The Dream Begins (ebook)

Argumento de The Dream Begins (ebook)

In contrast to those who joined wagon trains to seek their fortune in the American West, John Hughes and his workers trek east. Shipping the machinery needed for his ironworks across the steppe by bullock train, Hughes heads for the land he?s bought from Count Beletsky, who has no time for either foreigners or industry. Beletsky is at odds with his wilful, forward-thinking son, Alexei, who is protected by his quick-witted grandmother, the Dowager Catherine Ignatova.

Nearby is the Cossack village of Alexandrovka, where men hew coal out of shallow pits, and a Jewish shtetl, home to Nathan Kharber, a doctor forced to return to his village by the death of his parents. To Nathan's horror, he discovers his sister Ruth has fallen in love with Alexei. He knows, as they do, that if their love is discovered both risk being ostracized, if not killed, by their communities.

The trek from the port of Taganrog to the immigrants? new home is long, onerous, and beset by problems when the autumn rains begin. Fighting mud and disease, Hughes?s party are escorted by the Tsar?s Cossack soldiers. There, on the journey, Alexei discovers it is not only the civilian Cossacks he and Ruth need to fear, but an entire regiment hell bent on wiping Jews from the face of the earth ?

Court off John Street

Georgetown, Merthyr, June 1870

The constable hadnt exaggerated. The situation was bad. The yard in front of Iestyn Swines house was awash with blood. A constable was attempting to clean it but as there was no drainage all he could do was sweep the congealing mess from one spot to another, staining even more of the cracked flagstones.

Two officers were attempting to interview the neighbours whod gathered in front of the Parrys house. The women were shrieking and gesticulating, the constables shouting their questions above the din. One was scribbling with a pencil in his notebook although Peter doubted hed heard anything intelligible.

The sergeant saw Peter and Edward and went to meet them. The police doctor, Dr Evans, finished superintending the loading of a patient on a stretcher and joined them.

What happened? Edward asked. Is Anna Parry ?

The sergeant drew Edward and Peter away from the crowd. Dr Evans caught sight of Morgan and Owen entering the court with Alf and Glyn.

The young Parrys would be better off elsewhere.

Glyn, Alf, take Morgan and Owen to the Boot, well meet you there, Edward called.

The sergeant waited until Glyn shepherded the boys away before continuing. Mervyn and Ianto Paskey raped the Parry girl.

Anna! In heavens name, shes a child! Edward blanched.

Dr Evans addressed Peter. Shes conscious, in deep shock, bruised, and covered in cuts and abrasions. Her injuries need stitching but I thought that would best be done away from here. Ive administered laudanum. Physically she should recover. Mentally Have you experience of dealing with children whove been raped?

Unfortunately, Peter replied.

After I dressed her wounds I left her with your sister-in-law. She wants to take the girl to the Boot Inn. Frankly I dont think a public house the best place for her.

The blood, Edward asked. Is it Annas?

No, the sergeant revealed. Iantos. The women got to him before the constables arrived.

That was Ianto being carried out, Dr Evans said.

The women beat him? Peter asked the sergeant.

Castrated him. They were about to do the same to Mervyn when my officers stopped them.0