Hey all, sorry for the delay. I was going to continue to give you a bit more insight into something really important but it's extending into a HUGE chapter so I have broken it up. The boys are about to discover something about d'Artagnan... but you won't find out what... yet! (It's being written now)—This chapter was already massively long as I got to that section, so we are in transition! Please tell me what you think! Thanks again for all the feedback. Reviews actually help me figure out where I'm going with great clarity so... please feel free!
* TM * TM * TM *
They rode on that morning in relative silence, having restocked their supplies and rested their horses well enough for a long stretch of travel. After Porthos left the stables, Baudin had taken it upon himself to stay close to d'Artagnan, the young man's troubled demeanor seeming to slow his responses, as his mind was clearly elsewhere. It was after d'Artagnan's eyes had bored into the back of the musketeers' heads for a full ten minutes that Baudin decided to try and engage him in conversation again.
"There is more to prepare, d'Artagnan," Baudin said. He slowed his horse to little more than a gentle walk, and d'Artagnan had to do the same in order to hear him. "We will be passing near Anet tomorrow. What do you know of it?"
D'Artagnan replied, "I know that His Majesty's father, King Henry the Fourth, defeated the Catholic League near Anet in 1590. He was a Calvinist then, and though he denounced Protestantism later, he is the one who signed the Edict of Nantes to give some religious freedoms to the Huguenots. In the end, I believe it cost him his life."
"You are well schooled," Baudin said, impressed.
"For a farm boy, you mean," d'Artagnan said.
Baudin smiled. "No—perhaps for a soldier. What do you think of Henry's actions?"
D'Artagnan shrugged. "I think he was politique who underestimated the strong opinions of people on both sides of the issue."
Baudin nodded agreement. "I believe you are right. And I believe his son is guilty of doing the same. The people of Anet are ready to join in this movement, d'Artagnan, and take the lead. We have informed them of our passing and they have asked for support."
"What kind of support?" d'Artagnan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Near the Château d'Anet is a chapel with a cellar stockpiled with weapons, enough for a hearty battle if one were ever to present itself again. But the people of the village themselves are not organized. They have asked me for a plan to best utilize their forces and their strength, and I have agreed. We need to see what skills and tools they have, and then we can help them."
"They are planning an uprising?" d'Artagnan guessed.
"Not yet. But soon. You can help prepare them."
"I won't be welcome there—the others won't either. King's musketeers represent Catholicism to them."
"They have promised fine behavior."
D'Artagnan snorted. "Like the people of Vassy?" he scoffed. "You'll understand if I doubt their sincerity."
"Not this time, d'Artagnan. As a matter of fact, they were quite excited to hear that a musketeer had joined the ranks."
"Athos, Aramis, and Porthos haven't 'joined the ranks,'" d'Artagnan reminded him. "I am concerned for them as well."
Baudin nodded. "I understand," he said.
"You will make it clear that my aid to them depends on their treatment of not just myself, but of the others," d'Artagnan instructed him. "One attack and I will stop—loyal to you or not, Baudin."
"Understood." Baudin smiled. "You are steadfast," he observed. "It is a Gascon trait."
D'Artagnan nodded. "A good one," he agreed.
They lapsed into silence again, with Baudin satisfied that their talk had bolstered the young man's mood. But after a time, he was chagrined to see a morose look appear on d'Artagnan's face again, and once more his focus was on the quietly traveling musketeers in ahead of them. He felt the need to speak up again. "Your heart should be lighter this morning, d'Artagnan, now that you have seen Porthos for yourself. He is well."
"He is recovering," d'Artagnan corrected. "But, yes, I am glad to see it."
They continued without further conversation, but Baudin could see his young companion was deep in thought, and his expression remained stony, and closed. Finally, without turning away from Aramis, Porthos, and Athos, d'Artagnan said to Baudin, "They think I am ashamed of what I am doing."
Baudin looked at the young man, furrowed his brow. "Are you ashamed?" he asked.
D'Artagnan shook his head. "I am ashamed that Porthos got hurt. I do not want them in harm's way. But they are treating me like I didn't tell them the truth about wanting to help the people of Vassy and others like them." D'Artagnan's expression hardened. "I meant it, Baudin. Those people deserve better."
Baaudin smiled at d'Artagnan's earnestness. "I understand," he said. "From the look on your face I sense you have a plan to deal with that."
D'Artagnan nodded. "Let me handle the people of Anet alone, Baudin. Without your men standing guard over me. And let it be in plain view of the musketeers. They need to see that I do it willingly, freely, and with your trust."
"And if they raise their swords against you?"
"Then I shall die. I won't fight them. But I will not stop."
Baudin looked at the tight, determined expression of the young man beside him, met his dark, piercing eyes, and understood his resolve. "You do me an honor, d'Artagnan," he said finally. "A man of principles is not as easy to come by as he once was. And you are, indeed, a man of your word. I am pleased to offer you a chance to put your mind at ease regarding the musketeers. Your request is granted. We will talk with the people of Anet together when we arrive, then I will leave the work in your hands. And I will personally ensure both they and the musketeers are assured of my trust in you."
"I won't let you down," d'Artagnan promised earnestly.
"I know you won't," Baudin replied warmly.
D'Artagnan looked back to the musketeers, then turned thankful eyes to Baudin. "I am grateful for your confidence," he said.
"It has been well earned."
* TM * TM * TM *
The band of travellers moved on until sunset, when they made a camp for the night. Porthos resisted the fussing of Aramis unsuccessfully, as the medic insisted on checking his ribs and rubbing more salve on his back and shoulders. But when they finished eating, the big musketeer gratefully accepted the extra blankets and rolls from the horses that gave him a softer place to lie down.
A few feet away, they saw Baudin's men settling in for the evening, with d'Artagnan in the midst of them, being singled out by Baudin for attention. Again, the two sat by the fire, clearly deep in conversation, d'Artagnan occasionally shaking his head and pointing to something on the paper Baudin was holding. Then Baudin would answer, and the Gascon would nod, and his hands would move in that animated way they always did when he got excited or involved. Youth, or the place of his birth, was responsible, they had always surmised amongst themselves when they caught him at it like that.
"You think he's all right?" Porthos asked, breaking the long moment when the trio were just openly staring at the young man, whom they longed to have by their side, and whose actions they longed to understand.
At that moment d'Artagnan burst out laughing, throwing his head back before appearing to catch himself in a poor choice of physical movement and wincing as he raised a hand to the back of his head. Baudin stood up and put a hand on the young man's shoulder, and said words the musketeers could not hear. After a moment, the lad lowered his hand and smiled sheepishly at Baudin, who nodded and sat down again, and the two resumed their discussion.
"He's fine," Athos said, a note of sourness touching his voice. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow is bound to be an exciting day."
Aramis and Porthos turned and watched him as he walked away.
* TM * TM * TM *
Athos looked around at the village that lay before them as the musketeers dismounted. "An interesting choice of places to stop," he said the next afternoon, his eyes sharp and suspicious.
"Just right if you consider Baudin's objective," Aramis replied. He watched as Porthos carefully got off his horse. "Anet isn't exactly friendly toward the King."
"And that means it won't be exactly friendly to us either," Porthos added. "I wonder how long we're staying."
Athos's eyes darkened as he focused on something past his brothers. "I believe we're about to find out."
Aramis and Porthos turned to see Baudin approaching them. "Gentlemen," he greeted. Unperturbed by the cold reception he received, he continued, "Please let me assure you that our stay here, although necessary, will be brief and uneventful."
Athos fixed him with a cold, hard stare. "We hardly expect you to assure us of our safety."
"Nevertheless, d'Artagnan has expressed his concern that you may feel threatened by the people of Anet, and I agree that some of the residents may feel equally threatened by your presence."
"And his," Porthos interjected, glancing at Aramis.
Baudin nodded. "Indeed. But unlike the people of Vassy, the people here will welcome d'Artagnan with open arms, as I have explained to them that he is a fine strategist and upright young man in whom I place my complete trust."
Athos raised an eyebrow. "Really," he deadpanned.
"Absolutely," Baudin answered. "I have a firm belief in d'Artagnan, despite Louis's misgivings, and his work here today will only reinforce it."
"Dare we ask what he's doing here today?" Aramis inquired.
Baudin nodded. "Certainly. D'Artagnan will be sharing his expertise with the leaders of the movement here—reviewing the weapons in their armoury, and teaching them how to organize themselves. So that the next time the Catholic League or some other such pompous organization dares to rear its ugly head again, they will be ready. Who better to show them what the King's men are now capable of, than one of the King's men?"
"You're forcing him to do this," Aramis accused suddenly. Athos and Porthos looked him, surprised by his unexpected and clearly passionate outburst. "D'Artagnan thinks he is protecting us. He will do whatever he must to ensure our safety. Even this."
"That is not so," Baudin said calmly. "Your safety is now dependent on your silence, not on his actions. D'Artagnan has already done enough to see him condemned to death if you were to witness against him. You are therefore already ensnared, and he has no need to continue to ensure your silence. He is acting of his own free will. As a matter of fact, he asked for this task." At the looks of dismay on the faces of the musketeers, Baudin paused and smiled fondly. "You may be pleased to know, though, that he has made it clear that if there is a single act against the three of you by anyone, all aid ceases—to the people of Anet, and to me. I wonder why he shows you such loyalty, when you did not show the same to him yesterday?"
Porthos's expression grew hard. "You're bluffing. What could he teach them?"
"D'Artagnan may be young, but he knows the workings of the minds of three of the King's most valuable musketeers. That alone is priceless. He will be a fine teacher, and he has willing students."
"Students who may turn on him in his sleep?" Athos put in.
"You underestimate him," Baudin said. "I, and the people of Anet, will not do the same. Watch and see."
* TM * TM * TM *
Athos frowned as he watched d'Artagnan once again disappear into the chapel. "Well, Baudin was telling the truth," he said bitterly. "He's been on his own all afternoon, and not once has he tried to get away from the townspeople."
"What would you expect him to do?" Aramis responded. "Even without Baudin sitting on top of him, you must know he's being watched, somehow."
"Perhaps," Athos conceded, turning away from the building and taking a drink of water from the skin he had pulled from his saddlebag. He spat out the liquid, then leaned against the large tree under which they stood, then immediately pulled away. Standing still was not easy right now; his blood felt electric. No matter what he said, or saw, or felt, the need to pull d'Artagnan away from Baudin and shake him until he saw sense was overpowering. "But there is nothing, not even a glance, that indicates Porthos's undying faith is well founded."
The big musketeer sighed from his place at the foot of the tree. He was grateful to have the chance to rest, despite his wish to keep up with the Gascon, and the cool breeze and the soft grass were soothing. "Give him time," he said.
"How much more time?" Athos snapped back, a little harder than he intended to. "Heaven knows what he's telling those people. Baudin was right—what d'Artagnan knows is enough to get started with. He's learned our strategies, he knows the inside of the garrison, and he knows the workings of the court. He has no fear now—if we don't speak up and his complicity is discovered, we are condemned with him. If we do—" He cut himself off as he realized what he was about to say, and the hurt of it was nearly unbearable. "If we do," he repeated, his voice soft and openly pained, "we betray a brother who has more than once offered his life for ours."
Aramis felt the ache swelling in his friend's heart, and he moved to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Athos did not look at him, did not react to his touch, but the marksman knew that did not mean the man was not listening. "Let us believe in d'Artagnan, for just a little bit longer."
Athos said nothing at first, keeping his thoughts deep within himself. Then, without looking at the man at his side, he asked, "Can you?"
"I have to," Aramis answered quietly. "Because believing in the alternative would kill us all."
* TM * TM * TM *
Athos leaned back against the old cart near the chapel that was currently hiding them from view of anyone who might be looking. After Baudin's announcement earlier in the day, Aramis had suggested that the trio keep track of d'Artagnan's activities, and while the Gascon was surrounded by others, they'd watched openly. Early in the evening, the young man was heard to claim tiredness and a continuing headache, and he turned in. The musketeers stayed up, talking quietly to themselves and partaking of a late meal and drink, unwilling to be alone with their thoughts as Anet went to sleep around them. But just when they were going to turn in, they'd discovered d'Artagnan silently and stealthily leaving the inn that the travellers had holed up in for the night, and after a quick and silent discussion, they had followed. The lad hadn't seen them, they were certain, and he'd slipped into the chapel near the château.
"This is a waste of time," Athos grumbled after thirty minutes. "No one else is showing up."
"Do you think he's all right?" Porthos wondered quietly, ignoring his brother's words.
Aramis shook his head. "No," he replied. "If he was all right, he wouldn't be working with Baudin." He couldn't get the memory of the concussed and in pain Gascon lying on the floor of the cellar out of his head. The medic in him wanted desperately to get d'Artagnan alone, to check him over as he had tried to do the other night; he had seemed clear-headed when Aramis had snuck into his room to try and speak with him. But could there be an injury making him fold to Baudin's will that the medic hadn't had time to detect?
Athos glanced at Aramis, taking note of the tension in his voice. The man's outburst earlier in the day when Baudin boasted about d'Artagnan's cooperation had taken both him and Porthos by surprise. None of them were happy with the situation, but even Athos had managed to keep a cool head in front of Baudin. Perhaps, like himself, Aramis was finding the uncertainty unbearable. "Why don't we see what he's doing for ourselves?" he suggested, purposely keeping his tone neutral.
"I thought you'd never ask," Porthos said immediately. Then he pulled away from the group, had a look around to make sure no one was going to spot them in the moonlight, and crossed swiftly to the shadow of the archway that framed the chapel door. With a shrug of his shoulders, Athos moved to join him, with Aramis quick to follow.
"What's the plan?" Porthos asked when they arrived.
"Find him, see what he's doing, beat some sense into him," Aramis proposed.
Athos rolled his eyes. "See what he's doing, talk if it's prudent," he amended.
"Spoilsport," Aramis said.
"Someone may have already been in there when he entered. We weren't here until he was, remember." The others shrugged. "Aramis, you keep watch out here in case anyone comes. Porthos, you and I will try and find d'Artagnan." Aramis frowned. "You have the sharpest eye in this light, my friend," Athos said. Aramis continued to look unhappy, but he nodded.
"We'll be back soon," Porthos assured him. Then he and Athos disappeared inside.
* TM * TM * TM *
A/N- what do you think is going on? Please leave some feedback and let me know!