“It’s not a reflection of forgiving what you’ve done”—Lilly looked sorrowfully at him— “but rather, it’s my way of releasing you so that when my time comes, I will cross the divide with nothing weighing on my soul.”
“What of…my soul?” The major trembled as he looked at Lilly. “Pray…to God…for me?”
“I haven’t prayed since my mother passed.”
“There are…things…you wouldn’t believe…that I’ve done.” The major leaned his head against the iron bars.
Lilly remained silent as she listed to the major’s confession.
“I murdered…seventeen…” The major coughed up blood as he slunk down and laid on his side. “There’s no…salvation…for me.”
“Did you arrest my father?” Lilly asked, and the major nodded.
“Is he still alive?”
Again, the major nodded.
“When is the trial?” Lilly sighed.
“The…trial?” the major scoffed as blood spewed onto the concrete.
“There’s no trial for us?” Lilly shook her head in confusion.
Unable to speak, the major held up two fingers, but Lilly didn’t understand. Then, tapping his watch, he again held up two fingers.
“The trial is in two days?” Lilly asked, but the major shook his head and instead pointed over his shoulder.
“It already happened?! The trial was two days ago?” Lilly’s eyes flew wide in shock as the major nodded.
“That doesn’t make any sense.” Lilly turned and sat beside the major with her back against the cell bars. “What was the verdict?”
The major looked at Lilly regretfully and put his hand to his neck, signifying a noose.
“I see.” Lilly’s heart leaped into her throat.
“Wagner?” The major closed his eyes as he swung his finger in the air like a composer.
“Do I know any Wagner?” Lilly asked, and he nodded.
“I do know the tune for the flight of the Valkyries, or the ride of the Valkyries.” Lilly shrugged. “Though I can never remember which is the correct title.”
“Can you…hum it?” the major asked as he turned onto his back and lay with his face to heaven. “I can…hear it…but I…would like…you…to…hum.”
Lilly wanted to refuse. She didn’t want to give this wicked man any respite in his final moments, but still, she decided to afford him with whatever comfort she could.
So, as the two remained alone in the cell, Lilly began humming the triumphant tune, signaling the collection of the major’s soul to Valhalla. She was certain that a man of his caliber was destined for Hades but, then again, she didn’t know what awaited them after death either. Instead, she sang the song as a sort of release for those that he had slain. They were no longer under his dominion. They were now free.
Chapter Twenty:
New Life
“A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”
Vladimir Lenin
I wish that I had a journal of my own, Lilly thought as she sat alone in her new cell as the sun began to rise. With the discovery of the major’s body, the guards moved her to a new cell which did not offer the temptation of escape. No one will know that I existed otherwise. Also, it would be nice to collect my thoughts somewhere permanent.
Closing her eyes, Lilly concentrated on the sound of the Lahn running by. She wondered if Edith had employed the use of the river for her escape or if the enemy had captured her. The unknowns of what was proceeding in the world began to pile up on Lilly’s shoulders. She didn’t know if Edith had succeeded, where her father was, or how Wilhelm was doing.
Despite her exhaustion, Lilly couldn’t rid herself of the image of the major dying in front of her. Regardless of who he was, a man died before her very eyes, and it was haunting. Watching him pass reminded Lilly of her own mother’s death.
While her mother passed without pain, Lilly still found it to be absent of peace. Her mother was, for the most part, unaware of what was happening. Lilly recalled how delirious she was and how she seemed to be ignorant of the fact that she was dying. Still, she found it utterly traumatic to watch the most precious person in her life draw her final breath.
The only peace Lilly did find lay within the hope that she would see her mother again someday. She recalled looking at her mother’s body and understanding, truly, that it was not her mother. It was merely the housing for her mother’s spirit, a tent of flesh and bones.
Glancing up at her new cell window, Lilly noticed that the sky was absent of clouds, and there was a warmth to this winter’s day.
I’m not sure how I feel about killing someone, Lilly thought. Although, I suppose it was Edith who did the actual killing. He was a wicked person, even he knew that, but it still feels wrong to have taken a life.
A door down the corridor opened, and Lilly stood, waiting to see who would arrive. The sound of marching boots grew closer, and Lilly surmised that it was possibly her time.
Appearing before her was Guenther, dressed in a lieutenant’s uniform. Yet, besides the promotion, Guenther seemed different in conduct. He appeared gentler than before and didn’t embody the same brutality that Major Wagner had. Lilly thought that, perhaps, he even viewed her in a sympathetic light.
Leaning his hands on the bars, Guenther examined Lilly closely while she, in turn, stood quietly with her hands folded in front of her and trembling.
“Are you hungry?” Guenther asked, and Lilly nodded adamantly, though she was hesitant to be excited as she assumed this was some ploy or trick.
Signaling to the guard to unlock the cell, the lieutenant entered and, taking a piece of bread from his pouch, offered it to Lilly. Still, Lilly remained hesitant and studied Guenther for any sudden movements as she approached him slowly.
“It’s not much, I know.” He took a step towards her to signal that she could take the food without reservation. “And I understand that the previous leadership may have treated you unfairly.”
“Thank you.” Lilly snatched the bread and began devouring it as she relished each and every bite. Though she did find his statement odd, given that he had beaten Edith for the crime of whispering.
“Don’t go too quickly.” Guenther chuckled as he handed her the canteen. “Here’s some water as well.”
“Why are you being kind to me?” Lilly frowned and looked into the canteen, wondering if it had been poisoned.
“I suppose you did me a favor with Major Wagner.” Guenther rocked on his heels. “He belittled me. He felt I wasn’t tough enough.”
“I see.” Lilly chewed the bread and understood that Guenther was merely interested in his own pursuits.
“Now, you’re aware of your execution?” Guenther asked regrettably.
“I am.” Lilly watched him suspiciously.
“I’m sorry about that, by the way.” He scratched the back of his neck. “I tried to have it appealed on account of your age and your involvement in the Society, but your removal of Major Wagner rendered that impossible.”
“What about my father? Or Wilhelm?” Lilly pressed.
“The judge thought that if the conspiracy involved all of you, then it was right that all of you should face the sentence together.”
Lilly nodded her understanding.
“I was, however, able to persuade them to leave Mr. and Mrs. Baumann alone.”
“That’s kind of you.” Lilly frowned, wondering if she could trust him. He seemed to have shifted his outlook too sharply, and Lilly believed that no one in his position could be genial.
“You know, the judge did mention”—Guenther stepped towards Lilly— “that if you did provide information on the whereabouts of your sister, or the Jewish family, that we could, possibly, reduce your sentence to hard labor in the camps.”
“What about Wilhelm?” Lilly asked.
“He did make an attempt on Major Wagner’s life.” Gunther shrugged. “Unfortunately, that can’t be overruled.”
“I also assisted with taking the maj
or’s life.” Lilly frowned. “Yet you’re offering me clemency?”
“The judge is being partial to you, I suppose.”
“What about my father?”
“Out of the question.” He shook his head. “He helped sneak Jews out of the country.”
“As did I.” Lilly, again, looked suspiciously at Guenther.
“You’re not understanding, are you?” Guenther squinted. “I’m offering you a chance at life.”
“A life without family, without my fiancé, and in a labor camp where conditions are so poor many people die of starvation or disease? No, Lieutenant, you’re merely offering an extension on my execution.”
“Very well,” Guenther threw his hands behind his back, “but we will find your sister and the Jewish family.”
“If you haven’t found them by now, you never will,” Lilly spoke boldly.
“I don’t understand why you didn’t take the escape when it was afforded to you?” Guenther squinted. “With the major dead, you could’ve fled alongside your sister.”
“My mind is settled on the matter,” Lilly replied resolutely. “I’m not going anywhere without Wilhelm. My tale is a love story akin to Tristan and Isolde, or Mark Antony and Cleopatra. A suicide of love; a hatred and a disdain for life without the soul’s companion. I wish, with all my heart, that my love story could’ve mirrored a Jane Austen novel instead. How I would’ve loved to settle in the countryside while raising a family with a man that I adored.
“I’m afraid that my story is one that won’t be written. I’m the insignificant cog in the grand machinery, the overlooked girl whose life will be snuffed out before it barely began. I’m the lesson that nobody will heed.
“Still, I will know that in giving my life, I saved others. I will know that I stood up to the great leviathan where others cowered in fear. I will know that I found true love and that I will be executed beside him.
“I suppose it would be inaccurate if I said that made me happy, but it does, at least, fill me with purpose. And in this world of chaos and suffering, purpose is the only worthy antidote.”
Guenther watched her for a moment, and Lilly thought that he, perhaps, perceived her as mad. She would have assumed the same if not for the calling in her soul that went beyond reason.
“You’ll have to change.” Guenther nodded to one of his guards to bring in a prisoner’s uniform. “It’s not acceptable for someone to see a girl of the Society being executed.”
“Can I have some privacy, at least?” Lilly asked, and Guenther complied as he left the cell and turned away from her.
Lilly struggled as she peeled off the Society uniform as her joints were sore. It was near agony to bend her knees. Eventually, she slipped into the prison uniform, which Lilly thought resembled striped pajamas more than anything.
“Bind her,” Guenther ordered the guards, who obeyed and tied Lilly’s hands behind her back.
“I’m truly sorry that I have to carry out this sentence.” Guenther looked regretfully at Lilly.
“I know that Wilhelm hurt you.” Lilly looked earnestly into his eyes. “He knows that he did wrong by stepping between you and his sister.”
Shocked by this admission, Guenther examined Lilly curiously.
“Please, Guenther,” Lilly spoke softly, “You’re a son of Marburg, as is Wilhelm. If I can be so bold, I would consider myself one of Marburg’s daughters, as well. Please, my friend, you can’t do this to one of your own. You can help fight against the wickedness that seeks to oppress this city.”
“My allegiance to Hitler is unquestionable.” Guenther grew resolute. “I want to help you, I do, but this treasonous language is unacceptable.”
“I know you have the capacity for kindness.” Lilly appealed to his better nature. “Still, you’re carrying out a cruel deed. You’re no better than Major Wagner.”
“That very well may be.” Guenther nodded for the guard to lead her out of the cell.
Understanding there was no more hope, Lilly accepted her fate and walked silently as she was led through the prison. Glancing in the other cells as she walked by, Lilly searched for Wilhelm or her father, but she couldn’t see them anywhere.
Eventually, she was led outside the prison, and Lilly listened as the birds chirped cheerfully, the Lahn ran peacefully by, and the warmth of the sun shone down on her. It was a perfect day.
“Let’s go!” a voice called from behind Lilly, and she turned to see her father and Wilhelm being led out of the prison.
Her heart shattered as she watched the men she loved who were now bruised, bloodied, and barely conscious. They appeared so lifeless that Lilly almost thought they were unaware of where they were.
While Lilly wanted nothing more than to run into Wilhelm’s arms, she knew that any outburst would be met with punishment. Suppressing her desires, Lilly waited until they were closer. When Wilhelm was placed next to Lilly, she broke into tears when he couldn’t recognize anyone, let alone the woman he loved.
“Move out!” Guenther ordered, and the SS guards grabbed each of them by the arm as they led them back through Marburg and towards the square.
Lilly watched the back of Wilhelm and her father as they traversed the bridge across the Lahn River, wishing she could speak with them. She watched the faces of those they passed by and noticed that they kept their gazes at their feet, not willing to even look in their direction for fear of retribution. Still, Lilly didn’t despise them for this as she understood how afraid they were.
As they passed over the Lahn River, the palace came into view, and Lilly’s heart was glad that she could see it one last time. It stood so imposingly on the hill, and Lilly remembered how it had made her feel the first time she viewed it. She recalled how, on the train, it instilled in her the sense of romantic adventure. While her time in Marburg had transpired in a wholly unexpected way, she was still contented that it had brought her to Wilhelm.
Again, she watched the back of Wilhelm as he limped along with his hands bound behind his back. She wanted to reach out and hold him tight. She thought about what their future would’ve been like had they simply kept silent.
A vision passed through her mind, and she saw four children: two boys and two girls. She watched as they sat in front of a fireplace while they played and read books. Then she envisioned Wilhelm, and he had a depressed countenance. Their happiness had come by the blood of innocent lives and by their apathy. Her vision morphed into despair as she was then standing at her husband’s grave as he had taken his own life. If they had remained silent instead, Lilly and Wilhelm’s future would’ve ended in ruin. Lilly understood that there is no greater burden than the heavy conscience of a righteous person.
Eventually, they came to the market, and Lilly noticed that one side of the gallows was already filled to capacity with five people who had been hung. She didn’t recognize any of them, nor did she understand the reason for their execution, but she knew that she would meet them shortly. She recalled that the Nazis had found Jews hiding in St. Elizabeth’s and thought perhaps that these were those who had been captured.
Then Lilly spotted three crates that were set on the other side of the gallows, and Lilly gathered that they were for the three of them. Still, the company progressed silently until Lilly was set in front of her crate, Wilhelm in front of his, and her father in front of his.
The market was nearly deserted, and Lilly noticed that no one even dared to enter any longer for fear that they would be selected for the gallows next.
“Get the air out of your lungs before you drop. It makes it faster,” Wilhelm whispered to Lilly, and she glanced at him in surprise.
“I love you.” Lilly’s eyes welled as she began to feel the panic. “Wilhelm, I’m scared.”
“Don’t worry.” He looked at her with a smile. “This isn’t the end. I’ll see you shortly.”
“I’m sorry we never married.” Lilly’s lips trembled. “I’m sorry for everything that’s happened.”
“I’m no
t.” Wilhelm leaned over slightly as his eyes welled.
“What do you mean?”
“I got to meet you.” Wilhelm smiled bravely. “I’m the luckiest man to have ever existed.”
“Get on the crate,” Guenther spoke to Wilhelm, and Lilly felt a hand on her back as well.
Yet Lilly’s legs had turned to lead, and she stared at the crate, unable to take the required step forward. A panic set in her soul that she had erred. She should’ve taken the path of escape. She should’ve traded places with Edith. She knew it was the survival instincts speaking, but still, now that the end was a mere few seconds away, she wished to endure.
“We’ve got another stiff,” Lilly’s guard spoke to Guenther. To Lilly’s stunned shock, the two lifted her into position and placed the noose around her neck.
Lilly’s legs trembled as she felt the coarse rope on her skin. Her face began to tingle, and the feeling in her feet and fingers was beginning to retract.
“I told you that I’d be here,” Guenther spoke cruelly to Wilhelm as he slipped his noose on.
“Guenther,” Wilhelm turned and spoke to the lieutenant cordially, “I forgive you.”
Surprised, Guenther didn’t know how to react. He simply stood back and left Wilhelm alone, but Lilly didn’t watch him further as her attention was stolen by the noose around her neck.
A snowflake fell and landed on her nose, and Lilly glanced up at the sky, realizing that it had begun to snow gently. It was peaceful, she thought, and a calmness surrounded her.
Glancing around at the stores, she realized something peculiar: It was Christmas day. Still, there were no carols, the shops were open, the decorations were at a minimum, and Lilly recognized that those who were left in the square had become morbidly used to the hangings and executions. The bakers continued in their craft, the merchants sold their produce, women and children walked by as though it was an unfortunate but accepted part of life.
It was then that Lilly caught the sight of a bright, red jacket waiving from the far end of the market. Mrs. Baumann was holding it high and waiving it for Lilly to see.
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