A/N Okay, I know I said Wednesday for this chapter but it was finished and how could I resist when you have all been so wonderful in taking me to the magic century with your comments? I also appreciate that some of you are 'chomping at the bit' to find out what happened at La Rochelle etc and are eager to learn about it, just like d'Artagnan. Rest assured, those events will begin unfolding soon and they will be told in flashback as a major chunk of the story itself. Research continues and sources have, unfortunately, been a little contradictory so I have had to make decisions and will include brief footnotes to that effect.

This chapter really focuses on how the garrison has gone into a sort of 'lockdown' but they are by no means free from danger! I hope you enjoy it. Many thanks again to all of you who take the time and trouble to respond; they all mean so much and so many of you have now also put the story as 'favourite' or 'to follow'.

CHAPTER 11

Less than twenty-four hours later, Tréville and Athos rode at the centre of a group of eight musketeers as they headed towards the palace where Louis was expecting to be updated on the investigations into the attacks on the regiments and their garrison. There was no way that the strikes against the King's soldiers could be kept quiet now and the only talk on the street was of the casualties that had been sustained so far, as well as the musket fired in the public thoroughfare the previous day. The people of Paris were scared, wary of being caught as the innocent victims in any prospective altercation between the King's soldiers and whoever was targeting them. They were also nervous about the line of questioning the musketeers might pursue and with whom. The soldiers could not be blamed if they sought their own retribution for the cruelties visited upon them and the citizens' fear, understandably, was that the guiltless amongst them might fall foul of hasty, unfounded accusations.

As the ten armed men rode through the streets, the people fell back to give them room - some even taking refuge in the doorways of nearby buildings - and watched in silence as the group passed. The reaction was unnerving to the soldiers but they sat straight-backed in their saddles, even as their eyes continued to peruse the streets and the upper storey windows, mindful as they were of the unprovoked attack upon Porthos and Athos the day before.

On reaching the courtyard of the palace without incident, the escort dismounted to wait whilst Athos and Tréville entered the building, the latter having fallen uncharacteristically silent so that the younger man wondered at his apparent nervousness. This time, fortunately, there were no delays and punctually at the hour of ten, the King received them, accompanied by the Queen, some courtiers and, unhappily for the musketeers, Rochefort with several of his guard. Louis was making his own statement that the men of his regiment were not totally absolved of their shortcomings and he nodded curtly in their direction before seating himself and carefully re-arranging his exquisitely decorated doublet.

"Good morning, gentlemen," he acknowledged as the two bent low. "Monsieur Tréville, I trust you have recovered sufficiently from the injuries you received?"

"I have, Your Majesty, and I thank you for your concern." Tréville's voice was quiet but clear.

Louis turned his attention to the other man and his eyes narrowed. "I have humoured you for a day, Monsieur Athos, but now I would have you speak plainly. Withhold nothing or you may find that I will withhold my renewed support."

Athos exchanged an anxious glance with Tréville regarding the King's brusqueness. They had no evidence but they both suspected that Rochefort had put the intervening hours since the last audience to good use in pouring further doubt in the monarch's hearing with regards to the regiment. It was manifestly evident that the good favour extended by the King the previous day remained precarious. Unbeknownst to Athos, Tréville was already beginning to wallow in the belief that it was his own presence that was turning the tide of Louis' sympathies against them once more. He nodded to Athos, encouraging him to commence his explanation.

The first thing he divulged was the meaning of the symbol and it gave him a grim satisfaction when he heard Louis gasp in surprise and saw the King sit forward attentively to hear more. Rochefort was forgotten.

"You are sure of this?" Louis demanded.

"Undoubtedly, Sire," Athos asserted.

"I presume that nothing else has happened since the stable fire," Rochefort interrupted, seemingly anxious that his presence would not go unnoticed any longer.

"You presume wrong," Athos corrected him coolly and he went on to describe the attack levelled at Porthos and him after they had departed from the palace.

"You are both unharmed?" the Queen wanted to know. He saw that even Constance from her position slightly behind and to the right of Anne had raised a hand to her lips in consternation.

"We are, Your Majesty. The Musketeers have been fully engaged in pursuing the matter since then, as well as increasing our security measures. As a result of what I raised yesterday, six families had left Paris by late in the afternoon and a further nine had moved into rooms within the garrison, as well as those men who rent lodgings within the city. Accommodation at the garrison is currently overcrowded, with many men doubling up or more in their quarters to facilitate the newcomers."

Keen to set the appropriate example, he had given up his own room to a family of five and, as a result, the four Inseparables had opted to bed down in Aramis' room although conditions were unavoidably spartan.

The afternoon and evening had seen musketeers emptying their few personal belongings from one room to another. Serge had spearheaded a team as they emptied the stores of spare bedding and filled sacking with straw for makeshift mattresses for those soldiers resigned to sleeping on the floor for the foreseeable future. Beds were at a premium and some of those had been purposefully relocated to rooms housing families; two small, narrow beds pushed together now probably slept a couple and two young children or were assigned to a wife and daughters whilst the husband and sons took to the floor like many of the other soldiers.

D'Artagnan had been initially tasked with the mundane, preparing adequate storage and sleeping space for the four friends in Aramis's room as the bed was inadequate for any more than the marksman alone. It was going to be a trying time for there was no end in sight to the present arrangement. Whilst none of them would willingly leave the room of a sick brother and they were familiar with being forced to share rooms or makeshift tents on missions, their individual space within the garrison had always afforded them a kind of privacy, something they all valued in their own way, especially Athos. No soldier's room was overly large, designed as it was for one man. Now four were to be accommodated together and that situation was being repeated elsewhere. The Inseparables were big men, all six feet tall and above and prolonged close proximity was going to test them. By the time d'Artagnan had re-arranged four sets of belongings and spare clothing and laid out three temporary mattresses and bedding, floor space had all but disappeared so, where possible, they would have to retire and rise at the same time to minimise clambering over each other; heaven help anyone who needed to move during the night and they were all too aware that Porthos had a tendency to snore heavily. They were set to face interesting times! Once he had done that, d'Artagnan was assigned to checking the accommodation arrangements throughout the garrison, registering all those who now resided within its walls and where. It could be necessary to be able to find a particular musketeer and quickly.

Aramis had spent the afternoon in what passed as the infirmary, checking supplies and making a list of anything that was out of stock or needed topping up. Serge had sent a kitchen boy to assist him by cutting and rolling bandages. Whilst they feared further injury to anyone caused by the attackers, there was the added pressure presented by the current serious overcrowding within the garrison. All they needed was the outbreak of disease and it would spread through the place like a wildfire.

Porthos had spent the time along with three other men working with the armourer, checking the items against the inventory and ensuring that all weapons were in working order or sharpened. Ammunition stocks were carefully assessed and an emergency requisition order drawn up; this was no time for resources to run down. Given the infiltration of the garrison by the enemy, a two-man guard was to be mounted at all times on the armoury alone and that was not the only one to be added or increased.

Athos and Tréville had sat together in the office for the rest of the day and well into the night, exploring every avenue that might enhance the security of the garrison and thereby the safety of its men. As the younger man had informed the King, musketeer movement was not to be in any group smaller than four in number and three such groups had been instrumental in accompanying those moving into the garrison. The only ones not assigned security were those families leaving the city. Whilst the six men concerned had been granted time to escort their loved ones to safety, they were under strict instruction to do so in ordinary clothing and not in anything that could be construed as musketeer uniform so as not to draw unwanted attention to themselves.

Alcohol orders had been placed without advanced warning with several nearby taverns. The random selection of casks of ale and wine was made at the point of purchase by the musketeers sent simultaneously on the task, the intention being to procure supplies without anyone knowing of the plan and thereby having time to contaminate or poison the goods. Each of the purchases was brought back to the garrison under armed guard.

The same had happened with the food supplies. Serge was forced to increase his order with the influx of personnel and family members, and the stolen provisions still had to be replaced. They were due to be collected at the same time Athos and Tréville were at the palace and D'Artagnan was designated to be part of the guard detail escorting the delivery. The water supply to the garrison was also afforded its own protection for the men would be particularly vulnerable if anyone had access to add anything detrimental to their water source. With an increased number of guards at the main gate and a greater visible presence around the perimeter, the men were stretched to the limit as there were always some having to make the most of their reduced off-duty time before taking their turn at the various tasks. A team of twelve still worked on clearing the remains of the stable whilst others were delegated to watching over the horses as they grazed in the pasture and exercise grounds behind the garrison. With the demise of young Georges who had shouldered much of the work, more tending of the animals fell to musketeers. Another armed detail of eight men had been deployed during the afternoon with carts to collect straw and feed for the mounts whilst the first small delivery of timber had arrived and been carefully searched before being admitted through the entrance archway.

"You have had a busy time of it," Louis observed as he listened to all that Athos told him. The musketeer was relieved that the monarch was actually giving him his undivided attention for his concentration was known to lapse. If bored, the King was easily distracted but this was appertaining to his regiment and he was definitely giving the impression of being concerned.

"There has been little time for rest, Sire," Athos agreed. "We suspect that we have been under close scrutiny from those who would do us harm – they must have been monitoring our movements - so yesterday afternoon, musketeers began searching properties close to the garrison. As of yet, they have found nothing but that work will continue today.

"Meanwhile, we," and he looked at Tréville to include him, "have spent much of the night reading through the regimental accounts of the musketeer involvement at La Rochelle and Île de Ré, making a list of those Huguenots that we encountered, those whom we knew perished in the engagements and those who were subsequently imprisoned, especially here in the Chatelet.

"We intend going on there after this meeting is concluded for we want to check records to see if any of the prisoners have been released recently. Aramis will visit Cardinal Mazarin to seek access to Cardinal Richelieu's records or at least persuade him to review the documents on our behalf to see if there is anything there that might assist."

"Your Majesty," Tréville began, "I know you kept official records as well as a personal diary. I would never presume to ask to peruse them but I beseech you to review them to consider whether they contain any information that would be of benefit to us. Those responsible for attacking the regiment have some link to the Île de Ré and perhaps La Rochelle and they have to be identified."

"It may not directly be them but they could well have supporters within the city acting on their behalf," Athos continued. "We need to track down and investigate underground Huguenot cells in Paris."

Louis brought his fist down noisily on the arm of his chair. "Damned Huguenots. We gave them too much licence in the past. How dare they rear their heads again in my city. Find them, gentlemen; ferret them out and they will pay the price. I will not have them stirring dissent in my city or country and I will not have them killing the men of my regiment."

"Can you be so sure of this yet, Your Majesty?" Rochefort intervened. "This could be nothing more than a singular malcontent who has fixated upon an event and romanticised about it."

"We know of at least four perpetrators as I have said before," Athos confirmed. "The events of 1627 mean much to them. If a group of them is now at large and intent upon retribution, His Majesty could be in grave danger as a result of the political and religious consequences of that period of unrest."

"The Musketeers were prominent in their involvement as I believe," Rochefort went on not to be deterred. "I dare say you must have done something to upset those Protestants."

"I dare say we did," Athos said darkly. "They were besieged at La Rochelle and within Saint Martin de Ré and a lot of them died, thousands on the main land. We probably upset quite a number of them. Forgive me, you were not there, were you?" His deliberate barb hit home and Rochefort bristled.

"I was not, no," he said archly, refusing to be drawn any further.

"Monsieur Athos," the King said, "I have been thinking. If the attacks truly are due to Huguenots retaliating for those events, they must be stopped. The Musketeers must make that their sole responsibility. From this moment – and until we are in a position to decide otherwise – the Red Guard will take on all duties here at the palace."

Both Athos and Tréville began to object, especially when they saw Rochefort's victorious smirk but it did not go unnoticed by anyone, least of all the King himself.

"It is only an interim measure, Rochefort; of that I can assure you. However, the Musketeers will be employed elsewhere so I presume your Guard can manage that addition to their responsibilities?"

"Of course, Your Majesty; it will be a pleasure to be of service to you in this manner. My men will undertake the responsibility seriously and you will have no cause to worry. I will arrange the roster immediately."

"Good. In the meantime," and the King turned his attention back to the musketeers, "I wish you well in your investigations. I will spend the rest of the day looking at the documents as you requested; Rochefort can bring them to me before he gets too distracted with rosters and other things."

Athos fought to suppress the smile that threatened. At times, the King could be so much like a sulking child but he had not achieved all that he had over the years by exercising only spoilt petulance; he had the ability to be incredibly observant and demonstrated his own acerbic wit. Surprisingly, he seemed to be fully cognisant of Rochefort's current motivation.

"Take care, gentlemen. I am in no mood to lose any more of my musketeers. I will anxiously await tomorrow's update and trust that I, too, will have news for you," Louis continued.

"About that, Sire," Athos ventured. "It is imperative at present that we are not seen to develop predictive habits; we would expose ourselves to possible threat, especially in the light of what happened yesterday. Today is the second time we have attended a ten o'clock meeting so I would suggest that we alter the appointment tomorrow."

"Most sensible, Monsieur Athos. I applaud your ability to think about so many aspects of this situation. I therefore suggest that we re-convene at two in the afternoon."

"Agreed, Your Majesty," and both he and Tréville bowed in agreement to the King's consideration.

Louis rose to leave, Anne at his side, and all those gathered joined in a deferential bow or curtsey. As the King made to walk past Rochefort he stopped, index finger raised as if he had suddenly thought of something important.

"And, Rochefort," he began.

"Your Majesty?" came the oily response.

"If I become aware of anything that has been said within this room being discussed outside of its walls, I shall look first to you and your men. Do I make myself clear?"

Rochefort froze momentarily but swiftly recovered. "Completely, Your Majesty."

When the royal party had departed, Rochefort scowled at the two musketeers, snapped his fingers at his own guard in an order to follow and swept from the room.

Athos and Tréville looked at each other and let out the breaths they had been holding.

Jubilant, Tréville clapped Athos on the shoulder. "Come, we need to get to the chatelet and then return to the garrison. We have good news to share and I hope it will do much to restore the men's flagging spirits. The King is for us again."

"For the time being," Athos said carefully. He did not want to destroy the older man's positivity but the King was well-known for his fickleness.

Tréville was not deterred, his mood ebullient as the two moved to rejoin their waiting men. They had exited a side door into a palace yard, however, when they saw the musketeers already mounted and their numbers swelled by Aramis and three others. Aramis walked his horse forward to intercept the two men, his expression grave.

Athos put a hand to the horse's bridle. "What is it?" he asked quietly, looking up at his friend and knowing that the news had to be anything but good.

"The supply cart has been intercepted once more," Aramis explained.

"What!" Athos exclaimed. "It has been stolen again? The regiment can't afford to pay a third time for supplies it has not received!"

"No! Calm yourself, Athos. The cart has arrived at the garrison. The carter was unharmed and two men saw it safely to us!"

"Two? Which two? Six men were dispatched to accompany it! What has happened to them? D'Artagnan was with them. Tell me he is safe!"

Aramis sat atop his horse and pulled upon the reins to hold the restless animal steady as he looked down upon his troubled brother and knew he did not have the words to reassure him. He glanced at Tréville as if seeking help but the older man merely shook his head in muted disbelief as he instantly guessed the real message behind the words.

"Daniau and Bonnay brought the cart in and were able to give a precise account as to what happened. D'Artagnan ordered them to leave and make haste and said that he and the others would hold off their assailants. Porthos left immediately with a dozen men to go to their aid where they came under attack less than a mile from the garrison. I said I would bring the news to you."

Athos moved to his horse and sprang into the saddle. "Let's go," he insisted, face already an inscrutable mask as he pulled the animal's head around to face the exit.

"Where are you going?" Aramis asked, moving alongside him.

"There are fourteen of us here. We will join with Porthos; there are more than enough of us to take them on," he declared through gritted teeth.

"And Porthos has more than enough with him; he does not need us. We cannot turn the streets of Paris into a bloodbath," Trévlle insisted, moving to the other side of him so that his mount was sandwiched between the two of them.

Athos glared at his former captain. "They are the ones who have brought the bloodbath to us!"

"Indeed but to pursue a handful of men with nothing short of a small army will bring terror to the people of this city. Too much time has elapsed. Be advised; we will head for the garrison and if we hear any disturbance as we ride, we will make a detour to render our assistance but our efforts are best served by riding back to the rest of the men to ensure that all is secure there." Tréville stared at Athos as if challenging him to disagree and he watched the warring emotions mar the handsome features.

It seemed ages but was in fact only seconds before Athos nodded his agreement, albeit reluctantly. Without waiting for the others, he spurred his horse into action and rode away from the palace, heart in mouth. He knew that he should be impartial but it was impossible as he feared for the youngest member of the Inseparables.