Steinman: Does Evil Have A Nemesis?

By Leo Kearley

The Travis family struggles to cope with the changes after Albie Travis took his own life, and yet, the assassination of the Austrian Crown Prince will change the lives of Colin and Joe in ways they cannot imagine.  

For the Steinman family, the impending conflict suits their brand of industrialised warfare. Klaus Steinman’s art

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Jun 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643450568

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.

Book preview

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)

Garth and Jacob (Salisbury – Wiltshire)

Graham Mather (Old Sarum - Wiltshire)

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

Colonel John Weston (Salisbury - Wiltshire)

Brigadier Edward Weston and Edith Weston (Amesbury - Wiltshire)

Captain Michael Plummer and Emily Plummer (Salisbury - Wiltshire)

Sergeant Malcolm Greaves (Marlborough - Wiltshire)

Corporal Harry Jenkins (Tetbury - Wiltshire)

Corporal Danny Sefton (Bulford - Wiltshire)

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

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

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

General Deakin and Lieutenant Tom Crawford (London-Middlesex)

Major Althorn (Bisley-Hampshire)

Davey Thomas (Merthyr Valley – South Wales)

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

Isabelle Traverse (Ourches-sur-Meuse - France)

Grant Sanders (Queensland - Australia)

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

Europe had been in a state of uneasy peace since 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

Colin 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. Stop itching. Anyone would think you’ve got ants in your pants. Stay quiet.

Look here, short trousers. I’m trying not to scratch, but the little buggers seem right partial to me tonight.

Ain’t you got your celery and basil oil? whispered Joe, as he tried to keep a straight face.

Nah, said Colin with a shrug. I was in a rush this afternoon, what with mucking out the new 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, he said. 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 the oil on his skin through holes in his trousers. My clothes are in a right state. Patched up in places and holes everywhere else, said Colin. 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? asked Colin.

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 with me tonight?

I am, as we all want Mum to get her wish, don’t we? You, me, and 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, Colin. 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 maybe, said Joe, but Mum never complains, does she?

No she don’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, said Colin.

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.

Joe thought it through. So what you’re saying is… why have forty pairs of trousers when you’ve only got two legs?

Yeah, sort of. What I’m saying is no one needs loads of trousers unless they’ve reason to wear them. If they have way too many, well, that’s an extravagance. Trouble is, with a newborn, clothes or even decent meat is beyond what we earn.

Shhh, the deer are coming, said Joe.

A group of deer moved out of the trees. What about the doe, in the clearing? Colin whispered.

You’re kidding! said Joe. We need to get home tonight.

Joe could see the deer was far too big. Maybe if I were taller and a lot stronger?

What about the one over there? Joe whispered.

Colin could only see spindly trees. Where do you mean?

Look in amongst 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. Joe was right.

Bloody hell! Your eyes are good. That’s a quarter mile away. I wouldn’t have seen it unless you’d said. So yeah, why not? It’ll be a lot easier to carry home.

Alright, here goes, whispered Joe as he loaded the rifle.

Unexpectedly, Colin put his hand on the gun.

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

It’s not that, it’s that I’d hate to find out we got caught using a dud bullets. 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! said Colin. 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 insert their only round and closed the breach. He may be good with a gun, but everything’s against him. There’s barely enough light, that deer’s a quarter mile away, and we walked near ten mile 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. Have I asked too much of you? 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 squinted. An instant later, the gun fired, and Colin was shocked to see the deer fall to the floor.

It was a clean kill, as their father had always 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, lights appeared, and Colin felt Joe squirm. We stay ‘til they’ve gone, he whispered.

Colin had spent many a night hunting on his own and had hidden in the shadows. He knew the tricks of the gamekeepers. As protectors of the local Estate lands, their familiarity with every vantage point and track in the area meant they could close off all escape routes… Hem in the poacher until they made a mistake.

Night-time favours the gamekeepers, his father said. ‘Poachers are often poor men with hungry families. They lack patience and move in too quick to collect their kill. They get caught in the open. Others choose the wrong path and walk straight into the arms of the people they want to avoid. Lay still as they try to find you. Don’t move, Let the dark be your friend."

Colin heeded his father’s advice, and hoped 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, sought clues to help locate the poachers. Colin had never seen them so determined.

The rifle shot had confirmed a poacher was near, and these men wanted to catch him. As one man approached their hide, Colin had to swallow back his fear, and worried for Joe, 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 to find the poacher, but they couldn’t know where to look. Even though the man was five feet away, the boys remained invisible amongst the bracken that surrounded them, the man would have had to stomp on the boys to discover their hide. What’s more, the buck had fallen in the long grass at the edge of the woods and couldn’t be seen.

With no sign of prey or poacher, the man behind them called out, Come on. It was worth a look, but there’s nothing here. Let’s get on and cover the roads.

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, Joe. 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, c’mon, he weren’t even close, bluffed Colin. Sort yourself out, Joe, and we’ll grab the buck.

I will, but you’ll need to give me a moment. My knees are still shaking from seeing all those guns poking at me.

Joe kissed his cross for good luck. It was a double-barred silver cross as worn by all members of the family. He cleared the rifle breach multiple times, and straightened his clothes.

Won’t them blokes be waiting? asked Joe.

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 as he thought of how much farther it would be.

You’re kidding! That’s a near mile out of our way.

I know it’s a long way round, said Colin, but it’s the safe way, and we’ll still be home before one o’clock, don’t worry. Oh, and Joe…

Joe’s temper snapped. I said I needed a minute!

The extra distance was bad enough, and Joe didn’t want to hear more bad news.

After a time, Joe looked up. Come on, Colin. What else is there?

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.

I heard the Brigadier talking to Byron this morning, said Colin. He said some strange stuff too. I stayed quiet and listened from the next stall. He were right angry.

Why, what did he say? Joe asked.

He said the Kaiser was a bolshy cove, hell-bent on empire building and 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, I know. It’s like they talk in riddles, said Joe.

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? asked Joe.

I won’t have any choice if I’m the Brigadier’s batman, and someone needs to look after Lucy.

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

You might be right, said Colin, but they wouldn’t let you go, and Mum would want you home with her, especially if I’m away.

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

Colin grinned. Aye, well, I may do, but I usually get away with them!

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.

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. They walked to the back of the vehicle and dropped 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 them shears, said Gareth. That hole you cut is perfect. How long did it take?

Not long. Nat dropped me off last night. While he had a quick one in the pub, I got snipping. Anyway, let’s get this done. I’ll cut the fence wire, you strap the gates on.

In minutes their preparations were complete. Jacob grabbed a cosh from the cab. He stood by the lorry. I’ll keep a lookout for unwanted visitors. You drive the pick of the sheep on board, and be as quick sharp as you can.

I will. So don’t you worry none.

Jacob’s mother had always imagined an ecclesiastical life for her son. After all, he’d exhibited many of his father’s traits when he was a boy. Jacob thought of his mother’s words: You’ll grow to be a lay preacher like your father. His mother dreamed he’d run his own mission somewhere in the new world. Jacob chuckled. I’ve got a mission alright. To stay as far away from the hands of the law as I can.

Jacob’s life choices were far below his mother’s expectations, and by the time he was a teenager, he’d had chosen to follow his uncle Nathan and cousin Gareth into a world of crime. The three of them stole sheep to sell on the black market. His uncle said, Thieving of sheep suits us all. Jacob agreed. He liked to sneak around, keep secrets, and was partial to a bit of violence.

All of it fitted his character perfectly.

Jacob pulled a balaclava over his face and stayed in the shadow of the hedge. He walked toward the main road, careful to avoid detection. A hundred yards on, he heard footfall in the field to his left. Someone was there. Jacob stopped by the bushes. Whoever it is, they’d best not get too close. As the sound of boots grew louder, Jacob slithered into the gully. Lost in the shadows, the heavy leather cosh rested in his hands. If he sticks his beak into 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 approached 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 in an instant. 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 him 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 ended up with a suspended prison sentence. The courts wouldn’t be so lenient a second time, especially as instead of a deterrent, his continued liberty had made Jacob even more determined to become a crook.

He and his uncle didn’t care about the law. This was a dog-eat-dog world. Times were tough for everyone as the poor struggled to survive. We serve the community, Jacob. His uncle had said, whereas Mather serves no one. Jacob was in agreeance, but the gamekeeper’s interference had created a constant threat to his freedom. 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. Then he watched Mather break open his shotgun and load a shell into each barrel. The gamekeeper snapped the gun shut. Incensed by Mather’s deadly action, Jacob smashed the heavy leather strap against the man’s head and left Mather sprawled on the ground, unconscious. He pulled the gun from Mather’s hand, unloaded the shells, and threw the weapon into the hedgerow.

He dragged the body to the lip of the gully and kicked the interfering gamekeeper into the ditch. Satisfied, Jacob ran back to the lorry. At the side of the ramp, he saw the dogs chase the last of the sheep into the lorry. Gareth, get this lot tied in quick! shouted Jacob. That bloody bloke Mather showed up, so I laid him out, and I don’t want to be about for much longer.

Fuck me! He’ll be in a right state when he wakes up, said Gareth.

Aye, well, he shouldn’t have come after us with a gun! With a bit a luck, some other idiot will come along and wear the grief!

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

Chapter 3

Longfield Grazing Pastures 00:30

Colin and Joe had made good time. 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.

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

Aye, said Joe.

Colin could hear his disinterest. The flat gravel tracks alongside the pastures of Longfield had helped them keep up the pace, but Joe was tired, so Colin tried to perk him up.

How was Lucy this afternoon?

She was grand, said Joe. I brushed her down after the Brigadier had a ride at lunchtime. I watched him gallop and then do some jumps. She were right good.

Good to hear, and did you leave her any surprises?

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

Aye, you’re right there. She has a powerful 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 weren’t my fault she got it in mind to have another gallop.

Don’t tell me, chuckled Colin. You jumped the rails and stream again, didn’t you? You’re a little bugger. You know the Brigadier would tan your hide if he found out?

I know, but it weren’t my fault. It was Lucy. She was the feisty one. I was along for the ride, you know me.

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 towards Amesbury, until alongside Longfield pastures, Joe pulled Colin back.

What’s up, Joe?

I don’t rightly know, but something’s not right, and anyway, I need a breather. Let’s stop one last time.

Alright, you put your end down, then come up here 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?

I don’t know, hush and listen.

They listened, and this time, the groan was distinct.

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. He looked groggy and struggled to stand. Covered in dirt and dust, he looked a proper sight. Colin didn’t want any awkward questions. I’ll take the buck, you see if he needs help. With the buck up on his shoulder, Colin headed off.

Joe edged towards the gully. He didn’t want to get too close, in case there was trouble.

He called out, What’s up, Mister?

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

In the ditch, Graham Mather’s head thumped from the blow he had taken. 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! Graham shouted before he slipped on the muddy ground. A torrent of abuse came out of his mouth as he fell, Damn it to hell! When I get my hands on you buggers…

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 had 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 made it all too apparent, drink had helped him end up in such a state.

Curses and swear words continued as a clear indication to Joe, the man had woken from an alcohol-induced stupor. Soon, he would get himself home, and someone else could sort out his problems, so Joe ran off after Colin.

Experience had taught the lads to stay away from men’s drink troubles. He caught up to Colin at the main road.

Did you see who it was? asked Colin.

Nah, I didn’t recognise him, but he were a right mess. All muddied from top to toe because of the drink. I reckon he’ll be alright in the morning once he’s sobered up. He were wobbly when he got out, it was so funny to watch.

The boys giggled, as it wasn’t the first drunk they’d found asleep after 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 together they ran across the main road to the water meadows of the far side. Some distance behind, Graham Mather staggered along in an attempt to catch up.

When he reached the road, the light from the gas street lamp illuminated the meadows. He reached into his pocket and found his spare glasses. Graham could see the person at the back wore a school cap. He could also see an animal was slung on a pole.

Those buggers are stealing sheep! That’s why they hit me.

Graham knew who they were and tried to run after them. He stopped after three paces. His head thumped so hard, and with no gun, he had to give up the chase.

The loss of a loaded firearm was also a serious matter. He’d been a gamekeeper for over twenty years and knew 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.

It had been unloaded. Graham sat down and closed his eyes to breathe. He ached, his head thumped. He desperately needed help. Thankfully, Rose Cottage and his friends Byron and Mary weren’t too far away, so if he took his time, he’d make it.

Each step of the mile-long walk hurt, and when Graham arrived at the Cottage, he leant against the porch, shattered. He knocked on the door and was worried for himself when he heard silence. Often Byron and Mary worked late, especially when the Brigadier had dinner guests.

Distraught, he knocked loudly. Lights came on, and the door opened.

Stop knocking! We’re trying to have an early night…

Graham’s dishevelled appearance ended Byron’s outburst.

My god, man, what on earth is wrong?

Byron, I need help. 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.

There was a lorry hidden in the lane, 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, but 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 held his face in his hands. That easy for you to say, Byron, but the Weston’s need to know their sheep are being stolen by people they trust!

Chapter 4

Steinman Castle, South Tyrol, Austria July 21

The 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.

Franz Josef wanted to give an ultimatum to Serbia, with a threat of invasion. Germany pledged her full support to protect Austria from Russian involvement. As a thank-you for 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 artillery man 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 aide-de-camp, Moltke served me loyally for so many years. That is why I appointed him Army Chief of Staff.

Franz Josef understood. Willy, you must not let Moltke control you. You are Kaiser.

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.

Franz Josef nodded. 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 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. 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 in a political discussion. On their arrival, Manfred greeted 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. As we must be able to support any 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. We are not slaves, so we must break free of this oppression. He maintained eye contact as he walked to the window. Diplomacy has failed, and worse, your family has been killed by Serbian rebels.

Heinrich levelled a steady gaze at each man.

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

Franz Josef smiled. Do you see, Willy? Even through his silence, Heinrich had the three of us hanging on his every word.

Wilhelm agreed. He was also impressed with Heinrich’s answer as well as the way he had delivered it. It seems Heinrich understands the dilemma we face and agrees with our answer.

Wilhelm then challenged Heinrich’s assertions. Where do your conclusions come from? I need to know. Your Alsatian spies, they are known to be active inside Austria and France, but are they embedded in Germany’s high command?

Excellency. I have no need for spies. Since childhood, I 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 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. He felt confident enough to leave the two of 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. Franz Joseph has advised you would be able to help me overcome some difficulties I have with people in our military.

Most certainly, Excellency. It would be an honour.

Wonderful. Now, let me explain the problem.

Heinrich listened intently. When the Kaiser had finished, he put forward suggestions. Open to Heinrich’s ideas, the Kaiser worked opposite his young charge until the late hours.

***

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, and expectations were at a peak.

Klaus Steinman smiled at Manfred. So, the challenge is to bring victory to the Kaiser. I trust your son will return from his honeymoon to complete the field trials of my new mortars.

Don’t worry, said Manfred. There are others beyond Heinrich who will ensure your guns are delivered on time.

Good, said Klaus. Let the champagne flow.

Chapter 5

Imperial Army HQ, Berlin, Germany July 31

On his return to Berlin, Wilhelm was ready to challenge Moltke and his Prussian officers. Carefully, he adjusted his uniform.

After meeting with Franz Josef, I have a new view of Britain and Russia, said Wilhelm to his wife. I hate them both. I don’t care if Edward is my uncle or Nicholas is my cousin. They are against me, against Germany. I hate their alliance with France, and I’m going to tell my Generals what I want.

Downstairs, Feld Marshall Helmut Moltke waited for his Kaiser by the door of the war room. As Wilhelm crossed the hall, he noted the portraits of Prussian officers were a backdrop to Moltke. He was dressed deliberately in his spiked helmet, to make himself look taller, his array of medals stood out against the blue of his dress uniform.

Excellency. So good to see you, said Moltke.

Feld Marshall, I hope you are well?

I am very well, Excellency.

Wilhelm understood Moltke’s exuberance. He was the leader of the greatest Army the world had ever known, which meant Wilhelm had