I know it's been a while since I last posted but I finally got round to finishing this chapter. I hope you like it and any comments will be gratefully accepted!
D'Artagnan remembered going to the Court of Miracles before. That time Porthos had been convicted of murder and had been taken to the Court for protection but this time was different, this time Porthos had been kidnapped and they were here to get him back.
As D'Artagnan walked down the street along side Athos he resisted the urge to draw his sword. All around them the residents of the Court were hitting sticks and other things together, their way of warding off strangers. He felt himself trying to flinch away from the sound but a reassuring look from Athos gave him the strength to keep pushing forward.
In his mind he kept reminding himself again and again why they were here. When Aramis had told D'Artagnan and Athos what had happened he had felt himself sheathing with anger. Whoever these people were, they had messed with the wrong regiment. He had known that Aramis and Athos would risk everything to get their brother back and knew there was nowhere he would rather be than fighting by their sides. Porthos was their rock. D'Artagnan had only been with the musketeers for a while and already the absence of their friend was cutting him deeply.
When Porthos' pauldron had been found he felt as though the ground beneath him had fallen away. It had taken all his strength to stop himself falling to the fall in a heap. He had managed to hold back his tears but as soon as Athos had left and Aramis was asleep he had let them pour down his face. Of course when they had decided they were going to the Court, Aramis had instantly tried to get out of bed but Athos had quickly forced him back. It had taken a lot of coaxing from both D'Artagnan and Athos to make him stay there.
Now D'Artagnan was starting to miss their cheeky friend and his witty comments. They would have been a great comfort in this unnerving and dangerous part of Paris. Athos might have been his mentor, close companion and a skilled fighter but right now it looked as though even he was fighting the urge to turn and run. The noise of Court was now deafening and it was hard for D'Artagnan to focus. Suddenly two men stepped in front of them, makeshift swords drawn. D'Artagnan turned around as two others blocked their exits; they were surrounded. He felt Athos tense next to him and let his hand drop close to his sword.
'You have no authority here' one of the men growled, teeth bared 'State your name and business or leave while you have the chance'. 'I am Athos of the Kings musketeers and I seek an audience with Queen of the Court'. Athos' bold statement surprised even D'Artagnan and when he looked at him; his face was blank and stern. There was a pause while the men looked at each other, not really sure what to do.
'And who says she wants an audience with you'. The crowd parted as Flea made her way forward, bowing their heads to her. 'You shouldn't be here Athos; you know musketeers ain't welcome here.' She paused for a second looking around ' Where's Porthos?'. That's why we're here' Athos said stepping forward, 'Porthos is in trouble and we need you're help'. A flash of fear shot across Flea's face before quickly being replaced by her blank mask again. D'Artagnan released that being the Queen of thief's and murderers meant that Flea could show no emotion or weakness. 'Then I suppose you better follow me'. As Flea said this she turned with a swish and the crowd parted again letting her and the musketeers through.
Flea led them into a room, which appeared to have been transformed into throne room, in the middle sat a big wooden seat that was scratched and on one end a chunk of wood was missing from the armrest. Flea walked up to it and flopped down, looking exhausted. 'Sit', She beckoned indicating to a couple of chairs stood next to her. D'Artagnan eyed them cautiously but when Athos went and took a seat he quickly followed. 'You can speak freely here, no one will enter unless I give them permission, ok?' Athos nods his head 'Now, tell me what happened'.
D'Artagnan sat quietly and listened as Athos quickly explained their situation. He watched as Flea took in all the information she was given, occasionally she would ask a question but for most of it she sat in silence. When Athos got to the part about the net D'Artagnan watched as Fleas expressionless masked dropped to one of pure and utter horror and he was sure that he heard her let out a faint growl. By the time Athos had finished Flea was sat on the edge of her throne. Steadily she moved herself backwards and sat upright, becoming a Queen once again.
'From the way it sounds I understand why you think he would be here but I am afraid I don't know about Porthos whereabouts and trust me I would know if he was here'. D'Artagnan looked at Athos and could see that he was struggling to contain his anger and frustration. He hated feeling helpless and didn't want to go back to Aramis empty handed. They had to find someway to rescue Porthos. That was he suddenly realised that Athos was talking again. 'Flea, whoever took Porthos did it deliberately; they took him for a reason. Do you know of anyone who would wish to harm him?'.
Flea paused for a second; taking a deep breath she turned until she was looking directly at them. 'When Charon was killed Porthos made himself a lot of enemies, you may think of us as criminals and lawbreakers but we have rules of our own. Murder is against these rules; especially the murder of the king and the price must be paid for this crime, even if it was an accident.' D'Artagnan felt guilt creep into body. Porthos had wept for his friend, it had been the only time D'Artagnan had seen the big man cry. It was not right that he should be blamed for the death of his friend; Porthos hadn't even been the one that had killed him. 'You think someone took Porthos for revenge?' D'Artagnan asked, his voice wavering. 'Most likely, I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do for you know.' She was about to rise when Athos pulled something out of his pocket. 'Recognise this'. He asked throwing something that looked like a piece of cloth to Flea.
She caught it and looked down at what she was holding. Suddenly the colour drains from her face. 'Where did you get this?' She asks, her hand shaking, fear in her eyes. 'All the men who attacked Porthos were wearing it' Athos replies, his stern eyes fixed on her. Flea looks down again, hands fumbling, 'No, it can't be.' 'Can't be who?' D'Artagnan asked trying to catch Flea's attention. 'Kiron'. 'Who is this Kiron?' Athos asks stormy eyes focused on her.
Taking a deep breath, Flea finally looks up. 'You may not understand this Comte but in the Court we steal to live. We steal food only to survive and sustain ourselves, Porthos, Charon, me … and almost everyone else in the Court, that's the code we live by.' At this she paused and took another breath.' But there were some that went past that code. A group of criminals whose goal was not just to survive but also to get rich, and they would do it by any means necessary. They would attack carriages and steal from lords, whenever they did this they would wear these masks' at this she held up the thing in her hand 'to hide their identity. They were shunned by the Court because their crimes brought us a lot of unwanted attention and trouble with the King.' Here she stopped.
'So this Kiron, he was a member of this group?' D'Artagnan asked. Flea laughed 'Not just a member, he was their leader…and he was Charon's brother.' At this D'Artagnan's heart stopped, looking at Athos he could see his brother's face drop. 'Where is he now?' Athos growled. 'That's the thing, I don't know. Actually I thought he was dead. Kiron and his gang had planned to steal from a Duke that was visiting the King, Charon had begged him not to do it but Kiron had laughed at him and called him weak. Then they went off at dawn and never came back. Some people say he was caught, others say they succeeded and had left the country to enjoy their newfound riches. We never found out the truth but Charon mourned for his brother, as did Porthos. But if he's back and found out about his brothers death and Porthos' involvement then…He will…I...I'm sorry.' She stopped, nearly in tears.
D'Artagnan felt as though his heart was breaking. He wanted to comfort her and in turn comfort himself but knew that she would not appreciate him noticing her weakness. 'Flea'. Athos' voice was calm and steady. 'Listen to me, we still need your help, if Porthos is in as much as danger as you say he is then we need to find him, and quickly.' Flea wiped her eyes and nodded. 'Do you know where Kiron would be keeping him?' Flea blinked and closed her eyes, as though trying to recall some kind of memory.
With a gasp she opened them again. 'Yes I remember something.' Yesterday a man came into the Court bragging that he had taken down a warrior from the Court but no one really took any notice. The warrior must have been Porthos.' 'Do you know where we can find the man?' Athos asked. 'Yes he drinks at the Wren most nights.' 'Thank you Flea.' D'Artagnan and Athos stood quickly, bowing to her. 'Here' She handed them a round amulet. 'This should give you safe passage out of the Court' D'Artagnan reached out and as he took the amulet Flea gripped his hand. 'Please. Bring him back safely.' He looked into her dark pleading eyes and knew that whatever the cost, they would get Porthos back. Whatever the cost.