Stephan, thought Svetlana, why did Stephan have to go? Was Nikoli setting us up to fail? Would it make it easier to discredit us both and lose any chance of Stephan taking over the clan?
Stephan could feel his blood boiling at the thought of being chided as not a real man. Someday, Nikoli, someday I will show you a real man. The conference ended with a wave of Nikoli's hand.
"Leave me."
After the meeting, Yakov decided he needed to take a trip. He was seldom used for the hunting missions. Nikoli had decided that his physical appearance would result in what the Germans affectionately referred to as a Sterbenhilfe. It wasn't worth the risk of losing his expert thief.
The next morning, the group gathered for the day’s hunt. "Why didn't he send some of the Germans with us? They are becoming very bothersome and are receiving more than their fair share of the booty," grumbled Stephan.
"Why don't you state your objection to him," replied Svetlana.
"Why are we converting them if we aren't going to use them?"
"Because you do not need to know the reason why," came the deep, harsh voice of Nikoli. "I will tell you what you need to know and when you need to know it. I strongly suggest you come back from a successful hunt. Failure, well if you fail..." his words trailed off with his sinister laughter. "Oh, Stephan, do watch over Svetlana; I would hate for harm to come to her.” Another slap to Stephan. One day, Nikoli, one day.
"Patience, my son, patience. First the Germans, then our home,” spoke Svetlana. Stephan nodded in agreement.
Taras had the mare ready as instructed. Stephan took the reins while the others seated themselves in the carriage. They had chosen the dirtiest torn clothing on hand. Grime and dirt had been generously wiped on all their faces. Small pieces of coal had been rubbed around the girls’ eyes in an effort to portray malnourished young bodies. The illusion of a family in distress was complete.
* * *
Sergeant Kruger wasn't thrilled with the prospect of another patrol around Bochnia. Many of the patrols that had vanished had occurred in this area. The only comforting thought was, instead of a normal six man patrol, he would have the luxury of an additional six men. Numbers alone could ward off any would-be assailants. To make sure, he would have them moving through the forests covering his flanks while his primary group would cover the road.
* * *
Stephan stayed on the road moving at a slow methodical pace. Svetlana had instructed everyone what their role would be today. When a patrol was detected, they would all get out of the old carriage. Stephan would move towards the wheel facing the forest giving the image the axle had failed. The patrol would be allowed to be drawn in to provide assistance. With three females on this trip, it shouldn't be a problem enticing a few of the soldiers to accompany them into the woods. They would dispatch at least two of the men and come back for two more. Stephan would take the one closest to him swiftly. As his comrades became confused and shocked, the women would take care of the other three. It had worked countless times before with great precision. Satisfied they all knew their roles, her thoughts returned to another matter of concern, the faint sound of a small heartbeat.
They traveled for four hours when she saw what they were looking for, a small patrol moving down the road looking tired and haggard. When will the Germans realize this is our land? smiled Svetlana.
"Stephan, move the carriage as discussed. They are approaching." He was always amazed at her eyesight. She could detect items others couldn't by a good one hundred meters. He did not question her and pulled the carriage to the edge of road, dismounted and went to have a look. The patrol was slowly making their way towards them. Their pace had not quickened or slowed. They plodded methodically along looking side to side trying to find the partisans who were eliminating their comrades.
"Sergeant, look ahead." Kruger looked up and noticed the carriage pulled to the side of the road. "Patience Karl, we will be upon them soon enough. We will have to clear the road of these peasants. Major Ernst informed me of a convoy approaching from the west."
The patrol closed on the carriage at a normal pace. "Remember girls, we need to convince at least two of them to join us." Both of them nodded.
"Yes, Mother, we understand."
Svetlana looked at the approaching men. Now, if they cooperate, we shall have a nice dinner this evening. Stephan and I will have regained Nikoli's confidence. Keep coming, closer, closer.
"Private Halder, go check out what the problem is. We shall remain and make sure it isn't a trap."
"Jawohl, Sergeant." Halder quickened his pace to investigate.
"Frau, what is the problem?"
"It appears something has happened to our wheel. My son Stephan isn't much of a mechanic, but does his best. Would you be so kind as to examine the axle?" It was too early to use the full force of her eyes. Private Halder moved to the back of the carriage and looked at the wheel. Stephan stood back so the German could have a better look.
Why aren't the others coming closer?
"Frau, I can find nothing wrong with the axle. How was it behaving?"
"My son could not control it and we veered to the right of the road. It felt like the wheel was coming loose."
"Frau, I shall talk to my sergeant for orders. Wait here."
Where else were they going to go? "Yes, of course, we shall wait." We shall wait here in order to feast on your young invigorating blood, private.
Private Halder made his way back to the group. She could detect they were having a bit of a heated discussion. The sergeant didn't appear to be moved with the local’s problems. The sound of a branch breaking, disturbing a small flock of sparrows, echoed from the left of the forest. She and the others paid it no mind.
The discussion was over and two more men were accompanying the private back towards them.
"Frau," spoke the first private. “These two men are mechanics. They spent many years working on farms before joining the victorious armies of the Third Reich. If there is a problem, they will be able to fix it."
"Danke, Herr Private. But before you start, what payment can we offer you and your comrades?" Her eyes started to darken and glow. The hypnotic trance of her green penetrating eyes was taking hold of the young private. "Is there something the girls and I could offer in exchange for such kind service?”
Halder could not shake his mind clear. He was being drawn into a fog with her words. Her eyes were preying on his soul and mind. "Yes, Frau, I believe there is. Hans, Karl, tend to the wagon; I have a payment to collect."
The other men stared at him unsure of what to say. "No, private, your men should join us."
Sergeant Kruger was becoming impatient. He had signaled for the other patrol covering their flanks to proceed forward until they were even with the vehicle. He instructed the other men in his group to continue moving forward.
"Private, we have much to offer you and your men, pleasures you have never experienced. Come, join us." Another sound of branches breaking in the woods came from the right. A sound was also building from the west with a visible dust cloud. Stephan was becoming nervous. Something wasn't right, but he had neither the mind nor instincts to recognize the danger.
"Private, you and your men should join us. It is the least we can offer for your kindness."
"Private, what is going on here? Have the men clear this vehicle from the road immediately. The convoy is approaching. We need the road clear, now!"
The words from Sergeant Kruger cleared the young private’s mind. "Jawohl, Herr Sergeant."
"Hans, Karl, what is wrong with the carriage?" They had performed a cursory examination and delivered damning words. "Sergeant, we can find nothing wrong with the wheel."
The sound of the convoy approaching grew louder. Sounds of branches breaking on both sides of the road were coming closer. "Peasants, clear the road immediately."
Stephan took his place in the driver's seat, the small girls climbed back onto the wagon. Svetlana was the last to move towards the c
arriage.
One by one the troops providing flanking protection started emerging from the woods at ten meter intervals from both sides. The first truck of the convoy could be seen approaching from the west. The sergeant approached the woman to offer her some assistance. "Frau, let me help you up." Svetlana did her best to keep her face hidden, but a gust of wind blew open her worn scarf revealing her face.
"You!" exclaimed Sergeant Kruger.
Chapter 18
Capture
Yakov had taken a place fifty meters in the woods behind the unfolding scene. The mission the four had been sent on had turned into a complete and utter disaster; it could undo everything Nikoli and Kirilli had been working on. The group had become completely surrounded by the Germans. Yes, they could have taken some of them, but that would have meant revealing themselves and letting the secret out. Svetlana showed no resistance as the sergeant threw her to the ground yelling obscenities at her. He distinctively heard the sergeant yelling at her as he pummeled her body with his boots.
"Whore, did I not tell you yesterday to never show your face again? Are you deaf? Did you think the words I spoke were empty and hollow?"
Stephan and the girls were rounded up and held in a tight circle while the sergeant continued yelling and kicking her. Should he return to Tarnow quickly or should he continue to Siepraw and inform Kirilli what had happened? It didn't take him long to make the decision. If Nikoli received the news second-hand, the punishment would be most severe. He chose to return home, as he watched all four being pushed and thrown into one of the trucks, which promptly whisked them away to the west.
* * *
Nikoli sat in silence as Yakov described the events he had witnessed, all the time waiting for Nikoli's temper to explode upon him. He explained how they never had a chance; there were too many Germans and they would have all surely perished if they had attempted to transform.
Nikoli rose from his chair. Yakov waited for him to unload his vengeance upon him verbally and physically. He braced for the heavy right hand that would send him flying into the bookcase. Instead, Nikoli's words were firm, decisive, and actually showed some emotion.
"We must get word to Kirilli immediately. You and Taras make haste to Siepraw. This is not good, not good at all. I am glad they chose not to transform and attack. Our secret and all of our plans could have easily unraveled. Get Taras and go now. I will be there tomorrow. We must act quickly but with forethought." He mulled the situation over for a minute before continuing. "What of the carriage? Did they leave it?"
"Yes, the carriage and the horse were left behind."
"Good. Retrieve them and go to Kirilli; take our eight converts with you. I believe it is time they earned their keep. Yakov, I hope you haven't forgotten your trade? We shall be using your skills in the very near future. Leave immediately, I need to think on how to free them." Yakov retired from the room seeking out Taras. He was excited knowing his special skills were going to be called upon. He loved the excitement of stealing and the thrill of it energized him.
For the first time, Nikoli found himself wanting to confide in Svetlana and voice his thoughts to her. It had never occurred to him that when difficult times arose, she was the first he would unleash his anger and tirades upon. It was always she who would bear the brunt of his rantings. Seldom did she interrupt him. She would let him rail as long as he chose until his anger had subsided. She would either say nothing and remain silent until he had dismissed her, or she would encourage him, telling him he would figure out a solution for the betterment of the clan. He was pained not being able to confide in his wife.
* * *
Kirilli and Sasha were highly disturbed with the report Yakov presented.
"Why did Nikoli have them hunt at the same place twice? That is a cardinal sin with any type of campaign. Maybe it was just bad luck they encountered the same sergeant. Yakov, thank you for the report. If Nikoli is coming tomorrow, I need to obtain as much information as possible. Dmitri, Roman and I will leave within the hour. If Nikoli arrives before we return, let him know our stay will be short and concise. We must free them quickly. Sasha, please call the boys and have them ready the coach."
* * *
Kirilli, Dmitri, and Roman arrived at Jacub's office. Kirilli wanted to make sure the captured group was still in town and hadn't been shipped to the west yet. Jacub Polasky was sitting behind his small desk rifling through a stack of papers courtesy of Major Ernst. He looked up as the men entered his office.
"Close the door quickly. Did anyone see you come to town?" His tone was filled with worry and concern. "Svetlana and the others were brought into town earlier this evening. Major Ernst proudly paraded them around the town, kicking and beating each one. He had singled out Svetlana as the "peasant whore." He then turned his attention to the girls. They were pushed and cajoled amongst the guards. Dina and Natashia are strong but if they talk..."
"Where do they have them, Jacub?"
"The old police quarters two blocks from the Depot. The SS have, if the rumors are true, converted it into a place of terror and ghastly tortures. No one I have seen enter the building has ever been seen again."
Kirilli knew the building from a past experience. The basement of the structure was dark and gloomy. It had been home to the most vile thieves and murderers of the day. He had been contacted to identify a man accused of murdering the parents and raping their young daughter. She was one of Dina's playmates. The man had been from one of the roaming gypsy tribes of the area. It had been Kirilli who had seen the man flee from the house. He opened the door and found both parents lying on the kitchen floor carved-up. The fugitive had raped their daughter and left her for dead.
"Jacub, how many men are usually in the building?"
"I'm not sure, but from what I have observed, between twenty and thirty depending on the time of day."
"Thank you, Jacub."
"Are you planning on freeing them? Do you know what will happen if you are caught?" fear showed in his eyes. If the Germans ever got wind that he was involved, he would be joining his mother north of town.
"I assure you, Jacub, if such a task is undertaken, there will be no mention of your name. Rest at ease, my friend."
The men left Jacub to his tasks.
The street was dark and deserted. They could hear faint sounds of singing and chanting coming from the Hofbrau a few blocks away. The few guards they did detect moving about the street, were more interested in keeping themselves warm, than worrying about a few peasants walking through town.
"Dmitri, Roman, go to the police station and check on the activities around the front of the building. Find out how many guards are outside the station and the surrounding structures. I am going to examine the rear of the building. We shall meet back here in two hours." The boys headed off to their assigned duty. Kirilli was already forming a plan but had to make sure there were no exits left uncovered.
He knew of an old entrance seldom used for the police headquarters. It had mainly been used by the guards for smoke breaks or an area to relieve themselves. It would be the perfect place to attempt the break-in.
He approached the alley and started walking east. It was as he remembered. The alley was only three meters wide, just enough space for maybe two men to walk side by side while patrolling the grounds. Good, the Germans hadn't seen fit to install additional lighting around the entrance. He walked slowly and quietly through the debris strewn path. The telltale signs of a guard filled his nostrils. The harsh tobacco the German smoked was abrasive to the senses. There he is, a single guard.
For the next two hours he stood and watched. No other guards or people ventured into the dark alley. Every thirty minutes the guard would knock twice, remove a key from his pocket and enter the building. He would return within five minutes and resume his post. Excellent. Based on the information the boys have gleaned, I know how we will start.
He looked at his watch and realized over two hours had passed. The boys would be getting wor
ried and they needed to return home.
"Kirilli, we were getting worried,” spoke Dmitri.
"I apologize, my son, but it was necessary, I have all the information we need. We should leave now. The rays of the sun are showing in the eastern sky and I'm sure the town will soon show much more life in the morning than at night. You can tell me what you learned on the ride back."
The boys had made the following notes. Dmitri went first. “There are four guards stationed outside. They are changed every two hours. They do not stray far from the entrance, perhaps twenty meters at the most and then return. They do not appear to be extremely alert with the duty. One officer was noted coming outside to enjoy a cigarette. No other movement was detected."
Roman went next. "I checked out both buildings surrounding the police station. The building on the east side, the old bookstore, is empty. The building to the west is being used. From what I could see and the signs on the door, it is probably used for checking in the troops arriving from the west. No one is occupying it at night. After examining the check-in building, I decided to walk by the front of the police station, staying in the shadows. An officer was smoking his cigarette. He was speaking of the pleasures the men would enjoy with the female partisans, especially the older one. "She was quite entertaining," I overheard the officer say.
"Svetlana." Kirilli surprised himself with his outburst. He felt some type of compassion for her." Continue, Roman."
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