Thanks, everybody, for comments and for reading. These short chapters are killing me; roll on the time when I can write 'proper' length ones. (lol) The irony is that these are still far too long for the work for which I was 'practising!'
So, departure day for Versailles has at last arrived!
CHAPTER 68
I
Aramis and Porthos rose with the sun on the Thursday morning, d'Artagnan having been responsible for the last watch of the night. The need for such care was not as necessary as it had been when they first camped as the area had filled with loyal nobles and their men, all assisting in a level of security in case Gaston's men had taken it upon themselves to undertake some scouting and came a little too close. If anything, the three groups waiting north west of Versailles were very lax for Porthos and d'Artagnan had monitored their presence daily from a distance.
Since their arrival on the hillside, Porthos had also struck out a couple of times to ascertain if any of the rebel nobles were approaching but had not seen anything.
"They're probably keepin' their distance a bit further out; like we are here," he said as the three began to gather their belongings together in preparation of breaking camp.
"Versailles must be almost surrounded by now," d'Artagnan quipped as he stuffed some screwed-up clothing into his saddle bag
A flock of birds flew overhead, and Aramis followed their flight, a hand shielding his eyes from the sun. It promised to be as hot a day as the previous one, which had been much needed to dry out their rain-sodden possessions.
"How I wish I could see the area from their point of view," he said wistfully. "It would be interesting to see the exact location of the different camps in relation to each other."
Porthos snorted, the idea entertaining , "Yeah, as if that's ever goin' to 'appen." He, too, looked at the birds. "What are they, the noisy things?"
"Finches," d'Artagnan said, concentrating on doing up the buckle of the bag.
Porthos' jaw dropped. "You didn't even look up."
"He's a country boy, remember?" Aramis laughed.
"They were in those trees earlier," he nodded towards the wood that would have been their sanctuary, had they needed it. "I recognised their song."
"He's a country boy," Porthos confirmed.
Head bowed to focus again on his work, d'Artagnan missed the broad grins exchanged by the two Musketeers.
"So, what've you decided with the nobles?" Porthos asked, changing the subject.
"They want to meet with Tréville when he arrives to know what is expected of them," the marksman explained.
"D'you think he'll stop 'ere on his way through to the lodge?"
Aramis shook his head. "He'll lead the King's party along the normal route. There are those involved in the plot who are with the King and Tréville won't want them to know of the force that's gathering here. No, he'll see the King safely to the lodge first and then come over. That's why we ought to be on the move. I'd like to meet the Captain on the road and tell him how many have arrived here so far."
"Sounds like a fair plan to me," Porthos answered and looked across at d'Artagnan, wanting to know his reaction.
The Gascon got to his feet. "I agree."
II
Tréville closed his office door firmly and was busy donning his gloves as he headed down to the crowded yard. Some men stood beside their mounts, others checked saddles and harness and not for the first time; they repeated the action merely to keep themselves occupied and focused. More men were already outside the gate, lining up in the street, their sheer number and the two laden carts rendering it impossible for all to assemble easily in the yard. The sounds that met Tréville were the murmur of quiet conversation, the snort of horses eager for the off and the jingle of harness, but the men fell silent as his first foot touched the dry ground, awaiting any last orders. The tension in the air was palpable for they all knew this was no ordinary hunting trip.
Late the previous afternoon, the Captain had mustered the men accompanying him to Versailles. Still loathe to divulge too much whilst in the city for fear of information somehow reaching the wrong ears, he had promised to brief them properly when they made camp at Versailles. He reminded them of the rules he had made in relation to the Red Guard who would also be accompanying them in significant numbers and finished with the recommendation that they enjoy their last few hours in the city but not to excess. A clear head and an early night had been the order of the day.
The stable boy was near the bottom of the stairs, talking softly to the Captain's horse as the animal stood placidly waiting. Tréville took the reins from the boy and swung up into the saddle with ease. He scrutinised the men before him, taking in their appearance, and felt a surge of pride at the sight of them. They were a credit to themselves, him and, ultimately, the King, and he doubted that the Red Guard would be turned out so immaculately. He immediately reprimanded himself for his competitiveness; now was not the time for such petty diversion.
He suddenly noticed the cart with Serge sitting up front and, beside him, Athos, resplendent in his leathers and blue cape. He was leaning back on the bench seat, obviously trying to find the most comfortable position, a worrying sign when they had not even left for the palace. Tréville had visited him late the previous evening, just before retiring. Athos' expedition on horseback had used the last of the draughts left by Aramis; they had been left merely to dull the pain whilst he was immobile, not to be relied upon before and after his recent 'escape attempts', as Tréville was wont to call them.
"I sent to Carveau," Tréville had announced on entering the infirmary.
Athos set down the book he had been reading and looked up, discomfort written all over his face. The ride had taken its toll.
"I told him what medication we had here but that, in light of your recent experience, I needed some guidelines on how much to give you. He sent instruction but also provided several measures of a draught that he claimed was stronger and more suited to getting you through the journey ahead. I have brought you two, one for now to ease your pain and the other to be taken before we leave tomorrow. Ask me when you require any more."
The Captain already knew from Claude that Athos had passed a quiet night, sleeping well, and that he had taken the morning dose with food before venturing from his bed. It was to be hoped that it was strong enough to help the young Musketeer; if not, it was going to be a very miserable journey for him. It was against his better judgement that Tréville had finally acquiesced to Athos' request to go to Versailles, but his conviction had wavered in the face of such determination.
Besides, there were advantages to having Athos there. Tréville had a chance of knowing where he was most of the time; otherwise, he would not put it past the Musketeer to leave Paris after a couple of days and attempt to make the journey on his own. This was the safer option and he could always find plenty of tasks to keep the younger man occupied. The Captain could insist upon having his Lieutenant accompany him to meetings from here onwards and instruct the other three Inseparables to keep him with them when they were not on duty. It did not guarantee that Athos would not find some way to evade them if he put his mind to it, but Tréville had another idea that might cover all eventualities. Once at Versailles, he would have Athos identify L'Hernault for him and then the Captain would assign a 'shadow' to Gaston's man.
As soon as possible, he would learn if L'Hernault made a move towards Athos, and vice versa.
At least that was his theory.