by Alma Boykin
A sense of watching brushed István’s still-tender mind, and without thinking he reached for the Power. Something moved, acknowledging the contact, but remaining aloof, a bit like, well, he couldn’t exactly say. The being turned its attention away from the insignificant creature that was István. Was it waiting for Josef Karl, the Guardian, to do something? No, that wasn’t the sense he’d gotten. He thinned his shields again and “listened” harder, this time concentrating on the Power but not trying to contact it.
He withdrew, raising his shields and hunching his shoulders forward, shivering despite his heavy coat and thick scarf. He’d touched something old and cold. It looked east, waiting for the next invasion, for the next release of energies from the fighting and the dead. Pannonia had witnessed every invasion since the first men wandered into its domains, and didn’t care. It reminded him of the stories Cousin Johann had told about accidentally brushing against Logres while at the Epsom races. Well, István gulped, that explained some of the reluctance of Franz Josef and others to be crowned kings of Hungary, if it meant contact with Pannonia. Hell, he’d be reluctant to take on Guardianship if it meant living with that in his head.
Was that why Rudolph acted so oddly, so manic and yet so aware? He’d seen Rudolph buffering Josef Karl at his coronation festivities as well as at the testing. Had Rudolph’s contact with Pannonia affected his sanity? Or did it take someone already touched, someone who didn’t care about the real world, to dare to serve as a link and buffer to a Power that amoral? The chiming of the bell at the Matiaskirche broke his chain of thoughts and István hurried to the gate to be there as it opened.
As he strode through the half-empty halls of the palace, István unbuttoned his coat. Officials and servants nodded, and a few bowed or saluted as he passed. I wonder what that’s about. Or do they think I’m General Rozemberk? He’s about my size, although his hair has more gray than mine does. That may be it. Doors opened as he approached and closed on silent hinges after he passed.
He stopped when one of the chamberlains greeted him. “This way if you please, Count Eszterházy,” he intoned. István followed him into a new part of the complex—at least new to István. They paused at a cloakroom, where the chamberlain turned him over to a footman, who then tapped four times on a polished oak door, opened it, and bowed István into the room.
He took two steps, stopped, and bowed low to Emperor Josef Karl. “You may rise.” As he straightened up, he noticed Archduke Rudolph lurking behind the throne, looking not unlike the crows that frequented Buda and Gellért Hills. Two guards stood behind the imperial cousins, and footmen and a secretary stood or sat around the room, silent witnesses as well as symbols of wealth and power.
“It pleases us to see you in person,” his Majesty said. “It pleases us more that you have agreed to serve our government as well as in our court.”
I what? István bit his tongue before a protest exploded out. He’d said no such thing, had not agreed to . . . A dreadful sinking feeling, tinged with fury, rushed through him as he caught Rudolph glancing to the side. You didn’t. You bastard, you didn’t. If you did I am going to hurt you, Guardian or no. “I must beg your pardon for my ignorance and surprise, your Majesty. In what capacity am I to serve?”
“Strictly as an advisor, at least at this juncture,” Josef Karl said. “We are concerned with rumors we are hearing about the status of our lands. But the war demands that our attention focus on the borders, not the heart. You have heard about the Russians and Galicia and Poland?”
“Yes, your Majesty. Three million souls driven out of their homes and into Russia, livestock and property taken as well, all the industries of Warsaw stripped and carted off, and another attempt to attack the oil fields before the last Russians fled back to the safety of their great swamps.” And that’s what the Red Cross has confirmed, so the truth is probably worse.
“And they accuse us, the Empire, of brutality and mistreatment of Ruthenes and Poles, and of terrorizing the Serbs,” Josef Karl growled. One fist clenched as it rested on the arm of his chair, then relaxed. He got to his feet. “Remain as you are.” The emperor began pacing. “Healing the crownlands will take time, even without the Germans interfering and making noises about wanting overall command of both our armies.”
István’s jaw dropped before he caught himself. “The bastards want what?” He ducked. “Your pardon Your Majesty, Your Grace. Ah, the Hohenzollerns wish to establish a, ah, joint command over the Imperial army?”
“In the north and east, yes,” Rudolph supplied.
I can see a thousand ways for that to end badly, and I’m not even a military specialist, just a broken down cavalry officer. “That is rather . . . ambitious of his Germanic Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Grace.”
“A tactful way to put it,” Karl Josef observed, a hint of a smile appearing under his luxurious mustache. “But yes. That, among other reasons, is why we must keep our attention focused on the edges of the empire, and on keeping the empire’s peoples unified and provided for, despite the Army’s demands that we sacrifice our people for our army’s benefit.” The smile shifted to a snarl that disappeared as quickly as it came. “We had hoped to tap your late father’s wisdom, God grant him rest.” The three men and the servants all crossed themselves. “Will you take his place, Count István, telling us truly what you observe and what problems you note? Not as spy,” Josef Karl assured him, “but as witness.”
I don’t think I can do otherwise. I swore to protect the House and my family, and to do that I have to protect the Empire. Lord help me, St. István intercede for me and grant me your wisdom. “Your Majesty, I make no pretense at wisdom, as His Grace can attest, but I am honored to be called and will serve to the best of my abilities.”
“That is all any man can do,” Josef Karl, and the Powers and House Habsburg, said. Bright blue eyes, already weary, smiled at István. “God willing, the burden will be bearable.”
“God grant that it may be so, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Josef Karl smiled. “And allow me to congratulate you on your accession to the Head of House Szárkány-Kárpátok, Count Eszterházy.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. It is a great honor and one of which I hope I am worthy.”
“None of us are worthy, little Stephen, but we do our part,” Rudolph said.
Josef Karl turned to his cousin and shook his finger. “Quit scaring Lord István, Rudolph Tomas. You can be as bad as Fr. Giordano some times.”
Rudolph bowed his head. “Your pardon, Your Majesty.” He straightened up and winked at István, who bit his tongue to stifle a laugh.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, or how, but with Your help I’ll try, Lord. If only so I can watch someone scold Mad Rudolph.
“Thank you, Count Eszterházy,” Josef Karl repeated. “We face a daunting task, but perhaps not an impossible one.”
Something moved in the back of István’s mind, and he looked past the Emperor to Rudolph. That cold, old Power moved in the old-blood eyes, then faded.
If Josef Karl felt Pannonia’s presence, he showed no sign. “It is a poor lord who summons a man so early and does not offer him hospitality.” At those words servants removed the gold and white screen that had stood in front of a small door.
“Come,” Rudolph said, after looking to his cousin for permission. “Let us break bread this morning.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, Your Grace.” István bowed. He and Rudolph remained in their places until Josef Karl left, his guards and servants trailing behind.
“I said, come. I’m starving. You have no idea how much energy it takes to keep up with His Majesty,” Rudolph said, walking around the back of the small dais and leading the way to food.
“You are correct, Your Grace. I don’t. But I can imagine.” And my imagination scares me almost as much as you do.
Rudolph smiled. “I do not bite, Count Eszterházy.” He sat, gesturing for István to join him. “Unless you are a sausage.”
“Heaven forefend, Your Grace.”
Just as he unfolded his napkin, a loud crash sounded from outside the little room, opposite where they’d come in. Rudolph took a deep breath and closed his eyes as they heard at least two pair of small feet running past the door. “Their Royal Highnesses?” István ventured.
“I fear so. Youth and energy are wasted on the young, Count Eszterházy.” Rudolph shook his napkin out with a snap and began to eat.
“I heartily concur, Your Grace. I heartily concur.”
About the Author
Alma T. C. Boykin was born in the Midwest, moved to the Great Plains, and after a brief period living in places where trees almost outnumber people, returned to the plains. She escaped college with a BA, worked for a living, then returned for an advanced degree some years later. When not writing or rotating the cat, she teaches and does a few other odds and ends. Hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, geology, astronomy, and music.
Visit Alma’s blog at AlmaTCBoykin.Wordpress.com
The Powers
A Carpathian Campaign
Book 1 of The Powers.
István Eszterházy, Half-Dragon, heir to House Szarkany-Kárpátok, cavalry officer and gentleman of the world finds that world shaken when an assassin’s shot starts a war. Nothing goes as he had planned and István discovers that the strongest things in the world can also be the most fragile.
Coming in 2017...
The Powers continues with:
Clawing for the Crowns (WWI alt-history, following on the story of A Carpathian Campaign)
Against a Rising Tide (Interwar alt-history)
Keep up with the latest books in The Powers on Alma’s blog: AlmaTCBoykin.Wordpress.com
The Colplatschki Chronicles
Elizabeth of Starland
Book 1 of the Colplatschki Chronicles.
Stubborn as a mule? No, stubborn AND her mule.
Colonial Plantation Ltd. abandoned ColPlat XI, writing the planet off as a tax loss after a series of severe Carrington-type events. Now, four hundred years later, Laurence V of Frankonia wants to write Elizabeth von Sarmas out of his kingdom, but like her Lander ancestors, Elizabeth refuses to roll over and die.
To survive, she needs to cross the continent, thread her way through a holy war, and find friends in the Eastern Empire—an impossible task for a sheltered gentlewoman. Or is it? Never underestimate a woman with a mission and a mule.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Starland-The-Colplatschki-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00HFEWKXY/
Elizabeth of Donatello Bend
Book 2 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Elizabeth grows into her duties as colonel and lady of Donatello Bend, and makes a fateful enemy.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00KKY2G1M
Elizabeth of Vindobona
Book 3 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Ten years after Elizabeth reaches the Empire, court politics and military command aren’t the only things she has to deal with. A marriage proposal, an assassination attempt, and a siege on the Imperial Capital bring new challenges... and new opportunities.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNE7D2U
Elizabeth and Empire
Book 4 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Twenty years after the events of Elizabeth of Vindobona, an untried emperor sits the throne while courtiers scheme. Elizabeth must navigate politics, religion, her relationship with Lazlo, and the Frankonians’ wrath in this fourth book of the Colplatschki Chronicles.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Empire-Colplatschki-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00PNW640U
Peaks of Grace
Book 5 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Margurite deSarm knows that she cannot govern the Sarm lands alone. But her husband, Gregory Berlin of Louvat, refuses to fulfill his duties. As Marta attempts to undo her marriage, Odile Rheinhart discovers her own unique calling. In their own complimentary ways, over ten years the two women work to keep the Sarm Valley free from the machinations of Phillip of Frankonia while balancing family, duty, and desires.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00S1XGJSA
Circuits and Crises
Book 6 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
The Turkowi begin their advance from the south as a fight between brothers threatens the Empire.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00UZP7QFM
Blackbird
Book 7 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Charles Malatesta will defend his inheritance or die trying.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YHXJ3A4
Marie’s Tale
Novella
Another side of the story of Duke Aquila Starland.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00MW7YODI
And more...
Keep up with all the latest books by Alma T C Boykin on her blog: AlmaTCBoykin.Wordpress.com
The Cat Among Dragons Series
(Listed in chronological order from the perspective of Rada Ni Drako.)
Hubris: The Azdhagi Reborn
Book 1 of the Cat Among Dragons prequel series.
When the Azdhagi overreach the limits of their science, only a few individuals stand between them and chaos. Three interlinked disasters start a chain reaction of tragedy and triumph leading to the re-creation of Azdhag society.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Hubris-Azdhagi-Reborn-Alma-Boykin-ebook/dp/B00J8UCN9O
Renaissance: A Novel of Azdhag Survival
Book 2 of the Cat Among Dragons prequel series.
When the Empire calls, dare an Azdhag disobey? Two generations after the Great Relocation and the Azdhag Empire threatens to pull apart as Great Lords, colony residents, and Freetown inhabitants struggle to control their worlds. A ghost from the past forces the King-Emperor to send the Prince Imperial and a most reluctant Tartai of Tarkeela to the colony on Pokara. Trouble, madness, and carpentry await.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Renaissance-Azdhag-Survival-Alma-Boykin-ebook/dp/B01E0CKMX8
A Cat Among Dragons
Book 1 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
They started it. Rada Ni Drako just wanted to do her job, but her father’s people declared her a corrupt half-breed, one unfit to live. Now she’s on the run and in need of a new identity and a job. When she fled back in time to join an interstellar mercenary company, she did not anticipate becoming the Pet of House Nagali, becoming the student of a mysterious but very well connected Healer and diplomat, and fighting her way into power as the only sentient mammal in the court of a reptilian empire. And falling flat on her face several times in the process.
This collection of short stories, the first in the Cat Among Dragons series, begins the saga of Rada Ni Drako and her odd assortment of allies. Join the adventure as Rada takes on her father’s people and tries to keep her head, and the rest of her, intact.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/A-Cat-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00AMNB0N6
Hairballs
Short fiction from the Cat Among Dragons series.
Rada, Yori, and some of the other Scouts are unwinding from a mission when they hear that the Division is testing new battle armor. Yori gets the idea that someone needs to put the armor through its paces, and against Rada’s better judgment, Yori ropes her into the adventure.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Hairballs-Among-Dragons-Story-ebook/dp/B00B1DR544
Justice and Juniors
Book 2 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
A collection of short stories following the exploits of Rada Ni Drako in a universe full of danger, excitement, and strange alien species.
Availabl
e from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Justice-Juniors-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00CA95AP4
A Double-Edged Wish
Book 3 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
Rada Ni Drako soars to a new height—a moment of carelessness brings her crashing down. Rada and her business partner Zabet survive a King-Emperor’s anger, a contract that leads to plague and discovery, and motherhood. But when inattention, famine, and a conspiracy from Earth’s future combine against her, Rada proves once again that there’s nothing so deadly as a cornered cat. Especially one who already lost her soul.
A Cat Among Dragons short story collection, including the novella Famine, Fortune, and Justice. 92,000 words.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Double-Edged-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00FP46K96
Revolution from Above
Novella
It takes a mammal to save a planet. Caught away from her soldiers when mercenaries invade Drakon IV, Rada Ni Drako must find a way to reconquer the planet. Help comes from a strange quarter, but even that might not be enough when treason slithers into view. Lord Ni Drako needs all her wiles, luck, and dirty tricks just to survive. When a mammal fights a mammal, even dragons duck for cover.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Revolution-Above-Among-Dragons-Novella-ebook/dp/B00JRDA7SQ