The next day at the Garrison, it took some time for the three Inseparables to take any notice of D'Artagnan's absence; after all, he might wish to make himself scarce in their presence after the events of the prior evening.
Athos' recollection of last night was murky but any moments of clarity exposed a Comte in rare form, lashing out at his younger brother, who in his weakest (and most inebriated) moments he still felt the need to push away, in a pathetic attempt to protect him. From himself, from the dangers of Musketeering…
Suddenly, Treville was calling for them. Once in his office, Treville looked irritated. The three brothers all picked up on it, and in typical fashion, all three quickly racked their brains to attempt to deduce what it is that they may have done to be the source of their Captain's obvious anger.
"Gentlemen." Treville paused, for a long moment saying nothing more- long enough for Porthos, Aramis, and Athos to shoot themselves a quick glance. Finally their Captain continued.
"I'm prefacing this by saying that as it is, I'm telling you more than I'm allowed, or should be. Suffice to say that D'Artagnan and Julien will be taking part in a covert mission for the Palace, starting this evening. That is all you are permitted to know."
Athos suddenly believed he knew the source of his Captain's ire: the King, and possibly the Cardinal. It was obvious to Athos that Treville was told what to do, and had little input into this scheme of the King's, and, more probably, the Cardinal's.
"Is it dangerous?" Athos asked, despite knowing that he had just effectively been dismissed by Treville, but needing to know. A 'covert' mission would certainly entail something riskier than delivering a missive or escorting a royal from one place to another.
His concern for D'Artagnan's safety was first and foremost in his mind.
And if it were dangerous, why on earth would a green recruit like Julien be involved? And was the decision to involve Julien Treville's doing? It had to be, as neither the Cardinal nor certainly the King would even be aware of Julien's existence. So why-
"I will say no more. Dismissed."
Aramis risked one more question. "Of course, Captain; but could you let us know where D'Artagnan and Julien are now?"
Treville replied, "Due to their planned departure this evening, I advised them to eat and take some rest today, as…" Treville trailed off. He seemed determined to not partake of any further information.
"They have also been told under fear of serious reprisal not to breathe a word of their mission to anyone, so any attempts to query them as to its nature will no doubt come back to me, and they know it. So best not to go there with either of them. And I'm not going to say it again- dismissed."
As the three reluctantly left the Captain's office, Athos couldn't help but admire Treville. He could have made it clear to his men that the mission's germination began in the Palace, and that he was not in favor of it, not one bit- that much was clear just from the knit on his brow, the set of his posture- but Treville was a soldier, one of the best, and he knew that any overt admission that he objected would or could subvert the mission's purpose, or- worse- cause these three men to question it, or, perhaps worst of all, given the importance of the task at hand, prevent it from moving forward. And that could not happen- this mission was clearly too important.
Had Athos been present, he would have been proud of D'Artagnan when Treville described the requirements of the mission to D'Artagnan- all aspects of it. D'Artagnan simply nodded and thanked the Captain for the opportunity. Julien was not present during the detailed mission discussion.
Treville, however, was especially loathe to have agreed on sanctioning the one critical element of the mission that the King and Cardinal insisted D'Artagnan adhere to, but given what was at stake Treville had to agree it was necessary.
All the more that it needed to be kept from these men. Because if they knew that it was a component of this mission-perhaps the most critical component- they would raise heaven and hell for D'Artagnan to not participate. Treville even suspected that Athos would confront the King personally and risk a treason charge if it meant D'Artagnan would be spared.
Because this mission's component was quite possibly a death sentence for D'Artagnan.
As it was, the three men found Julien and D'Artagnan at the Garrison table, supping on something that Serge had whipped up. If either was concerned about their upcoming mission, they hid it well, as D'Artagnan actually managed a smile when he saw them all approaching.
Surely his smile isn't for me, Athos thought.
"Eatin' before your mission tonight?" Porthos asked.
Julien and D'Artagnan shot each other a look of concern and hesitated.
"Relax, boys, Treville said nothing other than that. We're not here to pry," Aramis quickly added.
That did the trick, as both young men seemed to instantly relax a bit.
"We're to eat and then take a rest before we begin," was all D'Artagnan offered, smiling softly at Aramis.
After an uncomfortable pause, Athos simply added, "Well then, best of luck to you."
"Thank you," Julien responded. D'Artagnan didn't look up from his plate. Didn't know you cared is the thought that he did not voice.
Later that evening, after D'Artagnan had taken his rest, the hour was at hand. He was set to depart. Since Treville knew that he would have business at the Palace with Porthos, Aramis and Athos in tow at the designated time of D'Artagnan and Julien's departure, earlier the Captain had ensured all of the provisions the boys would need were all set. It wasn't a considerable amount, as they needed to travel light, but the monies provided the boys would allow them to purchase goods, food and services, as needed, as they went.
D'Artagnan was raring to go. There was only one problem- where was Julien?
D'Artagnan spent a good quarter hour looking all around the Garrison. Nothing. He had asked every available person he could find if they had seen Julien. None knew where he was. This was not good- Treville had made it clear they were to meet back here and depart from the Garrison promptly at eight PM. It was now half past.
Based on the ground they needed to cover, it was critical they leave on time; Treville had emphasized that much.
After another few minutes of frantic searching, D'Artagnan approached Serge.
"Serge," D'Artagnan said, "I need to leave on an- errand and Julien was supposed to accompany me. If you see him within the next few minutes, please tell him to follow where he knows he should go and perhaps he can catch up. I'm off- I cannot wait any longer."
Serge asked, "You and Julien have a mission? The two of you?"
D'Artagnan didn't want to reveal much, so he simply replied, "Yes, but Treville never said it absolutely needed to be a mission for two. He also never said that the mission was forfeit if one of us didn't show. All I know is that I need to go now."
"Will you be able to accomplish it alone?" Serge asked innocently.
"I believe so, yes," D'Artagnan replied, already shifting his horse towards the Garrison threshold, trying to feel as hopeful as he managed to sound.
And with that, he was off. Alone.