It was nearing dusk when we reached the town of Versaillis. We really needed to stop for the night. Just then, Athos stopped suddenly and held a hand up. The others looked too and I became quite frightened. "What is it" I whispered.
"I don't think we're alone" Porthos commented.
"D'Artagnan, take Naomi behind those rocks and if you have to shoot, don't hesitate" Athos ordered.
I got off Belle as she nuzzled me in fright. "Run girl, follow them" I told her, urging her to run before the first shots were fired. D'Artagnan grabbed my hand and we hurried behind the huge rock formation and knelt down as gunfire was exchanged.
My heart was beating in my throat as D'Artagnan and I loaded our pistols. We heard a stronger voice, a hint of a Spanish accent shout "Give us the girl with you" and they fired toward the rocks.
"Naomi, look out" D'Artagnan called as I was hit. I screeched in pain but both D'Artagnan and I shot the stranger at the same time. After being sure, D' Artagnan took a cloth and tied it around my arm.
"Keep your arm and shoulder still. We get to shelter and you let Aramis tend to you, alright" he asked. I nodded and the others came rushing over and he told Aramis to tend to me after we got somewhere safe.
"Can you hold until we get to Versaillis" Athos asked.
"Yes" I answered, watching as Belle and the other horses returned at Porthos' whistle. I managed to ride one handed after some help getting back on. With that, we made our way quickly to Versaills.
It didn't take much time for us to find an abandoned manor with a stable. We quickly got all our horses in, grabbed what supplies we needed, picked the lock on the house and hurried inside before locking the door again, and started making our base for the night. Luckily, the house was still furnished, just dusty. They helped me settle into a bedroom. D'Artagnan stayed and aided me in helping me get into sleeping clothes, leaving my left arm exposed so it could be tended to.
"We're going to have to put you out" Aramis commented as he set out some tools. Right then, Athos walked in with two bottles.
"Hardly the time for a drink" Porthos commented.
"Not for me, for Naomi to take the pain, well, some of it away. The other is ether so be cautious which you open" Athos instructed, handing me the bottle of brandy. He helped me take a drink and I did all I could not to throw it up.
"That was disgusting" I commented, suddenly feeling dizzy.
"It will help although you'll feel like hell in the morning" he told me. I was starting to get tired and Athos handed a cloth and the bottle of ether to D'Artagnan. I watched as he put some on the cloth.
"Will you trust me" D'Artagnan asked softly. I slowly nodded and he put the cloth under my nose. His soft eyes were the last thing I saw before everything went black.
D'Artagnan's P.O.V
I held Naomi's right hand and watched as Aramis removed the shell and stitched up the wound neatly. We finally got her up enough to make another sling so her arm would be completely still. At that moment, I gazed upon her sleeping figure and she looked peaceful. Gently, I touched her forehead and I felt a hint of fever. "Aramis, I sense a fever" I commented, looking up.
Aramis touched her forehead as well and nodded. "Athos, please a bowl of water and Porthos, fresh cloth please" he instructed. I watched, sitting by Naomi's side.
"Are you going to stay with her tonight" Aramis asked.
"I can" I answered.
"It might be best and that way, the rest of us will be able to watch for any intruders. If her father has made as many enemies as it seems, someone will try for her again" Athos commented as he returned and sat it on the table as Porthos returned with fresh cloth.
I watched the others leave to stand watch as I dipped one of the cloths in the water, rung it out, and ran it along Naomi's forehead. I gazed upon her sleeping face and the peace returned. I prayed silently that she could maybe have a restful night's sleep as I was sure she probably hadn't had one since before she left with us. I took the cloth, soaked it again, and rung it out again before laying it on her forehead.
I don't know how late it was but I must have dropped off because I jerked awake when I heard her cry out "Papa! Papa, what have you done? Don't kill him!"
I slowly laid my hand on her shoulder and called to her "Naomi, wake up! It's only a dream." At that, she started to calm and opened her eyes, looking around. "You're in Versallis Naomi. Are you alright" I asked.
"I think so D'Artagnan" she answered as I eased her back down.
"What happened" I asked softly, dampening another cloth and stroking her cheeks softly.
Naomi's P.O.V
"I saw him being executed" I answered, tears dripping down my cheeks.
"Did you hear for what" D'Artagnan asked as footsteps came racing toward the room.
"Why the screams" Aramis asked.
"Nightmare but thanks for checking on me" I answered.
"Alright, we may have to leave tomorrow, soon as we can. If we get lucky, we could be back in Paris and at the garrison by mid day but only if you can ride Naomi" Athos told us and looked at me.
"I think I can manage" I told him.
"I'll be the judge of that after I check on you in the morning to be certain" Aramis answered. They left the room after that and I looked at D'Artagnan.
"I'm not leaving you alone, I promise. Especially not after that nightmare" he assured me gently. Softly, he touched my cheek and in that gentle touch, I felt safe for the first time with anyone other than my father and I eased off to sleep. I had no idea what my arrival in Paris would lead to.