The Ten Duel Commandments
(Part seven of My Favorite Subject)
Number one
The challenge, demands satisfaction
If they apologize, no need for further action
She didn't just want satisfaction. She was out for blood. No apologies would ever fix what he'd done; not that he was going to apologise anyways.
Number two
If they don’t, grab a friend, that’s your second
Your lieutenant when there’s reckoning to be reckoned
“Hercules, you know I can't just let this go. Will you be my second?”
“Of course, Y/N. I'm sorry that it's come to this.”
Number three
Have your seconds meet face to face
Negotiate a peace or negotiate a time and place
“Mulligan. I didn't expect to see you. I thought the Brit would have chosen one of her own. But, then, I suppose they're all gone.”
“Stuff it, Wallace. Where is this going down?”
“Yorktown Beach. Time?”
“Tomorrow at dawn.”
“Agreed.”
Number four
If they don’t reach a peace, that’s alright
Time to get some pistols and a doctor on site
You pay him in advance, you treat him with civility
You have him turn around so he can have deniability
You rose earlier than necessary that next morning. You had hardly slept anyways. You retrieved Hercules from his tent before setting off for Yorktown Beach together. At least you still had your horse, Freckles. When you arrived, Walter Simmons was there with Jackson Wallace and a doctor they knew.
Five
Duel before the sun is in the sky
Pick a place to die where it’s high and dry
You carefully examined the terrain, walking with your back to the river. You were ready. Whether you lived or died, you were ready.
Number six
Leave a note for your next of kin
You’d given Hercules two notes; one for Lafayette and one for George. You also had a third for him. There would always be things you didn't say, and he needed to hear some of them if you didn't make it.
Seven
Confess your sins
Ready for the moment of adrenaline when you finally face your opponent
You took a moment alone to reflect on your mistakes. You hadn't saved your men. Not one. Not even Theo; your best friend, your confidant, your right hand man. They were all gone and it was your fault. You were ready to face that.
Number eight
Your last chance to negotiate
Send in your seconds, see if they can set the record straight
“Morning, Wallace. I suspect Simmons is no closer to apologizing?”
“You would be correct, Mulligan. Look, I will find no pleasure in the outcome of this duel, whatever it may be. Won't L/N just leave it be?”
“Not after everything she's gone through, Wallace. She can't.”
He sighed heavily. “I understand.”
Number nine
Look ‘em in the eye, aim no higher
You drew positions. You stood with guns loaded, no one backing down.
Summon all the courage you require
It was time. No hesitation. It was him or you. And you were ready.
Then count
One two three four
Five six seven eight nine
Number
Ten paces
Fire
Smoke filled the air. Tears gathered in your eyes as you gasped softly. Hercules stepped forward to catch you as you fell.
