“The door is open; go on in!” The old woman nudged Lotte in the back with the barrel of her rifle. After a split-second of hesitation, she gripped Gerlinde’s elbow tight and together they stepped through the heavy front door of the cottage. If the woman wanted to kill them, she surely wouldn’t bring them into her home first.
“Better not be seen outside in those uniforms of yours,” she said. “I’m Ingrid, by the way.”
“Gerlinde Weiler.”
“Gerlinde. Gentle javelin.” Ingrid noticed the confusion and explained, “It’s an Old High German name. Ger is a Germanic dart and lind means soft, gentle. The name was given to women of noble origins with a gentle character.” She scrutinized Gerlinde for a long minute, before she continued, “The name is very fitting for you. Your gentle character may be hi
