Lines of Courage

Felix is back at home in the then-Austrian city of Lemberg, where he lives with his parents. The Baums are hosting the Dresslers, a German family, for dinner. Herr Dressler is a major in the German army, and his daughter Elsa is a talkative 12-year-old who tries to befriend Felix. Felix, however, prefers to stay with the adults and talk about the possible upcoming war, which he is very worried about. Elsa uses the analogy of a game of cards to explain international alliances to Felix. Felix understands that if Russia decides to side with Serbia, Austria-Hungary may not be able to win the war on its own, unless Germany offers its support. Elsa raises homing pigeons and decides to leave one with Felix so they can write to each other.

Over the next month, Felix and his family follow the news, which becomes more and more alarming. When some German officers push for conflict despite Serbia’s willingness to find an agreement, Austria-Hungary officially declares war. As a reserve soldier, Josef Baum is called to Vienna to help with the war effort. He tries to give Felix his Golden Cross of Merit, but Felix refuses it, feeling he is not brave enough to merit the gift. Felix is heartbroken and terrified, but his father encourages him to be brave, telling him that courage needs to be cultivated over time.

A few weeks after his father’s departure, Felix and his mother begin to receive Josef’s letters. Although Josef’s first message seems optimistic, his second letter tells them that the fighting in Serbia is intensifying. He also warns them to leave Lemberg as soon as possible because the Russians are on their way. There is also a letter from Elsa, who seems optimistic about Germany’s victory. Felix’s mother decides to talk to their Rabbi to help the other Jewish families get out of Lemberg. While she is securing a ride out of the city for them, Felix packs up his bags and sets Elsa’s homing pigeon free with a note to let her know that they are leaving.

Felix and his mother nervously wait for their car at eight o’clock. Finally, they head out to meet their driver, but he leaves without them because someone else paid him more money for a ride. They decide to walk instead, but a troop of Russian soldiers approaches through the streets. Felix’s mother exhorts Felix not to show fear. As they watch the Russian soldiers and their prisoners walk past, a Russian officer introduces himself as Captain Garinov. He has heard of Josef Baum being a successful Jewish businessman, and coerces Felix’s mother into inviting him over for dinner the next day.

Over dinner, Captain Garinov shares grim news of the Serbian front. Despite his worry for his father, Felix resolves to defend his mother in case the Russian officer threatens her. When Captain Garinov asks for her help in identifying the city’s Jewish families to send them to camps, Felix vocally protests. Captain Garinov is offended by his disrespect, so Felix’s mother tells him to go to his room. Later, she explains that they need to make themselves useful to the Russians in order to protect the other Jewish families of Lemberg.

Over the next couple of months, the Russians begin implementing new rules in Lemberg. Felix notices people, mainly his Jewish classmates, going missing. One day, he runs into Captain Garinov, who threatens to send him and his mother to a camp if they do not tell him the names of the Jewish families they know. Felix refuses to help, so the Captain chains him up to a pole, intending to leave him to think about his threat for a few hours.

As Felix grows increasingly worried about his mother, he is surprised when he sees Elsa sneak up to him in the night. After receiving Felix’s letter, Elsa and her mother left for Lemberg to help them escape from the occupied city. She cuts Felix’s chains and leads him to a wagon where both their mothers are waiting. As they are about to leave, Captain Garinov catches up with them and tries to pull Felix away. Elsa helps him fight the Russian officer off and they climb into the wagon before quickly driving away. When they finally stop an hour later, Elsa’s mother gives Felix and his mother train tickets to Vienna. Felix thanks Elsa and promises to send her a letter.