Evening My Lovelies

I'm a little nervous about this chapter. I've had the idea in it in my head for a while now but I realized it will probably come across as seemingly out of the blue/completely random as I've not really hinted at it much (if at all) before as far as I'm aware, just go with me, please!

Notes On Reviews:

beeblegirl: Thanks for the review - We'll be seeing why Athos and Treville have slipped away today. Haha yeah, poor Athos is very very tired at this point, I kinda like the idea of him fainting, could add a bit of drama :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

pallysAramisRios: Thanks for the review - It's fine :) just glad to hear from you whenever you've got the time to review :D We'll be seeing what's pulled Athos away from D'Art today :)

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Love you all!

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Revelation

Once they had exited the barn Treville looked to Athos, who had spent the last few days in the area for advice on where to go. Both men knew the seriousness of what they had to discuss and how it should not be overheard, even by those in their regiment.

Understanding the silent question the swordsman gestured for the Captain to follow him and led him to a secluded spot he had found during one of the times Porthos and the others had literally forced him to leave the barn and get some fresh air and a moment to himself.

Thankfully it wasn't too far from the barn so they were unlikely to cause anyone to worry if/when their absence was noticed and they would be close enough for aid to quickly come should trouble find them.

With most of the men having settled themselves inside the barn, there was only a few outside who noticed when their Captain and lieutenant walked passed, none paying the duo much notice as it was common for the pair to discuss things confidentially. However had they been paying more attention they would have noticed the obvious tension both men were carrying as they walked off with ridged, straight-backed postures.

Once at the location Treville took a moment to take in the surroundings and only gestured for Athos to speak once he was confident their conversation would not be overheard. Athos had been vague with his request to speak with him but Treville had heard the urgency and seriousness in his lieutenant's voice so he had a sneaking suspicion what it was Athos wanted to discuss.

"Is it true?" demanded Athos snappishly as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Nearly every part of him was screaming at him to return to his brothers' sides, especially considering what he was asking but he forced that part of him down as he stared at his Captain, knowing he couldn't go back until he had confirmation either way to what he had learned.

Seeing the increased tension in Athos's posture and the way the man clearly wanted to get back to his brothers Treville felt even more confident he knew what was being asked of him but wasn't going to answer until he was asked it directly.

"That depends on what it is that you've heard," he stated calmly, noticing immediately how that statement seemed to set Athos off.

Anger sparked across the swordsman's face at the non-answer, "Don't screw with me Treville," he growled, not missing the way Treville reacted to his tone, "Henri confided in me his suspicions regarding the author's identity… Is there any truth to it or not?"

Crossing his arms in front of his chest Treville had a very irritated expression on his face, "Don't take that tone with me Athos. No matter your personal stake it this I am your commanding officer and you will show me some respect!"

Silence once again settled between the pair, both men's emotions too high strung to continue without a moment to breathe.

Eventually, Treville let out a sigh and lowered his arms to his side, "What exactly did Henri tell you?"

FLASHBACK

"Athos?" called a quiet voice, pulling Athos from his daze, the exhausted musketeer having lost himself slightly as he once again stayed up to watch over the very sick D'Artagnan, unwilling to take his eyes off of the boy he had only recently gotten back from believing to be dead.

"Henri," greeted Athos, a slight amount of confusion lining his voice as the other musketeer appeared both nervous and was making every effort to speak as quietly as possible to so as to not be overheard, even though the rest of their party were already long asleep.

"There… There was something I negated telling you all earlier," admitted the musketeer, who took a moment to glance over at the sleeping men, once more heightening Athos's confusion and curiosity.

"Something you don't want the others to know?"

Henri looked uncomfortable then but nodded, "It's not that I don't trust them," he added quickly, "But it is something I can't prove currently and the more people who know of it could prove detrimental."

Understanding the significance of what Henri wanted to tell him Athos straightened, a serious look crossing his face, "Explain."

It took a moment for Henri to gather himself, it was a feeling he wasn't overly used to but given the thoughts, he was about to give voice to he felt he had a right to be nervous. "It pertains to the author of these letters," he started, noticing immediately that, if he didn't already have Athos's full attention, he certainly did now. After receiving a gesture to continue Henri was quick to explain.

"The letter I showed you earlier was found on a man who attacked me on the road, my destination and route were kept secret to all but a few given Treville's concerns over the possibility of the author returning." He stopped for a moment to take a deep breath before raising his eyes to look his lieutenant straight in the eyes. "The likelihood of some outside source learning of not only mine but also yours and Blaise's locations is extremely slim… We're either dealing with an exceptionally skilled thief… or…"

Realization hit Athos like a sledgehammer as his face immediately paled, "Or the author's one of us."

END FLASHBACK