Sadly the Musketeers aren't mine, I'm just borrowing them.
The sun shone bright and cold as Porthos and Aramis made their way through the streets of Paris, thus far their day had been uneventful.
"C'mon, let's go back; see if Athos has anything more interesting to do." Porthos made to turn back towards the Musketeer garrison.
"Not yet." Aramis put a hand on his friends' arm. "We have company." His dark eyes flicked back in the direction they had come from and Porthos did not need any other explanation. They turned into a small side street; both listening for the footsteps that they knew would follow.
They did not have to wait long; both men slipped into the shadows as soft footfalls sounded in the street. A moment later a hooded figure moved furtively past where Porthos stood. He stepped out of the shadows behind the figure as Aramis stepped out in front, blocking the way. The figure cried out and shied away, falling against the wall as the two men closed in.
When they were only a few steps away Aramis stopped short and put a hand out to stop Porthos. The figure was a young woman, her face shadowed by her green hood. He could see dark eyes staring fearfully at him as she cowered against the wall and although she had been following them, he pitied her.
"Easy, easy. Why were you following us?" Aramis' voice was gentle, almost as though he were talking to a skittish horse.
"Please, I'm looking for a Musketeer. I was hoping you would lead me to him." Her voice was desperate.
"There's a lot of Musketeers; which one in particular?"
"Athos, his name is Athos. Please will you take me to him?" The two men glanced at each other and after a moment Porthos nodded.
"Alright, c'mon then."
As they led the girl through the streets, Aramis watched her. She seemed terrified, one hand held her hood up and she had shied away when his hand had brushed her arm. When they finally reached the garrison he was relieved.
As they entered the courtyard they saw D'Artagnan sitting on the bench, he looked up from the gun he was cleaning as Porthos moved towards him.
"Where's Athos?"
"He's with Treville, why?"
"I'm not sure yet." Porthos glanced over his shoulder at the girl. "But I think we'll find out soon." D'Artagnan watched as the big man made his way up the stairs to Treville's office.
Treville and Athos looked up in surprise as Porthos burst his way through the door. He glanced apologetically at the Captain before turning to his friend.
"Athos, there's a girl here; she wants to see you."
"You charged in here to bring Athos a mistress?" Treville was incredulous.
"I don't have a mistress." Athos frowned in confusion.
"Then what s going on?" Treville's voice was low and dangerous.
"Only one way to find out." Athos turned and made his way out of the door, followed by Porthos and Treville.
As Athos made his way down the stairs he looked across the courtyard at the girl standing with Aramis. It took him only a moment to recognise her, even though he had not seen her in years.
"Clara." His voice echoed across the courtyard and he almost leapt down the last few steps.
"Athos." Aramis moved back as the girl leapt past him and ran across the courtyard, her breath coming in short gasps of relief.
They all watched as Athos caught her in his arms, holding her close for a moment before taking her shoulders and looking searchingly at her. He frowned as he lifted his hands to her hood and pushed it down. She didn't move as he placed one hand on her jaw and turned her head to the side; as he did, they all caught sight of the dark bruise that marked her cheek, an angry red cut in the centre of it. Athos gently ran a finger along the edge of the bruise and took a deep breath before pulling the girl to him and holding her close.
As Aramis watched, he saw anger burning in his friends' blue eyes.
Short first chapter, let's see how it goes.
