Light in the Dark

Denmark 1943

He had an assigned time to arrive so that should something happen, it wouldn’t effect the whole group. Crouched extremely low to the ground the man was trying to see through the woods while also trying not to create any noise. It was of grave importance that he did this; he had taken the dark clothes that he now wore days earlier and rubbed them up against plants and trees to create a mask against his scent. He was also praying that the tiny bundle pressed to his chest under the cloak did not stir.

There were vicious, cold-hearted dogs that had been trained to pick up scent and noise in these woods and the men with whom they were led by were just the same. Brain washed and had no feelings left, just a ferocious hollow outer shell, trained to find the ‘impure’, the Jews.

Guy had been lucky for this long. The German’s had dwelled in Denmark for some time and so he had lived. At one point most Jews in other countries were marked, branded, often with the star of David. It was thanks to the King that he had not had to wear the mark, but times had changed and his dear loved ones were just disappearing. They would leave for work and then never come home. This was the case for Guy’s sister Ariel and her husband, Frank; they had asked Guy to watch their infant daughter for the day, while they went to work.

Guy had agreed whole-heartedly, he loved his niece Lisle. She had the same smoky eyes that he had and the same dark curls. He knew that his sister had only asked that day because his love was out with the sea for the next week. He waited and waited and soon it was past 11 at night and he knew that he had just seen the last of his sister. He was the only relative that Lisle had and he knew that he had to care for the tiny thing cradled in his arms.

Weeks went by and then October came and so did a change in the Germans. Guy knew he needed to leave to save his and his adopted daughters life too. He bid his love good bye and snuck off into the darkness of the woods and began his journey towards freedom he hoped.

-Chris and Jonny-

Jonny sat on the floor looking over hand drawn maps and plans that had been created just a few weeks prior. It was the 14th time he had done so that day, but it was only a fix to help keep his nerves under control.

Chris was not like Jonny, he needed to move and so he had been quietly pacing around the room. The normal joyous, cheerful man was pensive and timid. He would occasionally stop at a window and adjust the black out curtain and then continue moving about.

The first few were due to arrive soon and then they would all be on pins and needles. While the two men were not Jewish the Germans frowned them upon, at least their kind was. Regardless, they had targets painted on their foreheads along with the Jews, just not as noticeable. Jonny and Chris were first approached 2 months ago; they were asked if they would help the Jews escape from the terror? Without thinking Jonny blurted out a resounding yes and now two months later here they were, waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Jonny looked up and saw Chris peeking out a window while biting his nails. He saw the worry lines across his forehead and the rare glimmers of doubt in his eyes. Jonny called out to Chris and bid him join him on the floor. Chris hesitated for a minute and then agreed and wondered towards him. The two men didn’t have to say a word they just sat leaning on each other listening to the others heart beating while there hands lay intertwined together.

-Will-

It was eerily quiet on the pier; all that could be heard was the soft gentle caressing hiss that each wave brought as it crashed against the shore. The strong man sat looking out across the way, he was trying to get a reading of the water. He knew that while water could appear calm and friendly it could be incredibly deceiving and tonight was not a night to maneuver that kind.

Satisfied the man readied his fishing boat for some of the most important things he would be transporting in his life. His ear twitched as he heard a sound, the man was quick and he silently slid below as he waited for the sound to disappear.

Two pairs of tall black boots strolled past the boat along with four paws. Will prayed that the dog would not detect his scent. As soon as he had done that the dog franticly started sniffing, the two men with whom the boots belonged to started whispering German to each other. Soon the sound of a gun being cocked echoed down to Will. He stopped breathing waiting for the sound of the gun being fired in his direction. Then nothing. The Nazi’s had left.

Will crept into his tiny living quarters and looked up at the picture of his love that he had carried with him always. He kissed his fingers and placed upon the picture as he said a silent prayer, that the night would go well and the packages would be delivered.

-It Begins-

Without any real means of light besides the faint glimmers from the moon, Guy was trying his absolute hardest to not trip over a root or rock. He had been wondering around the woods for a few hours looking for the little cottage. He was to arrive there at 1:15am. The tiny hands on his watch showed 12:50, and Guy was still unsure where he was in comparison with the cottage.
Stumbling on for a few more minutes he saw the outline of a stone cottage in a tiny clearing. He decided the safest plan was to hide in the shrubs until it was his time to go in. A fog crept in surrounding the area, creating a darker mood then was already present and sending shivers down Guy’s spine. He clutched the tiny girl closer to his chest to give her more warmth and protection from the cold. Every so often Guy swore he saw outlines of men, but then as soon as he blinked what he thought was there just seemed to evaporate. Guy blamed it on fatigue and stress, but something still lingered causing him to be slightly worried.

Finally his time came, and Guy followed his instructions very closely. He slinked around to the north side of the home, and stayed very low to the ground. Common outdoor objects were ‘casually’ strewn around the yard, but they were in such a pattern that a person could hide behind them on their way to the door of the home. Guy hid behind the first object of a wheel barrel. Waited a few seconds then continued on to a vast bush. This was the pattern until he was at the last object before the door. The instructions were very specific that he needed to make sure that no one was around, or he would risk not only his life, but also many others.

Guy was quick to cast his eyes around, looking deeply into the woods to see any thing. The fog prevented him from seeing much, but when he felt it was safe he ran to the door, two short knocks a pause and then one more knock. That was the code to let the people inside know who he was. What seemed like an eternity to Guy he stood there waiting? Then finally the door was opened a crack, no light was present just utter bone crushing darkness. Guy was swift; he pushed open the door and then silently closed it behind him. Leaning his back against the door he let out a heavy sigh of relief and then a small light was lit and ten pairs of eyes stared back at him.

“Are you Guy Berryman?”a voice whispered.

Guy swallowed hard and whispered back a timid “yes”

What followed next were about 3 more lights being lit and a warm drink placed in his hands.

“Well hello! I’m Jonny and this here is Chris and these are your new friends for a little bit of time!”

Guy cracked a tiny smile and thanked the men for the drink.

“Our comrade said you would not be alone? Said an infant would be with you?”

Lifting his cloak to the side he showed the two men the tiny sleeping infant girl in his arm. “She is a very good sleeper and will stay quiet for the journey.”

Chris wrinkled his brow and looked at Jonny, who in turn frowned.

-What-

“What? What are you not telling me?” Guy questioned. He tightened his grip on to the tiny baby to prevent him from lunging forward and ringing both men’s necks.

Jonny sighed and asked Guy to follow him upstairs.

Guy hesitated; he had only just met this man and was already being told to follow him upstairs? Away from the rest of the group? But there was just a hint of sorrow and understanding illuminating in Jonny’s eyes that he couldn’t help, but traipse after him.

Jonny lead him into a tiny bedroom at the top of the stairs. It was simple and quaint, but it had the feeling of home, where love was abundant and fruitful. He beckoned to the bed and had Guy sit down. He then walked over to a small hutch that held clothes. Behind the clothes hidden under sweaters was a small brown bottle. Jonny grasped the bottle and brought it out to Guy.

“She has to take two of these pills.” Jonny whispered as he looked down at his feet.

“Excuse me? Are you serious?” Guy retorted. “You’re probably poisoning her! No way will I give her those! I would rather face a Nazi then kill her!” Guy stood up and began to back towards the door.

“They aren’t poison. They are simply going to knock her out for a couple of hours so that she doesn’t give the group away.” Jonny whispered.

Guy’s hand was hovering over the door handle. He was debating whether this was true or false. Jonny didn’t seem like the kind of man who would lie.

“The man who organized this escape gave them to us, he told us of failed attempts in the past because infants stirred and cried and then entire groups of Jews were murdered.” Jonny exclaimed. “Please just have her take them, for the group downstairs, for her, and for the people we love.” He pleaded.

It was the last line that Jonny had said that changed Guy’s mind, his love would be waiting. Taking a look at the tiny infant in his arms with the dark brown curls, he saw his sister in her and he would do it for her too, for his people. “Alright, I will have her take them.” Guy said in almost a whisper as he crossed the room and stuck his hand out before Jonny’s.

Jonny rolled the pills around in the palm of his hand and then let them tumble into to Guy’s. He glanced up and felt his body tense as he watch Guy crumble the pills into almost a fine powder.

“I need some water to help it go down her throat.” Guy said flatly.

Jonny quickly nodded and went out of the room and then returned with a glass of water.

Guy poured a little water into Lisle’s mouth along with the pill dust and then some more water. The little girl swallowed and then Jonny’s body relaxed. He knew that what he had just given the girl was the same thing that was given to injured solders to shut them up after being injured. It was a high dose, but was very effective and if it helped get these Jews to safety then so be it.

“What was it? What did I just give her?” Guy mumbled under his breath, his body was slumped over the tiny girl in a protective manor.

“In essence a heavy dose of Benadryl.” Jonny said.

Guy acknowledged the answer and then tucked a few strands of curls behind Lisle’s ear. He looked up at Jonny, softly thanked him and left the room.


----------------------

“That is the plan, we must move quickly and silently or else.. Well we all know what else.”
There was a low mumble of agreements from the group.

“Okay last few minutes before we set out, do as you need, then watch for my signal.” Jonny told the group. He then turned and found Chris near the back wall.

Jonny took Chris and pulled him into the next room. Then he leaned his head forward so that their foreheads were touching and they were both looking into each other’s eyes.

Chris was searching Jonny’s deep mysterious green eyes, he was looking for that spark that often hid. It was all he needed, no kiss, no hug, nothing ,but the spark would give him the reassurance he needed while Jonny was gone.

Jonny was also gazing deeply into Chris melting pot of blue eyes. Chris’ eyes were always full of emotion, but today they looked as flat as a spare wheel.

“Where are you Chris? Where has your mind led you to that I can’t see anything in your eyes?”

“Don’t go, please don’t. I wont be able to go on without you if you don’t return.” Chris said.

Jonny took Chris hand and kissed it and placed it on his heart. “I will only beat for you, so you better beat for me too.”

Chris smiled; he saw the spark in the Jonny’s eyes. Everything would be all right, at least he hoped so.

The group had been moving through the woods for just under an hour and no snags had been met thus far. Jonny knew these woods like he did his home in the dark. He was extremely cautious to avoid the branches that were scattered on the ground like he was dodging bullets. To step on one was to send out an instant siren to anyone lurking in the woods. He had stressed to the group about watching where they stepped.

It was quiet all around, the animals that remained in the woods had gone to sleep, the wind didn’t blow. All there was was the dark of the night and the fog. No stars glimmered or shined and the moon was hidden behind thick clouds. It was as if the elements of the earth knew they were trying to escape the terror of the Nazi’s. And just on cue a stark crackle rang out in the night. Someone in the group had tripped. Jonny gave the silent symbol to duck and hide.

Guy clutched Lisle to his chest and skittered under a bush and into a semi crevice. He was holding his breath and straining his ears to hear something. Jonny was next to him clutching a tiny pistol he had brought along with them. He squinted his eyes in effort to see past the fog for any sign of Nazi’s. After a bit of time had passed, Guy thought it must be safe to crawl out and continue on. Other members of the group were doing the same, when he felt a hand grab his shin and another cover his mouth and pull him back under the shrub. It was at the exact moment that a black boots began to emerge from the fog. They came like angels of death.

-Keep Calm and Carry on-

The Nazi’s were quick, they swooped in silently and performed their awful task and found those in the group who had been careless and shot them on the spot. Those in the group had begged for the life in the little German they knew, but the men with the cold hard metal in the their hands didn’t even blink an eye, they just pulled a trigger. They did a lackluster job of searching for any more Jews, a quick thrust of the nose of their rifle into a few bushes and they felt satisfied. They left the bodies and crept away into the dark of the night as if nothing had happened.

Jonny could feel Guy quivering underneath his hands grasp. He pulled him close to his torso and wrapped his arms around him. They sat like that until Guy stopped shaking.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that.” Jonny whispered into Guy’s ears.
Guy turned around so that he was facing Jonny. In a shaky voice he said “ you.. you should go home to him. I’m not worth never seeing your love again.”
Jonny was touched he knew that Guy was being raw and open and he wanted nothing, but to turn around and return to Chris, but he had promised that he would do this and he had promised the love of the man before him that he would safely deliver him.

“I will not leave you, I am here to get you to safety and I will complete that task or I will die trying.” Jonny said in a strong tone.

A single tear rolled down Guy’s check. He knew that this man was a man of great integrity and an unbreakable heart.

“Guy we need to keep clam and carry on.”

And so Jonny, Guy, Lisle, and three others remained out of their group. They once again took off into the woods and continued on.


Will glanced down at his watch; the time was showing 4:40. The package should have been here 10 minutes ago. Panic was starting to creep in and he was not a fan. Will was usually a levelheaded calm individual, but today was an entirely different case.

Out on the open sea a buoy bell could be heard, the waves were picking up and the mood of the sea was rapidly changing. If he were going to make it across he would have to leave soon.

Jonny saw the clearing and a tiny flicker of hope started burning. He beckoned his group gather close. A slight breeze was starting to pick up and was moving the fog out and bringing in the salty air of the sea. Guy had always felt a deep connection with the sea, it brought back many happy memories of earlier times when everyone was happy and people could live peacefully together. That was no long the case. Jews were considered vermin and a disgrace to the Germans and were now being hunted like a prized bird.

The group was clear of the woods and was now out on the open beaches. They were sticking to the backside so that at least they had the safety of the woods on one side. The group moved quickly now, they didn’t have to be as cautious about where they stepped, but they were more exposed.

Finally Jonny saw the pier; it grew out of the darkness and became the beacon of freedom to the group.

Will saw the group emerge and gave his signal that it was all clear. Jonny answered his signal and then lead the group to the boat.

“I thought there would be more.” Will said to Jonny.

“We had a uh incident.” Jonny whispered back.

“Oh.. well you lot go down in and I will show you where you will be hiding.” Will told the group.

The group including Jonny began to make it’s way down into the hull of the ship, with Guy being the last.

Will stopped him and let the rest go down. He then pulled him into a deep embrace. “Hi there stranger.” He whispered into his ear.

Guy felt the strength leave his legs, he was quickly caught by Will in his strong arms. “Hi” was all he was able to manage to whisper back to Will.

Will smiled and kissed Guy on the lips, slowly at first with tenderness and then he rapidly changed his kiss into one of fiery passion. Guy returned the kiss with the same passion. He had missed Will so much, he was the reason why he was still here and still living. Will was he solid rock foundation, no storm could uproot him, and no Nazi could even touch him. Will was his true love and the reason he breathed.

“I was so afraid, I didn’t think I would ever see you again. It was horrible Will.” Guy said as he broke down.

“I had to give Lisle pills to knock her out and then the Nazi’s shot half of our group and I almost died and.”

“Shh, it’s okay, you’re here now, I am taking you to safety.” Will said as he stroked Guys back and whipped away the tears.

“Lets go love, lets go.”


-Swallowed in the Sea-

Will lead the Jews across the sea, they were hidden in a secret room on his boat and then fish was placed around to cover up their scent. Before he set sail the Nazi’s and their dogs searched the boat. The dogs came close to the hiding place, but never found them allowing the Jews to travel safely across the sea to Sweden. There were families there who were willing to take them in and care for them.

Jonny had been able to safely return home to Chris. They continued to help Jews escape the reign of terror. They carried on until a day when the Nazi’s came and there hearts no longer beat as one.

Will told Guy one thing before he left him and had to return to Denmark. “ I’ll fix the stars for you, I make them shine on you where ever you are. And when they shine that will be me, a light in the dark.”

The End.