Ninth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Thursday, 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.

Comments

[written]

[simplestgift]

Horatio,

I agree that to cancel our dinner would be best, although you are sorely missed.

Archie

Long live the true King.

[written]

[captainhornblower]

Archie,

I do hope this whole thing ends soon.

Horatio

[written]

[simplestgift]

Horatio,

It will end with your head on a pike!

Death to all traitors to the crown.

Yours,
Archie

[written]

[captainhornblower]

How very Scottish of you.

[written]

[simplestgift]

It was, wasn't it? I do beg your pardon. You know how it is.

[written]

[captainhornblower]

Best done this way, though, than in person, and I've little cause to think that a dinner would not result in worse than this.

Still, I hope you've eaten well tonight, sir, for it will be one of your last. Traitors will pay the price for their crimes, even you.

[written]

[simplestgift]

Oh yes, the archery contest! You believe I'll fall for that one, do you?

[written]

[captainhornblower]

A braggart can never resist the opportunity to show himself off.

But if you do not come, sir, then you show your true colours as a coward, and I will find you eventually.

[written]

[simplestgift]

To be a living coward or a dead fool. You leave me a heavy choice.

[written]

[captainhornblower]

I look forward to seeing which you choose.

[written]

[simplestgift]

[Oh, he's coming to the archery contest. Come on. It's a friggin' archery contest.]

I look forward to seeing you try to catch me, Sheriff.

[Written]

[straightatem.livejournal.com]

It probably would be best if we did avoid one another until this is over. Though it is regrettable that we cannot properly meet tonight.

[He could have told his best Nelson stories too! Rats!]

[Written]

[captainhornblower]

I must agree, sir. Still, knowing what I do about the current state of things, it is for the best. I should not like to imagine what trying to have a proper officers' dinner tonight would cause, but I am quite sure it would be a disaster.

[ written ]

[herotypical]

How does His Royal Majesty feel about crossbows?

[ cheeky. ]

[ written ]

[captainhornblower]

I hate this place. At least right now. I hate it.



A crossbow is acceptable only if you compete against others with the same. It must be the skill that wins, not a difference in weapon.

[ written ]

[herotypical]

At least you're aware enough to hate it. Could be worse.

Pretty confident I'll still do awesomely.

[written]

[all7seas]

Foul Sir---

[Something about Hornblower brought the most Maid Marianness out of Jack. More than any of the others, really.]

You had best not be setting a trap for Kennedy

My darling Robin

Kennedy

the love of my life

Kennedy

the most handsome hero of the greenwood

that buggered whelp

ROBIN HOOD.

My favor will rest most richly with the winner, of course.

With No Love Lost,

Captain Jack Sparrow Maid Marian.

[There. That should probably look like it was written by the MOST INSANE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE.]

[written]

[captainhornblower]

A contest of skill, my lady. Nothing more. Surely your dear Robin is too smart a man to let himself be so easily caught. No, no. I have no doubt he shall not attend. Too afraid, I'd wager.

[written]

[all7seas]

He's not afraid of you, sir! He fears nothing! He shall win the day---you will see!

[written]

[captainhornblower]

A stupid man if he does not fear the noose [that word is very quickly scratched out] axe.

[...Somehow, that's better.]

In the end, my lady, Right will prevail. The Right of the Crown, the Right of Law, and the Right of Prince John.

[all7seas]

[And that scribbled-out "noose" is enough to make Jack shut his journal. Robin will win the day, evil Sheriff; that is something in which Maid Marian has every confidence.]

[written]

[doubleppk]

Does the archery contest include crossbows?