Beyond the fork in the freeway south of Køge, the lush countryside opened up properly. The farms were further apart, and the rolling South Zealand landscape stretched as far as his eyes could see, broken only by hedges and the once-dominating beech forests. Pastures and fields dappled shades of green, challenged only by dazzling yellow fields of rapeseed. Nothing is more beautiful than this on a late summer’s day, thought Holger as his mood lifted. After an hour and a half of driving, the scenery changed again as it opened onto the deep blue sea along the coast south of Næstved, and Holger knew that he was now close to his destination. A few minutes later, he exited for the manor house. It looked impressive on this summer’s day – the twin towers of the main building rising grandiosely, their oxidised copper tops against the cloudless blue sky – as he swung the Audi across the newly raked gravel in front of the yellow chalk and clay cobbed façade. As Holger parked, he noticed two people deep in conversation on the Manor House steps. The elder of the two was traditionally dressed in tartan tweed breeks, woollen stockings, a cap and a heavy tweed jacket, making no bones that he was the lord of the Manor. It was Carl Jessen. The other was a much younger man dressed casually in jeans and 266a fleece jacket. Holger recognised him straight away. It was Peter, the instructor from the Jaeger Corps, whom he had met during his training week with the reservists in Aalborg a few months ago.
‘BLOP-BLOP’
The sound of Holger activating the alarm as he locked the doors of the Audi was booming in the courtyard. The two men on the steps walked down and negotiated energetically the gravel to greet him.
‘Welcome to Steenbæklund, Holger,’ Carl Jessen said as he returned Holger’s firm handshake.
‘Well, it’s for real now, Holger. We barely have two weeks. The risks are massive, and the chances of rescuing Kaare are dwindling daily. Thus, you’ll depart as soon as I judge you ready. I have put together a team that’ll sort out the practicalities,’ Peter told him without any superfluous introduction.
‘I know. It’s up to me now to help Kaare, and I’m all alone, aren’t I?’ Holger replied, looking at his feet.
‘No, you’re not alone. We’re here for you. The coming weeks are not about us becoming friends, but never doubt that we’ve got your back. It’s my duty to ensure you succeed. Trust me, it’ll all be fine. Come on inside and meet the chaps,’ Peter said with an encouraging wink and hugged Holger.
Holger picked up his bag and followed the instructor up the steps then through the heavy oak door. Inside the vast hall, the grandeur somehow amplified the sense of collusion Holger had felt in his gut since he left Hellerup. A massive marble fireplace, flanked by a stuffed brown bear standing on its hind legs, dominated the ample space. To the right, a heavy mahogany staircase covered in a trail of blood-red carpet snaked towards the first-floor gallery whose sculpted balustrade reminded him of something 267from a Harry Potter movie. The wall along the staircase was lined with Renaissance-style paintings and portraits. Noble ancestors in uniform and hunting scenes, Holger thought. High up, just under the wooden beams of the ceiling, a vast array of mounted antlers paid tribute to generations of deer hunts. The place emanated history. Holger’s train of thought was interrupted when a door at the far end of the hall was opened. Peter gestured for Holger to follow him into the adjacent room.
It was a contemporarily furnished TV room with large, white couches occupied by five young men. Holger did not know any of them, but their demeanour gave them away as soldiers. They rose to their feet immediately when Holger entered, and Peter introduced a tall guy as Mads, the team leader.
Following a firm handshake, Mads introduced the others:
‘Johan, Hans, PW and JK are all Kaare’s Jaeger squadron members. Unfortunately, we cannot go ourselves, even though Kaare is our squadron Sergeant Major. There’s too much attention focused on us right now – the MoD has specifically ordered us to lay low. The press constantly seek out news, and it won’t help Kaare if the situation gets more publicity. However, we can help you sharpen your skills and ability to survive independently. The program will therefore focus on close-quarter combat, navigation skills and the covert use of modern means of communication. And then, of course, we’ll help you to get back in shape,’ said Mads with a wry smile.
‘That’s fine; I don’t have any court hearings over the coming weeks,’ replied Holger and reciprocated the smile.
‘Perfect, then let’s get started right away. We haven’t got much time.’268
Mads ran through the training programme, and Holger felt strangely animated. Maybe, it’s because it’s like being back in the Choir. Just with a little twist of James Bond, Holger mused and sat down.
‘Now you’re back amongst the Jaegers. But unlike the last time we met, you must find every last bit of strength and willpower from within you. As if you were twenty years old again. Time is scarce, and we have a busy programme ahead of us, so be changed and ready for a run in thirty minutes. It’s always good to start with a little PT. Questions?’ asked Peter and left the room without waiting for an answer.