Locker for my Rose of Versailles fan fictions

The Princess and The Pea — Ch.2 Fateful Encounter 11 April , 2009

Seeing a tiny spot of light moving far down the road, Bernard slowed the carriage and turned to ask the passenger inside,
“Andre, I think someone ahead of us is asking for help.  Should we stop?”
“It might be a trap. Got your dagger with you?” Andre was always cautious.
“Yes. I can use the whip too!” Bernard began to speed up again.
Andre unsheathed his sword to check.

When they got closer, they saw a coachman carefully waving a lantern, with a carriage behind him.
“What’s wrong?” Bernard asked as he brought his carriage to a halt.
“Thunder struck, horses were scared and threw my companion off board.  He is still unconcious, but my mistress does not want to let him rest inside,
for he’s covered in mud.  But I can’t leave him like this.” Alain turned around.  With a jerk of his chin, pointed at Oscar, who was lying on the coachman’s bench.
“Moreover, we’re lost.”

“Who’s your mistress?  Is she travelling alone?” inquired Bernard as he stepped closer to the carriage.
“Well, as gentlemen, you have to tell my mistress who you are first.’ Alain replied nonchalantly.
“My master is Andre Grandier, a squire from Versailles village.  I am his assistant, Bernard Chatelet.
We’re heading to Town of Lille for some business.”
“My mistress is Lady Marie, Comte de Ward’s daughter.  Jeanne is her lady-in-waiting. I’m Alain Soisson.”

Bernard went to knock on the carriage’s door. “Lady Marie, may I have the honour of seeing you in person?”
Jeanne opened the door to let Bernard in, “Monsieur, this is my mistress, Lady Marie.”
Benard bowed slightly, “My master would like to see if he could be of service to you.  For he knows your horses need to rest, and one of your coachman has been injured.”
“Oh! Please help me thank your master for his kindness.  I’m so scared, and completely at loss.  I am supposed to go to Town of Lille to attend the Duke’s banquet for his son’s birthday, which is going to be held in a week’s time.” Marie replied meekly.
“What a coincidence!  We are go‌‌ing there too!” Bernard exclaimed.
“Monsieur Alain!  We can keep each other company on our way there!”  Alain nodded in silent agreement.

In the meantime, Andre was in shock.
After he carried Oscar to his carriage and wiped off some of the mud on his face, he wondered, “How come he’s so light?  Could he be…”
Andre turned to Alain, “Monsieur Alain, I think your companion needs a doctor.  Where are you staying in Lille?”

“Sir, we’re going to stay at the duke’s castle.” Alain gave Andre the address, and brought Oscar’s luggage over to Andre’s carriage.
“Thank you sir.  Please let me know if Oscar is okay or not.  I may need to get a replacement for our return trip.”

The rain had gradually ceased by now, and a new moon was shining through the slits between thick clouds.
Bernard started his carriage, with Alain following behind along the muddy road.

Inside the carriage, Andre wrapped Oscar in a blanket.
But a bump on the road almost shook Oscar off the seat, so Andre decided to hold him in his arms instead.
“He’s really too light to be a coachman!” Andre said to himself as he closed his eyes to rest.

Images of a young girl with golden hair fencing with him years ago flashed across his mind.

“Andre!  Gear up!  Are you worried of losing to me?”  The girl teased him.
“Of course not!  I am only afraid my epee would scratch your pretty face!” Andre retorted, as he dodged her epee while preparing to charge his towards her shoulder.
“Who needs a pretty face?  I’m going to be the bravest soldier when I grow up!” The girl protested.

…

As the carriages approached the town, the sun’s first rays was brightening up the horizon. 
Strangely, Andre dozed off with the wounded coachman in his arms.