No Mercy Chapter Thirty Eight.
Athos and Aramis had galloped back to the palace as fast as their beast would allow. The icy chill in the air hadn't bothered the two musketeers as they went, they had more foremost matters to think about after learning that the Marquis of Versailles was actually the uncle of Rochefort.
Athos mind was whirling as he rode. This couldn't be just a coinsidence, something had to be linked to the Marquis. And the count! He appeared on the scene within hours of Richelieu's death and suddenly he becomes the First Minister. Something was delusive about the whole scenario.
Aramis could not shake the words of Serge from his mind. Rochefort's uncle. Dear God there has to be some sort of connection. Maybe the count is involved...afterall he did appear very hastly into the kings group of dignitaries. And why would he be visiting Rochefort's uncle.
Infirmary
Royal Palace:
Athos and Aramis found their captain in the infirmary with Porthos. They were sitting around d'Artagnan's bed in conversation when they both entered.
Treville only had to take one look at the two young men to realise something was wrong. Porthos who had been joking with d'Artagnan suddenly eyed his two friends, the smile disappearing from his face.
d'Artagnan frowned at his friends as he and Porthos exchanged glances of puzzlement.
Treville suddenly stood, sensing the anxiety emiting from both musketeers. He eyed each man in turn, their faces full of despondency.
"WHAT? what has happened now? Prey tell me the others are safe."
Athos and Aramis exchanged glances.
"They are captain...they are fine." replied Aramis hastily.
Porthos had joined his captain with an unsteady d'Artagnan who was holding his bandaged side.
Treville eyed the swordsman in anticipation.
"Athos?
The swordsman sighed loudly and began his oration.
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Pedro was heeding every word said as Athos and Aramis told Treville and his brothers what they had learned from Serge.
The spaniard was concealed in another secret passage shown to him by Rochefort. It had been used in the past for any injured soldiers wanting a hasty escape from the enemy.
Pedro's eyes widened as he listened. I need to get back to Rochefort...he is going to have to act in haste if he wants the musketeers dead.
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The Ministerial Office Chamber
Royal Palace:
Rochefort slammned his fist down on his desk making the small candelabrum shudder and throw out its burned down candles.
"THOSE FUCKING BASTARDS!...they had to poke their noses in...they cannot let anything be." he roared emiting saliva into the air.
Pedro was leaning against the stone wall as he watched Rochefort rant and pace.
"Maybe if you had killed them sooner man...this would not be happening."
Rochefort turned his seething features towards the spaniard. "Do not even begin to patronize me you fucking little shit. You couldn't even shoot straight with the crossbow and actually kill the bastard musketeer...he still lives."
Pedro shook his head. " Do not put the onus on me my dear Rochefort...all this is your own doing...not mine."
Rochefort slumped back into his chair and poured wine into a goblet. He picked it up and drank the entire contents slamming the goblet back onto the desk.
That moment there was a rap on the doors making Pedro stir and hastily rush into the secret chamber behind Rochefort's bureau.
Rochefort watched him conceal himself before calling out.
"Enter!
A red guard emerged and bowed his head.. "Captain Treville would like to speak with you minister."
Rochefort eyed the man. "Is he alone?
"No minister...he has three of the musketeers with him."
A slight smirk developed onto Rochefort's face. Remember they do not know who you are. They probably want to ask about the Marquis...BASTRADS!
"Very well let them enter."
The red guard bowed his head. "Yes minister."
Rochefort picked up a parchment and put it down in front of himself, he feigned looking over it as Treville and his men filed into the chamber.
"Ahh Captain Treville...I hear you want to speak with me. I do hope it is glad tidings you bring to my chamber about his majesty the king."
Rochefort waved his hand out for Treville to sit. "Please."
Athos found himself staring at the minister. The niggling feeling had returned in the pit of his stomach. What is it with this man, something is screaming out in my head.
Treville stayed standing as he glanced at his men.
"May I ask minister...have you ever come across Comte de Rochefort in your time as a count.?
Rochefort could feel his face heating up. He was grateful for the face paint that protected his fair skin. Keep your voice change in check, do not lose your temper, they may see through it.
Rochefort leaned back in his chair and put a finger to his lips as he went into his feigned concentration and thinking. He began to mutter the name over to himself as he carried on his facade of pondering.
"Comte de Rochefort...mmmmmmnn...I have a vacant bell ringing in my head Captain...I do believe I may have met the man in the past...maybe one of my many Soiree's.
Rochefort grinned slightly at the thought...
..." Why do you ask?
Aramis scanned the chamber without moving his head, his eyes fell on the two goblets on the table. One half full. Now I wonder who was here before us. He has certainly had company.
"He is a devious and evil individual. He escaped from the Bastille and fled with one of the red guards...promising the man a life of wealth and fortune. That man is now dead...hanged when my men and I apprehended him. Rochefort was also arrested again but he evaded us once again and fled. He fell into an icy lake...to cut the story short, we thought he had died, he must have survived...we believe that it is him and maybe someone else committing the murders...my men and I will be visiting the Marquis at haste...he may be hiding out in the Chateau de La Mar."
Devious and evil...I will give you more evil very soon you cretins.
"He would have to be a complete fool to hide at the Chateau captain...he must certainly realise that he is a wanted man." murmered Rochefort.
Treville raised both brows and glared at him. "Indeed minister...but we will not stop the search until I am satisfied we have the killer or killers in a cell in the Bastille."
Rochefort wanted to roar out. He eyed each musketeer in turn, he could feel their eyes penetrating through him.
"You had better get going then Captain Trevelle...we do not want our killer evading capture again."
Treville bowed his head and turned on his heel to leave. Rochefort glanced up catching Athos' eye before the swordsman joined his comrades.
The large doors closed behind them.
xx
The secret door opened and Pedro emerged. Rochefort turned and glared at him.
"They are on their way to the Chateau."
Pedro nodded. "Yes I heeded every word...let them go...they will find nothing...in the mean time we can prepare for their return."
Rochefort paced the floor, his hands behind his back as he treaded the stone slabs.
"You look like a man who is about to meet his end." murmered Pedro with a frown.
"You did not see the way they were observing me...something is wrong...I know it is."
Rochefort paused in his tracks and turned to his collaborator. "They die before this day is out...do you hear me Pedro...they die today."
Pedro sat toying with his dagger. He ran his finger down the sharpened blade and twirled it around in his fingers making the metal catch the light and reflect onto the walls.
The spaniard smirked. "I have been prepared for this since all this facade began. As soon as they return from the Chateau we will resume our plan."
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Royal Stables
Palace Paddocks:
Treville and his men were preparing their own mounts ready for the ride to Versailles. Athos couldn't rid himself of the continuous misgivings whirling around his head. The men fastened their winter cloaks around themselves and mounted. Porthos glanced at the swordsman as he stood pondering and staring into Rogers mane, a vacant look on his face.
"Are you riding with us Athos...or are you considering walking there? grinned the big musketeer with a chuckle.
"What is it mon ami? asked Aramis as the swordsman came out of his reverie.
Athos glanced at his friends as they waited for him to mount.
Treville eyed his lieutenant. "Athos?
"Those soiree invites we looked through...the Count of Toulouse was not on any of them...so who invited him?
Porthos and Aramis exchanged perplexed glances and turned to Treville.
Treville suddenly sat rigid in his saddle as he thought. "Maybe the king sent him one in a missive." answered the older man.
Maybe Athos was onto something here, he always was good at reading people and being right with his suspicions, that was one of his many talents.
Athos rasied his brows and shrugged his shoulders slightly. "Maybe...but why him? everyone else was on the list, why single him out."
"Could have been a last minute thought." suggested Aramis. "But I must say it is rather strange."
Treville nodded in agreement. "Athos stay here at the palace... Porthos and Aramis will acompany me to Versailles."
Athos nodded the order.
"Keep an eye on our minister from afar...you know what to do...but do not get too close. As soon as we return we will discuss some strategies. " added the musketeer captain.
Aramis turned in his saddle and glanced at the swordsman with a grin. "I am certain d'Artagnan would like some company."
Athos gave his friend a wry smile and watched as the three men cantered towards the palace gates before disappearing into the trees.
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Chateau de La Mar
Versailles.
The musketeers arrived at the Chateau as slight snow had started to fall. The ride had taken them just over two hours.
Aramis had noticed the guard on the battlements from a distance before they actually reached the Chateau. He had counted at least three, but that was just the east side he had stated. Probably more on each side. But why did the Marquis need such protection.
The men dismounted and led their horses towards the main gates. Two burly looking guards dressed in black and grey approached from the other side.
"State your business...what do you want.? yelled the taller of the two.
"I am Captain Treville of the Kings Musketeers...we are here to speak with the Marquis."
The two guards exchanged glances as they eyed the musketeers.
" The Marquis may not want to speak with you...he does not take kindly at being disturbed."
"Well maybe if you ask 'im...he may just want to speak to us." growled Porthos.
Aramis scanned the battlements above his head, he could see two more guards observing them from above.
The two guards conferred with one another and glared back at the musketeers as they waited in anticipation.
The tall guard suddenly stirred. "Very well I will consult with him...but don't be surprised if he refuses."
"He won't refuse just mention his nephew Comte de Rochefort." yelled Aramis to the retreating guard.
"Well our Marquis certainly seems to have plenty of protection around him, there must be at least three guards on either side of the battlements." commented Treville.
Aramis was nodding in agreement. "Yeah...and inside the courtyard."
"Makes you wonder what he is protecting...don't you think? growled Porthos watching the guards through the gates.
Treville found himself thinking about what Athos had said about the invites, the more he thought the more he knew something unsavoury was going on. The musketeer captains eyes glanced up as he noticed the tall man returning.
"Well here comes our guard friend." he mumered as he watched the guard approach the gates once more.
"It must be your lucky day musketeers...The Marquis has granted you entry...he says he will give you half an hour." said the guard.
"This is kings business...it will take as long as it takes." growled Treville.
The two guards glared at Treville, then back at their comrades. "Open the gates! yelled the smaller one of the two.
The portcullis bagan to rise making grinding and rasping sounds as it opened slowly.
The musketeers led their mount into the courtyard observed by several guards. Some nudging one another as they stared at the kings elite force.
xx
"You will leave all weapons here in the barbican, none are allowed near the Marquis for his protection." demanded one of the guards.
"We are not here for a bloody fight man." growled Porthos.
Treville nodded at the guard. "Its alright Porthos...do as he says."
Porthos and Aramis both looked apprehensive as they unbuckled their belts and handed them to the guards within the barbican
xx
The musketeers were led up the ornate staircase by one of the yeoman towards the Marquis' chambers. The men scanned around the walls as they admired the paintings that hung from the walls of what seemed to resemble past Marquis'
Porthos noticed one portrait resembling that of Rochefort and nudged Aramis in the shoulder signaling with his eyes.
The marksman frowned and glanced at his friend. "I know who you are referring to mon ami." he whispered. "But he is smiling...Rochefort does not know how...he has insufficient emotion to show any kind of glee.
Porthos stifled a chuckle and patted his freind on the back.
xx
MainLiving Chamber
Chateau de La Mar:
The musketeers were shown into the main living chamber. A fire crackled in the large ornate grate, the flames casting shadows on the walls. Candles flickered around the walls.
Porthos and Aramis glanced at one another as they noticed the back of the Marquis' head as he sat in his wide chair. Other chairs surrounded the grate next to a large oblong table.
The yeoman stood forward and bowed his head slightly..."Captain Treville and two of his men of the kings musketeers Marquis."
Treville waited in anticipation as the Marquis stayed sitting and silent. He suddenly waved his yeoman away.
The man bowed once more and left closing the doors behind him.
Treville watched as the Marquis suddenly stood. He slowly turned towards them and eyed each man in turn.
The three musketeers bowed their heads slightly.
Aramis noticed his gaunt face greying hair and beard, he could see the man wince slightly as he walked, obviously from painful bones in his legs. The aroma of musk filled the air as he slowly tottered towards the table.
"I hear you wish to speak with me Captain Treville? he muttered.
Treville nodded."Indeed Marquis."
"It must be of some importance for the kings musketeers to pay me a visit."
The Marquis raised his brows and waved towards the table. "Please sit musketeers...you must be somewhat fatigued after riding."
Treville glanced at Aramis and Porthos as they pulled out a chair and sat around the table.
They watched as the Marquis reached for his brandy bottle. He poured himself a drink and gestured to the musketeers to help themselves.
Aramis and Porthos didn't even move to pick up the bottle, they just sat quietly observing the whole situation.
Treville eyed the old man as he sat back in his chair. "Now captain...prey tell me...how may I assist you.?
Aramis and Porthos glanced towards their captain in anticipation, before exchanging discrete glances.
The Marquis eyed them...he noticed as the men sat without having a drink. These men are waiting to catch me out, I can imagine what this Treville is waiting to ask. It has to be my dishonourable nephew.
Treville glanced at his two soldiers and then back at the Marquis. "We have learned that Comte de Rochefort is your nephew Marquis.?
The old man sipped his brandy and sat stony faced as he heeded what Treville had enqired of him.
He lifted his eyes up and stared. "Indeed captain...what of it?
Treville was watching him, he showed no emotion in his demeanor.
"I have to inform you Marquis...but he is an escaped prisoner...he was apprehended and once again has evaded his captures. He is wanted for high treason and we have reason to believe he is involved in the murders of many innocent people including musketeers and red guards.
"If he is hiding out here...you will also be arrested for assisting a traitor!
The Marquis frowned before sipping more brandy. He eyed each man in turn.
"I have not seen my nephew for at least four years Treville...I am unaware of where he is...he may even be in the Americas or England...
...I am well aware he is not a complete law abiding man ...but murder and treason...well I really do find that hard to comprehend, do you really have any proof of this?
Porthos felt raged inside as he glanced at Aramis. Proof I will give him bloody proof.
Aramis could feel his friends rage as he sat beside him, he discreetly nudged into his shoulder, he knew the big man would know that it was a sign to keep as tranquil as he could.
Treville could feel the aura of his mens agitation reaching him across the table. He new it was difficult, he himself wanted nothing more than to shirek at the man.
"That is not all Marquis...his majesty the king was poisoned, he lives, but is in a most distressing state mentally.
The Marquis glared at the musketeer captain. "Poisoned...the king...I will have you know captain...my nephew is not an evil man...he would never commit such a deed...he has always been very loyal servant to King Louis."
Aramis raised his brows with a scoff and glanced at Porthos.
The Marquis turned sharply and glared at the marksman. "Is there something you would like to say musketeer?
Aramis glanced from Porthos to Treville and furrowed his brows.
"Aramis!...musketeer Aramis." answered the marksman with a smirk. "I was just intrigued at what you said of your nephew Marquis, that is all."
"Prey tell me musketeer Aramis...what may that be?
Aramis received a wary glance from Treville as he began to answer the Marquis.
"You mentioned Roch...ere your nephew was not an evil man Marquis. He attacked and raped Queen Anne of France...we certainly have proof of that."
Treville and Porthos shot a hasty glance between one another.
"We also believe he has an accomplice, maybe of Spanish origin." added Treville.
The Marquis swigged back the entire contents of brandy left in his goblet and slammed it down on the table top with a swift thud.
"How dare you accuse him of such a despicable crime...he would never hurt a woman...he loathes the mere thought of such an offence."
Porthos stirred in his chair. "What you heed Marquis is all true...he forced himself on a defenceless woman."
The Marquis poured out more brandy into his goblet and glanced at Treville with a smirk on his wrinkled features.
"Your regiment is not so flawless Treville." he growled. "Your men mudered his betrothed...she was with child and you still killed her in cold blood."
Porthos, Aramis and Treville exchanged glances of bewilderment.
Porthos shook his head. What the hell has this bastard been saying...its obviously worked...this old man believes very bloody word he has told him.
"WHAT?...BETROTHED? vented the musketeer captain through clenched teeth. "Let me make something quite clear Marquis...Rochefort is not betrothed to any woman...especially a woman with child. And as for my men killing a woman...I have never known it in all my years in the regiment and never will...they are honourable men."
Aramis glared. "The man is not capable of loving a woman...it is not in his nature...he uses them to his own advantage...he is pure evil through and through."
The Marquis sat staring into the flames as he drank back his brandy.
Treville moved forward and stared down into the older mans stony face.
"Now is the time Marquis...if he is hiding out here or any other place...you should inform us now!
The three musketeers waited and watched as the Marquis lifted his face to glare at them. The fire threw orange hues on his face.
"Your time here is up Treville...you will leave my Chateau at once...and do not think of returning."
Aramis and Porthos stood instantly as Treville glanced at them.
"Very well Marquis...if we find out you have been concealing him and knew of his deeds...we will return to arrest you for treason. I do hope I have made myself clear." said Treville.
xx
The men were unaware of the small thin man who had been heeding every word that had been spoken. He scurried away like a night critter hunting for prey as he heard the chamber doors creek open.
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The Royal Palace Infirmary:
d'Artagnan was sitting in a chair at the side of his bed. He had finished eating the broth given to him by nurse Simone and placed the bowl down on the night stand.
Athos sat on the other side of the bed scanning through a book he had picked up from the palace library.
"What I do not understand...is why he became Minister so rapidly...Dear God...the Cardinal was still warm in his grave." commented the injured young man.
Athos glanced up from his book. "I smell a rat...infact the whole scenario stinks. It will be most interesting to learn what the others found out from the Marquis."
"What...the hell...
d'Argagnan suddenly stared at the swordsman as his face became paler than usual, he was gazing down the leaf of the book he had been scanning through.
"What is it Athos?
The swordsman shot his friend a hasty glance before reading what he had found.
"Heed this d'Arganan...according to this almanac...The Count of Toulouse died three years ago and had no family...the title became dissolved."
d'Artagnan's eyes widened with bewilderment. "How can that be Athos? he is here as First Minister."
The swordsman ran his fingers through his thick hair and stared at his friend.
"The Count was seventy nine when he died of the white plague." continued Athos, an air of eagerness in his voice...he never married and left his entire estate to...
...Athos felt like he wanted to vomit as he stood and raced to the ewer and bowl, he swilled his face with the cold water and held on tightly to the tables edges lifting his face up, he breathed in a gasp.
d'Aratganan watched his friend in awe and grabbed up the almanac to finish off the sentence. He ran his finger down the leaf of the book and found where his brother had suddenly halted his reading.
The young man felt his stomach churn as he read...
...left his entire estate to The Marquis of Versailles." He glanced up at Athos who had turned and was staring in his direction.
"Dear God Athos...this cannot be a coinsidence!"
Athos was shaking his head as he pondered the circumstances "So...just...who...is...the First Minister." he queried glancing back at d'Artagnan.
Athos was deep in thought as he breathed hard. "The others could be in mortal danger d'Artagnan...I have to warn them."
The young Gascon stood and held his side with a wince. "I will come with you."
The swordsman glanced at his younger brother and raised his right brow. "Oh no you wont...you are in no fit state...you stay here and do not move from this infirmary...you have ample weapons if needs be...three pistols are already primed and prepared. Besides Jacqu and Stefan are out side the chamber."
"Athos! it is too dangerous my friend...if he finds out what you have just read out to me, well there is no guessing what he may do." gasped d'Artagnan looking more anxious by the minute.
The swordsman fastened up his doublet and picked up his cloak. "Do not fret mon ami...I shall be fine...I am merely observing our minister for the time being."
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Chateau de La Mar
Versailles:
The musketeers trotted through the main Chateau gates. The sound of the portcullis closing behind them with a rasping sound.
They cantered towards the forest before slowing down. "He damn well bloody knows where the bastard is...I would bet coin on it." growled Porthos as he picked up his waterskin and drank.
Aramis side glanced the big man. "Yes I concur mon ami...he is certainly concealing something."
"Maybe I should have demanded we search the Chateau." pondered Treville as he rode.
That moment a small thin man emerged from the trees waving his arms as though wanting the men to stop.
"What the? growed Porthos as they came to a halt. "Wooooww!
"I know you be the kings musketeers...I need to speak with you at haste! panted the man out of breath.
The musketeers glanced at one another in awe.
"Who are you...what do you wish to speak of Monsieur." enquired Treville
The mans attire was of brown calico fabric, his breeches made of sacking cloth. His tangled hair touched his shoulders. Aramis eyed him, he could see the man was under nourished. He looked older than his years, probably thirty going on fifty. He looked petrified.
"I do not have much time musketeers... I work at the Chateau for the Marquis." he murmered.
The musketeers dismounted and joined the timid looking man behind the large oak tree he had concealed himself behind.
Aramis frowned at the man. "Please Monsieur...do not be afraid...what is it you wish to say?
Treville approached him. "Do you know something that may help us?
The man scanned around the forest. "If he finds out I have spoken to you he will have me killed."
"Who? the Marquis? asked Porthos looking perplexed.
The man nodded. "I just want to inform you men...that...Comte de Rochefort lives...he was here in the Chateau but he left for Paris."
The three musketeers exchanged glances of sheer trauma at the revelation and statement the strange man had just declared.
"WHAT...you have actually seen him? asked Treville.
The man was still out of breath as he spoke. He nodded. "He is in disguise...you will never recognise him as who he was...
..."What?...in disguise? gasped Aramis in awe at what he had just learned.
Treville ran his fingers through his hair and siged out loud.
"Prey tell me who he is desguised as! demanded Porthos.
Before the man could speak Aramis held his head in his hands and groaned.
"Dear God no...not the minister! Please no...Athos and d'Artagnan are unaware...the bastard could try anything."
Porthos and Treville glared at the man. "WELL...is he disguised as the first minister? growled Porthos.
The man nodded. "As far as I know...he is in the palace working with the king...that is all I know."
Porthos put his hand to his mouth and squeezed his own skin in frustration.
"The fucking sly bastard. He has been under our noses all along."
"WE HAVE TO RETURN AT HAST! the king and queen are in danger." ordered Treville.
He turned to the man.
"You have helped a great deal Monsieur...we will not forget that.. you should get back before you are missed. Thank you."
The man nodded before scurrying away into the bracken.
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To be continued...
Hi Readers,
Thank you for the reviews love them.
I do hope you are all still enjoying the story.
Well is Rochefort's time up?
Will the boys arrest him or will he outwit them?
Will update soon.
Thank you again guys.
Pippa xxxx
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