Aleksei's Journal - The Rock of Tormentos

From the Journal of Aleksei Courtanveux du Agenais:

Amordi, 10th of Corantine:

I have often reflected that Monseiur Philip du Paix would not be the sort of man I would normally wish to be seen taking breakfast with, and yet I find myself too often in his company. I blame the unfortunate frequency of our meetings on my friend Julian, whom Monseiur du Paix seems to have some hold over and who I have too great a fondness for to leave in such sordid company alone. I recall Sebastien mentioning some order from above indenturing the Musketeer to Monseiur du Paix's service, though how such a thing came to be I do not know, save only that he joined Julian and I and in the meeting.

Lady Marie-Celeste accompanied me as well, no doubt continuing to play the nurse-maid. I cannot say I am yet accustomed to her presence in my home, but as she is both me senior in the Order and in need of domicile in Paix I could hardly refuse her. Yet I continue to wonder whether Mlle. Marie-Celeste represents some trepidation among my brother Knights about admitting one so young among the ranks of full members. Such doubt, of course, has no place in the mind of a member of the Rose and Cross and I shall set myself to putting it aside.

Regardless, the breakfast! M. du Paix introduced a gentleman of Eisen heritage who, like so many of his kin, was employed for his martial and tactical skill. Such skill was soon to be necessary, M. du Paix assured, as we (Julian, Sebastian, Mlle. Marie-Celeste and I) were to travel by sea to the Isla Tormentos and assists in its conquest. Dear M. Philippe had clearly confused us with with soldiers or some such.

Had that alone been the only surprise we were to endure perhaps it would have been a meeting much like all others we have had with him (a revelation that strongly compels me to end my association with the rogue). We had not yet discussed how we would approach a Castillian island fortress, though, and so we were introduced to the captain of the vessel that would convey us thither. None other than Captain Crispino himself arrived, smirking with self-confidence that he was protected from Sebastien's ire by M. du Paix's employment.

Somehow, despite the obvious spectre of treachery, we were all convinced that M. du Paix's plan must go forward. I cannot recall what clever explanation was provided but I am inclined to believe that Julian and Sebastien were compelled to go out of duty or obligation, and I acquiesced due to my youthful inclination toward adventure. Mlle. Marie-Celeste had no objection that I recall, though I think perhaps she does not know Philippe du Paix as of yet. By sunset we were all of us aboard "Il Falco", a brig captained by the Vodacce villian.