Thank you for waiting patiently while I finished Insurgency. This story will also soon be wrapping up. I have half an idea for a new story but I'm not sure about it yet. If anyone has any prompts I would be happy to try and work with them.

Hunter's Moon

Chapter

For five days Athos, Porthos and d'Artagnan guarded the Duke of Savoy during his slow recovery. For that same period Aramis stayed confined to barracks, fretting, Rochefort fumed about the failure of his plans and those who wanted Aramis dead watched and waited.

On the sixth morning Treville called all four of them to his office. "The King's cousin, Princess Louise of Mantua is on her way to Paris. She is to marry the Swedish Crown Prince and the marriage is to be blessed by Archbishop Jacqueme before she continues on her journey. You will meet her at Vezelay and escort her to Paris."

"Is that wise?" Athos asked. "I doubt the Duke has changed his mind about having Aramis killed and we have another shadowy assassin to deal with as well."

"The Duke believes Aramis was behind the attempt on his life. He isn't happy that the King let him go," d'Artagnan added.

"This is an important assignment. The marriage will strengthen ties between the two countries. I need my best men and that means you four."

"I can't stay hidden away for ever," Aramis said. "This is a good way to draw out my enemies."

"It's a good way to get you killed," Porthos grumbled.

"Don't be so pessimistic." Aramis gave Porthos a rueful smile. "We will be on our guard."

"It is putting the Princess at risk," Athos said, unwilling to let go of his concerns. "If we are attacked while she is in our company she could be hurt or killed."

"Then I suggest you deal with it before you meet with her," Treville said. "The journey should take no more than three days. You leave in the morning."

The meeting was clearly over so the Musketeers left Treville's office and returned to the yard. Aramis' mood, which had been subdued, began to soar.

"It's about time Treville let me off the leash. I swear I was going mad waiting here while you were on duty."

"He could hardly have you guardin' the Duke," Porthos said.

"No, I suppose not, but there are other duties I could have undertaken."

"It has given you a chance to fully heal from your injuries," Athos reminded him.

"And almost die of boredom."

"I don't think this mission will be boring," d'Artagnan said. "Whoever is after you will see it as a perfect chance to kill you."

"Attempt to kill me," Aramis chided. "Well, we must make sure they know we are leaving Paris. I'm tired of waiting for them to attack me."

"You have a plan?" Athos asked.

Aramis smiled.

TMTMTM

"Vezelay," Aramis said, his slurred voice carrying over the noise in the tavern. Anyone watching would have seen him apparently applying himself diligently to several bottles of wine. In reality he had drunk very little and was entirely sober.

"Keep your voice down," Athos admonished him. "It's supposed to be a secret mission." He also spoke loudly enough for his words to be heard by those sitting at the surrounding tables. He was considerably more inebriated but years of practice meant that he could hide it well.

"I'd rather stay in Paris," Aramis added. "At least here there's some excitement."

"We have no choice other than to follow our orders." D'Artagnan poured more wine for everyone.

Aramis was aware that they were the focus of much scrutiny. The tavern they had chosen wasn't one of their usual haunts and their presence had provoked some unease amongst the patrons. They were all on high alert in case of an attack. So far the mood had been tense but not threatening.

Porthos leaned forward. "Two tables over. Man there is lookin' real interested in what we're sayin'"

"Let's hope they take the bait," Athos said softly. "We leave at dawn," The volume of his voice raised again. "We should get some sleep."

D'Artagnan slouched back in his chair, his gaze roaming around the room. "Our friend just left," he said before draining his glass.

"They will lay an ambush." Athos picked up his hat and gloves. "Are you sure this is wise?"

"They won't stop. I'd rather face them in the open than in an alley."

"Fair enough. Well, gentlemen, I suggest we call it a night. Tomorrow should bring things to a head."

TMTMTM

Raymond sat alone drinking a cup of ale. The last week had been hard on his nerves while he waited for news. The coward, Aramis, hadn't left the garrison although his friends had come and gone as usual. He was frustrated and angry. His meagre supply of coin was rapidly diminishing and he would soon have to make the decision to return to his village.

Bastien Hebert and his men tolerated him and he, in turn, despised them. They were thugs and bullies, making the lives of those who inhabited this quarter even more miserable. Once he had been part of a crusade to make France a better place. Now he was reduced to this.

He sipped the sour ale, almost wishing that he had never embarked on this quest for revenge. Emilie had been a fraud but, for all that, it had been glorious to be a part of her inner circle of trusted confidantes. He had been respected for the first time in his life. Then the Musketeer had come and it had all changed.

His wavering resolve strengthened when he saw one of Hebert's men pushing his way through the crowd. He got up and walked over to Hebert's table.

"The Musketeers are leaving Paris. They travel to Vezelay."

That provoked a blank look from Hebert. "Where's Vezelay?"

"It lies to the south," Raymond said. "My village is twenty lieues away from it."

"Then you know the way?"

"Better than that. I know the perfect place to ambush them. They will have to travel through the forest of Fontainebleau. Gather your men. We must leave at once if we are to be ready for them."

Tbc