The Devil's Daughter by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 40

The day was filled with tension as the people of Gura Haith prepared to abandon their homes. Some, however, stopped at Gavril's grave to pay their respects and did their best to comfort Sabina as she sat weeping. As if it was not enough that she was now alone, the remains of her child could not be found, in spite of a thorough search and she swore she would not leave. Many tried to convince her to join them in their exodus, but Sabina seemed to have lost the will to live and would take no food or water. In the end, she would meet a similar fate and accompany her family into the light of God. Meanwhile, the rest of the village scurried to make their retreat, gathering food, firewood, and clothes. Packs were hastily built from chairs, sticks, and rope. Ingenuity had been driven by panic. But a few of calm mind set out among the village to help ease people's fears, intending to maintain order.

Nelu, also helping others prepare, spent a brief time at home, instructing Anca as to what to pack and what should be left behind. However, she insisted on taking a few mementos, things left to her by her mother. He took the time to comfort her but stressed that clear-headedness and organization must take precedence. Of more importance, was how they would convince Alina to make the long journey, knowing that she was a deeply troubled child and that she would likely have to be forced into leaving.