Chapter 4
Wanda, her brother, and the other children sat obediently in a row in front of the fireplace, where flames roared and crackled. Leon stood before them, dressed in a fur coat several sizes too big, making him look a bit funny. But no one minded; it kept him warm.
Leon regarded the group of children with a serious expression, an idea forming in his mind, though he knew he needed to speak first. He scanned their confused and uneasy faces, and then, in a voice that was young but clear, he began.
"We come from different countries in Eastern Europe. We've endured torture and pain that most people can't even imagine. Even though we've escaped from that hellish place, I believe those who hurt us won't give up so easily.
Now, you have a choice.
A few hundred kilometers away, there's a city called Yekaterinburg. I can send you to the local authorities there. They might protect you, or they might send you to an orphanage where someone could adopt you."
Leon paused, waiting for the children's responses.
Several of the younger children, around eight or nine years old, were too timid to speak. They just looked at Leon eagerly. For them, it didn't matter what authorities or orphanages might be out there—they only wanted to follow Leon.
The older children exchanged glances, uncertain.
Wanda, more mature for her age, spoke up. She looked at Leon with wide eyes full of hope and excitement. "Those governments won't care about us Eastern Europeans. I joined HYDRA for revenge. They said they could give Pietro and me strength. We've been disappointed so many times this past year, but you're the only one who succeeded."