TO CARVE AN ANGEL FROM MARBLE act five, chapter thirty eight
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( june 1, 1832 )
THE NEWS CAME AROUND noon.
"General Lamarque is dead!"
It was little Gavroche who had said it, his higher-pitched voice somehow audible even over the conversations that flowed among the other revolutionaries. Silence fell over the room. No one dared speak, as if everyone was waiting for the boy to announce that he was only joking.
But then he repeated himself, this time in a quieter voice that only made the news all the more heavier.
"The General is dead."
Enjolras stood from his seat, where he had been discussing various ways to obtain ammunition with Bahorel. "You're certain?" he asked.
Gavroche pulled a face that conveyed offense. "Course I am! I heard the doc announce it 'imself."
Madeleine could see Enjolras' eyes glistening in the sunlight that shone through the windows. It was then that she was reminded of just how much he venerated the General— to Enjolras, who was closer to the revolutionary figures whom his life's work was inspired by than his own parents, losing Lamarque was like losing family. She wanted to reach out to comfort him, but then, with a clear of his throat and several blinks to clear away the unshed tears, he stood to his feet and addressed the room.
"We knew it was coming, we were just unsure of when," he said. "Lamarque's death, while a tragedy, is the sign we've been awaiting. It is time, my friends, for our barricades to arise."
A chorus of mumbled agreement traveled throughout the room, followed closely by an excited cheer from Gavroche, who pumped his fist into the air with a grin. Madeleine couldn't help but smile at this; no matter what, the young boy never failed to be filled with youthful optimism.
"Bahorel—" Enjolras looked down at the man whom he'd been sitting beside only moments before. "—take Lesgle and find those other groups you've been in contact with around the city to relay the news. If they are ready, then so are we." Bahorel nodded, and their leader then turned to Courfeyrac, continuing: "Feuilly is working. Go and tell him, as well, if you will. Ask him to join us here as soon as he can."
"Oui, Capitaine," said Courfeyrac with a smile. He stood to his feet and made for the door behind Bahorel.
Gavroche hurried after him. "Let me come, too!"
Once they were gone, Enjolras turned back and gave the remaining members a satisfied nod. "As for the rest of us— we have work to do."
