The Shadow of War by Jack Murray (latest ebook reader txt) 📗

to take in the fact that a relatively young woman could slowlylose her mind to an old person’s disease.

His father couldn’t speak; thedesolation was clear. They walked into the dining room. Leni smiled a welcomeand complimented Manfred on his uniform. They spoke for a while as Manfred toldhim of life at the two training camps. Life at Hannover had been more technicaland academic than his initial training spell. Both he and Gerhardt hadstruggled initially but finally found their feet.

‘And now?’

‘I will go to Munster, Father,’explained Manfred. ‘The Panzertruppenschule is a school for the PanzerDivision. It will train me and other armour officers to operate Panzers. I willmeet up with Gerhardt there. He wants to be in the Panzer division with me. Ihope you meet him, Father. He’s a great friend. We will spend twelve weeks inbasic training. This will help familiarise us with the workings of the Panzers,and also with the tactics to be used when commanding tanks in the field. When Igraduate, Father, I will be promoted to Oberfähnrich and sent on fieldprobation.’

Manfred’s father beamed withjoy as his son spoke. ‘My word, son, you will make us very proud. I wish…’Brehme left the rest unsaid. Manfred nodded and they drank their coffee to thesound of the clock in the kitchen and Wagner in the drawing room.

-

Manfred walked through thetown, stopping often to receive the congratulations of many townspeople; somehe knew, many he did not. The town was now full of uniforms. Many were like, grey-green.However, there were a few black uniforms also. Manfred made his way towards theMayer household. As he did so, he saw a familiar face in an unfamiliar uniform.

‘Erich,’ he shouted.

Erich turned around and brokeinto a big grin. The two friends embraced and then stood back to look at oneanother.

‘You made Fahnenjunker,Manny. I’m not surprised, my friend.’

‘Thanks,’ said Manfred lookingat the black uniform of the Waffen-SS. Manfred was also unsurprised by thischoice.

‘When did you join?’

‘Just before you left,’explained Erich. ‘I couldn’t say anything. I want to become an officer likeyou, but I have to spend a year in the ranks. Then, if they think me good enough, they’ll send me to the Junkerschulenear Munich.’

‘They’re bound to take you,Erich,’ laughed Manfred.

‘I hope so, but I am going tomake sure there is no doubt,’ said Erich, a knowing look on his face.

‘How do you mean?’ askedManfred.

‘I’ve been visiting your friendMayer. He’s well connected. I’m paying much attention to his daughter. You remember Anja?’

Manfred stopped walking andlooked at Erich to see if he was joking. He wasn’t. Manfred felt empty as helooked at his friend, his rival. A surge of hatred rose up from his chest andthen as quickly as it came it went as he realised his friend was looking at himstrangely.

‘Is everything all right,Manny?’

‘Fine. I was just on my way toHerr Mayer’s house now.’

Erich looked at him and seemedto realise what had happened. He turned and said coldly, ‘Me, too.’

The two walked side by side tothe door of Mayer’s house. Erich looked at Manfred and smiled suddenly, ‘Hey doyou remember...?

‘Yes,’ said Manfred. But thememory of what they had done disgusted him now. He wanted to obliterate thatnight, and what had happened to Kahn, from his mind.

Erich knocked on the door. Itwas answered by the family maid. She led the two friends into the drawing room.Mayer looked up and immediately set his newspaper down.

‘Manfred,’ exclaimed indelight, ‘This is a wonderful surprise.’ He regarded the young man for a momentand then congratulated him on his advancement. “I will call Anja. I’m sure shewill be very happy to see you.’

Manfred sensed Erich was not sodelighted by this. The two of them sat down as Mayer went to find his daughter.Before they had chatted easily but now there was silence between them. Bothlooked straight ahead at the door.

A few minutes later, the dooropened. Anja burst in and looked excitedly at Manfred. She was clearlydelighted by the visit.

‘Manfred, I can’t believe it.’

Manfred rose and she was ableto look at him in his uniform. Erich rose more slowly. He may as well have notbeen in the room. He realised this with a surge of anger.

Manfred stared into the greeneyes of Anja and realised he needed to say something, but his mind wasspinning.

‘I’ve been promoted,’ hestammered at last.

‘Father told me,’ said Anja,oblivious to Manfred’s nervousness.

‘He’s done well,’ said Erichpaternalistically. ‘I knew he would, Anja. I’m proud of him.’

Manfred reddened slightly butnot from embarrassment. It was anger.Erich was paying him a compliment and patronising him at the same time. At thatmoment he wanted to kill Erich. He wanted him out of the room so he could bealone with Anja.

They all sat down, and Manfred hadthe chance to talk about his experience at the training camp. Erich listened, clearlyunhappy at the turn of events. It seemed to Manfred that Anja was not interested in hisfriend. The thought that the two of them could have been sweethearts was more than he could bear. However,on this evidence, it did not seem to be the case. If anything, Anja’s reaction to him suggested Erich wasunwelcome. In one sense, he was glad to know the situation now, even if he knewit would also cause him to feel jealous while he was away at training. But hisfriendship with Erich was now under threat.

He and Erich tacitly agreed to leavethe Mayer household at the same time. There had been no opportunity to speak toAnja alone, no chance to say what he was feeling or ask if he could write. Thiswas frustrating and meant that Erich had a clear field until he returned fromtraining. Manfred hoped his intuition was correct, that she was not interestedin his friend. For a moment Manfred wondered if he could be so described now.

He looked once more at Anja. Hergreen eyes had become moist with sadness; the fragile beauty ripped Manfred’sheart apart. How desperately he wanted to be with her. Anger welled up insidehim. Anger towards his friend but, even more, towards the enemy that denied himwhat he so desperately wanted. He saw Erich looking at him. There