THE GRAND STORY OF THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE ADVENTURES OF BARON BRITPOP BLASTFURNACE
Emperor Joseph Arrives / Lafayette Intercedes
Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Part 38
Emperor Joseph Arrives
A few days later, Andelbert and I explored the grounds of the palace on horseback. I had arranged to show Andelbert the Queen’s Hamlet. He was amazed that such a place would be built simply for the entertainment of the Queen.
As we were wandering around the Hamlet, a footman rode up.
“You have been summoned to the palace for an audience with the King.”
“Then we better not keep him waiting,” I said.
As we rode back, I turned to Andelbert and said, “I hope I have not done anything to offend the King.”
“You said he was impressed with your horseshoes. Perhaps he wants to show his thanks in private.”
“I hope so. I am still nervous around him.”
“That is normal.”
“I suppose you are right.”
We arrived at the palace, and Andelbert headed back to his room. The footman delivered me to one of the King’s guards, who escorted me to a spacious open room with a large round table in the center. At one side of the table, the King sat on an ornate chair. Seated beside him was a man I instantly recognized. It was Emperor Joseph. The man who had given me my Barony and estate.
I bowed and said, “Your Majesty. Your Highness.”
“I trust you recall the Emperor,” the King said.
“Indeed. I am pleased and honored to see you again, Your Highness.”
“And how are you enjoying your estate, Baron?” Emperor Joseph asked.
“I am pleased beyond words, Your Majesty.”
“Then how is it you are here in France?”
I started to get nervous. I wasn’t sure how to reply.
“I am jesting,” Emperor Joseph said. “I am pleased to see you also, Baron. But I am curious as to why you are here.”
“I am afraid the answer to your question is simple wanderlust. I had a burning desire to see more of the world.”
“And it appears you have.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Enough of the formalities,” King Louis said. “Simply answer the questions.”
“As you wish.”
The Emperor continued.
“Imagine my surprise when I visited the King, and he told me you were here. And that you had made some silent horseshoes for him.”
“It is quite a coincidence,” I said.
“Yes. And since you know who I am, I have called you here to enter you into a confidence. I am traveling incognito. You will address me as Comte de Falkenstien. I will be spending six weeks touring Paris and visiting the Queen. My identity mustn’t be revealed. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“Good.”
“You are free to go now, Baron,” the King said.
“Your Majesty.”
I bowed and left.
I went straight to Andelbert’s room.
“You will not believe it. Emperor Joseph is here. I just met with him.”
“Truly? That is quite a surprise. Oh, no!”
“What is it?”
“The King thinks I am your brother. What if the Emperor recognizes me from the estate? He spent very little time there before he granted it to you, but there is a chance.”
“I am such a fool. Why did I think lying to a King would be a good idea?” I replied. “Let’s hope for the best. It is not likely an Emperor would notice a valet at an estate he rarely visited.”
“I hope you are right.”
Lafayette Intercedes
That evening, Andelbert and I were once again invited to dine with the King. I was happy to see Lafayette and enjoyed chatting with him. He seemed obsessed with the British colonies in the Americas and believed that they would soon declare independence. Which would inevitably result in war. In which case, the Colonies would need a navy to fight the British. Lafayette hoped the King would provide the navy and that he would be the one chosen to lead it against the British. Then he seemed to lose interest in the topic.
“Enough politics. What have the two of you been doing? Besides making silent horseshoes?” Lafayette asked.
“My time has been fairly uneventful since then. But Andelbert has been busy.”
“And I am curious. What have you been about, Andelbert?”
“I took a tour of the Palace kitchens and the food gardens,” Andelbert replied.
“Why in Heaven’s name would you do that?”
“I was a baker’s apprentice for a time, and I love baking. I was curious to see where such amazing dishes are prepared.”
“You are full of surprises. I had never given the kitchens a thought. Was it all you imagined?”
“Much more.”
“Andelbert is being modest,” I said. “He bakes bread that wins the hearts of all who taste it. It is quite remarkable.”
“Is this true?” Lafayette asked.
“In all modesty, it is. In fact, I am hoping to bake a loaf for the King. I sent an inquiry to the kitchen about doing so.”
Lafayette smiled and said, “The two of you bring me new joy each time we meet. Leave it to me. I will see to it that you are allowed to bake your magical bread. I, for one, am eager to try it.”
“Thank you, Lafayette. I would be greatly honored.”
We enjoyed another feast of a dinner with countless courses. As the final course arrived, the King said, “Baron Blastfurnace, rise.”
I nervously stood up.
“I wanted to commend you again for your silent horseshoe exhibition yesterday. The royal smiths are busy crafting more as we speak.”
“It was my honor and pleasure, Your Highness.”
“I want to thank you with more than words, Baron. I am having a sword made for you as a gift. It is a copy of my own, with the exception of a horseshoe engraved on the blade.”
“Your gift is beyond generous, Your Highness. I am humbled and grateful.”
Lafayette rose and said, “Your Highness, may I beg your indulgence? I have learned of a new wonder created by the Blastfurnace brothers.”
“If it is as clever as the silent horseshoe, I am indeed interested in hearing about it,” the King replied.
“It may not be as clever as the horseshoes, Your Highness, but I am assured it is equally enjoyable.”
“Go on.”
“Monsieur Andelbert Blastfurnace is renowned for his baking skill. He bakes a bread that is irresistible in flavor. He would be greatly honored if he were allowed to bake a loaf of the bread for Your Highness.”
The King laughed and said. “You are very shrewd, Marquis. You know well my fondness for bread. Let it be done. I look forward to being impressed by a Blastfurnace brother once again.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Lafayette and I sat down. Lafayette turned to Andelbert and whispered, “Don’t let me down.”
Andelbert looked as though he would faint.
Continues in Part 39:
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©2020 Mark Starlin