The French Captain slowly gets down on his knees and he holds his hands up in surrender. The Captain starts speaking in a nervous tone.

???: Please don't kill me.
Horatio Nelson: I won't now tell the rest of your men that you surrender.
???: Boys we surrender! Someone tell the rest that we surrender to the English!

The sound of swords clashing and gunfire stops. Horatio Nelson suddenly hears footsteps behind him along with a worried voice.

Thomas Hardy: Sir...Your son is.
Horatio Nelson: Is what Hardy. Say it.
Thomas Hardy: He is alive...But he needs medical attention...
Horatio Nelson: Hardy keep an eye on this man if you please. Possibly ask someone to tie him up along with the rest of our prisoners.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir.

Horatio Nelson quickly puts his sabre back in his sheath. Marching across the ship he notices many dead and wounded French and British soldiers. Suddenly he notices Marcel Thompson on his knees next to Josiah. Horatio Nelson kneels down beside Josiah. He notices the deep gash in Josiah's chest. However, it doesn't seem fatal.

Marcel Thompson: Sir?
Horatio Nelson: Captain I need you to carry him and get a doctor.
Marcel Thompson: Will he live sir?
Horatio Nelson: It's not deep enough to have struck any organs. But the loss of blood could kill him. So I suggest you do what you have been told Captain and for my sake and the sake of your sister save him.
Marcel Thompson: Yes sir!

Marcel Thompson gently picks up Josiah Nelson and carries him back to the Victory. Horatio Nelson stands up and notices that many of the French soldiers are being tied up. Thomas Hardy calmly walks over and gently puts his hand and Nelson's shoulder.

Thomas Hardy: He will live sir. He is a strong man like you sir.
Horatio Nelson: Hardy...I need you to deal with the prisoners. I'm going to check up on my boy.
Thomas Hardy: I understand sir.

Horatio Nelson calmly walks off leaving Hardy to deal with the prisoners.

*Horatio Nelson in thought*
I should have kept an eye on him...

Why does he always risk his life!?

Now I might lose my only son...

Then I would have to tell Lillie that her dearest husband has been killed.

No...He will live.

Nelson carefully opens up the hatch and carefully climbs down the ladder. Suddenly he is greeted by Marcel Thompson who is nervously staring at him.

Horatio Nelson: Captain...How is he?
Marcel Thompson: The doctor says he will live sir...
Horatio Nelson: You seem nervous.
Marcel Thompson: But he also said that there is still a chance that he might die, sir...He will require a lot of stitches and he might not survive getting them in. Due to his condition sir.
Horatio Nelson: Captain.
Marcel Thompson: Yes sir?
Horatio Nelson: Take me to him. I want to at least be with him if he does die...

Marcel Thompson notices the sadness in Nelson's eyes.

Horatio Nelson: Captain I order you to take me to him.
Marcel Thompson: Yes sir.

Marcel Thompson quickly starts leading Horatio Nelson to where his son is. They eventually get to this room where Horatio Nelson notices a doctor tending to his son.

Horatio Nelson: Captain go help Hardy with the prisoners.
Marcel Thompson: Yes sir.

Marcel Thompson calmly strolls off. Horatio Nelson calmly enters the room and walks over to where his son is. Sitting down on a wooden stool he stares at his son. The doctor suddenly notices Horatio Nelson staring at Josiah. The doctor starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

???: Admiral I will do as much as I can to save him.
Horatio Nelson: Thank you, Doctor Bennett...
Doctor Bennett: Are you sure that you want to stay here?
Horatio Nelson: Yes. I will stay here and be with my son...
Doctor Bennett: Are you alright?
Horatio Nelson: I'm fine...
Doctor Bennett: I can tell when someone is not fine...I can hear it in someone's voice or see it in their eyes.
Horatio Nelson: Just do your thing doctor. I'm fine!

Doctor Bennett starts carefully stitching up the large gash in Josiah's chest. Josiah suddenly opens his eyes and he glances over at his father. Gently placing his hand on Horatio Nelson's shoulder he starts speaking in a calm and slightly cheerful tone.

Josiah Nelson: I'm not dead yet...
Horatio Nelson: Why must you always risk your life.
Josiah Nelson: As you said I'm like you.
Horatio Nelson: I love you, Josiah...But please stop trying to get yourself killed!
Josiah Nelson: Says the one who has almost gotten himself killed multiple times.
Horatio Nelson: Alright enough.
Josiah Nelson: Well, I'm telling the truth.

Horatio Nelson quietly sighs to himself out of slight annoyance.

Josiah Nelson: Fine I'll stop annoying you.
Horatio Nelson: You cheeky boy.
Josiah Nelson: Yes, I know I am.

A few minutes later Doctor Bennett finishes putting the stitches in. He starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Doctor Bennett: Get some rest alright.
Josiah Nelson: Yes doctor.

Doctor Bennett calmly strolls off leaving Josiah and Horatio Nelson alone. Horatio Nelson starts speaking in a calm voice.

Horatio Nelson: Be more careful next time.
Josiah Nelson: I will try to father. But I can't make any promises on that.
Horatio Nelson: Look I just don't want to have to explain to Lillie that her husband has been killed in the war. I don't want to see her upset Josiah. I love her like the daughter I have never had.
Josiah Nelson: I understand father...
Horatio Nelson: I would also be deeply upset if I lost you...
Josiah Nelson: Look you won't lose me. Not yet at least.
Horatio Nelson: Just don't do any more foolish things during the battles you end up in. You are risking your life too much. You honestly worry me.
Josiah Nelson: Why do I worry you?
Horatio Nelson: I'm just worried about what will happen to you in the future. If you continue taking these risks. When it comes to war you can sometimes take risks but not all the time. It's normally best to have a plan or multiple plans.

Josiah Nelson: You are worried about me when I end up in charge of a ship. You are worried about if I continue taking risks.
Horatio Nelson: Well yes. Because if you do end up with a higher command your risk taking could put many people in danger and possibly get a lot of people killed.
Josiah Nelson: I understand father.
Horatio Nelson: Anyway how are you feeling?
Josiah Nelson: Could be better.
Horatio Nelson: You will be alright.
Josiah Nelson: Are you alright?
Horatio Nelson: I'm fine...

Josiah Nelson carefully sits up and he stares at the gash in his chest which has been carefully stitched up. Horatio Nelson starts speaking in a sombre tone.

Horatio Nelson: I thought that I had lost you.
Josiah Nelson: You won't father...
Horatio Nelson: When Hardy mentioned that something happened to you...I thought that I had lost you...
Josiah Nelson: Father...

Josiah Nelson notices that tears are starting to slowly stream down Horatio Nelson's face. Carefully getting out of bed Josiah Nelson gently wraps his arms around Horatio Nelson. Josiah starts speaking in a calm and warm voice.

Josiah Nelson: You won't lose me, father.
Horatio Nelson: You mean so much to me Josiah...
Josiah Nelson: I know father.
Horatio Nelson: I just don't want to lose you...
Josiah Nelson: And you won't lose me.

They suddenly hear footsteps along with a calm but serious voice coming toward them.

Thomas Hardy: Sir...
Horatio Nelson: Yes Hardy?
Thomas Hardy: We have sorted out the prisoners. When do you wish to speak to the French Captain?
Horatio Nelson: Not right now Hardy I need to regain my composure.
Thomas Hardy: I understand...I also see that you are alright Josiah.
Josiah Nelson: Yes but I could be better Hardy.
Thomas Hardy: You will be better in a few days Josiah.
Josiah Nelson: Your right Hardy.
Thomas Hardy: I shall leave you two to have your time alone.
Horatio Nelson: Thank you, Hardy.

Thomas Hardy calmly walks off. Josiah Nelson gently lets go of Horatio Nelson and sits down on the bed. Horatio Nelson quickly wipes away his tears and smiles a little bit at Josiah. He then starts speaking in a slightly cheerful tone. Which still holds some sadness but it is slowly fading away.

Horatio Nelson: Thank you, Josiah...
Josiah Nelson: Anytime father. But don't worry too much about me. I will be alright.
Horatio Nelson: I suggest that you get some rest. I need to go talk with this French Captain. Find out what the French were planning.
Josiah Nelson: Yes father.

Horatio Nelson gets up from his seat and calmly walks off. Exiting the room he notices Thomas Hardy patiently waiting next to the doorway for him. Thomas Hardy smiles a little bit and he starts speaking in a calm tone that has a hint of seriousness to it.

Thomas Hardy: You alright sir?
Horatio Nelson: I'm fine Hardy. Now, where is this French Captain?
Thomas Hardy: Follow me, sir.

They start calmly strolling down the hallway. A couple of minutes later Thomas Hardy stops in front of a door. Unlocking the door he gently opens it and Horatio Nelson enters the room. Thomas Hardy stands in the doorway guarding it. Horatio Nelson calmly walks over to the French Captain.

Staring into the French Captain's silver eyes Horatio Nelson notes the fear in his eyes. He also notices that someone has clearly ruffed the French Captain up.

*Horatio Nelson in thought*
It seems that the boys enjoyed ruffing him up.

But it seems that there is another reason why he is afraid of me.

I don't understand why he seems so afraid. I said that I wouldn't kill him.

But he is still afraid of me.

Horatio Nelson starts speaking in a serious tone.

Horatio Nelson: Why were you trying to attack our messenger ship?
???: Why should I tell you?
Horatio Nelson: Look I'm sure that my men are not afraid to hurt you again sir. So I suggest you tell me what I want.
???: Fine I'll tell you.
Horatio Nelson: Good.
???: We were trying to get the information we require...
Horatio Nelson: What kind of information?
???: We thought if we could perhaps capture one of the messengers. We could find out where the British Army is. Well, a relative position of where they are...
Horatio Nelson: Why do you require this information?
???: So we could land reinforcements...
Horatio Nelson: Did someone send you to capture our messenger or were you just patrolling the ocean?
???: We were just patrolling the ocean...

Horatio Nelson notices that the last sentence was clearly a lie.

Horatio Nelson: Lies...Why would you want that kind of information if you weren't ordered to retrieve it?
???: Fine someone sent us!
Horatio Nelson: Who sent you?
???: Admiral Villeneuve sent us.
Horatio Nelson: How many reinforcements was he planning to send?
???: 30,000 men.
Horatio Nelson: Thank you for this information.

Horatio Nelson walks up to Thomas Hardy. He starts speaking in a calm and serious tone.

Horatio Nelson: Hardy I suggest we go talk.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir.

They exit the room and Thomas Hardy shuts the door and locks it behind them. Calmly walking down the hallway they both eventually get to the ladder. Carefully climbing up the ladder Horatio Nelson opens up the hatch and climbs up onto the deck. Thomas Hardy follows after him and carefully closes the hatch. Walking over to a nearby wooden table they both sit down.

Thomas Hardy: So what do you wish to tell me, sir?
Horatio Nelson: It seems that Admiral Villeneuve is trying to cause trouble again.
Thomas Hardy: What kind of trouble sir?
Horatio Nelson: Well he sent these men to try and capture one of our messengers. To find out where the relative location of the British Army is. So he could try and land his reinforcements of 30,000 men.
Thomas Hardy: Well that's not going to happen. Because we gave the men he sent a good thrashing.
Horatio Nelson: Yes Hardy. Well, I'm going to go and write a letter to send to Wellington. I suggest you get the ship ready to return to the port. Once we get to the port find someone to repair the ship.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir.
Horatio Nelson: Oh, and tell Corey to come and see me.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir.

Horatio Nelson gets up out of his seat and starts calmly walking to his private quarters. A couple of minutes later he reaches his private quarters. Gently opening the door he notices that the window has been shot through and the glass is in a million pieces on the floor. Staring at his desk he notices that a previously neat pile of papers has now been blown onto the floor. Horatio Nelson quietly sighs to himself out of annoyance.

Horatio Nelson: I will tell Hardy to tell someone to replace the window. But for now, I have a letter to write.

Horatio Nelson gently closes the door and calmly walks over to his desk and sits down. Gently grabbing a piece of blank paper and placing it down in front of him. He then grabs his quill out of the ink well and starts writing the letter.

June 28th 1815

My dear friend

Hello, Arthur good news your letter has made it to England. Don't worry I didn't open it.

But there was a problem with the letter getting here. But don't be concerned about it we dealt with it.

It seems that the French wanted to capture the messenger and get information out of him to figure out where your Army is.

Because the French were planning to send 30,000 men to reinforce their Army. But since we dealt with their attempt at capturing the messenger they will hopefully no longer be able to land reinforcements.

But if they do attempt this again which they possibly will. I suggest sending an escort or some sort of protection with the messenger.

Again don't worry Wellesley your wife and children are still safe.

Your dear friend
Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson gently folds up the letter. Suddenly he hears a gentle knock on the door along with a calm and pleasant voice.

Thomas Hardy: Sir Corey is here to see you.
Horatio Nelson: Send him in Hardy.

Thomas Hardy gently opens the door and Corey calmly walks in with the door being gently closed behind him. Horatio Nelson starts speaking in a calm tone.

Horatio Nelson: No need to be nervous Corey.
Corey: Sorry sir, I'm just trying to calm myself after the whole situation with the French.
Horatio Nelson: I understand.
Corey: Why did you want me to see you, sir?
Horatio Nelson: I have a letter that I need you to deliver to Wellington.
Corey: Yes sir.
Horatio Nelson: It's important so try to get it to him as soon as possible.
Corey: Yes sir, I understand.
Horatio Nelson: Good.

Horatio Nelson gets up out of his seat and walks over to Corey. Gently handing the letter to Corey he smiles a little bit and starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Horatio Nelson: Travel safely.
Corey: Yes sir.

Corey gently puts the letter in his pocket. Calmly walking over to the door he gently opens it and exits the room. Hardy suddenly enters the room and gently closes the door behind him.

Horatio Nelson: What is it, Hardy?
Thomas Hardy: Well it's about 10 minutes until we get to the port sir. Also, I noticed something when you were interrogating the French Captain.
Horatio Nelson: What did you notice Hardy?
Thomas Hardy: I noticed that the French Captain seemed afraid of you sir. Like I know that some of the men ruffed him up. But he seemed quite afraid of you specifically sir.
Horatio Nelson: I noticed that too Hardy...But I don't understand why he would be so afraid of me.
Thomas Hardy: He might have heard of your victories sir.
Horatio Nelson: Yes but I feel like that is not the reason. He might have been in one of the battles. We have caused quite devastating defeats for the French. Going through that must have been hard on him perhaps. Maybe he was punished for his defeats or something. Maybe he's been captured by us before. I don't know but he does seem afraid.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir. I now shall go back to my duties.
Horatio Nelson: Alright Hardy.

Thomas Hardy calmly strolls over to the door and gently opens it and exits the room. He gently closes the door behind him. Horatio Nelson calmly walks over to the seat in the corner of the room. Sitting down on the seat he makes himself comfortable.

*Horatio Nelson in thought*
What a stressful morning...

I almost lost my son. I had to deal with the French trying to invade London.

Almost got myself killed again...

Then there is the whole situation with that French Captain being afraid of me for some reason.

After this, I'm just going to go home and be with my wife.

Although I will have to explain why my uniform is covered in blood.

A few minutes later there is a gentle knock on the door along with a calm and warm voice.

Thomas Hardy: We have arrived at the port sir.
Horatio Nelson: Yes I'm coming Hardy.

Horatio Nelson gets up out of his seat and calmly strolls over to the door. Gently opening the door he notices Hardy waiting beside the doorway for him. Gently closing the door behind him he smiles a little bit.

Horatio Nelson: It feels good to be back at the port.
Thomas Hardy: I agree sir.
Horatio Nelson: I better go see Lillie.
Thomas Hardy: Yes sir.

Horatio Nelson calmly wanders to the starboard side of the ship. Carefully getting off the ship he hears footsteps behind him and he turns around and sees Corey staring at him. Corey starts speaking in a calm and collected tone.

Corey: Thank you for saving my life, sir.
Horatio Nelson: Your welcome Corey.
Corey: Now I must deliver some letters, sir.
Horatio Nelson: Yes Corey. Now I have to go see Lillie.
Corey: Yes sir.

Horatio Nelson gets off the ship and Lille Nelson suddenly runs up to him and gently hugs him.

Horatio Nelson: Hello Lillie.
Lillie Nelson: Hello Horatio. Where is my dear Josiah?
Horatio Nelson: He is still on the ship.
Lillie Nelson: Can I see him?
Horatio Nelson: I...Don't think that is the best idea right now Lillie.
Lillie Nelson: What do you mean by that...Did something happen to him!?
Horatio Nelson: He is badly wounded. He needs rest, Lillie.
Lillie Nelson: At least take me to him.
Horatio Nelson: Where he is...It's no place for a young lady like you.

Lillie Nelson starts quietly crying on Horatio Nelson. Horatio Nelson starts speaking in a calm and soothing voice.

Horatio Nelson: Lillie don't cry...Please.
Lillie Nelson: I want to be with my husband!
Horatio Nelson: I know...But he needs rest, Lillie.
Lillie Nelson: I will not stay at home by myself without my husband knowing he is injured!
Horatio Nelson: Calm down Lillie, please...I understand that you care for him. But you must understand that he needs rest.

Horatio Nelson suddenly hears a calm and cheerful voice behind him.

Josiah Nelson: Says the man who always immediately returned to his duties after having his injuries dealt with.
Horatio Nelson: Josiah quit annoying me.
Josiah Nelson: Fine. Lillie come here I want to see you.

Lillie Nelson lets go of Horatio Nelson and she runs onto the ship and gently hugs Josiah. Horatio Nelson and Corey calmly walk over to Richard, William and Henry Wellesley. Richard Wellesley smiles and he starts speaking in a calm but slightly serious voice.

Richard Wellesley: I see that you gave the French a good thrashing Lord Nelson.
Horatio Nelson: Yes Lord Mornington.
Richard Wellesley: Those French should know that you don't mess with the British Royal Navy.
Horatio Nelson: Indeed.
Richard Wellesley: It seems that you might have killed some of the French by the looks of your uniform.
Horatio Nelson: I'm use to it.
Richard Wellesley: I'm sure you are.
Horatio Nelson: Well I shall be off My Lord I need to get home to my wife.
Richard Wellesley: I understand. Safe travels.

Horatio Nelson calmly wanders off leaving Corey with Richard, William and Henry Wellesley. Richard Wellesley stares at Corey with slight confusion. Richard Wellesley starts speaking in a calm tone.

Richard Wellesley: Who are you, sir?
Corey: I'm Corey Henderson, My Lord. I deliver messages and I have a message for you and your brothers from the Duke of Wellington.
Richard Wellesley: I see. May you please hand us these letters.
Corey: Yes My Lord.

Corey carefully gets the three letters out of his pocket and gently hands them to Richard Wellesley.

Richard Wellesley: Thank you, sir.
Corey: Yes My Lord. Now I need to go deliver another letter and then head back to where Wellingtons Army is.
Richard Wellesley: Safe travels and be careful of the French on the way back to see my brother.
Corey: I will be careful My Lord.

Corey calmly wanders off. Richard Wellesley gently hands the other two letters to Henry and William. Richard Wellesley smiles and he starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Richard Wellesley: Arthur sent us letters.
Henry Wellesley: I wonder what he said. Go on Richard read yours first.
Richard Wellesley: Fine...

Richard Wellesley gently unfolds the letter and starts carefully reading it. A couple of minutes later he finishes reading it and gently puts it in his pocket.

Richard Wellesley: Well he is wondering if I'm proud of him. Well of course I'm proud of Arthur he is a Duke now and is making better decisions than he did when he was younger. He is also wondering if he should run for Prime Minister. And I think that he should because he is good at making decisions and well it seems that most of the people love him.
Henry Wellesley: William it's your turn.
William Wellesley: No you're next.
Henry Wellesley: No.
Richard Wellesley: Go on William.
William Wellesley: Fine...fine...

William Wellesley gently unfolds his letter and he starts carefully reading the letter. A couple of minutes later he finishes reading it and gently puts it in his pocket.

Henry Wellesley: Well what did he say?
William Wellesley: Similar things to the letter he sent Richard. So of course, I am proud of him he has definitely learnt his lessons and is now making good decisions. He also asked me what political party likes him the most...Honestly, I think that the Tories like him the most do you agree Henry.
Henry Wellesley: Of course, I agree...
William Wellesley: And of course, he should be the next Prime Minister for the same reasons Richard said.
Richard Wellesley: You do realise that if he becomes Prime Minister you will have to listen to him. He will basically outrank you...
Henry Wellesley: He does already he is the Duke of Wellington. He also outranks you.
Richard Wellesley: Yes but I doubt he will try and boss me around. I'm his brother we all are. Anyway Henry it's your turn.
Henry Wellesley: Fine...

Henry Wellesley gently unfolds his letter and starts carefully reading it. A couple of minutes later he roughly stuffs the letter into his pocket out of annoyance. William and Richard stare at him out of slight confusion.

Richard Wellesley: Something wrong Henry?
Henry Wellesley: No nothing is wrong Richard.
Richard Wellesley: Alright what did he say?
Henry Wellesley: Basically the same as your letter. I am proud of Arthur because well I look up to him and he is my commander in the British Army. Also yes he should be Prime Minister for the same reasons you mentioned Richard.
Richard Wellesley: Well then let's head back to my Castle.
Henry Wellesley: Your Castle!?
Richard Wellesley: Yes...
Henry Wellesley: The only reason why you own it is that you inherited it from our father. It's our birthplace so it's our Castle.
Richard Wellesley: Fine. Now let's find a carriage.

Richard, William and Henry Wellesley wander off to find a carriage.

To be Continued...