Torment and Heartache
Chapter Nineteen.
Both Athos and d'Artagnan were ushered abruptly into the hall by one of Rochefort's men, a pistol aimed at the Gascons head as they were lurched forward. The voices suddenly waning as the two musketeers presence became apparent, all heads turned sharply.
Rochefort stood swiftly and glared towards them, before turning his glance to his head guard.
"Found these two lurking in the passageway Comte...both heeding your words." growled the man, his voice self-satisfied.
"Drop your weapons NOW! demanded another guard as he approached his comrades quarry.
Athos and d'Artagnan swapped agitated glances as they let their swords and pistols fall to the floor with a sudden clatter.
Rochefort's features becoming smug as he began to slowly walk with a vain pompous bearing towards the two musketeers.
"Well! Well! Well...what have we here...two more interfering halfwit musketeers." he spewed with malicious glee.
Athos glared as Rochefort neared them, how he wanted to wipe that smug grin from his face.
"Where are Aramis and Porthos? pressed d'Artagnan suddenly, his teeth clenched with sheer rage. "If anything has happened to them...
...they are gone forever." interjected Rochefort with stern insentient harshness...you are too late...let us just say your regiment is two oafs lighter.
The young Gascon's jaw twitched with rage at Rochefort's sudden slur.
"Where have you taken the queen? he asked haughtily. "Tell me, and I may consider not killing you both."
Athos's sharp eyes met his, the pompous sneering grin manifesting on his face.
"Her majesty is on her way back to Paris with Madame Bonacieux as we speak...I had men prepared and awaiting." the swordsman lied.
Rochefort glared, his clenched jaw evident as Athos spoke, had he actually believed the musketeer's declaration. His features suddenly emerging into a slight grin as he glanced at d'Artagnan.
"Pity about the Bonacieux whore...my men were about to pay her a visit...taking turns with her."
d'Artagnan suddenly lept at him, only to be dragged back by one of the guards, a fist finding his chin and knocking the Gascon to the ground.
Athos lept at the other guard only to be seized by two more and held fast, the swordsman doing his uttermost to free himself from their grip.
"I hope you die a painful death Rochefort, I will take pleasure watching." spewed out the Gascon as he was pulled to his feet.
Rochefort swiftly turned to his men, the anger on his face becoming an effigy of contempt.
"Edmond, take six men and go after them...they will not get far in this snow, it is becoming a blizzard...fetch the queen back here...you can do whatever you wish with the whore." he demanded.
The sudden rasping and scraping on the floor emitted off the high walls as the men stood from their seats at the table and began to follow Edmond.
Athos and d'Artagnan exchanged rapid glances, each knowing Rochefort had taken the bait, they would now have less men to deal with.
"I am going to enjoy killing you two musketeers, your entire regiment is a thorn in my side, I dare say the king will be most pleased to see you all eliminated from his court." sneered Rochefort walking back to his seat and pouring himself wine from the ewer.
Athos stared across at him.
"Not as much as seeing you swing on the gallows, no doubt the whole of Paris will relish such a spectacle." growled the swordsman.
Rochefort turned, his piecing stare turning into a scornful sneer.
"If anyone's head is going to be on the block Athos...it will be yours, I will take much pleasure at seeing you wriggle and squirm like the demented oaf you are."
"We will see." muttered Athos.
d'Artagnan stood, he glared at the man, how he loathed him, since they had returned him back to Paris he had brought nothing else but discord to the crown. The king had fell into his trap, not always seeing the true man.
"We should have left you to be hanged when we first encountered you Rochefort." seethed the Gascon.
Rochefort snorted a slight chuckle.
"Like I have said musketeers...performing jesters."
"Where are Aramis and Porthos? pressed Athos suddenly. "They are kings musketeers, we merit an explanation."
"Let me just say that they will never see the light of day ever again." replied Rochefort through sluring tones.
Athos clenched his fists obliviously as the Comte sneered, he seemed elated just to see people endure his wroth.
"So treason will be added to your list of crimes...maybe hanging is too swift a punishment, I shall suggest to the king that something more appropiate be afflicted upon you."
Rochefort glared at the swordsman, his clenched jaw evident.
"Take them away...soon as the queen returns they die."
llllllllllll
The clip clop of horses hooves and loud voices suddenly emanted into the darkness prompting both the queen and Constance to leap to their feet. Both young women looking towards the door. Constance reached for the pistol.
"It sounds like they are leaving." whispered Anne. The din beginning to wane.
"Where could they be going? answered Constance.
"I pray the musketeers are safe, they have been away quite a while." mutted Anne taking her place by the fire.
Constance joined her.
"If anyone can get us out of here it is them." she reassured. "We are safe in here for the time being."
Anne stared into the flames.
"If only the king had heeded Captain Tréville's counsel about Rochefort...we would not be in such horrendous circumstances."
Constance pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders as she glanced at Anne.
"Foresight is a very fine thing your majesty, but alas we do not have such a gift."
Anne continued her stare into the fire.
"Quite." she muttered.
lllllllllll
Having found a discarded old rusty sword in the dismal chamber, the big musketeer was doing his uttermost to clean up the weapon with his gloves.
"Blunt as 'ell, but may come in 'andy." he growled.
Porthos suddenly began to strike at the stone wall with a clatter, making as much noise as he could.
Aramis was by his side as both musketeers began to yell.
ATHOS!...d'ARTAGNAN!
No reply came.
"This has to enrage Rochefort, the last thing he want is the others finding us." said Aramis.
llllllllllll
Both Athos and d'Artagnan were jostled down the dimly lit passageway by four men towards the cells, both flung to the ground as the barred doors were slammed shut behind them.
Athos jumped to his feet and rushed towards the metal door, his fists knocking at the metal in frustration.
"That was Aramis and Porthos...where are they." he roared.
"You are dead men walking." yelled d'Artagnan.
One of the guards turned back, he appeared at the door and glared at the swordsman, orange hues from the torches playing on his pallid features.
"Your concern for your friends is touching musketeers...as soon as they run out of air...alas they will be yelling no more."
Athos clenched his jaw with rage as he turned back to d'Artagnan.
"We have to get out of here." he muttered.
The Gascon glanced at the swordsman with raised brows.
"What is your thinking?
ooooooOOOoooooo
TBC...
Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all safe and well.
Glad you are staying for the ride, it is about to get bumpy.
Thank you so much for your kind comments, love them.
Speak soon guys.
Pippa xxxx
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