D'Artagnan Romances Series

On the first Monday of the month of April, 1625, the market town of Meung, in which the author of ROMANCE OF THE ROSE was born, appeared to be in as perfect a state of revolution as if the Huguenots had just made a second La Rochelle of it. Many citizens, seeing the women flying toward the High Street, leaving their children crying at the open doors, hastened to don the cuirass, and supporting their somewhat uncertain courage with a musket or a partisan, directed their steps toward the hostelry of the Jolly Miller, before which was gathered, increasing every minute, a compact group, vociferous and full of curiosity.

Towards the middle of the month of May, in the year 1660, at nine o’clock in the morning, when the sun, already high in the heavens, was fast absorbing the dew from the ramparts of the castle of Blois, a little cavalcade, composed of three men and two pages, re-entered the city by the bridge, without producing any other effect upon the passengers of the quay beyond a first movement of the hand to the head, as a salute, and a second movement of the tongue to express, in the purest French then spoken in France: “There is Monsieur returning from hunting.” And that was all.

In a splendid chamber of the Palais Royal, formerly styled the Palais Cardinal, a man was sitting in deep reverie, his head supported on his hands, leaning over a gilt and inlaid table which was covered with letters and papers. Behind this figure glowed a vast fireplace alive with leaping flames; great logs of oak blazed and crackled on the polished brass andirons whose flicker shone upon the superb habiliments of the lonely tenant of the room, which was illumined grandly by twin candelabra rich with wax lights.

During all these long and noisy debates between the opposite ambitions of politics and love, one of our characters, perhaps the one least deserving of neglect, was, however, very much neglected, very much forgotten, and exceedingly unhappy. In fact, D’Artagnan—D’Artagnan, we say, for we must call him by his name, to remind our readers of his existence—D’Artagnan, we repeat, had absolutely nothing whatever to do, amidst these brilliant butterflies of fashion. After following the king during two whole days at Fontainebleau, and critically observing the various pastoral fancies and heroi–comic transformations of his sovereign, the musketeer felt that he needed something more than this to satisfy the cravings of his nature. At every moment assailed by people asking him, “How do you think this costume suits me, Monsieur d’Artagnan?”

The reader guesses beforehand whom the usher preceded in announcing the courier from Bretagne. This messenger was easily recognized. It was D’Artagnan, his clothes dusty, his face inflamed, his hair dripping with sweat, his legs stiff; he lifted his feet painfully at every step, on which resounded the clink of his blood–stained spurs. He perceived in the doorway he was passing through, the superintendent coming out. Fouquet bowed with a smile to him who, an hour before, was bringing him ruin and death. D’Artagnan found in his goodness of heart, and in his inexhaustible vigor of body, enough presence of mind to remember the kind reception of this man; he bowed then, also, much more from benevolence and compassion, than from respect. 

Set in the 17th century France, the novel recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, to join the Musketeers of the Guard. D'Artagnan is not one of the musketeers of the title; those are his friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, inseparable friends who live by the motto: all for one, one for all (tous pour un, un pour tous), a motto which is first put forth by d'Artagnan.

Since Aramis’s singular transformation into a confessor of the order, Baisemeaux was no longer the same man. Up to that period, the place which Aramis had held in the worthy governor’s estimation was that of a prelate whom he respected and a friend to whom he owed a debt of gratitude; but now he felt himself an inferior, and that Aramis was his master. He himself lighted a lantern, summoned a turnkey, and said, returning to Aramis, “I am at your orders, monseigneur.” Aramis merely nodded his head, as much as to say, “Very good”; and signed to him with his hand to lead the way. Baisemeaux advanced, and Aramis followed him.

It is the last book in the "d'Artagnan Romances" series and is set in the reign of Louis XIV in France. The story revolves around the mysterious prisoner known as the "Man in the Iron Mask" and the musketeers' efforts to uncover his identity and free him from captivity. Through his masterful storytelling and vivid historical context, Dumas creates a thrilling tale of adventure, intrigue, and betrayal set against the backdrop of one of the most fascinating periods in French history. The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity, while offering a richly detailed and engaging portrait of life in the court of Louis XIV. With its unforgettable characters and thrilling plot twists, "The Man in the Iron Mask" is a true masterpiece of historical fiction.

"Ten Years Later" by Alexandre Dumas is a historical fiction novel that follows the further adventures of the four musketeers: Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, ten years after the events of "Twenty Years After". The novel begins with the musketeers reuniting in Paris, where they become embroiled in the political intrigues of the day. King Louis XIV has come of age and taken the throne, but he is still young and inexperienced, and his court is rife with factions vying for power.

The novel follows the further adventures of the four musketeers: Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, as they navigate the political turmoil of France in the mid-17th century. The novel begins with the four musketeers reuniting in Paris, where they are swept up in the political machinations of Cardinal Mazarin and his enemies, the Fronde rebels. As they navigate this complex web of alliances and betrayals, they encounter a host of new characters, including the beautiful but dangerous Lady de Winter and the fierce and independent Mordaunt.

The story revolves around the young and beautiful Louise de la Valliere, who becomes the mistress of the King of France. Louise is a devout young woman who enters the court of Louis XIV as a maid of honor to Princess Henrietta of England. There she meets and falls in love with Raoul de Bragelonne, a young man who is a close friend of the King's musketeers, including d'Artagnan. However, Louise's beauty and charm catch the eye of the King, who makes her his mistress, causing heartbreak for Raoul. Through his vivid storytelling and detailed historical context, Dumas weaves a tale of love, intrigue, and political machinations in the glittering court of Louis XIV. The novel is a captivating read that offers insight into the complexities of relationships and power dynamics during a pivotal time in French history.

In this continuing sequel to The Three Musketeers, d'Artagnan resigns as captain of the Musketeers as he perceives the young king Louis XIV as weak-willed. He resolves to aid the exiled Charles II to retake the throne of England, unaware that Athos is attempting the same. With their assistance Charles II is restored to the throne and d'Artagnan is rewarded richly.