To Wait
By: MusketeerAdventure
Summary: d'Artagnan waits for news, word of anything that would explain what had happened to his friends.
Chapter 1
d'Artagnan was too wound up to sit; to eat; to settle down. They had been missing for three days. Three days without a word. Three days of uncertainty that weighed heavily.
It weighed so heavy that it not only brought him panic and apprehension, but the whole garrison seemed to be holding its breath; waiting. Waiting for news, word of anything that would explain what had happened to them.
All he could do was pace; walk the grounds; bite his lips; brush down the horses; clean out the stalls – move, move, keep moving. He had to do anything to keep his thoughts from conjuring up images of all that could go terribly wrong on a mission.
Treville had refused to let him go. Two of his fellow musketeers, assigned to stop him, forcibly if need be, by orders of the Captain. They watched him closely with sorrow for his worries; and alertness as their duty.
On day one, he had tried leaving in the night, but was met by Adrienne in the stalls – having anticipated his plan before it had even taken shape. He was led back to his quarters evenly and with great respect. Adrienne clapping his back and saying, "It has only been a day. We may yet hear something tomorrow."
On day two, he had thought to leave the garrison and walk out his frustrations, and perhaps find an opportunity to elude.
Just as he procured a rented horse, Cypriene and Adrienne grabbed him and when he could not persuade them to let him be, they dragged him back. They insisted to him that they were following orders, and to forgive them. "It has only been two days," Cypriene reminded him. "Tomorrow we will hear something for sure." Finally they let him go, and they walked side by side through the streets and back to the garrison.
Upon their return he saw Treville standing and waiting, arms crossed, shaking his head; in even tones forbidding him to leave the grounds. "There will be no more chances. Next, I will lock you in your quarters. I will stand watch outside your door myself. This is an order." He had turned his back, giving a deaf ear to his argument.
d'Artagnan seethed and cursed, but Treville just let him, until he was spent, exhausted, and could think of nothing else to say; as his anger just seemed to roll over Treville like water.
Today was continued torture. Treville had sent out another scout to try and find information. So now he waited at their favorite eating spot for news or to see them ride in. Their absence taking such a toll that no other musketeer would sit with him, for fear of offending. The table sat only the four.
Serge had continued to lay food and drink in front of him. Each morning, he placed a full plate on the table – taking it away to place down another for lunch – to try again at dinner.
He could not stomach it. Where could they be? What could have possibly happened? Why wasn't he with them?
Early on day three, Serge looked on him like a patient uncle and would not give up. "Eat. What if they need you when they return? You'll be too weak from hunger to be of any service."
d'Artagnan looked down and in front of him Serge had prepared his favorites. Tears pricked the corner of his eyes. The lump in his throat prevented him from speaking and giving his thanks. He rattled in a deep breath, picked up his spoon and sipped the warm liquid broth. Serge smiled down and gripped his shoulder. "All will be well d'Artagnan. You'll see. Have I told you of the time, we waited a whole week for them to return?" d'Artagnan's wide, wet eyes stopped him; and he patted his back. "Maybe, I'll share the adventure with you when they return. Yes?"
After a time, he pushed away the half eaten soup and Serge seemed pleased with the effort, whistling lightly an unrecognizable tune as he cleaned the table. d'Artagnan gave the man a slight smile, grateful for his support.
As he sat and waited, the garrison came to life. It is boisterous and manic with activity. Men practicing their craft of swordsmanship, hand to hand combat, and musketry. Most of the men whispering to each other of the inseparables, sending fleeting gazes in his direction, wondering about his sate; afraid to ask.
Adrienne and Cypriene ever close. Each of them knowing how desperate he is, having witnessed it themselves.
As the day wears on, orders are given, plans for the day made, and rotations set. From his seat, d'Artagnan ignores it all; and Treville lets him.
He barely notices the goings on; but is hyper aware when every man, horse, or carriage returns. He senses Treville stalking the walk way above him.
d'Artagnan can see the concern in the man's body language. He is taunt, careful and controlled in his movements. He speaks to everyone in a clipped manner, but has avoided d'Artagnan ever since their heated exchange a day ago – when he refused to listen, refused his request to help in the search, and later sequestered him here.
He is so angry; he trembles with the sight of him. Who was he to deny him? His Captain, yes, who loves them also; but even he would not keep him from finding his brothers.
He would give it one more day.
Serge was right. Today he would eat, rest, and plan. He would treat this as a mission and be better prepared. He would think as Athos has taught him. He would choose head over heart. He would find them, where the others couldn't. He knew he could do it. Determination slowly began to replace his anxiety. This time, he would make his way out and find them. No one could stop him.
Treville noticed the change the moment he laid eyes on him. He had stopped moving. The pacing had all but given way to contemplation. His lips were firm, tight, pursed together. His eyes like lasers. He could see the wheels turning.
d'Artagnan was seated at the table of the inseparables, alone. He now had a determined set to his countenance as he watched the garrison gate. He noticed as Serge placed the midday meal before him, he did not hesitate to dig in. What was that boy thinking?
Athos would not forgive him if he wasn't here when they arrived.
They would arrive.
Three days was hardly enough time to go by to worry. He tried to impress that on d'Artagnan; but he sent out scouts each day anyway – knowing it sent a double message, but not able to stop himself.
The mission assigned to them had been dangerous – but something he felt they could handle without another regiment to assist. d'Artagnan had been away on his own assignment with Roland, a day earlier to deliver a message of some consequence for the court. He had not been back in time to take part with the three. When asked to consider another as their fourth, they had declined; surprised he would even suggest it. Porthos pointing out that no other would fit quite as well with them as their d'Artagnan.
When d'Artagnan had returned, looking for his brothers, Treville had informed him of their mission, and that in one week they should be returning. He seemed to take it in stride if not a bit perturbed. His mood lightened however with Treville's message to him from Athos - to keep out of trouble and to be here when they returned. Drinks, he imparted would be on Aramis.
d'Artagnan could hear Athos' voice in that message and had laughed.
All had been well until three days ago, when they should have returned. d'Artangnan began the pacing, moving about and barely spent the night hours in his quarters. Instead he sat in Aramis' or Porthos' rooms, counting time; listening for the returning trio. Sleep had been out of the question. Things just disintegrated from there.
Now, on day three, d'Artagnan would not speak to him. He only watched him carefully for signs that he might have news.
His change in demeanor, from anxious to determined, put Treville on alert. He may have to make good his threat to sit outside his door. He did not look forward to the test he knew d'Artagnan would put him through. He was headstrong, and willful. It was Athos all over again.
He remembered the message from Athos to d'Artagnan – to stay out of trouble- but most of all to be here when he returned.
When giving him that message, Athos' eyes had pierced him. He knew at that moment, he was given the charge to not let anything happen to his protégé.
He would do this for Athos, make sure he stayed put, even if it ended with d'Artagnan hating him for it.
To be continued.
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