I stood in front of the guard, what little patience I had now gone. "I've already told you, my name is Kay and I'm here with replacement horses. While I'm here, I'm also supposed to do a health check on all the others to make sure they are still sound. Minister Treville was to notify you to expect me."
"Nobody said anything to me about someone coming with horses. And certainly no woman." the guard laughed. "Whoever heard of a female horse doctor."
"Send someone for one of the Musketeers Aramis, Porthos or D'Artagnan. They know me and will vouch for me."
"It'll take a bit to find them. Make yourself comfortable." he told me.
"I'll be with the horses," I said, turning away.
-The next morning, I was packing my things away when I heard someone approaching. "No matter how much you try, you still can't sneak on dry leaves, Porthos."
He gave a soft chuckle. "How do you do that?"
I straightened up and turned just in time to be picked up in a hug. I hugged him back, happy to see him. Within seconds, we were surrounded by my dozen black charges, now playing guardians.
"It's okay, boys." I reassured them. "He's a friend."
Porthos set me down. "Shall we get you and your boys into camp? I imagine there are several others anxious to see you."
I picked up my pack and whistled as we headed towards the guards. The horses fell into a double line behind us, no ropes or halters on any of them. After a brief stop so Porthos could verify who I was and let the guards know I was always welcome without needing an escort, we headed in.
On the way back to the camp, Porthos told me what had happened in the year since we'd last seen each other. I of course knew about Rochefort and Treville being made Minister, but was astounded about Aramis and the Queen and that he had entered a monastery. I was happy for D'Artagnan and Constance.
We reached the makeshift stables before we could talk about anyone else, for which I was thankful. As I put the new horses into a separate grazing area to get acclimated, I did a mental check on the others.
"Porthos," I called to get his attention, "Roger isn't here."