THE DARKEST NIGHT OF ALL

Part One: Darkness Falling

Introduction

This is an alternate history tale, set in spring and summer of 1945, and the first part of the Third Realm Trilogy. From April 30th on, the day when this tale starts, events are different from how they really were. Nonetheless, I have made a few changes to earlier events to have three more characters play an active role in this narrative:

On May 27th 1942, an attempt on the life of Reinhard Heydrich, Gestapo chief and Czech governor, was made. The Czech rebels almost succeeded, but only almost. Heydrich barely survived. Yet Himmler, concerned about his deputy man, had the governor exchanged, and while Heydrich, still in a bad condition, and his family returned to Germany, his former post was taken by Ernst Kaltenbrunner. (Yes, owing to my sister's pleas, Heydrich is still alive. He will make his appearance in one of the later chapters.)

After July 20th 1944, when the conspiracy to kill Hitler failed and was unmasked, many were taken in front of the National Court. Among them was Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the famous Desert Fox, Germany's greatest national hero. Although many were plotting against him and would have been glad to see him dead, the miracle happened: he won the trial, thanks to the support of Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, who wouldn't leave his old friend in times of need.

Yet as a consequence, the two of them won themselves the dire hatred of Roland Freisler, president of the National Court. Freisler himself, though almost killed during one of the many air raids on Berlin, swore revenge: He would not rest until Rommel and his mighty protector were found guilty of treason in front of the National Court's judges.

However, he has not had his chance yet. And now, the darkest hour of the German Realm has come...

This first part of the trilogy is dedicated to my sister Mia, my tireless inspiration and strictest critic. (Alright, alright, I admit it, Heydrich DOES rock!)