Chapter 13

Athos and Kelpie exited the gates of Paris at a trot. Kelpie extended his gait and then subtly shifted into a collected canter along the road. The fields were turning green, the leaves on the trees were budding. Birds gathered twigs, leaves, and debris for their nests as they fluttered and flew around the branches, the brush, and the briar. A flock of sparrows moved and shifted as they evolved into the shapes of tear drops, fabrics caught in a breeze, and water flowed along the banks of a river. Deer paused in their actions, perked their ears forward and watched the pair. A fox chased a rabbit through the brush, missed its kill, and then scampered away in defeat.

The air was crisp, cool, and welcome and Athos inhaled deeply. Healing was a journey. It took time, energy, and patience. But as he sat astride his mount, gently shifting with Kelpie's stride, he could feel his blood pulsate through his veins. The healing power of life that was allowing him the opportunity to continue his journey of becoming the man he wanted to be.

Foam dripped from Kelpie's bit as he fought the restraint. His ears perked forward, he raised his knees high, and struggled to keep his canter collected. The hollowed clops of his shod hooves echoed and Athos leaned slightly forward, relaxed the reins, and allowed Kelpie to stretch his neck as his canter extended into a full gallop.

Wind blew through the trees, through Kelpie's mane and caused it to flutter and fly around his neck. Athos felt the wind against his face, through his hair, and he blinked as it dried his eyes. He tightened his calves, lowered his heels, and sat back in the saddle as his mount galloped onward. He tied the reins into a knot, licked his lips, and encouraged Kelpie to move faster. Athos smiled, closed his eyes, released the reins, and extended his arms to his sides. He tilted his head back and allowed his body to follow the movements of the gentle upward and forward rocking motions as his horse welcomed the freedom to run.

It was a skill he had learned as a boy. When horse and rider became one and had provided a child with a vivid imagination, the feeling of flight. It gave clarity when life grew too intense, when the expectations of home were too much to bear. It was a moment of freedom for Athos. He let himself go, a release, allowing the winds to fly through his hair and capture his troubles. It was a moment of utter freedom when all responsibilities were gone, doubt was gone, when the pressures of life were simply… gone.

He wasn't running from anything. Instead, he allowed himself a few moments to free himself of Milady, of his past, of his responsibility as the Comte de la Fère. It wasn't nearly long enough, but it allowed him time to escape the choices that cursed and plagued him. He provided himself the opportunity to avoid the constant thoughts of the loss of his men, Jacques, Billy, and so many others. Though brief, it was a moment he could let himself be free of it all.

Athos lowered his hands, grasped the reins, and smiled as Kelpie slowed his gait to a gentle canter and then a smooth trot. The big black breathed hard, but continued to prance beneath the slowing of his gait. He tossed his head and finally settled to a walk. Athos leaned forward, ran his hand along the length of the horse's neck, and then took a deep breath. There was something about a horse that made troubles seem distant.

Kelpie did not have his lineage written on paper, but Athos knew by the animal's tenacity, drive, and beauty that he, like Athos himself, was foundation bred.

Athos looked over his shoulder toward Paris. The city slowly faded as the distance grew between them. It was home. It always would be, and he felt privileged to be a small part of it. Athos took a deep breath, listened to the birds, the wind through the trees, and the clip-clop of hooves. He was a Musketeer… it was as much a part of himself as the blood that flowed through his veins. He would defend Paris, her king, and France. He would protect his men as best he could. He would fight for what he believed in.

Honor.

Duty.

Brotherhood.

Athos smiled.

Home.