Father, I’ve found that it doesn’t really matter whether the enemy is standing still, moving, man, or beast. The techniques you taught me as a boy work. Hold your breath, line up the shot with the two iron sights, and pull the trigger. It sounds so simple but the Russians don’t seem to understand these basic principles. I just hope and pray that many of my fellow Finns had a father such as you. One that taught them to shoot in the manner that you taught me. We will need such men to kill many times their number of Russians for Finland to survive.”
The two men embraced, “Thank you son. Your praise means a lot.” Raynar said.
Raynar began to tell him of his own time in the army. How he had fought in the Finnish civil war twenty years prior. Hale enjoyed hearing his father’s stories of the civil war. The stories that he had never been told as a boy growing up in Raynar’s household.
Raynar had never shared the tale of this part of his life with anyone in the family, not even his wife. Talk of the suffering of war was only suitable between men that had experiences its horrors. Hale had become a man worthy of hearing these tales in his father’s eyes.
Despite his interest in the stories, Hale still exhausted, fell asleep in the overstuffed chair he occupied in his father’s study. As the younger Karhonen slept, the older one retrieved Hale’s rifle from his childhood bedroom and sat with it in his lap for a time. He ran his fingers over the wood grain of the stock. Closing his eyes, he remembered back to the day that he had given Hale this weapon. The memory of that delighted boy excited to have his own rifle filled Raynar’s mind and he smiled at the memory.
As Hale’s father continued to run his fingers along the wooden grain of the rifle, his mind shifted to events earlier in the day. Hale standing his ground, holding this rifle. His boy ignoring the approaching danger of the bullets and squeezing the trigger. He had never imagined that Hale would use this gift for anything other than putting food on the family’s table. How wrong he had been.
Raynar poured himself another glass of port and took a long sip. A single tear ran down his cheek as he mourned the loss of his boy. Looking up, he saw the form of his son the man, dozing in the chair across from him. Fighting back more tears, he rose quietly from the chair and fetched his gun cleaning supplies.
Over the next hour, he worked slowly to clean out the grit in the barrel. Then he oiled the metal of the exterior of the weapon, and finally, using wood oil, the stock. Next, he took each of the three magazines, and carefully removed the bullets. He cleaned and oiled them, especially the spring inside. He was determined to ensure that this weapon would never fail Hale.
Finished, Raynar leaned the rifle up against one of the two book shelves in his study. He looked up at Hale, his son’s eyes were open, “How long have you been awake?”
Hale yawned and said, “For a few minutes. You cleaned my rifle?”
“Yes, it looked like it hadn’t been done properly in a while.” Raynar replied.
“No, it hadn’t. I’ve been moving and fighting non-stop for nearly the last week.” Hale said.
“I’ve told you my stories. Now tell me yours. What’s it like fighting the Russians?” Raynar asked.
Hale’s father poured them each another drink and then sat back and listened as Hale told him the events of the last week, “It’s amazing you managed to survive all of that.” Raynar said.
“Many good men weren’t as lucky. I don’t feel like I am special, that I did anything unusual to live. In this kind of war against the Russians, it seems to be more about luck than anything.” Hale said.
Raynar downed the last bit of port in his glass and stood. Hale followed suit. Raynar took a step forward and embraced his son, “Son, I’m proud of you. Of the man you have become. If you don’t.” Hale father paused for a moment to collect himself as he fought back tears, “If you don’t come back. Know that I am proud of the man that you have become. I will help to raise your child and be there for them as long as God wills it.”
Hale looked into his father’s eyes. He could see that the older man was fighting back tears as he said the words. Hale, overcome by emotion of the moment, began to weep, “It’s ok son. Let it out.” Raynar said.
Hale cried in his father’s arms for several minutes. Finally, he said, “I hadn’t thought yet about the possibility of my child growing up without me. Thank you for your promise father. It will help to ease my heart in the days to come.
Chapter 10
Mid-Afternoon Karelia Finland, Village of Perkjarvi, December 6th, 1939
The morning dawned sunny and bitterly cold. The sunlight reflected off the white canopy shrouding the earth causing the Karhonen family to squint as old Liv pulled their sleigh into the village. Arriving at the church, they found Nea’s family already there putting up decorations for the ceremony to come.
The two families worked together, to transform the simple chapel into a festive room filled with color. As two o’clock drew near, Hale excused himself. He knocked on the door of Oskar’s office, “Come in.”
“Hello father, it’s almost time. Do you mind if I change in here?” Hale asked.
“Go right ahead. I’m just finishing up some lunch. Would you like some?” Oskar asked.
“No, we ate heartily before leaving the farm this morning. My aunt is working on a fantastic feast back at the farm for our reception later.” Hale smiled as he said, “I should probably save some room.”
“Indeed, my son, you are wise before your years. Never disappoint a woman who has worked hard to fill your belly.” Oskar said.
The rotund preacher, ignoring Hale, turned his attention back to his meal. Hale finished dressing in his Sunday best and quietly slipped out of Oskar’s office. Looking down at himself he admired the look and feel of his black suit. He closed his eyes for a minute and smiled. Soon he would be joined to Nea forever.
Hale rejoined his family in the main sanctuary. His mother, seeing him in his suit, came over and fussed over him to ensure all was perfect, “There, now step back, let me have a good look at you.”
Hale dutifully took a step back from his mother, and turned slowly, “How do I look?”
“Like a handsome war hero ready to meet his bride.” Jeanna replied.
The clock in the back of church began playing it’s on the hour melody. During the pause between the melody and the hour dong, the sound of a sleigh pulling up outside the church could be heard. As the second dong rang then fell silent, the church door opened.
Everyone inside the church squinted at the sudden change in light. The bright sunlight of the sun, streamed directly in the church blinding everyone inside as they looked at the open door. A shadowy figure, they couldn’t tell who, stepping into the doorway. Whoever they were paused for several moments taking in the sight of the decorated church.
Finally, the person stepped forward into the sanctuary, it was Nea. She wore a white dress. Sitting on top of her head, catching the rays of sunlight was a golden crown. As Hale met the penetrating gaze of her emerald orbs, she smiled at him. The moment those eyes settled on him he froze. She’s amazing! Hale was so transfixed by Nea, froze. He stood there, unable to move, with mouth hanging open at the sight of her. So beautiful.
After several long moments he shook off the spell that Nea’s appearance had cast upon him. He used his eyes to slowly looked Nea up and down amazed at the transformation. The farm girl, his childhood friend, had been transformed into a gorgeous woman. Her red hair was braided and wound around her head in an intricate design. She had found some makeup somewhere. Just enough of it had been applied to accentuate her natural beauty without overwhelming it.
Resting across her shoulders was a wrap crafted from the pelt of a white wolf. The wrap covered up her prominently displayed breasts keeping the exposed skin mostly covered up, but revealing enough of a hint underneath to set the hearts of every male in the room racing. Hale’s eyes continued to fall and settled on her slightly bulging mid-section, My child.
Hale lowered his e
yes further, continuing to take all of her in and trying to commit this moment to memory. The dress accentuated the natural curve of Nea’s hips, and then loosened up around her legs creating a bell like shape as the hem of the dress ended a few inches off the floor at ankle level. Hale, ignoring protocol walked up to Nea and asked, “How did you find a wedding dress so quickly?”
Nea, pleased with the effect she was having on Hale said, “As soon as I knew I was pregnant, we traveled to Viipuri. There is a shop that sells nothing but wedding dresses. You should have seen it, it was incredible.”
“Not as incredible as you are now.” Hale replied.
Nea’s cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson at the compliment.
“You’re looking pretty good yourself.” Nea said.
“You’ve seen me in this before in church.” Hale said.
“Yes, but now you really fill it out. The army life has certainly agreed with you.” Nea said.
Hale opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the sound of a muffled belch coming from the other side of the door set in the back of the sanctuary. A moment later, the priest’s rotund figure came bursting through the portal.
Seeing the bride standing just inside the doorway at the back of the church he said, “Let’s get started. Impi start playing.”
The older lady nodded at Father Oskar’s command and started playing the piano. Hale quickly strolled down the eisle and took his place at the front of the sanctuary on the right side. Simultaneously, Nea’s father joined her by the double doors at the back of the sanctuary. She slipped her arm into the older man’s, made eye contact with him, and whispered, “Now.”
The pair started taking slow steps down the aisle toward Hale. Raynar, standing just behind Hale, beaming with pride. Jenna, Hale’s mother, sat on the left side of the first pew right near Raynar. She began crying as the Impi continued to play Canon D the traditional wedding processional piece.
As Hale watched his bride come down the aisle, the rest of the world seemed to fall away as his vision filled with only Nea. Memories of their time together growing up, began to flash through his mind, Nea as a little girl playing in the mud of the creek beside him. Then as an awkward ten-year-old, running across a meadow. His memory shifted as she became a pre-teen, the earliest hints of the woman she was to become had appeared. She smiled down at him and held up a bug, “Eat this!” She begged.
His mind advanced a few more years to her fifteenth birthday. That was the day he had noticed her as a woman. The day they clumsily shared their first kiss. Finally, his mind focused in on the Nea that was coming down the aisle toward him.
The sight of this woman, stole his breath, and froze the beat of his heart. As the advancing pair reached the last pew, Nea’s father, released her and sat down beside his wife. Hale’s bride took the final few steps on her own. As she reached the front of the church, the couple turned and faced each other.
Father Oskar raised his arms high over the couple and began, “The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
The crowd responded in unison, “And also with you.”
“We have come together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of Hale and Nea, to surround them with our prayers, and to share in their joy.”
Father Oskar took a deep breath and continued, “The scriptures teach us that the bond and covenant of marriage is a gift of God, a holy mystery in which two become one flesh, an image of union of Christ and the church. As Hale and Nea give themselves to each other today, we remember that at Cana in Galilee our Lord Jesus Christ made the wedding feast a sign of God’s reign of love.”
Father Oskar once again paused for a moment to take a breath. Hale’s mind swam in Nea’s emerald eyes as Oskar continued, “Let us enter into this celebration confident that, through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with us now. Also; we pray that this couple may fulfill God’s purpose for the whole of their lives.”
Hale glanced at Nea nervously. He felt a trickle of sweat begin to run down his back as the weight of the moment hit him. He took a deep breath, and smiled at Nea. She returned the smile. He could tell that she was nervous as well. I think I was less nervous the moment before that first tank fired at me. Why am I feeling this way? I want to marry Nea! Pulling his mind back into the present, he turned his attention back to Father Oskar.
“Beloved people of God, we have come together in the presence of the almighty to witness and bless the covenant of love and fidelity Hale and Nea are to make with each other.”
Father Oskar paused dramatically to let the weight of his words register with the audience before continuing, “The union of two persons in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for the mutual help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and that their love may be a blessing to all whom they encounter. This solemn covenant is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and with commitment to seek God’s will in their lives.”
Turning to Hale Father Oskar asked, “Hale, will you have Nea to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
Hale swallowed nervously as the priest spoke the words. Why is this more difficult than facing a platoon of Russians? Nea smiled nervously at him as he stood in silence for several seconds before saying loudly, “I will.”
Turning to Nea, Father Oskar repeated the question. Without hesitation Nea smiled and said, “I will.”
Hale took Nea’s hands in his as Father Oskar turned to the families sitting in the pews and asked, “Will you the families of Hale and Nea, give your love and blessing to this new family?”
Both families replied in unison, “We will.”
“Will all of you, by God’s grace, do everything in your power to uphold and care for these two persons in their life together?” Father Oskar asked.
Both families again replied in unison, “We will.”
Turning back to Hale Father Oskar said, “Hale, living in the promise of God, joined in Christ in your baptism; will you give yourself to Nea in love and faithfulness? Will you share your life with her in joy and in sorrow, in health, and in sickness, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, and will you be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Hale, growing in confidence, said, “I will, with the help of God.”
Father Oskar repeated the question to Nea, who replied happily, “I will, with the help of God.”
Father Oskar turned from Nea to look at those in attendance and said, “Families, friends, and all those gathered here with Hale and Nea, will you promise to support and care for them in their life together, to sustain and pray for them in times of trouble, to give thanks with them in times of joy, to honor the bonds of their covenant, and to affirm the love of God reflected in their lives?”
Both families replied in unison, “We will, with the help of God.”
Father Oskar raised his hands into the air and said, “Eternal God, our creator and redeemer, as you gladdened the wedding at Cana and Galilee by the presence of your Son, so bring joy to this wedding by his presence now. Look in favor upon Hale and Nea and grant that they, rejoicing in all your gifts, may at length celebrate the unending marriage feast with Christ our Lord, one God, now and forever.”
Father Oskar placed a hand on Hale and Nea and said, “In the eyes of God I now pronounce you man and wife. Hale you may kiss your bride.”
Hale stepped forward and took Nea into his arms. His lips eagerly sought hers. As their lips met for the first time as husband and wife, a single tear of joy slid down Nea’s cheek. Both families, stood and cheered as the newlyweds ended their kiss and turned toward them hand in hand. Simultaneously, the dull shrill of the air raid siren began to wale.
The couple looked past the adoring eyes of their families toward the double door
s that led to the outside. The faces of the people in the pews turned from joy to horror. Many, sprang to their feet with panic in their eyes as the siren continued to wail out its warning of approaching danger. As the siren fell silent a series of dull thumps could be heard coming from the south.
Hale, kissed Nea on the lips quickly and said, “I love you!”
Turning to Raynar Hale said, “I’m going to go find out what is going on.”
“I’ll join you.” Raynar replied.
Hale shook his head, “No, get Nea, Mom and Aina to safety. I’ll come home as soon as I am able.”
Hale’s mother objected, “You’re hurt, let others handle it.”
“I’m more than capable of fighting mother. The village must be protected.” Hale replied.
As if to emphasize the situation, the drone of aircraft engines could be heard overhead. As Hale ran down the aisle toward the doors, a whistling sound could be heard outside. He turned his head to see if his family was moving on his word, they weren’t. Instead they were still standing where he had left them. A state of shock etched on their faces.
Hale paused, turned back toward his family and yelled, “Get-“
He was cut short by a loud explosion outside. The force of the explosion, blew the double doors of the church inward. The shockwave knocked Hale to the ground as the concussion from the detonation expanded.
Hale, uninjured, quickly scrambled to his feet and ran toward the now open doorway, “Hale don’t leave us!” Nea screamed.
Hale ignored Nea’s plea and emerged onto the street. There was dust, debris, and smoke everywhere as he looked around for the family sleigh. The shattered remains of several sleighs filled his vision. Their horses lay on the ground either slain, or in the throes of agony from the gruesome injuries sustained in the blast. Thanks to their experience with the plane yesterday, Hale’s family had pulled their sleigh into the alleyway between buildings.
Hale ran around the corner of the church to his right. There, tied to a power pole, was Liv. Frightened by the explosion, she was trying to pull herself free. Hale ran to the terrified animal and said, “Shhhh it’s ok girl your safe.”
The Winter Sniper Page 19