Der Todesgruß Der Legionen, 1. Band

A historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in the provincial town of Saint-Dizier in France during a cold February evening of 1870, as tensions mount leading up to significant military events. The central characters are members of the hannöverschen Emigration — specifically Cappei, a young dragoner, and his older counterpart, Unteroffizier Rühlberg, who grapple with their uncertain future amidst the looming dissolution of their regiment and the possibility of returning to a war-torn homeland. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of Saint-Dizier and its rich history, filled with echoes of the town's past valor that its citizens proudly uphold. The conversation between Cappei and Rühlberg reveals their anxieties about potential displacement and their loyalty to the king. Meanwhile, Luise, the daughter of a local wood merchant, is also introduced, entangled in a love story that bridges cultural divides as she interacts with Cappei, contrasting the Germanic soldier's plight with her own burgeoning feelings. Notably, the opening chapters establish a mood of anticipation, hinting at the impending conflicts both on the battlefield and within personal relationships, as the characters navigate their loyalties and aspirations against a backdrop of historical upheaval.