Elbener Zeitung -- Online Edition

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

SUMMIT WITH TRIVODNIA NEXT WEEK
Crotobaltislavonia and Innensee are top priorities

A spokesman for the foreign ministry announced that His Majesty will be traveling to Lenz along the coast of the Innensee, also known as Lake Elbe, to meet with top officials from Elben's southern neighbor Trivodnia. Attending HM will be the foreign minister Graf von Schlabrendorff. The top items of the agenda for the meetings are expected to be Crotobaltislavonia, especially now that that the Farrago regime is showing signs of eroding support, the war on drugs, and measures to conserve shared bodies of water.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

HIS MAJESTY ARRIVES IN LENZ
Summit with officials from Trivodnia is imminent

After Pentecost Mass at Corpus Christi Cathedral in Eschenbach, HM boarded the Royal Train and set off for Lenz, where he arrived today. Staying at the Grand Hotel that lies across the main street of the town from the shore of the Innensee, HM will be enjoying the spring weather while meeting with his ministers and awaiting the arrival of Trivodnia's president. On the agenda is Innensee conservation efforts, the situation in Crotobaltislavonia, and the war on drugs. A spokesman at the New Palace announced to the press today the official gift to Trivodnia: a stallion and mare of the famous Lipinzer breed of horse the kings of Elben have supported over the centuries since its arrival from the South.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

HIS MAJESTY GREETS PRESIDENT LAUTERPACHT OF TRIVODNIA
Heads of state review troops and president receives Elbener gift

President Lauterpacht of Trivodnia arrived in Lenz where he was greeted by HM. The main street of the village on the shore of the Innensee had been transformed in a parade ground. The presidential limousine brought the president from the airport where he and HM then reviewed a company of the Royal Krasnislavian Mountaineer Regiment, dressed smartly in summer kit and their lapista berets. At the end of the line, before turning to enter the Grand Hotel, site of their summit, HM had the pleasure of presenting the president with Elben's gift to Trivodnia. Once inside, the two leaders retired to have their talk in private, accompanied only by their close aides and ministers.

The presidential party is staying in the Grand Hotel along with HM. Their closed door meetings will continue for the next few days with brief opportunities for the press to present questions. Later this week the summit will conclude with a banquet in President Lauterpacht's honor.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

LENZ SUMMIT ENDS WITH AGREEMENT
His Majesty and the president of Trivodnia lay out framework for joint cooperation

After several days of closed-door meetings interspersed with photo ops, HM and President Lauterpacht of Trivodnia wrapped up their summit with a banquet in the president's honor at the Grand Hotel in Lenz. The two leaders toasted each other and spoke at length to the assembled guests of their regard for each other and hopes to meet again at a possible second round of talks.

The agreement reached by Elben and Trivodnia includes a framework for joint cooperation on several issues. Both states will work together to patrol the Innensee to monitor the fisheries and fight the spread of invasive species. Both agreed to oversee Crotobaltislavonia's territorial waters until that state is able to resume its responsibilities. Finally, both states will work together to decrease tensions in the Krasnislavian border area.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

LENZ AGREEMENT QUESTIONED
Foreign minister issues clarification

At the foreign ministry today, Count von Schlabrendorff issued a statement regarding the territorial waters of Crotobaltislavonia and how the new Lenz Agreement relates to the situation. It read in part: "It is our intention to maintain CBS's territorial integrity for its people until its government has stabilized and its armed and police forces are able to fulfill their duties. In no way is it our intention to usurp CBS's waters for our own gain."

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

As already stated, there is no intention to seize Crotobaltislavonian territorial waters in Lake Elbe by either the Free State of Trivodnia or the Kingdom of Elben. It is disappointing that a gesture of neighbourly solidarity and goodwill is being openly misconstrued by so many parties.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

KRASNISLAVIAN MARCH ON THE WAY
Sejm in Krawcow approves welcoming resolution

The regional sejm legislative body in Krawcow approved a resolution welcoming a march of ethnic Krasnislavians from Kadikistan. Organizers of the march have stated they intend to first go to Trivodnia and then on to Elben to visit their separated brethren. His Majesty is expected to approve the resolution tomorrow morning.

The resolution was introduced by Count Radovan Rajičov, a leader of a group advocating for stronger ties Krasnislavians living beyond Elben's borders. The count was recently detained over a misunderstanding with police during a protest of the Lenz Agreement. He was released, though several of his group remain in custody pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

WELCOME PREP CONTINUES FOR KRASNISLAVIAN MARCH
At border checkpoints and in the regional capital, locals prepare festive greeting

In Krawcow and at the points along the border with Trivodnia where the marchers are expected to cross, ethnic Krasnislavians are gathering to welcome their brothers and sisters from Kadikistan. Girls and boys in peasant costumes have been practicing traditional songs and dances at makeshift encampments that have been erected near the border and their elders have been hard at work preparing traditional foods. The Elbener Brotherhood of St. Dumas has provided field kitchens for the volunteers to use as needed.

Count Radovan Rajičov, a leader in the regional sejm legislature, told EZ, "It is a time of national enlightenment as Krasnislavians young and old once more embrace their traditional ways of life. This is especially important now as our separated brethren from Kadikistan arrive, brethren who have suffered through the calamities that have taken place over the years on the other side of the border. We want to share with them what it is like to live in a free and self-governed Krasnislavia."

Count Rajičov leads an organization of young men who will be serving as marshals along the march route from the border to Krawcow where the marchers will be welcomed by the leaders of the regional sejm The marshals will be wearing their khaki shirts and trousers and their lapistas, the traditional Krasnislavian beret. His Majesty has granted permission to the Royal Krasnislavian Mountaineer Regiment and other units from the region to travel to the regional capital to escort the marchers through Krawcow.

The regional government will have officials on hand to assist locals who wish to attempt to greet extended family members from Kadikistan who due to restrictions at the border have lost touch over the years.

@Kadikistan @Trivodnia

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

KRASNISLAVIAN MARCHERS ARRIVE IN KRAWCOW
Peaceful display of national unity hailed as breakthrough

After a few days of marching through farms and villages, the MUSK march that originated in Kadikistan and passed through Trivodnia before reaching Elben arrived in the regional capital of Krawcow. The marchers have passed through both sunshine and rain, with rain gear provided free by charitable organizations to all who needed it. The night before the march’s arrival in Krawcow, tens of thousands slept out under the stars in meadows prepared for the occasion along their route.

After being escorted through the streets by Krasnislavian soldiers in dress uniform and wearing their distinctive lapista berets, the marchers gathered in the main square of the capital. They were met by the leadership of the regional sejm headed by speaker Ratko Brnabić, who spoke eloquently of the Krasnislavian people who were bounded by culture, by language, by love of their country and its traditions. “Seeing you all here, it touched me to the very core! This is what it means to be a Krasnislavian, to be amongst those who share with me love of our people and our fatherland.”

After Speaker Brnabić’s remarks, the marchers were treated to a massive festival, with several stages erected around the central district of Krawcow where all manner of performers displayed the grand traditions of Krasnislavian music, dance, and theater. Several large walls of wood bore genealogical charts and copies of old photos as many sought distant relatives among the marchers from Kadikistan. Later in the evening, as wine and beer flowed freely, there were shouts of joy as at least two distant cousins were able to confirm their kinship and trade contact information with each other to renew family ties. At the end of the festivities, the marchers were housed in school dormitories, fine hotels, and private citizens’ homes for the night before they set out to continue their journey back to Kadikistan where they will arrive in a day or two.

Said one female reveler whose citizenship could not be confirmed, “This is so awesome! Today we are Krasnislavians. Let's tear down those borders!”

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

KADIKISTAN MOBILIZES WESTERN DIRECTION
His Majesty and his ministers meet to discuss Ivar's response to Trier's expansion

After news flashed across Europe of Occitania joining the Trier Accord, it was soon reported that Kadikistan was mobilizing its western forces to a high level of readiness not seen in many years, not even during the Crotobaltislavonia crisis last Christmas.

After recent tensions with the Kadikistani Union during that crisis, foreign minister Count von Schlabrendorff told members of the press in an antechamber of the New Palace in Eschenbach that Elben would continue to observe the situation while consulting with its ally the Kingdom of Gunnland. Elben's armed forces remain at a peacetime status level.

It is reported that the last of the Krasnislavian marchers in the southeast of Elben are making their way to the border and will soon be home. Police units in the area are continuing monitor the march to ensure that all return to Kadikistan without delay in light of the mobilization order.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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​

We commend the authorities of the Kingdom of Elben for their professionalism and tact during the final phase of the Krasnislavian Solidarity March. This sign of goodwill and respect shall not be ignored by the Union. Given that the current circumstances do not permit us to be the host that you deserve we propose that the People's Commissariat for External Trade visits the Kingdom at the earliest convenience to renegotiate the economic sanctions imposed upon Elben.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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[Elben]

@Kadikistan

Königreich Elben
Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

Communique 2018-06-27/01
Marked: Open

To Petar Kujundzic, People's Commissar for External Affairs of Kadikstan;
From Gerhard Schenk Graf von Schlabrendorff, His Majesty's Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Greetings!

Dear Sir,
It is with pleasure that I receive your communication indicating a willingness to put recent events behind our two states so that Elben and Kadikistan can move forward. Our Krasnislavian populations have much in common despite historical separation and we should not hesitate to follow their example. As those in Elben welcomed those from Kadikistan, so I welcome a delegation from Ivar to visit Eschenbach to proceed with negotiations as you suggest.

Most cordially yours,
Gerhard Schlabrendorff, etc.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES TRAVEL WARNING
Guidelines issued for Elbeners planning on going abroad

The foreign ministry has issued a travel advisory and associated guidelines for those journeying to Rurikgrad Pact and Trier Accord states and their associates including Crotobaltislavonia and Trivodnia. Travel is not advised at this time. Those who do go should register at the HM's embassy, avoid travel to outlying areas, and avoid large crowds. Travelers should maintain contact with the local embassy for updates on the situation.

His Majesty in consultation with his ministers has ordered all non-essential embassy personnel to return to Elben, including dependent women and children. Those remaining behind will do all that is possible to assist Elbeners, both travelers and expatriates, but cannot guarantee normal services.

At this time, Elben is still consulting with its Council of the North allies.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

BROTHERHOOD REBUILDS REFUGEE CAMPS ALONG SOUTHERN BORDERS
Trivodnian and Crotobaltislavonians escaping war are expected soon

With the outbreak of war, the Elbener Brotherhood of St. Dumas announced today that its Hospitallers would reopen the belt of refugee camps first erected across the border from Crotobaltislavonia during the Christmas Crisis last January. Most of the camps have been closed, with only a few remaining. The BSD has announced that the belt would be extended east to include the border with Trivodnia. Camps will include medical facilities, field kitchens, and shelter from the elements. The BSD in coordination with the Royal Riverine Patrol will be on the lookout for craft crossing the Innensee bearing refugees to ensure that none making the crossing are lost.

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

KRASNISLAVIAN MARCH SERVES AS BREAKTHROUGH WITH KADIKISTAN
Sources say eastern neighbor now more open to rebuilding ties with Elben

After observing Elben's efforts to facilitate the MUSK march of ethnic Krasnislavian citizens of Kadikistan, that state has indicated it wishes to open talks with Elben regarding the sanctions it has in place currently on oil and other goods Elben imports from the east. A spokesman for the foreign ministry said talks will remain in private due to current tensions, but that it is hoped that this change in affairs will help ease shortages.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Trade
People's Federal Socialist Republic of Kadikistan​

In recollection and recognition of the long-time stability that existed in the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Elben and the People's Federal Socialist Republic of Kadikistan it is the opinion of the Council of People's Commissariats, empowered by the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Workers' Party that a return to stability between both nations is preferable. We have agreed that while we may never forget Eschenbach's breaking of a bilateral treaty at a critical moment, we must leave room for positivism. The sanctions have achieved their punitive purpose in striking at the elite's economic power as they did to our political and military power. Today it is no longer necessary to remind our western neighbours to the importance and integrity of bilateral agreements, even less so do we wish to cause more pain to the Elbener people through a continuation of the sanctions. The Kadikistani Union hereby drops all economic sanctions upheld against the Kingdom of Elben after the Second Crotobaltislavonian Crisis. As a sign of both goodwill and gratitude for the warm and admirable facilitation of the Solidarity March for a United Krasnislavia, we have decided to give Elbener national companies a privileged status on the recently further expanded Kadikistani Economic Free Zones.

Signed,
Dimitri Zetzov
People's Commisar for External Trade
People's Federal Socialist Republic of Kadikistan

​

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

FLASH! RURIKGRAD ATTACKS TRIVODNIA!
Kadikistan, Xinhai, Crotobaltislavonia launch offensive operations; Serenierre sends troops into Occitania

Early this morning, units of the armed forces of the Rurikgrad Pact and its allies launched a surprise attack on Trivodnia and Occitania to the south.

A massive barrage of artillery and missiles was launched by Kadikistan up and down the border with Trivodnia. Communication has broken down and little detail is known of ongoing operations. Information has trickled in a Crotobaltislavonian offensive that has apparently failed completely and been followed by a rapid collapse of the government according to CBS news outlets. Trivodnia's government is apparently hanging on, though there is no word on conditions in the major cities. Early reports from Trier Accord members indicate efforts to respond are being expedited before Trivodnia is completely overwhelmed. Occitania's ability to withstand the Serenierren invasion is unknown.

Members of the army and air force general staffs and officials of the foreign ministry have been seen coming and going from the New Palace in Eschenbach all morning. There has been no official statement from His Majesty. A spokesman for the foreign ministry told reporters that refugees would be treated with hospitality as always and Elben's border security would be maintained.

(War Day 1)

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

NONFICTION BESTSELLER LIST
As collated by the Royal Booksellers League

1. Genealogy of the Princes of Krasnislavia, by Anastasia Lubacs (nc)
2. Big Brother Said What?: Amusing Quotes From Raoul Farrago, compiled by CBS Desk, Elbener Zeitung (+1)
3. European Odyssey: A Political Prisoner Learns Freedom isn't the Same as Being Free, by Viktor Laszlo and Ilsa Laszlo (+4)
4. New Cathay Diary: A Reporter's Journey to the Far East, by Nicholas Meyer (+5)
5. In My Father's House: A Critical Edition, by the Princess Irulan (-1)

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

FICTION BESTSELLER LIST
As collated by the Royal Booksellers League

1. The Fortress of the Cross: Part 2 of the St. Dumas Saga, by Jerzey Albrecht (+4)(wk 2)
2. Parzival, by Wolfram von Eschenbach, tr. and ed. by Renfeld Trensch (+1)(wk 7)
3. Husbands and Wives, by Gunther Rittenbacher (-3)(wk 23)
4. Memoir of a Natalian Lancer, by Tom Bryant, tr. by Lena Oster (--)(wk 3)
5. Peace and War, by Count Lev Tolstoi, tr. by Sergei Rostoff (--)(wk 1)

 

[Elben]

Elbener Zeitung, the newspaper of record of the Kingdom of Elben.

PREVIEW EXCERPT: AN INTERVIEW WITH JERZEY ALBRECHT

EZ: The Sword of St. Dumas was your first full length novel. It is a historical novel. Tell me about its genesis, how did it come to you?

JA: Well, when I was boy, the pulp magazines were full of tales of the Knights of St. Dumas, the brothers fighting the hordes, dashing adventures, heroic battles, saving Christian ladies from Turkic harems. I grew up, became a historian, and I found I wanted to do more, bring the stories I had read about to life, but with actual history, actual characters. I want to put my characters into the past, but have them deal with real life situations that we today can identify with and understand, dealing with good and evil and the grey in between, crises of faith, and so on.

EZ: Was it your intention to start a series when writing Sword? Or did the tale grow in the telling?

JA: You may have my readers to thank for that! (laughs) One hopes and dreams, but never plans on writing a best seller. But yes, I was only planning on one, though in the back of my mind, I was plotting young Rene's story. In my research of the Brothers of St. Dumas, I learned so much and was dreaming up new ways to flesh out the history with Rene.

Read more in this Sunday's Review of Books.