Chapter Ten

THE CHOICE

By midnight, Kathe had her bag packed, and she’d insisted on straightening up the lodge and leaving everything in order. They cleaned the dishes together after a late supper, and then they sat at the table, with a lamp burning low, sharing coffee from the same cup.

“I’m certain they’re doing everything they can,” Kathe said, if only to break the torturous silence. Erich nodded and took a long sip, and the quiet set in again.

“Who do you suppose is coming for me?” she asked, tapping her fingers against Erich’s arm.

Erich put his hand over hers to stop her fidgeting. “Most likely Georg. Beyond my parents, I believe he’s the only one who knows the way. He regularly delivered supplies here to my father during those years of exile. He’s also very cautious and thorough . . . and he’s always willing.”

Kathe glanced at the clock. “Is he punctual?”

“He’ll be here soon,” Erich stated, as if his coming meant nothing.

“Then I suppose we don’t have time to—”

“No,” he said tersely, and then his voice softened. “Or maybe we could make him wait.”

Seeing a hint of his dimples, Kathe smiled. She pressed a hand to his face, then leaned over the table to kiss him. He urged her onto his lap, kissing her over and over, until the knock at the door startled them. Erich briefly held her against him, saying softly, “Yes, he’s punctual.”

Kathe forced herself away. Erich rose and opened the door.

“Hello, Erich,” Georg said, stepping inside. “Kathe,” he nodded toward her, and she attempted a smile. Georg quickly embraced Erich and added, “That was from your mother.”

“Did she give it to you personally?” Erich asked lightly.

“Actually, yes,” Georg smiled before his expression became severe. “How are you?”

Erich shrugged his shoulders, hardly daring admit to the truth verbally for fear of causing a scene. “I’m more concerned about Karl. What happened? Was it Little Karl or—”

Georg glanced at Kathe. “Little Karl fell out of a tree in the castle gardens.”

“Is he—” Kathe began.

“He’s going to be fine,” Georg assured her, and she relaxed somewhat. “He’s got a broken arm and some cracked ribs. Under the circumstances, we’ve got Theodor awfully busy at the castle, and your father is—”

“Yes, I know,” Kathe interrupted Georg’s obvious attempt to apologize for taking her away. “His work has been very consuming lately. Besides,” she forced a smile toward Erich, “what do they know about taking care of a hurt child?”

“Could you help me outside a few minutes?” Georg said to Erich, and they left Kathe alone to straighten what was already straight, and attempt to compose her threatening emotions.

“What else is going on?” Erich asked Georg as they approached the stable.

“Karl’s fall was not an accident,” he stated. “The tree limb had been weakened.”

“Heaven help us! What next?” Erich muttered.

“Beyond that it’s been pretty quiet, but we have a couple of spies that have been able to infiltrate this force that’s brewing. Unfortunately, they can’t get anywhere near the top, so we still have nothing that will help much. We only know that more men are joining every day.”

“Why can’t I just challenge Koenig to a duel and get it over with?” Erich snarled. “I think I’d prefer it to all this hiding and sneaking around.”

“If only it could be so easy. But then, that puts everything at a fifty-fifty chance. I don’t like those odds.”

“And what are the odds as it stands?” Erich asked, wondering if he wanted to know.

“That all depends,” Georg said in a tone that indicated he would say nothing more.

“Good heavens!” Erich exclaimed when he saw the three pack horses waiting to be unloaded. “How long am I staying?”

“It’s hard to say.” Georg began unloading the food and supplies, and Erich hurried to help him. “But this is just a precaution. We have to be—”

“Thorough. Yes, I know. Just promise me one thing, Georg. If you’re going to leave me up here to get snowed in, send Kathe back.”

Georg chuckled. “If it comes to that, we’ll see what we can do.”

It was a simple statement, but it gave Erich some hope. It only took a few minutes to unload the supplies and get Kathe’s horse saddled. Erich rode with them to the ridge and helped Kathe dismount. He held her tightly while Georg urged the horses through the crevice, then turned to take Kathe’s hand. She took a few steps forward, then turned and ran back.

“One more minute, please,” she cried, and Erich held her so tightly it hurt.

Kathe finally forced herself away, and Georg helped her into the crevice, turning back to say to Erich, “I’ll keep you informed. You take care of yourself.”

“You take care of my lady,” Erich said.

“The very best care,” Georg added, “I can assure you.”

Long after they were gone, Erich stood alone in the darkness, a thousand thoughts tumbling through his mind. The loneliness struck so suddenly, so intensely, he fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around his middle, groaning aloud. He lost track of the time as he knelt there on the ground, wondering what the future might hold. He finally returned to the lodge, reminding himself to be grateful that she had come, that they had been able to spend these days together. If only that could be enough.

Han declared that Lucky had been well named since the puppy made Stefan’s recovery come along even faster. Gradually a healthy color returned to the boy’s face, but since he had to remain in bed due to doctor’s orders, Lucky occupied Stefan’s time and kept him company.

A week after Lucky’s arrival, Maggie brought her son a glass of milk by request. As always, it came straight from the kitchen by her own hand to be certain that it was safe. She noted that Stefan drank half of it and left the rest on the bedside table before falling asleep.

Early the following morning, Maggie and Han were just coming awake when they heard their son scream.

“Mama!” Stefan yelled, and Maggie hurried into the room with Han close behind. “Mama!” he cried as she approached his bed.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Mama!” He pointed toward the puppy, lying motionless on the floor. “Lucky won’t wake up.”

Han knelt beside the puppy, and it took little to surmise that he was dead. He sighed and swallowed hard. It took great courage to look his son in the face and say, “I’m sorry, Stefan, but he’s gone.”

Stefan turned to his mother’s shoulder and cried while Han carefully picked up the puppy and took it away.

“It’s all right, darling,” she muttered, stroking his head, “we’ll get you another puppy.”

“But I love Lucky,” he sobbed.

Maggie held Stefan until Han returned. He stood by the bed, wondering what could have possibly happened. Glancing down, he saw the cup on the floor and something inside him wrenched.

“Stefan,” he said carefully, “when did your cup fall on the floor?”

“In the night my milk spilled,” he replied, then sniffled. “Lucky licked it up.”

Maggie tried to choke back the cry that came from deep within as Han met her eyes with terror in them. Stefan looked to his mother in surprise as a pathetic whimper escaped her lips.

“I thought you brought him his milk,” Han said.

“I did,” she said breathlessly.

“I only drank part of it,” Stefan said, “and set the rest on the table. In the night I reached for it, but it spilled and I went back to sleep.”

“I guess Lucky wasn’t so lucky after all,” Han said, and Maggie gave him a scolding glare. He glanced toward his son and added, “But Stefan was.”

Maggie put her hand over her mouth in an effort to suppress the emotion aching in her throat. When she realized her efforts were futile, she rushed from the room so she wouldn’t upset Stefan any further.

“What’s wrong with Mama?” Stefan asked.

“She’s just upset that Lucky died,” Han reassured him. “I’m going to go talk to Mama. I’ll come back in a while and tell you a story. Now, don’t eat or drink anything unless one of the family brings it to you.”

“I won’t,” Stefan said, and Han left the room.

Cameron and Georg both came to their feet when Maggie flew into the office wearing a nightgown and wrapper, her hair down.

“I can’t take it anymore,” she cried. “Must we go on day after day, wondering if we will all survive until the next?”

“What happened?” Cameron insisted.

“Do you think if they . . . if they . . .” Her emotion flooded forward. “If they do away with Stefan, will Gerhard be next? If my baby is a boy will they kill it too?” She hit her fists on the desk and cried out, “How much do we have to sacrifice for this country?”

Cameron was too stunned to demand what had brought this on. He could only put his arms around his daughter and let her cry, hating the reality of her questions. Georg met his eyes across the room, and an unspoken empathy passed between them.

Han burst into the room, then stopped. Maggie remained oblivious to his presence as she cried like a child on her father’s shoulder.

“Perhaps you could tell us what brought this on,” Georg said quietly.

Han bowed his head and swallowed hard. “Stefan left half a cup of milk on the bedside table. It spilled in the night and the puppy licked it up. The puppy is dead.”

Panic leapt into Georg’s eyes as he looked at Cameron again with dread. Maggie eased away, and Han put his arm around her while Cameron stood silently with his arms folded.

“What did you tell Nik Koenig once about hunting him down and hanging him?” Han asked bitterly.

Cameron swallowed hard, and Georg answered for him. “I fear that any aggressive move now would only put this force of his out for vengeance, and we’d be worse off in the long run. We have proof of nothing.”

“Too bad the Italians didn’t execute him while they had the chance,” Han added.

“What happened?” Abbi rushed into the room, having heard the ruckus.

Han repeated the story, and Abbi sat down carefully as she absorbed what this meant.

“You know what we have to do, Georg,” Cameron said.

“Yes, I know. When?”

“Tonight.”

Cameron sat behind his desk and looked around at the expectant faces of those he loved, all waiting to hear what he and Georg had already discussed as a possible option. He reached his hand out to take Abbi’s before he spoke.

“Maggie,” he said softly. “We’re going to get you and the children out of here. It is not worth the risk any longer. If you are safe, we can concentrate on handling the rest straight on. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she said, and her eyes moved to Han.

“He’s got to stay with me,” Cameron answered her silent question. “But it’s only temporary. Hopefully, we will get this under control very soon.

“Han,” he added, turning toward him.

“Yes?”

“I want you to help Maggie and the children pack some things . . . practical things.” Han nodded.

“Cameron,” Abbi said with concern, “you’re not going to . . .”

“I most certainly am.”

“But she . . . she could have the baby soon.”

“It won’t be for a while yet.”

“She’s been known to come early before. Cameron, she’s—”

“They’ve got to get out of here! We’re being undermined from the inside and . . .” He stopped himself and softened his tone. “I’m sending you, as well. You can take care of her.”

Abbi’s eyes widened, but she made no protest.

“I know you already know this,” Georg said, “but remember, no one else—no one—must know. It is essential if this is to succeed.”

Han and Maggie nodded their understanding.

“Han, you keep an eye on Stefan.” Cameron rose and moved toward the door. “I’ll come and get you when it’s time to go. Come along, Abbi, we have things to see to.”

Abbi followed Cameron out, while Han and Maggie returned to Stefan’s room.

“Han,” she said in the hallway, “I’m so afraid. I don’t want to leave you.”

“It won’t be for long,” he said as reassuringly as he could manage. “I don’t want you to go. But our fathers know what they’re doing. We must trust them.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“After all,” he added lightly, “they did arrange our marriage.”

Maggie smiled, and they moved into Stefan’s room to find him looking depressed and upset.

“Stefan,” Han said in a jovial tone, “your Grandpapas thought you might enjoy going on an adventure.” The child’s eyes widened. “Would you like that?”

“Can I get out of bed?”

“Yes, but you’ll have to be careful. I know you can’t walk, but do you think you can ride?”

“Of course I can. When do we get to go?” he asked.

“Not until Grandpapa tells us it’s time to go, but we’ll pack some things for you so you’re ready. You mustn’t tell anyone however, or you’ll ruin the fun.”

Stefan nodded firmly, and Maggie squeezed Han’s hand. Han moved close and held her, trying to offer comfort, but he was dying inside to think of being without her and the children. And amidst it all, he wondered what Horstberg might suffer through all of this. If that weren’t bad enough, that wretched dream of Abbi’s just had to pop into his mind at moments like this. He didn’t know what it meant—if anything—but he didn’t like it.

At half past two in the morning, the servants had all retired and Castle Horstberg was mostly dark. The duke went to Stefan’s room to find Han and Maggie waiting with the children.

“Come along,” he whispered, “quietly.”

Han picked up the bags while Maggie held Gerhard and Hannah’s hands, and Cameron lifted Stefan up to carry him. They went to the room where the duke and duchess slept. Abbi was there waiting.

“Say your good-byes,” Cameron said softly to Han. “I’ll need you to come with me—right now.”

Han turned to Maggie, who was already crying, and hugged her desperately.

“I love you,” Maggie whispered. “Be careful. Don’t get hurt. I need you.”

“I’ll be fine,” he smiled, but she saw mist in his eyes. “You take care of that baby . . . and you too.”

“I will.”

“I love you, Maggie.”

They held each other again, and Cameron cleared his throat.

Han knelt down to embrace Hannah. “Be careful, Papa,” she said.

Han nodded. “You help your mother now, princess. And remember how much Papa loves you.” He turned to Gerhard. “Do you think you can be good to your brother?” Gerhard begrudgingly nodded, and Han chuckled. “I love you, son. You’re five years old now, and I’m trusting you to take good care of Mama and Stefan . . . and Hannah, too.”

Gerhard hugged his father tightly, then turned to Cameron. “Can we go on our adventure now, Grandpapa?”

“In a few minutes,” Cameron replied.

Han took Stefan in his arms. “I love you, son. I’m counting on you to be very brave and watch out for the family while I can’t be with you.”

Stefan nodded stoutly.

Han turned to the duchess and hugged her as well. He turned again to Maggie, kissed her desperately, despite the spectators, then left quickly with the duke. He followed him for what seemed like forever, until they came to the south turret and began winding up stairs that went on and on. Entering the room at the top, Han was surprised to see a cote of pigeons, writing material, and very little of anything else.

He watched silently as the duke wrote a short message stating: Coming with five. Be prepared to receive them. Leaving now.

He folded the paper very small, then tied it to the leg of a pigeon, which flew from his hands out a high window into the night.

“You wait here, Han. Erich’s waiting for that message. You should get a reply before long. If the reply says: Waiting, shine that lantern in the window and cover it twice for the signal.” Han nodded. “If the reply says: Don’t come, shine the lantern but do nothing with it.”

“I understand.”

“If everything is all right, we’ll be leaving with your signal; then you’ve got to wait—and it will be quite some time, so make yourself comfortable—until you get another message that says they’ve arrived safely. When you get it, send another back that acknowledges you’ve received his message. Can you handle it?”

“Yes, sir,” Han stated with confidence.

“Good,” Cameron said. “I’m off then. After you send the final message, meet me in my office. We’ve some things to discuss. If I’m not there, wait. We’ll get some sleep tomorrow.”

Han nodded, and Cameron turned to leave. “Father,” Han said, “tell her once more that I love her.”

“I will,” Cameron smiled, then left Han alone with the pigeons.

Cameron went back to his rooms where the women and children were waiting. Abbi seemed calm and at ease, and the children were excited, apparently not at all tired after being awakened at two in the morning. But Maggie seemed distraught.

“Han said to tell you he loves you,” Cameron said right off, and Maggie showed a degree of relief. “Come on, let’s go.”

Maggie glanced once more at the painting she had been admiring while they’d waited. It was an abstract piece—her mother’s first, and her father had often called it, Our Horstberg. It was a fair depiction of the valley, with the castle and the river and many other details, yet she wondered where her mother would have ever seen it from that perspective.

Maggie didn’t notice what her father was doing until she heard the children gasp, and she turned to see that a tapestry had been pulled aside, and part of the stone wall had opened like a door. Cameron stood aside gallantly and smiled toward Abbi. “You first, my dear. Surely you remember the way.”

“I’d rather not think about the last time I went through here,” she replied. Holding a lantern, Abbi went through the door, and Gerhard followed with Maggie close behind, quite in awe of the narrow passageway they were walking in. Cameron sent Hannah ahead of him then came last with Stefan in his arms.

“How are you, Rusty?” he asked.

“This is fun,” Stefan replied.

Cameron chuckled. “Are you all right, Maggie?” he called ahead.

“It’s a bit stuffy,” she replied, “but I’m fine.”

The passageway seemed to go on and on. At last they stopped, and Abbi called back. “How do I get this open?”

“Push on the stone that sticks out a little at the bottom . . . to the left.”

Maggie heard her mother groan, soon followed by stone sliding against stone, and fresh air struck them. They came into the darkness at the bottom of the hill that supported the castle, and when the opening they’d just come through was closed, it was impossible to see it from the way it blended into the hillside.

Georg was waiting with horses and the lantern was quickly extinguished. “Have you seen the signal yet?” Cameron asked as they helped everyone mount.

“Not yet.”

They waited for a few minutes while Georg occasionally strained his neck to look up. “That’s it,” he said, “let’s go.”

They rode slowly and quietly as Georg had instructed, with him at the head of the party and Cameron riding behind.

Maggie noted they were soon in thick forest on a trail which seemed unused and barely wide enough for a horse to pass through. Her curiosity was driving her mad, but Georg had told them to be still, and she dared not speak. She didn’t know where she’d been expecting them to go, but this was not it. Thinking it through, she wondered if their destination was the mountain lodge where her parents had met. Rather than taking too much time to speculate over it, Maggie’s thoughts went to Han. Already she missed him dreadfully. She grew weary and a deep ache seeped into her back. She was wondering if they would ever arrive at their destination when a huge meadow opened up and the trees moved behind them.

Georg broke into a gallop with instructions for them to follow more slowly. Maggie could barely see him dismount below what looked like a long ridge. When they rode closer to him, he was pulling thick foliage away to reveal a crevice in the rock.

Cameron helped them dismount, and then he took Abbi’s hand and smiled. “You first, my love. This is where it all started.”

“Really, Cameron. You say that every time we come here.”

“Well, it’s the truth. Isn’t it, Georg?”

“It’s the truth,” Georg said, taking Stefan out of the saddle. “But I’ll never forgive you for having such a good time while I thought she was dead.”

“This must be the famous spot,” Maggie said to her father, “where you saved Mother’s life.”

“Your mother can tell you about it all over again,” Cameron said as he disappeared into the narrow crevice, holding Abbi’s arm firmly. “You’ll have lots of time for things like that.”

They were gone for several minutes before Cameron reappeared and took Hannah, then Gerhard. While Maggie remained with Georg, she said, “When you get back, tell Han that I love him.”

“I will.” Georg kissed Maggie on the cheek.

Cameron returned again and took Maggie’s arm. “Be careful,” he said, “you’re the most fragile one.”

She held on to him tightly, realizing they were climbing through a narrow rock crevice that went steeply upward. Georg followed close behind carrying Stefan, and at the top, he turned Stefan over to Cameron and went back down.

“Bring the horses through,” Cameron shouted, and Maggie heard Georg ushering them somewhere behind her. Cameron helped everyone mount again, then called to Georg, “Wait right there. I won’t be long.”

Cameron took the reins of Abbi’s horse and led it while walking through sparse forest that was now oak and beech trees rather than the thick pines they had been in earlier. Maggie and the children followed close behind.

They rode only a few minutes before the smell of chimney smoke hit Maggie’s senses. Suddenly the trees moved behind, and sitting in the moonlight, against a steep rise of the mountain, was a lodge, larger than the cottage where she and Han had stayed in the Black Forest. They all dismounted, and Abbi moved naturally toward the door before stopping.

“What are you waiting for?” Cameron asked.

“You always carry me over the threshold when we come here. That’s what I’m waiting for.”

Cameron laughed and picked up his wife, and then he kicked open the door and carried her in. Erich was there to greet them, full of hugs and smiles.

“I’m sure glad to see you,” he said. “This place is torture, being alone.”

“I don’t feel a bit sorry for you,” Cameron said with a smirk, and he went back out to get Stefan.

“Hey!” Erich laughed when Cameron brought Stefan through the door and set him on the sofa. “You look great.”

“We’ve been on an adventure,” Stefan said.

“Did you get all of the extra bedding and food that Georg brought up?” Cameron asked Erich.

“I’ve got it.”

“You have everything you need, then?”

“We’ll manage,” Erich said.

“You let me know if you need anything and we’ll find a way to get it here.”

“I could really use Kathe,” he said a little too seriously. “But I think it’s going to be a bit crowded.”

Cameron put a hand on his shoulder and said quietly, “We’re doing everything we can.”

“I know.” Erich forced a smile. “We’ll keep in touch.”

Cameron patted him on the back, then gave Maggie and each of the children a hug. “I’m going to miss you, Abilee,” he said, using his wife’s full name as he took her into his arms.

“I’ve never been here without you.” Tears showed in her eyes.

“It won’t be too long . . . I hope.”

“I’ve heard you say that before.” She smiled sadly, and he chuckled with very little humor.

“I love you,” he whispered and kissed her.

Cameron gave a few more instructions to Erich, then left in the night to return with Georg.

“Well,” Abbi said, “let’s get settled in here so we can all get some much-needed sleep. Maggie, you must have the bed. It’s upstairs. Come along.”

“There’s only one bed?” she asked.

“That’s right.”

“But where are the rest of you going to sleep?”

“I will use one sofa, and Stefan the other. They’re quite large and comfortable. Erich’s made bedrolls for Gerhard and Hannah near the sofas, and Erich—”

“Gets the floor,” he called after them.

Abbi turned and smiled. “Your father wouldn’t feel a bit sorry for you,” she said.

“I suspected he wouldn’t.” He smirked.

“Now run along and get that message sent to Han,” Abbi said.

“Tell him I love him,” Maggie cried impulsively.

Erich gave a comical nod of disgust and left the lodge, calling over his shoulder, “I don’t feel a bit sorry for you.”

Han realized the duke hadn’t been kidding when he’d said it would take a long time to get the reply. It was only his anxiety over the situation that kept him awake, and he was more than a little relieved to see the pigeon finally appear. Quickly he removed the message which read: Five received. All is well. M loves you.

Han sighed, feeling incredibly lonely as he scribed a quick reply: Message received. H loves M.

Abbi awoke soon after dawn by habit. She could see from the sofa where she was lying that the children were sleeping soundly, but Erich wasn’t there. She sat up and turned to see him standing near the window.

“Are you all right?” she whispered, startling him.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he replied softly.

“You didn’t wake me.” She moved to his side and put her arms around him. “Are you all right?” she repeated.

Erich smiled at his mother. “It’s nice to have you here.”

“I missed you, too. But that’s not what I asked.”

Erich turned back to gaze out the window.

“You’re missing Kathe,” she said, and he nodded. “She was here.”

“Yes, she was here.”

“I thought the lodge looked in terribly good order . . . considering.”

Erich chuckled. “She has a way of smoothing over my rough edges.”

“She has been a blessing in your life.” Abbi touched his face. “For that matter, she has added something to all of our lives. She is a marvelous addition to our family.”

Erich couldn’t help the cynical tone as he retorted, “Yes, but it’s not safe for her to be a du Woernig, so . . .”

“I know this is difficult for you.”

“This is hell for me, quite frankly. Part of me just wants to steal her away in the night and never look back.” He sighed. “But I could never do it.”

“Never?” she questioned. “What if Horstberg were lost to you, and there was no going back?”

He thought about it. “I could only answer that if I knew it were true. At this moment, I feel as if a piece of my heart has been torn out. I imagine Nik Koenig controlling the welfare of all those people and my stomach just turns to knots.”

“Then you can understand the anguish your father experienced through the years he was banished.”

“Yes, I believe I can . . . at least to a degree. But I’m not sure I have the same strength and courage. I feel more like a lost little boy.”

“I believe he felt much the same way, Erich. It’s a difficult position to be in.” Abbi saw something uncertain come into his eyes, and she asked, “What else is troubling you?”

As always, Erich was amazed by her perception. “There are moments, in spite of the way it tears at me, when I just want to turn my back on all of it.” He inhaled deeply. “Am I less of a man because a part of me wishes I didn’t have to be responsible for a country? I long for a life free of complications.” He chuckled humorlessly. “At this point, I just long for a life.” His tone became severe. “I wonder sometimes if I really have what it takes to be the ruler of a country. In spite of my training, I fear I will never be able to fill my father’s position . . . even if the opportunity came.”

“Erich,” she said gently, “fears and doubts are human. They make us look at ourselves and take inventory. You cannot possibly understand a lifetime all at once, and you mustn’t be hard on yourself for feeling confused and discouraged under the duress of such circumstances.”

Erich didn’t look convinced. She continued gently, “If you trust in your feelings, and follow your instincts, I believe that you will find peace . . . even if things don’t work out the way you might want, or expect them to.”

Erich looked into his mother’s eyes and hugged her tightly. “Where do you come up with such wisdom?”

Abbi chuckled humbly. “I just struggle through my life like everybody else. I only know that my instincts have never let me down if I truly listen to what they’re telling me.”

“And what do your instincts tell you about what we are facing now?”

Erich saw something briefly pass through her eyes that sent a chill down his back. It was quickly replaced by perfect confidence as she stated, “I’m certainly no prophet, but I believe that Horstberg will be at peace . . . eventually. What may happen in the meantime, we have no way of knowing.”

“And what about me, Mother? What do your instincts tell you about me?”

Erich wondered if he imagined the emotion that passed quickly over her expression before she glanced down. “You must follow your own feelings, Erich. What do you believe?”

“I don’t know.” He sighed. “Is it instinct or my own fears and doubts that tell me I will never wear that crown?”

Abbi only tightened her hold on him, leaving his question unanswered.

Life in the mountain lodge quickly fell into a routine. And Maggie hated it—mostly because she missed Han. She was grateful for the training Han had given her in the Black Forest, which made it easier to adjust to being without servants. She did her best to keep busy and help her mother with the meals and upkeep, but her pregnancy was getting more uncomfortable by the day, and she found it difficult to do little but lie down, which was becoming terribly tedious.

Erich did well in keeping the children entertained, and he had them outdoors much of the time during the days. In the evenings, they found diversion sitting by the fire while Abbi told them about her experiences in this lodge. Maggie and Erich had heard it all before, but being here made it more fascinating, and the children were enthralled and full of questions.

“Did Grandpapa really save your life when you got lost in the blizzard?” Gerhard asked.

“He certainly did.”

“Why was he hiding here?” Stefan asked.

“Because his brother had framed him for a crime, and he couldn’t stay in Horstberg.”

“I hope you don’t ever do that to me,” Stefan said to Gerhard.

“Of course he wouldn’t,” Maggie insisted.

“Was Grandpapa handsome back then?” Hannah asked.

“He still is.” Abbi laughed softly.

“Did he kiss you?” Hannah added.

“He certainly did.”

“He’d have been a fool not to,” Erich piped in.

“Why did you have to stay here all winter?” Gerhard asked.

“When the pass through the crevice is full of snow, you can’t go through it.”

“What if it snows before we can go home?” Hannah sounded fearful.

“I think we will be able to go home before then,” Abbi assured her. “And I think it’s time you children went to sleep.”

They reluctantly got into their makeshift beds, but there was a chorus of complaints until Erich said to his mother, “Do what you used to do when I didn’t want to go to sleep.”

Abbi smiled at him, then said to the children, “If you all hurry into bed, I’ll sing you a song that your grandfather wrote for Uncle Erich before he was born.”

The tactic worked, and Erich grinned as he turned to help Maggie up the stairs.

“How are you feeling?” he asked as she sat slowly on the edge of the bed.

“Awful. As if it weren’t bad enough to be in this condition, I have to be without Han. This is his baby, you know. He should be hearing me complain and rubbing my feet. He should be every bit as miserable as I am.”

She said it lightly, but Erich didn’t miss the reality in her eyes. If she missed Han half as much as he missed Kathe, he could well imagine her misery.

“Would you unlace my shoes?” she asked. “I simply can’t reach them, and my feet are killing me.”

“It would be a pleasure, Your Highness.” He chuckled and knelt on the floor to remove her shoes. He rubbed her feet while she rambled about how swollen they got being pregnant in the summer, as opposed to being pregnant in the winter.

“Oh, you’re almost as good at that as Han is. I’ll have to tell Kathe to insist on a foot rub when we get back.”

“Why don’t you do that,” he said, liking the idea of being with her at all. “Tell me what the two of you did together after I left.”

“What was there to do?” she asked. “I’m too fat to do much of anything. The castle was like one big booby trap. We hardly dared move. Of course, she made a lot of lace. She can sure release nervous energy with that little shuttle, I’m telling you.”

Erich continued to rub his sister’s feet while his mind conjured up a clear image of Kathe.

“She really is a wonderful girl, Erich. I wonder what we ever did without her. It’s a pity you didn’t find her years ago.”

“Amen,” he murmured, wondering how long this dreadful waiting would go on.

“I want the servants watched,” the duke said firmly to his highest-ranking officers, gathered around looking glum. “If one of them leaves the castle, I want them followed.”

“We will have to put the men on double shifts,” Captain Dukerk stated.

“Do whatever you have to,” the duke insisted. “If anyone from this castle goes anywhere near Nik Koenig, I want to know about it immediately.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” the captain replied.

“That’s all for now,” the duke added, and his men filed out.

“Do you really believe that will solve the problem?” Georg asked.

“No,” Cameron nearly shouted, “I don’t! But I don’t know what else to do!” Georg said nothing and Cameron bowed his head, drawing a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Georg.”

“There is no need to apologize. I know how you feel.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.” Cameron sighed. “And you should also know that you’ve always been the brains behind this operation. If you don’t know what to do, then I certainly don’t know what to do.”

Georg sighed as well. “Maybe we should have had the servants followed a long time ago.”

“Maybe we should have,” Cameron said. “But stewing over what we should have done isn’t going to do us any good now.”

“It’s inevitable, isn’t it.” Han piped in, playing idly with the drapery cord that hung near his chair.

“What is?”

“War. We’re going to have to fight.”

“I pray we come up with an alternative before that happens,” Cameron said grimly.

“Now that’s a good idea,” Han said, coming to his feet.

“Where are you going?” Georg asked.

“To pray,” he said. “Where else could I possibly go?”

Georg stood up and followed him.

“Where are you going?” Cameron asked.

“I’m going with him.”

Cameron came to his feet and followed them to the castle chapel, where they all sat in contemplative silence for the better part of the afternoon.

Cameron lay in the middle of the huge bed, staring blankly into the darkness above him. The nights he’d spent alone here in the past thirty-two years were few, and he hated it. No matter how he tried, he just couldn’t sleep.

The banging on his door came as a welcome reprieve.

“Who is it?” he called, pulling on his breeches.

“It’s Captain Dukerk,” came the reply.

“What?” Cameron demanded, opening the door as he slid into a shirt.

“We’ve come upon something that might interest you.”

“Wait for me in the office. I’ll be right down.”

“Yes, sir,” he said, already on his way down the hall.

Cameron entered his office and stopped abruptly to see the little maid sitting in a chair, nearly trembling, while two officers stood at attention on either side of her. It was easy to tell what had happened. A quick nod from the captain confirmed it.

“Heidi, isn’t it?” the duke asked, placing his hands behind his back.

“Yes, Your Grace,” she said quietly.

“Dare I ask what you’re doing out and about at three in the morning?”

She silently turned her eyes to the captain, and he gave her a hard glare. “The duke asked you a question, miss,” he said sternly.

“I swear to you, Your Grace,” she blurted, “I don’t have anything to do with this. I swear it.”

“Simply answer His Grace’s question,” the captain added after Cameron sighed impatiently.

Heidi turned fearful eyes toward the duke. “I went out to meet a friend. While I was there, these brutes,” she eyed the officers at her sides, “barged in and arrested me.”

“Who was . . . this friend?” Cameron asked.

Again Heidi turned to the captain, as if to ask if she really had to answer that. “Speak up, miss,” he insisted.

“Nik Koenig,” she said with her head bent forward.

“I see,” Cameron said, pretending to be surprised. “And to what does Mr. Koenig owe the pleasure of your nocturnal visit?”

Heidi drew back her shoulders. “I love him, Your Grace. And if you want my opinion, I think your assumptions that he is—”

“If His Grace wanted your opinion,” Captain Dukerk said brashly, “he would ask for it.”

“That’s right,” the duke agreed, and he bent forward and looked the maid right in the eye. She turned away, and he said, “Look at me!” She did, and he lowered his voice. “I want to know if you have any knowledge whatsoever concerning the accidents that have taken place in this castle. And bear in mind, miss, that you are as good as under oath. If I find out you have lied to me in any way, you will pay sorely.”

The duke waited quietly without taking his eyes from hers. Finally she answered, “I already told you. I have nothing to do with this.”

“Let me rephrase my question,” Cameron said. “You are being accused of treason. If you are guilty, we will find out whether you tell us or not. There are two things that can happen to people found guilty of treason. The first, and most popular, is a firing squad. The second is the exchange of one’s life in return for valuable information.”

Cameron watched her eyes closely, and instinct told him she was lying. The fear in her expression went far too deep for genuine innocence. But mingled with the fear in her eyes was a subtle defiance, an undeniable arrogance that reminded him of her boyfriend.

“Do you wish to change your statement?” Cameron asked.

Heidi hesitated. “No, sir, I don’t.”

Cameron leaned back and drew a heavy sigh, wondering what Nik Koenig did to make his acquaintances so blasted loyal. Or was she more afraid of Mr. Koenig than she was of him?

“If you will excuse us for a moment,” Cameron said.

Cameron nodded toward Captain Dukerk, who followed him out of the room.

“What do you think, Lance?” he asked quietly when they were alone in the hallway.

“If it’s true that she loves him, she’s got to know something.”

“Yet I can’t just assume she’s lying. If I put her in the keep, what good will it do me? I suspect he doesn’t love her nearly as much as she thinks he does. He would probably just leave her to rot.” They remained thoughtfully silent a moment until Cameron said speculatively, “If I were to pretend that I believe her and we let her go, perhaps we could find out more eventually. If she went to see him once, surely she will again.”

“I can have my best team keep an eye on her. They do well at going unnoticed.”

“Sounds good to me,” Cameron said. “Let’s do it.”

Cameron went back into the office, and Heidi trembled visibly as he set his eyes upon her.

“I’m going to assume you’re telling me the truth,” the duke said, and she held her breath. “If I discover otherwise, I’m certain I’ll be seeing you again.”

“Do I still keep my job, Your Grace?”

“If you’ve been honest with me, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.” Cameron folded his arms. “You may leave.”

“May I see to my previous appointment,” she asked, coming to her feet, “or will I be arrested again?”

Cameron only motioned casually toward the door, and Heidi was apparently oblivious to the challenge in his expression.

“Heidi,” Cameron stopped her, “take some advice. Find yourself a nice guy. Nik Koenig is nothing but trouble.”

Her eyes betrayed that she didn’t dare say what she wanted to, and then she scurried down the hall.

Cameron glanced toward Captain Dukerk once they were alone. “I know you’re well aware of what we’re up against,” Cameron said.

“Yes, sir.”

Cameron sighed. “It’s been more than thirty years since you and I have had to face something so ominous.”

“It has been a good thirty years,” the captain said.

“Yes, it has. I just want you to know, whatever happens, I am deeply indebted to you. You’ve been a true friend, Lance.”

“And you have been the same to me, Cameron.”

Cameron smiled. The two of them shared a deep and special bond for a number of reasons, and he very much appreciated the way they always used given names when they were alone or with family. Still, that couldn’t begin to express the gratitude and devotion he felt toward this man who had never let him down in all the years they’d shared—both professionally and personally.

“Whatever you decide to do,” the captain said, “I’m behind you all the way.”

“Yes, I know. And that means more to me now than it has since the night you . . .”

Cameron hesitated, and Lance added, “Killed your brother. Yes, I know.”

“And saved Abbi,” Cameron added. “And the country, for that matter.” He sighed as the memories hovered too close to the present situation. Changing the subject, he said, “So, how is your family, Captain? I know your youngest was ill.”

“He’s doing fine now, thank you.”

“Glad to hear it,” Cameron said. “And what have you heard from Dulsie?”

Lance’s face brightened. “She doing very well; better than I’d hoped, I’m glad to say. She’s being courted by a fine young man. I’ve met him and I must say I was impressed. She’s told him everything about her past and he is completely accepting of her. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

“I’m very glad to hear it,” Cameron said. “At our age, I dare say little means more than knowing our children are happy and well.”

“I would agree,” Lance said with a solemnity that brought to mind the present situation and how it was affecting their families. “I should tell you something I never thought I’d say, but . . . I’m grateful at the moment that my children have moved out of the country.”

“I agree.”

“I wish the same was possible for your family,” Lance said.

“It might come to that,” Cameron countered, and both men sighed at the same time, as if their thoughts were in perfect unison.

Cameron forced a lighter tone. “And how is your sweet wife? With all that’s been going on, I haven’t seen her for a while.”

“More beautiful every day.”

“Ah,” Cameron smiled, “it seems to happen that way, doesn’t it.”

“It certainly does. I take it Her Grace went with the others.”

“Yes,” Cameron said.

“Then I pray this will all be over very soon.”

“Amen,” Cameron muttered and went back to bed.

“Excuse me, sir.” Klara breathlessly stopped Han in the hall.

“What is it?” he asked, noting her distraught expression.

“One of the other maids was just hurt in the garden. I heard her cry out and went to see and . . . and . . . I think she’s hurt bad, sir. One of the archways in the garden wall collapsed

and . . .”

“Take me to her,” Han insisted, following Klara down the hall. He wasn’t surprised when she led him to an area in the garden where the children usually played. He felt relatively certain this accident had been intended for one of them. Han surveyed the situation quickly then told Klara, “You stay with her. I’ll send for the doctor and get someone to move her inside.”

When everything was under control and the injuries were reported as minor, Han checked out the scene of the accident again before going to the duke’s office.

“What’s wrong?” Cameron asked as soon as he saw his face. Captain Dukerk was also there, and his expression was grave as he waited for one more dire report.

“One of the maids was hurt in the garden. It doesn’t appear to be anything serious—some bruises, but . . .”

“But what?” Cameron insisted, seeming more upset than usual.

“I believe it was intentional.”

“Yes?”

“I think it was intended for one of the children.”

Cameron sighed and pushed his hand through his hair. “Well, let’s thank heaven they aren’t here.”

“There is something else,” Han said, and Cameron drew his eyes up intently.

“You know the little maid that you believe is responsible?”

“Heidi?”

“She’s the one who got hurt.”

Cameron’s eyes narrowed as the incongruity struck him. He sat down hard and ran his finger over his cheek thoughtfully.

“I want all of the servants evacuated.”

Han said nothing, almost thinking it was a joke. When he began to see that it wasn’t, he questioned, “You’re serious?”

“I am quite serious. The captain and I have already been discussing the possibility.”

“Where will we send them?” Han asked.

“Give them all an advance of some pay. Most of them have relatives or friends in Horstberg; in fact, many of them don’t actually live at the castle. Send the ones who don’t have a place to go to the inns and pubs. We’ll take care of the expenses in advance. Coordinate with Lieutenant Joerger on the details.”

“Also,” the captain said more to Cameron, “I wanted to tell you that Nadine has gone to visit Dulsie, and she will stay there for the time being. I didn’t want her here . . . with all that’s happening.”

“Of course,” Cameron said and sighed. “You bring up an important point. We also need everyone who lives in the castle apartments evacuated.”

Han knew well enough that the apartments were used by families of high-ranking officers and servants. He’d grown up in one of them. But he knew they were talking about a great deal of people. “Again,” Cameron added, “if they have nowhere to go, we will make arrangements. If I have to pay for it personally I will—anything to keep them as safe as possible.”

“I can help with the arrangements,” Captain Dukerk said and came to his feet. “We should see to it right away.”

Han knew the reasons but still found himself asking, “Why must we take such drastic measures?”

“I won’t have anyone else getting hurt,” Cameron said. “That’s why.”

Han knew there was something more. He had to ask, “And?”

Cameron faced him directly. “The captain just informed me that one of the men sent out to keep an eye on Mr. Koenig’s girlfriend came in this morning with a bullet in his gut.”

Han swallowed hard, and Cameron went to the window. Bringing his hands behind his back, he continued, “Nothing was discovered concerning the maid, but he did manage to tell us what he did find out before he . . . died.”

“Dare I ask?” Han said quietly. With all they had been through, he couldn’t recall Cameron’s voice ever sounding quite so despaired.

“Rumor has it that there is a force equal to, if not greater than, the Guard. And they have plans to invade the castle sometime in the coming week.”

Han said nothing. That number of men was far more than they had initially believed were involved. What could he possibly say to the Duke of Horstberg when Horstberg was on the brink of possibly being destroyed?

“Have the servants and all of the apartments evacuated,” Cameron repeated. Han left with the captain to see to it.

Cameron sat quietly in his office until Georg came to join him. Then they both sat quietly.

Distant noises drew Cameron to the window, and he watched as the castle gate groaned to a close.

Cameron commented. “I don’t ever recall seeing it shut since the night we reclaimed the castle, and that was only for a short while. In all my years, there has been no need.”

“That should say something of the success you have had as a ruler,” Georg attempted to offer a positive note.

“And now?” Cameron turned toward him.

“Now we will pray that your success will continue.”

“Georg?”

“Yes, Cam?”

“If a captain is to go down with his ship, where does that leave us?”

“With a terrible choice,” Georg replied, and Cameron said nothing more.

Theodor entered the parlor of his father’s home where Little Karl was sitting on the sofa, drawing pictures in a sketch-book that Stefan had given him.

“Papa! You’re here early.”

“Hello, Karl.” Theodor smiled. “And how are you feeling?”

“My arm hardly hurts anymore, but my ribs still hurt, so Kathe says I need to sit as still as possible. But she said I can sit in the garden with her tomorrow and help a little bit.”

“That’s great.” Theodor hugged the child carefully and looked up to see Kathe in the doorway.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, noting his expression.

“You keep working on that picture,” Theodor said to Karl. “I’m going to help Kathe for a few minutes.”

He walked toward the kitchen, and Kathe followed. “What’s wrong?” she repeated, wringing her hands nervously. “What’s happened?”

Theodor sat down at the table and motioned for Kathe to do the same. She moved methodically to a chair, her heart pounding as he met her eyes gravely. “Is Erich—” she began to ask, but he interrupted.

“I assume Erich is still fine . . . wherever he is.”

“And the family? Are they—”

“I haven’t seen the women or children for days.”

Kathe’s eyes widened.

“The duke and Han and Georg have been taking meals in the office. I think the rest of them are gone. I assume they went wherever Erich is.”

“Most likely,” she muttered more to herself, trying to imagine the entire family existing in the lodge.

“And,” Theodor continued, “the duke just had all of the servants dismissed temporarily.”

“Dismissed?” she gasped. “Whatever for?”

“I don’t know.” Theodor shook his head. “But whatever’s going on, it must be serious. Perhaps the rumors are true.”

“What rumors?” she asked warily. While it was evident she probably knew more than he did, she was curious as to what he did know.

“From what I hear, the threat of revolution is imminent.” Theodor took her hand across the table, startling her from deep thought. “You’re frightened,” he stated.

“Yes, I’m frightened. What if . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

Theodor squeezed her hand, attempting to offer comfort, but Kathe stood abruptly to find something to occupy herself with; otherwise, she would fall apart. Her longing for Erich was only emboldened by the questions that haunted her unceasingly. If the country did fall to the hands of revolutionaries, what would happen to her future? Where would that leave Erich and his family? Would she ever see them again? It was all so unsettling that she could feel nothing beyond despair.

Abbi awoke with a fearful gasp, and then she sighed when she realized where she was. A quick glance told her that all of the children were well and sleeping soundly.

“What is it, Mother?” Erich’s voice came from the darkness.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Did I wake you?”

“No,” he answered. “Is something wrong?”

“Just a bad dream,” she replied.

Erich’s heart quickened at the thought. “Why don’t you tell me about it?” he urged, wondering if he wanted to know.

Abbi hesitated, then said quietly, “It was the same as before. You remember. The castle lost its soul. I was walking the halls as if they went on forever, but no one was there.” Erich heard her emotion through the darkness and squeezed his eyes shut, wanting to block out the fear and dread he was feeling, not to mention the memory of his own dreams.

“Was that all?” he asked, trying to keep his voice light.

“Someone was in pain,” she whispered. “I don’t know who, but someone I love was in a great deal of pain.”

Silence prevailed for several minutes before Erich asked, “Will you be all right?”

“Yes, of course,” she replied. “Try and get some sleep.”

Erich said nothing more, but Abbi knew that he was as restless as she and that their heads were spinning with similar thoughts. The unspoken fears were sinking in a little deeper each day. Messages were received from the castle regularly, but they were short and cryptic, and rarely did anything personal come through. Still, it was evident that things were getting worse. They had been informed that Nik Koenig had a substantial revolutionary force, and by word of an espionage courier, who had given the message with his last breath, they were planning to invade the castle and take over, with confidence that they would succeed.

Though it was rarely voiced, Abbi grew increasingly fearful of what might happen. The waiting and wondering seemed endless and tormenting.

When word came that a servant had been injured by one of the traps, as Cameron called them, Abbi became terribly upset. Word came only hours later that Cameron had dismissed all of the servants temporarily to avoid bringing further harm to anyone; the apartments had been evacuated, and the castle had been sealed off. Only officers of the Guard were carefully allowed in and out as their shifts changed.

The dream was coming to pass, Abbi thought over and over as she stared into the darkness above her. The castle was losing its soul. But when would they discover the source of the pain?

Han walked stealthily down a long hallway, hating the deadly quiet of the castle that had set in since the place had been closed up. He found Cameron sitting quietly in his office, staring blankly at a layout of the castle with despair in his eyes.

“Any messages from the mountain?” the duke asked.

“No. I assume everything’s fine.”

Cameron made no response, so Han asked, “What do we do now . . . Father?” He and Maggie had been married for years, but he still said it as if it were somehow comical.

“I wish I knew.” He gave a chuckle with no sign of humor. “I wish I could think of an alternative—any alternative—to handle what is facing us. I have tried to think of any other feasible possibility, and I’m thwarted. I suppose we have no choice. Damn!” he hit his fist against the desk.

“Does this mean we fight?”

“Unless you can think of something better.”

“I could try,” Han managed a smile, “but . . .”

“Well, we might as well just face it. We can’t wish it away. We’re just going to have to give it all we’ve got.”

“Maybe we have them outnumbered,” Han said, hoping to offer reassurance.

“But that doesn’t mean they won’t win. And in the process, it’s all just a lot of senseless killing. It’s a waste. My men don’t deserve to lose their lives because of that bastard! Their families don’t deserve it. But the end is nearing, I’m afraid. And I’m only grateful the women and children are safe.” He sighed. “Well, at least the women and children in our family are safe. I feel sick with worry over every other family in Horstberg. I’ve wondered if we should have officially posted something to notify the citizens and have them on the alert, to give them some kind of warning. But my gut tells me that any such information would only give more leverage to the revolutionaries.” He sighed again. “I don’t know. I really don’t know. And that’s what I hate most of all. I rule this country. I should know what to do.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know, either,” Han said, praying with all his soul that he would never find himself in Cameron’s position.

Cameron stood to leave the room.

“Where are you going?” Han asked, hating this helpless feeling.

“I’m going to find your father and the captain,” he said. “If we’re going to fight, we’ve got to make it good. You wait here. We’ll be back to discuss this, and then I’m having all of the Guard called in.”

Han nodded, and Cameron left the room. Sitting on the edge of the desk with a heavy sigh, Han glanced down at the layout of Castle Horstberg spread out there, praying he could think of something that might give them an option. When a long scrutiny didn’t bring any brilliant ideas, Han leaned back and studied the office carefully, not certain if he was hoping the walls would give him an answer or if he was just absorbing the memories.