It was not long after coordinating three avalanches on as many Boxer strongholds that Bruno was recalled back to the German Area of Responsibility. Throughout the winter, the other officers in his unit had primarily spent the time within the safety, warmth, and comfort of the base.
Bruno however, was in the field, orchestrating the deaths of thousands of rebels. He had gained a reputation in this conflict. A man who was brutally efficient in finding and eliminating the enemy. With only a single engagement, he could sniff out where the others were hiding, and once he got their scent, it was all over.
Because of this, the French soldiers who had served under his advisory capacity gave him a nickname that rapidly spread among the members of the Eight-Nation Alliance. One that he only became aware of when he returned to base, and was greeted by his Battalion Commander.
“Le loup de Prusse” Or in English “The Wolf of Prussia.”
The war had lasted less than a year. By the time the German soldiers of the East Asia Expeditionary Corps had arrived in China, it was already the fall. And now, with winter nearing its end, and the objectives completed. The Kaiser issued the order to disband the primary volunteer force and return its soldiers to the Fatherland.
In addition to this, the Kaiser issued the minting of a commemorative medal to be given out to all the German men who participated in the war effort. Which Bruno, along with the men beneath his command, would be awarded upon returning home.
It was another 40 days before the German vessels docked in Hamburg. After which it was a short train ride back to Berlin where his wife awaited him. Bruno had been effectively transferred to a local Infantry Unit within the area but was once more given a short break before having to report to his new post.
The moment the man entered his home dressed in his military uniform and with his first medal pinned to his chest, he was greeted by his young wife. Who ran up to him and hugged him. Thanking God that he returned home safely as she did so.
“You’re back! You’re really back! Are you hurt anywhere!?! Please let me check? Oh, thank the Lord God Almighty for sending his angels to watch over and protect you while you were gone! Are you hungry? I received word in advance that you were on your way home, and went out of my way to cook a proper meal for you! Come, let me take your coat!”
Heidi was so excited to see Bruno home safe and sound that she was behaving rather erratically. Bruno of course had his attention immediately drawn not to what she was saying. But the size of her belly. From the time Bruno had marched off to war, and the time he had come home. Nearly eight months had passed in total.
The woman was nearing the ending stages of her pregnancy, and as the father of her child, Bruno was not even aware of this fact the entire duration. Because of this, he was quick to usher the woman to a seat, despite the fact that he was physically exhausted from a long journey home after a relatively brief but stressful war.
“Heidi… You’re pregnant! Why didn’t you tell me in any of your letters? Come, sit down. You shouldn’t be moving around so much for my sake!”
The young woman was happy that even after going off to war, her husband cared so much about her health that he was quick to forsake any of his own comfort to ensure that she was well looked after.
And after having the woman sit down at the table, Bruno himself served the food. While they discussed well into the night what had happened in the last eight months between the two of them.
Not wanting Heidi to worry about him any more than she already had. Bruno neglected to mention key details, like the various skirmishes he was a part of, or the conspiracy to assassinate him by his fellow officers, or the fact that he had been temporarily imprisoned for his actions against the Russians.
He had no idea that Heidi knew about these things all along. Instead, he was more interested in talking about what had been going on in her life. Rather than what he had experienced in China. And after a lengthy discussion, the two of them retired for the night.
For the first time in a very long time, Bruno felt at ease as he drifted into unconsciousness. Gaining the best night’s sleep he had since he first left Berlin all those months ago.
The following morning, Bruno found himself with a letter in the mail. It was addressed to him by the Lieutentant Colonel who was in charge of his battalion while he served in the East Asia Expeditionary Corps.
The letter was informing him that he had personally sent a letter of recommendation to the General Staff, more specifically the Central Division of the German High Command. This letter glorified Bruno’s achievements in the field and his capabilities as a leader.
It also recommended that the General Staff grant an exception to him. Insofar that he should not be held to the minimum requirement of being an active duty officer in the Army for five whole years before he could apply to attend the Prussian War College.
And while the results of this recommendation were unknown for the time being. Bruno was honestly happy that the Lieutentant Colonel had lived up to his promise. For the meantime, Bruno intended to worry about such matters after his leave of absence ended.
As of this moment, he was more concerned about cooking a lovely breakfast for his pregnant wife, and seeing through the birth of their first child. Which he sincerely hoped was a son. Bruno would continue to have a peaceful two weeks.
Before reporting to his unit at the end of it. Where he would find that the life of a soldier in the Fatherland would have much higher expectations than life as an Expeditionary Soldier sent abroad.