Good afternoon, all. Thank you for the comments and for reading. Apologies for not responding to folk individually each time but I love hearing from you an having this contact.
Apologies for any errors that have crept through and thanks to friends who saw I'd put 'Athos' instead of 'Aramis' yesterday; I did go in and correct it but thanks for spotting it.
CHAPTER 82
I
L'Hernault was seething. He did not need Gaston's instruction to eliminate Athos for it was currently at the top of his list of priorities, but he was not foolish enough to tackle the continued problem without some careful consideration. He could not ignore his fear, for he had not expected to find that Athos was one of the King's élite regiment. The man had to be highly trained and skilled and had demonstrated that ability in disposing of L'Hernault's men. He was convinced that the reason behind the silence of the three had to be that they were lying dead somewhere in the French countryside and if Athos had dispatched the trio with such consummate ease, it begged the question whether L'Hernault could kill him on his own.
He paced the ground distractedly behind the King's pavilion. He saw no advantage in appearing at the picnic for he had lost the little appetite he had since discovering that Athos still lived.
There had long been a time when he wanted to confront the Comte face-to-face, to exact revenge for the years of suffering his own father had experienced, culminating in his death. Correction, murder at the hands of Athos' parent. His father, denied justice at the time, would finally be able to rest in peace if L'Hernault were able to settle matters. A life for a life; it was as simple as that.
But that was before L'Hernault learned that Athos was a trained soldier.
He had to find another way of gaining the advantage, of securing the same result through more subtle means. Was there anyone – besides Gaston – who could assist him?
Allaire! He was included in the King's party and privy to Gaston's involvement in the plot. Perhaps he could be prevailed upon to help improve the odds against the Musketeer.
L'Hernault needed to find the man and quickly. He had not joined the hunt this morning, so he must have remained at the lodge or in its vicinity. Perhaps one of the attendant ladies had caught his eye and he had stayed behind to try his luck in wooing her; either that or he had imbibed too much red wine at the previous evening's feast.
Resolved, L'Hernault slammed a fist into his open palm. He would go back to the lodge and find Allaire, explain the predicament and appeal to him for help. Perhaps he could make discreet enquiries of the Musketeers not on the current protective detail, find out a little more of the talents and habits of his nemesis.
He glanced towards Gaston who was engrossed in conversation with a noble and his lady. No-one would miss him if he slipped away and headed back to the lodge.
L'Hernault strode towards where he had left his horse, unaware that three pairs of dark eyes were following his every move.
II
"d'Artagan, you stay here and tell the Captain where we've gone and why," Aramis instructed, sealing his water bottle and reaching for his hat which he had set on the grass.
The Gascon looked towards the King's pavilion.
"He's talking to Louis right now, but I'll go over and wait. Perhaps I can attract his attention, tell him and then come to join you," he added hopefully, not wanting to miss anything that involved L'Hernault, who posed such a threat to his brother.
Porthos threw the remainder of his bread and cheese onto the ground, his attention fixed on H'Hernault.
"We'd better get movin'; he's on 'is 'orse."
D'Artagnan grabbed Aramis by the arm. "Just make sure you look after Athos."
III
"I made sure some of our men were close to Serge, nothin' too obvious. Didn't want to antagonise the Cardinal's men. They're riled enough as it is," and Claude looked apologetically in Richelieu's direction.
The Cardinal said nothing, but the twitching of his facial muscles betrayed the battle to control his temper.
"Don't want you to think I'm a tell-tale but I thought you ought to know 'ow ugly it's getting' out there," Claude added.
Athos ran a hand tiredly over his face; it was anything but quiet working in the Cardinal's office,
"No, you did the right thing, Claude. Thank you."
"You want me to stay outside? Be on 'and if you want to send more messages or should I be getting' back to camp to keep an eye on things?"
"Describe the ringleader," Richelieu demanded before Athos could answer.
Claude turned respectfully to face him. "Huge man; taller than any man I know, even Porthos," this last he directed at Athos. "Not much hair on 'is 'ead, big eyes that stick out an' a loud, croaky voice. 'E certainly didn't 'ave much trouble getting' everyone to hear 'im."
Richelieu frowned.
"You know who fits that description?" Athos asked.
"Naturally." Richelieu looked at Claude. "On your way out, send in one of my guards."
In a calculated disregard for the Cardinal, Claude turned slowly to look at Athos. If he was to be dismissed, it would come from his own Lieutenant and not the First Minister. The rancour was beginning to spread like a contagion.
Athos nodded, signalling that the older Musketeer should leave. "Remain outside please, Claude, in case I have need of you."
Claude pointed at the small sack he had put down on the edge of Athos' table. "Just make sure you eat some of that."
"Who is the man?" Athos asked when they were alone again.
"Grenouille. He is to Planque as you are to Tréville."
"He has authority." Athos was surprised.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door and the entrance of one of the Red Guard.
"Find Captain Planque and tell him I wish to see him immediately," Richelieu snapped.
As the door closed again,he continued. "Sadly, yes, Grenouille has authority and it has succeeded in making him even more of a trouble-maker and a torment than he was before."
"He harasses the men?" Athos could not conceive of someone in such a trusted position abusing the power he had been given.
"A few, perhaps, but generally he has the supportive ear of the men. No, I have no proof, just a suspicion, but I fear that the more frequent victim of his intimidatory tactics is Planque himself."