Eric Flint's Grantville Gazette, Volume 60 by Paula Goodlett

Author:Paula Goodlett [Goodlett, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Periodicals:Science Fiction
Publisher: 1632, Inc.
Published: 2015-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

Magdeburg, September 30, Outside the Opera House

The plaza in front of the opera house was nearly full when Daniel and his apprentices arrived, and the tension was plain on almost every face. He recognized many of the more than thirty artists present—identifiable because each was at the center of a small group of supporters, just as he was. But there were a half dozen he'd never set eyes on. Many, he imagined, had traveled from a significant distance. Winning this competition would confer highly lucrative fame—though being one of the five finalists would by itself be enough to build a reputation and a career on.

There were also several journalists present, as well as assorted government employees, some guards, and assorted other people at the edges of the crowd. There was a festive air amid the tension. A project such as this would help establish Magdeburg as a cultural center, as well as the seat of the USE government. These are good times, Daniel thought, smiling. Far better times than they would have been if this Ring of Fire had never burned.

Daniel's thoughts shifted abruptly as the door to the opera house opened and several people walked out. He recognized Frau Mary Simpson, her assistant Lady Beth Haygood, and his friend the clerk, but not the two other men who joined them.

Sophia took his arm gently and squeezed it, and only then did he realize how anxious he'd been, and how much he'd missed her touch. He stroked her hand, leaned toward her, and whispered, "My angel. Every moment is more precious with you by my side."

As Sophia blushed and beamed at him, Daniel could see Johann rolling his eyes. In his younger years, Daniel would have cuffed him for his insolence, but Sophia didn't approve of such "abuse," as she called it. She was too gentle, too forgiving. But it was part of why he loved her—and after all, he needed her forgiveness himself.

Frau Simpson began to speak, giving Daniel an excuse to simply ignore Johann for now.

"Welcome! Welcome to this most delightful occasion!" After enthusiastic applause, Frau Simpson proceeded to recount the history of the project, in brief, followed by expressions of gratitude to a long list of people who were in some way involved in the project. From there, she moved on to thanking the artists who'd submitted proposals and exclaiming over the "extraordinary diversity and quality" of the work. Frau Simpson spoke about the enormous difficulty the Magdeburg Arts League faced in narrowing down their choices to just five, but that it was their difficult duty and they had prevailed. She then spoke of the opera house and of the Ring of Fire itself.

"Why did we pick the opera house as the location for the mural? We have two reasons. First, the Ring of Fire was, I believe you will agree, a tremendously important event. And second, we believe it is vital that we display the mural in a location where the public will be allowed to enjoy it for generations to come.

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