WOLINM

The autumn winds had stripped the forest of its leaves, but one acorn remained on the great oak—a single, golden acorn, glowing like a tiny sun. The little people gathered beneath the tree, whispering among themselves.

"The Golden Acorn appears only once in a hundred years," Bramble said. "Whoever plants it will be blessed with good fortune for a lifetime."

Lily looked at the acorn, high above. "Can anyone reach it?"

"No one has ever been able to climb that high," Thorn said.

Lily looked at her hands, at the trunk of the great oak, and began to climb.

The bark was rough and ste

The fog rolled in at dawn, thick as smoke, hiding the valley, hiding the enemy, hiding everything beyond the tank’s hull. Sergeant First Class Marcus Cole peered through his periscope, seeing nothing but white. His radar was useless. His eyes were useless. All he had was his compass, his map, and the voices of his crew.

“Command, Hammer Lead. We’ve lost visual. Requesting updated coordinates.”

Static crackled in his ears. Then: “Hammer Lead, you are on your own. Enemy forces are moving in your sector. Estimated strength, one company. Hold your position.”

Marcus keyed the intercom. “A