Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:27:31 +0100 (BST)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 128a

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                        *********************

Andrei pulled the Rolls into the space the other car had vacated.

"Your Imperial Highness."

I turned round to see the king's equerry. "The King regrets he won't be
able to say goodbye in person. But he wishes you every success in your
venture and hopes to see you at its conclusion."

I nodded and climbed into the car. Dima and McPhee followed me, the door
was closed, and the car pulled away. In three hours, who knew what awaited
me?

                           **********************


Operation Pied Piper – Part 128a

"The truth is rarely pure, and never simple."  Oscar Wilde

Davy continues the story

"Sorry Robert, what exactly did he say?"

Robert's voice seemed concerned, "Tell Davy, I will always love him and to
look after Draco."

"God, what did he mean by that? Was he okay when you saw him?"

"Davy, he seemed preoccupied soon after we arrived. Not his happy self."

"Didn't anyone ask him what was wrong?"

"Davy, he wouldn't say."

I looked at Father Vladimir, "What should I do?"

"Davy, I am not sure you can do anything apart from asking him next time
you speak to him. I am sure he will ring when he arrives at McPhee's
uncle's. I am sure there is nothing to worry about."

Why was it when people said those four words, did my heart always leap into
my mouth? I muttered, turning away, "Nothing to worry about!" It sounded to
me like there was everything to worry about. This didn't sound like Forts
at all.

I looked at them both, "I am going back to the Castle. Hopefully, he will
ring as soon as he arrives."

I had been watching the first work beginning on the mausoleum site with
Vlad. Some workmen had arrived to start clearing the ground. It would be
several days before they could start any of the actual building work.

Athol had had a lovely idea of letting Forts ceremonially lay the first
stone block. The architect had quickly designed an inscription and the
special stone was ordered. It was to be a surprise for Forts when he got
back.

Vlad, Robert, and I walked back to the Castle, me pushing Draco and Aaran
in the pram. Maureen had been very quiet since Gary had left yesterday. It
was odd, although they had a strange relationship, she obviously still
loved him dearly. To try and give her some time on her own with her
thoughts, I had offered to look after Aaran. I hoped it would stop me from
worrying about Forts all day. It had been working until Richard and Niki
got back. Now I was more worried than ever.

"Vlad, would you mind just keeping an eye on Draco and Aaran while I speak
to Athol?"

Vlad shook his head and smiled, "Davy, I am sure there is nothing to worry
about."

"I hope you're right, but will you?"

"Go on. But don't be too long." He winked, as I hurried off to Athol's
Office.

I could hear voices inside. I knocked on the door, a voice from within,
calling, "Come in."

I opened the door and peaked in. Athol was chatting with Mishcon and
Archie. He glanced up, "Ah Davy. Come in, what can I do for you?"

I could see they were looking at some plans, "If you're busy I can come
back later?"

"No, it's not a problem. What can I help you with?"

"Have you heard from Forts today?"

Athol chuckled, "Davy, he has only been away for two days. Are you missing
him that much already?" Archie and Mishcon joined in the laughter.

I blushed, and tried to hide my frustration, "Well, no, it's not that. But
Robert just got back, and he said Forts was acting really out of character
at Balmoral. I just wondered if he had spoken to you. You know, told you if
there was a problem?"

"No, I spoke to him yesterday. He did sound a bit quiet, but he said
everything was fine. Why, what did Robert say?"

"Well, it's probably nothing, but..." I hesitated.

"Go on, Davy." Athol started to walk over to me. "What was said?"

I felt my voice tremble as I repeated the words, "Tell Davy, I will always
love him and to look after Draco."

Athol frowned, "It does sound a bit of an odd thing to say. Is Robert sure
he heard him, right?"

I could only nod as I felt my tears welling up. Archie joined us and put
his arm round me. Through my glazed eyes, I saw him glance and nod at
Athol.

Athol cleared his throat, "Davy, did Forts say where McPhee's uncle was
staying? I will ring and ask Forts to contact us."

I shook my head, "Forts didn't know... McPhee said they would find out once
they were at Balmoral."

Now Athol glanced at Archie, "Do you know?"

Archie shook his head. Athol continued, "So no one here knows."

I felt myself swallow. Archie hugged me tighter. Athol turned back to his
desk and picked up the receiver. "Hello operator. Can you connect me to
Balmoral Castle please? YES, Balmoral Castle." Athol covered the hand of
the phone, "I will speak to the King's Equerry, hopefully he can tell us."

I think by way of distracting me, Archie led me over to the desk they had
all been standing at. He took hold of one of the pieces of paper and turned
it to me.

He gave me another hug. "Davy, this is what the inscription stone will look
like."

I looked blankly at the piece of paper, my ear trying to hear the
conversation Athol was having.

"What do you think? I am sure Forts will like it."

I nodded dumbly. It now held no interest for me at that precise moment.

Athol came off the phone. He was no longer smiling. "He said he didn't
know, and Forts didn't say." Now Athol joined Archie and put his arm round
me, too. "I am sure there is nothing to worry about, Davy. You can wait
here until he phones, if you want? I am sure he will."

"No, I had better be going. I left Vlad with both the babies."

"Both?"

"Yes, Maureen is not herself today either. So, I offered to look after
Aaran for the day." I turned for the door. "But let me know as soon as you
hear from him. AND tell him he frightened the bloody life out of me saying
that."

I left, closing the door behind me. My heart sank as I heard Athol speaking
to Archie and Mishcon. "They were lying to me. I could tell. They know
where he is. But wouldn't say."


**

Forts continues the story.

I hadn't felt much like talking during the journey. McPhee had sat up front
with Andrei, while Dima sat in the back with me. I think leaving Robert
made him quiet, too.

McPhee tapped on the glass partition. I opened it. "Not long now
Forts... And for God's sake cheer up. You look like you found a shilling
and lost a pound." He cackled with laughter. I forced a smile.

We pulled up at a large, imposing country house. I still hadn't seen a name
plate anywhere. As the car door opened, I thought I could smell the sea. I
could definitely smell the rain. The sky was cloudy and squally. I breathed
in; it was the same smell I remembered from by the docks in Aberdeen. Chris
joined us, grinning on the courtyard, holding up a large black umbrella.

"Where are we then, Chris?" Dima said, looking round and up at the house.

"Oh, I can never pronounce the place. I just call it my uncle's." He
laughed again.

I glanced round. The house was surrounded on three sides by ancient pine
forests.

Chris pointed, "From inside the house you can see the coast and the
sea. When it's nice. It's not far away in that direction. Come on, let's
get you inside and we can meet my uncle."

*

The door was opened as we approached. What was it about most of these old
Scottish properties? Why were they all so dark and dreary? I made a mental
note to myself, Pittodrie was not going to be like that.

"Welcome your Imperial Highness, Prince, Sir."

Chris glanced at me, he seemed surprised. He looked back at the chap who
had opened the door. "Sorry, I was expecting my uncle's butler, Peters."

"Peters has left Sir, I am Masters, his Grace's new butler."

"Oh... okay. Pleased to meet you. I am Chris, his Grace's, nephew."

Masters nodded his head, "His Grace is waiting to meet and greet you all in
the drawing room. This way, gentlemen, please. I will have your bags taken
up to your rooms."

McPhee raised his eyebrows and winked at me. He took hold of my arm, "Come
on Forts, smile... please. I am sure it won't be that bad. You will love my
uncle."

I forced a smile and Chris led me down the corridor. Masters led us in
through an open door, "Your Grace. His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke,
Drageon Drageonivanov, Romanov. Prince of the Blood Imperial. His Highness
Prince Dimitri Chikenoff and the Baronet King Holm."

A tallish black haired man smiled and greeted us. He bowed to me, Your
Imperial Highness... I feel I should be calling you the Tsesarvich, Your
Highness."

I glanced at Dima. What was this man up to? Dima was nodding. He beamed at
me and whispered, "See, someone else thinks you should be the next Tsar
besides me."

I shook my head and took the proffered hand. "I am very pleased to meet
you, your Grace."

He nodded and shook hands and then shook hands with Dima and hugged
Chris. I heard him saying, "Thank you for finally getting him here, Chris."

Now, that had me thinking. Did Chris know more than he was letting on?  I
didn't know who to trust anymore.

Chris stood with his arm round his uncle. It looked like they were very
close.

"Err Your Grace..." I began.

He stopped me, "Please, both of you, call me Jules. The full name is
Julian, but only my mother called me that."

I nodded, "And please call me Forts."

He nodded and winked, "Maybe some of the time."

Jules kissed Chris on the head. "How about you and Dima go and check-up
that Masters is doing his job properly, while I talk to Forts?"

"Sure, uncs." Chris kissed his cheek and headed out, Dima smiling as he
followed him. "See you both later."

Chris and Jules sure seemed close; they obviously had a good
relationship. I wasn't sure how I felt about that, after what I had been
told about Uncle Julian.

Jules waited until the door closed before smiling at me again. "I really am
very pleased to finally meet you, young man. Come and sit with me."

He really had a disarming, friendly manner and demeanour. I was actually
forgetting how much I had hated the idea of meeting him. We sat in the
window bay as the rain trickled down the windowpanes.

"A little bit of bad news, I am afraid. This weather has upset the apple
cart somewhat. The gentlemen I want you to meet will be delayed by a couple
of days. I hope that you will stay and be my guest until they arrive?"

I thought back to the Secret Service chap. What choice did I have? "Of
course, that shouldn't be a problem."

Jules smiled, "Good, good."

"Jules, where is the phone? I would like to ring Davy at Castle Fraser and
tell him my plans have changed."

"Oh, I am sorry. No phone here... too isolated. I could get a telegram sent
for you if that helps?"

No phone? My face must have said it all.

"I will send a telegram, letting them know you're going to be a few days
longer than you thought. I will get Masters to send it tomorrow. Now, let
me get you a drink, whisky?"

"Yes please, that will be fine."

*

We sat laughing and joking as he told me loads of stories about how a young
Chris had gotten up to all sorts of mischief while staying with him. I was
really warming to Jules. He had none of the stuffy airs and graces I had
found at Balmoral. I could see why Chris obviously thought so much about
him. Now I was truly conflicted, I could guess this whole business was not
going to end well. I was being put in an awful position. Chris was my
friend, this business risked destroying all that.

"Are you okay Forts? You went all quiet there, you looked a million miles
away." The voice gave me a start. Jules was staring straight at me.

"Oh, I am fine, sorry. Just thinking about Davy. He will be worried I
haven't contacted him."

Jules nodded and smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry. I will get Masters to
take a telegram to the post office. They should get it later today or
tomorrow morning."

"Thank you."

Jules stood, "Right, let's see if your room is ready. I hope it is up to
the required standard." He gave me a wink.

I followed him out of the room and up the stairs. "I put you down at this
end of the house, it's quieter."

"Where are Dima and Chris's rooms?"

"Oh, in the other wing. You probably want a break from them, anyway." He
didn't stop and opened a door into a lovely room, looking towards the
sea. I half expected to see Denis busy putting things away. Instead Masters
was doing it. I glanced round at Jules, "Sorry, but where is my valet
Denis?"

"The little guy? I put him next to Prince Dima. Masters can look after you
while you stay."

"But..."

Masters turned round and looked at me hard. I felt myself blush, "Sorry, I
mean no offence... But... "

Jules put his arm round my waist, "Sorry Forts. I didn't realise you were
so attached to him."

"Well, I am not..."

"That's good then... Masters, get everything sorted in here and see me
later." Masters nodded. Jules turned back to me, "Let me show you the rest
of the house."

It was obviously part of a plan. But for the next two days, I was kept
occupied, whether it was showing Jules the Rolls Royce, walking, fishing,
looking at Jules' gun collection, but I was constantly busy.


**

Davy continues the story

I burst through the door, disappointed at seeing the phone was still on the
cradle. Athol was standing by his desk.

"Athol you sent for me?"

"Yes Davy," he waved a piece of paper at me, "It's a telegram from
Forts. Well, it is actually a telegram from the Earl of Algin."

"What does it say? Is Forts okay?"

"Well," Athol began reading the telegram, "'His Imperial Highness will be
staying for a few more days than originally planned. He sends his
regards.'"

"Is that it?

Athol nodded. "I know it's not much, but at least we know he is okay."

"We don't know that at all." I felt my tears roll down cheeks. Athol handed
me the telegram, exactly eighteen words and nothing about me.


**

Gary continues the story

I was being held down, a boot firmly on my back between my shoulder blades,
blood from the sergeant's nose mingling with mine on the tarmac next to my
head.

"You cunt!" He screamed at me as he kicked me in the side once more. "Get
him to the guardhouse."

I was hauled up off the ground by two large Military Police. Another couple
of punches connected with my body as my arms were held behind me. "You're
fucking crazy," the Sergeant screamed again in my face.

*

That had been earlier, now I was restrained in a white straight jacket and
sitting in the back of a military ambulance. My destination, at least to
me, is unknown.


**


Forts continues the story

On the second night as I was laying in bed, I was sure I heard an airplane
flying low over the house. I got up and went to the window and peered out
in to the dark. It was pitch black, a moonless night. Moments later, I saw
a row of small flaming beacons light up in a nearby field.

By the flickering light, I could just see a dark figure scurrying around,
obviously lighting them. The beacons traced out a long rectangle on the
grass. I felt sick, it was obviously a landing strip.

My heart sank as I saw the flash of the large black and white cross on the
fuselage and the Hakenkreuz on the tail, as the small plane landed between
the small beacons. They were all quickly extinguished and, once more, I
couldn't see anything and all was silent. It had all taken less than five
minutes. I returned to bed, my stomach churning.

The following morning, I met Dima and Chris for breakfast. The three of us
sat quietly. I thought I would see if either of them had heard anything
last night, "I thought I heard a plane last night? Did either of you hear
it?"

They both looked at me blankly. There was a cough from behind me, it was
Masters. His eyes bored into me again. "There wouldn't be any planes in
this area, your Imperial Highness."

McPhee chuckled, "Well, there you go Forts. No planes round here."

"Your Imperial Highness, Prince Dima, his Grace, asks that you join him in
the drawing room."

Dima gave me a surprised look.

McPhee grinned, "What have you two been up to? Stealing the silver?"

Masters' face remained impassive, "If you would both follow me."

Dima and I stood and told Chris we would see him later.

*

Jules was standing with another gentleman I didn't know. They both turned
as we entered. They both gave a low bow, "Your Imperial Highness. Prince
Dimitri."

I swapped looks with Dima. Who was he? The worrying thing was, he seemed to
know who we were.

Jules stepped forward, "Your Imperial Highness, allow me to introduce
Prince Helix Vassiiliov."

Dima spluttered, "Prince Vassiiliov?"

Vassiiliov nodded, then ignored Dima and approached me, smiling, his hand
outstretched.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Your Imperial Highness. I knew your
parents. I met them a couple of times before the collapse."

"You knew my parents?" That took me by surprise.

Vassiiliov nodded, "Yes, I met them at the Winter Palace. Of course, you
hadn't been born then. Although you were there." He smiled as he shook my
hand.

Vassiiliov turned to Dima, his face stony. "I was sorry to hear about your
sister, Prince. I would like to say it is a pleasure to meet you too,
but..."

His words obviously took Dima by surprise. I stood not believing my ears as
he continued, sneering, "Prince Dimitri Chikenoff... Of course... I heard
about your father's treachery and yet look at you now; a confidant to the
Grand Duke..."

Dima flushed red and glared at Vassiiliov, then back at me, his eyes
demanding I say something.

Sounding as imperious as I could, I stared at Vassiiliov. "Prince Dimitri
has my complete trust and friendship. What happened all those years ago was
nothing to do with him."

Vassiiliov took a step back, bowing, "But of course, Your Imperial
Highness." I already didn't like this chap.

Dima's feathers had been ruffled. Technically, they were of the same
rank. However, the Vassiiliov family had been one of the richest in Russia;
some said even richer than the Romanovs, whereas the Chikenoffs were most
definitely not.

Dima sneered at him, "What are you doing here Helix? I heard you had fled
to France. What do you want?"

Vassiiliov ignored Dimas' question and turned back to me. "I have brought
two gentlemen to meet the Grand Duke. They carry a very interesting
proposition which we hope he will be interested in."

I heard a door open behind us. I turned, glimpsing the black uniform clad
figures that entered the room. My eyes focused on the scarlet armbands,
their black swastikas set in white circles, the red bands bordered top and
bottom with black lines.

Both of the men clicked to attention and gave the Hitler salute. "Sieg
Heil."

I heard Dima mutter, "Oh my God." As he stepped in front of me.

I was in a state of shock. I glanced round, both Helix and Jules had their
arms raised returning the Nazi salute. Vassiiliov continued, "Your Imperial
Highness. It is my pleasure to introduce SS Gruppenfuhrer Books and SS
Oberfuhrer Daluga... Gentlemen, His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke,
Drageon Drageonivanov Romanov, Prince of the Blood Imperial, Heir apparent
to the Romanov throne."

                       **********************

Folks, I really hope you're enjoying the story. There is nothing more
rewarding than hearing your feedback with observations and
suggestions. Please email me to let me know. Blackscar.

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