Disclaimer: This chapter will have a lot of violence in it. If you are sensitive to this you may skip this chapter.

It is currently 6:30 and the sun hasn't risen and it's still dark outside. Voltaire is outside with a candle awkwardly staring down the hill at the farmhouses and the flat plain which is about to become a battlefield. Frederick calmly walks up to Voltaire and stands beside him. He then starts whispering in a calm tone.

Frederick: My dear why are you out here?
Voltaire: I'm just worried for your safety in this battle that I have a feeling will happen today.
Frederick: I will be fine Voltaire. Nothing will happen to me.
Voltaire: Promise me that you won't get yourself killed.
Frederick: I won't. Now come back into the tent. You should get some more rest.
Voltaire: Your right.

Frederick gently grabs Voltaire's hand and they both begin calmly walking back to the tent. Once they reach the tent Frederick carefully blows out the candle. Then they both enter the tent and Voltaire carefully puts the candle holder on Frederick's desk. Voltaire walks over to the bed and gets in it. He then awkwardly stares at Frederick. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet slightly awkward voice.

Voltaire: Frederick are you going to come back to bed?
Frederick: No my dear. I have to go do something important.
Voltaire: I understand.
Frederick: Nothing will happen to you or me today I promise. Please get some rest, Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick.

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Then Frederick calmly and quietly exits the tent to not disturb Voltaire. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the French camp, Marshal Ney is staring at the full moon. He then gently grabs his necklace from underneath his coat and stares at the small silver cross. Then he says calmly and quietly.

Marshal Ney: Please protect my son. I will not allow him to die. I will sacrifice myself if that is what my fate is to be. I will die a glorious death in battle. But my son will be spared. I wish for him to live a long life.

Marshal Ney suddenly hears footsteps behind him and he immediately turns around and stares at King Joachim Murat. Joachim Murat starts speaking in a calm voice.

Joachim Murat: Are you praying Marshal?
Marshal Ney: Yes and you disturbed me, Your Majesty.
Joachim Murat: What are you afraid of that you must pray?
Marshal Ney: Losing my son. I will not see him die in this battle. I will sacrifice myself if I need to.
Joachim Murat: But wouldn't your son want you alive? He seemed angry when that rifleman shot you.

Marshal Ney: He will understand my sacrifice if it comes to it.
Joachim Murat: Michel. Your son still needs you. You will need to teach him how to lead a large army. I'm sure that he would be the one to fill your position as second in command.
Marshal Ney: Yes and that's what I want for him. I want him to be a leader.
Joachim Murat: He needs your guidance.
Marshal Ney: I know that. But I will not allow him to die!

Marshal Ney walks off feeling frustrated and slightly angry. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Lawrence is sitting in front of a blazing fire. A couple of minutes later Frederick walks over to Lawrence and calmly sits down beside him.

Frederick: Where are you going to be stationed, Lawrence?
Lawrence: The farmhouse that is on the right. The one called Hougoumont.
Frederick: That's understandable why you would be stationed there. You would be able to fire down on the enemy from the walls.
Lawrence: I would prefer to be on the field. But I will obey Lord Wellington's orders. Don't want to get on his bad side after just being promoted.
Frederick: Indeed Lawrence. But please don't get yourself killed out there.
Lawrence: I won't Your Majesty. I will be safe I promise you that.
Frederick: Good and I promise you that I will explain to you about your past after this war is over.
Lawrence: Thank you, Your Majesty.

Frederick calmly gets up and begins walking through the Prussian camp. Listening to the calm chatter and cheerful laughter of the Prussian soldiers. Along with the soft and happy music that is being played by the flute players. A few minutes later Frederick notices Prince Frederick on the outskirts of the camp staring at the moon. Frederick calmly walks over to Prince Frederick and stands beside him. He goes to put his hand on Prince Frederick's shoulder. But Prince Frederick roughly grabs Frederick's hand. Then he starts speaking in a slightly irritated voice.

Prince Frederick: Do not touch me.
Frederick: Fred. Let go.

Prince Frederick lets go of Frederick's hand and glares at him. Frederick starts speaking in a calm yet slightly upset voice.

Frederick: Fred. Why are you so hateful towards me?
Prince Frederick: You still care a lot about Voltaire. You care more about him than me.
Frederick: Fred he is my friend.
Prince Frederick: A peasant who is friends with a King. A King of a powerful nation.
Frederick: Do not call Voltaire that!
Prince Frederick: I am the one who you call your son. I am your heir! You should care about me!

Frederick: I do care about you, Fred.
Prince Frederick: Do you really care about me that much? Because it seems that you have been caring about Voltaire a lot more than normal. You have also been protecting him I saw you trying to kill that British General who has now betrayed us.
Frederick: Fred I do care about you. I will never stop caring about you. I will also never stop loving you.
Prince Frederick: But why are you so overprotective of Voltaire?
Frederick: I am not being overprotective. I just don't want any harm to come to him. He is my friend. Friends protect each other.

Prince Frederick sighs to himself out of slight annoyance. Then he starts speaking in a slightly irritated tone.

Prince Frederick: Do you truly love me as if I was truly your own son?
Frederick: Fred I do. I do love you and you are like the son I never had.
Prince Frederick: I just feel like you haven't had time for me. I feel like you have only had time for Voltaire and uncle Henry.
Frederick: Fred. I'm sorry that I haven't had time for you. But after this war, I promise you that we will have time for you again.
Prince Frederick: Do you really promise you will have time for me?
Frederick: Yes I do Fred. I truly promise you that.
Prince Frederick: Thank you, Your Majesty.

Frederick gently and warmly hugs Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick reluctantly accepts this gesture. Frederick then feels tears gently streaming down his face out of happiness. A couple of minutes later Frederick gently lets go of Prince Frederick. He then calmly walks off and begins walking through the camp once again. A few minutes later he notices Wellington staring out at the future battlefield. Walking up to Wellington he ends up standing beside him. He then starts speaking in a calm yet slightly serious tone.

Frederick: Are you alright Your Grace?
Wellington: I just have a feeling a lot of blood on both sides will be spilled today. I just hope that none of that blood will be my own.
Frederick: I know that feeling all too well. Being worried about death and even fearing death is normal. We don't know where we will end up after death.
Wellington: It's not just my own life I'm worried about. I'm worried about my wife. I don't know what I would do if I lost her.
Frederick: I also have someone I'm worried about losing so I know how you feel.

Wellington: I will not lose her in this battle.
Frederick: I can tell that there is something else you are worried about. It's not just the one you love that you worry about.
Wellington: I'm worried about having to face my brother in battle. I don't want to have to kill him.
Frederick: Hard choices have to be made in battle. In my first battle, my father was in charge of the army at the time. He hoped for me to get my first kill in my first battle. The first soldier I killed was only a boy he looked like he was possibly seventeen. I was upset at myself for killing him as he was only a child.
Wellington: I understand that hard choices have to be made. But killing someone who shares the same blood as me is wrong. I will not kill my brother. But I will allow him to go into exile if he wishes after this war.

Wellington quietly sighs to himself out of slight nervousness. Frederick then gently puts his hand on Wellington's shoulder. He then starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.

Frederick: Your wife will be safe Your Grace and you will have your victory.
Wellington: When it comes to victory there is always a price to pay.
Frederick: Yes there always is in battle. I shall leave you to think over the battle Your Grace.
Wellington: Yes Your Majesty.

Frederick calmly walks off and begins walking back to his tent. A few minutes later he quietly enters his tent and notices Voltaire still peacefully sleeping. He then sits down at his desk and starts calmly writing something. A couple of hours later in one of the farmhouses, Lawrence is standing on the outer walls. Looking out at the French soldiers who are preparing for the battle. A couple of minutes later Benedict Fraser walks up to Lawrence and calmly stands beside him. He then starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Benedict Fraser: Ready to kill some French bastards Captain?
Lawrence: Yes sir. I also have a certain bastard to deal with. The one who tried to possibly kill Lord Wellington.
Benedict Fraser: And who would that be?
Lawrence: Don't know his name sir. I just know his rank. A French Marshal.
Benedict Fraser: I see. Well, make sure when you kill him to take his sword and that baton they have. I'm sure that will please Lord Wellington. He might give you another promotion.
Lawrence: Maybe.

Benedict Fraser: Still after an eagle?
Lawrence: Yes I am sir.
Benedict Fraser: I'm sure you will get one Lawrence. There are plenty for the taking. I might take one for myself if I get the chance.
Lawrence: I just hope that my brother doesn't try and get in the way.
Benedict Fraser: He won't. Besides, you don't have to worry about him out here. He is with the cavalry. Out here you have to just worry about the French trying to kill you.
Lawrence: Indeed.
Benedict Fraser: I suggest you prepare yourself for the battle Lawrence. Also good luck with your mission.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Benedict Fraser calmly walks off and Lawrence continues staring out at the French. Meanwhile, on the nearby hill, Wellington is sitting on Copenhagen's back. Gazing out at the battlefield through his spyglass. Suddenly the French cannons fire signaling the start of the battle and also startling Copenhagen slightly. Wellington starts speaking in a calm voice.

Wellington: Easy boy it's alright. I won't let anything happen to you. I love you and you know it.

A couple of minutes later Lord Uxbridge calmly trots over on his horse. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Lord Uxbridge: It seems that the battle has begun sir.
Wellington: Indeed Uxbridge. Now while you are here go order the men to start firing the cannons if you, please.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir!
Wellington: Quickly it seems that they are starting to send out some infantry.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir!

Lord Uxbridge quickly gallops off on his horse. Meanwhile, on the French side of the battlefield, Joseph Ney calmly draws his sabre and starts rushing after the rest of the infantry. A few minutes later Marshal Ney trots over to Joachim Murat on his horse. He then starts speaking in an irritated tone.

Marshal Ney: Where is he?
Joachim Murat: Where is who?
Marshal Ney: My son.
Joachim Murat: Well I think he decided to go into battle with the rest of the infantry.
Marshal Ney: I am not going to allow him to get himself killed. I'm going after him.
Joachim Murat: No you are not!
Marshal Ney: You have no authority over me. I am under the Emperor's command and I am not your underling!

Marshal Ney begins galloping off on his horse to go stop Joseph. Meanwhile, at the farmhouse, Lawrence is shooting at the French who are trying to climb up the walls with their ladders. A few minutes later Lawrence notices Marshal Ney galloping over to the farmhouse. Lawrence calmly aims his rifle at Marshal Ney's horse and then fires. This causes Marshal Ney to stumble off his dead horse. A couple of minutes later Marshal Ney carefully gets up and draws his sabre. He then begins running towards the farmhouse.

Lawrence notices this and aims at Marshal Ney and fires. The bullet ends up being lodged in Marshal Ney's left shoulder. Marshal Ney ignores the pain and continues sprinting towards the farmhouse. A few minutes later Lawrence comes running out of the farmhouse with his sabre drawn. He then swings his sabre at Marshal Ney who blocks the attack with his own sabre. Lawrence starts speaking in a tone full of slight anger.

Lawrence: You tried to kill my commander! You will pay for what you did you, French bastard!
Marshal Ney: You were the one who hurt my son!
Lawrence: Yes. Yes, I was!

Marshal Ney tries to fling the sabre out of Lawrence's hand. But he fails to do so and Lawrence suddenly kicks Marshal Ney in the stomach. This causes Marshal Ney to stumble backwards but he keeps his balance. Marshal Ney then violently swings his sabre and Lawrence swiftly blocks the attack. Lawrence then flings the sabre out of Marshal Ney's hand sending it flying a metre away. He then violently slashes Marshal Ney across the chest with his sabre. However, the cut is not deep enough to kill Marshal Ney.

Marshal Ney ignores the intense amount of pain he is feeling. Lawrence then puts his sabre back into his sheath and glares at Marshal Ney. Marshal Ney violently clenches his fists and he goes to violently punch Lawrence in the face. But Lawrence blocks the punch and then he punches Marshal Ney in the face. Causing Marshal Ney to stumble backwards slightly. Marshal Ney wipes the blood from his lips and he then starts speaking in a tone full of rage.

Marshal Ney: Pathetic Englishman you think that you can win this fight!
Lawrence: I'm not afraid of you French bastard! You wanted to kill Lord Wellington and I will make you pay for it!
Marshal Ney: You harmed my son! I will kill you for that! But I will first make you suffer and bleed!

Marshal Ney kicks Lawrence in the stomach knocking Lawrence to the ground. He then begins walking over to his sabre. Lawrence then quickly gets up and sprints over to Marshal Ney and tackles him to the ground. Marshal Ney then shoves Lawrence off himself and he slowly gets up and starts limping over to his sabre. He then picks up his sabre and glares over at Lawrence. Lawrence slowly gets up and also draws his sabre. Marshal Ney starts speaking in an irritated tone.

Marshal Ney: I will kill you even if I must die too!
Lawrence: I'm not afraid of killing you.
Marshal Ney: And I'm not afraid to die if I must!
Lawrence: I also am not afraid to die.

Marshal Ney swiftly swings his sabre and Lawrence quickly dodges out of the way. Lawrence then swiftly slices Marshal Ney across the chest again but in a different place. However, it doesn't kill Marshal Ney as the cut isn't deep enough. Marshal Ney weakly swings his sabre and Lawrence blocks the attack then flings the sabre out of Marshal Neys hand. He then kicks Marshal Ney in the stomach knocking him to the ground.

Lawrence starts quickly running back to the farmhouse. When suddenly he feels a pain in the back of his arm. Upon turning around he notices Marshal Ney barely standing up putting his pistol back on his belt. Lawrence ignores him and continues running back to the farmhouse. Marshal Ney starts weakly limping back to the French side of the battlefield.

*Marshal Ney in thought*

I must stay alive.

I must find my son. I need to know if he is still alive.

I do not feel so good.

I need to get to a doctor. But I also need to find my son.

Need help.

Marshal Ney leans up against a nearby tree and stares at the ground. He also notices that his vision starting to blur. He then starts coughing up blood. A couple of minutes later he takes a deep breath. He then notices Joachim Murat quickly galloping over to him on his horse. Joachim Murat quickly gets off his horse and starts speaking in a slightly nervous voice.

Joachim Murat: Marshal?
Marshal Ney: Your Majesty...
Joachim Murat: Yes Marshal?
Marshal Ney: I don't feel so good...
Joachim Murat: Well that makes sense you are bleeding a lot.
Marshal Ney: Stop pointing out the obvious...Just get help...

Marshal Ney suddenly passes out due to the amount of pain he is in and also due to the loss of blood. Joachim Murat carefully picks up Marshal Ney and begins carrying him back to the French side of the battlefield. Meanwhile, at the farmhouse, Lawrence quickly sprints back inside slamming the door behind him. Benedict Fraser stares at him and then he starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Benedict Fraser: Are you alright Lawrence?
Lawrence: I'm fine he only shot me once. I think that the French Marshal is in worse shape than me. I almost killed him. He might just bleed to death at this point.
Benedict Fraser: What did you do to him?
Lawrence: You really don't want to know. I'll find his body on the field tonight if the French don't do it first. Then I will take his sabre and baton.
Benedict Fraser: I see. Now, are you sure that you don't need the doctor?

Lawrence: I guess I should go see the doctor.
Benedict Fraser: Yes you should go get that bullet out, Captain.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Lawrence calmly and quickly walks off to go find the doctor. Meanwhile, in the French camp, Joachim Murat is hastily walking around the camp looking for the doctor's tent. Eventually, he enters the doctor's tent and notices a man with short light brown hair and sky blue eyes who is wearing a doctor's uniform. Joachim Murat starts speaking in a slightly anxious tone.

Joachim Murat: Doctor Dupont help me here!
Doctor Dupont: What happened to him!?
Joachim Murat: No time to explain! He's bleeding to death!
Doctor Dupont: Get him on the bed quickly! I'll start working on him!
Joachim Murat: Yes doctor.

Joachim Murat carefully puts Marshal Ney onto the nearby bed. Doctor Théo Dupont starts quickly cleaning Marshal Ney's wounds. Joachim Murat starts speaking in a slightly calmer voice.

Joachim Murat: Will he live doctor?
Doctor Dupont: The chance of him surviving is low. But yes he has a chance to live.
Joachim Murat: Thats good.
Doctor Dupont: Is there anything wrong with you Your Majesty?
Joachim Murat: No I'm feeling quite well. I'll just stay here.
Doctor Dupont: Aren't you needed in battle? Don't you command the cavalry?

Joachim Murat: Just the hussars doctor. Not all of the cavalry.
Doctor Dupont: But wouldn't His Majesty still be needed while the Marshal is currently injured and possibly dying!?
Joachim Murat: Yes you are indeed right I am needed in battle. Take care of him, doctor.
Doctor Dupont: I will Your Majesty.

Joachim Murat quickly exits the tent. Doctor Dupont then starts calmly but quickly stitching Marshal Neys wounds. A couple of hours later Doctor Dupont has finished dressing Marshal Ney's wounds. Doctor Dupont is calmly staring at Marshal Ney and he notices that the Marshal is still breathing. A few minutes later Marshal Ney slowly opens his eyes. He then slowly sits up and quietly whimpers as he is still in pain. Doctor Dupont starts speaking in a calm voice.

Doctor Dupont: Take it easy for a while you almost died Marshal.
Marshal Ney: I need my son. Where is my son doctor?
Doctor Dupont: I haven't seen him, Marshal. He possibly isn't injured.
Marshal Ney: He better not be dead doctor!
Doctor Dupont: I'm sure that he isn't dead Marshal. I'm sure that your son is alive and well.

Marshal Ney begins trying to get up. He eventually gets up and off the bed. He then goes to stand up but he almost collapses onto the ground. Doctor Dupont starts speaking in a slightly nervous tone.

Doctor Dupont: I wouldn't suggest walking around. Your left ankle is broken from the battle you were in.
Marshal Ney: I'm fine doctor I need to find my son!
Doctor Dupont: Absolutely not Marshal. You need to rest!
Marshal Ney: Do not give me orders!
Doctor Dupont: You need to rest. You are badly injured. You almost bled to death!

Marshal Ney starts slowly limping towards the tent's exit. But he collapses onto the ground out of exhaustion and also due to not being able to walk properly on his left foot. Due to his ankle being broken. Marshal Ney awkwardly gets up and stares at Doctor Dupont. Doctor Dupont starts speaking in a calm voice.

Doctor Dupont: Just rest for a while Marshal. I'm sure that your son is alright.
Marshal Ney: Sorry doctor I just worry deeply about my dear son. He is reckless and does a lot of dangerous things. I guess I should just rest and hope that he is alright.
Doctor Dupont: Come get some rest, Marshal.
Marshal Ney: Yes doctor.

Marshal Ney starts carefully walking back over to the bed. He then carefully gets into bed and awkwardly stares at the top of the tent. He then starts speaking in a slightly worried tone.

Marshal Ney: Doctor I don't want to lose my son. He means a lot to me. He is out there somewhere on the battlefield!
Doctor Dupont: I understand that you are worried Marshal. But you can't go out there right now. You are still recovering.
Marshal Ney: If he comes to see me just wake me up.
Doctor Dupont: Yes Marshal.

Marshal Ney slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. 30 minutes later Marshal Ney feels someone gently shaking his arm. He then slowly opens his eyes and notices his son lying in a bed next to him. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a concerned tone.

Marshal Ney: Doctor what happened to him!?
Doctor Dupont: He was shot multiple times. But he is still alive just unconscious.
Marshal Ney: Doctor help him, please. I do not want to lose my son!
Doctor Dupont: You will not lose him, Marshal. He will live.

Marshal Ney slowly and carefully gets out of bed. He then walks over to Joseph and stares at him. Marshal Ney suddenly feels tears slowly streaming down his face. He then gently kisses Joseph on the cheek. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a slightly upset voice.

Marshal Ney: Please take care of my dear son doctor.
Doctor Dupont: I will Marshal. I promise you that he will be feeling well soon.
Marshal Ney: Good doctor.

Marshal Ney walks back over to the bed and carefully gets back into the bed. He then gently wipes away his tears and takes a deep and calming breath. Then he slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep once more.

To be Continued in Part 2...