Athos reached over the gate, unlatched it, and stepped from the stall. Roger flickered his ears and watched the mares that stood swatting their tails and tied to the hitching lines. Duff was saddled, and waited patiently next to the mares the king had selected for his own stock. And then, for old time's sake, Roger nuzzled Athos' pockets, seeking a treat of some sort: an apple, a carrot, and, if he was lucky, an orange peel. Athos slipped his right hand beneath Roger's jowl, and the big horse suddenly stilled. He relaxed, and Athos pressed his forehead between Roger's eyes while he ran a hand along the horse's jowl. Roger closed his eyes and waited, he wouldn't move, not when he was needed.
"Goodbye, old man," Athos said. He pushed himself away, watched Roger flick his ears forward and back and then look toward the mares, Duff, and chickens that frequented the garden. Athos ran his hand along the bridge of Roger's nose, clenched his jaw, and then slipped his fingers between the thick strands of Roger's mane.
"Apples, carrots, and orange peels," Willy said and shoved his hands into his pockets as he stepped toward the stall. He watched Athos run his hand along Roger's neck and nod. "I'm sure Monsieur Henri can help me find some oranges… I've only seen them a few times, but," he shrugged, "he knows people."
Athos reached into his pocket and removed a couple of livres, and handed them to Willy. "Write me in Paris, let me know how much he enjoys his new life."
Willy looked wide-eyed at the coins that were placed in his hand and nodded. "Musketeer headquarters?"
Athos quirked a sad smile and nodded. "Keep me posted on the mares he services… I look forward to seeing his foals next summer." He cupped Willy's shoulder, ran his hand along Roger's muzzle one last time, and then turned to the horses.
"He couldn't be at a better farm, Monsieur Athos. He'll be happy here."
Athos nodded and said, "Take good care of him, Willy."
Willy watched Athos shake Henri's hand, and untie the horses. It was only moments before he was mounted and riding off the property. Henri stepped forward and ran his hand along the bridge of Roger's nose and watched the big horse turn his ears toward Athos as he slowly disappeared behind the shadows of the trees. He nickered once and continued to gaze at the road.
"You, old man," Henri reassured and scratched behind Roger's ear, "are going to have a very happy life."