Athos rode quietly ahead of the carriage that groaned and creaked as they traveled toward the northern roads out of Paris. The water to their left raged, and chunks of dirt fell and splashed into the waters that rippled as the waterways continued to feed into the Seine. The sun was out and only a few clouds dotted the sky: white puffs that resembled a rabbit's tail. The weather had warmed and though the sun was drying the ground it was slow to benefit those walking and traveling through it, and muddy puddles reflected the sky, the clouds, and the sun.. They passed a few women carrying sacks filled with grains and goods, while a few men followed in muddied boots and britches that had seen better days as their day either began or ended.

A tree had fallen, and half lay near the road and the other half within the river. It shifted as the water slapped its trunk and damned against it. Branches, some broken, tilted and waved in unison with the blades of grass that were slowly returning to life after days of heavy rains.

The caravan of soldiers, Dutch soldiers, four Musketeers, and the driver and footman of the carriage remained at attention as the road narrowed through a tunnel of arched crack-willow tree branches. Paris was beautiful. Even after the rains had flooded her streets and the winds had broken off branches and the signs of businesses, but she was still strong in the midst of the turmoil. To the right of the road, business owners worked to repair siding and roof shingles, and restock their wares; families headed to the markets and the docks in the distance to feed their families. A dog barked, children laughed and ran through the streets, while horses nickered and their hooves clip-clopped against the stony ground.

The tunnel opened to a wide area that was newly inhabited as more people arrived from distant shores and lands. Sandy beaches spread to the left and a short dock that provided space for just two small ships rolled with the waves and the racing waters. The community would eventually grow and expand as new businesses became established.

The caravan stopped suddenly when Prince Henry gave the order and his footman dismounted and helped him from the confines of the cabin. His wife and son soon followed to take in the sights before them. Across the river stretched the outskirts of King Louis' gardens, the docks and shipping ports, and in the distance, he could see bridges over the river. Water moved swiftly as it came around the curve of the Seine, the normally white-capped rapids now looked brown as they carried the sediments that had built up over the years. Trees leaned toward the water, and roots became exposed. The dock shifted left to right and up and down, despite being short and close to shore.

"William," Henry said, "Stay close to your mother."

The boy nodded and said, "Yes, father."

Henry looked toward his wife, who stood with her face to the sun and inhaled the fresh air with her eyes closed. He nodded toward Athos, who walked toward him while leading his horse. The other three musketeers had dismounted and stood guard, much like they had at the palace while protecting the king. Henry's Dutch officers remained mounted and on alert.

"Your Highness," Athos said. "Is there a problem?"

"How much longer are you to escort me and my family?" Henry asked. He watched his son examine the freshly exposed rocks, and the roots of trees that surfaced.

Athos frowned and tightened his hand around Kelpie's reins and said, "Less than a league. Then your own guards will take over."

Henry nodded. He turned to his footman who remained by the door to the carriage, his soldiers who remained at attention while mounted, and he looked at Porthos, Aramis, and d'Artagnan as they stood near the back of the carriage.

"Walk with me, Captain," Henry said, and dusted his hands.

Athos nodded to the others and handed Kelpie's reins to d'Artagnan, who shrugged, and watched Athos and Prince Henry walk side-by-side toward a line of trees that were partially submerged. Prince William and Henry's wife Amalia, walked closer to the water's edge as the boy's energy took him from running across the sandy section of the river's edge, to jumping over and on the downed tree, then to carefully examine the stones and glass.

Porthos huffed and said, "He's quiet… too quiet." He tilted his head toward Athos.

"He's always quiet —" Aramis said and watched Athos' body language.

"Not this quiet," Porthos said. "It makes me wonder what the king said to 'im." He looked side-eyed at Aramis. "We're goin' to end up under General Raboin's command — you know we are."

"Wherever the king commands, Porthos, we shall be of service," Aramis placed his hand on Porthos' shoulder and looked toward the rapids.

"There won't be any women there," Porthos said and raised his eyebrows when he looked at Aramis who shrugged.

"How long have you known me?"

"Too long," Porthos deadpanned and looked side-eyed at Aramis.

"Some might say," Aramis said and looked confidently at the raging waters, "you've known me long enough to know that when it comes to women, I can find one anywhere." He smiled broadly and stepped to the side when Porthos shoved his shoved him on the shoulder.

D'Artagnan chuckled and rubbed Kelpie's nose. He turned when he heard one of the Dutch guards snort and then quickly recover himself.