rampart
Fortification.
a broad elevation or mound of earth raised as a fortification around a place and usually capped with a stone or earth parapet.
such an elevation together with the parapet.
anything serving as a bulwark or defense.
to furnish with or as if with a rampart.
**********************************
Christian still remembered a time when walls were almost worthless as a defense. When weapons existed that could destroy even the sturdiest of walls. In those days, the only real defense was to hide. To be where the weapons were not was the only real way to stay alive in those days. Nowadays, the younger generation thought he was crazy when he told them about it.
The old man ran his hands along the cold stone of the fort’s ramparts. The fort itself was built on the corpse of an old building. Christian did not know which one. Some big name super store. There used to be so many that they all ran together in his mind. But now the walls had been reinforced with good stone, and the outer walls he walked along had been built around what used to be a parking lot.
It still seemed odd that such simple structures could keep people safe. He looked at the former parking area. People went about their business there. Of course, most of that business was some form of preparation for battle. Exercise, weapons training, or simply transporting supplies. Another thing that had drastically changed since his youth.
A once safe city was now a warzone. Former places of business and commerce were now places of battle and death. It was almost surreal, in a way. Sometimes he even felt like he could just close his eyes and wake up as a young boy. A boy in a time that was both simpler and infinitely more complex. But he knew that would never happen. He was an old man in a new world. A world that he was just barely able to wrap his head around.
He took a deep breath and turned towards the place beyond the walls. Roads were cracked and sprouting plants. Buildings were either crumbling or had been changed to suit the new society. There were not too many of the latter. Right now it was devoid of human life. Other animals were plentiful, but no men or women. At least, none that he could see.
The sudden peal of a bell caught his attention. The lookout on a different wall had apparently spotted someone. Christian let out a heavy sigh. In all likelihood, it was one of those few people brave or stupid enough to become a merchant. That would certainly be the best option. Far more preferable to the alternative.
A flurry of movement caught the corner of his eye. He turned. There was someone out there. A person. If he looked hard enough he could almost see where they were. Christian felt his old bones protest. Not a merchant then. He headed to the nearest stains, taking one last look over the ramparts. A scout, to be sure. That meant another battle was on the way. Another pointless fight for territory in a crumbling city.
He went down and rang the nearest signal bell. The old man had done his part. Now it was time for the younger men to do theirs. For better, or—more likely—for worse.
**********************************
To all my fellow Americans out there, have a wonderful 4th of July. Well, what's left of it anyway. For everyone else in the world, have a most excellent day!
