I forgot to say this in the last chapter Thank you All for your lovely reviews

Warning: Like any Author, I can be Evil ;-) VIOLENCE is in this Chapter you have been warned.

Disclaimer: I do not one any of the original character

However, I do own Sister Chiara

Chapter 2 The Will To Live

Grimaud came back and removed the iron gag and handing Aramis a small slice of a loaf of bread and a small cup of tavern grade ale. This had been going on for so long Aramis was not quite sure what his voice sounded like as he finished his less than adequate meal slowly determined to make it last that earned a cruel laugh from Grimaud. But, Aramis was long past the point of caring he hadn't had a proper meal since a few days before he made his deal with the king. He already knew he looked gaunt from the fact that he could clearly see his ribs and he definitely did not know how much more he could take. Being alone in the dark and forced to be silent for who knew how long was torture enough however on occasion Grimaud got bored and beat Aramis and evidently, this was one of those days. However, it was worse than any beating from feet or sticks.

Aramis had been tied up with his hands above his head and his feet barely touching the ground as leather and iron like claws striped flesh from his back. His back stung in an almost numbing fashion, unfortunately, every time there was a new strike a new shock of pain went through his body. This went on for at least an hour or two Aramis was not sure all he knew was that he blacked out on the twentieth stroke or so.

As Aramis hung unconscious Grimaud came up to the musketeer and stared into his face. Aramis' hair and beard had grown out and were bushy and every wear. The man had not had a proper bath in months and though he wished he could leave the man to die there. But alas Louis still wanted him alive. As he looked at the man he saw a rosary still hanging from the man's trousers. He did not know quite why he took it but he did and as he left the cell he turned to one of the red guards and said, "Get him down and summon that nun from the near by Addie to tend to the prisoner, "he continued walking but came to a sudden stop. Turning back he added, "have his hair cut short and his beard saved along with a good long bath. I wish to start over with him in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the blasted musketeer must live until His Royal Majesty says other wise," he continued on adding to himself, "the king is a fool leaving this man alive."

The Queen's Private Estates in South East France

Athos was still rather confused as to why the Queen had summoned him away from his troops in a time of war. But he had a feeling he would find out soon enough as he waited in the simple but ornate room.

The Queen entered the room blue and white linen silks with a simple ornate updo. She looks slightly as like the way she had back at the Abbe oh so long ago. She smiled at him though he saw it never truly touched her sad eyes. "I wish to talk in private please leave us," she said in her kind voice to her entourage of servants and lady-in-waiting. Turning to the guards outside the doors she added, "I wish not to be Disturbed unless it is an emergency."

With that Athos was left alone with the Queen. He stood there for a few minutes waiting for her to speak but instead she held up a rosary and Athos' heart nearly stopped at recognition. "That was Aramis'," he said in a near whisper still in near shock and confusion how the hell did the Queen of France get that.

Aramis' Cell

As Aramis came to he thought he may have ended up in heaven as he heard a beautiful, heavenly, mezzo voice singing Cantate domino. But, as he woke further the pain in his back increased and inhaled sharply stopping the sweet song. "Ah, you are awake Aramis good but, try not to move. My name is Sister Chiara. I was someone to treat your wounds as I am the only one remotely close enough with the skills to 'help'. You must be starving here I smuggled it in for you should help with your strength and the blood loss. But, eat it slowly so as not to throw it up." as she said this she sat a bowl next to his face in reach of his arms. Aramis could only stare it was mutton sliced as thin as possible in a watered down gravy broth with a few small carrots. Though the bowl was no larger than a small tea cup. He knew from slight experience that giving too much food to a starving man was not a good idea however with such a small cup it might help.

"How," he managed to croak out before Sister Chiara interrupted him. "Shhh, now is not the time eat and rebuild your strength, and do not worry you torment of has left the estate and the guards will not bother us my Abbis saw to that," after saying this she went back to sticking up his torn back singing Ave Maria hymn. Which brought an unexpected peace to his tortured heart as he slowly ate the food in front of him.

Ik it's Short but I want to get these out to you as soon as possible and this is the best way I have found. Please, Review I love hearing from you and knowing what is good and what needs improvement. Also, I would like your opinion on something when should Aramis and Anne be reunited soon say 3 more chapters or later say 7 more. Oh, would you like me to go darker because I can I just want to know that my audience would enjoy it?