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luceti] - Appointments
Jan. 1st, 2020 09:10 pmMessages and meetings for Cpt. Horatio Hornblower.
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(Please title and date as appropriate.)
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Jan. 1st, 2020 09:10 pm
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driftfleetSecond Dispatch - [written]
Dec. 2nd, 2013 11:20 amDecember 2nd,
I have asked a few individuals before my time with our [His pen hesitates, but he doesn't know what they can see. Since this book is obviously magical, he may as well be cautious.] hosts, and now, given the task they assigned me, I wish to ask the community at large.
In your harbour, there is a sloop-of-war with British colours on her called Britannia. Does she have a captain here?
I believe, with a bit of work (as she has been adequately maintained but requires attention in a few areas), she would be ready to take to sea come spring, provided there is a crew to do it. I am willing to [eager to, desperate to] take on that responsibility, but I would not wish to interfere with an already-present chain of command.
H. Hornblower
I have asked a few individuals before my time with our [His pen hesitates, but he doesn't know what they can see. Since this book is obviously magical, he may as well be cautious.] hosts, and now, given the task they assigned me, I wish to ask the community at large.
In your harbour, there is a sloop-of-war with British colours on her called Britannia. Does she have a captain here?
I believe, with a bit of work (as she has been adequately maintained but requires attention in a few areas), she would be ready to take to sea come spring, provided there is a crew to do it. I am willing to [eager to, desperate to] take on that responsibility, but I would not wish to interfere with an already-present chain of command.
H. Hornblower
First Dispatch - [written]
Oct. 13th, 2013 10:09 amOctober 13th,
I don't understand. I had hoped that if I took up this book and put my quill to the paper, I could write out those thoughts that disquiet my mind, but I find they are too numerous and tangled within one another to offer any sort of order in which to begin. I have read the so-called guide offered by this strange, bewitched book. Everything around me still seems impossible or a dream, at the least.
I am aware no one can tell me when I will be able to return to England, but my absence disturbs me still. I've an important engagement to attend, and the idea that I shall not miss it does not settle easily.
I suppose there are worse fates than this, however, and far worse prisons. [Spanish war prisons and debtors' prison, for two examples his mind provides.] I shall have to bide.
H. Hornblower
I don't understand. I had hoped that if I took up this book and put my quill to the paper, I could write out those thoughts that disquiet my mind, but I find they are too numerous and tangled within one another to offer any sort of order in which to begin. I have read the so-called guide offered by this strange, bewitched book. Everything around me still seems impossible or a dream, at the least.
I am aware no one can tell me when I will be able to return to England, but my absence disturbs me still. I've an important engagement to attend, and the idea that I shall not miss it does not settle easily.
I suppose there are worse fates than this, however, and far worse prisons. [Spanish war prisons and debtors' prison, for two examples his mind provides.] I shall have to bide.
H. Hornblower
Nineteenth Dispatch - [written]
Dec. 10th, 2012 07:06 pmMonday, December 10th
Firstly, allow me to thank everyone who attended the dinner and dance Mister Kennedy was kind enough to organise. On behalf of Mister Kennedy and myself, it was a delight to see you all.
Second, there will be a brief Christmas service on board Britannia at ten o'clock on December twenty-fifth. I am no preacher, so if another is being held, I will happily relent and leave the task to someone more suited. If there is none, I shall provide to the best of my meagre abilities for anyone who wishes to attend.
Lastly, because of the mentioned service, Britannia would be all the better for a fresh coat of paint. Any crew willing to assist in the task would be greatly appreciated.
Captain Horatio Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
Firstly, allow me to thank everyone who attended the dinner and dance Mister Kennedy was kind enough to organise. On behalf of Mister Kennedy and myself, it was a delight to see you all.
Second, there will be a brief Christmas service on board Britannia at ten o'clock on December twenty-fifth. I am no preacher, so if another is being held, I will happily relent and leave the task to someone more suited. If there is none, I shall provide to the best of my meagre abilities for anyone who wishes to attend.
Lastly, because of the mentioned service, Britannia would be all the better for a fresh coat of paint. Any crew willing to assist in the task would be greatly appreciated.
Captain Horatio Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
Eighteenth Dispatch - [written]
Sep. 6th, 2012 08:27 pmThursday, September 6th
To all of you newly arrived: welcome. I offer my condolences to those upset by their sudden situation.
I am Captain Horatio Hornblower of His Majesty's Ship Atropos and Luceti Enclosure Ship Britannia.
Britannia is always seeking new crew members. With the exception of commissioned officers, there is no exclusivity expected of crew.
On September 15th, Britannia will set sail. We depart at two bells in the forenoon watch. [He writes in the margin: 9 AM.] We will return on the 19th. This voyage will be to instruct crew members in sailing a three-masted ship-rigged vessel.
All those interested are to contact myself or Lieutenant Kennedy by four bells in the first watch [another margin note: 10 PM] on the 14th of September.
Cpt H. Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
To all of you newly arrived: welcome. I offer my condolences to those upset by their sudden situation.
I am Captain Horatio Hornblower of His Majesty's Ship Atropos and Luceti Enclosure Ship Britannia.
Britannia is always seeking new crew members. With the exception of commissioned officers, there is no exclusivity expected of crew.
On September 15th, Britannia will set sail. We depart at two bells in the forenoon watch. [He writes in the margin: 9 AM.] We will return on the 19th. This voyage will be to instruct crew members in sailing a three-masted ship-rigged vessel.
All those interested are to contact myself or Lieutenant Kennedy by four bells in the first watch [another margin note: 10 PM] on the 14th of September.
Cpt H. Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
Seventeenth Dispatch - [written]
Aug. 15th, 2012 06:54 pm[Horatio knows.
The moment he wakes up, he knows something in the house is wrong. Cat-like, he pads down the hall. Young Wellard is fast asleep, so is Archie. He pushes open the third door and sees it.
The room is empty, utterly untouched.
William Bush is gone.
Silently, he closes the door. He showers, brushes his uniform twice before donning it, and is still out of the house at dawn. He goes immediately to the sip. To his beloved Britannia.
Will he endanger her, doing what he knows he must? This is reckless. He knows it, too well.
"It's always worked out for the best, sir."
He's only sorry it took William's disappearance to cause this.
On board, he pulls his muster book out. Beside the name William Bush, he makes a simple cross. Then, he goes to the wall and removes the Union Jack there. Less than ten minutes later, the colours are flying from the ship's mast, above the banner they commissioned for Britannia.
This ship, here and now, is England.
And he is an English captain.
Two hours later, he writes in the Journal, barely daring to breathe as he pens the words on the paper.]
Wednesday, August 15th
It is my honour to inform the citizens of the Luceti enclosure that the duties of the frigate Britannia have changed.
She is a vessel of war, meant for naval battle if the Third Party or any sea force should threaten the village.
To that end, she will need guns. Mister Haddock, I should like to commission another from you as well as shot. Lieutenant Kennedy will contact you later with specifics.
I am sure at least a few of you will not believe me, but I will state this now: this is not an act of aggression toward the residents of this village. My ship will enter into conflict only with enemy crafts, those who would harm the people of Luceti. Only acts of violence to persons or property of Britannia will nullify my offer of peace.
Respectfully,
Captain Horatio Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
[As he signs his name, he lets himself take in a breath. No warning, no discussion. Only Archie's encouragement a week ago he cautioned against.
Now, the die is cast. The colours are nailed to the mast. He can think only one thing:
God be with us.]
The moment he wakes up, he knows something in the house is wrong. Cat-like, he pads down the hall. Young Wellard is fast asleep, so is Archie. He pushes open the third door and sees it.
The room is empty, utterly untouched.
William Bush is gone.
Silently, he closes the door. He showers, brushes his uniform twice before donning it, and is still out of the house at dawn. He goes immediately to the sip. To his beloved Britannia.
Will he endanger her, doing what he knows he must? This is reckless. He knows it, too well.
"It's always worked out for the best, sir."
He's only sorry it took William's disappearance to cause this.
On board, he pulls his muster book out. Beside the name William Bush, he makes a simple cross. Then, he goes to the wall and removes the Union Jack there. Less than ten minutes later, the colours are flying from the ship's mast, above the banner they commissioned for Britannia.
This ship, here and now, is England.
And he is an English captain.
Two hours later, he writes in the Journal, barely daring to breathe as he pens the words on the paper.]
Wednesday, August 15th
It is my honour to inform the citizens of the Luceti enclosure that the duties of the frigate Britannia have changed.
She is a vessel of war, meant for naval battle if the Third Party or any sea force should threaten the village.
To that end, she will need guns. Mister Haddock, I should like to commission another from you as well as shot. Lieutenant Kennedy will contact you later with specifics.
I am sure at least a few of you will not believe me, but I will state this now: this is not an act of aggression toward the residents of this village. My ship will enter into conflict only with enemy crafts, those who would harm the people of Luceti. Only acts of violence to persons or property of Britannia will nullify my offer of peace.
Respectfully,
Captain Horatio Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia
[As he signs his name, he lets himself take in a breath. No warning, no discussion. Only Archie's encouragement a week ago he cautioned against.
Now, the die is cast. The colours are nailed to the mast. He can think only one thing:
God be with us.]
Sixteenth Dispatch - [written]
Jun. 14th, 2012 09:04 pmTo the crew of the Britannia:
We sail on the sixteenth as planned.
To interested parties:
Today is the last day I will allow new crew members to sign the muster list. My officers need time to relay important instruction before we sail.
- Hornblower
[In the face of everything? The threat from the Malnosso over this missing member of their own? Charged with unnamed crimes? And a ticking clock for how long they have to obey?
...It's better, Horatio thinks, to be away from the village. He has no place in the politics of this group. What they do is their choice. He will, though, be trying to protect his crew. It's a gamble, but it's one he's willing to take.]
[Filtered, Jilly, 25%]:
[He's slightly learned to filter!]
Miss Jilly,
I would like to request your presence on board Britannia for her maiden voyage.
Horatio
We sail on the sixteenth as planned.
To interested parties:
Today is the last day I will allow new crew members to sign the muster list. My officers need time to relay important instruction before we sail.
- Hornblower
[In the face of everything? The threat from the Malnosso over this missing member of their own? Charged with unnamed crimes? And a ticking clock for how long they have to obey?
...It's better, Horatio thinks, to be away from the village. He has no place in the politics of this group. What they do is their choice. He will, though, be trying to protect his crew. It's a gamble, but it's one he's willing to take.]
[Filtered, Jilly, 25%]:
[He's slightly learned to filter!]
Miss Jilly,
I would like to request your presence on board Britannia for her maiden voyage.
Horatio
Fifteenth Dispatch - [written]
Jun. 7th, 2012 04:08 pmTo all crew of Britannia:
It has been decided by her captain and his first and secondlieutenants mates [that word is an insult, as far as he's concerned. Mister Kennedy and Mister Bush are lieutenants in His Majesty's Royal Navy and should be called as such, but here that means nothing.] that the ship Britannia will be taken to sea in her maiden voyage on the sixteenth of June at two bells in the forenoon watch.
She will travel until eight bells in the forenoon watch on the nineteenth, at which time she will begin her return home.
This expedition is, of course, entirely voluntarily [God help him, being partially at the mercy of whether or not the crew decides they want to show up] and I would greatly appreciate being informed in advance of who will be on board.
To those not yet a part of Britannia's crew who would like to join, I will gladly accept new volunteers until the fourteenth, so you may, if you have no experience sailing a frigate have time to acquaint yourself with the basics of her design and your duties.
I thank you all for your time.
Cpt. Horatio Hornblower
It has been decided by her captain and his first and second
She will travel until eight bells in the forenoon watch on the nineteenth, at which time she will begin her return home.
This expedition is, of course, entirely voluntarily [God help him, being partially at the mercy of whether or not the crew decides they want to show up] and I would greatly appreciate being informed in advance of who will be on board.
To those not yet a part of Britannia's crew who would like to join, I will gladly accept new volunteers until the fourteenth, so you may, if you have no experience sailing a frigate have time to acquaint yourself with the basics of her design and your duties.
I thank you all for your time.
Cpt. Horatio Hornblower
Fourteenth Dispatch - [written]
May. 6th, 2012 06:06 pm[He's been here a year now.
An entire year.
And it doesn't feel any more like home than it did the day he arrived. If anything, his obligations feel even sharper than they did then. Because he has been away from them. Even if no one would know he'd been gone, he knew.]
Person or thing, either way--
What would you most like to see here?
Hornblower
An entire year.
And it doesn't feel any more like home than it did the day he arrived. If anything, his obligations feel even sharper than they did then. Because he has been away from them. Even if no one would know he'd been gone, he knew.]
Person or thing, either way--
What would you most like to see here?
Hornblower
Thirteenth Dispatch - [written]
Apr. 2nd, 2012 12:03 pm[Horatio Hornblower is never unaware of the date, but lately he has been able to note it without thinking about it.
He has been here nearly eleven months. If time does not stop as others claimed... He will have been declared dead, at best, or a deserter at worst. His wife will have given birth. He will have a two-month old child whose mother is sure it will never see its father.
Perhaps it's been subtly looking after Archie this last while that prompted such thoughts. Perhaps its the coming of Spring. Perhaps its the thought of sailing Britannia, feeling the wind in his face.
The last is the easiest thought.]
Monday, April 2nd
Weather permitting, training of the crew of Britannia will begin on Monday, April 9th, at two bells in the forenoon watch.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
The first lesson will be regarding the use of bells to keep time.
Two bells in the afternoon watch will mark the time for a crew meal.
At four bells in the afternoon watch, lessons will resume. They will last until four bells in the first dog watch.
Attendance this first day in mandatory, so Mister Kennedy and I may get a practical view of what is already known and what must be taught. Mister Kennedy will head the actual instruction for the most part, but I will be observing.
This will be only be cancelled for heavy rainfall and strong winds.
[It shouldn't even be cancelled for that, but... As Archie is always reminding him, these are pure volunteers, able to leave at any time.]
Mister Kennedy and I would welcome any further volunteers to Britannia for this beginning of intruction.
Hornblower
He has been here nearly eleven months. If time does not stop as others claimed... He will have been declared dead, at best, or a deserter at worst. His wife will have given birth. He will have a two-month old child whose mother is sure it will never see its father.
Perhaps it's been subtly looking after Archie this last while that prompted such thoughts. Perhaps its the coming of Spring. Perhaps its the thought of sailing Britannia, feeling the wind in his face.
The last is the easiest thought.]
Monday, April 2nd
Weather permitting, training of the crew of Britannia will begin on Monday, April 9th, at two bells in the forenoon watch.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
The first lesson will be regarding the use of bells to keep time.
Two bells in the afternoon watch will mark the time for a crew meal.
At four bells in the afternoon watch, lessons will resume. They will last until four bells in the first dog watch.
Attendance this first day in mandatory, so Mister Kennedy and I may get a practical view of what is already known and what must be taught. Mister Kennedy will head the actual instruction for the most part, but I will be observing.
This will be only be cancelled for heavy rainfall and strong winds.
[It shouldn't even be cancelled for that, but... As Archie is always reminding him, these are pure volunteers, able to leave at any time.]
Mister Kennedy and I would welcome any further volunteers to Britannia for this beginning of intruction.
Hornblower
Twelfth Dispatch - [written]
Feb. 5th, 2012 08:24 pmSunday, February 5th
[It's cold and it's snowing... but Captain Hornblower is still on his ship, in the captain's cabin. The best place to think.]
There is a constant war going on. People are fighting and dying every day.
We get no reports, we don't know their names, we don't know anything about the tide of war. We don't even really know much about the combatants. Not on either side.
But there is a war.
We are kept from it, most of the time. Protected from even the news of it.
Has anyone given it thought: What would you do if the heart of the Third Party army was upon us tomorrow?
Hornblower
[It's cold and it's snowing... but Captain Hornblower is still on his ship, in the captain's cabin. The best place to think.]
There is a constant war going on. People are fighting and dying every day.
We get no reports, we don't know their names, we don't know anything about the tide of war. We don't even really know much about the combatants. Not on either side.
But there is a war.
We are kept from it, most of the time. Protected from even the news of it.
Has anyone given it thought: What would you do if the heart of the Third Party army was upon us tomorrow?
Hornblower
Eleventh Dispatch - [written]
Jan. 11th, 2012 11:18 pmWednesday, January 11th
The absence of need here will never cease to amaze me.
It has a price, of course, but food and housing are provided. No one risks starving, no one goes without shelter or clothes, no one need fear the bailiffs or prison for debt.
No one has cause to work here save a want to do so.
I do not think I shall ever be used to it.
By the by, I suppose it cannot hurt to ask. I am not suited for idleness, yet there is little I can do save my work for His Majesty's Royal Navy. I should like to know, though, if any places here are in need of an extra person. I cannot promise to accept, but I should like to know what is requested.
One can, after all, do only so much work on a ship that was nearly perfect from her birth.
Hornblower
The absence of need here will never cease to amaze me.
It has a price, of course, but food and housing are provided. No one risks starving, no one goes without shelter or clothes, no one need fear the bailiffs or prison for debt.
No one has cause to work here save a want to do so.
I do not think I shall ever be used to it.
By the by, I suppose it cannot hurt to ask. I am not suited for idleness, yet there is little I can do save my work for His Majesty's Royal Navy. I should like to know, though, if any places here are in need of an extra person. I cannot promise to accept, but I should like to know what is requested.
One can, after all, do only so much work on a ship that was nearly perfect from her birth.
Hornblower
Tenth Dispatch - [written]
Nov. 12th, 2011 01:23 pm[Hornblower's nerves are shot.
Talk of ghosts, Jilly's disappearance, a falling moon threatening the ship, nightmares... Jilly's return to normal and painting the Britannia had acted as a balm, but... Now Archie had been taken. Taken. And he'd been powerless to stop them. Jilly had returned. Jilly had returned. That was something of a comfort. But he still remembered the friend taken... who he had not seen again, and had woken one morning to find his things gone. Part of him wanted to sit in Archie's room and watch his things, give them no chance to vanish... but another part feared they still would, and he did not want to see that happen.
He found a strange comfort in sitting alone in the captain's cabin and commiting to a laborous exercise-- the copying down of the Articles of War from memory. He knew every word, had listened to them almost every Sunday since he was seventeen. More often when Captain Sawyer got in a mood. It was something of a pointless exercise, but having to call up the exact wording of every Article and set pen to paper left less time and room in his mind for the doubt and blame he knew he would have to reckon with later.
For now, though, this would keep it at bay. For now.]
The Articles of War, as set down by His Britannic Majesty, upheld by Parliament, and carried out by the Admiralty Board.
( Cut for length. So much length. )
[...Sadly, Luceti, he still has no idea (nor does he care at the present moment) how to make any kind of privacy filter on this.]
Talk of ghosts, Jilly's disappearance, a falling moon threatening the ship, nightmares... Jilly's return to normal and painting the Britannia had acted as a balm, but... Now Archie had been taken. Taken. And he'd been powerless to stop them. Jilly had returned. Jilly had returned. That was something of a comfort. But he still remembered the friend taken... who he had not seen again, and had woken one morning to find his things gone. Part of him wanted to sit in Archie's room and watch his things, give them no chance to vanish... but another part feared they still would, and he did not want to see that happen.
He found a strange comfort in sitting alone in the captain's cabin and commiting to a laborous exercise-- the copying down of the Articles of War from memory. He knew every word, had listened to them almost every Sunday since he was seventeen. More often when Captain Sawyer got in a mood. It was something of a pointless exercise, but having to call up the exact wording of every Article and set pen to paper left less time and room in his mind for the doubt and blame he knew he would have to reckon with later.
For now, though, this would keep it at bay. For now.]
The Articles of War, as set down by His Britannic Majesty, upheld by Parliament, and carried out by the Admiralty Board.
( Cut for length. So much length. )
[...Sadly, Luceti, he still has no idea (nor does he care at the present moment) how to make any kind of privacy filter on this.]
Ninth Dispatch - [written]
Sep. 29th, 2011 04:11 pmThursday, September 29th
[The writing is a bit shaky. Cut, hit, and pressured hand is still bothering the captain, but he's bound and determined not to show it.]
Captain Aubrey, Lieutenant Kennedy, Doctor Maturin--
[The boy still does not know how to filter.]
I had hoped that we might be able to have our supper this week, and it had been a keen wish that we could have sat down at a table today especially.
However, in light of current circumstances, I believe we would be best suited by postponing any social gathering with the four of us. As the climate of Luceti seems prone, presently, to alter behavior, it is advisable that we not tempt fate.
[His hand cannot risk more injury, and he does not trust what would happen with them still under the sway of this experiment-- which he is very aware that he, at least, is.
Robin Hood, Little John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham sitting down at a table together... would not end well for the Sheriff. And God only knew what Maturin had been made.]
I hope you will grant me your pardon, and I wish to express my firm desire to resume our suppers together once this peculiarity is finished with.
Hornblower
[A short while later, a second message appears. The hand is slightly different-- harder strokes, sharper lifts.]
In honour of His Majesty, Prince John, there will be an archery tournament held at noon on the 30th of September by the fountain. Anyone who wishes to test their skill may enter.
A prize will be awarded to the winner immediately after the contest.
[The writing is a bit shaky. Cut, hit, and pressured hand is still bothering the captain, but he's bound and determined not to show it.]
Captain Aubrey, Lieutenant Kennedy, Doctor Maturin--
[The boy still does not know how to filter.]
I had hoped that we might be able to have our supper this week, and it had been a keen wish that we could have sat down at a table today especially.
However, in light of current circumstances, I believe we would be best suited by postponing any social gathering with the four of us. As the climate of Luceti seems prone, presently, to alter behavior, it is advisable that we not tempt fate.
[His hand cannot risk more injury, and he does not trust what would happen with them still under the sway of this experiment-- which he is very aware that he, at least, is.
Robin Hood, Little John, and the Sheriff of Nottingham sitting down at a table together... would not end well for the Sheriff. And God only knew what Maturin had been made.]
I hope you will grant me your pardon, and I wish to express my firm desire to resume our suppers together once this peculiarity is finished with.
Hornblower
[A short while later, a second message appears. The hand is slightly different-- harder strokes, sharper lifts.]
In honour of His Majesty, Prince John, there will be an archery tournament held at noon on the 30th of September by the fountain. Anyone who wishes to test their skill may enter.
A prize will be awarded to the winner immediately after the contest.
Eighth Dispatch - [written]
Aug. 31st, 2011 11:31 amWednesday, 31st August
I apologize that this cannot presently be done in person. I intended to rectify that as quickly as possible. However, since this journal is capable of sending this to multiple people at once, I do not feel as though I should delay any longer.
I want to thank those whom I have served with this last "draft," as you call it. I owe a particular debt and much gratitude to those of you who served on the Endurance. Our departure was sudden, or I would have thanked you by then. You did fine work, and I would consider it an honour to serve with you again.
I pray that all of you are no worse for the wear. Or that those injuries you suffered are on the fast mend.
Hornblower
I apologize that this cannot presently be done in person. I intended to rectify that as quickly as possible. However, since this journal is capable of sending this to multiple people at once, I do not feel as though I should delay any longer.
I want to thank those whom I have served with this last "draft," as you call it. I owe a particular debt and much gratitude to those of you who served on the Endurance. Our departure was sudden, or I would have thanked you by then. You did fine work, and I would consider it an honour to serve with you again.
I pray that all of you are no worse for the wear. Or that those injuries you suffered are on the fast mend.
Hornblower
Seventh Dispatch - [voice]/[action]
Aug. 15th, 2011 09:49 pm[Horatio Hornblower's voice is very calm, very quiet. It sounds... not even curious. He is almost stating a fact, rather than asking a question.]
Lieutenant Bush's things are gone.
Why? What is the meaning of this?
[His housemates... will find him in his own room now, seated at his desk, the journal lying open in front of him-- if they dare disturb.]
Lieutenant Bush's things are gone.
Why? What is the meaning of this?
[His housemates... will find him in his own room now, seated at his desk, the journal lying open in front of him-- if they dare disturb.]
Sixth Dispatch - [action]
Aug. 4th, 2011 01:09 pm[Horatio Hornblower possessed a naturally quiet disposition. He preferred thinking to speaking more often than not. He was also often considered to be... "prone to melancholy" if a friend were speaking, "ill-tempered" if described by others. The two traits engaged and furthered one another constantly. When he thought for long periods of time about things that were not an imminent battle, his spirits sank. The worse his mood, the more he thought.
To stimulate the mind and make its burden easier to bear, Hornblower walked. Paced. The length of a quarterdeck suited perfectly, but Hotspur was long out of reach. Even the damned Retribution would have answered, but it, too, was far away.
Instead, he walked the length of a small wooden bridge over and over. That it was a known haunt for a particular pirate had either not crossed the Navy man's mind or had been dismissed. The click of his heels across the planks made him feel more at home. His solemn, focused expression remained unchanged with every step he took and every turn made to walk the path again as his customary hour became three.]
To stimulate the mind and make its burden easier to bear, Hornblower walked. Paced. The length of a quarterdeck suited perfectly, but Hotspur was long out of reach. Even the damned Retribution would have answered, but it, too, was far away.
Instead, he walked the length of a small wooden bridge over and over. That it was a known haunt for a particular pirate had either not crossed the Navy man's mind or had been dismissed. The click of his heels across the planks made him feel more at home. His solemn, focused expression remained unchanged with every step he took and every turn made to walk the path again as his customary hour became three.]
