News and Stories from the Vilnius Union

[The Rock Doctor]

29 January 1925

TO:  PRIME MINISTER OFFICE, VILNIUS
FROM:  CHIEF STEWARD, ROTES HAUSCHEN
DATE:  1925/01/29/1830

CASE DIAMOND ZERO BRUNO.  CASE DIAMOND ZERO BRUNO.  TOPAZ FIVE SECURED AT SITE.  AMBER FIVE SECURED AT SITE.

[The Rock Doctor]

30 January 1925:  Vilnius

"Gentlemen," the Prime Minister said, midway through his first brandy of the day despite it being just 0735, "It pains me to report that the King passed away yesterday."

The members of the Cabinet, as well as the other major party leaders invited to join them on this unusual occasion, reacted with a range of surprise and dismay.

"Natural causes?" the Minister of Finance asked after a moment.

"...No," the Prime Minister sighed.  "An accident.  His Majesty lost control while skiing and collided with a tree."

The assembled men were silent a moment.

"At least he was doing something he loved," the Minister of Mining ventured.

"Yes, quite," the Prime Minister agreed, putting the thought of his mistress out of his mind.  "And it means that while it will be a time of considerable grief and sadness, it is not a time for alarm.  There is certainly nothing to suggest foul play or enemy action played a role in the mishap. 

"I am advised that the Queen and the Crown Prince are secure at Rotes Hauschen and will be traveling back to the capital with His Majesty's body in two days.  The Princess Royal and children are here at the palace, also secure, and Princess Marie and husband will be arriving in the morrow.  Prince Wiktor is, as of my last meeting with the House of Vasa, still attached to his brigade in Zwiazek Karaiby, and may take some time to return; I've issued orders to the military to expedite his arrival where practical.

"The precise nature and timing of the funeral will be determined largely by the House of Vasa, as will the subsequent coronation of Prince Gunther - but we will no doubt all have roles to play in the matter.  I will strive to keep you all informed."

"I thank you for the courtesy," the Leader of the Opposition said.

"I could do no less," the Prime Minister nodded.

[The Rock Doctor]

31 January 1925

To:  Friendly and not-unfriendly governments
From:  Vilnius Union

The Government of the Vilnius Union and the House of Vasa report, with much sadness, the passing of Sigismund VIII Vasa at the age of sixty-eight on 29 January 1925.  At the time of his passing, the late monarch was enjoying time with his family in the Deutsch Alps.

Sigismund VIII led the nation for 22 years, marked by its growth from a European power to a union of unions spanning four continents.  It was also an era of strong and steady economic growth and generally peaceful relations with the union's neighbours.

The king's coffin will lie in state at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius until a state funeral to take place on 10 February 1925.  Foreign dignitaries wishing to express their nations' sympathies are invited to attend either or both events as appropriate.

His Majesty Gunther II will formally ascend to the throne at a coronation event on 12 February 1925, also to be held in Vilnius.  It is anticipated that the new king will embark on a tour of the realm come summer.

31 January 1925:  Kartagina, Zwiazek Karaiby

"Kapitan Vasa, welcome aboard," Komandor-Porucznik Dreschler said, saluting the prince while technically outranking the soldier.

"Thank you," the bleary-eyed officer replied, saluting a bit sloppily.  "This is my adjutant, Porucznik Blaszczak."

"Sir," the other officer said, saluting now.

Dreschler returned the salute.  "On behalf of the entire complement of the Leba, please accept my condolences on the death of your father.  He was a great man."

Kapitan Vasa nodded the nod of a person who'd already received similar sentiments a hundred times in the past twenty-four hours.  "Thank you, Captain.  It is a shock."

"I can imagine," Dreschler said, turning to invite the two army officers up the gangway.  "Please, follow me.  We have steam in the boilers and are ready to cast off.  We'll be running to Johannestadt at twenty-five knots and should arrive in thirty-one hours with just some fumes left in the bunkers."

"Of course," Vasa said.

"Captain, any word on arrangements from that point?" Blaszczak inquired.

"I'm afraid not," Dreschler said.  "Fact is, we're here because we could be here with full bunkers when you arrived.  Caribbean Station HQ hasn't shared what comes after.  Given the distance to the Azorez, I'd guess there will be either a battleship or a sloop waiting to take you aboard."

"Fair enough, Sir," Blaszczak murmured.

"Very good, Number One, we're aboard.  See to casting off while I show our guests to their accommodations," Dreschler called out.

[snip]

The Imperial Roman Republic extends its condolences to the Vilnius Union and the House of Vasa in this time of mourning.

[Jefgte]

Sultan of the Sublime Porte, Constantin XII, the Government & the Byzantine people send their deepest condolences to the Union of Vilnius and to the House of Vasa at this time of mourning.

[The Rock Doctor]

1 February 1925:  Johannestadt

Flags and ensigns across the Navy's primary Caribbean base were at half-mast as Leba bumped into the wharf a little harder than maybe a torpedo-boat ought to.  Fortunately, a number of bumpers had been hung from both the ship and the wharf in anticipation of this hasty arrival, and the damage was superficial at worst.  Lines were thrown down from the ship and tied to stanchions fore and aft, and a metal gangway was maneuvered into place against the lower aft deck.

There was no time for Kapitan Vasa or Porucznik Blaszczak to regain their land legs; it was literally a matter of coming down off the torpedo-boat, crossing the wharf, and stopping at another gangway.  The ensign and four seamen charged with carrying the officers' trunks followed close behind, eager to have this mildly nerve-wracking job over and done with.

"Kapitan Vasa, I'm Komandor-Porucznik Stuhr, commanding the Radom.  On behalf of the crew, I'd like to offer my condolences on the death of your father.  He was an inspiration to us all," the sloop's commanding officer said, saluting.

"Thank you, Kapitan, that's very kind," Vasa replied.  "Porucznik Blaszczak is my adjutant and accompanying me to Europe."

"Sir," Blaszczak said, saluting.

"Porucznik," Stuhr returned.  "I'll have my own crew take on your baggage from here, thank you, gentlemen.  I'm very sorry there's no time to stretch your legs but I have orders to put to sea as soon as practical."

"Can I ask as to our schedule, Sir?" Blaszczak inqured.

"We're making for the Azorez, while an oiler is steaming in our direction from the Azorez - she actually departed yesterday - and we're going to meet mid-way-ish to top up our bunkers."

Blaszczak blinked.  "While at sea?  You can do that?"

"The navy's been trialing the procedures for a few years now, yes," Stuhr confirmed.  "We've only done it once, and it's certainly not a trivial matter, but it can be done.  Other than the oiling process, and assuming it is completely successful, we'll arrive at the islands in about four days and nine hours."

"And after that, Sir?"

"There's normally nothing in the islands really suitable for a high-speed run back to Europe, so I'm assuming they'll be sending something from Amsterdam.  One of the newer cruisers would be ideal.  Come, gentlemen, I'll show you to our flag quarters.  You'll have the space to yourself for the duration of the voyage..."

[Kaiser Kirk]

The Parthian ambassador will promptly pay his regards and convey a formal expression of sympathy.
House Arascid, His Majesty's Government & the Peoples of Parthia send their deepest condolences to the peoples and the Zwaizek Wilno and to the House of Vasa at this time of mourning.


The Parthian Empire will endeavor to send a small delegation in time for the services.

(as it's ~7400nm by sea to Danzig, requiring a sustained speed of 30.8 knots, this undoubtedly means Parthia will need overflight permission from Byzantine for a Zeppelin on a 1800nm journey. Far more doable.

[The Rock Doctor]

3 February 1925:  The Atlantic Ocean

"This seems like a lot of trouble to get two men from one place to another," Kapitan Wiktor Vasa muttered as he and Podrucznik Blaszczak braced themselves against the safety railing and watched their ride overhauling the oiler once again.

"One man," Blaszczak replied.  "They're not trying to get me anywhere, I'm just along for the ride.  But yes, it is a lot of trouble."

"Fine, but my point stands," Vasa said.   "Hundreds of tonnes of fuel oil, maybe thousands, being burned.  Hundreds of men and at least four ships pulled away from their duties."

"This is not an ordinary situation.  You know that," Blaszczak noted.  "It's hardly without precedent, either - look at the trouble the navy went to when your brother and family joined that tour a few years back."

"It annoys me that you have an answer for everything."

Blaszczak nodded.  "I know."

The two ships were now basically side by side, about fifty yards apart.  The sloop had been just slightly overtaking the oiler, but now they had at least a general sense that the two ships were maintaining the same speed.  "Second time's the charm, perhaps," Vasa grunted.

"I almost get the sense you don't want to be doing this," Blaszczak ventured.

"Attending my father's visitation?  No, of-"

"I meant the more general return-to-Vilnius part of it."

"Ah," the prince said as a line arced away from the oiler toward the sloop's foredeck.  "No, actually, I don't.  It will be good to see the rest of my family, of course, but...I have a feeling I might not get to leave again.  I know I'm only third in line now, but if something were to happen to Gunther, God forbid, his children would need a regent and that would almost certainly be me.  I don't think Gunther or the house will want me digging trenches in Central Eryka anymore."

"I could see that," Blaszczak agreed as a heavier line or hose began to snake across the gap between ships. 

"And there's going to be pressure to marry, too," Wiktor added.  "I mean, more than there already was."

"Marriage isn't so bad.  Why, I've been married twice," Blaszczak japed. 

"Har," Wiktor said.  "You get my point.  I'm more comfortable in a camp than in the palace.  I'd rather shoot a rifle than attend a banquet."

"God willing, it'll a short-lived change of pace," Blaszczak said, patting the prince on the shoulder.

[Jefgte]

Byzantium Ambassador and the Naval Attaché will attend the funeral of King Sigismond VIII.

[The Rock Doctor]

5 February 1925:  Punta Delgada

It was late enough that the naval base had activated its electric lighting several minutes before Radom had slowed for her final approach to her designated pier.  By the time the gangway had been manhandled into place, the sky had been practically black.

"Welcome aboard, Kapitan," Komandor-Podrucznik de Witt greeted the weary travelers once they'd reached the cruiser's quarterdeck.  "Very sorry about your father.  If you'll follow me?"

Blaszczak's eyebrows peaked a bit but the prince seemed nonchalant about this fellow's brusqueness.  "Certainly," the prince agreed.  "This the ship my brother was on a few years back?"

"Her sister," de Witt replied over his shoulder.  "Lyna was s'posed to do the tour, but got bumped by Bug when your brother and family joined.  Logistics were too complicated for three cruisers."

"Ah," Vasa said.

"Might I ask about our itinerary, Sir?" Blaszczak asked.

"We're running to Amsterdam at twenty-five knots.  Should be there around noon on the eighth."

"Any word on what happens after that?"

De Witt shrugged.  "Expect there's a train with your names on it.  Faster than steaming and safer than flying."

"More comfortable, too, especially this time of year," Blaszczak noted.

"Also that," the navy man agreed.  "Here we are.  Like Radom, we've got space set aside to embark a flag officer and staff.  Normally you'd probably have it to yourself but I've already taken aboard the territorial governor, family, and staff for the same purpose."

"Oh," Vasa said.  "They know we're coming?"

"I'm afraid so," de Witt confirmed. 


6 January 1925:  Vilnius

"It's really going to happen, Mommy," Princess Christine murmured, quietly enough that the ladies-in-waiting wouldn't overhear.  "I'm going to be queen."

Lady Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel reached out, squeezed her daughter's hand, and smiled.  "I know, dearest, and I'm so very proud of you."

"I wish Papa were here to see it..."

"As do I, dearest, as do I, but I have no doubt he'll be watching from on high.  It will be such a special day."

"There will be so much to do," Christine gushed.  "Receptions with other heads of state.  Meeting with Gunther's cabinet.  Gunther's cabinet.  So much travel!"

"You didn't enjoy the last time you went overseas, Dearest," her mother observed.

"That's because we were on the wrong kind of boat, and for too long.  Have you seen the interior of the Four Crowns?  Wait, you haven't.  I have to have you aboard, Mommy, it's an amazing boat."

"I'm sure it is.  Will there be a tour of the realm, then?"

Christine nodded.  "Likely come summer.  Gunther suggested a big loop around the Atlantic.  It'll be so much more fun than India and places like that."

"I can imagine," Lady Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel said. 

"Oh, do you want to come?  I'm sure I can secure a suite for you!"

"That sounds delightful, but I wouldn't want to impose..."

"Oh, it would be-," and the princess broke off, flinching.

"The baby?" her mother asked.

"Rambunctuous little beastie, yes," Christine agreed, rubbing her mild baby bulge through her dress.  "Be happy when he's out and about under a nanny's care."

"As will I, Dearest," the beastie's grandmother agreed.

[The Rock Doctor]

8 February 1925:  Amsterdam

"Welcome to Amsterdam, Kapitan," Kontradmiral Tym said, returning the salutes of Kapitan Vasa and his adjutant.  "I hope the voyage was satisfactory."

"It was, thank you, Sir," Vasa said, swaying slightly now that he was on land. 

"Excellent.  Very sorry about your father's passing.  I had the honor of meeting him a few years back and was struck by his zeal for life.  He'll be missed," Tym added.

"That's very kind, Sir," Vasa replied.

Tym nodded.  "I'm happy to say you're traveling by land from here on.  There are a pair of carriages and an engine waiting at the railhead on the southeast side of the base - one for you, with some staff from Vilnius waiting to attend you, the other for the other passengers.  If you'll follow me, we'll get you in motion.  It will a challenge to get you to Vilnius in time for the funeral, but not impossible."

8 February 1925:  Elsewhere

"This is an opportunity."

"Yes, and how's that?"

"The king is dead, a new king will be crowned."

"Perpetuating the system that keeps us under the European thumb...?"

"For a few months.  However, the custom is that new monarchs tour their realms, is it not?"

"Sigismund went around Europe after his coronation, yes.  What does it matter if the prince does the same after his?"

"Obviously there's a difference now:  The realm isn't just European.  It's on four continents, as they like to boast."

"Right...?"

"So it stands to reason he'll come across the ocean as well.  He'll probably come ashore here."  The speaker paused, waiting for the others in the room to reach the conclusion beforehand.  "And when he does, we kill him."

"It's not quite that easy..."

"No, of course not, but right now, we anticipate it, and that means we can start planning for it.  Establish some contacts and insert some infiltrators into the governance and security apparatus.  Learn the broad details, then the specifics.  If we have the courage, we can make a bold strike in the name of freedom."

"I suppose you're not wrong."

[snip]

ominous hum

[The Rock Doctor]

9 February 1925:  Vilnius

Albert hadn't thought he would make it, but he did. 

A captain of the guard had been standing at the primary entrance to the Great Hall of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, watching the line of mourners and a pocket-watch, and when Albert stepped past him, through the threshold into the hall, the officer had announced, "I'm sorry, that is all.  Please feel free to pay your respects during the process tomorrow.  Guards, close the doors."

A few muted protests from the unfortunate mourners behind Albert were cut off as the enormous oaken doors swung past him and were locked in place.

The hall was a vast, open space lit by electric chandeliers high above.  Stained glass windows illustrating key moments in the Union's history might have lent a hallowed feeling to the chamber in daylight, but at five to nine in the evening were glossy dark voids on two sides.  Not a single piece of furniture remained save for two lines of rope leading to the casket on the dias and a second pair of ropes leading to an exit to the right.

The line moved...not briskly, but not slowly.  Each person in the dwindling line before him received perhaps twenty seconds to stand in front of the closed casket before an aged man in dress uniform gently nodded toward the exit.  Four others like him, standing at attention at the head and foot of the casket, did not even glance at the mourners as they approached, took their moment, and moved along. 

The hall was eerily silent, save for muted footsteps and occasional sniffles and coughs. He was focused on keeping pace with the people in front of him and only barely noted steps behind him; another officer, perhaps, attending to crowd control duties.

And finally...the young family before him were turning to the right and leading a toddler away to the exist and it was just him.  The officer in charge...no, he belatedly remembered his time in national service and recognized he was a starszy sierzant, a senior non-commissioned officer... he nodded to Albert.

Albert stepped forward.

The casket was closed - the king's injuries were said to have been terribly disfiguring - and topped by a flag of the Union.  On this rested a single framed photograph of the king in uniform at the time of his coronation, flanked by flickering candles.  Albert clasped his hands in front of him, bowed his head, and did not know what to do beyond that.  It seemed almost taboo to speak aloud, and he wasn't a particularly spiritual man, so he just let thoughts of uncertainty, confusion, and loss play across his mind.

Footsteps approached. 

He looked up at the starszy sierzant, concerned that he'd missed his cue but the man was looking past him.  The person behind him now drew up beside him.  He glanced at the black form and froze.

"Thank you for coming," Queen Sophie murmured.

Albert fumbled for words and finally managed to reply, "Thank you."

They stood in silence for a few endless seconds and then the starszy sierzant nodded at him.


 

[The Rock Doctor]

10 February 1925:  Vilnius

Princess Christine flopped into the big high-back chair with a sigh.  "Gunther, fetch me a brandy?"

The soon-to-be-king grunted and wandered over to the liquor cabinet.  "How many fingers?" he asked as he searched through the bottles for the brandy.

"Yes," Christine replied.  "All of them."

"Right," Gunther said.  He set out to glasses and filled them to within a half-inch of the rims, then re-closed the bottle.  "Here you are."

"Thank you, dear," Christine said, taking her glass.  "My God, what a dreadful day for a funeral."

The weather had been unseasonably cold, with blowing snow riding a crisp wind from the northwest.  "There aren't good ones," Gunther replied.  "Not really."

"Well I know that, but the procession from the cathedral to the cemetery was horribly uncomfortable.  We'll be fortunate not to catch ill from the exposure, never mind your mother or the other frail people there.  That fellow from Stockholm already looked like he was half-dead from pneumonia as it was."

"That is true...but everybody had warning about the weather," Gunther said.  "Not a lot, I guess, but they had their coats and hats.  I understand the household staff secured a few extra items to loan out as necessary."

"Maybe, I don't know," Christine shrugged, sipping again at the booze.  "It was nice to see Wiktor again."

"You don't like Wiktor, Dear."

"Oh don't start with that again," she sighed.  "Anyway, he's back, he looks good - tired, but good.  We should probably have a conversation with him about his duties, do you not think?"

"Like, from a regency angle?"

"Well, that, sure, but I was thinking more about marriage."

Gunther grunted again.  "I don't see that it's necessary.  We've got two children, soon to be three, and Marie is with her first.  The family tree is reasonably healthy."

"It is, but in two days he's third in line to be king, Gunther.  It's an opportunity to engage in some diplomacy.  I haven't seen any eligible princesses from the North or Iberia, but there must be somebody available."

"Uh..." Gunther started.  "Well, there's the Parthian emperor's sister."

"She's a soldier, Gunther, not lady-like at all," Christine retorted.  "You saw her."

"He might like that, Christine.  He's never been too into the high society aspect of our lives."

"Who did the Romans send again?  Any nice Catholic girls in their delegation?"

"I kind of wasn't paying attention."

"Byzantines?"

"Again, not really..."

"It's alright, Dearest, it's not really your job.  You focus on being king, I'll take care of the queenly duties."


12 February 1925:  Soon to be seen in theatres worldwide

FRONT CARD:  THE CORONATION OF GUNTHER III VASA, 12 FEBRUARY 1925

TITLE CARD:  THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. STANISLAUS AND ST. LADISLAUS OF VILNIUS

*Exterior shots of the cathedral and its bell tower; interior shots and pans across and down at rows of finely dress dignitaries*

TITLED CARD:  TWO DAYS AGO, A FUNERAL; TODAY, A CORONATION

*Crowds line the main streets of Vilnius*

TITLE CARD:  FROM AROUND THE GLOBE, GUESTS HAVE ARRIVED TO WITNESS THE OCCASION

*An airship docks at the Vilnius aerodrome mooring mast; an aeroplane at the aerodrome; a woman in formal dress and entourage; unidentified warship in the Baltic; a man in Aztec military dress; identifiable Roman, Berber, and Confederation gentlemen; governors and important representatives from the Union's overseas territories, all dressed for the weather as they arrive or wearing resplendent formal wear within the cathedral*

TITLE CARD:  THE GOVERNMENT AND SEJM ARRIVE

*The Prime Minister and family arrive.  Members of the Cabinet and members of the Sejm, along with families, are shown either arriving or seated within the cathedral*

TITLE CARD:  THE ROYAL FAMILY AND UNION NOBILITY GATHER ON THIS DAY OF CELEBRATION

*Quick shorts of Princess Marie, heavily pregnant, escorted by her husband; the younger brother and extended family of the deceased king; and several other notable but unnamed senior nobles arriving at the cathedral, all dressed in heavy winter clothes.*

TITLE CARD:  THE DOWAGER QUEEN-TO-BE ARRIVES

*Queen Sophie, protected from the elements by a heavy fur coat, exits a carriage, waves to the crowd.  Escorting her is Prince Wiktor, wearing a greatcoat over his military uniform.*

TITLE CARD:  THE CROWN PRINCE AND PRINCESS ARRIVE, THRILLING THE CROWDS

*An ornate carriage drawn by a team of four geldings passes a crowd of commoners in winter clothing.  Gloved hands wave and breathes of misty air signal greetings and expressions of joy; panning shot of the entire procession, mostly horse-drawn, arriving at the cathedral; Prince Gunther and Princess Christine ascend steps to the cathedral, turn to smile and wave.  A nanny in the background attempts to control the movements of the royal children*

TITLE CARD:  A CHOIR OF ANGELS SING TO THE HEAVENS AS THE CROWN PRINCE AND PRINCESS ENTER

*Panning shot of the Warszawa Boy's Choir singing; quick shot of the cathedral's organist at work; Prince Gunther and Princess Christine, winter clothes doffed, come up the aisle to approach the Archbishop of Gniezo and attendants.*

TITLE CARD:  THE CEREMONY BEGINS AS THE ARCHBISHOP READS FROM THE HOLY BIBLE

*Archbishop reads from the Bible; Prince Gunther listens intently; Princess Christine smiles.*

TITLE CARD:  GUEST SPEAKERS AND ARTISTS PERFORM FOR THE CROWN PRINCE AND PRINCESS

*Professor Loob speaks from a lectern; an elder woman from Zwiazek Erika Polnocnej says a prayer; Prince Gunther listens intently; a man from Zwiazek Karaiby singing; Princess Christine not smiling; reaction shots from the Dowager Queen, Prince Wiktor, and others*

TITLE CARD:  THE ARCHBISHOP BLESSES THE CROWN PRINCE AND ANOINTS HIM WITH HONEY AND WINE

*Archbishop administers communion; makes sign of the cross in front of kneeling Prince Gunther; anoints the prince's forehead with a little dab of a murky liquid; Princess Christine watches; the royal children are fidgeting in a pew*

TITLE CARD:  THE CROWNING OF KING GUNTHER III VASA

*The Archbishop picks up the Amber Crown from a shiny decorated box on the altar; stock footage of the crown, consisting of many polished amber cabachons set in a lattice-work of gold; stock footage of a close-up of the crown, showing different pieces of amber with bubble, plant, or insect inclusions; the Archbishop sets the crown atop Gunther's head and speaks; the new king rises and turns to face the assembled guests; panning shot of the audience applauding; Queen Christine beams; the Warszawa Boy's Choir sings; King Gunther III Vasa takes the arm of Queen Christine and the royal couple prepared to depart the cathedral*

TITLE CARD:  GOD SAVE THE KING!

END CARD:  BALTIC NEWS CORPORATION (C)1925 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

[The Rock Doctor]

12 February 1925:  Vilnius

The Coronation had been the easy part of the day, really.  Escort Mom around, pose for photographers on the way in and out, don't scratch anything or pick anything or whatever while in public.  Wiktor could do that, and did do that, without incident.

The celebratory ball, on the other hand...not his thing.  All the protocol, all the introductions, all the dancing...it was a lot, and he wasn't outgoing like his brother or his sister.  People exhausted him. 

As the music ended, he said, "Thank you for the dance," to whomever it was he'd been dancing with. A perfectly pleasant woman, a few years younger than he, name he couldn't remember, conspicuously missing a ring on her finger.  Much like most of his dance partners so far.  Likely not a coincidence.

"Thank you, Your Highness," the woman replied, curtsying. 

He bowed slightly, then turned away and made his way off the dance floor, eyes turned downward to avoid accidental contact with other, prospective partners.  It was time for a break.  A little quiet would do him good. 

There were a few exits from the grand hall and he took the closest, returning a crisp salute to the guards stationed on either side of the doorway.  Arriving in a nearly empty hall - a couple of men were quietly chatting a short distance away on the left - he took a slow, deep breath and willed the clenched muscles in his forehead to just relax a bit.  Not wanting to interrupt the gentlemen or be drawn into conversation with them, he turned to the right, clasped his hands behind his back, and slowly wandered along. 

The art on the wall reflected the Union's history - mostly battles against the North, the Horde, and the Hapsburgs, but a few peaceful scenes of farming, science, or past kings.  The portrait of Sigismund V, posthumously known as "The Giant" on account of his short stature, was one of just a few official portraits of a handsome man who'd been violently insecure about his height.  Petrov I's portrait, showing him hunting a boar from horseback, was ironic in that he'd been killed a few years later by another boar which gave him a septic bite on the leg just before its own demise.  And there was Gunther II, known as a shallow, vain man more interested in garden parties than governance, and also a major reason that the Union was a parliamentary monarchy rather than an absolute monarchy.

Wiktor wondered if that was prescient and continued on, stopping at a display of old spears and polearms from the past continental wars.  "That's more like it," he murmured, leaning in.