To Crack a Soldier: A Nutcracker Retelling by Sarah Beran

Author:Sarah Beran [Beran, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-27T16:00:00+00:00

Going through the waypoint was just as disconcerting as it had been the first time. True to its name, stepping into Autumn from Spring was like jumping forward in time six months. The trees were vibrant with oranges, yellows, and reds, and the wind had a sharp, cold bite despite the bright sun that was shining. Crunchy leaves littered the ground.

They entered Autumn at the edge of the tree line. In front of them the ground was rocky terrain, sloping up into foothills that sat at the base of tall mountains.

“I take it the inhabitants of Autumn are not the tree-dwelling type,” Alex commented.

“Not in the least,” Celesta laughed. “In fact, they might be offended if you suggest it. Most of the fae in Herbst are dwarves, along with a decent population of gnomes. They mine ore and precious metals in the mountains. You’ll find the homes in the city very solidly on the ground. You should be able to see it once we reach the top of this hill.” She bounded forward, her energy not in the least bit sapped by the steep climb.

Alex followed at a slower pace, and as he crested the small rise, he caught his first glimpse of the city of Herbst. Buildings of stone and brick were laid out in neat, even rows. Most were only a single level, though there were a few closer to the center of the city that boasted two or three stories. Unlike the dirt streets of Arboris, Herbst had roads paved with smooth stones.

Herbst lacked the bustle of Arboris as well, with streets that were quieter than Alex would have imagined for a city of its size.

“Something isn’t right here,” Celesta said with a frown. She looked around. “There are usually more dwarves about. And I don’t hear any hammering. Usually, this place sounds like one big smithy.”

Across the street, a short figure ducked out of one doorway and into another. He had only been visible for a few seconds, but it was long enough for Alex to catch a glimpse of his stout arms, barrel chest, and long beard.

Celesta saw him, too, and she ran lightly across the street and rapped on the door the dwarf had just entered. The door opened a crack. Alex was too far away to hear what was said, but he saw a hand appear, gesticulating wildly before being quickly withdrawn back into the house. After a moment, the door closed again and Celesta returned.

She shook her head sadly. “We were wrong.”

“About?”

“Stahlmaus and his men were just here. Apparently, they bullied and threatened everyone in the city with certain destruction if they didn’t give up our location. Of course, they couldn’t give what they didn’t have, and now the whole place is on edge wondering when the army will be back to make good on their threat.”

Alex looked around him. The buildings appeared to be solidly built, and he had a feeling it would take a lot more than threatening words to actually knock them down.

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