"Camp of Yakhal" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

**"Camp of Yakhal"** is the sixth episode of the Flock'⁴⁴/ıı series in the Oslo saga. In this episode, we follow Wolfgang and the fleeing Lebensblood children as they seek refuge in the Camp of Yakhal. However, the camp has been overrun by Deep Ones attacks, and the survivors must now deal with the aftermath and protect themselves from further harm.

## Plot

Two weeks prior, the devastating raid on the Camp of Yakhal unfolded. The town, which was owned by the Lutheran church and managed by Sister Ava along with five other nuns dedicated to caring for Holocaust survivors and prisoners of war, bore witness to the horrifying brutality of the monstrous Deep Ones. Among the victims were Elon and Joson, two Holocaust survivors whose bodies were tragically discovered at the local lake. The news of their gruesome fate quickly spread throughout the camp, leaving the survivors, particularly Shai who valiantly fought off the Deep Ones but suffered severe injuries, filled with fear and anger. Amidst the chaos, Sister Sarah, a devoted nun, armed herself and attempted to fend off the attacking Deep Ones. Many other survivors joined her in throwing stones at the creatures, desperately trying to drive them away and protect their fellow survivors. However, the Deep Ones roared menacingly, instilling fear in the Holocaust survivors who had no choice but to flee for their lives. Sarah, determined to shield her companions, attempted to escape but tragically fell victim to the unspeakable violence of the Deep Ones. The entire community was left in a state of shock, their grief and anger deepening as they mourned the loss of Sister Sarah and grappled with the ongoing threat posed by the monstrous creatures. Several days later, the survivors were confronted once again with the grim reality of the Deep Ones' brutality as the lifeless bodies of Sarah and the other victims were discovered. The sight served as a haunting reminder of the horrors they had endured and the lives that had been mercilessly taken. The survivors, overcome with grief and guilt for not being able to save Sister Sarah, banded together to provide a proper burial for the fallen in the solemn confines of the local church. It was a somber occasion, one in which the nuns who had once been a source of solace and guidance now found themselves offering prayers for the departed souls.

In the midst of their pain and sorrow, Eddie, the older brother of Joson, became consumed by a burning rage and an overwhelming desire for vengeance. Blinded by his thirst for retribution, he sought to confront the Deep Ones head-on and make them pay for the lives they had callously taken. However, Sister Ava, a wise and compassionate figure within the community, recognized the destructive path Eddie was on. Understanding the futility and potential for further tragedy, she stepped forward to intervene, using her wisdom and empathy to guide him away from the treacherous path of revenge and towards a path of healing. Yet, not everyone in the camp agreed with Sister Ava's approach. Shai, still nursing his brutal injuries from the previous encounter, vehemently disagreed with the nun's advice. He argued that the Norwegian government and their military forces should be doing more to protect them from the impending Deep Ones attacks. The tension between Shai and Sister Ava grew as they engaged in a passionate debate about the best course of action. Their disagreement underscored the deep-seated fear and helplessness that permeated the survivors' lives, as they grappled with the looming threat of the Deep Ones. Amidst this turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerged unexpectedly. News reached the camp that a group known as D-Company had arrived in Oslo. This revelation surprised and intrigued the community, offering a potential lifeline and a source of unexpected assistance. Among the survivors, a British airman named Jeffrey engaged in conversations with Shai and the others, sharing stories and debating the best strategies to combat the Deep Ones.

In the present day, Wolfgang, Kali, and the other Lebensblood children were walking along the road when they spotted a church on a hill in the distance. They entered the town and found themselves in the overrun town of Camp Yakhal, which had become a refuge for Holocaust survivors and war prisoners after the Nazi occupation ended. Wolfgang ordered the Lebensblood children to stay together amidst the chaos. During their time in the town, Kali grew increasingly nervous as people questioned their presence and warned them to leave. They also noticed prisoners of war taking over the café, where Jeffrey was among them. Wolfgang decided to enter the café and encountered Tønnes, a leader of the prisoners of war and a member of the Norwegian resistance. Nervously, Wolfgang asked Tønnes for shelter for the night. Tønnes ordered Mia Bente, a female Swedish resistance member, to take them to the school, which was overrun by young war orphans and Holocaust survivors. The school was led by nun Sister Kaya, who the Lebensblood children were nervous to meet. Wolfgang lied, claiming they were war orphans, and Sister Kaya understood, encouraging them to trust her. Amidst their journey, Wolfgang realized that Michael was missing. As they navigated through the crowded streets, they unexpectedly came across Michael, who had become separated from the group out of fear. Luckily, Michael had crossed paths with a Jewish boy who had also lost his parents. The two boys formed a bond, and the Jewish boy offered to help Michael find his way back. However, their journey took a dark turn when they were confronted by three other Jewish boys, including the one who had initially helped Michael. These boys attempted to steal Michael's belongings. Wolfgang swiftly intervened, using a pipe to protect Michael without physically harming him, and forced the thieves to retreat. Recognizing the importance of unity, Wolfgang reunited Michael with the rest of the Lebensblood children at the school. Sister Kaya informed them of the lack of food, specifically bread, and Wolfgang questioned how they could address this issue. They were waiting for Norwegian police, led by Officer Einar Aadland, to send food with permission from the Norwegian government. They hoped things would soon return to normal.

As Wolfgang wandered through the school's courtyard, his mind consumed by the recent events at Camp Yakhal, his gaze fell upon a figure standing near the entrance. It was Eddie, Joson's older brother, his eyes burning with anger and a thirst for vengeance. Wolfgang felt a surge of empathy and understanding, knowing all too well the pain that fueled Eddie's rage. Approaching Eddie without hesitation, Wolfgang gently placed a hand on his shoulder, conveying his empathy through touch. Without uttering a word, he conveyed his understanding of Eddie's desire for justice, for revenge. But he also silently communicated the wisdom he had gained through his own experiences – that the path of vengeance only leads to more suffering. Eddie's eyes narrowed, his anger evident in his tense expression. He voiced his frustrations, questioning Wolfgang's stance, unable to accept the idea of doing nothing in the face of their profound loss. Wolfgang's touch remained comforting, his presence a steady anchor amidst the storm of emotions. Wolfgang's response was gentle yet resolute. He emphasized that revenge would not bring back their loved ones; rather, it would only perpetuate the cycle of violence. He urged Eddie to focus on healing, on finding a way to rebuild what had been lost, together with their fellow survivors. Eddie's features softened, doubt flickering across his face as he absorbed Wolfgang's words. Vulnerability seeped into his voice as he questioned how they could possibly achieve healing and restoration. Wolfgang's smile held a glimmer of hope, reflecting his unwavering belief in the power of unity. "Together," Wolfgang replied, his voice soft but unwavering. He stressed the importance of finding strength in each other, of supporting one another through the challenges they would face. United, they could honor the memory of those they had lost and forge a path towards rebuilding their shattered lives. Eddie's gaze shifted from Wolfgang to the bustling courtyard, filled with survivors seeking solace and connection. Slowly, he nodded, a newfound determination replacing the anger that had once consumed him. He acknowledged that their pain could not consume them; they had to find a way to heal and rebuild together.

In the dimly lit room of the church, Wolfgang and Eddie stood as silent witnesses, their eyes fixed upon the unfolding exchange that crackled with tension. Shai's voice, filled with righteous indignation, clashed with Sister Ava's unwavering conviction, their opposing stances revealing the weighty responsibility borne by the Norwegian government and military forces in protecting the survivors from the menacing Deep Ones. As the last bastions of hope and salvation for those who had managed to escape the clutches of the Deep Ones, the outcome of this passionate debate held profound implications for both their lives and the future of humanity. With unyielding determination, Shai passionately argued for a proactive approach, urging the Norwegian government to mobilize its military forces strategically in order to shield the survivors. Her unwavering conviction stemmed from personal experiences of witnessing the devastating consequences inflicted by the Deep Ones, as well as the haunting stories shared by those fortunate enough to have escaped their grasp. On the opposing side, Sister Ava's calm demeanor masked her resolute stance for a more cautious approach. Advocating for diplomacy, she emphasized the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and engaging in open dialogue with the enigmatic Deep Ones. Sister Ava believed that understanding their motives and intentions might pave the way for coexistence, rather than relying solely on the might of the military. As the debate raged on, Wolfgang and Eddie found themselves torn between the urgency of Shai's call for action and the hope that Sister Ava's diplomatic efforts could lead to a harmonious resolution. Their hearts weighed heavy with the lives of the survivors hanging precariously in the balance. In this critical moment, emotions ran high, and the fate of the survivors remained uncertain.

Amidst the fervor, Wolfgang and Eddie couldn't help but ponder the possibility of a middle ground, where a delicate balance between protective force and diplomatic endeavors could ensure the physical and emotional safety of those who had managed to elude the Deep Ones' clutches. It became increasingly evident that the path forward required not only the wisdom and discernment of the Norwegian government and military forces but also the resilience and unity of those who had faced the horrors of the Deep Ones firsthand.

Days later, the bodies of Sarah and the other victims were found, serving as a grim reminder of the atrocities committed by the Deep Ones. The survivors came together to give them a proper burial in the local church, where Sarah had dedicated her life to serving others. The nuns, once a source of solace and prayer, now found themselves praying for the souls lost to the merciless creatures.

Amidst the pain and sorrow, Joson's older brother, Eddie, was consumed by rage and a burning desire for vengeance. Determined to avenge his brother's death, he sought to confront the Deep Ones and make them pay for the lives they had taken. However, nun Ava, who had also experienced the horrors of the Holocaust, recognized the destructive path Eddie was on. She intervened, using her wisdom and compassion to guide him away from revenge and towards healing.

Now, in present day, Wolfgang, Kali, and the other Lebensblood children found themselves in the overrun town of Camp Yakhal. The camp had become a refuge for Holocaust survivors and war prisoners after the Nazi occupation ended. Among the chaos, they encountered a desperate Jewish woman searching for her miraculously surviving four-month-old daughter. Despite her plea for help, Wolfgang hesitated, unsure of how to assist. In the end, he chose to prioritize the safety and well-being of his group.

As they navigated through the crowded streets, they came across Michael, one of the Lebensblood children who had become separated from the group out of fear. Luckily, Michael crossed paths with a Jewish boy who had also lost his parents. The two boys formed an instant bond, and the Jewish boy offered to help Michael find his way back. However, their journey took a dark turn when they were confronted by three other Jewish boys who attempted to steal Michael's belongings. Wolfgang swiftly intervened, protecting Michael and forcing the thieves to retreat. Recognizing the importance of unity, Wolfgang reunited Michael with the rest of the Lebensblood children, emphasizing the need for caution in the chaotic camp.

Continuing their search for safety, the group stumbled upon a desolate area beneath a bridge teeming with flies. Wolfgang led them away from the infestation, but their respite was interrupted when a man attempted to harm Nina. Wolfgang fought fiercely to free her, and a Jewish man stepped in to help, defending Nina against baseless accusations fueled by prejudice. Relieved that Nina was unharmed, Wolfgang held her hand tightly, reminding her to remain vigilant.

Taking refuge in a nearby café, Kali ensured the safety and well-being of Michael and the other children. The children looked up to Wolfgang, admiring his bravery and unwavering protection. Together, they found solace in their shared experiences, huddled together in the café, as they continued their journey, united and determined to overcome the horrors they had faced.