Hautchkins

Herbert Hautckins heard them as they arrived. The sharp whistle was followed by the rhythmic marching of the Heinn's guard as they marched down Main Street.

"Make way!" The lead officer and his men shouted to morning commuters on the road. "Make way for the third brigade!"

Herbert glanced around the general store at the other shoppers until his eyes landed on his wife, who spoke to Mr. Olson at the cash register. Yet as the army marched by, like him, they stopped and looked out the window.

"What in the hells are they doing here?" Anora said as she straightened up and turned to Herbert as he placed down his basket of produce and came over to his wife.

The dwarf, Mr. Olson, stroked his beard, his face stern. "Aye, Mr. Hautchkins, it seems the merchant's predictions are to be believed." He smirked.

"Aye." Herbert grunted and came to his wife. "This isn't some planned march. Why don't you go check on Opal and make sure whatever is going on isn't making her skittish?"

Anora glanced back out the shop's front windows, the large column of soldiers thundering by their voices singing the Heinmarr national anthem. She noted how the soldiers weren't dressed in the usual colorful garb they wore, like in the Frostland March. Instead, the uniforms were a drab gray and yellow. Their backpacks were stuffed to the brim with supplies, and their lever rifles were slung over their shoulders. Aside from the holiday march, she's never seen an army like this march through Oren, and something about it unsettled her.

"Anora." Herbert called her attention back, and she glanced at him and nodded.

"Yes. I'll be just outside." She nodded and smoothed out her dress before lifting it slightly and walking briskly outside.

Herbert watched his wife go along with a few other shoppers and turned to Olson. He bit his lower lip; he had hoped what Olson said all those months ago was just a rumor. Yet after speaking to Mr. Ashflow, the elf seemed convinced almost immediately, and now this army is outside. That was the nail in the coffin for Herbert.

"What else do you know, Mr. Olson?" He asked the dwarf who had stepped out from behind the counter and waddled his way over to the "open" sign and flipped it to "closed.".

"A little more than you probably do, Mr. Hautchkins." The dwarf said this without turning to face Herbert. His eyes focused on the marching column. His hand reached up to stroke his beard as his brow knitted before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

With a shake of his head, he turned to Herbert, who stood by the check-out, watching him anxiously. "War is coming sooner than expected." He cleared his throat. "I heard from the last caravanner that came through town that many of the merchant companies are shutting down supply lines. Due to 'dangerous' activities, shipping lanes are being remapped."

Herbert came over to Olson, glanced out the window, and saw Anora stroking Opal's neck. The strider began to squawk loudly when the larger siege haulers began to come down the road. Massive ground dragons, the size of train cars, pulled what Herbert recognized to be godhammers. Gargantuan siege howitzers, which he read were capable of penetrating deep into the earth and smiting bunkers off the face of Enora like that of Margon's hammer.

Olson spoke up: "News rarely reaches this small town. Most of the folk here aren't aware."

"Aware of what?" Herbert glanced down at the solemn dwarf, which surprised Herbert to see him in such a state.

"The Kaiser's cousin and first advisor to the state, Erlin Dommletel, was assassinated in the border country of Aeilhart." Olson sighed heavily.

Herbert blinked as he wracked his memory as he tried to remember where the fuck Aeilhart was. Moments like this made him wish he paid more attention in school. Yet after a few moments, it came to him.

"Isn't that to the south? Why is the army way up here?" He asked and gestured to the forces outside.

Olson snorted. "Ah, Dumi, unfamiliar with politics as per usual."

"I normally don't let it concern me." Herbert shrugged.

"Aeilhart is a puppet state of Rusimia." He sighed and eyed Herbert as he reached into the vest, pulled out a pipe, and began to pack it with loki. "It's said that when Erlin was on tour through the country, Rusivite magisters attacked his automobile."

Herbert shook his head and blinked. Automobiles? Assassins?

As if sensing his confusion, Herbert pointed out the window, and Herbert's eyes widened in surprise as outside the window were these large box-like wagons rolling across the cobblestone street without anything pulling them. The machines purred loudly, and through the open windows around a concealed hatch, he saw what looked to be a halfling man with goggles fighting a wheel.

Olson smirked upon seeing this. "Interesting device, isn't it, Dumi? Gnomeish engineering at its finest. The nations of the world have been buying these metal puppies up like hotcakes."

Taking his eyes off the metallic monster, Herbert looked at Olson. "So, what does this mean, then? What're you getting at?"

Olson lit his pipe and took a drag before blowing smoke into the air. "The Kaiser is furious and mourning the loss of his beloved family member. The people within the metropolises are also filled with rage. The wheels of propaganda and national fervor are spreading like wildfire, Mr. Hautchkins. A change of plan is happening around us; once the news officially reaches Oren, you may see it here. My great-grandfather told me this long ago, when he served in the Twilight War, that all it takes is a single spark to light a fire. And just last week, that spark was cast."

"How much time do you think we have?" Herbert asked.

Olson took another drag of his pipe as he continued looking out the window. "Not much time. If those aristocratic fools can't talk it out, I give it about a few weeks before conflict arises. I've already heard news that the governor of Johanneson has ordered the opening of recruiting offices."

Herbert took a deep breath and sighed.

"My offer still stands, Mr. Hautckins." Olson looked at him. "Come with me and my family."

"I don't know," Herbert said softly. "I don't know if I can just uproot everyone."

"Well, you'll need to decide soon, Mr. Hautchkins."

Herbert turned to Olson fully. "What do you mean?"

"I've made my decision. Tonight, I'm gathering my wife and kids, and we'll start packing."

Herbert stepped forward and said, "Wait, you're closing shop?"

Olson nodded. "I'm not taking any chances, Mr. Hautchkins, and I advise you to do the same. You don't want yourself or your kids to get drafted into a bloody conflict, do you?"

Herbert shook his head. "No, and my children are too young. Besides, I don't think it'll reach this far out." Herbert's heart began to race as his eyes wandered out to his wife, who was nervously shifting and looking toward the shop.

"Don't be foolish, Mr. Hautchkins." Olson huffed. "Look out there." He pointed to the army. "Those weapons, cannons, guns, and spells. This war that is coming is one that has never been fought like today before. Heed my words, Mr. Hautchkins. This will be larger than the Twilight War."

"That is doomsay."

"Nay! It isn't! We no longer fight with swords, spells, and spears. No war has been fought with cannons that can flatten cities! Machines that can fly! A simple peasant can now kill a magister with a draw of their pistol. Magic isn't the end-all-be-all anymore, Mr. Hautchkins. It's no longer who has the most magical prowess, but who has the most bodies to throw into the meat grinder."

Herbert blinked. "Olson…"

"Just listen to me, Herbert." Olson said it sternly. "Please, as a friend, come with us."

Herbert bit his lower lip and sighed. "I'll need to speak to my wife and kids."

"You have five days! Come the start of the next week, we will be leaving." Olson stuck his pipe into his mouth. "Take your produce, free of charge. Store some extra food while you're at it!"

Herbert blinked, nodded, and went to grab his basket of goods and walk back out to his wife. The streets were bustling with the noise of soldiers and the loud purring and banging from the automobiles that Olson mentioned.

Anora's eyes lit up as she saw Herbert coming over to her and rushed to meet him. "Did you get lost in there?"

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Herbert shook his head. "No, Olson and I just had a chat. He also gave me some extra fruits." He placed the goods in the back of the wagon. "We're going to the schoolhouse."

Anora blinked. "Why? Class is still in session for another three hours."

"We need to have a family meeting," Herbert said. "I'll explain everything once we have Avdol and Mila."

"Is this about the doomsay Olson has been telling you about?" Anora asked, and Herbert glanced at her as he was midway up the wagon.

He shook his head. "I don't believe this is doomsay anymore."

Ashflows

Slyran watched as the soldiers went by his home, his arms wrapped around Cailynn as he clung to her tightly. His eyes narrowed as he watched the soldiers march along; he could hear Lorzio's voice in his head clearly from all those months ago.

"Oh, one more thing. Major General Holser's third brigade will be arriving in Oren come spring, as the rest of his division has been instructed to bolster the Strickland line. So, expect this place to get crowded."

Slyran released his wife and began to rush towards the marching soldiers just as their singing and cheering died down. "Slyran, what're you doing?" Cailynn shouted after him.

"I'll be back; just stay here and check on the kids!" He yelled over his shoulder as he ran towards the soldiers.

"Oi! Stand back!" A dragon-rider officer shouted above her highly decorated land strider.

The black-scaled and red-feathered dragon snarled at Slyran as he stopped, clicked his heels together, and arched his fist upwards as if pumping the air as he saluted the officer.

"Apologies, Senior Lieutenant!" Slyran stated as his eyes flicked over the chevrons on the woman's drab uniform.

The dragon rider lifted her plumed cap, and Slyran noted the slightly pointed ears on the half-elven woman. "Learned fellow, a veteran by chance?" The officer pulled her strider off the column, briefly breaking formation.

"Former Lieutenant, Slyran Ashflow, ma'am. Served with the 2nd field army under General Wahler!" The half-elven woman nodded and smiled.

"At ease, civilian, no need to salute me." The woman maneuvered her growling strider around Slyran; she cooed softly and patted the menacing animal on its neck, calming it. "I am Senior Lieutenant Carina Roth. What brings you running towards my company?" Carina looked at Slyran with a stern gaze. "Rushing towards a column is a quick and easy way to receive punishment. If you wish to join the march, Lieutenant, you'll need to report to city hall." She gestured back towards Oren.

Slyran bit his lower lip and bowed. "Apologies, ma'am. My family and I are concerned. I just wish to see what is happening." He straightened up. "I take it you're familiar with towns like ours and I've marched before; I know this is not the training company you got going on here."

The woman nodded. "Aye, you're right about that."

A few soldiers whistled and howled as they went by, and Slyran glanced over to see them hooting and hollering towards Cailynn.

"Oi!" Slyran barked, his voice taking on a stern tone. "That's my wife! Get back in line!"

The soldiers jolted at first upon hearing him, glanced at Slyran, and laughed, yet immediately were shut down. The senior lieutenant barked out for them to be silent and move.

"Apologies for my men." Carina said she turned back to Slyran. "They're young and dumb. Many of them have never stepped foot beyond the metropolises."

"Where are you all going?" He asked as Carina pulled the reins on her strider. "To the Strickland line." She tsked as she pulled the strider back towards the formation. "Do not worry, Lieutenant. Your family is safe, though, if you ever wish… Our brigade can always use more seasoned officers. Speak with Sergeant Himmler at the recruiting office in the town hall!"

Before Slyran could say anything, she lightly kicked her strider, which began to trot ahead to return formation. Slyran cursed softly and muttered to himself, "Just as Lorzio said." He glanced in the direction of Oren. The town was bustling with activity, and he could just barely see the town hall peeking over the houses in the distance.

"I hope Harold has a few striders by now," he muttered to himself. "And Henderson better have that goddamn wagon ready." He sighed, turned around, and made his way back over to Cailynn, who was kneeling before their children. Luna and Varis seemed to be hammering her with questions.

"Everyone inside!" Slyran instructed them.

"But I wanna see the weapons!" Varis whined, though, before Slyran could say anything. Luna grabbed him by the arm.

"Let's listen to Father," she said to him, pulling him away. Her eyes never broke with Slyran's.

Slyran took a deep breath as Varis deflated, and they went inside. "She's a good girl," he said softly, happy that his daughter rarely spoke back. She was so smart for her age—too smart. He knew she had an idea as to what was going on.

"What's up?" Cailynn asked as she stood up, her face stern though Slyran could see the worry in her eyes. "What did that woman on the dragon say?"

"She confirmed exactly what Lorzio told us,” He said and noticed Cailynn’s hands instinctively clench. “Then she told me I should go sign up to join the march. They've erected a recruiting station downtown, and from what I can see, they're probably setting up a base of operations here."

Cailynn took a deep breath, her expression conflicted as defeat began to settle in, she pinched the bridge of her nose. "What do we do?"

Slyran gritted his teeth, part of him wanted to have an outburst but he kept his cool. Part of him wanted to tell Cailynn how right he was but he knew that’d just make things worse. "We change our plans," Slyran hissed as he wrapped his arm around Cailynn's waist and began to walk her inside. "What’s happening is exactly what I feared.” She looked at him quizzically. “Everything is happening faster than I anticipated. I'll go down into town, speak to Lorzio at the Step Right Inn, and see if he learns anything else. Then I'll check on Harold and Henderson to see if he has a suitable strider now and if the wagon is done. Till then, I don't think we have a full year."

Cailynn sighed. "Harold still doesn't have a strider?"

Slyran shook his head. "Last time I checked when we returned from the trip, he mentioned that lately procuring one is like ripping teeth out of dorrogan. But, he told me that his niece is breeding them down in Johanneson and should be getting some shortly."

Cailynn watched the column march by and nervously hugged herself and looked at Slyran. "What about Luna's training and schooling?" Cailynn whispered as they stepped to the side.

Slyran's ears twitched as Varis and Luna were talking a bit too loudly in the kitchen with Isa about what was happening outside.

Slyran rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. "That is what you’re concerned with?” He asked and Cailynn pulled back looking offended. “By the divine, Cailynn,” Slyran said with a sigh. “Have these nine years dampened your edge?” He said immediately regretting his words despite how much he wanted to say them.

Cailynn blinked and struggled to find the words.

“Darling,” Slyran said softly, “I know how tired you are.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I can understand how you want to settle down, and I get why you despise Lorizio. But, you have to admit that what he told us was the truth.” He pointed to the marching army. “And it’s walking right past us. Now is not the time to worry about our children and their future. The only reason I went along with that fantasy is so that we can get the kids away, assuming we had the time we thought we did.”

Cailynn opened her mouth to speak but no words came. She looked distraught. Her eyes flicked back to their home. The home they thought they’d stay in for years, maybe even a century as they raised their children. All of which seemed to be crumbling into the mud by that very marching army.

“You can’t keep denying what’s happening, but staying here would be a mistake. I don’t want to go either.” He took in a deep breath. “But we’ll have to. For the kid’s safety.”

Cailynn looked away and covered her eyes as she sighed. "Okay…” She said in a low voice before lifting her head, hand dropping to her side. “I can see about getting in contact with my brother."

"Your brother? Aenorin?" Slyran cocked his head.

"Yes, that one." Cailynn nodded and looked at him. "He and his family have a house in Johanneson; in his last letter a couple months ago, he mentioned he got a construction job. Something big is being built there. He can probably take us in if we pay him some rent. Luna and Varis can even meet their cousins." She rubbed her neck. "That is if those two are in town come then," she sighed.

Slyran nodded. "Okay, okay, I like this." He stroked his goatee and snapped his finger. "Alright." He pointed to his wife. "If you can try to reach out to him and start packing, I'll go contact Lorzio and check on the wagon and striders. Till then, keep this hush around the kids."

"What about Luna?" Cailynn asked. "She's smart, Slyran, and mature."

"Too mature." Slyran nodded. "But she doesn't need to know what's coming. Our little star is growing up too fast, and I don't want to force her with the little free time she has left. Ignorance is bliss after all."

Cailynn took a deep breath. "I'm concerned she'll find out for herself."

"If she does, then we'll tell her; she's a smart girl. I'm sure she'll understand."

Cailynn took a deep breath as a sharp cry tore both of their attention to the kitchen just as Luna and Varis ran into the living room, Luna's arms clutching around her chest.

The little elf ran over to Cailynn and grabbed her by the skirt. "Mother. Varis punched me in the chest; it really hurts!"

"It was an accident!" Varis pleaded.

"What did I say about hitting your sister?!" Slyran barked and stood over Varis, who shifted away nervously.

"I-I was just playing—"

"It doesn't matter, boy; never lay a hand on her!" Varis gulped and nodded.

"Yessir." He looked at Luna. "Sorry, Luna."

Luna smiled and nodded. "It's okay."

"Why did you hit her?" Father asked.

"I was telling Varis about my chest and how it hurt lately, and he teased me by smacking them!"

Varis opened his mouth as if to protest, but in a defeated state, he nodded.

Cailynn scowled. "Varis, that is too far. Never touch a woman's breast, let alone your sister's. You know both of you are growing, and that area is very sore."

"Imagine if she punched you in the boys, son," Father said, gesturing to his crotch. "You wouldn't be so happy if she did that.'

Varis nodded. "Sorry. I won't do it again."

"Lets go play tag now!" Luna beamed, ran up to Varis, and took his hand. The boy looked confused, but as his sister dragged him to the backyard, he seemed to lighten up.

Slyran held a hand out, "Wait as second I said stay in—"

Cailynn reached out and placed a hand on his wrist. "Let them go, dear; I don't think the soldiers are going to be marching around the back yard."

Slyran sighed. "I know it's just… I'm worried."

"So am I," Cailynn said.

At this point, Isa poked her head into the living room. "I can watch over them for you two."

The couple looked at Isa and smiled. "We'd appreciate that," Slyran said.

Isa nodded and gave them a clawed thumbs up before going to grab her jacket and step outside.

As things quieted down somewhat, Cailynn said, "I remember when we were kids, and you slapped my tit when I was growing." To lighten the mood.

Slyran was not expecting this statement, and he recoiled. "Wait, what I never did—"

"It was almost ninety some years ago over in Covington when our parents had us meet, just like those two. I was complaining about my boobs, and you said, 'Oh, it can't be that bad'." She mocked Slyran's voice and smacked his chest. "And slapped me right on the breast. Do you know how bad that hurt?"

Slyran looked at her stone-faced and said, "I have no recollection of this."

"Of course, you don't."