The long meadow grass was swaying in a slight breeze, the trees were in full leaf and the landscape was very beautiful. They were told not to take too long as the general wanted to leave within the hour. Most people just wanted to eat and rest.
The scouts returned from the village and declared it empty. The cook rustled up a simple broth and everyone ate at speed. Some of the soldiers mentioned the lack of wildlife. Birds and rabbits had been seen, but no farm animals. Some held thoughts about them being eaten by the flesh-eaters although no one spoke out loud about the creatures – it was easier to ignore those thoughts. Most wanted to find the main army and hoped they would destroy this abomination.
Sergeant Green stepped forward to announce it was time to press on. There was a slight groan, but people understood the need to keep moving. The water barrels were loaded onto the wagons first and then the wounded.
The clouds started to gather overhead and for the first time in a while, rain threatened. Major Richmond pinned another note to the tree. He wanted to keep Captain Hayward abreast of what was happening.
The convoy was soon rolling along again. The ten mounted soldiers hung back to bring up the rear and scouts roamed ahead. The village was only a short distance away. Major Richmond had explained to his men that they should only stop for a short period of time to load up supplies and move on to Tokay.
The rain started to fall gently from the heavens. It trickled down faces, slipped off wagons and gathered in large puddles on the road.
Inside the village was one supply store. It had been raided, but still had enough items for them to use. The food was mainly dried meat, flour, oats and anything pickled or in jars. There was the odd tin of biscuits and chocolate.
Major Richmond sent out search parties for wagons and carts. He wanted to get as many men as possible off the road, believing this would help speed up their movement.
Fortune was on their side as five wagons were found scattered around and then hauled in front of the general. He gave the order to load up and move out.
Meanwhile, Captain Hayward had seen the first note and was pressing hard towards Tokay. When they reached the village they had to stop and rest and find water for the horses. Sergeant Butcher found the second note and was confident they could reach them by nightfall. They found some dried food and ate what they could.
Sergeant Butcher asked the soldier to take the horses to a paddock at the side of the village and let them graze. He then spoke to the captain about the plan for the evening. The sergeant felt they were a good day’s march ahead of the horde. Captain Hayward pointed out that the long-limbs were faster and more nimble and were surely on their tails. He also felt they stood more chance of survival if they regrouped with the main convoy.
After a short break, they set off. They had taken down the notices each time because every scrap of information was valuable. Captain Hayward took out his pocket watch: the time was three o’clock. He took another quick glance at the watch. It was a present from his wife, Becky. She had given it to him on his birthday the previous year having noted how he admired it on shopping trips to London. Then, on his special day, she surprised him with the watch. Looking at it brought memories of her and the children flooding back. It was the small things that sometimes hurt the most.
As dusk started to fall they could see the convoy ahead. No sooner had they came into sight than ten riders surrounded them. Luckily they soon saw who it was and a hearty cheer went up. Smiles and pats on the back greeted them.
“How did you make it?” said Sergeant Green.
Captain Hayward shook his head and smiled.
“We got lucky.”
They then rode on to meet the rest of the group. Von Bloch was looking at the map with the aid of a lantern, working out a place to stay for the night. The general was confident they could rest for several hours and leave at dawn.
Major Richmond was delighted to see the captain and his men, but was saddened to hear about the loss of Private Chamberlain.
A nearby village was checked and approved for the men to bring the wagons in. They were lined up on the road ready for an evacuation should it arise. There was tension in the air due to the flesh-eaters on their tails, but they needed rest and to sleep.
They were planning on having guards all night and would divide out the hours amongst the Austrian and British soldiers.
This was only going to be a short stop, so supplies were sought out first. Then it was decided that the house on the edge of the village would be the first lookout for a possible attack. Captain Hayward and his men were given the night off sentry duty due to their heroic effort at the Uzhok Pass.
The captain found a house that was fairly well maintained, where the occupants had left in a hurry and there was still a photograph of the family hanging on the wall. He paused and looked at their smiling faces and couldn’t help but wonder where they were now.
He looked at his pocket watch and pulled out a folded photograph of his family, brushing his thumb against the picture for a moment or two. He then slung his pack and blanket onto the bed and, using his coat for a pillow, laid his head down slowly. It did not take long for sleep to find him.
Chapter 9
Captain Hayward was woken by gunshots. Quickly, he grabbed his Adams revolver and looked out of the window. He could see movement outside and horses rushing down the street. Loud shouts followed, and more gunshots.
He grabbed his tunic and dressed hurriedly. His eyes were slightly blurry and his head was still fuzzy with sleep. On the stairway he could hear banging at the door, and without wasting any more time he rushed downstairs. Half-expecting a flesh-eater to burst through, he raised the revolver directly in the line with the door.
“Sir, are you in there? We have a big problem.”
On hearing Sergeant Butcher’s voice Captain Hayward uncocked his revolver and holstered it, then rapidly undid the bolts securing the door. A concerned-looking Sergeant Butcher greeted him.
“Captain, we have been overrun by deserters and civilians.”
The fresh air that wafted in was tainted with the smell of gunpowder.
They both took off down the street carrying their rifles, Sergeant Butcher leading the way. As they came to a corner they found most of their group kneeling down with their hands over their heads. Von Bloch was being led to a wagon with Major Richmond.
Captain Hayward did a rough sweep of the group and reckoned they had nearly everyone.
“What shall we do?” Sergeant Butcher asked in a concerned manner.
The captain scratched his head. “I don’t understand how this happened so quickly.”
Both men stood still for a moment. It was then that several rifles appeared behind them. They were Austrian, but soldiers not Engineers.
They were asked in German to join the others. Sergeant Butcher looked to the captain for a signal that they should make a fight. He received a look which indicated no. The Austrians then asked them in broken English to move on and join the rest of the group.
They were led to the other officers. Captain Hayward spoke to Von Bloch and Major Richmond, and asked what had happened. He was informed of the betrayal: one of the young Austrian soldiers on guard had been convinced that this Alpine Jaeger Corps unit were returning from a battle and, therefore, that there was no need to wake the others.
He had allowed them to come through and settle their horses and wagons. The civilians followed behind and soon the whole village was surrounded. Von Bloch understood it was a case of betrayal. The young engineer had no need to worry and why would he, with a fellow Austrian army unit? He should have reported it to his non-commissioned officer but it was too late now.
Whilst most of them slept, this marauding force took over the village. They rounded everyone up and took all the weapons. Luckily no one was killed; there were just some minor injuries.
An officer came forward and introduced himself as Captain Sternberg. He was with the Alpine Jaeger Corps. Von Bloch could not withhold
his anger and instantly demanded an explanation for the outrage. He declared that Captain Sternberg would face a court marshal for his treason. His German was strong and direct; he wanted answers. In his mind, Austrians turning on Austrians was unthinkable.
“You must forgive me, General, but times have changed. We need your wagons and weapons.”
The general looked shocked. He had not fully taken on board that this was an Austrian regiment holding them prisoner.
“We are Austrian Engineers returning from the Carpathian Mountains. Do you know what’s coming after us?”
Sternberg paused.
“I fully understand what’s coming and that’s why we must have your wagons and supplies. I would offer for you to join us, but unfortunately we are nearly four hundred strong and there is no room for more.”
Von Bloch walked closer to the Alpine commander.
“We have women and children and wounded men. Would you leave them to die here in this village?”
“Time is of the essence. I will grant you wagons for the families and wounded. We will also leave you some rifles, with the ammunition on the other side of the village. I have no more time.”
The commander turned to go, but felt his tunic being grabbed.
“Why?”
“General, death is coming and it will stop at nothing to consume us all. Austria is a proud country, but we must look after ourselves now.”
Von Bloch shouted out an order for the Alpine soldiers to stand down. His rasping German voice indeed had men lowering their rifles. Some looked uncomfortable with this situation. For a moment it seemed control would switch over to the general.
Bang.
The general fell forward, clutching his stomach. Captain Sternberg stood very still, his revolver out, pointing it at the general.
He then barked out orders and the soldiers and civilians started to take what they wanted. Major Richmond crouched down on one knee next to the old general. He called for an orderly to come and help and a staff doctor.
The major gave Captain Sternberg a fierce look, but it was greeted with impassivity.
“If anyone else stands in our way we will kill them.”
As they went about their business, scouts arrived at speed. They weren’t Engineer scouts, but Alpine Jaeger scouts.
News spread amongst the soldiers and civilians that the long-limbs were closing in on the village. Panic set in and Captain Hayward pleaded with Sternberg to let them go. He refused and said they would be allowed to go once their own convoy was on the road.
Thirty tense minutes followed. With the last wagon rolling out, Corporal Heinz helped organise the Austrians Engineers and civilians and Sergeant Butcher got British Engineers ready. They had twenty rifles and several ammunition boxes with them. Sternberg had kept his promise and allowed four wagons for the wounded and women and children.
General Von Bloch managed to speak to Corporal Heinz and Major Richmond. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could go on. He then demanded to be left in a house to give everyone time. He could shoot from a window and hold the beasts back for as long as he could.
“Damn those creatures, turning Austrian against Austrian.” Von Bloch groaned.
Blood was oozing out of his stomach, which he held with both hands.
“I’m an old soldier. Is there a better way to die?”
They reluctantly agreed to his wish. Some wounded soldiers wanted to be left with him. He commanded a lot of respect amongst the men. He refused to allow any able-bodied man to stay, stating that the others needed them more.
The goodbyes were swift. The general was left with five men and six rifles. They picked a house close to the road to station them in.
The mood was sombre as they left; the general had been a guiding light for them. He got two soldiers to hold him up. They then wrapped an Austrian flag to a pole outside the house.
The dawn sun started to creep across the village, highlighting the buildings’ wooden panels and tiled roofs. It looked, for the most part, a ghost town now – empty houses and broken lives.
The wagons set off at speed. They still had a map and a few supplies and would need to find food and water along the route. Tokay was still the next destination.
For those on foot it would be a long walk, several days at most. Captain Hayward walked at the back with Sergeant Butcher. Corporal Heinz led from the front with the one remaining horse that was not being used to pull the wagons.
The captain looked back at General Von Bloch and the five wounded soldiers. They were all Austrians. He felt emotion flow through his body and knew this was the last time he would see the general and the men again.
The general saluted him. He stood still and returned the salute. They then moved into the house and awaited the onslaught.
The soldiers on foot picked up the pace so they were jogging, but not quite running. The dark blue English helmets and red tunics came alive in the morning sun. Their blue trousers and black boots, however, were not as smart as usual and even their white straps and packs were starting to show the wear and tear of this journey across Austria.
Captain Hayward was proud. He was proud that they were coming together to fight against this aggressor and were not resorting to the tactics used by the raiding party the night before. He prayed they never would.
Major Richmond, who had spoken to some of the Austrians, said one of them believed he knew a shortcut to Tokay. It could save them days, and there was a supply town on the way.
The old general looked at his wounded men in the house as they tried their best to fortify their position. He stopped for a moment, thanking God for having such brave soldiers serving under him.
He then said that if any man wanted to leave he would think nothing of it. Knowing he would die from his wounds, he accepted his fate, but he did not want any other man to follow suit on some folly that it was the right thing to do. He didn’t know what was happening in the rest of Austria.
Each man shook their head when asked if they wanted to leave.
Groaning sounds crept along the road. The general had asked to be placed in the attic with a rifle and a pouch full of bullets. They followed his command. Four men were to be stationed downstairs in the living room and kitchen.
The house they chose was not huge, but it was sturdy. Two more Austrians were positioned upstairs. All the men had injuries, some worse than others, but they had in common a will to fight for their country.
The groans and snapping sounds grew closer and closer. The breeze picked up outside and the leaves shook in the wind. There was also a stale smell in the air. It smelt like death.
“Pick your targets! Today they will find out what it is like to invade Austria. No more running.”
The general winced as he bellowed out his orders. The effect on his men was galvanising. Each of them pushed their rifle slowly out of the window they had chosen. The house fell silent. They waited.
The long-limbs started to appear in the village, some sniffing at the houses. Their legs and arms could now be fully appreciated in the dawn sunlight. Their human-like heads, with giant teeth and dark eyes. They found a door open close to the Austrian house. One reared up on its hind legs and coughed – a deep, grizzly cough. Two more long-limbed beasts appeared behind it. They then followed the lead creature into the building, inadvertently closing the door behind them.
The road now had around ten to fifteen more long-limbs ambling along it. As the soldiers’ eyes followed the creatures, another house door smashed open. The long-limbed creatures came out; they were no longer looking around. Their eyes were transfixed on one house.
General Von Bloch knew it was now time. He let the rifle sit into his shoulder and eased his face closer to the breech. His eyes rolled down the sights; he could see the lead creature coming forward.
Blood trickled out of the general’s mouth. He turned his head and spat it out. Gritting his teeth, his mind raced with thoughts of his family, his grown-up children and his life in Vienna.
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He whispered to himself: may God have mercy on our souls.
Slowly, he squeezed the trigger and the roar of the rifle crackled through the air. Birds flew up and animals scattered. The bullet was a killer. The creature was hit straight between the eyes, sending blood spurting from its skull and causing it to fall forward on its very next step.
With that shot, the stampede started. The long-limbs coming along the road broke into a sprint towards the house. The remaining soldiers started to open fire on the two creatures directly in front of the house, killing one instantly and the wounding the other.
The shots pounded out of the windows and echoed around the village. Several more long-limbs fell under heavy fire. In the distance, the flesh-eaters started to pick up speed, sensing there was fresh meat close by.
Three long-limbs had managed to go unnoticed around the back of the house and were making a beeline for the back windows. One saw an opportunity to stick its head through a glass pane. That was the last thing it ever did as a bayonet pieced its flesh. The soldier wasted no time in twisting it hard but he could not reposition himself in time as the other two came smashing through the back door and the now broken window.
They made quick work of attacking the wounded soldier, their giant claws and teeth ripping into his arms and legs. He let out a yell before being torn apart. The other two soldiers shut the kitchen door and made their way upstairs.
As the first soldier reached the top of the stairs he heard a gurgling sound coming from behind him: his comrade was missing his head. Standing directly behind him was a long-limb. The Austrian soldier raised his rifle and squeezed the trigger: nothing happened. He hadn’t loaded his rifle.
Seconds later he was food for the ever-increasing numbers downstairs. It was a quick death as they tucked into his body.
The two remaining soldiers shouted up to the attic that the house had fallen. They killed the next two long-limbs that dared to come up the stairs. The general was feeling giddy and weak from the amount of blood he had lost. The attic hatch was shut, but the blood from his wound seeped through the ceiling of the room below.
Europe Has Fallen Page 8
