Disclaimer: There will be a lot of violence in this chapter. If you are sensitive to this you may skip this chapter.

It is currently 6:00 and the sun hasn't yet risen over the battlefield. Lawrence is standing on one of the walls at Hougomont looking over the battlefield. A couple of minutes later he hears some footsteps approaching him. Then he notices Benedict Fraser standing beside him with a candle holder that has a burning candle on it. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Benedict Fraser: Are you alright Captain?
Lawrence: Just thinking about what is going to happen, sir.
Benedict Fraser: Well we don't know what is exactly going to happen. We just have to hope that most of us come out of this alive.
Lawrence: Your right sir.
Benedict Fraser: Still hoping to get that French Eagle?

Lawrence: Yes sir.
Benedict Fraser: Just don't get yourself killed trying to do that.
Lawrence: I won't sir trust me.
Benedict Fraser: Good. Because trying to get a French Eagle is a very risky thing to do.
Lawrence: I understand that sir. But trust me I won't get myself killed.

Benedict Fraser calmly walks off and Lawrence continues gazing out across the battlefield. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Frederick has just woken up and is lying awake in bed. He also notices that Voltaire is still sleeping. Then he gently grabs Voltaire's hand and pulls it out from under the blanket and kisses it. A few minutes later Voltaire suddenly wakes up and almost lets out a scream. Frederick then starts to comfort Voltaire by gently stroking his hair. Then he starts speaking in a warm and comforting tone.

Frederick: What happened Voltaire?
Voltaire: I was killing people. But I wasn't myself it's like I wasn't in control of my own body. I'm not a murderous person!
Frederick: Voltaire I know that you aren't murderous. You aren't a bad person at all Voltaire. You are the most caring and sweet person I have ever met in my life. That's why I love you.
Voltaire: But I did actually kill someone and I still feel awful about it.
Frederick: Voltaire my love I understand that. But that was not on purpose it was accidental and you were worried for my life.

Voltaire: Yes I was worried for your life. But I didn't want my fear to push me to the brink of killing someone!
Frederick: I understand that Voltaire.
Voltaire: Frederick I regret my actions deeply. But I don't know how to get over this mistake I've made!
Frederick: Voltaire I'll be here to help you get through this I promise you that my love.
Voltaire: Thank you, Frederick.
Frederick: Get some more rest, my love.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick.

Frederick softly puts his hand on Voltaire's cheek and passionately kisses him on the lips. A couple of minutes later Voltaire gently breaks the kiss and gazes into Frederick's sky blue eyes. Frederick cheerfully smiles at Voltaire and kisses him on the cheek. Frederick then starts speaking in a soft and romantic voice.

Frederick: My dearest Voltaire I will help you through this. Because I truly love you.
Voltaire: I love you deeply as well Frederick.
Frederick: This war is almost over I feel it, Voltaire. We will be able to spend more time together and help each other recover from this troubling time.
Voltaire: Do you really believe that this war is almost over my love?

Frederick: Yes my love. I believe that it's almost over.
Voltaire: Stay safe out there my dear.
Frederick: I will and rest well. I will see you tonight my love.
Voltaire: Yes I will see you tonight.

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Frederick then gets out of bed and calmly exits the tent and walks over to a nearby campfire and sits down in front of it. He starts to gaze deeply into the blazing orange flames. A few minutes later Prince Frederick walks over and sits down next to Frederick. Frederick looks at the Prince with a cheerful smile on his face. Then he gently places his hand on Prince Frederick's shoulder and starts speaking in a serious tone.

Frederick: Fred why have you grown so distant towards me?
Prince Frederick: Do I really need to answer that question? I thought that it was obvious to you.
Frederick: Fred I have cared for you since your father was killed. You growing distant towards me during this battle concerns me.
Prince Frederick: I feel like you care for me less than you did when I was a child!

Frederick: Fred I can assure you that my love and care for you hasn't changed at all since then.
Prince Frederick: Well why are you spending so much time with Voltaire? Is there something that you are hiding!?
Frederick: I'm not hiding anything at all Fred! Also, how dare you assume something like that!
Prince Frederick: It's just that you are spending a lot of time with Voltaire.
Frederick: We are just friends Fred. Nothing more nothing less.

Frederick took his hand off of Prince Frederick's shoulder. The Prince then gets up and walks away leaving Frederick to stare at the flames.

*Frederick in thought*

I can't tell Fred what's happening between me and Voltaire. I don't know what he would think about me having a relationship with Voltaire.

I also don't trust Fred with keeping such a secret. I don't want anything bad to happen to Voltaire if the secret gets out.

I know what Fred did to Voltaire and I don't want him to possibly harm him again. All because Voltaire is in a relationship with me.

I also worry that he might do something worse than just harm Voltaire. He might kill him.

Fred growing distant towards me also concerns me. I don't want our relationship to fully break apart. I still truly care about him as I did when he was a child. That will never change.

Frederick continues to stare at the fire lost in his own thoughts. Meanwhile, in the British camp, Wellington is gazing out over the battlefield. Lord Uxbridge calmly walks over to Wellington and stands beside him. Wellington starts to speak in a calm yet serious voice.

Wellington: I fear that it's going to be another bloody day Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: The French have lost more than we have sir.
Wellington: Yes but I fear that they won't stop fighting until there are very few of them left.
Lord Uxbridge: I don't think that they would do that sir.

Wellington: The French won't give up Uxbridge at least not easily.
Lord Uxbridge: Are you saying that they would continue fighting until they are all dead sir?
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge they will protect their Emperor even until there is none of them left. Along with none of us left. They wish to drench the land in our blood.
Lord Uxbridge: I can assure you that we will win this battle, sir.
Wellington: I know. But I fear that it will be at the cost of many lives.

Meanwhile, in the French camp, Joseph Ney is lying awake in his bed. Henry Wellesley who is sitting on a wooden stool sharpening his sabre notices this. He starts speaking in a calm voice.

Henry Wellesley: Can't sleep?
Joseph Ney: I almost lost my father Henry. He has now put me in charge of his army.
Henry Wellesley: You also almost lost your own life!
Joseph Ney: I know that Henry. But I'm fine now.

Henry Wellesley: You don't seem fine Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Henry I've been waiting for my whole life to lead an army. But I wasn't expecting it to be this soon. I don't feel ready for this at all!
Henry Wellesley: I understand that Joseph. But I know why your father put you in charge. He believes in you, Joseph.
Joseph Ney: Yes but I don't feel ready to lead Henry! I don't feel ready at all!
Henry Wellesley: Believe in yourself, Joseph. Have some faith that you can lead your father's army.

Joseph Ney got out of bed and exited the tent. He then walks to the edge of the camp and gazes at the battlefield along with the smoke from the British and Prussian campfires. A couple of minutes later he hears footsteps behind him. Joachim Murat then stands beside Joseph and smiles a little bit. He then starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Joachim Murat: So your father put you in charge of his army?
Joseph Ney: Yes Your Majesty. He indeed has put me in charge of his army.
Joachim Murat: You seem nervous General.
Joseph Ney: I'm not nervous Your Majesty.

Joachim Murat: Well then I suggest that you prepare for the battle. We will be fighting those English and Prussian bastards soon.
Joseph Ney: Yes I know what I need to do.
Joachim Murat: I wish you luck in leading your father's army.
Joseph Ney: Thank you, Your Majesty.

Joachim Murat then calmly walks off and Joseph Ney continues gazing out at the Prussian and British camps. An hour later the sun has just risen and the French cannons are starting to fire once more. The British and Prussian cannons also started firing back. Meanwhile, at Hugomont, the British soldiers are preparing for another attack. Benedict Fraser grabs his spyglass and looks over at the French side of the battlefield. He notices that the French infantry are preparing for another attack. Putting his spyglass back on his belt he then starts speaking in a calm yet serious tone.

Benedict Fraser: It seems that they are going to try to attack here again.
Lawrence: Well that's not going to end well for them.
Benedict Fraser: Indeed it won't end well for them Captain.
Lawrence: Well I'm ready to fight more of those French bastards.

Meanwhile, on the British and Prussian side of the battlefield, Wellington is gazing out across the battlefield using his spyglass. A couple of minutes later he hears footsteps approaching him and Frederick stands beside him. Wellington puts his spyglass back on his belt and starts speaking in a calm voice.

Wellington: Are you alright after yesterday Your Majesty?
Frederick: You know what happened?
Wellington: Well I did see a glimpse of what happened. Also, it seems that your friend Voltaire truly cares about you. He risked his own life to save yours.
Frederick: I can assure you that I'm quite well Your Grace. I have had worse than that in the past.
Wellington: Is your friend alright after what he did? Because he did just kill his own countryman.

Frederick: He could be better. But he is fine.
Wellington: Killing someone for the first time can take its toll on the mind.
Frederick: Indeed it can I know what you mean Your Grace. I also know what it feels like.
Wellington: I have also felt it at one point in my life.
Frederick: I shall go be with my men. We need to prepare for an attack.
Wellington: Yes you are right Your Majesty we do need to prepare for an attack.

Frederick calmly and hastily walks off. Lord Uxbridge calmly walks over to Wellington and stands beside him. Wellington starts speaking in a serious tone.

Wellington: Uxbridge I need you to order some men to be sent out there. Also, get some reinforcements sent to La Haye Sainte they have been requesting them.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.
Wellington: The center must not be lost Uxbridge. Do it quickly!
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir!

Lord Uxbridge quickly marches off. Leaving Wellington to gaze across the battlefield watching the advancing French infantry. At Hugomont Lawrence watches the French infantry quickly advancing towards Hugomont. Suddenly he notices something golden shining high above the French troops. Benedict Fraser notices Lawrence staring out across the field and walks over and stands beside him. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.

Benedict Fraser: You see it don't you?
Lawrence: Yes I do sir.
Benedict Fraser: The true treasure of France. A French Eagle something that has been touched by the hand of the Emperor himself.
Lawrence: Something that I will bring home for my father to place on his grave.
Benedict Fraser: Just remember what I told you, Captain.
Lawrence: I won't get myself killed sir.
Benedict Fraser: Good.

Lawrence continues gazing out at the battlefield watching both armies marching forward. A few minutes later he notices that Joseph Ney is leading the French army. Benedict Fraser also notices this as well and starts speaking in a serious tone.

Benedict Fraser: It seems that the French Marshal has allowed his son to lead.
Lawrence: Do you think that the French Marshal is dead?
Benedict Fraser: That is indeed a possibility Captain. But again we don't know as we didn't find his body.
Lawrence: That is indeed true sir.
Benedict Fraser: If he is dead I'm sure that his son will be wanting you dead.

Lawrence: I doubt that his son would know that it was me.
Benedict Fraser: I'm sure that he knows Lawrence and that man would be out for your blood. Even if his father is alive or not.
Lawrence: I'm not afraid to face him, sir.
Benedict Fraser: I understand that Captain but come back alive after you face him.
Lawrence: I will but he won't return to his camp alive. Especially after what he and his father did to Lord Wellington.

Meanwhile, on the British side of the battlefield, Ronnie Watson is gazing out across the battlefield. He eventually notices the French Eagle shining high above the French soldiers. Cameron Russell walks over to Ronnie and smirks and then starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.

Cameron Russell: You want that eagle don't you?
Ronnie Watson: Of course I do. It will bring me glory. Possibly even put me back in Lord Wellington's good graces.
Cameron Russell: He might even give you the rank of Major.
Ronnie Watson: That as well.

Cameron Russell: I doubt that your brother would try and capture the eagle.
Ronnie Watson: I'm worried about that as it seems he has proven himself braver than I thought he was. He apparently saved Lord Wellington's life from the French alone. Which also put him in Lord Wellington's good graces.
Cameron Russell: Well you will just have to get it before him or possibly take it from him.
Ronnie Watson: That bastard is stronger than he looks. Although he has never wanted to harm me which I find pathetic.

Cameron Russell and Ronnie Watson start laughing a lot. Then Cameron Russell continues speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.

Cameron Russell: That pathetic half British boy.
Ronnie Watson: He is strong but sometimes afraid to fight. Only the strongest will survive this battle and he isn't one of them.
Cameron Russell: Is it really true that you share some of the same blood?
Ronnie Watson: Yes but I don't accept him as he is not fully British. We aren't even actual brothers. We are half brothers.

Cameron Russell: Does he know that?
Ronnie Watson: He's never known that. Its always been a secret.
Cameron Russell: Do you ever wish to tell him about it?
Ronnie Watson: Why would I ever want to tell him about such a thing? He would never believe me and I have no wish to tell him such truths about his past.
Cameron Russell: Did you ever wish to be the only child?
Ronnie Watson: No. But I do wish that I had a brother who wasn't so pathetic.

Lukas Buchman notices Cameron Russell and Ronnie Watson standing around. He then approaches the two men and they both stare at him with disgust. Ronnie Watson starts speaking in a rude and slightly annoyed tone.

Ronnie Watson: What do you want Prussian? Shouldn't you be with your King?
Lukas Buchman: I'm wondering why two British soldiers are standing around doing nothing. There is a battle going on.
Ronnie Watson: We are not needed in the battle yet Prussian.
Lukas Buchman: Still you would have duties to do and I suggest that you go do them.

Ronnie Watson: We are not under your command.
Lukas Buchman: If you do not listen to me I will gladly go report you to your superiors.
Ronnie Watson: Fine.
Lukas Buchman: Good.

Ronnie Watson and Cameron Russell both walk away feeling slightly annoyed. While Lukas Buchman calmly walks back to the Prussian camp. Meanwhile, at Hugomont some of the French soldiers have started attacking. Lawrence begins firing down at the French soldiers who are trying to climb the walls using ladders. A few minutes later Lawrence notices that the bearer of the French Eagle is charging toward the farmhouse. Lawrence then sprints down the steps and over to the farmhouse gates. He opens it enough for him to go through then shuts it behind himself. Sprinting over to the eagle bearer he draws his sabre and violently swings it trying to slice the Frenchman's head off. But the Frenchman blocks the attack with the pole that the eagle is on.

The French soldier tries to hit Lawrence with the pole but Lawrence dodges out of the way. Lawrence then kicks the French soldier causing him to stumble backwards a bit. The French soldier tries to hit Lawrence again. But Lawrence grabs the pole and shoves the French soldier to the ground and pins him down. He then violently slits the French soldier's throat with his sabre. Getting up Lawrence begins to walk back to the farmhouse with the eagle in hand. He then puts away his sabre when suddenly someone familiar tackles him to the ground and goes to punch him in the face. But Lawrence quickly blocks the punch with his free hand and starts speaking in a slightly irritated voice.

Lawrence: Ronnie why are you here!?
Ronnie Watson: To get my glory and take it from you! You filthy bastard that you are!
Lawrence: I have earned my glory. But unlike you, I'm not a greedy bastard who wants more.
Ronnie Watson: Oh Lawrence you foolish bastard. Not all glory is earned it is sometimes taken from others!

Lawrence shoves Ronnie off himself and gets up and glares at Ronnie. Ronnie also gets up and prepares to fight Lawrence. He then starts speaking in a mocking tone.

Ronnie Watson: I know that you have always been afraid to fight.
Lawrence: Things have changed now Ronnie.
Ronnie Watson: Well fight me then you bastard!
Lawrence: No Ronnie I've never wished to fight you. I have always sworn to myself that I would never bring harm to my family.
Ronnie Watson: Fine I shall fight you then for my glory!

Ronnie Watson charges at Lawrence and tries to kick him in the stomach. But Lawrence blocks the kick with the pole. Ronnie then goes to punch Lawrence in the face but Lawrence dodges out of the way. Ronnie then suddenly grabs the pole and shoves Lawrence backwards causing him to stumble slightly. Lawrence starts speaking in a slightly annoyed voice.

Lawrence: Ronnie you need to stop this!
Ronnie Watson: Why should I stop this!?
Lawrence: Fighting never helps Ronnie. I do not wish to harm you.
Ronnie Watson: You are still afraid to fight aren't you!?

Lawrence: No I'm not Ronnie. I just don't want to harm you I have never wanted to hurt you!
Ronnie Watson: You are so pathetic. Just fight me, you bastard! The strongest gains the glory!
Lawrence: I don't want glory, Ronnie I just want to bring this home to pay respects to my father. Our father.
Ronnie Watson: He left me and mother and I no longer have any respect for him!
Lawrence: He left me as well Ronnie! He left us both!

Ronnie Watson charges at Lawrence and continues trying to kick or punch him. But Lawrence continues dodging or blocking the attacks. Meanwhile, in the thick of the fight, Joseph Ney violently thrusts his sabre through a British soldier's chest instantly killing him. He then yanks the sabre out and blood starts dripping off the sabre and onto the ground. Joseph then gets a glimpse of Lawrence and Ronnie fighting. He glares at Lawrence and begins hastily marching toward them tightening the grip on his sabre. He also feels some of the cold crimson liquid slowly running down his hand from the sabre.

Lawrence and Ronnie both suddenly notice Joseph Ney approaching and immediately stop fighting. Ronnie Watson draws his sabre and prepares to charge at Joseph Ney. Lawrence starts speaking in a calm yet slightly anxious voice.

Lawrence: Ronnie don't we can fight him together!
Ronnie Watson: Why should I listen to you Lawrence you pathetic bastard!?
Lawrence: Because I'm your brother and we can do this together!
Ronnie Watson: We are not brothers Lawrence! Besides, I know that you would want to get the glory from killing this French bastard!
Lawrence: Ronnie I have told you that I don't want glory!

Ronnie Watson charges at Joseph Ney and swiftly swings his sabre. Joseph Ney immediately blocks the attack and then kicks Ronnie in the stomach causing him to stumble backwards a little bit. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a tone full of annoyance.

Joseph Ney: It's not you that I want to fight! Now get out of my way!
Ronnie Watson: You don't want to fight me!? You must be a coward then! Too scared to fight just like my brother here!
Joesph Ney: I am not a coward!
Ronnie Watson: Let's dance then I know that you want to fight. You have that fire that my brother doesn't have.

Joseph Ney continues staring at Ronnie Watson who is standing in a defensive stance. Ronnie Watson starts speaking in a calm and confident voice.

Ronnie Watson: Fight me you, bastard! Stop standing around like a wimpy little boy.

Joseph Ney begins approaching Ronnie due to the burning rage which he feels inside him. Joseph then violently swings his sabre and Ronnie swiftly blocks the attack. Joseph then knocks the sabre out of Ronnie's hand. He then violently thrusts his sabre into Ronnie's chest. Joseph starts speaking in a tone full of fiery rage.

Joseph Ney: I am not that weak wimpy boy anymore! I would gladly kill those who called me that! I am not afraid to do that anymore!

Joseph then yanks the sabre out of Ronnie's chest. Lawrence stares at Joseph with a mix of shock and rage. Joseph begins approaching Lawrence while whistling a quiet and somber tune. Lawrence begins yelling in a tone full of rage.

Lawrence: You murderous bastard!
Joseph Ney: Did you actually love him because it seems that he hated you?
Lawrence: I did love him! Because even though he would constantly put me down and hurt me there was a nice side to him! I would also never wish to harm my family!
Joseph Ney: We are not so different. I was also seen as a coward and I was also hurt by others. I also never wish to harm my family and I always protect them.

Lawrence suddenly drops the French Eagle on the ground and starts sprinting over to Joseph. He roughly tackles Joseph to the ground then violently punches him in the face. Lawrence then begins trying to strangle  Joseph. Then he starts speaking in a voice full of a mixture of sadness and hatred.

Lawrence: We are not the same you murderous bastard. I want this war to be over with fewer casualties. The truth is I don't find pleasure in killing people. Unlike you! The filthy murderous bastard that you are!

Lawrence then stops strangling Joseph allowing him to breathe. Then he gets up and roughly kicks Joseph in the stomach. Walking over to the French Eagle Lawrence carefully picks it up and starts quickly making his way back to Hugomont. A few minutes later Lawrence reaches the gates of Hugomont and shoves them open enough for him to walk inside. Then he closes the gates behind him and walks over to a nearby bench and sits down. Benedict Fraser walks over to Lawrence and notices the tears in Lawrence's eyes. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a calm voice.

Benedict Fraser: I see that you have gotten what you wanted Captain.
Lawrence: Yes but at what cost sir?
Benedict Fraser: What happened out there, Captain?
Lawrence: That murderous French General killed my brother.

Benedict Fraser: I see.
Lawrence: Even though my brother hated me and always fought me and hurt me. I never felt any hatred toward him. Because he did have a kind side that he rarely showed. He was not all bad.
Benedict Fraser: You can pay your respects to him after the battle Lawrence. But you still have to keep fighting. We all lose people close to us in war but they would want us to keep fighting.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Benedict Fraser calmly walks off leaving Lawrence alone to try and calm himself.

To be Continued...