Greetings all,
Another chapter here (amazing myself with the update at present - don't know how long it will last!) Thank you to all readers and those who leave comments. As usual, apologies for any errors I've let slip through.
CHAPTER 62
I
"You could have sent your kitchen boy with the food," Athos said, fists either side of him on the bed as he pushed himself up further against the pillow and attempted to mask a wince. He accepted the bowl held out to him and breathed in the aroma of the seasoned stew.
Serge settled himself on the chair next to the bed and took a mouthful of his own food, nodding his approval.
"Reckon I deserved to 'ave some time off. Most of the men've been fed. Artus can deal with any stragglers an' take care of the last of the clearin' up. Thought I'd keep you company for a bit," he repeated slowly and carefully, as if Athos had not heard him originally. "Tuck in," he urged, waving a spoon in the young man's direction.
Athos spooned up some of the food and held it in mid-air. "Spying for Tréville, you mean," he said, watching for the cook's reaction.
There was no attempt to deny it.
"If that's what you want to call it, then yes," Serge was undeterred by the accusation.
"So you'll tell him what we talk about?" Athos was immediately guarded.
Serge's eyes narrowed and studied the Musketeer. "Well now, that depends, doesn't it?" He waited for a response and, when there was none forthcoming, went on. "I'm thinkin' you're smart enough not to tell me anythin' you don't want 'im to hear. Mind you, I 'ave been known to keep a confidence when needed. Puts me in a bit of a spot, mind, an' I'm tellin' you now, I do think about what I'm told an' if I think it's in everyone's best interests, I will repeat it in the right ear, if you know what I mean."
Athos nodded as he put the spoonful of food in his mouth and chewed. "I think I know where I stand." He had a second mouthful, giving him time to choose his words carefully. "Perhaps you could repeat my assertion that as much as I appreciate the diversity of company- and I mean no offence here - "
"None taken," Serge interrupted.
"I do not need to be watched all the time."
Serge huffed in amusement. "After that stunt you pulled earlier today? I told the Captain what I thought about his involvement in it."
"You did?" Athos' eyes widened in surprise.
"Naturally, an' now I could tell you what I think of you for puttin' 'im up to it."
"I'm sure you will," Athos muttered.
"But I'm not goin' to. I reckon what 'appened taught you a bit of a lesson an' you've 'ad time to think on it."
Athos said nothing as the cook fixed him with a glare.
"That givin' information works both ways so now I'll tell you somethin'. Claude an' me'll be spendin' time with you when the Captain can't, so it'd be nice if you were 'appy to see us an' before you start, the Captain made Aramis a promise. Claude an' me are just 'elpin' 'im keep it."
"I can imagine. Aramis was reluctant to leave whilst I was still in here."
Serge's face and voice softened. "'E's been worried about you, lad. All three of 'em 'ave an' the Captain." Hs voice dropped even further. "An' me."
Athos regarded him thoughtfully and then sighed. "Thank you. I am ungrateful and for that I apologise. I suspect that I did not put Aramis' mind at rest earlier despite my good intentions."
"I'm pretty sure you didn't. You didn't see yourself in a mirror afore you let 'ere. Even from where I was standin' across the yard, you looked like death." The old man chuckled. "You weren't foolin' no-one, boy," he said, before adding shrewdly, "not even yourself."
Athos did not reply and the two carried on eating in companionable silence.
It was Serge who spoke first when he had gathered their empty bowls and poured them both a watered ale.
"What's got you all so fired up that you have to be at Versailles, eh? I know the Captain's expectin' some sort of trouble or I wouldn't be goin' along to feed so many men. I'm thinkin' you know a whole heap more about it than I do an' I'm not expectin' you to tell me, but I'm hopin' you ain't looking for some sort of revenge on account of what 'appened to you."
II
Knowing when he was beaten – or outnumbered – Athos remained in bed all the next day, except for availing himself of the chamber pot. Claude had been with him when he eventually fell asleep and was still there dozing on the next cot when he awoke, departing only when Serge brought the patient a late platter of bread, meat and cheese to break his fast. The cook then sat with him whilst he ate it, chattering on about the mundane routine proposed for the day. Claude returned to relieve the cook within the hour. This level of supervision had to inconvenience the two men but neither of them seemed bothered by the unusual responsibility so if Athos were aggrieved by the close attention he was receiving, he knew better than to express that aloud, especially when Tréville arrived mid-morning with an armful of papers and deposited them beside Athos on the bed. He carefully withdrew a bottle of ink and quill pen from his pocket.
"A list of Musketeers for you: the three already there, the ones going in the advance group to check security and the rest on the escort detail. The Cardinal has also provided the names of the Red Guard selected to accompany us. I've drawn up a rough rota of guard duty when we're there and who will accompany the King when he hunts. The days when those are proposed are also there in the pile.
"I'm trying to keep Musketeers and Red Guard apart as much as possible. There's also a map that includes a ground plan of the hunting lodge with all entrances and exits. I've transferred other information, marking where Gaston's men are supposed to be waiting and where Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan are to meet any loyalists who respond. It also shows the designated campsites of our two regiments. There's a fresh list of the nobles you saw at the meeting with any current information we have on them like recent grievances to Louis and if they have already arrived at the court here in Paris." He was pleased to see that Athos was already leafing through the pages, his interest piqued.
"I have been through it countless times myself and then with the Cardinal. I need you to check it all again for me to see if I have omitted anything. A third pair of eyes coming to it fresh will not hurt so I would value your input. I have not given you the plans I've made in the event of any trouble actually starting. I thought I'd let you come up with some different strategies in response."
He did not give Athos a chance to ask questions but turned briskly and headed for the door, calling out as he left. "I will be back this afternoon for your report."
As the door closed behind him, Athos exchanged glances with Claude who was sitting busily cleaning his weapons at the table in the middle of the room. The older soldier grinned.
"You'd best get to it, lad. There's more than enough there to keep you occupied!"