It is currently 6:30 and Marshal Ney is standing outside this log cabin watching the sunrise above the flat grassy plains and the forest in the distance. Suddenly he hears the door open behind him and he turns around and looks at a young man with long light brown hair that is tied up at the back and emerald eyes. The man is wearing a baby blue waistcoat, brown trousers, and jet black boots. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a calm voice.

Marshal Ney: I see that you are awake Sylvain.
Sylvain Mesny: Yes my friend and I see that you still wear your sword and pistol.
Marshal Ney: I don't mind the clothes that you bought for us. But I prefer to keep my weapons on me.
Sylvain Mesny: It's been a month since you came here you shouldn't be worried about people being after you.

Marshal Ney: I know.
Sylvain Mesny: Are you still paranoid? Your son and his friend seem quite content. While you seem like someone who is being hunted.
Marshal Ney: A little. Especially since now, there is a new Emperor on the throne in France. Who probably wants me, my son, and possibly the Englishman to be executed for treason against his Empire.
Sylvain Mesny: No one will find us out here. We are in the middle of nowhere. Far from any town or city. You need to just relax my friend.

Marshal Ney takes a deep breath and Sylvain Mesny smiles at him. Sylvain proudly walks over to Marshal Ney and gently places his hand on his shoulder. Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley then exit the log cabin with rifles in hand. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Joseph Ney: We are going to go hunting for a bit Sylvain.
Sylvain Mesny: Remember to be careful out there. Also, remember those rifles do give a bit of a kick so don't hurt yourselves.
Joseph Ney: We will be careful.
Henry Wellesley: I'll make sure Joseph doesn't hurt himself. I know how reckless he can be.

Joseph Ney: Says you, Henry. You are almost as reckless as me.
Henry Wellesley: Yes but I don't try and get myself killed. I know when to stop.
Joseph Ney: Sure you do. Anyway, we will see you by noon Sylvain and you too father.

Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley confidently and cheerfully walk off. Marshal Ney smiles a little bit. Sylvain notices this and he starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Sylvain Mesny: Come let's have some breakfast I'm sure you are hungry.
Marshal Ney: Fine.

Sylvain and Marshal Ney walk inside the cabin and Marshal Ney sits down at the table. While Sylvain begins preparing breakfast. He then starts speaking in a calm voice.

Sylvain Mesny: I understand if you miss your home. Listen I use to live in France as well. But when I lost my father and my mother I didn't have much left in my home country. I couldn't join the war as I had to take care of my younger brother. I couldn't leave him.
Marshal Ney: What happened to him?
Sylvain Mesny: He died. Unlike me, he wanted to fight. He fought in the war in 1812 and those British bastards killed my brother. I lost a lot. And I understand that you have as well.

Marshal Ney awkwardly looked down at the table and Sylvain Mesny continued speaking in a calm voice.

Sylvain Mesny: You don't have to hide it, Michel. Talking about it helps. Well, at least it does for me.
Marshal Ney: I left my wife and two sons without telling them where I was going. I just told Eugené to look after his mother and his brother. He is kind even though he can make some very stupid choices in life. But I know that he would be able to take care of his mother and brother.
Sylvain Mesny: Do you regret anything?
Marshal Ney: I regret leaving my wife and my other two children. But I know that it was the right choice for them. I miss them deeply even though it's been a month.

Sylvain Mesny: I understand if it's hurting you. But that pain will always be there but it won't hurt as much. It will be like being pricked by a thorn. But right now it's probably like you have been shot.
Marshal Ney: You have always had such a way with words Sylvain.
Sylvain Mesny: Thank you.

Sylvain Mesny puts down two plates with a venison sandwich on each plate onto the table. Sylvain then sits down on the seat opposite to Marshal Ney. Marshal Ney awkwardly looks down at the sandwich and then up at Sylvain. Sylvain notices this and starts speaking in a calm voice.

Sylvain Mesny: Yes? What is it, Michel?
Marshal Ney: I'm just wondering where the newspaper is. I just want to know what's going on in France.
Sylvain Mesny: Alright I will go get it for you.
Marshal Ney: Thank you.

Sylvain gets up from the table and exits the room to find the newspaper. Marshal Ney patiently waits for him and just looks out the nearby window.

*Marshal Ney in thought*

I just don't want to deal with war anymore. I feel like my days as a soldier are over. I can't fight for France anymore. I have probably been disgraced.

Leaving was the best choice. But it was a hard choice. I just hope that Eugené is doing alright taking care of his mother and brother. He's always been a kind and loving boy even though some of his choices in life haven't been the best. He's always made me smile even during the darkest times.

I just regret leaving them all.

Sylvain enters the room and places the newspaper down in front of Marshal Ney. Then he sits back down at the table and begins happily eating his sandwich. Marshal Ney moves the plate aside and grabs the newspaper and begins carefully reading it. A couple of minutes later he starts quietly crying and Sylvain notices this and stops eating. He then looks up and notices the tears slowly streaming down Marshal Ney's cheeks. Sylvain then starts speaking in a calm and soothing voice.

Sylvain Mesny: What's wrong why are you upset?
Marshal Ney: They executed him.
Sylvain Mesny: Executed who?
Marshal Ney: They executed my dear Eugené.
Sylvain Mesny: Dont blame yourself.

Marshal Ney: I shouldn't have left him. I should've bought him here.
Sylvain Mesny: Listen to me. Don't blame yourself. It was the choice that you thought was best for your family. You trusted him to stay behind and take care of your wife and other son.
Marshal Ney: I need a few minutes to myself.
Sylvain Mesny: Do you want to at least take your food with you?
Marshal Ney: I've lost my appetite.

Marshal Ney got up from the table and left the kitchen while wiping away his tears. Eventually, Marshal Ney opens a door to a small room with a bed, desk, and a small bookshelf. He enters the room and closes the door behind him. Then he walks over to the bookshelf and slowly slumps down in front of it. Putting his head in his hands he begins to loudly sob. 30 minutes later Marshal Ney started to calm down and is now only sobbing quietly.

The door to the room suddenly opens and Sylvain enters the room. Then he walks over to the window and gently opens the blood red curtains. He approaches Marshal Ney and kneels down beside him. Marshal Ney looks at Sylvain and begins wiping his tears away. Then he starts speaking in a slightly calmer voice.

Marshal Ney: It's hard to make me break. But losing him has broken me.
Sylvain Mesny: Do you still want time to yourself?
Marshal Ney: Yes. I just want to go back to sleep and possibly just let my feelings out.
Sylvain Mesny: It's alright to cry, Michel. I know it's probably been hard for you to understand that. I know that you are a strong man. But even the strongest men cry.

Marshal Ney: Please burn the newspaper.
Sylvain Mesny: But your son will have to know about his brother's death Michel.
Marshal Ney: Fine. But once he knows please burn it. I don't want to be reminded of it.
Sylvain Mesny: I understand. But try to remember the nice and happy memories you had with him. It will help you.

Marshal Ney nods and Sylvain Mesny gets up and exits the room gently closing the door behind him. Marshal Ney gets up and walks over to the window and closes the curtains. Then he walks over to the bed and sits down on it. He then takes off his boots and puts them down. Getting into bed he stares at the ceiling. A couple of minutes later he pulls the blankets over his face and begins to quietly sob.

A few hours later Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley enter the cabin and put the rifles down beside the door. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a calm and slightly cheerful voice.

Joseph Ney: Sylvain where is father?
Sylvain Mesny: Your father is sleeping.
Joseph Ney: I see. Well, thats too bad because I wanted to show him the large deer me and Henry killed.
Henry Wellesley: I shot it in the eye.

Joseph Ney: You are a good shot even though I doubt that you have ever used a long range weapon.
Henry Wellesley: It's called patience Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Anyway do you have breakfast for us Sylvain? I'm starving after carrying a huge deer.
Sylvain Mesny: Very well I'll make you some sandwiches. Since we still have some meat left over.

Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley both sat down at the table beside each other. Joseph then picks up the newspaper on the table and reads it. A couple of minutes later he puts the newspaper down and takes a deep breath trying not to cry. Henry Wellesley notices this and he starts speaking in a calm and slightly concerned tone.

Henry Wellesley: Are you alright Joseph?
Joseph Ney: My poor brother.
Henry Wellesley: What happened Joseph?
Joseph Ney: They executed him. Poor Eugené.

Henry Wellesley: Shit. I'm sorry for your loss Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Sylvain does father know about Eugené?
Sylvain Mesny: Yes he does Joseph. He needs time alone. It seems that the situation has broken something in him.
Joseph Ney: My father has always been hard to break. But if he lost any of us it would probably break him. I understand if he needs time to himself.

Sylvain Mesny places two plates with sandwiches down on the table in front of Joseph and Henry. They both begin happily eating the sandwiches. A few minutes later Joseph gets up from the table and walks down a small hallway. Then he stops and quietly opens a door and he notices Marshal Ney peacefully sleeping. Joseph Ney enters the room and walks over to his father. Marshal Ney slowly opens his eyes upon hearing Joseph approach him. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a voice full of sadness.

Marshal Ney: Joseph I have something to tell you.
Joseph Ney: I already know father. Eugené is dead.
Marshal Ney: I'm sorry that you have to see me in such a broken and sorry state Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Dont be sorry father. It's normal to grieve and feel some sort of pain in this situation.
Marshal Ney: Eugené was a kind boy who made a lot of wrong choices in his life. I have a lot of regrets about not allowing him to come.

Joseph Ney: I understand father. But if you allowed him to come who would be there for my mother and my younger brother?
Marshal Ney: Your right Joseph. Like I know that I made the right choice. But now I'm deeply regretting that choice I've made.
Joseph Ney: I understand.
Marshal Ney: Tell Sylvain that I'm going to go out to the forest for a bit.
Joseph Ney: Alright father.

Joseph Ney exited the room and made his way to the kitchen. Once he enters the kitchen he notices that Sylvain is boiling some water in a pot over the fire in the brick fireplace. Sylvain notices Joseph and he starts speaking in a calm voice.

Sylvain Mesny: Joseph are you alright?
Joseph Ney: I could be better Sylvain. It hurts that my brother is gone.
Sylvain Mesny: It's normal that you are hurting. Take your time to grieve.
Joseph Ney: Your right I need to take my time to grieve.

Marshal Ney then enters the room and goes to walk outside. But he stops himself and looks at Joseph and Sylvain. Sylvain notices the sadness in Marshal Ney's sky blue eyes. Sylvain starts speaking in a calm and soft voice.

Sylvain Mesny: I understand that you need time alone. You don't need to ask for permission.
Marshal Ney: I'll be in the forest if you need me.
Sylvain Mesny: Take your time. Grieving takes time my friend.
Marshal Ney: I will.

Marshal Ney grabs one of the rifles and puts it over his shoulder then he exits the cabin. He begins walking through the vast plains. Listening to the sounds of the birds cheerfully chirping nearby. Along with the sounds of bees peacefully buzzing around nearby flowers. Eventually, he makes his way to the forest and begins walking through it. The leaves crunch and twigs snap underneath his feet as he walks.

Tears start streaming down his face and he tries to wipe them away. But more keep coming as his sadness escapes his body. Suddenly he trips on a tree root causing him to fall into a pile of leaves and twigs. A small picture of a young boy in a golden frame has also fallen out of his pocket. Marshal Ney awkwardly gets up and pulls the twigs and leaves out of his hair. Then he brushes down his clothes. Eventually, he notices the picture on the ground and gently picks it up.

Then he brushes the dirt off the picture and stares at it. He starts walking further into the forest while tightly gripping the picture. Eventually, he makes it to a clearing and sits down on a log. Staring at the picture he continues to cry.

*Marshal Ney in thought*
I shouldn't have left you, my dear boy.

I don't know who will look after your mother and your younger brother now. But I know that they will always love you just like me and Joseph will as well.

If you are watching me from wherever you are now. I apologize for leaving you and I'm sorry that I might have not been the best father for you. But you know that I tried my hardest to be a good father.

You were kind and always wanted our family's honor to be intact. Even though it would lead you to make ridiculous choices and some were terrible. But I do forgive you for your bad decisions as your caring father.

You will never be forgotten by your family. You will always be remembered in our hearts.

Marshal Ney gets up off the log and walks over to a nearby tree. Then he kneels down and starts digging a small hole with his bare hands. A couple of minutes later he places the picture in the hole and covers it up. Getting up off the ground he draws his sabre and cuts a line across the tree. Then he puts his sabre back into his sheath and walks away from the tree. He starts searching through the forest for a water source. A few minutes later he reaches a large creek. Upon reaching the edge of the creek he dips his hands in the cold water and begins cleaning the dirt off them.

Once he has finished cleaning his hands he throws some water on his face. He then sits there gazing down at his reflection in the water for a few minutes. Then he gets up and starts making his way back to the cabin. A few minutes later he reaches the cabin and walks inside and puts the rifle down next to the door. He starts walking down the hallway and stops in front of the door to the room he sleeps in. Opening the door he walks inside the room and gently closes the door behind himself. Walking over to the bed Marshal Ney sits down and takes off his boots.

Then he gets into bed and curls up and tries to go to sleep. He gently closes his eyes and tries to calm himself. A few minutes later Sylvain enters the room with a cup of tea which he gently places down on the bedside table. Marshal Ney slowly opens his eyes and notices Sylvain grabbing the chair from the desk and walking over to him with it. Sylvain places the chair down beside the bed and sits down. Sylvain starts speaking in a soft and soothing voice.

Sylvain Mesny: Michel. Your son is also grieving the loss of his brother. You can't shut yourself away all the time while you are grieving.
Marshal Ney: What are you saying, Sylvain?
Sylvain Mesny: I'm saying that your son will need his father during this time. You need to be there for him. It will be as hard for him as it is for you.
Marshal Ney: But he has his friend. His friend can help him through the grieving.
Sylvain Mesny: Yes Michel. But he will also need his father.

Marshal Ney: Your right Sylvain.
Sylvain Mesny: He will need the comfort of his father. And he will also comfort you in a way.
Marshal Ney: I understand.
Sylvain Mesny: Do you want tea?
Marshal Ney: No thank you. I want to rest.

Sylvain Mesny nods and grabs the cup of tea. Then he gets up from the seat and exits the room closing the door behind him. Marshal Ney closes his eyes once more falling into a deep sleep. A few hours later the sun is setting and Joseph Ney is peacefully watching the sunset. Suddenly he hears footsteps behind him and Marshal Ney stops and stands beside Joseph. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a calm voice.

Marshal Ney: Joseph I apologize if it seems like I have been avoiding you all day.
Joseph Ney: No I understand that you needed time to yourself, father.
Marshal Ney: Joseph I will be here for you throughout this time we are going through.
Joseph Ney: Thank you, father.

Marshal Ney gently hugs Joseph and slowly strokes his hair. A couple of minutes later Marshal Ney lets go of Joseph and smiles a little bit. He then continues speaking in a calm voice.

Marshal Ney: I will not leave you, Joseph. I will be here for you while we grieve.
Joseph Ney: I will also be here for you father.
Marshal Ney: Now let's go get dinner shall we Joseph?
Joseph Ney: Yes father.

Marshal Ney and Joseph start making their way back to the cabin. Both of them feeling slightly better even though they are still deeply saddened by the loss of Eugené.

To be Continued...