# The Grotto of Locmaria explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Aramis

Leads the escape, inspects the boat, and plans the ambush of the king's Guards.

### Porthos

Accompanies Aramis, rests at the grotto entrance, and prepares to fight.

### Biscarrat

Leads the king's Guards on Aramis's gray horse; Aramis marks him as the first target.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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