Chapter Five

Aramis knew the friendlier cadets were concerned for his wellbeing when they got back to Paris. Simon took the reins of his horse from him as he dismounted and promised to see the beast rubbed down and fed with the others. It might have been a veiled gesture to make the young man look good, but Aramis did not believe that was the case.

He nodded his thanks and after telling the other cadets that once their horses were dealt with, they were free to enjoy their evening he turned to greet his friends who were gathered around the table.

D'Artagnan was looking at him suspiciously.

'I thought you were supposed to be pushing them to the limit, not yourself?'

Aramis was about to reply when Porthos spoke.

'You should have taken someone with you. I knew it was a bad idea for you to go on your own.'

Athos leaned forward, he looked at Aramis with that knowing expression that always infuriated them. He did not say anything. He did not need to.

Aramis shrugged, 'yes I tired myself out. But it was worth it. They're working as a team… well, almost. And they dealt with a minor injury between them.'

'Who was injured?' asked d'Artagnan as he swept his gaze over the cadets who were busy removing tack and fetching water for their mounts.

'Simon. Jean managed to catch him with his sword. It was nothing serious. But it did provide them with a real situation to deal with rather than all the pretend attacks I was coming up with.'

Aramis settled on the bench at the table next to Porthos who poured him some wine before grabbing a plate and loading it with food and placing it in front of him.

'I can look after myself,' said Aramis with a chuckle.

Porthos scowled, 'yeah by pushing yourself to the point that you are almost falling over.'

Aramis had to hide any reaction. He had no intention of telling his friends about his collapse on the training mission. The last thing he wanted was for their worry for him to see him forced to take leave until he was fully fit.

He started to eat the food Porthos had given him. He made a point of clearing the plate.

His friends asked him about the cadets and how they were progressing. Aramis explained his worries about Jacques and Charles and his fear that Leon might not improve enough as long as he remained timid.

They all agreed Claude was probably not going to be able to continue his training.

'What do you think you're doing?'

They all looked around as they heard the angry words being spoken from the direction of the stable. Aramis was surprised to see Luc, one of the quieter Musketeers, remonstrating with Charles.

'You never hit the horses. You respect them.'

'It barged into me,' said Charles with arrogance, 'it needed teaching a lesson.'

Luc, who was taller than Charles, took a step towards him.

'And if you carry on with that attitude, I'll teach you a lesson.'

The cadet mumbled something before turning and walking away. Jacques fell into step with him. The pair left the garrison and walked into the city. Luc spent a few moments calming the agitated horse. Aramis was not surprised to see the other cadets continue their work and also deal with Charles and Jacques abandoned horses as well.

'I see what you mean about those two,' said Porthos.

Aramis shook his head, 'it's a shame. They are both skilled. But their attitude, particularly Charles...'

Luc wandered over to the table. He looked upset.

'I'm sorry I shouted at him,' he said.

'We saw,' said Athos. 'He is a cadet; you are a Musketeer. You are his superior.'

Luc nodded. He was about to speak again but Aramis stopped him.

'You did the right thing, Luc. He should know how to deal with the horses.'

As Luc turned away Aramis looked back at his friends.

'Unless they improve, I may have to recommend they don't carry on,' he said regretfully.

Athos took a swig of his wine, finishing the cup before reaching for the bottle, 'Treville said they probably would not all be suitable. This is not a slight on your ability to train them. Some people are not suitable to become soldiers, let alone Musketeers.'

Aramis nodded with dejection.

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Aramis was determined Jacques and Charles were not going to throw their opportunity away. He found the pair alone in a corner of the garrison yard. As usual, they were talking quietly together. Or rather Charles was talking to Jacques. Aramis had observed over the weeks of training that Charles tended to be the one that determined what the pair would get up to.

As he reached them, they looked up. Neither made the effort to stand or show him any respect.

'I thought you'd given us some time off?' said Charles.

'If you want to be soldiers, you'll have to get used to not having much free time,' remarked Aramis. 'But I do not intend to interrupt you for long-'

'Is this about what happened earlier?' asked Jacques. 'Charles just reacted instinctively when the house stepped towards him.'

Aramis looked towards Charles who scowled slightly. Perhaps he was annoyed that Jacques was defending him.

'I can understand your initial reaction,' said Aramis, 'but you should not have spoken to Luc in that manner.'

Charles frowned and shook his head in a manner that implied he did not agree with what Aramis had said. Aramis found the gesture impertinent. He glanced over his shoulder to ensure they were alone. A few cadets were sparring and a couple of men talking on the other side of the yard.

'You two need to watch your attitude,' he said quietly. 'If you continue to act as though you are above the rest of us you will never fit in.'

He saw that Jacques was about to say something. Aramis shook his head. He was not ready to listen to their excuses.

'You need to start following orders. And stop looking for opportunities to sit around doing nothing. Don't think I don't know what you were getting up to when you were on patrol when we were away.'

'At least neither of us collapsed from exhaustion,' spat Jacques. 'At least we didn't need to be helped back to camp by the very men we were supposed to be training.'

Aramis was momentarily lost for words. He was sure the cadets had not seen the embarrassing incident. He wondered if the insubordinate cadets would report his collapse to the Captain.

'You're a disgrace to the uniform. It's no wonder Treville took your pauldron. Were you lying why you said it was only temporary?'

Aramis glared at the pair; he was about to speak when he heard horses entering the yard. Treville had returned from the palace.

'Guess you'd better report us to the Captain,' said Charles sarcastically.

'You will not be blackmailing me,' Aramis assured them before turning to meet the Captain.

As he went, he thought he saw a little anxiety cross Jacques' expression.

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The Captain greeted him warmly and indicated for Aramis to follow him to the mess. As he gathered together food from the table Treville glanced at Aramis.

'And how are they doing? I understand you worked them hard?'

Aramis nodded, 'I think a few days away from the garrison helped them. They were able to concentrate on how they were doing without seeing the more experienced cadets at work.'

'And how are you?'

Aramis made sure he did not hesitate. He did not want to sow any doubt in the Captain's mind.

'It was hard work, I'll admit,' he said, deciding to keep as close to the truth as possible. 'But it was satisfying watching the men improve.'

Treville grinned, 'are you sure you don't want to think about a promotion? I've been watching them, and they are almost at the standard of the other cadets now. That is your doing.'

Aramis followed the Captain to a table and sat opposite him as he began to eat.

'Leadership is not something I want,' said Aramis. 'I cannot imagine myself making the kinds of decisions you have to make.'

The Captain chuckled and nodded, 'and individually, should we be concerned about any of them.'

This time Aramis did hesitate. The Captain tilted his head and indicated for him to continue.

'Claude is not right for the garrison. He's a good lad, but he struggles more than the others. He can't hit a target when we've been on the firing range, and his swordsmanship is fair at best. To be honest, I think it would be wrong to keep him on. It would only get his hopes up.'

The Captain nodded. He did not respond for a few seconds as he chewed on his food. Aramis could see him contemplating something.

'Find a quiet moment to tell him. He is welcome to stay for a few days whilst he sorts out transport home. If he can afford it, we can probably sell him one of the older horses. I know his family is wealthy.'

'You want me to tell him?' asked Aramis, unable to hide his shock.

'Yes. But if he wants me to talk to him as well, I will.'

Aramis nodded; he had not contemplated being the one to tell the young man he could not continue at the garrison as a cadet.

'What about Leon?'

'I think he shows promise. He's still lagging, but his focus and determination do him justice-'

'But he is very shy and quiet and those are not suitable attributes for a soldier.'

Aramis shook his head, 'given encouragement I believe he will improve.'

Treville pushed his plate away shaking his head. He reached for his cup of wine.

'I'm not sure, Aramis. I don't want you wasting time on him.'

'Give him a few more days, Captain.'

Treville sighed. He looked away for a few seconds. Aramis waited. He did not want to lose two of his cadets on the same day. He had been honest about Leon's progress. He did see promise in the young man and hoped he would get the chance to help him further.

After what felt like an aeon for Aramis, the Captain nodded.

'I'm trusting you are making the correct decision with him,' he said.

Aramis managed a smile.

'Jacques and Charles were causing you concern as well?'

Aramis paused. He looked down for a few seconds before deciding it would probably be for the best if he was honest about what had happened in the training.

'They did not pull their weight during our time away,' he said. 'I am convinced they were volunteering for patrol duty so that they could sit around not doing anything.'

'Why didn't you check on them? You were supposed to be watching the men. You cannot assess them if you are not aware of what they are doing.'

Treville's tone was only just short of an accusation. Aramis knew he could not lie.

'I overdid it, Captain,' Aramis admitted.

The Captain put down his wine and scrutinised him for several seconds.

'What happened?'

'I… I collapsed. We were on the way back to camp on the second day and I collapsed. The cadets helped me back to camp.'

Treville shook his head and looked at Aramis for several seconds. The lack of any response from the Captain was unnerving.

'But you've rested now?'

'Yes, Captain.'

'I should have insisted someone went with you.'

'No, Captain. I thought I would be fine.'

'Athos told me you weren't up to it. I should have listened to him. He is the one that helped you initially. He knows what you went through to recover.'

Aramis did not say anything. He felt he had let his Captain down.

'We'll say no more about it. Keep an eye on Jacques and Charles. If you become sure they are not pulling their weight, I will talk to them.'

Aramis nodded his thanks and left the Captain to his meal. He walked from the mess towards the firing range. He knew Claude was working on his aim. He wanted to talk to the soon-to-be-former cadet whilst he was on his own. The conversation was not something he was looking forward to.

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