The Man In The Iron Mask

Aramis and Porthos ride fast, spurring their horses so hard that their sides bleed. The two stop to rest in Orleans after riding for eight hours. They ride on for another three hours, but when they stop at a post to change horses, the postmaster has no horses available for them. Aramis recalls that Athos, their close friend and a former musketeer, lives nearby. The postmaster provides for them a carriage pulled by an old, blind horse so they can make their visit. Porthos believes the king has sent them to Athos on a secret mission since Aramis still has not told him why they fled Vaux so suddenly. Athos and his son, Raoul, greet them at the gate, having already been out for a walk. Athos comforted Raoul on his recent separation from La Valliere, who broke off their engagement and became the king’s mistress.

Aramis tells Athos everything that has transpired to replace the king, and he further explains his plan to hide Porthos at Belle-Isle before continuing to England or Spain, countries where he claims to have many allies.