The musketeers rose early to finally lay the body of Michel to rest. They buried him in the sunshine in the monastery's cemetery before saying their goodbyes to Father Ambrose and Brothers Jean and Francis who saw them off.
"Farewell and safe travels. May God's light shine on you and all your deeds and may the blessing of Michael, the archangel, guide your swords in battle," said Father Ambrose as he blessed the musketeers and bid them adieu.
The musketeers rode with as much speed as possible on their return journey to Paris. Girard and Aramis drove the cart carrying their prisoners in it. The bandits had admitted that they had been hired to kill two musketeers that would be carrying a parcel to Paris. They were paid handsomely and were told they would be allowed to keep the content of the parcel. Unfortunately, neither man had met or could identify the man who had commissioned them. They were placed in the Châtelet upon their arrival in the city, before the musketeers made for the palace to report to their King and Captain.
The King was in a surprisingly good mood when the musketeers arrived at court; the return of the sunshine and his expensive new trinket from his sister having much improved his dour countenance. He was seated on his golden throne with the ever-present Cardinal Richelieu glowering at his side.
"Forgive this tardiness, your Majesty," Treville said as Girard knelt before the King and proffered him the gift that had caused the soldiers so much hardship.
"There had better be a good reason for this lateness, Treville," said the King as he gleefully embraced the gift.
"There is your majesty," said Girard, as the King and Treville looked at him expectantly. The Cardinal looked grim. "We were attacked upon our return journey by men hired to specifically target this package and your musketeers. We believe this was done in an effort to discredit your regiment and to cause you to doubt our unrelenting fealty to you, Majesty."
"Where is the proof of this?" demanded the Cardinal. "If you were attacked, how was it that you managed to escape?"
"Lieutenant?" asked Treville. The King leaned forward in his chair trying to disguise his eagerness – he always loved hearing about the adventures of his Musketeers.
Athos stepped forward. "When Girard and Michel failed to return with the package for your Majesty, Captain Treville ordered us to assist in its retrieval. We found the body of Michel on our way to Le Havre. He had been killed by the men sent to steal the package. These bandits had been preying on the merchants moving between Le Havre and Paris for weeks. Michel was a good soldier. We will feel his loss." Athos paused to let the weight of Michel's death settle upon the King before continuing.
"Girard had also been injured," said Athos gesturing to the man. "We followed his trail of blood to where we found the bodies of two of the bandits."
"Two men!" exclaimed the King. "While injured?"
"Yes, your Majesty. I shot the third, but he hit me as well," he said gesturing to his arm that was set in a sling.
"Well that much is obvious," scoffed the Cardinal.
Athos' eyes flashed; Porthos' hand formed a fist; Aramis clenched his jaw.
Athos continued tersely, "Girard had managed to find sanctuary at a monastery, where we found him grievously injured, but still in possession of the parcel. He and Michel did not fail your Majesty in their duty. Michel sacrificed his life in your service –"
"- as all of your musketeers would, your Majesty," interrupted Treville with a warning glance at Athos to control his temper. The gathered musketeers all bowed in acquiescence to the King.
"Of course, Treville, I have no doubt," said the King, impatiently. "But how did you escape?" he demanded.
At this, Aramis stepped forward and recounted the ruse used to lure the bandits into the monastery and the ensuing battle that followed. If he made some slight embellishments on the action that had taken place in the courtyard, none of the others objected as the King sat back, eyes bright with satisfaction, as Aramis finished the report with a slight bow.
"This was excellent work!" said the King. "And these prisoners, where are they now?"
"Awaiting your judgement in the Châtelet, sire," said Athos.
"Excellent! Excellent!" said the King. "We shall have a confession and justice served. See to it Cardinal," he said rising.
"Good work, Treville," the King said as he stepped down from his dais. "I always knew your men could be trusted. I never doubted them for a moment. Come, Cardinal," he said as he exited the throne room, a sour and disappointed Richelieu swooping after him like an overgrown bat.
oOo
It was late when they finally got back to the garrison. Girard retired to his room; Treville turned to face his other four men.
"You did well," he said. "You restored the King's faith in the regiment – not that he ever doubted you. Even if you used your gift of embellishment to sway the King," his eyes flashed at his men, but Aramis was sure he was stifling a smile. "Perhaps you've earned the rest of the next day or two off duty," he said, leaving his men grinning.
"I always knew you could charm a peacock out of his feathers," said Porthos clapping Aramis on the shoulder. "To the tavern?"
"What can I say, mon ami? It's a gift" replied Aramis.
"As long as it doesn't get us killed," said D'Artagnan grinning.
Athos shook his head to hide his smirk, as he followed his friends out of the garrison gates. The Gascon was catching on quickly.
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A/N: Thanks for reading! I'm working on a few different story ideas, so i'm sure I'll have a new adventure up soon! Thanks again for all the follows, favourites and feedback!