It is 5:30 am and the sun has just risen. Wellington slowly opens his eyes allowing them to adjust to the bright morning sunshine.

*Wellington in thought*

It's early...At least no one will be trying to wake me up.

I feel like I should write to my brothers. Although what do I say to them?

Do they even know that I'm in Europe fighting against the French?

I only know that Henry and William would probably know that people want me to be Prime Minister. I bet they have also told Richard.

Those two sometimes can't keep things to themselves.

Well, I guess I better write the letters before Corey leaves.

Wellington gets out of bed and walks over to his desk and sits down. Carefully grabbing a blank piece of paper and placing it in front of him he stares at it thinking of what to write.

*Wellington in thought*
What do I say to them?

They haven't heard from me for a while due to the war. They are probably wondering what is going on.

Do they know that I'm a Duke?

I'm also wondering how they are as well.

I wonder if Richard is proud of me...Like he did help me with that problem I had.

Just write something Arthur.

Wellington gently grabs his quill and starts writing.

June 26th 1815

My dear brother.

Hello, Richard sorry I haven't written to you in a while. As you know that there is a war going on and I'm busy.

Have you heard about people wanting me to be Prime Minister?

I'm just assuming that it's probably in every newspaper in England. They are probably saying that 'Sir Arthur Wellesley should be the next Prime Minister.'

I don't know if I should be Prime Minister. The war has already affected me too greatly and I don't think I would be able to handle the stress of running the country and making decisions for the country. I know that I should be asking William or Henry about politics and not you. But I want to know what you think about me running for Prime Minister.

Have I also told you that I now hold the title of 1st Duke of Wellington? Well, I have only held this title for a year but I'm unsure if I told you this when we last spoke.

One last thing I want to know is if you are proud of me Richard. I know that when I was young I was a bit foolish and definitely did not make good decisions in my life. But I have learnt my lesson.

Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley

Wellington carefully folds up the letter and puts it aside. He gently grabs another blank piece of paper and places it in front of himself.

*Wellington in thought*

What to write to William...
He knows a lot about politics and he would probably know what the politicians think of me.

I don't even know what party would like me...

If I do end up being Prime Minister I would have to deal with him and Henry...

Even though William is older than me he and Henry can annoy me sometimes.

Just write Arthur you are thinking too much!

Wellington starts writing the letter.

June 26th 1815

My dear brother

Hello, William sorry that you haven't heard from me for a while. As you know that there is a war going on and I am busy.

I'm assuming that you have heard about people wanting me to be Prime Minister. Your politician friends probably talk to you about me and that I should be the next Prime Minister.

It's probably also in every newspaper in England saying that 'Sir Arthur Wellesley should be the next Prime Minister'.

Look, I'm very unsure if I should run for Prime Minister. Like this war has greatly affected me. I don't think I would be able to handle the stress of running the country and making those important decisions. I also don't even know what party in the government would like me. So I'm asking you if I should run for Prime Minister and what party likes me.

I also have some important news to tell you. Last year I was given the title Duke of Wellington. But you can still just greet me as Arthur we are family after all.

I'm also wondering if you are proud of me. Because I know that when I was younger I was definitely a bit foolish and I made many bad decisions. But I have changed and learnt my lesson thanks to you, Richard and also our mother...

Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley

Gently folding up the letter Wellington puts it aside with the other letter. Carefully grabbing another blank piece of paper he places it in front of him.

*Wellington in thought*

What to write to Henry...

He has come to some of the battles with me. It must have been hard for him to be in the Army and be a politician at the same time.

Then there is that whole awkwardness between him and Uxbridge due to Henry's wife running off to be with Uxbridge.

Shit his life has been awful...I should add in an apology for what happened between him and Uxbridge even though that was 3 years ago.

I doubt that Uxbridge would write an apology himself. But I could at least try to apologise for him...

Wellington starts writing the last letter.

June 26th 1815

My dear brother

Hello Henry sorry we haven't talked in a while. As you know there is a war going on and I'm busy.

I'm assuming that you have heard from William or some of your politician friends. That the people want me to be Prime Minister. I also bet this news is in every newspaper in England they probably say 'Sir Arthur Wellesley should be the next Prime Minister.'

I'm unsure about becoming Prime Minister. I have been greatly affected by this war. I don't think I would be able to handle the stress of running a country and making decisions for the country. I'm wondering what you think about me becoming Prime Minister and if I should do it.

I also have some important news that I should have told you much earlier. Last year I was granted the title Duke of Wellington. But you can still call me Arthur we are family after all.

I also hope that you are proud of me...Because I'm assuming you heard about the foolish things I did and the bad decisions I made when I was younger. But I have changed thanks to the help of William, Richard and our mother.

Henry, I'm also truly sorry for what happened with you and your wife. I know that it should be Lord Uxbridge apologising to you and not me. But I apologise for the awkwardness that it has caused between you and Lord Uxbridge.

Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley

Gently folding up the final letter and putting it aside with the other letters Wellington then grabs all the letters and puts them in his pocket. Carefully getting out of his seat and grabbing his dark blue coat Wellington puts it on and buttons it up. He then grabs his boots and sits down and puts them on and starts tying them up. Getting out of his seat he grabs his pocket watch out of his pocket. Opening it up and staring at the innocent and happy picture of Kitty he listens to the quiet ticking noise.

*Wellington in thought*
She would never hurt me...

But why does my mind choose to think differently about that? Why is my mind thinking that Kitty would hurt me?

I just want these nightmares to stop!

I just want to be able to sleep without having to deal with the one that is most dear to me hurting me...

Wellington suddenly notices some tears are forming in his eyes and are causing his vision to blur. He quickly starts wiping them away.

Wellington: Jesus Christ why am I feeling this way...Why...

Lord Uxbridge suddenly enters the tent and he stares at Wellington with slight confusion. He notices the tears slowly streaming down Wellington's face. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a confused tone which has a hint of concern in it.

Lord Uxbridge: Sir are you alright?
Wellington: Uxbridge...I need time to myself, please.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes but what's wrong sir...I know that you are missing Kitty and it was obvious on the ship. Because you were moping around...But I want to know if it's anything serious I'm just making sure you are alright sir.
Wellington: It's nothing serious Uxbridge now please let me regain my composure...
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.

Lord Uxbridge exits the tent and Wellington gently closes his watch and puts it back in his pocket. Gently sitting down on his bed he starts gently wiping away his tears and taking deep and calming breaths.

*Wellington in thought*
Calm yourself, Arthur.

Everything is alright...Stop crying and moping around.

It was just a nightmare and it wasn't real.

Getting up off his bed Wellington then walks outside and he smiles a little bit at Lord Uxbridge. He then starts speaking in a calm and collected tone.

Wellington: Sorry about that Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: It's fine sir.
Wellington: Uxbridge do you know if the messenger is still here I have 3 more letters that I need delivered.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes he's still here.
Wellington: Good. I shall go find him.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.
Wellington: Also start telling the men to pack up the camp and prepare to travel again. But tell them to not touch my things.
Lord Uxbridge: I could pack up your stuff sir.
Wellington: Thank you Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Your welcome sir.

Lord Uxbridge walks off and Wellington begins searching around the camp for Corey. He hears the cheerful chatter of his men along with the sound of some bagpipes. Suddenly he stops and notices something. Glancing over in the direction of a small group of his men he notices Ronnie Watson with the rifle strapped to his back.

*Wellington in thought*
Something seems off he still shouldn't have that rifle with him...

He is a part of the cavalry, not the infantry...

Although it seems that he does have friends who are in the infantry...He could just be looking after their rifle for them.

But still, something seems very off about this...

Lieutenant Sundermann also had a different rifle with him that looked like the rifles that the Prussians have...

He could have accidentally left it behind and the Prussians gave him one to use. But that doesn't seem like him he isn't that forgetful.

Something seems to be going on here but I don't know what yet. But it could just be nothing...But there could have also been a theft. Captain Watson is definitely a troublesome boy...But would he really steal something like that?

I should really stop staring and just go find Corey. I will sort this problem out later.

Wellington continues walking through the camp. He eventually notices Corey sitting on a wooden stool playing a peaceful tune on his violin. Corey looks up at Wellington and smiles cheerfully and starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Corey: I was expecting you, sir.
Wellington: I have 3 more letters that I need you to deliver.
Corey: Are they all for the same person? If they are you must truly love this person.
Wellington: No three of them are for my brothers. The other is for my dear wife.
Corey: I see. Well then it shouldn't hopefully take me long to deliver these letters and I promise I will give you the replies as soon as I can.
Wellington: Thank you, Corey.

Wellington gently grabs the three letters out of his pocket and hands them to Corey. Corey gently puts the letters in his pocket.

Wellington: Safe travels Corey...I know that it's probably dangerous for messengers to be travelling around.
Corey: Worried about me getting captured by the French?
Wellington: Yes because they might try and find out where my army is and possibly send reinforcements to attack us.
Corey: I doubt that I would get captured I have always managed to avoid the French.
Wellington: Who knows what they are doing out on the ocean right now. All I know from Nelson is that the French fleet is definitely much weaker than the British fleet. I still don't doubt that they would try and go after a messenger though...
Corey: I will try and stay as safe as I can sir. I also hope that you have a safe journey as well.
Wellington: Thank you, Corey...
Corey: I best be off then sir.
Wellington: Yes Corey.

Corey gets up from his seat and walks off through the camp. Wellington walks in the direction of the forest. Calmly wandering through the forest he listens to the numerous types of bird songs around him. Eventually getting to the clearing he suddenly notices a large male wolf peacefully drinking from the stream. Wellington stops and stares at the wolf which eventually notices his presence and stares at him.

Wellington: I'm not going to hurt you or disturb you...I'm just going to get water for myself...

Wellington cautiously walks down to the edge of the stream and he still notices the wolf staring at him from the other side of the stream. Wellington carefully kneels down and gets his canteen out of his pocket. He suddenly notices a smaller female wolf coming out from the bushes to be with its mate.

Wellington: I see that you have a friend...Possibly more than a friend...

*Wellington in thought*
Why am I talking to an animal?

Also, I'm glad that they aren't attacking me...It makes sense because I haven't angered them.

They are quite peaceful creatures when they aren't angry...

I still should keep an eye on them though who knows what they could do.

Wellington opens up his canteen and he starts filling it up in the stream. He suddenly notices 5 smaller wolf pups coming out of the bushes to be with their parents.

Wellington: So I guess that you are more than friends...

Suddenly there are some wolves howling in the distance. A couple of minutes later the wolves across the stream start howling.

Wellington: I guess that's how you creatures say good morning to each other...

Suddenly the wolves stop howling and run off all except one little pup who curiously stares at Wellington. Wellington notices this and he smiles a little bit he then starts speaking in a calm but cheerful tone.

Wellington: Go on run along little one. Go on go be with your family.

The little wolf pup barks playfully at Wellington.

Wellington: No I'm not going over there your parents would probably hurt me. Now go little one.

The little wolf pup quickly sprints off.

Wellington: Unfortunately I can't be friends with it...Because it has its own family and it's wild.

Wellington suddenly hears a loud rustling noise behind him along with a calm but serious voice.

Lord Uxbridge: Who or what were you speaking to sir?
Wellington: Just a young wolf pup across the stream...It seemed curious about me.
Lord Uxbridge: Interesting...
Wellington: Unfortunately people can't make friends with wild animals like that...But it seemed that it wanted something from me. But I wasn't going over there I know that its parents would attack me.
Lord Uxbridge: I wonder what it wanted?
Wellington: Food perhaps...I don't know.
Lord Uxbridge: The camp has almost been fully packed up and we are ready to move on sir.
Wellington: That's excellent Uxbridge.

Wellington takes his canteen out of the water and gently closes it up and puts it back into his pocket. Wellington gets back to his feet and they both start walking back to the camp.

Lord Uxbridge: You must have been up early I didn't have to wake you.
Wellington: I was up at sunrise...I had letters to write to my brothers.
Lord Uxbridge: I see...
Wellington: I haven't written to them in a while so I decided to write to them. I don't know what they will say about the whole Prime Minister thing...
Lord Uxbridge: I'm sure that it will be fine sir...They are your brothers and you have their full support with that kind of thing.
Wellington: Do you have any siblings Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: I have many I have 5 brothers and 5 sisters. I use to have 6 brothers but unfortunately one died when he was 10 years old.

Wellington gently puts his hand on Lord Uxbridge's shoulder.

Wellington: I'm sorry that you lost your brother. The truth is that I have lost a sibling but not in that way...I have a sister who I use to be quite close to due to my favourite niece who I loved dearly...
Lord Uxbridge: Did something happen sir?

Wellington stops and sits down on a nearby log and awkwardly stares at the ground.

Lord Uxbridge: Sir...
Wellington: She died young...She wasn't even 30...I know her husband and my sister made him marry his wife's half-sister! Look it's complicated honestly my whole family is complicated. But let's just say I don't agree with that marriage.
Lord Uxbridge: I see...Let's head back to the camp then.

Wellington stands up and they continue walking back to the camp. A few minutes later they get back to where the camp use to be and they notice that everything has been packed up into carriages. They also notice that the men are prepared to begin marching once again. Wellington loudly whistles to call his horse.

Wellington: Copenhagen come here your friend is waiting.

Copenhagen quickly trots over to Wellington. Wellington smiles at his horse and he starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Wellington: Good boy...You are my favourite you know that. Now let me on boy and please no mischief.

Wellington carefully gets on Copenhagen and then he starts gently stroking the horse's soft mane.

Wellington: Even though you are mischievous you are still my favourite boy.

Lord Uxbridge whistles to call his horse. His horse quickly trots over and Uxbridge carefully gets on his horse he stares at Wellington and smiles. He then starts speaking in a calm and cheerful tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Ready to go, sir?
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Onwards men!

The soldiers start marching forward to the beat of the drums. A few hours later Wellington is sitting under a tree reading a newspaper.

Wellington: Still nothing except people in England wanting me to be Prime Minister. Why me why not someone else?

Wellington gets his pocket watch out of his pocket and gently opens it. Noticing that the time is 7:45 pm he quietly sighs and puts his newspaper down.

Wellington: A short nap won't hurt.

Gently putting his pocket watch in his pocket he then closes his eyes. Entering a deep and peaceful sleep. 30 minutes later Copenhagen walks over and stops in front of Wellington and stares at him.  Copenhagen puts his head down and starts blowing air on Wellington's face trying to wake him. A few minutes later Copenhagen starts licking Wellington's face. Wellington starts quietly murmuring.

A couple of minutes later Copenhagen stops licking Wellington and stares at him. Wellington starts slowly waking up and he feels some cold wet liquid on his face. Slowly opening his eyes he notices Copenhagen staring at him.

Wellington: Why is my face wet...Copenhagen did you give me kisses. I know that I love you but that is slightly disgusting...

Wellington grabs the newspaper and carefully gets up and gently strokes Copenhagens mane.

Wellington: I love you too boy...But you must understand that I'm a busy man and I need to go do something. Besides, I'm sure that you can go be friends with Uxbridges horse you two are probably great friends.

Wellington walks off to his tent. A few hours later it is now 11:30 pm and Wellington is lying in bed staring at the top of the tent which is gently blowing in the calm breeze.

*Wellington in thought*
I'm still not sure about telling anyone about that awful nightmare I had...

They would probably think I'm crazy or something...

Jesus...My body is still slightly tired and sore from travelling. But I just need to sleep it will help.

Wellington starts trying to make himself as comfortable as possible before he goes to sleep. Gently closing his eyes Wellington goes to sleep and enters his fantasies. Slowly opening his eyes he notices that he is in his childhood bedroom and is sitting on his soft and comfortable bed. Suddenly he hears a gentle knock on his door along with a calm but serious voice.

Richard Wellesley: Arthur why are you in your room you said that you had a surprise for us.
Wellington: I'm not done yet!
Richard Wellesley: Alright but be quick about it Arthur.

He stares at the dark wooden case on his bed and he gently opens it revealing his new scarlet red coat. Which is neatly folded. Gently grabbing it and unfolding it he carefully puts it on and buttons up the shiny gold buttons. Wellington carefully gets up off his bed and walks over to his mirror and gazes at his reflection.

Wellington: Looking, good Lieutenant Colonel Wellesley.
Richard Wellesley: Talking to yourself Arthur?
Wellington: Richard why are you still there!?
Richard Wellesley: I have an extreme amount of patience.
Wellington: Of course you do.
Richard Wellesley: Are you ready now Arthur?
Wellington: Yes, I am.

Wellington gently opens the door to his room and he walks out Richard starts smiling cheerfully at him. Richard starts speaking in a very cheerful tone.

Richard Wellesley: New uniform it suits you, Arthur.
Wellington: Come on I thought that you would be more surprised than that. Seriously you don't recognise the uniform, Richard!

Richard starts gazing at the uniform and then he suddenly realises something and starts smiling even more.

Wellington: Yes do you recognise it now Richard?

Richard suddenly gives Wellington a big hug.

Richard Wellesley: Lieutenant Colonel Wellesley I'm so proud of you!
Wellington: No need to use my title just call me Arthur. Besides you still outrank me you are the Earl of Mornington.
Richard Wellesley: I'm proud that you made the right choice with that money I gave you.
Wellington: Thank you, Richard, but please let go you are crushing me...Your brother still needs to breathe.
Richard Wellesley: Alright.

Richard lets go of Wellington and he continues smiling at him.

Richard Wellesley: Come let's show William and Henry.
Wellington: Yes.

Wellington and Richard Wellesley carefully walk the stairs together. Once they get to the bottom of the stairs they notice William Wellesley sitting at the table reading the newspaper while quietly muttering something to himself. Then they notice Henry Wellesley sitting in a comfortable brown armchair. He is calmly drinking his tea while reading a small book.

Richard Wellesley: William?
William Wellesley: What I'm trying to read the news about what's going on with those ridiculous French.
Richard Wellesley: Have you forgotten that Arthur has a surprise for us?
Henry Wellesley: He probably has because it seems that the only things that stay in his memory are politics or what the French are doing.

William Wellesley angrily closes the newspaper and throws it at Henry Wellesley.

William Wellesley: You little bastard.
Richard Wellesley: That's enough William!
William Wellesley: Disrespectful little bastard.
Richard Wellesley: Enough!

Henry Wellesley gently closes his book and awkwardly stares at Richard Wellesley. William Wellesley clenches his fists on the table while staring at Richard.

Richard Wellesley: Alright, I have something important to announce so, please quit being rude and listen.
William Wellesley: Fine...
Henry Wellesley: Yes Richard.
Richard Wellesley: Our dear brother Arthur here has now earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Henry Wellesley quickly gets out of his seat and runs over to Wellington and hugs him and almost knocks him over.

Wellington: Jesus Christ Henry...You almost knocked me over...
Henry Wellesley: I want to someday serve under you, Arthur...
Wellington: Why what do you mean by that?
Henry Wellesley: The truth is I am planning to join the Army as well Arthur.
William Wellesley: But Henry what about your situation with being a politician?
Henry Wellesley: Look, I'm an adult I can do whatever I please William...
Wellington: Well if you do end up serving under me I promise that I will be a great commander to you.
Henry Wellesley: Thank you, Arthur. Now, do you two want some tea?
Wellington: Sure Henry...
William Wellesley: I congratulate you on becoming a Lieutenant Colonel Arthur.
Wellington: Thank you, William.

Wellington suddenly wakes up and he slowly opens his eyes. Noticing that it's still dark he gently grabs his pocket watch out of his pocket and opens it. He notices that the time reads 4:00 am he quietly sighs.

*Wellington in thought*
Peaceful dream...
My dreams just switch between nice dreams with my brothers or with Kitty and my sons. Or nightmares about Kitty killing me or my whole life being destroyed...

I don't know what to do about it. I just want to rest...

Besides my body is still tired and slightly sore but not as bad as last night.

I should rest a bit longer.

Wellington slowly closes his eyes entering a deep and peaceful sleep once more.

To be Continued...