The Warriors Sword
Wellington is currently sitting on a bed while Doctor Cullimore is cleaning his wounds. Doctor Cullimore starts speaking in a calm voice.
Doctor Cullimore: I'm going to have to give you some stitches. May I ask you what happened My Lord?
Wellington: I was captured by the French and this certain Marshal decided to give me a good beating.
Doctor Cullimore: It looks like they decided to flog you rather than beat you, sir. Whoever did this must have been a ruthless man.
Wellington: He is a ruthless man.
A couple of minutes later Doctor Cullimore begins to stitch up the deep wounds in Wellington's back. Wellington quietly whimpers out of pain. Doctor Cullimore starts speaking in a soothing voice.
Doctor Cullimore: It's alright the pain will be over soon My Lord.
Wellington: Just get it done quickly, please. I just want to rest doctor.
Doctor Cullimore: Well that is understandable. I can tell that you are utterly exhausted.
Wellington: Of course I am. I couldn't sleep.
Doctor Cullimore: I will allow you to rest soon. But I need to stitch up your injuries My Lord.
A few minutes later Doctor Cullimore finishes stitching up Wellington's wounds. Wellington slowly gets up off the bed and puts his coat on. Then Doctor Cullimore continues speaking in a calm voice.
Doctor Cullimore: Don't forget to rest My Lord. You are still badly injured.
Wellington: Yes, I understand that doctor and I will get some rest.
Doctor Cullimore: Good.
Wellington calmly exits his tent and starts calmly walking back to his tent. A few minutes later he enters his tent and notices that Kitty Wellesley is peacefully sleeping. He then quietly walks up to her and kneels down beside her. Then he starts speaking in a quiet and cheerful voice.
Wellington: Afternoon My Lady.
Kitty Wellesley slowly opens her eyes and stares at Wellington. She then passionately kisses him and a couple of minutes later she gently breaks the kiss. Kitty Wellesley starts speaking in a cheerful yet slightly relieved tone.
Kitty Wellesley: Arthur you have returned to me.
Wellington: Yes, I have my love. I have returned to you.
Kitty Wellesley: I'm glad that you are alright my love.
Wellington: Well, I'm alright as I can be right now my love.
Kitty Wellesley: Yes I know. But I'm still glad that you are alright my dear Arthur.
Wellington: I'm just tired right now and slightly hungry.
Kitty Wellesley: I can tell that you are exhausted, Arthur.
Wellington: Yes and I need to rest my dear.
Kitty Wellesley: Come to bed I will comfort you while you sleep. I can tell that you sometimes don't sleep well. But I will always be here to comfort you.
Wellington: Yes my love.
Wellington calmly walks over to his desk and takes off his coat and puts it on the back of his seat. He then sits down at his desk and takes off his boots and places them under his desk. Then he gets up and walks over to Kitty Wellesley and lies down next to her. Kitty starts gently stroking Wellington's hair trying to help him fall asleep. Kitty Wellesley starts speaking in a comforting voice.
Kitty Wellesley: Sleep, my love.
Wellington: I'm still hurting.
Kitty Wellesley: What happened to you, Arthur?
Wellington: They flogged me, Kitty. That's what they did to me.
Kitty Wellesley: The pain will go away soon Arthur. It seems that the doctor did well with stitching up your wounds.
Wellington: True it just takes a while for the pain to go away.
Kitty Wellesley: Now just get some rest my dear and the pain will go away.
Wellington: Your right my love.
Kitty Wellesley: Get some rest, my dear.
Wellington slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Kitty Wellesley then gently kisses Wellington on the cheek and continues stroking his hair. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Lawrence is sitting on a log staring at his father's sabre.
*Lawrence in thought*
Why won't the King tell me more about my father?
I just want to know about my father. I have been waiting 15 years to know more about my father.
Also, why would the King give me my father's sabre? Also, why did he have my father's sabre in the first place?
I guess I will get some use out of it in this war. But I'm unsure if I should be the one wielding this sabre in the first place. Am I worthy of this sabre?
Lawrence suddenly hears someone walking up to him. He then looks up and notices Victor Nyland staring at him. Victor Nyland starts speaking in a calm voice.
Victor Nyland: Is that your father's sword?
Lawrence: Yes it is my father's sabre.
Victor Nyland: Why are you staring at it like that Lawrence?
Lawrence: I'm questioning if I'm worthy of wielding my father's sabre. My father was a General and I'm just a Lieutenant who has never wielded someone elses sabre in battle.
Victor Nyland: Your father would have wanted you to wield his sabre and make him proud.
Lawrence: I still don't think I'm worthy Victor.
Victor Nyland: Unfortunately the only person who can figure out if you are worthy is yourself, Lawrence.
Lawrence: You are right Victor. I'm the only one who can figure out if I am worthy of wielding this sabre.
Victor Nyland: How good are you at wielding a sword?
Lawrence: It's been a while since I have wielded one and used one.
Victor Nyland: We could have a friendly duel in the forest.
Lawrence smiles at Victor Nyland and he starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.
Lawrence: I can't do it with actual weapons. Because I don't want to upset Lord Wellington.
Victor Nyland: I wasn't planning on using actual weapons. Because I have a feeling that the sword I use would possibly break your father's sabre.
Lawrence: Well what are we going to be using then?
Victor Nyland: Some branches. That's how I was taught by my father. We started with a stick then we used an actual sword.
Lawrence: I see.
Victor Nyland: So do you wish for me to help you?
Lawrence: Yes, I accept your help, Victor.
Victor Nyland: Good come on then let's practice. Follow me.
Lawrence: Yes Victor.
Victor Nyland begins calmly and confidently walking towards the forest. Lawrence carefully puts his father's sabre back into the sheath. He then gets up and begins calmly following Victor. A few minutes later they eventually get to a clearing in the forest. Victor Nyland carefully picks up two small branches off the ground. He then walks up to Lawrence and hands him one of the branches. Victor Nyland starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.
Victor Nyland: I want you to defend yourself, Lawrence.
Lawrence: Alright Victor.
Victor Nyland: Prepare to defend yourself kid.
Lawrence: Yes Victor.
Lawrence firmly grips one end of the branch with his right hand. He prepares to defend himself. Victor Nyland firmly grips the branch with both of his hands. He then raises the branch and swings it down. Lawrence promptly swings the branch up and blocks the attack. Victor Nyland smiles and he starts speaking in a slightly friendly tone.
Victor Nyland: You are quick to defend yourself which is good.
Lawrence: Thanks, Victor.
Victor Nyland: Let's continue.
Victor Nyland swiftly swings the branch from the left to the right. Lawrence promptly evades the attack and Victor quickly swings the branch from the right to the left. Lawrence then blocks by hastily raising his branch. Victor then thrusts his branch forward and Lawrence dodges out of the way. Victor Nyland smiles and he starts speaking in a cheerful tone.
Victor Nyland: Your defence is good. But now I shall let you attack.
Lawrence: But I don't want to hurt you, Victor.
Victor Nyland: You won't hurt me, Lawrence I know how to defend myself. Besides, I have had to face many great warriors including your father.
Lawrence: Alright.
Victor Nyland: Come on Lawrence.
Lawrence swiftly swings the branch from the right to the left. Victor Nyland promptly swings his branch to the left to block Lawrence's attack. Lawrence then swings his branch from the left to the right. Victor then promptly dodges the attack. Lawrence then raises his branch and promptly swings it downwards. Victor then raises his branch to meet Lawrence's attack. Suddenly Victor flings the branch out of Lawrence's hand. Victor smiles and starts speaking in a polite voice.
Victor Nyland: You are good at attacking. But there is room for improvement Lawrence. But that is what I'm going to help you with.
Lawrence: Alright Victor.
Victor Nyland: We shall practice again tomorrow Lawrence.
Lawrence: Yes Victor.
Victor Nyland: You will make a great sword fighter Lawrence.
Lawrence: Your right Victor. Now I guess I better head back to the camp.
Victor Nyland: Alright Lawrence.
Lawrence: Thank you for training me today Victor.
Victor Nyland: Your welcome Lawrence. I will see you again tomorrow to continue training you.
Lawrence: Yes Victor.
Lawrence calmly hands his branch to Victor Nyland. Then he begins calmly and confidently walking back to the Prussian camp. Meanwhile, in the British camp, Wellington is still peacefully sleeping. With Kitty Wellesley calmly sitting beside him. Suddenly Wellington starts quietly whimpering and murmuring. Kitty Wellesley then starts gently stroking Wellington's hair to try and comfort him. Suddenly Corey enters the tent and awkwardly stares at Kitty and Wellington. He then starts speaking in a slightly awkward tone.
Corey: Is this the wrong time for me to bring these letters to Lord Wellington?
Kitty Wellesley: No it's not the wrong time Corey. I will tell him that he has letters to read once he wakes up. But for now, he needs to rest he has had a hard couple of days.
Corey: I see well I shall place the letters on his desk. If he has any letters to send tell him that I am here to receive his letters.
Kitty Wellesley: Yes, I will let him know that Corey.
Corey: Thank you, Catherine.
Corey calmly walks over to Wellington's desk. He then carefully takes the two letters out of his pocket and gently places them on the desk. Then he politely exits the tent. An hour later Wellington slowly opens his eyes and smiles at Kitty Wellesley. Kitty starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.
Kitty Wellesley: Corey has delivered some letters for you, Arthur.
Wellington: I shall read them then. They are probably from Richard and William.
Kitty Wellesley: Your brothers care about you a lot don't they?
Wellington: Yes they do.
Kitty Wellesley: How are you feeling? I noticed that you were dreaming.
Wellington: Im not in pain anymore. Also yes, I was dreaming and unfortunately, it wasn't a good one.
Kitty Wellesley: I will always comfort you and help you get through these things.
Wellington: Thank you, Kitty.
Kitty Wellesley: I will never leave you, my love.
Wellington: And I will never leave you.
Kitty Wellesley gently kisses Wellington on the cheek. Wellington smiles and then he starts passionately kissing Kitty on the lips. A couple of minutes later he gently breaks the kiss and he starts speaking in a calm and comforting tone.
Wellington: I hope that you are alright as well I didn't return to you.
Kitty Wellesley: I'm alright Arthur. But I was worried about you as I heard that they had captured you.
Wellington: That is understandable Kitty. But I'm here now and I won't allow that to happen again. Now I'm going to check the letters I have received.
Kitty Wellesley: Alright Arthur.
Wellington carefully gets up and walks over to his desk. He then grabs his coat and puts it on and buttons it up. Then he sits down at his desk and puts on his boots then carefully ties them up. He gently grabs one of the letters and unfolds it and begins reading it.
July 22nd 1815
Hello Arthur I am deeply saddened by this news. But I did tell William about this and well he seems a bit annoyed at the news. He also has promised me that he will tell no one about this news. I'm hoping he keeps his promise as you know he sometimes can't keep his mouth shut.
Arthur, I'm also thinking if there is a way that you two can reconcile. But I doubt that Henry will want to do that as you have said he tried to kill you three times which shocked me. I know that you two use to have such an amazing friendship when you were younger. So I don't quite understand why he would want to betray you at all. I wouldn't mind an explanation of why he betrayed you if you feel comfortable doing that.
Also Arthur I'm sure that his betrayal isn't your fault in any way. Don't be so hard on yourself Arthur. You blame yourself too much for things that aren't your fault. I also understand that you are struggling to move on from what happened with Henry. But it seems that you might have to just let go.
Your boys are well Arthur. But they are missing you a lot. They are hoping to see their mother and father again soon.
Your dear brother
Richard Wellesley.
*Wellington in thought*
Of course, William is angry about what happened with Henry. He better keep his mouth shut though I don't want to deal with the public knowing.
Henry would have never reconciled with me. I attempted to get him to return to my side. But he didn't want to. I have let go of our relationship. But I'm still hurting from doing that.
I'm glad that my boys are alright.
I guess I better write a letter to Richard.
Wellington folds the letter back up and puts it aside. Then he grabs a blank sheet of paper and starts writing.
July 24th 1815
Hello Richard I hope that you manage to keep William from telling the public about this situation. We don't need this scandal staining our family name. I know how you feel about that. You are just like father wanting to protect our family's honour.
I decided to not reconcile with Henry. I ended our relationship and he didn't seem too pleased about it. I was also shocked when he attempted to take my life for the first time. I would have never expected him to try and take my life. We indeed had a wonderful friendship Henry and I when we were younger. But that friendship has crumbled into many pieces and can't be fixed.
Richard the reason why Henry betrayed me is complicated. But the simple reason is mainly that he felt that he had been sidelined for most of his time as my second in command. I didn't realise that he was being sidelined I was too focused on other things. Also, you are right Richard I need to stop blaming myself for his betrayal when it's not my fault. I do blame myself too much for things that aren't my fault. It's going to take me a while to move on from this it still hurts me to think about Henry from time to time.
I'm glad that my boys are well Richard. I also understand that they miss me and Kitty. But I'm sure that we will be home soon. I have a feeling that this war will be over soon.
Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley
Wellington gently folds up the letter and puts it aside. Then he grabs the other letter he received and unfolds it and starts reading it.
July 22nd 1815
Hello Arthur I am very disappointed and outraged by what Henry has done. He has betrayed our family and is trying to put a stain on our family name. Also, how dare that traitorous bastard attempt to murder you. I promise that I will keep my mouth shut about this situation. But if he wasn't our brother I would gladly tell everyone and anyone about this.
I'm currently trying to figure out a plan to make sure that the government doesn't figure out about his betrayal. Because if they know the rest of the public will eventually know. Which will not be good for us. We could possibly say that he has been killed in battle and that would excuse why he hasn't been in the government for a while. That's currently the only option I have thought of.
I know that you are possibly blaming yourself for Henry's betrayal. But don't blame yourself, Arthur. His betrayal is not your fault and it never will be your fault. Just remember that Arthur.
Your dear brother
William Wellesley
Wellington gently folds the letter back up. He then puts it aside with the letter he received from Richard.
*Wellington in thought*
I'm surprised that William has decided to keep his promise. But I'm also glad that he kept the promise.
I'm also unsure about William's plan about faking Henry's death. But it could possibly work and the government won't find out about Henry's betrayal. For once I agree with one of William's ideas. Smart man William is.
Wellington grabs another blank sheet of paper and begins writing.
July 24th 1815
Hello William I understand that you are angry about Henry. You also wish to make sure that this scandal doesn't stain our family name. Also, I suggest you stop calling Henry a bastard you know how Richard feels about that. He is still our brother even if he has betrayed us so stop calling him a bastard. You also better keep your mouth shut about this situation.
I actually agree with your idea about lying about Henry's death. Just to shut the government up about him. The public could still find out in some way. But I doubt that will happen. William, please just make sure that the government doesn't find out about Henry betraying the country. Before you tell them that he has been killed in battle. If you do think of any other ideas other than the one you have please do tell me. You are a smart man William you will know what to do.
I do still blame myself for Henry's betrayal. You are right I need to stop blaming myself for something that isn't my fault. I did end up ending my relationship with Henry. However, I wish that I didn't have to do that.
Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley
Wellington gently folds the letter up and puts it aside with the other letter he has just written. Lord Uxbridge suddenly enters the tent and stares at Wellington with slight concern. Then he starts speaking in a concerned tone.
Lord Uxbridge: Shouldn't you be resting sir?
Wellington: I will rest soon Uxbridge. But first I need to write a letter to Horse Guards.
Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a confused tone.
Lord Uxbridge: Why do you need to write to Horse Guards sir?
Wellington: Isn't it obvious Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: It's because Lieutenant Sundermann saved your life isn't it?
Wellington: Yes and I wish to reward him for it.
Lord Uxbridge smiles and he starts speaking in a slightly cheerful voice.
Lord Uxbridge: I'm sure that Horse Guards will allow you to reward Lieutenant Sundermann for saving your life, sir.
Wellington: It's good to be hopeful Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Indeed sir.
Wellington: Anything else that you wish to tell me Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: No sir. I shall take my leave.
Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent and Kitty Wellesley stares at Wellington and smiles. She then starts speaking in a cheerful yet slightly surprised tone.
Kitty Wellesley: This Lieutenant Sundermann must be a brave man. To go into the French camp alone to save you, Arthur.
Wellington: I'm surprised that the French didn't notice him entering the camp. I'm also surprised that his brave act didn't get him killed.
Kitty Wellesley: How do you wish to reward him, Arthur?
Wellington: I wish to make him a Captain. Now I need to write this letter to Horse Guards my dear.
Wellington grabs another blank sheet of paper and begins writing.
July 24th 1815
Today Lieutenant Sundermann distinguished himself by saving my life from the French. I wish for him to be rewarded for his actions. I wish for him to be gazetted, Captain.
Duke of Wellington
Wellington gently folds up the letter and then grabs the other two letters. He then carefully puts the three letters in his pocket. Then he gets up out of his seat and begins calmly walking around the camp. He notices many soldiers cheerfully chatting with each other. He also hears the sound of bagpipes being played nearby. A couple of minutes later he notices Lieutenant General Carrington sitting on a nearby stool polishing his pistol. Wellington stops walking and stares at Lieutenant General Carrington. Then he starts speaking in a calm voice.
Wellington: Lieutenant General Carrington. I'm glad to see you.
Lieutenant General Carrington stops polishing his pistol and looks up at Wellington. Then he starts speaking in a pleased tone.
Winston Carrington: I'm glad to see you too sir. I was very worried about you when I heard that you had been captured.
Wellington: Well, I'm fine Lieutenant General.
Winston Carrington: I heard that Lieutenant Sundermann saved you all on his own sir.
Wellington: Indeed he did.
Winston Carrington: Such a brave Lieutenant he is.
Wellington: Indeed.
Winston Carrington: I'm sure that you will reward him for that sir.
Wellington: Depends on what the ones at Horse Guards say.
Winston Carrington: I have an older brother at Horse Guards. Busy man he is.
Wellington: I'm sure that he is. Well, I shall be off Lieutenant General. I have to find the messenger.
Wellington begins calmly walking through the camp again. A couple of minutes later he notices Corey sitting on a stool playing a peaceful tune on his violin. Wellington stops in front of Corey who stops playing his violin and looks up at Wellington. Wellington then starts speaking in a calm voice.
Wellington: I have three letters for you to deliver Corey.
Corey: Three sir?
Wellington: Yes Corey. Two are for my brothers and the third one needs to be sent to Horse Guards.
Corey: I see. Well, it shall be done, sir.
Wellington: Excellent Corey.
Wellington carefully grabs the letters out of his pocket and hands them to Corey. Corey gently puts the letters in his pocket and smiles then he starts speaking in a cheerful voice.
Corey: I shall return to you as soon as I can sir.
Wellington: Good and safe travels Corey.
Corey gets up and cheerfully walks off. Wellington then calmly walks off back to his tent. A few hours later the sun has now set. Lawrence is calmly sitting on a log gazing at the crackling red and orange flames. A couple of minutes later he hears footsteps behind him and Frederick sits down beside him. Frederick starts speaking in a calm voice.
Frederick: I heard that your mission to save Wellington was successful.
Lawrence: Yes it was Your Majesty.
Frederick: Do you think that he will reward you for saving his life?
Lawrence: Possibly Your Majesty.
Frederick: If it was me I would most definitely reward you for it, Lawrence.
Lawrence: May I ask you something, Your Majesty?
Frederick: Yes Lawrence.
Lawrence: Why did you have my father's sabre?
Frederick: It was another thing that your father wanted you to have. If you ended up joining the Army.
Lawrence: I don't feel worthy of wielding it.
Frederick: I know the feeling. The truth is the sabre I have is my father's. It took me a while to feel worthy of having it. He had been in more wars than me. He killed many with this blade. You will feel worthy of wielding it eventually.
Lawrence: Your right Your Majesty.
Frederick: I suggest that you get some sleep, Lawrence. It's getting late.
Lawrence: Your right. Good night Your Majesty.
Frederick: Good night Lawrence.
Lawrence gets up and calmly walks off while Frederick continues staring at the blazing flames.
To be Continued...
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