To Kill a Musketeer
Chapter Two
After a morning spent riding steadily south the four stopped by the banks of a fast moving stream to eat. D'Artagnan unwrapped a loaf of bread, dividing it between his companions. Slices of cheese and cold sausage quickly followed. Porthos bent down to refill his water skin and took a mouthful of the cool liquid. He sighed with pleasure as it washed away the dust that had accumulated in his throat.
Spring was rapidly giving way to summer as the sun regained its power and the days lengthened. Thrushes sang cheerfully in the branches of the trees while a family of ducks floated contentedly down the stream. It was a perfect day for the start of their journey.
"What's so important about Hendaye?" d'Artagnan asked, settling down on the soft grass.
"No idea. Never heard of it," Porthos replied.
"Neither had I until Treville showed us the map." Aramis took a bite of bread and cheese and leaned back against the trunk of a massive oak tree. The leaves diffused the sunlight making for a pleasant respite from the warmth of the day. He took a moment to remove his weapons, sash and coat, allowing the slight breeze to dry the sweat on his skin.
"Athos?" D'Artagnan said.
"It holds a unique position right at the south-western edge of our border with Spain. Because it is on the coast it gives access to France by land and sea. Also it is in a region long in dispute between the two countries." He took off his hat, running the back of his hand across his damp forehead.
"It's a very long way from Paris. How does it help the Spanish to hold some insignificant little town?"
"You make a good point, d'Artagnan. However, they don't need to take Paris to overthrow the King. And, the timing makes sense. Before the birth of the Dauphin the Queen would have had no power if the King died. Now, should anything happen to him she will be declared regent and she is, of course, Spanish. She would likely pay close attention to any instructions sent by her brother and I have no doubt that he would offer troops for her protection."
"She wouldn't betray France," Aramis said hotly.
"Take it easy, Aramis. No-one's accusing her of anythin'" Porthos said soothingly.
"She wouldn't deliberately work against the country's interests, but she would be frightened and easily led." Athos shot a warning glare in Aramis' direction, reminding him that the others weren't aware of his connection to Anne and the Dauphin.
Aramis backed down, knowing his friend was right. A woman alone was in a vulnerable position. A widowed Queen would be the target for any man with ambition. His jealous thoughts turned to Rochefort whose position allowed him an intimacy with the Queen that Aramis would never be allowed. Even if the King were to die there would be no hope for a lowly Musketeer. The depression that he had been battling since the birth of his son threatened to suffocate him.
"Taking Hendaye will only be one way they attack," Athos said to break the uncomfortable silence. He could see that Aramis was closing in on himself and, while he understood the reason, he knew how self-destructive such thoughts could be. He had shut himself off for months after giving the order to execute his wife and was only now emerging from the fog that had filled his mind with thoughts of 'what if'. It was no way to live. He had to keep Aramis engaged with the present, not brooding on the past or indulging in hopeless dreams. "We know they have agents in Paris stirring up unrest. They also land at many of our ports quite legally because of our trade treaties. That would be an easy way for them to move men. France is exposed because of its long coastline. If Spain landed troops on our northern shore and pushed up from the border they would catch us in a pincer movement. We would be fighting on two fronts."
"Do you really believe there will be war?"
"Yes, lad. Look at the rest of Europe. Not one country lives at peace with its neighbour. Philip is ambitious. Ever since the invasion of England failed and the Armada was lost Spain has felt humiliated. Conquering France would put it right back in the centre of political life," Porthos said.
"How will the Queen feel about her husband and brother fighting each other?"
"It will make France a dangerous place for her. I've heard that there have already been a few anti-Spanish protests in the city." Aramis exchanged a quick glance with Athos.
"The Queen is well protected."
"Yes. Treville won't let anything happen to her." Aramis wished he was still in Paris, helping to watch over the woman he loved more than life. Even though she had been cold and distant since their son's birth he couldn't help his feelings. Perhaps he was doomed to always love women he couldn't have. His mood spiraled even further down. Both Adele and Isabelle were dead and he felt that he had let them both down. They had relied on him to protect them and he had failed.
"Do you think Rochefort has sent us on this journey to get us out of the way? It's going to take almost two weeks to get there." D'Artagnan began to pack up the remains of the food.
"It's possible although I can't see a motive." Athos replaced his hat on his head, stood and brushed crumbs from his breeches.
"Nothin' we can do about it anyway. We have our orders."
Aramis put his coat and sash back on and buckled his sword belt. His expression remained somber and his thoughts were a long way from their present location.
"What's it like fighting in a battle?" d'Artagnan asked.
"Noisy," Athos said.
"Hot," Porthos added.
"Confusing." Aramis laid a hand on the young man's arm. "Pray that you never have to find out."
TMTMTM
"Hendaye?" Anne said. "Do you remember, Rochefort? That's where I first met Louis. I was fourteen and very frightened. I think you were the only one there who saw me as a person and not just a prize in the diplomatic dance between our two countries."
"How could I forget your radiance, Your Majesty? You were the most beautiful woman there. I recall that it was grey and damp but you lit up the occasion like the sun."
Anne laughed. "You always did know what to say to lift my mood."
"I only ever speak the truth." On this occasion he was speaking with complete honesty. He had spent weeks tutoring her in the ways of France only to witness Louis all but ignoring his new bride. It was during that time that he had fallen hopelessly in love.
"You are a shameless flatter."
They were walking in the garden with her ladies. He could see that Anne was valiantly trying to pretend that nothing was wrong even though the King had installed his new mistress in rooms in the east wing of the palace. Rochefort had never heard any rumours of infidelity before and he found it surprising that it should happen now so soon after the Dauphin's birth.
"Are you well, Your Majesty?" he asked with genuine solicitation.
"Quite well, thank you, Rochefort. How are you settling into life back at Court?"
He was disappointed that she hadn't taken the opportunity to unburden herself to him. No doubt she told all her deepest fears and desires to that dreadful woman she'd chosen as a confidante. "It is far superior to my last residence." He shuddered slightly and was rewarded by her taking his arm.
"I'm sorry. How thoughtless of me to remind you of your ordeal."
"It is in the past. Now you must tell me how I can be of service to you."
"Keep me informed. My husband does not wish to burden me with affairs of state but I worry about these rumours of war."
"You are wise to be concerned. Please forgive me for saying that your Spanish blood is an impediment although I am assured that your people love you. Rest easy in your mind that I will always be by your side as your protector."
"You are a good man. Now, excuse me. I must visit my son."
Rochefort bowed deeply. "Of course Your Majesty." He deliberately moved to bar Constance's way when she would have followed after her mistress. "I hope you bear me no ill-will, Madame Bonacieux."
"You were just doing your duty."
"I apologise for my actions."
"It seems you are very good at apologies, Monsieur. Perhaps next time you will find out the truth before rushing to judgement."
"I hope there won't be another similar occasion. This should have taught you to mind your place." He gave her a condescending smile.
"It certainly taught me a valuable lesson." Constance now knew not to trust Rochefort. It was worrying that the Queen only saw him as her childhood friend. Anne seemed blind to his ambition and utter lack of conscience.
"The Dauphin is well?"
"Strong and thriving," she said.
"The Queen is fortunate to have such a dedicated servant." He deliberately emphasised the last word. The woman was an insufferable nuisance, always eavesdropping and never giving him the chance to speak privately with the Queen.
"We are all servants to their Majesties," Constance said equably before curtseying and walking away.
Rochefort was curious about the rumours linking her and d'Artagnan. The young man had lodged for a time at her husband's home and had recommended her for her present position. So far he'd seen no impropriety so either they were being very careful or there was nothing between them. He dismissed his thoughts. D'Artagnan would soon be dead and perhaps that death would break Constance's spirit. Yes, everything was in hand.
His next thought was for Milady de Winter. She was the King's acknowledged mistress and her presence was helping to drive the royal couple even further apart. He would have to make enquiries about her. No-one he'd spoken to so far had been able to tell him anything except that she was supposed to have saved the King when he'd been kidnapped by slavers. He recognised her ambition which matched his own. An alliance might benefit both of them and she could be a good source of information about the King. He enjoyed the intrigue. It was like playing chess, moving all the pieces carefully into place ready for the coup de gras and the moment when the King fell.
Tbc