Re: Blood and Iron

Maximilian had been safely transferred to the Reich, and by the morning of the next day, he had received a nice warm shower, a clean shave and haircut, and was properly dressed in unblemished attire.

The man had undergone a full scale transformation, and he sat before Bruno, not the director of military intelligence as he spoke of his situation. Bruno sat and listened, drinking from a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Naturally, Maximilian did the same, trying his best to readjust to life within the boundaries of civilization and peace after having spent the better part of the last year in war-torn warlord France.

Bruno gave his brother time to come to terms with his thoughts, more than he would do for a normal subordinate who was in a state of relative shock. And eventually, after a long and persistent silence, Maximilian spoke.

"I want to say before I discuss any of the details of what I have gathered, that I appreciate you prioritizing my rescue, even though I likely had more time to stay behind and continue with espionage.

It is most unfortunate that I fled before I could find out about the specifics regarding de Gaulle's conspiracy to assassinate Maxime Weygand. I'm sorry I failed you Bruno… I mean… Your Majesty…."

Bruno instantly placed down his cup of coffee on its saucer. He stared at his older brother, who himself looked distressed and full of self doubt. Frankly speaking, Bruno had never been close with his brothers. He was never as intimate with them as he was with his parents, his wife, and his children.

This naturally had to do with their upbringing, and though he had forgiven them all, including Maximilian, for past transgressions. Any bonds beyond the most trivial between them had always been weak or nonexistent.

Still, Bruno knew that Maximilian had since redeeming himself, been filled with guilt and remorse over the petulant wastrel he had once been. And was constantly looking for some salvation.

Because of this, Bruno's words were like a bomb going off in the background when he spoke with genuine kindness and warmth, since he first welcomed Maximilian back into the family after the Great War had come to an end four years ago.

"Max… There is no need for honorifics between us. We may not have gotten along for the first thirty-six years of my life… But you and I are still brothers. Allow me to be blunt with you… I don't care all that much about Maxime Weygand's life.

In fact, if de Gaulle succeeds in his attack, it might be better for the Reich altogether. But, even if he was some figure whose protection I highly valued, I would never ask you to risk your life to protect his.

Nor would I ever want you to…. You felt threatened. Your cover was within the range of being reasonably exposed. And you needed to get out of there. Staying behind to figure out the time and location of the attack would have been suicidal. And you do not need to continue risking your life to prove that you are not the man you were."

Maximilian stared in disbelief for a long while… And then he lowered his head in shame.

"All this time, have I really been the only one who still sees myself as that foolish boy that relied on our father's money to get by in life? Am I really still so foolish?"

Bruno stood up from his seat and sat down on the sofa in front of his desk that Maximilian was sitting on, now cupping his head with his hands. Bruno patted his brother on the back as he comforted him.

"It's not as bad as you think… I'm the same way… Nobody in this world is a bigger critic of me than I am to myself. Every time I look in the mirror, I question everything I have ever done. In fact ,there are some days in this life where I still fear gazing upon my reflection for too long. Because I am fearful of what might look back at me.

I suppose every man in this world at some point or another looks at himself in a way that few others perceive him as. And if it makes you feel better, your worst sins are petty compared to mine.

Yes, you were selfish, indulgent, abused your status in life for your own benefit, and were even corrupt to a minor degree. But me? Well, let's just say I hope the results of my actions were worth the sins I have committed.

Max, if you want my advice, you should retire as a field agent, perhaps take up a higher position, leading a team of men like yourself. Or maybe even instruct the next generation of intelligence assets at the academy?

Or you could simply retire altogether and go enjoy the rest of your life with your family. Your contributions to the Reich have already surpassed the realm of redemption, and instead are worthy of praise for centuries to come."

Maximilian pulled his head out of his hands to look at Bruno, his previous ashen complexion having returned to a normal and healthy hue, as his own expression appeared less agonized than before.

The man placed his hand on Bruno's shoulder and nodded his head in agreement with the suggestion he just heard.

"I hate to admit it… But I think I agree with you. I'm getting too old for this kind of life. But I suppose that makes the two of us, huh?

Bruno, however did not respond the way Maximilian expected him to.

"On the contrary, my job these days is mostly administrative. I sit in this office, and organize the army and its grand strategic goals. And on some days, if I'm lucky, I rewrite doctrine. But that's a job I can perform well until I begin to develop senility. The Kaiser already forced me out of the field years ago."

Maximilian couldn't help but chuckle slightly, as he shook his head, standing up from his seat, looking around Bruno's office, and the memorized immortalized within it. Whether via uniforms and medals earned, and worn, or through photographs of battles waged, and victory wrought.

And after yet another extended pause, Maximilian turned to look back at his younger brother.

"So this is it, huh? All you aspire to in life? Here in this room?"

Bruno didn't seem the least bit offended as he leaned back in the sofa, and reached towards his brother's cup of coffee that remained untouched, commandeering it for himself as he took a smug sip before responding.

"Someone has to defend the fatherland…."

While Bruno's statement was true, it did not dismiss the point that his brother was trying to make, and the man became more confident and stern as he tried to get Bruno to join him in retirement.

"Yeah, but must it always be you? How long, Bruno? How long do you intend to fight for? You have given more than enough for this country. Don't you deserve some peace?"

Having struck a nerve of Bruno's, Maximilian didn't realize it until Bruno was sitting upright, his posture no longer relaxed and casual, but straight and stern as his voice was.

"A wise man just said that peace is just the lull in between battles… There will always be a war to fight, whether it's five years from now, or twenty. Someone has to lead our country to victory.

It is my purpose in life. And I will remain in my position until the Kaiser sees fit to remove me from it, or until all our enemies are buried. Either way, I don't suspect that will happen anytime soon.

But this is my burden, my cross to bear. And you don't have to force yourself to stay by my side."

Maximilian took a while to think through his next statement. He didn't realize that his words would be so provocative to his younger brother, and the last thing he wanted to do after they had just came to a moment of mutual respect and understanding, was go back in the wrong direction.

Because of this, when he finally spoke, he did so with the weight of a lifetime lived on his shoulders, and the regrets he had towards how he had lived it.

"I envy you… Since you were a child you seemed to know exactly what you wanted in life. And you never once let anything get in the way of that. I wish I had the same fortitude…."

Bruno's gaze softened from the borderline aggressive angle they were at just moments before. But when he spoke, his voice was so cold, had almost conjured winter to return.

"You think I wanted this occupation? Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets, brother. I do not lament the choices I have made in this life. Sure, I may second guess them now and again, and the whether or not the cost was worth it.

Hell, given the same circumstances, I would gladly do so again if it were required of me. But make no mistake, it was never my desire to be a soldier… Rather it was my duty to be one.

If I had it my way, Heidi, myself and the kids would have been living secluded and happy in a chalet within the Alps. Yet here I am, commanding armies, and defending the fatherland. Not because it is what I want, but because it is an obligation.

You have served with honor, and your duty has been fulfilled. But mine… Mine remains, and shall remain until I am no longer able to fulfill it. Go enjoy your peace, Max, you have earned it."

Then Bruno said nothing. He simply returned to his desk, and waited silently for Maximilian to excuse himself.