Book 2: The Queen's Musketeers, #2

by R. A. Steffan

  Aramis looked up, his eyes sweeping around the area and catching on d’Artagnan’s. After the first instant of recognition, Aramis smirked and raised his bottle in salute. He winked, throwing the younger man a look that could only be described as devilish before returning his attention to his two companions. D’Artagnan shook his head in exasperation and continued on, wondering what sort of trouble his friend was courting now.

  As he resumed his slow circuit of the camp, a flustered, red-faced man stopped him to ask about getting more water buckets from the villagers, and d’Artagnan promised to see to it. Continuing on, he followed a path of trampled grass leading downhill to the edge of the Foussarde River, which demarcated the southern edge of the green.

  Several young women from the supply wagons were gathered there, chatting amongst themselves as they washed the men’s clothing in the babbling waterway. D’Artagnan’s gaze was caught by one of them when she laughed in delight at something her friend had said. She had dancing blue eyes and her hair fell in dark ringlets over her shoulders, flashing with red highlights where the setting sun shone on it. Her nose turned up slightly, lending her face a pert aspect supported by the rosy bloom on her cheeks.

  After a moment, the woman looked up at him, a question in her eyes, and d’Artagnan realized with a start that he had been staring. His jaw clicked shut against the nonsensical apology that tried to rise to his tongue, and he hastily retreated. He was unable to stop himself looking back over his shoulder, though, and he hoped his expression was closer to a friendly smile than the foolish grin he suspected it was. The young woman was also smiling, and it broadened to crinkle the corners of her eyes when d’Artagnan—giving no thought to where he was treading—stumbled over a tuft of grass. Her light laughter, and that of her companions, followed him over the crest of the hill.

  Shaking his head and cursing himself for a dolt, he continued his rounds, skirting closer to the eastern edge of the camp as he headed back toward the church where his old gelding was tethered. This route took him past the tent where Aramis had been speaking with the handsome couple earlier. Noises were coming from within, and d’Artagnan heard the distinctive sound of Aramis' laughter. Apparently his friend had found some kindred spirits with whom to while away the evening.

  The sound of metal ringing against metal grew louder as d’Artagnan approached a corner of the camp that had been appropriated by workmen from d’Aumont’s group. A forge had been set up in an outbuilding at the edge of the church grounds, where a heavyset, strong-looking man labored over a large anvil, striking a sheet of metal with rhythmic strokes of his hammer. Though his own meager skills as a blacksmith had indirectly acquired him his current position in the Queen’s guard, d’Artagnan was more than happy to see that his services as a farrier to the group’s small stable of horses would no longer be required. The tough, muscular body of the individual before him suited the position far better than his own slender frame.

  Not wanting to interrupt, he stood quietly off to the side, the heat from the forge slowly baking one side of his face and neck while he waited until the smith reached a good stopping point in his work. The piece on the anvil was taking the distinctive shape of a cuirass, though to d’Artagnan’s eye, the breastplate would need an uncommonly petite, slender torso to wear it. Still, it was fine workmanship, and he was happy to watch the process for a few minutes until the metal cooled and the blacksmith straightened from his work, using a pair of long tongs to return it to the forge for reheating.

  “You need something?” the man said over his shoulder, not bothering to look at d’Artagnan directly.

  D’Artagnan cleared his throat. “Actually, I came here to ask you that very question. My name is Charles d’Artagnan; I am acting as liaison between Her Majesty’s guards and M. d’Aumont’s troops. Your forces seem well-supplied, but it’s my job to fill any needs that may remain.”

  The smith grunted an acknowledgement. “If the higher-ups want weapons and armor, someone needs to bring me firewood and wet clay from the riverbank to build a charcoal kiln. Can’t work steel over a smoky little campfire made from unseasoned scrub wood, and I’m nearly out of what coal we brought with us.”

  “Of course,” d’Artagnan agreed. “I’ll arrange it as soon as possible. Do you need anything else?”

  “Couple of lads to tend the kiln,” the man said. “Also, see if the villagers have any scrap metal I can melt down. Got a feelin’ we’ll be needing all the blades we can get before long.”

  “I’ve got a feeling you’re absolutely right,” d’Artagnan said. “I’ll see to it.” He nodded at the tiny cuirass as the blacksmith lifted it from the blue and orange flames. “That’s an interesting piece you’re working on. I saw some young lads with the supply wagons, but I didn’t think they’d be joining the fighting.”

  The man arranged the cuirass over the horn of the anvil and hefted his hammer once more. “It’s not for a lad,” he said cryptically, before the metallic ring of hammer on steel cut off any further discussion.

  * * *

  Darkness was falling by the time d’Artagnan managed to procure more water buckets and send them to where they were needed, as well as organizing some of the village boys to get firewood and dig clay to haul up to the blacksmith. Deciding that he would ask M. Rougeux about gathering scrap metal, he mounted his gelding and headed back to the house. The day had been a long, exhausting one—starting as it had in the small hours before dawn with preparation for a battle that never occurred—and d’Artagnan wanted nothing more than to check in with his friends, eat something, and fall into a bed somewhere.

  It was almost incomprehensible to think that a mere forty-eight hours ago, he’d been hunched over Athos' unconscious body by the uncertain light of a flickering campfire, trying to feed him sips of weak broth after the man succumbed to his injuries and collapsed on the road back from Blois. That night had been among the lowest points of d’Artagnan’s life, and yet, two days later, Athos was recovering amongst his friends, the Queen had given birth to a new King of France, and they had somehow managed to acquire an army. If his head were not already dizzy from weariness, thinking about it all would be enough to send his thoughts spinning.

  Turning his pony into M. Rougeux’s property, with a tired smile for the young men guarding the gates, he dismounted and led the old gelding into the stables, unsaddling him and efficiently seeing to the horse’s simple needs. Grimaud’s little broom-tailed mare was still lame after the hard use she had seen on the road from Blois, and d’Artagnan took it as an excuse to ride his comfortable childhood mount for the first time since he had loaned the pony to the Queen, some weeks earlier. This small point of familiarity amongst all the turmoil settled him somewhat, and he gave the shaggy little beast a final fond pat before trudging back to the house.

  He acknowledged two of d’Aumont’s soldiers who were standing watch on either side of the doorway with a brisk nod and entered the Rougeux home quietly, moving down the stone-flagged hallway to the kitchen. Bread, cheese, and flagons of wine had been left out for the soldiers coming and going at odd hours. D’Artagnan ate with gusto, his weariness rising steadily even as his empty stomach filled.

  It remained only to speak to someone and share the latest news of the day, after which he would see if he could lay claim to a corner of the mattress in Athos’ sick room for a few hours. Though honestly, at this point, even the bare floor was beginning to look inviting. After a moment’s thought, he headed toward the back of the house to the Queen’s birthing room, where he knew someone would be awake and on guard.

  “It’s d’Artagnan,” he called softly as he turned the corner, not wanting to startle an armed man.

  Porthos looked up at him with a grin from his position flanking the closed door. “Done for the day, are you?”

  “I sincerely hope so. At the very least, the day seems to have done for me,” d’Artagnan replied fervently. “Is everything here going well?”

  “Everything’s right as rai
n. Athos is sleeping... Milady, too, as far as I know,” the big man replied, before indicating the room behind him with a nod of his head. “Her Majesty is up with the baby right now; de Tréville went in a while ago to check on them both. Oh, an’ Aramis went off duty earlier this evening. Said he was going to the camp for a few hours and see if he could find some trouble to get into.”

  “I saw him awhile ago. I don't know if he found trouble, but he seems to have found something to hold his interest, at least,” d’Artagnan said. “Are you all right here on your own? Do you need me for anything?”

  “Nah. I’m fine, and you look ready to drop. Go get some rest,” Porthos said. “Here—just a minute, though. You haven’t had a chance to see him yet, have you? The baby, I mean. You should stick your head in for a moment. Pay your respects and all that.”

  “I wouldn’t want to intrude...” d’Artagnan began, taken aback.

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Porthos said, and knocked softly on the door. “I told you, she’s up with him right now, anyway. She’ll probably appreciate the visit.”

  “Enter,” the Queen’s voice answered quietly from within.

  “See?” Porthos said with a smile, and opened the door. “Your Majesty, d’Artagnan is here. He’d like to pay his respects to the new King.”

  D’Artagnan peered hesitantly around the doorjamb. The Queen was pacing slowly around the room, rocking a tiny, swaddled bundle in her arms. De Tréville was slumped in a chair near the large bed, fast asleep with the stump of his missing arm cradled close to his chest and his head tipped awkwardly back to rest against the wall.

  Her Majesty smiled a glowing smile and beckoned him inside, lifting a finger to her lips to indicate quiet and flicking her eyes briefly toward the sleeping commander of the guard. “My son may have no taste for sleep right now, but at least our faithful captain can finally rest awhile from his duties,” she whispered, gentle humor lacing her voice.

  D’Artagnan entered and bowed deeply in front of his monarchs. The Queen’s eyes were fond as he rose. “You have not yet seen our new King, have you d’Artagnan? I recall that Mme Rougeux was tending him when you and the Captain made your report to me this morning,” she said. “Come closer.”

  D’Artagnan approached curiously. The Queen angled her body and pulled back a corner of the swaddling, revealing the smallest baby d’Artagnan had ever seen. The infant’s eyes were clenched tightly shut. His face was red, squashed, and wrinkled. He gurgled and fussed, one diminutive hand freeing itself from the blanket to wave in the air. D’Artagnan could see the crescents of his tiny fingernails as his fist clenched and unclenched.

  “He is perfect, Your Majesty,” d’Artagnan whispered with complete sincerity.

  “He is the answer to all my prayers,” the Queen replied softly. “And without your help and that of our other trusted musketeers, neither of us would be here tonight. We will never forget that, d’Artagnan.”

  “It is my honor to serve,” d’Artagnan said, around the lump rising in his throat. “Your Majesty has offered me a place in the world—a chance at a new life after I thought everything lost.”

  “Then I am doubly glad that God sent you to us when he did,” the Queen said. “Now, though—loyalty is no substitute for sleep, even for a soldier. The Captain assures me that guards are patrolling the village and will give us warning of any attack. Rest and regain your strength, d’Artagnan. All will be well.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty,” d’Artagnan replied, bowing over the hand she offered him and backing out of the room respectfully.

  Porthos closed the door gently behind him and gave him a cheeky wink. “She really likes you, you know. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up a comte, or a marquis or something at the end of all this.”

  “Right now,” d’Artagnan said honestly, “I would trade a noble title for a mattress and a blanket.”

  Porthos let loose a low rumble of laughter. “Go on, then—off with you. Someone will wake you up if you’re needed.”

  D’Artagnan nodded and the big man clapped him on the shoulder, giving him a companionable shove down the hallway. Athos’ sick room was located on the other side of the house. D'Artagnan's feet took him there more out of habit than anything else. The door was slightly ajar, and the interior of the room, dark. He tapped his knuckles against the worn wood, the noise too soft to disturb a sleeper, but enough to catch the attention of anyone already awake. There was no response.

  The door swung silently on oiled hinges as d’Artagnan eased it open. Light from the candle flickering in a sconce in the hallway illuminated a stripe across the room, revealing two figures entwined on the bed. Milady clung to Athos, her head resting on his shoulder and her wild curls spilling across his chest. His nose was buried in the hair at the crown of her head, breathing her in. Both were fast asleep. D’Artagnan stared at them for a long moment, a pang of longing that he could not quite define tugging at his heart.

  He silently shook himself free of the sensation, and crept in to grab one of the folded blankets piled on a chair near the bed before slipping back out the door. Making his way to the sitting room just beyond the house’s foyer, he removed his boots and weapons and curled up on a chaise longue next to the fireplace. Wrapped in his borrowed blanket, d’Artagnan slid almost immediately into an exhausted sleep.

  * * *

  He awoke to chaos and confusion as a strong arm yanked him unceremoniously upright. His heart pounded in sudden alarm as de Tréville’s sharp voice penetrated his foggy mind.

  “Up, d’Artagnan! Grab your weapons, man! Isabella’s forces are attacking the village. You’re with me.”

  D’Artagnan lunged for his boots and weapons belt almost before his eyes were open. As he regained awareness, he noticed more people running into and out of the house. One of the lads d’Artagnan recognized as being from the village charged in and slid to a halt in front of de Tréville.

  “Report from the patrols, sir,” the boy said breathlessly.

  “Porthos!” de Tréville bellowed, and Porthos shouldered his way into the room a moment later, a question on his face. “We have a new report—I want you to hear it. Go ahead, lad.”

  The runner opened his mouth, but was interrupted by Milady’s voice at the interior doorway saying, “Just a minute; we’re here as well.”

  She supported Athos into the room with one of his arms slung across her shoulder. He was in his shirt sleeves, pale and wan, but the belt slung low on his hips bristled with weapons.

  De Tréville nodded, and the boy started his report. “M. Tolbert’s company was on duty when one of the patrols sent a rider to report that men on horseback were approaching from the east—at least three score. They sounded the alarm and moved to secure the main road, but when I left, they were having trouble holding the line. Enemy forces were breaking through, into the main camp.”

  “Aramis was in the main camp,” d’Artagnan said, aware on some level that this was a stupid and self-indulgent thing to worry about, but unable to stop the words rising to his lips.

  “Then he’s where he’ll do the most good,” Porthos said, seemingly unconcerned. “It’s far from the first battle he’s seen, d’Artagnan.”

  D’Artagnan nodded and made a concerted attempt to clamp down on his sleep-muddled thoughts and worries as de Tréville spoke.

  “Milady, you will stay in the Queen’s quarters with Her Majesty and the baby.”

  Milady’s eyes flashed. “I’m quite capable of fighting, Captain, as well you know.”

  “I’m perfectly aware,” de Tréville said, his tone never changing. “The enemy, however, will not be. You will be the very last line of defense, should it be needed—a final element of surprise.” Milady subsided, nodding stiffly in agreement. “Athos, can you fight if need be?”

  “Of course,” Athos said.

  “Then you and Porthos will guard the door to the room. I’ve sent orders for a small force of twenty heavily armed men to guard the house and grounds,” de T
réville said.

  “They arrived on the property at the same time I did,” said the messenger.

  “Good. D’Artagnan and I will join the battle at the camp. Questions?”

  The others shook their heads.

  “Stay safe, both of you,” Porthos told them. “And d’Artagnan? Take Aramis’ horse. He walked to the camp last evening so she should still be in the stable, and she’s trained for battle.”

  “I will,” d’Artagnan said. “Thank you.”

  Everyone scattered to their assigned duties, d’Artagnan following de Tréville’s purposeful stride out of the house and down the driveway to the stables. More people were milling around the large outbuilding, readying horses and riding out.

  “Be quick,” de Tréville ordered. “These things tend to be fast and unpredictable once they begin.”

  “Yes, Captain,” d’Artagnan said, and waylaid a boy to ready de Tréville’s stallion while he saddled Aramis’ gray mare.

  De Tréville, in the mean time, was choosing additional arms from a rack along the wall near the entrance—two arquebuses for each of them and several daggers. D’Artagnan led the horses up to him, and they stowed the firearms in their saddle holsters. At the Captain’s urging, d’Artagnan secreted a few small daggers around his person, for use in close combat if he was disarmed of his main weapons.

  By the time they mounted, d’Artagnan was twitching with the same jittery buzz of nerves that always seemed to afflict him before a fight. He knew that once the enemy was in his pistol sights, the twitchiness would become a sweet rush of pulsing blood that would narrow his focus to the present moment as little else could—little else but the stinging lashes of his cat o’ nine tails, which de Tréville had now forbidden him to use.