"General Heidrick speaking."
"Major Ernst, sir. I have good news. I have, as ordered, obtained the services of a prominent local, a Herr Nikoli Romanov. He seems very eager to assist with the plan our beloved Fuehrer and Reichsfuehrer have outlined."
"Excellent news Maximilian. I shall inform Berlin at once. Does Herr Romanov suspect our true motives?"
"No sir, he has not the mind-set for our far reaching plans."
"Excellent Maximilian. You have done well. If anything changes, let me know at once. I shall convey the good news to Colonel Eckhardt at the afternoon conference. Good work Maximilian. Heil Hitler," and the receiver went dead.
"Heil Hitler," replied Ernst as he hung up the phone. A small smile crept in his upper lips. Herr Romanov, you will serve us well, and when I decide to terminate our agreement.... The thought evoked a small sinister laugh.
Chapter 3
Assisting
April 1940
Nikoli could not wait to return to Tarnow and his domain, M-Spartanin. He was returning with the look of a conquering emperor. Yakov met him as he pulled in front of the dark, gloomy residence.
“Nikoli, by the look on your face, it appears the trip was successful?"
"Yes Yakov, it was very productive. Once you have put the horse and carriage away, call the others; I have excellent news."
He stepped off the carriage breathing in the surroundings he had created over the years. From the road, M-Spartanin had the appearance of a residence long since forgotten. The perimeter walls had crumbled through the ages. The lawn was unkempt and overgrown. The windows that still had glass in them were painted black. Those with missing glass panes had dark drapes hung over them to keep unwanted light from piercing into the structure. Large vines covered the front door, keeping it almost completely hidden. The stones that had once been a sparkling white marble many centuries ago, had turned green and dingy with a thick coat of moss and lichen. The structure oozed of death and gloom. It was the perfect visual to keep intruders or the curious at a good distance. Only a few times had some scavengers entered the grounds for a closer look. They never left to tell what they had found.
"Yakov, this is the way vampires should live. We do not need expensive furnishings or lavish surroundings to survive."
Yakov nodded in agreement while leading the horse to the stable.
He had not always lived this way, but after the events of Minsk, he swore he would never again repeat the mistakes of the past. His father's estate was vast and opulent. It reeked of success and aristocracy. Many times he had tried to tell his father they should keep to themselves, but his father, Ivan, would have none of it. "Son, we are our own masters and no man will tell us otherwise." It was a painful memory he wished not to revisit. It mattered not now; he had news to share with the others.
Nikoli was very proud of the victory he had scored today with the new regime. The major, in agreeing with Nikoli, had unknowingly awoken one of the great battlefield strategic minds of the ages. It had been many decades since he had used his plethora of battle tactics. Now his skills would be turned toward manipulating and obtaining the most out of these arrogant SS Officers. They would be playing the roles he set for them and not even know it.
He strode into the small cramped meeting room; it had the appearance of an unused dungeon. Books and papers littered the floor. The table he used was small, only two meters long and a meter wide. It was scratched and worn; dust stood two millimeters thick on the surfaces in the room. The chamber was dimly lit with maybe a dozen candles. Wax drippings had grown in layers on the holders, then spread out over the tables they rested on. The table had four dilapidated chairs around it. The leather backing and cushions had long since disintegrated, leaving only a hard wooden surface to sit on. Nikoli loved the spartan look of the room. It made him feel alive, as he had during his warring years with the tribes of Genghis Khan. It was his war room, sparse and severe.
One by one the members of his clan entered the dusty, moldy-smelling room - Svetlana, Yakov, Taras, Stephan, Nicole, Natashia and little Dina. Svetlana, Stephan and Yakov were allowed to be seated. The rest would stand and listen. Nikoli stood tall and proud as he outlined his coup.
“I bring good news from Krakow, friends. I have secured our food source with the Germans. A Major Ernst was kind enough to allow us to assist them with the selection process. Stephan and I will go to town once a week and pick out our desired victims." His description was cold and hard. One would have thought they were going to the market with a list for food stuffs.
Svetlana was not as enthused with the news. "Dear husband, what makes you think this Major Ernst will honor your so-called agreement? We already have one with the despised Boirarskys."
Nikoli was not pleased with the interruption or her challenging attitude concerning the issue. "Dear wife, I caution you to watch your tongue. Maybe you would rather starve then feed? Maybe I shall let you feed on leftovers or even better, not feed at all."
Svetlana was not fazed with his attack on her. Like in the forest, she knew that the men would get the prime pickings and the females would be left with the dregs and remains that hadn't been completely drained. "Dear husband, I apologize for the outburst, but are you sure we can trust the Germans?"
Nikoli mulled over the question. "Dear wife, we don't have to trust the Germans. We shall take what is rightly ours with or without co-operation from them."
"Very good husband, but what about the Boirarskys and the standing agreement?"
“As far as I'm concerned, it is abolished. We are no longer bound by the accursed treaty. It is time for us to feed like kings and queens again. Let Kirilli and his kind fend for themselves!"
He then laid out how they would assist Major Ernst and his soldiers with the selection process. They would go into Krakow at least once a week or more, depending on each member’s individual needs. If one needed to feed a little sooner than others, then a special trip would be made.
"Nikoli, I have no love for Kirilli and his clan, but isn't this action a bit risky? Can we trust this Major Ernest’s word, and do you really believe they will follow through with their plan of relocating the entire population? To what do they gain?"
Nikoli usually dismissed any thoughts his bride came up with, but this time she had a valid point he hadn't considered. Would the Germans really round up every citizen and ship them west? Yes. What was to be gained with this action? By whom and how, would the harvests be handled for the wheat and timber? He mulled over her ideas without acknowledging her points.
"Svetlana, I'm sure the Germans will only be relocating those they deem expendable. In all of our years, no regime has ever depopulated an entire area. Anyway, as long as we can feed, nothing else matters."
Svetlana was not convinced by her husband's words. She had looked into the eyes of Major Ernst and saw only emptiness. She believed that the relocation plan would, in actuality, be carried out. For now, she would accept the fact that the food supply was intact.
"As you say dear husband." Her tone held many reservations.
Stephan had patiently listened to Nikoli's proposition, but like Svetlana, he too had concerns about this new alliance. "Nikoli, what makes you think they will honor their word? What makes you trust this man Major Ernst?"
Nikoli did not appreciate Stephan questioning his decision. He knew Stephan was very fond of Svetlana, (more than he should be) and always sided with her. He also believed that it should be he who lead the Romanov and not Nikoli.
"Stephan, are you challenging my decision and judgment? You should take care with your thoughts and tongue."
Stephan was caught in a trap with his words. Yes, he had just challenged Nikoli and his decision. If he said nothing, he was guilty of Nikoli's charges of not having the make-up to become a leader. As he developed his next thoughts, Nikoli started moving towards him as a lion preparing to pounce on its prey.
"No Nikoli, I am not challenging your decision, but rather questioning the ab
ility to trust Major Ernst and the proposed agreement you negotiated."
Nikoli continued walking towards Stephan, but his gait became one of a comrade instead of a hunter. He placed his arm over Stephan's shoulder. "My dear Stephan, it doesn't matter if I trust Major Ernst or his intentions. If he doesn't live up to the agreement, maybe we shall taste his blood." Nikoli bellowed with his deep, dark laugh. Stephan and the others joined in but not with the intensity of their leader.
"Good, then it is settled. We shall travel to Krakow in two days. My friends, prepare for the feast to come."
With that, everyone started filing out of the room except for Natashia. She remained behind to engage Nikoli. She had always despised Svetlana and her past. She knew she didn't have the charms, the looks, or the penetrating hypnotic eyes Svetlana possessed, but she could perform as well, if not better than her, if given the opportunity. Nikoli had taken a seat at the table, thinking of how they would select and feed on the chosen ones. Would they bring them back to Tarnow, or would they use the worn abandoned road where he and Svetlana had feasted? His concentration was broken with the rasp of a knuckle on the table.
"Nikoli."
He looked up. "What is it!" he demanded.
"Nikoli, I do not wish to disturb you, but rather to congratulate you on an excellent plan. Gaining us a treaty with the new conquerors is the sign of a great man and leader. We should all be so lucky to have you at this time."
Nikoli knew of the jealousy between her and his wife. He liked it that way.
“My dear Natashia, you flatter me with your comments. Is there a reason you wished to inform me of your agreement with my decision when others are not around? Does it please you that Svetlana and Stephan are not embracing my plan to its fullest?"
Nikoli had set a trap for her and she knew it. He treated everyone the same, with contempt and vileness. "No Nikoli, that is not my intent, but rather to congratulate you personally on an excellent plan for our continued existence."
He quickly tired of her words. "Natashia, you should take your leave now. I have more important matters to tend to instead of your pathetic congratulations and infantile maneuverings. Leave now!"
She realized she should have kept her words to herself instead of infuriating the man she dreamed of constantly. She longed to reach out to him and truly connect; instead she released his harsh tongue and wrath on herself.
"Yes Nikoli. I apologize for interrupting." She turned and left the room. She took her leave full of despair, regretting she had said anything. Natashia had walked no more than three meters from the room, passing a small study that was seldom used by anyone. An arm shot out of the darkness grabbing her left arm and roughly pulling her into the pitch dark room. She could smell the hint of apricot perfume. It was Svetlana.
"Natashia, if you ever attempt to gain his confidences again, I shall see to it you never taste blood again. Am I understood?" Natashia saw fire in Svetlana’s green enraged eyes. "I promise Natashia, one more transgression on what is mine and yours will be a long painful death, understood?"
Natashia said nothing; she nodded her head up and down. She knew Svetlana would carry out her threats if provoked.
* * *
Three days had passed since Nikoli had met with Major Ernst, three days since he forged the new alliance and informed his clan of the new agreement. It had been over a full week since anyone (except he and Svetlana) had eaten. It was time to visit Krakow and start the selection process. He loaded everyone onto the worn-out, uncomfortable carriage. It resembled a battered wagon more than a carriage. The seating area for the driver and passenger were nothing more than pieces of wood attached to the frame. If there had been padding, it had long since vanished. Svetlana had tried to get Nikoli to replace it. It would be so easy to take a finer model. How many people had they ambushed through the years with fine carriages fit for a person such as she? She believed Nikoli held onto this relic in order to remind her who was in control. He claimed it had been a gift from Czar Nicholas, when he stumbled upon him many decades ago, in an attempt to spare his life and keep his silence about the clan. She knew this story to be a pure and simple lie. If he had actually come in contact with Czar Nicholas, he would have drained every last bit of blue blood the man possessed. Nikoli hated aristocracy, and he would have considered it a victory of monumental importance, plus he would not have restrained from reveling of his conquest to all who would listen. They all loaded onto the carriage and headed to Krakow.
Nikoli was full of himself during the trip. "Dear Set, I am so proud of my accomplishment. The major believes we are working for him, when in reality, it is he who is working for us. This is a great coup for the Romanov dynasty. As long as we maintain our food supply, I don't care what the Germans and their Third Reich do." Svetlana was not as convinced that this great coup was going to be a long term success.
"Dear husband, you did well to preserve the supply. But I still have reservations about the major and his intentions." She was challenging Nikoli with her words. She noticed his right hand was loosening on the reins. She knew if she didn't mention something to encourage his victory, she would feel the force of his hand striking her face.
"Dear husband, I do not mean to trivialize your victory, but only to mention we should be cautious with the alliance. Men are only as good as their actions and not words. You remember the alliance with 'Ivan the Terrible'? It started out well until he decided we were of no use to his cause. He and his followers almost eliminated our entire clan."
Nikoli's hand re-tightened on the reins. Yes, how could he have forgotten about that treacherous bastard! Ivan had almost completely wiped them out that fall afternoon. They had all been invited to a festive party in Minsk. Ivan had waited until he knew the entire clan was in the center of the town, locked it down and proceeded to eliminate the Romanov one by one. They had barely escaped the cauldron of death prepared for them.
“Dear wife, you make a valid point. You are right; we do not want to experience another Minsk." Svetlana took a deep breath and relaxed knowing she had averted a strong back-hand to her face.
The trip was uneventful with the exception of a few check points along the way. Each time he was stopped, the guards gruffly asked for his papers. He hadn't put a lot of stock in the paper the major had provided, but now he found out it was a golden key. Once the guards read the orders, they returned the paper, stood at attention, snapped the customary Nazi salute followed by "Heil Hitler," and let them pass. Nikoli had never seen such devotion to one man. Heil Hitler. Who is this man Herr Hitler and what power does he possess over these men? Someday we might have to make his acquaintance.
As they approached Krakow they could hear the sharp wail of whistles blowing from locomotives as they announced their entering and leaving the station.
“It appears we have arrived on the correct date," Nikoli remarked.
They entered the town amongst people who were milling about like sheep headed to slaughter. Many of them had a yellow star sewn on their clothes. Their eyes were hollow and full of fright. They were being herded by the SS guards to the depot. Those without the star stood in silence. The only audible words were those blaring over the loudspeaker. The same voice they heard a few weeks ago.
"Raush, Raush. Take your places in line and prepare to glorify the Third Reich. You have been chosen to bring great glory to the Fatherland and Adolf Hitler."
Nikoli took the carriage to the local livery. The proprietor, Herr Walensa, had the same hollow look in his eyes.
"Herr Romanov, what brings you to town? This is not a good day to be here. The Germans are rounding up our people like cattle and sending them to Germany. They say for a better life, but I do not believe them."
Nikoli ignored his words. "Have you seen Major Ernst? I have business with him."
Walensa was mildly shocked at Nikoli's request, but he also knew what Nikoli and his clan were capable of performing. "Yes, he is at the depot overseeing the loading."
"Good.
We shall return within the hour. See to it the horse is properly watered and fed."
Walensa nodded in agreement with the order. Nikoli never asked for anything - he demanded it.
"Come my friends; let us start our own selection." Svetlana, Stephan and Yakov dismounted from the carriage and made their way to the depot.
As Herr Walensa had said, Major Ernst was in the middle of the square, barking out orders at a rapid clip as he waved his pistol over his head. His uniform wasn't as clean as the first time they had met. The dust from all of the people and the soot from the engines covered his tunic. As they approached him, the major turned sharply to his left and lowered his pistol with precision. A shot rang out and a man in his sixties fell to the ground dead. No one stopped to help the man or give him a second look. They were thankful it wasn't them lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Nikoli strode up to the major.
"Herr Major, I gather he wasn't worthy of the Third Reich?" Ernst spun around with his pistol lowered ready to fire another indiscriminate shot. As he was about to pull the trigger, he recognized Nikoli and placed the pistol back into its holster.
"Herr Romanov. Anyone who doesn't do as instructed will meet the same fate. He should have been quicker on his feet. I have a schedule to maintain. You can take him."
Nikoli nodded to Stephan to retrieve the body and take it to the livery for temporary storage. Stephan walked over and lifted the man with ease. No one except the guards were impressed with the strength of Stephan lifting the body off of the ground and placing it on his shoulder.
"Herr Romanov, we have an excellent selection for you today. I will allow you twelve individuals which include the one I shot." His words sounded like he had achieved a glorious victory in battle. What battle? Where is the glory in shooting a defenseless man? Maybe someday the major and I shall battle. That would be a true test for the German, pondered Nikoli.
Occupation Page 4