Ambush
Aramis was impatient to get back home to the garrison. He had been sent on a solo mission three days ago, something that wasn't usually done. The Captain preferred to send at least two men together on each mission, as they would have backup for each other. But they were short-handed because of injuries at the moment, and this was a simple mission to the Abbey of Pontlevoy with a letter from the King and Queen. It had been an enjoyable stay, as he was able to have some quiet time with nature, and also had been able to spend some moments in prayer in the Abbey's lovely small chapel, which he needed now and then to balance the often violent and turbulent world he lived in, which he nevertheless loved.
As it was morning now, he figured he would reach Paris by late afternoon. He looked forward to his brothers' welcome back, and imagined they might treat him to a night at their favorite tavern, which made a delicious chicken stew they all loved, and would be accompanied with some wine, good times and the laughter shared with close friends.
The morning was beautiful, clothed in the lovely shades of autumn as the trees had begun to array themselves in bright shades of red, orange and gold, sprinkled among the green. The bright fall day was marred only by some rather dark clouds in the distance. Rain, Aramis thought. I hope it waits until I get back home first. I don't need to look like a wet hen riding through the garrison gates, he mused to himself.
Aramis' journey back had given him some time to daydream, and lately, his favorite daydreams had been of his son, the Dauphin. He imagined right now the boy riding up in front of him, with his arms holding his son securely, while he regaled him with descriptions of heroic deeds of the Musketeers. How he wished he could have some time alone with the Queen and his son. He had never really got over Isabel losing their child or disappearing from his life when they were 16. There had been no closure, and his heart had been broken. Then, like a miracle, he had gradually come to know and cherish Anne. The one night they had spent together was etched on his heart, and he often had sweet dreams of them living their lives together with their little son-dreams that could never come true-and he would wake up heartbroken once again. All he had now were brief public moments where he could see her or their son. It was unbearably painful, and he had the feeling Anne felt the same way. Athos would have some scathing comments if he could look inside Aramis' thoughts, and Aramis could understand where his friend was coming from, but couldn't help himself with his dreams.
His thoughts were pulled sharply back to his present surroundings, though, as his innate perception of danger suddenly kicked in. He felt like he was being watched, but couldn't tell from which direction. He casually scanned the trees lining the roadway, seeking anything out of the ordinary. His comrades had good reason to trust his uncanny ability to sense danger, as it had saved their lives on more than one occasion. The feeling was growing stronger by the moment.
A light smattering of rain began to fall, and the bright sunny day was turning gloomy, as the clouds were gathering in force. I'm going to be in for it the rest of the way home, he grumbled to himself.
Just as he finally detected a glint of sun striking metal off to his left in the trees, a musket blasted through the quiet of the morning, and Aramis' side burst into searing pain. His horse, frightened by the noise, took off in a panic, while Aramis desperately grabbed hold of his mane to keep himself in his saddle. His horse, normally attuned to the least movement of the master he loved was now flying at a gallop, having shifted away from the loud report of the gun and into the fields to his right. The movement of the careening horse jarred him, sending waves of agony through his body as he held on for dear life.
TBC