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Zeke reached the main floor of the castle when the doors broke open. A group of Bavarian militiamen tumbled inside, followed by Helmut Braun in an ill-fitting officer's uniform. The men scrambled into formation then raised their rifles at Zeke. The Freedonian grinned as he raised his hands in surrender.
"Lower your rifles!" Helmut yelled.
The militiamen responded reluctantly, staring at Zeke with suspicious eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Zeke," Helmut said. "We heard the explosions and came as soon as we could."
Helmut looked about at Zeke's grim work. "It seems we weren't needed. Where is Dolph?"
"Somewhere in the woods," Zeke replied.
"We'll search for him immediately!" Helmut shouted.
He turned to his men. "Suchen Sie in den Wäldern für die preußische!"
Half of the militiamen hurried from the castle.
"Where is Fraulein Bijoux?"
"She's with Famara," Zeke answered. "Follow me."
Zeke led Helmut and his soldiers into the burning basement factory. Helmut eyes widened when he Annette next to Famara with blood stains on her clothes.
"Fraulein Bijoux! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Herr Braun," Annette replied. "My friend is not so good."
Helmut gestured to them both. "Nehmen Sie ihn sofort ins Krankenhaus!"
The remaining militiamen gathered around Famara then gently lifted him, carrying him to the castle entrance.
"Where is the book?" Famara said as they carried him away.
"In the woods with Dolph," Zeke replied.
Famara looked suspicious. "You must retrieve it!"
Zeke smirked. "Ain't no need to be in a hurry. Dolph ain't going anywhere, 'cept to hell."
"Go with them," Famara urged. "Make sure you get the book."
Zeke followed the militiamen outside and into the woods. He looked up at the castle, trying to gauge where Dolph and the satchel would have landed. To his surprise there was nothing there. He searched the area in more detail, making wider circles but coming up with nothing. He squatted by a nearby tree, pushing back his hat as he studied the area more closely.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he said.
He picked up the trail not far from where he suspected Dolph hit the ground. How he survived the fall Zeke couldn’t figure out. The signs led to a cove that connected to a nearby river.
“That Prussian thought of everything,” Zeke said out loud. “Famara ain’t gonna be too happy about this.”
Zeke headed back to the castle. By the time he reached the castle the others had evacuated to the village. The fire had spread into the upper region of structure, flames licking from the windows. A militiaman gestured for Zeke to follow him to the village.
Famara lay in bed attended by a trio of Bavarian nurses. Annette sat by his side holding his hand. Helmut stood close by, staring dreamily at Annette. Famara sat up.
“Where’s the book?” he asked.
“With Dolph, I suspect,” he said.
Famara tried to sit up but one of the nurses eased him back down.
“Where is Dolph?” he asked.
Zeke pushed his hat back. “Now I can’t answer that. Seems like your friend has nine lives. If you told me yesterday that a man could survive a fall that far with a slug in his back I would have said you were crazy.”
“He’s alive?” Annette said.
Zeke nodded.
Famara pounded his fist on his bed.
“Zeke, bring me my compass!” he said.
Zeke went to the dresser and retrieved Famara’s contraption. The horro gazed at the device then managed a smile.
“Good, it’s still tracking, but I don’t know how long” he said. He looked at Zeke and Annette with intense eyes.
“You must go after him,” he said.
“That’s going to be kind of hard,” Zeke replied. “I know that trinket of yours can point down that book like a hunting dog, but I don’t know heads or tails of this place.”
“I do,” Annette answered.
Zeke and Famara shared surprised looks.
“I can’t ask you do to this,” Famara said.
“No we can’t,” Zeke added. “You’ve been exposed to enough danger, ma’am.”
“Apparently you haven’t been paying attention, Mr. Calhoun,” Annette replied. “I can take care of myself. And besides, I know this continent. I’ve been from one end to the other for years. If your compass is accurate I can get us to Dolph.”
“She’s got a point,” Zeke replied.
Famara winched then closed his eyes. One of the nurses came to his side then gave Zeke and Annette a disapproving look.
“Your friend needs to rest,” she said in heavily accented English. “I must ask you to leave.”
Famara touched the nurse’s arm.
“It’s okay,” he said. He gave the compass to Zeke.
“I trust you with this,” he said.
Zeke tucked the compass into his coat. “I’ve been paid. I never go back on a job. You’ll get your book.”
Annette bent over then kissed Famara on his cheek.
“I’ll make sure Zeke is safe,” she said with a smile. “Do not worry mon ami.”
“Now you must go,” the nurse said.
Zeke and Annette left the room. They went immediately to Helmut. Zeke stood back letting Annette work her magic.
“Helmut, we’ll need horses and provisions,” she said.
“Of course,” he replied. “My men are willing to help as well.”
“Thanks but that won’t be necessary,” Zeke said. “We can handle this on our own.”
Helmut’s eyes narrowed. “Can you? It seems I and my men have rescued you, and you have lost a book.”
Zeke was about to answer when Annette stepped between them.
“We are so grateful for your help,” she said. “How soon can we get our supplies?”
Helmut reached into his coat then took out a pad and pencil.
“Just make me a list and you will have it immediately.”
“Thank you, Helmut.”
Helmut bowed. “My pleasure.”
Helmut gave Zeke a sideways glance before walking away, shouting orders to his men as he left.
“I don’t think that man likes me,” Zeke commented.
“But he likes me, and that’s all that matters,” Annette said. “Stay close to me, Zeke of Freedonia. I’ll take care of you.”
Zeke tipped his hat then smiled. “I reckon you will.”