Reconciliation

Chapter Fourteen

It was a fragile peace. That much Athos could see from the way his two friends ignored each other on the way to the Court of Miracles. Porthos rode at the front with d'Artagnan while Aramis was to his right, looking plaintively at Porthos' back.

"What happened tonight?" Athos asked. He was answered with an uninformative shrug and a refusal to meet his gaze.

When they arrived at the outskirts of the Court they dismounted and tied their horses to a post. The number of Red Guards on patrol appeared to have increased and it took a few minutes before they were able to slip inside without being seen. The tension in the air was palpable as they walked through the streets. Although no-one impeded them it was obvious that they weren't welcome. At every turn people would stop what they were doing to watch them in hostile silence.

Aramis was particularly skittish, his head swivelling from side to side and his hand firmly clamped on his sword hilt. Athos sympathised although he would have been happier if his friend had been more relaxed. It wouldn't take much to provoke a riot; one which they would be unlikely to survive.

It was a relief to reach their destination. Porthos led the way inside where they found Flea and half a dozen children ranging in age from toddler to early teen. When she saw them she turned to one of the older girls.

"Amelie, look after the little ones."

Amelie nodded and chivied the other children over to a corner of the room.

"You shouldn't have come," Flea said. "There is a lot of anger in the streets. Some people say that the Queen is trying to steal our children."

Aramis flushed angrily. "She is offering them a better life."

"Peace, brother," Athos said, resting a hand on Aramis' arm to settle him down.

"How would you feel if someone were to take your child away from you?" Flea asked.

Athos felt Aramis stiffen and silently cursed her choice of words. Aramis knew exactly what it was like to lose a child to the care of others.

"If it was a choice between watching my child starve and giving it a chance at life I know what I would choose."

His voice rang loudly in the room and Athos saw the younger children huddling closer to Amelie who was doing her best to comfort them.

"Hey. There's no need to shout at her," Porthos said, his brow creased into a fearsome scowl.

Aramis bowed his head. "My apologies. It isn't my decision to make." Despite his conciliatory words his tone was unfriendly and laced with anger.

"The Queen is a good woman," d'Artagnan said. "She is only trying to help."

Flea's shoulders sagged. "I know."

"Have you reached a decision?" Athos asked.

"It's not my decision to make. I've talked to the people and they've agreed that the orphans can leave but those with parents will remain in the Court."

"They would still be able to see them," d'Artagnan said. "Don't they want to give the children a chance?"

"It would mean tearing families apart, d'Artagnan." Athos could see the anguish on the young man's face. "Don't despair. At least we are helping some of them."

"How many?" Aramis asked.

"Twenty three."

Athos' stomach tightened at the number. It was a pitiful percentage of the overall population. "Very well. We will convey this to the Queen. I imagine it will take a few weeks to arrange so if anyone changes their mind send word to us."

"I'm sorry we couldn't do more," Porthos said, walking forward to take her hand.

"It's more than anyone else has done to help us."

"I'll still come and help to hand out the food."

"It would be best if you stayed away for a while."

Porthos nodded reluctantly. "Will you be alright?"

"I've lived here all my life, Porthos. I'll be fine." She glanced over at Aramis. "Did you two make your peace?"

"We're workin' on it."

Aramis turned away on hearing that and walked quickly out the door. With an apologetic smile Athos followed him. He found him pacing up and down in front of the building.

"It isn't safe for any of us to be out here alone."

"I can look after myself."

"What has angered you?"

Aramis came to a dead stop. "I'm trying to make this work but after everything we've been through the Queen's offer just gets flung back in her face."

"Flea couldn't know how close to home she hit, Aramis. Tell me, how does it feel to watch the Dauphin from a distance? To be able to see him but not be a part of his life? That's what faces the people here. Would you really so easily give up your child to strangers?"

"That's not a fair question to ask me."

"No, it isn't. Just as it isn't fair to ask mothers to part with their children."

Footsteps heralded the arrival of Porthos and d'Artagnan.

"What's wrong with you?" Porthos asked harshly.

"Nothing."

"Here I thought we were makin' progress yet you're still lyin' to me."

Aramis' gaze turned cold. "I came here for you. I can't help it if I think they've made the wrong decision."

"That was noble of you," Porthos said with a sarcastic undertone to his voice. "Here I thought you'd come because you wanted to help."

"Gentlemen." Athos got in between them. "Haven't you done enough damage? Porthos, regardless of his reasons Aramis is here and that wasn't easy for him. Aramis, it isn't for us to judge. Now, I suggest we get out of here before anything happens."

They were still deep inside the Court when they were confronted by six heavily armed men who stood strung out across the road blocking their way.

"We're not lookin' for trouble," Porthos said, holding his hands away from his weapons.

"You're them interfering Musketeers." The man who had spoken was tall and lanky with straggly brown hair and several scars on his face.

"I resent that," Athos said. "I will give you one chance to apologise and get out of our way."

"Who asked you to come here anyway?" The gravelly voice belonged to a man who was easily as muscular as Porthos.

"Flea." Porthos crossed his arms over his chest. "Now, we've asked you nicely to let us past."

"I don't think they understand the consequences of crossing Musketeers," Aramis said,

Athos could hear the strain in his friend's voice. Aramis would never back down from a fight but this was just another example of the dangers facing outsiders who dared to venture into the Court. It would do nothing to persuade Aramis that the people deserved their help. He drew his sword. "We don't want to fight you but we will if you insist."

Three more swords left their scabbards as all four Musketeers stood ready to meet the challenge.

Tbc