Vikings battle Zeppelins while forbidden desires spark! (Swords Versus Tanks Book 2) by M Harold Page

Author:M Harold Page
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Warrior Metal Tales
Published: 2015-10-08T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

God alone knew how the savages came by it — thought Lowenstein as he deflected Prince Hjalti’s questions — but they really did have a proper council chamber. With its panelled walls decked out with sombre oil paintings, and its long polished table carved with mythical beasts, it was a place for statesmen to hammer out treaties, and for kings to plot their metamorphosis into emperors. Neither the knight nor the barbarian monarch belonged here. But Prince Hjalti – as the other timeline proved – was as at home in this room as was Jasmine Klimt in her tanks.

After half an hour, Lowenstein finally managed to broach the subject of his mission. "The Egality…" He suppressed a frown. He had not expected to ever act as spokesman for the mediocratic scum. "We have no interest in these islands. Westerland and the Empire, however, are ours. You would be wise to cooperate."

The Earl of Dacre glared at him. "You shall have just enough of my homeland for a decent grave, no more."

Lowenstein met the oaf's gaze and smiled. Legendary hero, perhaps. But still just an ignorant primitive from history's dung heap. "I state facts," he said. "And-" he glanced meaningfully at the King "-an ambassador enjoys a safe conduct, yes?"

King Ragnar nodded. "What you want?" He held up a meaty hand. "Wait, Ranulph. Let him speak."

"Deactivate the runes," said Lowenstein. "Stop them, that is."

"Stop them?" Prince Hjalti set down his drinking horn. His eyes glinted. "How? Erase each and every inscription? Ha!"

Lowenstein considered his reply. King Hjalti would always be remembered as a moderniser – best to treat him that way. "Superstitious nonsense," he said. "The runes work because men of power will them to. We ask only that King Ragnar order his people to desist."

Prince Hjalti furrowed his brow. The chamber fell silent except for the hiss of peat in the hearth. At last, he said, "Lord Lowenstein, I think you understand the runes not at all."

Lowenstein rose. "And I don’t think you understand the destruction we can wreak on your little island."

#

The door slammed behind Lowenstein and Ranulph realised this was his moment to ask about the Greater Runes. The snag was, he had no idea where to begin.

Prince Hjalti pushed back his chair. Without thinking, Ranulph followed suit.

"Where are you going?" asked Ragnar, now speaking in his native Northern.

"To escort the ambassador, of course," said Hjalti.

"Pah! He insulted us. Let him slope off like an absconding slave." Ragnar reached for the jug, "More mead?"

Ranulph sank back into his chair and held out the fine Dussianware goblet for a refill. If only Albrecht were here to help him find the right words.

Hjalti sighed. "Not very statesmanlike-" He used the Western word, since Northern had no equivalent, "- brother."

Ragnar curled a giant hand around his delicate glass and slowly raised it to his lips. "I was aiming for regal."

Ranulph glanced around the Council Chamber. The panelling must have come from Kinghaven, as had the ‘portraits’ of Ragnar’s ancestors. Another generation, and the Rune Isles would be just another kingdom, albeit one with a colourful past.

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