Hi. We're taking a bit of time with Rochefort and Renard today. I'm interested about what you think of Renard. Is he just doing this because Rochefort has promised him what he wants? Or is he just a horrible man who is also relishing this?

I have written this slightly quickly so I apologise for any mistakes.

Also for any Merlin fans out there I'm currently trying my hand at a Merlin/Musketeers crossover, called When a Friend Calls. (Ok. Advertising doesn't hurt right?) ;)

Chapter Fourteen

Renard and Rochefort made their way down the road the royal procession would use and arrived an hour before noon at the wood in La Queue-les-Yvelines. Renard looked around analysing the area to find the perfect site for an ambush. So far he had seen areas that would be ok but he was not yet convinced that an ambush would be successful against musketeers.. After all, last time he thought he'd found a decent spot only for four musketeers to take out eight of his ten men. Rochefort watched Renard warily and could see that the man wasn't convinced that they had found a good ambush spot.

They travelled further down the road in silence until Renard's face broke into a smile. They had found the right spot. Rochefort anxiously waited for the man to speak.

Finally Renard turned to Rochefort and spoke, 'Here is a good place for an ambush. The road is wider here but the trees are closer to the road givin' cover,' he explained. 'Also, with the carriage travelling back the way we came, it will be on a slight incline meaning the carriage and procession will be slower and they will be exposed for longer.'

'You believe this will work?' Rochefort asked with a hint of hesitation and hope.

'Yes. I believe it will.' At Renard's words Rochefort felt himself relax as he didn't need to convince Renard anymore, at least about the ambush.

'Where is this building you wanted to show me?' Renard asked as he started to move his horse once more, making it clear that the deal was not yet done.

'It is only about a mile further,' replied Rochefort as he kicked his horse onwards.

Anne stared out of the window of the carriage as boredom was rapidly catching up with her. The constant bump of the carriage was also testing her patience and making her feel slightly sick. Lady Sarah hadn't proved to be the best companion as all the woman would talk about was court gossip and it was becoming infuriating. Anne was starting to miss Constance.

'Captain,' she called.

'Yes, Your Majesty,' answered Treville as he moved his horse alongside the carriage.

'Could we stop for a moment? I could do with stretching my legs.'

'Let's stop for a moment,' Treville called and slowly the carriage came to a stop. Eager to get out Anne opened the door herself and quickly Treville appeared to help her out. Her legs felt slightly weak from being in the same position for so long but soon she found her balance and examined her surroundings.

She could see the La Queue-les-Yvelines wood ahead and knew that it would be dangerous territory. Treville seeing her apprehension said, 'Don't worry Your Majesty we will travel through the wood without stopping and should hopefully have no trouble. My men will be on alert at all times.'

Anne smiled weakly back at him, 'I know that. But still, I have had a bad feeling about this trip since I knew I would be travelling.' Anne stood in the light breeze for a few minutes before she made her way back to the carriage as she wished to get to Dreux as quickly as possible. Treville would never admit it to the queen, but he too had bad feelings about this trip.

'Let's get going,' he announced and the procession started on its way again.

Rochefort and Renard arrived at the old stone shack relatively quickly and from the outside it looked run-down and not a good place to hold hostages. The shack was set back from the road and was placed atop a small incline which was enough to hide the lower tier from the road. The path towards the shack was narrow but the horses negotiated it with ease.

Rochefort saw Renard's unease and swiftly tried to ease the man's concerns, 'Wait until you see inside. I assure you it is a good place to hold hostages and it has a hidden exit.' Renard merely shrugged at Rochefort as he dismounted his horse.

Rochefort opened the wooden door that had clearly been whethered by storms and it creaked on its hinges. The damp smell hit them hard but they knew that this was merely a symptom of an abandoned structure left to rot. Rochefort led Renard through the hallway before stopping at a door on his left. This door was metal, and although rusted, was clearly still strong. It was lockable from the outside and a small window with bars was located just in line with Rochefort's head. Clearly this room had been used to hold prisoners before.

Rochefort turned to Renard to judge the man's expression. Renard's doubtful look had turned to curiosity and Rochefort could begin to hope that Renard would now be convinced. Rochefort opened the door to find two moth-eaten mattresses and two sets of manacles attached to the wall. The room contained a small window that was not big enough for anyone to fit through, except maybe a small child, yet the room seemed light enough anyway. Renard moved to check the manacles and found that they were far newer than the door and were in good condition.

'You won't be using those Renard,' Rochefort quietly warned. Renard looked to Rochefort in confusion so Rochefort clarified, 'Her Majesty is not to be harmed remember.' Renard slumped and lightly threw the manacles against the wall. 'Although,' Rochefort started, 'Treville is accompanying Her Majesty and it may be wise to restrain him,' Rochefort finished with a sly smile.

'You said nothin' about another prisoner,' Renard stated angrily.

'Forgive me. I thought I had mentioned that the former Captain Treville of the Musketeers will be accompanying Her Majesty on this trip. I must admit that I would like Treville to be alive to see the disgrace of his regiment'

'So now you want us to take the queen and this captain hostage? That was not agreed Rochefort!'

'Surely two hostages is not beyond you?' Rochefort sneered back.

'Hmm. Anything else I ought to know?' Renard spat.

'Her Majesty will be accompanied by one of her ladies. Most likely Madame Bonacieux-'

'You want us to spare the woman as well?' Renard interrupted.

'Oh no,' Rochefort staed simply, 'I want you to kill the woman,' he finished with an evil grin. 'Is that a problem for you?'

'No. No problem. People can't be irritating when they're dead.'

'Oh, and one more thing. The carriage must remain untouched and your men must guard it. It will contain rather important papers that cannot be lost.'

'I'm not bothered about the carriage!' Renard thundered and he moved within an inch of Rochefort's face.

Rochefort took a step back, 'But I am. Your men can easily hide in the trees and when the rescue party arrives, they can disappear as nobody will be looking in that direction,' Rochefort said matter-of-factly.

'Alright, but show me this secret exit. It better be as good as you say.'

Rochefort moved swiftly down the hall and then transcended a few steps before reaching a wooden door. Once through the door he walked into the cellar which was even damper than the rest of the shack. A sliver light allowed them to see in the gloom but Rochefort had seen the lamp and quickly used flints to light it.

'Looks like a dead-end to me,' Renard announced but Rochefort smiled.

'That is generally the point.' Rochefort said with his voice laced with sarcasm. He moved over to the far wall and ran his hand across the stone rocks. He stopped when he felt the shape was searching for, a star.

'Come here and feel this,' Rochefort looked up at Renard as the man moved forward carefully and placed his hand where Rochefort had done previously.

'A star.'

'Push it,' Rochefort said simply. Renard pushed the block and suddenly the disguised door opened a fraction and Rochefort moved to push it open further. On the other side of the door was a passage dug into the earth.

'Shall we?' Rochefort led the way with the lamp and Renard stared in wonder at the tunnel dug into the earth. They travelled for about half a mile as the tunnel twisted and turned before it finally began to rise. At the end was a metal trap-door and Rochefort calmly tried to open it but couldn't manage it by himself. Renard began to help and they slowly began to make progress. Soon the door was open to reveal the wood all around the small clearing where the door opened.

'It's been a while since someone used it. The soil was heavy on top, that made it difficult to open,' Renard said, stating the obvious to Rochefort who bit his tongue to stop the sneering reply that threatened to come out of his mouth.

'You can tether some horses here and anyone coming after you on foot will not stand a chance,' Rochefort declared.

'You're right. It's a good getaway. Lots of cover as well.'

'Do I understand, that we have a deal?' Rochefort extended his hand and Renard shook it.

'Let's go back through the trees though. I don't fancy going down there more than I have to,' Renard gave a weak smile and Rochefort had to agree with him. Neither man was truly sure of the way back, but neither wanted to go through the tunnel again, so they set off, in what they surmised to be, the right direction.

Treville was anxious as they entered the wood as there were many points where an ambush could easily take place. Unfortunately, with the carriage, no other route had been available. Treville had told his men to be on guard at all times but for the second time in a couple of days, Treville regretted the absence of the inseparables. All four had an uncanny ability to spot danger as quickly as possible. Aramis' aim meant that any attackers would be reduced in number quickly and Treville had seen Porthos and Athos give their own pistols to the man in recognition of his skill. Porthos would charge into a fight and scare the living daylights out any man that wasn't a soldier. Come to think of it, he would scare many soldiers as well. Athos and D'Artagnan would cut down any amateur opponents easily and professionals would only take slightly longer.

Treville sighed as looked around, while he could hear birds singing in the trees, he was happy.

Rochefort and Renard finally emerged from the trees only a little away from the shack. This surprised both men but they were grateful as they made their way to the horses. Suddenly both men heard commotion on the road ducked behind the slight incline. It was the royal carriage.

'That's the carriage,' Rochefort stated quietly and Renard tried to remember the features. 'That is Treville,' Rochefort said, indicating the man.

'S'pose you want him unhurt as well?' Renard questioned.

'Just don't seriously injure him,' Rochefort's lips turned upwards in a devilish grin.

'So queen unharmed and we can bash Treville about a bit,' Renard said looking to Rochefort for confirmation.

'Yes. But don't forget to have one musketeer alive to send word of the kidnapping,' Rochefort warned.

'Good point. Why don't we just send Treville back?'

'No!' Rochefort said sharply. 'Treville will be able to argue the case for the musketeers to be part of the rescue. That mustn't happen.'

Renard held his hands up in surrender as the royal party finally passed by.

'Right I must return to Paris. Here are the names of your brother's men that still reside in the Châtelet. Ask for their release and I will see to it. Are sure you understand everything?' Rochefort asked with some anxiety.

'Got it. We'll leave the secret door open and I'll have men tether horses at the other end. After the initial ambush I'll send any extra men away. And yes, I know the queen must not be harmed and I will keep the precious carriage under watch.

'Will you find the men the duke has sent?'

'Shouldn't be too hard,' Renard shrugged. 'The wood isn't that big.'

Rochefort and Renard shook hands once more and the Comte mounted his horse. Quietly Rochefort made his way onto the road, checking that the royal party wouldn't be able to see him. They had rounded the corner and were out of sight. Rochefort nodded to Renard and set off towards Paris. Renard knew he would have a few hours to wait before he could go looking for his men.