Against The Commissar: (Book II in The Winter Sniper Series) by James Mullins

Author:James Mullins [Mullins, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-25T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Evening, Karelia Finland, 10 Kilometers North of Kivenappa,

December 11th, 1939

After they broke their fast, the group continued heading southward. The kilometers quickly fell away as they made their way across the forested countryside on their skis. As night fell, they continued for a time by the light of the stars and the Aurora Borealis. The Aurora, a green ribbon that swirled and danced in the sky above them, provided a dull green glow that reflected off the snow-covered ground. Despite the fact that all four had seen the aurora many times during their life, they marveled at the sight.

“Have you ever noticed how the aurora is never the same?” Onni said.

“Aye, each night the colors are different.” Antti replied.

“As a little girl, I was so fascinated by the swirling green guardian of the heavens.” Nea said.

Curious Hale asked, “How so?”

Nea smiled at the question as it evoked a pleasant memory, “Every night when my mother put me to bed, I would look out the window. My bedroom had a window right above my bed and if I lay just right, I could see the sky through the clear panes of glass. Many a winter’s night I fell asleep watching the aurora as it danced across the sky.”

“I can imagine the smile on your face. Every time I look into your green eyes, I see a tiny piece of the aurora burning inside your soul.” Hale said.

“You two need to keep that kind of talk to yourselves.” Onni admonished.

Nea and Hale shared a glance, and then giggled. Nea then blew Hale a kiss and gave him a provocative wink. As if to say, Wait until later when they are asleep. These intentional acts of affection increased Onni’s discomfort.

They continued traveling for another hour until Antti said, “That’s enough for one day. Let’s gather some wood and build a fire. We should be safe, especially this far from the road.”

“I agree, though we should build the fire in a depression. No sense in taking a risk when we don’t have too. The depression will make the flames much harder to see from a distance. I’ll look around for the best spot for the fire, while the rest of you gather wood.” Onni said.

“You’re just trying to get out of work.” Hale quipped.

“Nonsense! I’m an expert at finding perfect campsites. I’m trying to keep you, that lovely bride of yours, and the child growing in her belly safe.” Onni replied.

Hale, now feeling guilty, put a reassuring hand on Onni's shoulder as he said, “Thank you my friend, I appreciate you wanting to keep us safe.”

“Horse shit!” Antti exclaimed, “You had him pegged the first time. He’s just trying to get out of some work. Nea can look for a suitable depression, while the rest of us gather firewood for the night.”

The three men split up and looked about the forest in search of dried wood from fallen trees. Skilled woodmen all, they quickly located several fallen trees and made quick work of them with their hatchets.

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