Some men say an army of horses and some men say an army on foot and some men say an army of ships is the most beautiful thing on the black earth. But I say it is what you love. (Sappho, 16 transl. by Anne Carson) The journey returning from Saintonge to Glénay takes longer. They … Continue reading Chapter Thirty-Five, Harsh Recountings, by Mordaunt
Chapter Thirty-Three, Revenge and Retribution, by Mordaunt
“Coward! You hide behind the skirts of a murdering whore. Following her around like a dog on a leash. What hold does she have over you?” “Where is Alessandra?” “I forget that’s her name now. The vile murdering whore who killed your brother!” “Not my brother. The brute who attacked her. Where is she?” “You … Continue reading Chapter Thirty-Three, Revenge and Retribution, by Mordaunt
Chapter Thirty One-Wrath Unleashed, by Mordaunt
“Come not within the measure of my wrath”— Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 5 Scene 4, line 125 Athos fires his last bullet and the iron latch cracks. He kicks open the front door, and they ram into a dim hall. He remembers it wider, brighter, not crowded. Comminges' fiends are lined up expecting … Continue reading Chapter Thirty One-Wrath Unleashed, by Mordaunt
Twelve Years After: The Story
The story begins 12 years after the end of the BBC series "Musketeers". It maintains the plot-lines and characters of that series and develops them further, adding new characters but also returning to the Dumas source material and bringing in historical events and characters. Our story has four partsPart I-Twelve Years After: available on Archive … Continue reading Twelve Years After: The Story
Chapter Twenty Nine-Stand to face me beloved, by Mordaunt
Stand to face me beloved… …and open out the grace of your eyes (Sappho 138, transl. Anne Carson) “Where is Raoul?” Athos storms into the hall of Glénay. If there is a footman at the door or servants in the hall he does not see them. What Lucien and Aramis are saying as they walk … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Nine-Stand to face me beloved, by Mordaunt
Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
He is accosted by children the moment he walks inside, even before the footman closes the door. Rowdy children, breathlessly speaking over each, and dancing around him with excitement. “Raoul you are here too!” “ It was snowing and we travelled all together in the wagon!” “Then the bad men came!” “Samy, Alexandre, and I … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
Songs and Music for the Masked Soiree at Zola’s
What is the music that Raoul and Valentine’s guests enjoy at the masked soiree at Zola’s? In order of appearance: Dove ne vai, crudeleDove ne vai, crudele,E non fuggire,O di mio beneL’aspre mie pene,Che se fai vaga,De la mia pega,Volge tuo squardiCh’al cor son dardi.Torna, torna crudele,E non fuggire. Dove mi lasci,E non partire,Tem’il … Continue reading Songs and Music for the Masked Soiree at Zola’s
Chapter Twenty Six-Intentions Unmasked, by Mordaunt
In the crowded, luminous hall outside, the undulating din of laughter, chatter, and tinkling glasses subsides. A melodious voice is singing: Dove ne vai, crudele,E non fuggire,O di mio beneL’aspre mie pene,Che se fai vaga,De la mia pega,Volge tuo squardiCh’al cor son dardi.Torna, torna crudele,E non fuggire. The handsome masked foreigner seated across from Raoul … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Six-Intentions Unmasked, by Mordaunt
Chapter TwentyThree- Tempting Venus, by Mordaunt
“What is all this?” Captain Marchal is not in a good mood. He removes his hat and gloves and throws his muddied cloak on a chair upon entering his office. He and his men have just returned from Royaumont riding all night in freezing rain, the roads treacherous, all slush and dirt. The pile of … Continue reading Chapter TwentyThree- Tempting Venus, by Mordaunt
Chapter Twenty One-Desperate Ruse, by Mordaunt
When she was younger, Catherine de Renard sought her mother in the faces of lay sisters and nuns knowing well her mother chose God over her daughter. Many years later, Catherine no longer remembers her mother’s face, only being abandoned when she was eleven. The lay sister from the Benedictines of Abbaye aux Dames in … Continue reading Chapter Twenty One-Desperate Ruse, by Mordaunt
Twelve Years After 