Athos stared out of the window of Captain Trevilles office, watching Remy spar with Porthos. "Just two Musketeers for security?"

Treville signed some papers. "Yes, just the two. The Duke d'Auvergne is bringing his own guards with him and has not requested any additional help. The King has offered him lodgings in the Palace grounds and has requested that we station two men outside his residence throughout his stay, as a courtesy. Even Remy would have problems scaling the Palace walls unnoticed, let alone getting past a couple of Musketeers, and that's not taking into account the Dukes own guards. If this is the Duke that Killian was referring to, he's going to have his work cut out getting to any jewels the man may have brought with him."

Out in the courtyard, Remy thrust his sword towards Porthos, who easily deflected it and returned with a slash towards Remy's head. Remy ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding having his head removed from his shoulders. For a moment he remained where he was, crouched on the ground, trying to calm his breathing. That had been a little too close for comfort. Porthos offered him a hand up, with a guilty look on his face.

"Sorry. I got a bit carried away. On the other hand, that was almost the perfect dodge. Next time, try rolling out of the way of a follow up blow."

"Thanks. I need to try different things if I'm going to improve."

Porthos grinned. "Well, you have improved, but I think maybe you'll improve more if I don't remove your head from your shoulders."

Remy grinned back at him. "Well, yeah, it would make it even harder to think without it attached."

Aramis chuckled from his vantage point on a bench to the side. "Not that you think all that much, Remy."

Remy turned and stuck his tongue out at Aramis, and then ran for cover as Aramis gave chase.

The messenger skidded to a halt in the courtyard, dismounted and literally ran for Treville's office, before Remy had a chance to grab the reins. Luckily, the horse was too tired from his exertions to make catching it difficult. Remy walked it around a little, giving it a quick rub down, and making sure it drank. The horse had just about got it's breath back, when Treville came flying out of his office, yelling for horses to be saddled. Remy tied the messenger's horse to a rail and hurried to help Jasper. Athos ruffled Remy's hair as he mounted his horse.

"The Palace, Sir," asked Aramis, as he also mounted up.

"Yes. Find the Duke, and his daughter. Make sure they're both safe. The Duke should be with the King. His daughter is probably at their lodgings."

"Which are?" queried Athos.

The Captain frowned. "It's the Haute Vue Mansion. The one with the really tall tower on the East side of the grounds. Check on the Duke first. The rest of you, with me. Let's see if we can stop this plot before it gets started."

There was a loud clattering of hooves, and the Musketeers rode out, leaving Jasper to tidy up, and Remy to go back to the messenger and his horse. The messenger was stroking his horse's neck and drinking deeply from a water skin.

"What was all that about?" asked Remy, curiously.

"Information about some Killian character. Apparently, he's plotting to kidnap some Duke, or his daughter, or something. Got a small army waiting outside the city, out past Nanterre. That's where the Captain is headed, to arrest them, if they're lucky."

Remy nodded and wandered back into the stable, thinking. About a climb that only he could do, and a Duke's treasure. The realisation hit him and his blood ran cold. He turned around, meaning to find Athos and tell him, and muttered under his breath. There was no one to tell. Well, there was only one thing for it. He was going to have to do what Killian had wanted him to do after all. Climb a tower and get the Duke's treasure.

He ran along the rooftops, balancing a little precariously at times, leaping from roof to roof to cross the alleyways, dropping down to street level to cover the wide open spaces. He leapt over walls, leapfrogged fences, swerved past people and carriages, and all the time, he tried to keep going in a straight line. He slowed slightly as he neared the Palace, wondering for the first time how exactly he was going to get inside the grounds. He looked around, and grinned as he spotted a wagon delivering large chunks of masonry. They were being directed to one of the side entrances. Remy sprinted in the direction of the side gate, and scrambled up to a tree, grabbed onto a branch, and waited. As the wagon passed underneath the tree, he dropped gently onto the back of the wagon and sat down, trying to look as though he'd been there all along.

The guards on the side entrance barely gave him a second look, obviously assuming he was with the wagon driver, and the wagon driver couldn't see him because of the piles of stone. The wagon set off down one of the paths. Remy waited until the guards were out of sight, and dropped off the wagon. He looked around. He had no idea where the mansion was, but he could see one really tall tower, and took a chance that it was the one he wanted. He set off at a run.

Aramis frowned as Athos paced back and forth in the ante room. It was unlike Athos to be so agitated. He was usually the calm and collected one, especially when on duty. He exchanged a shrug with Porthos, who was also looking a little concerned. All three men spun around as the man entered the room. He was a tall man, with dark, curly hair, an aquiline nose and piercing blue eyes.

"You wished to see me, gentlemen?"

Athos stepped forwards with a slight bow. "Sir, we just wanted to make sure you are safe. We have information about a plot to kidnap you, or your daughter. She is with you?"

The Duke frowned. "No, she's back at the mansion. But I'm sure she's perfectly safe, as am I. There really is no need to worry." He frowned as Athos appeared to stare blankly at a spot on the wall. He looked at Aramis, who shrugged a little apologetically.

"Of course!" Athos turned abruptly to leave, then turned back to the Duke. "The mansion, Sir. Which is the quickest way?"

The Duke looked a little surprised, but pointed to the window. "You can see the tower from here."

Athos glanced and nodded. "If you have guards here, please, send them to the mansion, immediately. Your daughter may be in danger." He set off at a run with Aramis and Porthos close behind.

"Why are we running?" asked Aramis, leaping down the stairs, two at a time.

"The Duke's treasure, a tower, and a hard climb," replied Athos grimly. "Best hope we're in time."

Remy looked at the mansion. It was a fair sized building, built on a slope, with a very tall, round tower on one corner. There were two Musketeers outside the front door. Remy recognised them, but he didn't know them well enough to think they'd just let him into the building. He edged around the building, spotted a tree near the building, and quickly climbed it, swinging himself up through the branches, before leaping for a window ledge on the tower. He pulled himself up, and started to work his way up the tower. It was a very tricky climb, as there weren't many places to hold onto, apart from the window ledges and lintels. His arms were really beginning to ache before he found an open window, and dragged himself inside. He sat on the stairs for a moment, getting his breath back and massaging some feeling back into his arms. Killian hadn't been wrong. Remy couldn't think of many people who could have made that climb. He'd barely managed it himself.

He set off up the stairs, listening for signs of life. The first door he came to was open, and he peeked inside. It appeared to be a sitting room. There was a small desk by the window, and some comfortable chairs dotted around the room. There was a girl sat in one of the chairs, reading a book. Remy guessed she was about his age. She had long chestnut hair, which cascaded over one shoulder, and a wistful smile on her face. She was wearing a plain white blouse and a pair of beige colored pants. She looked up and saw him. He held his breath, expecting her to scream.

"Hello. How did you get in here?"

Remy was somewhat nonplussed. She didn't seem to be in the slightest bit perturbed by his sudden appearance.

"Um ... I climbed."

"The tower? Really? How exciting. My father doesn't like it when I climb things. He says it's unladylike. What's your name? I'm Elisabeth." Her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke, and Remy had the sudden thought that she was very pretty.

"Er, Remy, and we have to get out of here."

"Why? We're perfectly safe here. I have a couple of guards, somewhere downstairs, and there are Musketeers outside as well."

"Yes, I know. Trousseau and Perrin. But we still have to get out. There are some men coming here, and they want you. You have to get to your father for safety."

"That's silly. I've told you, we're perfectly safe. And who would want me anyway?"

"I don't know why, I just know who, and he's not the kind of man you want to meet." Remy heard the yelling outside, and grabbed the girl by the hand. "Come on, we don't have time to argue. You have to get out of here. Now."

She briefly hesitated, then followed him willingly. He led the way down the spiral staircase, pausing briefly to check which floor they were on.

She tugged his hand and pulled him onwards. "Further down. The kitchens. There's a back door. We can get to the stables."

Remy followed her, listening for signs of pursuit. All he heard was louder yelling and the crashing of furniture. They burst into the kitchens and looked around. The place was deserted.

"Everyone has the day off. My father is dining with the King. I said I could take care of myself."

Remy nodded. "So, where's this back door."

She pointed to the far wall and they ran over to it. She put her hand on the handle to open the door, but Remy stopped her. He leant against the door, listening.

"Someone's coming," he whispered. "Don't suppose this place has a cellar, or a storeroom?"

She thought quickly, then ran for another door, partially hidden behind piles of boxes. They pulled the door closed behind them quietly, leaving a small crack to peer through, and waited. The kitchen door burst open with a shattering of wood, and three men tumbled into the kitchen.

"You could have checked to see if it was locked."

"It's hardly going to be kept open."

"Well, we're not going to be surprising anyone now after that racket."

"Oh, like they hadn't already worked out they were under attack."

"Will you two shut up. There, stairs. Quick."

All three men set off up the stairs at speed. Remy waited a couple of seconds, then opened the door.

"Come on," he hissed.

The pair ran to the kitchen door and looked out through the splintered remains.

"Looks clear. Where are the stables?"

She looked around, getting her bearings. "Over there, to the left."

It was quite a distance from the kitchen door to the stables, and there was no obvious cover. Remy tried to think of a way to get there unnoticed, but was interrupted by the sound of pounding footsteps on the stairs.

"We'll have to run for it."

They set off at speed across the yard towards the stables. Remy checked back over his shoulder, just in time to see the three men burst back out of the kitchen door in pursuit, and nearly ran into the back of Elisabeth, who'd slid to a halt.

"What the ... why... shit ..."

In front of them, emerging from the stables, was Killian, flanked by a man on each side, all with a sword in their hands. Killian sneered.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here? The Duke's precious treasure and the street rat. You should have stayed with me, boy. You could have been a part of history. Famous. Rich. Celebrated. Instead, you'll just be a deceased footnote."

Remy looked back at the three men behind them. They were staying well back, but had also drawn their swords, and were effectively cutting off a retreat back to the kitchen. There was nowhere to go.

"Deceased is exactly what you will be when my father returns."

Remy blinked and regarded Elisabeth in a whole new light. She'd drawn herself up to her full height, which was a little taller than Remy, and was staring Killian straight in the eye, without flinching. Maybe if she could keep Killian talking for long enough, reinforcements would arrive. That's always supposing they were going to arrive at all. Alright, so maybe if she kept Killian talking for long enough, he'd think of something. Maybe.

Killian laughed loudly. "Your father is too busy being entertained by that child people insist on calling a King to worry about you right now."

Elisabeth smiled at him serenely. "My father always worries about me. He'll send someone to check that I'm alright. He always does. And then, you're going to be in a lot of trouble, Monsiuer ..."

"Killian," supplied Remy. "His name is Killian."

Killian bowed. "François Killian at your service, Mademoiselle."

"Well, Monsieur Killian, I am not sure what your interest is in myself, or my father, but this course of action will not gain you any favor."

Killian laughed. "On the contrary, this course of action will gain me exactly what I desire. I am sure your father would hate for anything … unfortunate to happen to you. The King wants your father to sign some papers. I would prefer he didn't, and with you as leverage, I can make sure those papers remain unsigned."

Elisabeth seemed to consider this. "You seem to have thought this through. My father would possibly be swayed by that plan of action. However, Remy is of no use to you, so you might as well let him leave."

Killian snorted. "Remy is of no use to me, so I might as well kill him."

Elisabeth frowned. "Hmm, well, yes, you could do that I suppose, but then you might find I'm less than co-operative."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "You'd regret that course of action, I'm afraid."

Remy whispered to her. "Don't push him. He would make you regret it."

"I was trying to buy time," she whispered back.

He grinned at her. "I know. It was a good plan. Any other ideas?"

Whatever she was about to say was drowned out by the sound of gunfire from back at the mansion. Everyone turned to see what was happening. Everyone except Remy. This might be his only chance. The man to the left of Killian had a loose grip on his sword and had drifted a little away from Killian. And now he was no longer watching Remy.

Remy launched himself at the man's midriff, knocking him backwards. The man grunted as he tumbled to the floor, dropping his sword. Remy leapt back up, grabbing the sword in one fluid motion, with a quiet thank you to Athos for teaching him that move. He grabbed Elisabeth by the hand and dragged her behind him, before Killian or any of his hired thugs could react.

"Now what?" she asked.

"No idea. Back up and look for a way out. Preferably quickly." He waved his sword warningly as one of Killian's thugs took a step closer.

Killian held back. "He's just a street rat. He's probably never even held a sword before. Get the girl. Kill the boy if he gets in the way. And you three, go see what all that noise is about. We're trying not to attract too much attention."

The three men nearest the kitchen retreated back to the house.

"That evens things up a little," whispered Elisabeth.

"Yes," muttered Remy. "Now it's just three armed men against a couple of kids. That makes things so much easier."

The man nearest to Remy brushed his greasy black hair back from his face and grinned. He stepped forwards confidently, his sword levelled at Remy's chest. Remy held his sword ready, and darted forwards, thrusting his sword at the man's shoulder. The man stepped backwards, a little surprised, and attempted to return with a thrust of his own, but Remy had skipped back out of reach, forcing the man to walk forwards. He strode forwards, a little less sure of himself, but was still surprised once again as Remy quickly darted forwards, thrusting his sword at the mans side, before skipping back out of reach again. The man rushed forwards, thrusting towards Remy's ribs, but Remy leapt to the side, arching away from the blade, and driving his own sword into the man's shoulder. He howled in pain and stepped back, clutching his shoulder and handing his sword to the other man.

"Well done," said Elisabeth. "One down, two to go."

"Thanks, but I don't think the next two are not going to be quite as easy. You found an exit yet?"

"No. It's a walled courtyard. Unless you can leap really high walls …"

Remy groaned. He could get over a high wall fairly quickly, but he wasn't sure Elisabeth could, and he wasn't leaving her in Killian's clutches.

"Better hope help arrives soon then."

There were loud shouts from the house and the sound of metal on metal. Elisabeth smiled with relief. Killian frowned and stepped forwards.

"Your last chance, Remy. Step out of the way, let me have the girl, and you can go free. You're of no interest to me."

Remy shook his head. "I told you once before, Killian. I'm not helping you do this."

Killian shrugged. "As you wish."

He stepped forwards quickly, his sword aimed at Remy's throat. Remy stepped sideways and raised his own sword to deflect the thrust, handle high, blade pointing downwards, forcing Killian's sword away and down. Killian frowned and took a small step back. Remy waited, with his sword raised, drawing small circles in the air with the end of his sword as Aramis had shown him, making it hard for his opponent to successfully thrust his sword cleanly into Remy's body.

"Someone's been training you, boy."

Killian stepped forwards, more cautiously this time. Remy backed up at the same speed, then crouched down on one knee, his sword held steady. Killian paused and frowned, before thrusting his sword forwards and downwards towards Remy. Remy easily blocked the thrust forcing the point of Killian's sword down into the ground, and leapt forwards like a coiled spring, slashing his sword across Killian's sword arm, before skipping back out of reach again.

Killian grunted in pain, but didn't even pause to check for damage. Instead, he drew a dagger in his left hand, and walked forwards towards Remy once again. Remy held his ground, blocking Killian's testing thrusts. Killian suddenly switched stance, thrusting the dagger forwards and pulling his sword in to his body, as though protecting his injury. Remy was tempted to step in and try to thrust past the smaller dagger, but he'd practised this with Aramis, and he knew if he got it even slightly wrong, Killian's sword would make short work of him. Instead, he stood his ground, defending against the dagger, but keeping a wary eye on the sword.

There was a sudden yowl of pain from behind him. Remy backed up and risked a quick glance over his shoulder. The man with the greasy hair was looking at his colleague with a look of shock. His colleague was doubled up on the floor, mewling in pain, and clutching a particular part of his anatomy. Elisabeth hefted the branch she was holding and swung it again, connecting firmly with the man's head, and sending him sprawling sideways to the floor, unconscious. Remy looked at her in amazement.

She shrugged and smiled. "He was trying to sneak up on you from behind. I had to do something."

Remy grinned. "Remind me not to annoy you."

Killian growled and slashed wildly with the dagger, forcing Remy backwards, before switching stance, sending his sword in a huge slicing arc towards Remy's head. Remy instinctively crouched, and then threw himself sideways as he saw Killian's dagger heading his way. The dagger didn't miss by much, and Remy was back on his feet, his sword held ready. Killian howled in frustration and anger and threw caution to the wind, and his dagger to the floor, slicing and slashing at Remy with both hands on his sword handle.

Remy backed up, frantically trying to block the blows, holding his sword vertically to try and deflect the worst of the blows. He felt a sharp pain in his left arm, and guessed he'd been cut, but he didn't have the time to worry about it. He twisted and turned, ducked and weaved, trying to evade the blows. One powerful blow knocked him sideways, and he rolled away, grabbing the discarded dagger with his left hand, and just managing to get his sword up to protect his head from another wild swing. The blow sent shockwaves through his entire body. Killian smirked, sensing victory, and slashed again, double handed, with as much force as he could muster. Remy blocked the blow, but the sword was finally forced from his tired and aching fingers and clattered to the floor. Killian stood on the blade and smiled viciously.

"You should have left when I gave you the chance, boy."

Remy could hear shouting, but he remained focused on Killian. Killian smirked and thrust forwards, aiming straight for Remy's chest. Remy managed to step to one side at the last minute, but the sword caught him in the side. A searing white hot pain flooded through his body. He gritted his teeth and thrust the dagger into Killian's chest with as much force as he could muster, ignoring the tearing sensation in his side. Killian grunted in surprise and looked down at the dagger, now embedded in his chest. He frowned, unsure how that had happened, and then glared at Remy, bringing his sword back to strike the fatal blow. Remy sank to one knee, breathing hard, waiting for the sword to end the pain that was currently engulfing his body. Instead, Killian wavered, his body swayed, and a stream of blood bubbled from his mouth. He toppled forwards and lay unmoving, with Athos's sword buried in his back. Remy stared at it, wondering how that had happened, and how it had suddenly gone dark, and cold. Very cold. Athos caught him as he crumpled to the floor.