Blakeney, despite the loss of his arm at a young age, grew up to be one of the finest officers the British Navy had seen.
He wrote a book when he reached 40, upon his travels — not just the magnificent sea battles that he faced bravely, but also the flora and fauna of the strange and exotic lands he had traveled to.
Aubrey received a copy of the book in the post shortly after publication. There was a handwritten inscription: "To the two men," it stated, "who showed me what could happen."
Maturin enjoyed reading it to him at night.
This Master & Commander story was written by Kate Bolin. If you liked it, there's plenty more at http://www.dymphna.net/fanfic/. And you can feedback her at dymphna@dymphna.net.