With that, it changed its course immediately. The corporal let off another round and then another. Both these bullets hit the chest area of the long-limb. It kept coming. Its eyes and mouth looked ferocious. He had to keep his nerve. The next shot was good; it landed plump between the creature’s eyes. With that, the long-limb fell forward and crashed to the ground, blood spurting from its head.
Corporal Heinz stood there motionless, his heart still thumping. He took a moment to regain his composure and then closed the barn door, re-saddled and left for the main group. He thought about the discovery of the horses and wagons and how they were going to be crucial to a quick retreat. For a split second he thought about what he would have done if there had been two or more. His reaction was to acquire a sword as soon as possible.
On his journey back he met a small detachment of riders coming towards him. It was Captain Müller and three Prussians.
“Are you okay, Heinz?” expressed a concerned Captian Müller.
A little shocked at their concern, he informed them of his find and the location. He explained about the long-limb and his worry that the gunshot may bring more to the area. His sentiments were echoed by Captain Müller, who recommended they return and get the group moving.
As the men returned to the village, Captain Müller enquired in more detail about the corporal. He wanted to know how long he had been in the Austrian army and what family he had. The conversation was a surprise; he had not expected the Prussians to care about the Austrian plight, but now of course they were being sucked into their own full-scale war. After witnessing the mass flesh-eating army, it was time to put their differences aside.
It was a further hour before enough transport could be found to take the food and supplies away from the boat. They towed a cannon behind a cart and mounted a Gatling gun on a wagon. This was then put at the back of the convoy.
Major Richmond thanked the corporal for his good work and the great livestock find. The cook thought about the chickens and planned to take several with them – he wanted fresh eggs to cook with. The boat was left docked. The men who had served in her engine room were clapped as they disembarked. Benedict was also praised for his navigating skills.
The nurses moved the wounded and sick, although most could walk freely and only a handful needed assistance. They then joined the wounded on the carts and wagons. A selected few decided to walk for now.
The soldiers had to march. There was a small collection of mounted cavalry to act as rapid response if needed. Captain Hayward rode at the front with Corporal Heinz. The corporal took them to the farm as quickly as he could. The main group waited outside on the track and got ready to move on. Everything was about swiftness.
They arrived at the country house farm with ten men. The first sight that greeted them was rats feeding on the dead long-limb. The effect of carrion feeding on infected creatures was unknown. They knew the bite from a flesh-eater could infect you, but the other creatures they had encountered did not seem to carry the same danger.
Two guards were posted outside as the men rushed around fetching the carts and wagons. Chickens were collected and put in wooden cages found in another barn. The horses, which had been sheltering in the large barn, were still there. They were a little agitated, but were rounded up and harnessed to a cart or doubled up on a wagon.
Once this was done they made a beeline back to the main group. Some of the men wanted to search the house for more items, but were warned that a horde of flesh-eaters could be on their way and that this was not the time or place to start a battle.
The group was glad to see the men returning with food and more transport. The extra horses were welcomed. This meant they could rest soldiers en route to their next destination. The summer sun made it thirsty work and fresh water was needed for man and animal.
They drank what they had conservatively. Barrels had been filled with water and bottles for each soldier. The idea was to stay on the outer rim of the villages and towns where they could. Most farms had wells or even fresh water streams they could drink from.
Flowers and long grass became the common sight. There were still cows and sheep grazing, which gave a false picture to this whole war. The lack of people, however, was a key indicator that something was amiss.
“This is an adversary of great distinction,” Captain Müller said, whilst lost in his thoughts.
Captain Hayward looked over at him.
“They are not here just to conquer. I pray to God we can stop this disease that is spreading from Russia.”
The day was long and arduous; they stopped where they could and rested if the major allowed it. The boat had given them a safer environment and sleeping in the evening was not quite the same as it was on the water.
They were not going into Ulm. Cities had proved to be dangerous unless you could confirm they were definitely controlled by allied forces.
The next couple of days were spent travelling and resting. There was no sighting of the enemy, just roaming livestock and wildlife. However, this did put meat on the menu, which was greatly appreciated.
Stuttgart was their next destination. Spirits were high and bellies were full. Songs broke out as they marched. The Prussians were talking about fighting with their countrymen as soon as they could. The Austrians knew what it was like to retreat from the enemy, but had an inner desire to fight back. They wanted to find out where the refugees were heading. News had trickled through about refugees escaping to other countries. Prussia was a neighbour and would be a natural route by which to leave the Austro–Hungarian Empire.
With night falling, it was time to set up camp. An old disused farm was perfect. The barns offered some shelter and it had a stone wall to use as a defence should they need it.
Chapter 21
Lightning struck a tree and flames lit up the night sky. Groans and mumblings wafted on the night air. Light rain fell from the heavens against a backdrop of clouds clapping together. The mood was tense amongst the drone soldiers. The high priest had gathered his generals and was giving out orders on his future plans.
“The Prussians are putting up a strong fight. If they had let the Austrians fight with them they could have bided more time. Their hatred of each other is such a good element for us. I want more drone soldiers, more flesh-eaters, more Northern riders. This war has just started; heads must roll before I am seen as the supreme ruler.”
“My lord, your queen has arrived with fresh wolves. She has brought more razor-tooths and bears.”
The high priest’s smile lit up his face. “Where is Lev? My brother was meant to have taken South Bavaria by now.”
The smile disappeared as he watched a group of prisoners being marched past, their faces white and down-beaten. The high priest Nazar asked for a rifle, took aim and shot a man through the head. Fellow prisoners went to help him and a second man was then shot in the shoulder. He lay there in agony, his hand raised. The other prisoners could only turn their heads, their faces carrying the anguish of the man’s pain and the utter feeling of defeat.
He did not lie there for long as two drone guards came and dragged him away from the walking prisoners. The high priest gave a nod and six flesh-eaters where led over to the man. His eyes focused on these half-human, half-monsters slowly staggering towards him. Their mouths were open and groaning and whining sounds resounded out.
The screams could be heard for miles as flesh was ripped from the living man’s body. The feeding frenzy was a reminder to those who wanted to rise up and fight back against this champion on evil.
A drone general came forward.
“General Georgiy, my favourite general. Tell me, I hear that British Engineers have made their way through the Austro–Hungarian Empire and are now working their way through Prussia. Is this true?”
“Er, I have heard these rumours too, sire.”
Nazar leaned forward and slowly drew his sword.
“What of Benedict?”
The general lowered his head.
&n
bsp; “He escaped from the abbey. They were last reported going down the Danube.”
“Mmmmm... How does the sickness feel, Georgiy? It must be nearly time for you to drink from the blessed water, is it not? Or join the others…”
His finger pointed to the walking army of flesh-eaters.
“Double your efforts. Bring me Benedict, before they find out his true value in this war”
The rain started to fall more heavily and the lightning lit up the sky around them. The landscape was now covered in hundreds of thousands if not millions of marching figures.
Chapter 22
“Major, we must remember not to get too close to Stuttgart, the cities are dangerous now.”
“Charles, we must get close enough to make sure that we do not miss a chance to get help from a major force. We number barely over two hundred men and women. We are sitting ducks out here in the hills and mountains.”
Captain Hayward nodded, but his body language for once did not agree with his superior officer. He felt that there had been too many sightings of the enemy in this area and if anything, Stuttgart would be next on the list for them to take.
The convoy was moving at a steady pace. Soldiers had swapped with others from the wagons to rest their weary legs.
Captain Müller was speaking to Colonel Kiesl. They were from opposing nations but still found it interesting to talk tactics. The Austrian liked the rifles the Prussians had and wished that the Austro–Hungarian Empire had invested in more breech-loaders before they were invaded.
Both men remarked on this sudden outbreak of war and how interesting it was that no one saw such a large army being built up. Russia was thought to be behind it at first, but they commented on the lack of flags bearing their emblem. If Russia had fallen, why did news not reach the rest of Europe quicker?
They did agree that limited information had been passed around over the past several months since this invasion had started. Captain Müller spoke honestly about Prussia.
“There has to be a new headquarters leading a counter-offence. Prussia is too big for us not to crush the enemy that dares take our land.”
Colonel Kiesl gave a sympathetic nod.
“Very true, you have a wonderful army. One that Europe has been afraid of for some time. But Russia and Austria also had large armies and we have seen nothing but destruction.”
“Dear man, do you think Prussia has already fallen to these foes? Think again; we are too powerful for that. Yes, they may be heavily involved in the south of Prussia but our generals will have a plan and I intend to join the force that crushes them.”
Colonel Kiesl said no more and chose to ride on, leaving the Prussian to think about what lay ahead.
The track got wider as they approached a few copses on either side of it. There was a slight gradient as they moved towards a rising hill. It was hoped they would see the outer city limits of Stuttgart from there.
The main concern on everyone’s mind was food. It had been many hours since they last ate and stomachs were rumbling.
A scout rode ahead to see the lay of the land. Spontaneous songs broke out as news spread of a short rest with a good meal.
This happiness was short lived. As they reached the brow of the hill a gunshot rang out. The scout who was riding ahead fell from his horse. Multiple gunshots followed. A nurse was hit in the neck, spraying blood onto the track. She was quickly pulled around and pressure placed on her wound.
Two more soldiers collapsed with wounds to the torso and legs. The Bugler blew for the call to arms and the men rushed to take cover. The nurses were helped down from the wagons and carts whilst under fire.
It was too early to work out where the main focus of fire was coming from. The Gatling gun could not be used as the range and whereabouts of the shooters were still not known. The cannon was released from behind the wagon and wheeled into place. Shells were brought close, preparing it for action.
“Get me a line on the enemy fire,” ordered Captain Hayward.
He had dismounted and was frantically searching for the drone soldiers. Then, to the side of a small hut, he saw movement. It was maybe four or five men moving around. He could see more arriving from the side and some larger figures galloping towards them in the distance. His heart missed a beat as his initial reaction was: Northern riders. They were in better cover now, as the men and women moved into the corpse either side of the track.
If it was a brigade of Northern riders they would have a fight on their hands. He quickly located Major Richmond who had Colonel Kiesl and Captain Müller in close attention.
“Should we try and double back and leave some men to cover our retreat?” questioned Captain Müller.
The major was scanning the horizon with his binoculars.
“That may well be a great idea,” commented the major.
Captain Hayward arrived with an update. Bullets were hitting the trees and dirt track around them.
There was a terrific explosion as the hut was blown to pieces. The band of Northern riders which was cutting across a field came under fire causing them to change direction. This was then met by a charge of Prussian Lancers. The officers and soldiers who had binoculars eagerly watched from the hill.
“By golly, we’ve actually found some friendly forces.” The major was excited to see this unfold.
Captain Müller nodded.
“They’re the... Lancers. Just in the nick of time.”
The Northern riders were struggling to deal with the attack. They may have been powerful on foot, but on horseback they could not match the Lancers.
The gunfire slowly relaxed as the enemy rapidly retreated and were forced back by the Prussian cavalry.
On top of the hill the wounded were being treated. The nurse with the neck wound was in a bad way. She had suffered massive blood loss and was fading fast. The other two were being seen to by the army surgeon.
The captains scanned the hedgerows and fields for further movement. Coming up the track was a small group of mounted soldiers. Captain Müller was quick to point out these were not enemy soldiers and the order should be given not to fire. He got up and took a Prussian soldier with him as he moved cautiously along the track.
The Lancers were rapidly arriving to join them at the top of the hill. Major Richmond came forward and thanked them in his best German. Then, through a translator, he was informed that this was a brief window of opportunity and they should move quickly to get past Stuttgart.
He even went on to say that refugees were pushing into France and that Prussia was retreating on all fronts. This news was not taken well by Captain Müller; the sheer idea of his country retreating was unthinkable.
They were powerful and mighty in his eyes and it would take a force of gigantic proportions to beat them. He saw the enemy as weak and inferior, to be out-thought and outmanoeuvred.
He was left to his thoughts as the wounded were loaded onto the carts. The nurse passed away. She was a fond member of the tight Austrian medical group and the strain and stress was starting to show. Tears started to flow as they wrapped her body in an oat sack. There was no time to bury her now; she would have to be transported and buried at a more convenient time.
The wagons started to roll and soon they were passing the smoking hut and dead drone soldiers. There were pockets of Northern riders who had been killed by the Lancers. Their escort could not stay that long as they explained they had to move and rejoin their main unit. They thanked the Lancers for helping and told them they would be more than welcome to continue with their party. Major Richmond wanted numbers and firepower as they swept through Prussia.
The road they were now on was clear. The fighting could be heard to the east as they moved along. No one was singing anymore; the mood was bleak.
A small trail of blood dripped from the cart carrying the dead nurse. Private Brown looked on with a heavy heart as each droplet landed effortlessly on the track, lost amongst the traffic of hooves and marching boots.
They could
smell the burning buildings as they made their way along the road. It was late in the afternoon and scouts were sent ahead to find a place to rest for the evening. The dark clouds in the distance were in fact black smoke rising from the burning city. Strasburg was their next target, but they were keeping to the rule of not entering a major city unless they thought it was safe.
The Prussians in the convoy had made it clear they would join the next main regiment that came their way. They wanted to fight back now as they felt the group was nearing the Prussian–French border.
The mountains around Ulm were imperious in their size and had taken a lot of energy out of the group as they made their way to Stuttgart. With Stuttgart now crossed off the list of cities under allied command it was all about the dash to the border. The news from the other Prussians that the country was collapsing was demoralising and disturbing.
With the gunfire slowly dispersing in the mountains and hills, the atmosphere improved a little. Tiredness crept into the men’s legs. Even with the scheduled breaks and changing over of passengers on the wagons and carts, the sheer distance was overwhelming at times. Captain Hayward had dismounted his horse and offered it to several weary men along the route. This was a gesture carried out by all the officers. The major even did his share. This was taken well by the men as they believed in those that led them.
With darkness approaching they found a suitable place to rest and set up camp. Wagons were arranged in a circle and the carts used to fill in the gaps. Guards were set in groups because of the recent engagement with the enemy which could mean more were searching around in that area.
Private John Brown met up with Heidi and they spent time gathering wood for the fire pits, stopping occasionally to kiss and cuddle. Both of them expressed their sorrow at the nurse dying and how thin the line was between life and death. John did not want to think about the consequences should his newfound love be injured or even killed.
Europe Has Fallen Page 23
