Unfortunately Bill had been right, and the first night of camping neither Luke nor Bill hardly slept, conscious the whole time that a few feet away from them lay Brunskill and his mob of friends. They’d kept themselves out of the way of them all evening, as they had been made to tramp up and down the scar with laden backpacks to improve their fitness. But when night-time had come, they had had to put up with the jeers and mockery of Brunskill as they settled down to sleep. Now Luke was trying to keep awake, frightened that Brunskill would do something to him or Bill while they were asleep. He rubbed his eyes and listened to the snores coming from everyone else, and felt his head getting heavy as the night slowly crept into morning. Then sleep eventually got the better of him.

‘Wakey-wakey, sleepy Foxy.’

Luke woke up feeling the warm, foul-smelling liquid being poured over his head and the sound of a voice coming from the person he hated.

‘I couldn’t be arsed to go out to the latrine, so I’ve given you a morning wash instead.’ Brunskill kicked him slightly and then buttoned up his trousers as he put his dick away.

Luke lay in his bed as he realized that Brunskill had urinated over his head. The smell of pee made him want to be sick. ‘You bastard!’ He got out from under his soaked grey blanket and was about to confront the laughing Brunskill when the CO entered the tent, on hearing all the commotion.

‘All of you, out across to the range in ten minutes. A spot of breakfast is to be served in the wooden hut next to the wall and then practice will begin. Fox, get up and get dressed, and tidy yourself up, man.’ He turned and left the group and walked out of the tent.

‘Yes, you stink, Fox, anyone would think you’d pissed the bed.’ Brunskill swaggered as he led his followers out of the tent, leaving just Bill hunched up in a corner, looking shame-faced at his best friend.

‘Sorry, Luke, I couldn’t stop them.’ Bill watched as Luke emptied his billy can of water over his head, trying to get rid of Brunskill’s smell from his hair and his skin.

‘It’s alright, Bill, I know. But I’ll not let this lie, believe me.’ Luke made himself tidy and put his uniform on while his best friend watched. He vowed to get his revenge and show up Brunskill for the bully he was.

Bill and Luke ate their breakfast in silence. Luke watched as Brunskill sniggered across at him, making his friends laugh as he held his nose and commented about the smell around the table.