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The Traitor Prince completed 25th June 2006

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#1: The Traitor Prince completed 25th June 2006 Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 4:03 pm
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His Royal Highness Prince Cosimo of Belsornia staggered through the palace kitchens. He was singing a foul version of the Belsornian anthem, "Praise to the King!"

Cosimo was drunk. He had purloined the King's wine cellar, boxed the ears of a servant for champagne and spat in the face of a Belsornian policeman on guard at the palace gates.

Tearing into a smoked ham like a dog with a bone, Cosimo slunk onto a kitchen stool.

"Fool! Blockhead! Ass! Dolt!" he shouted at no one in particular.

"When that imbecile becomes King! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! I fear for the British Empire! I really do! Ha! The great British lion brought to its knees because they have an ass for an emperor."

He howled maniacally in laughter.

"The best thing the British could do is hang him. Or behead him. Maybe he should be given to Russia to join his relatives!"

More maniacal howls of laughter.

He raised the bottle of champagne to his lips.

"To the biggest fool on God's Earth! Prince Edward of Wales! Ass unpolicied! May your Empire crumble and your lifeless body be dragged throughout the streets of London. Go to the devil, Prince Edward of Wales!

A door opened and the Crown Prince of Belsornia entered, accompanied by two armed guards.

"I thought as much! Cosimo!

Last edited by Phil on Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:39 am; edited 12 times in total

#2: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 4:42 pm
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Oh, now this looks interesting! I hope you are planning on lots more, Phil.

#3: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 5:20 pm
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Shocked

Crikey...

#4: Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 6:51 pm
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Ooh, this looks great.

Hurrah, a new story!

#5: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 7:49 pm
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Crown Prince Karol (or Charles to give his anglicized name) motioned to the guards to wait outside.

"You made yourself look very foolish tonight in front of our visitor."

"Who cares?" snarled Cosimo.

"I do, you embarrassed his majesty and our guest!"

"As if I care hwat the old man says? As for that blockhead, Edward, I overheard his own attendants talking about him in a most disrespectful way. The man is obstinate, politically naive and a pleasure seeking buffoon."

"All your qualities, Cosimo but at least he isn't sadistic to animals!"

Cosimo leered at Karol. Something snapped in the Crown Prince.

"I have not forgotten what you did to those dogs! They were for Elisaveta's sixth birthday! They were a gift from the townsfolk of Tisor! Thankfully Elisaveta will never know what you did with them!"

"Doesn't alter the fact Prince Edward of Wales is a fool. If an idiot like that can succeed to the British Empire, why can I not become King?"

Karol eyed Cosimo with contempt. He knew that in Royal and government circles across the world that the accession of Prince Edward of Wales was regarded with dread, for his political naivety, laziness, petulance and stubborness.

Cosimo was worse. He was more of a drain on the treasury than Prince Edward, Cosimo cared not one jot for the people of Belsornia, all he wanted was alcohol and women. But there was a sadistic streak too.

Cosimo was formally excluded from the succession four years ago for kicking a valet to death over a soiled handkerchief. In revenge, he shot a family of dogs which had been intended for Princess Elisaveta's sixth birthday. Crown Prince Karol had been physically sick when he saw the dead dogs. The cowardly Cosimo had escaped to neighbouring Illyria where he could escape the wrath of Elisaveta's father and grandfather.
Thankfully Elisaveta knew nothing of the incident. Karol prayed she never would.

Earlier that night, King Ridolfo had been playing host to Prince Edward of Wales who was returning to England via the continent. Belsornia had offered him a quick passage through to Austria. The petulant Prince had been ordered by his father to accept the hospitality of the Belsornians. This he had done with as much grace as he could muster.

The meal had gone well, until a drunken Cosimo had abused the Prince of Wales as a "dunderhead who should have been drowned at birth". Even Prince Edward was entitled to retire early to get over his anger. Cosimo had been physically thrown out of the palace. After visiting Mme Ferulle, his mistress, he had returned.

"You could never become King Cosimo. The people would revolt against you. You would be chased out of Belsornia. Now I suggest you go to bed and sober up. You will apologise to His Majesty in the morning or else!"

And with that, Karol left. He gave instructions to the guards to escort Cosimo to his quarters and keep him there.

Before Karol went to bed, he slipped into the nursery where his sleeping daughter lay. He gave her a kiss. "Goodnight 'Veta. God bless you."

#6: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 8:55 pm
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Thanks, Phil. This is great so far. It's great to learn more about Cosimo.

#7: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 9:15 pm
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That was quite a start!

Thanks Phil Very Happy

Kathryn

#8: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 10:22 pm
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Evil or Very Mad

nasty git

#9: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:31 am
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Wow. Now that's interesting. Looking forward to more.

#10: Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:43 am
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hear hear!

#11: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:10 pm
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Great so far, I hope there's more to come.

#12: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:31 pm
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Cosimo really is an evil piece of work. You get the impression that there is hidden depravity in "Princess", although as I only have the paperback copy I don't know how much is missed out, or if he is even worse.

Anyway, thanks (I think!) for starting to fill in the gaps Phil.

#13: Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:21 pm
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Ooohhh, drama and scandal! This looks exciting, Phil...

#14: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 5:50 pm
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Cosimo did not apologise to His Majesty King Ridolfo. Neither did he apologise to the piqued Prince of Wales.

Cosimo's behaviour ensured Prince Edward had an unpleasant interview with his father HM King George V. George V was a father to whom affection was alien. He had heard of the Belsornian incident and had a letter of apology from Ridolfo. However, George was desperate to see that his eldest son had done nothing to provoke the incident and not put a foot wrong. He had no faith in Edward. As a result the interview was more like an interrogation, and Edward felt he was being blamed and punished for something that was purely Cosimo's fault. It drove a further wedge between father and son and ensured Edward was set in his incompetent ways.

Back in Belsornia, Cosimo was with his Mistress Mme Ferrulle.

"Why not make it up with the King?" asked the unfortunate wench.

A bottle of wine was thrown at her for her pains. She shrieked in terror.

"Silence peasant! Or I'll give you and your family something to cry about!"

The terrified Mme Ferrulle could only just restrain her sobs.

"Make it up with the King? That senile old fool! I would rather be broken on the wheel! Make such a foolish suggestion again and I shall have you beaten and your family thrashed throughout the streets of Firarto!"

His horsewhip crashed down on the big wooden table, smashing crockery.

"Please, my Lord, forgive me, I am a fool."

Fortunately Cosimo's anger abated. It served his purpose to keep the Madame alive for his own pleasures. He treated her no better than a rat. The late M Ferrulle had been in the Prince's guard and had saved his life from an assassin's bullet in Monaco. This had cost M Ferrulle's life. Cosimo saw it as a Belsornian's duty to lay down his life for him, Prince Cosimo and no one else.

He eyed his terrified mistress with an evil leer. He was thinking some new plan.

#15: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 5:55 pm
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This is very dramatic Phil! It makes for brilliant reading Very Happy

Thank you!

Kathryn

#16: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 7:18 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I'm sorry that George V and Edward are not getting on so well.

#17: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 7:58 pm
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Pretty please may I ask what year we're in - i.e. how close to 1936?

Sorry - I am a historian and therefore obsessed with dates Embarassed

#18: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 8:57 pm
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Quote:

From Alison H: What year are we in?

Hi,

I am glad you asked that. Believe it or not I took a BA (Hons) in History at Kingston uni, graduating 10 years ago. I love the thirties and did a project on King Edward's abdication..

OK,

Right, Hope I haven't landed myself in any holes here:

By my reckoning, If School at the Chalet occurs in 1930/1, Princess of the CS occurs in 1933, therefore the abdication of KE8 takes place Winter of 1936 (CS and the Lintons?)

Edward is still Prince of Wales 1911-January 21st(?) 1936.

IF (and it is a big IF) Eisaveta is roughly the same age as Joey, I am placing it when Elisaveta is ten. I have made a reference to Cosimo being barred from the succession four years ago, when he kicked a valet to death, the same year he shot the dogs which were to have been Elisaveta's birthday present for her sixth birthday.

In November 1939, Joey is 21 when the triplets were born and so must have been ten in 1928.

Thus the year is 1928. Oddly enough relations between King George V and Edward were improving: Edward was looking after his brother, George Duke of Kent to wean him from a heroin addiction. Edward succeeded on that score.

Incidentally, King Carol II of Rumania was excluded from the succession, but he eventually become King of Rumania in the run up to WW2, and I believe there was a memebrr of the Greek Royal Family who did kick a valet to death and was excluded from the succession. I have a nasty feeling he came to his throne too. I used this incident to bring out Cosimo's depravity and also the reference in princess that he had been cruel to animals.

Oddly enough, the image around Edward VIII as Prince of Wales was a "golden boy" image. The country or man in the street did not know what the court and government circles knew about his lack of suitability for the role of King. As an image of an ideal Prince he was OK, in reality he was anything but.

#19: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:30 pm
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Thanks Phil!

I seem to remember something about Carol II of Romania marrying an "unsuitable" woman, being made to have the marriage annulled, marrying a Greek princess, then running off to South America with his mistress and most of the royal family's money Rolling Eyes

.

I read too many history books and watch too many soap operas - it is a worrying combination.

Looking forward to more of this Very Happy

#20: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 8:28 am
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Cosimo yearned to be King!

His own father was the younger brother of King Ridolfo, but Cosimo's father had died whilst Ridolfo's father, King Petr IV was still on the throne.
Cosimo himself came from a second marriage and was the only child of his father's. His father's second marriage was greatly disapproved of in the Belsornian court and Cosimo felt that deeply. After his father had been laid to rest alongside his original wife, the much loved Princess Carlotta, Cosimo's mother had returned to her native Bavaria, shunning the Royal Court of Belsornia, which had shunned her and her son.

Cosimo had been a reluctant guest at Ridolfo's coronation in Firarto and was incensed when he was asked not to be godfather to the newborn "Little Lady of Belsornia", Princess Elisaveta. Elisaveta's mother, Sophia had said she did not want Cosimo to be within "a hundred miles" of her daughter, so the Christening of Elisaveta in Firarto Cathedral passed off without Cosimo.

Now Cosimo felt all these insults boiling up inside him and he felt he had to make a move against the King. An assassination should do the trick! Then Cosimo could easily ensure Karol died in a hunting accident, as his late father had died and seize the throne. The Salic Law would prevent Elisaveta from succeeding her father, but if the brat was too much bother, she could always be dealt with. In one his many boring lessons from his tutor, he was intrigued to know of the deaths of two princes in the Tower of London. Maybe a similar thing could be arranged for Elisaveta in the grim Zblatsky Fortress, once used as a royal residence and as a prison.

Zblatsky Fortress had seen some of the most violent and savage executions and tortures in Belsornian history. Little did Cosimo know his plans for murder of the current royal family could end up with him being an incumbent of Zblatsky.

Cosimo disappeared to his mother's for the next few months, much to the relief of all Belsornians. When he came back, it was to the palace in the dead of night. Ridolfo was on a state visit to King Alfonso XIII in Spain, whilst the Crown Prince and his daughter were enjoying a tour of the rural northern provinces. Security at the palace had therefore been scaled down and Cosimo made up his mind to steal papers regarding the King's bodyguard.

As he approached the King's private quarters, he nearly knocked over an intricate wooden horse the King had given his granddaughter. Cosimo cursed in the most foul language imaginable. The little lady was definitely going to end up in Zblatsky now! thought Cosimo.

Then to his amazement, he saw a cloaked figure going through the King's writing desk and take out government papers! Cosimo's twisted mind felt a frisson of delight! taking his dagger, he turned the electric light on and leapt upon the thief. He was astonished to see it was Captain Maurus Ternikai!

#21: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 8:41 am
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Ah, that's how Ternikai came to be his sidekick!

Thanks Phil Very Happy

#22: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 9:11 am
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The is a real education, as well as a good read. Thanks Phil.

#23: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:31 pm
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Thanks for filling in all the gaps! Thanks Phil Very Happy

Kathryn

#24: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:08 pm
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Cue dramatic drum roll!

Thanks Phil.

#25: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 4:08 pm
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Thanks, Phil, this is getting really interesting now!

#26: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 7:44 pm
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Thanks, Phil. It's interesting to learn how Cosimo and Terrikai met.

#27: Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 10:55 pm
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Many thanks for posting this story Phil. Very interesting to read

#28: Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:14 am
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Had to do a google on the royal family!

Fascinating, but I bet much of George's life was not made public at the time.

#29: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 6:02 am
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Very interesting - and even realistic!

Thanks Phil.

#30: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 4:50 pm
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This is fantastic!

Thanks Phil

#31: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:21 pm
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"Sytsk! Salbrodnik! Chefockri!" gasped Ternikai in his most uncouth language.

Cosimo raised his fist and beat Ternikai across the jaw.

"You dare use that language before a Prince of The Blood! You dare you scum! I! I, Cosimo! I should have you whipped throughout Firarto for this! DO NOT EVER, SPEAK TO ME TLIKE THAT AGAIN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND? DO YOU?"

Cosimo was hysterical with rage and beat Ternikai, a chair was broken over the man's back, he was given a black eye and a broken collar bone. He was kicked in the chest several times. Ternikai's face was black and blue as Cosimo screamed retribution upon him.

"My Lord, I beg you!"

"I'm sorry my Lord, I did not realise you were present!"

"Have mercy Sire! Have mercy, I beg you!"

"Royal Master!"

Ternikai was screaming in terror now. He was well aware of the fate of the unfortunate valet Giorgio Srptski who had been kicked to death by Cosimo.

But Cosimo was in no mood for apologies. Indeed, apologies only enraged the insane prince.

Ternikai slipped into the depths of unsciousness. A mercy for him. Arguably, it would have been more merciful for Ternikai had Cosimo actually killed him. As it was Cosimo saw what Ternikai had been stealing from the King's chambers.

On Ternikai's body were top secret and confidential details of the Belsornian armed forces, ready for war, strengths and weaknesses, which areas of the army were in drastic needs of investment, and the names of Belsornian spies in the Soviet Union, some of whom were performing work for greater powers such as the United States, France and the United Kingdom. Also on Cosimo's person were contact details for a member of the banned Communist Party of Belsornia! If Ternikai were trying to pass these papers to end up in the Soviet Union! Ternikai would rank as one of the worst traitors in Belsornian history.

Quite apart from the blood feuds Ternikai and his family would be facing by anyone killed through his treason, Ternikai himself would no doubt end up in Zblatsky.

Cosimo thought back through the violent history of Belsornia. Treason under the Ottomans had meant impalings and crucifixions in public. In medieval times, when the once mighty kingdom of Poland invaded, the then King's Chamberlain had betrayed King Oskar and for his pains was disembowelled and defenestrated. Other traitors had been burnt at the stake, others flogged to death or broken on the wheel. These were mostly in public. Ternikai would be lucky to escape with a hanging sentence.

Cosimo grinned.

He heaved Ternikai over his shoulder and took him to his lodge in the palace grounds. He took the stolen papers with him.

#32: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 11:49 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I am feeling very sorry for Ternikai.

#33: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 5:29 am
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I think he's a nasty piece of work and am more worried about what Cosimo will do with the documents he's found. Thanks, Phil.

#34: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 7:42 am
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Cosimo certainly seems to be very well up on the more violent aspects of Balkan history!

#35: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 11:26 am
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Ternikai regained consciousness in a darkened room in Cosimo's hunting lodge. He was bound to a chair. In terror he saw the evil leering face of his new master, Prince Cosimo.

"Give me one good reason, traitor, why I should not execute you this instant."

Ternikai shivered. Sudden pains shot through his body where Cosimo had been beating him. He looked into Cosimo's cold eyes. An action he regretted when he felt Cosimo's leather gloves smacked across his face. He babbled out his reasons for his treachery as fast as he could. He almost wished he had been caught red handed by the King or the Crown Prince! Anyone but Cosimo!

"I was dissatisfied at being passed over for promotion time and time again. I spent a holiday in Rumania with my family and met someone from the Belsornian Communist Party and their agent from the Soviet Union. They convinced me to gather sensitive information on the King and our armed forces. My Lord, please, I've got to get away!"

Cosimo pondered in silence. He pondered so long, that Ternikai yearned to die there and then! Cosimo's standing with the King would be improved if he handed the traitor Ternikai over, but how long would it last? It would not help him gain the throne! Perhaps he could use Ternikai and his Communist friends to dispose of the Royal family!

Cosimo decided. "We must ensure somebody else takes the blame for your treason! But after this you will remain my most humble and obedient servant! I can reward you well for good service, but there are penalties for failure. Severe and painful penalties! Do you understand?"

Ternikai nodded. He had well and truly sold his soul to the devil now!

Days later, some of the papers were put on the body of a major who had died in a climbing accident near the Hungarian border. Within a week, his widow and five children were hounded out of Belsornia by a violent and bloodthirsty mob.

#36: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 12:27 pm
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Does Cosimo think the communists wouldn't go after him as well?

Thanks Phil Very Happy

#37: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 1:48 pm
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Thanks, Phil. Was it actually a climbing accident, or was it something else?

#38: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 2:39 pm
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Thanks Phil, this is utterly brilliant!

Kathryn

#39: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 2:45 pm
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What an evil man! Thanks, Phil.

#40: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 3:02 pm
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You can tell Cosimo has a screw loose just by reading his thought processes.

#41: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 11:34 pm
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All very nasty. And what's the king doing, letting a bloodthirsty and violent mob terrorise a widow and her children? Gripping, Phil.

#42: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 5:23 pm
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"Major Hoczak a traitor? Father, it cannot be!" Crown Prince Karol looked at his grim faced father and King.

"I fear so, Karol. Papers regarding our military strength and my personal itinery were stolen. Some of the papers were recovered on Hoczak's body. Before his family could be questioned, the mob had got hold of the story and chased the family out of Belsornia."

"Were the family harmed?"

"No, they were lucky to escape with their lives, the police got there in time. Now they have to cope with permanent exile from their homeland and the disgrace of what Major Hoczak did, or attempted to do. Who knows what other information he may have disclosed? He was found near the Hungarian border!"

Karol knew that the Hungarians were no allies of the Belsornians. Relations between the two countries had always been cold, and Budapest had taken a very dim view of Ex-Emperor Karl Habsburg being given free air passage over Belsornia to make his attempt to regain his Hungarian crown after the war. The attempt had ended in failure and the Ex-Emperor had died in exile in Madeira in 1922.

"Could this have anything to do with the disappearance of Ternikai?" queried the Crown Prince.

The King dismissed this. "We know from medical reports that Ternikai was rapidly becoming unstable! That's why his promotion was refused. We were to retire him on medical grounds. He would not have done this. He has been officially placed as absent without leave. When he turns up, he will be discharged with immediate effect."

Karol was not so sure. Ternikai had a disturbing trait in his character of paranoia, but Hoczak was a level headed, down to earth gentleman! Neither did Karol nor King Ridolfo consider the disappearance of Cosimo to be a factor. Cosimo frequently disappeared for years on end, living a playboy lifestyle in Europe, until one by one, he was thrown out of each country and he had nowhere to return to but Belsornia.

Karol was about to say something, when the door opened and in burst a lively ten year old. She ran to her father in glee, then spotted the King, gasped and curtsied. Ridolfo was amused that his granddaughter should make such an entrance!

"I crave your pardon your Majesty, I was not aware you were here." mumbled Elisaveta apologetically.

"That's quite allright, my dear! What did you make of your first state duty? To the northern provinces wasn't it?"

Elisaveta wanted to say the formal ceremonies were boring, but she enjoyed the sights and meeting the people.

Caught up in Elisaveta's thoughts of her first tour of duty, the King and Crown Prince quite forgot about the missing papers.

Meanwhile in Czechoslovakia, Hoczak's son swore a blood feud vendetta on the real traitor of Belsornia and the man who had disgraced his father. He vowed, until his dying day that he would find the traitor out!

#43: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 5:50 pm
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Thank you Phil, gripping as ever Very Happy

Kathryn

#44: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 5:54 pm
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Looks like there's going to be plenty of intrigue ahead!

#45: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 6:08 pm
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Ooh, a Balkan blood feud!

Poor Elisaveta, being packed off on royal tours of duty at her age!

#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 7:23 pm
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At least Elisaveta's father didn't think the major did it.

Thanks Phil.

#47: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 9:13 pm
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This is wonderfully melodramatic, Phil, I'll look forward to more, soon.

#48: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 1:36 pm
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Another boring lesson!

Signorino di Basaco was employed in his favourite pastime: lecturing in history. Unfortunately, his lectures failed to inspire his students. His lectures, were addressed to himself. He would enter a world only he could see, discussing the merits of the change in Belsornian currency in 1213 and why it was such a disastrous move in 1501 to return to the original currency. He might as well have been addressing an empty room.

If his lectures failed to inspire students, what were they doing to a girl nearly half the age of the average student? How could this possibly be relevant to the unfortunate pupil?

Elisaveta yearned for her books about school stories. She wondered if she should write her own? What would an ordinary schoolgirl do when faced by the droning monotone of the octagenerian Signorino Di Basaco? A man who could remember King Oskar XIV (Ridolfo's grandfather)?

Unfortunately for Elisaveta when this boring lesson finally dragged to a close, she had a state duty to carry out. She was going to the National Portrait Gallery to open a wing of Royal portraits, amongst them was her first official portrait. Oh the hours of sitting for the obsequious artist!

After what seemed like hours of dressing, and assorted flunkeys panicking and gaily leaping around, Elisaveta did her duty and opened the wing. She learnt to smile politely from a very early age. She did this as she looked at her own portrait, which she hated. Her hair was not that colour, the chin was too big and as for the fingers! The one of Daddy was very lifelike, but the one of Grandpa was not too impressive. She turned a corner, there hidden in the shadow was a painting she had not seen.

"Who is this Signor Direktor?"

The Director of the gallery winced. "That is His Royal Highness, Prince Cosimo."

There was an awkward pause. Elisaveta could almost feel the hatred burning in Cosimo's eyes. She had only met him once when she was five, even then by accident, when Cosimo had turned up at the palace unannounced. He had seemed quite nice, and she hadn't noticed her father's apprehension as Cosimo had picked her up when she fell over. She was moved on by Alette.

"Here is one of your beloved mother."

Meanwhile at the Soviet border, Cosimo and Ternikai were trying to convince a district commissar of their importance and why the USSR should help them in their plans.

#49: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 1:38 pm
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Oh wow, I've just read this all and it's really exciting, more please Phil!

#50: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 1:58 pm
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Would Elisaveta like to do my boring work if I go to the Belsornian history lessons for her Laughing

? Thanks Phil.

#51: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 2:45 pm
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Poor little girl - no wonder she got so ill - it was almost terminal boredom!

Thanks Phil.

#52: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 4:00 pm
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Elisaveta did have the most dull existence didn't she? The CS must have seemed like a dream come true!

Thanks Phil Very Happy

Kathryn

#53: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 4:28 pm
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Poor Elisaveta, what a boring existance. No wonder she was so keen to get to school. Thanks, Phil.

#54: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 5:56 pm
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Awww poor Elisaveta!

Thanks Phil, this is fantastic and I'm finding it really interesting.

#55: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 10:57 am
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People's Commissar Vassily Iliich Zharkov was thoroughly bored. Why in the name of Lenin did this idiot Imperialist Cosimo and his lackey Ternikai think the People's Union of Soviet Socialist Republics should help them in their little power struggle? There was enough to worry about at home! Trotsky had been expelled, who was going to lead the party now that Lenin had died four years earlier? There were still problems with famine after the civil war and the defensive war to push the imperialists and capitalists out of Russia once and for all. Who was this up and coming Stalin anyway? He won't last long! thought Zharkov.

The Commissar had had enough of Cosimo's lengthy drivel about being the rightful heir to Belsornia.

"Signor Belsarni, the USSR is not interested in your pathetic imperialist power struggle. I am authorised to refuse you access to the country and I intend to enforce that at once. Guards!"

Five Red Army soldiers looking tired and hungry, forced a seething Cosimo and a terrified Ternikai back across the border. Cosimo hurled all the Russian insults he could at the Commissar.

Zharkov smiled, "And don't come back, ever!"

Zharkov turned to his office to write up his report. Imperialists! A good thing they had got rid of the Tsar! Zharkov's mind filled with hope as he thought of the new Russia and his newborn daughter!

Sadly for Zharkov, he was about to get a taste of Stalin's Russia first hand. A secret police spy was making his own report on his Zharkov had dealt with the situation. That night the unfortunate Commissar "disappeared" for not having taken the papers from Cosimo! Little Elena would never know her father. She would be one of thousands over the years of Stalin's terror.

For the next few years, Cosimo wandered the continent with his unhappy sidekick. News reached Belsornia that Ternikai was with Cosimo and the King doubted whether Hoczak was really a traitor. Information received from agents in Poland had reported the Soviet border incident. Meanwhile Hoczak's family fled to the United States where young Simeon Hoczak joned the US Army. He had not forgotten his blood feud. Years of correspondance with families and friends across Europe had reported all sorts of news back to him, and in his mind, the real traitors were Captain Ternikai and Prince Cosimo!

Amongst the beauty of New Hampshire, Simeon went for a walk. He looked up to the sky.

"One day father, one day, you shall be avenged!" In the wide open spaces of the Land of the Free, Simeon wept for his father.

#56: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 11:36 am
—
Oh good, Russian (OK, Soviet) history - the perfect antidote to nasty work!

Thanks Phil.

#57: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 12:44 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I'm sorry that Zharkov was killed.

#58: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:20 pm
—
Sorry to be bloodthirsty, but I'm actually looking forward to a nice vendetta now! Thanks, Phil.

#59: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:25 pm
—
So am I, Becky!

This is brilliant, Phil. Do keep it up.

#60: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 7:31 pm
—
Thanks Phil - actually had me feeling sorry for the Soviet Commissar.

#61: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:10 am
—
Me, too. What a ghastly life and environment for poor Elisaveta. No wonder she was so glad to escape.

Chuckled over the summary dismissal of Stalin!

Thanks, Phil.

#62: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:21 am
—
Thank you Phil, fab as ever Very Happy

Kathryn

#63: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 11:46 am
—
Thanks, Phil. What dreadful lives all round.

#64: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:11 pm
—
"Hoczak? Say buddy, you're on leave! Ain't you gonna go home?" Private Pete Piotrowski asked his friend.

"Sure. I'm going hiking over Europe! See the old family roots. Austria, Belsornia, maybe a bit of Italy!"

"Man, rather you than me! Europe's a dangerous place right now, give me the good old US of A anytime!"

Piotrowski's great grandparents had fled the Tsar's vicious pogroms and harsh rule in Poland. They had settled in New York and earned an honest living. Pete had read with alarm reports of growing dictatorships in the Balkans, where Royal power went to the extreme, then there was Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia and Fascist Italy! Even some of the smaller states like Portugal had a dictator now. However, Pete was not to know Simeon Hoczak's main reason for his European hike.

A distant cousin had written to say Cosimo and Ternikai were in the Austrian Tirol. Quite what they were doing there was a mystery, but they had been seen by the Tiernsee and in Spartz.

Hoczak knew the area. His last holiday with his dear father had been spent there. How fitting then, that if he were to kill Cosimo and Ternikai it should be there!

He was sure they would not recognise him. On one occasion, he dressed as an old beggar and Cosimo had beat him over the head with a riding crop. Then they did something strange. They started watching a girl's school! Why?

During one walk, Hoczak nearly forgot his disguise and sank to his knees in veneration, there was a group of schoolgirls approaching and one of them was the Little Lady of Belsornia! He could not reveal his presence to her, but sped in the opposite direction, much to the bewilderment of the girls concerned.

Grimly Hoczak's mind realised why Cosimo and Ternikai were there. That morning, he had heard of a serious riding accident involving Elisaveta's father. He was in a critical condition. Simeon swore in every language he knew! Those filth! Those scum! Those traitors were going to do something to the Princess Elisaveta! How dare they! Simeon Hoczak's mind was a turmoil of fury. Oh how he cold kill them now! But he wanted to confront them first! He wanted them to know the pain, the suffering, the humiliation and disgrace he had been through and the torment of his family! He wanted them to know he would have his revenge.

Hoczak intended to lie in wait beside the school so he could ambush Cosimo and Ternikai. In a tragic twist of fate, hours before the villains came, he was arrested for suspicious behaviour outside the school. Good Herr Braun hjad called a gendarme when he saw the scruffy looking man, staring at the school for hours. He had also telephoned Madame Bettany, who was grateful for his actions.

That night, Cosimo made off with the Princess, but he was followed by Joey Bettany and her beloved Rufus.

#65: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:53 pm
—
Thanks Phil Very Happy

#66: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:00 pm
—
Yes, his revenge! That's what we're waiting for! So now we can guess what happened to Cosimo that fateful day. Thanks, Phil.

#67: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:34 pm
—
Thank you Phil.

Kathryn

#68: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:28 pm
—
Excellent twist - thanks Phil.

#69: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:12 pm
—
Yiss yiss yiss - revenge!

Thanks Phil

#70: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:33 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I'm sorry that Simeon was halted in his plans to stop Cosimo in his tracks.

#71: Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:37 pm
—
I've often wondered how Cosimo came to "fall off a cliff" so conveniently - I always thought it was Ridolfo who arranged it, but it now seems more than likely that Cosimo had plenty of other enemies who would be happy to give him a push in the right direction.

I'm really enjoying this, Phil.

#72: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:22 pm
—
And deserved them!

Thanks, Phil.

#73: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:27 am
—
Cosimo's lungs ached. Sweat poured off his brow. He felt like a hunted animal. His fury boiled. He ran and ran from his pursuers. His attempt to kidnap Elisaveta had failed. That fool Ternikai! Where was he?

Unknown to Cosimo, Ternikai had fled in terror. He knew Cosimo was quite capable of torturing him and killing him for failing to hold Elisaveta prisoner. As a captive, Elisaveta regarded Ternikai with contempt. He could see the look in the girl's eyes. Elisaveta had guessed who Cosimo was and seemed quite unruffled by him. She was, if anything, curious about this bad, evil relative, whom she had rarely seen.

Ternikai had kept his ear to the ground and heard of a young man loitering around the Chalet School. Fearing a Belsornian guard, he had gone to investigate. After bribing a policeman with some plum brandy he had learnt that Simeon Hoczak was on his tail! The family was pursuing him with a blood feud. Ternikai fled to Germany as soon as he realised Elisaveta was missing! The fear of Hoczak and the fear of Cosimo kept him going!

Cosimo, likewise knew the game was up. He also knew Ridolfo would be so enraged, that an unfortunate "accident" in Zblatsky fortress would be awaiting him! Perhaps he would be "made to slip" from the top of the Schernov tower, the tallest in Zblatsky. A spiral staircase of five hundred steps would ensure Cosimo broke his neck!

The hot European sun beat down on the red faced Cosimo. Gendarmes! He could hear gendarmes! If they had a Belsornian with them! Maybe that ravine could offer a hiding place! He crept slowly into the ravine.

Suddenly, a long black snake reared up and hissed, defending its nest! Cosimo lost his footing and fell, with a dying scream of rage and curses! His body lay at the bottom of the ravine, his neck at a most peculiar angle.

"Herr Capitan! Herr Capitan!" the gendarme called. Captain Trevaillion looked grimly at the body of the traitor prince.

"That's him. The monster has gone back to the devil. Belsornia is safe!" Trevaillion spat on the body of Cosimo. He issued orders to search for Ternikai for another week, but this was fruitless. Cosimo's body was brought back to Belsornia.

The Prince's funeral was only attended by his grieving mother. None of the Royal Family or Royal Household attended. Cosimo was not permitted to be buried in Firarto Cathedral. He was interred in a pauper's grave in an undisclosed location outside of Firarto.

As for Simeon Hoczak, he went back to the United States. He had heard of Cosimo's death, but Ternikai had not been found! Hoczak had to return unsatisfied.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February, 1945

The Red Army are at the gates of Firarto and Education Minister Maurus Ternikai plots to desert his fellows in the quasi Nazi government of Belsornia. His contacts within the Belsornian Communist Party and willingness to hand the government over to the Soviet Union ensures he saves his skin.

But he has reckoned without Sgt Simeon Hoczak.

#74: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:30 am
—
Good to see more of this Very Happy

#75: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:59 pm
—
So Ternikai has yet to meet his fate?

Thanks Phil.

#76: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:35 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I had never thought about what happened to Ternakai. I look forward to finding out.

#77: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:29 pm
—
I'm really enjoying this, it's nice to see more of it! Thanks, Phil.

#78: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:57 pm
—
Good to see this back, thanks Phil!

Kathryn

#79: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:06 pm
—
Great to see some more of this Phil.

#80: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:58 am
—
"Sergeant Hoczak!"

"Sir!"

"You are being assigned to United States Embassy Guard duties in Firarto, Belsornia. Attend a briefing with Major Piotrowski at 0800 hours! Dismissed!"

Simeon could not believe his ears! He was going home! He was to be stationed in his former homeland! Would this give him the opportunity to see old friends? How much of his parents' beloved Belsornia would be in ruins?

His brow darkened. What of Ternikai? He was one of the puppet Nazi government! Surely the Soviets would have shot him dead? If that was the case, he would never avenge his father's death and disgrace! But he would find any remnants of Ternikai's family and make them pay!

Within 48 hours, he was on a plane from his base in Italy to Firarto. On landing, the US Ambassador was secretly horrified to see the state of Belsornia. And the place was swarming with Soviet troops! They were welcoming and polite and the ambassador was whisked away by some seemingly charming government officials and obsequious secret police to a meeting with the new "People's Democratic Provisional Government of the Republic of Belsornia".

The American soldiers were politely but firmly requested to wait and enjoy the company of their Soviet Comrades whilst the Ambassador met the "People's" representatives. Needless to say, the American officers and soldiers accepted with a cold cordial feeling. They were meant to be guarding their ambassador!

Hours passed, then the Ambassador appeared to address his troops.

"Gentlemen, it would appear that an agreement between Premier Churchill and Mr Stalin has decreed Belsornia become a Soviet satellite."

Essentially, the Americans had to leave. Inside the ambassador was fuming! Those treacherous backstabbing Brits had gone and made a monkey out of him and carved up half of Europe, without letting the President know! If that was the way they treated Allies! Doing secret deals behind each other's backs! These were people's destinies that were being so callously drawn up, without consulting the people! Hadn't we just fought a war to liberate people so they could choose their own governments?

The Ambassador went to his hotel on return to Italy. dialled up the secretary of state, who was an old college friend and gave vent to a stream of blue language about what he thought of Churchill. Years later, he took pleasure in snubbing the great man as he made his "Iron Curtain" speech in Fulton, Missouri. The ambassador felt it was ironic Churchill was the very cause of that "iron curtain".

On the plane back to Italy, it was noticed Sgt Hoczak had apparently deserted!

#81: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:05 am
—
Interesting view of Churchill's policy Rolling Eyes

#82: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:52 am
—
Thanks, Phil.

#83: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:15 pm
—
Hoczak tailed Ternikai. Of all the most foul, evil traitors! Not only did he try to betray Belsornia, but he disgraced Major Hoczak, he plotted against the King, attempted to kidnap the Princess, worked for the Nazis and was now cosying up to the Soviets!

The rain was torrential. The wind biting and cold. It was worth it. Just this one chance.

The audience were leaving the theatre, the official car had rolled up and there was Ternikai!

Simeon levelled his gun and six shots rang out. Ternikai was caught in the arm and fell. A scream was heard and the square was swarming with police. Red Army troops cordoned off the area. Hoczak was caught like a rat in a trap and taken to Zblatsky.

A most violent and unpleasant interrogation followed. Had it not been for the US Army being informed, Hoczak would have met his fate in Zblatsky or in the gulags of Siberia. The Soviet Union was furious and made some very curt comments to the United States.

Hoczak was sent back to the States to await court martial and serve three years in a military prison. He was discharged from the US Army and lived his life as an electrician in New Hampshire. He finally achieved justice in 1989 when the Belsornian Communists fell from power.....

#84: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:53 pm
—
I can't believe it's almost 17 years since the regimes in the old Eastern Bloc started falling!

*Feels v old Rolling Eyes

! *

#85: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:38 pm
—
Me too! I was still at school!

#86: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:32 pm
—
Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that Simeon got what he wanted in the end.

#87: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:50 pm
—
Thinks Phil, enjoying this as ever!

Kathryn

#88: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:45 pm
—
HOCZAK's JUSTICE

The Supreme Court of the Belsornian People was in session. The case before them that of the Belsornian people and state versus Maurus Ternikai, formerly Captain in the King's Household Guards, Minister for Education in the National Socialist Governement of 1940-1945 and Secretary General of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Belsornia, 1945-1989.

Judge Petrova Kryllovna was presiding. To try a former leader was no easy task. The octogenerian felt Belsornia owed him a great deal and did not recognise the authority of the court.

Those giving evidence against him were the former Crown Princess, Elisaveta Marghrita Arnsonira and one Simeon Hoczak, formally a Sergeant in the United States Armed Forces, dishonourably discharged for desertion and an assassination attempt on Ternikai. Hoczak was Belsornian by birth.

There were a multitude of different counts of treason facing Ternikai.

One: that in 1928, he stole and conspired to pass state secrets regarding military intelligence to a foreign power, and allowed another officer to take the blame.

Two: that in 1933, he aided and abetted the late Prince Cosimo in an attempted kidnap on the former Princess Elisaveta of Belsornia.

Three: that in 1940, he was part of an illegal political party, which seized power, falsified election results and participated in the mass extermination and deportation of Jews, Political objectors, homosexuals, gypsies, the disabled and other groups of society. On his orders, the infamous Tisor massacre of partisans took place, where that town was razed to the ground by the Luftwaffe.

Four: that he staged a further coup d'etat bringing the communists to power. Again, elections were sabotaged, political objectors persecuted, prisoners tortured and the brutal secret police, STASPROM carried out systematic violence and murder and extortion.

Ternikai pleaded not guilty and launched into a rant about enemies of the state.

As she watched Elisaveta Arnsonira come through the public entrance with her children to watch the court proceedings, Judge Kryllovna felt a pang of sorrow. Brought up as a good little Communist girl, she had been taught to hate and despise royalty. They were blood sucking leeches. But this woman was human. In a bizarre twist of nostalgia, she wondered what Belsornia was really like under the crown. SHe remembered the two line obituary of the former King back in 1976.

"The Imperialist Karol who claimed to be King of Belsornia has died in Australia."

Such a dismissive comment. What would the late King have thought of this trial? Kryllovna's mind wondered back to court. Simeon Hoczak was due to appear.

#89: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:48 pm
—
Hopefully Hoczak will finally get his revenge now. Thanks for all the updates, Phil.

#90: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:47 pm
—
Hope Ternikai gets what's coming to him! What an awful period of history it was.

#91: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:19 pm
—
Waiting for the Phil to post more of this. Or is that too much to ask after a long, hard Saturday in the library?

#92: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 9:09 pm
—
I had posted a nice chunky extract earlier, but guess what? for some reason it failed! GRRR! GRRRR! GRRR!!!

Ternikai sweated. He disliked wearing the bullet proof vest and sitting behind a bullet proof screen. Like a true politician he had evaded answering charges relating to his time in the Nazi and Communist governments. His claim that he was "only obeying orders" did not cut the ice with the jury! Still, he would probably be acquitted on the grounds of his age and then he could live out his days like a Prince in Russia! OR South America, maybe even Africa? Would France take him at a stretch?

Furious relatives had screamed "Run the swine through! He's drunk enough of our blood!"

Another favourite was, "Throw him off the Schernov Tower!"

Only four Belsornian leaders had been thrown off the Schernov Tower. On completion of the Tower in 1467, King Casimir The Weak was assassinated by that method. That same fate befell his son Bernhard in 1500, with his lover Mykros Pastavi, Chamberlain of the Grand Council. The final leader to be punished in such a way was Professore Nicola Shdanov, Prime Minister in 1901. This was the result of an unfortunate accident when the Professore wore the wrong shoes whilst climbing the icy battlements, against his wife's advice.

Ternikai had no fear of the death penalty! If Belsornia wanted to join modern Europe, they would not get far by executing him! The European Union and United States would disapprove of executing former leaders, no matter what they had done! They liked to maintain the moral high ground! Ternikai knew if the situation were reversed, he would not be so merciful!

The next witness was Elisaveta Arnsonira on this ridiculous charge of attempted kidnap! The tide turned. Not only was the former Princess a popular witness, she had an ace up her sleeve! Lady Madge Russell from Britain came to give evidence! As did her sister, Josephine Maynard! The evidence presented was clear cut! Madge reported the day she met Ternikai in her journal! It had been passed to the Belsornian prosecution and defence.

Ternikai was on the run now! He did permit himself a smile when Elisaveta briefly called herself "Elisaveta of Belsornia" in the witness box. Judge Kryllovna gently reminded her that "You are no longer Royal, you renounced your right to the throne and agreed to accept the decision of the Belsornian people to have a Republic! Kindly address the court properly!"

Elisaveta blushed, apologised and made sure she referred to herself as Elisaveta Arnsonira. She shot a look of pure hatred at Ternikai as she relived those terrifying days of her kidnap and escape. Joey Maynard's defence came last. A look of triumphalism crossed her face that provoked an outburst from Ternikai. He pleaded in a contemptible mixture of whine and bray that it was all Cosimo's fault. He was found guilty! It was his duty to stop the traitor prince!

Justice finally came to Hoczak! Ternikai watched in horror as letters, newspaper reports and collected evidence appeared before his eyes! His real nemesis came from the KGB archives! In order to keep tabs on the Belsornian puppet, the Soviet hierarchy kept close personal details on Ternikai. Most damning of these were the remainder of the papers he stole from the King sixty one years ago! The other papers had been found on Major Hoczak's body and the rest assumed lost! There was also a journal kept by the evil Prince where he laid out his plans!

The traitor prince was ironically helping justice! Cosimo's mother had taken the papers and journal from her son's lodge before the King's men had searched it. The papers had fallen into Nazi, then Soviet hands. Ternikai collapsed as Hoczak hugged his children to whoops of joy and tears. Ternikai was pronounced guilty and sent to Zblatsky to await sentencing.

As he left court, he heard Hoczak scream, "I have my revenge now traitor! Go and join Cosimo in hell!"

Then a distraction occurred. Elisaveta left court to a swarm of journalists. An overzealous policeman pushed the crowd back. An old man (a former palace servant) wanted to see the little lady again! He was accidentally knocked over by the policeman. Elisaveta went to the crying pensioner. "Never do that to a Belsornian again!" she scolded, comforting her former servant. At this distraction, Ternikai made a break for freedom!

#93: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:57 pm
—
Oh dear - hope they catch him pronto!

Thanks Phil - this is great. I love Belsornia!

#94: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:17 am
—
Maybe Jo and Elisaveta can catch him! Thanks, Phil, this is fascinating.

#95: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:39 am
—
"The traitor is escaping!" shrieked someone in the crowd.

Ternikai did not get far. He was old. He was soon grabbed and punched by Hoczak, who hurled every Belsornian curse at him. Terror crossed Ternikai's face as the crowd swept him on a wave of fury to Kovacs Bridge. The bridge was directly over the River Firar, which had treacherous undercurrents.

Ternikai was beaten severely and thrown into the water. The last thing heard of the dictator was his dying scream of terror. His body was found by a river patrol boat a day later. The traitor's remains were cremated in the notorious Kiriv-Bantu death camp where he had sent so many innocent people to their deaths.

Elisaveta, Madge and Joey turned away from the horrific lynch mob. Madge was now eighty three and just wanted to get home. Seventy one year old Joey remarked it was horribly like the Nazi violence she witnessed in Spartz against poor Herr Goldman. Elisaveta was worried for her friends, but was astounded as to the lax security which allowed such an event to happen. She hoped Belsornia would start on a fresh road of hope now.

Geoffrey Maynard closed his latest edition of "A Concise History of Belsornia" with a smile. He had enjoyed listening to Mama's tales of Belsornia and it was so good to have a star witness to the events of Belsornian history as "Auntie Veta"! fellow historians were supremely jealous of his access to the Royal archives. Sadly none of Geoff's children wanted to be historians like him! They kept wanting to play Doctors and nurses! Even well into their teens! Still, Geoff reflected, Papa would be proud of that!

#96: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 7:44 am
—
So justice was served in the end. And I did like the idea of Geoff being another writer - there definitely should have been an historian in the family. Thanks, Phil.

#97: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:08 am
—
I suppose he got what was coming to him, even if it was pretty horrific. Thanks Phil.

Also like the idea of Geoff being a historian!

#98: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:32 pm
—
That was a fab story Phil, thank you Very Happy

The CBB -> St Mildred's House

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