We thought that since we will be in the same reality, Freddie would regulate our day and night time so that it coincides with those of Robbie and Jade for them to spend nights in our beds. Dommi put her arm around Jade and Cherine quickly joined them as they approached Robbie.
Robbie remained silent, not indicating his wishes even by his emoting. Jade first wanted to refuse us, she stopped to think and then gave a huge grin. “It’s going to drive me crazy trying to work out how we were saved. I bet Robert is going to come up with some crazy theories that he’ll accept as fact.” We all giggled when Robbie blushed. We went to the taverna to tell the three of our decision.
“The three of you will know the truth, will you be able to act as if you don’t and treat them as you would have if you did not know?”
“I don’t see how we can, I’m bound to be affected by the truth.”
Ferdin nodded. “If you are to block their memories, could you block ours temporarily?”
“It would be more difficult as you will fight us when we try to block you. It will feel as if we are trying to steal a part of you - even though you’ll have consented.”
Edward is in awe of Robbie so he worried. “If we do not remember who you really are, I might say or do things that are humiliating to you.”
“You have my full permission to do so - as a matter of fact, the girls will probably thank you for bringing me down a peg or two.” We managed to reassure him and Swivin. Ferdin had no such worries. They wanted to try. As men of their time and society, they felt more comfortable having Robbie do it; they felt shy at the idea of females seeing their thoughts, even though we reassured them we would not.
Vincent helped and as each of them were blocked, they were put to sleep until we were ready to return them to the palace. Freddie jumped back to their reality, within seconds of us taking them and they were returned, the guard who’d been present was brought to Freddie at the same time. He’ll have to stay with us until the others are unblocked. Swivin quickly called for a new guard, earnestly swearing at the missing guard and promising dire punishments when he finds him.
“The butler who worked for Arrend has returned. Prince Edward, he was seen embarking with them so I presume he set the bombs and found a way to leave the zeppelin without being seen. He has been taken to the cells and will soon be interrogated.”
“I want the truth Swivin. If they were killed because they were loyal to me I wish to know it was so. However, if they were killed to prevent the unification of our country, then I must know it so that we know what we face in our struggle to convince the Europeans.”
Swivin pursed his lips, his eyes cold with anger. “I’ll make certain we find out the truth. Stone did not deserve such a death, if she had to die it should have been by the sword.”
“Gentle Arrend did not deserve to die either. We are only men and cannot change the past, but as men we can and must see that they are avenged in the manner they would wish.”
Swivin left the prince, walked to his office to instruct his next in command to see to the safety of the prince as he wanted to be present during the interrogation. I’m just using an euphemism, for interrogation read torture.
As he marched across the courtyard, his men pretending not to notice the anger seething in him by carefully keeping themselves engrossed in conversations, a commotion was heard. The guards at the main gate were loudly denying entrance to a large number of angry people. Swivin swerved to join the guards.
“What is going on?”
“They are foreigners sir. They demand to see our prince.”
A stout and very self important man shouldered his way through and the others made way for him. “I am a German citizen and a member of the group responsible for enforcing the rules of the European Commission in your country. I demand to see the prince for an explanation of our abduction.”
“Abduction by who and how did you arrive at our city?”
“We do not know who, but it is obvious the abductors are British, why else our return to your country? We were passengers on the ‘Metal Maiden’, returning to Hamburg.”
Swivin was astounded. “The zeppelin that left Dover this morning? The one that exploded?”
“Exploded? What are you talking about? We were just an hour from Dover, the weather was fine and I know nothing of any explosion.”
“The Metal Maiden exploded sir, and you were all presumed dead. How did you arrive here?” Now the crowd was truly confused and their anger was replaced by fear. Swivin recalled his manners and his political sense. “I apologise for holding the conversation out on the street. Ladies and gentlemen, please follow me and refreshments will be provided while I advise the prince of your arrival. Guards, an escort for our guests and order refreshments from the kitchens immediately.” He nodded to the stout man. “I will advise Prince Edward and return to you within minutes. Sir, we are just as confused as all of you are, we only received notice of the explosion two hours ago.”
“Commander Swivin, have you taken leave of your senses?”
“I assure you my prince, there is a large crowd of Germans and other Europeans who claim to be from the same zeppelin the butler claims he returned from. They seem to be under the impression that somehow we, the British people, are responsible for their arrival at our city. It would be advisable that you speak to them and calm them before they contact their office, here and in London.”
“Were Stone and Arrend with them?”
“I looked for them sir but I believe they were not among the crowd.”
“Damn! You better return to assure them I will be with them in a few minutes and then send out some men on horses to search for Stone and Arrend. Page, bring my cloak.”
As Prince Edward entered, he could not give himself the time to stare at the dishevelled crowd that filled the hall as he wished to. He swept into the hall and there was instant silence. “Welcome. I have been advised that all of you arrived here directly from the Metal Maiden, which was already over the channel when you were removed. Do any of you recall what happened?”
“Prince Edward, we have spent the last eight hours asking each other the same question. None of us recall anything beyond being in the airship and the next instant on the road outside your city.”
“I have instructed your local representative office to contact London to advise them of your safe arrival here. Your representative should arrive any moment now. Has anyone been injured or does anyone require medical attention? The Royal Doctor has been called for and should arrive within minutes.”
A woman who obviously, from her attitude, relished the opportunity of meeting prince Edward edged forward, raising her voice. “Prince Edward, that is another source of wonder. Those of us who suffered from injury or ailment when we embarked, all claim to have been instantly cured.”
“My Lady, it sounds as if you speak of some kind of Divine intervention!”
“Sir, I was not disputing your claims.” In a placating tone Edward said to all, “It would be wiser of us to take care of immediate needs. I’m pleased to advise you that food is being prepared and suitable accommodation is being arranged. Please join me for a drink to toast your miraculous survival.” He soon smoothed out any ruffled feathers and after telling them he envied them having such a marvellous adventure to relate once they arrive home, they were soon toasting each other and their attitude to the mystery changed.
We were pleased to sense that under his exterior charm, he was still suffering at the loss of his two friends. Swivin strode through the crowd and with a pale face he drew Edward aside. “One of the riders has returned, they found Arrend and Stone walking towards us. They will be here in twenty minutes. The man claims Arrend is no longer limping!”
Despite his obvious pleasure, Edward exclaimed, as if he were angered, “What is going on Swivin! Ever since those two first arrived here, we are faced with one anomaly after another.”
“Surely you don’t believe they are responsible for saving all these people?”
“I no longer know what to believe. Damn it Swivin, within one year they not only help us against Lord Gavah, they come up with a plan to reunite our country and find support among the very people who are ruling us. Next thing I know I’ll start believing my words and ascribing their presence to Divine intervention!”
Swivin was just as baffled and concerned, but he could not resist replying, “I can believe that of Stone, Arrend however…”
Just a twitch of his lips betrayed his amusement before Edward turned to a very fat man who’d been touching him on the shoulder. “Will you excuse us, we’ve just learnt of another two survivors from the zeppelin who are arriving now. I must go and reassure them of our welcome and see to their needs.”
Arrend and Stone had been just as confounded as the rest of the survivors, but had decided they would not be finding an answer to their adventure and his healed leg within the near future so they arrived with grim faces. Stone smiled at Swivin and the prince as she dismounted.
“I trust you did not have us returned because you wished another portrait? Perhaps you missed my charming presence?”
Swivin grinned, but Edward kept a straight face, speaking with the nasal twang he uses when speaking officially. “Of all the descriptions I could ascribe to you, charming would not be at the top of my list. I am relieved however to see you did survive.”
“Survive what?” Arrend asked.
“The explosion of the airship.”
The two of them gaped for a moment and then looked at each other. Arrend saw the look in her eyes. “An explosion could not have thrown us here and no explosion I’ve heard of can heal broken bones.”
“But how?”
“All the passengers and crew arrived here an hour or so before you did. Arrend is correct, the explosion cannot be responsible. Some kind of altruistic Agency must be responsible. You both look tired and in need of a bath. Return to your home and please attend me in three hours. Ferdin will be sent to assist you.” He glanced at Swivin.
“He has been released as you ordered sire.”
High ranking officials from London arrived within record time to assure themselves of the validity of the information sent to them and within two days even newspapers on the other side of the world reported the miracle. A passenger ship was sent from Belgium to collect the survivors as it was felt by those in charge that the passengers were unlikely to wish to travel in a zeppelin. Arrend and Stone decided they would rather travel by zeppelin and on the third day they were in Dover and embarking, with Ferdin at their side. Stone, quite rightly, insisted they travel by airship so that they are the first to arrive in Europe. The reaction of the crowds at their arrival proved that her strategy was as effective as she’d hoped. For half a day they were celebrities and invited to functions and to the homes of the powerful.
Arrend called out from the bathroom while he shaved. “After these events I am now convinced we were right, you are the one I recalled I loved. We obviously are meant to be together.”
She came to the door and he looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I had proof of that long ago.”
He grinned. “What proof? My performance in bed?”
She laughed. “Don’t get too cocky. I’d asked myself a long time ago, how did I allow you in my bed, I mean, I didn’t even like you when we first met and you certainly are not any girl’s ideal Adonis. If I didn’t love you because of your non-existent muscles and it couldn’t be because of your weird sense of humour, then it had to be because our souls belong together.”
“I’m not that knowledgeable about souls, but I do know that my heart belongs to yours.”
She pursed her lips. “I don’t think I’ll ever marry you.”
Concerned he turned to look at her. “Why not?”
“Because you’ll then stop saying nice things like that.”
He grinned. “Maybe then you’ll start?” As she’d been hoping, not caring that they’d be late, their verbal sparring turned into a tussle, some tickling, and within minutes they were passionately making love.
Stone, her face still flushed, but her eyes tender with satiation and love stared into his. “I guess that if I end up pregnant I’ll have to marry you.” We stared at each other, not certain what we should do, but then Arrend replied, his heart racing. “God! A son or daughter! My dream would come true.” None of us had the heart to instruct our healer to prevent it happening, so we left it to fate - just desperately hoping that if it does happen, she has a daughter. Note: Although they are not there as themselves, this time they are there in their own bodies, not the bodies they were using during their first visit.
Arrend made small talk while keeping an eye on Stone who was talking with the Duke, who was also a Minister of the German government. He was not concentrating on those he was talking with, more interested in capturing images of her as she talked, a sudden smile filed away for the portrait he planned. He wondered what it would be like being married to a woman who is unforgiving of human frailties as she is. He was pleased that she has to do the negotiating, for he hopes it will soften her and broaden her mind, but he hopes her openness and honesty will not have to be sacrificed to the necessities of politics. They’ve adopted a surname of their choice, since they do not recall their true name. They’d introduced themselves as Mrs and Mr Britain. Mrs Stone Britain. He liked the sound of it. It made him think of Stonehenge. Inwardly he grinned at her imagined reaction to his thoughts.
“The present situation is not only harming the British, as you so compassionately observed, any people who try to act as policemen become dictators and lose the qualities that made them a great nation. If we are to escape from our past, as a species, and grow in wisdom, we must find new ways to solve our problems. As my husband says, we dream of the day people of all nations begin to examine ways for us to become friends.”
“To an extend I agree with what you said, but I fear your husband is an idealist and a dreamer - but then he is an artist I believe? It is the responsibility of all great statesmen to search for ways to improve relationships between their countries, but there are certain cultural differences and practical interests that will not be easily overcome. Perhaps in some vague and undefined future, mankind will grow to satisfy the dreams of your husband?”
“Not if it depends on the statesmen only. When politicians speak of friendship between countries they are speaking of professed friendship, not real friendship. At all times such friendship is defined according to the needs of opportunistic self-interest by both parties. I am speaking of friendship as it occurs between individuals. If I may quote an example. A number of your people have travelled throughout the British Isles. Most do so as tourists, remaining aloof, but some have taken the trouble to meet the locals and friendships have been forged. When that friendship is allied to respect for each other, it then outlasts their separations and they take the trouble to meet each other whenever they can. Is it not true that most people, of whatever nationality or culture, yearn for the same things? Do we not all wish to provide a better future for our children? Do we not all need a home, nice clothes, security and food? Our basic needs are almost exactly the same, only differing in small ways because of culture. As we come to know and like each other we also become tolerant of our differences. When we fear and hate, we become intolerant of the smallest differences and use them as reasons to justify hate.”
Arrend knew the Duke, their host for the evening, is in favour of Europe moving out of Britain (mostly because he believes it is costing their country too much) and should be considered an ally. He worried he might be having second thoughts as he talks to Stone, for she is ignorant of the sophisticated cautions and double-speak of politicians and is arguing like a student at university. He hoped that a few of the politicians they’ll be dealing with will hear some of what she says or else she will have an uphill job and the two of them just might fail in helping their country if the politicians react in a patronising way and mentally block all she says.
As he’d expected, the Duke gave her a verbal pat on the head and turned to speak with someone else. He excused himself and joined Stone. “Mr Minister, I am Arrend Britain, husband of your beautiful companion. I feel I must comment on your remarkable good taste, your home is filled with some of the most exquisite art I’ve seen.” (In other words, it was mostly stodgy and boring.)
“Thank you, your opinion as a renowned artist flatters me. I’ve heard that the portrait Prince Edward commissioned has been judged a unique work of art. It is a pity you are not in Germany as an artist, I would have greatly valued a portrait by you.”
“I am flattered that you have heard of the portrait.” He smiled. “Unfortunately it is more likely my wife will become known as the better artist, so I suggest you commission her once our business in Europe has been dealt with. Confidentially, I am still puzzled how a warrior can be sensitive enough to be a great artist, but then, even as a warrior she is unique. You have heard of how she rode under her horse, attacking a force of thousands on her own?”
The Duke had not heard and he was fascinated when he was told. Arrend then changed the topic and briefly but entertainingly told of how she outfought Swivin and Prince Edward. As if the question was of no importance to him, just a casual aside, he wondered aloud whether there are any German swordsmen who can beat Stone. It was accepted as a challenge and a meeting was arranged for the next morning. Arrend walked away with a tiny upcurl to his lips as he fought to prevent a wild grin breaking out.
“You wish to fight with a naked tip, not a foil and face mask?”
As sweetly as she could she replied, “For your sword, I’ll use a foil should you wish it. I don’t need a protective mask.” The implication that she was willing to meet him with a foil while he used an epee was insulting and angered him, he handed her an epee for fighting, not the foil used for training that has a small ball at the tip. Stone had to draw first blood three times before he raised his sword to her in salute, acknowledging defeat. By now the spectators and the Duke were absolutely silent, hardly believing their eyes. As the Duke forced himself to congratulate her, Stone, deliberately and knowing they would be insulted, suggested that if the two top fencers have the courage to face her, she will fight them both at the same time, if they do not object to her using two epees. Within the day both replied they would meet her the next morning - separately.
Arrend pushed the blood sausage to the side, next to the boiled cabbage, and nibbled at what remained. He grinned. “Do you realise that duelling with epees and not using face masks and body padding is illegal?”
“You got me into this!”
“Oh! So I did. I wonder why?” She burst out in laughter and everyone in the restaurant tried not to stare at her. They’d all heard of her win that morning and were fascinated, but trying to exhibit a modicum of discretion as people of that class usually do.
By the time they were sipping wine and nibbling cheese, Arrend asked, “What is worrying you?”
“Something I overheard. It is possible you might be challenged to a duel.”
“Why should that worry you? I’ll agree to fight if we use paint brushes.”
“Try to be serious! Whether you refuse or lose, it will damage our cause, the Germans take duelling very seriously.”
He shrugged, his thoughts elsewhere. “When you win both duels, how do you think it will affect public opinion?”
“You are certain I’ll win against the two best swordsmen of Germany? I don’t know, are you suggesting it might have an adverse effect?”
“It just crossed my mind that our problems stem from the fact that we were originally the aggressors. If you win, it could feed their fears. They’ll say that the British are so violent that even their women are better fighters than their best duellists.”
Exasperated, she stared at him. “You want me to lose!?”
He came to in surprise. “No. I suggest you turn it into more of a dance than usual.”
“Dance!” She was affronted.
Arrend chuckled. “Don’t you see yourself while you’re fighting? Apart from your phenomenal speed, your movements are amazingly beautiful. Stone, I want you to win, but it will not hurt us if you give them a sop to their pride. Fencers are supposed to be supple and agile, but by taking it to an extreme, they can justify losing by claiming they were too busy watching you playing around like a circus acrobat to realise you were actually fighting. They’ll sneer at your style and dismiss your wins.” She gave him an frustrated-exasperated look, not certain anymore what he was trying to tell her and what he actually wanted of her.
“Yesterday I tried to explain my style so that he would not be caught by surprise - I hope both of you will honour me by paying more attention than he did. First of all, I consider the art of duelling an art, not a match of strength, but of skill. With that I would add speed of movement and quickness of eye. Allow me to demonstrate.” She flicked her epee around Arrend, the blade a blur as it outlined him within centimetres of his skin. With a grin on her face the blade sheared a few hairs from his head. “I will not move as much as I did yesterday so that you also have a target to strike - if you can.”
The second best duellist spoke arrogantly, “I now see why she won yesterday - she talked the poor man into a daze. I hope this day is not to be repeated by other women, for a man may bear scars with pride for they distinguish him, but a woman is marred and made unattractive, a creature to be pitied.”
Stone laughed, but kept her voice sweet as she rejoined, “I’ve always felt pity for men with duelling scars, for they prove he has not mastered the art. I’ve never admired failures. You are welcome to scar me if you can.”
The formalities and salute were observed, but his eyes stared coldly into those of Stone, making obvious that he intends making an example of her with his superior talent by scarring her badly. She ignored him and turning saluted the master. He showed his surprise but nodded in return. Her opponent took advantage and immediately thrust. Everyone blinked as his blade found empty air. Stone judged it finely and only the very tip sliced lightly at his cheek. She did not stop, knowing he would not and used his strength against him, stealing from him his fine control as his blade would slice past the point he’d intended. She took her time, deliberately not cutting him until his face was covered by perspiration. She pulled back.
“Perhaps you need a moment to refresh yourself?”
He snarled a swear word at her and lunged. She cut his other cheek. And threw down her sword. “It was meant to be to first blood. I’ve pampered your temper to the second cut, but I am not your mother to continue pampering you.”
“Pick up your weapon and fight!”
She stepped towards him, swirled until she was crouched on the ground and suddenly placing her hands on the cold ground her body jerked faster than a cobra striking and her feet kicked his sword out of his hand. Before his sword hit the ground she sprung and caught it. Holding it by the tip she offered it back to him. “You may be talented, but you are not a gentleman, so I take no pride in winning.”
She turned her back to him and walked off the field. Arrend tensed, ready to leap should his rage cause him to strike at her. The man swore but also walked off the field, leaving with his admirers. Stone walked to the man acknowledged as the best Germany has to offer. “It is your decision, did I win?”
Without a smile he asked, “Why do you ask me?”
“Because I cannot fight you if you do not judge me as worthy.”
“You are worthy.” He bowed to her. “It is my turn to prove I am worthy.”
“Would you grant me a few minutes for a sip of water?”
“Madam, whenever you are ready.”
Stone glanced at her opponent with approval in her eyes. He’d courteously waited for her and once they faced each other on the field, he observed all the formalities. As they crossed blades she held her position, depending only on her skill and Cherinian-born speed. As soon as he realised she’d changed her style he became cautious, not pressing his advantages, waiting to first learn how she moves, whether she acts in anticipation and so on. After five minutes he suddenly attacked, his blade moving lightning fast without giving her a chance to plan her own attacks. He switched styles again and then again, making the most of every mistake of hers without making many of his own. Stone stubbornly stuck to her plan and fought as any other gifted swordsman, leaving out her Far East training. Despite that, her opponent grunted in surprise a couple of times when he’d expected the tip of his blade to slice her arm and cheek.
After twenty minutes he pulled back and raised his sword. “Fencing should be a contest of skill, not a test of endurance. A break of ten minutes?” She nodded in agreement.
“What are you up to?”
“I’m not up to anything love, he’s brilliant!” Arrend continued to stare at her suspiciously.
“Don’t throw the game away, win if you can and if you lose, let it be because he is the better man.”
“Game! Will you still love me if I am scarred?”
“I did not comment before because you were only speaking to make a point I agreed with. A scar is a badge of honour if the fight was fairly fought and to the best of your ability.” She was about to peck his cheek. Instead, she stared at him for a moment and returned to the field.
For the first three minutes the duel was similar to the previous twenty minutes. Suddenly she pressed him, her attack a blur so that I do not know how he blocked her. I guess he was watching her wrist rather than the blade. As if she had run out of steam, she slowed and pulled back. Carried away by the lust of battle he attacked. He did not notice the sting at first when she lightly cut his arm. She defended herself but raised a questioning eyebrow. He pulled back and raised his blade to the sky.
“Congratulations. In the end I too underestimated you and became overconfident.”
“If you wish a rematch, I’ll meet you gladly whenever you wish. I’ve learnt more from you in this half hour than I’ve learnt in the last year.”
For the first time he smiled. “Would that be with both of us at the same time?”
She blushed. “I’m sorry, I only said it to anger you in the hope it would make you agree to the duel.”
“Lady Stone, may I misquote your earlier remark and tell you I consider you a true gentleman?”
The Duke held a party that night to celebrate the victory of his protégé. Suddenly he was proud of her and every word she spoke he treated as if it were a pearl of wisdom to be treasured. Stone was not happy with either extreme, but she exploited the moment and he promised her, in front of a number of witnesses, an introduction to his attorney who should prove to be invaluable in narrowing her search through centuries of German law.
The next evening Arrend asked her to get dressed for going out. “I’ve been told the best place for wine is the Ratskeller. They don’t serve a full meal, but their cheeses and sausages will keep us sober.”
Stone had a very busy two weeks at the offices of the attorneys. They found the relevant laws, but it was just as important that they use the correct arguments. The senior attorney was very patient with Stone, teaching her to avoid spurious arguments and emotional pleas. The Germans love logical arguments so she learnt to speak as a German would, only adding sentimental observations whenever the attorney felt they would appeal to the public and the politicians. Despite herself, Stone was pleased that a great part of what was cut out by the attorney were arguments written for her by Arrend. Having spent two and a half months preparing the petitions, it was a bit of a comedown when they were advised to take off nearly two months, as all the people they need to meet will not be available because of Christmas. They decided to return home. Their impending departure was not immediately announced to the public, so they received a small number of invitations from friends they’d made. Apart from attending those soirées, many of them for the purpose of family and friends to play classical music, they had little to do during the day. They booked their return to England and settled into a relaxing schedule.
One part of their habits was that, if they were not invited that evening, Arrend would leave the house for a walk, even though it was freezing cold. One such evening he left for his walk and as he crossed a fairly dark part of the road he walked past an alley. A shot rang out and Arrend collapsed, his lungs pierced. Within minutes the assailant was arrested and it turned out he is French and fanatically opposed to the British. Stone answered the door to find two policemen waiting. They told her of what had occurred and offered to transport her to the hospital Arrend had been taken to. Hardly bothering to close the door behind her she rushed off with them.
We faced a minor crisis. Because of Robbie having an extra heart and the sac for storing air, he did not die immediately. Cherine had left instantly to help his soul, but we had to decide what to do about his body. The doctors were readying themselves for an immediate operation and we could not allow them to see how he differs from the norm internally. None of our healers would obey us when we asked them to kill his body, so we had to ask Samuel King. Without comment he did as we asked. Once his body had been removed to the morgue, where Stone identified Arrend, we waited for a moment when nobody was looking and stole the body for Robbie’s healer and ours to repair the damage. Robbie wanted to return, but there was no credulous way that he could reappear. We all shared with Stone as she grieved and Robbie spent the entire time she grieved for him with tears in his eyes and wet cheeks.
The police announced that his body had been stolen before an autopsy could be performed and the additional horror that filled the mind of Stone nearly forced us to bring her back. (Because she no longer is a Cherinian in outlook, she found the disappearance of his body to be something horrifying. If I ask her why afterwards, I wonder whether she’ll be able to explain). The reactions of the public and the potential crisis the governments faced made it imperative that the draconian laws that oppress Britain be repealed so that none of the countries be associated with the murder and loss of the body of Arrend. The attorney decided Stone should release the wording and arguments of her petition to the governing political parties and the next day to the newspapers. Politicians were interviewed and even some of those who’d opposed Stone and Arrend now spoke in favour of ending their custody of the British Isles. The attorney asked Stone to wait in Germany.
Otto, the master of fencing, was among the first to call on Stone to offer his condolences. We could sense he was attracted to her, but he kept it to himself, always remaining the perfect gentleman. He took over and Ferdin accepted his orders when he realised they are intended to protect Stone. In early January, Stone received a letter by courier, from Prince Edward. He sent his condolences and advised her he is arriving in Germany to be by her side. It was the final straw that breached her self control and she spent the next two days and nights without any food, crying in her bedroom.
Edward did not act out of political expediency. He truly was upset and had imagined how Stone must be feeling, losing the man she loves and being left almost alone in a world alien to her. The press in Germany, France and most of Europe wrote of this prince who has a heart and the public reacted sentimentally, demanding their governments take their troops out of Britain. Since most of the politicians had already made that decision, there was very little conflict, even though everyone had to wait for the national governments and the European committee to convene and pass the resolutions that make it official. The few British nationals working or visiting in Europe suddenly found themselves popular and were invited to give speeches about how life for them has been during the period of occupation.
“Stone, I considered Arrend a friend and I am grieved by his death, so please do not think of me as your prince, please speak to me as a man concerned and puzzled. What was he doing walking in the dark on his own within enemy territory?” He waved a hand. “I’m sorry, I had no right to ask that.”
“He enjoyed walking by himself. He said it helped clear his mind. Prince Edward, I will stay to see the Bill passed, but I cannot return home. There are too many memories of him…”
“I understand. I hope you will change your mind later. My elder brother has asked me to express his condolences and to mention that one of his first acts as our king will be to award both of you medals. Our people are in debt to you both and it would sadden all of us if you do not return. Where else could you belong Stone, if not with your own people?”
“He died because of me Edward.”
“How can that be? Coming here was his idea.”
“He did it for me. He wanted me to learn to handle all aspects of life, not just battlefields. He told me so.”
“And that makes you responsible? If he can hear you, I think your words would sadden him. Look at the police escort we have Stone. They are aware that there are madmen who would seize the opportunity to assassinate me. If they succeed, would you assume that guilt also? The decision was mine, as Arrend is responsible for his decisions - especially for taking that walk.” He stayed at her home for two hours and then went to his hotel. Stone sat up most of the night and though the grief did not lessen, thanks to Edward she was able to think more logically and her sense of guilt lessened. She had not told him she planned to kill herself for she knew he would not have approved and seen it as a weakness. She could almost hear Arrend demanding she live and grow - what a mania he had for seeing her grow, she thought to herself with almost a mixture of a laugh and sob.
“She has grieved enough Robert! Let her become Jade”
“I’m sorry love, I know how all of you are suffering along with her, especially you Cassie, but I must wait for her to succeed and free Britain.”
“It’s not fair! It wouldn’t make any difference to their decision and she could pretend to be Stone.”
“She’d stop grieving and they will sigh with relief and forget her. I’m insisting for her sake love.” Most of us sided with Robbie, so Cassie stopped arguing, but in her mind she continued feeling we were being unfair to Jade.
The governments synchronised their first session within the new year and finally the twenty first of January arrived. This was to be a closed session, without any of the public or the press allowed, so they spent that day filled with anxiety waiting outside the parliament building. At six in the evening the announcement was made. The German government has decided to instruct their European representative to vote for the withdrawal of German troops and civil servants from Britain and the country to be allowed to be united under one king. As Stone had privately campaigned, they insisted the principalities remain individual states, the current princes remaining in power, but to remain subject to the rule of the Federal Government and their king.
