If Only…….
A Short Story
By
N.B. Forrest
Obersalzberg, Germania, November 15th 2000.
The immaculate SS men watched the gleaming steel serpent writhe its way up the narrow mountain road on the sunny but cool autumn afternoon. It was composed of a variety of luxurious cars: Mercedes & BMW sedans, several 911s, and a lone crimson Ferrari. As the lead vehicle passed by on its way to the parking area, the hulking bodyguards snapped to attention; crisp Roman salutes in perfect synchrony with the echoing click of polished leather heels. Elegantly-attired figures emerged from the cars; some in suits, others in uniform, all with the Party badge. They made their way from the parking area and gathered at the bottom of the stone staircase, warmly shaking hands. They were a select group of the Reich’s most distinguished men: grey-haired feldmarschals; groundbreaking scientists; historians; high government officials; aged Knight’s Cross recipients – this one with an empty sleeve, that one with an eyepatch – famous heroes of the Great Victory. A frisson of anticipation mixed with a tantalizing puzzlement was shared by the group as they spoke quietly.
One of their number suddenly went silent and came to attention; the rest quickly followed. A man had appeared at the top of the staircase. He returned their salutes and spoke:
“Ah, gentlemen! I see that you’re all arrived safely, and on time as well. Excellent. Please – do come up!”
The guests were gathered in the Great Hall. They gazed wide-eyed at the coffered ceiling, at the paintings, and at the rich furnishings. It wasn’t the mere sumptuousness of the room that so deeply impressed them; many of these men were themselves wealthy & accustomed to finery, and some had been there numerous times as part of their duties many long years before.
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