Chap 9 Unexpected friends
As soon as the letter reached D'Artagnan sr.'s hand he rushed to get his things together.
He stopped and put his hand on his head and started to think. She had been right in front of him and he didn't even recognize her. He could have done something, anything. But now was no the time for blame now was the time for action.
The girl had left to protect those she cared about. He had only met one other woman with a spirit so strong but that was long ago.
Porthos was going to be coming in from a long voyage. He was going to be docking in LeHavre a port on the coast of France. Armis sent a letter to an old friend of Duval that owned an inn at the port. To have Porthos come right to the garrison in Paris.
D'Artagnan sr. grabbed his bag and rode. He had to keep his word to the Kings he had swore an oath to.
Back at the castle
"I have lost two captains they have both failed me. I expect better from you Captain Thomas."
Captain Thomas was hand picked by the Cardinal himself. He was exceptional at dueling. He was unlike any other guard he had. He dueled as well or better that a musketeer. The Cardinal thought his luck was beginning to change he had someone Duval would be envious of in his guards.
The Captain looked at the man that stood before him. With hatred in his heart for this man a man that was suppose to be holy. He wanted to make sure that if THAT MAN some how managed to get the girl that she would at least have some protection. She was after all a sister in arms and the musketeers protect each other. In the mean time he would play the part Duval had assigned him.
The Cardinal looked at his young Captain and said "she has killed my last two Captain don't underestimate her. I want her found and killed so the treaty will never be signed."
"You have your orders Captain."
The Captain gave a low bow and left the room. He thought it would be more difficult to deceive the Cardinal but he did have help from those force to serve as Cardinals guards.
Back at the garrison
Duval had just returned to the garrison and he saw D'Artagnan Jr. hand a letter to a messenger. Duval was glad the boy seemed calmer but was wondering who the boy the boy could possible wrote to.
Duval walked up to him and asked. "Who did you write to everyone who knows her is coming." D'artagnan Jr. looked at his Captain and said "Not everyone!" And turned and walked away.
Duval just shook his head and said. "I will never understand that boy!" Then walked into his office to work on the duty assignments for while he was away.
Ramon and Jacques (Siroc) were packing their things they told the Captain they were going to help find her even if that meant that they had to leave the musketeers. Duval had told them that there was no need for that, and he would defiantly let them go. He knew how much they cared for her and wanted to help.
The other musketeers were either getting ready to go to chapel to pray for their sister's safety or out on patrol. The priests have never seen that many musketeers in chapel for along time.
On the coast of France, in a villa called LeHavre
A young woman woke up from her short but restful nap. She decided go to the chapel to pray for forgiveness and for the safety of her FAMILY.
She placed the blond wig upon her head making sure to cover all her raven hair. She then grabbed her cape and left her room.
The innkeeper's son saw the beauty come out of her room and got up greet her. "My Lady Isabelle did you have a pleasant rest."
She looked at the young man grateful for his kindness. "Yes Monsieur Curtis Thank You! I was wondering if it was not too much trouble if…"
He looked at her and knew what she was going to ask of him. "Ahh the chapel I remember it would be my pleasure.
He reminded her of D'Artagnan with the ease of his words and knowing exactly what she needed to hear.
Curtis knew she was unlike any woman he had ever met in his life. As they were walking down the street she refused to be made a fuss of by any man that attempted to. His father wanted him to find out what happened to make this woman so sad. To see if they could in some way help this young woman.
They soon arrived at the chapel. A priest was standing at the door surprised to see anyone coming at this time of the day. He quickly went to greet them.
"Is there anything I can do to be of service?"
The young woman looked up at the priest and said. "I just wanted to come and pray for forgiveness and for the people I love."
The priest said "well this is a good place to do just that, please come in."
They entered the church and the young woman crossed her self and knelt down to pray. Curtis sat down and began to talk to the priest as both men watched the young woman.
The young woman had been praying for hours. When the priest finally walked up to her and said. "It is going to be getting dark soon and is not the time for a lady to be out it could be very dangerous." She reluctantly agreed she crossed herself and got up.
They soon left the chapel and were walking down the street to the inn again. Curtis looked over at the woman that was gliding beside him. He thought about his words but did not know how to phrase the questions he had wanted to ask her. So he thought he would just ask anyway if she didn't want to answer she wouldn't. He thought well here goes nothing.
"Where are you from and where is your family?"
He felt as if great weight was lifted off his chest.
She looked up at him and knew he was trustworthy but did not want to get him involved.
She said "That is another life part of my life that can never be again."
He looked at her puzzled and said. "Why don't women ever give him straight answers?"
She shook her head and said "You remind me of my best friend."
Curtis looked at her and said. "Is SHE single?"
The young woman was a little shock at this and then remembered what she had said. She smiled and said "actually HE is single."
Curtis gave a little cough and said. "Your best friend is a man!" She shrugged her shoulder and said. "Of course!"
Curtis then gave her a serious look and said. "Does he know where you are?"
A tear escaped her eye as she stopped walking and said. "If he knows he may be harmed".
He was very surprised by her answer his heart went out to this woman who carried too much pain inside of her heart. Then he said "You are trying to protect your love." She didn't even have to answer He all ready knew.
Then he said "The sun is starting to set we should go". She just nodded in agreement.
As they neared the inn He spoke in a soft voice. "You should write to him. You don't have to tell him where you are but that you are Ok." She started to speak but he interrupted "Just think about it."
They walked in to the inn and woman came up to them
"Curtis You Father has an errand for you to run." Then the woman introduced herself to Isabelle. "My name is Celestiel I am Jaspers wife"
"We were getting quite worried you should not be out around dark here it can get dangerous."
"Now lets get some food in you" Celestiel took her by the hand and sat her at a table. It was filled with meat, cheeses, breads, and desserts. The young girl hesitated. Celestiel smiled "meals are part of the rooms".
The young women did not realize how hungry she had been until that moment. She sat down and proceeded to help herself to the platters of food.
Mean while at the docks
Captain Porthos was getting off his ship as a young man was running up the docks.
"Porthos my father told me to come and get you." "We have a room ready for you."
We got an urgent letter you are supposed to go to the musketeer garrison right away." Mother has prepared a wonderful meal and we have another guest her name is Isabelle."
The older man laughed at this young man excitement. "We should get going. You don't keep a woman like your mother waiting especially when there is food involved."
They soon arrived at the Inn. A beautiful blond haired woman gracefully got up from the table. She wore a little gold cross around her neck. He had seen a cross like that before, but could not remember where.
The woman gracefully glided past the two men and into her room.
Porthos looked at the great feast and said. "Celestiel you are going to spoil me!" She just blushed at his words. Them he sat at the table and began to devour the food.
In the room of the young woman
She sat on her bed and removed her wig. Her raven curls flowing around her face she looked upon her reflection in the mirror and started to cry. She wanted the man who was in her every waking thought to be here to hold her and tell her he loved her. She laid upon her bed and cried herself to sleep.