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  "Jacub, why are they doing this? It makes no sense."

  Jacub had no answers, only directives. "Nikoli, all I can tell you is this. The Germans have no intentions of letting us live out our lives in peace or contribute to their cause. And because of what I have learned, the treaty we have is bound to disintegrate. Not by choice, but out of necessity. The trains in the station are shipping out your food supply and there is nothing I can do to stop it. I fear a terrible plague, like locust, has invaded our lands."

  Neither man knew what to say. Their food supply was being shipped to Germany. Those who didn't meet up to the current conquerors standards would be eliminated. As the three men digested what the future might hold, the sound of hobnailed boots came clicking across the wood floor.

  “Herr Polasky, who are your friends and what business do they have with you?" Kirilli and Nikoli both looked at the stranger. He stood over two meters tall and appeared very physically fit. His black tunic and pants were immaculately pressed and cleaned. His knee high boots, black belt and pistol holder were perfectly polished. The officer’s cap, displaying the Skull and Crossbones, gleamed in the room’s light. In his right hand he held a riding crop. But the most notable part of the uniform was wrapped around his left sleeve over the bicep. It was a red band with a white circle in the middle and a black swastika in the center of the white border. It reminded them of a sickle mowing down the wheat during a hefty harvest. It gave the illusion of pure and undefined evil.

  “Herr Major, let me introduce two of the most prominent men of the region. To my right is Kirilli Boirarsky. His family has been a staple to this region for centuries. To my left is Nikoli Romanov. His family was instrumental in training and teaching hunting tactics in the surrounding woods. They have come to town for a brief casual visit." Jacub hoped he had chosen the correct words without arousing suspicion. Major Ernst was not impressed, but he did recognize Nikoli from the train station.

  "Hunter and teacher?" he scoffed towards Nikoli. "I'm sure your tactics were well used with the dead woman you relieved my guards of yesterday. The true hunter, yes." The words were spoken with arrogance and disdain.

  Nikoli did everything to restrain himself from landing a heavy right fist into this arrogant son-of-a-bitch. "Herr Major, we used many of our talents in disposing of the body."

  Ernst waved his hand in dismissal and glared at Kirilli. "Aristocracy no doubt. There is no room in the Third Reich for such people. Your time is up. It is men like you who destroyed Germany after the first Great War. I hope for your sake you have no skeletons in your closet." Kirilli too felt the fires building inside of him.

  "Herr Polasky, I am here to make sure that you have executed the plans I laid out yesterday for the next fleet of trains scheduled to arrive."

  Jacub tugged at the tie around his sweaty neck. "Jawohl, Herr Major, everything is as you requested."

  "Good, because if it doesn't go as planned, you could find yourself as part of the cargo."

  Satisfied all was in place, the major turned around and headed for the door. The only sound was the heel of his boots striking hard on the wooden planks. He paused as he passed through the doorway, "Gentlemen, I hope for your sake you do as you are told. If not, (a small laugh could be heard behind the evil smile) you two could find yourselves as guests of the Third Reich."

  Jacub took a deep breath and let it out. "Kirilli, Nikoli, these are the orders I was given. I am to make sure that two hundred people every third day are loaded onto the trains. That means within nine months, unless they change their minds, the current population in this area will be cut in half."

  Nikoli thought it was a joke. "Why Jacub? Why are the Germans doing this and who is this all important Major Ernst?"

  "All I know, is that if I do not follow his orders, I too could easily become a passenger on one of the west bound trains. My dear friends, none of us is safe. The major made it very clear that any form of resistance would be dealt with harshly and swiftly. The major made mention of the woman he shot yesterday many times. These men are pure evil. I fear we have never come in contact with a foe such as them." Nikoli was not swayed by the words. Kirilli stood contemplating every word which had been spoken.

  Nikoli was working himself into a fury. "I shall show the Third Reich who the true masters of this region are. I shall personally visit this Major Ernst and let him embrace true steel in his neck!"

  Jacub could only shake his head in disagreement. "Nikoli, dear friend, you do not understand the depths of their ultimate plan. As I told you, they emptied the hospital yesterday, took the people out into the forest, shot each one in the back of the head and then burned the remains. Do you understand what I am saying? They didn't just murder these people, they systematically eliminated them. I know. I was forced to watch the spectacle. The whole time, people were pleading for their lives, and the SS men just laughed as they shot each one. It took on a macabre feeling of a competition. When one pistol was empty, two or three of them wanted to be next to administer the coup-de-grace. These are not men or soldiers; they are dressed up killing machines with no compunction for their actions." Jacub could speak no more; he crumpled onto his desk with his head in his hands sobbing. Between his sobs he was able to speak a few more words. "Nikoli, one of them was my mother. They shot and burned my mother!"

  Nikoli and Kirilli both knew his mother's state. The preparations were being made for her final resting and departure. As fate had it, it would be Kirilli’s turn to take a body. It pained him because of the long standing relationship he had enjoyed with the Polaskys, but it was their turn, and to ensure the agreement remained intact, one could not miss a turn based on personal feelings.

  Kirilli felt a mild amount of pain for his longtime friend. Yet being a vampire did have its advantages. Most of the emotions humans were faced with did not register or impair their psyche. It wasn't by choice but design. Vampires, for the most part, could care little for the victims they took or the suffering they inflicted on the families left behind to grieve over the loss of a loved one. Too bad. Taking blood was necessary for them to survive.

  Nikoli relaxed as Jacub wept. But the fire inside him raged. The Germans had more than declared war on Poland; they had unwittingly brought the war to Krakow, home of the Boirarsky and Romanov clans. If what Jacub had said was true, and Major Ernst was going to implement his plan of relocation, the food supply would start to dwindle at a rapid pace. If this would negate the centuries old agreement with the Boirarskys, Romanovs, and Polaskys, so be it. He didn't like Kirilli and his aristocratic group anyway. He could see more advantages than disadvantages with the current developments.

  Nikoli believed he could talk reason with Major Ernst and guarantee a solid food supply for his group. Let the Boirarskys starve. That would be fitting justice for their decadence and lofty life style.

  "My dear Jacub, do not worry. I will personally talk with the major and correct any misunderstandings there appear to be."

  Kirilli knew Nikoli could be treacherous in any situation that showed an opportunity where the Romanovs would gain and his group would lose. "Nikoli, I caution you to heed Jacub's words. I believe the Germans will go through with the plan based on the events at the station yesterday. I believe we need to treat the situation with extreme caution."

  Nikoli would have none of it. "Kirilli, are you telling me what to do? Are you suggesting we sit on our hands and do nothing? Romanovs have never let man dictate our existence and this is no different, so why don't you ride back to your beloved castle Bezpieczenstwo and let a real man deal with the current occupiers."

  The handsome vampire was not amused with Nikoli's flippant remarks and condescending attitude. "Nikoli, I caution you to think through whatever plan you are concocting. There is more at stake than just your selfish whims." Kirilli glanced at his grieving friend and placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "Jacub, do not despair. We shall think of something. Be strong my friend." As he headed for the door he couldn't help but
feel the eyes of Nikoli on his back. "Nikoli, consider my words carefully." And with that, he left the room.

  Nikoli allowed Kirilli's words to sink in for approximately three seconds and then dismissed them. "Jacub, where can I find this Major Ernst? I have business with him."

  Jacub quietly turned towards Nikoli. His face revealed a flood of tears. "Nikoli, he can be found in the Hotel Amadeus. If not there, he might be in the Hofbrau. Please Nikoli, heed Kirilli's words. I fear for all of us." Nikoli was not touched with Jacub's sentiments either.

  "Dear friend, do not fear. We have endured much worse. In time, this too shall pass." Nikoli took his leave; he had enough of the sniveling, whimpering Polasky. The only reason he hadn't taken him sooner, was the standing agreement his great-great grandfather had forged out with the Polaskys, who had kept an ample supply of food available, Nikoli mused, as he exited the oppressive office. Human emotions were a waste of time and effort. It appeared Major Ernst felt the same way. Nikoli walked out of the small building and into the bright sunlight. His blood stirred with all of the activity. He could hear the whistles of locomotives at the train station. A few large machines he had never seen before roared through town heading east. They were steel monsters with guns attached to a box like structure on the top, and the machines didn't move with wheels, but with steel pads. A few cars followed the steel monsters, loaded with officers and men clad in gray or dark green uniforms. They were laughing and carrying on as the vehicles raced through town.

  One of the men eyed Nikoli and tossed out a half-eaten tomato that splattered on his pant leg, causing more laughter to pour forth from the vehicle. One day you shall pay for your insolence, my friends. He would have been wise to have brought Svetlana with him to temper his mood. He could feel the blood boiling at the insult, but as he looked around and noticed all of the soldiers milling about, he realized this was not the time or the place to incite revenge. He regained his composure and proceeded to the hotel.

  There was an excitement in the air exuding from all of the soldiers. He couldn't seem to identify it. It stirred old memories of past battles and victories. He heard one of the men yell out that the French would soon feel the full weight of the "New Germany," and the ills of the Versailles Treaty would be corrected. That's what he was detecting; they were enjoying the excitement of another potential victory.

  He walked a few more meters down the street and spotted the Amadeus. It was a place he had never been allowed to enter. It was a majestic three story building built for the likes of Czars and Aristocrats. It was a masterpiece of architecture. Large stone columns held up the entrance portico. It rivaled one of the temples he had visited many decades ago in ancient Greece. He wasn't impressed with the Parthenon then, and found the resemblance a waste of good granite now. The architect had been instructed to design a structure that could easily be recognized by all who came to town. He had succeeded with ease. The building immediately caught one’s attention. The stone columns and supports were regularly cleaned to maintain the illusion of opulence and wealth. The doors were an absurd five meters in height and 1.5 meters wide. The handles were solid gold with arches allowing easy use for the doormen. But none of this interested Nikoli. It was the man inside he sought. Two guards stood at attention surrounding the entrance. Nikoli approached them and was immediately stopped.

  "Halt! What business do you have here peasant?" The blood in his veins started boiling. These Germans need to be taught a lesson.

  "I wish to speak with Major Ernst on a matter of great importance." The guard was unfazed with Nikoli's tone.

  "Peasant, do you have an appointment?"

  "No, but I spoke with him a few minutes ago with Governor Polasky."

  The young guard was motionless. "Who should I say is calling, peasant?"

  If this young guard uses the word peasant one more time I shall show him what a simple peasant can do to flesh. "Nikoli Romanov, a soldier. I would also appreciate it if you didn't use the term peasant again. My lineage is of time honored warriors."

  The guard's emotions didn't change nor did his demeanor. “Peasant, wait here. I will see if the major is available." He abruptly turned around and went through the massive oak doors.

  He returned a few minutes later. "The major will see you, peasant. Follow me." Nikoli was having a difficult time staying calm and not sending this soldier to the afterlife.

  The guard escorted Nikoli into the massive foyer. The major was impatiently waiting for him behind the main counter. He waved the guard off.

  "Herr Romanov, I am a very busy man so make it short."

  All of these Germans - their arrogance will be their undoing. If the food supply dwindles as he outlined earlier, then we shall feast on the emblem they hold so dear. “Herr Major, is there a room where only we can talk? I have a proposition that will benefit both of us."

  Major Ernst took a hard look at this apparent peasant, noticing for the first time the hardness in Nikoli's black eyes. This wasn't an ordinary local peasant. This man who stood before him had the look of a battle-seasoned veteran. This “peasant” had seen many men die before his hand. He was actually a bit intimidated by him, but perhaps they could do business. If what he saw in the man's eyes was any indication of his abilities, he might become a good tool for the relocation of the local population and the goals of the Third Reich. He would use him until his usefulness was no longer required.

  "Please Herr Romanov, let us adjourn to the study. Follow me."

  With that, both men moved down the long spacious corridor. The walls were lined with oil paintings very representative of the region. At least they weren't portraits of men and women long since deceased, thought Nikoli. The paintings were of landscapes and open country scenes. The one that he actually stopped to view was a painting of waves striking hard against rocks. He could feel the power and energy of the waves crashing against the large stones in an attempt to shatter them. The artist’s name appeared to be Monet. If everything went according to his plan, maybe the major would allow him to borrow the painting.

  Major Ernst ushered them into the small cozy study. For a change, the designers had not gone overboard with this room. It was a modest ten by ten meters with a small door (in comparison to everything else) 1.25 meters wide and two meters tall. The furniture was designed as all should be: simple and productive. Two leather cushioned chairs were stationed properly by the only desk in the room, with a small electric lamp. A few pieces of neatly stacked blank papers lay on the top of the desk strategically placed beside an elegant quill pen. This must be where he draws up his battle orders, Nikoli speculated. The major took his seat and motioned for Nikoli to do the same.

  "Herr Romanov, what offer do you have for myself and the Third Reich?"

  "Major, it is obvious that with the large population in Krakow and the surrounding areas, the mission you described will be daunting at best. I and my people would be more than pleased to help with the problem. We specialize in body disposal. We can take those who would ultimately die on the relocation trip to Germany and take care of them here. We will require no assistance from your men. We can be at the train station and help with the selection process."

  Ernst considered his words for a few moments. He removed his cap, put his hands together slightly, moving his fingers up and down.

  "Herr Romanov, an interesting proposal. But I am curious. What do you gain? Besides, we are more than capable of handling this problem on our own."

  Nikoli knew he had come up against a worthy adversary. It had been too many years since he had encountered a true opponent. "Herr Major, if I understand correctly, people will be loaded onto box cars for transportation to a new life. Correct?"

  "Correct, Herr Romanov."

  "Why would you waste your time and space with those who would surely perish on the trip? It would appear they would only be dead weight and very unproductive once they reached their final destination. If a person were to perish during the trip, would the rotting corpse not infect th
e other passengers?"

  This was a thought the major had not considered. If he sent a train load of cargo and only half of them survived, his superiors would not be pleased and promotions would be hard to acquire.

  "Herr Romanov, I believe we can do business and bring glory to the Third Reich. I shall issue you an open pass to enter the town. No one will interfere with your comings and goings."

  Nikoli could care less about the Third Reich or any type of new order or proper papers; all he cared about was obtaining a food supply for himself and his clan - let the Boirarskys starve.

  Ernst removed the quill pen, took a piece of paper and scribbled out a note. He opened the top drawer, removed a stamp, and applied it to the paper by his signature. The major stood up, extended his right hand, handing over the letter with his name in the signature block. Nikoli accepted the paper orders and the gesture of shaking the man's hand. A pact had been forged. A food supply had been cemented and without much trouble. As Nikoli turned to exit the room the major had one more question.

  "Herr Romanov, what do you know about this man Kirilli Boirarsky? Is he someone of interest and concern?"

  Nikoli pondered the words but was quick with an answer. "Herr Major, he is no one of concern.”

  If he had informed the major of his contempt for Kirilli and his clan, this could produce an unwanted investigation. Best for the moment to raise no alarms. He had achieved what he sought, food. He exited the door and left for Tarnow to inform his clan of the good news.

  * * *

  "General Heidrick. Yes, I will wait." Maximillian contemplated the current coup he had struck with Herr Romanov. As outlined by his superiors, he had enacted the confidences of one of the prominent locals. This was in accordance with the edict issued from the Reichsfuehrer Heinrich Himmler and Der Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler. These men (in order to quell the concern of the populace about the plans of moving them) had made it crystal clear the locals needed to stay reasonably calm as their plan was implemented. Inciting a riot or unwanted panic would make their plan difficult to carry out.