Synopsis

Journey into 1910 Iowa: Where Mystery, Adventure & Destiny Collide in Fred Schmidt’s Pursuit of Life’s True Purpose in The Search.

In rural Iowa, 1910, Fred Schmidt faces life’s pivotal question: How should he live his life? This compelling historical fiction transports readers into a world bursting with real and mystical characters. Teamed up with Artie Holberg, the ambitious son of a renowned horse trader, Fred embarks on an enthralling adventure-from a daring scheme in Minnesota to a treacherous escapade in pre-World War I Europe. Encounters with enigmatic figures like Count Von Drathen and the beautifully captivating Baroness Van Essen weave a tapestry of suspense, mystery, and revelation.

Dewayne Rahe, inspired by the rich background of his cultural heritage and history, masterfully blends history, destiny, and adventure in The Search. A tale about finding oneself amid life’s mysteries, this riveting narrative beautifully encapsulates the universal struggle of choosing one’s own path.

A must-read for fans of historical fiction, journey with Fred as he navigates the intricate map of destiny, love, and intrigue. Will the mystical voice guiding him reveal the truth he seeks? Dive in to uncover the thrilling conclusion. Don’t just read a story, experience the search for destiny.

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Excerpt

From Chapter 16  The  Encounter

It was late afternoon and the sun’s final rays were fading from the western sky when the three men rode up the tree lined lane that was the entrance to the Van Essen Estate. The manor house was in the center of the courtyard, flanked on one side by servant’s quarters and on the far side by extensive stables and barns. The men dismounted and paused for a moment to take in the scene, marveling at the grandeur of the buildings and the grounds.

“Count Hugo, tell us again how you know this family. Did you really meet them in an army hospital?” asked Artie.

“Yes, strange as that may seem. It was during the war with France in 1871. The father Hans was in the bed next to mine recovering from his wounds. The nurse Anna, that cared for us was like an angel sent from heaven. She and Hans decided to marry after he recovered from his wounds.  Sadly, both of my old friends have now passed. Their daughter, the Baroness Van Essen has remained a close friend and confidant. I try to stop and visit her whenever I am in this part of the state of Westphalia. She often seeks my advice on the management of the estate,” proudly stated the Count.

“Frederick, Artie why don’t you take these poor, exhausted horses into the stables and get them bedded down for the night. I’ll go up to the manor house and make our arrival known. Come up to the house when you’re finished. They’ll be ready for you then.”

The old man had a spring in his step as he sauntered up the graveled driveway towards the manor’s front door. The boys led the three horses into a large but empty stable. Finding no one available to ask for permission, they took the three closest stalls. They unsaddled their mounts and began to feed and water them when the unmistakable cry of a nearby stallion filled the air. Artie worked at quieting their horses, while Fred left the stable to find the stallion.

He entered a stone barn a short distance away and there in a box stall stood the most beautiful black stallion he had ever seen. The young man and the horse stared at each other, as if each was taking the measure of the other. Fred noticed the beast’s long black mane and tail that someone had taken great pains to curry comb and braid. The horse reared on his hind legs as if to show that he was indeed the ruler of the stable. It was at that moment that a huge pile of loose, dusty hay came raining down on Fred from a shaft in the upstairs hayloft. The stallion pranced and snorted as if he was amused by the spectacle of the young man being completely covered in dusty hay.

“Hey, watch where you’re throwing that hay,” shouted Fred, quickly realizing that whoever was pushing down the hay probably didn’t speak English. It was then that a stable hand slid down from the loft on a rope and turned to face the dust covered young man. The youth had a cap pulled tight over their head and a bandana tied over their face to keep out the dust, revealing only their eyes. Fred stared into the bluest eyes he had ever seen and was momentarily mesmerized by them. Then brushing the dust from his hair and clothes he tried to converse in his inadequate German.

“Guten tag, Ich bin Frederick Schmidt from Amerika. Ich bin kaufen pferde. I’m here to buy horses,” Fred tried to inform the stable hand in both languages.

The young person stood transfixed and stared at Fred in disbelief. Muttering a barely audible, “Oh mein Gott,” the stable hand pushed past Fred and ran frantically from the barn. Fred was left standing in the stall covered with hay dust and chaff. It was then that Artie poked his head in the barn door and surveyed the comical situation.

About the Author

Dewayne Rahe, a retired Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and author of Last of the Wild, resides near Dyersville, Iowa. Influenced by his rich cultural heritage and history, Dewayne writes captivating stories, seeking to share wisdom and guidance, especially for his ten beloved grandchildren. His books are highlighted with illustrations by his artist wife, Krystal. Beyond writing, Dewayne enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, biking, and traveling to his grandchildren’s numerous athletic events.