Battlefield

[capt_facepalm]

Author: Capt_Facepalm
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Surgeon John H. Watson
Summary: Maiwand
Warnings: battle, hack n' slash, but no slashy "slash"
Word Count: 221
Author's Notes: Third 221B attempt.

(These things keep popping up and preventing me from completing more important work!)

Note:  Watson's rank as Captain is definitely not common practice, but I plan to explore that in a future fic. 

Please read and review.

.oOOo.

The retreating soldiers were thrown into panic as they were set upon by a band of Afghani irregular light cavalry who attacked their flank with lance and sword.  Men abandoned their wounded comrades and scattered, only to be picked off at will by their enemies.

The cavalry cut through the demoralised British ranks with devastating results. Captain Watson ordered those around him to stand their ground and fight to protect the wounded. The presence of an officer inspired some men to rally and they successfully repelled the first attack.  Then Watson switched tactics.  He no longer regarded the enemy as a murderous threat, but a source of horses, and changed his orders.  When they regrouped for another attack, the Afghani riders with the misfortune of attacking Watson’s knot of men found themselves unhorsed by any and all means possible; and once on the ground quickly dispatched by fierce and desperate soldiers.

Faced with such strong resistance the Afghanis moved on to less resilient targets.  Watson rubbed his eyes and squinted through the dust clouds.  He then ordered the capture of the few loose horses before returning his attention to the casualties.  There were enough able men and horses to carry these wounded from the area, so Watson supervised their withdrawal to join the main retreat before returning himself to the battlefield.

.oOOo.

Comments

[teddy-tips.livejournal.com]

Once again, really beautifully crafted. Such a brief snapshot, but with such clarity that everything is brought to life. Really well done! I love your 221bs and hope you continue to write more (and definitely can't wait to see the exploration of Watson's rank in a new fic!)

[hagstrom]

This drabbles of Maiwand!Watson are very interesting; quite brave of him not to loose his head in the worst of the battle. Continue soon, and I too, want to read the explanation to Captain Watson =)