Chapter 10

Athos tried to curl in on himself as he received a blow to his abdomen. "Hey, where's that brat of yours."

Anger burned inside of Athos. He would have spat at the man, but he was in too much pain. If he could he would have separated the man's head from his body.

"Tell me, where's the captain?" The man yelled in Athos' face.

TM

d'Artagnan led his group through passageway door directing them to spread out. Alaine exited the passage through one door grabbing a man around the neck and choking him to unconsciousness. d'Artagnan went out another door at the same time as Labelle and Fournier exited their own doors.

The young captain had his target in sight. He took a step forward when a shot rang out getting the man's attention. d'Artagnan shot his pistol just as the other man started to raise his gun at d'Artagnan.

The man fell to his death, but they had been noticed. d'Artagnan could see Aramis and Constance across the yard.

TM

Aramis and Constance were hidden behind crates outside the mess when they heard the report of the gun. One of the cadets that had followed Aramis was sitting holding his shoulder. Blood could be seen gushing between his fingers.

Another shot rang out across the yard and they could see d'Artagnan standing with his pistol pointed at a man on the ground. This got the attention of the two men to Constance and Aramis' right. As one they raised their guns and fired at the two men dropping them where they stood.

This still left one of the cadets held captive.

TM

"What the hell's goin' on out there?" The leader yelled. "Get him untied and up," he snapped at one of his men.

Athos was dragged to the door, a gun held to his temple. The door was pushed open and they went out on the mezzanine.

"Captain, I want my brother out of the chatele now or your friend will be shot!"

TM

Aramis and Constance were still hidden by the crates. They looked at each other. Aramis sighed. "Even if I had my musket I couldn't get a clean shot."

Constance nodded. They had nearly gotten all the men, but the leader and three of his men.

"Monsieur, I will cooperate."

The two friends looked at each other again as d'Artagnan stepped out into the middle of the yard, arms out and no weapons.

"Merde," Constance said under her breath.

Aramis raised an eyebrow. A cross between shocked and impressed appeared on his face.

TM

Sylvie's head snapped up towards the door hearing the gun shots. She handed Raoul over to Elodie.

"Sylvie, what are you doing?"

Sylvie grabbed her gun and walked to the door. She peered through the window and her heart nearly sank at the sight of Athos on the mezzanine.

"Sylvie!" Elodie's voice was nearly a whisper, but it was sharp.

Sylvie scanned the area and caught sight of Aramis and Constance hiding behind some crates. She opened the door an inch. The slight creak of the door caught Constance's attention.

Sylvie watched as Constance and Aramis spoke to each other. She couldn't hear what they were saying though. After a moment they turned together crouched to the floor and made their way back to the door of the mess. When the men holding Athos had their attention on d'Artagnan they made their way inside the mess.

"Now what?" Sylvie demanded.

"We're sneaking back into the captain's office through the secret passageway," Aramis said.

"I'm coming with you," Sylvie said.

Constance and Aramis exchanged a look debating on whether or not to say no.

"Go," Elodie said from across the room holding both babies in her arms. "All three of you."

Constance nodded. "Let's go."

TBC