Hi all. What a crazy few weeks! I really tried to ge this chapter done earlier, but work would not allow it. I started it and worked on it when I could, but finally found time today to complete this chapter. Thank you to all who have stuck with me, and a special thank you to those who have taken the time to leave me comments. They truly do inspire me to continue. Anyway, I'll just let you get to the chapter...just the Epilogue left to go! Enjoy :)

Cindy

Chapter 14 – Justice for the Gascon

Athos cast one last look over his shoulder as he stood in the doorway of his apartment. Aramis sat next to the bed, now occupied with one stubborn Gascon, while Porthos stood at the foot, ready to help in any way he could. Jean was keeping watch at the fireplace as a kettle of water sat warming in its coals. He did not want to leave his friends, and he especially didn't want to leave his protégé, but he needed answers. Answers that only Captain Treville could supply. He looked up from the silent figure in the bed and met Porthos' gaze. The large man gave a small nod, which Athos returned before he stepped into the hall and quietly shut the door behind him. He descended the stairs and soon found himself navigating the well known streets on his way to the garrison. In less than ten minutes he found himself stood outside of Treville's office. He took a deep, steadying breath before he knock twice on the door. At Treville's call to enter, Athos pushed the door open and stepped into the captains office.

Treville looked up from the paperwork he had spread before him on his desk and met Athos' icy stare. "I was wondering when you would show up," the captain said as he folded his arms on the desk, awaiting Athos' response.

"Then I suppose you know why I'm here?" Athos queried as he moved to stand on the other side of the desk.

Treville gave a short nod and motioned for Athos to pull up a chair, only to sigh when the swordsman refused. "How is d'Artagnan?" he asked.

"Sleeping now. Aramis is taking care of him, with the help of Porthos and Jean," Athos answered coolly.

"Will he be well enough to attend the hanging tomorrow?"

"I would pity any person who tried to stand in his way and keep him from going," Athos answered. "Nothing will keep him from watching Amyot pay for what he's done."

Treville nodded again and let out a long breath. "Just make sure that he doesn't extend himself too far. From what I was told and can see with my own eyes, the boy has been through hell. I do not wish for him to further hurt himself by not allowing himself the rest he needs."

Athos studied his captain, looking for what he wasn't sure. "So, you care about his wellbeing?" he finally asked.

Treville seemed genuinely shocked by the question and he leaned forward as he narrowed his eyes at Athos. "Of course I care about d'Artagnan's wellbeing. What kind of a question is that?" he asked incredulously.

Athos bit back a retort and dropped his head to calm himself. After a few moments, he looked up and met his captain's gaze. "Why did you send d'Artagnan with us on this mission? It is highly irregular to send a new recruit on something like this."

"I sent him because I had faith…"

"Don't lie to me, Captain! I've known you for too many years! Tell me the truth!" Athos spat.

Treville sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "Fine. I sent him because Richelieu specifically asked for him to accompany my three best men on this mission," the captain answered.

Athos tilted his head and stared at Treville with confusion. "Why would Richelieu request d'Artagnan? The Cardinal doesn't normally bother himself with musketeer recruits," he asked.

Treville shrugged at the question. "I don't know, Athos. Maybe the whole Vadim affair caused him to take a closer look at our Gascon," he answered.

Athos shook his head against that response. "No, Richelieu would not seek to reward a musketeer recruit. There is something else going on here," he said.

"Athos, I don't know what to tell you. Richelieu asked that you, Porthos and Aramis personally handle this mission and he wanted d'Artagnan to accompany you," Treville said.

"And you agreed? Just like that?"

"No, I didn't. I told Richelieu that it wasn't a good idea…that you three could complete the mission on your own. He insisted."

Athos watched the captain for several moments before he spoke again. "Did you know that we carried a blank letter? That we were pawns in trying to draw out a spy?"

Treville stood and walked around his desk to stand in front of his man. "No. I did not know anything about that. I truly thought that you carried a letter that urgently needed to be delivered safely. I would have told you, Athos, if I had known," he answered fervently.

"Are you sure?" Athos asked coolly.

"What are you getting at?" Treville asked angrily. "Do I not care for my men? Stand up for them even when Richelieu fights to degrade them? How dare you insinuate that I would purposely put my men at risk by keeping something like this from them!"

"d'Argagnan could have been killed! Would have been if we had been unable to reach him in time! As it is, he was tortured horribly, and yet he held his tongue, like a true musketeer!" Athos shouted. "Forgive me if I question the man who sent us out, insisting that we take a recruit along for the ride!"

Treville took a deep breath to calm himself before he looked Athos straight in the eyes. "I did not know, Athos. I only found out when Etienne showed up here with your letter and Amyot. When I questioned the Cardinal, he acted as if it was an oversight that I was not told of the true reason for the mission."

Athos seemed to deflate at Treville's words. He felt remorse at what he accused his captain of, but he also felt justified in wanting to know the truth. "I'm sorry, Captain for my accusations, but…I had to know," he finally said.

"I know, Athos. I understand, but just know that I would never keep something of such importance from you. Never." Treville rested his hand on Athos' shoulder and gently squeezed. Athos returned the gesture then moved to sit in the chair that his captain had earlier offered. He watched as Treville went back around his desk and took a seat.

"It seems that Richelieu's hatred of us has extended to d'Artagnan. He had to have known that there was a high possibility of us being attacked…why else would he ask for us specifically, d'Artagnan included?" Athos queried.

Treville shook his head as he contemplated Athos' remark. "I don't know, and he isn't going to talk if I ask," he said.

"You don't think that he is somehow involved, do you? Could he have known that Amyot would attack…or worse…instructed him to do so?" Athos asked worriedly.

"I highly doubt that. Whatever Richelieu is, his love of France and desire to keep her safe is without measure. He would not conspire with conspirators," Treville responded.

"Maybe not in the plot against the crown and France, but…"

"No," Treville interrupted. "He would not work with enemies of the throne."

Athos eyed his captain, then nodded. "Then I can only surmise that he hoped we would be attacked along the way. His insistence that d'Artagnan accompany us only makes me think that more. The fact that we have taken him under our wings has put a target on his back," he said.

Treville leaned forward and cleared his throat. What he was about to say was not going to make the musketeer happy, but it needed to be said. "Forgive me, Athos, but I don't know if that is the reason for the Cardinal's interest in d'Artagnan."

"And why do you say that?" Athos queried as he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"While it is true that you have taken our Gascon's training quite seriously…it doesn't appear that your interest went any further than the garrison. At least not before all of this happened," Treville explained.

Treville watched as something akin to guilt crept over his best musketeer's face, though Athos was quick to school his features before responding. "I don't know what you mean, Captain," he said coolly.

"I mean, at the end of the training day, you, Porthos and Aramis would, the majority of the time, leave and d'Artagnan would be left on his own. I noticed on several occasions the look of want and disappointment on his face as he watched you leave without a single word to him. He wished to be included in more than just your training, Athos, and I…well…I believe him to be a perfect fit with the three of you. Maybe that is why I didn't fight any harder than I did when Richelieu asked for him to go with you to Orleans. I did think…or hoped…that maybe the time together, outside of the garrison, would bring you all closer to him. Would make you see d'Artagnan as more than just a recruit you needed to train." Treville explained.

"He was always welcome to come with us at the end of the day. He chose not to…that isn't on us," Athos defended.

"Did he know that he was welcome?" Treville asked.

"Did we ever actually invite him?" Athos queried. "No, we didn't, except for maybe a few times, but we didn't think we needed to either. The way he came into our lives…ready to fight me to avenge his father…I highly doubt he would be shy about asking to accompany us in the evenings."

Treville gave a quick shake of his head and smiled slightly at Athos. "Athos, when he first appeared in our midst, he had an agenda…a reason. His father had been murdered. When it all came to an end and he knew the truth, that hatred he had of you was replaced by a deep respect. He is in awe of you three, especially you, and with his youth and the grief he still has to be going through, he probably would never consider requesting to go along with you. The fact that he was rarely invited was probably enough to make him think that he was only seen as a recruit and nothing more. The boy is extremely vulnerable, despite his bravado," he explained.

When Athos remained silent, Treville stood and walked around his desk. He looked down at Athos and smiled. "Go, check on the boy. Tomorrow morning will come quicker than you think. I'll see you in the square," he commanded.

Athos merely nodded and stood from his chair. He dipped his head in goodbye as he stepped out onto the balcony. As he walked back toward his apartments, Treville's words played over and over in his mind. When he thought back on things, he could now see that the man's words rang true and he swore to himself that he make things right with d'Artagnan. When he reached his apartments he hurried up the stairs and pushed open the door. The scene before him made him stop and smile. Porthos sat in a chair at the small table in the room, his head hung low as he snored. Jean was curled up on his coat on the floor near the fireplace while Aramis still sat next to the bed, his fingers brushing gently over d'Artagnan's bare arm. At the sound of Athos clearing his throat, Aramis turned and met his gaze.

"So, what did Treville say?" the medic asked as he stood and met his friend in the middle of the room. Porthos, ever attentive, even in sleep, awoke at Aramis' voice. He stood and walked to stand next to the others.

"He didn't know about the letter, or the spy," Athos said. "He also said that Richelieu specifically asked for us, d'Artagnan included, to carry the letter."

"But why?" Porthos queried. "Us I can understand, but the whelp? Why 'im?"

Athos shook his head as he met the bigger man's eyes. "I don't know…neither does Treville. He seems to think that Richelieu holds something other than d'Artagnan's association with us against the boy, though for the life I me I can't think of what it could be."

"Well, that's disturbing," Aramis said as he turned to look at the young man asleep in the bed. "We will need to keep a close eye on him if Richelieu has his sights set on him," he added.

"Yes, we will," Athos said as he moved around his friends and too the chair that Aramis had vacated. He looked up when Aramis and Porthos came to stand beside the bed. "You two get some sleep. I'll watch over the boy. I know there is nothing that will keep him away from the hanging in the morning so we need to watch him throughout the night to make sure that he gets the rest he needs."

The two musketeers nodded as the moved across the room. "Wake me if he seems to worsen," Aramis instructed. "And if he doesn't, wake me in four hours so I can relieve you."

Athos nodded his agreement then turned his attention to the sleeping Gascon. As the afternoon, then evening wore on, he thought about how he had failed the young man and how he would make sure that he never did again. Later, when he could no longer keep his eyes open, he awakened Aramis and took the medics spot on the floor. Tomorrow would be a long, trying day, especially for d'Artagnan and they all needed to be rested so they could deal with whatever the day would bring.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

The mist of early morning was nearly burned off as the musketeers and their young recruit stood before the newly erected gallows, the Gascon safely tucked between Athos and Porthos, their shoulders touching, offering much needed support to the young man. Aramis was close, just to Porthos' left and Treville stood to Athos' right. More musketeers stood behind the four and Treville. Nearly the entire regiment had shown up, save for those needed to watch over the garrison and to escort the royal couple to the proceedings. Usually, the king and queen would not attend such an event, but given that the condemned had directly threatened not only them, but France as well, Louis had insisted. A crowd had formed behind the rows of musketeers, large numbers for such an early morning, but most would not miss a public hanging, especially when there were five to be hanged. Within that crowd's numbers stood Jean, his eyes watching the young man he had grown so fond of and had developed a deep respect for, the young man he had risked everything for and felt proud for doing so. d'Artagnan stood straight and tall despite the pain he was in from his injuries. He would not allow Amyot to see him in any way except strong and true. He had persevered, had come out on top, and now he would see justice done. For himself, and for France and the crown.

All eyes watched as the hangman, his head covered with a hood, ascended the stairs to the gallows and checked the five nooses. A stool stood beneath each noose and the hangman made sure each was positioned perfectly along the platform. The crowd began to talk excitedly as the anticipation of the morning's entertainment grew, their voices mixing together creating a loud din that caused d'Artagnan's ever present headache to spike behind his eyes. He lifted his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes squeezed tight against the pain. Aramis, ever diligent in his care of his young friend, leaned forward and glanced around Porthos to take in the Gascon's pale features. Both Athos and Porthos were already looking at the young man, their eyes filled with concern.

"d'Artagnan, are you okay?" the medic queried as he stepped out of line to stand before their youngest.

d'Artagnan opened his eyes and looked at his friend. "Just a headache, Aramis. I am fine…really," he answered softly.

Aramis tilted his head and studied the Gascon closely. "Worse than the usual?" he asked knowingly, his words pulling confused looks over Athos' and Porthos' faces.

d'Artagnan sighed as he lowered his chin slightly. "Yes…worse than usual. It's the noise of the crowd."

"You've had these headaches before?" Athos asked, concern lacing his voice.

The Gascon sighed as he glanced at his mentor. "I'm fine, Athos. It usually is just a nuisance, but the crowd and…the anticipation I suppose…is making the pain spike," he said softly.

"Why did I not know about these headaches?" Athos queried, his eyes now seeking out the medic in their group.

Aramis shrugged then cast a quick glance at Athos before returning his attention to d'Artagnan. "It isn't life threatening…just residual pain from his torture. It will go away with time, but certain situations can cause a temporary increase of his pain," the marksman explained.

"I wished to be informed of everything regarding d'Artagnan's recovery, Aramis. You know this," Athos hissed.

d'Artagnan turned to his mentor and rested his gloved hand on the man's arm. "It is my fault he didn't tell you, Athos. I asked that he not say anything since it is nothing to worry about and you seem to be worrying about everything that has to do with me these days. I didn't want to add to that," the Gascon said, dark eyes pleading with Athos to understand.

Athos cocked his head and eyed his protégé critically. "Yes, well, I've put a lot of time into your training and I don't want that time wasted if you keel over," he said with a slight curl to his lip.

d'Artagnan grinned lightly as he turned to face the gallows again. "Your time will not be wasted, Athos. I promise," he said.

"Just see that you keep to that promise," Athos replied. "And you," he added as he once again looked at Aramis. "Do not keep anything about the pup's recovery from me."

Aramis dipped his head in reply and turned his attention back to the scene before him. Porthos, who had kept silent through the conversation merely shook his head at his friends. Treville grinned softly to himself, happy to see the banter slowly returning between his most trusted musketeers. The sound of a door opening brought all talking to a halt and all eyes turned to see the first prisoner emerge from the darkness behind the door. d'Artagnan tensed when the third man was led to the gallows. Amyot looked defiant as he was forced up the steps to the gallows and made to stand on the stool beneath the third noose. His eyes swept the rows of blue capes until they found who they were looking for. d'Artagnan sucked in a quick breath when their eyes met, but he did not falter or look away. Amyot sneeringly smiled at the Gascon, leaving the young man nearly breathless and trembling until a firm hand touched his back and anchored him, letting know that he was not alone. He glanced over at Porthos and offered him a thankful nod before he turned back to watch as the two other men were led to stand beneath their own nooses. His gaze returned to Amyot, who still watched him, and though the man's stare unnerved him, he didn't allow any outward sign of his distress. He did not look away as the charges against the men were read, his ears barely picking up what was being said. Finally, the hangman placed a hood over each man's head and the hateful glare of d'Artagnan's torturer was blocked from view. Then, d'Artagnan saw something that had him nearly sagging into his friend. Amyot was visibly shaking, the bravado from just a few moments ago gone as his death drew nearer. Now, instead of the man who had cause him so much agony and had very nearly brought about his death was facing his own and it was obvious for all to see how terrified he was. Amyot's head jerked as the noose was placed around his neck and tightened and d'Artagnan swore he could hear him sobbing from where he stood.

When the hangman was done securing each noose, he went to stand behind the first man. He waited several moments before he suddenly kicked the stool from beneath the first man's feet. The crowd roared as the man hit the end of the rope, his body dancing and jerking in its death throes. The second man's stool was kicked away, but d'Artagnan only had eyes for Amyot. When the hangman went to stand behind Amyot, d'Artagnan thought he may pass out. When the stool was kicked away and Amyot's body jerked, d'Artagnan stumbled sideways, the only thing keeping him from falling was his friends arms wrapping around him. He never took his eyes off of Amyot and once the man's body stilled he felt himself being led from the square, the din of the crowd causing the pain in his head to spike once again. Once clear of the square and the boisterous noise of the crowd, Athos instructed Porthos to sit d'Artagnan down on a nearby bench. The boy's eyes were wide, his breaths coming in quick pants as the finality of what he had just witnessed hit him. Aramis was knelt before him, asking him questions that he lacked the ability to answer. Porthos was there too, sat beside him on the bench, his strong hand gentle as it kneaded the back of his neck. Treville stood behind Aramis and Athos…Athos was on his knees beside Aramis and he was cupping d'Artagnan's cheek, his eyes filled with concern as he stared at the young man. It was this that brought d'Artagnan out of the stupor he had fallen into and he shifted his eyes to Athos and met his gaze.

"It's over?" the Gascon whispered questioningly, still not quite believing it, though he knew what he had seen.

Athos nodded, his thumb wiping away a tear that suddenly found its way down d'Artagnan's cheek. "It's over…Amyot is dead," he replied comfortingly.

d'Artagnan nodded, then hissed and squeezed his eyes shut against another spike of pain in his head. Aramis leaned closer and placed his hand on the Gascon's forehead. "He's a little too warm. Let's get him back to your apartments so he can rest. He's had much excitement today," the medic instructed.

"Is he alright?" Treville asked from behind Aramis.

"He'll be fine with some rest," Aramis replied.

Together, Athos and Porthos helped d'Artagnan to his feet and with Treville and Aramis following closely behind, they guided the young to where their horses were tethered. Athos suggested the Gascon ride with one of them, but d'Artagnan bristled at the idea. "I can surely ride my own horse," he said indignantly at the mere suggestion that he couldn't, bringing amused smiles to the faces of the other men.

Once they were all mounted on their horses, Treville looked over his men and nodded. "Take all the time you need to rest. I won't expect to see any of you at the garrison for at least three days," he said. "And take care of the pup," he added before he left them to watch his retreating form.

Athos turned to the others and tilted his head. "You heard Treville," he said as maneuvered his horse beside d'Artagnan's. Together, the four men rode slowly through the streets of Paris, the horrors of the preceding weeks finally behind them. When they finally reached Athos' apartments, they wasted no time in settling d'Artagnan in bed, a cool compress on his forehead, while the rest of them gathered at the table, a bottle of wine and three goblets before them. No words were said for a long time for no words were needed. They were here, together, three becoming four, and nothing was ever going to take away what they had fought so hard to bring together.

Yay, Amyot is finally gone! I'm just as relieved as the rest of you probably are! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I think it is one of my favorites. Please let me know what you think. I'm hoping the Epilogue won't take too long to get posted. It all depends on how work goes. Thanks for reading!

Cindy