Again, a huge thank you to Mountain Cat for her time and energy in flushing out the kinks to this story! Having a second set of eyes on a story this long is so important and I value her insight!

Thank you all for sticking with this... Just a warning, there's a sharp turn ahead.

Remy Belshaw pulled his exhausted, foam and sweat drenched gelding to a sliding stop. Mud ran up the horse's back cannon bones, and the animal heaved as his rider dismounted and ran toward Treville's office. Remy stopped suddenly when Treville met him at the top step of the balcony.

"Captain," Remy said, and worked to catch his breath. He paused as the early morning sun warmed his skin. Dried mud covered his face, blood stained his neck, and sleeves. His pauldron revealed new battle scars. His hands shook, and beneath the mud hung dark circles below his green eyes.

Treville raised his eyebrows, grasped the banister, and looked toward Remy as he walked the last remaining steps. "Word?"

"We were ambushed, captain," Remy said, and wiped his mouth which spread dirt across his chin. "A few leagues outside of Chalons." He looked at his hand and wiped it across his pant leg.

Treville pursed his lips, tightened his fists, and frowned.

Remy pulled the ring from his pocket and handed it to Treville. "Auch is dead, sir, as are the rest of his men." He leaned against the railing and sighed.

"No prisoners?" Treville looked at the ring, and then back toward Remy.

Remy shook his head. "Those that survived the battle succumbed to blood-loss and fever shortly after … The battle," he swallowed, shifted against the railing, and then met Treville's eyes, "it was bloody, sir."

Treville inhaled deeply, felt his gut twist, and said, "Musketeers? Red Guards?"

"Five musketeers dead, seven red guards — several from the scouting mission are still unaccounted for — including Lorange. I rode ahead, at Marc's request, to get word to you about Auch — the rest of the regiment is a day behind - with those that were lost." Remy turned his head, and watched a young recruit cool down the overworked horse. He paused a moment, and met Treville's eyes. "Athos was gravely injured, d'Artagnan too, Aramis and Porthos decided to find a location to treat their injuries."

Treville swallowed, flexed his jaw muscles, and sighed. "Are you well?"

"Tired, sir," Remy licked his lips. "But grateful it's over."

"Get some rest. I'll meet with the king and then I'm leaving you in charge while I ride out to meet the others."

"I can join you."

Treville shook his head. "Your duty is to the king — I'll make him aware of the situation."

Remy nodded, turned, and walked down the steps toward his quarters.