Thank you for reading and commenting upon the last chapter.
So, the big day dawns and there is much to do!
CHAPTER 105
I
With the habit of many years, Tréville rose, poured cold water from a jug into a bowl set on a dresser for just such a purpose and splashed his face. He hoped that the chill of the water might bring him fully awake as it had been a very short night. Stifling a yawn, he straightened the bed's covering before pulling on his boots and donning his doublet and belt. Glancing sideways, he saw the journal lying open in the middle of a table where he left it once he had finished reading it.
He gave a wry smile. Sitting at the table, tousled head cushioned on his arms, was Athos, sound asleep. Tréville thought back to the early hours; whilst he read, Athos had been commenting on the entries until it had gone unexpectedly silent. Looking up, Tréville saw him in this same position; such was the young man's exhaustion, he had not moved.
Keeping the table between them, Tréville reached across and shook Athos lightly by the shoulder. There was no response and he frowned. Athos was a notoriously light sleeper, usually alert and at battle readiness in an instant. Tréville knew from experience that you woke soldiers like Athos very carefully but, fortunately, his weapons were safely in his room next door. Even so, startling him awake could result in his lashing out with a well-placed fist.
"Athos, wake up. Time to get moving, son," and Tréville shook him again, a little more forcefully this time.
His efforts were rewarded by a groan and flickering eyelids. Athos slowly unfolded himself, groaning again at the movement and clearly fighting to open his eyes properly and focus on the world.
"I tried to rouse you to go back to your own bed, but you were in such a deep sleep that I gave up and left you there. You'll be very stiff, I fear," Tréville said as Athos began rolling his shoulders and arching his back.
Athos raked his fingers through his tangled hair and spied the journal. "What did you think of what he had to say for himself?"
"It explains a lot and I shall endeavour not to look too pleased when I hand it to Richelieu to read," Tréville confessed.
"Perhaps the Cardinal will be a little more careful when he appoints his next Captain," Athos said as, like the Captain had done before him, he crossed to the bowl and scooped up handfuls of water to shock himself into wakefulness.
"He obviously gave you some thought," Tréville said, throwing the towel at Athos as the younger man dripped water over the floor.
"It was probably more out of sheer desperation," Athos retorted, deftly catching the towel one-handed and wiping his face. He was aware of Tréville watching him, "And please do not tell me that I look rough."
"I wasn't going to," the Captain chuckled. "You look far worse than that."
Athos attempted a withering glare but failed. "With that note of confidence, we had better go and visit the camps. I just need to pick up my weapons."
"I'll bring this," Tréville added, picking up the book from the table.
They were striding across the grass in the early morning light, sounds emanating from the camps reassuring them that the men were on the move.
"It is just as well that I did not share the names of the rebel nobles with Planque," Tréville reflected.
"By not knowing who was involved, he was unable to make contact with them and warn them."
"Which is fortunate for us. Perhaps it is better things have turned out this way. He is dead and will avoid being charged with treason," the Captain declared.
"I do not understand how he thought that he would get away with it. He blindly hoped that the rebels would have the supremacy of numbers and the ultimate victory. Then he could admit to what he had done and his bit of support. It is no wonder that the men of the Red Guard are so unsettled when they have had little clear leadership and are resentful when they see what is happening within the Musketeers." Athos glanced at the Captain but retained a neutral expression. "We are better organised because we have the stricter leader."
Tréville huffed. "Make sure you remember that in future. I have developed more than my fair share of grey hairs thanks to the antics of you four." He was meaning the Inseparables but before Athos could think of a witty response, he changed the subject. "Do I detect a growing sympathy and warmth for the Cardinal's men?"
"Perhaps some sympathy and definite understanding. You will have to give me more time to consider the 'warmth' aspect," Athos replied.
"Did you find the opportunity to speak with Serge?" The Captain halted for they had reached a point where the parting of the ways was necessary.
"Briefly, when I was on my way back from the Red Guard camp to see the others."
"And was he amenable to your suggestion?"
Athos snorted. "Eventually, once my ears had been assaulted by all his reasons not to help."
"That sounds like him. Anyway, I see the Musketeers are mustering for me; I must go and give them their orders. I will see you back at Richelieu's office in an hour, or do you think you will need longer?
Athos shook his head, "An hour is adequate. The men have to have time to reach a state of preparedness."
II
With the exception of those who had taken up the morning's duties, the remaining Red Guard were arrayed in four straight lines and Athos made his way between them, inspecting uniforms and weapons, whilst Grenouille followed closely, clutching a piece of paper and a graphite stick wrapped in string to take the names of any man who had not heeded his earlier warning and who fell short of Athos' exacting standards.
Inspection complete, Athos stood before them on a small rise in the ground; his expression gave nothing away but he was not averse to giving praise where praise was due.
"I thank you, gentlemen, for your prompt attendance at muster and that you are so well turned-out. I am also pleased to see that your weapons are equally well-maintained. There has been no need to take any man's name. I am now at liberty to explain why we are here and to give you orders."
And so he explained – all about the rebel nobles, where they were camped, the impending meeting between the King and Menier and the likely outcome. He told them to be ready in the event of an attack and to remain in camp until given the signal to take up their posts. The first duty change of the day had already happened so there was no reason for anyone to leave the area. Somehow, he had found the time to write down instructions for Grenouille and he waited patiently as the man read out the specific orders detailing where men were to be positioned and those designated to those posts.
"Are there any questions concerning anything you have just been told? Any instruction that is unclear?" Athos was met with silence, although some of the men nodded their understanding.
"Just two more things then before I leave you to make ready," he said. "Before you move, Grenouille will distribute the shot and powder." He raised a hand and signalled beyond the Guards. A grumble rippled through them as they saw several Musketeers approaching, all carrying something.
"You will each be allocated additional ammunition for your supply was limited."
The resentful expressions and mumbled complaints gave way to genuine surprise that Musketeer stores were being shared with them, enabling them to protect themselves as well as the lodge for a longer period. Several ammunition boxes were set down by Athos' feet but that did not account for all the newcomers for some still stood to one side and holding boxes.
"As to yesterday's fight with the King's men," Athos began, satisfied that some looked sheepish as others shifted uncomfortably, "that was inexcusable and there is to be no repetition of that, do you hear me? Anyone causing trouble will be court-martialled on our return to Paris and when found guilty, they will be dismissed from the regiment. There is no place for such behaviour at this time of tension."
He let his words sink in and hoped the men had picked up on his use of 'when' found guilty, rather than 'if'.
"However," he continued, "having reviewed the supplies you brought with you, I find you seriously wanting in provisions as well as equipment. For that, you are not to be held accountable. I have, therefore, made arrangements," and he indicated again for Serge and the others with him to step forward.
"I have agreed with Captain Tréville that what you have brought with you will be assimilated into the Musketeer supplies and, whilst we are here at Versailles, you will also be catered for by Serge and his helpers.
"So, gentlemen," and here Athos' lips twitched into what passed for him as a smile, "I do not wish to have hungry men serving under me today. You may break your fast now but make sure that you are ready for when I return. Dismissed!"
The Red Guard actually cheered and hastened to surround Serge and the other men, so they completely disappeared in the melée. Then, just as suddenly and without anyone taking the lead, they formed two orderly lines to file past the Musketeer cook and his assistants as warm bread, hard cheese, cold meat and fruit were handed out. There were also two pots of hot porridge made with butter and water. Back in his own kitchen at the Paris garrison, Serge would have use milk but they had not brought livestock with them to provide that.
Grenouille stood in amazement, his mouth open.
"Anything wrong?" Athos asked drily.
"Nothin'," Grenouille said, shaking his head. "You're full of surprises, you are. I can't 'elp wonderin' what you're goin' to do next."