HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 4 - Departure for the Rhine Front

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 4 - Departure for the Rhine Front

We learn that a busy year has passed for Franz Stephan, and for Eduard who is getting used to the court and Austria. Eduard spends a lot of time visiting with Eugene, and is being quietly driven mad that Eugene hasn't once mentioned his Jewishness. FS tells him to keep his hat on-- Eugene has a lot on his plate without opening up that can of worms.

Then we move into... An entire Eugene chapter! ♥

... Except that it's really the author filling us all in on the history of Friederich Wilhelm I of Prussia and his son Friederich. And then the back history and set up for the War of the Polish Succession.

But we also get an old man thinking of how all his friends have gone before him, and what on earth is he going to do with this troublesome/troubled young man, and how is he going to juggle this war which the Austrian troupes can't win, against France and Spain, without becoming too beholden to the Prussian troupes?

And then he remembers! That young man who reminds him so much of himself as a youth, with the original perspective. He'll just go stop by Franz Stephan's place and speak to Eduard before answering the emperor's summons on Poland.


(A highly respected, veteran general is going to go ask the 21-year-old kid what he should do. Suspending disbelief, suspending dis-- No, no, I can't do it.)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 4 - Departure for the Rhine Front

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 4 - Departure for the Rhine Front

We learn that a busy year has passed for Franz Stephan, and for Eduard who is getting used to the court and Austria. Eduard spends a lot of time visiting with Eugene, and is being quietly driven mad that Eugene hasn't once mentioned his Jewishness. FS tells him to keep his hat on-- Eugene has a lot on his plate without opening up that can of worms.

Then we move into... An entire Eugene chapter! ♥

... Except that it's really the author filling us all in on the history of Friederich Wilhelm I of Prussia and his son Friederich. And then the back history and set up for the War of the Polish Succession.

But we also get an old man thinking of how all his friends have gone before him, and what on earth is he going to do with this troublesome/troubled young man, and how is he going to juggle this war which the Austrian troupes can't win, against France and Spain, without becoming too beholden to the Prussian troupes?

And then he remembers! That young man who reminds him so much of himself as a youth, with the original perspective. He'll just go stop by Franz Stephan's place and speak to Eduard before answering the emperor's summons on Poland.


(A highly respected, veteran general is going to go ask the 21-year-old kid what he should do. Suspending disbelief, suspending dis-- No, no, I can't do it.)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 5 - The Pure Love of Schönbrunn Palace

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 5 - The Pure Love of Schönbrunn Palace

Eugene and Eduard talk. Eugene tells Eduard about a Jewish friend he had, during the Austro-Turkish War. The air is cleared a bit, at last. Then Eugene tells Eduard that the emperor is sending troupes against a French-Hispanic alliance, and they're deploying to the Rhine soon. He asks Eduard to accompany him. More than that, he has a task for Eduard. He wants him to infiltrate the Prussian troops under Friedrich's command and sound out the young man, while at the same time concealing from him the true state of the Austrian army. Eduard accepts.

He rushes back to tell Franz Stephan, but FS has been called to Schönbrunn Palace by Therese. Eager to consult with FS, he gets directions to the palace from a servant and takes off. Once there, he nearly passes by the two lovers, who are up in the branches of a tree having an idyllic tryst. Laughing, they climb down to him. Eduard is Franz Stephan's exact opposite, grim and dark where the other is cheerful and fair, who comes with news of war, like a storm crow. But she realized today, when Franz Stephan arrived without his shadow, that she had been expecting Eduard as well, and having only FS was only half as fulfilling.

She listens to Eduard and Franz Stephan talking, then interrupts, demanding to know why Eduard is so excited to be going off to war, where he might very well die. Eduard replies that he wants to become a true Austrian, even if it should mean sacrificing his rather unimportant life. Therese snaps back at him that his life is very important... then hesitates before plunging on about how wonderful and compelling he is.


(It's not a love triangle, it's a threesome! Must resist urge to directly translate every juicy bit, or I'll never finish the book. Also, my faith in Eugene is returned to full strength. Also, also, I'm thinking Suzumi Shio for Frederick?)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 5 - The Pure Love of Schönbrunn Palace

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 5 - The Pure Love of Schönbrunn Palace

Eugene and Eduard talk. Eugene tells Eduard about a Jewish friend he had, during the Austro-Turkish War. The air is cleared a bit, at last. Then Eugene tells Eduard that the emperor is sending troupes against a French-Hispanic alliance, and they're deploying to the Rhine soon. He asks Eduard to accompany him. More than that, he has a task for Eduard. He wants him to infiltrate the Prussian troops under Friedrich's command and sound out the young man, while at the same time concealing from him the true state of the Austrian army. Eduard accepts.

He rushes back to tell Franz Stephan, but FS has been called to Schönbrunn Palace by Therese. Eager to consult with FS, he gets directions to the palace from a servant and takes off. Once there, he nearly passes by the two lovers, who are up in the branches of a tree having an idyllic tryst. Laughing, they climb down to him. Eduard is Franz Stephan's exact opposite, grim and dark where the other is cheerful and fair, who comes with news of war, like a storm crow. But she realized today, when Franz Stephan arrived without his shadow, that she had been expecting Eduard as well, and having only FS was only half as fulfilling.

She listens to Eduard and Franz Stephan talking, then interrupts, demanding to know why Eduard is so excited to be going off to war, where he might very well die. Eduard replies that he wants to become a true Austrian, even if it should mean sacrificing his rather unimportant life. Therese snaps back at him that his life is very important... then hesitates before plunging on about how wonderful and compelling he is.


(It's not a love triangle, it's a threesome! Must resist urge to directly translate every juicy bit, or I'll never finish the book. Also, my faith in Eugene is returned to full strength. Also, also, I'm thinking Suzumi Shio for Frederick?)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 6 - Heilbronn Encampment

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 6 - Heilbronn Encampment

They arrive, after several days journey (slow going because of all the baggage), and set up camp at Heilbronn. The Prussians aren't there yet, whether from delay or treachery no one yet knows. Long detail of the strength of the army, the uniforms, the weaponry, the various languages they speak.

Then there's a stir, and the Prussians, a famously well-disciplined army, have arrived, lead by their prince. For those who didn't rush out immediately and research him: His father was very strict with him, he tried to run away to England with his tutor. When caught, his father made him watch his friend's beheading, and there are rumors his father also wanted his son tried for treason, but didn't have the authority to prosecute a prince. So he had him locked up for a while, and the young man has just gotten back into his father's good graces enough to be let out. He has a deep love for his older sister (maybe too deep?), and won't touch his wife (a political marriage he resents).

He has a cold smile and a brisk disposition. Eduard feels some misgivings. His first question when introduced to Eddy was to ask what happened to his eye. No one in Austria had been so blunt as to ask. Eddy gives another of his nice speeches, impressing the prince enough to be accepted into his entourage.


(Hm. Can't tell yet if I'm going to like novelized Freddy or not.)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 6 - Heilbronn Encampment

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 6 - Heilbronn Encampment

They arrive, after several days journey (slow going because of all the baggage), and set up camp at Heilbronn. The Prussians aren't there yet, whether from delay or treachery no one yet knows. Long detail of the strength of the army, the uniforms, the weaponry, the various languages they speak.

Then there's a stir, and the Prussians, a famously well-disciplined army, have arrived, lead by their prince. For those who didn't rush out immediately and research him: His father was very strict with him, he tried to run away to England with his tutor. When caught, his father made him watch his friend's beheading, and there are rumors his father also wanted his son tried for treason, but didn't have the authority to prosecute a prince. So he had him locked up for a while, and the young man has just gotten back into his father's good graces enough to be let out. He has a deep love for his older sister (maybe too deep?), and won't touch his wife (a political marriage he resents).

He has a cold smile and a brisk disposition. Eduard feels some misgivings. His first question when introduced to Eddy was to ask what happened to his eye. No one in Austria had been so blunt as to ask. Eddy gives another of his nice speeches, impressing the prince enough to be accepted into his entourage.


(Hm. Can't tell yet if I'm going to like novelized Freddy or not.)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 7 & 8

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 7 - Enemy Army 80,000; Allies 35,000

Eugene calls together his big boys for a powwow, and lays his plans for moving the army out that night, before the French can build a bridge across the Neckar. He will split the army, and leave behind the Prussians at the camp, to be near Philipsburg.

After the meeting, he sends Eduard to see how Friedrich took the news of his inaction. The prince is hard to read, but the two men talk, and the ice breaks as Eduard hears more about his childhood and past and realizes there is a lot more to the prince beneath his mask. They talk about all kinds of things, including the flute and Friedrich's dislike for Machiavelli (he intends to write an anti-Machiavelli work). They talk about the positions of the troupes, about the need to protect Heidelberg. They talk through until the dawn, when Friedrich admits he was in a foul mood the night before, but their conversation has changed his mood. Eduard replies that he enjoyed the night they spent together, which causes another of Friedrich's bitter smiles. "Be careful what you say. I'm sure you've heard the rumors about me."

Eduard replies that people can talk all they want for all he cares. As he is walking through the camp back to his own tent he hears Yiddish. There are Jews moving along with every army, no matter the nationality, often working as suppliers, buying from one army, and selling to another. But Eduard hears them mention the French name of an area, and realizes that these men are French. They're talking about collecting supplies to feed 10,000 men. Eduard realizes they must be talking about the French army, but the army is newly deployed and well connected to its supply lines yet. He realizes that there is a large French force in the forest, which will be at Eugene's back when he commences his maneuvers.

Eduard returns to Friedrich's tent, where he finds him washing up with the aide of his friend Keyserling (the origin of a lot of those rumors). "What is it, lover?" Friedrich teases him. But as soon as he hears Eduard's news he's all business. He asks Eduard if he's sure of his source, and who it is. Eduard replies that he is certain, but he can't say who it is. Friedrich decides to trust him, and begins mustering the army.


Chapter 8 - Battle of Neckar River

Lots of details about the manueverings, the lay of the land, and the battle plans. Basically, Friedrich plans to move in to surround the woods and attack the men there, as well as set off a diversion by setting French boats on fire and sending them downstream into the platoon bridges. He splits his forces, and gives Eduard choice of whether to stay with the fire folks, or with Friedrich's attack force. "I go with you." Feeling the need for Friedrich's approval, he tells him he shot and killed a man in his first duel. "Why? Why duel? Why kill him?" Friedrich asks him. "To declare to the world and myself that I am a man who does not esteem the lives of others," Eduard replies. Friedrich feels that he is looking into a mirror, and remembers the execution of his friend.

Anyway, they go into battle, (Eduard checks on the lock of hair that Therese secretly sent him for luck) and Eduard is given the flag, since his is the only face their men don't know well, and if he's the last man standing, he needs to be able to get them to follow his orders. Friedrich's horse is shot out from under him, and he takes Eduard's. Eduard gets a new horse and follows. They finally reach the Austrian forces, where Eugene is surrounded and injured badly. Eduard takes the old man into his arms and turns, intending to take him to the rear, but just then he hears French shouts and there's an explosion and he loses consciousness.


(Okay, the whole towel wrapped around his waist and naked and 「どうした、愛人」 and I think Franz Stephan had better look out, because he has serious competition. Hah. Also, I think it's doubly dangerous, because although the author has a thing for FS's eyes, she has a thing for Freddy's *mouth*. Also, I really wish I could find a good record of this battle online, because I'm curious how much of this is based on research. Also, also, Eddy saves the day, AND the general. How sweet.)

HnH 1: Part II: Chapter 7 & 8

Habsburg no Houken, Book 1
Part II - Early-Morning Attack on the Danube

Chapter 7 - Enemy Army 80,000; Allies 35,000

Eugene calls together his big boys for a powwow, and lays his plans for moving the army out that night, before the French can build a bridge across the Neckar. He will split the army, and leave behind the Prussians at the camp, to be near Philipsburg.

After the meeting, he sends Eduard to see how Friedrich took the news of his inaction. The prince is hard to read, but the two men talk, and the ice breaks as Eduard hears more about his childhood and past and realizes there is a lot more to the prince beneath his mask. They talk about all kinds of things, including the flute and Friedrich's dislike for Machiavelli (he intends to write an anti-Machiavelli work). They talk about the positions of the troupes, about the need to protect Heidelberg. They talk through until the dawn, when Friedrich admits he was in a foul mood the night before, but their conversation has changed his mood. Eduard replies that he enjoyed the night they spent together, which causes another of Friedrich's bitter smiles. "Be careful what you say. I'm sure you've heard the rumors about me."

Eduard replies that people can talk all they want for all he cares. As he is walking through the camp back to his own tent he hears Yiddish. There are Jews moving along with every army, no matter the nationality, often working as suppliers, buying from one army, and selling to another. But Eduard hears them mention the French name of an area, and realizes that these men are French. They're talking about collecting supplies to feed 10,000 men. Eduard realizes they must be talking about the French army, but the army is newly deployed and well connected to its supply lines yet. He realizes that there is a large French force in the forest, which will be at Eugene's back when he commences his maneuvers.

Eduard returns to Friedrich's tent, where he finds him washing up with the aide of his friend Keyserling (the origin of a lot of those rumors). "What is it, lover?" Friedrich teases him. But as soon as he hears Eduard's news he's all business. He asks Eduard if he's sure of his source, and who it is. Eduard replies that he is certain, but he can't say who it is. Friedrich decides to trust him, and begins mustering the army.


Chapter 8 - Battle of Neckar River

Lots of details about the manueverings, the lay of the land, and the battle plans. Basically, Friedrich plans to move in to surround the woods and attack the men there, as well as set off a diversion by setting French boats on fire and sending them downstream into the platoon bridges. He splits his forces, and gives Eduard choice of whether to stay with the fire folks, or with Friedrich's attack force. "I go with you." Feeling the need for Friedrich's approval, he tells him he shot and killed a man in his first duel. "Why? Why duel? Why kill him?" Friedrich asks him. "To declare to the world and myself that I am a man who does not esteem the lives of others," Eduard replies. Friedrich feels that he is looking into a mirror, and remembers the execution of his friend.

Anyway, they go into battle, (Eduard checks on the lock of hair that Therese secretly sent him for luck) and Eduard is given the flag, since his is the only face their men don't know well, and if he's the last man standing, he needs to be able to get them to follow his orders. Friedrich's horse is shot out from under him, and he takes Eduard's. Eduard gets a new horse and follows. They finally reach the Austrian forces, where Eugene is surrounded and injured badly. Eduard takes the old man into his arms and turns, intending to take him to the rear, but just then he hears French shouts and there's an explosion and he loses consciousness.


(Okay, the whole towel wrapped around his waist and naked and 「どうした、愛人」 and I think Franz Stephan had better look out, because he has serious competition. Hah. Also, I think it's doubly dangerous, because although the author has a thing for FS's eyes, she has a thing for Freddy's *mouth*. Also, I really wish I could find a good record of this battle online, because I'm curious how much of this is based on research. Also, also, Eddy saves the day, AND the general. How sweet.)