In November, 1630 the enemies of Cardinal Richelieu believed they had finally destroyed his influence over the King. Unfortunately for them their rejoicing proved to be premature. Those events are what inspired this story.

Yesterday's Man

Chapter One

"How much longer d'you think we'll have to stand here?"

Athos turned his head an infinitesimal amount so that he could cast a quick glance in Porthos' direction. They had been on duty since first light and it was now close to dinner time. There had been no opportunity to get anything to eat or drink. Athos' mouth felt like a desert and he had the uncomfortable feeling that his stomach was going to start rumbling. "It's not like the King to miss a meal so I'm sure he'll finish soon."

Louis was slouched on the throne looking bored. The Cardinal, with astonishing fortitude, had been standing at his right shoulder for hours without complaint. Once a month the King held a court for the commoners during which they could present their grievances. It always degenerated into petty squabbles between neighbours and tradesmen. Louis dutifully attended but no-one could pretend that he did it with good grace.

The present case involved a merchant with a grievance against one of his suppliers. The man had a whiny high-pitched voice that was threatening to give Athos a headache. He tuned him out by thinking instead about the meal waiting for them at the garrison and the wine he would consume afterwards. He turned when he heard the door opening. The elegantly dressed young man who entered didn't look familiar. The newcomer had long dark hair which he had tied back from his face. His eyes were a glacial blue and his features betrayed his aristocratic lineage. His clothes were of a style not commonly seen at Court, being dark and somewhat somber.

The King had also noticed the new arrival and suddenly sat up straight, an uncertain smile creeping over his face. "Andre? Is that you?"

The man walked forward and dropped to one knee before the throne. "Your Majesty. I am blessed to be in the light of your presence once more."

Athos raised an eyebrow at that and turned to Aramis. "Do you know him?"

"That is Andre, Comte de Saint-Pol. He and the King grew up together."

Louis was on his feet, looking as if he was going to rush forward and embrace his old friend. However, the Cardinal gently laid a hand on his shoulder and guided him back to the throne.

"My Lord Comte, it is a surprise to see you," Richelieu said.

"Why hasn't he been at Court?" Athos asked.

"He has been the French Ambassador in England for over five years," Aramis answered quietly.

Saint-Pol rose to his feet, stepped forward and grasped Louis' hand, bringing it to his lips. "Forgive me, my King. I grew weary of my exile and have returned home without permission."

"You abandoned your post?" the Cardinal asked, his tone icy.

Athos couldn't see Saint-Pol's face but he did see him go rigid and surmised that there was no love lost between him and the Cardinal.

"Now, Cardinal, don't be too hard on him. He's been away a long time and I've missed him." Louis' smile was blinding. "You will dine with me, Andre. I long to hear your tales of life at my brother-in-law's Court. Is it as dreary as they say? And, why do you look as if you're in mourning?"

"Alas this is the fashion in England these days. The Puritans grow ever more powerful now that they have control of Parliament."

"Well, you can tell me all about it over dinner. Come." The King leapt to his feet again. "I'm hungry." Without a glance at the remaining petitioners he walked straight towards the door with Andre and Richelieu following.

Athos bowed as the King passed and then relaxed his stiff posture with a noiseless sigh. The King was now in the care of the Palace guard, finally freeing the Musketeers to return to their garrison.

"The Cardinal didn't look very pleased," d'Artagnan mused as they walked back to their horses.

"I don't imagine he is," Aramis said, untying his cloak. "They never did see eye to eye. Saint-Pol was considered to be a bad influence on the King. Rumour has it that it was Richelieu who pressured the King into sending him away."

"And, now he's back. That'll make things interesting." Porthos stepped outside and led the way to the stables.

"In what way was he a bad influence?" Athos asked.

"He was young, rich and spoiled," Aramis said. "His only interests were hunting and women and he dragged the King along with him. Louis spent more time on the hunting field than he ever spent in the Council chamber. There were wild parties almost every night. It was even hinted that he was unfaithful to the Queen although I never saw any evidence of that."

"Surely that would have pleased the Cardinal," d'Artagnan said. "He would have been left alone to run the country without the King's interference."

"You would expect that to be the case. However, Saint-Pol encouraged the King to countermand many of the orders given by the Cardinal. I think he just did it to prove how much the King listened to him."

"The King sulked for weeks after Saint-Pol was sent to England." Porthos took his horse's reins from one of the stable boys and nodded his thanks. He swung himself up into the saddle.

On the ride back to the garrison Athos considered everything he had been told. He had no cause to like the Cardinal who tended to treat the Musketeer regiment with contempt. Despite that the man was a capable administrator and, grudgingly, Athos had to admit that he usually acted in France's best interests. To throw a wild card into the mix would be interesting but could be potentially disruptive and that, in turn, could lead to trouble.

Captain Treville was in the yard when they rode through the archway. He walked over to meet them.

"How are things at the Palace?"

"Interesting," Aramis said as he dismounted. "Andre de Saint-Pol returned from England this afternoon."

"I'm surprised the Cardinal let the King recall him from his post."

"He didn't. Saint-Pol apparently came back without authority." Athos handed his horse over to Jacques. "Aramis and Porthos think he will cause trouble."

"They're probably right unless he's matured in the last five years, which I doubt."

"You don't like him?"

"It's a hard and thankless task getting the King to attend to his duty. He's easily distracted and now isn't the time. The Queen is with child and relations with Spain are strained. There are wars raging all around us, any one of which could pull us in if we're not careful. It's a diplomatic quagmire. Saint-Pol never cared who he upset or insulted and the King indulged his every whim. If we're not careful he'll revert to being a teenager again and I don't want to contemplate that."

"Maybe Richelieu will find a way to get rid of him again." D'Artagnan opened the door to the refectory so that the others could pass through.

"We'd better hope so," Treville said gloomily. "Either that or we will have to brace ourselves for chaos. Keep an eye on him and, if you see the King being led astray, report it to me."

The savory smell of stew and fresh baked bread distracted Athos. For the moment he put Saint-Pol out of his mind. Even the dire prediction of the Captain didn't settle too deeply into his consciousness. After all, how much trouble could one man cause?

Tbc