Silent Anguish: Chapter Thirty Six
Chapter Thirty Six:
A week had passed by since Cleeves had been repatriated back to England. Including the body of Cecil.
John Cleeves was hanged at Dover Castle on the morning of Friday 12th September 1631.
It had been a small affair, the only witnesses to enjure the execution were King Charles, Queen Henrietta Maria of France, Sir Richard Weston, Sir Francis Cottington and several Kings Guards. A Cleryman had been present.
Cleeves and Cecil were buried in the peasants cemetery in the grounds of St Marys Chapel in the Hamlet Of Hancel. The only ones to attend were two former comrades of King Charles Regiment. Who laid flowers on the graves.
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A row of blue cloaks stood side by side as the four caskets bearing the Fleur de lis were lowered into the ground. The priest from Notre Dame was reciting prayers.
The wife and son of Barat de Limme were stood with heads bowed. Madame de Limme sobbed and wiped her eyes with a hankerchief as she clung to the eight year old boy who looked confused and wondering why his father was gone.
Athos turned his head slightly and looked at her. He could feel his own eyes stinging as he glanced at the young boy holding onto his mothers skirts. He found the whole thing unreal, all what had happened the past three weeks and now this, four comrades murdered by a madman. And now a child without his father.
Aramis had lifted his face towards the early afternoon sun as the priest recited the prayers, his lips moving to the words.
Porthos stood rigid to the spot, his face full of woe. He wanted this day over with. He also glanced towards Madame de Limme and the boy. He almost wished he had killed the bastard himself.
d'Artagnan had let the tears flow freely, he remembered Cayn showing him around the garrison when he first came to the garrison. Now he was in the ground at the age of Nineteen.
Treville just stared down at the graves. There had been no need for all this slaughter. He thought of the four young men, a waste of young life all because some evil bastard who wanted his own way.
The names were read out as each coffin was lowerd...
Barat de Limme aged Thirty Two
Cayn Peron aged Nineteen
Edmond de Guill aged Twenty Two
Andre Velline aged Twenty Nine
The priest had finished his recital and made the sign of the cross to which everyone said Amen in unison.
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Captain Treville had summoned the inseperables to his office to inform them of the news of the hanging and the burial of Cleeves and Cecil.
"So he is finally gone" commented Aramis as he glanced at his brothers.
"Can't say I am sorry about that Captain...if you ask me he bloody deserved what was coming" growled Porthos.
Treville had read out the letter he had received from Louis. "Apparently he was smirking as the noose was put around his neck." he commented with raised brows.
Porthos was shaking his head in disbelief and glanced at Aramis who was deep in thought.
d'Artagnan who had been put on light duties since his injury stirred in his chair. Mmmmmm so evil to the end then" he remarked.
"I must say Captain, I don't think we have had anything of this magnitude for quite a while" commented Aramis glancing at Athos.
The medic had noticed how quiet he had become since the funerals. He knew the swordsman was distressed by the whole thing but pretended he was fine. The deaths of the four men had hit him hard, it had hit them all hard. But Aramis knew his brother very well and was aware that he was dwelling on things.
Treville nodded his agreement as he picked up his brandy bottle and started to pour into four goblets. He handed each man a drink before raising his goblet in the air.
"We shall toast our four lost musketeers men. May Barat, Cayn, Edmond and Andre rest in piece". he said "We will never forget you".
The men followed suit as they stood and drank back the brandy and repeated Trevilles words of. "We will never forget you" in unison.
Athos put down his goblet and stood. "If you will excuse me captain...I need some air".
Aramis glanced at Porthos and d'Artagnan before looking across at Treville.
"Yes of course Athos...are you alright son?" asked the older man as he eyed the swordsman perplexed.
"Yes Sir...I am fine"
Athos shot a quick glance at his brothers and left. They watched as the door closed behind him.
Porthos raised his brows. " What do you think that was about?" he asked looking round at the others.
Aramis still stared at the door. "Not certain...but I intend to find out my friends". he answered. Picking up his hat and standing. He looked to Treville who was thinking the same thing.
"Yes go after him Aramis" said the older ma "He seems like there is something bothering him".
"He has been silent since the funerals...It could be that" remarked d'Artagnan.
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Aramis followed the swordsman to his room. He watched as he entered. Doctor Lemay had told him that he had made excellent progress and he was more like himself these days. Aramis just hoped he hadn't relapsed into the darkness again.
The medic rapped on his door. "Athos! it's me Aramis" The door suddenly opened and the swordsman went back into his room and carried on doing what the medic had interupted.
Aramis watched as his friend went though the chest of drawers and seemed to find what he was searching for. Aramis twirled his hat around on his finger as he watched.
" Athos my friend...may I enquire as to what you are doing?"
Athos glanced at him and smiled slightly as he emptied a purse full of coins onto the table.
Aramis stared at the shiny coins and grinned. "Prey tell me mon ami...are you buying another house?
Athos giggled as he scrapped up the coins and replaced them into the purse.
"No Mis...I am taking them to Madame de Limme...she needs it more than I...she has a child to care for now that Barat is gone".
Aramis sat on the swordsmans bed in awe at his brothers kindness. "Athos my friend she will recieve an amount of revenue from the crown, all wives of musketeers do if something should happen to them.
Athos was busying himself and wrapping his cloak around his shoulders. "It is not sufficient Mis...it will not be ample...the child needs education". he answered as he placed the purse into his pocket and turned towards the door.
Aramis rushed after him..."I am coming with you mon ami...but first please take this". The medic held out a purse. "You can add this to it".
Athos stared at him...but that is all you..."
...Please Athos take it".
Athos slowly took the purse and placed the coins with the others. He handed back the empty purse to his brother. Both sets of eyes meeting. "Thank you".
Aramis smiled. "Come lets go". he said clapping his brother on the top of his arm.
They were both met in the courtyard by Porthos and d'Artagnan. Both men watched as they approached the stables.
" May we ask where you two are going in such haste?" growled the big musketeer as he glanced at the Gascon on his right.
"We have an errand to forfill my friends" answered Aramis.
"Wait!" said d'Artagnan in haste. "Prey tell"
Athos and Aramis glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
Athos watched as Aramis approached Porthos and d'Artagnan, he could hear slightly as Aramis explained where they were going. Porthos was nodding his head as was d'Artagnan.
Suddenly both men took out pouches from their pockets and walked towards the swordsman.
"You forgot something my friend" said Porthos as he handed the pouches to Athos.
The swordsman felt his eyes doing their best to fill with tears. He swallowed hard to fight against it failing fast as d'Artagnan squeezed his shoulder and smiled.
The four musketeers mounted their horses and cantered through the archway of the garrison.
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Madame Limme had sobbed with both grief and jubilation as the musketeers presented her with the coinage in the velvet pouch. She had told them that she could not except such generosity. But Athos had insisted, informing her that it was the least they could do. Barat had been an excellent musketeer and he would always be in their hearts.
That moment the young Limme boy emerged from the doorway. He looked up at the musketeers who smiled at him. Porthos ruffled his hair making him smile shyly.
Athos approached the boy and crouched down in front of him until he was eye level.
"Your father will always watch over you and your mother. He was an outstanding musketeer, and when you grow up maybe you will want to follow in his footsteps. But whatever you may decide he will always be watching over you. And I know for certain he will be very proud of you because he loved you so much"...
Aramis couldn't stop the tears flowing as Athos spoke. Porthos wiped his tears away with his hand. d'Artagnan had bowed his head and wept.
The swordsman continued..."We will always remember him...and if you ever want to visit us at the Garrison...you know where we are."
The boy stared into the swordmans eyes and suddenly threw himself into Athos' arms. The swordsman held him close and stoked his hair.
Madame Limme wiped her eyes as she watched her small son embrace the musketeer.
The other musketeers glanced at one another clearly all moved by the whole affair.
Athos let go of the child. The boys eyes followed his as he stood and smiled up at the swordsman.
"You are handsome like my papa" he said in his childs voice.
The others smiled at each other. Porthos laughed with one of his growling sounds.
Athos smiled back at the boy and ruffled his hair. Aramis patted his brothers shoulder and chuckled.
The men said their goodbys to Madame Limme and her boy. She thanked them all once again and told them she would visit with her son.
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Following day Captain Trevilles Office:
"The king is keen to get you boys back on duty" commented Treville. The musketeers were sat around his desk.
"Yes! I must say it seems quite an age since we have actually been to the Palace...I do believe I have have forgotten what the king and queen look like". remarked d'Artagnan with a grin.
Porthos laughed aloud. "The king has a face that stays in your head...as for the queen...well I never forget a beautiful face".
"Is that not something Aramis would come out with my friend" added Athos with a slight smile.
Aramis leaned back in his chair and toyed with his hat. He patted Athos on the shoulder and smiled.
"Indeed my friend, I have missed those pretty faces, smiling at me everytime I walk past them".
Athos rolled his eyes and grinned. "I am most certain they have missed you also mon ami".
Aramis smiled as he glanced at the swordsman. " Do not pretend they do not smile at you my friend...I have noticed on numerous occasions how they try to get your attention".
Athos shrugged his shoulders. " Cannot say I have witnessed that".
Aramis shook his head and grinned. His friend was totally blind when it came to the ladies looking in his direction.
"I will be pleased to see the beautiful face of Constance again gentlemen...I to have missed the female company".
The others laughed. Making Treville smile and shake his head slightly at his
mens banter.
"Well men I trust you will all be prepared for duty then...lets us say in two days time?
The men nodded in unison except Athos. Treville glanced at his lieutenant.
"Will you be joining your comrades Athos" he asked glancing at the others.
Athos felt everyones eyes on him as Treville asked the question.
They all knew he had made a tremendous recovery. Doctor Lemay had told them all that. The others were so relieved when they were informed of the news even though Aramis was still in his mother hen mode around his freind.
Aramis leaned into his friends shoulder and nudged him with a smiled. "Of course he, will wont you my friend?"
Athos looked at his friends as they waited for an answer. He liked his life as a musketeer. He knew he had come through this nightmare, all with the help of his brothers and Treville. If they hadn't been there for him he knew in his own mind he would have probably been locked away by now in some monastery growing herbs and the like.
"I would very much like to return captain...if that is permitted by yourself?" he asked
Everyones eyes widened as he spoke. They all exchanged glances of elation.
Treville stood and shook his lieutenant's hand. "PERMITTED! Do you know how happy that makes me feel right now son? "Besides you do not need permision from me...you always were a musketeer".
Athos smiled as his brothers shuffled towards him hastly.
Aramis had stood and took his friend into an embrace, he patted him on the back. " I am so glad you made the right decison mon ami".
Porthos followed suit and grabbed the swordsman into a bear hug with a growl. "So glad you are back with us brother".
d'Artagnan smiled as he also took the swordsman into an embrace. " Was hoping you would say that my friend". he said fondly.
"I think this is an excuse to finish that english cider" growled Porthos. Rubbing his hands together.
The others laughed. "Why not...we can sit in the courtyard in the sun" said d'Artagnan.
Treville was smiling as he watched his men act like children at Christmas time.
"Good idea d'Art" commented Aramis" Come lets go and fetch the cider".
"I have yet to try this cider" said Athos as they approached the office door.
"You don't know what your missing my friend" grinned Porthos patting his friend on the shoulder.
Suddenly Treville stopped them in their tracks as he spoke. "Wont you be wanting this Athos? he asked.
The musketeers turned and smiled at one another as they noticed what the older man was holding in his left hand.
Athos smiled with a slight exhale as he stared at Treville. He swallowed hard to fight the emotion building up.
Aramis approached the musketeer captain and took the pouldron from Treville. He turned back to his brother and grinned.
"Hold out your arm mon ami" he said " There is something missing".
Athos did as he was told as Aramis clipped the pouldron into place on his friends arm.
Everyone cheered aloud. "That is what I like to see" remarked Treville. "Wecome back Athos...now go and celebrate...you are all on duty in a couple of days time".
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Epilogue.
The musketeers sat around their favourite table in the courtyard. Laughter filled the air as Porthos told his jokes.
"Yes is tastes good" commented Athos swigging from his tankard. "Not bad atall".
"Knew you would enjoy it mon ami" replied Porthos. " If its good enough for king Charles its good enough for us".
"Cheers to that" added Aramis holding up his tankard.
"Not sure whether I prefer the ale or not" remarked d'Artagnan pouring out more into his tankerd.
That moment the men turned as they heard a female voice. " So this is what you all get up to whilst the rest of us are working hard". said Constance as she entered the courtyard.
d'Artagnans eyes lit up suddenly making his brothers smile. They always teased him everytime Constance made an appearance, it was so obvious he worshipped the young woman.
"Constance...it is so nice to see you". acknowledged Aramis with a grin. "What brings you to the garrison?"
The young woman smiled. "I am returning some cloaks that were damaged, I have darned them...I really do not know what you men do...some of them were practically rags".
She suddenly noticed Athos sat at the table. "Athos! is is so good to see you up and about...how are you faring?"
The swordsman smiled. "Why thank you Constance...I feel better for seeing you again".
Constance giggled as she shot a glance to the others. "Good glad to hear it...its good to see your handsome face again".
d'Artagnan grimaced making the others laugh.
"Why are you pulling faces d'Artagnan" she asked putting her hands on her hips and raising her eyebrows.
Porthos made a guffaw sound making them all giggle. "He is jealous Constance...you said Athos was handsome".
"I am NOT! jealous as you put it" answered the Gascon pulling a face.
"Oh for goodness sake...you are all like a bunch of children" she replied givinig d'Artagnan a slap across his head with her scarf.
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"Anyway...he is handsome! she repeated
The swordsman rolled his eyes and drank form his tankard. "Can we not change the subject"
"If you will excuse me gentlemen I need to get these cloaks to Treville" said Constance as she approached the wooden steps.
The men ackowledged her as she shimmied up the steps holding her skirts above her ankles.
Aramis glanced at the swordsman. "That is what I meant earlier my friend...you never see how the ladies look at you with admiration."
Athos changed the subject as he filled all their tankards with cider.
"I would like to thank you all for being here for me when I needed you" he said softly. " I wont ever forget that, you have brought me out of the darkness of nightmares and for that I most grateful.".
The others had fell silent as the swordsman spoke. All three had tears in their eyes as he spoke.
" There was times when I thought I would go insane...I visualised I would be taken away from you...and the thought of that was too overwhelming...it stopped me from sleeping because I actually believed it in my own head".
Aramis slid his arm around the swordmans shoulders and leaned his temple into his friends. Porthos stretched his arm across the table and squeezed his brothers arm affectionately as he held back tears.
d'Artagnan had sat the other side of his mentor and gently gripped the back of his neck. They stayed like that for a few minutes just taking in the emotion.
"I love you brothers" whispered Athos.
Aramis kissed his friends temple and smiled. "And we all love you mon ami" he said.
Porthos was nodding in agreement. "And don't you ever forget it" he growled.
"We wont let him forget" murmered d'Artagnan. "Never".
"Well this cider is not going to drink itself" commented the swordsman with a sniff as he reached for the ewer.
"Am I going to have to carry you to your room tonight my friend" asked Porthos grinning and winking at the others.
Athos raised his eyebrows and grimaced. " Indeed you will not" answered the swordsman. "I think I will quite capable of finding my own way to my room".
The others laughed aloud with joy. They had Athos back again where he belonged.
The End.
I would like to thank you all for the awesome reviews in the past months, I really appreciated it. I also enjoyed reading them. Some have made me giggle and others have made me a better writer, and for that I thank you all.
I hope you have all enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing.
I will be posting a new story soon. At the moment I am still working on the plot. But I really hope you will still read it.
Stay well guys!
Pippa xxx
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The Village of Hancel is fictitious.
12th September 1631 was an actual date of the time.
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