A HIGHLANDER'S PROMOTION
Site of the Highlanders' promotion ceremony. War 97, Day 195.
WAR 97, DAY 195, SALTBROOK CHANNEL, Endless Shore -- Salt Brook Channel today was graced by thee prescense of many a Warden soldier. Highlanders with rifles at hand, to most they’d be seen as quick responders to Colonial partisans. Their true destination was the old ruined Salt Brook Church, gathering for promotions within their ranks. Places like this are not unusual for the Highlanders, as here united by memories of a kinder time surety is found.
Ariving on the scene officers had begun organising the Highlanders into a loose line against the wall. Not long after HAD’s regimental commander ‘Like a Honeybadger’ whom had prior invited me to this event over a pint at The King Town Hall would make her entrance. A clear change in mood in the room would ensue, a subtle air of nervousness taking root.
The building of the promotion ceremony.
Closer picture of the room.
Private ‘Brick Mann” was caled up first. The usual pleasantlies are said by Honeybadger, followed by silence. An observant reader would have remebered my mention of rifles being carried by the Highlanders, this wasn’t just for show. “Present arms” cries out an officer to the line, the metallic shuffle of weapons fills the room as the troops take aim at their comrade. In a mere few seconds a promotion has eerily become a firing squad.
Before I can think theee officer yells “Fire” initating a melody of bullets whizz and bolts click. Honeybadger pulls me back as a bullet whistles through my notepad sending it flying. “Hold fire” yells an officer rearing his head from the smoke of the rifles. As sight is restored we’re graced with a perculiar sight, our aformentioned private lies flat to the floor. His uniform is in tatters, some scrapes and cuts from bullets drawing little blood, yet alive and well. Looking over to Honey she gives me a grin handing my ruined notepad back before raising an tankard of ale in salute.
“Hurrah” applauds the church as Highlanders cheer and grab drink from themselves. While some might see this group as an unruly mob of misfits and undiscipline the spirit here is undeniable. For the Highlanders they see this as one of their highest traditions surviving generation by generation, war by war. Best I sign off for now as Honey is trying to hoax me into a turn at dodging bullets, they wouldn’t shoot a reporter right?
Written by: [PRESS] Henry Stewart
Published on: 23/11/2022