Greetings, all. Thank you for your continued support; I always appreciate it.
So, did Athos' plan work?
CHAPTER 58
D'Artagnan was chattering animatedly to Porthos as they left first the garrison and then Paris behind them. The subject matter began with their mission outside Versailles to meet the nobles mustering with their men to support the King. He wondered at the content of the letter written by Richelieu which afforded the three Musketeers the authority to give further instruction and information to those loyal aristocrats.
"I expect it simply says whoever it is 'as got to listen to us whilst we 'give 'em further instruction and information'," Porthos grinned, using the Gascon's own words. "Mind you don't lose it out the top of that saddlebag," he warned, "or they might not give us the time of day."
He chuckled as d'Artagnan's eyes widened in horror. The young man twisted easily in the saddle, a hand reaching for the bag behind him to ensure that the flap remained securely fastened.
"I can't believe the Captain gave it to me. I expected him to hand it to you for safekeeping. You don't mind, do you? I mean, you are senior to me, a proper Musketeer," d'Artagnan continued as it occurred to him that Porthos might have taken offence at Tréville's action.
If all four were together, any documentation initially went to Athos, but he was, of course, indisposed and Aramis was with him when Tréville returned from collecting the Cardinal's written authority earlier that morning.
Porthos shrugged. "The Captain can give whatever 'e wants to whoever 'e wants. It doesn't bother me. We all get to carry papers or letters at some time; you'd best get used to it."
"I wonder how many nobles Richelieu contacted!" d'Artagnan went on. Do we have any idea? We could find ourselves inundated. Supposing we can't cope with them all."
"Given 'ow many the Cardinal was suspectin' of treachery not so long ago, I'm thinkin' they must be a very trusted few," Porthos answered.
D'Artagnan frowned. "But supposing none come at all? I mean, we could be camped there for the next few days and the first people we see are the advanced group of Musketeers checking security. It would be so embarrassing for the King."
"An' a lot of trouble for us," Porthos added. "If all the rebel lot turn up and start pushing for a fight, we could find ourselves seriously outnumbered."
"But we'll have a lot of the Red Guard with us to swell our numbers."
"Not so sure I want to rely on them too much," Porthos added grimly, "but at least we know that when they're backed into a corner, they can come out fightin' an make it a good one."
"They'd be following orders," D'Artagnan said.
"Yeah, Tréville's orders, an' there's no knowin' how quickly they're goin' to respond to 'em." Porthos raised a hand as d'Artagnan began to object. "I know all about what the Cardinal said, an' the orders 'e gave to 'is men an' I heard the orders the Captain's given to us. There's no love lost between the two regiments but I'm ready to work with the Red Guard. It just remains to be seen whether they're ready to work with us."
"That's a pessimistic way of looking at things," d'Artagnan commented.
"Maybe I'm just being realistic," Porthos countered quickly.
D'Artagnan decided it was time to change the subject and significantly brightened. "But we'll have Athos back with us. He's making remarkable progress."
"Granted," Porthos agreed, "but he's not goin' to be fully fightin' fit in just seven days. 'E can 'ardly be thrown into the thick of a battle," he said before adding, "if there is one."
"Hopefully there won't be one," d'Artagnan commented, "but if there is, I'm sure the Captain will find something for him to do; behind the scenes, you might say."
Porthos chuckled. "I can see Athos liking' that idea."
Such was his optimistic mood that D'Artagnan completely missed the big Musketeer's sarcasm. "Of course he will. The most important point is that he will be back with us and involved. It was such a relief to see him up and about and dressed in his uniform this morning before we left, almost like his old self, and he can only get better and stronger as each day passes."
Aramis had maintained silence since leaving the garrison, lost in his own thoughts, but the conversation of his brothers had gradually penetrated his reflections. Now he reined in and watched the other two incredulously. They had ridden on a little way before realising that he was no longer beside them. Stopping their own mounts, they turned to him, their expressions puzzled.
"What's wrong?" Porthos demanded. "Has the horse gone lame?"
"The horse is fine," Aramis said with suppressed fury as he spurred on the animal and re-joined them.
"Then what is it?" d'Artagnan asked worriedly.
"You!" Aramis spat out at him so that he visibly recoiled.
"Come on, Aramis," Porthos intervened. "I know you didn't want to leave Athos but there's no need to take it out on d'Artagnan."
"You're just as bad!" Aramis rounded on him.
"What?" Porthos was perplexed at the outburst. "What have I done?"
Aramis shook his head in disbelief. "I've been listening to the pair of you. I know you haven't known Athos long," he said to d'Artagnan, "so he might have been able to fool you but you," and his anger was redirected at Porthos, "should know better."
"What do you mean?" d'Artagnan was confused.
Aramis sighed heavily. "I agree that Athos has made remarkable progress, as you put it. It's just five days since we found him in that dreadful state. He needed proper care, which he has had since, but he's not recovered. That little demonstration this morning was for our benefit. Could you not see that?"
"I …." d'Artagnan began and gazed helplessly at Porthos for support.
"Did you not see the sweat on his face or the way he was holding himself as he stood there? Did you not see the Captain and Claude standing close? They were expecting him to collapse and so was I. He wanted to reassure us, and his ploy might have worked with you two, but not with me. He's probably set back his recovery, the idiot! So much for my telling him not to do too much before he was ready. He could not have got it more wrong if he thought to allay my fears."
He urged his horse to walk on as he vented his wrath in a stream of Spanish. Porthos and d'Artagnan might not have understood the language but they had no doubts as to the meaning behind them.
"And you can forget about the idea of him joining us in Versailles," he shouted back to them without turning his head.