Chapter 57 Refugees at the Border (2)

At the border of the Austrian Empire with the Ottoman Empire…

"Doctor Hristov, is this good news right? We can live now in peace in peace and away from chaos and conflict. The Russians are willing to accept us refugees in their lands as we are also Slavs."

"Boy, this is good news indeed but the flames in my heart can't accept such a resolution until I can't personally inflict my revenge and retribution against those monsters."

It is already a few days since Doctor Teodor Hristov and the refugees he is with were able to reach the order and escape the Ottoman pursuers. They were able to defeat the small detachment who is pursuing them by ambushing the Ottoman soldiers at night while they were drinking and their vigilance is low. After killing all the drunk and dazed pursuers, Teodor and his men immediately march faster because they know that after killing the pursuers, the other Ottoman soldiers would chase them for revenge and they would be given no quarter or mercy.

As such, they were able to escape the Ottomans and were able to arrive at the border a few days ago. What greets them is the sight of hundreds of thousands of refugees staying in camps at the border inside the Austrian Empire. The Austrian Empire wouldn't allow the refugees to move inwards as the Empire can't accommodate that large surge of people inside the Empire. They would only accept if the people had relatives in the Austrian Empire or a professional that can also speak the German language.

Teodor Hristov understands this action as he can see that the Austrians would also need to save their own and this is the only possible logical action that can satisfy all sides. The Austrian Empire had barely able to achieve Germanization or Austrianization after assimilating the other ethnicities for decades and even not everyone has been assimilated, especially those who are in Hungary. If anything, the current Austrian Emperor is great at achieving such achievements while maintaining peace and foreign relation with neighboring states.

If the current emperor instead pursue militaristic and expansionist policy even if internally the empire is barely united and holding, then the Austrian Empire had surely already collapsed because it is weak internally and externally. The Austrian defeat during the Russo-Prussian war of 1832 and two Hungarian revolutions had weakened the influence and power of the Austrian Empire, it is only due to wise policies that Emperor Franz Joseph saved the Empire from total collapse.

"Doctor, would you then join the Austrian Army?" the young man asked.

"…"

Teodor is unable to answer the young man as he is still having second thoughts about his plans.

"Does Sofia even knows what you are planning sir? She really needs you right now and if you join the army then if a war would start, Sofia would be left alone."

"I know… that's why I'm still weighing everything… whether I'll join or not…"

Teodor can only bite his lip and clenched his fist as he is again reminded of the horror, pain, and anguish they experience, especially his daughter, Sofia, who is raped by an Ottoman soldier when they attack their small town.

He can still clearly remember what happened on that day. The foul smell of burned and mutilated bodies of his once acquaintances and friends. The cries of help and pain from the other townspeople. The sheer brutality and cruelty done by the Ottomans make him vomit and questioned their humanity. It is very hard to understand how a human being can cause such suffering and pain to his fellowmen.

It is more believable that the soldiers are demons sent from hell than the same human being the same as them.

"My daughter, Sofia, had suffered greatly and most horrible. Every time I see her, my heart aches remembering what she had experienced that day. How can I, as her father, would let such transgression be left unanswered? There is no such father who would not take revenge if their dear daughter was harmed," Teodor looks towards the children who are running happily in the refugee camp. "By hook or by crook, I will gain my vengeance, even if I had to sell my soul to the devil."

The young man talking with Teodor is having goosebumps from what the doctor had just said. The young man knows how traumatized and affected Sofia has been because he is also a survivor from the same town and is with them on the run toward the Austrian-Ottoman border. Even in such suffering, Sofia tries to smile and show the people that she is okay, she prays daily and helps other refugees. She is a strong girl even if she suffers such unfortunate events but her father's heart had becoming more clouded and cold as time passes. But the young man can't just tell Sofia as it might reopen the deep wounds in her heart and memory, the young man could only advice and help the Doctor to let go of his hate and fury for the sake of his daughter.

"Excuse me. Are you Doctor Teodo Hristov?"

An Austrian soldier has approached Teodor and the young man is conversing with one another. Both feel nervous about why the Austrian soldier approached them and knows the name of the doctor. The Austrian soldier immediately said them to relax as he is ordered by his superior and he is bringing a piece of good news for the doctor.

Teodor knowing this, composed himself and walk forward to the Austrian soldier to introduce himself.

"It is me that you are looking for," Teodor said to the Austrian soldier.

"Sir, your application is accepted for you and your family to resettle and live in Vienna. Doctor Beneduc has confirmed your identity and he said that he is willing to be your benefactor and help you to settle in Vienna," the Austrian soldier replied.

"Thank you for bringing such good news," Teodor cried for hearing such good news. It seems his friend didn't forget him.

"It seems that God has still not abandoned you, sir," the young man added. He is also happy for Teodor and his daughter, knowing that deserve some good news after suffering a lot.

Teodor feels ecstatic that something has gone according to his plans. He knows that Doctor Beneduc is a trustworthy and honorable friend and something who would not abandon a friend who is in need of help. Teodor needs to find a new place for his daughter to settle on and where she could start to rehabilitate her trauma, and Vienna is suitable for the situation. Vienna is more comfortable than other heavy industrialized cities and it is the capital of the Austrian Empire, an enemy of the Ottomans. He can build connections and acquaintances in Vienna that can be useful if ever there is an opportunity for revenge against the Ottomans.

The situation between Austria and the Ottomans is dire and there are some rumors that Austria is gathering a lot of talents and professionals like doctors, engineers and military veterans, and experts in its ranks. It is like preparing for something huge like war or conflict with another power and the most likely to be opponent would be the Ottomans. At first, he wants to move to Montenegro as both the country and the Ottomans had a conflict with each other as both armies is at their borders facing each other. But he also needs to consider the needs and future of his daughter and the Austrian Empire can possibly provide that together with his chance of revenge.

The Austrian soldier then escorted Teodor to go to his tent to collect his things and items of baggage and to tell his daughter of the good news. While they are walking towards the tent, a young military officer on horseback escorted by a lot of soldiers passed on them. The young officer seems a high-ranking military official and noble as the badge and ranks in his uniform filled his uniform. The soldiers also saluted him when he rode passed them.

Teodor in curiosity ask the Austrian soldier, "Who is that young military officer?" The Austrian soldiers replied, "The new detachment commander of a small elite brigade part of the 2nd Imperial Guards Division, Count Abelard, a noble from Bohemia."

"Isn't he a high-ranking noble? What is he doing here, on the dangerous border near the Ottoman Empire?"

"Based on what I heard, he volunteered to went here. I think to gain honor and prestige. There are rumors that the Crown Prince had sent him here personally to assess the situation. The growing tension and trouble here against those Ottoman bastards had worried the central command that it would escalate to war."

"Ohhh… I see..."

Teodor then looks back towards the Count who is getting farther away in the seconds. It seems that his opportunity is sooner than he expected, something big is brewing and he must urgently make sure that Sofia is already settled down in Vienna before the opportunity slips from his hands.