The gardens were transformed into a festival of activities. A fire pit roared and the rotisserie was slowly turned by the cook, who basted and seasoned the meat of the venison. The smell permeated the air. Tables to the left of the roasting meat were filled with extravagant dishes of molds, salads, fruits, and breads. Wines were poured as guests dallied and conversed. The musicians gathered and readied their instruments as the maestro prepared his music.

The four musketeers stood guard and walked beside and behind the king and queen as they exited the chateau and walked hand-in-hand toward the crowd. In unison, the crowd bowed, stood and then clapped. King Louis smiled widely and he kissed his queen's cheek.

Anne guided Louis toward Eadan and her grandsons as they stood near the edge of the crowd.

"So this is the dear family to whom I owe my gratitude?" Louis said with a smile.

Eadan curtsied and tightened her hand around Jermaine's hand as well as Evan's. "We did what anyone would have done, your Majesty."

Louis cocked an eyebrow. "I admire your humility, lovely lady, but I know better."

"I found him," Jermaine said.

Louis' eyes widened. "You don't say."

Jermaine nodded. "I did — I watched him drag himself from the river. I gave him my frock, but it was too small for him."

Louis squatted and rested his elbows on his knees and met the boys' eyes. "And then what?"

Jermaine shrugged. "I told Nana and then Osgar," he turned and pointed toward his older brother, "Evan and Nana helped Osgar carry him to the house," he leaned closer to the king and whispered, "they thought he was dead."

"He nearly was, Jermaine," Osgar said, "don't fib to the king."

Louis stood, took a step back, and motioned with his hand to his right. "You three," he said in a firm voice. "Line up and face me."

Evan's eyes grew large, and he looked toward his grandmother. "Nana?"

"It's alright," Eadan said. "Do as he says."

Anne grabbed Eadan's hand and rubbed her arm.

Osgar grabbed Evan's and Jermaine's hand and stood to face the king. Louis clasped his hands behind his back and looked critically at them. "Do you see those men?" He pointed toward his four musketeers who stood together at attention a few feet from the queen. "Those are four of the finest soldiers France has ever seen." He paused and met Evan's eyes. "And you three helped save one of their lives." He paced before them. "What do you have to say about that?" He bowed at the waist and looked at Jermaine.

"I'd say it's a good thing I found him," Jermaine said.

Eadan rolled her eyes.

Anne brought her hand to her mouth and stifled her laugh, but she failed when Louis turned toward her, his shoulders shaking, his face red, and his lips tight as he tried to maintain his composure.

"Did I say something wrong?" Jermaine asked. "Are you going to cut off my head? I heard you cut the heads off the roosters near the palace because you like to sleep."

Louis closed his eyes and shook his head. "No, young man, you'll keep your head." He stood and walked around the boys, stood behind them and looked toward his queen and smiled. "I believe my only option is to make you honorary members of my regiment." He looked toward Treville who, handed him his sword. Louis again walked around them and stood before them.

"Kneel," Louis said, and looked at the boys.

Osgar knelt first and motioned for Jermaine and Evan to do the same. Louis stepped forward, placed the tip of the blade on their right shoulders as he spoke. "For your keen sense of observation, strength of duty, and your unyielding determination, I hereby appoint you honorary members of the king's musketeers." He stood back and ordered the boys to stand.

The crowd cheered and clapped. More wine was poured, and the king grasped Jermaine's shoulder and pointed toward the buck that was slowly roasting over the fire.

"I believe, Young Musketeers, that you should have the first cuttings of the king's prized kill." He shoved them gently forward and watched Osgar guide them toward their destination. Hands clapped his back in congratulations as they walked through the crowd. Louis returned Treville's blade, and then turned when he felt Anne slip her fingers into his.

"I think you're going to make a wonderful father," she said, rubbing his arm.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said and smiled.

Athos grasped Aramis' shoulder and squeezed in reassurance. "Are you going to be alright?"

Aramis nodded. "I will be." He looked toward Anne as she stood beside her husband and listened to him tell a story to those that surrounded him, and were captivated by his every word. His flamboyance, charm, and charisma had captured the attention of nobility while the count and the countess mingled amongst friends.

The musketeers and members of the red guards stood at attention and kept watch on the outskirts of the activity. The cooks served, sliced, and plated foods while guests enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.

Athos glanced toward d'Artagnan who had broken off from the group and found himself surrounded by several young girls seeking attention. He was caught with his back to a table, and he looked toward Athos and the others for help.

Porthos chuckled, crossed his arms over his chest, and watched. "I'm seein' how long it takes 'im to escape their clutches."

"If he's smart," Eadan said as she approached, "he'll tell them he's married — whether he is or isn't won't matter, but those lasses are young enough to end it there." She smiled and looked at Athos. "It's good to see you strong, Monsieur." She reached to cup his jaw, but slipped her hands around his shoulders and hugged him instead.

Athos returned the hug and kissed her cheek.

"Had I known who I was saving when we carried you into the house, I wouldn't have threatened to leave you on the floor had you fallen when you got out of bed too soon," she said and chuckled.

Porthos grasped the back of Athos' neck and chuckled. "Whatever you threatened him with, Madame Eadan, we're grateful to you and your family."

"My grandsons' will tell their children and grandchildren about this day… and for a brief moment in time, they will have been a part of something special." She turned and looked toward Porthos and then Athos. "What more could a grandmother wish for?" She turned and watched as Jermaine and Evan weaved their way through the crowd with their plates of food. Osgar followed, but paused when he was stopped by a young women with brown hair and a petite frame.

"Perhaps you spoke too soon?" Aramis said with a chuckle. He watched the young couple walk together toward the outskirts of the activity.

Eadan cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps I did." She chuckled, reached for Jermaine's hand, and then ran her fingers through Evan's hair. "I hope I did."

The End

Thank you everyone who stuck it out, sent feedback, and shared your wonderful thoughts! I had a great time with this story. I'm so pleased that you all seemed to enjoy it!

Until next time... Another story coming soon :)