mylordtoyou (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mylordtoyou) wrote2011-04-13 12:21 pm
mylordtoyou) wrote2011-04-13 12:21 pm
Entry tags:
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
hellpointe Application
Application
Player Info
Player Name: Mel
Player LJ:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
melodicinkysin
Player Instant Messenger Type and Handle: aim: melmal03 plurk: melodicinkysin
Player Email: melmal3@gmail.com
Are you 18 years of age or older? YES byahandfulofyears I FEEL OLD NOW THANK YOU
Character Info
Character Name: Lord Alexander Lauder, Earl of Edrington, Colonel of his Magesty's Royal Army. (REGAL ENOUGH FOR YOU?)
Character’s Age: 31
Fandom: Horatio Hornblower Series
Timeline: Post-Duty
Appearance: His portrait and a few screenshots
History: As I have compiled it and in the novel and in the film The Wrong War aka Frogs and Lobsters
Personality: Edrington is, first and foremost, a man of crown and country. It is a value, instilled in him at birth and forever held as something of utmost importance to him throughout his life. Being the first son of an Earl, and later an Earl himself, one might assume that one simply must be and is a patriot, but that simply isn't the case. While it plays some factor, (unignorably being of noble birth will always make monarchy seem far more favorable than to those of lower stature) Edrington's sense of duty to his country and the people of it is one of the most personal parts of his character.
Patriotism aside, Edrington has a rather regal way by which he conducts himself. A product of good breeding and fine stature, he is a man made from high society and all that it could offer: the finest of education, exposure to politics, lessons in conducting both business and personal affairs, and the embedding of certain qualities that are characteristic to the aristocracy. He is a proud man, and while he is not boisterous with his pride, he makes no effort to hide it. He is a master of diplomacy and tact in conversation. He has and maintains good posture, shoulders thrust and chin angled high. He carries a name, and with it, must present himself in the best of ways every moment he is in the public eye.
The most memorable quality to Edrington's character, in the film at least, is his sharp-witted tongue. There is a refinement to his speech, particularly considering the extent of his education. While his sentences are short and to the point, speaking few words to convey as much as possible, there is an elevation to what he selects. He is very prudent with his speech, not one to voice many opinions or excessive thought. He was taught to maintain a neutrality, in order to remain most pleasing to the largest number of people. However... when it comes time for more natural conversation, particularly that of a teasing or taunting nature, he has mastered the polite insult. Humor, in polite society, had a refined edge to it. Edrington often takes it a step further, as his humor is a bit sharper, the edge to his wit quick to the tongue. He rallys his thoughts with speed, and the insult often rolls off his tongue just as quickly. His humor is dry and snarky. Considering the way he interacts with Horatio Hornblower and Archie Kennedy, snark is his more informal and perhaps affectionate form of communication.
A natural strategist, Edrington is a man of scheme and experimentation. This is, most likely, why he holds his tongue so well. He assesses every situation before tactically deciding what course of action is the most suitable... even in social situations. As he proved quickly as a mere teenager, he is a tactical genius, gazing upon battle not as a place where orders are carried but a fight is to be had as well as constructed and won. He is zealous, bold, disciplined, organized, and controlled. He keeps his emotions at bay for the sake of reputation and to better regiment his actions. He is a natural leader, a man who commands authority without great effort. He fears that which he cannot plan for, that which he cannot control, where he has no say or power. In fact, he fears powerlessness perhaps the most, surrendering completely when death is a preferable option. Retreat does not come easy, though he is not without sense. Never irrational, he would rather face a retreat than utter decimation, an honorable death rather than the disgrace of surrender. He is a man of many victories, and few losses. Loss has never and will never come easily to him..
Powers/Abilities:
Education:
As a man born of aristocracy and carrying a hefty title, Edrington would (as aforementioned) have the best education that high society could offer. By the tutoring hands of his father and a likely series of governesses (before the age of 15 when he entered the army as an ensign) Edrington learned all the basics to be a gentlemen of polite society. His studies in language would have included Latin, Greek, Spanish and Italian. While French would have been a common choice, it is oddly one that Edrington never learned. Perhaps because, from the time he was old enough to take to languages, France was beginning to brim with potential turmoil. A language of rebellion and revolution.
Mathematics would have been a required skill, likely up to the trigonometric level. History, geography, a basis for the most fundamental of the sciences were likely taught. In addition, many sporting skills would have been a tradition passed by his father: horseback riding, hunting, fishing, fencing and other such hobbies. Literature would have been the heaviest of the subjects taught, Edrington himself--by my thoughts--having a reserved fondness for Greek plays and poetry. As the arts were coveted amongst those of superior birth, it would have been encouraged that the young heir take up one of the forms. Drawn to music--within the realms of the headcanon I have established-- Edrington selected the dulcimer and, due to his infatuation with the army as a young boy, dabbled with the fife.
Outside all academia, the heir to the Earldom of Edrington would have been expected to polish all of the finery expected in social gatherings. Mastering the art of conversation, dance, and tact in navigating any setting, whether it be a small dinner amongst private company or a large-scale party. He also would have been given the proper instruction on how to maintain the finances of the family in order to preserve their wealth.
Leadership/Tactical Genius:
An officer in the royal army is defined and made by the successes of his men. Which, even in the small windows we are afforded in the novel and the book, we are shown shining triumphs. Edrington runs a well-oiled machine, or so Horatio is narrated to think in the novel. He is taken aback by the precision of timing amongst a long line of men, the rigidity by which they conduct themselves. Edrington is a man of authority, and in that position of command, there is a level of respect that is not only demanded, it is respected. Toward the end of the film, we are privy to one of the experimental tactics at the time, something that William Stewart, the military man on which Edrington is based, created. Due to my heavy basis of Edrington on William Stewart's achievements (and how similarly their back stories align), this scene is absolutely brilliant. Rather than standing across the ford and taking out the constantly moving enemy targets, Edrington leads a small firing platoon to go and 'smoke the wasps out of their nests.' The enemy fire that had threatened the navy men at the cannons near the bridge was soon eliminated with little cost. This tactic employed by Edrington was neigh unheard of at the time. It was far more a stroke of well-planned genius.
Assuming that Edrington's accomplishments that so heavily mirror William Stewart's extend back into Edrington's history, his precedence in the army is absolutely unmatched. Two years after joining the army, Edrington was rewarded with being captain of his own company. While it did help that Edrington was enlisted as an ensign and not a mere recruit, every rank beyond his captaincy was earned. He plowed through the ranks, catching the attentions of many of his superiors. These attentions, particularly from the Equerry to the King, earned him a most important prize: his experimental division under Colonel Manningham. He revolutionized the way a small group of men could fight, creating the first corps of men to become sharpshooters, skirmishers, and scouts. By 1800 unique uniforms were already drafted. It utilized green, instead of traditional red, allowing for better coverage due to the nature of their missions. The 95th rifles, in all of the ways they changed the military due to the tactical ingenuity of Edrington, also were the first branch of the army to be given a formal education. Punishments that were traditionally a frightening 300 lashes were rarely ever employed. Officers dined with their soldiers. Medals of valor were given to those who distinguished themselves within the regiment. There was a camaraderie within the army that had been formerly far more exclusive to the navy. Less casualties. Men were not allowed to enter as an ensign into the 95th. They earned the name of "chosen" men, aptly named due to the selection process they went through.
Marksmanship/Swordsmanship:
As an army major, it could be easily assumed that, all leadership skills aside, Edrington is quite capable of a fight. He achieved this rank at the age of 21 (according to my timeline), which would have him in the army for 6 years by then. By the time we see him in the films (and the novel), he has been a major for 2-3 years. All this experience within the army offers the safe assumption that Edrington possesses skills in each of these areas.
As a rifleman on a line, it was either fall by the firing line or have a true enough aim to keep yourself from being shot (once within firing range.) Edrington, as a stand out within the army and creator of the 95th rifles, has an incredibly skilled aim, particularly given the unreliability by today's standards of the weaponry used. As he was taught at a young age to hunt, this skill was refined, rather than learned, when he joined the army at 15. He is also capable of firing from a moving target, as he is most often seen atop a horse. If, during his rise in ranking, Edrington ever served for the cavalry, we could assume that his accuracy is even more astounding with a moving target, having perfected and honed his marksmanship in equestrian battle.
With a sword, Edrington is one of finesse, keeping to a far stricter dueling style. By comparison to his naval counterparts (Horatio Hornblower, as a perfect example), he is less capable in a raucous fight with multiple targets. Rather, he is most formidable against a single opponent, his skills with a sword far superior to the naval Captain Hornblower. Yet in the squalls of uncontrolled and battle gone amiss, Edrington would likely be at a bit of a loss. Despite the rudimentary and primary lack of tact in the brawler's style, it suits that sort of situation far better.
Limitations: The most detrimental limitations Edrington faces is the lack of others from his time about him. He is a commander without his regiment, a noble without his society. All of his worth in England amounts to nothing in Bell Pointe. His aristocracy means naught to the citizens of this town, and his lordship affords him no authority as it had previously. Additionally, he is without any men to command. Edrington is a man of action by nature, someone suited far better for war than any other setting. While he can maintain a sense of diplomacy and social finesse, he is not suited for it. Idleness will addle him, not to mention the severity of the cultural differences in being transported to a modern time.
Writing Samples
Third Person Sample:
He rose early that morning, far before the sun raised its glowing halo over the horizon. It was far less out of necessity for preparation for the journey and far more out of compulsion for vanity. He would report to the superior officers just outside of London in Sutton, bedecked in nothing less than an impeccable uniform. That, along with then packing into his light satchel the tools for grooming said uniform, would take the most of his morning. A day's ride to Sutton would prove burdensome for a man wishing to keep an untarnished image before his superiors. He would need those brushes come his arrival.
The nature of his requirement in Sutton was something that had been determined by the arrival of a letter with the General's seal. With a controlled yet barely steady hand, Colonel Lord Edrington had opened it before his trusted Major Stanley.
"My lord?"
The colonel's eyes scanned over the penmanship, mind taking no thought to process all but a few exceedingly important phrases. They'd known this was coming. He had managed to return to Kent without a word, spared the consequences of being pulled from his men to face his superiors. Damn that bloody regiment. The attack launched on the Spanish forces near Buenos Aires was ill-advised at best. Lord Edrington had done his duty as Lieutenant-General Whitelocke had insisted, the 95th rifles making way for the infantry. Yet the moment the Light Brigade stepped forward, their efforts were squandered. A magnanimous failure. Surely the disorganization and dismemberment of the line was no fault of Edrington's, yet he was certain under the General's harsh eyes he would shoulder that failing and answer for it.
Clearly, not all regiments were as tight and precise as he demanded--and had always expected--his own to be. Much as he did not care to admit it, nobility had made for a handful of unworthy officers. While he himself joined as an ensign, every pass of rank was due to astounding efforts on his part, rewards for strokes of well-planned boldness and resulting heroism in tides of changing war. He did not simply serve in His Britannic Majesty's Royal Army. He served for it and bettered it. These... rudimentary men in uniform with smooth hands and better eyes for paintings were not fit to interpret battle save for in oil on canvass. Did they not understand duty as he did?
It did not matter. So long as no ensign could set foot in his rifles, he could make sure every man under his command was fit, trained, and educated for the task.
Still, as he grazed the letter, he expected there to exist a demand for explanation. A full report to answer for the fates of the lost men in Buenos Aires. The openings were, although likely important, trifling matters until the end was reached. He held the paper, beginning to wave in his hand he could no longer steel.
"Whitelocke was dismissed."
Stanley's expression sank into utmost worry. His face mirrored the gnawing fear that had originally crossed the lord's mind. If Whitelocke was dealt with, all that remained were the subordinate officers of the failed campaign.
"I am to report in three days time to give my full account of the battle in Buenos Aires... and to be promoted."
"My God! Brigadier?"
"That would be the ascending step, would it not?"
"Of course, my lord! My full congratulations!"
The two officers had exchanged handshakes, a pair of grins, and later that evening, a few good spirits.
This morning, however, held much more solitude and solemnity to it. He wore his traditional reds, keeping the greens of the 95th rifles stowed away with his brushes, a small amount of provisions, reports and the letter in his satchel. For with promotions came orders, and his uniform would depend on the nature of the orders. Would he be commanding the rifles still? He could only hope he would still be given his chosen men.
He navigated the countryside atop his chestnut mare, a sturdy warhorse he had, without fail, grown fond of. When things began to feel amiss, he patted her neck gently with a white glove. The scent of the wood held a distinctive ribbon of sea air to it, and the tree line suddenly halted, giving way to an open road. At a loss for his location, the Colonel steered his equestrian companion into the town just down the way. But by God, what in heaven's name was he doing near the coast? He should have placed a twelve kilometer distance between the eastern shoreline and himself.
His hawk eyes narrowed as the town grew closer, its architecture strange and unsightly, jarring and without character. It seemed unearthly, of a different time and place altogether.
Regal and solemn, shoulders thrust proudly back and frame still atop the slow trotting horse, Lord Edrington began to wonder just where the devil he had found himself.
First Person Sample:
[Edrington sat at his desk, penning a date he was neither sure of nor entirely doubting. Last he knew, it was mere August in Kent, the 8th of the month being the last day he saw a calendar by which he could assure himself of when and where he was. Yet by the time he realized he could not leave this... Bell Pointe for Sutton, he immediately sought to pen his General as to the extenuating circumstances by which he could not receive his promotion.]
[Text of the full letter:
Kent, August 8th, 1805My lord-
I wish to inform you that I have been most distinguished to have received your letter and request of the second incident. While it would be my most sincere wishdesire honor to obey and fulfill these wishes, in obedience to your most honorable sir's orders, I do beg your forgiveness that I am not able. I have been confined detained by a force I cannot identify, without allies or escape hope prospects for release. The enemy is without identification, and it is difficult to suspect the impetus of either French or Spanish origins. What brought this to our most beloved shores of England-- I humbly and apologetically cannot say.
I have enclosed your seal, a proof that will thereby demonstrate the conditions by which I should be made responsible for. By your command, I will report to you at every opportunity available, utilizing all prudence and skill to make for Sutton. I cannot sufficiently make haste in my efforts, despite all desires to return tomy men see to your orders. I will exercise all caution, yet remain most zealous and obedient under your instruction. Indeed, I have already broken through some regulation for the service in this country, and I should break through it another instance to bring myself, most apologetic and forthcoming, to you.
Full account of my falling and the place that is the source of my confinement will be soon to follow, as my pen is limited. I am concerned to be obliged to refuse my consent to any measure of this kind which you have proposed, and beg you to believe me,
I have the honor to be, with respect,
Your lordship's most faithful and obedient servant,
After penning his thoughts to page, he breathed a comforting breath through his nose.]
Damn it all. If not a soul can leave, how is this godforsaken letter to be delivered?
[A fist swiftly came to pound his desk, nearly upsetting the ink well and quill.]
Lord have mercy on my soul when the General hears of my absence.
Player Info
Player Name: Mel
Player LJ:
melodicinkysin Player Instant Messenger Type and Handle: aim: melmal03 plurk: melodicinkysin
Player Email: melmal3@gmail.com
Are you 18 years of age or older? YES byahandfulofyears I FEEL OLD NOW THANK YOU
Character Info
Character Name: Lord Alexander Lauder, Earl of Edrington, Colonel of his Magesty's Royal Army. (REGAL ENOUGH FOR YOU?)
Character’s Age: 31
Fandom: Horatio Hornblower Series
Timeline: Post-Duty
Appearance: His portrait and a few screenshots
History: As I have compiled it and in the novel and in the film The Wrong War aka Frogs and Lobsters
Personality: Edrington is, first and foremost, a man of crown and country. It is a value, instilled in him at birth and forever held as something of utmost importance to him throughout his life. Being the first son of an Earl, and later an Earl himself, one might assume that one simply must be and is a patriot, but that simply isn't the case. While it plays some factor, (unignorably being of noble birth will always make monarchy seem far more favorable than to those of lower stature) Edrington's sense of duty to his country and the people of it is one of the most personal parts of his character.
Patriotism aside, Edrington has a rather regal way by which he conducts himself. A product of good breeding and fine stature, he is a man made from high society and all that it could offer: the finest of education, exposure to politics, lessons in conducting both business and personal affairs, and the embedding of certain qualities that are characteristic to the aristocracy. He is a proud man, and while he is not boisterous with his pride, he makes no effort to hide it. He is a master of diplomacy and tact in conversation. He has and maintains good posture, shoulders thrust and chin angled high. He carries a name, and with it, must present himself in the best of ways every moment he is in the public eye.
The most memorable quality to Edrington's character, in the film at least, is his sharp-witted tongue. There is a refinement to his speech, particularly considering the extent of his education. While his sentences are short and to the point, speaking few words to convey as much as possible, there is an elevation to what he selects. He is very prudent with his speech, not one to voice many opinions or excessive thought. He was taught to maintain a neutrality, in order to remain most pleasing to the largest number of people. However... when it comes time for more natural conversation, particularly that of a teasing or taunting nature, he has mastered the polite insult. Humor, in polite society, had a refined edge to it. Edrington often takes it a step further, as his humor is a bit sharper, the edge to his wit quick to the tongue. He rallys his thoughts with speed, and the insult often rolls off his tongue just as quickly. His humor is dry and snarky. Considering the way he interacts with Horatio Hornblower and Archie Kennedy, snark is his more informal and perhaps affectionate form of communication.
A natural strategist, Edrington is a man of scheme and experimentation. This is, most likely, why he holds his tongue so well. He assesses every situation before tactically deciding what course of action is the most suitable... even in social situations. As he proved quickly as a mere teenager, he is a tactical genius, gazing upon battle not as a place where orders are carried but a fight is to be had as well as constructed and won. He is zealous, bold, disciplined, organized, and controlled. He keeps his emotions at bay for the sake of reputation and to better regiment his actions. He is a natural leader, a man who commands authority without great effort. He fears that which he cannot plan for, that which he cannot control, where he has no say or power. In fact, he fears powerlessness perhaps the most, surrendering completely when death is a preferable option. Retreat does not come easy, though he is not without sense. Never irrational, he would rather face a retreat than utter decimation, an honorable death rather than the disgrace of surrender. He is a man of many victories, and few losses. Loss has never and will never come easily to him..
Powers/Abilities:
Education:
As a man born of aristocracy and carrying a hefty title, Edrington would (as aforementioned) have the best education that high society could offer. By the tutoring hands of his father and a likely series of governesses (before the age of 15 when he entered the army as an ensign) Edrington learned all the basics to be a gentlemen of polite society. His studies in language would have included Latin, Greek, Spanish and Italian. While French would have been a common choice, it is oddly one that Edrington never learned. Perhaps because, from the time he was old enough to take to languages, France was beginning to brim with potential turmoil. A language of rebellion and revolution.
Mathematics would have been a required skill, likely up to the trigonometric level. History, geography, a basis for the most fundamental of the sciences were likely taught. In addition, many sporting skills would have been a tradition passed by his father: horseback riding, hunting, fishing, fencing and other such hobbies. Literature would have been the heaviest of the subjects taught, Edrington himself--by my thoughts--having a reserved fondness for Greek plays and poetry. As the arts were coveted amongst those of superior birth, it would have been encouraged that the young heir take up one of the forms. Drawn to music--within the realms of the headcanon I have established-- Edrington selected the dulcimer and, due to his infatuation with the army as a young boy, dabbled with the fife.
Outside all academia, the heir to the Earldom of Edrington would have been expected to polish all of the finery expected in social gatherings. Mastering the art of conversation, dance, and tact in navigating any setting, whether it be a small dinner amongst private company or a large-scale party. He also would have been given the proper instruction on how to maintain the finances of the family in order to preserve their wealth.
Leadership/Tactical Genius:
An officer in the royal army is defined and made by the successes of his men. Which, even in the small windows we are afforded in the novel and the book, we are shown shining triumphs. Edrington runs a well-oiled machine, or so Horatio is narrated to think in the novel. He is taken aback by the precision of timing amongst a long line of men, the rigidity by which they conduct themselves. Edrington is a man of authority, and in that position of command, there is a level of respect that is not only demanded, it is respected. Toward the end of the film, we are privy to one of the experimental tactics at the time, something that William Stewart, the military man on which Edrington is based, created. Due to my heavy basis of Edrington on William Stewart's achievements (and how similarly their back stories align), this scene is absolutely brilliant. Rather than standing across the ford and taking out the constantly moving enemy targets, Edrington leads a small firing platoon to go and 'smoke the wasps out of their nests.' The enemy fire that had threatened the navy men at the cannons near the bridge was soon eliminated with little cost. This tactic employed by Edrington was neigh unheard of at the time. It was far more a stroke of well-planned genius.
Assuming that Edrington's accomplishments that so heavily mirror William Stewart's extend back into Edrington's history, his precedence in the army is absolutely unmatched. Two years after joining the army, Edrington was rewarded with being captain of his own company. While it did help that Edrington was enlisted as an ensign and not a mere recruit, every rank beyond his captaincy was earned. He plowed through the ranks, catching the attentions of many of his superiors. These attentions, particularly from the Equerry to the King, earned him a most important prize: his experimental division under Colonel Manningham. He revolutionized the way a small group of men could fight, creating the first corps of men to become sharpshooters, skirmishers, and scouts. By 1800 unique uniforms were already drafted. It utilized green, instead of traditional red, allowing for better coverage due to the nature of their missions. The 95th rifles, in all of the ways they changed the military due to the tactical ingenuity of Edrington, also were the first branch of the army to be given a formal education. Punishments that were traditionally a frightening 300 lashes were rarely ever employed. Officers dined with their soldiers. Medals of valor were given to those who distinguished themselves within the regiment. There was a camaraderie within the army that had been formerly far more exclusive to the navy. Less casualties. Men were not allowed to enter as an ensign into the 95th. They earned the name of "chosen" men, aptly named due to the selection process they went through.
Marksmanship/Swordsmanship:
As an army major, it could be easily assumed that, all leadership skills aside, Edrington is quite capable of a fight. He achieved this rank at the age of 21 (according to my timeline), which would have him in the army for 6 years by then. By the time we see him in the films (and the novel), he has been a major for 2-3 years. All this experience within the army offers the safe assumption that Edrington possesses skills in each of these areas.
As a rifleman on a line, it was either fall by the firing line or have a true enough aim to keep yourself from being shot (once within firing range.) Edrington, as a stand out within the army and creator of the 95th rifles, has an incredibly skilled aim, particularly given the unreliability by today's standards of the weaponry used. As he was taught at a young age to hunt, this skill was refined, rather than learned, when he joined the army at 15. He is also capable of firing from a moving target, as he is most often seen atop a horse. If, during his rise in ranking, Edrington ever served for the cavalry, we could assume that his accuracy is even more astounding with a moving target, having perfected and honed his marksmanship in equestrian battle.
With a sword, Edrington is one of finesse, keeping to a far stricter dueling style. By comparison to his naval counterparts (Horatio Hornblower, as a perfect example), he is less capable in a raucous fight with multiple targets. Rather, he is most formidable against a single opponent, his skills with a sword far superior to the naval Captain Hornblower. Yet in the squalls of uncontrolled and battle gone amiss, Edrington would likely be at a bit of a loss. Despite the rudimentary and primary lack of tact in the brawler's style, it suits that sort of situation far better.
Limitations: The most detrimental limitations Edrington faces is the lack of others from his time about him. He is a commander without his regiment, a noble without his society. All of his worth in England amounts to nothing in Bell Pointe. His aristocracy means naught to the citizens of this town, and his lordship affords him no authority as it had previously. Additionally, he is without any men to command. Edrington is a man of action by nature, someone suited far better for war than any other setting. While he can maintain a sense of diplomacy and social finesse, he is not suited for it. Idleness will addle him, not to mention the severity of the cultural differences in being transported to a modern time.
Writing Samples
Third Person Sample:
He rose early that morning, far before the sun raised its glowing halo over the horizon. It was far less out of necessity for preparation for the journey and far more out of compulsion for vanity. He would report to the superior officers just outside of London in Sutton, bedecked in nothing less than an impeccable uniform. That, along with then packing into his light satchel the tools for grooming said uniform, would take the most of his morning. A day's ride to Sutton would prove burdensome for a man wishing to keep an untarnished image before his superiors. He would need those brushes come his arrival.
The nature of his requirement in Sutton was something that had been determined by the arrival of a letter with the General's seal. With a controlled yet barely steady hand, Colonel Lord Edrington had opened it before his trusted Major Stanley.
"My lord?"
The colonel's eyes scanned over the penmanship, mind taking no thought to process all but a few exceedingly important phrases. They'd known this was coming. He had managed to return to Kent without a word, spared the consequences of being pulled from his men to face his superiors. Damn that bloody regiment. The attack launched on the Spanish forces near Buenos Aires was ill-advised at best. Lord Edrington had done his duty as Lieutenant-General Whitelocke had insisted, the 95th rifles making way for the infantry. Yet the moment the Light Brigade stepped forward, their efforts were squandered. A magnanimous failure. Surely the disorganization and dismemberment of the line was no fault of Edrington's, yet he was certain under the General's harsh eyes he would shoulder that failing and answer for it.
Clearly, not all regiments were as tight and precise as he demanded--and had always expected--his own to be. Much as he did not care to admit it, nobility had made for a handful of unworthy officers. While he himself joined as an ensign, every pass of rank was due to astounding efforts on his part, rewards for strokes of well-planned boldness and resulting heroism in tides of changing war. He did not simply serve in His Britannic Majesty's Royal Army. He served for it and bettered it. These... rudimentary men in uniform with smooth hands and better eyes for paintings were not fit to interpret battle save for in oil on canvass. Did they not understand duty as he did?
It did not matter. So long as no ensign could set foot in his rifles, he could make sure every man under his command was fit, trained, and educated for the task.
Still, as he grazed the letter, he expected there to exist a demand for explanation. A full report to answer for the fates of the lost men in Buenos Aires. The openings were, although likely important, trifling matters until the end was reached. He held the paper, beginning to wave in his hand he could no longer steel.
"Whitelocke was dismissed."
Stanley's expression sank into utmost worry. His face mirrored the gnawing fear that had originally crossed the lord's mind. If Whitelocke was dealt with, all that remained were the subordinate officers of the failed campaign.
"I am to report in three days time to give my full account of the battle in Buenos Aires... and to be promoted."
"My God! Brigadier?"
"That would be the ascending step, would it not?"
"Of course, my lord! My full congratulations!"
The two officers had exchanged handshakes, a pair of grins, and later that evening, a few good spirits.
This morning, however, held much more solitude and solemnity to it. He wore his traditional reds, keeping the greens of the 95th rifles stowed away with his brushes, a small amount of provisions, reports and the letter in his satchel. For with promotions came orders, and his uniform would depend on the nature of the orders. Would he be commanding the rifles still? He could only hope he would still be given his chosen men.
He navigated the countryside atop his chestnut mare, a sturdy warhorse he had, without fail, grown fond of. When things began to feel amiss, he patted her neck gently with a white glove. The scent of the wood held a distinctive ribbon of sea air to it, and the tree line suddenly halted, giving way to an open road. At a loss for his location, the Colonel steered his equestrian companion into the town just down the way. But by God, what in heaven's name was he doing near the coast? He should have placed a twelve kilometer distance between the eastern shoreline and himself.
His hawk eyes narrowed as the town grew closer, its architecture strange and unsightly, jarring and without character. It seemed unearthly, of a different time and place altogether.
Regal and solemn, shoulders thrust proudly back and frame still atop the slow trotting horse, Lord Edrington began to wonder just where the devil he had found himself.
First Person Sample:
[Edrington sat at his desk, penning a date he was neither sure of nor entirely doubting. Last he knew, it was mere August in Kent, the 8th of the month being the last day he saw a calendar by which he could assure himself of when and where he was. Yet by the time he realized he could not leave this... Bell Pointe for Sutton, he immediately sought to pen his General as to the extenuating circumstances by which he could not receive his promotion.]
[Text of the full letter:I wish to inform you that I have been most distinguished to have received your letter and request of the second incident. While it would be my most sincere wish
I have enclosed your seal, a proof that will thereby demonstrate the conditions by which I should be made responsible for. By your command, I will report to you at every opportunity available, utilizing all prudence and skill to make for Sutton. I cannot sufficiently make haste in my efforts, despite all desires to return to
Full account of my falling and the place that is the source of my confinement will be soon to follow, as my pen is limited. I am concerned to be obliged to refuse my consent to any measure of this kind which you have proposed, and beg you to believe me,
I have the honor to be, with respect,
Your lordship's most faithful and obedient servant,
A. L. Edrington
Colonel
His Excellency and Lord Viscount Wellington ]Colonel
After penning his thoughts to page, he breathed a comforting breath through his nose.]
Damn it all. If not a soul can leave, how is this godforsaken letter to be delivered?
[A fist swiftly came to pound his desk, nearly upsetting the ink well and quill.]
Lord have mercy on my soul when the General hears of my absence.