Gathering Clouds--Conclusion

“He called me. . .Daniel,” Wilhelm replied, still bewildered as to how Arnold knew his Jewish name.

Martin shook his head in confusion, “Daniel? But you said your name was Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm nodded, “It is. Look, I know this isn’t making sense right now and I promise I’ll explain it to you as soon as I can, but right now I need to get Arnold here back to headquarters and then behind bars. I’m sure there’s at least one person I’ll be able to interest in looking into your history," the last sentence was directed at Arnold.

“Wow, let me guess who that would be. Ramond?” Arnold said in a rather sarcastic voice.

“Yes, Ramond, and let me tell you I think he’ll be happy to see you. But it won’t be the kind of happy you’ll enjoy,” Wilhelm muttered.

The Autenburg’s exchanged puzzled looks, then Martin turned to Wilhelm, ‘“do you need any help?”

Wilhelm shook his head, “Arnold will come nice and quietly. Won’t you, Arnold?”

“Are you giving me a choice?”

“Not at all.” Wilhelm began to walking toward the door, then turned. “I’ll be back a little later and explain things. I’m really sorry you all had to get involved,” his tone turned apologetic.

Martin nodded, “That’s alright, but we’re all looking forward to the explanation.”

“And it will come, I promise.”

***

“This is the guy I was talking about. Remember him?” Wilhelm asked as he shoved Arnold into the building.

Finch stood from his place behind the desk, “Yes, I do. I remember him well."

"If the German and Austrian governments weren’t at odds, I’d say they’d both be glad to see this guy behind bars," Wilhelm exclaimed as he closed the door behind them.

Finch chuckled, “Yeah, but that’s a big ‘If’. They are at odds.”

“I know. So why don’t you get him locked up and then go and get Ramond. I know he’ll be more than happy to see Arnold.”

“Wait, where are you going?” Finch asked as he took the keys Wilhelm handed him.

“I’m going to go do a little explaining. The Autenburgs probably have no idea what to think of me right now.”

“Ahh, I get the picture,” Finch grinned. “You go and be the hero, then leave me to do the dirty work.”

“No, I did my share of dirty work as well,” Wilhelm reminded him.

“Sure, sure. Alright, go on and do your explaining, but once everything’s settled I want to meet the Autenburgs,” Finch said, shaking a finger at Wilhelm.

“Sure, anything you want,” Wilhelm said with a smile.

“I’m going to hold you to that!” Finch yelled after  Wilhelm as he left the building. As the door closed, Finch turned to Arnold, “Okay, let's get you an interview with Ramond.”

Arnold groaned as Finch started down the hall.

***

“Both of my parents died when I was four-years old. I was adopted by my German parents a year later. They gave me the name Wilhelm, but they also didn't want me to forget my Jewish heritage. Still, they were careful not to tell anyone else about my Jewish background, which I’m thankful for now. The way hostility is rising against the Jews in Germany since Hitler came to power is nothing less than horrific. I shudder to think what will happen here in Austria in there is an Anschluss with Germany.”

Wilhelm was seated in the sitting room of the hotel explaining his story to the Autenburg’s.

Martin nodded, agreeing with Wilhelm’s last statement, “Austria has become a haven for many of Germany’s Jews. If an Anschluss does happen, I fear for their future.”

Wilhelm nodded and leaned back in his chair, “Yes. Only time will tell. Also, if you're wondering who Ramond is and why he'll be happy to see Arnold, I'll just say that's a story for another time. A rather. . .complicated one. Well, enough about me, tell me a little about your family. Why are you here in Vienna?”

Martin smiled, “We decided to take a little family vacation. We live on a small farm just outside of Innsbruck. My sister and her family live right next door. For quite a while now we’ve been helping Jews that are escaping Germany.” He paused for a moment, “Before I go any further, I need to know that anything you hear here won’t be repeated.”

Wilhelm nodded, “you have my word.”

“We’re part of a network that helps the Jews. Some of them are trying to get into Switzerland or Czechoslovakia, some of them just want to live their lives away from the persecution in Germany. Whatever the scenario may be, we are a link in the network. We get orders and we follow them. Most of the time we have no idea who we’re working with, but it’s best that way. If there ever is an Anschluss with Germany, the secrecy will protect those who were a part of the network.”

“Will you stop helping the Jews if Germany and Austria are joined?”

Martin glanced at his wife, “We will not stop our work until the Lord tells us to.”

Wilhelm nodded, then turned as the clock struck seven.

“Well, I’d better get going back to the office. I left Finch with the prisoner and I’m sure Ramond will have a lot to say to me. But,” He turned to Martin, ‘Before I go I do have a question to ask.”

Martin smiled, “Anything. What is it?”

Wilhelm took a deep breath, "Mr. Autenburg, I’d like to ask your permission to court your daughter, Lesiel.”

Martin smiled, “If that’s what she would like, you have my blessing.” He turned to Lesiel, ‘What do you say? Would you like to be courted by Mr. Snyder?”

A happy smile lit Lesiel’s face, ‘There’s nothing I would like more!”

The Silent Blade: Prologue

Anddd today we take a break from our regularly scheduled Gathering Clouds short story to bring you the Prologue of The Silent Blade.
(In other words, we just got back from our vacation and I haven't finished the next part. ;) 
It is quite a bit shorter then what I've been posting and I promise I'll get the next part of Gathering Clouds up next week! Also, If you would like to read chapter 1 right afterwards to get at least two parts in order, you can go here. The Silent Blade Chapter 1 . The first chapter starts four years  after the Prologue.

Prologue

Kevin glanced back at the city, hand on the hilt of his sword. The sun was just setting over Dublin, bathing the valley in a luminescent light and giving the small houses scattered about an enchanted look. Off in the distance, the Irish sea shone clear in the fading light.

The man standing next to him put a comforting hand on his shoulder, “You did the right thing, Kevin.”

Kevin sighed, “Right now it sure doesn’t feel like it. I just want to go back.”

“It’s hard, but remember; God will never leave you or forsake you. I’ll be with Merek and do my best to keep you informed. I’m sorry it has to be this way.”

Kevin nodded, “So am I. God go with you, my friend.”

“And with you.” The man turned, then was gone, leaving Kevin alone.

Kevin stayed there a moment longer, torn between his love for his family and his fear for their safety. God, please be with them. Protect them,and  please don’t ever let Willem or Eira feel the hurt one man can bring to their lives. And Anna. Please, heal her hurt. She's been through more then anyone else.

There was a rustle in the bushes and he turned to see Aaron standing behind him.

“Did he leave?”

“Yes. Unless there’s a problem, it’s unlikely we’ll see him again for a very long while.”

“Kevin, I know this is hard, but we need to go. Now. The men are ready.”

“I know, I’m coming. I just had to take a moment and say goodbye,” there was a catch in his voice as he spoke.

“We’ll return, Kevin. The goodbye isn’t forever," Aaron said in an effort to encourage him.

There was silence as the two men stood a moment longer, then turned and left the city behind them as they strode deep into the trees.

Gathering Clouds--Part 3

As they stepped outside the hotel, Mr. Autenburg turned, “I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Martin, Martin Autenburg,” he extended his hand.

Wilhelm clasped it in a firm grip, “It’s good to meet you, Martin. I’m Wilhelm, but I’m assuming you already knew that.”

Martin smiled, “Yes, I’d gathered as much. What can I help you with?”
Wilhelm shifted and there was a slight pause as he seemed to search for words, “I can’t think of any way to say this gently, so I’m just going to get to the point. I’m here about Arnold.”

Martin raised an eyebrow, “Arnold? Is there a problem with him?”

Wilhelm nodded, “There might be. You see, Arnold was arrested two years ago for being an accomplice to an attempted bank robbery. The actual robber served his time, then went to Germany. Arnold followed, but not after he served time. He was running from the police and escaped into Germany. While there he committed several small crimes and he is now wanted by both the Austrian and the German government. The only reason I can think that he hasn’t been arrested yet is because of the relations between Germany and Austria at this time. The two countries aren’t exactly on friendly terms if you know what I mean and not much attention has been paid by either country to looking for a wanted man.”

Martin stared at him in astonishment, but then his eyes took on a questioning look, “How do you know all this?”

“I was one of the men who was there when they were arrested. I’m also a lieutenant in the Volkswehr. I made sure of this before I came to see you.”

Martin shook his head as though not able to believe his ears, “Well, I have to say I never would have thought of Arnold as a person like that. Thank you for coming and telling me, it was an act of God that you ran into them yesterday.”

Wilhelm nodded, “I believe you’re right. In fact--” A movement to the left caught Wilhelm’s eye and he turned. Arnold was just entering the hotel, a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

Martin’s face took on a determined look, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Mind if I come along? I have some unfinished business with him as well.”

Martin was already striding toward the door, “Be my guest.”

Martin opened the door and strode toward the small sitting room where Mrs. Autenbug, Leisel and Max had retired for tea. Glancing around the room, Martin quickly spotted Arnold standing comfortably behind Leisel’s chair.

“Arnold, may I have a word with you? Outside.” The last word made it clear that this was a command, not a request.

Arnold looked up, clearly startled until he located Wilhelm. Then a look of contempt stole over his face, “Mr. Autenburg. If you believe everything a stranger says, I’m afraid you don’t have very good judgment.”

Time seemed to stand still as everyone waited to see how Martin would respond to the direct attack on his character.

“I would rather have this conversation outside, Arnold.” If Martin was disturbed or upset by what Arnold had just said, he didn’t show it.

“No. If you want to tell me something it can be done here.”

Both Leisel and her mother gasped at such an outburst.

“Very well, I am forbidding you from courting my daughter. And I never want to see you around here again.”

“On what grounds, sir, if I may be so bold,” Arnold asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I think I can answer that,” Wilhelm stepped forward from where he had been standing in the shadow of the door.

“Arnold, I’m here to arrest you on grounds of attempted robbery and then running from the Austrian government. I’m sure if there was a German police here he’d have a few more changes to add.”

“You just couldn't let it go, could you? I knew when you saw me yesterday that you were onto something. Well, see if you can get me.” Arnold turned and dashed toward the second door, but not fast enough. Max quickly closed the door and slipped the lock in place as Wilhelm drew a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. Clipping them on one wrist, he brought both of Arnold’s hand around and secured both hands behind his back.

“Now, I think I’ll take you into the office. I dare say there is someone there who will be happy to see you.”

“You just wait. You’ll pay for this, Daniel. If it takes me my whole life, you will pay.”

Wilhelm glanced up sharply at the use of his Jewish name. How could he have known my secret?

Martin, Leisel, Sabine Max’s eyes all turned on him in confusion, but Martin spoke the question, “What did he just call you?”

Gathering Clouds--Part 2

Wilhelm took a second look  at the slip of paper in his hand and then glanced up and the ornate hotel. Yes, this is the right address.  Taking a deep breath, he hurried up the front steps and entered the lobby.

Approaching the clerk, he set the card down on the desk, “I’m looking for the Autenburg family? I was given the address of this hotel and told they were staying here.”

“They’re not in at the moment..I can let them know you called. What was your name?”

“Wilhelm, Wilhelm Snyder.”

“Well, I’ll be sure and tell the Autenburgs that you called and I’m sure they’re sorry they missed you.”

“Wait, not all the Autenburgs are gone.”

Both Daniel and the clerk turned as a blond headed boy sauntered into the lobby

“I’m Maxwell Autenburg, but most people just call me Max.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Autenburg. I assumed he wanted to talk to your parents,” The clerk apologized.

Wilhelm turned, “Well, I can talk to Max for a moment. That is, if it’s okay with him?”

Max grinned, “Sure, I don’t have anything better to do.” He took a seat in one of the lobby chairs and Wilhelm lowered himself into one opposite him.

“So, you’re the one who helped my sister yesterday?”

Wilhelm nodded, “Yes, I’m assuming she told you about that?”

Max smiled, “You bet. You at least helped her,” a frown crossed his face, “not like Arnold.”

Detecting a note of judgment in his tone, Wilhelm turned, fully alert.

“You don’t like Arnold?”

Max scoffed, “What’s there to like? Sure he acts all nice and sweet around Lesiel and mother and father, but when I’m the only one with him he acts like I’m not even there. I’m still not sure how in the world he got father’s approval.”

“Where did you meet Arnold?”

“I think he went to our church a while ago. I know if he didn’t father wouldn’t let him near Leisel.”

“So you’re Christians?” Wilhelm inquired.

Max nodded, “As far back as I can remember father’s been teaching us from the Bible and we’ve always gone to church. I remember when I was saved. It was a few years ago. Father prayed with me and I accepted Jesus into my life. That’s when I realized there was a difference between just going to church and actually truly being saved. I always thought that life was easy once you got saved, but I sure have learned differently. Every day brings a new challenge, a new obstacle to overcome.”

Wilhelm nodded, “I can speak from experience, I know the struggle to try and live a godly life everyday. God’s principles can be hard to put into action. But, how old are you?”

Max flashed a smile, “I’m fourteen.”

“Is Lesiel your only sister?”

Max nodded, “Yes, and she’s the best big sister anyone could ever hope for, although we do have our arguments from time to time. Normally it’s my fault. The arguments I mean.”

“And how old is your sister?”

Max’s face took on a mischievous look, “It’s not polite to ask a lady’s age.”

“No, I think the correct way to say it is, ‘It’s not right to ask a lady her age’. I’m not asking a lady, I’m asking you; it’s completely polite.”

Max laughed, “I do suppose you’re right. Lesiel is twenty-two. But we’ve been pretty close, despite the age difference. And we live close to my uncle and his daughter is only six months younger than me, so we have a lot of fun together.”

“What’s her name?”

“Helena. She’s the only child in her family, and boy can she get into trouble. I’ve kept her out of more scrapes than I care to count! But the problem is, when I get her out of them, I always seem to land in them myself.”

Wilhelm smiled, feeling right at home next to this young boy. Not only does he share the same convictions as I do, he has a knack for making others feel welcome. A quality rarely found in someone so young. Wilhelm silently mused. “Give me an example,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, responding to Max's last remark.

“Excuse me?”

“Give me an example of one of the times you tried to help Helena.”

Max grimaced, “I’m not sure if you want to hear it. I shouldn’t talk bad of her when she isn’t here.”

Wilhelm laughed, “I promise, I won’t think badly of her.”

“Alright. . .I guess. There was this one time we were over at Uncle Johann’s house for supper. He had another guest as well who had been spending the week and Helena did not like him. He was from Berlin and she thought he was too stuffy and stuck up. So she decided to teach him a lesson. There is a big oak tree in front of their house and she decided to climb it with a bucket of water. I saw her and climbed up after her. I managed to toss the bucket of water down before their guest came out, which didn’t make her happy, but as he walked out of their house I took a step back and the branch wasn’t strong enough to bear my weight, I fell and landed right on top of him, knocking him to the ground.”

Wilhelm was trying his best to contain his laughter, “Was he badly injured?”

Max shook his head, “We were both just fine. But oh boy, was he ever mad! He yelled at Uncle Joann something awful, then stormed off and left. I do believe that taught Helena not to ever try something like that again.”

Wilhelm chuckled, “She sure sounds feisty.”

“You’re telling me! One day she’s going to get us in some sort of trouble we won’t be able to get out of.”

Wilhelm and Max both turned as the doors to the hotel opened, “Oh, and here are my parents and Lesiel now,” he stood to greet them. “Mother, Father, Wilhelm came to see you.”

Wilhelm stood, “Mr. Autenburg, can I talk with you for a moment?”

The tall, dark haired man nodded, “Sure, outside a moment?”

Wilhelm nodded, “That would work just fine.”

Gathering Clouds--Part 1

Okay, new short story! When I asked the questions for Dark Storm Rising,  there were some people who mentioned that they'd like to get to know Leisel, Daniel (Wilhelm) and Finch a little better. Thus Gathering Clouds came about. This story takes you back before Dark Storm Rising  starts, and you get to know Daniel before he joined the Third Reich. If you remember in chapter nine, Daniel and Max recount the story of how Daniel met the Autenburg family and how Arnold got mixed up in everything. This tells that story. ;) Just so you know, Daniel is referred to as Wilhelm in this story.

Lieutenant Wilhelm opened the door and strode into the small Cafe in Vienna, Austria. Glancing around he noticed the usual variety of customers. Some older women with shopping baskets by their side, some business men who stoped in for the afternoon meal, and the occasional couple sitting together happily chatting over a cup of tea with a scone or puffed pastry in their hands. One such couples caught his eyes. Seated off to the side, a rather pretty young women sat smiling at the gentleman across from her. But is was the man that caught his attention. Rather tall and good looking, the man had a look about him that Wilhelm recognized, but couldn’t seem to place.

Settle down, Daniel. he scolded himself using his Jewish name, Don’t be so suspicious of everyone you meet.

Walking through the room he took a seat at his usual table directly across from the one where the couple sat.

“Can I help you?”

Wilhelm glanced up at the waiter, “Yes, just a cup of tea please.”

“Will that be all?”

Wilhelm nodded, “Yes, ma’m.”

She nodded and hurried off, leaving Wilhelm alone. Sighing, he lowered his head into his hands and rubbed his eyes. Being a part of the Austrian Volkswehr had always been his dream as a boy but now, in light of Germany and Austria’s relations, it was getting to be harrowing. There was something simmering just under the surface. Everyone could feel it. Ever since Hitler had taken over Germany, relations had been strained between him and Austrian prime minister. Something is going to happen soon. Something no one expects. Those were his thoughts at least. For the first time in his life, Wilhelm was thankful to his parents for keeping his Jewish background hidden; there wasn’t a person in Austria who didn’t know how Hitler felt about the Jews.

“Here is your tea, sir.” The waiter set the cup and saucer as well as the sugar and cream and a cloth napkin down in front of him. Daniel smiled and thanked her, then watched absentmindedly as she moved on and set a tea service down in front of the man and women he had been watching earlier.  At that moment, the man reached across the table to take the woman's hand and bumped the tea cup. The cup tipped and spilled its hot liquid down the front of the women’s skirt. She shrieked and hurriedly jumped up, frantically pulling the material away from her body. The man sat there, momentarily stunned. 

Well, he’s not as much of a gentleman as he lets on, is he? Wilhelm thought wryly as he quickly stood and grabbed his napkin.

Hurrying over to her, he pried her hands off her skirt and wrapped the napkin around the fabric where the tea had spilled.

“There, that should help. Are you alright? Are you badly burned?” he asked.

She looked up at him, tears still in her eyes, “Thank you for your help. I don’t believe I suffered very much injury,” she grinned sheepishly, “Apart from that of my pride. I can’t believe I screamed like that.”

“It’s quite all right, ma’m. I don’t believe anyone blamed you for screaming as you did, I know for a fact that the tea is quite hot when it’s first served. It’s a miracle you weren’t hurt any worse.” While talking, he pulled out her chair and she took a seat, “Thank you again for your help.” she glanced up at him gratefully.

He tipped his head, “Don’t mention it.” At that moment, he glanced across the table and his eyes locked with those of the man’s. As the man glimpsed his face, his eyes widened, then a look of anger and hatred filled them. A look that was soon replaced with one of concern as he leaned across the table, “Are you alright, Leisel? I’m truly sorry, I had no intention of spilling your cup.”

Leisel gave a shaky laugh, “I know you didn’t, Arnold. I’m quite alright.” She turned to Wilhelm, “My family is vacationing here in Vienna for the week. Perhaps you can stop in and see us sometime?”

Wilhelm, still confused about the look Arnold had given him, turned back towards Leisel, “That sounds like it would be most pleasant. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Here,” she drew a card from her purse and quickly wrote an address on the back. “This is where we are staying.”

He took the card and thanked her once again, then returned to his table. In truth, he had hardly heard what she had said, his mind had been so focused on the gentleman, Arnold. We must have met before. But where? He tipped his cup and finished the now-cold tea, then placed his hat on his head and headed toward the door. For some reason that man doesn't like me and I intent to find out why.

***

“Ahh,Wilhelm. It sure is good to see you back.” Sergeant Finch’s eyes twinkled merrily as greeted his long-time friend.

Wilhelm gave a feigned exclamation of surprise, “You missed me when I was only gone for an hour?” he clucked his tongue, “I fear you’re not going to do very well when we get our orders.”

“Enough vith that already! You two aren’t here to play around. Vork!” Both men turned as Captain Ramond entered the room, then stomped out after uttering the last word.

“Well, now that Mr. Crab has left, we can get back to the fun,” Finch grinned.

Wilhelm shook his head, “I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately.”

Finch shrugged, “Don’t ask me. Although there have been rumors he’s planning on joining the Wehrmacht.”

At that, all trace of humor was gone from Wilhelm’s eyes, “Are you serious?”

Finch nodded, “No one knows if it’s true or not, but you know Ubel joined it just after it was created. Didn’t you say there was always some sort of rivalry going on between them? Why would Ramond want to be left behind?”

Wilhelm shook his head in disbelief, “I honestly can’t believe that I used to call them my friends. It incomprehensible how the lies of one man can influence others.”

“And, by that, you mean the lies of Hitler influencing some of the men here.”

“Here, in Germany, everywhere.”

Finch nodded, “I agree, but we need to be careful about how we talk about Hitler. There have also been rumors he’s planning a union with Austria. If that happens, you want to be on his good side.”

“A union with Austria? But that is forbidden in the Treaty of Versailles. It’s be breaking the peace treaty which would mean. . .”
“War,” Finch finished,

“Yes,” Wilhelm’s face was grim, “But how do you hear about all these rumors before I do?”

Finch grinned, “It’s what happens when you leave for lunch everyday.”

“Are you saying all these rumors are presented in the mess hall?”

“No, I’m simply saying that’s where I’ve heard them. While you’re sipping tea, I’m keeping up with the world news.”

“Hey, that’s not all I do.”

“Ahh, of course. While you’re at the Cafe you uncover some long forgotten mystery.”
“Actually, I did.”

Finch chuckled, “I’m only teasing, Wilhelm.”

“I’m not. Does the name Arnold mean anything to you?”

Finch narrowed his eyes, “Arnold? What are you talking about, Wilhelm?”
“There was a man at the cafe today. I noticed him when I first walked in and he seemed familiar, but I thought nothing of it. There was a woman with him and as he reached across the table to take her hand he spilled the hot tea on her skirt--”

Wilhelm didn’t get any further because Finch was laughing, “He actually spilled hot tea on her?”

Wilhelm nodded, “Yes. When she jumped up he seemed momentarily paralyzed. . .or something of that sort. So I went over and helped her. When I glanced up and my eyes met his, it was as though he recognized me, and then. . .and then he gave me the most hateful look I’ve ever seen. Now that I think about it, he never actually spoke to me. Leisel said his name was Arnold.”

“Leisel?”

“That was the lady’s name.”

Finch’s face took on a thoughtful expression, “I’m not sure. I can’t say that the name sounds familiar. Well, there was that one man a couple years back who we caught trying to rob the bank, but he didn’t seem like the hating kind. Besides, after he got caught I heard tell he went back to Germany. Not much reason he’d come back now. And actually, now that I think of it, his name wasn’t Arnold, it was Archer.”

As Finch had been talking, Wilhelm's eyes suddenly lit up with recognition, “No, no it wasn’t the man who robbed the bank, it was his accomplice! Remember, we took them both. I only remember now because it struck me funny how close their names were. It was Archer and Arnold.”

What do you think so far? Will you be back next week?

Character Spotlight--Anna McGowan

Okay, last character spotlight! Sorry it took me so long to get it up, I was having trouble with the computer this morning. :)

Anna McGowan is Willem and Eira's older sister, though she's younger then Kevin. She is quite and unassuming, not often saying a lot, but thinking a great deal. She is married and lives nearby. She has the same black hair and blue eyes as her younger sister and is very close to her siblings. Anna is not a main character in the book, but she's vital to the plot! There weren't very many dialogue scenes with Anna, and those that there were gave away to much. ;) So here's one where Willem and his father are talking about Anna.

Willem sighed as he stacked the last of the herbs in their proper locations on the shelf. Once they were dried, they would be crushed and ground to powder then given to his father patients as medicine.

“Are you done?” Gavin ducked through the doorway as he entered the room. At six feet five, it wasn’t hard to see where Willem had gotten his height.

“Yes, papa. I’ve just finished.”

“Ahh, good! You’ll make a fine doctor someday, son, a fine doctor! Your mother has the evenin’ meal about ready. Why don’t you go and find your sister.”

“Eira? I thought she and Casimir came back when we did.”

“Aye, so they did, but when Casimir went home Eira left again. Probably went out for one of her afternoon rambles. You know how she is.”

Willem grinned as he leaned over the basin of water, “I do.”

At that, Gavin laughed, “I don’t need to be remindin’ you about your sister. You probably know her better than any of us, Anna and Kevin included!”

At the mention of the two older O'Brien siblings, Willem turned, “How is Anna doing?”

“Oh, she’s doin’ all right I expect. She’s near her time, though, and I know both her and Michel are looking forward to meetin’ their new little one.”

"Has she had any word from Kevin?"

Gavin shook his head, "No, and we can only assume that no news is good news. I wish she could have been spared all this. She needs to be able to live her life without fear of. . .him."

Willem nodded as he dried his hands on a clean cloth, then took the basin and tossed the water outside, “Well, I can smell supper so I’d better go and find Eira. We’ll be back soon.”

At his father's nod, Willem stepped out into the calm, cool night. He stopped for a moment as though trying to figure out where his sister had gone. Then, making up his mind, he started towards the grove of trees

I hope you all have enjoyed the character spotlights!
Now that I've finished, who is your favorite character and why? *smiles* I can't wait to hear!! :D

It's done!

Yep, that's right, today I finished the last chapter of The Silent Blade! 
Ahh! I'm so super excited right now! :D Yes, there still is all the editing, chapter titles, etc. that will still need to be fixed, but the story itself is finished! Right now it stands at 40,211 words.
I'll get the last character spotlight up tomorrow, then. . .hmm, I'm not sure what I'll post. I really should work on my short story. ;) Once I finish it, I'll start posting chapters. I'll be back tomorrow with the character spotlight! :D