Athos

Also known as: Comte de la Fere / M. de la Fere / M. le Comte de la Fere / M. le Comte de la Fère / Monsieur le Comte de la Fere / comte / monsieur le comte / the Comte de la Fere / the comte / the count / the great Athos · Family: La Fere · Role: father · First appears: Chapter 3

In chapter 3, Athos is reunited with his son Raoul after more than a year apart, having sent him back to Prince de Conde after the prince’s restoration to favor. He renews his prohibition against Raoul visiting Mademoiselle de la Vallière: “I had desired you to avoid Mademoiselle de la Vallière, and not to see her without my permission.” In chapter 5, father and son visit Athos’s new buildings and horses together.

Athos employs Grimaud, entrusts his house to Blaisois, and remains a friend to D’Artagnan. He is also tied to the royal cause: he aided Charles I, received honors from Charles I and Anne of Austria, and becomes a friend and supporter of Charles II. In 1635, Monk agrees to accompany him in recovering the gold Athos had concealed at Newcastle in 1648; Athos later reveals that the treasure belongs to the exiled Charles II. He remains near Monk despite being detained under guard, then carries Monk’s sealed letter to Charles II.

After Charles II’s restoration, Athos receives the Order of the Golden Fleece and is sent as his ambassador to Louis XIV, delivering the king’s dispatch and formally offering Henrietta Stuart’s hand to Philip. Charles II tells him, “you have been to me a second father,” while Louis XIV promises to reward his services. Athos’s connection with D’Artagnan continues through their reunion after eleven years, their joint mission, and D’Artagnan’s bequest to Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and Raoul.

In chapter 51, Athos finally gives Raoul permission to marry Mademoiselle de la Vallière, but Raoul refuses the concession and chooses to wait for Athos to change his opinion. Their relationship remains that of father and son, with Raoul calling Athos “My protector,” and in chapter 61 D’Artagnan again takes Athos’s arm as the old friends proceed together.