The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Grotto of Locmaria explained
Aramis and Porthos, laden with money and arms, flee across the heath to the cavern of Locmaria, where a boat and three Breton servants await them.
What happens
Aramis and Porthos, laden with money and arms, flee across the heath to the cavern of Locmaria, where a boat and three Breton servants await them. After inspecting the boat and its provisions, they debate the best route to launch it. Their plans are interrupted by the sound of hounds and then the approach of the king's Guards, led by Biscarrat. The dogs enter the grotto and are killed by the Bretons. Aramis coolly resolves to ambush the guards, including Biscarrat, to protect their escape.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Betrayal
Aramis and Porthos rely on each other in a desperate flight, while Biscarrat, a former acquaintance, leads the pursuit against them.
Fate and Tragedy
The inescapable approach of the hounds and guards, and the grim necessity of killing to survive, underscore the tragic turn of events.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The cavern of Locmaria was sufficiently distant from the mole to render it necessary for our friends to husband their strength in order to reach it.”
The Locmaria cave was far enough from the jetty that Aramis and Porthos had to conserve their energy to get there.
Sets the scene for the arduous journey to the hiding place.
“In common prudence," said Aramis, "let us go back into the grotto; the voices evidently draw nearer, we shall soon know what we have to trust to.”
Aramis advises retreating into the cave because the approaching voices are getting closer, and they will soon discover who is coming.
Aramis's cautious decision to hide and assess the threat.
“Biscarrat first," replied he, coolly. "He knows us.”
Aramis calmly decides that Biscarrat must be killed first because he can identify them.
Highlights the cold-blooded necessity of eliminating a witness.