Chapter 7
Leathery and sensual, labdanum is a resin derived from the rockrose herb, its impression as black and shadowy as the crevices of the human heart. –DB
4 April, 1940 - Poland
After a few weeks the snow dissipated and the small, shadowy party pressed on in a southerly direction through the countryside. During the coldest part of winter they had taken refuge in a barn on a farm. With the snow beginning to melt, Jacob decided it was time to move on, even though the Nazi territorial expansion challenged their progress.
Jacob and Oscar took turns supporting Sofia while Irma led the way, their youngest son in her arms. Next came Nicky, with his dirty stuffed monkey strapped to his back. Following him were Jacob and Irma’s two other children—a girl of Nicky’s age and her younger broth
