The Copper Monument

Two paces past the submerged marble, my boot struck a heavy obstruction in the silt. I dropped low on my base and cleared away the grit with my rifle stock. A thick copper disc lay wedged among the stones, frosted with a crust of pale green oxidation. Using the tip of my barrel lug, I carefully scraped away the corrosion. Bright bronze gleamed beneath, exposing the raised profile of an uncataloged commander flanked by stamped numeric markings. I held my position and traced the weathered contours with my gauntlet, committing the relief to memory. An impressive monument left behind in the field.