The Daughters of Marburg

by Terrance Williamson

  The girls all glanced at each other, and no one dared answer, curious at what alternative Mrs. Muller was alluding to.

  “To make you good mothers and wives,” Mrs. Muller continued bluntly, and Lilly noticed that the girls did not react all that kindly to this revelation. Some even turned their noses up in disgust.

  “What are we cooking today, Mrs. Muller?” Edith raised her hand, hoping it was something she could quickly master.

  “We are cooking potatoes, peeled and boiled in saltwater with herring sauce, accompanied by onion soup and rye bread.” Mrs. Muller replied, and the girls, again, found this distasteful.

  “Sounds more like war rations,” Lilly whispered to Edith.

  “First, I will teach you how to make the soup and the herring sauce. Then, while those are in progress, we can start peeling the potatoes.” Mrs. Muller walked over and stood near Lilly and Edith’s station.

  “I cannot permit you to use this meal for our families.” Lilly looked sternly at Edith. “It’s plain and boring. I was hoping for something with a little more class.”

  “Maybe I can use a variation of it?” Edith shrugged.

  “Oh, with your years of cooking experience?” Lilly asked sarcastically.

  “Just give me a chance.” Edith looked sincerely at Lilly.

  “As you wish.” Lilly struck a match and turned one of the elements on.

  “Miss Sommer,” Mrs. Muller spoke to her, and Lilly thought that, perhaps, she sounded impressed, “have you done this before?”

  “No, actually.” Lilly frowned, trying to recall where she had learned the skill. “I believe I saw it in a picture?”

  “Lilly?” Ursula called out, and Lilly turned towards her, curious if she would do anything unkind.

  “Yes?” Lilly asked timidly.

  “Can you show me how you did that?” Ursula asked and, by the tone of her voice, Lilly understood that she was possibly regretting her previous behavior towards her.

  “Of course!” Lilly walked towards Ursula’s station.

  “Me too!” another girl called.

  “I’m after her!” another shouted.

  “I will show the rest of you.” Mrs. Muller raised her hand to calm them. “Miss Sommer will help Miss Wagner, but she will need to return to her station shortly.”

  “Here”—Lilly grabbed one of the matches— “you just want to turn on the correct element and, when you hear the gas hissing, light the match and stick it underneath.”

  “That’s much easier than I thought!” Ursula giggled.

  “Well, I’m glad it impressed Mrs. Muller,” Lilly whispered as she leaned in. “I’m certain that it’s all uphill from here with respect to my cooking skills.”

  “I bet you’re eager to learn, especially now?” Ursula gave a quick smile.

  “I’m not sure what you mean?” Lilly tilted her head.

  “Well, with you being engaged and all. Congratulations, by the way. I thought you’d want to learn how to cook.” Ursula looked at Lilly with a twinge of jealousy.

  “How did you know about the engagement?” Lilly shot her head back in surprise.

  “News travels fast in Marburg.” Ursula grinned. “There’s nothing that happens without someone being aware of it.”

  I really hope that’s not true, Lilly thought.

  “Have you set a date?” Ursula asked, and Lilly thought she seemed genuine.

  “No, we haven’t,” Lilly scratched her arm, “but we’re looking at possible openings.”

  “You must take me dress shopping with you!” Ursula lightly squeezed Lilly’s shoulder.

  “That would be fun.” Lilly smiled.

  “You know, I did plan my cousin’s wedding.” Ursula leaned forward. “I would be happy to help you, as well.”

  “I could use all the help I could get.” Lilly grew excited. “I doubt Wilhelm will be interested in the planning.”

  “I’m so jealous.” Ursula’s gaze drifted off as she began to daydream.

  “I should get back to my station.” Lilly pointed over her shoulder. “But I’d love to talk more afterwards.”

  “Listen”—Ursula took a deep breath before continuing— “about the other night.”

  “It’s forgotten.” Lilly offered a smile out the corner of her mouth.

  “I knew I’d like you.” Ursula pointed at Lilly. “It’s just that my uncle was attacked, and I’m sort of rethinking how I treat others.”

  “Your uncle?” Lilly feigned ignorance.

  “Major Wagner,” Ursula replied. “I mentioned he was my uncle, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, that you did.” Lilly swallowed as she lied. “Must’ve slipped my mind.”

  “Miss Sommer, please return to your station,” Mrs. Muller demanded politely as she returned to the front of the class. “Now, to add in a sense of realism, you will not be cooking for yourselves. Instead, you will be cooking for each other.”

  The room erupted into chatter, and Lilly glanced at Edith who, she noticed, was sharing in her concern.

  “You will be preparing the meal for the station beside yours,” Mrs. Muller elaborated, and Lilly glanced over at Ursula, who had a silly, worried expression painted on her face.

  “Just say the word, and I’ll poison Ursula’s food,” Edith whispered.

  “Don’t be dark!” Lilly gave her sister a light slap on the arm. “Besides, I think maybe I’m back on her good side.”

  “Why on earth would you want to be on her good side?” Edith scoffed.

  “She’s the major’s niece.” Lilly glanced over at Ursula. “It could be beneficial. You know, keep your enemies close.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Bring the ingredients in, please!” Mrs. Muller called to the back of the room.

  Lilly watched as a couple of younger girls wheeled in carts full of potatoes, spices, vegetables, and the herring.

  “I’m not touching that.” Lilly’s face scrunched up with revulsion as the cart of herring drew closer to their station.

  “You’re such a princess.” Edith rolled her eyes.

  But as the tray of food was set on the small table beside the stove, and the herring was staring back at Edith, she turned to Lilly with a pale expression.

  “Are you going to be alright, princess?” Lilly asked sarcastically.

  “It’s just…” Edith put her fist to her mouth to stifle her gag reflex. “The smell is—” she gagged, and Lilly chortled at her sister’s expense.

  “Take the fish off of the tray,” Mrs. Muller began as she paced around the room. “We are going to begin cleaning.”

  “I can’t do it!” Edith turned away and hid behind Lilly.

  “Is she alright?” Ursula asked Lilly as she watched Edith turn a sickly shade of green.

  “She’s just a little sensitive.” Lilly patted Edith’s back patronizingly, much to her sister’s annoyance.

  “Miss Sommer, please pick up the fish if your sister is unable to.” Mrs. Muller stopped at their station.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Lilly moved swiftly over to her tray but, as she was about to pick up the creature, the smell struck her, and she, too, gagged.

  “Have you never cleaned a fish?” Mrs. Muller asked with waning patience.

  “No, ma’am.” Lilly tried to compose herself as she grabbed the cold, slimy herring and set it on the cutting board.

  “This should be entertaining,” Mrs. Muller muttered.

  “I’m not sure where to start.” Lilly picked up the knife as she stared at the fish while half expecting it to start flapping on the table.

  “Ursula, please instruct Lilly.” Mrs. Muller snapped her fingers and pointed.

  “Of course!” Ursula walked over to Lilly, whose terror only increased as she noticed Ursula’s hands were already covered in pieces of fish and blood.

  “Edith, you can peel the potatoes.” Mrs. Muller led Edith over to a corner where some other girls were already peeling into a large basin.

  “I’m shocked
you’ve never done this before!” Ursula giggled. “Didn’t your mother teach you?”

  “She…” Lilly paused. “She wasn’t able to.”

  “Here, it’s simple. I’ll show you.” Ursula stood beside Lilly and, to her shock, took Lilly’s hand in her slimy, stained hand and began showing Lilly how to cut the fish.

  “Remember, ladies, that nothing is to be disposed of.” Mrs. Muller called out. “The head, the bones, the fins; everything can be used. We must be caring to the earth and use everything Mother Nature provides us. We must not waste.”

  “There,” Ursula spoke proudly once they had finished and, indeed, Lilly felt rather accomplished.

  “I appreciate the help.” Lilly smiled at Ursula as she quickly wiped off her hands on the towel.

  “Don’t mention it.” Ursula gently bumped Lilly with her elbow before walking back to her station.

  “Wonderful progress, everyone,” Mrs. Muller announced cheerfully. “Now, we will create the sauce and cook our herring.”

  Drawing a deep breath, Lilly encouraged herself that the hard part was over, and now she could create a delicious sauce. I can do this! She drew her hands into fists. I’ll cook a grand meal for everyone and make them proud. They’ll see!

  With blind determination, Lilly set herself to the task. Following the printed instructions, Lilly set the pan on the stove, mixing in the olive oil, butter, minced green onions, flour, and milk. On the next element, she began cooking the herring, drizzling it with oil, more butter, salt, and pepper.

  Eventually, Lilly had created the meal and, proudly, set it on a plate and marveled at her ability to create such a fine dish on her first attempt. That is, of course, until she looked at the other girls’ dishes.

  “Look at you!” Edith returned and threw her hands on her hips as she studied Lilly’s plate in amazement.

  “It looks terrible compared to everyone else’s!” Lilly grew embarrassed.

  “Yeah, but this is your first try!” Edith looked encouragingly at Lilly.

  “What do you mean, yeah?” Lilly frowned.

  “Great job, Miss Sommer.” Mrs. Muller arrived at her station. “Why don’t you and Miss Wagner trade dishes?”

  “If we must.” Lilly glanced over at Ursula’s dish which, she was disappointed to find, appeared as though it belonged in a five-star restaurant.

  “Here.” Ursula handed her dish to Lilly.

  “Please don’t judge mine too harshly.” Lilly ground her teeth as she grudgingly passed her dish over.

  “Oh my goodness!” Lilly spoke with her mouth full after taking a bite of Ursula’s. “This is sublime!”

  But to Lilly’s greatest humiliation, and while Ursula attempted to soften the blow, she spit Lilly’s herring and sauce back onto the plate.

  “It can’t be that bad?!” Edith grabbed the dish and took a bite and, immediately, her face turned sour. “Oh, no! It’s that bad!”

  Lilly burst into a giggle, unsure of how else to react.

  “Ladies”—Mrs. Muller walked over to their station— “am I to assume you find failure amusing?”

  “No, ma’am, sorry.” Lilly tried to brush away her discomfort.

  “Imagine Ursula here is your husband,” Mrs. Muller began.

  “It would be quite the shock,” Edith jested, and the classroom erupted into laughter which, Lilly noticed, did not please Mrs. Muller in the slightest.

  “Continue to cook like this, and your sister may very well be the only company who finds you acceptable,” Mrs. Muller continued. “If you prepared this for your husband, you would soon find yourself replaced by someone who could cook. Now if—”

  The door to the back of the room burst open. Turning to inspect the disturbance, Lilly’s blood ran cold as the major walked in, surrounded by three SS guards. While he looked weak and a little pale, he didn’t appear all that deterred from his malice.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Muller,” he spoke cordially, “but I’ll need to borrow two of your students.”

  The major turned his attention to the sisters, and Lilly’s heart began to pound in her chest as she reached out and held on dearly to Edith’s hand.

  “Which two, Major Wagner?” Mrs. Muller asked, but Lilly knew he was referring to her and Edith.

  Walking in behind the major, Miss Schultz appeared with her face stained with tears and a regretful countenance.

  “The girls of Sommer.” The major pointed at Lilly and Edith, and his escort of SS guards approached them swiftly.

  One of the guards grabbed Lilly roughly by the arm. Her legs went limp as she struggled to walk while she was led to the back of the room.

  “Lilly, Edith,” the major nodded to both girls, again speaking cordially. “I’m afraid that you will have to come with me.”

  “Where are we going?” Edith asked as her voice wavered, and Lilly’s heart broke for her sister.

  “Let’s go.” The major’s civility vanished as he gestured for the guards to take the girls.

  Guided forcefully back through the facility, the guards shoved the main doors open, and Lilly noticed a transport vehicle was waiting for them.

  The cold air stung Lilly’s bare arms, but she couldn’t make a sound. Her voice seemed trapped, and she felt distant, as she had when they shot the major. She felt as though she was merely a spectator, watching what was happening. There was nothing she could do to fight, understanding that her fate was now sealed.

  Grunting as she was crudely pushed into the back of the truck, Lilly sat on the bench lining the side of the transport as her guard sat beside her. Edith was seated beside Lilly’s guard, and Miss Schultz was placed opposite the girls.

  Shaking uncontrollably, Lilly stared at the green canvas, unable to formulate a complete thought. She didn’t know if the major was taking her to the gallows in the market, or if she was to be shot, or if she was going to be tortured for information first.

  Worst of all was the absence of her mother’s warmth. She had felt her spirit close in the market when she first encountered the major and in the heartfelt moments with her family. Yet now, as she shivered from the cold and fear, Lilly felt utterly alone.

  The engine roared to life, and Lilly let a startled gasp escape, fearful of any and every sudden noise. Glancing over at Edith, Lilly noticed that she was close to hyperventilating, yet there was nothing she could do to console her.

  “I’m sorry,” Miss Schultz spoke through tears.

  “No talking!” a guard shouted.

  “He had my family. I didn’t have a choice,” Miss Schultz persisted but was met with a swift elbow against her jaw by the guard.

  Lilly watched Miss Schultz for a moment as her lip began to bleed and the blood ran down her neck. Still, Lilly was unable to react. She wanted to tell Miss Schultz that she understood and that she would’ve likely done the same in a similar circumstance if it meant saving Wilhelm or her father or sister, but she simply sat in the truck, stunned into silence. She understood that this was the end.

  Chapter Seventeen:

  Interrogation

  “The problem of utopia is that it can only be approached across a sea of blood, and you never arrive.”

  Peter Hitchens

  Lilly shivered as she sat on a solitary, metal chair alone in the prison cell. She contemplated how long she had endured the cold and isolation but found the thought overwhelming. The sun had still not risen, and Lilly believed that maybe only a few hours had transpired.

  Regardless, time seemed to stretch as Lilly froze in her Society uniform, which was not adequate for the environment. The cold of the winter night poured in unrestricted through the open window with nothing but iron bars blocking her escape.

  Lilly believed that, possibly, her cell was situated in the corner of the prison. The exterior walls were made of thick concrete, while the interior walls were constructed of a thin steel. The portion of the cell facing the corridor, however, was a wall of iron bars and an iron-barred door.

  I wonder where
they took Edith? Lilly pondered. I hope that she’s alright. She didn’t want any part of this, and now she’s imprisoned. I hope they didn’t get Wilhelm, too, or Papa, or the rest of the Baumanns. I can’t believe Miss Schultz! She was trying to tell us something, but I still find it incredulous that she would betray those who were trying to help her! Though, I suppose if the major had Papa and Wilhelm, I would likely behave in the same fashion to save their lives. Still, I doubt the major will hold true to whatever promise he offered Miss Schultz.

  I need to reflect on something more positive. Lilly shook her head. Maybe I can start the wedding planning? Though, I doubt I’ll ever be married now. I’ll be shot, or more likely hung, and it’s not fair. All because I tried to do the right thing?! All because I assisted someone I thought was in need?! It’s preposterous that I should be paying for the sins of others! Oh, enough self-pity!

  Lilly grew annoyed with herself and, standing, walked over to the window and looked out at the Lahn River passing by the prison. She wished that she had been the one to take the boat. She wished that she had been the one to escape.

  Then Lilly looked out at the bridge and remembered the night Wilhelm had stood with her when their father was taken. Her heart ached for his presence and, as she stared at the bridge, she thought that, perhaps, she could make out the shadowy outline of a person.

  Her heart filled with hope that maybe Wilhelm was watching over her. Or maybe, she wondered, it was her Papa. But then, oddly enough, the shadow moved, and Lilly noticed that it was a woman. She figured that it was possibly Mrs. Baumann, but a warmth entered her spirit, and a thought whispered to her heart that it was her mother.

  “Wait!” Lilly spoke aloud as she remembered something Wilhelm had mentioned when they were standing on the bridge. She recalled that one of the cells was constructed with “bars of freedom,” and the builders had made the bars just spacious enough for a girl about Lilly’s stature to fit through.

  Putting her head between the bars, Lilly gasped when she realized that she could, indeed, escape. It wouldn’t be easy, and she would have to contort her body, but it was possible.