From Russia to Family

Chapter 7 Capture

Arkhangelsk Port, Russia

1942, January

After two more weekArkhangelsk Port, Russia

1942, January

After two more weeks of non-stop travel across Russia's fields and plains, the two had arrived at their destination. Leon and Masha wandered down the docks. Here the snow had subsided, and the sky was a clear blue. Birds perched and squawked wherever they could. People stopped and stared at Leon's dirty Wehrmacht uniform. At one point an older man approached them.

"You. Why are you here?"

Leon stopped walking. Masha took a step closer to him.

"I'm here to talk with someone."

"Where are the others?"

"Others?"

The man's voice grew louder as he began making hand gestures.

"The other Germans! Where are they?"

"I am but one."

The man looked at him plainly.

"Our Liberation has not yet come."

Leon placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Soon enough my friend."

As the two began to walk away Masha tugged at his sleeve, causing Leon to look down at her.

"What is it?"

"You still haven't told me why we're here."

Leon didn't answer. He just continued on, suddenly turning down one of the piers.

"The entry guards new something was up when they beat the people who helped us get in. we must hurry."

"I doubt they'll do a search."

"I'd prefer not to take the chance."

They reached a boat at the piers end. A Russian sailor stood on its deck, tidying loose ropes. Leon turned to Masha.

"Go wait over by that barrel ok?"

"Why?"

"Just do it please."

"Alright, alright."

Leon cleared his throat, turning back to the sailor.

"Excuse me?"

The man turned around and froze.

"Yes, soldier?"

Leon, having gained the man's attention lowered his voice.

"What do you transport?"

The sailors voice showed how nervous he was, betraying his otherwise brave façade.

"Mainly food such as fish we catch in the bay."

"Where do you send it to?"

"Well we usually sell it here, to the restaurants... On occasion we might be requisitioned by the navy to give shipments to England."

A look of relief slid over Leon's face.

"When is your next shipment to..."

"German! Stay right there!"

Leon looked over to see four guards rushing towards them.

"You next shipment to England when is it?"