Chapter 8

'Once again all hope of friendship seemed to be lost for me, but I also was starting to feel sick from guilt. However one day, in the year of 1812 Napoleon, probably France's greatest ever leader actually made a blunder, by foolishly trying to invade Russia and failing. As a result of this other countries began to take their chances, including Prussia who stepped back into the war to free Germany from Napoleon's grasp once and for all.'

Arthur was feeling lucky and for the first time he felt hopeful for the first time in many years of being pretty much alone. The year was now 1813, Britain was in the town of Reichenbach in Poland, and he was sitting in a dark wooden room, waiting to carry out an important purpose...

Finally after about half an hour of waiting there was a knock; Britain strode over to the door and began to gingerly open it.

'Arthur...' murmured a voice on the other side of the door

'Gilbert...' sighed Britain, he opened the door and the battle scarred nation limped into the room to face Arthur, who had his hands on his hips.

'Arthur...' croaked Gilbert, his eyes looking quite like those of a guilty puppy that had knocked over something very valuable 'I'm sorry... I was foolish... I...' but Arthur held up a hand to silence him but then Britain said in a quiet tone of voice

'I'm sorry too Gilbert...I suppose I was a lazy lion after all... I can understand why you distrusted me...' grimaced Britain in a dark undertone

'I was a coward Britain...' confessed Prussia 'The great and awesome Prussia... reduced to a coward...'

'I am a coward too Prussia,' explained Britain 'I was always willing for myself but not as willing to provide for my friends during times of war. Yet my friends would provide and maybe make sacrifices to help achieve my aims, you have made many sacrifices Prussia but now I wish to provide you with something...'

'What is it Arthur?' asked Gilbert curiously but then Arthur passed Prussia an envelope who opened it very carefully, when he saw the contents a small smile spread across his face

'It's to help maintain your army,' Britain explained 'In this time of darkness all the nations really do need to come together and help each other out.'

There was a moment of silence and then Prussia said 'I must insist I give you something in return Britain...'

'What is it my dear Prussia?' asked Britain

'Oh... you can have Hanover back!' laughed Prussia 'I shall also surrender the principality of Hildesheim to Hanover in exchange for your kindness Britain. I don't think I will need those lands anymore after I drive Mr Francypants clean off my land that my dear Old Fritz gave unto me!' but then Prussia whispered to Britain looking slightly more anxious 'Do you think Old Fritz would have been ashamed of me Britain?'

'Maybe when you gave yourself up to France...' replied Britain coolly but then he said 'but now I'm sure he is more than proud now you are fighting again, I'm quite sure it is what he would have wanted...'

Prussia beamed, looking upwards saying 'I will do this for you Old Fritz, I shall regain the lands that you gained for me! I promise the make the great Prussia strong and awesome as you desired to make him! The great Prussia shall rise from the ashes and back into the fires of war!'

'All this will be over one day Prussia!' smiled Arthur 'Whether we fight to win or fight to fall valiantly!'

Prussia at these words smiled at Britain, but to Britain's astonishment Prussia actually knelt on one knee, grabbed Arthur's hand and kissed it softly.

'Thank you Britain,' Prussia said softly looking up at a slightly bewildered Arthur 'At these times of darkness all the nations really do need each other's generosity in order to defeat the dark shadows that threaten to cover us all...'


History Notes: It was not only Britain distributing money to Prussia that occurred during the treaty. Britain also gave money to Russia, as well as an agreement being made between Prussia, Russia and Austria shortly afterwards.