"…His name, is Josef Mengele."
"Angel of Death?! What kind of nickname is that? What did he do?"
"Karl, this guy, he experimented on people. Real, human experiments. He did horrible things to them and made them suffer before ultimately killed them."
"Holy shit…"
"Yeah, I know. It's why he's a high priority of mine. He was also high ranking like we were. But… there's a problem."
"What is it?"
"I never read much about his early life, I don't know when or where he was born, or much about him."
"Ah shit, so what do we do then?"
"I'm- I'm not sure. I hadn't developed much of a plan yet. I just wanted to tell you guys about it and get you guys in on this."
"Yeah, I understand."
"So, do we just go about our normal lives for now?"
"Yeah, I guess we do, Friedrich."
"Alright, we'll I'm gonna head home for now."
"Me too."
"I'll see you guys later."
They left and went home. I went back inside and my family was still talking about the newly declared war.
"Do you think Germany will get involved dear?" My mother asked my father.
"I'm not sure, it's hard to say. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out."
My father noticed me walking back inside.
"Heinrich! If a war does break out, would you ever consider joining the military?"
"Honey don't say that!"
"He'll be thirteen soon. He wouldn't be able to now anyway, it's just a question."
"I'm not sure father, I've never put much thought into it. I might, I think serving my country could be something that I could be proud of. I've never really put much thought into my future."
"Well, you've got plenty of time boy, but it never hurts to give it some thought."
A week went by and our family decided to go on a holiday. We we're going to the Bavarian Royal castle. We haven't been there since I was a little kid. The Prince is actually my godfather, and I'm named after him. Prince Heinrich of Bavaria is his official title. He comes to visit us almost every Christmas. He's actually a pretty cool guy. He likes to check in and make sure that I'm being raised well, he looks after me. My father was his tutor when he was younger, which is how we have the connection to the royal family.
We got to the castle and it was extremely beautiful. I was excited to see Prince Heinrich again, but also excited to get to visit this castle. We arrived and were escorted inside.
"The Himmlers! Welcome, it's great to see all of you." Prince Heinrich came up to greet me and my brothers.
"Gebhard and Ersnt, it's great to see you guys again. And my godson, young Heinrich, how are you doing these days?"
"I've been doing pretty good Prince Heinrich, school is going well and I've been making some new friends."
"You're keeping up with your studies?"
"Yes sir."
"Good, I'm glad to hear it."
The family welcomed all of us in and we went and had dinner in the grand hall. After dinner was over, the prince wanted to talk to me one on one.
"Young Heinrich, there's something I would like to discuss with you."
"What is it prince?"
"As I'm sure you know by now, Germany has decided to join in and fight in the Great War."
"Yeah... It's all anyone is talking about."
"Well, I'll be going off to fight soon."
"You are?!"
"Yes, it's my duty to my country and to my battalion. We must fight."
"Jeez Prince Heinrich..."
"I know, I'm not afraid, I am proud. I wanted to tell you though, because we may not see each other again for a long time."
"I guess you'll be gone when Christmas comes around then..."
"Yes, I will. But worry not young Heinrich. I will be out fighting for your protection and peace."
"Thank you."
"Of course, but regardless, I wanted to ensure that you continue down the right path. Please keep up with your studies, it's important."
"I will."
"Good, as your godfather I must ensure you grow up to become a strong, goodwilled man. You've always been special, Heinrich. There was something about you since you were young. It was like you had the wisdom of a grown man. I knew you were meant for great things, and I cannot wait to see you achieve them. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your life yet?"
"I'm honestly not sure yet... It's a hard choice you know, there's so many options out there."
"That's true. You're still young anyway, you've got plenty of time. Let's go back with the rest of the family, shall we?"
The two of us rejoined everyone else and we had a great evening. The next day the prince took me out around the countryside. We were riding on horseback when he started to dig into me.
"So young Heinrich, do you have any lady friends?"
"What?"
"Come on now, I know you heard me."
"I mean, I do but, it isn't like that."
"You're telling me that there's no girl you like?"
"Honestly, not really."
"Why not? It's never a bad thing to have your eye on someone."
"You're right but... I think I'd rather wait till I'm older."
"Fair enough, little Heinrich."
What a touchy subject! I'll have to wait until I'm at least eighteen... It just feels too wrong.
We had a great time at the castle, but our holiday was over and it was time to go back home. I really hope the prince is safe when he goes off to fight, I'll miss him a lot. I've still got a few more weeks of summer left though, I better make the most of it!