Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
A Sequel
by
Joel
Seq 21:
Some of the Characters Appearing or Mentioned: Mark Henry Foster The story-teller: Newly graduated. Tristan (Tris) Price-Williams His well-proportioned boyfriend. Francis Michael Foster Alias Toad/Gobbo Mark's younger brother Shelley Price-Williams Tris's sister Adam Benjamin Carr Mark's cousin: newly appointed History Fellow Ivo Richie Carr Ditto, as his twin, safely married diplomat Sophia Carr Their mother in Dorset George Carr Their father: A farmer Victoria ['Tory] Carr Ivo's wife George Henry Carr Ivo and 'Tory's son: A few hours old Sir Henry Machin 'Tory's father, something in the City Lady Mary Machin 'Tory's mother Ignasz Zendener The hotel manager in Strelzen Tomas, Igor, Frantischek; Receptionists and students Aloys zum Adamszberh Rector of the Rodolfer University Jerzy zum Adamszberh His son, studying at Cambridge Tadeuz Galenosz A botanist, also at Cambridge Herr Diesselhorst A shifty Minister of the Interior Dr Claude Valentin Organist of the Cathedral of St Vitali Andrei zu Glottenberh Rothenian Army Officer [Special Services] Lucasz Voynovich Rothenian Army Officer [Signals Division] Dr Paul Mossman Historian from Harvard David Vinodosj Taxi driver: Probably secret police
Thursday
I was so relaxed after having had a perfect sleep after perfect sex with my beloved Tris I was all ready to get up at seven thirty. I was showered, shaved and dressed by the time Tris surfaced and had prepared things we might need for two nights away from the hotel. Tomas had supplied us with two sturdy plastic bags, not from the Number 69, the night before. The dear lad had also said his mother would wash and iron anything we had while we were away so shirts, socks and pants were bundled into another bag to be left at the desk with a suitable payment in krone.
We did stock up by having a full breakfast and I noticed there was a range of pastries, sandwiches and small filled baguettes which office workers and others were popping in to buy. Two of each for the four of us should stave off hunger pangs for some time! So, by eight-fortyfive I was raring to go. Tris was still contemplating whether to take his laptop with him. I said he should as we might want to send e- mails and there would be room in the car anyway!
Ten to nine, arrayed in cargoes and College tees, we were pacing the lobby with Ignasz handing over a bag of fruit and Igor at the door looking out. He rushed back in and grabbed our bags.
"They here!" he called out, startling the elderly French pair who were looking at the array of brochures and discussing a visit to Zenda as far as I could make out. He put the bags in the boot and I saw Tris give him a wink and hand him a tip. Tip! The little bugger had earned enough earlier in the week displaying his bodily attributes and firing power - but, there was always a possibility he might be of use - and I don't mean in that way. Tris was right - his idea of our own Baker Street Irregulars had been a good one. Although not quite our band of warriors there had been a routing of the hairy man for the present. On my own part I gave Igor a brotherly pat on the back and an encouraging smile, I hoped. Yep! The lad was smitten judging by the look that returned. So was I, I must admit. Loins would be afire if I didn't get into the car quickly! As Igor closed the door behind me he whispered "You look ver-ry good". Wow! You'll look good, too, sweetie-pie, once you're wearing Unc's clothes I'll be arranging to send to the lads. Just need your inside leg measurement...
Tad and Jerzy were also dressed for a summer jaunt. Jerzy, like us, was also in below knee cargoes but his tee-shirt had something in Rothenian on it. Oh, my Gawd, Tad! He had on the shortest shorts, tight and bulging and showing off the most delectable hairy thighs and legs. Just like Alistair's, but he was straight! Tad wasn't! Hands off!
I must say Jerzy was a most competent driver and the miles, or kilometres, sped by on the good new motorway towards Rechtenberg. I sat with him the first part of the journey and wondered if Tris was 'hands off' in the back seat with Tad. Glancing back a couple of times they just seemed to be in deep conversation. Good! Anyway, we had a break at eleven o'clock for coffee from flasks which they had brought, a pastry and a much needed pee. What emerged from Tad's shorts explained the bulge! In fact, as the four of us stood in line, there didn't seem much to differentiate us except both Tad and Jerzy were circumcised. Must ask. Is that common here? I'd noted quite a few of the nude lads at the Spa had been snipped as well.
Chatting to Jerzy on the first part of the journey, then to Tad in the back seat after the break, I learned a lot more about Rothenia and it's recent history. Both were just finishing school when the crises before the King was installed were fermenting and then broke out. Both had been sent into the country for safety in case there was any trouble. Jerzy then said that had proved to be quite unnecessary as the final outcome - the restoration of the Elphbergs in the shape of King Rudi - was managed quite peacefully and constitutionally. However, the factions at the two political ends, far Left and far Right, were still seen as potentially disruptive and they thought there were plenty supporting either of them who were dissatisfied and would try to make trouble. Yes, there was no doubt Tad and Jerzy were behind the King and the government of Chancellor Trachtenberg and supported the reforms. So any qualms there were unjustified.
We heard again about the problems of drugs and people trafficking. They said several of their friends from schooldays were now drug addicts and either drop-outs, or in addiction clinics, and there was a great need for a major clean-up. Before the 1989 May Revolution there had been many Russian troops stationed. All but a few, who returned having fraternised then married Rothenian girls, had gone back. There were rumours that Russian oil, aluminium and steel money was behind the buying of large tracts of land and there were, obviously, criminal elements involved as well, most probably behind the import of drugs. But, since that time the big problem, in their opinion, were the racketeers from the Ukraine, Albania and Romania who seemed to be behind the wholesale movement of people from those countries especially.
"The poor people pay much for promises then they find they are illegal immigrants but still have to pay back," said Tad. "But there are people from our country who make money as well and support no party but hate the police and the King and want to make trouble. There is a rumour one boss has been shot but he is not the top man." I breathed deeply when he said that. Was it the same one who organised the theft of the pencil-box? "A friend is a nurse at a clinic and has been told he must not repeat things he hears or sees but he is frightened other things might happen. I have heard that some papers were stolen from the National Library a long time ago and the criminals are trying to find them. Why, I do not know. There are rumours all the time."
I didn't dare say anything. That tied in with Mr X. Ex-STASI, and no doubt the one who found, or was involved in trying to sell the information in the papers Julius Stein had arranged to have deposited there or at the University Library. I just wondered how many groups or factions were involved. My guess was he had been playing one against another. But, how much should we divulge? Nothing at present. The story fitted, though. All I hoped was that whoever was involved didn't think we had the papers! Or the box!
We reached Rechtenberg well before midday so we parked and went for a stroll to stretch our legs. The lads were so pleased we had thought to buy the substantial sandwiches and baguettes and Jerzy was dispatched to get bottles of fruit juice. While he was away Tad was telling us that he'd overheard his Mother talking to Father Artur the evening he'd returned from England. Father Artur was concerned that the Cardinal had been called to the Vatican to explain the other rumours circulating about strange happenings and disappearances. Tad said his Mother had just shaken her head when he asked her later what it was all about. He said Father Artur was particularly worried about some group which was something like the far Right in Italy and traded on being more Catholic than the Pope. The Cardinal was a good man and would have nothing to do with these so-called Social Democrats and Tad said he was scared they might stage some sort of demonstration of their power. He didn't mention names but hinted there were a couple of politicians who were thought to be in league with them but kept themselves at a distance.
"I was at school with the son of one of them," he said. "He was frightened of his father as he was like us." He looked quite grim as he said this. "We were good friends at school and we might have... ...You know.., ...been very good friends... ...But, when he left school he went immediately to Germany to study Medicine as he wanted to get away from his father. His father does not know about him and would say nothing but would disown him. He has made speeches against our liberal laws. The people think he is just a fanatic. But fanatics can be dangerous. I am sure he is involved but for Benito's sake I hope nothing happens."
"Benito?" asked Tris, "Wasn't that..." He stopped as Tad nodded.
"Yes," Tad said, looking even grimmer, "What father would call their son after that monster. Even the boys at school never made fun of his name. One did and called him 'Musso' one day and nearly got beaten up. Three of us took him to a quiet corner and warned him." He shook his head. "We did not hit him. He apologised." He did smile then. "I miss Benito but then I met Jerzy. He is all I want."
"What are you gossiping about?" Jerzy had returned bearing bottles.
"Just politics," said Tad taking one of the proffered bottles. "Filling in the gaps just like these sandwiches will do."
While we were eating and drinking Jerzy said he had also phoned his Uncle and there were rooms ready at the old house and he had asked directions to the Garden Centre on the outskirts of the town. Feeling regenerated after that little feast we filled up with petrol and drove to the Garden Centre. There we were met by the owner, a large, very affable man with huge moustaches, who made us very welcome with coffee and wanted to know from Jerzy how his Grandfather and his Uncle were. He also said he had been visited just the day before by two other English boys who wanted him to supply gingko plants. He said they were very happy with the price and had given him a good order. I supposed that had made him even more amiable. We said we knew the boys as they were staying in the same hotel in Strelzen. He said he had sent them on to another supplier for other plants they were interested in. He then surveyed our list and made notes as Tad explained our quest.
"All good," he said, " I have these." He pointed to about six of the plants on the list. "Two other people and your list is complete." He led us to a large map of the area on the wall. "First, Herr Walcker. He has good collectors from own gardens. Tell him you want angelica and hyssop. Not far. Village is Krystaz. Five kilometres." The village was marked clearly and just off a main road. He ticked the two sets of plants, one with a blue pencil and the second with a red and wrote 'Krystaz' there. "But for plants from above." He pointed upwards with both hands. I assumed he meant the mountain plants I knew, the two types of gentian, plus any others which Tad could ask him about. "You must go to Walmarshech. Here." He pointed to a small dot marked Gastberh which had a straggly line to it from a second main road. "I forget. That is name now. Old people call it Walmarshech. You ask they show way. Herr Kardosc by the church. Very good." He ticked those two with ordinary pencil and wrote 'Gastberh', 'Walmarshech' and 'Kardosc' as well. "I send those boys to same place but to Herr Covarh who has good new primulas. Very special."
Walmarshech! That rang a definite bell. The Royal Warrant. Wildewalmars! A change of name so it didn't appear on modern maps. I needed to go there and quickly. I had a definite feeling I had to get there as fast as possible. I was rather forcefully reminded of the quote from Macbeth 'by the pricking of my thumbs' and I had a feeling it was both good and wicked and somehow Brett especially was involved!
"May we return tomorrow," I said, cutting short the conversation without appearing rude, "And arrange for your plants. I think we should try Herr Kardosc this afternoon."
He smiled. "Good idea. I will write my list." He nodded and pointed to the map again. "Ten kilometres then road there. You take this." He drew a very good sketch map very quickly. "Then you cross valley here for Rotehalsc for his Uncle when you done. I know that well. Tomorrow you try Herr Walcker before here." He turned to Jerzy. "Please to say my greetings to your family." We all shook hands and went back to the car.
Once outside I had to tell the three of them the feeling I had. Tris had also noted the old name of the village. Both Jerzy and Tad perked up as I said about the possible connection with Curt and his family. Jerzy then said he had heard his father use that name as a village across the valley from their family home.
"We go there now," said Jerzy, "Good adventure!"
We soon found the side road off the motorway signposted to 'Gastberh'. Yes, we went along a small river and the fertile fields on either side were heavy with wheat, barley and sunflowers. There were small farmsteads dotted about and then we saw the short spire of a church ahead to the left. The road forked and led us into a small village with just a main street and houses either side. As we neared the church I looked out of the passenger side window to my right. On the hillside was a ruined sort of low castle and nestling in the trees below was a house.
"Please stop, Jerzy," I said, "I think we've found it."
He drew into the side of the road. I took out the photo from my bag. Yes, the shape of the ruins was right. The house was too hidden by trees to see much of it but the position seemed right, too. The others agreed. Tris got out of the car and took a couple of photos with his digital camera.
"I will drive on and find a road to it," Jerzy said.
He drove through the village slowly and a side road was soon apparent. Odd. There had been a fine pair of gates across it but one of them was twisted and the reason was clear. A black SUV with a broken windscreen was about ten yards along that road. Jerzy drove past the entrance and drew off the village road and parked in a clump of trees which sheltered us completely from anyone. I got out and went to the edge of the clump rather cautiously. The others had followed me.
"It's OK," said Tris holding up his camera and taking a couple more shots, "there's a ditch alongside the road there and the field is wheat and if anyone is around we can hide in that."
"Come and look here!" Tad had gone back into the clump and a few yards further on another car had been parked. A quick glance into the passenger side showed it must be the one Brett and Fraser had hired. It was unlocked and their overnight bags were on the back seats.
"I wonder where they are?" I said, "If they were at Rechtenberg yesterday they must have stayed somewhere overnight."
Tris was at the front of the car. "The radiator's cold. I don't think they drove here today."
We looked at each other. Tris jerked his head in the direction of the road with the ruined gate. "Come on!"
We saw nothing as we crossed the road and dropped into the thankfully dry ditch. All was quiet except for the birds. Sounded like doves cooing. We followed the road from the cover of the ditch until the field ended and a coarse shrubbery started. This was even more ideal for stealthy surveillance as it was very overgrown but there were low paths through it. I guessed it was at least twenty to thirty feet thick and ended with large trees interspersed at regular intervals. We had just got to the edge of it when it opened out into a very overgrown grassy area leading to the front of the house. The road circled in front of the house, which was exactly the one in the photograph. The fine pillars were rather dilapidated but all the windows seemed intact even if everything needed a coat of paint. At the left hand side was the low squared-off building. I noted then that the front door of the house was wide open. Tris took a couple of quick snaps as I pointed downwards and held the photo out and the four of us knelt on the ground to study it.
Tris was nodding. "It's the house all right..." Whatever he was going to say next was interrupted. There was a loud rumble as of thunder, then a tremendous flash of light followed immediately by a colossal bang. Three bodies were ejected from the front door, tumbling down the steps and then lying inert just as two military-type helicopters swooped over our heads and one landed square in the middle of the large grassy area in front of the house while the other circled overhead. Four armed soldiers in combat gear jumped out and fanned around aiming their weapons directly at the three figures still not moving on the ground at the base of the low flight of steps. A fifth soldier stepped down from the helicopter and walked over to the shrubbery where we four were now flat on our faces.
"Mark, Tristan, Jerzy, Tad! You four are safe," a familiar voice called out in English. "We must find the others."
It was Andrei. Was I glad to hear him. Luckily my bowels hadn't given way but I had been close to finding out personally if a great fright had that effect. Were we safe? I looked up. Andrei had a nasty looking automatic pistol thing pointing in our direction. He lowered it. I stood up, rather shakily, and was followed by Tris and the other two as we emerged from our hiding place. Andrei was all smiles.
"Are you OK?" he asked and Tris and I nodded. Both speechless after that little excitement. He said something in rapid Rothenian to Jerzy and Tad and they nodded too. He turned back to us pointing the muzzle of his gun at the recumbent figures. "Don't worry about them. We will have to find out what happened if they recover. We need to find your friends. They have been here overnight." He waved up at the second helicopter which flew off at a rapid rate.
"I'm up here," a plaintive voice came from high up the tree almost immediately next to where we were standing. "Oh shit, I've torn my shirt!" It was Fraser. We heard him begin to descend and a few leaves descended with him. Finally he swung down from an overhanging low branch and dropped to the ground. "Am I fucking glad you've arrived. I got up there quick when those bastards started shouting and firing and I think Brett's in there. Good job the lady called out 'Hide!'"
He pointed towards the smaller building.
Andrei looked at it then swung round to him in astonishment. "In there? But it is locked and no one knows how to open it. And what lady? Did you see her?"
Fraser shook his head. "No. Old Mrs Covarh said there was a haunted house along the road. We saw this place and thought we'd explore. Bloody Hell! Didn't expect all this." He looked a bit dazed and kept licking his lips. First things first. Luckily, I'd stuck a spare baguette in my bag and there was also a small bottle of water. I handed them to Fraser who demolished half the baguette in seconds. He handed the other half back. "Brett'll be needing something, too." Tris handed him an apple and that disappeared, core and all.
Andrei led us over to a long stone bench and made us sit down. "I will tell you more later but Father Artur translated a document this morning and it describes this place. We were tracking the ones who bugged your room and it fitted." He turned to us. "And did you see how they got there?" He pointed to the three motionless figures.
I described the thunder, the flash and the bang and then the three ejected as if thrown out of the house.
"Yeah, exactly what I heard and saw," said Fraser. "But we've gotta get Brett out. I'm sure he's in there. The lady called out and he went that way. We heard those fuckers pounding up the road after a crash. I jumped up under the tree and caught the branch but Brett's shorter so he ran on. The bastards fired shots at the door and were shouting out. I think it must have been Russian. Then they went into the house and kept looking out and shining a torch when it was dark, so I thought it safest to stay put up there." He sniffed. "I bet the poor bugger's hungry and thirsty, too."
Andrei turned and called out to one of the soldiers in Rothenian. He came across and orders were given. Another soldier climbed out of the helicopter. He had a backpack with an aerial stuck out of it and was pointing what seemed like a cine camera at the scene in front of the house.
We watched as the four other soldiers slowly surrounded the three and the one Andrei had spoken to rolled them over one by one. He called something back.
"They are alive," Andrei said, "My Sergeant says they seem stunned as if hit by a Taser."
That flash! Then I had another feeling. I needed to see the small building but I had to check something first.
"Andrei, you said about a document."
"Let me tell you some of it. Last night just before the Cathedral closed a lady was seen to push an envelope into the box for the poor. This morning it was opened as usual at ten o'clock by the Sacristan. The envelope was on the top of the money and on the outside was a message in Russian 'Save the boys'. Luckily old Moskovski the Sacristan could read Russian and took the envelope straight to Father Artur. Inside was a document and a page which was in Latin and described how a special place was built and locked. The last lines said the place was at Waldemars. Jerzy's father was with Father Artur discussing University business when Moskovski gave him the envelope and he knew the name. Father Artur rang my Commanding Officer." He laughed. "Complicated or coincidences! Lucasz was just reporting to him about the position of the car you hired." He looked at Fraser who stared back just about open-mouthed. "Sorry, but you've been bugged rather a lot. Mark can explain more later."
Crafty sod! How to explain that their mighty couplings with Igor were probably recorded and could be issued as an accompaniment to the photos! More fees if the copyright was theirs!! Anyway, he wasn't finished. He pointed to the small building.
"If you think your friend's in there we'd better have a look." He called over to the Sergeant and he and one of the other soldiers went and scouted round the outside. The Sergeant came back and reported to Andrei, then went back to guarding the bodies.
"He says there are no booby-traps or anything around. I'll go first. You follow."
We walked rather slowly towards the squat stone structure. Yes, there was the inscription in the stonework above the door, rather worn but still readable: 'Veschuttzegen'. The door looked massive and was decorated with interlocking ornamental metal bands. Within the gaps were numerous small roundels with different figures or etched designs on them. In the centre of each was a small hole. I scanned the roundels and noted that most were single but there were two sets of two and two sets of three and one set of four. These caught my eye as I remembered something from the burnt documents. 'Three rods and a death's..' and 'Four locks'. Tris had spotted the same thing as he whispered 'Three rods'. Yes, there were four roundels with three rods, or scourges as in the picture Dr Masterton had sent. Below each set was a grinning skull and in each the right eye was a hole.
"Are you in there, Brett?" Fraser couldn't contain himself any longer. His voice had quite a shake in it as he shouted out.
"I'm here. I'm OK," The reply was muffled but clear.
"Thank God for that," said Fraser with great feeling. He turned to Andrei. "How do we get him out. There's no handle on the door."
Before Andrei could reply Tris spoke up. "I think Mark can open the door."
I nodded as four pairs of eyes stared at me. Only Tris was smiling. He took my arm and guided me to the door. I withdrew the key-ring from my pocket and inserted the silver key in the topmost eye-hole and turned. The key turned easily and there was a distinct click. The same happened with the other three and as I removed the key the door slowly swung outwards. Fraser caught hold of the door and opened it wide. Inside was quite dark except for two flickering lights. A rather dusty but calm Brett walked out holding a golden disc about six inches in diameter. Tris walked backwards a few paces and took a photo.
"The lady said I should hold this until I was safely outside. I have to return it now." He held it up high in front of him and we could see that it was chased with the head and shoulders of a beautiful woman.
Andrei, Tad and Jerzy crossed themselves very slowly and I saw their lips moving silently. Tris was taking more photos. I felt that warm glow as I bowed my head and Tris I noticed also bowed his head and held the camera up to his lips when he finished. Brett turned and went back into the dark room. The two flickering lights, candles I assumed, were blown out and he emerged again, this time smiling. As he moved away from the door it started to move of its own accord and slowly and gently closed and four clicks were heard.
As we turned to walk back towards the soldiers and the three still motionless bodies we saw each of the soldiers cross themselves as Andrei and the two other Rothenians had done.
We sat again on the bench and I gave a silent Brett the other half of the baguette and the bottle of water.
"What was all that?" an ever-pragmatic Tris asked, "I think we've had a rather interesting experience. The lady? The disc?"
I murmured "The Lady Fenice. She was here. We're safe."
Andrei looked at me quizzically. "You know?"
"I only know we have to deliver something very valuable and it all goes back a long time. Whatever it is, this is only part."
Tris put out a hand and gripped my left hand as I held up the keys. "Mark has been chosen. I know nothing more than that."
Andrei crossed himself again. "That disc is described in our history. The figure is the Lady Fenice. Our own national saint." He looked at Brett. "Tell me about being in there."
Brett then described how when the shouting started he ran but couldn't grab a branch on the tree, he had fallen down and, as he scrambled up, saw the open door. He heard a woman's voice call out 'Hide in here'. He ran towards it and as he went in so the door closed and he was in absolute darkness.
"Luckily I'd picked up a box of those little matches when we went to that restaurant on Tuesday evening. I struck a couple and saw there were candles so I lit two. I saw the disc propped up on a sort of table. Something told me I should hold it. I'm sure it was the lady. I just knew I was safe and only had to wait. After a while I felt drowsy and went to sleep." He shook his head. "I don't remember waking up but the candles were still burning and then I heard Fraser calling." He smiled. "I'm OK. In fact I feel quite refreshed except I'm starving."
Fraser turned and hugged him and then kissed him gently. A straightforward loving kiss. He let go and turned to me. He put up his arms and hugged me. "Thanks for opening the door. I might have lost my Brett otherwise." He kissed me, too, very gently on the cheek.
Andrei watched and smiled. He put out a hand and grasped my right hand with the keys. "There is much to tell, but later." He let go and turned to look where his troops were guarding the three. "We will have to get rid of them. I am waiting for instructions." As he said this the soldier with the back-pack and camera came over to him and saluted. After he had delivered his message Andrei translated for our benefit. "Just right! He says there are two wagons on the way and they have arrived at the village and will be here soon. One has paramedics who will check your friends. They left Strelzen as soon as we did but it is quicker by helicopter!"
The next couple of minutes could have been chaotic but military training took over as the camouflaged wagons came quickly up to the open space. One had the usual Red Cross sign on the side. Two paramedics in combat trousers but smart white jackets took charge of Brett and Fraser. Two other soldiers from the same wagon brought over a flat tin with sandwiches in it and several bottles of water. These were handed round as four soldiers from the second, larger, wagon took over guard duties. One of the paramedics came over to Andrei. "No problems," he said as the paramedic went back to the wagon with his medical bag, "Just hungry and dehydrated." He smiled. "Young, healthy males for the report!"
We watched as the three thugs began to revive. They had been handcuffed with plastic ties by the second set of guards and were sitting up looking completely zonked out. The paramedic went over to them. He said something to each and pulled down their lower eye-lids in turn. He nodded towards Andrei who shouted out an order. One by one they were hoisted into the back of the second wagon with the guards and that disappeared at high speed. The soldier with the radio pack came over again and said something more to Andrei.
Andrei looked at us and smiled. "Before you ask any questions I have orders to see you are all safe." He turned to Fraser and Brett who were sitting side by side with Fraser hugging Brett to him with an arm round his shoulder. "You have made all your arrangements?" Fraser nodded.
"Yes, we've sorted out who will supply all the plants we need."
"You need to get back to England for the wedding," Andrei said and the pair looked taken aback. You could imagine the cogs turning. 'How does he know about the wedding?' Andrei laughed. "I will explain more on our journey back to Strelzen. I have a suggestion, though. If two of my men drive your car back we can take you in the helicopter. It's OK, the two men are brothers and it will give them the opportunity to visit their mother who lives in a village on the way. You can have a quiet evening, pack, and catch your plane tomorrow as planned."
Fraser hugged Brett tighter. "I think that would be a good idea, don't you, mate?" Brett nodded. "You'll want us to report on all this, I suppose," Fraser said to Andrei.
"Yes. There will be great interest and I expect you will be invited back to give an account at a much higher level." He looked very serious. "What we've witnessed today is something very important for Rothenia and it isn't finished yet. I can tell you a lot of progress has been made just today."
Progress? What did he mean by that word?
He said something to Jerzy and Tad in Rothenian then took an earpiece and microphone from the radio-man. There were several minutes of two-way conversation. Nothing Tris and I could understand but Jerzy and Tad must have got the gist as they looked happier as Andrei removed the earpiece.
"It is suggested you carry on as usual, all reports can be done when you return to Strelzen. There is too much happening there for anything to be done today or tomorrow." He laughed. "Mark, a message from your cousin. He says he's supposed to be on paternity leave and trust you to bugger it up!" Oh, Andrei! Oh, Ivo! for sending such a greeting! He waved a deprecating hand. "But before we depart we'll look at the house."
Two of the soldiers preceded us and, while we waited, went in and we heard doors opening and shutting and the sound of feet on wooden floors. They emerged and gave a report to Andrei, one pointing back into the hallway. Andrei beckoned us from the top step where he was standing.
"Seems empty," he said, "Take care."
Rather cautiously the six of us filed up the steps, Tris leading. The spacious hallway was completely empty, rather dusty but lined with beautiful panelling. Once in we explored with no worry. Large rooms led off from either side and these were empty, too, except for several heaps of dismantled small iron bedsteads and several open lockers. A fine divided staircase ended in landings and there must have been at least eight large bedrooms and bathrooms on that floor. Again, just dismantled bedsteads and empty lockers. The third floor was mainly attic space but there were smaller bedrooms, for the original staff we guessed. Tris was busy throughout taking photos. As we came back down to the hallway one of the soldiers handed something to Andrei.
"Corporal Hartmann found this under the beds in there. He says it fluttered down as he went past."
It was a photograph. Old, sepia, rather faded, but it was a copy of the one with the Baron and his wife standing in front of the house. On the back in clear, very black ink, was the signature 'Gustavus Wildenstejn', almost as if it had been written today. Then in small capitals, 'FIDENTIA'.
"'Do not waver'," I said quietly. I took out the other copy and showed that to Andrei. Andrei handed both to me.
"Keep them safe," he said.
As we left the house Tris pulled the large door shut. "We must make sure this is all returned to Dr Stein and his family. I don't know how much needs to be done legally but we have plenty of evidence of past ownership."
Andrei nodded. "We must also find out why it is still in such good condition and not in ruins like so many houses which were around here."
"Andrei," I said, "You know why. It has a special purpose. I'm sure there is more to be explained. We must try to find its history since the Baron died."
Brett was listening intently. "I didn't say but there were coffins in that building and I wasn't scared. I just knew I was being looked after."
That puzzled me. Coffins. A family mausoleum which would have included the Baron and his wife. If I had a key which opened the door how did that key get to Dr Stein's father after the Baron died in 1939? I assumed his friend must have smuggled it out of the country and got it to him. So much to sort out!
Andrei then had a long conversation with Jerzy and Tad. They were nodding in agreement with whatever he was saying or suggesting and then Jerzy was explaining something to him. When they had finished Andrei turned to us. "Sorry, but it was easier to deal with things in Rothenian. I have suggested you do everything as normal. Jerzy says you have someone to see in the village below. Talk to them carefully. Don't alarm them but you can ask questions." He turned to Brett and Fraser. "We will get your things from your car and then you can fly back to Strelzen with us. I will have to check first if we need to leave a guard here." He and two of the soldiers walked with us down the road past the SUV. "Our Engineers will come tomorrow for that. I will ask for the gates to be repaired, too."
We shook hands before we got into our car. Andrei had almost an impish grin on his face. "Your cousin told me you have a charmed life. I like that. I have, too. Sometime we must compare." Quite spontaneously all us Brits gave him a hug with Tad and Jerzy chuckling. As I hugged him he whispered, "I have experienced the Lady Fenice once before. I was a small boy then. I think she has been here looking after us all." He turned to Tris. "Please send the photos to me." He drew a small notebook from a pocket and scribbled something down. "Here is my official e-mail address. You have a laptop and can connect at Jerzy's Uncle's house. They will be very valuable for us and for you." He took my hand. "Your cousin will contact you when you return to Strelzen. No hurry." He smiled. "Then you can see George Henry again. I am to be Godfather at the Christening." He stood and waited until we were in the car and the soldiers with him saluted as Jerzy started the engine.
As we drove slowly down to the village to call on Herr Kardosc none of us spoke. Too much to think about!
Herr Kardosc was in a large greenhouse when we arrived. Of course we were invited into the spacious farmhouse and offered glasses of his own fruit wine. After Jerzy had explained we had explored the house along the road, with Tad translating for our benefit, Herr Kardosc and his wife exchanged looks. She asked rather hesitantly why the gates had been damaged. The postbus driver had noticed that this morning. Rather cleverly, I thought, Jerzy explained we had seen it as well and had gone up to the house and there had been some sort of military operation going on. The men who had damaged the gates had been arrested and taken away.
It was then someone else spoke up. A very elderly, but sprightly lady entered the room. "The house has been empty since the children's hospital moved to those new buildings in Rechtenberg. A strange house. The children loved it and it loved the children."
I wondered if Tad had translated that correctly but he repeated it after we had been introduced and the old lady had said it again.
It turned out she remembered the Baron as she was eighteen when he died and had worked in the house as a kitchen maid. I showed her the photograph and she crossed herself as she looked at it intently. She said something to Frau Kardosc, who we gathered was her daughter. Tad translated. "She says he was a great man and his wife was so kind." Frau Kardosc had gone from the room and then returned with two boxes. The smaller contained a gold ring. "When she died the Baron gave each of the girls in the house a ring and all the men a watch." The second, larger box was opened and a handsome half hunter silver watch was in it. "I was not married then but my husband was a gardener for the Baron. We married during the War and my husband did not return." She waved a skinny hand in the direction we had come from the house. "Those Nazis could not live in the house it would not let them and it was left alone!" This last said with great emphasis. After Tad translated it Jerzy must have asked her what she meant.
"They were like frightened mice. After their Commandant fell down the stairs they would not stay. The house was locked and left."
Jerzy tried to find out more but she just shook her head. She sat silent while Frau Kardosc explained that it wasn't until 1950 that it was opened again when some nuns got the permission of the local Communists to use the house as a hospital for sick and handicapped children. The local Communist leader had been a servant for the old Baron and although he'd become a Communist had admired him and readily gave his permission as there was nowhere else suitable. Although it was known as Der Gastberg, because the Germans had changed the name of the village, it was still referred to as the Baron's house by the villagers.
I looked at Tris who nodded. I then said we knew the Baron's great-grandson and I had spoken to the boy's father. His grandfather, Julius Wildenstejn had come to England and had died there many years ago. The old lady crossed herself again after that was translated. "I remember Herr Baron Julius as well. He never came home after his uncle was killed in that other country. We did not know where he went. No one would say. The Baroness was very sad to lose her son. She prayed for him every day. I remember her funeral. The Archbishop came and for Herr Baron Gustav, too. They rest in the tomb. A special place."
We didn't say anything more. It was then to business. Yes, Herr Kardosc could supply the mountain plants. There were special areas where cultivation was allowed and he had supplied an Italian distillery with many specimens. They were not cheap but... I think our story had whetted his appetite for more at some time. In fact he was quite carried away and disappeared off and returned with a dusty bottle. He put a finger to his lips. "My own," he said, "Let us try it."
This was not the smooth heat of St Mark's Fire but it was certainly fiery, spicy and strong. Quite took our breath away and caused great laughter from the family as we sampled the small glasses produced. Two men in their thirties came in and were introduced as their sons, twins, and they sampled some, too. Both spoke a bit of English and we found they were forestry graduates and were employed dealing with the extensive woods on the lower slopes of the mountains and hills. They and Tad had much to discuss and we had to stop Jerzy from accepting the third snifter of the sharply pungent liquid as he had to drive us across the valley. After a promise to send the order from the College, plus a copy of the photo for the old lady, we left and Jerzy, bless his heart, got us safely to his Uncle's house.
Uncle Friedrich was just like the Rector except he was rugged and rather windswept and after introductions drove his Land Rover in front of us up a rather weatherbeaten track to a smaller version of the house we'd seen earlier. Yes, still rather dilapidated in places but the roof looked sound! Jerzy's Aunt came to the door to greet us and we were led into a large room with numerous overstuffed sofas and chairs with a very old man ensconced in a more comfortable-looking high-backed chair. He might have been pushing ninety but he had all his marbles and wanted to know all about us. We did go into some details about our experiences. This sparked off quite a discussion between him and his son and daughter-in-law.
"Grandfather knew that family well," Jerzy explained. "He went shooting on their estate many times as a boy and a young man. There used to be good hunting around here, deer and wild boar especially and flying hawks for the smaller game. Because he was injured during a shoot Grandfather did not have to join anything in the War and the Communists left him alone, too, as our Steward became a party member." His Uncle waited until he had finished then said some more. "My Uncle says the Communists wanted to take our farm but they all came from towns and did not know about farming so it carried on. They took almost all we produced but we were left with enough. After the May Rising they all went back to the towns and our Steward came back to us!" He laughed. "Grandfather and he play chess together most afternoons. His sister was Grandfather's third wife and she died two years ago. He always refers to Dad and Uncles Friedrich and Hendrik as his seconds as his first wife died in childbirth, I think you say, and they had no other children."
Over a huge evening meal the tales continued. We heard about the privations of the War and the stupidities of the Communist regime and the subterfuges employed to get past their petty regulations. The old boy was thoroughly enjoying himself and it was only when he had to get up to go through to the dining-room did one realise he had a badly crippled leg. He'd been shot in the thigh when he was mistaken for an animal in the woods by some short-sighted member of the hunt. He waited until Frau zum Adamszberh was out of the room when he said what had happened then which caused Jerzy a bit of embarrassment when he tried to translate the description of the hunter. His Uncle was looking rather sternly at the old man which didn't help. Jerzy tried to keep a straight face. "I think I know words like Grandfather says. He says the stupid cunt ended up with twenty arseholes when he shot him in the backside the next year. They had to pick out all the shot with hunting knives and he could not sit down for three weeks. He said he did it also because he was a shitty Nazi! Fuck Hitler!!"
Wow! That put history in context. He calmed down after that but got worked up again when Jerzy asked him about the previous Baron's two sons, the Nazi one and Baron
Gustave. He was obviously not enamoured with the elder one. It was then another mystery
was solved. As was customary all sons took their father's titles. As the elder son never
married and was dead before the War that title died with him. Anyway, the Communists
had banned all titles and so far the King had only conferred a couple. It would really need
an Act of Parliament and they though people were not sure they were ready for such things
again. Their own family had been ennobled at some time but with deaths and marriages the only thing left was the prefix 'zum' which even they had thought prudent to drop during the Communist years.
Well, what a day! Things had been revealed to us. We had learned a lot more Rothenian history. The night was still young. Tris disappeared off with Jerzy to download the photos from his camera and send to Andrei. We sat round and sipped more of the delectable fruit wine which seemed to appear at all occasions. Uncle Friedrich, as we were encouraged to call him, was intrigued about the College liqueur and our hunt for the ingredients. He knew both Herr Kadosc and the man we were to meet in the morning. When Tris returned, mission accomplished, we had to repeat the edited version of the adventures at the Baron's house. This all took us to around midnight when Jerzy's Aunt called a halt to proceedings.
I suppose we had been in an adrenaline rush all day. I had felt a great exhilaration during and after the rescue and the exploration of the house. That had continued this evening but now I was quite exhausted. After giving Tris a quick cuddle in the enormous double bed we shared I fell fast asleep. A deep sleep, filled with a feeling of great peace at the moment. 'At the moment' was a recurring theme. What was to come?
To be continued: