Approaching the German Ambassador’s Residence
Paris, Kingdom of France
Sir Denys rode at the head of a far smaller column of the King’s Personal Guard than he would have hoped, half a dozen men all that the Court could provide on such short notice, the request made of the King in his chambers, and surprisingly approved.
It would appear the monarch was eager to uncover the truth as well, a surprising sense of relief rushing through Denys in the discovery, as part of him had feared that perhaps the King could be involved, if only tacitly.
Though for the moment, nothing appeared further from the truth.
To say he had been stunned when told hours ago where he was to bring the soldiers and the warrants, would be an understatement. Despite his pleas for an explanation, none had been provided him, making his task even more difficult.
Though he had succeeded. He had the unnamed warrants in his pocket, and stunningly, the Court was convening at this very moment, the King unwilling to wait until morning to find out what was afoot. He just prayed that Sir Marcus was prepared for this eventuality, as it was the one part of his instructions he hadn’t fulfilled to the Templar’s exact specifications.
As they approached the German ambassador’s residence, he peered into the darkness, searching for Marcus, and breathed a heavy sigh of relief as he spotted the white surcoat against the moonlight reflecting off the waters of the River Seine.
Marcus and Simon, along with another young man, approached on horseback, and he brought the column to a halt.
“I see you were successful in your task,” said Marcus.
Denys nodded. “Not without some difficulty, and not in the numbers I had hoped.”
“No matter. The warrants?”
Denys patted his breast pocket. “Secured as requested, though one thing didn’t, unfortunately, go according to plan.”
Marcus’ eyes narrowed. “Oh?”
“The Court is assembling now. The King was unwilling to wait until morning.”
Marcus chuckled. “I suspected that might happen. It is of no concern.” He motioned toward the residence. “Once we pass through those gates, I will have confirmed everything, and you will be able to put names on those warrants.”
Denys eyed the impressive walls. “You intend to enter by force?”
“If necessary.”
Denys glanced at his too few men. “I don’t think we have enough, should they resist.”
Marcus smiled. “That is why I sent my sergeant on a little errand earlier today.” He placed his fingers to his lips and whistled. The sounds of a large contingent on horseback was heard in the distance, approaching from the opposite direction, and Denys’ eyes bulged as dozens of white surcoats with red crosses became visible. Marcus smiled. “As you can see, I brought some friends, just in case.”