Martini-Henry IC1 Riposte
MARTINI-HENRY IC1 RIPOSTE. (See also, MARTINI-HENRY CARBINE, BAYONETS) This variant of the Martini-Henry IC1 is further outfitted with a long-bladed saber bayonet that makes it a competent weapon in melee combat. While the weighting of the bayonet means it no longer suits as a bludgeoning weapon, the blade more than compensates when used to slash or pierce. The need for a bayonet variant of the carbine was articulated by artillery crews and is the major difference from carbines issued to cavalry divisions
Recollections of Nadia Orville
Handwritten journal, 8 x 10 in.
3/5
I pulled myself out the water. My white robes were blackened where they'd been engulfed. I tipped water out the rifle. That wouldn't fire again.
"I think I got the captain, too. The initiate said. "Either way, the lugger's pulling away again. Why'd you shoot?"
"Bad blood,"I replied. The firefight had been short. Before I knew if my shot had struck true, I had dived in the water. The boy must have finished the job. I went over to him. "You're hurt. Shot?" asked, noting the way he held his arm
"Not exactly. Last night, when the dead attacked. I fought them off, but..."he showed me his arm. A wound, a bite mark on the forearm. It had turned black and festered. "Do you think I'll turn?"
"Into one of them?" I replied. I wish I knew. I think we all wish. No one knew for certain, is why all we had was superstition. "No. But only if we act quick."
"What do we do?"
"The arms going to come off" replied. All that we had available were Martini-Henry bayonets. Long sabers that would be good enough for the operation. But not for the first time in my life, I wished I had a bone saw. I sparked the pyre alight, when it was hot, I would sterilize the blade. "It might stop the infection."
"Does it work like that?"
"Are you going to take your chances?"The fire crackled. He would have to make the choice quickly. Before the fire went out, or before it spread. I added, gently, "I'll do it for you."
He bit down on a piece of Cypress root. marked a place below his elbow. When the blade was heated, I began sawing. His screams must have carried far across the water, the splatter of arterial blood decorating my robes with a new set of markings.
