Updated: Monday 9th/10/2023
Chapter 10: Threat From Falcon
What Treville and the others didn't know, beside the murder in the Court of Miracles, that this murder was actually a couple. An elderly couple which made many people angry. The Inseparables had to tune out the yelling even at this time of night people had gathered.
"This is getting so much worse for D'Artagnan", Aramis mutters looking at the angry crowd.
"If this is what it looks like now just after midnight, I hate to think what it'll be like in the morning", Porthos says surprisingly quiet, "Do you think even when this is all over D'Artagnan could come back to the Musketeers?"
Athos spins around on him, "Why wouldn't he?"
"Look around Athos even if he is cleared there would be some people that would never believe it", Porthos replies, "The Red Guard and the Cardinal are playing this up too. All of this will probably make it next to impossible for D'Artagnan to work here in the city as a Musketeer again"
They grow sombre at that.
What would they do if D'Artagnan couldn't come back?
What would D'Artagnan do if he lost his commission?
"There is NO way I am going to let that happen", Athos growls lowly.
"Athos, Porthos, Aramis come and look at this", Treville calls to them.
They walk over and can clearly see the couple had be viciously attacked.
"They didn't stand a chance. There HAD to be more then one person", Aramis muses kneeling down.
Athos looks around the area as Aramis takes a closer look and frowns.
"There is a mark on the man's arm. Defensive wound. Looks like a mark from a ring", Aramis tells them showing them the mark.
"You can't really make it out", Porthos replies.
"After a few hours it could be a bit more noticeable", Aramis replies, "And we could have a lead"
Treville comes over to them, "Witnesses have a blurry imagine at best for the attacker. Again, it would seem D'Artagnan. But nobody can really see at this time. So, I wouldn't put much stock in it. But the Red Guards are. Come the morning I am going to be summoned to the palace"
"They were robbed of their money", Porthos calls having checked the victims, "Not a single coin one them"
"Why rob them as well as killing them?" Athos muses, "Has this happened with the other victims?" he asks Treville.
"Yes. Seems the person robs them, the beats them and they kill them", Treville replies, "It even seems like this group if toying or playing with them before they kill them"
"Definably doesn't sound like him", Athos replies, "He would never kill an innocent and he would never go this far"
"We know. But the problem is proving it", Porthos replies.
"The victims are executed", Aramis tells them, "After beating them nearly to death the killer gets in their face and shoots them while looking in their eyes. Powder burns on the faces are a tell sign"
"Sounds like this person might have something against these people and just maybe when he goes to execute them, he gives them a passing message", Athos muses.
"Sounds plausible", Treville nods, "But it doesn't get us any closer"
"There are many boot prints near the body and I can guess a few more then our mystery man did this", Porthos replies.
"Could anyone from there be involved?" Treville asks.
"Don't know. Unless they contact us, we can't go in", Athos replies frustrated.
"That is wise Athos. Any of use could lead them to there", Treville replies, "The person responsible left a note", Treville hands it to Athos.
'Shadow of Miracles the Falcon is waiting for you. Falcon knows, Falcon remembers, he is rising and all you love will perish in fire, blood and the screams of those that are close to you'.
"That really doesn't sound good", Aramis grimaces, "Whoever is this is a stark raving mad"
"Who is the 'Shadow of Miracles'?" Athos muses.
"Who do is this threat left too?" Aramis asks.
"I say we ask the Court next time they appear", Porthos suggests, "As Miracles would normally mean them. If anyone knows it would be them and…Charles"
"Agreed. I believe we should keep this Treville", Athos says to his Captain.
"I never saw it", Treville replies nodding.
Porthos thought he saw a shadow more just out of the corner of his eye. But the time he had looked the person was gone.
"What did the victims do?" Aramis asks.
"They owned an Inn"
"Maybe they knew our killer then?"
(Line Break)
D'Artagnan was tired he really should be getting some sleep but after the killing it was difficult getting his mind to shut down.
What did the woman, Ada AND the assassin mean?
'He knows, he remembers'
"That would need to be a little more specific", D'Artagnan sighs with frustration.
"Talking to your self Charles?" he hears.
He turns with a soft smile to Jasmine, "Jazz didn't think you'll be up"
"The Shadow Runners are at work my friend and with a killing tonight just a day after you made a comeback…it doesn't sound like a coincidence", Jasmine replies.
He runs a hair through his messy hair.
"I know. I don't believe in coincidences", he mutters under his breath.
Suddenly a young boy rushes in.
"Monsieur Shadow I'm Robbie the scout you sent out!" he says out of breath.
"Take a breath Robbie. Unless someone is dying, I doubt it this could be…"
"The ones you told me to find! They are in the city another has been murdered. An elderly couple", Robbie tells him hurriedly.
D'Artagnan's eyes widen at that and he groans internally. This was just getting better and better.
"I heard the Guards talking about how you did it Monsieur", Robbie tells him.
"The same time Charles. It was the same time as the murder here", Jasmine states, "You couldn't be at the same place at the same time!"
"Well, the Red Guards are not exactly going to take the words of Thieves and Beggars, are they?" D'Artagnan asks her rhetorically.
Jasmine admits he had a point. Nothing and no one was important in the Court of Miracles to anyone but those connected to them. They could say they had evidence. But it would be dismissed pretty quickly.
"How many murders does that make now?" Jasmine asks.
"Too many for my liking", D'Artagnan growls, "I WILL catch this bastard and after he confesses to the kills THEN Kill him!"
"Sound plan", Jasmine shrugs.
"Get Chelsea, I need her and a few others to deliver a message for me which know I am going to get in trouble for. But I have something that might cool some tempers. Maybe…"
(Line Break)
Athos, Porthos and Aramis were just talked with some of the staff at the Inn and they said everything had been pretty quiet around here.
"Anything unusual?" Aramis asks one of the maids in his best charming voice.
"Well, the odd cards game have been picking up a few new people and they are not the savoriest kind of people", she tells them, "I know others in the area saying these guys also play there"
"Did they play here tonight?" Athos asks her, if the killers had been here, they might have been choosing their target.
"Yes. But they left early then usual", she replies.
They look at each other this could be a good lead.
They didn't notice someone shift in the back of the room.
"Did you see they meet with anyone else?" Porthos asks her.
She frowns, "There was this one man that stuck to the shadows. I only briefly saw his face and it looked to have burns on it"
Aramis hands her some coins, "Thank you Mademoiselle", as he bows his head.
They walk out.
"Is seems you are going to play cards tomorrow Porthos", Athos says quietly.
Porthos raises an eyebrow.
"If these men are at these card games, then what is the better way of getting information?" Athos asks him, "You'll have to lure them into a false sense of security through"
Porthos grins, "I can do that"
They trudge through the wet streets deciding to head to Athos apartment at the moment for a bit more privacy and wine to discuss a few things.
They slip in with a sigh and then Athos stiffens. He could feel someone watching them.
"Who is there?" Athos growls drawing his pistol the same with Aramis and Porthos.
Five figures were cloaked in darkness around the room looking casual. They didn't even seem to care that they had three pistols on them right now and that they were facing three VERY tired and frazzled Musketeers.
"Stop! It is us!" a vaguely familiar voice calls.
The woman pulls off her hood and they see it was Chelsea. A friend of their Brothers. She had five others with her.
"Chelsea", Athos nods, "How did you get in?"
"Your window is not as secure as it should be", she replies with all the information that they needed.
Athos makes a note to check that window.
"These are friends. Lucas, Isabella, Nico, Louis and Juliette. Charles wanted you to meet a few more friendly faces", Chelsea tells them but they don't lift their hoods.
"And don't feel bad about the window. We are Shadow Runners and we are the best at what we do", Lucas chuckles.
"Shadow Runners?" Porthos asks curiously.
"Long story that one", Nico tells them leaning against the wall near the window.
So, he could have a perfect view outside and know if one of the Shadow Runners spotters gave them a signal to slip out.
"Have you got news for us?" Athos asks her already going to get a bottle of wine.
He had a feeling it was going to be one of those conversations.
"Athos take THIS one", Chelsea says handing over a bottle of wine and gets raised eyebrows, "Charles believed you might be needed this"
The Three Inseparables groan at that statement. They know knew that D'Artagnan had gotten himself into trouble and this bottle of wine as a bribe to hopefully ease their tempers before they meet again.
"So, what has he done to make him give us this wine?" Athos asks opening it.
He was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"First where did he get that?" Aramis asks curiously.
"We didn't ask and I don't think you would like the answer for some reason", Chelsea winks at them.
They shake their heads at that.
"Ok now onto the question we have asked a few times and have gotten sidetracked with other things. What happened?" Athos asks.
"That is a complicated answer", Chelsea says with a sigh.
"Oh no what happened?" Aramis asks wearily sitting down heavily.
"It would be easier to tell you want didn't happen", Chelsea tells them.
"We are not going to like this are we?" Athos asks wearily and they shake their heads, "I need a drink!"
"What has the whelp done?" Porthos asks looking exasperated.
"First of we have choice to meet here as it is more private. But know we have taken precautions", Chelsea warns them.
They each raise an eyebrow at that.
"What has happened so quickly in the need for more protection?" Aramis asks her.
"As I said a lot has happened and your really not going to like it and Charles knows this", Chelsea replies.
"First let me have a drink to stop myself from strangling my Brother", Athos replies pouring a VERY generous serving of wine.
Aramis and Porthos let out weak laughs and they were surprised when the men and women with them give shakily laughs too.
"Drink?" Athos asks everyone trying to be polite.
"Can't", Chelsea and the others say, "Some of us have appearances to keep and our senses need to stay sharp. It is open season on us right now"
They choose not to comment on that for now.
"So, what has our trouble maker been up too?" Aramis asks preparing for the worse.
"Do you mean the trouble from making a VERY public appearance to announce his return to our Court or the assassin who aimed at Flea and him at that VERY public appearance?" Isabella pipes up.
"WHAT?!"
"I am going to need the whole bottle", Athos curses, "And you tell him he is going to owe me more!"
"Give us some of that Athos", Porthos says, "I have a feeling we are going to need this"
"Are Charles and Flea, ok?" Aramis asks nervously.
They nod.
"Charles caught a glint of light coming of the barrel of the gun from across the room. He knocked Flea out of the way as the shot went off and sent one back and a throwing knife at the same time", Nico informs them while looking out the window appearing to be doing it casually.
"So, it didn't hit?" Aramis checks.
"No", Juliette assures them.
"It didn't hit anyone?" Aramis adds.
"No"
"That is something at least", Aramis mutters.
"What was this event and why did D'Artagnan show up and why is it a surprise he was there?" Porthos asks them.
"The event was to pay tribute to those that have been killed. It was also a place for Flea to regain control of the Court. Everyone is cowering in fear and she wanted to give them courage and hope", Chelsea explains.
"The shocking part of Charles being there is that he activity made it sure EVERYBODY knew he was back there", Louis tells them.
"Charles normally stays in the shadows. He around Court was once called the Shadow of Miracles", Chelsea explains to them.
They frown at that.
"What is the Shadow of Miracles?" Porthos asks.
"That title is the one Charles gained and it means he has the right-hand of the Queen or King of the Court. His deeds gave him that title and the respect it bought. Even through Charles will tell you all he wanted to do was help people no matter the cost to him. Not be given his own Court/group within the Court of Miracles", Chelsea reveals to them.
"His own Court?" they ask shocked.
"Yes. We have been called the Shadow Runners. And WE are the right-hands of the Shadow of Miracles", Lucas says to them, "He is our friend and he is our leader"
"And the shadows rose higher than ever before the night before. As Charles announced his return to the Court of Miracles and his title. And we stood with him as he did it", Chelsea tells them.
"And you know what those titles bought everyone that heard our declarations?" Isabella asks them.
"I'm afraid to ask", Athos tells them.
"It bought hope, relief and a little bit of fear to everyone that heard Charles say he was back and with us at his back everyone knows we mean business and they know our reputations", Chelsea tells them, "We disappeared into the background after Charles left over three years ago. But now we are back and we and Charles hope that message gets out throughout the walls of the Court and make whoever the Falcon is think twice"
"But that is unlikely", Louis mutters.
"Why is that?" Porthos asks.
"One that assassin tried to kill him or even if it was Flea, it was an attack on all of us", Isabella tells them.
"Charles's aim was true when he fired and throw a knife and the assassin went down. But Charles did get information out of him through", Chelsea tells them.
"What did this assassin reveal?" Athos asks.
"He revealed more then he believes", Juliette states and they tells then what she and the others heard.
"The lines that trouble us and Charles are: 'The Falcon is rising so-called Shadow of Miracles and you and your Shadow Runners and your Queen will fall with the rest' and the next words with his final breath: 'He comes for you Charles Alexandre D'Artagnan. He knows. He remembers. He returns'", Chelsea tells them.
"That doesn't sound good", Aramis says looking worriedly.
"Does Charles know who it is yet?" Athos asks them, "Even a hint"
"Not yet. And I think I should tell you when he revealed himself at the feast he was playing as a human target. So, he could sus out any suspicious people in the crowd", Chelsea tells them waiting for the explosion.
"I AM GOING TO KILL HIM!"
The Five snicker.
"We'll be sure to pass along the message", Nico snickers.
Athos takes a huge swig of the bottle he was now drinking from.
"Anything else?" Aramis asks, "And it better not be our Gascon doing anything else dangerous. As I don't think Athos or our sanity will take any more stunts"
"We'll keep that in mind", Isabella assures them.
"Now this very night you had a murder, didn't you? An elderly couple?" Juliette asks them.
"How did you know that?" Athos asks her.
"Shadows are everywhere Musketeers and you'll have to get used to it for now", Louis replies, "Charles sent a scout out to find you. The scout found you at the crime scene and took stock at what he heard so he could report it to Charles"
"And Charles was defiantly NOWHERE near that crime scene", Chelsea assures them.
"We know he wasn't involved but for the sake of argument. Where was he at Midnight?" Aramis asks her.
The Five give them grave looks.
"Because there was a murder of a young woman at midnight at the Court. Charles was at the scene of that girl's poor misfortune within minutes. He couldn't possibly get across Paris that fast. He is not THAT good. And he has dozens of witnesses stating he was there. Not like your people would listen to us", Nico grumbles.
They Inseparables winced at that.
"Charles was holding the woman and bringing her comfort as she died", Juliette tells them softly, "He got there but her attackers were gone but the woman was still alive, barely. But her injuries were fatal. So, Charles helped ease her passing. Offering words of comfort even over the poor woman trying and managing to give us some clues to go on. But that wasn't what Charles was aiming for. He just didn't want her to be alone or afraid when she died. He wanted her to see a friendly face as she passed"
Athos, Porthos and Aramis look saddened at that.
How much more of this could D'Artagnan take?
"He is taking that death hard, isn't he?" Athos asks them knowing his Brother.
"Yes. It is the first of these murders he has come face to face with. Those bastards got away even with Charles being there quickly and other Shadow Runners also arriving on the scene", Isabella growls, "We would love to know how they did that!"
Athos, Porthos and Aramis could tell this group were downright pissed that a murder had happened just underneath their noses and the culprits got away.
They know understood the precautions. This killer was targeting the Court just as much as the ordinary people.
"What are these clues?" Athos asks clearing his throat.
"Ada…"
"Who?" Porthos asks.
"Ada was the name of the woman who died", Louis explains.
"Oh"
"She said one of her attackers had a burn mark on his face and another with a distinctive birthmark on his hand", Isabella informs them.
"They also left a message with the poor woman to be given to Charles", Juliette tells them.
"And what was the message?" Aramis asks her.
"It was 'the Falcon getting stronger. Falcon knows, Falcon remembers and to tell the Shadow of Miracles that his and everyone's day of reckoning is coming', we all know this is just going to get worse before it gets better", Chelsea tells them, "As they are now leaving messages with their victims"
"That he is", Athos says now knowing that the message on their bodies that they had been called to was a message for D'Artagnan.
They look at him curiously.
"We have something you should give to Charles", Athos tells them pulling out the folded note, "Left on the elderly couple. Now we know who the Shadows of Miracles is. This letter makes more sense"
Chelsea opens it and hisses at its contents.
"I'll make sure this gets to Charles straight away", she promises tucking it away.
"Anything else to share?" Nico asks.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Chelsea exclaims, "Charles would like me to go to the morgue with you in the morning. He had trusted people take our assassins body somewhere that could be found away from caught. He would like Aramis to look at the body in hopes he could find anything that could be helpful"
Aramis nods, "We'll go in the morning. Can you look that part?"
Chelsea smirks, "I am sure I can get something"
"Anything you have to tell US?" Isabella asks.
"Like the elderly couple besides having a bruise coming up like an indentation from something from the killers hands? The couple ran an Inn…", Athos tells them about what they learned and about the card came Porthos was going to infiltrate.
And Athos also mentions the burn that that waitress had said was on one of the men.
The six share a look and make a few Shadow Hand gestures. They knew Charles was going to send on of HIS Shadows Runners to the game. Better to not put all your eggs in the one basket after all.
"So, we are all caught us?" Lucas asks checking.
"Besides the fact you tell D'Artagnan that I'm going to make certain my threat is followed through and no amount of wine is going to change my mind!"
Nico whistles to them looking outside.
"What is it?" Juliette whispers.
"We have a signal people", Nico replies grimly.
"What is going on?" Athos asks looking more alert.
"We just have a signal appear for us to leave it means we can't stay any longer and danger is near", Chelsea tells them.
They begin to put their cloaks on around them.
"Are you all going to be able to get out?" Porthos asks them worriedly.
Chelsea winks, "No problems. I'll see Aramis in the morning near the morgue. I'll find you"
Before they could say anything, they slip out of Athos apartment with a quiet click of Athos door.
"Anyone want anything else to drink?"
~~Author's Note: What Do You Think? Please Review:)!~~