The Traitors

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

29162

Title

The Traitors

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in a conservative European nation facing foreign invasion and internal political collapse, this historical adventure follows Nicholas of Reist, a nobleman torn between his patriotic duty and his disdain for modern democracy. As revolution erupts and a Turkish threat looms, Nicholas must choose whether to seize power as a dictator or uphold his ancestral ideals. Featuring intricate plots involving espionage, romantic entanglements, and high-stakes diplomacy, the novel explores themes of honor, tradition versus progress, and the true meaning of...

Summary up to 500 words

In E. Phillips Oppenheim's *The Traitors*, the narrative centers on Nicholas of Reist, the last male heir of Europe's noblest families, and his sister Marie, set against the backdrop of the ancient city of Theos. The story unfolds during a period of intense political instability and foreign threat. The corrupt President, Metzger, is accused of treason, prompting a mob to demand Nicholas assume power. However, Nicholas refuses to become merely a figurehead in a new, corrupt parliament. He rejects modern democratic forms, declaring his ancestral right to rule with a sceptre and sword. He warns that the nation faces imminent peril from Turkey at the frontier and Russia, which plots to depose the current King, Ughtred of Tyrnaus. Tensions are further exacerbated by the arrival of Sara Van Decht, an American woman betrothed to the King. Marie, deeply devoted to tradition, despises the American influence and the modernization Sara represents, fearing it will destroy Theos's ancient character. Meanwhile, Baron Domiloff, a Russian diplomat, attempts to manipulate Nicholas and the King into a pro-Russian alliance. Nicholas uncovers Domiloff's plot, learning that Russia intends to remove Ughtred from the throne. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Nicholas rallies the citizenry, organizing a militia of local men rather than relying on a professional army. As the Turkish army advances, Nicholas and Marie ride to the strategic Pass of Althea to intercept the enemy. In a dramatic climax, Nicholas ignites the great beacon, signaling the city's defenses to open fire on the Turkish forces trapped in the defile. Simultaneously, Nicholas's correspondent, Brand, alerts the English fleet at Constantinople, forcing the Sultan to sue for peace. With the war won and the nation saved from foreign domination and internal corruption, Nicholas accepts his role as a faithful servant of Theos. The King marries Sara Van Decht, uniting the old nobility with new capital and enterprise. Nicholas, Brand, and the nation enter a golden age of peace and prosperity, having preserved their independence through courage and adherence to their ancient codes of honor.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29162.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg29162.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-14 01:23 UTC

Categories

• Spy stories