Fifth entry
#7 of The seven Days of Fire
Fifth entry
"We stayed in the forest for a while, not that we had any choice with all the Torekmetians skulking around the forest. We were lucky with the fog, otherwise we would have run straight into the arms of the army. The others in the village were probably less lucky. I think the Torekmetian army knows no mercy. After all, we've moved on. We have to take a detour, because even here in Sepata some areas are contaminated. However, this detour is not without danger, it takes us quite close to the capital, which is still firmly in the hands of the Torekmetian army. I'm worried about the morale of my companions, the war has taken its toll on our reserves and they no longer make a good impression on me. They are tired and exhausted. Our only hope lies in the bad weather front that is approaching and the night when it descends on the town and us. We'll get past the town under cover of darkness and the storm."
Hiredeki closes his diary and looks once more over the skyline of the capital, at the last bit of sunset that still shines through between the heavy, black clouds that are finally closing in like a great curtain before it suddenly gets dark. Tonight will be the night, the storm will break and they will try to get past the town without attracting the attention of the enemy troops. From their hiding place, they can watch as the Torekmetians begin to prepare for the bad weather and the night. The guard posts are made weatherproof and sentries are reinforced. The closed cloud cover is already reducing visibility considerably, but the rain will reduce it to zero. Even night-vision goggles will no longer be helpful. Hiredeki knows this, which is why he waited so long to set off. The wind slowly picks up, bringing with it the first drops of rain in strong gusts. Hiredeki leaves his observation post and joins the others, who are in the process of packing their equipment and supplies in waterproof bags.
"We're leaving soon. Are you ready?"
The two deserters don't look up from their work, but continue packing their equipment into watertight containers.
"Yes, we're still packing the ammunition so it doesn't get wet."
Hiredeki nods and helps his companions pack the ammunition into watertight containers. As soon as they have finished, it starts to rain harder and harder. Within a very short time, the surrounding area turns into a muddy hell, as the ground is unable to absorb the water quickly enough.
...
Hiredeki and his companions fight their way through the pitch-black night. They have had to leave their wagon with the supplies and some of their equipment behind. It had not been possible to pull the heavily laden wagon through the mud. They also find it difficult to find their bearings in the darkness, repeatedly slipping and falling. On more than one occasion, they narrowly missed patrols of the Torekmetian army. Only the occasional flash of lightning illuminates the scene for a brief moment before the darkness descends on the surroundings again. But they still manage to get past the town in one piece.
Until...
"Stop right there or we'll shoot!"
Just before they make it, Hiredeki and his companions run into a patrol. The three soldiers opposite them have already raised their weapons...
No chance of escape, unless ... One of Hiredeki's companions reacts with lightning speed and runs away. While the soldiers open fire on him, Hiredeki also raises his rifle and shoots two of the soldiers, the third is shot by Hiredeki's sidekick. When the three soldiers collapse, the two run off to look for their buddy. They find him lying on the ground about fifty meters away. He is bleeding from several bullet wounds and does not respond to the calls of his companions. When Hiredeki turns him over, he realizes that he is already dead. He slowly closes his eyes and lays him back down on the ground.
"Damn it. This can't be happening..."
Hiredeki mutters, but his words are swallowed up by the sound of the rain. He stands up again and looks at his companion, who only nods knowingly. The shots have already attracted other soldiers and patrols, they have no more time. Leaving their partner behind in the mud, the two flee into the darkness.
...
Towards morning, the rain finally eases a little and visibility improves. The capital of Sepata is already a few miles behind them, but Hiredeki is determined to reach the next village so that they can hide better. Both are exhausted and have reached their absolute physical and mental limits. They drag themselves through the never-ending rain for a few more hours until they finally reach the village. After some searching, they find a few makeshift provisions and a suitable roof over their heads.
Shortly after they have made themselves at home and Hiredeki's companion has agreed to take over the first watch, Hiredeki falls into a death-like sleep. The previous night had taken its toll on him too...
...to be Continued...