Chapter 1: No Turning Back (pg 1)

The train rattled back and forth as it carried soldiers to the front. The air inside was thick with the smell of smoke and a faint scent of recently oiled rifles. Some men whispered to each other voices low. Others sat there in silence, staring at the wooden floor or out of the grimy windows. Emil Hoffner leaned against the wall, his rifle resting across his lap. The countryside blurred past trees and villages untouched by the war. Somewhere beyond these hills, the war was waiting. In the distance, a boom echoed through the train. Artillery. Not close, but not too far away. Across from Emil, a young soldier sat fidgeting with his uniform. His finger tapped nervously against his knee. He looked barely old enough to be here "First Time?" Emil asked the boy nodded. His name was Matthias Emil had overheard him talking earlier."You’ll be fine," Emil said, though he was lying. The train began to slow. Someone muttered a curse under their breath. Outside there were officers, soldiers, and wagons loaded with supplies. A whistle blew. Emil tightened his grip on his rifle. That was it. There's no turning back now.