The Danish Revival
Part Four: Paradise Misplaced
52. Homecoming
53. Alpha and Omega
54. Alpha and Omega (cont.)
55. Bad Language
56. Pressing Matters
57. The State of the Nation
58. Redeeming the Irredeemible
59. Paper Tiger
60. Nature Takes Its Course
61. Love's Labours...
53. Alpha and Omega
54. Alpha and Omega (cont.)
55. Bad Language
56. Pressing Matters
57. The State of the Nation
58. Redeeming the Irredeemible
59. Paper Tiger
60. Nature Takes Its Course
61. Love's Labours...
52. Homecoming
“Here may we reign secure, and in my choice,
To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell,
Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.”
John Milton, Paradise Lost
Extract form the journal of Helena Stemme
17th January 1843
It has been but two days since we parted from Britain, yet our stay there seems like a distant memory. I talked with Jens about what to do when we get to Denmark, and he said that it would make sense to keep a low profile and head for the house of the late Father Ipsen, which apparently belongs to him! I wish he would tell me these things! My father always told me to beware of Catholics as they are peddlers of black magic, and I just dismissed this as nonsense, but it seems that Father Ipsen at least had an interest in this area, as does Jens. He doesn’t talk about it much, and he thinks I haven’t seen that artefact, that black mirror thing, given to him by dear Harold. I gather that Chancellor Jonsson is also in contact with the world beyond (as they like to call it), and is using it for the sole purpose of increasing his own power somehow. I don’t think Jens quite knows how.
Maybe it would be wise for me to inquire into the occult, at least the bits concerned with uncanny good fortune. I feel as though something is watching over me, and my strange repeating dream of a bright entity confirm my mind of this. I mentioned it to Jens but he seemed eager to change the subject, so I left it. That only fuelled my suspicions of course, but I saw it would be better to leave it a question unanswered.
Ah! As I write, up here on deck, I see the looming of land in the distance, surely it is Denmark! The ship will dock at Altona, in the Duchy of Holstein. I assume from there we will get a coach across the peninsula to Lubeck, from where we will get the ferry to Sjaelland. I’m so excited to see Denmark again, I only wish we could go to Copenhagen. Jens says that it wouldn’t be safe, however. I do hope that Søren will make the trip out of his beloved Copenhagen to see us, although last we heard he was terribly busy with some philosophy thing he is writing, called…something. I’m sure Jens would remember.
Later
Well, here we are in Altona! I can tell Jens is nervous, and I am not surprised. I did tell him that Holstein was not part of Denmark proper and that the LOK did not operate here, but he seemed little comforted by this. Altona is a bustling, busy port town, and a major shipping route for North Sea trade. We are currently in a tavern, and Jens is enjoying his first proper, Danish (well, German) beer in quite a few years! It is fairly quiet in here at the moment as it is the middle of the day, but I can imagine that this place could get quite rowdy in the evenings. It is wonderfully quaint, with a very naval feel. Most of the current drinkers are sailors, as is to be expected with a riverside tavern. We probably look rather out of place. Jens noticed that this place provides rooms, but says that it would be better to find a hotel or inn, as it will be less noisy. I agree.
18th January 1843
So much for that! We could not find a room anywhere else so we had to take a room in the Brass Eagle (as the place was called), ad it was horribly noisome. There are no trains like in Britain so we have got a coach to Lubeck. I’m tired, so will stop writing.
19th January 1843
We have finally arrived at what I shall now have to call home! Everything in the house is covered with dust, and the place smells awful! Jens said it brought back memories of those last few months he spent with the priest, and he seemed quite emotional. I didn’t know the man, being Lutheran, but I was aware of him and his small congregation during my childhood here in Roskilde. This is the first time I have been back to the city since I was twelve, and it all seems very different. When I go out tomorrow it will be like an entire new town. I shall look forward to seeing how much I remember and recognise.
Jens, on the other hand, has talked of meeting with some people Haughton mentioned, an underground occult society that has a temple here in Roskilde. I forget what they are called. Harold said they are very clever but slightly mad, so I’m sure Jens will have lots of fun when he seeks them out. From what I gather Chancellor Jonsson has banned all occult societies (except the freemasons), and so various groups of such a nature have sprung up with the sole intent of doing psychic damage to him. I do hope these people will be able to help Jens!
Somewhere in Copenhagen
21st January 1843
The Copenhagen Stock building had risen to prominence over the last few years as the place where the wealthy venture capitalists of Copenhagen came to trade and to gossip. Often seen around was Lars Sandlund, who would make a special effort to dress smarter than anyone else there, and with his top hat and his cane he looked every inch the capitalist. Every so often a passing gent would stop and make pleasantries, most being shareholders in the Copenhagen Shipyard Company. They, of course, had a special interest in finding out all the information they could about their investment, whether to buy extra shares or to sell. Lars, however, never gave away anything other than that which he wanted to. Most of the other acquaintances were those thanking him for throwing yet another exceptional party.
It was midday, and the Stock Exchange was at it’s busiest. There was a cold chill in the air, a sharp wind blowing in from the east. Lars shivered. He heard a throat being cleared, and he noticed that a large shadow had been cast over him.
“Lars.”
He turned his head and looked into the face of a man he knew well, that of the chairman of the Royal Bank of Denmark, Claus Lindgaard, fellow member of the ruling cabal. He nodded in acknowledgement, and spoke quietly.
“Ah, Claus, I didn’t know you were back in Copenhagen.” The face of the obese man wobbled with laughter, his jowls seemingly having a life of their own.
“Well I am.” They began walking towards the city centre. “I have some news that may interest you.” Lars raised an eyebrow.
“Oh yes, and what may that be?” Claus leaned over and whispered into his ear. Lars’ eyes widened.
“Really?” he said, his expression neutral. Claus nodded.
“So I heard. Anyway, I have business to do. It was good to see you.” The fat man hurried off, and Lars stood, oblivious to the world. Very quietly, he said,
“Yes, you too.” he slowly made his way back to the palace, which was pretty much Mathias and Maria’s second home these days, at least while Mathias‘ mansion was being redecorated to suit Maria’s taste. Mathias greeted him at the door of the main entrance with a grin.
They made their way into the main conference room, near which Mathias’ office was situated.
“Any news?” the Chancellor asked, casually. Lars smiled genially.
“No, nothing to report.” He thought back to what Claus had told him and smiled. “Nothing at all.”
“Here may we reign secure, and in my choice,
To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell,
Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.”
John Milton, Paradise Lost
Extract form the journal of Helena Stemme
17th January 1843
It has been but two days since we parted from Britain, yet our stay there seems like a distant memory. I talked with Jens about what to do when we get to Denmark, and he said that it would make sense to keep a low profile and head for the house of the late Father Ipsen, which apparently belongs to him! I wish he would tell me these things! My father always told me to beware of Catholics as they are peddlers of black magic, and I just dismissed this as nonsense, but it seems that Father Ipsen at least had an interest in this area, as does Jens. He doesn’t talk about it much, and he thinks I haven’t seen that artefact, that black mirror thing, given to him by dear Harold. I gather that Chancellor Jonsson is also in contact with the world beyond (as they like to call it), and is using it for the sole purpose of increasing his own power somehow. I don’t think Jens quite knows how.
Maybe it would be wise for me to inquire into the occult, at least the bits concerned with uncanny good fortune. I feel as though something is watching over me, and my strange repeating dream of a bright entity confirm my mind of this. I mentioned it to Jens but he seemed eager to change the subject, so I left it. That only fuelled my suspicions of course, but I saw it would be better to leave it a question unanswered.
Ah! As I write, up here on deck, I see the looming of land in the distance, surely it is Denmark! The ship will dock at Altona, in the Duchy of Holstein. I assume from there we will get a coach across the peninsula to Lubeck, from where we will get the ferry to Sjaelland. I’m so excited to see Denmark again, I only wish we could go to Copenhagen. Jens says that it wouldn’t be safe, however. I do hope that Søren will make the trip out of his beloved Copenhagen to see us, although last we heard he was terribly busy with some philosophy thing he is writing, called…something. I’m sure Jens would remember.
Later
Well, here we are in Altona! I can tell Jens is nervous, and I am not surprised. I did tell him that Holstein was not part of Denmark proper and that the LOK did not operate here, but he seemed little comforted by this. Altona is a bustling, busy port town, and a major shipping route for North Sea trade. We are currently in a tavern, and Jens is enjoying his first proper, Danish (well, German) beer in quite a few years! It is fairly quiet in here at the moment as it is the middle of the day, but I can imagine that this place could get quite rowdy in the evenings. It is wonderfully quaint, with a very naval feel. Most of the current drinkers are sailors, as is to be expected with a riverside tavern. We probably look rather out of place. Jens noticed that this place provides rooms, but says that it would be better to find a hotel or inn, as it will be less noisy. I agree.
18th January 1843
So much for that! We could not find a room anywhere else so we had to take a room in the Brass Eagle (as the place was called), ad it was horribly noisome. There are no trains like in Britain so we have got a coach to Lubeck. I’m tired, so will stop writing.
19th January 1843
We have finally arrived at what I shall now have to call home! Everything in the house is covered with dust, and the place smells awful! Jens said it brought back memories of those last few months he spent with the priest, and he seemed quite emotional. I didn’t know the man, being Lutheran, but I was aware of him and his small congregation during my childhood here in Roskilde. This is the first time I have been back to the city since I was twelve, and it all seems very different. When I go out tomorrow it will be like an entire new town. I shall look forward to seeing how much I remember and recognise.
Jens, on the other hand, has talked of meeting with some people Haughton mentioned, an underground occult society that has a temple here in Roskilde. I forget what they are called. Harold said they are very clever but slightly mad, so I’m sure Jens will have lots of fun when he seeks them out. From what I gather Chancellor Jonsson has banned all occult societies (except the freemasons), and so various groups of such a nature have sprung up with the sole intent of doing psychic damage to him. I do hope these people will be able to help Jens!
Somewhere in Copenhagen
21st January 1843
The Copenhagen Stock building had risen to prominence over the last few years as the place where the wealthy venture capitalists of Copenhagen came to trade and to gossip. Often seen around was Lars Sandlund, who would make a special effort to dress smarter than anyone else there, and with his top hat and his cane he looked every inch the capitalist. Every so often a passing gent would stop and make pleasantries, most being shareholders in the Copenhagen Shipyard Company. They, of course, had a special interest in finding out all the information they could about their investment, whether to buy extra shares or to sell. Lars, however, never gave away anything other than that which he wanted to. Most of the other acquaintances were those thanking him for throwing yet another exceptional party.
It was midday, and the Stock Exchange was at it’s busiest. There was a cold chill in the air, a sharp wind blowing in from the east. Lars shivered. He heard a throat being cleared, and he noticed that a large shadow had been cast over him.
“Lars.”
He turned his head and looked into the face of a man he knew well, that of the chairman of the Royal Bank of Denmark, Claus Lindgaard, fellow member of the ruling cabal. He nodded in acknowledgement, and spoke quietly.
“Ah, Claus, I didn’t know you were back in Copenhagen.” The face of the obese man wobbled with laughter, his jowls seemingly having a life of their own.
“Well I am.” They began walking towards the city centre. “I have some news that may interest you.” Lars raised an eyebrow.
“Oh yes, and what may that be?” Claus leaned over and whispered into his ear. Lars’ eyes widened.
“Really?” he said, his expression neutral. Claus nodded.
“So I heard. Anyway, I have business to do. It was good to see you.” The fat man hurried off, and Lars stood, oblivious to the world. Very quietly, he said,
“Yes, you too.” he slowly made his way back to the palace, which was pretty much Mathias and Maria’s second home these days, at least while Mathias‘ mansion was being redecorated to suit Maria’s taste. Mathias greeted him at the door of the main entrance with a grin.
They made their way into the main conference room, near which Mathias’ office was situated.
“Any news?” the Chancellor asked, casually. Lars smiled genially.
“No, nothing to report.” He thought back to what Claus had told him and smiled. “Nothing at all.”
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