Chapter 1: War and Peace

An important victory

Prussia, with the acquisition of Western Prussia and other territories such as the much coveted bishopric of Ermland, would, in 1772, finally, after so many long wars, gather again its previously lost territories in its crown. Frederick I, King in Prussia, can now change, after so many years of frustration and deceived hopes, with pride and satisfaction, his title into King of Prussia. This first division of the kingdom of Poland would then be celebrated in Prussia as a very important victory, as it would allow again the raise of the Kingdom of Prussia, after so many humiliating years. War and diplomacy have allowed the Prussians to conquer again the original kingdom of their ancestors, and their victory, although hard fought, would now appear to these otherwise very frugal people, sweeter than ever.

This was a day of celebration for all the officers, and also of the court members who were present in the council this evening: a sober celebration, in comparison with the importance of the victory, however, a very significant one for all Prussians. The king, Frederick I, would be honored for this occasion with restrained reverence and solemnity, which was, however, full of symbolic significance. Despite the simplicity of the ceremony, the king would behave in full command of the events during the festivity, evolving with pride among the officers and courtiers who, despite the solemnity of the hour, would try to attract the attention of the king with their pompous gestures and marks of flattery.

The Prussians have still not forgotten that a few years previously, the Russian troops, with Tzarina Elisabeth at their head, have taken over their beloved city, Konigsberg, and have made of their even beloved poet, Emmanuel Kant, a quasi prisoner in this city. They also have not forgotten that it was Tzarina Catherine, the successor to Tzarina Elisabeth, who has created the title of King of Poland, from a kingdom which was previously part of the Prussian territories.

Well aware that their neighbors, after their current victory, would not remain idle, the Prussians would already decide to develop their next plan for the acquisition and control of many more territories, mainly in their northern and eastern borders, in the coming months.

If Tsarina Elisabeth has not been a declared enemy of Prussia, the case was completely otherwise with Tsarina Catherine. This Prussian born princess would not hide her hostile intentions to the rulers of her former homeland: her striving for more conquests in the east of Prussia she would persistently affirm, even after the reconstitution of the former Prussian kingdom, through hostile acts. Everyone would, in this last Prussian victory, only foresee the future ones, which will make of this kingdom a power to be reckoned with, again, in the middle of Europe.

-“Long live the King!“ would a man in the assembly utter to the others who, almost in unison, would reply: “Long live the King!“ in a deep and military tone, from which a trace of joyful exuberance could hardly be detected.

The famous discipline and esprit de corps of the Prussians was not a myth; these men could in a blick of an eye show such impressive proof of their cohesion to any stranger, sometimes rather abruptly, but always with stunning precision.

War and Peace

In wartime, kingdoms are destroyed and scattered, and in peace, the winners, officially, stretch their frontiers to those of their defeated enemies. It is the game of chaos and organization. In chaos, men are giving themselves a stage where their capacity for survival and defense are tested. Afterward only, will they learn the higher and essential goals of their previous efforts: either they win or lose the battle, they must acknowledge the organization lessons which always come out from the confrontation.

Reviews

[Richard]

This is very difficult to read. Right from the beginning the sentences are too long, and the over use of commas make it hard to understand. There are also some sections that just don't make sense. "A sober celebration?" Does this mean there was no alcohol?

[Mauricio Montoya]

I love history, so far so good, excellent write well done

[Dutch Jr.]

A good read. Very interesting.

[Ruth]

You know your history! This is amazing work, well written, I am intrigued:)

xx

[X]

wow dudette this seems like a biography mixed with history. it's awsome (i wish i could write stories) lol but im still practicing poetry. wicked nice man 100 points

[Victoria Thornton]

Interesting, I like history so you got points there.

[NeonKnightWriter]

Alright, I'm no historian and I'm no historical fiction enthusiast, I'm not familiar with this author or his work, but I thought I'd chip in my two sense.

Firstly, just a pair of spelling errors:
blick = blink

"evolving with pride among the officers and courtiers" Are you sure you're using the right word there?

I think there was another one in there, but when looking back, I couldn't find it. Also, the sentences seem quite-long. Sometimes it's a little awkward other times it's alright. But, I think that may just be a problem when translating other languages directly into English. Overall, it's a little dry. But, once again that's historical fiction for you.

The moralizing at the end was interesting. I certainly hope the ideas are elaborated upon throughout the remainder of the text.

Am I supposed to be commenting on the story itself, or the translation? I'm not entirely sure. Is it intended to be a direct translation or are you trying to make it more accessible for an English audience? If the situation is the latter, then spicing up the prose a little, making it flow a little more smoothly might make it more palatable. This last part is just my personal opinion.