The sound of screams of joy brought her attention back to the train. Bodies were tumbling out of the now-open carriages and cries of freedom resounded around her. It was a strange sight to see hundreds of people disappearing into the forest. Marjie prayed they would find safety.

Taking her papa’s hand, she whispered, ‘I’m sorry, Papa. So very sorry. It was me who killed that surrendering soldier, not you.’

‘No, my darling – it had to be done. Not only because names were compromised, which he may not have heard or remembered, but because what could we do with him?’

‘Could we not have interrogated him and then handed him over to the authorities?’

‘There are no authorities that we can trust, my dear. We cannot expose ourselves, or our operation, to anyone. As it is, they will know it is the work of the Resistance, but which faction and where they come from – they won’t have a clue about that.’

‘What about all these people?’

‘They will make their own way. Hopefully, some of them will reach safety. This is as far as our responsibility towards them goes. Come now, let’s see if Ella and little Lonia have been found.’

As Marjie went down the slope towards the train, Sibbie and Paulo caught up with her. Sibbie didn’t speak, but simply slipped her hand into Marjie’s free one, and together they descended on the carnage of their first mission.

‘They’re here – over here!’ Arnie’s joyous voice rang out.

As she ran towards the call, a feeling of great relief and happiness filled Marjie as she saw the huddle of love in front of her: Arnie, Ella and Lonia were in each others’ arms.

After a moment of greetings, Arnie stood tall. ‘Thank you, each and every one of you. Now hurry and make yourselves scarce. What has happened here will soon reach the ears of German HQ and they will descend on the area in their droves, trying to drive you out into the open. They will show no mercy. I wish you all safety, and I will contact you in the near future. May God bless those who have fallen, that they may rest in peace. Take any identification from their bodies before you leave, and pick up your injured. May God be with you all.’

Men slowly emerged and stood up from their hiding places. They had numbered more than a hundred at the beginning of the mission, but now there were many fewer of them.

Marjie so wanted to hug Ella and Lonia, but Paulo stepped forward first. ‘Mama. Oh, Mama, you’re safe. At last you’re safe.’

Ella hadn’t spoken, but just nodded and cried, and clung to Arnie’s sleeve. Marjie’s heart was breaking, because the person in front of her was a broken woman.