Preface
This story is my personal take on Eugene's back story. It could be considered an "AU" version of Tangled. The character of Eugene here is based on the movie version, not the bumbling buffoon of the animated series. In the early drafts, I completely ignored the existence of the animated series, but after some thought, I decided to include Cassandra, to give voice to another perspective on the events, and so that her interaction with other characters could advance the story. However, she is the only piece of the animated series I've brought in. Rapunzel has been invested as Crown Princess of Corona, and still has her short, brunette hair.
It is a bit difficult to pin down the era this story supposedly takes place in. In the movie, Disney is not very specific, but they are more specific with when Frozen takes place, and Rapunzel and Eugene's cameo on that movie gives me the time period of the early 1800s that I am using here. That time frame makes it very odd they that are using crossbows. Personally, I'm attributing it to institutional hoplophobia at Disney. Therefore, I'm going to update the weaponry a little.
Also, the "Royal Guard" of the movie and series is who I'm referring to as the "Civic Guard." They seemed to be more cops than soldiers to me.
The Soldier's Story: Chapter One
Eugene glared at his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing a military uniform, and not just any uniform. The King had wanted to reward him for returning Rapunzel to Corona, and as the prime suitor of the Crown Princess of Corona, he had to maintain a certain image. And so, he had been appointed as the honorary Colonel in Chief of the Royal Horse Guards. It was no more than a sinecure, and it irked him. But if it was what he had to do to be with her, he'd put up with it.
The uniform had been tailored specifically for him by the Royal Tailor, who had been surprised by Eugene's insistence that the tunic allow full freedom of movement for his arms.
"This is a soldier's uniform, not a mummer's costume. Make it so I can move in it."
The tunic was scarlet, with lots of gold braid on the sleeves. White riding breeches, and knee high black boots with gold spurs completed the basic ensemble. Eugene turned to the next item. It was a cuirass, metal back and breast plates. But this one was not the thin stamped brass of the Civic Guards, it was polished steel. The valet offered to assist him with it, but he declined. Instead he picked it up, put it on, and buckled all the straps without even having to look. The valet seemed a bit surprised that a former rogue would be so familiar with body armor. He then picked up and buckled on the sword belt, again without having to even look. He drew the sword and inspected it. It was not one of the curved "hangers" that the Civic Guards carried, but a long, straight bladed cavalry saber. He checked the edge, and it was nice and sharp. He had asked the Royal Armorer to tune it up for him, and the man had done a first-class job. It was no "munitions" quality blade either, like those issued to the rank and file Troopers. This was a finely forged weapon, its fullered blade perfectly tempered to have just the right amount of flexibility. He tried a moulinet to test the balance, then slipped the blade back into its nickel-plated steel scabbard. The scabbard was suspended from the belt by two leather straps, so that it would hang at the wearer's thigh when mounted, but when on foot it was a pain in the ass. Fortunately, there was a simple solution, a hook on the belt that the top ring of the scabbard connected to, thus hanging the sword straight down, along the side of the wearer's leg There was also a helmet. Again, not the thin brass of the Civic Guards, but light steel, nickel-plated and with a crest on the front, and a blue horse hair plume. He tried it on to see if he needed to adjust the liner, but it fit properly was it was. He took it off, and tucked it under his left arm. He was ready.
The reason he was dressed in his military get up, was that today was a major affair of State, and if he was to escort Rapunzel, he had to look the part. He made his way to the castle's grand entry room, where everyone was gathering for a Royal procession. He caught sight of Rapunzel. She was wearing a very formal gown, and looked incredible. A thought flashed through his mind, imagining the gown were white, and it was her wedding dress. The thought made him smile. He walked to her side, and when she turned and saw him, her mouth dropped open.
"My word Eugene. You look amazing. So dashing, and brave."
He smiled at her, and returned the compliment.
"You are quite amazing yourself this morning. The perfect princess."
She laughed.
"This thing is not very comfortable. It's heavy, and hot. And the shoes are making my feet hurt already, I'm dreading the procession."
Eugene tapped his breast plate.
"This thing isn't exactly light and cool either."
Just then, the King walked up. Eugene turned to him, drew himself to attention with a click of his heels, and bowed slightly from the waist.
"Good Morning your Majesty."
The King raised an eyebrow at the military crispness of Eugene's greeting.
"Good morning to you Eugene. Or should I say Colonel Fitzherbert?"
"As you please your Majesty, but I must confess I much prefer to be Eugene."
The Queen also came over, and Eugene gave her the same greeting as he had the King, with the addition of kissing her hand. She smiled warmly at him.
"Good morning Eugene. You look amazing."
Cassandra was rather surprised to see Eugene in a military uniform. She had been aware of his ceremonial appointment, but hadn't given it much thought. But this morning, he was not his usual swaggering, insouciant self. His bearing was actually "military", which just seemed out of character for him as far as she was concerned. She'd been gaining some grudging respect for him over time. Partly due to the simple fact that he obviously adored Rapunzel, and was utterly loyal and devoted to her. His crisp, precise greeting to the King and Queen had raised her eyebrows as much as it had the King's. As everyone got ready for the procession, Eugene put on his helmet, carefully setting it squarely in place, and setting the chin strap just right. The look on his face as he seemed to glare out from under the visor was not his usual sarcastic smirk either.
The Royal Herald called everyone to their places. The first row of the procession was their Majesties, the King on the right, the Queen on his left arm, then Rapunzel, with Eugene to her left. Cassandra, and one of the Queen's Ladies in waiting were next, then other Nobles of the Court of Corona.
The main doors were opened and the procession began its march. They made their way down the steps to the street, then turned to make their way to the City Cathedral. On both sides of the street, crowds were waving and cheering, many were calling Rapunzel's name and cheering specifically for her. Her return had been one of the happiest days in Corona's history.
They had just reached the half way point, when it happened. Two armed men suddenly rushed from the crowd toward their Majesties. Rapunzel was just opening her mouth to scream, when she saw a flash of blue and silver to her left, and suddenly, Eugene was between the armed men and her family, his saber ringing as it was drawn. The first man struck at him, but he parried the stroke easily, and in one smooth motion, reposted, putting the tip of his blade through the man's throat. He fell to the ground, gurgling blood as he tried to scream. The next man was slightly more prepared, and pointed a pistol at Eugene, but Eugene attacked with fury, and knocked the muzzle of the pistol up just as it fired. They traded only a couple of strokes before Eugene's blade caught him high inside his right thigh, opening the artery, and cutting the muscles. He fell to the ground, then tried to get up. But his face went white, his eyes rolled back and he collapsed in a spreading pool of blood. Eugene wiped his blade on the dead man's coat, and sheathed it. By this time a solid wall of guards had formed around the Royal Family, and were hurrying them back to the castle. Rapunzel was in shock, and very unsteady on her feet, so Eugene scooped her up in his arms and carried her. They were soon back inside the castle, and safe. The Queen looked pale, but she was more concerned about Rapunzel, who was shaking like a leaf and clinging to Eugene crying. The Royal Physician came running up, asking if any of the Royal Family were injured, he then turned his attention to Rapunzel. He prescribed a dose of brandy, and one was brought quickly. Rapunzel drank it, then coughed and sputtered. She was not used to brandy, or any other liquor for that matter. But she seemed to be calming down. The Queen asked for a dose of brandy herself, and downed it in one gulp without trouble. Rapunzel gradually recovered enough to allow Cassandra, and her other ladies in waiting to escort her to her chamber and put her to bed.
The King called Eugene aside.
"That blade work you did was not what I would expect from a former rogue and thief. Where did you learn that?"
Eugene looked at his boots for a moment, then pulled an item from his pocket. It was a medal.
"You don't remember giving me this do you? I don't expect you would, you decorated a lot of men after the battle of the East Pass."
The King took the medal, and looked at it, his eyes widening in surprise. It was no minor award, it was the Legion of the Sun of Corona, the highest award for valor in the Kingdom. He looked at Eugene for a moment, then recognition dawned on him.
"That was YOU! You were the young Sergeant that dropped that captured flag at my feet. Damn son. I flat did not recognize you. What the Third Horse did that day was a great feat of arms, and what you did rallying them to meet the French Cavalry head on was unbelievable. The Third Horse paid a high price for that valor, and for you to survive that melee, you were either very good or very lucky."
"Lucky for damn sure sir. But I had spent several months training with Colonel Wittman, and he was a devil for the saber."
"Yes, that he was, that he was. He trained me when I was a much younger man, and he left plenty of bruises and welts on my hide."
"Well, that's one thing we have in common. I'm half surprised some of the lumps he gave me don't still show."
The King laughed at that. Then his expression became more solemn.
"Eugene, I was already grateful to you for bringing my daughter home, and now I surly owe you my life, maybe the lives of my whole family. I confess that I had my doubts about you, and if you were really a suitable man for Rapunzel. I pardoned you, and gave you an important post, both out of gratitude, and because I saw how much she loves you, and you love her. As of today, all such doubts are banished from my mind and heart forever. And if I have slighted you in the least way since you've been here with us. I apologize deeply and sincerely. Thank you, Eugene. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"You're very welcome your Majesty. And you have no cause to apologize. I gave my life for your daughter once, I'd do it again if I had to."
The King produced a silver hip flask, unscrewed the cap, and offered it to Eugene. He took it, and caught the aroma of good whiskey as he raised it to his lips. He downed a dose, and it was damned good whiskey. He passed it back to the King, who downed a good-sized shot himself.
Cassandra was as shocked as anyone by the attempted assault on the Royal Family, she had barely begun to move forward to protect Rapunzel, when Eugene had gone into action. That had really shocked her. She had been training with weapons most of her life, and had watched many fencing matches, but the speed and fury of Eugene's counter attack, and the obvious skill he showed with the heavy saber had utterly surprised her. The look on his face, had been frightening as well. She had never imagined such a look of pure fury on the face of the suave, irreverent rogue. The look on his face as he scooped Rapunzel up in his arms, had also moved Cassandra. The fury was completely gone and replaced by a look of deep care and concern.
Once Rapunzel was asleep, Cassandra sat near her bed reading a book. The dose of brandy had hit Rapunzel quickly, and a cup of chamomile tea had helped as well. Pascal was curled up beside her neck, dozing, but half awake, with one eye open. Just after noon, there came a very soft rapping on the door, then the King peeked in. He didn't enter, he simply motioned for Cassandra to step out into the corridor. Closing the door very gently, he asked how his daughter was doing.
"She's been asleep all morning and seems to still be totally out. I figured sleep was what she needed most and told the servants not to bother bringing her anything for lunch. I'm still in a bit of shock myself. Has my father, or the Civic Guard found out anything about those men?"
"Nothing yet. They carried no documents, and the only money they had was Corona currency. The Civic Guard are still canvassing the town to find out where they were living. We have an idea of a couple of dissident groups they might have been associated with, but no actual evidence. But if I find out who their accomplices were, if any, there will be a hanging in the near future. But right now, I'm just thankful that Eugene was there. He surprised the hell out of me though."
"Yes, your Majesty. I was quite surprised myself. I can't imagine where a former thief would have learned that kind of sword work."
"I wondered that myself until I recognized Eugene. He was with the Third Horse at East Pass and he still carries the medal I gave him, the Legion of the Sun of Corona. I didn't recognize him, because that was years ago, and I decorated many Troopers of the Third after that battle. But he was the bravest of the lot.
Cassandra's head was spinning now, trying to wrap her mind around the idea that Eugene Fitzherbert, AKA "Flynn Rider", was actually a Coronan war hero.
"Eugene was with the Third Horse at East Pass? And he holds the Legion of the Sun? Oh my GOD! I've read about that battle many times, and the charge they made. How they broke the enemy line, but at a terrible cost. My god, that definitely gives me a new perspective on him."
"It did for me as well. I kind of hate now to confess my doubts about him. When I had the Royal Archivist look up his record, I saw that he'd been made a Sergeant two days before the battle. He was only nineteen years old, to have earned his third stripe that young, in Colonel Wittman's Regiment, he must have been a damn good Trooper. And serving under Wittman explains a lot about his swordsmanship. I think he will be more than just an honorary Colonel now. Well, I must get back to work. Being King never stops. Thank you for taking such good care of Rapunzel."
"No need to thank me Sire, but you're welcome. I hope this incident doesn't have too many long-term consequences for her. It's shaken me up a lot, and I'm not going to feel too comfortable walking the streets for a while."
"Nor am I. And that makes me as angry as anything else. That my Wife, and my child, and my loyal people, will be living in fear. Well, good day my dear."
Cassandra bowed, and the King went on his way. Just then, Eugene came around the corner. He was dressed in his normal clothes, and his normal, relaxed manner had returned.
"Hey Cass, how's she doing?"
"She's been asleep all morning. Think she'll be a lot better when she wakes up. But that was quite a fright for her. And for me too. How are you doing?"
"Okay I suppose. That brought back some old, unpleasant memories though."
"I can barely begin to imagine. His Majesty just told me about you being with the Third Horse at East Pass."
Eugene looked at his boots.
"Yeah, well that was a long time ago. I was a different person then."
Cassandra laid her hand gently on his arm, he looked slightly surprised by her gesture.
"But the person you are now, is a very good man. And brave. I'm sorry for doubting you, please forgive me for how I've treated you."
"Aw hell Cass. Don't go getting all sappy on me now. I've had enough shocks for one day."
He was smiling as he spoke, and to Cassandra's surprise, he hugged her tightly.
"There's nothing to forgive. And thank you for taking such good care of my Princess."
Cassandra found herself suddenly getting misty eyed. She quickly wiped her eyes.
"Dammit Eugene, don't you go getting sappy either. We both have an image to uphold."
He laughed, and lightly punched her shoulder.
"Yes, we do."
Rapunzel slept most of the day, but woke up feeling well enough to join her family for dinner. Eugene was there of course. He stood up and held her chair for her. She gave him a quick kiss before sitting down. Dinner conversation was carefully kept away from the events of the morning. But later, as Eugene and Rapunzel walked together in the castle garden, they talked about it.
"Are you okay? He asked. You were in a bad way by the time we got back to the castle."
"I think so. I just never saw anything like that. A man, two men, dying. And the blood, there was so much of it. But you saved my parents. I have no idea why anyone would want to hurt them. The sight of those men charging out of the crowd with swords, and the look on their faces. I may have nightmares about that."
"I'm so sorry you had to see, and experience, anything like that. To have a part of your innocence taken away. I'm just so glad that you're safe."
"I knew you were good with a frying pan, but where did you learn to use a sword like that?"
He looked thoughtful for a moment, then guided her to a bench to sit down.
"Well, right after I left the orphanage, my best friend Tommy and I were at loose ends, with no jobs or prospects. But we saw a recruiting poster for the Army and thought it would be a great adventure. We wound up getting into the Cavalry, and after our basic instruction, we were both assigned to the Third Regiment of Horse. We quickly found out that a soldier's life was not nearly as adventurous as we'd hoped. We spent many hours training, cleaning equipment, cleaning our uniforms, cleaning our barracks, cleaning the stables, grooming our horses. All pretty much drudgery. When the war broke out, he and I were naïve enough to be excited about it. Six months of campaigning in the field dimmed our outlook. We were involved in a few small skirmishes. In one of those, he and I both killed our first men. We were not naïve any longer. Then came the battle at East Pass. The entire Regiment was drawn up in line, almost nine hundred men. I couldn't see the ends of our line from my position in the left center Troop. We were positioned to support the center of the line, and so we didn't do much for the first part of the battle. Then, we got the order to draw our sabers and prepare to advance. The bugles sounded the walk, and we began to advance slowly, once we were past our own Infantry, the bugles sounded the trot, then the canter. We were holding our line well, and I could see the enemy line getting closer and closer. We started taking musket fire, and shells started bursting over our heads. Men and horses were falling on either side of me. Then the bugles sounded the charge, and we spurred our horses to top speed. I think I remember shouting "For Corona" just as we hit their line. Their Infantry had had enough, and they broke and ran. But not all of them. I found several targets for my saber that day. When it was over, I looked around for Tommy, but I couldn't find him anywhere. Well, there is one part of a battle that the history books don't usually talk about; That's cleaning up afterwards. We were put to work gathering up the dead, and putting them into mass graves. We even took care to record the names of the enemy soldiers when we could. It was during this process that I finally found Tommy. He'd taken a musket ball through the neck. He was barely recognizable after two days lying in the open. His name is on the memorial cenotaph in the City Square. Lance Corporal Thomas Quinn, His Majesty's Third Regiment of Horse. My enlistment ran out soon after, and I just wandered about, with no real purpose. I eventually fell into the thief's trade, and just kind of stuck there. Until I met you, and I found a new dream."
She looked at him in wonder, with tears in her eyes.
"Oh my god Eugene. I had no idea."
He reached up and gently wiped away her tears.
"That was a long time ago, it might as well have been on another world. Now I'm here, and I have you, and the past is nothing to me anymore. Only the future concerns me now. OUR future my love."
She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. He put his arms around her and held her close. She rested her head on his shoulder, and sat there for a long time, watching the stars.
He walked her to her chamber and saw her inside. She hugged him tightly, and he did the same to her. He really wanted to stay with her, and just hold her. But that would have been totally improper, and that they would not have done anything in bed that he would have been ashamed to do in public would make no difference. She loosened her hug, and leaned back slightly, then kissed him.
"Good night Eugene. I love you."
"Good night to you my love." He replied.
He walked the short distance down the corridor to his own chambers, and flopped down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. After a few minutes, he sat up, and retrieved a bottle of mead from the night stand. He didn't drink much, or often, but he needed a little something for sure this night. He was expecting to have some bad dreams, after having so many old memories of war revived in his head. He poured a large goblet full, then sat down to read for a little while. Once he felt the mead starting to kick in a bit, he kicked off his boots, got undressed, and into bed.
He hadn't been lying down more than a few minutes, when he heard a very soft rapping on his door, then it began to slowly open. He sat up to see Rapunzel. She closed the door gently behind her, and bolted it, then came over and sat on the side of the bed.
"Eugene, may I please stay with you tonight? I just can't stand being alone right now."
How could he have said no? He moved over, turned the covers back and patted the bed. She climbed in and snuggled close to him. He gently put his arms around her. She was so warm, and so soft, and he loved her so much.
"Fuck propriety." He thought. "If anyone says a word against her, they'll answer to my saber."
Cassandra had helped Rapunzel get ready for bed after Eugene left, then went to her own chamber. But before she got there she took a detour to one of the formal rooms in the castle. It was decorated with a military theme, and the center piece was a huge painting entitled "Corona Forever." It depicted, in great detail, the charge of the Third Horse at East Pass. She stood and stared at it. She'd been fascinated by it since she was a young girl. But tonight, she looked at it in a new light. Knowing that the man she'd dismissed as a mere rogue and thief had been in that maelstrom. He'd been made a Sergeant, that meant that he was leading other men, that he was deemed to be mature and responsible for such a task, even if it was only a squad of ten Troopers. She felt greatly humbled as she stood there. She'd never been in anything remotely close to such combat. She suddenly found herself crying.
Eugene woke up gradually. He had not experienced the bad dreams he'd been expecting, most likely due to the presence of Rapunzel. They were cuddled in a wonderful spoon, and her short, brown hair smelled delightfully sweet. He gently nuzzled the nape of her neck, and she murmured softly, then shifted slightly in his arms. She reached back with her hand and caressed his face.
"Morning my love." He whispered.
"Morning." She responded in a sleepy voice.
She shifted further, turning onto her back, looking at him with a drowsy smile. They lay there, blissfully cuddling for several more minutes, then she groaned softly.
"Dammit. I have to go to the privy."
She slowly extracted herself from the bed, leaning over to kiss him.
"I guess I'd better go back to my own room now too. But I'll see you at breakfast. Thank you for holding me, I needed that."
She quietly slipped out of the room, and he rolled onto his back, and heaved a sigh. He had been very happy that she'd come to him seeking comfort the way she had. It showed trust on her part, as well as need. And that trust meant the world to him. He was awake now, so he got up, made his ablutions and got dressed. He headed for the kitchen, knowing that the cooks would be the only people to have coffee ready at that hour.
He was greeted by one of the kitchen girls, Sophie Flanagan*. She hugged him, then fetched him coffee, and a pastry. Sophie was a special friend, only 14 years old, she was an orphan herself, and Eugene had taken on the role of big brother, looking out for her and making sure she was well provided for. He was also a confidant, and they would occasionally have conversations about life. Thanking her for the coffee and snack, left the kitchen and walked out onto one of the verandas to sit in the early morning sun. Presently, he was joined by the King, also an early riser. They sat wordlessly, sipping their coffee, watching the world wake up, and listening to the birds make their usual morning racket. The King was the first to speak.
"I trust you slept well last night?"
"Yes Sire, very well."
"And Rapunzel also?"
Eugene almost choked on his coffee and looked sheepishly at the King.
"I was up very early, in fact I hardly slept at all last night. I decided to peek in on Rapunzel, and was somewhat surprised to see her bed was empty. As I was walking away, I heard something, and caught a glimpse of her leaving your room."
"She came to me and asked me to hold her. And that's all I did, nothing more, I assure you."
"I assumed as much. Even if you had, it wouldn't be anything new under the sun. I know what it is to be young, and in love. I trust that you'll both be wise about such things though."
"Yes sir."
The King downed the last of his coffee and got up to leave. Eugene stood up as well.
"It's back to work for me. I'll see you at breakfast with the ladies."
"Yes, your Majesty."
Eugene waited until the King was out of sight, then dropped back into his chair. That had been damned awkward.
Cassandra woke to the chimes of her alarm clock, and sat up groggily. She hadn't slept all that well herself, and now she had to get up and go see to Rapunzel's needs. She got dressed quickly and made a quick trip to the kitchen so she would have time to drink a cup of coffee herself, before starting her official work day. She was surprised to find Rapunzel's bed empty. Curious, she felt the sheets, and they were cold. The Princess hadn't just gotten up to go to the privy, she had not slept in her own bed at all. Just then Rapunzel returned to the room.
"Oh, hey Cass. Good morning."
She stopped in her tracks, and bit her lower lip, as Cassandra gave her a hard look, standing with her hands on her hips, and her eyebrows raised.
"Good morning to you. And just where have you been all night?"
"Umm, what do you mean?"
"What do you mean, asking what I mean? Your bed is stone cold, so you aren't just coming back from the privy."
Rapunzel looked sheepish herself, and also blushed slightly. Cassandra put two and two together instantly.
"Oh my god! You were with Eugene, weren't you?"
"Well, umm yes, I was."
"All night?"
"Yes, but we only cuddled, nothing more, I swear."
"That doesn't matter Raps. What if someone saw you entering or leaving his room? The gossip would be all over Corona before lunch time. You're the CROWN PRINCESS! You have a reputation to uphold."
"Oh, hell Cass. I know that. But I just couldn't be alone last night. Pascal is sweet, but he can't exactly hold me in his arms. And that's what I needed, Eugene's strong, warm arms around me."
"Cassandra bowed her head and sighed.
"I'm sorry Raps. But you just can't be too careful about that sort of thing. Tell you what. Just let me know next time, so I can help cover for you. Please?"
"Okay Cass. I will. I just hope there isn't a "next time" anything like this time. I've only been that scared once before and that was when Gothel stabbed Eugene, and I thought I'd lost him forever."
Cassandra saw the look in her eyes, and quickly moved to hug her. Rapunzel buried her face against her shoulder and began to cry. They both hugged each other tightly for several minutes. Cassandra cried a bit herself. They eventually let go, wiped their eyes, and blew their noses. Then Cassandra helped Rapunzel get dressed and ready to go down to breakfast with her parents.
They had breakfast on the same veranda where Eugene and the King had their little conversation. Eugene held Rapunzel's chair for her, then did the same for Cassandra, who seemed a little surprised by the gesture. Rapunzel raised an eyebrow as well. This cordiality was not the norm for those two. Breakfast was very pleasant, everyone seemed in much better spirits in the light of a new day. Eugene and Cassandra traded barbs like they usually did, but with one big difference, good humor, and smiles. And in the process, drew laughter from everyone else. Afterwards, Rapunzel asked Cassandra about it.
"Well, Raps, I have a new understanding of our Eugene. Yesterday I saw a side of him I never would have guessed he had. And when I found out about his military service, my paradigms really got shifted."
"I just learned about that myself. I was surprised he hadn't told me before, but when I think about what he did tell me, I can kind of understand why he wouldn't want to talk about it. He lost his best friend at East Pass. I've read a little about that battle studying Corona's history, but I'm guessing there is a lot more I don't know."
"I've read everything written about it. It was the biggest battle in the history of Corona. Roughly forty-five thousand troops on each side. Corona lost almost ten thousand killed, and more wounded. The enemy lost almost fifteen thousand killed. Come with me, I want to show you something."
Cassandra led Rapunzel to the formal room and showed her the painting. Her jaw dropped when she saw it. It was a masterpiece of art, and that made it even harder for her to look at it, imagining Eugene in the middle of that. She just dropped into a chair, with her hand over her mouth, and stared. Cassandra broke her reverie by handing her a book. It had a red ribbon book mark. Cassandra opened it to the marked page.
"Read this."
Rapunzel began to read, and as she did so, she was shocked, amazed, and slightly horrified. The text described the actions of a young Sergeant of the Third Horse, and how he rallied the Regiment when many of the officers were dead or wounded. How he led a headlong charge right into the center of a numerically superior force of enemy cavalry, and by the sheer fury of the attack, broke their line, and sent them reeling from the field, capturing the enemy's battle flag in the process. But it was the rallying cry he had shouted that struck her most deeply.
"THIRD HORSE, THIRD HORSE! RALLY TO ME, RALLY TO ME! FOR THE PRINCESS AND CORONA, FOLLOW ME!"
Her head spun as she tried to process that even though she was the "Lost Princess", that her image still meant enough to rally men to ride recklessly into the face of death. It added a whole new perspective to his sacrifice in the tower. She sat, holding the book in trembling hands as tears rolled down her checks.
About that time Eugene walked in.
"Oh, there you two are. I've…"
His voice trailed off when he saw the painting. He slowly approached it, and his eyes got a faraway look, as his mind took him down the well of memories.
"That's Colonel Wittman in the center. The artist captured a very good likeness of him. And Major Peck, just to the left. I would have been off to the right side of the frame with Tommy. About five minutes after the moment depicted here, half the Regiment was dead or wounded. Sometimes, I can still hear the wounded horses screaming in my dreams. I probably always will."
He turned and looked at Rapunzel. He saw the look on her face, and the flowing tears. He walked over to her and gently took the book from her. He quickly scanned the page, then closed it and laid it aside. He knelt in front of her chair, and drew her into his arms.
"You know Cass, about twenty feet to the left of the frame, and a couple of hundred yards behind us was the Seventh Foot. They give us credit for winning the battle, but Seventh Foot stopped it from being lost before we took a step. They stood, and held the line on our right, and soaked up the heaviest enemy assault of the whole battle. That one Regiment stopped a whole Division cold. I'm telling you this, because your father was with the Seventh that day. Did you know that?"
Cassandra stared at him open mouthed. It took her several moments to find her voice.
"No, I did not. He's never said a word about being there. He didn't even comment when he saw me reading books about the battle."
"I can guess why. The Seventh went in with nine hundred and seventy men. One hundred and forty-five walked away."
*****