1633:The Danish Scheme by Eric Flint

Author:Eric Flint [Flint, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Alternate History, Germany, Canada, 1632, Grantville, Eric Flint, alt history, 30 years war, Ring of Fire
Publisher: Ring of Fire Press
Published: 2013-06-17T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

February 1634,Frederiksborg Castle, Copenhagen

Prince Ulrik had never seen his father this angry, and sober to boot! The subjects of the royal rage stood mute before the King.

Word had reached the King that Dagmar Bundgaard had tried to use his family relationship with the Minister of War to feather his pockets at the expense of Sir Thomas’ expedition. In addition, certain irregularities in the sales of supplies to the army for the dike repairs on Nordstrand Island had also been uncovered. All leading back to Bundgaard.

The War Minister, Asmund Poulsen remained mute as the King turned on him. “Asmund, if I had any hint that you were guilty of anything other than misplaced familial loyalty you would be standing in chains with your cousin! I can’t afford to lose your knowledge of how the Ministry runs in the middle of this war and trying to stave off the disaster that will hit the coast in the fall. Neither can I risk any more supply fiascos. You will turn over your supply duties with the army to Prince Frederik, the new research facility to Prince Ulrik, and the fleet to Captain Admiral Overgaard’s adjutant. If I ever find that you are guilty of any other disloyal act, you will join your cousin in prison.”

Ulrik’s jaw dropped with the pronouncement. What research facility was his father talking about? Before he could ask, the King resumed his tirade.

“As to you, Fister Bundgaard, I don’t know how someone as wealthy as you are could be so stupid. Scamming foreign sailors with shoddy goods is one thing, but trying to scam an expedition sponsored by me defies comprehension. Even a bear knows well enough not to crap in his own cave. Selling damaged goods for the dike repairs puts the entire western coast of the country at risk. That could be construed as treason.” Bundgaard blanched and sagged down further under the weight of his chains. The King motioned for the guards, who had tried to blend into the woodwork during the tirade, to remove Bundgaard. “Take this villain away to the dungeon. Hold him there until we can learn the true extent of his treachery. As for you Asmund, don’t give me a reason to send you there too. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind.”

The Minister bowed and almost scampered after the departing guards. Prince Ulrik decided to wait until his father was in a better mood to find out just what he had been handed so unexpectedly.

Early the next morning the answer came to him in the form of a knock on his door. Standing there when he opened it was a bear masquerading as a man. “Good morning your Highness. Your father asked me to visit you this morning and introduce you to your new job. My name is Baldur Nordgaard and I have been working for the King on his new research facility.” His visitor noticed the nightgown he was wearing. “I see I wasn’t expected. Shall I come back later for your tour?”

Ulrik paused before answering.

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