Through Darker Days
Chapter Nine
"How do I look?" Aramis had forsaken his leathers in favour of a deep blue doublet, white shirt and dark grey breeches.
Athos, who was back in bed and unhappy about it, scowled. "You look like a man who is about to risk his life unnecessarily."
"You worry too much." Aramis buckled his sword belt around his waist. "I am hardly helpless."
"Neither was I yet look how that turned out."
"There is one difference. I am not incapacitated by drink."
Athos acknowledged that with a grimace. "None the less you are playing with fire."
"Well, where would we be without a little excitement."
"You're enjoying this," Athos said accusingly.
"No." Aramis turned serious. "I am looking forward to the day when we bring the men who attacked you to justice." He settled his hat on his head. "You behave while I'm gone."
"As long as you are careful. If you get into trouble nothing will prevent me from coming to your aid."
"I would expect nothing less."
When he reached the yard he encountered Treville. Their captain didn't look a great deal happier than Athos.
"Be careful, Aramis."
"Always Captain." He looked back towards the infirmary. "Keep an eye on him. He is sicker than he will admit and his little excursion this morning didn't help."
"We will ensure he rests."
"Thank you." Aramis took a couple of deep breaths. "I should go. I have the feeling that we are running out of time."
TMTMTM
Aramis entered the Rue de l'Eglise just as the church bells rang the noon hour. Carriages clogged the roadway. Servants stood in groups, waiting while their masters visited the exclusive shops lining the street. Yves Lacroix's establishment was in a prime position at the intersection of another main thoroughfare. Large windows provided a bright environment for customers to admire his wares.
Aramis walked inside, nodding amiably to a pair of women who were almost drooling over a bolt of emerald green silk. He recognized one of them as the Countess de la Marche and quickly turned away, hoping she wouldn't identify him as a Musketeer. Generally, the aristocracy paid little attention to the soldiers guarding the royal family although there was always the possibility she would know his face.
He occupied himself with scanning the shelves. There were gaps, leading him to believe that Lacroix's trade had already been affected. Of course the rich would be flocking to his store to buy the silk before it became unattainable so he was likely turning a good profit in the short term.
It took an interminable time for the women to leave. As soon as they did Aramis approached the counter. Lacroix was a tall man with long brown hair tied back from his face. His brown eyes were without warmth as he looked at Aramis from head to toe. The shopkeeper had gold rings on four of his fingers, a visual reminder of his wealth. Aramis just found the display vulgar. He searched his memory to see if he could remember the man from the day at Court where the merchants protested the new law. He wasn't familiar but Aramis had to admit that his attention had been more focused on the Queen who seemed to have grown more lovely now that she was a mother. He suppressed a fond smile and brought his thoughts back to the matter at hand.
"Can I help you?" Lacroix asked.
"You are Yves Lacroix?"
"I am."
Aramis held out his hand. "Rene Alvarado."
Lacroix hesitated before taking his hand in a firm grip. "Spanish?"
"I have that misfortune, yes. I came to Paris to establish a trade in gold and silver only to find that your king has banned such commerce."
"Why seek me out?"
"I have spoken to many merchants and all have praised your opposition to the King's new law. "
"Little good it has done." There was a noticeable undercurrent of bitterness in his tone.
"Then perhaps more direct action is called for."
Lacroix narrowed his eyes. "You talk of insurrection."
"Don't tell me it hasn't crossed your mind."
"I am a loyal French citizen."
Aramis was far from convinced by that declaration. "You would watch all you have built be destroyed?" he pressed.
"Why do you care? You could just return to Spain and go on with your life."
"I would lose a lucrative trading opportunity. If the King could be persuaded to change his mind…" He let his words trail off, looking at Lacroix expectantly.
Lacroix was watching him with a great deal of suspicion and Aramis inwardly cursed the man's caution. If this didn't work, they would have no chance of discovering the plan before it was too late to prevent it. He held his hands out in a placating gesture.
"It seems I have spoken out of turn. My apologies for taking up your time, Monsieur." He began to turn towards the door.
"Wait. There are others of a like mind. Meet me tonight at the Cross Keys and I will introduce you to them."
Aramis bowed his head. "It will be my pleasure." He left the shop, passing another pair of customers, and let his breath out in a heavy sigh. Lacroix had either taken the bait or was setting him up for a beating. The odds on the outcome were evenly balanced as far as he could tell. He crossed the busy street and turned toward the garrison.
TMTMTM
After resting for most of the day Athos was determined that he was going to join his friends in the mess hall for dinner. His headache had continued to diminish and the aching in his arm and around his ribs had subsided to a manageable level. He still felt lethargic and weak although he wasn't going to admit that to anyone. Fortunately, he didn't have to do more than cross the yard to reach his destination because even that short distance left him soaked in sweat and trembling.
The room was full, hot and noisy and made his forehead crease as an unwelcome jolt of pain assaulted his head. The noise died down as his fellow Musketeers all turned to look in his direction. Embarrassed at being the focus of so much attention he quickly looked around for the others. They were easy to spot because d'Artagnan quickly stood and came over to offer his support. Athos waved the young man away and slowly wove his way between the tables. It was a relief to sit in the chair that Porthos pulled out for him.
"How do you feel?" Aramis asked.
He was still out of uniform and Athos knew his friend would soon leave for the tavern where he was to meet Lacroix. "Better than I was."
Dinner was roast chicken and vegetables. D'Artagnan filled a plate for him and then, much to his chagrin, cut the food into small pieces. He knew it was necessary with his right arm out of commission but that didn't help the unwelcome feeling of helplessness. Realizing that he was hungry he applied himself to the food.
"Wine?" he asked between mouthfuls.
"A small amount only." Aramis half-filled his cup. "It does not do well with the pain medication you have taken today."
Athos grunted his disapproval and continued to eat. He had cleared half his plate before his stomach began to protest so he reluctantly pushed the plate away and sat back. "What's the plan for tonight?"
"I meet Lacroix and find out what I can about his plans."
Athos turned to Porthos. "You will be there?"
"Damn right I will."
Athos began to relax. He could trust Porthos to ensure that no harm came to Aramis. "Exercise caution. He has at least two men who are willing to kill for him."
"We can handle it," Porthos said. "Anyone who tries to touch Aramis'll have to go through me first."
"I am more than capable of looking after my own safety."
"No-one doubts that," Athos said. "However, there is no reason why we shouldn't take precautions."
Aramis conceded the point gracefully.
Soon Porthos rose to his feet. "I'd better get goin'. We don't want to arrive at the same time." He unbuckled his pauldron and handed it to d'Artagnan. "Keep it safe for me."
"Of course."
Within five minutes of Porthos' departure Athos began to yawn. He rubbed his hands over his face, exhaustion settling over him like a blanket.
"Let's get you settled," Aramis said.
Although Athos meekly returned to his bed he knew that he would be unable to sleep until his brothers were safely home.
Tbc