Welcome to the new adventure, Revenge. I know Repercussions is incomplete as yet but I wrote some of this so that I could upload it periodically whilst on my own adventure as I may well not have the time to write much new material. I did not want you to forget me! This actually follows on from Repercussions and will refer to things that you do already know. It also should be following a new challenge for me to write chapters of 1000 words - but I haven't quite manage it yet! I hope you enjoy it!
CHAPTER 1
Athos tipped his head back in order to drain the pewter mug of the last of the red wine.
"Another?" Aramis asked, proffering the bottle in his friend's direction. His eyes widened in mild surprise as Athos shook his head, set down the mug and rose from the table.
"It has been a long day and I confess to feeling tired," he explained.
"And you're not getting any younger," d'Artagnan dared to add, more into the depths of his own drink rather than directly to Athos, but it was loud enough to be heard and drew a guffaw of amusement from Porthos.
"You have not yet earned your pauldron, and although you are obviously prepared to face perils and swear to protect King and country, I would advise against taking unnecessary risks, like upsetting Athos," Aramis continued. "Besides, you ought to have learned by now that there is a hierarchy in insulting our brother so Porthos and I most definitely have the monopoly!"
Athos rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. "Had you allowed me to finish what I was saying, you would know that I am returning to my room where I have a bottle of particularly fine wine waiting for me, along with the new book I purchased. I am eager to relax and begin reading it."
"So a book is better company than us," Porthos said, adopting a forlorn air.
"You twist my words as usual but," and here the corners of Athos' mouth twitched, "now you come to mention it, I would prefer the smell and touch of a newly bound leather tome than getting too close to you in your leathers after a day spent sparring with recruits."
He leaped out of reach as Porthos grabbed his own wide-brimmed hat and swiped at the other Musketeer.
"Whereas I," declared Aramis, standing, "would far prefer the sweet perfume and the touch of a silky-skinned young woman. I just happen to have one in mind so I, too, will take my leave in order to pay her a visit."
D'Artagnan sniggered and likewise stood.
Porthos looked up at them all, not without disappointment. "Are you all going to leave me? Won't you stay a little longer, d'Artagnan?"
"I would have loved to remain here with you, Porthos, but I need to return to my lodgings."
Aramis draped an arm about the young man's shoulders and grinned conspiratorially. "He has to get home because a certain Madame Bonacieux will be waiting for him and I have no doubt that the prospect of her marvellous company is far more enticing than being with you, brother," and he gave Porthos a dramatic wink.
D'Artagnan blushed fiercely which only served to increase Aramis' mischief as he planted a noisy kiss on the young man's brow.
"Don't you give us another moment's thought, d'Artagnan. You hurry home now to see your beloved."
"She is not my beloved," d'Artagnan blustered.
"Not yet anyway," Porthos quickly interrupted.
"Constance is a married woman," d'Artagnan reminded them, slowly and deliberately. "And it is Monsieur Bonacieux that I think of right now. He is not happy with the hours I have been keeping and that, my friends, is very much your fault. I am comfortable there, thank you, and I would like it to stay that way."
"He wants to stay near the delectable Constance," Aramis announced, taking the other two into his confidence, for even Athos raised an eyebrow at the notion.
"You are incorrigible," d'Artagnan scolded Aramis. "All of you," he added as he looked at them all.
Aramis gave a throaty laugh, one that always signalled his enthusiasm for fun and life. At that given moment, all was well in his Musketeer world. They had successfully completed another mission, apprehending and delivering the usual ne'er-do-wells to the Chatelet. There had been nothing challenging or taxing in the task, but it did free him from the confines of the infirmary where he had been tending sick comrades.
Illness that was rife in Paris had also hit the garrison community and many had succumbed, spending days in bed in the throes of a fever. As the most efficient medic within the company, it had fallen to him – with some assistance – to look after those who were ailing but, two days ago, he had at last been able to inform Captain Tréville that the worst of the epidemic was over. It had come as a major relief to all as manpower had been stretched to the limit with many soldiers being required to do double shifts, especially when it involved the protection detail for the royal couple.
Now, though, with the added relief that he and his brothers had escaped the contagion, he was also free from the smells and heat of the sickroom and he intended to benefit from it to the maximum.
"What about you, Porthos? What are your intentions?" he asked, brushing non-existent dirt from the front of his coat. He was always most particular about his appearance and even more so when he was out to woo and impress the fairer sex.
Porthos sighed heavily and surveyed the room, his expression lightening the moment he saw a card game about to commence at a nearby table.
"I am set, gentlemen; I spy my entertainment for the rest of the evenin'."
Aramis clapped him on the arm and adopted a warning tone. "Now play nicely with the other boys. Don't lose too much, don't cheat too much and don't take too much of their money."
Porthos slapped a hand against his chest and pouted in feigned offence. "As if I would!"
Athos leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "As if you would indeed! Remember, we are not here to watch your back, join you in whatever fracas you initiate, pay for the damage you cause and drag your miserable hide back to the garrison in the hope we can prevent the Captain from hearing of the trouble here this night. Do you hear me?"
"Loud and clear!" Porthos grinned.
There was general laughter from the group as they bade each other a cheery goodnight, made plans for breaking their fast together the next morning and went their separate ways to pursue their own interests.
Yes, all was indeed well with their world as evidenced in their camaraderie and light-hearted banter.
They could not have known that events were about to conspire against them, that they would not be sitting as one at their usual table in the garrison yard the following morning and that doubts would soon emerge as to their ever being together again.