En Passant (short story)
Sarna News
First published online on BattleCorps on 18 August 2004, En Passant by Phaedra M. Weldon first introduced the character of Päl Wyndham-Sandoval, whose story was continued in Epaulet Mate and Fianchetto.
En Passant was also included in the printed BattleCorps anthology, The Corps.
| “ | Päl Wyndham-Sandoval has just returned to Robinson after three years away fighting the Combine. But is home really ever a safe harbor? | ” |
Plot summary
Scion of a noble family, Päl Wyndham-Sandoval has returned from a three-year tour of duty as a MechWarrior with the Robinson Rangers. Reporting on the new Duke Tancred Sandoval's plans about easing relations with Theodore Kurita to his parents, he is embroiled in politics against his wishes. His support of this policy and his loyalty to the Duke cause an argument. Päl's parents regard Victor Steiner-Davion and his allies, including the Duke, as essentially selling out to the Draconis Combine. Subsequently, Päl comes to realize that he is a stranger to his own three-year old son, who is becoming another pawn on the political board; whis wet-nurse even describes the infant as the Baroness' pet project.
At a reception in honor of his return, Päl notices a black-clad intruder on the estate and happens to eavesdrop on a discussion where his father warns other nobles about how the new Duke's actions will weaken House Davion's defenses against an attack by House Kurita that he claims is likely to occur, in an obvious attempt to sway the loyalty away from the Duke. Later that night, he discovers and brings down an assassin, but both Päl and his wife Khim are wounded in the process. When pressed by Päl, the dying assassin claims that Baroness Wyndham-Sandoval sent him. Small tidbits later reinforce Päl's impression that his own mother set him up to be killed, to blame his death on the Draconis Combine. He comes to view the political landscape as a chess board, where he is a pawn that his mother was going to sacrifice.
Taking up the deadly political game, he claims in front of the assembled guests at the reception that the assassin had confessed to have been sent by Katherine Steiner-Davion.
Featured characters
- Chauncy, the nanny
- Khim Wyndham-Sandoval
- Baroness Margarette Wyndham-Sandoval
- Baron Exeter Marquin Wyndham-Sandoval
- Päl Wyndham-Sandoval
Featured places
- Ashio (mentioned as site of defeat of Robinson's Rangers)
- Exeter (mentioned as family's estates' location)
- Mallory's World (mentioned)
- Robinson