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@ellette-giselle ngl “We’ll never know” is better than explicitly saying they died to me.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @liberty @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!
“We need more meat,” Rolf said. He and several others were sitting about in the main cavern, eating breakfast.
“Are we running low again?” Julian asked.
“Yes, and we’ve hunted this area clean.”
“Then let’s plan a hunting trip,” Ernst suggested.
Leon looked up. “Who will go?”
“Rolf and I,” Ernst said. He looked at his brother, who nodded.
“We could use another,” Rolf added.
“Leon and I will join you,” Julian said.
Leon shook his head. “I’m afraid I’ll be no help to you. But take Julian, he’s a good spearman.”
Julian looked anxiously at his friend. Leon was smiling and didn’t seem upset or bitter by the fact that he was not strong enough to hunt with the others. Julian hesitated a moment, thinking of the refreshing chance to get away and do something in the fresh air. He pushed the thought aside. “I’ll stay with you.”
Leon shook his head. “Thank you, but you should go. I’ll be alright here, and I know you would enjoy getting out of here and stretching your legs.”
Julian nodded. Leon was right; he was anxious to get out.
They planned the trip for the next morning and decided to stay out for no more than four days. One day for travel, two for hunting, and one day to travel back. If they got nothing, they would just have to try again the next week.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
April 20th
The EmpireJulian, Ernst, Rolf, and Walter have gone out hunting today. They will not be back for four days. I must admit, it was hard to see them go. I would have loved to have gone out with them and explored the mountains, hunted, and spent time in fellowship. It is very, very hard being left behind, and it is very hard to not have the strength to do what I once did without thought. I will never take running, walking, or even standing, for granted again. This is very hard, Lord. It would be so easy to feel angry and sorry for myself and frustrated with You for delaying my healing. It was easier before when none of us were doing anything besides hunting and gathering nearby. But now that my dearest friends have gone off on a long hunting trip, it’s very hard to know that I can’t go because I lack the strength. I remember the days when I was one of the strongest, even at a very young age. I won glory and honor with that strength. But it also brought pain and bloodshed.
I want to use my strength to serve You, but it seems that you have stripped me of it. Perhaps I relied on myself too much. Maybe I neglected to look to You. Or perhaps You are using this time to teach me something I wouldn’t have known had this not happened. Whatever the case, please help me to be patient and to trust you. Help me to learn what you want to teach me from this. Show me how I can serve You here, right now, even when I lack the strength to do what the others can.~Leon.
Leon set down his quill and let the page dry before packing the journal away. He leaned against the wall of the main cavern and watched the women at work sewing the wolf hides into warm clothing. He knew the men and older boys would be outside checking the barricade and gathering things to eat. Even some of the older girls were out there. He wished he could join them. “Lord, show me what I can do here,” he whispered. “I just feel so useless. Can I do anything for You now?”
“Leon?” a young voice asked.
Leon looked up. It was a boy of about seven. Leon couldn’t remember his name, but he thought he knew which family he belonged to. “You’re one of the Schäfer boys, right?”
“Yes sir, I’m Emil,” the boy replied.
“Well, what can I do for you, Emil?” Leon asked.
“Can you play with us?”
Leon hesitated a moment. “Play what?”
“Sticks and balls,” Emil replied, holding up a stick with a wooden ball attached to it by a string.
Leon smiled. “Sure, we can play that.” He stood up followed Emil to where several other children sat in a corner of the cavern.
“Leon’s going to play with us!” Emil cried.
The others whooped in excitement and Leon sat down among them. Alright Lord, I see You’re point.
***
The sunlight reflected off the bright snow and the sound of steps crunching through it filled the silence. Julian adjusted the strap about his waist and looked back to be sure the sled was still upright. He could see Rolf pulling a sled loaded with bundles just a little ways ahead, and knew that this meant someone was coming to switch out with him. There were four sleds altogether, but only two had supplies for camping. On their way home, the camping gear would be moved to one sled, and the others would carry game. For now, they took turns pulling the loaded sleds. Julian looked about, wondering where Ernst was. He spotted the boy coming toward him and smiled with relief. It would be good to walk free of the weight from all that gear. Ernst held out a hand and Julian slipped the harness off his shoulders and unbuckled the strap about his waist. Ernst took his place, and Julian strapped on the empty sled.
Julian shielded his eyes and looked about. All he could see was white snow with dead branches, pine needles, and rocks jutting out of it. He looked over his shoulder to where the footprints and sled tracks disappeared through the twists and turns of the mountain. Looking up at the sun, Julian guessed they had about two more hours before they needed to camp. “Should we start looking for a good place to settle?” he called up to Walter and Rolf.
“Already have an eye out,” Walter replied over his shoulder.
Julian walked in silence for some time. Then, he looked to Ernst. “Ernst, how… how are you doing?” The tone in his voice conveyed he meant more than weariness from the hike.
Ernst did not reply for a moment. Then, he said, “You mean about my father?”
Julian nodded.
Ernst was quiet again, and the crunch of their boots in the snow was almost deafening. At last, Ernst broke the silence. “It’s been hard, Julian. Really hard. He was very close to all of us, and when Rolf went away with you, Father started to fill that empty space. We did a lot together. He was the last parent I had, and now without him, I feel very alone.”
Julian nodded slowly. “I know what it is to lose someone dear to you, but I have never lost a father in that sort of way. He and I didn’t really know each other, so it didn’t hurt so much. I wish I knew how to comfort you, but I don’t. There is One who does, though.”
Ernst smiled slightly. “I know. That was the last thing my father told me. He said that God was my Father and charged me to hold onto Him. It’s been very hard not to blame God for taking my father, but I know His ways are not mine.”
The two continued to talk as they journeyed on. The sun began it’s slow decent and they came to a place where they would be sheltered under an overhang deep enough to be a small cave. They gathered as much deadfall as they could and started a fire with some of the dry wood they had brought with them. They cleared the snow out of their shelter and spread wolfskins on the ground to sleep on. After eating, they prayed together, and then settled down for the night, resolving to wake early in the morning.
***
Julian slowly opened his eyes to see Rolf crouched at his side. Ernst was sitting up, rubbing his eyes and yawning, and Walter was snoring, his back to the fire.
“What?” Julian groaned.
“Time to get up if we want an early start hunting,” Rolf remarked.
“But it’s still dark,” Julian growled.
“The best time to hunt is near sunrise. You know that.”
“Oh, go away,” Julian muttered, pulling his blanket over his head and closing his eyes tightly. The next moment, Rolf had ripped the blanket off him.
“Augh! It’s cold!” Julian cried.
“Not as cold as this,” Rolf replied, raising a snowball warningly.
Julian scrambled to the side. “Get that thing away from me!”
Rolf grinned and held out a hand. Julian grudgingly took it, and Rolf pulled him to his feet. He stood rubbing his eyes a moment and then walked over to crouch down by the fire. Ernst joined him, still bleary-eyed and yawning.
Rolf finally roused Walter, and the four gathered about the fire to eat. After a light breakfast, they began gathering up their weapons. Ernst and Rolf both carried bows, and Walter and Julian had spears. Julian watched as the Klein brothers unrolled oilskin covers and pulled out their bows. Rolf ran careful hands over his, checking for any damage. Ernst was already twisting his bowstring. He stepped so that one leg was in the loop made by bow and string. Holding the string in one hand, he easily put pressure on the bow, forcing it to curve around his leg and hip. He slipped the string on and stepped out of the loop. Lifting the bow, he tested the draw and then leaned it against the rock wall.
Julian would forever admire the skill of archers and their power over so strong a weapon. He picked up his spear, checked the tip, and turned in-time to see Ernst slipping on his full quiver and picking up his bow.
“We’ll split into groups of two,” Walter said.
“One spearman, one archer,” Rolf agreed, curving his bow over his hip and stringing it.
“We’ll meet back here at noon,” Julian added.
Walter nodded and strapped three shorter throwing spears to his back. “I’ll take Rolf.”
“Alright then. Ernst, you’re with me,” Julian said, checking the straps of his own spears.
Rolf picked up his quiver. “Let’s pray before we go out.”
The others nodded, so Rolf began. “Father, thank you that we are able to be out in the fresh air. You know our need for food, so please show us where to hunt. Please bless this time and help us to always be grateful and praise You, even if we find nothing.”
The others added amens, and then the two groups split ways.
Julian and Ernst walked softly as they made their way from the camp. It was about twenty minutes before they actually started to hunt. The smoke of the fire would have driven the animals from the immediate area. They walked slowly for a few paces and then stopped. After listening for a time, they went on. Ernst walked a little ahead, and Julian followed behind and to the left. He noticed the fact that Ernst already had an arrow on the string and was carrying it at rest in front of him. He was sure the boy could bring the bow up and draw the string with frightening speed.
They walked on and on through the silence. Julian prayed silently that they would find something soon. It was cold, and they also needed to kill a lot if they were to make this trip worth it. Oh Lord, you know how much we need this food. Please help us to find something!
An hour and a half later, a deer stepped out right in front of them.
***
Leon picked up the worn book and opened its leather cover. He flipped through page after page of writing. So much had happened to them since they had entered the Empire, and through it all, God had kept them safe. He came to a blank page and paused in thought. Dipping his quill in ink, he began to write.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
April 21st
The EmpireIt is still cold and wintery here, despite the date. It seems the winter doesn’t care that this is supposed to be spring right now. I’m sitting in the main cavern near one of the fires. The children have been begging me to come and play in the snow with them, and so, when I’m finished with this, I’ll go and try. How else will I get stronger if I don’t do something? And even if I never do get stronger, I don’t plan to waste the time I have.
I have been thinking a lot lately about everything that has happened. I was thinking about how many times the Bible compares trials to refined silver or gold. If God created marriage to show us a picture of Christ and the church, and His love for her, then perhaps He created silver and gold to show us what it means to go through trials. These metals must be held in the center of the flames, but while they are, the smith must not take his eye from them, or they will be damaged. I have heard that the way the smith knows the metal is pure is when he can look in and see his face reflected back.
We are made in the image of God. However, we have been scared, made impure, and defiled by sin. Christ has saved us, and now God puts us through trials to refine and hone us into the men and women he wants us to be. A stronger, brighter image of Him.
Oh Lord, do as You must, only in the end, I pray You will be able to look at me and see at least a shadow of Yourself reflected back.~Leon
Leon let the page dry and gathered up his things. He slowly got to his feet and paused to let a wave of dizziness pass. He walked into the men’s section of the cavern and packed his things away.
“You coming, Leon?” Emil asked.
“Yeah,” Leon replied, turning to great him with a smile. “Hey, come here,” he added.
Emil came, and Leon helped him re-wrap his scarf and pull his hat down over his ears. “There you go.”
Emil grinned his thanks, and Leon pulled on a wolfskin coat one of the girls had made for him. The fur inside started to warm him almost immediately. He put on his hat and gloves from Amelia and wrapped his scarf about his neck and the lower part of his face. He held out his hand, and Emil grabbed it with his own little gloved one. The two stepped outside into the sunlight. The children were already making piles with the snow and gathering up missiles or just throwing handfuls at each other.
Emil raced off to play. Leon turned to follow him, when something hit him in the back and snow burst around him. Turning around, he saw three boys standing near a pile of snow. They were watching him, and it seemed as if they were a little worried Leon would be angry but also thrilled that they had hit him.
Leon shrugged and walked a few paces away. He bent to fasten a bootstrap and as he did, he packed together a good snowball. He stood up and took two more steps. Then he spun about and threw. The first boy toppled over backward with a cry of surprise. With yells of delight, the three gathered snowballs as fast as they could. Leon grinned and began packing together his own.
After about thirty minutes of hitting one another with snowballs, Leon called a truce. He waited for the boys to join him. It was a little harder to catch his breath then it used to be, but he was having fun. They boys came up to him and Leon grinned at them. “You three man the front lines well.”
They grinned back.
“I was thinking, why don’t we get as many people as we can to play with us. Then we’ll divide this area inside the barricade in half. We’ll build some fortifications, and then really have it out,” Leon said.
“We could try to get each other’s flags,” one boy suggested.
“Great idea,” Leon agreed. “We’ll set a time limit on the fort building. How about an hour and a half.”
“No! Less than that!”.
Leon shrugged. “Alright, we’ll start with an hour, and both teams can agree to call an extension.”
The boys nodded.
Leon called to the other children, and they came running. Everyone liked the plan, and soon the teams were divided.
“Ready, set, go!” Leon shouted.
They scattered and began to gather snow for their forts. Leon grinned as Emil called for help dragging a huge sled already filled with snow. Leon grabbed hold of the rope, and Emil promptly flopped onto the sled. As Leon pulled the sled, he tried to remember the last time he had had so much fun.
***
Julian sat with the others as they ate their supper. They had hauled in two deer and three mountain goats, along with a rabbit for their own super. Altogether, it had been a good day’s work.
The animals had been field dressed and now lay on the sleds which had been covered in snow.
“Tomorrow, I want to go to the other side of the river Ernst and I saw,” Julian remarked. “There seemed to be a lot of movement over there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we came across a herd.”
“Let’s all go over there together, and then we can split on the other side,” Rolf suggested.
The others agreed.
“Thank God for all He has given us,” Ernst said, scraping up the last drops of stew from his bowl with a hunk of bread.
Rolf nodded. “Yes indeed. He has surely blessed this trip.”
“I don’t know about you, but I’m dead tired,” Walter remarked.
Ernst yawned in reply.
“Let’s turn in for the night. I’m sure Rolf will be dragging us all back up in a few minutes,” Julian said.
Rolf made a face, and the others laughed.
They slept peacefully that night, making sure to set a watch. Julian had the last one, so when he got up, he prepared for the day’s hunting. He took great pleasure in being the one to throw off Rolf’s blankets and drag him out of bed. Rolf gathered several hurried snowballs and pelted Julian in retaliation.
After breakfast, they once again prayed over the day and then set out. It took them about two or three hours to reach the river. It was frozen and a thin layer of snow lay over the ice. Julian walked to the river’s edge and prepared to step out onto the ice. Rolf grabbed him and yanked him back. “Don’t even try it.”
“Why? It looks hard enough. Look right here, it’s white as far down as you can see,” Julian replied, tapping the ice with his spear shaft.
“I don’t think it’s likely, but the middle might have gotten a chance to melt. It’s not worth the risk,” Rolf replied. “You wouldn’t survive a fall into it.”
“He’s right,” Ernst said. “Up here the mountain rivers are so freezing that it takes one fall and you’re done.”
Walter leaned against his own spear. “What should you do if you did fall in?”
“You wouldn’t because you wouldn’t be on the ice,” Rolf retorted.
“I meant in case someday that should ever happen,” Walter replied.
“Know Jesus Christ is your Savior and prepare to come face to face with Him in no more than ten minutes,” Rolf said grimly.
Julian shuddered and stepped several paces back.
“Well, where do we go now?” Walter asked.
Ernst was looking at the ice critically. “When Julian and I first came to this river it was much narrower. I say we follow it up and see if it gets small enough to safely cross.”
They all agreed on the plan and began their trek higher up. It was another hour before they found a place where they could cross. The river had become a shallow stream, and it was clear it was frozen through. Rolf asked for Julian’s spear, and he crossed first, testing the ice as he went. Once they were across, they split up. Rolf went with Julian, and Ernst started out with Walter.
Julian and Rolf walked through the steep fields and climbed rocks higher into the mountains. They explored the forests and hidden dales. Everywhere they went, they found nothing but a few small animals not worth taking down and carrying all the way back. After a time, they sat down to rest and eat their lunch. “I’m sorry about this. I was sure there was going to be more out here,” Julian said.
“No, it’s fine. I thought it was a good plan too,” Rolf replied. “I was never good at walking quietly, so perhaps I’m scaring off all the game.”
“You brought in plenty last night,” Julian remarked.
Rolf grinned and shrugged. “Well, we’ll meet back at the stream around sunset. That still gives us some time. Perhaps Walter and Ernst are doing better than us.”
Julian nodded. “I hope so.”
They soon set out again but found nothing in the next few hours. They turned and began walking back the way they had come. Suddenly, Rolf froze. Julian listened and thought he heard a sound. The nearer it came, the more it sounded like voices. Then he distinctly recognized Ernst’s voice as he said, “Well, I’m sure Rolf will have shot something. Rolf always brings in game. He was the best hunter in our village.”
Rolf winced and grinned dejectedly at Julian.
Julian smirked.
“Hello! We’re over here,” Rolf called out. A few minutes later, Ernst and Walter appeared. They had nothing with them. The two parties looked at each other, and then Ernst sighed. “Well, at least we got a lot yesterday.”
“Maybe we’ll shoot something on the way home,” Walter added cheerfully.
“Maybe,” Julian agreed.
The four continued on together as the light faded. It was the little amount of light that caused Julian to get his cloak caught on a thorny vine. While Rolf helped him get untangled, Ernst and Walter looked around them.
“Do you know where we are?” Ernst asked.
“No,” Rolf replied, wincing as he stuck his finger with one of the thorns. “I’m just going to head to the river, and we can follow it to the stream from there. Once on the other side, we’ll just track ourselves back. There wasn’t any snowfall today, and I do have a lantern if we need it.
“We’re going to need it,” Walter said.
Julian finished with the last thorn and stepped away from the vines. “How about now,” he said, sucking on his bleeding thumb.
“Good idea,” Rolf remarked, licking his own injured fingers. It took longer than they thought to light the lantern, and when it was finally lit, the woods were dark.
They four walked on in silence, unwilling to disturb the strange stillness around them.
“What’s that?” Ernst whispered.
The others turned in surprise.
“What?” Rolf hissed.
“That smell,” Ernst replied. “It smells like smoke.”
“Maybe from the kindling we started to light the lantern,” Walter suggested.
Julian shook his head. “I buried that in snow. It can’t be burning.”
They walked on, but the smell grew stronger. The next moment they had stepped into a little hallow. A small fire had burned down to embers that threatened to go out. Up against the hallow, rolled in a cloak, lay the figure of a man. The four cautiously approached the sleeper. Rolf crouched next to him, his lantern casting light over the man’s face. He was younger than Julian, closer to Ernst’s age. His head was turned to the side, and his lips were slightly parted. He lay very still.
“Is he dead,” Ernst asked anxiously.
“I don’t think so,” Rolf replied, reaching out for him.
“Oh, dear God!” Julian gasped. The others looked up to see his face had gone pale.
“What?” Rolf asked worriedly.
Julian carefully pulled the cloak aside to reveal the uniform of an Imperial soldier. The others froze in horrified shock.
“We have to go,” Walter hissed.
“He’ll die out here if we leave him alone,” Ernst protested.
Julian shook his head. “He’s not alone. If there’s one of them, there are bound to be more close by.”
“His wounded,” Rolf whispered, motioning to the bloodied bandage about the soldier’s leg, just above his knee.
“And why is he all alone?” Ernst asked. “Surely something is wrong. And even if it isn’t, we can’t just leave him like this. The wolves will be out soon, and his fire is almost dead.”
“He’s sleeping hard,” Rolf added. “He’d never wake if something came up on him. We haven’t woken him.”
Julian was completely torn. He clenched his fists and turned away. God help me to do what’s right! He looked back and saw that Walter was nodding in reluctant agreement.
Julian let out a deep breath and nodded. He crouched and reached out for the sheathed sword that lay beside the soldier. Carefully he picked it up and stepped a few paces back.
Ernst crouched down and shook the soldier. He stirred but didn’t wake. Ernst shook him again. The young soldier slowly opened his eyes. He started into a sitting position and pushed himself away with his hands, looking desperately for his sword.
“It’s alright, we’re not going to hurt you,” Julian said.
The soldier looked from one to another. He seemed to relax slightly. “You aren’t soldiers,” he said, shakily. Then, his face paled. “Who are you?”
“Hunters,” Rolf replied truthfully.
The soldier narrowed his eyes and looked at them again. “All glory to the gods,” he said, clenching a fist over his chest.
Julian’s mouth went dry. He knew very well they were supposed to respond with the phrase back.
Ernst smiled. “All glory to the Lord God almighty, who is, and was, and is to come.”
Julian held his breath, afraid of the response and wishing he had been the one bold enough to say it.
The soldier lowered his hand and let out a slow breath. “Then it’s true. There really are followers of the One God here.”
“Yes, we are followers of God,” Ernst replied.
“Why did you wake me? Why didn’t you kill me or at least leave me?” the soldier asked.
“You would have died out here,” Julian said. “There are fierce wolves in these mountains, and your fire was almost dead.”
“But I am your enemy, am I not?” the soldier asked.
Rolf shrugged. “Perhaps. But that doesn’t change it.”
“Why?”
“You needed help,” Rolf replied.
“Can you tell us what happened and how we can help you? Is you regiment nearby?” Walter asked.
The soldier was already shaking his head. “I can’t go back.”
“Why? What happened?” Julian demanded.
“And who are you?” Ernst added.
“My name is Jens Werner,” the soldier said. “As for what happened… do you know Lieutenant Roth?”
“Philip Roth!” Rolf exclaimed.
“Yes,” Jens replied.
“Yes, we know him and his men,” Julian eagerly. “Is he a friend of yours?” Hope sored within him. Perhaps Phillip and his men were nearby.
“I am sorry to tell you this,” Jens said in a low voice.
Julian froze.
Walter looked up. “What? What happened?”
Jens wouldn’t look at any of them. “On the march there was a day dedicated to the gods. They wouldn’t come and take part in it. The Commander ordered everyone to come, and he tried to force Roth to order his men to kneel for the gods. He wouldn’t and neither would his men. They beat Roth horribly, and then they killed every fourth man. They repeated it over and over until all were dead. Then, Roth was flogged to death.”
Julian couldn’t breathe, and he felt like he was going to be sick. Ernst had gone white, and Rolf had turned away.
“What happened after that?” Walter asked in a horrified whisper.
“We were ordered to leave them where they lay. That night, I couldn’t sleep, and neither could the soldier who shared my tent. We couldn’t stop thinking about what happened and about the courage they had to stand still and face death rather than go against what they believed. We both agreed neither of us could have done that for our own gods. We decided they must have believed in something very important and very real to have gone through that. We knew they at least deserved an honorable burial, for they died as brave as any soldier ever did, and even more so. We got up and stole out to the place. When we came there, we saw several others already at work. There were about two or three from each of the small camps, and even one of the officers from the main camp.”
Jens swallowed hard, struggling to master his grief. “It was horrible work, and I was the closest to tears I have ever been when around other soldiers. When we came to Roth, there was so much blood that several were too nauseated to help. I was almost sick many times. It wasn’t from the sight of blood, but from the cruelty that had caused it. When two of them lifted him, I saw something fall from his uniform. I picked it up, and though it was too dark to see, it felt like a book. When we were done, we returned to our tents, and I found it was indeed a book. The pages were stained with blood and torn, but I read it all the same, hoping for answers. My friend read it with me. He didn’t talk much about it, but two days later he disappeared. Several men were sent to hunt him down, but they returned empty handed.”
“Do you think they killed him rather than bring him back a prisoner?” Julian asked, his voice tight.
Jens shook his head. “No, they couldn’t find him. On the way home from our mission, three more men ran. Two of them escaped, but the third was caught. I don’t even want to think about what they did to him. It was enough to terrify us all.”
Jen paused and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “I couldn’t stay. I tried to, but I couldn’t. When we were sent to hunt you down, I knew I had to escape. We passed the winter here, and the men are ready to go home. It seemed like the officers are agreeing with them. So, when I had picket duty, I ran. They sent men after me, but I killed two of the trackers and have evaded the rest. I’ve been running for three days with only a moment’s rest here and there. My wound from the fight is getting worse, and I had to sleep. That’s how you found me.”
“And so, you believe?” Rolf asked.
“I certainly don’t believe in my gods,” Jens responded heatedly. “But I… I’m afraid of yours. I did nothing when Roth and his men were killed. I stood by and let it happen, even though I knew it was wrong. I doubt your God could forgive that. I can’t even forgive myself.”
Julian felt compassion pushing aside his anger and suspicion. He remembered when he had come to Noah and Darrien after Adrian’s death. He had threatened to kill them. Jens wasn’t threatening anyone. He took in a slow breath. “Jens, I stood by and let a courageous young man die for his faith, even though I knew it was wrong. The only time I tried to act was when they killed my own brother. It took his death to bring me to my senses and drove me to seek the truth. If God could forgive me, He can forgive you. All you must do is believe you have sinned and cry out for God to save you. He will, if you but ask.”
At that moment, Ernst spoke. “Where’s Walter?”
The others looked about, and Rolf scrambled to his feet. They heard steps and looked up in time to see Walter slide down into the hallow. “We have to move fast. Jens, when was the last time you saw your trackers?”
“Two days ago,” Jens replied. “Why?”
“I think they’re almost on us.”
The others leapt to their feet. Jens gasped in pain and staggered a step or two.
“Are you alright?” Ernst asked.
“It’s my leg,” Jens panted. “I’ll be fine. We’ve got to move! They’ll kill us!”
“We have to get to the river,” Walter said. “They’re about half a mile behind us.”
The five of them ran through the woods, constantly looking back over their shoulders. Rolf and Ernst had unstrung their bows and strapped them onto their backs to move quicker. Julian felt his legs starting to burn, but he pressed on. Behind them, he thought he might be able to hear shouts, but he wasn’t sure. Oh God, don’t let them have crossbows.
It seemed like an eternity of running before they reached open ground. Ahead of them was the river, about twenty or thirty feet wide. Rolf veered to the left and began to sprint parallel to the river. The next moment, he had swerved and moved forward again. Looking left, Julian saw several figures in the darkness. Something whistled through the air and Jens jerked to a stop. The others ducked instinctively. “Rolf, it’s the light!” Julian shouted. Rolf smashed the lantern into the snow, and it went out.
Behind them they heard shouting.
Julian broke into a full on run for the river, Rolf close at his side. His eyes began to adjust to the light of the waning moon on the snow. It was dim, but bright enough to see what he needed to. They reached the river and stopped. Ernst nearly ran into Rolf, and Walter pulled up just on the edge of the ice. Jens tried to step out onto it, but Rolf yanked him back. “If you break through, you’ll die.”
They could hear the soldiers closing in from behind and to the left. Then they heard a shout on the right. Jens fell to his knees and covered his face with his hands. “Oh God! Oh God! Oh Lord have mercy.”
Julian looked over his shoulder. The steps were growing closer. Rolf spun and snatched Walter’s spear from his hand. Gritting his teeth, he slammed the end into the ice. Only a few tiny chips broke off. Rolf took a deep breath and stepped onto it.
“Rolf! No!” Ernst yelled.
Rolf moved several steps and struck the ice again. He quickened his pace a few steps more and then brought the spear down again. He waited a moment before turning to call back to the others. “If we stay, we die. At least this way we have a chance.”
They watched as Rolf made his way to the middle, still striking the spear in the ice. He moved a faster and then skidded in a wet spot. Regaining his balance he turned. “The middle is slippery. It may be weaker, but this is our only option.” With that, he spun about and ran.
Walter was the next. He took a few cautious steps, hesitated, and then took off after Rolf.
“Oh God help us,” Julian breathed.
Ernst was pulling Jens to his feet. “Come one, we have to risk it.”
Behind them, the shouts were getting louder. Julian clenched his teeth and went for it. The ice was firm under him, and he quickened his pace. He glanced back to see Ernst running hard after him, and Jens a few paces behind. Julian hit the middle, and his boots skidded. He threw out his arms and leaned to compensate, just barely keeping his footing. He moved carefully into the snow over the ice and then broke into a full run. He heard something clatter off the ice, and looking back, saw the dark form of a crossbow bolt. The next one stuck into the center and stuck, rippling a tiny spiderweb of cracks. Julian raced away. He came to the shore and leapt to safety. He spun and looked back.
Ernst was past the middle and running hard for the shore. Jens was just reaching the slippery section. Two more crossbow bolts ricocheted off the ice, and then Jens spun and fell hard to his knees.
Ernst skidded to a stop and looked back.
“Oh God help him, he’s been hit!” Walter gasped.
Ernst spun and started back toward Jens. The young soldier struggled to his feet and took a few steps. He dropped to one knee, and they could hear his cry of pain. Ernst was almost to him, and Rolf started out after his brother. Walter pulled him back. “Don’t! It’s too much for the ice!”
Julian hardly dared to breathe. Several soldiers stood along the shore, and one was testing the ice. Ernst dropped to his knees, skidding in the ice. He grabbed hold of Jens and yanked him down as a bolt split the air above them.
Walter was holding on to Rolf’s vest. Julian knew the only thing that kept him back was the fear of breaking the ice his brother was on.
Ernst pulled Jens’ arm over his shoulders and struggled to his feet. He wrapped an arm about him and half dragged the young soldier over the ice. Two of the soldiers behind had decided to risk the river and were coming cautiously after them, swords drawn. Ernst glanced over his shoulder and quickened his pace. Jens slipped and fell to his knees, almost pulling Ernst down with him. As Ernst struggled to pull him back up, a loud snapping sound echoed in the mountains.
Everyone froze.
The sound of cracking echoed from somewhere deep below. The two soldiers scrambled back and ran for the shore. Rolf broke free and raced out onto the firm ice, yelling for Ernst.
Ernst grabbed hold of Jens and dragged him across the ice. There was another louder crack. Jens had found his feet, and with a cry, Ernst shoved him. Jens stumbled several paced forward and fell hard. Behind him, the ice broke and Ernst went down.
“Oh God!” Walter gasped.
Rolf was racing along the ice toward the place his brother had fallen. Julian tore after him and grabbed hold off his friend. “Don’t! You’ll both fall!” he yelled.
Rolf was weeping as he tore free of Julian. “He’s my brother! I have to save him!”
“Rolf! He’s gone!” Julian cried, grabbing hold of him again as tears blinded his own eyes.
At that moment, they heard a yell. They both looked up to see Ernst’s head come up and saw him reaching for the ice.
Rolf broke free and raced toward him.
“Rolf! It’s weak!” Julian yelled. “Oh God help us.”
Rolf hit the ground and lay flat. He used his elbows to drag himself to the jagged edge of the ice just as Ernst lost his hold and went down again. Rolf shoved himself forward and plunged his arms into the icy water as Julian grabbed hold of him.
“I have him!” Rolf yelled.
Julian dragged Rolf back and Ernst came up, gasping for breath and choking. Julian continued to pull Rolf back until he was away from the edge. Ernst’s arms were on the solid ice now, and Julian grabbed hold of him. Together, he and Rolf dragged Ernst out of the water and onto the ice. Julian looked up in time to see Walter finish dragging Jens to shore.
Julian and Rolf half carried Ernst to the shore. Julian behind him and saw that the soldiers had backed off. They were not willing to risk the ice for the fugitives. A few crossbow bolts flashed through the darkness, but after a moment, the soldiers stopped. It was too dark to see their targets.
Rolf and Julian stumbled onto shore and pulled Ernst away from the river. Jens lay on the ground, his face twisted in pain and his breath ragged. Walter was tarring his uniform open to get to the source of the blood that soaked into the snow about Jens.
Rolf and Julian laid Ernst down. The boy was shaking violently, and his face was deathly white while his lips had taken on a blueish tint. Julian and Rolf tore off his cloak. Rolf freed his gloves while Julian pulled off his hat. He reached for Ernst scarf and was shocked to find it already frozen stiff. He struggled with it and finally got it free. Rolf was sobbing as he tried to break the ice the coated Ernst’s clothes. “Someone make a fire!” he yelled.
Julian looked up to see Jens pushing Walter away. Walter tore open his pack and dumped out all the tinder he had. He began to strike flint, and the sparks caught. He got up and sprinted toward the woods to find something to feed the flames.
Rolf had torn off his hat and yanked it over Ernst’s ice-flecked hair. “Ernst!” he yelled. “Ernst! Answer me!”
“It’s burns, Rolf!” Ernst gasped, through chattering teeth. He closed his eyes tightly as tears streaked his face.
“God help us!” Julian half sobbed, throwing his own cloak over the boy.
Rolf grabbed hold of Ernst and pulled him close, weeping brokenly.
Walter came back with an armful of deadfall. He threw it onto the flames, and they hissed angrily in response.
“Jens! W-where’s J-Jens!” Ernst managed, between his chattering teeth.
“He’s here. You saved him,” Rolf replied.
Ernst relaxed. He reached out a shaking hand and gripped Rolf’s shirt tightly. Rolf held him close, wrapping his arms about his brother and stroking his head with a shaking hand. He rested his head against Ernst’s and his shoulders shook with quiet weeping.
Julian’s eyes filled with tears as he watched Rolf gently rocking his little brother. Walter had stopped trying to force the fire to burn faster, and Jens had struggled to a half sitting position, braced in his arms.
“Oh God, take away the pain,” Rolf choked out. “Please take away his pain.”
Tears ran down Julian’s face and he felt his shoulders shaking. He wiped his eyes and looked up.
Ernst was no longer trembling from the cold, and his hand slid limply from Rolf’s arm, falling to the snowy ground. Rolf looked upward, tears streaming down his face. “Oh Lord, he’s Yours,” he choked out hoarsely. “Take my little brother, God. Take him home.”
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Oh no. 😭 Poor Rolf.
I really liked this section… even though it was sad. You did a good job with the action and tying in Lieutenant Roth’s story to the main plot.
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Thank you!
I know!!!! POOR ROLF!
Did you see it coming with the foreshadowing earlier that day?
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I have to say, this was probably one of the most exciting sections I’ve ever read in this series.
Julian, Ernst, Rolf, and Walter have gone out hunting today.
Not Roland? I know he just got married, but that man loves hunting, and its not like he’s going on a honeymoon right now. They should at least invite him to be polite.
“You wouldn’t because you wouldn’t be on the ice,” Rolf retorted.
“I meant in case someday that should ever happen,” Walter replied.
“Know Jesus Christ is your Savior and prepare to come face to face with Him in no more than ten minutes,” Rolf said grimly.
This is what we call ‘Teddy Bear on the Mantel’, or more formally known as ‘Murphy’s Law’. If there is ice that will likely break when walked onto, then someone is going to walk on it and fall through.
“I certainly don’t believe in my gods,” Jens responded heatedly. “But I… I’m afraid of yours. I did nothing when Roth and his men were killed. I stood by and let it happen, even though I knew it was wrong. I doubt your God could forgive that. I can’t even forgive myself.”
Matthew 4:18-22 came to mind. They set out to hunt food, but found more than that.
Rolf looked upward, tears streaming down his face. “Oh Lord, he’s Yours,” he choked out hoarsely. “Take my little brother, God. Take him home.”
Poor guy. First his dad, now his brother.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
I have to say, this was probably one of the most exciting sections I’ve ever read in this series.
Wow. This has always been a favorite section of mine but, i must know, why did you say that? What makes this one stand out so much?
Not Roland? I know he just got married, but that man loves hunting, and its not like he’s going on a honeymoon right now. They should at least invite him to be polite.
Oh they would have invited him. (they didn’t invite Walter in the scene before.) so it would have been at the same time.
As for having just gotten married…..the couples around here are like stuck to one another for the first several months. You don’t really see one without the other. 🤣
Teddy bear? There’s an old rule of theater that goes, ‘If there’s a gun on the mantel in Act I, it must go off in Act III’ but I never heard of Teddy bears.
If there is ice that will likely break when walked onto, then someone is going to walk on it and fall through.
Yup. Did you know who it would be? (or at least have a guess)
Matthew 4:18-22 came to mind. They set out to hunt food, but found more than that.
Yup.
Poor guy. First his dad, now his brother.
I know. And I liked Ernst!
*sigh*
oh well, that’s what happened in the story. Can’t change facts.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Wow. This has always been a favorite section of mine but, i must know, why did you say that? What makes this one stand out so much?a
The chase. Most of the time, when soldiers show up, we realize that this is it. For example, when Joseph and his family were arrested. We know there is only a slim chance of escape before they are taken to the dungeon, so accept it as so. There is no point in worrying about it. But when they are on the run, and the soldiers are not far behind, there is this question of ‘will they escape?’ The decision to go on the ice added to it, especially with the warning earlier on. Will they be trapped? Will it crack before they get across? Probably. But when? When the first of them tries to cross, trapping the rest? All these uncertainties added to the tension making the chase engaging.
Teddy bear? There’s an old rule of theater that goes, ‘If there’s a gun on the mantel in Act I, it must go off in Act III’ but I never heard of Teddy bears.
I will reference you to the introduction of Chapter ∞ of Alcatraz versus The Shattered Lens.
Yup. Did you know who it would be? (or at least have a guess)
I wondered if a small child would somehow end up getting over there and being the one. So I guess I was wrong.
oh well, that’s what happened in the story. Can’t change facts.
Yup. Agree 100% here. Nope, that’s not sarcasm.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
aha. That makes sense….
And it works. Joseph’s main struggle is dread, and so that book played more off of the dread factor. I wanted you to feel his hopelessness.This is different, so it’s good that it came across different.
Also, I believe you were the one who mentioned Phillipp’s section seeming a little out of place. Now that I’m tying it back in, does it still feel that way?
I will reference you to the introduction of Chapter ∞ of Alcatraz versus The Shattered Lens.
🙄🤣
Ah, yes, no small child. Just a teenager.
Man, what is it with me killing off all the younger brother characters this book? I always go for the older brothers.
Yup. Agree 100% here. Nope, that’s not sarcasm.
Glad someone is on the same page. You can’t change it just because everyone is mad at you for killing a good character. 😂
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I do remember Julian talking to Ernst about his father, if that’s what you’re talking about. Nice to get a glimpse into his state of mind before… well…
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
No, I meant because I made it clear that the ice was dangerous.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Oh, that.
I didn’t see it coming, but I should have. 😂
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
lolololol.
The whole not wanting it to happen so not seeing the signs.
btw, it’s Tuesday! Where’s your chapters?!
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Yeahh xD If I had stopped to think about it, I probably would have expected something to happen with it.
Oh yeah. Thanks for the reminder. XD
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
The great thing is, since it’s so cold, they can literally take him back to the home camp with them.
A cup of tea is cheaper than therapy.
who?
sorry, not tracking…..
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
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