Messages and letters have been piling on Raoul’s desk throughout the night and continue as dawn breaks over the Faubourg Saint-Germain. He is used to being thus inundated despite the fact that to sort his office’s regular vast correspondence he employs a few competent and trusted secretaries. But this morning he is neither at his … Continue reading Chapter Ninety-Four, House of Richelieu, by Mordaunt
Chapter Ninety-Two, Next Moves, by Corso
“This is a good list Paul,” Lucien studies the paper carefully. “We choose one or two from each of the Baltic ports, Ireland and ….” He runs his finger down the page, considering each ship, seeking the right combination of distant ports, cargo and captains. “Susa and Algiers,” he looks over the page at Paul … Continue reading Chapter Ninety-Two, Next Moves, by Corso
Chapter Ninety, Calculating Strategy, by Corso
Dawn on day one… The sun’s advance is heralded by a brilliant band of yellow, pink and gold hovering at the edge of the earth. In the dark crowded yard, under flickering lamplight and pending dawn, the dust is rising. Carriages and wagons are lined up, the horses moving restively in the traces, bobbing their … Continue reading Chapter Ninety, Calculating Strategy, by Corso
Chapter Eighty-Nine, Family Near and Far, by Corso
…Glenay… Lucien throws down the quill and rubs his eyes, flexing his neck side to side. There is a knot between his shoulders. He blows out his breath and looks toward the sputtering fireplace, standing to put fresh logs on it. “Which one of us is in charge of this fire?” Lucien inquires gruffly, positions … Continue reading Chapter Eighty-Nine, Family Near and Far, by Corso
Chapter Eighty-Seven, The Riddle of Rochefort, by Corso
…Glenay… He is still holding her hand, carrying the lantern in his other hand as they enter the house and go up the stairs. Lucien turns toward their bedchamber when he feels her hand slip from his. “What?” he says moving back to her. “Come with me.” She turns in the opposite direction. “Shall I … Continue reading Chapter Eighty-Seven, The Riddle of Rochefort, by Corso
Chapter Eighty-One, Lèon, by Mordaunt
In the heat of midday the stonewall feels pleasantly cool against Athos’ back. He exhales loudly as he sits at the bench, reaching for his flask of water. “Was that too much for you, Old Man?” Seated next to Athos, Lucien sounds equally out of breath. Just like Athos, he is covered in mud and … Continue reading Chapter Eighty-One, Lèon, by Mordaunt
Chapter Seventy-Eight, Enemies All Around, by Corso
…on the Santissima San Pedro de Arbues… A well-dressed man stands on the deck watching the Belladonna lower her sails and speaks to the man standing next to him. “You have your orders Tenientet. Keep your men armed. These,” he curls his lip at the Belldonna, “are Piratas astutos.” He walks to the cabin, knocks … Continue reading Chapter Seventy-Eight, Enemies All Around, by Corso
Chapter Seventy-Six, Ship of Shadows, by Corso
No one on this ship is who they seem to be. He lays awake in his hammock. He has the seaman’s trick of falling asleep as soon as he lays down, but he is plagued with blood-soaked dreams filled with fire and choking smoke, silent faceless men snarling as they chase him, others with mouths … Continue reading Chapter Seventy-Six, Ship of Shadows, by Corso
Chapter Seventy-Four, Dreams and Plans, by Corso
“Here you are,” Sophia leans against the door frame watching her husband rest his head against the back of the tub. The room is warm as steam rises from the hot water. She closes the door against the cool air and kneels beside the tub. She dips a hand into the water, dribbling it over … Continue reading Chapter Seventy-Four, Dreams and Plans, by Corso
Chapter Seventy-Three, Ars vivendi…by Corso
The art of living…is more like wrestling than dancing, Marcus Aurelius “Lastly Madame, the Comte de la Fere has reviewed the wine list ….” Marie listens with distracted attention to M Mael, faithful boutellier at the Château de Glénay, as was his father before him, serving her father, René de Vignerot de Pontcourlay, and her … Continue reading Chapter Seventy-Three, Ars vivendi…by Corso
Twelve Years After 