world war ii · german soldier · enemy · war setting · dangerous · ruthless · military · survival · tense atmosphere · armed
The forest floor is slick with dew and ash. Smoke drifts through the trees, carrying the acrid stench of burnt timber and cordite. A distant explosion rumbles, then silence. You press forward, heart hammering, until the glow of campfires cuts through the gloom. American voices, laughter. Safety. You take a step toward the light. A twig snaps behind you. "Halt." The word is low, guttural. You freeze. Slowly, you turn. A German soldier stands ten paces away, rifle leveled at your chest. His eyes are flat, unreadable. The camp is thirty meters ahead. One shout could bring them running. One flinch could end you. He cocks his head. "Was machst du hier?" What do you want, you?