Author's webpage: http://http://www.squidge.org/~subrosa/fic/valiant/valiant.html

Author's disclaimer: The characters used here, sadly, do not belong to me. I have received no monetary reward, I do it simply for fun. This story contains m/m sex. It carries a rating of NC17. If you are under the age of consent go elsewhere

Author's notes: This is the labor of several months...ever since I saw the Horatio Hornblower miniseries on A&E and began wondering...what if Jim was Captain Jim? I set out to write a nice moderate story which turned into an epic :)

I have never read a Horatio Hornblower book. My only knowledge comes from the mini-series and the beautiful actors who played the lead characters. To enjoy this story you don't need to have watched the mini-series--key elements are that my Archie has epilepsy, and has suffered greatly at the hands of a really bad dude named Simpson --who is now dead.

Now to REALLY appreciate the story go here: http://www.squidge.org/~subrosa/fic/valiant/valiant.html and you will see wonderful pictures put together by Rosa --she's so talented! She has made a wonderful photo manipulation of Captain James Ellison of the HMS Frigate, 'Valiant' and great pictures of Archie, Horatio and Blair (though I'm betting everyone here already knows what Blair looks like :) )

Feedback would be nice!

Thanks as always to my wonderful beta-readers Wolfling and Lori. You guys are the best! And just as an aside: I miss you Ozy!

The Valiant - part one
--Voyage 1--
--1795--Off the coast of Normandy

by Mia Athlas

Captain James Ellison stood on the deck of the HMS Valiant; hands clasped behind his back and surveyed the waters surrounding him.

He wished for the tenth time that day that he was with his men on the land. Unfortunately, his duty was clear. He could not take the risk of leaving his ship without a Captain. He tugged at the not-yet-comfortable lapels of his uniform. After six months, he was still adjusting to his new position and responsibilities. His men obeyed and respected him but he could count no friends among their number. He missed the camaraderie of his Midshipman and Lieutenant days. James longed for his lost freedom. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, inhaling the moist sea air and as always felt slightly better.

The night was calm, the crew quietly attending their duties. It was at times like these that James felt most at peace. It was a false sense of peace he realised. He could never truly relax, always having to be on guard for the enemy. With his position came the immense responsibility for his men and his country.

James was startled out of his reflective mood by a cry from one of his Midshipmen.

"Captain! They're back!"

He strode to the aft of the ship, taking the telescope from his man. Damn! They had actually made it. James almost smiled but clamped down hard on his exuberance, remembering a lesson his past Captain had taught him. He must always remain in charge and controlled in the presence of his men.

"Well, yes Sanders. I believe they have at that. Gather together six men to help them aboard and rouse the doctor. They may be in need of medical assistance." James waited a moment, then added with a bark, "Well, jump to it man!" The midshipman hurried away.

James turned back to watch the small boat draw closer. He gasped and took an involuntary step back as the boat he was watching seemed to loom in front of him. He looked away, giving his head a little shake. When he turned back the boat was once again a small speck on the horizon. He reached out and grasped the rigging in his hand for support. Not again.

"Captain, are you all right?"

James turned toward his second in command who had come to a stop beside him, hands clasped behind his back. His face held the same expression James had been seeing more and more frequently as of late. Worry.

"I'm fine, Mr. Taggart." Captain Ellison stood straight and forced his face into a mask that revealed nothing.

"By God. I think they actually did it," Taggart said enthusiastically as he spotted the rowboat moving closer.

"Yes," James agreed. "I would expect no less from my men. But you are right. It is a great accomplishment. Let us try to keep it from going to their heads, shall we?"

Taggart laughed and nodded. "Aye Aye Captain."

"We'd best get back to our proper positions," James stated, moving up the stairs to the upper deck where they could properly survey the return of the men.

The deck filled quickly as the news spread. When Lieutenant Welles raised his arms in triumph as the row boat neared the ship; a cheer went up among the men. James allowed it, knowing that this was the first true success they had experienced in weeks. Morale was low, the men desperately needed this celebration.

Welles climbed aboard, his dark hair plastered to his head, his uniform soaked. James raised his eyebrows, wondering at how the usually pristine young man had ended up in such a state.

"Mr. Welles," he called out over the revelry. "Report if you please?"

The young man's head popped up. "Aye Aye Captain." He hurried up the stairs, coming to a stop next to the James, obviously attempting to ignore the small stream of water that ran down his face.

"You seem intact, perhaps a bit worse for wear but intact," James said, allowing himself a rare smile. The young man beamed up at him, obviously pleased with the reception.

"We escaped any serious harm, sir. All men are accounted for. We were able to liberate Higgins, Crawford, Peters..."the young man trailed off, his attention captured by a commotion on the deck.

"Hold him!" one of the crew shouted.

James looked down in time to see a half-dressed young man break free of the grasp of the mate who was trying to control him. James got a flash of bared teeth before the man's mane of dark curls covered his face. The savage retreated till his backside was pressed against the side of the ship. James was appalled to see that the stranger was still in chains. He looked over the side, but did not jump. James knew that if the man went overboard in the chains he wore he would surely drown.

His men circled the young man, drawing closer as the man tensed as if to leap over the side, regardless of the futility.

"Hold!" James shouted, stepping forward to grasp the rail in front of him, overlooking the scene. Everyone froze and all faces turned to him. His men were unaccustomed to their stoic Captain raising his voice.

James ignored them all, his entire being captured as that one unknown savage turned and met his eyes. The man was young--though not as young as James had first imagined--and quite beautiful. He sported an unruly mane of dark curls that fell about his face loosely, but what held James's attention was the intense blue eyes that met his own. A jolt of electricity passed through him and he was amazed by the immediate connection he felt for the young man.

James read fear, anger and confusion in the young man's eyes and felt his own anger grow. Why was this exquisite creature brought onto his ship in chains? Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the young man, James strode down the steps so that he was on deck with the others. The men parted as he moved and no one would meet his harsh gaze. He stepped up to the crewmember that was closest to the captive.

"What is the meaning of this, Henderson?" he asked in a hard voice, gesturing toward the captive, who was still wearing French chains. "You would bring a man onto my ship still wearing a French dog's chains?"

Henderson took a step back at his Captain's vehemence.

"The dispatches were clear," James continued, unconsciously putting himself between his men and the young prisoner. "You were to rescue our men. More than that though, anyone else in the prison was to also be liberated and treated as a valued friend of England. I'm assuming this man was there as a prisoner?"

The frightened midshipman nodded, not speaking in the face of his Captain's anger.

Lieutenant Welles stepped up behind Henderson and spoke to the Captain. The midshipman took the opportunity to escape and step back with the rest of the men.

"Sorry sir. This is my responsibility. We saw no other way. This savage would not come with us easily. He doesn't even speak English. He attacked one of my men and pushed me overboard before we could subdue him on the boat." The officer took a step toward the captive and the young man said something angrily in a language that James did not understand.

James felt a hand touch his back as the captive stepped closer to him, obviously sensing that the Captain would protect him.

James considered his Lieutenant's words. "I hope that you at least thought to bring the keys to his chains?"

Welles nodded and handed them over. James accepted the keys then faced his gathered men. "This has been a good day for England. You men performed your job admirably. Now go about your business."

After the men had dispersed, James turned to the young savage. Up close he was even more striking. He wore only what appeared to be some sort of loincloth fashioned out of cotton. His body was more compact than James' own but he was leanly muscled and solid. The long curly black hair cascading over the young's man's shoulders was the most beautiful James had ever seen.

James felt himself slipping away, mesmerized by the savage but jerked back as the young man coughed. The Captain shook his head slightly to clear it then held up the key and met the captive's curious stare. James spoke slowly, hoping that he could make himself understood.

"I will undo your chains. You are not a prisoner here. Do you understand?"

"Captain..." Welles said in warning from behind him.

James turned to his Lieutenant angrily. "Quiet," he demanded.

"Yes, sir," Welles answered stiffly.

James almost didn't catch the captive's soft-spoken reply to the question he had asked.

"Yes."

"You speak English?" James asked.

"I speak many languages. English is among them," the young man responded hoarsely. James had the impression that speaking English was not natural to him.

"I will release you now, but you must promise not to jump overboard...or throw any of my men overboard... until I have had an opportunity to speak with you?"

"I understand," the young man replied. "You may call me Blair."

James studied him curiously. Blair. An odd name it seemed for the man who stood before him. Something more exotic would have been more suiting. Blair. James rolled the name around in his mind. Yes. A good name.

"Mr. Hornblower, front and center please!" Captain Pellew called out to the young man just stepping onto the deck from below. Horatio strode over to his Captain and stood at attention. "Sir?"

The Captain looked out over the water as he spoke and Horatio marveled at the older man's ability to keep him off balance. "Mr. Hornblower, I've just read the dispatches from London."

Horatio waited patiently. He knew Captain Pellew would arrive at his point in his own good time.

"It seems that your presence is requested in London."

"In London, sir?" Horatio asked in confusion. "But our current assignment takes us in the opposite direction."

"So it would seem, Lieutenant. Don't suppose you fancy a swim then?" The Captain asked with a straight face.'

"Uh, no sir," Horatio stammered, never quite sure when the Captain has having him on.

"Well then, we shall have to see about getting you transport then. As luck would have it the frigate, 'HMS Valiant' is to be headed that way with her--if all went well--recently liberated men. We are to rendezvous with Captain Ellison. He will give you transportation."

Horatio frowned. He had heard of Captain Ellison. Though the man was reputably brave and earnest, he was rumored to be suffering blackouts of increasing frequency. Horatio shook off the thought. It did him no service to listen to the idle rumors and innuendo of the men--especially considering his own experience with Archie. Horatio felt his heart jump. He would have to leave Archie!

A smile ghosted the Captain's lips and Horatio had a strange feeling that the man could read his mind.

"You will take Acting Lieutenant Kennedy with you. It will be a good opportunity for him to present himself for his Lieutenant's exam."

Horatio smiled before he could stop himself. Archie would be so pleased. "Yes sir. Thank you, sir."

The Captain nodded. "Well then, I suggest you prepare for your journey and please ask Mr. Kennedy to see me after evening meal."

Horatio started to turn away, the turned back. "Sir? Why am I requested in London?"

"I'm not party to that information Lieutenant. On arrival you are to report to Admiral Bennett. I'm sure all will be made clear then," the Captain finished gruffly.

"Yes, sir." Horatio responded automatically.

"Rendezvous is in one day, Lieutenant. I suggest you go about your business." Horatio turned to leave but stopped as the Captain put a hand on his arm. He couldn't remember the last time the Captain had touched him.

"Take care, Horatio. I would have you both back in one piece," Captain Pellew said quietly, then released his arm and turned back to watching the ocean, effectively dismissing Horatio.

With a bemused smile he took his leave and went in search of his friend to share the exciting if slightly disturbing news. He found Archie below deck just sitting down with his meal in the otherwise deserted room. The others had not yet arrived. He grabbed his own food then hurried over.

"What's got you so excited?" Archie asked, raising his blue eyes to watch his dark-haired friend as he literally bounced over to sit down beside him.

"Archie, I've just come from Captain Pellew and you'll never guess where we're going."

"Come on Horatio, I can see you're dying to say." Archie laughed and leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms in front of himself, good humor dancing in his eyes.

"We are going to London Archie."

"London?" Archie stammered in reply. "The devil you say. Why would we be going to London?"

"My presence has been requested and you are going to get a chance to present yourself for Lieutenant." Horatio grinned, happy to be the one giving his friend the good news.

"Lieutenant?" Archie said stunned. Horatio watched in dismay as his friend's features hardened and he pushed away from the table. "That's not funny, Horatio." Archie stepped away.

Horatio jumped up and followed him to the hallway.

"Archie...Archie!" Horatio grabbed his arm forcing him to stop. "Why would I be joking? Captain Pellew told me himself."

Archie faced him, studying his expression for a moment. "My God. You're not joking?"

"What are you talking about Archie?" Horatio demanded. "Tell me what's the matter," he demanded, coaxing his friend back to the table.

Archie sat down but kept the chair pushed back, leaning forward, hands clasped between his knees. He would not meet Horatio's eyes. "You don't understand, Horatio. It's different for you. I can't possibly succeed."

Horatio moved closer and placed his hand on Archie's shoulder. "Of course you can, Archie. You are an excellent officer."

Archie's head popped up and he fixed Horatio with an incredulous stare. "How can you say that? How can you sit there knowing what you know and say that?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You were there, Horatio. I had a 'fit' during an attack. You had to knock me out for God's sake! I panicked during the attack on the bridge. I tried to kill myself at the prison." Archie held up his hand when Horatio would have objected. "No Horatio...you may have convinced yourself that it was not what I intended to happen, but it was. I am not officer material." Archie put his head back down, studying his hands, not meeting Horatio's eyes.

The Lieutenant sat silently for a moment, considering his words carefully. "Obviously the Captain disagrees with you self-assessment, Archie. He would never put you forward for promotion if he doubted your ability."

"He simply doesn't know!" Archie cried out, shaking off Horatio's hand and standing to move over to face the wall behind him. He laid his head against the cool surface.

Horatio stepped up behind him, laying his hand back on his friend's shoulder. "He does know, Archie. Since when does anything escape Captain Pellew's attention? He knows and still thinks you worthy...just as I do. You may have known a moment of panic at the bridge, but give yourself a moment's reprieve Archie, it was your first command situation and you shook it off and rallied back to lead the men admirably. Don't forget...you saved my life during that mission." Horatio whispered the words to his friend. The lessons he learned on those shores were still difficult for him to accept. He felt Archie tense and loosened the tight grip he had on his friend's shoulder, forcing himself to relax.

"Your behavior in prison was a credit to your honor--not a failing. You attempted to escape five times before we arrived. Then, instead of holding me back while you recuperated from your time in the pit, you attempted to let yourself die. I know you Archie...you may think you had me fooled but I know you. You tried to let yourself die rather than put the rest of us at risk. Do not take me incorrectly here. Should you ever try such a foolhardy act again I will make you suffer long and hard... but I understand why you did it."

He tugged Archie's shoulder till the young man faced him. "You are a good, brave, honorable man Archie. I cherish your friendship and I think any man serving under you lucky."

Archie looked suddenly shy. "Thank you, Horatio. You are a true friend." He squared his shoulder and turned away. "I'd best go see the Captain before he thinks you have forgotten to give me the message."

"Archie," Horatio called out to the retreating figure. Archie turned back for a moment. "Will you be all right?"

"Yes, Horatio. I am fine. Come, it seems whether I feel I'm ready or not, I have a Lieutenant's exam to prepare for."

Horatio hurried after his friend, trying to quell the worry in his heart.

"What is your full name, young man?" James asked as the manacles fell away. Blair stayed silent, his eyes moving over the deck of the ship.

"Come now, no one will harm you here. I know that you can speak. I would know your full name."

He took a step back to give the man some room. Blair was striking, James decided. His chest was lightly covered in dark hair and though his frame was slight he was built well. James's eyes were drawn to the young man's muscled legs...his strength was clear. He drew his gaze up and met the young man's curious eyes. His eyes were, in James's opinion Blair's most alluring feature; they held intelligence and energy. It was difficult to look away when faced with such eyes.

James stood patiently, allowing Blair to get his wits about him, content to simply watch the strange fellow. After a time he saw the tensed muscles relax slightly and the young man spoke.

"Am I a prisoner here?" James was captured by his soothing melodic voice.

"No, you are our guest. We offer you transportation to London. I apologize for the overzealous behavior of my man. He meant only to free you. Believe me, while you are on my ship, you will come to no harm."

Blue eyes stared silently at him for a few moments, as if trying to determine the truth of the statement. Finally he nodded. "I believe you will try to keep your word. I am called Blair Sandburg. I will accompany you on the journey to London."

It was on the tip of James' tongue to point out Blair's limited choices but he bit back the reply. Instead he gestured for a midshipman to come forward. "Please show our guest where he will be sleeping and find him some proper clothing. After which I would have you bring him to my cabin so we may speak further." The midshipman gestured for Blair to follow.

With a nod to the Captain, Blair gracefully trailed the sailor.

Blair followed the midshipman as he led him down the stairs to the ship's sleeping quarters. He felt completely overwhelmed by his sudden freedom...assuming of course he really was free.

He was afraid that he had simply exchanged one prison for another. Something made him want to trust the Captain of this vessel but his experience told him to be wary. At least this prison had fresh air and companionship. Blair sighed and ducked his head to follow the sailor through a small doorway. His last prison had been dark, dirty and lonely. Blair wondered fleetingly how long he had been there.

"Pardon me, could you tell me the date?" he asked the man leading him. The seaman was young, probably not more than 19 and had the blondest hair Blair had ever seen. Not terribly surprising considering he hadn't seen another white person aside from his mother until he had turned 20.

"I guess today would be the 18th of June," the seaman replied, in a surprisingly deep voice. He noticed Blair's shocked look. "Were you a prisoner for a long time then?"

Blair shook his head, gathering himself together. "No. Only three months it would seem. It felt far longer. I can hardly believe it has only been three months."

"Time has a way of seeming to stretch when the mind is bored," the young man offered sagely.

Blair looked at him curiously. Perhaps he had misjudged the fellow. Just because he was a sailor, it did not mean he wasn't intelligent. "I am Blair," he said, offering his hand. The midshipman took it with a grin.

"Todd. Is it true that you dumped Welles into the ocean?"

Blair couldn't help but grin back. "I am afraid it is. I also fear that the Lieutenant may not easily forgive the wound to his pride."

Todd laughed. "You are right about that, but still, I wish I had been there." He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "The man is an ass. Here we are." He gestured toward a hammock in the center of the room suspended between two beams.

Blair stared at it. "I'm to sleep here?" he said in surprise. 'Surrounded by the enemy on all sides,' he finished to himself. Maybe this prison 'was' worse after all. It seemed that sleep was to be a thing of the past. There was no way he could sleep surrounded by strangers on all sides.

Todd seemed to follow his eyes as Blair glanced at the hammocks around them and astutely surmised the problem. "All the hammocks closer to the wall are snapped up by the long-timers. Unfortunately, those of us new to service make do with the central hammocks."

Blair nodded and said nothing. He would find a way to deal with the arrangement.

"I have some trousers and a shirt you can borrow for the time being." Todd stepped over to his own hammock and rummaged through the chest beneath it."

Blair put a hand on his shoulder. "Do not trouble yourself. I do not intend to wear anything but my current clothing."

"But Blair, you cannot go around dressed as you are..." Todd broke off as two large men entered the sleeping quarters. Both were dressed in dirty clothing, their hair cut short. The largest stepped forward.

"So, who's this now? Pretty skirt, precious."

Blair turned away from Todd and faced the two swarthy men who had come up behind them. Setting his mouth into a hard line, Blair prepared himself for the coming fight. He had learned early on that such men did not listen to reason. They knew only one thing--the power of their fists.

"If he's giving you trouble Mosby, we can help change him for you," the dark-haired man laughed, a low and dirty sound.

"Bugger off Saunders. The Captain instructed me to bring him back directly. He will not be pleased to hear of you messing around."

Blair surmised that the larger of the two men was Saunders. He towered over Todd. The young man would be no match for the brute.

"And who's going to tell him? You?" The men laughed and Todd blushed a deep red.

"Move out of the way little boy and we may decide to leave you alone this time."

Blair felt a hot surge run through him. Anger. He stepped forward, putting himself between Todd and their tormenters. "I suggest you back off now!"

The bearded man towered over Blair and his face grew angry when the smaller man refused to back away, choosing instead to stare back, feet firmly planted.

"We have a ladder of importance here sweetheart and you aren't even on the bottom rung. The sooner you learn that the better."

"I suppose you are going to teach me?" Blair sneered. "Could you not come up with something a bit more unique?"

Blair ducked the first swing, but could not avoid the second. He went with it, falling backwards even as the fist impacted with his eye. His hand closed over the broomstick that he had spotted on the floor when they entered the room. Quickly, he flipped back to his feet, standing as his tribe had taught him and thrust the broomstick fast and hard, catching the large man in the stomach.

The man gasped for air and bent over, clutching his stomach. Blair finished him with a hard crack across the back of his head.

Saunders fell hard and lay still. Blair spun the stick back to a defensive position and waited for the second man to advance. The sailor pulled a long knife from a scabbard at his side and grinned at Blair.

"You'll find I'm not quite so simple as Saunders." True to his word, he did not prove so easy to put down. They fought intently for a few minutes. As Blair was tiring, the man presented him with the opening he needed. He brought the broomstick down sharply on the man's wrist and the knife fell to the floor from his numb fingers. Blair finished the movement by catching the man under the chin. His head snapped back then he fell to the floor, unconscious. Blair took one deep breath before the silence was broken.

"Wow."

Blair spun to the door, skin slick with sweat, eyes blazing, ready to take on the next man. He found Todd standing near the door with two other sailors--grinning. The young man twirled his gun on his finger, then stuffed it back into his belt.

Blair sat one end of the broomstick on the ground and leaned on it, eyes going to the gun in Todd's belt. "I suppose it never occurred to you to point that thing at those two?" he said as he tried to catch his breath.

"Nay. I could see you did not need the assistance. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

Blair shrugged. "My extended family insisted that I learn. I never really appreciated the lessons, until I came to a Frigate that is. I hope I live long enough to thank them." He watched out of the corner of his eye as two men who gave him a wide berth on their way to their hammocks.

"Can you teach me?" Todd asked eagerly.

Blair paused, once again struck full force by how unrecognizable his life had become. How had the peace-loving scholar he once was become this out-of-place warrior? Teach another person to fight? Never would he have believed himself capable of becoming a proponent of violence. He regarded the young man with the haunted eyes and nodded. "Yes, I will teach you."

"Excellent! I suggest we return to the Captain now, before Saunders and Rands wake up...unless you have changed your mind about your manner of dress?"

"I have not," Blair answered, throwing his makeshift staff back on the floor where he had found it.

"Then let us go back to Captain Ellison and try to explain." Todd stopped and looked back at the seemingly harmless broomstick on the floor. "Never did I consider that old broom handle as useful for anything but smacking vermin," he said in wonder.

Blair shuddered. Rats. Sleep was definitely going to be a scarce thing during the voyage.

"You should not trust that man, Captain. He must be watched."

James turned to Lieutenant Welles in anger. "When I want your input, I will ask, Lieutenant. Until then, please keep your counsel to yourself."

With that James strode away, leaving the baffled Lieutenant behind. He knew that the men were confused by his atypical easy acceptance of the stranger. He couldn't explain and didn't think he owed any one an explanation even if he had the words. He felt drawn to the young man as never before. No that wasn't entirely true. The last time he had felt this level of attraction it had been to the sea.

James entered his quarters. The room doubled as his planning area. A small table with two chairs in the room's center held his compass and charts. The only other furniture was a hammock, which hung off to the right. Clear, austere lodgings, reflective of the man it housed.

Now that Blair was out of his presence James felt disturbed by his reaction. Why would he feel drawn so? He knew of men who lay together. He certainly could not have been so long at sea and not become aware of such practices.

While he didn't interfere, so long as force never entered the picture, he had never felt such a longing himself. In fact, several men had approached him in offer, hoping to better their station on board the ship, but James had always pretended ignorance to their subtle advances. So far none had been brave enough to suggest such a thing outright to their Captain.

Was that what this was? Was the extended time he had been at sea and lack of female companionship awakening such desires in him? James continued his disturbing contemplation until a knock sounded at his door.

"Come," James called out, standing and straightening his jacket out of habit. The Captain's eyes widened as the young man entered still dressed in his loincloth, sporting a darkening eye with a nervous midshipman trailing him.

James fixed the midshipman with a stern look. "You were instructed to find this man civilized clothing and show him shelter. You dare bring him back to me still unclothed and showing the effects of a brawl?" The man opened and closed his mouth. Blair stepped in front of the frightened crewmember.

"He is not at fault Captain," Blair began in a soft voice. "It was my choice to remain clothed as I am. This..." he gestured to his eye, "...was gained enforcing my decision."

Then Blair smiled.

James could barely stop the gasp of pleasure that the smile brought to him. Blair's whole face changed when he smiled and James felt he had just gotten a glimpse of the true man. He wasn't simply striking...he was beautiful.

Transfixed, he felt the world begin to fade but was powerless to stop it.

James heard someone calling to him from far away. The voice compelled him. He concentrated; attempting to pull it to himself, then with a gasp opened his eyes. He looked in confusion as deep blue eyes gazed back at him. It took him a moment to understand what was happening.

The strange young man was holding his arm with one hand and had his other arm curled around his back. Blair's nearly nude body was pressed against his thigh in support.

"Captain," a worried voice called from the door. "Are you well?"

James gathered himself together quickly. It would not do to have his men aware of his weakness. He drew himself away from the young man's support and faced his midshipman.

"Of course, midshipman. Why would I not be? I was simply contemplating your punishment for not following my orders." James inwardly winced at his attack on his man.

Blair stepped in front of him, his eyes angry. "Mr. Mosby is not to blame here, Captain. He attempted to convince me to follow your instructions. I refused. He went so far as to aid me when others of your crew would have..." he paused a moment before continuing. "...treated me unkindly." James had the distinct impression that the incident could have been far more serious.

"Is it the policy aboard your ship to persecute those who would attempt to aid their fellow man? He felt it best that we return to seek your guidance in the matter. Would you punish a man for acting honorably even in the face of the scorn of his fellows?"

James regarded the shocked midshipman at the door. It seemed the man wasn't prepared for such an eloquent defense of his character.

"You seem to have found your voice quite admirably, young man...you are right though. Thank you, Mr. Mosby. I will handle it from here. You may return to your duties," James said with a wave of his hand.

The midshipman nodded to the Captain and to Blair and made a hasty retreat. Once he had gone, James gestured for his visitor to sit.

"So young man, tell me how you came to be in a French prison and perhaps while you're at it you would explain your reasoning behind not wanting to don civilized clothing?"

"Civilized," Blair repeated in disbelief. He jumped back up off the chair he had just sat down on. "What you call civilized, I call repression. What in your culture is civilized? Abducting visitors to your country and forcing them into slavery? War? Do the trappings you wear make you a better man? I do not understand the British civility. You speak of honor, fairness and duty, and yet you behave as common thugs. Explain to me Captain, I truly wish to understand. I wish to make some sense of the past year."

Blair returned to his chair as he wound down and looked at James expectantly.

James sat back in his chair and regarded the young man curiously, a bit surprised by the sudden outburst. "Well, Blair, I'm at a loss as to how to respond to such a heated charge. Perhaps you could tell me why it is that you believe England so disreputable?"

Sighing, the young man rubbed his face. "It's a long and sordid tale...one that I simply don't have the energy to get into at the moment. Suffice to say that I was a 'guest' of the British navy before I was imprisoned in that French jail. I was captured as part of the crew of the HMS Reliant about three months ago."

"You were a sailor?" James barked out in surprise. He had never even entertained such a thought.

"A sailor? No. I am a teacher and I am a student of humanity in all its forms. I was conscripted into service in the Navy during a visit to England. I had no papers to prove that I was not of English descent and the burly men who grabbed me chose to disbelieve my story."

James sat stone-faced. He knew such practices existed. The supply of able-bodied men who would volunteer for duty at sea had dwindled. Many of the Captains had resorted to what was little more than kidnapping to secure men to operate their ships. James himself could not stomach such a practice, but also understood the pressures and sacrifices of war. It was a difficult time. Normal practice though did not involve foreigners. He found with surprise that he believed the young man's claim without question.

"I am sorry that you have been so ill treated by my country. You must understand though, we are in times of war. Many things are not as they were, or as we wish they were," James said wistfully.

"War is often used as a way to excuse the most deplorable crimes," Blair argued.

"I understand how you feel young man and personally, I might wish that times were different, but...unfortunately, I cannot change the way things are as much as I might like the opportunity." James looked down at the table lost in his own thoughts.

Blair smiled slightly. "I believe you would, Captain. Tell me, what happened a moment ago?"

"What do you mean?" James hedged.

"When you froze. I do not believe you were just thinking. I have seen your symptoms before."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. I simply was lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"No," Blair said softly. "I think that it is something else. I might be able to help you with your condition. I am familiar with many forms of medicine."

"You presume too much, young man. I do not need nor desire assistance. I have no problem and we will not speak of it further...do I make myself clear?" James said firmly. He could not allow anyone to learn of his problem. If it got around that he was ill, he could bid his commission in the navy farewell.

"But..." Blair began only to be silenced by a wave of the Captain's fingers.

"No. You will cease this line of discussion."

"I am not one of your men who you can order about," Blair said angrily, standing once more.

James stood as well, feeling his own anger growing. "While you are aboard this ship, you will do as I say!" His body began tingling as his anger increased. He felt energized like never before. Everything was clearer, louder. James didn't understand what was happening. He had never been assaulted by all of his ailments at once like this.

"I won't be your obedient sailor! I will not!" Blair slammed his hand down on the table with a crack.

James clutched his head in agony. The sound reverberated through his head like a cannon shot...only ten times louder. He stumbled and felt a strong hands grasp his elbow. Opening his eyes he got a quick glimpse of Blair's worried face before the brightness of the light forced him to close them again.

"Leave me," he ground out, feeling behind himself for the hammock. He was mortified to be seen in such an undignified manner.

"I will not leave you in such a state, Captain. Sit down and tell me what is wrong," Blair said quietly, helping James into his hammock to lie down.

James tried to control the pain, but could not. He lay helplessly till callused hands began stroking his forehead. The cool fingers soothed him and he concentrated on the repetitive motions and the calming words of the young man standing next to his hammock.

"Relax, Captain. Listen to my voice, feel my hands on your brow. Let the pain fade into the background," Blair murmured.

Miraculously, James felt the pain easing. Soon, he opened his eyes and found Blair standing over him, gazing down at him with such a look of compassion the defensive words that rose to his lips died without being uttered. How could he deny to Blair what the young man had seen with his own eyes? How could he continue to deny it to himself? He was a danger to those that he led...to those that depended on him for their very lives.

With a sigh, James closed his eyes again. "You do not have to say anything, young man. You are correct, I am ill. Do not worry, when we reach England I will resign my post. All I ask is that you do not give away my secret till then."

"I have no intention of sharing anything that happens behind the door of your cabin with anyone, Captain. You will have no problems from me. All I ask is that you answer a few simple questions for me. Will you agree to that?"

James opened his eyes and found that Blair had moved a chair close to the hammock and was seated comfortably beside him. It was obvious that the young man intended on having a long stay. Resignedly, James nodded.

"I will answer what I can."

"Tell me about your symptoms?"

James struggled with how to answer. He did not even understand his symptoms himself, how could he possibly verbalize them? "I am not sure I can adequately explain them, but I will try."

"That is truly all I ask," Blair said, staring at him eagerly.

"All I have been able to determine is that I seem to have fallen prey to some sort of illness that affects the mind. I never know when or for how long it will effect me. Sometimes I can see as if through a telescope, sometimes I can hear men below deck whispering about their day, sometimes my clothes burn me, but worst of all, I have been unable to eat for more than a day. The food is like poison to me." James fell silent. How had the tables turned on him so quickly? He had brought Blair into his cabin to determine where the young man had come from and whether he was indeed a threat to his ship and had ended up sharing his secrets. How had that happened in the space of an hour? He knew he should not trust this stranger, he should heed his Lieutenant's warning, but yet...here he was telling the man everything. Regret hit him hard; he may have just made the worst mistake of his life. James sighed and rubbed his face. Too late.

"Have you experienced any prolonged time alone recently?" James could easily hear the excitement in Blair's voice.

"Well, yes actually," his mouth answered before he could censure it. "About 10 months ago I was sent on a solitary mission to deliver dispatches on enemy soil. I had to travel through the bush...I did not see another human being for three months."

"That's it!" Blair exclaimed. "I cannot believe it. I cannot believe that after all this time..." The young man trailed off, lost in his thoughts.

"What?" James asked, swinging his legs over the side of the hammock so that he could sit and face the young man on more equal terms.

"I don't believe that you are ill, Captain. I have heard stories of this sort of thing in the tribe where I lived. It is said that some men possess the gift of enhanced senses," Blair told James excitedly. "Once in a generation such a man is born. He is born to protect and safeguard the tribe from any who would harm them. I believe you may be such a man. You may be a watchman."

"A watchman," James said dryly. "You would have me believe that I am some sort of mystical being? I don't believe it."

"Believe what you will, Captain. You have a choice. You can choose to disregard me or you can choose to allow me to attempt to help you." Blair stared at the Captain intently.

James held the gaze for a time, attempting to decide whether the young man was trying to deceive him. He read only excitement and compassion.

"You think that you can cure me?"

"No, I can not cure you...nor would I even if I had the ability. You do not understand. This is not a disease, it is a blessing."

"A curse is more like it. Two nights ago I was gazing out at the ocean at dusk...I came back to myself as dawn broke. I cannot trust myself to lead my men, even worse I cannot know that I will not do myself injury." James stood stiffly. "I will consider what you have said here tonight. Now, I must rest."

Blair sat for a moment then rose to his feet. He walked to the door of cabin and opened it before turning back. "I can give you back your control, Captain. Think very hard before you dismiss me." With that Blair walked out and left James staring after him, deep in thought.

James finally gave up trying to sleep. His mind was going too fast to settle down. Perhaps a walk on the deck would clear his thoughts. The night sea air often helped to settle his worries. It was the one time when the ship was quiet; free from the constant activity and chatter of the men. James was finding he sought out solitude more and more frequently. Everything seemed louder than it used to, he longed for the ease of solitude. He stepped out into the darkness and surveyed the ship. Catching a movement out of the corner of his eye, he turned in time to catch a glimpse of a lithe body climbing up the riggings.

Blair.

James focused and suddenly it seemed the young man was right in front of him. He stopped himself from putting out a hand to touch Blair. Knowing that this was only another of his incidents and would pass did nothing to quell the fear that boiled up inside him.

It was similar to looking through a telescope. By forcing himself not to look away he was able to get a private up close view of the young man without fear of recrimination. James studied the man's body, noting how his muscles tightened and relaxed as he climbed. His gaze moved lower and James felt a surge of desire race through him as Blair's loincloth rode up. He caught a glimpse of thigh and the curve of a buttock.

Blair arrived at his destination and sat down at the highest point of the ship. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes, chin high, and body seemingly relaxed. James was confused. He didn't understand how the young man could sit unbarred against the high winds that he would face at the top of the sails as the ship cut swiftly through the water. But Blair was the picture of peace. James felt himself relax as Blair took a deep breath. It was almost as if James was right there along-side him.

After a time, Blair's eyes popped open. James was startled after becoming lulled by the young man's rhythmic breathing. Blair looked down and James had an odd feeling that the young man could see him. He stepped back further into the shadows.

He knew that realistically there was no way Blair could see him from that high up. It was too dark. But still...there was also no sane way that 'he' should be able to watch Blair so closely.

Blair stared in his direction for a moment before closing his eyes once more. James remained in his position till the dawn light began to peek over the horizon and Blair stood and stretched, preparing to climb back down. Only then did James move guiltily back inside his cabin.

After that first time, it became a nightly occurrence. James would catch a few hours sleep early on then creep outside to wait for Blair to emerge from below and watch carefully as the young man followed the same pattern night after night.

On the third night, it occurred to James that it was becoming easier to zero in on Blair simply by willing it. He was twice as confused to discover that all his attempts to zero in on anything 'but' Blair were met with failure.

Archie rolled over onto his side in his hammock to watch Horatio sleep. There was just enough light from the lantern in the hall that he didn't have to strain in the dim room. He had tried to maintain the right degree of sympathy for Horatio when their last battle had demolished his small private cabin but inwardly he rejoiced that he would once again be able to be close to his friend when he slept. As much as he despised himself for it, it made him feel safer when Horatio was close to him. He knew the day would come when his friend would receive another promotion and leave the "Indefatigable" but until then he would treasure their friendship and continue to dream that one day it could become more.

"Most people might at least try to sleep on the night before they go off on an unknown ship, Archie," an amused voice whispered.

Archie jumped at the unexpected voice in the darkness. He shuddered. Whispers in the darkness still had the power to shake him to the core.

"Archie?" Horatio whispered again, concern in his voice.

"I--I'm alright, Horatio. You startled me...that's all," Archie whispered back.

"Damn Simpson," Horatio whispered angrily.

"What are you on about, Horatio?" Archie said fearfully. Surely his friend didn't know about his shame. He would die of humiliation if Horatio knew.

"I keep waking up. I guess being in this room again is bringing back bad memories for me," Horatio responded after a moment.

Archie let out a quiet sigh of relief. "I could sing you a lullaby to help you sleep, little boy," he said with a chuckle.

"Shhhh," someone said on the other side of the room.

Horatio and Archie shared a laugh and lowered their voices even more. Archie could see his friend quite clearly now, as his eyes had adjusted to the dim light. Horatio was lying on his side as well, facing him. Archie felt like a child again, in his room whispering secrets with his brother. Only his feelings toward Horatio were anything but brotherly.

"What do you think Captain Ellison is like, Horatio?" Archie asked. He had heard very little about the new Captain of the Valiant.

"I suspect we will find out tomorrow, Archie."

Archie smiled. He was not surprised that Horatio would not indulge himself in gossip, even with his best friend. "Why do you think you have been recalled to London?" he asked, more to just hear his friend's voice than curiosity.

"I don't know. I have been trying to come up with a reason, but I cannot seem to do so. The only thing I can come up with is that perhaps my mother or father have...taken ill." Horatio's voice wavered a bit.

"No, I'm sure that's not it, Horatio. They would never go to such extremes to recall you for a family matter." Archie could not stand the distress in his friend's voice.

"I am sure you are right. I just cannot think of any purpose to my returning to London."

"I think it would be best to put it out of your mind. You will have no way of knowing until you actually arrive and worrying will only cause you needless distress. I know--you can distract yourself by helping me prepare for my Lieutenant's exam," Archie said in an attempt to change the subject. "God knows I will need all the help I can get."

"Of course I will help you study, Archie...though do remember that my own testing did not go well," Horatio said with humor in his voice.

"I am surely lost then," Archie lamented, throwing an arm over his eyes.

"You'll do fine, Archie. I know you can do this," Horatio said, reaching over to clamp Archie's arm in support.

Archie could not help himself. He slid his arm up till he could clasp his friend's hand in his own. He smiled happily when Horatio didn't pull away. He lay there, clasping Horatio's hand as he gently drifted off to sleep.

Sunny sky and calm seas greeted them the next morning. Stepping onto the deck, Horatio shouldered his pack and felt rather than saw Archie take his place beside him. They shaded their eyes and got their first glimpse of the HMS Valiant. She was a beautiful ship.

Captain Pellew looked up as they approached. "It seems everything went well for Captain Ellison. They are right on time," he stated, looking out at the approaching vessel.

"Yes," Horatio said, standing at ease beside his Captain. He would miss the older man who had become a mentor and valued friend. Unfortunately, he could not say the words to let the Captain know how he felt. Instead he saluted him and with a nod and a quick handshake made his way to the boat that would transport them to the other ship.

Archie was tense beside him. His friend did not take well to unknown situations. While Archie would never say so, Horatio knew that he always worried that something would trigger another attack. Horatio was glad that he could be with his friend in the event that he was overcome by his illness.

He bumped Archie with his shoulder. "Well, I guess we are in for another grand adventure my friend."

"Yes, but with any luck a quieter one than our last."

Horatio nodded, it would indeed be nice to have a peaceful journey for once.

They climbed aboard and were greeted by the ship's Captain. Horatio heard Archie's small gasp beside him and a low, wondrous whisper.

"That's Captain Ellison?"

Horatio looked at the other man and didn't get what the big deal was. Sure the Captain was fit; tall and moderately good looking--alright very good looking--but Archie had no business sounding so taken with the man.

"Hornblower, I presume," Captain Ellison greeted.

"I am Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower of the Indefatigable at your service, sir. This is Acting Lieutenant Archie Kennedy. It's a pleasure to sail with you, Captain."

"Thank you Lieutenant. I will of course expect you both to assume regular duties while you are on board the Valiant. Midshipman Mosby will show you to your quarters and then perhaps you will join me in my cabin for a talk?"

"Of course, sir." Horatio nodded to the Captain and then he and Archie trailed after the midshipman. He caught the eye of a long-curly-haired young man standing off to the side and felt an instant of ...something...before they were past him and moving down the steps to the interior of the ship.

"Who was that?" Horatio asked the young man leading them. Archie looked at him curiously.

"Who was what, sir?" Mosby asked.

There was a dark-haired man in some sort of loincloth on board, who is he?"

"Oh, that is a prisoner that we rescued from the French along with our own men. We're taking him back to London. I don't rightly think anyone really knows who he is, except the Captain I'm sure."

Horatio nodded and stayed silent, ignoring Archie's curious look. He would have to seek out the young man later.

Blair took a deep breath and knocked on the door to the Captain's cabin. It had been three days and still the older man hadn't come to him. Blair was happy to have found a reason to open up a dialogue between himself and the reclusive Captain. He took the incomprehensible shout from inside as permission to enter. Opening the door, he found that the Captain was not alone. The two young men that he saw boarding the ship earlier were with him.

"Oh, excuse me," Blair stammered, a bit unnerved as the three men turned to look at him. He was even more confused as he saw something very much like relief pass over James' face. The expression was gone in an instant, replaced by the blank look that the Captain wore most of the time.

"Yes, Blair? What can I do for you?"

"It is not important, I will return later."

"Nonsense," James commanded. "State your purpose."

Blair glanced at the other two men before answering. "I am teaching a few of the men how to fight with a staff..." he ignored the little huff of amusement the remark garnered, "...and I've struck a bargain with any who would learn. For each hour of combat they must give me an hour of study to broaden their minds. I am in shortage of books and I thought that perhaps I could borrow one of yours from time to time." Blair gestured toward the shelf in the corner that held a small collection of titles.

Before James could answer, Blair continued. "I would take extremely good care with them and always return one before taking another."

James looked over at him in amusement. "As I was about to say, you are welcome to borrow from my books. Books are made to be shared, not hidden away. Understand this though, each book in my collection holds important memories for me and I would expect you to treat them as you would your own."

Blair ached with curiosity. His heart leapt at this unexpected side of the other man. He wanted so much to ask James about his collection and what memories each book held. But now was not the time for such questions. They would wait until he could be alone with the Captain.

For now he smiled widely. "Be assured that I have the utmost respect for all written word. They will come to no harm in my care...you have my word. May I borrow the one on Astronomy now? I believe it would do the young men good to learn a bit more about the skies that guide them."

Blair practically bounced in his enthusiasm. James hesitated and seeing the reluctance in the Captain's eyes, Blair backtracked. "The one on Geography would do just as well."

"No," James stated finally. "I believe you will take extreme care. You may borrow my mother's book."

Blair's eyes widened. "No, really, I would not want to take anything that you are uncomfortable lending."

"I insist. You are right. The men would do well to learn more of the stars. It is commendable that you wish to teach them." The Captain walked over and withdrew the text carefully and handed it to the young man. Blair's heart rate increased as their eyes met and their fingers touched briefly. Then James stepped back.

Blair turned to go, but was stopped by a voice behind him.

"One moment Mr.?" the dark-haired man asked.

Blair turned back and looked directly at the man for the first time. He was quite surprised that he had forgotten the others were in the room. The Captain had a way of making everything else fade for him. The speaker was young, probably in his early twenties, with unruly dark hair and handsome features.

"Sandburg," Blair said to the implied question. "But please call me Blair."

The man nodded. "I am Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower and this is my friend, Acting Lieutenant Archie Kennedy."

Blair shook their hands, noting the Captain's flush of embarrassment at his gaffe of not introducing them properly. "What can I do for you Lieutenant?" Blair asked.

"Could I sit in on your lesson? I would enjoy a discussion of Astronomy. It is nice sometimes to get away from the war and discuss more pleasant matters."

"Of course!" Blair said enthusiastically. It would be good to have someone there who really wanted to be there rather than being bribed into it. "You are very welcome...both of you," he said including Archie in his offer. "We convene at 2100 hours, starboard for any who have an interest."

"I would be honored, Blair," Horatio said warmly.

Blair returned the Lieutenant's smile and was puzzled by Archie's annoyed look at the gesture. He stored away that bit of information and tucking the book under his arm, took his leave. Once safely out of the Captain's line of sight, Blair couldn't stop the smile that took over his face. His plan had worked beautifully. He now had a reason to keep going to see the Captain...and he really did need the material to teach the men. Perhaps next time he could engage James in a conversation about one of his books. He knew the Captain would grow to like him if he would only spend a bit of time with him. Clutching the text tightly, he hurried to find some solitude to prepare for his talk.

Horatio and Archie left the Captain's room shortly after Blair. They strolled together on deck, getting a feel for the ship while enjoying the cool evening air. "So, what do you think of our temporary shipmates?" Archie asked at they walked.

"The Captain seemed intelligent, perhaps a bit preoccupied. His men certainly seem loyal to him."

"They do at that," Archie said pensively. "What do you make of the one in the loincloth? Strange fellow."

"I'm not sure Archie. There's something about him." Horatio seemed confused about Blair.

"I gathered that already," Archie said sullenly.

"What?"

"Nothing Horatio. Why don't we head starboard and catch the young man in action?" Archie suppressed his dismay at how taken his friend was with the dark-haired young man. In his own understated way, Horatio had just clearly stated his fascination with the odd young man and Archie felt jealousy burn in his stomach.

As they drew closer they heard the cheers of the men. Archie was surprised to see Blair in the center of the ring of sailors, facing off against the blond-haired man who had showed them around...Mosby. Yes, Mosby was his name.

"Get him, Mosby!" a voice shouted in the crowd, making the others laugh. The men circled each other, staffs held tightly in their hands.

They watched with interest as Mosby attacked and Blair easily defended his blow, sweeping the man's feet out from under him. Blair ended the quick move by putting the stick under Mosby's chin and holding him to the ground. After a moment he pulled away and held out his hand to the sailor.

Good-naturedly, Mosby accepted the hand and climbed to his feet, listening intently as Blair took him through some basic movements.

Horatio watched each movement carefully and Archie watched Horatio--growing less and less happy with the way his friend seemed to be studying the young half-clothed man.

Finally, unable to hold his silence any longer, Archie asked," "What is it about him that you find so fascinating?"

Horatio turned to face him contemplatively. "I'm not sure. I've never met anyone like him before." He turned back to the action.

"Yes...well, I'm going to continue my walk. Are you coming?"

Horatio didn't answer. He seemed too engrossed in the smooth movements of the fighting men to pay any attention.

Archie sighed and stepped away from his friend. He had only taken a few steps when he spotted a tall man in the shadows, standing to the side watching the training. He stepped closer and was surprised to recognize the Captain leaning against a bulkhead, back far enough from the action so that he wouldn't be spotted easily by his men. Archie walked over to him.

The Captain spoke to him as he approached. "The young Lieutenant seems quite taken with Blair." James' voice was indecipherable.

"So it would seem," Archie sighed, leaning against the bulkhead beside the Captain.

"Are you and he...close?" James asked.

Archie smiled. "Not like you are imagining, Captain." For some reason he felt very at ease with the older man. He could not imagine leaning beside Captain Pellew and talking in hushed tones as he was now doing with Captain Ellison. The Captain actually blushed and Archie smiled wider. "We are good friends. Horatio could never see more that that I'm afraid."

Turning toward him, the Captain put his hands behind his back and gestured back the way Archie had come earlier with a toss of his head. "Would you care to walk?"

"Yes," Archie nodded, falling into step beside the other man, oblivious to the two sets of eyes that watched their departure in surprise and not just a little dismay.

"So, why are you and the Lieutenant heading to London?" James asked as they strolled.

"Horatio had been summoned to appear to Admiral Moore. I will be attempting my Lieutenant's examination."

"Good for you."

"We shall see. I have my doubts."

"Then you are already defeated," James said quietly.

Archie stopped and leaned his back against the railing. James came to a stop beside him, leaning over the rail, staring out into the increasingly foggy ocean.

"I know you are right but still..." Archie trailed off, surprised at himself for sharing confidences with the Captain. He normally found himself tongue-tied around men of authority, yet with Ellison he felt comfortable, at ease.

"I will tell you a secret," James said with a smile. "It is all attitude...go in confident. Do not concern yourself with passing their tests. Make yourself believe that you can handle three old sea Captains and you will prevail. They are like sharks, Mr. Kennedy; they zero in on fear and weakness. Confidence in yourself is important, making them believe they can not shake you is the key to success."

"In that case, I may as well admit defeat now," Archie whispered, looking down at his hands.

"Nonsense, young man," James barked, not noticing how Archie jumped at his sudden exclamation. "I can teach you how to handle those men. In the end you must remember that they are simply men like you, nothing more."

"Is that how you passed?" Archie asked curiously.

"Yes...well, confidence and imagining the panel in their skivvies. I've been blessed with a great imagination and three old sea Captains with their knobby knees showing took care of their aura of intimidation aptly." James grinned as Archie laughed.

"Do you mean it?" Archie asked after a time. "About the lessons I mean?"

"Of course. I will be happy to coach you."

Archie grinned, with Horatio's help with studying and the Captain's tutelage in how to present the proper image; he was beginning to believe that perhaps he had a chance after all.

They stood in silence, Archie facing inward, surveying the ship, James facing outward, surveying the sea.

James stiffened as he saw a brief flash in the water. He concentrated on the spot and felt the dizzying sensation that he had come to associate with his attacks. Suddenly the darkness seemed to lighten, and the fog that surrounded them became transparent. A ship. He saw an enemy ship, shockingly close to them. Jerking back in alarm the view faded and he was once again staring out into the light fog and the darkness.

But he knew the ship was there, silently, under the cover of the fog, moving closer.

"Damn," he swore.

Archie was staring at him in confusion. "What is it?"

"Get Blair," James whispered abruptly.

"What is wrong?" Archie asked, staring into the darkness but unable to make out anything in the darkness and fog.

"Please just fetch the young man for me," James asked. He grabbed Archie's arm as the Acting Lieutenant turned to go. "Quietly," he whispered before releasing him and turning back to the sea.

Archie quickly walked toward the last place he had seen the young man. James concentrated on the area where he had seen the ship, but try as he might he could not force his eyes to reveal it again.

He grabbed a passing sailor. "We have company. Call the men to the cannons, but do so very quietly. I do not want the enemy aware that we are on to them."

After a quick look into the seemingly quiet ocean, the man set off to do the Captain's bidding.

James felt, rather than saw, Blair step up next to him. He turned his eyes away from the sea for a moment so that he could fully explain the seriousness of their situation "You say that my ability is not a sickness. You say that you can help me use it. I need to know if your words were true and not some fantasy."

Blair held his gaze, refusing to back down. "It was the truth," he answered simply.

"There is a ship out there stalking us." James gestured subtly in the direction he had witnessed the vessel. "I saw it briefly but my sight...faded...before I could stop it and I have not been able to see again. Can you help me?"

"I will try," Blair asserted.

James looked over Blair's shoulder. "Hornblower."

"Yes sir." The young man snapped to attention, Archie standing beside him.

"Have the men be ready to fire to the west on my command."

"Yes sir," Horatio answered. He and Archie strode away leaving the Captain and Blair alone.

Blair stood close to James and placed a hand on the Captain's back. There was covert movement all around them, but James was surprised how calm he felt. The confusion and activity did not touch him.

"Your ability is natural, Captain. Controlling it will also become natural to you. I need you to take deep breaths. With every inhale concentrate on your sight. With every exhale I want you to imagine your vision expanding. Reach out with your eyes...concentrate only on vision, let your other senses fall to the background."

Blair continued speaking in a calm even voice. James was too relaxed to be surprised when it began to work. Soon he was once again able to see the ship. He kept the rhythmic breathing going until the men were clear to him. Suddenly, he felt himself fading and pulled away from the image abruptly. Blair's hand rubbed soothingly on his back as he recovered his equilibrium.

James turned to the younger man. "It worked but I started...losing myself," he explained at Blair's concerned look.

"Try again, but this time do not focus completely on your vision. Attempt to keep a small part of your mind on another sense." Blair patted James on the back. "This, my hand on your back. Try again," he encouraged.

James nodded and focused once again on the fog-filled night. This time it worked better. James could clearly see the men on the deck of the other ship. He searched and found the ship's Captain. Watching as the man gave orders, James was amazed at how loudly the man's actions spoke to him. He could easily follow the other Captain's movements as the man prepared for a sneak attack. Each time James felt himself begin to fade, instead of turning away, he concentrated on feeling Blair's hand on his back. It helped him to focus--helped him to keep the darkness at bay. Finally the other ship pulled closer. He saw the Captain raise his arm to give the order that he had been watching for.

James spun to his men. "FIRE!" he cried and their cannons sounded before the other ship was able to get off a shot.

He heard the startled cries of the men on the other ship--cries of fear and pain. James pulled his own gun and moved backwards, away from the railing, pulling Blair with him. Gunfire and cannon fire sounded all around them.

"I must get to my position so that I can lead my men...come with me," James shouted above the turmoil. They stumbled as the impact of a nearby cannon rocked them. Blair grasped his arms.

"No! I will help attend the wounded," he shouted then spun away to assist a young sailor who was clutching his chest, before James could stop him.

The Captain did not have the time to convince the younger man to go with him to safer ground. He ran, narrowly avoiding a blast to his right. The compulsion to stay with the young man was overwhelming, but his duty was clear. Blair could take care of himself.

The battle was mercifully short. First strike had given them the edge that they needed. Their enemy's ship was badly damaged before they even had a chance to fire their guns. James watched from his position on the upper deck as the French frigate sank out of sight into the ocean.

He quietly instructed his Lieutenant to pick up any survivors. The men would be held as prisoners until they were able to reach London. A cheer went up on the Valiant as the men realised that they had won the battle. James found the cheer when mingled with the cries of pain from his own men disconcerting.

He closed his eyes, seeking a momentary respite from the inevitable remains of the battle--men broken, bleeding...dead. His eyes sprang open once again as he realised he had not seen Blair since the battle began. Telling himself it was only due to the fact that the young man held an instrumental part in their victory, he searched the deck below for a glimpse of Blair. He did not see him.

James turned as Lieutenant Hornblower stepped up next to him. The young man's uniform was ripped and smoky but what drew James's eyes was the Lieutenant's pale complexion.

"Captain Ellison?"

"Yes, Mr. Hornblower," James replied, turning his eyes back to searching for the young savage.

"I am unable to locate Acting Lieutenant Kennedy. Do you know his whereabouts?"

James turned back toward Horatio, giving him his complete attention. Horatio was shaking slightly, his hands clasped tightly behind him, obviously attempting to appear professional.

"Last I saw of young Archie, he was in your company."

"We became separated in the battle, Captain. I had hoped you had seen him."

"I am sorry Lieutenant, but I have not." James turned to his second in command. "Take over here Mr. Taggart. I must see to the men." The seaman nodded and James turned back to Horatio. "Come Hornblower, we will locate your friend." 'And Blair,' James added silently.

They moved across the deck without speaking, James pausing to offer comfort to the wounded that were being attended to by their shipmates. The attack had been mild by their standards, but deadly none the less. James caught a glimpse of dark curls and moved quickly in that direction. The Captain's tension eased as he caught sight of the young man. Blair looked up as they approached. James gaped at the blood that covered the young man's body.

"Blair, are you injured?" he asked stepping close.

Blair turned back to the wounded man whose shoulder he was currently bandaging. "I am not injured Captain. The blood you see is from the senseless injury of many young men in the name of Britain."

Horatio stepped forward, halting the words that James would have used to defend his country. "Have you seen my companion, Acting Lieutenant Kennedy?" he asked urgently.

Blair fixed him with a sympathetic look and James saw the fear blossom in Horatio's eyes.

"Where is he?" he ground out.

"He was attempting to go to the aid of a sailor when cannon fire hit." Blair gestured toward a large hole ripped in the deck. The man he was aiding fell through and Archie with him, while trying to pull him to safety."

"You did not help him!" Horatio raised his voice; his well kept composure cracking finally.

Blair stood and faced the angry Lieutenant. "It happened in an instant and I could not go after him. You would have me let one die to go after another who may not be as gravely injured?" Blair yelled back.

James stepped between the men. "Mr. Hornblower, I suggest that you and I go after Archie. Blair, there are others who need your help."

Horatio stepped back immediately, searching for a way down the gaping hole. Blair sighed and rubbed his hand over his face before going over to the Lieutenant and putting a hand on his back. Horatio stiffened and glared down at him.

"I am sorry, I know you fear for your friend. I would gladly have helped if it were possible. I hope you find him well."

Horatio paused for a moment then let out a shuddering breath. "I did not mean to accuse you I just..." he shook his head, unable to explain.

"I understand, it is alright. Go find your friend."

James gave Blair a look of approval, then turned to Horatio. "Come, we will go below deck and make our way to him." James knew that the odds were that Archie could very well have been killed by the fall or the cannon fire, but refused to believe that the kind young man that he had so recently made acquaintance with was no longer living.

James set off for the ladder that would lead them below, noticing that Blair followed behind Lieutenant Hornblower.

When they descended into the darkened interior of the ship they all paused in dismay. The cannon blast had impacted right over their food hold, James noted with a foreboding feeling. As they approached the doorway to the hold, he was amazed at the devastation. The roof had partially collapsed; leaving their way blocked by beams and boards...it was not passable. They approached the rubble carefully, coughing at the gun smoke still in the air.

Horatio grasped one board and tried to move it aside. Dirt fell around him as the unsteady beams above them shifted and moaned. James reached out and stilled Horatio's hands.

"No. We can do nothing until we get men down here to shore up the structure." James said regretfully. Horatio looked up at him, not even bothering to try to hide the pain in his eyes.

"But Captain, Archie may be injured...may be dying...every second we are delayed could make the difference. Please let me continue," he pleaded.

"I cannot, Lieutenant. You could bring the entire structure down on our heads...on Archie's head. That would serve no one," he said gently.

"Captain?"

James looked away from the anguished man as Blair called to him. The young man was staring pensively at the wall. James went over to stand by the young man as Horatio moved away, trying to find a way into the room but not touching the rubble.

"What is it, Blair?"

"The cannon hit close to the side of the ship," he began continuing to study the wall.

James nodded; thinking that he knew what Blair was getting at.

"So, it is conceivable that the force of the blast may have taken out a portion of the wall in that room," the young man gestured to the impassable doorway.

Horatio rushed over at the words. "Yes, of course! We can get in that way," he said running for the ladder that led back up to the deck.

By the time James and Blair made it topside the frantic young man had already secured a rope and was in the process of tying one end to the mast. Without delay he dropped the other over the edge of the ship.

James stepped over and grabbed the Lieutenant's arm when he would have thrown his leg over the railing. Horatio looked at him in surprise.

"What?" he practically shouted, forgetting for a moment to whom he was speaking.

James kept a tight grip on the young man's arm. "I will go, Lieutenant. You will pause and calm yourself before following me, are we clear?" James asked in a steely voice, leaving no room for argument. If he let Horatio go over the edge recklessly in the state that he was in, the young man could very well do himself harm. Horatio opened his mouth to argue but James held up his hand.

"We are wasting time. Stand aside Lieutenant Hornblower." Reluctantly, Horatio stepped down and allowed the Captain to take his place. A small crowd of men had begun to gather around them, obviously curious as to what was happening.

James started down the knotted rope. As he got over the lip edge he breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the damage to the hull of the ship was well above water level. It would cause them difficulty were they to run into rocky water, but for now they were in no immediate danger. The hole from the blast did look large enough to pass through and at first glance it seemed reasonably clear.

He looked up to find Blair and Horatio both leaning over the railing, watching his progress.

"You were right, Blair. I think I can get into the hold." James swung the rope gently until he could grab the edge of the fissure. He pulled himself through the hole and into the darkened interior.

James stood still just inside the opening, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. When he was able to see clearly, he scanned the room. The interior was black with soot and debris. The food housed there was unusable. James sighed as he realised the ramifications. They were in for some difficult times. A soft voice grabbed his attention.

"Is someone there?"

James hurried over to the corner of the room. He found Archie trapped beneath a large fallen beam. "Mr. Kennedy, are you injured?"

"Captain, is that you? I cannot see anything in this bloody darkness."

James was perplexed for a moment. He could see quite clearly. It was dim but there was no problem making things out. He worried that perhaps the young officer had struck his head, affecting his vision. He knelt beside Archie, his eyes searching him for injury.

"Yes, it is me, Archie. Lay still." The young man seemed intact, James noted with relief.

"I don't think I'm hurt badly, Captain, but Collins..." Archie looked off to his right and James followed his gaze to find a man that he recognized as one of his crew. The sailor was pinned from the chest down under the same beam that seemed to have caught only Archie's legs.

James stepped across Archie to examine the other man.

"He stopped talking about twenty minutes ago," Archie said quietly.

James looked down at the man's still face. Blood had trickled form the sailor's mouth and down his neck. A quick check confirmed the Captain's suspicions. The man was beyond help. Archie was struggling to free himself and still talking.

"We have been talking. Did you know he has a wife and child in a farming community back home? He took this job because the farm had fallen on hard times and he needed to provide for his family. He does not even like the sea." Archie's voice cracked.

James closed the dead man's eyes and with a silent prayer, turned back to the living. The Captain put a hand on Archie's forehead, trying to still the young man's struggles.

"It is too late for Collins, Archie. I am sorry."

Archie's eyes were bright with unshed tears. "He asked me to tell his wife and son that he loved them," he said in a broken whisper. James nodded; knowing there was nothing he could say to ease the young man's mind. Spending a couple of hours talking to a man who was probably quite aware that he was dying would have been difficult for the most seasoned officer. James hoped that when his time came it was quick. He could think of nothing worse than enduring a drawn out demise.

"Captain!" A shout came from the fissure. James stood and saw that Horatio and Blair were standing just inside the room, staring around blankly. 'They can't see,' James thought in amazement. He watched as Blair lit the lantern that they had brought with them. James shielded his eyes from the bright painful flair of light. When he removed his arm, everything seemed normal once again. The two men spotted him.

"Captain!" Blair shouted again.

"He is here," James said kneeling back down beside the distraught man," "but Collins did not make it."

He looked up again as Horatio came to an abrupt halt on Archie's other side, dropping to his knees beside his friend. He grabbed Archie's hand and James could see the veins in his hand standing out, betraying the strength of his grip.

James stood and moved to stand beside Blair, trying to give the two men a semblance of privacy. Even so, he could not draw his eyes away from the pair.

"Archie," Horatio whispered. "Are you in pain?" he asked as the young man turned a tear streaked face toward him.

"No, Horatio...not a lot any way...get me out of here. Please?"

Horatio nodded and stood, examining the plank that held his friend. James, who had been considering the options, stepped forward again.

"I think Blair and I could lift this far enough for you to pull Archie out from under."

Horatio nodded in agreement and Blair sat the lantern on the floor, taking up a position on the opposite side of beam from James. Horatio knelt behind Archie, gripping him under the arms.

"Ready?" James asked taking his position. "Now!"

The beam shifted and Archie cried out in pain as it settled differently on his leg. They stopped and Archie grimaced. "Try again, I am alright."

James turned back to Blair, meeting his eyes across the beam. "Again. Now!" They lifted, eyes locked together. James felt as if he were drawing strength from the young man. The beam shifted and rose. Horatio pulled Archie clear.

"We are clear!" he shouted and they let the beam go. There was a large crack and James looked up just as a large section of the roof broke away, falling toward him.

"NO!" he heard Blair shout and arms grabbed him around the waist, throwing him backwards.

Blair wasn't sure what made him look up the moment before the beam above them broke away and fell toward the Captain. It had obviously been jostled by the way they had shifted the rubble. Afterward, he would only be thankful that he had looked up in time to save James.

He saw the crack widen and acted without thinking--throwing himself bodily towards the Captain. He caught James around the waist and his momentum carried them both out of harm's way. Or almost. Blair felt a sharp pain in his leg as they fell. They landed hard, Blair on top of the bigger man. He stayed there as the unstable wreckage around them once again settled. He could feel James struggling to regain his breath as Blair tried to deal with the pain in his leg. He opened his eyes and found the dust settled. Horatio was crouched over Archie, shielding him with his own body. James shifted beneath him and Blair couldn't stop the cry of pain that burst from his lips.

He rolled off the Captain and clutched his injured leg with his hands. James sat up quickly and looked around in confusion for a second, then he focused on Blair and saw the blood. He was on his knees beside the younger man in a heartbeat, pressing his hand against the wound, attempting to slow the flow of blood.

"Blair," James said through gritted teeth. "You need to focus...to stay awake."

Blair nodded. His head felt light...everything seemed far away. The Captain's face swam in front of him. Then in spite of his best efforts to do as James had asked, the world went dark.

"Damn," James swore. He began unraveling his ascot from around his neck. He glanced over where Horatio knelt by young Kennedy. "How is he?" he asked, working quickly to wrap the cloth tightly around Blair's injured leg. The cut was long and deep. James knew that he needed to get the bleeding stopped immediately if the young man were to survive.

"I think he is going to be fine, Captain," Horatio responded. James nodded but didn't look up from his work.

"I am fine, Horatio. It is simply bruises and scratches. My legs seem to work. Go help the Captain."

James knew that Archie had only whispered the words but he heard them as if they had been shouted.

"Archie..." Horatio began uncertainly.

"Truly, I am fine, Horatio, I swear it," the Acting Lieutenant interrupted.

Archie must have convinced Horatio because in a moment the young man was kneeling on the other side of Blair.

"What can I do?" he asked, staring down at Blair's ashen face.

"Your ascot," James said. Horatio quickly unraveled it and handed it to the Captain, who quickly added it to his own.

"I think the blood has slowed. We must get him to the doctor."

Horatio nodded and jumped up immediately, running to the only entry point of the room, to call to the men above for assistance. Soon they had Blair tied on and were ready to hoist him to deck level.

James climbed up the rope first and helped to pull Blair to safety. When Blair was laid gently onto the deck he turned to Lieutenant Welles. "Where is the doctor, man?"

"I'm sorry, Captain, the doctor did not make it."

James paused for a moment. The doctor, though not in truth a real doctor, was a good man with a true gift for healing. He would be missed. James pushed the thoughts aside, once again telling himself to attend to the living. He stood and gestured to two of his men.

"Take him to my cabin. He saved my life and I will attend him."

Welles looked at him in surprise. James fixed him with a hard stare. "Do you have a problem Mr. Welles?"

"No...no Captain," he stammered. "No problem."

"Good. See to Mr. Hornblower and Mr. Kennedy. Then come to my cabin with a report on our losses, damages and the enemy survivors." James turned and headed off after the men who had disappeared carrying Blair.

He knew that in taking the young man to his cabin to care for him, he was going to cause dissention in his crew. Even so, there was no way he was going to let a man who saved his life and who seemed to hold the key to his fits die if he could do anything to change that fate. Protocol be damned. His men would have to get used to it. Without great care the young man could easily die. James had seen it so often before. A seemingly non-life-threatening wound could easily become infected and kill without the proper attention.

He entered the room and found that the men had cleared his table and placed Blair in its center. He nodded his approval and dismissed the crewmembers. One young man remained behind.

"Can I assist you Captain? Blair is...a friend," he said nervously.

James regarded the young man before nodding. "Todd Mosby isn't it?" he asked, recognizing the sailor from the staff lesson with Blair earlier.

"Yes, sir," Todd answered, obviously pleased that the Captain remembered him.

"Alright, Mr. Mosby. We will need to stitch this cut. I need you to find the doctor's case. It should have everything we need. Take the needle within and hold it over a flame to cleanse it, then bring it and the case here to me. As quickly as you can."

The young man ran out and James had just begun to unwind the bindings on Blair's leg when he started to come around.

"Captain?" he said groggily.

"I am here, Chief. You must stay still." The endearment came from his lips before he could stop it. It seemed right somehow. James walked to the head of the table so that he could see the young man's face. The fear he saw in the blue eyes moved him greatly. "It will be all right."

"My leg hurts," Blair said with a grimace.

"Yes...it is a long deep cut." James reached behind himself and pulled a bottle of whisky off the shelf behind him. "Here, drink some of this, it will help with the pain." He held the bottle to Blair's lips and helped the young man take a few swallows. Blair lay back, coughing.

"With your permission, I would like to stitch the wound," James said, stepping back from the table to pour fresh water into a basin. He returned to Blair's side with a cloth and began to stroke it across his face. He carefully cleaned away the dust, dirt and blood.

Blair's eyes cleared, but he still spoke weakly. "You have done this before?"

"Many times," James lied. "You have nothing to fear."

Blair seemed comforted by that, but as James moved to return to his leg, the young man grasped his arm. "Promise me that you will not take my leg...promise me. I have seen it done. I will not live like that. If it comes to a choice I choose death. Promise me?"

James shook his head. "I will do what I must Blair and you will not die. Do I make myself clear?"

Blair turned his face away and James sighed and gripped his chin, turning his face back. "It will not come to that, Blair. You will remain here until you are healed. We will take every precaution and when you leave my cabin you will be whole and healthy."

Blair relaxed and nodded, reaching his hand up to grasp the Captain's where it gripped his chin. He pulled the bigger man's hand up and pressed it against his cheek. James felt a wave of tenderness rush through him, an unfamiliar feeling. He allowed the intimacy until Todd burst back into the cabin.

He pulled his hand away quickly but couldn't avoid the curious look from the young sailor as he briefly saw the tender moment. Todd wisely said nothing and handed the supplies over to James. The needle was still hot to the touch.

Horatio sat down heavily beside his friend. "What happened, Archie?"

"Not much to tell really. I saw Collins get shot and I ran over to help him. Next thing I know that floor was disappearing out from under us. I grabbed the ropes above me and tried to support both our weights but I was not strong enough and we both fell..." Archie stopped talking and gasped, his face twisting in pain.

"What is it, Archie?" Horatio asked getting to his knees beside him.

"It's my bloody legs. I could not move them for a long time...I guess now they are waking up." He gritted his teeth against the pain.

Horatio moved down and began rubbing his friend's legs, trying to speed up the flow of blood. Soon Archie calmed and Horatio gave his leg one last pat before standing. "I'm not sure about you, but I would like to get clear of this place. Can you walk?"

"I think so. Give me a hand up."

Horatio pulled his friend to his feet. When Archie wobbled unsteadily, Horatio stepped closer and caught him around the waist, drawing Archie's arm over his shoulder. Archie gratefully accepted the support, leaning heavily on the Lieutenant. His eyes were drawn once more to Collin's body, where it lay still trapped by the beam.

"You would not have let him fall, Horatio," he said quietly. The lost look in Archie's eyes disturbed Horatio.

"I could do no more than you, Archie. It was simply his time to go. I am only glad that it was not yours as well."

"I always go on, Horatio. I'm just so tired."

Horatio pulled his friend toward the opening, choosing to misunderstand the sentiment. "You will be able to rest soon, Archie. But first we must get out of this hold." Archie turned away from the dead man and with Horatio's aid, made his way to the surface of the ship.

Blair's world had narrowed to only pain. Incredible mind-altering pain. He felt each movement of the needle as it was drawn through his flesh. He bit down harder on the leather between his teeth and strained not to scream. His face was flushed red, tendons standing out on his neck as he struggled to stay conscious.

"Just once more, Blair. We are almost done. One more time and it is over," he heard James say in a disembodied voice. Then more pain. Finally it eased and he sagged in relief. The throbbing ache of his newly stitched leg seemed almost comfortable after the fire of before. Then James was there, cooling his brow with a wet cloth and removing the leather that he had forgotten was between his teeth.

"You did well, Chief. Sleep now."

Exhaustion, whiskey and the wonderfully soothing touch of the Captain's hand won out and he faded into a deep sleep.

Horatio woke with a start, staring at the ceiling in the darkness, struggling to throw off the remains of sleep. He wasn't sure what had awakened him.

"What's wrong with him now?" a harsh voice said from across the room.

Horatio rolled onto his side and his heart clenched as he found his friend wracked by tremors once again. He swore silently and bounded out of his hammock to Archie's side. It had been so long since his friend's last attack. He had hoped that now that Simpson was dead...Horatio let the thought go as he knelt by Archie's side and gripped the young man's arms tightly, trying to make sure he didn't hurt himself.

"Shhh, Archie...I've got you," Horatio murmured, amazed at the strength of the vibrations passing through his friend.

"Keep him quiet for god's sake," a voice hissed in the darkness.

Horatio turned and glared at the man in the next hammock. No matter what ship they were on it seemed the men were all the same. No thoughts to helping a fellow sailor, only ridicule and fear. Half the men on the "Indefatigable" thought that they might somehow catch Archie's affliction. They stayed far away whenever the young man's convulsions began. No thought to helping--only fear. Horatio sighed and held Archie down, hoping that the convulsion would pass quickly. Each attack always left his friend weak. Worse of all they left him frightened and ashamed.

The tremors eased and finally stopped, leaving Archie panting for breath. They stayed silent for quite some time; Horatio eased his grip but did not release his friend. Finally, Archie's body began to shudder again, but Horatio knew that this time it was not the sickness.

"Archie," he said with a catch in his voice. Archie turned his face away as the tears that Horatio knew he was desperately attempting not to shed began. It was always like this. After the attack his friend wasn't capable of hiding his emotion.

"Archie," Horatio breathed again, climbing onto the hammock and pulling his friend up and into his arms. "It is alright, I'm here."

Archie tried to push him away but Horatio knew that he would never leave his friend like this. No matter how many times they played out this same scenario he would be there. He held Archie tighter until he felt the young man relax and lean against him, his arms circling around his back to hold him tightly.

Eventually, Archie quieted. They held each other silently, neither in a hurry to break the embrace. Archie kept his face pressed against Horatio's chest and when he spoke Horatio had to strain to hear him.

"I had hoped...it has been so long since my last attack...not since the prison...why now? I don't understand what I have done to deserve this curse Horatio."

"You've done nothing, Archie. It is an illness. There must be a way to treat it. Maybe when we get to London..."

"No," Archie broke in, pulling away from Horatio's embrace. "No, Horatio. You mustn't speak of it to anyone. I would lose my commission. I would be grounded. Promise me!" he said desperately.

"Alright. I will say nothing. I swear it. Calm down," Horatio said, rubbing his friend's arm. He was afraid that Archie's agitated state might bring on another attack.

Archie took a deep breath. "Thank you, Horatio. You have to understand, I cannot risk losing..." Archie paused before continuing, "...the sea."

Horatio regarded him curiously for a moment, wondering what his friend had been about to say. Archie flopped back down onto his back in the hammock, staring at the ceiling.

"Do you still think that I am fit to be a Lieutenant, Horatio?" he asked sadly.

"Yes," Horatio answered, moving back to his own hammock. "I have seen men led to their deaths by foolish, cocky officers. I have seen corruption and misuse of power. When compared against this, your affliction is nothing." Horatio closed his eyes. He felt Archie's hand on his arm.

"What would I do without you, Horatio?" the soft voice asked. Horatio didn't answer, he just patted his friend's hand and lay silently, his mind attempting to determine a means of aiding his companion.

Blair slept fitfully throughout the night. When he woke the next morning, he felt almost as exhausted as the he had the night before. He considered trying to go back to sleep but gave it up. There was no way he could get back to sleep, with the deep pain radiating from his leg. He lay with his eyes closed for a moment, remembering his ordeal the night before and the kindness of the Captain. Opening his eyes finally, he jumped to find the Captain's smiling face before him.

"Finally he awakes," James said with a warm smile.

Blair said nothing. He was transfixed by the man's smile. He noted with surprise that it was the first time he had seen the older man smile. It transformed the man's face. Gone was the harsh facade that James hid behind.

"Blair? Are you feeling ill?" The smile faltered, pulling Blair from his contemplation.

"No, Captain." Blair was shocked at how shaky his voice was. He cleared his throat and tried again, becoming only slightly stronger. "My leg hurts but I am not feeling ill. Thank you for taking care of my leg." Blair looked around in surprise. "I am in your cabin?" He had been in too much pain the night before to take much note of his surroundings. He looked down. "I am in your hammock?"

"You were not well, this seemed the most logical place," James answered as he started to unbind the young man's injured leg.

"I will go back to the crew's quarters as soon as you finish changing my bandages."

"You will do nothing of the sort."

"But your men..." Blair knew that the other sailors would not take kindly to the Captain putting up a crewmember. It could cause James problems.

"As far as my men are concerned, you are a visitor to this ship, one who was under no obligation to save my life or to aid the many others that you helped during yesterday's battle. I am simply repaying a debt that both myself and the crew owe to you."

Blair stared at the Captain. "But I told you that I was crew on the Reliant. Unwilling yes, but crew nonetheless. As soon as I stepped aboard this vessel I became under your command, obligated to save your life at the expense of my own if necessary. Obligated to fight the battle."

James stopped what he was doing and shifted his seat so that he could speak to the younger man face to face. "Blair, listen to me. You have cut your leg badly. You need a place to heal. The crew's quarters are damp and dirty and you would have no one to care for you. I promised you that you would walk out of here in one piece and by God you will. Now you can stay here and rest, safe and dry, and help me with my illness or you can go back to the crew's quarters and take you chances with infection. The choice is yours."

Blair swallowed heavily. "Well, it seems the choice is obvious."

"Yes," James agreed, clasping his hands between his legs and staring at them a moment before facing Blair once more. "I am deeply saddened by what I have seen happen within my navy. Young men and boys not more than children kidnapped off the streets of London and forced into service for the British Navy. There are those of us who believe that there is no excuse for such atrocities. There are those of us who believe that such men and children are not bound by honor or duty." The Captain paused and met Blair eyes. "No one knows that you were a member of the British Navy and therefore are technically under my command. I doubt that records of your 'drafting' even exist. Were there other survivors from your ship?"

"Not that I am aware of," Blair said quietly, the destruction of the ship playing in his mind. His only salvation had been in his punishment for his crime of noncompliance. At the time of the attack he had been serving out the Captain's idea of solitary confinement. He was in a rowboat being towed behind the ship. He still shuddered as he remembered the punishment, he had been adrift for two days with no food or water when the attack came. He had only been able to cut the rope attaching himself to the ship barely in time to avoid being pulled under by the sinking vessel when the French had finally holed the ship. Half-alive the French had not considered him much of a threat and the next thing he knew he awoke in the prison.

"Then we will keep your involvement with the navy between us and when we reach England, I'll see that you are free to go."

Blair looked at James in amazement, unshed tears gleaming in his eyes. "Why are you doing this for me?" the young man asked, still half-waiting for the catch.

James shook his head. "Honestly? I don't know. By duty, I should have put you to work the moment you told me of your past involvement with the Navy...but I could not. In truth, I cannot tell you a reason."

The confusion in the Captain's face was obvious. James cleared his throat and continued. "We shall make a deal, you and I. I will attempt to give you back your freedom if you can help give me back my health."

Blair sighed in exasperation. "I have told you Captain. Your condition is not a disease to be cured, it is..."

"Yes, yes, I know, Blair, it is natural. Help me to control it then?"

"It is a deal, but I do not require any payment for helping you. I would do that gladly."

James moved back down to complete his work on Blair's leg. "We have an understanding then?"

Blair smiled. "We do."

Link to text version of part two: http://www.squidge.org/archive/cgi-bin/convert.cgi?filename=au2/valiant_a.html