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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 V Berry Le Fére)-

The stalwart trio had a relatively uneventful three weeks. They apprehended a thief… uncovered a plot to kidnap the governor's daughter…helped repair a broken gristmill…and won a marathon netball tourney. The only notable excitement happened when Bernard, Mazarin's messenger boy, came to the barracks to deliver some 'Incident reports' to Captain Duval. Apparently while he was doing so, someone smeared large quantities of tree sap on his saddle…Subsequently when he felt something was amiss and tried dismount, his horse spooked and he fell into a large puddle. The arrogant young man was quite livid, to say the least, and demanded the culprit(s) be found and given a sound thrashing. Coincidentally, (one might assume) that was the morning of the same day D'Artagnan, Ramón and Siroc set out for Berry.

D'Artagnan and Ramón rode side-by-side chatting amiably about the weather (the early morning drizzle having lifted, it promised to be a fine day) the pastoral countryside…and the route they were to take to south to the Loire valley. Siroc lagged behind…not just because he had no desire to join the conversation. As the bustle of the capital faded into the distance a persistent ache blossomed his chest – at times his pulse raced… other times it felt that his blood ran cold in his veins.

I am all right he told himself and as the miles stretched on and the sun shone brilliantly about him, he almost came to believe it.

Berry was everything D'Artagnan said it was. The town was quaint…with its thatched cottages and flowered hedgerows. But there was a sense if playfulness that pervaded all aspects of life – People were content but there was an oddness too that made berry unlike the other small hemlets they passed through on their journey from the capital. The people worked in the fields' mended roads… fences…buildings all with the bearing and carriage of army engineers. Even the children were hardly unruly urchins … they acted as runners, lackeys and stable boys with the same efficacy and discipline as those hired to such duties in the Barracks.

When Ramón mentioned this Siroc recalled what Captain Duval had said about nearly half the combined forces of Captains Treville and Jurassk settling here.

"I tell it to you like I learned it as a child." D'Artagnan cleared his throat and recited the Ballad of Berry.

Winter brought Berry to Pain and to Grief

Till Blue returned and blade brought relief

Next came Red, Jury's peace, Honor Bound

And Rust was the last, lost children are found.

"The first part is about Berry's dark time. A witch called Sabine traced Uncle Athos, made him marry her then had his parents killed so she would control title and town. He tried to break her enchantment and fled – taking refuge among the kings guard. Things got very bad here but Athos didn't find out for many years…when milady was finally executed.

Then came the next part. Blue is the musketeer of course. Athos brought Treville's finest to bear and chased out the false Count de' Winter and the Rust guard that occupied the town. They didn't quite go quietly persisted raiding and burning for a while.

When Richileu's influence was shattered some of his men realized they'd rather stay loyal to captain Jurask under protective custody than swear unconditional allegiance to another like the cardinal. The guards of king and cardinal might have been …and still are rivals but as cadets Trev and Jury were best friends. They came to an arrangement and Red and Blue live in peace here.

The last part is about reclaiming the Rust. When Athos retook the town he found only women and children most broken and abused. Some few boys had hidden wild in the woods but largely the all the males were taken…bound by enchantment and made into Rust guards.

d'Winter's raids never really stopped but Berry-guard tried to capture or incapacitate as many as possible. Over time their commander's influence wears thin and they are part of the town again. Lost children found.

So that my friends, explains why there are so many guardsmen of various affiliations that make their home here. I'm sure I missed some of the more…. Aiii!" the narrative was suddenly interrupted when someone grabbed D'Artagnan around the waist and swept him into the air.

D'Artagnan's assailant was a handsome 20 year old with laughing blue eyes and tussled honey colored hair. "Put me down Grim de Le Fére!" D'Artagnan crowed loudly and the other obeyed… and brushed the dust off of him with a mocking smile. "Ramón, Siroc this is Grim… Athos's ….What is he calling you these days …Son? OR is it finally Son-in-law? D'Artagnan teased.

The cheerful young man made an elegant gesture and crossed his wrists.

"No, your no slave … not his lackey ether. Your as much family as I am and you know that full well."

Siroc and Ramón exchanged glances uncertainly the word passed unspoken between them 'Deaf?' they wondered.

D'Artagnan noticed the look…as did Grim. He knew it well and shrugged. Carefully he ran a finger down his neck pulling away the silk neckerchief he wore exposing a vivid white scar across his throat.

"Athos wasn't his first owner…he's been silent as long as I've known him. Uncle Paulie told everyone in the Core he wouldn't speak because Athos didn't allow it… it was a joke so he wouldn't get hassled." D'Artagnan explained. "It didn't really matter Paulie's Mouse never minded translating for those who don't understand the silent-cant…Mouse is one x-urchin who talks enough for two."

Grim nodded and gestured so clearly all understood '2?" more like '5!'

D'Artagnan laughed "five indeed, I stand corrected. Are there at the moment?

Grim made a sinuous motion of one hand. Pointed then frowned expressively.

"They're at sea…and sure to be disappointed they missed us… Even doubly so… See that flag there?" D'Artagnan explained excitedly pointing a flying standard with three silver fleurs-de-lis on a blue field edged in red. "That means Grim here told my uncle of our arrival … there will be a feast tonight with us as guests of honor!"

"I've never had my own feast before. Do you think there will be chicken?" Ramón asked.

"Chicken, Venison, likely even wild Boar. In a town largely populated by X-military there are always those up for the hunt. And the de la Fére have a secret sauce for marinating meats. The reason I haven't introduced you to him yet is that He's locked away in the kitchens preparing the special Q-sauce…it's delicious… All Berry feasts are called Q's in honor of it."

"I think I'm going to like it here." The Spaniard grinned and licked his lips wolfishly.

As soon as the townspeople saw the flag they abandoned what they were doing and sprang into action. With military precision tables appeared in the main square…flowered garlands were draped along the main thoroughfares. People arrived with instruments and song sprang up spontaneously. A girl danced by grabbed Ramón's hand and swept him into the fray.

Siroc looked bewildered by it all. "He'll be fine" D'Artagnan reassured "Over there you can win ribbons in games of skill… Blue with the fleur-de-lis for first, Red with the sword for second, Rust with the bell for third…just like the story – They used to ring a bell to warn everyone when Rust was raiding … the reclaimed ones took the bell as their symbol.

D'Artagnan and Siroc split up to find their own entertainment after agreeing to meet back by the fire-pits for the feast. When all was in readiness a parade of woman arrived from all areas of the town carrying platters and bowls of every kind of food imaginable. The count De la Fére emerged from Mansion and took his rightful place…beside Four huge fire pits. The famous sauce was ready and the count's tender efforts filled air with the succulent sweetness of spices as well as roasting meat. Ramón was beside himself rhapsodizing about everything. He had a regular bevy of admirers … not the least of which the dark eyed beauty that took him to dance.

After everyone had been fed the D'Artagnan felt justified in approaching the fire pits with the sole purpose of introducing his friends to his uncle. Athos De le Fére was a large man…of undeniable nobility. "Dart my boy…Its been to long!" he smiled picking him up in the same playful manor Grim had. "So you're cadets…Is Duval giving you a hard time?"

"Only when we deserve it sir." Siroc replied

"Good man" Athos laughed heartily.

oo

The party wore on late into the night and the three were tumbled wearily into one of the spare rooms in the de la Fére mansion.

When Siroc emerged from the garderobe dressed for bed had a quizzical look on his face. "D'Artagnan" he asked, "what are the black ribbon's for… the ones with gold or silver edges?"

"Oh I left them out didn't I…It's actually quite long I only gave you the summary verse. The part you want goes…Lets see… 'Chosen's Brood the best of the best… How to know them…in black they dress.' Normal people like us can't usually win the black ribbons, and the others are too easy for the Black Guard so they're in a league all their own."

"Really?" Siroc asked and pulled one from his pocket.

D'Artagnan's eyes widened "Where did you…" he began.

"They had a competition for building siege engines to fling carved wooden animals at a miniature castle. A nice gent named Sable gave it to me when my trebuchet design beat his cow-launching ballista in both distance and accuracy.

"Well I guessed you weren't exactly normal my friend… but I didn't think you'd count as the-best-of-the-best. But if one of the Dark Cavalier's marks you…then you must be."

"Dark cavalier? Marked? Demon spawn! I'm running out of time!" Siroc's chest tightened and the pain intensified sharply. His mind spun as he tried to thrust the panic from it… to no avail. "If I'm discovered before I find him….If the others find out …Pit of Hell…I can't go back, I just can't! But what choice do I have? I even here I am bound." He wanted to scream to rage …His eyes flashed briefly but his expression didn't reveal the turmoil that seethed just beneath the surface.

"So what do you think of it all?" D'Artagnan asked, not even bothering to turn around as he dressed.

"Everything you said and more my friend." Ramón smiled

"You Siroc?"

Discipline slipped, just for an instant. "I should very much like to meet your uncle Emris" Siroc confided – There it was said Consequences be damned.

It was strange. D'Artagnan never heard his normally impassive companion give voice to such a seemingly heartfelt request– or any request at all for that matter. "I'll see what I can do." He replied. And was determined to see it done.

"Rest well my friends." Ramón whispered and put out the light.

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This one was a bit wordy I know…My English teachers rule was show… Don't tell, but that's not always possible – I did not do the history of Berry justice hope I didn't bore you too much. Thanks for sticking with me… the next chapter I think is better. I do after all call it 'Finally some answers'

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