Silent Anguish: Chapter Twenty Six

The darkness had almost lifted as the men dressed. "The sooner we can get on the road the better"said Trevelle as he fastened his doublet and picked up his weapons belt.

" I just cannot wait to get on a ship back to Paris" commented Porthos glancing up from his bed as he pulled on his boots with a tug.

Treville nodded with a wry smile, he himself would give anything right now to be riding through the Garrison gates to the sound of the men sparring and laughing, the inseperables banter filling the air and Athos being Athos. He pulled him self out of his reverie and back to reality.

Porthos...you and d'Artagnan prepare the horses. If you see Cleeves or Cecil, inform them that we are almost ready". he ordered.

The two summoned musketeers stood instantly and nodded the order. "Yes captain". They answered in unison as they headed for the door.

"When we board the ship...will we be going to Paris Captain" asked Athos as he picked up his doublet and put it on.

Treville exchanged glances with Aramis. "We certainly will Athos...it will be good to get home".

Aramis picked up his own weapons belt and clipped it into place around his waist. He glanced at his friend, he had noticed how pale his friend had become, he couldn't help but feel concern for him and hoped Athos had kept his word on the subject of his injury.

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d'Artagnan and Porthos had joined Hogan and Sands in preparing the horses. The stable hands had fed and watered the animals before dawn, to which the men had offered their gratitude to the boys.

The scullery maids had made breakfast for the travellers and set up a table for them to help themselves to bread, cheese, fruit, and gruel. Sir Edward had asked for Treville and Cleeves to join him in his private chambers for introductions. The two men had agreed and were led towards the large doors.

Sir Edward was sitting at a long table with his son Gwyn as they entered. The older man wiped his mouth before standing up to greet his guests. He approached both men with his hand extended.

He was a small in stature with shoulder length white hair with a small white beard. He looked about seventy years old thought Treville as he eyed the man. He to was dressed in lavish attire.

"Gentlemen my sincere apologies for not welcoming you yester night. I was very much hard pressed for time, I had tasks that needed my upmost attention. I hope you will forgive me".

Treville and Cleeves both gave a slight bow of the head.

" Please Sir, do not fret so...we are just so grateful for the excellent hospitality you put upon us". responded Treville. He felt Cleeves glaring at him in his perennial vision.

The english captain stepped forward. "As Captain Treville has said Sir...we really do appreciate all your generosity".

"That is no bother gentlemen...I will not have travelers bare the cold rain when I myself have the room for them. Prey tell me have you eaten?".

"We have Sir...and again I thank you for your ample generosity" replied Treville. "But we really need to resume our travels."

The white haired man smiled softly. " Of course, I understand" he said. He turned on his son. "Gwyn...make sure the men have the gates open for our guests to exit".

Gwyn stood at once..."Certainly father, I will see to it at once". Gwyn turned and walked from the chamber summoning his guards as he went.

"If you ever pass these parts again gentlemen you know you welll be most welcome". remarked the older man as he extended his hand once again at Treville and Cleeves.

The two men bowed their heads slightly before turning and leaving the chamber.

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The courtyard bustled with the men as they prepared their mounts. d'Artagnan fastened the saddle bags to each of the musketeers horses containing bread and cheese given to him by the head cook in the scullery. Cecil had also been given supplies for his men.

Gwyn had ordered the guards to open the gates ready for the men to leave.

He looked twice as he noticed the shackled man ahead of the party. Gwyn slowly walked towards the gates. The man seemed to turn away as he approached as though concealing his face.

Gwyn walked around to the front of him and stared.

"YOU! YOU!...he yelled out in a gasp, his body began to tremble...

...Gwyn suddenly turned and ran, he practically collided with Treville and Cleeves as they emerged from the living quarters.

The men watched in awe as Gwyn stopped in front of Treville. His face pale as though in shock, sweat beading his face.

Aramis and Porthos shot each other a puzzled glance before joining their captain.

" My dear man...what troubles you so" asked Treville catching the eye of his two men.

"WHY IS HE HERE? WHY? I THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD". gasped Gwyn.

Cleeves eyed him. " Who Sir...who do you speak of?" he asked.

Gwyn was breathing hard as he turned and pointed his finger towards the shackled man.

" BUCKINGHAM! he roared...he...he...is disgusting he is...Gwyn rushed into the living quarters before finishing his sentance.

Porthos brow creased as he looked at his captain then back to Aramis.

Cleeves was biting his lip with sheer anxiety as he stared after Gwyn who had disappeared through the doors.

"You thinkin' what I am thinkin" growled the big musketeer as he turned to the medic.

Aramis face had paled, he sighed hard as he glanced back to Athos who was sitting on Roger eating an apple. He was glad the swordsman had not heard Buckinghams name.

"It dread to even think it my friend...I have a bad feeling about all this" he answered.

That moment Sir Edward emerged from the doors, his face turned ruddy in the morning sun.

Treville turned as he appeared at his side. "My son is most anxious captain...he tells me the The Duke of Buckingham is in your traveling party is that true?"

"He is Sir...we were sent to apprehend him when he escaped the gallows in Dover...we are taking him back there to hang".

The old man was scanning the courtyard as though searching the faces, but he failed to notice him.

"May I ask why your son is so distraught" asked Aramis walking forward.

The old man turned to the musketeer. Treville spoke before he could answer.

"This is Aramis Sir...he is one of my musketeers and a very good medic I might add".

The old man was still staring up at Aramis. "We should speak inside not here, if you do not mind.

"Certainly Sir of course". replied the medic. He turned to d'Aragnan who had joined the group. "Keep an eye on Athos d'Art...I need to hear this". The Gascon nodded and walked back towards his mentor.

"Why the hold up?" asked Cecil as he approached Cleeves. Cleevses looked at his lieutenant. "It would seem we have to tarry here a while...there is a problem concerning that bastard Buckingham again". he answered.

Cecil frowned. "Why what has he done now". Cleeves eyed his lieutenant. "I do believe I am about to find out...I have a strange feeling he is known to our friends in the Castle." he said following Treville and his men into the living quarters.

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Treville, Aramis, Porthos and Cleeves followed the old man into the main hall then into his private chamber.

He ushered the men to sit at the large table. They all followed suit.

The old man sat. He looked deep in thought before speaking. "This scoundrel you have in your charge gentlemen...RAPED my son three years ago...he was nearly driven mad by it". Aramis, Porthos and Treville exchanged glances of disbelief. Aramis felt his stomach churn as the man spoke.

"Dear God". gasped the medic as he rubbed his hands over his face. "I do not believe this bastard...were does it all end?"

The old man glanced at him. "Tell me young man...prey tell me you are not one of his victims?"

"Aramis glanced at Porthos before answering. "No Sir not me...but he raped my friend and comrade twice...we are worried for him at present...he is not..."Aramis voice broke...he is not the man we all know".

"And the last thing Gwyn needed right now was to see Buckingham again" growled Porthos shaking his head.

"I can only apologise Sir...if we had known...The old man cut off Treville as he spoke, he held up his hand in protest. " Please my dear Captain Treville...how could you have known...please do not fret...my son will recover...it is just the shock at seeing him...that is all".

Aramis figeted in his seat. "Tell me Sir...how did your son endure the trauma of the attack?"he asked.

Everyone looked from Aramis to the older man, each waiting for an answer.

The others watched as the old man seemed to be reliving the memories in his head. His eyes glazing, he wiped a hand over his face with a slight tremble.

Porthos and Aramis glanced at one another. Aramis almost felt guilty for mentioning the incident.

"I apologise Sir...I have caused you distress". said the medic softly.

"NO! NO!...I am fine...it needs to be told" he answered. Sir Edward sat back in his chair...

" King Charles is a distant cousin of mine, my family have always resided here at Leeds Castle, my family goes back centuries here. I have been to Dover Castle in the past when my son and I were invited to the kings annual feast. We were both introduced to Buckingham when we arrived...I will never forget the way in which he looked at my son...it was, how can I put it as though he was an exhibit in a show. Of course we stayed there after the feast...I was suddenly roused in the night by shrieking and yelping. I went out into the passage, my sons bed chamber door was open ajar...I called his name but I just heard sobbing...I walked in and found my son in such despair. I thought he had gone quite mad. I shook his shoulder...but he cowered away from me as though I was a complete stranger."

Treville exchanged glances with his two men. Both their faces full of sadness as they heeded what Sir Edward was saying.

The older man carried on. "We sent for a physician the next day...that is when my son screamed out that he had been somomised by Buckingham".

"Did the physician know how to help your son" Sir asked Porthos.

Sir Edward glanced at the big musketeer. "My son gentlemen was put into 'The Priory Of The Ladies of Bethlehem' it is a place were they put the insane...I thought I had lost my son forever".

Aramis felt like he wanted to vomit...he felt the bile coming up into his throat. He glared at the water ewer on the table and poured himself some into one of the cups.

Treville knew what it was doing to his medic...he was thinking of Athos' well being. Aramis swallowed the water and looked towards Sir Edward.

"Please forgive me Sir...I just needed a drink." added the medic.

Sir Edward smiled and waved a hand. " No need...its there for drinking".

"May I ask? This friend of yours...how is he at this moment?

Aramis put down his cup. " He is coming out with irrational things...he is saying things that do not have any meaning or sense".

Sir Edward was nodding slowly. " Gwyn was the same...he would speak of things that did not have any meaning to the converation we were having at that moment...my poor dear wife died of a broken heart gentlemen."

Treville and his men suddenly glanced up at Sir Edward as he mentioned his deseased wife.

"I am so sorry Sir...we had no idea". said Treville. "When did your dear wife pass?"

Sir Edward was staring ahead, his eyes had glazed over as he thought. " It will be two years now...she went into some kind of stupor. Three doctors examined her but she died that night".

"Would it be possible to speak with your son Sir" asked Aramis. "I would very much like to seek some advice from him".

Sir Edward glanced towards the medic. "If you think it will help your friend...by all means...I will have you taken to his chamber".

The old man waved one of his aids over and intstructed the man to escourt the medic.

Porthos nodded up at his friend as he stood to leave. Aramis patted the big mans shoulder before turning and following the aid out of the chamber.

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Gwyn Ferfax was sitting at the table in his private chamber. He had filled a goblet with wine. He swigged back a few mouthfuls before placing the goblet back on the table. He stared up at the portrait on the wall in front of him, a woman in a gold taffita dress, with pearls set around the neckline. Her face pale, her cheeks had a slight pink hue. Her hair was dark and hung around her shoulders in ringlets. Gwyn jumped as he heard the knock on his door before his fathers aid entered.

"Sir Gwyn! Your father had me fetch musketeer Aramis to speak with you".

Gwyn frowned not quite sure what to think. "I did not request a visitor" he answered as he took another swig of wine.

Aramis glanced at the aid and gestured him to leave. The aid bowed.

The medic slowly walked into the chamber, he scanned the room before stopping in front of Gwyn.

Gwyn looked up at him. "What did you want to speak about Aramis?" he asked

"Your father told us what happened to you" answered the medic.

"I thought I was rid of him...and there he is again right in front of my face...WHY?"

"If we had known Sir...we would never had stayed here...I can only apologise".replied Aramis softly.

"He is EVIL...I thought he was dead"

"He escaped the gallows Sir...we had to apprehend him again...thats were we were heading".

Gwyn glanced at the musketeer and gestured him to sit. He held up the wine bottle and poured out another goblet before sliding it over to the medic.

Aramis gave a slight smile as he took it.

"I blame him for my mothers death...she was never the same after what happened to me". he said glancing up at her portrait.

Aramis followed his gaze. "Is that your mother?" he asked

Gwyn nodded and took another swig from his goblet.

"She was very beautiful" responded the musketeer as his eyes scanned the framed painting.

"Yes and that bastard killed her...before her time" fumed Gwyn

Aramis turned back and looked across at the angry man before him.

"He did the same to my friend...he raped him...TWICE!" he seethed.

Gwyn glanced up. " Where is your friend now...is he here?"

"Yes...but he is not the man we all know...he has changed...its as though he is trying to blank out all thought of what has happened to him...it breaks our hearts to see it".

"My father said I did something akin to that...I recall him speaking of it when I came home".

Aramis took a swig of wine. " May I be so bold and ask if you where injured in any way?"

Gwyn picked up his own goblet, his face had reddened. "I think I know what you speak of Aramis...has your friend bled out?"

The medic felt the familiar lump in his throat again as he thought of Athos.

He nodded, "Yes...but he is keeping it to himself...I noticed when he was undressing for bed".

Gwyn looked at him. "Yes I can understand why...he is embarrassed by it...I myself did not bleed...I was very sore though...your friend really should see a physician. "I heard it happened to one of the young boys he raped...the boy killed himself two days later".

Aramis heeded what Gwyn was saying. "How are you faring now". he asked.

" I get by...I try not to think too much...I used to have nightmares...but they have subsided.

Aramis stood. "I should get back to my comrades...they are waiting to go".

"Will he hang when you arrive in Dover?"

"Oh most certainly...I will make sure of that myself...he has caused enough heartache to last a lifetime".

"I really hope your friend will recover soon Aramis...just keep a close eye on him".

Aramis was nodding his head in agreement. " Yes so do we...we just want our friend back with us".

Both men shook hands. "I am most pleased you are alright Sir" smiled the medic.

"Thank you Aramis...and stay safe out there...take as much food with you as you want my friend".

Aramis gave a slight bow of the head. " You are most kind I thank you".

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The men had left Leeds Castle and were now on the road to Dover. The sun had warmed up the day. Treville had not been happy at leaving so late in the morning but he felt better now they were on a steady pace. He knew they were about a day away from Dover and he was determined to make as much headway as possibe before stopping to water the horses. Dover couldn't quick enough. His mind went to Buckingham, he found it difficult to comprehend the amount of anguish the man had caused. If he had his way Buckingham would be DEAD! right now...he knew Porthos wanted nothing more than to cut the man to shreds.

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"You really are a dead man walking Buckingham" seethed Cleeves as he flanked the man.

Buckingham's face was ruddy as he rode, he rode with his hands still shackled.

"And you will hang with me Cleeves...when I tell the king you were involved in all this charade".

Cleeves chuckled. "Treville will make sure I don't...you have noone to help you now Buckingham".

Buckingham glanced at him. "We will see about that you plebian".

Cecil who had been listening to the two men suddenly rode to the other side of Buckingham.

" Tell me Buckingham...who havn't you sodomised?" he scoffed shooting a glance to Cleeves.

Cleeves laughed aloud. "Good question Cecil...that wont take him long to answer".

Buckinghams face was scarlet. "Why don't you both go and fuck yourselves" he spat out.

Cleeves and Cecil rode ahead still both cackling aloud.

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Aramis rode at Athos' side. He thought back to his conversation with Sir Edward and his son Gwyn. He had promised Athos he would never ever divulge anything about his injury. He suddenly felt guilty, Athos would be furious with him if he knew he had told Gwyn. But he had to find out, he had to know what to do to help him. Besides Gwyn would probably never see the swordsman ever again. No that is not the point here. Aramis felt for his crucifix inside his shirt, he kissed it and recited a prayer in his head. My Lord, I beg you to forgive me, I was trying to help my brother. Amen!

" The captain wants to speak to you Mis" said d'Artagnan as he flanked the medic on his left. "I will ride with Athos".

Aramis glanced around as the Gascon suddenly appeared. " Fine my friend" he answered as he rode ahead to catch Treville.

Athos watched as Aramis rode off towards their captain. He turned to d'Artagnan.

" We are not ...far from Paris...we are nearly home" he said

d'Artagnan eyed his mentor. He noticed his face had become wet with persperation, he was trembling slightly.

"Athos my friend...do you feel alright...would you like some water?"

Athos could here his brother talking to him, his voice sounded far away, he felt like he was under water, why am I shaking so? why am I cold, I am hurting, I feel wet, I want to vomit, I feel like I want to...why is it dark?

d'Artagnan stared in horror as his friend fell from his horse, he hit the ground with a thud.

"ATHOOOOOSSSS!" NO!

To be continued...

Hi Guys,

Hope you are all well. Thank you for reviewing. I hope you are still enjoying the story.

I really must be doing something wrong...I never ever see my work on the first page...I'm starting to get paranoid.

Anyway enough about me. I hope to update ASAP!

Once again thank you all

Pippa xxx

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