FRENDEN

Though overlooked in most historical accounts, recently unearthed documents indicate that Napoleon’s loss at Waterloo hinged upon a night of drink and debauchery undertaken by his genetically engineered battle pug, Henri.

Henri, sent to the past by a future coalition of hardline French nationalists, asked of Napoleon a single night of respite from the continuous war-making his life had become since his deployment into the past.

Napoleon loved Henri more than his own ambitions and acquiesced to the pug’s demands. Henri drank himself sick and did not show for the infamous three day campaign that followed.

Late in life, Napoleon was said to have offered a defense of his beloved, time-traveling compaion, taking full the blame for the decision that led to Henri’s absence.

“Henri knew only war. His naive heart could not have understood the ramifications of his prolonged absence from the battle lines. I, as emperor, was to blame for allowing his request to be fulfilled. He disappeared after, taking my heart and fight with him. I only hope he came to know peace.”

The ultimate fate of Henri is uknown at present. Some accounts indicate Henri, shamed by the dishonor he brought to his master and friend, disguised himself as a horse in an ill-fated attempt on the Duke of Wellington’s life in an effort to regain the favor of Napoleon. Had Henri known Napoleon’s loyalties and love were not swayed by the pug’s earlier absence, perhaps the disasterous effort on the Duke might never have been attempted.