She was staring out over Anversia the wind swirling around her. To think that maybe soon she could be walking around in that marvellous city. If only she finished the Academy entrance test with honours. Failing meant becoming a farmers' wife like her mother. Nobody from her family had yet managed to become a citizen, unless she counted her mothers' brother Erik. He went through and never was heard of again. She knew that one of the conditions of becoming a full citizen was to make a complete break with your family, but she would do her utmost best to circumvent that rule. But first she had to get the apprenticeship title. "Dreaming again, Ellie?" "Don't tell me you are not thinking about tomorrow as well", she retorted. "Why are you always following me around? You know we should not be meeting until the exams are over!" She turned around to face Will, one of the other students and son of the mayor of Lakeshore. All her life he had been following her around like a lost puppy. When they were young they played together all the time, but as they got older she lost interest in him and only wanted one thing: Become a citizen and enjoy all the privileges that brought Chapter 1 More falling than running, two small figures came tumbling down the high dunes racing each other for the wide expanse of the deserted beach. “Wait for me Astrid!”, one of them yelled, her short legs not being able to keep up with the long strides of her friend. Impatiently undoing her head-dress and shaking out a mass of tangled auburn hair Astrid started to strip her gown off with quick determined movements. “You are not going in, are you?”, Marion asked incredulously. ”You’ll freeze to death. Bbesides you will never hear the end of it when your mother finds out”. “They are all far too busy getting everything ready for the wedding tomorrow to miss us. We were just lucky to escape Morning meeting, as they have to decorate the chapel. I feel as if I have been locked up forever this winter in that smoky house. Especially now they won’t let me hunt with the men any more since I have become fifteen and a woman”. She practically spat out the last word. ”If I see another piece of embroidery or have to listen to one more speech by father Sirio I will jump from the highest tower of the castle! You are lucky, you actually like sitting around the fire place gossiping with the other women. I hate it!” With these words she gave her friend a playful push and crashed into the inviting sea. At first the cold made it nearly impossible to breathe, though as she started to swim with long strong strokes towards the tower of the submerged church, it got a bit better. A wonderful feeling of washing away all the smoke, grime, and boredom of winter made her spirit soar. It had been so good of John, her brother, to secretly teach her how to swim all those years ago. Life would have been far more unbearable if it had not been possible now and then to escape the restrictions of being a young woman by immersing herself in this wonderful feeling of being totally free, of being able to swim away from it all. Alas she always had to go back. She had reached the steeple of the tower and had a rest at the railing floating on her back feeling the warm rays of the sun on her face. Strange to imagine that once there had been a whole community of people living right below. Before the Exodus, so brother Ronald, Marion s’ youngest brother, had told them, the earth had suffered many big storms and the climate change made all the seas rise to cover large proportions of the known world. He was strictly forbidden to talk about these mysteries, but the attention and admiration of his friends was too much for him not to show off a bit with his knowledge. He was born without the powerful build of his brothers and had always felt the lesser person for it until he was taken into the Church of the Second Coming by father Sirio. Whenever he could, he escaped the watchful eye of the father and joined his friends. What would it be like to be driven in one of those ‘automobiles’ or even better drive one yourself? , she pondered. Why was it so bad to know about them? Every Sunday father Sirio preached passionately about the dangers of Technology and how it once had ruined life on earth and caused the Exodus. “Only when we turn away from the dangers of Technology, we will rebuild the earth as it was planned to be by the Creator”, he had taught them. Looking at the shore she saw that her friend Marion had given up worrying about her and was lying halfway up the sandy dunes enjoying the warmth of the sun. Marion seemed more like a sister than a friend. She had come to live with them when her mother died in childbirth when she was only eight years old. Master Selby, her father, had thought it better for her to be brought up under the strict but kind rule of Lady Ingrid, Astrid’s mother, who had two daughters of her own, than in his own household with only five brothers and her father for company. At first Astrid had felt great pity for the shy little girl and was very protective of her, even though she was two years younger than Marion. Every time anyone spoke to the girl she seemed to want to burst into tears. Soon, however she turned out to be a sunny and mischievous girl, ready to join Astrid in all her adventures, they became inseparable. They were the complete opposites of each other. Astrid tall, auburn haired, and always looking for trouble and finding it, Marion very fragile and with hair that looked more silver than gold, always trying to keep Astrid out of danger. Now they could not imagine being apart or not being able to share each other’s secrets and plans. Thinking about Marion, now her brothers' fiancé, suddenly made her want to go back. John had promised her that today she could have first choice of the litter of his favourite wolfhound Speed as her wedding present. She was so looking forward to it.. She hurriedly swam back to the beach.Once out of the water the wind felt terribly cold on her wet skin and she ran for the protection of the dunes and her warm clothes. Seeing that Marion had dozed off, she wrung a bit of water out her long hair on the face of her unsuspecting friend. With a shriek the poor girl jumped up, but when recovered started to hurry Astrid back into her clothes and back to the castle before they were found out. Soon again the only sound on the beach was the screeching of the gulls and the soft swishing of the waves. Chapter 2 As they entered the courtyard they had trouble worming their way through the people milling about. There were servants rushing about, stable boys leading horses away and the general noise of a lot of people talking and laughing. ”Hey, I think that your Master Redwood has arrived”, shouted Marion excitedly. “First of all he is not my master yet and it seems you are keener to meet this guy than I am”, said Astrid. “Well, I am curious to meet the man you will be marrying, even if you are not! I can’t believe your father agreed to that. You never even met him properly. Your fiancée must be really old to have been friends with your father when they were young.” “Oh stop rubbing it in. Just because you are going to marry my brother, who you happen to love, is no reason for me to go against my father’s wishes. He sought advice from the Brothers and they read the Gene charts. He was one of the best matches. On top of that I am the eldest daughter and will inherit my mother’s property so I cannot just marry anybody I want to. Besides, father has promised me that I can take Nicholas with me as my Stewart.” The girls started to giggle about that. It was no secret that Astrid had been madly in love with Nicholas ever since she was a young girl. His mother used to be Astrid’s nurse and they had practically grown up together. He was part of their little band of mischief makers. Soon they would all have to take up their responsibilities as grown-ups and it was nice that each of them at least could stay with one of their childhood friends. “Ouch watch where you going!” As the girls were chatting with each other Astrid had turned around and started to walk backwards. Their servants normally made sure not to bump into her when she was doing that. “Young lady, I think it is you who should be watching out where you’re going. I think an apology is in order. Be quick about it if you don’t want to be punished. “ The man she had bumped into had just gotten off his horse. He was not very tall, but even though his hair already had some grey streaks in it, he looked very fit and strong. He must have thought the girls, dishevelled as they were; two of the castle’s maids. “Oh my lord, I am so sorry”, said Astrid, poking Marion in her ribs not to say anything.”Please don’t tell the master!” The man looked her up and down and suddenly started to smile. It changed his whole face and the girls could not help smiling back. “You got me there for a minute. But you are the spitting image of your mother! It is little Astrid, if I am not mistaken? You probably won’t remember me. You were about four years old when I saw you last. Let me introduce myself, Henry Redwood at your service.” He did a good impression of a courtly bow before the two girls. Astrid for once was speechless. So this was the man she would be marrying tomorrow and would be following to the far north of the island. She just stared at him and tried to take in as much of him as she could, while he turned to Marion. “And who is this other fine young woman?” “Marion Selby, sir”, stammered Marion who was completely overwhelmed by the attention of this very handsome man. “You must be the daughter of Master Selby, Protector of the West. I have heard a lot about the courage of your father and brothers. They fought in the last war with the Corns and did a lot to make the borders of the Western Province safe for us. I am looking forward meeting them at the wedding tomorrow. Speaking of which, we both better be on our way, as I don’t think Ingrid will be very pleased about me meeting her daughter, my future bride, in such a casual way. I am still scared of her!!” He winked at them and hurried toward the keep. The girls looked at each other and immediately started to laugh so hard that they practically collapsed in a heap. ”Oh my god”, gasped Marion,” he is gorgeous!! I would almost trade John for him”. “I wonder why he waited so long to get married”, said Astrid. ”And why he chose to wed someone so much younger from a Province so far from his homeland? Maybe because he will get mothers’ lands when he marries me and they are quite near his with the advantage of giving him access to the shore. Though there must have been good matches for him before now?” “Oh stop being so practical. What did you think of him? Isn't he lovely? I think you will soon fall in love with him and forget all about Nicholas. He does not look so old at all. His voice sounded so nice!” “Stop babbling. What does love have to do with marrying someone? It will be only a business arrangement.According to the Gene maps we are a very good match. I will never love anyone but Nicholas and he will come with me”, with these words Astrid ran to the kitchen entrance as she did not want to show her best friend how this sudden meeting had affected her. It had all suddenly become too real and too near. Before this meeting, she had managed to somehow not think too often about getting married and leaving her home, but now it all hit her of a sudden. Maybe she should talk Nicholas into eloping with her before the wedding was a fact? But no, where would they go? They would have to join the Crusties for all she knew. She loved her father too much to make him look like he could not even control his own family. He had told her that when Henry had saved his life in the last war with the Seafaring folk, he had promised him that he could marry his eldest daughter, if they were a good match. Besides Marion was right, he did at least look very nice. She would only have to marry him and be the mother of his children. Chapter 3 Ignoring the whispers and chatter of the kitchen staff she rushed through the dining hall, where the preparations for the big day were in full swing. Her mother ,who was checking the lunch arrangements, looked up and said: ”Where have you been. They could have done with some help with the preparations for tomorrow!” Before her mother could call her back she ran up the stairs as quickly as she could. She went up the East tower to her room and threw herself on her bed. Did everyone and everything have to remind her of her wedding tomorrow? “Hello dear”, said her former nurse Trudy, coming in with another big pile of material.” Did you have a nice swim?” She smiled as she said it and Astrid decided not to deny it as her nurse knew her better than anyone in the castle except maybe for Marion. “It was so great and I felt fine until I bumped into Henry Redwood”, she grumbled and threw herself onto her bed, which was already covered with all the dresses she was planning to take to the Northern Province. “Please be careful. You will make them all crumpled and dirty before I can pack them. What is wrong with Henry Redwood? You could do far worse. As far as I can remember he is a charming and handsome man. He apparently has a beautiful mistress, so he won’t be expecting too much from you,” said Trudy, who knew about Astrid’s infatuation with her son. She had a good talk with him about his duty to lord Harrington and appealed to his sense of honour to make sure that Astrid would go to her wedding a virgin. What she did after that would be the responsibility of her husband. “Our Lady please help me, why can’t everybody just stop talking about these weddings all the time. It is driving me mad!” “Well, child, it is a bit too late to stick your head in the sand and deny it is going to happen. If I were you I would enjoy my last day of freedom. Why don’t you go and find your brother to tell him which little pup you have chosen?” In all the consternation she had forgotten all about John and the puppies. ”You always know how to cheer me up, Trudy”, she said as she slid of the bed, hugged her and hurried downstairs to find John. He would be in the stables with the dogs, making sure his Speed got the best of care. He loved his animals. Marion was always joking that she definitely came second place when it was a choice between her and Speed, his favourite wolf dog who just had a litter of three. “John, John”, she shouted, as she tore open the stable door. ”Shhh...”, he said turning to her. ”Speed is trying to rest. These puppies are wearing her out.” He was kneeling in the kennel stroking his favourite dog as her puppies were crawling all over her. It was impossible to think that these little balls of fur would once grow into such a majestic large animal as their mother. There were one female and two males. ”Have you named them yet”, she whispered, picking up the largest of the three and kissing his little face. He was wriggling to get out of her grasp. ” No I decided to leave that to you and Marion as I have decided to give her the little female one for our wedding. Then you two can practice comparing babies”, he teased. She punched him in the shoulder, but was too busy cuddling the two male puppies trying to decide which one to choose. They were very alike, one a bit smaller than the other. But the look in that little one’s eyes was very fierce and she immediately knew that he was the one for her. She lifted him up to her face and he tried to suck her nose. She giggled and covered him with kisses. “What will you do with the third one?” “That one I will keep for myself, as Speed is getting a bit older she will need some help with the hunt. I will call him Lefty as he was the leftover one. Have you already decided a name?” “No, I first want to know what Marion is going to call hers. “ ”I hope you understand that these dogs are not for cuddling. They can be very dangerous if not trained well. They should not to be kept inside the house and must learn to obey at all times.” ” I know, I know, but I want him to get used to me first, so he will not mind leaving his brother and sister when I depart for the North.” ”Well that depends when you will be leaving. I have heard they first want to take this opportunity of all the Families being together to ride out to the West and do some serious damage to those thieving Crusties. The pups need to have been weaned before they can be taken from Speed anyway.” “...What?! “, Astrid jumped up, staring at her brother.” Nobody told me anything about a raid! Will you be going? And will Nicholas?” “Nicholas together with Marion’s two younger brothers and the House Manager Carl will probably be staying behind to run the defence of our House. But the rest of us will be joining the band” “Will I be allowed to come? I shoot ten times better than Marion’s brothers and I ride my horse faster.” “I don’t think so. As you will be a married lady after tomorrow I doubt they will let you come with us. From tomorrow on it will be your responsibility to keep safe and make lots of babies. You can help with organising the defence though.” ”That is not fair! The last time I was too young and just now I am old enough, they think of something else to keep me from having an adventure.” “Adventure? I would not be so keen to go if I were you. It will be days in the saddle, bad food and lots of damp clothes and bedding. If people did not expect me to go as the heir of our Family I would stay here with Marion in front of an open fire.” Speed growled and got up. They both looked up as the door to the dog pen was opened. It was Nicholas come to tell them that soon lunch would be served. “Hey Astrid, are you sure you want such a monster around all the time? Why not get a nice little lapdog? At least I will be able to get near you without my head being bitten off.” “I need a dog to protect me and help me on the hunt. I am not going to turn into one of those women who sit at home all the time. In the North the women are in charge anyway, so I will be able to do as I please." She blushed as she said it, realising that being in the North also meant being married to another man and all that entailed. “Okay guys are you coming, as I am starving and they won’t start until both happy couples are present.” After a last cuddle with her puppy, Astrid joined her friends leaving the stables to go to the dining hall. Chapter 4 “Welcome. I didn't think you would make it this early.” Gregory Harrington got up from his chair, where he had been going over the estates’ accounts with his steward. He embraced his old friend. “How was your trip? Did you use the train or did you come with the caravans?” “I came with the caravans because we had a lot of skins and wood to bring to sell here in your Easter market and doing that through the Train company is far too expensive for our Family. We had a very good year of hunting in the North and an early spring made it possible to already start cutting down some of the older trees. My mother gave me a long list of shopping to do. So there will be a lot of stuff to transport back too. I hope I will still have some money left once I finish with that.” “How is the old battle-axe?” smiled Gregory, “still in charge of everyone and everything?” “Well that will never change, but we are all benefiting from her wisdom and experience too. That makes up for a lot. Speaking of bossy women, how is your lady wife?” “She is fine and in her element organising two weddings at once. If you ask me she’s more interested in the whole thing than the actual participants.” “Well speaking of participants,” Henry smiled, “I just bumped into your delightful daughter and her little a friend. Astrid has really grown up since I saw her last. She is the spitting image of her mother. I hope she will not be too bothered to have to marry an old guy like me.” “Well, she was brought up better than that. In these times when the Brothers select who you make an alliance with there is not too much choice about it. We need our offspring to be sound of body and mind. And besides if I had to choose a husband for her I would not know of a better choice than you my friend. But let’s talk about that later tonight. First we have some serious drinking and eating to do. I have just sent one of my squires to call everyone to the dining hall. Go and have a quick wash in your apartments. Richard here will show you the way.” Henry followed the steward to his rooms and Gregory made his way to the second floor where his wife Ingrid was putting the last touches to tables laden with food. How she managed it at the end of winter to provide such a delicious spread he could not imagine. Her long blond hair just barely touched by some streaks of grey and her stately slim figure she was still a very handsome woman. Henry let out a long whistle." Wow that looks great! And I am not only talking about the food." His wife smiled proudly. “Thanks Greg, have the others been called to lunch?” “Yes and Henry has just arrived to join us as well. They made good time because of the nice weather”. “You did remember that he is to stay in the East Tower I hope? We moved the boys to the rooms above the stables.” “Richard is taking care of that. I told Henry to just have a quick rinse and then come to the table. He smelled a bit ripe after spending all those weeks in the saddle.” “Greg!! I hope you did not say that to him!” “No I did not, though even if I had, he would not care. We have been telling each other the truth since we were both farmed out to your father to learn all about managing an estate and protecting the Family.” "Yes I remember it like yesterday. You were making eyes at me from day one. We were lucky that we were a match.", she said giving him a hug as he sat down at the head of the table. The door opened with a bang. John, Astrid and Nicholas came rushing in and took their places at the table. Marion following at a more sedate pace. The rest of the people started coming in. Gregory believed in eating together with all his staff. He liked to see everyone as part of his Family. But everyone knew who was in charge. He had proven himself many times to be the best man to lead them and to keep them safe and well fed. There was a feeling of expectancy as by now they all had heard or seen Henry arrive with his men. By the time everyone was seated there was a knock on the door. Richard opened it and announced: "Master Henry Redwood would like to join our company." Henry was standing in the door opening with his men and waited for Gregory to ask him to join them as was the custom. "Take a seat", said Gregory, pointing at the empty chair next to him. "Waiter, a large beer for my friend and his men." When all had taken their places, he stood up and lifted his beer mug: "Let's bring out a toast to my friend Henry Redwood, who will soon truly be a part of our Family!" Everybody cheered and drank to their guest. "How are your mother and your sisters?", asked Ingrid. "Very well, thanks, they are looking forward welcoming your daughter and the other people of your family in our midst. Mother felt too old to take the trip this time, as we did not use the train. But she told me to tell you that you are always welcome to visit your daughter." "I will definitely take her up on that, but only wished the train tickets were not so idiotically expensive. Someone should do something about that. Just because the Steam union has the knowledge of how to run them should not mean they can ask whatever they want for the journeys!" "That is the main reason we came with the caravans, it takes more time, but saves a hell of a lot of money, but for women it could be a bit much to spend so much time in the saddle. Not to mention the dangers of travelling through the Midlands." "And did you have some trouble on your way over? We heard from other travellers that it has been strangely quiet on the roads," asked Gregory. "We saw some scouting parties from far away, but they always were gone when we investigated. I heard they seem to be congregating somewhere near the ruins of Birmingham. Maybe they heard the Families were planning to do something about them after the wedding. They must have spies even within these walls." "I am afraid that might well be possible. We have been following an open door policy because of the wedding, as we just don't have the manpower to check everyone coming into the town with all the visitors going in and out. Our guests are mainly staying in their own camps just outside the town limits. We can only put up the other Family's managers and their wives within the walls, the rest had to stay outside. They all brought a lot of staff and we cannot know who everyone is or which family they belong to." Listening to her parents speaking about the Midlanders or Crusties as they were called by a lot of people Astrid could not contain herself any longer, "it is not fair! Why am I not allowed to join this raid, everyone is talking about? You said the last time that i was too young, but now I will be old enough, I am still not allowed, because I will be married. Can't we postpone the wedding and go before?" Ingrid started to speak, but Gregory put his hand up with a warning look to his wife. He adored his daughter, but would never allow her or anyone else to be rude or try to go against his decisions. &&&& "You are up early Ellie. Can't wait to leave us all behind?" Her mother, Joan, was already wiping the sweat of her forehead. As usual she had woken up before everyone to prepare breakfast for the the family and the farm hands. She was smiling while she said it. Even though it was going to break her heart when Ellie would leave them, she was also very proud of her youngest. She looked like an older version of Ellie, but a lifetime of working outside on the fields and five children had aged her prematurely, but you could still see some of the beautiful woman she used to be. "Maybe you will meet Erik in the City" she said wistfully."He was always my favourite brother. I raised him when our parents died in the Great Storm. The others were so much older than us." "Oh Mum, that would be lovely. But I don't think I can eat anything before the exams, I am too nervous. I wish it was all over and done with". Ellie tried to get to the door, but was waylaid by her mother." If there was a time you needed a good breakfast it is now. You need to feed those brain cells. Set yourself down and start eating!" With those words she put a plateful of pancakes topped with fruit and cream in front of her daughter followed by a large cup of herbal tea. "I went into the woods yesterday to get these special leaves. They are supposed to enhance your awareness and at the same time suppress nerves." Knowing that her mother was a knowledgeable herbalist, Ellie gave a deep sigh." Alright then or I'll never get to the school. I bet everyone else is already on their way." "You will both be driven there by the mayor, as he loves to take his steamcar out. Will is one of the candidates as well, so his father is happy to drive you both to the test.You will get there way before the others who will all have to go on foot. I hope you are going to be nice to Will for a change. I don't know what that poor boy did wrong for you to treat him like you do. You used to be inseparable when you were small. We always thought you would end up together." "Oh please, mum. When you get chosen, you don't even know where you will end up in de City. And who knows who I will meet once I am there. Now I really have to go. Bye!" Still chewing the last of her pancakes and gulping down her tea, Ellie grabbed her backpack with her books and papers and gave her mother a quick hug. She did not often get the chance to be driven somewhere. She was determined to enjoy it, even when Will was going to look at her with those puppy eyes. "Good luck and keep calm. I am sure you will do well. We will see you at the hall for the announcements." But Ellie was already gone. Too excited to listen, hurrying to the car that was surrounded by excited villagers gaping at the mechanical wonder in the marketplace. Steampunk_Car_Mods_2 Wills' father was already sitting behind the steering wheel with Will beside him.The car was surrounded by steam. Oh good she would have the back all to herself. "Good morning Mister Mayor, Will, thank you for letting me come with you", she said politely. "No worries, if I had not offered I would never have heard the end of it from my dear son", he answered grinning. Will sat there looking very embarrassed. He was an only child, his mother having died when he was very young and the apple of his dads’ eye. He sometimes wondered what his father would do when he really left him to go to the City. His main reason for trying was the idea he would be able to keep in contact with Ellie, as he had not given up hope that one day she would return his feelings. Ever since the day she had joined him in school when they were six, he was smitten by her. And up until a short time ago they spent all their free time together. But when she entered the training to qualify for the City everything seemed to change for the worse. She tried to avoid him and only talked to him if it was about getting the certificate and to ask him for help with the physics. Somehow he was a bit wary about all the stories about how good and wonderful life in the City would be. No one had ever returned from there to tell them what it was really like. He was going to make sure he was chosen, so if it all was not what it promised to be he could help Ellie to get back home and then maybe... "Come on boy, wave to the villagers! Does everyone have their goggles on?" his father shouted over the engine noise, awakening him from his hopeful thoughts. He pulled the whistle, which emitted a terrifying shrill sound, making the people jump back and cover their ears. William senior roared with laughter and poked his son in the side. "That always does the trick. Hold on to your hats my dears. Away we go." They set of at a good pace and Ellie started to enjoy the trip more and more as the wind blew around her head and the country side was whizzing past her. Normally the car was only taken for a ride on official village business or to deliver the post to far flung villages. Being its owner and knowing all there was to know about steam engines had played a large role in nominating Will's father as the Mayor of Denby. He had set up posts all the way to Harbour city where he could top up water for his engine and replace the batteries to heat it. Losing his wife to the Influenza of 1100 and having to look after his only child, had done nothing to suppress his enthusiasm for anything technical and his enjoyment of seeing a bit more of the world than the village and its near surroundings. Even though he would miss the lad terribly, he was already planning to take a long journey into the Backlands, if he was chosen for the City.He had converted one of his engines to be able to use wood instead of batteries to heat the water. He had also been training his nephew to take over his mail rounds and was building a second car to take on his trip. He did not talk about it much with Will, in order not to give him the idea that he wanted him to go away. If the exams came to nothing ,he had already decided to take the boy with him on his travels.The chance of that was very slim, he proudly thought.The boy had a practically photographic memory and an uncanny feel for anything technical.Though with those funny bastards of the City you never knew. The only contact they had with the citizens, as they called themselves, was at this time of year at the end of the harvest &&&&&&