Blupt

By Gloria Trubbshore

It is a futuristic-romance of sweeping scale that employs a new language of a distant world. It will be a demanding read for any reader - but ultimately will reward, with a story worth telling involving characters the reader will begin to care passionately about. It will not be the only work Xlibris promote of this budding talent.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Nov 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543491647

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by Gloria Trubbshore.

ISBN:       Softcover         978-1-5434-9165-4

                  eBook               978-1-5434-9164-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 11/12/2018

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CONTENTS

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

xII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XIX

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XXVIII

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XXX

XXXI

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XL

XLI

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XLVII

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LIV

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LXVI

LXVII

LXVIII

LXIX

Glossary

Months of Umgahtung

world

Another planet like the earth.

‘the possibility of life on other worlds’ globe, planet, sphere, satellite, moon, star, heavenly body, orbsociety, circle, arena, milieu, province, domain, territory, orbit, preserve, realm, field, discipline, area, department, sector, section, group, division

turvy

Upside down.

‘the fairground ride turned riders turvy’ upside down, the wrong side up, head over heels, inverted, reversed, upset, backwards, vice versa in disorder, disordered, disorderly, in confusion, confused, mixed up, in a muddle, muddled, in a jumble, jumbled, in chaos, chaotic, disorganized, messy, untidy, in disarray, in a mess, awry, askew, upside down, upset, disrupted, at sixes and sevens

Romance

a (1): a medieval tale based on legend, chivalric love and adventure, or the supernatural.

(2): a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious

(3): a love story especially in the form of a novel

b: a class of such literature

2: something (such as an extravagant story or account) that lacks a basis in fact

3: an emotional attraction or aura belonging to an especially heroic era, adventure, or activity

Dedicated to my partner Major Roxbrough.

Without you this book would not have been possible.

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I

U MGAHTUNG LAY ON the western edge of the continent and was the most powerful country due to its wealth of resources. The most crucial of these was coal. The country had been a mass of forests and peat bogs in its history and the resource that fuelled the steam engines fuelled the world. In the past Umgahtung had used its natural wealth for expansion and across the Scuidrian Sea, to the west, were the island Kingdoms that had been the vassals of the Umgahtungo for several hundred years.

It was spring, the fourth month of the worlds eight month year. It was also the time when the tribute was due and must be paid. Eight comparatively small Kingdoms over the sea arrived every year in their steamships and presented themselves before King Alcibough, each to pay the tribute that would assure their safety for another year.

This had been the way of things for one hundred and sixty years. It had been Alcibough’s tribute for the last few, but before him, his royal fathers and before that the Kings grandfathers. It was not going to be the way in the year 6051 however. In that year a very different series of circumstances would be played out, to that which Umgahtungo expected, very different indeed.

Alcibough was seated at his morning table taking breakfast with his family when it began. At the far end was his Queen, Aristugh. On the right side of the king were his two sons, Princes Plutagh and his younger brother Atenough. On the other side their only sister Phryigh. They ceased their usual family discourse when there was a most uncustomary knock upon the door. Visitors were discouraged by Alcibough until after the one precious hour he could guarantee time with his family. Who would dare ignore this cardinal rule?

Come in? the King commanded, his ire and his curiosity vying for supreme place in his emotions.

Around the jamb, there appeared the greying locks of his Colonel, none other than C’r’lldenagh. Had it been any other man in the entire Kingdom, he would have earned the rebuke of his majesty. C’r’lldenagh, however, had been [2] responsible for putting down more than one border skirmish over the years and he was the one man the King truly held in high regard.

Colonel? the King asked, This is unprecedented, what grave news could possibly result in the interruption of the most precious hour of my day?

A radio message, Sire. One I thought you might want to be informed of at once. Would it be possible to have a quick private word with you, before you resume the breaking of your fast?

Come in then man and tell me what you consider so urgent. You can speak freely in front of the boys now, Plutagh is 24 (16), while his younger brother is 21 (14). As for young Phryigh, she has seen 18 summers (12). Take some tea why don’t you?

Thank you, Sire, but I will just relay the message and then be on my business. C’r’lldenagh sounded ill at ease and the King frowned but waited patiently. He finally came to the point.

We’ve had a radio message from Easbay, Sire, King Gigtoch had his military officer over there sent a message to tell us they have no intention of paying the tribute this spring.

A piece of toast on its way to Alcibough’s mouth hung momentarily in the air, his eyebrows rose before he finally had the presence of mind to take a snapped bite out of it. The Queen observed,

This will prove costly, we will have to involve the Admiral, he always fusses so when we require his ships.

More costly than you think I’m afraid Majesty, C’r’lldenagh observed darkly, For the message from Easbay was not the only one sent to our radio stations this morning.

Oh, the King’s features were beginning to take on a grim expression, Had one of the other vassal sovereignties put them up to it by any chance, I didn’t think Gigtoch had the backbone to defy Umgahtung alone. Might his ally be his cousin up in Eastpoit? I always said Solon was a slippery customer.

Colonel C’r’lldenagh continued to look gravely as he added, One of those who has allied himself with Gigtoch is Solon, yes Sire.

One of those, Alcibough rose to his feet, Apologies, my Love, but I think perhaps I would best be employed on the radio for the next few hours. To his Colonel, he asked, Who else, C’r’lldenagh.

Can I come with you, Father? [2] Prince Plutagh asked, interrupting the two men. The King turned to regard his son’s eager countenance and gave a tight nod. To the Colonel, he repeated,

Who else, C’r’lldenagh?

Ashmalean of Thernadyl and Pelliartus of the Jgol twins had also sent the same message, Majesty.

So they think to band together and face us united do they? What about Schmorv Novatell and Spynalonga, are they in on this too?

Possibly by now, his colonel conceded, I came to interrupt your breakfast just after the message from King Pelliartus".

I see, very well then, let’s go and find out shall we? The trio hastened down the lithic walls of the palace, young Plutagh struggling to match the swift stride of the two men. Down walls decorated with hangings and many painted portraits, they hurried, noticing not the grandeur of any of them.

The radio station was in the north wing of Castle Trebanagh, the capital city of Umgahtung and protected from the west winds by the cove of the Wash. It could still be a frigid place in the month of Octoend when the snows came and the castles fires were banked high in the grates.

The King entered the radio-room without any preamble and merely glanced at the operator there.

The man had the grace to look chagrined, even though of course, the fault was not his.

All of them Sire. They’ve all banded together against us.

Cyloragh’s teeth (one-eyed god of Umgahtung), Alcibough cursed,

What even the spineless Atheltong? The King of the smallest isle, even smaller than the smallest of the Jgol Twins was notoriously without valour, but then Spynalonga was a very small island dominion. Alcibough took a seat and for a few seconds looked thoughtful, trying to decide the best course of action. He always dressed for breakfast fortunately and he was as ever, resplendent in his royal blue dress coat, on the breast of which were medals of past and glorious campaigns. He wore similarly hued breeks and shoes of patent leather in black.

You know what we’ll have to do about this, Sire? C’r’lldenagh observed, You have no other choice.

I know, Alcibough sighed, reluctantly he turned to the radio operator, Send a message to each of the countries of the Western Isles, either they pay the tribute and on time, or we will declare a state of war against them. The man nodded, before asking,

What of the Telurihomedes Islands Sire and the Tanisamahuura?

What of them? The King blinked, Are the Mid-sea Islands not allied with the others?

From them, we’ve had no word, neither an offer to pay, nor to.

I see, well deliver them with an ultimatum, they must be here and pay the tribute by the end of Quadrial, or they can consider themselves in the same position as the others. He turned to the Colonel, Have the Admiralty and the Air-Force join us in the audience hall in one hour C’r’lldenagh, we have some serious decisions to consider.

He strode back to his interrupted breakfast, his son lagging behind him. The news had ruined his digestion and he only had a cup of tea as the Queen asked him,

Will there be another war, do you not grow tired of them?

If they don’t pay the tribute it would drastically affect the economy, dear. No-one wants a war, of [2] course, in itself, it will be costly. Without our island Commonwealth though, we would have to keep a constant eye on the Gorvonian and the Berlunlander on our north and south borders respectively. Any sign of weakness and who knows what they would do.

I suppose you will have to tell Feltegh?

Uncle Feltegh, Atenough piped up, Will he be coming here, Father? [2]

Feltegh, Duke of Coikilma, was the King’s younger brother and there was little affection between them. In every conflict, he had proved an exceptional warrior however and Alcibough would not be able to keep the news from him. For some reason, that both men did not understand, young Prince Atenough had taken a shine to the younger brother.

He may, the King conceded, Although his position in the Dukedom would have to be supervised. That’s something I don’t have to decide right away. Now, everyone, I go [2] to my audience hall. Children go and see Deristogh and begin your studies for the day.

The children did not look particularly enthusiastic, for Master Deristogh was a tutor with stern and strict practice. Taking up a royal blue cape and throwing it about his shoulders, Alcibough took his leave of his wife and strode for the chamber. He was the last to arrive. C’r’lldenagh was already seated opposite Brigadier Glasogh of Umgahtungs Air-Force. The other person in the room was straight of bearing Admiral Lethmimonogh, head of the navy. Alcibough liked the Admiral a great deal, Glasogh, he could not stand. Without a word, he seated himself and glanced at C’r’lldenagh. The Colonel shook his head,

They remain obdurate, he informed his King. Including Schmorv and Novatell.

And the Island of Tanisamahuura and the Telurihomedes Islands?

Both willing to pay tribute and promise to be here before month end. The Colonel assured.

Well let’s at least be thankful for that, Lethmimonogh smiled bleakly, Some of the tribute can be utilised in a war effort, if war is inevitable.

Of course it’s inevitable, Glasogh said matter-of-factually, I don’t need to remind you that activity has been detected in Turaag surely? Turaag was a Gorvonian town just on the north-eastern border of Umgahtung and if ever an incursion was likely, it would most likely be from that town.

Before we do anything else Duke Feltegh must be informed of the Commonwealth situation, C’r’lldenagh offered, Then our spy network should be put on high activation.

Alcibough nodded, Yes, we should have informed Principal Agent Zogh of this meeting and ask him to join us. I think perhaps you should give him a call and arrange for me to do it straight after we convene, C’r’lldenagh. The Colonel nodded and Lethmimonogh asked,

So, we go into preparation for an invasion and subjugation of the revolt, do we Majesty?

Alcibough sighed, There is no alternative, we need the yearly tribute and it is our right after the war of ‘23. I really thought the Islanders would have stuck to the agreement for more than six short years. Message all the major towns, increase production of everything, we are putting the Umgahtung machine into full production. Now, I had better go and see Zogh.

II

P RINCE PLUTAGH WAS an able and keen study, while his younger brother was not and even the Princess, Phryigh knew more history, geography and science than the middle sibling. Schoolmaster Deristogh turned from the blackboard to regard his very select class of three pupils and asked,

Any questions. His gold-rimmed spectacles flashed in the sunlight coming in through the windows and with his shock of white hair, he always reminded the children of an owl, as much as their education master.

Yes sir, Plutagh piped up, Do you think the war will last long? Deristogh blinked patiently and clarified,

I meant questions regarding the equations on the board, Highness, this is algebra, not current affairs.

Our Aunt Annough is Queen Regent on Easbay, the Princess added, What will she do, she cannot fight us surely? Deristogh sighed, it seemed the children’s attention was elsewhere that morning,

Your aunt will be safe, do not worry about her, she is the mother of your cousins Prince Goch and Princess Meloch, they will be kept safe if there are any hostilities. Now; back to the algebra….

But they are our enemies now aren’t they Sir? Plutagh was insistent. Father has declared war against the Commonwealth, for not paying the tribute.

Like all Umgahtungo the Master of education listened to the radio when at home. He was well aware of the current political situation. He could see the concern in the children’s faces and his heart was suddenly softened. Placing the chalk on it shelf beneath the board, he seated himself behind his desk and told them,

Women and children are rarely involved in war, Highnesses, such would not be civilised. I do not think you need worry about your cousins. Should there be actual combat on Easbay it is entirely possible that they would be billeted in this royal castle. In which case they would join us in this very classroom. In this classroom, they would also study algebra with the three of you. So! To the equation on the board….

III

P RINCIPAL AGENT ZOGH was dressed from head to toe in quilted black. This was not unusual, for he was always dressed in black. This added to his black hair and with his ebon beard gave exactly the sort of aura and subterfuge that he intended. He was not an easy man to have a conversation with and Alcibough, though King, found even he struggled at times to speak to him. The two were alone in the room, Zogh rarely agreed to a meeting with any more than one at a time. He was suspicious, secretive and friendless and that was exactly the sort of characteristics that made him an excellent Principal agent.

Would you like something to drink, Zogh? Alcibough asked, as it was the customary way of commencing just such a meeting.

Perhaps a small glass of spynal Sire, if you have some, thank you.

The specially fortified combination of wine and spirit was naturally from the island of Spynalonga, where it was fermented and processed. It was a very popular drink throughout the Commonwealth. Alcibough deigned not to call a servant, but poured two glasses of the refreshment himself, as he handed it to Zogh, the Prin-Age acknowledged,

I’m honoured Majesty.

The two sipped their drinks in silence for a while and then the King began,

War, Zogh. War once more, this time all the islands have banded together save for the isolated central ones. Now you know what I intend to ask you?

The Prin-Age nodded, his dark eyes hooded beneath black and bushy brows,

We have twenty-three operatives either in the field already, or ready to take assignments. I presume you want them sent to the islands and to Gorvonia and Berlunland also? Alcibough nodded,

Especially Turaag, they are dangerously close to New Forest, where we get much of our lumber and Heartford, the electrical power plant. Zogh merely nodded, he could see the strategic importance of the two towns mentioned and their contribution to a war effort.

Further, Zogh, I would like the agents in the Commonwealth to see if it is possible to stop this war before it starts. With any sort of manufactured insurgency against the principal characters or military. I don’t want them to consider any device too severe, if you follow my drift?

Not even assassination?

Reluctantly Alcibough nodded his head, If a single royal started this defiance, then it would be expedient to chop off the head of the revolt and hope the will of those drawn into it would collapse and agree to an armistice. Your network is to explore all avenues Zogh.

Very well, agreed the man in black and half rose before the King had nodded his assent to leave, My entire team will be in the field before the end of the day.

IV

2 3 WAS AT home in his apartment in Dunshire when the radio crackled into life. He reluctantly put down the book he had been engaged in and seated himself before it activating the microphone with a switch at its side. The channel being used was secured and encoded so he knew exactly who was calling,

Sir?

You go active immediately, accede yourself into Turaag soonest and learn of any movements into our territory. Report daily at 10.00 hours on this scrambled frequency. Understood?

Understood.

You have Gorvonian papers?

Yes, under the name of Covia.

Good, transmit tomorrow.

The transmission was over, 23 had just received his mission from none other than Zogh himself.

He hastily packed his two small suitcases and assembled everything else he would need including papers, money (Gorvonian currency) and fake driving licence. If he was going to get about he could not rely on the slow steam buses, but would hire an automobile. Satisfied he had all he needed 23; then known as Covia, locked up the apartment and walked the short distance to the railway station.

There was a train going from Dunshire to Turaag, of course it would stop at the border and the Gorvonian Rendőrség (police) would check all papers at that point. Covia was fluent in Gorvonian and spoke it with no hint of an accent, a useful quality and probably the reason he had been chosen for the assignment. His first priority would be to secure employment and there was only one place he desired to be in that respect the Hírszési Isztérium, which in Umgahtung was translated as Ministry of Intelligence. Although Covia already knew that far more than intelligence was gathered at Turaag. It was a frightening place where arrests for petty offences resulted in deportation to the salt mines in the north. Anyone speaking out against the military regime of Gorvonia and its supreme commander Hezető (leader, general, archbishop) Hadékia could be taken to the Hírszési Isztérium and never be seen nor heard of again.

He bought a one-way ticket with the last of his Umgahtungo currency and boarded the train. The whistle proceeded its sudden surge forward as the wheels began to spin and the mighty steam engine began to haul the iron down the permanent way or tracks. Covia gazed out of the window. Dunshire forest was a beautiful place at this time of year, the sun low on the horizon casting shafts of light across the landscape. Currently, the Giant Twin was on the other side of the world, but some days it caused eclipses or simply resided with the sun but a much bigger ball. The scientist told everyone it was a world very much like their own, with evidence of life on its entire surface. Not that anyone could go there, it was millions of kilometres distant and between was the emptiness of space, where there was no air and no weight.

Covia did not ponder such matters greatly, there was always incidence enough on his own world to keep him busy. He was young, but not so that he would not ordinarily have been married. Yet his occupation meant potential danger for anyone close to him, so he avoided the company of anyone likely to claim his heart. He only radioed his parents in Lakforeston perhaps twice yearly and this caused him to worry slightly. For the town of his birth was also a border town and dangerously close to the Gorvonian municipality of Hhtárföd. Perhaps he would radio them or write when he returned home. Who knew how long this latest war would last though? The last one in ‘23 had gone on for nine months well over a year!

Covia was not an imposing figure at only 167.64 cm and weighed only 57.2 kg. His hair was sandy blonde, chestnut at the back of his neck, he wore a slim moustache that took constant trimming and his eyes were behind gold-framed circular glasses. All in all not the look of a master spy; or maybe it was exactly that! The train passed directly through a couple of tiny villages before coming to a halt at New Forest, for passengers to get on or disembark. Two stops later would be the border and the Rendőrség would check papers. Covia was not worried, his forged documentation was the best that could be provided, the paper had even come from a Gorvonian mill. Covia almost dropped off to sleep, lulled by the clickety-clack of the transport, white steam was issuing from the chimney of the huge steam engine and the whole experience was very pleasant and somnolent. His head lolled forward just as it was grinding to a halt at the border. He could hear barked commands being issued in Gorvonian, slowly getting louder.

They entered the carriage Covia was seated in. Tall, stern-looking men who looked as though they would not know how to laugh; ever!

Papers, the one before Covia barked without the merest hint of courtesy. The spy promptly handed them over. The Rendőrség officer asked him,

What is your business coming back to Gorvonia? Have the Umgahtungo thrown you out for being one of the Anyorzág (mother country)?

Exactly, Covia returned in perfect Gorvonian, I’ve come back to get employment and help our country in this time of nervousness.

Oh! Where, citizen Covia?

I have several academic diplomas in sociology, business studies and others of that sort. I presume Turaag will find me something suitable.

The Rendőrség officer nodded, seemingly satisfied and handed Covia his papers back without another word. He passed on to the next passenger. Hurdle one had been successfully overcome and Covia and the train passed into Gorvonia. He disembarked, knowing the geography of the town, it was easy enough to stroll from the rail station and walk to an area containing boarding houses. The first two had no vacancies according to a sign in the front window, but at a third, he rang the bell and waited. As the door eased open he was surprised to be greeted by a very shapely and attractive young woman. She waited for him to initiate the conversation,

I’m looking for a room, Covia said in the local tongue, Are you full, or would you have a lodging suitable to offer me please?

Right, just a moment while I fetch my Eédesia (mother). So that was one of the landlady’s offspring, Covia wondered if there were any more and if they would be as striking. A second figure came through the doorway to greet him and it was instantly obvious that she was an older version of the girl. Maturity had done nothing to diminish the attractive qualities of the Eédesia, obviously a very favoured family. Covia repeated his question and the elder woman smiled asking formally,

We have one room left Sir. There are already three guests staying with us, but if your papers are in order….

Covia handed them over. He enjoyed the sunshine still playing on the back of his neck while the landlady examined his fake papers. They were of course fully acceptable.

Come and have a look at the room and if it will do we can arrange a price Ura (Mr) Covia.

He followed her trim and totally acceptable ass up three flights of stairs. It was an old Gorvonia property from the century before and would have been magnificent in its day. Now it was a lodging house and he was about to become the final guest within it. The room was exactly what he had envisaged. Single bed, wardrobe, sink, old chest of drawers, an old gas wall heater, but he had expected electric lighting. While it only had gas mantles. For a bath and to ablute he needed to go down a floor to a shared facility with two of the other lodgers.

How much is it Hiá (Mrs, Miss)…aah….

Gria, she informed him, I would like ten kézéz a month in advance and for that you get breakfast, your laundry done and no meter on the gas. Reasonable and no need to argue, he offered her a smile and his hand and then gave her the ten kézéz.

Right, well I’ll leave you to unpack and get settled in then, then she was gone. It took him less than five minutes to hang a suit in the wardrobe and put the contents of the cases into the drawers. He locked the door on his way out with the key that was his for the duration and was just down the stairs and approaching the front door, when a side one opened and the daughter appeared.

I hear you’re going to be staying with us Ura Covia.

Yes, for a while I’m looking for work, Just arrived back from Umgahtung where I went for a period to get a job there, but it finished. Any advice for me? Where to start looking that sort of thing, I’m a desk jockey, business studies and so forth.

Sounds like the Hírszési Isztérium would suit you, she smiled. They’re setting on right now due to the declaration of war over the border, you must have heard it on the radio?

Well I did, but not since travelling and there is no radio in the room.

No point, she remarked simply, No power for it, do you depend on it for your information. Since the conservationists put up the price of pulp, I can’t run to a newspaper.

He was most surprised when she suddenly leaned into him and whispered,

I have a radio Ura Covia, If you sneak to my room in the evenings, we could listen to it together. She was so close he could smell her perfume and the smell of cigarettes on her breath. Was she flirting with him, or just trying to be helpful.

I may take you up on that Hiá …?

Séåiá. Don’t use the Hiá and I’ll just call you Covia. I’m walking past the Hírszési Isztérium, want to take a stroll with me?

That would be most pleasant. I’ll just get my jacket.

She was back in as long as it took to lift one from a peg and he opened the door for her, as she passed him she whispered,

Have you a cigarette?

Only a Cīņkuģi I’m afraid, I’ve just crossed over the border remember?

Oh, all right then, one of them. Get Satahajó for next time though okay? She bent down to let his gas lighter turn the end of the slim blue cylinder red hot and drew the smoke deeply into her lungs. Pushing it out through pouted lips in a feminine way - she murmured,

That’s better. He knew her game then, flirt a bit, lead him on and then get every kézéz she could in cash or goods. He drew on his own cīņkuģi, letting the smoke charge down his nostrils in a far more masculine fashion.

What do you do Séåiá. I don’t mean to be rude but what are you doing at home during normal working hours?

It is my day off, I work l;strioghlasufg, (6th day in the week) while the rest of you lucky people have a day of rest. I work in a shop on the main street, selling lingerie and perfume.

So you have Welermunihod (4th day in the week) all to yourself.

This week but I’m on a rota, I’m off on Desuu (2nd day of the week) next week. Was that a hint that she would be available? He ignored it, hopefully, he would be working himself by then. They had reached the front of the Hírszési Isztérium and he turned to her,

Thanks for getting me here, wish me luck?

Sure, have fun Covia, see you back in 23 okay?

23?

Your address silly 23 Haluta, you’ll be 23e, if you want any mail to come to you.

Of course, okay, later, Séåiá.

He strode into the Hírszési Isztérium.

V

T HE SPARKLING PATTERNS of Quadrial sunlight smote the Scuidrian Sea and dazzled the eye. For a few moments prior to the council, Gigtoch let the lights mesmerise him. It was restful, he let aberrations play around the edge of his consciousness, only with the greatest of effort did he bring himself back to the moment; as his stern allies filed into the council chambers. In unrehearsed silence they seated themselves and almost as one turned to regard him, expecting he and he alone to take the lead.

It is done then, he began, We could not have suspected for an instant that the Umgahtungo would have reacted so swiftly and so animously.

Why not? the sharp features Pelliartus of the Jgol Twins demanded almost brutally, They have ruled over us like landlords for years. They consider these lands which belong to our people to be their very own.

Ashmalean half turned toward him and explained as though to a child, War will be costly. On both sides, Majesty. None ever end the richer in a police action such as the enemy intends. Not only that but my intelligence tell me that once Umgahtung’s attention is focused on the west here, the Berlunlander may well use the opportunity to strike north over their border.

And how would that help us exactly? Pelliartus remained ascetical, To exchange one overlord for another.

It is entirely possible that the two would fight one another to an armistice and thus leave us alone for years to come, Solon offered.

Or maybe even leave Umgahtung so weakened by the effort that we could invade them? Gigtoch smiled, though he was only being sarcastic. So it was a shock to all in the room when young King Atheltong of Spynalonga offered,

That is exactly what my Colonel is advising Majesties. The best form of defence - is attack.

Queen Gnk of Schmorv burst into peels of laughter at such a strange suggestion. She stifled the merriment at the stern look Gigtoch gave her. The young Queen was one of only two women present, the other being the royal Duchess Irazy of Novatell. She asked in reasoned tones,

How many ships can we muster if we combine all our fleets?

Gigtoch consulted his records, those kept faithfully by his clerk at a previous meeting of the rulers of the western islands,

Five hundred, he told the Duchess.

And how many men can we put on those vessels? she desired to know.

Atheltong shifted in his seat in anticipation, but kept his tongue. Gigtoch read out the combined might of their forces,

30,000. Comprising of 3,000 toxophilites of bow and arbalist, 5,000 lancers of mount and foot, 20,000 ferobivir and 2,000 auxiliaries.

The ferobivir and user of it employed a simple steel bar or staff 25mm in diameter and 1.5m in length, it weighed 2100g and when employed with powerful speed could be a devastating weapon. It was the base weapon of choice in the infantry and was not expensive to produce. The toxophilite needed arrows, the lancer once he had cast his weapon was expended, but the ferobivir could fight on, his only limiting factor being his ferocity and vitality.

Do you think the Umgahtungo have the same sized force?

They have their balloons, Pelliartus was bound to observe. A newly appointed Air Force, with which to combat our ground forces.

"Which is all well and good if they also have something to throw from the air vessels, the Duchess persisted. Of course if we allow them time to increase production of arrows, and lances, then yes, their balloons will be a considerable threat. Our ships are ready to sail though, aren’t they? What if, as my Colonel suggests, we set out now, strike a concerted blow at the western coast of Umgahtung".

Some of those present gasped at such a daring proposal. Their lands had been part of the Commonwealth for as long as they had lived and the thought of attacking their ruling dominion was too great a stance for them to conceive.

Your Colonel, Gigtoch noted. I do not think I know the illustrious warrior Majesty. Tell me, where would your Colonel land our invading fleet, where would our troops disembark?

There is only one logical point, Duchess Irazy smiled without mirth. It is never a good idea to have one’s capital on the coastline, do you not agree?

Trebanagh! Ashmalean gasped. You’re advising us to attack the royal palace? To strike at Alcibough personally!

Such a move might just succeed, Atheltong admitted, It is daring bold and unprecedented. I have to say - I like it.

And if it fails? Ashmalean offered, What then? Gigtoch noted,

If it fails, I believe we are undone.

Then we should vote on it, the move must be decided democratically.

If accepted, however, the Duchess cut in, I insist my Colonel be made supreme commander of the Western Isles. After all, to the one who conceived the plan, must go the responsibility of seeing it to some sort of conclusion.

The others thought this a fair suggestion and accepted that if the majority voted to set sail without delay, then the Colonel of Novatell should be supreme commander of the invading force.

They cast their votes by marking paper, so as to keep it arcanum in the usual tradition of such things. It was carried by five to two and once the papers had been examined and Gigtoch had declared the result, he added,

Duchess Irazy, I think perhaps now would be a good time to meet your Colonel, would you radio him to attend this council if you please. We will luncheon while we wait for his arrival.

Irazy smiled one of her enigmatic smiles and simply nodded her tacit agreement. Luncheon was a simple affair. After all, it would have looked foolishly extravagant for Gigtoch to put on a better show during the build-up to the war. So they ate grapes, black bread, and kaas (cheese