Hello. I'm sorry my updates are a bit random so thank you for sticking with this. This chapter is a bit fragmneted so I hope it makes sense.

Warning: There are scenes of torture. I estimate after this chapter most likely two more chapters at the most with this warning. :)

Enjoy! :)


Chapter Twenty-Nine

Athos was sat at his desk in his room pouring over the maps of the Épernon area and the routes Aramis was likely to have taken. He had a bottle of wine open but he had hardly drunk any of it. He sat back in his chair with the worry for his friend ever increasing. He heard familiar footsteps approaching.

'It's open Porthos,' he called before the big man could knock. The door opened and Porthos walked in.

'How d'you know it was me?' he asked.

'Your footsteps are unique,' Athos replied without looking up as he stared at the map in front of him.

'When we leaving?' Porthos asked as he sat down in the vacant chair.

'As soon as possible. There aren't many roads that Aramis would have taken and there are enough towns that somebody should have seen him,' Athos sighed at pinched the bridge of his nose. 'We have to make sure that we aren't neglectful in leaving though.'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Porthos asked looking confused. Footsteps could be heard approaching but the footfalls were lighter this time.

'Come in, D'Artagnan,' Athos said as the footsteps reached the door. The Gascon opened the door and immediately saw Porthos who smiled and the maps on Athos' desk.

'So what'd I miss?' he looked between the two.

'Athos is looking for the roads Aramis would have taken,' Porthos replied.

'The problem is with the garden party,' Athos sighed. 'We cannot leave the King and Queen without adequate protection. Not even to go after Aramis.'

'There's more than enough musketeers for that!' D'Artagnan responded loudly.

'Yes, but we are well known and Rochefort is likely to point out our absence,' Athos replied calmly.

'Who cares about Rochefort?' Porthos roared.

'The King,' Athos replied simply. 'Louis' affection is growing for the man and the Queen knows him well. He is trusted.'

'Even though he's a complete slime ball,' D'Artagnan said regretfully.

'Tell the King that,' Porthos huffed.

'Let's get some sleep,' Athos sighed. 'We will get to Aramis as soon as we are able.'

Dawn broke and Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan were up early. They were quickly sorting everything they would need when they went to look for Aramis but they all kept looking towards the garrison entrance hoping Aramis would ride through wondering what all the fuss was about.

A rider appeared at the gate and dismounted entering the garrison on foot.

'I'm looking for the musketeer Athos?' he asked.

'I am he,' Athos replied and outstretched his hand to take the letter. The messenger quickly turned and left.

Athos opened the letter.

Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan,

Please come to the palace at the earliest opportunity to discuss the security arrangements for today's garden party.

Rochefort.

'Rochefort believes that Aramis is back,' Athos said to the others. 'We need to get to the palace but somehow I doubt he'll let us go looking for Aramis until the garden party is over.'


Aramis woke as light filtered into his cell. He was cold but thankfully his leather doublet had helped to keep him warm enough. His skin still stung from where he'd been beaten with the cane but he had also had far worse injuries. He knew his brothers would realise he was missing by now but he also remembered the garden party which they would most likely have to attend before they could search for him. That meant he would be here a fair bit longer, if they found him at all.

The cell door opened and Renard walked in.

'Ah, you're awake,' the scarred man smiled but Aramis saw only hate in his eyes. Renard nodded at the two men that had restrained Aramis the day before and they undid the manacles. Aramis tried to fight back but couldn't and quickly felt his energy leave him.

They held Aramis between them as Renard stood in front of him. Without warning Renard punched Aramis hard in the gut and Aramis let out a stifled moan. Renard then continued with a series of hits to Aramis' chest and back while the musketeer was held in place. Renard's smile was gleeful. He was enjoying this.

Aramis took a blow to the head and everything appeared to be happening in slow motion. He could still feel the hits but they weren't hurting as much as before. Renard looked into Aramis' eyes and nodded to the men holding him. They secured the manacles again and left the marksman in a daze.

Aramis was sure he heard Renard say, 'We'll be back.'


Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan arrived at the palace to see Rochefort who was looking annoyingly happy until he saw them.

'Where's Aramis?' he asked looking behind them as if the man was just lagging behind. He, of course, knew the truth long before Athos informed him.

'He hasn't' returned from Épernon,' Athos said stiffly doing his best to judge the other man's body language.

'He should be back by now!' Rochefort snapped trying to hide his glee. 'He will have to be reprimanded. After all he was only delivering a letter.'

'He could have been attacked!' Porthos roared and made towards Rochefort but Athos and D'Artagnan grabbed his shoulders to stop him.

'Careful,' Rochefort sneered. 'It's bad enough having one negligent musketeer, let alone another.'

Porthos was livid and it was only a look from Athos that stopped him attacking the blonde man.

'Right, we will need twenty musketeers including yourselves for the garden party,' Rochefort turned business-like. 'I assume that won't be a problem.'

'We want to go after Aramis,' D'Artagnan said in anger and Rochefort chuckled.

'Of course,' Rochefort said stunning the musketeers. 'The King's life is only secondary to the life of a libertine.' They all heard the sarcasm and the dig at Aramis and all three were ready to launch themselves at smirking Comte but were interrupted by the King.

'Is everything ready Rochefort?' he asked enthusiastically as everybody bowed.

'Just the final arrangements now, sire' Rochefort said silkily.

'Good, good,' Louis said happily. 'Well, carry on.' He sauntered out and now the musketeers knew they had to be at the palace instead of finding Aramis.


Aramis waited until his vision cleared before looking around his cell. He reached for the water-skin and happily drank. He pressed his ribs and discovered that at least two were cracked but they hadn't been fully broken. It hurt to breathe so he was taking shallower breaths in response. He knew that Renard would be back and wondered what the man would do to him next. He clearly wanted to him to die so these 'abuses' were sure to get worse. Renard was rather enjoying the slow torture which meant he was certain that no-one would find this place or Aramis in it. He retrieved his doublet and pulled it around himself to keep warm. His friends would be coming by now but he still couldn't shake the fact that they would be needed at the garden party. What if they weren't coming?


Athos was stood stoically on guard as the nobles wandered around the gardens snacking on the plethora of food laid out. Sweet and savoury snacks and lots of wine were on offer. Not much had happened in the last few hours although Porthos had to break up a fight between two young nobles who had had too much to drink. D'Artagnan had also had a proposition from a rather drunk young lady and was now trying to avoid any eye contact at all. Constance was currently a light shade of pink after stifling a laugh at the Gascon's expense. The King continued to parade around with Rochefort following like an obedient lap dog while Queen Anne was doing her best to mingle but Athos saw her glancing at Milady constantly. Athos also felt his eyes drawn to his wife who was wearing a rather stunning red dress and did his best to stop looking at her.

The three musketeers did their best to remain vigilant but all of their minds had turned to their missing brother. Due to their minds wandering they hadn't noticed who was approaching until the man was on top of them.

'Gentlemen,' the man beamed with his arms wide in welcome. 'I thought I might find you here.'

'Fortier,' Athos lips quirked slightly but both Porthos and D'Artagnan were beaming.

'I don't normally come to this kind of thing but I thought you might be here and I could say hello,' Fortier was full of positive energy but suddenly looked confused. 'Where's Aramis? Is he stationed somewhere else?' he asked turning to look around. The smile fell from Fortier's face when he saw the musketeers' reactions.

'He is on a mission,' Athos said simply but Fortier wasn't fooled.

'Athos, I wasn't born yesterday,' Fortier snapped. 'You are all clearly worried.' Fortier's stern look fell on D'Artagnan who eventually caved in.

'He was supposed to be back yesterday and he hasn't returned,' the youngest man said.

'He was only deliverin' a letter to Épernon,' Porthos added gruffly.

'Then I don't understand why you aren't looking for him!' Fortier was far angrier than they would have expected. Their time with the man had truly left an impression.

'Is something wrong?' Queen Anne's voice floated over as she approached. The men all bowed and she waited expectantly.

'Nothing, Your Majesty,' Fortier offered although he did seem uncomfortable in the Queen's presence.

'Where's Aramis?' she asked looking between them and settling on Athos.

'He's been delayed on a mission,' Athos said truthfully but hiding the facts. Anne looked between them and settled on Porthos. Her stare was unnerving him,

'He should have been back last evening,' he capitulated, loosening his stance.

'There's probably no reason to worry,' D'Artagnan offered. 'He's probably back at the garrison cheerfully congratulating himself on not being bored at the garden party.' D'Artagnan suddenly went pink as he realised what he said and bit his lower lip. Anne was staring at him while Athos and Porthos were doing their best not to laugh and Fortier ducked his head to hide his smile. 'What...I meant...was...er'

D'Artagnan stopped his apology as the Queen moved closer to him with a rather large smile on her face. 'Yes, I can imagine that men of action like all of you would find this boring,' she smiled and D'Artagnan went even pinker. 'I am rather surprised that you aren't looking for him.'

'That was what I said,' the Comte de Fortier blushed as he realised he had spoken of turn. Anne smiled and said nothing and moved her look towards Athos.

'We have been reminded that our first duty is to the King,' Athos said without emotion.

'Who said this?' Anne kept her focus on Athos who was starting to look uncomfortable. 'Athos?'

'Rochefort,' answered quietly and Anne moved her gaze to the ground in thought. She could feel the tension around her and knew these men were clearly worried about Aramis and she was too.

'Well,' she suddenly changed her demeanour of that of the Queen. 'I am relieving the three of you of your duty here. You are to return to the garrison and if you do find Aramis there then I ask to return to your stations here. If not, you are to send three replacements. If anyone questions you, you have my authority to leave and they can discuss any problems with me. Is that clear?'

'Thank you, Majesty,' the three musketeers answered and bowed as one looking thoroughly relieved. Porthos and D'Artagnan moved quickly to leave the garden while Athos paused for a moment to nod to the Queen who offered a small nod in return. Athos then moved quickly after his brothers.

Queen Anne turned to Fortier who clearly had no idea what he was supposed to do next.

'Forgive me,' she smiled. 'You are?'

'The Comte de Fortier, Majesty,' he bowed realising that he was going slightly pink.

'How do you know the musketeers?' she asked kindly as she motioned that he should walk with her as she walked towards Constance who currently trapped by a young nobleman.

'They delivered some gifts and well I got a bit attached,' he mumbled.

'They are easy to get attached to,' Anne smiled. 'Constance,' she called when she was in range and Constance quickly escaped from the man looking relieved. 'I have been lucky enough to know them well but mainly because I have needed them to save my life.'

'Yes, they did tell me of some of their adventures,' Fortier replied feeling calmer as Constance joined them.

'Tell me about what happened when they stayed with you,' Anne smiled curious to know everything she could about her musketeers.


The musketeers raced back to garrison and still entered in hope that Aramis would be smiling back at them from their table. Alas, he wasn't and Athos soon confirmed with Jacques that Aramis hadn't returned.

'Why are you back so early?' Tréville asked from the balcony.

'The Queen gave us permission to leave,' Athos stated as Tréville looked confused. 'To find Aramis,' he clarified.

'Find him, Athos,' was all Tréville said as he walked back into the office that wouldn't be his for much longer.

Soon the musketeers were on their way taking care to watch out for anything strange on the road. They knew they wouldn't make Épernon by nightfall but there were damn well going to get as close as they could. They had to find their missing brother.


Aramis was visited again by Renard a few hours later. He braced himself but couldn't see what Renard wanted. He watched as a chair was brought in with some rope and realised he was to be strapped to the chair. He was too weak to fight but that didn't stop him trying Renard just laughed at his weak efforts. Aramis found himself strapped to the chair with his arms bound to the arms of the chair and his feet to the legs of the chair. He could move his body but without his limbs he was struggling.

Renard was just watching him and it was unnerving Aramis. What was he waiting for? Aramis soon had his answer as Boucher appeared carrying a small wooden box and had a devilish smile on his face. Simon also appeared but his eyes were full of worry. Aramis suspected he had something to worry about.

Renard opened the box and showed it to Aramis. Inside were various sizes of needles and Aramis felt acid rise in his throat.

'You know what these are for then,' Renard smiled evilly as Aramis swallowed.

Renard picked up one of the needles and moved towards Aramis' right hand. Aramis tried to pull against the ropes but they were too tight. Renard smiled as he lowered the needle and took hold of Aramis' thumb. He glanced at Aramis who trying to brace himself and calmly slipped the needle under the nail.

Aramis felt his body tense with the pain and gritted his teeth to stop a moan escaping him. Renard was amused by the musketeer who was still trying to show resilience. He wasn't broken, yet. Renard continued his onslaught until he had finished with all of Aramis' fingers. Aramis had finally let out a moan when Renard had started on the index finger of his left hand when he could no longer stifle his moans but he never screamed. Aramis was shaking now as his fingers pulsed in pain. He could offer no resistance when he was removed from the chair and placed back on the straw and chained again. His hands were on fire and he could barely move his fingers. The men left and Aramis tried to pick up his doublet but his fingers wouldn't react. He lay on the hay feeling miserable and tears started to roll down his cheeks.


'This is unacceptable, Majesty,' Rochefort said forcefully to the King. 'They are your own regiment and they have abandoned you.'

'Rochefort, they may have a very good reason,' Louis countered. 'Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan are not men to desert their duty.'

'Then why didn't they say anything,' Rochefort was livid that the musketeers had left. They may not make to Épernon before nightfall but would most likely arrive in the morning. He had hoped to delay them longer.

'Is there a problem?' Queen Anne appeared glaring at Milady who was listening to the discussion.

'It seem that Athos, Porthos and D'Artagnan have left and Rochefort is wondering about their reasons,' Louis huffed.

'Forgive me, I was distracted,' Anne smiled her best smile. 'Aramis hasn't returned from a mission and they were clearly worried so I thought it best to let them go and find their friend.'

'You gave them permission to leave?' Louis looked at Anne curiously.

'Yes. I asked them to send three replacements if Aramis hadn't returned to the garrison,' Anne did her best to look slightly abashed as it wasn't really her role to order the musketeers about. 'Three replacements have appeared so I can only assume that Aramis wasn't at the garrison.'

'Well Rochefort, there you go,' Louis puffed his chest out. 'They had permission and we should hope that they find Aramis unhurt and with a good reason for his delay in returning.'

'I had known that Aramis hadn't returned but I felt that his absence wasn't strange. He was only due back yesterday and I felt they were overreacting,' Rochefort defended his actions. 'It is possible that he has been delayed by a liaison, which is likely given his character, and I saw no reason for a search party.'

'Perhaps not Rochefort, but when one of my best men is missing I think it best to find out what happened to him,' Louis was doing his best to clearly state his power. 'Should he have been delayed by a 'liaison' then he will be punished for shirking his duty.' Louis moved away signalling the end of the conversation as Rochefort followed slightly behind but he did look back at Anne with a rather confused expression.

'Forgive me, Your Majesty,' Milady had been listening intently and was well aware of Rochefort's hatred of the musketeers, she curtseyed as she spoke. Anne just glared back at her husband's mistress. 'I know these men. Aramis may be a flirt but if his friends expected him back yesterday he would have returned unless something more serious than a flirt with a barmaid had happened.' Anne swallowed at Milady's description of Aramis but she already knew he had a reputation.

'Your point being?' she replied coldly.

'If the others were really worried then I think he is truly in trouble,' Milady said frankly and Anne could see something behind the façade the woman usually kept. 'They have a sense when each other is in danger. Let us hope they find Aramis well.' Anne watched astonished at the woman's behaviour. She thought she understood her but clearly there was something else going on. Something to do with the musketeers.


They rode for as long as they could and were now in reach of Épernon. They decided to stop at the next town with an inn and confront the Duke in the morning. They had seen no sign of Aramis or evidence of any kind of scuffle on the road.

'We'll stay here for the night and see Épernon in the morning,' Athos said as he dismounted.

'The horses could do with a rest as well,' D'Artagnan supplied.

'And I'm hungry,' Porthos growled as he moved into the inn and Athos and D'Artagnan shared a look.

They moved inside and quickly found a table and booked a room. Normally they would book two rooms but that was with four of them and none of them really wanted to be alone. Porthos said he would sleep on the floor as he could sleep anywhere but they all knew they were probably going to struggle to sleep.

'You all musketeers?' the barmaid asked as she came over with food.

'Yes,' Athos answered. 'Why?'

'Don't see a lot of musketeers,' she said as she flicked her brunette locks out of her face. 'Saw one couple of days ago. Right looker he was too.' The men's hearts lifted but Athos realised they needed to know more.

'Which way was he heading?' he asked calmly.

'Towards the Duke's estate,' she answered. 'Guessing that's where he was going. Haven't seen him come back though. Was hoping he'd stay here. D'you know him?' she asked suddenly curious.

'Yes, his name is Aramis,' Athos answered.

'He's our friend,' Porthos smiled.

'Have you heard anything about him?' D'Artagnan asked trying to keep panic out of his voice.

'Nah,' she said. 'Saw him go by heading towards the estate. Figured he'd be back here for the night as the Duke don't like visitors but he never stopped by. Must have sheltered somewhere else an' I didn't see him the next day. Why?'

'He was supposed to be back in Paris yesterday and if he never came through here a second time something has happened to him between here and Épernon,' Porthos explained.

'Well be careful,' she looked solemn. 'The Duke won't get caught for nowt so if he is responsible it ain't good for yer friend. Hope he's ok.' She moved away and the musketeers' worry deepened. If Aramis had gotten on the wrong side of the Duke they may never find him.

Aramis sat shivering in his cell. His hands ached and his fingernails were turning black. He somehow managed to drink from the water-skin by using the heel of his hands but his fingers weren't really much use. They throbbed and the pain increased immensely if he tried to put any kind of pressure on them. He shivered and winced as he managed to get his doublet in his lap but he couldn't wrap it around himself and the cold was starting to affect him. Being underground meant the temperature had dropped and the room wasn't being heated by the sun during the day so it was even colder.

The door clanked open and Simon entered and quickly wrapped Aramis in his doublet.

'Better?' he asked and Aramis nodded. He held out the mug of broth which Aramis noticed wasn't as full as usual and he had been given no bread or cheese. 'Renard,' was all Simon said.

Aramis tried to hold the mug but freely winced as he tried to hold it. The pressure on the tips of his fingers was excruciating. Simon noticed and managed to get the mug in the heels of Aramis' hands so the musketeer could drink.

'I've killed too many people,' Simon blurted out and Aramis looked at him curiously. 'I know the little I'm doing for you won't change that but it is what it is. Renard would go mental if he knew how I felt. I can't fight him and the others. Just try and hang on.'

'Thank you for helping me how you have,' Aramis said. 'I am grateful.' Aramis sipped his broth as Simon took his leave. Aramis was starting to hope that Simon may offer help or at least little resistance when his brothers finally found him. If they found him.


A/N: I brought Fortier back because I loved him so much. I felt it would be helpful if was the catalyst for the musketeers to escape the garden party. Seemed a bit of a waste to only have him for while the boy's were relaxing. :)