The Kings of the East: A Romance of the Near Future

In a sun‑drenched spring afternoon, the vibrant streets of Vindobona are alive with travelers in exotic costumes, cafés buzzing with conversation, and the scent of perfumed tobacco drifting from a grand salon. Inside a lavish office, a circle of financiers, scholars, and a venerable rabbi gather around Israel Goldberg, the powerful banker whose vision could reshape the world. Their dialogue weaves together commerce, science, literature, and ancient prophecy as they search for the charismatic leader—“their Moses”—who will steer a bold new enterprise.

The consortium’s plan hinges on a daring political venture: securing a mandate to re‑colonise a historic land, positioning it as a neutral, theocratic state that could serve as a model for the coming century. As alliances form and egos clash, each participant brings a distinct strength—money, intellect, religious authority, or diplomatic finesse—while the stakes of their ambition begin to loom large over Europe’s fragile peace. The story opens on the cusp of this high‑stakes gamble, inviting listeners into a world where idealism and intrigue walk hand in hand.