Chapter 11:

Onto the Train

Marchen Madness


Adams POV

“Rikter fast or we are going to lose our ride,” I scream to my assistant as we unravel our through the crowds.

“Hold on sir, why are you even making me carry both of our luggage? And not only that why did I even agree to go on a trip during a busy working season,” Rikter screams out in exhaustion following my trail.

“This could lead to our breakthrough for our case, young Rikter. You have a lot to learn. Sometimes you have to go on these grandeur journeys that will probably be the bane of your pockets, yet it will also be the chance for your promotion. Follow me and you will surely receive more money, prestige and promotion in the future.”

“Sigh! I did not sign up for this.” He screams again running towards the train.

The train starts moving slowly while the ground shakes slightly. I want to curse but I do not have the time to. I run even faster pushing the people out of my path. The unlucky victims of my push fell down and looks back to find the attacker, but fortunately I am long gone by then.

I grab the railing and put a foot forward onto the ramp despite the push of people from a similar-position.

“Quick grab me,” I command Rickter.

“I do not have any free hands sir!” He curses out while pushing his preoccupied hands forward.

Unable to get a grip on anything organic, I pull the luggage forward. On momentum, Rikter also moves forward and then jumps onto the rail. Almost on cue, the gates of the train close up and with a huge horn in the background, the train picks up its speed and moves on.

“I did not sign up for this,” Rikter complains again, “And I am never doing this again.”

“Well well calm yourself down. I am sure later parts of this trip will be absolutely worth it.”

“Please tell me you at least got us a cabin,”

“Of course, who do you think my friend was? As I said he would do anything to make me owe him. And now I owe him twice,” I retort bitterly.

“To actually think that your friend is in the military intelligence. But won’t disclosing military secrets get him punished?”

“Not at all; he is hopefully smart enough to get away with.”

“Umm 503, are you sure this is our cabin?” Rikter asks when I open the door to our cabin, to both of our surprises.

“Prepare to get surprised old friend”

“Hehehe,” I laugh out loud while moving in. When he told me to prepare for the surprise I never thought that the cabin would be something of such class. I thought it was a mere sleeper

You outdid yourself my friend. I make sure to make a mental note to thank him when I call him next time.

“Well then let’s get a drink or two,” I say sitting down on my side of the bed while picking up the whiskey bottle from the table in the centre of the ‘room’.

“And then let’s get to work,” I make sure to add.

“I think I am simply going to sleep.” Rikter says while letting go of the luggage and falling down on the bed.

I chuckle at both our laziness; while drowning myself in the flavorful whiskey.

No POV

In a uniform line the soldiers of the Empire picked up their rifles and helmets.

“We are under attack everyone! Make haste,” An old man with an old fashioned moustache screamed at the top of his voice. He bangs on the ground with a bang before leaving. People shudder in fear and pray to whatever they believe in.

“May God protect us from the rebels,” one of the soldiers prays while looking at the picture in his hand.

“Do not worry we shall survive this.” One of the other soldiers who were already fully suited up consoles his friend while bending down and putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry everyone; we have General Rodriguez to lead us today.” Another of the fully suited soldiers consoles every one before leaving the make shift-room to join the battalions.

It was still in the very early minutes of the morning. The grayish dark skies were dyed by the orange spreading from the rising sun. It was still dawn when the battalions moved towards the jaws of death. Hope was a sweet thing. Some clung to it even as the coming bloodshed would dawn onto them, while others would simply yearn for it.