Chapter 5 Chapter 5: “The trip to Versailles”

Very quietly, an enormous black cat jumped to his window. “What’s up, mon copain?” Said the cat hoarsely.

“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. And I don’t want to fight!”

Merlin was afraid! There were so many yellow eyes there!!

“I don’t want a fight, mon copain… I want to know what’s your problem, ha, ha, ha. By the way, Je suis Maurice. Enchanté.”

“Maurice? Nice to meet you! Well, there are five companions we should rescue from Ver… Versa… “

“Versailles! Oui, oui! Nos copains de Marie Antoinette!” Shouted Maurice very excitedly.

“Yes, exactly,” Nodded Merlin without understanding a word in French.

“Ok, ok, this is the plan.” Started Maurice and started meowing like crazy.

As his voice pervaded the air hundreds of cats descended from the top roofs of Saint Germain.

A big plan was about to start.

Merlin, Maurice and one hundred black cats gathered in the tavern’s courtyard.

Undoubtedly, Maurice was the leader of the gang. It was intimidating to see so many black cats all together! Everybody was paying attention so the only voice Merlin could hear was Maurice’s.

“Mes copains!” started Maurice, “The queen’s cats are in danger! They are hostages in Versailles! It is our duty as felines to rescue them and conduct them to a ship, which is in Le Havre, so that they can escape France and live freely in America! It is a dangerous mission! Many of us could die! I need to know who is ready to give his life for our Royal cat friends! Take a step to the front.

After a moment of silence, very slowly, one by one all the black cats moved forward.

“Merci beaucoup mes copains! I’m very proud of you!!” Meowed Maurice. “Sharpen your nails! Now!

Instantly there was a deafening scratching all over the courtyard.