House of Pieszczoch 3: House of Pieszczoch, #3

By Richard R Lockwood

Karl One was not expecting to become King of Poland, but when his chosen man was assassinated what choice did he have? Now he and his brothers are Poland's new Royal Family. They have the science and power brought from the future by time travelers, their new royal family will be unlike any other. Of course they will have to find a husband for his sister Urszula, it will tickle King Karl's fancy to marry her to the Emperor of the French, but will she go along with such a mad scheme?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard R Lockwood
• Release date: Dec 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781393936626

Richard R Lockwood

Was born in Miami FL. Worked for the University of Florida until I retired. Been married to the lovely Cecelia for 40 years now, proof that I'm a lucky guy. Now living on the Nature Coast in Citrus County. Enjoy all kind of wildlife, especially reptiles and insects, so I'm pretty sure I'm in the right place. When I'm not writing I enjoy wood carving. Both of the heads beside me in the picture are cedar from the Chassahowitzka Forrest. I also love to walk my dog Bark Anthony. Probably need to go do that now. A Chronology of the Twins Alternate Universe novels and some thoughts and rationales - https://www.ricklockwood.net/Chronology.html My Books on Books 2 Read - https://books2read.com/ap/RaZ9Br/Richard-R-Lockwood  

Book preview

House of Pieszczoch

Volume Three

1

Wincenty volunteered to be the cook for their small hunting trip in the morning. At five am the three men left their apartments and boarded the cruiser Hector, stowing their airboards and lances in the hold.

Hector the wolf followed his master aboard his namesake. Karl had asked Izabela about where his real mind was, wondering if it lived aboard the cruiser like hers did the Izabela, but she said no, most of his mind was present in his head and the ship only gave him directions when necessary for coordinating his bodyguard functions.

Karl didn’t worry much over it; he had grown to like the wolf and enjoyed the feeling of mastery over a beast that caused others to step back if they did not flee in panic. He didn’t see much use for the wolf on the hunt but Cezar suggested they place a game basket between his paws and have him follow behind and guard their take.

They did a few fast passes over the Danube delta after they arrived and let the cruiser map out the wildlife for them. All three were impressed with the variety and abundance of birds and fish, but Karl was not pleased with a few Ottoman fortifications that guarded river mouth and creek crossings. A quick examination proved their identity and moments later the cruiser reduced them to smoking pits. Two Turkish galleys guarding the main river between Izmail and the Black Sea were also destroyed.

That’s what we’re hunting? Cezar asked after Karl gave the order to fire on the galleys.

I felt like murder, Cezar. Now I feel much better, aren’t you happy?

I’m always happy to be behind the guns, boss. You ready to tell us what the King wanted?

No. Maybe after breakfast. You’ll laugh at me and I want a full stomach so I can laugh at myself.

Cezar smirked and they went to the hold for their boards. Karl gave Hector his basket, receiving another wolfish yawn, but the beast followed them on his pad out into the humid first light dawn.

Karl took first turn at scaring up some fowl, just to get his blood moving. He skimmed across a small lagoon full of floating birds, waving his lance and yelling until several hundred took to the sky.

They had learned from the first hunt that the birds rose in a straight line until they had gained some altitude and both men soon returned to drop a few fat birds in Hector’s basket.

What do you think we’ll hunt in Alaska? Cezar asked as the trio made their way back to camp.

Probably elk. I’d be surprised if the Old Man asks us to hunt bear. I would think he’d give us more of a warning.

Wincenty had a fire going and was setting up a camp stove beside it when they returned. Quick work, boss, he said as he took a goose up and admired it, then quickly cut the head off and skinned it instead of plucking it. A few minutes later the liver and the legs were frying and he had some eggs going in another pan.

This is a lot better than just waving your hand and getting fed by those machines, said Cezar.

He and Karl sat in camp chairs by the fire more to keep bugs away than any need for warmth.

I’m spoiled by the coffee, said Karl, but other than that, you’re right. God only knows where those machines get whatever they feed us from.

It’s dirt, boss. Well cooked dirt.

Wincenty handed them both plates with goose legs and goose liver omelets heaped on them.

Wincenty said Karl, I hope you like this job, you’re good at it.

Me and my dad used to hunt all the time, boss. I’m ready to go whenever you are.

You know how to cook elk?

Cooked plenty of deer, boss.

After they had eaten most of their breakfast Karl asked, How would you feel Cezar, if I told you to get married and I was going to pick your bride?

Cezar laughed, Is that what this is about? I guess it depends on if her dad owned a few castles. Is she ugly?

No.

Too bad, then you’d be right to feel miserable.

So, no sympathy?

None.

Wincenty?

Sorry, boss, I love weddings.

Well, this is still a secret until the details get sorted out, so no talking.

The details? Cezar laughed again. What are they offering?

Karl waved a goose leg around. At least we won’t starve in our little cabin in the swamp.

Her dowry belongs to the Turks?

This is what King Karl offered me. God only knows what her father will offer me.

So you’re just playing hard to get so they’ll up the price. Good strategy, boss.

Thanks, Cezar, you make me feel smarter than I am.

Anytime you feel smarter, boss, it’s because of my hard work.

I was wondering what the hell you were good for.

A joke from the boss, replied Cezar. It’s about time.

Let’s head back where we can get some decent coffee.

2

Two days later the Thames was trying to flow despite the numerous flood control restraints the English had applied to the already sluggish river. On both banks a mid-morning clamor rose up from the population of London as they went about their business with their usual energy, some of them trying to earn their daily bread honestly while others scoffed at such innocence.

The Palace of Westminster was doing its duty of hosting Parliament and the politicians and government officials and workers of all kinds sought to accomplish whatever goal they or their masters desired. In his office the Right Honorable George Canning, Foreign Minister of His Majesty’s Government but de facto head due to the poor health of the Prime Minister, was working his tablet and making ready to receive a delegation from Poland when his chief secretary knocked politely on his doorway and suggested he look out over the river.

Out on the river the barges and punts and rowboats had all come to a sort of drifting stop as the pilots of small craft and large fixed their gaze on the air above them. Canning was not used to judging distances above him, but he guessed that about 500 paces above the river four black rather ominous craft had posted themselves at the corners of a large square so that two were on each side over the riverbank. As Canning watched a large blue airship descended into the center of the square and moments later was joined by other craft; several smaller silver vessels, a few smaller royal blue ones, and four or five even smaller box like craft that began to circle about below the others.

Lord have mercy upon us, said Canning, just as his tablet chimed with the signal someone wanted to speak with him.

Other officials began to crowd into his office as he held up the device and accepted the call. A beautiful brunette was identified by the caption below her face as Sabine, Queen of Poland.

Minister Canning, are you busy? she inquired in faintly accented English.

No more so than usual, Majesty. I believe London and I just witnessed your arrival.

I wanted to have the warships speed over the city for five minutes to announce my arrival, but our Foreign Minister Niemcewicz persuaded me against it.

He has my gratitude, Majesty. Still, your present location...

I doubt we are in anyone’s way. The Captain of my guard will be traveling about and issuing invitations to visit me, and of course you’re welcome to. The Count of Tatra is with me, and he is anxious to begin. Our Minister of Health is also with me and is ready to visit your Greenwich Hospital. I believe she is expected also?

Of course, Majesty. Viscount Hood is eager to see her.

Good. I see a bunch of important looking people there. I’m sure they have important things to tell you. Adieu.

Canning looked at the now blank screen and turned around to face his audience. The Queen of Poland needs no instruction in acting like a queen, gentlemen. Who has business here!

No one spoke except for a voice muttering ‘Upstarts!’ in the back of the crowd.

That may be the stupidest thing I’ve heard this year, Stephens. Back about your duties, gentlemen! Lord Mulgrave, Lord Castlereagh, if you would stay... The room cleared and when Mulgrave, the First Lord of the Admiralty, and Castlereagh, the Secretary of State for War, remained he continued, I would be pleased to have your company for a visit to her.

How? said Castlereagh. I’m reminded of a certain play by Aristophanes.

The Birds? replied Canning. You recall the show we watched of those cruisers at Petrograd. There is nothing about our situation that resembles a fantasy Cloud Cuckoo Land.

You must remember it differently, said Castlereagh. These Poles are quite well positioned between us and the gods.

Perhaps, as to how we’ll visit her, I’ve found the Count of Tatra to be reasonable. I saw him sitting with her. I’ll ask for a lift.

3

Karl had ridden over with Sabine at her invitation; though she did not have anything important to say she was warm and welcoming. He was wondering when and how he was supposed to get started on the creation of a British Information service when Canning called and Izabela put him through.

Still seated in Sabine’s much larger salon he answered the call through his lace. *Minister Canning?*

*Good day, Count. I saw you seated near the Queen and wondered if I might ask a favor.*

*Of course.*

*The Queen has invited me to visit, but our conveyances in London...*

*My sister Urszula will change that, she joined our little mission at the last minute. I’ll ask her to collect you when you’re ready, though I warn you she will try to sell you a car.*

*Out of curiosity, Ambassador Cathcart told us they were selling for 150 zlotys in Warsaw. How much will she ask in London?*

*I’m not clear what your pound sterling is worth. It’s not actually a pound of silver, is it?"

*Unfortunately no. This is probably not a good time to discuss monetary policy, though I have colleagues who are always ready.*

*My chief of staff says that Urszula will begin asking five pounds and if none sell in a few days she will drop the price. I think she brought a couple of transports full with her.*

*She’ll accept banknotes? Or must we obtain specie?*

*She’ll accept banknotes. I thought you might be calling about your news channel.*

*Our Home Secretary, Lord Liverpool will deal with that. Should I bring him when we visit your Queen?*

*I’d rather meet him and whoever needs training down there. It’ll just be talk up here.*

*To be sure, but talk is also necessary. I shall ask him to make arrangements with his men.*

*Good. This is my first trip to London. Is there anywhere I can walk my wolf?*

*You brought a wolf to England?*

*He’s my best friend.*

*He might find some friends of his own in Wales.*

*Hyde Park is more convenient. Ask Liverpool to give me a call when he’s ready.*

Karl cut the connection, Was that as good as Sabine?

It was good, agreed Izabela.

Care for a walk?

Aye, my lord.

They took a pad down to the park and Hector followed from the cruiser. Heel, boy, Karl ordered and the wolf stepped off his pad and took up his position.

The park seemed crowded to Karl but they were given plenty of room by other walkers as they strolled along. They walked along a cobbled path with a few horse riders and carriages. A pleasant place, observed Karl, but our parks in Warsaw are nicer.

More green and less people, agreed Izabela. In a century, perhaps less, Warsaw will be just as crowded.

I should tell my brother to stop putting roads everywhere.

A man in a red uniform coat pulled up his horse beside them, though the horse did not seem happy about it. Karl was sure that Hector did not smell like a wolf, but just the look was enough for the gelding.

Pardon me, said the man, but I don’t believe wolves are allowed in London.

Karl’s English was not good, but Hector provided a translation. You have a law against wolves? he replied in French.

The officer was not pleased to hear French, but replied in that language, Your name, monsieur?

Karl, and everywhere I go, I have more dangerous things with me than Hector. He waved his arm and Hector came out of stealth above him, the warship black and ominous. Carriages and riders and other pedestrians came to a halt.

You have the honor of addressing Karl, Count of Tatra, Prince of House Pieszczoch and Minister of Information to the Crown of Poland, said Izabela. We are guests of Mister Canning, and unlike you, we are minding our own business.

Your pardon, my lady, but public order in London is my business.

Then you should seek disorder instead of creating it.

Again I beg your pardon, my lady. Allow me to introduce myself, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Ross of the 25th Infantry Regiment. My object was merely to speak with you.

You have spoken with us, and you have bored us. Good day, sir, said Izabela and threading her arm in Karl’s resumed her walk.

I guess I didn’t need the cruiser, said Karl and sent the order to return Hector to stealth.

A few minutes later they became aware of an open carriage keeping pace alongside them and a mature well coiffed lady riding in it sent her greeting of Bon jour, madame et monsieur.

Bon jour, madame, replied Karl.

Pardon me, but I wonder if I might invite you to tea? I’m Anna, Baroness Gathurst.

We are grateful for the invitation, Baroness, replied Izabela, but our schedule is unknown at this time.

Feel free to stop in anytime. Is that really a wolf?

Karl looked around and spotted Ross behind them. Hector, are you a wolf? he asked loudly as he sent the order, shake your head no. The wolf denied it.

Hector, are you a good dog? nod your head yes. Hector agreed he was.

Hector, do you always tell the truth? Howl for five seconds.

As the howl spread throughout Hyde Park Karl thought, Cezar thinks I don’t make jokes.

My word, said the Baroness with a smile as the echoes died, A fine howl for a dog.

Give her a ‘woof’ and a grin, Hector.

Baroness Gathurst seemed to appreciate that, then, And did I hear correctly when you spoke with the officer, Prince Karl, Count of Tatra?

Oui, chief rumor spreader in Poland.

We’ve certainly been hearing plenty of rumors about Poland, Count. Welcome to England.

A pleasure to speak with you, Baroness.

As the Baroness ordered her carriage to speed up Karl said, Maybe Wales would have been better.

You’re spreading rumors very well here, replied Izabela.

I suppose we are.

Lord Liverpool is calling.

Make an appointment when we can do some work. I’m not interested in just talk.

Aye, my lord.

Karl was not surprised to hear horse hooves clopping nearer on the cobblestones as Ross approached once more. The red coated officer stopped beside them and they turned to view him again.

I must offer my apologies, monsieur, Ross began, your animal is obviously well trained.

No harm done, Colonel, replied Karl.

I have disturbed your morning enough, monsieur. If there is a service I might offer to make up for my rudeness, please let me know. Ross gathered his reins and nodded to Izabel, My lady.

A moment, monsieur, she said and when he paused, You are headed for Spain?

How could you know that? he asked, suspicion returning to his eyes.

We spread rumors, but we also hear rumors.

I suppose it’s hardly a secret. Our allies in Spain need our help.

Is the 25th delivered by balloon? asked Karl.

I’ve heard no word of that, monsieur. You mean... Ross looked up where Hector had been.

You might volunteer for it, suggested Karl, ignoring the implied question. The Austrians are already doing it.

Really? Is this another rumor?

I’ve seen it.

That is interesting news, sir.

Perhaps you should go tell someone.

Ross stiffened again at the realization he was being used, but then relaxed a bit and nodded again, he had just offered to be of service after all, then guided his horse away.

Karl watched the officer riding away, Are you sure you wouldn’t like to do some flying?

The calculations to remain on an airboard cannot be left to my subconscious, as biologics do. It would degrade my performance.

Karl wasn’t sure what that meant but her reluctance was clear enough. How about riding horses? That was one of my design requests for you.

We could rent horses here or have our own sent from Poland.

Our own? I gave my stallion to a fellow officer when I was given the gunship by my brother.

Horses can be made, just like wolves.

You’re suggesting a horse, made like Hector and yourself? Why haven’t you mentioned this before? Never mind, let’s go look at designs.

4

"Greetings from Warsaw. This is Sylwia Brovnikova in our studio at the Ministry of Information.

"Today the Royal Foreign Ministry announced the selection of Prince Adam Kazamierz Czartoryski to become the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Tsar of Russia. His son, Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, was until recently the Russian Foreign Minister, and the younger Czartoryski has consented to serve as an adviser to his father for at least the next