The Abduction of Aramis

By Kathleen Clare

When Henri IV of Navarre ratified the Edict of Nantes in 1598, many Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) alike questioned its content and what it meant to them.

Then when Louis XIII rescinded the edict and caused an outcry from the Huguenot, it was decided that Aramis would don a disguise and try to infiltrate their ranks to see if they had an ulterior motive behind the fortifying of Montauban and La Rochelle.

Discovered as being a royal musketeer, Aramis is abducted.

With the intent of using him as bargaining chip, his captors don’t realize just how valuable he is to his companions, Porthos and Athos, who are right behind them to recover him, not to mention his importance to the crown and their own captain, Captain De Treville.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503585652

Kathleen Clare

Kathleen is currently living in Southeastern Michigan and working with the developmentally disadvantaged. She graduated from Adrian College with an art degree in the early 1980s. She enjoys trivial history and reading about historical people, fictional as well as factual. She enjoys many things in life, and writing is one of them. As a result, she took up the challenge from a friend to weave a tale about the Three Musketeers and how they got to be friends. Thus, the the Anthology of Porthos was born. This book, The Abduction of Aramis, is her second. Writing in her spare time is a joy, and to share her story ideas with friends and family brings a smile to them and to her as well. Happy reading!

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Copyright © 2015 by Kathleen Clare.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/19/2019

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CONTENTS

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XIX

XX

XXI

XXII

XXIII

XXIV

XXV

XXVI

XXVII

XXVIII

XXIX

XXX

XXXI

XXXII

The Abbe’ d’Herblay, resumed De Winter, is one of those gallant musketeers belonging to his majesty King Louis XIII, of whom I have spoken to you Madame.

Alexandre’ Dumas, Twenty Years Afer pg.490, 1845

I would again like to with heartfelt thanks to all my friends and family for the support of book 2 and again to Alexandre’ Dumas, who created the phenomenal characters, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis, without you, we would be none the wiser.

I

The knocks came hard and sharp upon the door.

When the door was opened, the valet stepped aside to allow the visitor to enter.

"Has anyone seen my Master?’ inquired the valet, trembling and wringing his hands nervously.

Can not say that I have. Answered the musketeer as he gently guided the distraught valet of his companion to a chair.

Here. Sit. Let me get you some Anjou wine. Then take a moment, if you will and tell me why you queried such of me.

Taking a long draught, the valet glanced to his muddied boots, and then slowly answered.

You are aware, are you not, how meticulous Monsieur is about his appearance. He is the same about his surroundings. The valet sighed.

How praytell, do you surmise he has disappeared? Queried the musketeer, as he drained the remains of his own wine.

He allowed me some time this morn to do as I choose and I chose to attend mass at St. Eustache. He said he had some business to attend to about the city. Then attend a later mass. When I arrived at the apartments, everything was askew and everything was not as they ought. It frightened me witless and I came here

Have you spoken to Monsieur Porthos or dear Captain de Treville?

Not as of yet. You are the first.

By Jove, there you have it. Replied Athos, slapping his thigh. He is probably with oneof them or perchance a stolen moment with Madame Cheveruse."

But… Stammered the frightened valet, Why would his apartments look like an act of God smote it?

That remains to be seen.

Just as the musketeer was going to suggest they pay a visit to the friendly giant who towered over them by at least a heads length, another knock came to the door.

Grimaud opened it and found none other then Porthos and his valet Mousequeton standing on the other side.

Somebody must be listening. I was just about to come to you. But while you are here… Began Athos.

Porthos’ brow furrowed.

Why, praytell were you going to seek me? You seem worried.

Bazin has arrived searching for his master, and alas, found him not. I suggested he look to you and the dear captain.

Why does he need to do that? Is he not at mass as he usually is? Queried Porthos. Ne. Replied the devoted valet, nervously, still wringing his hands.

Hmmm. Mused Porthos. He is a man of particular, although with somewhat peculiar habits, he, none the less is predictable.

Turning abruptly to his companion, Porthos queried, Shall we look to our beloved, yet often besieged captain? He may hold some answers.

Grimaud handed his departing master, his hat, gloves, outer vestments and sword. Although an edict was issued against dueling, the musketeers still choose to wear their swords. If nothing else, for appearance sake., Porthos often said.

Dear fellows, began Porthos, referring to the valets. If you please, remain. If, we find him, he will return with us. If not, we will do what it takes to secure him.

Bazin sighed, daring not to voice his opposition to his masters’ safety.

Mousequeton and Grimaud consoled the distraught valet. They too, dared not to give into their fears.

Porthos and Athos cautiously made their way to their captains’ spacious apartments. Fellow Musketeers were standing guard. One was leaning casually against the doorjamb, with a poniard, manicuring his fingernails.

My dear comrade, what would the good captain say, if he knew of this? Mused Porthos, with an arched brow.

The musketeer promptly concealed his poniard as Athos responded, He would say, ‘From afar I would swear it ‘twere Aramis. But surely Aramis has a more pleasing countenance."

The insulted musketeer gritted his teeth and tried to prevent them from entering the antechamber.

Either you step aside on your own merit or on mine. It matters not. Smiled Porthos, mischievously. Gesturing with the waver of his hand.

Flustered the guard stepped aside to allow Porthos and Athos to pass.

The guard knew Porthos was more than capable of physically moving him aside if he tried to prevent the portly musketeer and his companion from seeing Captain de Treville.

Once inside the antechamber, Athos whispered to the Captains’ valet, they wished to speak to him.

The valet returned and quietly motioned to the men to follow.

Captain de Treville sat behind a massive desk, piled with documents, charts and ledgers.

Behind him was a large window that overlooked the courtyard and beyond to the bustling avenues of Paris.

My good fellows, what brings you to me to-day? inquired he, with a warm and genuine smile of affection.

We have a very distraught valet amoung us. Replied Porthos.

What have you done to upset Mousequeton or Grimaud? Queried the captain who was well aware that his famous three, could and would cause a disturbance with the cardinals’ guards. Given the chance, any chance, even though the edit was in place, it was not strictly adhered to.

A lot of good edits do, when they are not enforced. Porthos was heard to mutter now and again.

‘Tis not them, my good man. Replied Athos, It is Bazin. He has come looking for Monsieur Aramis and has found him not.

He relayed that Monsieur let him have some time this morn to himself, and when he returned to his masters’ apartments, all was not as it ought and he came to us inquiring, then thinking perchance you have seen him or at least know what became of him.

The good captain shook his head.

I have not seen him since yesterday morn after he had done his rounds. He came to me inquiring if I wanted to join him at breakfast before he sought you two. I declined. I had too many things needing my urgent attention. He acknowledged my situation with the doffing of his cap and a bow, and departed.

Porthos and Athos then remembered seeing him just before sunset as they had supper at the Sword and the Pendulum. At that point everything seemed fine with their companion and noting nothing was out of the ordinary, they enjoyed their eve together. After that, they bid him, Bon Soir and would see him on the morrow for breakfast, but in his stead a very upset valet.

The captain rubbed his furrowed brow and queried, Have you been to his apartments yet to see what that is about?

Not as of yet, but rest assured we will see what is amiss and see if we are able to assess what the situation at hand is.

I do apologize. Interjected de Treville. For… Queried Porthos.

Not lighting a lantroon on the subject.

Good captain, not much escapes you. Listen to the city. She may start whispering. She holds many secrets and is not one to betray herself. Rest assured answers will come, so listen well my good man. Listen well.

Captain de Treville smiled and nodded at the compliment.

Not much did escape his ears when it came to listening to the heartbeat of the city. He knew sooner or later, whatever the intrigue; it would not be overlooked for long. It would come gently to pass and be smiled upon by the king.

He knew too, that his famous threesome was of great assistance thwarting impending plots of sieges and rescuing people in distress.

The life of a musketeer was not easy, but the populace of Paris held it in reverence. Although the Prime Minister had formed a group of aggressive men and deemed them his guards from then on men held, contempt for the musketeers, they had to find a common ground as in tolerance.

Each musketeer, joined the ranks for their own personal reasons and it mattered not to Captain de Treville, just as long as they functioned in a disciplined manner and carried out justice in the name of God and the king.

The kings’ men found it hard to resist any chance they got to antagonize the red tuniced men.

Edict or not, dueling was a way of releasing pent up frustration and ire. Even if the frustration were directed at the guards and vice versa.

The Musketeers often viewed it as one less Prime Ministers’ guard if they were to take on any of them as an adversary. They also, could not understand why there were two sets of guards. Such as, just for the king and the second set for the Prime Minister. Is that not what they were all about in the first place, to guard the king, then spare a few to protect the Prime Ministers’ hide as well?

The Prime Minister had other thoughts. As to why he needed separate guards to quell any fears he might have, he would never say. Thus it remained, two columns of guards, one for the king and one for himself.

The musketeers decided to go to their companions’ apartments and see what they could surmise.

As they approached, they could see the door was slightly ajar. Quietly as possible they opened the door further and stepped cautiously inside the dimly lit room.

All of Aramis’ belongings were strewn about and or overturned.

As Porthos and Athos did their best to right the apartment they looked for clues as to the whereabouts of their missing companion.

A basin of water, with its half-filled pitcher, remained untouched on a stand beside his bed. The looking glass that usually hung above it was tossed carelessly to the bed as if the intruder did not want to see his reflection and betray his needful thoughts of liberation.

As Porthos replaced a nightshirt in a drawer, he paused.

Aramis really never did much without us knowing, but perchance he received a missive from a member of his family and was summoned home and therefore left in such haste he forgot to inform us.

Athos countered with, If that were true, would he not have taken Bazin with him? Porthos agreed and they continued their tasks.

I concur. He also would have taken his toilet with him and thus, they remain. Observed Porthos, noting the basin and giving implements beside it.

Do you think he was taken by force or do you think he was ambushed. Queried Athos, the with observations of the condition of their companions’ dwelling.

Perchance both. Mused Porthos, rubbing his chin that was in need of a shave. Athos had a look of astonishment upon his countenance.

Praytell, what makes you come to that conclusion?

If I were here and he answered his door, whoever it was, would have grabbed him then. Thus sparing his apartments. Since he was not here, they took the liberty to search for whatever they liked, be it money or other. Then upon his arrival, they then took him. As to why that remains to be seen.

What do you suggest we do?

Have the valets, you and I pay a visit to his favorite places and casually ask if they have seen him or if he spoke to anyone and take note as to who and when. Perchance, who ever absconded with him will let it be known why and what we need to do to secure his safe return. Now, let us return to our valets and dinner. For I am hungry.

Once the valets were again with their masters, they retreated to the Sword and the Pendulum for dinner.

Having been served, Porthos pondered his recent steps for that last fortnight as he accompanied Aramis about the city.

II

You said you knew not what the future holds. But my dear companions, the future is now as is the next moment, the next hour and the next month, and so on. Though we should not concern ourselves with the New Year as of yet, let us concentrate on the immediate future. Added Athos.

We understand your meaning, dear fellow but in that regard it is how we live it is what counts. Stated Aramis as he pinched an earlobe then proceeded to eat more stew.

‘tis what we make it. Interjected Porthos, as he drained his wine.

Then looking up from his empty bowl, Aramis paused, leaned back in his chair, Lest I forget, the good captain wants to see us this eve.

Whatever for? We have been good, have we not? We have not even had a chance to exchange words with the cardinal’s men. Replied Porthos. He and the king have kept us quite busy. Although, the Huguenots are whispering again. Peste! They never make much sense."

He did not say.

Athos yawned, then drained the remnants of his wine. Bother! The Prime Ministers’ men sure have a way of creating havoc, even when they sleep.

"Why do you two presume it has to do with the cardinal’s men? Queried Aramis, dipping his morsel of bread in his wine.

Because, it usually does, either they or the Huguenots. Replied Porthos, slapping his thigh suddenly.

I suppose we will have to wait and find out what the good captain wants when we see him. Sighed Aramis.

The tavern keep poured more wine and retreated back to the kitchen to supervise the preparation of supper and at the moment, the serving of dinner.

It seems we have time for leisure, for we are not needed anywhere ‘til our appointment with the captain. Observed Porthos, What do we do with ourselves ‘til then?"

Pasquel and Tomas have a game of Lansquenet marked to begin at The Spotted Owl within the hour. I heard it said, they want a sou a point. Whispered Athos.

A sou? Is that ALL, a sou? Inquired Porthos, then added, Perchance we can up it to a livre and we can make it much more interesting, just for the fact we arrive.

Then let us be on our way. Smiled Athos.

The three strolled casually towards the tavern where the game was set to begin. Other musketeers were seen to be entering as well.

Looks like the good captain will not have any one to make rounds if they all come.

observed Aramis.

Porthos shrugged his massive shoulders, but said nothing.

The friendly giant opened his purse and handed each of his companions two francs a piece.

Their eyes widened and their mouths agape, they paused.

‘Tis nothing. I got it from a friend. You remember her, do you not? Smiled Porthos, wryly and made his way to a vacant spot next to Pasquel.

Look gentlemen, we have a cats’ paw amoung us.

Tittering was heard about the room. It was common knowledge amoung the ranks that when Porthos lost, he lost a lot. But what was omitted from the fact was when he won; he won a lot in return.

The cards were dealt around and the game began.

As Athos settled into his chair, he requested a goblet and some Anjou wine. Aramis thought a loaf of bread and cheese was a good choice.

As the hours passed, the musketeers faired better with each round.

Athos was heard to say on an occasion, That is what I bet and that is the card that goes with it and therefore, that pile in front of you is mine.

Pasquel was beginning to get flustered for loosing his money at an alarming rate.

He had come to the conclusion Porthos was a picaroon, thus stood up and accused him of such, YOU!…YOU are taking advantage of me! He screamed, accusingly.

Moi? Queried Porthos, quietly, barely above a whisper, Never! I would have nothing to gain by it.

Yes you would. Lost sous! MY LOST SOUS!

Porthos sighed and stood up to face the fledgling musketeer.

Bending at the waist to be eye level with Pasquel, he quietly said, What would our good captain say if he knew of indiscretions I know of, concerning you and a certain someone at the early hours of one and two?

With his face reddening, he sat abruptly down and hid his face behind his hands, thus letting the matter of accusing Porthos as such, be dropped.

Porthos then drank the remains of his wine, gathered up his winnings, and beckoned to his companions.

Aramis and Athos recovered their winnings and followed Porthos out of the tavern. Remind me that to game with Pasquel and Tomas will be taxing ones patience and I need not that frustration. I was very close to turning him into a living portrait and hang him on the wall by the nape of his neck. Scrawny little… Muttered Porthos, his voice trailing off to the breeze.

The gentle spring breeze lifted Porthos’ mantle and the let it settle. The plumes in their hats responded likewise.

Pulling out his pocket watch by the fob, Aramis noted it was time to keep their appointment with their captain.

The good fellow will be waiting for us. We best make good use of our legs. Arriving at Captain de Trevilles’ apartment, a valet ushered them in.

The captain looked up from his documents and charts and sighed.

Porthos was going to defend himself and his companions but then decided to keep quiet.

Pale and drawn the captain spoke, Gentlemen, the city has a problem. Again it is the Huguenots. They are talking again. They do not trust us; we do not trust them. No one trusts no one. The strife and tension is too taxing and somewhere along the line something is going to give. If we keep ourselves as guards strong and alert, perchance the threat of a campaign will be diverted once again. Observe all there is and if reinforcements have to be used, then so be it. We need not such problems within or without the city.

What is it you request of us? Queried Porthos.

That you also be my eyes and ears about the city and if something does not seem right, chances are it is not, thus report immediately back to me and I will inform the king. Then necessary steps will be taken.

Are we not always that?’ Queried Porthos. That you are indeed."

The three Musketeers in unison, bowed to their captain.

One last thing, leave Richelieu’s’ men be. He added with a knowing wink.

As they made their way back to the avenues, they began to think back and try to remember if any of their conversations dealt with or about the Huguenots.

Rameaux once said that he and a few men, were going to meet behind Notre’ Dame by the weeks end. Perchance they are Huguenots and we were not aware of that. Mused Porthos.

Perchance they in turn will round up more men and let it go on from there. But, we cannot let it go on from there. Replied Aramis, bitterly.

We will just have to listen close to every word Rameaux utters. Observed the portly musketeer. And be there to assert our authority if the need arises.

If it ‘twere not for the Huguenots causing mischief, it would be some other faction. Sighed Athos.

Let us adjourn and repair to my humble apartments for some Anjou wine and then some supper. Suggested Porthos.

The busy city began it rituals of the eve as the sun made its way to the west horizon. Shopkeepers closed their shutters and doors, and prepared for the morrow. Market vendors gathered their wares and prepared for their trek home. Maids, cooks and valets alike gathered their obtained goods for the meals they had to prepare.

Life was a hurried pace and it took stamina to keep up and for those who lagged, unfortunately were left by the wayside and ignored.

As the musketeers entered Porthos’ apartments, their valets, who accepted mantles, gloves and hats, met them.

Porthos instructed Mousequeton to get the wine and to his companions, he invited them to sit.

Conversation was light and noncommittal. Then as the street braziers were lit and the city’s gates closed, it was suggested they have supper at their favorite tavern. The Sword and the Pendulum."

Wine was brought and Athos proceeded to drain a tankard before anyone had a chance to express what they desired to dine on.

We have to devise a way to effectively deal with the Huguenots., Stated Aramis. Can we not let them light their own fuse? Queried Porthos in return.

Too long., Replied Aramis.

Something will come to light., Observed Porthos. Indeed., Hiccuped Athos. Aramis touched his companions’ arm and searched Athos’ mournful eyes for a clue as to why he indulged as often as he did.

Life is to be treated like a woman. Scorn her and she will scorn you! Interjected Athos, as he tried to stifle a hiccupped.

Aramis and Porthos said nothing as they re-donned their outer vestments and went in search of The Sword and Pendulum.

The inn keep who was familiar with them, soon had them dining on mutton, rice with broth, various vegetables, cheese and bread.

Life would be prettier if it all fit on a tankards’ rim. Stated Athos as he proceeded to fill his tankard, both of which had been placed before him.

Yes, but, what if we fell in? Queried Porthos.

Then I suggest you learn to swim. Stammered Athos, pitching abruptly forward.

The two remaining musketeers knew their companion drank and sometimes to excess but never could figure out why. When they tried to bring up the subject Athos would mutter something then insisted the matter be dropped.

They knew that something had happened in his past but the dark secret was locked away in the vaults of Athos’ mind and the key would take some time to find and thus unlock it. No doubt it would have been easier if the key had been left in the lock and all they had to turn it, but for now, no key, much less a door.

At a table close to the Musketeers, two men were talking quietly about intended activities.

You know full well what the captain never would condone such a thing. One was heard to say.

So be it. Does he have to know? Queried the other. IF he gets wind of it, we will end up in the Bastille. BAH! The wind will blow in the other direction. Where are we to meet? Inquired the first.

We have about fifty men to start with and we have decided to meet in the little clearing in the forest east of here, directly behind Notre’ Dame. It is about a league away. We will leave four hours before the gates close for the night. If all goes well, we will return about an hour before the torches are lit. When we meet a fellow in the streets, say to him, Freedom rings. If indeed he replies, Indeed it does. Then you will know he is for our cause. The eve after morrow is our first meeting. Now let us be on our way to Rameauxs’ and cast some dice with the good man.

As they stood, the other was heard to mutter, I just pray this does not come out as St. Bartholomew’s’ Day did, an age ago.

After they had left, Porthos gestured to Aramis that he had something he had to tell him, but now was not the place.

As they then gathered up their belongings, paid for their meal and they gathered up Athos and ushered him home for his valet to put him in bed. Porthos and Aramis proceeded to their predesignated destination.

Mousequeton again took their outer vestments and laid them aside as he served his master and companion some brandy.

Master? Mousequeton?

Is Monsieur Athos joining you this eve as well?

Ne. This eve he decided to view the world from the bottom of his tankard.

The two Musketeers pulled up chairs in front of a warming fire as Porthos began his narrative.

Porthos drank some brandy and motioned for Aramis to listen.

While we were at supper, I heard two men talking that they need to meet Rameaux. They have about fifty men and they are to meet on the eve after the morrow.

Aramis’ mouth dropped in amazement. Is he not one of us?

I suppose even if one is a Huguenot, it does not mean he can not be a musketeer and wear the tunic. Sighed Porthos. Alas, we are employed to put an end to their foolishness, are we not?

Aye. But from what I remember, the edict was to prevent any and all Huguenots from abstaining, or maintaining a seat political or otherwise. Are we not otherwise?

In part, yes. Then added, Then somehow we will have to infiltrate their troops to see just what is what. At the present, they have a password about and that is freedom rings. If you are a part of their group or so choose to be, the answer is, indeed it does. But, which one of us is less conspicuous?" Queried, Aramis, doubtful.

That is something we will have to deliberate with Athos when he is not looking at the world from the bottom of his tankard.

At times they hardly whisper at all and just when we think they finally have closed their mouths, they begin talking even shouting again. It is then we have to remind them that the city has an edit that is suppose to prevent them from making so much noise. Will they ever learn?

Doubtful. Sighed Porthos; We still have not learned to uphold the edit that prevents us from arguing with the Prime Ministers’ men.

Alas, you are right, dear companion.

Besides, what is one less ministers’ man, if the Prime Minister does not keep personal count of them?

Does Captain de Treville, of us? Inquired Aramis, nervously. Porthos winked knowingly, Most assuredly he does. Count on it.

The portly musketeer stretched his large body as he leaned back in his chair until he heard the joints groan.

Do you do that often, my good man? Queried Aramis, smiling in reference to the groaning chair.

Every chance I get. Replied the giant, tittering.

The eve waned as the two mixed the seriousness of the Huguenots with the lighter side of life as they out lined the characteristics of an inept musketeer and they both drew the same conclusion, their ranks had not one, but two. Pasquel and Tomas.

If Tomas had the sense to sheath his sword at his side and not his poniard, we might stand a better chance of him at least looking like a musketeer. Grinned Porthos.

What of Pasquel? He tries to take his cumbersome musket with him wherever he goes. He has said that is why we are called, Musketeers and that he wants to be prepared. Query, prepared for what?

They both tittered until they coughed.

‘Tis one thing to be an inept man, and it is quite another to be both an inept man and an inept musketeer.

They touched the rims of their tankards and drained the remains.

I do believe that dawn will be arriving in a few hours and if I try I might be able to get some sleep before breakfast. Observed Aramis as he glanced at his heavy lidded companion.

Porthos stood as his fellow companion did and he noticed two sleepy valets.

I do believe you are correct. After we rise, we should get Athos to see how he fared this eve. If he is coherent enough we will make arrangements with him to meet later and discuss what we need to do to proceed. Agreed?

Agreed my good man. ‘Til later?

Until later. Returned the giant, as he embraced his comrade, who was soon lost in the demonstrativeness of Porthos’ shirt and doublet.

III

As dawn descended upon the fair city of Paris, Aramis was at Porthos’ about to knock when a figure of a man appeared.

Pardon me, my good man, is breakfast what you had in mind? If so, good. Allow me to join you. Smiled the man as he threw back the hood to his mantle. As he tittered he replaced his plumed cap upon his head.

By the powers that be! Athos! It is good to see you in a standing position. Last we saw of you was when your worthy valet was attending to your special needs.

Ha! Mocked Athos, If only it ‘twere special needs. Breakfast?

Breakfast!

Together they proceeded to knock upon their companions’ door. Mousequeton opened the door slowly.

Still rubbing his eyes, Athos and Aramis rushed passed him.

Where is that musketeer who causes the brave hearted and their shadows try to stand and fight? Bellowed Athos.

Why, Monsieur…Allow me to get him. Stammered Mousequeton.

Ignoring Mousequetons’ suggestion, Aramis continued, If he sends the brave hearted scurrying, what then, praytell, does he do to the faint hearted fellows?

Is it not same as fool hearted? Queried Athos, with a wry grin.

Porthos, rousted himself from a sound sleep to hear …Since we are probably considered fool hearted, then I suggest we roust our friendly giant, gain his trust, take him to breakfast and allow him to open his purse…

…Praytell, Thundered Porthos, What makes you think I have any sous to open my purse for?

Did you not just visit your mysterious friend whom WE know nothing about?

Porthos gestured with the wave of his hand and queried, …And what makes you think my coffers have been replenished?

When they are, Replied Athos, observantly, it so happens that you are less likely to refuse any suggestions we might have. Remember…All for one, one for all? Is that not what we say when we are in need?"

Since when are you never in need? Inquired the nightshirt clad Musketeer, with an arched brow.

When I have been made a captain in our regiment or called home to don my angel wings, whichever is to come first.

Are YOU sure ‘twould be angel wings? Teased Aramis.

One can hope, can they not? Replied Athos, as he too grinned.

Porthos sighed, realizing that his fellow companions knew him better than he dared to think. In some ways, he reasoned, it was good they knew him so well, for they could answer for him if the need ever were to rise.

The portly musketeer then succumbed to embarrassment, realizing he was still dressed in his nightshirt. Excusing himself, he and Mousequeton went to change.

Since he was not due to go on rounds until later, he put aside his periwinkle blue tunic that was emblazoned with a large fleur de lis on the front and each sleeve near the shoulder, was another fleur de lis meticulously embroidered.

He had observed his companions wearing mantles and had deducted that the spring air beheld a slight chill, he was inclined to wear his as well. As he tied it in place, Mousequeton presented his boots and set them before him.

With his valets’ help, he put on his boots and made sure the decorative buckles were straight as well as shined.

Mousequeton then scurried about as he dressed and groomed himself. With his sash neatly tied at his waist, he too donned a mantle and tied it under his chin.

The sun had made its appearance, heralding the brand new day. Touches of red accompanied it and was so noted that the day may hold a storm or two. If a storm or two does come about, be it early enough that it will not affect my rounds. Thought Porthos, as he noticed the leaves give to the light breeze.

Where do we want to be this morn? Inquired Athos.

The Sword and the Pendulum always has something of interest in their pots, no matter the hour." Observed Porthos, with a smile.

With Aramis in the middle, the three men linked arms as they casually strolled towards, The Sword and the Pendulum.

Oh! PORTHOS! Came a shrill voice as it almost sang, I have a bet for you. Without looking in the direction the voice was coming from, Porthos had an inclination as to which the voice belonged.

Correct me if I am in error gentlemen, Began Porthos as he winced at the concluding thought, but does not that voice belong to none other than Pasquel?

Good man! You are correct in every way. Replied Athos, patting his companion on the back in a congratulatory way.

…But where there is one, the other will surely follow.

Must you come to that conclusion? Queried Aramis, as he realizes how much discomfort Pasquel and Tomas can and do inflict by their untimely