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Erich Jyri Prikko, a soldier of the Estonian Defence Forces uncovers a heartbreaking secret deep in the woods. Now, he is faced with the biggest challenge in all his military career.

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During a normal trip with his comrades to Lake Vortsjarv, a top-secret mission landed him a totally different high-stakes gamble—one that his uniform never prepared him for. What he did next would be the difference between life and death. When Eric comes face to face will he be able to rise up to the call of duty and abandon his training, or will he leave his secret hidden in the woods?

This Estonian soldier will be forced to make a troubling call when he finds a gut-wrenching secret hidden in the woods. Click ‘ Next

What Was He Doing Out in the Forest?

On the day of the surprise, he was he was training by a lake the troops went to often. He had been here before and knew the layout of the land as if it was his own backyard.

While Erich and the rest of his squad were on break, he set out to find a hidden area where he could use the bathroom discreetly.

Click ‘Next’ to learn what happened out there.

A Surprise Visitor

He walked around for a bit to find the perfect spot and was suddenly taken aback by what he saw a few feet away.

There were big eyes staring straight at him, and they were affixed to a brown body about the size of a dog. He froze in his place, not wanting to scare it.

Was this animal going to be friend or foe? Click ‘Next’ to see what animal it turned out to be.

An Unlikely Situation

There, in front of Erich, was a baby moose and he was staring straight at him, wanting to come nearer. It was all alone and making braying sounds at Erich.

Erich felt a chill run through his spine as her assessed the situation. This could turn sour if he played his cards wrong. What did this animal want? The answer is completely unbelievable!

Click ‘Next’ for the full story of what happened.

Military Man

Erich Jyri Prikko is a military officer who has been with the Estonian defense force for several years now.

He has always taken great pride in his job defending the country and trains hard to stay fit for the demanding role. Being in the military requires frequent, intense exercise, which is what he was doing on the day of his incident.

Down South

Part of being in the military is training for all kinds of situations. On this particular day, he and the rest of his squad headed to a wooded region of southern Estonia to practice defense strategy.

It would be a tough and rigorous day of training, but by then, the soldiers were used to it. It was just part of the job description.

Click ‘Next’ to read about the terrain of their practice area.

A Thriving Green Space

Lake Vortsjarv was where the men met on this particular morning. The land in this area is lush and full of vibrant wildlife.

Because it is dotted with several forests and a large lake and is far from large, populated cities, it is able to host a vast number of different animals, many of which the soldiers see every day.

To read more about their training drills, click ‘Next.’

A Hard Day’s Work

There, out in the wild, the soldiers went over the activities of the day, which would be very physical and demanding.

Erich was used to the exercises and looked forward to getting his blood pumping. The work was tough, but the exercise felt great. He was in the best shape of his life, both physically and mentally.

This was the perfect job for him. Click ‘Next’ to read about his relationship with the military.

A Childhood Dream Come True

Erich always knew he wanted to be an Estonian soldier. As a child, he looked up to the country’s heroes.

He had always been proud of where he came from and admired people who were willing to defend their beautiful country. As an adult, his dreams had come true. He loved performing his civic duties on a daily basis.

Things were shaping up to be exactly as he’d imagined them. To read on, click ‘Next.’

He Had Found His Place

He had learned so much while being an active officer and couldn’t see himself doing anything else in life.

As he thought about the future, he could foresee a long military career. It was an honorable job, and he enjoyed that it required both body and brain. That way he would stay physically and mentally fit.

Erich was tough, but he also had another side to him that we would soon to see. Click ‘Next!’

A Day of Exercise

Erich was already dressed in his full military uniform. The sun was just coming up at this time, and the squad was still quiet after getting just a few short hours of sleep.

The military exercises had been going on all week, and it was very physically demanding work, so everyone was a bit tired. In the quiet, they gathered to start their day.

Click ‘Next’ to see what their early morning training was like.

Taking in the Beauty of the Morning

After arriving on the scene, Erich looked around at his surroundings as the rest of the men were lining up for orders.

Though he needed to be focused at work, he couldn’t help but take in the surrounding natural splendor. Lake Vortsjarv was a beautiful area surrounded by miles of green and lush landscaping.

The lake keeps pretty calm throughout the year. Click ‘Next’ for more on the area.

Open Arms

The rural area has been a military site for quite some time, and nearby residents were used to seeing soldiers around their town.

In the low-populated nearby towns, all the locals had always been welcoming to the soldiers and did what they could to show their appreciation for these people whose job was to protect them.

Erich often got lost in thought thinking about the appreciative civilians and beautiful landscape. Click ‘Next.’

Head Out of the Clouds

As the commander started telling the soldiers what their day was going to look like, Erich snapped back to attention.

Focusing on the tasks ahead was an important part of making it through the day. With the warm weather coming in and the long list of tasks they’d have to complete, this day was going to be a long one too.

Erich is not going to forget this day anytime soon! Click ‘Next!’

Warming Up the Body

The morning started off with some warm-up exercises. The men were told to run around the lake for about twenty minutes to loosen up their muscles.

Thankfully, it was a cool morning, and the run didn’t get the soldiers overheated. They don’t always get so lucky, so they appreciate days like this when they come.

Even in the most temperate climates, their exercise was a challenge. Click ‘Next’ to see how Erich would fare.

A Gorgeous View

Though the exercises were physically demanding there was one relief: the beautiful scenery. Jogging around the lake wasn’t so bad as they had a stunning view to look at.

On this particular morning, there was a mist rising from the water as the sun slowly made its way up into the sky. All was peaceful and calm, though he knew it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

Click ‘Next’ to learn what made this workout even harder.

Weighted Down

Erich began running with his gear in place. In addition to his military outfit, he also was fitted for a gun and bullet proof vest.

Even though this was just practice, the soldiers had to be prepared as if they were in a real battle or war. All this gear made the work just a little more challenging.

This was just the warmup. Erich didn’t even want to think about what else await him. Click ‘Next.’

Back to the Task at Hand

Although it was beautiful to look at, Erich and the rest of his squad couldn’t get too distracted.

They had a lot to accomplish today, and they were only at the warm-up stage of their day. The real exercises hadn’t yet begun and those would be much more demanding, so he snapped back into focus.

There was a surprise waiting for Erich in the nearby woods. Click ‘Next!’

Tough Day

After their 20 minute run around the lake, the men regrouped in front of the commander.

He started doling out orders to each soldier and directed them to different drills that they were to do over the course of the next several hours. Each of the soldiers silently gathered their strength, as they were going to need it.

As the activity started ramping up, the soldiers got more and more in the zone. Click ‘Next’ to read more.

Giving Their All

By now, everyone was fully awake, and their hearts were pumping out of their chest. These exercises were unforgiving, and they all knew they were going to be exhausted by day’s end.

It’s hard to imagine that this was just another average day for them. Most people don’t get this much exercise in one week, let alone a single day!

These soldiers have to be admired. Click ‘Next’ to see what would happen to Erich.

Drill Time

Erich went over to his first drill and began to get down to business. He and a handful of other soldiers ran around performing the exercises with precision.

To perform their best, they needed to treat these exercises like the real thing. There was no time for slacking off in this line of work, and every single soldier out there knew it.

This day was shaping up to be a tough one. Click ‘Next’ to follow Erich’s day.

Working Up a Sweat

The soldiers pushed themselves to the limit to please the higher-ups. Their unit commander demanded perfection, and they knew they couldn’t stop until he was satisfied.

Their next water break was not anytime soon, so the soldiers made sure to give it their all while they were being watched. All the while, the worked up quite a sweat.

Click ‘Next.’ Erich wasn’t going to be prepared for what he found nearby!

A Quick Break

After about an hour, the men were given their first break of the day. These resting periods only lasted about 10 minutes before they went on to the next set of drills.

The temperature was a bit warmer, but it was still a comfortable day so far. The men drank water and wandered off in the woods to take bathroom breaks.

Erich stayed close to the lake as he waited for his next instructions. Click ‘Next.’

Break Time’s Up

After the 10 minutes flew by, Erich found himself on the opposite side of the lake running his next set of drills. Luckily, he was in great shape, so he still had a lot of energy left in his tank.

It was only after years of intense training that he was able to keep up with this standard of physical exercise.

This was all in a day’s work for Erich, but this day would be an exception. Click ‘Next!’

Full-Time Job

Estonian soldiers, like soldiers around the world, are expected to take care of themselves and to always be prepared for any threats.

Being the good soldier he was, Erich took this policy very seriously and worked out and ate right during his off-time. There was no time for slacking in this business. While some things like fitness and health can be controlled, others are out of your hands.

Things were soon going to go off plan. Click ‘Next!’

Pushing On

The group was hard at work performing their drills, but the morale was good nonetheless. The rest of the morning went by quick for Erich and his fellow soldiers.

They were knee deep in military drills and still had several hours left in their day. It wasn’t always easy, but they did it to serve their country.

Stomach were beginning to rumble, click ‘Next’ to keep following Erich’s day.

Building Up an Appetite

Usually by this time, the men looked forward to their lunch break. It had been several hours since they had last eaten, and the constant exercise made them hungry quicker than normal.

Everyone was more aware of the passing time as they waited obediently to be dismissed for lunch break. It would be a well-deserved meal.

Finally, the time came, but for Erich this would be no average break. Click ‘Next!’

Time to Eat

When they all heard the whistle that indicated it was noon and lunch time, they ran towards their makeshift base to line up for food.

Erich was famished and had several servings of the food that was being served. Sure, the food wasn’t as good as what he could get at home, but he was happy to eat whatever they served.

After his meal, he was in for a surprise like no other. Click ‘Next!’

A Well-Deserved Pause

He sat on the grass next to a few other fellow soldiers, and they tried to enjoy the fresh air while they could.

They were lucky to have such a breathtaking scenery to take in on their break. After eating, Erich got up to stretch and use the bathroom. So, as usual, he started walking into the woods.

This was where his day quickly changed. Click ‘Next!’ This story is getting good!

In the Woods

Since there were no facilities at the lake, the soldiers had no choice but to relieve themselves in the forest. He was used to this by now and knew how to pick a good spot.

Erich was searching for a private area when he thought he saw something moving off in the distance. He stopped in his tracks to consider what it might be.

Click ‘Next’ to see why he needed to be alert.

Lurking Danger

Though Erich was curious, he couldn’t let it get the best of him. These woods were known to be home to several wild animals, so his guard was up as soon as he saw the creature.

If he made a sudden gesture, he might frighten the animal, or worse – it might take it as a threat and attack him.

Erich’s military training had taught him to be savvy in the woods. He knew how to proceed. Click ‘Next.’

Just in Case

Erich needed to be wise about what to do next. As he hoped for the best, he prepared for the worst.

He tried to make out what he was looking at as he moved his hand over his gun just in case. Of course he didn’t want to use his weapon on an animal, but if the animal was going to attack, he would be prepared.

Click ‘Next’ to see what it sounded like.

Coming Closer

In the distance, the animal slowly emerged from its hiding place and started moving towards Erich. He could hear it making soft grunting and braying sounds.

These clearly weren’t the sounds of an angry animal. It was almost as if it were sad. To Erich, it sounded almost like a cat’s meow or even a baby cooing.

Finally, he recognized what it was. Click ‘Next’ for the revelation!

A Little Moose!

The animal was dark and small. As it slowly approached Erich, he soon realized what type of beast it was.

The knobby legs and large snout belonged to a baby moose and it was awkwardly making its way through the fallen branches and layers of brush. He had never seen a wild animal so willing to approach a human before, especially not a moose!

What was the baby moose up to? Click ‘Next!’

Man and Moose

Erich looked around, he had never seen a baby moose alone before. Though he was thrilled at this once in a lifetime experience, he was sure the mother had to be close by.

If she was, Erich had to be very careful as they are known to charge at any potential threats to them or their young.

Would Erich be spotted by the mother? Click ‘Next’ to find out!

A Careful Approach

The small moose was shy, but it was bent on making its way towards Erich. The soldier decided to sit down in the brush to show the animal that he wasn’t there to hurt it.

The baby moose paused as Erich positioned himself on the ground. All Erich could do was hope for the best. He didn’t want to ruin such an amazing experience!

Would the baby moose trust him? Click ‘Next.’

Friend, Not Foe

Erich tried not to look directly at the moose so as not to scare it off. For many animals, eye contact can be taken as a threat.

His back was up against a nearby tree, and he was facing in the direction of the animal. The moose continued its approach. It seemed like Erich’s tactics were paying off.

Erich was about to make a new friend! Click ‘Next’ to see how they got along.

Within Reach

Erich could see the moose getting closer and closer. In his peripheral vision, he could tell that it was now just a couple of feet away.

In fact, he could reach out and touch the moose if he wanted to, but he didn’t want to scare him off. The animal was clearly shaken up and Erich would make it his responsibility to calm it down.

Click ‘Next’ to see if Erich manages to ease the moose’s fears!

Slow Approach

The baby moose started walking towards Erich who was now sitting still on the ground. Finally, the time had come. Erich slowly reached out his hands to give the animal a gentle pet.

That way, the moose could know he was there to help if it needed it. He was nervous, but the moose reacted in a surprisingly calm way.

Click ‘Next’ to continue reading about this truly remarkable interaction.

Getting Snuggly

The calf started to nuzzle its face right on Erich’s chest. He couldn’t hold back a smile as the animal got more and more comfortable with him.

He never could have expected this from a wild moose! The moose was small, about the size of a dog, but Erich could still feel the power it had as it leaned on his body.

Erich was beside himself with excitement. Click ‘Next.’

Staying Alert

As Erich held on gently to the moose’s body, he looked around once more for its mother. If he saw the larger animal coming for him, he knew he had to get out of there quickly.

He didn’t want to find himself in a confrontation with a mother moose, one of the most powerful animals on land.

When would he finally be able to relax? Click ‘Next’ to see.

Worried About the Baby

After a few minutes, Erich knew the mother couldn’t be close by. It surely would’ve come searching for its calf by now.

He hoped the baby wasn’t abandoned and left to fend for itself. Erich also wouldn’t have been surprised if the baby moose was just a little too curious and got lost while exploring its forest home.

Erich had to decide what to do. Click ‘Next!’ This baby moose needs him.

Calling In

Erich had to do something to help the baby moose. By this point, the animal was completely comfortable with the soldier.

It even started to try to find a place to nurse underneath his armpit. Erich knew the animal was very smart as it searched for mammary glands that weren’t there, but he wasn’t sure how long the moose would last without its mother.

Erich wouldn’t let the moose go hungry. Click ‘Next.’

Calling in for Backup

The baby moose must have been hungry, but Erich didn’t have any food or milk to feed it. Erich knew the baby had to be lost.

Thankfully, in spite of its need for attention and food, it was still in good shape, meaning there was still time to help it out. He took out his radio to call in for help.

Click ‘Next’ to see what the military would do.

Asking the Professionals

Erich called the military veterinary office to ask what he should do from here. As he explained the situation, the moose got comfortable next to him.

He was moved by the animal’s natural affection. Though Erich had the exterior of a soldier, he had a soft heart and felt lucky to have had this animal in his arms.

Click ‘Next’ to see how this adorable story plays out.

Friends Helping Friends

Erich and the moose had quickly grown close and he only wanted the best for the little guy. This gentle beast didn’t deserve to suffer alone in the woods.

It needed food as soon as possible. Thankfully, Erich and his resources in the military were going to make sure the moose was fed and cared for, even if it wasn’t by its mother.

Click ‘Next’ to see what the office tells him to do!

Don’t Move

When Erich spoke with the veterinary office, he was given step by step instructions on what he should do. They told him not to remove the moose from the woods, even though he wanted to.

This was its natural habitat, and the mother could return at any moment. Erich agreed that this was the best thing to do, even though he wanted so badly to stay with him forever.

Click ‘Next’ to see what else would happen.

Following Their Advice

As he listened to the veterinarian’s advice, Erich expressed his concern that the parent may not come back for the baby.

The military office said they were going to dispatch a veterinary officer to his location to come assess the situation. They would also bring it some milk to ease the animal’s hunger. Erich felt relieved knowing that the animal would soon be taken care of.

Click ‘Next’ to keep on following Erich’s tale.

Help Arrives

A mere 20 minutes later, he heard officers calling his name near where he was. They didn’t want to be too loud and scare off the baby moose.

Erich was relieved to hear them coming. Instead of calling back to them, he started waving his hand so they could see him better. He also wanted to keep quiet. The moose looked up with curiosity.

Hopefully this all works out well. Click ‘Next!’

Feeding the Moose

When the other soldiers met up with Erich, they passed him a bottle of milk. As soon as the moose saw the bottle, its face perked up with excitement.

It could smell the liquid and couldn’t wait to get to it. Within minutes, the moose had drunk the whole bottle and seemed satisfied. Erich and the veterinarians were all happy to see the moose at ease.

What would he do after? Click ‘Next’ to find out.

Moving Forward

Erich asked what should be done now that they were all here. They said he could stay in the woods overnight to monitor the situation.

The mother could be on her way to get the calf, so they still didn’t want to remove the baby from the area. He and the moose had a bond now, so he was happy to stay with him.

Click ‘Next’ to see what would become of this baby moose!

Setting Up Camp

Erich didn’t hesitate to sleep there that night. There was no way he could leave the poor animal alone again. He just hoped that the veterinarians were right about the mother.

If she didn’t return within the next day or two, they may need to take the baby away with them and the moose would miss out on life in the wild.

Let’s hope the mother comes back for the lonely baby. Click ‘Next.’

Spending the Night

The soldiers brought Erich everything he needed to spend the night in the woods, including camping gear and food for both him and the moose.

His training day was cut short by this surprise encounter, but he didn’t care. This moose obviously needed all the help it could get and Erich put that before everything else.

Night was coming and Erich hoped for the best. Click ‘Next.’

Making it to Sunset

Erich set up camp and, as the sun began to set, Erich fed the moose another bottle of milk that’s the veterinarians had left with him.

He reflected on his day with the baby moose and was grateful at his chance to connect with an animal at this level. He hoped this was all going to work out well.

The pair kept close as night came. Click ‘Next!’

A Sound in the Distance

Before he knew it, Erich and the moose had fallen asleep. After the morning’s training and the stress over how to help the animal, Erich was exhausted.

He slept soundly and didn’t budge until several hours later. He had thought he heard a noise off in the distance that may have been a moose call.

Click ‘Next’ to see what happens when he gets up to investigate.

The Moose Was Gone

When he woke up, he was surprised to find that he was alone. He looked around for the baby moose, but it was nowhere to be seen.

All of a sudden, Erich heard some rustling in the brush and thought that might be the baby wandering off. He got up to investigate what was going on. He needed to make sure the moose wasn’t lost yet again.

Click ‘Next.’ What happened while Erich was sleeping?

Putting Two and Two Together

He was suddenly distraught. Erich couldn’t find the moose anywhere. He wanted to go search for it, but knew it would be wiser to stay in place and wait.

He didn’t want to lose his bearings, so he had no choice but to stay where he was at until the sun came up. After a few more hours of waiting, Erich could now see what happened.

It was all clearing up. Click ‘Next!’

Mother to the Rescue

In the sunlight, it all clicked and the worry left Erich’s mind. He was relieved it all worked out for the best.

Erich was going to miss the little guy, but he was thrilled it was now where it belonged. There were large moose tracks leading up to where the baby was. The mother had found her calf!

Nature always finds a way! Click ‘Next’ to wrap up this precious tale.

Happy Ending

As he gathered his belongings, he radioed to the veterinary office that the mother had found her baby. They let out a cheer once they heard the news.

Someone was on their way to pick up Erich. As he made his way out of the trees, he looked back and smiled at the amazing experience he just had. His time with the baby moose was truly a gift.

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