Family friends for generations, Catholic Markus and Jewish Levi—young men newly home from adventures in China—find themselves and their ladies living the last wonderfully romantic days of the Belle Epoch, the Beautiful Era, before the beginning of the first World War in 1914. The two men, swept up by the Great War, find themselves far from the trenches of France, but no less safe in the wilds and wars as soldiers in Kaiser Wilhelm’s African colonies.
Meanwhile back at Kalvarianhof, the grand Levi estate deep in the forests of Bavaria, the families left behind struggle with hardships and dangers unforeseen. In Africa too, loved ones face betrayal and terror that threatens their very lives.
Family friends for generations, Catholic Markus and Jewish Levi—young men newly home from adventures in China—find themselves and their ladies living the last wonderfully romantic days of the Belle Epoch, the Beautiful Era, before the beginning of the first World War in 1914. The two men, swept up by the Great War, find themselves far from the trenches of France, but no less safe in the wilds and wars as soldiers in Kaiser Wilhelm’s African colonies.
Meanwhile back at Kalvarianhof, the grand Levi estate deep in the forests of Bavaria, the families left behind struggle with hardships and dangers unforeseen. In Africa too, loved ones face betrayal and terror that threatens their very lives.
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Overview
Family friends for generations, Catholic Markus and Jewish Levi—young men newly home from adventures in China—find themselves and their ladies living the last wonderfully romantic days of the Belle Epoch, the Beautiful Era, before the beginning of the first World War in 1914. The two men, swept up by the Great War, find themselves far from the trenches of France, but no less safe in the wilds and wars as soldiers in Kaiser Wilhelm’s African colonies.
Meanwhile back at Kalvarianhof, the grand Levi estate deep in the forests of Bavaria, the families left behind struggle with hardships and dangers unforeseen. In Africa too, loved ones face betrayal and terror that threatens their very lives.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781630478636 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Morgan James Publishing |
| Publication date: | 08/30/2016 |
| Series: | Morgan James Fiction Series |
| Pages: | 362 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d) |
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CHAPTER 1
Imperial Germany, Autumn 1909
Sailing south from the city of Bremerhaven, a major port for Imperial Germany, in a reverse route Markus had traveled seven years earlier, the young Imperial German officer leaned on the familiar railing of a naval cruiser and watched the coast of France slip by.
The SMS Konigsberg, loaded to the gunwales with supplies for Germany's four African colonies, plowed through late September swells, bringing troops, military supplies, settlers, food, and beer — lots of good German beer — to the thirsty colonials in Africa.
Markus Mathias, newly minted lieutenant of His Majesty, the German Emperor, King of Prussia, William II, was bound for the Imperial German colony of South West Africa. This was Markus's third trip to this wild and primitive land on the south west coast of the Dark Continent. He enjoyed his first trip with his friend Levi in 1898 as teenagers on an adventurous holiday. His second trip, Christmas of 1900, was the coaling stop on the return of his military unit after the Boxer Rebellion in China.
Now, in the autumn of 1909, this third journey was to be the start of a new life after the tragedy of his lost love with Levi's sister, Ilsa. Yes, they agreed, both teary-eyed, that it could never be — a Jewish girl and a Catholic man. Catholic Bavaria in general and their social and professional circles were not ready to accept a union so mixed, no matter how true the love. And, of course, the families would have had none of it — if they had known.
So Markus, now twenty-seven, found himself alone on a long and important military mission, and for the first time, without his close friend Levi.
I've always relied on Levi to give me good advice and encouragement, and he had a way of tempering my more reckless impulses. This trip is different; I'll be alone and with some serious responsibilities. He thought of these things as he jostled other soldiers crowding the railing on a sunny, blustery day off the coast of France.
"Well, young man, what do you think of our ship? It's one of your navy's finest, I imagine." The speaker was a stout man with a quick smile, speaking in heavily accented German and wearing a perfectly tailored civilian suit. Markus turned to respond to the hearty questioner.
Sailing south from the city of Bremerhaven, a major port for Imperial Germany, in a reverse route Markus had traveled seven years earlier, the young Imperial German officer leaned on the familiar railing of a naval cruiser and watched the coast of France slip by.
The SMS Konigsberg, loaded to the gunwales with supplies for Germany's four African colonies, plowed through late September swells, bringing troops, military supplies, settlers, food, and beer — lots of good German beer — to the thirsty colonials in Africa.
Markus Mathias, newly minted lieutenant of His Majesty, the German Emperor, King of Prussia, William II, was bound for the Imperial German colony of South West Africa. This was Markus's third trip to this wild and primitive land on the south west coast of the Dark Continent. He enjoyed his first trip with his friend Levi in 1898 as teenagers on an adventurous holiday. His second trip, Christmas of 1900, was the coaling stop on the return of his military unit after the Boxer Rebellion in China.
Now, in the autumn of 1909, this third journey was to be the start of a new life after the tragedy of his lost love with Levi's sister, Ilsa. Yes, they agreed, both teary-eyed, that it could never be — a Jewish girl and a Catholic man. Catholic Bavaria in general and their social and professional circles were not ready to accept a union so mixed, no matter how true the love. And, of course, the families would have had none of it — if they had known.
So Markus, now twenty-seven, found himself alone on a long and important military mission, and for the first time, without his close friend Levi.
I've always relied on Levi to give me good advice and encouragement, and he had a way of tempering my more reckless impulses. This trip is different; I'll be alone and with some serious responsibilities. He thought of these things as he jostled other soldiers crowding the railing on a sunny, blustery day off the coast of France.
"Well, young man, what do you think of our ship? It's one of your navy's finest, I imagine." The speaker was a stout man with a quick smile, speaking in heavily accented German and wearing a perfectly tailored civilian suit. Markus turned to respond to the hearty questioner.
"Ja, it is a fine ship, and fast, but these cruisers are being superseded by a new class of heavier more advanced design and with better armor." Markus hesitated. "And who, sir, do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
"Warner Lange, Professor Warner Lange" — he cleared his throat — "from California."
They both blinked in the gusty wind. "And I see you are a lieutenant — and with lightning bolts on your epaulets. You must be in some kind of communications outfit?" He looked expectantly at Markus, waiting for an answer.
"Yes, sir, that's correct." Markus stood erect, clicked his heels, and said, "Lieutenant Markus Mathias, electrical unit officer of the First Bavarian Army Corps for Lower Bavaria, with headquarters in Munich, currently assigned special duty to the Kaiser's colony in South West Africa." They nodded to each other in mutual recognition.
"So, Professor Lange, what brings a professor from far-off America — California, you say — aboard a German cruiser heading for Africa?" It was an intriguing question, and Markus focused intently on the American.
"I have been invited by your government to assist in the upgrade and testing of the long-range wireless telegraph installation in your South West Africa colony. So we are headed to the same destination. How interesting."
They both eyed each other with growing professional interest. "And you, Lieutenant, what is your purpose in this long sea voyage to the southern hemisphere?"
"It appears we are both going to the same facility. I am bringing our latest wireless equipment for installation."
There was a long pause as the two men, pressed momentarily against the railing, let other passengers through the crowded deck.
Markus continued, "You say you are from California? I just read about Marconi's radio broadcast from some little town over there. Very impressive!" He grinned and shook his head slightly before adding, "And exciting for the future of direct-spoken wireless communication."
They both smiled broadly, with the knowledge that it was, indeed, the future direction in their field.
"Well — Markus, is it? Markus, I've just come from that little town; it's San José ... San José, California, and I was with my friend and colleague Gugliermo Marconi when he made that transmission. A wonderful scientific event! We were both teaching at the college there until he left to develop his business interests."
Lange stared out to sea. Markus, so impressed with the stranger he had just met, thought, He's a friend and colleague of Marconi, and apparently, he participated in the first voice radio broadcast ever! Markus didn't know quite what to say.
Warner Lange solved that by offering, "Lieutenant, would you join me and my family for dinner at our table this evening? Say, seven o'clock? We're in the first class dinning salon. We can continue our conversation over a nice meal."
"It would be my honor and pleasure, Professor Lange."
With that, Warner Lange took his leave with a tip of his hat and disappeared into the crowd on deck.
Dinner was served separately in a dining salon reserved for civilian passengers and high-ranking officers. It was a plush, ornate room, with deep carpet, curtains on the windows and the dinnerware had the ship's own motif, with SMS Konigsberg prominent on each plate and bowl. Markus felt a bit on display as he walked upright through the tables of military and civilians.
Most officers who looked up immediately fixed their eyes on the two Iron Crosses on his uniform, earned by his daring actions in China.
He spotted Lange across the room at a round table for six. Two naval officers were already seated with the Langes. As he approached, Warner's eyes lit up, and he rose slightly as he greeted his new acquaintance.
"Lieutenant Mathias, glad you could join us. Dear, this is Markus Mathias, Bavarian lieutenant assigned to the same project I will be working on." All eyes were on Mrs. Dorothy Lange, a strikingly beautiful, willowy woman of about forty.
Next, Lange introduced his daughter, who was sitting with her back to Markus. He stepped to her side as she offered her hand as her mother had done. Diana Lange smiled but said nothing as the two naval officers rose from the table.
Lieutenant, this is Captain Spencer, the chief medical officer on board and Captain Becker, the purser. Markus saluted and received salutes and greetings in return.
Dinner was served and pleasant conversation was had around the table. Professor Lange inquired, "What can we expect when we get to port in Africa?" The two naval officers each commented that he had been to other German colonies, but not to German South West Africa.
"And you, Lieutenant, have any ideas?" "Ja, well, this will be my third visit to this colony."
Thus began a series of lively questions from all around the table; most were taken aback that such a young officer could have visited this far-distant and impoverished corner of the world twice all ready.
Questions about South West Africa led to the whys and wherefores, which led to Markus's experiences in China and finally to how he managed to receive two Iron Crosses, one of the most prestigious honors in the German military.
The conversation was brisk and entertaining and progressed long after most guests had left the dining lounge.
Finally, Mrs. Lange suggested it was time to retire. Everyone agreed, with chairs pushed away and cloth napkins dropped onto the table. Parting words were exchanged and everyone headed toward their rooms. Warner caught the cuff of Markus's uniform. "Shall we retire to the bar for a final toast to our joint venture?"
CHAPTER 2Swakopmund and Windhoek, German South West Africa
Markus was surprised to see how much progress had been made in developing the port and town as the SMS Konigsberg eased into a berth at Swakopmund. The railroad to the capital, Windhoek, had been completed and expanded to other parts of the colony.
Over twelve thousand German missionaries and immigrant farmers flowed into the back country fifty miles beyond the desert terrain of the coast for free land, and in the process, transplanted German culture to the wilds of Africa.
There was the usual excitement and confusion of disembarkation, with piles of civilian luggage next to tons of government equipment. Warner Lange, followed by his family, managed to spot Markus and exchange lodging addresses.
"We are staying here in Swakopmund for a few days to see the sights and get our land legs before moving on to the capitol next week. And you?" Lange was practically shouting because of the stiff wind howling around the superstructure of the ship.
Markus replied in kind, "I'm off by rail to the military base at Windhoek tomorrow morning. I'll be bunking here on the ship this evening, although I thought I would walk the town to see what's new. Can I help you with the luggage?"
"No, no, Lieutenant, but we are staying at that new hotel over there, the Bismarck. It's the building with the ladders leaning against it. Join us for dinner if you like, about seven."
"That would be delightful, Professor. I'll see you then." He did a half-salute, with a smile to the two ladies, and said, "Ladies," and left. Dorothy Lange, in her gracious and subtle way, said to her husband, after Markus left, ""You seem especially taken by that young officer, dear. Could our daughter have anything to do with your interest in him?" Fortunately, Diana was peering over the side of the ship, watching all the activities.
"Now, Dorothy, the man's in my same field of work and very bright — and you saw his two Iron Crosses. They don't give out those honors except for exceptional reasons. He wouldn't be a bad match for Diana." He hesitated and took his wife's arm, turning her slightly. "Look at her, so lovely and smart. She's got a head on her shoulders, that girl, but she's already twenty-two!"
"Twenty-one, dear, twenty-one."
"Yes, for another eight weeks!"
"But a foreigner? You can't be serious. And we know nothing of his family."
"He's German. You can't beat that for a foreigner. They're some of the smartest people on the planet. Look how many successful Germans there are back home."
"That's my point, dear. They're back home." She finally added, "And there's that Andrew Hopkins. I'm told he's going into his father's business in San Francisco."
"Really?"
"Railroads and banking."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes, dear."
Markus arrived at the Bismarck and found his way to the dining room while sniffing the fresh paint in the lobby. Black servers, obviously well trained by the hotel staff and impeccably attired with white gloves, were busy serving guests. He came up behind the professor and faced the two women across the table. "Greetings again, Mrs. Lange and Diana. I hope you are well settled here in this lovely hotel." He did a quick sweep of his arm around the dining room.
"Professor." Markus nodded his head to him.
"Yes, Lieutenant, welcome to our little home away from home — very nice quarters." Lange picked up the menus. "Now, let's see what they serve in one of the Kaiser's colonies, shall we?"
As everyone studied the menus, Markus related, "The last time I was here in Swakopmund was Christmas 1900 on the way home from China. Governor Theodor Leutwein gave us a wonderful New Year's Eve party just down the street at Government House. The food and music and dancing were excellent. Everyone had a grand time!"
"You mean there were ladies to dance with here in 1900?" Diana asked.
Markus delighted in answering the Lange's lovely young daughter. "Why, yes, there were, but not enough of them." The Langes burst out laughing in unison. Flustered, Markus quickly added, "What I meant to say was that I was on a troop ship, so there were a lot of men and they all wanted to dance, so the ladies were really put upon to dance most every dance."
He regained his composure and smiled broadly before adding, "My good friend Levi, whom I served with in China, was also with me. Our ship stopped in Uruguay, and we met a very nice family whose daughter, Katherina, was on her way to Berlin with her aunt for her studies. She danced and danced, and it was all great fun. Levi actually married her several years later. They recently had a pretty little girl." Warner Lange looked across to his wife who exchanged the look.
Markus was staring at the center of the table in a fixed way, lingering in his private thoughts. Diana looked at her mother. Finally, Dorothy looked intently at Warner. He caught the unspoken signal.
"Yes, well, an interesting story and nice to hear everyone had such a splendid time. And your friend, Levi, is it? You must be very happy for him and his family."
Markus snapped back to the here and now. "Yes, it's a wonderful family. They deserve all the happiness in the world."
"So, let's order!" Lange said with a flourish. "I could eat a longhorn!" The two women laughed while Markus looked puzzled.
Diana spoke up, "A longhorn is a cow, well, actually a steer, and most of them are wild! You will find them in the West ... of America. They have big, long horns, each one this long!" She stretched out her arms full length, almost reaching from her mother's shoulder to Markus.
"That must be some animal. I'll have to come to California and see one someday."
Mrs. Lange said, "Diana, put down your arms!" "I was only showing Herr Lieutenant, I mean, Lieutenant Mathias, how big they were." Diana blushed in embarrassment.
"Frau Lange, your daughter has really quite a wide reach. Those cattle must truly have big horns." Everyone chuckled as dinner arrived.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The Storm that Shook the World"
by .
Copyright © 2016 Walter Soellner.
Excerpted by permission of Morgan James Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments,
Chapter 1 Imperial Germany, Autumn 1909,
Chapter 2 Swakopmund and Windhoek, German South West Africa,
Chapter 3 The Ranch, the Hunter, and the Huntress,
Chapter 4 A Note Not of Caution,
Chapter 5 Thoughts,
Chapter 6 Advice from Home,
Chapter 7 Storm Warnings,
Chapter 8 Passion and Regret,
Chapter 9 Conflicted,
Chapter 10 Two Notes, Two Women,
Chapter 11 Best-Laid Plans,
Chapter 12 A Need in the Night, Tragedy, and Passion,
Chapter 13 Happy Days,
Chapter 14 Eiffel's Tower and Baghdad,
Chapter 15 Bliss and a Warning,
Chapter 16 September 1, 1913, a Son,
Chapter 17 Spring 1914,
Chapter 18 Summer 1914,
Chapter 19 News from Home,
Chapter 20 If Only a Third Crown,
Chapter 21 Meanwhile at Kalvarianhof,
Chapter 22 Dashed Hope and Life in the Undercroft,
Chapter 23 Meanwhile in German South West Africa: September, 1914,
Chapter 24 Meanwhile in German East Africa: July 7, 1914,
Chapter 25 Close to Heaven,
Chapter 26 A Matter of Unique Skills,
Chapter 27 Death at Dawn,
Chapter 28 Friendly Encounter, Holes in the Sky,
Chapter 29 Darkness Descends,
Chapter 30 January 1915, Nyaminyami,
Chapter 31 From Terror Above,
Chapter 32 General Albuquerque,
Chapter 33 The SMS Konigsberg,
Chapter 34 A Jungle Sanctuary,
Chapter 35 Distant Thunder,
Chapter 36 Dar es Salaam: German East Africa,
Chapter 37 A Tear in the Eye and the Massacre at Tanga,
Chapter 38 Kalvarianhof, August 1915,
Chapter 39 1916: The Greater Peril,
Chapter 40 Portuguese East Africa: General Albuquerque,
Chapter 41 The Great Escape,
Chapter 42 Iron Wheels of Pain and Sorrow,
Chapter 43 A Trail of Falling Wild Flowers,
Chapter 44 Kalvarianhof, Bavaria, 1916,
Chapter 45 Summer 1916: Riding with the Enemy,
Chapter 46 Corporal Carlos Verdi,
Chapter 47 Smoke in the Sky,
Chapter 48 Sunken Treasure,
Chapter 49 Shakespeare,
Chapter 50 Tragedy,
Chapter 51 Honor, Loss, and the Zimmermann Telegram,
Chapter 52 East To The End, Northern Rhodesia: November 11, 1918,
List of Historic and Fictional Characters,
Bibliography,