The Flight to Fanciful ~ Part 4 Of Men and Balloons

Rising early, Lady Leena decides to write a letter to a dear friend to tell her of the recent events of her new home. Sitting at her desk she puts quill paper and begins the tale ......

30th October 1783

My dearest Madame Savatier,

I hope you are well and in good spirits. I know you've been traveling of late so I sincerely pray this letter finds you on your journeys. Some extraordinary events are happening here at Rocca Sorrentina of almost a fairy tale nature that I can scarcely believe myself.

Some of the gentleman here on the island of Rocca Sorrentina have decided on a very peculiar course of action. Men can be men of course with all their requirements of duty and honor, as we know well. Two of them, Mercury Gandt, I think you remember him Madame, and Friedrich von Brenneysen, a native of Prussia have decided to have a duel.

I know perhaps you are sitting back wondering why I might consider this a fairy tale? The duel is not an ordinary one my dear friend. It shall take place in of all things a 'balloon' which floats up in the air making them able to fly. Yes Madame, fly in the heavens like the birds or the angels themselves.

Fabrics filled with heated air or something called hydrogen, some alchemists concoction perhaps, will allow the duelists and their seconds to rise into the sky where fate will decide what is to become of them. I can imagine your surprise Madame, for I'm quite certain many of the residents here on the island share your wonder.

I include a pamphlet for you to see, some French brothers named Montgolfier, decided to try this in Annonay, France this past June. One can only imagine how the people of the French countryside took to seeing something other than a flock of geese flying above them.

With Fondness,

Lady Leena