No Mercy Chapter Eight.
Treville's hands gripped tightly around the spaniards neck. The mans hands were shackled behind his back, he struggled but was held fast by the musketeer captains angry grip.
"NOW! Where is my missing musketeer? he seethed through clenched teeth as his grip became tighter.
"I do not know of whom you speak of." gasped the spaniard as he struggled against Trevilles grasp. "And if I did know...I would not divulge such information to you bastards."
Treville glared into the mans face and then released his grip throwing him against the wall. He turned to his three men who had been watching the whole saga.
"Make certain he is chained up in one of the cells...lets hope the rats become ravenous."
The spaniard had a smirk on his face as he glanced at Treville. "Without warning Marcel lunged forward and punched him in the face sending him flying to the ground.
The spaniard spat out blood from his mouth as he tried to stand. "You bastard french cretins. You will all be sorry...when my comrades seize the palace."
"I see this whole thing fills you with mirth." growled Marcel as he gestured to Lucca and Francois to take him.
He glared at the four men, I know my comrades...your missing man will probably be dead by now."
"Get him out of my sight NOW! seethed Treville.
The two musketeers dragged him to his feet and into one of the cells.
Treville grabbed one of the torches from the wall sconce. "Come...lets go."
xxxxx
d'Artagnan jumped awake. I have to stay alert...I cannot sleep...I feel so tired...body is numb...stay awake...stay awake...cannot sleep...it wont be long now...then I will sleep...sleep...sleep.
The Gascon could visualise his brothers in his minds eye. He was sparring with Athos...he was jesting with Porthos...he was practicing his shooting with Aramis.
Constance was picking straw from his hair and smiling...they were all sat at their favourite table in the courtyard eating Serges chicken broth.
"Mmmmmmmmmff" he groaned through the rag in his mouth, it was now making it more difficult to breath.
The water was now lapping up to his chest. His whole body had suddenly stopped trembling, he could feel his heart beat inside is head and ears...it seemed to have slowed down.
His eyes had filled with tears, as he struggled against the retraints. His breathing was slow and shallow. I want to sleep now. Sleep...sleep...sooooo...tired.
xxxxx
Aramis turned the corner holding up the torch in front of him, his pistol primed and ready in the other hand. He noticed they had come to a large chamber with other tunnels leading off in different directions. Porthos and Athos had followed him as they scanned around the damp stone walls.
"My God! exlaimed Porthos as he noticed the two bodies of the red guards that had gone their seperate ways when they first entered the tunnel.
"I don't think you can help these two Aramis." continued the big musketeer as he studied the bodies with horror in his face.
Aramis and Athos had joined him. "Dear God...was there any need for that." seethed the medic sounding enraged as he looked at the two men who had both been stabbed though the eyes.
Athos couldn't help but think of d'Artagnan, he prayed that the young man had not met a similar fate. If they had murdered d'Artagnan he would kill them with no hesitation. And nobody would be able to stop him. He would search for them forever if needs be.
"It would seem they show no mercy to anyone my friends. This is a statement...just like those bodies we found in the farmhouses...they wont stop at nothing...man, woman or child...it means nothing to them." he said as he stared down at the two dead red guard. "The market square was another."
Porthos was cursing under his breath as he heeded the swordmans words. He glanced up at his two brothers furrowing his eyebrows. His face full of rage, his hands balled into fists.
"Then we need to find them and...give them some of their own medicine."he growled.
Aramis had prised the daggers from the mens eyes and covered the bodies with the mens famous red cloaks. He uttered a prayer under his breath and kissed his crucifix before touching the murdered mens foreheads.
Athos had paused whilst the medic performed his ritual. He patted the medics shoulder and nodded. "Come...lets go."
xxxxx
Footsteps and voices could be heard from inside the chamber. Then yelling and screaming. Followed by a thud and a musket shot.
My God Louis...I hear them...someone is outside the chamber." whispered Queen Anne as she glanced at her husband. Tears had filled her eyes.
Louis was stood next to Richelieu. He suddenly approached his wife.
"My dear do not despair...I am most certain the red guard and our musketeers know what they are doing." he replied as he took her hand in his.
The king returned to Richelieu's side. His face had changed from the comforting look he gave his wife, to that of anger and trepidation.
"I trust you have a plan cardinal...I am not liking this one bit...I would suggest we conceal ourselves within the hidden chamber at haste." he muttered.
Richelieu glanced towards the queen as she and Constance huddled together on the chaise longue, both women had terror in their eyes.
Suddenly another yell could be heard as a loud rap echoed through the large ornate doors.
Louis shot a look at Richelieu as the din echoed around the walls. His face full of woe.
Richelieu suddenly moved at haste his cloak flapping behind him. He stopped at the side wall and pressed down on the small candelabra that protruded from the fire grate. The wall slid open transpiring and and revealing the hidden chamber that contained just a couple of seats and candle sticks.
The thudding continued outside the doors and more shots rang out.
"Quickly! Your majesties...conceal yourselves within this chamber...we will be safe in here until help arrives."
Anne and Constance grabbed each others hands as they rushed towards the chamber followed by Louis.
Louis whispered into Richelieu's ear as he walked past the man, his brows raised. "I truly hope you are right cardinal...or there will be consequences."
Richelieu glared at the monarch. All he could hope and pray for right now was these so called Vanguard group would be eliminated and apprehended.
After all he had said when criticising Treville's regiment, he would give anything right now to see the musketeers arrest these evil individuals.
He pulled the hidden door closed leaving the chamber vacant.
xxxxx
"YOU CANNOT STAY IN THERE FOREVER LOUIS! yelled Savas at the large ornate doors.
He got no answer and turned to Rochefort. "I believe you said this was the kings chamber?
Rochefort glared at the spaniard. "That is correct...he is hardly going to answer to your summons."
Savas eyed the blonde man. He rounded on his men. " BRAKE IT DOWN!
xxxxx
The queen held both her clutched hands to her face as they heard the sound of one thud after the other. She practically jumped out of her skin as the first thud hit and echoed through the chamber.
Louis and Richelieu watched through the tiny peep holes in the walls. Just their eyes could be seen through what light had managed to stream in.
Constance and Anne glanced at each other as yet another thud echoed making the ground vibrate.
Richelieu whispered to Louis. "Where in Gods name are the musketeers?" he said through clenched teeth.
Louis finished his sentence. "And the red guard."
The king turned to Anne and Constance and put his finger to his lips gesturing to the women to stay quiet.
They both glanced at him and held onto each other as though their lives depended on it.
Another thud then another, the fifth one did the job as the doors flew open and hit the walls on either side with the impact.
Savas, Rochefort and his men rushed into the chamber. Rochefort suddenly came to a stop as he scanned the entire chamber.
Savas glared at Rochefort."You idiot...I was led to believe they were in here...
..."DO NOT IDIOT ME Savas...I told you it was the kings chambers...that is all." seethed the blonde comte. "I did not suggest he was actually within these actual walls."
Savas face was full of rage as he glared at the man. He turned to his men. "I want this palace combed...leave no chamber...until it is thoroughly searched...do I make myself clear...now..GO!"
The sound of the mens footsteps echoed off the walls as they rushed from the chamber.
xxxxx
Louis and Richelieu glanced at one another as they noticed Rochefort through the tiny peep holes.
Louis felt the anger within him rising as he watched the man litarally walk around his chamber as though he knew they where hidden and observing him search for them.
"I do not believe this." he whispered in Richelieu's ear. " The traitor...I will have him hanged for this."
They watched as Rochefort stopped as though listening for something. He cocked his head to one side as his eyes scanned the walls.
The queen and Constance still holding on to each other for comfort.
Rochefort took slow steps around the room. His eyes still darting everywhere as he scanned the walls and cabinets. His footsteps echoed as he walked, getting louder as he neared the secret chamber.
Louis and Richelieu reeled back away from the peep holes as he stopped, as though he knew they where there.
Both men held their breaths as they stood rigid to the spot. Before the footsteps faded away to the other side of the chamber.
The king let out his breath, as did Richelieu. "Dear God" whispered Richelieu "I always knew there was something improper with him...Treville was right all along. He is a devious scoundrel."
They watched as Rochefort walked from the chamber.
xxxxx
"What do you mean they were not in their...that is his main chamber...it is his favourite room." gasped Gaston.
" They know what is going on...they are bound to be hiding somewhere else...we will find them that is a certainty." replied Rochefort with his poker features.
Rochefort and Gaston were in the Office of Cardinal Richelieu. Rochefort was going through letters and the likes. He sat down in the large chair and put is feet on the oak desk.
"This is now my office Gaston...I trust you have plans for our dear cardinal's future."
Gaston had poured out two goblets of wine. He sat in the opposite chair and looked at Rochefort with squinting eyes.
"I could have him sent to Rome to join Pope Urban's entourage...then again I may just kill him." he answered in his relaxed state, as he swigged from his glass and tossed his hair from his face.
"Remember one thing...I will take care of the queen...as soon as they are found...I want her brought before me." seethed Rochefort as he eyed Gaston.
Gaston smirked. "Prey tell me...you and the queen...will you take her as a mistress.?
Rochefort teeth clenched as he glanced across at the kings brother. " NO! She will be my wife...the king will be dead."
Gaston smirked at that.
xxxxx
The flames lit up the entire tunnel as the musketeers rounded the corner holding up torches. They stopped in their tracks as they noticed the piled up barrels of gunpowder.
"Jesus...this lot 'ave been planning some seige." growled Porthos as he turned to the others.
Aramis had opened up a wooden chest revealing muskets and arqubuses. "It would seem you are right my friend." he responded as he picked up one of the muskets and was inspecting it.
Athos was checking the vacant cells and found more weapons, he picked up a hand mortar.
"Guy Fawkes would have been proud of these bastards." he deadpanned.
That moment a loud voice echoed off the walls. " DROP YOUR WEAPONS MUSKETEERS...OR YOU DIE WHERE YOU STAND!"
The three men shot a glance to one another without actually moving. They slowly removed their belts and let them fall to the ground. Jangling as they fell.
Three large and sturdy men slowly walked from the darkness into the light, aiming pistols at the musketeers.
"Well! Well! what have we got here men...it would seem we have three more of the kings musketeers." smirked Perez.
"Ah yes indeed...maybe we should kill then here and now." replied Juan as he walked around the three men eyeing them up and down.
Porthos felt his insides becoming raged as he glared at the men.
"I do hope you were not thinking of stealing our weapons musketeers." seethed Benito as he pointed his pistol into Aramis' temple.
Aramis didn't stir. He just met the eyes of Athos as he to stood rigid where he had stopped in his tracks. He could see the swordsman was already thinking of an escape strategy.
"It would seem that misdeed has already been committed would it not?" remarked Athos.
Perez glared at the swordsman as he approached him. "Did you hear that gentlemen? this french bastard is saying we are thieves.
The moment Juan lunged at Athos with his fist sending him to the ground. Athos was on his feet in an instant as he thrust into the man. Juan was half a man bigger and taller than the swordsman as he grabbed him and lifted him up throwing him into the wall.
Aramis and Porthos watched helplessly as their brother was flung like a rag doll into the stone structure.
A loud groan was heard as the swordsman hit the ground with a thud.
"Mmmmmmmft!
The three spaniards laughed aloud as he hit the wall.
"HEY! yelled the two musketeers in unison.
They both exchanged glances of horror and concern, hoping that Athos was alright.
"Why don't you try that with me you BASTARD! growled Porthos balling his hands into fists with rage.
"Shut your mouth musketeer" seethed Juan as he glared into Porthos' face.
Porthos face was akin to that of an angered bull as he glared back at Juan.
Aramis glanced towards his fallen brother who lay motionless on the ground, blood was oozing from his hairline.
"I need to see if he is alright" he said as he went to approach his friend.
"Do not even think about it...one move and you will be dead from a shot through the head."
Perez turned to his two comrades. "Come Juan...let us inform Savas of our findings...Benito you stay here...and if they try anything KILL THEM!
Benito smirked without taking his eyes off Porthos and Aramis. "Do not fret comrades...they are not going anywhere."
"Maybe we should let them join the other one... they can all bathe together." laughed Juan.
The two spaniards disappeared down the tunnel leaving Benito stood holding a musket in each hand aimed at both musketeers. He gestured to them to move into the empty cell.
"Why are you doing all this...what is it you hope to achieve" asked Aramis as he walked backwards into the cell, his hands in the air.
Benito locked the barred gates behind them and grinned. "We will take over France...we have already seized Philips palace in Spain. King Louis is next."
"You are a bunch of deluded idiots if you think you can enpower France...the people will revolt...you will never thrive." added Porthos.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH! you talk too much...as soon as Savas hears of you, he will have you both killed. When we are finished there will be no such thing as a musketeer." he laughed out loud. "We will recruit our own regime...
...his voice was cut off as he reeled back, his eyes wide, his face distorted, his legs stumbled backwards a few steps as he screamed out in agony.
"Not today you wont" gasped Athos who had reached for his main gouch from the ground, he had aimed and thown it into the spaniards back.
Aramis and Porthos watched in awe as the spaniard fell to the ground dead, the dagger pretruding from between his shoulder blades.
"ATHOS! gasped Aramis. "Dear God my friend we thought you were hurt badly.
Athos bent down and retrieved his dagger from the mans back, he wiped off the blood on the mans doublet and looked at his friends.
"Just knocked out I think" he answered as he took the keys from the mans belt and unlocked the gates.
Both Porthos and Aramis embraced their friend in turn. "Always knew you were indistructable." chuckled Porthos as he clapped his friend on the back.
Athos pulled a sardonic face.
"Let me see that cut." said Aramis as he brushed his freinds hair out of the way and seen large black lump forming.
"There is no time we have to get out of here before they return." answered Athos as he picked up a torch. "Besides I'm fine Mis."
"Yeah...I have heard that before my friend." said Aramis rolling his eyes at the swordsman.
"Did you heed what they said about d'Artagnan? asked Porthos as they rushed down the tunnel. "Something about a bathe."
"Indeed I did." replied Athos. "And I do not like the sound of it. We should make our way to the where the river comes in...he could be there. ALIVE I hope."
Athos knew that the king and queen were probably in mortal danger right now, but he also knew there were other musketeers besides them on ground level, who were quite capable of serving their king. He also knew they had to find d'Artagnan.
xxxxx
Rats were screeching and scurrying. The noise was the only thing keeping the sleepy musketeer from falling into a deep sleep.
The water level had covered his shoulders, it wouldn't be long now before he was completely submerged. He felt numb all over, not cold anymore. It was if his body had become adapted to the cold water. He tried to count to himself backwards from twenty in his head, his mouth was still stuffed with the rag which was now becoming saturated.
Nineteen, eighteen, seventeen...sixteen...fifteen...fourteen...whats next...twelve...no...thirteen...want to sleep now. Eleven...so tired...tired.
Something jolted him awake...voices...maybe his attackers had returned...so tired now...let me sleep...I recognise that growl...feel sleepy...sounds like...Porthos!...Porthos!
To be continued...
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Pippa xxxx
