Chapter 567: Omens of an Uncertain Future
Dark storm clouds gathered over Brussels and its palace; omens of an uncertain future.
Within, the King’s war room echoed that foreboding, as generals, statesmen, and advisors clustered around a table cluttered with intelligence reports smuggled out of France.
"As you can see here, new weapons flood the streets of Paris. No doubt from the combined minds of the Allied powers reforged in secrecy after their brutal defeat during the previous war."
Silence lingered like a held breath; until the room broke into heated disagreement once more.
"They are surely working together to develop arms that might compete with the Germans and their new alliance. Have you heard what they are calling them? The Axis of Evil!"
A chortle. A sharp snort.
"Axis of Evil? What nonsense! Was it not the Germans who warned us of France’s plans to invade in 1914? Was it not their hand joined with ours when the French marched through our borders with rifle and bayonet?"
King Albert, now aged and wise, inclined his head in somber agreement. As did all present. Each remembered the battles waged, the scars gained, the bonds forged in mud and blood.
Belgium’s relationship with Germany had remained cordial after that victory.
In fact, the Kaiser sent considerable aid to rebuild Brussels after the French had ravaged it. Trade flourished between them, and Belgium was wealthier than ever. But France, bitter, resentful, threatened that prosperity.