Twenty minutes later, after winding through an adjoining trench that led away from the battlefield, he arrived at General von Stetten’s bunker. He sucked in air, attempting to cool the burning in his lungs. He approached the entrance and was met by ahauptmann, who was smoking a cigarette.
“Oberleutnant Wahler, Pioneer Regiment Thirty-six, sir,” Bruno said, snapping to attention. “I have urgent information for the general.”
“What kind of information?” He took a drag and blew smoke through his nose.
“An unfavorable wind change, sir.”
Thehauptmannfrowned and flicked his cigarette. “Follow me.”
Inside the bunker, General von Stetten and several officers were gathered around a table, which held a map.
“General,” thehauptmannsaid. “This pioneer regiment officer has wind information that he claims is urgent.”
General von Stetten, a man in his mid-fifties with a thick, well-groomed mustache, reminiscent of a horse mane, approached them.
“Sir,” Bruno said. “The wind has turned unfavorable; it has decelerated to five knots.”
“What does your commander have to say about this?” the general asked.
“I sent a messenger to inform Colonel Petersen. With the change in wind, I thought you would want to know immediately.”
The general stroked his mustache.
“I recommend that we delay the attack,” Bruno said.
The officers, who were examining the map, raised their heads, and then joined the general.
Bruno swallowed. “The wind is showing signs of a stall, and it might change direction.”
“Does the wind continue to blow toward the enemy?” the general asked.
“For now,” Bruno said.
A few of the officers shook their heads.
“General,” thehauptmannsaid. “As long as a breeze travels toward British lines, I see no reason to suspend our plans.”
The general’s eyes locked on Bruno. “We continue the attack.”
“Sir,” Bruno persisted. “I’ve arranged for another wind measurement to be taken and delivered here. May I stay to interpret the message when it arrives?”
“Very well.” The general turned and resumed scouring over his map.
Bruno stood near the bunker entrance and waited for the wind measurement, which he hoped would provide clear evidence to stop the attack.If my message doesn’t reach Colonel Petersen in time, I must find a way to convince the general to suspend the offensive.
Minutes later, a messenger arrived. Gasping for air, he retrieved a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to Bruno.
Bruno’s hopes sank.
The general looked up from his map. “Any change?”
“Nein,” Bruno said. “But I remain concerned that—”
“Prepare your men for the attack,” the general said.
“Ja, sir.” Dread burned like a hot coal in Bruno’s gut. “Sir, as a precaution, I recommend that we order the infantry to carry their respirators.”
The general lowered his brows. “That will be all,oberleutnant.”
