The Greater Good

by elbcw

The Musketeers are despatched to assist in a delivery for the King. But the man they are to help is far from pleasant and the men trying to kill him are even worse. Athos has to give an order he does not like due to the effect it will have on the others.

6. Chapter 6

The Greater Good

Epilogue

As Athos left Treville's room, he saw Porthos, d'Artagnan and Aramis sat at the table in the garrison yard. Porthos was telling them some tale or other, no doubt something to do with his last card cheating adventures. Both Aramis and d'Artagnan had been back on full duties for a week now, although Treville had kept them on relatively easy work to begin with.

When they had returned to the garrison they had been a sorry looking group. D'Artagnan was struggling to stay on his horse, and Aramis had been in obvious pain, so much so that he had not complained when two other musketeers helped him off his horse and practically carried him to the infirmary.

Athos wandered across to them. He waited for Porthos to finish his story.

'I have some news for you.'

They all looked round at him.

'I have just heard from Treville that Lefevre has been shot,' he paused gazing at each man in turn, their faces impassive, 'he was returning to his estate after delivering his gift. This must have been a week ago,' he paused again, none of the men reacted, 'the odd thing was he was shot in the left arm...'

This time there was a slight reaction from d'Artagnan, who could no longer keep eye contact with Athos.

'He was shot in such a way that he will never regain full use of his arm.'

Athos noticed the Aramis was suddenly very interested in his wine. Porthos continued to maintain eye contact.

'The shot must have been done by an accomplished marksman…'

By this time d'Artagnan was looking anywhere he could accept at Athos.

'…any idea who could have done that?' asked Athos looking at Aramis who was still very interested in his wine.

Athos paused, he looked at Porthos, 'Porthos, you need to teach these two how to bluff, it is no wonder you always beat them at cards.'

D'Artagnan could not hold back a small snigger and Aramis was smirking at his wine now. Porthos rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders.

Porthos poured Athos some wine and handed it to him.

'I guess,' said Porthos, 'he won't be quite so good at hitting his servants anymore…shame that.'

'For the greater good,' said Athos lifting the cup in a brief salute to all three of them.

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Authors note: Thanks very much for all the follows and reviews.