The Accident

From his high garret window in his father's little country house, Horatio heard the sounds of horses on the flagstone path that led to the very door of the cottage. Must be gentry, he thought angrily. Only gentry would be so rude as to ride practically into a man's home rather than dismounting in the yard and walking up to the front steps.

"Open up! There's been an accident! Come out immediately!"

Always shouting for the doctor as if he were just another servant! Horatio slammed his book shut. He shoved his arms into his naval lieutenant's jacket and ran down the stairs, two at a time. He reached the door just as his father stepped from his small surgery, closing the inner door. Horatio heard the faint sounds of a mother weeping and a baby crying weakly.

"Well, who is it, son?" the older man asked calmly, gesturing toward the door being shaken by what seemed like a dozen pounding fists.

"I'll see to them, Father. And I'll see them off if they are crying wolf for nothing."

"Calm yourself, Horatio. Every man's pain is difficult for his kin to bear. And no parent is calm when his child is injured. Let us see what sort of accident has befallen one of our neighbors."

Doctor Hornblower opened the door and several men dressed in red coats immediately grabbed him. They babbled questions at him and pointed toward a man sitting on a fine horse. In front of the soldier, cradled in his arms, was an officer by the look of the gold lace on his coat. His face and hands were wrapped in wet bandages torn from linen shirts. The man appeared senseless.

Horatio walked quickly up to the slim soldier on the horse. He reached up to take the injured man. Then he recognized the soldier. It was Sergeant Billy Scathelock. Gads, the officer had to be Colonel Edrington. It was impossible to see his features. His entire face was swathed in linen.

With great care, Horatio took his friend into his arms. A few groans told him the Colonel was alive and breathing. There was not much blood on his clothes. Only the strong smell of burnt powder and black stains on his uniform. Doctor Hornblower beckoned two soldiers to carry the man inside. Horatio, at first, didn't want anyone to touch him.

Scathelock knelt beside him now and out spilled the tale. "A musket, sir, she misfired. Bloody new recruit charged it with too much powder. The Colonel was standing behind him just as he fired. Can't say I'm sad the man's dead. Our poor Colonel. The villagers said to coome 'ere. Is 'e yer dad, then?"

"Yes he is, Sergeant," Horatio answered mildly, understanding the soldier's concerns. "Come along, you two," he said gruffly to the waiting troopers. "Support his head like this and you, take his legs gently if you please." Horatio, in command, managed to remain calm.

Some of the soldiers were setting up a campsite to the right of the house. Several horses were cropping the grass, trampling the herb garden and heading toward the orchard.

Jumping to his feet and then pulling the sergeant up, Horatio shouted "You there! Get those horses into the paddock and away from our apple trees. This is Kent, not France! Go to the kitchen door at the back of the house. Cook will see to all of you. You may sleep in the barn tonight as long as no one lights a pipe inside."

"I'll see they follow yer orders, Mr. Hornblower, sir. An' I'd be pleased if you'd see to our Colonel."

"Of course, Sergeant. I'll tend to him myself."

Inside the surgery, Horatio washed his hands. Then he began to help his father remove the thick cloth bandages from the man's face.

"Your eyes are better than mine, son. Use the scalpel. First, make sure he's able to breathe. Then dampen the cloth with a little saline solution. There's no way to lessen the pain. When it's too much for him, he'll faint. We must clean the burns and wrap them again in clean cloth."

As Horatio worked, he whispered to his father, "His face will be scarred, won't it?"

The older man responded in quiet honesty, "It won't matter to him. He's probably been blinded."

Horatio paused and stared at his father. A gasp escaped him. He exclaimed, "Oh no!"

The doctor continued working, replying philosophically to his agitated son, "We can only hope for the best, Horatio."

The patient groaned and tried to escape the tortuous unwrapping by tossing his head from side to side.

"Hold him steady, son. And quiet now. He may be able to hear us."  

Behind the thick, wet bandages, Colonel Edrington gnawed at his lip. As if through a dense layer of cotton he heard the voices around him. The musket blast that burned his face, deafened him too. He tried to move, but heavy hands had held him still. He tried to shift his head from side to side but he was caught inside a great cloth net. His eyes refused to water. Grit the size of pebbles ground at his eye sockets. The longing to scratch out his organs of sight was irresistible. Never before had he experienced pain so fierce. The memory of the fiery blast scorched him over and over. Then he felt firm long fingers gripping the sides of his head. A familiar voice soothed him. He felt cold liquid flood his eyes. Slowly the cloth was being stripped. The reassuring voice lulled him away from the pain and he seemed to slip beneath the waves into the cold sea.  

"He's fainted, Father."

"Good. He'll be spared some of the pain. Quickly, take off the rest of the bandages and flush his eyes with a full beaker of salt water. Yes, that's the way. Hold his head to the side a little and pour away. Watch that his nostrils remain clear. At least, his lungs were not damaged by the fire. Such poor souls have little hope."

"How's the hand?"

"Not too bad. And I think he even managed to shield his face a little. After we clean him up, we'll be able to make a more accurate prognosis. How are you feeling? It is always more difficult when the injured man is your friend, isn't it?"

"I'm all right, Dad."

"Aye, that's why you're so talkative."

Frowning in concentration, Horatio nimbly lifted off the bandages, uncovering the blackened flesh. Amazingly the delicately upturned, noble nose was unbroken amid the devastation of the once comely face. His lordship's warm peach cheeks were purple and swollen. The man's thick and arching eyebrows, the most noticeable of his aristocratic features, had been blasted away. Worst of all, the eyes--his bright, engaging eyes were ruined, most likely, beyond healing. Tears came to Horatio's dark eyes. He sniffed loudly and his father stepped a bit closer.  

"Call in one of his lads to help hold him."

Horatio nearly bumped the door into Sergeant Billy Scathelock who waited just outside. The rangy, swaggering youth was nervous inside the surgery. He stared at everything suspiciously. Only after a thorough hand washing, Dr. Hornblower gave the wary, young sergeant his instructions.

"Grip your commander's shoulder firmly now. And, hold this glass just above the right eye. Hold it steady, lad. And don't be afraid."

Sergeant Billy bent to his task. Horatio saw a lock of dark gold hair fall onto the youth's wide, furrowed forehead. He blew a breath upward in a futile effort to send it back. Horatio couldn't help noticing how his green eyes shifted from one instrument to the next as the doctor fastened clamps to the injured man's eyelids. Cruel devices they seemed but necessary. Beads of sweat trickled down the young man's face. Even so, he held the magnifying glass in an iron grip.

After opening the patient's eye, Dr. Hornblower sat on a low stool and with long thin forceps, began removing grain by grain the debris in the Colonel's right eye. From time to time, Horatio dripped saltwater onto the surface of the eyeball. He winced as the poor injured man tried to blink. Cruel looking hooks held his eyelids open. Through it all, the doctor's kind old voice reassured the patient and strong young hands gripped his shoulders.

The left eye was not as bad as the right. Afterward, both eyes were bandaged. The burned skin of the Colonel's face was dressed with a soothing lotion and carefully covered too. The procedure took nearly two hours and happily, for most of it, Colonel Edrington was insensible

After his father left the room, Horatio held his friend's uninjured hand while Sergeant Scathelock cradled his head. Whenever he felt a little strength in the grip, Horatio spoke to the injured man. No answering words yet. Finally, he leaned over and kissed his friend's swollen cheek. Then, Horatio trickled a few drops of laudanum on the patient's tongue, which sent him into a drugged sleep.

Horatio whispered, "Rest, my friend. We'll be nearby."

Horatio tapped Billy's shoulder and the young man looked up. His bright green eyes were streaming with tears and he shook his head, not wanting to leave his post as his officer's bodyguard.

"Come, Bill," Horatio ordered mildly. "We must see to the rest of his men. He'll sleep and we'll do our duty."

"I've failed in my duty. It should 'ave been me, blinded, sir. Nah 'im!"

"No one can change what's happened. We must go on. He'd want us to, wouldn't he?"

"If there's anything yer father can do... "E can even take my eyes!"

"The offer is noble but such a thing cannot be done. Come, Sergeant, let's inspect the quarters your men have arranged for themselves. I'll not abide thieving."

"My lads know better than ta take from a friend. None of 'em's starvin' yet, sir."

"Even so, our piglets are tempting and our eggs are plentiful." Sergeant Billy did not seem eager to move. He looked down at his Colonel swathed in fresh bandages and bitter tears filled his eyes again.

Horatio coaxed a little more, "Come on. He'll sleep a little here and then we'll move him to a bedroom upstairs. Let's see what Cook has planned for supper, eh?"

"If I 'ave yer word that 'e's goin' ta be all right."

"He won't die. I promise I'll do all I can to make him well again."

"Well, that's somethin', I suppose."

Leading the sergeant through the house, Horatio stopped at the kitchen to speak with Cook about the dinner. She was baking more bread and Molly her little girl was stirring a large pot of thick soup. A basket of apples and a bowl of eggs, butter and cream from the dairy, all waited to be turned into pastries. It looked like plenty of food.

Billy put his hand on Horatio's arm. "'Ere, sir," he said quietly. "For the vittles." Then he dropped two golden guineas into the naval officer's palm.

"That won't be necessary, Sergeant."

"The Colonel insists we pays, sir."

"The sum is far more than the value of the food."

"When we've worn out our welcome, I'll gives yer more."

"I see. Well then, Cook will take the money and buy more provisions. I'll send her husband to the neighbors. Someone must have a ham or three in the smokehouse."

"I can send one or two of the lads to 'elp with the loadin', sir."

"And, it might be best if we change one of these guineas into silver to ease the task of purchasing. Our neighbors are not rich."

Within the hour, the carthorse was hitched to the wagon and the foraging party set out to the nearby farms. Horatio and Billy checked the barn and made sure the men would be comfortable and safe for the night. At four, Cook served tea in the rose garden. The men, onetime thieves and poachers, acted like choirboys sipping from the fine china cups. Billy glared at any man who did not show the proper respect for the doctor's home. They were hard men, Horatio thought, but it made them good soldiers.

Horatio wondered if Oldroyd and Styles would drink tea as daintily. Matthews was a civil man, a good husband and father. In a fine suit of clothes, he could pass for a clerk or even a lawyer. Styles was another matter altogether. A cheeky renegade and probably a murderer before he went to sea. Still, his violent nature made him valuable when the enemy was boarding.

Oldroyd was a farm lad, Horatio guessed. He'd fit into the harness behind the plow in any of the surrounding fields. If Father needed a hand at the house, Oldroyd would suit. Bears discussing, Horatio thought as he watched his father bend stiffly to pull a few weeds from among his roses.

"How's our patient, Father?" Horatio asked.

"Sleeping again. I moved him to the sofa in the surgery."

"By yourself?"

"Oh, he can walk. And, he was dreaming, I think. Gentle as a lamb, he is."

Horatio thanked his father for the news and hurried off to find Sergeant Scathelock. After finishing their tea, the redcoats had gone back to the barn where Horatio found them. The agile young sergeant was wresting with a few of the men. They stood at attention when Lieutenant Hornblower approached and Billy stood up and dusted himself off. He moved with the supple grace of a jungle cat, confident of his own strength, yet wary of his surroundings.

Billy's rough beauty was striking as he stared at Horatio. A beam of light filtered through the planks of the barn, illuminating the man's blond head and making him appear suddenly like the Avenging Angel.

"Good news, men," Horatio announced cheerfully. "Your Colonel is resting comfortably. He was able to walk a few steps to his bed and he may even join us for supper. You are all to be complimented for bringing him here so quickly. He has an even chance for recovery."

Sergeant Scathelock spoke up as soon as Horatio finished his little speech. "Three cheers for the good doctor and 'is fine soon."

The men shouted loudly and Horatio blushed. Then, the sergeant ordered a round of best brandy in celebration. The redcoats capered like great puppies at the happy news. Horatio accepted a sip from the sergeant's cup and then asked for a few moments in private.

"Do you think the Colonel will want to remain here or be transferred to an army hospital?"

""E must stay 'ere, sir."

"Of course, it that's his wish. But, has it occurred to you that he may wish to go home to his wife and family? Until he can see again, he'll be on the inactive list."

"'E'll not be 'appy at 'ome, sir."

"Let's discuss it with him. He's capable of such decisions."

When they arrived back at the surgery, they found Colonel Edrington sitting up inspecting his bandages with his uninjured left hand. At the sound of the door, his head turned.

"Who is there?" he demanded.

"Jus' me, sir," the Sergeant said softly, "an' Mr. 'Ornblower, sir."

"Ah good, come in Billy. And, I thought I recognized your voice, Horatio! By what good fortune are you here enjoying my bad fortune?"

"I'm here visiting my father."

"The country doctor?"

"The same, my lord."

"So he's the one who has been torturing me?"

"I'm afraid so. And to make matters worse, I'm guilty too. Are you in much pain?"

"Excruciating agony, sir."

"I can give you more laudanum."

"Not just yet. I want to know if I'm going to live."

"Of course you are, my lord." Horatio replied, a little confused at Lord Edrington's question.

"Will I see again?"

"We don't know, sir."

"A clever answer, Horatio. Worthy of a naval officer. Yet, I need to know my chances. Your dear father was not so hopeful."

"Colonel Edrington, my lord, please be patient. Give yourself a day or two of rest and a month or so to heal."

"How can I rest, Horatio. I can't even weep at my misfortune."

Horatio bit his lip. All at once he recognized shock and despair. Colonel Edrington threw back his head and struck the back of the sofa where he reclined. He began to claw at his face. Billy stepped up and grabbed his hands, careful of the injured one.

Edrington settled a little. Then he ordered in a cold voice, "Sergeant, bring me my pistol."

"Whatever for, sir?" Horatio asked, his voice strained because he knew by the ache in his stomach that his friend intended to kill himself.

"I'll not wait through this hellish suffering to discover in a month that I'm an invalid. I have my pride."

Horatio took a deep breath. Then he said, "Please, my lord. Hear me out."

Horatio sat down on the sofa next to the injured man. He slipped off his jacket and rolled up the sleeve on his left arm. He placed the Colonel's fingers on his wrist and moved them slowly up toward the bend of his elbow.

"Do you feel the scar?"

"Yes."

"Once, not so long ago, I decided that death was better than dishonor. I slashed my wrist and nearly bled to death rather than face the gallows. I told myself that my pride was at stake. In reality, I was afraid. Because of my selfish action, I nearly killed a man who loves me deeply. I caused great suffering to all those around me. As I recovered, I learned that death was easy. Life is what's hard. Now, I'm willing to help you live. Will you give yourself a month at least?"

"And after that?"

"If you choose to take your own life, I'll load the pistol for you."

"Done! Billy, you've heard the bargain. Will you swear to witness it?"

"I will, sir. I'll do anythin' ye say."

Horatio interjected, "It's a bargain if you agree to a few simple terms. You must try my remedies, never dismissing them without a trial. You must eat and exercise to stay strong. Is that too much to ask?"

"I will not expose my state to the ridicule of lesser men."

"Will you allow Sergeant Scathelock to assist me?"

"I suppose so. And, I trust your father too."

"I'm pleased. Now, allow us to lead you to your room. I'll see the stair is clear. You will have the recovery room next to my own room. If you need anything, you are to call out to me. Is that understood?"

"No one else is to approach me."

"No one but your sergeant or my father."

"Lead on, Horatio!"

The young naval officer took Colonel Edrington's right arm while the redcoat sergeant grabbed his left arm. Slowly they marched him upstairs and sat him down near the window. The birds were singing and the climbing roses spilled over the sill of the open window. Their fragrance was sweet.

"Shall we help you undress, sir?"

"I have more urgent needs and seek the whereabouts of the chamber pot."

"With your permission my lord, I will assist you." Horatio found the pot under the bed and brought it to the Colonel who leaned against the bed. He helped the man open his breeches and held the pot for him.

To cover his embarrassment, the Colonel said smugly, "If you ever decide to leave the service of his majesty, you may look for work among the servants of

my household, Horatio."

Horatio smiled and said, "Thank you, my lord, but I am most satisfied with the King's service."

Edrington replied, "Look at Billy, if you please. Is he not happy in my employ?"

"He serves the King, my lord."

"And, he's mine..." Edrington said coldly.

Horatio looked at the handsome, virile sergeant and answered, "Someone worth living for then?"

Edrington snapped back, "I'll not be won over so easily, Hornblower."

"Would you like some tea? Maybe something to eat?" Horatio asked mildly.

"I'd like an end to the infernal itching."

Horatio sighed and said, "It will get worse, my lord. Burns are troublesome while healing. Would you like some brandy?"

"Yes, a large glass. Some cold water to wash it down too."

"As you wish, sir." Horatio said submissively, hoping his behavior would encourage the suffering man to trust him.

Horatio spent the next hours running small errands for the insufferable Colonel. First, he wanted music. Then he ordered a book be read to him. He wanted company one moment, and solitude the next. Through it all, Horatio endured and kept a civil tongue in his head. He thought of the crew of the Indefatigable and vowed to live up to the name of his ship.

And so the days went on, stretching to the end of the first week. Sergeant Scathelock drilled the new recruits amid the fields and hedgerows. He found a lad or two among the local boys spying on him. They were encouraged to join and one did, much to the pride of his father. Colonel Edrington sat at his upstairs window, breathed the scent of roses and listened to the rattle of the drums, the shouting of his energetic sergeant and the hurried steps of his men. Horatio even saw the man smile. It gave him hope.

By now, most of the bandages that had once swathed the patient's head were unnecessary. The skin of his face grew healthy and pink from the diligent application of Doctor Hornblower's soothing lotion. Edrington's hand was nearly healed too. Still, his eyes remained bandaged and his sight gone.

Then, on Sunday evening, Edrington woke to the delicious feeling of soft fingers caressing his neck. Tender lips followed. For a few moments, the Colonel decided to surrender to the luxurious sensations. His body, ravaged by pain since the accident, craved the sensuous pleasure of the warm lips. The mysterious exploration was exquisite torture. Edrington wondered which of his former bed partners had arrived to cheer him up. He hoped it was not his wife.

Clever lips and an equally clever tongue now opened the buttons of his nightshirt. Edrington sighed and slipped deeper into the heady sensations of his body. His wife did not know how to do that! The clever tongue was approaching his right nipple, slowly with aching anticipation. It had to be Billy, Edrington thought. He was a cruel beauty.

The warm breath of the intruder raised every hair on Edrington's body. His flesh tingled and he shivered from the sweet agony. Then suddenly the warmth of the body next to him vanished. Edrington reached out his arms, but he was too late. He sank back into the bed and slammed his fist against the mattress. He'd catch the invader next time.

Edrington reclined again. The suffering in his body was lower now, centering in the swollen ache between his legs. Tossing about on the bed did nothing to ease the torment. Slyly, Edrington felt himself. All at once, his face grew warm and he had the prickly fear that he was being watched. He groaned and cursed his misfortune. He wanted to weep but his eyes refused him. He called out for Horatio.

There was no sound from the room adjacent to his. Was the young man sleeping? What hour of the day or night was upon them? Edrington thought back about his last meal. Roast lamb, supper, he'd been told. Just a few hours had passed. So it was not so very late. He called for Horatio again, louder. Still no sounds of rescue. Blackness swallowed him and noble Lord Edrington surrendered to fear. He called a third time, louder yet.

Running footsteps on the stairs... A breathless answer, "You have need of me, my lord?"

"Yes, Horatio. Come closer," Edrington said, relief washing over him like a cleansing wave.

Footsteps on the hardwood floor... "I'm here."

"Closer," Edrington whispered.

Edrington felt the mattress sag a little under the weight of the young naval officer. Then he felt warm hands grip his shoulders.

"If you turn over, I'll rub your back. It's the best way I know to get to sleep."

"Lie next to me, Horatio."

"As you wish, my lord."

"Are we quite alone? Will you swear to it?"

"We are alone and I swear to it."

"I want the room dark. I want you to feel the blackness too."

A puff of breath and the faint scent of smoke.

"There. The candle's out."

"Close your eyes, Horatio. Blot out the stars and the moonlight. Can you honestly say you could endure such suffering?"

"I would be very frightened, my lord. Even so, I would hope to be strong, to endure the loss of my sight bravely."

"Do you imply that I am a coward?"

"No, my lord."

"I think you have! And, I'm angry because I can't call you out and kill you for such an offense."

"I beg your pardon, my lord. How can I make amends?"

"As satisfaction for your insult, you will satisfy my needs."

"Gladly! I'll be happy to pleasure you, if you agree to put aside your plan to kill yourself. Certainly, the pleasures of the flesh are worth some of life's physical discomforts."

"No!"

"Then, I must go."

"You mustn't."

"My lord, would you force yourself upon me?"

"Of course not, Horatio. I only meant..."

"That you need a little company just now?"

"Yes, Horatio. The darkness, you see, it makes me feel, well, alone."

"And that frightens you a little?"

"Yes." Edrington sighed as the truth was dragged from him. He listened to his friend's counsel.

"Blindness frightens everyone, my lord. But think of hope as a candle in the darkness. I'll keep it lit for you. I'll stay as long as you want me."

Edrington ran his hands along the sleek contours of Horatio's body, over his smooth face until his fingers twined among the silky tangles on his head. With firm purpose, Edrington pressed Horatio against his chest. He hoped he was listening to the wild beating of his heart and the ragged breath in his lungs. Edrington's voice had failed him, yet his arms remained strong. Horatio returned the embrace and added little kisses too.

Edrington wondered for a moment if his mysterious intruder had returned. No, he decided. Horatio was too earnest in his desires. Teasing was not his nature. A deep groan escaped the Colonel's lips. Horatio's warm breath exhaled into the folds of his nightshirt, firing his passions. Edrington fastened his teeth into the tender hollow where neck and shoulder met. He felt Horatio tense and press against him, kisses open mouthed and wet against his chest.

"I'll take you now if you're willing," Edrington gasped.

"Pay my price and do your will, my lord."

At those words, Edrington balked and spat back his reply, "You'd tear out my heart to reach my purse? Are you a whore then?"

"I play to win, my lord," Horatio answered without rancor.

Edrington groaned again. He drew back and lifted Horatio's head by his thick curls, not in anger but in desperation. He held the well-remembered face in his hands and sought the full and trembling lips. Mouths open, they fed upon each other's tongues. His breath sucked out, Edrington felt himself consumed. He broke the kiss and turned his face away.

"My lord," Horatio whispered hoarsely, "if I am not to your liking, I'll fetch your Sergeant."

Colonel Edrington exhaled a long slow breath, calming himself by force of will and thinking more clearly. How different Horatio was from Billy! Seemingly pliant and yet so determined. His sergeant was all fierce action and little thought, like a sensuous windstorm sweeping down upon his lover. Horatio was like a summer night, soft and sultry, casting a spell over all the senses. He seemed to know the places to touch that sent shivers up a man's spine and turned blood into molten metal rushing through one's veins.

"I should go to my own bed, my lord."

"Now? After you've drive me to this state of distress?"

"My father may arrive at any moment to look in on you."

"Oh Bloody Hell!"

"Shhhh!"

Then Edrington heard the ticking of the great clock in the hall. Steady footsteps approaching and finally the creak of the door widening. Horatio lay still, face down into the pillows, one arm flung across his companion's chest, in boyish camaraderie. Edrington laced his arm over Horatio's and tried to quiet his body, to give the semblance of slumber. The floor boards creaked as the man approached. Edrington nearly held his breath. Then he felt the good doctor gently touch his brow. The soft and gentle fingers swept under his jaw and waited a moment as the heavy pulse gave its evidence. Edrington heard the doctor sniff the air. Then Edrington felt the doctor bend closer, reach across him and give Horatio a little shake.

"Good lad, son," the physician whispered. "Been keeping your friend company? Time to get to your own bed now. Give the man some peace..."

Slowly, Horatio rose as if still sleeping. Edrington clung to his hand a moment and felt a subtle answering squeeze. A promise, he hoped. The floorboards groaned in sympathy to Edrington's grief. Then the room was silent. Sudden fear, intense loneliness, and a sense of complete wretchedness drove Edrington's face into the pillows where Horatio had laid his head. The warm scent lingered and lulled him into a fitful sleep at last.

In the Quiet of the Countryside

By AZARAD

Frowning in concentration, Horatio nimbly lifted off the bandages, uncovering the blackened flesh. Amazingly the delicately upturned, noble nose was unbroken amid the devastation of the once comely face. His lordship's warm peach cheeks were purple and swollen. The man's thick and arching eyebrows, the most noticeable of his aristocratic features, had been blasted away. Worst of all, the eyes--his bright, engaging eyes were ruined, most likely, beyond healing. Tears came to Horatio's dark eyes. He sniffed loudly and his father stepped a bit closer.

"Call in one of his lads to help hold him."

Horatio nearly bumped the door into Sergeant Billy Scathelock who waited just outside. The rangy, swaggering youth was nervous inside the surgery. He stared at everything suspiciously. Only after a thorough hand washing, Dr. Hornblower gave the wary, young sergeant his instructions.

"Grip your commander's shoulder firmly now. And, hold this glass just above the right eye. Hold it steady, lad. And don't be afraid."

Sergeant Billy bent to his task. Horatio saw a lock of dark gold hair fall onto the youth's wide, furrowed forehead. He blew a breath upward in a futile effort to send it back. Horatio couldn't help noticing how his green eyes shifted from one instrument to the next as the doctor fastened clamps to the injured man's eyelids. Cruel devices they seemed but necessary. Beads of sweat trickled down the young man's face. Even so, he held the magnifying glass in an iron grip.

After opening the patient's eye, Dr. Hornblower sat down on a low stool. With long thin forceps, he began removing grain by grain the debris from the Colonel's right eye. From time to time, Horatio dripped saltwater onto the surface of the eyeball. He winced as the poor injured man tried to blink. Cruel looking hooks held his eyelid open. Through it all, the doctor's kind old voice reassured the patient and strong young hands gripped his shoulders.  

The left eye was not as bad as the right. Afterward, both eyes were bandaged. The burned skin of the Colonel's face was dressed with a soothing lotion and carefully covered too. The procedure took nearly two hours and happily, for most of it, Colonel Edrington was insensible

After his father left the room, Horatio held his friend's uninjured hand while Sergeant Scathelock cradled his head. Whenever he felt a little strength in the grip, Horatio spoke to the injured man. No answering words yet. Finally, he leaned over and kissed his friend's swollen cheek. Then, Horatio trickled a few drops of laudanum on the patient's tongue, which sent him into a drugged sleep.

Horatio whispered, "Rest, my friend. We'll be nearby."

Horatio tapped Billy's shoulder and the young man looked up. His bright green eyes were streaming with tears and he shook his head, not wanting to leave his post as his officer's bodyguard.

"Come, Bill," Horatio ordered mildly. "We must see to the rest of his men. He'll sleep and we'll do our duty."

"I've failed in my duty. It should 'ave been me, blinded, sir. Nah 'im!"

"No one can change what's happened. We must go on. He'd want us to, wouldn't he?"

"If there's anything yer father can do... "E can even take my eyes!"

"The offer is noble but such a thing cannot be done. Come, Sergeant, let's inspect the quarters your men have arranged for themselves. I'll not abide thieving."

"My lads know better than ta take from a friend. None of 'em's starvin' yet, sir."

"Even so, our piglets are tempting and our eggs are plentiful."

Sergeant Billy did not seem eager to move. He looked down at his Colonel swathed in fresh bandages and bitter tears filled his eyes again.

Horatio coaxed a little more, "He'll sleep a little here and then we'll move him to a bedroom upstairs. Come with me. Let's see what Cook has planned for supper, eh?"

"If I 'ave yer word that 'e's goin' ta be all right."

"He won't die. I promise I'll do all I can to make him well again."

"Well, that's somethin', I suppose."

Edrington's Accident by AZARAD

(Sergeant Billy Scathelock and Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower see to the provisioning of the Colonel's men and look in on the patient...)    

Leading the sergeant through the house, Horatio stopped at the kitchen to speak with Cook about the dinner. She was baking more bread and Molly her little girl was stirring a large pot of thick soup. A basket of apples and a bowl of eggs, butter and cream from the dairy, all waited to be turned into pastries. It looked like plenty of food.

Billy put his hand on Horatio's arm. "'Ere, sir," he said quietly. "For the vittles." Then he dropped two golden guineas into the naval officer's palm.

"That won't be necessary, Sergeant."

"The Colonel insists we pays, sir."

"The sum is far more than the value of the food."

"When we've worn out our welcome, I'll gives yer more."

"I see. Well then, Cook will take the money and buy more provisions. I'll send her husband to the neighbors. Someone must have a ham or three in the smokehouse."

"I can send one or two of the lads to 'elp with the loadin', sir."

"And, it might be best if we change one of these guineas into silver to ease the task of purchasing. Our neighbors are not rich."

Within the hour, the carthorse was hitched to the wagon and the foraging party set out to the nearby farms. Horatio and Billy checked the barn and made sure the men would be comfortable and safe for the night. At four, Cook served tea in the rose garden. The men, onetime thieves and poachers, acted like choirboys sipping from the fine china cups. Billy glared at any man who did not show the proper respect for the doctor's home. They were hard men, Horatio thought, but it made them good soldiers.

Horatio wondered if Oldroyd and Styles would drink tea as daintily. Matthews was a civil man, a good husband and father. In a fine suit of clothes, he could pass for a clerk or even a lawyer. Styles was another matter altogether. A cheeky renegade and probably a murderer before he went to sea. Still, his violent nature made him valuable when the enemy was boarding.

Oldroyd was a farm lad, Horatio guessed. He'd fit into the harness behind the plow in any of the surrounding fields. If Father needed a hand at the house, Oldroyd would suit. Bears discussing, Horatio thought as he watched his father bend stiffly to pull a few weeds from among his roses.

"How's our patient, Father?" Horatio asked.

"Sleeping again. I moved him to the sofa in the surgery."

"By yourself?"

"Oh, he can walk. And, he was dreaming, I think. Gentle as a lamb, he is."

Horatio thanked his father for the news and hurried off to find Sergeant Scathelock. After finishing their tea, the redcoats had gone back to the barn where Horatio found them. The agile young sergeant was wresting with a few of the men. They stood at attention when Lieutenant Hornblower approached and Billy stood up and dusted himself off. He moved with the supple grace of a jungle cat, confident of his own strength, yet wary of his surroundings.

Billy's rough beauty was striking as he stared at Horatio. A beam of light filtered through the planks of the barn, illuminating the man's blond head and making him appear suddenly like the Avenging Angel.

"Good news, men," Horatio announced cheerfully. "Your Colonel is resting comfortably. He was able to walk a few steps to his bed and he may even join us for supper. You are all to be complimented for bringing him here so quickly. He has an even chance for recovery."

Sergeant Scathelock spoke up as soon as Horatio finished his little speech. "Three cheers for the good doctor and 'is fine soon."

The men shouted loudly and Horatio blushed. Then, the sergeant ordered a round of best brandy in celebration. The redcoats capered like great puppies at the happy news. Horatio accepted a sip from the sergeant's cup and then asked for a few moments in private.

"Do you think the Colonel will want to remain here or be transferred to an army hospital?"

"'E must stay 'ere, sir."

"Of course, it that's his wish. But, has it occurred to you that he may wish to go home to his wife and family? Until he can see again, he'll be on the inactive list."

"'E'll not be 'appy at 'ome, sir."

"Let's discuss it with him. He's capable of such decisions."

When they arrived back at the surgery, they found Colonel Edrington sitting up inspecting his bandages with his uninjured left hand. At the sound of the door, his head turned.

"Who is there?" he demanded.

"Jus' me, sir," the Sergeant said softly, "an' Mr. 'Ornblower, sir."

"Ah good, come in Billy. And, I thought I recognized your voice, Horatio! By what good fortune are you here enjoying my bad fortune?"

"I'm here visiting my father."

"The country doctor?"

"The same, my lord."

"So he's the one who has been torturing me?"

"I'm afraid so. And to make matters worse, I'm guilty too. Are you in much pain?"

"Excruciating agony, sir."

"I can give you more laudanum."

"Not just yet. I want to know if I'm going to live."

"Of course you are, my lord." Horatio replied, a little confused at Lord Edrington's question.

"Will I see again?"

"We don't know, sir."

"A clever answer, Horatio. Worthy of a naval officer. Yet, I need to know my chances. Your dear father was not so hopeful."

"Colonel Edrington, my lord, please be patient. Give yourself a day or two of rest and a month or so to heal."

"How can I rest, Horatio. I can't even weep at my misfortune."

Horatio bit his lip. All at once he recognized the signs of shock and despair. Colonel Edrington threw back his head and struck the back of the sofa where he reclined. He began to claw at his face. Billy stepped up and grabbed his hands, careful of the injured one.

Edrington settled a little. Then he ordered in a cold voice, "Sergeant, bring me my pistol."

"Whatever for, sir?" Horatio asked, his voice strained because he knew by the ache in his stomach that his friend intended to kill himself.

"I'll not wait through this hellish suffering to discover in a month that I'm an invalid. I have my pride."

Horatio took a deep breath. Then he said, "Please, my lord. Hear me out."

Horatio sat down on the sofa next to the injured man. He slipped off his jacket and rolled up the sleeve on his left arm. He placed the Colonel's fingers on his wrist and moved them slowly up toward the bend of his elbow.

"Do you feel the scar?"

"Yes."

"Once, not so long ago, I decided that death was better than dishonor. I slashed my wrist and nearly bled to death rather than face the gallows. I told myself that my pride was at stake. In reality, I was afraid. Because of my selfish action, I nearly killed a man who loves me deeply. I caused great suffering to all those around me. As I recovered, I learned that death was easy. Life is what's hard. Now, I'm willing to help you live. Will you give yourself a month at least?"

"And after that?"

"If you choose to take your own life, I'll load the pistol for you."

Aftermath of the Accident...

By AZARAD

(Horatio tries to encourage Lord Edrington to live...)

"And after that?"

"If you choose to take your own life, I'll load the pistol for you."

"Done! Billy, you've heard the bargain. Will you swear to witness it?"

"I will, sir. I'll do anythin' ye say."

Horatio interjected, "It's a bargain if you agree to a few simple terms. You must try my remedies, never dismissing them without a trial. You must eat and exercise to stay strong. Is that too much to ask?"

"I will not expose my state to the ridicule of lesser men."

"Will you allow Sergeant Scathelock to assist me?"

"I suppose so. And, I trust your father too."

"I'm pleased. Now, allow us to lead you to your room. I'll see the stair is clear. You will have the recovery room next to my own room. If you need anything, you are to call out to me. Is that understood?"

"No one else is to approach me."

"No one but your sergeant or my father."

"Lead on, Horatio!"

The young naval officer took Colonel Edrington's right arm while the redcoat sergeant grabbed his left arm. Slowly they marched him upstairs and sat him down near the window. The birds were singing and the climbing roses spilled over the sill of the open window. Their fragrance was sweet.

"Shall we help you undress, sir?"

"I have more urgent needs and seek the whereabouts of the chamber pot."

"With your permission my lord, I will assist you." Horatio found the pot under the bed and brought it to the Colonel who leaned against the bed. He helped the man open his breeches and held the pot for him.

To cover his embarrassment, the Colonel said smugly, "If you ever decide to leave the service of his majesty, you may look for work among the servants of my household, Horatio."

Horatio smiled and said, "Thank you, my lord, but I am most satisfied with the King's service."

Edrington replied, "Look at Billy, if you please. Is he not happy in my employ?"

"He serves the King, my lord."

"And, he's mine..." Edrington said coldly.

Horatio looked at the handsome, virile sergeant and answered, "Someone worth living for then?"

Edrington snapped back, "I'll not be won over so easily, Hornblower."

"Would you like some tea? Maybe something to eat?" Horatio asked mildly.

"I'd like an end to the infernal itching."

Horatio sighed and said, "It will get worse, my lord. Burns are troublesome while healing. Would you like some brandy?"

"Yes, a large glass. Some cold water to wash it down too."

"As you wish, sir." Horatio said submissively, hoping his behavior would encourage the suffering man to trust him.

Horatio spent the next hours running small errands for the insufferable Colonel. First, he wanted music. Then he ordered a book be read to him. He wanted company one moment, and solitude the next. Through it all, Horatio endured and kept a civil tongue in his head. He thought of the crew of the Indefatigable and vowed to live up to the name of his ship.

And so the days went on, stretching to the end of the first week. Sergeant Scathelock drilled the new recruits amid the fields and hedgerows. He found a lad or two among the local boys spying on him. They were encouraged to join and one did, much to the pride of his father. Colonel Edrington sat at his upstairs window, breathed the scent of roses and listened to the rattle of the drums, the shouting of his energetic sergeant and the hurried steps of his men. Horatio even saw the man smile. It gave him hope.

By now, most of the bandages that had once swathed the patient's head were unnecessary. The skin of his face grew healthy and pink from the diligent application of Doctor Hornblower's soothing lotion. Edrington's hand was nearly healed too. Still, his eyes remained bandaged and his sight gone.

Then, on Sunday evening, Edrington woke to the delicious feeling of soft fingers caressing his neck. Tender lips followed. For a few moments, the Colonel decided to surrender to the luxurious sensations. His body, ravaged by pain since the accident, craved the sensuous pleasure of the warm lips. The mysterious exploration was exquisite torture. Edrington wondered which of his former bed partners had arrived to cheer him up. He hoped it was not his wife.

Clever lips and an equally clever tongue now opened the buttons of his nightshirt. Edrington sighed and slipped deeper into the heady sensations of his body. His wife did not know how to do that! The clever tongue was approaching his right nipple, slowly with aching anticipation. It had to be Billy, Edrington thought. He was a cruel beauty.

The warm breath of the intruder raised every hair on Edrington's body. His flesh tingled and he shivered from the sweet agony. Then suddenly the warmth of the body next to him vanished. Edrington reached out his arms, but he was too late. He sank back into the bed and slammed his fist against the mattress. He'd catch the invader next time.

Discussion in the Dark (Part of In the Quiet of the Countryside)

By AZARAD

Edrington reclined again. The suffering in his body was lower now, centering in the swollen ache between his legs. Tossing about on the bed did nothing to ease the torment. Slyly, Edrington felt himself. All at once, his face grew warm and he had the prickly fear that he was being watched. He groaned and cursed his misfortune. He wanted to weep but his eyes refused him. He called out for Horatio.

There was no sound from the room adjacent to his. Was the young man sleeping? What hour of the day or night was upon them? Edrington thought back about his last meal. Roast lamb, supper, he'd been told. Just a few hours had passed. So it was not so very late. He called for Horatio again, louder. Still no sounds of rescue. Blackness swallowed him and noble Lord Edrington surrendered to fear. He called a third time, louder yet.

Running footsteps on the stairs... A breathless answer, "You have need of me, my lord?"

"Yes, Horatio. Come closer," Edrington said, relief washing over him like a cleansing wave.

Footsteps on the hardwood floor... "I'm here."

"Closer," Edrington whispered.

Edrington felt the mattress sag a little under the weight of the young naval officer. Then he felt warm hands grip his shoulders.

"If you turn over, I'll rub your back. It's the best way I know to get to sleep."

"Lie next to me, Horatio."

"As you wish, my lord."

"Are we quite alone? Will you swear to it?"

"We are alone and I swear to it."

"I want the room dark. I want you to feel the blackness too."

A puff of breath and the faint scent of smoke.

"There. The candle's out."

"Close your eyes, Horatio. Blot out the stars and the moonlight. Can you honestly say you could endure such suffering?"

"I would be very frightened, my lord. Even so, I would hope to be strong, to endure the loss of my sight bravely."

"Do you imply that I am a coward?"

"No, my lord."

"I think you have! And, I'm angry because I can't call you out and kill you for such an offense."

"I beg your pardon, my lord. How can I make amends?"

"As satisfaction for your insult, you will satisfy my needs."

"Gladly! I'll be happy to pleasure you, if you agree to put aside your plan to kill yourself. Certainly, the pleasures of the flesh are worth some of life's physical discomforts."

"No!"

"Then, I must go."

"You mustn't."

"My lord, would you force yourself upon me?"

"Of course not, Horatio. I only meant..."

"That you need a little company just now?"

"Yes, Horatio. The darkness, you see, it makes me feel, well, lonely."

"And that frightens you a little?"

"Yes." Edrington sighed as the truth was finally dragged from him. He collapsed into his pillows and listened to his friend's counsel.

"Blindness frightens everyone, my lord. But think of hope as a candle in the darkness. I'll keep it lit for you. I'll stay as long as you want me."

Edrington ran his hands along the sleek contours of Horatio's body, over his smooth face until his fingers twined among the silky tangles on his head. With firm purpose, Edrington pressed Horatio against his chest. He hoped he was listening to the wild beating of his heart and the ragged breath in his lungs. Edrington's voice had failed him, yet his arms remained strong. Horatio returned the embrace and added little kisses too.

The Countryside at Night!

In the Quiet of the Countryside

Edrington's Accident (Cont.)

By AZARAD (Rating: M/M & Warm...)

Edrington ran his hands along the sleek contours of Horatio's body, over his smooth face until his fingers twined among the silky tangles on his head. With firm purpose, Edrington pressed Horatio against his chest. He hoped he was listening to the wild beating of his heart and the ragged breath in his lungs. Edrington's voice had failed him, yet his arms remained strong. Horatio returned the embrace and added little kisses too.

Edrington wondered for a moment if his mysterious intruder had returned. No, he decided. Horatio was too earnest in his desires. Teasing was not his nature. A deep groan escaped the Colonel's lips. Horatio's warm breath exhaled into the folds of his nightshirt, firing his passions. Edrington tore open his companion's shirt and fastened his teeth into the tender hollow where neck and shoulder met. He felt Horatio tense and press against him, kisses open mouthed and wet against his chest.

"I'll take you now if you're willing," Edrington gasped.