Tyranny of Steel

Sitting atop the back of a brilliant chocolate colored steed was a man dressed from head to toe in the unique garb of Medieval India. This man was named Ishwar Tomara, and he was the son of the current Regent of the Anagpur Empire, which lie in the northwestern corner of the Indian Subcontinent.

Normally he could not be bothered to waste the time necessary to travel to the Western World, and yet despite his reservations, he had received orders from the boy-emperor Dharya Tomara to undertake such a journey. Throughout his travels, Ishwar had seen many tremendous sights, from the neighboring Turk-Persian Empire that belonged to the Timurids, to the glistening city of Constantinople, which acted as the gateway to the western world. 

However, nothing he had seen until now had prepared him for the technological wonderland that was the Kingdom of Austria. Having landed in Trieste after chartering a ferry from the mighty Empire of Byzantium, the Indian noblemen could not believe his eyes. 

The scale of the vessels which sat in the harbor was beyond anything he had ever seen. While the Austrian fleet had not yet been fully retrofitted into a class of iron-clad frigates, there were still several of them on display in the major port city of the western kingdom. Though this new class of warship had yet to been revealed to the world, Ishwar gained a first glimpse of the future that was on the horizon. 

It was not only the technological marvels that were the steam powered ironclads that caught the Indian nobleman's attention but also the many factories that existed in the port city, designed to aid in the construction of naval and merchant vessels alike. Every aspect of this city was designed around two facets of life: manufacturing and trade. 

The classic German architecture was blended with modern necessities such as plumbing and wood-burning stoves to create a beautifully sculpted and clean city free from the waste and litter commonly found in the streets of other cities around the world. 

The translator which had been procured for their journey during their brief stay in Constantinople had a smug expression on his face. This was not his first time visiting Trieste, nor would it be his last. On more than one occasion, he had acted as a translator for those seeking to do business in Austria. Over the years, the man had seen the small realm go from being a backwater duchy, to the most powerful Kingdom in central Europe, and perhaps the western world as a whole. 

"Magnificent isn't it? However, if you think Trieste is grand, wait until you enter the Capital of this Kingdom. Kufstein is more than just a city. It is an impregnable fortress protected by multiple layers of walls, each section mounted with fearsome cannons and a full-time garrison numbering in the thousands."

In response to this comment, Ishwar nodded his head in silence, his mouth agape as he gazed upon the city of Trieste. While Trieste was a major port city, it paled in comparison to the grandeur of Kufstein, the capital of the Kingdom of Austria. Something that Ishwar and his delegation were about to understand. 

<br/>With a smile on his face, the translator led the Indian delegation towards the rail station where they would board the next rail car, and travel to Kufstein in the fashion that had become most common for wealthy visitors. Ishwar and his companions were stunned by sights they saw as they walked through the streets, however when they witnessed the train pull into the station, they could hardly believe their eyes.

This behemoth of a vehicle operated entirely without the power of beasts of burden. Just what magic had the Austrians conjured to make such a thing. The Indian nobleman was so surprised by the train that he let out a gasp when he first laid eyes on it. For the natives of Austria who boarded the passenger cars, they paid no heed to the foreigner's shock, for such a thing had become a common sight. 

Ishwar and his companions had purchased first-class tickets for a substantial sum, thus they were afforded their own train car, however they were not the least bit remorseful for spending so much gold. Instead, they gazed upon the magnificently crafted cabin with wonder. Not only was the car furnished with the finest sofas, but it even had its own personal bar, along with its own personal bartender, and even a few attendants who they could order food from. 

This first-class train car was indeed worth the price of admission, assuming one had the money to spend, and was on a long journey. Ishwar enjoyed freshly cooked meals by the kitchen car, and the Austrian delicacies they created with a pairing of fine wines, distilled spirits, blended drinks, and hearty german lagers. He had not even arrived yet at the Royal Palace, and yet he felt as if he had been treated with the luxury that only a King could understand. 

Out of all his diplomatic visits, none were more garish than this visit, and he had yet to even meet his host. Truly, Austria had surpassed his expectations in every way. When Ishwar wasn't enjoying the meals, or the drinks, he was gazing out the window in wonder as the fertile fields of Austria, which were maintained by a small amount of farmers and their horse powered machines, passed him by. Even after entering the alps, the mechanized agriculture of the kingdom of Austria continued to display its dominance. 

The journey from Trieste to Kufstein lasted a few hours, and by the time the Indian noblemen stepped off the train and into the city, he could hardly believe his eyes. The Grand Cathedral of Kufstein, as well as the other architectural masterpieces that had been created, soared in the sky above the many half-timber tenements and luxurious villas. 

In the distance, on the hills above the fortress city, was the giant bronze statue of Berengar and his fallen steed Erwin, looking over the city and its people as its eternal protector, its sword pointed in the direction of Rome. With the sun gleaming upon its metallic surface, Ishwar felt as if he had stepped foot into a Kingdom belonging to a fairy tale. 

Under the direction of the translator, Ishwar and his delegation received visitor passes to the city, and were permitted to stay for a grand total of ninety days any longer, and the local authorities would imprison them as illegal immigrants. Having been approved for a diplomatic visit, they then found their way to the Austrian Royal Palace, where the guards began to check their documents for verification. 

After a few moments, the men confirmed that the Indian Delegation was valid, before checking them for any potential weapons. A thorough search was conducted where they were then approved for entry. When Ishwar finally entered the courtyard of the Royal Palace of Austria, he felt as if his breath had been taken away. Such a large and marvelous palace was greater than anything that existed in his homeland. 

Ultimately, he was forced to calm his nerves before entering the Royal Palace, where the servants led him to the Great Hall, where Berengar was seated on his throne waiting for his guests from the East. After witnessing the grand throne of the Royal Palace, and the golden-haired, blue-eyed king who seated upon it, even Ishwar felt compelled to kneel before this mighty figure. 

The Indian noblemen was the first to do so, where his delegation followed his actions. Silence prevailed for a few moments before Ishwar was able to gather and express his thoughts in a calm and collected manner.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ishwar Tomara, cousin to his majesty Dharya Tomara, and personal representative of the mighty Anagpur Empire. Though, truthfully, after witnessing the wealth and prosperity of your Kingdom, I feel embarrassed to say such a thing. I have travelled a long way, on behalf of my people, for a single purpose. To engage in trade with your Majesty and hopefully secure the weapons that your people refer to as the arkebuse."

Berengar rested his chin on his fist as he listened to the words spoken by the translator, who acted as a bridge of communication between him and the ambassador of the Anagpur Empire. Truth be told, he was unaware of its existence until relatively recently, when he was alerted by his department of immigration about the request for a diplomatic visit from the Indian Empire. 

To prepare for this meeting, Berengar had sifted through many old documents, learning everything he could about this dying Empire in the east. He was impressed by its rich history, and how it differed from the timeline of his past life. However, he was interested in its current politics, which he had little information on.

Thanks to Linde's efforts over the years, his spy network was now vast, and with a little effort he could gather some accurate information about the current court affairs of the Anagpur Empire. Thus, he knew that this young man was the son of the true power behind the Anagpur throne. 

It was with this in mind that Berengar put on a gracious facade as he gazed upon the Indian Ambassador and welcomed him to his home. 

"I am King Berengar von Kufstein, first of my name. Allow me to welcome you into my home and Kingdom. I am sure your journey was long and tiring. You and your delegation are more than welcome to sit at my table for the coming feast. As far as trade between our two realms is concerned, this can wait for another day when you are all well rested."

Ishwar had a good impression of Berengar, despite ruling over such a wealthy, and powerful kingdom which contained technological marvels he could never dream of, he still acted gracefully in the face of foreign visitors, from a dying Empire a long way from his borders. Thus, he acted equally respectfully as he responded to Berengar's invitation.

"Your hospitality is most welcome, and I look forward to sharing a meal with your family."

Upon hearing this, Berengar smiled once more, and got up from his throne, where he led Ishwar and his delegation to the dining room. The negotiations between their two realms had only just begun.