Alliance in the Ice - The Guardians of Noindaith

Vindisburg - Student Paul

"There will be war," Josef had said matter-of-factly as he took a piece of paper out of his suit pocket and waved it back and forth in the air. His face - angular and with slanted eyes - remained serious and left no doubt about his words.

"But now?" I asked in amazement. Until the very end, everything seemed to point towards a peaceful solution. I didn't quite believe Joseph's words.

Gregor, a tall, strapping lad, also shook his head violently so that his peaked cap almost fell off. "No, no, that can't be! My father does business with the Ostians!" He raised an eyebrow.

We all knew that Gregor's father was a wealthy and influential man who moved in the highest circles.

"My sister got married there," Anton interjected, pushing up his glasses. He was the smallest and slimmest among us. "Are our soldiers supposed to shoot at their own brothers?"

"Should we shoot at our own brothers, you mean?" Joseph improved him.

"What do you want with that ..." Anton couldn't finish his sentence because Josef immediately interrupted him again.

"Here, haven't you seen the leaflet yet?" He wrinkled his snub nose, which gave his face a cheeky look, spread the leaflet out on the table in front of us and smoothed it out.

We leaned forward to read it better, but Gregor snatched the note. "The Western Empire is calling!" he read out loud. Then his eyes wandered over the lines.

The rest of us looked at him expectantly, while the wrinkles on his forehead deepened.

Finally, he threw the piece of paper on the table. "Here, see for yourself!" He jumped up and slapped his hands on the plate. "Finally, something's moving!"

I took the piece of paper, which smelled of fresh printer's ink, and took a look at it too.

To the brave sons of our beloved fatherland!

Our kingdom is facing a great challenge. War has come across our borders, and it is time for every true Westian to do their duty to the monarchy and the King.

King Franz Joseph and your nation need you now! Do not hesitate to volunteer to join the army to protect the legacy of our ancestors and the future of our children!

Visit the nearest recruitment office and sign up as a war volunteer. You will receive good training and modern equipment. Your family will be supported during your absence. We will take care of them. And you will be honored by your country for your dedication and courage.

But any Westian who turns away now and refuses to do his duty to his fatherland in this critical hour betrays not only his nation, but also himself. Such treachery towards king and empire will be punished with the strictest penalty.

God save the Western Empire!

Signed: The Military Authority of the Western Empire

King Franz Joseph and your nation need you now! Excitement rose in me too, and a solemn mood spread. I too was ready to answer the King's call.

Then Josef pulled Gregor back onto the stool. "Have you gone mad? Do you know what that means?"

Anton played nervously with the beer mats. "That was quick. Did diplomacy fail completely?"

I nodded in agreement. "The old king kept the balance well. Something like this wouldn't have happened under him."

"King Franz Joseph has had an unfortunate hand in foreign policy ever since the coronation," said Gregor. "And now the assassination of the heir to the throne! Nevertheless, we all hoped that the story would end peacefully."

Josef straightened his tie. "Who knows what interests are behind this."

Gregor waved him off. "Money's behind it, as always!"

We were silent for a moment and let what had been said sink in.

"When should we get in touch by?" I asked into the silence.

"That's not what it says. As soon as possible, I suppose," said Anton.

Gregor raised his beer mug. "Dear fellow students, now we become men!" His eyes flashed and he thrust his chin forward.

Josef groaned. "Gregor, you idiot."

But Anton and I didn't want to miss out on the festive moment either, so we stood at attention and pushed our jugs against Gregor's. Then we sang at the top of our voices:

From the halls of knowledge, the teachers so wise,

We went out to battle, full of honor and with diligence,

Armed with insight, sword in hand,

To serve the king, the fatherland.