Treville cleared his throat and rubbed his face as Athos, Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan entered his office. The sun's rays had shifted, but continued to send highlights across the floor, and amplify the worn wood, divots, and square nails that needed to be reminded — with a quick tap of a hammer — of their customary role while the weather continued to change. Dust particles danced, and the tension in the room dissipated. Treville sighed, he had said his peace, made his expectations clear, and now looked at his men to fulfill their duty with honor and dignity.
"The king has requested that Baron Serres join his council. You have been requested to escort him from his chateau in Nivernais — if you ride hard, you should make it in less than three days." He glanced at the opened letter from the cardinal's office and tossed it to the surface of his desk. Treville took a deep breath, placed his hands on his hips, and exhaled slowly.
"Is there a reason he needs an escort?" Athos said and raised his eyebrows. His eyes were still red-rimmed, but his color had returned.
Treville shook his head. "Baron Serres is extraordinarily paranoid, and frequently finds himself in bouts of…" he paused, "manic states of duress — he's actually quite brilliant, but over the course of the past few years he has found himself confined to isolation after the death of his wife."
D'Artagnan frowned and said, "Then why would the king want him on his council?"
"Financial gain, perhaps?" Athos rubbed his forehead. "This is the cardinal's request — not the king's, I presume?" He cocked an eyebrow and met Treville's eyes. Athos placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and shifted his stance. "The cardinal rarely makes a decision that is not financially sound."
"The king has expressed his abhorrence of additional taxes on the people — as has the queen — and as a result… he is working to expand his means of financial security." Treville rolled his shoulders. "Given the Baron's character, you may have some challenges ahead." He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "He can be quite sorrowful when his mood darkens —"
Porthos chuckled and said, "Can't say we don't know wha' that's like." He looked toward Aramis, who shook his head when Athos shifted uncomfortably. Porthos shrugged. "You know 'im… this baron?" He frowned and shifted his weight as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Treville nodded. "Served with him during my younger years." He ran the palm of his hand across his jaw. "He's an excellent horseman, and when his temperament is," he pursed his lips, and tilted his head slightly to the right, "balanced, he's quite engaging. His moods change without notice — just be ready to manage an angry lion or a bear cub."
Aramis exhaled through puffed cheeks and then pulled on the edges of his mustache. "It's a polecat assignment," he said, and raised his eyebrows as he looked at Treville. "Is there is a reason the four of us are requested for this?" He shrugged and pulled at the left corner of his mustache. "Perhaps our charming good looks or charisma?"
Porthos huffed, "I'd say it's our compellin' skills with diplomacy."
Aramis tightened his chin and nodded. "Even better."
Treville cocked his left eyebrow and shook his head. "Athos' knowledge of nobility will be critical… the baron, depending on his current condition, may expect levels of formality that are unfamiliar to most of the men."
"That was my next guess," Aramis said, and glanced toward Athos.
"He doesn't seem to be someone who should be in a room with the king, much less on his council," d'Artagnan said, shaking his head.
"D'Artagnan's correct, captain," Athos said, "if the baron is this unstable — "
"I didn't create this order, Athos," Treville clenched his jaw and met his gaze, "but when I give it, I expect you to follow it." He raised his eyebrows in expectation and listened as the men sparred in the gallery below. "It's this, or you'll be searching the sewers for convicts?"
"This sounds like an opportunity to see the countryside," Aramis said, with a broad smile. "Brothers?" He pushed his shoulders back and raised his chin.
Athos exhaled.
"When do we leave?" Porthos asked and glanced toward Aramis and then back toward the captain.
"In the morning," Treville said.