New Serial: Dance of Discord — Episode 1

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene
Saturday, April 5, 2025
1908 Edwardian Spy man white handlebar moustache cigar
by Teagan via Night Cafe
Are you ready to play?  Welcome, to the premier episode of Dance of Discord, my brand-new serial story.  It’s driven by sets of 3 random things that are supplied by you readers.  It’s a rather cozy spy yarn (you know I love to mashup genres), set approximately in 1908, in Washington, DC.
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Thanks to everyone who left “3 things” at my previous post.  When I was reading over all the comments, one item particularly tickled my imagination.  It was “a torn piece of a British 1-pound note.”  The other two in the set were a blue jay’s feather, and a half-smoked cigar.  That set of things was from Bruce Antion, and they drive this first episode.   You don’t need a blog to participate — Bruce doesn’t have one.  However, you can catch up with him at Bluesky Social where he is @BA1789.bsky.social. 
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More sets of 3 random reader things are always welcome. Click here for guidelines about the things.  You can also look at the “things” everyone left in the comments of that post.  As with all recent posts, I’m sorry about using symbols between each paragraph. I realize it’s a distraction, but it’s better than WordPress cramming all the text together.

Dance of Discord

1.  Afoot

1908 young man holds British currency
by Teagan via Night Cafe
Rain-washed pink filled the view from my window, obscuring the Capitol Building.  The scent of cherry blossoms was overwhelmed by the deluge.  It was not the flowers that made my nose twitch.  Smoke made a feeble attempt to rise through the rain.  The earthy odor of a half-smoked cigar meant discord moved in the city and adventure was afoot.
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I have much to tell you… but where do I begin?
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When the 20th century was young, Washington, DC was a place where you might find people from anywhere in the world.  Underneath its calm, charming surface, undercurrents of intrigue constantly ebbed and flowed — much like the swamp to which the city and its diplomats are still compared in metaphor.  Diplomacy was a kind of warfare in itself, and it went on unceasingly.  The agents of the Secret Service Bureau were up to their necks in that quagmire.
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Contrary to what you might expect, diplomatic negotiations were most often conducted in the drawing room and occasionally the ballroom.  The diplomats, the players, met at the table as if for a card game.  Colorful players from across the globe came together despite their varied cultures.  There was one thing all of them had in common — they all wanted to win.
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Kings and queens spent sleepless nights, shining their crowns while waiting for word from Washington.  No man may know all that happens there, neither diplomat nor Secret Service agent.  I, however, knew more than most.  You see, I allowed the Bureau’s best covert operative to share my house.  I became his closest confidant.  Which brings me back to that cold, wet spring morning and the story I will tell.  Follow me through the steps of the dance of discord.

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Pixabay
I could smell his half-smoked cigar even before the Secret Service Bureau chief entered my home.  The arrival of Stuart Drummond didn’t bode well.  I went to the butler to make sure he knew that someone was coming to the door.  Then I hurried up the stairs to Milo Quick.  The young Mr. Quick was slow to get out of bed of a morning.
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Drummond moved awkwardly to exit the cab.  The weather aggravated his knee.  The bureau chief was drenched before he reached the door.  As Gideon took his coat and hat, Drummond used his pinky finger to smooth his white handlebar mustache.  Then the butler went to harass Milo into his clothes.
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When the chief entered the parlor, I sat quietly in my favorite wingback chair, idly examining a bluejay’s feather.  He cleared his throat and nodded to me.  Sometimes I thought I made him uncomfortable, which of course, made me pay special attention to him.  I admit to having a wicked streak.  However, at that moment the man looked so distressed that I opted for kindly silence.
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“Good morning, Chief,” Milo Quick asserted, walking into the parlor.  “But crikey!  What brings you out at this early hour and in this abominable weather?  Oh, where are my manners?  You of course remember the Duchess Felina Gattone,” he added with a nod to me.
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Stuart Drummond looked askance at me and Milo tried to stifle a chuckle at his superior’s discomfort.  Fortunately, Gideon interrupted that odd moment by bringing in the coffee tray.
tea-set silver Geminierica at Pixabay
Geminierica at Pixabay
“Here now, Chief, you know you can speak freely in front of the duchess.  You also know that according to the terms of my uncle’s will, I am to keep her near me at all times… Or nearly all,” Milo added with a cough and a blush when I looked at him.
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“Quick, the absurd old man was off his onion…  Although I admit it adds to your cover as an eccentric milquetoast.”
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“Chief, I know Uncle might have been jimberjawed, but he gave you a fine home, and me this enormous tomb,” Milo added in mock despair.
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“Yes, yes, Quick, I remember.  You never let me forget that I have my own home, free and clear because of your uncle’s will,” the chief grumbled.  “And that to keep it, I have to cooperate with… with Duchess Gattone being anywhere you might be, even on assignments.  Well… I know what a comfort she was to him during his last days.  I don’t suppose she can tell anyone about any of this, can she,” the bureau chief mumbled, and it was not a question.
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“Watch your step, Chief.  The duchess doesn’t speak English, but she understands it perfectly well,” my housemate cautioned his superior playfully while winking at me.
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Yes, and I also understand Italian, Spanish, and French, I thought, although I didn’t have the physical ability to use any of the languages.
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Drummond chuckled at his little joke.  Then realizing that I stared at him, he cleared his throat.  However, he redeemed himself by bowing to me.
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The bureau chief went on to tell Milo that a wing of the Whitehouse was flooded by the storm.  The Secret Service had intended to use that wing for several meetings and festivities, including a ball, as a means of covertly gathering information from dozens of diplomats who would attend.
Court ball in Vienna Wilhelm Gause 1900
Court ball in Vienna, Wilhelm Gause 1900, Wikipedia
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“There’s no time to vet and secure another location,” Drummond complained.  “Your uncle’s house, that is to say, your house, is easily large enough for our needs, and there’s even a ballroom.”
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His house?  His?  Didn’t the man realize that I allowed Milo Quick to live in my house?  I thought.
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“Here?” Milo Quick exclaimed.  “Chief, the Bureau well knows my finances.  My uncle left me this house, not a fortune,” he added drolly.  “I don’t have enough furniture, or even dishes for that matter.”
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“Don’t get yourself in a later, Quick.  We’ll bring all that, along with kitchen and wait staff for the duration of the operation.”
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“What’s behind all this forced frivolity, Chief?  There’s something afoot, isn’t there?” Milo asked pointedly.
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Stuard Drummond didn’t answer right away.  He walked to the rosewood table beside my chair and removed an envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket.  He shook out the contents.  Several small swatches of paper floated to the table.  Milo deftly caught one tiny scrap and examined it curiously.
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“It’s a corner torn from a British one-pound note,” Milo remarked, raising his eyebrows.  “All of these bits are from different currency.  Belgium, Venezuela, France, Mexico, Spain.  Each of these was a message?  A confirmation?” 
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Smoothing his handlebar moustache, Drummond nodded.  He described how each torn bit of currency was sent by an operative in that country as a signal that ambassadors from those nations meant to join forces to further their own agenda.
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“The Bloc secretly convenes in Washington.  If this little dance stumbles, then we could see every major power in the world at war, including us,” Drummond responded gravely.
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End Episode-1

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Diplomats and ambassadors from across the globe gathering in one place.  Some coming together in groups bent on making things worse. It sounds like a recipe for disaster.  Oh, you’ll meet a new character in episode-2.  Also a twist will be revealed soon — but I’m not sure just how soon.  Stay tuned!  Friendly comments are welcome.    Hugs.

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Of course, here’s the obligatory shameless self-promotion.

The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: a Cornelis Drebbel Adventure

Universal Purchase Links

E-book:  relinks.me/B0F1KWXJ5P
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Paperback:  relinks.me/B0F1KVQGFR

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Copyright © 2025 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

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64 thoughts on “New Serial: Dance of Discord — Episode 1”

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    1. Really? Thanks so much, Adele. Yesterday I realized that I had screwed up everything I had done throughout the week for Episode-2 by making 2 new characters French (the devil was in the small details, but I go for accuracy). I won’t get into the long boring tale of that, but I have a ton of fixing and then rewriting to do. I need to figure out their nationality and make new names, and… But you’ve encouraged me, so thanks again. Hugs.

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    1. Oh you could have left them here, Teri. Anyhow, I’m happy that you are onboard for another serial! I agree that it’s an interesting time period — immediately after the reign of Queen Victoria, the first World War brewing. Wishing you a thriving Thursday. Hugs.

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  10. Love the intrigue, Teagan!

    I read this yesterday, but was so tired (from a 3.5 hour walk)I needed a good sleep to think clearly.

    You really are off to fabulous start. I look forward to the next entry. As the story evolves, I’m sure I’ll want to send in some more 3 things.

    Excellent.

    As for the spacing issue, I had that same problem when I was using classic editor. There is a remedy, but I’m trying to remember. There were key commands used at the end of paragraphs. I had found the remedy online.

    One was holding shift then return at the end of paragraphs. You might have to hit it twice, but it should stay.

    Another, that I ended up using the most, was to open a word or pages document. Copy 1 paragraph only at a time and cut and paste that. There are other remedies in formatting, such as undo formatting.

    I’ve been using the new editor for quite awhile now. I resisted, but after one post, the mystery was gone. I just love it! There are so many creative layout options.

    Your posts are so creative, you would probably love the new editor.

    Just some thoughts.

    Anyway, loving the new story! Hugs!

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    1. Horsefeathers, Resa — you must be really fit. Even if I were able to escape the C-PTSD problems that keep me at home and inside, my back pain won’t let me walk any distance at all. Even though you were tired and sore, I see that walk as a huge accomplishment.
      I’ve already tried that and more with the blog including the new editor, but thanks.

      I’m delighted that enjoyed this first episode. Hugs winging back to you. 😺

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      1. I do think I’m fit, for my age. Walking means so much to me. It’s how I find the art.

        Of course, most of it is in alleys, where I am alone, except for urban rodentia & raccoons. (I’m somewhat reclusive, by choice) I find it peaceful, albeit a bit smelly at times.

        Oh dear… well, I hope you find a solution. To be honest, I’m okay with the small symbols to break up paragraphs. It looks kind of cool!

        This first episode is fabulous. Thank you, Teagan! Hugs! 😺

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          1. YIKES!
            Could you imagine how you would feel if that alley incident happened today?
            I will like to hear that story one day!
            RUGS of HUGS!
            (I was thinking more like Magic Carpets, but it doesn’t rhyme with hugs)

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            1. I would have completely freaked out today…
              Okay, so where I worked in DC was actually Arlington (not far from the Pentagon, but in a charming town square setting complete with a post office down the block, not a bunch of other big office buildings). People called it “restaurant row,” and there was one very nice restaurant where once in a while some dignitary or other would visit.
              One day (unknown to me) somebody VERY important (probably not President Obama, but someone close) was there.
              My building was like a satellite office of the main USPTO campus in Alexandria, so we had shuttle busses that came by every half hour. There was a short cut we all took from the post office to the shuttle bus stop — the back alley — post office at the end, next to the back side of that nice restaurant. I wasn’t terribly comfortable being in that alley, but my coworkers assured me it was fine. (Also, years before that, in days stalked by Psycho-ex, I watched self-defense training shows, and they stressed not going near any vans or trucks in parking lots….)
              So, one morning, I had to go to the post office, with barely enough time to get to the shuttle — I took the alley shortcut. I got as far as the restaurant (back) when I saw an unfamiliar delivery truck on my right. I headed across to the other side of the alley. Then I saw several HUGE men wearing suits and earbuds in my path.
              I realized they were Secret Service, and I sure as hell didn’t want to get in the way of whatever they were doing. I looked back and forth from the nearest giant to the worrisome truck a few times. The agent looked back at me. I knew he was doing a threat assessment (me and my tote bag of stuff that I needed to take to the main office). Fortunately, I could tell that he decided I was harmless about 2 seconds. And I went down the middle of the alley, as far as I could be from both him and the truck.
              No harm no fowl, but a big “Oh sh!t” moment for 2 seconds. LOL.
              Now… I hate to think how different that could be.

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              1. Thanks for the story!
                Ive been over on Art Gowns making a post, and am just now back on Glam, catching up.
                Pardon for the tardy response!

                Yes, you make a huge point, Teagan.
                That was then.
                Now is El Salvador.

                What a drag not to be able to walk in alleys. There’s just too, many people on the main streets.

                Teagan, thank you for taking the time to write this out for me!
                You are special.
                HUGS!

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  21. An intriguing start to your new story. You do a great job of weaving in the three random things, as well as period phrases (jimberjawed!). Also, I had to smile at the first image and first paragraph. I went to see the cherry blossoms in DC last week, and I just posted a video that I took 🌞

    I hope you have an enjoyable weekend!

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    1. Welcome back, Dave. I enjoyed your video very much. Haha, “jimberjawed” cracks me up. There are several variations of it. Thanks for your encouragement. I hope you’ll come back with 3 random things (suitable to the 1900-1908 timeframe). Hugs.

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  22. I love this already, Teagan. Your characters, the setting and the hints are all working to put me in don’t-miss-an-episode mode. I hope you have a great weekend, and get a chance to relax after the work involved in getting this serial started.

    Hugs!

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    1. That means a lot to me, Dan. I appreciate you taking time from your break, to read and comment. Some relaxing might get enforced. Not sure what the heck I did yesterday to make my back so mad at me, but… Anyhow, thanks for your encouragement. Hugs winging back to you and yours.

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    1. Thanks for that great feedback, GP. Beginning the development of characters in the first few pages of a story is a balancing act. Too much overwhelms, and too little fails to engage. Thanks for the things. They’re added to my matrix. That typewriter will certainly show up. Hugs.

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  28. Very intriguing, Teagan. I love the setting and Duchess Gattone as a narrator… I think we can expect the unexpected from this tale! Thanks, Teagan, for making us look forward to Saturdays again. Congratulations on the new serial, enjoy the weekend, big hugs and love to the Scoobies! (I’m sure the Scoobies are loving it!)

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