Chapter 1
'It started in the beginning of the year 1756 back when issues were much more grim in Europe and tensions between the nations were running high. During that time I was involved in the long struggle against my long term enemy, France. I was a much more powerful nation back then than I am now, as were other nations at this particular time in history, amongst a jigsaw puzzle of great empires.'
Arthur paced nervously around his study; he was getting increasingly worried about what his arch enemy France was up to and also the safety of Hanover.
Of course he was in an alliance with Austria but would he really be much use against France?
Britain knew that Austria was a strong empire but then again he had lost the region of Silesia to a smaller nation, Prussia, during the War of Austrian succession but then again Britain knew deep down that he was partly to blame. He could not help but feel slightly guilty for not going over to support his ally, but yet it may have been a wise move as Britain already had enough trouble in dealing with France and Spain, he shuddered at the thought of gaining the powerful Prussia as an enemy.
Since the end of the war, Austria as a result of Britain's unwillingness had grown quite bitter and distrustful towards Britain; they had barely talked to each other and Britain knew that their friendship was diminishing; Britain also knew that Austria was moving closer in relations towards France, as he was losing faith in Britain, even though him and France had obtained a long rivalry, this also made Britain feel uneasy.
Britain continued to pace up and down the room but then the old grandfather clock chimed midnight and all of a sudden an idea struck him, he knew it could be a risky move, but how else could he keep France in check, protect Hanover and yet manage to retain a balance of power in Europe?
'Maybe I could form an alliance with Prussia…' Arthur thought. Britain had not really been in much contact with Prussia; however he remembered the power that the nation had possessed during the War of Austrian Succession and Britain thought it was quite remarkable how a country could quickly gain so much power, despite the fact that they were on opposing sides at the time. 'It's worth a try; yes I shall try sending a letter to Prussia!'
Shortly afterwards Arthur was rapidly scribbling a letter down, he then walked out onto his balcony where he whistled loudly, in response, a peregrine falcon suddenly soared towards Britain, she landed on the balcony and positioned herself importantly, Arthur then bent down to the bird and whispered to her, Arthur then placed the parchment in the falcon's beak and before he knew it, she soared speedily up into the air flying swiftly eastwards.
Two days later Arthur was sitting cosily in his armchair, pipe in one hand and a book in the other, below him a young boy, America, was playing with the toy soldiers that Arthur had made especially for him. Arthur looked up from his book at America and beamed at his little brother softly, but at that moment America suddenly got up and pointed at the window excitedly
'Britain, Britain!' he squeaked
'What is it Alfred?' asked Arthur after taking another puff from his pipe, but then he looked at the window where the peregrine falcon sat neatly on the window ledge. Arthur then quickly rose to his feet and proceeded to the window, he opened it and the falcon dropped the letter into Arthur's hands. He petted the bird and rewarded her with a small chunk of raw meat before she took off into the surrounding woodland for her well deserved rest. The nation slumped back in his chair and opened the letter, after scanning the letter slowly; he breathed a sigh of relief.
'Who is the letter from Britain?' asked America, staring curiously at the unfolded piece of parchment in Arthur's hands.
'It's from Prussia,' Arthur explained 'he is going to become my ally.'
'What do you mean by that Britain?' asked America
'We are joining up together basically,' answered Arthur
'Does that mean that you and Prussia are going to become friends?' asked America innocently
'Well... I suppose there is a possibility of that...' replied Arthur. Arthur honestly had no idea how things would indeed turn out between him and Prussia.
'Is he going to be arriving here?' squealed America excitedly
'Yes, in a few days time,' explained Britain 'so you'd better make yourself presentable in the meantime Alfred.'
'Of course, Mr Britain Sir!' replied America respectfully and he dashed out of the room and Arthur heard him proceed upstairs, Britain assumed he was getting changed into his best. Britain for the time being then went back to his reading and his trusty pipe.
History Notes: The German state of Hanover at this point in time was in a personal union with Britain as they were both ruled by the same royal dynasty, the House of Hanover.
