No Mercy Chapter Thirty Seven
Royal Palace:
Following Day.
The musketeers had returned the night before from their persue of the Count of Toulouse. They had informed Treville of his visit to the Chateau de La Mar.
The musketeer captain was intrigued to learn the news and wondered as to why he would visit the Marquis of Versailles. Treville told his men to get some rest and meet him the next morning in the Assembly Chamber of the palace.
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It was early morning in the palace as Red Guard and Musketeers bustled back and forth to relieve their comrades from their night duties.
Captain Treville walked through the main hall. He nodded his head several times as he walked past certain dignitaries and courtiers on his way to the assembly chamber.
Assembly Chamber.
Aramis poured out ale into his cup and swigged some back. Porthos was finishing off ham and eggs and waiting for Athos to discard his unfinished plate that still contained an egg and a chunk of bread. The swordsman grinned as he pushed the plate towards the big man who was dipping his bread in the egg before the plate was even in front of him.
Aramis and Athos exchanged glances of sheer disbelief as they watched their brother stuff the food into his mouth.
"The day I see you refuse to eat mon ami is the day I know you are ill." said Aramis as he supped his ale with a slight grin.
Athos sniggered. " Well one good thing comes from it...no food goes to waste."
"I 'ave already said you two don't eat enough...nothing wrong with a good appetite." growled Porthos pushing his empty plate away and picking up his ale.
That moment the doors opened and Captain Treville entered making the three musketeers glance up.
"Morning men." he acknowledged as he approached the table carrying a bunch of parchments and scrolls.
The three men greeted their captain as he pulled out a chair and sitting down opposite them. The older man put down the parchments and picked up one in particular and held it up.
"This is the guest list of everyone that attended the kings soiree." Treville picked up another. "And this one is a list of all dignitaries that have visited or had a conference with his majesty in the past four days."
Athos took hold one of the lists from between his captains fingers and scanned his eyes over it.
Aramis was handed the other, both himself and Porthos fell into consentration as they scrutinised the names.
"I notice our Marquis is not on the list of guests captain." commented Athos as he worked his finger down the list of names.
"He ain't on this one either." growled Porthos.
Aramis shook his head slowly as he continued to scan down the page.
"These people have been visiting the palace even before the king was actually crowned. I cannot see them wanting to see him harmed." he said glancing up at the others.
Treville nodded. "Thats what I thought...but what I want to know is what the count is doing visiting the Marquis of Verailles. I cannot see the connection...he has always loathed anything to do with the southern parts of France...he blames them for starting conflicts with Spain."
Athos rolled his eyes and grimaced. "I have heard he is a man who keeps himself to himself. I had a feeling he would not be on any of these lists...I heard the king was not in his favour."
"Well in all the years I have walked these passageways I have never known the Marquis of Versailles to attend any kind of Soiree or assembly here in the palace...it is like Athos said...he is not an admirer of his majesty." said Treville leaning back in his chair and running his fingers through his hair. "Besides I cannot see him wanting to harm him...he is an old man now...I am certain he has more pressing matters to occupy him."
"Well looking through these names captain...there is no one that I would say is a potential suspect." said Aramis.
Porthos sighed out loud. "Well he was definitely poisoned in the palace...we have to be missing something."
Athos nodded slowly as he pondered. "Yes well someone killed our comrades...and someone poisoned Constance and the king. Not forgetting d'Artagnan being shot with the crossbow."
Aramis glanced around the table. "And what about the letter sent to me and the letter for Athos when we found poor Francios had been murdered. And all correspondence has been sighed with the letter R."
"Maybe Rochefort did drown in the lake! Maybe someone is trying to deceive us...and is leading us on a wild goose chase." suggested Porthos as he scanned the lists.
x
The musketeers were unaware of the small hole in the ceiling above their heads. Rochefort lay on his stomach with one eye peering through the tiny cavity he had created so he could heed every word said. He had found out about their assembly from one of the red guard in the main hall.
So now they are trying to speculate why I visited the Marquis. You bastards! I need to create a diversion away from him and take all suspicion off me.
xxxxx
That moment the doors opened and one of the red guard entered the assembly chamber making the musketeers glance up.
"Forgive the intrusion Captain Treville...but the First Minister wants to speak with you and your men...he is in his Office chambers." said the guard as he eyed the musketeers.
Treville raised his brows. "Does he now...very well we will attend at once."
The guard nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
"Mmmmmnn...now I wonder what our dear count wants to speak of?" murmered Treville as he rolled up the parchments and stood.
Porthos chuckled. "Maybe we have been invited to the Chateau de La Mar for a soiree."
Athos and Aramis grinned at the big man. "Many a true word has been spoken in jest mon ami." commented Aramis patting his friend on the back.
xxxxxx
The Office of First Minister
Royal Palace.
Rochefort was sitting behind his desk as the musketeers were announced. He hastily stood.
"Ahh musketeers I bid you all a good morning." he said as the men filed into the office and bowed in unison.
Treville eyed the count with a slight smile. "I believe you wanted to speak with me and my men Minister."
Rochefort sat back down and smiled. "Indeed captain...I was just wondering how your investigations are coming along...have you made any progress in actually bringing anyone to justice for poisoning his majesty."
Treville side glanced his men before answering. "Not as yet minister...but we will persue every angle until we find the offender.
Athos felt raged inside as the minister spoke of the king. He has not even mentioned the musketeers that were brutally killed. At least the king still lives.
The swordsman stepped forward and bowed his head. "With all due respect Minister...but his majesty still lives...
Aramis and Porthos glanced at one another as their brother spoke in angered tones.
...the musketeer regiment have lost good men due to the evil deeds of this mystery individual...
..."ATHOS! growled Treville...that is enough."
Athos carried on his rant..."one of them was only fourteen...a boy!"
Porthos stood forward and put his hand on his brothers shoulder. "Athos!
The swordsman turned and stormed from the chamber.
Treville turned to the so called Minister. "Apologies Minister...it has hit my men somewhat hard at losing their comrades in such brutal circumstances."
Rochefort waved a hand in the air. "No apology necessary Captain...I was rather selfish...your man is quite right to speak up. It is a terrible tragedy...I was unaware of the boys death. I am pleased to learn that your injured musketeer will recover."
Pity the bastard survived...never mind I have these three cretins to get rid of...but before that I will have them suffer a little.
"He is making a good recovery minister...he is a strong young man." replied Treville.
Rochefort grinned. "Splendid news".
"Oh just to inform you captain...I visited the Marquis of Verailles yesternight...
...Aramis and Porthis discreatly exchanged glances with one another as he mentioned the Marquis.
Treville eyed his men, before turning back to Rochefort who carried on uttering.
"He is a man I have known for many years...I thought maybe he would know of who might perpetrate such barbaric deeds. He seems to know everyone...but alas he was as distressed as the rest of us when he found out about the poisoning of his majesty and the killings of the musketeers."
Treville raised his brows and glanced at his men. He looked back at Rochefort who leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"I fail to see how the Marquis would know of any such individual Minister." asked Treville looking perplexed. "He seems to have become quite the recluse."
Rochefort grinned down at the desk and then up at Treville. "He is a man who is wise and in the know I might add Treville...he knows most things...and is well informed."
Treville eyed Rochefort. Why would he be asking the Marquis for assistance...he has been a hermit for years in his fine Chateau, he never ventures out of it.
Aramis suddenly stirred as he glanced at his superior officer. "Maybe we should pay the Marquis a visit Captain...he may have something of use to inform us of."
Rochefort felt his insides churn. You fucking little shit...why do you have to suggest such a thing.
Treville raised his brows and nodded slowly at the suggestion put to him by his medic.
Porthos and Aramis side glanced each other having noticed the sudden change in the Ministers demeanor.
Treville bowed his head. "Well if that is all Minister...my men and I have pressing matters to attend to."
Rochefort waved his hand for dismissal.. "Certainly Treville...how selfish of me. Of course!"
The men bowed once more before turning on their heels and leaving the chamber.
xx
Rochefort watched as they closed the doors behind themselves. Before standing and opening his secret door behind the bureau.
He sat back down and poured out two goblets of wine. Pedro emerged from the concealed passageway.
"Well did you heed all that." asked Rochefort as he swigged from his glass.
Pedro sat down opposite him and smiled, he picked up the goblet handed to him and sipped. "Indeed I did...you have just diverted suspicion off yourself by informing them you visited the Marquis.
Rochefort clenched his jaw tightly with anger. "Did you hear that bastard Aramis suggesting they pay a visit to the Marquis."
Pedro threw his head back and scoffed. "Do not fret my dear man...the Marquis knows of your scheme to get rid of the musketeers...even if they do pay him a visit...he will not let you down."
"And that fucking Athos...who the hell does he think he is...he has never shown respect for his superiors...I will teach him a lesson on manners." Rochefort seethed through clenched teeth.
"Did you manage to get into the kings bed chamber." asked Pedro.
Rochefort smirked. "Oh indeed...I administered more fungi serum into the kings broth...I know my way around the secret passageways...Lemay did not have a damn clue...he had left the room to fetch more of his fucking concoctions."
Pedro laughed aloud and swigged more wine back. "Well my friend what is my next task?
"I want you to observe the musketeers...I want to know where they go...and who they speak with...if any of them get too close to revealing my true identity...then you know what to do."
Pedro smirked as he eyed Rochefort. "Oh indeed I do! I will enjoy every moment."
xx
Main Hall
royal Palace.
Athos turned as his brothers joined him in the main hall. Treville eyed the swordsman, he could see the look of anticipation in his lieutenants face as he waited for a dressing down.
"I do hope you are not expecting me to apologise to the Minister Captain...he did not even acknowledge the killings of our men...he is as bad as Richelieu...it would seem one minister mirrors another."
"It may surprise you to know Athos...I am glad you brought it to his attention...the man is only thinking of himself. We are mere pawns in his game of opulence. I myself just had to put on the show."
Athos gave the older man a wry smile. It would seem his captain was in the same mind set as himself.
"Talking of the minister." murmered Aramis as he turned and made certain they were out of ear shot of any pricked up ears. "Did anyone notice his face when I suggested we visit the Marquis."
Porthos was already nodding his head as his friend spoke. "Something is not right...I can't quite get there though as to what." he muttered. "I have a feeling he could be conspiring with that bloody lawyer...de Lenns."
"Wait a minute...we are gettiing ahead of ourselves here." commented Treville. "We are here to search for the killer or that bastard Rochefort if he still lives...we cannot waste time pondering why the minister is speaking with lawyers.
That moment the Queen rushed from one of the chambers followed by Constance and nurse Simone.
The men leaped to alertness as they hurried across the ornate floor towards the three women. Their booted footsteps reverberated around the walls in the grand hall making palace digitaries glance towards them.
Constance turned as she noticed them. "Its his majesty...he has become worse...doctor Lemay is still with him."
"I do not understand...how...he was getting better." gasped out Treville as they rushed down the passageway.
The queen did not heed the musketeer captain...she was in a state of despair as she approached the kings chambers.
"You know as much as I do." replied Constance. "It was Simone who alerted the queen."
As they hastily meandered down the passaegway something caught Athos' eye. The swordsman noticed the darkened figure as it disappeared into one of the side doors leading down to the palace crypts. He paused in his tracks prompting Aramis to turn and stop in his tracks.
"What? asked the marksman.
Athos shot his friend a glance. "Not certain...you go I will follow...just need to check something."
Aramis nodded. He watched a second as Athos turned back and rushed down the passage in the opposite direction.
The Kings Chambers:
Doctor Lemay glanced up as he held the king by the arms. Nurses Florence and Nicole held onto him on the other side of the bed as the monarch kicked out his legs trying to get up from the bed.
Porthos and Aramis intervened and grasped the king on either side freeing up the nurses to follow the doctors orders.
"LET GO OF ME YOU HORRIBLE CREATURES! shrieked Louis as he tried with all his might to get free of the strong grips of the two musketeers that held him fast.
"What the hell happened...I thought he was recovering Lemay? asked Treville. his face full of bewilderment.
Lemay looked exhausted as he glanced at the musketeers captain. His face seemed to have aged ten years overnight.
"I do not comprehend captain...he was...this suddenly came on him...he was making excellent progress. I am at a loss!
The queen stood with her head in her hands. "Dear God...why is this happening to him?
Lemay turned to her. "I am going to give him something to calm him your majesty...then I will try and find out why this has happened."
Louis continued to grapple with the two musketeers. "He is stronger than he looks." murmered Porthos holding down his legs.
Lemay approached the bed and held the cup to the kings mouth. "I told you I want to go and dance in the garden...NOW LET ME GO! yelled Louis.
The cup almost got knocked from the doctors grasp before he pulled away with a grimmace.
"Come now your majesty...you know you enjoy this fine wine I made you." joked Lemay as he glanced at Aramis and Porthos.
Louis suddenly stopped his grappling and smiled. "Oh yes...I do indeed...then on the morrow we can go and dance in the gardens...tell me you promise...tell me."
Aramis and Porthos exchanged glances of disconcert as they still held onto their ailing king.
"I promise your majesty...I promise." replied Lemay as he put the cup to Louis lips.
The king drank the contents thinking it was wine. He lay back and beamed with a sigh.
The queen approached the bed and took his hand. Louis pulled away. "Go away woman...I do not want strange people in my chambers."
The queen reeled back and glared into his face. Her eyes spilling over with tears.
Constance took her hand. "Come your majesty...he does not know what he is saying...he is not a well man."
Treville watched her, his face full of woe. It broke his heart to see the young queen so desperate to have her husband back.
Porthos and Aramis slowly let go of their grip on the king. Porthos raised his brows and shook his head. " Whatever that stuff is...it is mighty good...he is already asleep."
xxxxx
The Crypt
Royal Palace:
Athos had slowly descended the stone steps that took him down to the crypt. Probably one of the clergy doing his chores thought the swordsman as he emerged into the vast space of the crypt. I am becoming somewhat paranoid these days and trusting no one.
Torches burned in their sconces making various tomb shapes cast shadows on the walls. Athos peered into the darkness as he picked up one of the torches, he slowly began to walk further along, his eyes catching sight of certain names enscribed into the stone plaques of past monarchs.
x
Pedro had concealed himself behind one of the tombs in the darkness. He knew the musketeer had followed him down the steps. Rochefort was right about these bastards...they have to pry into everything. If he comes anywhere near me I will kill him, I know Rochefort wanted that privilege but sometimes needs must. The spaniard dipped his head out of the shadows and grasped his dagger in his hand as he heard the slow footsteps of the musketeer walk past the tomb. He watched as the sillhouette of the hat worn by the musketeer flickered on the wall as he walked.
x
Athos continued to peer into the darkened archways of the crypt and seen nothing. Maybe its lack of sleep, I could have sworn someone came down here.
The swordsman held up the torch once again making Pedro reel back against the wall out of sight of the shadow. He gripped the dagger tightly prepared to kill his persuer. He slowly began to stand and made himself ready to pounce as the swordsman approached.
Then suddenly Athos stopped in his tracks as the doors opened. He turned towards the sound of the creaking door.
"ATHOS? are you down there...ATHOS? Aramis' voice reverberated around the stone walls of the crypt.
Pedro reeled back again out of sight. You are one lucky musketeer!
Athos turned as his brother yelled. "Yes...I am here Aramis."
The swordsman shrugged his shoulders and walked back towards his friend. He replaced the torch back in its sconce and walked to the door.
Aramis gave him a puzzling look. "May I ask what you are doing down here mon ami?
Athos glanced at his brother. "I thought I seen someone come down here...must be seeing things."
Aramis grinned. "Maybe it was a ghost."
Athos rolled his eyes. "No such thing my friend."
Aramis gave him a wry smile and patted him on the back. " Treville wondered where you had disappeared to."
"How is the king? asked the swordsman as they both ascended the steps back up to the ground level.
"He is sleeping again...he was in a state of despair...Porthos and I had to hold him down whilst the doctor administered a sleeping draught."
xxxxxx
Treville and Porthos turned as Aramis and Athos emerged from the side door.
"Apologies captain...I thought I seen someone go down to the crypt." stated Athos as he and Aramis joined the two men.
Treville eyed his lieutenant. "Did you see anything?
Athos shook his head. "Nothing!
"Well I will say this...whoever is committing these crimes must have access to the palace...doctor Lemay reckons his majesty has been poisoned with the same fungi used before.." stated Treville.
"This is becoming more mysterious by the minute...I do not understand how anyone was able to access the kings chambers." pondered Porthos. "We have men on the doors at all times around the clock."
Athos stood deep in thought as the big man spoke. He glanced at his brothers in turn and turned to Treville.
"Captain...may I einquire if the kings bed chamber has a secret passageway." asked the swordsman.
Treville furrowed his brows and glanced at his lieutenant. "That I do not know...prey tell me you are not suggesting what I think your suggesting."
Aramis was nodding slowly as he contemplated what his friend had said. "That makes more sense...Athos is right...someone must know the layout of the secret passageways...that is why our men seen no one enter."
Treville glanced at two courtiers as they meandered past the men, he bowed his head in acknowledgement and waited for them to be clear of earshot.
"I can get the plans of the palace layout easily...but that does not mean the secret doors are going to be on them. That is something Henry lV of France had removed. I recall the king informing me that he had said...he could not see the point of having secret passageways if all and sundry knew where they were."
"I can comprehend that." said Aramis. "Maybe the queen herself will know."
Treville pondered. "Very well I will ask her majesty." He turned to his lieutenant. "If what you are saying Athos...it will be a contravention in the security of the monarchy."
The musketeers exchanged glances with one another as Treville spoke.
That moment the queen appeared from around the corner of the passageway. Various courtiers and dignitaries bowed as she glided and flowed across the hall towards the musketeers.
The men bowed as she reached them. "Your majesty...may I enquire how his majesty is faring? murmered Treville.
Aramis couldn't help but notice that she had been weeping. Her pretty eyes were puffy underneath. Her face pale and full of woe for her husband.
She siged slightly before answering the musketeer captain. "He is now sleeping again Treville...he has been asleep so many times...doctor Lemay has said that is the only way he will recover...otherwise he could end up hurting himself."
"I am certain he will recover well your majesty...he is in good hands with doctor Lemay." commented Treville.
The queen fidgited with the tiny crucifix around her slim neck and smiled slightly at each man.
"May I request that you all remain here at the palace whilst the king is indisposed...I myself would feel much more at ease. There are ample bed chambers in the west wing of the palace."
The musketeers glanced slightly at their captain as they waited for him to answer.
Treville picked up the tension in her voice. He knew the young woman was feeling somewhat vulnerable after the strange goings on of late and he would do anything to make her feel safe in her own palace.
Treville nodded slowly. "Certainly your majesty...if that is going to make you feel more secure then that is what we will do."
The queen smiled slightly. "Excellent...thank you Treville...I will feel very secure with your men here at all times."
Treville suddenly recalled his conversation with his men. "My I enquire your majesty...are you aware of a secret doorway in the kings chambers?
The musketeers turned and glanced at her as she stood taking in the question. Her face full of bewilderment at what the musketeer captain had asked her.
"Why I only know of one...and that is within the living chamber...that is the one we concealed ourselves in when the seige took place. Why do you ask this Treville?
Treville glanced at his men as he answered. "We think maybe whoever poisoned the king...may have entered by way of a secret passageway...that is probably why they went undetected."
Anne put her hand to her mouth with astonishment. "Dear God...will these criminals stop at nothing...I did not give it a moments thought. The only person who knew of any such secret passages was Cardinal Richelieu...the king himself informed me of that."
"Yeah I bet he did." mumered Porthos under his breath ,making Aramis shoot him a hasty glance.
"Maybe if you speak with one of the kings advisers captain...they might know. I wish I could help you I really do." said the young woman.
Treville smiled. "Yes I will do that your majesty...thank you."
Anne hitched up her gown as she turned to leave. "I will be in the kings chambers if I am needed captain. You and your men can help yourselves to refreshments from the scullery."
Treville and his men bowed in unison as she walked away.
"Thank you your majesty." replied the older man.
The musketeers watched her go and disappear around the corner od the passageway.
"We are going to need fresh shirts and linens captain." said Athos suddenly. "I will go and fetch them from the garrison."
"I shall accompany you mon ami." suggested Aramis patting his friend on the back.
Treville nodded. "Very well...Porthos and I will pay d'Artagnan a visit...see how he is faring." Than I might just pay Jean de Lenns a visit."
Porthos nodded and snorted. "That should be interesting captain."
Treville frowned.
The men nodded and went their seperate ways.
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Musketeer Garrison:
Athos and Aramis had arrived at the garrison and had checked in on Serge and Henri. The pair had taken themselves to bed on the order of Penell who had been taking care of the two despondent individuals.
Marcel and Lucca had informed the Mortuary Assistants of the murders. The men had collected the mutilated bodies and taken them away to await burial. Both musketeers had been informed of the killings and what to expect, but they still sat in silence in the dining chamber when Athos and Aramis arrived.
Aramis knew at once what troubled the two men. He picked up a bottle of brandy from the shelves and poured out two goblets.
The marksman placed the two cups down in front of each man and glanced towards Athos who nodded in acknowledgement at his caring.
"Drink! murmerd the marksman eyeing each man.
Marcel looked up, his eyes filled with tears. "Why so evil Aramis? he asked almost in a whisper. "Why?
Lucca's trembling hand picked up the goblet and swigged.
Aramis squeezed Marcels shoulder. "We will pray for them my friend."
"You should try and get some rest." murmered Athos. "Aramis and I are returning to the palace. Make certain you stay together keep your doors locked...keep your pistols and muskets primed at all times."
Lucca and Marcel nodded in unison as they drank the brandy.
"We will lieutenant...we will."
"I doubt very much if sleep will come though." muttered Lucca.
xxxxxx
Athos and Aramis collected fresh linens and shirts for their stay at the palace and stuffed them into their saddlebags. Aramis noticed his room had been cleaned and scrubbed by the recruits as Treville had ordered even though he wanted to do the job himself, he loathed the thought of someone else doing the job when he himself found poor Elroy's body. But he also knew it was not something that could be left unattended.
"Ready? asked Athos as he appeared at the marksmans door. The swordsman noticed the clean room.
"Well you would never know." he muttered "They have certainly been busy...it looks like a new room my friend."
Aramis nodded in agreement and gave his friend a sad smile. "Come lets get back to the palace."
xxxxxx
Athos and Aramis walked across the courtyard of the garrison when the pair noticed Serge sat at one of the tables drinking wine. The two men exchanged glances with one another in bewilderment as they began to approach the old cook.
The veteran glanced up as he heard their footsteps. He raised his goblet and winked.
"Ahhh there you are...I heard you boys had come back to pick up some supplies...I hear you are staying at the palace until the king has recovered."
Athos eyed the older man. "Serge you should not be out here alone...especially with recent events."
Aramis turned and checked the gates. Two of their comrades still stood on sentry duty after being told that no one was to enter.
Serge poured more wine into his goblet and guffawed. "I 'aint scared boys...if they come they come...I have had my life...poor Elroy was a child."
"And he would not want you to be out here alone getting drunk either mon ami." commented Aramis. "He would want you to be indoors and safe."
Serge smiled up at the marksman as he stood looking at him. "Maybe...maybe not...I will go in soon...besides I cannot see the evil bastard returning here...most of the boys are at the palace."
"Well make certain you do Serge...we all need you here...you are the garrison mentor." grinned Aramis.
Aramis is right Serge...we all look up to you." murmered Athos squeezing the veterans shoulder.
Serge gave the two young men a sad smile and picked up his goblet before swigging a mouthful.
You boys should get back to the palace...I will be fine do not fret. By the way how is d'Artagnan faring? asked the older man.
"He is doing just fine my friend." replied Aramis. "We are looking in on him when we return to the palace."
"Did you find out who shot the lad?
"We are still in a quandry about who it was that actually fired the arrow." answered Athos. "My guess is it is probably the same reprobate that mudered our comrades and poisoned the king."
Athos eyed the veteran, he was a man of many years service in the musketeer regiment. He knew most dignitaries having been on duty many a night when the palace held its Soiree's.
"Serge! do you ever recall the Marquis of Verailles ever visiting the palace at any time during your time as a musketeer? asked the swordsman changing the subject instantly.
Aramis glanced at his friend and then looked back at Serge. Both men waiting for the answer.
Serge stroked his beard deep in thought. His face became screwed up into a grimace as he thought hard.
"Mmmmmnnn...can't say I do...he is a hermit I believe, and not a pleasant man I hear. Bit of a trouble maker...best to keep away from him."
"Athos nodded. "Oh well just thought I would enquire Serge. The swordsman glanced back at Aramis. "Come we should return to the palace."
"Heed what we say Serge...try and get some rest and do not stay out here alone." commented Aramis.
Serge nodded in agreement. "You boys fret too much."
The two young men turned to walk towards the stables when the veteran spoke.
"Oh thats right...the Marquis is Rocheforts uncle."
Aramis and Athos stopped dead in their tracks and shot a glance to one another before turning back to the older man. There faces had turned to instant trauma as they took in what Serge had just stated.
Rocheforts uncle! Rocheforts uncle! Rocheforts uncle was echoing in the swordsmans head,
"WHAT!...he is WHAT! gasped Athos dumbfounded practically spitting out the words.
Aramis ran his fingers through his hair, he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing.
"Dear God Athos...we need to inform Treville at haste."
Athos rushed to Serge and grabbed him by the shoulders making the older man flinch. "Are you certain Serge...are you certain? he gasped. His face full of trepidation.
Serge eyed the young man. "I thought you all knew ...he is as wicked as his bloody nephew."
Athos still stood rigid, his face full of shock , his mind was a whirl of unanswered questions. Rocheforts uncle kept going around in his head. The niggling feeling in the pit of his stomach had returned once more. He turned slowly and stared at Aramis. The marksmans face said it all.
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To be continued...
Hi Guys,
Hope you are still enjoying the ride.
Thank you for the reviews, you are too kind.
Well is Rochefort's time up? Is his deception about to be blown?
Now the boys have realised who the Marquis is, maybe things are about to get very dangerous for them.
Will update ASAP!
Happy Easter!
Pippa xxxx
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