“What’s this?” he raised her face gently with his fingers so that he could look into her eyes.
“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. I know it’s bad luck to talk like that, but I can’t help it, Christian. I’m so scared. I wish this war was over. I feel like I can’t stand it anymore.”
“Shhhh, it will be okay,” he spoke to her soothingly as he patted her hair. “I will take care of you….and before you know it….the Germans will be gone and we will be living like a boring old married couple.”
“Will we live in wagons the way the gypsies always did? Can you live that way?” she asked, smiling through her tears.
“With you I could live anywhere. You mean everything to me, Nadya, you tiny little angel. You have become my whole life. I live to make you happy and to protect you from harm. Trust me please… It brings me great distress to see you worry…all right? So don’t worry, please… Trust me. I know what I am doing. I will make things right for us,” he nodded at her firmly.
“Will you tell me what the mission is?” she asked.
“Not now… I don’t want to talk about it just now. Please sweetheart…just trust me?”
“Yes, all right… I’ll try.”
Chapter 38
The Shera Rom had instructed Ion to gather all of men into a circle in front of this tent on the following night.
“I have heard tell that there is patrin (signs on the trees) saying that there is an abandoned gypsy camp not far from here. The patrin tells us that a small kumpania, just a short way up the road, was taken by the Nazis. I would like a group of volunteers to raid what is left of the campsite and bring back anything that might be of use to us,” the Shera Rom explained. “I know we don’t like to do this to our people, but I believe that they would want us to have their supplies rather than the Nazis.”
“I will go,” Ion stood up. He knew it might be weeks before the Polish Underground returned to tell them that everything was in place and the time was right to start the mission.
“And I,” Christian stood beside him.
Then a group of men came forward, willing to join them in their work.
Frigid winds cast their icy fingers down from the north, and a light drifting snow had begun to fall as Ion and Christian, along with ten other men on horseback set out to investigate the abandoned site. As it was a bright morning, the men were careful to stay away from the main roads. They were unsure what they might find at the abandoned campsite, but any supplies would be put to good use over the cold months to come.
As they rode along, Ion showed Christian how to follow the patrin leading to the campsite. Once they arrived, Ion’s face turned dark. “I recognize some of these wagons,” Ion said. He looked around in disgust and anguish at the destruction and vandalism of the gypsy camp. Vurduns lay broken, their contents scattered all about in the snow-dusted ground. “These were people I knew. Our kumpania spent time with them over the summer just a couple of years ago.” He shook his head at the waste. “I wonder what has become of them.”
After inspecting all of the remaining wagons for necessities, the men found only four wagons that could be repaired; the others were far too damaged. But inside some of the vurduns they found thick eiderdowns and boots, as well as winter coats and dried foodstuffs. They loaded all of the supplies inside of the usable wagons and hitched them to the horses, then leaving the rest as the found it, the men turned to go back to their own encampment.
But after they left Ion rode back alone. He sat on horseback and looked out over the broken campsite. Tears came to his eyes and he looked up to the heavens. “Why God?” he asked. “Why the Rom? What have we done to offend you that such wrath has fallen upon our people?”
Christian rode up and saw Ion in distress. It pained him to see Ion so distraught, but he knew there was nothing he could do or say to change the situation. He did not want to interrupt his brother-in-law’s private moment, but he also wanted to stay to make sure that Ion was all right, and so he waited until Ion turned to go.
“Come,” Christian said with sympathy in his voice as Ion rode up to meet him. Then he reached over and patted Ion’s shoulder. “We have my much to do, my brother.”
When they returned to the campsite, Ion and Christian gave their horses to the other men to care for. Then they began to sort through the goods they had brought back.
Ion insisted that Christian and Nadya have their own wagon; he planned to move back into his old vurdun where Nadya had been living with Hanzi. It was decided that Christian would take one of the vurduns they’d just recovered and repair it. Hanzi and the puppy would live with Nadya and Christian, but migrate to stay with his Uncle Ion often, giving the newlyweds precious time alone. While awaiting the go-ahead from the Polish Underground, Christian began to build a secure winter dwelling in the small vurdun he had taken from the abandoned gypsy camp. Each family that was among the group was awarded some of the provisions that had been secured from the afternoon’s venture.
The following day Christian took his bow and arrow out into the forest where he hunted for game. He would take what he could while it was still plentiful; then he planned to dry the meat so it would last throughout the winter. Nadya was his true love and her well-being was a responsibility that he did not take lightly; he would provide and care for her in every possible way. And that meant assuring that she had meat throughout the cold months.
After he returned with a hefty kill, Christian brought his wife to see her new home.
“Do you like it?” Christian asked as he showed Nadya the vurdun he’d been working on. “It isn’t quite done, but I wanted you to see how it is coming along,” he said.
“It is our own wagon, our home. May Bibija, the Goddess of the Forest, bless it,” Nadya said, and she hugged him with of tears of happiness in her eyes.
Amused at her superstitious ways, Christian laughed as he held her tightly. “Yes, may we be blessed, my precious love,” he whispered into her silky hair.
On the morning that the message they’d been waiting for arrived from the Polish Resistance, a light dusting of virgin snow covered the leaves of the trees in the forest. A courier from the Resistance came riding up as the group gathered around the circle, sipping coffee, getting ready to begin their day.
“I am to give this message to Ion, Christian, or to the Shera Rom,” the courier said.
“I am Ion.” The man handed him the paper, got back on his horse and rode away.
“Dear Friend,” it read, “The time is almost here that we will be ready to begin. Please meet with us tonight at our regular place. Eight o’clock. We will give you further information then.”
Christian had not yet risen for the day; instead he lay awake lingering in the warmth and glow of Nadya. He held her warm, naked body next to his own and inhaled the sweet fragrance of her hair when Ion walked into his wagon.
“It would be good for you to knock before you come waltzing in here.” Christian quickly covered Nadya’s nakedness with a thick blanket. He was annoyed at the intrusion. Then he glanced over at Nadya to see if Ion had disturbed her sleep, but she had not awakened.
“Gypsies don’t knock,” Ion said.
‘Well…when you enter my wagon…I would appreciate if you would make an effort to knock first.”
“You’re angry?”
“No, not really…just didn’t want to get caught in a compromising position,” Christian said. “After all, I am a married man now.” Christian smiled; he couldn’t stay mad at Ion. “Come let’s go outside; I don’t want to wake Nadya,” he said.
Quietly Christian stepped into his pants and pulled on his shirt. Then he tossed on his coat and met Ion outside the wagon.
“Here,” Ion handed Christian the letter from the Underground, each of them shivering in the morning chill.
As he read the letter, Christian’s heart sank; he knew that the time had come to take action on the mission.
“Tonight at eight then?” Ion aske
d.
“Yes, it looks like the time has come for this mission.” Christian handed the paper back to Ion. “I’ll be ready,” he said.
Nadya panicked when she learned that Christian was going to meet with the Underground that night. She cried, pacing the floor and begging him not to go.
“Please, Christian, why must you do this?” she said, her voice filled with rage.
“Sweetheart, the man that I am, the one who you fell in love with, could never abandon this cause. You know that I’m afraid. I make no claims to be a hero, and above everything else, what I wish for is peace. But I can’t sit back while the Nazis kill and destroy innocent people. Your people… Our people… But more importantly, we, our kumpania, desperately need the money and supplies that we will earn for carrying out this mission. Our very survival, our very lives depend upon it.”
Steams of tears ran down her lovely face as she watched him prepare to leave. He kissed her and promised to return after he spoke with the Polish Underground, and before he set out on his mission.
That night at seven-thirty, Christian and Ion left the camp.
To keep busy and pass the time, Nadya cleaned the wagon. She watched Hanzi as he slept with his arm around the puppy, which had now grown into a small dog. Nadya felt so alone. Until she met Christian, the child had been enough, but now her life revolved around her husband and she wasn’t sure that she could go on without him. Spitting on the ground three times to ward off evil spirits, she forced herself to change her thoughts.
But as the hour grew later, she lay awake in her bed, sweating in spite of the cold, praying for her husband’s safe return. Her mind was filled with a mixture of worrisome thoughts. What if the meeting place where Christian and Ion met with the Underground had been raided? And perhaps Christian was already under arrest? How could she find out? Who would come to tell her? If the Underground and Ion were taken also, then there would be no one left to bring her the news. She sat up in bed. She knew she could not close her eyes to sleep until she saw Christian walk through the door.
Chapter 39
When Christian and Ion arrived at the meeting place, as the Underground had promised, Christian was presented with a small black velvet box. He opened it to survey the ring. Against the black background the shiny gold band sparkled. Christian nodded, satisfied with the offering. Then, tucking the box into his pocket, he walked with Ion and the others over to a small smoldering fire where everyone had gathered.
“Is everyone ready to go tomorrow?” the leader of the Underground asked.
After a quick exchange of glances, Ion and Christian both nodded. “No use prolonging the suspense right?” Ion asked as he looked squarely into the leader’s eyes.
“We will come to your camp tomorrow evening and leave in the truck from there.” The leader of the Underground took a cigarette out of his breast pocket.
“No, there will be no contact with our campsite whatsoever. You could be followed. Most assuredly, you will not anywhere near our camp. My wife is there, and I will not have her endangered in any way. Ion and I will bring the truck here tomorrow after dark. Have your men ready; we should arrive at sundown,” Christian said, and since he rarely spoke the others turned to listen.
“Fair enough; we will do as you wish. We are all grateful for your help,” the Polish leader said, nodding as he lit his cigarette.
“And may God bless and have mercy upon us all,” Ion said as he glanced at Christian.
With that Ion and Christian mounted their horses and rode back to their own campsite.
Chapter 40
Christian hoped to find Nadya asleep when he arrived. But she lay awake, and as soon as he entered the vurdun she sat up in bed.
“What happened?”
“We are to begin the mission tomorrow night.”
He heard her ragged breath in the darkness, and he knew she was crying. Christian walked over to Nadya and knelt by the bed. He took her hand in his and gently kissed the palm, and then turned it over to kiss the back. His hands trembled as he slipped the gold band on her finger.
“What’s this?” she asked him.
“It’s your wedding ring.”
The tears flowed continued to flow as she tried to see the ring in the darkness.
“Oh, Christian, it’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you are.”
She ran her fingers through his hair, savoring the feel of him. “I am so afraid, Christian,” Nadya said.
“I know, but please don’t be scared. I’ll be back. And then we’ll have the ammunition and weapons to bring us through the winter safely.”
“Come and lie with me.” She wanted to hold every moment that they shared as a treasure in her mind until he returned.
Christian removed his clothes while Nadya watched him. She marveled at how beautiful her husband was. How blessed she was, and how frightened she felt that at any time she could lose him to a Nazi bullet.
Nadya moved over to make room as Christian slid into bed beside her. She held him, laying her head on his chest and savoring the essence of him. He always smelled like the outdoors, as if he were a passing summer wind. A chill ran through her at that thought. Perhaps he was nothing more than a passing summer wind. She trembled and reached up to grasp the amulet that she wore about her neck. When she was a child her grandmother had given it to her for luck. She prayed for luck now. He kissed her gently, and her body automatically responded. She felt bolts of lightning flash through her, followed by the wonderful wetness that preceded their lovemaking. His lips brushed over her entire body: her neck, her breasts, her stomach and her thighs. How had she ever lived without these incredible feelings? She wanted to do something for him, something she’d never done before. And much to Christian’s surprise and delight, she turned him on his back and began kissing his body in the same way he always kissed hers. She kissed his chest and felt his muscles contract under her touch. Then she moved down to his stomach and whipped her hair against his skin. He sighed with pleasure. At first she was afraid, but then she gently brushed her lips against the head of his penis. He glanced down at her in disbelief. This beautiful gypsy girl he had married amazed him. Then she took him into her mouth, and he let out a groan of passion. When she saw the pleasure on his face, she felt herself getting wet again. For a few minutes she ran her tongue up and down his shaft, until he could take no more. Then he lifted her small body in his arms and laid her down, kissing her, his tongue penetrating her mouth, wild with passion. She was so wet that the essence of her womanhood had soaked the sheets. When he saw she was ready, he entered her. She wanted him to move hard and fast, but he controlled his body to give her the utmost pleasure. When she reached her climax, she cried out and raked her nails across his back. The sound of her reaching orgasm brought him to his own peak and he exploded inside of her. Then he took her into his arms and their sweat mingled together as he held her as close as he possibly could. “I’ll come back to you, Nadya. I promise.”
Neither of them spoke, but when he kissed her face he tasted the salt of her tears.
When he was sure she had drifted off to sleep, he whispered softly, “Good night my darling…my Nadya…my life.”
Chapter 41
Morning came too quickly. This would be their final day together before he left. As the light of dawn drifted through the small window of the wagon, Christian lay, just studying Nadya’s face. “How did I ever live without her?” he asked himself. “I cannot even remember my life before.”
She turned over and her eyes opened. When she saw him gazing at her she smiled.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Oh yes…after last night?” She laughed softly.
“There is something I must discuss with you. It has been on my mind all night.”
“Go ahead, Christian.”
“It’s very important that while I am gone, that you stay here with the group at all times. Never under any circumstances
are you to leave the campsite or wander off by yourself. I know how you can be independent and refuse to listen to me sometimes, but Sweetheart, this is very important. Be cautious and constantly aware of your surroundings. If for any reason you think there is danger, take the child and go deep into the forest. Then keep watching the campsite for my return… Know that I love you and I will be back as quickly as I can.” He was firm, but gentle with his words.
As he spoke, he felt his eyes fill and turned away. It was best that she did not see him upset because it might frighten her.
“I will do as you ask, Christian,” she conceded.
“Nadya, this is hard for me to say, but I must tell you. If for some reason Ion and I do not return, which is highly unlikely but it must be discussed nonetheless, you are to stay with the group. Ion has arranged for you to move in with the Shera Rom and his wife.”
“I can’t stand to think about that,” Nadya said. “And besides it is bad luck.” She spit three times over her shoulder.
“I don’t want you to think about it at all. But you must know what to do, just in case.”
“But it won’t happen, right?’ She gripped the amulet around her neck.
“Right.”
“Do you promise?”
“I do promise.” He felt sick at lying to his wife; he knew he could not promise with what uncertainties the future might bring, but he also could not leave her alone and so filled with anxiety.
“I will try to be strong. But I know I will think of you every minute of every day,” she said.
“As I will of you. But don’t worry, and don’t be afraid for me. Everything will work out just fine, you’ll see.”
He kissed her tenderly. It was better that he bear the burden of worry than she.
Chapter 42
The day drew slowly to a close, and Nadya wished she could strike a bargain with the sun to keep her in the sky for just a little longer. She knew that as soon as the darkness came, the men would arrive and Christian would be on his way. Then the horrifying waiting would begin. Every hour that he was gone she would wonder if he was hurt, if he was alive.
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