Torment and Heartache
Chapter Ten.
The musketeers had been riding now for several hours, the snow had begun to fall just as they had feared, with it came an icy wind that swirled around the trees on the edge of the forest making the distance ahead seem like a white abyss of nothingness.
d'Artagnan squinted his eyes tightly as he peered through the blizzard, he could feel the wet icy coldness beginning to trickle down his neck and wished he had heeded Aramis' counsel when reminding him to wear head apparel. The Gascons groaning muse was swiftly interupted, almost as though his brother could read his mind, Aramis' was suddenly riding at his side.
"Did I not forewarn you to wear a hat my friend." yelled the marksman through the sound of the wind and cantering hooves. "The last thing we need is you ailing with a fever."
d'Artagnan pulled his cloak tighter around his neck and gave his brother squinted glare.
"Then loan me yours." he snarled.
Aramis sniggered loudly.
"Let me think about that mon ami, err...NO! "You are your own worst enemy."
That moment the sonorous tones of Athos' voice yelled into the icy wind.
"We will stop for a while and make a fire, the horses are becoming fatigued."
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The musketeers had found shelter underneath a large thicket of trees, the wind howled through the forest, the snow continued to fall. Aramis dropped his collection of sticks at Porthos' feet as the big man lit a fire.
"I'll get that broth warmed up lads. " growled Porthos adding more wood to the flames.
The horses snorted as Athos and d'Artagnan tethered them to the low branches, their cold breaths emitting vapour into the icy surroundings.
Athos reached into his saddlebag and retrieved some carrots.
"We could do without this damn weather." gruffed out the swordsman sounding irritated. "It may hinder our journey."
d'Artagnan blew warm air into his hands and nodded as he aided his brother to feed the horses.
"Come and get some broth you two." yelled Aramis. "Before Porthos devours the lot."
The four men sat around the fire as it took hold, Aramis spooned broth into their travel cups and passed them around to each of his friends.
"Mmmnn...just what I needed." murmured d'Artagnan sounding grateful.
Aramis nodded as he sipped his own broth.
"Your hair is soaked through you idiot." growled Porthos with a chuckle as he looked across at d'Artagnan, should 'ave wore a hat."
d'Artagnan rolled his eyes as he spooned up more broth and shot a glance at Aramis."
"Not you aswell...I have already been cosseted by Aramis."
The marksman grinned.
"I have a spare cowl cloak." said Athos warming his hands against the flames before sipping more broth. "It will cover your head."
"You are most kind my friend, thank you." replied d'Artagnan catching Aramis' told you so smirk.
Porthos pulled out his map and began to study the parchment.
"Bloody hell, if this snow persists its gonna delay us, we must be about another days ride."
Athos put down his cup and took hold of the map from the big musketeer.
"I want to know how Rochefort got ahead of us." mused Aramis stirring his broth. "
Porthos glanced at the marksman.
"I just 'ope we are on the right path, it could be another wild goose chase."
"Porthos my friend, have some faith, the trails led us to this path, besides ther is no other derelict chateau's in that area."
Porthos snorted.
"I pray we are not too late, if Rochefort hurts a hair on Constance's head, I will kill him myself." growled d'Aartagnan.
"He won't kill the queen or Constance, they are far too precious, he needs his plan to work." commented Aramis.
Athos looked up from scrutinising the map.
"This is typical of Rochefort, he has always looked for reasons to defenestrate the king from the throne, so he goes for the achilles heel in all this sedition...the queen."
Porthos nodded in agreement as the swordsman spoke.
Athos stared into the flames of the campfire, his mind kept going over Porthos question...how did Rochefort get ahead of them?
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The sound of footfalls reverberated into the darkness, followed by the scraping and rasping as the cell doors were pushed open, two figures entered carrying lighted torches.
Anne held her hand to her eyes as she peered into the flames trying to make out the identity of the nearing figure. Constance suddenly gasped as she turned to Anne, the young woman having realised the face staring down at the queen.
Rochefort knelt down on his haunches as he smiled into the queen's uneasy features.
Anne recoiled slightly as Rochefort became closer, she cast her eyes downwards as he spoke. She could smell his usual cheap cologne aroma and knew he was far too close for comfort.
"Your dearest majesty...I have never witnessed you look so sullied...I shall have my men have a bath drawn for you this instant...then we may dine together." seethed Rochefort, a slight grin playing on his lips. "I have had a boar slaughtered just for us."
Anne glared at him as he eyed her.
"The king will have your head for this treason Rochefort, it is just a matter of time before we are saved from your evil clutches."
Constance peered at him.
"You dare to speak to your queen in this manner...you are a disgrace."
In an instant Rochefort's arm came at her as he swung the back of his hand across her face, the young woman whimpered as he caught her.
Anne let out a screech.
Blood oozed from Constance's lip.
"Shut your mouth whore, you are begining to vex me so." he seethed.
Rochefort stood and turned to his associate.
"Put this whore in another cell whilst I decide which way she will die."
"Constance stays with me Rochefort." demanded Anne instantly, her voice sounding insistent.
Rochefort grinned.
"Your fondness for this whore sickens me...TAKE HER!
Rochefort's associate suddenly seized Constance, he unlocked her shackles dragging her to her feet.
"NO! I need to stay with her majesty...NO." shrieked Constance, her voice trembling and becomeing hoarse.
"I HATE YOU! yelled Anne as Rochefort walked towards the cell door. "I HATE YOU!
Rochefort turned and glared at her, he smiled as he picked up the lighted torch.
"I shall have that bath drawn for you your majesty."
The door scraped shut behind him.
Anne rested her head on her knees, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed.
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Constance struggled to no avail as she was thrown into another cell, she hit the dirt ridden ground with a thud. Tears flowed down her face as she wept.
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TBC...
Hi Guys,
Hope you are all well, sorry for the late posting, have had a busy time the past two weeks.
Thank you for your lovely comments, I really appreciate the time you take to write them. x
Take care
Pippa xxxx
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