3.1 Part 2
Without saying another word they climbed down the stairs, crossed the tavern and reached the street.
They walked for a while, the streets were empty now, but fear could be sensed in the air.
They met a girl, who was dressed like a maid. She was wearing a light blue dress, long to her ankles and a white apron on top. Her head was covered by a white cap and she had a basket in her hand with some cheese, bread and apples.
“Morning Charlotte!” Said Sam flashing a sweet smile at her, “Ready for the big day”
“Oui, oui.” She answered timidly.
“By the way, this is Merlin, he will help us enter La Conciergerie.
“Enchantée, Merlin” Greeted the girl, and bowed a little, “Bonne chance.”
Merlin, of course did not understand a word, but was so nervous that he couldn’t utter a word.
They walked in silence by the side of the river Seine, the morning was sunny and there was a little chill in the air.
They finally arrived at La Conciergerie. There were many soldiers at the door, it was Merlin’s moment to attack!
He climbed to the nearest roof and jumped onto one of the guards piercing him with his claws.
“Ahh, ahhh, ouch!! Shouted the guard while Merlin was on his head trying to cover his eyes. The rest of the guards run towards their friend in order to help him get rid of the feline attacker.
In the middle of the struggle, Merlin managed to take the keys from the guard, and threw them on the floor.
At that precise moment Sam and Charlotte sneaked inside the building, picked up the keys and ran towards Marie Antoneitte’s cell.
“It is chilly in here! Brrrrr.” Whispered Charlotte.
“Hush! Not a word!” Retorted Sam.
They tiptoed along the gloomy corridors, it was dark, humid and cold.
At the end of one alley, they found Marie Antoinette. Her cell was so small that she could barely fit in there. The queen was peeping through the rusted bars. She looked so sad!
She was dressed in rags, her face was pale and dirty. Her hair, which used to be so beautiful, was disheveled and grey and there was no shine in her eyes.
“Your Majesty!” Whispered Sam, trying not to show that he was in shock “We came to rescue you! Charlotte will take your place, you need to exchange clothes with her, your Majesty…”
“My sweet Captain…” murmured the queen with watered eyes, “what will happen to my children? They are condemned too…”
“Your Highness…” stammered Sam, “I am afraid that will not be possible…”
“Oh nooo! My sweet kids!!” Whimpered the queen, “I couldn’t live without them! I love them so much!!
“Your Majesty… we need to hurry… the guards will be here any minute! Urged Sam.
“No… save yourselves… But, I need a favour…” Begged the queen.
“Whatever you desire, your Highness” Said Sam, kneeling in front of the crying woman.
“I have 5 cats, Turkish cats in Versailles…, they are my beloved pets…they are in danger too! and I beg you to rescue them and take them to America on your ship, they will be free there”
“You can rest assured my Lady, I will do as you please.” Assured Sam, without knowing how to do such a thing, but he didn’t want to disappoint the poor queen. ”We love you!! Farewell.”
And without saying another word, he and Charlotte left La Conciergerie with sadness in their hearts and an impossible mission to accomplish.
