Her little aide had really done pretty well, Illoia thought as she seated herself next to Tom at the head of the table. She was only listening to the discussion that Tom and her father were having… she could tell her father was upset at Tom for, well, for everything, but at the same time recognized his military genius and knew that her marriage would actually be very, very good for him politically. As would this whole trip, if she understood anything about it. Poor Father.
With the rest of her brain, she was judging up how everyone else was doing, and how this would affect her plans for Tom’s social advancement. She had already decided it would take tricky handling, but if he was going to keep doing this kind of thing, she risked being well out of her depth. Still, everyone seemed happy enough.
She saw that they were seated according to the military tradition: with the men all on one side of the table, and the lasses on the other, with the children having a happy time at a separate table, watched over by several of the lesser ranks. The commander was anxiously listening to the discussion between Tom and the governor, looking as if he would like to interject but couldn’t find any possible opening… nor did he have any idea what to say.
The various sub-commanders, aides, and the like seemed much less stressed out. She supposed the sub-commander would get some kind of medal out of today’s events, since at least two of his units were involved and, if she understood the reports at all, it had been a brilliant success on all levels.
The food seemed well done as well. She had had no time to even discuss the menu with the various wives, but they seemed to be doing well. At least this soup, the second course, was excellent. The first course, bowls of nuts and things, had been well arranged but had hardly been a challenge but this soup… or rather soups, since she had been given a choice of three… was excellent, and the ones the others were eating seemed to be going over well as well.
Article 17
Article 17 is a military science fiction story with aliens and romance. It is set in a future reminiscent of Napoleon-era Britain. The war was going very poorly until the military installed a dictator. This story follows one of the dictator’s great men: Cladin Tomirosh, Leader, and thrice-decorated hero.
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Thank you for reading Von’s Substack. I would love it if you commented! I love hearing from readers, especially critical comments. I would love to start more letter exchanges, so if there’s a subject you’re interested in, get writing and tag me!
Being ‘restacked’ and mentioned in ‘notes’ is very important for lesser-known stacks so… feel free! I’m semi-retired and write as a ministry (and for fun) so you don’t need to feel guilty you aren’t paying for anything, but if you enjoy my writing (even if you dramatically disagree with it), then restack, please! Or mention me in one of your own posts.
If I don’t write you back it is almost certain that I didn’t see it, so please feel free to comment and link to your post. Or if you just think I would be interested in your post!
If you get lost, check out my ‘Table of Contents’ which I try to keep up to date.
Von also writes as ‘Arthur Yeomans’. Under that name he writes children’s, YA, and adult fiction from a Christian perspective. His books are published by Wise Path Books and include the children’s/YA books:
The Bobtails meet the Preacher’s Kid: A Christian historical fiction chapter book about four orphans who go to live with their aunt on a dairy farm.
The Bobtails and the Cousins: The sequel to Preacher’s Kid. The aunt has married, and the cousins come to visit. Meaning town kids dealing with chores and manure and…
The Bobtails go to France: The sequel to Cousins. The Bobtails, and Preacher’s Kid, get to take a trip to New York, London, Paris, and a small town in France. To get some cheese.
and
No Ordinary School: A brilliant but socially clueless boy gets recruited for a special school. Where he makes a lot of money, gets a girl, and solves a mystery. And…
Without a Word: A young woman, betrothed against her will to a disreputable older man. How will she honour God and her husband in this difficult marriage? (Published on Substack exclusively.)
As well as GK Chesterton’s wonderful book, “What’s Wrong with the World”, for which ‘Arthur’ wrote most of the annotations.
Arthur also has a substack, and a website. On the substack you can listen to some of his published books. Free.
Thanks again, God Bless, Soli Deo gloria,
Von
Other Stories
Article 17 is not my only story on Substack. I have another light dystopia, or cultural sci-fi. And a Sci-Fantasy, with elves and dwarves. And a Morality Play, ala Aesop’s Fables.
Contract Marriage Intro
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11 SEPTEMBER 2023
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
The Oracle at Toko-Ri
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1 MAY 2023
Next Post →
Prologue IP0
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11 AUGUST 2023
Island People is a young adult fantasy book centring on a young prince. The book starts with his kidnapping and follows his adventures as he not only escapes from his kidnapper but gains critical allies and friends.
Without a Word
Without a Word is a historical fiction story set in 1808 and follows the struggles of a young woman, betrothed against her will to an older man. A Christian woman, and a man of very questionable morals.
Without a Word attempts to contrast Biblical advice against the advice of this age, even the advice of the church. It concerns a young, immature woman growing in her own Godliness through her obedience to an ungodly man. And who knows, perhaps she shall even win her husband.
