Dark Storm Rising--Part 10

Max stood and paced the room, the same four walls were driving him nearly mad! If only they

could get out before the Majors came back! He winced as he remembered the earlier

interrogation with Major Ubel. It was enough to say that it hadn’t been comfortable. He rubbed his

shoulder, and I thought being with Major Ramond was bad!

Suddenly, he heard a sound over by the window. He turned and strained his eyes, looking out

into the black night. He paused, startled. Could it be possible? Yes, someone had taken off the

two middle bars and was tapping lightly on the window. Cautiously, Max unlocked the window

and raised the sash.

“Max, Max, open up. Quick!”

Max opened the window, then quickly lowered it when he saw the face.

“What are you doing here? Trying to get us in trouble?”

“I’m here to help you, ” Matthaus hissed. “Now hurry and open the window! We’ve got to get you

out quickly.”

“And how do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Max, I know Daniel.”

Max looked at him skeptically.

“I’m telling the truth! He’s engaged to be married to your sister, Lesiel.”

Max slowly raised the sash. “I’m not leaving without Helena.”

“Of course we’re not! Just as soon as I get this door unlocked we’ll go and get her.” Matthaus

agreed, climbing through the window and hurrying over to the door. Reaching in his pocket, he

took out a key, inserted it into the lock and slowly opened the door. Cautiously he peeked out

into the hallway. No one was there. He turned back to Max. “Go out the window and wait for

Helena and I. Don’t make any sound!” Max nodded and quickly climbed out the window.

Hurrying across the hall, Matthaus tried the door to the Major’s office. It was locked. Taking the

same key he unlocked the door, then silently entered the room.

At the sound of his footsteps, Helena turned. When she saw who it was, a look of disgust swept

over her face. “It’s you. What are you doing here? Did they send you to babysit me too?”

“I’m here to help you.” Too late, Matthaus remembered what Daniel said about having Max talk to

Helena. Well, he’d have to make the best of it.

Helena scoffed. “You? Help me? You want to get me in more trouble with Major Ubel?”

“Listen, I know you probably have a hard time trusting me right now, but I am here to help you. I know Daniel. He is engaged to Max’s sister, Lesiel.”

“Was, don't you mean. He was engaged. In case you haven’t heard, he’s dead now.”

At that moment the door to the garrison opened and both Matthaus and Helena heard the

voices of the Majors.

“There's no time to talk about that now.” He bent down and helped her out of bed. “Can you walk

at all?”

Helena gritted her teeth as she tried to put weight on her leg. “No. . .no I don’t think so. It’s been

hurting ever since yesterday.”

“Alright, we don’t have much time,” he said. At that moment footsteps started down the hall. “He

leaned over and picked her up. “You’re lighter than I thought you would be.” He grinned at her as

he hurried across the hall and entered Max’s room.

Helena glared at him. “I don’t know you. So please do not talk to me like you do.”

“Alright, alright.” He sat her down and helped her out the window, where Max helped her to the

ground, making sure she didn’t hit the ground with her leg. As soon as she was out, Matthaus

followed.
“Ramond and Ubel are coming down the hall. Let’s get out of here!” He exclaimed, picking

Helena up and hurrying away with Max close behind him. As they rounded the corner, they heard Major Ubel call out. “They’re gone! I told you we should have left a guard, Ramond. They’re both gone!”

*********************

Matthaus led them around the garrison and then ducked into a small shelter made by the fragrant

lilac bushes. Setting Helena down, he quickly re-arranged the leaves till it looked as though they

had never been touched.

“About a mile from here is where my parents have the car. We’ll stay here until they’re sure

we're nowhere close, then I’ll take you there.” He turned to Helena. “Do you think you could

manage if both Max and I were helping you?”

Helena hesitantly nodded. “I think so. For a little while at least.”

Suddenly there was a commotion at the front of the building, then the bright beams of the

searchlights swept over the entire area surrounding the garrison. Helena closed her eyes. When

would this horrible nightmare be over with?

*********

Major Ramond sat at his desk while Major Ubel paced the room.

“We’ve got to get them, they can’t escape!” Major Ubel roared.

Ramond looked at him, a weary expression on his face.

“They can’t get far, Ubel. Thanks to you, Helena’s leg is vorse off than it vas vhen she broke it.

No, they von’t get far.”

“And how do you know that they don’t have someone helping them?” Major Ubel had stopped

pacing and now stood in front of the desk. “For all we know there’s a whole group of those filthy

Jews out there just ready to rescue them at their earliest convenience.” He paused and leaned

over the desk. “And, you know, this is partly your fault.”

At this, Major Ramond stood up, his movements calculated and precise.

“Did I just hear you say it vas my fault? My fault, Ubel? Really? I’m the one vho captured them,

I’m the one vho questioned them and I’m the one vho has kept them here for the last two veeks.”

He paused, now only inches from Ubel’s face. “Don’t let me hear you blame me for something

like this again!

“Alright, alright!” Ubel said, backing away a few steps. “We’re friends, Ramondl. Don’t take it

personally. I’m just so upset about all this!”

Ramond resumed his seat behind the desk. “I know, so am I. Before being so quick to judge

again, Ubel, remember that I’ve been in charge of this operation from the beginning. It vill be on my

record. And now that you are here ve are partners. It vill go on both of our records if they are not

found. I vant them back as much as you do! I just don’t vant them hurt in the process!”

**********************

“Please, can we stop a minute,” Helena implored. Matthaus looked down at her. Even in the cool

night there was sweat dripping down her white, pale face and her teeth were clenched.

He nodded and stopped, “All right. But just for a minute.” He and Max carefully lowered her to

the ground. She winced as her leg hit the grass; it had barely touched, but it was enough.

Max looked at her, a worried look in his eyes. She wasn’t doing well. It wasn’t just her leg, there

was something else. This wasn’t the same Helena he had grown up with. Matthaus walked a few steps away, making sure they hadn’t been followed. As soon as he was out of earshot, Max

dropped to the ground beside her.

“Helena, are you okay? What’s wrong? Besides your leg, I mean.”

“Oh, Max, I can’t bear it! First we were taken and I didn't even know why. Then. . .then I was hurt and I depended on Major Ramond for everything! Then Major Ubel came and--oh Max, my leg has been hurting ever so bad. And now I’ve got to depend on you and Matthaus. I can’t even

escape without depending on someone! I hate being so helpless!” At this, Helena burst into tears.

Max glanced around uncomfortably. He had never seen this side of Helena before. She had

always been someone to take the lead, someone who was never afraid of anything or anyone.

He put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Helena. Matthaus and I, we don’t mind helping you. Helena, sometimes you have to depend on others. That’s not something to be ashamed of. We all do it at one time or another.”

Helena smiled through her tears. “You always did sound like my big brother.”

At that moment Matthaus walked back toward them.
"I don't think we’re being followed, but we can never be to sure. Let’s--” He trailed off when he

looked at Helena.

“Are you alright? Did something happen?”

Helena shook her head, hastily trying to remove the traces of tears from her eyes.

“No, no, I’ll be alright. Max just had to talk some sense into me is all.”

Matthaus nodded. “Well, we’d best be going.” He hesitated. “I hate to ask, since I know you hate it, but it really would be a lot faster and a whole lot less painful if you let me carry you.”

“Yes, alright,” she smiled. “I guess it’s better to be humble and accept help then to insist on doing

it myself.”

“That’s right, cousin. Like it says in the Bible; Proverbs 29:verse 23, I think. ‘A man's pride shall

bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.’”

“Ahh, I’ll remember to tell father that you were listening when he taught us, quite contrary to the

popular opinion.”

Max grinned. “Hey, since when is the truth decided by the popular opinion?”

“I hate to interrupt, but we need to get going.” Matthaus said, glancing anxiously behind them.

Helena and Max both grew serious. “Thanks, Max. I needed that verse.” Helena said, as

Matthaus picked her up. “If this doesn’t take care of my pride I’m afraid nothing will.”

Max winked at her as Matthaus again took the lead, walking briskly toward the Austrian border.

*****************************

Luisa looked nervously out the window of the small car. “Shouldn’t they have been here by

now?” She asked, turning to Fremont and Daniel.

“Oh, I wouldn’t expect them quite yet.” Daniel answered.

Fremont nodded his head in agreement.

“It would have taken them long enough if Helena was able to walk, but I’m sure she’ll slow things

down a bit. Don’t worry, dear,” he added, noting his wife’s nervous glance at the dark

countryside. “God has gotten us this far and I know he’ll see us to the end!”

Luisa nodded, “I know, Fremont. I know you’re right. But it doesn’t matter how many times  we do this, I still get so nervous!”

“It’ll be okay, Mamma. Jesus is with us and He’ll make sure they get here safely.” Kareena

chimed in, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Luisa smiled at her daughter’s reassuring words. “Thank you, Kareena.” She reached over and

took her hand. “Sometimes I think you do better with this than I do.”

“No, Mamma!” Kareena protested. “You’re just as brave as anyone, isn’t she father?”

Fremont smiled. “I agree wholeheartedly with that statement. I think your mamma is the bravest

woman I know.”

Daniel sat back, smiling as he watched the family encourage each other. This was exactly the

kind of family he wanted to have when he married Lesiel. Dear God, please help those children to get here soon. he fervently prayed. While he wouldn’t say it outloud, he knew the children should

have been there long ago. The half hour was almost up.

*********

“Matthaus, how much longer till we get to where the car is?” Max huffed as he leaned against

the rough bark of a tall tree.

Matthaus stopped walking and set Helena down on a rock. “We would have be there in about five minutes. I didn’t figure that it would take this long.”

Helena bit her lip as she looked down at her useless leg.

Matthaus saw it and was quick to say, “No, Helena, it isn’t your fault. You couldn't help it about

your leg, and to tell the truth, I wasn’t counting on having to come this way. The other path would

have been much shorter and--”

“Why didn’t we go that way?” Max interrupted.

“You remember when we stopped a little ways back?”

Both Helena and Max nodded.

“Well, when I went back to make sure we weren’t being followed, I figured out we were. They were still a ways away, but they knew what way we were headed. So when we started off again, I took you in a circle before coming this way, just to be on the safe side.

“Are you sure we aren’t being followed now?” Max asked, a worried frown on his face.

“I’m sure. To know this way to the border they’d have to know these woods. And they don’t.”

Helena quickly looked up. “Wait, did you say to the border? What about the car where we were

supposed to meet them?”

Matthaus sighed. “I can’t take you there. That’s exactly where the Majors are headed. I’m going

to leave you two here and go on ahead. I’ll tell my mom where to take the car. It’s not to far

away, but it’s less noticeable and It’s quite a ways from where the Majors are headed.”

“You must know this area well.” Max commented.

Matthaus smiled, “I’ve grown up here. But we’ll have enough time to talk later. Right now I’ve got

to get to the car before they leave. You two will be fine here. Just stay quiet.” As soon as he

finished talking he was gone and Helena and Max found themselves alone in the dark, unfamiliar

woods.

Dark Storm Rising cover!

Hi everyone! So yesterday I finally got around to designing the cover for Dark Storm Rising. I thought y'all might like to see it so here it is!

Dark Storm Rising--part 9

Major Ubel groaned as a knock sounded on the door. He was busy enough trying to find something on Helena and Max without having to answer the door.

“I’m coming!” He barked as the knock sounded again. Slamming the paper down on the desk, he crossed the room and opened the door.

“What? What do you want?”

Matthaus immediately knew it was Major Ubel. The hard gray eyes bore into his own making him feel as though the Major could see through him.

“I’m Matthaus. I live not to far from here. I was wondering if maybe I could learn a little more about the Third Reich.”

“How old are you?”

“Seventeen, sir.”

“My title is Major Ubel, not sir! Well, come in I don’t have all day!”

“So, what do you want to know?”

‘Everything, Major Ubel. I’ve been thinking about joining when I turn eighteen.” Even as he spoke the words, Matthaus despised the falsehood. But this was the only way it would work.

“You’re just the kind of boy we’re looking for! How about I show you around? Would you like that? Seeing exactly what we do here?”

Matthaus nodded. “Yes please!”

“Well, lets go!”

Major Ubel then proceed to show him throughout the solid brick building.

It was small he noted, but nearly indefensible.

As they stopped before one closed door, the Major turned to him. “We’ve got a boy staying in this room. Caught him and the girl trying to help a jew escape over into Switzerland.”

Matthaus gritted his teeth at the lie, but then that’s what the Nazi’s loved to do. Lie. Make promises and break them. They’ve learned well from their leader.  He looked around noting exactly how far back the room was. As the Major opened the door, he inwardly chuckled. This was perfect. a window stood open at the other side of the room. Sure, it was barred over. But that won’t be hard to fix. he thought.

Max sat in a chair, refusing to face them as they entered.

“And this is the boy. We interrogated him last night, or rather Ramond did, but I’m doing the interrogation tonight. He’s not hard enough on them. and If I don;’t get anything from him, he’ll have no supper.”  Majur Ubel said in a voice clearly directed at Max. Max continued to stare straight ahead.

As they left the room, the Major started to open the room across the hall then stopped. As though remembering his manners, he knocked.

“This is Ramond’s office and it’s also where the girl is. She fell and hurt her leg on the way here. Ramond and I had little disagreement last night.”

I can already guess what that was over. Matthaus thought to himself.

“Come in,” a voice was heard from the room.

As they entered, Matthaus immediately recognized Helena, laying on the bed, her leg propped up on pillows. When she saw him, she gave him a withering look. He chuckled to himself. She’s got spunk all right, and she sees me as the enemy. He winked at her, earning himself another glare.

“Ramond. This is Matthaus. He’s interested in joining and he wanted to look around. Your room is the last one. “

Major Ramond stood. “It’s good to meet you. Ve are alvays looking for strong young boys like yourself to join us!”

Matthaus nodded. “It’s an honor to meet officers such as you.”

They whole time they were talking, Matthaus’s eyes darted around the room. There was no window, and no other way to enter the room other then the door. Well, if we get Max first, we should be able to pick the lock and get into this room.

“. . .so we’d better get going, I hope you enjoyed the tour.”

Matthaus turned back to Major Ramnod. “What was that you said? I’m sorry, I was just admiring the room. It’t be pretty hard for anyone to get in. It amazing how you can build things theses days.”

“Major Ramond nodded. “It certainly is. All I was saying is that You’d probably better get going. Major Ubel and I still have to interrogate, then we’ve got a meeting tonight.”

At this, Matthaus’s eyes lit up. Yes, tonight would be the perfect night for the escape.

As they left the room, grinned at Helena. She crossed her arms and turned away. Well, tonight she’ll know who I really am. he thought.

***

“Crazy, simply crazy. It was a crazy idea and a crazy plan from the very beginning.” Daniel grunted as he unsuccessfully tried to dodge a tree branch outside the Garrison.

“Yes, we all agreed that it was crazy, but it was simply the least crazy idea we had. And we didn’t have time to think of another.” Fremont reminded him.

“Well, here’s the part I still can’t seem to get around. Max simply will not trust Matthaus! It doesn't matter if he says he’s there to help. Neither Max nor Helena are the sort that will trust people after just meeting them. Even less after they’ve seen Matthaus with Ubel!”

“Daniel, just calm down. Everything will be okay. We’ll get these kids out and get them over the border. Now we’ve already agreed that the only way Max will trust him is if MAtthaus says he knows you. Not Wilhelm, but Daniel. For instance, You and Leisel being engaged. Only someone who knew you would know that. Now just calm down. And be careful of that arm. It’ll hurt for a while, and it only has a day to heal considering that you're planning on going back exactly as you left. Healthy and strong, not wounded.”

Daniel nodded. “You bet I’m going back healthy. No good sense in going back wounded, Major Ubel would know something was up in an instant!” he leaned back against the tree and winced. “Although hitting it on that branch wasn’t the best move. It’s hurtin’ something awful.”

Matthaus, who had been leading the way, hurried back when he realized they had stopped.

“Everything alright?”

Daniel shook his head. “I think you two will have to go on. I’ve got to rest.”

Fremont sighed. “You can’t stay here alone. If the guard comes You’ll be helpless. NO, I’d better stay here with you. Matthaus, you go on ahead and get them out. We’ll go to where mother and Kareena have the car waiting. You can met us there.”

Matheus nodded. “If it’s more than thirty minutes, it means we didn’t get out. Just go and leave us. If you get caught as well  nothing can be done.” he turned to leave.

‘Matthaus,” Daniel called after him. “You may have trouble with Helena.”

Matthaus nodded. “After how she acted when she saw me today, I figured that might be the case.”

“Have Max talk to her. She listens to him.” Daniel advised.

“Will do. I’ll see you later.” then he turned and was gone, lost in the shadows of the bushes.  Fremont stood, then turned to help Daniel do the same. “Come on, lets get out of here. There’s only about a mile to walk, then we’ll be at the car.”

*****************

Dark Storm Rising---part 8

Daniel slowly opened his eyes. Where am I? And how did I get here?  he wondered. Suddenly the events of the following night rushed back to him.

Major Ubel had Max and Helena! He had to get to them, they had to get to Switzerland! He tried to raise himself on his left arm, but a sharp pain caused him to cry out. At that moment the door opened and man hurried in, carrying in his hands, a tray with what seemed to be coffee, essg and toast. hurriedly setting the tray down, he hurried over and helped Daniel to sit.

“I wouldn't try that again if I were you, my boy. That shoulder got hurt somethin’ awful.”

“Yes, my shoulder. I’m surprised I'm not dead. Who are you?”

“Well, I could be askin’ you the same thing my boy. I found you a layin’ in a pool of blood.”

“I--I got shot.”

“Well, that was pretty obvious. But, where are my manners? My name is Fremont,Fremont Baxter. I was out on a ride with my horse when I found you. I brought you back here and the doctor came and took the bullet out, stitched you up. And,” he walked over and picked up the tray. “My wife just sent this breakfast up for you. So, what’s your story? I know you’re a jew. That much was pretty obvious.” He leaned closer. “You can trust me. My wife and I along with our two kids have been hiding jews here ever since the Gestapo have started their midnight raids. Killing God's chosen people is a terrible crime. We feel that God has led us to be a part of the saving of his people, though why he would chose us is beyond me. I’m just a simple man, full of flaws just  like everyone else.”

Daniel looked at the man. There was something in his eyes that made Daniel rust him completely.

“Well, you may not believe me, but I am a lieutenant,” he paused to let it sink in. ‘In the Third Reich.”

At this the man sat up in shock.

“Yep, I knew you wouldn't believe me.” Daniel sad, taking a drink of coffee.

“It’s not that it just--wow! A jew in the Third Reich.”

“Well, I’m am no longer a “jew” in that sense. You see, I was adopted by German parents when I was just five years old. They gave me the German name Wilhelm. When I was adopted I became part of the higher circles in Berlin. No one ever knew I was a jew. Except my parents. Except me. I became friends with two other boys from  leading families. We were close friends, grew up together, entered the Wehrmacht  together. They are both Majors, I’m a lieutenant and we are still friends.  But they are friends with Wilhelm, not Daniel.’

“Daniel?”

“My jewish name. You see, I lead the life of two very different people. On one hand I’m a respect lieutenant, I’m am for Hitler, for the Third Reich. On the other hand, I’m the informer. I warn others of raid, pass on important information, and,” he sighed. “I was helping two children escape when I got shot. Shot by one of my friends, Major Ubel.”

“Does he know it was you?”

‘No, I have the weekend off to visit my parents. And believe me, I look much different in what I’m wearing now then in my uniform.”

Fremont chuckled. “I can believe it. You don’t look more than seventeen years old, especially with those glasses!”

“Well, let me assure you that I am older than seventeen! I’m twenty-three.”

“So what are you going to do now?”

“What else? I’ve got to be back in Innsbruck by Tomorrow afternoon and--”

“Wait,” Fremont interrupted him. “You’re going back? That’s crazy! What if they recognize you?”

“Be assured, they won’t. BUt before that I’ve got to get Helena and Max away into Switzerland.”

Fremont shook his head. “Now I know you’re crazy. You can’t move your shoulder, let alone lead two kids over the mountains!”

“Well, that's not even the worst of it. Helena can’t walk without help. Might not be able to walk at all now.” he muttered. “Not if Ubel got a hold of her.”

‘And why is that? What would he have done?”

“Ubel enjoys seeing people at his mercy. That would have been Helena. The past few weeks she’s relied on Ramond and Ada for everything. Then it was me.”

“Ramond and Ada?”

“Ada was one of the cooks back in Innsbruck and Ramond is the other Major.”

“But why would he help her at all?”

“Ramond is dedicated to the cause of Hitler, but he isn’t hard like Ubel. Ubel would have delighted in tormenting Helena. Kicking her, striking her, making her walk without help.”

“How do you work in that kind of setting?”

Daniel sighed, “Only by the grace of God. But back to the present, I’ve got to get to Helena and Max and get them over the border tonight.”

“Let us help.”

“No, no. I can’t get you involved.”

“Daniel, You won’t get far on your own. You must realize that. Let us help!”

Daniel sighed. “Thank you.”

Fremont stood up. “Well, you finish breakfast and I’ll go fill in my family. Then we can work on a plan.
*****************

“Wait, wait, wait a minute. So that’s your plan? Go in there and bluff your way to the kids?”

Fremont nodded. “I’ve done it once before. It wasn’t the best experience, but it worked out alright.”

Daniel shook his head. “There is no way either of them will let you near the children. It won’t matter if you’re higher rank, you don’t have papers. They’ll know immediately what you're up to. And there’s another problem. Ramond keeps Helena with him. All the time. When she’s alone the door is locked If it’s difficult enough to get Max out from there, it will be nearly impossible to get her out. “

Fremont sat back. “Well then what do you suggest we do?”

Daniel sighed. “That’s the problem. I don’t have any ideas either. If only we knew what the place was like! Is there anyone you know who has any access to the inside?”

Fremont shook his head.

Suddenly Daniel's eyes lit up. ‘I've got an Idea! What’s your son like?”

“What’s he like? I’m not sure I follow you.”

“Oh, you know! His features! Is he dark haired? Light haired? What about his eyes? How old is he”

Fremont nodded. “I see what you’re getting at. He’s the perfect example of a pure aryan. He’s tall with sandy blond hair, light blue eyes. He’s seventeen.”

“Perfect! Just what they’re looking for here in Austria! Okay, here’s my idea. Most people in Austria resent the German, but I probably don’t need to tell you that. If a certain young man was to walk up to the garrison and act interested and intrigued with everything. Major Ubel is tough, but his weak spot is flattery. He could get a tour then--”

“Yes, it’s perfect!” Fremont exclaimed. “I’ll go and get , Matthaus then you can give him some instructions.” He hurried out the door and returned only minutes later with a tall, handsome young man.

“Mathaus? It’s good to meet you! Has your father told you what we’ve been talking about?”

Mathaus nodded.” I’m supposed to pretend to be interested in everything about the Third Reich.”

“Not just interested, Mathaus, exuberant! So excited about the new agreement you can hardly contain it. Do you think you can pull that off?”

Mathaus nodded, the smallest hint of a smile showing through his eyes. “Yes, sir. I’ll enjoy it.”

“Okay, we need to know where exactly they are being held. Max is fifteen, he has blond hair, gray eyes. He’s almost as tall as you. Helena is a bit different. I think that’s one of the reasons Ramond keeps her with him. She’s fourteen, but small for her age. She has dark brown hair, dark blue eyes, and she’ll have a cast on her right leg. She may be small, but she’s full of spunk. Now the Majors. Major Ramond is tall and slim, he has blond hair and his disposition isn’t as hard as Major Ubel’s. If you see them together, you’ll know what I mean. Major Ubel is a couple inches shorter and he’s heavyset, he has steel gray eyes and trust me, you can’t forget them. Flatter him. Make him enjoy telling you about Third Reich, that’s one subject he’ll go on about for hours. Just don’t try that with Major Ramond. It won’t work Also, Major Ramond has a heavy German accent.”

Mathaus nodded. “I’ll leave right away.”******************