Stephan and Yakov bounded across the open field covering the last fifty meters in mere seconds. Yakov smiled, showing his vile stubs. "It is time Stephan. Let us change so we may dine with style."
With that, the sound of splitting jawbones and brows became a chorus. Stephan had to restrain himself from laughing with joy at his cohort’s comments.
"Yes, my dear Yakov, let us feast on tonight's pleasures."
Dmitri and Roman approached silently from the west, taking caution with each step. They passed several other darkened huts. It was very eerie. No noise came from any of them. Even the deep sounds of a human snore were missing. Dmitri contemplated for a minute. Surely the Germans hadn't completely relocated an entire town's inhabitants? He would inform Kirilli of this find once they had completed their mission. They reached the targeted building with no alarms or distractions. Their breathing was deep and sure. They both nodded and started the transformation as quietly as possible. Dmitri could have sworn he detected the sound of something crackling on the other side of the building. No, must have been his mind playing tricks.
In a guttural tone, Stephan announced it was time. He and Yakov burst through the front door in search of their prey. Dmitri and Roman nodded in agreement and flew through the open window they had been crouching by.
Like many of the buildings in the area, it was a single room structure, 10 meters by 10 meters. The room held a few chairs, one wooden table, a bed that might accommodate two people and an earthen stove. It was the smell that magnetized all four - foul, heavy, and stale. There was one person in the room, a man in his late forties. He had a bullet hole in his forehead. By the looks of the body, he had been ripening for weeks. Maggots were crawling around the hole of his open mouth. The maggots and worms covered the floor beneath the victim, thriving in the black pool of brain and blood. There would be no feasting tonight or the pleasures of a young maiden to share.
Stephan could not go home empty handed; Nikoli's punishment would be harsh and quick. If he could bring no humans, he would at least bring a trophy! He lunged at Dmitri in an attempt to sink his aching, thirsty fangs, deep into his neck. Dmitri blocked his line of assault. Stephan landed squarely on his feet and flew back towards him. Dmitri responded in kind, impacting Stephan in midair. He wrapped his claws around Stephan's midsection and flung him against the stove, shattering the kerosene lamp. The acrid smell overpowered the room in seconds.
Yakov made the next move. He jumped onto the back of Roman, sinking his teeth deep into Roman’s shoulder muscles. Kharkov’s actions cut Dmitri’s plans to press the attack on Stephan short. Roman let out a tortuous cry. Dmitri grabbed Yakov by the neck and shoulder, sinking his claws deep into Kharkov’s hide and yanked him off Roman. The sound of shredding muscle and hide was heard even over Roman's cries. Yakov was separated from his target and flung into an adjacent wall with a deafening thud. Both Roman and Yakov now had long bloody claw marks scarring their bodies.
Stephan regained his balance and senses. He spun onto Dmitri's back and repeated the act Yakov had attempted. Stephan opened his jaws and prepared to sink his fangs deep into Dmitri's back. Dmitri had detected the motion and was in the act of turning around to meet Stephan head-on, but was a little too late for a complete escape. Luckily, Stephan's teeth only found superficial hide and muscle. He missed the spinal cord by a few centimeters. Dmitri did not cry out. He fell to the floor flipping Stephan onto his back. The impact of the ground loosened Stephan's bite enough for Dmitri to shake him off. Dmitri knew if he killed Stephan outright, the relative peace between the Romanov and Boirarskys would dissolve. How would he explain to Kirilli what had happened this night? But the resolve he felt to survive and the disgust against Stephan was large. He could feel black thick fluid flowing down his back. He flashed his highly polished and sharpened fangs towards Stephan, who was still dazed from the impact with the dirt floor. Dmitri swiftly picked up his right foot and like an arrow, drilled it into Stephan's chest. The sickening sound of ribs and breastbone cracking was very distinguishable. Stephan could only lie on the ground and moan as the pain swelled in his chest. The pain overtook every other conscious thought.
Yakov was in the process of coming to his comrade’s side, but the heavy clawed hands of Roman stopped him cold as they wrapped around his right shoulder and neck. Roman picked up Yakov and drove his body into the wall. Blood splattered out of his nose, covering the wall with a black rancid fluid. He could feel Roman's claws digging deeper into his neck. Stephan would have to fight his own battle.
Dmitri picked Stephan up off the ground, pushed him into the wall and sank his fangs deep into his victim’s shoulder muscles, then pulled back without loosening his jaw. As his mouth pulled away, blood, muscle, hide and tissue all ripped loose from Stephan’s shoulder. Only an undertaker would be able to identify the mass that Dmitri spat onto the floor. A low forceful growl came out of Dmitri's blood soaked mouth. Stephan was defeated and he knew it. Without any quarrel he started transforming back to human form. Yakov and Roman followed suit. Dmitri would wait until Stephan was fully returned to human form before he would start transforming himself. Stephan was wounded, but could still strike if he so deemed. Stephan hoped he could fool Dmitri, so he could provide one more good blow or bite to his rival. Dmitri detected the possible betrayal in Stephan's eyes. He grabbed his throat with his right hand and started inserting his claws deep into his neck. Stephan erased all thoughts of resistance and continued with his change.
With all three back in human form, the wounds they had sustained were in need of urgent attention. Satisfied with the situation, Dmitri began his own transformation, but did not release his grip on Stephan's neck. There could still be time for some treachery or a trick. Stephan made no unwarranted moves.
With the change complete, Dmitri released his grip on Stephan.
“Stephan, are you mad? What did you hope to gain by killing one or both of us?”
The only words Stephan could utter were, "Nikoli will not be pleased with us."
Disgust was heard in Dmitri’s answer. "You idiot! Do you think Nikoli will be pleased if you re-ignite the war between our clans? Is it not apparent to you Romanov we have a bigger enemy?”
Stephan could only nod in agreement, though it made his stomach sick. How would he describe the night’s events to Nikoli without severe repercussions? And the wounds? How would he convince Nikoli that Dmitri had received the worst of the engagement?
Dmitri looked around and noticed a small wooden pail half full with stale water. He took the ladle hanging by the pail and skimmed off the top of the water. He motioned for Roman to go outside and find some fresh dirt. Roman returned with a large handful. Dmitri mixed it with the water forming a thick sticky paste.
"Stephan, place this on your wounds. It will ease some of the pain and mask the smell." Wolves would be a danger to both groups as they headed back to their homes.
"Stephan, we need to search this village. I'm sure the noise we made during the fight should have raised someone's curiosities."
Stephan digested the thought and agreed. "Dmitri, it is very odd even to me. Someone should have come to investigate the disturbance. And surely a dog would have started barking and howling with the noise. Yes, let us venture out and maybe we can still find something to eat."
With the paste applied to all of the wounds, the group stayed together and examined each hut and house. They examined each one with the same result, nothing. The entire town was empty. The only body was the one they had mortally fought over, yet even he was long dead. Where had everyone gone? What was happening?
"Stephan, we must return to our homes and inform Kirilli and Nikoli of our findings. It appears the Germans have removed everyone."
"Dmitri, I agree. Maybe the information will lessen the punishment from Nikoli."
And with that, the groups parted and headed home.
Chapter 6
Truce
"This can go on no longer," screamed Nikoli. "I send y
ou two out for the simple task of acquiring food and you return not only empty handed, but with your tails tucked between your legs at the hands of the Boirarskys. You are both failures. I should..."
Svetlana had listened to enough of Nikoli's rant. "Dear husband, do not blame the boys. You haven't taken the time to prepare them for such encounters. If they were not men of courage, I doubt they would have returned, knowing the wrath and punishment that awaited them at your hands." The words stuck Nikoli hard to the core. It was true, he expected everyone to act as he did without providing them the proper tools or training. Training was for those who did not possess the proper instincts, and if one didn't possess the instincts, then they should perish. This had been his philosophy; now that his own son was involved, perhaps he should consider the merits of training.
"Wife, sometimes you speak when it could be detrimental to your health, but you are correct. I have not taken the time to properly equip these boys with the real tools of our trade. Dear wife, I shall start correcting that mistake later this week. Since you seem to have an eye for the obvious, a trait you seldom display, do you have a suggestion for how to deal with Kirilli and his offspring?"
Svetlana knew the question was a trap. She had no love for any of the Boirarskys, but she also did not want to set herself up for a lashing from her loving husband.
"Nikoli, it was an unfortunate meeting of our boys and theirs. I believe the lack of fresh blood over took their senses and they were forced to rely on their natural instincts."
Nikoli mulled over the indirect response from his wife. She had carved her words carefully and with great thought. "But wife, they have damaged the honor of our clan. Does this not require a swift retribution?" Again he was laying a huge trap for her.
She became nervous, looking for the correct words that would not end with a massive right back hand across her face. She knew she also had to respond quickly or the blow would come anyway. "Husband, the boys upheld our honor by showing restraint. They knew the battle that day had been lost, and deceived the Boirarskys into thinking they were joining a common cause. They returned knowing the consequences which awaited them. They survived to fight another day. Under your tutelage, they will become masters of the art of warfare and such encounters will never occur again." Again, she had avoided Nikoli's wrath with well-chosen words.
"My dear wife, where were you when I was traveling with Genghis Khan and roaming the territories of the Persian Empire? Your tongue would have come into play in more than one way."
Svetlana did not show her relief, but inside was thankful she would not receive a double punishment, standing up for the boys and speaking out of turn.
"Thank you, dear husband. I'm sure I would have been of immense help if my services would have been called upon." Svetlana took her leave and retired to her room.
* * *
Kirilli sat at the table with his brow furrowed and head in his hands. He looked up, concern written on his face. “Dmitri, what was the mission? Why did you and Roman allow them to retire and what were you thinking in searching the town with the likes of Stephan and Yakov? You should have ended it there. Nikoli will be seeking revenge on us. Did you think about that?"
The words came as daggers. Dmitri always followed his father's orders. Kirilli had always shied to the side of caution, taking a life was never an option unless all avenues had been exercised. He was seeing a side his father had never shown before. He was anxious, mad, and nervous. It appeared he and Roman should have killed Stephan and Yakov, then waited for any and all repercussions from the Romanov if they materialized.
"Kirilli," spoke Sasha, "the boys followed your orders and returned home not just safe, but with valuable information. What would have been gained if they had killed the two boys? Nikoli knows what we do now, about what is going on in the surrounding countryside. The food supply is being drained at a rapid pace. The Germans are unknowingly starting to starve us. Tempers are high and the lack of fresh blood is affecting us all."
Kirilli pondered the words she had spoken. The worry on his face had not lifted as he addressed them. "Dear Sasha, you are correct as always. The boys have returned safe and with valuable information. Dmitri, Roman, I apologize. You dealt with the situation as best you could. I am pleased neither one was seriously injured. Go clean your wounds while I talk with Sasha." Both of the boys rose and exited the room, relieved that Kirilli's outburst was more out of frustration from the failed hunt than from any wrongdoing on their part.
"Sasha, do you think Nikoli will be as appeasing as us?"
The bad blood between the clans went back hundreds of years. Nikoli had never forgiven the Boirarsky clan for the damaged inflicted on the Romanov when Josif forced Gregori to succumb to his demands or die on the spot. It was a dark blot on the crest of the Romanov, and it was clear Nikoli felt it would be avenged someday.
"I don't know, husband. I hope he thinks any actions through before attempting to restore what he considers lost honor. So many years have passed and he still holds a grudge. It didn't matter that Gregori brought shame on the clan. Nikoli was determined to right that wrong. This could be the excuse he has waited for."
Yes, Sasha was right. Even though both clans had drawn up feeding agreements with the locals, they steered clear when the Romanov were in the area. Kirilli didn't want any unnecessary blood shed to settle a ridiculous dispute.
"I believe I shall go to town in a few days and visit Jacub. Maybe he can help with the current problem."
* * *
"Svetlana, I will be going to Krakow in a few days. It is time I met with Major Ernst and reminded him of our agreement. If necessary, I shall show him why it would be wise for him to honor our terms."
"Nikoli, I agree. We are all feeling the effects of not feeding regularly."
Nikoli left early in the morning for Krakow. The next scheduled meeting wasn't until next week, but it was time to find out why the food supply was diminishing. He had held up his part of the bargain. It was now time for Major Ernst to honor his. If he chose to renege, it could prove fatal to the major.
* * *
Kirilli knew that the depot wouldn't start filling up until after noon. Hopefully, Jacub would have a small respite from his work and be able to help him with the dilemma at hand.
He headed out early in the morning for Krakow. He knew Jacub had been inundated with the new regulations pouring out of Berlin weekly. Jacub was doing his best to abide by "the new master’s" edicts, but there were only so many hours in the day. How did they expect him to be so methodical and precise when he had no help in processing the 100,000 plus residents of the new district? Mistakes were going to happen, but according to Major Ernst, mistakes were a sign of weakness and if he made one more he would either be sent to the old Brewery as a worker (where extensive activity was detected weekly) or he would find himself as part of the cargo traveling west. Neither option was appealing.
Kirilli arrived in town around 10:00 am (two hours before Nikoli would appear) and searched out his old friend. The town was strangely quiet. The depot was filled with a few soldiers and what appeared to be true passengers waiting for the morning trains. The streets showed none of the activity he had detected in the past. None of the soldiers he passed paid him much attention and surprisingly, none asked for his papers. He pulled the carriage up to Jacob’s office and went in to see his friend. The sound of the wood planks creaking alerted Jacub he had a visitor.
"Jacub, how are you this fine morning? I see the town is unusually quiet. Did our guests spend the night in great celebration?"
Jacub was notably irritated with the trite comments. He slowly rose from his chair and moved to close the door. His physical appearance had deteriorated considerably since the last visit Kirilli had paid to him. Jacub closed the door and pulled the shades down.
"Kirilli, this is not a time for amusement. The Germans have eyes and ears everywhere. I caution you to watch your tongue. There is something very big in the works and no one is talki
ng. I haven't seen Major Ernst in over two days. I am keeping up with the impossible quotas they lavished on me."
Kirilli could see that Jacub was noticeably nervous and irritated. He had lost another ten kilos, his eyes were tired and deeply set in his sockets with large black circles under them. His balding head was almost clean of any follicles. The jowl skin hung loosely around his mouth. The sudden loss of weight was not treating him well.
"To make matters worse, I have to select those individuals considered fit for duty to the work details at the old brewery. I have heard stories that the Germans are installing medical facilities and are replacing the old vats with ovens. What could they be doing up there?" He was not speaking directly to Kirilli but voicing his opinions in the open. "It makes no sense, no sense at all. The skull and crossbones they prominently wear on their uniforms is an unwelcome omen. I fear we have not seen the true evil these men bring with them."
Kirilli had never heard Jacub ramble with phrases that made no sense. The strain of the job must be getting to him.
"Jacub, maybe there is too much overreaction. Perhaps you could have the major lighten your load with a clerk or two."
"Do not mock me Boirarsky! Do not mock me. You do not see what they have been doing here every day. You and your kind stay hidden behind the scenes at your beloved Bezpieczenstwo and remain ignorant of the populace. And what is even worse, the Romanov are in league with these monsters. Nikoli, Stephan, and Svetlana come to town every week and gather people for work details. Need I say they never return?" The mention of Nikoli and the Romanov in league with the Germans was more than a shock; it was absurd that Nikoli would enter into league with the Germans no matter how difficult the food supply was becoming.
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