Budapest had already descended into chaos. Fortunately, most of the army had left the snow-covered city. Otherwise, things would have been even more chaotic.
But the auxiliary troops and civilians in the city had none of the regular army's discipline, and there had been little time. Large quantities of supplies and prisoners had been abandoned inside the city.
The chaos had also alarmed the prisoners. They had no idea why the Austrians had suddenly begun a full retreat, but they would never believe that Kossuth had sent someone to rescue them.
Fear, however, was contagious. The unattended prisoners began to riot. These makeshift prisons were clearly not very sturdy, and before long the prisoners had smashed their way out with brute force.
The prisoners, free once more, stared at the wrecked city, at a loss. They knew only one thing: they were free, and they had a chance to live.
The prisoners immediately began fighting over the supplies the Austrians had left behind. The strongest among them rushed toward the goods first, trying to claim the spoils for themselves.
The others weren't about to back down. They rushed toward the supplies too, and soon several groups were locked in a massive brawl.
Fists, teeth, clubs, glass, and stones all became weapons. The fighting kept escalating until someone found sabers and muskets, taking the violence to another level.
Thor had little interest in the supplies. He didn't care why the Austrians had fled, either. All he wanted was to find the recruiting officer who had brought him to this hell.
Of all the children who had come from Kanos Village to Budapest, only Thor was still alive. Angela might be alive. Or she might be dead.
After all, if this place was hell for men, then for women it was the