will.

Aye, she has a strong neck and a hell of a will. Come on, out with it, did you ride Lucy?

You know me. I took her out for a jog as usual. It wasn’t my fault she got it in mind to have another gallop.

Don’t tell me, she jumped the rails and stream all on her own?

Aye, of course she did.

You’re a bugger. You know the brigadier would tan your hide if he found out?

I know, but it wasn’t my fault. It was Lucy, I was along for the ride.

Yeah, and you’d be in the saddle, giving her a bit of a gee-up, and she’d have loved it.

The conversation helped the boys keep a good pace. Near the end of the Longfield grazing pastures, Joe pulled Colin back. Colin, stop.

Why? What’s up?

I don’t know. Something’s not right, and I need a breather. Let’s stop one last time.

Alright, put your end down and help me get this end from off my shoulder.

With the deer on the ground, they stood in silence. Moments later, they heard a moan from in the shadows of the gully. Did you hear that? asked Joe.

No. What was it?

Hush and listen.

This time they both heard a groan. Sounds like someone’s hurt, said Colin.

He peered into the shadows and could make out the shape of a man at the foot of the hedge.

Covered in dirt and dust, he was a sight, all groggy and struggling to stand. Colin didn’t want any awkward questions.

I’ll take the buck. You see if he needs help.

With Colin on his way, Joe edged towards the gully.

He called out, What’s up, Mister?

Come here! I’ll show you what’s up! the man slurred.

Graham Mather’s head thumped, and without his glasses, he could see little. There was a blur of someone standing over him. Through the fog of pain, he heard the voice but didn’t understand the words. Angry and confused, he assumed they were party to his assault.

Stop there! he shouted.

He tried to scramble out of the ditch but slipped on the muddy ground.

Damn it to hell! When I get my hands on you bugger…

He struggled to clamber up, but his boots slipped again.

Graham stopped, got his breath back, and rubbed his head. He felt a bump and the dampness where blood oozed. When he pressed a little harder, there was a sharp pain.

Jesus! That bloody hurts!

Graham’s shout made his head throb, so he fell silent.

From Joe’s viewpoint, the man’s poor coordination, language, and behaviour suggested he was drunk. He didn’t take any chances and kept his distance. When the man climbed out of the ditch, his uneasy gait suggested the drink had helped him end up in such a state. His cursing and swearing continued, a clear indication to Joe, the man had woken from an alcohol-laden stupor.

Experience had taught the lads to stay away from men’s drink troubles. Soon, he would get himself home, and be someone else’s problem. Joe ran and caught up to Colin by the main road.

Did you see who it was? asked Colin.

I didn’t recognise him. He was muddied from top to toe because of the drink, but I think he’ll be alright once he’s sobered up. Mind you, he was a right mess, and it was funny to watch.

The boys giggled, as it wasn’t the first drunk they’d found sleeping off a bender.

C’mon, Joe. Grab the other end. This deer’s been damned heavy to carry on my own.

Joe grabbed the branch, and they crossed the main road to the water meadows.

Some distance behind, Graham Mather staggered along in an attempt to catch up. When he reached the main road, the light from the gas street lamp illuminated the meadows. He reached into his pocket and found his spare glasses. He could see two people moving, and the lad at the back wore a school cap. There was an animal slung on a pole between them. Those buggers are stealing sheep! That’s why they hit me. Graham knew who they were and tried to run, but stopped after three paces. His head thumped, and he’d lost his gun. The loss of a loaded firearm was a serious matter for a gamekeeper as it could lead to his dismissal.

Graham retraced his steps, searched the hedge, and at last, he saw the shiny black barrels. He dragged out the gun and opened it. Thankfully, it had been unloaded. He sat down and closed his eyes and settled his breathing. He ached, his head thumped. He desperately in need of help.

It hurt to walk, but he knew Rose Cottage and his friends Byron and Mary White weren’t too far away. When Graham arrived at the Cottage, he leant against the porch and knocked on the door. When he heard silence, Graham found himself fretting. Often Byron and Mary worked late, especially when the brigadier had dinner guests. Distraught, he knocked louder.

Lights came on. Stop knocking! We’re trying to have an early night…

Byron opened the door, and Graham’s dishevelled appearance ended his outburst.

My god, man, what on earth is wrong?

I need help… I saw the boys with a stolen sheep…need to tell the brigadier…

Byron reached out to hold him upright as Graham gripped the doorway to steady himself.

A lorry was hidden…someone hit me. Oh, god…my head hurts.

Byron got himself under Graham’s arm. Let me get you inside. We’ll call the brigadier in a moment. First, we need to sort you out, because you look awful.

Indoors, Byron looked at Graham’s head.

Oh my, you’re still bleeding. Come, sit under the gas light in the kitchen.

Byron White had seen injuries in his time at the manor and expected nothing to bother him, but when he saw the back of Graham’s head, the extent of his wounds worried him greatly. Beneath the bright light of the gas mantle, Byron could see the severity of the damage. Graham needed far better care than he could give. He put on a brave face and, squeezed his friend’s shoulder.

I’ll clean you up a bit, then fetch the doctor. C’mon, lean back and rest. We’ll deal with everything else come the morning.

Graham shook his head.

That easy for you to say, Byron, but Edward and John need to know their sheep are being stolen by people they trust!

The J series Thorneycroft Lorry

A stalwart of the British Army through the Great War

J%20series%20thornycroft.jpg

J series Thornycroft

CHAPTER 3

Steinman Castle, South Tyrol, Austria July 21

T HE STEINMAN FAMILY CASTLE HAD rarely seen such pomp and ceremony. Each stateroom contained members of the European royal households, here for the marriage of Manfred Steinman’s eldest son, Heinrich. Dukes and Duchesses would dine, drink, and dance themselves to a standstill for the next two days. Prior to the event, Emperor Franz Josef of Austria and Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany met to discuss matters that surrounded the assassination of his nephew.

Franz Josef wanted to give an ultimatum to Serbia to hand over those culpable. The threat of invasion would be the inducement. Germany pledged her full support to protect Austria from Russian involvement. As a thank-you for Kaiser Wilhelm’s support, Franz Joseph offered him the services of General Manfred Steinman and his brother, Oberst Klaus Steinman, in their war effort.

Be mindful, Willy. Manfred Steinman will become my next Feld Marshall if he stays with the Austrian Army. His loyalty is without question, and his credentials are impeccable. His brother, Klaus Steinman, is the best artilleryman in Europe. His Terror Group will break any defensive line. As a thank-you, I give you both, Willy, but you must use them well.

Wilhelm accepted. I will use them to the utmost. However, I have to overcome Helmut Moltke. The Feld Marshall hates my interference in Army appointments. Of late, I find he has become unreasonable to deal with. As my aide-de-camp, Moltke served me loyally for so many years. That is why I appointed him Army Chief of Staff, but now…

Willy, you must not let Moltke control you. You are the Kaiser.

Wilhelm nodded. I know I shouldn’t be dictated to. However, it’s not only Moltke. It’s all of the Prussians. They gang up, and I lose the argument.

In which case, I suggest you need some time with Manfred’s son Heinrich before he gets married. He may be young, but his diplomacy skills are exemplary.

I didn’t know any of this. I only know of Steinman Engineering and their prowess for the development of military weapons.

And why should you be aware of my Austrians? Heinrich has many attributes. Like his father, he is a diplomat of the first rank.

Franz Joseph put a fatherly arm around Wilhelm. You need to meet with him and discuss ways to deal with your Prussian officers. Come, let us find him before he gets wrapped up in tomorrow’s arrangements.

Manfred and Heinrich were in the adjacent room, deep into a political discussion. On their arrival, Manfred crossed the room to greet them. Emperor Ferdinand, Kaiser Wilhelm. Please, join us. Heinrich and I are indulging ourselves in the art of what if.

Franz Josef raised an eyebrow. Would this have anything to do with the discussions Wilhelm and I are having, Manfred?

Of course, Excellency. We must be able to support any military decision you may make.

Heinrich, said Franz Josef, the Triple Entente, they threaten our very existence. How would you deal with this problem?

To be posed such a question by his Emperor was a challenge, but Heinrich didn’t shy away.

Excellency, the Entente sits like a slave’s yolk across our necks, but we are not slaves. So, we must break free of this oppression. Maintaining eye contact, he walked to the window.

Diplomacy has failed, and worse, your family members are killed by Serbian rebels.

Heinrich levelled a steady gaze at each man.

As an Austrian, I am insulted, and we must extract retribution. However, this will lead to hostilities on multiple fronts. We must pre-empt this escalation of hostilities by securing Germany’s western border before Russia can mobilise fully. Only then can we conclusively defeat our enemies in the east.

Franz Josef smiled. Do you see, Willy? Even though he was twice silent, Heinrich had the three of us hanging on his every word.

Wilhelm was impressed with Heinrich’s answer as well as the way he’d delivered it.

It seems Heinrich understands the dilemma we face and agrees with our answer.

The Kaiser turned to Heinrich. Where do your conclusions come from? Your Alsatian spies are well known to be active inside Austria and France. Are they embedded in Germany’s high command as well?

Excellency. I have no need for spies in Germany. Since childhood, I have studied the great conflicts and find in history superior forces have been bested by lesser opponents. Inevitably, it is because of too many battlefronts. Armies can’t fight all of their enemies at the same time. They must neutralise some, then concentrate on the greatest threat.

Well, if I hadn’t been assured otherwise, I would have sworn you had been briefed on general Schlieffen’s invasion plan.

Thank you, Excellency. It is an honour to be compared to Germany’s strategists. If I may ask, how similar is my plan?

The concept you put forward is the same. However, the execution is the most important part, and we believe your father is the man to help us implement this audacious plan.

Franz knew Heinrich had pleased the Kaiser and felt confident leaving them together.

Manfred, will you walk with me? I need to advise you of these matters alone and leave Wilhelm to speak with Heinrich.

After Manfred and Ferdinand left the room, Wilhelm smiled at Heinrich.

Franz believes you can help me overcome some difficulties I have with my military.

Most certainly, Excellency, as it would be an honour to assist.

Wonderful. Now, let me explain the problem.

***

The next day, Heinrich was married to his beautiful bride Britta. The two Emperors were first to congratulate the couple. The Steinman family were on the rise.

Manfred took Klaus aside.

We are challenge to bring victory to the German Kaiser and his armies.

Klaus nodded. Austrians leading Germans in battle. I trust Heinrich will return from his honeymoon rested and ready to complete the field trials of my new mortars.

Manfred smiled. Marriage or not, your mortars will be delivered on time.

Good, said Klaus. and with that out of the way, let the champagne flow.

CHAPTER 4

Imperial Army HQ, Berlin, Germany July 31

W ILHELM MADE READY TO CHALLENGE Moltke and his Prussian officers. Carefully adjusting his uniform, he explained to his wife. After meeting with Franz Josef, I have a new view of Britain and Russia. I don’t care if Edward is my uncle or Nicholas my cousin. I hate them equally for their alliance with France. They are against us, and I’m going to tell my generals what I want.

His wife straightened his medals and smiled. Go downstairs and tell them, Willy.

By the door of the war room, Feld Marshall Helmut Moltke was