The Pinto of Ardennes

by Bronycommander

Chapter 8 Internment

Chapter 8 Internment

As Pip regained consciousness, he found himself in a cell, stripped of his clothes.

He shivered as he noticed it was very cold, rubbing his hooves and puffed into them to warm himself up.

The young colt knew that was bad, being scared yet tried to stay calm.

The Germans have signed the Third Geneva Convention, they won’t hurt me. Right? Right? Pip tried to make himself hope, knowing they weren’t allowed to treat him badly, as he was technically a civilian by the laws of war but remembered how his friends Rumble and Tootsie had been briefly prisoners when they had been stranded on earth, they had not a pleasant stay back then.

The cell door opened with a terrible creak, causing him to gulp.

“So we meet again. Pipsqueak, wasn’t it?” A male voice asked, belonging to a man in a black suit, the foal recognized him instantly.

The Gestapo Agent he had met in the Ardennes, now, he couldn’t help but whimper in fear.

“Calm down, you have nothing to fear from me, young boy.” The man said in an unusual calming voice, gesturing to follow him. “Come, you’re freezing in here.”

At first, Pip didn’t respond, knowing he shouldn’t trust him, it sounded…not right. But it was very cold in the cell and he really could need something to warm himself up, so Pip just nodded.

The man led him to a table with a warm cup of tea on the table. Before sitting down, Pipsqueak used the moment to look around, not seeing Jack anywhere, hoping he was alright.

In the moment the boy took a careful sip, not to burn himself, the Agent asked, “So, can you tell me anything about the Allied troops?”

While Pip was still a child, he quickly realized what this was about, replying, “No. I’m not part of them and I have rights.”

The Gestapo member stayed emotionless before grinning. “You’re pretty smart for your age. It’s standard procedure to interrogate prisoners for information.”

“I see.” Pip took a deep breath, afraid how the agent would react to his question but it refused to leave his head. “Gerber told me about your ways of interrogation, will you…hurt me?”

“What?” The man asked in confusion before understanding. “Oh, that. He exaggerates, just as any other does about me. You see, the French resistance leaders are though and drastic times call for drastic measures, I really wish there was a another way than this to get them to talk.” He told the boy with a disgusted expression.

“My superior can be way worse than the stories they tell about me. He ordered to get you back into the cell if I don’t get him good news.” He added, his voice sounding now rather worried for Pip. “It would be for your own safety if you could tell me something of use, truthfully. And don’t worry, your friend is okay.”

The pony couldn’t tell if the man was acting or really meant it, having a neutral expression. “I swear, they didn’t tell me anything about their strategy or troops, like Gerber, they just wanted to keep me safe,” Pip answered truthfully.

“I see…I guess the SS-Standartenführer will to be satisfied with that.” The man replied emotionless.

“I hope so.” Pip didn’t want to imagine what would happen if the agent’s superior wouldn’t believe him.

“At least you’re more cooperative than Gerber was.” The man added.

“Why? He told the truth as best he could and I don't think he was any more nervous than me.” The boy countered.

“Yes, but he hesitated. I questioned the hard way as it was a matter of security and in this job, you have to take that very seriously, there is no room for mistakes.” The Agent explained before turning to a soldier waiting in the shadow. “Guard, escort him and the other prisoner out.”

The soldier saluted. “Yes, sir.”

As he moved out of the shadow, the colt could get a closer look at his face. The soldier appeared to be very young, close to eighteen, if not younger. His build was average, having brown hair and pure blue eyes. He had the look of someone new to war. This soldier had almost certainly never tasted battle before and didn't look too eager to do so. Overall, he looked thin, his hands slightly shaking as he held his MP40.

The foal smiled slightly as the young man got Jack out of a cell, he was unharmed, having a relieved expression as he saw that Pip was alright.

The colt got his clothes back on before being led out with Jack by the soldier. “A real pity about Otto, at least Josef is still alive.” They heard him mumble.

“Do you know him?” Pip asked the man.

“Yes. He was one of my best friends. Wait a minute…”Are you…”

“Well, yes, I am the pony he found.”

The young man looked surprised, unable to say something for a few seconds. “And I thought Otto had lost his mind…Well, it will please Thomas to hear you’re alive.”

“He’s okay?” The boy asked with hope.

“Yeah. After the Allies pushed us back, he got withdrawn from the front as far as I know. I was about to be deployed at the Eastern Front before being transferred to the Western Front, now about to replace Otto.” The soldier told him.

“I see.” It was a relief that Thomas was alright.

The two got escorted by the German to a train with other POWs, who not seemed to pay attention to Pip as they all got in.

None of the two said a word during the ride, Pip was nervous, not knowing what would expect him, getting patted by the Brit the entire time.

They both couldn’t tell how much time passed until the train came to a halt.

“Alarm!” A German voice yelled outside.

One of the prisoners looked out of a small window of the train car, “P-51 incoming!” He yelled and everyone ducked before bullets hit the wagon, but luckily, nobody was hit.

An explosion sounded outside. “Why’re they’re shooting at us?” Pip asked scared, trembling.

“They can’t read the roof,” Jack replied, highly suspecting that the letters POW painted on the top of the train were covered by thick snow. “We need to get out of this train car! Pip, can you open it?”

Realizing he was the only one able to fit through the narrow window, Pipsqueak nodded and Jack lifted him up and he climbed out.

Pip grunted in pain as he fell on his back, quickly getting up as one of the planes was about to make another run on the train.

In the moment Pip grabbed the handle of the car, the P-51 fired again, the bullets missed him by inches. The handle was heavy so the foal used all his strength to move it, his prosthetic leg getting loose.

With a grunt, he managed to unlock the door, but his prosthetic leg fell off, causing him to lose his balance and to fall on his back, seeing how a truck got blown up by a bomb of the fighter-bombers.

The prisoners jumped out of the train, Wilson quickly picked Pip up as another bomb was dropped on an MG nest, blowing it to pieces.

Jack just barely got away in time before the P-51s blew up the train, making the boy look at it in shock. “My leg!” He yelled upon seeing it destroyed in the explosion, Jack could only stare, realizing how close they had escaped death.

He then moved out of the way as other prisoners spelled P-O-W with their bodies, seeing how the planes flew over them and left.

“Harry!” A German voice called out, sounding very familiar to Pip, looking into the direction it came from, seeing Thomas looking over the young man’s body. Harry was lying lifeless on the ground, his occiput covered in blood. “No…” He cried, his head lowered.

As Pip looked around, he stared in shock as the MG gunner in the destroyed nest was Huber, the dead body of Gerber was next to him.

Pip limbed over to him, giving him a hug. It took the man a few seconds to realize this and return the hug, glad that he hasn’t lost Pip as he had feared at first.

The boy startled at a loud sound, turning around to see other guards firing their weapons into the air. “Move it!” One of them yelled.

Jack carried Pip as they with the others marched to the POW camp, on the loudspeakers played the German National Anthem of the 1930s. Pip never understood how imperial Germany saw himself above all, just because they won one war against the French.

Apart of Allied prisoners, he took also notice of Soviet prisoners separated through a fence from the British and Americans, looking in bad shape.

The two also saw three soviets standing on chairs, their hands tied up, and a rope around their necks.

Two officers, together with the agent that had interrogated Pip walked towards them. The first officer was wearing a black uniform with a skull on the cap, having the same eye and hair color as the agent, being slightly muscular and his face was broad with a scar over his right eye.

The other officer was the same field marshal that had offered mercy to Pip and Jack. His eyes were green, his hair greying, his build the same as the other officer.

“Once again, I’m forced to remind you, escape, is not a sport.” The SS-officer said to the prisoners and made a sign and his men kicked the chairs, effectively hanging the men.

“Now these Russians, have a chance at spring.” He added before some of his men laughed as he grinned. Some officers of the prisoners saluted the Russians, causing the German to comment, “Those are dogs you’re saluting. Animals. Untermenschen.”

“Our country doesn’t make those kinds of distinctions, Standartenführer,” Jack replied calmly.

The SS-officer looked at his men with a smile. “They don’t make such distinctions.”

“They’re our allies, Standartenführer.”

“Oh, yeah, you are the allies. Let me tell you something about you and your allies. The Wehrmacht has killed or captured 20.0000 Allied soldiers, despite your counteroffensive. Paris will be recaptured, and you perhaps driven back to the sea. Might be a bit crowded around here.” The Officer grinned before turning around and walked away with the others.

“Alright, listen up.” A guard turned to the Allied men. “We have three rules here. Rule one: You attend roll call every morning and evening. If you fail to report as required, or you enter an illegal area at any time, you will be punished. Rule two: Stay clear of the perimeter fence at all times. We have order to shoot prisoners who stray over the line on the ground. And rule three is to obey all the rules. Complains, a day or two in solitary confinement should change your mind.“

Along with other enlisted men, Pipsqueak and Jack were brought to the barracks, the boy slightly trembled, hoping he wouldn’t be hanged as example.

“Hey, Pip, glad to see you’re alive. Pity about your leg though.” Thomas said at the door, weakly smiling.

“It’s okay, Thomas, I have to live with it. What happened to you?” Pip asked him.

“Well, after the Americans and British drove us back, I got withdrawn from the front, and as you see, now a guard of this camp. With the others gone, I’m now the only one left. And I’ll do anything I can to make sure you survive.” The man told with an honest expression.

“I appreciate it. What happened to Keller and Fischer?” Pip asked as he didn’t saw them at the train.

König sighed. “They got killed in battle. It was quick and painless.”

“At least they’re in a better place now,” Pip added before it was dinner time, the food tasted very well.

After that, the evening roll came. “They say it is to be another cold night, gentlemen. Bad luck.” The SS officer said with a cold expression as if he enjoyed it to see them freezing, the prisoners Pip and Jack noticed, looked rather uneasy at him, like they knew he enjoyed it before everyone went into the bunks of the barracks.

Pip shared a bunk with Jack snuggling next to him as he fell asleep, causing the Brit to smile before falling asleep too.

In the early morning, the rolling call came, the colt yawned, seeing on the clock that it was 7 AM, feeling still tired.

“Wakey-wakey, gentlemen. Let us all be on our best behavior once again today.” The SS-officer said in cold voice, earning tired expressions from the prisoners before they all breakfasted.

As the young pony and man walked out of the mess hall, they saw the Field-marshal walking up to them, having a friendly expression, “Good morning, I hope you slept well. May I speak to you in my quarter?”

The two agreed, wondering why. “Why do you want to speak us, sir?” Wilson asked the German officer.

“Because I want to help you. I fact, this was the same reason why I offered you an honorable surrender back in the woods. I can tell your little friend is not from here, right?” The elderly man asked, surprising both.

“Uh…Yes.” Pip replied and told his story.

With a sad smile the officer said, “I’m sorry to hear that, sounds like private König was right, I overheard him talking worriedly about you. I’m a veteran of the Great War and was captured by the British, they treated me well. Early in the war, I was a guard in a guard in an Internment Camp, treating the internees well in respect of my treatment as POW. Pipsqueak is your name, right?” The boy nodded.

“You don’t belong here, you are to be seen as civilian internee by the Geneva Conventions. I will do anything I can to make sure you both are treated well and with respect to honoring my treatment as POW. Maybe, I could arrange to get a replacement leg for you.”

The colt smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“No need to be so formal with me, young boy, call me Alexander.” The veteran replied politely before Pip saw a picture of a young man in officer uniform.

“Your son?”

“Yes.”

“Where’s he fighting?” Jack asked curiously.

Alexander looked at the picture, his expression becoming sad. “He’s not anymore. The Russian Front. Novgorod. Horrible place.”

“I’m sorry,” Pip said with pity for him.

“I killed my share of English and French I suppose, in the Great War. They, had fathers too. I fought hard to get this position, unlike Standartenführer Amsel. His forename is Dieter. He is a relative of Lieutenant General Heinrich Amsel, a high-ranking officer who gained infamy for orchestrating brutal massacres against Soviet soldiers and civilians in Stalingrad before getting killed, supposedly by his own soldiers. This connection made Dieter rose in rank.

He may be in command of this camp with his right hand, Gestapo agent Rudolf Schmertz, but I keep them in check, so the prisoners are treated according to the Geneva Conventions. I will make sure they won’t bother you.” He promised with an honest expression.

“Thank you.” The pinto colt was glad to hear this.

In his free time, he chatted with Thomas as his lost leg didn’t give him many possibilities to pass the time. “Field Marshal Alexander? He is Gerber’s superior, or better said was after Gerber’s death. A good man, you can trust him. And it’s really generous from him to arrange for a replacement leg for you.” The German smiled.

“Yeah, he really earned his rank,” Pip replied.

“Indeed. And Mr. Wilson, you have my thanks for keeping Pip safe.” He spoke in English to him, having it learned in case he would be captured.

The Brit waved his hand. “What was I supposed to do, leave him dying in that ditch? We all have to keep civilians safe, no matter what. I wonder though if Alexander will have success.”

“Guess we will have to wait and see.”

---

At the same time in the quarter of Alexander

“You can’t be series about this!” Amsel yelled in disbelief.

“I am serious. This poor boy won’t be able to spend his free time otherwise than just staring at the ceiling of the barrack all day. Remember Douglas Bader? We arranged for a replacement leg for him.”

“Bader was a flying ace in the Royal Airforce, greatly respected by us! He had worth, a use to our order. Granting a prosthetic limb to this useless talking foal serves no purpose whatsoever! It is a total waste of time and resources!” Rudolf countered.

“He's an amputee. Keeping alive grants us nothing as it is, let alone building him a leg. He's not a patient here, he's a prisoner. And if any of those Russian dogs came in with one leg, we wouldn't waste time with them. We should just send him off and be done with it.” Dieter added in a cold voice.

“Do I have to remind you who has the highest rank of us?” Alexander countered with a grin. “You won’t do such a thing, we have to treat him according to the Geneva Conventions and as civilian internee.”

The SS-officer sighed in frustration. “Alright, I see what I can do. But if he makes trouble, you will be held responsible for this, understand?”

“How should a child make trouble for us?”

“We will find out,” Dieter added.

The day passed fast and dinner came, followed by the roll call. “Good evening, gentlemen. You are truly a credit to the Reich.” Dieter said in his emotionless tone, Jack rolled his eyes.

More a credit for yourself.

The next morning was quiet as the rolling call came. “Good morning, gentleman. I hope you all had a pleasant night's sleep.” The SS officer said before the prisoners had breakfast.

After breakfasting, Thomas came in with a small package. “This was dropped with a parachute near the camp. I think it’s for you, Pip.” He unwrapped it, seeing that a prosthetic leg, looking identical to Pip’s old leg was in, together with a letter addressed to Jack.

“I can’t wait to walk again!” The boy exclaimed happily as the German attached the leg.

“Understandable,” Thomas said turning to Jack. “This letter addressed to you was within the package.”

“Thanks.” The Brit replied and read it, his eyes went wide, his mouth wide open in shock, his hands shaking, reading it over and over again, his breath heavy.

Something told the German and pony that whatever the letter said wasn’t good.

“No…this can’t be…” Jack mumbled as his face became pale, wishing it was just a bad dream what the letter said, “It can’t be true…It can’t be… true…”

“What’s wrong?” Pipsqueak asked concerned before Jack threw the letter to the ground, walking without a word into the barrack, his head lowered.

The pony and soldier looked confused after him, yet had a suspicion what the reason was, hoping it was not as they read the letter themselves.

Dear Jack Wilson,

It is with a heavy heart that I must bring you bad news. Your wife and child died in a German V2 attack on London of 22th January 1945.

My understanding is that Mrs. Lola Wilson and Lucy Wilson died when the house they were living in suffered a direct it from the rocket. It should be some small comfort to you that given the scale of the devastation your relatives are unlikely to have suffered adversely.

I realize this is terrible news and extend my heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time.

Your sincerely,

George Brown

Doctor, London hospital

Sadness filled both, Jack hadn’t deserved this. Pip walked into the barrack, seeing that Jack was lying on a bunk, crying. Without a word, the colt hugged him to comfort him.

The guard looked at the Allied soldier with pity, having to suppress a tear himself as it reminded him of his loss he had suffered two years ago.

The man couldn’t say a word, only after 15 minutes he finally managed to say something.

“I'm so sorry, Jack. I...I know how you feel.” Thomas said with sympathy.

The Brit looked slowly up, his expression confused. “You…do?”

“Yes. Back in Sommer 1943, my family died in a bombing raid, I got a letter with the same content, and that I should know that ‘their sacrifice for the Reich won’t be forgotten.’ It was my motivation, fight so I could see them again. Now, my only motivation to fight is to end this war, so that not more civilians would lose their lives in this bloody conflict. I want to make sure the innocent ones in this war are saved from it...whoever they may be.”

Jack wiped a tear out of his eyes. “I guess we are in the same boat now. At least they are in a better place now.” He realized that the only thing he could do now, was to keep Pip safe, just like Thomas did.

“Your wife and daughter will be always with you in your heart, Jack.” Pip pointed to the man’s heart, causing him to smile weakly.

“Yes. And I will make sure your mother won’t lose you.” Jack said, swearing to himself he would succeed or die trying.

“Thanks...I mean, after losing dad...she was never the same. At least that's what other ponies told me.” Pip replied with concern.

“I know. Ah, before I forget it, a little gift from the field marshal.” Thomas reached into his pocket, pulling out a chocolate bar.

“Thank you!” Pip ate it with glee.

“For now, what about a game of soccer?” Alexander asked as he joined them with a ball in his hands.

The boy grinned. “With pleasure!”

And so, the colt, together with the two Germans and the Brit played together, laughing the entire time, enjoying it.

It warmed Jack’s and Thomas’ hearts to see him happy, the colt passed the ball to Wilson, who tried to pass the ball to Thomas but did it with too much strength, causing the ball to fly past König, into the fence. “Uh-oh, deadline.” The Allied soldier said in disappointment.

“Not for me,” Thomas said as he walked over to get it, but stopped as the sound of engines roared in the sky.

They all looked up, seeing a Bf-109 getting chased by a P-51, Jack cheered with his fellow soldiers at the US plane, Pip, Alexander and Thomas looked at the dogfight in awe.

The German pilot tried his best to avoid getting it, taking evasive action but got eventually hit and his plane caught fire.

“Great shot!” Jack complimented the US pilot, then his eyes went wide in fear.

The plane was about to crash into the camp.

Wilson quickly took Pip in his arms as they all ran out of the plane’s path, it clipped a guard tower and left a tail of destruction as it came down on the street separating West Allies and Russians from each other, blowing up in a gigantic fireball.

“That was close,” Pip said relieved as the guards extinguished the fires and checked the wreck for the pilot, he was lying bloodied in the seat, having not survived.

The colt watched in awe as the guards took care of the body, with the POWs slowly recovering from the shock, checking each other for injuries before led away by the guards. As the day passed on, an engineering team brought the wreck away and another team built an improvised fence for the destroyed one, with the young pony watching everything, fascinating how quickly and efficiently they worked.

As Pip and Jack dined, they saw Alexander walking up to them. “What is it?” Pip asked friendly.

“Just to check how you are doing. And to share a secret with you.”

“Secret?” Pip raised an eyebrow.

“Yes. You see, a part of this camp is a truck compound. Not long ago, a truck hit the surrounding wall and we hadn’t time yet to patch up the hole. It will now even take longer due to the plane crash. I overheard that Amsel and Rudolf plan something. Something that won’t end for the prisoners I suspect. You should stow away on one of them in the night.”

The two looked surprised at each other, then at the officer. “I will keep that in mind.” Jack just said, while Pipsqueak couldn’t get up with a reply before the roll call came.

“I am delighted that you all conducted yourselves so admirably today. Let us keep it that way.” Dieter said before the prisoners went to bed.

While the boy and man slept well, they wondered if they should take the chance, knowing that Alexander was risking his life with this.

The next morning came fast. “Good morning, gentleman. I'm delighted to see you all so eager to face the day. Dismissed.” Amsel said before the POWs breakfasted.

Pip and Jack played soccer with Thomas to pass the day, enjoying it, not aware of the officers and agent having a conversation in the quarter.

“I got a message from Berlin. They need more workers.” Dieter told his comrades.

“No problem, by Articles 27-32 of the Third Geneva Convention, any enlisted man will do as long as it isn’t dangerous and does not support our war effort,” Alexander replied optimistic bit sensed it had a different reason.

“That’s the point, our…specialists and special camps need more workers so we can turn this damn war around.” The Standartenführer pointed out.

With an uneasy expression, the Wehrmacht officer asked, “Then, how many do we need? The Russians should be enough.”

“No, they aren’t. We got ordered to send all prisoners we have. They were sent here to work and that’s what they’ll do.” The Gestapo agent replied cold.

“Sir?” The elderly officer feared the worst.

“The camp will we closed tomorrow, all prisoners will be sent to our…work camps. I’ll do anything that is necessary to help to win the war.” Dieter explained, showing no emotion. “I have to attend a meeting about this with Rudolf, you are in charge until we are back, Alexander. Don’t disappoint me.” He warned.

“Of course, sir.”

The elderly man looked after the staff car until it was out of sight, then walked over to the mess hall.

Pip and Jack had lunch, chatted with Thomas as Alexander joined them. “Hello, Alexander, how are you?” The boy asked, happy to see him.

“Honestly, terrible. About the truck compound, you should go tonight. They will close the camp tomorrow.” He said in a serious tone, “And all prisoners will be transferred to…work camps.”

“Is that bad?” Pip asked, not able to understand.

“Trust me, boy, it’s horrible in those camps, I have seen it with my own eyes.”

While the pony couldn’t imagine it, the Brit had a suspicion what the high-ranking officer meant. “I understand, we’ll go tonight.”

“Good, Thomas, since this camp is close to the border, can you bring them to it?”

The private nodded. “Of course.”

“Good. Godspeed.” The officer said and left.

“Are…Are those work camps really that bad?” Pip asked confused.

“I heard only rumors but it’s said who lands in them never gets out again. So it’s a good thought of him.” König told, making the colt tremble.

“O-okay…”

“How’s the security over there?” Wilson asked the German.

“Well, in the past some prisoners tried to use the trucks for escape, thus we made sure the only way into it is through the driver’s compound, and it’s door is padlocked. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s open for you.”

“Thanks. Where is the compound exactly?”

“Just north of the mess hall, over the fence. Watch out for the guard tower in the middle of the camp. There are three guards patrolling. Two patrol the main road but I noticed they tent to stop off for a chat each time they meet, so you should get past them. The third one is patrolling outside the driver compound.”

“Good to know.”

Time seemed to race as the prisoners assembled for the evening rolling call. “Good evening, gentlemen. I wish you all a pleasant sleep.” Alexander said in a caring voice.

Once in the barrack, Pip and Jack waited until the lights were turned off, the colt was nervous, trembling slightly but was ready as Jack opened the door.

The guards at the prisoner compound had their backs to the two escapees and the due the plane crash, there was no barbed wire on the top of the fence, making it easy to climb over it.

Luck seemed to be on their side as the two guards just had their chat, allowing the child and soldier to sneak past them, towards the door of the driver compound. It had no padlock, showing that Thomas had done his work.

Wilson slowly opened the door, seeing a soldier sleeping in his bed. Pip saw his friend putting his finger to his mouth to signal to be quiet, not to wake the driver, the colt nodded in response.

Upon reaching the other door, they made a dash for a parked Kübelwagen to hide from the searchlight of the guard tower.

As it moved away, the third guard Thomas had mentioned moved towards the car, making Pip nervously looking around, hoping the soldier wouldn’t notice him or Jack.

The Brit threw a stone towards the wall.

“What was that?” The guard investigated it, so Pip and Wilson could make their move towards the only parked truck in the compound.

After getting in the back, the pinto colt let out a breath of relief. “We made it.”

“Yes, you did great. Better get comfortable – it’s gonna be a long night.” Jack whispered in response and both close their eyes to catch some sleep.

The next they, they woke up as someone knocked on the back of the truck, they both assumed it was Thomas to signal that they moved.

Then, the sound of the engine getting started greeted their ears. “Looks like we’re on our way,” Wilson commented.

“What do you want to do when we’re out of here?” Pip asked him.

“I dunno. I guess I do the same as Thomas, fighting to end this war as soon as possible to prevent the death of more innocent.”

Suddenly, a horn sounded and the truck stopped violently with squeaking tires, making both wonder what was going on.

“You idiot! Don’t you know how to drive?” Amsel’s voice sounded outside, very angry.

“I’m sorry sir, the roads are very slippery,” Thomas replied, sounding rather calmly.

“No excuse! You’ll be digging trenches on the Eastern Front before the month is out!” Rudolf added in anger.

“We’ve blown it!” “Pip panicked, fearing they would be discovered.

“Take a deep breath. We’ll probably be on the move again soon. If they find us, there’s a forest nearby.”

Pip did as told. “O-okay.”

“Wait a minute, who authorized this and what is your cargo?” The Agent asked, Pip gulped and Jack prepared himself to make a break for the woods with him.

In the moment Rudolf opened the back, he got punched into the face stumbling backwards, falling into his comrade, causing both to be dazed.

“Now!” The Allied soldier yelled, helping the boy out of the track and run with him towards the forest.

However, the two Germans recovered quickly. “Halt! Halt!” Dieter yelled, his pistol aimed at Jack.

The foal reached the forest, then turned around to see after Wilson, his eyes wide in shock.

The Brit held his left hand on his right hip as blood flow down before several bullets hit him in the back.

More blood splattered as he jolted from the hits and fell on his knees, another bullet went right through his chest and he fell forward on the ground, lifeless.

Pipsqueak breathed heavily in shock, but didn’t hesitate to run deeper into the woods.

He couldn’t give up now, not after having it made so far. The boy couldn’t tell how far he was in the forest, before overlooking a root in the snow, tripping over it with a cry of pain.

As he tried to get up, he got kicked by somebody, crying out in pain from the hit. “Did you really think you could escape us?” Rudolf asked as he put his boot on the colt’s chest, pinning him down.

Now, the foal couldn’t help but panic, raising his hooves in surrender. “Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot! Please! Don’t!”

Dieter joined his right hand, spitting out blood. “No, child, there will be no more prison camps, no more days in the cooler. For the trouble you caused…” He cocked his pistol. “You will die.”

As the officer aimed at the boy’s head, Pip’s life flashed before his eyes, not able to believe it would end like this.

He closed his eyes. I’m sorry…mama…

Bang!

The pony flinched.

But he felt no pain, only the cold air of the wind, the pressure of the boot no longer on him.

Slowly opening his eyes, he saw the Standartenführer lying dead in the snow, his chest covered in blood, the barrel of Thomas’ rifle smoking, his expression determined.

Rudolf looked at the body in shock before yelling, “Die, traitor!” And drew his Luger but another shot made him flinch, misfiring his weapon, before a second shot to the head finished him off.

Thomas and Pip looked into the direction of the shots, seeing Alexander with his sidearm in his hand, the other hand was on the wound he just suffered from the misfired shot. “I’ll be fine. Go.”

“Thank you.” Pip gave him a weak smile before moving on with Thomas, while the officer made his way back to the camp.

“Sir! You’re bleeding!” A fellow Wehrmacht officer by the rank of Oberst yelled as the Field Marshal leaned on a wall as he got weaker.

“Oberst…do me …a favor…Keep those prisoners safe…”

“I will, sir, your caring for their safety honors you.” The other officer complimented him.

With his last strength, Alexander managed to form a smile. “I know.” He may be wasn’t able to save Jack, but at least, he managed that Pip would survive and gave him a chance of returning home.

Pip and Thomas walked through the snow, their coats becoming heavier the more they walked, the cold crept through their clothes and bones.

It reminded Thomas of the Weather in December 1944.

Heavy snow and ice rainfalls. The sky was dominated by a powerful cloud field, which made a deployment of the Allied Air Force units virtually impossible. Nevertheless, the weather-resistant German aircraft could take off and fly, and while they were numerically far inferior to the Allied airmen in direct combat, one last time German pilots dominated the sky over the battlefield, though not for very long.

But the bad weather also had negative consequences for the Wehrmacht units: the mostly unpaved roads of the Ardennes were soaked in rain and snow, and the passing vehicles turned them into mud pits. Driving through the streets became more and more difficult. Due to the partial permanent ground frost threatened another danger. It was not uncommon for vehicles to simply freeze to ground at a standstill.

Hundreds of soldiers were killed by weather-related illnesses and fainting. The main cause was foot burn, a disease caused by prolonged severe hypothermia of the feet.

The man hoped they would encounter an Allied unit so they could surrender before freezing to death, Pip wouldn’t be imprisoned, due to his connection to Jack, he was confident of it. His own fate didn’t matter for him, he had nothing to lose anymore, he just wanted Pip to be safe, no matter what.

Eventually, they had to take cover from a heavy snowfall, getting into a cave, Thomas shielded Pip, the colt pressed himself against his body.

“It’s damn cold, like on the Eastern Front…”König shivered.

“…Once…My mother came home from work…being very exhausted as her day didn’t go well…It was snowing outside…I made a snowpony that looked like her to cheer her up…I still remember how happy she was…smiling at me… Did you build snowmen with your child, Thomas?” Pip asked, shivering as he looked up to Thomas.

He didn’t reply, his eyes were closed.

The Snowfall became stronger and stronger. Pip’s head was fallen on his chest, Thomas had his head lowered too.

They had tried.