I love books. I love good Christian books. And while historical fiction is my favorite, I do love a nice medieval setting sometimes. So, when I found out that Amanda Tero was writing a series of Novellas in this genre…and that there was NO magic in them…and that the last one was going to be a retelling of ROBIN HOOD…yep, I was hooked.

Protecting the Poor
Amanda Tero
5 Stars
(Published August 2019)

About the book:

Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?
 
Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?
 
As Lord Feroci's sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.
 
Find on Amazon.
Add to Goodreads.
 
About the Author:
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continues to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero
 
My Review:

Now there are some who call Robin Hood a socialist and a thief and I’m not going to get into explaining why neither is true (that is neither here nor there). The same accusation can certainly not be made of Dumphey and his Merry Men! This book…*sighs* It was so beautiful. I loved it so much and would recommend it to anyone, especially boys, since it’s kinda about boys, but girls will enjoy it too. And there is no romance!

I loved the archery aspect of the book and the outdoorsy setting of most of the story. And Lord Feroci… that man is evil. He is the perfect mix of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Some of my favorite parts in the story were the Biblical lessons taught through the story. As terrible as this may sound, I feel that some spiritual themes and scenes in stories come across forced and cold. Not the case here! Noel’s child-like innocence, faith and yes, fear, are easy to relate to and understand. Zuzene’s wisdom and trust in God is unshakable and makes you wish you could seek her counsel. Dumphey’s struggles with doing right in all things, dealing with guilt and attempting to witness without driving the listener away are relatable and natural, something I greatly appreciated.

*I was given a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. *
 
Miss Amanda Tero was gracious enough to give me an interview to share with y’all, so without further ado, let’s dive in!
 
Ryana: What inspired you to write a retelling about Robin Hood?
Amanda: Robin Hood has always, always been a favorite story of mine—I mean, I wasn’t really even a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella… so when it came to choosing a third tale to tell, I chose something I adored. Plus, I had to find a character to spin off from in “The Secret Slipper.” Sheriff Feroci and Abtshire had the perfect workings of being the new Sheriff of Nottingham!
 
Ryana: What was your favorite part of writing Protecting the Poor?
Amanda: Ooh… you know, what comes to mind is the grueling labor this book was. I mean, for real! Compared to anything else I’ve published, this has been by far the hardest. But! I really did like writing the action scenes. Like, a lot.
 
Ryana: What do you want people to learn from Protecting the Poor?
Amanda: There is a dual-message in “Protecting the Poor.” From Noel, readers can learn from his example with how to cling to God with a pure heart—but also, how to overcome fears and follow God when you don’t think you can. From Dumphey, I hope readers learn boldness, not in action, but in sharing God’s gift of salvation.
 
Ryana: Who was your favorite character to develop?
Amanda: Patey! I wanted to have a mischievous, sly fellow who was flirting with danger yet could be influenced to do what’s right. He was by far one of the most fun characters to work with.
 
Ryana: What's next on your desk?
Amanda: With “Protecting the Poor” released, I’m working on the release of my newest novella, “Wedding Score.” It’s a first-person, light-hearted work that focuses on single girls and contentment. Something close to my heart for sure!
 
Ryana: What is something you learned from writing PP?
Amanda: Be submissive to the season of life in which God has you. Sure, there were lessons I learned as I was studying what messages to put in “Protecting the Poor,” but the biggest lesson I learned was that God’s timing is perfect. It took a year and a half longer to get PP out than I hoped or planned, but God’s timing is perfect. He didn’t have to allow me to finish it at all, and He did!
 
Ryana: Advice for those wanting to write a retelling?
Amanda: Writing retellings are super fun! My top tips would be…
   - Figure out the “flavors” of the original tale to keep in your retelling (for instance, in “Protecting the Poor” I made sure to keep archery, unjust authority, a band of men, and hunting “forbidden meats” even though I practically debunked the theme of “steal from the rich to feed the poor”)
   - Make sure it’s a retelling, not a rewrite (don’t have verbatim conversations or even scenes and plotlines).
   - Give a unique twist (what will make this stand out from the original tale and make it wholly yours?).
   - But… make the retelling recognizable (goes with the “flavor”—you don’t want someone to read it and have no clue that it was supposed to be a retelling)
 
Thanks so much for having me on your blog and being a part of “Protecting the Poor’s” release!
 
And now for the fun part…the giveaway! And guess what?!? Two winner will receive not just Protecting the Poor, but the entire Tales of Faith Series! One U.S. Winner will receive paperback copies, and one international winner will receive ebooks! Enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ORDER PAPERBACKS
Do you want to get a signed copy of "Protecting the Poor?" Order here!
 
About the Series

Find on Amazon

Find on Amazon
 
Do you want to be involved in Amanda's next release?
Wedding Score is open for reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. Sign up here.
 
Blog Tour
Shout-out to all the wonderful bloggers who are participating in the release of "Protecting the Poor."

Monday - August 26, 2019

With a Joyful Noise - Protecting the Poor Release Post
Life of Heritage Corner - Interview, Review, Giveaway
Great Books for God's Girls - Interview, Review
Peculiar Miss Darcy - Interview
Honey Rock Hills - Review
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post

Tuesday - August 27, 2019

We've Got Pockets - Review
Maidens for Modesty - Giveaway, Guest Post
A Brighter Destiny - Spotlight

Wednesday - August 28, 2019

Soldier Girl Stories - Interview
Purposeful Learning - Spotlight, Guest Post

Thursday - August 29, 2019

Rachel Rossano's Works - Spotlight, Guest Post
In My Bookcase - Review, Giveaway

Friday - August 30, 2019

Losing the Busyness - Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
Resting Life - Guest Post

Saturday - August 31, 2019

Blossoms and Blessings - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post
Verbosity Reviews – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae - Review
Reading on the Edge - Spotlight

Monday - September 2, 2019

With a Joyful Noise - Giveaway Winner Announced

Have a Blessed Week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello friends! Welcome back to another 10 Totally Random Facts post! In Honor of My dear Stonewall Jackson’s final victory, this month we are looking at 10 Totally Random Facts about the Battle of Chancellorsville. *sobs* Let’s see if I can get through this…

1. Joseph Hooker fell through the floor! That’s right! On May 3rd, 1864, Union General Hooker of the Army of the Potomac was standing on the porch of his headquarters. Confederate artillerists targeted the area and their shot hit the porch squarely, sending Fighting Joe through the floor and knocking him unconscious for quite some time…
   
2. When in doubt, trust the animals. Just prior to Stonewall Jackson’s surprise attack on Gen. Oliver O. Howard’s 11th corps, the movement of southern troops startled several deer, rabbits and foxes from the woods. The frantic animals charged through the federal camp. While the troops thought it was unusual, they remained unconcerned. When Confederate troops surprised them moments later, they realized their folly.
3. Was ist los? (German: What’s going on?) It’s terrifying enough to think of an army of soldiers a mile long running full speed at you with bayonets and screaming the Rebel Yell. But imagine if you had a minimal knowledge of the English language. Even if you spoke it well, in the panic, it would be difficult to process the language you weren’t raised speaking. That was the problem facing Gen. Oliver O. Howard’s men the day Stonewall attacked, as many of them were German immigrants who had never seen battle.
4. Tell it to the Chaplain. Gen. Lee insisted that they needed to find another way to get to Stonewall’s objective. Stonewall turned to his trusted chaplain B. Tucker Lacey, a friend who was well acquainted with the area. He went to some friends of his, the Welfords, who were able to guide the Confederate army by a better road, sealing success for Stonewall’s attack.
5. Right hand man. After being injured by southern forces (who by the way were engaged with a Pennsylvania regiment across the road), Stonewall Jackson had to have his left hand amputated. When Lee heard of it, he declared, “He has lost his left arm; but I have lost my right arm.” Many believe that if Stonewall had lived, the Battle of Gettysburg never would have happened.
6. 2 to 1. That’s how badly the south was outnumbered at Chancellorsville, but as they so often proved, those numbers didn’t mean much.
7. Here lies…what? Stonewall’s body lies in two different locations. His official burial place is in Lexington, Va. But his amputated arm is buried in Chancellorsville. You can actually visit it!
8. Misrepresentation. The popular Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane, was based off the battle of Chancellorsville. But there’s one problem. Having read the story, I know that the story insinuates a possible Union victory. It leaves it looking like all is lost…but that the enemy was growing weak, which would make one think that perhaps the Union won. And to be frank, that is not the case. The Confederate army won this battle, no question about it. In fact, it was the jumping off point of the campaign that would lead to Gettysburg.
9. Not the only one. Stonewall was not the only man that was shot the night of May 2nd. Other soldiers in his party and the approaching party of A.P. Hill were also fired upon, killing Capt. James Boswell, one of Stonewall’s staff.
10.  “Remember Jackson!” Upon hearing of their General’s injury, the Stonewall Brigade charged into battle with this as their battle cry. How profound that would be later when the general died. The cry of the entire south was “Remember Stonewall!” in the hopes that his death would not be in vain.

And now…an excerpt from “The Rivers of Sorrow”!!!

“No talking whatsoever, don’t load your rifles and if you straggle, you’re getting a bayonet prod! Got it?”

“Yes, sir.” Richard was convinced his soldiers weren’t going to give him any problems. Seth glanced over his squad and was pleased to see them moving briskly, preparing to march.

The gray mist of dawn hung in the air. Seth shivered, partly from the cool morning, partly from anticipation of battle. Maybe they would whip the Yankees for good this time!

Richard trotted past his brother. “32:7-8!” he called to Seth. Seth saluted and grinned at his older brother. The camp verse flashed through his mind. ‘Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles…’
The 2nd Corps was soon on the march. Jackson’s men filed by in silence. No one was talking; all that could be heard was a muffled tramp, tramp, tramp of soldiers’ feet and the gentle clank of their gear.

Jackson allowed a smile to take to the corners of his lips. These were soldiers; real men. Veterans. Fearless. Hard-core men of war. They would take on anybody. They would follow only those whom they trusted and believed in. They were an Army. They were the best army the world had ever seen. They were men fighting for a cause with all their heart.

Lord, please give Thy divine guidance in this attack. It is only by Thy ever kind Providence that we can even hope to be successful...
 
«««1863«««
 
Later that evening, the long column halted. They were tired, having just made a 12-mile trek, with only one water stop and no food stops. Part of the column had skirmished with Hooker’s men. Now the Yankees thought the Southerners were withdrawing from the area.

At 5:15 p.m., the attack began. There was only two hours of day light left, when C.S. Brig. Gen. Rodes[1] was ordered to deploy his brigade. Raleigh Colston[2], Brigadier General, was right behind him.

Richard fell in step with Gen. Jackson and his aides. Champion tensed underneath Richard. He wanted to run; he always wanted to run. Richard patted him on the shoulder. It wouldn’t be long and he would be doing just that.

Excitement mounted inside Richard. Yes, they at last would push Hooker all the way across the river and personally escort them to Washington!

Meanwhile in the Yankee camp, the inexperienced German soldiers of the 11th Corps were talking and laughing while preparing their supper. They listened to music being played in a nearby pine grove.

A young drummer returned to the circle, carrying a bucket of water for a stew that was being made. The soldiers patted him on the back, thanking him for running the errand and promising him the first bowl of stew.

The boy turned to jot a letter to his mother while waiting on his food. He frowned; the ground under him vibrated. He gasped as a deer plowed through the camp, nearly tramping over him in the process.

“Hey, someone shoot some more meat for supper!”

“I’ve never seen so many rabbits or foxes in my life!”

“What I wouldn’t give for that deer there!”

The men laughed at the spectacle, casually wondering what had caused the animals to flee right through their camp.

“WOH-WHO-EY!”

The soldiers jumped and glanced at the knoll beyond them. There, cresting the hill above them was a line a mile long of Confederate soldiers!

“Move it!”

“Their coming!”

“Get your guns!”

Orders were screamed to each other in a crazy mix of English and German. Everyone ran. Behind them, Confederates advanced.

Richard trotted along next to his commander’s column, waiting for orders and watching for any possible threat on Gen. Jackson’s life. Wounded soldiers still posed a threat and he constantly scanned the camp for such perils.

The Yankees gave up ground rapidly. Oh, they stopped and tried to hold the Confederates back, but their efforts were futile.


[1] He will finish as a Major General.

[2] Confederate Brigadier General, known for his hand in the Battle of Chancellorsville.



Until Next Time,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! As you celebrate with family and friends on this holy day, don’t forget to take time and thank God for sending the Most Precious Gift known to mankind! (Click here for more Christmas Fun!) And now, for the conclusion of Stille Nacht!

The next morning, Christmas Day, Adler was awakened by Joey, complaining that he was cold. Adler sat up and shook his head, untangling himself from between Sarge’s rucksack and Harold’s discarded blanket.

“You look like you’re feeling better this morning,” Adler replied.

Joey grinned his boyish grin and sat up on his elbow. “Some better, but I still can’t walk on my own. Already tried. Y’all must have been unconscious not to hear me fall earlier. I had to drag myself back into bed.”

Adler yawned and adjusted Joey’s blankets. “I didn’t get just a whole lot of sleep. I think it was about 4:00 when I finally nodded off.”

“Two hours sure ain’t a lot of sleep. What kept you up?”

Adler sighed and held up the book he had tucked in his shirt pocket. “Sarge’s Bible. You know, there are an awful lot of scriptures on the Messiah…and this Jesus does seem to line up.”

Joey nodded soberly. “That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you, Micah. Even the prophet you’re named for knew who He was, before He was born.”

“Maybe. I’ve still got more reading to do.”

“Good. There’s hope for you then.”

The others rolled out of their self-made cocoons and began to mill about the room as Marta prepared breakfast. Rudi came over to change Joey’s bandage and feel his forehead. “You’re still warm, Yank. Better take it easy today. There’s no way you can walk.”

“Ain’t got a choice. Sarge can’t carry me all day on his back!”

Harold whispered something to Rudi, who smiled and nodded. “Be right back,” he called over his shoulder. He motioned to Stefan and the two hurried outside. Adler didn’t pay them any mind.

Hilde skipped around the room shouting “Frohliche Weihnachten!”

Adler smiled. “Merry Christmas.”

Marta smiled and set out bowls to fill with left over potato soup.

The door blew open, nearly knocking Lars into the wall, as Harold and Stefan trudged in with two sturdy branches. Lars shut the door behind them and pulled out his knife. When Sarge realized what they were doing he pulled out his as well. They hacked off the twigs and limbs, making two semi-smooth poles. “We need rope and a sheet,” Lars commented.

Rudi hunted through his pack and Adler reached for his. In the same moment, they pulled out a roll of sturdy cord. “Got it!”

Marta laughed as she headed to the small side room and returned with a stout looking sheet. Working quickly, Lars and Sarge tied together the sheet, branches and rope.

“And there you have it!” Harold said with a grin. “A stretcher for Joey!”

Adler half smiled. “Joey, you’re getting king treatment today.”

Marta turned back to her breakfast preparations. Hilde, still very much in the Christmas spirit, started humming a tune. Stefan smiled at her and hummed along.

Then, Marta’s lone voice began to sing.
 
Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!
Alles schlaft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar.
Holder Knab’ im lockigen Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
 
Sarge smiled as Joey took up the song.
 
Silent Night! Holy Night!
All is calm; as is bright
‘Round yon virgin, mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in Heavenly Peace!
Sleep in Heavenly Peace!
 
Hilde smiled and clapped her hands, soon joined by everyone. “Merry Christmas!”

After breakfast, Rudi helped Sarge carry Joey out on the stretcher while Lars, consulting a map and compass, showed Adler the way back to American lines. “If this is still accurate,” Lars warned. “They are probably much closer by now. And keep a sharp watch for our men.”

Adler nodded and jotted down the directions on his map. “And you for ours, though I’d guess you’d be better off than us in such a situation.”

“Ja, probably.”

They turned as Marta and Hilde came out of the cabin, bundled up and carrying their meager belongings with them. They would accompany their soldiers out of the danger zone back to their lines.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye,” Sarge said, shaking hands with each German present. “I’ll admit, I think at times I’d forgotten you fellows were humans too. Thanks for everything.”

Rudi grinned. “Thanks for proving Americans are equals as well. War paints ugly pictures.”

“Hatred too,” Adler replied. He turned to Lars. “I appreciated our talk.”

Lars smiled. “Keep hoping. They may still be out there.”

“Ja, maybe.”

The soldiers trooped to the wood shed and Stefan handed out their weapons.

“Thank you, Frau Engel, for everything,” Joey called from the stretcher.

“Yes, thank you,” the others replied.

Marta smiled. “Thank you for sharing Christmas with us. May the Lord Bless and keep you.” She turned to Lars. “Shall we go?”

“Ja, forward march!”

The Germans headed one way, the Americans another. But they were different now. Each carried memories that would last the rest of their lives. Hope for peace and healing had been lit in their hearts…all because of a Baby born in Bethlehem.

THE END

And know, for the true story that inspire Stille Nacht...

Have a very Merry Christmas! Jesus is the Reason!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Merry Christmas Eve, Happy 11th Day of Christmas, and welcome to my official 100th post! Can’t believe I’ve been blogging that long! So it’s fitting to celebrate by giving you the next to last part of Stille Nacht! Thank you so much for joining me today! Let’s go star gazing! (Don’t forget to visit Stories by Firefly for more Christmas Eve Fun!)

Rudi grabbed his jacket and hat and followed the boys outside. Sarge stood and followed. “I could use some air.”

Lars and Adler remained at the table, staring into their empty bowls until Marta took them to the sink. Lars chanced a glance at Adler. “What happened to your family?”

Adler let his breath out in a rush. “They, um,” he cleared his throat. “They weren’t able to get out of Germany before the boarders closed. A friend wrote me and said they were transported to a concentration camp called Dachau.”

Lars winced and shook his head. “Do you know if they are still alive?”

Adler swallowed. “Mama died two months after arrival. Papa never made it to the camp. He was gunned down at a transport when he tried to get the others to fight back. I don’t know what happened to my siblings.”

“I…I’m so sorry,” Lars said, his voice low. “My family is gone as well. They died in the Normandy storming.”

“They were at Normandy?”

Lars nodded. “I was fortunate enough to have them stationed in France with me. But I still can’t understand why they had to die, civilians, and I still live, a soldier.”

“Was it a bombing?”

Lars nodded.

“I’m sorry.”

“I never should have gotten into all of this! If I had pushed back, taken a stand…”

“You’d be dead.”

“Maybe. But I wouldn’t have guilt plaguing me on a daily basis.”

Adler nodded slowly. He stood and walked quietly over to Joey. The young soldier looked up at him. “Why’s everybody going outside?”

“Going to look at the stars I guess.”

Joey’s face lit up. “I want to see!”

“Alright, uh…oh, there’s your stuff. Let’s get your coat on and I’ll help you outside.”
Lars put on his coat and offered to help with Joey. They went out and helped Joey get settled on a bench beside Stefan. No one said a word, just stared up at the stars, lost in thought.

Joey smiled as he located Orion, while Stefan hunted for Leo. Lars leaned up against the house determined that this time he would find the little dipper which always seemed to evade his watchful eye. Sarge and Adler gazed up at the north star, mentally trying to map their way back to their lines.

The door swung open and Marta came out, holding Hilde’s hand. “Look, Hilde! It’s the star of Bethlehem!”

Rudi translated for Sarge as the group followed Marta’s pointing. The North Star. The brightest one in the sky.

“Is that the star that shone over Baby Jesus’ house in Bethlehem, Mama?”

Marta smiled. “We don’t know for sure, dear. But we like to think so. But do you know why it shone?”

“It was for the Wisemen to follow so they could give Jesus their presents.”

“That’s right.”

Hilde paused, then asked, “Mama, I love Jesus, but why did He have to come to earth?”

Adler shifted uncomfortably. Here we go again, he thought.

Marta hesitated. Christians had been stiffly persecuted in Germany, since their teachings contradicted Hitler. Should she risk explaining everything to her daughter in front of her guests? Or should she put Hilde off until it was safer? Marta swallowed hard. I am not ashamed of You, Lord…

“Baby Jesus came to earth and was born in a manger, because He loved us enough to die for us. He knew that since we are sinners, we could never get into heaven. So He lived a sinless life and took our sins upon Himself and died in our place. After He was buried, three days later, He rose from the dead, our eternal Lord and Savior. He did all of that because He loved us.”

“Even Hitler, Mama?”

Adler smirked and crossed his arms, eager to hear this reply. “Yes, even for Hitler, darling, if he will only ask Jesus to forgive him of his sins. He died for everyone, man, woman, adult, child, black, white, German, Jewish, American, all of us.”

“What makes you so sure that Jesus is the Savior, the Messiah?” Adler challenged, though the words lacked the bite he normally intoned.

Marta smiled and quoted, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2) Jesus was of Bethlehem, was He not?”

“Well, yes, I suppose so.”

“Do you know anyone else of Bethlehem that had done as great things as Jesus?”

“If what they say is true, no.”

“Isaiah 40:11 says, He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Wouldn’t you say Jesus fits that description? He certainly loved the weak and children. He seems like a shepherd to me.

“Isaiah 49:6 says, And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Thus far, I would guess that more Gentiles have come to accept Christ than Jews. And He is our Light.”

Marta wrapped her shawl tightly about her. “There are many more verses that solidify who Jesus is, Pvt. Adler. I challenge you, get a Bible and read the Old Testament. Find the prophecy of the Messiah and see if Jesus doesn’t measure up to every one of them.”

Adler nodded slowly. “I’ll think about it.”

“I’ve got a Bible you can use,” Sarge reminded.

“I know.”

Joey shivered and winced as pain sliced through his leg. Rudi turned to him. “We’d best get him inside. He needs to rest.”

“We all do,” Marta said, opening the door. As they all entered the house, Marta entered a small room and brought out three blankets. “I’m sorry this is all I can spare.”
The soldiers pulled out their own blankets. “We should be able to make do, Frau, thank you,” Lars assured her.

“Then good night,” she said, leading Hilde into the little room.

Joey, Stefan and Harold got the extra blankets. Pallets were made by the fire and each agreed that whoever woke up during the night would chuck on another piece of wood.

As the others faded off to sleep, Rudi checked on Joey one more time. Satisfied that he was sleeping peacefully, he turned back towards their pallets. Lars was looking out the window. “Something wrong?”

Lars shook his head and grinned. “No. I just found the little dipper.”


Be sure and come back tomorrow for the conclusion of Stille Nacht! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Merry Christmas and welcome back to day 9 of the 12DOC blog party! (Click here for more Christmas fun!)

Last time, Lars, a German soldier, asked for Rudi, their translator, to ask Adler, an American GI if he was Jewish. Let’s see what happens next!

Silence hung in the air as Rudi licked his lips and glanced to the side. “He wants to know if you are Jewish, Pvt. Adler.”

Adler refused to answer, shoveling another bite of food into his mouth. When he swallowed, he said, “We’re having a fairly good evening. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?”

Rudi looked down. “Silence is as good as answering.”

Adler narrowed his eyes. “We made an agreement.”

Sarge watched as Lars continued to stare at Adler. “Even if he is Jewish, that doesn’t change the fact that he is a human being with a soul.”

“You don’t have to start that too,” Adler mumbled.

Lars glanced at Rudi. “If he is Jewish, then he might-”

“What does it matter?” Adler spat in German. Everyone stared at him in surprise. But they didn’t have long to recover. “Are you intimidated by Jewish people? Do we scare you? Are you afraid I’m gonna kill you all in your sleep for the awful things you’ve done to my family and my people? Maybe that’s why you’re killing us! Because you’re scared of us! Because we happen to be God’s chosen people and the perfect Aryans weren’t!”

Adler stood and left the table, facing the fireplace.

Lars’ mouth fell open as Adler ended his rant. “I…I didn’t…you…how…” he couldn’t get his words out.

“You are from Germany?” Rudi asked.

“As if that isn’t obvious now?” Lars said, finding his voice. “Adler, I wasn’t going to-”

The scraping of a chair interrupted him again. Hilde slowly walked around the table and stood next to Adler. She took his hand and looked up at him. “It’s okay that you’re Jewish. We love you anyway.”

Silence reigned. Adler looked down at Hilde. She smiled at him, then wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Adler reached down and lifted her into his arms. He hugged her, burying his face in her raven braids. Hilde grinned at her mother and patted Adler’s back, resting her head against his shoulder.

With a deep breath, Adler set Hilde down. She returned to her seat and bit into a piece of the mystery meat Sarge had brought. Rudi tried to catch Sarge up on what all had been said, trying to make sense of it all himself. He then stood and left the table to check on Joey.

Marta stood and said, “I don’t know the feelings of everyone in this room, but I for one am in agreement with Hilde. Any who feel differently may consider themselves no longer under our previous agreement.”

“I don’t get it. What’s wrong with him being Jewish?” Stefan asked Lars.

“Nothing,” Lars replied. He glanced over at Rudi. “We’ve protected him pretty well, I’d say.”

Harold looked down at his half eaten food. “I wish I was.”

Stefan frowned. “I’m the same age as Harold. I have a right to know what’s going on, even if I’m only a private.”

“Back to what I was going to say earlier,” Lars cut in. Stefan narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. “Adler, I was just curious to know if you knew the Cohen family. They were neighbors of mine before the war broke out. They escaped the ghettos and we don’t know where they went. We were kinda hoping they made it out.”

“Sorry, can’t help you. Do you know how many Cohen families there are in New York? And how many migrated over to escape your maniac leader?”

“I won’t even try to guess.”

“Not enough.”

Marta cleared her throat. “Why don’t we finish our supper and choose a new topic to discuss?”

The others nodded and returned to the table. Again, all was silent except an occasional grunt from Joey.

Stefan and Harold placed their dishes in the sink and headed for the door.

“Where are they going?” Sarge asked.

Rudi smiled. “To star gaze. It’s sort of a routine for us now. It’s a way to stay sane in all the madness.”

 
That could have gotten very ugly! Tomorrow, we will take a short break from the story to enjoy the sounds of the season! Then the next day, we will return for the next to last part of Stille Nacht!

Merry Christmas (three days, y’all!)
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22