AN: Unfortunately I'm back at work now. It's stealing my time, energy, and sanity. So updates will be more sporadic, but fear not, they shall keep coming (and apologies for not replying to the latest round of reviews! Every one is much appreciated!)

Chapter Ten

The next day Athos sent letters to Treville and Porthos. Treville would not have gotten too far away, and his help would be much appreciated. Porthos' journey would be a longer one, but if anybody could bring Aramis back to them it would be him.

True to his word Athos returned to Aramis' cell. It seemed as if the man hadn't moved an inch since Athos last saw him. He was still curled up on his side with his back facing the room.

"I've come back."

Nothing.

"I've brought you some biscuits. It's not much, but I'm sure it's better than whatever they're giving you here."

Still nothing.

Athos was wary of approaching after yesterday's outburst. He just placed the pouch on a low bench that sat against the side wall. It would be within Aramis' reach if he wanted any.

"Porthos will be coming soon. Won't you be glad to see him?"

Silence.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to see you. He always talks about you you know. We've missed you a great deal."

Something of a bitter laugh breached the air.

"I thought you were safe, in a distant monastery, a world away from here…"

Athos kept up his one sided conversation, talking about everything and nothing, until there was a knock at the door. He went outside to be faced with Lecocq's grim features.

"So you know him then?"

"I do. His name is Aramis. He was a musketeer."

"What is a Spaniard doing in the musketeer regiment?"

"He's French."

"Looks Spanish to me."

"He has Spanish ancestry, as do many, but he is French."

The Captain seemed unconvinced, but he didn't argue any further. "Will he talk to you?"

"Only in Spanish."

"Then what is the point of you being here?"

"I hope I can get through to him. A familiar face just being here might help."

"My guard said he nearly killed you."

Athos scoffed at that. "An exaggeration! He was just shocked to see me. As I was him."

The Captain let out a frustrated huff of air. "What is a musketeer doing involved in this?"

"I wish I knew... when I last saw him he was at a monastery in Douai. I can't begin to fathom how he ended up here. But give me time, and I will find out."

"We shall see." The Captain said doubtfully.

"What did you learn from the men in the armoury?"

"Not much, the one who caught him was the only one with any information. A man called Benett. He said Aramis was taken on by Chardin - he was in charge of the armoury before your friend took over. They don't know where Aramis came from. Apparently he wheedled his way into Chardin's affections, Benett had much to say about that. And then Chardin died under suspicious circumstances after taking a bottle from Aramis. Benett believes it contained poison."

"You don't think that is jumping to conclusions somewhat?"

Lecocq gave a shrug. "The pieces fit. Aramis took Chardin's position. He had the powder moved beneath the meeting room, and then Benett found Aramis running away from it moments before the explosion."

"It could all be down to coincidence. You have no solid proof."

"We'll have it when he confesses."

"If he confesses."

"I'm sure it will be enough to convict him at trial in any case. Your friendship with him blinds you to the truth."

Athos tried not to growl. "My friendship with him informs me that this is not something he is capable of doing."

"Men change. They turn traitor for all sorts of reasons, coin-"

Athos abruptly cut him off. "Aramis isn't like that."

"Every man has his price. Even you."

"I know him. He would not trade coin for lives."

"Yes, honour and duty are more musketeer currency aren't they? That's what you take lives for." There was a sneer to Lecocq's voice. "It's only us mere mortals that deal with coin... Go back to your friend. I think if you look closely you'll find he's fallen a little."

Athos watched the Captain retreat from the prison and waited until he was gone. As far as he was concerned, keeping Lecocq as far away from Aramis as possible was a good idea. He had already overseen Aramis' torture, and should Athos fail no doubt he would turn to those brutal methods again.

With a long sigh Athos went back into the dim cell. Aramis was still in the same position. Athos' heart sank at seeing the pouch discarded and the biscuits crumbled to pieces on the floor.

"Not hungry then?"

He would give anything to have Aramis turn to him with that devil may care grin on his face.

But he remained still and silent.

"No matter. I will bring you some more tomorrow."

~oOo~

Athos' visits were always the same. He was faced with silence, or words spat in Spanish. He felt useless. He wasn't making any progress, and Lecocq was breathing down his neck. So it was a relief when a runner came to tell him Treville had arrived.

Athos went to meet him at the gateway.

As soon as Treville came into view he near enough shouted across the distance. "Aramis?! It's Aramis?"

Athos waited for him to approach before responding. "I know, I still can't believe it, but the prisoner is Aramis. Would you like to see him now or do you need a drink first?"

"Take me to him, and tell me everything."

Athos spoke as they walked on. "I was allowed into the prison on your orders, and was most surprised to find Aramis chained to the wall. He went wild at first and strained to get at me, until the guard beat him back."

Treville winced. "Go on."

"He spoke in Spanish. I couldn't understand a word, although 'diablo' was clear enough." Athos gave a frustrated sigh. "He won't talk to me, either he rails at me in Spanish or he remains silent. I haven't got anything out of him."

"If you haven't I don't know if I'll do any better…"

"Perhaps he'll respond to the authority figure he sees you as. In his eyes you're probably still the Captain."

"I can't imagine how he came to be here. Can you explain it?"

"I wish I could."

"I half thought you'd gone mad when I read your letter."

"Madness on my part would probably have made more sense. I've written to Porthos as well, but it may take him some time to get here."

"As long as he gets here, that's all that matters."

They reached the prison and the usual guard showed them in.

Athos held back as they reached Aramis' cell. "I'll let you go in alone, see how he responds to you."

Treville gave a nod and stepped forwards.

"His fingers looked damaged, perhaps dislocated, I couldn't help... he wouldn't let me touch him. Be careful, but try to fix them if you can. He must be in pain."

"I will, if he lets me."

The door closed and Athos set to pacing the corridor. There was an occasional shouted stream of Spanish, but Athos couldn't tell what was passing between them. The voices settled down, and then there was a yelp of pain. As heartbreaking as it was there was a grain of hope in that sound. Perhaps Aramis had let Treville set his fingers. Perhaps Treville was getting through to him. But the silence in wake of that cry was slightly worrying… No quiet voices filtered through the door, no shouts of Spanish either.

"Open it up." Athos barked at the guard.

He did as he was told and Athos rushed in to find Aramis had Treville on the floor in his grasp. The chains were wrapped tight around Treville's throat, he was struggling for breath and trying to claw at Aramis.

"Daño… Daño…Herirme..." Aramis muttered as he held on tight.

"Let him go!" Athos roared and went to pry Aramis away.

"Se suponía que morir!"

And then the guard was there with his stick, beating Aramis until he released Treville.

Treville heaved in a gasp of air and Athos pulled him away. They stumbled through the door and the guard slammed it shut behind them.

"Are you all right?"

After a few more deep breaths Treville seemed to regain a little colour and managed a nod. "Thought I… Thought I was…"

"Don't try to speak. Get your breath back first."

Treville rubbed at his sore throat, and when his breath settled down he tried again. "Thought I was getting somewhere. He was calm, he let me approach, but then when I put his finger back… It's my fault, I should have been more wary."

"At least you got it back in, just the one?"

"The rest are swollen but not out of joint. What have they been doing to him? He looks like he's been beaten half to hell."

"That's because he has. Captain Lecocq's methods tend towards the brutal. Thankfully he is letting me try things my way, but I don't know how much longer I can fend him off." Athos reached down to help Treville to his feet. "Come on, we can go up to my room."

"No. I came here to see Aramis, so let me see Aramis."

"If you're sure…"

"We have no time to waste by the sounds of it."

Athos motioned for the guard to open the door and they went in together.

Aramis was curled up against the wall again, his face hidden away.

"Aramis? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." Treville's voice was strangely gentle. "I was trying to help you. Doesn't your hand feel better now?"

Silence.

A different tack was needed.

"Aramis, soldier! You look at me when I'm speaking to you!"

Treville's sudden bark nearly made Athos jump.

At that Aramis tilted his head to one side and settled an eye on them. "Usted no tiene ningún poder sobre mí ahora."

At least they had his attention. "We need to know what happened. Will you tell us how you came to be here? Let's go back, all the way back to Douai. Why did you leave the monastery?"

"Desaparecer. Dios os perdonó, no lo haré."

"Were you cast out?"

He flinched. "Pensando siempre lo mejor de mí…"

Athos cleared his throat. "The Captain here thinks you turned traitor for money."

Aramis shot to his feet with a growl and lunged towards Athos. They remained just outside the limit of his chains. "Eres el traidor! Llamé a usted hermano, pero eres una serpiente!"

"I take it the Captain is wrong then?"

Aramis just snarled. There was such vitriol in his eyes… It was unsettling.

"If he is wrong you have to tell me."

"Usted puede exigir nada de mí!"

Just then the guard opened the door, interrupting them. "Forgive me, Minister, Captain Lecocq would like a word with you."

Treville looked between Aramis and the guard before giving an exasperated sigh. "Very well. Athos, I will speak with you later."

Once Treville had gone Athos sat down and leaned against the wall opposite Aramis. He watched his friend with sad eyes. This man seemed a pale imitation of Aramis. He was thin, trembling, hollow... Far from the exuberant character Athos knew. This man was lifeless. And though it broke his heart to see Aramis this way, it was true - he was happy to see his friend. They had been apart for so long, part of him couldn't help but rejoice at their reunion. But that part of him wanted to stride over and embrace Aramis and something hurt deep in his chest at the thought he couldn't. If Athos approached he risked being attacked. Aramis wouldn't do that… his heart was telling him. However this Aramis would. He had already seen it with his own two eyes. This Aramis was changed, he was something different. But his Aramis was still in there somewhere…

"Who is Romero?"

Suddenly Athos felt all of Aramis' focus settle on him.

"Un hombre mejor de lo que nunca será."

"Is he a friend?"

"Usted no sabe el significado de la palabra." A slight snarl came to his features.

"Tell me about Romero."

"No lo haré."

"What does he mean to you? He clearly means something. Please Aramis, I'm trying to help you."

"Usted está tratando de ayudarse a sí mismo." A twisted sort of smile graced Aramis' lips. "Romper el prisionero y tomar la gloria. Al igual que el otro."

"Please…"

"Veo a través de ti ahora. No me vas a engañar de nuevo!"

"Aramis, if you won't speak to me, I can't help you." Athos' voice turned hard. The frustration was building. "You have to use French."

All this time they had been separated by distance. Now they were in the same room, but still separated by a language. It left Athos feeling shut out and useless. He longed to do something...

"Usted no quiere que me ayude. Vete."

"Speak French, dammit!" The words just burst out, Athos wished he could call them back the minute they left his mouth. He hadn't meant to shout.

Aramis reacted in an instant. He turned about and curled up, facing the wall.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have shouted, I didn't mean… I'm sorry, Aramis."

Nothing.

"Please look at me."

Silence.

"I just want to help."

It seemed their conversation was over.

Athos reached into his pocket and pulled out the usual pouch of biscuits. He placed them down on the bench and retreated to the door.

"I will see you tomorrow."

~oOo~

After his outburst an idea had occurred to Athos. He went about collecting books. Some were not all that easy to get a hold of, but he did what he could. When he wasn't with Aramis, Athos could be found pouring over their pages in his room. One such evening he heard a knock at the door. Athos closed his book and bid the visitor enter. It was Treville. He went to sit down opposite Athos and moved a few tomes aside to lean upon the table. He raised an eyebrow at seeing "El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha".

Athos chose to ignore it. "No change?"

"No change."

They had kept visiting Aramis, sometimes alone, sometimes together, but they achieved nothing. Nothing apart from broken biscuits.

"I am afraid I cannot stay much longer. As much as I want to help Aramis, I have a war to run."

"I assumed that would be the case..." Still, Athos could not keep the disappointment from his voice.

"I'm sure Porthos will arrive soon. He will be able to help you with Aramis."

"It's not that I'm worried about." Athos ran a tired hand down his face. "I fear Lecocq stays his hand because you are here."

Treville gave a tight smile, as if he already knew. "That is a fear we share. All I can do is impress upon him that you are in charge when it comes to Aramis."

"That might mean precious little once you've gone. I know he has been pushing to see Aramis punished."

"Indeed. He has accosted me several times on the matter." A look of revulsion took Treville's face. "If he gets his way he'll torture a confession from Aramis and then have him hung. He'll get an unsympathetic trial - if he gets one at all."

"And you might be all that is standing in the way of that." Athos pointed out dryly.

"I know, dammit… I know. But I cannot risk a war over one man. I will do what I can while I am here, but you may be alone in a matter of days. If you need me, send a message. Keep me informed, regardless."

"I will."

~oOo~

The next day Athos took a few books down to the prison with him. He went to place the biscuits in their usual spot and then spread the tomes out before him. Aramis guardedly watched his actions, but didn't say a word.

After flicking through a few pages Athos looked up at Aramis to find his friend's gaze had turned curious. Athos gave him a half smile and found the words he sought… I want to help you.

"Quiero ayudarte."

Aramis frowned at hearing Spanish come from Athos' lips.

He flicked through a few more pages, and then examined the notes he had made… You are my brother. Let me help you.

"Eres mi hermano. Deja que te ayude."

"Español?" Aramis asked with confusion.

Athos nodded, notes in hand, finding the words… To understand. I want to understand.

"Entender. Quiero entender."

Aramis looked for a moment as if he were smiling against his own wishes. And then realisation hit and the hollow look returned. "La comprensión no le ayudará. No diré nada."

Athos frantically turned the pages, trying to piece together what Aramis had said. The words went by too fast. "Lenta, por favor."

Aramis didn't seem too inclined to slow down as requested. A sly look took his face. There was a touch of the old Aramis behind it. "Usted tendrá que mantenerse al día."

"Lenta, por favor." He tried again.

"Solo un poco…" Aramis said, comically slowly.

The sound of turning pages… Solo… only, just, alone… un poco… a little… "Just a little?"

The smile betrayed Aramis again. Athos couldn't tell if he were amused at Athos' attempts, pleased by them, or what… but despite everything there was a smile on Aramis' face. It lightened Athos' heart. It gave him hope.

They continued their broken conversation. Athos and Aramis were separated by a language, but the books between them now gave a fragile connection. Athos didn't get any answers, but that would come later. This was a learning process. He was working out how best to translate and how to form his own words. He was slow, and his attempts were no doubt clumsy, but something in Aramis seemed to respond to an interaction that wasn't torture or an interrogation. Athos felt he was laying down stones at the start of a path, one that would hopefully lead to answers and salvation for Aramis.

It was dark when Athos finally gathered his books and bid Aramis goodnight. But he returned first thing the next morning. On entering the cell he smiled at what he found - the pouch was empty, and no biscuits lay crumbled upon the ground.

AN: Translations...

"Hurt… Hurt…Hurt me..." Aramis muttered as he held on tight.

"Let him go!" Athos roared and went to pry Aramis away.

"You were supposed to die!"

And then the guard was there with his stick, beating Aramis until he released Treville.

~oOo~

"Aramis, soldier! You look at me when I'm speaking to you!"

Treville's sudden bark nearly made Athos jump.

At that Aramis tilted his head to one side and settled an eye on them. "You have no power over me now."

At least they had his attention. "We need to know what happened. Will you tell us how you came to be here? Let's go back, all the way back to Douai. Why did you leave the monastery?"

"Go away. God spared you, I will not."

"Were you cast out?"

He flinched. "Always thinking the best of me…"

Athos cleared his throat. "The Captain here thinks you turned traitor for money."

Aramis shot to his feet with a growl and lunged towards Athos. They remained just outside the limit of his chains. "You're the traitor! I called you brother, but you're a snake!"

"I take it the Captain is wrong then?"

Aramis just snarled. There was such vitriol in his eyes… It was unsettling.

"If he is wrong you have to tell me."

"You can demand nothing of me!"

~oOo~

"Who is Romero?"

Suddenly Athos felt all of Aramis' focus settle on him.

"A better man than you will ever be."

"Is he a friend?"

"You don't know the meaning of the word." A slight snarl came to his features.

"Tell me about Romero."

"I won't."

"What does he mean to you? He clearly means something. Please Aramis, I'm trying to help you."

"You're trying to help yourself." A twisted sort of smile graced Aramis' lips. "Break the prisoner and take the glory. Just like the other one."

"Please…"

"I see through you now. You will not deceive me again!"

"Aramis, if you won't speak to me, I can't help you." Athos' voice turned hard. The frustration was building. "You have to use French."

All this time they had been separated by distance. Now they were in the same room, but still separated by a language. It left Athos feeling shut out and useless. He longed to do something...

"You don't want to help me. Go away."

~oOo~

Aramis looked for a moment as if he were smiling against his own wishes. And then realisation hit and the hollow look returned. "Understanding won't help you. I will say nothing."

Athos frantically turned the pages, trying to piece together what Aramis had said. The words went by too fast. "Lenta, por favor."

Aramis didn't seem too inclined to slow down as requested. A sly look took his face. There was a touch of the old Aramis behind it. "You will have to keep up."