The troop marched onwards to the winding Stockdale Road, high above the market town of Settle on the remote landscape leading over to Malham. There in front of them stood the high limestone crags of Attermire Scar, and the rifle butts were just visible at the bottom of the crag known as Warrendale Knotts, nearly half a mile from the road. Luke remembered when he had been at the site with his father on Whit Monday, when he taken part in the full-day shoot known as the ‘Tradesman’s shoot’. The shops in Settle and the surrounding district donated prizes for the best shot. His father had donated and awarded a clock to one of the local boys from the TA and had patted Luke on the back, then turned to him saying, ‘Next year it could be you, son.’ At the time Luke had doubted it, but now he had progressed with his skills and was certain that the prize would be his in the coming year.

‘Right, men, we are staying in the field over the road. Sort yourselves into two groups. Group one needs to erect the tents, while group two will dig holes for the latrines and find some kindling and wood to build a fire. And look lively.’ The CO bellowed as Luke and Bill Palmer decided which group to be in, and finally opted to be the ones digging the latrines and gathering firewood.

‘Shit attracts shit,’ Brunskill laughed as he pushed his way past Luke and Bill, carrying the tent poles into place.

‘Piss off, Brunskill,’ Luke shouted to the well-known bully. ‘Shove your pole up your arse!’

Brunskill glowered at him, and then grabbed Luke by the shirt neck, quickly letting him go as the CO looked his way. ‘Go and dig your hole and bury yourself in it,’ he whispered as he strode off with his followers on his heels.

‘Don’t annoy him, Luke. He’s not worth it. And we might have to sleep in the same tent as him.’ Bill picked up his shovel and made for the wall side, ready to dig.

‘I hate him. I’ll make him think twice about picking on us, one day. He’s nothing but a coward anyway.’ Luke walked off, with Bill following. He would get even with Brunskill. He might be older and larger than him, but one day he’d regret being such a bully towards him.