Shortly after their arrival aboard the Indy, Mr.Hornblower's men were forced to return to the docks and load some supplies into the boats.
"Just of think of it, Annie. Having The Lobsters aboard for awhile, might put some sense into your head." Oldroy said.
Annabelle only smiled and lifted another barrel into one of the boats. Soon, the army of Frogs, began marching through the streets.
"The Frogs. I wonder what they're doing here." Styles said.
"I'm sure it's nothing, Mr.Styles." Annabelle said.
Shortly after the Frogs passed by, the Lobsters came along. In fine order.
"Look out for The Lobsters!" Oldroy said.
As the army of Lobsters marched down the streets. They stopped at the boats. The commander, who Annabelle knew was Major Edrington, stopped his horse and addressed Mr.Hornblower. While speaking to Mr.Hornblower, the army of Frogs began to get a bit loud. General Charette was yelling something in French.
"The Frogs." Styles said.
Annabelle went to Styles' side and took his arm. Everyone continued to listen to General Charette.
"Any idea what the gent was saying?" Major Edrington asked Mr.Hornblower.
"He was saying that today is a great day. They are to crusade to save their beloved France." Mr.Hornblower said.
General Charette continued his speech, and Mr.Hornblower continued to translate.
"Together we will fight. Perhaps to death...But it will be for the greatest cause in the world. Everyone one of us. Will be remembered by history as men who were not afraid to lay down their lives. For France." Mr.Hornblower translated.
General Charette let out a loud "Vive la roi!." Which even Annabelle knew that it meant "long live the King." Soon, the Frogs joined into the cheer and so did Oldroy. He was silenced by Styles.
"I suppose what the men lack in mischief. They make up for it in enthusiasm." Major Edrington said.
"Major, if you would like your personal luggage transferred to the jolly boat. I will see it reaches the Indefatigable." Mr.Hornblower said.
"Very well. By the way, I think it would be better if you called me "my lord." I am, in fact, the Earl of Edrington." Major Edrington said.
Major Edrington rode away. Annabelle watched him. She was instantly smitten. Soon, it was time to transfer all of the luggage to the Indefatigable. Colonel Moncoutant spoke to Mr.Hornblower before he realized that his baggage was being lifted.
"Be careful with that! It's my personal baggage." Moncoutant said.
Everyone managed to lift the heavy object out of the cart and sat it up straight. To everyone's surprise. It was an executioner's tool. It was a guillotine.
"It's yours, sir?" Mr.Hornblower asked.
"Indeed, Mr.Hornblower. It is mine." Moncountant said.
Soon, the Frogs and the Lobsters and Mr.Hornblower's men sailed for the Indefatigable. When they reached it, Annabelle was climbing aboard when her hand began to cramp. She released the hold she had on the edge of the ship.
"Careful, boy." Major Edrington said.
Major Edrington caught Annabelle by her wrist and pulled her aboard the ship. For a moment, their eyes met.
"Thank you, my Lord." Annabelle said.
"It was my pleasure." Major Edrington said.
Major Edrington turned Annabelle loose and she ran off. For six days, the voyage ran smoothly, until Styles and Oldroy caught one of the Frogs trying to "steal" a chicken. So, they tried to get it back. By force, if it was neccesary. Soon, Matthews joined in on the attack against the thief. Annabelle knew this couldn't continue, she ran to find Mr.Hornblower. She found him in his quarters, reading some sort of book.
"Pardon my intrusion, sir. It seems as though the men have mistaken a Frog for a thief."
"What sort of thief, Mr.Farleigh?" Mr.Hornblower asked.
"He's stealing a chicken, sir." Annabelle said.
"Of all the insufferable nonsense..."
Mr.Hornblower and Annabelle went to deck. Annabelle stayed her distance as Mr.Hornblower settled the dispute. The chicken was returned to its coop. Annabelle approached Styles and laughed.
"Oh, Mr.Styles. It was a simple mistake." Annabelle said.
"Mistake, my eye. A frog is a frog."
"I know you have been taught to think poorly of all Frenchmen. However, I believe you should make an expection. These men have rebelled against their homestead, to become our allies and place their king on their throne. They share our ambitions, Mr.Styles."
"Maybe you should quit the Navy and join them bloody frogs."
"Mr.Styles, I-"
Styles walked away from Annabelle. Annabelle went below deck, she was in no mood to argue with Styles, she was more ready to rest than anything else. Carefully, she laid back in her hammock and let out a sigh. She was in hopes that they would reach France soon. It took about four more days before they arrived off a French coast, they loaded the cannons off the jolly boats. Mr.Hornblower was set to accompany Colonel Moncounant and Major Edrington to the small city of Muzillac. While the others would stay behind at a bridge, ready to cut away at any Republican. Everyone couldn't help but stare as Mr.Hornblower attempted to mount his horse.
"I can see why you chose the Navy." Major Edrington said.
Colonel Moucountant eyed Annabelle. Almost as if he knew something.
"Monsieur?"
"Aye, sir?"
"I believe that the Major and Mr.Hornblower will need some aid in combat. Are you not trusty with a pistol?"
"I am, sir."
"Moncountant, drop this foolish idea. He's only a boy. He is to stay behind with the others." Mr.Hornblower said.
"Come now, Mr.Hornblower. I only ask that you spare this sailor. He's young and seems to be physically well. There could be Republicans hiding within the walls of Muzillac. I know this well."
"Mr.Hornblower, let's not argue with the Colonel. Let the boy come along. We'll keep him out of harm's way." Major Edrington said.
"Very well. Farleigh, you are to come with us to Muzillac."
"Aye, aye, sir."
"You may ride my horse." Major Edrington said.
"Your horse is nothing but a mare. I suggest he ride with me. My horse is a steady creature." Moncoutant said.
Annabelle mounted Moncountantt's horse, he placed one hand on her thigh and the other around her waist.
"We have the Major's troop, sir. Why do you need me?" Annabelle asked.
"In truth. I desire the female companionship." Moncoutant said.
Not long after they crossed the bridge, they were in Muzillac. They paraded their horses to the city's square. It was completely empty. Almost as if it had been abandoned. There was only an elderly gentleman. He wore a blue and red sash. Symbolizing that he was some figure of authority. Annabelle knew this from her schoolbooks. Two of the soldiers led the man towards Moncountant's horse.
"Faure?" Moucountant said.
Mr.Faure spoke something in French to Moncountant.
"Mayor? He says he is the Mayor. You are a linen merchant. Your business is underwear." Moucountant said.
"Not any longer. By the authority of-"
"Authority? I am the Marquis. Take off that ridiculous thing."
"I will wear it." Faure said.
"Rat!"
Moncountant cut the sash off of Faure. This almost caused Annabelle to fall off the horse.
"I want the people brought out here to welcome me home." Moncountant said.
Everyone followed Moncountant to what they believed was his home. Upon arrival, they saw that the interior of the home had been been destroyed. Tables were turned over and books were scattered, even some stray barn animals had wondered in. This seemed to infuriate Moncountant. He stormed through the house and saw that two Republicans were burning his books.
"Arrest them." Moncountant said.
The two Male Republicans were placed under arrest as Moncountant continued to move through his destroyed home.
"Monsieur, you have no right!" Faure said.
"What right have you to destroy my home?" Moncountant asked.
"This house is-"
Before Faure could finish, Moncountant had already stormed off. He saw that a few of his books, while not burned, were being use to uphold an old table. Angered by this, Moncountant turned over a table which almost hit a young woman and two little children. Moncountant grabbed his books and walked off. When they stepped back outside, the people of Muzillac had gathered to welcome back Moncountant. Moncountant turned to the two men that were holding Faure.
"Remove him." Moncountant said.
Instead of being removed, Faure began to sing "La Marseillaise" which even Annabelle knew was France's anthem. Soon, all of the citizens joined in. Moncountant lifted his pistol and shot down Faure. He was dead in a second. At that moment, Major Edrington and Mr.Hornblower had finally stepped outside. For awhile. Everything was quite. Until the voice of a small boy began to sing the anthem again. Moncountant stormed up to him and held up his pistol. Annabelle knew what was coming. She was beginning to regret not staying behind at the bridge.