It was just past mid-day when they first spotted them. A line of refugees, wrapped in blankets, tear streaks staining their cheeks. A few held weapons, a pistol here, an old rifle there, but most were unarmed.
Tapio volunteered to rush ahead to get information, but he didn't have time before they arrived. Two riders on, what appeared to be, metal stags. Their machines hissed and hummed as they approached, and the metallic clanks of their hooves and joints drew all heads. The riders were a man and a woman.
"Are you from Hammakko?" asked Hersir Larson.
"Are you going to Hammakko?" asked the man, "We are all that is left. Except for those who sacrificed themselves covering our escape."
"What are you riding on?" asked Oran.
"The blacksmith," said the woman, "He was working on a new machine. These personal craft are designed to be fast and light."
"He already shipped a large amount of them with a ship a few days ago," said the man, "But it is only because of these we were able to escape. The blacksmith has stayed behind to lock down his workshop. They fought gallantly."
"They have weapons?" asked Larson.
"Sharp horns," said the woman, "and the front legs have small, personal mortars in them. We can shower infantry from above, if we were well practiced."
"Can you use them?" asked Larson.
"We can, and have," said the man.
"Then you escape no more," said Larson, "Unfortunately, we will need all the help we can to retake Hammakko."
"Go," said Tapio to the refugees, "Keep on this road. Don't stop until the relief force passes you. The army is on its way."
"Relief force? What are you then?"
"We are the buyers of time," said Larson, "We're here to stall their advance, and push them back if we can."
"Perhaps," said the woman on the deer.
Tapio stepped forward, "What was their force like?"
"Men, lots of them," said the man, "Grenades. Rifles. And we believe a mortar, but we left before we could see it."
"Mechs?" asked Larson.
"Not that we could see," said the man, "But the horizon was explosions and horns. Mechs were not far behind them."
"Then we cannot waste any time," said Larson, "We must go now, and reinforce those who stayed behind."
"Any man who can fight and is armed, we ask you to assist us," said Tapio.
"We are the only two, any who would be helpful stayed behind in Hammakko," said the man, "You will be alone."
"Then let us go," ordered Larson.
The group was heading off once more, this time at a slight quicker pace. The strange mechanical reindeer clopped along with them. The two riders looked nervous, and shared several glances with each other. However they followed the soldiers without complaint.
"If we come across them on the way, we'll be trapped in the open," said Oscar.
"They will not leave Hammakko," said Tapio, "Not without a mech."
"Not with the blacksmith held up in his workshop," said the man on the steed, "As long as he and some of the villagers could lock them inside, the invaders will be unable to break in without help of a large mech."
"So they could be alive," Oran exclaimed.
"Depending on the winds," said the man, "I can only pray."
"We need to get there faster," said Larson, "But if we sprint, we won't be able to fight!"
"Well," the woman said, "There's always Herr Ulrick's fishing boat. Going up the coast would be much faster."
"A boat?" asked Larson, stopping in surprise.
It didn't take them long at all to find themselves by the shoreline, and by then they were in sight of Ulrick's fishing shack.
The old fisherman was preparing to leave, and was hesitant to listen to Larson at all. However, after a fine bit of coin was dangled in his direction, he eventually agreed to bring them to Hammakko.
"However, the ol' gal won't carry all of ya. And I am afraid the freaky contraptions will have to stay as well." said the fisherman.
"Damn," cursed Larson, who stepped aside to work out a plan.
"So only some of us can go," said Tapio, quickly looking around at their small force, "About half."
"We'll have to split up," said Larson, "An advance squad going by boat, and the rest of the team in a squad rushing there by land with help from the contraptions."
"We'll beat them," said Oran.
"You there, how fast can a group make it to Hammakko from here on foot?"
"You are practically there, just down the road," said the woman on the mount, "I am assuming a few hours. You will be swifter in the boat."
"So I need anyone with experience or trained in aquatic landings," announced Larson, "Over here please."
Remarkably, almost half the unit moved to the designated location, leaving a smaller half stepping away from it.
"That is lucky," said Larson, "Still too many. You and you, go with them, please. Now, I will take this team by boat and will scout out the town by the sea. If it looks like a loss, we will take it back and warn you. We'll set up back at the line there and prepare for their advance. However, if the town looks like we can take it, we'll wait for nightfall and swim to shore, starting the attack. We will give a single, unmistakable, so you will know when to start you attack, Aesir Virtanen."
Tapio shot her a look, "Excuse me?"
"When I give the single, that is when you will start your-"
"Are you suggesting that I will be running there with the second party," asked Tapio, "You will need all the help you can get and I am-"
"Stop, you are my Aesir," said Hersir Larson, "This is not a difficult call. I will be going on the boat with an advance team and I need you to command the second squad."
"Who might not even make it in time to rescue you," said Tapio, "I have over seven aquatic missions, my Hersir, and three of the landing party are recruits with only training."
"Which will have to be good enough," said Larson, "I don't see how my orders are up for a debate, Aesir. This is how command works."
"I am only under your command because of this town," said Tapio.
"Excuse me," said Oscar, stepping forward.
"Private Pederson, I honestly cannot believe the ox testicles you have chiming in," said Larson, "You will mind your place."
"I actually have a point," said Oscar, "Please. Myself and Aesir Virtanen have recently been to the town of Hammakko. That knowledge is invaluable. Someone with any amount of local knowledge should take priority."
"How about I settle this?"
Turning around, the group could see Captain Liam MacLean rushing towards the group. He had been jogging, and his brow showed with sweat.
"Captain," said Larson.
"You people are not quiet," said MacLean, "Besides, I am a Captain. You take the most experienced members of your team. You go on ahead. I'll take the rest and we'll leave now. I promise you, we'll make it."
"Captain, I,"
"We do not have time to argue," said MacLean, "Am I leaving now with a team, or am I not?"
Larson shot a look at Tapio, but sighed, "Yes. Tapio, you will accompany us, I suppose. You and you, support the Captain. Go now. We will cast off shortly."
The group split up, and in moments, Captain MacLean was leading the land team away from the docks, back up the way they had come.
Larson stepped toward Tapio, and grabbed his shoulder, "You better be worth the insubordination, Aesir. I grow tired of it."
"I hope I can be worth it," said Tapio.
"When we hit the shore, I better not get the mopey has-been I've marched all this way with," she said, "When we hit Hammakko, I better be charging in with the Butcher. Or else I'll end you myself."
She turned and paid the fisherman, who got to work preparing the boat for launch. Tapio gave a deep sigh, his eyes turning towards Hammakko. He could see the smoke rising in the distance.
He hoped when the battle was over, the Butcher would not survive a second time.