Kati and the Witches in the Hill

December, 1944.

Kati arrives in the great city of Budapest. Thrilled to train as a nurse.

Never suspecting vicious struggle on the horizon.

Never expecting forces seen and unseen to sweep her into their grasp.

And into a choice reaching far beyond her tiny Hospital in the Rock.

Faced with life or death, will Kati choose with her mind or her heart?

A Trial of Mind, Body, and Soul

Kati turned her back to the wind, deciding not to walk to the broad stone promenade along the edge of the Danube. Aimless wandering in the streets was hardly encouraged for anyone nowadays, much less a lonely young country girl.

She'd have time enough to make friends with her new home when this awful weather eased up, and hopefully make human friends as well.

Kati glanced at the dingy window of a shop, trying her best not to see her reflection in a round mirror hanging in a dark wooden frame carved with flowers and vines. She must look a horrible fright, with her pale skin wind-burned and her hair knotted beyond repair.

She froze before she could take another step, grabbing at the pitted stone wall to keep her balance on the ice.

That mirror hadn't moved as she did.