Joseph Ney is standing on top of a hill staring at the sky. Which looks like it has been painted with fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Suddenly he hears footsteps behind him and he turns around and notices his father staring at him with a small smile on his face. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a calm voice.

Marshal Ney: Good morning Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Good morning father.
Marshal Ney: Joseph I understand that you are possibly annoyed at me. But I'm just trying to protect you. You are my son and I care about you.
Joseph Ney: Father I understand that. But I just wanted to do a mission on my own.
Marshal Ney: I can't allow you to do that. I will not allow you to sneak around the British camp.

Joseph Ney: Father I'm old enough to do a mission alone. I am trained enough to do something like that.
Marshal Ney: You take too many risks. I'm not allowing you to go on a mission alone. Especially with what happened at Eylau.
Joseph Ney: I don't need to be reminded of what happened at Eylau father.
Marshal Ney: You need to learn from the mistakes you made. If you don't learn from them you could get yourself killed.
Joseph Ney: Just stop trying to remind me of what happened!

Joseph Ney begins storming off back to his tent. But suddenly he feels Marshal Ney grab his hand and stop him in his tracks. Joseph Ney sighs out of annoyance and he starts speaking in an irritated tone.

Joseph Ney: I don't need any reminders father. Just leave me alone.
Marshal Ney: You need to learn from your mistakes son. I don't want you getting yourself killed. I care for you a lot.
Joseph Ney: Eylau was only one mistake father.
Marshal Ney: It was a mistake that almost cost you your life!

Joseph Ney: I understand that it was an almost fatal mistake. But please for once in your life father let me do missions on my own.
Marshal Ney: I will not allow you to do that. You are under my command. Have you forgotten that my son?
Joseph Ney: No I haven't forgotten that father. However, you are going to have to someday allow me to do missions on my own again.
Marshal Ney: I feel that you aren't ready.
Joseph Ney: You have always said that.

Marshal Ney lets go of Joseph Neys hand and Joseph begins walking back to his tent feeling frustrated. Eventually, Joseph reaches his tent and walks inside and sits down at his desk. Henry Wellesley notices how frustrated Joseph is. Henry starts speaking in a calm yet slightly confused tone.

Henry Wellesley: What's wrong Joseph?
Joseph Ney: Just my father and his overprotectiveness. He still isn't happy about me going on that mission with you.
Henry Wellesley: I see.
Joseph Ney: He also doesn't want me to go on any more missions for now. He wants me to be safe.

Henry Wellesley: That is understandable he is your father.
Joseph Ney: Yes but I feel like he needs to understand that I need to be able to do the missions myself.
Henry Wellesley: I'm sure that he will allow you to do that someday.
Joseph Ney: I'm fully capable of doing the missions myself.

Joseph Ney sighs out of frustration and slight anger. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a tone full of annoyance and slight rage.

Joseph Ney: It seems that my father just doesn't understand that I'm capable of doing a mission on my own!
Henry Wellesley: Joseph.
Joseph Ney: He doesn't believe in me does he!?
Henry Wellesley: Joseph I believe in you. I'm also sure that your father does even though it doesn't seem that way right now.

Joseph Ney: I know that he loves and cares about me. But I want him to know that I can do a mission on my own!
Henry Wellesley: Joseph I'm sure that you will be able to find a way to show him that you can do a mission on your own.
Joseph Ney: I don't want him to see me as a failure!
Henry Wellesley: You aren't a failure Joseph.

Joseph Ney violently slams his hands onto his desk. Then he shoves a pile of papers onto the ground. He then puts his head in his hands and starts trying to regain his composure. Henry Wellesley awkwardly stares at Joseph. Henry starts speaking in a calm and slightly awkward voice.

Henry Wellesley: Joseph are you alright?
Joseph Ney: No I'm not alright Henry.
Henry Wellesley: You aren't a failure Joseph.
Joseph Ney: I feel like after Eylau and my failure that day. I have just been seen as a failure!

Henry Wellesley: I don't see you as a failure Joseph.
Joseph Ney: I have been trying so hard to prove myself to my father and the rest of the Army! To prove that I'm not a failure!
Henry Wellesley: I understand that Joseph. I was also trying to prove that I'm successful to my brother. But he ended up taking all the glory and just ignored me.
Joseph Ney: Do you really think that about me, Henry?
Henry Wellesley: Yes Joseph. I would never see you as a failure.

Henry Wellesley gets up from his wooden stool and walks over to Joseph Ney. Then he gently places his hands on Joseph's shoulders. Henry notices that Joseph is quietly crying. Henry starts speaking in a calm and comforting voice.

Henry Wellesley: Joseph you are one of the bravest and most determined men I have ever met. Failure is a normal thing in life.
Joseph Ney: Your right Henry failure is normal. But I just hate being seen in that way. I just want to be seen as a great General once again.
Henry Wellesley: You will Joseph. But failure helps you improve it helps you learn.
Joseph Ney: I don't know what to do. I don't like being reminded of certain mistakes I have made in my life.

Henry Wellesley: I understand that Joseph. I also don't like being reminded of my mistakes either.
Joseph Ney: Henry I thank you for trying to make me feel better. But I need some time to myself.
Henry Wellesley: I understand Joseph.
Joseph Ney: I'm going to go on a walk for a while.
Henry Wellesley: Alright Joseph.

Joseph Ney gets up from his desk and exits the tent and starts walking toward the forest. A few minutes later he gets to a clearing and sits down on a log. Closing his eyes Joseph listens to the birds chirping in the nearby trees. Along with the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.

*Joseph Ney in thought*

Why does he have to be so overprotective of me?

Can he for once in his life just stop being so overprotective!?

I understand that he cares about me. But I'm not a child I don't need him trying to protect me!

It is so unnecessary!

I've always been able to defend myself!

Joseph Ney opens his eyes and gets up. Then he suddenly draws his pistol and shoots the tree in front of him. Then he violently punches the tree a few times causing his knuckles to go red. Joseph looks down at his knuckles and stares at them noticing how red they are. He also notices the small cuts on his fingers.

This causes him to remember the many times that he use to fight in the streets as a young man. Joseph suddenly hears someone walking over to him. He then glances over to the right and notices his father walking over to him. Joseph sighs to himself out of slight annoyance. Marshal Ney stops and stares at Joseph. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Marshal Ney: Joseph what are you doing out here?
Joseph Ney: Father please I need time alone.
Marshal Ney: What's wrong Joseph?
Joseph Ney: You know what's wrong father. You know why I'm upset!
Marshal Ney: Joseph.

Joseph Ney: You are just overprotective of me when I can clearly defend myself!
Marshal Ney: Yes but you are too reckless. This is why I will not allow you to do any more missions on your own for now.
Joseph Ney: Do you see me as successful?
Marshal Ney: Of course, I see you as successful Joseph.

Marshal Ney walks over and gently puts his hand on Joseph's shoulder. Then he starts speaking in a calm and comforting voice.

Marshal Ney: Joseph I would never see you as a failure.
Joseph Ney: Really?
Marshal Ney: Yes. The reason why I don't want you to go on any more missions alone. Is because you might get yourself killed because of your recklessness.
Joseph Ney: But how am I meant to learn from my mistakes if you won't allow me to do things myself!?

Marshal Ney: Joseph calm down. I will still allow you to go on missions just not alone. Now go prepare yourself I have a mission for you to go on.
Joseph Ney: What kind of mission?
Marshal Ney: A scouting mission. You will be going with King Joachim Murat. You will be trying to find the British camp. It seems they have changed their position.
Joseph Ney: Can the Englishman come?
Marshal Ney: As long as he doesn't cause trouble. I don't want any funny business from him.
Joseph Ney: Yes father.

Joseph Ney starts walking back to the camp with his father following beside him. Joseph begins awkwardly looking at his hands staring at the small cuts on his fingers. Marshal Ney notices this and he starts speaking in a calm voice.

Marshal Ney: Joseph are you alright?
Joseph Ney: Yes father it doesn't hurt. I've had worse.
Marshal Ney: I care about you and I want you to be safe. But I guess I have forgotten that you aren't a boy anymore. You are a young man.
Joseph Ney: I understand that father.
Marshal Ney: I have been too overprotective of you after your incident at Eylau.

Joseph Ney: I understand.
Marshal Ney: If you can prove yourself on this mission I will allow you to do missions on your own again.
Joseph Ney: Really you would do that?
Marshal Ney: Yes if you don't be reckless on this mission I will do that.
Joseph Ney: Thank you, father.

A few minutes later they get back to the camp and Joseph Ney promptly walks over to his tent. Upon entering his tent Joseph notices Henry staring at him with a slightly concerned look on his face. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a calm voice.

Joseph Ney: I'm alright Henry I feel calmer now. I just had to let my feelings out.
Henry Wellesley: I understand Joseph. I've been there where I have just had to let my feelings out.
Joseph Ney: I have also heard from my father that there is a mission that he wants me to do.
Henry Wellesley: May I come with you Joseph?

Joseph Ney: Yes you may come on this mission my father has allowed it. But you will have to deal with King Joachim Murat.
Henry Wellesley: He wanted to kill me as soon as he saw me!
Joseph Ney: Yes, I know. But we need to find where the British are hiding.
Henry Wellesley: Your right. Fine, I'll come I just don't want this King trying to kill me.
Joseph Ney: I'm sure that he won't as long as you don't anger him or do anything he sees as suspicious.
Henry Wellesley: Alright let's go then.

Joseph and Henry both calmly exit the tent and start walking through the French camp. Henry Wellesley notices a few of the French soldiers giving him weird looks. He also hears the sound of a couple of flutes being played in the distance. Along with the sounds of some French soldiers happily chatting to each other.

A couple of minutes later Joseph and Henry notice King Joachim Murat sitting on his horse with a confused look on his face. They both stop in front of King Joachim Murat who starts speaking in a confused voice.

Joachim Murat: I have heard that your father wants you to come with me General.
Joseph Ney: Yes Your Majesty.
Joachim Murat: Why is the Englishman here?
Joseph Ney: My father has allowed him to join me on the mission, Your Majesty.
Joachim Murat: Fine I will allow the Englishman to join us. He better not do anything stupid.

Henry Wellesley: I won't do anything stupid, Your Majesty.
Joachim Murat: It seems for once an Englishman doesn't seem like a complete fool. You seem serious about what you said.
Henry Wellesley: Well I don't have a reason to not be serious Your Majesty.
Joachim Murat: Alright come on you two let's meet up with the rest of the scouting team.

Joachim Murat starts trotting off on his horse. Henry Wellesley and Joseph Ney start hastily following Joachim Murat. A couple of minutes later they notice a small group of fifteen men waiting for them near the forest. They all stop in front of the men and Joachim Murat starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Joachim Murat: Men we have one mission today. That is to find the British and Prussian Army's. We will find where they are hiding.

The men start cheering then Joachim Murat starts speaking in a commanding voice.

Joachim Murat: Onwards men!

Joachim Murat starts leading his men proudly with Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley following along behind him. Then the rest of the men start following behind them. Meanwhile in a large grassy plain with a few trees scattered throughout the plain. The British and the Prussians have set up camp. Meanwhile, inside Wellington's tent, Wellington is sitting at his desk staring at a map that he has neatly laid out on the desk.

Lord Uxbridge enters the tent and he notices Wellington staring at the map. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm voice.

Lord Uxbridge: What are you doing sir?
Wellington: Well Uxbridge I'm currently trying to figure out how long it will take us to get to the nearest town. Lord Uxbridge: I see Sir Arthur.
Wellington: I estimate about five to nine days depending on the weather along with other things.
Lord Uxbridge: Well that sounds great sir.

Wellington: Indeed it does Uxbridge. So why are you here Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: I have news from Königsberg.
Wellington: What kind of news Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: The city was attacked.

Wellington stops looking at his map and he looks up at Lord Uxbridge with a serious look on his face. Then he starts speaking in a calm and serious voice.

Wellington: Attacked by who?
Lord Uxbridge: A small French fleet sir.
Wellington: What happened Uxbridge what were the results of the battle?
Lord Uxbridge: The British and Prussian fleets were victorious with low casualties. Also apparently a French Admiral by the name of Jean-Charles Blondeau was killed in battle.
Wellington: It seems that the French were trying to do the same thing they did with London.

Lord Uxbridge: Indeed sir.
Wellington: Speaking of Königsberg I have new letters to send back to England. I burnt the old letters I wrote as the situation I was explaining had changed.
Lord Uxbridge: I see sir.
Wellington: Anything else to report Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: No sir I shall leave you now.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent and Wellington goes back to staring at the map.

*Wellington in thought*

Interesting that the French Navy would attack again when their fleet is clearly dwindling.

Why would they attack Königsberg?

Maybe they wanted to control the city so they could land more troops.

Nelson did mention to me that the French were trying to find out the location of my Army so they could possibly attack my Army. Or so they could reinforce the rest of the French Army.

That could be what they were trying to do at Königsberg. Trying to land more troops.

I need to send these letters off to my brothers. I should go find Corey.

Wellington gets up from his desk and exits his tent and starts walking around the camp. He notices some soldiers happily chatting and laughing about something. A couple of minutes later he notices Lieutenant General Carrington sitting on a wooden stool sharpening his sabre. Wellington stops and stands in front of Lieutenant General Carrington.

Lieutenant General Carrington stops sharpening his sabre and looks up at Wellington with a small smile. Lieutenant General Carrington starts speaking in a slightly cheerful tone.

Winston Carrington: Morning sir.
Wellington: Good Morning Lieutenant General Carrington have you seen a certain messenger by the name of Corey Henderson?
Winston Carrington: No sir. But I have heard from some of my men that he is a great violinist.
Wellington: I see well I shall carry on then.
Winston Carrington: Have a good day sir.
Wellington: You too Lieutenant General Carrington.

Wellington continues walking through the camp and continues his search for Corey. A couple of minutes later he notices General Linn Ashworth inspecting a soldier's musket. Wellington stands a metre away and patiently waits for the inspection to be over. A couple of minutes later the soldier walks off with his musket and Wellington calmly walks over to General Linn Ashworth. General Linn Ashworth starts speaking in a calm voice.

Linn Ashworth: Good Morning sir.
Wellington: Good Morning General Ashworth. I have an important question for you.
Linn Ashworth: What is it, sir?
Wellington: Have you seen a certain messenger by the name of Corey Henderson?
Linn Ashworth: No sir I have been busy with my duties. But that boy is an excellent violinist.
Wellington: I see I guess I will carry on then.
Linn Ashworth: Have a good day sir.
Wellington: You too General.

Wellington continues his search for Corey a couple of minutes later he notices Corey peacefully playing his violin. Wellington stops in front of Corey.  Corey stops and looks up at Wellington with a smile. Then he starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Corey: Good Morning sir.
Wellington: Good Morning Corey. I need you to deliver two letters for me.
They are for my brothers.
Corey: Yes sir, I shall do that.
Wellington: Thank you, Corey.
Corey: I will return as quickly as I can sir.

Wellington grabs two letters out of his pocket and hands them to Corey. Corey happily grabs the letters and gently puts them in his pocket. Then he cheerfully walks off. Wellington then starts walking off back to his tent. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Frederick is in his tent working at his desk. Prince Henry suddenly enters the tent and he starts speaking in a serious and slightly concerned voice.

Prince Henry: Frederick I have some very concerning news.
Frederick: What is it, Henry?
Prince Henry: A French fleet tried to attack Königsberg.
Frederick: What happened Henry?
Prince Henry: There was a battle. The Prussian fleet in Königsberg along with the help of the British fleet managed to defeat the French fleet.

Frederick: Yes but why are you so concerned about this? They successfully defended the city.
Prince Henry: We don't know why the French attacked the city.
Frederick: that's true we don't.
Prince Henry: They could attack again which will be a problem.
Frederick: Your right Henry. We need to find out why they attacked. I shall send a letter to Admiral Hans Lanterman. Now, do you have anything else to tell me, Henry?
Prince Henry: No Frederick. I shall be going now.

Prince Henry calmly exits the tent and Frederick continues writing something. Meanwhile, an hour later on the outskirts of the camp in a forest Lawrence and fourteen other riflemen are guarding the outskirts. Suddenly Lawrence hears some quiet chatter nearby. Then he hears some footsteps behind him.

Lawrence turns around and notices Lukas Buchman staring at him. Lukas starts speaking in a calm and quiet voice.

Lukas Buchman: I think the French are nearby. I shall go warn the others.
Lawrence: Alright sir.
Lukas Buchman: Stay where you are.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Lukas Buchman quietly walks off and Lawrence leans up against a tree and patiently waits. Then he grabs his rifle off his back and keeps his guard up. A few minutes later Lukas Buchman comes back with the rest of the riflemen. Lukas starts speaking in a serious and quiet voice.

Lukas Buchman: Men the French are nearby. We need to send someone to find out how many of them there are. Then we will find a way to stop them from attacking our camp.

A couple of minutes later Damian Barker comes out from behind a tree. Then he starts speaking in a calm and serious voice.

Damian Barker: I've been tracking these Frenchies for a while there's about eighteen of them. Including a French Marshal and a French General and the traitor.
Lukas Buchman: Thanks for letting me know that. Now let's go stop these Frenchmen from attacking the camp.

Lukas Buchman, Lawrence, Damian Barker and the rest of the riflemen begin quickly marching through the forest. Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, the French scouting team are getting closer to the edge of the forest. Suddenly four of the French soldiers are shot in the head and immediately killed. King Joachim Murat draws his sabre and starts speaking in a commanding tone.

Joachim Murat: Soldiers prepare to attack!
Joseph Ney: Yes Your Majesty!
Henry Wellesley: Yes Your Majesty!

Joseph Ney and Henry Wellesley both draw their sabres and prepare to attack. Joseph Ney starts talking in a slightly confused tone. Suddenly two more of the French soldiers are shot and killed.

Joseph Ney: Where are they?
Henry Wellesley: I don't know.
Joseph Ney: Are they surrounding us?
Henry Wellesley: Again, I don't know.
Joseph Ney: Of course, you don't know.

Suddenly the Prussian riflemen begin charging towards the French soldiers. Joachim Murat starts speaking in a commanding voice.

Joachim Murat: Retreat men! We are outnumbered!

The French begin quickly retreating with the Prussian riflemen still shooting at them. Suddenly Lawrence shoots Joseph Ney in the leg. Henry Wellesley then begins carrying Joseph. A couple of minutes later the Prussian riflemen stop shooting at the French. Lukas Buchman smiles at Lawrence and he starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Lukas Buchman: You are a good shot kid.
Lawrence: Thank you, sir.
Lukas Buchman: We should be getting back to the camp. I will report this attack to the King.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Lukas Buchman and the rest of the Prussian riflemen begin marching back to the camp. Lawrence notices Damian Barker leaning up against a tree and he starts speaking in a calm voice.

Lawrence: What are you going to do know Damian?
Damian Barker: Do what I was doing before I discovered the Frenchies coming this way.
Lawrence: Which is what exactly?
Damian Barker: Hunting.
Lawrence: I see. Well, I guess I will see you around then.
Damian Barker: Maybe.

Damian Barker calmly walks off through the forest. Lawrence then starts happily walking back to the camp. A few minutes later Lawrence has returned to the Prussian camp and is now sitting on a log. Then he notices someone walking up to him. He looks up and notices Frederick staring at him with a small smile. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and slightly cheerful voice.

Frederick: It seems that you are getting along quite well with my men.
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.
Frederick: I also heard that you did quite well during the attack on the outskirts of the camp.
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.
Frederick: You are a good shot just like your father.

Lawrence: Thank you, Your Majesty. But when will you tell me more about my father?
Frederick: Once the war is over Lawrence. Now I need to carry on with my duties.
Lawrence: Alright Your Majesty.

Frederick calmly walks off to go do his duties. Meanwhile, a few hours the sun has now set and Joseph is lying in bed trying to go to sleep. A couple of minutes later Joseph slowly closes his eyes and enters his fantasies. Joseph slowly opens his eyes and notices that he is lying in the snow which is stained with blood. He also notices that there are many dead British and French soldiers around him. Joseph slowly gets up and starts limping back to the French camp.

Eventually, he collapses onto the snow as he is too weak to walk. Then he looks down and notices a large gash on his chest which is bleeding quite a lot. Suddenly he hears someone running over him. Marshal Ney kneels down beside Joseph and starts helping him up. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a serious voice.

Marshal Ney: Easy Joseph I'm here to help you.
Joseph Ney: Thanks, father.
Marshal Ney: You almost got yourself killed again!
Joseph Ney: I don't want to have this talk right now father.
Marshal Ney: Stop risking your life!

Joseph Ney: Says you! You risk your life a lot as well!
Marshal Ney: You are too reckless.
Joseph Ney: Father please just let's head back to camp.
Marshal Ney: Fine.

Marshal Ney starts helping Joseph walk back to the camp. Marshal Ney starts speaking in a calmer voice.

Marshal Ney: Sorry for getting annoyed Joseph. I just care about you and I don't want you to get yourself killed.
Joseph Ney: I understand that father.
Marshal Ney: But you still shouldn't have been so reckless like that.
Joseph Ney: I understand. But I still don't want to talk about that right now. Stop bothering me about it father.

Suddenly Joseph's vision starts to blur and then he collapses onto the ground. Joseph then wakes up and he feels his heart pounding hard in his chest. He also feels sweat slowly running down his face. Joseph begins to slowly compose himself. Then he grabs his golden pocket watch out of his pocket and gently opens it. He notices that the time is 2:30.

Joseph quietly sighs to himself out of slight frustration. Then he gently closes his pocket watch and puts it back into his pocket. He then slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep.

To be Continued...