Europe Has Fallen

by Gouriet, Andrew

  The next morning, the boat edged into Prussia. There were no checkpoints or guards situated anywhere. This was very odd considering the recent feelings between these countries.

  The boat cruised along at a gentle speed. The striking image came when they passed through a small village to find it empty. It was a familiar sight to them. There didn’t seem to be any signs of a struggle or fighting.

  Captain Hayward looked on, concerned. He then went to find the major and knocked on his quarter’s door.

  “Excuse me, sir, have you seen that there is no border control or civilians in the village we have just passed?”

  The major looked up. He had his reading glasses on and slowly took them off.

  “Yes, it is not a good thing.”

  He pointed to a fresh coffee pot sitting on a coaster. The captain helped himself.

  Holding his coffee, he spoke to the major.

  “They must have started to attack Prussia. Surely they wouldn’t be so foolish. The Prussians have a huge army and some of the most modern weapons around.”

  The major took a sip of his coffee.

  “Yes they do, but as you and the colonel found out the other night with Private Smith, they have weapons of a different magnitude. The plague from those flesh-eaters could do even more damage than we know.”

  Captain Hayward sighed.

  “You’re right, Harry. This could be the start of something very, very terrible indeed.”

  Both men stared into the corners of the room, lost in their own thoughts.

  “We must keep up morale amongst the soldiers and nurses. We have several doctors on board – perhaps we should have kept Private Smith’s body to see if they could have gained any valuable information on the sickness.”

  They spoke for a short while before the captain returned to the upper deck. He took in three deep breaths and calmed himself before meeting the rest of the men.

  The scenery along the river was breathtaking. Hills rising and falling effortlessly, meadows coming into bloom, it made a mockery of this dangerous situation that was now developing. Captain Hayward was a soldier, but he loved nature and was an Engineer at heart. He had no strong urges to fight a huge battle or command a whole regiment. He was pondering over going into civil engineering and working for the Government.

  The death and destruction had brought him down to earth on warfare and the harrowing side to its nature. He wanted to spend more time with his family and watch his children grow up. Seeing the human bones piled up and knowing a lot of them were not adult ones, sent a strong chill through his body.

  Charles had grown up in a fairly comfortable Victorian family. His father had worked in a bank and his mother stayed at home and looked after the children. They did have a nanny who was involved in his and his brother’s upbringing. His brother Michael had not joined the army and was currently working in America. He had told Charles: “This country is going places”. They were close growing up, and still wrote at least three to four times a year. Michael tried to come home and visit family and friends at least once a year. He was wealthy enough to do that.

  Their father was not overjoyed with Charles joining the army. He was more of a mathematician and wanted his boys to go into commence rather than the forces. The Empire was very powerful and offered young men the chance to see the world and earn some money in doing so. The dangers were out there, though, and with any fighting force, death was just a neighbour.

  He convinced his elder son that the Royal Engineers would offer him a chance to use his skills more than normal soldiering. He wanted something for his son after the army. He had some contracts through the bank and got Charles to study to become an officer at Sandhurst.

  He had done well and took to the Engineers like a duck to water. The moment his life changed was when he met Rebecca. She was a young lady who was a daughter of an army general.

  There was a summer ball for the officers who had qualified. Charles had gone there with his friends in full uniform, feeling very proud of his achievements. The place was full of nobles and important people swanning around. He had been instructed by his father that this was the time to make acquaintances and help get his career off to a flying start.

  It started well as he met the MP for Surrey. He was a round, pompous man who liked to talk up a storm about how he would change the country and get more power to the people. He said he wanted the Empire to take back America and many other such unreasonable ideas. The two of them did not hit it off, so Charles took a bottle of wine and went to sit outside in the gardens.

  He found a quiet spot and looked up at the evening stars. The night sky was very impressive. The wine flowed from the bottle too easily and he was soon getting up to fetch another, when he heard a commotion coming from behind a hedge near to him. As he walked along he saw a young lady arguing with a navy officer. Charles did not know them and tried to keep moving but she called out to him. The last thing on his mind was getting involved in someone else’s argument.

  “Are you a Royal Engineer?” questioned the woman.

  Charles was amazed she knew his uniform.

  “Umm yes. Can I help you?”

  The navy officer with her looked like he was going to explode with anger. Charles did not know what to say.

  “Bloody hell, Rebecca, I did not sleep with the maid or Camilla. They’re just army rumours. And you, sir, might as well move on.”

  Charles didn’t like his attitude but this was not his battle to fight.

  “I am moving on as you have broken the silence I came out here to enjoy.”

  The man sneered at him and the lady smiled politely. He walked for a several minutes and found a large oak tree then dropped himself at the base of the trunk. He could see the arguing couple in the distance. The view was good but with less sound. Charles thought about his past relationships: some had come and gone in a moment; others lasted for a while and then petered out. He was a bachelor at that moment and happy to enjoy life a little before being posted abroad.

  He watched the couple break off and go their different ways. The navy man went back into the ballroom and the lady started to walk in his general direction. This was not something he wanted, but he found himself stuck to the spot. He hoped if he stayed still she would just walk past him. It was fairly dark in the garden, with only lanterns scattered around on various bushes.

  Charles thought about closing his eyes and pretending to be asleep. He tried it for a moment or two, but could not help forcing himself to open them to gauge where she was. He was pleasantly surprised when he did and found she was no longer in front of him.

  “You’re not drunk, are you?”

  He nearly jumped out of his skin.

  “You scared the life out of me.”

  She laughed.

  “Some soldier you’d make!”

  Charles felt himself going red.

  “I’m not drunk, and I was out here to gather my thoughts.”

  She leaned closer to him.

  “You look drunk, but very handsome.”

  Charles looked confused.

  “Umm thank you. I should really introduce myself. Er, Charles Hayward.”

  He only really took in her beauty once she came in close. His heart did a quick cartwheel. She was very attractive and had eyes that were sharp and piercing.

  “Please to meet you, Charles. My name’s Rebecca Lundin. My grandfather was Swedish, wouldn’t you know.”

  They looked at each other and smiled. There was a comfortable silence.

  “Your father is the general here, isn’t he?”

  “Yes he is. Does that bother you?”

  She said this with a smile.

  “Talking to the general’s daughter is not a crime as far as I know. Upsetting her might be. I guess that was your chaperone for the evening?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ll speak to Father; he’ll be dead by morning.”

  She said it with a deadpan face that unnerved Charles a little.

/>   “Don’t worry, I’m not like that. We have seen each other for a short while, but he does not share the same passion for life as me.”

  With that, she took Charles’s hand and led him off towards the lake. Charles was starting to sober up – fast. First of all, he did not want to upset her. She was the general’s daughter, after all. He was taken by her charm and beauty, but was cautious none the less.

  They walked for five minutes, maintaining small talk, and then arrived at the lake. It was a fair distance from the ball, but music could still be heard in the background and added to the ambience.

  Charles looked around. As he did so, Rebecca started undressing.

  “May I ask what you’re doing?”

  He was puzzled and a little shocked. She turned to him, totally naked, and waded into the water.

  “Well, I’m enjoying the evening. It’s been a lovely summer’s day and I need to cool off. Join me?

  She beckoned him forward. Charles was taken aback by her approach and stood still for a moment or two. He then thought it was all too crazy and turned around.

  A splash from Rebecca soaked his back. It was indeed a warm summer’s evening and the water was refreshing.

  “You must have seen a lady naked before, Charles.”

  She said this laughingly, not in a condescending way; more flirtatious than that.

  “Right, I’m coming in!”

  He then, awkwardly, started taking off his clothes. The alcohol had had more effect on his judgement than he realised. He stumbled several times and wondered how safe it was to go into the water. As he took off his long johns he looked around to see if Rebecca was looking. She was nowhere to be seen. Blind panic set in. Being naked and at the scene of a missing dead general’s daughter would be unexplainable. He wasted no further time and threw himself into the water.

  He dived several times and yet, nothing. His heart was pounding, his mind out of control. He started to swim for shore to raise the alarm and get more help, when a rush of water in front of him brought up Rebecca. She was breathing hard for a second or two and then regained her composure. “I’ve broken my personal record, I do believe.”

  “What are you playing at? I’ve been diving for your body. You’re bloody mad. This is not at all good manners. I was worried sick.”

  She leaned forward, pressing her naked body against his.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She brought her mouth to his and kissed him. Her lips were soft and her touch special. Charles was captivated by her. They carried on kissing. She splashed him with water and he did the same back.

  When they returned to the ball there were several glances at their wet hair and slightly dishevelled look. Her former companion for the evening had since left with another woman.

  Charles went and fetched Rebecca a glass of wine and they sat for a while, soaking up the atmosphere. Then, when she had finished her drink she placed the glass down on the nearest table and took Charles by the hand.

  She led him to the centre of the ballroom as couples started to dance to the next piece of music. Charles just stood there. The music filled the room. Couples swirled at great speed around them, but his eyes were transfixed by his female companion. Then they started to dance. She started them off, and Charles led from there on. He was not the greatest dancer – his mother had proclaimed he had two left feet – but he had not given up and was taught to a respectable standard.

  Rebecca leaned in and pressed her head against his shoulder. Her soft sweet smell filled his senses and made him look around at the room. It was happening so fast, but time was also standing still as his heart fell for the women in his arms. Her eyes met his. He felt sheer energy flow from her into him.

  His dream started to fade.

  “Rebecca, Rebecca…”

  “Captain, you’ve been dreaming. We’re coming towards Passan,” said a young Private.

  He snapped out of his half-sleep and saw a soldier e standing in front of him. He had a half-open and pointed to their position.

  “Thank you, Private. Let me gather my thoughts and then I’ll go to the wheelhouse to meet the other officers.”

  The soldier saluted him and returned to inform the others.

  Captain Hayward looked out over the beautiful countryside and thought once more about his wife and children. He had enjoyed reminiscing about her and now wanted to see them even more. He was aware that letting it over take his thoughts could be dangerous. There was still a lot of land between himself and Paris.

  With no further thought he took the map with him to the wheelhouse. There, waiting, were the major, Colonel Kiesl and several other officers.

  The major laid down the map of Passan.

  “The Prussians could be massing their armies around this town with preparations to defend their borders. We don’t know what reception they’ll give us.”

  Colonel Kiesl scratched his stubble.

  “I have spoken to my men about lying low until we understand their intentions more.”

  The officers continued to discuss the route and the best place to disembark. The boat was currently giving them the fastest route away from the enemy.

  That night, a feast was prepared. Everyone enjoyed what the cook had served up. He had quite a few kitchen helpers scheduled in a tight rota. With so many on board, there was plenty to do in the kitchen and a lot of the time was spent washing up afterwards.

  Wine was available. It was not normally allowed during times of heightened danger, but with Passan within reach the next day, this rule was relaxed a little. Bottles were passed around for several men and women to share.

  The nurses had been kept apart from soldiers in the evenings. The officers had warned the men that they would be dealt with severely if they started sleeping around. This was perceived as harsh by many, but the simple fact was that discipline had to be kept in any army. If they allowed that to fall then mutinies and disorder could follow.

  The nurses had flirted with the soldiers most days, but kept a keen eye on the rules during the evenings. Sergeant Butcher and two Austrian sergeants were ordered to keep an overview of this. There was one exception and that was Private Brown. He had gone to the major and declared his love for Heidi. She had done the same to Colonel Kiesl and they agreed that they would be allowed more time together. The evening sleeping ban still stood, though. They were well aware that if the two of them flaunted the rules others, would feel aggrieved if they could not do the same.

  During the evening, guards were posted outside on the upper and lower decks. Windows were covered up to make sure minimal light escaped. Nothing was taken for granted. Distant rumbling sounded like fighting, but the sentries pointed to a storm over the mountains. Watching the lightning from his room, Major Richmond wrote in his dairy. He hoped they would not be blown out of the water tomorrow before even getting a chance to speak to the Prussians. He thought, too, about the lack of border control entering Prussia and the enemy’s ability to move at lightning speed.

  After spending time writing his thoughts, he poured himself a glass of water and put his weary head on his bunk pillow. He said a prayer and calmly fell asleep.

  The morning started well with a fresh breeze and a sunny outlook. The storm had cleared the skies and eased the pressure that was building.

  Passan was coming into sight. There was no smoke bellowing into the skies, no gunfire or warning signs of such, but they were still cautious. Fear of this being a trap and limited escape routes stuck with them.

  The major asked for most of the personnel to be on the lower decks so as not to give off too threatening an appearance. He had asked for the Austrians to stay below as well due to the current feelings between Austro–Hungarian Empire and the Prussian Empire.

  The British Engineers raised the Union Jack and made sure the soldiers would not be carrying their rifles. The Bugler would be ready on the lower decks should a call to arms be needed. Then the soldiers would be ready to man the cannon and Gatling gun. The rifles were l
ined up in a row on the middle deck. Ammunition boxes were opened in case they needed to reload quickly.

  The first farms on the outskirts of the city started to come into sight. They were deserted. Livestock was still wandering around, oblivious to what was happening in the nearby country.

  The cook looked on at the chickens roaming around and imaged catching a few for a roast chicken with herbs and onions. His stomach started to rumble with delight at the thought of such a feast. His eyes looked around to see if anyone else was contemplating such an idea. He was met with the look of refusal from Colonel Kiesl and then asked politely to go down below.

  The ship kept on moving towards its destination. As they crept along, the soldiers on the top deck looked on with horror as large groups of long-limbs moved towards Passan.

  The boat was not really making enough noise for them to be interested in them and Benedict kept them as close to the middle of the river as possible.

  There was sporadic gunfire as they got closer to the inner city. Captain Hayward spoke to the major about taking the risk and getting as much firepower up on top deck as possible. They were witnessing an assault. The major pointed out that this was probably just a skirmish, as there was no heavy artillery in use, or a massed army advance.

  The soldiers on top deck crouched down. Their weapons were being kept on the middle deck and they felt vulnerable to any sort of attack.

  “Harry, we have to get more men up here and arm the other,” insisted Captain Hayward.

  The major nodded. With that, Sergeant Butcher got the men moving. Corporal Heinz did the same with the Austrian soldiers.

  Sways of drone soldiers could now be seen moving in large groups. The city was coming under a sustained attack. The full force might not have arrived yet, but these shock troops were attacking with purpose. The officers used their binoculars to scour the horizon for movement and cannons. There were no flesh-eaters in sight – yet.

  The further down the river they went, the more anxious they became. The gunfire was getting heavier. Street-to-street fighting had broken out. The central part of the city effectively had the Danube running through it. The weapons were now readied. They watched for movement. It was now that the major feared a heavy assault would leave them sitting ducks. A giant razor-tooth was seen moving through the lanes. He was followed by several drone soldiers carrying what looked like grenade launchers. Captain Hayward recognised them from the one he had taken from the Northern riders.