# LXXXVI: Conferences explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Mazarin, now a prisoner of Athos, d'Artagnan, and Porthos, attempts to negotiate his freedom by offering them a key to escape through the park. The three friends, suspicious but willing, accept the offer and force Mazarin to guide them to the wall. After climbing over, they discover Grimaud and a group of sixty men led by Aramis, who has been lying in wait. D'Artagnan reveals his knowledge of Mazarin's hidden treasure, further tightening their grip on the cardinal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Mazarin's attempt to buy his freedom with a key and the revelation of his hidden treasure highlight the corrupt use of power and wealth.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The reunion of Athos, d'Artagnan, Porthos, and the mention of Aramis underscore the enduring loyalty and camaraderie among the four friends.

## Character check-ins

### Mazarin

Mazarin is a prisoner of Athos, d'Artagnan, and Porthos, attempting to negotiate his freedom by offering them a key to escape through the park.

### Athos

Athos is the host of the conference, receiving Mazarin and his friends with courtesy, and later escaping with them over the wall.

### D'Artagnan

D'Artagnan leads the escape, forcing Mazarin to guide them to the wall and revealing his knowledge of the cardinal's hidden treasure.

### Porthos

Porthos assists in the escape, lifting Athos over the wall and helping to pass Mazarin to d'Artagnan.

### Grimaud

Grimaud is posted by Aramis to guard the horses and informs the group of Aramis's presence with sixty men.

### Aramis

Aramis is mentioned as having been at the castle since yesterday, lying in wait with sixty men at the lesser gate.

## Key lines

> And so, my dear count," said d'Artagnan, "his Eminence didn't actually insist on our attending him; it is Du Vallon and I who have insisted, and even in a manner somewhat impolite, perhaps, so great was our longing to see you.

D'Artagnan tells Athos that he and Porthos insisted on accompanying Mazarin, driven by their eagerness to see him.

_D'Artagnan's playful tone reveals the friends' deep bond and their willingness to risk impoliteness for reunion._

> My lord," said d'Artagnan, "I never believe cardinals who are not priests."

D'Artagnan expresses distrust of Mazarin's oath because he is not a priest.

_This line underscores d'Artagnan's skepticism and the theme of deception in political dealings._

> I promise you, my lord, never to part with it," replied Athos.

Athos vows to keep Mazarin's sword forever.

_Athos's promise symbolizes a bond of honor, even with an enemy, reflecting his noble character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/lxxxvi-conferences
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters