The Allusions of Athos

By Kathleen Clare

Have you ever wondered what would cause a companion to drink so much so often as to forget who he is or where he is or why he is?

Porthos and Aramis, concerned for their enigmatic companion, try to get answers from Grimaud, his valet, who will not assist in their attempts. He has been sworn to silence by his master, which makes it even harder in getting their curiosity satisfied.

Realizing only Athos can offer up such information, it is much more retrievable when he is inebriated. They take advantage of the times he imbibes, but his responses are brief and only alludes to his past and is not as fact-filled as they would hope. They reluctantly come to the conclusion that time reveals all.

If De Treville knows, he will not betray Athos or any of his guards, for he is not the kind of man that wants dissension among his regiment that gossip can cause. His men trust him, and he them.

Let time reveal the secrets that Athos harbors. And prayfully, it is something they can adequately deal with.

His secret is safe . . . for now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543441628

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 © 2017 by Kathleen Clare.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5434-4163-5

                eBook         978-1-5434-4162-8

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: 08/31/2017

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CONTENTS

{ I }

{ II }

{ III }

{ IV }

{ V }

{ VI }

{ VII }

{ XIII }

{ IX }

{ X }

{ XI }

{ XII }

{ XIII }

{ XIV }

{ XV }

{ XVI }

{ XVII }

{ XVIII }

{ XIX }

{ XX }

{ XXI }

{ XXII }

{ XXIII }

{ XXIV }

{ XXV }

{ XXVI }

{ XXVII }

{ XXIII }

{ XXIX }

{ XXX }

{ XXXI }

{ XXXII }

{ XXXIII }

{ XXXIV }

{ XXXV }

{ XXXVI }

{ XXXVII }

{ Epilogue }

Again words of heartfelt gratitude towards my friends

and family, who had the faith and belief

there was a book three and it would come to pass,

thus, here it is.

Cover photograph is that of Chateau la Fere and the following quote is in reference to Athos being the Comte’ de la Fere.

We were almost agreed as to those, replied Mazarin, Let us pass onto private and personal stipulations.

You suppose, then, that there will be some? Asked Aramis, smiling.

I do not suppose that you will all be so disinterested as Monsieur de la Fere. Replied the Cardinal, bowing to Athos.

My lord! You are right! The Count has a mind far above vulgar desires and Human passions! He is a proud soul- he is worth us all- and we avow it to you!

Quoted from, Twenty Years After. by Alexandre’ Dumas 1893, pg.646

{ I }

U PON ARRIVING AT the Sword and the Pendulum, he came across a man slumped over and blocking the door jamb.

Glancing upward, with evidence clear indications of inebriation, he declared, Do not tread on me or over me.

Would it not suit you better if you were at table.? Queried a rather large musketeer.

It surely would if I could stand upright.

Are you in need of assistance?

Ne. ’Tis not to my liking.

What, pray tell is not to your liking?

This establishment.

What makes you utter such things?

I, monsieur am a comte’. Replied the inebriated man, adamantly.

Exactly what difference does that make? inquired the giant as he stooped to become eye level with the comte’.

The portly musketeer, with his hands on his hips bent forward to become eye level with the obviously inebriated gentleman.

In place of water that you drink, I drink wine.

I drink wine. Any and all frenchmen do.

"I drink Blanquett de Limoux."

I would too if my purse could accommodate the expense of it. I suspect since you are sitting here as you are, either your purse is nigh empty or you can not place it. Equivocated the giant.

The comte’ struggled to regain his feet, but floundered and fell back.

Who might you be? Queried the Comte’, hi-coughing.

Perchance a figment of your imagination. Replied the giant, wryly smiling.

The Comte’ scowled at the comment, but said nothing.

Again he tried to regain his feet and succeeded.

The rotund musketeer straightened, continuing to eye the comte’ wearily.

"You obviously do not recognize many when you are in this state do you?

The comte’ squinted in an effort to bring clearly into view who was speaking to him.

‘Athos?"

Who?

You.

"Oh.

Do you care to return to the care of your valet and make a better day of it on the morrow?

Would that mean it will be better. The comte’ queried.

It usually is. It would be then we can see what is about the city.Then pay our captain a visit and see what he has to say.

He does say a lot does he not? Mused Athos as he hiccuped.

He means well.

Once again the inebriated musketeer tried to regain his feet and afore he could topple over, the giant grabbed the back of his collar and with a firm hand pulled upward.

Being unstable on his feet, his companion cautiously escorted him back his apartments.

The hour was early as the day began, unfolding pleasantly indicating the elements would hold. Alas, being Paris, the city was prone to storms through the day, threatening to douse any denizen that was caught unawares.

As they arrived at Athos’ apartments *, Porthos was about to rap to alert Grimaud of their arrival.

Just lift the latch already. Instructed Athos, It gives easy.

The door swung in on creaky hinges, which caused Athos to cringe.

Remind me to get in touch with my landlord and have him replace those. They bother my ears.

Grimaud met them at the door and accepted his masters’ outer vestments.

He then placed the: mantle, baldric, and doublet in his masters’ boudoir’ amoir and returned to his masters assistance.

Monsieur Grimaud, see to it that your master gets some rest, I will be around this eve to retrieve him. The Sword an Pendulum has Lansquenet this eve.

Lansquenet happen to be the musketeers favorite betting game, dealing with cards and coinage, and any chance they had to a game in hopes of refilling their waning purses, they took it.

Being at The Sword and Pendulum meant; a meal, wine perchance a little carousing, and of course, the game.

A few denizens, who were not familiar with the musketeers, chanced it to take them on to better their lot.

Grimaud bowed in acknowledgment and reverence.

The valet, Grimaud, was forbidden by Athos to speak. Athos has his reasons, but did not share his reasons with those acquainted with him.

He is and would remain enigmatic to those around him. His companions always tried to extract his lifes’ story from him when he was inebriated, they reasoned that is when his tongue was most loose, or so they thought.

He is a man of few words, Grimaud even fewer, yet when he did speak, it was well worth listening to.

The friendly giant, known as Porthos like to engage him in conversation, whether the conversation bore weight or no, the giant like to talk, if for nothing else, but to hear himself.

Both were educated in the art of swords and horses, therefore the common ground on which they stood held merit.

As Porthos, thus left Athos in the care of his valet, he decided to pay a visit to their captain and see if he had time to hold counsel.

When he rounded the corner, a gust of wind caught his mantle, and entangled him with the massive length of cloth and momentarily rendered him useless.

Confound fashion. He muttered, It should not have dictated that mantles should be this length, they are a hazard.

Do you see that? Queried a voice, The mighty Porthos can not find his way out his own vestment.

I should so dislike to see what would happen if it t’were wet. Said the other.

I, Thundered Porthos, would not like to see either one of you when I do manage to get free.

Do you know what? Queried the first.

What? Replied Porthos, impatiently.

You have a deal. Answering the first, as they both laughed, and scurried off.

Porthos managed to free himself from his fashionable shroud and stood trying to catch a glimpse of his tormentors.

When I see the likes of them, they certainly will not like to see the likes of me. He muttered, knowing full well who they were. Can they not find something else to amuse them? Probably not. Shaking his head, he continued towards Rue du Vieux Colombier, where the Musketeer Hotel had been established the year afore.

Standing across from the Hotel, he observed the activity the Hotel beheld.

Musketeers and fledgling musketeers, came and went. Some seeking counsel with their captain, or seeking a companion or ascertaining the current roster to see if they were held responsible for any rounds in the adjoining arrondissement.

Porthos knew the Captains’ apartments and offices were up the grand marble staircase and down a long passageway.

Porthos paused in front of the rosters, as was his morns’ ritual and saw that he had rounds that eve with a companion he had befriended the year afore, the arrondissements were four and five.

"So, much for my idea of Lansquenet with Athos this eve. He shrugged. The gentle delights of being a musketeer." He smiled.

As he ascended the stairs, he listened.

Mon Dieu, I left my spurs. I knew I forgot some this morn as I began my day. No matter, I need them not at the moment. Since I have rounds this eve, I will have them by then. He thought to himself, I will need my horse, those arrondissements have too many rues and avenues. Why think that? This whole city has too many rues and avenues. Then he mused, They all manage to lead home."

Arriving at his captains’ office, he noticed two fledglings standing on either side, a gloved hand resting comfortably on their swords’ pummel, the part of the sword exposed as it resided in their sheath, hanging from their unadorned baldrics.

Is the Captain available? Porthos queried.

I do believe I heard a door open and close from within. Observed one.

I heard a drawer or two, as well. The deduction is yes, he is available?

Any commitments this morn? Inquired Porthos.

As long as I have been here.

How long have you been here?

Afore the sun made its appearance. Replied the second as he tried to stifle a yawn.

Porthos rapped on the door in his hearty way and it was answered with, Come.

The first guard lifted the latch and swung the door inward for the portly musketeer, to allow him to enter.

The captain dismissed the guard with the wave of a hand and gestured at Porthos to sit.

Looking up from a document on his desk that he beheld, He laid the document aside, he tented his fingers in front of him.

What brings you?

Nothing. Everything. Replied the musketeer.

The captain leaned back in his chair, and sighed.

Where is Athos? Queried the captain.

At rest.

You mean inebriated,

If that is what you want to call it, then yes. By the by, rumour has it the Huguenots are talking again.

That is common knowledge.

If that is common knowledge, why is it I did not know. Queried Porthos.

I do not know the full details, I heard something of Montpellier and the king trying to get a treaty drawn up and signed. He is tired of the games the Huguenots are playing.

They have been playing for keeps. To keep their synods and strongholds intact. They still have La Rochelle and Montauban.

The king is well aware of that fact, and if the king has his way, not for long.

He is young and impetuous Replied Porthos.

Do not let him hear you say that.

My dear Captain De Treville, I am certain, I am not alone in those thoughts.

Keep your tongue. He is not one for hearing any opposition to what his strategies are.

Porthos inclined his head, then turned his attentions to the activities in the avenue below.

He strode over to the shuttered window,, opened it and looked off to the south.

My dear captain, do you not think the Huguenots would have learned not to antagonize the king? Queried Porthos.

They are no doubt thinking the same of him, By the by, have you not remembered that last year, the king returned to Paris without his intended victory at Montauban. He will not relent. He will reorganize and take them on again. One city at at time.

"Do you think that he is having a treaty worded now?

Possible. Alas, he likes to play war, does not fear conflict. Replied De Treville.

He fears his mother and the wrath she can incur.

They both laughed at the thought of her giving the king a good what for and the king reluctantly agreeing.

"Hopefully before the crown actually comes to blows with the Huguenots, an agreement with them can be reached.

I dare say both sides have their points, but are too stubborn to admit any wrong. Is it Rohan again?

I do think so. Again with rumors. The captain heaved a sigh, I do wish they would dispense with rumors and have substantiated facts. Then we can act and react accordingly. Alas, I heard he has been trying to involve other countries as well, since he has access to the sea they can begin there.

Is Rohan here in Paris? Queried Porthos.

Ne. He is betwixt Montauban and Montpellier.

La Rochelle is being fortified as well.

Regiments have intercepted supplies and almost were able to sever the line. He got wind of it and afore the king could implement a plan, Rohan changed tactics and our spies have not been able to pinpoint the new route with accuracy.

So much for the element of surprise. Replied Porthos, wryly. What are we to do?

Nothing yet. The king is holding counsel at the end of next week, therefore expects all his captains ans sub-captains to be there. Of course his advisers as well. At that point, he and they will formulate a strategy and put it in place.

A new year, new problems.

Except the Huguenots are an old problem, extending forward.

Ah. commented Porthos, it is a new city in which they hope to keep.

Which reminds me, Louis has requested of me to see Sanson to update and maintain current charts.

Are we to join you in counsel? Queried Porthos, hopeful.

I know not. As De Treville was going to add a comment or two, a light knock at the door.

Excuse me a moment. Come! He commanded.

A young page entered carrying a missive.

He bowed and extended the sealed document to the captain, who accepted it, Merci.

He laid it aside and was going to resume his conversation with Porthos, til the page coughed as subtly as he could, as a hint he was still there.

De Treville glanced in his direction.

Oh right, pardon.

The page was awaiting a reply to take back to Louis. His royal instructions, no doubt were to remain til an answer was received, no matter how long it took.

Recognizing the seal immediately, he opened it.

Mon Dieu, does he think I have some extra time?

Porthos, raised his brow and inclined his head.

He is orchestrating a chess match on the east lawn this noon and wants me to join. Peste! I am no good at chess no matter the size of the board or pieces, even if he allows me the first pawn out, I am cornered and forced to surrender.

At least the elements are cooperating. Observed Porthos.

True even, though it is a bit on the chilly side.

Is he taking on Richelieu as well? I do hope it includes dinner.

Depends if he wins or loose. I will try to out maneuver him. De Treville sighed, I always second guess myself. As for dinner, that is the usual given hour.

Then go with your first inclinations and leave it at that. Advised Porthos.

Do you play chess? Queried the captain.

"I do at times, but it is more profitable to play Lansquenet. I am much more familiar with that. By the by, chess takes concentration and silence, I am not versed in either." Porthos smiled, wryly.

The captain shook his head and acknowledged the fact that Porthos was equally boisterous when gaming, win or loose.

My dear captain, I shall accompany you and encourage you to make the right moves.

"The king may see it as being a tricher and not trust any further counsel with me."

You are one of his most trusted captains why would he deny you admittance over one game?

Remember he is young and fickle.

Not to mention impetuous.

Then I will stand behind you and tap your shoulder as you call out a move. The tap will be a reminder, do not second guess yourself. Do you not think he has advisors that are versed in the game as well as advisers that are versed in siege?

I would be inclined to think that of the siege.

In all aspects, he no doubt has someone always telling him this or that, right or wrong.

The captain nodded in agreement

The captain turned his chair so that he could look at the Luxembourg clock, The giver and taker of time.

Pardon?

The Luxembourg clock, keeper of time.

The captain regained his feet and stretched.

Tis time to go and pay tribute to our sovereign, Louis.

Departing the chamber, Porthos noticed offhandedly that the guards had changed. The two new ones stood emotionless and somber, even when Porthos acting as a buffoon and put his gloves under his cap with the fingers showing and slightly covering his eyes.

Witless wonders. He muttered, as he stood at the top of the staircase, removed them and tucked them respectfully in his baldric.

Captain De Treville who had preceded him in descending the stairs, turned to see if Porthos was still behind him.

Porthos! Must not keep the king waiting. Step lively.

If I were any more lively I would be on my face. He smiled, being thankful the polished marbled stairs did not have carpet. He would fear a spur would catch and hold, therefore the result would not be in his best interest.

Collectively they strode towards the Palais Royale.

At the gate, De Treville’s rank was recognized and was allowed admittance. One of the guards that was of slight frame, stepped forward with the intent of delaying Porthos.

Porthos in turn, bent forward at the waist to become eye level with the guard.

Little man, I do suggest you step aside and cause not a delay.

The guard held fast ’til Porthos reminded him that he was a kings’ musketeer, even when he was not wearing his tunic.

Being a musketeer on duty, rounds or other wise, we can still have gainful admittance. The king acknowledges us as, so should you.

The musketeer straightened and paused.

De Treville intervened, Jer ’reau, allow Monsieur Porthos to pass, delay us not, we have an appointment with Louis. I surely would dislike to relay to the king who caused the delay. Understand?

The young guard immediately stepped aside.

Continuing, the palais’ grounds were busy with various grounds keepers, tending to the enclosed compounds that beheld an area for hunting, one of Louis’ favorite pastimes, an aviary where his prized peregrine falcons where located, gardeners attending to the exotic plants that were left in his current care by his ancestors, being gifts from foreign ambassadors, showing compassion and recognition of France, the kitchens’ large vegetable and herb gardens, then the personal pages and valets, running errands for any and all dignitaries that were guests of Louis.

In the foyer, the captain and guard where met by a page, who bowed out of recognition of both.

This is a first. Commented Porthos.

It t’will not be the last. Returned De Treville, smiling.

The page escorted them to the east wings, grand hall, where dinner was about to be served.

How formal is this? Queried the musketeer.

Not very. If it t’were, you would have been dressed in your entire regimental vestments, As I would, with pins, stripes and all. Then, the whole musketeer corps would be here as well.

That means the prime ministers’ men as well. Observed Porthos, knowing Jussac, the captain of the ministers’ men, to be an antagonistic. Edict or no.

Even though they have the prime ministers’ colors. They still will defend the king when everything is said and done.

Those in attendance stood quietly behind a chair, waiting for the king and queen to make their appearance.

The wait was not long afore they arrived.

The queen’s delicate small hand resting formally on her husbands’ forearm.

The king, with the taught etiquette of his forebears, held the queens’ chair as she sat.

Smiling congenially at one another he too sat.

Once seated, the kitchen valets served the first course, of soup and bread, Wine was poured and small conversations began.

The king was preoccupied with a conversation with Lesdiguieres, discussing past Huguenot indiscretions and the new threat of an impending siege and when they should begin to orchestrate and call to arms the regiments.

Lesdiguieres was heard to say, Rest easy Monsieur Liege, first let us receive the incoming reports, analyze them, then proceed to form a strategy. I know you want to be rid of the pestilence, but do not act in haste, we do not want it to be all for naught.

The queen for her part was heard to be in conversations with her first lady in waiting, relaying what she needed, wanted to accomplish the rest of her day.

My Lady, do you not have a dress fitting and a visit from the milliner and modiste? Inquired her maid of honor.

The queen inclined her head, smiled and replied, Indeed I do. Where would I be, if it t’were not for you and your daily reminders?

Her maid shrugged, Perchance clueless.

They both tittered lightly at the jest.

When the last drop of the onion soup had disappeared, the next course had arrived.

It took two valets to heft the roasted pig on the table and then stepped back. The valet in charge of the kitchen stepped forward and sharpened the blade of his knife on a sharpening stone the wiped the blade free of debris and commenced carving the meat, another valet heaped on parboiled vegetables, then proceeded to distribute it to the kings guests. Platters of bread as well circulated about and shortly nothing but crumbs were left. the wine goblets were never left in want and the guest never had to request wine, as wine stewards made their continuous rounds.

As the master clock struck two, a dessert of custard and pears were served.

At the half hour mark, the chamber went suddenly still.

It was observed that the king rose from the table and as he did so, so did the guests as they hastily finished the last of their bowls contents and stood too.

As the king strode from the hall, the queen and guest followed

On the east side of the palais was the balcony and gallery were the king played a grand scale game of chess.

Once he and his queen were seated, and the guested as well, the trumpeters announced the arrival and placement of the men dressed as chess pieces.

The kings’ men were dressed in blue, placed themselves on the far side of the board so that the king could a good view of the board, his opponent was De Treville.

The kings’ captain sat on his left, which left the kings’ right hand free uninterrupted when served various things throughout the duration of the game.

As much as pages and messengers wanted to serve the king his incoming messages from, noblemen, dignitaries, and foreign matters, this was not the time. The king deemed it leisure and leisure it will be. The king had been heard to say, When I have deemed this time for me to be at leisure, bother me not. There is nothing so pressing that I have to address it the moment of notification.

De Trevilles’ men were dressed in white.

My dear liege, allow yourself the first pawn out.

But you are my guest, allow yourself that.

I may be your guest, but you are still king. Replied De Treville.

Porthos as promised sat behind his captain for prompting and encouragement.

The king instructed to the announcer, Left pawn, two paces forward.

The man dressed as the blue pawn, a musketeer, with his tunic emblazoned with the fleur de lis, advanced as instructed.

Without hesitation De Treville said, Left pawn, two paces forward.

It was announced.

The pawn looked about, perplexed, as the man next to him, nudged him roughly, That means you!

Oh, so it does. He mumbled as he stepped forward,

The king then said to the announcer, Knight seven, advance forward two, then south, two.

The knight, gingerly stepped around the pawn and took his place as instructed.

The game still in its infancy, caused hesitation in De Treville. He chaffed his face and pondered quietly for a moment, then relayed, First bishop, north, to six,

The bishop gestured the sign of the cross afore him, adjuster his tilting miter, and stepped up to come behind the pawn.

Louis smiled, and said, Queen to six a, take bishop.

The queen gathered her robes, and took the bishops’ place after she stood afore him and tapped him on the shoulder with her scepter.

As he retreated to the gallery where the game pieces collectively gathered when conquered by an opposing piece, she turned to face the king and queen, she reverently curtsied

De Treville then requested his third pawn advance two paces.

Aie! What gives? Porthos inquired quite loudly as he turned about to see what struck him.

It was Matheruine. The court jestress and she had smote him on the shoulder with her babbled scepter as she pranced about, then sitting cross legged, with her bell decored frock over her stocking covered knees, in a rather large over sized stuffed chair, her chin resting on her cupped hands, in a silent embrace, behind the king.

The chair was often referred to be fit for a king, King Henri VIII of England, that is but a king though, no less.

In sotto voce, Porthos queried, What brings you?

She smiled and said, Boredom. The palace is rather quiet at the moment.

Porthos held his laughter and replied, Of course it is they are all here and you believe that by being here is going to lessen your boredom?

She feigned a yawn.

He successfully stifled a yawn.

They heard the king say, Henri, sidestep to the north, one.

The piece ornately dressed as a king on his coronation day, took a large side step as instructed.

The captain inspected all his pieces and possibilities, then decided, First rook, forward, five paces.

Porthos gently squeezed his captain shoulder in reassurance, the captain relaxed.

The piece was prompted, then moved to his new spot, to stand attentive til he was called again.

Porthos wryly grinned and continued his sotto voce, "You mischievous little sprite."

Matheruine raised a mock brow, and gestured, "Moi?’

Oui, tu.

Louis turned to De Treville Rohan has organized some regiments in the south, I so would like to avoid a fiasco as like Montauban, therefore would like to negotiate a treaty. I will draw up terms and relay them. Wait for his response then decide my next strategy.

De Treville nodded.

We know from experience that he is tenacious and crude, when back into corner. I do not want him backed into a corner, I need him contained to restrict any further movements or more contentious thoughts. Then said, First knight, east two, then south two.

"Do you think he will consent to the terms.?

If he knows what is good for him, he will. Replied Louis, sternly, then added. He is a self determined man. He does not like obstacles, they only delay his intent. At counsel, this weeks end, Lesdiguières and Conde’ will attend, and we will have the my secretary transpose the verbiage onto parchment, have it make sense out of literary obscurity and deliver it to him. Again wait for his reply then proceed with caution.

De Treville ventured to query, Is it determination or being obstinate?

No matter which, he will be dealt with accordingly., Louis replied with the wave of his hand.

De Treville then said, Sixth pawn, advance one.

Porthos glanced in the direction of the game, being half attentive, he accepted the move as valid and gently squeezed De Treville shoulder again.

Out of the corner of the musketeers’ eye, he caught sight of Vitray, a messenger of the prime minister.

As the king leaned over to Bompar, Porthos took the opportunity to have a quiet moment with Vitray.

In sotto voce, Porthos queried, Are you in need of the king?

Vitray shook his head.

Good, I have something for you to do.

The young messenger furrowed his brow and frowned, then muttered, This can not be good.

Porthos patted him on the back, Yes it can be. I assure you.

You know just how far the prime minister trusts you.

About as much as I trust him. Replied Porthos smiling, wryly. Now, do you know Captain De Treville?

Vitray nodded

Do You play chess?

Sometimes, but mainly watch when Richelieu plays.

"Then that tis all the more better.