Chapter 12
A fungus grips the continent, infecting its very soul. Like oud wood, the diseased heartwood grows dark and odorous, resistant to cure. –DB
19 May, 1940 - Poland
A hush fell over the train car as they crossed into the ravaged landscape of occupied Poland. A blur of images flashed past the window as Danielle’s train sped near its destination. Her convoluted journey had taken her from the graceful civility of France, across neutral Switzerland, and through occupied Austria and Czechoslovakia.
Danielle passed through several checkpoints without incident, though her pulse raced during every encounter. Each time officials checked her identity papers her heart thudded so loudly that she was certain it would give her away. Yet the documents Jean-Claude provided so far had withstood
