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Disclaimer: All hail Dumas and his descendants.
PAX young blades and the Disney version of 3 musketeers gave inspiration to this tale. There is no money in it for me, just enjoyment
– Something I hope to share

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-( Chapter IV Leave taking)-

Siroc lay huddled in a small ball in the exact center of his bunk…long ago he learned that when the dreams came it was best to let them roll over you. Stay rooted in what was real and let the rest Heave and crest like waves on the shore – eventually they would pass. Thrashing about served no purpose and often strained barely healed muscles and wounds. So he clasped his knees to his chest and shuttered; alone in the night.

The boy ran…bare feet pounding; breath torn from the frigid air clawed his lungs in. A silver serpent raced at his heals. Writhing, rattling, beating against the torn flesh of his back…-FALSE- he reproached his rebel mind. Have you not enough truth to terrify a thousand nights you conjure this nightmare beast? Mustn't loose perspective. He was not being perused; it was just that the chain affixed to his collar flung over one shoulder. It fell down his back yes, rubbed him raw, yes…scraped and chimed on the flagstone behind him as he ran. The sound was loud it echoed against the high walls. But he was not running 'from' something he was running 'to' something.

It had been winter the first time he attempted escape…he never imagined it could be so cold outside the master's lair. There were others here, empty eyed, no-less prisoners than he; even the guards had the same soulless stare. They leaned on their spears and didn't move to intercept him. The sky was dreary but to him it seemed the most beautiful he'd ever seen…he'd hardly dared imagine a place where stone did not encroach on every side. The gate loomed large before him, wrought-iron grillwork spanned the void but there were places where a malnourished child might squeeze…perhaps find a way through to the world he only imagined.

"Down, pet" the master's voice rang out….and the boy collapsed in a boneless heap in the center of the courtyard. "Here" the call was undeniable, inescapable…chords of power bound him more tightly to the master then even his chain. He crawled forlornly back to his masters side. "Have you learned your lesson do you think?" "Yes master, please master" the pathetic creature cried –shaking hands presented the end of his chain liquid brown eyes tentatively entreating the red robed monster…to take it ---true—

Siroc woke with a strangled gasp, soaked with sweat… blanket a twisted knot tight in his fists. It was still several hours to dawn. He rose and carefully arched his tortured back. He shook his hands and touched his toes to work the kinks out, then dropped to the ground and did 50 pushups – his usual morning routine.

Few of the guard were awake at this hour. Those few on sentry duty of course…others just getting in from some nocturnal assignation. In general it was undisturbed as fresh fallen snow. Siroc often made it all the way to the barracks bathhouse without encountering a living soul. Communal living was trying for someone who had spent so long penned in absolute solitude.

There was no way to purge the marks from his body (or mind for that matter). Duvall knew of course…, the medic had to inform him after his physical. The captain even suggested he use the baths early…stating that any he met then likely had just as much – or more to hide than he did.

Siroc couldn't imagine anyone could have more to hide than he did. Then again, the captain could only see the physical effects so how could he be expected to judge. The blond youth saw how uncomfortable the indomitable captain was with his scars alone and wanted to spare his other companions that sympathetic pain, as long as he was able.

So it was he made his solitary pilgrimage in the last watch of the night -- the warm water was a balm to his aching soul –he smiled- The face that greeting him from the mirror was still unnaturally pale…but the circles under his eyes were already fading…somehow he doubted his companions would ever greeting the day this early with anything approaching enthusiasm.

Siroc hastily climbed the spiral stair to the wall walk and the east-facing parapet. It was part of his exercise routine but he recognized this was just a shallow excuse. He loved watching the sunrise…and set too for that matter, though he was generally too busy at that hour to enjoy it with any regularity. Spring was beginning to wear thin around the edges and there was a long day ahead.

The young inventor began as he drank in the many hued brilliance of the dawn…still he felt the approach of another "Captain" he said smartly, not turning from the view.

"Don't know how you do that boy, sometimes you're just a bit uncanny. Reminds me of a musketeer I knew when I first received my commission."

"Wasn't Emris was it?" Siroc asked before he caught himself.

"Oh no, though he was strange enough in his own way…I meant the Dark Cavalier… Come to think of it He and Emris didn't get along at all–Oil and water." Duval chuckled "I recall the term 'Demon-spawn from the Pit of Hell' bantered about rather frequently. Those were the days." The captain sighed contented.

"hmm" Siroc responded noncommittally but his heart leapt.

'This musketeer must be the one he sought! Who but a creature of the cardinal could justifiably describes as a Demon-spawn? And if the crypts beneath the Master's citadel were not 'The Pits of Hell' then I doubt such a place exists.'

His thoughts chilled he wondered, 'If this 'dark cavalier' discovered Aramis' secret could he not also discover mine?' for sanity sake he decided it was best not peruse that line of questioning.

Questioning? He'd never thought to target the reserved captain for information. For him subservience to ones superiors was an ingrained response. But if he ever hoped to slip the conditioning that compelled him back to his master's side he would have to use whatever means required. The young inventor steeled himself and asked, "Do you know anything of Berry, sir?"

"Ah, beautiful gem of the Loire valley… Independent as a force of nature are the Berrichons…It was established by warlords before even Rome was born…watered by the blood of brave warriors many times since. But I expect youare most interested Berry le Fére hereditary home of Count Athos. Infinity died there and not so very long ago nearly half the combined forces of Captains Treville and Jurassk relocated to there by the bay and the lands beholden to it. If invited, I wouldn't mind retiring there myself one day."

"Wasn't Jurask Captain of Richileu's guard?"

"Of the Red guard yes."

"And Treville called these very walls home did he not?"

"You know that Siroc…you're baiting me." The captain frowned "Why don't you just come out and ask what possessed rival guards to cast aside their colors in favor of Berry black."

Siroc cast his gaze to the ground… "I didn't think you'd tell me."

"Despite what you may think I do not take tremendous satisfaction in tormenting my men. I am not stupid you know…and I may even make things easier from time to time. It's nearly time for me to start scheduling summer leave. I am aware neither you, nor Ramón, have anywhere to go over the holidays. Would it suit you if I suggest D'Artagnan take you both south and for a few weeks so you can see how things stand for yourself?"

"That would be…most acceptable sir." Siroc admitted, emotion welling up within him. He fought to subdue it before the captain noticed.

"Think nothing about it private. I'd just as soon you weren't moping about this place…or try to blow it up again." The captain said with mock severity.

As if on queue the breakfast bell rang… out making further conversation unnecessary. Siroc nodded smartly and saluted before hurrying off to join his companions in the dining hall.

As he made his way to the hall tears came unbidden to his eyes. He was no prisoner here…but the enormity of the fact still stunned him. Consciously Siroc knew he was free to come and go as often as his duties allowed. Unconsciously though he was very much accustom to being kept on a short leash (both literally and figuratively). Was that really what kept him in the lab when not on duty?

He reflected on his activities over the past several weeks. It seemed the only time he left the grounds was when Ramón, D'Artagnan or both forcibly dislodged him. Now it was clear His commanding officer didn't mind if he was left unsupervised for weeks…even suggested he range halfway across the country. The only proviso was that he and his companions decide if the idea suited them.

Could he even envision that level of … freedom?

Ramón did not take well to mornings. He arrived at breakfast half dressed, eyes puffy with sleep, hair spiked out at odd angles… as if a squirrel had attempted to nest in it during the night.

"Have some Tea Ramón" Siroc offered.

The Spaniard made a sour face, "I hate tea…can't you invent something better?"

"Sorry my friend…I make experiments not recipes. Tea will have to do."

"Yuck" frowned and got a bowl of oat porridge and some fruit from the kitchen staff before sitting across the table from his friend.

D'Artagnan swept in sometime later after both had completed their meal and sat patently waiting for him. The Legend's son looked ready to start his day…His dark hair brushed and pulled into a neat tail at the base of his neck. His tunic was slung over his shoulder and he carried his baldric and blade.

"I've had a fabulous idea." He announced barely tasting his breakfast as he bolted it down.

"Spare us the suspense" Ramón yawned.

"I'm bringing you both to Berry for summer leave. I've already talked to Captain Duval and he's agreed to schedule us for the same weeks… Won't that be great?"

"Your Idea?" Siroc smiled

"Of course it's my idea… It's my uncle's town after all, why not." D'Artagnan said defensively.

"Of course, I should have known…It sounds like a very fine idea… what do you think Ramón?" the inventor asked.

"hmm?" the poet had nearly dozed off…again. "Oh yes, of course…I didn't have any plans for summer yet.

"Good. Its settled then." D'Artagnan announced pounding his fists on the table for emphasis… "We leave in three weeks!"

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Notes: Hoped you enjoyed this one…I really enjoy the review process, thanks all of you. Next chapter reveals what happens while they're on leave.

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