The Key to Salvation

Chapter Four

When Aramis awoke he was disorientated. For a moment he thought he was back in his cell and that his release had been nothing more than a cruel dream. Then he felt a hand squeezing his shoulder and turned his head.

"Easy," Athos said. "You're safe."

"It's real," he mumbled. He stretched, feeling clean sheets against his skin.

"Yes it is."

He looked towards the window. "It's dark," he said in surprise.

"You've been asleep for hours. It's almost supper time. Do you feel up to joining us?"

"I think so." He pushed the blankets and sheet off his body and sat up.

Athos wordlessly handed him his shirt but his face said it all. His body was grotesquely emaciated. Aramis ducked his head in embarrassment and hastily donned the garment.

"It's not your fault," Athos said gently. "We will soon have you well."

A tickle started in his throat. He tried to hold back the cough but it overcame him anyway. Athos supported him while he swallowed the phlegm that had crawled up his throat.

"You need to see a doctor," Athos said once Aramis had regained his composure.

Aramis nodded weakly. "I will. I fear my lungs are congested."

"That's no surprise given the conditions you endured."

"Fresh air and good food will make all the difference," he said, determined to maintain a positive attitude.

"Maybe this will help." Athos reached into his pocket and pulled out Aramis' crucifix. He held it out to his friend who looked at it with wonder.

"I have missed this." He held out an unsteady hand and closed his fingers around the cross. He brought it to his lips to kiss before simply staring at it.

"Let me help you." Athos quickly fastened it around Aramis' neck where it lay against his sunken chest.

Aramis clutched it like a lifeline. "I never expected to be freed."

"It was a surprise to all of us, too. Now we must find the person responsible so that you can regain your commission."

Aramis looked away. "A fine idea, my friend, but likely unattainable. There is another choice." He glanced sideways at Athos, knowing his brother wouldn't like what he had to say. "I could enter the priesthood. It is what my parents always wanted and I studied for it from the time I was a small child. Of course that was before I met Isabelle and everything changed."

"Do not be too hasty."

"What option do I have?" he asked wearily. "You have searched for the culprit for almost a year without success. Despite my release I am still branded as a criminal. There is no place for me in the Musketeers and, without my brothers, I have no wish to become a mercenary soldier."

"It would be unwise to make any life-altering decisions until you are fully recovered. There is a place for you here as long as you need it. Treville will not turn you away."

"I am grateful to him, more than I can ever say, but I can't stay here forever. Besides, it is painful to see men wearing the uniform when I know I have no right to it."

"You are not guilty of any crime. In time the King will see that."

"I was convicted. That is all anyone needs to know."

"We can talk further in the next few days. Just promise me you won't make any decisions without speaking to us first."

"You have my word." He stood up. "I am ready."

They made their way to the refectory. Aramis was pleased to hear the many words of welcome he received. This truly was his home and these men his family. To leave the garrison permanently would be a painful wrench. They joined Porthos and d'Artagnan. The younger man jumped up to hug him.

"I didn't get a chance to welcome you back properly. It's good to see you, Aramis."

They sat and, a few minutes later, Serge appeared from the kitchen struggling under the weight of a platter of roast goose and vegetables. D'Artagnan got up to help him.

Aramis looked at the feast laid out before him. Even though he knew he could only eat a small amount he turned to Serge with a ghost of his former brilliant smile. He put his hand over his heart and bowed. "You are a Prince among men. How can I ever express my appreciation?"

Serge shuffled his feet, pleased by the compliment. "Least I could do," he said. "You need anything else you just ask me."

Athos poured wine while Porthos carved the goose. Mindful of what Aramis had told him earlier he laid two thin slices of meat on a plate and added a small portion of vegetables. Aramis nodded his thanks and took a drink of the wine. He savoured the flavour which was bursting with fruit.

"It's good to be back," he said with a catch in his voice.

It wasn't long before weariness overtook him and he excused himself, declining Porthos offer to spend the night sleeping on the floor of his room.

"It is enough to know that you are all near me." And, it was. He no longer felt alone and isolated. Before going to bed he went on his knees, bending his head and clutching his crucifix. He gave thanks to God and to his friends who would never abandon him.

TMTMTM

After an uninterrupted and dreamless night's sleep Aramis awoke feeling more rested than he had in months. He was warm and comfortable and in no hurry to get out of bed. Daylight streamed through the window and he could hear the sounds that indicated the Musketeers in the garrison were going about their daily business. After stretching lazily he got up, washed and dressed. When he pulled on his leather coat he was immediately aware of the lack of a pauldron but even that wasn't enough to sour his mood. He was free and would make the most of every minute. When he was overcome with a coughing fit he recalled his promise to Athos to see a doctor even though he had no reason to believe that any effective treatment was possible. Only time would return him to his former good health.

When he reached the yard he found it to be bustling although there was no sign of his friends. Breakfast was over. However, when he wandered into the kitchen Serge pressed him down onto a stool and served him with a thick creamy porridge sweetened with honey. He ate slowly, savouring every mouthful. Serge tutted at him when he didn't finish the entire bowl and he smiled in apology.

"If you keep feeding me like this my appetite will soon return," Aramis assured him.

"You be sure you come and see me whenever you get hungry," Serge said.

After eating he returned to the yard and sat in the sun watching men sparring and practising their hand-to-hand combat. From time to time someone would come over to greet him, staying for a while before returning to their duties. He was drowsing peacefully when someone sat beside him.

"How are you, Aramis?"

He opened his eyes and turned toward Treville. "I am being well looked after, Captain. Athos tells me that I owe you my freedom. There are no words to express my gratitude."

"I would have done the same for any of my men."

"How did you persuade the King?"

"By continually reminding him of your past loyalty and valour. You saved the Queen's life, Aramis. That isn't something that is easily forgotten."

"I sense there is more to the story. The King doesn't easily forgive transgressions."

Treville looked away, staring at two Musketeers who were practising sword drills. "He was wavering but not yet convinced and Rochefort was always whispering poison in his ear. It suited the Comte for you to be a disgraced Musketeer. So I used the last weapon in my armory. I reminded Louis that he owed you a debt because of what happened in Savoy."

Aramis looked startled. "You took a grave risk reminding him of the massacre. If he had reacted differently you could have lost your position here. It was a shameful act on the part of the King and he doesn't like being reminded of his mistakes."

"It was a risk I was willing to take. You were falsely imprisoned and Athos had told me how much you were suffering."

"Please don't put yourself in harm's way on my account again," Aramis begged. "I have my freedom. A return to the Musketeers is more than I dare dream of. Do not petition him for my reinstatement. It would give Rochefort every opportunity to attack you."

"We will discuss the future when you are well. Athos and the others haven't given up hope of proving your innocence."

"I am resigned to my fate, Captain. Once I have recovered my strength there will be no place for me here. I am almost resolved to retire to a monastery and dedicate my life to God."

"You're brothers will not be happy to hear that. They have just got you back and you talk of leaving them again."

"It is for the best. God has granted me a second chance. I shouldn't waste it." Even as he said the words he knew that wasn't what he wanted. More than anything he longed to regain his commission, to fight again at his brothers' side. He wasn't cut out for a peaceful life. Isabelle had been right. He wouldn't be happy but he could see no other ending. "If you will excuse me, Captain. It appears I still tire easily." He returned to his room with a heavy heart and lay down in solitude to ponder on the future.

Tbc