Hello. I realise it has been years since I updated this. However I hate leaving things unfinished, so am going to attempt to complete.
If anyone is remotely interested in this story I thought I would post a short synopsis of the what's happened so far in case you don't fancy going back to reread.
This is set 6 months after season 2. With the only difference being that in this story War has not yet been declared on Spain. Everyone knows it's coming, but Louis is taking some time to gain the support of his nobles, and to quietly seek out foreign allies. Other than than that, Aramis is at the Abbé, and Porthos and D'Artagnan have visited him there a few times. Treville is Minister - but not yet for War, Athos did not manage to catch up to Milady and is Captain of the Musketeers, and D'Artagnan is married.
Chapter 1 shows Athos 6 months into his Captain role, having to write notice of the death of a young musketeer, Etienne, to his parents. We discover that Porthos is also believed dead, but his body is thought to have been washed away in a river. At the end of the chapter D'Artagnan rushes in with Milady in tow.
Chapter 2 we see how Milady has spent the last 6 months since the end of season 2. Her new benefactor takes her to a travelling show in the woods, run by a man named Devereaux, where captured humans are forced to fight to the death, while rich folk bet on them. She is surprised to see Porthos is one of the captives and current reigning champion.
Chapter 3 tells the story of how Porthos has coped the last 6 months, struggling with missing Aramis, and with Athos busy as Captain and D'Artagnan a newlywed. It shows how he was captured and Etienne killed.
Chapter 4 features D'Artagnan's 6 month journey since the end of season 2. His new marriage. How he and Porthos have grown closer with Athos as Captain and Aramis away. We see how he was shot and badly wounded and Porthos carried him miles to safety. We see the impact of Porthos death on him, and finally Milady's arrival at his and Constance home.
So that's where we got to, and this is what happens next. I hope if anyone is still reading that they enjoy.
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Athos was frozen in place. She was here. Beautiful haughty gaze looking back at him. Close enough to touch. It took every ounce of self control not to reflexively reach out. At the same time D'Artagnan's words impacted ... Porthos was alive.
A breathless D'Artagnan rushed to explain, the usual exuberance that had been missing from the young man since news of Porthos loss returning in full force.
"She's seen him Athos. He's alive!" D'Artagnan's own hand involuntarily gripping Athos arm, possibly to shake his stunned friend back into motion, but also unable to contain his desperate hope.
"He was alive yesterday, but I suggest you move quickly if you wish him to remain so."
The sound of her voice prompted Athos to find his own.
"Tell me" The words came out as an order, but the hint of desperation was recognisable to her.
"Aren't you at least going to offer me a chair and a drink? Really Athos where is your hospitality?"
Before Athos could respond Constance bustled in face flushed and out of breath.
" Alright you, no more stalling!" Her brown eyes flashed as she jabbed a finger in Milady's direction, " you said you'd tell us about Porthos if we brought you to Athos. Well yer 'ere now so start talking!"
Milady fixed Constance with a superior stare, before ignoring her and turning archly to D'Artagnan
"My, my dear boy, you really could have looked for a more genteel wife, do you ever get a word in edgewise with this one?"
D'Artagnan had to quickly insert himself between the 2 women as he saw Constance begin to raise her hand
"Anne" Athos sudden call stopped them all, followed by a quieter almost plaintiff "Please"
She turned her gaze fully to him then. Athos felt as if a jolt shot through him. He almost imagined that she too felt it. As she froze for a moment before responding.
"Tell your lapdogs to leave and I will tell you"
"Not a bloody chance" asserted Constance shoving past her husband to stand toe to toe with Milady blocking her view of Athos momentarily
"You come to our house, say you have news of Porthos, you tell us if we bring you to Athos you will tell us. Well you're bloody well here now. We held up our end of the bargain. So talk!"
"Alright I suggest we all calm down. Please sit Anne" Athos held out a chair as he spoke.
With an icy glare at Constance she took it.
"Constance, D'Artagnan, please can you give us a moment. I promise we will call you in shortly and you will know all Anne has to say," as he said the last he looked pointedly at Milady, who gave a slight nod.
Constance started to protest, but D'Artagnan took her hand and gently whispered,
"come on love let's step outside for a moment."
Constance was about to protest but a pleading and slightly desperate look from Athos silenced her, and she reluctantly let her husband lead her outside.
Suddenly Athos found himself alone with her.
He could feel his heart pounding, she was here in front of him. There had not been a day go by since he had picked up her glove on that highway that he hadn't caught himself wondering. Where she was. Had she made it to England? Was she alive? Happy? Where would they be now if he had not been too late that day?
He knew now that he could not have left France, his duty, or his friends. But he often imagined how it might have been if he had caught up with her and persuaded her to stay.
The silence hung between them for what felt like an eternity.
Till the thought of Porthos shook him from his reverie.
"Please. Tell me what you know."
Milady paused. Why was she here? What purpose did it serve for her? Why did she care if Athos mourned a friend? Why would she help relieve these people, most of whom despised her, of their grief? What did she care if Porthos died? ... What was in this for her?
What was in this for her?
That question had governed her whole life. Like a mantra.
From childhood, working for Saracen, then for the Cardinal, then with her benefactors and suitors, and in her original designs when she met Athos. The only brief time it hadn't ruled her had been when she had fallen in love with Athos. And look where that had gotten her.
So why was she here? She had been telling herself that she was going to use the information to her advantage, to gain something from Athos, money, or influence perhaps. But as she found herself before him, the blood rushing in her ears, she realised that it had been the chance to see him. And it wasn't born of the revenge of their previous encounters. Rather, It stemmed from that deep yearning, which she couldn't quite conquer, to be in his presence. To feel ... with the depth only he could inspire. Whether that feeling was hatred and vengeance or passion and desire, or even...love.
"Please tell me what you know of Porthos" Athos voice pulled her from her thoughts.
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After communicating Milady's information to D'Artagnan and Constance a plan of attack was quickly formed. But before they could leave they needed permission from Minister Treville and ultimately The King.
Approaching the Palace at a canter Athos and D'Artagnan both knew there was a very real possibility The King would flat out refuse to let The Captain of his Musketeers leave at such a crucial time. If he refused both knew they would have a life changing decision to make. They could not abandon Porthos, but then, they would be deserters. Fortunately, with the weight of The Ministers voice supporting their petition and agreeing to assume temporary responsibility for The Musketeers, along with a quiet reminder of Porthos loyalty from the Queen, not to mention Athos suspected, a certain slight affection for the big Musketeer from Louis himself, His Royal Higness agreed. However he only allowed Athos and D'Artagnan to be spared from the regiment, and they must return for duties in no more than 4 days. It was almost more than they could have hoped for and yet the plan needed more than 2 men. Constance was quick to volunteer, although D'Artagnan was not happy to allow her to endanger herself, he knew she would not be deterred. They would need a side stop for another pair of hands for their plan to work.
All they required was the information from Milady as to where and when they would find the next show. Something she would seek to discover that night. As soon as she returned in the morning with the information they would be off. Tonight was about preparing the weapons and supplies they would need to bring Porthos back home!
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Shortly after first light, as they were putting the last supplies on the cart, which Constance would drive while Athos and D'Artagnan rode alongside, she arrived. Looking as stunning and poised as ever, giving a condescending look to a silently fuming Constance, clearly enjoying her ability to frustrate the other woman.
To Athos surprise she appeared dressed for riding.
" Where you able to find out when and where the next show will be?" Athos asked
"Of course. I persuaded my benefactor to tell me last night." Athos didn't miss the way her chin raised in challenge as she said this. Clearly she hoped to provoke a reaction from him. And the kick of jealousy he could not help but feel would have pleased her. However, he managed to maintain the emotionless face that he had perfected in childhood, a requirement his Father had instilled as befitting his role
"Now get me a horse, and be quick about it if we are to leave immediately"
Before Athos could recover from his shock that she planned to join them he heard Constance indignant cry "Not bloody likely. She is not coming. What's she gonna do, stab us as we sleep. We can't trust her!"
Milady gave her a withering glance before turning to Athos
"I'm assuming the help doesn't get a say in this Athos. You are the Captain, are you not? Or do you take orders from harpy's now, my dear husband?"
Behind him Athos heard what sounded like Constance attempt to jump off the cart apparently halted by D'Artagnan. Taking his wife by the arm he steered her away from the others and asked
"What of your benefactor?" He could not quite help the note of distain in his voice "Won't he notice your absence?"
"Last night I managed to put him together with a man who has some important business opportunities which will take him out of the city for several days. I should not be missed."
"Why Anne? Why are you helping us?"
Her immediate reaction was indignation "I helped you save Aramis didn't I"
"I know, and I'm truly grateful, but why now?"
"Perhaps because my help will get you in, reduce your risk of this being a suicide mission. And who knows what wealth I may be able to liberate in the chaos? All I ask is that you turn a blind eye to any of the ill gotten gains that may go astray." The raised eyebrow and smirk was so her that Athos found himself smiling
"if that is what you need to tell yourself then so be it" He replied.
He began to walk towards his horse but almost involuntarily found himself turning back. "Just please be careful" He turned quickly having said it, missing the surprise and uncertainty his words brought to her face.
As he passed D'Artagnan and Constance he simply said "She can help" in a manner that even Constance recognised brooked no disagreement.
Supplies loaded they mounted and set off for Devereaux's little travelling show. But first they had a stop to make for a reinforcement who's presence gave them a much greater chance of liberating Porthos, while keeping their lives.